meagainstthemovies Reviews

Cherry (I) (2021)

Definitely Worth a Watch

[9/10 · 12 March 2021]

So I don't know why all of the bad reviews... It's definitely not the greatest work from the Russo Brothers, but it truly is a good story and worth a watch. There are some stylistic elements that I do believe the directors didn't quite nail as hard as they thought they were going to... If you don't pay attention to them all the way, they are easy to miss and can come off as awkward or out of place. However, the true story, script, excellent acting, crisp sound, beautiful/yet terrifying locations, all make up for the artistic direction trying just a tad too hard. it's definitely sad people porn, but it ends well and it's certainly a heart wrenching story that's entertaining and worth its time.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017)

The On-Purpose Monotone Ruins the Weird Symbolic Horror

[5/10 · 30 April 2020]

This could have been a great hunting mystery thriller, but it landed a little short with it's largest downfall... None of the characters are relatable or likable. They are all emotionless and robotic. I know this is done on purpose, I just don't think it helped the plot that is actually worthy. It's great concept: A surgeon killed a patient who has a creepy boy who then seeks revenge on the surgeon because the surgeon was drinking on the job and basically murdered his dad. The strange monotone character of the boy Martin and Martin's mom is perfect. Unfortunately if the dialogue was more relatable with the focused family, it would have been less aggravating, but instead more creepy and hunting.

Outer Banks (2020– )

Skeptical at First, then it Got Entertaining

[6/10 · 22 April 2020]

Honestly, when Outer Banks started I was very anti this show. It came off with the teenage crime of Riverdale meets the beautiful people and locational shots of The O.C. (I think this show is way better then those two)... If you look past the basic script and the fact that there are 27-year-old actors playing 16-year olds, it can be a quick-fun binge watch for a weekend to kick off some summer vibes. The script starts off very basic with a foster kid of a poor group of islanders looking for gold that his missing father was tailing for years. When he falls in love with a rich girl of the island, things begin to get twisted as he finds out more and more where his fathers clues are leading him. Definitely entertaining, and worth a watch if you have nothing else.

The Hunt (II) (2020)

Only Came for "Liberty Belle," Stayed for "justice4yall"

[9/10 · 22 March 2020]

I honestly was not expecting much from this film. It kind of felt like a Hunger Games/Purge rip-off... but, it was very different, and I can appreciate it much more now. Warning: It is a bit violent and over the top with situations, but the film almost plays on it in a satire kind-of-way where it tones down the violent and politically-insane moments... Great casting and excellent acting. Betty Gilpin is very underrated, and I cannot wait for her to shine in more rolls.

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)

Seriously Underrated

[9/10 · 30 January 2020]

Perfect blend of psychological thriller and sci-fi. It's so hard to tell what is reality and what is just crazy talk. You can't tell if you are watching a hostage situation, an apocalyptic epidemic... or both. John Goodman's character is a great mix of creepy, mentality unstable, caring, and scientifically smart. The acting is fantastic from Mary Elizabeth Winstead. She is an underrated actress. She is a smart-strong woman who is having a hard time believing the reality of the world outside the crazy-filled bunker. I love how it ties the first Cloverfield into it by making this movie just a situation that is happening while the first one is happening. It's like they created this Cloverfield universe that blends nicely without being too in your face with a series. Side note "Cloverfield Paradox" is almost unwatchable and I am happy to warn you the clever Cloverfield universe ends with this one (as of now). If they make something similar to the thrill of this one, it would definitely be worth a watch. If you like psychological thrillers that focus on a small group of people, then you'll like the sci-fi twists thrown at your mind through this one.

Color Out of Space (2019)

Psychological Fantasy = Great Excuse for 110% Cage

[8/10 · 28 January 2020]

Okay, so not only do we get to see Cage rage level at 110%, but it's also a great attempt at bringing back the nostalgic feel of 80's sci-fi horror, and placing it with modern beautiful cinematography. The lighting/color pallet is a character of its own. The production design is pretty and peaceful to take in, but still ends up being dangerous and psychologically destructive to the odd-to begin with family. The characters are all so bizarre, it makes the craziness happening around feel even a little stronger. You'll find yourself thinking, "that's messed up... but I guess I would and could react that way if I was in that situation?" There are some disturbing images throughout, but the 80's visual effects help tone down the over-the-top horror. Overall, if you want to be entertained questioning what the heck is going to happen to an already-bizarre-family in an even more outrageous-visually-appealing situation, you'll be in for a fun-cage-rage ride.

In the Tall Grass (2019)

keeps you questioning fantasy v. reality

[7/10 · 28 January 2020]

The normalization in the world is just enough to deepen the suspension of disbelief... and in this one, it definitely works. Weird is certainly King's game, at the top of each story, regardless of which one... That's the secret formula for him - he gets you to a place where events just get creepy, and nothing has to be explained. Then, you kind of believe whatever is happening actually could be possible in that world. That's why all the slow character/plot building elements work so great with an unexplainable reality. Now, there, are some downfalls for how it was done. With a little more money to the budget, and maybe a stronger cast, it could have been a lot more hard hitting. Overall, great psychological thriller that keeps you questioning fantasy against reality for characters you end up actually caring about.

