The Girl on the Train (2016)

Now that I have settled in for the evening after spending some time with my father, it is time to get back to the blog and finish a review on one of the films I have watched this weekend. The next movie up is the 2016 mystery/thriller The Girl on the Train.

Plot/ A divorcee becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.

Movies based on books are often hit and miss. Luckily, I did not read this one, so I cannot mention how the adaptation went. This mystery/thriller is interesting although it definitely lacked the tension that I had hoped for. The performances really worked within the storyline, the plot was solid, and there were many elements that helped improve the overall feel. Unfortunately, there was too much going on and the pacing/editing was all over. On top of that, the characterization never took hold and it was definitely difficult to relate to any of the characters. In the end, this one was difficult to review as it was hard to stay interested throughout. It was definitely similar to Gone Girl, but it lacked most of the qualities that made that one interesting and memorable.

Creep (2004)

Last night, I decided to get back into some horror movie enjoyment by hanging out on Netflix. After some time and debate, I decided on the British horror flick Creep from 2004.

Plot/ Trapped in a London subway station, a woman is being pursued by a potential attacker as she heads into the unknown labyrinth of tunnels beneath the city's streets.

When I saw this on Netflix, I could not put a finger on why I was not truly excited about watching this one. Now that I have seen Creep, I can understand my lack of excitement. This movie is not creepy at all; in fact other than the isolationism fear it creates, it lacks a gripping atmosphere. This linear, cliché driven storyline is decent and does feature a touch of violence. However, there is not much more to offer. The acting and script are only OK, and the ending does nothing. Really, there is nothing that makes this film stand-out in the crowded horror genre.

Train (2008)

It had been a few days since I looked through FearNet to see what it had to offer. Tonight, I decided to venture into that arena and see what I could find. That is when I decided on the 2008 horror flick Train.

Plot/ In Europe, a group of American college athletes unknowingly board a train that will become one deadly ride.

While I was not expecting much, part of me had quietly hoped for something much better. Sure, it was not terrible for there was A LOT of nice gore sprinkled throughout, it was close. This hour and a half romp through the world of torture porn and survival horror is really nothing that has not been seen too many times. In fact, even the amount of blood cannot save the film from itself, the combination of common storyline, illogical plot and terrible acting definitely doomed this project from the outset. For me, there are so many other flicks that I wish I would have chosen on a Friday night, I definitely think you should stay clear (unless you just want to see some gore).