vassiliskounelis

IMDb member since April 2019
    Lifetime Total
    150+
    IMDb Member
    5 years

Reviews

MadS
(2024)

Low budget and repetitive
A film that, while offering an intriguing perspective, falls short in execution. The storyline had potential, and the concept itself feels fresh, but the low-budget production becomes too obvious in ways that distract from the plot. Throughout the movie, there are noticeable issues, like visible shadows of the camera crew and even a stray production car making its way into one scene. These kinds of oversights pull you out of the story, making it feel a bit cheap.

The film's pacing also suffers. After the halfway point, it felt as though the plot was just coasting along with little progression or added depth. While the initial setup caught my attention, I was hoping for a twist or a shift in tone to bring more excitement. Unfortunately, it never really comes, leaving the second half feeling repetitive and underwhelming.

Overall, Mads had promise but needed more polish and direction to fully deliver on its unique premise.

Apocalypse Z: El principio del fin
(2024)

It satisfies the zombie itch but doesn't leave a lasting bite.
Finally, a new zombie film! Apocalypse Z: The Beginning of the End brings zombies back to the screen, and I have to say-I've missed this genre so much! It's been a while since we've seen a good undead outbreak, so I was excited to dive in. However, while the movie had potential, it ultimately turned out to be pretty mediocre.

The low budget was hard to ignore, and it held back what could have been a much more intense and visually exciting film. Some scenes felt underdeveloped, and with a bigger budget, they could have really elevated the action and gore.

The addition of a cat was a quirky touch; while it didn't add much to the story, it was a fun detail that gave a bit of personality to the otherwise straightforward plot. Overall, Apocalypse Z is a decent time-killer if you're craving some zombie action, but it's nothing groundbreaking. It satisfies the zombie itch but doesn't leave a lasting bite.

Orphan: First Kill
(2022)

She didn't even look like a child
Orphan: First Kill brought Esther back to the big screen, but unfortunately, this time, she didn't quite look the part. One of the biggest issues in this prequel was the failure to make Esther convincingly look like a child. The original film's clever use of camera angles, costumes, and effects to make Esther appear childlike was a standout technique. But here, those same tricks seem to be missing, making it painfully obvious that she wasn't a kid. It really pulled me out of the immersion early on.

Beyond that, the film as a whole felt a bit forgettable. While the plot did introduce a few twists, it leaned heavily on a low-budget feel, with predictable story elements and less attention to the suspenseful atmosphere that made the first Orphan so gripping. It's a movie that's okay for passing the time, but it doesn't quite have the impact to leave a lasting impression.

Cellar Door
(2024)

Cellar Door fails to deliver
Cellar Door starts with an intriguing premise, hinting at a mysterious horror story full of suspense and deep-rooted tension. However, it soon becomes clear that the film's potential remains untapped. What begins as an atmospheric buildup, luring the audience with the promise of dark secrets and spine-chilling moments, gradually devolves into an uninspired, drama-filled soap opera with no real stakes or satisfying resolution.

The movie's singular rule-"Just don't open the cellar door"-is paradoxically both the center of attention and a total misdirection. One would expect that such a warning would be pivotal to the story, propelling the plot with intense anticipation. Instead, it plays no significant role at all, leaving viewers scratching their heads. How does a film build its entire narrative on a concept that never materializes into anything meaningful? The result is a frustratingly aimless experience with no payoff, no tension, and an underwhelming narrative arc.

In the end, Cellar Door fails to deliver on every front, leaving audiences with more questions than thrills and a lingering sense of wasted time.

Strange Darling
(2023)

The film goes absolutely nowhere
I have to say, I totally did not like this movie at all. From start to finish, Strange Darling was a major letdown. The main character, played by the lead actress, has to be one of the most hated characters I've ever seen in a film. Her actions and personality grated on my nerves.

