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GinaisaHorrorFanatic
Reviews
Bundy: An American Icon (2009)
Excellent portrait, overall good movie
This is one of the few true crime films that I found to be wonderfully put together, accurate and original. It is well-written, and the director obviously did his research. The film is enjoyable to watch, because it has style, and the storyline doesn't lull and revolve around a court case like many films based on real killers. It is reminiscent of the director's 2007 film, Ed Gein: Butcher of Plainfield, as it stays true to the real story of the killer while providing entertainment and using realistic blood and gore. Though it was a good film, I can't give it a 10 out of 10 because there was a decent portion of bad acting throughout it. The actor who played Bundy did a great job, but all of the other characters (with the exception of Kane Hodder as the Warden) lacked in their ability to deliver dialogue. If you believe that visual appeal and good writing can make up for bad acting, and you're into true crime, this is definitely one to check out.
The Strangers (2008)
Disappointing, but not totally awful
After the first preview I saw of "The Strangers," my first thought was, "Wow! I can't wait until this comes out!" By the previews, it looked similar to Rob Zombie's direction style, and it looked like a really edgy, raw film. Going in, I had some really high expectations, and I was ultimately let down by it. The film dives right into suspenseful action, and it is very realistic. The suspense does continue throughout the film, but it loses its shock value over time, because one can only be surprised by the same image so many times. The plot was simple, as it was intended, but it left a lot to be desired. The film was frightening indeed, but not one that kept me thinking or made me lock my doors when I returned home from the theater. I expected a lot more from the film, but I can't say there was nothing I liked about it. The direction and camera work helped to add to the film's suspense, and it definitely helped to keep my attention. The use of sound was incredible, because there was no unnecessary soundtrack. The only music used in the entire film was what was on the record player in the characters' house, and it too was used as a tool to build suspense. For his writing/directing debut, I think the director did an incredible job, but I can't say I enjoyed the film as an avid horror fan. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is easily frightened and enjoys being scared, someone who views horror films strictly for entertainment, and does not have much to judge them on. However, for any horror film buffs with a variety of films to compare this one to, and a list of things to expect from a horror film, this one is one that can wait until it can be rented.
The Girl Next Door (2007)
A must-see, but certainly not a must-own
"The Girl Next Door" was suggested reluctantly to me via my uncle who said that it was one of the two films ever to "make him feel dirty." On that note, I had to rent it right away. The movie was surely an experience, but one that I probably will not choose to watch again. This film was incredibly well-made. However, at some points, I felt as if I were watching a Lifetime movie. That was until the torture came about. The movie was made to look like it would in real life, no trick lighting to make it look scarier than it is, and no holding back on the dialogue or the content. This was one of the few movies that completely boggled my mind when it was over. I did not know how to feel about it, and it certainly wasn't like watching a horror movie. Horrible things occurred in it, but I wasn't hoping for blood and gore. This movie is only recommended to those who have a strong stomach and very lax morals. The reasons for its R-rating say it all. It is full of violence, nudity, sexual content and abuse - all involving children. From watching the film, I would assume that it was intended to disturb viewers and inform of the horrors of real-life torture. And, in that, I believe it succeeded.