Review: Child’s Play: Let the Luddite Rebellion Begin

Chucky’s movies in relation to horror movie history came at the tail end of the 1980’s slashers zenith. Just eight short years later Scream (1996) was creating satire about a dying genre and kicking off the era of the high school dramas. The original is bad. I sincerely suggest that everyone go back and watch it as an adult. The blood tinted glasses of your 6-year-old self are much less glamourous on second glance. With that said, when I saw the trailers for this movie, I swore to myself that I would not see it. It is the nerd in me crying for more Mark Hammill (voice of Chucky) and my not so secret love of my goth queen Aubrey Plaza (Karen Barclay) that drew me into the theater.

 

I sit down with low expectations. Then as the movie starts in a factory, you mean to tell me that writer Tyler B Smith got rid of the hokey magic storm that transformed a sociopath into a doll? With workers in horrible conditions in Vietnam being berated by their demanding boss, wait are they making subtle commentary on the working conditions for manual laborers overseas? As they explain how Buddi dolls can control all your devices around the home, hold up, the whole premise is built on the rising fear of technological innovation and automation? Do I sense Luddite like fears and a subtle call backs to Frankenstein in this film? Also, ladies and gentlemen did Jordan Peele seriously change a genre forever?

Not only does this movie have a purpose but the character builds allow us to develop feelings for the some of the more heartfelt victims. An example of this is in the lovable but blunt Doreen (Carlease Burke), mother of the detective Mike (Brain T Henry) whom share a meal together every Sunday. The movie also foreshadows the satisfying demise of the creepy janitor Gabe (Trent Redekop) and the cheating husband Shane (David Lewis) who for some reason thinks that it is manly to bully a small child.

The slasher genre needs predictability to keep the audience safe in the face of extreme trauma. Yes, trauma is the right word for this movie. The gore was purposeful and AMAZING! Severed limbs, hangings, automated cars killing grandmas, and even a lawn mower scene. Did I mention that Chucky is a practical affect MIXED with CGI not a completely CGI’d mess? Which creates this organic robotic feel to the character and makes my horror loving heart swell with the possibilities for the future. As a slasher not only did this movie have purpose it was masterfully put together by Lars Klevberg. A virtually unknown director. Before this film he had directed a couple shorts that he wrote, and directed himself. He also released another movie that was meant to be distributed back in 2017 by the former Weinstein entertain company which for obvious reasons did not release this film to domestic or international audiences. Just this year, the long delayed Polaroid was released overseas. After seeing what Klevberg did with Child’s Play (2019). I have to see what the burgeoning director has in store for us outside of this iconic killing machine, pun intended.

This movie isn’t perfect. It’s a slasher and by its very nature it is cheesy, predictable, and dependent on silly actions by the cast. Complaining about the set up of a slasher is like complaining about space wizards in Star Wars. It’s a slasher movie, it is meant to be fun and give you cool kills. Child’s Play (2019) delivers on that promise and much more. I’d say that the general audience may be disappointed in this film as it is a hokey slasher but if you are a horror fan seeking either gory kills OR depth I think there is enough to keep you entertained.

Grade: B+

Keep it spooky!

Movie Review: The Wind Does a lot of things Right but Falls Short

Lizzy (Caitlin Gerald) and Issac (Ashley Zuckerman) Macklin seek adventure, solitude and self-sufficiency as they begin their new lives in the western frontier. Life is hard but the two have each other which is seemingly all they need. Something strange begins to happen to Lizzy after she becomes pregnant. She begins to hear knocking on the door, candles being blown out and demonic fire lighting itself in the fireplace. When Lizzy loses the baby during delivery, she buries her bible with their unborn baby. Saying that little Samuel will use it far more then she will.

