Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 031: The Rental (2020) and The Pool (2019)

Posted on July 29, 2020 by producer

Jay returns to the movie theater for the first time in 141 days (nearly five months)! To celebrate, in Episode 031 of Considering Horror Cinema, your late-night Horror host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) brings you two feature reviews of The Rental (2020) and the Thai Survival Horror Beastly Freak flick The Pool (2019). Be advised, you could play a drinking game with how many times Jay of the Dead uses the word “egregious” while reviewing “The Pool.” Jay also recounts his experience of returning to the theater.

If you’re a huge Horror fan, you can view all of Jay’s HORROR ONLY episodes at Considering HORROR Cinema.com. Jay of the Dead also hosts a WEEKLY HORROR PODCAST with BillChete and Lady Phantom at Horror Movie Weekly.com. Thanks for listening to Considering the Cinema Podcast and Considering Horror Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting… Don’t forget: You can email Jay at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment in the show notes for this episode. Continue reading →

Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 028: Jody Horror Guy and The Gray Man’s Film Challenge: Three Decades of Theatrical Horror (1990 – 2019)

Posted on June 1, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In a recent episode, your late-night Horror host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) received a voicemail from The Gray Man in Ohio, describing a remarkable film challenge that he completed with his buddy, Jody Horror Guy, of the Reel Blood Podcast Network. So, here in Episode 028 of Considering Horror Cinema, Jay of the Dead interviews Jody Horror Guy and Greg “The Gray Man” Bensch about their impressive Film Challenge: Three Decades of Theatrical Horror (1990 – 2019).

Anytime cinephiles complete a film challenge out of pure love of cinema (such as Dr. Shock’s 2,500 Movies Challenge), it’s worth admiring and hearing about how it was accomplished and what they learned from the journey. In Jody and Greg’s challenge, they watched a total of 972 Horror movies that were released theatrically over 30 years in the United States between 1990 and 2019. So, Jay of the Dead asks these intrepid film fans some logistical questions about how they pulled this off and which of the 972 Horror films were most notable. See Greg and Jody’s entire 972 Horror Film List on Letterboxd. Thank you to Jody Horror Guy and Greg “The Gray Man” Bensch for agreeing to share their experience while Considering Horror Cinema. Join us!

Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 026: What Has Been Hiding in My Attic

Posted on May 18, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Don’t whiz on the Sacred Ancestral Tree! Good advice. Anybody who has been listening to Jay of the Dead’s podcasts for awhile knows that there is often content that was recorded months (or even years!) previously before it ever sees the light of day. But that content does eventually get released!

In Episode 026 of Considering Horror Cinema, your late-night Horror host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) is finally revealing the podcast recordings that have been hiding in his attic! All the reviews in this episode were recorded in 2019. This episode has the longest review ever committed to the film 976-Evil (1989), as Jay of the Dead discusses it with Greg “The Gray Man” Bensch. (It’s about an hour long.) Then Jay does a 75-minute deep-dive discussion of Midsommar (2019) with the oracle Jody Horror Guy (of the Reel Blood Podcast Network) and his unclouded intuition. Jay also gripes a little about the term “Folk Horror” and goes on a lot about the scariest disease ever, Munchausen syndrome by proxy. Jay also brings you solocast reviews of BrightBurn (2019) and The Intruder (2019) and The Perfection (2019) and Friend Request (2017) and The Hunted (2014) and Basement Jack (2009).

Considering the Cinema Ep. 024: Extraction (2020), 1BR (2020), Party Hard Die Young (2020), True History of the Kelly Gang (2020)

Posted on April 28, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to Episode 024 of Considering the Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting. This week your late-night host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) stays up late and solocasts with you about four new 2020 movies, including Extraction (2020) and True History of the Kelly Gang (2020) and the Horror films 1BR (2020) and Party Hard, Die Young (2020). Jay also brings you a number of Mini Reviews and some great listener feedback! Give it a listen!

Thanks for listening to Considering the Cinema Podcast and Considering Horror Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting… Don’t forget: You can email Jason at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment in the show notes for this episode. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Ep. 022: Blood on Her Name (2020), The Quarry (2020), Hunter’s Moon (2020)

Posted on April 19, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In Episode 022 of Considering the Cinema, your late-night host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) did some recording after midnight on Sunday, April 19, to bring you three Feature Reviews of The Quarry (2020) and the Beastly Freak Horror movie Hunter’s Moon (2020) and Blood on Her Name (2020). Jay also brings you more Mini Reviews and discusses the future of movies. Take a listen and stay healthy!

