Things rarely turn out the way we want them, and even less so for our protagonist, Ludvig Kahlen, played by Mads Mikkelsen, in the new film “The Promised Land.” The brazenly stoic war hero, now an impoverished farmer, comes home to cultivate the vacant, sterile and unkind heath, otherwise known […]
Tag: thriller
“Girl from Plainville” mirrors source material’s sinister tone
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Flickr. Streaming services' original shows cannot get enough of mentally-ill teens. From Netflix's adaptation of “13 Reasons Why” to Hulu's adaptation of “Looking for Alaska,” the need for struggling teens on screen has been on the rise. A majority of the shows have been a miss. […]
“Fresh” actors cannot save abysmal screenplay
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Flickr. Mimi Cave’s directorial debut “Fresh” premiered on Hulu on March 4. With a runtime of almost two hours and the leading roles filled by respected names, this film promised to titillate audiences seeking a lengthy, darkly comedic thrill ride. We went in expecting an entertaining […]
Sophomore slump? Not for Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Wikipedia If there is one person who made the most out of a directorial debut in recent years, it would be Jordan Peele. The man surprised the entire world with his smash hit “Get Out,” not only making over $250 million dollars at the box […]
Greta is an enjoyable take on classic horror genres
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Going into Neil Jordan’s “Greta,” it’s important to know that, despite the film’s marketing campaign intended to convince audiences that it’s meant to be taken seriously, it’s actually a campy take on the “creepy stalker” sub-genre of thriller/suspense filmmaking. The film’s overall concept has been practically […]
The Hate U Give highlights issues in today’s media
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Wikipedia Released this past Friday, “The Hate U Give” is a 2018 American film directed by George Tillman Jr. The drama thriller shares the story of Starr Carter (Amandla Stenberg), and how her life changed the moment her best friend was murdered. Starr comes from […]
Helen Mirren’s ghost film delivers forgettable scares
Photo courtesy of See Li, Wikipedia The fabled Winchester Mystery House has been the focus of numerous documentary programs over the span of decades due to its maze-like corridors, trap doors leading to two-story drops and claims of mass hauntings throughout the estate. These claims have cemented the house into […]
“Resident Evil: The Final Chapter,” a Flawed But Fulfilling Conclusion
hoto courtesy of Georges Biard, Wikipedia The latest – and last – installment in the “Resident Evil” movie franchise, “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter,” is a fun action movie that never lets up its fast pace. The story follows the last efforts of Alice (Milla Jovovich), a super strong and […]
“Incarnate” Breaths New Life into Exorcism Films
Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore, Wikipedia “Incarnate,” a thriller with prominent horror elements mixed in, is a film with a few interesting ideas connected by a cliché demonic possession story with little to keep its audience engaged for its 91 minute runtime. While containing a few genuinely fresh ideas, it […]
Lofty Hopes for a Private Penthouse Go Awry in Thriller
Photo courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Flickr Creative Commons “The Loft” is about five wealthy, married businessmen who decide to share a residential loft, specifically as a place to have affairs. They would not have to worry about credit card red flags or hotel bills jeopardizing their marriages. […]