The Macklin’s try to pick up the pieces of their new life as they continue to persevere. One day Isaac comes back to the cabin and says that new neighbors have moved in about a mile away. Lizzy excited to no longer be alone in these open plains with the wind excitedly invites their new neighbors over for dinner. There’s something strange about Emma (Julia Goldani Telles) and Gideon (Dylan McTee) Harper though. The Macklin’s state that if they were in the city, they would choose to remain strangers. The Harpers are also ill prepared for their new frontier life and seek help from the Macklin’s to get their cabin in order before the winter comes upon them.

Isaac and Lizzy use their strength to help get the new neighbor’s ready for winter. During the long hours they spend at the Harpers Lizzy notices that Emma seems too friendly with Isaac. One-night Gideon storms over to the Macklin home screaming that Emma is ill. Lizzy rushes over to check in on Emma. Emma is mumbling something as she lies under the bed in a fetal position. Lizzy listens closely and Emma is saying that someone is trying to take her baby away. When Lizzy asks if Emma is pregnant Emma responds yes.

Over the next few months, Emma slowly seems to be losing her mind and one night ends up with a shot gun shell to the face. This event seems to bring the evil of the plain’s demons to Lizzy’s front door. With Gideon and Isaac off to sell the cabin in town, Lizzy is left alone with the sound of the wind and the plains demon.

A western, a possession movie and a decent into madness. The Wind is a beautifully shot movie that shows potential for greatness. It portrays the untold story of women during this period. The unsung story from most westerns, what it is like on the frontier when the men left the women as they took off on an adventure across the plains. What was it like for them to fend for themselves with nothing but the wind. Unfortunately, the movie falls short due to pacing issues and unnecessary scenes that were meant to build suspense but lack the substance to keep the viewer engaged. When director Emma Tammi decides to turn on the horror she does so masterfully. The scenes in the movie that keep you on the edge of your seat are done to perfection and the mystery of the plains demons is intriguing and full of religious symbolism. This depth could be fun to explore with subsequent viewings. It is a letdown though that between these moments of terror and suspense there is a break neck back and forth between a distant past, a recent past and the present. During the scenes taking place in the present you are lulled you into a stupor and towards the end of the movie are left with little feelings for any of the characters when in retrospect, we had enough time to learn more. The run time of this movie is only 86 minutes but feels closer to 2 hours. There is a need a movie like this to build suspense but there isn’t enough love for any of the characters to keep me invested in whatever happens to them. Which leaves us wondering what this movie could have been. More importantly though is a genuine desire to see more from Emma Tammi in the future.

The movie is entertaining and if you have the patience and if you liked films like The VVitch, this movie might scratch that same itch. If you are looking for a cerebral historic horror this movie has enough to make it worth the price of admission. Otherwise, you’ll probably be put to sleep during the lulls which are far too often and lacked the intrigue of character development to keep you interested.

Review: ‘The Little Stranger’ is a Cerebral, Non-Terrifying Horror

A middle-aged doctor in a rural town meets with a patient who is part of the Ayres family. Unbeknownst to the family, Doctor Faraday’s (Domhnall Gleeson) mother used to work at the manor when times were better. Young Roderick Ayres (Will Poulter) heir to the Ayres estate suffers from an injury to the leg and face that he obtained while fighting in WW2. Dr. Faraday takes it upon himself to execute an experimental electrode shock therapy allowing him to write up a research report on the findings. It turns out that Faraday, although interested in the research, shows interest in spending time with the young Ms. Caroline Ayres (Ruth Wilson) as well. During one of his visits, Caroline inquires whether Faraday can examine her brother’s mental state. The boy says that he is hearing things in the house…

The story begins to grow dark as the Ayres attempt to have guests to the house one night and a young girl, a guest of the Ayres, is mauled by the family dog. Forcing Dr. Faraday to put the dog down. Then Roderick burns down the family’s bookshelf in a drunken rage. Forcing the family to send him away to a psychiatric hospital. One by one, something dark and strange is pushing this family to the brink of destruction. The only question is, who is The Little Stranger?

