15 Fave Freaky Fictions

And by "fictions," I mean "books" but, you know, #alliteration. Here are 15 of my fave scary reads (so far), in order of publication date bc the idea of trying to rank them makes me feel faint. They're linked to their Goodreads pages, where you'll find buy links so you can check out pricing at your purveyor of choice, if you're so inclined. Publishers' book blurbs are in purple italics; my thoughts follow.

Review: Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer

Dig that groovy cover, y'all!
(But please ignore my thumb.)

Suburban Hell by Maureen Kilmer 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars*
*3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

About the book:

A Chicago cul-de-sac is about to get a new neighbor...of the demonic kind.

Amy Foster considers herself lucky. After she left the city and moved to the suburbs, she found her place quickly with neighbors Liz, Jess, and Melissa, snarking together from the outskirts of the PTA crowd. One night during their monthly wine get-together, the crew concoct a plan for a clubhouse She Shed in Liz’s backyard—a space for just them, no spouses or kids allowed.

But the night after they christen the She Shed, things start to feel . . . off. They didn’t expect Liz’s little home-improvement project to release a demonic force that turns their quiet enclave into something out of a nightmare. And that’s before the homeowners’ association gets wind of it.

Even the calmest moms can’t justify the strange burn marks, self-moving dolls, and horrible smells surrounding their possessed friend, Liz. Together, Amy, Jess, and Melissa must fight the evil spirit to save Liz and the neighborhood . . . before the suburbs go completely to hell.

*    *    *

Spook Out! Day 30 ~ The Wretched (2020)

Hulu Says...

"A rebellious teenage boy embarks on a gutsy crusade to stop the terrifying evil he suspects has possessed his neighbor in this bone-chilling occult thriller."

I Say...
That's about right.

Horror Type...
Supernatural Horror, Creature Feature

Main Players...

John-Paul Howard as Ben Shaw (Troubled Teen)

Piper Curda as Mallory (Sassy Teen)

Zarah Mahler as Abbie (Neighbor From Hell)

I liked...

• how the scares start coming from the jump, and keep on coming
• the artfully articulated Wretch in all her gory glory
• how some character-types who are traditionally left unharmed in other horror movies enjoy no special protections here (which is to say, I didn't enjoy what happened to them, but I was impressed by how the directors dared to break through established conventions)
• that the dad of the piece eventually listened to his son, though Ben gave every indication of being a very unreliable narrator indeed
• the Sixth Sense-like twist in the third act. Nicely done, youse guys--I suppose I should've seen it coming, but I totally didn't...

The Meh...

• I'd have liked more intel/background on what, exactly, that Wretch-beastie is (she's referred to as a witch, but she strikes me as something different, something...more)
• It's got some '80s brat-pack movie tropes (a hot girl who's kind of a bitch, rich guys who're dicks to the protagonist, an embarrassing moment in a swimming pool, etc.) which contrast weirdly with the heavier themes of the film and detract from its intensity 

Would I recommend it...?

Yeah, it's got loads of great scares with gruesome effects for Halloween, takes some risks, and does some things I haven't seen horror movies dare to do, of late. It's not for the faint of heart. Trigger Warnings for: babies, kids, and animals in peril, lotsa violence, and did I mention the gore?

Miscellany...

The Wretched was released to VOD and drive-in theaters during the Covid 19 pandemic and has been "...the closest thing to a box office hit this summer." Bravo, y'all!

Ratings...

My Grade: B+

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=74%, Audience Score=45%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched The Wretched on Hulu (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other streaming platforms)

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 30 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Spook Out! Day 25 ~ Nina Forever (2015)

IMDb Says...

"Suicidal Rob starts dating a colleague at the supermarket. But whenever they have sex, his dead girlfriend, Nina, pops up."

I Say...
And how!

Horror Type...
Supernatural Horror, Horror Comedy

Main Players...
Cian Barry as Rob (Grieving Boyfriend)

Abigail Hardingham as Holly (Definitely Not Vanilla)

Fiona O'Shaughnessy as Nina (Definitely Not an "Ex")

I liked...

• how this movie doesn't content itself with simply pushing the envelope, but shreds that mfr to bits
• the dark, dark humor
• how Nina, the titular revenant, is rendered here: she's corporeal but rotting, she can speak intelligently (and oh, so sarcastically) but has difficulty moving under her own steam, she leaves everything (and everyone) that comes into contact with her coated by blood and ooze, and her movements are often accompanied by squishy sounds (which 🤢 but also 😂)
• how Rob stays in touch with Nina's parents (though perhaps more than was healthy for any of them)
• how Holly completes her course and becomes a BAMF paramedic (much is made of how young she is by Nina and, later, Nina's parents, so I really appreciate that Holly is shown to be capable and brave in a professional capacity), and
• that this BAMF paramedic scene has therapeutic value for Holly, as well as for the person she helps in it

The Meh...

