Change Your Image
ckmccabe
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
Cobweb (2023)
Let's make horror movies weird again
This is a very classic, enjoyable, tropey and clever horror movie. People are so accustomed to The Conjuring-type horror which stopped being effective very quickly. If you like classic horror movies (Sam Raimi especially) you will enjoy this very much. Very well written, shot, purposeful in its recurring symbolism and themes. Fantastic performances by Antony and Lizzie hamming it up.
My wife (who does not like horror movies) reluctantly gave it a shot, and while it was probably scarier than she expected we both really enjoyed it. We need more horror movies like this, Barbarian, The Empty Man and Malignant. Shows like Midnight Mass, From, the Haunting of Bly Manor.
As innovative and enjoyable James Wan ghost movies are, they absolutely tanked the horror genre for a solid decade into lame jump scares and violin stings. Make horror weird again.
Also, look at how many bad reviews there are because Serh Rogen is listed as a producer. Insane how cringe people can be.
The Afterparty (2022)
Great surprise
This was an extremely pleasant surprise. Based on commercials this show didn't look great, but as a big fan of Lord and Miller I gave it a shot anyways. It was one of the better mystery stories I've seen: very well written, awesome cast, fantastic direction and change of genre per episode. Really enjoyed this and really can't go wrong with Christopher Miller.
Dexter: New Blood: Unfair Game (2021)
Seriously? You think this was a good episode?
I'm curious why the Dexter fanbase is now so eager to accept mediocrity. Honestly, I intially considered the first seasons of Dexter to rival the greats like Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, etc.
But honestly, the last four seasons of the show (as well as this season) have been so trash I'm convinced that this show was never great. I think it's nauseating to see such high ratings for each episode of this season as well, but its clear as day that Dexter fans are fine with trash and eat it up.
Let me list the problems with just this episode alone:
- This entire episode of Dexter playing cat and mouse with some random hillbilly is so dumb. Did a single person watching this honestly believe that Dexter was going to get captured or killed by a random character? Really? This is such bad and predictable plotting.
- it is literally impossible Dexter would not immediately tell his son that Kurt is a serial killer and continue to let him work at the dinner. There is no justifiable logic to this, especially the logic that "I've done so much to build up a secret identity I can't blow it now". 1.) Dexter Morgan isn't wanted for murder, 2.) his identity was already blown by the chief of police, 3.) his son has known from episode 1 he is lying about everything.
- Kurt is the absolute worst villain in the entire history of the show. The villains are usually the best part of each season, but every time Kurt is on screen I feel my soul escaping my body in boredom. So what's his hook? He shoots people and uses them as trophies. Wow. So exciting an original.
I also like how when Dexter showed up he just ran into the woods with comedically corny timing. What a tough villain. There has not been a single scene of this entire season where Kurt was intimidating, scary or interesting.
- THE BAY HARBOR BUTCHER USED KETAMINE?!?!? WHAT!?!?! There was an entire episode of the original series dedicated to why this was not the case. How can people excuse such a stupid, gaping plot hole?
- Angela is the worst cop on the planet. It was obvious that Dexter was a criminal episodes ago, but now every time she correlates something to him being BHB she just has the dumbest look on her face like "THIS CANT BE TRUE". Seriously, this character is awful and I honestly find it very disrespectful to this actress (and women in general) that they would portray a police chief as being so incompetent.
- Molly is dead, obviously, and they're not showing it like it'll be some big reveal. Who cares? This character is written to be intentionally annoying, and despite obsessing over the BHB has barely shown any suspicion to Dexter or Kurt. She was literally walking into an obvious murder trap last episode, her realizing this way after the fact does not excuse how stupid it was. Great instincts.
- How dumb is Harrison? You mean to tell me an orphan who has survived on his own this long is not concerned with going along with a grown man, alone, to a cabin in the woods? In real life this kid would've been murdered way before getting to New York.
This show is absolutely awful and fans should be ashamed for praising it. I'm going to finish this season just because it's like covid: inevitable, painful and necessary to build an immunity. Because after this season I will never watch this crap again. It's so bad I'm going to sell my blu rays of the first four seasons, this is much worse than how GOT jumped the shark.
