All, thanks for the clarification on the dead body laying on the ground at the end. Yes, that was in fact Max, the Grabber's brother. This was such an engaging film. Thanks for watching!
Best part was when finney starts to walk up the stairs for the first time after hearing about the beating with belt on the black phone… and it pans out to the grabber sitting in the chair upstairs, waiting with the belt. That was terrifying and really set the tone for me
1. I read this as Finney and Gwen both having their own version of their mother's gift. Gwen has visions, and Finney can communicate with the dead (when conditions are right). They each use those gifts to solve 2 aspects of a connected problem: Gwen finding the bodies and getting the cops to the house, and Finney fighting his way out. 2. Everyone did a great job, but the girl playing Gwen was an absolute treat to watch. I laughed out loud multiple times, and like you mentioned, the scene with her getting whooped was extremely visceral and uncomfortably realistic, all thanks to her. 3. Round of applause to Max; the world's greatest detective. The guy clearly spent weeks trying to find the grabber's dungeon, and he literally lives there. Drugs are a hell of a drug, I guess.
I like to think Finny also has a gift like Gwen. Gwen was able to see visions in her dreams, and Finny was able to communicate with the dead. Both kids got the gift from their mother, not just Gwen. As you said, Gwen’s gift helped her find the bodies, and Finny’s gift helped him survive because he was able to talk with previous victims. And it’s hinted at that the Grabber also has a gift to communicate with the dead because he hears the phone ring too.
That's really interesting. It makes a lot of sense that the siblings would have similar psychic powers. I wonder about the full extent of the Grabber's powers. Maybe all the kids he took had abilities along those lines, and it took all of their deaths for the different escape strategies to join forces and save Finney.
I believe it's because like Gwen, Finn is "touched" as well. Not the same level as her, but they mentioned how the phone rang for them, but none of them could hear it, but he can. Gwen and Finn mom was "touched". So it's very possible he is in touch as well.
The fact that he can communicate with the dead and actually learns from them - while she has dreams, until the end when she sees the victims - wouldn't that mean that she isn't on the same level as he is? Not a big deal - just sayin.
The part where The Grabber chased Finny and when he caught him when he told Finny that he would slit his throat and strangle him with his own intestines. That chilled me to my core. The cold delivery in Ethan Hawkes voice was creepy asf.
And it was creepy how Ethan hawke as the grabber would talk in shadows and then all of a sudden his mask would match the tone of the scene when he stepped into the light it's almost like he knew what was going to happen next My friend had a gritty version of this movie to watch and that added to the '70s horror element like it was an 8 mm film
LOL on the bathroom scene, the old school look w/sinks, powdered soap and dispensers! U can relate to that time when u were a kid using that back in the day! Noticed Robin wrapped his wounded hand from the w/paper towels and tape to secure it! That kid was gutsy, tough, yet showed his soft side to Finney for a moment. Good scene!
🏠🏠...I had noticed the two different home addresses in Gwen's dreams. In Gwen's first vision, Finney is yelling "Help" while pushing himself at the door, trying to get out of a home with *1242 (or something like that)* as the address. The Grabber's brother's "detective work" can be seen in the backdrop as Finn bangs/pushes at the door. When Gwen is "with" Vance Hopper in the back of the police car, the car takes them to a 7741 address ( _leafless tree in the yard)._ 42:14 = 1242 (or so) 🏠 1:14:43 = 7741 🏠
I absolutely loved this movie from start to finish. My favorite character was definitely his sister. Gwen was such a badass little girl who stood up for herself and her brother and just took no bs. The scene where she was questioning why Jesus didn’t answer her prayers, was hilarious. The whole theater laughed along with “God’s not going to help her now” 😂😂 But no, their sibling dynamic was done perfectly. Ethan Hawke was great as well with a very creepy, unnerving performance as the Grabber. The kid who played Finney was great and he had an amazing arc. And the scenes with the dead kids helping him to get out of there with just a perfect payoff in the end. A straight 9/10. I need to go see it again.
Gwen was a trip! The way the audience reacted when knocked one of the bully's pummeling her brother across his head w/the rock! He was out the fight in that instance!
I was in middle school in 1978, they nailed the feel. I like how each child's ghost gave Finny one piece of information, ie dig the hole, the wire, the refrigerator, etc. that he ultimately put all together at the end to defeat the Grabber, brilliant writing. Great Vid!!
I also loved the little touch with the grabbers brother. Most of the time, the abductor lives alone and doesn't have anyone living with them. But this time it was different. Loved how the brother was trying to figure out who the grabber was and where he would live in the city. When he was living with the grabber all along 😂
I can't believe how well they adapted this for the big screen. It was a very bare bones short story and sometimes especially with Steven King short stories it tends to make the adaptation bloated and somewhat messy. I wonder if this was something they were conscious of while making this. Anyways my daughter and I loved it and I think knowing less about the grabber makes him more creepy. My one complaint is I would have liked to have seen a scene when Robin gets grabbed like see him fighting as hard as he can. I thought they would have since they built him up to be this really tough kid. All being said this movie was great!!
