Author: Nicole Cole
Vicious Fun
SummaryScare Critics Say: MUST WATCH Scare Critic Review Vicious fun takes us on a wild ride as a budding horror movie reviewer inadvertently finds himself part of a support group for serial killers. The movie definitely brings all of the 80's feels from the pulsating music to the attire. The plot is far from predictable, making it stand out among all the remakes and sequels being filmed, and even during some of the slower scenes, you stay vested in the story through the end. The casting is pretty good, there is definitely a level of creepiness to all of the killers that will stick with you. Each one really brings something to their role that makes it interesting to watch. Overall, Vicious Fun is a movie that any Dark Comedy fan will enjoy and good enough for a few repeat watches. Scares Breakdown Bloody Gore Murder Serial Killers GoodGood actingGood writing/scriptFunny situational humorBadSlow in some partsSome scenes try to bring more depth to the character but end up feeling contrived 4.8Good Cast6 Timing5 Plot6 Slapstick/Gags2 Situational Comedy5
The Lost Boys
Summary Scare Critics Say: IF YOU'RE DESPERATE Scare Critic Review There seems to be an idea that 80's horror stands the test of time, but The Lost Boys is definitely not one of those. Between the bad hair, bad make up and the weak storyline, we are set up not only for a horrible flick but just a brutal waste of 80's casting talent. The Lost Boys definitely had some things going for it. The premise of the film is pretty good. Vampires tormenting tourists in a California beach community seems like a plausible hunting ground for vampires of any era, and making the vampires target young rebellious teens to join their brood is a good and believable angle (you know it's true). There is some comic relief that plays pretty well, especially between the brothers and the boys from the comic book shop. And the grandfather being the ultimate slayer in the end puts a little icing on the cake to wrap up the film. Yet, even with potential, the scripting led to some great lines that would be better served in a dark comedy than in a true horror film. A weird hazing scene under the tracks of a train combined with a death leap into fog lead to even more awkward scenes of vampires in their lair and strange blood drinking montages. Overall, you spend half the movie wondering why this is in the film and the other half wishing it was better. In the end, although the cast could have carried the movie, the script just isn't strong enough. Scares Breakdown Vampires Blood Effects Crazy Kills GoodFilming locationGood castingBadWeak storyBad makeup (not just the 80's)Rice or Maggots.....what? 2.6Bad Suspense2 Shock2 Realism3 Atmosphere5 Void of Cliches1
The Woman in the Window
SummaryScare Critics Say: ONLY IF YOU'RE DESPERATE Scare Critic Review This film offers very few scares and little originality. It's basic premise feels like a take on Hitchcocks Rear Window, but fails to deliver on tension, paranoia and fear to carry it through the end. Scares Breakdown Murder Paranoia/Madness Psychological Torture Isolation GoodGood castGood scene setting/atmosphereBadMessy plotNo scaresToo many clichesSome scenes feel out of placeKiller reveal spontaneous with no real build up 2.6Bad Suspense3 Shock2 Realism3 Atmosphere3 Void of Cliches2
The Platform
SummaryScare Critics Say: IF YOU'RE DESPERATE Scare Critic Review This film offers few redeeming qualities. Some of the characters are interesting at times and there is quite a bit of cannibalism going on, so if you're interested in people eating people this might be the movie for you. Scares Breakdown Cannibalism Physical Torture Psychological Torture Isolation GoodUnique idea for a prisonMemorable settingBadLack of character developmentPolitical propagandaStoryline fails in quite a few places 3Average Suspense2 Shock3 Realism2 Atmosphere4 Void of Cliches4
Castle Rock
SummaryScare Critics Say: MUST WATCH Scare Critic Review Castle Rock is a frighteningly good series. Both seasons feature memorable casting and storylines, making the series one of the few horror shows to deliver great scares and good acting. This is definitely a binge worthy series. Scares Breakdown Kidnapping Physical Torture Psychological Torture Isolation Vampire Murder GoodGreat actingInteresting story linesDelivers on settings/scenesMemorable scaresBadSome characters lacked full developmentSeries cancelledSeason 1 is confusing at times 5.2 Suspense5 Shock6 Realism4 Atmosphere6 Void of Cliches5
Marianne
SummaryScare Critics Say: MUST WATCH Scare Critic Review This show has the jump scares to keep you on the edge of your seat. Marianne is a perfect binge-worthy choice if you've got a weekend to kill. If you don't, make the time! Scares Breakdown Jump Scares Physical Torture Psychological Unique Gore GoodSuspenseJump ScaresDelivers on scene setting/atmosphereGraphic/memorable scaresBadOnly one seasonVoice over due to foreign film 4.4Good Suspense5 Shock5 Realism4 Atmosphere5 Void of Cliches3
Sputnik
SummaryScare Critics Say: WORTH A WATCH Scare Critic Review This film really delivers on atmosphere and tension. Taking place during the Cold War and the old Soviet era space program, this film uses the dreary and often sterile appearance of old government institutions to reinforce the feeling of isolation and dread. Add the alien and a Colonel that is on a mission to weaponize an alien, you have the perfect combination for a good movie. Scares Breakdown Alien attacks Isolation Oppression GoodGreat actingThrowback to Soviet era space programDelivers on scene setting/atmosphereMemorable alienBadSlow in some partsFlashbacks are hard to follow 4.2Good Suspense5 Shock4 Realism3 Atmosphere5 Void of Cliches4
The Special
SummaryScare Critics Say: IF YOU'RE DESPERATE Scare Critic Review There are no true scares in this film, only the sensation of utter disgust. As we watch the main character descend into his own madness and obsession with "the special", we begin to realize that his addiction will have dire consequences. Scares Breakdown Murder Creatures GoodGreat actingHigh degree of realismDelivers on scene setting/atmosphereGraphic/memorable scaresBadPlot thin in areasNot enough backstory on the antagonist 2.6Bad Suspense2 Shock3 Realism1 Atmosphere3 Void of Cliches4
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