Considering the Cinema Ep. 021: Movies, COVID-19 and the Apocalypse

Posted on April 11, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

What the hell happened since we last spoke? Wow. 2020 has been a doozy already. Welcome to Considering the Cinema, Episode 021. In this unforgettable solocast episode, your late-night host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) sits down behind the mic just before midnight on Thursday, April 9, and brings you an impromptu, off-the-cuff, Mini Review Marathon of more than 40 movies — many of which are 2020 films, believe it or not. Jay podcasts into the wee hours of the morning on Friday, April 10. And he concludes this episode with a Feature Review of Sea Fever (2020), which released globally on VOD on April 10, 2020. Hang in there, and stay healthy!

Considering the Cinema Ep. 020: Gretel and Hansel (2020), The Rhythm Section (2020), Just Mercy (2020)

Posted on February 18, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to Considering the Cinema, Episode 020. Your late-night host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) brings you a few Feature Reviews of some 2020 new releases, including Gretel and Hansel (2020) — with special guest Mack Robins, as well as solo reviews of The Rhythm Section (2020) and Just Mercy (2020). Mack is the director of the short film Unseen. And of course, Jason also brings you some Mini Reviews of what he’s been watching lately. Enjoy!

Thanks for listening to Considering the Cinema Podcast and Considering Horror Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting… Don’t forget: You can call the new voicemail number at (801) 215-9704 or email Jason at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment in the show notes for this episode. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Ep. 019: The Gentlemen (2020), The Turning (2020), Movie Shaming and High Noon (1952)

Posted on January 31, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to Considering the Cinema, Episode 019, in which your late-night host Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) brings you reviews of the 2020 new releases, The Gentlemen (2020) and The Turning (2020). Jason also welcomes filmmaker Mack Robins, director of the short film Unseen, to discuss Movie Shaming and High Noon (1952). And of course, Jason also brings you some Mini Reviews of what he’s been watching lately, including an overview of The Sopranos TV series. Don’t forget to check out Considering the Cinema’s new Episode Archive!

Considering the Cinema Ep. 018: Bad Boys for Life (2020), VHYes (2020), Best Picture Nominees Overview, and Video Store Nostalgia With Dr. Shock

Posted on January 23, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Bad boys! Bad boys! Whatcha gonna do? After a 17-year hiatus, we finally get the third (and presumably, the final) installment of the Will Smith / Martin Lawrence buddy cop action trilogy with Bad Boys for Life (2020). You have the right to remain silent and listen to Episode 018 of the Considering the Cinema podcast, featuring your host, Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”). During this show, Jay also reviews VHYes (2020). You will also get to hear another interview with Dave “Dr. Shock” Becker of DVD Infatuation.com. Jay and Dave talk about their nostalgic memories of the VHS video rental store days. Also, Jason brings you a great overview of the Best Picture nominees! One more thing: Considering the Cinema has a new Episode Archive! Check it out!

Considering the Cinema Ep. 017: Underwater (2020), 1917 (2020) and Dave Becker’s 2,500 Movie Challenge Retrospective

Posted on January 14, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s the second weekend of 2020, and the theaters have some worthy offerings already! In Episode 017 of Considering the Cinema, your host, Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) brings you a glowing review of 1917 (2020), as well as a less enthusiastic review of Underwater (2020). This episode also gives you Jay’s quick 2 cents on the 2020 Oscar nominations. You can also hear Jay’s mini reviews of The Lighthouse (2019) and Jojo Rabbit (2019). And the crowning jewel of this episode is Jason’s follow-up interview with Dave “Dr. Shock” Becker as he reflects on completing his 8-year feat, the 2,500 Movie Challenge at DVD Infatuation.com. Enjoy!

Considering the Cinema Ep. 016: The Top 10 Movies of the 2010s Decade – All Genres

Posted on January 12, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to the podcast episode that has been 10 years in the making… Top 10 Movies of the 2010s Decade – All Genres. In Episode 016 of Considering the Cinema, your host Jason Pyles welcomes his buddies from Movie Podcast Weekly, including the actor Karl Huddleston, the professional Geek Ryan Elliott of the Geek Cast Live Podcast, filmmaker William Rowan Jr. of Movie Moments Podcast and The Sci-Fi Podcast, and a Guy Named Andy. This will be Karl’s last official episode as a full-time podcaster. And for those listeners who are MPW fans, this episode is, in many ways, the Rosetta Stone of MPW podcasting, so it’s a must-listen!

