Terrifier

Terrifier (2016)

The Unflinching Arrival of a Modern Slasher Icon

★★☆☆☆

A plotless, campy, and gore-drenched spectacle that revels in its own extremity.

Directed by Damien Leone, Terrifier is a film that defies traditional judgment. It lacks the narrative nuance of its peers and the visceral thrills of intense classics like Texas Chainsaw Massacre, yet it possesses an unflinching nature that is impossible to ignore. Where other films turn away, Terrifier heads straight on, reveling in pure gore and a demented sense of humor. It is a work that benefits immensely from a midnight crowd, leaning into a campy, tongue-in-cheek atmosphere that eases the traumatizing horror.

"There is something simply haunting about Art the Clown. There is no negotiating or reasoning with him. He's the symbol of death... chasing victims down gleefully with no remorse."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Damien Leone
• Starring: David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown), Jenna Kanell
• Special Effects: Damien Leone
• Genre: Slasher / Splatter

The Vision

There is an undeniable artistry on display in the morbidity. Damien Leone acts as both director and special effects artist, creating horror sequences that are "crowd-pleasing" in their creativity. Art the Clown is a supernatural force of nature—an unrelenting, silent predator that has quickly carved out a space in the horror pantheon. While the film is unabashedly light on story, its commitment to being a "pure" slasher experience is what has garnered its cult popularity.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Origins: Art the Clown first appeared in Leone's short film The 9th Circle (2008) and the anthology All Hallows' Eve (2013) before getting his own feature.
• Practical Pedigree: Director Damien Leone personally handled the makeup and gore effects, utilizing his background as a professional special effects artist to maximize the low budget.
• Silent Performance: David Howard Thornton, who plays Art, utilized his background in mime and physical comedy to give the character his distinct, eerie playfulness.

✅ Pros

• David Howard Thornton's hauntingly silent performance as Art.
• Creative, unflinching, and high-impact practical gore effects.
• Successfully captures a gritty, "midnight movie" atmosphere.

❌ Cons

• Almost entirely non-existent plot and character development.
• Low-budget aesthetic can occasionally feel "cheesy."
• The "torture porn" elements lack the polish of higher-budget peers.

🏆 Final Verdict

Terrifier isn't necessarily a "good" movie by traditional standards, but it is exactly what it sets out to be. For gore-hounds seeking plain fun, it’s a demented ride; for everyone else, it’s a curious, plotless nightmare.

View original review on Letterboxd

Strange Darling

Strange Darling (2023)

A Riveting Non-Linear Puzzle of Suspense

★★★½☆

A hauntingly beautiful thriller that rewards those who go in completely blind.

Directed by JT Mollner, Strange Darling is one of those rare movies where the less you know about the story going in, the better. It is built around secrets and twists that demand the viewer turn off their analytical brain and simply absorb the experience as it unfolds. Featuring a standout lead performance by Willa Fitzgerald and striking direction, the film utilizes a non-linear narrative to build a sense of dread that culminates in an especially riveting and suspenseful third act.

"As haunting and disturbing the proceedings are, the movie will likely and deservedly be recognized as one of the best films of 2024."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: JT Mollner
• Starring: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner
• Cinematography: Giovanni Ribisi
• Supporting: Barbara Hershey, Ed Begley Jr.

The Vision

The film is a masterclass in atmospheric tension, supported by handsome production design and cool, interesting visuals. Mollner’s decision to tell this story out of order isn't just a gimmick; it forces the audience into a state of constant re-evaluation. By the time the third act arrives, the movie has successfully transitioned from a standard thriller setup into a haunting and deeply disturbing exploration of its characters' psyche.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Actor Behind the Lens: The film's striking visuals were captured by cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, who is better known for his prolific acting career.
• Shot on Film: To achieve its unique aesthetic, the production was shot entirely on 35mm film, giving it a tactile, classic thriller texture that stands out in the digital age.
• Stephen King Approved: Legendary author Stephen King publicly praised the film on social media, calling it a "clever masterpiece" and urging fans not to look up spoilers.

✅ Pros

• Powerhouse performance by Willa Fitzgerald.
• Breathtaking 35mm cinematography and production design.
• Expertly executed non-linear storytelling and suspense.

❌ Cons

• The twist-heavy nature may frustrate viewers who prefer traditional plots.
• Certain sequences are deeply haunting and potentially polarizing.

🏆 Final Verdict

A bold and visually stunning achievement in the thriller genre. Strange Darling is a puzzle worth solving, anchored by incredible performances and a direction that refuses to take the easy way out.

