Filmmaker reacts to Jacob's Ladder (1990) for the FIRST TIME!

[@rpmfla]

This was by far your best reaction! You were so tuned in and your interpretation was extraordinarily astute.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hey thanks man!! I felt that as well. Felt the flow of this film!

[@rpmfla]

@@JamesVSCinema Did continually trying to figure out what was going on limit the flow of the story at all for you or did it enhance it?

[@JamesVSCinema]

@@rpmfla *In Decker's voice* ENHANCE

[@sbunc92]

I like the line one of the medics says at the end of the movie..."He put up a hell of a fight". Indeed he did.

[@Craigers8637]

Why did he have to experience the demons if he was going to heaven

[@Johndoe56-e6f]

@@Craigers8637he was still holding on to parts of life, a big one being Jezzie

[@LJKayser]

​@@Craigers8637There's darkness before the light. Or something like that.

[@bobob9969]

@@Craigers8637 They were actually angels, but he perceived them as demons because he was fighting against dying

[@wsn0009]

This movie is very unique and unsettling at times. I really admire filmmakers who take on stories like this.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Worth the admiration my friend!

[@jamesbarels469]

This is an all-time favourite of mine. So many fantastic scenes, great lines and a very touching journey once you realise where the story is taking you.

[@VAVORiAL]

This is one of my all time favorite movies and it was a huge inspriration for Silent Hill, which are some of my all time favorite games as well. Really excited to watch this reaction, as this movie is basically a masterpiece to me.

[@steeleye2112]

You are correct, this is a masterpiece by any definition. Criminally overlooked.

[@silentreactor97]

Now I also hope James react to Silent Hill movie. I thought it was a well made mystey horror film! Very underrated and also a very underrated adaptation of the games?

[@StCerberusEngel]

@@silentreactor97 The movie got the visuals down, but as an adaptation falls miserably short.

[@Glass-Bowl]

@@silentreactor97 Silent Hill had a few issues some fans couldn't get over (several poor casting choices imo). I thought the set design, monster choreography and music were very well done (it's just Akira Yamaoka's original soundtracks), and appropriately serving of the games, which is good enough for me to have enjoyed it more than once. Can't say that for the second movie. Then I saw Jacob's Ladder, and I can definitely see how one would be an inspiration for the other.

[@idakev]

You guys play the Silent Hill 2 remake?

[@matthewjaco847]

“I want to go home!” “This is your home. You’re dead.” That line lived rent free in my head for a lot longer than I’d like to admit.

[@angelaf7241]

I am haunted by the evil doc, way out of proportion to the amount of time he's actually in the film.

[@jasonlighton9636]

Can't count how many times I've seen this movie and it hit me while watching this video. A chiropractor is perfect symbolism for this role. The person that brings you into alignment, straightens you out and helps to loosen you up. Good stuff.

[@ThomasSoles]

Such a good movie! The agony of the bathtub scene is so palpable. It is heartbreaking to watch Jacob descend into Hell. He is such a good dude.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Incredibly acted too!

[@dancewalkertarot]

Yeah OMG his performance. This movie is a rough, rough watch, but I had to vote for it. Some truth hidden in the fiction there.

[@christiaanvandenakker901]

@@JamesVSCinema For sure. It makes such a difference when a quality cast and crew build a horror film together.

[@rabbitandcrow]

The hell of ice. There are a lot of references to Dante's Inferno in this movie too.

[@MamadNobari]

I mean, do we know he's good? The whole movie was in his head, so idk.

[@ericdenney3302]

This movie is such a hidden gem. It's one of the most unsettling movies out there but gets very little attention.

[@belzorahollow3888]

I kinda feel like it's an absolute gem hidden in plain sight. People know about it, but few people ever talk about it.

[@LoveEachDay94]

its a cult classic. most modern psychological horror has some inspiration from jacobs ladder or something that took inspo from jacobs ladder.

