The Platform 2 (2024)

 

 

Streaming Service: Netflix 

Movie Name/Year: The Platform 2 (2024)

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Length: 1h 39min

Rating: TV-MA

Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia

Writers: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, Pedro Rivero, David Desola, Egoitz Moreno

Actors: Milena Smit, Hovik Keuchkerian, Natalia Tena, Óscar Jaenada, Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Bastien Ughetto, Armando Buika, Pedro Bachura, Antonia San Juan, Alexandra Masangkay, Emilio Buale, Albert Pla, Gorka Zufiaurre, Ken Appledorn, Hoji Fortuna, Mariamu Toure, Sesinou Henriette, Patty Bonet, Tadashi Ito

 

Metacritic Blurb: As a mysterious leader imposes their rule in the Platform, a new resident becomes embroiled in the battle against this controversial method to fight the brutal feeding system. But when eating from the wrong plate becomes a death sentence, how far would you be willing to go to save your life?

 

 

Selina’s Point of View:

What do I think of The Platform 2? I think my back is killing me.

 

I didn’t move a muscle during the entire film. I’ll be honest, I’m not even sure I was breathing. It had the same achingly impressive suspense that The Platform (2019) did. In fact, it was completely up to the level of the original film. For a sequel to do that is impressive.

 

The social commentary was also on point. It shined a light on how a law that looks good on paper could be seen as unfair. It also showed how bad enforcement of a law could be just as detrimental as if it did not exist in the first place. It was superbly done.

 

 

I didn’t remember much about the first film. After all, it was from the pre-COVID era and the whole world changed shortly after. Never-the-less, I remembered enough to be shocked when I realized it was a prequel. It’s possible I knew that from the trailers, but it’s been long enough that it completely slipped my mind. I was expecting a more sequel-esk plot. That little twist was interesting. It really brought out the differences between the loyalists and the barbarians.

 

There’s also a short scene after the start of the credits that ties everything together in a way I never expected. I’m still a little confused by it, but not in a bad way.

 

I loved The Platform 2. I’ll follow the story as far as they want to take it.

 

 

Cat’s Point of View:

The Platform (2019) may not have been one of my favorite movies, but it certainly stuck with me after we watched it for review in April 2020. I suppose you could say that it was on our “Pandemic Watch List,” even though it was at the very beginning and before things really got wonky. In my review, I pondered whether or not Netflix would revisit the story and provide a sequel. Now I have my answer – even if it wasn't all that I was hoping for.

 

I'll clarify that statement a little.

 

I noted that I wasn't just interested in revisiting the concept, but instead was hoping to learn more about the world or time period that brought about “the pit” and the human social experiment that went with it. Alas, that was not what happened.

 

My mild disappointment aside, that didn't really impact my viewing experience for this sequel. When I watched the trailers, it was clear that The Platform 2 was going to be approaching the story a little differently. Initially, I wasn't even sure if it was going to be tied to the original film. During my watch-through, however, it clicked that I'd seen one of the characters before. By the end, the connections became more clear. Some of the ties that bind the 2 films are more overt, but there's also a more subtle thread that weaves them together – both explanations of which would be spoilers.

 

 

The Platform 2 doesn't have as much mystery as the first film, because we know how the titular platform system works by the time we reach this second experience. (If you haven't watched the first movie, this may all just be more confusing. I'd recommend watching in order.) There's definitely more brutality and shock-value here than examined in the first installment.

 

This story was clearly another slap-in-the-face social commentary. There were a few Uncanny Valley moments that were a little disturbing, but the take on how the extreme enforcement of laws without examination of mitigating circumstances allowing flexibility was clear. It also gives us a hard look at the dark side of those with the power to act on a savior complex and fanatical zealots.

 

I'd have to say that out of the 2 films, the first had more impact. It's even worked its way into culinary arts pop culture. Network television has a reality cooking competition show with Gordon Ramsay (MasterChef USA, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen) called Next Level Chef (2022-). It features the central platform of food that travels through 3 levels, giving chefs on the top first pick and those on the bottom are stuck with whatever's left. (Let me tell you, I cackled when I saw the first preview ad for that show because I instantly recognized where they got the idea.) While I really enjoy the cooking show, and in hindsight I would give The Platform a higher rating, I can't say the same for this sequel.

