Amthermandes Reviews

South Park (1997– )

Legendary adult content

[10/10 · 3 May 2024]

I have memories of watching the South Park movie and episodes as a young adult, despite growing up Mormon and quite sheltered. Still loyal to my religion to this day, but this show opened up my eyes. This it the epitome of parody comedy. Matt Stone and Trey Parker hold no punches. They make fun of literally EVERYONE. No one is safe. And as a result, no one should feel specially targeted.

South Park offends. And if it offends you, know this: The fact that this show offends you, gives it more power to offend you. You think you're doing the world good by submitting formal complaints to Comedy Central about the show's content? I guarantee if you do, they quote your "lamentations" about the show in custom, printed-out vinyl decal letters in their breakroom, and all the employees, maybe even Stone and Parker themselves, get a chuckle at it on a daily basis as they mingle in the break room, eating their microwaved beef stroganoff lunches and their off-brand cheesy poofs during lunch hour.

These guys are pros at not giving a F---. And it shows. Honestly, if you're not offended by anything they do, something is wrong with you. And I come to the same conclusion if you don't laugh your butt off at almost every episode.

They set the bar high and early. Not even The Simpsons can top this show. And if you think they can, well, @#$! You too.

South Park: Casa Bonita (2003) Season 7, Episode 11

Classic non-political SP episode that shows how far Cartman can go to get what he wants

[10/10 · 3 May 2024]

A lot of South Park, especially the last decade and a half, is based almost entirely on current events and social trends. This episode is one of the purest, most absolute, episodes where it focuses on events contained purely within the universe of South Park, free from political commentary.

This is absolute South Park perfection. It's not the only "perfect" episode, it's not even the only episode that depicts the epitome of Cartman's ability to manipulate his "friends" and Butters, but despite how horrible he is, it's far from the worst thing he's ever done, and still it's one of the best episodes of South Park, and of Cartman, ever.

Watch it. And if you have a problem with this episode, just remember...."if you leave me now, you take away the biggest part of me, ooOOOoohh girl baby please don't go..."

South Park: The Return of the Fellowship of the Ring to the Two Towers (2002) Season 6, Episode 13

Some of the best South Park has to offer

[10/10 · 30 April 2024]

It's got everything South Park is good at: innocence tainted by adult content in a comedic manner, a sharp contrast of the nerdiest media entertainment to a mature, confrontational social situation, social commentary of what it's like for an adult couple with an "active" lifestyle while raising children, the life and minds of young boys, movie parodies and references to modern trends (at its time) up the butt, situational humor on an animated level, offensive humor masked by innocent animated characters, and just good 'ol classic South Park shenanigans.

A perfect episode for the serious fan, and cautious investigator unfamiliar with the series. Welcome to the best of animated adult humor. So good.

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

The latest and greatest in original modern horror

[9/10 · 27 April 2024]

Late Night with the Devil is about a late night talk show host struggling not only with ratings and being able to keep up with the then sovereign late-night televised power known as "Johnny Carson," but also with his personal hell as well. He's willing to pay a price though, at the expense of others....

The acting was great. The direction and writing, pretty freaking good. What really hit the mark, was the set design, the atmosphere, and the contrast between what was fake, and what wasn't.

I will say, the ending was a bit confusing and clouded. The build up was almost masterful. Then the climax hits, you're excited and thrilled for 60-90 seconds, and then, POOF. Horror momentum slows to a crawl. You expect more, but less is given. I will say, I love the direction most of the time, and even though the climax was a bit disappointing, I enjoyed the film from start to finish.

However, if you are expecting a total blood bath, you may be a tad disappointed. Still, don't let it discourage you from watching it. It's worth at least a FEW views in your lifetime.

Mandy (I) (2018)

An absolute helluva psychotropic METAL trip

[9/10 · 20 April 2024]

Mandy is cosmic horror and beauty all rolled up into one. By the time I've written this review, I've seen the movie four times. Each time, it gets better and better, and more surrealistic.

Mandy is a tragic love story that is one of those "hail marys" of independent cinema. Nick Cage is a real treat for this film, especially considering how so many of his recent films are such absolute garbage (let's be honest).

This is a gem in the rough. The beginning starts off with the male version of "Yoko Ohno" singing, and it's rather offputting. But holy damn hell balls, the viewer is in for a treat. It becomes beatiful, sad, honest, gorgeous, cerebral, and absolutely insane. A couple who just wants to escape is thrown into an 80's infuled trip to hell. It's as engaging as it is tragic.

