The Beldham: I was kind of disappointed with this one. It definitely wasn't a horror movie. It felt more like a drama or psychological thriller. The twist at the end was nice, but I went in expecting a true horror film with scares, and it never really delivered.
We Bury the Dead: Just another zombie movie. After you've seen enough of them, they all start to blend together. There are a few exceptions that stand out from the crowd, though, like 30 Days of Night, The Last of Us, World War Z, and Zombieland.
Eye for an Eye: This one delivered exactly what I was looking for. I just wanted a straightforward horror movie with a few good jump scares, and that's what I got. The story was simple, even though it tried to throw in a teenage/young adult coming-of-age angle that mostly fell flat. Still, it's a solid movie to throw on when you just want to kill some time and maybe scroll your phone between the scares. 🤣🤣🤣
Welcome Home, Franklin : This was an absolute joy to watch. It took me right back to being a kid, when the only time you could count on cartoons was Saturday mornings. During the holidays, they'd sometimes air a late-night cartoon special, and my parents would actually let us stay up past 9 p.m. That felt like a huge deal back then. Franklin was always the character I was most curious about. He never talked, which made him even more mysterious. How did he end up at the table? Why was he the only Black kid? What was his story? Who were his friends? This movie gave me a nice dose of nostalgia and reminded me of growing up with my brothers and sisters. For that reason alone, it was the best movie I watched today.
When diving into horror and thriller movies, expectations can really shape how we perceive them. For example, with The Beldham, I was expecting traditional horror with jump scares and intense moments, but it leaned more towards a psychological thriller with a dramatic twist. That made me realize how important it is to know the subgenre before watching—it can completely change your experience. Zombie movies, like We Bury the Dead, often fall into patterns where many feel repetitive, especially if you're a seasoned fan of the genre. But titles like 30 Days of Night or World War Z prove that creative storytelling and unique settings can reinvigorate the undead theme. If you’re a zombie aficionado, seeking out the exceptions rather than the usual formulas keeps the excitement alive. On the other hand, Eye for an Eye offered exactly what I wanted from a straightforward horror: clean scares without too much complication. Even if some elements like the coming-of-age subplot didn't quite hit the mark, it served well as casual entertainment. It's a great reminder that sometimes horror doesn’t need an elaborate story to be enjoyable. What really stood out was Welcome Home, Franklin. It might not be a horror film at all, but its nostalgic value made it the highlight. It reminded me of Saturday morning cartoons and special holiday broadcasts that felt like a treasured family event. Franklin’s character—silent and mysterious—added a layer of intrigue that made me reflect on representation and storytelling in children's programming. That sense of nostalgia and personal connection is why some movies stick with us beyond their release. In sum, approaching movies with flexible expectations and appreciating each for what it offers—whether scares, nostalgia, or simple fun—can enrich your viewing experience. Also, tapping into known classics or cult favorites when a genre feels stale can breathe new life into your movie nights. And when it comes to films with unique characters or themes, they often provide more lasting enjoyment than the typical genre fare.
