It was worth the watch, but it's not going to be winning any awards. It certainly wasn't what I was expecting.
Certainly not the worst horror I've seen this year.
Certainly not the worst horror I've seen this year.
43 Reviews
Kind of cheese, but the ending was clutch
bbates0247 January 2022
not that bad of a movie
tomeiwoi8 February 2022
Doesn't come together as a movie
jmbovan-47-1601735 December 2021
There are supposed supernatural elements, science/mathematics, and possible mental illness. The main character is a bit wooden and the female friend is too obnoxious. Mix in an unethical psychiatrist and bad plot lines, this was a confusing movie that simply wrapped it up with a solution but no resolution.
Not as predictable as I thought, but...
xroastedink10 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I realize that this was an indie horror film, but the effects were awful no matter how you slice it. I expect effects like that from late 80's/early 90's horror. Not everything has to be CG when you don't have the budget for the good stuff. The lack of creativity there was disheartening.
The acting was the second biggest disappointment. I found the characters unconvincing and Jordan was just a tad cliche over-obnoxious.
Granted, it was just entertaining enough to stick with it until the end. I found it odd that it was assumed that the mother was trying to kill her son because she thought he was his dad. The entity very clearly calls him "Roger" several times. I didn't catch whether he and his father shared the same name, so it was a bit confusing in that regard. And what was with the pinwheel? "Boys don't play with pinwheels." was one of the first lines in the film. Maybe that was thrown in to show that the matriarch of the family favored her daughter over her son, or just to show she was a bit off. I personally never thought that particular plaything was geared toward any sex.
Also, why include creepy dolls and not do anything fun with them?
It's something to watch to kill time, I suppose. It had potential that was, sadly, wasted.
The acting was the second biggest disappointment. I found the characters unconvincing and Jordan was just a tad cliche over-obnoxious.
Granted, it was just entertaining enough to stick with it until the end. I found it odd that it was assumed that the mother was trying to kill her son because she thought he was his dad. The entity very clearly calls him "Roger" several times. I didn't catch whether he and his father shared the same name, so it was a bit confusing in that regard. And what was with the pinwheel? "Boys don't play with pinwheels." was one of the first lines in the film. Maybe that was thrown in to show that the matriarch of the family favored her daughter over her son, or just to show she was a bit off. I personally never thought that particular plaything was geared toward any sex.
Also, why include creepy dolls and not do anything fun with them?
It's something to watch to kill time, I suppose. It had potential that was, sadly, wasted.
Plot loses steam
kkpai-7457118 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The movie starts off as a usual haunted house story , but then the story line appears to be unsure if which direction to take,
The actors do a decent job , but the ending leaves several questions unanswered.
What happened to all the people who had died previously, after the main character changes the equation in the end?
Does everything go back to the way it was ?
Not a waste of time but unsatisfying at the end .
What happened to all the people who had died previously, after the main character changes the equation in the end?
Does everything go back to the way it was ?
Not a waste of time but unsatisfying at the end .
The Return
BandSAboutMovies10 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
One of the many rules of horror that I use to guide my everyday life is that if you get a house in a will, do not go back to your hometown to settle the estate. You will face the supernatural at best, die if you're lucky or end up in Hell if things go the way they usually do.
Rodger is one of the people who didn't listen. He's come back home to settle the affairs of his recently deceased father. Soon, he's dealing with strange childhood memories about a ghost and those memories aren't going to stay remembrances for long.
Roger also lost his mother and sister at a young age, so he's surprised when the diaries he finds show that he was in therapy to get over their loss. Yet he barely remembers things. And while his mother's equations and his father's videos guide him, there's also a twist coming that will change everything.
BJ Verot broke into films doing stunts and when you think about it, isn't being a director the most daring stunt of all? Good news - he's survived the attempt and I look for him to jump through all sorts of flaming hoops in the future.
Rodger is one of the people who didn't listen. He's come back home to settle the affairs of his recently deceased father. Soon, he's dealing with strange childhood memories about a ghost and those memories aren't going to stay remembrances for long.
Roger also lost his mother and sister at a young age, so he's surprised when the diaries he finds show that he was in therapy to get over their loss. Yet he barely remembers things. And while his mother's equations and his father's videos guide him, there's also a twist coming that will change everything.
BJ Verot broke into films doing stunts and when you think about it, isn't being a director the most daring stunt of all? Good news - he's survived the attempt and I look for him to jump through all sorts of flaming hoops in the future.