 

That doesn't take away from the fact that this new film was just as expertly put together and well-executed as the first. It does have its strengths, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout.

 

The Platform 2 went to some really bizarre places and just ultimately left me feeling unsatisfied and unsettled. At the same time, if they decide to turn this into a trilogy, I'd still watch in hopes of learning more about the lore of the twisted Pit and any further connections between those trapped in it.

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 35%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 25%

Metascore – 45%

Metacritic User Score – 4.2/10

IMDB Score – 4.9/10

 

Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 5/5

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5

 

Movie Trailer:

Killer Countdown - 3 From Hell (2019)

Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video
Movie Name/Year: 3 from Hell (2019)
Genre: Action, Horror
Length: 1h 55min
Rating: R
Director: Rob Zombie
Writer: Rob Zombie
Actors: Sheri Moon Zombie, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Richard Brake, Emilio Rivera, Dee Wallace, Clint Howard, Daniel Roebuck, Wade Williams, Sean Whalen, Danny Trejo, Barry Bostwick, Pancho Moler, Chaz Bono

IMDb Blurb: After barely surviving prison, the demented Firefly clan go on the run, unleashing a whole new wave of murder, madness and mayhem.

Cat’s Point of View:
3 From Hell is a little more “mainstream” than most of the other movies in our Killer Countdown, but it can't be denied that its writer and director Rob Zombie (Halloween II, 31, The Munsters) is known for work that is bonkers, chilling, provocative, and darkly comedic. What more could you want for the spooky season, right?

This movie is the final chapter in a trilogy that also includes House of 1000 Corpses (2003) and The Devil's Rejects (2005). Both films and their events are heavily referenced throughout 3 from Hell. If you haven't seen those other films first, I'm afraid you'll get quite a lot of spoilers as well as likely not quite get all the...dare I say, nuance, of these psychotic family members.

I will have to admit that I fall somewhat in the latter category, as I am afraid I have been procrastinating on watching The Devil's Rejects. I have seen the initial movie in this trilogy, however, so I wasn't entirely lost. I will say, however, that there's enough mocumentary-type build-up in the beginning of the film that it did generally fill in some of the blanks.

3 From Hell doesn't hit as many hardcore horror notes as House of 1000 Corpses did. It plays out more like an action thriller with horror elements of the occasional spattering of blood and gore. I wasn't necessarily disappointed with this, though it was not exactly what I was expecting. I had been hoping for something a little more chilling than this bonkers cross between trippy, gritty, and brutal dark comedy and mocumentary. I liked it all the same.

Aside from the core cast members of Zombie's wife and muse Sheri Moon Zombie (Toolbox Murders, Halloween, The Haunted World of El Superbeasto), Bill Moseley (Prisoners of the Ghostland, Hayride to Hell, Stream), Jeff Daniel Phillips (The Gifted,. The Munsters, Christmas Bloody Christmas), and the late Sid Haig (Kill Bill: Vol. 2, Halloween, Bone Tomahawk), there were quite a few that I was excited to see here.

Though, before I get into those familiar faces, I must note that I feel that this film was a little lacking for the absence of more plot involving Haig's Captain Spaulding. Unfortunately, Haig's declining health required a bit of re-tooling of the script, and I feel that even though something felt missing that they gave him a proper cinematic send-off. It was the right call, however, as he, in a sad twist of fate, passed away within a week or so of the film's release.

Zombie was able to work in Richard Brake (Game of Thrones, Bingo Hell, Barbarian) to round out the titular trio, without Spaulding available, and I think his energy was a great addition to this ensemble. Brake's most memorable roles tend to be his unhinged villains. He fit right in here with this completely unhinged family dynamic. Dee Wallace (The Lords of Salem, 9-1-1, Stream) can actually be found in quite a few of Zombie's movies – quite the juxtaposition to her earlier work in the genre and even as the wholesome mom in E.T. The Extraterrestrial (1982). I was rather amused that none other than the O.G. Brad Majors, Barry Bostwick (American Pie Presents: Girls' Rules, Love by Drowning, Daruma), was offering narration. Clint Howard's (The Funhouse Massacre, Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Old Way) character both made me giggle and feel the pangs of remorse for my amusement at his character's tragedy. My daughter and I both practically pointed to the screen and called out “MACHETE!” when we saw Danny Trejo (American Underdog, Big City Greens, Seven Cemeteries). Last, but certainly not least, we really enjoyed seeing Emilio Rivera (Sons of Anarchy, Mayans M.C., Dante's Hotel) as well.