• The plot's a bit thin--the main action (when sex isn't happening), is Holly and Rob trying to figure out how to keep Nina from reappearing...and that's it. Perhaps that's enough but I wanted a little something more.
• Throughout all of the sexy-times, Holly's breasts are shown quite often, whereas not once are we shown Rob's wang--not when they're having sex (Holly's body's in the way), not when they're interrupted having sex (the sheet covers him), not when he enters a room while he's naked (the camera grazes over the tip of his pubic hair for a second but quickly rises up to his torso), and not when Holly's freaking bathing him, ffs! Meanwhile, the directors--male-gazey mfrs--waste no opportunity to show us Holly's tits (when she's undressing for sex, when she's having sex, when she's getting up after sex, when she's dressing after sex, ad nauseam). Look, I get it--nudity often accompanies sex, and bodies are beautiful to gaze upon, sure. SO FREAKING SHOW US ROB'S DICK, THEN!!!!! *Ahem*
• I'd like some clarity on that ending.

Would I recommend it...?

Um...Well...I liked the movie, got a lot of chuckles from it, and enjoyed the thinking material it provides regarding grief and how we manage the baggage we accrue from previous relationships. But it's not for everyone. You need a strong stomach to handle the fact that some of the sexy-sex is borderline necrophilia, kinda. Sorta. It's hard to classify. It's more gory than scary, although the ending horrifies in its own way. Trigger warning for: the aforementioned sorta-kinda-necrophilia, a suicide attempt (aftermath shown), and gore-galore.

Miscellany...

Nina Forever came to my attention years ago because of Fiona O'Shaughnessy, whom I'd seen in Brit series Striking Out and My Mother and Other Strangers. I loved her unique voice, which is a bit beefier, or guttural here (I guess that's the kind of thing one might expect of a reanimated corpse). It's been a while since I've seen these but, if memory serves, her roles on these shows were on the smaller side--but they're still great programs (and My Mother... is currently free for Prime members).

Ratings...

My Grade: B+

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=94%, Audience Score=54%

Details, Schmeetails...

Watch Nina Forever on Amazon (and/or Shudder)

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 25 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Spook Out! Day 23 ~ Lovecraft Country (HBO Series, One Season, 2020)

Amazon Says...
"A man's journey in search of his missing father becomes a struggle to survive racist terrors and terrifying monsters."

I Say...
And that's only the beginning...

Horror Type...
Supernatural Horror, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Main Players...

Jonathan Majors as Atticus Freeman (Soldier)

Jurnee Smollett as Letitia 'Leti' Lewis (Fighter)

Aunjanue Ellis as Hippolyta Freeman (Queen)

I liked...

• how I was completely engrossed, caught up, swept away, and wrung tf out by this epic tale
• the strength, energy, imagination, fortitude, and just all-around BAMF-ness of all the women: Letitia-Fucking-Lewis, Hippolyta Freeman, Ruby Baptiste, Ji-Ah, Diana Freeman--WHOO! So much to admire and emulate in all of them...
• the acting, across the board, amazing work by all
• the intricate storylines and details--it's got a kind of "monster-of-the-week" feel, in that there are episodes that seem distinctly unrelated to one another, or the story arc, but then it all comes together and your mind is blown by the creativity of the writers (I mean, DANG!)
• the way the fantastical elements are seamlessly woven into "the real world" of the story
• how, in my mind, this story is fundamentally about the love of, and love for, family

The Meh...
The most horrifying aspects of this are the violence dealt out in the name of white supremacy and racism. It's brutal, sickening. It's real. And it's still happening--there's nothing more terrifying than this.

Would I recommend it...?

YES. It's a wonderful work of art, a fine drama, an engrossing tribute to those who've gone before and fought the hard fight, and a guiding light for all who still fight. Amplify black voices and show Hollywood that WE WANT TO HEAR THEM!

NB: Lovecraft Country isn't a walk in the park, barefoot. There's a lot of suffering here. Some laughs, yes, and a few lighter moments, as well as some soaring triumphs. But there's savagery in it, make no mistake. Trigger warnings for: gore (and some of the most inventive gore I've ever seen in my life--hooo, boy!), extreme violence, rape (I hate to say that this was also inventive, given what it is, but it was...different in a way I'd never have expected), and children in peril.

Miscellany...

Lovecraft Country is based on the book by the same title, written by Matt Ruff (and which I have just ordered).

Ratings...

My Grade: A+

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=87%, Audience Score=71%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched Lovecraft Country on Amazon's HBO channel

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 23 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Spook Out! Day 21 ~ Lights Out (2016)

Amazon Says...
"A young woman and her step-brother are terrorized by a malevolent spirit that only appears when the lights go out."

I Say...
Perfect summary.

Horror Type...
Supernatural Horror

Main Players...

