Critical Analysis Freestyle (2) #Controversed

This is part 2 of my critical lens challenge where I've taken only a couple of days to use 8 critical lens only using my two recently watched films. This can get kind of long so read part 1 to get a feel for what's happening, let's complete it. Psychoanalysis (WHISPER OF THE HEART) Whisper …

Critical Analysis Freestyle (1) #CONTROVERSED

Well, I've always considered myself a "critic" here, I guess time to put that to the test. Shout out to Moya who provided the incredible review of the critical lens, and provided the prompt to try using critical theory in a review. However, I'm taking it a step further. Have you ever heard of the …

Being Disrespectful #Controversed

Make a critical writing checklist for controversial topics! I haven't strayed into controversial waters that much. Most controversial stuff I say are opinions and hot takes that are more geared towards pop culture. For example I am not a huge fan of Frozen II or the Disney Star Wars films. But those topics are so …

4 Takeaways After 4 Episodes of ‘Hunter Witch Robin’

The often overlooked occult detective drama Hunter Witch Robin is probably as close as you'll get to a Buffy the Vampire Slayer anime. Certainly a product of its time in terms of it's style and motifs but is there still a reason to flock and see how it holds up? As someone who hasn't heard …

A Fist Full of Blood in ‘Sukiyaki Western Django’

Whether you’re coming into this having watched the film or have never heard of it before we are all asking ourselves the same question. What in Sam Hill is Sukiyaki Western Django? Concession Confession: A hard to follow rampage of goofy homage of Italian Westerns fused with Samurai tales from history. Despite little to care …

The Elephant in the Room – #CONTROVERSED

Well, making America great again was fun while it lasted. I’m sure the political climate has certainly been intense of late, but I think regardless of the results there is certainly a conversation to be had. As a proud Republican voter in 2016 and again in 2020 I don’t think any election result can diminish …

‘Over the Moon’ and How to Make an Animated Musical

Netflix Original 'Over the Moon' is an endearing tale and musical adventure. If you haven't already read my classic review of the film from yesterday, I encourage you to do so. This post however, sort of grew in the process of making it. The songs are an integral part to 'Over the Moon' and it …

Does Netflix’s Latest Animated Original have Me ‘Over the Moon’?

Concessions Confession: Over the Moon shoots for the moon but ends up a pale Disney imitation. Yet, it’s sincerity and wholesomeness prove that it earns a place among the stars. Logline: Fei Fei builds a rocket to the moon to prove the existence of the Moon Goddess Chang’e. Fei Fei must present a gift if …

Have a Happy Halloween with ‘La Noria’

La Noria was animated beautifully by a Pixar animator, and that says a lot right there. It's a fantastic short so why not give it a look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omsgfpbUrmA By Carlos Baena Sort of following in line with tradition, I always find something more wholesome to cap off my spooky viewings. Last year it was Anohana, …

Approach The Water’s Edge to Find the Woe Bone

Preface: Water's Edge has some intense scenes and is age restriction. Viewer Discretion is Advised. The other one is more tame and just illustrations. So watch what you're comfortable with. Water's Edge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPH_3b_icf4&has_verified=1 Directored By - Lena Tsodykovskaya I'm sorry, I don't market myself as being family friendly, am I? I don't fucking know. But …

Spooky Shorts of the Boxleitner Brothers

Welcome back to another spook, this time something a little different. Usually it's just one spooky short, or a collection centered around a common theme or element. This time the underlying work all share the same author. Here are some of the delightfully spooky works of the Boxleitner Brothers a YouTube channel of more than …

Alexia – A Facebook Horror

Fair Warning, even I find this one very creepy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV8UnfFmD-Y&t=11s Directed by Andrés Borghi Just a glimpse of the thumbnail while give you the pretty clear impression that this horror short has been highly touted. I'm not here to disagree with that consensus. This is one of few shorts that held me in nail-biting suspense, …

A Spooky Movie for Cats? – What is Scaredy Cat?

When I first stumbled upon a YouTube ad for 'Scaredy Cat, I was perplexed. A movie for cats.....what does that mean? Well apparently Temptations "Not to be confused with The Temptations" has an answer for you. So grab a furry friend and let's see who's a big old Scaredy Cat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WULOpreo36o&t=53s I somehow feel more …

Curve – 31 Spooks of October

https://vimeo.com/221821296 Directed by Tim Egan This is probably my version of hell. I don't really have a severe phobia but the thing that gets me the most would probably be basophobia or the fear of falling. I guess the rationale being that falling is a stasis of no control. You can run from a spider …

Become Friends With ‘Wendy’ (ALTER) – 31 Spooks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9GlIfJ_2Dg This one does kind of feel like a Halloween special. A neglected and impoverished Wendy creates a world filled with her whimsical imagination. What a world that is until insecurity and anxiety begin to loom. Wendy might be a witch with an over-active mind or this is just a deep set departure from reality …

