Archives for : Horror
10. Sorry, Baby- “Sorry, Baby” begins with the audience knowing something bad happened to Agnes (earnestly played by filmmaker Eva Victor). As the story unfolds, it is as if we are flies on a wall, witnessing one of the most aching and profoundly authentic depictions of the aftermath of sexual assault. “Sorry, Baby” is a compelling and honest dark comedy about significant trauma.
9. Twinless- This movie is about two grieving men, who bond in a support group for those who have lost their twins. They form a brotherly friendship, but it is soon revealed that all is not what it seems. That sounds more eerie than it needs to be. However, you never know where this story is headed. “Twinless” is a smart screenplay with the right balance of dark humor, and features Dylan O’ Brien’s best performance to date. This story cleverly explores the pain of grief and loneliness.
8. KPop Demon Hunters- The best animated feature of the year is also one of the best films of the year (with one of the best soundtracks of the year)! “KPop Demon Hunters” is a visually and musically captivating, creative tale about friendship, self-acceptance, and overcoming shame. The film features incredible voice acting (and singing) with a stunning representation of the Korean culture. Believe the hype with this one!
7. The Ugly Stepsister- It’s a twisted take on the classic Cinderella story I didn’t know I needed. “The Ugly Stepsister” is a comedic, body horror about the “physical perfection” pressured on young women looking for a husband. While the film can be gruesome at times, it is an unforgettable watch that brings a whole new and unexpected meaning to “happily ever after”.
6. Eternity- Set in an afterlife where souls have one week to decide where to spend eternity. Joan is faced with the impossible choice between the man she spent her life with or her first love, who died young in war and has waited 67 years for her to arrive. This is a charming, original, and surprisingly moving romantic comedy with a thought-provoking message about what “eternal love” truly means.
5. F1- What I expected to be a loud, long, and hallow joy ride, turned into a swift, exhilarating, and gripping race! “F1” brings excitement and heart with some ’90s nostalgia to this true cinematic experience. Fantastic casting all around, including an incredible breakthrough performance by Damson Idris.
4. Sinners- I was pleasantly surprised to discover “Sinners” was a bluesy, bloody horror. This film goes beyond a typical “vampire movie”. Ryan Coogler masterfully layers his frightening story with interracial conflicts, cultural history, a powerful soundtrack, and riveting thrills. Michael B. Jordan gives TWO award-worthy performances along with the seamless ensemble cast.
3. Weapons- I can see why there was a bidding war over the “Weapons” spec script. I can’t remember the last time I was truly scared while watching a scary movie in theaters. I had a sense of panic and struggled to fall asleep that night. Zach Cregger is known for his wild horror, “The Barbarian”, but this time around, Cregger elevates his storytelling with a unique and sharp-witted screenplay. The film is wisely crafted with effective jump scares and an appropriate amount comic relief.
2. Materialists- It’s a refreshing spin on the rom-com genre. Lucy is an ambitious young New York City matchmaker, who finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. The plot raises a lot of questions about dating in the modern world today. Primarily, what is it that you are not willing to compromise. It is deep and there is an ongoing discussion about the “math” of dating and how it can become a business transaction. How much does “love” truly factor in the equation? “Materialists” is an authentic perspective on dating, brilliantly told through Celine Song’s detail and insightful mind.
1. Superman- In the current state of superhero movie fatigue, it is rare that one could still blow me away. James Gunn has revitalized the genre, especially for DC, and given us a Superman (with a sense of humor) we can truly look up to. He has resuscitated the tired story and given life to this tale with a contemporary take told by a stellar cast, including a scene stealing dog. This Superman leads with kindness, so much so that in the heat of battle he will stop to save a squirrel. His desire to be accepted by society, while still staying true to his innate virtue, pulls at your heart and inspires hope.
