Jimbo's top 13 movies for 2020

 What a crazy year for films in 2020. Despite theaters being closed p,lenty of movies still came out.  For my annual reader, I watched over 110 of those movies just so I can create this grandiose list. Now, for those who haven't seen my list before, I have a silly gimmick, where each I choose the best movie released from each month of the year with #13 being a wildcard. I do this gimmick due to the fact all the Oscar bait gets dropped in December, making most who create these lists forget about the flick that come out in the earlier 3/4s of the year.  The release date I choose is the widest American release, which usually means theaters. This year I had to flip coin about what was the bigger release between theaters or streaming service, since everyone is either hiding from the theaters or they're closed. 

Really appreciate those that check out the list. Hopefully, my list introduce you to movie you didn't know about. It would mean a bunch to leave a comment so I know whose seen and how they feel about the list. 

Jimbo's Top 13 movies for 2020

13. Never Rarely Sometimes Always (April) watch on HBOMax

by Eliza Hittman {American}

 This is a pretty important film for one to learn empathy in a cruel, difficult & stressful situation. I have fairly strong feelings about the film's political subject matter. It's easy to tell others what's right or wrong but this film gives one the best chance to walk in another one's shoes. The performances are pretty natural and makes one believe they're actual folks like a documentary. The film doesn't make the situation easy for the characters emotionally or logistically. They introduce loopholes in laws by crossing States, which does a great job of asking the question of it possibilities . I knew exactly how the film was going to end due to it being from Hollywood but the ups and downs with the perspective is what makes it stand out in 2020.

12. The Surrogate (June) watch on Starz

by Jeremy Hersh {American}

This film dealt with very similar subject as Never Rarely Sometimes Always, where a baby's life is on the line. The decision about the baby is almost in the background in the background compared to the hurricane, Jess(the main character), brings forth to everyone she tries to help. It's a frustrating tragedy because Jess is trying her best to be woke, non offensive and everyone's best friend but as she finds out she has to choose a side. Oddly, it reminded me of a much less violent version of Uncut Gems, where constantly the main character is making you feel stressed. I know some people similar to Jess, so it was fascinating seeing Jasmine Batchelor covers the character so well; I was almost having PTSD from when I had to interact with these hyperactive individuals. 

The factor that makes this film so interesting amongst other in 2020 is that she's not all the way wrong in her dilemma. She's in an emotional bind we can find ourselves in when we have everyone telling us we're wrong but we still want to prevail. It's not a good place to be in right or wrong. Issue is the main character is she fought to be a trailblazer while ignoring, who she may be blazing through in the process.  This creates an engrossing car crash, one can't stop watching. A great character analysis that isn't for everyone but certainly if you want to get an idea of what it's likely to be stressed by a caring person this is your movie. 

11. Extra Ordinary (March) watch on Showtime

by Mike Ahern & Enda Loughman {Irish}

Move over Ghostbusters here's Instruction Driver extraordinaire, Rose Dooley. This is a pretty fun comedy with some great superstitious elements. From the opening of the movie, it seemed like this movie was going to take it's horror factors seriously. The film balances tons of themes horror, love lost, romance and cheeky comedy. It was nice seeing Will Forte again being as goofy as ever. He might have been the worst part of the movie but by no means is that a bad thing. Definitely got quite a few good chuckles from the Forte but he was a tad over the top compared to the more low key Irish performances. My favorite factor of the movie was the mythical take. 

The effects were fairly convincing along with the characters, who gave plenty of reasons for the audience to anchor their investment in. Had plenty of fun watching this as the main character develop not only their relationships but their 'super-powers' I definitely enjoy the retro component the film inserts in it with the VHS like tape like footage; almost seemed like a documentary from the 80s about ghost I would've definitely been willing to watch. The chemistry between Barry Ward & Maeve Higgins was very genuine. It was a romance that with a horror twist, that I might not have cared for without said twist.   