[@MandalaOfThe7]

I'm not sure if it's accurate to say that M. Night built his early career off of this, but that more emotional and vulnerable side of me wants to say that is true. I've always thought that it was very similar in terms of the twist only not as intricately or beautifully filmed and arrived much later in theaters.

[@wet-read]

I could be wrong, but I think it is or could be because it resembles a horror film but isn't exactly a horror film. So people don't know how to categorize it, and hence, to talk about it. Plus, it depicts events that actually never happened.

[@jljonesar]

Dude! You were on to this one from the jump. Such a great film that unveils layers beyond comprehension as it progresses.

[@dustinkennemer5033]

Excellent reaction, James! This statement from the movie really struck me, and I'll never forget it. "...if you're frightened of dying, and you're holding on, you'll see devils tearing your life away. But if you've made your peace, then the devils are really angels, freeing you from the earth. It's just a matter of how you look at it..."

[@jamesbarels469]

Danny Aiello was fantastic in this movie. So many actors hit the marks they needed to to make this story come to life. That is why the grey skies can become blue, sonny boy.

[@cosmicman621]

@@jamesbarels469🌹

[@davidfox5383]

James, I'm so glad you reacted to this one! The movie that frightened me most as a child was 2001:A Space Odyssey... But as an adult I was so unsettled by Jacob's Ladder upon my first viewing that I threw away my copy of the video tape and didn't watch it again for many years. Even then, I had to watch it with a friend (who had a similar reaction to mine) and stop and analyze it to to give it less power over my mind. I believe it was critic Roger Ebert who said that watching this is as close to experiencing a psychotic break as cinema has ever been able to achieve, or something like that.

[@aliciasavage6801]

This movie nearly gave me an existential crisis when I first saw it. I spent threes days trying to determine if I was alive or not.

[@idakev]

First time I watched this movie, some water started dripping down onto me and was running down the walls. Did give me similar thoughts for a second. lol. Was home for holidays and not aware that ceiling condensation was a problem in the spare room of my parent's house.

[@waytospergtherebro]

This was better than The Sixth Sense because knowing that he's dead doesn't lessen the impact of any scene in the entire film.

[@djnoni]

The 'Jacob's Ladder Scenario' has been used a number of times. The dying mind's experience in the first person, augmented by the injections given in the battlefield reframes the entire movie. Such a great movie!

[@shainewhite2781]

One of the most shocking psychological horror thriller films ever made. As the tagline reads: "The only thing wrong with Jacob Singer's nightmare is that he isn't really dreaming. From the director of Fatal Attraction coms a different kind of terror. Jacob's Ladder.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Inescapable and unavoidable change.

[@chaost4544]

Movie taglines used to be next level back in the day.

[@solezeta1314]

Same director as Fatal Attraction?! That's cool, I didn't know that

[@StephenCaudillPhoto]

Saw this in the theater back in the day. My brothers and I discussed what it might have meant for hours after. In my top 10 favorite movies of all time. ALSO, the sliding quarter before the car explosion and the wobbly gurney wheels were burned into my psyche. The quarter bit is one of the most brilliant shots ever.

[@chaost4544]

In doing a bit of research on chemical used by the government in the film, it's unclear if it was used on troops in Vietnam but reading the history behind it wow.... it's so shady. Regardless if it actually happened, the chemical is a good analogy for all the horrible chemicals that were used in Vietnam like Agent Orange that screwed up a lot of the local population and veterans. Working at the National Archives I was able to interact with a lot of veterans and interacted with many who fought in Vietnam who were exposed to Agent Orange. Hearing their experiences made me very sad/angry and many of the vets decades after being exposed still experienced horrible side effects from it. It's why films like "Jacob's Ladder" are very important.

[@xavvi]

Danny Aiello's line about devils and angels has always stuck with me - religious or not, however you feel about death, the notion that all of this around us can be our own heaven or hell depending on how we look at it is such an interesting, and actually comforting thought.

[@roboticd]

Especially when you think about his name being Louie...