The structure of the movie with its 'chapter' format was a complete mess. I can tell they tried to use this approach to add intrigue or a sense of narrative depth, but it ended up being confusing, boring, and utterly pointless. It didn't contribute anything meaningful to the story and only served to frustrate me more.

In the end, the film goes absolutely nowhere-it just meanders through scenes without any payoff. I was left irritated and disappointed, as the movie felt like a wasted effort that failed to deliver any real substance or excitement. Strange Darling didn't just miss the mark; it made me want to erase it from memory altogether."

Beauty in Black
(2024)

Drama that spills the tea in the messiest way possible
Beauty in Black If you're looking for drama that spills the tea in the messiest way possible, Beauty in Black delivers! This movie is packed with over-the-top, soap-opera-level drama that's both hilarious and absurd. It's the perfect watch for a lazy, boring day when you just want something fun and brainless to pass the time.

Don't expect anything highbrow-this is pure trash, and it knows it. The storyline is ridiculous, the characters make questionable choices at every turn, and that's exactly what makes it so entertaining. It's a guilty pleasure, for sure, and I loved every ridiculous minute of it!

Cuckoo
(2024)

Painfully slow
Cuckoo aimed to build a mysterious atmosphere but unfortunately fell short. The pacing was painfully slow, leaving me waiting for a reveal that never truly came. From start to finish, it felt like something strange was just around the corner, yet the movie kept me in a loop of suspense that led nowhere satisfying.

The story hinted at something intriguing, but ultimately, there was no real payoff-just bizarre moments strung together without explanation or depth. There was little to hold onto plot-wise, and even the strange scenes lacked any real impact. It was a struggle to stay engaged. Not my cup of tea.

Tyler Perry's Divorce in the Black
(2024)

Become a 60-year-old granny watching this
Watching Divorce in the Black felt like I'd suddenly aged into a 60-year-old granny glued to a painfully drawn-out soap opera. The movie stretched on way too long for the thin storyline, dragging through scenes that could have easily been trimmed. The characters made some of the most bizarre, irrational choices I've seen, taking the plot from one head-scratching turn to another. And the romance? Pure cringe. It was so forced and awkward that it made every love scene hard to sit through.

Adding to the agony was the overall cheap look of the production, like corners were cut at every turn. It left me wondering if I'd accidentally switched to some low-budget daytime drama.

Azrael
(2024)

Exhausting to watch
Azrael had a unique premise that could have made for an intriguing horror film. The idea of a world where no one can speak held a lot of potential for tension and mystery. However, the execution fell short, and the silence ended up being more exhausting than atmospheric. Without any spoken dialogue, I found myself longing for something to hear-anything that would add layers to the story or depth to the characters.

The action and horror elements didn't add much excitement either; they felt mediocre at best and didn't deliver the intensity that a film like this needed. The scares and suspense moments were predictable, which drained any real thrill out of the viewing experience. The movie ultimately felt like a great idea on paper but lacked the impact and engagement that could have made it memorable.

Don't Move
(2024)

Fresh
Don't Move brings a refreshing twist to a well-known horror formula, proving that familiar themes can still feel exciting when given the right touch. The film delivers non-stop tension, pulling viewers into a world where the terrifying concept of paralysis is explored in depth. This unsettling theme is central to the story, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that leaves audiences feeling as trapped and vulnerable as the characters on screen.

The way the story develops around this idea is truly gripping, playing on primal fears and giving rise to moments of pure, heart-pounding suspense. While certain elements of the plot may feel a bit predictable, the intensity and well-executed scares more than make up for it. The film manages to keep the viewer invested from beginning to end, blending strong visuals with a dark and eerie mood that elevates the horror experience.

Don't Move offers an enjoyable horror journey that both frightens and fascinates, striking a great balance between classic tropes and innovative ideas. For fans of the genre, this is definitely a solid choice.

