2,299 reviews
Definitely not a 10/10 like some reviewers claim, but ABSOLUTELY not a 1/10 either.
25 minutes too long, some cheesy moments, but ultimately I personally was entertained. Was I scared? No. Did I have moment "ew that's NASTY"? Oh yeah.
All in all, it's a solid 7 from me and a fun way to spend a free evening if you have nothing better to do.
25 minutes too long, some cheesy moments, but ultimately I personally was entertained. Was I scared? No. Did I have moment "ew that's NASTY"? Oh yeah.
All in all, it's a solid 7 from me and a fun way to spend a free evening if you have nothing better to do.
- gaarauzumaki_992
- Sep 10, 2021
- Permalink
I don't think anything can prepare you for what this is. I suspected there would be something wild afoot, but even that didn't prepare me. What happens is actually pretty insane and creative, but the execution of it is so ridiculous that you just can't take it seriously.
Given how cheesy this movie was at the start and knowing James Wan was the director, I figured they had to be in on it and doing it intentionally. But as the film progresses, you realize they're actually playing it completely straight and it's honestly just that bad. This movie really isn't scary either which was surprising.
The camerawork is big highlight and the over-the-top 80s music was pretty fun. You can tell Wan was trying to make a throwback here, but he forgot the self-awareness that's necessary for movies like this. I know some people are saying the camp is intentional, but even if it is, it could have been executed far better than this.
I will give Wan credit for creating a truly original horror film that actually surprised me. Whether you like it or not, we should applaud more filmmaking that takes chances and doesn't completely give away what a movie is about beforehand.
Given how cheesy this movie was at the start and knowing James Wan was the director, I figured they had to be in on it and doing it intentionally. But as the film progresses, you realize they're actually playing it completely straight and it's honestly just that bad. This movie really isn't scary either which was surprising.
The camerawork is big highlight and the over-the-top 80s music was pretty fun. You can tell Wan was trying to make a throwback here, but he forgot the self-awareness that's necessary for movies like this. I know some people are saying the camp is intentional, but even if it is, it could have been executed far better than this.
I will give Wan credit for creating a truly original horror film that actually surprised me. Whether you like it or not, we should applaud more filmmaking that takes chances and doesn't completely give away what a movie is about beforehand.
- dajaqu-768-129230
- Sep 10, 2021
- Permalink
- carterscool-40519
- Jul 24, 2024
- Permalink
This movie is a gradual ramp up to a fun and over the top ridiculous finale. It's not trying to be played seriously (although the trailers would make you think otherwise) so if you go in expecting a serious horror movie, you're going to be disappointed. It is, however, a very visually interesting film as James Wan stuff always. If you don't like camp and gore it's probably not for you but if you are in the mood for a silly and insane ride with a good deal of laughs (for the most part intented) check this one out.
- straubingerm7
- Sep 10, 2021
- Permalink
James Wan has been one of the most interesting voices in modern horror. With his latest venture, Wan reaffirms his grasp on the genre yet again. Malignant is an absurd concoction of all the best and cheesiest ingredients of 80's slasher goodness. Complete with a unique, signature murder weapon and a soon to be iconic killer.
Madison finds herself in a horrifying predicament after a brutal murder takes place in her own home. She's being haunted by a killer as well as visions of his future victims. What follows is a disturbing mystery with a lot more camp than you might expect.
Wan's direction keeps the film engaging and genuinely terrifying. The horror scènes are marinaded in Wan's signature style and they're all the better for it. He even manages to put some impressive action sequences on the screen. His work on Aquaman has clearly been fruitful.
The score is a mixed bag. I found the compositions to be more distracting than compelling. It's unfortunate because his scores have been one of my favorite elements of Wan's other franchises like Insidious or The Conjuring.
Another issue I had with the film is its tone. Malignant is a love letter to 80's horror but it can't seem to mesh this homage with the serious modern subject matters and tone. It's not always clear to me, what is supposed to be comedic and what is unintentionally absurd. Especially the film's conclusion might divide audiences. I found it to be hilariously absurd in a good way. Others might find it insultingly stupid. Either way, the film is ambitious and bold. After the underwhelming Conjuring outing, Malignant provides some much appreciated James Wan horror. That's always a win in my book.