@Mookie Blaylock I know it was written by his son Joe Hill. I was comparing it to some of the short stories that King has written that have been adapted for the screen. 😀
@1:51 NOW THAT'S WHY the gas went up! Butterfly effect. Be more correct (And by the way being more correct is an oxymoron because you can't be more correct than correct. So don't come at me in the comments I say sarcastically, see drumdums is Right chill out and take a Bingbongnhit
Great review, Lee. I’ve found you to be one of the most consistent and reliable reviewers on RUclips. I’d say 90-95% of the time your critiques and analyses of movies are directly in line with mine. Good work, buddy!
Great review Lee. I also thought the actress' portrayal of Gwen was scene stealing. Her cry during her spanking scene was EXTREMELY real feeling. This is just somewhere my brain went when the movie started and it showed it was 1978, I instantly went " Nice, the year Halloween and Grease came out". Which are two movies I love. And on a little side note, things most people will never ever notice, one of my co-exrra friends I made on Halloween Kills was an extra in this, as well as Scream 5. And in all three movies he is definitely seen clearly on the screen several times. He was one of the cops in BlackPhone, he is the male ambulance driver at the end of Scream putting Jenna Otega in the ambulance and in H.kills he is part of the crazy hospital scene like me., except HE is seen several times in H.Kills, and I wasn't seen once, lol.
I saw the movie last night, and I loved it. I loved the 70s details! I was a kid in the early 80s, graduating from high school in '92, but I remember well how my older bro and my older cousins dressed and wore their hair, and that aspect was on point. I was left with a lot of questions about the Grabber character, though. My main one was, who abused him as a kid to cause him to grow up to be a child murderer? Also, could the Grabber be a pedophile as well as a murderer? There was a line that he says to Finney that makes me think he may have been. It was something like, "I won't make you do anything you wouldn't like". That part gave me the chills. The last thing that was weird about the Grabber was that he didn't manage to notice that Finney had removed a metal grate from the window, or that Finney had moved some carpets and mats to cover up some holes that Finney had been digging. Other than those things , I loved the movie, and I cant wait to go see it again.
I concur w/your hypothesis... the way the Grabber was brushing Finn's hair out of his eyes was definitely sus ped behavior!! Creepy AF! The bars being removed from the basement window and no shown attempt by Finn to climb out was a WTF edit to me... did I miss something?
I agree about your comments on Jeremy Davies Lee... I got the belt a lot during that time when I was growing up in the 80s as well. Keep up the great work!!?
Gwen was fantastic. She had me at the scene where she called the two cops "fucking fartknockers." And of course, The Grabber is destined to become a cult boogieman. I noticed in the credits that Tom Savini designed the masks. Makes them even better! Sadly I saw the second trailer before the film and it gave away too much, like the "I almost let you go" scene. That would have been much more chilling without foreknowledge. Be that as it may, I was happy to see so many thematic layers, a well-rounded story and a satisfying third act. 9/10 from me.
YOOOOOOO Justin for the win. I noticed the body outside too and was wondering why the head had blood everywhere. Duh? He *JUST* killed his brother. Nicccceee
I just got home from the movie and let me tell you.. it was AWESOME! The story building throughout, the character development, the acting was all incredible. The worst part for me was the girl getting the belt. I think we could have done without that but everything was amazing! One of the most satisfying endings I've ever seen
This was one of the best horror movies I've seen in a while. The acting was so good (I especially admired Madeleine McGraw) and it's such an expertly constructed, tension-packed thriller. I was extremely intrigued by the mixture of supernatural and credible elements. The killer is not paranormal in the least; he is, seemingly, just an evil human being who kills kids, a serial killer equivalent to John Wayne Gacy. Yet the film clearly has supernatural aspects, with Gwen's psychic visions and, of course, the titular savior of Finney. It's kind of a mind-fuck, but it's executed very well and it's very intriguing. Of the three Stephen King novels I've read (Cujo, It, and The Outsider) two had blatantly supernatural villains while one had no paranormal elements. In a way, this movie is straight-up supernatural, but with the twist that said supernatural element is actually helpful, not malevolent. The malevolent entity is entirely human. I, too, appreciated the way the abusive father was completely humanized. To be honest, I was kind of groaning through the film's first ten minutes because of what I perceived as the uninspired Stephen King-esque setting of a small suburban town inhabited by the usual sadistic bullies, horribly abusive parents, etc. Fortunately, it only went up from there.
Lee, my southern brother!😂😂😂 I have FINALLY gotten around to seeing this movie (well beyond the hype and noise ) and and came straight to your channel after I finished watching. This movie was incredible and your reviews never disappoint!!!
I hate to say this movie was just average to me but I don't wanna rain on your parade Lee. I was expecting alot more from the amount of hype this movie was getting.
