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Luan_Barr
I do some criticism, I write some things on my Instagram: Luan_barr.
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Hellraiser (2022)
Between a high and several lows, Hellraiser rises again.
We had the rescue of some horror sagas, such as Halloween (2018) and Scream (2022). With that, the Hellraiser reboot happened, so there's no need to see the other movies. Good thing, because the only one that works is the original, after that, it's a sequel of 9 movies, which went from bad to worse, that we can disregard.
There is an extra attention to the design of the cenobites, they are much more visceral than the previous films, with exposed flesh and muscles. A highlight for Jamie Clayton, who plays Pinhead, simply phenomenal, acting and imposing in measure. Complementing, the practical and digital effects are sensational, with the gore well dosed.
Clearly, it's not a perfect movie. The biggest problem is in the characters not very well explored, they are very shallow. In addition, there are some facilities in the script, a little forced, nothing that will compromise the whole, but that still sounds weird.
With several terrible sequels, ending the possibility of taking advantage of this story, something interesting was very unlikely, but by a miracle, the 11th in the franchise came to improve things. Working like a reboot, to start all over again, and doing it excellently! Very good, I liked it a lot.
The Taking (2014)
With ups and downs, the film ends on a positive note.
With that Mockumentary style, which is the Fake Documentary, the film almost all takes place in a camera recording all that happened, whether the camera in hand, or cameras installed in the places. A genre that's cheap to make, and if done right, it generates extra tension because it feels more real than regular movies.
It has a script that starts well, making some allusions and jokes between religion vs science, in addition to talking about a still incurable disease that is alzheimer. But it's just that, it's even predictable and beaten. It has good ideas, but ends up giving in to the horror/supernatural genre conventions, becoming more of the same, with some reservations.
Despite the weak script, the film has some super cool things, like Jill Larson's performance, which is impeccable! The fear we have of Deborah is all her responsibility. In addition, the direction is positive, generating some shocking and terrifying scenes, playing with the suggestion and the doubt of if there was something there, or if it was all in our head.
In the end, The Taking of Deborah Logan is yet another horror movie filmed as a fake documentary. It's not excellent, but it's not all bad, it's average, it has predictability in the plot, but it makes up for it with some remarkable scenes. I even liked it, it's not one of those I'm going to review, but at least I didn't waste my time.
Scream (1996)
Incredible! Fun, intriguing and very satirical.
A precursor to the satirical and ironic genre of horror films, making references, playing with the clichés of suspense and horror. In addition, he enjoyed the genre of Gialo who is the Slasher who is more concerned with finding the killer than showing the deaths.
For those who like horror, this movie is a delight! References, jokes with the genre and exposing the rules of slasher movie plots. All this works due to the excellent direction of Wes Craven ( A Nightmare on Elm Street ), in addition to the script and the soundtrack.
The game with the predecessor genre of Slasher, which is Gialo, bringing more the investigative atmosphere, making us look for the killer amid so many characters and so many suspects. Excellent characters, a well done construction, and the best, several suspects.
Excellent, fun, satirical and ironic. A mark in the genre, revitalizing Slasher, which at the time was very saturated at the time, having several very good sequels too! I like it a lot, I have a lot of fun with it, it's sensational.
Alien (1979)
Classic! It broke the rules of horror with its originality.
It's a classic, but why? Because this film broke several horror paradigms, such as that women are always powerless, or that horror couldn't be more subjective and calm, and so on. The originality of this film is huge, making a wave of horror films that are inspired here.
As I mentioned, the movie is subjective, it uses your mind and your creativity, so you can make your own guess as to what Alien is entirely like. It uses the most primitive human fear, which is the fear of the unknown, and because of that, it takes a longer time for the alien to appear in the plot. For some this is bad, for others not so much, for me it is sensational.
In addition to primitive terror, the screenwriters still found time and space to make very interesting criticisms and allegories, such as that the crew (men) who were abused by FaceHugger so that the Alien will be born, or the criticism of capitalism and corporations who care only for profit and not for the workers.
This movie has tremendous importance for the movie industry in general, not just for science fiction and horror. His precise decisions that fill the film with qualities, made new directors and screenwriters inspired by it. It's excellent, the most obvious decision when talking about an Alien movie, it's literally the biggest reference.
Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Subtext, violence and excellent direction! All in frenzy!
I'm not the biggest fan of the zombie genre, but this one is one of my favorites, along with "Train To Busan" and "The Sadness". Being the first Zack Snyder movie ( Man of Steel, The Watchman and 300 ), the guy comes rolling up, literally bringing an example of zombie movies.
Extremely sharp script and direction, with above average tension and violence. Not letting the shuttlecock fall at any time, always with the characters in danger, and above all, no one is safe! Being a remake of a movie by the father of zombies, Dawn of The Dead (2004), it easily surpasses the original!
In addition to the horror, suspense and all the bloodthirsty action, the film still makes room for some super current criticisms, such as morality, consumerism, religion and so on. Even with all this, there are still some comic strips, very few, but they serve to rest from the tension that is highly strong.
I definitely love this movie, a precursor of the genre in the 2000s, it has revitalized along with some others the interest in this type of film. Excellent direction by Snyder, excellent script by Gunn, excellent acting and excellent level of violence. Sensational!
Lake Mungo (2008)
Great! I shivered at times.
Recorded entirely in Mockumentary style, which is basically that kind of film that simulates a real documentary, using Found Footage aspects. Home cameras, interviews, TV shows, etc., all simulating a real documentary.
Due to its nature, the film is extremely down-to-earth, going so far as to deceive the unsuspecting, making them think that it is in fact a documentary of a real case. Performances, lines and lines of the script, all corroborating the palpable reality of the work.
Extremely short, about 1h30, the film is a lesson in suspense! However, the terror is not in the apparitions or jump scares, for example. Horror is in the reality of the film, in the subject matter, in the way it was treated. At times I caught myself simply shivering, which is hard to come by.
I thought it was excellent! I enjoyed every minute of it, I went very deep into this film. I hate films that use gimmicks like Found Footage to promote something incoherent, like Paranormal Activity itself, but here in Lake Mungo, it all makes sense. By the way, it's not about ghosts, it's about grief!
Evil Dead (2013)
Different from the original, but incredibly sensational!
In the 2000s, we had a wave of horror remakes such as Friday the 13th (2009), Halloween (2007), Carrie (2013) and so on. But, none of these were as successful as Evil Dead (2013). Being a remake with as much originality as the first one from 1981!
Unlike the original, its aesthetic is much darker and macabre, without the comic strips. But, like the original, it has many more practical than digital effectives, it is extremely brutal and bloodthirsty. Excellent direction and driving of the film, pulling the horror to the max!
Script with important differences, being a reinterpretation of the work today, as the very reason for the young people to be there, which is the case about drugs of the character Mia. In addition to having this fundamental change, there are others within the film that make it extremely original. But, the gore and brutality of the original is super explicit here!
A totally different and original ending, with more blood than any movie has ever had! One of the only and clearly one of the best remakes of all time! An unpopular opinion: I prefer this one over the original! Brutal, violent, bloodthirsty and macabre, it's sensational!
The Exorcist (1973)
Absolute classic! One of the best, if not the best horror movie of all time!
Here's a movie that there isn't a person in the world who doesn't know! Simply the biggest influence on horror, every movie in this genre made after 1973 drank from the source and none of them were as successful as The Exorcist. In addition, it was the first horror film in history to be nominated for an Oscar, already racking up 10 nominations, including best picture!
This movie has so many hits, it's hard to say which one is the greatest. But, if I were to take the risk, I would say that the biggest hit is in the direction, which is precise and millimeter! There were several difficulties in filming and even so, the film came out flawless! In addition, the practical effects throughout the film demean the current horror movies, very realistic and scary at the same time.
The film's script is a separate art, having four extremely interesting narrative lines that, throughout the plot, are interconnected and the story grows more and more. Concluding this question, the film has that tension and gradual terror, little by little more and more distressing! Added to the subtle but emblematic soundtrack, everything is impeccable.
Adding up all the positives, and none of the negatives hahah! The movie literally consolidates itself as the biggest and best horror movie, easily one of the best movies, of any genre, of all time. Simply a masterpiece of the genre, incorrigible! I absolutely love it, one of my all-time favorites!
Annabelle: Creation (2017)
The scary popcorn terror! One of the best in the Invocaverse.