The Little Stranger is a movie that dips its toes into the river of many different genres. It is a period piece (taking place in the 1950’s), a horror movie, and a mystery. At times it even has a bit of a romance story as well. This theatrical tactic in other movies can feel a bit too much to take on for many films, but where others have failed The Little Stranger succeeds. In The Little Stranger, each genre the movie touches becomes necessary to the plot. All of these different genres aren’t just in the film to give the movie flair or appeal to the audience. They all have purpose and meaning. Without each piece, the movie would not fit together.

For instance, the era allows Faraday’s premature pursuit of marriage to the aging beauty Caroline Ayres seem more palatable to the viewer then if it was to take place today. The 1950’s was a time in which women were viewed as strange or “off” if she was not married with children at the age of Caroline Ayres. Even though the film still portrays Faraday’s pursuit as very aggressive and unwanted, showing Caroline crying on the sofa at the thought of being betrothed to the stoic doctor, it doesn’t seem as farfetched or inappropriate in the time period.

One of the best parts of the picture is the cinematography. The shots in this movie are beautifully done, capturing the beauty of this rural town in England, building on the budding romance of Faraday and Ms. Caroline Ayres and even the more horrifying aspects of the film perfectly.

The acting is phenomenal as Gleeson carries the film (as perusal). The range that he portrays allows the viewer to be sucked into the story. It allows for the twists and turns to catch you off guard. The entire cast is brilliant with Ruth Wilson playing the logic, smart and beautiful Ms. Ayres well. The slow descent into madness as The Little Stranger torments her and then again into clarity where she takes action. I also want to shout out Liv Hill, a budding young actress with only 5 credits on IMDB. Her role was minor as the maid Betty but is clearly a rising star as a support character in this film. Although Betty’s role was minor, you felt connected to her in a unique way. She wasn’t a part of the family and serves as an audience avatar, experiencing this horror unfold in front of her with no way of stopping it. Poor Betty, stuck along for the ride.

Even so, the movie is far from perfect, and not for everyone. At times the film drags, and if you’re looking for terrifying “haunt your nightmares” scares or intense bloody kills, this movie is not for you. The Little Stranger is more of a cerebral thriller. It is a story about class envy, love and the loss of a bygone era of aristocrats, as well as the rise of a new middle class. It is an almost perfect analogy for where we are in the western world. This can best be portrayed in the way that the stairs in the movie are shot. Gleeson’s character Dr. Faraday is always looking up wishing to find his way to the top of the stairs. He envy’s the Ayres so much that his entire life becomes engulfed in this nightmare.

Overall, if you enjoy a good cerebral mystery, this movie is a must see in a time when there really isn’t much out there right now. It’s a little long, coming in at just under 2 hours, but I’d say that the movie overall is generally worth the time and money if you want to leave the theatre thinking.

Grade: B-  

The Movies Don’t Make Psychos: The Remaining Horror Movies in 2018 – Part 1

Don’t let the normies tell you any different. The leaves are beginning to change colors, the wind is beginning to howl and the nights are getting shorter. That’s right my creepy little friends, the Halloween season is upon us.

What does that mean for our readers at We Bought a Blog? Well, I’m about to tell you! Calm down, take a seat in your blood red chair next to the roaring fireplace and light the black candle next to you on your human leather coffee table. To kick off the Halloween season, I’m releasing a couple posts about the horror movies that look interesting from now to the end of 2018.

2018 still holds many solid horror movies from classic reboots to cult classics. Let’s start by taking a look at what I think will be the most interesting movies coming out in August.

SUMMER OF 84

Released: 8/10/2018

Directors: Francois Simard, Anouk Whissel (Turbo Kid)

Notable Cast: Graham Verchere (Fargo), Tiera Skovbye (Riverdale), Rich Sommer (Mad Men)

Release Method: Very Limited Theaters, VOD (Vudu, Amazon Prime)

Horror Genre: Mystery Thriller/Serial Murderer

Synopsis: A horror movie harkening back to the popular 80’s nostalgia with a twist. Instead of going into too much detail here, I’ll send you to our review by Alan French.

