If you are still interested in the absurdity of a slasher Winnie the Pooh flick, this sequel is actually a step up from the first offering. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 4.5/10. The murderous escapades of Winnie the Pooh continue in this sequel, which surprisingly manages to outdo its predecessor in both storytelling and production quality. Picking up five months after the events of the first film, Christopher Robin (Scott Chambers) struggles with PTSD while Pooh and his increasingly unhinged crew—Piglet, Owl, and a newly introduced Tigger—face a new existential threat after their grisly existence is exposed to the world. One of the most significant improvements here is the story. While the first film leaned heavily on its gimmicky premise, this installment makes a stronger effort to flesh out its narrative. Christopher Robin’s psychological turmoil provides a compelling throughline, and the dynamics within Pooh’s gang add some intriguing tension to their rampage. The gore is another step up, with several kill scenes delivering the brutal, over-the-top violence fans of this bizarre horror take were likely hoping for. The practical effects, though still rough around the edges, are far more polished this time around, making for some genuinely stomach-churning moments. There’s also a self-aware streak running through the film, evidenced by the use of footage from the original on a TV during a key scene. Whether this meta moment lands as amusing or irritating depends on your tolerance for such winks at the audience, but it at least signals a willingness to poke fun at itself. That said, it still struggles to fully shake its B-movie roots although I am not sure director Rhys Water even wants to. The pacing can feel uneven, some of the acting is shaky, and the tone wavers awkwardly between campy horror and earnest attempts at emotional depth. Tigger’s inclusion, while fun, feels underutilized, and Owl’s character remains mostly in the background. Ultimately, this sequel is a marked improvement over its predecessor, but it still falls short of becoming a truly memorable horror film. It’s a better production across the board, with more focus and effort put into the story, but it’s still primarily for those who enjoy the absurdity of a blood-soaked Pooh rampage.

It is either Amazon for (b)rent or Peacock for streaming.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/winnie-the-pooh-blood-and-honey-2-2024

This band showed up on my calendar and while I don't have anything of theirs yet, I am intrigued. #jackmeatsotn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-9AtkL-lZI

An over two-hour-long Christmas horror anthology may sound great but the final product is not what I was hoping to find in my stocking. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 3.5/10. With the holiday season approaching, I decided to check out this flick, a Christmas-themed horror anthology. At 129 minutes, this movie overstays its welcome, especially given its low-budget execution. Santa himself narrates the wrap-around story, which follows a mysterious version of St. Nick arriving on 34th Street to tell three interconnected horror tales, all of which are meant to make you rethink Christmas. Unfortunately, the anthology doesn’t live up to the promise. The first and second tales are only OK while the other two are trash.

The first story kicks off with a gang of serial killers dressed as a twisted "Mr. Red," an elf, and a snowman. They kidnap siblings, brainwash them, and force them to join their murderous spree after killing their parents. While this story has some potential with its dark holiday twist, the pacing drags, and the characters are too flat to make it compelling. It feels like it’s trying to do too much and ends up feeling muddled.

The second tale focuses on a struggling, coke-addicted ventriloquist whose puppet, a vulgar snowman named "Mr. White," might also be a killer. This one leans into some dark comedy, but it never fully delivers on the creepiness or laughs. The idea of a foul-mouthed snowman puppet is amusing in theory, but the execution left a lot to be desired.

The third segment is about a mentally ill mother egged on by Krampus to kill her children. The concept of Krampus in a Christmas horror flick is a nice touch, but the segment feels rushed and lacks the emotional depth to make it resonate. The mother’s descent into madness is superficial at best, and it doesn’t stick the landing.

Finally, the wrap-around story ends with a killer priest who buries his victims alive, eventually getting his comeuppance. While this story serves as the climax, it also feels rushed and lacks the impact that a good revenge twist should have.

Overall, we have a mixed bag of holiday horror, with each segment missing the mark in one way or another. While the anthology format is a fun idea for Christmas, the film's long runtime, weak character development, and inconsistent tone make it a slog to get through. Despite some quirky elements like the killer snowman puppet and Krampus, the movie fails to maintain tension or interest throughout. If you’re in the mood for a holiday horror, there are much better options out there.

Amazon has this one, Justwatch also has a couple of thers.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/nightmare-on-34-street-2023

