New Line Cinema

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is the final film in “The Conjuring” franchise, which has been wildly popular and a staple in the horror genre since the first film was released in 2013. In total, it is the ninth film in “The Conjuring” universe, which also includes the two “Nun” films along with three “Annabelle” films. While not all of them have been home runs, there is a certain style and craftsmanship that goes into the films which is hard to ignore. Most of all, the films are powered by the powerful performances of Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren, the paranormal investigators who love helping those in trouble, but not as much as they love each other. They are the lifeblood of these films. Without them being the emotional compass, the films would simply be ghost stories with some jump scares here and there.

This film opens in 1964, as Ed and Lorraine Warren are investigating a mysterious murder at an antique shop while Lorraine is pregnant. While there, she comes across a mirror which holds ominous and sinister forces within it, which almost causes her to lose her child, Judy, during childbirth. Fast forward to two decades later, and Judy (Mia Tomlinson) is in a relationship with a former police officer named Tony (Ben Hardy), and they are on their way to meet up with the Warrens for Ed’s birthday party. Ed and Lorraine are in semi-retirement because of Ed’s heart, and they mostly are giving tours on college campuses, which are usually met with jokes about the Ghostbusters. They are struggling to find their purpose in life without being full-time paranormal investigators. Ed has the itch to get back into things, but he needs to look out for his health and slowdown, which isn’t coming naturally to him.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, the Smurl family, which includes the husband, wife, four daughters and two grandparents, are starting to have some real challenges after they come across a haunted mirror that was given as a gift to one of the daughters after her first communion. At the same time, Judy is starting to have visions, the same ones she had when she was younger. Her mother tells her to block them out, but that’s becoming harder to do each and every day. It won’t be long before the Warrens and the Smurls are forced to confront their problems and figure out how they are connected to each other and how they can fix them. If they don’t, it may be fatal for all parties involved.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is directed by Michael Chaves, who is no stranger to this franchise, having directed the previous “Conjuring” film along with “The Nun 2.” He’s a talented director, and he knows how to create an atmospheric film that is moody and ominous, and he shows off the time and place in which it is set.  Chaves knows how to create haunting horror imagery on screen, but he doesn’t quite know how to make it all pay off in the third act. It also doesn’t help that the film is two hours and fifteen minutes, which makes it the longest film in “The Conjuring” universe. While it held my attention for a very long time, the payoff didn’t feel satisfying.  It left me feeling like the film ended on a flat and rather unremarkable note. All of the performances are top-notch, especially from Wilson and Farmiga. They know how to bring humor, pathos and intelligence to the film.

Overall, this is a case of trying to create the same magic time and time again, but sometimes it simply isn’t there. By no means is this a bad film, but it doesn’t have the impact or power it should have, especially considering this is the final film in this franchise. Of course, they can always do more “Annabelle” or “Nun” films, but as far as “The Conjuring” franchise, this is the end. However, you can’t always believe that when it comes to horror films, especially considering the money this one made. It is entertaining and made with style, but it doesn’t know how to wrap things up in a concise and efficient manner. By the time the shit hits the fan, the film has overstayed its welcome.  These films are best when they are about one hour and forty-five minutes, or maybe two hours. Anything longer than that, and they are overstaying their welcome.  There is no need for this film to be two hours and fifteen minutes.  There are certain scenes which feel like they would have been better as deleted scenes instead of being included in the final cut.

“The Conjuring: Last Rites” is a film I enjoyed watching until I started to become disinterested and restless by what was happening on screen. I liked a good majority of it, but as stated previously, it really falls apart in the third act.  It had a feeling of “been there, done that.”  The strong points include the performances of its two leads, the direction of Michael Chaves, and the overall style and look.  Its weaker points include its length and its ending.  I was happy to have watched it and it’s a fun horror movie, but it didn’t have the sense of urgency and power of the previous installments in this franchise.

* * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.  It comes with an impressive slipcover and a digital copy as well. It also comes in a steelbook version.  It has a running time of 135 minutes and is rated R for bloody and violent content along with intense terror.

4K Video/Audio Info: The film comes with a Dolby Vision transfer, which looks perfect on 4K.  The HDR really brings out the dark blacks of the film and creates a spooky experience watching it at home.  The same is true of the Dolby Atmos track, which really pops during the jump scares which are sprinkled throughout.

Special Features:

Last Rites: An Era Ends – featurette

The Conjuring: Crafting Scares – featurette

Michael Chaves: Believer – featurette

Should You Buy It?

As I was watching “The Conjuring: Last Rites” with my wife for the first hour and a half, I was saying to her, “I’m really enjoying this movie.  It has me on the edge of my seat, and the story is unfolding perfectly.” However, all of that good mojo started to fade in the rearview mirror by the time the film was wrapping things up with its third act.  I started to become fatigued and disinterested in the conclusion of the story. It took a long time to get where they needed to go, and when they finally did wrap things up, it didn’t seem to matter much anymore. Still, this is an OK film that will play well on HBO Max or on streaming. I don’t think it’s the kind of film you need to run out and purchase right away, unless you want to own all four of “The Conjuring” films on physical media. I’m still waiting for the second film to hit 4K, which will hopefully be very soon. This film looks and sounds terrific on 4K, and I really liked the slipcover version of it. I really wanted to recommend it, but the ending was flatter than four o’clock.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Bros. to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘The Conjuring’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When it comes to horror movies, you look for them to be written and directed by fans of the genre, as they bring a sense of passion and enthusiasm which might be missing by someone who is just doing it for the paycheck. James Wan burst onto the horror scene in 2004 with his directorial debut, “Saw,” which was written by his college best friend Leigh Whannel. He could have easily coasted with the “Saw” franchise and continued to keep cranking out sequel after sequel with it. Instead, he decided to get in touch with a different side of the horror genre with 2013’s “The Conjuring.” He also directed such films as “Insidious,” “Dead Silence,” “Death Sentence,” “Furious 7,” and “Malignant.”

Our film opens by introducing us to the Perron family, as they move into a farmhouse in Rhode Island which needs a lot of work. The Perron family consists of Roger and Carolyn (Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor), their five daughters, and their dog Sadie. As they are exploring the ins and outs of the house, they discover a boarded-up cellar, and that is when all hell breaks loose for this family. Their sanity, peace of mind, and sleep start to become disrupted, and it’s clear there is something in this house which is working against them. They need to fix it if they ever hope to stay together as a family. At this point, they decide to call Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. When you have a malevolent presence, they are the couple to call as they are the expert demonologists.

