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Showing posts with label horror movie. Show all posts

Saturday, May 23, 2020

The Haunting of Hill House Reviewed

I have just finished the Netflix television series The Haunting of Hill House that Esquire coined as a spookier version of This is Us. Not exactly how I would describe it!

The Haunting of Hill House, Television Series, Reviewed

I should also note that it is available to watch on Amazon Prime in the US (not sure about other markets), so if you don't have Netflix you can still watch it.

The series is based on the 1959 Gothic horror novel of the same name by Shirley Jackson. I had actually watched the 1999 movie The Haunting that was also based on this book and although the critics panned it, I enjoyed it as I love psychological horror movies. By the way, the series is very different to the film so it doesn't matter whether you've seen it or not.

It has been very hard to get my husband to watch any suspenseful or psychological horror films with me over the past couple of decades so when I saw this series I knew I would have to watch it by myself. I stayed up late at night watching it and I loved it.

The series runs through two timelines (which is where the connection to This is Us comes from), the first is of the Craine family's childhood as they live in Hill House as children before their mother commits suicide in the house.

The second timeline is of them as adults and they are brought together when their youngest sister goes back to Hill House to commit suicide.

Each episode reveals to us how the different family members were impacted by their childhood in the haunted mansion. I found I was eager to keep watching the next episode. The youngest twin Nell was haunted during her childhood by the bent neck lady and in the episode aptly named the Bent-Neck Lady there is a surprising twist that I wasn't expecting as to the identity of this lady.

I was a little disappointed by how the season ended, but if I'm honest I'm not sure that I would've been happy with any ending.

I think the actors were perfectly picked for their characters and acted their roles really well, I found myself completely drawn into the series. I recommended it to my daughter and my husband told her that he didn't need to watch it as he'd listened to my commentary, ' don't go, oh you had to go there didn't you?', I do not recall having that conversation with the television, but it is very plausable!

If you can sleep after watching supernatural dramas that are full of suspense then I thoroughly recommend this one. Apparently they are bringing out a second season based on another family and another house. I'll be honest I probably won't watch that one as I feel like this was a one season show.

Definitely worth a quiet night in and a big bag of popcorn.

More Television Series | Mini Series to Enjoy

If you don't fancy this television series I can also recommend the following shows (although please note I've only watched one season of Shetland):

Thirteen (2016 TV Mini-Series)
This mini-series starts with a young 26 year old woman running out of a house for a payphone and claiming to be a girl called Ivy who was last seen 13 years ago. Is it really her and what has happened over the last 13 years?

Good Omens 2019 TV Miniseries
David Tennant and Martin Sheen are absolutely outstanding in this adaptation of Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman's book Good Omens. Even if you've never read the book you will love the writing and the chemistry between these two characters representing good and evil.

Reviewing the Amazon Prime TV Series Upload
This dark comedy is based in the year 2033 where death doesn't always mean it's all over. If you have the money you can choose to upload your consciousness and memories into a virtual 'afterlife' where you can stay forever

Shetland Series Reviewed
Shetland is a crime drama set in the picturesque Scottish Shetland Islands, the main character is DI Jimmy Perez who's also a single father. The scenery is beautiful and the plots are full of twists which make them very watchable.

Reviewing Agatha Christie's the ABC Murders
The ABC Murders is definitely one of Agatha Christie's best novels, this adaptation does take some liberties that a purist may not like, but it is still an enjoyable mini series to watch.

The Widow Series Reviewed
This series starts with English widow seeing a news article where she believes she spots her late husband alive and well in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Of course this leads to her flying out to DRC in search of him, the series has twists and turns, suspense and action and is thoroughly recommended.

Reviewing Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan - The TV Series
Jack Ryan is a character who was born in a novel by Tom Clancy, the son of a Baltimore cop and a nurse who serves as a marine before becoming a history teacher and finally joining the CIA. A few of the books were made into blockbuster movies and now we have a television series.

And Then There Were None - The Mini-Series
Based on an Agatha Christie novel this is one of her darker novels and is based in the 1930s around a nursery rhyme called 10 Little Indians/10 Little Soldiers. It will keep you guessing right up to the end.

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Friday, October 26, 2018

Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte Movie Review

The old classic movies starring Bette Davis still stand out in my mind as the very best suspense movies ever made. Pure acting excellence coupled with a great plot is all too often missing in current day films. Therefore, when I want to see a really great movie, I frequently look to the classics of the past.

I was recently reminded of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte and simply had to watch it again. I remembered bits and pieces of the plot, but had totally forgotten the reason John Mayhew was killed and who was responsible for his death.

Once again, I was pulled into the story of the movie and the mystery behind the murder. I had totally forgotten the motive and the secrets surrounding the crime. Ironically, I didn't remember the opening scene of the movie at all, and it sets the stage for the events that follow. Actually, I wonder now if I had ever seen the opening before since it precedes the credits and the title of the movie.

