Movie Review: Don’t Breathe (2016) – A Claustrophobic Home Invasion Thriller

📽️ Official Trailer
Overview 

Don’t Breathe is a 2016 horror-thriller directed by Fede Álvarez. The film stars Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Stephen Lang. Set in the desolate neighborhoods of Detroit, the story follows three young burglars who target the home of a blind Gulf War veteran, believing it to be an easy heist. However, they soon discover that the blind man is far more dangerous than they anticipated. 

Plot Summary Rocky (Jane Levy), her boyfriend Money (Daniel Zovatto), and their friend Alex (Dylan Minnette) are small-time burglars in Detroit. Desperate for a better life, they plan a final heist: robbing a blind man’s house rumored to contain a substantial cash settlement. The blind man (Stephen Lang), a reclusive Gulf War veteran, lives alone in a dilapidated neighborhood. What seems like an easy job turns into a nightmare as the trio finds themselves trapped and hunted in a house full of secrets. 

 What Works Stephen Lang’s Performance: Lang delivers a chilling portrayal of the blind man, exuding menace without uttering many words. Tension and Atmosphere: The film masterfully builds suspense, utilizing silence and darkness to create a claustrophobic experience. Direction: Fede Álvarez’s direction keeps the audience on edge, with tight pacing and inventive camera work. 

 What Doesn’t Work Character Development: The backstories of the protagonists are somewhat underdeveloped, making it harder to empathize with their plight. Third Act Twists: Some plot developments in the final act may feel over-the-top or implausible to certain viewers. 
 Final Thoughts Don’t Breathe stands out as a tense and innovative entry in the home invasion subgenre. While it has its flaws, the film’s ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats is commendable. Horror enthusiasts looking for a suspenseful ride will find much to appreciate here. 

 ⭐ Rating 4 out of 5 stars

🗣️ Join the Conversation What are your thoughts on Don’t Breathe? Did the film’s twists surprise you? Share your opinions in the comments below! 🔗 Explore More If you enjoyed this review, check out my review of Don't Breathe 2 linked here.🔗 

Snow White and the Huntsman Review: Grim Fairy Tale, Gorgeous Visuals, Disappointing Execution

📽️ Official Trailer  
 Overview Film critic Sean Patrick reviews Snow White and the Huntsman, praising its visuals and Chris Hemsworth’s performance, but finding Kristen Stewart’s lead and the overall film underwhelming. 

 Plot Summary This version of Snow White dives deep into a grimmer tone, clearly aiming for epic fantasy territory. Kristen Stewart (Twilight) stars as Snow White, the daughter of a murdered king, imprisoned and later hunted by the queen’s enforcer: Eric the Huntsman, played by Chris Hemsworth—yes, that Chris Hemsworth, better known as Thor. 

 What Works Chris Hemsworth as The Huntsman: Chris Hemsworth brings gravitas and energy to the role. He even serves as a sort of narrator, helping guide the audience through the sometimes convoluted story. His performance is a standout. High Camp and Glamour: Charlize Theron is deliciously over-the-top as the Evil Queen. She brings flair and menace to every scene she’s in. The Production: The production design is stunning—this film looks amazing, with sweeping landscapes, haunting forests, and lavish costumes. 

 What Doesn’t Work Kristen Stewart: Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Kristen Stewart. While I generally like her work, she falls flat here. Her portrayal of Snow White lacks the depth and presence needed for such an iconic character, and her performance drags the film down. Style Over Substance: Snow White and the Huntsman is a classic case of style over substance. Beneath its beautiful exterior, it’s hollow. Great visuals can’t save a weak lead performance or a story that struggles to find emotional resonance. 

 Final Thoughts In the end, Snow White and the Huntsman is a big-budget disappointment. Despite its impressive visuals and a solid supporting performance from Hemsworth, I can’t recommend it. Skip this one and save your movie dollars for something more engaging. 

 ⭐ Rating 2 out of 5 stars 

 🗣️ Join the Conversation What are your thoughts on Snow White and the Huntsman? Did you like Kristen Stewart’s performance? Share your opinions in the comments below! 

 🔗 Explore More If you enjoyed this review, check out my take on the 2025 Snow White Remake from Hollywood and the Indie horror version.



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Contraband Movie Review: Mark Wahlberg Powers This Action Thriller

Read our review of Contraband starring Mark Wahlberg and Kate Beckinsale. Find out why Wahlberg’s performance elevates this otherwise average action thriller.Movie Review: Contraband (2012)



Overview

Mark Wahlberg returns to the big screen in Contraband, an action-packed thriller hitting theaters this weekend. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, the film stars Wahlberg as a reformed smuggler forced back into the criminal underworld when his brother-in-law makes a deadly mistake.

Plot Summary

A former smuggler, Chris Farraday (Mark Wahlberg) ventures to Panama in a desperate attempt to secure millions in fake currency, his mission driven by the need to shield his brother-in-law, Andy (Caleb Landry Jones) from a dangerous drug kingpin, Briggs, played by Giovanni Ribisi. Briggs meanwhile, has Chris''s family, including Chris's wife, Kate (Kate Beckinsale), hostage to assure that Chris accomplishes his mission.

What Works?

  • Mark Wahlberg

    . If you’re a fan of his tough-but-sympathetic screen presence, you’ll enjoy this film. Wahlberg brings a compelling intensity to the role, playing a good man who’s forced to do bad things to protect his family. It’s a classic anti-hero narrative, and Wahlberg handles it with his usual gritty charisma.


  • Giovanni Ribisi: Though he's not the most intimidating bad guy you’ll ever see, Ribisi delivers a solid performance, bringing just enough wild unpredictability to his character to make things interesting.

What Doesn't Work
  • Formulaic Storytelling: The plot is formulaic, and without its star power, it might’ve faded into the crowd of generic action flicks.

  • Kate Beckinsale: Beckinsale is far too good of an actress to play such a merely functional role in Contraband.
Final Thoughts

Contraband is a serviceable action movie made notably better by its leading man. If you enjoy Mark Wahlberg’s work, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Rating

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars]


What did you think of [Contraband]? Leave a comment below or share your favorite moment from the film!

If you enjoyed this review, check out my takes on other Mark Wahlberg movies here.

The Cave (2005) – A Soggy, Sinking Creature Feature

     By Sean Patrick Originally Published: August 27, 2005 | Updated for Blog: June 2025 🎬 Movie Information Title:   The Cave Release Dat...