I always talk about horror films that are more subjective or with some theme or social criticism, but it's not like I just like that kind of horror. Most popular horror movies captivate me a lot, too! Annabelle: Creation is an example of this type of film, I believe it is one of, if not the greatest success of the Invocaverse.
Unlike the first film, the director who signs here is David F. Sandberg, the same one from "Lights Out", and due to him, the film works extremely well. The driving of the suspense that this guy does, is sensational! With several ways of filming and several angles, in addition to the use of silence.
The script, signed by the same person from the first film, is beaten. We deduce a lot and make very little mistakes, because like the first movie, Annabelle: Creation has the biggest clichés of a horror movie. However, the right direction and the performances of the child protagonists, the film raises the level, being much more functional and terrifying than the first.
For me, it's the only hit in the expansion of The Conjuring films! It was an excellent hit, but since then, we haven't had anything that works so well. Containing well-placed scares, well-crafted suspense, attentive direction throughout the terrifying aspect of the film and excellent performances by the main duo, there's no way, it's a great movie. I really like!
Coraline (2009)
Dark animation, with valuable lessons! It is excellent!
An animation in the "horror" genre would have to have a good balance between age groups, that said, the Stop Motion animation model was chosen, the one made with modeling clay made frame by frame, thus generating a strangeness and a immediate discomfort.
The tone of the film also needed a balance, and for that, the fantasy aura was adopted. A much more macabre and weird fantasy than usual, by the way! Increasingly obscure designs and more mature themes are dealt with.
As I said above, the film brings lessons, meanings and metaphors. Subjects such as the pursuit of the perfect life, metaphorically showing that perfection is not always a good thing, imperfection is part of life.
An excellent film! It shows that the fact that it is an animation is not always that the theme will be childish, or that there will be no messages. The film covers all age groups, done just right: not too dark, so as not to leave children traumatized, and not too childish, so as not to leave adults enthused.
Låt den rätte komma in (2008)
Great! A classic but extremely original vision.
Made in 2008, the same year as Twilight, Let Her In was a vision of the vampire, with many classic details, but in an original way. Adopting a very specific climate, economical in the dialogues and squandered in contemplation.
It's a horror, but with several touches of drama and a kind of romance (?), kind of indefinite. Containing characters without much exposure, but with their personalities and goals very clear. This subjectivity adds even more to the original mood and tone of the film!
As I mentioned, the film has a more economical and subtle touch, generating that discomfort and, at the same time, a redoubled attention. It has a slower pace, sharper and less predictable, but at the same time, things happen dynamically.
It is excellent! I love that dark, silent tone. It is fascinating! Taking the stigmas of vampire culture, bringing them in a classic way, but with a touch of originality in every aspect. Impeccable dialogue, direction, performances and script!
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Very good! Light humor, ironic and shameless, hahah!
One of the sub-genres of horror, it is the mixture of horror and comedy in certain degrees, popularly called as Terrir. This type of film usually doesn't have a terrifying feeling, but rather a lighter feeling.
Directed by Taika Waititi ( Jojo Rabbit or Thor: Ragnarok ) and his friend Jemaine Clement, the work has that satirical, ironic humor and often embarrassing others, especially for having its footage made as a "Documentary", in the Found Footage style.
In addition to the comedy, mainly around the stigmas related to vampire culture, the film also has its more "dramatic" moments, showing the history of each of the vampires and talking about the importance of accepting differences.
Being Taika in his prime, the film passes a smarter comedy, with a more ironic humor, mocking several human ideas related to vampires. I really liked it! I caught myself a bit "????" several times, and that's totally part of the experience, hahah!
Psycho (1960)
A milestone in cinema! Simply a masterpiece.
A masterpiece in horror / suspense, very important for current horror, being revered to this day. It abruptly turned all the stigma and style of the films of the time, changing the way of telling a story of this genre.
Directed by the genius Alfred Hitchcock, the film has a sinister aura, it seems that the suspense is palpable as it is in the film. Part of this also comes from the soundtrack, simply impeccable! You may not know it's from here, but you've definitely heard it!
An exceptional script, with several breaks in expectations, we wolf making you fail miserably when we try to guess what's to come. In addition to the excellent performances, which close this absolute classic.
