M3GAN (***1/2): Little Miss Terminator
It’s a fun movie for a slumber party, but not much more than that.
Sick (**) is Williamson quarantined
That it’s Williamson’s name on the script this time out is as disappointing in result as it is exciting in prospect.
The Menu (****) – Willy Wonka in hell
Even with the tongue firmly in cheek, there will be some who step away from the film viewing only what they see, but not why they see it.
Another Look at The Fly (1986) – Cronenberg at his most…
As long as Cronenberg has the lens on Goldlum, The Fly is a winner.
Violent Night (****) is done right
In the list of movies with Santa Claus being an ass-kicker, this has to be near the top.
The Invitation(**) Where do they get the wait staff?
Save your time and watch something original, or at least something that can create a mood beyond waiting for the credits.
V/H/S/99 (*1/2): It’s not scary if it lacks imagination
If one finds any of these segments more scary than annoying, they’ve got a lot of patience and not much in the way of expectations when it comes to story telling. It’s not easy to envision the future of film making in this crowd.
Forgotten Gem: Lake Mungo (***1/2) is buried deep
For those who are patient enough to hang back, the end result is solid enough. Especially if one likes details.
Mario Bava’s A Bay of Blood breaks ground, among other things (**)
As bad as it is, A Bay of Blood stands as a moment in time for cinema.
Shudder’s Tailgate (****) what happens when you don’t let your wife drive
Most women, whether on a bicycle, or a motored device, don’t get into road rage situations. They have no need to express themselves on the freeway.
Another Look: Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (****) saves Universal
Lucky viewers will get to see the film as a kid and enjoy it once more when they’re older.
Smile (****) wears its trauma bravely
It’s quite remarkable to think that this is the first full length feature of the writer/director. It’s even harder to believe I have never seen or heard of Sosie Bacon until today.
Phantasm Remastered (*): Let’s do it in the graveyard
Save your time. Don’t watch this film.
Terrified (****1/2) is an effective scare
We are not outside of the danger. It’s there waiting for us.
Pearl (***1/2) – No way out
It’s hard to enjoy a truly disturbing film like this so much as one can just appreciate the effort.
Barbarian (****) Keeps its story down deep
Cregger handles some very common story elements in a completely original way.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 