Personal Thoughts: This movie is going to be a cult classic. I say get in on the ground floor and watch it today.

PATIENT ZERO

Released: 8/14/2018

Director: Stefan Ruzowizky (The Counterfeiters)

Notable Cast: Natalie Dormer(Game of Thrones), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), John Bradley (Game of Thrones)

Release Method: VOD (VUDU, Amazon Prime and Google Play)

Horror Genre: Pandemic Thriller

Synopsis: The movie is set in a dystopia where an adrenaline amping virus causes humanity to seek out the uninfected and infect them through bites. How is this a twist on the zombie genre you ask? The infected are intelligent and have the ability to communicate amongst each other. The small team of scientists working on the cure by searching for patient zero. As Matt Smith who seems to be immune to the disease is able to communicate with the infected.

Personal Thoughts: Eh, I like a good zombie movie. With a cast such as this, you have to wonder what could go wrong. For some reason though, the movie producers decided to release it straight to video on demand (VOD), so approach with caution.

DOWN A DARK HALL

Released: 8/17/2018

Director: Rodrigo Cortes (Buried)

Notable Cast: Uma Thurman (Kill Bill), Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan), AnnaSophia Robb (The Soul Surfer) 

Horror Genre: Paranormal

Release Method: VOD (Google Play, Vudu, and Amazon Prime)

Synopsis: A group of girls are committed to Blackwood school for disturbed girls as an alternative to prison. They are cut off from the world and technology by the intriguing headmistress. The girls start to believe that this is a place that can help them turn their lives around. That is until they discover the true horrifying purpose of Blackwood.

Personal Thoughts: The tagline includes “from the producers of The Twilight Saga” so color me not quick to jump on this bandwagon. It seems like a good spooky movie to watch with a significant other who doesn’t LOVE horror. As it may include drama amongst the girls and lady bonding which can keep the normies entertained.

BOARDING SCHOOL

Released: 8/31/2018

Director: Boaz Yakin (Remember the Titans)

Notable Cast: Luke Prael (Eighth Grade) & Sterling Jerins (The Conjuring 2)

Release Method: VOD(Amazon Prime, Google Play and Vudu)

Horror Genre: Thriller

Synopsis: A young boy is sent to boarding school for disturbed children in the middle of nowhere. Yes, it is strict but is the reason for the school nefarious?

Excitement: ANOTHER BOARDING SCHOOL MOVIE?!?! I’m probably going to pass on this one.

THE LITTLE STRANGER

Released: 8/31

Director: Lenny Abrahamson (Room)

Notable Cast: Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Revenant…dudes a star), Ruth Wilson (The Affair)

Release Method: Theatrical

Horror Genre: Psychological Thriller/Paranormal

Synopsis: Dr. Faraday (Gleeson) is a respectable country doctor in the 1940’s. When he is called to take care of a patient in an estate where his mother once worked, he is confronted with a family faced with what he deems contagious delusions. His scientific mind rationalizes the family’s odd behavior but as he digs deeper something dark is taking hold in this estate.

Excitement: I will not be missing this movie. It looks spectacular. Not only is Gleeson a star, the plot and writing looks amazing. This is a MUST SEE summer horror hit. Directed by Abrahamson, who was nominated for Best Director with the Brie Larson winner Room.

What do you think of these films? Which are you most likely to check out? Let us know in the comments below! 

Meg for Disney Princess 2018!

“Megara. My friends call me Meg. At least they would, if I had any friends.”

―Megara

This is a story of injustice towards a strong female lead. You know who I’m talking about. The spunky, confident, and jaded. Potentially, she could be your first cartoon sexual confusion crush, at least I know she was for me (her and that weird fairy from Legend of “Zelda: Ocarina of Time“). That’s right. I’m talking about Megara, better known as Meg from the Disney classic “Hercules.” Megara was always that confidence wielding bad girl working with Hades, a Satan stand-in, to bring down the triumphant Hercules with the power of seduction. She’s a self-proclaimed strong female, who ties her own sandals and everything. She’s that heartbreaker who sneaks out at 3 in the morning. Leaving you alone wishing that you had never placed eyes on that rebellious beauty.