[@IvorPresents]

I was so moved by this one. I remember sitting in the theater seat. Not many otters attending, didn't matter. I was 42, and I cried. This film moved me so. Do check out all the biblical references. they enhance the experience The guy was in purgatory. Visions from Dante. Losing a son was heartbreaking, As I left. I noticed another single who remained sitting after the end titles. He got it too.

[@ikosabre]

That scene about angels and demons always gets to me too. As far as I know, Meister Eckhart didn't say that or if he did, the source is hard to find. But it's a great idea nonetheless and sounds like something Eckhart could have thought. It reminds me about this description of hell from a comic "the Book of Magic" (1990) #3: "This is a place of punishment, Timothy. Those who believe they must atone, inflict this place and its tortures upon themselves...until they realize that they, and only they - not gods or demons - create their hell; and by this they are freed, and take their leave...This place is evil, Timothy. But perhaps a necessary evil".

[@brettcoster4781]

And that is basically the plot driver of Lucifer (the series).

[@torpedoboy4]

Sad and terrifying. “Jacob’s Ladder” should be mentioned more often as an absolute horror classic. This film is just so weirdly and genuinely spiritual, and it’s not easy to mix those elements into horror. Great reaction

[@dlweiss]

Along with all the other great things about this film, I'm pretty sure that, on a filmmaking level, it may have pioneered the "shaky ghost" effect (where you see an otherworldly figure shaking its head so rapidly that the face is blurred out). Often imitated in other films since then, but rarely as effectively as their usage here.

[@jamesbarels469]

Great use of practical effects throughout the film. Can't speak highly enough about this film. This is my number one film I love to see people react to.

[@Zughaman]

I can’t believe you did this,one of my “if only he would see…..” movies I never thought you would. Your reaction DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! I love this channel, so appreciate your opinion. Thanks brethren, much respect. 👊Hope all is well with you

[@JamesVSCinema]

Much love Frank!! 🙏🏽

[@christophermcbride2522]

This film heavily inspired the Silent Hill video game series. There are moments taken directly from this film that are used in the games. The train station with the locked gate is in SH2. The ending of this movie is an alternate ending in the first SH.

[@JamesVSCinema]

That’s awesome what!

[@AlessaParker]

the subway station was in SH3

[@christophermcbride2522]

@@AlessaParker thanks. I wasn't certain.

[@kalelvigil1510]

I would say the visuals more than anything inspired the original trilogy. If you actually look at the stories for the games, then there really isn't much of a through line. The 1st 3 Silent Hill games were amalgams of an inspiration from a bunch of different horror writers. Dean Kuntz and Stephen King being the biggest influences.

[@kalelvigil1510]

I think it's fairer to say that there are Jacob's Ladder references rather than there are direct pulls from Jacob's Ladder. I say this as the biggest fan of the original Team Silent games.

[@robw4736]

I remember watching this in the theater. It's the only time I can remember where there was absolute silence while the audience left. I think every single person watching it was just that stunned by the experience.

[@melthebell33]

We used to trip to this, Eraserhead, Altered states and Lair of the whiteworm lol

[@tomdalsin5175]

Those scenes where he saw disturbing figures in the train and car that nearly hit him... they haunted me as a kid. I had nightmares of a city bus, full of naked hairless corpses dangling from nooses, with no driver, chasing me through the streets at night. They lasted weeks and made me a sleep deprived nervous wreck for awhile. This movie is disturbing, haunting, and yet very poetic and spiritual.

[@Ari-ez1vj]

Played silent hill 2 recently and it made me wanna rewatch this movie, it's so damn good.

[@SiFTWofficial]

I love it when people check this film out, it's so unique. These are the horror movies that stand out to me. We need more of these! Also this movie was one of many inspirations to the game devs behind Silent Hill

[@charlesallen2306]

I love that you finally got to Jacob's Ladder. In my top 10 films. Everything about this movie is done so well. I think you have one more Vietnam War era movie left, Hamburger Hill.

[@bschuler6216]

This is such a classic. Such an amazing payoff. Possibly loosely inspired by An Occurence At Owl Creek by Ambrose Bierce. Also, there is an Unkle song that samples.the Danny Aiello massage speech that is just sublime. I cannot praise this movie enough.