If you enjoy indie sci fi horror movies (or B grade ones) You'll enjoy this.
spookyspice10 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I definitely did, but I really enjoy these types of movies.
I will say the cgi/VFX were a real good use of the budget. The effects from early on (the trailer) were the draw card for me. I stayed for the creepy visuals and better budget production.
The movie runs at a decent pace, never feeling as if it's dragging in parts and I felt no loss of immersion.
Going in expecting a full on horror film, you'll need to know there is a sci-fi twist towards the end of the movie. This feels somewhat 'campy' in the final act and drags a bit in that sequence. (see below)
SPOILER:
the
*ahem*timetravelscene*
Jordan is the stand out character, with a dark sense of humour but also retaining the heart of the trio of young adults taking centre stage in this movie. Richard Harmon does well as the leading man too.
All in all, I enjoyed my viewing of The Return. It is on the higher end of production for indie movies.
Out now On Demand & Digital platforms from Uncork'd Entertainment.
I will say the cgi/VFX were a real good use of the budget. The effects from early on (the trailer) were the draw card for me. I stayed for the creepy visuals and better budget production.
The movie runs at a decent pace, never feeling as if it's dragging in parts and I felt no loss of immersion.
Going in expecting a full on horror film, you'll need to know there is a sci-fi twist towards the end of the movie. This feels somewhat 'campy' in the final act and drags a bit in that sequence. (see below)
SPOILER:
the
*ahem*timetravelscene*
Jordan is the stand out character, with a dark sense of humour but also retaining the heart of the trio of young adults taking centre stage in this movie. Richard Harmon does well as the leading man too.
All in all, I enjoyed my viewing of The Return. It is on the higher end of production for indie movies.
Out now On Demand & Digital platforms from Uncork'd Entertainment.
Movies in all genres
nefiwip5 April 2022
And they say dance moms are crazy
pink_floydilia5 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Science Moms needs to be a reality show.
This movie wow, where do I even start? From the interesting choice of actors and a Time Machine connected to an iPhone-there's everything a D-Rated movie fan wants.
Troubleshooting-if the Time Machine doesn't work with iOS, try old cables and software. That's the issue.
And weird meat suit mom's character was a total nut job in life and death, super confusing.
Some decent parts though, the vibe and filming style, not so bad, actors meh. And like who gets over their dead girlfriend so fast. Like meh, she's dead. Meat suit Mom killed her.
Not much else to say, wasn't really scary, plot wasn't well thought out but it's okay to watch if you're bored during the day.
This movie wow, where do I even start? From the interesting choice of actors and a Time Machine connected to an iPhone-there's everything a D-Rated movie fan wants.
Troubleshooting-if the Time Machine doesn't work with iOS, try old cables and software. That's the issue.
And weird meat suit mom's character was a total nut job in life and death, super confusing.
Some decent parts though, the vibe and filming style, not so bad, actors meh. And like who gets over their dead girlfriend so fast. Like meh, she's dead. Meat suit Mom killed her.
Not much else to say, wasn't really scary, plot wasn't well thought out but it's okay to watch if you're bored during the day.
Personally enjoyed the movie
kobey-6333122 April 2022
Enjoyable and entertaining...
paul_haakonsen10 August 2021
I sat down to watch the 2020 sci-fi thriller "The Return" here in 2021, without ever having heard about the movie, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
And now that the movie ended, I will say that writers Ken Janssens and BJ Verot actually managed to compile a wholesome script that proved interesting and entertaining.
The movie does manage to combine elements of horror and sci-fi in a rather interesting and entertaining manner. And I do admit that I like the storyline and the way that the writers managed to mix together the two elements for a wholesome story.
Visually then "The Return" is fairly good. Now, the movie is not one that relies heavily on special effects, well aside from the apparition, of course. But they managed to pull it off well enough, and definitely added something good to the overall movie experience.
Richard Harmon (playing Rodger) and Echo Andersson (playing Jordan) were really nicely cast for their roles and they carried the movie quite well with their performances.
If you sit down to watch "The Return" and expect it to be a scary movie, then you will be disappointed. Nay, "The Return" is a light sci-fi movie with elements of thriller and horror to it. Nothing overly scary about director BJ Verot's 2020 movie actually.
I enjoyed the movie from start to end, and it is a movie that actually is well worth taking the time to sit down and watch. I am rating "The Return" a six out of ten stars.
And now that the movie ended, I will say that writers Ken Janssens and BJ Verot actually managed to compile a wholesome script that proved interesting and entertaining.
