Tyler Louis

Now officially in my top 5 films of all time accompanied by as one with its predecessor DUNE. Never in a million years did I think Frank Herbert’s Sci-fi masterwork would truly get adapted perfectly on the big screen. If there was any one person to do it, would’ve had to have been Denis Villeneuve. Man is this film sensational. This brought me to tears on every single occasion of watching it. Possibly the greatest sequel of all time & now the greatest Sci-Fi film ever made! A completely new and unique masterclass of filmmaking by all standards. I’d go as far as to say DUNE: part 2 might honestly be in contention for the greatest film ever made. It’s that ridiculous and perfectly executed in its entirety. DUNE: part 2 is Up there as an all timer with the matrix, 2001, interstellar, blade runner, and to some extent, empire strikes back. Love the call backs to Ridley Scott’s gladiator, kubrick’s 2001, & finally, orson welle’s B&W masterclass citizen Kane. It’s also very hard to deny the impact Christopher Nolan has had on Denis’s career thus far. Once rivals, but buddies. To bring intellectual concepts and to bring them in that scope to the screen right now, is the auteur blockbuster way, and it is undoubtedly fine and certain to say, that Nolan and Denis are the two best of their current generation. The ultimate duo-Swiss-Army-knives of movie-making, if you will. Dune: Part Two is the masterpiece we have been waiting for! A compelling, heart-stopping, non-stop symphony of amazing visuals, incredible action, and complex character evolution and drama, that takes the foundation set by the first part and builds it into one the greatest action epics of our time! Surpasses Dune: Part 1 in ever way, yet enhances that fable. They work best as two films that are one. As the stories flow together like spice on Arrakis. And frankly, yes, it could only be as good as it is because of everything set up in Dune: Part One, making the first part even better. To me, this is a movie that works best as a complete story, the way Kill Bill works as a single story. Perhaps that’s why I wasn’t blown away by the first. But I swear to you now, after witnessing Part Two, I fully believe in the power of the Kwisatz Haderach! If Dune: Part One was primarily exposition, Part Two is the payoff. While I felt not much happened in the first movie to justify the almost three-hour narrative, other than setup, so much happens in this part, that the runtime is warranted and appreciated. With the establishment of the world, the rules, and the concepts in the first film, as well as the fleshed out relationships between Paul and characters like Gurney Halleck, and Lady Jessica, his mother, Part Two is able to flesh out his relationships with Chani and Stilgar, and explore the ever present themes of the dangers of faith in false prophets and religion. It also allows for several breathtaking set pieces throughout the course of the film. Villeneuve is also able to introduce many new characters and make them incredibly interesting, which is a tall order in a franchise packed full of them. In addition to fleshing out Chani and Stilgar, and even Gurney, he’s able to introduce us to Florence Pugh’s Princess Irulan, the Bene Gesserit daughter of the Emperor, Christopher Walken’s Shaddam IV, and Austin Butler’s psychotic Feyd-Rautha. All three actors breathe so much life and personality into their roles, giving us characters that are fairly interesting to begin with, but are all the more humanized by their individual performances. This is an experience I’ll forever cherish for the rest of my life.

A Modern Day SLASHER MASTERPIECE. WOW!!! Similarly to the likes of 1978’s “Halloween” or 1996’s “Scream” Eli Roth’s THANKSGIVING is one hell of a throwback SLASHERFED treat! Eli Roth’s excellent contribution to Grindhouse finally gets a feature-length expansion and I was unsure where it would initially land for me. Gone is the whole 80’s cheap slasher aesthetic and in its place is a sleek 90’s slasher look and feel. Roth isn't afraid to give us a lean and mean slasher that delivers some of best gore in his films since Hostel: Part II. Sure the story is dumb but it’s dumb in a very fun way that knows exactly what it is. Thanksgiving takes the obscene gore and POV shots of the 80’s slashers and combines it with the smart whodunnit feel of films such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. If you know me, this hits all the right endorphin spots of my brain. The finale with the killer in particular is a standout as it recreates some of the best moments in the old trailer in new/smart ways. I kept sitting in disbelief that they actually pulled it off. One thing I don’t see many people pointing out is that most of the characters in this feel like pastiches of famous 90’s actors. Nell Verlaque in particular gives off a Julia Roberts like energy and her boyfriend looks like they attempted to clone David Scwimmer! Eli Roth’s best film. One of the best slasher films of the new decade. The best film of 2023. And quite possibly one of my favorite movies of all time??? Thanksgiving is exceptional. By Tyler Skeen

