I hate that pun. I hate myself for using it.
Gravedancers
Gravedancers is the story of three people that go to a graveyard to grieve for their friend, when they find a mysterious card prompting them to dance and celebrate life. Unfortunately, this results in all three of them being haunted, but will they be haunted...TO DEATH!?
Bling blong bling blong. So, first, I want to talk about how this movie looks. The lighting isnât the best, so it comes off as amateurish. However, the lighting in movies is so not like lighting in real life, thatâs kind of an illusion it is easy to fall prey to, so the lighting of this movie can easily be considered more accurate to whatâs real. That said, there are filters in the day to make it look dark, and that just always comes off as...poor. Anyway, they wanted to keep the whole movie dark, gray, shadowy, which it is. It doesnât add to the suspense of the film or atmosphere in my opinion. Idk, itâs just kind of a flat forgetful darkness.
This movie seems tired and cliche. My first thought watching this movie is this is a horror movies that horror movie character watch in other horror movies. Itâs so flat. Itâs such a nothing horror movie. The characters are nothing characters, and the acting is subpar, and not subpar in a way that these are bad actors because I know a lot of these actors. Subpar in a way where it seems like many of them just werenât down to make a horror film. Hereâs the thing about this movie though, and why these characters and circumstances fall so flat, this movie does not care about its human characters. This movie cares about its ghosts, and Iâm gonna be honest, I can appreciate that.
This movie stars three different murderous ghosts, each with a different background, personality, and m.o. that comes through whenever they starting shit, and I love that. Once this movie introduces the parapsychologists, and they get into the background of these ghosts, thatâs when the movie REALLY gets start, and from that point on? This is a legitimately good movie. It still has all the flaws above, but it becomes genuinely fun and interesting.
The practical effects a good. They are likely to be more impressive to someone who doesnât know how the make-up effects in this movie were done. The stiffness of the effects are kind of noticeable. Furthermore, the CG effects are good but not that great. What both of these effects all have going for them is the Nintendo factor. For a while it has been Nintendoâs thing that they donât have the best graphics, but their shit is going to look good anyway because it is so well designed. Thatâs the case with these effects. They are so well designed, conceptually, that you gotta give them props. The CG effects in particular work because it isnât trying to be realistic. Itâs going for something more ethereal, atmospheric, and fun. Also, the blood in this film is good, too.
This movie has no cussing and no titties, and just a little gore, and itâs more blood and blood stains then anything. That makes this an excellent film for the young horror fan. If I have a gripe, the movie could be a little tighter, I think thereâs some plot points that could be scrapped just because whatâs the point in even pretending to develop these shallow characters? Also, there are some concepts that are too big for this movie, and as such, come of a little silly. There arenât many, but these small moments can definitely take someone out of the film for a minute.
Thatâs Gravedancers. It seems basic as hell early on, but if you scratch the surface thereâs a good romp underneath. I donât think it is a must own or a must watch, but it is a very good watch and if youâre interested I suggest you go ahead and check it out.
The Devilâs Backbone
The Devilâs Backbone is less about a single character and more about an orphanage of boys during the Spanish civil war, and the mystery behind the ghost that haunts it.
Do you only speak english and hate subtitles? Then this is not the movie for you. Do you only watch horror in hopes of being scared? Then this is not the movie for you. Do you enjoy well written characters, drama, and suspense? Then this is the movie for you!
Itâs actually difficult to pin down Backboneâs strength, as it achieves all of its goals quite competently, and no one aspect seems obviously superior to any others. I think the movieâs primary attraction is watching these orphan boys grow together as friends and then faced with some very depressing obstacles. It first, it may seem like this is just a historical drama with a spooky ghost on the sidelines, and it is, but when things start falling apart they fall apart very quickly, and when it is done well it is always difficult watching children in difficult circumstances try to navigate the adult world. Now that I think about it, this film has a lot in common with The Reflecting Skin. Although I would say this film is slightly less depressing and has a central antagonist. On the flip side, this film also has hope, and by the end youâre left wondering if thereâs still hope. The Reflecting Skin was clearly a film with no room for hope. Perhaps the element of hope actually makes Backbone the more depressing feature.
The film feels like an old photo. If it had a smell, it would smell like old books. Itâs rarely feel truly dark. Most of the film has a rather warm tone to it, and thatâs true for the film itself and several of the characters. Thereâs just a warm undertone to it all. It has a lot of good effects, which ought to be expected from the great Del Toro. The crowning jewel here is Santi, the ghost. I love the design of Santi. I think itâs just brilliant and unique. Simultaneously sad, horrific, and beautiful. That, my friends, is a ghost!
Honestly, if there is one problem with film is that the villain could be more of a person and less of a sheer villain. The actor, however, is fantastic. The two individuals responsible for the orphanage and the two primary kids are also fantastic, and everyone else is quite good as well.
Some people believe this is Del Toroâs best film. Whether it is or not, I absolutely believe it is a must see film at the very least, and potentially a must own one.