The Spooky World of Chris Ringler
Enter a strange world of Blogs, Books, Podcasts, and More.
Here you will find a collection of my reviews.
"Demo_n" attempts to blend creepypasta and found footage horror through a video call gone wrong, where friends encounter a supernatural threat via a video game. Despite an intriguing premise and clever animation, the film falls short due to underdeveloped characters and lack of impactful mythology, resulting in a mediocre experience.
OBEX is a low-fi sci-fi film that explores themes of loneliness and creativity through its protagonist, a reclusive man who interacts primarily with his dog and television. Drawn into a game to save his pet, the film combines charm and nostalgia with a heartfelt narrative, though it becomes occasionally esoteric. Aimed at fans of DIY cinema, it holds a 3 out of 5 rating.
Here we have a movie that, for many, might be under the radar a bit. Released on Tubi, I decided to watch it after reading about how gnarly it was. I dunno what it is, but every once in a while you just want to stick your hand into the hole in the ground and see if you get bitten, I suppose. While I can’t say I’d ever recommend GOODBYE, UNCLE TOM or A SERBIAN FILM, I can say that as films, they aren’t as bad as some say, but they are definitely as gross as you think. The beauty of horror is that there is something for everyone, whether you want something subtle and sublime or something more akin to a sledgehammer to the head.
The reviewer expresses strong disdain for a movie about two couples sharing a rental home, which leads to relationship tensions and violence. Despite others enjoying it, the reviewer finds the plot predictable and unoriginal, comparing it unfavorably to better films. Although well-acted and shot, it fails to engage. Rating: 2 out of 5.
The post discusses the delicate balance in filmmaking regarding duration, emphasizing the importance of trimming unnecessary scenes while maintaining artistic value. It highlights the film "FEY," which chronicles a young woman's journey of healing after trauma. As she documents her recovery, a deeper mystery involving a fertility cult emerges.
The review of "THE HOUSEHOLD," a found footage film masquerading as a documentary, highlights its intriguing premise about local disappearances tied to urban myths. However, the story suffers from an insufferable main character and an unsatisfactory ending that fails to provide resolution. While interesting, it ultimately falls short in execution.
TL;DR: Not Recommended A pretty, well-made movie that is a little silly, but has some interesting supernatural elements. When reviewing something, there is a place where you need to meet the work on its own ground. You have to be willing to take the work as it is, and not as you need it to… Continue reading MOVIE REVIEW: “A Beautiful Breakup”
It's interesting that when you think of all the horrors that can beset people in movies, bears don't make many appearances as the beast. Heck, there are more shark movies than bear movies. Perhaps it's because bears, even as they are eating us, remain cute, whereas sharks are always frightening, no matter how you see them. The odds of us meeting a bear on a nature walk are greater than the odds of running into a shark, so what is it?
I have mentioned it, oh, a hundred times or more, that there are unwritten rules to found footage films, things you should stick to in order to retain that tenuous faux-reality. Unlike traditional films, found footage movies are presenting themselves as if they are "real," and as such, they need to come across as at least a LITTLE believable. Sure, we know it's all fake, but going in, we are looking to BELIEVE this could be real, even though we know it isn't, even while going to see an "Avatar" film and not demanding the same.
Over the past year, the author reviewed short films by an emerging filmmaker, particularly highlighting "The Amasol Project" and "NightBound." While both films exhibit Rios's growth and creativity, they suffer from reliance on dialogue and digital effects. The potential for improvement lies in reduced narration and more tangible scares. Rios's passion is evident.
The latest entry in the found-footage horror franchise presents several short films themed around Halloween, but struggles with coherence and originality. While one episode excels in creepiness, others fall flat or feel silly. Overall, the collection lacks depth and connection to Halloween, leaving the reviewer disappointed and unable to recommend it.
MANOR OF DARKNESS follows a desperate brother and sister aiming to rob a posh estate to finance their ailing mother’s care. As they uncover secrets within the home, the film evolves from a typical horror narrative into something more intriguing. Despite some flaws, it offers a unique, suspenseful experience worth watching.
BODY & SOUL is a found footage film depicting police officers on duty, initially engaging with the public effectively. However, it falters when the plot shifts to a tense chase in the woods, becoming disjointed with two bickering officers and lacking narrative depth. Despite its promising concept, the film ultimately disappoints.
The Spooky World of Chris Ringler 