Thanks for listening to Considering the Cinema Podcast and Considering Horror Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting… Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Ep. 015: The Grudge (2020)

Posted on January 6, 2020 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Let’s start discussing the weekly theater releases of 2020, shall we? During Episode 015 of Considering the Cinema, your host, Jason Pyles (aka “Jay of the Dead”) brings you a short solocast to cover the first movie weekend of 2020, including a review of Nicolas Pesce’s very disappointing Horror movie, The Grudge (2020). Jay also brings a couple of short Mini Reviews and talks about some of the highlights from the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards and Will Ferrell’s upcoming, Americanized remake of a notable Swedish film from 2014 called “Force Majeure.” Check it out!

Considering the Cinema Ep. 012: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood … and Rochester

Posted on August 5, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to Episode 012 of Considering the Cinema. During this show, your host, Jason Pyles welcomes four different guests. Dave “Dr. Shock” Becker helps Jason review a new documentary called Mac and Cheese: Road to Queso (2019). Then Jason welcomes his old co-hosts from Movie Podcast Weekly (Andy, Karl and William) to help him review Quentin Tarantino’s newest film, Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood (2019). We discuss the recent loss of Rutger Hauer and provide a Mini Review of The Art of Self-Defense (2019). You’ll also hear listener feedback voicemails from Raul and The Gray Man, and this episode has three prize-giveaways. Join us!

Don’t forget to subscribe for free, so you don’t miss this year’s two upcoming “Best of the Decades” shows: Top 10 Horror Movies of the 2010s Decade — and — Top 10 Movies of the 2010s (all genre), slated for late December, early January releases, respectively. Both of these episodes will include panels of guest hosts who will join Jay to bring you the very best of the 2010s decade. These shows will be FREE and only available here through Considering the Cinema Podcast.

Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 011: Horrors From the Past Resurface in the Present

Posted on July 25, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Here’s an episode for Slasher fans… In Episode 011 of Considering Horror Cinema, your late-night Horror host, Jay of the Dead brings you a 10 out of 10-rated Horror movie, a modern Slasher from Hong Kong by Pang Ho-cheung, called Dream Home (2011). Buy it sight unseen, if you love Slashers and gore films. This episode also features a little bit of a scandal in which Jay reissues an excerpted interview from BillChete’s Horror on the Go, when BillChete interviewed Jay of the Dead during a 2015 debate about Horror Genre Classification. (Listen to the episode for more explanation, but in short, Jay is still trying to get in touch with BillChete to get him on this show and figured this might be a good way.) But to be clear, the content of the interview belongs entirely to BillChete and Horror on the Go.

Don’t forget to subscribe for free, so you don’t miss a special July 30 surprise release, as well as the Movie Podcast Weekly hosts appearing as guests on Considering the Cinema to review “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” with Jason. Also, you won’t want to miss this year’s two upcoming “Best of the Decades” shows: Top 10 Horror Movies of the 2010s Decade — and — Top 10 Movies of the 2010s (all genre), slated for late December, early January releases, respectively. Both of these episodes will include panels of guest hosts who will join Jay to bring you the very best of the 2010s decade. These shows will be FREE and only available here through Considering the Cinema Podcast.

Thanks for listening to Considering the Cinema Podcast and Considering Horror Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting… Don’t forget: You can call the new voicemail number at (801) 215-9704 or email Jay at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment in the show notes for this episode. Continue reading →

Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 010: Trapped Among Beasts Within — A Beastly Freaks Special

Posted on July 17, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ready for a Beastly Freaks Special Episode? Hope so. For Episode 010 of Considering Horror Cinema, your late-night Horror host, Jay of the Dead, brings you reviews of Horror movies where victims are Trapped Among Beasts Within! First Jay reviews Alexandre Aja’s new, widespread, creature feature theater release, Crawl (2019), followed by thematically related reviews of Burning Bright (2010) and Bait (2012), as well as some killer croc / killer alligator mini reviews. Jay will also announce the winner of the free Blu-ray of Dead Silence (2007)!