Queen & Slim (2019)

Beyoncé's Lemonade meets Bonnie and Clyde

[8/10 · 29 November 2019]

We all know this film is a political stirring drama, but let's put this aside for a minute. This film is beautifully crafted whether or not one agrees the two main characters are innocent or guilty. Once queen and slim drive off leaving a dead cop behind, we are made to feel like both parties were in the wrong and what the couple did was dirty and poorly executed no matter what. They were not okay with what they did. Even when others tell them they are heroes for their actions, queen and slim don't feel that way. This made the film so great because you were able to connect with both parties, while still wanting queen and slim to escape and get away safely. The cinematography was absolutely beautiful. The fashion was fun and very Beyoncé "Lemonade" as well. The writing was great, because we are grown to like the characters as time goes on when it's hard to get on board at first. Warning, not every movie should have have a "happy ending."

I See You (II) (2019)

All the Fun Twists and Turns Hit Hard. Fun Thriller!

[10/10 · 31 March 2019]

Wow, so many twist and turns it's hard to talk about without giving anything away... Villains become heroes, and heroes become villains, and by the end you don't know who you should be rooting for. Helen was not fully utilized in this movie, but she did a fantastic job for the short amount of screen time she does have. This movie is very different from any other traditional "horror" movie. It's definitely more of a psychological thriller with all it's tricky surprises. Halfway through the movie something major is revealed to the audience, and we then relive the beginning of the movie knowing new information from a different point of view. It really works, and I cannot think of another film to do this successfully in a long time. While watching, you can tell it is low budget, but it does not ruin the value. The sound is fantastic and the music is chilling. (Think "Get Out" meets "Annihilation") A modern horror sound, page turning script, edgy cinematography, good acting, and 3 surprising twists = a wonderfully fun thriller execution.

Us (II) (2019)

It's Okay to Not Have Explanation. It Works!

[6/10 · 27 March 2019]

Why? How? You won't know... but, that's what makes this an eye opener until the very end. Us does not give you any scientific background as to the reason why this family is being held captive and teased by themselves. The directing, is fantastic. Every shot is thought out in its own beautiful way. He is not afraid of getting weird with dialogue, music, shots, movement, and humor. He commits to all of it and it really works well. If you enjoyed Get Out, you will enjoy this. Some people have been complaining about a reveal that is happening half way through the movie. I do wish the threat would have stayed a little more personalized to the family, but again, Peele makes it work. If you like horror inspired by The Shining, Jaws, Scream, and the Strangers, you'll love this one.

The Open House (2018)

Theee Worst Movie

[1/10 · 16 January 2019]

This was so poorly writen and structured, it's sad. Honestly the beginning of the movie gives it a bit of hope, but then it's all down hill after nothing begins to become resolved. The story makes no sense and there is no reason for any of the horrors. I would say spoiler alert, but there's nothing to spoil. Everyone dies and there is no reason. Nothing is revealed and nothing is accomplished. The acting and cinematography were actually good, unfortunately, the writing cancels EVERYTHING else out.

The Commuter (I) (2018)

"Red Eye" meets "Non-Stop"

[5/10 · 31 March 2018]

This film tries to be a thriller, but doesn't land well. It's slow, not that interesting, and the plot is a little far stretched. If anyone has seen the two movies Red Eye or Non-Stop, this is almost a poor combination between the two that disappoints. Sorry Liam, it's just an okay thriller.

Death Wish (2018)

A Step Up for Bruce Willis

[6/10 · 12 March 2018]

Honestly, the last few features from Bruce Willis have not been the greatest, but that was mostly because of the production value. This film will not disappoint compared. This movie actually had heart, action, and a decent plot. I would see it if you want a good thriller.

Acts of Violence (2018)

It Is What It Is

[5/10 · 17 January 2018]

So, this obviously isn't the best movie out there, but it's defiantly not that bad. Some of these reviews are ripping this film apart, but for it only being filmed in 15 days on a low budget, it is what it is. The action is pretty entertaining, the acting is believable, the editing is sub-part, unfortunately the script is the weakest part. It's a little simple, cheesy and overdone. I would watch if you are bored, want something simple, and are a sophia bush/bruce willis fan.

47 Meters Down (2017)

More than a "shark movie."

[7/10 · 23 June 2017]

1/8th shark movie. The rest is man (in this case 2 strong-willed women) vs self, instead of man vs nature. It really made me hold my breath for some long periods of time. Yes, a lot of the beginning is cliché, and that is where the story lacked a little. However, once they hit the water, it was non-stop heart-pounding until the very end. I really recommend this if anyone wants a fun classic- summer scare plus more. Compared to THE SHALLOWS, I would say it was much more intense, but equally the same with good production values.