First off I believe that your wife was thinking of Max’s body since he has a large wound and was close to the door. I really enjoyed it and I think that the three main leads ( the grabber, Finney, and Gwen) all were such good characters. I hope they make a prequel about the grabber possibly called “The Grabber” but I doubt it.
Oh and here's a did you know about Texas chainsaw massacre. Not many people are killed with a chainsaw. Just one. And the movie really isn't that bloody. Go watch it again with an open mind and those two ideas in it
I was a Teenager in the mid to late 90's and was a young kid in the 80's but the Arcades were so good back then and it was great to be able to go in Movie rental stores, not to mention the music was great then. We really lived during the MTV generation.
And after watching the following RUclips channels: coffee House crime, true crime recaps, that chapter, strange mysteries, truly criminal, practical criminalist and more this is not very uncommon for modern day and passed crazy people in serial killers and child snappers Oh and I know everyone says the part where he loses his mask is a plot hole because he freaked out then but not earlier when he met Finney. Y'all forget he was wearing caked on makeup so it really wasn't his face and the makeup matched his mask. Thus when his mask was taken off and he had no makeup on it was just to space think Rorschach from watchmen I have spoken
What I loved most was that it focused on the victims and how they helped Finn because they wanted revenge on their murderer. Vance was hilarious. "It's not about you a**hole!"
I loved this movie it was everything I wanted. I teared up a bit at the end when Finney & Max were reunited. Ethan Hawke Mason & Maddy were so good. I was given the belt as well but Madaline performance was heartbreaking. I think the minimalistic use of The Grabber was great especially since wasnt seen until he kidnapped Finney. When kidnapping the other kids he wasn't blurred. Ignore the comments like you said...read comments before you blow up my mentions 🤷🏽 love your channel you're one of my faves!
That I noticed is changing a lot of people's point of views and opinions now. When you were talking about the belt. I know it was a thing in the south, but you know in New York were Us Italian Americans were everything you saw in The godfather part one was true. My grandfather was a barber he used the strap on my dad and then my dad just had a snack the belt and I'm like no way in hell am I going to fall out of line
The Black Phone was no more than very average. What was the point of the girl's visions, probably the central motif of the movie? They didn't affect the outcome of the story whatsoever
Hey Drumdum saw this Amazing thriller film The Black Phone on my birthday yesterday definitely my favorite movie of this year, it's very spooky and suspenseful throughout, Ethan Hawke is scary AF as the Stranger Villian, it's a great thriller and one that I'm definitely getting on Blu Ray when it comes out, and also great review on this film definitely a great movie to see on my birthday.
@@DrumdumsOfficial Thank you Drumdum, my birthday was a blast but seeing Ethan Hawke as a insane and crazy Villian in The Black Phone was one of the best movie to watch this year in Theaters it's crazy and badass.
Finally saw it. Damn was this movie good. Are you still going to do the video for Part 2? The color tone and the way it was shot was awesome. This movie was my favorite this year thus far. Definitely had some Carpenter vibes in the beginning on the first walk to school.
@1:49 WRONG ! You being incorrect is the end of the world. That's why the gas prices are up. Because drumdums was incorrect with the review people holy cow it's anarchy in the UK the sky is falling little chicken and I think Jim Henson said it best when he said anybody going to aspirin I have a cold But seriously I'm being sarcastic y'all got to correct people in the comments you can't afford therapy? I caramba Hey trolls let me buy you a pack of gum I'll show you how to chew it leave them alone
Lee. I didn't realize we were about the same age. I too was a teenager in the 80s and graduated in 1992. And like you when I got in trouble I got the belt. Times have definitely changed
This movie was awesome, best of 2022 in any genre actors were fantastic, and yes I weep for the generations that could not experience the 80's graduated in 91 😀
I was thinking, and yes, best horror oof the year so far no doubt. But, yeah it was cool how Finn stood up for himself, made traps and filled the phone w same to beat him. But it was just a bit, not a lot, just a bit underwhelming, I wanted to see a kind of maybe like a blaze of glory where the Grabber explains a bit more of himself, and gave him a just a tad more for the end. But the direction they went was fine still. Bravo!!
I think in the end the body laying on the floor in the pool of blood was the brother that the grabber killed with the axe . Everything about this movie was awesome . I really really enjoyed it . I watched it three times .
These two kid actors deserve an Oscar!!! The belt scene and crying after are so real!!! I witnessed my cousins getting beaten with the belt so hard I couldn't look anymore and just stood there knowing there was nothing I could do. I fortunately never had a beating like that but did get slapped around a bit. We're all kinda normal, love our elders l but you never forget that shit!
There is no way you’re almost 50! The movie (I think) was close to perfect. Tension, creeps, the camera shots that stay on a scene way too long, awesome score and cinematography. Ethan Hawke. I just can’t wait to see it again!
I didn’t really understand Griffin part, they did not go in detail of him. The only thing he said was he didn’t really have any friends or anything but that doesn’t mean he don’t have a background. That’s the kid that was floating.. I had to watch the movie twice..
