United States
Published film critic for MovieRanker.com and formerly for KillerHorrorCritic.com. With over 400 pieces published, my wealth of experience and tenure is documented.
What makes this eye-rolling title actually worth watching? Find out in our review!
42 years ago, a cinematic legacy was born. 1978 saw Michael Myers for the first time in John Carpenter's Halloween... ...Carpenter would later become not only a father to the Halloween series, but the horror genre as a whole. There's no denying that he is and will always be a vital force in horror.
What makes Hackers a film worth revisiting? Find out in our retrospective.
What makes this quirky comedy so insufferable? Find out in our review.
What makes this rom-com such a disaster? Find out in our review.
What makes this romance flick so morally backwards? Find out in our review.
What makes this family thriller so bad? Find out in our review.
What makes this remake worth checking out? Find out in our review.
How does 'Shark Bait' separate itself from a sea of endless horror fodder? Find out in our review.
Are there any silver linings in this generic crime thriller? Find out in our review.
With such a ridiculous title, how is this film not at least a bit fun? Find out in our review.
Are there any redeeming qualities to this trite, by-the-numbers affair? Find out in our review.
Can arresting visuals make up for this film's sloppy narrative? Find out in our review.
What makes this flick so charming? Find out in our review.
What makes this uniquely fashioned drama so good? Find out in our review.
What makes this action flick stand out? Find out in our review.
Why do we think this widely panned new series adaptation will find a cult following? Find out in our review.
What makes this remake worth checking out? Find out in our review.
What makes this anime video game adaptation so great? Find out in our review.
What makes this big, expensive, dark comedy so irritating? Find out in our review.
What makes this psychological thriller so captivating? Find out in our review.
What are the elements that hold this macabre classic story back from excellence? Find out in our review.
What makes this sequel different from others? Find out in our review.
What about this flick won us over? Find out in our review.
Can impressive special effects make up for this flick's many flaws? Find out in our review.
What makes this slice of holiday-themed family fodder so unsatisfying? Find out in our review.
What makes this science fiction horror flick exceed expectations? Find out in our review.
Why does this alternative history horror flick fall flat? Find out in our review.
What makes this period comedy so obnoxious? Find out in our review.
What makes this thriller so pretentious and thematically primitive? Find out in our review.
Does Oswalt's latest underwhelming special ensure there won't be a fifth? Find out in our review.
What makes this horror romp such a disconnected bore? Find out in our review.
What makes this seasonal flick so spiritless? Find out in our review.
What makes this piece of family entertainment worth checking out? Find out in our review.
What makes this drama so disconcerting? Find out in our review.
What makes this drama so exceptional? Find out in our review.
What makes this "prequel era" animated 'Star Wars' show so darn fantastic? Find out in our review.
What works and what doesn't in this new climbing flick? Find out in our review.
What makes this sequel superior to previous entries? Find out in our review.
Can an exceptional atmosphere compensate for a lackluster story? Find out in our review.
What makes 'Wendell & Wild' such a misstep? Find out in our review!
Can Millie Bobby Brown carry a full-length film? Find out in our review.
What makes this horror flick surpass its expectations ? Find out in our review.
What makes this new drama so compelling? Find out in our review.
What makes this Thai comedy so unsatisfying? Find out in our review.
What makes this sappy Christmas flick worth watching? Find out in our review.
What makes this hard-hitting drama so exceptionally great? Find out in our review.
What makes this gimmicky sounding experience so good? Find out in our review.
Can slick presentation compensate for manipulative schmaltz? Find out in our review.
What makes this drama so compelling? Find out in our review.
What makes this monster flick better than the average blockbuster offering? Find out in our review.
What makes this holiday stinker such a let-down? Find out in our review.
What makes this new interpretation of the famed character so disappointing? Find out in our review.
Can this sequel 13 years in the making deliver on its expectations? Find out in our review.
What makes this dense world of dragons and magic so compelling? Find out in our review.
Does this biopic stand out at all from other inspirational sports dramas of its ilk? Find out in our review.
What makes this long airport layover worth sticking with? Find out in our review.
How does the film's engrossing story and exceptional cast make up for its inferior final act? Find out in our review.
Is this quirky dramedy worth watching? Find out in our review.
What makes this true story mafia flick so engrossing? Find out in our review.
What makes this dark web themed flick so godawful? Find out in our review.
What makes this topical film so underwhelming? Find out in our review.
What makes this Shudder original sequel so darn scary? Find out in our review.
What makes this seemingly child-like mini series so engrossing for adults? Find out in our review.
Does this little horror title elevate Tubi's reputation for ho-hum originals? Find out in our review.
Why is this seemingly cute story so "doggone" grating? Find out in our review.
Can this adaptation of the beloved franchise overturn cursed video game stigmas? Find out in our review.
What makes this stylish actioner worth checking out? Find out in our review.
What makes this documentary about a man who collects Pez dispensers so skippable? Find out in our review.
What makes this murder mystery so different from your average potboiler? Find out in our review.
What makes this possession flick any different from the usual? Find out in our review.
What makes this new werewolf flick different from the rest? Find out in our review.
Why is this horror flick so skippable? Find out in our review.