This movie makes you think. It will remind you that betrayal often bears a hefty price. It will make you grateful that you are not wealthy. Sadly, wealth makes you a target, especially when you are too old to defend yourself.

The Plot of Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte

Hush.Hush, Sweet CharlotteCheck PriceThe movie and story begin in 1927 when Charlotte Hollis (Bette Davis) was young and in love with John Mayhew, (Bruce Dern) who is already married. When Charlotte's father (Victor Buono) is informed that his only daughter is entangled with a married man, he is determined to see the relationship end.

The movie opens with the meeting between Mr. Hollis and John Mayhew. Mr. Hollis is furious and disgusted with idea of his beautiful daughter being involved with a married man. He refuses to accept that this man will have both his daughter and her inheritance, the land and property he has struggled to make prosperous.

Mr. Hollis demands to know their plans after informing John that his wife, Jewel Mayhew, told him about their affair. When John tells him that they had planned to run off from a dance together the following night, Mr. Hollis instructs him to break off the relationship with Charlotte instead. In reference to his home and daughter, he lashes out at John and says, "I created both and I am going to keep 'em."

The Murder of John Mayhew

At the dance the following night, John does as he was instructed and breaks off his relationship with Charlotte. She is devastated and runs from the room after exclaiming "I could kill you!"

Moments later, the murderer enters the room with a meat cleaver and John is killed by an unseen assailant who cuts off his hand and head.

When Charlotte enters the dance hall with blood on her white formal dress, the music stops and everyone turns to stare at her. This introduction section of the movie ends with her father approaching her to remove her from the room.

The Tortured Spinster in Hush Hush Sweet Charotte

The movie fast-forwards to 1964. Charlotte's father is dead and Charlotte is basically alone with only her long-trusted housekeeper, Velma (Agnes Moorehead), to care for her. Rumors of the crazy spinster, perhaps murderer, prompts even the children in town to taunt and tease Charlotte relentlessly. She never leaves her own property, but they come to her home to torment her.

If you enjoy a fabulous suspense movie that has a unexpected end, you will love the classic movie, Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte starring Bette Davis.

This file is in the public domain on Wikimedia

Unfortunately for Charlotte, Louisiana seizes her property to build a bridge through her land to join roads. But, Charlotte refuses to leave the house or even acknowledge the legality of them stealing her home & property. She grabs her rifle and shoots at the demolition team with the road construction crew, which brings the sheriff out. Even though he doesn't want the responsibility, the sheriff informs Charlotte that she has only 10 days to vacate the premises. Charlotte is desperate. She has already contacted her cousin to come and help her. After all, Miriam (Olivia De Havilland), was taken into her home as a child when her own parents were killed, and subsequently cared for by Charlotte's father. Surely she will know what to do to save the estate and help her.

When Cousin Miriam admits there is nothing she can do to save the property, Charlotte becomes enraged and reveals that Miriam was the one who told John's wife, Jewel Mayhew, about Charlotte and John's affair.

It becomes all to clear that poor Charlotte is only hanging on by a short thread mentally. She frequently lapses into confusion and mourns for John all over again. It also becomes abundantly clear that someone is torturing Charlotte by sending letters and leaving macabre reminders of the murder in her home, as if she isn't tortured enough by the memory of her lover being killed. She even begins to believe that John is visiting her again, playing the piano, and singing to her.

Dr. Drew Bayliss (Joseph Cotton), who was once Miriam's boyfriend, is Charlotte's attending physician. He is certain she is close to needing full commitment due to her failing mind.

Charlotte clings to her love for John and highly treasures the gift he gave to her. It is a music box that plays the tune of the his song to her.

Another Important Character in the Plot

Mr. Willis is an insurance investigator who was previously a news reporter. He is investigating why no one ever claimed the life insurance after the death of John Mayhew. He wants to interview Jewel Mayhew, as well as Charlotte, in the hopes of finding the answer.

Both of the women seem to like him. Jewel Mayhew invites him into her home for a chat. She gives him a letter for safekeeping along with her permission to open it at the time of her death. She believes he will know what to do with the information in the letter.

Even Charlotte trusts Mr. Willis and talks openly with him until someone touches her beloved music box. Then she flies into a rage and orders everyone from the house.

The End

There is no way I will reveal the end, or even who murdered John Mayhew. What I will say is that if you enjoy a fabulous suspense movie that has a unexpected end, you will love Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte.

Hush...Hush, Sweet CharlotteCheck Price

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Friday, February 2, 2018

The Open House Movie Review (2018)

If you love a horror movie, the kind that will invade your dreams with nightmares, The Open House is for you.

I know we have readers who enjoy safely having their wits scared out of them. To be honest, I am not that person. But, I did watch this movie from beginning to end. I selected The Open House myself believing it would be a great mystery movie. I expected suspense, but I was certainly in for quite a shock. Not to mention the days of terror filled moments that followed. I watched it nearly a week ago, and I still can't look into a dark room without feeling the chills run down my spine. And, don't even suggest I take a shower when I am alone in the house. Trust me! If my shower water suddenly turns cold, I am not going to investigate. I am locking myself in the bathroom with all the lights on until the sun rises the next day.