While 3 From Hell wasn't exactly what I was expecting, it was crazy fun that especially highlighted the extreme level of batshit of Sheri Moon Zombie's character, Baby Firefly. The actual insane gleeful abandon of that character drives the plot and actually offers a few genuinely touching moments.

I can't say that 3 From Hell is a movie that I would want to return to in the future, it did make me want to go back and watch the film in the middle of the events, The Devil's Rejects. If you're a fan of Zombie's work and the other movies in this trilogy, I would definitely recommend giving this one a shot to round out your experience, if you haven't already. If you're new to Zombie's work, then maybe start at the beginning first. Either way, you're in for a wild ride.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 57%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 55%
Metascore – 50%
Metacritic User Score – 4.6/10
IMDB Score – 5.4/10

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3/5

Movie Trailer:

Azrael (2024)

Movie Name/Year: Azrael (2024)
Genre: Action, Horror 
Length: 1h 26min 
Rating: R 
Director: E.L. Katz 
Writer: Simon Barrett
Actors: Samara Weaving, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Vic Carmen Sonne, Katariina Unt, Sebastian Bull Sarning

Blurb: In a world in which no one speaks, a mysterious, devout community hunts down a young woman named Azrael (Samara Weaving) who has escaped their imprisonment. Recaptured by its ruthless leaders, she is to be sacrificed to pacify an evil which resides deep within the surrounding wilderness – but Azrael will stop at nothing to ensure her own freedom and survival. From the seeds of this gritty, relentless parable of sacrifice and salvation, comes an immersive, real-time, action horror tale from the visionary minds of Simon Barrett and E.L. Katz. 

Samara Weaving in E.L. Katz’s AZRAEL. Courtesy of Gabriela Urm. An IFC Films and Shudder Release.  

Cat’s Point of View:
I'm of two minds about Azrael, now that the credits have rolled.

Let's take it from the beginning before we delve a little deeper into that, though.

Azrael did have a place on September's Top 20 List, and I have been eagerly anticipating watching to find the answers to my questions the trailer left me with. I noted that I adore Samara Weaving (Mayhem, Ready or Not, Guns Akimbo) and I'd be giving this movie a chance even if I wasn't already fascinated with the story behind the teased events from the film.

I'm happy to say that Weaving knocked this out of the park, as usual. She conveyed every emotion and nuance I could have asked for within Azrael – and all without a single word. Her expressiveness and physicality were on another level bringing this role to life. I maintain that she is one of the best scream queens of this age.

Samara Weaving in E.L. Katz’s AZRAEL. Courtesy of Gabriela Urm. An IFC Films and Shudder Release.  

I actually giggle, looking back at what I wrote in my article blurb for Azrael that “...the writer/director production team for this film have the potential to really sink their teeth into this story...” If you watch this movie, you'll definitely see where I made an unintentional funny, there. I digress...

Getting back to the nuts and bolts of it all, however, I am not sure where I land overall with Azrael. On one hand, this production team set out to challenge themselves with this concept. They intended to create some cinematic art within the action-horror-thriller landscape. I think they were generally successful.

I was on the edge of my seat for a good bit of Azrael. Given the utter lack of dialogue from the majority of the cast (yes, you read that right) that was an absolute feat. This was by no means a “silent picture,” however there just wasn't any speaking – because that was part of the story of post-Rapture civilization. There was plenty of action, quite a bit of violence, enough blood to make the gore-hounds happy, and an excellent tale of justified rage and quest for vengeance.

E.L. Katz’s AZRAEL. Courtesy of Gabriela Urm. An IFC Films and Shudder Release.  