What makes this animal doc worthy of its Oscar nom? Find out in our review.
What makes this tale of endurance overcoming adversity falter? Find out in our review.
Why should you watch this speedy blue hedgehog in his latest adventure? Find out in our review.
What makes this shark flick lack sufficient bite? Find out in our review.
How does 'T.Rex Autopsy' fail to live up to its full potential? Find out in our review.
What makes this J-Horror title so scary? Find out in our review.
What makes this missing person crime drama so skippable? Find out in our review.
Why is this seemingly harmless rom-com not worth your time? Find out in our review.
What makes this creature feature so good? Find out in our review.
Why has the series begun to grow stagnant in the midst of its first season? Find out in our review.
What makes this mystery/thriller so heartless and hollow? Find out in our review.
What makes this post COVID-19 stand up special worth a look? Find out in our review.
What makes this harmless yet unsatisfying dramedy so cringe? Find out in our review.
What gives us hope about this seemingly generic conspiracy thriller? Find out in our review.
Is 'Animaniacs, Season Three' worth continuing? Find out in our review.
What makes 'Call Me Chihiro' such an enigma? Find out in our review.
Can great performances elevate a so-so story? Find out in our review.
Can Furioza's authentic sense of realism make up for its lackluster pacing? Find out in our review.
What makes this seemingly juvenile pirate flick so much fun? Find out in our review.
Is Tubi's latest horror original as ridiculous as it sounds? Find out in our review.
How can such a high stakes plot feel so boring? Find out in our review.
Can creepy atmosphere and an interesting story make up for uninspired performances? Find out in our review.
What makes this mediocre horror offering worth checking out? Find out in our review.
Is 'Animaniacs, Season Three' worth streaming? Find out in our review.
What makes this action-packed revenge flick such a giant bore? Find out in our review.
What makes this new Shyamalan flick such a disappointment? Find out in our review.
Can Elvis and his jet pack keep this show moving? Find out in our review.
What makes this spy thriller series worth tuning in for? Find out in our review.
What makes Amazon Prime's new flagship series so frustrating? Find out in our review.
What makes this seemingly generic thriller series so engrossing as a whole? Find out in our review.
What makes this drama worthy of your time? Find out in our review.
Does Elvis "leave the building" with style, or does he trip on the way out? Find out in our review.
What makes this Netflix miniseries such a tour de force? Find out in our review.
What makes this Norwegian horror flick so mediocre and insignificant? Find out in our review!
Does the crude, foul mouthed comic offer laughs in his new special? Find out in our review!
Is this science fiction drama worth your time? Find out in our review.
What makes this rom-com so bad? Find out in our review.
Is this low budget SyFy channel original worth investing time in? Find out in our review.
What makes this ranger reunion worth checking out? Find out in our review.
What makes Amazon Prime's poignant new series hard to stop watching? Find out in our review.
What makes this animated 'Star Wars' spin-off for the tykes worth checking out? Find out in our review.
Does this quirky comedy have what it takes to compete with the heavy hitters? Find out in our review.
What makes this melodramatic family drama series seemingly mediocre so far? Find out in our review.
Is this new 'Star Wars' spin-off worth giving a whirl? Find out in our review.
What makes The Force strong with these midseason episodes? Find out in our review!
Why does this Disney+ original make us pine for the Disney Channel Originals of yesteryear? Find out in our review!
What makes Amazon Prime's poignant new series hard to stop watching? Find out in our review.
What makes the show's finale episodes the best of the season? Find out in our review!
What makes this murder mystery series so gripping thus far? Find out in our review.
Can this post apocalyptic series stand out in a crowded genre? Find out in our review.
Who is "The Ripper" and what is this hidden treasure of a show in its fifth season? Find out in our review.
What makes this animated film worth watching? Find out in our review.
Can this post apocalyptic series stand out in a crowded genre? Find out in our review.
What makes this teeny bopping romance series a win for younger audiences? Find out in our review.
Does this teeny bopping romance series pick up the pace in its middle episodes? Find out in our review.
How does this whodunnit mystery series wrap up its first season? Find out in our review.
Does this paranormal horror flick bring the scares? Find out in our review!
Does this low budget series get any better well into its fifth season? Find out in our review.
Is spectacle enough in this stylish, yet somewhat hollow anime flick? Find out in our review.
What makes this Hollywood history doc so forgettable? Find out in our review.
What makes this coming of age sex romp such a middle of the road experience? Find out in our review.
What does this film do so differently from its genre peers? Find out in our review.
Is Affleck's star-studded love letter to Nike's collab with Michael Jordan a success? Find out in our review!
What becomes of these love drunk teenagers by season's end? Find out in our review.
Does 'Along For The Ride's archetypal formula still manage to move us? Find out in our review.
What makes this throwback comedy worth a trip down memory lane? Find out in our review.
What does an Indian Western look like and does it work? Find out in our review.
Is there anything redeemable about this interactive failure? Find out in our review.
What makes this Swedish Netflix comedy so forgettable? Find out in our review!
What makes this long-awaited sequel so disappointing? Find out in our review.
