MALIGNANT (2021): Is it good? Is it bad? Does it matter?
I obviously spend a lot (most?) of my time thinking about whether a movie is good or bad. And then something like MALIGNANT comes along that sort of defies classification.
MALIGNANT is not an objectively bad movie like TROLL 2 is a bad movie. It’s also not an objectively good movie like HEREDITARY. It’s not purposefully bad like, say, GRINDHOUSE.
MALIGNANT is its own thing. It’s equal parts fun, spooky, campy, ridiculous, and creative. It’s marching to the beat of its own drum.
If you get hung up on how to classify the movie you’re gonna walk away from it not really enjoying MALIGNANT. However, if you try to get onto the movie’s wavelength, then you’ll have a fun time.
Which brings me to my next point: I feel like too often people sit with their arms crossed on the defensive while watching a movie. I find you’ll get a hell of a lot more meaning, purpose, and enjoyment out of movies if you try to meet the filmmakers halfway. Instead of saying to yourself, “Why would they do that?” in an incredulous tone, say “Why would they do that?” in a curious tone. Put yourself in the filmmaker’s shoes. Why did they choose to tell this story? What are they trying to accomplish? Why are did they choose this shot? Why go with this story beat?
In regards to MALIGNANT, I think James Wan — genius horror director with the filmography to back it up — was interested in leaning into an over-the-top style reminiscent of 90s horror. There used to be a lot more of these sorts of horror movies with strong gimmicks and police procedural subplots.
For what it’s worth, please go in as cold as possible to MALIGNANT. You don’t want to spoil yourself on any details about it.
This is all to say that sometimes a movie like MALIGNANT is there to remind you to have fun at the movies. Don’t get so hung up on whether or not something is good or bad.
Did you see MALIGNANT? Drop a comment below!!
Apologies for the lack of update last week. Here’s a little bonus something.
Obviously we are on the cusp of cable 2.0 with all the different streaming channels. We’re almost at a point where there will be a bundle package of all the big streamers sold at a discount and we’ll be right back where we started with cable.
But until we get to that point, here are my recommendations for some lesser known streaming services for you to check out!
SHUDDER
Shudder rules and is a must have for any horror fans. Full stop. You gotta get a Shudder subscription. It’s a lot of older horror movies, but they also have an amazing lineup of Shudder-exclusives. These are newer movies that are really on the forefront of horror today. Shudder is home to a bunch of horror tv shows and documentaries as well. At about $5 a month it’s well worth it!
TUBI
Tubi is free! That’s the main selling point. Their library is rock solid and they even have a “not on Netflix” category. The only downside to Tubi is that there are commercial breaks baked into a movie. It kind of feels like watching movies on daytime cable again. It is jarring, but you can’t beat the low, low price of free.
MIDNIGHT PULP
This one is for those of you who want to explore WTF cinema, obscure/grotesque horror, and older martial arts flicks. There’s a confusing price structure to Midnight Pulp. About 40% of the library is free. The other 60% is locked behind a paywall. It’s worth it to check it out if you like the more bizarre side of cinema.
Are there any streaming services you use that are lesser known?