Evil Dead: Rise (2023) - Okay, but kind of generic

Ever since the 80s I've been a massive 'Evil Dead' fan and love the three Bruce Campbell entries and even followed the story via later videogame entries on the PS2 and PS4.  Finally, us die-hard fan-boys were treated to the awesome 'Ash vs the Evil' dead (which was cancelled waaay too early!).  All of those felt very 'in cannon' and kept the overall original film's cheeky, crazy, gory spirit.  However, 'Evil Dead: Rise' is a decent enough, gory little horror film that clearly understands how to push splatter. The practical effects are nasty, the violence is decent enough and the film doesn’t shy away from soaking its apartment-complex setting in blood. As a straight-up possession horror movie, it works well enough, delivering a steady stream of grotesque imagery and bleak atmosphere.

Where it stumbles is in its connection to the 'Evil Dead' legacy. Without the slapstick energy and dry, charismatic humor Bruce Campbell brought to the franchise, the film feels more like a generic possession movie wearing an 'Evil Dead' name tag than a true continuation of the series. The humor is minimal, the tone relentlessly serious and while that approach isn’t inherently bad, it strips away the unique personality that once set the franchise apart from countless other demonic horror films.  And, was it just me, or did the final act have 'Aliens' vibes about it?  I felt like I was watching a reenactment of Ripley rescuing Newt from a parking garage!

That said, 'Evil Dead: Rise' is still an effective and entertaining watch for gorehounds and modern horror fans, even if it lacks the anarchic charm longtime fans may be hoping for.  The final act does use a few classic lines from the franchise, making it feel a little more part of the series.  It’s solid, bloody, and competently made, just not particularly memorable as an 'Evil Dead' entry. 

6/10

The Menu (2022) - Nearly a good cheeseburger

'The Menu' is a slow-burning psychological horror that takes its time setting up the horror aspect, preferring to rely on atmosphere and tension, allowing the unease to build rather than rush headlong into shock value.  This deliberate pacing won’t work for everyone, but it does help establish an unsettling tone.

Ralph Fiennes is the clear standout, delivering an excellently menacing performance, but Anya Taylor-Joy does well to add an emotional heart to the film as the film’s moral compass. Their dynamic is easily the strongest element of the movie and keeps things engaging even during its slower stretches.

Where 'The Menu' really shines is in its sharp satire.  The film takes some satisfying jabs at pretentious food culture and self-important critics, skewering elitism with a wicked sense of humor.  These moments are often the most entertaining, balancing the film’s darker themes with comedy.

That said, for all its ambition and clever ideas, the movie isn’t without flaws. There are several moments where suspension of disbelief is absolutely required, as certain character decisions and logistical elements don’t fully hold up under scrutiny.  A few glaring plot holes threaten to pull you out of the experience if you think about them too much.

Despite these issues, 'The Menu' remains a fun and stylish psychological horror that at least tries to do something a little different.  Strong performances, sharp satire and an unsettling mood make it worth the watch—even if it doesn’t completely stick the landing.

7/10

The Housemaid (2025) - Flawed moments, but ultimately pretty good

'The Housemaid' was a lot darker than I imaged (as I didn't really know much about it prior to seeing it in the cinema) and I think its biggest plus point in the strength of its performances, even if it occasionally stumbles in its storytelling. While the film positions Sydney Sweeney firmly at its center, delivering a decent leading performance, it’s Amanda Seyfried who ultimately steals the show. Every time she appears on screen (well, mainly for the first three quarters), the film gains an extra layer of unpredictability and intensity, making her presence impossible to ignore.

Where 'The Housemaid' shines most is in its atmosphere. There are several genuinely tense and powerful sequences that linger long after they’ve ended.  However, the film isn’t without flaws. It does drag in places, particularly around the three quarter mark, where the pacing slackens and the momentum falters. Some plot developments feel less like organic character decisions and more like narrative conveniences—moments that exist purely to steer the story in a specific direction rather than reflecting how people might realistically behave. These issues don’t derail the film, but they do blunt its impact slightly.  And, there's a moment that happens about five minutes before the end that I felt was almost too unbelievable to take.  In fact, I try not to think about it too deeply as it's just so unrealistic that it almost completely derails the film's believability in once go.

Despite these shortcomings, 'The Housemaid' remains a well-acted and often gripping thriller. Its dark tone, strong performances - especially from Seyfried - and exhibits moments of genuine tension making it an engaging watch overall. If you’re in the mood for something unsettling and character-driven, it’s an enjoyable, if imperfect, watch.

7/10