The acting is incredible, and the violence is unbelievable. Nick Cage really sells it, more than usual. Andrea Riseborough nails it. It's both surrealism, and pure modern art in its most raw form. I love this movie. I hope you do too. No drugs influenced this reviewer's opinion.

Deliver Us (2023)

Pretty underrated religious horror flick

[8/10 · 20 April 2024]

Deliver Us plays with emotions. A lot is predictable, yes. A lot has already been covered by previous religious sect horrors, yes. And yes, the whole "catholicism rules all" angle is extremely cliche (and argumentatively FALSE).

But in reality, it's a riveting story with some decent scares. Cinematically, it's well done. The acting is above average at best, and it should be entertaining enough to warrant a distraction-free watch. That's right, I feel like a lot of the reviewers who negatively critique this film spend more time on their phones than on the movie screen.

It's pretty good. Nothing that warrants it being a cult classic or something that is monumental in the horror genre, but it's still worth a watch!

Fallout (2024– )

I am in love with this show

[9/10 · 14 April 2024]

THIS is how you make a video game to movie/tv show series. THIS is how you pander to gamers while appealing to new audiences. THIS is excellent 21st century entertainment.

I won't waste time explaining the premise, I'm sure you've gotten the gist by now from other reviews. Just know that it seems like gamer who are fans of the game series (such as myself) are quite happy with it, and that people unfamiliar with the game series (like my wife) are also engrossed with this show.

SO MANY REFERENCES to the game makes it fun to watch as a long-time gamer fan. Everything, from junk decor like magazine racks and plastic jack-o-lantern buckets, to power armor, enemies, factions, food, chems, characters, and weapons, is familiar.

Sure, it may be a bit overproduced, have some cheesy and weak CGI effects, and contain a lot of the "modern formula" in its script and story. Aside from that, it's got everything anyone would want for a riveting sci-fi, action, drama, comedy, horror adventure. Seriously, this show, like the game series, covers all the bases.

And oh my goodness, mini fan-gush moment here, but, I was so excited to hear Matt Berry's voice, I was totally not expecting it, and it was an awesome cameo as one of the easily recognizable robots in the universe of Fallout. And let's just say his is not the only shocking and awesome cameo in the series. Fans of shows like Archer might be pleasantly surprised in Episode 6.

What's also so cool, is that like the stories you run into in the game, there are a lot of really interesting plots with crazy twists. The vaults may seem more like a paradise than on the surface, but when you dig deep, sometimes, the vaults are scarier than reality under the sun...

Fallout has been around for two and half decades, and it's taken them this long to finally come out with a tv/movie adaptation? You know what? Since they nailed it, I'd say it was worth the wait.

Fallout: The End (2024) Season 1, Episode 1

"Call the doctor, we got a BLEEDER!"

[9/10 · 12 April 2024]

Like most reviewers out there right now, I've been a Fallout game series player for many years (quick self-plug, check out my YouTube video: "Fallout 3: The Many Deaths of Tenpenny"!). When the trailers first came out, I was skeptical. Video games to movies usually turn out poorly. But this one, did a pretty good job staying true to the nature of the games, while appeasing both loyal fans and audiences hearing about the game series for the first time.

Fallout is a world that poses the hypothetical question: what if the WWII era lived on for over a century, never evolving socially, only technologically, and eventually leading to a complete nuclear apocalypse? Once the bombs were dropped, people led their whole lives underground, from birth to death, having never known the way of life on the surface. But certain "vault-dwellers," as they are called, yearn for freedom and adventure. On the surface, it is a harsh, cruel reality. But by braving hostile organisms and environments, treasure can be found. Usually, bottlecaps.

Let's get the negatives out of the way. First, CGI is once again, too much of a special effects crutch. It's sloppy and cheap looking. I'm mostly talking about the heat-of-the-battle gore effects. You might as well have characters biting down on firecracker berries. Secondly, it's yet another big-budgeted project with a carefully selected balance of gender and racial roles, because we just can't afford to offend anybody these days. Third, it sometimes feels like it tries too hard.

That's mostly it. So far, one episode in, and I am doing my best to hurry this review up to start the next episode. It's fun, it appeals to modern audiences (especially those who hate a dull moment and rely on immediate satisfaction and constant action. Kinda like those die-hard Call of Duty players, and no I'm definitely certainly most likely possibly not one of them), because it follows the modern tv show formula, and features violence that'd make your great grandparents pull you out of their will if they knew you were watching it.