What makes this seemingly ho-hum drama so entertaining? Find out in our review.
Can cool chase sequences and consistent visuals make up for a flawed narrative? Find out in our review.
How does Interceptor stack up against the competition? Find out in our review.
What makes this new romantic drama so special? Find out in our review.
What makes this mouthful of a title for a series something of a slightly mixed bag? Find out in our review.
Can great characters and an intriguing story compensate for a lack of scares? And just what is so darn special about this Steven R. Monroe fellow? Find out in our review.
Does Sandler's basketball passion project deliver the goods? Find out in our review.
Is there anything that separates this vampy YA Netflix series from the rest? Find out in our review.
Does the sixth film in the 'Jurassic Park' franchise have anything left to offer? Find out in our review.
What makes this miniseries a mixed bag in the 'Resident Evil' franchise? Find out in our review.
Can a tired and recycled formula still find ways to surprise us? Find out in our review.
Is Season Two of this Star Wars Anthology series just more Star Wars fan fodder or a wonderful collection of talented artists and storytellers? Find out in our review.
How does this teen sports drama series for Netflix manage to stay on track? Find out in our review.
Is there anything redeemable about this rom-com? Find out in our review.
What makes this reimagining of 'The Stepfather' so bad? Find out in our review.
Can HBO Max replicate the feel-good charms of the classic concept that's seen two separate iterations already? Find out in our review.
What makes this high-octane action flick worth your time? Find out in our review.
Is this brutal exposure of meth addiction worth getting spun up in? Find out in our retrospective review.
What makes this highly exaggerated parody of evangelicalism so fun to watch? Find out in our review.
Is this romantic comedy worth the trip abroad? Find out in our review.
What makes this slasher flick such a forgettable experience? Find out in our review.
Can this comedy rely purely on spoof-fueled jokes? Find out in our review.
What makes this teenybopper Disney flick nearly insufferable? Find out in our review.
What makes this YA romance better than most? Find out in our review.
Does this formulaic rom-com pack any surprises? Find out in our review.
How does a unique story make up for this film's odd pacing? Find out in our review.
What makes Incantation such a skippable found footage flick? Find out in our review.
Are there any redeemable qualities to this newest adaptation of the classic novel? Find out in our review.
Are there any redeeming features to this mishandled adaptation? Find out in our review.
Why is 'In Good Hands' worthwhile? Find out in our review.
Does the pitch black, depressive nature of this film hold it back? Find out in our review.
How does this children's film compete against other leading animated franchises? Find out in our review.
Why does the central message in Jewel fall flat? Find out in our review.
What makes this drama not quite as effective as intended? Find out in our review.
What makes this horror flick an improvement upon previous Tubi originals? Find out in our review.
Does this unfocused ballet melodrama have much of anything to offer? Find out in our review.
What is it about 'Beauty' that surprisingly works? Find out in our review.
What do the filmmakers succeed and fail at with this anticipated book-to-screen adaptation? Find out in our review.
What makes this seemingly uplifting tale so off putting? Find out in our review.
Why is this film so important, and why should you see it? Find out in our review.
What makes Bill Burr's latest stand-up special so entertaining? Find out in our review.
Are there any redeeming features in this one-noted snooze fest? Find out in our review.
What makes this coming-of-age drama different from a plethora of others? Find out in our review.
What makes this progressive teen drama so unsatisfying? Find out in our review.
How can a film with such a predictably cookie-cutter narrative still satisfy? Find out in our review.
Where does 'Prey' rank among other installments in the 'Predator' franchise? Find out in our review.
What separates this docudrama from the herd of mediocrity? Find out in our review.
What makes this politically charged action/drama such a drag? Find out in our review.
Is this rom-com worth your time? Find out in our review.
Can outstanding performances save a muddled narrative? Find out in our review.
Is there anything interesting in this seemingly unnecessary documentary? Find out in our review.
What makes this rom-com so skippable? Find out in our review.
Exorcisms, poltergeists, demons, and paranormal studies are all mainstays in my household... ...No, I'm not actually afflicted by any real manifestation, but I do have a fervent fascination with the subject. As you might guess, when it comes to horror films, I'm a fanatic for the supernatural subgenre.
Some of the best pieces of art and entertainment are those created under the confines of technical and financial limitations... ...It forces the artist to use a finite amount of colors and paintbrushes, which requires a special kind of resourceful creativity that can really challenge the artist.
The late, great Wes Craven has been a horror icon for several decades and is responsible for fathering some of our most beloved and terrifying creations... ...He was a true pioneer, shaping the very horror subculture we know and love participating in. There is absolutely no way around attributing a colossal amount of credit to the man.
I always take a deviant interest in films that take jabs at the pretentious and cutthroat underbelly of the soulless machine that is Hollywood... ...Of course, not everyone who works in Hollywood is a materialistic asshole, but there's certainly no shortage of that crowd.
If I had to choose between watching cheesy sci-fi B movies or cerebral existentialist sci-fi cinema, I would, without hesitation, choose the cheese... ...That's not to say I don't enjoy the occasional intellectual space outing, but those films usually don't garner repeat viewings for me.