Teresa Palmer as Rebecca, aka Becca (Super Big Sis)

Gabriel Bateman as Martin (Brave Lil Bro)

Alexander DiPersia as Bret (Loyal Wanna-be-Boyfriend)

I liked...

• that the "rules" regarding the creature are quickly established, and they're pretty simple (though we later learn of a big one that's a real doozy)
• the relationship btw Becca and Bret; it doesn't overwhelm the story but provides a lovely little subplot of sweetness. I also enjoyed that it was the gal in the dynamic who was the commitment-phobe, for a change
• that gorgeous freaking house! Me want-y!
• that it was a brisk, well-paced one hour and twenty-odd minutes of steadily and evenly unraveling yarn
• the unique (IMO) "monster" idea

The Meh...

• The prejudice shown against someone into a rock'n'roll-kinda lifestyle got up my nose. Really, someone's irresponsible bc she's got heavy metal rock posters on her wall? Give me a freaking break...
• Spoilers and Trigger Warning for suicide ahead; click and highlight between the red colons to read :: A mentally ill character winds up completing suicide as a method of eliminating the creature plaguing them all. This development fills me with all sorts of squick and I wish they'd stuck with the plan of trying to get the character back on the prescribed medication that wasn't being taken. On the other hand, it is a true-to-life development, in some cases, and can serve as a reminder for us to keep checking in on loved ones and friends, to make sure they're caring for themselves appropriately. ::

Would I recommend it...?

Sure! It's (mostly) a fun little nightmare for your Halloween season, with low-level scares throughout and a handful of big jumps strategically placed. I doubt it goes hard enough for hardcore horror fans, though it might be a bit much for the super sensitive.

Miscellany...

• This feature's an expanded version of a short film by director David F. Sandberg. The short stars Sandberg's wife, Lotta Losten, who also has a cameo in the opening scenes of the feature film (I love that she was in it, using some of what she did in the short also in the feature). I have to admit that I find the short, which I first watched some years ago, utterly terrifying (in a way that the feature film isn't, for me). Never thought something under 3 minutes in length could have such a big bite, but that bad boy legit made me lose a night of sleep. I've embedded the short at the very end of this post but urge the sensitive to exercise caution--at the very least, don't watch it around bedtime!
• I freely admit that, for years, I have slept with a dimmable lamp on its lowest setting, and I don't care who knows it. 😎

Ratings...

My Grade: B+

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=76%, Audience Score=61%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched Lights Out on Amazon (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other streaming platforms)

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 21 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Here's the short film upon which the feature film is based.

PLEASE DO NOT WATCH IF YOU'RE SENSITIVE TO SCARY STUFF!

(Yea, verily, for I am not kidding!)

Spook Out! Day 20 ~ Light as a Feather (Hulu Series, Two Seasons, 2018 - 2019)

Hulu Says...
"An innocent game of “Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board” goes wrong when the five teen girls who played start dying off in the exact way that was predicted, forcing the survivors to figure out why they’re being targeted - and whether the evil force hunting them down is one of their own."

I Say...
That's about the size of it.

Horror Type...
Teen-Horror-Drama, Supernatural, Body Horror, Thriller

Main Players...
Liana Liberato as McKenna Brady (21st C. Nancy Drew-Type)

Haley Ramm as Violet Simmons (Shy New-Girl You Love to Hate)

Brianne Tju as Alex Portnoy (True-Blue BFF Who Shoots First & Asks Questions Later)

I liked...

• the strong female characters--good, bad, and whoo-boy-hella-bad--who drove the plot along by taking action every step of the way (even when they made bad choices, they were still actively choosing, which I really enjoyed)
• that the male characters were sensitive and supportive of the gals while still being active players
• the series' creativity and imagination--it went places I wouldn't have thought to go in a million years
• that good and evil were in a battle, yes, but were presented as nuanced and not so easy to pigeon-hole
• that each episode spanked along at a brisk 22-25 minutes, delivering a tightly-plotted tale that kept me hungry for more
• that the horror was played for genuine scares and the show didn't degrade into smarmy camp like some TV-horror shows do

The Meh...

• as a parent it does make me roll my eyes at how most adults in the series are either pretty useless or just not around (but, to be fair, it is written for teens, which I knew going into it, and the adults have to be weak so that the kids can be active protagonists, I geddit, I geddit)
• some episodes were a little too brisk in the first season and would've benefitted from a slightly longer format (or maybe just more episodes, as we get in season 2)
• now and again, there's some lazy writing. For instance, in one episode, the old "you have to wait 48 hours to report a missing person" nonsense reared its ugly head--this simply isn't true and I really wish writers would stop trotting out this irresponsible twaddle. Please, if you seriously suspect someone's missing, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY!

Would I recommend it...?

