reeceicy Reviews

Tremors II: Aftershocks (1996 Video)

Competent Sequel

[6/10 · 8 August 2023]

Tremors II doesn't quite reach the heights or the pure fun of the first movie, but it is still a competent sequel and arguably second best in the series. The graboids are back, and this time in Mexico! The plot is fairly similar to the first except for some .. minor changes. Fred Ward (RIP) returns along with Michael Gross who both give stellar performances and really help make this film what it is. Giving us more than a few great scenes/quotes. Chris Gartin and Helen Shaver also giving fun supporting performances. The chemistry between all 4 really blossoms by the time the credits roll. Another tremors movie where the cast is very likable and worth our time. Fun opening scene, reasonable pace, and an amazing sequence when they're out hunting in the fields at night. The late 90's cgi monsters are kind of dated by today's standards but it's passable. I can still respect the vision but sometimes it looks like Walking With Dinosaurs or something. Another syfy channel classic, Tremors II is a solid 6 and a pretty fun watch.

Tremors (1990)

The Ultimate Creature Feature

[8/10 · 8 August 2023]

The ultimate creature feature, one of those movies that dropped and simply ascended into sci fi/horror superstardom. It wasn't much at the box office but it hit video stores and people kept renting it, and renting it, and renting it, etc. I can't count how many times I watched this on the syfy channel growing up with my dad and brothers, and most recently on tubi here about a month ago. The craziest part is, it never gets old! The plot/general idea is basic but effective. The pacing is perfect and the set up leaves you eager for more. The practical effects are golden and will always hold up better than the (mostly) cgi creatures from 2+3. Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward (RIP) giving awesome, almost brotherly like, performances. And a huge shoutout to the goat himself, Michael Gross. Movie wouldn't be the same without him and his mustache and Atlanta Hawks hat. Maybe some minor flaws but this is a nearly perfect movie to me and anything under an 8 is blasphemy!

Prometheus (I) (2012)

Giant Bald Dudes Are Cool

[7/10 · 8 March 2023]

Ridley Scott's return to the Alien universe is a surprisingly philosophical terror mystery that blends so many different elements and themes, I had to watch multiple times just to digest everything. Watched this initially at Marcus Theatres with my little brother back in 2012 just like we always do, and then many times since on dvd and digital. On first viewing, this movie left a sour taste in my mouth and I didn't quite know what to make of it. As I've gotten older, I've really grown to enjoy the blend of sci fi/horror/philosophy as well as the larger than life ideas being presented. Although the crew can make questionable decisions at times, this cast was stellar! Michael Fassbender giving us his first performance as "David", Noomi Rapace was so outstanding I love her, Marshall-Green was great in what scenes he had, and Elba + Theron both giving worthy performances. I'll also give a nod to the scientist/biologists (Harris + Sall) who had some hilarious and good natured moments. On top of that, we have incredible costume design/sets/practical effects. I mean wow I love the futuristic yellowish aesthetic, and those blue and orange suits are so gnarly. I admit the movie seemed to struggle in pulling everything together, confused with which way it wants to go. The payoff never seems to feel as satisfying as it should either, and the ending leaves you wanting more. But overall, Prometheus has stood the test of time and dared to ask questions you hardly see in movies/tv while still being competently entertaining. A high 7, if Scott ever makes the 3rd film I hope we get something along the lines of this.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Ridley Scott's Bruh Moment

[4/10 · 6 March 2023]

It hurts me to write such a poor review for a Ridley Scott movie, let alone an alien movie, but this was not good. I went to see this in theaters with my little brother (as is custom with all alien/predator movies) back in 2017, and just finished watching it again recently on Hulu. Scott creates a dark and atmospheric universe from the start. From bleak to beautiful we get some pretty great space/planetary shots. Good CGI, amazing practical effects/alien, and a great performance (or two). Michael Fassbender gives us an incredible performance but what does it mean when his character is the most villainous, sinister, and unlikeable person ever? Few fictional characters have pissed me off more than his captivating "David". Katherine Waterston is the only character opposite Fassbender that brings any life to this movie, and she is arguably the least memorable heroin of any of the alien films. Disappointing considering guys like Crudup, Smollet, and McBride were all present as well. Ridley Scott is the man and a genius in terms of sci fi filmmaking, but this was a total miss for me. The writing/characterization for these characters is idiotic and rage inducing from the very start. As mentioned earlier, few characters and casts have pissed me off as much as the ones found in this movie. If he ever makes a 3rd film, I pray we get something along the lines of Prometheus. These moves just feel like the David Chronicles at this point.

Predator (1987)

Must-See Sci-Fi Horror

[9/10 · 27 September 2022]

Predator is the perfect blend of 80's action and slasher style sci fi horror. Although it was coined "alien in the jungle" when the script was first floating around, Predator exceeded expectations and cemented itself as a sci-fi titan. Arguably Arnold's best role. The cast had outstanding chemistry and the characters traits and personalities were developed well through the action and what dialogue was there. Special nods to Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, and Jesse Ventura. Very well paced film and some of the best one liners of all time. Pairs together great with the explosive action and gruesome kills. The practical effects still hold up to this day, and the predator costume/design (RIP to the late Kevin Peter Hall who gave us an especially great predator performance) are ahead of it's time. An 80's sci fi gem and truly one of my favorite movies to watch, thank you to everyone who helped make this movie possible.

