Film reviews

Succubus Review

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Bizarre with some spicy wonders. Audiences may feel like they need a break from screen-time after watching Succubus. Getting sucked in to feel connected comes with consequences that are out of this world in this film written and directed by R.J. Daniel Hanna. It is a surreal thriller where imagination delivers more than meets the eyes. Disconnect and reality combine for one crazy void in Succubus.

The main character is Chris (Brendan Bradley). Chris is going through a break-up with his soon-to-be ex Sharon (Olivia Grace Applegate). He wastes time trying to stay occupied, primarily by spending it on the screen using various apps. His mother is Denise (Rosanna Arquette), and she shows some level of concern. Chris is determined not to be lonely. That all changes when he begins online dating and meets a lady named Adra (Rachel Cook). She is a bit shady, but Chris falls in love with her electronically. 

The film feels like screen-time about screen-time. Reality turns into an interesting nightmare showcased in a daring light. Once Chris starts chatting with Adra his world turns upside-down.  His technology becomes compromised and he is not thinking clearly. The moving parts of anxiety and despair caused by drastic choices are well written in Succubus. Chris tells a friend, “I wanna want it,” and that statement reveals that there is a form of Satan in every corner of Succubus. 

The film begins to shift to an eerie place when a man named Orion (Ron Perlman) comes into the picture. He has supposedly studied social science and online behavior. He can sense that Chris may have put himself in a compromising situation. Chris, however, has his hands tied, and is at risk with Adra. It is also unclear if Orion can be trusted. The complex obstacles of online databases, and firewalls lead to a confusing trail that is portrayed in a genius way. 

This film is a reminder to be cautious about getting hooked on technology. The risks and mental toll are highlighted vividly in Succubus. Screen-time can be an invitation to play with the devil.  Succubus soars due to poor choices which result in serious anxiety.

The film transports audiences to a new world once Chris goes deep with Adra. Love at first sight takes viewers on a journey into a negative, scary place. Chris’s reality in Succubus is bizarrely surreal. Hanna’s creative mind is one for ages. This is a psychosexual thriller with many intriguing tabs and firewalls. The film is very suspenseful, while reminding viewers to use their judgment when communicating with strangers online. I’m scared to ever consider any form of online dating after watching Succubus. This film is daring and mind-boggling. Although eerie and silly in moments, it’s solid overall. Three out of four stars.

Film reviews

Leviticus Review

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This is a terror film that shocked my mind. I could not turn away due to the deep bond just under the surface. Leviticus is haunting, daring, and mentally mind-boggling. When it comes to friends and deep connections, the force takes a toll. The fight for love and friendship is one-of-a-kind. The film starts with someone finding a form of joy that is dismissed later, karma plays a role. Written and directed by Adrian Chiarella, his approach has violence written all over Leviticus. 

Filmed in towns in Australia, the subject of conversion therapy is deeply rooted in Leviticus. The film centers on two teen boys, Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen). Both of them have a love interest in each other, but believe it must be kept secret since they come from family backgrounds where their sexuality may be viewed as inappropriate. Naim’s mom is played by Mia Waskikowska. She wants Naim to find connection in his life, but at the same time her religious beliefs are top of mind. Therefore, Naim feels he is in a place where he cannot love Ryan. This film is a tear-jerker especially when the terror comes around in such haunting yet intriguing ways.

The film finds its wonders when it focuses on the feeling of someone wanting to be the center of attention. Naim finds Ryan in a scenario where he believes he is not interested in him, and he betrays him in a childish way. This leads Ryan’s family to have a man known as “The Deliverance Healer” to try to spiritually kick the same attraction thoughts out of Ryan. Is this approach beneficial? To an extent, it is not, but it is meant to keep the compelling storyline going. When this happens the fight for love in Leviticus feels bold. At the same time, it cannot be dismissed. The feelings between Naim and Ryan cannot be diminished.

After the healing approach is attempted, the spirits continue to come back and haunt Naim. The possessive issues involving Ryan look detrimental. Naim always finds himself feeling that an evil source of Ryan is after him. With no one to look out for him, there are times when audiences will assume the worst. In reality, Naim still loves Ryan, but he wants the spirits to go away. Ryan does too. Can their love survive with the lurking terrors following them?

I appreciated how the karma theme in Leviticus uses bipolar writing to create resilience. The writing technique of Chiarella is two-sided—one to think about love and the other to think about survival. Both must be achieved before happiness can prevail. It takes a bloody fight and circles of death matches before that can happen. Leviticus is a ride I urge viewers to take to see how far the main characters go to get what they want.  How bad do Naim and Ryan want each other? Find out in Leviticus. Three-and-a-half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Supergirl Review

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This film is rather boring, but also fun in a certain way. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the DC Universe now has a Supergirl in motion. The movie has scenes with flying and saving people, yet the quality of it is hit or miss. There is a predictable plot and a lousy setup. The saving grace is the execution of the action. Milly Alcock plays Supergirl, a party superhero who is bound to save the world if she can get her act together to do so. 

The film begins with Supergirl being hungover but she can still utilize her powers to do her own deeds and fulfill her own desires. The story is based on the premise that she has no desire to get into superhero mode. This is actually where the film picks up some entertaining momentum. That all changes when a young girl named Ruthye (Eve Ridley) needs her help. She wants to put an end to the enemy Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts.) Krem has wrecked Ruthye’s life but has also hurt Supergirl’s dog, Krypto. Both seek revenge. While there are moments of laser focus, it is not enough to make this film fly. 

Supergirl does find herself connecting with Superman (David Corenswet). The film Superman (2025) is much better than this one because the foundation is much stronger than the one Supergirl. This movie has a bizarre, flawed storyline. Still, Alcock does wonders trying to be a hero especially in scenes where she must utilize her powers and work with Ruthye. Oh, and there is also Lobo (Jason Momoa). Lobo has a biker attitude and only cares about himself due to his ego. Fortunately, Momoa’s performance was not too shabby. Overall, however, this introductory superhero film was cheesier than anticipated. 

Even though there are some laughs along the way,  it is disappointing that Supergirl was portrayed as a party animal. I felt that it diminished the purpose of her character. It is sad to say that the majority of this film is MEDIOCRE!  Viewers should not expect an inspirational storyline. Instead, they can look forward to someone trying to save their dog from the enemy. Pets in movies are normally fun but give them a bigger purpose. I’m trying to find the positive in this film, but it’s not easy.

There were plenty of strange moments, rushed scenes, and a bunch of  errors.  It was hard for me to find value in even the most impressive elements in Supergirl. Yet, I did adore Alcock’s performance. She plays a hero with an attitude that could have been written in a way that was much more inspiring. 

The lack of context via a meaningful storyline is why I am not fond of Supergirl. The IMAX experience does allow the visuals to soar during the flying, fighting, and space segments. In the end, the rest of the film…predictable! Feels like a made-for-TV movie. The saving grace is that Alcock is a leading lady who can fly, dive, and thrive. The foundation deserved better. Two out of four stars.

Treating cinema in many forms of art!