One of the biggest things “The Conjuring” gets right is the idea that even if they leave the house, this presence will still follow them. I’ve seen so many demonic movies where I ask myself, often out loud, “Why don’t they just leave the house?” It seems like the logical response to this type of activity, but oftentimes horror movies and smart characters don’t go together. Farmiga and Wilson bring humanity, warmth, and intelligence to their characters, as they are playing real people. It would have been easy to portray them as goofy, over-the-top, or silly. While the film has moments of lighthearted humor, it’s done during moments where the story needs levity, such as the introduction of Brad Hamilton and Drew Thomas (John Brotherton and Shannon Kook), a cop and investigator who have worked with the Warrens in the past.

It also helps that the Perron family are likable and grounded in reality and humanity. “The Conjuring” takes its time in allowing the audience to get to know them, spend time with them, and understand their dilemma. They are not just random lambs to be led to slaughter. The film is directed with style, mood, and dread by Wan.  It’s clear he knows how to create a sense of anxiety and uneasiness on screen. He doesn’t rely on jump scares either. Don’t get me wrong, jump scares are effective when done right, but they are like any other gimmick out there: If you rely on them too much, it’s clear you don’t have a solid screenplay. You are creating a haunted house or an amusement park, not a true movie.

“INT PERRON HOUSE – CELLAR Carolyn flips upside down and shoots up to the ceiling John Brotherton (Brad), Vera Farmiga (Lorraine), Patrick Wilson (Ed), Ron Livingston (Roger)”

It blew my mind to discover “The Conjuring” is now 12-years-old. They are set to release the fourth film in the franchise, “The Conjuring: Last Rites,” on September 5th. This is in addition to “The Nun” and “Annabelle” films, which are all part of “The Conjuring” universe. While not all of the films have been great or even good, more often than not, they have been well-made and have proven to be intense thrill rides. You have to give credit to Wan for being able to put his trust in other directors and other writers to showcase their abilities with these films. He has no ego, and he knows the key to remaining fresh is to have new voices in front of and behind the camera. With the original “Conjuring,” the groundwork was created for atmospheric fun, and scary horror movies have been staples of spooky season which is right around the corner. If you are looking to keep your horror movie collection going on 4K, “The Conjuring” on 4K is sure to satisfy the horror community this Halloween season. I hadn’t seen this film in a number of years, and it held up incredibly well on my recent viewing.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Conjuring” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 112 minutes and is rated R for sequences of disturbing violence and terror. The film comes in either a 4K slipcover or a 4K steelbook, both of which come with a digital copy.

4K Video Info: This is an impressive 4K release with the HDR really popping during the dark and brooding moments of the film.  The presentation is crisp and vivid without looking too perfect. With a horror movie like “The Conjuring,” it is not supposed to look flawless. It is supposed to represent the vision of the director and the heart and soul of the movie. In every possible way, “The Conjuring” is a homerun.

4K Audio Info: While I would have certainly enjoyed a Dolby Atmos track for this flick, the audio is still noteworthy during the jump scares and the more intense moments. It’s a good audio track, but it could have been a great audio track. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish, and French.

Special Features:

Scariest of Them All (NEW)

Reflections on the Conjuring (NEW)

The Conjuring: Face-to-Face with Terror

A Life in Demonology

Scaring the “@$*%” Out of You

Should You Buy It?

HELL YES! I’ve been waiting for this film to get the 4K treatment for a long time now. I own “The Conjuring 3” on 4K, and I hope this will also inspire Warner Brothers to release the second film on 4K in the near future. I imagine the upcoming “Conjuring” film will get a 4K release after it’s done with its theatrical run. I absolutely love these films that encompass “The Conjuring” universe. It’s interesting because I’ve never really connected with the spooky horror films which involve an evil presence or things that go bump in the night. Slasher films have always been my preferred cup of tea. This all changed with the first “Conjuring” film, as I discovered when it was done the right way, they can be just as entertaining as the slasher movies I grew up with, if not more entertaining. This is a top-notch 4K release that also includes new special features in addition to an A+ visual experience. A horror film like this is perfect for the 4K format. This is a day-one purchase for horror fans who love to collect 4K’s on physical media.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

It has been a while since I’ve sat down and watched a good old-fashioned horror flick that was gory fun from start-to-finish. The last movie which comes to mind, for me, is 2023’s “Saw X.” Now, I know there have been other horror movies which have been critically acclaimed since then, but I like my horror movies, most of the time, to be rather straightforward without any underlying message or heavy-handed agenda. I’m looking to laugh, see some gruesome deaths, and have a good time. “Final Destination: Bloodlines” was a movie that allowed me to sit back, shut off my brain, and have a good time.  I had a blast with this movie, and the filmmakers, cast and crew delivered beyond my wildest expectations.

The film opens up in the late 1960’s at a high-rise restaurant tower, which hasn’t been properly built to house the number of people that are dancing and having a good time. Before long, the shit hits the fan and everyone is fighting for their lives. This sets the tone for the entire film, as it’s clear its directors, Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, understood the assignment given to them. They do a masterful job of building up the anxiety of what will happen next. If you are familiar with this franchise, you know anything and everything could lead to a possible death. They build up the suspense while also winking at the camera in a way that isn’t too cutesy or silly. It’s the perfect balance of comedy and terror.

We are then introduced to a struggling college student, Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), who keeps having a dream about that night in the 1960’s where mayhem and death were on the menu at this high-rise restaurant. She’s been having this recurring dream for over two months, and it’s causing her to almost flunk out of college. Because of this, she decides to go home and look for answers to what is plaguing her dreams. She discovers that one of the women in her dream is her grandmother, Iris (Gabrielle Rose), who messed with Death’s plans that night by saving everyone at the restaurant. However, Death doesn’t take too kindly to those who mess with its plan, so everyone who was supposed to die that night has now perished slowly but surely.

Iris has survived by being ultra paranoid and knowing how to plan and look for any signs of danger. She lives off the beaten path and doesn’t let anyone get too close to her. She’s on high alert, and her family sees her as a loon who has lost her mind. Stefani doesn’t know what to believe, but after seeing more and more signs, it’s coming into focus for her–she needs to follow her grandmother’s advice and save her family, who isn’t supposed to be here. Because Iris lived, everyone in her bloodline is in danger of having Death knock on their door. Using her grandmother’s years of meticulous planning and her research into Death’s plans, Stefani’s going to try her damnedest to save her family, which includes her brother, mother, uncle and cousins.  It will be even harder to convince all of them to believe her.

