Veronica: The Devil Is In The Detail

‘Veronica’ is a Spanish supernatural horror drama film based loosely off the 1991 Vallecas Case, in which Estefania Guitierzzez Lazaro died strangely after using a ouija board. The film follows the standard possession storyline with the entity growing in strength over time and gaining more of a grip over the girl.

The film is not based 100% on the case as the lead girl is instead called Veronica (Sandra Escacena), and a lot of the events are played up to increase the potential of the scares. However, the case is used as a means to frame this film with a sense of realism.

I had heard a lot of people talking about this film before I saw it, they were all saying good things not just about ‘Veronica’, but about Spanish horror as a whole, which is a rising force in the genre. While this film might not be the scariest film of the year, it is certainly unsettling. This is in large part a result of the style of the film which is quite unlike a lot of other possession films I have previously seen. Whatsmore, the design of the spirit or demon is surprisingly refreshing; it looks both creepy and original.

The scares in this film strong, especially as when it focuses on the Mayan influences and the ideas surrounding the eclipse. When ‘Veronica’ is at its best is when it is being original and novel. The issue with this film is that these bits are few and far between. A lot of this film is very generic and predictable- the story of a girl being possessed by a demon after playing with a Ouija board has been done time and time again. Though this film has creative aspects, it simply isn’t enough to disguise from its average whole.

The acting is mostly good, Escacena is likeable enough and you want to see her beat the demon. Her relationship with her siblings is endearing and the final sacrifice not only makes sense but has emotional weight. That is the best bit about this film; the ending. It chooses to have the protagonist lose which is in keeping with the actual case, but it is still a brave move and one you don’t see coming.

Overall, this film has some moments of real inspiration and has some genuinely good scares, but it is not enough to get over the very average premise that has been done thousands of times before. Still worth checking out.

Pros.
Originality.
Creature Design.
A Good Lead Performance.

Cons.
Average Premise.
It Is Bound By The Fact That It Is Based on True Events.

3/5

Reviewed by Luke

Little Women: Oscar Bait In Its Most Obvious Form

‘Little Women’ is a coming-of-age, drama, period film based on the book of the same name. The plot follows the lives of the March’s a family of young women who live with their mother while their dad is fighting in the Civil War. We see it all from sisterly pranks and hijinks to death and, mourning.

As someone who has read the seminal novel, I had an idea where the film was going and, a lot of the surprise reveals were not all that surprising to me. However, the two things I will give this film and Greta Gerwig props for are that they nailed a lot of the key scenes from the novel: they capture the emotion perfectly, this is in no small part thanks to the performances but, I will come back to those later. The second thing I will give this film credit for is that the new additions to the narrative help to make the film feel more rounded and, whole.

The performances for me were a mixed bag Saoirse Ronan was terrific as Jo, proving once again that she is an aspiring actress to watch out for. Likewise, Florence Pugh was equally as good as Amy, the often overlooked sister, I found that her character captured the love-hate relationship sometimes found between sister really well. The rest of the cast didn’t do much for me, Emma Watson was fine, but I believe any actress could have played her role and, the rest of the cast including Laura Dern and, Meryl Streep is mostly wasted. Timothy Chalamet is also in this film and, I still don’t understand why people like him or, think he is a good actor.

I had several issues with the film, the most egregious of which is how in love with itself this film seems to be. ‘Little Women’ has a very smug sense of self about it, it seems to think that it is high art and, is worthy of all the awards simply for being I found this off-putting. This is reflected in how this film is paced, often scenes will feel drawn out, trying to play up their importance, when nothing has actually happened. The third act of this film is definitely too long in the tooth as there are multiple times you will find yourself saying, “is it over yet”.

A final thing I find odd and, distracting about this film is the non-linear way it chooses to tell its story, the scenes don’t follow any kind of pattern and, will generally be out of sync. An example of what I mean is in the second act a character dies and, there will be a scene of the family mourning the loss and, then another scene of this character alive and well. There is nothing wrong with telling a story like this, but the film doesn’t make clear what is a flash-forward, what is a flashback and, this makes for a jarring viewing experience.

Overall this is a solid effort from Gerwig however, it pails in comparison to her debut effort, with some of the stylistic and, editing choices in the film really ruin vast sections of it for me.