Also, don’t forget to subscribe for free, so you don’t miss this year’s two upcoming “Best of the Decades” shows: Top 10 Horror Movies of the 2010s Decade — and — Top 10 Movies of the 2010s (all genre), slated for late December, early January releases, respectively. Both of these episodes will include panels of guest hosts who will join Jay to bring you the very best of the 2010s decade. These shows will be FREE and only available here through Considering the Cinema Podcast.

Thanks for listening to Considering the Cinema Podcast and Considering Horror Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting… Don’t forget: You can call the new voicemail number at (801) 215-9704 or email Jay at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment in the show notes for this episode. Continue reading →

Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 009: Child’s Play (2019), Annabelle Comes Home (2019) and an Interview With Ghost Hunter Ross Allison

Posted on June 29, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Do you own any creepy dolls, or are you in the market for one? You had better listen to this episode of Considering Horror Cinema first… In Episode 009, your late-night Horror host, Jay of the Dead, brings you reviews of Child’s Play (2019) and Annabelle Comes Home (2019). You’ll also hear a great interview from paranormal researcher and ghost hunter Ross Allison. Jay responds to a listener voicemail from Andrew in West Virginia, and you can also find out how to qualify to win a free Blu-ray of Dead Silence (2007). Thanks for listening to Considering the Cinema Podcast and Considering Horror Cinema, The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting…

Thanks for listening and Considering Horror Cinema! And don’t forget: You can call the new voicemail number at (801) 215-9704 or email Jay at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment in the show notes for this episode. Continue reading →

Considering Horror Cinema Ep. 007: The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Movie Podcasting

Posted on June 4, 2019 by producer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Happy June, and welcome to another episode of Considering the Cinema Podcast. Episode 007 is a short Considering Horror Cinema show, where your late-night Horror host, Jay of the Dead, introduces the very first edition of a specialty segment titled, Jay of the Dead’s Zombie Hive! The zombie movie under review for this segment is The ReZort (2015).

Also in Episode 007, Jay of the Dead teases some very exciting episodes coming up on the Considering the Cinema Podcast, including two incredible “Best of the Decades” shows: Top 10 Horror Movies of the 2010s Decade — and — Top 10 Movies of the 2010s (all genres), slated for late December, early January releases, respectively. Both of these episodes will include panels of guest hosts who will join Jay to bring you the very best of the 2010s decade. These shows will be FREE and only available here through Considering the Cinema Podcast, so be sure you subscribe to this feed.

Thanks for listening and Considering Horror Cinema! Don’t forget: You can call my new voicemail number at (801) 215-9704 or email me at ConsideringTheCinema@gmail.com or post a comment in the show notes for this episode. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Movie Review: Aladdin (2019)

Posted on May 28, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

Just a quick, random note about this side-by-side artwork comparison: I was going to comment on this on Twitter, but I honestly didn’t have the energy. (Besides, Adam Frazier @AdamFrazier on Twitter, ended up doing it for me.) What can be said, really? Studios continually try to ride the wave of other successful films by emulating and imitating their poster art — down to every little detail, even color scheme — trying everything they can to strike gold again. It’s really a non-story, but I must admit that I noticed it instantly when I first saw this “Aladdin” poster art.

By way of preface, my family revisited the original, animated “Aladdin” from (1992) — on VHS, no less — just two days before seeing the new live-action version. And I should also mention up front that I have been a Will Smith fan since about 1988, even before his TV show, because I bought his cassette tape of “He’s the DJ, I’m the Rapper.” I’ve been supporting Will Smith (as much as possible) ever since, though “After Earth” even pushed my limits.

Having said all of the above, following in the footsteps of Robin Williams to reprise this genie role is a thankless and futile endeavor. Will Smith does a fine job as the genie, don’t get me wrong, but nobody’s going to give him much credit, regardless of how good his performance is. The world would never let anyone top Robin Williams’ genie performance, especially now that he’s gone and under such tragic circumstances. It would be like remaking “Citizen Kane.” It’s a fool’s errand. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Horror Movie Review: The Perfection (2019)

Posted on May 27, 2019 by producer

By Jay of the Dead

There’s a wild little Horror flick that released on Netflix on May 24, 2019. I got up early and watched it that same morning before going to work. It was getting a lot of buzz, and I agree with what everyone says: Watch it before someone spoils it for you.

Rest assured, I will not spoil “The Perfection” for you, so you can feel completely at ease to finish reading this review, spoiler-free.

