JohnnyRatesALot

IMDb member since September 2017
    Lifetime Total
    50+
    Lifetime Trivia
    10+
    Lifetime Image
    1+
    IMDb Member
    6 years

Reviews

Saw X
(2023)

The Saw is Sharper Than Ever!
After over a decade of so-so Saw sequels, I honestly didn't go in with high expectations. But boy, did this film prove otherwise. This is definitely the strongest entry in the 'Saw' franchise since the original!

Without giving away any spoilers, the plot is very strong and very intriguing, and Tobin Bell gives a truly chilling and dedicated performance as Jigsaw. Some of the traps are beyond unbelievable and horrifying. Lots of classic gore you'd expect from a Saw film, but it is positively balanced with a quality storyline this time. Extremely psychological, suspenseful, and an intense ride! Many scenes that will leave you in awe.

A lot of heart was put into Saw X and it's a very powerful, worthy installment that was much-needed. This Saw is as sharp as possible and I rate it a 10/10! Highly recommend it. Definitely worth seeing in theaters.

Titanic
(1997)

Happy 25th Anniversary, Titanic...You Made It Count
Titanic (1997) is my #1 favorite film of all time and I'm so glad James Cameron re-released this masterpiece worldwide for its 25th anniversary, introducing it to the new younger generations.

Went to see it with my girlfriend for Valentine's Day weekend, in 4K 3D, and it was absolutely phenomenal. Experiencing it on the big screen gave the film an epic, larger-than-life feel. Watching Titanic with an audience also amplified the emotions and people cried so much. Including us. It was a very surreal night.

Titanic is a masterpiece on so many levels. The soundtrack alone is still one of the most haunting, beautiful tracks ever created (Rest In Peace James Horner). You can tell Cameron put his entire heart and soul into the creation of this film, as well as the main characters Jack and Rose. Speaking of Jack and Rose, I want others to know why they're such an important element to the story. Their characters are truly vital and necessary in order for the audience to feel the tragedy of Titanic's sinking on a deep, meaningful level. If I may explain:

We know Jack and Rose were fictional. But very important to leave a lasting impression. While we wish they could've lived "happily ever after", Jack's death was necessary for a very crucial reason. As time goes on, Titanic's disaster becomes a long distance in history, detached from the actual trauma of the event. We can look back at the reports of the sinking, and all the deaths, and realize how horrible it must have been: but it's still just numbers to us. By the time the film came out, Titanic had been at the bottom of the ocean for 80+ years already. Very few survivors were left alive, and for most people, several generations separated them from the wreck.

I think having Jack, the charming co-lead of the movie die, after we spent so much time getting attached to not only his character, but also his growing relationship with Rose, was meant to be the emotional *punch* necessary to make the disaster feel real to us in the modern world. Seeing their adventures aboard the ship, going on this journey with them, you really began to root for the couple. If it were any other movie, they likely would have gotten their happy ending. But Cameron wanted us to feel the loss - even a little bit - that the survivors and families of those lost aboard the ship felt, by taking this character away from us, just inches from the finish line. In that way, Jack is meant to be a stand-in for everyone who lost their lives that night.

Those are my sincere thoughts. Kate Winslet and Leoardo DiCaprio both gave brilliant, phenomenal, and dedicated performances with their characters. No one else could've done a more perfect job. Their onscreen romance works so well because of the wonderful chemistry they share. Kate was the perfect embodiment of an Edwardian society girl; she was only 21-years-old at the time but had the mentality of a mature woman twice her age. Leo and his character felt much wiser and ambitious beyond his years, as well.

The ending is possibly the most beautiful, unforgettable endings to a movie ever. It just numbs you with chills and unlocks so many emotions. No matter how many times I watch Titanic, I become immersed into the film and emotionally invested in the tragic history. This movie, winner of 11 Academy Awards, is a piece of history itself.

