James Wan Is An Absolute Madman (MALIGNANT Reaction)

[@dlweiss]

I knew this film would be bonkers as soon as we hit: "It's TIME....we CUT OUT the CANCER" *INTENSE 2000s GUITAR SOLO*

[@belpop]

😂😂😂 bruh same

[@Lannisen]

It was the opening scene with the asylum on the hilltop for me. My brain went "huh, that kind of looks like House On Haunted Hill", and adjusted accordingly. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@moonakieater2308]

A cool thing is that "Gabriel" is actually played by a woman. And she is a contortionist of sorts and dancer and she actually did most of the backwards stuff herself.

[@blegh3236]

This woman also played Lisa Trevor in the new Resident Evil movie coming out this year, hopefully the same level of bizarre moves

[@jadeandjesse5908]

Funniest thing about that is that when I 1st watched this movie I thought to myself that Gabriel had oddly slender feminine arms and shoulders, and assumed as the plot went along that he was her separated male twin and thus resembled her and they had a twin psychic connection, but never noticed that Gabriel and Madison had the same hair lmao. I seriously noticed the body shape but not that it was backwards and had her hair

[@theredalpha7290]

@@jadeandjesse5908 I noticed the body shape, got confused, just never put it together that it was Madison’s body lol.

[@undeaddylan6668]

It’s worth mentioning too that she wasn’t the only contortionists who played Gabriel, he was actually co played both by her and by Troy James, another amazing contortionists actor who’s played various characters like the jangly man in scary stories to tell in the dark, and rag doll in the flash. Both actors would swap in and out of the role depending on how they wanted Gabriel to move in each specific scene.

[@nandislaughter785]

He was also played by a male contortionist

[@bloodygoodjune9292]

This movie is such a beautiful mesh of 70s Giallo, 80s cheesey horror, 90s slasher, and 00s psychological thriller. I feel like Wan loves horror like us diehard fans and gave us this amazing gift, a kind of love letter to horror.

[@johnwoo8502]

I agree. When Brandon mentioned Wan has started 3 different franchises, it made me realize that only someone in Wan's position could convince a major studio to spend $40 million on a brilliant homage to those genres!

[@Ahluk1]

I don't care what anyone says, I absolutely enjoyed this movie. James Wan took a risk and I loved it.

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

I always appreciate movies that take risks!

[@rolanddeschain6089]

Absolutely right. I rather watch something thats fails in the end but really tried something new, with clear artistic choices, than the next luke warm franchise blockbuster. Thats one reason why I like Shyamalan, for example. His stuff does not work every time, but he does his thing. He makes his movies. It is always interesting.

[@reato6826]

That shot that reveals the Gabriel twist always gets the best reactions from people 😅

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

So insane 😆

[@bigheadrhino]

I laughed so hard. Reminded me of something out of Tales from the Crypt

[@UMewMew]

​@Brandon Likes Movies omg you are absolutely handsome

[@rockyxbautista]

This movie was absolutely bonkers in the best way. I know quite a few people didn’t like the execution, but I honestly enjoyed the cheese and the campiness lol. It felt like a love letter to really campy old horror movies (stuff like Basket Case), and even if it wasn’t perfect, I still think it was a really fun watch!

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Exactly! I admire a movie/director that tries for something different and unexpected

[@draskang]

seems funny & campy, though I do wish they did something a little more "horrory" than just Matrix martial arts, but it does make it more silly/funny.

[@iesickboy]

Oh Basket Case. That's a rare reference. Brings back memories.

[@TheTodd5761]

I wasnt sure I liked the reveal initially but upon further reflection and embracing its bat-shit craziness...i dig it.

[@Vohaul86]

I had no interest watch this movie (didn't know it was James Wan, though), but when I started to listen Red Letter Media's video I had to pause it and check if the movie was still on in my home town. Actually had its last day at the local cinema, so had to hurry there. And it was a blast! =D

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

This movie is insane. It’s batshit. It shouldn’t work, but it somehow does

[@DTec1978]

Does it though? For me it was a swing and a miss

[@ReallyGoodandKind]

@@DTec1978 sad for you. I like to enjoy things I guess

[@DTec1978]

@@ReallyGoodandKind I too like to enjoy things. However, if those things are shitty, I do not enjoy them. I assume you understand this basic concept?

[@majimasmajimemes1156]

Guys, this is a question of taste, not understanding.

