Mooby Reviews 12/26/16

Current film reviews:

The Bride                                                                    EH

This is basically a tamer I Spit On Your Grave ripoff involving an Apache princess reviving and possessing a slaughtered bride to take revenge on some backwoods rednecks.  The kills are kinda lame and the movie itself is a whole lotta lame.  Yawn.  12/26/2016

A Christmas Carol                                                      OK

‘Tis the season.  Here’s a black-and-white version from 1938 I never saw before.  I added it to my queue upon browsing under the holiday section.  Yes, I do like Christmas movies and not just the horror ones.  As much as I enjoy Black Christmas, Silent Night Deadly Night and Jack Frost, I also enjoy Home Alone, Elf and A Christmas Story (ironically Bob Clark directed this and the original Black Christmas).  I’m not prejudiced against old movies.  Good movies are good movies no matter how old.  How many damn versions of Charles Dickens’ holiday tale does there need to be?  If you never saw this one before, there’s nothing you haven’t seen in the innumerous subsequent versions.  My personal favorite adaptations include A Muppet Christmas Carol, Scrooged and the Mickey Mouse version I grew up with.  It’s only 69 minutes as well, so if you decide to give this one a try, it won’t take up too much time.  Included on the DVD were two short films.  One called Christmas Party is simply a bittersweet short involving kids having food together at MGM studios.  The other is a surprisingly grim cartoon called Peace on Earth about a cheery post-apocalyptic world inhabited solely by animals implying life is much better without humans.  12/21/2016

Imperium                                                                     G

I guess “Harry Potter” can act.  I know his name is Daniel Radcliffe but he will always be known as the adapted literary wizard.  Here, he infiltrates a white supremacist community to prevent another Oklahoma bombing.  Some of the Nazis are more intelligent than usual in being suspicious of his possible infiltration.  This isn’t as hard or gritty as American History X but it’s definitely more thrilling and suspenseful.  In contrast to movies being lame until the ending (twist or not), this movie was good until the everything-wrapped-in-a-neat-little-bow ending.  Everything concluded as expected by both the characters and audience.  (I know it’s based on a true story but movies are allowed to be somewhat fabricated and what isn’t based on fact anymore?).  That’s what prevented it from being very good instead of good.  12/18/2016

Kubo and the Two Strings                                           VG

Released from the same studio that put out two of my favorite modern movies, Coraline and Paranorman, this film is definitely a winner.  I loved this movie!  It continuously amazes as it progresses.  While it’s still too soon to call it one of my favorite movies like the aforementioned two, it’s definitely one of the year’s best.  It better win best animated feature!  This was much better than the average Moana.  I’m gonna start looking forward to what Laika Studios churns out.  Not only is Coraline one of my favorite books but I love the movie as well.  I loved Paranorman more each viewing; the first time I didn’t love it so Kubo might just end up being one of my faves.  The Boxtrolls was kinda blah but I didn’t hate it.  One (below average) out of four movies is far from failing for Laika.  I’m Team Japan over Team Polynesia come awards season.  12/23/2016

Nocturnal Animals                                                      G

The beginning is certainly attention-grabbing albeit unwarranted, unless you enjoy seeing nude overweight women dancing.  Anyway, this thriller containing a story-within-a-story is an example where the performances outweigh the script.  Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Shannon (as ugly as he always was) are phenomenal and elevate the stale material immensely.  Usually I don’t pay particular attention to acting as much as content but I guess I do when it’s this good.  (I guess I should say I notice acting when it’s either really good or really bad).  I’m not saying I didn’t actually enjoy the story itself, I just didn’t feel it offered anything fresh.  The ending slightly seemed inconclusive but gave me something to think about.  12/15/2016

Phantasm:  Ravager                                                   G

The fifth and final film for the Phantasm franchise.  Newbies will undoubtedly have no idea what they’re getting into but if you haven’t seen any of the preceding movies, I don’t see why you would care to see this.  As a standalone movie, it’s pretty good.  I was never really a huge fan of this phranchise to begin with.  I liked the first one but didn’t love it.  It felt more sci-fi than horror to me.  I did see all the sequels but can’t remember too much about them.  I don’t recall hating them but if none of them stand out, they couldn’t have been too great either.  A few flashbacks are sprinkled throughout but I still think novices will feel as confused as anyone entering the Tall Man’s dimension.  It’s suggested that the entire storyline may have all been in Reggie’s (ice cream man, main character in franchise) head.  Whether or not that’s true, I was still fascinated by the bouncing back and forth between the Tall Man’s world and perceived reality.  The iconic spherical balls cause plenty of carnage here; go out with a bang I say.  I’d be curious to hear the opinion of someone watching this before the other four.  As of current memory, I only seem to like the first and last one.  Perhaps I need to have a Phantasm marathon to refresh my memory now that all is concluded?  I met Reggie Bannister; very nice guy.  R.I.P. Angus Scrimm.  12/23/2016

Spa Night                                                                    EH/OK

There’s a part in this movie where the protagonist shadows a family friend at his college for a day.  That’s exactly what I felt I was doing with this closeted Korean-American character as he lived his mundane life working at a health spa contemplating going to a college his hard-up parents can’t afford all at once.  He was obviously closeted but never embraced it nor came to terms with it.  I’m a huge fan of slice-of-life flicks.  They have to be compelling though and I didn’t find this guy’s life interesting at all.  Maybe that was the point?  To depict most people live lives they don’t necessarily want in order to get by?  Fine and dandy, but if I’m going to shadow someone I don’t want to be bored.  12/15/2016

Suicide Squad                                                              OK

Well, this certainly wasn’t as bad as other critics proclaimed.  It has good characterization, enough action that’s not endlessly annoying, and a diverse cast.  How are you gonna have the First Nations actor from Smoke Signals and Wind Talkers named after a metal band and eliminate him right away?  Where are all the indigenous American protesters?  Anyway, while not as bad as other recent superhero garbage (Batman vs. Superman, Iron Man movies, many others I’m sure) it still overstays it’s welcome and is not my preferred cup of tea.  I still say give it a shot and decide for yourself.  At least I didn’t contemplate doing the first half of the title while watching.  12/20/2016

The Unspoken                                                             OK

Wow, my rating surely changed by the end.  Initially it went from EH to B to OK.  Begins as a standard haunted house film with a tragic history incorporating elements of Poltergeist and Monster House in a “poor man’s fashion.”  There’s a rather clever twist that not only makes the movie better but might make me have to revisit.  This is one of those rare examples where a twist works in a movie’s favor.  However, in contrast to movies being good until a twist ruins it, this wasn’t good enough beforehand to warrant a better rating.  Like I said though, if I ever watch it again knowing the twist, I might have a different opinion.  I particularly liked the nails-through-the-floor attack.  12/15/2016

Witchery                                                                      EH

A title like that starring Linda Blair and David Hasselhoff from the late ‘80’s involving some form of Hell?  Why the hell wasn’t this a better movie?  This is basically a poorly-shot, poorly-edited, slightly incoherent mess that probably looked really good on paper.  12/24/2016

---Sean O.