Titanic is a timeless classic that never fails to pull at our heartstrings and remind us of a real life tragedy; a horrific disaster that took the lives of 1,500+ people in a single night. Cameron did a brilliant job at conveying the heart of this tragedy through masterful filmmaking and storytelling. A film that I'll never let go of.

Easily a 10/10!

Talk to Me
(2022)

Possibly the Most Terrifying Film of Summer 2023!
A24 never disappoints with their psychological, creative, aesthetically-pleasing horror films, and Talk To Me is another masterpiece of theirs. Saw the premiere and the theater was dead silent the entire time, basically, with my friend and I on the edge of our seats.

Without revealing much spoilers, this film has a great cast with talented young actors who give some frightening performances. The overall atmosphere is very dark and the concept with the embalmed hand is intriguing, unique, and A24 does a lot of creative, creepy things with it. You'll see. The overall storyline is refreshing, shocking at times, with plenty of innovative scares. Lots of unforgettable, twisted moments!

Highly recommend Talk To Me if you're looking for a suspenseful, edgy, psychological, thrilling horror film. 10/10!

Insidious: The Red Door
(2023)

The Red Door Opens Up Wilson's Brilliant TALENT!
Insidious 5 may be the creepiest, darkest, and most frightening entry since the 2010 original. It's full of suspense, the casting is great, the acting is superb, and lots of creative and psychological scares. Patrick Wilson's direction is very well crafted and, as a big fan of his, The overall storyline, writing, and Wilson's direction are very high quality. You can tell Wilson put a lot of tedious dedication, passion, quality, and thought into many scenes, and the tense ways they play out.

The franchise's intriguing theme of Astral Projection is done excellently here and there's plenty of emotional moments as well. Long term fans of Insidious, The Conjuring Universe, and Patrick Wilson in general are going to have a wild, terrifying ride The Red Door!

Most of all, The Red Door puts spotlight on Patrick Wilson as both an actor and director. I highly recommend you go see it. Perhaps the scariest film of the summer!

Arnold
(2023)

Honoring The Greatest Bodybuilder of All Time and More!
As a passionate weight lifter and fitness buff, Arnold Schwarzenegger is my biggest inspiration of all time and this series was excellently done. Arnold is the perfect embodiment of the Alpha Male, the natural born badass; the strong-willed, dedicated force of nature who never let anything get in his way.

Schwarzenegger took life by the horns and showed it who's boss by never letting anything, or anyone, get in the way of his dreams.

"Arnold" expresses exactly that. It is a very detailed, moving portrait of his life and one of his best documentaries since Pumping Iron. It looks at his early life in Austria, his legendary bodybuilding career, acting career, and more. It features lots of celebrities he worked with over the years, too, with lots of interesting footage and information fans probably hadn't seen or heard of before.

Many people will be inspired, motivated, and truly moved by this series and by Arnold himself. The Austrian Oak never fails to inspire! 10/10 and highly recommend it!

Cruella
(2021)

CRUELLA is Absolutely Marvelous, Darling!
Step aside Maleficent, because Cruella (2021) is not only the best-ever villain origin story, the best live action Disney film; it's actually one of my favorite Disney films of all time! It takes you on one wild ride you won't forget

But please be aware this is a PG-13 Disney film best suited for young adults and not children. The film's story, tone, dialogue, etc, are directed towards adult audiences. And I know adults around the world won't forget Cruella De Vil after watching this! Cruella (2021) is a brilliant expansion story on the iconic villain. She's been a very underrated villain for a while, so I'm glad she's finally getting spotlight.

Emma Stone is absolutely unforgettable as Cruella. Her performance truly soars above Glenn Close's, which I know is saying a lot. But Emma truly slayed this iconic character. She added so much emotional depth to her role and her dynamic with Emma Thompson's character works so well.

The music is also fantastic in this film. The 1960s-1970s song choices are so perfect. The costumes, for both Cruella and The Baroness, are out of this world. Design sets are dazzling, and the acting is beyond phenomenal!

