Jay Daoust

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As a film director and producer of primarily horror you need real understanding of the genre with regards to skillful direction and execution along with creative post editing to create a effective visual presence. Cinematic films produce this effect and conjure up truly terrifying experiences for the film viewer - think of (The Conjuring). This is not it... MarVista Ent. is known for TV-film productions and it is a different style of producing. Unfortunately, this is a horrible cookie-cutter pre-empted attempt to rope viewers in for Halloween through specific streaming channels such as Netflix simply because they need specific content. The writing, casting and everything else about this film is horribly trope, predictable and unskilled - perfect for the average Netflix viewer that wants to just waste time viewing a film in the background while playing on their mobiles etc. If Netflix had created this as a original it would have been much better so hopefully they remember for next time otherwise their viewer ratings will plummet very quickly. With a title such as "House of the Witch" it is trope yet engaging enough to rope us into giving it a try over the weekend during the month of October as we approach Halloween. That's the bait that works for Netflix and the likes of those services. These films are always a great way to remind myself of what not to do in my film career and it will always start with the stereotypical horrible vfx of grey mist and a kid getting pulled into the house followed by a slamming door. Just awful !!!

As a viewer and horror film director myself in frame of experiencing something, this film somehow felt misdirected in drawing any conclusions as to what is actually going on even though I read the synopsis. I'm not sure if it's clever intention or just directorial chaos with a simple preemptive desire towards shock value. Either way, it conveys absolute depravity on visceral level that quickly becomes very unsettling to the viewer. It's little wonder why the background is set in LA and I could think of no where else that would be more appropriate for this to happen if it where to be real life. As the film progresses, it gives up its secrets with relinquished dialogue that is easy to miss until it reaches its final climax which redeems its self as a "horror" film. I won't spoil the ending if you manage to make it that far with your possible inclination of abandonment. On this note, you would not be to blame. Viewing this film is the audible equivalent of queuing your Spotify playlist from rock to deathcore. Arguably, not for everyone! But for me - it was "Bliss".

WOW!!! I'm seriously speechless at the quality of animation, sound architecture and casting. There was some debate as too the choice of casting but I can assuring anyone it worked out amazing. The film from opening to end is epic cinema in all its Mario Bros glory!!! In my very humble artist opinion, this was a masterpiece in every conceivable way. This very well could have been a lackluster attempt at profiteering off a legacy game but it is very clear once the movie begins that this was crafted with nothing but the love of the franchise and it shines all the way through.

If you are a Metallica fan and have been since their inception we can firstly all agree on one single point to credit the band with. They did in fact start the trash movement in SF bay area along with a few other notable bands in the 80's in rebellion against glam rock and metal growing in popularity out of LA. They sequentially released four of the best thrash albums to every grace the genre of metal - "And Justice For All" being they final and greatest masterpiece. Their follow up self titled album known also as the "Black" album was a completely mainstream departure from who they were as a band identity so we could all safely agree this was the turning point of change - for better or for worse - depending on the fan you ask. But we're not here to beat a dead horse regarding that album since its been overtly scrutinized and dissected in all its measure. Firstly, what comes into question is our relentless expectations from Metallica to revert back to their former musical identity. Secondly, and unsurprisingly, is why we fall back into disappointment with their new album material and bad choices to either self produce or reliance on utilizing a house-hold name producer in the mainstream metal industry such as Bob Rock to a lesser degree and Rick Rubin whom is a notable force in producing some huge bands through out his career. Herein, is the problem. Rick and his predecessors involved in albums such as "Hardwired" and their latest fall from metal grace "72 Seasons" was evidently born from a stylistic disposition that never fit the Metallica's style. Moreover, the band approved the producer efforts and released the albums in those sonic form factors that are reluctant to release any sonic rage or dynamic full embodiment. It's very evident when listening to any of their follow up albums since the "Black" Album which without debate can be considered hard rock artistry from Bob's skills in the industry. If a Metallica fan needs any further proof that they have lost the life to prove anything further than how much their net worth has become ($300 million ~ James and Lars) then just go ahead and take a listen to "Lamb of God's" latest album affair entitled "Omens". It is what a modern metal album should embody in heart and soul, as well sound. It's a rager... like a pissed of Viper ready to strike. This will no doubt self-affirm that you are right... Metallica has lost their edge...purposefully, it seems. My final thoughts... isn't that the energy and persona Metallica would want to retire with as a final album and closing curtain call? To all the members of Metallica... I bid you farewell and thanks for all the early years. Unfortunately, I will not be be joining you on the last path of your journey to the valley of death. Always remember - you can not take all your riches into your passing light. So, was it really all worth the millions?

This is a note to the director and writers... your movie was bad - not because lack of casting, film / audio quality or environmental aspects. All those factors were decent. It was bad because what should have been a fun, campy 80's themed horror entitled "Boo" was simply a very linear and boring melodrama with unnecessary character development, horrendous pacing and a god forsaken cliche ending. If you are going to use Halloween as a driving premise then for god sakes stick to a cohesive storyline that's entertaining like its' predecessors such as "Halloween" or "Trick r' Treat" etc. Don't have the audacity to believe you can re-invent the wheel. It's been done, tried, true and tested. Serious, everyone involved in this movie should stick to producing dramas and leave the horror movies to the pros. One last thing... why would you masquerade your film in 80,s styling yet use a mix of old environments and modern technology? It makes the viewing experience confusing and disingenuous. Above all else, that was a very novice fail. Embarrassing effort due to a lot of short comings and lack of comprehensible direction. 1.5 hours of my life I'll never get back. This is exactly why viewers feel that streaming movies should be a low cost experience. There's just so much low quality media flooding the the streaming channels.