What Azrael doesn't have is a lot of exposition. There were a few title cards in between segments of the movie, but there's not any cast-driven explanation of what's going on. Nor is there any sort of voice-over narration. We're, as an audience, thrown into the middle of events and given just a basic premise of why no one is talking. Then everything takes off into the violent cat and mouse game that ensues.

I was hoping for answers to the questions that the trailer sparked as it piqued my interest – but I'll have to live without some of them. I'm satisfied with how everything played out, all the same. I was thrilled, I was horrified, I felt an emotional connection to Weaving's character, and this story even begrudgingly drug a little bit of empathy out of me for one of the antagonists.

The writer and director, Simon Barrett (You're Next, The Guest, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire) and E.L. Katz (ABCs of Death 2: A is for Amateur, Channel Zero, The Haunting of Bly Manor) respectively, really did a pretty great job with this one – and intentionally wanted their audiences to make some conclusions on their own rather than have the information spoon-fed to them.

Samara Weaving in E.L. Katz’s AZRAEL. Courtesy of Gabriela Urm. An IFC Films and Shudder Release.

It's a little frustrating for my level of burning curiosity, but it didn't really impact my enjoyment. I will say that it was a little harder to watch than some films given that there was no dialogue to keep me pulled in to what was going on – but that's on my ADHD. When subtitles or a quiet film are involved, I have to stay laser focused on the screen and can't dither about with various fidgets to help me take the edge off, if needed. I watched late at night for the ambiance factor of darkness and a quiet household, and it just had my nerves slightly frazzled by the end with the combination of the 'what the fuck' sensation that the story, itself brought about.

Azrael isn't going to be for everyone, but it is definitely worth giving a chance for action-horror fans, especially with the dearth of original concepts out there. There have been very few mainstream movies that have even touched on this topic, so there's that.

While Shudder is one of the production/distribution companies listed for Azrael, it is getting a theater run before it will become eligible for streaming. You can catch Azrael in participating theaters beginning today, Friday September 27^th, 2024.

E.L. Katz’s AZRAEL. Courtesy of Gabriela Urm. An IFC Films and Shudder Release. 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 73%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score –None
Metascore – 52%
Metacritic User Score – None
IMDB Score – 6.0/10

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5

Movie Trailer:

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

 

 

Movie Name/Year: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Superhero, Sci-Fi

Length: 2h 8min

Rating: R

Director: Shawn Levy

Writers: Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Zeb Wells, Shawn Levy, Rob Liefeld, Fabian Nicieza

Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Dafne Keen, Jon Favreau, Morena Baccarin, Rob Delaney, Leslie Uggams, Jennifer Garner, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Chris Evans, Henry Cavill, Wunmi Mosaku, Aaron Stanford, Tyler Mane, Karan Soni, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Stefan Kapicic, Randal Reeder, Lewis Tan, Nicholas Pauley, Aaron W Reed, Ray Park, Blake Lively, Inez Reynolds, Nathan Fillion, Matthew McConaughey, Olin Reynolds, Paul Mullin, Peggy the Dog, Alex Kyshkovych

 

IMDb Blurb: Deadpool is offered a place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by the Time Variance Authority, but instead recruits a variant of Wolverine to save his universe from extinction.

 

 

Cat’s Point of View:

I have been craving another cinematic Deadpool fix ever since the credits rolled on Deadpool 2 (2018). The next movie just couldn't get here fast enough. Then out of the blue, Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy, Red Notice, The Adam Project) released the teaser ad where he nonchalantly asked Hugh Jackman (Real Steel, Rise of the Guardians, The Greatest Showman) if he would come back to play Wolverine one more time and I've been fairly bouncing in my seat with anticipation ever since. Marvel could churn out an endless number of Deadpool movies and I wouldn't care if they were just cash-grabs; as long as Reynolds was involved with the creative direction and continuing taking on the role of the titular snarky, quick-witted, irreverent character.

