Films I watched in 2023 - Part 3

Continuing the series of short reviews of films from 2023 (see Part 2).

Horror Express (1972)

Okay as a schlocky Hammer Horror-esque vehicle for Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, but unlike the statement in Reddit which enticed me to give this a try, in no way comparable to The Thing (1982), although the premise is similar.

Signal Dark (2020)

A short film available on Youtube. A fun bit of Lovecraftian horror, effective use of 15 minutes.

The Graduate (1967)

Made me think of Luis Buñuel, possibly because of the psycho-sexual content and surrealism. Also a reminder of popular films who weren't afraid of using film as a medium, whether it is expressive camera use, stylized editing, or specific choices of sound or lack thereof to provide weight to a scene.

The Stuff (1985)

A very 80s film. A lot more honest about right-wing militias than what you see today.

The Endless (2017)

Works on several layers. The supernatural reality-bending used as a tool to investigate memory and the sense of belongings. Very powerful.

Resolution (2012)

Aside from the obvious shared universe, one can see the seeds for The Endless here, albeit far more focused. Not sure whether I regret not watching this one first.

Commando (1985)

As ridiculous and quotable as I remembered. Very self-aware.

Dark August (1976)

Very effective supernatural psychological horror, with some attention to detail when it comes to occult practices.

The Beast Must Die (1974)

I have a certain sympathy to werewolf films that are not taken up by the World of Darknessification of their mythology - see, for example, the to me very effective An American Werewolf in London (1981). Includes an example of how ubiquitous surveillance might make you more paranoid while not really protecting you when it counts, a timely critique.

Curve (2017)

Another short available on Youtube. Very unsettling.

Night of the Demons (1988)

An Evil Dead knockoff with even more obnoxious teenagers.