Supelice Dreadfully Boring

Huievest Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

Sammy-Jo Cervantes There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

Osmosis Iron This is Lovecraftian horror done right! It has the budget, it has the talent and it definitely has the style. Atmosphere is the key for any movie inspired by the works of the great Howard Phillips, and this one gets it! The horror is not in your face, it is eerie, subtle and ever present. It might not be always visible, but in the back of your mind you know it's there if you close your eyes.. This movie is a must watch for all horror fans, but for anyone who has tasted the insanity of Lovecraft's works and has not looked away, it is a tasty mouthful indeed!

CinemaClown The third & final instalment in John Carpenter's Apocalypse Trilogy (preceded by The Thing & Prince of Darkness), In the Mouth of Madness blurs the lines between reality & fiction to deliver a psychological shock that's twisted, trippy & terrifying in more ways than one, and it still remains one of the most underrated works of his career.The story of In the Mouth of Madness concerns a freelance insurance investigator who's hired by a publishing firm to conduct an enquiry into the disappearance of a popular horror novelist whose books are known to have disturbing effects on its readers. The ensuing search for the missing author takes him on a journey that has far-reaching consequences.Directed by John Carpenter (best known for Assault on Precinct 13 & Halloween), the film relies on our fear of the unknown to deliver the scares and packs a finely tuned & cleverly structured narrative that skilfully utilises the horror elements. It is bizarre, bewildering & unpredictable throughout while downright unsettling at other times, and the final reveal brings the story full circle.The script heavily references the works of H.P. Lovecraft and also includes nods to Stephen King's novels. The plot incorporates elements from both author's works, resulting in a story that can be summed up as a King narrative with Lovecraftian themes. The complex nature of the premise is as intriguing as it is suspenseful but Carpenter makes sure the film packs some good old-school scares as well.Infusing an otherworldly vibe to its imagery are the expertly designed & detailed set pieces while the sparsely populated remote setting where a big chunk of plot unfurls further contributes to its mystical aura. The images are sleek, polished & more refined than usually is the case with Carpenter films but then it also makes the details strike out with clarity, including the violent, gory & disturbing ones.Thanks to smart editing, the mystery is retained until the end while every twist n turn adds to its enigmatic structure. Pacing is spot-on, for its 95 minutes runtime is never felt. Also worthy of mention are its practical effects that have aged rather well over the years and though carefully utilised, they do leave an effectiveness of their own. And also complementing the visuals is its unsettling soundtrack by the horror maestro himself.Coming to the performances, In the Mouth of Madness features a reliable cast in Sam Neill, Julie Carmen, Jürgen Prochnow & Charlton Heston, with Neill stealing the show with a performance that only gets more unstable as plot progresses. His character isn't difficult to relate to, for his confusion mirrors that of our own. The remaining cast provide good support in their respective roles but Carmen's input is lousy & way over-the-top.On an overall scale, In the Mouth of Madness is a clever, riveting & mind-bending trip that presents John Carpenter in control of his craft and offers an experience that's as warped as it is demented. There are moments that get repetitive at times but its grip on viewers' attention is firm throughout. Its emphasis on atmosphere over gore impart it with an endurance that, in addition to its smooth camerawork, gives the entire picture an ageless appeal. Fresh, fascinating & frustrating, In the Mouth of Madness will one day have the respect it deserves.

Sooner_88 This movie blows my mind with its plot. I never knew I could take a liken to the horror that is H.P. Lovecraft. John Carpenter has changed my perception on that now. How was it?...AMAZING! No, to simple. Utterly and visually MADNESS!(no pun). Like really. How does something like this with just practical effects make such outrageous and horrifying monsters seem so real? I gotta appreciate this movie even more, because today's standards this movie wouldn't fly. At all. Period. CGI would made this film have no weight and look cartoonish at most. Sam Neill(an older actor that I enjoy watching I admit) does his best here feeling the dread and fear of paranoia, that he completely looks like he lost himself in the role. And you know what else? HE COULD OF! You see those thing on set, you would have something to be afraid of!! Again, making my point about the problems with today's horror.I never seen this movie beyond this review. Now? I have. And I'm happy to say I completed Carpenters Apocalypse Trilogy making me a complete fan for good. I enjoyed the hell out of this movie and respect Carpenter more than before. 9/10

peefyn There's references to both Stephen King and Lovecraft, but the movie itself is more a celebration of this kind of horror in general. The whole movie is about questioning one's own sanity, as the horror evoked by not knowing what is real, has been an effective trope in horror fiction for a long time. There's some slight attempts at connecting it to a philosophical level concerning subjective reality, but it never really gets all that interesting. I don't think the plot was meant to explore the limits of horror, fictional reality or anything like it, but rather to serve as a vehicle to unsettling scenes. And for that, it works alright.Sam Neil's performance is good, but Julie Carmen was not always that convincing, though it might have been on purpose. The best part of the movie is not the plot nor the actors, though, but the utter charm that Carpenter brings to most of his movies. The special effects and just the general looks of them evokes something special, though sadly it's not fear.