Review Frankenstein's Legacy

Review: Frankenstein’s Legacy

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob's Blog 

This time I’m going back to my Gothic horror roots with the 2024 retro horror film, Frankenstein’s Legacy.

Over the course of 100 years, Victor Frankenstein's diary has been stolen at knife-point, traded in back alleys, and chased by a shadowy cabal who would see it destroyed. Now, it's in the hands of Millicent Browning a gifted scientist, as she searches obsessively for a cure for her husband's degenerative illness.

I royally loved this film and honestly believe this is one of the few honest to goodness sequel to the original story of Doctor Frankenstein and his unfortunate creature. This film actually begins at the end of Mary Shelley’s tale and brilliantly expands on what happens to Victor’s diary after his death.

This film reminds me of the brilliant Baron Frankenstein films from the late 60s early 70s from Hammer films. The atmosphere and use of the limited is all there along with the good character building and plot work. Even the acting is well done. Of course, because this is a 2024 film there is a smidgen of “THE MESSAGE” in here, but it is barely perceptible.

All in all of you are a fan of good old Gothic/ Hammer style horror this film will be a long awaited treat. Savor it.

Keep on Creepin', Horror Bob's Blog 

Review: Heretic

Review: Heretic

By William Pattison 

For Horror Bob's Blog

This time I’ll be talking about the new psychological thriller, staring Hugh Grant, Heretic.

After fruitless efforts to rack up conversions for the Mormon Church, zealous missionaries Sister Barnes and Sister Paxton are about to call it a day. But a furious storm is fast approaching; the young evangelists must make a final stop at Mr Reed, the last person on their list, before finishing their daily rounds. However, as the reclusive host's courteous facade lures the unsuspecting women into a blasphemous test of faith, the two preachers must first question everything they believe to make it out alive. After all, the bizarre hermit's sweet, blueberry-scented lies can only lead to perdition. Because, above all else, Reed is a creep, a weirdo, and a heretic with a mind aflame with silent hate for God's favourite creation. And the lost little lambs can't do anything about it.

This film fantastic. It I is a hard edged examination of the subjects of faith, religion, culture, and control. It is a battle of faith and ideas between Mr Reed and his “guest” missionaries. It brings up the idea that all religions stem from one source and that source is shocking and informative.

Hugh Grant has come a long way from the charismatic romantic duffoon from films like Notting Hill. With Reed we get a dark and multilayered performance that gives you honest chills.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a disturbing film that asks you hard questions and engaged your mind, then I highly recommend Heretic.

Keep on Creepin', Horror Bob's Blog 

 

Review:The Monkey

Review: The Monkey

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob's Blog 

 

Well, I just finished watching the newest film adaptation of one of Stephen King’s vast number of short stories. The problem with most adaptations of King’s short works is there is a high chance of adaptions of his works being major suck fests. It is a major test of a filmmaker to try and put a King short story in the form of a feature film and not make it a head scratcher or at worst give the viewers the urge to slam their heads against the lobby walls. I still can’t get the adaption of Dreamcatcher out of my mind. I’m sorry to say that Osgood Perkin’s adaptation firmly fits in the latter level of pain.

The Monkey tells the story of twin brothers Hal and Bill. When teenaged Hal and Bill find their father's old monkey toy in the attic, a series of gruesome deaths start. The siblings decide to throw the toy away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years. But now the killings have started again and adult Hal with his son Petey must try to stop Bill and the monkey from killing again.

Director Osgood Perkins decided to change the rather straight forward King story about a killer cymbal playing monkey toy into a dark comedy. It was a nasty mistake. The supposedly joke infused dialogue sound unrealistic and not funny at all. Also none of the killing that are played for ironic laughs don’t work. All together this makes the film feel off and unrealistic, and not in that Troma way. This film is not in the least funny or scary and just comes of as plain wrong and unentertaining for fans of King or horror in general and it is unfortunate for that.

Keep on Creepin', Horror Bob's Blog 

 

--

Review: The Gorge

Review: The Gorge

By William Pattison

For Horror Bob's Blog 

The Gorge tells the story of Levi and Drasa, two highly-trained operatives; one American and the other Russian, who are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil that lurks within. They bond from a distance while trying to stay vigilant in defending against an unseen enemy. When the cataclysmic threat to humanity is revealed to them, they must work together in a test of both their physical and mental strength to keep the secret in the gorge before it's too late.

Director Scott Dickerson  combines the genres of Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Science Fiction, Adventure, and amusingly Romance together seamlessly.

Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy are wonderful as Levi and Drasa. This couple has a lot of chemistry while also being able to handle all the complex fight scenes and stunts.

And there is the masses of incredible CGI creations. These creatures give this film a very Lovecraftian feel.

All together The Gorge is a film that I can’t  help but to highly recommend.

Keep on Creepin', Horror Bob's Blog.