The movie does manage to combine elements of horror and sci-fi in a rather interesting and entertaining manner. And I do admit that I like the storyline and the way that the writers managed to mix together the two elements for a wholesome story.
Visually then "The Return" is fairly good. Now, the movie is not one that relies heavily on special effects, well aside from the apparition, of course. But they managed to pull it off well enough, and definitely added something good to the overall movie experience.
Richard Harmon (playing Rodger) and Echo Andersson (playing Jordan) were really nicely cast for their roles and they carried the movie quite well with their performances.
If you sit down to watch "The Return" and expect it to be a scary movie, then you will be disappointed. Nay, "The Return" is a light sci-fi movie with elements of thriller and horror to it. Nothing overly scary about director BJ Verot's 2020 movie actually.
I enjoyed the movie from start to end, and it is a movie that actually is well worth taking the time to sit down and watch. I am rating "The Return" a six out of ten stars.
I tried
takato052421 November 2021
But I couldn't make it past 30 minutes. It wasn't just having to look at his horrible sleep deprived face, or listening to the annoying girl be over the top, but the story just wasn't latching me. When they got to the dr's office, and she said she should call the cops for him breaking in, but at the same time was closing the door behind her, I said that's it I'm out!
Don't treat us like we are stupid for one
NicholasMCG24 December 2021
If you are going to cast someone who is clearly 30 years old playing a young college student, know that it will bother the majority of us. If you want the older actor so much make the character older. Otherwise we will be annoyed for much of the plot. As for the film, pretty boring, and pushing it's thrills down our throats.
I really love Richard Harmon
payments-088215 May 2022
The Maths Was All Wrong In This Slow Burning Frightner!
silicontourist18 January 2022
I give this 3 stars purely for the plot idea (which was sorely misused) and the special FX. Other than that It was a painfully slow film with a dull constantly miserable faced returning son, an utterly boring sullen and long faced jealous moody pain of a girlfriend. Then we have their friend who has a heavy crush on the boy (he does not know) but she is an annoying character right from the get go of the film. So there is really nobody to even like in this film and, it takes great patience to stay to the end of it; everything happens in the last 15 minutes of the film and the ending absolutely sucked...a lazy unfinished ending in my book!
In a way the film is watchable - but really, really slow - and its not terrible but, neither the script nor the director used the story idea to full use...it could have been so much more had they given it some real thought!
In a way the film is watchable - but really, really slow - and its not terrible but, neither the script nor the director used the story idea to full use...it could have been so much more had they given it some real thought!
A hotchpotch of wasted film!
platinumxtc9 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This film felt like a 2 year old child was handed a box of crayons with an endless variety of colors and asked to create a Rembrandt and this was the "masterpiece".
This movie left us viewers with so many unanswered questions and confused looks on our faces. Between, trying to figure out what genre this film is, who was in love with who in the love triangle, wether there is a mental disorder or just some type of spiritual invasion, in addition to figuring out the scientist mother's math equations versus the spells of the wizard Marlin, and squeeze in a bit of Back to the Future without the plot & laughter, with a splash of adultery, murder, an unethical psychiatrist, and a couple of ghosts/undead creatures made us wonder if we will ever get those 90 minutes back!?!?!
This movie left us viewers with so many unanswered questions and confused looks on our faces. Between, trying to figure out what genre this film is, who was in love with who in the love triangle, wether there is a mental disorder or just some type of spiritual invasion, in addition to figuring out the scientist mother's math equations versus the spells of the wizard Marlin, and squeeze in a bit of Back to the Future without the plot & laughter, with a splash of adultery, murder, an unethical psychiatrist, and a couple of ghosts/undead creatures made us wonder if we will ever get those 90 minutes back!?!?!
Held my interest
kbaxws8 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this take on time machine sci fi. It held its story till the end. The acting was good, and I generally thought the characters were believable.
The CGI not bad for a low budget but a bit overdone with same scare scenarios. Overall, not bad.
The CGI not bad for a low budget but a bit overdone with same scare scenarios. Overall, not bad.
Ummm no
Stealthy-2296026 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Very cheesy, color by number type of horror meets sci-fi flick.
The dialogue and contrived mellow drama between the 3 friends is painful to sit thru. The acting is also lacking, or perhaps the script is so cheesy that maybe they had a hard time connecting to the characters and making it believable. Everything was so spelled out in too much dialogue instead of letting the film itself tell the story... and letting the audience figure it out...not literal dialogue to tell the story. Oh and the dialogue with the therapist felt soup opera like; just extra for no reason.