I almost wish this movie was made into a mini-series just so we could get more of Gwen and Finny’s relationship and more of Ethan Hawke as the grabber. They were all amazing. I would have loved to see more of Robin too. So many awesome characters I just found myself wanting more of all of it. Such a good movie
Saw the movie yesterday. I liked it but I feel my expectations were too high. The child actors did great and it certainly was a different type of horror movie than we are used to but it all kind of felt like it didn’t build to anything. I would have been fine with seeing this on streaming or renting it.
(SPOILERS) Second movie (first being Sleepaway Camp) where I predicted how the story was gonna play out. When Fin unsuccessfully escaped from the Grabber's house, I knew that wasn't gonna be it because I predicted that his last phone call was gonna be Robin and I predicted his final task was gonna be to stand up for yourself. I also predicted that James Ransone was also living in the same home as his brother (the Grabber) and I was correct the moment when Fin unlocked the door and the dog started barking (note: I've only seen the trailer once and that was months ago). What I did not expect that was that the Grabber would have two homes. One, where the bodies were buried and the other one where he would hold them hostage. Here are some parts of this movie that didn't make sense. How was the Grabber able to successfully kidnap children in broad daylight without anyone seeing him? And he would kidnap them in front of house where other residents would be present. How were the police able to take a child like Gwen seriously when interrogating her regarding the missing children? I get that she has Final Destination like dreams where she predicted Bruce's kidnapping, but they just take her word when she said she knew where the Grabber's address was? This would not happen in today's world (I know it's a movie, but still). Overall, I give this movie a 9/10. This was honestly one of the best movies I've seen in years. I can tell that Scott Derrickson put so much work into it. He was born in Denver, and the setting of this movie was in Denver and this was during the 70s. This gave Sinister vibes in that some scenes in the movie were filmed in Super 8 footage. This was a unique plot, the acting was phenomenal, the characters were great, and this had strong character development. I highly, HIGHLY recommend anyone to watch this movie. You will not be disappointed.
All, thanks for the clarification on the dead body laying on the ground at the end. Yes, that was in fact Max, the Grabber's brother. This was such an engaging film. Thanks for watching!
Best part was when finney starts to walk up the stairs for the first time after hearing about the beating with belt on the black phone… and it pans out to the grabber sitting in the chair upstairs, waiting with the belt. That was terrifying and really set the tone for me
Yes... like wtf is he doing!?!
@14:53 Finney's sister is wearing the same raincoat setup as Georgie
1. I read this as Finney and Gwen both having their own version of their mother's gift. Gwen has visions, and Finney can communicate with the dead (when conditions are right). They each use those gifts to solve 2 aspects of a connected problem: Gwen finding the bodies and getting the cops to the house, and Finney fighting his way out.
2. Everyone did a great job, but the girl playing Gwen was an absolute treat to watch. I laughed out loud multiple times, and like you mentioned, the scene with her getting whooped was extremely visceral and uncomfortably realistic, all thanks to her.
3. Round of applause to Max; the world's greatest detective. The guy clearly spent weeks trying to find the grabber's dungeon, and he literally lives there. Drugs are a hell of a drug, I guess.
I like to think Finny also has a gift like Gwen. Gwen was able to see visions in her dreams, and Finny was able to communicate with the dead. Both kids got the gift from their mother, not just Gwen. As you said, Gwen’s gift helped her find the bodies, and Finny’s gift helped him survive because he was able to talk with previous victims. And it’s hinted at that the Grabber also has a gift to communicate with the dead because he hears the phone ring too.
That's a good point actually.
I could see Ethan's character being a potential survivor of abuse or an abduction!
That's really interesting. It makes a lot of sense that the siblings would have similar psychic powers. I wonder about the full extent of the Grabber's powers. Maybe all the kids he took had abilities along those lines, and it took all of their deaths for the different escape strategies to join forces and save Finney.
I believe it's because like Gwen, Finn is "touched" as well. Not the same level as her, but they mentioned how the phone rang for them, but none of them could hear it, but he can. Gwen and Finn mom was "touched". So it's very possible he is in touch as well.
The fact that he can communicate with the dead and actually learns from them - while she has dreams, until the end when she sees the victims - wouldn't that mean that she isn't on the same level as he is? Not a big deal - just sayin.
The part where The Grabber chased Finny and when he caught him when he told Finny that he would slit his throat and strangle him with his own intestines. That chilled me to my core. The cold delivery in Ethan Hawkes voice was creepy asf.
Yeah Ethan really sunk his teeth into this role. It was chilling!
@@DrumdumsOfficial It was this scene and dialogue that I immediately thought, " Could this man potentially be the next Freddy Krueger?"
And it was creepy how Ethan hawke as the grabber would talk in shadows and then all of a sudden his mask would match the tone of the scene when he stepped into the light it's almost like he knew what was going to happen next
My friend had a gritty version of this movie to watch and that added to the '70s horror element like it was an 8 mm film
It was his brother on the ground bleeding out in a puddle not a continuity error
The 2 main child actors were great.
