fullmoonreviews

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It’s bananas how my two favorite films so far in 2025 involve apes [I see you, Robbie Williams and BETTER MAN].

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"HEART EYES doesn’t reinvent the slasher wheel, but it’s still a fun time for those looking for a good Valentine’s Day horror film to watch. It also surprisingly works as a cute rom-com, just with a serial killer murdering happy couples [whether they know they’re in one or not]. The story is simple and straightforward, yet clever with an obvious wink-and-nod at certain tropes for both horror and rom-com genres. The script also presents likable characters, including two main characters you can’t help but root for in getting together by the movie’s end. This is helped greatly by the charming performances by both Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding, who share a ton of chemistry and play off each other extremely well. Josh Ruben also handles the gory sequences nicely, while maintaining a consistent tone that balances the horror with the romance. While the reveal itself didn’t exactly excite me or win me over and the film has this SCREAM feel you can’t escape, I think HEART EYES is a worthy watch during Valentine’s Day week for any horror [or even rom-com] fan."

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"If you’re going into WOLF MAN looking for a traditional werewolf movie, you’re going to be seriously disappointed. If you’re looking for something different, you’ll still probably be disappointed but maybe you’ll get something out of it. The issue with this film is that it plays things way too safe. It has a strong commentary about the sins of the father and how their actions affect their children, but it never really goes deeper than that, preferring to predictably play things out on the surface without any subtlety. Same with the relationship between the characters, as their dynamic has no depth other than they have issues that need to be worked on. Also, the film isn’t scary at all and when cool action happens, it’s cut away to something else.

But at least the performances are pretty good, especially by lead Christopher Abbott, who gives his all as both human and wolf-man. And the film has a good visual style going for it, especially when the wolf powers [or “Detective Mode”] come into play. The body horror aspect had some gnarly moments that picked up the film’s intensity at times. It’s also paced very well, as this film blew right by despite my issues with it. And I respect a new way of looking into the Wolf Man character, even if it doesn’t fully work for me. 

Considering what Leigh Whannell has done in the past, his version of WOLF MAN is pretty weak and disappointing. Considering how much I loved THE INVISIBLE MAN, I felt that this was a severe drop in quality. Maybe some of you will get a kick out of this adaptation, but I don’t think it’s really anything to moon over. It’s fine at best."

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"It’s a shame that 1984’s DREAMSCAPE isn’t as cool as the misleading poster that’s advertising the film. But it's still a decent timewaster that’s worth a look if you want to see a film about nightmares in 1984 that wasn’t directed by Wes Craven."

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The Wolf Man (1941)

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"While not the best Universal Monsters film ever made, the original WOLF MAN is still pretty damn good all these decades later. Curt Siodmak crafts a simple [maybe too simple?] story that introduces a lot of the werewolf tropes that would continue to be implemented in werewolf movies to this very day. Director George Wagnner does a nice job visualizing the narrative with nice atmosphere and a spooky mood in the last half, while highlighting the use of makeup and dissolves to showcase the werewolf transformation. It may look hokey now, but it probably wowed audiences back in 1941. The actors are fine, mainly Lon Chaney Jr., Claude Rains and Maria Ouspenskaya. I wish the supporting characters had more depth because you don’t really care for them [Chaney Jr.’s Larry Talbot has the only real arc]. And the film may be a bit too short at seventy minutes to give the actors more to do. But THE WOLF MAN is a classic for a reason and still maintains a charm that will continue to make it resonate for many moons to come."

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"THE DAMNED is a beautiful looking film that may please those looking for a slow burn horror-mystery with a short runtime. Just be in the mood for it and drink a lot of caffeine in case your eyes get drowsy during that middle portion. Worth checking out if this is your bag. Better start for the year than NIGHT SWIM at least."

