KillerRomance Reviews

Manhunt: Search for the Night Stalker (1989 TV Movie)

Night Slumber ? coming to your home!!

[1/10 · 18 October 2022]

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 January 2015 There are TV true crime movies that can be intriguing like Ted Bundy, the Deliberate Stranger, or John Wayne Gacy, to catch a Killer.

However, I once owned this TV movie of Manhunt: search for the Night Stalker and it is very dull, it is trying too hard to be a "Chiller-Thriller" and trying its best to exude feeling of suspense, but it fails to do that because of hammy performances and lack of reality in the script.

The black-clad Killer in the movie made so much noise, and used too much flashlights in the dark, you would think people would wake up when he enters in their residence, when in real life, the Killer is suppose to be militant and work in darkness, hence the moniker; "Night Stalker".

The script was terribly careless, for example, one of Gil Carrillo's Daughters was called Rene, but 43 minutes into the movie, Gil's Wife, Pearl called the same girl "Mica"- this erratum could have been corrected. The worst part is the rest of the dialogue, which is not convincing to match the real life characters, their personal experiences and personality backgrounds from this movie, it fails to represent their personalities altogether.

Richard Jordan, who plays a "seasoned" Detective, Frank Salerno always "feels things" in this case, he tells Sheriff Grimm as he proves one Serial Killer is operating the crimes "This is one Guy doing this - I can feel it" and to his Partner, Gil, "I have a funny feeling about tonight - he is going out again" and when they pursue Ramirez prior to ID him in the Newspapers, Jordan says " I can feel it Gill it is all over".

Also Frank goes on about how "great" things are, there is a scene Gill solemnly says "oh no! He switched guns on us! He used a .25 instead of a .22" Salerno replies "that's Great, Phil (the Forensic Scientist) can give us a positive make on the 25, if we get him with this Gun, he is nailed!" and another ridiculous scene is when a cop goes "Hey Frank, we found the shoe, it is a special shoe made by Avia and there are thirteen thousand and fifty-six distributed", and Salerno's response is "that is Great Washington!! It is going to be that much easier for you to trace every bit of sale today" and Washington laughs "How do I know you are going to say that!!" - this was suppose to be an amusing line, but there is no ring of truth to it. Why did Washington NOT mention there is ONLY one pair of avia 440 modal that is size 11 and a half twelve, which is the same one at the scenes from the series of murders and just 'one' man is wearing this 'rare' shoe?

The Movie Writers did miss out conspicuous details of not illustrating Diane Feinstein's elocution slip up of mentioning the rare Avia shoes of a "particular size" that made the Killer change his footwear. So there was loose research to these "true-crime" accounts of what actually happened, and lack of realism in the script.

The writers probably never put their heads together to think about the "real" lives of these Detectives, because when Richard was caught and put into custody, Jordan turns to Gill and says "we will be living with this for a long time!" For an experienced Detective who also worked on the Hillside Strangler case, mentions an unrealistic line - I am sure other Viewers will find this line quite false.

All the Actors were given unrealistic lines, the acting was bad too. The visage of the killer was dramatically revealed near the end. Richard Ramirez should be portrayed by a talented actor, but NOT Gregory Norman Cruz, he was equally bad, and does not resemble Ramirez! Greg had a single bug-eyed sneer, distinctly wicked expression, The Real Richard was Handsome as a Movie Star, possessing a dangerously seductive streak and the combination of looking Angelic with a mysterious air- Guys and Girls flock to him. It was too politically correct for my taste.

If I had to have a personal opinion, Jsu Garcia formally known as Nick Corri of A Nightmare on Elm Street and Wildcats fame would suit to Play Ramirez better.

It is a predictable movie with bad enactment, terrible humour, and bad music score with a song that is a rip off of Night Prowler by AC/DC, Bruce Seth Green should instead produce the feel of Los Angeles in 1985, like show statistics of Guns and burglar alarms sold by the hour, or vast amount of people being alarmed when staying up at night and being jumpy to every a nuance of sound thinking the Stalker is there, because the minds plays tricks on the people, and the brutal heat did not help much that summer; the paranoia was insurmountable, the scary aura of the city at that time was absent in this film, it is not a convincing thriller.

Anyway! I read Philip Carlo's book and that is miles better, and showed the truth about real-life events and situations. Read the book instead.

Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer (2021)

Night Stalker is no Night Slumber

[10/10 · 4 September 2022]

This is better than Manhunt: Search for the Night Stalker. This documentary covers mostly the lives of Detectives Frank Salerno and Gil Carrillo and you feel some of their pain during the Night Stalker task force. The Californian Walk-in Killer, The Valley Intruder, The Night Stalker made no noise on the street, and possibly the most vicious and terrifying serial killers of the twentieth century. This series does not glorify Ricardo Leyva Muñoz Ramirez aka Richard Ramirez The Night Stalker but he is featured of course with rare photographs and angles during the trial court. There are some disturbing interviews during the Netflix presentation as the frighting times really does reflect onto the modern era all thanks to the director. Well made Thriller True Crime Documentary and my favourite Richard Ramirez movie so far. Well done!

The Gift (VI) (2015)

A Surprising moral Thriller with a cerebral twist. No murder like illuminati movies. Very smart movie.

[10/10 · 25 July 2020]

A married middle class couple, Simon Cullum (Jason Bateman) and Robyn Cullem (Rebecca Hall) from Chicago move back to Los Angeles due to Simon's new job in a Sales company as Robyn continues with the successful business in interior design. During shopping for home accessories in the high street, they meet with Gordon "Gordo" Mosley (Joel Edgerton) who knew Simon back in high school. So they invited him over to the house. Shortly after, Simon displays odd condescending attitude and epithets towards Gordon and wrapped up gifts show up one at a time at the modern achitectural Cullem home as Gordon visits Robyn. Secrets start to unravel. Including the truth.

