When a movie with a similar premise and name of a 1990s classic is released, comparisons become inevitable. Director Calmatic, along with writers Jamal Olori and Stephen Glover, have wisely crafted their own unique take on House Party instead of presenting a carbon copy. For better or for worse, their version is distinct enough to … Continue reading Review: ‘House Party’: An Often Hilarious yet Subpar Remake
The Idol – Episode 1 – “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales” Recap
The controversial Sam Levinson and Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. “The Weeknd,” feel like a match made in heaven. They both love Hollywood glitz. They often explore the darker sides of sex and pleasure. Neither hits 100% with their target audiences. You would argue they often alienate their fans. Yet at the same time, both find ways … Continue reading The Idol – Episode 1 – “Pop Tarts & Rat Tales” Recap
Review: ‘Motion Detected’ Fails to Deliver the Scares
The era of smart tech is upon us in horror films. Scream (2022) showed a character fighting off her attacker with a smart lock. Video surveillance in Paranormal Activity led to truly grueling scares. Meg3n embraced a killer AI doll and seems poised for sequels. The fears of AI and a digital world are primed … Continue reading Review: ‘Motion Detected’ Fails to Deliver the Scares
Review: ‘Shooting Stars’ – The Origins of LeBron James Feels Too Basic
The story of LeBron James becoming a borderline superhero has long been passed down. The multi-hyphenate mogul burst onto the basketball scene while still in high school. His team was among the best in the nation, and his friends were bonafide stars in Ohio basketball. While James and St. Vincent-St. Mary achieved glory, a documentary … Continue reading Review: ‘Shooting Stars’ – The Origins of LeBron James Feels Too Basic
Bela Lugosi’s Undead Podcast – ‘Skinamarink, Deadstream, and Found Footage in 2023’
We love us some found footage, and Skinamarink gives us a perfect reason to do so. We also loop in the discussion of Found Footage as a subgenre, including some of its highs and lows. 2022's Deadstream and 2023's The Outwaters also make appearances. Right now, the state of the subgenre is good and serves … Continue reading Bela Lugosi’s Undead Podcast – ‘Skinamarink, Deadstream, and Found Footage in 2023’
Review: ‘The Boogeyman’ – The Stephen King Adaptation Treads Familiar Ground, But Creates Empathy
Stephen King sure loves to write monsters. The creatures that populate his universes thrive on our insecurities. Whether they be killer alien clowns, a shapeshifter, or a creature of the night, King pulls at emotional threads to elicit reactions. Sure enough, The Boogeyman follows a similar path. Yet with uniquely sympathetic and relatable characters, The … Continue reading Review: ‘The Boogeyman’ – The Stephen King Adaptation Treads Familiar Ground, But Creates Empathy
X (Ten) Thoughts While Watching Fast X
The Fast and the Furious film franchise began way back in 2001. Since then, characters have come and gone. Timelines have been jumbled and rearranged. Physics have become increasingly ignored, and any logic is pushed aside in favor of nitrous-boosted action. Moreover, a diverse cast and a message of family are themes that have greatly … Continue reading X (Ten) Thoughts While Watching Fast X
‘Ted Lasso’ – Season Finale – “So Long, Farewell” Recap
The team behind Ted Lasso has played the finale of season 3 close to the chest. Is this the end of the series? Or simply a moment to change the trajectory of the show? Jason Sudeikis proves his value once again, but the show draws on its expansive ensemble. Everyone has moments to shine, but … Continue reading ‘Ted Lasso’ – Season Finale – “So Long, Farewell” Recap
Review: ‘Influencer’ – A Follower From Hell Thriller
The world of social media mints and reshapes celebrities daily. Some find their fifteen minutes, while others launch long-term brand collaborations. Yet this also opens the door for parasocial relationships. A new Shudder thriller, Influencer seeks to capitalize on this idea. Set around social media, Influencer serves as a fun thriller. While it has little … Continue reading Review: ‘Influencer’ – A Follower From Hell Thriller
The “Creed” Trilogy: Saying Goodbye to Legends while Establishing New Legacies
The past does not quite stay in the past. Efforts can be made to ignore or forget painful memories and adverse moments associated with it. However, these experiences form the fabric of individuality. Furthermore, how is a legacy established without a full understanding and acceptance of the past? The Creed franchise began in 2015. It … Continue reading The “Creed” Trilogy: Saying Goodbye to Legends while Establishing New Legacies