“Final Destination: Bloodlines” is a near-perfect horror film as it is terrific at building genuine suspense. At every turn, you never know what will happen to someone or how it will happen. I’m a professional wrestling fan, and the film utilizes what is known in the wrestling business as “false finishes.” When you think someone is down for the count in the ring, they kick out. In movie terms, when you think someone is going to die, they end up living.  As soon as you are lured into a false sense of security, they die in a gruesome way. However, it’s all about the build-up, the anxiety, and dread that is on screen.  When it finally does happen, it means that much more because you have been played like a piano. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

My one issue with the film is the CGI deaths. While they are creative, clever and a lot of fun, they look very bad visually because they are filled with CGI. If they used more practical effects and less CGI, I would have given the film four stars. However, the CGI deaths are hard to take seriously, as they end up looking like they were done in 3D. It reminded me of “Saw: The Final Chapter” which was done in 3D.  When you watched the film without 3D, the blood looked pink, and the effects didn’t have the same impact. Here, the gore and the blood looked like cranberry juice. The film is still a great horror movie, but this detail is impossible to ignore.

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Kaitlyn Santa Juana, left, and Rya Kihlstedt in a scene from “Final Destination Bloodlines.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)

Overall, “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is a throwback to when horror films were fun, over-the-top and kept you guessing. The way the film uses comedy during the gotcha moments is absolutely perfect. This is a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it respects the audience enough to blend comedy and genuine terror together without leaning too much in one direction. It’s a tightrope act for the filmmakers, but they pass this test with flying colors. This is the best installment the franchise has released in a long time. The acting is solid, the kills are unique (minus the bad CGI), and the story makes sense. Tony Todd also makes its final appearance in the franchise in a moving and poignant cameo.  It is clear this was not just a cash grab sequel. This is a film that was made with love and respect to the franchise.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is being released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. You can purchase the film with either a 4K slipcover or a 4K steelbook, and both come with a digital copy to redeem the film. The film has a running time of 110 minutes and is rated R for strong violent/grisly accidents, and language.

4K Audio/Video Info: The 4K has a fantastic Dolby Atmos soundtrack that lends itself perfectly to this film. Its use of music is essential to the suspense and uneasy feeling that is permeating throughout the entire film. It’s a big soundtrack with a lot of bass to it, and the film’s soundtrack is a thing of beauty, as you hear it all perfectly. The Dolby Vision visual transfer is slick, clean, and vivid throughout. This is an A+ home theater experience for 4K movie lovers.

Special Features:
Death Becomes Them: On the Set of “Final Destination Bloodlines” – featurette
The Many Deaths of Bloodlines – featurette
The Legacy of Bludworth – featurette
Director’s Commentary

Should You Buy It?

I’m grinning from ear-to-ear as I’m writing this review. This is 4K at its finest in so many ways: The film is really good, the audio and visual elements are top-notch, and there are special features included here as well! There is a director’s commentary! I can’t remember the last time I’ve heard a director’s commentary on a new 4K release. This is a welcome addition, and it’s a lot of fun to hear their passion and energy for the project while watching “Final Destination: Bloodlines.” This is a great horror film, and it made me excited about the horror genre after feeling disappointed by it for two years. I watched it with my wife, and it was a great at-home horror movie to watch as we were laughing, screaming, and hooting and hollering during the crazier moments. I can’t recommend this film enough. They have put so much care into not only the movie but also its 4K release. This one comes highly recommended. It was so close to getting a full four-star rating if not for the bad CGI.  Other than that, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more enjoyable film to watch this year. This was old-school horror done in 2025.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Companion’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

Hollywood is famous for reflecting what is happening in our world, especially when it comes to current events.  Everywhere we turn these days, we hear about artificial intelligence.  As someone who owns Apple products, I can have my emails and text messages summarized and changed in order to sound friendly, professional, or concise. My incoming emails can also be summarized for me. While I think certain aspects of artificial intelligence can be useful or interesting, it is like most things in life: too much of a good thing can quickly turn into a bad thing.  “Companion,” directed by Drew Hancock, is the latest artificial intelligence film from Hollywood.

“Companion” opens up by introducing us to Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid) who have a meet-cute in a grocery store where he knocks over oranges.  At first, they seem like your normal, everyday couple who meet, hit it off, and fall in love.  Iris informs the audience of two pivotal moments in her life: the day she met Josh and the day she killed him. Iris and Josh meet up with Josh’s friends, Patrick (Lukas Gage), Eli (Harvey Guillén), Kat (Megan Suri), and Sergey (Rupert Friend). Sergey has a beautiful home with an even better view, so they look forward to a weekend of friendship, booze, and good times.  However, it doesn’t take long for things to take a turn for the worse when Iris ends up killing Sergey.

After this unfolds, all hell breaks loose for the remaining five characters. Speaking of the characters, they are unlikable and one-note. “Companion” was a low-budget film, as it was made for $10 million and takes place in essentially one setting.  However, a low budget film isn’t an excuse for lazy writing or poor character development.  These are not interesting people to spend time with, unfortunately. Josh is an insecure manchild who plays the victim card. Kat is an ice queen. Eli and Patrick are a one-note gay couple. Sergey is just a boring pervert. There isn’t a lot of meat on the bones with these characters.

The film doesn’t offer a lot of new insights or opinions on the issue of artificial intelligence, control, or how we view and treat each other or robots. It is clear Josh is abusing his relationship with his robot Iris, but we have seen films in the past where the robots look for revenge on their human counterparts because the humans treat them in an inhumane fashion. The discussion about abuse of power has been done to death in films, and this film falls flat after a promising start. Maybe I’ve become jaded to these films, but what else can really be said about the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence?

When I think of a great film on the subject of artificial intelligence, I think of 2014’s “Ex Machina.” I also think of the 2019 remake of “Child’s Play” and 2022’s “M3GAN.” The groundwork has been laid for these films in the past, and I know we have seen robots and humans in the “Terminator” franchise. I could go back even further, but you get the picture. “Companion” feels like a gimmick, and when a movie is a gimmick without a proper story or well-written characters, it feels like we have been there, done that. Plus, the market is so oversaturated with these films at the moment.  If you can count on Hollywood for anything, it is to take a popular idea and run it into the ground.  I think they need to let this genre breathe for a while and return with a new take on the genre.

Even though I’m aware this review sounds incredibly negative, there are certain aspects of the film I did like. I thought it was beautifully shot and had a tremendous soundtrack filled with banger after banger. The performance from Sophie Thatcher was fantastic, as she appears very fragile and vulnerable but also bad-ass and tough. It runs a brisk 97 minutes and is not bad to watch, but it doesn’t break any new ground.  It’s an average movie that is inoffensive and forgettable but well made. You won’t hate yourself for having watched it, but you won’t remember much about it after it’s over.

* * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Companion” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It has a running time of 97 minutes and is rated R for strong violence, sexual content, and language throughout. There is a digital copy of the film included inside the 4K packaging.

4K Video Info: On 4K HDR, the film lends itself perfectly to the format with a striking and vibrant transfer.  A 2025 film like “Companion” stands out on 4K, as the picture quality is stunning.

4K Audio Info:  The Dolby Atmos track was top-notch throughout the course of the film, as I only had to adjust the volume twice when it was a little top heavy during a party scene. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish, and French.

Special Features:

I Feel, Therefore I Am

Love, Eli

AI Horror

Should You Buy It?

“Companion” is a film that doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to the subject of artificial intelligence in cinema, and it left me feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. When a film is low-budget, it needs to be high on ideas, but this one doesn’t have anything new to say about this subject matter.  The cast is full of likable actors, but their characters are one-dimensional and bland.  The kills are run-of-the-mill and ordinary.  There was clearly a lot of skill behind the camera, but this film needed a sharper screenplay to really set itself apart and allow it to stand out. The 4K with a slipcover offers a remarkable visual and audio experience, so if you did enjoy “Companion,” you will be happy with the presentation. You will also be pleased with the special features included here. For everyone else, I think you need to rent or stream the film first before you decide to add it to your collection. While the film has a high score on Rotten Tomatoes, it didn’t work for me.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘Se7en’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

When it comes to 1990’s cinema, it’s difficult to find a film as popular or as well-received as “Se7en.”  It became part of the pop-culture zeitgeist when it was released, and it still is a film which elicits a strong reaction from audiences today.  Whenever people talk about it, they instantly quote Brad Pitt’s famous line of, “What’s in the box?”  The film also served as inspiration for the “Saw” franchise and was ahead of its time in terms of the true crime genre. Now, the film is celebrating its 30th anniversary on 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  This is sure to be one of the most popular 4K releases of the year.

“Se7en” opens up by introducing the audience to Detective Lieutenant William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) who is one week away from his retirement before he is thrown into a case which captures his attention.  It starts off with a man who is found dead after being forced to eat spaghetti over and over again until he perishes.  Somerset teams up with a hot shot detective named David Mills, played by Brad Pitt.  He recently moved with his wife Tracy (Gwyneth Paltrow) to the city, and he’s looking to make a name for himself.  Somerset and Mills could not be more different in how they approach their jobs.

Mills has a short fuse and is ready to fly off the handle at anyone who gets in his way. He also doesn’t play by the rules.  Somerset is even-keeled, a deep thinker, and someone who believes you have to look at these cases as more than just black and white, crazy and sane. Before long, more murders are occurring, and the serial killer is murdering people based on the seven deadly sins. For Mills, he simply thinks the killer is a crazy person and writes him off as someone who is going to get caught and isn’t thinking straight. Somerset, on the other hand, sees there is a clear motive and agenda by the killer.

“Se7en” was one of my favorite films growing up. I was 10 years old when it was released, and I saw it when I was 15.  It was very much ahead of its time with its gritty, down and dirty filmmaking style.  When I watched it in 2025, I liked the film a lot and I admire the craft and precision which went into making it, along with the incredible performance by Freeman.  However, I do see some flaws in the film, such as Pitt’s performance.  Of course, his “What’s in the box?” scene has become a legendary meme, but he’s way too over-the-top here.  After a while, it becomes hard to spend too much time with his character.

I also wanted to learn more about Tracy, played by Gwyneth Paltrow.  Paltrow is a terrific actress, and her scenes with Freeman, especially at the diner, give the film some much needed levity. Her character isn’t given enough to do though, besides stay at home and just be written as a one-note character. She and her character deserved better. Going back to Pitt for a moment, I understand what he was going for with his performance, but he plays it too big.  In a serious movie like “Se7en,” it almost feels like his character doesn’t belong here. Freeman makes it look easy, and he’s able to portray all of his emotions on his face perfectly.   I understand the film was showing the contrast between the two characters, but it doesn’t work as well as I remembered it.

When it comes to films like “Se7en” which rely on a twist, they don’t always hold up as well on multiple viewings because the element of surprise is gone.  I still think it is a really good film though, and I enjoyed revisiting it on 4K.  The atmosphere and the sense of dread is on full-display from David Fincher.  The film also has a lot to say when it comes to its views on the world and the people in it.  While Mills believes he can make a change and clean up the world, Somerset is more realistic on what he can do and what the world is capable of as a whole.  It’s a film with some brainy ideas, but those ideas sometimes get lost in the middle of trying to solve the crime.

Overall, I still like “Se7en,” even though this might sound like a negative review.  I’m just not as enthusiastic about it as I was 10 or 15 years ago. I see more of the film’s flaws than I did in the past.  The second half, especially the big reveal, is still as powerful as it was upon its release.  The film works best when it allows its actors room to show off their acting chops and really get into the meat and potatoes of their characters.  I found the police work and the case itself not as interesting or multifaceted as I remembered it being in the past. “Se7en” is still a film worth revisiting and owning, despite some new flaws I’ve noticed along the way.

* * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “Se7en” is released on single-disc 4K Digibook or Steelbook from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It comes with a digital copy of the film as well. It has a running time of 127 minutes and is rated R for grisly afterviews of horrific and bizarre killings, and for strong language.

4K Video Info: “Se7en” is a dark and grisly film, and this specific visual aesthetic is perfect for the 4K format.  I don’t think anyone is expecting the film to look crisp, clear and colorful in 4K. The 4K is not as washed out or bright as the Blu-ray, and this is a good thing. It has a more film-like look to it, which is what I was hoping for with this 4K release. 4K is supposed to bring out the best elements of what the director was looking to achieve with the picture, and “Se7en” is a solid 4K release.

4k Audio Info: “Se7en” comes with a DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack for the film, which is consistent and steady throughout the course of the film.  This is a pretty quiet film with moments of loud and intense dialogue, but it never feels like it’s too much. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

Commentaries –

The Stars: David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman

The Story: Richard Dyer, Andrew Kevin Walker, Richard Francis-Bruce, Michael De Luca, David Fincher

The Picture: Darius Khondji, Arthur Max, Richard Francis-Bruce, Richard Dyer, David Fincher

The Sound: Ren Klyce, Howard Shore, Richard Dyer, David Fincher

Deleted Scenes

Alternate endings

Still Photographs (featurettes) –

Production Design (featurette)

Mastering for the Home Theater (featurette)

Exploration of the Opening Title Sequence: Early Storyboards (featurette)

Exploration of the Opening Title Sequence: Rough Version (featurette)

Exploration of the Opening Title Sequence: Final Edit (featurette)

Exploration of the Opening Title Sequence: Stereo Audio Commentary One – The Concept – Designer Kyle Cooper (featurette)

Exploration of the Opening Title Sequence: Stereo Audio Commentary Two – The Sound – Brant Biles & Robert Margouleff (featurette)

Theatrical EPK

Should You Buy It?

