Necrotongue

Normally, I'd find myself wavering between two or three stars, but... The expectedly predictable plot took a slightly more intricate turn, albeit not without its flaws. I couldn't help but notice the creators' intentions peeking through, which dampened the surprise factor a tad. Still, I'll give credit where it's due — a well-intentioned effort deserves recognition. Gone are the days when Canadian thrillers were on the level of German comedies/porn —thankfully. Surprisingly, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the film, reveling in its grisly depiction of human anatomy being squished into blood puddles. While I wouldn't classify it as a horror per se, it delivered on the thrills, complete with the obligatory illogical character behaviors. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? / Lesson learned: You never know what will make you put on weight.

Ballerina had the potential to shine much brighter, but the Korean creators seemed to get lost in meaningless scenes instead of injecting more wild action, a livelier pace, and better camera work. While the story didn't break new ground – revenge journeys are a dime a dozen – I found the main heroine likable in her laconic demeanor, and the decent kill count kept things interesting, despite the often sluggish pace. Still, these elements weren't enough to earn a rating higher than three stars. However, I was pleased by the absence of unnecessary melodrama. In that regard, the creators made a wise choice, making it all the more disappointing that they faltered in other areas. / Lesson learned: Don't go running down corridors with a chainsaw revving.

Sadly, this thriller lacked tension, which is a crucial element for the genre. It was actually the romantic subplot that held the most weight for me, especially with Alexandra Masangkay's compelling portrayal as an incredibly charming Filipino character. Despite some captivating moments, the overall tension was lacking, and while the action sequences were visually appealing, they didn't quite hit the mark. However, delving into the workings of secret services added an intriguing layer, shedding light on how various secret organizations can make life miserable for people who are deemed inconvenient. Overall, the film failed to meet my expectations, delivering a lukewarm and somewhat dull experience. / Lesson learned: Having a webcam at home might just save the day.