The Black Phone - Review! 

I think having a lot of the horror elements actually be used in favor of the main character was refreshing.

Wasn’t even on my radar, but I really want to see this one now! Thanks for the recommendation Dan 🤙

After seeing this I'm really disappointed that we didn't get to see his version of Multi verse of Madness. I feel like I'm one often few who agreed with your review of it and Scott Derrickson wouldve handled it so much better in terms of pace and storytelling.

It’s funny how just about everything Dan says in this review is exactly what I said after I saw the movie last week. The climax absolutely blew my mind when I saw it, then thought about it in context on the drive home. Please support this movie, people!

I saw a preview screening last weekend and really enjoyed it

I loved it, definitely felt more like a psychological thriller with horror aspects. Everyone’s performances were perfect to the tone and I found Ethan Hawke extremely disturbing. His tone of speaking is chilling and it was great to see him in contrast to his Harrow character in Moonknight this summer to really appreciate his range.

Just caught this an hour ago. Pulled no punches and some of the setups and scenes were so well crafted, highly recommend. And Ethan Hawke, what can you say? He’s the best.

Sounds super interesting! I love horror/thriller movies but they are too intense for me on the big screen. I’ll stream it though when it’s available on VOD. Thanks for your review! 💜

best horror of the year imo. cast, script, performances, sound design all excellent. Blumhouse once again showing Hollywood that you don't need scads of money to craft an amazing film. A+++

Sinister was one of the few films that scared me. One scene made me so tense, I almost left the theater.

Just seen it was released in Ireland on the 22nd. I was pleased to see there was actually a story to it. That it wasn't just the best bits in the trailer. it was one of the best thrillers I've seen in a while. With amazing performances from all the cast.

I saw it Tuesday night at the Alamo. Didn’t really know anything about it except having seen the trailer a couple times recently. Decided to roll the dice on it, so glad I did! It had me by the opening credits and it keeps you engaged until the end. I fully agree with your synopsis and review, Dan.

I was so anxious watching this. I couldn't relax. It was really good!

I can say with confidence I’m pretty good about knowing what’s comping next in most movies and don’t get startled easily… but with black phone I was genuinely caught off guard with the scare scenes and figuring out the plot which is a good thing. I was definitely engaged !

Yes I enjoyed it!! No question the kids’ performances totally underpinned the success of this film, and of course a good baddy !! I’ve always been a fan of the under-rated Ethan Hawke, and yes he was chilling !! Here in France it’s only playing in a couple of cinemas , and those very small… it’s a pity !!! Very much some Stanger Things vibe going on, and some nods to IT as well... it's not ground-breaking but it's certainly well made with passion!!

Just came out of seeing this myself and agree, Thames does a great job even in scenes he doesn’t necessarily have any one to act against most of the movie. So dang good!

We simply cannot disrespect the man (Scott Derrickson) by including his name on Sinister 2!! Haha thankfully he only directed the good sinister film

Great review… Spot on!… And yes this movie was fantastic one of the scariest movies I’ve seen in a long time I highly suggest you see it immediately to anyone who read this!

I was already excited for this one, the first Sinister movie is one of my all-time favourite Horror-flicks and Chris Stuckmann already said that this one is even better

My only negative thought was that a bit too much was given away in the trailer, but still a really fun and tense film. As a die hard horror fan, all we seem to get is lazy sequels and so this and malignant have been super refreshing!

Incredible film, and being from Colorado it hits even harder

Just left the theater and couldn’t agree more. This is likely to end up toward the top of my end of year overall list, and is solidly at the top of my horror rankings for the year thus far. As a longtime Halloween Horror Nights visitor, I’m curious to see how this is translated into a maze this year. With a limited number of settings, I hope they don’t rely too heavily on just how creepy the Savini designed mask is. I’m sure there will be an abundance of loud rotary style rings throughout.

I know I'm in the minority but, I was very excited for this movie and unfortunately, I didn't like it. The supernatural aspects of this movie were more believable than the rest of the story. Also, aside from Ethan Hawke I thought most of the acting was pretty bad.

2022 being my year for seeing films I never would have, normally, I’ve gone into most of three completely blind, with maybe just a teaser trailer that made it known to me. This was one of those films. I agree that this is far more thriller than horror, and I reveled in its simplicity, rejoiced in its perfect balance between the thrilling and the humor. It was clever where it needed to be, and heartfelt where it should be. I very much enjoyed this film but would likely skip on any future film it may inspire as sequel/prequel.

Those intro jokes are getting better and better, Dan lol.

Just came back from the theatre. We went to see Black Phone. I liked it and it was well done. Left almost smiling because of satisfying ending

I’ve been waiting on this movie for a while and I was disappointed when it got pushed back from its original release date. Looking forward to seeing it in theaters.

Thanks for the recommendation Dan. I just saw it and it was a great experience!

Very excited to see this. This team did an amazing job with Sinister (sinister 2 we don't have to talk about as much) but nevertheless, having Ethan Hawke back with this writing team could be excellent. Excited to see what they came up with

I enjoyed this movie in a general way as it was happening, but it kind of falls flat whenever I think about what it was playing with symbolically, thematically or even narratively.

The young actress’ performance in this movie was so good. The defiant way she says “My dreams aren’t real” during the spanking scene took my breath away for a moment. She’s one to watch

Worth mentioning that C. Robert Cargill was himself a well known RU-vid movie critic in the early 2010s. You actually met his former co-wokers in a Shmoedown a few years ago. Korey and Martin from DoubleToasted.

Just like Ethan Hawke's the original The Purge, it made sequels, this guy is a trendsetter in horror/suspense.

I’m excited for Black Phone but still waiting on that RRR review

Loved this movie, throw your money 💰 at this movie. It deserves it

It absolutely rocked! Must watch for any horror fan!

