aefertino Reviews

Annabelle (I) (2014)

Creepy but not frightening, disappointing but average

[7/10 · 20 October 2014]

In my personal opinion, I didn't find the movie nearly as atrocious as many others have. I think perhaps it was more disappointing than anything since The Conjuring managed such an effective opening with our star doll. It also set what I consider a high bar for modern horror.

I think a story centered on the actual Annabelle would have been more interesting and in tune with Conjuring's 'true story' presentation.

I didn't find the dialogue so unbearable as some consider, and while it wasn't a scary film to me, I found it creepy. And I found the inhuman antagonist far more unsettling in design than the one in Insidious.

Ultimately, as opposed to tension or fright, what I thought an eerie atmosphere is what kept me following. Of particular note, I enjoyed the sequence in the middle of the film most, when ***SPOILER*** books threaten the child, and Annabelle is lifted by the Demon***END SPOILER***

I'm sure many will disagree, but I found this movie perfectly average. Either way, I enjoy it. Everyone has guilty pleasures, but I don't feel entirely guilty with this one.

Here's eager waiting for The Conjuring 2!

Earthquake (1974)

Half of the movie is needless, while the rest delivers your need for disaster.

[7/10 · 4 July 2014]

To the point, while on a binge of disaster films, it occurred to me that Earthquake quite simply had no story other than the disaster itself.

The first half refuses to engage, with characters that undergo a dull drama. I am not impatient--in fact, I don't mind the wait in The Towering Inferno, which some may find tedious.

However, once all the pieces are put into place for the big one in this film, you get eight solid minutes of destruction. The second half, including aftermath, gives you what you wanted from a movie called Earthquake, even with some dated effects. You still get that 70's oomph.

It's not The Poseidon Adventure by a long shot, but for those seeking destruction, this delivers the goods, and certainly better than others of the genre such as Airport and its sequels. This film is underrated here on IMDb.

In conclusion, if I could give Earthquake a 6.5, I would; but I like to round up. Thanks for reading, and remember; it's all IMO.