I was surprised how real the crying by Gwen was. Felt more realistic than Hollywood crying if that makes any sense.
It was his brother's body laying in the blood on the floor at the end
LOL on the bathroom scene, the old school look w/sinks, powdered soap and dispensers! U can relate to that time when u were a kid using that back in the day! Noticed Robin wrapped his wounded hand from the w/paper towels and tape to secure it! That kid was gutsy, tough, yet showed his soft side to Finney for a moment. Good scene!
🏠🏠...I had noticed the two different home addresses in Gwen's dreams.
In Gwen's first vision, Finney is yelling "Help" while pushing himself at the door, trying to get out of a home with *1242 (or something like that)* as the address. The Grabber's brother's "detective work" can be seen in the backdrop as Finn bangs/pushes at the door.
When Gwen is "with" Vance Hopper in the back of the police car, the car takes them to a 7741 address ( _leafless tree in the yard)._
42:14 = 1242 (or so) 🏠
1:14:43 = 7741 🏠
I was born in '78 so that's what creeped me out about this setting of the movie
I absolutely loved this movie from start to finish. My favorite character was definitely his sister. Gwen was such a badass little girl who stood up for herself and her brother and just took no bs. The scene where she was questioning why Jesus didn’t answer her prayers, was hilarious. The whole theater laughed along with “God’s not going to help her now” 😂😂 But no, their sibling dynamic was done perfectly. Ethan Hawke was great as well with a very creepy, unnerving performance as the Grabber. The kid who played Finney was great and he had an amazing arc. And the scenes with the dead kids helping him to get out of there with just a perfect payoff in the end. A straight 9/10. I need to go see it again.
Yeah Gwen was so damn funny. "You f'n fart knocker." :p
Gwen was a trip! The way the audience reacted when knocked one of the bully's pummeling her brother across his head w/the rock! He was out the fight in that instance!
Totally cried at the end where the brother and sister came together after the brother was found
Great Review Mr.Lee
my lil brother is never going out by himself anymore like where you going I’m coming too 😂😭
I was in middle school in 1978, they nailed the feel. I like how each child's ghost gave Finny one piece of information, ie dig the hole, the wire, the refrigerator, etc. that he ultimately put all together at the end to defeat the Grabber, brilliant writing. Great Vid!!
Yes loved that late 70s feel.
I also loved the little touch with the grabbers brother. Most of the time, the abductor lives alone and doesn't have anyone living with them. But this time it was different. Loved how the brother was trying to figure out who the grabber was and where he would live in the city. When he was living with the grabber all along 😂
I can't believe how well they adapted this for the big screen. It was a very bare bones short story and sometimes especially with Steven King short stories it tends to make the adaptation bloated and somewhat messy. I wonder if this was something they were conscious of while making this. Anyways my daughter and I loved it and I think knowing less about the grabber makes him more creepy. My one complaint is I would have liked to have seen a scene when Robin gets grabbed like see him fighting as hard as he can. I thought they would have since they built him up to be this really tough kid. All being said this movie was great!!
@Mookie Blaylock I know it was written by his son Joe Hill. I was comparing it to some of the short stories that King has written that have been adapted for the screen. 😀
That was the brother’s body. Not the grabber.
It's said many times...it was the MOTHER who has that ability....she passed it down to her kids
@1:51 NOW THAT'S WHY the gas went up! Butterfly effect. Be more correct
(And by the way being more correct is an oxymoron because you can't be more correct than correct. So don't come at me in the comments I say sarcastically, see drumdums is Right chill out and take a Bingbongnhit
We called it a whooping in the South. Yup.
The ending doesn't make me like or forgive the father, but it leaves us with hope the family can rebuild
I don't really think we have to like him or forgive him. I just appreciate that the movie humanized him. Like Lee says: "It is what it is."
Lee your smashing these reviews my friend, another awesome review Buddy🖒🖒🖒
Thank you TL!
IT'S GREAT SHARING MOVIES WITH THE KIDS MY DAUGHTER IS GETTING IN TO HORROR MOVIES RECENTLY. This is a good 1
Great review, Lee. I’ve found you to be one of the most consistent and reliable reviewers on RUclips. I’d say 90-95% of the time your critiques and analyses of movies are directly in line with mine. Good work, buddy!
Thank you!
Great review Lee. I also thought the actress' portrayal of Gwen was scene stealing. Her cry during her spanking scene was EXTREMELY real feeling.
This is just somewhere my brain went when the movie started and it showed it was 1978, I instantly went " Nice, the year Halloween and Grease came out". Which are two movies I love.
And on a little side note, things most people will never ever notice, one of my co-exrra friends I made on Halloween Kills was an extra in this, as well as Scream 5. And in all three movies he is definitely seen clearly on the screen several times. He was one of the cops in BlackPhone, he is the male ambulance driver at the end of Scream putting Jenna Otega in the ambulance and in H.kills he is part of the crazy hospital scene like me., except HE is seen several times in H.Kills, and I wasn't seen once, lol.