I wrote my college thesis on the postmodern influences in the Underworld film series... ...While it took some convincing with my film professor-he didn't think I could possibly relate these films in such a way-I not only proved him wrong; I got an A+.
For a long time, whenever I heard "video game film adaptation" there was an automatic reduction in faith for whatever video game film was being mentioned... ...Over the last few years or so there has been a slow shift into a new era of video game film adaptations where quality is expected far more often.
Ok, so I want you to go back in time with me. Indulge me a little here... ...It's 2002 and the film Panic Room is out. After Fight Club's mixed initial reception, director David Fincher came back swinging with this crowd-pleasing thriller. In it, we witness the "good bad guy" trope, played expectedly well by Forest Whitaker.
A horror film about a group of horny twenty-somethings who go to a secluded area and uncover some kind of horrible mystery isn't exactly original... ...That very scenario was plenteous in the film industry during the mid 1990's, following into the early 2000's.
On paper, director Bradley Parker's and writers Stefan Jaworski and Eric Scherbarth's The Devil Below sounds like the kind of movie I'd fantasize about... ...When a film contains cryptids, hauntings, or creepy folklore, I perk up like Anthony Perkins' bird-like portrayal of Norman Bates.
To make a murder mystery is a daunting task... ...The story needs to be clever enough to fool you on a few plot twists, it needs characters with clear, usually passionate motives, and it should be giving your brain some mild exercise. Making a murder mystery comedy is another beast entirely.
What makes this rom-drama so skippable? Find out in our review.
What makes this drama worth watching? Find out in our review.
What makes this poltergeist investigation nothing short of a hoax? Find out in our review.
What makes this trippy horror outing so bitterly cynical? Find out in our review.
What makes this tangled mystery somewhat worth checking out? Find out in our review.
What makes this nearly twenty-year-old film worth a second look? Find out in our review.
What makes this paranormal series more than just reality show trickery? Find out in our review.
What makes this imperfect psychological thriller still worth your time? Find out in our review.
What makes this family fantasy comedy so skippable? Find out in our review.
Does this series finale pick up the slack from what's been lacking in the series so far? Find out in our review.
Has comedy master Judd Apatow lost his funny bone? Find out in our review.
How does Howard High stack up against the beloved miniseries it's based on? Find out in our review.
What makes this ensemble drama such a standout? Find out in our review.
Is Ryan Reynolds' charm finally wearing thin? Find out in our review.
Are Charlie Day and Jenny Slate funny enough to distract us from the same old, tired rom-com cliches? Find out in our review.
What makes this animated film worth watching? Find out in our review.
Is The Deep House a Blumhouse bomb, or something worth taking the dive for? Find out in our review.
How badly does historical inaccuracy plague Hell Hath No Fury? Find out in our review.
What makes the story of Black Crab so troublesome? Find out in our review.
What makes Netflix's new war drama so moving? Find out in our review.
Does this French remake offer anything new for fans of the acclaimed South Korean original? Find out in our review.
Is 'Animaniacs' worth streaming? Find out in our review.
What makes Phoenix Rising an inspirational watch? Find out in our review.
Does this new anime series offer Netflix streamers something unique? Find out in our review.
What's the missing spark in this well-intentioned trainwreck? Find out in our review.
What makes this exotic drama different from your average rom-com fodder? Find out in our review.
What makes this children's tale so stale? Find out in our review.
Does Harland Manor work as a drama? Find out in our review.
Does the fifth installment of the successful horror franchise deliver the goods? Find out in our review!
What makes this doc so interesting for Millennials? Find out in our review.
What makes this animated tie-in series a must watch? Find out in our review.
How does the seventh entry in this high octane franchise fare? Find out in our review!
What is it about this adaptation that works so well? Find out in our review!
What makes 'T2 Trainspotting' a near perfect sequel? Find out in our retrospective.
Does this action-heavy, Polish thriller manage to capture interesting characters? Find out in our review!
What makes this new Sonic series worth coming back for Season Two? Find out in our review.
What makes this film worth talking about twenty years later? Find out in our review!
What makes this docuseries so mediocre and lacking in objectivity? Find out in our review.
Why is this universally panned film worth your time? Find out in our review!
Midway through the season, is this televangelist farce still worth watching? Find out in our review.
Does this animated tie-in series still thrill with more twists and turns? Find out in our review.
What makes 'Resident Evil: Dead Island' better than 2021's 'Infinite Darkness'? Find out in our review.
What makes this small screen adaptation so much fun? Find out in our review.
Will this harrowingly intimate doc move you? Find out in our review!
Can Timothy Olyphant and Claire Danes make it out of this labyrinthine mystery? Find out in our review.
What makes this cynical, often frighteningly self-destructive journey so fascinating? Find out in our review!
Can this evangelical farce close its third season with laughs and surprises? Find out in our review.
Does this outdoorsy rom-com manage to do anything unique? Find out in our review!
Can this remake of the 1994 thriller deliver palpable suspense? Find out in our review!
Can this adult animated series bring the laughs? Find out in our review.
What makes this small screen adaptation a ride with decent mileage? Find out in our review.
What works and doesn't work about this new cautionary doc? Find out in our review!
