Thijs Messing

This really embraced the camp side of the series! I loved seeing how much fun Robert Englund was having playing Freddy Krueger, especially his physicality. He plays it much more theatrical, completely commits to the bit. However, I do prefer the scarier version of Freddy from the first nightmare film. I also thought the dream powers concept could’ve been developed more. They have such specific powers like just flipping around? Felt like a weird choice, since anyone can conjure anything in dreams. Still, there are real emotional beats that land, the ending in particular.  So sometimes the humor is pushed a little too far but it was clearly made with enthusiasm and love for the franchise. Solid film!

I admire what Robert Bresson is doing here, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters and story in general. While it’s undeniably powerful and explores themes of innocence and human cruelty, the direction kept me at distance.  The performances here feel completely stripped of emotion. There is a scene in which a particular character is dying, and another character says something along the lines of ‘I can’t lose him’. While this is a powerful line, it is delivered with little to no feeling. Then the character simply dies and we move on. Moments like this which would normally hold weight play out in a muted manner. Which in turn makes me feel removed from the characters and what they’re going through.  While watching this I started thinking of other directors who use similar techniques in their direction. And two popped up immediately, Yorgos Lanthimos and Wes Anderson. I enjoy their films because of the deadpan delivery and their stylization. And while *Au Hazard Balthazar *uses a natural environment and is grounded in reality, the works of the aforementioned directors are utilizing entirely stylized worlds. Which makes their movies feel intentional. With this film it felt more like a barrier. Which might also just be the point, it’s just not something I particularly enjoyed. Still, I deeply respect what Bresson accomplishes here. Even if it didn’t move me as much as I hoped, I can appreciate the film’s vision and will continue to admire it for what it is.

this movie was good but glenn powell looks so scary. something about his face just screams uncanny valley. it’s something in his face but i couldn’t tell you, his chin is a huge factor, so is his freaky smile. the only time in my life that this amount of fear was invoked in me was at 12 years old while i was watching jeff the killer creepypasta, had me crying and screaming waking up in the middle of the night and being scared he was waiting in the corner of my room. i’ll not be sleeping tonight and maybe not for the next few days. if i die in my sleep know that glenn powell took me out.