The new mask of horror👹
AAA THE BLACK PHONE BASED OF NOVEL OF SON OF STEPHEN KING
I saw the movie last night, and I loved it. I loved the 70s details! I was a kid in the early 80s, graduating from high school in '92, but I remember well how my older bro and my older cousins dressed and wore their hair, and that aspect was on point. I was left with a lot of questions about the Grabber character, though. My main one was, who abused him as a kid to cause him to grow up to be a child murderer? Also, could the Grabber be a pedophile as well as a murderer? There was a line that he says to Finney that makes me think he may have been. It was something like, "I won't make you do anything you wouldn't like". That part gave me the chills. The last thing that was weird about the Grabber was that he didn't manage to notice that Finney had removed a metal grate from the window, or that Finney had moved some carpets and mats to cover up some holes that Finney had been digging. Other than those things , I loved the movie, and I cant wait to go see it again.
That's awesome Ron. I graduated in 91. So many great memories from back then. Much simpler.
I concur w/your hypothesis... the way the Grabber was brushing Finn's hair out of his eyes was definitely sus ped behavior!! Creepy AF!
The bars being removed from the basement window and no shown attempt by Finn to climb out was a WTF edit to me... did I miss something?
I agree about your comments on Jeremy Davies Lee... I got the belt a lot during that time when I was growing up in the 80s as well. Keep up the great work!!?
Yeah man. It was just a part of life back then. All my cousins did too.
"She was 46, assholes!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Gwen was fantastic. She had me at the scene where she called the two cops "fucking fartknockers."
And of course, The Grabber is destined to become a cult boogieman. I noticed in the credits that Tom Savini designed the masks. Makes them even better!
Sadly I saw the second trailer before the film and it gave away too much, like the "I almost let you go" scene. That would have been much more chilling without foreknowledge. Be that as it may, I was happy to see so many thematic layers, a well-rounded story and a satisfying third act. 9/10 from me.
I don't remember that in the 2nd trailer
Might be different where you are. The 2nd trailer in Australia got it.
Just to clarify, it was the Grabber’s brother laying in a pool of blood from the axe strike. The Grabber was in the hole in the floor.
YOOOOOOO Justin for the win. I noticed the body outside too and was wondering why the head had blood everywhere. Duh? He *JUST* killed his brother. Nicccceee
6:43 Damn right about that! This movie reminded me of a series on Investigation Discovery called The Lake Erie Murders.
I just got home from the movie and let me tell you.. it was AWESOME! The story building throughout, the character development, the acting was all incredible. The worst part for me was the girl getting the belt. I think we could have done without that but everything was amazing! One of the most satisfying endings I've ever seen
Glad you loved it Nik!
This was one of the best horror movies I've seen in a while. The acting was so good (I especially admired Madeleine McGraw) and it's such an expertly constructed, tension-packed thriller. I was extremely intrigued by the mixture of supernatural and credible elements. The killer is not paranormal in the least; he is, seemingly, just an evil human being who kills kids, a serial killer equivalent to John Wayne Gacy. Yet the film clearly has supernatural aspects, with Gwen's psychic visions and, of course, the titular savior of Finney. It's kind of a mind-fuck, but it's executed very well and it's very intriguing. Of the three Stephen King novels I've read (Cujo, It, and The Outsider) two had blatantly supernatural villains while one had no paranormal elements. In a way, this movie is straight-up supernatural, but with the twist that said supernatural element is actually helpful, not malevolent. The malevolent entity is entirely human. I, too, appreciated the way the abusive father was completely humanized. To be honest, I was kind of groaning through the film's first ten minutes because of what I perceived as the uninspired Stephen King-esque setting of a small suburban town inhabited by the usual sadistic bullies, horribly abusive parents, etc. Fortunately, it only went up from there.
Loved the movie. Can't wait to see it again. Can't wait to buy iy on DVD/ Blu Ray.
Me too!
I thought it was a wonderful prequel to phone booth and then the Chris Evans movie Cellular
Lee, my southern brother!😂😂😂 I have FINALLY gotten around to seeing this movie (well beyond the hype and noise ) and and came straight to your channel after I finished watching. This movie was incredible and your reviews never disappoint!!!
Thank you kindly my southern sister! I've been meaning to give this one another watch. It's really great.
The sister was my favorite part of the entire movie hoping to see her in more horror staff
Man I couldn't help but love her. Highly entertaining.
What noticed real quick about the father of the kids is the same actor who played "MANSON" on tv series! He was perfect for the role in TBP!
Man I smoke too much
I hate to say this movie was just average to me but I don't wanna rain on your parade Lee. I was expecting alot more from the amount of hype this movie was getting.
Absolutely agree.
Watched it last night- I loved it! Great review Lee 👏
Thank you Chantel! Glad you enjoyed it.
