Netflix: November 2015 Roundup
As has become the norm for Netflix, the genre selection in November (and December, for that matter) is a bit thin. Sure, we’re seeing all kinds of fan favorites make a return to the mix, but actual “new” releases seem to be a bit limited. So, while you’re accustomed to seeing a good 10-12 films make this list, November is delivering something of a condensed version of the Netflix Roundup.
That’s not to say that there aren’t any quality films to stream this month; it’s just to say that you’ve probably already seen the bulk of these (The Taking of Deborah Logan, Let Us Prey, Dark Was the Night, and The Canal are but a few of the relatively recent releases featured that you’ve more likely than not already had the chance to tune in to), which leaves us with just a few new recommendations to thrust in your direction.
Bound to Vengeance: If you’re into revenge films with enlightening twists, José Manuel Cravioto’s Bound to Vengeance is going to successfully keep you engaged. Is it a remarkably original film? No. However, it does make an attempt at giving a familiar story a unique spin. The performances are strong, and outside of a few WTF moments, the story feels somewhat plausible, especially in this twisted world we live in. Expect strong performances and fine cinematography from this spirited indie piece.
Last Shift: I’m still torn about Last Shift; I can label it neither amazing nor terrible. There are some very chilling sequences in the movie, but there are also a few embarrassing script points to get beyond. Visually speaking, it is a pretty badass film, but a problem some will run into is the fact that 90 percent of the big scares in the film can be seen in the trailer. That’s a bit of a no-no in my mind. Save the good stuff for the feature, not the two-minute hook we see well in advance of the film’s arrival. There are also a few wooden performances that may leave viewers a tad irked. Regardless of its faults, Last Shift has some fine atmosphere and jarring visuals. It’s definitely a recommended piece from the good folks at DC!
Kristy: Kristy falls victim to a very insulting script. For some odd reason screenwriter Anthony Jaswinski made the decision to treat viewers, as well as the supporting cast, as complete morons who have never seen a horror film. It’s a shame because this Thanksgiving-themed slasher has just about all the tools to be a superb film. We get an awesome heroine, a menacing band of villains, and a cool setting to work with. The film also flies by at alarming speed. If it weren’t for some very poor story choices, this would likely be considered an instant holiday classic. As it is, it’s an engaging watch with one damn hot finale.
Human Centipede 3: If you thought Tom Six took things to gruesome levels with his second Human Centipede film, think again. Everything in The Second Sequence feels astoundingly tame when compared to the stomach-turning visuals and ideas put to work in Six’s franchise finale. Prepare to be thoroughly disgusted time and again… in a strangely welcome way, if that makes much sense!
Harbinger Down: Amalgamated Dynamics had initially been tapped to create all of the practical effects that we were promised to see from the 2011 prequel to The Thing. Universal didn’t feel as though fans would respond favorably to the work provided by AD, so they completely scrapped all of it and motioned for the digital route – which inevitably sunk the film and drew serious ire from fans and critics alike. Well, AD wasn’t about to let all of its hard work go to waste, so the company carried what they’d assembled right on over to another project: Harbinger Down. The movie feels a little cheap, and some of the performances are wooden, but ultimately the special effects are pretty awesome and Lance Henriksen does a great job as the no-nonsense captain of a crabbing vessel. It’s not a groundbreaker, but Harbinger Down is an entertaining monster movie that should touch the hearts of those who cherish films from the 1980s.
Return to Sender: Return to Sender is far more thriller than horror, and it could easily be deemed a “slow” film, but it’s effective. It’s creepy, and it reminds us that we never know exactly whom we’re spending time with. It’s all about a blind date that leads to some disconcerting scenarios, and it succeeds in sending a few chills down the spine. Rosamund Pike (whom you’ll recognize from the goofy but badass Doom) does a fine job and gives us a nice notice that sometimes controlled performances can go a long, long way.
Circle: This isn’t a perfect film. Not by a long shot. However, it does possess a wealth of promise, and for a film that takes place in one single room, with an assortment of personalities to study, it’s a relatively strong and compelling piece. Although the big twist isn’t much of a twist at all, directors Aaron Hann and Mario Miscione do an excellent job of creating tension and mystery. There are some unorthodox decisions made throughout the picture, and that too holds our attention. Circle, though overlooked by many, is worth a watch.
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