MOVIE REVIEW: Sting (2024 Film) - Starring Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne and Penelope Mitchell

 

"Sting," the 2024 horror film written and directed by Kiah Roache-Turner, delivers a spine-tingling tale that taps into our innate fear of spiders. The story follows 12-year-old Charlotte, played by Alyla Browne, who discovers a small spider emerging from a mysterious glowing object. As the spider—named Sting—grows rapidly, the film escalates into a suspenseful nightmare, turning Charlotte’s run-down apartment building into a deadly trap.

Browne's portrayal of Charlotte is a highlight, capturing the spirit of a rebellious yet resourceful child caught in a terrifying situation. The strained relationship between Charlotte and her overworked stepfather Ethan, played by Ryan Corr, adds emotional depth, although the family drama sometimes overshadows the core horror elements. Penelope Mitchell as Heather and Noni Hazelhurst as Helga also offer strong performances, grounding the supernatural horror in a relatable family setting.

The visual effects, particularly the design and growth of Sting, are impressive. The transformation of the spider from a tiny creature to a massive predator is handled with meticulous detail, enhancing the film’s creep factor, especially in the early stages when Sting lurks in unexpected places. These moments deliver some of the film's most effective jump scares, guaranteed to unsettle even seasoned horror fans.

However, "Sting" does have its limitations. While it serves as a decent creature feature, it lacks the enduring impact of films like Arachnophobia (1990) or the fun absurdity of Big Ass Spider (2013). The movie occasionally struggles to balance its tone, missing chances to infuse humor into its outlandish premise. An exterminator character, briefly providing comic relief, is underused, and more humor could have enhanced the overall experience.

In conclusion, "Sting" is a solid low-budget horror film, perfect for a Saturday night watch. Though not groundbreaking, it offers enough thrills and spider-induced scares to satisfy creature feature enthusiasts. Despite its flaws, the film delivers a few memorable moments, earning a safe 7 out of 10.

Out Now on Digital

https://apple.co/4dWqigd

MOVIE REVIEW: Imaginary (2024 Film) - Starring DeWanda Wise

 

"Imaginary," directed and produced by Jeff Wadlow and brought to life by the genre experts at Blumhouse, is a chilling exploration of childhood innocence and the dark horrors of repressed memories. Set in a childhood home in Louisiana, the film presents a gripping premise: what if imaginary friends are not just figments of youthful imagination, but sinister entities lurking in the shadows?

DeWanda Wise delivers a standout performance as Jessica, a woman haunted by the resurfacing of an imaginary friend from her past. Pyper Braun also shines as Alice, Jessica's stepdaughter, whose playful interactions with a seemingly innocent stuffed bear take a dark and dangerous turn. Dane DiLiegro adds a layer of menace to the character of Chauncey Bear, a figure who straddles the line between whimsical and malevolent.

As Jessica’s buried memories begin to resurface, the tension builds, driven by cryptic stories from her mysterious elderly neighbor Gloria, portrayed with unsettling realism by Betty Buckley. The film skillfully blends family dynamics, psychological suspense, and supernatural terror to keep viewers on edge.

One of "Imaginary's" greatest strengths is its pacing and character development. Every twist is carefully timed, pulling the audience deeper into the mystery. The effective use of jump scares, paired with a suspenseful score, intensifies the experience, while the creature designs add a layer of palpable dread.

However, the film isn't without its shortcomings. Some plot twists may seem predictable to seasoned viewers, slightly diminishing their impact. Even so, "Imaginary" still manages to deliver a satisfying combination of familiar horror elements and unexpected surprises.

In the end, "Imaginary" stands as a solid supernatural horror film, delivering on its promise of creepy toys, haunted characters, and eerie apparitions. While it may not reinvent the genre, its skillful execution and well-timed scares make it an enjoyable experience for horror fans. Earning a strong 8.5 out of 10, "Imaginary" takes audiences on a suspenseful journey where childhood fears and forgotten memories collide with terrifying consequences.