Totes! I found Light as a Feather a unique, engaging horror series, in the vein of Stephen King's It or Netflix's Stranger Things, only these kids are old enough to drive cars, instead of having to ride bikes. As this excellent IndieWire review says of the first season, "Light as a Feather is Hulu’s teen horror adventure with a mystery as engrossing as it is grotesque, and just creepy enough to scratch that Halloween itch without keeping you up at night." If you're of an extremely delicate disposition, you may wish to look away from the body-horror elements when they arise (I seem to recall there always being a sign that it was coming and that there was ample time to avert my gaze, when I needed to). (Yes, OK, even I needed to, toward the very end of season 2. I'm watching this stuff all by my lonesome, gimme a break.) (Sheesh!)

Miscellany...

• the second season finale may also have to serve as a series finale (some websites report that the show has been cancelled). It did wrap things up in a satisfying way, but also left a few threads that could easily be woven into another season. Hulu, if you're reading this, PLEASE GIVE US A THIRD SEASON! (I'll be your best friend!)
• the series is based on the book by the same title by Zoe Aarsen

Ratings...

My Grade: B+

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=50%, Audience Score=81%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched Light As A Feather on Hulu (it's also available for purchase on Amazon)

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 20 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Spook Out! Day 14 ~ The House of the Devil (2009)

IMDb Says...
"In 1983, financially struggling college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret, putting her life in mortal danger."

I Say...
Slowly, indeed. Oh, so very slowly. Also, one little part of this descriptor is a necessary bit of misdirection, but to avoid spoilers, I'll say no more about it.

Horror Type...
Occult, Supernatural

Main Players...

Jocelin Donahue as Samantha Hughes (Babysitter Who Doesn't Like Kids)

Greta Gerwig as Megan (Groovy BFF)

Tom Noonan as Mr. Ulman (Creepy MFR)

I liked...

• the great acting from Gerwig, Noonan, and Mary Woronov (who played the Creepy MFR's wife). Even Dee Wallace's teeny little cameo was terrific
• being steeped in the early '80s--from hair and makeup, to costume, to props, it all took me back to a time I refuse to believe was 40 years ago
• the three '80s tunes they employed--great choices. (Even the music from the opening credits was pretty groovy--borrowing the riff and mood from The Cars' "Moving in Stereo".)

The Meh...

• I've seen this flick referred to as a slow burn. For me, it was more of an, "Oh, shit, did we forget to pay the gas bill, why isn't the stove lighting???" Dudes. DOOODS. From my notes as I watched:
• A bit too slow moving
• 34 mins in, still kinda boring
• 50 mins in, snooze fest
• 1 hour 8 mins I'm sorry, this flick's boring af I'm ready for it to be over

My lovelies--the movie's an hour and a half-ish long. Having to wait for over an hour to give a shit about what was going on in it was too long. I actually grabbed my phone to check on an expected Verizon withdrawal from my checking account, I was so frickin bored.

• This bit's spoilery, so I've blocked it out. Double click on the space between the two sets of colons to read it :: Do you seriously expect me to believe some mfkn satanists are so incompetent as to be incapable of tying proper knots to secure their offering to the evil one? Come tf on. ::

Would I recommend it...?

Oh, my sweet darlings--I wouldn't do that to you. Unless you're having trouble falling asleep, in which case, by all means do watch it.* Or just watch the trailer, below. It's another film that's done way better with critics and audiences than I can readily comprehend. Unless they were all high or something, when they saw it...? Did we even watch the same movie, wt actual f???

*Actually, even using it as a sleep aid is problematic, because the shit doesn't hit the fan till the last 20 minutes or so, but it does so to disturbing effect. Waking to see that portion of the movie would not be conducive to getting back to sleep. Tell you what, listen to some podcasts about this movie instead (to paraphrase one podcaster, I'd rather listen to others talk about this film than watch it again).

Miscellany...

I enjoyed a few moments of recognition with Tom Noonan (Frankenstein's Monster from 1987's The Monster Squad) and Mary Woronov (the Channeler from 1989's Warlock)--these actors have done way more than just these flicks, but they happen to be among my fave '80s movies. 

Ratings...

My Grade: D

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=85%, Audience Score=63%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched The House of the Devil on Shudder (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other streaming platforms)

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 14 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Spook Out! Day 13 ~ Host (2020)

Rotten Tomatoes Says...

"Six friends accidentally invite the attention of a demonic presence during an online séance and begin noticing strange occurrences in their homes."

I Say...
That's a tight summary of a lithe little flick. I approve it 100%.

Horror Type...
Found Footage, Supernatural

Main Players...

Haley Bishop as Haley (Hopeless Hostess)

Jemma Moore as Jemma (Intrepid Idiot)

Seylan Baxter as Seylan (Unprofessional Medium!)

I liked...

