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marciatomka
Reviews
Mayfair Witches (2023)
No No No No No
As soon as I read that the Michael Curry and Aaron Lightner characters would not be in the series, I had my doubts, because they are both central and essential to the story. I love these books love them. Anne Rice not only tells a story, she creates an atmosphere. But, I decided to watch with an open mind. Sometimes adapted films and series can be better than the original, or at least as good. Terms of Endearment, Jaws, to name a couple. Atmosphere is completely lacking here. Granted, I've only seen one episode, and I will watch the second episode to see if it gets any better, but I do not have high hopes. Rowan is not Anne Rice's Rowan; not even close. I don't like this actress as Rowan at all. She played Constance in the film We Have Always Lived In The Castle (another absolute favorite book of mine), and did a good job, IMO. But she's not pulling off Rowan. Neither is Carlotta. It's like they are caricatures. Overall, the acting of all characters so far is very disappointing. Except Annabeth Gish. I think she captured the catatonic Deirdre very well. I haven't decided about Lasher yet. I'm so sad. When I heard The Witching Hour was being made into a series, I thought, it's about time, and I was so excited. Why do producers and writers think they can improve on a bestselling and beloved story by one of the most popular writers of my lifetime? It's such a shame.
Elizabeth Harvest (2018)
Wow
I decided to watch this film despite the low rating and a lot of "Eh" reviews - and I am very glad I did. It's not mainstream Hollywood, it's not "artsy" or filled with head-scratching symbolism. It's beautifully shot and the performances are well done. The story has many layers and would make a great movie club discussion. I very much enjoyed it. My jaw dropped a few times. I liked that. I'm one of those people who thinks they have a story figured out, and I usually do. I liked the twists I didn't see coming. I was satisfied with the ending as well. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this little gem. Go ahead and go for it!
Ready or Not (2019)
ONE OF MY NEW FAVS
The perfect blend of tense/scary/a bit of gore with spot on humor. What I loved the most was I couldn't guess the ending. And I loved it. Just perfect. I haven't enjoyed a horror film this much since Get Out. You won't be sorry if you watch.
Suspiria (2018)
It's Pretty Darn Good
As so many other reviewers have noted, this really isn't a remake as much as a film with the same basic plot.
I was 16 when I saw Argento's Suspiria in the theatre. I was scared s***less! My boyfriend dropped me at home, and my parents and older sisters weren't home yet. I was so spooked I turned every single light on in the house, then waited at the window for them. Rotfl. It has remained, in my mind, the movie that scared me the most in my life ... so far.
This film, the 2018 version, I didn't expect to like. But I did. A lot. It's beautifully done. The cast is wonderful. And the end left me with my mouth hanging open. One reviewer called it a slow-burn, and I'd have to agree. I love horror films and am always open to one done differently. It can't be compared to the original, which, in 1977, was SCARY. Lol. The 2018 version is, well, creepy. Makes you ... uncomfortable, squirmy. Something is ... off about this place and these people.
Two different types of films telling basically the same story. If you have an open mind when it comes to watching remakes, and different types of horror films, I highly recommend. For me, it was well worth the roughly 2 1/2 hours.
Brightburn (2019)
So Disappointing
This movie could have been so much more. It is the Reader's Digest version of what could have been an amazing film. Because it was so rushed and disjointed with absolutely no character development, the acting came across, to me, as over-acting. Elizabeth Banks is a good actress, but you would find her melodramatic if you'd never seen her act previously. An opportunity to make a film that stands out was wasted here.
Rashômon (1950)
Oh My God
I agree wholeheartedly with the other 2 or 3 people here who were unpretentious enough to be honest and not a lemming. Horrible, and I do mean horrible, acting. The Bandit was so annoying - what's with the unbelievable maniacal laughing and hopping about? Boring. Boring. Boring.
Yes, yes. I GET the point of the movie. The premise is interesting but this film is just plain bad. So bad it's laughable. Honestly, if the acting was wasn't so over the top reminiscent of silent film overacting, it would've been at least palatable for me.
I do not get the appeal.