Smile: Film review

You should know me by now… if there’s a horror film coming out. I am totally on that bandwagon. Last week was Jeepers Creepers: Reborn. But this week was Smile. I will try to write this review with no spoilers, but I can’t make any promises.

Firstly, I saw the trailer to this on multiple adverts for films, as well as YouTube and Facebook ads. I was intrigued by the premise of a smile, being used in a psychological horror. Though I felt like the trailer didn’t give much away. I also saw a variety of good reviews from press, and some people saying it’s not what you expect, coupled with an 18 age rating.

With nods to It Follows, this film is visually stunning. In my opinion one of the best horror films of 2022. Certainly a great depiction of mental health since Lights Out. A great cinematic production exploring, mental health, trauma, guilt and fear. Jump scares which rely on sound are placed perfectly throughout the film, with a few distressing scenes.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. And that’s a wrap on my short film review 🙂 If you enjoyed it, I will write another for the next film.

~RebeccaKLxo

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Film review: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2022

A fresh take on a classic horror.

If you follow me on Instagram, then you will know that Texas chainsaw massacre is my favourite horror film. It is very special to me. From watching the 1974 classic, and every remake and special edition made. To add to my sentiment of these films, they always say that you remember the first 18 film you see in the cinema. Well mine was Texas Chainsaw 3D, in 2013. If this doesn’t convince you I am a fan, then check out my collaboration with Photowall Sweden, called A little Serial…

I must say Netflix is onto a winner with this sequel. It has truly made my day. Honestly it’s a little difficult to write a review, when I am this happy. Like there is so much consistent detailing, I am genuinely impressed. The iconic chainsaw, the story links, the face masks. Even the typical stupid mistakes teens in horror films makes. But it’s genius in 2022 to link it with social media.

To see the link with Sally Hardesty and the original, just warms my heart. It’s the clever details like that just makes me happy. Assuming the film is set in 2024, the details like 50 years later, is spot on. The overall gore as well, for it being on Netflix, did not hold back.

Without giving the full story away, the emotional rollercoaster I was taken on, I DID NOT expect. Even the ending was not expected.

I’d like to think Gunnar Hansen (Rest in Peace) would be proud.

What a lunchtime. I have had.

~RebeccaKLxo

FIlm Review: halloween kills🎃

It’s been a little quiet around here, because seven days ago I became pretty ill, which was suspected Covid virus. However after a very bad morning, and several consultations and negative Covid tests later, I was diagnosed with a pneumonia based chest infection. Safe to say the few days following that, and starting medication has been proper rough…

That being said, you best be damned if you think I will be missing my second favourite horror icon, Michael Myers. So Tuesday night, I donned a face mask, and met with my ex-colleague friend for our horror movie date night at the local cinema. Also I was armed with snacks and drink. I was a women with a plan, if I’m eating or drinking, I can’t be coughing. Sound logic right. I can tell you know, It worked but with a backfire, the intense urge to use the bathroom, which I wasn’t prepared to do. Possible spoiler warning going forward.

As always Halloween Kills is a classic as always. I thought it would be a great closing to a spectacular franchise. I genuinely thought this was going to be closure on Michael Myers. Also I have to say Jamie Lee Curtis’s acting in this is so realistic it’s scary. The fear and desperation in her eyes at the beginning, cuts your soul. It answered some questions, it doesn’t answer one question I personally noticed. But that’s fine because it gives me the excuse for a Halloween movie marathon day and night, so I can find my own answers. I went through an emotional rollercoaster as a viewer. A scene where they’re chasing the obvious wrong person, was so frustrating to view. In my head I was shouting, “IT’S NOT MICHEAL”.

I was especially pleased to see that the firefighter scene was in and it was an epic scene. If you haven’t seen there was a news post from some individuals who wanted this scene taken out because of ‘offence’. All I have to say to that is snowflakes. I can’t imagine this film without this scene. In my opinion it is a key scene, I do have family in the fire service, and like I said I was not offended by this scene, because it is a fictional horror FILM. The scene has a purpose, to prove Michael Myers doesn’t care who you are, he will kill you. This scene totally proves it.

The ending though… I must say was great, although knowing it was not the same original ending. Makes me really wonder what the original ending is like. I really want to know! That being said, the ending that I did saw I thought was great. A perfectly open ended closure to the movie, leaving the viewer (especially me) hoping for another film.