• how this takes place in the real Covid-19 present, and the friends are all Zooming weekly to stay in touch, since they're all locked-down
• their excitement at seeing one another (virtually), and how that contrasts with the eerie vibes building around them
• that little by little my peace was subtly disturbed (like, seeing some of the gals having the doors of the rooms they were in wide open--it made me anxiously anticipate seeing something pass by that oughtn't to do so)
• the moments of humor revolving around the Medium
• the irony of them all, including the Medium, encouraging one another not to be afraid, as though they had any control over anything about to happen
• how, when shit got real, it REALLY GOT REAL

The Meh...
It did have some of the flaws that typically keep me from watching found-footage movies--shaky camera work that doesn't always give you a clear view, or understanding, of wtf's going on. Ugh, so annoying! But it did a lot better than some other such flicks.

Would I recommend it...?

ABSO-FREAKING-LUTELY--to horror fans. This lean little number (just under an hour long!) scared the stuffin out of me. With tons of foreboding, multiple jump scares, and an uncompromising body count, Host is the stuff of horror fans' bad dreams (hardcore horror fans probs won't be quite as wigged out as I was, but I had chills bubble up on my arms several times, and that last jump scare? Hooo, boy!). Light-horror fans may wish to opt for something else--at the very least, don't watch this just before bedtime (I was going to suggest, "Don't watch if you live alone," but having others around didn't help some of the characters in the movie, so...).

Miscellany...

This bad boy was made during Covid-19 quarantine, directed/filmed remotely, and the actors had to learn how to do their own practical effects and stunts--and it was completed in three months! (I mean, dang!) These folks better be winning ALL THE AWARDS!!!

Ratings...

My Grade: A+

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=100%, Audience Score=77%

Details, Schmeetails...

Watch Host on Shudder 

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 13 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Spook Out! Day 6 ~ Bulbbul (in Hindi w/English subtitles, 2020)

Netflix Says...
"A child bride grows up to be an enigmatic woman presiding over her household, harboring a painful past as supernatural murders of men plague her village."

I Say...
I'd consider it less "plague" and more "purge" but I'm getting ahead of myself...

Horror Type...
Supernatural, Dark Fantasy, Fable

Main Players...
Tripti Dimri as Bulbbul (BAMF Bride)

Paoli Dam as Binodini (Bitch Sister-in-Law)

Parambrata Chattopadhyay as Dr. Sudip (A Doctor & A Gentleman)

I liked...

• how this baby sucked me in and spat me out when it was through with me. It's a richly woven tapestry of a tale, an emotional rollercoaster ride I won't soon forget
• that this film is a proper feast for the eyes, from the gorgeously animated opening credits, to the use of colors in the clothing and decor, to the palatial digs Bulbbul calls home. Truly stunning.
• the fabulous soundtrack that, to me, acted a little bit like a Greek chorus
• the titular character, Bulbbul, very much--from the way she oh, so elegantly returned her bitch sister-in-law's snarks to how she gave big, rolling belly-laughs every time the Demon-Woman was referenced, to her care for the well-being of the innocents in her realm. Rock on, Bulbbul!!!
• that, out of all the awful men in this, the movie gave us one to like (Bulbbul's actual love interest, Satya) and one to admire (Dr. Sudip, who offers the best line of the film: "She's not a demon. She's a goddess!" F-yeah, Dr. Sudip!)
• how this feels, to me, like an origin story for a badass female vigilante super-hero (I'd love more of Bulbbul!)

The Meh...

• this bullet contains hidden trigger warnings for violence against women, and spoilers--just double click to select the space between the two sets of colons to see them :: As everyone knows, vigilante heroes aren't born of fluffy pink clouds and rainbows. Around the 54 minute mark, Bulbbul is savagely beaten by her fireplace-poker wielding husband (we see him swinging the poker and her reacting to being hit--this is more or less finished a little after the 56 minute mark). Shortly after Dr. Sudip treats her, Bulbbul's brother-in-law (her husband's twin, who is mentally challenged) goes to her, in the dark of night, and while she's incapable of moving, rapes her (from 1 hour, 6 minutes till about 1 hour, 9 minutes--we see him on top of her, reach down to unzip his pants, and move against her). Both instances are horrible to watch. Are they gratuitous? I don't know...some moments I think they could've shown more for shock effect, if they'd wanted to. Others, I wonder if it's OK that the beating scene reminded me of the colorful violence in the 300 movie. So I'm not sure, for myself, if it was too much. I reckon we'll all have to decide for ourselves. ::
• that flipping bitch sister-in-law--WHAT a piece of work!

Would I recommend it...?

Well...this one's hard for me to categorize. On the one hand, it's really an excellent movie, and I don't regret watching it. On the other, if I'd known about the stuff in the spoilers above, I might've opted for something else. I have a very hard time with realistic violence against women, and children, and tend to avoid movies, TV, or books with it, if I can. If you're also sensitive to this kind of thing, you could screen the flick and just fast-forward at the minute marks I mention in the spoilers. Fundamentally, it's worth watching and will make you think...but it may stay with you for a while...

Miscellany...

I've got a wee bit of a crush on Dr. Sudip--anybody got his number?

Ratings...