Mooby Reviews 12/13/16

Here's my current film critiques:

The Amityville Terror                                                  OK/G

I had very low hopes for a movie with Amityville in the title not associated with the franchise.  It was a horror movie through Redbox I hadn’t seen and I had a code to use so I took a chance.  It actually wasn’t too bad.  The special effects people clearly don’t know how to make a burning person look authentic.  Those fire effects were awful.  Some things actually turned out slightly different than I imagined.  Still just okay.  If you have a Redbox code and are unsure what to get, why not?  The only thing you’ll end up wasting is time if you feel like you made the wrong choice.  12/7/2016

The BFG                                                                     OK/G

Roald Dahl was one of my favorite authors at one point.  What am I talking about?  He’s always been a good writer and always will be whether written for children or adults.  I remember liking the book this movie was based on and recalled some of it while watching.  It’s been over a decade since I last read it (yes, I’ve read his books more than once; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of my favorite books).  This movie had a decent amount of fun and lots of imagination.  I’m still not quite a fan of merging live-action with computer-generated imagery; it makes you remember you’re watching a movie.  I don’t remember watching the animated movie (from 1989) so I can’t compare the two.  I guess I expected more being based on a renowned late author’s novel directed by the renowned Mr. Spielberg.  I will say that one part made the child in me laugh for about three minutes.  It involved dogs and frobscottle.  12/8/2016

Jack Goes Home                                                         OK/G

Decent psychological thriller starring one of the younger Culkin brothers.  Attention-holding despite being generic and containing an overdone twist.  Perhaps if it remained tonally consistent and shaved off a few minutes…it almost works.  12/12/2016

Kicks                                                                           VG

All the unnecessary violence in this movie over a pair of sneakers?!  Goes to show that the environment we live in can dictate how we handle such situations.  This is probably the best movie in recent memory about life in the ‘hood since Menace II Society and Boyz n the Hood before that.  Good stuff.  Compelling.  12/10/2016

The Land                                                                     G

Two ‘hood movies in one blog!  This time it takes place in Cleveland where the biggest threat seems to be a biker gang controlled by a middle-aged woman that runs a food stand.  While this wasn’t as raw as Kicks, it doesn’t mean it’s any less real.  Four skaters hope to escape their neighborhood by being discovered by sponsors at competitions.  In order for them to do that they need money.  First, they rob cars and sell them.  When one of the cars contains drugs (owned by food stand lady) they see that as an easier way to make money.  Of course things never end peachy for everyone when the drug owner comes after those that take them.  Produced (amongst many) by Nas and containing a slightly unrecognizable Erykah Badu, the director has a promising career ahead if this is his first feature.  All those kids wanted to do was skate.  Does it have to be so hard for people to accomplish their dreams no matter where they come from?  12/13/2016

Pete’s Dragon                                                             OK/G

Well, this certainly isn’t as corny as the original from memory.  There’s no singing.  The dragon isn’t animated amongst live-action.  It is CGI and has the ability to become invisible.  I expect dragons to blow fire and cause death and destruction.  That’s why there’s movies like Reign of Fire.  This is a family movie.  The dragon does cause some damage by breathing fire at one point.  That part was cool.  The cinematography is breath-taking but ultimately this is harmless fluff for all ages.  12/12/2016

The Remains                                                               OK/G

This was a decent haunted house film.  The house is cool and the characters are mostly likable.  The significance of the giant dollhouse in the hallway is never quite explained which makes me wonder why it was even present at all.  There is no happy ending which is always welcome.  Not all movies have to end peachy-keen.  Life itself sure isn’t always.  12/7/2016

Siren                                                                            G

A spinoff that’s actually good.  Originally a segment in V/H/S/ featuring the titular creature.  We’re presented with the origins of the winged demon that paralyzes and kills men after singing.  Usually when someone promises a better “hotspot” that’s exclusive and located away from civilization, it doesn’t end well.  I generally enjoyed this movie though.  There’s a considerable sense of dread.  The first V/H/S/ wasn’t the best anthology to begin with.  Perhaps other segments will get expansions?  12/7/2016

Yoga Hosers                                                                EH

Kevin Smith was one of my favorite directors at one time.  That was pre-Jersey Girl with the exception of Clerks II.  I think Hollywood warped his indie mentality.  Jersey Girl wasn’t too bad but it still wasn’t a signature Smith movie.  Zack and Miri was decent but *see previous comment*.  Cop Out was awful.  Red State was decent but Kevin clearly wasn’t ready to make a horror movie yet.  Tusk was pretty good.  I think this might be his worst yet.  The two Colleens (one played by Smith’s daughter, the other is Johnny Depp’s) who made an appearance in Tusk get their own movie here.  They battle Bratzis (miniature bratwurst Nazis filled with sauerkraut when stomped, sliced and eradicated in any possible way) in a Canadian convenience store.  The Bratzis are quite detestable and irritating.  I didn’t find them interesting one bit.  Everyone in this movie seems to be juvenile dunderheads.  The blatant “Canadian-speak” wears off quickly and got on my last nerve.  I doubt any Canadian ever speaks that way.  Funny how Kevin Smith’s first movie over 20 years ago was more mature and brilliant.  If this had been his first movie, he would’ve never had a filmmaking career.  I miss those days when he was a (fellow) Jersey independent filmmaker.  I never listened to any of his Smodcasts.  My poor time management doesn’t allow me to listen to any podcast as much as I would like to.  Perhaps fans of his Smodcasts are more tailored to this kind of movie?  I sure am not.  According to the end credits, the two Colleens will return in another movie helmed by Mr. Smith called Moose Jaws.  I sure hope it’s a lot better than this, eh?  12/7/2016

---Sean O.

