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Author: Gena Radcliffe

“Servant” spins its wheels in a messy season 2

servantseason2
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The M. Night Shyamalan executive produced series continues to serve up spooky atmosphere, but quickly loses its way.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

“Zodiac” and the very slow walk to justice

Zodiac
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Arguably one of David Fincher’s best films, Zodiac focuses on the tedium of a murder investigation, rather than the crimes themselves.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on December 19, 2020December 19, 2020

“A Creepshow Holiday Special” is an unpleasant lump of coal

A Creepshow Holiday Special
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Greg Nicotero writes & directs a disappointingly juvenile collection of horror cliches & well-tread jokes.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on December 18, 2020December 18, 2020

The Top 25 TV Shows of 2020

The Best TV Shows of 2020
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From BoJack to What We Do in the Shadows, we break down the TV that got us through a hellish year.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on December 16, 2020January 3, 2021

Witches cast a boring spell in “The Pale Door”

The Pale Door
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Aaron B. Koontz’s horror-western is a dusty, frightfully dull collection of cliches.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on December 15, 2020December 14, 2020

The Top 25 Films of 2020

The Best Films of 2020
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From The Assistant to Wolfwalkers, we guide you through the cinema that survived a devastating 2020 and made it to our screens — and hearts.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on December 15, 2020January 3, 2021

A grandparent’s love goes to horrifying lengths in “Anything for Jackson”

Anything for Jackson
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A grieving couple set about a dark and gruesome plan to revive the spirit of their young grandson in this creepily effective horror-comedy.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on December 10, 2020December 10, 2020

“How Can You Mend a Broken Heart?” keeps The Bee Gees alive

Bee Gees How Can You Mend a Broken Heart
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Frank Marshall directs a moving documentary about the legendary trio whose success endured ego clashes & fickle fans.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on December 8, 2020December 8, 2020

“Hillbilly Elegy” is a loud, tear-stained tribute to the enduring human spirit

Hillbilly Elegy
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Ron Howard’s adaptation of J.D. Vance’s bootstrapping rags to riches memoir is exactly what you’d expect.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on November 24, 2020November 24, 2020

How “The Apple” killed the movie musical (for a little while)

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The futuristic religious allegory set to a disco-rock soundtrack turns 40 this week, & must be seen to be believed.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on November 22, 2020November 22, 2020

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” answered questions no one was asking

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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Ron Howard’s live-action take on the Dr. Seuss classic remains a crass & unpleasant mess that has the gall to present an anti-materialism message.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on November 17, 2020November 15, 2020

In “Near Dark,” being a vampire really sucks

Near Dark
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Initially a box office flop, Kathryn Bigelow’s stylish horror-Western became an iconic cult classic.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on November 6, 2020November 4, 2020

“A Creepshow Animated Special” is a fun little Halloween treat

A Creepshow Animated Special
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Though it loses its steam in the second half, Shudder’s adaptation of Stephen King & Joe Hill stories is perfect holiday viewing.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on October 28, 2020October 28, 2020

“Lovecraft Country” Season Finale Recap: “Full Circle”

Lovecraft Country, "Full Circle"
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Fates are sealed & futures are secured in a talk-heavy but satisfying conclusion.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on October 18, 2020October 19, 2020

“Fade to Black” is creepy, funny & prescient

Fade to Black
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The underrated psychological thriller turns 40 & finds a new audience on Shudder.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on October 17, 2020October 16, 2020

Nightstream: “Black Bear” blurs the line between art & reality

Black Bear
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Aubrey Plaza is outstanding in a surreal comedy-drama about artistic integrity.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on October 14, 2020October 27, 2020

Nightstream: “Frank & Zed” is a charmingly gruesome tale of friendship

Frank & Zed
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Jesse Blanchard writes & directs an all-puppet horror comedy that slightly overstays its welcome, but is always fun.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on October 13, 2020October 12, 2020

Lovecraft Country Episode 9 Recap: “Rewind 1921”

Lovecraft Country, "Rewind 1921"
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The penultimate episode takes a trip to the past, & is another powerful, sobering highlight of the season.

Gena Radcliffe Posted on October 11, 2020October 11, 2020

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