Smile 2 review
If you’re one of those people that tell others that they should smile more, you likely stop doing that after watching the Smile movies. The latest installment is “Smile 2” which carries on the grin win that was 2022’s “Smile.” In this sequel, we pick right up after the events of the first movie which then introduces us to Skye Riley, a world famous pop star, who is the next in line for the smile curse. She sees someone off themselves right in front of her and the curse is bestowed upon her as is the plot of these movies. Of course, she starts seeing freaky-deaky visions that gradually drive her mad and causes her to lash out and embarrass herself. Considering that she’s a Taylor Swift-type world famous pop star, this raises the stakes exponentially as she’s being driven insane but in the very public eye. Can she defeat the smile curse and how many people will die in the process? Is it worth a trip to the theater to find out? Check out this episode to find out! “Smile 2” stars Naomi Scott, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kyle Gallner, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Drew Barrymore, Lukas Gage, Peter Jacobson, Ray Nicholson, Dylan Gelula, Raul Castillo, Zebedee Row and Roberts Jekabsons.
The Substance review
Are you sick of watching feel-good, heart-warming movies? I think I’ve got the cure with “The Substance.” Demi Moore plays an aging actress, not so unlike herself, named Elisabeth Sparkle who’s Oscar-winning movie career has plummeted. It’s plummeted so much, she’s the host of a Jane Fonda-type workout show. Now, because of her age, she’s even in danger of being fired from that. Also, she doesn’t get the looks from the men anymore that she used to. She’s just feeling extremely depressed about her own mortality and her perceived lack of worth. Enter in The Substance. She’s made aware of The Substance and how it can create a younger, more beautiful, “better” version of yourself. The rule is, the younger version of yourself gets seven days out in the world and then you get seven days. This must be respected. The balance must be respected or else. You are both the same person, not two separate people. As long as you follow the rules, the unspeakable won’t happen. Elisabeth’s younger self, named Sue, is “born” and quickly gets the adoration and career success that Elisabeth once had and it’s addictive. Can she, and Elisabeth follow the seemingly simple seven day rule? As you might’ve guessed, they probably don’t and this movie may, or may not, present the most disturbing and horrifying visuals you’ve ever seen. Is that part of a whole that makes this movie a must-see, or does it just make it a movie you should stay as far away as possible from? Watch this episode to find out! “The Substance” also stars Dennis Quaid in a hilariously, over-the-top performance as a misogynistic Hollywood studio head, maybe not coincidentally named Harvey.
Alien: Romulus review
In 1979, director Ridley Scott got caught up in the “Star Wars” hype and knew he needed to direct a space movie. That movie ended up being “Alien.” Now 45 years later, the Alien franchise is still alive and kicking with the new movie, “Alien: Romulus.” In this latest installment, we start out on a space mining planet with our main character, Rain, played by Cailee Spaeny. She’s trying to find a way off this hazardous planet, to a better planet, with her “brother” Andy who is really a synthetic her Dad programmed to protect her. She then is presented with a plan to get them off the planet by her friend Tyler, which is to fly up to another ship floating above the planet and use that to escape. All of them get up there, along with some others in the group, only to realize it’s not a ship. It’s a seemingly deserted massive scientific space station. They move forward with their plan to find some cryo-pods to use for them to cryo-sleep they’re way to the new planet but you know what they say about best laid plans. Little do they know that this space station isn’t deserted, it’s a graveyard. The reason it is, is still on board and this group unintentionally unleash it and its a nightmare from there. Soon Rain and the group are being chased down by alien face huggers looking to implant their alien seed. On top of that they have another synthetic trying to secure some corporate research from the space station and if humans have to die for it, so be it. The group aren’t allowed off the space station until this mission is complete, all the while, having to try not to get killed or impregnated by killer aliens before the space station crashes. Is it good enough to blast off out of your house to go see? Check out this episode to find out.