 

Then there's Wolverine. He's one of my top 3 favorite X-Men of all time. He shares the top spots for my fangirling with Rogue and Gambit. I've been a fan of Wolvie longer, though. I have core memories of getting into my dad's comic stash when I was little (we're talking 1^st or 2^nd grade here) and they were primarily X-Men issues. I think I actually cried when I saw an issue where Wolverine was in a hospital bed for some reason. (Don't ask me what issue or the rest of the plot as to WHY, but I think that Storm and Lady Deathstrike were also in that issue? I haven't tried to look that one up in forever and that was over 30 years ago so...) I digress.

 

 

In any case, when you get the team-up of the century, it warrants a cinematic experience. We went to the theater for Deadpool & Wolverine as a family, as part of my daughter's 21^st birthday celebrations. We all loved it. Give us more. Of course, it was also mid-August at this point and I had already been spoiled on the majority of the “secret” cameos, too but I didn't care.

 

Speaking of which, we here at Trust the Dice do our best to offer you spoiler-free reviews. There are some occasions where spoilers are very hard to avoid, however. Deadpool & Wolverine hit screens on July 26^th and we were in theater seats on August 14^th, and I had been thoroughly spoiled on quite a bit without even trying. In fact, I had done almost my best to avoid any and all spoilers because I wanted to be surprised regarding the cameos, etc. Unfortunately, even with dodging social media posts and avoiding TikTok and the like, I still ran into them. I said “almost” because I was eagerly partaking of the media whirlwind that Jackman and Reynolds went on to promote the movie. I watched so many interviews and their promo-spots appearing on things like Hot Ones (2015-) because that duo is just heartwarmingly hilarious with their playful rivalry and friendship. At one point, the spoiling became inevitable because “it had been out [in theaters] long enough.”

 

 

That being said, I'm going to offer a summary of my experience here, spoiler free before I delve into the spoilers, so you can skip the spoily section if you have managed thus far to avoid them (and if you have, bless you, your patience, and I'm jealous of your luck).

 

The action was vicious, bloody, and glorious – as expected for this R-rated superhero mashup. The characters of Deadpool and Wolverine both are very violent and by nature pull no punches, verbally or otherwise. This was the time that everything came together to set both of them off of the leash that the earlier X-Men movies had required for rating purposes.

 

I loved the story, as well. It was fun to see this dynamic duo explore the multiverse courtesy the Time Variance Authority, or TVA. If you aren't a fan of spoilers, though, and haven't watched the Loki (2021-2023) series yet, you'll want to do that before you delve into Deadpool & Wolverine. Some of the elements of this story will definitely spoil some of that series if you haven't already watched it. Further, it's not a must to have seen it to understand Deadpool & Wolverine, but it helps explain some of the fine nuances in the film that there wasn't explanatory exposition about. It generally helps to be up-to-date with MCU stuff because they do love to weave in little nuggets that underscore how everything is connected between all the various individual superheroes and stories. It's not mandatory in order to enjoy this movie, however. Further, you'll also want to be caught up-to-date on the Deadpool movies in general, as there are events touched on in Deadpool & Wolverine that call back to events from Deadpool 2.

 

 

Deadpool & Wolverine was also very respectful to the narrative that had come before for the cinematic version of Wolverine – particularly in regards to the events in Logan (2017). Hell, this movie was just flat-out respectful to the character of Wolverine in general. Can we talk about the classic yellow & blue suit? Verbal jabs from the banter in the early X-Men movies aside, I've been hoping they would eventually bring that out of the proverbial mothballs. It was worth the wait.

 

I was also intrigued by Deadpool & Wolverine's villain, Casasndra Nova, played by Emma Corrin (The Crown, A Murder at the End of the World, Good Grief). The way she used her powers occasionally just made me want to squirm in my seat from 'the ick.' It was a powerful performance... not to pun.

 

 

Also, as usual, this latest Deadpool movie remains true to the character's prolific use of 4th-wall breaking. It wouldn't be Deadpool if it didn't happen, to be honest. Between all of the squee-inducing moments of cameo-induced bliss (and they're some heavy duty cameos, let me tell you) and the multiverse laden plot, Deadpool & Wolverine is a wild, raunchy, and action-packed ride. I'd say most audiences would agree, considering the high ratings across multiple sites that track such things and the over 1.2 billion dollar box office (as of September 1^st, 2024).

