The Forest Hills

This is not a good movie. The actors in this movie are not good. There are some famous names in this movie. They do not do a good job. Some people rated this movie 10 stars. These are not smart people. 10 stars means this movie is almost perfect, a classic like The Godfather, ET, Jaws, etc. This movie is nowhere close to any of those.

This feels like a totally amateur affair. This is not always a bad thing but, in this case, it is. The concept is fine and I actually like the idea, but the execution is a bit off. Even the performances of the seasoned actors are flat and uninspired. The special effects are decent enough but it's not enough to make this worth watching.

The Forest Hills is little more than another forgettable, incredibly amateurishly-made horror film that does nothing to separate itself apart from countless other microbudget horror movies you'll find on Plex or Roku.

Admittedly, the only reason you've heard of this one is because it features Edward Furlong, Dee Wallace, Felissa Rose and Shelley Duvall in the final role of her career (and her first role in twenty years). Duvall is honestly the highlight, portraying a sympathetic character with natural charisma during very brief time on screen. But as for the rest of the movie, it was such a scattershot vision with no clear direction.

This movie was lost on whether it wanted to be a genuine horror movie or some kind of Lovecraftian fan fiction and it failed to ever stay on any of the paths it tried to set itself upon. The result was scattered, unfocused, talkative, slow and worst of all boring. And even at a brief 79 minutes it felt all too long, so I couldn't even make it to the end.

"The Forest Hills" (2023), directed by Scott Goldberg, is a cinematic experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of the horror genre. This film, which marks the return of the legendary Shelley Duvall, is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the indomitable spirit of its cast. Set against the backdrop of the hauntingly beautiful Catskill Mountains, the film follows the journey of Rico, portrayed with a raw intensity that leaves the audience breathless. The narrative is a labyrinth of emotions, as Rico descends into a madness that is as terrifying as it is captivating. The film's strength lies in its ability to blend elements of drama, horror, and thriller into a cohesive narrative that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances are nothing short of stellar, with Edward Furlong delivering a performance that is both powerful and nuanced. However, it is Shelley Duvall who truly shines in this film. Her portrayal of 'Mama' is a masterclass in acting, bringing a depth and complexity to the character that is truly remarkable. This film marks Duvall's return to the silver screen after a hiatus of over 20 years, and her performance is a poignant reminder of her incredible talent.

"The Forest Hills" is a film that deserves an 8/10 rating. It is a compelling narrative that is beautifully shot and superbly acted. However, it is more than just a film. It is a tribute to the enduring talent of Shelley Duvall, who recently passed away. Duvall, best known for her roles in "The Shining" and "Popeye," was a force to be reckoned with in the film industry. Her death is a profound loss for the world of cinema, but her legacy lives on through her remarkable body of work. In "The Forest Hills," Duvall gave one of her most memorable performances, reminding us of her extraordinary talent and her unique ability to bring characters to life. Her performance in this film is a fitting tribute to her incredible career and a testament to her enduring talent.

As we mourn the loss of this cinematic icon, "The Forest Hills & The Shining" serves as a poignant reminder of Duvall's indomitable spirit and her unparalleled contribution to the world of cinema. Rest in peace, Shelley Duvall. Your legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come.

I had high hopes for this one. I've been looking forward to it for months. Unfortunately, it didn't deliver as much as I wanted it to. The movie stars Rico, and is basically a solo performance. Not saying the actor is bad or anything, just saying I had hoped for more screen time of Eddie Furlong- I'm hoping he makes a full comeback one day. Shelley Duvall is barely in it. Actually paid to rent it off Amazon prime. It wasn't the worst five dollars I've ever spent. If you're an Eddie Furlong or Shelley Duvall fan and you go in with low expectations, you'll have a decent time. Just don't hope for too much.

Okay, It's Shelley Duvall's last performance. She played Mama whose son, Rico, is a mess of a human being. He is either a monster or damaged beyond repair. The film especially the writing doesn't make anything clear for the viewers. I would have only seen it for Shelley's final performance. It's a shame that she didn't do more. The script and the storylines don't make sense to me as a viewer. I truly have no idea what is really going on with the main character, Rico. The actor who played Rico does an admirable job. I just wished he cleaned up a little bit. Dee Wallace has a tiny role as his boss. The other characters just don't make any sense. I see this film is dedicated to horror film directors. It's an independent so you can't be too harsh on it. Independent films don't have the budget. The film made me realize how much we missed Shelley Duvall after all these years.