Cuckoo review
Some people go to the mountains for vacation, for a little rest and relaxation, not for a sinister and terrifying experience, like the one you see in “Cuckoo.” This movie from German director, Tilman Singer, is about a teenager, Gretchen, who ends up moving with her Dad, her stepmom and much younger half-sister to a mountain resort in the German Alps. There, they are greeted by Herr Konig, who runs the resort and for who Gretchen’s Dad and stepmom will help build a new resort. Gretchen gets serious “stranger, danger” vibes immediately from Herr Konig, played by Dan Stevens, with his creepy voice and suspicious ways of touching her. Gretchen, played by Hunter Schafer, is a fish out of water here and she also soon sees some undoubtedly strange things around the resort. She’s already the stereotypical angst-filled teenager, but soon she also finds herself chased by horrifying entities, and trying to help a cop figure out who’s responsible for several murders at the resort. All while, trying not to get killed and survive one more minute with her stepmom and half-sister, whom she despises. It’s a mountain of trouble in the German Alps and Gretchen just isn’t having a great week. Is it worth your 90 minutes to see why? Check out this episode to find out. “Cuckoo” also stars Jan Bluthardt, Marton Csokas, Jessica Henwick, Mila Lieu, Greta Fernandez, Proschat Madani, Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Konrad Singer, Kalin Morrow and Johannes Benecke.
MaXXXine review
There have been some bizarre movie trilogies but the Ti West-directed “Pearl Trilogy” tries to take the bizarre trilogy crown. “Maxxxine” is the final movie in this bloody, murderous trilogy where all the movies feature two dynamic, driven, crazy ass women who will do anything for fame. One is Pearl and the other is Maxxxine. Mia Goth plays both parts in a provocatively intriguing way. We first saw Maxxxine in the first movie in this trilogy, “X.” Now in this third movie she’s in 80’s Hollywood trying to find that elusive fame that so many crave. She’ll do anything to get it, including some things you just couldn’t imagine. On top of that, there’s a serial killer running around Hollywood doing things you just couldn’t imagine. Maxxxine suddenly has something maybe chasing her while she chases fame. The body parts pile up even if the primo acting parts aren’t piling up for Maxxxine. Also Kevin Bacon co-stars as a private detective who threatens Maxxxine with her bloody past. Will she survive this and get the fame she’s looking for? Is it worth surviving traffic to get to the theater to find out? Check out this episode to find out! “Maxxxine” also stars Elizabeth Debicki, Giancarlo Esposito, Michelle Monaghan, Halsey, Charley Rowan McCain, Simon Prast, Deborah Geffner, Daniel Lench, Chloe Farnworth, Brad Swanick, Uli Latukefu, Susan Pingleton, Moses Sumney, Zachary Mooren, Ned Vaughn, Marcus LaVoi and Sophie Thatcher.
Thanksgiving review
Halloween and Christmas get the horror movie treatment, but Thanksgiving has largely been ignored. Not anymore. Someone pulled the right wishbone and director Eli Roth has brought us the new slasher flick “Thanksgiving.” Set in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the pilgrims actually landed, Roth gives us a story of a vengeful serial killer unleashing terror on the town. This killer’s disguise is in the form of a mask of John Carver, one of the pilgrims that sailed over on the Mayflower. This killer has got some carving to do and he isn’t talking about turkey. Is it worth sitting at this Thanksgiving table? Check out this spoiler-free review to find out! “Thanksgiving” stars Patrick Dempsey, Gina Gershon, Nell Verlaque, Rick Hoffman, Ty Olsson, Lynne Griffin, Karen Cliche, Derek McGrath, Katherine Trowell, Jalen Thomas Brooks, Mika Amonsen, Amanda Barker, Shailyn Griffin, Tim Dillon, Chris Sandiford, Tomaso Sanelli, Xavier Sabeta, Milo Manheim, James Goldman, Nicholas Reynoldson, Yusuf Zine.