Also there must be an issue with the writing, directing, or editing because one scene the lead sees his dead girlfriend on the floor next to him and believes the smokey glowy eye creature is responsible. He grabs his female besty to run and runs out of the house. Then the next scene he's cool and making out with the besty. This is especially weird since several scenes before the dead girlfriend was brought back by the smokey creature, she said I love you and the lead just IGNORED the hell out of her. Lol He was seeing a shrink as a child because he said seeing imaginary people, not for being bipolar. And I don't think this was intentional. I think this was sloppy story telling or editing. Lol
And the writers never adequately explained why the mother is such a horrible mother. Ok she became an alcoholic but that was after experiencing the trauma of losing a child, and learning of her husband infidelity. She is a victim and not the bad guy. Yeah she's not perfect for drinking in front of her son or using foul language, but she was obviously drunk and deeply troubled. I doubt she would have done this with a sober mind. Alcoholism is a sickness and people suffering from it shouldn't be labeled bad person or bad parent.
Plus how many shots of outside of the house do we really need? The constant repetition of it before/after each scene makes it feel like a TV episode that needs to transition to the next scene instead of a movie.
There is no reason to watch this entire movie especially knowing the payoff of seeing some cool haunting element is lost early on when we see the ridiculous glowy cartoon eyes with the smokey spirit. It's voice is also cartoonish. Don't get my started on the less than cool version of Freddie Kruger haunting creature. Simply, the makeup and CGI was horrible at times. Too cartoonish. Maybe this is a horror flick that should be rated G or something. Lol IDK how to describe it other than very cheesy and not scary at all.
Smh I almost turned it off hallway into the movie, but I was curious just how bad it would get. It didn't get better, sadly. The explanation was so far fetched even while suspending belief. And we are forced to watch a recap of almost everything we had just watched as if it was so next level that we didn't grasp it the first time around. If the director wanted to show time travel, there are so many creative ways to depict it without giving us some boring, what felt like eternity, of a recap.
Overall perhaps with different writers, actors and directing this could be something decent because I like the general premise of time travel with a horror element. It actually would make for a cool TV series in better hands with maybe each episode or season focused on a different point in time of history/future. Maybe something other than a alcoholic mom as the bad guy/haunted spirit.
The dialogue and contrived mellow drama between the 3 friends is painful to sit thru. The acting is also lacking, or perhaps the script is so cheesy that maybe they had a hard time connecting to the characters and making it believable. Everything was so spelled out in too much dialogue instead of letting the film itself tell the story... and letting the audience figure it out...not literal dialogue to tell the story. Oh and the dialogue with the therapist felt soup opera like; just extra for no reason.
Also there must be an issue with the writing, directing, or editing because one scene the lead sees his dead girlfriend on the floor next to him and believes the smokey glowy eye creature is responsible. He grabs his female besty to run and runs out of the house. Then the next scene he's cool and making out with the besty. This is especially weird since several scenes before the dead girlfriend was brought back by the smokey creature, she said I love you and the lead just IGNORED the hell out of her. Lol He was seeing a shrink as a child because he said seeing imaginary people, not for being bipolar. And I don't think this was intentional. I think this was sloppy story telling or editing. Lol
And the writers never adequately explained why the mother is such a horrible mother. Ok she became an alcoholic but that was after experiencing the trauma of losing a child, and learning of her husband infidelity. She is a victim and not the bad guy. Yeah she's not perfect for drinking in front of her son or using foul language, but she was obviously drunk and deeply troubled. I doubt she would have done this with a sober mind. Alcoholism is a sickness and people suffering from it shouldn't be labeled bad person or bad parent.
Plus how many shots of outside of the house do we really need? The constant repetition of it before/after each scene makes it feel like a TV episode that needs to transition to the next scene instead of a movie.
There is no reason to watch this entire movie especially knowing the payoff of seeing some cool haunting element is lost early on when we see the ridiculous glowy cartoon eyes with the smokey spirit. It's voice is also cartoonish. Don't get my started on the less than cool version of Freddie Kruger haunting creature. Simply, the makeup and CGI was horrible at times. Too cartoonish. Maybe this is a horror flick that should be rated G or something. Lol IDK how to describe it other than very cheesy and not scary at all.
Smh I almost turned it off hallway into the movie, but I was curious just how bad it would get. It didn't get better, sadly. The explanation was so far fetched even while suspending belief. And we are forced to watch a recap of almost everything we had just watched as if it was so next level that we didn't grasp it the first time around. If the director wanted to show time travel, there are so many creative ways to depict it without giving us some boring, what felt like eternity, of a recap.