This is Joel Edgerton's debut in acting, directing, producing, and writing this movie. For a novice he pulled this movie off as a seasoned movie maker and his acting and visage reminds me of Elias Koteas. The photography of the movie is well shot, the dialogue is believable, and the direction along with the pacing is perfect. I was not bored one bit during the movie, I was intrigued to know what happened next. I don't believe Gordo is harmful as most audience think, he never harmed a dog who went missing which I cared about and finally came back unscathed. Robyn had a past we get to understand, and I cared for both her and Gordo. The only one I despised was Jason Bateman's Simon, was he made to be hateful? Very much so, he reminded me of the bully from Octavia Spencer's Ma, so not the type of guy you want to award a gold medal for being sociopath of the decade. I heard he was a comedian and this was his first serious role, if that is the case then Joel knows talent when he sees it. Look out for David Denman ( from Brightburn) who did a short but sweet performance as a Doctor helping out Robyn. There is only a few jump scares which I know people hate but it's only a few so it doesn't not bother me because this movie relies on suspense and to me that is effective. The movie had a Shakespearian story plot, because it is cerebral and no murder at last. How many illuminati movies had murder in a revenge movie? This is a decent movie to show pure Greek tragedy without the blood bath because it reflects not all good people want to harm anyone but just target those who deserve to pay for their evil actions. The movie got me thinking so much that I told my Twin Flame, and his family, my mother and my friends like wow! You got to see this film. Love it, deserved more recognition and I hope Joel Edgerton comes up with more movies because he is very promising for Hollywood.

Child's Play (2019)

CHUCKY IS BACK IN THE NEW AGE BABY! #CHUCKYFOREVER

[10/10 · 23 July 2020]

I seen this movie twice on the day of the movie theater release on June 21. I witnessed the 1988 version being born and released when I was ten years old and been a Chucky Fan. What a comeback! A brilliant year for Chucky. The Brief synopsis is the actual original Don Mancini story called "blood Buddy" about a Doll being controlled by the Boy's rage but a more up dated plot. Instead of the Serial Killer Soul of Charles Lee Ray and Voodoo added by Tom Holland, you got Mancini's plot outline. Is it better than the original? In most ways, yes! because here is why: 1) The Music Score by Bear McCreary is the greatest Music Score for a Child's Play movie ever, you put that with Brad Dourif yelling at Chris Sarandon with this 2019 Music Score, it is phenomenal. So good Job, Bear! 2) Audrey Plaza plays a young Mother which reflects in society how easy going parents are with their kids and that creates Chucky being what he is when Andy does what he wants, like all children do when watching adult horror movies when they should not. Andy has more to do in this movie and much better than Alex Vincent for sure! Audrey is calmer than Catherine Hicks who screams her lungs and has a fit of rage, Audrey has a cooler but effective approach. 3) Mark Hamill is brilliant as Chucky the A.I. who is learning about his surroundings, how to please Andy, you see a bond between them whereas in the original movie and sequels in the nineties it was pure manipulation. I never thought I would say this in a million years but you actually feel sorry for Chucky, I felt like I want to hug him. I love the different aspect to Chucky, it's fresh, it's new, Mark Hamill did a Brad Dourif-esque voice but really made Chucky his own. As a Brad Dourif fan for 30 years and his other movies like Mississippi Burning, Exorcist 3, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Desire the Vampire, and Istanbul, I forgot about Brad and really got into it. I always had my faith in Mark Hamill and glad I did. 4) Scary scenes and carnage candy is here alright! The Christmas Lights! The Buddi Bears are the highlights out of the few, the death scenes are creative and fantastic. In the Chucky movies, there is always one or two death scene and wise cracks you will remember. The 2019 version there are all that you will recall for months including the one-liners from Chucky. 5) That Buddi Song is addictive and stuck in my mind for weeks, I will play it for my future child. 6) I love the Characters, Wes the co worker of Audrey Plaza that puts on this big puppet head at Z-Mart to entertain kids, and Detective Norris Negatives: Andy's Friends are annoying and I am not warm to them. Overall thought: Great Photography and lighting, creative fresh look on Chucky, sequel to come with more Buddi Bears and Black Buddi Dolls for Child's Play 2. I appreciate the original and 2019 reboot. Pity Don Mancini, Alex Vincent, Jennifer Tilly, Christine Elise had to split fans up on Twitter thinking we won't watch his TV series in 2020 because this movie was a real treat especially for Chucky Fans who are 34 years old that were too young to watch Chucky on the big screen in the Nineties and surely this movie won't get in the way so I can't understand why they have to dampen our excitement. Chucky was dying a slow painful death on DVD and this Reboot was needed. Don was credited twice at the end credits roll and he is getting royalties for it. Ignore all negativity and enjoy this movie because you won't be disappointed. Chucky is back at last!

The Children (2008)

Boring and Noisy

[1/10 · 22 July 2020]

Middle class families (who don't really like one another) and their children go on a New Year's break in a Tudor style holiday home mansion until few of the children caught some sort of virus that turns them into killers.

The plot is there is not one, everyone disappears in this movie, including the Cat who hissed at the infected and never seen again but you see a cat collar hanging in the children's tent. Is there a character I cared for or had a kinship with? Not really, the adults and children annoy me, and all are noisy rouges. I started to get the feeling the feline had a nervous breakdown and ran away so I felt sorry for her; the cat is the only one I cared about. The movie wasn't scary at all because there was no atmospheric nature nor intensity, no build up. The children won't keep their trap shut for being frolic either. I started jumping scene to scene at the juicy parts after half an hour. There was one gory pitchfork scene outside in the snow as adults gawk and don't do anything as children do that high pitched ear piercing screaming and one character who is one of the Fathers walking out in the calm fashion calling out "what is going on over there?" Like his car won't start as everyone cried out bloody murder. The actors never gave better reactions, every scene was unconvincing and unengaging. It was like a TV movie trying to be the Shining and the Omen rolled in one. I could not tolerate the pacing of this movie, the movie makers didn't know where they were going and how the virus started. It just did. It's a pity because Britain can make good movies like 28 days later and Dog Soldiers but this movie was not up to stratch. Didn't like it. Sorry.