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"The VENOM movies aren’t the greatest comic book films ever made, but both the 2018 movie and its 2021 sequel are at least fun time-wasters. I wish I could say the same for the trilogy’s finale, VENOM: THE LAST DANCE - which has its moments but is mostly an uninspired, drag of a film with a cool intro and a fun third act CGI action fest. The supporting characters don’t connect with me like the ones in the previous two films. Introducing Knull is a great idea, but he’s wasted here and considering what happens in the end, who is he supposed to be feuding with going forward? There are subplots that seem interesting but just end up feeling meh by the film’s end.

The only reason to watch this movie is Tom Hardy, continuing to be the highlight of these films in his dual role as both Eddie Brock and his symbiote. Plus, Kelly Marcel does a good job with the special effects and action sequences, considering she’s a first-time director. I honestly wasn’t expecting much out of this film and my expectations were pretty much met. Despite the money this movie has made, Eddie and Venom deserved a better send off than this."

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"I liked 2022’s SMILE and felt it was a cool concept that never met its full potential. But 2024’s SMILE 2 heard that and met that goal in almost every single way. Naomi Scott understood the assignment and carried the film effortlessly, crafting a fake pop star and making her feel like she’s been part of our lives for years. She hits every emotional and wild beat believably, making us feel for a character that honestly shouldn’t be sympathetic to begin with. That also extends to the incredible pop soundtrack that Scott shines on, providing us with bangers that will be an annual Halloween listen for me. Director/writer Parker Finn also improves upon what he achieved in the first film, giving us crazier and more stylish shots and edits, while using the bigger budget to create Skye’s celebrity universe and showcase better CGI for the smiling demons. And while some may complain about the predictable ending, I called it the moment I watched the first trailer and I have no issue with it. There’s no other way this film could have ended and it leads to an interesting third installment if Paramount decides to make it. I liked this way more than I did the first film and I think fans of SMILE will be smiling a lot while enjoying this sequel. One of the better horror films of 2024, without a doubt."

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"While I found the second film to be a more fun experience overall, I do think TERRIFIER 3 does improve upon that film in a lot of ways. I like that the fantastical narrative of the second film is a bit more streamlined and grounded in this movie [besides certain things in the final act]. The use of PTSD and trauma is used very well here and it will only fuel the fire going forward. Damien Leone’s direction is more confident and focused when it comes to pacing, the death sequences [that chainsaw scene, yo] and the great use of the Christmas aesthetic. The acting is also an improvement, especially by Lauren LaVera, who gives her all as a young woman who continues to struggle with the torture Art the Clown has put her and her family through. David Howard Thornton is still wonderful as the villain, now able to play the role in his sleep at this point.

That being said, I feel that returning character Vicky kind of overshadows Art a bit during the final act, which is fine if you’re not trying to establish one of them as the next big horror baddie. I think Art will be fine, though. I also prefer the 80s, synthwave vibe of the second film despite its longer running time. And if that unseen death for an established character is legit, I’m not a fan of that move at all.

Other than that, TERRIFIER 3 isn’t for everyone. But if you enjoy tons of gore, a fun Christmas horror aesthetic and improved acting and production, I would stick with this franchise and get excited for what the filmmakers are cooking up next. Otherwise, be prepared to be on Art’s naughty list and I don’t think your private regions will want that."

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"LISA FRANKENSTEIN is an amusing and fun horror rom-com that tries a bit too hard to be a future cult film in the making, sort of in the vein of HEATHERS or even JENNIFER’S BODY. Diablo Cody’s quirky and memorable dialogue elevates a story that slowly loses its way by the time the film hits its third act, thanks to an energetic cast who bring colorful characters to life. The uneven tone doesn’t help, as this movie is more of a zombie rom-com than an actual horror film - not completely succeeding at either one. In her film directorial debut, Zelda Williams shows promise for future projects with some cool visuals at times and a great use of lighting. The cast is what keeps LISA FRANKENSTEIN worth watching, with Kathryn Newton doing her best work as a shy high schooler who transforms into a goth princess once a wish she makes comes true. Her chemistry with Cole Sprouse, who does well with mainly a solid physical performance due to lack of dialogue, is great. Solid supporting performances by a bubbly Liza Soberano and a sassy Carla Cugino add substance to the quirky atmosphere. LISA FRANKENSTEIN didn’t bring me to life or anything, but it’s worth an eventual look if you’re in the mood for a horror rom-com buried in nostalgia."