The unique, gripping storyline will definitely lure you in. Lots of suspense, a few shocking moments, lots of emotional moments and tones, and an unbelievable twist ending. Cruella is one of the best films Disney has given us in years!

This one is easily a 10/10 for me!

The Little Mermaid
(2023)

A Magical Underwater Experience
This live action version of The Little Mermaid (1989), which a lot consider to be one of Disney's greatest classics, truly carries a lot of heart. It's definitely not one of those unimaginative, dull live action remakes that reshoots everything scene-by-scene, word-for-word, that we've gotten in the past. This one is actually creative and fun The story's message of ambition, longing for adventure, and human connection - no matter how diverse - is featured strongly and effectively here. Halle truly breathes life into the iconic role of Ariel. She has the sweet, good-natured personality and a chillingly beautiful voice. You can tell she put all her heart and soul into this role.

Seeing the underwater effects on the big screen was quite an experience. The CGI is very colorful, vivid, and realistic. Truly dazzling to say the least. Lots of warm and funny moments with plenty of emotion, too.

Highly recommend it for both children and adults! 10/10.

Evil Dead Rise
(2023)

The SCARIEST Evil Dead since the Original!
Evil Dead Rise is beyond groovy. I waited forever for the film to come out and, after seeing it in theaters last night, it definitely exceeded my expectations and beyond. It lives up to the trailer's creepiness and positive reviews from critics. I'm a big fan of the Evil Dead franchise and yes, I truly believe Rise is the scariest installment since the 1981 original.

Alyssa Sutherland is absolutely unforgettable in this film. Her performance as a deadite is so believable, devoted, chilling, and downright terrifying. The film holds up both the classic vibes of the original and the 2013 film's vibes. I thought the new, alternate city setting was a refreshing and unique switch from the infamous forest atmosphere. It truly works. This film had some of the best, most effective, and serious scares that I've seen in the franchise. And the family dynamic only makes it all the more edgy and Intense.

Not only is the film scary, it's actually aggressively scary. Just like one critic said, "It puts the pedal to the floor and doesn't stop". It only gets wilder. It's extremely dark, disturbing, and psychological in all the right areas. There are many moments that will make your mouth drop. As for the gore, it's a blood bath fest used in a quality manner. Lots of great easter eggs from previous films, too and a faithful tribute to the original classics, particularly Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn. You will not be disappointed at all!

I give Evil Dead Rise 10/10! One of the most diabolical films I've seen in years! For fans of the franchise and horror fans in general, I highly recommend you GO SEE IT! It's groovy in all the right spots.

American Horror Stories: Dollhouse
(2022)
Episode 1, Season 2

Season 2 is off to a STRONG and PROMISING Start!
I thought season one of Stories needed some work, so I wasn't sure what to think of this season two premiere episode. I was blown away! It truly maintained that classic AHS feel and the ending was brilliant and unexpected! I absolutely love the tie in with Coven! This was a very nostalgic, creepy, and quality episode. Denis O'Hare was brilliant as always. I'm so excited for the upcoming episodes!

"Dollhouse" kicks off season two with lots of promise and high quality! Highly recommend it for all AHS fans.

The Black Phone
(2021)

A Terrifying Film That Reminds us of Stranger Danger
I went to see The Black Phone in theaters the other night. It was a full house of audience members, so I thought "Oh great, it's going to be a noisy experience".

Boy was I wrong.

The film was extremely suspenseful, gripping, intense, so much that the entire audience was silent and on the edge of their seats the entire time. I know I was! The story's plot takes a very unique take on child abduction, which is a real life horror unfortunately. Ethan Hawke gives a chilling, diabolical, almost inhuman performance as the psychotic kidnapper. His performance actually reminded me of Bill Skarsgård when he played Pennywise in IT (2017). But Hawke's is all the more unsettling since people like him actually exist in the world. The Boogeyman is real.

