Thoughts On Netflix's Resident Evil

Hello everyone, welcome back to BlazinBlue's Review. I know it's been a bit of a while since been around. A much needed vacation was needed. Though I honestly ended up doing farm work and continued work on our house. 

Resident Evil. Usually when I hear that title, I'm immediately transported to Raccoon City and hearing Nemesis calling out "S.T.A.R.S." I love the games. I played the hell out of RESIDENT EVIL 2make. Resident Evil 7 was an interesting turn. And I managed to even enjoy RE3make, even though that may have an issue here and there. 

By now, we have had 7 films focusing on this franchise. A few were solid, some were okay, and then there's a couple more that are guilty pleasures. The last one, Welcome to Raccoon City, was definitely one that I enjoyed a lot. I'm hoping that it'll see a sequel as it didn't get quite the turn out due to pandemic. 

We have also had some animated films. Each one has found itself connected to the games timeline. There was also Infinite Darkness, which I have heard that it's not necessarily a fan favorite. 

Netflix announced that they were going to do a live action Resident Evil series. At first, I'll admit I was a bit skeptical. Why? The story has been told a few different times. What could it do different? 

Well, it turns out there's a lot of different things left to approach the material. With this incarnation, its treating the games a bit as canon. But we are also introduced to the Wesker Twins, Jade and Billie. Yes, I said Wesker. Their father is Albert Wesker, played by the awesome Lance Reddick. One of the things I really love about this series is that the story is weaved between two timelines - 2022 and then 2036. So we are able to see a post apocalyptic version of the world. It's honestly has a bit of Mad Max flair in one sequence. 

I honestly was a bit worried. I mean it easily could have felt like something on the CW. Thankfully, it does not fall into that. As of right now, I am two episodes into the season. It has an interesting original story that also shows some familiar RE staples: Dog and giant creatures for example. 

If you are looking for something interesting and entertaining, give this a shot. It's not what we typically think of when we see anything Resident Evil related. It is able to spin things into something new. And that's pretty damn cool. It's a step in the right direction. I am hoping that it does well enough for a Season 2. 

Update: After seeing through Episode 5, I am thrilled to say that this is a step on the right direction. I know there's a bit of negative feedback going around. However, I feel like it's definitely not as bad as they are making it out to be. It has continued to do some awesome things. The way it weaves the stories and Lore of the games in a unique way. It's a solid sequel to the games. And the Easter eggs are so fantastic. 

Episode 4 has a big highlight for me with one sequence. When you see it, you'll know what I'm talking about. 

Episode 5 is definitely Resident Evil through and through. It's just not featured in a Mansion. 

Rating: Recommended. 

Resident Evil is available on Netflix.

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Streaming Originals: The Platform (2019)

 

   Hello everyone, Streaming Originals has returned. Last time, we took a look at Nobody Sleeps In The Woods Tonight II. That was a fun film that was very fresh and original. 

    Today, I took a look at a film that I had been hearing a bit about lately. Quite a few people had been recommending it. It's been streaming on Netflix. It is The Platform, a Spanish film that was released in 2019. 

The Platform is a extremely intriguing film as it presents a challenge not for the characters within it, but for the audience as well. The Platform is a mysterious place, an indescribable prison, a deep hole. An unknown number of levels. Two inmates living on each level. A descending platform containing food for all of them. An inhuman fight for survival, but also an opportunity for solidarity. 

This film was an incredibly interesting experience. In the very beginning, I wasn't sure if I could handle the film. While it isn't straight up horror, this is more of a slow burn thriller. At first, it throws you into the shoes of Goreng as he is discovering what the rules of this place are. During a small flashback and talking with his cell mate, he mentions that he entered this place willing. It was a way of earning a degree if he could last six months within its walls. Now for me, I wouldn't do it. There is absolutely no way that I could have handled being stuck in this situation. It's not worth it. Goreng thinks very easily that its something that he could handle and it wouldn't be so bad. It would give him a chance to read through Don Quixote. What kind of rational mind believes that this is something that would necessarily be not that bad? 

Over the course of the film, Goreng learns more about himself than I believe he ever could have wanted. In a way, it did allow him the option to get a degree in who he is as a person. But the film is definitely layered. As the layers begin to peel away, we get to see just how humanity truly can be. In this place, it's a ticket to seeing truly evil things. However, there is always that chance for change. It just takes one person to help bring solidarity that could shape the way this prison is. 

