B Paxton

It's frustrating because I really wanted to like this film and it is a well made film overall. There are some lovely shots, decent costumes (something is going on the bodices though), well done sets, and with a one or two exceptions solid casting choices. I am deeply interested the Tudor period and Katherine Parr is a person who does not get enough appreciation, so even if this was super accurate I was prepared to give to give a fair shake. However, there is artistic license/adaptation and then there is alternating things to fit a narrative. This is firmly the later. For example, it's unlikely Anne Askew and Katherine Parr knew each other well or perhaps even met, but Askew was of genteel birth (her father was courtier and she had other well connected relatives) so it is possible they were friends or least acquainted. From the record we know that her torture/integration was at least partly due to people trying to find evidence against Katherine Parr. It is not outlandish that Katharine Parr might have supported her albeit likely much more subtly. What is outlandish is that if Katherine Parr did decide to she would used jewelry Henry VIII gave her instead of something from the substantial wealth she had her own family/previous marriages and that she wouldn't have used an intermediary. Katherine Parr was a proto-feminist, an experienced courier, and had one of the best theologian minds in Europe at the time, and she knew how to think long term. When she found out the king suspected her she got her herself out of the situation by using these skills. Her survival didn't hinge of the Thomas Seymour, who if anything was a blindspot in otherwise solid judgment ( love makes even smart people fools). There is certainly nothing to suggest had anything to do causing or quickening Henry VIII death, who spent his last day surrounded people in a some type of coma, so the scene isn't possible. Her story doesn't need the extra drama what we have documented in the record is the base for something interesting and compelling. Hopefully someday someone decides to tell a solid take on it, because this isn't it.

I try to do more complete review later. However, now I just want to address other reviews that called the diversity in this series unrealistic or "woke propaganda". First, Mary Carr, a queen of the 40 Elephants, did reportedly pose as a socialite and Lady at some point. Second, Hezekiah Moscow was real Jamaican immigrant (likely mixed raced due to his stage name) who boxed in the West End, although it does appear the writers due to gaps in records may taken inspiration from other Black boxers during the time. Third, Queen Victoria did indeed have an African (Yoruba) ward/goddaughter named Sarah Forbes Bonetta, who after education was introduced into society. Fourth, by the late 19th century the East End of London had due to influxes various migrations wide a variety of minority groups including Chinese, Afro-Caribbean, Jewish populations. This is all accessible information in the historical whether or not it fits people's narratives of what Victorian London was like. Where any or all of these people ever in the same room together? Probably not, but thinking about how they might have been is an interesting story, which is what most art is.

3.5/5 In many ways this film is a love letter to slasher movie's especially 80's. Unfortunately, it is unable or perhaps unwilling to go beyond this and to break through tropes and pastiches in the sub genre and horror overall to really be interesting. This is frustrating because this film had a lot going for it such as several actors recognizable actor with quite a bit of range and while not original an interesting twist on the idea being trapped in a horror movie. I kept waiting for characters to make proactive choices but they mostly just stumble from one disaster to the next despite knowing what is happening and what is likely going to happen. What they can and cannot affect and effect is never really made clear nor vis versa beyond that they cannot leave. I know some people may think this a tad harsh. Perhaps it is meta media should have real depth. Still, this does have a lot going for it. The pacing is solid, for what it is the script is well written, and perhaps most importantly for types of movies it is not afraid to make fun of either itself or the material it is referencing. Definitely entraining and worth the watch but it's not going on the rewatch list an time soon.

4/5 Ready or Not is a good time. It is campy, darkly funny, and not afraid to make funny of itself, but it doesn't stand out much. The writing/script feels like it needed 1-2 more rounds of revisions plot and pacing eg some jokes land but they break the build a scene has going Overall, the acting is solid, but does feel forced in some places, though that may be due editing/directing choices. Although the ending did feel rushed and left me with more questions then answers (again I think at least another round of revisions would have helped) I think it is still worth a watch. The cinematography is great especially for the film's budget and there are some beautiful costuming and set design choices. This probably will never be a classic but not everything needs to be worth watching and rewatching.