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

Not all as it cracked up to be. Sorry! I'll explain why

[5/10 · 18 June 2020]

The Peanut Butter Falcon is one of those movies that Film Critics are calling a "masterpiece" and you wonder what the fuss is about. The outline of the story set in Savannah, Georgia is about Tyler (Shia Lebeouf) who set fire to a pier after he got fired from a fishing job and comes across runaway Zack a Down's syndrome guy who is into professional wrestling and wants to become one and to find his hero Saltwater Red Neck, but then Elenore (Dakota Johnson) tags on as a support worker to find Zack and a romantic interest to Tyler and they go on a quest to find this wrestler.

The script is not bad but nothing to rave above, the dialogue is just basic English and I can't believe how short the movie is when I saw I had 31 minutes left. The movie feels rushed and didn't have more to tell at a point so that is why there has to be romance between Shia LeBeouf and Elenore otherwise there is nothing if you boil it down. It does remind about the dark corners of the caring industry having a few months of experience myself where workers are unethical in attitude and the movie captured that which I applaud. Unfortunately this movie had fell flat when there was a particular unrealistic scene of Zack looking like the 1979 Superman movie when Clark Kent was a Baby and looks identical to that infant, even the hair LOL, and everything was going great for Dakota Johnson then guess what shows up? It's fluffy with a pink cheetah print and it's metal. She will never live this down but it is the director's fault on this suggestion. Shia LeBeouf's "outlaw" character is no outlaw, just a disgruntled employee. The ending will leave you with a "is that all?" Type of feeling and you ask yourself 'won't it be better if they howled at the Sun at the crepuscular scene when the credits roll?' but can't have everything I suppose. People are giving high hopes on Peanut Butter Falcon but it is to hollow for me, Shia LeBeouf is not bad but no show stealer so I won't be patting him on the back with one serious performance, and what's up with the constant spitting on the boat, on the water etc? That is not what being a man is about in Georgia or anyplace, a stereotypical behaviour on Males then LeBeouf preaches about human rights on Zack. There scenes of Savannah, Georgia that are well shot in Peanut Butter Falcon but I know a better feel good movie that does not need blockbuster CGI and Guns with great scenes of New York with a Blind colonel called Scent of a Woman 1993 movie where you can feel New York and feel for the characters. I know a lot goes on in a city than a village but Scent of a Woman is more elaborate, more character development, more heart warming than Peanut Butter Falcon. Another beautiful humanity movie better than PBF is Queen of Katwe about a Ugandan Girl discovering her skills in Chess as she helping her entire destitute family and goes through obstacles to do so. Sorry, I said it. If PBF wins an Oscar it will be a worry because it's not much of an engaging movie with something missing about it, just an average film and if movie makers want to note to not let PBF be a focus movie. Choose Queen of Katwe and Scent of a Woman instead for inspiration.

Bad Match (2017)

Good idea Tinder movie but choose a better looking lead male actor

[5/10 · 27 May 2020]

Psychological drama about an average white guy who beds girls he sees on a dating site, meets them at a bar then leaves them until he meets Riley - a girl who catches up with his motives and sends his life on a whirlwind. Parts of the movie are predictable, but a good twist at the end. The script is okay but could have been better. The minus is the main male character who is no model having Ramirez style native American angled cheekbones and Riley goes balling her eyes out on this fish that has a face that disappears in the crowd; you will think she needs standards for a pretty girl. However, worth a watch if you are into suspense.

Darkness Rising (2017)

Ha Ha Ha ...this movie is a joke, where will I begin with this?

[1/10 · 23 May 2020]

Three people wonder in an abandoned house and discovered it to be haunted, but by whom? Who cares! This predictable movie doesn't move, it shows the dark and gloomy house for one hour and eighteen minutes, if it was a short movie then I understand, but the whole time, it shows this boring house. Forget about expecting a three dimensional storyline where the character's have other friends, or other two characters families besides Madison's who are nothing but spooks, but don't expect other settings like a police station, another lounge room. We are all in for it as an audience, woe betide us! The characters are one dimensional and not worth caring about, despite being at a dump they are not ought to be and the dialogue is laughable and stupid. Every time I heard "Let's get out of here!" Said Madison and I answered "no just stay and feed the birds because the vicious ghost German Shepherd is not enough to make you all run home into your Pajamas and have a cappuccino". The dialogue is pants at best, full of F - bombs, animal cruelty, the acting is lame too. For the love of God, I beg don't watch this Illuminati Vatican Elite movie. If you want to watch a good movie, watch Brightburn.

Drive In (2000)

It is entertaining and the acting is better than expected

[8/10 · 26 April 2020]

I owned this movie in my DVD collection ten years ago and I took a look at what it is about. A group of High School friends and rivals all decide to go to a drive in movie theater after a game cancellation then someone stalks them at night and unbeknownst to know it is Billy Morrow, a mentally challenged boy about 6'5ft who was watching a diet of horror movies his whole life even without the knowledge of his controlling Mother. One night he escapes and hell brakes loose.

The Cast members are more older than high school age but then again, I met some sixteen year old people that look thirty so it depends on the individual. The Acting is solid and the cast all put effort into this movie which makes it interesting to watch. The films illustrated on the Drive in screen are fun to watch and I had a great time watching the movie. The Actors are likable and I wanted them to live so obviously they made you care about their characters, except for Billy who turned out to be a unstoppable nutball. I give it 8 out of 10, it is a good movie and wished it was a big screen block buster with the same cast because it is a good idea to be honest. I watched it many times over the years and doesn't disappoint for a low budget movie. I recommend this and it is worth a look.

