Feline Films | November 2022

Its my favorite time of the year Cougars! There were some great horror and non-horror releases, so lets get into the most notable releases from the past months.

Black Adam (2022) PG-13

Its my favorite time of the year Cougars! There were some great horror and non-horror releases, so lets get into the most notable releases from the past months.

As a slightly casual fan of comic book films, and specifically DC films, I had low expectations for The Rocks most recent work. In my opinion, I have always found his films to be lackluster at best. Black Adam is, unfortunately no exception to this trend. Black Adam follows a demigod (Dwayne The Rock Johnson) freed after 5,000 years as he plans to exact revenge on the invaders of his home and anyone who stands in his way.

This film comes during what I see as a stagnant period for action films. For the past few months, most action films released have been unimaginative (i.e. Bullet Train, The Gray Man and Thor: Love and Thunder), and this film only continues that trend. Considering its place as a comic book movie, there is nothing new brought to the table. It is a classic anti-hero film that does not even play into the anti aspect of the name. Instead, it has the protagonist and his opponents work together to stop a greater evil. I found it uninspired and rather boring.

Another aspect of the film I found tedious comes from the action itself. Having ultra-powerful characters allows for creativity and style. Yet, this film feels as though it goes for the same type of scene every time: Black Adam throws someone into the air, the Justice Society tries to stop him, rinse, and repeat. While time was taken to develop characters between the scenes, I found that the action never really led anywhere plot-wise. It is critical, in my opinion, that action films use action to further the story instead of simply showing off as if it is an amusement park ride. There was one sequence around the middle of the film that added stakes and forwarded the plot while also being dynamic and interesting; however, that is the only instance that stood out to me.

One highlight of the film I actually enjoyed came from the supporting cast. I found it intriguing that the Justice Society was the most interesting part of the film instead of The Rocks unstoppable demigod. The actors portraying them had chemistry and charisma, with a highlight being Quintessa Swindell (HBOs Euphoria). They work together to stop Black Adams reign in fun ways that add to the otherwise half-baked script.

Altogether, Black Adam did not impress me. I hope that future comic book movies take more thematic and creative risks so that audiences are not subjected to the same plot for two hours and leave feeling no different than when they sat down.

4 paws out of 10

Terrifier 2 (2022) R

In 1978, the horror genre was changed forever with Halloween. In 1984, the same happened with A Nightmare on Elm Street. On Oct. 6, history repeated itself once again with Terrifier 2. To say this film is a success is an understatement; it shocked the nation with its gritty violence and no-holds-barred, two-and-a-half-hour runtime. Following the cult success of its predecessor, Terrifier 2 follows the infamous Art the Clown as he continues his rampage one year after the events of the first film.

The first film did not have a lasting impression on me as I found it lacking any plot or depth.

This film, however, does a complete 180 and follows a girl and her brother (Lauren LaVera and Elliot Fullam respectively) trying to survive Halloween night. While the characters lacked the depth and dimension of some of the best survivors in horror media, I found the performances great and entertaining (LaVera, specifically, may have given one of the rawest final girl performances of the year).

The one performance that never wavered for a second came from David Howard Thornton who portrays the vicious Art the Clown. While he was the one significant highlight of the original film, he shines even brighter in the sequel, stealing each scene and playing the part with a macabre yet joyous whimsy. I often equate horror to comedy,

using timing and payoff to the filmmakers advantage, and Thorntons entire performance solidifies that even more. He knows exactly when to exhibit silliness and return to deadliness within the same scene. I believe Art could end up sitting in the ranks of Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees as horror icons for life.

The films biggest draw-in and buzz-worthy aspect is the graphic violence throughout. Leone wrote and directed the film and also worked heavily on the SFX. His extensive background pays off with scenes that made me wince, close my eyes, and hug my knees to my chest in some scenes. Art is a force of nature, and the way his victims die resembles being hit by a hurricane. The kills are creative, and even the ones that would normally be boring and uninspired are dialed up to 11 with Leones impeccable effects work.

While Terrifier 2 is certainly not for the faint of heart, it is a fun and exciting slasher with interesting characters and an iconic villain. I find it exciting that at the time of writing this, the film has made over 20 times its budget (approximately $5.3 million on a $250,000 budget). Its success shows Hollywood that sometimes indie filmmakers can outshine even the most well-known auteurs.

8 paws out of 10

The preceding reviews were written by Collin College student Nadia Arain. Collin College News appreciates their assistance.