Year: 1971
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Dead animals [ real I believe, not killed on screen, used for cooking ], child death
Summary: An eccentric widow known as Auntie Roo invites 10 children from an orphanage over each Christmas. Two children who weren't included by the orpanage's headmistress sneak into the celebration and Katy, one of the children, catches the eye of Auntie Roo due to her resemblence of Auntie Roo's deceased daughter.
When I watched this I was on and then coming down from the effects of painkillers but either way– it was a pretty fun watch! I didn’t really know much about it going in except the title was intriguing and I always have a fondness for 70s horror.
The immediate thought with this movie is how beautiful the set they used was– both the exterior and interior shots. The exterior shots were a beautiful gingerbread-esque mansion that really perfectly fit the theme of Hansel and Gretel of the movie. There was even a semi-replica of the house inside in the forum of a dollhouse that was a great touch! Everytime they panned to it, it was really quite stunning. Same with the interior shots of the house and the lavish woodwork.
The acting was all pretty good, quite ‘play’ style that was more common it seems then. I think everyone did a really good job of the whole affair and fit their roles perfectly. The kid actors were really good and fit in well with the adult actors. Auntie Roo’s actor was really great– her mental break was acted with a certain finesse that didn't make it feel like too much; something that in a role like this would be very easy.
I also thought the plot was interesting; It had aspects of a Hansel and Gretel storyline but still managed to make it fresh and interesting. I really found the fact of Auntie Roo losing it after her daughter died interesting... But I didn’t quite understand what happened to her magician husband. In a way, aside from when she fully lost it, I had some sympathy for Auntie Roo (except for her strong unwillingness to take the brother too– man poor kid LOL. Maybe she sensed his bad vibe. ) The fact she was initially being used by false psychics to con more money was sad too and made me feel bad for her. I also really like how they managed to do the corpse effect for her daughter– it was creepy, perhaps unrealistic, but it worked well.
I also like how Auntie Roo despite her mental break didn’t seem to actually want to eat the kids and instead it seemed more of a manifestation of the older boy’s either assumption or want to kill.
All in all, it was a good film for what I wanted at that time.
Year: 1969
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Animal death [not shown, but a cry is heard], parental death, discussions of neglect
Summary: Ellen, the assistant to a rich widow and fiance of her step-son, gets a call where she learns she has to take in her two younger siblings who were committed to a mental institution after being accused of killing their parents.
The Mad Room is another very charming movie that fits amongst others of its era. It’s a delightful watch that kept me interested from the go. I loved the beginning of the explanation in newspapers, following us to an idyllic couple who is helping the soon-to-be husband’s mother set up a museum in his father’s legacy.
I really liked the acting and story in this one. The setting was also gorgeous– the interior, exterior and scenery shots were all really fun. The storyline was very engaging. I kind of guessed the twist mid-way through, but I’m not mad at it, as it made sense for the ending later. The main actress was also quite gorgeous and I love how they styled her, feeling almost Cinderella-esque at times. Her acting was really good and I think especially towards the latter part, she did a good job playing creepy (the scene where she confronts her sister, Mandy, for talking to their brother about Mandy finding out she was the killer... Just her sitting, smiling in that chair like that... Really great and what a scary energy, even in a daytime scene!)
The world felt very lived in even though the estate was more remote I really think they built up the side characters well and made it really interesting (Chris’ actor was incredibly adorable, I thought she was just very charming. I also really liked Nate, the whiny builder guy, he was always very funny on screen).
It was just a well-done and interesting movie and I’m glad to have watched it!
Year: 1969
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Animal abuse (not directly shown but there are scenes of dogs baring their fangs/something being thrown but not hitting a dog), death
Summary: Claire, a widow of a wealthy buisnessman, learns that the vast fortune she thinks she had from her husband's estate is non-existant. She relocates to live closer to her nephew. However, it seems as though Claire's live-in housekeepers keep going missing...
Another 60s-70s horror movie cusp movie! I really enjoyed this one though it took me a little bit longer to get into it than the other 2 (I partly blame lack of subtitles). The story was a bit hard to fully figure out at first beyond the initial rich widow kills some lady and buries her, then moves. They kind of hit you with several characters at once at a museum fundraiser event and it’s hard to suss out who's who (probably, again, lack of subtitles in my case). However, getting into the actual intrigue of the film was really fun and exciting.
