One of the scariest parts of Halloween is the plethora of terrible horror movies to watch during the month. So, I am here to let you know which ones are a must-watch and which are a flop.
“Halloween Kills” is the latest attempt by Hollywood to milk the already over-done Michael Myers series. In fact, this is the twelfth installment in the Halloween franchise, which stopped being good after the second movie. Even so, the last Halloween movie in 2018 somehow still grossed $255 million.
Despite its track record, I gave this new installment a chance, and when watching, I routinely had my hands clasped over my face in horror. Unfortunately, that horror was cringe-based.
“Halloween Kills” comes off as a try-hard slasher milking an already dead franchise. It tries to add a supernatural spin to Michael, making him all the stronger. However, this substantially reduces the realism behind him. What originally drew me to the movies was his human element and the horror of the idea that someone could actually kill with no remorse.
But with this added spin on Michael, he resembles more of an unstoppable killing machine than just a guy behind a mask. Combined with plot inconsistencies and questionable character decisions, “Halloween Kills” failed to keep me engaged.
I will admit, however, that the most entertaining part of this movie was watching the variety of ways the characters were slaughtered. This movie made me laugh, which is never what you really want in a slasher. 4/10
In this next film, there’s someone inside your house. Good thing most of us live in dorms and apartments.
This Netflix original follows a group of high school outcasts plagued by a mysterious killer who wears a 3-D mask of his next victim.
Considering this is yet another teenage slasher, I had low expectations going in. But “There’s Someone Inside Your House” (TSIY) surprised me with its unpredictable plot and self-aware social commentary.
The killer is calculated; he targets characters hiding secrets and exposes them to the school after “offing” them. My favorite part of the movie was its unexpected twist when revealing the killer’s identity. No spoilers, but this movie’s ending will keep you guessing.
However it was not all good; TSIY had notable plot holes, like the lack of cops and security with a mass serial killer on the loose. But overall, the movie was enjoyable and I was engaged the whole time. 7/10
Lastly, I watched the new Netflix special, “The Guilty” featuring Jake Gyllenhall. “The Guilty” is a psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat for its entirety. It rivets with intensity from start to finish.
It follows a former police detective, recently demoted to 911 phone-call operator. It takes place almost entirely in a Los Angeles 911 call center, following the story through the eyes of the main character, Joe Baylor.
This movie makes you think you know what is going on, until the final act which completely flipped the story on its head. Gyllenhall gave an amazing performance as always; his facial expressions told the story for you. Sometimes, the biggest thrill comes from what you don’t see.
It begins with Baylor answering a rather concerning call amidst general chaos in LA. It continues with him struggling to find help before eventually breaking the rules and shadily trying to play the hero.
“The Guilty” philosophically assesses the theme of morality and right versus wrong. Baylor breaks multiple rules and regulations, but all to help a distressed 911 caller. It reflects today’s chaotic world and the role that justice plays within it.
Rotten Tomatoes only gave this movie a 47% audience score, but I honestly do not care. This movie was one of Gyllenhall’s best performances. “The Guilty” perfectly executes its nail-biting story while offering a deeper message. 9/10
