Midsommar (2019)
Hereditary is a title I had mixed feelings about. I think I feel more positive about it. So naturally, I wanted to check out Midsommar. Since a lot of people were saying how it was a poor man's Wicker Man, I hesitated somewhat since for me that isn't a good title by any means. Still, I decided to give it a shot and for the most part I found it to be better than The Wicker Man except for the way it ends.
Let's start with Dani (Florence Pugh). She is a little unstable and therefore unlikeable. Her boyfriend and his friend seem nice at first glance but they are also rather problematic especially when they are at the Midsommar fest. Things are happening there no normal human being would accept or tolerate. Yet, these characters at most feel uncomfortable. Dani has the most human reaction and regains sympathy to then lose it again because of her inaction. It's this inaction that will drive you mad. If bad things are happening towards you, aren't you going to do something about it? Or at least try to?
The ending is like I predicted it would be, but I had hope they would put some kind of twist on it, for me to love this film. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The film just ends with very little meaning and substance. For a film that is almost two and a half hours long, that is inexcusable.
Overall, it's not boring, but the film doesn't deliver on its own build-up.
History of Evil (2024)
This title seemed to have a very interesting premise. It could have worked quite nicely. But right from the start, the film feels immensely cheap. Even the acting. It's not that bad, but they surely could have done a lot better. For whatever reason, the film is immensely slow and uneventful. Then when something happens, you aren't really bothered by it. I know it was the intention for you to be scared or terrified, but you won't since it feels like amateur hour 101. At one point I looked at the clock to find out only 40 minutes had passed and nothing of significance had happened. I did what I normally don't do. I immediately stopped watching with the intention to never do so. Usually, I am very willing to give films like these a chance but since it did so little for me, I don't think it deserves my time. Avoid!
Macabre (2009)
Macabre starts out real well. But at a certain point it loses itself. Don't get me wrong! I can appreciate violence and gore. Still, I need something more. Like for example a sinister motivation that would explain the events. Or like a twist that puts everything upside down.
The characters are likeable at first, but increasingly get more stupid. Some characters literally are standing still when they are about to get hurt. Sure, shock can make you immobile for a while, but at one point you will adapt. You will fall into a die or flight reaction. Also, the group of friends isn't exactly bright. If a random stranger approaches you and asks for a ride, would you do so? Especially since there were other means in the vicinity? I don't think so. But ok, some people are nice, I guess. Would you then stay over some stranger's house when offered? A house in the middle of nowhere? Think again. You know what? I changed my mind. These characters are aggravating. They should have known better.
The violence and gore does make up for a lot of elements that are missing. So for me, this title was worth it. But for people who are familiar with the more recent titles made by Kimo Stamboel will be disappointed.
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