Game references are certainly abundant. From chems like jet and stimpacks and food like Cram and tatos (and drinks like nuka-cola!!), to the structures and tech, to enhancements and perks, to the different factions and enemies. It's almost like they want you to play a drinking game where if you took a sip of beer every time there's a game reference, you'd be sloshed after the first episode.

The game series does a tremendous portraying a seemingly innocent and amiable atmosphere at first glance. As you play the game, the apparent charming mood of the world of Fallout is often disrupted by moments which bring about an unnerving feeling that something isn't quite right. Sometimes these moments are subtle, and eerie. Sometimes the moments are shocking interactions of blatant, spine-tingling horror.

The way this first episode is pulled off makes me think that one of the goals of the show was to capture this bi-polar quality. It can be light-hearted and comedic, but also unnerving, and sometimes violent and freaky. But while I appreciate them staying true to the nature of Fallout, of all the creepy things that occur in the the world of this first Fallout episode, nothing can be creepier than the heavily implied "cousin stuff."

Things I'm hoping they'll include in future episodes: Nuka-Cola Quantum, a jacked up raider on psycho-jet, unnecessarily excessive powerfist use, Strong from Fallout 4, a cool action sequence using the VATS system, heavy gun modding, wacky easter eggs, and a friggin' DEATHCLAW!!!

Rick and Morty: The Ricklantis Mixup (2017) Season 3, Episode 7

I just wanted to contribute

[10/10 · 2 April 2024]

This is the highest rated episode. Also currently one of the highest rated episodes of all time for a show with more than 10k votes and 3 seasons. Even higher than many legendary episodes of Attack On Titan, Game of Thrones, The Wire, Naruto, One Punch Man, Breaking Bad, Bluey, and Bojack Horseman.

Tbh, it's not my favorite Rick and Morty episode. Total Rickall, The Rick's Must Be Crazy, and Pickle Rick should all be rated higher. But damn if this episode isn't deep, well written, and a pivotal moment in character development. Not to mention its sly political commentary. The world of infinite Ricks and Mortys is a sad, more complex dynamic situation than anyone ever believed.

Spring (I) (2014)

A rom-com that even a horror fan would appreciate

[9/10 · 9 March 2024]

I'm a typical guy. I'm not big into romantic, chick-flicky type films. But this one got to me. The love, the cuteness, the horror, was real. Sure, it was nowhere near anything like "The Notebook" or "The Lake House" (gag), but it's like the filmmakers wanted to take the romantic parts of movies like that, and make it weird. I so appreciate and respect this movie for that.

It did not go the way I thought it would. This is the sweetest, yet weirdest romance story I've ever seen, and I've seen some jacked-up movies. And to boot, you get some interesting (and factual) Pompeii knowledge. This is a really creative, engaging story. With some humorous "backstories." There are probably some deep symbolic themes here, but I'm not cognizant enough to expound upon that theory at this time.

All I know, is that this is a sad, sweet, unique, romantic love story that even David Cronenberg fans could enjoy. I don't want to spoil anything, but dang, what a commentary about human emotions and loneliness. I freaking love this movie. The ending, while quizzical, is still beautiful and serene. Bravo. Not mind-blowing, nor earth-shattering, but it's the next best thing.

I'll be thinking about this one for a very long time.

Grabbers (2012)

Irish men and women need to get drunk in order to fight off deadly, tentacled aliens. Need I say more?

[8/10 · 8 March 2024]

A quaint, oceanside Irish town gets overrun by weakly CGI-ed blood-sucking aliens, and their main line of defense, is to poison their blood by doing the one thing that nobody in a fight-for-your-life type of situation should ever do: get drunk.

The atmosphere is like that of the movie: Tremors. It's light-hearted, kind of silly, it's got its quirky characters and whimsical humor. Even the names of the creatures are similar (Grabbers vs. Graboids). And notice who gets to "name" them in each movie...the zaniest local in the story! It's only decent halfway through, but once the "lock-in" starts, that's where the fun really sets in!!

Despite a simplistic plot, the movie succeeds in its execution. The village drunk becomes the village hero by NOT being the village drunk, while the non-village drunks become the village "drunks." And you gotta love some of the characters (or at least one or two). Don't take it seriously, pop some popcorn, and pop some beer tabs while yer at it because if the town's gettin' drunk, you might as well be too.

Ninja Kamui: Episode 2 (2024) Season 1, Episode 2

Kitties!!