The main woman, Claire, is definitely not like the other main evil-doers in the other 2 films. In fact, she’s pretty much straight up evil and greedy, cartoonishly so. I do enjoy this however! I think the actress does such a great job of it and plays such a fun role. I also really liked the two main housekeepers, Miss Tinsley and Miss Dimmock, especially the moxie of Miss Dimmock. I do wonder if the romantic subplot between Miss Dimmock’s nephew, Mike, and the neighbor, Harriet, was really necessary, but it wasn’t so overbearing that I resented it either (especially there’s a very funny line delivery where Harriet’s nephew, Jim, says something disparaging about Miss Dimmock and Mike is like, “Shut up kid!”. ) (There’s also a good comedic scene where Claire hits Miss Dimmock with a phone and then remarks, “Oh... It’s dead...” Referring to the phone not even being in-use. )
There was a lot of strange convolution at times but I did really like it. The ending scene was so strange and confusing that it really brought a smile on my face. It was overall a really enjoyable time!!
Year: 1981
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Nudity (non-sexual), killing of claymation dog...creatures, blood
Summary: Perseus, son of Zeus, is destined to marry Princess Andromeda, but has to go through various challenges to get there.
Another really solid movie! I do think this is one I might go back and rewatch, wondering if I can enjoy it even more (as I got home from a long day and put it on). Still, it was thoroughly enjoyable! I was definitely one of those kids fascinated with ancient history and this tickled that part of my brain along with a love for old school practical effects and claymation. Its 2 hour run is warranted, as it feels like the epic it’s set out to be. Genuinely so enjoyable visually, with a wide variety of cool techniques used. The acting works well for it and the sets they use are really a delight. Definitely a fun watch and made me want to go back and flip through my Greek Myth books again!
Year: 2025
Rating: 6.5 / 10
Content Warnings: Death (not shown, mentioned)
Summary: A man who won the lottery invites his favorite musician to stay with him.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a very slow burn movie. In fact, for the bulk of it, I didn't know what much to think. I didn't hate it, but it did take me a bit to get into the flow of the movie. Once I did, towards the end and later half, I liked it. I think the lead up made sense– I'd definitely call it more of a slice of life drama than a comedy though (it didn't really feel like a big comedy, which is funny because I know lead actor Tim Key from his time on Taskmaster, a comedy game show. The one scene where he very wrongly thinks Herb is going into the ocean to commit suicide is like the standout comedic moment to me).
I think the thing this film does very well is an organic growth of the main characters, Herb and Charles. More growth happens on Herb's part, but I do like how Charles ended up being able to honor the time spent with his deceased wife and still realize it's okay to love someone else again. I also like how they did not make Nell, who was part of the musical duo formed with Herb, fall back in love with Herb and instead stick by she's changed as a person since they were together and she had no intention of leaving her new life with her husband. I also really do like how they ended the film; I often find sticking a landing is hard to do, but especially one that makes you go, “yeah that was worth it” (as opposed to disliking it or anything) is special and this film does that, even leaving me slightly teary at the end!
Year: 1965
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Kidnapping, blood, death
Summary: Perseus, son of Zeus, is destined to marry Princess Andromeda, but has to go through various challenges to get there.
When I was about 15, 16, my English teacher, in my class of around 10 (which was very uncommon in the school I was in, as I was at a city public school at that time), gave me the book this movie is based off of as a solo assignment. (I accidentally stole the school copy and still have it to this day, actually!) However, this book stood out to me because it was one of the times that I actually felt very unnerved after reading a book. It’s been about 10 years since I read it now, and it’s always been one that’s stayed with me. I was really overjoyed when I saw by chance this movie on Tubi, recommended after watching Who Slew Auntie Roo.
Preamble over– what do I think about this movie? It’s a decent enough adaptation of the book. I don’t think it’s perfect; I thought the leadup to the actual kidnapping felt longer in the book and it felt a lot more sudden in the movie. Of course, this is due to the movie having to stick to certain lengths (it is a 2hr movie, however). I don’t think it’s as good as the book, but it really does stick faithfully to the plot as far as I could remember. I think the actors do a really good job and there is a certain level of dread that emanates through it, especially as action takes places very suddenly. The music, especially in the beginning, frames this movie really well.
I think something that feels missing is the closeness you get with the main girl, Miranda. I thought she was a lot more fleshed out in the book than she was in the movie. I don’t know if I’m just misremembering or what, but I’m pretty sure she was. I think the book allowed for more internal contemplation, whereas this movie is more or less mainly external.
Year: 2024
Rating: 6.5 / 10
Content Warnings: Stalking, rape threats, blood, violence, attempted murder, large-scale harassment
Summary: A rising aesthetician's buisness comes to a screeching halt, both as a rival moves in across the way and as she's started to be harassed by an unknown force.
