belleabu's Reviews

The Watcher (2022– )

8/10

14 November 2022

Warning: Spoilers

Seeing many reviews saying how this is nothing like the actual story nor does it have 'closure'. I felt the need to write this. Yes the letters received and the family moving out did happen and that's pretty much it. Ryan Murphy did a good job basing this mini series loosely off the true story. It is NOT the actual events.

Elements that were added to the series provided a good thriller. Otherwise the series wouldn't have been much beyond like the documentaries about it.

The creepy neighbors, Dean starting to lose his mind, accusations all over the place along with a family falling apart was what made this true story more of a thriller movie.

The ending was fine, just when I thought maybe Ryan Murphy solves it for the fictional version, he did not. And that makes sense, since it is still unsolved. Why solve it ? Let the viewer keep wondering just like in real life, many are still wondering.

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Deadstream (2022)

8/10

Scary and laughs

2 November 2022

I am not one to seek out comedy horror, this popped up on my recommendation page.

Internet prankster who pissed off so many, wants to reinvent himself.

This is a great combination of scares and laughs. The main character was actually likable and genuinely funny. Loved his screams. The interaction with viewers was great with skeptics, haters and admirers.

The abandoned house was creepy and gross. Jump scares were unpredictable. Not obvious as with other where the camera angle may warn you.

I really enjoyed this movie. I would definitely recommend this to horror fans for a nice change of regular found footage.

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The Listing (I) (2017)

8/10

Well done independent thriller

14 July 2021

Being from the same area as the writer/director, I had to checkout his films.

Wasn't sure where this was going. Got to the point quickly, building tension til the end. Thrill factor was there.

Don't over think this, it's great for a low budget, small town guy who has talent.

Enjoy seeing local locations used in films.

This is the 2nd film I've seen. Looking forward to more from Cerrito. Keeping the South Jersey/Philly roots within his films.

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American Horror Story (2011– )

8/10

AHS 1984

17 February 2021

I don't normally write a review, just give stars. However, I just finished AHS 1984. My favorite season by far. It was fun, campy and old school slasher. Growing up on 80's horror, this was fun to watch. 80's bands, music, a notorious serial killer, nods to classic slasher films, it is a great tribute. Silly, yes, but that's what the 80's was!

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The Platform (2019)

9/10

Brutal portrayal of human value and need to survive

25 March 2020

Is this film an accurate portrayal of what humans can do when resources are limited? Sadly it is but not as brutal, yet good can be found. Gory and suspenseful, yes. Gross yes. I thought there was great symbolism from the beautiful presentation of the gourmet meals to the brutal reality below how it didn't matter how fancy the food was. People volunteered to go to the Pit for many reasons but once in the Pit they are all equal with need to survive.

Being in a nation of lock down, it's easy to see the negative and brutal side of survival. But there can be a message if you look hard enough.

Some parts made me wonder why or how, but I removed those thoughts to enjoy the film's message.

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Ready or Not (I) (2019)

8/10

Extra star for entertainment

29 December 2019

I saw preview of this and wasn't sure if I'd like since I'm a horror fan and comedy and horror are a weird mix for me. But this was a great combo of horror and comedy. I enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would. Horror being the getting out alive and the comedy being the game and family. Not too long, just the right length for some laughs and silly gore.

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Krampus: The Christmas Devil (2013)

1/10

I tried ...

15 December 2019

Ok I'm all for low budget horror, overlooking the bad acting and weird camera, but this movie was possibly the worst I've seen. Nothing made up for the bad acting. The beginning which showed a back story, gave me hope. Nothing made sense, no direction with the story and scenes that showed nothing we're too long. Didn't the writers or directors or anyone notice this made no sense? I trudged through and was even more disappointed with the end.

Ruined Krampus with this. Would've been good if they wrote a better script Kid kidnapped, gets away, becomes a cop, legend continued, wrapped up 30 year old case. Umm yeah that sounds better

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Artik (2019)

7/10

Great Indie Horror

12 October 2019

Just viewed this at the New Jersey Horror Con. My first film fest and I really enjoyed this film. Lots of creepiness, blood, horror and good camera work. Acting by all was great, Jerry Angelo as Artik, was a great character, good acting. Story was weird and provided a good horror atmosphere.

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Deadly Gamble (2015)

7/10

For a first full length, this is pretty good

11 October 2019

I was pleasantly surprised with this film. Storyline was good, some suspense and good ending.

As with most independent films, actors are lesser known and even never have acted. The character of Andrew's mom was the best, good emotions and the Russian was played well.

I was told by a friend about this director's upcoming horror film, Human Hibachi, I looked up his other movies and found this one on VUDU.

Being from the area where the films are shot is pretty cool. Will definitely check out future films

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Besetment (2017)

6/10

There are worse movies out there that are big budget

10 September 2019

I have learned that low star rating movies may not be that bad. Low budget and independent movies seem to provide stories a little out there, but that can be a good thing. Single woman living with alcoholic mom finally gets a job which even gives her a place to live. Charming little town with strange folk. Hotel owner is a seemingly 'perfect' business owner and charming long time resident. Something has to be amiss right? The horror is the act which the main character ensures and the twisted villain.

Perfect running time and to the point.

I noticed lack of females, residents and even tourists which was fine cause I focused on the story.

