Artivels Undescribable Perfection

Titreenp SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

Tedfoldol everything you have heard about this movie is true.

Connianatu How wonderful it is to see this fine actress carry a film and carry it so beautifully.

fedor8 A seemingly interesting premise (though not nearly as original as horror newbies who've only seen 5 "scary" movies think it is), original only inasmuch as it hasn't been used often (the way vampires and zombies have). The film is executed well from a technical point, and with a competent cast, but unfortunately yet another pointless retelling of the ant vs. elephant story, the most pointless fable of them all. We know the elephant is infinitely superior to the ant in every way conceivable, so why watch the duel? I never watch Djokovic or Nadal play a guy ranked outside the top 100, because the outcome is just too predictable. Remember that hilarious Python sketch in which John Cleese beats up a schoolgirl over and over in a box-ring? Similarly, once the mirror elephant showed that it can literally do ANYTHING it wants to, what chance did the two ant siblings have? Zero. And so they got royally screwed - as ants always do when picking a fight with an elephant. The entire movie is about how the ant siblings don't stand a smidgen of a chance against their mighty adversary. But believing that the writer can't be THAT unimaginative, that daft, we the gullible, easily dupable viewers hope that the film gives the ants some kind of an innovative, unexpected lifeline, to turn the tables, to make the war interesting. No dice. For the duration, the ants lose round after round - just like Connie Booth in the boxing ring vs Cleese - while we even get "bonus scenes" to watch them lose round after round as kids too - and then the mirror comes out as the undisputed winner with flying colours, as it had been for centuries. Hence a question to the lousy writer: WHY tell this story if it's the same story that's been going on for centuries with that mirror? Why THIS mirror episode and not any of the previous ones? If we the gullible viewers are to be handed a totally lop-sided fight - which is in itself idiotic because the outcome is a foregone conclusion hence boring - which involves a superior warrior battling a tiny defenseless infant, at least give the infant a fighting chance: make up something, anything, invent a way for the infant to fight back (give him toxic drool or something). Otherwise what you're serving to the viewer serves no purpose whatsoever: telling viewers that total superiority must always beat total inferiority is like informing them - in an "astounding" plot-twist - that the sky is blue. But, once again, feeble-brained film-makers have such a raging st*ffy for turning this stupid mirror into a franchise, that they wanted to make sure that the sequel door was left wide, very wide, open. What a dumb overkill though. I shall make sure I skip "Oculus 2: The Return of the Predictable Superior Mirror", "Oculus 3: Mirror Kills More Helpless Inferior Humans", "Oculus 4: The Mirror Has A Ball Killing 100 More People Without Being Ever Even Slightly Challenged" and "Oculus 5: Mirror Destroys Entire Cities Without Even Trying".Nor did I like the movie's increasingly schizophrenic dual-time story-telling style which gave us too much detail of what happened a decade earlier - despite the fact we could already predict the outcome. Very silly. And what's the mirror's back-story anyway? Who built it? When was it built? Nope, we don't even get a tiny clue. Despite the hype and the flash, this is a very primitive, idiotic movie.

The Movie Diorama This is easily one of the most overlooked horror films of the decade, without a doubt. This extrasensory experience just leaves me looking on into the horizon with a perplexed look on my face. Two siblings are entrapped in a reality where illusions are created by an antique mirror with a supernatural aura. After a traumatic childhood event, the two decide to destroy the mirror for good, but it may not be as simple as that. Where to even begin!? There is far too much to digest (even after my fourth viewing). The narrative and conceptual idea are what makes this a fresh new horror. Its execution almost feels contemporary, and that's down to Mike Flanagan's directorial effort. The attention to detail is insanely meticulous, where every scene is interwoven into a complex narrative that feels like a complete story. The constant switching between past and present maintains the mystery and intrigue that a film like this requires. It showcases some terrific editing. Repeatedly flipping from present to past results in various intelligent transitions. Seemingly the two timelines feel more connected that one might anticipate. Flanagan also incorporates some mature, although infrequent, scares. Demonic figures with reflecting eyes, occasional loud noise jump scares...but that mirror! That mirror defines the word ghastly. Pure ominous antiquity. The usage of subtle gore was also a pleasant surprise. Pulling a fingernail off, eating a plate or a lightbulb and also the last scene which I shan't spoil. It's all very twisted, with plenty of turns in the plot. Unfortunately, the third act does lose its way substantially where the illusory effect has worn off. The combination of the two timelines and how they mesh becomes blurred and will leave many confused. Acting was good all round though, nothing outstanding but Karen Gillan held the whole film together which is no easy achievement. Overall, Oculus is a technically accomplished film that showcases some excellent editing.