Pros.
Captures The Emotion.
The New Stuff.
The Performances.

Cons.
The Editing.
The Pacing Issues.
How Smug It Is.

2/5

Reviewed by Luke

The Babysitter: What Goes On After You Go To Bed.

‘The Babysitter’ is a teen horror-comedy film the plot follows Cole, (Judah Lewis), as he stays up to see what his Babysitter Bee, (Samara Weaving), gets up to when he goes to bed; what he finds out chills him to the bone. Bee and her friends are devil worshipers and, they are using Cole for his blood. Cole and Bee then enter into a showdown to the death that only one of them can walk away from.

For those of you who read my reviews and, follow me on social media, you know that I find Samara Weaving incredibly annoying; it’s her scream. However, this film does something I didn’t think was possible it made me like her, she was charming and, funny and easily the highlight of the film; throughout the film, you think she is going to turn back to the side of the light, but no she is evil through and, through.

The showdowns between Cole and, his perusers are all excellent they are very reminiscent of, ‘Home Alone’ all of Cole’s weapons are improvised and the deaths are spectacularly gory. They manage to capture the tension of the situation while also remaining comic. The comedy in this film is quite good, it will bring a smile to your face and, warm you, towards the characters.

This film is very stylised think Zack Synder or, Edgar Wright, but turn it up to 100; every chance to have a graphic or, do a cinematography trick is taken. The issue with this is that a lot of the time it takes you out of the film, there was a sequence where the camera was moving around, but also supposed to be doing a POV shot and, the effect is incredibly jarring. There is nothing wrong with a film having style, but if anything this film is overly stylised.

Another thing about this film is that it is completely predictable, but that is okay as this film knows what it is, a pulpy horror B movie homage, and it plays to that. Viewing this film through the lens of it being a homage to horror B movies, makes it a much better film than it actually is. As I don’t think it is a horror B movie homage deliberately.

Overall ‘The Babysitter’ feels like something out of a bygone age, it is over stylised and, it seems to be doing all this to overcompensate for the fact that it isn’t very original. However, it is a nice piece of horror movie junk food and, Samara Weaving is excellent.

Pros.
It’s Good Horror Junk Food.
The Genre Diehards Might Find Something To Like.
Samara Weaving is excellent.

Cons.
It Feels Very Dated.
Overly Stylised.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Hail Satan? The Devil’s Fight For Justice And, Equality Is Never Done!

Hail Satan? Is a documentary film about The Satanic Temple shedding light on its origins and, political activism; and its fight to keep church and, state separated and, give liberty to all.

This film surprised me as it showed this group of people, who often get blamed and, wrongly judged as not only the opposite of how the media normally portrays them but, as good people who are trying to bring about a real positive change in the world. The reason why this documentary is so good is that it plays with your preconceived notions about what Satanists are and, dispels them one by one.

It also points out very real-world issues about Church encroaching on State, and what right do Christens have to be able to put statues up outside courthouses and other legal buildings solely, shouldn’t all religious groups have this right? This is what it does so well it makes you think, it makes you question what you personally believe to be right.

As well as being a fascinating watch this film also has some dramatic stakes as we see the Satanists, we are rooting for, fighting and facing setbacks at every turn. Not just this, but when we see the schism in The Satanic Temple that leads Jex, a member of the Satanic Temple who leads the Detroit chapter be removed from the organisation it is sad to see. It is also sad to see the spokesman for the organisation Lucien Greaves have to wear a bulletproof vest for fear of being shot, it really makes you consider society and, religion in a whole new light. Why should someone be so persecuted for what they believe in?

Ultimately this review will be a shorter one today, as to truly understand why this documentary is so great you need to go and, watch it. I don’t want to spoil it for you. For me personally ‘Hail Satan?’ really made me question a lot about how I see the world and, how we should always be open to new ideas and, that we have to question the standard media narrative on things because sometimes they can portray a group as devilish when it actual fact they are just trying to do good, in their own way.

A MUST WATCH!

Pros.
It Asks Relevant Questions.
It Dispels False And Harmful Narratives.
It Makes You Question Your Own Beliefs.

Cons.
A Few Minor Pacing Issues Especially In The Early Sections.

