Exhuma (2024)

Director: Jae-hyun Jang

Starring: Kim Go-eun, Choi Min-sik, Lee Do-hyun, Yoo Hae-jin

The process of excavating an ominous grave unleashes dreadful consequences buried underneath.

Note: this review might contain spoilers.

An American family contacts Hwa-rim (Kim Go-eun), a shaman, when their baby son has a mysterious illness. Hwa-rim helps people who need to rid their homes and families of ghosts, demons, or supernatural beings. She discovers the baby’s illness is due to a curse from the grave.

On behalf of the family, Park Ji-Yong (Kim Jae-cheol) shows Hwa-rim and her partner Bong-Gil (Lee Do-hyun) the location of the family’s Grandfather’s grave. Accompanying them, is feng shui expert Kim Sang Deok (Choi Min-sik) and funeral home owner Ko Young Geun (Yoo Hae-jin). The grave is in a remote location on a mountain, and there is no name on the grave. The family now wants the grave relocated, but on arrival Sang Deok senses something evil.

Hwa-rim performs rituals to ward off evil spirits, and the grave is excavated. The coffin is to be cremated. When one of the diggers kills a snake with a human head, evil spirits are unleashed and shortly after it starts to rain. Apparently, cremation can’t be done when it rains as it will prevent the grandfather’s spirit from smoothly moving upward.

When a custodian at the funeral home opens the coffin, a vengeful spirit is unleashed. Now, the Grandfather’s spirit targets his family members, but when the coffin is cremated, the curse is lifted. However, later it is discovered there was a double burial on the grave site, with a large coffin being buried vertically underneath the Grandfather’s coffin, and this is when things start going terribly wrong!

‘Exhuma’ is a creepy film with a constantly foreboding atmosphere. One never really knows what to expect. There were a few confusing moments, but in general this is a good movie. The make-up and visual effects are very good. ‘Exhuma’ reminded me of a cross between the Korean film ‘The Wailing’ and the Cantonese film ‘Rigor Mortis’.

Although it is still too early for awards, the film already received nominations for Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress.

In Korean.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.

Spartacus (1960)

Directors: Stanley Kubrick, Anthony Mann

Starring: Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons

The slave Spartacus survives brutal training as a gladiator and leads a violent revolt against the decadent Roman Republic, as the ambitious Crassus seeks to gain power by crushing the uprising.

Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) has been a slave since the age of thirteen. He is among a handful of slaves selected by the Roman Lentulus Batiatus (Peter Ustinov) to be trained as gladiators. (I absolutely loved Peter Ustinov in the role of Batiatus; he was fabulous!)

Slaves are treated like animals, and those in power have no feelings for them whatsoever. They would have slaves kill each other purely for entertainment. Spartacus makes friends with the slaves, and when an opportunity arises, they overpower the guards and manage to escape. Now, the slaves are building their own army in revolt against the Romans.

Laurence Olivier stars as Crassus, a wealthy Roman senator and the film’s main protagonist. Jean Simmons stars as Varinia, also a slave and the love interest of Spartacus. I enjoyed the developing romance between Spartacus and Varinia. The film follows Spartacus as he builds his army and plans to avenge the Romans, even if it seems impossible to fight against such a mighty power.

From all the costumes to the magnificent sets and thousands of extras, ‘Spartacus’ is an incredible production. In a time before CGI, the scale of the production is jaw-dropping! The film apparently had a cast of 10,500 members (with all the extras). Today the extras would simply be added with CGI in post-production. And this is why I enjoy older movies so much; it was real film making. On every level, ‘Spartacus’ is a film of epic proportions. It’s hard to believe this film was made more than six decades ago!!

If I had to compare ‘Spartacus’ to more recent films, movies like ‘Gladiator’, ‘300’, and the TV series ‘Rome’ comes to mind.

‘Spartacus’ received several award nominations and won Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (for Peter Ustinov), Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Costume Design. All of these award are well deserved! Back in 1960 the film earned $60 million on a budget of $12 million.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Director: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd

A mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action.

There really is one character here that matters, and that’s taxi driver Travis Bickle (very well portrayed by Robert de Niro). From a character study point of view, this is an effective film, but if it’s an entertaining movie you’re looking for, ‘Taxi Driver’ is not a good option. I’m sorry, but I was not entertained by this slow (yes, and boring) movie, no matter how high the acclaim.

26-year old Travis gets a job as taxi driver. He works long hours – mostly at night when the “filth” (as he calls it) roam the streets. When he notices a woman one day that seems ‘different’ to the rest of the people he quite literally stalks her, and finally asks her out. This is Betsy (with a rather annoying portrayal by Cybill Shepherd). When she agrees to go out with him (not that it took much convincing) he takes her to a theatre that shows porn movies! Needless to say, that date did not go well!