Brightburn (2019)

What if Superman was Evil?... Different almost has a supernatural element

[10/10 · 2 February 2020]

A reinvented account to superhero horror based on one of my favourites which is Superman. Set in Brightburn in Kansas, a barren couple found a baby in a spaceship outside their Farmhouse. As Ten years passed, the nice boy named Brandon, exhibits personality alter and showed lack of remorse when he is hearing otherworldly voices from the spaceship at the barn to "take the world". Things took an unexpected turn. Better than I expected when they take a superman original plot and twisted it in asking us on what if Superman was Evil? This movie feels like a horror movie than a superhero one because it leans towards creepy atmosphere and suspense. Even supernatural like in approach. The special effects are excellent and the kills are even better than Pet Semetary and Child's Play remake that came out at the same year of 2019. Is Brightburn shocking? In a way it is are, it is no Hostel or that sicko Serbian thingy but Brightburn is more decent and entertaining, in terms of creative kills, the movie makers went for It. heard people whining about no character development or why is there no good inside Brandon who is the character that is the antihero? I felt for the characters and cared about them, Banks and Denham are believable and had chemistry, certainly likable people. There is enough character development for this movie than another rerun of Christopher Reeve shenanigans of finding a crystal and speaking to his parents in blocks of ice. As for the personality, it altered like a flick of the switch so no good in this boy left to express in his genes from another planet. The viewer does not have to be spoon-fed on the details but can create their own addition to this story. The plot is well paced, no dull moments with great acting, good subtle music score as well. Any negative points to the movie? I have a couple. I wish it was ten more minutes longer because I didn't want it to end and I wished I seen it on the big screen back in June 2019. What a fun ride. I will watch it again.

Internal Affairs (1990)

What's was all that fuss about?

[1/10 · 18 December 2019]

Dirty bad Cop Peck (Gere) plants evidence on accidental deaths, deals with organised criminals, and has an affair with their wives. It is up to Internal Affairs Officer Avilla (Garcia) to bring Peck to Justice before he gets away with crimes. Despite Richard Gere and Andy Garcia allegedly hate each other on set. I can't understand what is the fuss is about? The best actors were Andy Garcia and the handsome William Baldwin who do their best for this movie, but it's slow and predictable. The characters are one dimensional here. The sound effects are very 1980's decade; the gunshots are dramatic like thunder as the victims fall gracefully. Richard Gere doesn't suit playing a baddie, too soft and not even the kind to give you goosebumps - not at all convincing, just acts the same, including the mannerisms and sounds the same in each movie. Even the smirk. Why women lose their minds is beyond me, and this actress from three men and a baby not only acts the same without transition of difference, no alteration of accent or anything but has the same flipping hairstyle! Hollywood hires the same hairdressers of frizz and untidy perms. I can't get my hours back after watching the ending that made me laugh at Gere and spooky music score at the end credits. Honestly, skip this one, I don't recommend this in a hurry.

Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II (1987)

This is better than A Nightmare on Elm Street IMO

[8/10 · 16 December 2019]

Strikingly beautiful but spiteful Prom Queen, Mary Lou Maloney (Lisa Shrage) was killed on her prom night on Stage in 1957. Thirty years later in 1987, she returns to possess the hopeful candidate Prom Queen, Vicki Carpenter (Wendy Lyon) The special FX are even better than A Nightmare on Elm Street like the swirling whirlpool blackboard, and I flinched at the death of Jess because of her condition. This movie really went there alright; really gone beyond the distance. That is what makes it a truly wicked movie, it is a bit evil. Freddy Krueger - eat your heart out! However, it manages to be light hearted at the same time and the whistling music score is unusually chilling and creep at places. The 80's fashion and glitter hair is reminisced with the fish tail dresses - ugh!

Negatives: the majority of the cast don't have much to do and are more like extras. Positives: Both Lyon and Shrage are brilliant in carrying the movie. Lyon reminds me of a Nicoletta Ceccoli character come to life and eerily creepy when possessed. Shrage who looks like Snow White crossed between Virginia Madsen is hypnotic and her voice sounded supernatural as a vengeful spirit. The ending should have been a bit better, but okay! Summary: Cheesy but fun movie as one would expect from an 80's movie. Memorable funny one-liners and well-paced. A great weekend movie.

Down's Revenge (2019)

The worst and most comical revenge movie ever made

[1/10 · 14 December 2019]

First off, always show "in the memory of Grandma" at the end credits, not at the introduction. Only less than a second to read two sets of paragraphs on the turn of events before the movie started. Gentle and smart boy, loved by girls and bullied by three murderous dumb goons, the leader of the bullies acting like early 80's Tom Cruise. Reminds me of the better movie, The Night of the Scarecrow, only this is worse for many reasons: 1) why don't these so-called friends of David call the police and Security after he is found bloodied up and assaulted on the spot? 2) It is illogical for the leader of the bullies to have a business in three years, don't care how much his father's I worth desperate that we heard he passed away recently. 3) The female detective wears low buttoned shirts for the thristy director 4) the poor dialogue and script written by a thristy director such as "hot piece of ass" included 5) there is hammering sound effects at the intro as it displays "written, directed and produced by this thirsty Guy, no I am not kidding! 6) I know it's paranormal but this movie defies the laws of physics, watch the scene of basketballs because even the cast is questioning this ha ha ha ha. 7) I never met a girl from India with a strong accent and not a shred of American breeding to have an Anglo Saxon full name and there is a body part around her head that is so distracting, plus she played with her hair like a five year old in the classroom 8) the scenes are funny, don't know if they are supposed to be but they are hilarious 9) First time in history a Cop in Uniform has an Air Force badge! No seriously it's true 10) " what did the attacker looked like?" Asked one Law Enforcer, the Girlfriend of the Leader Bully who was in the car can describe the Ghost but how does her boyfriend the former bully of David know he has a tattoo when he has not seen him and looking at the engine of the car with the hood up?

Strange movie, it's not even scary, it's like a poor students project movie and bad acting skills from the cast, the Director should reconsider making movies in the future. Watch The Night of the Scarecrow which is a better supernatural thriller and horror, the director probably ripped off this movie, skip this one but if you want your life wasted then enjoy, but don't say I didn't warn you. I want to give it zero stars, does not deserve one at all.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Overrated, overhyped and too much praise.