Why should you revisit the film so many originally hated? Find out in our review!
What makes this documentary about the ridiculous media parade an interesting watch? Find out in our review.
What makes this often dismissed sequel worth revisiting? Find out in our review!
What makes this limited drama series so compelling? Find out in our review.
Can 'Ahsoka' save the feverish frenzy of Disney 'Star Wars' excess? Find out in our review.
Is this adult animated series worth sticking with? Find out in our review.
What makes this concert DVD worth putting in your disc tray? Find out in our review.
What makes this season finale worth driving into? Find out in our review.
Can this adult animated series still bring the laughs? Find out in our review.
How does 'Ahsoka' make us less cynical about the contemporary 'Star Wars' franchise? Find out in our review.
What makes this 2012 actioner worth exploring? Find out in our review!
What makes this seemingly great animal series simply okay? Find out in our review.
What makes this new series better than its contemporaries? Find out in our review.
What makes this animal documentary series better than most so far? Find out in our review.
What makes this new series better than its contemporaries? Find out in our review.
What makes this animal docu series so disappointing? Find out in our review.
What makes this new series better than its contemporaries? Find out in our review.
What makes this stuffy, royal court film worth watching? Find out in our review!
What makes this comedy special miniseries so refreshing? Find out in our review.
What makes this 2001 film worth talking about? Find out in our review!
What makes this coupling of episodes less enjoyable than the last? Find out in our review.
What makes this comedy special worth checking out? Find out in our review.
While Full Moon has made many films and a few franchises, The Puppet Master series is their prized flagship property... ... Blade: The Iron Cross acts as a spin-off of sorts and follows the events set up in 2017's Puppet Master: Axis Termination and 2018's Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich.
I see a lot of films. By way of being a film critic, I live and breathe movies, but I see a lot of films as simply a fan of film. I'll never lose my fascination, respect and love of the craft, but...
There's a lot that can be done with the simple concept of a group of people stranded in small space. Whether they're stranded in the ocean, like in Open Water (2003), stuck on a ski lift in freezing weather with wolves circling below, as seen in Frozen (2010), or huddled inside a small, indoor ATM building while a killer waits just outside, like in ATM (2012), any stranded situation can create genuine cinematic tension...
The slasher genre has gone through several incarnations over the years. From the character-based franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) to the meta horror pioneer, Scream, (1996) to the slew of remakes and reboots, there really hasn't been a time when slashers weren't relevant in some capacity.
When it comes to creature features, I'm a pretty easy fan to please. As long as you give me a convincing enough monster, unique and gruesome kills and at least one character who I at least halfway like, you have a satisfied customer here.
There are only a handful of people in horror that harness the kind of respect, popularity and recognition that Sam Raimi has. For decades Raimi has remained one of horror's most revered darlings. His name has been attached to numerous successful projects and he's one of the few people in Hollywood that has horror brand power...
What makes this 2003 film worth talking about? Find out in our review!
I've been a fan of 'body horror' for as long as I've been a fan of horror films. Not necessarily considered body horror, but Alien (1979) was the first horror experience I ever had and the chestburster scene terrified my innocent seven-year-old brain. I learned then that I thoroughly enjoyed being scared...
Out of all the horror subgenres, the "creepy kid" variety usually isn't my favorite. It relies far too much on tired tropes and jump scares. Also, like a lot of subgenres, it's one that's incredibly oversaturated. After the commercial success of The Omen (1976), filmmakers have been trying to recreate the same novelty, but usually fail because these imitations don't offer anything original...
I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to "high concept" films... ...I especially like smaller, independent concept films, as the filmmaker's have the freedom to think up some really fun and bizarre hooks. To those unfamiliar, a high concept film is a film that contains a sort of gimmick plot or situation that is easily pitched in one or two sentences.
When sitting down to revisit House of Wax (2005), I was struck by how transported I felt. 2005 was a big year for film and it was also the year I turned 16. Being 16 meant being able to pile into my...
I consider myself to be a pretty fair critic. I pride myself in that, because I often read reviews that are so pretentiously cynical that I wonder if they've ever actually enjoyed watching a film.
I can look past many flaws and extract positives from the many facets of film production. Some of my favorite films are commercial or critical failures, but beneath the surface, hide strokes of brilliance. It's the beautiful disasters that are far more interesting than the crowd pleasers who chase the almighty Tomatometer.
Quite frankly, I've grown a bit tired of meta horror and meta film in general... ...What was once a novel and daring innovation has now become a pretentious vanity exercise.
There's a unique energy and passion in directorial debuts that always reminds me why I love cinema, and it's especially inspiring and exciting when a first feature is a bold, daring assault of a film...
Several times I've stated in the contents of my reviews that I try very hard to go into every film with the best intentions... ...I don't think it's fair for me as a film critic to go into any film with a bad attitude. It's irresponsible and unfair to the writer and director plain and simple.
In the wonderful world of horror, it's sometimes difficult to find films that really capture a sense of originality... ...There are longer periods between films that actually inspire a raised brow and get me invested from the film's first moments.
Deep Blue Sea (1999) is, for me, infinitely rewatchable, so I was excited to hear about a third entry to the franchise... ...Even so, I had my reservations; aim to course correct the many issues of the second film.
