I do appreciate that they are very reserved on Pennywise usage.

Though whenever he is used I keep thinking about how the clown form was meant to lure in the kids as a comforting appearance, using that appearance -only- in scenes meant to frighten kids is feels antithetical to that form's purpose.

"The Sword of Doom (1966)"

Tatsuya Nakadai absolutely embodies this role, and his performance lifts what is already an interesting premise, into quintessential viewing. A descent into madness conveyed with a mastery of body language, commanding every scene with a powerful presence.

#2025watches

"The Vourdalak (2023)"

Moody gothic horror with frequent appearances from a wonderful puppet that manages to evoke a feeling of unease while being endearingly goofy.

#2025watches

"Sanjuro (1962)"

Partner film to Yojimbo following the same wandering samurai. A little less engaging than the former, but makes up for it in general goofiness and some great highs. Plus Toshiro Mifune as Sanjuro is always a treat to watch no matter what is happening.

"Yojimbo (1961)"

Continuing my foray into classic samurai films with a quintessential "wandering samurai" flick. A fun story of warring gangs in a small town and a samurai stuck between them. Had tasteful splashes of gore and comedy which took me off guard but added to the experience.

#2025watches

Holy shit, I have seen this poster more times than I'd like, but I have -never- realized until just now that the eyes are actually screaming mouths and not weird alien bug eyes...

Also good luck lmao

"Tetsuo: The Iron Man (1989)"

A screeching, throbbing, cacophonous assault of the senses in the best possible way.

A perfect audio/visual distillation of "industrial" as a concept.

#2025watches

Even among horror fans, it's frustratingly clear that there's still a lack of understanding or acceptance for this kind of intensely graphic fiction.

So many people pre-emptively make their judgement calls, it feels like screaming into the void when explaining why it has value.

"Possum (2018)"

A miserable trudge through unraveling repressed trauma with the most nightmarish and upsetting puppet I've ever seen. The whole thing reeks of dirt, must, and cigarette stained walls.

Slow, and not entirely subtle by the end, but atmospheric and affecting regardless.

#2025watches

I religiously played and -loved- FF14 up to the end of Endwalker.

I stopped playing after that primarily due to money and time, and, frankly, you are so fucking right.

Of course, I'm always excited to help people check these games out!

Quite possibly the raddest director father to director son pipeline in film.

I'm currently re-experiencing them as my friend plays through them all right now, and Alan Wake 1 definitely suffers the most as a game from lacking options. Alan Wake 2 initially lacked some, but the anniversary update added in a ton of accessibility options!

www.alanwake.com/story/the-an...

It's one of the very few works where the creators have a clear, unabashed adoration for Twin Peaks and thought "I want to try that" and actually understood what makes it special.

It isn't haphazard tonal plagiarism, rather effectively infusing it's filmic language to their own unique voice.