Chris C

*Longlegs* is pure nightmare fuel for intelligent horror fans. This film, coupled with Nicolas Cage's haunting performance, is sure to linger in viewers' minds long after the credits roll. It’s clear this movie isn’t for everyone, as evidenced by the wildly varied reviews. To truly appreciate what *Longlegs* has to offer, it’s crucial to consider the marketing campaign that preceded it. The team behind that campaign deserves a raise—if you followed it from the teaser trailer onward, you'll have a much clearer understanding of the film’s intricacies. The level of detail and hidden meanings woven throughout the narrative is a treat, making you feel like a detective piecing together a complex mystery alongside the protagonist. I won’t spoil the plot, but it’s important to note that this is a thinking person’s film. If you’re looking for mere jump scares, this is not the movie for you. Cage’s portrayal of Longlegs is deeply unsettling—he embodies a character so creepy that you’d want to avoid any real-life encounter. Remarkably, he achieves this impact with limited screen time, showcasing his ability to leave a lasting impression. Director Oz Perkins masterfully blends mystery, suspense, lore, gore, and paranormal elements, creating a sensory experience that keeps you craving more. Mark my words: *Longlegs* is destined to become a cult classic. If you’re ready for a horror film that challenges your intellect while chilling you to the bone, this is one you won’t want to miss.

This new adaptation of *The Crow* isn’t a terrible movie, but it’s essential to approach it with an open mind and avoid direct comparisons to the iconic 1994 version. The film certainly has its flaws, primarily a lack of emotional depth and feeling—key elements that are vital in any Crow story. The original comic is steeped in themes of love, pain, and loss, and unfortunately, this version misses that mark. Director Rupert Sanders has proven his ability to handle emotional narratives, as seen in *Ghost in the Shell*, so it’s puzzling why this film falls short. Perhaps the issue lies with the screenwriters, Baylin and Schneider, who may not fully grasp the profound themes of trauma and love that define the source material. Bill Skarsgård delivers a commendable performance given the material, and I was pleasantly surprised by FKA Twigs, who brought a unique energy to her role. However, Danny Huston’s portrayal of Vincent Roeg felt lackluster and uninspired, leaving his character feeling dull and forgettable. I do appreciate the filmmakers’ effort to craft an original story rather than relying solely on nostalgia, which is often the pitfall of many reboots today. While this movie may not deserve the harsh criticism I anticipate it will receive, it ultimately fails to capture the essence of what makes *The Crow* special. It's a decent watch, but for true fans, it simply doesn’t hold up as a worthy Crow story.

fails to live up to its potential in this disappointing sci-fi horror film. Despite high expectations, the movie falls short of the standards set by genre legends Ridley Scott and James Cameron. The trailers promised an experience reminiscent of the original "Alien" and "Aliens" movies, but the final product fails to deliver. One of the major downfalls of the film is its uninteresting characters who fail to engage the audience. The jump scares are predictable and poorly executed, lacking the suspense and thrill expected in a horror movie. The pacing feels rushed and unfocused, making it difficult for viewers to fully invest in the story. Adding to the disappointment is the subpar CGI, which detracts from the overall viewing experience. The film relies too heavily on nostalgic elements that come across as cheesy rather than endearing. Overall, "Alien: Romulus" is a missed opportunity that falls short in almost every aspect. While many fans may have hoped for a worthy addition to the Alien franchise, this film ultimately fails to deliver. It's a sad realization that despite the potential, this movie just doesn't measure up to expectations.

"The First Omen" is, unfortunately, a waste of time, plain and simple. There are no spoilers ahead because, frankly, they are not needed. The film's plot is so predictable and unoriginal that any fifth grader could have come up with it. This movie is a true disappointment on many levels. The only reason this movie even gets one star is due to the decent acting and some somewhat beautiful cinematic shots. However, these minor positives are overshadowed by the film's numerous flaws. The writer and director seem to have substituted genuine suspense and horror with agonizing pacing issues and graphic, pointless gore. Unfortunately, this is not done in the manner of a good horror movie; instead, it feels more like a high school health class demonstration. Moreover, there is a bizarre and unsettling fixation on a "Sinning Nun" theme. It comes across as creepy, not in a spine-chilling horror way, but rather like an old man in a crotchless bunny suit kind of way. This aspect adds an uncomfortable layer of oddity that does nothing to enhance the film. In summary, "The First Omen" fails to deliver on its promise of horror and suspense, leaving viewers with an experience that is better left unwatched. Save your time and look elsewhere for your horror fix.