Monthly Archive: December 2024

A warm, respectful look at a legend. It may not break new ground, but for fans, it hits all the right notes.

This sequel manages to deliver a serviceable follow-up to a classic, even though it can’t fully escape the original’s shadow. Unfortunately, Mescal’s lack of onscreen charisma makes it hard to believe he could rally anyone to his cause.

The story does a great job of drawing you in, holding your attention through most of the runtime. However, it abruptly ends just as things get truly fascinating, leaving me wanting more.

This felt like a complete waste of time, offering no redeeming qualities whatsoever. It’s baffling that there was enough interest to spawn a three installments, given how unwatchable this one ended up being.

The initial setup feels fairly typical, giving little hint of what’s to come. By the time the wild third act arrives, it’s so unexpected that I couldn’t help but enjoy every moment.

It’s painfully obvious they banked on name recognition to lure in unsuspecting viewers. The end result is a tedious experience that fails to justify its own existence.

It leans heavily on the mid-2000s horror remake formula, offering few real surprises or innovation. Despite a few decent scenes, it never really sets itself apart from others in that era.

The moody, lo-fi cinematography and unsettling visuals create an atmosphere that kept me on edge. However, the narrative could have used more depth to fully capitalize on its eerie setup.

It started off shaky, but eventually found its footing and pulled me right back into the story. The final stretch delivered enough fun to make the ride worthwhile.

For an anthology, it doesn’t break new ground, but it’s far from the worst I’ve encountered. There’s enough variety in the segments to keep things watchable, even if it never quite excels.

Sean Baker’s latest effort feels like his most accomplished work to date, showcasing a level of craft and confidence that’s truly impressive. The uniformly strong performances lead to a devastating finale that’s hard to shake long after it’s over.

The simple narrative may appeal to younger audiences, offering a straightforward adventure without much complexity.

The return of Hugh Grant adds a welcome, familiar charm to the opening chapters, making it easy to get invested early on. Although the basement sequence fails to deliver the fantastical finale I hoped for, the overall experience remains excellent.