December 2023 Review: The Best Movies I Saw Last Month
December saw more health and work issues for me, but it is looking like that is finally moving behind me. I didn’t get to enjoy watching horror films as much as I would have liked, but I still managed to catch 21 first time watches and 4 re-watches over the holiday season. Come check out the best with me.
Re-Watch Highlight: American Psycho (2000); Director: Mary Harron; United States
Patrick Bateman is a wealthy investment banker in New York City that exudes charm. Unfortunately, he hides his true malevolent self from all around him, indulging in his psychopathy in deliberate bouts of chaos. When his hold on reality begins breaking down, his outbursts become more erratic, showcasing the pitfalls of his hedonistic, hypercompetitive, and shallow lifestyle. A commentary on the dangers of toxic masculinity and the satire of Wall Street finance bros, American Psycho is a clever and captivating psychological horror film based on the book of the same name by Bret Easton Ellis. Director Mary Harron ensures that the comedy comes out while never shying away from the disturbing inner monologue of Bateman. Filmed with style, American Psycho is a sleek, modern horror film that delights in its absurdity as much as its carnage. Easy to appreciate, paired with a recent reading of its source material enhances the film even further for this reviewer. A truly unforgettable performance by Christian Bale elevates the material even further, cementing American Psycho as one of the best films of the year, month, and decade.
Previous Rating: 9/10
New Rating: 10/10
BEST #5) The Boneyard (1991); Director: James Cummins; United States
A coroner’s office is the setting for something truly fantastic when the possessed corpses of four children attack all those in their path. It’s up to a psychic, a cop, two coroners, an administrator, and a car crash victim to uncover the mystery, face the evil, and get out alive. The Boneyard is a delightfully fun, low budget 90s movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s hard to do that when one of its central baddies is a monster-fied mutant poodle. While the film can get repetitive with its barricade-and-run style story fleshing out without much substance, it remains an enjoyable ride. Its fun cast of characters and solid practical effects make for a goofy B-movie that’s worth watching with friends on a Saturday night.
Overall Score? 6/10
BEST #4) The Depraved (2011); Director: Andy Getscher; Germany
Excited to journey through the underbelly of Berlin’s secret underground labyrinth, a group of urban explorers are led by a tour guide through an increasingly unsettling series of obstacles to get to their destination. Disaster strikes when their tour guide is injured, and the group must find a way out of the underground. With shady characters and a sinister past, the group can only rely on themselves to escape the horrors of the Berlin catacombs. A fast-paced horror adventure, The Depraved makes its simple yet familiar concept exciting through clever misdirection. Focusing more on the tension of their situation than straight up gore, The Depraved concocts some seriously tense moments that are steeped in realism. Its acting and story might not be the best, but for those seeking a solid slasher, The Depraved is a mean little journey into Hell that’ll easily satisfy your needs.
Overall Score? 6/10
BEST #3) Black Sunday (1960); Director: Mario Bava; Italy
Two doctors passing through town find themselves drawn to the tomb near a local castle. Once inside, they accidentally disturb the final resting place of Princess Asa Vajda. Executed in a gruesome fashion over 200 years ago for being a witch and vampire, she quickly makes use of her newfound life by killing the locals. With her sights set on the present-day princess, it will be up to one of the good doctors to end her second reign of terror. Black Sunday is a suitably creepy Italian horror movie that revels in its atmospheric horror. By today’s standards, it isn’t shocking, but it still manages to stand the test of time as an enjoyable little haunter. Strong performances and an immaculate set design propel this 1960s horror flick to great heights. If you enjoy witchy horror films and the charm of older films, Black Sunday is a solid choice to make on a rainy day.
Overall Score? 6/10
BEST #2) Everyone Will Burn (2023); Director: David Hebrero; Spain
Please check out the full review here.
Overall Score? 7/10
BEST #1) Pi (1998); Director: Darren Aronofsky; United States
A gifted but paranoid mathematician investigates a pattern that he discovers in his computer that he believes will unlock secrets about the world. His research is interrupted by various people and organizations who seek to use his knowledge for other purposes. Pi is a disturbing descent into madness that seeks to unnerve with its concerning story of a man trapped in the pursuit of his own delusion. Disorienting yet captivating, Darren Aronofsky showcases just how much control and vision in his first feature film. It’s hard to discuss without spoiling the mystery, so check out this wonderfully weird late 90s horror sci-fi film to truly appreciate its place in the cannon.
Overall Score? 7/10