[8/10 · 24 February 2024]

Kitties rule. Love the mystery-cat-man-doctor. Cats get a bad rap here in the United States, dogs are so overrated. I appreciate Japan and how they respect our feline friends.

Ok, with that out of the way, this is quite an interesting second episode that appeals to the parts of us that want revenge and justice, yet, is still riddled with anime cliches.

I am getting hints from Beserk, Afro Samurai, hell even Kenshin. Not much here is original. But it's definitely entertaining.

I feel like the diehard fans are easily manipulated, but that new fans are not left devoid of violent anime satisfaction.

Ninja Kamui: Episode 1 (2024) Season 1, Episode 1

Entertaining, but extremely predictable.

[7/10 · 24 February 2024]

Y'all know where this is going after the first ten minutes.

The episode really hams up the tragic nature of the main character's background. It's extremely forced perspective at its worst (or finest?). I am doing my darndest to refrain from revealing any spoilers, but, anyone with a fraction of a brain can see what's coming. But they seem to build it up so much it's like they expect the majority of their audience to be as dumb as a block of cheddar cheese baking in the sun.

That aside, it's still kinda badass. The story remains intriguing, despite the FACT that that this story has been done multiple times in multiples countries, including Japan itself. And the action sequences are pretty cool.

If you're here for a new story, for something original and creative, than you may be disappointed. But it's only been one episode, who knows what'll happen? Things might get surprising.

Krapopolis (2023– )

A LOT better than a lot of people claim it is

[8/10 · 20 January 2024]

I feel like too many people have too high of expectations of this show, seeing as it came from the mind of Dan Harmon, one of the creators and the main writer for Rick and Morty. But here's the part that blows my mind: It's a LOT like Rick and Morty. It carries the same quick-witted humor and social/familial dilemmas, all while having fun reinventing the origins of many aspects to mankind, with a heavy Greek myth twist.

It starts out a bit off, to be honest. I felt like the modern speech infused with ancient Greek times was a tad annoying. I feared this show was going to try too hard, and just end up flopping. It had that atmosphere the first episode.

I am glad I stuck through it because it only took me through the second episode to really start getting into it. A lot of the fun has to do with putting fun spins on Greek gods. It exposes the Greek gods for what they really are: just like mortal humans, only with the gift of immortality. They're just as egocentric, crooked, zany, and erratic as mankind. They have family problems. They are NOT all-knowing, and they can have feelings.

Let's just take a moment to mention how awesome Matt Berry and Richard Ayoade are. I might be biased as a huge "The IT Crowd" fan, but those guys are just great. And I'm fast becoming a huge fan of the character Hippocampus, for a fish he's really got some huge balls. The way he deals with characters like Prometheus, or even his own step-mom. Pretty badass.

There is a lot of subtle humor too. Silly humor, cynicism, dark humor, irony, you know, the fun stuff. Like Deliria forcing two mortals to fan her while basking next to large fire lanterns. Or how little the lives of mortals are valued, by both gods and humans (and monsters). It's a good show, give it a try if you like adult animation and Greek mythology.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Last Dance for Napkin Lad (2011) Season 8, Episode 10

Aqua Teen PSYCHE

[29 December 2023]

There is a mystery. There are crosses and double-crosses. Guns, subs, non-cannon plot and character development. It's weird, non-linear, almost everything you want in a typical Aqua Teen Hunter Force episode. It's a parody of spy films, nothing too much to read into.

That's pretty much it. IMDB demands more words, so, here's a joke for you:

So I got in touch with my inner self today. That's the last time I buy cheap toilet paper.

Oh man, I was hoping that joke would have more characters. Guess I'm going to have to kee talking until I can finally reach the strict word limit. Sooooo....balls.

Naked Lunch (1991)

What the weird?

[7/10 · 28 December 2023]

Naked Lunch is an experimental film noir that's like Jacob's Ladder mixed with Dick Tracey, only with more bugs and less of a linear plotline.

The soundtrack is quite off-putting, it's almost exactly like Yoko Ohno screwed a saxophone herself more than she did the Beatles. Only a few minutes in and I wanted to shoot myself with the same drugs that the main character's wife was using, just to escape the ridiculous regurgitation of pointless reed-induced notes.

The movie starts off interestingly enough, but generates more questions faster than it can a coherent plot. I like the idea of bugs running the world in a secret, "illuminati" fashion, but it's kind of strange the the way movie attempts it. In a way, it "exterminates" its own potential by being more bizarre and avant-garde than it can handle.