10. Fukouka (August) watch on Amazon Prime

by  Lu Zhang {Chinese}

Lu Zhang writes an enthralling tail of two old Korean gentlemen bickering for almost 90 minutes. Doesn't sound great? On paper no. That's what makes Zhang's writing so excellent is that watching the film, I was definitely enticed in the chemistry of these two characters dealing with love lost guided by a ghost or whatever one sees her construct being. A lot of genuinely good cheeky dialogue between the trio was sprinkled throughout the film. The interesting aspect of this movie is not much is learned throughout the film yet much still oddly feels to be developed as the two main characters push each others characters back and forth. It was fun to see them push each others buttons. Probably some of my favorite writing of the year. Happy I got to see this and it's great that a South Korea film found a way on my list.

9. First Cow (July) watch on Showtime

by  Kelly Reichardt {American}

Don't these biscuit scream delicious? Practically the vision of these is worth watching the movie!

 A fantastic contemporary film that captures the initial stages of America. Almost a low key heist movie if that sounds exciting to audience. The film almost feels like it should be something coming off the history beside it having a lot more life and vigor then anything one would see one that channel. I appreciate how quaint the main plot was. A means of fighting to survive but not with over the top consequences like the Revenant. Also, the movie will make you hungry. Certainly worth checking out for the solid performances, adventure, and definitely if you're a history buff who enjoys their time pieces.

8. The Trial of the Chicago 7 (September) watch on Netflix

by Aaron Sorkin {American}

Trailer

Easily has the most exciting opening to a film from all of 2020. Definitely an exhilarating movie that gets one shaking their first at the man.  This film delves into the political aftermath of the protest during the 1968 Democratic Convention.  Easily my favorite attribute is the editing. The characters are cheeky and entertaining enough so plenty of giggles to be had in this somewhat relevant to life flick. Eddie Redmayne, John Carroll Lynch and Sacha Baron Cohen with others do an great job showing even though they have the same goals, they come from different diverse backgrounds with their personalities. Similar accolades go to the passionate lawyers portrayed by Joseph Gordon Levitt & Mark Rylance. Just a stellar ensemble, which peaks its characters at the right time instead of overwhelm their audience with a bunch of ridiculous characters the audience is supposed to equally love. Simply a credit to the editor for finding the correct balance from the amount that had to be respectfully place in this film. It's a reflection of the risks when standing up for what one believes in their heart and the emotional risk that come with it.

Now, I have my issues with the accuracy of this film because obviously an element of this film is how the cops are a mob and the judge was cartoonishly a klutz. Afterwards, there was support for some of these portrayal but it still didn't feel right. In the end this suspicion is a bigger credit to the movie since it still made my list despite these usual trepidation when going over real life events. I enjoyed the rapid story so much, the real repercussions of this film's influence didn't even matter. Watch it and get hooked.

7. The Taverna (October) watch on Hoopla

by Alkinos Tsilimidos {Austrailian}

Very reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding by the fact there's an ensemble cast of quirky characters all looking help out the film apparent main female character. Huge difference is our seemingly main protagonist isn't as clear cut as we may hope in other similar 'rom coms'. This bewitching story takes place all in one night, where the audience finds out all the characters aren't who their first appearances express them as. Still there is just enough information to put the pieces together of these individuals messes they call lives without being smacked on the head with said essential information. The revelation come off a bit more natural despite them all happening in one night. The fact the characters have underlying faults makes the film quite a bit more imperishable compared to others in this genre due to the character coming off more realistic to an extent. 

Actually don't think this would be a horrible play but as a film it does a great job capturing the quaint atmosphere of a small time restaurant with its well maintained production value. The restaurant patrons seems genuine, the food looks appealing, & it reminded of the time a worked at a restaurant especially with the cheap boss and the camaraderie that would come with the coworkers. This is definitely work checking out as a comedy that doesn't ask one to completely turn off their brain as most. Would certainly recommend the movie from it's fun dialogue, grounded development and plot turn around every corner.  