Make of that as you will.
Madison finds herself in a horrifying predicament after a brutal murder takes place in her own home. She's being haunted by a killer as well as visions of his future victims. What follows is a disturbing mystery with a lot more camp than you might expect.
Wan's direction keeps the film engaging and genuinely terrifying. The horror scènes are marinaded in Wan's signature style and they're all the better for it. He even manages to put some impressive action sequences on the screen. His work on Aquaman has clearly been fruitful.
The score is a mixed bag. I found the compositions to be more distracting than compelling. It's unfortunate because his scores have been one of my favorite elements of Wan's other franchises like Insidious or The Conjuring.
Another issue I had with the film is its tone. Malignant is a love letter to 80's horror but it can't seem to mesh this homage with the serious modern subject matters and tone. It's not always clear to me, what is supposed to be comedic and what is unintentionally absurd. Especially the film's conclusion might divide audiences. I found it to be hilariously absurd in a good way. Others might find it insultingly stupid. Either way, the film is ambitious and bold. After the underwhelming Conjuring outing, Malignant provides some much appreciated James Wan horror. That's always a win in my book.
Make of that as you will.
- glennmeerten06
- Aug 31, 2021
- Permalink
James Wan is one of the best horror film makers working today. It breaks my heart when he makes a film like 'Furious 7' or 'Aquaman' because it is such a waste of his talents. I have been excited for 'Malignant' for a very long time now due to the pandemic. I finally got to see it tonight, and I'm very disappointed to say it was a big let down.
This was a really bizarre viewing experience for me. It felt like Wan was intentionally trying to make a bad film at times. There are moments that are so shockingly campy and unnatural it ruins entire scenes of the movie. Also the theme music was utterly bizarre. It was so over-the-top and unsubtle and often played in moments that were completely not calling for it.
The movie tries to pull things together later on in the piece with some interesting reveals, but by then too much damage is already done. There is also a shocking scene near the end which feels like it was pulled straight out of 'The Matrix'. A character suddenly becomes superhuman in their ability to move and it makes no sense at all.
I just don't know what happened here. Was Wan so desperate to create something unique and original that he decided this was worth a try? Possibly. Even the best don't get it right every time. 5/10.
This was a really bizarre viewing experience for me. It felt like Wan was intentionally trying to make a bad film at times. There are moments that are so shockingly campy and unnatural it ruins entire scenes of the movie. Also the theme music was utterly bizarre. It was so over-the-top and unsubtle and often played in moments that were completely not calling for it.
The movie tries to pull things together later on in the piece with some interesting reveals, but by then too much damage is already done. There is also a shocking scene near the end which feels like it was pulled straight out of 'The Matrix'. A character suddenly becomes superhuman in their ability to move and it makes no sense at all.
I just don't know what happened here. Was Wan so desperate to create something unique and original that he decided this was worth a try? Possibly. Even the best don't get it right every time. 5/10.
- jtindahouse
- Sep 12, 2021
- Permalink
This film is bonkers. I felt like I was watching a Giallo or 80s low budget B-movie if it were competently made and given a massive budget.
This is a horror movie the way they used to be. Unpredictable, insane, gross-out, freak out stuff. It's not a movie made by a committee, it's not the usual haunted doll or spooky house movie where the narrative grinds to a halt as you wait for the inevitable loud noise jump scare when someone looks into a mirror or closes a door.
And it's not the joyless, ugly torture porn that has plagued the genre in recent decades either. Nor is it a wink-wink self-referential Scream type parody either.
Malignant plays it relatively straight for much of its runtime, presenting a genuinely intriguing mystery and a scary, seemingly supernatural killer.
But when the third act happens (you'll know when it does), the film goes completely off the rails. In one of the most over the top sequences ever, Malignant embraces its silly concept and goes all out action gore-fest. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and ended up laughing my butt off. The last time a movie completely flipped the script like this was From Dusk Till Dawn. Here the twist actually makes sense in terms of the narrative. The story - while stupid - is surprisingly coherent.