The atmosphere was perfectly captured, there's plenty of unique and disturbing scares, an eerie soundtrack, and the film maintains a psychological feel with lots of tension. You feel like you're in that basement with the main character.

Most importantly, The Black Phone reminds us of the real-life horrors of child abduction and the real-life threats of Stranger Danger. All parents should watch this film because it will encourage them - and most likely scare them - into keeping their children as safe and protected as possible.

Sometimes the darkest and most terrifying films can teach and remind us of valuable precautions to take in life, and The Black Phone is one of them. Don't talk to strangers!

Respect
(2021)

A Very Powerful, Emotional Biopic! Earns RESPECT!
I'm a musician and I went to see Respect with my boyfriend recently and it was a very emotional experience for us. Jennifer Hudson gives such a strong, dedicated performance and she truly morphs into Aretha Franklin. The plot is very quality, the acting is strong, the musical scenes are phenomenal, and the overall story is very inspiring. This is a very respectful and motivating biopic about the queen of soul. Highly recommend it!

American Horror Story: Cape Fear
(2021)
Episode 1, Season 10

Such an Intriguing and Atmospheric Season!
I've been waiting forever for season 10 of American Horror Story and was so excited to finally watch the season premiere last night! And it was definitely worth the wait! The plot and storyline is very unique, different, and interesting, the characterization is great, the setting in a small coastal town is very atmospheric, and the performances are strong! Lots of creepiness too! This season is off to a strong start! I can't wait to see the rest!

American Horror Stories: Ba'al
(2021)
Episode 5, Season 1

My FAVORITE Episode of the Series (So Far!!!)
This was a very intriguing, suspenseful, creepy, and overall strong episode. It had a lot of "Rosemary's Baby" vibes to it but with an AHS twist. The plot was very interesting and Billie Lourd was fantastic as always! Her onscreen presence was very strong and her character was very likable with lots of development. I was absolutely shocked at the story's major twist! It brought back a lot of original, nostalgic AHS feels. This is by far my favorite episode of American Horror Stories. She truly did it justice. I'm really looking forward to the series' future!

FIVE star episode!

American Horror Stories
(2021)

'The Twilight Zone' of American Horror Story!
I'm a huge fan of American Horror Story and have been watching it since it came out in 2011, so I was super excited about the spin-off show Ryan Murphy created. First off, I already know this show wouldn't be as excellent as the main show, but I think it's a great idea to have a spin off that carries familiar elements and themes from AHS. And I'm very impressed with this so far. The idea of each episode having a different storyline, instead of each season, is a real refreshing and intriguing premise. It's like The Twilight Zone but AHS style!

I loved how they opened the show with Murder House, where the original show began. Drive In was excellent as well. I heard the upcoming episodes will feature extractions from the original show like the first three have, and I heard there will be another Murder House episode featuring Tate and Violet! So I'm really looking forward to it and real glad Ryan Murphy created it.

Can't wait for season 10 of AHS!

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
(2021)

Possibly THE BEST Conjuring Film Yet!
I'm a huge fan of The Conjuring Universe, I absolutely love Ed and Lorraine Warren, and I love Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga's heartwarming portrayal of them. I was so excited to see The Conjuring 3 at its prescreening - and it did not disappoint at all!

At first I was skeptical since James Wan wasn't directing this time; however, he was still heavily involved as producer and story creator. While Wan didn't direct, that certainly didn't take away from this film's Conjuring-level quality that we all fell in love with from the first two films. So don't let that worry you. Wan successfully passed the baton over to Michael Chaves who did the film great justice. And, in my opinion, it's the best (and darkest) Conjuring film yet. And I never thought I'd say that after witnessing the first two films.