My Grade: A as a Dark Fantasy/Drama, B+ as a "Horror Movie" (though there's a LOT to the movie that's horrific)

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=82%, Audience Score=80%

Details, Schmeetails...

Watch Bulbbul on Netflix

Check it out on IMDb

Learn more about it on Wikipedia (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 6 of

Thanks for reading and come back tomorrow...

IF YOU DARE

Spook Out! Day 26 ~ Wake Wood (2009)

Amazon Says...
"The parents of a girl who was killed by a savage dog are granted the opportunity to spend three days with their deceased daughter."

I Say...
Well, there's not much else to say after ^that, except ain't y'all never seen/read Pet Sematary???

Horror Type...
Supernatural Horror

Main Players...
Aidan Gillen as Patrick Daley (Grieving Vet)
Eva Birthistle as Louise Daley (Grieving Pharmacist)
Timothy Spall as Arthur (Tweedy Town Shaman)

I liked...

• that this flick's got atmosphere coming out the wazoo
• that c-sections are a recurring, and important, theme
• Timothy Spall's lovely rich baritone, which I suppose is meant to come off as menacing at times but for me is just yum
• the ending which, if I understand it correctly, is one of the most understatedly horrific I've seen in a long while
• that, unlike its predecessor Pet Sematary, there are very clearly defined Rules...

The Meh...

• ...and yet, not all of the applicable terms and conditions are presented to the grieving parents before they consent to the ritual that'll bring back their daughter (which seems irresponsible)
• the parents consistently make some pretty stupid moves that you just wanna smack 'em repeatedly about the face and ears with a wet fish
• there are moments when the actor playing the reanimated daughter shines but more when she just isn't credible (I know, I know, none of this is credible, but some child actors sell you on their characters 100% and maybe this one wasn't directed as well as she could've been)

Would I recommend it...?

Yeah, it's a groovy Halloween watch, if frustrating at times. It's gory now and again, though.

Miscellany...

This low-budget Irish film was produced by Hammer Film Productions!

Ratings...

My Grade: B
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=80%, Audience Score=39%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched Wake Wood on Amazon (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other host sites)

Wake Wood's IMDb Page

Wake Wood's Wikipedia Page (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes day 26 of

Spook Out! Day 20 ~ Pet Sematary (2019)

Amazon Says...
"After the Creed family moves to rural Maine, they stumble upon an ancient burial ground with sinister powers. When tragedy strikes, a perilous chain of events unleashes an unfathomable evil."

I Say...
Grieving parent grasps at deadly straws and makes a bad situation far worse.

Horror Type...
Supernatural

Main Players...
Jason Clarke as Dr. Louis Creed (Grieving Dad)
John Lithgow as Jud Crandall (Kindly But Irresponsible Neighbor)
Jeté Laurence as Ellie Creed (Daddy's Girl)

I liked...

• the heckin'-ominous vibe--this film has atmosphere for days
• this iteration of Church the Cat (played by, among others, Leo and Tonic)--wonderful makeup and extensive training made for a truly spooky onscreen kitty!
• the BIG switcheroo from both book and original 1989 film adaptation--purists have balked but I think the change makes for a far more credible, realistic, and frightening killer (friggin' Stephen King liked it, so all you haterz can just go whine into your pillows about it) (I'm deliberately not specifying what this big change is--if you've seen the 1989 version and then see the 2019 one, you'll know exactly what I'm referencing)
• the well-paced, slow-burning script
• the excellent acting, by all (especially Lithgow's understated but still deeply affecting execution of the classic line, "Sometimes dead is better.")

The Meh...

• I really liked that the filmmakers opted to have a person of color play the iconic ghost of Victor Pascow but then they hardly used him in the story at all, which was disappointing.
• The guy who played Louis had a peculiar hint of an accent that piqued me enough to stop the movie and find out where he was from (Australia). That accent needs a bit of work, friend.

Would I recommend it...?

Yes, and I already look forward to watching it again on a cold winter's night, with some spiked hot chocolate by my side.

Miscellany...

Look, I know some folks were ticked when they heard about Pet Sematary being remade. I was one of them, until I learned that John Lithgow had been cast as Jud--I knew then that it would not only be good, but special. And not only is it a great film, but it's a vast improvement over the '89 version--the production, acting, makeup, effects, settings, and writing are all far superior. Especially the acting, and don't get me wrong, I love me some Dale Midkiff (rawr!) and liked his work in the orig version, but the first Ellie was pretty frickin' annoying, and what they had to do to make the first Gage a killer rendered him ridiculous (except for that great line, "Now I want to play with eeeeeYEEEEEEEWWWWWWWW..."). I love the campy, cheesy goodness of the first version and I'm sure I'll still watch it to the bitter end every time I catch it on TV. But I do think the 2019 version rocks the casbah harder than the first. 

Ratings...