Have you seen Halloween Kills? What did you think? Thank you for reading my film review. What should I review next?

~RebeccaKLxo

Malignant : Film Review 🎞

*I suggest watching the film yourself, before reading my review, SPOILERS warning*

I stumbled across the move trailer for this horror film on Facebook. Lately, I’ve been enjoying scrolling through the videos on Facebook and the reels on Instagram. As a fan of James Wan directed horror films, I had high hopes for Malignant.

Like every trailer, I always assume and/or think that it won’t be out for a while, at 6 months or so. So when my friend texted me saying it was out, when shall we go a see it. I jumped on this opportunity. I just had to watch it. My initial thoughts after viewing the trailer, was positive. I thought the premise was unique. I also feel James Wan is a director/producer you either love or hate. I happen to love his movies.

After viewing, and even a few nights later as I write this, I’m still thinking about the premise of this film. At first I thought it was going to be centred around ghosts. Boy was I wrong. Even while watching, I never picked up the plot until it was explained in film. Then I could understand and see it. I never noticed the connections between the characters and locations. Like I never would of known the devil character was in the attic, not the sewers like I thought.

Now I have watched a lot of horror films, too many to count. And I was impressed by this unique and never before done story it told. I will be one to re watch this movie again in the future. If you are a fellow James Wan fan, I for sure recommend seeing the Malignant movie.

Boy did I miss writing these short film reviews. Have you guys missed reading them? Shall I start writing ones for Netflix films too? I also welcome films to watch suggestions.

As always, thank you for reading!

~RebeccaKLxo

The Invisible Man: Film Review

Nearly a month after its release date, I finally managed to get time to check out The Invisible Man in my local cinema. Accompanied with a cinema trip staple; the tango ice blast, mixed with the original 2 flavours.

Since viewing the trailer, I was intrigued. After all the synopsis was very compelling too me, from my past. Refer to mental health blog nov 2017. It’s a relatable story, and horror thrillers that could happen realistically in a future is always a big hit.

It’s a masterfully done portrayal of a domestic abuse survivor. The paranoia is very much real. It really brought back some bad memories. However I couldn’t get over how well made the film is. Certainly worth the wait, from trailer to viewing.

Elisabeth Moss really excels within this lead role. As do the others, but her work just resonated with me. Although the story is a bit confusing, and I’ll be sure to go for a second viewing to straighten out my thoughts on this.

However as science and technology evolves, I could totally see invisibility being possible in the future. If trypophobia affects you, like it affects me, you might find parts of the film a little uncomfortable to watch. This is only down to the suit technology.

It’s certainly up there with my recommended films portraying mental health. Along with Lights Out and Unfriended. Definitely worth the watch for sure.

~Rebeccaklxo

3 films in 3 days 🎥

This weekend I’ve had the most packed weekend ever. And as the title suggests, yes three trips to the cinema this weekend, to watch three very different films. Just this weekend, a horror, an action comedy and a children’s film.

Friday night, I met up with my friend, I made whilst I worked in a cinema. We often watch horror movies in the cinema together, as we both love horror films. We watched The Grudge. A classic story, remade again. I love the Japanese original, so this was interesting. I found it to be a lot of gore, the story was well written but predictable, and maybe one two many jump scares. However in my opinion, I got most the way through the film, and I found myself thinking, please end. It was a little drawn out, but any horror film, Sam Raimi is associated with, is worth a watch, at least once in my opinion.

Saturday night, I watched The Gentleman. I never saw much about this beforehand, so went in completely blinded. I only knew there’d be good eye candy in it. Charlie Hunnam of course. If a film has the before mentioned celebrity in, I will watch it. That being said, this film wasn’t what I thought it was, but it was an excellent example of storytelling. But it’s not a film for today’s snowflake society. It did contain a lot of slurs, but it fitted the gritty feel of the movie. If they removed them, the movie would not be a good film. However, Hugh Grant should probably stick to romcoms. I would watch this again.

Sunday morning, I took my son, Jackson to watch a film containing his two favourite things: Race Cars and Paw Patrol. We watched Paw Patrol: Ready, Race, Rescue. This is definitely a good day out, with children. It’s not too long a movie, just a slightly longer paw patrol episode really. It also comes with a sneak peak of a new series which will be starting on the Nick Jr channel.

Have you been watching any films this weekend? I’d love to hear about them, via social media. I’m always looking for Netflix movie recommendations also. Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.