I truly appreciate the way the story unfolds and is told. It gives us a very close connection to Goreng. He is our eyes and ears. His experience is our experience. That is something that I haven't seen in a film in a while. It also presents the idea of how people with opportunities look down to those who do not in society. That is extremely evident as this platform of food is brought down level by level to each of the different 'prisoners'. It immediately pits the different levels against one another in chaos. 

This film is a film where I strongly believe that one person's watch of it will be a different experience from another person's. It's a tightly packed and very well executed story. Trying to just unpack it all in one view, I don't know if that's possible. It allows there to be a lot to sit and think on as well as a strong re-watchability. 

The only time I think the film may not necessarily be everyone's cup of tea is in its ending. It is definitely a strong ending, but an open ended one. It allows the audience to take the time to process it and come up with their own view of it. 

Overall, The Platform is a special experience. There's honestly a bit more that I could go into with it. But that would be doing the film such a disservice. It's one of those that you have to take the plunge and give it a shot. If you are able to stick it out, you will find a story that will make you think a lot about people and society. Personally, that is what I was able to take away from the film. It's definitely one that I don't think will go away any time soon. 

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Honorable Mention: Now typically, I haven't given any honorable mentions for this series. But if you enjoyed The Platform and Squid Game, there is a series on Netflix as well called 3%. It's also a Spanish series. But in the first series, the way the story unfolds is extremely strong as well as its characters. By the time it ended, I was quite shocked and a bit eager to see where it could go. Definitely recommend it. 

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Streaming Originals: A Classic Horror Story (2021)

 

    Welcome back everyone. I am happy to say that there has been a tremendous positive response to my diving into the Netflix Originals horror films. There was even someone that reached out asking if I had dove in far enough to recommend films and which ones to avoid. It left me thinking about things for a little bit. When I first started this Horror Review, I started with a small independent film - Weird Fiction. If you haven't checked it out, I recommend it and it can be found to purchase from Amazon and stream off of Tubi. I had a passion to highlight the indie horror scene. As time began to pass, I began to look more into older films that I hadn't seen or a little more mainstream films. Those weren't bad ideas to do. But it felt like something was missing. When the question came up of what to recommend and what to avoid, it became quite clear that it's a bit of a niche area that isn't covered as much. My friend Fred, of Fred's Horror Corner (go check him out over on Youtube), recently went back to a back to basics approach for his stuff: he is now highlighting more of the found footage genre. So over here, we will have some of the mainstream horror from time to time. But this here is the beginning of things with the new series, Streaming Originals. 

    The goal of Streaming Originals will be to highlight the horror films that are available on Netflix, Shudder, Hulu, Prime, Tubi, and Paramount+. As of this writing, this will be my third review in this new series. I hope you enjoy and onto the review. 

    Today, I had the pleasure of continuing my dive into the horror films offered by Netflix Originals with A Classic Horror Story. It is an Italian horror film. 

    When I first started the film, I wasn't sure what to think. It immediately throws off guard with its opening moments. Looking back on the film though, I have to say that I strongly appreciate this opening. It delivers on the gore and a tense atmosphere. It's a bit of a snuff piece. But in the overall context of the film, it makes complete sense. 

    After that, we are introduced to our group of characters. Elisa is on her way to her parents' home. She's a bit unsure of whether or not it's the right decision. This decision leads her to Fabrizio the travel blogger's carpool. Joining them on this ride is Riccardo, a doctor, and a couple - Sofia and Mark. As night draws near, they encounter an animal in the road. Naturally, they swerve to avoid but find themselves crashing into a tree. When they come to their senses in the morning, they discover that they are no longer on the road but in a clearing surrounded by forest. The only landmark near them is a rustic wooden cabin. 

    This is a film that may not be everyone's cup of tea. There will be some people that find it to be very good. And there will be some that won't get very far into it. It is a bit of a slowburn. Honestly, that's not a bad thing at all. This film was really great. Each of the actors and actresses delivered solid performances. I found myself actually worrying about some of the characters. The way the film is structured is pretty brilliant. It boldly points that the story is going to go in one direction and then pulled the rug out from under me. As the film came to a close, I was left with my mouth hanging open. This is a film that is not afraid of being unique. This is a film that is very sure of the story it wants to tell. And I love the Italian lore that is at the forefront. I was very prepared for it to end in one distinct way. 