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Fun, with a sensational ending! I expected something else, but I'm still satisfied.
It's not today that I praise the productions of A24, but what I admire most about this producer and distributor is their courage in financing and/or distributing works that have immense authorship of their directors. Always standing out for all the realization without pressure and hand from the studio getting in the way of the development of the work.
"Bodies, Bodies, Bodies", in the original, has a heavy hand in satire and criticism of Gen Z, which is a definition for people up to about 23 years old. This satire, which looks a bit like the construction of the Panic franchise films, and for those who use Twitter, you will be able to pick up a lot of things too.
A sure direction, with excellent actors, with a nice script, the work impressed me a lot! But even though the ending was being rubbed in our face the whole time, it's still a surprise how brave it actually was! But, make no mistake, the film is not the slasher genre, despite having deaths and violence, for example.
Containing a lot of criticism, a lot of acid humor, a lot of satire, the film ends up doing differently than expected. But, you know what? I liked it. I loved the ending, I thought it was great, despite being totally "predictable", for me, at least. I really liked it! A24 continues to surprise me this year!
Nope (2022)
Too different! It's experimental and weird, but I thought it was amazing!
Being Jordan Peele's third film, fabulous director hand full, "No! Don't Look!" ends up generating a high expectation in relation to social criticism. Being "Get Out!" a critique of racism, "We" a critique of social inequality and "Nope" a critique of the entertainment industry and the spectacularization of tragedy.
With an engaging text, especially for the characters that are amazing (the performances are sensational), Peele works with a mix of genres, being suspense, horror, humor, science fiction and even adventure, why not? Hahah
Peele brings his heavy hand in suspense, being worked on day or night! In both moments, the suspense is strong and heavy, despite its comic moments that in no way break the rhythm. In addition, the photography is excellent, creating a vast environment and giving the claustrophobic feeling of a 1m² cube.
With his previous films, and with this one now, Peele shows himself to be a great authorial director, without any ties to what cinema has and what he himself created. This can generate disappointment in some, in me, it generated more admiration. For me, it's excellent!
Prey (2022)
Animalistic and violent! I didn't expect it, but it was a pleasant surprise.
The "Predator" franchise is extensive, with its first film in 1987 being excellent, and its sequels getting worse, with the last being in 2018. Four years later comes "Prey", with a story set before the first story, being so, even those who haven't seen the other films, can watch it with peace of mind.
One aspect that the first one had, and that its sequels lost, was the simple and intimate story of hunting vs. Hunter, the scale of the sequels made the film lose its essence, where it is recovered here in this new film. Simple story, interesting characters, very good and objective development.
The action is jaw-dropping, with several scenes super well choreographed, without exaggerated cuts, so that we can see everything that is happening on screen with clarity! It's exceptional! In addition, the film has an atmosphere of suspense permeated throughout the entire film, from the first few minutes to the final act.
Prey has everything it should: A super well done direction, cohesive script and without any leftovers or moments that could be cut, excellent actors, special effects in measure, well-inserted suspense, well-developed protagonist and wonderful action scenes! It's an excellent movie!
La La Land (2016)
Romantic, dreamy, colorful, extraordinary and impeccable.
It's amazing how cinema can fill us with feelings and emotions, isn't it? I'm not passionate about the music genre, let alone romance, but "La La Land" mixes both and shuts my mouth, making it one of my all-time favorite kids! I even consider a tattoo, hahah!
As I said, the seventh art has this power to cause sensations, emotions and feelings. Each genre with its specific area and goals, but all of them wanting to cause you something, whether it's positive or not. A romantic musical like La La Land brings authentic feelings such as inspiration, love, joy and passion.
Bordering on perfection like that, obviously the movie would be a success! It was nominated for an Oscar in 14 categories, winning six of those nominations: Best Direction (Damien Chazelle), Best Actress (Emma Stone), Best Original Song (City of Stars), Best Soundtrack, Best Art Direction, and Best Cinematography.
I am literally in love with this movie! I have the same incredible feelings I had when I first saw him. It's a mix of hope, joy and the desire to dance and sing as loud as I can! It's impeccable, unmissable, amazing, it's one of my favorite movies, I love it!
Bloody Hell (2020)
A movie! Extremely fun! With violence, humor and even drama? Hahah!
