The Jazz Singer (1927, USA) | Rating: 2.5/5
I believe this is just a film school staple, because I only saw a clip of this when I was in college. I assume it's used for the introduction of the talkie, then leads into the classic musical
Singin' in the Rain, which adds some color to film. While I understand the significance of this film in cinematic history, a lot of people watching it with modern eyes are not going to be in awe of the technologic advances. To no one's surprise, this movie doesn't hold up to the test of time. Of course if you ignore the blackface, you can kinda appreciate how impressive sound was for its time and the story. Granted...the blackface is hard to ignore. According to some Letterboxd comments, the 1980's remake starring Neil Diamond still includes the offense. I haven't seen it nor do I want to, but I might entertain the idea in the future.
The Brother from Another Planet (1984, USA) | Rating: 3.5/5
This movie was mentioned in
Entertainment Weekly's 2022 Black History edition as they explore different facets of Black cinema in various categories. I also used it for my Film Diversity Challenge in the sci-fi category. It was a title that I have heard of here and there, but I didn't know much about. Unfortunately, as I am writing this, I have yet to read the aforementioned magazine in its entirety, but watching it was quite the experience. The content of the film is still sadly relavent and the creative liberities they took with the cinematography and editing made certain situations really stand out.
Neptune Frost (2021, Rwanda) | Rating: 3.5/5
Something I never thought I would see is a movie from Rwanda that is executive produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda (and Ezra Miller). This sci-fi film had piqued my interest since its release and I was excited it was included in Kanopy's library. This (queer) afro-futuristic movie showcases some amazing visuals and some impressive musical moments. The story kept my interest for the most part, but it definitely has its imperfections and caused me a little confusion here and there. Thank God for Wikipedia! It was quite the unique journey bouncing between the different timelines and plot points. I'm surprised not many people talk about it, because it was worth checking out for sure.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023, USA) | Rating: 2/5
I have only seen
The Exorcist, but I have plans to watch the third installment in the near future and most likely skip
The Exorcist: Heretic. I say this to give you an idea that I am familiar with the franchise to some extent. When I saw the trailer for this movie, it looked promising and I'm sure many other people thought the same. The presentation was there, but the execution was not. There were so many good ideas that ended up falling to the way side or didn't go anywhere. The cameo was a waste, just like previous legacy movie camoes (i.e.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre and
The Craft Legacy). I was really hoping that the fans were wrong about this one, but I have to side with them. I think they should've leaned more into the girls being missing and divert from the usual tropes of researching or bringing someone who has experienced it. I don't know...perhaps they needed to scrap the whole idea. Either way, this was quite a let down.
Memento Mori (1999, South Korea) | Rating: 3.5/5
The second installment in the
Whispering Corridors series and one that I own. I unknowningly started this loosely connected series with its third film,
The Wishing Stairs, and decided to start at the beginning properly. While I don't have much to say about the first movie, the second had a gay element thrown into the mix. By the way,
Whispering Corridors was an enjoyable watch, in case you want to see it or were curious on my thoughts. The second movie stood out a little more. There's a somewhat secret relationship between the girls, but perhaps there's a misunderstanding of feelings as well. South Korea being a conservative country on top of it being in the late 90s, homosexuality was still taboo in some ways. So, the story added bullying, a secret diary, and revenge with supernatural elements. It's kinda hard to describe it in some ways, but it felt familiar and spooky.
Monster House (2006, USA) | Rating: 3/5
To my surprise, I've heard some pretty good things about this movie on a few Halloween lists. I watched this for a movie challenge for the first time and...it was alright. The animation is definitely of its time, but the story was entertaining enough to keep my interest and hopefully the interests of children. It does have some good scares for kiddos and I found a couple moments quite creepy at times. Despite my enjoyment, I don't think this would be a movie I would want to watch during spooky season every year, but I'm glad I took some time to watch it.
Stay Alive (2006, USA) | Rating: 3/5
Another movie of its time and remembered for its "if you die in the game, you die in real life" plot. Going into this movie, I had no idea that I would run into Frankie Muniz of
Malcolm in the Middle fame, but it was good to see him in something; granted the movie was 18 years old at the time of viewing. Its definitely another cheesy, but enjoyble horror product of the 2000s and I understand why it has a somewhat cult following for it. As goofy as it is, I did enjoy watching these friends navigating a game virtually and in real life.
Cry_Wolf (2005, USA) | Rating: 2.5/5
And then there's this movie, in which I paired with the previous as it had a similar theme of a friend group and technology. This was also a product of its time, but for the worse. It's definitely possesses that 2000's cheesiness and the story's execution was...interesting. The movie lays out the rules for us only for it to hand us a conclusion that kinda doesn't make any sense with the character's motive. While the slasher element was decent, it was the finale that kinda killed my enjoyment.
The Last Circus (2010, Spain) | Rating: 3/5
This challenge entry was one of three entries that was chosen by the original poster. I didn't know what to expect, but I enjoy watching foreign films that aren't under my radar. While I wasn't overwhelmingly in love with this film, it did leave a positive impression on me with its story and characters. The story follows Javier who hasn't had the best of luck in life, but finds the silverlining in his new job when he crosses paths with a beautiful and compassionate trapeze artists. Predictably, she is dating the movie's antagonist and things become very dramatic. I enjoyed the bit of humor in the story and the horror elements that are threaded throughout this familiar formula.
The Funhouse (1981, USA) | Rating: 3/5
Per Hooptober Challenge rules, I have to watch a movie by the late, great Tobe Hooper and I try my best to pick something I haven't seen. This was a title I've heard about here and there and this challenge gave me an opportunity to check it out. I paired this movie with the previous movie above and I had the same general feeling for both. I enjoyed the simple and familiar story. It definitely had that Hooper flair to some of the kills and the spectacle of the killers, which reflects a little from his more well known title
Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Sometimes murder is a family affair. One thing that held me back from liking it just half a point more is the unfinished subplot with the little brother. Otherwise, a pretty enjoyable flick!
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