The way the film messes with the audience is actually quite fun and unique. I don't honestly know whether to hate it or appreciate it. Only a third of the way through, and CONFESSION TIME, I'm so confused I don't know what to think. Gonna give this an average review then update when time says it's ok.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Anubis (2023) Season 12, Episode 5

The cameos alone make it worth it

[9/10 · 27 December 2023]

This might be one of the most iconic episodes of recent times. You get a few top-notch cameos, some classic Aqua Teen moments and plot, a true fan shant be disappointed. It's not the first time Egyptian culture was intertwined into a plot of an Aqua Teen Hunger Force episode, and I certainly hope it's not the last.

Shake is a lot like Cartman from South Park, he is the most despicable and yet lovable character of the show, and as an audience, we love seeing him get his just desserts. It's great seeing these characters squirm.

Anubis is freaking awesome. And yet he represents something in our technologically centered culture....gee I wonder what that could be.

Excellent episode. I'm so happy they're back.

South Park (Not Suitable for Children) (2023 TV Special)

Are you between the ages of 6 and 21? You may want to pay attention

[9/10 · 22 December 2023]

Because you may be the center of the joke here. Do you follow "influencers?" Do you hang on every word of a YouTuber or OnlyFans content creator? Do you rely on the latest modern trend, or the opinion of the hottest internet influencer to make decisions in your life?

If your answer if "yes" to any of the above, then you need help. Thankfully, South Park is here to the rescue! If you're a young Millennial or a Gen-Z, or one of the freaks of nature even younger than that, then you're in luck, because with this latest covert episode of South Park, you may be able to break free of your chains of social and digital conformity if you only listen to reason and not your stupid "in-the-loop" high school buddy!

This episode hits the nail on the head. Kids these days are more susceptible to modern trends than any generation before. It might be because they're more stupid, or simply more influenceable because the internet is so sneaky and misleading these days.

Regardless, this episode does what South Park does best: expose the hypocrisies of modern trends, and crosses the line as far as possible while doing so.

If you're a victim of social and digital manipulation, there is hope for you yet. Wake up, wise up, stay in school, stop buying into the latest trends, and BE YOURSELF!!! Oh, and fight bullying!!!

Family Guy: Family Cat (2021) Season 19, Episode 19

Anti-feline propaganda

[3/10 · 22 December 2023]

Getting reeeaaalll sick of the constant entertainment media perpetuating the ridiculous cat stereotypes. "Cats are evil," "cats enslave their owners," "cats don't care about their owners." There are more lies about cats than any other pet, and it's one thing to play to the stereotypes for the sake of entertainment, but this episode is so full of ignorance about cats it's infuriating.

Every negative jab at cats in this episode can be contributed to dogs and dog owners. So why do cats always get the bad rap? Cats rule, dogs drool. There's a lot more truth to that than people may think. Sure it's just a stupid show, but these stereotypes against cats are just getting out of control and I'm getting rather sick of it. This is Family Guy at its worst, just uneducated and pathetic.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Super Trivia (2003) Season 2, Episode 10

Funny, with a fun cameo

[8/10 · 28 November 2023]

It's silly, it's Aqua Teen Hunger Force. It's typical. Weird. And we get a sweet cameo. And I"m sick of this ridiculous character count for IMDB reviews. I've said all that's needed to be said. It's a fun episode. It's not the best, it's far from the worst. So what are you doing reading this?

It's only going to continue to become more repetitive and ridiculous like the show itself. Right now I'm dreaming more about vacationing in Hawaii because I've only done it once and feel like I didn't get the most out of it when I went, and it left a sour taste in my mouth because my wife and I almost drowned at one of the beaches in Kauai, Hawaii and we flew American Airlines which is the absolute WORST please don't ever fly them.

I just realized I made the character count so just watch this episode because it's a good one, it's not great, it's kinda "ha-ha-ha" funny but not roll-on-the-ground funny, but any ATHF fan should enjoy it so stfu and enjoy it already. Dance fingerpuppets.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: A Quiet Shake (2023) Season 12, Episode 2

Mark my words, 'Boxslayer" will be in the BIllboard top 10 within a week

[9/10 · 28 November 2023]

Incorporating a hilarious spin on a recent, popular horror movie series about the necessity of being "quiet," this episode is another winner, thus cementing the return of the Aqua Teens as a triumphant continuation of one of the most beloved Adult Swim shows of all time.