Mooby Reviews 12/4/16

Here's some current film reviews:

Front Cover                                                                G

Pretty good realistic portrayal of being gay in the modern world involving an open Chinese-American and a closeted Chinese actor in New York.  It shows how some people still have to be discreet in certain cultures and industries.  The mildly depressing ending further emphasizes the harsh world we sometimes have to hide our true selves in.  The movie ultimately shows that certain struggles are universal.  12/3/2016

The Gateway                                                               G

I actually did enjoy this unheard-of indie film released through Uncork’d Entertainment which is known for releasing (generally) below-average horror flicks.  A few minor plotholes aside, it had my attention during its scant 74 minutes.  The practical creature(s) isn’t too bad either and the evolution of it is quite intriguing albeit mildly perplexing.  11/28/2016

Moana                                                                         G

This wasn’t as good as Inside Out.  I have to see every Disney movie that comes out.  At least that’s one thing I never grew out of.  What am I talking about?  I’m very young at heart.  This film looks amazing for an animation.  With Disney’s name attached, I expect nothing less!  Moana would be a better example of female empowerment over the Ghostbusters remake which basically rubbed feminism in our faces.  There’s some funny moments (kids laughed in the theater) and some of the songs are catchy but most of them are dull.  Much of the film is silly and appears to be solely for the young’uns and not their adult counterparts.  I guess I’m not so young at heart after all?  Shut up, yes I am!  I can’t find it in my mostly-darkened heart to ever truly dislike a Disney movie.  Although I did dislike Cars and Cars 2 and apparently a 3^rd one is coming out!  It better be better than the first two!  I liked this when all was said and done.  I just don’t think it’s going to be remembered along the same lines as Disney classics (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin and many others) of yesteryear.  11/29/2016

Night of the Living Deb                                               OK/G

Another zombie movie?  Cribs the title from the George Romero classic but is more in tune with Shaun of the Dead.  I liked the two protagonists.  It was funny and fun tagging along.  It becomes conventional once more characters enter the picture.  I would’ve enjoyed this more if it revolved solely around Deb and the “one-night stand” guy.  There is a slight twist at the end that puts the entire movie in a different light.  It’s not jaw-dropping by any means, just makes it a slightly different movie and I kind of dug it.  11/28/2016

Nine Lives                                                                   OK/G

This body-switch film is actually quite creative at times and Kevin Spacey is quite convincing as a cat.  It’s funny sometimes too.  It’s cliché as hell too.  It contains the typical I didn’t realize how good I had it in my other body plus I observe how nasty I may have been to those around me revelation present in these types of films.  It wasn’t the worst I’ve seen.  Kiddies will probably enjoy it.  Cat lovers might too.  Everyone else will most likely wish this is the only lifetime (not the next eight!) they’ll see this movie.  11/30/2016

The Ones Below                                                          EH

Do we really need another Rosemary’s Baby imitator?  Maybe if it was actually worthy unlike this movie.  No curveballs thrown here.  Good fences make good neighbors unless you live in an apartment, half-house or condo.  12/3/2016

Paperhouse                                                                 G

I can’t believe I never saw this late 80’s film directed by the same guy that made Candyman.  This film was imaginative and thoroughly enjoyable.  There’s sappy moments but there’s also dark moments and a dash of suspense.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to escape to a world they concocted when their own world is getting to them?  11/29/2016

Summertime                                                                OK

Just because it’s a good story doesn’t mean it needs to be feature-length.  This French film about a lesbian romance amidst women’s rights in the early 70’s fits that description perfectly.  It points out some of the hypocrisies of movements like women’s rights and depicts how same-sex relationships were still considered perverted not that long ago, but it didn’t need to be so boring.  Many short stories and short films have provided long-lasting messages and influences.  This film would’ve benefitted from a shorter format.  11/28/2016

The Unbidden                                                             EH/OK

Ever imagined The Joy Luck Club as a horror movie?  Yes, that was a racist joke because, after all, only honkies (regardless of sexuality) can be racist right?  Barely a horror movie and more of a drama involving a murder all the Asian women keep secret for years (one of them appeared to be Caucasian when younger but became at least half-Asian when older?---whatever, all the older women were pale-skinned anyway).  Oh, there is a ghost that isn’t really involved until the end.  Although I expected a straight-up horror movie (it was marketed as such and in the horror section on Redbox), it doesn’t make for a bad dramatic thriller.  Far from perfect and ends sappily.  When most of the cast and crew are Asian-American and involved in something subpar like this, I am going to mention the race!  I love Asian horror movies and many different Asian foods.  I hate everyone, leave me alone!  11/28/2016

---Sean O.

Mooby Reviews 11/23/16

Current movie reviews:

Arrival                                                                         G

We actually do get to see the aliens right away (within the first half hour) and they are awesome!  They’re tentacled Lovecraftian beings that look like they could do some major fucking damage if need be.  Therein lies the problem I had and what others might have as well.  Don’t expect any action like Independence Day, Fire in the Sky or (ahem) Mars Attacks!  This is strictly a thinking person’s film that’s more poetic than anarchic.  There’s nothing entirely wrong with that if the movie works.  I was intrigued mostly.  It’s basically a dramatic sci-fi picture that’s equal parts ominous and saptastic (but in the right way).  11/16/2016

Fort Tilden                                                                  EH/OK

Well, if Beavis and Butthead were live-action women in their 20’s, these girls would come close.  Only difference is we’re laughing with Beavis and Butthead, these women we’re laughing at.  I don’t know if they were aware of their idiocy or just acted naturally sans qualms.  Seriously, how dense can you be to purchase a trash can barrel from a bum for $200 when it wasn’t even his? Or ask for iced coffee at a convenience store, watch them simply put ice cubes into cups of hot coffee, accept it, pay for it and then immediately trash it when exiting the store?  Or notice a kid eyeballing your bike outside a store, watch him loosen the chain, get on and ride away while continuing to stand in line at the register?  At least the girl behind them was able to notice how dumb these girls were.  Aside from all that, some part of me enjoyed the trip they took, wondered what hardship was to befall them next, and wanted to see where it was all headed.  I also liked how uninhibited they were, like me.  I just wish they weren’t such stupid bitches.  11/23/2016