One might be asking, “Why isn’t Meg already a Disney princess?” Dis-Nerds might say that it’s because she doesn’t have a “throne.” To that, I say SHUT UP NERDS…neither does Mulan! Look at this picture from the upcoming “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It-Ralph 2!!!!!”

WHERE IS SHE!?!?!? “Frozen” got 2! This isn’t about thrones or crowns. This is about a non-gender role conforming powerful working-class woman being held down by the Mouse. The only working-class princess out there right now is Tiana from “Princess and the Frog.” It is time to accept the middle class into the pantheon of Disney Princesses. It’s time for us to fight the power putting Meg where she belongs. The place she has taken in all of our hearts As a tried and true Disney princess. Below are the top 5 reasons that 2018, 21 years after the movie’s release, is the time to call for Meg’s acceptance into the tower of Disney Princesses.

1. “I’m a damsel. I’m in distress. I can handle this. Have a nice day.”

We all know the scene. A woman is in the grasp of a creep and a monster. Along comes the white knight to save the day. This is what Meg sees when Hercules attempts to save her from the river guardian. Little did we know, our little badass is working for “the devil” *metal guitar riff* Hades! This is when Meg decides to be Meg. Cooly, confidently and with a bit of swagger, she looks over at Hercules and tells him to take a hike. My heart is melting just re-watching the scene. Oh, to someday find my Megara.

2. “He comes on with his big innocent farm boy routine but I can see through that in a Peloponnesian minute.”

Meg’s quick, cynical wit comes out after she talks to Hades about Hercules foiling their plan to get the river guardian to join them. That girl thinks she’s the queen of the neighborhood. Well, I got news for you. SHE IS! Meg’s the cynical rebel princess that we need to represent women in 2018.

3. “Well, you know how men are? You think no means yes and get lost means take me I’m yours.”

Meg was advocating for the #MeToo movement before it was a thing. Addressing unwanted sexual advances by aggressive men, centaurs, and whatever Danny DeVito’s character is supposed to be, she fights back. Meg brings attention to the fact that men refuse to take no as no. Let’s have Disney reinvigorate the #MeToo movement and focus on an awesome princess fighting back a couple millennia earlier.

4. “No weakness whatsoever. No trick knee. No ruptured…disks”

Come on, let’s just admit it. Meg is the most sexually aware Disney character out there. Meg knew how to work her feminine powers. The scene where she is attempting to seduce Hercules to telling her his secrets. She slips closer to him, as the shoulder of her toga slips off her shoulder. She whispers into his ear “No ruptured disks.” No, YOU’RE THE PERVERT. She’s a proud sexually aware woman and we should be celebrating that!

5. “I Won’t Say I’m in Love”

Her beautiful, sullen yet relatable ballad “I Won’t Say I’m in Love“ is still a smash hit today. Opening with “If there’s a prize for rotten judgment. I guess I’ve already won that. No man is worth the aggravation. Been there done that.” In this era of the #MeToo and women empowerment what better time to escalate our empowered, bad girl Megera to her rightful place among the other Disney princesses.

PETITION TIME!

So, I kindly to sign the petition attached below and get Meg into the Parthenon of Disney princess. Disney needs some an edgy, cynical, rebellious, sexually aware badasses in their ranks. It’s time to move the needle towards the future. It’s time to ignore her unrealistic waistline, progress is slow but happening, and get Meg next to all the other upper-class beauties and fight for the sassy Megara to be part of their ranks.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE!

https://www.change.org/p/the-walt-disney-company-make-megera-from-hercules-1997-a-disney-princess

What do you think of Ryan’s case? Let us know in the comments below!

