The Spooky Spectator
2024 Edition #1
Welcome back to the Spooky Spectator! This a special Halloween feature in which I attempt to watch as many scary or spooky things as I can stomach and review them here. This includes anything from Disney Halloween specials to new horror classics, whatever interests me from week to week. Wish me luck and let’s get started:
It’s What’s Inside (2024):
It’s What’s Inside is a funny, quick-witted exploration into the deep wounds that can form when issues in a friend-group go unaddressed. Set against a sci-fi background, you follow a night of uncomfortable catch ups and even more uncomfortable revelations as a tragedy sets in motion a chain of events that cannot be undone. This film is so easy to fall into and was so well-written from start to finish. The cast was also perfectly selected to bring these characters to life as I could absolutely see these people being college friends that still cling to their bond, for better or for worse. It’s a shame that Netflix tossed this on their platform without so much as a peep of advertising. Go and stream this, you’ll have a time. (6.5/10)
Dan Da Dan (2024):
You know when you watch something and you can tell it’s going to be the next big thing? Well in the first 10 minutes of Dandadan, I knew this would take the anime world by storm. This story is the king of frenetic, weird, and heartfelt story that we’ve been missing since Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. In fact, I would say this anime feels like a Studio Trigger/Gainax classic in the vein of Gurren Lagann. I can’t even begin to spoil the first episode because, frankly, it’s a really hard story to explain. It is really that strange especially if you haven’t seen any other anime before. I also have to shine a light on the opening song for this anime because it is incredible. Top 10 of this decade and I’m so glad they put emphasis on the opening. Let’s hope the writing lives up to its spiritual predecessors but so far, I’m so excited to see what comes next. (8/10)
Agatha All Along (Episodes 1-3) (2024):
I know, another Marvel show is enough to make anyone groan in frustration but I wanted to give this a chance because I love Kathryn Hahn and I liked Agatha as a character well enough. This series started off with so much promise as we jump in playing with that alternate tv show universe that worked so well in Wandavision. I could watch a whole season of Agatha of Eastown. However, that’s quickly abandoned as marvel decides to give us more “Let’s assemble a team” schlock. While this crew and their interspersed hurdles are much more fun than what we’re used to, I’m hesitant to say it’s better than what we’ve come to expect from marvel. Although the “oh shit” ending of the third episode does give me some hope. Can’t rate it too high though because the songs are not it. (5.5/10)
Werewolf by Night (2022):
Surprise! And After all the shit talking I did about Marvel… Anyway this was very well done. Tastefully campy and blissfully brief. I find the idea of a secret society of gothic monster hunters to be fascinating and right up my alley. It’s a shame that we don’t get more of this from the mouse. This isn’t as gory as it could be but the edge it has was refreshing after years and years of sterile kid slop (except for The Acolyte, who I miss everyday). Disney owes us more depth and this was a fun toe-dip into providing it. (6/10)
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012):
The journey is over, the battle won. I finally watched every Twilight movie and I survived. Before we get into the actual movie, I have to acknowledge the triumph I feel in finally getting through these. Friends, I am victorious. Anyway, this is Twilight truly unleashed. The vibe of “let’s just end this we can basically do whatever we want so who really cares” permeates through every bit of this movie. The plot is flimsier than ever and somehow more convoluted. Are we’re supposed to believe the Volturi, their man-bobs, and their Valentino boots are walking slowly enough across a field somewhere to give the Cullens enough time to gather every vamp they’ve ever met? Then they ask us to care about at least 10 new characters equally despite barely knowing them or what their powers are. All we know is that some are played by actors we love (hi, Lee). I had received prior warning about that damn baby but no one could’ve prepared me for the horror that befell me. They should face a judge for that and so should Jacob. Honestly we need more magic police because what wdym you imprinted on a baby?? This is flogging worthy, sir. I also hated Bella as a vampire. I didn’t think it was possible but somehow she became more boring. A shame really because the makeup for her is excellent. Finally that fakeout battle is one of the most egregious things I’ve seen in a movie yet. Where’s the commitment? This is already the last movie so who cares if they kill Carlisle? I kinda wanted them to he shouldn’t get away with creating the most incestuous family ever and sending them to random high schools like no one would notice. Anyway Charlie deserved better and I’m glad I don’t have to sit through these anymore. (3.5/10)
(edit: I have been THREATENED to tell you all about my roommates, Katie and
who strapped me down and forced me to finish watching the Twilight movies. Thanks for the high blood pressure!)Happy to be back at it again! Let me know if you have any recommendations for me to watch!
-whit
Have you watched The Wailing? If not give it a try.