Prey (I) (2022)

Deserved to be on the big screen!

[6/10 · 7 August 2022]

I've watched Prey twice over the weekend, once in English and the second time in full on Comanche. I know that might turn off a lot of English speaking people (myself included) but the dialogue really shines through in the all Comanche version. Amber Midthunder did an amazing job point blank, and also a big shoutout to Dakota Beavers who was probably my favorite character in the entire movie. I wish they would have developed some of the other characters more even if they're just there to be slaughtered by Predator. The director manages the film at a fast yet reasonable pace, even for the 1 hour 40 minute run time I was never bored. Stunning visuals, great cinematography, and some pretty solid action scenes (even if it is just the predator beating down on whatever is in front of him). Fans of the franchise will appreciate the nods to the original, the variety of weapons, and the gruesome kills. The CGI is mediocre at best, and I can really do without it. I get the animals had to be CGI for obvious reasons, but some of it is so Video Game-like it's laughable. And also wtf was that ending? Did the Predator forget he wasn't wearing his mask? Is there not a manual aim option for his weapons? Seriously flawed ending but all in all this is one of the better streaming exclusive movies I've seen and wish I could have seen it in theaters!

Scream 2 (1997)

By Far the Best Scream Sequel

[7/10 · 24 January 2022]

Scream 2 is by far the best Scream sequel (tbh I won't argue if you say scream 4) and is a very solid entry in the slasher genre. Wes Craven was having a lot of fun with this movie and plays with the pacing and suspense at his heart's desire. The violence is amped up and we get lot of great sequences including the stage scenes, the car, and the infamous film class scene. The script delivers yet again; and the college campus setting for a slasher just works so well for me. Solid acting from Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, and Jamie Kennedy all returning for their roles. Also some familiar faces show up with lesser roles like Timothy Olyphant, Jerry O Connell, and Sarah Michelle Gellar! But at times this movie can feel more like a crime drama and I can't say it's as scary even with a more violent Ghostface. Although this movie lacks in terms of real scares, it still manages to be an above average slasher.

Scream (1996)

Single-Handedly Revived the Slasher Genre

[10/10 · 8 January 2022]

Scream single-handedly revitalized the slasher genre, which was beyond dead as of 1996, and inspired countless spin-offs and attempted remakes in its wake. Wes Craven creates yet another horror masterpiece, and does so in an original and unique way. Add in the witty, self aware, reference-filled script by Kevin Williamson, which was rumored to have taken influence from Friday the 13th Pt 6, and you have one of the most iconic slashers ever made. Arguably the greatest opening scene to a horror movie ever, along with so many more iconic lines and scenes (Randy watching Halloween on the couch). The acting is next level by horror/slasher standards and has a very likable cast. Skeet Ulrich giving his best performance of his career, Matthew Lillard, Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, Drew Barrymore ... do i need to go on? The influence and impact Scream had on the late 90's is undeniable, simply one of the best scary movies of all time.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

Milestone in Horror Filmmaking

[8/10 · 27 December 2021]

While I wouldn't necessarily consider this a slasher, as many prominent elements from the genre are missing from this film, the Texas Chain Saw Massacre was a milestone in horror filmmaking nonetheless. Nothing of the kind had come before, and at the very least popularized the masked killer hunting down a group of young adults. A tense and exhausting viewing, this movie really gets at you in a psychological way. Beautifully shot, loved the use of colors, unique sets, and a pretty likable cast excluding Franklin of course. The infamous dinner scene is an intense experience and is followed up by one of the most memorable final girl circuits of all time. I will admit the acting is subpar at times, but for the first of its kind it really is something special.

Black Christmas (1974)

Godfather to the slasher genre

[8/10 · 18 December 2021]

The godfather of all slasher movies, Black Christmas laid the foundation for an entire sub-genre. Nearly every trope/cliche of the genre can be traced back to this movie. One of the darkest films I've ever seen; even to this day there are some genuinely creepy/disturbing moments. Bob Clark masterfully crafts his sick vision through chilling shots, effective zooms, and some of the single greatest first person pov shots of any slasher. Margot Kidder, Marian Waldman, and of course Olivia Hussey all giving enjoyable performances. A bit slow in some parts, but as a whole it ranks among the best slashers ever made.

Halloween II (1981)

More kills, more blood, more Michael

[6/10 · 15 December 2021]

Michael Meyers is back with a higher kill count, more blood, and more of what happened the night he came home. Iconic opening credits (Mr Sandman), one of my favorite opening scenes of any slasher ever, the Halloween theme with the 80's synth, and some gruesome kills courtesy of the hospital setting. Jaime lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence (RIP) return for their roles, acting is above average by horror standards. But the bottom line is Rick Rosenthal is simply not John Carpenter. The charm and suspense from the first Halloween are mostly void from the second. Although dull at times, the final girl circuit and explosive ending more than make up for it.

Halloween (1978)

Greatest Slasher Ever Made

[10/10 · 13 December 2021]

The best slasher ever made, and arguably one of the best horror movies ever made. John Carpenter is a genius. Amazing direction, an atmosphere built upon suspense and terror, effective use of first person pov shots. Immensely influential this movie birthed the best slasher villain, the best final girl, and the best soundtrack/theme. Above average acting and great performances from Jaime lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence (RIP). Although Texas Chainsaw and Black Christmas came before, this was the blueprint that sent the 80's into a slasher frenzy.