Horror Report

Tag: movie review

  • We watched Hive on Tubi so you don’t have to

    We watched Hive on Tubi so you don’t have to

    We watched Hive so you don’t have to.
    It’s a Hive original… and boy, is it original.


    Here’s a couple of spoilers, so be careful if you actually want to check out this seemingly low-budget horror oddity.

    Hive a brand new horror-thriller starring Xochitl Gomez as Sasha, a teen babysitter who loses her charge at an idyllic playground. She must navigate a sinister, deceptive world as she confronts an insectoid entity controlling the children and snatching parents, forcing her to fight to escape a soul-crushing hivemind.

    Hive became available to stream on Tubi April 17, 2026. Xochitl Gomez, Aaron Dominguez, and Tanya van Graan star in this horror filled film that is Directed/Written Felipe Vargas.


    At its core, there’s a hive mind made up of rich, affluent kids living in a rich, affluent neighborhood. There’s definitely a cultural message here about how the wealthy may inflict pain on the working class or minorities. Mix that in with squishy, unsettling blood-and-guts moments and a few strange, graphic scenes of people meeting their demise—yes, including playground equipment—and you’ll start to get the picture.


    Listen… we’re not recommending this one, but we’re also not telling you not to watch it.


    Just don’t watch it alone expecting a good time. This is more of a group movie, where half the room is saying, “That was actually kind of a good idea,” and the other half is begging, “Please turn off this nonsense.”

    Seriously, the trailer was good. The bad is the trailer is showing you some of the best material in the movie!


    It’s a low-budget film for a low-budget night.
    But you know what? The acting wasn’t horrible. The plotline wasn’t terrible either—more like a goofy version of the hive mind from Stranger Things. The commitment was there. The cast seemed genuinely inspired to lean into their roles, and that counts for something.


    Still, despite that effort, we’re left with a “hive mind” concept that ends up being more boring than scary.
    2.9 out of 5.


    A bit weak on the dialogue… but kudos for the acting and the creative thought.

  • Crying with Chuck on a Friday the 13th

    Crying with Chuck on a Friday the 13th

    Friday the 13th.. a secluded theater.. I saw The Life of Chuck, and I’ll be honest — I felt like it was a movie I needed to see as soon as possible. And I felt it was a movie I needed to see alone.

    I had heard some early reviews. People called it a “tearjerker,” and they weren’t wrong. But more than that, it felt personal. Intimate. Not something I wanted to experience in a crowded theater with familiar faces nearby. So I went to an early showing, sparsely populated, quiet. It was just me — and, interestingly, a few other men, also sitting alone, also spread out like emotional islands in the dark.

    From time to time, I noticed a glance — from one of them to me, or from me to someone else. Like we were silently wondering: Are you feeling this too? And I think we were. When the movie ended, none of us rushed out. We all sat there — through the credits — as the Newton Brothers played the final song. Not moving. Not speaking. Just absorbing.

    I’m not saying I found the meaning of life in that moment… but maybe I did. Or maybe I will, when I think more about it.

    What I can tell you is this: The Life of Chuck isn’t a movie you walk out of quickly, or fully understand in one sitting. There are no spoilers to avoid, no mystery to solve. In fact, the third act plays first, and the first act plays last. But somehow, the story still feels cohesive — circular, poetic, and profoundly human.

    Mike Flanagan, adapting Stephen King’s short story, doesn’t just direct this — he masters it. He crafts something important. Something timeless. And I’m not sure we’ll recognize just how important it is until we’re further away from it, looking back.

    I saw the movie on Friday the 13th, a day that felt, in the world, like a pressure cooker: talk of violent protests, military parades, and escalating conflict in the Middle East. It was all there — anxiety, dread, the sense of impending collapse. And yet this film gave me a brief but powerful timeout from all of that. Not a careless distraction, but a moment of reflection. I was actually scanning the news on my phone before the previews started, like many of us do, caught in the loop of doomscrolling.

    But when the movie began, something shifted.

    I was gripped. Not by suspense or horror, but by truth. By something deeper. I was drawn into Chuck’s world, his memories, his story. And at some point, I wasn’t just watching the movie — I was feeling it. I became Chuck, in some strange way. Maybe we all did. And when it ended, I felt dread and hope simultaneously — a rare pairing that only certain stories manage to unlock.

    As the movie puts it: the waiting is the worst part.

    I don’t think this film will fade with time. I think it will grow — in meaning, in relevance, in emotional weight. And I think I’ll always be glad I saw it alone. I needed those several minutes of credits to let my eyes stop watering. I needed my brain to find the bravery to stand up and leave. I think the other men in the theater did too — we all exited quietly, respectfully, giving each other the space to feel without judgment.