[@Pingkonk]

@@ReallyGoodandKind I agree, this movie was GREAT

[@shurik121]

This movie goes off the rails in a glorious way. More movies should do it. Also, the soundtrack is amazing.

[@kdizzle901]

Studios wouldn’t make them the only reason they let James Wan do it was because he’s launched 3 franchises not to mention Furious 7 and Aquaman which both made a billion plus

[@oaklandtony3306]

Hell yeah, this movie was a little of a trip. The one shot of her running through the house blew my mind.

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Loved the creativity on that!

[@HistoritorJimaldus]

DePalma homage for sure

[@PhantomShadow224]

From seeing absolutely no trailers or anything about this movie, I was loving it cuz that final act is pure crazy.

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Same! I had no expectations going in and it pays off for sure

[@PhantomShadow224]

@@BrandonLikesMovies hey, since October is pretty close can I recommend “1408”? It was the first horror movie I saw and one of my favorites or alternatively “Rubber” which is certainly an interesting horror movie

[@Welsh_Dragon756]

The trailers did this film no favours in my opinion. Yes of course you don't want to give anything away but the way they did them had people going in expecting a completely different type of film. I love these types of films but it took me a while to get what I was watching as at first I thought it was just bad acting and not intensional bad acting because the trailers made it look like it was going to be completely serious horror. Once I got it I embraced the camp and had a blast with it.

[@PhantomShadow224]

@@Welsh_Dragon756 yeah, I heard they had no idea how to market it.

[@colinjensen8303]

I watched this movie last night with my family and I can’t remember the last time a movie entertained me this much. It’s 1/3 legitimately good, 1/3 so bad that it’s good, and 1/3 80s camp craziness good, and I love all of those things.

[@ramenshino]

PURE CINEMA, I'm so glad he made this insane movie. Had such a great time.

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Yeah you can tell he had fun with it

[@film_nerd_frank]

James Wan made a modern B-movie slasher. The corny elements, strange music choices, crazy monster design, questionable dialogue, and one dimensional characters were all classic hallmarks that left me very satisfied as horror flick enthusiast

[@danielruiz8259]

The constant use of Where Is My Mind in the unapropiate moments, give me a chuckle, every single time.

[@thedailyembarassment]

They used it three times I believe, when Madison tells Sydney she's adopted, when the biological mother wakes up and when she falls out of the ceiling. I feel like the first two times were a bit random, but when Jane/Serena falls from the ceiling and Madison screams, the music works.

[@BADmoviesBradyDemarest]

Anytime I can watch a movie and have a very different experience than what I'm used to is always great. Having a director as talented and powerful as James Wan is rare in the horror community, and when he is allowed to make whatever he wants he delivers something wild and fun with amazing cinematography and effects. I praise James Wan a lot but I think it is very well deserved. One of my biggest inspirations.

[@CarloisBuriedAlive]

Some of the greatest and most artistic directors of all time have made horror movies.

[@ZackBellGames]

Brandon 3min in: “that baby better survive” WELP

[@OneDarkMartian]

My favourite movie of 2021 so far. James Wan's homage to Italian Giallo, Dario Argento and 80s campy horror. I had an absolute blast with this movie. Great reaction as always.

[@Lupinvej]

I loved James Wans take on the Giallo genre, he went all out batshit crazy 😂

[@marennicholson5444]

Me during the jail cell scene: “Is this happening? Is this happening?!! THIS IS HAPPENING!!” Proceeds to cheer alone in my apartment. Also did you note the use of The Pixies Where Is My Mind as the score? I really enjoyed this movie and didn’t expect to laugh out loud going into it at all.

[@belpop]

OMG WAS IT REALLY USED??? Because when the music played I was like this sounds like where is my mind but I didn’t know if it was actually sampled or not

[@SidariYumanara]

I also went into this movie (in theaters) completly blind, only knowing it was made by James Wan (who I adore) and I'm so glad I didn't research more beforehand. Out of 3 movies I watched on that day, this was the one I expected the least but that surprised me the most. I love the atmosphere it build, the plottwists were crazy and I think it had a good balance of jump scares and gore. Also the music and the camera work were both amazingly well done (especially with the big theater screen!) Sure, this movie was a bit of a risk and a lot of people didn't enjoy it at all, but for someone who loves crazy concepts I think this is one of my new favourite horror movies from the last few years. (I kinda regret not reacting to this haha)

[@jadeandjesse5908]

Even though this movie is about as subtle as a sledge hammer to the sight of your head, I always think that moment when Derek unplugs the blender and it runs for just a few seconds without power is an under appreciated creepy moment.