The storyline and direction for The Conjuring 3 is very different this time around (which is a great thing, since the "haunted house" plot was bound to become repetitive). This time Ed and Lorraine aren't confined in a haunted house; they're on their biggest and most epic journey yet, venturing out in the public and doing everything they can to help prove a man (Arne Cheyenne Johnson) not guilty of murder by reason of demonic possession. And it isn't a simple task. In fact, it's their most difficult investigation yet - and it will lure you in.

Overall the storyline is very unique and intriguing, the characters are very interesting (especially the franchise's brand new villain The Occultist), the scares are terrifying and creative, there's lots of suspense build up, Joseph Bishara yet again did a fantastic job creating a creepy soundtrack (my favorite of the three films, by the way!), Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga's chemistry continues to shine more than ever, the acting is incredible, the film's familiar tone of good conquering evil is strong, there's lots of touching and emotional moments, and this case takes the viewers down a very dark path - possibly the darkest yet.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga both said The Conjuring 3 would be "massive", "a doozy", and "the darkest Conjuring yet". I wholeheartedly agree with their claims. This Conjuring is a different beast (pun intended) and is a fresh, well-needed installment for The Conjuring Universe. Ed and Lorraine's "The Devil Made Me Do It" case sets the franchise in a brand new, interesting direction.

This film was definitely worth the long wait, and it definitely upholds the quality of the first two films while branching out new ideas of its own. I highly recommend you go see it in theaters upon its June 4th release date. Although it's going to be simultaneously released on HBO Max, The Conjuring 3 is a film one should experience on the big screen. Five stars!

The Kill Count
(2017)

One of the BEST Channels on YouTube!
I'm a big fan of James' and he has a real phenomenal channel with addictive videos! His narration is great, he has a great and keen perception on horror films, he's very comedic and humorous, and is a true expert when it comes to the horror genre and films in general. His videos are labeled as kill counters, but they're also his review and opinion of the movie as well. I love how he themes every video and adds objects in the background that corresponds to the horror movie. He adds lots of quality and puts so much effort and passion into his work. He's a great knowledgeable guy, a big horror fan like I am, and his YouTube channel is absolutely brilliant. I hope The Kill Count will be running for a long time!

Ratched
(2020)

Why All the Negative Reviews?
I agree Ratched has AHS-vibes to it, but I think it's a very interesting, psychological, macabre, and thrilling show that explores the dark side of medicine and malpractice, which is an important subject to shed light on. What goes on behind closed doors at a hospital? Ratched shows us the grim possibilities. Sarah Paulson gives a strong, dedicated performance as Nurse Mildred Ratched. Her character reminds me of Christina Ricci's portrayal of Lizzie Borden in The Lizzie Borden Chronicles. She's a manipulative, cunning, intimidating, deadly woman who also has her soft spots. Finn Wittrock gives a believable performance of a deranged, yet misunderstood murderer. Sharon Stone gives an equally strong and domineering performance as the show's other "bad girl" and Mildred's mysterious rival. The scenery, setup, costumes, and colors are absolutely gorgeous and vivid. It truly looks authentic, vintage, and takes the viewer back to the 1940s-50s. The plot line and writing is very Ryan Murphy-like, campy, dark, and bingeworthy . Like I said, it sheds light on the dark side of nursing, medical practice, and the dark secrets doctors (whom we're supposed to trust with our health) keep deeply hidden. It's almost like AHS meets General Hospital. A unique mix. Ratched is much better than what some people are giving it credit for. It's suspenseful, thrilling, psychological at times, emotional, lots of quotable lines, has great shade between Ratched and Buckett, and an overall great addition to Ryan Murphy's collection.

I'm looking forward to season 2. Great series!