A new video! :D
But it's spoilers of a movie I haven't seen yet D:
(Disappears)
First off I believe that your wife was thinking of Max’s body since he has a large wound and was close to the door. I really enjoyed it and I think that the three main leads ( the grabber, Finney, and Gwen) all were such good characters. I hope they make a prequel about the grabber possibly called “The Grabber” but I doubt it.
Yeah after thinking about it, it was Max's body.
You'll notice bro you were a teenager in the 80s? You look younger than me and I'm 43 and a half
Oh and here's a did you know about Texas chainsaw massacre. Not many people are killed with a chainsaw. Just one. And the movie really isn't that bloody. Go watch it again with an open mind and those two ideas in it
I'm watching the spoiler review but I'm still gonna watch it.
im stoned lee just thought id ask did you like the 2022 texas chainsaw massacre?
About to watch it for the second time right now with the family can’t wait
Just saw Black Phone yesterday wow it’s so good!!! Can’t wait to watch it again..just like you can’t decide which I like more this or X
I was a Teenager in the mid to late 90's and was a young kid in the 80's but the Arcades were so good back then and it was great to be able to go in Movie rental stores, not to mention the music was great then. We really lived during the MTV generation.
Amazing review thx!
And after watching the following RUclips channels: coffee House crime, true crime recaps, that chapter, strange mysteries, truly criminal, practical criminalist and more this is not very uncommon for modern day and passed crazy people in serial killers and child snappers
Oh and I know everyone says the part where he loses his mask is a plot hole because he freaked out then but not earlier when he met Finney. Y'all forget he was wearing caked on makeup so it really wasn't his face and the makeup matched his mask. Thus when his mask was taken off and he had no makeup on it was just to space think Rorschach from watchmen
I have spoken
What I loved most was that it focused on the victims and how they helped Finn because they wanted revenge on their murderer. Vance was hilarious. "It's not about you a**hole!"
Yes that was definitely a unique approach.
the body in the pool of blood was the brother that got killed by the ax
The body laying in the pool of blood was Max. The brother.
I loved this movie it was everything I wanted. I teared up a bit at the end when Finney & Max were reunited. Ethan Hawke Mason & Maddy were so good. I was given the belt as well but Madaline performance was heartbreaking. I think the minimalistic use of The Grabber was great especially since wasnt seen until he kidnapped Finney. When kidnapping the other kids he wasn't blurred. Ignore the comments like you said...read comments before you blow up my mentions 🤷🏽 love your channel you're one of my faves!
Great review! I really enjoyed this film. I would definitely see it again! Favorite movie I’ve seen so far. I like The Black Phone more than X.
Thank you!
That I noticed is changing a lot of people's point of views and opinions now. When you were talking about the belt. I know it was a thing in the south, but you know in New York were Us Italian Americans were everything you saw in The godfather part one was true. My grandfather was a barber he used the strap on my dad and then my dad just had a snack the belt and I'm like no way in hell am I going to fall out of line
I'll wait to check this out. Have a killer night, Lee! 🔪 🍺 🥃
You too Mikey!
The Black Phone was no more than very average. What was the point of the girl's visions, probably the central motif of the movie? They didn't affect the outcome of the story whatsoever
I love how Jason baker and Tom savini made the masks! P.S. I love jason lives 😛
It was Max’s body in the pool of blood.
Thanks for mentioning Jason Rising I’m gonna check it out .
Addressing the continuity error. I believe that was the brother.
Great movie. It's my favorite horror movie of the year so far.
As someone who loves baseball and horror movies, this movie had me at the opening scene.
It was decent
Hey Drumdum saw this Amazing thriller film The Black Phone on my birthday yesterday definitely my favorite movie of this year, it's very spooky and suspenseful throughout, Ethan Hawke is scary AF as the Stranger Villian, it's a great thriller and one that I'm definitely getting on Blu Ray when it comes out, and also great review on this film definitely a great movie to see on my birthday.
Happy birthday Juno!
@@DrumdumsOfficial Thank you Drumdum, my birthday was a blast but seeing Ethan Hawke as a insane and crazy Villian in The Black Phone was one of the best movie to watch this year in Theaters it's crazy and badass.
Finally saw it. Damn was this movie good. Are you still going to do the video for Part 2?
The color tone and the way it was shot was awesome. This movie was my favorite this year thus far. Definitely had some Carpenter vibes in the beginning on the first walk to school.
Part 2?
Loved this movie just wanted to get a little bit more of the grabber
I want a prequel!
@1:49 WRONG ! You being incorrect is the end of the world. That's why the gas prices are up. Because drumdums was incorrect with the review people holy cow it's anarchy in the UK the sky is falling little chicken and I think Jim Henson said it best when he said anybody going to aspirin I have a cold
But seriously I'm being sarcastic y'all got to correct people in the comments you can't afford therapy? I caramba
Hey trolls let me buy you a pack of gum I'll show you how to chew it leave them alone
the max brother was my favorite character being like a sherlock holms if he was coked out of his mind
Lee. I didn't realize we were about the same age. I too was a teenager in the 80s and graduated in 1992. And like you when I got in trouble I got the belt. Times have definitely changed
Yep David. Love that I grew up in the time I did.