“The Perfection” stars Allison Williams (the girlfriend in “Get Out”) as Charlotte, a cellist who took a several-year sabbatical away from her blossoming career, in order to help care for her terminally ill mother. As the film opens, we are at the end of her mother’s life, so Charlotte is ready to return to her elite music conservatory, where another fantastic cellist, Elizabeth (Logan Browning), has stepped into Charlotte’s shoes. At this point in the film, only a few minutes in, we can tell two things: Charlotte obviously feels despondent about the detour her life has taken, and it seems that Elizabeth has taken her rightful place and perhaps all her opportunities.

And that is absolutely all I can reveal about the plot of “The Perfection.” The reason I can’t tell you more is “The Perfection” is full of surprises, twists and turns. It is the type of film that redefines itself as it unfolds, thereby redefining our expectations and conclusions about what it is or what it will become. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Horror Movie Review: Brightburn (2019)

Posted on May 27, 2019 by producer

By Jay of the Dead

“It may sound absurd, but don’t be naive
Even heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede
Even heroes have the right to dream
And it’s not easy to be me

Up, up and away, away from me
Well, it’s all right, you can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy
Or anything.”
— Superman (It’s Not Easy) by Five for Fighting

I’ve thought about it many times before. Everyone has. What would we do if Superman went on a rampage — and I don’t mean flicking peanuts at whiskey bottles? We’d all be screwed. Sure, Superman’s one weakness is Kryptonite, but who has that lying around? And even if you had some, how would you ever “use it on him”? I mean, Lex Luther is an evil super-genius, and even he’s had trouble applying the ill effects of the glowing green crystals to the Man of Steel.

“Brightburn” has a great premise for a Horror movie. And since we’re in the midst of a tidal wave of superhero movies, I suppose a movie like “Brightburn” was inevitable. In fact, the cinema has been shifting this direction for some time now with all its anti-heroes, super villains and straight-up monsters: “The Punisher,” “Hellboy,” “Watchmen,” “Deadpool,” “Split” and “Glass,” “Suicide Squad,” “Venom,” “Brightburn,” coming soon “Dark Phoenix,” and in October, “Joker.”

Now with movies like “Split,” “Venom,” “Brightburn,” and “Joker,” we have two phenomena that we really haven’t seen very much previously: An evil super villain’s stand-alone origin story, and a comfortable slide down into the darkness of the Horror genre. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Horror Movie Review: The Hunted (2013)

Posted on May 26, 2019 by producer

By Jay of the Dead

When a film opens with the phrase, “Based on Actual Events” or something of the like, you can usually dismiss it altogether. We’ve learned over the decades that this typically means there is a kernel of truth that inspired the story.

Writer-director (and star) Josh Stewart was inspired by actual events that he experienced to write “The Hunted” (2013). I’ll come back to this story at the end of the review, but here’s the premise of the movie: Jake (Josh Stewart) is trying to launch a hunting reality TV show, so he travels to the woods of West Virginia with his camera man (Ronnie Gene Blevins) and tries to bag a large buck that’s been eluding hunters. Jake’s plan is to shoot a decent proof-of-concept, pilot episode that he hopes to sell to investors and a network.

But the two TV hosts become increasingly concerned when they keep hearing blood-curdling (and I mean blood-curdling) screams in the darkness of the woods. Is it an injured bobcat? Or is it a wailing ghost woman?

So, what you have here is a Found Footage film that’s in the vein of “The Blair Witch Project” (1999), but even better for my money. (Yes, co-directors Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick created a historically significant Horror film. Even Roger Ebert listed “The Blair Witch Project” among his “10 Most Influential Films of the Century”!) So, I’m not trying to take anything away from “The Blair Witch Project,” especially since it probably informed “The Hunted.” But 14 years later, we have a film that works even better to me. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Horror Movie Review: The Intruder (2019)

Posted on May 26, 2019 by producer

By Jay of the Dead

I know, I know. So much for principles. I caved and saw “The Intruder” (2019), that crazy Dennis Quaid film which I was publicly boycotting seeing in the theater because its marketing department carelessly revealed story beats from all three acts in the trailer. I won’t start ranting about that again, but I knew that trailer depicted the entire film in microcosm, and after seeing it, I was right. Sure enough, the trailer depicts all three acts, so there are very few surprises.

