100-Word Scary Movie Reviews

Down a Dark Hall (2018), Director: Rodrigo Cortes

If somebody asks me what this movie is about, I just say, “I have no idea.” I try to look past a low IMDB score because maybe it’s wrong. Down a Dark Hall is a scattered story that makes no sense. The main reason why I watched this film was for its cast. AnnaSophia Robb, Uma Thurman, and Isabelle Fuhrman are all talented actresses. They do their best with a confusing script that was in the dark from when it first began. Rodrigo Cortes had a promising direction and a good story at heart, but not much effort was enforced.

Vacancy (2007), Director: Nimrod Antal.

I have watched Vacancy twice. It starts with marital disputes between Amy and David Fox (Kate Beckinsale and Luke Wilson). I am a fan of both these actors, especially Wilson. The characters marital problems matched offscreen tensions between the actors. Vacancy is a story about being stuck in a nightmare. I’ll look up what kind of motel I am heading to first. Nimrod Antal went for authenticity, even having the production team build a motel set. As the couple escape from torture, the tension is constant. Along with screaming. Vacancy is your basic thriller, but it’s still a good time.

Smile 2 (2024), Director: Finn Parker

I have never seen the original Smile (2022), but I had more interest in the sequel. As I watched it alone in Maine, I jumped in several well-directed sequences and felt goosebumps. Naomi Scott is multitalented. I forgot that this was the same actress who played Jasmine in the live action Aladdin (2019). Scott’s intense and versatile performance as Skye Riley makes me wish that Awards season recognized horror movies more. The horror of Smile 2 is psychological. The most frightening scene is the backup dancers haunting Skye. This movie is a fantastically creepy time, providing scares and a lesson.

Talk to Me (2022), Directors: Danny and Michael Phillippou

I finally sat down to watch Talk to Me. It’s a chilling and inventive Austrialian horror film. Directed by twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, it follows a group of teens who summon spirits using a mysterious embalmed hand. The situation spirals into chaos. Reviews weren’t kidding when they said this movie is scary. Sophie Wilde delivers a standout performance as Mia. The film’s pacing, practical effects, and haunting atmosphere is unforgettable. I took a breath once it ended. The film ends on a perfect image that will haunt you. Moral: Stop before it becomes an addiction. Obsession is real.

Prom Night (1980), Director: Paul Lynch

After watching the embarrassing remake, it was time to watch the original Prom Night (1980). This is the only Prom Night that should exist. It’s an early classic slasher. It’s fun watching these movies right when the genre was starting. Fresh off her debut in Halloween, Jamie Lee Curtis plays Kim. Prom is a gorgeous setting, but not in a horror movie. Director Paul Lynch crafts a slow-burn mystery were guilt and revenge collide. The climatic chase is a signature scene. While it doesn’t match the intensity of Halloween, Prom Night is still a nostalgic horror film of the era.

Evil Dead II (1987), Director: Sam Raimi

Last year marked my debut to the Evil Dead franchise. Evil Dead II is a completely different atmosphere to the first film. It experimented horror-comedy. We need horror comedies. I know horror is all about scares, but you need a laugh. This movie is a wild, hilarious, and brilliant gory blend of horror and slapstick. Bruce Campbell has the majority of screentime, improvising most of his scenes, like the famous hand-chopping scene. So much madness happens. Director Sam Raimi takes everything from the original Evil Dead and amplifies into more comical energy. Evil Dead II is an entertaining horror sequel.

Phantom of the Opera (1925) Director: Rupert Julian

Older movies are like stepping back in time. The original Phantom of the Opera is now 100 years old! How cool is that? This was an experiment of its time. The technical work is impressive. It’s right before modern technology, like CGI, which films use too much of. The signature scene where the disfigured phantom is revealed caused an usher to faint during its first release! Director Rupert Julian created a gothic film. The sets of the Paris Opera House are stunning. Ignore its century-old age and put Phantom of the Opera on your list. It continues to influence horror.

The Woman in Cabin 10 (2025) Director: Simon Stone

Even though The Woman in Cabin 10 shouts Hitchcock, it’s a suspenseful film. Led by Keira Knightley, she delivers a terrific performance. Mysteries always make noteworthy watches. You always have to watch closely. Instead of a train, the story is set on a boat with a goegeous ocean backdrop. Good setting for horror. You only have limited space in these settings. It follows the usual tropes and stereotypical characters. There’s a clever twist that I didn’t see coming. Things resolve too easily in the climax. The film may follow the usual horror tropes, but it still makes a good watch.

Kenan and Kel: Two Heads are Better than None (2000), Director: Michael Grossman

Do you rewatch shows you watched as a kid. Kenan and Kel was one of my favorite shows. Their final TV-movie Two Heads are Better Than None is a rather dark film, but its still the funniest thing ever. Kenan and Kel Mitchel are forever a hilarious duo. Ken Foree, Teal Merchande, and Vaneesa Baden return as Kenan’s family, with several guest stars. Rewatching it as an adult, it wasn’t just because of my childlike mind. This episode is DARK, actually showing disemobodied heads on a table. Aside from the dark moments, this TV-movie is a blast from the past.

Clue (1985), Director: Jonathan Lynn

I love watching Clue (1985) every year. It always feels different on every watch. This is an overlooked film, especially when it first released. Did you know that each audience saw a different ending at each of their screenings. The cast contains a multide of talented actors, like Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, and the late Madeline Khan. Curry is a multi-talented actor, whose comedic talent shines in this film. Director Joanthan Lynn’s comical direction turns the classic board game into a fun film. I love the scenes when they are running from room to room. Clue (1985) deserves more recognition.