If you have an interest in Art or believe that many modern artists disappear up their own behinds, this is the film for you. Clever, funny, suprising and bloody.
Reviews
29 Reviews
The Mansion
(2017)
Give It A Chance
2 June 2021
I nearly stopped watching after about 20 minutes, deciding that this was a film that offered nothing new alongside a cast of irritating and unsympathetic characters.
But I persevered and was rewarded by a second half that was funny, scary and surprising. Ignore the overall rating and give it a go.
But I persevered and was rewarded by a second half that was funny, scary and surprising. Ignore the overall rating and give it a go.
Yakuza Apocalypse
(2015)
Barking Mad
2 June 2021
Takeshi Miike films often divide opinion, quite violently, and he has made a lot of poor films. But if you approach Yakuza Apocalypse as the japanese oddity that it is, without expecting any sense, you won't be disappointed.
Utterly barking.
Utterly barking.
Ladronas de Almas
(2015)
Properly Barking.
30 October 2020
Not quite as weird as The Similars (another Mexican horror) but, still, properly barking. I have no idea how to describe this film, so I won't. Left me wanting to find other Mexican films to watch, because I've never seen anything quite like it.
The Clovehitch Killer
(2018)
Definitely worth a watch.
30 October 2020
A very recent watch and one that I will revisit. A serial killer film with very little violence, but one that asks a number of interesting questions before dropping an unexpected, almost touching ending.
Also contains, at least for me, a suprisingly good perfomance from Dylan McDermott.
Also contains, at least for me, a suprisingly good perfomance from Dylan McDermott.
American Psycho on Acid
22 January 2019
Alleluia
(2014)
Startling and Twisted
22 January 2019
I approached this film by Fabrice du Welz, with circumspection but I decided that he couldn't deliver something as twisted and difficult to watch as Calvaire, his first film.
How wrong was I. One of many films based on the real life "Lonely Hearts Killers", I challenge you to find one as affecting as this. Disturbing. Unhinged. Crazy. Just a few of the words that sum up this film and the relationship depicted in it.
Lola Duenas' turn, as Gloria, is as startling as it is twisted.
How wrong was I. One of many films based on the real life "Lonely Hearts Killers", I challenge you to find one as affecting as this. Disturbing. Unhinged. Crazy. Just a few of the words that sum up this film and the relationship depicted in it.
Lola Duenas' turn, as Gloria, is as startling as it is twisted.
Prevenge
(2016)
A Corker
22 January 2019
Someone needs to let Alice Lowe (writer, director and star) make more films because this, her debut as director, is a corker. As black as they come, this dark comedy's premise is novel and it isn't great viewing for any male, adding to the discomfort.
I loved it but after 3 viewings I'm still a bit confused by the ending.
I loved it but after 3 viewings I'm still a bit confused by the ending.
Lesson of the Evil
(2012)
Bloody, creepy fun.
22 January 2019
One of Takeshi Miike's best films; one that is far to complex to sum up briefly (and I don't do long reviews). But I will say this; if you enjoy seeing irritating teenagers get theirs in a variety of bloody ways, this is the film for you.
Claret filled, violent, creepy and funny.
Claret filled, violent, creepy and funny.
Intelligent, Funny and Scary
22 January 2019
Exactly what it says in the blurb, this film gives you the inside track on how masked, film slashers do what they do. Packed full of injokes and references, some of which you need repeat viewing to spot. A thoroughly entertaining spoof that retains an ability to thrill and scare.
The Loved Ones
(2009)
Bloody Brilliant
22 January 2019
I can't say too much without spoiling but this excellent Australian film puts a different spin on what is most commonly male behaviour; not taking rejection very well. Extremely unsettling and very bloody, this is one to put on your must watch list.
And the central performance by Robyn McLeavy, as Princess, is just superb.
And the central performance by Robyn McLeavy, as Princess, is just superb.
The Tunnel
(I) (2011)
A Found Footage Gem
22 January 2019
I found this film on Youtube, where it is available to watch legally, for free. It was made for Aus$135,000/ US$98,000 /£75,000.
I was genuinely shocked that a film as well made as this, cost that little. Nothing here is particularly new, but this found footage slow burner set in subterranean Sydney is as good as any you will have seen.
I was genuinely shocked that a film as well made as this, cost that little. Nothing here is particularly new, but this found footage slow burner set in subterranean Sydney is as good as any you will have seen.
The Wicker Man
(2006)
A remake too far.
12 November 2018
There are some films that the remakers should stay well clear from. Those classic films that are of their time and can't be improved upon. The Wicker Man is one of them.
This remake is total and utter pants.
Steer clear.
This remake is total and utter pants.
Steer clear.
Bubba Ho-Tep
(2002)
Sheer Joy
12 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
When you read the basic blurb about this film, (2 old codgers in a nursing home dealing with an ancient evil spirit), it is understandable that you might have reservations.
Don't.
This is a gem of a film that takes that basic premise and produces something that is satisfying on so many levels. One liners, characterisation and above all, Bruce Campbell's Elvis with Ossie Davis' JFK, as the demon fighting team.
I can never think about this film without smiling and I hope it will do the same for you.
Don't.
This is a gem of a film that takes that basic premise and produces something that is satisfying on so many levels. One liners, characterisation and above all, Bruce Campbell's Elvis with Ossie Davis' JFK, as the demon fighting team.
I can never think about this film without smiling and I hope it will do the same for you.
The Tunnel
(I) (2011)
A Real Surprise
4 November 2018
I found this film on Youtube, where it is available to watch legally. It was made for Aus$135,000/ US$98,000 /£75,000.
I was genuinely shocked that a film as well made as this, cost that little. Nothing here is particularly new, but this found footage slow burner set in subterranean Sydney is as good as any you will have seen.
I was genuinely shocked that a film as well made as this, cost that little. Nothing here is particularly new, but this found footage slow burner set in subterranean Sydney is as good as any you will have seen.
Kill List
(2011)
Exceptional
4 November 2018
The film that put Ben Wheatley on the map (and the best British film since the turn of the millenium), Kill List is exceptional. The the sense of dread and unease cranks up scene by scene as this crime film morphs into something that channels the Wicker Man and it doesn't let up. Scary, intelligent and, simply, well made, Kill List will leave you feeling drained and concussed.
Watch. You won't regret it.
Watch. You won't regret it.
Hellions
(2015)
Not in this Universe
3 November 2018
There may well be a universe where a hybrid of Trick or Treat, The Strangers and Children of the Corn will work, but this isn't it. Not with this film.
I began to have doubts when confronted by 3 children poking a dead animal with a stick (opening scene) and it went downhill quickly from there. You can see what they were trying to achieve, but sadly they failed.
I began to have doubts when confronted by 3 children poking a dead animal with a stick (opening scene) and it went downhill quickly from there. You can see what they were trying to achieve, but sadly they failed.
A Dark Song
(2016)
No Fancy Gimmicks
3 November 2018
A slow paced, atmospheric film that is, for the most part, a two hander. The writing, directing, acting and editing are excellent and this film is a reminder that scaring people and making them feel incredibly uncomfortable, can be a simple process.
Watch.
Watch.
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