“Five Nights at Freddy's”, the iconic indie horror game that has captivated gamers for years, has finally made its way to the big screen, and what a remarkable journey it has been. This film adaptation is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece, blending heart-pounding suspense, impeccable storytelling, and a genuine love for the source material. Director Emma Tammi has delivered a brilliant homage to the franchise that will thrill fans and newcomers alike. From the very first frame, it's clear that this movie is not just another cash-in on a popular video game; it's a labor of love. The attention to detail is astonishing, and the filmmakers have recreated Freddy Fazbear's Pizza with an eerie, nostalgic authenticity that fans will appreciate. The set design and animatronic characters are truly a sight to behold, making the pizzeria feel as eerie and unsettling as it does in the games. The plot follows Josh Hutcherson as a night security guard who, like in the games, must survive five terrifying nights at the restaurant while fending off the malevolent animatronic characters, including the infamous Freddy Fazbear. This simple premise serves as a solid foundation, allowing the film to explore the characters' motivations, fears, and the supernatural mysteries that lurk behind the scenes. It's an engaging narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The performances in Five Nights at Freddy's are nothing short of exceptional. Josh delivers a gripping performance, conveying the fear and tension of being trapped in a haunted pizzeria with authenticity. The supporting cast, including Elizabeth Lail and Piper Rubio, add depth to the story and keep you emotionally invested in their survival. The film's sound design is another standout feature, as it masterfully recreates the unsettling ambiance of the games. The ominous creaks, mechanical whirs, and the spine-tingling music all contribute to the eerie atmosphere, intensifying the suspense and terror that the animatronics evoke. The use of silence and jump scares is also expertly employed, leading to several heart-pounding moments that will leave you breathless. Five Nights at Freddy's doesn't rely solely on jump scares, though. It's a slow-burning horror that builds tension and fear organically, much like the best horror classics. The director wisely uses the power of suggestion to create a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. What truly sets this film apart, however, is its respect for the source material. It pays homage to the games while expanding on the lore in a way that feels authentic and fresh. This isn't a shallow adaptation; it's a deep dive into the world of Five Nights at Freddy's, and fans will appreciate the attention to detail. In conclusion, Five Nights at Freddy's is a remarkable cinematic achievement. It successfully translates the suspense and horror of the game into a compelling and terrifying film. With stellar performances, impeccable production design, and a story that delves into the darkest corners of the franchise, this movie is an absolute must-see for fans and horror enthusiasts alike. It's a true cinematic masterpiece that sets a new standard for video game adaptations, and it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on anyone brave enough to enter Freddy Fazbear's world. Written by Tyler Skeen

A modern day horror masterpiece. In two words? “Beautiful” and “Brutal”. Everything I’ve ever wanted in a Saw sequel, really the sequel I’ve been waiting for since 2010. It’s amazing to see the franchise in the hands of someone that truly, truly gets it. I knew Kevin Greutert was going to be the man, he’s been one of the pillars of Saw since the beginning. I argue the series would not be at all as distinctive and unique without the editing magic that Kevin has done over the past almost 20 years. Not to mention the fact that he has already directed one (now TWO) of the best entries in the franchise.  Tobin Bell is a legend that will be remembered for generations to come, not just by horror genre fans, but by audiences everywhere. His artful performances grab me and make me feel what he feels. Bell is a true thespian and a hard worker in his craft. I truly idolize the work the man puts into every role he takes, no matter the genre, but I especially admire how much he cares about John Kramer. SAW would be nothing without Tobin Bell and his performance as this character. His chemistry with Shawnee Smith is still as real and heartbreaking as it was more than a decade ago. The pair have one of my favorite relationships in cinema, and they still tap into it effortlessly. Shawnee Smith is as amazing as Amanda as ever, and her beauty will never cease to shine.  Saw X was Everything a fan could ever want and then some, as the greatest horror franchise ever returns with yet another genius concoction of mystery, emotion, and, of course, gory carnage that few movies today even dare try. The traps are gruesome, inventive, and totally squirm-inducing, while Tobin Bell is at his sweetly tender best as John Kramer, delivering a side of the man rarely hinted it in previous films. There are all sorts of Easter eggs and callbacks to the original movie for fans to gobble up, and there’s an awesome mid-credit scene. In short: I came, I Saw, it conquered, and I can’t wait for what the series holds in store next. Not since “terrifer 2” have I been this utterly thrilled for whacked out carnage, and Saw X certainly surpassed all expectations. Written by Tyler Skeen

TALK TO ME REVIEW Honestly, there are a lot of misconceptions going around about this film being compared to other All time great indie horror films such as “Midsommar” “The Witch, and “Hereditary”. This is not a good example of comparison. You should really not compare any of these, as all A24 horror is spread out differently amongst ridiculously talented filmmakers. What I am here to tell you, is that it’s better than all of the above in terms of ACTUAL SCARE factor! THIS IS THE BEST HORROR OF 2023, whilst also being The SCARIEST A24 film to date. “Talk to Me” is an absolute masterclass in Australian horror filmmaking that surpasses all expectations before it in the genre. This intelligently crafted and superbly paced film is genuinely terrifying, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. Danny and Michael Philippou, who started as YouTubers and transitioned into horror directors, have delivered a stunning debut that can stand toe-to-toe with even the likes of Hereditary - a testament to their inventive and original approach to the genre. From the very beginning, the storytelling and filmmaking demonstrate an impressive level of skill and creativity, drawing viewers into a world that feels eerily authentic and grounded. The actors' performances are nothing short of exceptional; despite their young age, they bring a level of talent and commitment that adds an unparalleled sense of realism to the film. This authenticity makes even the supernatural elements feel genuinely chilling, akin to iconic and shockingly realistic horror classics like Strangers and Last House on the Left. Sophie Wilde & Joe bird steal the show. Zoe terakes also is quite brilliant! Whilst a ranging support of excellent other young actors do a tremendous amount of work to make the audience feel like they’re in the same room as the claustrophobic cast. While some may argue that the ending is anticlimactic or leaves them wanting more, I couldn't disagree more. In fact, the ending is nothing short of perfection, leaving ample room for contemplation and interpretation. It allows the film to linger in the minds of the audience long after the credits roll, sparking discussions and analysis that add even more depth to the overall experience. In conclusion, Talk to Me is an outstanding horror film that excels in every aspect, from its brilliant storytelling and filmmaking to the exceptional performances by its talented cast. It is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and showcases the Philippou brothers' incredible potential as filmmakers. Written by Tyler Skeen