    For the most part, A Classic Horror Story was a bit subdued in its gore. It has its opening moments and a few here and there. But for the most part, its subdued as it delves deeper than just being a complete gorefest. The themes of this movie absolutely hit in a way that I never imagined it would. 

    Overall, A Classic Horror Story is a very unique story. It definitely stands out amongst the crowd very proudly. I applaud the way it subverted my expectations. While it may not be for everyone, if you are able to stick it out - you are in for a ride. 

Rating: 4 out of 5. 

A Classic Horror Story is available on Netflix.

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Witness the Beginning and End - Fear Street:1666

This July has been special. One that will be for the books. Leigh Janiak and Netflix have delivered a story that is so great and massive that it couldn’t be told with just one film. No, Netflix understood the audience they would have and already built in audience to let Leigh Janiak craft a sprawling epic filmed in Lord of the Rings style – all in the course of a few months. And it has paid off in spades.

With the ending of 1978, I was not sure where the story was going to go next. Yes, we were going to see the origin of the curse and Sarah Fier. But beyond that, it was wide open to what the story would be. That has been one of the strongest points of Fear Street, the cliffhanger endings.

We open after the recap in 1666 with a look at Sarah Fier and life in Union as she went about her business. It was interesting seeing all of the returning cast in a different yet familiar role as they now were portraying the Union townsfolk. And if this is their ancestors, it adds even more layers to the tragic events that had proceeded in the previous films.

The story is very ominious and tense. As a viewer, we already know how Sarah’s story plays out. It’s a story of a witch and a witch hunt. But they beautifully take all of our expectations and twists it in a massively unexpected way.

Then as the screen crashes to black, we are treated to one of the biggest surprises in this film. A new title card flashes and introduces the next segment of the film – Fear Street 1994 Part 2. I figured that we would see the present time return, but the way it is handled is beautifully.

I understand that many people could spoil what’s going on in the film. But this should not be spoiled. It’s such a large event that should be experienced. As such, I will not go any further into details.

With this trilogy of films, Janiak and Netflix have crafted a beautiful story. A story that is unrelenting and inclusive. The characters in these films would easily be side characters in other films. But here, they are treated with so much respect. And it shows how far we have come since the days of 90s horror.

This film alone could have crumpled under everything that came before it. But it doesn’t. It takes everything that we have seen and asks you to reconsider your thoughts on it. To look at things through a different perspective. Then it builds on the strengths of each piece of the story. And what’s left is a satisfying conclusion.

The Fear Street trilogy will be remembered fondly. They brought new things to the horror genre. Especially the way that films are made. It wouldn’t surprise me if Netflix sees the success and continues to venture further onto FEAR Street. While one story closes, there are many more that can be told. And I for one hope that we see this expanded into an anthology series.

Rating: 5 out of 5. This film lands the hat trick for this fantastic series. Highly recommended.

*Thanks to Netflix and Daily Dead for screener*

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Fier Strikes Again - Fear Street:1978

If 1994 was everything in that bizarre mashup, 1978 is still very much Blair Witch but now its met Friday the 13th/Sleepaway Camp meets Goosebumps. (The reason why say Blair Witch-ish is because of the through line with our resident witch, Sarah Fier.) This film is once again brilliantly handled by Leigh Janiak. They make no mistake with showcasing that this is the second part in our story. This way of presenting the story feels very new. Yeah, this isn’t the first time that we have been presented with a trilogy. But, with this format that Netflix presents, it’s a happy medium between film and television. And quickly, we are thrown back into the present day story of Deena and Josh’s journey and meeting C. Berman.

After our characters meet Berman, we are introduced to our new cast at Camp Nightwing in 1978. Sadie Sink and Emily Rudd are our Berman sisters. Both actresses do a fantastic job in this film with their performances. It led to the point where I personally wanted to see both of them make it to the end of the story, but as 1994 had previously stated – only one would make it to the end. For me, part of the big point was seeing which sister it was going to be and caring about both of them. Brandon Spink and Ted Sutherland also did a great job with presenting a new side to the characters that we know to be Mayor Goode and Sheriff Goode. That is definitely one of the stronger points of this film is seeing the Goode family history being explored a bit more. And something that I’m sure that we will be seeing with the upcoming Fear Street: 1666. McCabe Slye delivers an outstanding performance tho. One that literally had me wanting to see more of Tommy Slater. His performance had a very tragic aura to it as we see exactly how Sarah Fier works her ways.