[@simian01]

Rabbit In Your Headlights! Classic tune.

[@bschuler6216]

@@simian01 That's It!

[@brandonthesteele]

That's where I first heard those lines, those UNKLE tunes. Those samples are sprinkled all over the place. "Need Something Stronger" has "it's just a matter of how you look at it, that's all..." at the very end. "Inside" has "they're freeing your soul, relax". James Lavelle seemed to be enamored with Jacob's Ladder.

[@bschuler6216]

@@brandonthesteele Yeah man!

[@Uncle_T]

More haunting than any ghost story, beautifully realised in all its uncomfortable uncanniness.

[@mycitypopscrewed]

The "Anybody home?!" moment when Jezzy gets in his face and her features change gives me goosebumps every single time... Even just recalling that moment I get them. What an absolute work of art from start to finish

[@dukedude7460]

Love the react as always and def a great psychological horror with some really heartfelt moments/themes. A good pairing/counterpoint movie is Angel Heart starring Mickey Rourke and Robert De Niro, can’t recommend enough

[@EarnestEgregore]

literally just watched that movie.... sooo so good. really under appreciated by people today. really good pulpy mystery. Maybe one of Rourke's best.

[@JamesVSCinema]

I had a blast piecing this one together! Want to vote on what I should watch next? Click here! www.patreon.com/jamesvscinema Have a great weekend!

[@johncampbell756]

From Wikipedia "Jacob's Ladder (Hebrew: סֻלָּם יַעֲקֹב Sūllām Ya‘aqōv) is a ladder leading to heaven that was featured in a dream the biblical Patriarch Jacob had during his flight from his brother Esau in the Book of Genesis (chapter 28)." I saw this in college. I never guessed what was happening. I remember it well for not seeing it in 30 yesrs.

[@ledoutofshadow8004]

I feel in this movie, the writer has included a play on the saying "you life flashes before your eyes". Its not his past life he sees, but his future life.

[@I-Am-Klaus]

So glad you picked this one up, I suggested it last Halloween because I knew it would be right up your alley, lol... quality horror.

[@Kylopod]

The screenwriter to this film, Bruce Joel Rubin, seems obsessed with the topic of death-not in a morbid way, but in terms of characters coming to terms with their own death. He also wrote Ghost (1990) and Brainstorm (1983), and all three films deal with near-death experiences and (perhaps) the early stages of afterlife. He also wrote the movie My Life (1993), about a terminally ill man creating a video diary for his then-unborn child he’ll never get the chance to know.

[@deanroddey2881]

I watched this back in the 90s some time. I was having a lot of anxiety issues at that point, so boy was that a mistake. It freaked me out badly.

[@lynnc5252]

Loved this as a young, horror fan. Didn't fully understand the movie until I was an adult. Love your glasses. I'm old school, Gazelles were the thing. 💜 AND his doctor is Danny Aiello. Awesome actor. Played the pizza joint owner in Do The Right Thing

[@JamesVSCinema]

Hahaha appreciate the glasses shoutout! 🤘🏽♥️

[@heilmann18]

Tim Robbins performance is so sympathetic in this movie, it makes the whole movie much more tragic.

[@jamesbarels469]

His reaction in the hospital when he hears "Dream on." gets me every time.

[@miqx1977]

This film blew me away. Such a great script executed perfectly. Fantastic choice, James.

[@neilfett1233]

"Dream On"... that voice out of nowhere sends shivers down my spine everytime I even think of it

[@scyphe]

This is a tough movie to watch while being absolutely brilliant. It keeps you on your toes, asking yourself what's really going on. Some people make the correct guess towards the end but most people don't (in my experience). Tim Robbins is doing such a great job in this role.

[@curtisbrack3398]

There is a short story written in 1890 called "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge". It is set during the Civil War and is very much a parallel to the basic structure of this movie. So, the idea of dreaming a life while you are dying is well over 100 years old.