Skincare is vaguely based on the real story of Dawn DaLuise; but that’s a rabbit hole to look up for those interested. I think overall this movie is decent! I’m genuinely surprised it’s the director’s debut, as the film really captures such a tense and uncomfortable mood. I really think that’s what the film succeeds at: mood. For the majority of the film, I felt on pins and needles and worrying for the main girl what was going to happen next. However, part of the film annoyed me because it made no logical sense of a lot of the main girl’s motives (Specifically, the part later in the film where she lies to the detective about knowing that her friend slashed her tires... Like... Girl, come on... ). I think the lack of logic with that part annoyed me and kind of dampened the feeling of the film. I can suspend some belief, but at that point, the lack of logic annoyed me, especially because it wasn’t a case of “the police aren’t listening”.
Overall, it was interesting and the acting was really good. I think between the acting and the feeling captured in the tension it’s definitely worth watching if you can handle the CWs and want a decent movie.
Year: 1976
Rating: 6.5 / 10
Content Warnings: Swatiska/Manji symbolism, violence
Summary: A documentary following the Black Emperor bike gang in Japan.
First let me start off by saying: I wish the version I watched had better subs. I think I lost a lot because the subs were delayed by like 10+ seconds, making it hard to follow at points. I also have a feeling there was a lot of missing dialogue, perhaps due to this. If I could track down a better copy, I’d probably rewatch it because I don’t know how accurate this review can be with that factored in.
The actual film is okay. I think it works as a good snapshot of a time and place following youth caught up in a biker gang. There’s no real plot to it; it’s more or less following around biker gang members, specifically one who gets in trouble with the police and subsequently his parents over the arrest. It’s more or less vignettes of life in the gang– which isn’t bad, I just wish there was more to it than that.
It’s interesting as a piece of history but it doesn’t do much more for me than being an archival of a time and a place. Again, not a bad thing, but I personally wish there was more to it than that.
Year: 1969
Rating: 10.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Nudity, Sexual scenes, Slurs (f-slur used in a derogatory manner), Incest, Violence, Blood, Domestic abuse, Drugs, Flashing images, eye trauma
Summary: Eddie works at a club managed by a woman named Leda. Leda correctly starts to suspect Eddie is having an affair with her lover, Gonda.
Funeral Parade of Roses is a movie I've seen before and I really liked it. I was nervous for a rewatch as if I would like it as much, and I have to say, I think I liked it even more this time around.
Funeral Parade of Roses is a complex movie. It’s an art film, a documentary, a drama, surrealistic and even sometimes leans into comedy and horror. Its narrative is at times hard to follow (which is why I think a rewatch added a lot) and sometimes it feels more confusing than anything. However, there’s such a charm to this film in the way it’s been crafted, I can’t help but feel mesmerized by it.
One of my favorite scenes is when Eddie and Leda start arguing and it turns into a back and forth with speech bubbles. Every scene is so beautiful on the eyes and everyone looks so glamorous. There’s also some fun foreshadowing done in the film; Such as the scene where Leda is found dead and you can see a dolls who are injured in a similar way to Eddie and Gonda. I also really think the film does a good job of emotions; Even though like I said, the finale is hinted at earlier, the tension in that moment feels palpable.
I really do think if you can get past the content warnings, it’s a film people should see at least once. It’s a really unique experience of a film and is incredibly creative.
Year: 1975
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Nudity, Homophobia, Racism (Specifically a scene against a Moroccan man where he is not allowed into a hotel)
Summary: After his boyfriend is arrested for tax faud, circus employee Fox declares he's going to win the lottery and ends up doing so. He meets a man named Max, a wealthy antiques dealer, who introduces him to his wealthy friends, including a man named Eugen.
Fox and his Friends is an interesting film that I’m still mulling over as I write this. It’s a really interesting plot and going in, knowing very little, I thought it’d be a gay film– which yes, it is, it features a gay relationship, but I'd argue it’s more about capitalism and class than anything. It’s more or less a story that ends up being about financial abuse and trying to mold someone into something they're not.
I had an overall feeling where the plot was going (as the titular Fox could not adjust to this life that his lover had tried to force him into; Honestly, it was quite obvious as soon as Fox started to buy things for his lover, Eugen). Eugen is obviously someone who uses people, and we see this early on, shunning his then-boyfriend in favor of Fox, this new toy to play with and saying he’ll resume things later (which he does by the end of the film ).
Despite everything, I just found myself feeling bad for Fox in the end from where he started despite his misgivings. It’s end is quite depressing, but it frames the whole movie of Fox being someone who was just seen for financial gain and a curiosity, like he was in the circus, rather than a person.
I think the film does a really good job of fleshing out its characters in interesting ways and it all feels nicely intentional. Despite being a film that’s now 50 years old, it still manages to feel current with the same class struggles and relationship dynamics.
Year: 2024
Rating: 6.5 / 10
Content Warnings: Kidnapping, Violence, Murder/Death, Blood
Summary: An investigator in a dead letter office comes across a blood-stained letter and seeks to find out the truth behind it.