Loups-Garous
(2024)

It's a decent time-killer
Loups-Garous had the potential to be an interesting film, but overall, it falls squarely into mediocre territory. The idea behind the movie-a future dystopia where werewolves exist-was actually kind of cool, but the execution feels more like a B-movie, lacking the polish needed to fully bring this concept to life.

The film reminded me a lot of Jumanji, especially in the way the characters are thrust into a dangerous, game-like situation, but with a noticeably lower budget. Unfortunately, this really shows in the production quality and special effects, which fail to impress.

While the movie had moments of fun, it was ultimately weighed down by its PG rating, which seemed to water down the potential tension and action. A more mature approach could have added some much-needed grit to the story, but instead, it plays it safe and ends up feeling a bit too tame for its own good.

In the end, Loups-Garous is entertaining enough for a casual watch, but it doesn't leave a lasting impression. It's a decent time-killer, but don't expect anything groundbreaking.

From
(2022)

How do they have electricity , water , food , alcohol ???
I wanted to like "From," but it's way too slow-paced for my taste. The most glaring issue for me is the lack of explanation regarding the basic logistics of the world. How do they have electricity, a consistent water supply, and an abundance of food and alcohol? These elements destroy the immersive atmosphere and leave me questioning the plausibility of it all. It feels absurd that no one in the series raises these concerns.

Additionally, the characters are bland, and the storytelling lacks any real excitement or depth. Everything just feels mediocre and plods along without engaging the viewer. Overall, it's a frustrating watch that fails to capture my interest.

Never Let Go
(2024)

The entire plot becomes crystal clear from the very first minutes
From the very first minutes of Never Let Go, the entire plot becomes crystal clear, making it a predictable and somewhat tedious experience. Halle Berry plays the lead role with a performance that, while competent, unintentionally reveals the whole story far too early. Her portrayal lacks the subtlety needed to keep viewers engaged in any real mystery or suspense.

The film follows a typical formula, with no surprising twists or emotional depth. Everything unfolds just as you'd expect, and by the time you reach the final act, you've already anticipated every plot point. The tension that should drive a thriller of this kind simply falls flat, leaving the audience waiting for an ending that feels inevitable from the beginning.

Overall, Never Let Go feels like a rehash of countless other films in the genre. While it's not entirely bad, it suffers from being overly predictable and ultimately lands in the realm of mediocrity. It's a passable watch, but offers nothing memorable or fresh.

Alien: Romulus
(2024)

A fun watch but
Alien: Romulus was generally a fun watch, though it had its share of flaws. The atmosphere and pacing were great, with intense moments and solid visuals that fit the Alien franchise well. However, the characters? Completely idiotic! It's one of the rare movies where I actually rooted for them to die, and honestly, I didn't even care when they did. They made some of the most frustratingly dumb decisions I've ever seen in a sci-fi horror. That said, it wasn't one of the best Alien films, but it was still a solid addition to the series. Definitely worth watching for the thrill, even if you're rolling your eyes at the characters!

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft
(2024)

A major disappointment
The new Lara series on Netflix is a major disappointment and has nothing to do with the Lara Croft we all loved. The character is weak, boring, and in no way embodies the iconic persona of Lara, who was dynamic, had humor, and a strong sense of style. Instead, this reboot version feels dull and uninteresting.

I don't understand why they keep portraying Lara in such a bland way. This approach has become tiresome, and it fails to spark any excitement. The plot is equally boring, and all we see is Lara crying and dealing with psychological issues. Maybe Lara needs a therapist, not a new series! Hahaha.

The show has already faded from my memory. Nothing stood out or was memorable, and it definitely doesn't live up to the image of the strong, stylish heroine we used to know and love.