~RebeccaKLxo

Ready or Not: Film Review

‘A satanic take on a classic childhood game’

Boy was this an experience. My first trip to the cinema, alone. Yes, I went to the cinema by myself. I bought myself snacks and a drink from my local supermarket. This was to minimise transfers in the cinema.

My anxiety shot through the roof, for this. But it’s something I needed to do alone. And what better to watch a film I wouldn’t of watched otherwise. Due to no one else being interested in it.

I watched Ready or Not. This marketed as a horror film, is not scary. It’s a very interesting take on satanic cults, childhood games and wealth. But it felt like there wasn’t much effort in the characters or story. Where the violence and gore was done extremely well. In my opinion not well enough, to cover the ending, which tries to be funny. It just doesn’t work. And ruined it for me.

For the premise, violence and gore I recommend a watch, but it certainly isn’t one I’ll be repeating anytime soon.

-Rebeccaklxo

Escape Room (2019): Film Review

I watched Escape Room last week at my local Vue cinema, with a few old work friends. It was a great chance to catch up, and tick off another movie on my to watch list. This will probably include spoilers, so if you intend to watch the film, please watch the film before reading this review.

The trailer reeled me into this film. The suspense and saw-esque feeling I got from the trailer, hooked me in. For those who don’t know, the Saw films are one of my favourite horror marathons. Another reason why, is because I’m a big fan of Logan Miller’s body of acting work. Such a fan of all the roles he portrays, i.e; The Stanford Prison Experiment, Would You Rather and The Walking Dead. To name a few.

The premise of Escape Room is intriguing. I loved the set up, and the concept. The idea of 5 unlikely characters, brought together, all with a vague similarity, some selfish, some with fear, one over enthusiastic. Five rooms in total. Though the rooms we’re complicated, and there were no hints, I felt left wanting more from some of the rooms. I found a few a little cliché, and wished there was more jumpy suspense. And a bit more gore, death would of been ideal.

The twist, was a pleasant surprise, didn’t expect that. It even caught me by surprise, by the unexpected love relationship between Zoey and Ben. There’s something kind of heartwarming being brought together by a weird common traumatic experience.

One thing for certain is, there will clearly be a sequel, ad I’m hoping that will come with bigger escape rooms, and a bit more suspense. I also hope it will close off and answer questions left by the first film. I also sincerely hope this sequel is the last. I find films that drag them selves too thin, across several sequels, lose their integrity.

Let me know your thoughts if you’ve seen this film.

~RebeccaKLxo

Bad Times at the El Royale: Film Review.

‘Beautifully Complex’

I’ve been excited for this film, since I first saw a trailer for it. I really hyped it up in my head. So I was happy when I finally got to see it last night. I watched it at Vue, and was very reasonably priced. It’s a well put together cast, and full of upcoming actors and actresses to watch. I saw that it’s received mixed reviews critically, but I didn’t let this cloud my judgement. I went into the screening with an open mind.

This film was visually beautiful. A neo noir feast for your eyes. The plot was a fairly simply concept, but at the same time it was beautifully complex. I can totally see Bad Time at the El Royale becoming a cult classic film, in the future. Dementia isn’t commonly portrayed in the movie industry, and there’s no right or wrong way to portray it.  Stunningly set, in a unique hotel, a hub for bad luck. What’s a unique film, if it doesn’t feature some sort of cult, lead by Billy Lee (Chris Hemsworth’s character).

However, Jeff Daniels does a very real portrayal of Dementia, it gives the movie a whole new feel. Cynthia Erivo and Lewis Pullman, are definitely ones to watch for the future of acting. To me stand out roles. I did feel like seeing Chris Hemsworth was a little disturbing, but he did his role so well. Everyone did. Well done.

Only criticism I have, is how quickly the first character died.  I felt like it was too rushed, and there could of been more of a story build up.  That and it left so many unanswered questions for me. Like who the original killer was, more information about management, the reason why Father Daniel Flynn seemed more into the camera film, then the money.  I’d totally be up for an unofficial remake/sequel, if it answers these questions.

However overall I clearly loved it, I will buy the dvd and watch over and over.  I do recommend this to people, looking to try a new genre of film, or for the fans of cult classics etc. If you do see this, let me know your thoughts via twitter: @RebeccaKLxo

~RebeccaKLxo