I didn’t really have high hopes from the jump for this movie; You could tell from the start that the production perhaps wasn’t the highest, but I was willing to ride it out and see where it went. Overall, I can say: it was fine. Once you got more into the story, the more amateur side of it kind of slid off (or rather, it wasn’t as noticeable).
You can tell the crew and cast really were trying hard with it and I can appreciate that. I like the originality of the script (dead letter offices aren’t something you normally think about, not to mention combining it with synth production in the 80s in a small town.) I think the characters all stood on their own and were decently fleshed out, even when they had less airtime. I also do appreciate them trying to spin it as a true story (and it did have me fooled with the “where are they now” at the end for a hot moment! They did a really good job of that!) . I also can appreciate they did most of the story in flashback, but it wasn’t in a way that was annoying.
As for cons... Again, I’m not going to harp on the production so heavily, but it did have a shaky start. I also am just... Kind of confused on the main guy, Trent’s, motivations...? Like, you can obviously pull some sort of abandonment issues with him but like... He just could’ve gone with Josh and it’d be fine. Like I really do not get the leap of logic of “I don’t want him to go so I’ll imprison him”. I felt there wasn't enough clarification on that, especially as he went to such lengths to do so and obviously had money to do whatever he wanted. I do think the film lost steam in the later half of it; The build up was interesting but it kind of lost fuel towards the last ⅓ of it, and then weirdly felt kind of rushed in the last 10 or so. The ending just feels like it doesn’t fit. This guy went through this whole effort, killed 2 people and imprisoned for god knows how long this guy and then sees him being saved and... Leaves just to kill himself in the guy’s house (which... How long was he imprisoned anyway? No one came looking for him...? No family...?). And that scene just felt weirdly comical because all I could think of is, “you did all this nasty shit to this guy and now you’re gonna kill yourself in his garage and make him find you and clean it up? Have him have to call the cleaning crew?”.
It’s not the worst movie ever but I also don’t think the parts that were lacking make up for the runtime either.
Year: 1999
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Sex/Nudity, Violence, Discussion of HIV and complications from it, Drug use, Death, Car accident, Slur used as insult (F-Slur)
Summary: After the death of her son, a single mother named Manuela embarks to find her ex-lover.
Going into All About My Mother, like most movies I watch, I knew nothing about it. Going in, I thought it’d be about Esteban and his mother, Maneula... And it was, but I didn’t expect him to die within the first 15 minutes and it to be about life after that for Manuela. I really didn’t know what was coming for a good portion of the movie, which was nice.
However, I think for me, it’s another case of a decent lead up without much of a good end. I think the last 40 minutes or so feel very rushed, especially as the rest of the film moved at a steady pace. I think around the time of Rosa’s death is when things became shaky and just didn’t work so well for me. I think Lola’s appearance felt underwhelming, especially as the film built her arrival up. I also really think the last portion of Manuela leaving with Esteban 2 (Rosa’s baby, not the aforementioned Esteban) and her re-meeting with Agrado and Huma and the fate of Nina felt... All extremely underwhelming. I get the need for it to be more realistic, but it could’ve felt less rushed.
I do think the film had an interesting plot and I don’t think it was a waste. I think the acting and cinematography were beautiful. I think also it was an interesting plot– focusing on single and unwed mothers, sapphic women, sex workers and trans women– especially for the time (though some conversations were dated, I won’t be so harsh due to the time period.) I also really think each character was built up well, especially Manuela (and I really like how natural her relationships with others felt).
Year: 2022
Rating: 7.0 / 10
Content Warnings: Flashing lights, Death/murder/gore, bullying, animal death (fake)
Summary: Influencer Cecelia runs into her childhood best friend, Emma, who's about to get married. She gets invited to Emma's hen party, but finds out Emma is still close friends with a girl who bullied her.
Sissy was unexpectedly really fun. I went in expecting very little but was happily surprised. A movie that manages to make me feel bad for an influencer who’s living a fake life is very surprising, but it manages to do that. I think the comedy in the movie was woven in really well. Sometimes horror-comedies try too hard, but this worked really well. I also think it gave a really interesting dynamic presented in terms of Ceclia, Emma and Emma’s friends (especially the ones who weren't outright hostile were still exclusionary of Ceclia, not to mention the dynamic of Ceclia/Emma/Alex felt very real). I think the gore was executed really well– I often had to look away, but they had some really good special effects (and probably the only gratuitous moments I'd say were the over-lingering with the bear and perhaps the scene where Emma dies . The rest were luckily relatively quick, but fit the horror discomfort.) I really found this a fun watch and I overall really enjoyed it.
3:55pm .. .. // 07.01.2025