Doctor Sleep review
Greetings my movie maniacs and my fellow freedom-fueled film fanatics! I bring you another Movies Merica episode in my Horror House series and this time I’m spoiler-free reviewing Doctor Sleep, the sequel to the horror classic The Shining. The little boy Danny Torrance from The Shining is all grown up and can still shine, but it makes him a target of the ghosts from The Outlook Hotel. He’s learned to live with it but he discovers a young girl, Abra, who can also shine is a target of a new evil. A group of psychic vampires that feed on the shine of children then kill them. Danny must step up to protect Abra and take care of unfinished business. Ewan McGregor stars as Danny, now Dan Torrance, Kyliegh Curran as Abra and Rebecca Ferguson plays the sinister Rose The Hat. Doctor Sleep also stars Cliff Curtis, Zahn McClarnon, Emily Alyn Lind, Selena Anduze, Carel Struycken, Bruce Greenwood, Robert Longstreet, Katie Parker, Jamie Flanagan, Met Clark, Zackary Momoh, Jocelin Donahue, Dakota Hickman, Carl Lumbly and Henry Thomas.
The Exorcist Believer review
In 1973 a movie force of horror was introduced to the world in the form of The Exorcist. Fifty years later, Hollywood tries again with a direct follow-up to that movie, referred to by many as the scariest movie ever made. This new movie is called The Exorcist Believer and it may be scary or just scary that this is the best they could come up with, even with fifty years to work with. This time the plot revolves around two young girls who go missing for three days but when found, have obviously brought something evil back with them. Soon enough, the girls are plunged into the horrors of being possessed by a demon. Time to call an exorcist! Is it worth checking out this new offering of movie devilry or stay the Hell away? Check out this spoiler-free review to find out. This stars Ellen Burstyn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jennifer Nettles, Ann Dowd, Raphael Sbarge, Norbert Leo Butz, Olivia O’Neill, Lidya Jewett, Chloe Traicos, E.J. Bonilla, Antoni Corone.
The Last Voyage of The Demeter review
Ever been on a bad ocean cruise? I guarantee it wasn’t as bad as the voyage in The Last Voyage of The Demeter. You may have heard of the Demeter briefly in other Dracula movies but this movie gives you the full story. The Demeter is the ship that transported Dracula from Romania to England according to Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel. In that novel, there is a small section containing the captain’s log from the Demeter, telling a story of an evil killing his crew. This movie takes that small section and turns into a 2 hour movie. Corey Hawkins, from Straight Outta Compton and The Walking Dead, plays Dr. Clemens who joins the crew under Captain Eliot, played by Liam Cunningham from Game Of Thrones. Is this movie worth saving from the sleep of the undead or should you just put a stake in it’s heart? Check out this spoiler-free review to find out.
Talk To Me review
The best thing a horror movie can do is make you think about it long after the end credits roll. A24 Studios specializes at releasing these kind of horror movies. Is Talk To Me one of those? Check out this spoiler-free review to find out. Directors Danny and Michael Phillipou present their very first feature-length movie and it was good enough to get into Sundance and get bought by A24. It tells the story of Mia whose mother died relatively recently. To find some comfort for the grief, she agrees to take part in a ritual where you’re possessed by the dead. The ritual centers around a ceramic hand that contains an embalmed hand. You light a candle to open the doorway then you grab the hand and say “Talk to me” you see the dead. If you keep going and say “I let you in” you will be possessed by the dead. You’ll have to check out my review to hear more. It stars outstanding up and coming actress Sophie Wilde, veteran actress Miranda Otto from the Lord Of The Rings movies and newcomers Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Zoe Terakes, Chris Alosio, Marcus Johnson.
Scream VI review
New York City in real life doesn't have enough murder for you? Well then check out my Scream VI spoiler-free review to hear about more NYC murder! This is the second Scream movie in the reboot of the franchise that was started in 1996. Last year with Scream V, we met Melissa Barrera as the new Final Girl Sam Carpenter, who took the torch from Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott character. Now Sam, her sister Tara and others have to fight off Ghostface in NYC. Should you rush out in a New York minute to see it? Listen in to find out!