Love him or hate him, rocker turned filmmaker Rob Zombie has earned his seat at the horror table... ...And what a hard-won upward battle it was. His first film, is everything a sequel should be and nothing you expect it to be.
The long running marriage in film and TV of the occult, youthful promiscuity and gothic culture has always earned itself fans amongst disenfranchised youth... ...When I was growing up, the alternative scene was in full swing. Moody, gothic inspired films like have teamed up to tell a sexy tale of youth, loss and destiny.
Legends, folklore, cryptids and curses all light up the right bulbs in my brain... ...Most nights you'll find me drifting off to sleep to the soothing voices of spooky story narrations.
On paper, Ingenium sounds like an interesting little mystery... ...Felicitas ( knows what it wants to say with its lofty subject matter. Esther Maab) is a woman struggling with debilitating nightmares, relying on a questionable medication to curb her night terror episodes.
Death is an inevitable part of life, but there is a wide spectrum of different ways people die... ...If we're fortunate, we'll fade away in our sleep, or make our fatal transition surrounded by family and friends. Having a thrill-seeking nurse inject poison into your veins right after a doctor gives you hope of living is not part of the fortunate variety.
The horror film climate of the last decade has been populated with several Sasquatch related films, and as a casual Sasquatch/Bigfoot enthusiast, I've seen most of them... ...Many of the lot are the kind of insultingly bad horror movies you'd find at a Redbox, with poorly rendered cover art.
Creating originality in the realm of supernatural horror is quite the challenge these days... ...Many films find success by borrowing what's worked in other films and putting their unique spin on them. Some of my favorite horror films take this approach, or, in some cases, are even remakes.
In the arthouse horror scene, I always feel like the odd man out... ...It's like I'm a high school freshman who wound up at a senior party and tries really hard to act cool but ends up fucking something up.
How many films do you remember seeing during the month of January? Probably not very many... ...It's easy to recall summer blockbusters, biopics, or whimsical fantasy films you saw with your family in December. In the film industry, the month of January is a bad omen.
Some filmmakers are so synonymous with my taste that, when I hear of their involvement in a film, I'm hooked before I know anything about the project... ...For example, David Fincher could make a traditional romantic comedy and I would come running. Director Darren Lynn Bousman ( Repo!
Films that deliver strong moral parables have to do a lot to win me over... ...That's not to say that there aren't exceptions or that the sentiments within aren't important, but if you have something to say, you'd better say it with confident conviction.
Modern civilization has given way to the massive industrialization of the land we inhabit... ...I grew up in a state that relies heavily on its farming operations and while I don't have a family tied to that industry, I certainly knew people that were.
There's something incredibly romantic and haunting about the sea... ...It always makes for a rich setting in tone and atmosphere in horror films. There's a built-in mystique that lulls the audience in, but the filmmaker must do the legwork to pull the audience along with that tide.
There is something pure and reverently archetypal about scary campfire tales... ...Even when they're generic, it takes me back to an innocent time of sleepovers, when my buddies and I would tell ghost stories and watch horror movies.
Horror and comedic absurdity have always been harmonious with one another... ...Once the B movie and trashy grindhouse cinema became a revered formula of nostalgia, filmmakers began emulating their charms with mixed success. Sometimes these self-aware parodies prove to be insanely entertaining, inspiring young film buffs to discover massive back catalogues of pioneers like Roger Corman, Robert Rodriguez, and Sam Rami.
Does new Tubi original, Unborn, contain any shred of entertainment value? Find out in our review.
Does this tragic love story deliver the goods? Find out in our review.
Does this new entry in the iconic franchise stand out from the rest? Find out in our review.
What prevents the film from falling victim to sappy fluff are the intense, moving performances and an integrity in its subject matter. Here's our review.
As well intentioned as it is, Demonic is a victim of too many ideas that collectively drag you further and further away from what was most interesting about his films in the first place: characters. Here's our review for Demonic.
Though not entirely faithful, this game adaptation delivers the action escapism we crave! Here's our review for Monster Hunter.
Taking aim at Tinseltown narcissism, this horror satire blends scares with laughs. Here is our review for Untitled Horror Movie.
Though its not without its gimmick-induced faults, Old is still a welcome revival of old school thrills. Here's our review.
The Lost World: Jurassic Park delivers on its promise of bigger and better, but it's so much more than that. Here's our review.
Before the age of streaming and VOD, we as a consumer base had very limited means of seeking out our favorite TV shows and films. It's almost difficult to think of a time without our modern-day streaming services feeding us ready and available content. We've become spoiled gluttons of entertainment...
Most of us have heard the saying, "don't judge a book by its cover." It's old and possibly trite, but it's a true little collection of words. Although not nearly as novel as your sweet librarian reminding you of that principle, applying it to film is just as relevant.
It's hard not to chuckle at some of the Reynolds-isms that have always charmed us, and Howery yields the film's biggest laughs, but outside of that, Free Guy should be avoided during your free time. Here's our review.