“Se7en” is a must-own for physical media enthusiasts out there, but there is one problem with this release: the packaging.  If you are going to get the digibook, you should know the film is housed in a sleeve, which makes it very hard to take the disc out without touching the back of it.  As many of you know, 4K’s are easier to scratch and damage than Blu-rays.  While I appreciate the fact they tried something different with this packaging, they should have at least thought about the overall health of the disc. I would recommend you pick up the Steelbook release instead. I’ve noticed a lot of people are unhappy with the lack of updated special features, as these are the same special features that came with the Blu-ray. Special features on older films are not as prevalent in today’s releases as they were originally done during the height of DVDs and Blu-ray releases, and I think it’s important to remember that.  It costs money to interview the actors, and it’s not always easy to track them down for new interviews regarding older films they have done. While it would have been a nice addition to the 4K release, I understand it isn’t cost effective. The film looks sharp and the soundtrack is impressive. For the film itself, as stated in my review, it didn’t hold up as well as I remembered it, but it’s still a really good flick. This is a day-one purchase despite the less than stellar packaging options.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

It’s hard to believe “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. When legends of the horror genre are discussed, Freddy Krueger is one of the most talked about names that comes up in conversation.  It all started with the original, which was directed by horror icon Wes Craven. It was a film that was wise to not overuse its main antagonist in Freddy Krueger, played by Robert Englund. In fact, the reason why some of the sequels were not as well-received was because they overused Freddy and turned him into a stand-up comedian with silly one-liners.  In the first film, he’s chilling, scary, and intense.  The film is also aided by a strong supporting cast including Johnny Depp, Heather Langenkamp, and John Saxon.

One of the strongest aspects of “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is the fact it focuses on dreams and how Freddy Krueger attacks his victims in their sleep.  When we sleep, we let our guard down and assume we will be protected and safe. Even if we have a nightmare, we are confident we will wake up and return to our normal lives.  Freddy is looking to attack young teenagers when they are at their most vulnerable. It’s an ingenious idea and one of the biggest reasons why this is such a successful film.  The main characters also have to deal with the stress and anxiety that comes from trying to stay awake and fight for their lives in their dreams.

The film opens up with Tina (Amanda Wyss) having a nightmare about a man who is trying to kill her in her sleep.  The man has knives for fingers, a dirty old hat, and wears a filthy red and green sweater.  Because of these recurring nightmares, she has two of her friends and her boyfriend sleep over to make sure nothing will happen to her. Her friends are Glen Lantz and Nancy Thompson, played by Johnny Depp and Heather Langenkamp. Tina’s boyfriend is named Rod Lane, and he’s played by Nick Corri. When Tina ends up murdered in her sleep with blood all over the place, the police are quick to point the finger at Rod.  However, he claims there was another person in the bed with them, which seems not only highly unlikely but also highly unusual. After Rod ends up in prison, Nancy decides it is time to protect herself.

Heather Langenkamp, as the take-no-prisoners final girl Nancy, is absolutely brilliant here.  She’s smarter than her parents, and she’s also one step ahead of Freddy Krueger.  Her father, played by John Saxon, is a police officer who is just trying to protect her. Her mother, played by Ronee Blakley, is having a tough time dealing with this situation and spends way too much time drinking and avoiding reality. Glen Lantz is wily, intuitive and quick on his feet, even if he doesn’t always believe Nancy. Because he loves her, he’s willing to help out and do whatever he can to make her feel safe and secure.

Wes Craven was usually one step ahead of his peers in the horror genre, and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” was no exception.  He not only created an original horror villain, he also gave him an interesting backstory as well.  He also respects teenagers enough to give them a voice in this movie. They are not stupid or vapid.  They are resilient, tough, and they are trying to protect themselves, even if the results don’t always work out in their favor. 

Even with the parents, some are divorced and have their own complex issues they are dealing with. This is why they have difficulty seeing what’s right in front of them.  He gives his characters, good and evil, layers to them.  It makes the plot and the film mean that much more when we spend time with them, get to know them, and understand their motivation.  When it comes to the bloody scenes, he also knows how to leave your jaw on the floor as a viewer, as he builds up the tension until it explodes on screen, sometimes literally!

There is so much to like about “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” from the top-notch acting, the chilling score, the intense gore, and of course, Freddy Krueger himself.  This is my favorite Freddy here as he’s terrifying without being over-the-top.  My main issue with the film is the ending. I understand it, but I don’t like it.  They build up to this big payoff and it ends with sort of a wink at the camera, which seems like it comes from another movie. For a serious and intense horror film, it ends in a rather silly fashion.  Still, I love “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and consider it a great horror film. If only it had a better ending.

* * * ½ out of * * * *

4K Info: “A Nightmare on Elm Street” is released on a single 4K disc from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  It has a running time of 91 minutes for both the theatrical cut and the uncut version. I’m not exactly sure what the difference is between the two cuts, as I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary.  It might have a little more blood in it, perhaps. It is rated R for strong bloody horror violence and gore, language, drug use, and some sexuality/nudity.  There is a digital copy of the film included as well. You can either buy the 4K slipcover version of this movie or a 4K steelbook as well.

4K Video Info:  This is a FANTASTIC looking 4K release from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment.  The picture is so clear and vivid. It looks fantastic and it’s one of the best 4K releases of 2024. When they decided to release this movie on 4K, they really made sure to clean it up and give it the full 4K experience.  As someone who has owned this film on DVD, Blu-ray and now 4K, I can confidently say this is, far and away, the best this movie has ever looked on home video. The HDR is eye-popping.

4K Audio Info:  The Dolby Atmos soundtrack was also an excellent choice.  It really makes for a great at-home theater experience for viewers, as they get to become emotionally invested in the film and really get lost in it.  There are also subtitles in English, French, and Spanish.

Special Features:

Ready Freddy Focus Points

Commentary with Wes Craven, Robert Englund, Heather Langenkamp, Ronnie Blakely, Robert Shaye, and Sara Risher.

