The Spooky World of Chris Ringler
Enter a strange world of Blogs, Books, Podcasts, and More.
Reviews of movies and books.
As I am sure you have noticed, I love movies and watch a lot of them. I don’t review everything I see, as a lot of the films have been covered, BUT once in a while it’s fun to give a big rundown of what I have seen, and here we go:
It feels like a candy after I have done something good when I discover a found-footage movie with a new angle, and darn it, wouldn’t ya know it, that’s the case with “Man Finds Tape.” It feels novel, and shouldn’t, but here we are. The subgenre is cluttered with lazy movies made by people with… Continue reading Found Footage Review: “Man Finds Tape”
Asian "found footage" films provide a refreshing alternative to their American counterparts, often feeling more original despite some flaws. The movie "Cult" features three actresses documenting a haunting, revealing dark cult involvement. It becomes increasingly bizarre and may alienate some viewers, yet delivers unique entertainment for fans of the genre.
"Lesbian Space Princess" is a romantic animated film centered on Saira, a space princess grappling with heartbreak and self-doubt. As she attempts to save her ex from alien captors while navigating personal crises, the film blends humor with heavy themes. Although it may feel formulaic, it has a unique style and a strong message.
Belief is a scary thing. Faith and belief should be comforting things. Uniting forces that should connect us to people, and give us a feeling of connection. It's when that faith and those beliefs stray from what others understand that can isolate people and set them apart as different and strange. This is the crux of "A Record of Sweet Murder," a film about one man's desperate belief in something so bizarre and seemingly insane that it can't possibly be true, and his need to prove it is.
"Diabolic" is a horror film exploring a woman's struggle with blackouts and her search for answers through her past with the fundamentalist Church of Latter-day Saints. While it creates a chilling atmosphere and effective scares, the film often prioritizes drama over the main horror elements, leaving the climax somewhat lacking.
"Backrooms" is a horror film that explores the uncanny familiarity of a seemingly endless office building. Centering on a furniture store owner coping with loss, the film emphasizes anticipation and atmosphere rather than jumpscares. With thoughtful performances and a haunting score, it expands on the online series while leaving many questions unanswered, inviting viewers into a creepy, slow-burning experience.
The review praises a found-footage film for its creepiness and intriguing premise centered on a woman's investigation into her grandmother's past linked to a local legend. While the film excels with low-key chills and a beautiful library setting, it falters in pacing and overstepping traditional horror boundaries. Overall, it remains a fun and compelling watch.
Horror fans are fun folks. Even while we’ll all love the full scope of the genre, most of us have things we are more drawn to than others. I like found-footage. Some folks like possession movies. Others like ghost movies. And some, well, some like movies where a sea creature devours people like it’s a buffet. “Killer Whale” is just such a film. It’s interesting when you think about it that there aren’t more killer whale movies. There’s the grand daddy, “Orca,” and then, well, I am sure there are others out there somewhere, but if I can’t recall them, then do they even exist at all?
Japan’s Aokigahara Forest has become a part of modern internet legend. A beautiful forest at the edge of Mt. Fuji, it is where many people have gone to end their lives, and because of that, the area has earned a reputation as a haunted place. Far removed from the culture and reality of Japan, it’s easy to become fascinated with the ghost story aspect of the place, and the idea of a ‘suicide forest,’ but the fact is that this area’s fame has only made it more appealing to people dealing with the worst feelings in the world.
"Mister Frost," featuring Jeff Goldblum, is a unique, darkly comedic film that combines horror elements with psychological intrigue. The story unfolds as Frost, claiming to be the devil, interacts with a doctor while hidden secrets emerge in a psychiatric facility. Despite its French origins and deliberate pacing, it’s a captivating, underappreciated classic worth exploring.
I have mentioned before that, when done well, I adore the one-person found footage movie. It takes a lot to pull it off, relying on an actor that can keep you engaged, and can portray more than just fear, but humanity. The movie I always go back to is "Leaving D.C.," which really worked for… Continue reading Found Footage Review: “The Ghost of Jim Bray”
"Shelby Oaks" disappoints as a blend of found footage and traditional filmmaking, leading to a jarring experience. While it steals attention due to hype, the characters lack depth, and the plot raises more questions than it answers. Genuine scares exist, but the storyline is familiar, failing to innovate or engage.