It's that time of year again when myself and many other horror enthusiasts get to relish in the indulgence of Halloween horror cinema. Granted, we celebrate ghosties, ghoulies and things that go bump in the night all year round, but for one month, we're offered more than our regular dose of horror.
An interesting concept can go a long way with just a little propulsion. I can think of several films with mediocre writing, acting and production but that also have an engaging or fun premise, that render the mediocre aspects forgivable. Take a film like Cube (1997,) for example.
Camp Cold Brook has all the makings of a good movie. It boasts a solid and believable cast, a gorgeous setting, and the respected name of Joe Dante as an executive producer. Far from living up to this potential, the film is wholly unoriginal and, at times, downright pitiful...
Sometimes, a morbid and trashy but witty story can be a liberating experience, letting your political correct defenses down and reveling in well-written dark, offensive humor. There are plenty of writers and filmmakers who do it well, somehow able to balance bad taste with a beating heart at the center, even if that heart is a murmuring, stint occupied death forecast.
The film has never looked better and it's heartfelt charm proves why it continues to occupy cult movie status. Here's our review for Rad!
Shit and Champagne is the kind of movie that will go on to achieve cult status, packing screenings everywhere. Here's our review.
Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets so badly wants to be special, and sometimes it borders on getting there, but it all kind of comes across as a hustle to be weird and unique for the sake of it.
The film climate I'm often exposed to and equally drawn to is one of cinematic eccentricities. These films are often viewed as morbid schlock or an exercise in senseless taboo, gratuitous violence with little or nothing to say, or to the most joyless and jaded critics, "utter trash."
This sequel could have been an introspective, psychological thriller, but instead it's a self indulgent exercise in shock value.
When it comes to bad movies, (especially bad horror movies) there is a towering list of different tiers and categories. For the sake of brevity and the film in question, I'll spotlight two very polar types; bad movies that are self-aware passion projects and bad movies that leave you irritatingly puzzled as to why they were made.
Despite an abrupt, inconclusive third act and a weak score, The Night House is a solid horror/drama with the kind of integrity the genre sorely needs right now. Here's our review!
Does Love Hard earn any merit? Find out in our review.
You can't tap out when you're dead... ...Some say wrestling is fake. Those are words that would get you killed with Wrestlemassacre's Randy! Wild Eye Releasing has released a trailer for Wrestlemassacre from director Brad Twigg, which features a wannabe wrestler who snaps and decides to pile drive everyone he knows straight to hell!
Today in our current gaming climate, it's become increasingly more accessible for indie horror game developers to get their games out. Thanks is due, in large part, to Steam, which allows passionate creators to market and release their smaller games to a large audience.
Every now and then, I go into a film completely blind. Blind to the trailer, blind to the writer and director, I shield myself from promotional materials and most importantly, critical reception. By practicing this, I come away from a film without the expectation of quality or pointing out what a peer of mine has said about it.
Val may be a vanity project with the kind of self indulgence that triggers eye rolls, but there's a seductive and moving quality to it if you're patient. Here is our review for Val.
Have you ever seen a movie, where about ten minutes in, you've already concluded it's going to be a bad film? Director Tony Glazer and Choice Films have made a film that meets the criteria as far as bad impressions go, but Dead Sound manages to bring about a miracle; it's not a terrible film by any means.
Whenever a genre or trend becomes oversaturated, it becomes an irritating thorn in the side of the film industry. When Sharknado broke onto the scene in 2013, casual moviegoers took notice of a novel 'new' concept; The B movie.
Whether we like to admit it or not, cinephiles usher in an invisible set of expectations that we whip out when watching a new film. Years of being exposed to an endless catalogue of films of all genres have trained us to distinguish quality, predict the clichés, recognize homages and equally point out the frauds and copycats with vigorous justice.
We hope this isn't Eastwood's farewell swan song, because we know he can do better than this. Here's our review for Cry Macho.
The Score is an immensely satisfying thriller, made even better by its superb performances. Here is our review.
The Last Mercenary is a new action-comedy starring classic action star Jean-Claude Van Damme. Here's our review.
A younger generation may find value in this retelling, but its odd MPAA rating that doesn't mesh with the youthful tone and improper marketing may turn away potential fans. Here's our review for Twist.
Candyman ends up being its own worst enemy, making for a sometimes appetizing sensory feast that unfortunately doesn't amount to much lasting sustenance. Here's our review.
Does Antlers deliver on scares? Find out in our review.
What makes Two not quite the sum of its parts? Find out in our review.
Why is The Lost Daughter a must-stream? Find out in our review
Why is For the Sake of Vicious a new horror gem? Find out in our review.
Does The Colony fill any sort of void in a slate of movies teeming with apocalyptic themes? Find out in our review.
Why does Brazen fall flat? Find out in our review.
Why is The Princess Switch 3: Romancing The Star so fun to watch? Find out in our review.
Is 8-Bit Christmas worth a watch on the ol' Max? Find out in our review.
Why does Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City fall flat? Find out in our review.
Why might you want to check out Aardman's new Netflix original Robin Robin? Find out in our review.
Why does Single All The Way not quite work? Find out in our review.
Is White Snake 2: Green Snake equal to the sum of its parts? Find out in our review.