Commentary with Wes Craven, Heather Langenkamp, John Saxon, and Jacques Haitkin.

Alternate endings

The House that Freddy Built: The Legacy of New Line Horror

Never Sleep Again: A Nightmare on Elm Street

Night Terrors: The Origins of Wes Craven’s Nightmares

Should You Buy It?

HELL YES. This 4K of “A Nightmare on Elm Street” was released smack dab in the middle of spooky season. If you consider yourself a true horror fan who loves to own horror films on physical media, this is a day one purchase without question. It looks and sounds terrific on 4K.  I’ll also add this: If enough copies of this film are purchased by consumers, there is a good chance we will see more “Nightmare” films in 4K.  This is the original classic, and it comes with a terrific slipcover and an A+ audio and video transfer. Even though the special features are from the previously released Blu-ray, they are still worthwhile and interesting.  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this release when I put it in my 4K player, but I was over-the-moon while watching it.  It’s not a true Halloween viewing experience if you don’t watch “A Nightmare on Elm Street” during the month of October.  Fans have been waiting patiently for it to be released on 4K, and they have been rewarded. This release comes HIGHLY recommended.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘The Watchers’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

“The Watchers” is the feature film debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of M. Night Shyamalan. M. Night Shyamalan is one of the most polarizing directors of the past twenty-five years.  He caught lightning in a bottle early on in his career, and for the most part, he hasn’t been able to recapture that magic with most of his current offerings. I recently discussed his movies with a friend of mine, and I said, “While I don’t always enjoy his films, they rarely, if ever, bore me.”  He relies on a third act twist in his films to keep the audience guessing.  However, after a while, it starts to feel like a gimmick.  After all, if you are waiting to be surprised, is it really a surprise?

Upon viewing “The Watchers,” it’s clear Ishana was heavily influenced by her father and his directorial style. As a matter of fact, if you didn’t tell me beforehand who directed the film, I could believe the film was directed by her father.  It very much feels like an M. Night Shyamalan flick, as he serves as a producer on this project.  I can see how she would want to follow her father’s footsteps, but at the same time, I would have liked it if she had a style all her own. It’s only natural she is going to be influenced by his work, but she would have been better suited making a film unique to her own singular vision.

“The Watchers” stars Dakota Fanning as Mina, an American woman living and working in Galway, Ireland to avoid dealing with the pain and trauma of her mother’s death.  It has been fifteen years since her mother died, but she’s still holding onto that sadness and unable to move forward.  She works at a pet store, where she vapes and is going through the motions. Her twin sister tries to keep in touch with her, but Mina finds it challenging and painful to talk to her.  One day, Mina is put in charge of delivering a golden conure near Belfast, Ireland when her car breaks down in a mysterious forest. She runs into an older woman named Madeline, played by Olwen Fouéré, who takes her into The Coop, a secure structure where they can stay safe.

The other individuals in The Coop are Ciara and Daniel, played by Georgina Campbell and Oliver Finnegan.  Mina learns they are being observed every night by a group called The Watchers.  There are also rules in the forest they must follow in order to avoid angering The Watchers. They can’t go out at night, and they also can’t enter The Burrows. Mina is very suspicious of these rules and doesn’t understand why she just can’t leave. Madeline is a grizzled veteran of this forest and acts as a motherly figure to the younger occupations of The Coop.  After months of being in The Coop, things start to get very tense and uncomfortable for all four of them. Can they survive and last without killing each other or losing their minds?

“The Watchers” is an example of a film that sounded interesting and intriguing on paper. However, even though scripts are written on paper (or a keyboard for that matter), they need to come alive on screen. I never felt like the film came alive on screen. As someone who has seen a number of M. Night films, you know there is more than meets the eye here. There is going to be a big moment in the film where certain aspects of the plot are revealed and you go, “Ah ha! Now I get it.”  Before that, everything else just feels like filler, and the film kind of meanders on screen.  There is nothing about this film which is boring, awful or unwatchable, but there is also nothing that is truly captivating, exciting or pulse-pounding.

I’ve often had a big issue with PG-13 for horror films or thrillers.  Yes, I do love a good kill in a horror flick, and I do enjoy gore.  It’s more than that, though, as I feel like the PG-13 rating also doesn’t allow for the kind of freedom a film like this needs.  It needs to be more intense and brutal.  It feels like they are playing it safe here.  Yes, the final thirty minutes are when the stakes are turned up a notch, but by that point, I didn’t feel as though it really mattered all that much.  A good or great movie needs to be built up properly from the start all the way to the conclusion. It’s like conducting an orchestra.  We have an OK beginning, a below-average middle, and a pretty good third act.  “The Watchers” is an OK movie once you find out what it all means and what it’s about, but the journey there has too many bumps in the road.

* * out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Watchers” is released on a single disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment, which also comes with a digital copy of the film. The film has a running time of 102 minutes and is rated PG-13 for violence, terror and some thematic elements.

4K Video Info:  The Dolby Vision transfer here is a crisp looking transfer.  This is a very dark and moody film, so don’t expect a ton of colors or anything to really pop on screen. However, the 4K does a good job of setting the mood for the film with its deep blacks and shadowy background.

4K Audio Info: The Dolby Atmos audio track is also a great home-theater experience for viewers.  The sound is exceptional, as I was able to keep it on the same volume throughout the entire movie without it being too high or too low. It was perfect. Subtitles are also included in English, Spanish and French.

Special Features:

Welcome to the Show: The Making of The Watchers

Creating The Watchers

Constructing the Coop

Ainriochtán and the Irish Fairy Folklore

Deleted Scene – Lair of Love

Should You Buy It?

I liked “The Watchers” a little more after I understood the mythology behind The Watchers and their backstory. It’s still a film that is a one and done viewing experience.  As I stated in my review, there is nothing here that is truly terrible in terms of the acting, the production or the story.  There is also nothing which really stood out or made a big impression on me. I wouldn’t mind seeing another film in the future from Ishana Night Shyamalan, but I’d like to see more of what she brings to the table as a director as opposed to just following a similar formula to what her father has done in his career.  There are some interesting special features here, and the audio and visual aspects of the 4K are very impressive.  Overall, “The Watchers” is worth checking out on a rainy day as it has a short running time, but I don’t think it’s a film that needs to be added to your movie collection.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

‘The Nun II’ Movie and 4K Review

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.