[@titaniumman02]

Video: *just uploaded* Comment Section: *full of lengthy, well made reviews already*

[@Ahluk1]

I don't know if you've seen Haunting of Hill House (highly recommend), but the young Emily is Theo in that. Definitely a rising star.

[@joefrog91]

BB hello oh h UTI just hyy

[@foster1619]

MJ: i do the best moonwalk Gabriel: i'm about to end this man's whole career Edit: the music that play some times in the movie is a Where is My Mind cover by Safari Riot, very good

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

😂😂😂😂

[@katspov9945]

"Well, if the baby ends up being a demon. Maybe one positive is..." LOL. My favorite line of yours now.

[@rock4ever302]

Halfway through the movie "Their connection runs way deeper than I initially thought." Oh boy... He isn't prepared.

[@griffongamer4779]

26:38 Love your reaction here! My reaction was pretty much the same, but I figured out Gabriel was attached to her, but I was expecting a face on the back of her skull not a deformed looking Muppet! Wild!

[@feda9843]

Great movie! James Wan said in the featurette that he wanted to make it more 80's campy style since he loves those movies, so he added a lot of old clichés . The guy really knows how to change it up in a good way! That's also what I loved about Conjuring 3 it was very different from his usual horror style.

[@patrickrhodes4679]

James Wan Is An Absolute Madman AND WE LOVE HIM FOR IT.

[@sheen-4509]

This movie wasn't really scary but oh my lord, did it give me the heebie jeebies. The way Gabriel moves around and the single shot panning over the entire set stood out to me the most.

[@nadronnocojr]

Like your surroundings , creates a cool atmosphere. Well done on all counts , review/ reaction

[@PhantomShadow224]

As someone who has gotten hit in the back of the head in the past, this made me super uncomfortable.

[@Vincent8190X]

I had a blowout and pulled into a parking lot and changed my tire. It was shredded so I had to lift it in my trunk awkwardly, hands close together on the inner rim. Got overbalanced and fell backwards. I tossed the tire before It smashed my face, but my head cracked against the pavement and I seen a flash. I laid there for a while and checked for blood, which there was none. No one came to check on me even though there were people around(@$$holes). The next day I had a seizure and bit my tongue so hard it swoll up so much I could barely drink water. Head wounds aren't a joke.

[@PhantomShadow224]

@@Vincent8190X owwww, you alright these days dude?

[@kylestark8581]

Love this movie, it was absolutely insane 🤘

[@zachsutton2113]

Absolutely loved this movie 😁

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

It's quite the experience!

[@lordcrispen]

I'm sure you know by now, but Zoe Bell was the blonde woman in the jail cell. That's the actress from Tarantino's Deathproof that did all her own stunts on the hood of the car. Brandon, this was a lot of fun. Thanks for doing this one. You continue to entertain!

[@nickpiccolo9106]

This movie fully embraced its "campiness" and that's why it worked for me.!

[@thebookgeek87]

The sister was the MVP of this movie. This movie was crazy & I liked it despite its flaws. It was wild

[@Impulse_Films]

I know it’s cheesy, but I unapologetically love this film.

[@biguy617]

So people do. This movie seems to split audiences on whether it is bad or good. I am on the side that hates this movie.

[@kdizzle901]

It’s called camp

[@katielong8495]

Love your spooky background! So excited to see more of your spooky reactions!

[@poindexterjones206]

The movie was entertaining and I loved the giallo influences. This one went off the rails and it was awesome.

[@Rudytricks]

Ahhaah yeeeesss sooo good ❤️❤️ So good that you made reaction to this masterpiece 🙏🙏

[@plnkfloydian7814]

I really enjoyed the twist, albeit a bit silly, because I didn’t see it coming. I remember even shedding a tear or two when they reveal he is her parasitic twin, seeing him in such agony and hen they were prodding him got me in my feels for whatever reason

[@jpgaw7175]

Love the spooky outro! Got me hyped for your next spooky reactions.

[@SmashAdams216]

Bro, your setup looks so good!

[@RaymLovesEggs]

Reminds me a lot of that Stephen King movie The Dark Half, directed by the great George A. Romero. Sad it's pretty much forgotten.

[@luciwolffrsa]

Same. It's very very similar to the story. I only read the book.