Once again, Fear Streets delivers in the music department. It presents a greatest hits of the era. And one that had me smiling once again. But as great as it is hearing ‘Carry On My Wayward Son’, the film’s orchestral score is where its at. It channels that ‘Friday the 13th’ feel in such a good way that I, for one, have been missing.

The continuity of this film and this series so far has been outstanding. Everything plays out like a beautiful puzzle as I pieced together things that were presented in 1994 and seeing how they played out in 1978. Or seeing one character in 1994 and how they connect to the overall story as we are reintroduced to her in 1978. I am hoping that we will see more of this in 1666. And I am almost certain that we will. The lore of Sarah Fier and Fear Streets is brought to another level in this film as well. Things that were introduced in 1994 are expanded or twisted into something that I never could have seen coming. And there was also a small ‘Stranger Things’ vibe to this installment. Especially because of one particular thing that happens.

While talking with my partner after the film had ended, a big highlight for us was the way the horror was presented. It was presented very tastefully. There have been other films that will show anything and everything that happens to a character. But here, its very refreshing as we are brought back to the filmmaking ways of old where glimpses are shown or the aftermath of events would be shown offscreen. This is a brilliant way that helps differentiate this series from many in this modern era of horror.

As the film came to a close, I was literally on the floor once again. The film just took everything that I thought was going to happen and turned it on its head. Ultimately leaving me wanting to know what was going to happen next. My partner also looked at me and was like ‘So we’re gonna be able to watch it tomorrow right?’. I sadly had to break the news that it was going to be a few days before could see the conclusion to the story. And that is a great testament to what this series has been doing so far. Delivering everything that could wish for and then leaving wanting more.

At the end of the day, I hope that when these films finish this particular story. They are able to do more with Fear Street. Tell more stories and turn it into an anthology series. There is a lot that can be done with this. And it’ll be fantastic to see what they deliver next.

RATING: 5 out of 5. It continues to blow away the expectations in such a fantastic way.

Fear Street Part One: 1994 and Fear Street Part Two: 1978 now available to stream on Netflix.

*Screener was provided by Netflix with the help of DailyDead’s Fear Street Contest.

FEAR STREET | A Film Trilogy Event Credit: Netflix

Sypnosis:

Shadyside, 1978. School’s out for summer and the activities at Camp Nightwing are about to begin. But when another Shadysider is possessed with the urge to kill, the fun in the sun becomes a gruesome fight for survival.

Fear Street 1978 starring Sadie Sink, Emily Rudd and Ryan Simpkins. Directed by Leigh Janiak. Screenplay by Zak Olkewicz and Leigh Janiak. Story by Phil Graziadel.

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Welcome to Shadyside - Fear Street:1994

In the 90s, R.L. Stine was known mostly for his Goosebumps books. Yeah, there were some other books that he had done. But I knew mostly Goosebumps. And man, I am a bit sad that hadn’t dived into the Fear Street novels during those days.

In 2015, R.L. Stine had a resurgence due to the success of the Goosebumps film. Which I’ll admit that I even found something to enjoy from it. But I wished that it was a bit darker.

My wish was granted with Netflix’s summer event – Fear Street.

The first chapter in this trilogy Fear Street Part 1: 1994 landed this past Friday on the streaming giant.

This film is something special. It is honestly the first fun film that I have watched in a very long time. It’s a callback to the 90s films of old that were fun. They didn’t care to take themselves too seriously. They were there to entertain and give us characters we can relate to and care about.

1994 gives us characters to care about in spades. Each of the performances in the film just oozes 90s love. One of the strongest characters in the film is Josh (played by Benjamin Flores Jr.). He has so much heart. I found myself rooting for Josh so much throughout the film. Deena (Kiana Madeira) and Sam (Olivia Scott Welch) were the next standouts. The story between them is one that had me deeply invested in what would happen with them.

The score and music used in the film was great. It helped the 90s nostalgia train a running as it felt like a greatest hits soundtrack. It was also great hearing Marco Beltrami score again.

This film is a gem. It encapsulates everything that was great about 90s horror. All of the references and easter eggs are a complete love letter to the genre. And it leaves me wanting to see what happens in the next chapter – FEAR STREET Part 2: 1978.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

It was directed by Leigh Janiak and starring Kiana Madeira, Olivia Scott Welch, Benjamin Flores Jr., Julia Rehwald and Maya Hawke.

Synopsis: A circle of teenage friends accidentally encounter the ancient evil responsible for a series of brutal murders that have plagued their town for over 300 years. Welcome to Shadyside.

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