2008 Celebration in Film: ‘The Strangers’

Let’s start by laying down a timeline of the horror genre before the release of The Strangers. The year is 2008, in the previous two years “Saw IV,” “Final Destination 3″ and “Hostel 2″ all have made money hand over fist at the box office.  Audiences seem to be reacting well with their wallets to the blood, gore, and carnage of these entertaining torture flicks. The blood-soaked producers seem to be betting on audiences to be yearning for more of the same. “Saw V” is set to come out in October, making it the 4th straight year that a “Saw” movie was produced.

The collective box office revenue of “Saw,” “Hostel 2” and “Final Destination 3” was $250 million worldwide. How could a production company produce anything else besides a grotesque torture porn movies? The formula seems to be working, why test the waters?

At the peak of this style of horror, “The Strangers” takes the stage in the summer months with the help of Rogue Pictures Production Company. “The Strangers” has none of this grotesque torture sequences that were popular at the time. In fact, the first half of the movie is about a couple dealing with a rejected marriage proposal. The tension between Kristen McKay (Liv Tyler) and James Hoyt (Scott Speedman) sell this couples tragedy beautifully allowing the audience to feel a connection between the two protagonists. This rejected marriage proposal is something that most adults can empathize with. We see ourselves in these characters. Some could see themselves in James who is facing the rejection of his marriage proposal and sadly drink the “celebration” champagne. Some could see themselves in the awkward position of Kristen, who clearly loves James but can’t see herself committing to marriage. All of this build sets up the thrills and chills which are yet to begin.

This connection that is built in the first half of the movie allows for the psychological torment of the protagonists to hit home. It gives the viewer something more than the typical “meat bag” protagonists from most 80’s slasher film. You want this couple to survive. You want Liv Tyler’s character to marry the rejected James. You can feel the tension between the two throughout the first act and later during the horror.

The movie switches gears when a young girl knocks on the door asking if “Tamara is home.” The Strangers then slowly begin to torment the young couple throughout the night. At times the two characters can only hear The Strangers scrapping on walls or tapping on windows. They are ever-present, always there, but never close enough for anyone to do anything about it.

The movie uses lighting and ambiance perfectly to keep the audience’s eyes to the corners of the scene, looking for the strangers. There is a scene at the beginning of the movie where The Man in the Mask stands in the hallway and the oblivious Tyler walks calmly drinking from her wine glass. From then on, your eyes are glued to the corners of each scene hoping beyond hope that you can catch a glimpse of the strangers before they catch their victims.

“The Strangers” is one of my favorite horror movies of all time. The use of suspense and tension keeps you on the edge of your seat. I respect that during a time when human mutilation was the main focus in the horror landscape that this movie decided to take a different direction and challenged the status quo of the time.

AS ALWAYS, BE SAFE AND REMEMBER TO KEEP IT SPOOKY!

What do you think of “The Strangers” 10 years later? Does it hold up? Let us know in the comments below! Check out Ryan’s Review of “The Strangers: Prey at Night” here.

Check out our other retrospectives on 2008 here! 

Film Review: ‘The Strangers Prey at Night’ is Not a Good Movie but Not All it Seems Either

“The Strangers: Prey at Night” had big shoes to fill after the release of the original in 2008. “The Strangers” is debatably a modern horror classic. Through its beautiful cinematography, the viewer is given just enough to see, yet not enough to see EVERYTHING. This disorientation left us darting to the corners of the screen as if we were the protagonists. The acting of the beautiful Liv Tyler as Kristen and Scott Speedman as James transported us into a world of mental, emotional pain due a declined marriage proposal and then again into an utter nightmare. The film left you on the edge of your seat, hoping beyond hope that our lovely protagonists would survive the night. The Strangers were everywhere and nowhere, tormenting our duo throughout the night by using the environment around them to keep Kristen and James feeling like nowhere was safe.

