Halloween Michael Meyers Series: The Rank and File
A review of the first 10 Michael Meyers film, complete with ranking.
Malignant (**) – Cut out the cancer
Malignant is a film where director, James Wan, takes a step back from the big budget and tries to reconnect with the genre of films that pushed him into the big budget stratosphere.
Candyman then (***1/2) and now (*****)
As it turns out, Marvel made the right choice. Candyman, the “spiritual” (instead of exploitive) sequel to the 1992 original, is superior in every way. In fact, this film is so good, it makes Bernard Rose’s film essential viewing, if only to complete the context.
Amazon’s The Tomorrow War (**1/2) stuck in reverse
If you make it through the agonizing first hour, you’ll have something on between The Thing and Starship Troopers.
Flashback (**) Handle your High
There is entirely too much flashing, and not enough here for which to back.
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (**1/2) diminishing returns
It’s doubtful anyone will dislike this entry, beyond the afore-mentioned lack of lighting, but it’s also no sure bet that it will be nearly revisited as the first two films. Subtract half of a point for sadly wasting John Noble.
A Quiet Place Part II (***1/2) Dives a bit
The best thing about that first film, however, is the best thing about the second film: Millicent Simmonds.
Netflix’ Army of the Dead (***1/2) is Snyder’s road back
Notaro especially is worth the price of admission, with her wry comedic observations wafting through the heavy air like a wisdom to which the rest of us are not privy.
Spiral: From The Book of Saw (***1/2) finally makes good on the promise
It’s not necessarily a reinvention, but the same story in better hands.
Separation (*1/2) In search of anxiety
You can skip this and just assume you will know the real killer in the first 5 minutes.
The Unholy (**) – The usual dog and pony show
As the would be prophet, Alice, Cricket Brown is possibly the best thing about the film.
Willy’s Wonderland (**1/2) – One night at Nic’s
Will you enjoy this film? Probably as much as one enjoys the aforementioned Banana Splits, maybe more if you like Nic Cage as a brooding mute who likes kicking ass and playing pinball.
Wrong Turn (****) backwoods Rashomon
In this Wrong Turn, if you’re looking for woke, you got it. You want several traps and gory death, you will get that too.
Sea Fever (***1/2) is The Thing in the Sea
For those unfamiliar with Alien or, better John Carpenter’s The Thing, Sea Fever will be a surprise.
Another Look: Wes Craven’s New Nightmare wears down through the years
The gifts that Craven had as a storyteller would not be acknowledged here, as this film made the least of the entire series. There is little accounting for taste or reaching beyond the same old stuff.
Come Play: Unloneliness (***)
Come Play is another debut by a director who turns a successful short into something hopefully better with studio support. The results are mixed, but overall this is the kind of film one shows their kids if unsure whether or not they’re really ready for a scary movie.
