The Spooky World of Chris Ringler
Strange Books, Podcasts, Reviews, Blogs, Art, and more.
Reviews of movies and books.
The content discusses the Cloverfield movie series, describing it as a set of films that blend emotional stakes with otherworldly threats. While the first two films are appreciated, the third is seen as disconnected. The author enjoys the found-footage style of "Cloverfield" and the psychological tension in "10 Cloverfield Lane," but feels "The Cloverfield Paradox" lacks cohesion.
There are very few things which we can say - you’d never understand - and it will be completely true. Most things we can at least put ourselves in the shoes of other people, but not everything. One of those things that creates a deep divide comes with children. If you don’t have a child it’s hard to fully grasp what it is like to see them hurt, sad, angry, or to ponder what it might mean to lose them. You can imagine it, put your head in that space, but to really reckon with it is going to a dark, dark place.
The author expresses a love for comic book movies but acknowledges audience fatigue due to oversaturation. Highlights include a critique of "Supergirl," which, despite its darker narrative and strong performances, suffers from low-stakes villains and public unfamiliarity. The film is deemed enjoyable, better suited for home viewing, earning 3.5 out of 5.
When I first started thinking about writing this review, I was going to talk about shark movies and the moment they are having now.
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?