Speak No Evil
(2024)

stupid decisions at nearly every
Speak No Evil (2024) is essentially a carbon copy of the original, offering little in the way of new material or fresh takes. While the slow pacing adds some tension and atmosphere, it doesn't really bring much beyond that. The film suffers from its characters making bafflingly stupid decisions at nearly every turn. The family could have saved themselves so many times, but instead, they keep making choices that are so irrational, it's painful to watch. While the movie remains interesting to a point, the sheer idiocy of the characters becomes frustrating. By the time it was over, I found myself bored because I already knew the entire story, and the remake brings no surprises or suspense. It's a retelling that doesn't improve or change anything, leaving it feeling like a missed opportunity.

Deadpool & Wolverine
(2024)

I can't even begin to describe how disappointed I was with Deadpool
I can't even begin to describe how disappointed I was with Deadpool 3. I tried SO hard to finish the movie, but I got so bored that I just couldn't make it through. Seriously, what was this even about? A multiverse? WTF is that? Nothing original, nothing funny like the first two films I loved. There's no gore, no witty banter-none of the things that made the first movies so fun and refreshing. This one felt flat and uninspired, like it was just trying to cash in on multiverse hype, but it completely missed the mark. I honestly can't get it. I was sitting there, trying to find something to hold onto, but nope, it wasn't happening. I'm so bummed I even wasted my time on this. 🤣

The Crow
(2024)

Boring
I had high hopes for The Crow remake, but sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. The film felt flat from the beginning, with no real impact or emotional weight to it. Instead of drawing me into its dark atmosphere, it just came across as boring and weird in a way that didn't seem intentional.

The pacing was sluggish, which made it hard to stay engaged. At some points, I actually felt sleepy-and I'm pretty sure I dozed off for a minute or two, which never happens when I'm watching something that grabs my attention. The original Crow had a raw intensity and sense of purpose, but this version felt soulless and empty in comparison.

Overall, the 2024 remake just didn't resonate with me at all. It's one of those movies I'll quickly forget and honestly wouldn't recommend. If you're a fan of the original, this one might leave you disappointed.

Blink Twice
(2024)

Predictable but Fun to Watch
Blink Twice is a slow-burn mystery that keeps you intrigued, even if you feel like you know where the story is headed. The film opens with a warning about gore and violent scenes, but honestly, it never goes too hard on that front. If you're expecting intense gore, you might be surprised at how mild it actually is. While the pacing may be a bit slow at times, the mystery at the core of the film keeps things interesting. The predictability didn't take away from the experience, as the storytelling is strong enough to maintain your attention. If you're into movies that keep you guessing without rushing, Blink Twice is a solid choice. Overall, I enjoyed it and appreciated the balance of suspense and familiarity.

The Front Room
(2024)

Weird
The Front Room took me by surprise. Going into it expecting a full-on horror flick, I found myself laughing , and it oddly reminded me of Duplex with Drew Barrymore. The Front Room has its dull moments, but where Duplex was lighthearted, The Front Room is much darker. There's this weird blend of suspense and awkwardness that creates an unintended comedy.

It's not your typical horror movie, but that's what made me love it. I was waiting for some chilling horror to kick in, but instead, I ended up laughing at the ridiculous situations. It's almost like it wanted to be scary but kept tripping over its own tone. The dark comedy elements saved it for me, even if that wasn't the film's original intention.

Skincare
(2024)

Far too predictable for my taste
Had an interesting concept, but it ended up being far too predictable for my taste. From the very beginning, I could tell where the story was headed, which took away any real tension or surprise. As much as I tried to enjoy it, the film just never managed to rise above mediocrity.

The plot's predictability made the whole experience feel somewhat boring, and by the time we got to the ending, I was left feeling unsatisfied. It had the potential to go somewhere more interesting, but instead, it played it safe, which ultimately made it feel lame and uninspired.

That said, one saving grace was Elizabeth Banks. She absolutely shined in her role and brought an energy that made certain scenes enjoyable despite the lackluster story. Her performance added some much-needed charm to the film.

Overall, while I did enjoy Skincare on some level, it was ultimately forgettable and not as thrilling or unique as I had hoped. A solid performance from Banks isn't enough to elevate a film that otherwise feels flat.