Now, I hope if you decide to watch The Open House, you will be better prepared than I was for the movie.

The Open House Movie Synopsis

The movie begins with a happy couple and their Olympic hopeful son, Logan. It is very clear the parents support their only child's dream. However, the movie turns tragic when Logan's father is hit by a car when he is crossing the street. Logan helplessly witnesses his father's death. Those are images that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

Logan and his mother, Naomi, find themselves thrown into a desperate financial situation. They are forced to move from their home. It seems fortunate that Naomi's sister has a furnished house in the mountains that is for sale. She offers to let them stay there for free noting that the mansion is better lived in than left vacant and they can look after the house for her. The only consideration is that she needs them to vacate the house every Sunday so the real estate agent can host an open house. A mere inconvenience when you get to live free right? I am certain Naomi and Logan would never have considered moving into that house, whether it was free or not, if they had any idea what would happen to them there.

Who checks the house carefully after an open house? Do you believe the realtor has kept a close eye on everyone who visits your home during an open house? I would certainly hope so. But, what if there are several people visiting the open house? Or, if someone comes through the back door instead of the front door and the realtor never even sees them? What if you are not really familiar with the house yourself? Would you feel comfortable laying down to sleep in an unfamiliar home after an open house? I admit, I never really thought about it before. We see open house signs in surrounding neighborhoods weekly. It is a commonplace event.

One thing that is now for sure, if I ever decide to sell our house, we will NOT host an open house!

Where to Watch The Open House (2018) by Netflix

Currently, the movie is only available on Netflix. A subscription to Netflix is required to view their movies. Normally, Netflix will make their movies available to purchase on DVD after a year or two. Unfortunately, when I checked recently (Sept 2021), The Open House is still not available on DVD.

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Friday, October 30, 2015

Crimson Peak Movie Review

Crimson Peak is the perfect mystery movie for Halloween! Of course, it would be a great horror flick anytime of the year, but the release of this movie was perfectly timed for Halloween in 2015.

This movie actually has a lot to recommend it and I was not disappointed. Crimson Peak is not just a scary horror movie, even though the ghosts are the scariest I have ever seen, bar none. The movie has a fantastic mystery plot. At one point, you may think you have it figured out, only to be stunned by the truth when it is revealed.

Tom Hiddleston is also a huge draw for this movie. He has that perfect "innocent", disarming and enchanting personality with just enough edge to be fascinating and mesmerizing. Just like his performance as Loki in the movie Thor, as Sir Thomas Sharpe in Crimson Peak, the audience embraces him. We want to trust him!

The two beauties in his life are equally beguiling. His sister, Lady Lucille Sharpe (Jessica Chastain), is the embodiment of old world grace and style on the surface with just enough arrogance and talent to broadcast her existence of entitlement.

Even though she is from an equally wealthy background, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) is like an open book. Her childlike charm and exuberance announce her naiveté. It is obvious that her father has protected and cherished his only daughter.

Synopsis & Review of the Crimson Peak Movie Plot

Written by Cynthia Sylvestermouse

Crimson Peak Tom Hiddleston as Sir Thomas Sharpe Poster Promo 8 x 10 Inch PhotoThe movie starts at a very difficult time in young Edith's life when her mother has just died of black fever. We are told how she never got to even say goodbye to her mother. It isn't long before Edith is visited by the ghost of her mother with a warning to "beware of Crimson Peak." Years pass, and unfortunately, it isn't until after Edith is married that she even identifies the location of Crimson Peak.

Sir Thomas Sharpe breezes into Edith's life and doesn't hesitate to show his interest in the pretty young woman. He pursues her and singles her out publicly as his choice of dance partner. Although Edith has a long established affection and friendship with Dr. Alan McMichael (Charlie Hunnam), she is still totally and completely captivated by Sir Thomas's attention.

After the unexpected death of her father, Sir Thomas Sharpe swoops in as a buffer to Edith's indescribable pain over the death of her remaining parent. She marries him without hesitation and moves to his family mansion in England which she soon learns is also known as Crimson Peak.

At Crimson Peak, Edith is haunted by even more ghosts who are trying to communicate with her. When she suspects she is being poisoned, she starts to summon the ghosts and to listen to her eerie messengers.

Recommendation of Crimson Peak

First, let me start here by telling you that Crimson Peak is rated "R" for a reason. Not only is it violent and scary, it also has crude language and adult content. In all honestly, there were a few times when I had to hide my own eyes. I knew I didn't want those images replaying in my head for years to come.

As a whole, and largely because of the mystery plot, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who has the stomach for it and an interest in horror flicks.

Ironically, considering the mystery plot, the ghosts and grotesque scenes seem to "fit" this movie. They are not contrived to booster the rating to R. It is truly a well earned "R" rating, but do be warned, it is not for the faint of heart.

It is truly the perfect Halloween movie!