rodgere

The Ceremony Is About to Begin" (2024) is only 70 minutes long, yet it somehow feels much longer. The protagonist makes one dumb decision after another, while the antagonist is so over-the-top goofy that it's impossible to take him seriously. Instead of being scary, the film leans on gross-out moments that add nothing of value. One cult member says she regrets not leaving earlier-something I completely related to. I kept hoping it would improve, but it never did. By the end, I was just relieved it was over. If you're looking for real horror, skip this. This ceremony isn't worth attending, and neither is this movie.

As a lifelong fan of horror, Stream (2024) had all the ingredients for something truly special: a fantastic cast of horror legends and jaw-dropping practical effects by the great Damien Leone. The gore was spot on, delivering in ways that will delight gorehounds and practical effect enthusiasts alike. Every blood-soaked scene was a testament to Leone's expertise, and the visual craftsmanship was the film's undeniable highlight.

Unfortunately, that's where the magic ends. The plot, writing, and pacing all fell flat, leaving the movie feeling more like a missed opportunity than a genre-defining experience. The story struggled to find its footing, leaving the audience with a disjointed narrative that lacked the tension and coherence needed to truly shine.

That said, credit must be given to the cast. These horror legends brought their A-game, doing everything they could with the material they were given. Their performances were strong, but even their talent couldn't elevate a script that simply didn't deliver.

In the end, Stream (2024) is a mixed bag: visually stunning and gore-filled, but narratively underwhelming. For fans of practical effects and horror royalty, it's worth a watch. Just don't expect much beyond the surface-level thrills.

5/10 stars.