Snapchat Horror Films – 31 Spooks

Hello, I'm the Snapchat critic. I watch it so for the love of everything you don't have to. Technology and horror have gone together like peas and carrots. Usually it used to be about technology failing. Cars that won't start, cell service out of range, doors that won't open and clichés etc. etc.. Now that …

“All of My Enimes” The Super Market Monster – 31 Spooks

I have covered a lot of unusual stories for October, but this might just be the most unusualist. Is this just a thinly veiled excuse to share a video I found amusing ............................................................................................................................................................................... Maybe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDI0d8E3tZk I miss the world of Creepy/Crappy Pastas, not the best written stories, but a fun time of an abundance of …

The Sandman – 31 Spooks

Haven't we already done sleeping theme spook....yes. You're very observant hypothetical reader. Allow me to explain. I was chatting with my residential sleep expert, The Moyatorium and the conversation went where it usually goes... moon children and castration anxiety. Of course this was in the context of E.T.A. Hoffman's short story depiction "The Sandman" and …

The Clown Statue Adaptations – 31 Spooks

So we've all heard this story before right. I mean I won't ruin the surprise if you have not, but it is a rather popular urban legend here in the states at least. Coulrophobia is the very real fear of clowns that many seem to have. It it the uncanny yet human-like face that gives …

The Professor’s Teddy Bear – 31 Spooks

Read the story: Click here or listen to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpMfxNT9VOw What a strangely original tale! Really the only thing I can compare it to is that one episode of The Twilight Zone with that demonic superkid. You know this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxTMbIxEj-E It's hard to get a full grasp of this one. This "child" displays …

‘Slut’ Short Horror Film – 31 Spooks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEqAqrLpRHg Directed By: Chloe Okuno A retro aesthetic with a very contemporary message. Horror has always been a genre drenched in commentary. It's often displaying a ridged morality and show social ills as horrific. I think one that's certainly become prevalent or more apparent in recent news is that of grooming and manipulative behavior. Self-confidence …

Arachnophobia Crypt Shorts – 31 Spooks

Fair warning, if you have an intense fear of spiders maybe skip this one. Oh those itsy-bitsy creepy crawlies are certainly enough to send shivers down spine. Whether it's due to superstition, the daunting exoskeleton form, or the potential dangers of poising that spiders have become a common and well known fear. Are you brave …

Imagine A World – The Demon Salesman of Fleet Street

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CI6w5A0kCs Directed By: Joanna Tsanis Hi! Glad you liked the story 🙂 I'm from Canada and this film was heavily inspired by the oligopolistic nightmare that is Canada’s telecommunication and internet providers . Many Canadians I know feel frustrated and hopeless with their internet plans - almost like they’re been forced into buying them. So …

Get Spooked by Jack London’s ‘Moon Face’ – 31 Spooks

Preface: Pet owners be warned.... this gets ugly. Read this public domain tale here thanks to the Gutenberg library. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wD6Z53r943g Whether it was directly influential or just strikingly parallel the tale reads like an American modernized version of the Cask of Amontillado. An unreliable narrator bares an extreme hatred for a obliviously jovial character which …

Here Comes the ‘Suckablood’ – 31 Spooks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw4gwwS-nFI Directed by Ben Tillett and Jake Cuddihy Bloody Cut Films have a real gem on their hands with this gothic bed-time story. This one just flaunts production value that really elevates this one from the typical horror short. From the animated title sequence, to the masterful voice over that presents that dark deep voice …

The Hitchhiker – Spooky Radio Play

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Swzh0K9pyrU Click here if you'd like to listen to the remaster of Orson Welles reading Hitchhiking is a lost art, and that's probably for the better. Now you can't even go out in public without the slight fear that one such stranger could be potential dangerous. Horror has suffered in the battle of increasing common …

Human Form (ALTER) – 31 Spooks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddc8hfRbChk "Body Ritual among the Nacirema" meets Eyes Without a Face in this skin crawling depiction body modification and beauty standards. Might I add that the new season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians looks great. This one is just unsettling and I think that makes the message all the more effective. The masks are …

Bubnoff and The Devil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e3no_sZ458 One of the most intriguing setups is that of a Faustian bargain. Making deals with the devil and what consequences it make bring. What happens when this Russian with a literal Napoléon complex makes such a deal? Ivan Turgenev, the Russian realist writer actually indulges in quite a humorous depiction of the devil. Some …

Sleepwalking Spooks

So I know for my friend over at the Moyatorium, having odd dreams is a regular occurrence but for the rest of us they can be rather strange. Dreams are devoid of logic and it's logic that often brings a sense of safety. Then there's also the act of sleepwalking, which is a strange anomaly …

Infinity Train Season 3 – Every Episode Reviewed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3soghKb1_qg Can we just appreciate The Infinity Train Soundtrack, it perfectly captures the mood of the show Infinity Season 3 was the riskiest and most ambitious season of Infinity Train yet. I expected it to kind of hit a bump in the tracks. It was certainly the biggest deviation from the formula and is a …