The Good Neighbor                                                    G

The Good Neighbor was actually good.  I was thoroughly engaged.  Sure, there’s elements of other movies like Rear Window, Disturbia, Alone with Her and others involving hidden cameras, but it had my attention and leaves no unanswered questions.  Next time you experience ghostly activity just remember that “Big Brother” might be watching and controlling.  It’s all fun and games until someone takes things the wrong way and someone dies.  The look on one of the actor’s faces at the very end shows that some people believe any media exposure is still exposure.  On a side note, I cracked up when hearing the plural of penis in a way I never heard before.  11/19/2016

Greetings                                                                     VB

Maybe I should stop adding (Netflix) recommendations or stop adding movies no one heard but sound good.  I guess it’s the feeling of having discovered an unknown movie and introducing it to the world (or at least people I know).  Columbus did NOT discover America, he invaded it.  There were people already living here so he didn’t “discover” it.  I do like “discovering” unknown movies that are actually good.  Lately I haven’t had any luck.  Since Ouija boards are currently all the rage, this 2007 movie came up on a list.  The “Ouija board” in question is just a small round table with nothing written on it and a glass cup used as the planchette.  As for the story, I’m guessing it’s about a “ghost” that locks several people in a house.  Various messages are split up and appear in several places like a mirror, book and even someone’s hand.  Menstrual blood is involved too somehow.  Don’t ask.  I lost interest way before that.  This movie was only 71 minutes but it felt like 271 minutes.  Instead of greeting this movie, bid adieu.  Let it stay in obscurity and allow no one else to “discover” it.  11/17/2016

Independence Day:  Resurgence                                 VB/B

Lately it seems sequels are made decades later instead of a year or two apart.  In this case, time doesn’t seem to heal bad sequels.  I was only half a fan of Independence Day.  I remember seeing it theatrically upon its release back in 1996 (I saw it in the cheap theater where movies were shown right before being released on video).  I enjoyed parts of it, hated parts of it and ultimately thought it was too long.  Thankfully, this movie wasn’t as long but it was still long enough.  I knew it wasn’t a good sign when I wanted this to be over right away.  Ironically, I prefer the inaction of Arrival (see above) over the action (entirely ineffective) of this.  I hated this movie.  The only thing I sorta liked was the Queen alien but that was too little too late.  If a third movie is made, whether 20 years from now or not, I hope it’s a lot better than this poop.  11/17/2016

Mojave                                                                                    EH

I got nothing out of this cat-and-mouse thriller.  I kept thinking it was going to get better but it ended before that could happen.  When it was over I felt like it was only part of the story.  Mark Wahlberg has an embarrassingly awful supporting role.  I feel like I’m being too kind by giving it an EH rating.  11/19/2016

Most Likely To Die                                                      OK/G

People like me (and horror fans) don’t watch slasher films expecting a masterpiece, or a well-written script for that matter.  We know beforehand they’re meant to be brainless bloody fun.  Sure, there’s many worse than others and some really good ones (Halloween, Black Christmas, Sleepaway Camp, etc.), but we generally know we’re about to see a group of people getting offed at a specific location.  It all comes down to the execution, characterization, gore, weaponry utilized, and the way the deaths occur.  I personally have an odd fascination with sharp weapons (knives, axes, machetes, etc.) and love to see them used in horror films.  It’s safe to say this film doesn’t entirely disappoint.  The killer has a creative way of eliminating his victims.  Everyone’s senior picture with their superlative (hence the title) written beneath hangs on the wall where the mini-ten year reunion is taking place.  Each one is killed relatively close to their superlative.  The kills are worthy enough.  I particularly like the “graduation cap knife.”  It meanders quite a bit and leaves open the possibility for a sequel like so many other body count films, but I think true (and not too picky) fans are most likely to enjoy.  11/17/2016

Satanic                                                                                    OK

I liked this at first.  It seemed like a fun movie about a group of friends visiting historical atrocity sites, only to befall something horrific eventually.  With a title like that, you know things aren’t going to end well for at least some of the characters.  Just a matter of how and when.  It loses steam in the middle but picks back up at the end.  The ending is slightly ambiguous and frustrating but the final scene is quite chilling.  I wanted more though.  11/21/2016

Shut In                                                                         OK

As of now, and before seeing it, this has a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.  That’s why I was hoping I’d like it.  I figured out the twist right away.  I’ve seen too many movies to not figure out several outcomes for modern movies.  The reasoning behind the twist does make for a compelling psychological drama albeit a slightly twisted one.  Creepy houses especially surrounded by woods always get to me too.  Ironically, that’s my idea of a dream home; I like woods (I’m equally fascinated and frightened by them).  Anyway, while I don’t share the overall disdain as my fellow critics, I’m not entirely recommending it.  You don’t need to see it on the big screen, even during bargain times.  Wait to rent it from Redbox for $1.50 or free with a complimentary code, or get it through Netflix (most plans probably equal a little over $1 a movie if you return them regularly).  11/15/2016

---Sean O.

Mooby Reviews 11/14/16

Here's my newest film critiques:

Carnage Park                                                             OK

Yet another survival horror flick claiming to be based on true events.  The title says it all.  It takes place in a desert park where carnage occurs, most of it only showing the results.  I liked this in the beginning.  It had a good set-up that quickly deviates plotlines and has on-screen carnage.  It quickly gets tedious even at 80 minutes.  11/12/2016

Dead on Campus                                                        EH/OK

Sorority initiation gone wrong.  Cover-up.  Queen B.  threatens blackmail.  Queen B. put in her place Cruel Intentions-style after being video-recorded and exposed.  Yup, that’s it.  I actually got slightly involved at first.  I liked the characters.  Everything happens too quickly during the second half and the movie is abruptly over.  Dead on Arrival.  11/14/2016

Fender Bender                                                            G

The second feature by director Mark Pavia (I’m actually facebook friends with him, Cheers!).  His first was The Night Flier which is probably one of the best Stephen King adaptations, one of the best vampire movies and extremely underrated.  That was almost 20 years ago!  Here’s an ode to 80’s slasher movies in which the killer has a unique way of picking his victims.  You might think twice about exchanging information the next time someone bumps your car from behind.  There’s nothing wholly original here but neither were most of the films emulated.  I believe that was the intention.  Nothing more, nothing less.  It’s a stylish slasher film that pulls no punches and doesn’t waste time with too much filler.  Not as good as The Night Flier, but please don’t wait another 20 years to make a third movie, Mark.  You clearly know how to make them.  11/13/2016

Grim                                                                            B