I always say that the "Terror" genre has several facets and formats, one of which is the comic and sleazy horror. A genre that is not used much because it is very difficult to drive, because of the need to have great precision for the feature to have the qualities of each genre.
However, Bloody Hell risks more! In addition to horror and comedy, a few pinches of drama are mixed, making the balance even more complicated. However, despite the difficult situation, the film takes everything literally! A homogenous mix of Horror, Comedy and Drama, using the best quality of each genre at different and necessary moments.
The montage is frenetic, giving a sense of danger, in addition, the long has a faster driving and, with that, doesn't let the shuttle fall! Each unusual situation is treated with due importance, each moment is taken as long as necessary, without stretching or cutting anything.
The result is a mixture of everything, which is already good individually, but made even better together. However, this salad of genres may not please everyone, but most will, it is very difficult not to like this movie and its characters. Simply excellent!
A Cure for Wellness (2016)
Interesting, but unnecessarily long. Average, in general.
I always positively mention films that have a slower construction, because for the most part, it makes the film well developed. In "The Cure", this aspect did not go down well, despite having a very intriguing plot, which challenges us with mystery, the film stretches more than necessary.
On the more technical points, the film does very well. It has a photograph and setting that build a climate of doubt, mystery and arouse our curiosity just by looking at it; Interesting and aligned performances; Steady steering and good quality.
However, his script dismantles everything. It has a plot, in a way, simple with expected and not so impressive twists, but the worst problem is the fact that it stretched out more than necessary. Extended to seem smart, where he made his biggest mistake, as it makes the viewer lose interest in the middle of the story, making the final revelations a relief to have closed the film.
Overall, the film is average. I liked the performances, the setting, production and direction, but if it had a cut of at least 40min (from the 2h26 duration), the film would be much better digested, and the ending would have a much more positive taste.
The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
Scary, heavy and weird. Sensational!
The horror genre doesn't frighten me anymore, because I've already tried all kinds of films in the genre, but sometimes I'm taken by surprise. The Dark and the Wicked scared me, gave me goosebumps and gave me some good scares! He didn't promise anything, but he delivered everything and then some, hahah!
Although her driving is slower, she is always progressive! The terror, the bizarre and the dense atmosphere is getting stronger and stronger, where we are taken by surprise with each scene. In addition, the sound is extremely present, with sounds of voices, wind or bells, letting fear circulate throughout the film.
However, the movie is not 100% amazing! The text is weak, does not deepen the characters, making their attitudes and motivations too shallow. There is no well-established relationship! It is shown with looks and conversations, very subtly, how close the family is, but that alone is not enough.
Despite the problem, nothing detracts from what good this movie did! An excellent horror! It's been a while since I was scared or felt my heart beat fast, I don't know how I went to watch it just today, but this movie has already entered the list of the best horror, for sure!
Watcher (2022)
Realistic in its theme. It's uncomfortable, as it should be! Excellent story and excellent driving.
The thriller genre has many facets, whether more realistic or fanciful. Watcher touches on the more realistic edge, making the suspense touch us through the ability to be in the protagonist's shoes. With this point alone, the film already earns a few points, but it doesn't stop there!
Driving is unhurried! It presents the characters and contexts we need, the suspense builds little by little. The direction has some right decisions, such as not translating the dialogues out of the language that the protagonist dominates, making us feel even more the loneliness, fear and incapacity of the character. The solitary photography and impeccable performances further complete the sense of danger and doubt that overwhelms us.
The direction treats the character with impartiality, leaving the doubt hovering. We see what she can see, hear and feel, so it is possible to doubt her sanity, and consequently, doubt ourselves. This subjectivity holds the suspense and we, throughout the entire movie, are amazing!
This genre is broad, but usually the easiest and most obvious areas are explored, and with Watcher it's no different, it's a generic context that we can see in other movies, but the way it's built and conducted is very original. In fact, it's excellent! A great debut from director Chloe Okuno, I'll be looking forward to her next projects.
The Deep House (2021)
Different, original, not great! But, it's interesting.
When it comes to horror, it's common for films to repeat themselves in forums and clichés, and when it's supernatural, it's even more visible. However, "The Deep House" takes the concept of a haunted house and throws it at the bottom of the ocean, at the risk of being a terrible mix, but it becomes an interesting mix of supernatural fear and the real fear of dying.