6. Wolfwalkers (November) watch on Apple +

by Tomm Moore, Ross Stewart {Ireland}

This movie was simply a beautiful art piece from the animation to the folktale like store to the music to the voice acting. Wouldn't have known about Apple streaming service if it wasn't for this film. This film definitely should earn it a bunch of subscribers from family families and adults. It's a pretty simple tale of nature vs society and prejudice vs understanding. The flick doesn't abuse the audience simply with horrible society is gives hope, adventure, and redemption through the main characters. Wolves are one of my favorite animals so it was an means of winning me over. Love the Irish/Scottish accent of the voice actors. Gave me a little bit of a Pocahontas feel with the theme of the characters being one with nature. It's great when animators take a step back to 2d and use new technology to go a different direction besides 3d; like what the Spiderverse team did. Simply mean for most who like to take a step back and have fun with fairytales. 

5. Guns Akimbo (February) watch on Amazon Prime

by Jason Lei Howden {New Zealand}

 Visual effects artist from such masterpieces as Lord of the Ring take the reigns as the director in this action pack film.  Very fitting with all the stunts and constant guns blazing, it's no wonder that Howden put together this crazy project. Can't make the claim that the special effects were flawless but that was definitely by design as what's happening is a practically a psuedo video game. 

 Everyone has definitely seen the memes to this ape s crazy film. For the gist, it's HOW'S 2020 GOING and then there's a pic of Daniel Radcliff in Bear claw slippers(which I want) and holding a gun in each hand, while having a disturbed look on his face. Despite this popular meme, I have not nearly heard enough people talking about this film like they should. Film reminded me a bit of Gamer, which I have a soft spot for but I know is trash. This film was a lot more cohesive than Gamer and as crass as Daniel Radcliffe was, I wanted his character to be successful. It also had a fun element, where Radcliffe's character needed to get the cops help but is put in a predicament, where they'll start shooting if he can't tell them the full story before approaching.

  This film had some great action, definitely something that goes along with this high concept film, similar to Running Man. I caught myself laughing a bunch at the ridiculous situations and would think most can find the same humor if they can handle the crassness of their Harry Potter doing said actions. Definitely a sleeper for 2020.

4. My Hindu Friend (Wildcard) watch on Amazon Prime

by Hector Babenco {Argentina}

Besides a few of the lower movies on my list, this is likely the least accessible but still highly recommend for those that have the patience, and have experience similar trauma as dealing with a difficult ailment. Now, I haven't but I felt this film did a stellar job of placing me in the mindset of someone who has. Wilem Dafoe character's life was someone's I couldn't quite empathize with being a draft dodger to Brazil and then becoming filmaker. It's why this film won me due to its abstract nature. Usually I get upset when a film leaves it's story up to your definition. This film did not. It asserts the story it's telling is one of an ailing memory.

 It's fascinating to put into film how our memory works. It doesn't work in a linear concrete voyage. I related to this type of nebulous story since it's how my memory works. In and out with grandiose moments standing out is how our recalls events in general. That relationships Dafoe has with the child was touching, his wife heartbreaking, and the death/devil's advocate character thought provoking. If you are open to a mind trip that gives a chance to be empathetic than this the one on my list to check out. 

3. Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (December) watch on Netflix

by George C. Wolfe {America}

To say this presents powerful performances is an understatement. Viola Davis(as always) and Chadwick Boseman act brilliantly. Since taking an introduction of Rock & Roll, I've always been a huge fan of Muddy Waters, the father of the blues. So it was great to finally get a riveting sample of the mother of the blues. It was enticing to see Viola Davis give another non apologetic superb portrayal of Ma Rainey. As soon as I saw her first appearance of her mascara running but still belching her full heart out, I fell in love. Ma Rainey was in a position of power when most were clawing for appropriate accreditation as shown by the bands conversations. The dialogue did an amazing job illustrating the individuals problems without becoming over barring. 