I really liked it. Sorry avoided reviews until I saw it but I still wanted to hear your opinion. You're the best Dan!

Can't wait to see this. Very excited since the trailer came up. Happy to hear your enjoyable review.

I had no clue what this movie was about as I've somehow missed all the marketing apart from a photo of Ethan Hawke wearing the mask and a tuxedo or suit of some kind I think. I barely recall that detail. For some reason The Black Phone made me think it was some kind of old timey movie. Don't ask me why. Very happy to see Scott Derrickson directing. Blumhouse is almost always a sign of good things to come. I like this combination and the movie sounds great.

Does the premise remind anyone of Coraline at all? Like the 3rd act?

Really enjoyed the movie, thought the young girl was fantastic. My critiques would be 1) there is a character in the movie that I think is not needed and kind of mess with the plot. And 2) I think we need like 2-3min back story on Ethan’s character.

I don’t like horror movies so I was going to skip this. But if it’s more of a character study within the context of a thriller I will give it a shot. I’ve watched a couple of Blumhouse movies on the basis of Dan’s recommendations that I never would have considered on my own and been pleasantly surprised. I usually watch reviews to figure out if something I’m considering is garbage so I don’t waste my money or time, but only Dan has ever convinced me to try something outside my comfort zone. I appreciate that a lot!

The Black Phone is better than Dr. Strange 2 so I’d say Derrickson made the right call. Pun intended.

Too terrified to watch it but I really appreciate your outstanding review! 👊🏻

Sold! Thanks, Dan

Seeing this tomorrow night, very very excited.

ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I'VE SEEN IN A WHILE

When I saw Ethan Hawke was playing a kidnapper I was in on this movie. Really looking forward to it until I saw the trailer. Basically gave away all the major points of the movie. Still looks good and I'll watch it at some point, but I hate it when movies ruin the plot, especially for thrillers.

I’m not a huge fan of horror films but I’m intrigued - I got my ticket to see it this afternoon.

Dan: your dad puns; I just can't even. Lol.

This movie was great but I really hope it doesn’t get a sequel because it does not need it. The only way I would be interested in a sequel would be if Derrickson returned to direct.

This sounds a bit like a cross between KISS THE GIRLS and IT

I think over here in the UK this movie could do well in the box office, cause this movie has been everywhere over here

This movie was really good. Had no idea about it until Dan talked about it

I hate jump-scares, so this will def be on my list

Thanks!.....

Looking forward too watching this

"Doesn't explain how the phone works. "Well you see, there is this giant turtle...."

Why was there a phone down there?? Why???

I’ve been looking forward to seeing this

I liked this movie a lot. Solid movie. The two child actors are phenomenal 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

i thought the movie was great! also this review is great!

The mask/s do resemble Lon Chaney's face from the movie London After Midnight. Maybe it's an homage.

I thought you might get a prequel

Just watched it and wow. Not what I was expecting. I loved it. 4.5 outa 5

He did not do Sinister 2, but great review overall!

Can someone tell me the name of the song that's in the credits? Got me pretty hyped that song.

Hey man can you review Mr.Inbetween plz it's Australia tv show plz

Saw this movie because I liked Ethan Hawke in Moon Knight and I ended up really enjoying the young actors in this movie. They were awesome!

Really well made but thought the screenplay was lacking like crazy.

This was a film i am curious about it gave me the impression of suspense story thriller to draw me in a lot of horror movies lack a good enough story to draw me in. Agree ethan hawke is definalty underated/underused as an actor makes it hard to speak on his range but his presence has laways been felt in any role he has played. So glad to hear this movie does not go out of it's way to explain everything we need more movies that just say this is the story you don't need to be told a 50 year backstory in total to understand it. And finally of course great to hear the kid actors do a good job holding up there side of things as a lot would ride on them as a foil to ethan's charcter and he sets a higher bar to go against...that they could stand out as good perfomances is defiantly a sign of possiable future stardom as there life goes on.

OOO I've been looking forward to this!

Again, I don't do horror movies, but "likes" and comments on a video help a channel, so Hi Dan, Mara and Cats!

Get another situation like Sinister

And if Ethan Hawke could "hear the phone ring", why wouldn't he simply take it off the wall? Makes no damn sense

I think this might be the big sleeper hit of the summer.

Just came out of watching this. Good stuff.

it had freaky.. scary popped up moments..... it scared some of the AUDIENCES in my theater.. iht, it was better than THOR 2022 MOVIE i rate it 8/10....

I just like in this what I just like it in sinister the jump scares earned

Don’t you think it kind of plays like a Gothic fairytale

I'm really looking forward to this movie.

Check out Joe hills’ Locke and key series really good.

Just saw it & i wasn't disappointed 🔥 I wanted more in a good way

Ah, so in some respects this is like John Favreau and what "Chef" was to him, a way to vent his frustrations of the restraints of the system after having had a fair bit of creative control in the last attempt.

Sounds like in budget sense not story a Split like thriller

Loved it!🎥

I love it I’m going to buy it or ask someone to get it for me for my birthday

i was let down by the movie, after waiting what a year or 2 sinc ehtey announced it it just fell flat to me

It was great! I have been waiting for this because it kept getting pushed back. Go see it

Don’t think Scott directed Sinister 2

A double bill with Elvis methinks.

It’s really good. I checked it out yesterday.

This movie wasn’t even scary. It felt slow and lacked any real horror.

He did not do sinister two produced it

It was soooo good!!!

I waited to see it and after seeing it I was disappointed. I thought it sucked..

If Dr. Strange was directed by Scott it would’ve been 10 times better

Yes Don’t forget Elvis

Love the film

you awsome man