[@ZacThompson]

There are so many excellent levels to this movie, but also the metaphors work both ways - I do think it is significantly meant to convey some kind of feeling about what it was (is) like for veterans who have had PTSD or physical or chemical brain injury associated with their service. Back in the "real world", they can feel unmoored and like they are existing in some kind of purgatory. Handling major emotional distress (like loss of a loved one, or a relationship failure), maintaining a normal life, leaving their "old life" behind ... it's all impossible. And getting help is impossible. If what we see in the film are hallucinations from Jacob's traumatized mind, and he's struggling with losing his sanity (not his life), then the ending of the film could reflect him finally managing to move on (his life as a soldier is over). It could also be viewed as him failing to do so (!), and descending into full disassociation, where he thinks he's dead. But the core message holds throughout all perspectives on the story: fighting *against* trauma and loss and pain can stand in the way of healing. This is a horror movie but it contains so much grace at its core. And Elizabeth Peña -- RIP -- is a freaking powerhouse in this movie.

[@gggooding]

The term "Jacob's ladder" comes from the Bible. Look it up and it'll shed light upon this film. Props to you James for putting the puzzle together quickly! 👏 Weirdly: comedian Lewis Black plays the doctor that helps Jacob in the bathtub (cut out of the reaction edit. Oh well.) There are deleted scenes, including a hellava piece where Jacob takes the antidote for the ladder, and it doesn't go well. Best that it was cut for pacing and narrative...but it's a dilly of a scene! Easy to find on KZbin.

[@t0dd000]

The biblical reference: It's a theatrical flourish. The biblical allusion is not really relevant.

[@natalyawoop4263]

It's definitely relevant. Jacob's ladder from the Bible was a ladder to heaven.

[@BovistoReborn]

Jacobs ladder superior film because of its understanding of the darkness of unconscious tripping to the far depths of one’s mind. I was there once and it took me months to be able to sleep again without convulsing and pain created by my mind. Even to this day I fear it returning. The head shaking and the feeling of the film shows there has been a lot of research in this. Wether people believe me or not the fact is I reached a place where my soul was and it was the most scariest experience of my life. As I knew where I was and I knew I’d been there for eternity and it was just a matter of time before my life line is cut and I’ll be back there

[@CurseDiscurse]

I've read somewhere that the creators of Silent Hill franchise drew a lot from this movie, style of monsters in particular, the way they moved franticly. And I could see that when I've watched it a while ago. The film gives very unique, unsettling vibes. Kind of reminds me of some really bad trips I've had.

[@michaelm108]

this film means so much to its fans. thanks for checking it out

[@mikezarzo7483]

So glad you reacted to this! One of my all time favourites. Saw this when I was 11 and it stuck with me ever since.

[@jayalexander3356]

Jacob's ladder is from the book of Genesis. This movie is a great study on human consciousness and what that means.

[@FollowTheBeam19]

HOLY SHIT, this is one of my all time faves, thanks for watching it bro.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Anytime my friend!

[@Matt-vv7fl]

I love this movie. It's such a head trip. It's hard to know what's real and what isn't at any given moment. It's so unsettling.

[@Absher_501st]

So glad to finally see someone react to this movie. What a crazy concept. Thanks for sharing

[@asmrfan6543]

One of my top 10 all time favorite movies. Gripping, great acting, clever story, original format, terrifying at times, and the ending cathartic.

[@deadcatthinks6725]

Your innocence going into this film was awesome for the reaction, was a callback to when i rented it out (on VHS obs) as there was nothing else that looked viable, and my first time watching it, in my teens, was mind blowing. I mean, who really knows what goes through our minds in the last seconds...

[@MMmmmVarley]

Saw this for the first time in art school about 23 years ago, and it still hits every time I see it in slightly different ways. So many things to take out of it. I appreciate your viewing and discussion on it. Have a good one. Mahalo.

[@cappinjocj9316]

Been looking forward to you getting round to this one. One hell of a movie.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Absolutely, glad to have gotten to it!

