Drinker's Roundup - Return To Silent Hill, The Rip, Mercy

Overview

This episode introduces a new review format where multiple movies and TV shows are reviewed in a single video. The host critiques three films: Return to Silent Hill, The Rip, and Mercy, offering a mix of scathing criticism and measured praise.

Notable Quotes

- It's not scary enough to function as a horror movie. It's not complex or daring enough to be a psychological thriller, and it's not well-acted enough to be a character-driven drama. - The Critical Drinker, on Return to Silent Hill.

- The Rip is still miles ahead of the usual Netflix slop. - The Critical Drinker, on The Rip.

- A movie where your hero spends the majority of his screen time strapped into a chair is always going to be a hard sell. - The Critical Drinker, on Mercy.

🎮 Revisiting Silent Hill

- Return to Silent Hill is criticized for failing to capture the essence of the Silent Hill 2 video game.

- The film attempts to blend horror, psychological thriller, and drama but fails to excel in any category.

- Key narrative changes, such as making the protagonist more sympathetic and altering the original story's themes of guilt and redemption, undermine the emotional impact.

- The host questions director Kristoff Gance's understanding of the source material despite his passion for it.

💰 A Tense Thriller with *The Rip*

- The Rip is a crime thriller centered on a police unit that discovers a large sum of cartel money during a raid, leading to paranoia, betrayal, and tension.

- Praised for its strong cast, particularly Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, as well as its solid pacing and engaging plot.

- While not groundbreaking, the film is described as a well-executed, entertaining action thriller that stands out compared to typical streaming content.

🤖 AI Justice in *Mercy*

- Mercy is set in a dystopian future where AI systems preside over criminal cases, giving accused individuals 90 minutes to prove their innocence.

- The film is criticized for its weak premise, clunky dialogue, and fragmented, low-budget action scenes.

- Chris Pratt's performance is deemed underwhelming, with the host suggesting his recent career choices may be harming his profile.

- The movie's attempt to tackle themes of AI and justice is described as shallow and unconvincing, making it a forgettable experience.