 It was pretty impressive to see Ma take the reigns of her all male band or the tout producers. She became a prig due to her longstanding fame but she also stood up for individuals, who needed help. It's a great dynamic that doesn't just give a simplistic one dimensional character that usually is seen when looking to an inspiring figure. The back and back forth between the band members lead by Chadwick Boseman revealed a lot of problems, successes, and trepidations different individuals in the same community dealt. There was proud, trapped, fighting, anger, and hopeful to say the least. I was glued to these emotions and dialogues revealing these individuals' past without going into blunt diatribes. Last and one of the biggest reasons the flick made my list is the music is simply jamming. 

2. Deerskin (May) watch on Amazon Prime

by Quentin Dupieux {French}

This French flick I've barely heard a thing about and it's quite disappointing at how lowkey the attention this film is getting. The movie is right down my alley and for those who can handle their off key dark comedies I expect it to be right down there's. A lot of movies happen to fall in plot, that have already done a million times over and over. Not necessary their faults. Simply just can't be helped when there's only so many stories being told. The unique plot is what grabbed me about this film. It's a very narrow plot of a mad loner trying to obey his beloved Deerskin coat but the simple plot continues to escalating into exciting events. 

I could see one in the wrong mood thinking this movie being stupid but I was delighted with every goofy turn due this movie took. When the film a ended, I had a humongous smile on my face. Now, I have to be sure to check out french filmaker, Quentin Dupieux's other work like Rubber. A great foreign that I surely don't see being talked about enough that is worth seeing if you got Amazon Prime. 

1. Weathering with You (January) watch on HBO Max

by Makoto Shinkai {Japan}

One of the first few movies I saw throughout the year and it definitely held up. Makoto Shinkai creates another romance fantasy, that had fun characters, breathtaking story and grand imagination. Not a 100% sure but this be one of the only animes I saw in theaters besides Pokemon in grade school. The animation was delightful; everything seemed so grounded despite there existing a magical element. The main character is dealing with such extreme trepidation but Shinkai does a great job of creating a emotions to anchor the audience in a predicament where they would be lock in and invested throughout the whole crazy story. 

 The story does a great job of enticing the viewers with duo enigmas of either protagonist's backgrounds. There's plenty of kooky characters that keep our protagonist on his toes as he comes to realization about the consequences for his action. This flick has a great combo of fantasy but grounded where a lot of the sequences that can take place in real life. More than happy to put this as #1 and satisfied to have catch it in theaters before they shut them down.

Past list: 2009 X 2010 X 2011 X 2012  X 2013 X 2014 X 2015 X 2016 X 2017 x 2018 x 2019

Random Special Notes

Best Short movie – Old Maid

Best Male performance – Chadwick Boseman(Ma Rainey)

Best Female performance - Riley Keough(Lodge)

Worst Movie – Dalton Gang

Low budget but even lower standards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mBCohB8heM

31 Spooky movies I survived this October

 

1. Sleepy Hollow - Starting of my 31 days of Spooky Movies with Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow. Atmosphere is great! The story is a bit contrived but Burton still creates great spooky visuals, that are worth admiring. I do think the cartoon short is better. 

    

   
    

2. Coco - Not the spookiest movie but with Dia de Los Muertos, it fits my 31 days of spooky movies. The music is fantastic! I also love the creativity in how they make this dim existence into a festive climate especially with the alebrijes!The movie holds such vibrant colors that makes the most of its settings for sure. The idea of making an impact while your alive so that one can hold on to their existence in passing is somewhat inspirational.  Only nitpick is how it gets a little typical with the ending of the antagonist defeat but I guess I can't get too deep into that without spoilers. 

3. Clockwork Orange - Very disturbing film. A philosophical discussion of who deserves to lose their right of choice. McDowell plays a despicable creature who isn't worthy of redemption but that creates the question; does Alex deserve the mental torture? A lot horrifyingly unforgettable visuals get ingrained in one's brain due to this film like Alex being forced to watch the condition videos for hours on end and the multiple individuals they attack for no distinct reason. Kubrick is a legend with this uncomfortable material.