 

The magical duo of Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Free Guy, Stranger Things) and Ryan Reynolds has resulted in some of my favorite movies out of the last few years. I want...no, need more.

 

With all that out of the way – here comes the spoiler section.

 

If you don't want to see them, scroll real fast down to the bottom.

 

 

Here we go.

 

The cameos were a huge part of what made Deadpool & Wolverine amazing for me. Some of them were just fun, like seeing Ray Park (Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Accident Man) reprise his role as Toad just for a few seconds or the original Sabretooth, Tyler Mane (Halloween II, Jupiter's Legacy, Doom Patrol) – both from the OG X-Men (2000) movie.

 

Others were more integral to the story, such as B-17, the time agent from Loki played by Wunmi Mosaku (Lovecraft Country, Loki, Scavengers Reign). It was also a real treat to get to see Jennifer Garner (Peppermint, Yes Day, The Adam Project) reprise Elektra without any of the baggage from the mixed reviews from Daredevil (2003) or Elektra (2005). Here, she was just able to be a badass. I'm also a fan of the new guy that has stepped into the modern version of the character Blade, but Wesley Snipes (The Player, Dolemite Is My Name, True Story) is my Blade dating back to the Blade (1998) trilogy. His movies were what started it all for the MCU. Before that, DC had really been the one that had reigned at the box office. I was giddy – yes, giddy – I tell you when I learned he would be joining this cast to reprise his iconic role.. and I was not disappointed at all.

 

 

But the whole reason why I couldn't hold my spoilers in was Channing Tatum (The Lost City, Fly Me to the Moon, Blink Twice) as Gambit. Tatum, and really the whole world, was cheated when Fox was acquired by Disney and shelved his Gambit movie. I'd been waiting for that for years. His outstanding performance in Deadpool & Wolverine as the card-tossing and staff-wielding ragin' Cajun is proof positive that he absolutely 100% can pull off that character and make a stand-alone movie bankable. I certainly hope that the mouse house has woken up and decides to dust cobwebs off of that movie and resurrect it from production hell so we can see it in all its glory. Further, they should tap Levy to help Tatum bring it to the screen. Seriously. He even got the accent right. Yes, right. I'm from Louisiana and I've got family in the southern part of the state that talks just like Gambit does. I can spot a fake “Cajun” accent a mile away, and he nailed it.

 

 

I like Taylor Kitsch (Only the Brave, 21 Bridges, The Terminal List) as an actor just fine. They did him – and the character of Gambit – dirty in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009). That was not the Gambit we needed. Channing Tatum's Gambit was. (The only other one I've seen come close was a 20 minute short called Gambit: Playing for Keeps (2020), featuring world champion martial artist Nick Bateman (Hobo With a Shotgun, The Perception, Airplane Mode) and Eric Roberts (Heroes, The Dark Knight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). (As an aside, Bateman had also worked on a previous Gambit short of only 4 minutes in length and the 20 minute one seems to be its sequel, given the reprised roles of both Gambit and Rogue.)

 

Without going too far down that rabbit hole, my point is that I love that character. I want to see justice done for that character, and Channing Tatum's version of that character was the closest I've seen outside of the original animated X-Men (1992-1997) voiced by Chris Potter (Kung-Fu: The Legend Continues, The Pacifier, Heartland) and the admirable job in X-Men '97 (2024-) by A.J. LoCascio (The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, Gremlins: Secrets oft he Mogwai, The Croods: Family Tree). Channing Tatum is the live-action Gambit we need. Period. Let's make it happen already. With the set-up already in place with the mutliverse, there's zero reason why it shouldn't.

 

 

So there we have it.

 

Spoilers are over as of here. Don't read above this line if you want to keep yourself in the dark on all the glorious cameos I mentioned. (I also left out some big ones, but I don't want to touch them because they are more glorious in the moment and you're just going to have to see them for yourself!)

 

I would watch Deadpool & Wolverine again in a heartbeat, and am somewhat impatiently biding my time for it to reach streaming platforms so I can do that very thing.. a few times... at least. If you're even slightly a fan of the MCU or these characters, Deadpool & Wolverine is a must-see.

