The Spooky World of Chris Ringler
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Reviews of Found Footage films.
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.
Found Footage military horror is uncommon, yet this film stands out with a British patrol during the Afghan War facing both moral dilemmas over stolen money and sinister threats. While the pacing and camaraderie are strong, the climax confuses, leaving viewers lost. Ultimately, it’s a unique and creepy experience worth exploring.
Fair warning, this is not to be confused with the Hugh Grant film. HERETICS isn’t the first found footage film I have seen about cults, and it does feel like an apt way to look at them. Seeing a cult examined through the lens of a found footage film, and in this case from the… Continue reading Found Footage Movie Review – HERETICS
The faux-documentary is a tricky business. You have to present yourself as a documentary, with those trappings, but have to offer something different. You have to walk in those steps to a point, and know when to deviate. And with so many murder docs out there, it becomes even harder to find the correct tone. STRANGE HARVEST reminds me a bit of the film THE POUGHKEEPSIE TAPES. It’s similar, but don’t mistake them for being the same. They both handle horrific stories about a serial killer, and do so with aplomb, but STRANGE HARVEST is its own animal, and it has its own lethal bite.
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.
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.
“LearX” presents a unique blend of ASMR and horror, focusing on a man participating in a social media challenge in a haunted house for $100,000. Despite an engaging lead performance, the film lacks depth and suspense, feeling more like a short film extended into a feature. With improvements, it could become more compelling.
THE MEDIUM is a chilling faux-documentary horror film about a woman, the medium, who claims to host a powerful deity. As her niece begins to show troubling signs, a darker presence emerges. The film explores themes of legacy, faith, and revenge, filled with tension and impressive performances, making it a must-watch for horror fans.
The film "ITS NAME WAS MORMO" offers a solid premise but suffers from significant logical inconsistencies that detract from the experience. A family's discovery of a cursed box leads to eerie occurrences, yet their continued interaction with it feels implausible. Despite strong atmosphere and performances, particularly from the young actress, the film fails to deliver a satisfactory conclusion.
The reviewer shares mixed feelings about the film "SACRAMENT," which combines real and fictional elements to form a faux-documentary. Following three journalists uncovering unsettling truths about a cult, the film explores themes of blind devotion and manipulation. While still disappointed, the reviewer appreciates the acting and haunting imagery, rating it 3 out of 5.
Call this a mix of REC and END OF WATCH, as it mixes those two films far more effectively than you’d guess. Watching it, I was struck at how few found footage films are done with police. There are a few, but not as many as you’d think, considering that many are wearing live cameras… Continue reading LIVE ESCAPE – found footage review
The film "CEREMONY" explores a documentary filmmaker's investigation into a contemporary Egyptian cult. As he interviews former members, he discovers unsettling truths related to a past lover's involvement. While the film presents an intriguing premise and proficient acting, it ultimately misses depth and horror, resulting in a confusing and shallow narrative.
The article critiques a found footage horror film set in a haunted hotel. It comments on the oversaturation of paranormal reality shows and films, noting that while the premise offers potential scares, the execution falls flat with tired characters and predictable scares. Ultimately, it lacks a compelling narrative, earning a low rating.
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