28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - This One Surprised Me!
π€ AI Summary
Overview
This review dives into The Bone Temple, the sequel to 28 Years Later, a film that initially had low expectations due to its predecessor's mixed reception and the director's previous work. However, the reviewer finds themselves pleasantly surprised by the movie's compelling horror elements, standout performances, and its exploration of a chilling antagonist, despite some narrative flaws and uneven character focus.
Notable Quotes
- Twist my nipples and send me to Alaska because The Bone Temple was absolutely not what I expected.
β The Critical Drinker, on the film's surprising quality.
- The Bone Temple is basically [Lord Jimmy's] story, an exploration of what true evil looks like and how it justifies itself. And that being the case, mission [expletive] accomplished.
β The Critical Drinker, on the film's standout antagonist.
- If you like gory horror and torture scenes, you're in for a treat here. Itβs not often that I find myself wanting to look away from the screen because what Iβm seeing is just so [expletive] grim.
β The Critical Drinker, on the film's intense horror elements.
π Character-Driven Narrative
- The film shifts focus from Spike, the protagonist of the previous installment, to Dr. Kelson and the antagonist, Lord Jimmy.
- Lord Jimmy, played by Jack O'Conno, is a standout character, embodying a mix of charisma, unpredictability, and sadism. His performance dominates the film, making him one of the most memorable villains in recent years.
- Spike's character arc is sidelined, making him more of an observer, which might disappoint fans of his storyline.
π©Έ Gruesome Horror and Gore
- The film delivers intense and graphic horror, particularly in its first act, with scenes so grim they might make viewers want to look away.
- While the gore settles down after the opening, it sets a tone that establishes the movie's commitment to visceral horror.
π₯ Direction and Cinematography
- D. Costa, the director, brings confidence and artistic flair to the film, drawing inspiration from Danny Boyle's style.
- The movie's visuals and action sequences are well-framed, showcasing Costa's strengths as a filmmaker, especially in the horror genre.
- The review suggests Costa was better suited for this project than her previous work with Marvel, which may have constrained her creative vision.
π Narrative Strengths and Weaknesses
- The plot is straightforward and secondary to the characters and themes, which works well when focused on Lord Jimmy and Kelson but falters during slower moments.
- The film feels like an expansion pack
to its predecessor rather than a standalone narrative, leaving some unresolved threads, such as Spike's relationship with his father.
- The ending is abrupt and unexpected, likely to spark discussions among fans while leaving room for future installments.
π Mixed Performances
- While Jack O'Conno shines as Lord Jimmy, Aaron Kellyman struggles to deliver the intensity and charisma required for her role, standing out negatively amidst an otherwise strong cast.
- The review critiques her casting as a misstep, noting her limited range and lack of presence.
AI-generated content may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as a sole source of truth.
π Video Description
It's a sequel to a slightly disappointing movie, directed by the same woman responsible for The Marvels, so its fair to say expectations weren't too high for The Bone Temple. But wow, did this movie surprise me. Join me for my review.