Then there is the sequel “The Strangers: Prey at Night,” a blatantly bad movie, that takes our beloved Strangers and transports them into a 1980’s slasher tribute. Director Johannes Roberts, who was not the director of the first film, set out on a mission to make it painstakingly clear that he was making an 80’s slasher homage.

As I tried to explain to my date, whom I saw this movie with. The movie really wasn’t meant to “make sense.” Johannes Roberts approach, filming, and narrative show many similarities to 80’s horror slashers. These movies were focused less on the mental torment of the victims and more on the direct terror of unstoppable monsters chasing their victims down. The plots rarely made much sense, and the shallowness of the protagonists left the villains open to massacring their victims without establishing a deep emotional connection. The cinematography is also interestingly similar to 80’s horror, focusing more on the villain’s perspective and less from the victims.

My date and I began to talk about the communication of horror movies across the genre, and how this movie is less of a plot-driven thriller as its predecessor. This is more of a celebration of 80’s slasher movies. The movie has a 37% on rotten tomatoes right now. The movie is not good, but instead of joining the crowd in trashing this terrible movie, I decided to provide for our dear readers some of the moments that the director threw in our faces to pay tribute to some of the classic horror movies. If you do choose to see this movie, maybe you’ll be able to enjoy it for what it is: a B rate movie using a popular property to pay tribute to the 80’s slasher.

Let’s start with the Man in the Mask. In Friday the 13th: Part II, a pre-hockey mask Jason Voorhees dawned a burlap sack over his head to protect the viewer from his hideous appearance. Although the choice for the burlap sack was chosen in the first movie, it is worth noting for further references later in the article that “The Man in the Mask” is a tribute to Jason.

Jason in the Friday the 13th movies had inhuman strength and the ability to take a consistent brutal beating and still march on. In “Strangers: Prey at Night” this was best depicted when The Man in the Mask is set on fire by an exploding car. His face burned (similar to Jason in Friday the 13: Part III), he continues to drive the burning vehicle after Kinsey (BaileeMadison), the main protagonist in the sequel. On its own, without the reference to the Friday the 13th movies, it is a pretty eye-roll worthy. But with the inclusion of the Jason reference, it makes the scene bearable.

The Man in the Mask wasn’t the only killer who resembled one of the horror greats. The “Dollface Stranger” (Emma Bellomy) is a call back to “Halloween” villain Michael Myers. Michael had a way of being everywhere and nowhere. Slowly stalking down his victims with a confident swagger. This was depicted by the Dollface’s constant slow walk towards her victims and even the usage of a butchers knife as her main weapon of choice.

Another scene that is noteworthy is the use of a sheet to hide the Dollface Killer drawing Kinsey closer until it was time for her to leap out. Although not exactly like a scene where Michael Myers uses a sheet to lure a victim to their grim end, in “Halloween” it had a…sexier connotation to the scene. The final example of a call back to the “Halloween” franchise is the way that Dollface meets her end. In the first Halloween movie, Mike Myers is shot at by his psychiatrist leaving him lying limp at the bottom of the window. I’ll leave it up to you to make the connection when you see the film but you’ll know it when you see it.

Finally, the most glaring and obnoxious ploy that Roberts used was the on the nose 80’s pop music that “The Strangers” use to intimidate their victims. It would seem that this was meant to be for the casual horror fan to hopefully catch on that this wasn’t JUST a horror movie. Avid horror fans like me were disappointed as well. Who wants the subtle cues to former classics beating you over the head the whole movie? It is comparable to reading a book and having the author walk you through his allegories. It ruins the fun of interpreting the book and that’s the feeling I got watching this movie.

If you decide to brave the night and see the new “The Strangers” film, remember that the plot isn’t really the reason for the season in this movie. “The Strangers: Prey at Night” is about the communication between horror films of the past. Maybe as a casual moviegoer, you can grab a couple of these references and potentially enjoy the movie for what it is. As always, the night is full of terror! So, keep it spooky!

GRADE: D+