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Crawl (I) (2019)

9/10

Extra star for Sugar

1 August 2019

I was not disappointed with this film. Have lots of thrills, suspense and OMG moments through out. When watching a film, I try and put myself in the situations, this is one I felt the horror of the severity of hurricanes and those who get trapped. Seeing this is partially based on an alligator incident with Hurricane Flo, it makes it more heart racing. A situation I would HATE to be in. That's what is scary. Sugar! I admit I was very upset a few times for the dog. Great film to see on the big screen

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Prodigy (I) (2018)

7/10

Have an open mind

29 July 2019

Was not sure what direction this movie was going to go, insane? alien? Sci Fi? I ended up being pleasantly surprised it's about faith, true faith, what I've been taught in my life. I was rooting for Caleb, didn't know if he'd make it. Who can you trust? You need faith. Might be slow for some, but it kept my attention. Beautiful camera work and location.

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Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer (2018)

10/10

Outstanding presentation of FACTS, no biased or political opinions

22 July 2019

I remember this case since I live in New Jersey right outside of Philly. Wasn't high profile that I remember. I didn't know what to expect in this film. It was written well, just the facts with no hidden agenda. The emotions I felt were based off the way the characters and their emotions. I was able to feel the emotions without too much graphic details, to me that's a great film.

Very sensitive content yet as respectful as such a topic can be.

Had nothing to do with abortion and Gosnell's disgusting office and ethics. It was about murder.

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Abducted in Plain Sight (2017)

9/10

Honest and saddening

22 February 2019

First of all, they are NOT bad parents. Berchtold groomed them for years. Listening to her parents retell the events that took place between themselves and Berchtold, I heard the vulnerability. Dad probably picked up on it much quicker after the first kidnapping yet didn't seem too sure on what to do. Deep down he knew things were off, yet didn't act.

The events were told by all with honesty and frankness. I thought I'd be angry, but I feel sadness.

A statement from Jan, nicely said with dignity- 'Not forgiving somebody only puts the jail cell around you' --tragedy doesn't run me.

A better documentation than some. Good emotions and not fake.

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American Hangman (2019)

7/10

Good watch with tension

9 February 2019

I enjoyed this movie and the way the story unfolded. Donald Sutherland played his character well, a beaten and tired retiree of the 'legal profession'. The character of Ron was a smackable guy yet I felt sorry for him. Loved his dog at the original Saw. This kept me engaged. Good B thriller

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Extinction (2018)

8/10

Who is the enemy?

18 January 2019

I guess I went into this movie with not knowing too much. I was presently surprised. Starts out as a typical sci fi, future, doomsday is here but nice twist with a bit of background given. Even leaves an opening for a part 2, but I don't think it needs it. And as for the kids? Lots of complaints about them. I didn't get bothered. Good little sci fi movie that shows that things may not be what they seem.

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Bird Box (2018)

10/10

One of the best Netflix originals

29 December 2018

I avoided the social media frenzy of this movie, so I could watch without any judgement. I am glad I did! A great horror movie in the sense of feeling dread with anxiety and overall 'what would I do?' This was better than 'A Quiet Place', which is similar in terms of 'horror'. Strong cast, Sandra Bullock is great with her emotions to a point I get angry. Yet I see why she is this way, to separate herself from emotions so she can fight for survival. The children are lovable and my heart hurt for them at times.

So to those who are disappointed, saying this isn't 'horror', well you obviously don't see the horror in living this kind of life and the intense dread this film provided. You don't have to see the monsters or the evil. You feel them.

One of the best if not the best movies from Netflix

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Ready Player One (2018)

9/10

It's not the book, but it's great none the less

4 April 2018

Warning: Spoilers

Only read about half of the book, it was great for 80's nostalgia, but couldn't finish. I was excited to see the movie since the premise was interesting and the trailer had me interested. The book to movie may not satisfy those who loved the book, but that aside, it was a great movie. Lots of action, humor and the 80's. If you are to compare to the book, then yeah, it's missing things. That doesn't take away from the movie though This kind of reminded me of Willy Wonka. Especially the end. The main character and his depressing Home life, wanting better things. What better way then to pursue the possibility of owning a trillion dollar business ?

Bottom line.....Great visuals, likeable characters, thrills, laughs and a great film on the big screen.

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The Descent: Part 2 (2009)

6/10

Not many answers...but still creepy and horror filled

2 April 2018

Warning: Spoilers

I was expecting some answers to the first movie. I loved the first movie. I don't think they even needed a part 2....but since there was one, i wanted to watch. Loved the opening scene. Would have been interesting to see the non US version opening scene.

While I still think it was stupid for Sarah to go back n the caves, I see the purpose of it towards the end of the movie. Her sacrifice for the other mother.

Also the final scene, huh ? Not sure how to end it though.

Plenty of jump scares, gore, creepy stuff and tension makes this still a good horror flick.

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I, Tonya (2017)

10/10

Feel sorry for Tonya

23 March 2018

When the Nancy/Tonya 'scandal' took over the media world, the world hated Tonya. I followed this story as close as I could. When I saw a movie about the 'band girl' from the 90's skating world, I was thinking it was just a way for her to make money or another scandalous movie. Wow was I wrong. This is an amazing story being told as honest as it could. I didn't think that it was fabricated or blown out of proportion. I, Tonya is a raw and emotional story of the hardness and unloving world she was surrounded in. Acting was amazing, characters very believable and the awesome soundtrack!! I think Tonya got the raw end of the deal. I believe she didn't know the extent of the actions of her psycho boyfriend and nutjob 'bodyguard'. I believed it then and now even more. One of the best movies I've seen in a long time.

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