I remember seeing this VHS (yes I still remember when video stores only carried those) on the shelves back when it came out in 1995.  I remember thinking it looked stupid and didn’t rent it.  That’s funny considering all the other stupid shit I regularly saw back then.  I always remember stupid shit for some reason.  Occasionally I’ll remember a movie I saw back in the day and want to re-watch it or watch for the first time in this case.  I either read about old movies or come across them in lists people make (i.e. Top Ten Christmas Horror Movies).  Sometimes I remember disliking a movie during my younger years but liking them now with an older set of eyes and mind.  Here, I doubt my early teen self would’ve felt much different than my current 30’s self.  The creature isn’t too bad looking.  The movie is very bad.  The acting is atrocious and more wooden than a newly-built log cabin (I know, my analogies are infantile but I’m at a sixth grade reading level).  The creature resembles a rabid ape that acts relatively human in stance, mobility and the way it kills randomly and sparingly instead of instinctively.  There’s also an item that inexplicably allows some of the humans to think and act like the creature.  I must’ve missed an explanation if there was one.  Movies like this should become obsolete like the VHS copy I saw 20 years ago.  11/10/2016

Hard Target                                                                OK

I never saw this JCVD movie from 1993 until now.  I saw a preview for Hard Target 2.  It looked good but I had to see the first one beforehand.  I don’t see how someone can be shot publicly during Mardi Gras and also in broad daylight in downtown NOLA and escape easily.  Then again, this is an action movie directed by John Woo.  Real world logic doesn’t apply here.  It’s meant to be brainless fun.  Sometimes it is.  Too much action can also be boring.  Sometimes it is.  11/9/2016

Hard Target 2                                                             OK

Seeing the preview containing Scott Adkins and actually looking good spiked my interest.  Seeing it was a sequel and never saw the predecessor (see above), my OCD made me have to watch Hard Target first.  This doesn’t really have any similarities to the first one other than revolving around a guy running for his life, this time in Myanmar instead of New Orleans.  No one from the first appears here.  Lance Henriksen’s ruthless psycho is replaced by the scary-looking guy from Prison Break (seriously, he looks like a live-action version of the evil magician from Frosty the Snowman).  Scott teams up with a local chick and they protect each other while trying to save themselves.  So I guess there’s some similarities to Hard Target and countless other action thrillers.  Much like the first, there’s some fun to be had but also boredom resulting from tedium.  Scott Adkins is nice to look at too, especially when he’s shirtless for the first quarter.  Well, if they make a third one 23 years from now I guess I’ll watch it.  I’ll just have to re-watch these 2 again because I won’t likely remember a single thing from either, other than how good Mr. Adkins looked.  11/10/2016

Ouija Summoning                                                       EH

Ouija boards are certainly making a comeback.  I’m more fascinated by the boards themselves than most movies they’re featured in.  Yeah, I enjoyed the recent Ouija:  Origin of Evil enough and I like other movies where they make an appearance, like Paranormal Activity and What Lies Beneath.  I still don’t think they’ve ever truly been given cinematic justice though.  I had a free Redbox code to use by the end of the day.  This movie with Ouija in the title had to do.  The ghost is admittedly frightening but this is basically a slasher film in which we’re told who’s about to get it each time.  Lame.  Un-suspenseful.  I’m beginning to think any movie with Ouija in the title or involving them is cursed like the boards themselves.  11/12/2016

31                                                                                EH/OK

Rob Zombie.  Most people either love him or hate him.  I don’t love him but I’m more of an admirer than detractor.  I liked a fair portion of his music with White Zombie and his early years as a solo artist.  I enjoyed House of 1000 Corpses and its sequel, The Devil’s Rejects.  I hated Halloween and Halloween II before watching them but didn’t despise them as much as others.  They were well-made, stylish and gory but I still prefer any of the original franchise sequels; they were so-bad-its-good.  I liked The Lords of Salem better the second time.  All in all, I think he’s an interesting person and I’m willing to hear or watch anything he’s involved in.  When I heard his next film was about evil clowns killing people on Halloween, I was more excited than a shark attending the Polar Bear Plunge.  Rob, this movie was disappointing!  There’s no clowns here, just psycho freaks wearing make-up!  This was basically a Running Man-type, microcosmic Purge geek show.  The characters are generally annoying trailer trash, both the victims and villains.  The attacks are poorly executed except for maybe the chainsaw duo.  The various monologues are hackneyed and juvenile.  Some parts are incomprehensible, such as a Nazi midget speaking Spanish (?!) and a killer stating “In Hell, everyone loves popcorn.”  Really?  Never heard that one before, nor does it make a modicum of sense.  Rob, looks like the saying is all yours!  However, underneath all this dreck is a film I somewhat liked and wanted to like.  It has its moments of stylized brutality Mr. Zombie is very good at delivering.  If I watch it again, it won’t be right away.  I have no desire to.  Better luck next time Rob!  11/6/2016

What We Become                                                        EH

Danish zombie movie.  They look more like vampires but can’t be since they’re mesmerized by light.  It’s well made but not much different than many other undead tales.  It’s boring too.  11/6/2016

---Sean O.

Mooby Reviews 11/4/16

Current movie reviews (mixture of recent and older flicks):

Animal                                                                         G

A group of people take a hike in the woods.  It gets dark.  A creature attacks one of them.  They happen to run into a cabin.  They take shelter.  One by one the creature makes snacks of them.  Sound familiar?  However, the creatures are practical:  +.  The creature doesn’t look too bad:  +.  (It’s almost an amalgamation of Pumpkinhead and the Feast monsters.  Come to think of it, that’s pretty much the set-up here:  The setting evoked Pumpkinhead while the action closely resembles Feast)  There’s plenty of gore, not stomach churning:  +.  Yes, it’s slightly banal (my rating is a VERY marginal G, it almost took some effort to get rid of the OK attached) but I had fun with it and I don’t think horror fans or anyone knowing what they’re getting into will expect anything less.  10/29/2016