Many if not most modern-day narrative films are divided up into three acts. For “The Intruder,” the act breaks are so distinctive that the film changes genres with each act: The first act is a Drama. The second act becomes a Thriller. And the third act descends into Horror. Really, it’s a very natural progression because “Drama Is Conflict.” And if you escalate and intensify that conflict until it devolves into violence and death, then the tone changes and it becomes Horror. Therefore, my genre classification for “The Intruder” is Drama / Thriller / Horror, in descending order.

Here’s the Premise: Scott and Annie want to move out of the city and find a nice home where they can start a family. Dennis Quaid plays Charlie, a seller who just wants to make sure his beloved home is purchased by a good family. So, the couple buys Charlie’s house, but the only problem is, Charlie doesn’t seem to want to let it go. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Horror Movie Review: The Curse of La Llorona (2019)

Posted on May 15, 2019 by producer

By Jay of the Dead

Note: If you’d prefer to listen rather than read, here is my audio podcast review. (It starts around the 22-minute mark.)

Before I discuss “The Curse of La Llorona” (2019), I would like to begin this review with a preface about grief-stricken mothers and drowned children. Uplifting, I know. (Oh, and incidentally, for those who don’t speak Spanish, it’s pronounced “La Yo-Roh-Na.”)

Most monsters don’t start out monstrous. They are made monstrous by some terrible experience that happens to them or someone they love. The saddest love songs are always “somebody done somebody wrong” songs. Horror movies are built the same way: Somebody done somebody wrong… Just as vegetation grows out of nutrient-rich volcanic soil, the most potent Horror seems to grow from the fertile aftermath of deep sorrow or deep rage, usually both.

Spoilers for the original “Friday the 13th” (1980) ahead:

All Horror fans know that the slasher killer in the first “Friday the 13th” movie is revealed to be Jason’s mother, Pamela Voorhees. Presumably, she was not always a monster. She only became a monster after her little boy, Jason, drowned in Camp Crystal Lake, due to the negligence of distracted counselors who were too busy “gettin’ busy” to watch her son. Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Movie Review: Pokémon Detective Pikachu (2019)

Posted on May 12, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

I can accept that “Pokémon Detective Pikachu” was not made for me. I’m older than most Pokémon hunters or whatever you call people who do such things. Therefore, I’ll confess right up front that I know nothing about this universe.

In fact, when I first heard of this film, I was very dismissive and even annoyed. But then my buddy Ryan told me to watch the trailer because I would be surprised by how “not terrible” it looks. To my shock, he was right! And the fact that Ryan Reynolds (“Deadpool”) was voicing Pikachu was another feather in this film’s cap, so to speak.

Even so, I probably would not have seen this movie. But I’m a dad, so I took my two kids and had a great time. Sure, there’s something to be said for seeing a movie when you’re in a great mood and already having a great day after some Chinese food, Wendy’s, movie shopping, and of course, Dairy Queen.

Sometimes when I read a Roger Ebert review where he seemed grouchy and incredibly dismissive, I just assume that he saw the film when he was tired or hungry or already having a terrible day. (This might not be true at all. But because I believe this, I am very mindful and careful about allowing my mood to affect my opinion of a movie.) Continue reading →

Considering the Cinema Movie Review: Long Shot (2019)

Posted on May 4, 2019 by producer

By Jason Pyles

All movie reviews are inevitably burdened (and occasionally blessed) with subjectivity. There is no such thing as a purely “objective” review, nor should there be.

So, I will confess up front that, while I fancy myself as a person who has a good sense of humor, I typically don’t appreciate films that are Comedies. I simply don’t find them very funny. And perhaps part of the issue is that I prefer films that are dark, violent, crime-infested and troubling.

This same weekend, “The Intruder” (2019), was released in theaters, starring Dennis Quaid, Meagan Good and Michael Ealy. That film appears to be a Horror film, or at the very least, a Thriller, but I “boycotted” supporting that film in the theater due to its egregiously, three-act-revealing trailer.

Therefore, I opted to see “Long Shot” Saturday night, a Comedy starring Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. “Long Shot” was directed by Jonathan Levin, who also directed “Snatched” (the Amy Schumer / Goldie Hawn trainwreck). As ominous as that seems, I still had hope because Jonathan Levin wrote “Warm Bodies” and “The Wackness.” But most of all, I had faith in Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen. Continue reading →