AfrAId
(2024)

Falls short in execution
Afraid (2024) had all the ingredients for a promising horror film, but unfortunately, it falls short in execution. The premise was intriguing, and as a fan of these types of movies, I was excited to see where it would go. However, by the end, I was left feeling underwhelmed-nothing significant really happened, and the story never took off.

One of the biggest issues is the runtime. It felt so brief that it barely scratched the surface of what could've been a much more engaging plot. The PG-13 rating also held it back, with the scares feeling tame and the deaths lacking any real impact or creativity. There were no memorable moments or striking visuals that usually make horror films stick with you.

In the end, Afraid feels like a missed opportunity. It had potential but never delivered on it. I left the theater feeling like I'd watched an extended teaser for a movie that never fully developed.

Ginger Snaps
(2000)

Aesthetic
I loved the aesthetic of Ginger Snaps, especially the early 2000s vibe that really gave the film a nostalgic edge. The moody, grungy atmosphere and the raw, gritty feel of the setting were spot-on. However, as much as I enjoyed that part, I felt like the movie didn't deliver as much as I wanted in terms of action and pacing. It felt like nothing really happened for long stretches, and the slow pace left me wanting more. The final act also felt a bit off to me-like it was missing that punch of intensity or energy I was hoping for. Overall, it's a nice movie, but I wanted more gore and a faster-paced, action-packed ride to really bring the concept to life.

Alien: Covenant
(2017)

Surprisingly good
I've never had the chance to watch any of the Alien movies before, and to be honest, the whole spaceship concept never really appealed to me. I'm more into traditional horror, and while I have Disney Plus and have seen nearly all the horror , I wasn't sure about this one. But I decided to take a risk and check out Alien: Covenant.

Surprisingly, I was really drawn in by how well the movie built a tense and eerie atmosphere. The scenes were intense, and I found myself completely absorbed, which I wasn't expecting at all for a sci-fi horror film. For my first Alien movie, I really enjoyed it!

However, I have to say, the last 20 minutes were a letdown. Everything felt way too predictable, and the surprise factor was totally gone. It kind of soured the experience for me, but overall, the rest of the film was a pleasant surprise."

Borderlands
(2024)

A Fun and Entertaining Ride Despite Its Flaws
I don't understand all the hate surrounding the Borderlands movie! While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's an entertaining and enjoyable ride that captures some of the chaotic charm of the game. The story is fairly simple, but that's part of its appeal. Sometimes, a straightforward plot is all you need to keep the action moving, and it does a decent job of bringing the core elements of Borderlands to life.

The characters were, for the most part, quite pleasant. Each one had their quirks, and while none were groundbreaking, they did manage to bring a bit of personality to the screen. I have to mention the robot-it was absolutely adorable! It added a nice touch of lightheartedness to the action, and I found myself really enjoying its moments on screen. The robot's cuteness balanced out some of the more chaotic and cringe-worthy parts, especially toward the end.

Speaking of which, I do have to admit that the final act was a bit of a mess. It felt rushed and over-the-top in a way that didn't fully pay off. The cringe-worthy moments were hard to overlook, and it seemed like the movie was trying too hard to wrap things up with a bang but ended up fizzling out instead.

One major disappointment for me was the lack of gore and blood. Borderlands as a franchise is known for its brutal, unapologetic violence, and it felt strange not seeing any of that in the movie. It's one of the defining traits of the game's chaotic world, and toning that down removed some of the edge that fans might have been expecting.

Overall, while it's not a perfect movie, I found Borderlands to be a fun, light-hearted adaptation that didn't take itself too seriously. It had its flaws, especially in the final act and its toned-down violence, but it delivered enough humor, action, and adorable robot moments to keep me entertained. If you go in expecting a simple, popcorn-flick style of fun, you'll likely have a good time.

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