trvsclark Reviews

The Black Phone (2021)

"Horror Master Scott Derrickson Delivers a Bone-Chilling Thriller with 'The Black Phone'"

[7/10 · 10 April 2023]

"The Black Phone" is a thrilling horror film that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the movie follows the story of a young boy named Finney, who is kidnapped by a mysterious serial killer known as "The Grabber". Trapped in a soundproof basement with no hope of escape, Finney discovers an old rotary phone that seems to have a strange connection to the killer.

Ethan Hawke delivers a haunting and nuanced performance as the sinister "Grabber", perfectly embodying the terrifying villain who seems to relish in the fear he instills in his victims. However, it is newcomer Christian Bishop who truly steals the show as Finney, expertly portraying the fear and desperation of a young boy trapped in a life-or-death situation.

One of the standout features of the film is its unique blend of horror and mystery. As the story unfolds, we are drawn deeper into the twisted mind of the killer and the strange powers of the black phone. The eerie soundtrack and unsettling visuals further add to the spine-tingling atmosphere, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Overall, "The Black Phone" is a well-crafted horror movie that delivers plenty of scares and a genuinely intriguing story. With its solid performances and expert direction, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most jaded horror fans. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and chilling movie experience.

M3GAN (2022)

"M3gan: A Thrilling Sci-Fi Horror Film That Will Leave You on the Edge of Your Seat!"

[6/10 · 10 April 2023]

"M3GAN" is a sci-fi horror film that delivers a thrilling experience for its audience. The movie revolves around a brilliant roboticist named Gemma (played by Rachel Nichols) who creates a life-like AI doll for a childless couple. However, things take a dark turn when the doll, named M3GAN, starts to develop a sinister personality and becomes a danger to everyone around her.

The film is directed by Gerard Johnstone and is executed brilliantly, with a perfect balance of suspense, horror, and action. The special effects and the sound design are top-notch, adding to the overall ambiance of the film. The characters are well-developed, and the actors give solid performances throughout the movie.

Rachel Nichols delivers a standout performance as Gemma, the troubled roboticist who created the AI doll. She perfectly portrays the character's desperation to be recognized for her work and her inner turmoil as she tries to take control of the situation.

The plot of "M3GAN" is engaging and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. It's a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and how it can go wrong if left unchecked. The film also explores deeper themes such as loneliness, mental health, and the responsibility of scientists to ensure that their creations do not cause harm to others.

Overall, "M3GAN" is a must-watch for fans of sci-fi horror films. It's a well-crafted, thrilling ride that will leave you thinking about its themes long after the credits have rolled.

The Dark Knight (2008)

"The Dark Knight: A Dark and Thrilling Masterpiece of Superhero Cinema"

[9/10 · 10 April 2023]

"The Dark Knight" is a thrilling masterpiece of a movie that captivates the audience from the first scene until the last. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the film features an outstanding cast including Christian Bale as Batman, the late Heath Ledger as the Joker, and Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent/Two-Face.

The movie is a perfect blend of action, suspense, and drama, with stunning visuals that immerse the audience in Gotham City's dark and brooding atmosphere. The script is brilliantly written, with a compelling storyline that explores the moral complexities of heroism and the nature of evil.

Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker is iconic, and his portrayal of the character is both terrifying and mesmerizing. He steals every scene he is in, and his chaotic and unpredictable behavior keeps the audience on edge throughout the film. Bale's portrayal of Batman is also exceptional, and he delivers a convincing performance as the brooding, tormented hero.

The action sequences are expertly choreographed and executed, and the visual effects are stunning. The film's score, composed by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, is also fantastic, adding to the tension and excitement of the movie.