    And here’s how I know The Life of Chuck worked:

    The first thing I wanted to do after leaving the theater… was dance ..

  • I just saw a PRECENSE, so you don’t have to– but actually you should too

    I just saw a PRECENSE, so you don’t have to– but actually you should too

    It’s been quite a while since I did a movie review, so here goes nothing!

    I just finished watching Presence, the David Soderbergh film starring Lucy Liu.

    Before heading into the theater, I, like many others, had a general idea of what to expect—a ghost story, but not your typical one. Instead, it’s a story told through the eyes of the ghost, offering a fresh and unique perspective.

    For a modern ghost story, it’s surprisingly creative. The last time something remotely similar was done was probably in the early 2000s with Nicole Kidman’s The Others. However, this film is vastly different. It stands apart with its stark tone and emotional depth. In fact, I believe many of the reviews I’ve read don’t do justice to what this movie offers.

    x x x

    Without giving away spoilers, I’ll just share this: the experience of watching the film in an empty theater added to the creepiness for me. I went alone, expecting a few other moviegoers, but since it was an afternoon showing, the theater was dark and empty. The occasional theater staff peeking in added to the eerie vibe, as if even they were surprised to find someone watching.

    Now, about the film itself: Soderbergh invites us to see life—or rather, death—through the ghost’s perspective. We witness a troubled family with clear signs of sibling rivalry, teenagers dealing with the pressures of peer influence and drugs, and, overarching it all, the theme of death. The antagonist is genuinely dreadful; you despise him. And by the end, in a dramatic twist, he gets his just deserts—though not without deep, dark, unintended consequences for the family.

    What struck me the most was the emotional impact of the film. None of the reviews I read beforehand prepared me for the depth of feeling it evoked. The last 10 minutes were utterly draining, and in the final moments, I sat alone in that dark theater, almost weeping. The intensity of the family’s struggles, the chilling implications of the story, and even the haunting nature of the 100-year-old mirrors left me shaken.

    This movie isn’t boring, contrary to what some critics have said. It’s also nothing like Skinamarink, as some comparisons suggested. This film has dialogue, music, and a narrative style that’s far more engaging. It’s beautifully shot and masterful in its dialogue. While some might argue the human interactions weren’t as creative, I’d disagree. I left the theater deeply moved.

    While there aren’t many jump scares, this film doesn’t rely on cheap tricks. Instead, it reaches into your soul and leaves a lasting impression. There’s something profound and meaningful about it. Even if it’s not to everyone’s taste, I urge you to ignore the critics who call it boring and give it a try. Perhaps you’ll leave the theater as I did, emotionally shaken yet strangely grateful for the experience.

  • You really should see KONG SKULL ISLAND if you haven’t already

    You really should see KONG SKULL ISLAND if you haven’t already

    For those who haven’t yet seen KONG SKULL ISLAND, see it..

    It could be the best movie of this type (monsters bashing each other and humans being caught in the crosshairs) since JURASSIC WORLD..

    Mostly kid-friendly. I worry about those things now that I have a son. He noted that the “big” curse was in it once, and that there were lots of ‘poops but just the other word’ being uttered.

    Despite the number of violent deaths, it’s relatively gore free..

    And it’s just cool.

    Really cool.

    I really wish it would have come out in the summer instead of the dead of winter–this is the type of film that summers are made for..

  • For me, ROGUE won

    For me, ROGUE won

    Opening night lights out.. ROGUE ONE on the theater in front of me.. Truly a monumental show.. One of the best STAR WARS movies.. and it far exceeded FORCE AWAKENS in my opinion…

    But that is my opinion.

    Yesterday I posted a story about just how divisive some of the ROGUE ONE reviews have been. Some love it.. some hate it. No middle ground. 

    The same experience occurred last night. The group of pep[le I went to see the film with actually thought it was mediocre at best.. They loved the DARTH VADER scenes, but for the most part they chalked this up to a less than memorable movie about what happens just before THE NEW HOPE arrives..

    And I thought completely different.

    One of my major issues with the FORCE AWAKENS was how it seemed to almost completely rip off NEW HOPE in storyline –this time a massive death star instead of the older more modest version the Empire built– and how it relied on old characters to get it rough the movie instead of eloping new ones..