How did the boy get the steak from the freezer to distract the dog near the end?
Good question!
Joe Hill actually wrote the story Scott directed it. He also directed sinister
This movie was awesome, best of 2022 in any genre actors were fantastic, and yes I weep for the generations that could not experience the 80's graduated in 91 😀
this and doc strange are two of my favorites this year the 70s setting was portrayed perfectly and i love most all 70s period piece films!
Agreed Kenneth!
at the end the brother was the one in the pool of blood
I was thinking, and yes, best horror oof the year so far no doubt. But, yeah it was cool how Finn stood up for himself, made traps and filled the phone w same to beat him. But it was just a bit, not a lot, just a bit underwhelming, I wanted to see a kind of maybe like a blaze of glory where the Grabber explains a bit more of himself, and gave him a just a tad more for the end. But the direction they went was fine still. Bravo!!
Have to put X in front of The Black Phone. Way more gory, for sure!
Agreed Theresa. Nothing will probably dethrone X for me this year.
One of the best Blumhouse movies ever made and also one of the best horror/slasher movies in 2022.
I think in the end the body laying on the floor in the pool of blood was the brother that the grabber killed with the axe .
Everything about this movie was awesome . I really really enjoyed it . I watched it three times .
I think this is #1 I loved it seen it 4 times in theaters and bought the bluray and vinyl record score.
I absolutely loved it 🤘🏼
These two kid actors deserve an Oscar!!! The belt scene and crying after are so real!!! I witnessed my cousins getting beaten with the belt so hard I couldn't look anymore and just stood there knowing there was nothing I could do. I fortunately never had a beating like that but did get slapped around a bit. We're all kinda normal, love our elders l but you never forget that shit!
There is no way you’re almost 50! The movie (I think) was close to perfect. Tension, creeps, the camera shots that stay on a scene way too long, awesome score and cinematography. Ethan Hawke. I just can’t wait to see it again!
I loved the score too. The opening titles music was really cool and chilling. And thank you Brandi!
Lee will do you thing “The black phone” is better than both sinister and exorcism of Emily rose? Because apparently Chris stuckman thinks so.
Like i said on killer flicks, top 5 movies of all time !!! no discussion
I didn’t really understand Griffin part, they did not go in detail of him. The only thing he said was he didn’t really have any friends or anything but that doesn’t mean he don’t have a background. That’s the kid that was floating.. I had to watch the movie twice..
I almost wish this movie was made into a mini-series just so we could get more of Gwen and Finny’s relationship and more of Ethan Hawke as the grabber. They were all amazing. I would have loved to see more of Robin too. So many awesome characters I just found myself wanting more of all of it. Such a good movie
Solid movie. I give it an 8/10 on my scale.
Saw the movie yesterday. I liked it but I feel my expectations were too high.
The child actors did great and it certainly was a different type of horror movie than we are used to but it all kind of felt like it didn’t build to anything.
I would have been fine with seeing this on streaming or renting it.
It's so interesting how we can get completely different outcomes in a movie. I thought it built to a very intense final act. Thanks for watching Tmac!
Joe Hill didn’t direct this movie, he just wrote the original short story. The director was Scott Derrickson.
I said Scott Derrickson directed the movie. Might have been a slip up.
@@DrumdumsOfficial Must have been, because you say it right at 1:01
(SPOILERS) Second movie (first being Sleepaway Camp) where I predicted how the story was gonna play out. When Fin unsuccessfully escaped from the Grabber's house, I knew that wasn't gonna be it because I predicted that his last phone call was gonna be Robin and I predicted his final task was gonna be to stand up for yourself. I also predicted that James Ransone was also living in the same home as his brother (the Grabber) and I was correct the moment when Fin unlocked the door and the dog started barking (note: I've only seen the trailer once and that was months ago). What I did not expect that was that the Grabber would have two homes. One, where the bodies were buried and the other one where he would hold them hostage.
Here are some parts of this movie that didn't make sense. How was the Grabber able to successfully kidnap children in broad daylight without anyone seeing him? And he would kidnap them in front of house where other residents would be present. How were the police able to take a child like Gwen seriously when interrogating her regarding the missing children? I get that she has Final Destination like dreams where she predicted Bruce's kidnapping, but they just take her word when she said she knew where the Grabber's address was? This would not happen in today's world (I know it's a movie, but still).
Overall, I give this movie a 9/10. This was honestly one of the best movies I've seen in years. I can tell that Scott Derrickson put so much work into it. He was born in Denver, and the setting of this movie was in Denver and this was during the 70s. This gave Sinister vibes in that some scenes in the movie were filmed in Super 8 footage. This was a unique plot, the acting was phenomenal, the characters were great, and this had strong character development. I highly, HIGHLY recommend anyone to watch this movie. You will not be disappointed.