Oculus (2013): Ridiculous

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We are all aware of this quote. But I want to make my own version, and thus let me say “don’t judge a movie by its trailer.” I don’t care if somebody have already said that or if I’m the first, but this is the lesson that I’ll stick to by now. I was a victim of movies with awesome trailers but disappointing full-length film. And that is the same case that happens with Oculus.

My friend shares the trailer to me. She knows that I love horror movies and is very excited when she told this about me. She said that the trailer is awesome and I should watch the film. So, I watch the trailer and it is pretty convincing. But when I watch the movie, it was so ridiculous. I am very disappointed.

The story is quite unique. A man was convicted of murder. When he was released, her sister tries to prove that he is innocent. She conducts experiments to prove that the tragedy that strikes their family is caused by the supernatural entity that resides in the antique mirror that their mother bought. Sounds interesting right? But it is better to be read like that than to watch the whole movie.

The movie is mind-boggling in a negative way. It gives me headache and makes me sleepy. Honestly, I didn’t watch the movie from the beginning until the end. I stopped watching it after an hour I guess. Before I stop watching, the movie seems to present that the supernatural entity were just in the imagination of the woman. I don’t know if that is the point that they try to suggest until the end.

I’m not curious to know what happens then. I don’t care about the movie anymore. I was never disappointed like this in my entire life. So, lesson learned. Don’t judge a movie by its trailer. Be reminded of that, guys! ;)

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A Hunted House 2 (2014): Hilarious Indeed

I love horror comedies like the Scary Movie. So, when I saw the first A Haunted House, I became a fan. I know that there will be a sequel and I’m very excited about it. So I watch it as soon as I got a copy. And even though I have a high expectation, I’m happy that it didn’t disappoint me. The movie is hilarious in all levels.

What I love more about the A Haunted House 2 is the craziness that is very funny. I never laughed so hard while watching a movie. I’m like a fool because I’m watching alone and laughing on my own but that is OK. It is funny, so who cares if someone hears me laughing alone.

Marlon Wayans is my new idol. I find him very hilarious and comical. I remember the scene when he cries during the burial of his dog. That was the scene that I can’t forget and makes me smile whenever I think of it. Marlon was so good that even a slight change in his face can be humorous. In my opinion, he was one of the best comedians ever. He might be over-acting at some point but that is still funny.

Another thing that I love about the movie is how they reimagined horror movies to make it a comedy. For example is Annabelle. A lot of people might find this doll frightening because of The Conjuring movie, but A Haunted House 2 turns that around. I didn’t find Annabelle scary anymore. My perception has been change and I find her comical instead of devilish.

This is a perfect horror-comedy for adults. Yes, I didn’t recommend it for watching with the kids around. The movie has some parts that others might find obscene, but in my mature mind, I find it OK. These sexy scenes are funny as well and I guess it is for mature audience only. With all the good things I can say about the movie, I’m convinced that A Haunted House 2 is a great movie indeed.

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Into the Storm (2014): A Great Disaster Movie

I love disaster movies. It’s been a while since a saw one that makes me paranoid whenever there is a bad weather. I’ve seen the trailer of Into the Storm and I promise to myself that I will watch it. It has a gripping trailer and the movie itself? It was far greater than that. I can say that so far, this is the greatest disaster movie I have ever seen.

First of all, the special effects are so good; it feels like I’m watching something that happens in real life. The effects make the movie more awesome since it is believable. It creep me out and makes me fear tornadoes more than I did before. And I love how they used the documentary style in the film.

The story line is simple but it is well-suited with then scenario. The characters are also perfect and they make the movie more values-oriented. It was more than the calamity, there is a deep story involved because of the conflicts the characters have. It is awesome since there is no too much drama.

If there is something that I didn’t like in the film, it was the unrealistic calamity. Ironic right? I love the movie and for me it was great even though the tornadoes are quite too fictional. I’m in love with the movie, even it has imperfections. Maybe the unrealistic factor also gives the movie more thrills.

Another thing that I love about the movie is the beginning. It was something that you won’t be expecting. The story line is also fast-paced; you wouldn’t be bored watching it. The actions come in a perfect timing. All in all, the movie is super great. It is far more than the greatness I’m expecting it to be.

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Dream Home (2010): Vicious and Notorious

Asian horror movies are creating a buzz to the westerners. This is proved by the numerous adaptations like The Grudge, Oldboy, The Echo, and The Eye. When I’m searching for the best Asian horror movies that I might overlooked, I saw Dream Home. The plot is nice so I grab a copy. After watching it, I can say that this is one of Asia’s best movies in existence.

The story is about a woman who is very fascinated about buying a condo unit with the harbor view. Even though she has savings, she can’t still afford the mortgage for the unit. In desperation, she does something horrifying that will allow her to get the unit for a cheaper price.

The plot of the story is crazy. It gives us a glimpse of how far a person can go just to fulfill his dreams. This is a presentation of how evil can turn us to a mad person. The main character is actually a good person at first, but her desire eats up the goodness she have in her heat. Thus she ended up doing something that is vicious and notorious.

I can say that the flow of the story might be irritating for others. But for me, I find it just right. It allows us to know more about the main character and why she is doing it. The flashbacks are intelligently inserted in the movie, giving the viewers a clean balance between the back story and the crime she committed. However, if you will watch it, make sure that you would watch it in full length.

That is something that I love about this movie. It captures my attention and wouldn’t let me go to pee or to grab snacks. I was very focused on the movie because I’m waiting for something, from the back story and for her next move. I’m glad that all my questions were answered and I’m satisfied with the gore I’ve seen. I couldn’t ask for more and I wish that no one will ever dare to make their own versions because I’m afraid that it wouldn’t work.

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Maleficent (2014): Magnificent!

I’m a huge Disney fan! I admit it. So, I was very excited to see Maleficent. And having Angelina Jolie for the lead role makes me more excited. She is one of the actresses that I love watching in movies. The combination of these two favorites of mine gives me the idea that it will be a great movie. And after seeing it, I’m happy that my instinct is right. It is a great movie and it is magnificent!

First of all, the story is simply amazing. The movie gives us a new perspective in the renowned Sleeping Beauty story that we’ve grown up with. It proves that we should not really judge a book by its cover since we are not aware of what is behind it until we read every page. We all know that Maleficent is the villain, but in this movie, we get to know her better. I honestly love her character and I find it very amusing.

Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maleficent is also believable. I will give her a Best Actress award if I’m part of the Oscars. Her moves were flawless and her delivery of every word is fierce and stunning. I love how she was able to convince me that she is not the same woman who portrays Lara Croft and Mrs. Smith. And that is something that I find missing in other Actors. Overall, her performance is superb.

There are some flaws in the special effects in the movie. But it was something that didn’t bother me. For me it was neither bad nor great. It is OK I guess. I still love the movie even though there are some rough effects. That is the only thing that I do not love much about the movie.

For me, Maleficent is one of the most successful movies that give us a fresher look of famous fairy tales. I’ve seen some like Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and the other one that I even can’t remember. For me, it was far the best I’ve seen so far. My final word, it is undoubtedly magnificent!

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