Sinister Screens

Sinister Screens movie reviews is an online ‘zine published by horror professional Shane Ryan Staley, focused on his love for horror & weird cinema. Here you’ll find his latest reviews, articles and year’s best lists.

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Porno

Porno (2019) ★★½

May 11, 2024

Overview If you use it, you’ll lose it… When a group of naive teens working at a movie theater in a small Christian town discover a mysterious film hidden in its basement, they unleash an alluring succubus who gives them a sex education…written in blood. Review Porno is no porn. However it is somewhat entertaining in a comedic sense, but not at all scary. I can think of far worse ways to die than getting chased around by a very nude and demonic Katelyn Pearce. As Morrissey might say, “It’s such a heavenly way to die…” Now if I was a repressed teen who found a hidden sex cinema that contains a forbidden occult sex tape, of course I’d watch

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The Coffee Table

The Coffee Table (2024) ★★★

May 11, 2024

Overview Jesus and María are a couple going through a difficult time in their relationship. Nevertheless, they have just become parents. To shape their new life, they decide to buy a new coffee table. A decision that will change their existence. Review Oh, no! This movie doesn’t bode well for us men getting executive privileges in making family decisions. The father in this movie gets one decision in his favor and all hell breaks loose! The Coffee Table is put on the map of being really bold by the main incident which occurs involving the coffee table, but that’s as far as the black humor goes. The rest of the

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Hard Candy

Hard Candy (2005) ★★★★

May 11, 2024

Overview Strangers shouldn’t talk to little girls. Hayley’s a smart, charming teenage girl. Jeff’s a handsome, smooth fashion photographer. An Internet chat, a coffee shop meet-up, an impromptu fashion shoot back at Jeff’s place. Jeff thinks it’s his lucky night. He’s in for a surprise. Review Always be weary of an innocent-looking damsel wearing red. Yes, four of five doctor’s clearly think Hayley’s insane. She’s also Jeff’s karma. Hard Candy is a classic revenge story and one hell of a psychological thriller. Ellen (at the time) Page (now Elliot) played one of the most intense, brilliant roles in a horror thriller. As Hayley, she flips the switch from innocent, naive

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The War Zone

The War Zone (1999) ★★★½

May 9, 2024

Overview When the worst of men hides in a family with no history. An alienated teenager, saddened that he has moved away from London, must find a way to deal with a dark family secret. Review This could very well be the highest rated movie that I will never watch again. The War Zone is a depressing, infuriating movie that is captured to perfection in the dreary outskirts of England. The consistent backdrop of crashing ocean waves outside this family’s isolated house no longer sound beautiful. Instead, they become ominous and foreboding as the movie progresses. It begins with a muted bicycle ride in the fog which is the happiest

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We Are What We Are

We Are What We Are (2013) ★★★½

May 8, 2024

Overview Blood is the strongest bond. The Parkers, reclusive people who cling to ancient customs, find their secret lives threatened when a torrential downpour and the death of the family matriarch forces daughters Iris and Rose to assume special responsibilities. Review Ambyr Childers and Julia Garner make this an unforgettable movie playing the sisters. Two brilliant performances which add to the powerful ending. Their supporting cast is excellent as well with Bill Sage playing the stearn and overbearing father and Jack Gore playing the creepy young brother. The stifling life that this family is tethered to really brings about this slow-burn gem of quiet horror. I watched this film mainly

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New Life

New Life (2024) ★★★

May 8, 2024

Overview A mysterious woman on the run, and the resourceful fixer assigned to bring her in. Their two unique stories inextricably link, as the stakes of the pursuit rise to apocalyptic proportions. Review This movie was surprisingly solid and really came out of nowhere. The less you know about it before watching, the better. I went in blind and for the first 30 minutes had me guessing and quite intrigued. New Life is really a mashup of several different types of movies. It’s character-driven and the two perspectives of both lead females (the hunter and the hunted) intertwine quite impressively throughout. This film has a little of everything. Some effective

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ABOUT SINISTER SCREENS

Sinister Screens Movie ReviewsSinister Screens Movie Reviews is a captivating online publication curated by the esteemed horror aficionado, Shane Ryan Staley. As an established figure in the realm of horror and weird literature, Staley’s passion permeates every aspect of the ‘zine, offering readers a thrilling journey into the dark and enigmatic world of cinematic artistry. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering dedication to the genre, Staley’s reviews share what he’s been watching, general thoughts and critiques, providing readers with insightful analyses that delve deep into the heart of each film.

Within the pages of Sinister Screens, readers can expect to discover Staley’s latest musings on a diverse array of horror and weird cinema offerings. From spine-chilling classics to avant-garde masterpieces, Staley’s reviews offer a comprehensive exploration of the genre’s rich tapestry, catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. With each review, Staley invites readers to join him on a voyage of discovery, where the boundaries of reality blur and the macabre beckons.

In addition to his reviews, Sinister Screens also serves as a hub for Staley’s thought-provoking articles and meticulously curated year-end lists. Through these features, Staley sheds light on the intricacies of horror cinema, exploring themes, trends, and emerging talents within the industry. Whether delving into the psychology of fear or celebrating the innovative visionaries pushing the boundaries of the genre, Staley’s articles offer readers a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and artistic merit of horror and weird cinema.

At its core, Sinister Screens is more than just a platform for movie reviews—it’s a testament to Staley’s unwavering passion for the macabre and his relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence. Through his work, Staley invites readers to embrace the darkness, to confront their deepest fears, and to experience the transcendent power of horror and weird cinema in all its spine-tingling glory.

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Although this is the official website for Shane Ryan Staley, contributions have been made by a staff of curators, artists, biographers and bibliographers collecting historical information and data on the author, including descriptions and articles pertaining to his professional career. Thank you to all contributors!