4/5

Reviewed by Luke

How The Grinch Stole Christmas: The Grinch Is Coming For Your Presents

‘How The Grinch Stole Christmas’ is a Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film based on the Dr. Seuss book of the same name. The plot of the film follows The Grinch, a character who has removed himself from the town of Whoville and, now lives in a lair up in the mountains. The Grinch hates the town’s people for laughing at him years ago and, the townspeople fear The Grinch because he is not like them. This mutual ill will comes to a head and, The Grinch plans to steal all the presents from the people of Whoville to teach them a lesson; effectively stealing Christmas from them.

Now before we get into the review in earnest, I want to say that I have never liked anything related to Dr. Seuss I find the need to have nearly everything rhyme off-putting, I feel likewise about the strange character designs. As such I never grew up with these stories, so before I watched this, I was unaware of who The Grinch was; yes I understood what he was in passing from pop culture, but I had never seen his film before.

The issues that I had mentioned before with the character designs and the need to constantly be rhyming are in full effect in this film, which lessens my enjoyment with it, but I have to say a near-perfect performance by the one and, only Jim Carrey wins me over.
Carrey plays the titular Grinch and, he is going full Carrey, by that I mean he is giving this his everything, all of his manic energy and, it really pays dividends.

The film works as a Christmas film in that it has a nice positive message of not judging other people and, that everyone can have a chance of redemption no matter how wicked; this film did make me feel the Christmas spirit. Not only does it works as a Christmas film but, also as a comedy film as it is quite funny at times, the musical number being an example of this, it should generate a chuckle or two.

My one issue with the film is the same issue I have with a lot of others, excluding The Grinch himself the rest of the characters aren’t developed at all, even Cindy Lou, (Taylor Momsen), who is a leading character isn’t given much to do except drive The Grinch’s character development along.

Overall, despite my own personal feelings on Dr Seuss, I can see why so many people love this film, Carrey is fantastic and, it is genuinely sweet and funny at times; it even managed to win round a Seuss hater like me.

Pros.
Carrey
The Spirit Of Christmas

Cons.
The Annoying Rhyming
The Weird Character designs.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Better Watch Out: A Master Killer In The Making

Better Watch Out is a psychological horror film about a babysitter who is taken, hostage by the child she is babysitting.

I had this on my list of Christmas films to watch, though now having watched it I can safely say it has absolutely nothing to do with the season itself, apart from being set around that time, so this really isn’t a Christmas film.

The plot of the film is incredibly obvious, the audience, as well as Ashley, (Olivia DeJonge), in the film, are supposed to believe that a mysterious unseen force is trying to break into the house to kill Ashley and, the young teen she is babysitting Luke, (Levi Miller). However, it is clear to see from the moment he is introduced that Luke is a bad apple, it is also clear to see that he has an unhealthy fixation with Ashley; making multiple attempts to seduce her.

So when the inevitable twist happens and, it turns out the break-in was staged by Luke and his friend Garrett, (Ed Oxenbould), to once again try and, seduce Ashley it is in no way surprising. What follows then is a series of events that simply couldn’t happen and, the way the film explains Luke getting away with them all is that he is super smart; yet he commits a series of murders without wearing gloves, so he is leaving fingerprints everywhere, and then gets away with it at the end of the film. This to me just reeks of bad, convenient writing.

Whats more Miller is very hateable as a child psychopath who thinks he is the best thing since sliced bread, almost too much so. However, we as an audience are trained to want to see these kinds of people fail and, be punished for there evil ways, but the end of this film subverts, that expectation. Not in a good way that is clever but, rather in a way that is incredibly frustrating and, anti-climatic. The ending is that he gets away with everything because he is so smart; there is a tease of maybe he will get found out, but that is all it is a tease. This film seems to want you to root for Luke, showing how smart he is and, how perfectly planned out he has everything, this feels off especially when the character you should be rooting for Ashley is barely developed, her plot worthy characteristics are who she use to date.

Overall this film is frustrating as it set’s rules and, then 5 minutes later it breaks them. It seems to glorify a budding serial killer, and completely ignore its main character.