Cherry Tree (The Devil’s Sorceress)                           OK

Titled Cherry Tree on Netflix (and originally) but called The Devil’s Sorceress through Redbox.  The Devil’s Sorceress makes it sound too much like a run-of-the-mill direct-to-video pseudo-satanic yarn.  I like Cherry Tree better because it contradicts the dark subject matter and bears significance to the story.  Taking place in Ireland I assume (somewhere over there), this film about witches incorporates elements of a teen movie, Rosemary’s Baby and Hellraiser.  It’s surprisingly well done with worthy special effects yet still feels empty.  The best witch movie is Suspiria which was made in 1977!  Why can’t there be any new witch movies worth raving about and watching more than once?  Sure, I enjoyed films like The Craft and Wicked Lake but they’re merely diverting and far from masterpieces.  I liked The Witches mostly when I was younger but that’s not a horror movie.  The Wizard of Oz has witches in it but it’s not strictly a witch movie!  I don’t count The Blair Witch Project since it’s only based on legend and we don’t actually see a witch.  Perhaps I can do better?  One day I have to write a story involving witches that I would like to see if made into a movie.  Or, the recent Wytches (Image) comic should be adapted.  I did enjoy that.  10/30/2016

Dementia                                                                     OK/G

Starts off as one movie but quickly deviates into another not far in.  Luckily the revelations are revealed shortly after the viewer figures them out; otherwise you would prematurely anticipate the ending when the characters realize what you figured out much sooner.  It’s still somewhat trite but does end on a downer, therefore it gets a G tacked onto the original OK rating.  10/29/2016

Holidays                                                                      G

Oh, anthology horror films, how I love thee.  Each one taking place on a holiday.  Awesome idea.  The results aren’t necessarily grade A but I reveled more than suffered.  It’s never swell having more duds than gems in an anthology.  I like the brevity of each segment in that they don’t overstay their welcome and aren’t blips hard to invest in like the ABCs of Death series.  Naturally some are better than others with most being simply average.  “Valentine’s Day” is predictable but no less disturbing.  “St. Patrick’s Day” is basically a twisted Irish Rosemary’s Baby that’s truly bizarre!  “Easter” has a pretty gnarly creature.  “Mother’s Day” is the weakest entry that I feel was a bit anticlimactic.  “Father’s Day” is probably the best one, being eerie and open-ended.  “Halloween” was interesting with brutal implications courtesy of Kevin Smith.  “Christmas” was a corny albeit fun Tales from the Darkside-ish segment.  Finally, “New Year’s Eve” is a standard hunter-becomes-the-hunted/there’s-always-someone-out-there-crazier-than-you Hard Candy-ish yarn that’s still worth watching for the bloodshed alone.  Not a bad selection.  I can see this becoming a franchise with different takes on each holiday, some omitted ones added in future installments (Turkey Day, Arbor Day, April Fools Day, etc.).  Pick and choose which holiday you wanna celebrate here, you’re bound to enjoy at least one.  11/2/2016

Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire                             OK

I decided to watch this Disney channel movie (from 2000?!!) because it was free on demand.  There’s also something mildly diverting about cheesy kiddie horror-comedies. (After all, I could’ve chose to watch something else for free) These movies are the best way to introduce feeble young minds to the horror genre.  Corny, yes, but any age can enjoy especially if you’re looking for something to do.  I was reminded of Fred 2:  Night of the Living Fred starring that crazy YouTube star, Lucas Cruikshank; I thought that movie was better if you want my suggestion.  11/1/2016

MSF:  Male Seeking Female                                       EH

Briefly reading the synopsis I expected another “dollar store” rehash of Fatal Attraction and pretty much got it.  While not the worst of its ilk, it pretty much delivers exactly what I expected.  Nothing else.  F.Y.I.  My expectations were low.  I can’t complain too much since it was free but I could demand the filmmakers add 90 more minutes to my life.  10/29/2016

Nas:  Time is Illmatic                                                  OK

Nas is probably one of the best hardcore rappers still making music today.  He is intelligent while delivering a brutally honest message about street life enveloped in a humanistic manner.  Running a scant 74 minutes, everything from how his parents met, to his family moving to New York from the South, to beginning his career are included.  Not a bad success story for a high school dropout.  It’s a shame this biopic doesn’t differentiate from other rags-to-riches tales.  If Nas’ movie ruled them all, imagine that!  10/29/2016

Nerve                                                                           G

Pretty simplistic story geared towards the modern generation glued to their various social media outlets in this digital age.  The ending may be a little dull, but there’s a modicum of suspense sprinkled throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  10/29/2016

Ouija:  Origin of Evil                                                  G

I had absolutely no intention to see this sequel (prequel actually) to the below average (but not as bad as everyone said it was) Ouija.  None!  At least not right away…in the theater.  Curiosity got the better of me when I read positive reviews from horror writers and fans that despised the first one (or second technically).  Turns out they were right.  Not excellent and not even best picture of the year, but I actually did enjoy this film more than Ouija.  Admittedly creepy at times, both visually and implicatively.  Writing professors say the most effective storytelling technique is to “show not tell” but there’s instances here where telling freaked me out enough to spare the showing.  (Another good example is in Jaws where Quint explains what happened in the USS Indianapolis incident---probably the creepiest part of the film)  Make sure you stay until the end of the credits or fast forward if you wait to see it on the small screen.  11/1/2016  

The Purge:  Election Year                                           G

Third time is supposed to be a charm right?  Blah, blah, blah.  I enjoyed the first Purge film but felt something was missing.  The second film added that missing element.  Here, the third time, it kept that missing element and stayed put.  You would think after two films, they would’ve went all out this time.  Usually sequels are meant to outdo the preceding entries or fail at attempting.  While I did enjoy this threequel and blood was surely shed, it loses steam midway and skimps out on the gore throughout.  I wanted more of the red stuff!  Perfect timing for the current Election Year.  There’s endless ways to make one of these movies.  Make it leaner and bloodier next time!  10/30/2016

Twitches                                                                      EH

Yes, I used to watch Sister, Sister way back in the early 90’s when it premiered.  I was a prepubescent and loved it.  The twins, Tia and Tamara Mowry, from that show play witches (twin witches, get it?) separated at birth and reuniting on their 21^st birthdays, which also happens to be Halloween.  It was part of the Disney channel Halloween specials on demand and was free so I said why the hell not?  I’m open-minded, love Disney and kid-friendly entertainment.  This is standard, harmless, childish fare squarely for tweens and probably some teens.  It felt a lot longer than 87 minutes though.  11/3/2016

Twitches Too                                                               VB

Well, it was free and I had to watch it if I just watched the first one.  I thought the first one was lame?  This was 1,000 times worse!  In a review above I complained about the lack of witches in cinema.  Shit like this will continue to neglect them.  This wasn’t even really a witch movie.  It was just girls with magic powers like the first one.  This was more like a princess movie.  There’s nothing wrong with that (I’m open-minded) but I would hope a movie about anything would be better than this.  I hope they don’t make Twitches Three because my OCD would make me have to watch it.  If so, please don’t tell me about it.  11/4/2016

Within                                                                          OK

This had a decent set-up.  I sometimes feel like someone is watching from behind and will disappear when I turn around.  It begins as a semi-creepy haunted house film but the midway revelation is a bit of a letdown.  I actually liked the characters though and it doesn’t end on a positive note---points!  Just decent.  11/3/2016

---Sean O.