It's a typical ATHF episode. It's silly, farfetched, creative, unique, introduces new most-likely-never-to-return weird monster-like characters, and our lovable main characters are still the same as they ever were. And yeah, we get some great quotes from it too. And the "ear' puns are plentiful (because we all know you've been secretly pining for it).

It's a new day in America, son. Let's all just embrace it and enjoy it. Get high, get drunk, it'll help for sure. But it's not necessary.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force: Shaketopia (2023) Season 12, Episode 1

Welcome back, Aqua Teen

[9/10 · 28 November 2023]

There is a lot of talk online about the new animation style. It seems to be split 50/50 in online communities. But for myself, I"m ok with it, because what makes me enjoy the show, are the characters and the dialogue. And even though the animation has changed, the humor, characters, typical plotlines, and mannerism remains the same. It's a satisfying return for such a classic Adult Swim adult animated show.

It's funny, stupid, stupidly funny, and entertainingly stupid. It's not one of the best episodes by far, but we get some great moments and memorable quotes, and that's good enough for me.

And as usual, Shake is hilarious.

Alien Raiders (2008)

Entertaining enough, but doesn't deliver where it should

[5/10 · 17 November 2023]

Sure, for a super low budget film, it's decent. Acting isn't bad, I've seen way worse in blockbuster films like Twilight, Star Wars, and live action Disney remakes. The premise is pretty fun. It's like "The Mist" or "Splinter," with an "Assault on Precinct 13" twist.

My biggest complaint is that they cheaped out on the special effects and the violence. This is the kind of movie people expect fun, gory kills, and it really fails to deliver on that. Sure, lots of people die, and sometimes it's shocking, but the editing is so quick, you really don't see much. The actual "creature horror" parts are few and far in between. It's mostly about a group of people trapped in a grocery store.

Poor execution, but it's not bad for what they had to work with. It's worth a watch. But only one.

Fresh (2022)

Charming, yet demented. Alluring, yet disgusting

[8/10 · 15 November 2023]

It's best to go into this movie knowing as little as possible.

The acting, writing, and soundtrack is worthy of praise. Everyone did a fantastic job making this movie. Yes, it was a bit predictable once the main plot is established. Yes, there may be too many closeups, but the cinematography in general is above average.

It's downright creepy, and gross. Not overly graphic in visuals, but like the movie "Seven," a lot of the disturbing content is NOT visual, but rather implied. That being said, a lot is also definitely visual. There are certainly moments that are shocking to the average viewer. And at the risk of sounding repetitive, the soundtrack is so odd, it fits the mood. Or it sets the mood. It's bizarre to say the least, and I love it.

I just wish they did without the vile d-pic. It was such a small part of the movie, but was completely unnecessary, distracting and low-brow. Quite disappointing, since the rest of the movie came off so smart and accomplished.

There is some well placed humor, most of it dark though. It's actually quite brilliant. Never really ceases to be entertaining.

What REALLY makes it effective, is, when you think about it, people like Steven's clients most likely exist. Think about that when you watch this movie.

Similar movies I would say would be are: "The Invisible Man," "The Menu," the episode "The Viewing" from "Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities," "Barbarian," and "A Wounded Fawn." Side note: this is what "A Wounded Fawn" wished it could be.

Birth/Rebirth (2023)

Heavy, heavy stuff

[7/10 · 14 November 2023]

Birth/Rebirth is about pregnancy, loss, hope, dread, and obsession. Two women's paths are crossed and conjoined. One woman is a socially awkward, yet brilliant pathologist looking to take medicine and human science to a whole, 'nother level. The other woman is a devoted maternity nurse, wrought with grief. The two work together to achieve the same goal, but with different motivations.

This seemed to me to be a more "realistic" take on the main theme of movies such as Frankenstein, Pet Sematary, or Re-Animator. Apart from some well placed humor, the mood is very dark and unsettling, and I imagine it would have a larger impact on women, and women who have had problems with pregnancies in the past. It's an interesting story that didn't go the way I thought it would.

It's a slow burn for sure, and the climax isn't wholly "shocking," but that might just be because I'm a male and can't experience the exact nature of the situations these women are in. The acting was good, cinematography a little sluggish, overall an entertaining and thought-provoking drama piece that overall misses the mark in the genre of horror. It's not a dramatic horror, but more of a horrifying drama.

To compare it to similar movies, it feels a lot like Possessor, just not nearly as graphic or trippy. It's also a lot like Mandy, in the way of artistic expression (without the vivid colors of course), mood, and soundtrack. I'd also compare it to A Wounded Fawn, Saint Maud, and Hellbender.