Pros
Good Gore
It Is Nice To See The Kid From The Visit Again

Cons
Logic
Miller Is Too Good
The Way The Film Treats Its Main Character

1/5

Reviewed By Luke

It’s A Wonderful Life: Everyone Needs A Guardian Angle

‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ is a Christmas fantasy drama film, the plot follows George Bailey, (James Stewart), throughout his life as he endeavors to do good and, keep Bailey Savings and Loan afloat. The drama of the film comes when 8000 dollars goes missing and, George looks to be arrested, at this point George is on the edge of committing suicide, but when things seem bleakest he meets an Angel called Clarence, (Henry Travers), who shows George what the world would be like if he was never born.

This film very much like ‘A Miracle On 34th Street’ is widely regarded as a Christmas classic and, that is for a good reason.
The feel-good message that everyone, no matter your circumstance, can have a huge impact on the world by showing kindness to others is incredibly seasonally appropriate. It is a message that reminds us that we should always be happy with what we have and, that though cliche the greatest joys in life don’t come from wealth or things, but rather the people around us.

The acting in the film is all well done Stewart and, Travers are excellent as the two main characters, but there are also a lot of fantastic side and, background characters that have moments to shine. My one issue with this is that though they have their moments to shine these side characters often feel very one note, very much an afterthought.

The dramatic elements are strong in this film as George’s life is very up and, down and, he is put through the wringer. At no point do these dramatic moments feel manipulative or, melodramatic rather they hit the nail on the head and feel genuine and earnest; striking an emotional chord with us the audience.

My other and, more significant issue with this film is that it has quite severe pacing issues. The part of the film wherein George wishes he was never born and, meets Clarence and, goes to the alternative world doesn’t happen until about 50 minutes into the film. Therein for me lies the problem, I understand the need to set the scene and, introduce the characters, but 50 minutes seems like a bit much and, it really makes this opening section of the film feel too dragged out and, too long; feeling almost overindulgent at times.

Overall despite some minor faults, its too long and, the side characters aren’t developed enough, this still captures the real meaning of the season better than any other film and, is worthy of the title of a Christmas classic.

Pros.
Meaning For The Season.
Impactful Drama.
Good Leads.

Cons.
Underdeveloped Characters.
Pacing Issues.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

Bad Santa 2: Santa Is Back In Town

‘Bad Santa 2′ is a Christmas black comedy, crime film. The plot this time around follows on from that of the first film, after an undetermined amount of time, Willie, (Billy Bob Thornton), is back at the end of his rope, quite literally, and the thing that saves him is getting a call from his old friend Marcus, (Tony Cox), offering him a chance to make 2 million dollars. The job this time around sees the pair stealing from a charity, what’s more seasonally wholesome than that, which is run by Diane, (Christina Hendricks) and her Husband Regent, (Ryan Hansen). The pair are also joined on this job by Willie’s mother Sunny, (Kathy Bates), who has a strained, to say the least relationship with her son.

This film isn’t as good as the first film, don’t get me wrong I still like it, but like many other needless belated sequels this film doesn’t ever really justify its existence, Moreover, though the new characters provide for some good laughs, Hendricks’ especially, they water the film down to a degree; spreading it too thin.

The carrying over relationships from the first film are expanded upon here, Willie and Marcus are still warring brothers this time around both being there for one another and, also prepared to double-cross the other at every turn. Marcus gets his own subplot this time around about him trying to sleep with security guard Gina, (Jenny Zigrino), which makes for interesting viewing and, a few good humorous scenes. Also, Thurman, (Brett Kelly), returns he is now grown up and, seemingly unable to live his own life; literally moving halfway across the country to find Willie and, then proceeding to live at a homeless shelter because Willie won’t put him up. The ending of this film gives us a nice happy resolution for the pair as Willie basically adopts him and, finally sees Thurman as family; which is sweet.

In terms of the newer characters, not a whole lot is done with them, Kathy Bates is mostly wasted, she gives a little bit of colour to Willie’s earlier life and, then in a twist everyone saw coming ends up being the real villain of the film. Hendricks, on the other hand, is charming and, funny as a wife in a loveless marriage who starts sleeping with Willie on the side, if they did a third film which it looks like they won’t, but if they did it would be nice to see her return.

Overall this film is still the same charming, black-hearted, Christmas comedy film that the first one was, but maybe to a lesser degree. The newer characters seem short-changed but, the returning characters get satisfying resolutions.

Pros.
Hendricks.
Tieing Up The Character Arcs From The First Film.
Still Hilarious.
Still Has A Strong Heart.