Night of the Living Dead
(1990)

MUCH BETTER than the Original!
I'm a 90s kid and Night of the Living Dead (1990) was the first horror film I ever saw. I was about 6-years-old and it traumatized me. I'm 24 now and I absolutely love it. In my opinion, it has so many qualities that makes it better than George Romero's 1968 original. Don't get me wrong; I still think the original is a classic and very eerie. However, growing up with the remake and then watching both really swayed me towards the remake. The opening of the film alone (a full moon rising against the night sky with that creepy soundtrack in the background, is promising enough that this is going to be a creepy experience. Barbara (Patricia Tallman) and Johnny's (Bill Mosley) relationship as brother and sister is explored in much more depth. The cemetery attack scene in this version is much more suspenseful and thrilling, and the cemetery zombie is much more terrifying. The scene when Barbara is trapped and cornered in her car is a lot more scary and intense. Patricia Tallman is the perfect Scream Queen during the film's first 20 minutes and her acting is natural and brilliant. Her relationship with Ben (Tony Todd) is a lot stronger and deeper compared to the original, and both Tallman and Todd share great chemistry onscreen. Todd's performance as Ben is very strong, determined, reliable, with a little bit of eeriness as well. Unlike the original, Barbara's character doesn't simply sit on the living room couch in a catatonic state the whole time; she's actually willing to partake in helping and making herself useful. She truly wants to survive. The zombies in this version are much more menacing, creepy, and they have their own unique characteristics that sets them apart (the cemetery zombie, the autopsy zombie, the Uncle Rege zombie, the shirtless anorexic zombie, babydoll zombie, Mr. Mcgruder zombie, twisted legs zombie, etc), while they all seemed to "blend in" in the original. The makeup and artistic effects are very realistic, too. Tom Savini injects his own and original plot elements into the film that truly separates it from the original, makes it somewhat of a reimagining, all while staying faithful to a classic. He adds new scenes, intensifies scenes from the original, expands and adds new dialogue, and switches some things around - sometimes for the better. What he does most, I've noticed, is emphasizes death to the audience. He effectively delivers that macabre and morbid "death" feeling throughout the film. One thing I really prefer in the remake over the original is the soundtrack. Paul McCollough creates a very eerie, haunting, and downright terrifying track. The "gurgling", "beaming", and padding sound effects that play throughout the film add to the creepiness and that zombie-like feeling. It's very fitting and creates a very surreal atmosphere. What I love most about the remake, however, is Barbara's reimagined character. She completely transforms herself from a mousy, screaming, terrified girl to a brave, strong, gun-wielding warrior with an unwavering will to live. She's determined, focused, and nothing will stand in her way from surviving and reaching help. No other actress could've pulled this performance off other than Patricia Tallman! Overall, this is a very strong and reimagined remake that placates the 90s era perfectly - while at the same time keeping homage to the original and not going off track. The scares are great, the zombies are terrifying, the acting is intense, the atmosphere is very claustrophobic and dooming, there's some emotional aspects added, lots of thrilling and suspenseful scenes, the soundtrack is chilling and perfect, Savini makes this film his own and avoids making it a similar, unimaginative remake like many others (i.e. Psycho, The Omen). He gives it a new life, its own taste, while adding elements that make it better than the 1968 original. That's my sincere opinion, and I don't say that about a lot of remakes. Night of the Living Dead (1990) is truly a masterpiece that goes in its own, terrifying direction.

I can't say enough positive about it. I had the honor of meeting Patricia Tallman in 2016 and I told her how much I loved her version over the original, and she was real taken back and very honored. She's a very sweet, loving, friendly woman and is very active with her fans. After seeing her groundbreaking performance as Barbara, she'll forever have a fan from me.

FIVE STAR film!

Black Christmas
(2019)

A DISGRACE to the 1974 Classic!!!
And I thought the 2006 remake was bad? HA. This one makes it look like a great movie! Seriously guys, this movie had no quality plot, writing, thought, or direction. The characters were exceptionally bad and unlikable and had no depth. The scares were cliché and very unoriginal. It's a total introvert to the 1974 cult classic. The original actually had suspense, a creepy atmosphere, scary scenes, and an effective direction. This one had none of those things... I'm very surprised because Blumhouse usually makes quality films, from my experience. Very disappointed.

