The Spooky World of Chris Ringler
Enter a strange world of Blogs, Books, Podcasts, and More.
Reviews of movies and books.
Over the past few months, I have had the honor to check out three of director Rios’ films. It’s been fascinating to watch him hone his craft, tighten his storytelling, and really evolve as a filmmaker. A willingness to keep working to improve, and to become a better creator and, in this case, filmmaker, is how you GET better. We hear the adage of “putting in the work” all the time, but not all of us want to actually do that.
If there’s a subgenre in horror that feels intimidating to try to enter, it’d be zombies. There are so many beloved properties that deal with the living dead that it would feel hard to set something else apart from the rest. The thing is though, if zombies have shown us anything over the years is that they are evergreen, and if you have a new idea, or way to come at them, people will pay attention.
There is something intoxicating about watching documentaries about the process of creating art, and in this case, making movies. Where it really gets good, though, is when you get a glimpse into the indie-filmmaking of emerging and inexperienced filmmakers. Think of “AMERICAN MOVIE” and how engaging the documentary was as it showed director Mark Borchardt… Continue reading Found Footage Movie Review – “FOUND FOOTAGE: The Making of the Patterson Project”
There is an interesting fine line between true-crime/thrillers and horror. At the core of true crime is horror; the idea that someone can stalk you, hunt you, kill you, and in many cases make you disappear is utterly terrifying. Our fascination with those stories, and the people that peretrate them is because we wonder what it takes to make someone into that sort of monster. These tales allow us to also face the idea that the world isn't as safe we as often hope it is in a way that still feels like we are in control.
A couple investigates their old house with paranormal experts, finding the experience more tedious than thrilling, contrary to popular ghost-hunting shows. THE BLUE MOUNTAIN PROJECT portrays a lackluster documentary-style investigation of a haunted schoolhouse with no real scares or plot. The friendship of the main characters is the only redeeming quality. Rating: 1 out of 5.
THE DROWNED combines horror and thriller elements but struggles with a muddled plot and familiar tropes. It starts with a man on the run and unfolds around a crime, leaving viewers questioning key aspects. Despite strong visuals and acting, it feels incomplete and lacks engagement, leading to a disappointing experience. Rating: 2 out of 5.
The article discusses a found footage film titled CRUEL, focused on the Michigan Dogman cryptid. While it explores regional cryptids and the impact of such tales, the film suffers from a short runtime and plot inconsistencies. Despite a solid premise, it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying narrative, lacking depth and cohesion.
Science fiction encompasses diverse sub-genres, including adaptations like THE DAY OF THE TRIFFIDS, based on John Wyndham's novel. The plot revolves around a meteor shower that blinds humanity and unleashes dangerous carnivorous plants. Despite its bleakness, the film explores survival and hope amidst chaos, deserving recognition despite its obscurity.
IN VITRO is a sci-fi thriller centered on a couple's unraveling relationship while conducting a questionable scientific experiment on a remote farm. The husband's secretive project raises ethical questions and threatens their family. The film's tension, strong performances, and atmospheric setting create a chilling narrative, though it occasionally stretches credibility.
The Reddit post discusses the appeal of found footage films, highlighting the thrill of discovering hidden gems in the genre. It reviews "CLASSROOM 6," where a newscaster investigates a mysterious classroom tied to disappearances. While the film offers solid acting and a creepy atmosphere, it suffers from logical inconsistencies and ultimately lacks memorability.
SOMNIUM tells the story of Gemma, a young woman pursuing acting in Los Angeles while working at a mysterious sleep facility that promises to help clients achieve their dreams. The film blends science fiction and horror, featuring strong performances, particularly from Choe Levine. Though intriguing, its conclusion feels overly neat, leaving some unanswered questions.
One of the things that many of us miss when we think about how great it must be to be famous is the reality that there are prices to pay for being so public. The term “being under the microscope” is used, but that seems to dismiss the fact that it’s not a singular person… Continue reading Movie Review – BORDERLINE
There is something both amazing and horrifying about the human animal, and that is its relentless drive to push itself further and further. Perhaps it’s a way to evolve as a species, or perhaps it’s just a sort of existential boredom. Maybe it’s a little of both. There are always people who are willing to… Continue reading Movie Review – ROW