Dexter: New Blood: Too Many Tuna Sandwiches (2021)
Why are the reviews so positive?
Honestly, I really enjoyed the first four seasons of Dexter to the point I would consider it an all time favorite. On a recent re-watch I found it had some troublesome character plotlines which slightly dampened my original affection--- but only just, as the good killer vs bad killer dynamic of each season was a hook that could overcome some weaknesses.
I begrudgingly finished the entire show and was extremely excited for Dexter New Blood, knowing the original showrunner was returning. I was then elated after watching the New Blood premiere episode. It was clever, creepy and just different enough to justify it's existence. There was a semblance of something new to the series: beauty. Of inner peace, of the world, of who Dexter had become...
But the rest of this season has honestly been middling, at best. It's almost as if the original showrunner returned for the premiere and then returned the reigns to the same writers who tanked the show.
Harrison is an awful charisma vacuum, who drags every episode down the more screentime he (and his equally cringe/boring teen compadres) has. The writing is becoming so much more and more ridiculous every episode: why does Dexter not take a day off and spend it with his son or even seem to really care? Why is Dexter so dumb-- not just out of practice, but actually ridiculously stupid? How did the police not find the body at his residence when the dogs were at his property? How can Harrison act high and mighty when he literally just broke someone's arm in front of everyone? How many traveling girls have to disappear in this tiny town before the FBI is called in?
The logic is just TRASH-- the implication (to me) at the end of the original show was Dexter escaped Miami because it was becoming obvious that he was the Bay Harbor Butcher (or at least SOMETHING was seriously off, based on how he killed someone in the middle of the police station with expert skill). But no, this episode basically explains he left for no reason. At all. Because Deb died and he was sad. HE LEFT HIS SON WITH A PSYCHO KILLER BECAUSE HE WAS SAD.
Maybe the original showrunner was written into a hole on the logic, but that doesn't explain why there's so many boring side characters. It doesn't excuse the absolutely mind-blowing coincidence of running into Bautista last episode. It doesn't justify the pacing, the absolutely AWFUL villain of the season. It doesn't excuse the bland cinematography, editing (seriously, what is this editing) or color grading (the "it's snowy" excuse doesn't hold up, watch Fargo).
Dexter came back for this? Yes, it's better than seasons 5-8. But does that matter? This season needed to be different. It needed to continue that momentum from episode one. It needed an absolutely brutal and menacing villain. A compelling and strange and interesting new dimension to Dexter's character.
This ain't it, man. I'm going to keep watching and review the entire season when complete, but unless these final episodes really pull out some massive twists this is an absolute failure to me. Dexter and Game of Thrones are the most disappointing properties of all time.
First Reformed (2017)
What A Gorgeous Movie
It's been a long time since I've seen a movie which provoked so much thought in myself. Initially, I started watching with little context of the movies plot or director. However, after about an hour in I could tell this could be something special- or overwhelmingly disappointing. Would this be a typical movie about an alcoholic priest struggling with faith? In some aspects you might say so, but the execution was nearly flawless.
The acting, cinematography and writing are all exceptional. This is a movie with framing that makes each shot look almost artificial in a good way, almost like they're hand painted postcards or pictures you'd see on the wall. I'm no expert but I believe this was a benefit to the aspect ratio as well, which (while often distracting in other movies) was really beneficial to the look of this film. Ethan Hawke gives his best performance with great supporting roles as well from Amanda and Cedric. While watching the movie I continuously thought of Taxi Driver, thinking that maybe this writer wanted to create a spiritual successor (which I would say he did, 100%). Lo and behold I was very pleased to see who wrote and directed this movie.
I see allot of reviews on IMDb complaining about the films ending or it's "liberal" focus on environmental issues. I think these people are honestly missing the point and I think this is such an effective movie. It's not about pollution and it's not about being cinematic (though I found the ending very beautiful and have rewatched it several times since last night). It's about despair vs hope, the different forms it can take and how crippling it can be. It can manifest in worrying about anything: the future, politics, death, money, loss. It can burrow into your brain and bleed into your core and rot your whole worldview.