DO NOT ruin your holidays and see Black Christmas! The original is great, but not this one!

Harriet
(2019)

An Amazing and Inspiration Film about a Heroic Woman
I just got back from seeing Harriet and thought it was a very moving, intense, emotional, triumphing film about the brave and courageous Harriet Tubman. Cynthia Erivo did a phenomenal job portraying the humble yet courageous, spiritual, intelligent, heroic female figure who dedicated her life - and risking it - to freeing slaves. Her determination to "kill this monster called slavery" was bold and definitely shined. Although the film isn't 100% accurate, that does NOT take away from the intriguing and extraordinary story this film delivers. It's Hollywood, people, so all films based on true stories are embellished. That doesn't hinder the powerful message that it delivers. I'm not sure why some people are nitpicking at this film and being petty about it. It told Harriet's story in an emotional, thrilling, and inspiring way - as it should be. I learned about Harriet Tubman in elementary school all the time, but I never knew what a lot of the film depicted. Many parts made me cry, while other parts had me on the edge of my seat. The performances are strong, the script is well-written and has powerful lines, the atmosphere is very historical and scenic, the soundtrack is nostalgic, and there's a perfect mix of suspense, triumph, and emotion. You feel what the characters feel. It's a journey that you'll go along with them.

Harriet (2019) deserves much better justice than it's getting, and people shouldn't complain over small mistakes a historical film makes, or the embellishment it gives. That's Hollywood. It's nothing new. That doesn't make this any less than an inspiring, amazing, inspirational story that'll stay with you for a while.

Five stars!

The Haunting of Sharon Tate
(2019)

"Is All that We See or Seem but a Dream Within a Dream?"
That quote by Edgar Allen Poe appears in the opening of this film for a reason. It's very sad that many people are completely oblivious to what Daniel Farrands, writer and director of this remarkable film, was trying to convey. Many people have been giving the film negative reviews without much thought.

First of all, unlike what many people assume, this was NOT an attempt to exploit nor be insensitive to the Tate Murder victims. Nor was it a cheap attempt to turn the tragic Tate Murders into a slasher horror movie. The truth is in fact the exact opposite.

Daniel Farrands wanted to portray the Tate Murders on a much deeper, spiritual, literary, and emotional level than many of you think - while also being faithful and respectful to the victims. The title should give you a hint, but many people unfortunately overlooked it.

According to Farrands, the entire film actually takes place in Purgatory. From the moment Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring pull up to her house, she and all her friends are earthbound spirits. It's as if they are in a loop or a dimension trying to make sense of such a senseless crime. A small hint is when Sharon asks, "Did you know Cielo means 'heaven' in Spanish?" Sharon's "visions" and prophetic dreams are actually memories of how they all died. So in spirit form, she felt empowered and compelled to take control this time and to have upper hand of the Manson family. It's a very powerful and wishful portrayal of what "could" have happened that tragic August night.

When Sharon and her friends finally regain control, "survive", and walk towards the afterlife, she stops and sees the bodies of her friends and herself. She realizes they've been dead all along and been living in an alternate reality. Now aware of what's happened, she cradles her baby in her arms and is finally able to move on. So yes, the plot plays out on a much deeper, literary, and philosophical note in which Farrands envisioned for the victims. I honestly do not understand the hate this film has been receiving; it really baffles me.

I was aware long before that Sharon Tate had premonitions of her and her friends' deaths before they happened, and I'm so glad someone finally put it into context. Farrands had nothing but positive, pure, and respectful intentions for the victims and wanted to portray their story in a spiritual and personable light.

I and many people who DO understand the film find it to be a very emotional, suspenseful, effective, and unique yet faithful take on the Tate Murders. Hilary Duff's acting is very powerful and determined, and she conforms into the role of a modern Sharon Tate very well. The pacing is great, the actors have great chemistry together, and the soundtrack creates the perfect mood. Also very importantly, Farrands truly captured the ruthless horror and terror attached to this crime exceptionally well throughout the film.