[@WhiteBearProductionsLPW]

Fun fact: The voice of Gabriel was played by Ray Chase, a well-known voice actor who was in various videogames, anime, etc.

[@Cauti0nSeaman]

just started the video and i just wanna say WOW THE HALLOWEEN SET IS SO COOL. I LOVE IT SO MUCH IT LOOKS AWESOME YOU OUTDID YOURSELF

[@JurassicGodzillaFan]

I loved this film. Easily top five this year. James Wan hit it out of the park. The soundtrack was fantastic. The twist I didn't see coming. The police station massacre was insane since Maniac Cop 2. Annabelle Wallis did good. It felt I was watching a 90's or 80's film. Love it.

[@EliteJCTV]

Brandon, idk if you recognize the little girl who is playing the young version of the lead character. But she played The daughter in another James Wan Film She played the daughter of Ed and Lorraine Warren from Annabelle Homecoming.

[@ghostsurfer23]

Man, I'm so glad you reacted to this one, and so soon after it was released too. I saw it in theatres and loved it. Yeah, I get why some people are critical of it, with a couple tonal decisions that are a bit peculiar and some plot points that maybe don't make the most sense. But at the same time I just don't care; it's a fun ride, and a wild one. And not even in a "just turn your brain off" kinda way. The movie is smart, even if it exhibits its intelligence in an occasionally goofy and/or over the top way.

[@TheMaskedChef7]

Can we take a minute to appreciate that perfect background setup please! 💙🤍 I mean the details and colors! so brilliant! happy spooky season Brandon.

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Thank you so much 🎃

[@spiderjeranimo4992]

"Why does Gabriel look like an evil skeliton alien?" "Don't know!" "Wouldn't this invasive surgury leave her with scars down her back, noticable by family or husbands?" "Don't know!" "Why didn't the doctors treating her head injery at the start notice a second brain crammed inside her skull?" "Don't know!" "Why is Gabriel able to control electircity like they're Thor?" "Don't know!" "How does Gabriel have super speed and strengh when they are using the body of an average female?" "Don't know!" - Critical Drinker. "Is this a horror or a comedy?" "Don't know!" "Was this on purpose or an accident?" "Don't know!" - Critical Stoner.

[@Aeneiden]

Yes on the last one

[@LazyLampshade]

One of the craziest movies I’ve ever seen, it reminds me of an Eminem hook: “If you could count the skeletons in my closet Under my bed and up under my faucet Then you would know I’ve completely lost it Is he nuts? No! He’s INSANE!” Thank you Mr. Wan for another classic, I love you.

[@Pingkonk]

The actress who plays young Madison is the actress who played the main girl in The Conjuring 2

[@rustcohle7658]

That’s cool you noticed her shadow looked like Gabriel in the beginning, I never noticed that

[@timnordstrom7383]

"If Derek gets attacked here we celebrate" lmao.

[@BloodylocksBathory]

"Interesting, is she somehow CONNECTED to this thing?" Heh heh heh...

[@ambercerasani4991]

This movie was wild but in such a good way!

[@belpop]

AHHHH YASSSSS MALIGNANT!!!! I can’t even tell you how much I loved this movie. It was so campy and insanely over the top and absolutely fucking bonkers and sometimes even a bit silly and I loved every single damn second of it. “Horror” movies don’t always have to be legit terrifying. This movie did not really scare me, but it ENTERTAINED the hell out of me and that’s all I can ask. This feels like an old B horror movie from the 80s and I love it so much.

[@brendonwood3609]

Wished I would have watched this in theaters with a packed house. I bet the laughing would be unbelievable. :)

[@thedailyembarassment]

I've seen this 4 times in theaters, one showing it was a good audience. Some good reactions were to the head slam, Dr. Weaver running while Madison walks down the stairs, Sydney's terrible parking job, "Come on Kae" and "I'm putting out a BOLO on Sloth from the Goonies".

[@suncore598]

One of the craziest horror plot twists I've seen.

[@amandaevans7908]

So glad you watched this and enjoyed it!! This one took me totally by surprise in the best way!

[@Mizgrievoux]

I won't say good or bad for this movie but it was definitely something that won't soon be forgotten and definitely went places that others wouldnt dare so points for that. All in all though i was certainly entertained for like 96% of its runtime and that itself is a rare thing.