Overall perhaps with different writers, actors and directing this could be something decent because I like the general premise of time travel with a horror element. It actually would make for a cool TV series in better hands with maybe each episode or season focused on a different point in time of history/future. Maybe something other than a alcoholic mom as the bad guy/haunted spirit.
Would Have Worked Better As A Straight Horror
ladymidath26 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
While I thoroughly enjoyed The Return, I thought that the sci-fi elements were a little strained. The special effects, story, and acting were fine, I think it would have worked better as a straight-up supernatural film rather than a science fiction. While I do love sci-fi and time travel movies, this once didn't quite mesh for me. The supernatural elements worked but the science fiction elements felt too thin and rushed. But this is more a personal opinion than anything else.
Still was an enjoyable film and it did keep me watching.
I would have liked a more conclusive ending, but again, that's just me.
I recommend this film for those who enjoy a movie with some genuinely creepy moments and good solid acting.
Still was an enjoyable film and it did keep me watching.
I would have liked a more conclusive ending, but again, that's just me.
I recommend this film for those who enjoy a movie with some genuinely creepy moments and good solid acting.
The Basement Formulas
nogodnomasters15 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Rodger (Richard Harmon) returns home from college as he has inherited his father's estate. He brings along his girlfriend Beth (Sara Thompson) and childhood friend Jordan (Echo Andersson). Both his mother and sister passed long ago and the house has a presence. His mother was a scientist who had a lab in the basement as Rodger tries to regain his memory and fit all the pieces together.
The film is a mystery as to what happened. It has clues, but nothing that helps until it is really explained. What made the film watchable was Echo Andersson as Jordon. She has great lines and face.
Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.
The film is a mystery as to what happened. It has clues, but nothing that helps until it is really explained. What made the film watchable was Echo Andersson as Jordon. She has great lines and face.
Guide: F-word. Sex. No nudity.
Oh Canada, Why?
williammillerc22 January 2022
Why do i end up hate watching horror movies with the production qualities of after school specials? If you are going low budget, fine, use the found footage format, you can get a $60 gimble for your phone and shoot reasonably decent non-shaky video. This movie had minimum characters and there was no final disposition of any of them. Instead of gigawatts we just power up the plot device with d cell batteries? This movie made me feel dirty for having completed it.
It's not half bad! I'd definitely watch it again.
nlk8719 February 2023
I know I wanted to keep watching it to see what the heck was going on! Especially since wiki doesn't have this movie on it.. I hate watching movies that I can't look up & see what the ending was gonna be about!! So other people rated this low & gave it bad reviews. & yes I gave it a 4/10 but for me, 4/10 means I liked it & I would definitely watch it again. I've rated over 1,600 movies & probably half or close to it are movies I've given a 4/10.. I'm 99% I've NEVER rated a movie 10/10, cuz come on.! I think 97's Titanic is probably the highest rated movie I gave & I think I rated that 7/10. Now movies I've rated 1/10 that others absolutely love & were box office hits, such as: The Butterfly Effect, Top Gun, The Dark Knight, all the Star wars & Matrix sagas.. I try really hard to judge the movie on other things instead of my personal opinion but sometimes it's really hard. So there, now you can get a take on how I like this movie, 4/10 isn't a low rating for only unwatchable movies for me. This movie I liked, & yeah I wish the ending was a tad bit different, but it's 1 of those films that show you without showing you what happened.
Aim low shoot high
bjornrhein2 April 2024
Who are these people who like this,,, well, simply people who watch B movies alot , troma lovers , Indie movies and all kind of low quality with no budget movies, because in that world this is a crownjewel
I guess its the same guys who did the CGI in babadook that let them self lose in this one too. Because the effects is so bad its insane , they should have skipped it , rather do some cheap rubbermask instead
I didnt like it that much, Because I dont think you should do movies if you dont have the money for it , but I will say some good words also , the acting is well done and that helping alot also the story is pretty ok ,, but like I said if you are use to this low budget movies this is for you.
I guess its the same guys who did the CGI in babadook that let them self lose in this one too. Because the effects is so bad its insane , they should have skipped it , rather do some cheap rubbermask instead
I didnt like it that much, Because I dont think you should do movies if you dont have the money for it , but I will say some good words also , the acting is well done and that helping alot also the story is pretty ok ,, but like I said if you are use to this low budget movies this is for you.
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