The Black Phone (2021)
in Movies ·
Justin Richardson7 said:Fine, let’s just say I didn't actually recommend anything to you.
I am simply stating that this is an excellent film. It takes a lot to impress me, especially since most modern cinema—and by that, I mean everything released from 2000 onwards—fails to meet my standards, which dictates my viewing habits. This isn't really my cup of tea, particularly all that parapsychology and psychological nonsense you mentioned. Fortunately, that specific "layering" you're talking about is precisely what elevates this movie to something brilliant.
Sure, you could look at it your way; we have the classic trope of generational conflict, kids watching the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, acting like they're Bruce Lee, listening to heavy metal, getting into fights at school, and so on. You could argue all of that is irrelevant—but if you do, then the movie just becomes another cookie-cutter production filled with tired clichés like kidnappings, basements, school troubles, masks, etc. If you view it through that lens, then yes, it's just another tedious flick tailored for a specific subgenre audience. But once you engage with the nuance I'm pointing out, the film takes on a different shape entirely—it becomes great.
And so you don't end up disappointed, I actually do have some real recommendations for you this time: The Outfit (1973), The Golden Cage (2013), and Day of the Outlaw (1959). All of them sit well outside that mediocre, half-baked genre you seem to favor.😉
Thanks for the suggestions. 🙂 I'll definitely check them out.