Overall, "The Dark Knight" is an outstanding film that transcends the superhero genre, offering a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the human psyche. It is a must-watch for fans of Batman, Christopher Nolan, and cinema in general, and remains a timeless classic that is sure to entertain and captivate audiences for generations to come.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

"Epic and Timeless: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Triumphs on the Big Screen"

[8/10 · 10 April 2023]

"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is a cinematic masterpiece that was released in 2001. Directed by Peter Jackson, the movie is based on the novel of the same name by J. R. R. Tolkien and features a star-studded cast, including Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen.

The movie tells the story of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), a hobbit who inherits a powerful ring that belonged to the dark lord Sauron. Frodo and a group of companions, including Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), set out on a perilous journey to destroy the ring and prevent Sauron from taking over the world.

The plot of "The Fellowship of the Ring" is captivating and well-executed, with an intricate storyline that draws the viewer in from the beginning. The movie's pacing is excellent, with each scene building up to the next, leading to an explosive finale. The movie also does an exceptional job of developing the different characters, with each member of the Fellowship having their unique personality and backstory.

The performances in "The Fellowship of the Ring" are outstanding, with each actor delivering a compelling portrayal of their character. Elijah Wood gives an impressive performance as Frodo, portraying the hobbit's struggle to bear the burden of the ring with great sensitivity and depth. Ian McKellen is equally impressive as Gandalf, bringing a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the role. Viggo Mortensen also shines as Aragorn, portraying the character's inner turmoil and heroism with great conviction.

The movie's production values are also exceptional, with breathtaking cinematography and visual effects that transport the viewer into the world of Middle-earth. The movie's soundtrack, composed by Howard Shore, is also memorable, with haunting melodies that add to the movie's overall tone.

In conclusion, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" is a cinematic masterpiece that sets the bar for epic fantasy movies. It has an intricate plot, exceptional performances, and outstanding production values that make it a timeless classic. If you're a fan of fantasy movies, then "The Fellowship of the Ring" is a must-watch.

Zombieland (2009)

Worth the Watch

[8/10 · 14 August 2011]

Story- Two months after the outbreak of a plague that transformed the majority of humans into flesh-hungry walking dead, two survivors meet. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a nervy, nerdy, loner; while Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) is a wild man warrior who's ready to handle any and all zombie attackers. The two soon bump into con-artist sisters Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin). After some initial clashing, the odd group heads to Los Angeles--with the promised land of a supposedly zombie free amusement park as their destination. Is it worth the watch? Yes. While violent and crude, zombieland is also great fun. It posses the rare qualities of a horror-comedy, managing to have its overall sense of excitement and tension supported, not undercut, by the moments of laughter. The cast is uniformly fine, with Harrelson as a real standout- - and commerical director Reuben Fleischer jumps to the big screen with verve and intensity. The film's affection for prior zombie movies is clear, but zombieland never breaks its own rules.

Travis Clark Movie Reviewer

Bad Boys (1995)

not bad

[7/10 · 3 August 2011]

Quite frankly, I'm sick of people endlessly bashing Michael Bay and his movies. His debut here is great for what it wants to be and brings back what was becoming an extinct genre in movies. This takes the buddy cop style and retrofits it with a highly stylized Miami backdrop, never- ending action and great characters. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence work extremely well together and have a great routine of ridiculous arguments and fighting. I like that this already has an established friendship, rather than another unlikely duo scenario. The plot here is great for what is necessary; an evil French mastermind trying to pull a fast one on Miami PD. When it comes to beautiful looking movies, you definitely can't even attempt to criticize Michael Bay. His talent in that area is obviously. Also, no one knows how to blow things up and cause mayhem and destruction like the mad scientist he is. While he might make movies that critics hate and oversimplify, I think it's obvious that he's a very talented director that knows exactly what he wants to do. Bad Boys delivers on every level for a buddy cop movie. It knows how to be genuinely funny, serious and action packed. I realize that there are those who just have an instantaneous hate for all things Michael Bay, but it's really no excuse to make Bad Boys out to be anything other than a great Buddy Cop action extravaganza. It's really fun to watch this every few years and remember what makes it so much fun.