Mooby reviews 10/25/2016

My, how lengthy and "prejudice" some of these reviews are :/
Plus, there's quite a bit of reviews this time...

Alice Through the Looking Glass                                OK

Of course it’s not as good as the first one.  That’s probably because Tim Burton didn’t direct it; he was one of five producers.  Admittedly, it took me two viewings to warm up to Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.  I never read the book this is based on nor saw any adaptations (are there any others?) until now.  Of the many versions of Alice in Wonderland I’ve seen (it was one of my favorite stories as a kid), the Disney one tops them all (unsurprisingly).  This sequel was equally impressive and lame.  I doubt it will become a classic.  10/25/2016

Baskin                                                                         OK

This film had me intrigued until it got very bizarre.  There’s more than one way to interpret this Turkish movie and I kinda like how mine might be.  I might have to read other interpretations to compare and possibly watch again with a different mindset.  This is the first Turkish horror movie I’ve seen.  Turks are some fucked up people!  If this movie was my only knowledge of them that is.  The horror community does welcome that shit with open arms though.  Bring on another!  10/16/2016

Clown Town                                                                EH

If you know me or actually read any of my past reviews you know I have a fascination with evil clowns.  Even after all these idiots in the news are frightening and sometimes killing people.  I’ve been obsessed with clowns way before that shit.  Any time a new evil clown movie comes out, I gotta see it, even if I have to order it cheap online if unavailable on Netflix/Redbox/OnDemand.  Clown Town was a big disappointment.  The subgenre is already limited so I hate when I dislike a movie.  The “clowns” here look more like mimes with one of them resembling an old hag with makeup (who also hisses).  Some of the violence is decent but take away the “clowns” and this is just another horror flick where a group of people take a wrong turn (Wrong Turn, ha!) and get attacked by the local crazies.  Sadly, the best part of this movie was when I saw clown memorabilia during the opening credits.  10/16/2016

Ghostbusters                                                               OK

I know I didn’t want to see it, but I had to.  All the hype?  I couldn’t resist.  Plus, as much as I badmouth and loathe the idea of remakes and unnecessary sequels, I still HAVE to watch them.  It won’t get out of my mind until I do, whether I wait for the DVD/Blu-Ray release (like I did here through Netflix) or pay extra to see it on the big screen.  I guess you can say I have a bit of OCD in that regard.  Even though sequels and remakes sometimes ruin the originals (first in the series included), I feel like I leave something unfinished if I don’t watch them even if I hate them beforehand.  Anyway, I doubt people (women especially) would’ve liked this as much if it was the same movie with modern male actors.  To me, this remake was all about feminist propaganda.  I guess I’m misogynistic for saying that since I have a penis?  I’m all for equality in every regard but there’s many ways you can depict female empowerment in original movies.  That being said, I didn’t hate this movie.  Some parts were funny.  Some parts were trying to be funny but weren’t.  Some of it was shockingly inappropriate to be family-friendly. (Hence the PG-13 rating.  The original was PG).  I didn’t like how Slimer had a girlfriend.  What, he couldn’t have a boyfriend?  Am I allowed to blame this modern “revolutionary” picture for being homophobic?  Nevermind.  Actually, I like how none of the women “experimented” with each other (I hate fake lesbians or women that hook up with women and say they don’t like labels, they just “love” whomever.  Please!)  I didn’t like Slimer’s new look period!  Everything looks too modern.  I know they say the first one you see will always be the one you like better and they are certainly right about this movie.  The ghost balloons were very cool indeed.  Nice touch that wasn’t in the original.  Still, I missed my Slimer, the demon dogs and my Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.  10/14/2016

Ghost Team                                                                 OK/G

This starts off as a silly comedy.  The middle segues into dark haunted house territory.  There’s a twist during the final third that’s somewhat creative and possibly spits in the face of reality ghost hunting shows.  Some of the characters are annoying.  Most of the actors are recognizable (“Napoleon Dynamite” being one).  Wasn’t great but I can’t deny there’s quite a bit of fun to be had overall.  10/16/2016

The Girl on the Train                                                  OK

I didn’t read the book but once I heard the movie was “Hitchcock-ian,” I was in.  I’m probably going to hint spoilers so if you haven’t seen this and want to, I suggest you wait to read this review.  This is basically feminist cinema (wow, reviewing two “feminist” movies in the same blog!).  Written by a woman (uh-huh) it ultimately suggests that men are usually the reason behind crazy women.  The sense of mystery is initially involving and introducing us to different characters grabs your attention, but the payoff is kinda lame and unsurprising in the least.  If the genders were reversed, the movie would, no doubt, be criticized for misogyny.  If it was a woman that played three different men and two of them eventually kill the woman because of it, many people (feminists especially) would complain that everyone involved was implying that women are crazy and cause men to do crazy things.  Why my anti-feminist attitude you ask?  To me, feminism is essentially women (and men too, I think some male feminists are worse) preaching the same shit they’re trying to preach against and getting away with it.  No, I will never know what it’s like to be a woman and I’m open-minded enough to listen to people’s experiences, but I can attest that not many people know what it’s like to be a gay male.  At least with women and ethnic minorities, people know what you are upon meeting and the fact that those people are talking to you means they have no problem with what you are.  Me, I have to always wonder if people will still like me after learning my sexuality.  Since we live in a heteronormative world, everyone sees a cisgendered white male and probably assumes I’m straight since I have none of the stereotypical gay traits.  I heard from somewhere that you should never compare suffering because you always think your pain is greater than another group.  I never felt like I fit in anywhere because I have a penis but don’t prefer women sexually.  I have male anatomy so I’m expected to do all the hard work a man is supposed to do, I never got any respect from either gender and I don’t get freebies (like how women get in bars for free or pay half price on certain nights whether they’re gay or not---you have a vagina, you get the freebie) for how I was born.  Getting your period every month for roughly 30 years and then menopause when you’re older does sound like it sucks, so that I’ll never be able to compare to.  For me, that’s all that ever seemed to suck about being a woman.  Like I said, don’t ever think you have it harder than someone else.  No one has it easy.  In my experience, women have always been treated better and had less requirements (chores and money-making are examples).  For all you women that get by with no help and continuously fight uphill battles, I congratulate and fully back you.  Until I see instances where gay men are treated better than straight people just for the fact or bars/clubs have “Gays Nights” (gay men get in for free or pay half price) then I’ll shut up about feminism and “women’s rights.”  Again, I’m probably a misogynist for thinking these things because I was born with a penis.  I don’t pick sides.  If you’re a good person and have my back, you’re cool with me whether you have a penis or vagina, cis- or trans-gendered.  Okay, enough with my sexist double standards (I just had to get that off my chest, sorry to bore whoever actually reads these posts.  I could say more but that rant is for another time and discussion) and back to the movie itself.  Like I said, it had a good beginning but leads to an unsatisfying conclusion.  That’s my objective, humanistic opinion.  I just don’t think this movie is meant for cis-gendered males.  I like Mr. Aniston too, even if he was the bad guy.  10/15/2016

