Reviews
The Invitation (2015)
Gripping, top quality horror.
I didn't have huge expectations before watching this film but I did expect quality. This film certainly exceeded my expectations in every way. Any true horror fan needs to watch this film. I love the naturalistic style where the characters are sitting around having the chats where it feels almost improvised but you know it isn't. There are other horror films which have incorporated this kind of style and it can work extremely well if done right. The dread and suspense builds in the film very steadily up to a very satisfying conclusion. It's the type of film where you shouldn't watch a trailer or read a review for fear of spoilers. The less you know about this film the better. All you need to know is it's a top quality horror film and easily one of the very best horror installments of the past 15 years. A solid 9/10.
Midsommar (2019)
Certainly not for everyone.
I was completely gripped from the very beginning of this film. I was so intrigued by what was happening and how the story would unfold but about an hour or so in the film went from intriguing and suspenseful to just disgusting and a film that seemed more interested in shocking the audience than entertaining the audience. It was absolutely outstanding up to that point for me. The performances are outstanding the location in the film is really beautiful for horror but the film just went on way too long and became ultimately self-indulgent. I would much prefer Hereditary to this because at least I rewatched that, I just couldn't sit through this film again. It wasn't enjoyable in a horror film kind of way. First half of the film is truly great but unfortunately it completely lost me in the last 40 minutes. Sometimes less is more and with Midsommar less would have been so much more. A reluctant 6/10 for that incredible first half of the movie and moments in the second half.
Beyond the Woods (2016)
Almost brilliant.
Where do I begin? Beyond the Woods has a terrible trailer which has probably turned off half its potential audience. I don't understand why the font on the trailer is so bad compared with its official poster which looks much better? I almost didn't watch this because of the trailer and a terrible old poster for the film with droopy red lettering. The producers should take them down. Further to that the people on the dvd cover don't appear in the film? Who's insane decision was that? Anyways outside of all that Beyond the Woods has a lot of quality to offer. Great performances particularly from its lead actors John Ryan Howard and Ruth Hayes. The characters are very well written and their actions well observed by the films director. This film would have been an outstanding drama if it were so intended but this film is billed as a horror film. Granted I loved the horror in the last 20 minutes of the film but too little so late in the film. Despite that the performances and well written characters did keep me fully engaged but I can't help wonder how much better this film could have been with a couple of great horror scenes in the first hour. This director shows he is extremely capable of psychological horror where the Ger character is lost in the woods is a stellar example of that but this film needed a lot more horror earlier on. I would have loved a couple of on screen kills especially at the end and a small role actor could have been killed off early on to bring the audience in more quickly. This film would have also benefited hugely from more drone shots of the woods it would have raised the production value of the film so much more. I hope this director will hire a different company to do his future trailers because his work deserves much better than that. 7/10
Pijnstillers (2014)
Outstanding drama
Only one user review at the time of me writing this?! This film really deserves a much wider audience. It's not a superhero film granted but it is a top quality drama featuring outstanding performances, quality writing, characters and dialogue. One of the best dramas out there and unfortunately it hasn't got it's fair share of recognition! There's beautiful locations in the film and a whole lot of heart. A solid 9/10 from me.
Alex Rider (2020)
Outstanding, suspenseful thriller!
I was quite reluctant to begin watching this TV show thinking it might be more for a young teenage audience but after watching episode 1 I was pleasantly surprised. This show is brilliantly cast with Otto Farrant doing a remarkable job in the lead role. There are outstanding lead and supporting actors in the show with some really great character casting. I found myself highly engaged from the end of episode 1 and it just kept getting better and better. I am thrilled to see this show has been greenlight for another season and I really look forward to seeeing what comes next. Top quality show from beginning to end! Highly recommend for thriller or horror fans alike! Solid 9/10 for me.
Benjamin (2018)
Beautifully crafted film
Outstanding performances particularly from Phenix Brossard as Noah. The second feature film I've seen him in, incredible actor. Everyone does a great job here to be fair though. A nice mix of drama, romance and comedy with some really great comedy scenes in it that are very true to life like the scene about performance art! I'm very surprised that no one seems to have heard of this film. Highly recommend! Solid 8/10
Beira-Mar (2015)
Fantastic film with great performances.
I was delighted to discover this gem of a film. Outstanding, naturalistic performances and relatable characters. I found myself completely engaged from the very beginning of this film. Excellent casting and direction of two quality lead performances. Highly recommend this film!
Summer of 84 (2018)
Highly enjoyable 80's style horror flick
I loved this movie from the moment I saw the poster, goes to show how important the poster for a movie is and obviously the trailer despite trailers being way too long nowadays and spoiling half of the movie. I think the constant comparison to Stranger Things and Summer of 84 does this film a big disservice. The budget of Stranger Things is probably one hundred times the budget for this film firstly. Secondly there's nothing remotely supernatural about this film. There is a strong 80's theme to this film but it's not overdone. Very sympathetic characters that are easy to relate to particularly Graham and Caleb's characters. A fantastic actor as the villain really contributes to a steady build up of suspense in the film and for me at least quite a shock ending which I loved. I have watched this film a lot I would call this a highly enjoyable horror film that's very easy to watch and a very pleasant 80's soundtrack. I really hope there is a sequel in the works for this movie. I would gladly pay money to see this sequel in a cinema! Great performances from everyone, great location, great soundtrack what more can you ask for? The only negative thing I could say about the film is the dialogue at times is overcooked when the teenage boys are talking about sex or masturbation that got very repetitive very fast and took away from the overall quality of the film. A little bit is fine but it was very excessive .