[1/10 · 14 November 2019]

Heath Ledger's joker is stupid and the most overhyped actor and movie in history by miserable kids. . Open beginning scene in broad daylight in Gotham with worst clown make up ripped off Brandon Lee's The Crow along with holding a mask waiting to get picked up by bank robbers.... passersby don't pay no attention at a weird damn clown like really!?! Tim Burton's Gotham is like the comic books.. it's gloomy, dark, full of gargoyle statues .. but in the dark knight it's always Sunny. Also the pencil trick is the most dumbest scene ever, no blood from the eye and Heath who is no Mr Muscle wrestled an angry black guy and for the pencil to stick on Blu Tak or bubblegum for it to stick upright and go all the way to the eye socket is pathetic. Even Hedge Leather can be pinned by the mobsters with guns to shoot him..the end, but they didn't kill him. Also what kind of Joker is he to not get excited by blowing things up and not have fun?...Boring! Also get away in a slow assed pace in a nurse uniform on a bus where cops could seal the area!?! Heath Ledger's character is like an emo teen that is too high on weed without a plan, Jack Nicholson's Joker had a plan, the Penguin had a plan, Jim Carrey's Riddler had a plan, but Heath's joker doesn't have a plan, he is all over the place like diarrhea. The scene where Joker burnt the money is ripped off from quote by Donnie Darko to his Teacher Drew Barrymore, and this so-called edgy emo HL's Joker that is burning money is not a landslide when zillions of other paper money is all over the country, plus he brought a tailored purple suit with mobster cash, and he doesn't care about Money? LOL sure! Whatever. Jack Nicholson still rules, his face looks like a comic book character even without the make up. The world's most overhyped movie ever.

Cult of Chucky (2017)

Welcome to the Dollhouse cult at Frightfest brought straight to you

[7/10 · 25 August 2017]

This is the seventh instalment of the Child's play Franchise, which I am lucky to be at the eighteenth Frightfest film festival. This is my first time and I had a dream come true to see a Chucky movie premiere. If you think Curse of Chucky is good, Cult of Chucky is even better, and here is why with major spoilers.

It's been four years since the Pierce family were murdered. Andy Barclay (Vincent) has a date with Rachel in a swanky restaurant as they both drank white wine. Rachel probed further as Andy explained Aunt Maggie's demise, she finds it too overwhelming and leaves Andy abandoned at the restaurant. Andy Barclay morose about his life situation came home in his cabin with hunted game trophies hung on the wall and armoury, nothing but beer stack in the fridge. Opens a security safe and the blasted head of Chucky from the last movie begins to tease and sneers at Andy, so with a blowtorch Chucky gets some torture but remained alive. Barclay vows to find Nica Pierce.

Nica is moving from Lockmore hospital to a less security psychiatric ward called Harrogate psychiatric hospital when she meets Claire, Multiple Malcolm and others. As Nica was settling in with a brief affair with Malcolm, then Tiffany Valentine (Jennifer Tilly) as Alice's legal Guardian brings tragic news to Nica that made her weep, as she comes to terms with her great loss, a Chucky doll is brought into therapy session, one patient accepts the doll as her child, Nica explained in realisation that the woman who visited her was Charles Lee Ray's Girlfriend and Chucky "serial killer in the eighties who murdered twenty-two people" during his human years, of course nobody believes her, Dr Foley claimed about 20 percent of good guy dolls are called Chucky and her delusions are perpetual, and to prove it, he burns Chucky's hand. Clare storms off with the doll to dispose as he bit her arm, she alerts people but they lock her up, and she dies.

Nica was on the verge of committing suicide when Chucky wrote in blood "not so fast" and the older patient died next morning wrote in blood "Chucky did it" which put the blame on Nica. Another good guy doll called Chucky arrived by post, then Andy tracks the Harrogate psychiatric hospital to bring a short haired Good Guy doll from his safe keeping, and there is a multiple Chucky tag team of dolls. There is a crazy twist to the ending to explain Andy was tricked into a psychiatric padded room, and Charles Lee Ray won through the battle and finally turns human in a human being of an unsuspected person as the awaiting Tiffany Valentine gave a passionate Kiss as they drove off to oblivion. Then a nemesis sent by Andy's request from Chucky's past comes to torture the talking severed doll's head (from curse of Chucky) to get answers which makes way for another sequel.

This opens up Child's play Eight in four years time.

I love it! Like a puzzle and good pacing with some comedy including twists and turns. Nica starts walking and it is up to you as viewers to find out why, and many surprises galore to where that came from. I recommend this movie. It is even better than curse of Chucky, it is surreal and dream like, Chucky becomes powerful than ever, lighting and photography is well presented. A bit of thought had gone into it but I do love psychological mystery Horror anyway. I don't have to elucidate, Go see it much highly recommended.

Beauty and the Beast (I) (2017)

Stunning movie not ISIS motivated, doesn't promote domestic violence, nor anti gay but Emma Watson was no Belle of the ball

[7/10 · 27 July 2017]

First of all, my review won't be like one commenter from Japan who declared that the movie is "anti-gay" when the movie finally portrays a Homosexual character (that some reviewers find it hard to accept gay people exist), or as she pointed out the Enchantress is like ISIS in Syria because of punishing a smug Prince and his guests, dear me! If she watched the animation that has the same "ISIS" concept then she lost the plot. Including nonsense about Stockholm Syndrome, when it is about two people developing a soul and connection in each other, or one reviewer said it "promotes domestic violence". Don't watch it with your inane sensitivity and warped crazy logic. Simple as that!

So on to the Review. The Cartoon animation of Beauty and the Beast (1991) was one of my favourite Disney movies besides The Lion King. The movies back then capture your heart and imagination and all ages find this appealing.

Since Cinderella the Disney movies become real life motion pictures with a touch of Magic, or well made CGI. Cinderella was amazing.

Now Beauty and the Beast has this same treatment, there is a more detailed introduction than the animation about Prince Adam who is handsome but vain and turned cruel, and the Beautiful Enchantress that disguised as a Hag in offering a Rose, had put him under a spell as a Mephistopheles hulking looking creature, along with everyone inside the palace, including the Guests which became a enchanting prison.