Out Now on Digital

Apple TV - https://apple.co/4ao8OaF

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Vs13fs

BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT: Goths by David Kempf

 

Our very own David Kempf has a new short story out, and he asked me if I could write the foreword for the book, you can read the foreword I wrote below, and check out his book on Amazon using the following link. https://amzn.to/3XrIQOs

MOVIE REVIEW: Snow Valley (2024) - Starring Barbara Crampton, Cooper van Grootel and Tom Williamson

"Snow Valley," directed by the late Brandon Murphy, is a 2024 psychological thriller that follows a newly engaged couple's terrifying weekend at a luxurious ski lodge. Heath Johnson, played by Cooper van Grootel, and his fiancée Laura, portrayed by Rachel Michiko Whitney, arrive at Heath's family-owned resort for a peaceful getaway. Their plans take a dark turn when Ellen (Barbara Crampton) appears, claiming to work for Heath and live at the lodge. This unsettling encounter marks the start of a harrowing ordeal.

The film's remote, snow-covered lodge setting creates a tense, atmospheric backdrop ideal for a thriller. The early scenes focus on the couple's romantic exchanges and scenic ski footage, which might feel drawn out for those awaiting the suspense. However, once the eerie events begin, the story shifts into a more captivating and chilling narrative.

Barbara Crampton’s portrayal of Ellen is a highlight. Though her screen time is limited, her unsettling presence adds significant depth to the film. The supernatural elements, ghostly apparitions and a mysteriously shifting photograph, offer genuine scares and enhance the film's eerie tone.

However, "Snow Valley" struggles with pacing, especially in the first half-hour, and the characters lack sufficient development, making it harder for viewers to fully engage with their fate. The film teases darker, more sinister mysteries but rushes through its climax, delivering a sudden twist and an abrupt ending that leaves several plot points unresolved.

Despite its flaws, "Snow Valley" provides an enjoyable experience, especially for fans of B-movie horror and psychological thrillers. With its mix of tension, fun moments, and supernatural thrills, it never takes itself too seriously. While not groundbreaking, the film serves as a fitting tribute to Brandon Murphy's creative vision, earning a solid 7 out of 10.

Watch on Apple TV - https://apple.co/4etfYNx

MOVIE REVIEW: Arcadian (2024 Film) - Starring Nicolas Cage

 

"Arcadian," directed by Ben Brewer and starring Nicolas Cage, delivers a gripping mix of action and horror in a post-apocalyptic setting. The story follows Paul (Cage) and his twin sons, Thomas and Joseph, as they navigate a perilous world where terrifying creatures hunt survivors by night.

A standout feature of the film is its emotional authenticity, portraying a family dynamic that feels real amidst the chaos. Cage's performance is restrained yet powerful, portraying a father fiercely determined to protect his children. Jaeden Martell and Maxwell Jenkins also give notable performances as the teenage twins, adding depth to their characters.

The creature design in "Arcadian" is a highlight, presenting audiences with a fresh, terrifying interpretation of post-apocalyptic monsters. These creatures, paired with stunning visuals, create an atmosphere filled with tension and dread throughout the film.

However, despite its strengths in character development and inventive creature design, "Arcadian" falters with pacing and reliance on familiar tropes. Some may find the plot predictable, especially as it falls into a more conventional chase-and-fight structure in later acts.

The film’s heavy use of nighttime scenes also poses a challenge, with some moments becoming visually unclear, which may detract from the viewing experience.

In the end, "Arcadian" is a strong addition to the action-horror genre, offering enough tension and scares to engage viewers. While not without its flaws, the film's standout performances and creative monster design make it a worthwhile watch for fans of post-apocalyptic tales. With its mix of emotional depth and intense scares, "Arcadian" earns a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Out now in cinemas and on digital

Apple TV - https://apple.co/4dt8xFs

Amazon - https://amzn.to/3WrFfRA