I was apprehensive but this trip to the afterlife was well worth it with high-energy performances, inventive visuals, and clever callbacks to the original. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 6.8/10 Oh, I have a bad feeling about this...and was I WRONG. Sometimes, revisiting a beloved classic can feel like tempting fate, but this flick proves that some doors to the Afterlife are worth reopening. Picking up decades after the original, the film follows Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder) and her teenage daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), as they’re pulled back into the chaos of the Afterlife after Astrid inadvertently opens up that portal and Lydia has no choice but to summon the mischievous ghost with the most. This sequel strikes an impressive balance between honoring the original’s quirky charm and introducing fresh elements to the world of Winter River. Tim Burton’s signature gothic whimsy shines through, with expanded Afterlife world-building that feels both imaginative and true to the tone of the original. The balance of nostalgia and new material ensures longtime fans and newcomers alike will find plenty to enjoy. Michael Keaton reprises his role as Beetlejuice with unparalleled energy, slipping seamlessly back into the iconic role as if no time has passed. He brings the same chaotic charisma that made the original so memorable. Monica Bellucci as Delores adds a sultry, enigmatic layer to the Afterlife, while Willem Dafoe steals the show in his limited screen time with a performance that’s both hilarious and unsettling. Jenna Ortega is perfectly cast as Astrid, her performance brimming with the sardonic charm and relatability that fit naturally into the world of Beetlejuice. Winona Ryder’s return as Lydia brings emotional depth and continuity, bridging the gap between generations and grounding the film’s heart in the Deetz family’s struggles. The high-energy performances, inventive visuals, and clever callbacks to the original more than compensate. All of these elements make this a worthy sequel that captures the spirit of the original while breathing new life into the story. Fans of the first film will revel in the nostalgia, while new audiences will appreciate the film’s wit, charm, and vibrant imagination.

Amazon and several other streamers have this at matinee pricing 11.14.24

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/beetlejuice-beetlejuice-2024

Time to get into full swing on the Xmas horror flix although not as gung-ho as I am in #Shocktober. Not only holidays but my new site is coming. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 4.2/10. This flick has an intriguing setup but suffers from inconsistent execution. The plot centers around a nurse caring for her daughter's mysterious illness, all while hiding dark secrets when strangers seek refuge in her home during a deadly blizzard. It’s the kind of atmospheric premise that could have created tension and suspense, but unfortunately, the film struggles to maintain a coherent narrative. There are definitely moments where the movie shows promise. Scout Taylor-Compton is a recognizable face, but it’s Chrissy Metz as Faith who steals the show and delivers the most memorable performance. The film, however, is riddled with plot holes that detract from the overall experience. The story seems to jump from one plot point to another without fully connecting the dots, leaving you confused and disconnected. The biggest letdown for me was the ending. The movie clearly places all its chips on the monster reveal, hoping it will be the ultimate payoff, but it falls flat. The creature wasn’t nearly as thrilling or terrifying as the filmmakers seemed to believe, and by the time the big reveal came around, the suspense had already fizzled out. While there are moments of tension and some decent performances, the movie just feels unfinished and lacks the polish it needs to stand out. The inconsistencies in the plot and the lackluster conclusion make it a one-time film suited for your Xmas horror viewing but it won't have any lasting impact in the horror genre.

Amazon and a couple of other streamers have this one for you.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/a-creature-was-stirring-2023

I got wrapped up starting on my new website which I hope to have something up and running for in 2025. Here is something that I am personally interested in when it comes to horror! #jackmeatsflix

https://bloody-disgusting.com/video-games/3847066/nominees-for-the-2024-edition-of-the-horror-game-awards-announced-video/

I always look forward to what the Mahal Empire has next and fans of their signature style will find enough to enjoy in this medieval monster mash. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 3.9/10. The Mahal Empire continues its streak of delivering ambitious indie productions with Devil's Knight, a medieval monster-hunting flick set in the perilous kingdom of Remény. Told primarily in flashback, the film uses a campfire narrative from a battle-scarred soldier to recount the harrowing quest to slay the Bone Devil—a menacing creature whose design seems to take direct inspiration from the theatrical grotesquery of a GWAR concert. Kevin Sorbo, a staple of medieval-themed adventures, feels right at home as Captain Baldur, exuding a commanding yet accessible presence. Angie Everhart shines as the Duchess de Baudicourt, bringing grace and charisma to a sprawling ensemble cast that also includes Eric Roberts and Daniel Baldwin. Fans of Mahal productions will enjoy spotting familiar faces alongside these more recognizable names, enhancing the film's appeal to indie horror aficionados. Visually, this movie embraces its campy charm, showcasing an array of costumed monsters. While their movements betray the limitations of the budget, the creativity behind their designs compensates with sheer entertainment value. Creature from the Black Lagoon’s unexplained imprisonment in the castle adds a peculiar yet amusing touch to the film’s mythology. Director Adam Werth relies heavily on digital blood splatter effects, which, while overused in indie horror, are executed with commendable variation here. The varying spray patterns and sizes elevate what could have been repetitive visuals into something a bit more dynamic. However, the movie isn’t without its flaws. The fight choreography is inconsistent—ranging from engaging sequences to noticeably clunky ones. Editing issues, such as abrupt scene transitions and pacing hiccups, detract from the storytelling’s flow. Despite these shortcomings, the film maintains a certain charm, thanks to its spirited performances and commitment to the genre’s inherent silliness. This film isn’t aiming for perfection; it’s a celebration of indie horror’s ability to blend ambition with unpretentious fun. While it may not be for everyone, fans of Mahal Empire’s signature style will find plenty to enjoy in this medieval monster mash. Thank you again, Sonny Mahal, for providing me with this early look.

As of 11.30.24, Amazon is where you will find this one.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/devil-s-knight-2024