The footage is a mixture of Found Footage with conventional cinema cameras, which I don't understand, since the amateur filming atmosphere is lost. But the film's conduction is cool, at the bottom of the sea the film shows that it is very cohesive and very safe. There are some slips and obviousness in the script, but we let the experience pass.
The film's biggest flaws are in the protagonists and the threat, both totally generic. I spoke of originality above, but at this specific point the script sinned too much. Character archetypes, one sceptical and courageous and the other fearful and realistic, in addition to the threats losing total sense in the final climax.
It is an interesting film, with strengths and weaknesses. But in general, the qualities stand out and the balance becomes positive. A cool mix of fear of the supernatural with the haunted house and the real fear of drowning with the oxygen in the cylinders running out. A good choice, for a movie night with some friends.
It Follows (2014)
Unique, amazing of course, excellent at everything he does! A refresher on Terror.
Lately, we are being presented with more "out of the box" horror/thriller genre films ( Hereditary, The Witch or Us ), without following the primer and clichés ( Annabelle, The Conjuring or It ). This is excellent, because human beings are naturally afraid of the unknown, so without following the pattern of horror movies, we already have greater discomfort.
It is very common for this genre to have an immense amount of disposable films, as there is a great lack of originality, which is slowly changing. "It Follows", in the original, is one of those that have great originality, both in the theme and in the way the film is conducted.
As I said: The terror of the human being is the unknown, that said, the film works with doubt, distrust of everything around it, the unstoppable and the unknown. Not knowing how it works, how to escape, how to stop this curse, or whether people believe in it, whether it's a real person coming or whether it's the curse, all play with our most natural vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, the film is excellent! But, it's divisible, as it's not an ordinary model movie that follows HollyWood's playbooks. Personally, this results in its excellent driving, soundtrack, camera play and totally uncomfortable ambiance. Definitely very good!
Black Swan (2010)
Brutal, compelling and engaging. One of my favorite movies of all time!
The more I watch this movie, the more I feel all the sensations I felt the first time stronger and stronger. A modern classic, directed by Daren Aronofsky ("Requiem: For a Dream" and "Mother!", two other masterpieces), touches the protagonist's mind and ours as well.
The direction is impeccable, visceral and overwhelming. Introduce, in everything that must be presented, paper presentation, transformation and the absolute surrender of Nina, in addition to her obsession with paper. The soundtrack is frightening, being used from the original piece, with a sound but sonorous in the best moments, it was scary.
All the characters are well-written, each with their own madness and inner goals, and acting in complete sync with everything else. But Natalie Portman, the protagonist, is a standout! Going through all the metamorphosis of her character, well deserved or Oscar for best actress for this role.
Simply a work of art! Checking what the price for perfection is. Walking in the genres of suspense, drama, psychological horror and with the musical theme, you fear, feelings of distress, delirium, doubt, knowledge, curiosity. It's epic! With strong criticisms of the pursuit of perfection, a dedication without limits and everything that involves the industries of the genre. Impeccable.
The King's Man (2021)
Purposeless, tasteless, tiring and strained.
The King'sMan franchise started very well, with its first film in 2014, it skidded a lot in its second film, but I still consider it fun, but coming up with its third film, being a challenging prequel, because how much sleep does this film gave me, it was really challenging to keep myself awake watching.
It is normal to see a script that has clear objectives, in every genre. Recently, some different facets have been addressed, leaving the films with less clear objectives, or sometimes invisible! If worked in a good way, developed firmly and with something that holds us, the film becomes excellent! In Kings'Man: Inception, the movie starts with no goals and ends with nothing!
There is an immense amount of characters, fictional or not, without being worked on. We don't care about any character, with acting without any charisma, it has text without purpose, and even though it's King'sMan it has extremely generic and uninspired action scenes. There's no set tone, you don't know if you want to be naughty, serious, balanced or epic, just nothing works.
Concluding the analysis, it is noticeable how far this film differs from the other two in the franchise. It doesn't have any hits that its predecessors had, and it doesn't fix any mistakes they had before. Weak, unseasoned, tiresome, toneless and boring, everything a movie from this franchise shouldn't be.