I must be honest, I never really rooted for Travis. I found him pushy and arrogant; even obnoxious. He is a hypocrite and a liar and he never really had good intentions. Then again, I suppose this behaviour added to the character study. He clearly is disturbed, and in that regard the character is well set-up. As the viewer, we have to understand this guy does not think or reason the way normal people do. (In his opinion, there was nothing wrong with taking a girl to a porn movie on their first date!)

The film does take its time before anything of significance happens, though, and I yawned several times. I kept wondering when something exciting was going to happen. I almost stopped watching at the 30-minute mark, but decided to sit it through. Around the 1-hour mark there’s promise of something eventful happening, but alas, I would have to wait unit the final act before the action arrived. Even then, I did not agree with Travis’ methods, and definitely never rooted for the guy.

‘Taxi Driver’ is another example of a highly acclaimed, multi-award winning movie I believe will loose its appeal with the new generation. Its just too slow, and not even all that interesting…

‘Taxi Driver’ received 43 award nominations, winning 22. It received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (for Robert de Niro, and I agree on this one), Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Score. At the box office, the film earned $28.6 million on a budget of $1.9 million.

Would I watch it again? Nope!

The Survivor (1981)

Director: David Hemmings

Starring: Robert Powell, Jenny Agutter, Joseph Cotten

When an airline pilot survives a crash that kills all 300 passengers, he works with a psychic and a priest to find the culprit behind the incident and pacify the souls of the victims.

‘The Survivor’ is not to be confused with 1984’s ‘Sole Survivor’, which is also about a plane crash leaving only one survivor.

I’ll start by saying ‘The Survivor’ had the potential to be so much better, but no thanks to the director’s vision of the film and choppy editing, I found the film difficult to follow at times. There literally were moments in the film where I had no idea what the hell was going on. To add to this, many scenes were so dark that one could hardly follow the action.

After a confusing start of various images edited together, a plane crashes, killing everyone on board except pilot David Keller (Robert Powerll). Not being able to remember anything since taking off, David is trying to find out what happened.

Clairvoyant Hobbs (Jenny Agutter) – a rather strange character in her own right – seems to have some sort of connection with the victims, and contacts David. She feels she was somehow involved with the accident. I didn’t fully understand this character, nor their quest for answers. At times the film seemed to have a supernatural edge, but when the reveal came it had nothing to do with supernatural powers. Speaking of which, I can’t say I agree with the twist ending.

‘The Survivor’ has a confusing premise and I won’t be surprised if I forget this in an instant.

Surprisingly, the film won an award for Best Screenplay. It also received award nominations for Best Lead Actress, Best Achievement in Sound, Best Achievement in Production Design, and Best Achievement in Cinematography. I think I must have missed something here…

‘The Survivor’ might be classified as a horror, but there’s no horror here. Thriller at best.

Would I watch it again? No.

Mirrormask (2005)

Director: Dave McKean

Starring: Stephanie Leonidas, Jason Barry, Rob Brydon

In a fantasy world of opposing kingdoms, a fifteen-year-old girl must find the fabled MirrorMask in order to save the kingdom and get home.

Director Dave McKean dared to be different with this most unusual film. With visuals unlike anything I’ve ever seen in a film, this certainly was a unique viewing experience. Many viewers might hate the film for being so different, though.

How does one even begin to explain this film? Think of your most fantastical, magical dream. Now give it a bit of a weird edge, and ‘Mirrormask’ would be a visualization of that dream. Truly unique is an under-statement.

But what is the movie about? Well, that’s just as difficult to explain as the visuals. I must admit, this is not always the easiest film to follow. Helena is a young circus performer who works at her family circus. Helena hates performing and during an argument with her mother Joanne, Helena wishes her mother would die. Just before her next performance, Joanne collapses and is hospitalized, and Helena blames herself.

One night she wakes from a dream, and walking down the street encounters three performers. But nothing is ordinary or what it seems anymore and she enters an alternate universe filled with weird and wonderful characters. This world is gradually being taken over by shadows. Being mistaken for a Princess, Helena must find a charm to wake the sleeping White Queen. This might seem like a fairytale, but believe me, this is definitely more nightmare than fairytale!

‘Mirrormask’ is guaranteed to be beyond your wildest imagination as we follow Helena on her quest. The visuals are remarkable and the mind baffles as to how they accomplished this. The film also takes many interesting and unexpected turns. Give it a go; even if just for the visuals.

