A WOUNDED FAWN (2022)

 

Directed By: Travis Stevens

Written By: Travis Stevens and Nathan Faudree

Cinematography: Ksusha Genenfeld

Editor: Zach Clark and Travis Stevens

Cast: Josh Ruben, Sarah Lind, Malin Barr, Katie Kung, Lakshmi Hedemark, Tanya Everett, Marshall Taylor Thurman, Neal Mayer 

A serial killer brings an unsuspecting new victim on a weekend getaway to add another body to his ever-growing count. She’s buying into his faux charms, and he’s eagerly lusting for blood. What could possibly go wrong?

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This film has a very original trajectory, whereas the first half plays more traditional and linear where it surprises you and it feels a little more predictable as we have seen this before a kind of serial killer working his way on a current victim. 

Then all of a sudden the film which already was leaning into more psychological and the psychedelic. Totally moves and gives itself up to that direction where we are now seeing the delusions and the reality of the situation that the serial killer has found himself in.

Where he is haunted by different ghosts, demons of past victims telling him what to do and also torturing him as he tries to find his latest victim and to see if she is truly alive or is she dead?

This is where the film also becomes more violent and a little grotesque, though it stays captivating as you wonder what’s real and what isn’t just like the lead character and wondering where this is going to go and what is the ultimate ending.

This isn’t a film one could call light, but it does try to offer something new and different and a bit more experimental in the genre that keeps you guessing, and usually you will be wrong as to where it might go or where it goes, which adds a little decadent fund to the whole endeavor.

This room isn’t gonna be for everyone so if you’re looking for the traditional horror film, this is probably not for you or even if you’re looking for a slash or film this is not going to be the film for it but if you like your horror a little out there and maybe a little thought-provoking and unsteady this might be the film for you

Grade: B-

HEART EYES (2025)

 

Directed By: Josh Ruben 

Written By: Philip Murphy, Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy 

Cinematography: Stephen Murphy 

Editor: Brett W. Bachman 

Cast: Mason Gooding, Olivia Holt, Jordana Brewster, Devon Sawa, Gigi Zumbado, Michela Watkins, Yoson An, Ben Black, Chris Parker, 

For the past several years, the "Heart Eyes Killer" has wreaked havoc on Valentine's Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine's Day, no couple is safe.

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This is a film that plays more like a romantic comedy that builds itself around a horror, film plot. It’s cute. It’s violin. It sometimes has a laugh or two and both sides with each other and against against each other. 

Whereas I wish you could be more like happy death day, which did have a comedy side and a horror side, but it also seemed to have its serious moments too. That made you care a little bit more. 

This film lacks that so that again the characters always feel exactly like that like characters rather than human beings, and why you worry about them in their peril the film, cynical, nature, almost every other character works against it as it seeks to be a dark comedy that reels a little bit more in violence 

If that is what you are seeking, you have found the perfect film for yourself and I will admit it stays entertaining through 90 minutes though after a while, it does becoming a bit predictable, though I will give it points for originality with ending to a certain extent 

No, again like a romantic comedy unfortunately the two leads who we follow are somewhat interesting, but not enough to hold your attention throughout the whole film where you really start to bond with them 

In fact, as a film where again some of the more supporting characters are way more interesting, and you had more screen time, but then it would probably require them to be either pulled into the plot story more killed. The audience would definitely want revenge on the slasher. 

I’m thinking, especially the best friend played by Gigi Zumbado, who the film could’ve benefited with her character being featured more or hell even being the lead character if they make a sequel to this film hopefully she will get that lead role

The film is enjoyable in a disposable way where your entertained while you watch it, but can’t see many watches and some of the scenes. Remind you so much of other horror films that either is paying two or based around. 

In fact, the only scene to me that was the most far would be that all these people are watching one of my favorite movies his girl Friday at a drive-in, even if it is Valentine’s Day.

It’s nice to see Jordana Brewster in any role that is not associated with the FAST & FURIOUS franchise 

Almost like rather than a comedy à la Simpsons episode where there’s a serial killer killing couples out and of course the city decides to still keep it Valentine’s Day celebrations going culminating and a driving and amusement park for lovers the slasher, a perfect opportunity of victims.

Not surprised that this film was also written, but some of the writers of the film’s FREAKY and IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE as well as TIME CUT. As this film has a similar feel. Where the concept is pushed more than anything else. Just as being directed by Josh Ruben who made WEREWOLVES WITHIN a mystery that seemed more to push the comedic elements more than the horror or mystery ones. 

Again, I don’t wanna make this film seem worse than it is as it does seem to be having a lot of fun and is made more for an audience. It’s just not a sharp as it seems to aim to be like fast food good in the moment, but overall not the best for you Nor noteworthy

Grade: C+

BLOOD RELATIVES (2022)

 

Written & Directed By: Noah Segan

Cinematography: Andrew Baird 

Editor: Patrick Lawrence

Cast: Noah Segan, Victoria Moroles, Akasha Villalobos, C.L. Simpson, Tracie Thoms, Doug Benson, Ammie Masterson, Jones Proudstar, Josh Ruben 

A vampire's loner lifestyle is thrown into disarray when a teenager shows up claiming to be his daughter, and she's got the fangs to prove it. On a road trip across America's blacktops, they decide how to sink their teeth into family life.

SCARE ME (2020)

 

Written & Directed By: Josh Ruben  Cinematography: Brendan H. Banks Editor: Patrick Lawrence 

Cast: Aya Cash, Josh Ruben, Chris Redd, Rebecca Drysdale 

During a power outage, two strangers tell scary stories. The more Fred and Fanny commit to their tales, the more the stories come to life in their Catskills cabin. The horrors of reality manifest when Fred confronts his ultimate fear.