    ROGUE ONE stood on its own. It made you believe in the force and gave you a few good reasons to do so. The Empire has always been similar in its storyline to Nazism. But in this film, we get a more hardcore glimpse into just how ruthless they were.. and how often disturbing the tactics the resistance was before Luke Skywalker gave them reason and morality.. 

    ROGUE ONE, for those who had lived under a rock, is the storyline of how the Empire loses its prized possession: The plans to the death star. The rag tag group of rebels referred to in later movies is explored in depth in ROGUE ONE. It gives a face and name to the once nameless storyline. And the brilliance of it is that we did not need Yoda, or Luke Skywalker, or even Chewbacca. There were a few homages and very brief appearances to the old characters we love, but the joy I found in this movie is that I felt like I was walking a new STAR WARS movie for once! It felt creative.. it felt fresh.. it relied not on old gimmicks but instead a limitless storyline.


    And my God, Darth Vader was the most merciless we have seen yet. 

    At one point during the film, I breathed in a big sigh and realized that I was seeing, in a theater, BRAND NEW scenes in a major movie featruring Darth Vader and James Earl Jones as the voice. How much better can that get!

    Did this film had flaws? Sure..why not. But did it have any many flaws as the FORCE AWAKENS? Not to me.


    ROGUE ONE is a movie STAR WARS fans deserved.. and the people who stole those death star plans certainly needed credit. Now they have it. Finally, the names are revealed and the heroes and heroines of the rebellion finally have their story told.

    …indeed…I may very well be going to see this movie again.

  • A little more of an in depth COBBLER review

    A little more of an in depth COBBLER review

    I have a recommendation for fans of darker comedies, or maybe movies not int he mainstream of the entertainment world; THE COBBLER was one of the most creative, strange, and fun films I’ve ever seen..

    The movie starred Adam Sandler and was originally released September 2014. The film explores the life and times of a cobbler in the modern city, someone trying to make it in a world of technological advancement.. But the film turns haywire fast with a magical gift that Sandler discovers:  If he cobbles shoes on an old contraption, he is able to physically and literally walk in the pair of the person who owns them. He can become anyone he wants to become–and it is at this point that a dramatic turn in life takes place.  He learns quickly about crime, murder, mystery, and heartbreak..

    It’s not a laugh out loud movie,  instead one that penetrates a bit deeper. I had moments of chuckles at best, but the quickly developing crime comedy that develops was enough to keep my interest.

    In fairness, it is a PUNCH DRUNK LOVE type film .. Sandler seems to be in his element in this film, even though it was not a highly advertised bigger budget flick. It is a simple movie, and Sandler plays a simple man with perfection. He was convincing as a cobbler. Though the plot took paranormal turns at times, the cobbler seemed to end up being a very believable movie.

    This movie was rented by accident at a REDBOX.. I didn’t really hear of the movie prior to this, nor was I aware even as to what it was about. Truth be told, when I saw the cover, I thought it said the ‘Gobbler’ and was going to be a film about Sandler eating too much—he did get a little top heavy as of late.  I ended up being pleasantly surprised at the imaginative movie..

    Not everyone may agree with me.
    I took a glance at the reviews on a variety of places including IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes. And boy are they bad.. Some people were downright cruel about their reaction to this film.. The movie got an icy reception—and just like many others that did, I liked it.

    I have learned to take reviews with a grain of salt. When I saw the 1 star that THE HOUSE OCTOBER BUILT is getting on NETFLIX, I figured it was going to be a waste of time.  When I watched it, though, it ended up being just like the movie I wanted to see: Cheap thrills, scary clowns, and a horror haunted house feel.

    Back to Sandler..
    I would say this: IF you have a spare moment to see a film, and most other choices you really wanted are gone, try the COBBLER.
    Just try it..
    But don’t ruin a good pair of shoes hunting it down.

  • Get your toilet paper ready: The best horror comedy you probably will refuse to see

    Get your toilet paper ready: The best horror comedy you probably will refuse to see

    Let me begin this somewhat review of a film this way: IF you don’t have a large group of people to watch this movie, consider getting one.. Maybe you don’t have friends, so find some family. If you don’t have that, join a club.. maybe a bridge club.. or a golf team,  or a bowling league. Either way, get a group of people..

    ..because if you watched ZOMBIE ASS: TOILET OF THE DEAD alone, you’d most likely quickly turn it off in revolt..
    A large group is a must for a film of this quality and caliber.

    Let’s start with the ‘story line’ .. This Japanese *and subtitled* horror comedy is not scary at all.. the 2011 film (released in Japan in 2012) may make you squeamish.. The movie featured a karate expert, Megumi, with four of her friends, go into the woods.. One friend is a nerdy male, another is a voluptuous model who wants to get thin by eating a parasite, another is drug addict driver, and finally, we have the drug addict’s airhead girlfriend. The stage is set..