View original review on Letterboxd

Wolfs

Wolfs (2024)

A Breezy, Star-Powered Staring Contest

★★½☆☆

A harmless streaming diversion that coasts on the familiarity of its A-list leads.

Directed by Jon Watts, Wolfs follows two professional "cleaners" forced to work together when they are both hired for the same job. It is fascinating to see how the entertainment landscape has changed; what used to be a mainstream holiday event film is now relegated to the [Apple TV+](https://tv.apple.com) subscription model. While it’s hard not to fall for the combined charms of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, the film struggles to find enough "meat on the bone" to justify its existence beyond the novelty of their reunion.

"Seeing the two stars bicker and debate honestly gets old pretty quickly and we start to long for the camaraderie they illustrate in the likeable Ocean films."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Jon Watts
• Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt
• Supporting: Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams
• Platform: Apple TV+

The Vision

Jon Watts attempts to build a world of "pickles and piles" where challenges keep mounting for our two aging fixers. The bickering is clearly intended to be comedic, but the execution often falls flat, resulting in a lot of staring—staring at each other in disbelief, disgust, or confusion like dogs looking at a new toy. If you’re looking for a movie where two handsome men give each other a lot of silent, intense looks, this vision is exactly for you.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Ocean's Reunion: This marks the first time Clooney and Pitt have headlined a film together since 2008's Burn After Reading, following their iconic work in the Ocean's trilogy.
• Director's Pivot: This is Jon Watts' first non-Marvel project since his stint directing the MCU's Spider-Man trilogy.
• Sequel Already Set: Despite the direct-to-streaming release, Apple has already greenlit a sequel with Watts and the leads attached to return.

✅ Pros

• Inherent movie-star magnetism from Pitt and Clooney.
• An easy, breezy, and harmless diversion for late-night viewing.
• Polished production values typical of Apple Original Films.

❌ Cons

• Repetitive bickering that lacks real comedic punch.
• Thin plot that feels like an excuse for the actors to hang out.
• Missing the spark and camaraderie of their previous collaborations.

🏆 Final Verdict

Wolfs isn't necessarily a "good" movie, but it’s a perfect "PJ movie"—something to kill time with before heading off to sleep. It coasts on the fame of its leads but fails to leave a lasting impression.

View original review on Letterboxd

Wicked

Wicked

A Stunning Visual Feast for the Oz-Inclined

★★★☆☆

A beautifully crafted "Worthy Follow-up" that struggles to move the uninitiated.

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is a gargantuan production that serves as a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz lore. While the film is a "stunning and beautiful" visual achievement, it faces the steep challenge of winning over those who aren't naturally fans of the source material. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead a high-caliber cast including Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh. The film excels in its production design and a strong final act, though its middle portion may drag for those not already invested in the "otherworldly" fantasy elements of Oz.

"I found myself thinking this must be what it's like for non-comic book fans to watch Marvel movies. It's all visually interesting, but I found myself not really giving a shit. I just wish it could have moved me more."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Jon M. Chu
• Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
• Supporting: Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
• Production: Marc Platt / Universal Pictures

The Vision

Jon M. Chu aims to honor the "vivid, creepy technicolor" bar set by the 1939 original while modernizing the spectacle for the awards season. The film tackles heavy themes like racism, self-identity, and the betrayal of mentors, though these "dramatic themes" may resonate more with those who have a deep empathy for the material. It is a work of immense technical prowess that successfully translates the stage musical's "visual feast" to the big screen, even if it leaves non-fans feeling a bit "dour."

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• Practical Oz: To maintain the "visual feast," the production planted over **9 million real tulips** to create the Munchkinland landscape.
• Live Vocals: Unlike many movie musicals, Erivo and Grande insisted on **singing live on set** rather than lip-syncing to pre-recorded tracks.
• Two-Part Epic: This film only covers "Act One" of the stage musical; the conclusion is scheduled for release in late 2025.
• Cameo Alert: Original Broadway stars **Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth** make brief, meaningful appearances during the "One Short Day" sequence.

✅ Pros

• Breathtaking production design and world-building.
• Exceptional lead performances (Grande and Erivo).
• Thrilling final 40 minutes of Act One.

❌ Cons

• Pacing issues in the middle portion.
• Hard to connect with if you aren't an *Oz* fan.
• Doesn't always land its "heavy" emotional beats.

🏆 Final Verdict

A masterpiece for the faithful, but a slightly hollow spectacle for the uninitiated. Worth watching for the technical artistry alone, even if the heart doesn't quite follow.

View original review on Letterboxd