4.5/5 Carrie is a classic for a reason. Excellent story, solid acting, and decent pacing. And while today the effects might seem dated a lot of films today could benefit taking a page from older techniques and not depending on CGI. However, some directing choices are questionable the amount of nudity, how scenes are cut/shot, and big facial expressions can be favored over trusting the script/story. Still elements from the prom scene has been become a common pastiche both inside and outside of horror. A large part of what has made so enduring is how it captures the turmoil of being a teenager, especially a teenage girl. That desire to fit in and be accepted, while at the same time not feeling at home in your own body because everything is changing. This film is many ways is a modern Greek tragedy there is no way it is ever going to end well, but you watch to see exactly how it all plays out. For that reason I highly recommend watching it for horror fans and film buffs. There aren't a lot of surprises and destination is well known, but the journey is worthwhile.

4/5 Jenifer's body is one of those film's that your either going get/click with and like or you don't understand and will not get much out of. You kind can't blame people when even the original marketing missed the mark. The main reason the this did so badly on release is they tried to market it on primarily sex appeal. At its core the film is about the relationship between Needy/Jenifer and the desire control/power. Which is not say that is sex or sexuality is not a issue or aspect of this film. It definitely is. However, those nuances and facets its themes not those themes themselves. Not everything works as well as it could have such as the occult aspect which is a little shoehorned. Additionally, though this film is very much a product its time (see dialogue, wardrobe, and problematic bisexuality) it has overall aged well, especially the social commentary(sadly in some ways). Much of commentary on how tragedy/trauma is used for the benefit of others and fetishized remains the same. It is worth the watch if you enjoy your horror with a bit of more of meat on its bones or are interested in feminism's influence on film.

I watch a good amount of psychological horror films; this one for have B tier budget is decent. Basic premise is a cliche, but that can be overcome with a strong script and/or performances or directorial choices. This sadly has neither which is unfortunate, because I do think it had potential. For instance the writing isn't bad, but would have definitely from both more research into Tarot itself and more revisions to tight it up dialogue and think things through. The amount of CGI really is unnecessary in many places (especially for a smaller budget) to the point of being distracting. As an example (spoilers) Elise's death would have worked a lot better if she just fell back off the ladder with a crack maybe a cut to her cell phone then friends the next day. Build a little suspense! The acting is fine I think they did well with what they given. Some scenes would have benefited stronger choices but its hard to know how of that is an actor and how much is a director. Likewise the camerawork is pretty standard except a few interesting shots/set ups. Music is largely forgettable and a place that could have used CGI money better. Overall, not a bad use of 1 1/2 hours but I probably won't be rewatching unless I have a reason. Also, because I have seen a few reviews decrying this as woke most moments of "representation" are blink and you'll miss with no bearing or effect on the plot.

For me this is another win for Flanagan. Is it as good as Hill House or Bly Mano?r No, but it is still superb quality with solid writing that while clearly alluding and adapting the source materials isn't bogged down by it, fantastic acting, and beautiful camera work and effects. I think a lot of people's issue is that this a pivot from Flanagan's usually in many ways while still chilling the evil isn't coming from the outside in, but rather the fallout of the choices humans make for themselves. Many people also seem uncomfortable/bothered the sexuality in the show especially the LGBTQ+ elements. Both of these are common elements Flanagan's writing/works. Additionally, Poe's work while best well known for its Gothic Horror qualities regularly has themes and undertones that explore sexuality/sensuality and gender roles. The implications and nuances of which remain debated topics for scholars. The Fall of the House of Usher in particularly is known for this. If that is not your cup of tea that's fine, but does not make the series inherently bad/too political or unfaithful to the source material. Also, just because you loved Hill House doesn't mean every work Flanagan does is going to be your thing. Midnight Mass while well done was not appealing to me and unlike Hill House, Bly Manor, The Midnight Club I have little interest in rewatching. I likely will this one but maybe not every episode the pacing lags at certain points especially with many elements being known from the off set. 4.5/5 and I'll round up for Carla Gugino's performance.