The film reminded me of films like ‘What dreams may come’ (1998), ‘Imaginaerum’ (2012), and ‘Moon Garden’ (2022).

‘Mirrormask’ won awards for Best Art Direction, Best Make-up, Best Feature Debut, and Best Narrative Feature.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.

Immaculate (2024)

Director: Michael Mohan

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Álvaro Morte, Simona Tabasco

Cecilia, a woman of devout faith, is warmly welcomed to the picture-perfect Italian countryside where she is offered a new role at an illustrious convent. But it becomes clear to Cecilia that her new home harbors dark and horrifying secrets.

On invitation from Father Sal Tedeschi (Alvaro Morte), Sister Cecilia (Sydney Sweeney) joins a convent in Italy . With the opening scene already having set the tone for the rest of the film, the audience already knows there is something terribly wrong at the convent.

Cecilia is welcomed by the not-so-friendly and somewhat mysterious Sister Isabelle, who also becomes Cecilia’s mentor. Cecilia befriends Gwen, who apparently does not have faith but joined the convent for a place to stay, food, and to live a descent life.

Cecilia soon starts having nightmares and is plagued by creepy visions. Beware: Jump scares ahead!! The jump scares come without warning and they are guaranteed to make you jolt in your seat! Despite all the (effective) jump scares, ‘Immaculate’ is still a slow burn horror.

Here’s where there might be spoilers, so if you don’t want to know, stop reading! Without having had sexual intercourse, Cecilia discovers she is pregnant. This is viewed by the other Sisters as a miracle, and some even refer to her as Mary. However, her being pregnant is no miracle, as we discover, and under the façade of faith and devotion lies a sinister plan. Father Tedeschi is also not who he appears to be…

Hell, this film takes a turn I never saw coming!! The third act is fantastic, and it does become much gorier than I expected. Sydney Sweeney delivers a powerful performance and proves she has what it takes to become a vengeful protagonist. What an incredible finale!

‘Immaculate’ was indeed a pleasant surprise. I don’t always like unexpected turns in movies, but here it was just wonderful. Well done!! ‘Immaculate’ earned $21.7 million on a budget of $9 milllion.

Would I watch it again? Yes!

When Worlds Collide (1951)

Director: Rudolph Maté

Starring: Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen

As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home.

Long before Roland Emmerich brought us the modern-day disaster movies, director Rudolph Maté gave us ‘When Worlds Collide’. Back in 1951 the visual effects were groundbreaking and the film won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Off course the visuals are no match for today’s films, but teleport yourself back in time more than seven decades, and you can imagine how good the effects must have been.

Pilot David Randall (Richard Derr) is hired to deliver a black box to Dr Cole Hendron (Larry Keating). Inside the mysterious box are predictions of impending doom: a new planet and a giant star are on a collision course with Earth.

Now, the scientists must build a modern-day Noah’s Ark (in the form of a space rocket) to save a handful of people and ensure the survival of humanity. They plan on landing on the new planet, named Zyra. With a deadline looming before impact, the film is a race against time to complete the mission while there is being decided who the 44 occupants of the rocket will be.

The dialogue is sub-standard by today’s standards, but remember this film was made well before space travel became a reality. (The space race only achieved success over a decade after the release of ‘When Worlds Collide’). With little to no knowledge of space travel, the universe and rockets, this film was ahead of its time in that regard.

Off course the film offers a romance interest as well. Hendron’s daugter, Joyce (Barbara Rush) – who is engaged to be married to Dr Tony Drake – develops feelings for David, and in the process ensures his selection to board the rocket.

The final act delivers plenty of action and excitement. Yes, it is dated, but it was nevertheless still an entertaining disaster movie.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.

Amores Perros (2000)

Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Starring: Emilio Echevarría, Gael García Bernal, Goya Toledo

An amateur dog fighter, a supermodel, and a derelict assassin, all separately struggling to find love, find their lives transformed by a devastating car wreck in Mexico City.

‘Amores Perros’ tells three stories that interconnect. The first story is called ‘Octavio and Susana’. Susana is married to Ramiro, who works at a supermarket. To provide for them he robs stores. Ramiro’s brother, Octavio, lives with them. When Susana accidentally lets Ramiro’s dog Cofi out, Cofi kills Poncho – a fighter dog owned by Jarocho. Realizing Cofi’s capabilities, Octavio starts dog fighting with Cofi. (Many of these scenes will be too sensitive for dog lovers, as it was for me, even if shown merely for a few seconds). Octavio is secretly in love with Susana and – with Susana being ill-treated by Ramiro – Octavio asks Susana to run away with him. There are a few unexpected twists, though.

