Brooklyn 45

It's a B-Movie, but to be honest for a Shudder Original B-Movie it's actually pretty good. It gets off to a slow start, but when things warm up. They get pretty heated, and a lot of secrets come out. I had fun watching it.

The acting is good, the special effects are decent. Although for the most part it takes place in one room, and it is very character driven. Them finding out things they didn't know about each other is what pushes the plot forward. It's a little different to what you'd normally expect from a film that uses a Oujda board as a plot device.

Although some of the secrets come from their dead friends. So I'd say it both drama and horror.

I appreciated this for its originality most of all. This felt creative and fresh which is few and far between these days. This was primarily character driven and had almost a stage play adaption vibe to it. The acting was a bit spotty and stilted at times but the woman who played the interrogator did an excellent job. I wish there was more to the spooky elements but what was there was enjoyable.

As a whole I think it squandered some of its potential by not spicing it up a bit. The action became a bit belabored and repetitive along with the slow pacing effected my engagement at times. Despite this it was still entertaining and felt like a unique experience. Would recommend.

So, if you're thinking of watching this movie for jumpscares, or intense action, imma stop you right there. This movie is just a simple and linear thriller movie, as in a ghost story, set in the 1945 Brooklyn, NY. It's a reunion of 5 friends, who served in war in their own respective professions, where they sit down to grieve the aftermath of war, after the war is over and Hitler is dead. And to keep this review spoiler free, they meet up for a struggling friend out of them as well. The movie is set in a room where it starts, and ends and you won't have any moments where you are scared whatsoever (maybe 1 or 2 little bloody scenes for sensitive viewers). Even though it is just a linear, one directional blunt movie, it's definitely a good one time watch movie for when you're bored and have nothing to watch lol. Also, it'd leave you wondering with a few questions that are unanswered, even a very root questions of the plot, as a little open kind of ending. Take it as a mystery "who dun it" or "did they do it" thriller more than a horror movie, because labeling it under horror more, won't be right. But, I guess, isnt war horror in itself after all ?

This movie has a lot of positive points; great acting, lush cinematography, a great vintage feel, and a very original premise.

But the story was a little murky and leaves too many unanswered questions.

Without giving too much away... At the end of the movie, one can't help but say, "So what?"

There isnt any explanation of the events and no one takes responsibility for their actions. The movie just ends with the characters going "oh well, stuff happened. The end."

It was unsatisfying.

If someone asked me the premise of the movie I'd only be able to say, "Some WWII vets have a seance and weirdness ensures."

No questions were answered. The movie ended with a thud. Too bad. It had real potential.

This movie works, but the experience can be lifted: first of all, the weather can help a great deal, a rainy night, or like in the set, snow outside, and a few glasses of whiskey.

Now, Brooklyn 45 is a slow paced production, that lures you in and keeps your interest, but you have to be used to such movies, because if this is your first, there is a good chance you'll wonder what are you watching and why are you continuing to do so.

Thus, I can only recommend it to people who know what to expect, who can see horror in different shapes and sizes, and are able to find it in this very small indie film and appreciate it for what it is and what it has to offer. As I said, it works late at night, with a glass full of hard liquor, and if you're lucky, a cigar.

All in all, I liked it, thus I will recommend it and hope you'll enjoy it.

Cheers! (J&B like in The Thing)