[@STiROCKET06]

This is the greatest Film critique channel out there. I could listen to this man talk about cinema all day long. What a mind.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Made my day friend. Thank you!

[@endoraismygma]

Terrific film. Tim Robbins once again gives an incredible performance. Although his resume doesn't seem very long, he never fails as an actor. Another great film starring him as well as Sean Penn is Mystic River, based on a true story. The whole cast is talented and the film was so well done.

[@gurulimbo]

I’ve been waiting for this one! The visuals and psychological aspects are amazing and the camera work, especially during the war scenes and the “hospital” and the party… dayum. Thanks for your filmmaking aspect! Brings more to the watching experience! 🌳🔥🌬

[@gurulimbo]

Also. War films.. still need to check out “Southern Comfort” brilliant.

[@EarnestEgregore]

Love that he's reading the Stranger by Camus at the beginning... a book about not belonging.

[@belzorahollow3888]

I love this movie so much. And I love that the twist kinda gives itself away, but it doesn't feel cheap because the twist wasn't the point, it was just a bonus.

[@saikonakoshi4334]

You dropped this at the perfect time with the recent Silent Hill news. Unfortunately idk how many people will know of the major influence this movie had on the series. Or just how crazy this movie is by itself. But it's one of my favorites. Psychological horror done extremely well. Edit: ofc I'm late on the SH people telling you >_< Bergen Street Station!

[@chicagojon1972]

I LOVE this movie and have since it was released. I have led interdenominational discussions about the meanings of the film and have had so many wonderful comments from people over the years. People back in the early 90s were blown away by this because there was nothing else like it. Great reaction.

[@maxxkarma]

One of my top 5 movies. It was a blast to see you experience this very unique movie. This one is full of gems, whether it be in the shots, the sets, the story the music or performances, etc. I saw it when it was released and it overwhelmed me and I continue to watch it every so many months (or years).

[@generic_sauce]

Such an incredible movie, only wish more folks knew about it. Also absolutely love the clear influence it had on the Silent Hill game franchise!

[@rpmfla]

5:00 Nailed it again! Wow, you are really tuned in to this movie!

[@JamesVSCinema]

Appreciate that my man! Hahaha love films that puts my brain in a spin!

[@jimiusa1522]

They dont make movies like this anymore, true art

[@r4umediaentertainment831]

This is an absolutely masterful film, and one of my all-time favorites. Absolutely brilliant in every way.

[@Cristopher.C]

nice man I love it when he figures it out whats going on instantly most of the times without even realizing

[@RobertoMarsalis]

Such an insightful and appreciative review of this masterpiece. Enjoyed this immensely.

[@gronkmusic7973]

Man... you nailed it.

[@JamesVSCinema]

Happy to hear, I was really loving this one!

[@Tonyrayyt]

I always feel like "I don't like it, but I like it". Keep up the great artistic reactions.

[@bladasound]

The fact that you only follow Jacob's perspective is the best element of the movie

[@blackannis238]

DJ Shadow sampled Louis's speech on 'Rabbit in your Headlights'. I remember it getting stuck in the back of my mind, and when I finally saw this I nearly fell over!

[@jamesbarels469]

It has been sampled by a few producers in the Electronic music scene. I believe Skinny Puppy sampled Jezebel asking "Is anyone in there, anybody home?"

[@ValisBeetlebum]

So glad you enjoyed this film. Your reactions were basically mine the first time I saw it. Such a profound and emotional story...next-level moviemaking... Oh, and that quote that stuck with you? It was very memorable to others as well. It's featured prominently in the UNKLE song Rabbit in Your Headlights.

[@SiaWhyy]

This is one of those movies where I don’t mind figuring out what’s happening halfway through, it only intensifies the story

[@nightcrawler5696]

One of the most memorable films I've seen. Last time I watched this, the internet wasn't a thing.

[@woeshaling6421]

jason mantzoukas does a movie podcast with paul scheer and uses jacob's ladder as a shorthand for the narrative hook. pretty hilarious when you apply it to different movies

[@matt_afact]

You can see this film's fingerprints all over the Silent Hill games, still one of my favorites to this day.