4. Hostel - Haven't seen this one in a long time. My uncle took me to see this by my request when it was in theater. At that point, I've seen plenty of gory movies but not much sex/nudity. My uncle was very appalled for my sake when he saw how much nudity the movie had. Guess gore is more acceptable than sex because it's more fantasy while sex is more something we're likely to deal with. I remember liking the movie. At the time I compared it to Saw due to the gore. Big difference is Saw had a lot more substance but that faded away as the sequels went on; at least I made it to the 3rd Saw. Didn't even make it to the 2nd Hostel, which I will now do soon. Before I saw Hostel, I had no idea what a hostel was. So, it didn't make me necessarily paranoid of hostels just paranoid of the idea of traveling alone. Can't say that stopped me though. Hostel presents one of those situations, where it's super obvious that everyone is trying to screw the protagonist over but they have no choice then to trust them due to the protagonist being the out of their element majorly. I've only traveled to a foreign country once (I want to do it more), but no way would I go to a hostel. This is not cause what the movie presents but due to one being so vulnerable in so many other ways like rooming with strangers especially when I find Air BnBs to be such a great option. The movie itself doesn't hold much rewatchability goes. Eli Roth does a good crafting the movie but nothing much more to admire. The movie escalates at a good pace setting the audience in this world of despair and paranoia. The gore is done well with grounded practical effects. I remember when I was younger, I was making a lot of odd cultural assumptions about Germans and Japanese in the film. Even though it was in Amsterdam, there were nazis becoming active and how Japanese can't handle any faults, so they must kill themselves. The kid gang is an odd wrench but they don't change the tone of the movie much. Maybe the opposite. Due to all the elements being so alien, the kid gangs even makes it scarier cause Americans aren't used to kids running around in gangs; at least that young.

    I want to make note of the order of the victims. I would think the naive one would be the one who is saved due to them being right about being cautious. Which is fine due to my expectations being reversed. The most notable scene is Rick Hoffman's scene, where he gives the viewers a perspective of the torturers. Beforehand, these were all monsters and now he gives a point of view which could be seen as possible for a human being to have. The ending where the three guides get runover is satisfying but a little goofy when the villains have no qualms for running over civilians but will stop, so the kids can set up a trap. Recommend a viewing for once and awhile but don't set your standards high. Perfect for an annual spooky films series.

5. Hostel 2 - Why even follow the characters from the first one if you're going to kill them off right away? The ol' Alien 3 kind of sequel; can't afford the actors so you kill them off immediately.Not sure how a studio can't afford Jay Hernandez.

    Same hostel(location), same Pulp Fiction, same manager, different lighting...odd; this sequel was recommended by a friend so hopefully this one offers something different. The lighting in Hoste 2 really bothers me. Why'd the timid guy even agree to this? I don't understand his character. Is he so beta to get 'talked' into this? Hope there's a twist with him. Why would the hostel folks give him a saw with the cord too short when they know where it has to reach? Like the chair is always in the same some. How inconvenient. Wah Wah.  Ooh, I guess there may be a twist the beta torturer. Good was getting bored with how black and white the main protagonists were. 

   Why did I watch Hostel 2? Wasn't a good story, wasn't any entertaining gore, and I don't mind the women empowerment deal but it literally took up 5 minutes of the film and I think it was supposed to be the theme of the whole movie. What a waste.

6. Silent Hill  

    

    - Silent Hill is one of my spooky favorite flicks and I don't even play the video games. Great atmosphere, effects, and it's fun trying to figure the hidden analogies.  Also, Pyramid Head is a great monster for everyone to run from. I know I'd be scared if I saw him in real life.  Most definitely recommend.

7. Audition 

   

    - Been awhile since I've watched this. Makes one go over some messed up morals in their brain. Producer was definitely out of line using his job like that but gal has no business doing what she's just cause of her past.  The movie does a great job of getting it's viewers lost in this reality, where can't put their finger on the plot. Not sure that'll work with most. Not the best horror film but a still a very intriguing story with some good nightmare fuel that won't leave one's brain easily.