The Rest of the Best:
11. Jay Kelly
12. Together
13. Predator: Badlands
14. My Dead Friend Zoe
15. One Battle After Another
16. Dead Man’s Wire
17. It Was Just an Accident
18. The Perfect Neighbor
19. Baltimorons
20. Bob Trevino Likes It
Top 5 Worst Film of 2024
5. Wolf Man – Shockingly boring and pointless.
4. The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Waste of a perfectly good cast, AGAIN! But oh, the CGI on that baby is unforgiveable.
3. Anemone – Nepotism at its worst. Can’t believe Daniel Day-Lewis came out of retirement for this one.
2. Black Phone 2 – A sequel was clearly not necessary, but this movie was just an insult to the incredible original film. I’m still so disappointed.
1. Ella McCay – What in the world was this movie? Was the script not finished? Did the editor’s quit midway through? I’m not sure what happened here, but it was bad. VERY bad.
Trevor’s Top 10
10. Twinless
9. F1
8. Weapons
7. Eternity
6. Predator: Badlands
5. Black Bag
4. Materialists
3. Sinners
2. The Long Walk
1. Superman
Stephen King’s newest adaptation, The Long Walk is not for the faint of heart. It’s a chilling and intense thriller grounded by the emotional depth of its relatable characters and the choices they make.
Based on King’s first-written novel, the film is set in a dystopian future where a group of teenage boys compete to win a life-changing prize in an annual contest known as The Long Walk, where they must maintain a certain walking speed or get shot. It is as stressful as it sounds, pushing horror boundaries that are equally terrifying, thought-provoking and emotional. The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, who ironically enough directed several of the Hunger Games movies, which plot wise feel eerily related. Lawrence masterfully captures the tension and anxiety these boys are feeling with every step they take. As soon as the walk begins, audiences will be on edge waiting for the inevitable demise of 49 walkers.
It is a difficult watch but if you can power through the unsettling images, you will be blown away by some early Oscar-worthy performances by Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson. Read full review here.
Rating: A-
“The Long Walk” opens in theaters September 12, 2025.
Shark movies have become a staple for this time of year, there’s something about watching “Jaws”, “Deep Blue Sea”, “The Shallows”, and many more during the outdoor swimming months that really gets us in the summer spirit. And now, audiences can add a refreshing twist to that list with “Dangerous Animals”.
Director Sean Bryne and writer Nick Lepard bring us the unexpected serial killer/shark combo horror fans will be chomping at the bit to see. Read full review here.
Rating: A-
“Dangerous Animals” opens in theaters June 6, 2025.
It’s January so most moviegoers know this is what we call “dump month”, it’s where films like the new horror reboot, “Wolf Man” go to die. That’s right, this is not a rare January horror gem like MEGAN. Unfortunately, filmmaker Leigh Whannell fails to bring the wit and care he has provided in his past films.
The film stars Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner as a couple looking to reconnect and build a stronger relationship with their daughter, who is apparently disconnected from her working mom. This subplot is briefly mentioned, in an aimless way, and we’re supposed to feel for this family’s apparent struggle with no background or character development to their strained marriage. The only backstory is at the top of the film, where we see Abbott’s character, Blake, at a young age with his stern father in a remote house in the woods. It is there we first learn about the bigfoot type creature lurking in the forest. Fast forward 30 years later, Blake has learned about his father’s passing and now wants to take this opportunity to rebuild his own family with a trip to this abandon farmhouse. On their way there, they are attacked by an unseen animal, and as the night goes on, Blake begins to transform into something unrecognizable.
Early reactions called this film a hardcore, terrifying watch. Outside of a couple of jump scares, “Wolf Man” lacks fear, suspense, and most importantly, fun. We don’t expect a film like this to be groundbreaking or have an amazing story, but at the very least, provide some entertainment. The film is slow, spending most of its time sitting around in the dimly lit home waiting for the dad to turn full werewolf. This might have to do with Whannell’s attempt at a “deeper” story about how to parent and love your child. But this message is completely lost on audiences, as the film never finds its footing and the actors never fully commit to their performance. Both Abbott and Garner deserve more from their script and it’s evident, they showed up for the paycheck and nothing more.