Knock At The Cabin review
Knock knock. With these intruders, you're going to wish they were Girl Scouts selling cookies instead. M. Night Shyamalan brings us his latest twisted tale this tale surrounding the potential end of the world. Dave Bautista, and others, intrude in on a family's vacation at a cabin in the woods. They reveal to the family that they have to make a terrible choice to save the world. Intrigued? Check out my spoiler-free review here to hear if it's actually worth watching.
Megan review
M3gan is a heartwarming, inspirational tale of love and devotion and....JUST KIDDING! M3gan is just a straight up movie about a killer doll! Move over Chucky! M3gan is an advanced android that is much more than just plastic and D batteries. James Wan, of The Conjuring and Saw fame, produces this toy-filled horror film. He tends to have a good track record when it comes to horror. Does that continue with M3gan? Check out my spoiler-free review here to find out!
The Conjuring review
In this last episode of the Movies Merica Haunted House series, we take you into the world of The Conjuring. This movie is on the same level as The Exorcist in that it also involves a family fighting for survival against the forces of Hell. They go through an ordeal of blood, demon possession, evil and murder. The main characters, Ed and Lorraine Warren are two servants of God that try to help this family survive this darkness. Check out this episode to hear much more!
Fright Night (1985) review
It's the 1 Year Anniversary of Movies Merica podcast AND the latest episode in the Movies Merica Haunted House series! Raise your glasses in a toast and also check out this review....revisiting of the classic vampire horror/comedy Fright Night. Crash in your bean bag chair with some Pop Rocks in your parachute pants and British Knights and listen to me go over all the fun that is this awesome show of menacing vampire horror, unforgettable characters, eye-popping (literally) practical visual effects and 80's power music!
Halloween Ends review
We continue our Movies Merica Haunted House series with a new school, instead of old school, fright fest movie review this week, This week we review Halloween Ends, the latest offering in the Halloween franchise. This is the finale of the David Gordon Green Halloween trilogy. Jamie Lee Curtis plays her Laurie Strode character for the 317th time, going up against the seemingly immortal Michael Myers. You of course get blood, guts and tears for fears. Should you go see this? Check out this review to find out!
The Exorcist review
The Power of Christ compels you...to listen to this revisiting of this 1973 horror classic "The Exorcist!" Since its Halloween month, Movies Merica will be reviewing some fantastic horror movies this month. Considered by many as the scariest movie of all time, people were actually fainting or going into hysterics in theaters when watching this. Paramedics had to be stationed at some theaters. Linda Blair actually received death threats from religious zealots for "celebrating Satan" with this movie. To hear more possibly unknown facts like these and to get the thoughts of a rabid fan of this movie, check out this episode.
Nope review
Yep this is Nope, a new movie from Jordan Peele from Key & Peele and Get Out. This stars Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Steven Yeun and Michael Wincott. Peele brings the mystery, thrills and otherworldly mayhem in this. Does he do it well? Is it an after school special disguised as a movie? You should listen to Van's spoiler-free review to find out.
The Black Phone review
When are people going to learn? When you see a creepy van with no windows you run as fast as you can the other way! That's part of the creepy, suspenseful plot of Scott Derrickson's The Black Phone starring Ethan Hawke. Derrickson directed the first Dr. Strange movie but has also mostly directed horror films like Sinister and The Exorcism Of Emily Rose and he sort of returns to that with this movie. Hawke plays a psychotic child abductor in the late 1970s in this but listen to this spoiler-free review to hear more about the plot and whether you should see it or run as fast as you can the other way.
Scream (2022) review
Ghostface is back to his old bloody killing ways in this requel/reboot/rehash in the Scream franchise. Just like Ghostface, this franchise is hard to kill, and Van Ebert will be your Tour Guide Of Terror through this latest flick with this review. Wes Craven is gone but Scream lives! Check out this episode while keeping your doors locked.