The Pope's Exorcist (2023) Review

 

When I first started up this film I honestly had no clue as to what I was getting myself into. I am a huge horror fan but I had very little experience in horror films of this theme. However, I was intrigued by it and really wanted to see what Russell Crowe could bring to this genre of film. In short, I was not disappointed.

This film is dark and gritty. It doesn’t hold back on its punches and attacks you full on. You never really knew what was going to be thrown at you next and because of that I spent the whole film right on that edge of terrified and entertained. I use the word “terrified” lightly, though. This film was not quite as frightening as I was hoping but I would be a liar if I said it didn’t have its creepy moments. During the whole film I was hoping to be scared out of my mind and even though that wasn’t the case with the entire film I do have to say it was still enjoyable.

The acting was spot on. Crowe fills his role as the Exorcist perfectly while the family dealing with the ordeal held their own. The writing, too, was spot on. The story, however, took a different turn than I was expecting. I had this thought on how it was going to end but I couldn’t have been further from the truth.

While I did have these preconceived notions on the film's direction I was still surprised by how it turned out. In short, this is one of the best Horror films of 2023 and is totally worth a watch.

8 Out of 10

Heart of Stone (2023) Review

 

I’m going to start this review by stating the obvious. The beginning of this film was extremely reminiscent of the many James Bond films. In fact, it did everything but scream it. However, as the film progressed it became something else. It created its own personality and identity. It became something truly unique to itself and told a story of violence and fear. What technology can do in the wrong hands and what mankind will do to remain in power.

The characters, although a little cliche at times, really held the torch for this film. As you would guess there is the stereotypical double cross and the hidden agents. But you never really see these coming. When the double cross actually happened my initial thought was that of shock but as the film continued I began to wonder why I didn’t see it coming.

The writing was amazing as was the acting, too. The actors fell into their roles like a glove. The film was also full of violence and action and the fight scenes and shoot outs were just a blast to watch.  To state a cliche, it was really an edge of your seat type of film.

There was very little that I would call bad or uninspired. The film told its story in a way that really brought up a sense of excitement. I never wanted it to end. All in all this is a must see and a movie that you're going to love.

9 Out of 10

65 (2023) Review

 

This is one of those films that truly terrified me. Not in your traditional “Horror Movie” way but in more of a subtle way. I spent the whole film on the edge of my seat. I literally had no clue or idea as to what was going to happen next or how it was going to end. This film surprised me beyond measure and it is one that I could watch again and again.

If I’m being honest it didn’t really have much of a story at all. It boiled down to just being about two people trying to evacuate a planet before it was hit by an asteroid. The relationship between them, however, was pure gold. Blocked by a language barrier their communication was limited but as they spent time together their understanding and bond only grew.  

The writing was simple but that is all this film required. The special effects, however, were top notch. Outside of the Jurassic Park films I have never seen anything like this before.

This film truly surprised me in a way that I will never forget. If you haven’t watched it yet then do yourself a favor and do it. While it isn’t the best film of all time, or even this year, it is still a damn good movie that everyone should experience.

9 out of 10