8. Chopping mall - Great blast from the 80s.  It's as if Chopping Mall knew it would be a time capsule for the 80s from the mall to the 'futuristic' clothes to the clothes to the attitudes. Some neat deaths but somewhat of a boring affair for a movie about killer robots.  There is a head explosion that's worth seeing. Funny to see how the mall was shown to be the aspiration of the future while their 'modern' technology was the killer. A little bit ironic I guess. Fun slasher but may have been better if it was cut down to half the time. 

9. Hocus Pocus - A children's classic that I didn't watch as a child. Just enjoy how much fun the three witches were having despite being so naive to everything. Watching it I did like the tidbit I caught, where the fountain they use is the same one as the one in the Friend's opening song. I don't have much interest in the sequel but I'm sure it will be a nice little bonus for Disney + fans. Thought the design of the zombie chasing the kids was pretty neat especially since there was a point to having his lips sewn tight. Nice little twist towards the end when he gets the knife. Certainly recommend but not really one of my favorites like Monster Squad.
   

10. Nosferatu -

    

     This was a first time viewing, thanks to a friends help getting access to Amazon Prime. Really interesting take on the reasoning for the victims being a part of a infectious pandemic, probably stemming from the Spanish Flu they were just dealing with. Some of course, momentous visuals that many following horror movies stemmed their ideas from. Love how they went all out for the Dracula design while the characters treat him as if he's the romantic suave Dracula, we see in future films like Bela Legosi's portrayal of Dracula.  This is a must watch! May be best to watch with others as a silent viewing demands special focus.
    

11. 9 -  

    
    

    9 wasn't bad but I didn't get the point of the story. The means the characters were taken was scarier than most horror movies although I wouldn't label this as a horror film. Enoyed the style and the art but once enough of that is admired, I figured I'm not that invested in the story to keep invested.  Not sure kids would take it well if it was supposed to be a kids movie. Wouldn't recommend but still a perfect viewing for my 31 spooky movies for Halloween.

    
    

12. 30 days of night - Perfect timing especially with the snow coming while I was watching the movie. Does anyone remember Josh Hartnet being a thing? He wasn't bad. Not sure why he faded away. The vampires were great in this. Almost coming off as black and white due to their pale skin with the blood contrast. Story wasn't amazing but I definitely enjoy the concept of these monsters biding their time for a town's timing of pure darkness, which they're quite used to. I was fond of the commodity in the town and how the characters had a strong contrast when the s hit the fan. Certainly recommend. Also I want to point out that I always think of the band Bleeding Through since their album The Truth looks just like 30 Days of Night Poster.

    

    
    

13. Prodigy 2018 - eh. Crazy girl with super powers on low budget. Nothing really happened in the movie. The movie literally all takes place in one room. I don't mind subtle movies but this only had one thing to reveal and it was that the ginger girl loved her mom. Whoopideedo! Boring with okay actors; they were trying their best...maybe.

14. Brooklyn vs Vampires - Basically if stranger things took place in NY.  Not as sterotypical or schlocky as I was thinking with a vs title. Really not the best movie but harmless and fun nonetheless. Appreciated the themes of activism the movie was trying to push without but being forceful.  Not sure if I'd recommend it one really wouldn't regret this flick if they clicked play on Netflix.
    

15. Face Your Fear - An anthology of shorts on Amazon Prime. Half of them were worth watching. I really liked the middle two 'Aftermath'(a dystopian story dealing with trust) and 'The Last time I saw Richard'(a flick handling the matters of mental disability).  Remember it being about an hour so I would certainly advocate my reader to check this out. Not sure it fit as part of my spooky film series but still worth a watch anyways. 

16. The Shed - An awkward vampire flick, where 30 year olds portrayed high schoolers throwback; somewhat. Not sure I'll watch again; super shlocky and silly but not in an entertaining way.  Called most plot point as it's taking from most high schoolers finding a monster movie.

