I have been completely slack with my reviews since July. I'm gonna give a quick run-down of the major releases I've caught and my thoughts on each. Here it comes...
Terminator Genisys
Pros: A welcome return and valid way to get Arnold back to the franchise / inventive plot that recalls much of the first two films without erasing or invalidating their existence / good action and humor / Jason Clarke gives a spirited performance as John Connor
Cons: Some of the casting was off - Kyle Reese was a farce and no real chemistry with Emilia Clarke's Sarah Connah / Many of the major revelations of the movie were spoiled by the trailers which isn't necessarily a fault of the film itself / No Bill Paxton!
I'd like to see where this new "timeline" goes, but I'm not sure it was the megahit it had to be to guarantee another one...it seemed Arnold did this just so he could say he did it and to give the fans one more ride. That isn't a bad thing is it? All in all a sequel that could have been a train wreck, but succeeds by virtue of its bold attempts at something new amid all the familiar. 3.5 out of 5 Khans.
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The Gallows
Pros: When accepted for what it is, a very enjoyable minimal horror film that uses the often maligned found footage formula / some genuine scares and creative use of location
Cons: Not terribly original or well acted, but that really isn't the point of these films
I liked this a lot, glad to catch it in the theater with a booming sound system. 3 out of 5 Khans.
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The Funhouse (1981)
Pros: Classic early 80s horror cheese / Weird rednecks, carnival setting, practical effects, and a great monster / Tobe Hooper directed it
Cons: None. This is early 80s horror at it finest/most outlandish
Caught this on late night IFC at home. One I've always wanted to watch all the way through. Tobe Hooper brings in some of the "country folk" vibe from Texas Chainsaw into this and firmly plants it within a traveling carnival freak show. If you are a fan of the early 80s / Fangoria cover nostalgia, then this is for you.
4 out of 5 Khans.
So that's why he wore a mask...
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Let There Be Light (1946)
Pros: A glimpse into the past of our boys coming home from the horrors of war / outstanding vintage footage
Cons: None unless you cannot stomach watching soldiers suffering from PTSD
Banned by the US Government until 1981, this film is an amazing look at what some of our soldiers endured upon returning home. Most of the practices seen here might be outdated but it is a very interesting look into that time period. I can only imagine the stuff they didn't film.
5 out of 5 Khans
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It Follows
Pros: Atmospheric, gorgeously shot horror film / well thought out and multi layered story / Great soundtrack
Cons: None. One of the best horror films to come out recently that stands along with The Babadook
Loved this. Reminded me of what a contemporary version of Halloween might be like if made today. Perfect use of minimal gore, pounding music, and cinematography to achieve a film full of allegory and terror. Requires multiple viewings to appreciate everything going on in the background. 4.5 out of 5 Khans.
What the...?
The annual 30 in 30 looms and I have a ton of ideas and films to include! Can't wait to get THAT started. Soon...