Cons.
The Newer Characters Are Mostly Short Changed.

4/5

Reviewed by Luke

Bad Santa: Santa Claus Is Drunk Driving To Town.

‘Bad Santa’ is a Christmas Black Comedy film revolving around Willie, (Billy Bob Thornton), a depressed alcoholic, who stopped giving a damn about anything a long time ago; every year him and, his friend Marcus, (Tony Cox), poses as a Santa and, Elf duo all in the effort to rob blind the mall they’re working at that year.

‘Bad Santa’ is the perfect film for people who don’t like Christmas, I know that term is thrown around a lot, but it is really true here; Willie is the embodiment of everyone who have ever given up on life and, simply said F it. Thornton plays the role with real charm too, never does his performance become grating or, annoying instead Willie is very likeable and, as the film goes along and, you learn more about him you root for him even more. There is also a sad vulnerability to Willie and, Thornton manages to capture this perfectly as you can see on a deep level how damaged he is and, this helps us the audience empathise with him.

Another thing this film does really well is forging relationships and, then making you care about them. Willie and, Marcus are a good example of this they argue a lot and, Marcus even betrays Willie at one point, but you know deep down they are family; the second film even says as much. The banter between Thornton and Cox is also incredibly strong making for a lot of great laughs and memorable scenes.
The real heart of this film is the relationship between Willie and, a little boy called Thurman, (Brett Kelly), who meets “Santa” at the mall and, takes a shine to him letting him come and stay at his house. The reason this relationship is so endearing is that you can see over time Willie grow to care about Thurman, even going so far as to basically adopt him in the second film, and it suggests that there might still be hope for Willie to find happiness after all which gives the audience a warm feeling inside.

Overall this film succeeds in every respect, it is funny and, the humour never falls flat, it has real heart, the relationship between Willie and Thurman especially in the film’s third act can’t help but, bring a tear to your eye and, as a Christmas film as this film more than any others made me feel festive; reminding me of the reason for the season.

Pros.
Thornton is Excellent.
The Humor Is Fantastic.
The Relationship between Willie and, Thurman is endearing.
It succeeds as an Anti-Christmas film.
Cons.
The Humor might be a little blue for some.

4.5/5

Reviewed by Luke

The Two Popes: A Look Behind The Curtain

‘The Two Popes’ is a biographical drama film detailing the end of Pope Benedict XVI time as Pope and the rise of Pope Francis. The film looks at the relationship and, to an extent friendship between these two men, showing how even though they had strong disagreements, Benedict was far more conservative in his approach than Pope Francis; they found common ground and, a common respect for one another.

I was worried when I watched this film that it might be preachy or, have a message or, agenda that it tried to force down the viewer’s throat, I am pleased to report that this film can be enjoyed by anyone no matter your religion. As it is an acting masterclass and, each piece of dialogue is delivered with such relish that you can’t help but love it. Extensively this film is made by the performances of Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict and, Jonathan Price as Pope Francis, it is a joy to see these two veterans acting on screen they are both giving it their all and, it is a marvellous thing to watch.

This film is not afraid to get dark, at times it covers some very serious subject matter such as the child sex abuse within the Church as well as Pope Francis’ past in Argentina. These sections are brief but incredibly powerful they leave an impact on you and, make you think; I applaud this approach as it gives the film a heft to it that helps to define it beyond simply a film about the Papacy.

My one issue with the film is that it feels as though it could have been made shorter and, that it could have benefited from a harsher edit. By this, I mean that some sequences in the film do end up overstaying their welcome, the flashbacks to Pope Francis’ past are a prime example, as a result of this they lose some of their impact as instead of feeling thoughtfully considered they instead feel as though the filmmakers are trying to pad out the films’ runtime. This a shame as most of the film feels very tight and, most scenes have meaning.

Overall this is very interesting and, I learnt things I wasn’t previously aware of, Hopkins and Price both do a fantastic job in their respective roles and, I think it was a brave move for the film to have darker subject matter but, I am really glad they did. This could have been great if the pacing was a bit better and, every scene felt necessary.

Pros.
Interesting.
Informative.
Sharp Dialogue.
Great Performances.
Darker Themes.

Cons.
Pacing Issues.

3.5/5

Reviewed by Luke