17. Hell House LLC - Fantastic premise, was super invested in the movie; silly ending though.

18. Aterrados/Terrified - Love the creature designs, the characters were all nonsensical though.

19. Nightmare before Christmas - Simply a classic; Boogy Woogy man is fantastic.

20. Poltergeist - Another classic; forgot about the tree almost eating the boy; maybe I blocked it because it was messed up. Casting coach as the dad is so perfect. Not quite a badass but manly enough to stand up for his family when need to against the ghost. There's rumors that this flick was Tobe Hooper's in name only. I could definitely see were Hooper may have had his influence like the clown or the crazy but it wouldn't surprise me if Spielberg had more control with how the family characters are written and how they worked together to defeat the ghost. Actually a scene most horror movies can learn from is when the family is all crashing downstairs and the mom & Doctor have a moment to connect. It's really simple but in the same notes let's the audience know these characters are simple human beings and what's at stake. It's impressive how the most standout character of Tangina is in it for such a short time. Quite a performance Zelda Rubinstein puts on as you can't if she's their savior or the family downfall. Even after they leave, one can't be sure if set the family up or not.
    

21. Bye Bye Man - Visuals are okay, nice to see the gal, who played Trinity. Just not a fan of movies where nothing makes a difference as far as what the characters do about the haunting. Lot of laughable moments but still not as funny as Alien Covenant. Literally the rules are flat out explained to the characters and they infuriatingly ignore them every chance they get. Audience is practically rooting for their death by the time they get to the end.
    

22. Mayhem - Great concept; especially fun to watch during a pandemic. Have actually been admiring Steven Yeun's work post Walking Dead. No innocents here, which makes Steven's character even more relatable as we all want to go after our boss when we know for sure there's a conspiracy to ruin our career; despite the lack of proof.  Fun revenge on boss fantasy with a great violent twist. Most definitely recommend.  
    

23. Basket Case – I feel like there were restraints on the filmakers such as budget but these guys put care in the film. The actors were performers and wouldn't surprise me if they were from the theater. The special effects weren't immaculate but they definitely get the job done. Not a perfect movie but good to watch in a group setting maybe for some spoon tossing at the corniness.
    

24. The Lodge - From the same filmmakers as the Goodnight Mommy, comes this psychological thriller. Probably my favorite of the newer viewing for my 31 spooky movies for Halloween. There were a couple quips about realism but I was invested in the psychological downfall of those trapped in the Lodge. The filmmaker definitely has mother issues, which works into the film. Reminded me of lighthouse a bit due to the isolation plot. Would recommend if you have a good suspension of disbelief.

25. See No Evil -  

    
    

    Pretty garbage flick that essentially is ripping off the Friday the 13th background with a little bit of TCM tossed in there. Glen Jacobs makes a great monster naturally with his size and scary demeanor.  A huge issue is they give him the most basic wardrobe; nothing compared to those that he's in competition with as far as other slashers go. Although the fact, he takes the eyes from his victims is very unique and memorable. He may have been able to do something more with the eyes than just toss them in jars but aw well. I just hated the color scheme of this movie; where everything had some shade of potato sack brown. The gore can't even pop. What's the point of having a slasher movie then? I mostly just like seeing Kane in action. The victims were annoying but I guess that's the point, so the kills are more satisfying. Certainly worth watching for my 31 spooky films!

26. See No Evil 2 - I mean the color scheme was better. The blood and gore certainly stood out amongst the background. Wish Kane didn't have to put on a mask. He looked more memorable with the hole in his face but the crew might not have had the budget to keep it the whole movie. Sad he didn't keep taking eyes. That was my favorite part of the mythos. Just thought I might as well watch it since I saw the first one.