Farrands is really a perfectionist director and he pays attention to detail, right down to exactly what the victims wore that night. He also had so much respect for the victims that he excluded the names of Manson's two female followers for the end credits and used their fictitious cult names instead. That should show you the degree to how much he wanted to have this film focus solely on Sharon Tate and her loved ones, stay true to that focus, and give them the respect they sincerely deserve.

So the next time you bash and hate on a great film, please be fully aware of the plot's true nature, the maker's intentions, and what they're trying to do. In this case, writer and director Daniel Farrands had the best of intentions and wanted to do nothing less than pay a unique, in-depth, and spiritual tribute to the lives of Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, and Steven Parent - and the remarkable people they were.

Excellent film.

Annabelle Comes Home
(2019)

"All the Evil in Here Reminds Me of all the Good That's Out There."
I just had to share that beautiful, touching quote said by Lorraine at the end of this film. I don't see how this film only has a 6.2/10 rating on IMDB! That doesn't give it justice at all. If it was up to me, I'd give it at least a 7/10. Because that's what it deserves. I've been a big fan of The Conjuring Universe ever since it birthed in 2013 with James Wan's very first masterpiece. Three years later he gave us The Conjuring 2, which in my opinion was just as great - if not better - than the first! The series also expanded into a "universe" with various spin-offs. First there was Annabelle (2014), which was decent but not great, then Annabelle Creation (2017) which was EXCELLENT, then there was The Nun (2018) which was okay, but could've been better. Now for Annabelle Comes Home. Everything about this latest installment is brilliant (the plot, setting, atmosphere, actors, characters, direction, and the creative, non-repetitive scares). The idea of Annabelle the doll unleashing evil in The Warrens' artifact room is a brilliant concept, and the film did a wonderful job delivering it. I personally visited The Warrens Occult Museum a few years ago and I thought to myself, "What if all these creepy artifacts came to life one night?" It was a notion in the back of my head. I never dreamt it would turn into a real movie! Anyway, I must say - this film had me on the edge of my seat. Not only was it suspenseful, creepy, eerie, dark, and diabolical; it introduced me and the franchise to new, horrifying demons! Some include The Ferryman, The Samurai Armor, The Bride (which scared me the most), a werewolf, and a television that shows the future. But that's just a few (isn't one enough?). Gary Dauberman really did a superb job for his directorial debut and he did a great job with the "jump scare" restraints. He added a lot of tension and build up when it came to the scary parts. He didn't resort to cheap, uninspired jump scares nor did he have to rely on them to make this movie effectively creepy! I also loved the appearance of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, which was the "cherry on the top" of this great spin-off. Even though their appearances were limited, their characters are still as strong as ever and their chemistry continues to shine. Overall, I truly enjoyed Annabelle Comes Home and I think it's THE BEST installment in the 'Annabelle' trilogy. The acting was excellent, the setting and atmosphere was perfect (what could be scarier than The Warren's house in the middle of the night?), and the characters were very likable. The scares were very creative and the film had its sad, comedic, and emotional aspects as well. The various demons were absolutely terrifying, mischievous, and had their own traits, and it was full of suspense and dread. It was like every animal escaping from their cages at the zoo all at the same time, but in a supernatural sense.

I also love how they dedicated the film to Lorraine Warren at the end credits, who sadly passed away back in April. It's a shame she didn't get to see this wonderful installment in a franchise that wouldn't exist if it hadn't been for her and Ed - and their extraordinary career. Annabelle Comes Home is a strong, promising, and well-needed installment which is truly "the home" of The Conjuring Universe. I highly recommend it. It's very different from the others, which is a good and refreshing thing all the way! I give it a 10/10 and five stars!

Rest In Peace, Lorraine Warren.

See all reviews