Horror fans should still form their own opinion but be warned; besides a few creative shots and the previously mentioned scares, “Wolf Man” is more of a slow dumpster fire rather than a slow burn. It’s a predictable, uninspired story that’s all bark and no bite.
Rating: D
“Wolf Man” opens in theaters January 17, 2025.
“The Watchers” follows a young artist who gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night. I spoke with filmmaker, Ishana Night Shyamalan (daughter of horror icon, M. Night Shyamalan) about her directorial debut.
“The Watchers” opens in theaters June 7, 2024.
You might remember the 2008 film, “The Strangers” based on a
horrifying true story of a home invasion. “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is based on the series but is the first installment of a new trilogy directed by Renny Harlin.
After a young couple’s car breaks down in an eerie small town, they are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. What was supposed to be a relaxing evening turns into a nightmare, as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who attack them with no mercy and seemingly no motive. This first chapter is a promising start to the new saga, as Harlin creates a disturbing, realistic setting with subtle jump scares that make you uneasy from the moment they enter the secluded home.
The film does have a bumpy start. The acting and dialogue feel very much like a CW drama, but once the couple arrive at the cabin, the story really finds its footing and succeeds in making you never want to take a vacation in the middle of nowhere. However, you will be eager to see what’s to come after this first movie, as it does end with a “to-be-continued”. Another draw to the film is the two leads, Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch and local Dallas native, Froy Gutierrez do a solid job as a long-time couple with natural chemistry. It’s the care you have for them that makes you want to see this tragedy through. And I’m sure you’re wondering how this story compares to the 2008 movie. No surprise, there’s a lot of similarities, don’t expect anything original, outside of a different romantic dynamic and possibly a different outcome.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” may not leave a lasting impression, but it does provide all the ingredients for a decent scary movie. There’s mounting tension, creative shots, and enough haunting images that make for a thrilling good time. And with all 3 films planned to take place over only a few days, you can’t help but want to see what’s coming next.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” opens in theaters May 17, 2024.
Rating: C
It’s rare these days to not be able to predict the end of a movie, especially one that appears to be formulaic, but I can assure you, you won’t know what to expect from Universal Pictures’ new, surprisingly funny thriller, “Abigail”.
After a group of criminals kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful, wealthy man, they must wait 24 hours in an isolated mansion to collect their 50-million-dollar ransom, but things quickly go awry when the group discovers they are locked inside with no normal little girl. What proceeds to happen is an entertaining, creatively shot blood bath that will shock and humor audiences.
The plot is straight-forward, but the production and performances elevate what could have been a bore. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett film a balanced narrative that flows much like a ballet performance. There’s a good rhythm at the start and engaging theatrics throughout with Abigail’s random, but impressive dance moves right before she remarkably lands her bait. And while the band of crooks do a fine job, it’s our young star, Alisha Weir who steals the show. She’s natural at playing an angelic scared little girl, who in an instant can flip the switch to a terrifying demonic tiny dancer.
But “Abigail” does have its flaws. Towards the end, the film does waver and stubble over its steady beat with too many betrayals and inconsistent character identities. Which prevents it from providing the depth that was potentially there. That being said, there is still more positive than negative here, especially from the comedic timing of the entire cast. It’s very much M3GAN meets Ready or Not, just nowhere near as good. But, if you’re a fan of the horror genre, then “Abigail” is satisfying, mindless bloody fun.
Rating: B-
“Abigail” opens in theaters April 19, 2024
This week I review “Five Nights at Freddy’s”. It’s about a security guard who begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza and discovers the animatronic costumes that reside there, aren’t just robots. They are alive. Find out if I think the film is a fun thriller.
“Five Nights at Freddy’s” is playing in theaters and streaming on Peacock.
Rating: D+
