Revisiting Tobe Hooper’s The Funhouse – A Carnival of Horror and Disappointment Date: May 14, 2025

“A Carnival of Missed Opportunities: Revisiting Tobe Hooper’s Uneven Cult Slasher”

Tobe Hooper is one of my favorite horror filmmakers of all time. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre isn’t just a masterpiece—it’s a cultural landmark. But not every great director bats a thousand, and The Funhouse (1981) is proof of that.


In my latest review, I dive into this peculiar carnival-set slasher, now considered a cult classic by some, but still a tough sell for me. While the final act brings some much-needed energy and gore, the road there is long, meandering, and far too slow. It’s a film full of missed potential, weighed down by thin characters and a script that stalls for far too long.


That said, The Funhouse is far from worthless. Hooper’s love of old-school horror shows through in nods to FrankensteinPsychoFreaks, and more. There’s even an early homage to Halloween. It’s a movie that wants to be both a tribute and a terror ride—but struggles to deliver on either.


You can hear more of my thoughts on The Funhouse in the newest episode of the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. We also upload full episodes to our YouTube channel and post trailers, movie news, and more on Facebook.


Read the full review on Vocal: [Horror.Media]

Follow me on Twitter: @PodcastSean

Find the podcast on Twitter: @CriticsPod and anywhere you listen to podcasts. 


Let me know what you think of The Funhouse. Cult classic? Underrated gem? Or a swing and a miss from one of horror’s most important voices?



New Review on Vocal: “Shadow Force” (2025)

New Review on Vocal: Shadow Force (2025)

Posted May 13, 2025 by Sean Patrick – Sean at the Movies

If you’ve ever wondered how a solid, stylish action film can vanish at the box office before anyone notices, look no further than Shadow Force. The new film from director Joe Carnahan stars Kerry Washington and Omar Sy as ex-CIA assassins turned fugitive parents—and despite being packed with thrilling action, emotional beats, and even a Lionel Richie joke that works, the movie was seemingly doomed from the moment someone gave it that title.

I had a great time watching Shadow Force and even more fun writing about it. This one feels like a throwback in the best way possible: tight direction, great performances, and a totally adorable kid sidekick who might just be a future star. It deserved a better shot in theaters—and definitely a better title.

👉 Read my full review exclusively on Vocal

If you enjoy sharp, stylish action films with heart—and if you can get past the Cannon Films-era title—you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by Shadow Force. I was.

As always, thank you for supporting over 24 years of movie reviews here at Sean at the Movies. You can find over 2,800 reviews in the archive right here on the blog. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @PodcastSean and on BlueSky, and subscribe on Vocal for all my new writing.

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Crimson Tide Turns 30 – Why This Nuclear Thriller Still Holds Water

Crimson Tide Turns 30 – Why This Nuclear Thriller Still Holds Water


Posted May 12, 2025 by Sean at the Movies




This week marks the 30th anniversary of Crimson Tide, one of the most gripping military thrillers of the 1990s. Directed by Tony Scott and starring Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman, the film pits two commanding performances against each other in a tense ideological standoff aboard a nuclear submarine.

Crimson Tide turns 30! 

In honor of its anniversary, I’ve published a full review on Vocal diving deep into what makes Crimson Tide still resonate after three decades—its political subtext, powerhouse performances, and that unforgettable scene with the Lipizzaner stallions.

Plus, this film is the subject of our latest I Hate Critics 1995 podcast episode, where Amy watches it for the first time and shares her reactions.

Read the full review here:

Crimson Tide Review on Geeks.Media


If you’re a fan of 90s thrillers, military dramas, or just love watching Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman go head-to-head, this one’s for you.


More reviews and podcast updates coming soon. Thanks for reading!


— Sean



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...