The Black Phone [Blu-ray] [2022] [Region Free]
V**P
Definitely a keeper.
Ethan Hawke has moved forward in his career with his collaboration with Scott Derrickson, earlier with 'Sinister' and now 'The Black Phone', both supernatural films of high quality and produced by Jason Blum who has reinvented the horror genre as something unpredictable and genuinely scary. You always knew where you were going with Hammer but never so with a Blumhouse production ---- there's no comfort zone.Loved this thriller and so big a hit it is that Black Phone 2 will come in 2025. I'd like to see a return by Mason Thames the main protagonist, a teenager kidnapped by 'the Grabber' and in line to be murdered, and his feisty sister played by the spellbinding Maddy McGraw who never holds back on the use of really foul language when the script demands it. She is quite captivating for it in my view.From a short novel by Joe Hill, Stephen King's son (sorry mate but that gives you a lot of points in the publishing arena even if you want to make it in the world under a pseudonym). English subtitles.Just an observation : there is child abuse at the center of this film so leave it alone if you're uncomfortable. But the Americans don't go into that hypersensitive area in any depth. The 'Grabber's' motives are never explored. The abuse of his victims is not shown. The murders of his young victims are not shown.Perhaps quite rightly because we are sensitive in those areas.A Dutch film, based on Mo Hayder's best selling book 'The Treatment' does go there. Very, very uncomfortable to watch. Be thankful that 'The Black Phone' is an entertaining thriller and not gross.
D**S
Ethan Hawke as The Grabber.
An imaginative horror movie set in a different epoch without social media computers modern day technology. A scary tale about a magician style abductor. The Grabber hides behind a mask who is somewhat mysterious. It isn’t at all clear why he does what he does. A damaged human being that becomes a deranged killer maybe. This film really goes into the challenges of childhood. Set in the 1970s it takes the viewer back into a different world. A film where reality hits hard but with a somewhat supernatural element. The Grabbers victims talk through a black phone in an empty basement where the abductee is kept locked inside. An applaudable movie for its originality. I’d like to see a sequel or a prequel to this movie to learn more about the Grabber’ backstory. Or maybe the unexplained gives this film its scary edge. I’d like to see more. Commendable effort creating an authentic killer. Definitely an enjoyable watch. More of a traditional scary tale. Scare factor was high in a lot of places. Unnerving super 8 camera footage featured in this film always unsettles its audience.
D**O
Different but good
A bit different from what I was expecting but a good movie.It has a classic horror written all over from the overall look of the movie.Pretty creepy in bits.Recommended.
T**N
Very very good but disturbing movie
This film is set in the 70's but it actually looks like it was filmed in the 70's with the way the picture looks.It is a thriller and ghost movie and is a slow burner but kept me gripped from start to finish. Ethan Hawke is brilliant but it is the child actors who steal the show with acting way beyond their years.A film to watch over and over. Highly recommended
F**N
Would recommend
Great Movie
C**
Cinematic Horror with ghostly imagery including simple but infective artwork
Been waiting to grab a copy of The black Phone on DVD for a while now.Interesting Cinamattic Horror with Ghostly imagery that will want you wanting to watch more.Or thoug this doens’t look like horror Movie from the Cover Artwork well don’t be put off because it is Horror for reel.Plenty of blood and not to much and not a Horror that’s already been done either.Original Horror that many Pople will dig for.This year has been great for original Horro Movies and I’m convinced that there will be more on the way as we approach Autumn.
D**E
Packaging
I've only given this 3 stars but it's nothing to do with the packaging or delivery they were both great, this film on the other hand.....
M**L
Entertaining
Quite a good film a little slow in parts but entertaining none the less
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