But what can be braver than despair is hope. And saying no to despair and moving on and bringing kids into the world in the face of it. Gorgeous movie, 10/10, will be buying it for my collection.
Paranormal Activity: Next of Kin (2021)
What the hell are these producers doing?
The first three movies were great. Some of the sequels even had interesting moments. But this movie? This dumped-to-streaming dumpster fire with completely nonexistent advertising?
Next of Kin is completely counter to what makes the best entires in this series effective. Subtle ambiance, convincing performances, creative jump scares, a found footage presentation with a creepily real feel to it. Instead, we get horrible violin strings when you're supposed to be scared, awful acting, awful writing, LE AMISH ARE SCARY BRO.
There are literal scenes where the film forgets it's supposed to be "found footage". Where it's just filmed normally. Like an awful horror movie you'd find on Netflix.
I'm just floored that the people owning creative rights to produce these movies are so clueless. How hard is it? Set up cameras in a family home. Do some scares that are subtle with a couple creative money shots. Spend a couple million. Advertise it.
Seriously, what is this movie? Anyone giving this anywhere near a 5/10 cannot be fans of this series. If you've given this movie a high score- just stop. Stop rating things.
Beyond VHS 3, this has been the worst year for horror movie sequels in a decade. Halloween, Conjuring, who is next on the chopping block. It's not like these movies are necessarily quality, but they're almost always competent. They know their audience.
Idk what else to even say, lol. Don't watch this. Watch the first three again and pretend the rest is a bad dream. For the love of god I hope Scream 5 can save us.
V/H/S/94 (2021)
A Return To Form
Having been with this series since the start, I think most VHS fans would be very pleased with this addition. I'm surprised to see the overall score being so low.
As with every movie in this series, there are weaker segments than others. Particularly, the overarching storyline in this one is atrocious and is the worst of the series. However, the individual segments are exceptionally strong and much more so compared to the third movie.
Since it was produced and developed for Shudder there is a tighter budget constraint than previous entries and it definitely shows. This is especially hindering for one particular segment (during the assault against the SWAT team in the Asian-led story). However, some entries prevent this cheaper look with clever directing. For other segments the cheap look actually adds to the charm.
Wrong Turn (2021)
You're an imbecile if you think the original is better
Out of morbid curiosity I watched the first three movies in the Wrong Turn series, myself being an extremely forgiving horror movie auteur. I find plenty of enjoyment from bad horror movies, but I could not comprehend what made these boring, lazy, incompetent movies worth sequel after VOD sequel.
That being said I watched this remake with next to no expectations, as nothing inspired had obviously transpired with this series. But this is not a remake, this is a reimagined and superior take on the formula of the original. The film is well shot, the characters developed and the story is shockingly innovative and significant.
There's a braindead misconception that any material attempting to tackle political material nowadays is "woke sjw trash". While there is certainly no shortage of that, this movie is absolutely incredible. It's layered, complicated and paints the world in a messy grey- just like the politics of the modern times we live in.
Ignore literally anyone saying this is inferior to the original. This movie is so powerful, I was absolutely blown away and it's my second favorite movie of the year behind The Kid Detective. If I had complaints, I would say it would be better to dissociate with this trashy series and 10 minutes could've been cut from the end to make it a bit tighter. 9/10, will watch again, bravo
Tenet (2020)
2020 Just Keeps Getting Worse
I like Christopher Nolan movies, mostly. Often times the dialogue can be a bit hammy and the movie doesn't hold up As well following the first movie theater watch, but that's ok. To me, they're a better casual flick than some MCU trash or Fast Cars 18.
This movie though? It's just the culmination of what's already the worst year in memory.
Dialogue? What I heard of it was TRASH. The audio in this movie is TERRRRRIBLE and I probably only heart 20/30% of it. What I did hear was usually cringe inducing and pretentious, causing me to burst into momentary giggle fits. "YOU BREAK ZE HEART OF ZE TIGER!!!"