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Since I don’t have as much time to write longer reviews than I used to, I figured I would just post shorter reviews for horror/cult films that I feel deserve your attention.

The films featured:

GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023)

WINNIE-THE-POOH: BLOOD & HONEY (2023)

IT'S A WONDERFUL KNIFE (2023)

THE SACRIFICE GAME (2023)

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THANKSGIVING is worth the 16-year wait, as it plays by the old school slasher rules and has a good time doing so. With a solid cast and your typical whodunit slasher mystery, the movie ends up being a fun ride due to archetypes that have a bit more depth than expected, wild gore sequences and a strong use of locations and set pieces that build a lot more tension and atmosphere than I was expecting. It’s also nice to see an engaged Eli Roth direct one of his best movies in his filmography, playing homage to many familiar slasher movies while putting his own twist on each one. The film looks good, the pacing is solid and the humor actually works in the movie’s favor. Plus, this John Carver villain has a great look and could be a cult icon if the film becomes more successful to create a franchise out of. THANKSGIVING doesn’t reinvent the slasher wheel and the villain’s identity is pretty easy to figure out, which took away the mystery aspect for me. But overall, I had a lot of fun with a movie I’ve been waiting a long time for and it didn't disappoint for the most part. THANKSGIVING will probably be an annual movie tradition for me every end of November.

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This will probably be a new feature, similar to the old monthly LUNAR CYCLE I used to do. I figured I would just post quick thoughts on films I’ve recently seen, while giving bigger/solo spotlights to more popular/important films. Let’s see how this goes.

Films reviewed:

BLOOD FOR DRACULA (1974)

VAMPYRES (1974)

FASCINATION (1979)

THE HUNGER (1983)

[fullmoonreviews]

CLICK THE LINK ABOVE FOR THE FULL REVIEWS

This will probably be a new feature, similar to the old monthly LUNAR CYCLE I used to do. I figured I would just post quick thoughts on films I’ve recently seen, while giving bigger/solo spotlights to more popular/important films. Let’s see how this goes.

Films reviewed:

SANTO AND BLUE DEMON VS. DRACULA AND THE WOLFMAN (1973)

CHANOC AND THE SON OF SANTO VS. THE KILLER VAMPIRES (1983)

FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY'S (2023)

NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU (2023)

OUT THERE HALLOWEEN MEGA TAPE (2022)

SORORITY SLAUGHTER (1994)

[fullmoonreviews]

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This will probably be a new feature, similar to the old monthly LUNAR CYCLE I used to do. I figured I would just post quick thoughts on films I’ve recently seen, while giving bigger/solo spotlights to more popular/important films. Let’s see how this goes.

Films reviewed:

BARON BRAKULA (1965)

DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS (1971)

DAUGHTER OF DRACULA (1972)

SANTO IN THE TREASURE OF DRACULA (1969)

THE VENGEANCE OF THE VAMPIRE WOMEN (1970)

FEMALE VAMPIRE (1973)

DEAFULA (1975)

[fullmoonreviews]

CLICK THE LINK ABOVE FOR THE FULL REVIEWS

This will probably be a new feature, similar to the old monthly LUNAR CYCLE I used to do. I figured I would just post quick thoughts on films I've recently seen, while giving bigger/solo spotlights to more popular/important films. Let's see how this goes.

Films reviewed:

TOTALLY KILLER (2023)

PET SEMATARY: BLOODLINES (2023)

SHE CAME FROM THE WOODS (2022)

DRACULA'S DAUGHTER (1936)

BLOOD OF DRACULA (1957)

THE VAMPIRE LOVERS (1970)

TWINS OF EVIL (1971)

SANTO VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMEN (1962)