The second story is called ‘Daniel and Valeria’. Caught in a loveless marriage, Daniel is having an affair with model Valeria. When he eventually leaves his wife and buys an apartment for him and Valeria so they can finally be together, a car accident leaves Valeria seriously injured, causing her sponsors to cancel her modelling contract. With tension rising between them – being aggravated by Valeria’s dog being stuck under the floor boards! – their newfound freedom proves to be anything but the happy life they were hoping for.

The third story is ‘El Chivo and Maru’. El Chivo might look like a hobo – with a love for dogs – but there is more to him than meets the eye. We discover him and his wife separated years ago, telling their daughter, Maru, he was dead, but now El Chivo is trying to make contact with Maru again. As it turns out, El Chivo is a hitman, and pursuing his next target.

All these stories and characters interlink throughout the film. Prepare yourself, though, this is no feel-good movie. On the contrary, it is quite depressing, but it is a good film. Each story takes unexpected turns, and the film captured my attention from beginning to end.

‘Amores Perros’ earned $20.9 million on a budget of $2.4 million. It received 79 award nominations, winning 55 including Best Editing, Best Special Effects, Best Make-Up, Best Set Design, Best Cinematography, Best Actor in a Minor Role, Best Director, Best Film, and Best Screenplay. It received an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

In Spanish.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.

Lake Mungo (2008)

Director: Joel Anderson

Starring: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, Martin Sharpe, Talia Zucker

Strange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.

Presented documentary style, ‘Lake Mungo’ is a mockumentary – supposedly based on events that happened in 2005 in the small town of Ararat in Australia. The use of ‘police footage’ also gives the film a more realistic edge. The performances are so believable that one can easily be fooled into believing this to be a documentary.

The film – erm, documentary – is about Alice Palmer, a 16-year old girl who disappeared while the family were picnicking at a lake. Her body was found at the bottom of the lake just a few days later. Alice had drowned, and the family had a difficult time accepting what had happened.

Shortly thereafter the Palmer family started hearing noises coming from Alice’s bedroom, and later they had sightings of her. It became clear Alice’s ghost was in the Palmer home still. But this was only just the beginning of bizarre events that were to follow…

The film became more spooky and creepy as it progressed, but it also started losing its realistic feel when it edged towards the ‘Paranormal Activity’ genre. Still, those who believe in ghosts will definitely be freaked out by the film.

There are interesting – albeit shocking – reveals about innocent little Alice during the final act. ‘Lake Mungo’ was an interesting watch that had be captivated from beginning to end. I also loved the film’s subtle score.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.

Imaginary (2024)

Director: Jeff Wadlow

Starring: DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun

A woman returns to her childhood home to discover that the imaginary friend she left behind is very real and unhappy that she abandoned him.

At first glance I assumed ‘Imaginary’ to be a ‘Child’s Play’ type of movie, but ‘Imaginary’ is unlike any other doll movie out there, and its not trying to be one. At first I though Chauncey the teddy bear was far too passive, and I didn’t like the voice either, but we soon discover there’s actually a good reason for this.

Jessica and her husband Max moves into Jessica’s childhood home together with Max’s daughters Alice and Taylor (who is as cliched a teenager with issues as they come in these types of movies). Whilst playing hide and seek, young Alice finds a teddy bear in the basement and this becomes her new best friend.

I found Max to be a dispensable character. In fact, not even halfway through the movie he leaves town only to return much later when he is needed – or was he really? I feel the movie would have done perfectly – if not better even – without this character, who contributed nothing to the film anyway. Jessica was by far the strongest character.

During the first half, we mostly follow Alice’s story with her newfound friend, but after the halfway mark there’s a big twist that steers the film in an entirely different direction. The attention then shifts to Jessica, who carries the rest of the film. The film takes many unexpected – and rather weird – turns, and there’s so much going on during the second half that I’m probably going to forget it in a month or so, if that long. In time, I believe, I will remember having seen the movie, but will forget how it plays out, and ends.

‘Imaginary’ gave me a sense of ‘Insidious’ meets ‘Poltergeist’ with a hint of ‘Pan’s Labyrinth’ thrown in there as well. Whichever way you look at it, ‘Imaginary’ is already one of the big talked about movies of 2024 despite receiving mostly negative reviews from critics. To some extent I agree with some of these reviews, but fact remains ‘Imaginary’ is indeed a very different movie. Give it a go; it might just be your next guilty pleasure.

Would I watch it again? I don’t think so.