The Hatching                                                              OK

If you don’t read the synopsis (I didn’t.  I only saw it was a new horror/thriller with a gator/croc going after someone on the cover.  That’s why I was simultaneously surprised/disappointed), you might be surprised at the twist halfway in this natural horror/serial killer hybrid set in the English countryside.  Starts as a killer alligator flick with a semi-decent practical model.  I could’ve dealt with it compared to many subpar CGI gators dominating SyFy movies for the past 15 years.  Turns out the gator is just a red herring for a serial killing familial duo.  I’m all for hybridization especially amongst the many different horror subgenres, but once you realize the gators are just acting instinctively and not causing the deaths, the movie drastically changes tones and doesn’t know what it wants to be.  I like the effort but don’t tease me with a decent natural horror movie and switch gears.  I guess I’m going to have to read the summary beforehand for every movie I watch.  10/21/2016

Hurricane Bianca                                                       OK/G

A gay guy (Latino as well) leaves the big city (New York) to teach at a conservative Texas high school.  He gets kicked out because the school obviously has a problem with his sexuality.  Enter Bianca, the alter ego of fired gay dude, to “get even” with the traditional close-minded school’s inhabitants.  Not a trans movie per se since he goes Mrs. Doubtfire mode and doesn’t intend to be a woman forever, but I guess it could be viewed as both a gay and trans film (the two are NOT interchangeable and don’t attempt to argue with me about it).  Predictably, the majority of the school eventually warms up to the “female” teacher and the gay dude upon learning of the transvestism, and the most ignorant ignoramuses get put in their places.  (Seriously, the entire school doesn’t realize the only Hispanic to possibly ever attend is the same person within a short period of time?).  Yes it’s predictable and annoying at times, but gosh damn it if it isn’t quite a bit of fun!  10/21/2016

The Invited                                                                  B

No wonder this 2011 film bypassed my radar.  It must’ve popped up as a recommendation on Netflix and I added it due to sounding good.  Sometimes I forget movies I add to my queue.  It’s a shame this wasn’t completely forgotten nor near the top of my list.  Beginning with a lackluster prologue featuring a member of Papa Roach (remember that has-been group from the early 2000s?  I didn’t like them then, so they’re a never-been to me) it only gets worse there on out.  One scene was laughably horrendous and probably unintentional.  A Ouija board is involved (in the plot) but looks more like a sundial (it was made in 1920 apparently so I probably can’t fault it there).  Maybe that’s why I added it, because I find the demonic boards fascinating but not too many movies have given them justice.  Satan is involved too and it deeply upsets me when the dark lord is depicted in drivel.  To be clear, I don’t believe in Satan but I am obsessed with him (or her possibly) as a mythological icon and look forward to movies involving him or Hell.  If Lucifer was real, he would surely put a curse on everyone involved with this piece of shit.  Two very big thumbs down!  Needless to say, I hated this movie.  10/22/2016

The Rocky Horror Picture Show                                 EH/OK

Yes, I’m a fan of Rocky Horror.  The original.  No, I never attended any midnight screenings dressed up as characters.  I like the movie because it’s fun with catchy songs.  Fans are probably going to watch the TV movie remake anyway, so I guess I’ll say watch it and get it out of your system because you’re most likely going to forget about it and watch the original here on out.  Yes, some of the songs are catchy this time and an actual transsexual plays Frank-N-Furter in these progressive times.  It seems to me that the actors and actresses lip-synced all the songs and no effort was made to make it look authentic.  All in all, it was almost a shot-for-shot (and song-for-song) rehash like the gosh-awful Psycho and Cabin Fever remakes.  Newbies will undoubtedly and unfortunately like this one and care less about the original.  Well, they say wah-ter and I say wood-er.  10/22/2016

The Tale of Princess Kaguya                                      EH

Japanese animation from the same studio that gave us Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Ponyo.  It’s a good story about a princess born from bamboo sent from the moon but didn’t need to be almost 2 ½ hours!  A vignette would’ve been sufficient.  It’s too drawn out (no pun intended) plus lacks the charm and creativity of Spirited Away.  10/25/2016

Volumes of Blood                                                        OK/G

Horror anthology?  You know I had to, however possible.  If not, you don’t know me or read anything else I write.  This indie film contains several stories set in the same library, including the wraparound segment.  Fairly predictable but enjoyable.  The ghost tale is lame and my personal fave involved an ex-boyfriend returning from Hell.  My rating leans more towards G because its heart is in the right place, but doesn’t quite reach since it’s not the best quality.  Very good example for budding filmmakers to see how time and money could possibly be saved by utilizing one location creatively.  10/25/2016

The Wailing                                                                 OK/G

Horror tale from Korea.  It’s setup as a ghost story but incorporates demons, possession, zombies and police procedural into the plot.  I enjoyed this 2 ½ hour movie to a point.  There’s only a few boring parts and it’s well-shot with many interesting ideas.  The ending left me dumbfounded though.  There’s more than one way to interpret it with no easy answers.  I’m all for ambiguous endings (David Lynch fan here) but if I can’t take away any meaning at all, I get frustrated.  That’s what this movie did.  I don’t want to hear other people’s opinions either.  I want to take my own meaning away from it yet be relatively close to the intended meaning.  10/15/2016

---Sean O.