"The Boogeyman"

 2023 * PG-13 * 1h 38m This film is based on a short story by the master of horror, Stephen King. I can’t recall any movie based on his writings that wasn’t totally creepy. Just the first couple minutes of this film alone are a good indication that you’re in for some disturbing events. Watching it on my laptop was spooky enough--I can’t imagine seeing it on the big screen. 

The story is about two young girls Sadie (Sophie Thatcher, “Heretic”) and Sawyer (Vivian Lyra Blair, “Bird Box”). They’re being raised by their father Will, a therapist played by Chris Messina (“Argo”). Their mother recently died in a car accident and the family is in total denial. Then one day, Will gets a visit from Lester (David Dastmalchian, “Oppenheimer”) who was blamed for the deaths of his three children. After he hangs himself in their house, a mysterious creature begins haunting the two girls. 

The rest of the story involves the sisters investigating the boogyman and then plotting to destroy it. As you’d expect from a Stephan King project, it’s well written and has great production values. Rob Savage (“Host”) did a commendable job directing the film. My only negative comment is a lot of the movie is dimly lit, making it hard to see what’s going on on a small screen. 

***1/2 stars

Streaming on Netflix and Hulu, and to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango, and Prime.

"Good Boy"

 2025 * PG-13 * 1h 12m What an interesting take on a horror film—a story as seen through the eyes of a dog. It’s from a dog’s perspective and not told in his voice. And what a great performance. If there were Oscars for animals, Indy, the star of the movie would get it hands down (or should I say, paws down?).

Todd moves into the family’s rural home with his loyal dog. There he encounters a mysterious entity lurking in the shadows. Being his trusted companion, the dog does what it takes to protect his master. It turns out to be your basic Good vs. Evil plot, and lets the viewer try to figure out the details of the story. The excellent camerawork and slick editing of Ben Leonberg added to the overall tension of this award-winning movie. Leonberg also directed.

If you’re a horror movie buff and are in the mood for something unusual, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

Streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla (with your library card), and Hulu. Also to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango, and Prime.

4 out of 5 stars

"Bring Her Back"

 2025 * R * 1h 44m I've seen quite a few horror films in my days. But this recent film from A24 has to be among the scariest and most disturbing movies I've ever witnessed. Warning: "Bring Her Back" is pretty much guaranteed to scare the living bejesus out of you.

Two young kids Andy (Billy Barratt) and his sister Cathy (Mischa Haywood) are sent to live with their new foster mom Laura, played brilliantly by Sally Hawkins. She vascilates between a sweet mother and a terrifying possessed she-devil. Also at the home is a super creepy, bug-eyed kid Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips) who doesn't say a word. Laura recently lost her daughter and we suspect she's in some dark magic to bring her back.

There's a scene near the beginning where Andy cuts a piece of melon for Oliver. He hands him a knife with the fruit on it. He turns his back for a minute, and when he turns back. Oliver has sliced his mouth to pieces. It's a gruesome scene that hints at what's to come. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming on HBO and to rent on Apple TV, Fandango, YouTube, and Prime.

"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare"

 2024 * R * 2h 2m Talk about a film that wall-to-wall action! This movie starts with a bang and never lets up. It's a remarkable WWII tale that's based on true events. When it's over, you'll be shaking your head in disbelief. But since it's from the director Guy Ritchie ("The Gentlemen" "Snatch"), you just know you're in for one wild ride!

During the Second World War, the Germans controlled the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to its extensive fleet of U-boats. Prime Minister Winston Churchill commanded a group of generals to assemble a team of ruthless soldiers to disable the supply line to the German boats. This was done in secret and if they failed, his career would be over.

What took place is so over-the-top, it's almost hard to believe. I'm sure Mr. Ritchie took some liberties with the actual events. But it sure makes for some great movie viewing! And as per usual, he's assembled a great cast for the film. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix. And to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango, and Amazon Prime.

"Keanu"

2016 * R * 1h 40m I was a huge fan of the show "Key & Peele." If you've never seen it, I urge you to check it out. At least look for the doorman scenes on YouTube. They've compiled a series of some of the most outrageous comedy bits ever. When this movie popped up on Netflix, I had to watch it, since they both star in it. And I was not disappointed. Some very funny stuff indeed. 

Clarence (Keegan-Michael Key) and Rell (Jordan Peele) are cousins. They're just a couple of decent, normal Joes. One day, a cute little kitten enters Rell's life. He adopts it and names it Keanu. Soon after, Rell's apartment is broken into and his adorable kitten gets into the hands of a New Orleans drug lord. So the two cousins have to act like gangstas and confront the criminal and his henchmen. They have to do a couple jobs for him in exchange for getting the cat back. Seeing them fake being badasses is absolutely hilarious. 

As expected, all kinds of crazyness goes on before they succeed. If you're looking for some zany comedy, I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime, and other services.

"Ready or Not"

 2019 * R * 1h 35m This is one of those over the top outrageous horror films. I'm not a huge fan of the genre, but every once in a while I like a good scary movie. And this one was so crazy, it was almost comical. And I thought the plot was pretty unique.

Grace (Samara Weaving), is a young woman who marries into an ultra-rich family. On her wedding night, she has to partake in a special ritual. At midnight, she has to draw a card from a special deck. She draws the card  "Hide & Seek". In this version, she has to hide in the mansion, and the family has to find and kill her. As you'd expect, absolute mayhem ensues. This one will keep you guessing right until the end. If you up for some good bloody fun, you'll probably enjoy this one. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and Hulu, and to rent on YouTube and Apple TV.

"How I Live Now"

 2013 * R * 1h 13m  I'll be the first to admit I'm a huge fan of Saoirse Ronan. I've loved everythng she's appeared n. For some reason I missed this early film of hers.  I must say, it's well worth watching. Here she plays Daisy, a young American girl who is sent to England  to stay with her cousins. When WW3 breaks out, they flee but are soon rounded up by the army and separated. She escapes the work camp and spends the rest of the movie trying to get back home. 

I thought Saoirse's performance was excellent and although there wasn't much to the story, I found myself captivated by the beautiful English countryside. One of the only beefs  have with the movie is the fact that she falls in love with her cousin. I thought that was a bit weird. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla and Kanopy, Youtube, Prime and Tubi. Also to rent on Prime Apple TV, Prime, Youtube, Fandango and other services.