Movie Review: BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE

I don’t focus on non-genre movies on this or either of our sister sites (werewolves.com and darkness.com), but since even the Oscars, the annual overinflated celebration of all that is mainstream and NOT genre, can occasionally let a geek movie slip in—this year BLACK PANTHER is nominated for Best Picture, and remember AVATAR and THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS as rare exceptions to the snooty rule—I figure I can review one non-Horror movie here every once in a while, especially when we’re dealing with one as superb as BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE. Also, writer/director/producer Drew Goddard (writer of the screenplays for CLOVERFIELD, WORLD WAR Z, and THE MARTIAN—for which he won one of those snooty Oscars—and co-writer/director of THE CABIN IN THE WOODS) got his start as a writer on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, so there’s that connection.

Friends, whatever movie wins at the Oscars this year, I can guarantee you it won’t be a better film than BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE. And whoever wins the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor—even if it’s Sam Elliot, who *way* deserves it—his respective performance won’t be any better than (and may not even be as good as) Chris Hemsworth’s. The God of Thunder, in this movie, completely disappears inside his character, a sinuous cult leader. It honestly took me a minute to recognize him. This dude has some serious acting chops!

The movie is phenomenal. And it’s a gritty Crime Drama, not some sappy Romance, so even the hardcore genre faithful can enjoy it. Watch it!

By TheCheezman

WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS, specializing in theatrical performances and haunted attractions. He has written, produced, and directed (and occasionally acted in) over two dozen plays, most of them in the Horror and True Crime genres. He obtained a doctorate in Occult Studies from Miskatonic University and is an active paranormal investigator. Is frequently told he resembles Anton Lavey. And Ming the Merciless. Denn die totden reiten schnell!

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