CrookedStairs Director: Mike FlanaganThis movie originally made itself known to me with quite a few strong reviews online and a bit of a buzz surrounding its relatively new to the genre director, Mike Flanagan. With such an unknown new title causing such a stir, I was very eager to see for myself if Oculus would deliver.BASIC PLOT: A sister is reunited with her brother after many years apart due to a dark family past. Obsessed with the notion that an old antique mirror hiding supernatural forces is to blame for the family's bloodstained history, she sets about trying to prove the mirror is indeed cursed and finally destroy it. But she will need some help...REVIEW: Straight off the bat, I found this movie an absolute joy to watch. The cinematography and camerawork are excellent, submerging most of the scenes in a dark, sepia-green, almost Fincher-esque finish that churns the viewers stomach throughout. Right from the get go, you can feel something is not quite right through the visuals and shadowy lighting. This feeling is intensified as the story progresses, expertly preying upon the viewers sense of unease as things unfold.The story is a classic. Not too many horror titles come to mind when I think of old mirrors, which is surprising as there can be something uniquely unnerving and almost other worldly about a reflection, especially in this mirror. The character development between the family is brilliantly played out, with a narrative taking place both in the past when the sister & brother were just kids and in modern day after so such has happened. This way the audience catches a glimpse into the creepy occurrences that transpired all those years ago in the family home while also following the siblings in present day and the choices they are now faced with.The acting is really first rate all round, Karen Gillan & Brenton Thwaites do a stirling job as the siblings (even if the latter does seem a tad on the bland emotionless side at times, but I think that is also half down to the character himself after he has been through so much to the point where he is now numb). Katie Sackoff delivers a phenomenal performance as the mother, her slow descent as she deals with her situation is palpable and adds weight and reality to the tale. Rory Cochrane also deserves top credit for his role as the Dad of the family, sucking the audience in for the ride as his family, his life and even his mind start to unravel around him.I also feel I need to strongly compliment director Mike Flanagan for delivering a fresh new and exciting approach to the horror genre. He has managed to perfectly balance a strong gripping story with constant scares and thrills to cater for all. The movie feels like a big step forward, nodding to the moody atmospheric horror titles of old while also acknowledging it's place in the twenty first century. The storyline even goes as far as including numerous modern high tech technologies and gadgets and yet it never once crosses the line into cheesy or unrealistic. I am looking forward to more gems from this flourishing new director.VERDICT: A fantastic find. A well thought out and portrayed horror tale containing enough tense armchair gripping moments and downright nasty scares to make you pause before you next glance in the mirror! (9/10)

James Purcell This is a well made, well acted, well directed, well written movie that I didn't like and would never recommend to anyone. That's because this movie, after the first 20 minutes or so, goes like this:They are walking around the house. 5 minutes later- flashback to a time period that is not disclosed to the viewer. They are walking around the house again. 5 minutes later- flashback to a slightly different time period that is not disclosed to the viewer. Walking around the house again. 2 minutes later- flashback to a completely different time period that is not disclosed to the viewer. More house exploring. 1 minute later- new time period- House walking. 30 seconds later- new time period.It's just not an enjoyable watch, or at least wasn't for me. I read other reviews, I thought I was prepared for flashbacks. Not like this. Nothing like this. I've never seen such incessant, liberal use of constant flashbacks. This movie did so much right. -sufficiently creepy, doesn't rely on jump scares (were there even any?) -well acted -good music, good effects -just fantastic all around.Except for the flashbacks. You wouldn't think that would be a deal breaker, but guys - this is a new level of fail. It almost has to be seen to be believed, although I don't recommend you waste your time. I'm rambling, good night.