    The next thing that happens to our unsuspecting group, is they meat up with zombies covered in fecal matter, along with a doctor who performs horrendous experiments on the zombies with parasites..

    The film begins, contains, and ends with some of the best cliches in horror .. and some of the most abundant and pure and simply disgusting flatulence jokes.. As a matter of fact, flatulence itself plays an important role in this film.. it can be used for good, or the power can be harnessed for evil.

    But what would you expect from a movie called ZOMBIE ASS:TOILET OF THE DEAD..

    A few warnings are in order before you take part in a viewing of this amazing NETFLIX streaming classic..

    1) There will be nipples. It seemed to be the gag at one point, to have a nipple constantly on display in the film..

    2) There is a somewhat uncomfortable scene of lust.. it’s awkward due to the placement. Right after our fun group gets doused by zombies’ excrement.. You’ll see.

    3) Expect a beautiful big busted model to be in a position you’ve never seen  one before: Squatting with gas flowing and a zombie laying in a large cesspool licking.

    4) No class. None. This film enjoys mocking every sense of decency that the audience has.. Nothing is off limits, taste has been thrown at the window. And it’s amazingly funny..

    And finally,

    5) The best ending to a film you’ll ever see.. Just picture: Nuclear farts that can make you fly and beat the demon parasite that takes over your friend’s rear end.. A climax worth a second viewing..

    The trick the move may be to not have anything to consume during it.. you don’t want to be caught with something in your mouth the first time you see someone’s derriere blow its lid.. Along with that, while your youngest of kids may want to see it, it’s best they steer clear until their formative years are over. Or until they sneak away to a friendly house with like-minded kith and kin and start their own rite of passage of watching awful movies while laughing in spite of themselves..

    On a scale of 1 to 5, I cannot rate ZOMBIE ASS: TOILET OF THE DEAD without first a caveat: This rating is not because the movie is ‘good’ in a cinematic sense, but instead because it’s incredibly awful in the best way ever..

    I give it a 5 out of 5 farts.
    Strong, strong farts..
    Nuclear.. cutting farts.

    Try out ZOMBIE ASS for a few minutes. With a group of people. You’ll burst with laughter.. and your stomach be hurt by the end–forcing you to wonder if a parasitic entity will drill its way through your colon and into your reality.

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  • LOW BUDGET HORROR WEEKEND

    LOW BUDGET HORROR WEEKEND

    I look back now to my late teenager years, back when I joined with my friends for all night sessions of sitting in a dark room to watch horror flicks, some good and most bad, laughing until the sun came up. If only then we had NETFLIX.. The amazing world we live in now is filled with the aroma of good films and funk. We can choose what we want.. on demand. Right now..

    This weekend was just that type of weekend.. a low budget horror extravaganza. When my son Ayden went to sleep, of course..

    In the past, I found some gems on Netflix worth watching again. Movies such as STITCHES, HAUNT, HAUNTER, and some others..

    It was a ‘low budget horror weekend’ in my house..


    I watched the movie PONTYPOOL last night for the first time in my life.. It was somewhat bizarre.. somewhat dull.. somewhat comical.. It’s a psychological horror about a disease infecting the town of Pontypool. The disease is the English language.. Most of the movie is from the basement of a church where a radio host Grant Mazzy narrates the end of his world.. Without giving away too much–as you may want to see it–the movie rated about a 3 out of 5 stars for me. It was slow, somewhat unnerving.. but for the most part it was finely made with the low budget that existed for it.. But there are some critical problems with it–as pointed out by the others who watched the movie with me and hated it. Maybe that’s why it ended up only making $1,500 during its opening night in Canada..


    Maybe the movie HOUSE OF THE DEVIL is more your cup of tea.. it is also slow and unnerving, but the build up suspense scenes are much more intense and well done. The film is based on the theory that Satanic ritual abuse was real in the 1980s. In this movie, a college student takes a job to ‘babysit’ .. she finds out there’s no baby and there won’t be much sitting either. What I found most well done about this movie was that, despite being made in 2009, the movie had an 80s feel. It felt like we were watching something from that decade.. the filmmakers, despite a low budget, still were able to find vintage Coke cups and used lighting effectively to make your mind think you were watching something filmed 30 years ago.. Perhaps the most frightening character for several reasons in HOUSE OF THE DEAD was the very tall Tom Noonan.