     The way they defeated Jacob Goodnight is much more satisfying in the 1st one. Also, the whole empty morgue deal didn't make sense. At least there can be an explanation for Kane & his mom creating a deadzone at the hotel. At the morgue it makes no sense besides the paranormal entities working to bring Goodnight alive also kept his victims trapped. If you don't mind the first one might as well watch this one. I at least liked this sequel more than the Hostel sequel.
    

27. Mandy - Man, so tough to fully comprehend at all times what's happening in this film. Think that's a good thing. For me disorientation in movies can be super frustrating or super refreshing. Here I find it refreshing but I'm still not sure. Who was the fat guy that got pulled away when the freaks break into Cage's & Mandy's home? Love the whole initiation of this film is the psycho just seeing Mandy walking home. So nuts but I guess that's the idea that this cult leader gets what he wants at the smallest indication.

     Just a hay fever when Mandy and Jeremiah's face becomes one. I feel like I could separate them easily beforehand but wasn't quite sure when it was happening. Also, when I heard Jeremiah's song, I found it so pretty and mesmerizing. I swear it was a real song beforehand. Still find it absolutely nuts how invested this nut is at a slight sighting. So funny how he becomes offended at Mandy's livelihood when she rejects him immediately at the mere sight of him.  Not quite the reciprocation, he was hoping for. The film emulates pure madness but also having seen so many others thrive on impulse alone, not the most shocking. 

    The 80s wallpaper(not sure the point but screams isolation, loneliness and desolation), the extreme amount of vodka, the tiger shirt(which I want) share so much rage and pain when Cage is originally crashing. All the vicious kills are so ludicrous, heinous and disturbing that Cage is delving out but feels so justified for how they did Mandy. 

    Not sure what to make of the ending of Mandy. I like the idea of the story taking place in another world but not sure what difference it makes as everything for the most part could've easily took place on earth. I don't mind something fresh to think about though.

28. Summer of 84 - 

    
    

     Um, I thought this was a different movie, where the 4 friends are murdering each other. Definitely not that though. Not far into it, it's clear it's more akin to Disturbia/Clovehitch Killer type movie. Enjoying the movie so far. It's made well with likeable characters. I get that it's supposed to be a throwback, hence the name but it does not really stand out from the typical over their head teenager trying to find a killer movie. What stinks about these movies is it very likely has to be the individual, the teens are chasing the whole movie. That's who the whole story is built up for. Could be a random Joe Blow but it would be out of nowhere. Still could be fun movie but usually nothing more than background noise as far as plot goes.

     Not sure how I feel about the ending of Summer of 84. It's different but not quite satisfying. The idea of fear does sink in of not know the future but stinks it's not conclusive. Wonder if they can or should do a sequel. A big plus is they actually got teenagers to play teenagers unlike the Shed. Not really one I'd recommend but one wouldn't regret it clicking play if they come across it.
    

29. Shining - Definitely a classic. When I first watched I didn't enjoy so much since Jack seemed to turn so quickly without much of a transition but the more I watch it, the more I appreciate jt from filmaking techniques to the madness that ensure as things fall apart. Always loved Jack Nicholson's performance though. In hindsight, Dick should've definitely brought in the sheriffs when he went to the resort. I mean it wasn't just a hunch but the sheriffs lost contact with the hotel when Jack cutoff the radio so it would've been seen as a better safe than sorry scenario. Cool that they setup how well Danny knew the maze to trap his dad in towards the end. Clever

30. Doctor Sleep - Surprisingly liked this movie more than I thought when I first saw it. It's no Shining but it certainly had me hooked when it did it's own thing. Of course it has to reference the Shining but the member berries got overwhelming toward the end. Also, seemed dumb Danny didn't have a better plan than return to the hotel. I mean Danny took almost all of Rose's friends by herself. Of course the unwieldy ghost would go after him. Guess he's lucky they attacked Rose first.

31. Better Watch Out - A surprising flick I haven't heard of. Not sure to call it cheeky or black comedy but to best describe it's a home invasion movie that isn't typical. Should've watched something classical for my final flick but this will leave a lasting impact.