The action? Unfortunately, the movie blows it's impressive action chops early on with a fantastic sequence at an airport. This sequence reminded me of inception with its impressively mind bending editing and dependence on practicality. After this though, prepare to be assaulted with barrages of war shattering explosions and meh-tier visuals. The last half hour of this movie is laughably predictable and horrible.
I really have allot more to say but I cannot bear the idea of spending anymore time of my life thinking about this movie. Don't see it
The Irishman (2019)
One of Scorsese's bests, please ignore spamming by Marvel fanboys
The Irishman is a prime example of real cinema. Fantastic characters, writing, cinematography and pacing. This movie will put you through the emotional wringer by the end. Each shot of the film is precise and picturesque, something Scorsese has better refined in his old age.
The movie is about the relationships we build in each other and the terror of getting old. This should resonate with anyone who isn't a teenager, it's the true singular vision of an older artist who deserves the creative control he is given.
Unfortunately people aren't used to films like this anymore. Audiences want movies which are created by a entertainment board of producers, with each scene crafted to appease as many people across all ages as possible. These movies are loaded with flashy but ridiculous action scenes and corny jokes, precisely plotted to intervene whenever someone's attention span begins to wonder.
If I did have to complain about The Irishman I would say digital de-aging still looks rough. Certain scenes make De Niro's face too smooth and it can be momentarily distracting. After the first 20 minutes you get used to this effect, and to me it's hard to fault the overall film due to this. This is a technique the industry as a whole hasn't been able to perfect, beyond the first couple minutes of the new Terminator.
The Irishman is an incredible film, I can't recommend it enough. One of the best of the year, along with Joker and Doctor Sleep. If you're a teenager or prefer the lab tested Hollywood flicks I'd stick with MCU or Fast and Furious. They come out with new movies every couple of months.
Child's Play (2019)
A strong modern retelling with modern problem
Overall this movie is leagues better than I expected. It remakes the original with respect, but adds new ideas to the formula which makes it feel like the brainchild of a modern writer or director. The relationship between Andy and Chucky is much more emotional and complex here, relying more on a bittersweet bromance kinda thing. The kills are inventive, mark hamil gives a strong performance and Chuckys new personality is very interesting. Maybe not as funny as the original, but certainly more interesting. The supporting characters of the cop and the single mother are also done very well and their actors both do a great job.
However, it has problems, all of which are a fault of modern film. The CGI is poor in a few areas, which is to be expected considering the budget. Andy has friends in this movie who are hamfisted, pisspoor imitations of the stranger things and It kids.
Surpringly, Chuckys reliance on technology to kill was actually very well done. I assumed this would be the weakest part of the movie and instead it was pretty solid.
Like the original, this is a solid B movie. It won't change the world but it's certainly scary, it's definitely incentive, and surprisingly it has a good amount of humor (though not nearly as much as the original).
Pet Sematary (2019)
Exceeded my worst expectations
I had been looking forward to this movie a long time and it was incredibly disappointing. I usually prefer a slower movie but the first hour of this flick drags by, with barely any noticeable differences from the original. Once the story picks up steam it's impossible to empathize with the characters, so you can't invest in the tension. Who lives, who dies, who cares? It becomes obvious very quickly where the ending is heading.
This is a bad movie. The original was better.
Summer of 84 (2018)
Watch The Clovehitch Killer instead
This movie crams 80s nostalgia down your throat until you can't breathe, hopping on the trend set by modern movies and TVs. It overdoes the synth music to the point of annoyance and it hurts the movie. The setting does seem appropriate considering the subject manner, but the way it was handled could have been much better.
I really wanted to like this movie but it didn't do it for me. The corny script and the predictable "twists" just made me wish I was re-watching The Clovehitch Killer (which was easily the best movie of last year). I didn't care for the characters and felt like they were carbon copies of more likable counterparts from Stranger Things, It and similar fare.
The movie was not terrible, it was just so so bland. The ending was the most redeeming factor, as it's much darker and menacing than you would expect and is about the only original aspect of the story.
If this movie looks interesting watch The Clovehitch Killer instead.