My Grade: A
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=57%, Audience Score=34%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched Pet Sematary on Amazon (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other host sites)

Pet Sematary's IMDb Page

Pet Sematary's Wikipedia Page (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes day 20 of

Spook Out! Day 17 ~ The Golem (2018)

Netflix Says...
"As sickness spreads throughout the countryside, an infertile woman conjures a living child out of clay and sets it loose on her enemies."

I Say...
An intelligent, grieving mother seeks to protect her village by birthing a creature impossible to control.

Horror Type...
Supernatural

Main Players...
Hani Furstenberg as Hanna (Grieving But Feisty Mom)
Ishai Golan as Benjamin (Steadfast Husband)
Kirill Cernyakov as The Golem Kid (In the words of one of the characters, Heartless Monster)

I liked...

• this wonderful exploration of the dark side of Jewish folklore
• that the 17th C setting is perfectly reinforced by the clothing, the homes, the village--it all really puts you there, if you know what I mean
• that Hanna, who at first turned me off, unfolds as a brave and vulnerable woman. She's not a perfect protagonist, but by the end I was really rooting for her
• that her husband Benjamin, who is also not a perfect husband, is a loving man who stands by his wife
• the supporting cast, who enriched the story with their genuine performances (all the performances were terrific)
• the take on the golem creature--not some honkingly-huge monstrosity but the form of the son Hanna and Benjamin lost seven years before the start of the film. This choice makes for some serious maternal angst, I'll tell you what
• the little Frankenstein hommage of the outfit Hanna sews the Golem

The Meh...

• I could just not be connecting some dots but I don't understand why Hanna seems to've been sort of ostracized by her village for the past seven years. If that's connected to how her son died, it was unclear to me
• it's difficult for 21st C eyes to behold a community in which women weren't permitted to learn (granted, this is true of many historical films). I'm just sayin', that Hanna has to learn in secret, and only bc her husband agrees to help her by smuggling books to her, chaffs my chaps
• maybe the first 40-ish minutes were a little on the slow side--but boy, does the action ramp up!

Would I recommend it...?

Absolutely! The rich storytelling (and the story it tells) should please softer hearts but the judicious use of splatter and monster attacks should satisfy horror aficionados.

Miscellany...

One review I read stated that it's not the Golem but the anti-Semitism of a neighboring community (and, indeed, the world) that's the true horror--and I have to agree.

Ratings...

My Grade: B+
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=88%, Audience Score=43%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched The Golem on Netflix (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other host sites)

The Golem's IMDb Page

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a Wikipedia Page for The Golem. :-( So instead I'll link to this fabulous review which lays out all the action of the movie (so yeah, it contains spoilers!)

This concludes day 17 of

Spook Out! Day 12 ~ I Am Not a Serial Killer (2016)

Amazon Says...
"Christopher Lloyd stars in this thriller about a troubled teen who must hunt down a supernatural killer while battling his own inner demons."

I Say...
Kid fighting his own homicidal tendencies desperately tries to save the people he loves.

Horror Type...
Thriller, Serial Killer(s), Supernatural

Main Players...
Christopher Lloyd as Bill Crowley (Neighborhood Old Guy)
Max Records as John Wayne Cleaver (Budding Psycho?)
Laura Fraser as April Cleaver (Clueless Mom)

I liked...

• the tension and suspense that totally kept me on edge wondering where this would all end (spoiler: somewhere I'd never have imagined)
• the complex feelings evoked by worrying that Socio-Teen might snap while at the same time I grasped for the straws of humanity in his actions
• being completely surprised by Christopher Lloyd in this role...and yet not
• how cleverly the teen fought to keep from giving in to his darker urges (which had to be extra hard, given how his mom let him assist in the family business--a funeral home...the family that embalms together stays together?)
• how Socio-Teen has the stereotypically-serial-killery three names (two of which belong to an actual serial killer--John Wayne Gacy--and one which the average American may recognize from the wholesome '50s sitcom Leave it to Beaver)
• the Fargo-esque feel of the flick, from the snowy landscape to at least one character's broad midwest accent
• the crazysauce twist at the end

The Meh...

• the crazysauce twist at the end. I mean, I did actually enjoy it, but I didn't see it coming. (I defy anyone who didn't read the book this film's based on to say they did.) The full truth of Lloyd's character felt like it came out of nowhere. And also...
• the mom went along with her kid's wackadoodle idea without coherent, or very much, explanation from her son (which was a refreshing change, in a way, from parents who just wave away when their kid's telling them about some grave, looming threat...but still...). Anyway, it didn't seem an organic progression, given what the movie shows of their strained relationship, as well as her concerns for his mental state

Would I recommend it...?

Dang right, and I can't wait to watch it again! (SO GOOD!)

Miscellany...

Christopher Frickin Lloyd, man. Uncle Frickin Fester!!!

Ratings...