In the interest of transparency, I must admit I either saw “The Nun” and it was so bad and I completely erased it from my memory, or I haven’t seen it at all. I’m leaning toward the latter.  However, I’m pleased to report “The Nun II” was a very satisfying cinematic achievement. In fact, I need to go back and watch the original and see how I feel it holds up compared to this sequel.  This is a film I went into with very low expectations, and it really impressed me with its visual style, its acting, and its effective use of mood and dread to tell a compelling story.

“The Nun II” opens with a scene that is sure to catch your attention and hook you right away.  It’s a scene in which a priest is raised in the air and set on fire in a church located in Tarascon, France. This takes place in the late 1950’s.  Our film then takes us to 1960 and the events following the original “Nun” film where we see Sister Irene (Taissa Farmiga) who is now located in Italy.  From what I gathered through flashbacks, she survived a demon in the original film, so she’s well-versed in demon attacks and how to combat them. We also meet Maurice (Jonas Bloquet), a servant/janitor in France who is supportive and encouraging to a young student named Sophie (Katelyn Rose Downey) and her mother Kate (Anna Popplewell), a schoolteacher.

Sister Irene is called back into action when the Cardinal informs her of a number of deaths taking place all over Europe. He suspects they are at the hands of the demon Valak.  Since Sister Irene survived the demon the last time, he believes she will be able to put a stop to this madness.  She brings along Sister Debra (Storm Reid), as Debra is starting to question her beliefs and wants to see a real miracle. If there is anyone who can get her to believe, it is definitely Sister Irene.

While all of this is happening, the demon Valak keeps showing up and disappearing in visions and also in real life. I’m not a big fan of jump scares in cinema, but this film is very effective in knowing when and how to use them.  They really got to me, which is not something that happens easily.  In a lot of films, they tend to come across as premeditated, and you can see them coming from a mile away. Here, they really build up to and use them when you least expect.  Director Michael Chaves also does a splendid job in creating a film which is moody, creepy and very unnerving.  The film runs at 110 minutes, and they probably could have trimmed maybe 10-15 minutes off the running time to make it even better. Near the end, it feels like there were a few too many scenes thrown in there which weren’t entirely necessary. It’s still a good film, and a big part of that is the performance of Taissa Farmiga. She’s great at being vulnerable, tough and easy to like.

What I enjoyed most about this film is the fact it explained its backstory and history in great detail.  In most horror films, they tend to leave out any backstory or character development. With Maurice, we understand why certain things are happening to him. We learn more about the demon Valak and his motivation for why he’s possessing and killing people.  With Irene, we learn why she’s having visions of the demon. Even with Debra, we know why she has trouble believing in her faith and needs to see a miracle.  The screenplay really knows the devil is in the details here (put intended), and in order to tell this story the right way, we need the protagonists and antagonists to be properly fleshed out.

All in all, people are going to see a movie like “The Nun II” because they want to be scared. As a scary movie, it succeeds because we are invested in the characters and seeing them succeed. There are high stakes here. They really took their time to build up to the jump scares and big moments. Lately, I’ve been finding myself more and more surprised by certain movies, which is always a delightful treat. This could have easily been a cash-in sequel, but they decided to make a worthwhile film that is worth your money and more importantly your time. Spooky season might be over, but you won’t be disappointed by the disturbing and eerie filmmaking on display in “The Nun II.”

* * * out of * * * *

4K Info: “The Nun II” is released on a single-disc 4K from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film. The film has a running time of 110 minutes and is rated R for action/violence, some bloody images, language and brief suggestive material.

4K Video/Audio Info: The HDR on this film is really, really potent.  On darker films like this, it has a way of making the film look even scarier. There are tremendous spooky shadows throughout the film.  It is also dark without being too dark.  It’s one of the many things I love about 4K—even though this film looks bleak and otherworldly, it’s still a clean, flawless transfer. They didn’t overdo it by making it so dark and dreary you were unable to see what was happening on screen. We also get a really, really nice Dolby Atmos track, which pops during the jump scares.  There are also subtitles in English, Spanish, and French. This is a top-notch release from Warner Brothers.

Special Features:

Demons in Paradise – featurette (5:35)

Handcrafter Nightmares – featurette (7:28)

Should You Buy It?

If you were a fan of the original “Nun” or even if you haven’t seen it, like myself, this is a great stand-alone release from Warner Brothers. There are moments where they stop and explain things if you haven’t seen the original, which is very helpful. The 4K is pitch-perfect with a really, really good Dolby Atmos soundtrack, and the picture quality definitely gets an A. There are only two special features here, and I would have certainly enjoyed a commentary track from the director.  With all of that being said, if you are interested in buying this for the movie and for the 4K, I would absolutely recommend adding this film to your horror collection. I’ve always been a big fan of “The Conjuring” universe and their dedication to putting out quality horror films.  While they don’t always succeed, they have way more hits than misses.  This film has somewhat of an ambiguous ending, and I wouldn’t mind if they did a third film, as long as it’s done with the quality and care they devoted to this one.  It’s truly remarkable what they have been able to do with all “The Conjuring” cinematic universe.  They have a lot of interesting stories to pluck from, and they bring in creative and fresh writers and directors to bring unique perspectives to the series.

**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free.  The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.

The ‘Friday the 13th’ Reboot – Jason is Vicious, But the Movie is Bland

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

WRITER’S NOTE: This review was written back in 2009 when this reboot was released.

What better way to spend Singles Awareness Day (a.k.a. Valentine’s Day) than with an old friend who butchers camp counselors because they didn’t keep him from drowning, or supposedly so? I somehow doubt you can call this latest slasher adventure of Jason Voorhees a remake. Each sequel to the original “Friday the 13th” was basically a reworking of the first sequel which introduced Jason as the main killer of the franchise. Watching each successive sequel has been like witnessing a perverted sports event. How is Jason going to kill off those promiscuous teenagers? What weapons will he use? Will the ladies be as cute as they were in the previous movie? Will the guys be every bit as gullible as before? I think this is what makes people keep coming back to this never-ending franchise. We are curious to see how Jason will dispatch his latest batch of victims before he gets laid waste to by the final girl. John Carpenter said evil never dies, and Jason Voorhees is proof of this.

This “Friday the 13th” comes to us from Platinum Dunes, Michael Bay’s film company which made such unnecessary remakes of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “The Hitcher” and “The Amityville Horror.” A lot of people complain about Bay the director, but I am more worried about Bay the producer. Still, the idea of bringing back Jason was too intriguing even for me to pass up.

In this particular “Friday,” Jason more threatening here than he has been in ages. For the last few movies, he has become a figure of such unbridled camp that he comes across as more of a joke. Here, he is as vicious as ever. This Jason does not just walk at lightning speed like he did in “Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan.” Here, he thrusts his weapons and impales his victims with sheer velocity. His mommy issues have never been more deeply rooted than they have been since the franchise first began.