That's the secret sauce to many horror classics. Take a dumb, disgusting or bonkers concept, and fully commit to it. It may not please focus groups, but it's how you make a cult movie that remains memorable.
What a breath of fresh air. Thank you, James Wan. This was beautiful.
This is a horror movie the way they used to be. Unpredictable, insane, gross-out, freak out stuff. It's not a movie made by a committee, it's not the usual haunted doll or spooky house movie where the narrative grinds to a halt as you wait for the inevitable loud noise jump scare when someone looks into a mirror or closes a door.
And it's not the joyless, ugly torture porn that has plagued the genre in recent decades either. Nor is it a wink-wink self-referential Scream type parody either.
Malignant plays it relatively straight for much of its runtime, presenting a genuinely intriguing mystery and a scary, seemingly supernatural killer.
But when the third act happens (you'll know when it does), the film goes completely off the rails. In one of the most over the top sequences ever, Malignant embraces its silly concept and goes all out action gore-fest. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and ended up laughing my butt off. The last time a movie completely flipped the script like this was From Dusk Till Dawn. Here the twist actually makes sense in terms of the narrative. The story - while stupid - is surprisingly coherent.
That's the secret sauce to many horror classics. Take a dumb, disgusting or bonkers concept, and fully commit to it. It may not please focus groups, but it's how you make a cult movie that remains memorable.
What a breath of fresh air. Thank you, James Wan. This was beautiful.
- kuner-59029
- Sep 10, 2021
- Permalink
The movie really found it's footing in the last 40 min, it evolved into a 80s slasher homage with a modern twist. This money has an iconic villain and some incredibly well shot scenes.
I say give this one a shot and don't judge it until the final shot. I don't think it'll be for everyone with it's odd music choices and whackiness.
I say give this one a shot and don't judge it until the final shot. I don't think it'll be for everyone with it's odd music choices and whackiness.
Me and my friend went in to watch this unrivaled masterpiece together, and came out with eight pack abs from the non stop laughing. Astonishingly hilarious James Wan you ABSOLUTE genius, 10/10 cured my depression.
Malignant might be overflowing with story elements, but it almost never lets you know it. This is one of those films that's best seen as a fun watch on a Saturday night and boy did it succeed at that. It has a certain wacky style that keeps you invested in a plot that's almost impossible to guess the ending from the start. Despite the questions it leaves, Malignant will leave you feeling satisfied nevertheless.
- dylanlbasham
- Sep 12, 2021
- Permalink
I'm so confused by the 10/10 reviews, this was one of the worst films I have ever seen, we nearly left...
- lm4-883-681479
- Sep 27, 2021
- Permalink
Too long, too much sfx, lame ending, nonsense plot, stupid antihero, and annoying characters. There isn't much reason to go into it much more than that. Ruined by the ending, I thought it was a horror movie but it didn't feel like it.
Look, this isn't a spectacular movie however it did have some decent moments. The camera work was pretty good and from a technical standpoint I felt like it was solid. Some of the shots looked stunning. The soundtrack was something that stuck with me, another positive element, was eerie and worked well with the atmosphere of the movie.
Yes there were some plot holes and moments where you laugh in a bad way or sigh. As well as some key plot points that were not fleshed out or even explained at all.
All in all was not horrible and it was not amazing. 7/10 is an average movie, and Malignant was such.
Yes there were some plot holes and moments where you laugh in a bad way or sigh. As well as some key plot points that were not fleshed out or even explained at all.
All in all was not horrible and it was not amazing. 7/10 is an average movie, and Malignant was such.
I'm old, so I've been around to see some of the real classic horror movies for a long time. I'm amazed at the good reviews this movie has received from viewers. In my opinion, this movie makes all of the Teen slasher movies look like master pieces in film making. The acting is laughable, and the "ultimate reveal" is an even bigger joke. It would have been physically impossible for the "villain" in the plot. To do the things that are done. The speed, agility, and strength alone would be impossible. Only a super hero could do most of the stuff the villain does. Two stars because I was able to watch the whole movie.
Don't listen to any of the negativity, that's what happens when a movie shows up on HBO Max and people who don't appreciate horror movies try to watch it.