Years passed when 17 year old well read Belle (Watson) is pursued by Gaston (Luke Evans) until her Papa (Kevin Kline) is caught captive during his Journey into a mysterious Castle. She pursued after him with the help of the Family Horse "Philippe" to embark risk and fate.

In this Movie, a lot of famous dialogue was refrained in respect of the original masterpiece, which is a good thing. Some of the cast did a good job, Gaston, Lefou are the best characters and Plummette is beautiful and probably should have played Belle, because when I heard Emma Watson was chosen I wasn't that excited she seemed more tomboyish, Belle in animation is the prettiest Disney Princess and I imagined Leah Pipes, Emma Roberts, or even a girl like Lana del Rey that looks like a doll and full rosebud mouth if you catch my drift, and Belle was supposed to be quirky and well-read but Emma Watson wasn't at all. Years ago Disneywords on Twitter suggested Anne Hathaway as real life Belle which was a good choice as I saw "the Devil wears Prada" so what went wrong? She is still young enough and gorgeous.

However I love the special effects on the characters and rococo 18th century french setting which I did enjoy, the CGI wolves are okay, maybe the movie makers don't want to use real wolves for some reason. The end credits have a golden Hollywood feel, it is like you come out of the opera House and you buy a DVD of the musical play and it is set up especially for you.

My overall reaction it was enjoyable and love both the Animation in the 1990's and this movie, glad to see there are some African actors in the village because they did exist in France in that era, but I wished they didn't pick Emma Watson because she is nothing like the Cartoon nor has warmth as the original Belle.

One more thing, lighten up it is only a fairy tale, don't get political and personal about it.

Special Delivery (2008 TV Movie)

Uplifting coming of age movie

[9/10 · 8 June 2017]

I seen this movie during weekdays and so far it is a joy to watch for a number of reasons. The plot of the movie is about growing wise without growing old and sorrowful, second is friendship, third is about overcoming misunderstandings and gaining trust, and these are daily factors we deal with everywhere.

The outline of the story is set in beautiful Hawaii and Courier Maxine Carter (Edelstein) has a job from a wealthy Business man from China to pick up his Daughter, and Maxine is about to meet her match from hell in the form of spoilt, rich 14 year old Teenager Alice Cantwell (Song) who does have a soft centre to people's pain as they begin to bond, it is up to Maxine to protect Alice from danger lurking by and spies just to send her to the Mother whom Alice is reluctant to see due to disappointment but fathoms to what second chance truly is as she forms a friendship with Maxine due to her past and Maxine's inner demons, then Nate Spencer (Gant) ex Police officer turn Estate Agent offers a helping hand as well as fate comes to play for Maxine.

The setting of the film is breathtaking with nice sandy beaches​, palm trees and crepuscular skies, the cast is unknown to me but they​ hold good chemistry. I am a little confused what one reviewer said about Alice "could pass on for a woman then a 14 year old" but Teenagers do usually look older than their age, that is why they carry ID as proof because people are sceptical​ based on their physical maturity, besides Brenda Song does have a youthful face so she can pass on for being in her Teens despite being a young lady at the same time. Why should she care where Eggs come from? She doesn't have to cook for living like a Princess and that is the funniest part of the movie.

It is a warm, gentle and coming of age movie, it is about learning what a human bond can bring to what you want out of life and anybody can be Daughter or Mother and be a Spiritual Teacher to move on. It isn't just a "chick flick" it is for anyone who wants a relaxing film to watch, it can be sentimental​ at times but I like sentimental. It is a likable and addictive movie to watch. I recommend it

The Good Son (1993)

Macaulay is Pure Class

[10/10 · 17 May 2017]

At aged 15, I read the Movie tie-in Novel by Ian McEwan and Todd Strasser before it was disappointingly banned shortly for the unrelated Jamie Bulgar case, it was the Best Thriller I ever read and always delighted to read through again and again, with the smiling Angelic Macaulay Culkin on the cover. Read the Book first if You can because it is very Smart. To my surprise, the Movie is available but United Kingdom always has strange standards. People who claim this movie is slow are probably born after this 1993 movie, because most Thrillers in the 1990's didn't have a cliché horror "surprises" element, they were steady paced. The Good Son had the atmosphere and pace of the movie Unfaithful starring Diane Lane, and Richard Gere; and Birth, Nicole Kidman and Lauren Bacall as cast, like the Golden Hollywood era of Thrillers with a modern twist. I am glad the Movie didn't have cliché shocks and heart attack music or panic pulse music score all the way through, because there is too much movies like that around nowadays, so it is good to have variety of production. The chills are in the performance of the Actors, that is how it should be isn't it?.

Macaulay Culkin gave a calculating, cold and analytical approach, very manipulative and secretly menacing, I never thought of Kevin McCallister at all. Totally different and chilling, he is one scary Child. Elijah Wood, his cute petrified expressions is perfect for making you see his Troubled time of his life be dealing with the recent death of his Mother, and yet, the Horror of being like a observing witness, feeling helpless and figures how to stop his Budding Serial Killer Cousin.

The self discovery of feeling an euphoria high on committing heinous acts by being able to "fly". Animal torture, Attempting murder, carry out dark and deadly fantasies, conscience doesn't bother Henry Evans (Culkin) all signs of a Future Serial Killer, probably the worst and elusive one yet.

Two Young Good-looking Actors, did carry out the movie well, it is close to the book, but the novel is more detailed and has more scary moments, the movie is more toned down with psychological aspect of the Human nature.

My advice, read the book if you can get it somewhere in this Country then watch the movie. You see how accurate the characters are to the actors.

As for another Evil Child, Bad Seed by Patty McCormack as Rhonda Penmark. The movie is all talk and no action, she behaves like a stuck-Up girl that didn't get a Pony for her Birthday, the mother that finds out her Daughter's secret is annoying, gets shocked all the time, the ending was stupid, I mean completely utterly dumb, that pleases the folk of 1950's. It was original to portray a Child being Evil, but Bad Seed failed because it pleased the censors.

So there you have it Henry Evans Wins.

Death Becomes Her (1992)

If Looks and Beauty can kill ..you would die laughing to this

[10/10 · 17 May 2017]

This is one of the best comedies of the 1990's and it is now lived up to the true classic that foretells every woman's nightmare and every man's horror when the Witch Queen of full Beauty wants to stay as the Snow White.

Madeline Ashton is a washed up Actress (played marvellously​ by the versatile Oscar winner and the best actress in show business according to critics and audience is Meryl Streep) and when her Childhood rival Helen Sharp (Goldie Hawn) brings in Fiancé Dr Ernest Menville (Bruce Willis) and swiftly​ before Helen can say "smiley faces", Madeline takes Ernest away and betrothed, then Helen plots revenge that is better than murder, and soon Madeline encounters the mysterious Mr Chagall and recommends the answer to faded flower Madeline's​ wishes of ageless Beautiful enchantress and witch Elesle Van Rhuman (Isabella Rossellini). Then as two women meet, there deepest secret is revealed.

This is one of the top ten best dark comedies you will ever see and the cast are in fine form, you will see two of the most beautiful, immoral, greedy, vain women fighting as they knock each other down literally. The script is packed with one-liners that are viciously​ sarcastic but witty and reflect symbolism of ageing. Rossellini that represents youth as three hunky helpers with those "popular" names and when she calls them they "awake"

It is a brilliant comedy which is rarely made anymore back when the days are so carefree, Both Actresses​ Streep and Hawn are brilliant and gorgeous, their comedy timing is genius and there is no dull moment.

Go watch it because it is so much fun

Child's Play (1988)

LOVE my Supernatural Serial Killers. This "Good Guy" is my Favourite

[10/10 · 13 May 2017]

I submitted a review on this movie over a decade ago under the username Cadillac_ghost titled "Chucky is made of extra cool nightmares on wax" A lot has happened since then and here is a fresh one. I wrote many reviews on this movie because it never fails to be the ultimate classic that will go down in history as the clever unforgettable supernatural suspense chiller. It is ideal if you are not into gore but more into the creepiness. The parents at the time secretly love this flick so their child would calm their greed for toys.

I saw the commercials of the very first Child's play Movie and I remember them completely - the stunning special effects of the doll creeping with the mechanical head turning right around and the isolated kid, was later called Andy hollering for his Mother. I was nine years old at that time. I saw that movie on tape at 13 many years ago (under aged- naughty me!!) but could not wait to see it. Chucky was now the first Boogyman I ever watched. Brad Dourif whom I known from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's nest, Blue Velvet, Fatal Beauty, Dune and many countless films as I got older- he is one of the most finest performers I have ever seen, with his magnetic charisma and those huge wildly intense blue eyes to match, he is crazy handsome in this movie, and his outburst rage that even real life Serial Murderers exhibit is brilliant. Dourif hits the big time as Charles 'chucky' Lee Ray, the Voodoo practising Serial killer of Chicago who was gunned down in a toy store by bewildered Detective Norris (Sarandon)and betrayed by his partner-in-crime Eddie Caputo. Charles made a promise that he will get revenge on the ones that 'done him in' and found a Good Guy doll to exchange his soul whispered a Voodoo incantation in the name of 'Damballah Wedo' (a west African, and Haitian Snake God), lighting struck the toy shop and the police found Ray dead - bet they thought it was over and celebrated by munching on Bear claws and donuts collections- RIGHT? Nope Wrong. In comes along little Andy Barclay - sweet Darling' angel, but he whines about wanting the latest craze - em yes! you guessed it - and you know that he is gonna get what he wants alright! unfortunately Karen Barclay (Hicks) buys the 'special' doll at cheapo bargain from a Homeless Guy. At least she does not have to worry about batteries because the doll is 'more alive' than expected, with a diminutive height and Brad Dourif's inimitable Booming voice. And ratty Auntie Maggie (Peterson) gets it, and takes a dive from the forty storey building. and then it is Eddie's turn to be shish kabab in a exploding House! The body counts are rising, and the truth about Charles Lee Ray is mounting but more unbelievers are added to the equation. Until they see Chucky 'is alive' and eat their words (or die so to speak). It is a Scary movie, with great scenes of Chicago, and Chucky has a vehement vengeance and will not stop at nothing with its perished body ashed from flames and blue eyes peering out creeping towards Andy makes you feel like a kid wanting to cry out to your Ma. what a Nightmarish Film - unmissable, this cool movie deserves praise. I don't care what people say. Kids are still talking about Chucky even until this day and are thrilled with enthusiasm about this movie. I gave the movie 8/10 because I wanted to see 7 minutes more of Brad Dourif and voodooism but all this came in curse of Chucky and I am satisfied.

I love Chucky and I can't wait to see more of him in the upcoming sequel Cult of Chucky

Sorority Row (2009)

THETA Pi sisters slay

[9/10 · 12 May 2017]

Six girls that are introduced as Chugs (Margo Harshmann), Jessica (Leah Pipes), Claire (Jamie Chung), Ellie (Rumer Willis), Cassidy (Briana Evigan from burning bright) who are celebrating the beginning of their senior year. They clandestinely watch Chug's brother Garret (Matt O'Leary) and Megan (Audrina Partridge) by laptop camera, and Garrett leaves in a panic as Megan throws up as a joke, the group joins Megan as they had a good laugh off and continue with the prank as Garret returns with a car to get to the nearest hospital. They have no phone signal and they are led to an abandoned water well site which is remote from any suburban area. Garrett fatally stabs Megan with a tire iron. In a panic and composure with true inner tendencies coming out like never before, they choose to keep "secrecy and solidarity​" on the cover up by dumping Megan's body with Cassidy's coat, and on time to come back to the party.

Eight months later on their graduation thanking Mrs Crenshaw (the fabulous Carrie Fisher who adds comedy flair and balls), as they hang out, a text attachment of the bloody weapon that killed Megan appears on their mobile cell phone, they delete to forget it - and throw another wild party for the evening, then Megan's​ Sister Maggie (Caroline D'Amore) shows up which freaks the group out so they sent her away gently.

As the group break up the gruesome and cringing murders happen one by one, as the group are getting mind screwed with impossible possibilities such as: is Megan back from the dead? Or has really Garrett gone nuts? They are at a break down and breaking point with betrayal or making bonds as the story unfolds and the culprit reveals their identity.

The script is fantastic because it is so unapologetic and bombastic, this is a crazy and youthful movie that has the darkest humour I ever seen. Majority of the cast is good looking and have their own sense of comedy wit. Leah Pipes steals the show as the detestable, icy, catty, loquacious Jessica who is my favourite character and didn't want her to die. Ellie the plain Jane out of the girls survives and is the most annoying character (identical to the same looking girl from Rob Zombie's Halloween).

Despite the turnout, this is one of my favourite horror movies that is crazy, narcissistic, ratty but witty and very funny. The death scenes are well created. What more could you ask for with a great music score and memorable soundtrack?

Curse of Chucky (2013)

The mythology of Charles "Chucky" Lee Ray continues

[6/10 · 12 May 2017]

The Child's play saga continues in this sixth installment in the series of the diminutive Serial Killer that is cute as a munchkin. We are in Rhode island with the Pierce Family, Widow and Mother Sarah (Chantal Quesnelle) and Nica (Fiona Dourif, the Daughter of Brad Dourif who voices Chucky) a paraplegic since birth. A mysterious large parcel is delivered with Chucky inside, unimpressed with the gift, Sarah dumps the doll in the trash bin (something that Chucky experiences quite a lot over the years). Suddenly Sarah is found dead and the grief stricken Nica gathers the rest of the family together, her condescending and obnoxious Sister Barb (Danielle Bisutti), Ian the Cuckold Husband (Brennan Elliot), Jill the Attractive Nanny (Maitland McConnell) Innocent Alice (Summer Howell in her debut movie) and Father Frank (marvelously​ played by A Martinez). They share all the memories and stories and had Dinner until Father Frank leaves to go back to St Paul's Church in a hurry in strange circumstances, after he is gone the family caught sight of an unknown stranger who is actually the Human "Chucky" Charles Lee Ray the Lakeshore Strangler in Ray Ban sunglasses in their old tape reels, when Barb and Nica's Father mysteriously drowns like Vivienne van Pelt who's body is found in the river (Chucky mentions her in Bride of Chucky) as possible offerings to Damballah who is the west African and Haitian Serpent God of rain and water surroundings. As Nica has hunches and notions that led her to play detective as she explores deep into the realms of urban legend and scary camp fire ghost myth about a particular doll possessed by the angry and vengeful spirit of a Voodoo practising Serial Killer, she makes more gruesome discoveries as the film continues as she finds out Charles Lee Ray took an unhealthy interest to her heavily pregnant mother, Sarah, back in the Eighties as flashbacks.

Don Mancini can make masterpieces which is why Chucky flicks are a movie goer's most watched saga in every country as the most enjoyed entertainment. This is a brilliant, apologetically​ brutal, and dazzling sequel that is better than Bride and Seed, you can get away with watching Child's play 3 and go straight to watching this and you can still catch up on the story. Good music score and lighting, I love the setting of the haunted house feeling and pan angle shots, the best is the Dinner scene like a Russian roulette, and you see artsy shots of chomping mouths guzzling the gazpacho wondering who is going to die and the cast is teasing the audience, the death scenes are creative and well thought through with effort put in to create the film. Chucky displayed clever premeditated revenge as he continues to keep his promise since the original movie and still wants to claim a human body to transport his soul. Fiona Dourif puts on an incredible performance and is emulating her Father in this movie, her beauty and heroine role resembles him in looks and intensity in one flew over the cuckoo's nest. Watch out for the surprise ending after the credits roll which will lead us to "Cult of Chucky" as the next sequel

Bride of Chucky (1998)

Chucky's wife Ewww !

[4/10 · 11 May 2017]

This is set shortly after the end of Child's play 3 when trailer park red woman, Tiffany Valentine (Tilly), claims the remains of her former Paramour Charles Lee Ray whom she thought he was going to propose to her by finding a very expensive chunky diamond ring which was one of his Trophies from a murder scene back in 1988. She raised him from the slumber and learnt the hurtful truth and imprisoned him, but Chucky escapes to kill her and placed her soul in a doll, then they kidnap a young good looking couple (Katherine Heigl and Nick Stabile) and They have to get the Heart of Damballah magic amulet to be successful in soul transfusion.

This film is short on scares and is more on the comedy side of the scenes and script. I like Jennifer Tilly but I am not fond of the Tiffany Doll, with torn pantyhose and Zelda from Terrahawks make up, looks like cross between Cameroon Diaz and a human frog hybrid - I don't think she matches up to Chucky. Or maybe I am being jealous because Brad Dourif said behind the scenes as he is working with Jennifer Tilly "why didn't I get a girlfriend earlier?" Ha! Am I bothered. And a scene where two dolls are having it off, how is that possible?

I do miss the scary Chucky and I did not like the reinvented movie being just comedy, and I didn't like the Tiffany Doll. Get a divorce please Chucky.

Seed of Chucky (2004)

The worst sequel for Hybristophilles

[1/10 · 11 May 2017]

Charles Lee Ray is lost as a family man. Should not have married her, it's gone soft - where is my Stallion?

No plot to the movie and there is pretentiousness​ evolving around Jennifer Tilly, she is okay in other movies but she is no firecracker to keep you awake. Weak and lame movie and I am a Chucky fan

Child's Play 3 (1991)

Chucky goes to the Army

[6/10 · 11 May 2017]

This is probably done in rush because​ there is no thought gone into the plot.

Set eight years after Child's play 2 is 16 year old Andy Barclay played by Justin Whalen who does resemble Alex Vincent very well. Chucky soon tracks him down but finds a black kid Tyler (Sylvers) and now he becomes a target to the mythical creature that is told about.

It is an okayish sequel but here you have Chucky running after​ one blooming child when they are dozen other children at the military to tell that big secret. Go figure! It is still watchable because of Chucky and legend Brad Dourif as the voice of Chucky​