The movie starts off more or less condensing the original, as it was Jason’s mother who was the brutal killer in that one. We see Jason’s mother, played by Nana Visitor from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” (never piss off a Bajoran), get decapitated by the one camp counselor, female of course, who she couldn’t kill. We all know how seriously pissed she was at the counselors who let her son Jason drown, and now Jason will carry on her vengeance. The prologue is much longer than I ever could have expected, and in it we meet a bunch of kids who are seriously interested in obtaining a huge quantity of marijuana. Jason, however, is there with a bag over his head, the iconic hockey mask gets introduced later, killing off potential profiteers. It made wonder if Jason was actually a drug dealer as he apparently lives near such a big farm of green.

These kids meet a gruesome end (is there any other kind?), and the movie then moves ahead a couple of months to introduce us to a new set of victims. These ones though are not there to be camp counselors, but instead to stay in a house by the lake to have a “relaxing” weekend. The house belongs to the father of a snobby little spoiled brat named Trent (Travis Van Winkle), and his name wreaks of snobbery whether he likes it or not. Along with him is his girlfriend Jenna (Danielle Panabaker) who has no business being with a guy like him, an Asian smarty named Chewie (Aaron Yoo) who has yet to get laid, and a couple others who, whether they get laid or not, will most likely not live through the weekend. You also have the sole black man, Lawrence (Arlen Escarpeta), who loves to mess with white people and their prejudices they are blind to. Arlen has one of the best lines of dialogue, and you will know it when you hear it.

What makes this particular “Friday the 13th” different from the others? Not much. It has the requisite killings and naked breasts. Sean S. Cunningham, the director of the original, is along for the ride as a producer, and he is intent on giving the audience what they expect from a movie like this. What makes this franchise reboot different is it is a lot bleaker and more unrelenting than the other sequels.

Marcus Nispel directed this installment, and he also directed the Platinum Dunes remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” He gives it a washed out look, and it gives the proceedings a more realistic feel as well as a foreboding one. The tension is thick in the air, and even though the scares are pretty much where you would expect them to be. The killings are effectively brutal, but Nispel doesn’t dwell so much on the blood and gore as much as you might expect.

As for the characters, they really didn’t stick in mind for long after I left the theater. That’s the problem with movies like these. Not that I expect them to be in depth character studies, but it is clear these characters are presented as being ones who are quickly disposable. There are those who you want to live through the night, and there are others whose demise constantly root for, especially Trent. In the end, they are all fair sport for Jason who kills everything in his path. Having an Asian and a black character also shows how this masked killer knows no racial boundaries when it comes to slashing trespassers. After all these years, Jason Voorhees remains an equal opportunity murderer.

Jason is played in this incarnation by Derek Mears, an actor who played the Chameleon character in that awful sequel, “The Hills Have Eyes 2.” I liked how he gave Jason a fury we have not seen from in over a decade. Not that I want to take away from Kane Hodder, but Mears gives Jason a viciousness which makes him feel more dangerous than ever before.

Regardless of these positives, there is nothing particularly special to this “Friday the 13th.” Despite a higher standard of production values the other sequels never got, it still feels like an ordinary run of the mill slasher movie to where the one word I can best describe it as being is bland. It’s the kind of movie which doesn’t stay in the brain too long after you have seen it. While Jason may be more threatening than ever, it is not enough to make this movie seem altogether satisfying.

Also, I am really getting sick of this plot device in which cell phones do not work. I find it hard to believe there are places on this planet which do not have cell phone signals. Granted, the Hollywood Hills never seem to have them, but still, while this scenario worked fine in “The Hills Have Eyes” remake, this singular excuse to isolate these dumb characters continues to get weaker and weaker.

For what it’s worth, this is the first “Friday the 13th” movie I have ever seen in a theater. I always kept hearing about these movies as a kid, and I was fascinated with them even while Siskel & Ebert kept tearing them apart as “cynical filmmaking.” It took me a while to get around to actually watching them, and even then, I had the volume turned down. I also kept hearing from my friends how people reacted during them. One told me how, when he saw “Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood,” everyone started a chant when it looked like the most unlikable character, a horribly spoiled girl with no manners whatsoever, was about to get killed off. This led the audience members to start chanting:

“Kill the bitch, kill the bitch, kill the bitch, kill the bitch, KILL THE BITCH! KILL THE BITCH!! KILL THE BITCH!!! KILL THE BITCH!!!!!!”

That would have been fun to witness, and the fact that this “Friday the 13th” movie did not have it took away from the experience. While I admire how they made Jason more lethal, part of me missed the tongue in cheek qualities of this franchise. You know, the moments which reminded you it was just a movie, and how some critics take them way too seriously. Looking back, I feel like I missed out on something.

Jason should really engage in a group therapy session with Norman Bates because they have more in common than they realize. Of course, Jason doesn’t talk, but maybe Norman could get him to or perhaps teach him sign language. Hey, anything is possible, right?

* * out of * * * *

Exclusive Interview with the Cast of ‘The Gallows’

Posted on by The Ultimate Rabbit

Looking through my vast collection of movie interviews, I came across this one which I did with the cast of “The Gallows.” Released back in 2015, it is a found footage horror film written and directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, and it opens up on a production of a play called, coincidentally, “The Gallows” which was done at Beatrice High School back in 1993. Everything looks to be going smoothly, but then an actor named Charlie Grimille is accidentally hanged and killed when the prop noose around his neck ends up malfunctioning, and the students and parents look on in horror.

The film then moves forward twenty years later to 2013 when the school attempts to put on a new performance of “The Gallows” in honor of Charlie’s memory. But, as you can expect, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the young adults who are part of this production soon find that they are not alone as something ominous is hiding in the shadows. Suffice to say, they find themselves in fear for their lives, and some learn in the worst way how certain things are better left alone.

This interview took place at Hollywood High School in Los Angeles, California, and it quickly proved to be one of the most cinematic press days I have ever been a part of. “The Gallows” stars Cassidy Gifford (the daughter of Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford), Reese Mishler, Pfeifer Brown who would go on to appear in “The Gallows Part II,” and Ryan Shoos who co-starred in “The Red Tie Massacre.” We had fun talking about the improvisation they did on set, working with the video cameras given to them, and of the advantage of playing characters with the same first names as theirs.

Please check out the interview below. “The Gallows” is now available to own and rent on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital. Watch it if you dare…