My Grade: A
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=93%, Audience Score=61%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched I Am Not a Serial Killer on Amazon (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other host sites)

I Am Not a Serial Killer's IMDb Page

I Am Not a Serial Killer's Wikipedia Page (Contains Spoilers and some inaccuracies)

This concludes day 12 of

Spook Out! Day 9 ~ Hell House LLC (2015)

Shudder Says...
"In this found-footage gem, a documentary crew visit the site of a haunted house attraction whose opening night ended with 15 unexplained deaths."

I Say...
Documentary crews may wish to consider filming safer spaces. Say, Chernobyl or Death Valley.

Horror Type...
Supernatural, Thriller

Main Players...
Ryan Jennifer as Sara Havel (Token Girlfriend)
Danny Bellini as Alex Taylor (Driven CEO of Titular LLC)
Gore Abrams as Paul O'Keefe (Sweet Sleeper)

I liked...

• the mood, which was palpable and consistently creepy throughout
• that good use was made of lighting to produce feelings of dread
• that some of the most effective scares were the simplest ones
• the last 10-ish minutes of the movie, which were intense...

The Meh...
...but I can't say that they make Hell House LLC worth the watch. Look, I get that found-footage horror is choppy, and often what's most frightening is what you can't see as a result. But I call BS on that being used for long stretches, as happens here--on the ill-fated opening night, bits of tour-goers' recordings are pieced together to show how it all went sour, only they seemed to record mainly the ensuing chaos of freaked out people racing for exits. I watched this only hours ago and I can't say I have any idea what happened. Full disclosure: I have to admit to getting massively bored around the 50 minute mark and reaching for my phone. There are probably chunks of the film I didn't really pay attention to bc all the (long) non-horror bits were filmed with painstaking clarity and I just found large swathes of it tedious. Also, the four dudes of the LLC were heckin' bro-y and if I'd wanted that, I'd have watched Ghost Adventures.

Would I recommend it...?

Only to folks who really dig found-footage horror. Otherwise, pass.

Miscellany...

In the story, Hell House's opening night was October 8, 2009. If I'd watched this yesterday it would've been on the 10th anniversary of the events it depicts! 😨

Ratings...

My Grade: C-

Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=89%, Audience Score=71%

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched Hell House LLC on Shudder (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other host sites)

Hell House LLC's IMDb Page

Hell House LLC's Wikipedia Page (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 9 of

Spook Out! Day 7 ~ Ghost Stories (2017)

Hulu Says...
A man looking to debunk a series of paranormal events falls into a world of terror.

I Say...
If only it were that^ straightforward.

Horror Type...
Supernatural, Psychological, Thriller

Main Players...
Andy Nyman as Professor Phillip Goodman (Naysayer)
Alex Lawther as Simon Rifkind (Nervous Wreck)
Martin Freeman as Mike Priddle (Weirdly-Aloof-Father-To-Be-Kinda)

I liked...

• the actors' performances, which were excellent throughout
• the framing device's opening premise
• the jump scares that let you see long enough to understand what was happening

The Meh...

• the Mike Priddle character impresses upon the audience how much he wanted kids, but when his wife's in labor at the hospital, he's at home doing work (and given how rich he is, it doesn't seem necessary, so this just doesn't ring true for me)
• the jump scares that were too short to let you understand what you were seeing (which rather killed the second "ghost story" for me)
• about that second ghost story--there was a weird moment with the main character's parents that misdirected my attention, making me think they were a pivotal part of that story when they weren't (well, not in the obvious way)
• the framing device's "closing bracket" really pissed me off

Would I recommend it...? (Beware, thar be SPOILERS in this bit!)

Ugh. This one's hard. There's great talent in this, and the internal stories are pleasantly creepy. But as the "closing bracket" of the framing device thoroughly undoes the entire film, I just don't see the point of it. Well, I guess I do, as there's a conclusion to be drawn from how the thing ends (which is horrifying in itself). But I just generally hate this kind of--IMO--cop-out ending, so I can't recommend anyone becoming emotionally invested in Ghost Stories. On the other hand, lots of critics and viewers enjoyed the ending, so YMMV. All I can tell you is that it's been several hours since I watched it and I'm still simmering.

Miscellany...

• Enjoyed seeing Andy Nyman in this serious role, as I've only ever seen him being ridiculous(ly funny) in the excellent, original version of Death at a Funeral. (I think the American remake is excellent, too.)
• You may remember Alex Lawther from Black Mirror's third season Shut Up and Dance episode.
• And if you don't know the magnificent Martin Freeman from all the great things he's done, then what hope is there for you?

Ratings...

My Grade: C
Rotten Tomatoes Scores: Tomatometer=83%, Audience Score=59% 

Details, Schmeetails...

I Watched Ghost Stories on Hulu (the Rotten Tomatoes page linked above provides links to other host sites)

Ghost Stories' IMDb Page

Ghost Stories' Wikipedia Page (Contains Spoilers)

This concludes Day 7 of