[@rabbitandcrow]

One of my favorite...horror?...supernatural drama?...spiritual adventure?...movies. And a really beautiful reaction. Your guessing the twist early and seeing you analyze it with that in mind was a real treat.

[@John-ku5uu]

I was knocked out when I saw this in 93. I cried at the end with those happy shots with his son and the sound of his heart beating slower and slower...

[@guest1754]

I highly recommend that you watch Possession (1981), which most likely inspired this movie in terms of visuals and storytelling.

[@malkiyyah2693]

I am so glad you liked this, as it's one of my favorite films. If you want more stories in a similar vein, be sure to read the short story "An Incident at Owl Creek." Jacob's Ladder borrows a LOT of story elements from it, and it's a tight, well-written tale that will make you think.

[@resin8409]

"Then the devils are really angels, freeing you from the earth. It's just a matter of how you look at it, that's all." One of my all-time favorite movies, let alone horror movies. On it's own it's amazing, but the fact that it was one of the main inspirations for Silent Hill? It's a winner for sure, glad you liked it. Love your videos.

[@elwyndude]

8:12 Hey thats Anita, the assistant principal from Uncle Buck. Looks like she took that quarter downtown and put it to good use. 10:02 I didnt think of that the first time I saw this.... good pick up I enjoyed the movie.... but I think I enjoyed your reaction and how you pieced things together. I havent seen it in such a long while it was so refreshing to get your take on it. The 80s were loaded with Vietnam/combat films but this took it from such a great angle that I dont think has been equaled. Really enjoyed this reaction James, one of your best.

[@mikemartell365]

Great review, I saw this back in the 80s as a kid, and honestly went above my head, need to go back and revisit this one. Thank you for bringing this back to my attention.

[@jamesbarels469]

One of the best jump-scares, imo, happens in this film near the end. Been looking forward to seeing this reaction all day when I was at work.

[@kimmyfreak200]

i was just recommending this but see now u reacted to it already..this film is a masterpiece of cinema

[@lifeandfaith]

When I first saw this film, It became one of my all time favorite movies.

[@Claret1882]

Holy sh*t just found this. One of my favourite films of all time. Great to see you react to this!

[@LizanneFox]

Never been this early!! Great, but un-nerving movie. Hope you're well, James!

[@JamesVSCinema]

I’m doing great!! Appreciate that!

[@AlessaParker]

I'm already seeing comments about Silent Hill so I won't repeat the connection but I find it very fitting for this reaction to be posted now because of the recent announcement of the new games + SH2 remake + SH2 film. This film was also referenced in the recent Chainsaw Man anime OP, specifically the ending scene where Jacob sees his son at the bottom of the steps.

[@majimasmajimemes1156]

This movie had a huge influence on the F.E.A.R. videogame series, if you ever want to dive into that in your private time

[@tazarati5934]

Amazing movie! I watched it a bit too young, could only remember the terrifying surreal elements, then on rewatch as an adult, it was so sadly, horrifically beautiful, I was enthralled. Thank you so much for sharing your viewing!

[@NativeNewMexican]

So glad I recommended it, your reaction was awesome.

[@beautyforashes2230]

Loved your review, and this is one of my favorite movies. Thank you, and greetings from Germany!

[@gumbomudderx7503]

This movie is super underrated imo. I guess death is one of the things that scares me more than anything. I’ve seen this movie so many times since I was a kid, and it still gives me chills and seems to hit harder the older and closer to death I get.

[@bethscott4330]

Great job. I also loved the chiropractor and helping Jacob change perspectives.

[@s.c.sanchez1610]

I love this film & the way it is structured. Maybe Hell is a place some of us have to go through before we get to the "Good Place". In the end it's about accepting & finally letting go.

[@adrienne1958l]

One of my favorites films ever . You certainly did it justice.

[@natorigoudelock6027]

You don't know what you reacting to this means to me. I love this movie, great choice James.