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 79%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score –95%

Metascore – 56%

Metacritic User Score – 7.7/10

IMDB Score – 8.0/10

 

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 5/5

 

P.S. - There is a post-credits scene, as well as a closing montage.

 

Movie Trailer:

'Tis the Season - Krampus (2015)

Streaming Service: Peacock
Movie Name/Year: Krampus (2015)
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Horror
Length: 1h 38min
Rating: PG-13
Director: Michael Dougherty
Writer: Todd Casey, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields
Actors: Emjay Anthony, Adam Scott, Toni Collette, Stefania LaVie Owen, Krista Stadler, Conchata Ferrell, Allison Tolman, David Koechner, Maverick Flack, Queenie Samuel, Lolo Owen, Sage Hunefeld, Luke Hawker, Seth Green, Thor
 
Blurb from IMDb: A boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.
 

Selina’s Point of View:
Since we’re having some trouble getting into Christmas rom-coms this year, I’ve filled the ‘Tis the Season calendar with mostly other kinds of holiday films. Starting here with a comedy horror, Krampus.
 
This wasn’t my first watch-through of Krampus. I love campy horror comedies. Especially when they have a bit of warped Christmas magic in them. This particular Christmas flick reminds me most of Gremlins (1984). Admittedly the 80s film is a bit better, but Krampus has that same kind of campy, over-the-top, childhood nightmare feel.
 

Krampus takes a cue from the better low-budget horror films out there and lets the majority of the scares exist in the viewers imagination. I’m not saying it is low-budget, it’s not, but it’s still a trick that elevates a horror film even when the money is there to spend. There are still a few scenes with hokey CGI, and full-on views of the titular character, but it’s really only the last 20-minutes of the film (approximately). It still manages to be an exceptionally tense movie, without skimping on the comedy.

 
I was impressed. Nothing took me out of the film at all. The settings were spooky, the actors played their parts well – all at roughly the same level, and the ending took a bit of a left turn.
 
Altogether, Krampus was a solid holiday horror flick. I have every intention of watching it again.
 

Cat’s Point of View:
Every year there are so many bright and shiny Christmas movies, sometimes it can just be a bit much. For that reason, I do enjoy mixing it up and watching a few Christmas horror movies or thrillers. Good ones are hard to come by, but most are at least entertaining. I also really enjoy movies that are based on bits of folklore that come to life. Krampus peeked into German and Austrian folklore entwined with the holiday season and delivered a dark, yet relatable, fairytale.
 
When Krampus first released, I remember that I was excited to watch and enjoyed the experience as soon as it was available On-Demand or via one of my streaming services. Watching in preparation for today’s review was my second viewing. While Krampus no longer held the element of surprise for how the movie’s story played out, I still found myself invested in the experience all over again.
 
It’s really a terrifying idea – that there’s a dark being out there to balance out Santa’s light; just waiting to come for the ultra-naughty people that coal would be too good for.
 

I think Krampus delivered this concept fairly well. The opening credits scene of commercialized holiday chaos as a backdrop to the warm vocals of a Bing Crosby Christmas song set the tone for what was to follow. I connected and empathized with the main character, Max, as he had to deal with bullying and his dysfunctional family.
 
Krampus also had help from an outstanding cast. David Koechner (Vicious Fun, National Champions, American Dad!) is skilled at embodying nutty doofus characters that drive you crazy. His character reminded me a lot of Randy Quaid’s (Independence Day, The Ice Harvest, Real Time) Cousin Eddie character in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989). Krampus felt like the horror version of that movie – whether the parallel was intended or not.
 
There were flashes of levity laced into the shock and cringeworthy moments that kept Krampus from feeling too bleak or heavy.
 
I still enjoyed watching Krampus for the 2nd time. It had just the right blend of naughty and nice to lift my spirits while I’ve been working on getting better from the seasonal ‘creeping crud.’ If you’re looking for a little thrill this Holiday Season to enjoy with a nice mug of hot chocolate, Krampus wouldn’t be a bad choice.
 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 66%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 52%
Metascore – 49%
Metacritic User Score – 7.6
IMDB Score –6.2/10
 
Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 4/5
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3/5
 
Movie Trailer: