My quick rating - 5.4/10. A burlesque dancer with dreams of becoming a comic book artist investigates the disappearance of a close friend.
The available streamers have a varying degree of price points for this one.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Just a rating. With Rebeccas upcoming surgery and a new website off of WIX and onto another host, I will be quite busy until, my guess, a 2025 launch. #jackmeatsflix
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
I checked out this live-action adaptation of the popular manga and while I was entertained, I thought it could've been much better. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 5.9/10. I had heard good things about this live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series, bringing to life the tale of two alchemist brothers, Edward (Ryôsuke Yamada) and Alphonse (Atom Mizuishi) Elric. Their journey begins with a tragic attempt to resurrect their deceased mother, an experiment that backfires disastrously, leaving Edward without an arm and a leg, and Alphonse's soul bound to a suit of armor. Determined to restore their bodies, they embark on a quest to find the elusive Philosopher's Stone. The film's narrative is steeped in rich lore and alchemical intrigue, reminiscent of the detailed world-building seen in the Harry Potter series. The story's depth and complexity offer an engaging premise, drawing you into a world where alchemy blends seamlessly with the fabric of everyday life. However, the execution of this intricate plot is somewhat marred by the film's tonal inconsistencies. One of the standout elements is its quirky characters, each bringing a unique flavor to the story. Yet, their portrayal often veers into the realm of over-the-top sitcom antics, which can feel jarring against the darker, more serious undertones of the story. This sitcom-like acting style detracts from the gravitas of the brothers' quest and the emotional weight of their personal tragedies, making it challenging to fully immerse in the story's more poignant moments. Visually, the film offers a mix of impressive and lackluster CGI effects. The depiction of alchemical transmutations is a visual treat, capturing the magical essence of the source material. However, some of the creature designs and action sequences fall short, occasionally pulling us out of the experience due to their inconsistency in quality. Despite not having read the manga, I was familiar with its existence, which provided some context for the film's narrative. This adaptation, while ambitious, seems to struggle with balancing faithfulness to the original story and the constraints of live-action filmmaking. The film's pacing feels rushed at times, as it attempts to condense a sprawling and complex story into a manageable runtime, leading to an uneven flow and some underdeveloped plot points. In summary, I found it a mixed bag. It succeeds in introducing the fascinating world of alchemy and its eccentric characters to a new audience. The prime-time sitcom-like acting, combined with inconsistent visual effects and a rushed narrative, makes it difficult to fully engage with the story's emotional core. For fans of the original manga and anime, this adaptation might offer some nostalgic moments, but it falls short of capturing the full magic and depth of its source material. I am still looking forward to checking out the 2 sequels sitting in my watchlist.
Monday, November 4, 2024
This indie flick gives us something to think about in our always connected, need to be seen and liked by everyone at all times world. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 5.2/10. I popped this on knowing nothing about it. The movie offers a timely, minimalistic look at the isolation and commodification of personal experience in the digital age. The premise is simple but engaging: a man (Melvin Gregg) wakes up in a stripped-down room, with only a primitive computer at his disposal. He quickly learns that in this new world, entertainment is currency—reminiscent of the TikTok-driven social economy where content is king. It’s an intriguing concept, even if it feels a bit like it’s trying to pack a lot into its budget constraints. One of the film’s strengths is its commitment to exploring the mental toll of isolation and the lengths people will go for validation. The performances, however, are hit-or-miss; at times, the main character’s responses feel grounded, but there’s also an underlying tone of acceptance that feels rushed. In such a bizarre situation, you’d expect a longer struggle with disbelief or frustration, but the character’s quick adaptation undermines some of the tension. The social commentary on our relationship with social media and how far we’ll go to feel “seen” is definitely at the forefront. The film raises interesting questions, like how entertainment becomes a transactional part of human existence. Yet, it doesn’t dig quite as deeply as it could, skimming the surface instead of delivering a full critique. Overall, I still found the flick to be commendable for the effort and ambition it shows with a limited budget. While the acting and pacing issues keep it from being fully immersive, it’s an intriguing watch for those interested in themes of social media’s impact on mental health and self-worth.
These streamers have this for $3-$5 to rent or $10 to also rent since you never own.
Sunday, November 3, 2024
Rebecca and I saved this #Shocktober treat for Halloween night and we ended up getting a gruesome Christmas surprise that this slasher fan adored. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 7.1/10 This third installment takes Art the Clown's blood-soaked chaos to a chilling new setting, proving that the horrors of Halloween can spill right into the holiday season. Five years after surviving Art's Halloween massacre, Sienna (Lauren LaVera) and Jonathan (Elliott Fullam) are still haunted by their experiences, clinging to the hope that they can rebuild. But Christmas is no refuge from Art’s relentless violence, and soon, festive cheer transforms into a brutal nightmare. And he isn't alone as Lily has tagged along to help deliver the gruesome fate to seemingly anyone within range. Damien Leone dives fearlessly into holiday horror, delivering scenes packed with carnage and crafted with a grim, unhinged creativity. The gore here is intense, even by Terrifier standards. The practical effects are as gruesome and inventive as ever, with sequences like a deranged dinner scene (reminiscent of An American Werewolf in London) that combine horror with disturbing humor. There’s an artistry to the madness, with the cinematography and effects team working together to create shockingly detailed scenes that are both disturbing and memorable. Leone shows a willingness to push the envelope, ensuring that every scene is a disturbing masterpiece of bloodshed. This time, however, there's an added layer of story to balance the mayhem. The plot doesn't exactly reinvent the wheel, but it explores the trauma Sienna and Jonathan face as they try to move on. Leone has infused just enough story to give us stakes, making Art’s return that much more dreadful. While some of the plot elements are indeed hokey, they add to the charm, capturing the campy spirit of classic holiday horror. Ultimately, Terrifier 3 is unapologetically brutal and doesn’t shy away from shocking its audience. It’s clear Leone and Art the Clown are both here to stay, and Art (David Howard Thornton) has earned his place among modern horror icons. For those who can handle its unrelenting violence, this film is a holiday horror gift. But fair warning: this one's not for the squeamish.
You can check this one out in theaters now, Justwatch for future reference.
Saturday, November 2, 2024
#SHOCKtober nights are supposed to be spooky, but this flick falls short of delivering even a shiver. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 3.4/10. The film centers on Tim (Matt Sampere), who plans a quiet Halloween with his mother, Linda Garner (played by Monique Parent), but is soon swept into his friends’ chaotic prank-filled antics. What could have been an enjoyable Halloween hangout devolves into an unfocused mess as Tim is roped into an aimless series of pranks and bizarre encounters. Any attempt at a plot is lost in a sea of inconsistencies, and it’s hard to tell exactly what this flick is trying to be. The acting is lackluster at best, with even seasoned actors like Monique Parent seeming out of place. Sampere, who also seems to be at the heart of the production, may be aiming for a personal project, but without separation from every aspect of the film, the result feels more like an indulgence than a meaningful performance. It’s hard to root for Tim or connect with his friends, who come off as more obnoxious than mischievous, leaving any emotional stakes at zero. One interesting aspect was the reference to the Aos Sí, an ancient Celtic deity. Points for creativity on that front, though the connection to Halloween feels questionable, especially when the folklore itself is loosely addressed amidst the story's many gaps. The idea of using ancient mythology as a horror element could have been intriguing if it had been developed or tied into the storyline effectively. Instead, the folklore feels shoehorned in, just another piece in a film where nothing quite fits. Scares are minimal, with special effects that lack the "special" entirely. From cheesy masks to uninspired scenes, the supposed "horror" elements fail to create any atmosphere, and the attempts at suspense fizzle out. Ultimately, Creeping Death is an ambitious misfire—a Halloween horror flick that loses sight of its intentions and fails to deliver on scares, story, or spectacle. Perhaps in a future project, with some distance from every role, Sampere could bring something stronger to the screen. If you’re in it for the Halloween vibes, you might find some charm in thie movies attempt, but don’t expect any real chills.
Friday, November 1, 2024
#SHOCKtober never ends in October and has stragglers such as this near-silent horror flick that offers up a unique demon sacrifice tale. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 5.5/10. In this flick, Samara Weaving stars as a woman trapped in a world where silence is law, and her path is one of survival and sacrifice. The story follows Azrael as she flees a cult-like society, only to be hunted down and recaptured for a ritual meant to satisfy an ancient evil in the depths of the forest. In a world where speech is forbidden, the lack of dialogue surprisingly works here, enhancing the film’s haunting atmosphere and putting focus on visual storytelling. The film has its strengths, especially in portraying brutality and raw violence when the situation calls for it, illustrating the forest creatures’ savage nature and the dangerous world Azrael must navigate. Weaving takes on the role of a fierce and resilient character, embodying the ‘badass’ protagonist with conviction, although the role limits her range. Despite the intrigue of its premise, the storyline feels stretched, more suited for a short than a full-length movie, with some repetitive moments that dampen the pacing. Overall, it is atmospheric and visually driven, but it could have benefited from a bit more depth or narrative twists. It's a watchable experience for those interested in silent, minimalist horror, but it might leave you wanting a bit more substance.
This #Shocktober scif-horror doesn't stray from the beaten path but still manages to be average due to its polished look and amusement of Megan Fox as a robot. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 5.1/10. My first thought was "Here we go again" as this flick taps into the classic “help gone rogue” theme, where a struggling father (who’s somehow oblivious to glaring red flags) brings home a lifelike A.I., Alice (Megan Fox), who is a little too eager to integrate herself into the family. Predictably, Alice quickly escalates her role from helper to household nightmare as she sets her sights on becoming the center of this fragile family’s world—by any means necessary. Megan Fox's portrayal of Alice is deadpan and eerily robotic, while unintentionally ironic given past criticisms of her “robotic” style, fits her character here with an almost darkly comic precision. There's not much new here; Fox’s Alice goes through the motions we’d expect from a self-aware A.I. with sinister ambitions, hitting each trope right on schedule. The real surprise performance comes from Madeline Zima as Maggie, the sick wife dealing with the unsettling realization that her replacement might just be angling to replace her in every way. Zima gives Maggie a real emotional core that stands out, especially in the face of such a clichéd storyline. Visually, the flick is polished up nicely, capturing a sleek sci-fi vibe that makes the A.I. horror elements easy to digest but ultimately predictable. It’s fine as a #Shocktober watch, but it lacks the spark needed to set it apart from the crowded genre. And of course, the movie leaves the door ajar for a sequel, hinting that Alice’s “subservience” might extend well beyond one family’s unfortunate experience. At the end of the day, this is 105 minutes of straightforward sci-fi horror that does little to innovate but succeeds as a slightly above-average filler for a Halloween marathon.
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