"Malignant" is Jame's Wan's love letter to old school horror and those of us who love it. A scary, fun movie that turns totally bat-s***t bonkers at the end, this movie is great from start to finish. Totally original and yet at the same time inspired by the grindhouse horror films of the 80's (and one in particular, but you won't get me to ever reveal which one!), Wan has delivered one of the most entertaining movies of the year. Best seen in theaters, but if you watch it on HBO Max, turn down the lights, mute the phone, pop some popcorn and prepare to be wowed.
If you're a fan of horror movie, "Malignant" is highly recommended without reservation.
"Malignant" is Jame's Wan's love letter to old school horror and those of us who love it. A scary, fun movie that turns totally bat-s***t bonkers at the end, this movie is great from start to finish. Totally original and yet at the same time inspired by the grindhouse horror films of the 80's (and one in particular, but you won't get me to ever reveal which one!), Wan has delivered one of the most entertaining movies of the year. Best seen in theaters, but if you watch it on HBO Max, turn down the lights, mute the phone, pop some popcorn and prepare to be wowed.
If you're a fan of horror movie, "Malignant" is highly recommended without reservation.
- stevesinger-2001
- Sep 12, 2021
- Permalink
This was the silliest movie ever!! I enjoyed the movie as is. Don't take it too serious or you will be disappointed. Gabriel ran amok and it was hilarious. From my point of view I would consider it a comedic horror.
- denzellj85
- Sep 10, 2021
- Permalink
Oh no, a positive review. I must be either a bot or a paid studio shill. Good lord, people are such drama queens these days.
James Wan's latest film is a fun and gory love letter to the Italian horror movies of the 1980's. With that, much like the Italian horror movies of the 80's, it is style over substance. It embraces it's outlandish premise, and totally revels in it's campiness, and delivers a stylish, over-the-top, gory romp with a totally bonkers 3rd act. If you don't enjoy movies with a high camp factor, look elsewhere. As for me, I had a damn good time at this thing.
James Wan's latest film is a fun and gory love letter to the Italian horror movies of the 1980's. With that, much like the Italian horror movies of the 80's, it is style over substance. It embraces it's outlandish premise, and totally revels in it's campiness, and delivers a stylish, over-the-top, gory romp with a totally bonkers 3rd act. If you don't enjoy movies with a high camp factor, look elsewhere. As for me, I had a damn good time at this thing.
- karmicboom
- Sep 10, 2021
- Permalink
- danniemann
- Sep 11, 2021
- Permalink
It's really not bad, it actually has a good story and the gore is especially scrumptious. But it gets muddled by some cheese and fluff.
The trailer makes it seem more serious than it actually is. In reality, the movie is comparable to the "Scream" franchise, with lighthearted elements sprinkled throughout a whodunnit manhunt. And that threw everything off for me throughout the whole thing as they didn't seem to quite gel with each other. Add to the mix some erroneous characters like the lovelorn forensics expert and you'd wish they had either tighten the reins a little or pulled more towards a single direction.
But the last 30 min or so is a must-see.
The trailer makes it seem more serious than it actually is. In reality, the movie is comparable to the "Scream" franchise, with lighthearted elements sprinkled throughout a whodunnit manhunt. And that threw everything off for me throughout the whole thing as they didn't seem to quite gel with each other. Add to the mix some erroneous characters like the lovelorn forensics expert and you'd wish they had either tighten the reins a little or pulled more towards a single direction.
But the last 30 min or so is a must-see.
If you appreciate 80s/early 90s horror you'll see how this would then have been a cult hit! It reminded me of Darkman a little bit and films like Braindead. It actually has more style than this period, a very distinctive Wan style of course, but the premise is very much of a certain time in horror. Maybe 2021 isn't the time for it to some, but I happen to be someone who still enjoys delightfully nonsensical gory films that are unapologetic.
It's fairly creepy and serious in the first half and feels very Insidious, but the second half is insanity and it's glorious. Unashamedly bonkers.
Where did Gabriel learn those fighting skills??
It's fairly creepy and serious in the first half and feels very Insidious, but the second half is insanity and it's glorious. Unashamedly bonkers.
Where did Gabriel learn those fighting skills??