Never Let Go (2024)

A woman haunted by demons lives deep in the woods with her two boys. Every day, they forage for food around the property while connected to the house's foundation by ropes and being instructed to "never let go" (hey, that's the title!), otherwise The Evil will get them. While the mother is out of the picture, the boys start to question their surroundings/reality and whether to continue her strange rituals or venture further from safety. Poses some interesting questions about tradition and belief, but the results are mostly predictable. The movie itself takes its sweet time and I was fighting off sleep for the most part, but it takes a much more interesting turn in the second half.

2 frayed ropes out of 5

Piranha (2010)

With a much needed injection of comedy, effects and action, this remake actually exceeds the original. The explanation behind the piranha this time is a tiny bit more sound, but still very cliche. The film taking place during spring break gives an opportunity for a larger body count, more mayhem and ...ahem plenty of flesh. Surprisingly the CG is pretty decent, offering up some wild and gory scenes. Though there are a few overreaching moments. Despite a throw-away conclusion, the film has one of the most satisfyingly bloody climaxes on record and is well worth the ticket. 

3½ blatant Jaws references out of 5

HORNS [2014]

Director Alexandre Aja adapts Joe Hill's bizarre dark fantasy novel, Horns, for the screen with great ambition.
Daniel Radcliffe plays a young man who begins sprouting devil horns after he's accused of murdering his girlfriend.  Sound pretty weird?  Your assumptions are correct.  Unfortunately the film is a tonal mess of horror, comedy and surrealism that never feels comfortable settling down enough to find a heart.  Radcliffe pulls off his best performance yet as he's surrounded by some beautifully shot scenery but it just isn't enough to make it a memorable film.  Granted it's weird enough to make you wonder just how it's going to play out but once all is said and done it leaves much to be desired.

2½ cherry pies from Annie out of 5