What makes A Boy Called Christmas worth streaming this holiday season? Find out in our review.
Why is Encounter worth "encountering"? Find out in our review.
Do the pros of David and the Elves level out the cons? Find out in our review.
Does this Diary of a Wimpy Kid reboot work? Find out in our review.
Is Animaniacs: Season Two worth diving into? Find out in our review.
One could argue that such a shallow examination of its subject matter is disrespectful, but this film isn't so much an examination, as it is a celebration.
After 20 years, looking back at this forgotten Burton oddity is a real helluva blast. Here's our review for Planet of the Apes.
If you plan to power through all the Insidious and Conjuring films, their spin-offs, and spiritual successors, make sure you put Malignant pretty far down on the list.
Is the latest Bond installment must-watch or more of the same? Read our review!
Can Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves revitalize Batman? Find out in our review.
How does Ghostbusters: Afterlife get it right? Find out in our review.
Is 'Spencer' worth seeing in theaters? Find out in our review.
Does this new installment in the "Welcome to the Blumhouse" series measure up? Find out in our review.
What works and doesn't work in Creepshow Season 3? Find out in our review.
As fun as it might be to laugh at the ridiculous, unsexy hijinks of Pippa and Thomas, that doesn't make it a good movie. Here's our review for The Voyeurs.
What makes Lulli's formulaic premise watchable? Find out in our review.
Why might you enjoy George Clooney's new coming-of-age tale, The Tender Bar? Find out in our review.
Why does Hulu Original, Sex Appeal, lack much appeal? Find out in our review.
Why is Hellbound worth binge-watching? Find out in our review.
What works in the first three episodes of The Wheel of Time? Find out in our review.
Why is Mixtape refreshingly different from the Netflix norm? Find out in our review.
What makes The Whole Truth a mixed bag? Find out in our review.
Is Saturday Morning All Star Hits! more than just a 90's parody? Find out in our review.
Does Love Tactics' recycled rom-com formula work at all? Find out in our review.
What exactly does a movie backed by Ben Shapiro actually look like? Find out in our review.
Is Love and Leashes' exploration of taboo as heartwarming as it strives to be? Find out in our review.
Is this new found-footage horror flick worth taking the plunge on a Shudder subscription? Find out in our review.
Is V/H/S94 worth checking out a free trial on Shudder? Find out in our review.
Is this prequel centered around Matthias Schweighöfer's Army of the Dead character worth a watch? Find out in our review.
Some Blumhouse movies stand out over others. Which one is Bingo Hell? Read our review and find out.
Friendzone is a Frankenstein's monster of romantic comedies, which could be seen as either annoying or nostalgic, depending on the viewer. Here's our review.
Not all psychological thrillers land with the desired effect. Is The Guilty an exception? Read on for our review.
Home Sweet Home Alone Review
How does 'Elves Season One' find scares surrounding Santa's little helpers? Find out in our review.
What makes 'We Couldn't Become Adults' so melancholically effective? Find out in our review.
What is Mother/Android so derivative of? Find out in our review.
Despite the mixed word-of-mouth, should you maybe check out The Matrix Resurrections after all? Find out in our review.
How will Vicky and Her Mystery raise your spirits? Find out in our review.
Why is Munich: The Edge Of War less thrilling than its title suggests? Read our review to find out.
Does watching new Tubi original, 'First Person Shooter' offer even passing entertainment value? Find out in our review.
Is 'My Best Friend Anne Frank' worthy of Frank's legacy? Find out in our review
Does this erotic drama turn up the heat, or leave us cold and empty? Find out in our review.
Is this eccentric, exciting adventure all style and no substance? Find out in our review
Is 'Child of Kamiari Month' another anime winner for Netflix? Find out in our review.
What makes The Orbital Children unique? Find out in our review.
Why is Tall Girl 2 better than the first? Find out in our review.
Does this Shudder original film keep their solid track record intact? Find out in our review.
What makes 'A Mouthful of Air' so powerful? Find out in our review.
Does Finch cinematically take Apple TV + to the next level? Find out in our review.
Why is the original entry in the franchise so underrated? Find out in our review.
There's a unique energy and passion in directorial debuts that always reminds me why I love cinema, and it's especially inspiring and exciting when a first feature is a bold, daring assault of a film...
When watching a horror film, it's never a good sign when it evokes more awkwardness than scares. Most of the time, it's not for lack of trying. At some point in the filmmaking process, something either doesn't pull its weight, or an ingredient just doesn't fit, so the whole film suffers because of it...
Today is the 20th anniversary of the David Twohy science fiction horror film, Pitch Black. It's hard to believe that in February of 2000, Bill Clinton was still our president, the now cult favorite Danny Boyle film, The Beach was a freshly certified flop, commercially and critically and Vin Diesel (pre- The Fast and the Furious) was still relatively unknown.
Every now and then, I go into a film completely blind. Blind to the trailer, blind to the writer and director, I shield myself from promotional materials and most importantly, critical reception. By practicing this, I come away from a film without the expectation of quality or pointing out what a peer of mine has said about it.
Is 'Next of Kin' worth even a Paramount Plus free trial? Find out in our review.