[@missingclover]

I found it so weird they used a piece of "Where is my mind" by the Pixies as some sort of musical cue lol. I immediately recognized that AAAAAHHHHAAAAAAA in the soundtrack. I can't remember the last time a movie did that.

[@Oscar-bu6jo]

Fight Club?

[@missingclover]

@@Oscar-bu6jo Was the song used as a le motif for a character in Fight Club or just at the ending? I can't remember but i thought they just used the song once on the ending.

[@fabianpena367]

I love your videos. I started watching you a lot when I got diagnosed with covid and your vids would keep me entertained all day. Love your vids keep up the good work

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Hope you're feeling much better now!

[@fabianpena367]

@@BrandonLikesMovies I am tested negative 3 days ago

[@andyjohnson4907]

There's nothing malignant about the hit sitcom Spaced, directed by Edgar Wright.

[@Frozen_Smoke1972]

That house is either a TARDIS or everybody immediately shrinks when the enter it. Compare the external shots to the internal - how do all those MASSIVE rooms fit inside that rather modest looking house?

[@Marcussanders-83]

When i saw that part about truth was revealed i freaked out the twin .

[@assembled1855]

I bet the sequel will show that Madison will be on the run from the whole entire laws due to Gabriel's actions.

[@brothercartman]

Dude the twist in this is totally bonkers lmao

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

For real haha never seen anything like it

[@mykeleddy2608]

Hope Brandon does a reaction to army of darkness for Halloween. Loved his reaction to evil dead 1&2

[@elmnrst6207]

This reaction was great, some of your comments had me dying with laughter 😭

[@michaelgrace5677]

Completely bonkers ending!!! Everybodies favorite stuntwoman Zoe Bell plays the blond mullet in the cell at the end.

[@mr.vesper5659]

Goddammit I love this movie because of how bold James Wan was with handling it.

[@theestargirll]

It was a pleasant surprise. I've rewatched it at least two times

[@Pingkonk]

Adored this! Such a weird movie but damn I liked it

[@themiIes]

I love that there are some people who are brave enough for movies like this. The intentional camp, the insane twist and over the top gore made this a fresh and crazy experience.

[@LoserQuestShow]

11:44 "Interesting, is she somehow connected to this thing?" Hmm...well, erm...you see... 😂

[@gaviriak]

I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH I love the clasic horror style movie The clasic horror movie And Decetive is such a dady 😋

[@lv.2073]

9:06 SPOILER I legit thought this woman was Madison until she fell through the ceiling later. I was pretty confused for that chunk of the movie😅

[@alphavermen2718]

Love the new set up for spooky season

[@marionhope7506]

Dope reaction video! Yo! Gabe was out there doing the most, though!!😄 *GIMME MORE!😎👍🏿*

[@mattkalof3040]

I don’t know if this is the place to give requests but I might recommend reacting to Memento. I think it’s a great movie and could make for a great reaction video.

[@liamjoyce7774]

James Wan directed a film called "Death sentence" with Kevin Bacon. You should check it out dude! It's badass.

[@drasticbread249]

The holding cell scene is easily my favorite part, first seeing Mr. Potato Head come out of that horrible wig and then using mullet lady as a bullet shield, or "mullet shield" 🤣

[@cristina08888]

😂😂😂

[@captjackp]

I only watched this movie after I heard so much about the twist and after I saw it I calmly turned the tv off, didn’t say a word, and went outside 😂😂😂😂

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Nothing can prepare you haha

[@myself_yuvraj]

This movie has James Wan written all over it.

[@angelwolfplays6456]

For October, you should check out a forgotten gem directed by George Romero and based on a Stephen King novel, The Dark Half. It plays around with the concept of parasitic twins in a very similar way.

[@ZeusKabooze]

This could very well be part of The Darkness Universe! Really cool!

[@Pavol_M]

"Baby better survive" 5 minnutes later: "Fuck..."

[@ZelinkSupporter]

Regardless of what people say about this movie, I have mad respect for anyone who takes a risk and fail at it rather then plays it safe and succeeds ❤

[@ringer1324]

I love this movie it’s probably my favorite horror movie I’ve seen in awhile

[@007wars6]

I don’t love this movie and I could really rip into it (when it comes to the writing especially), but it’s SO FUN!! And so unique and fresh. My rating is a 6 or 5/10 now but it was a 7 or 8/10 while watching

[@jaredwatt8769]

Wasnt sure about this one at first but goddamn that police massacre scene

[@katwebbxo]

Just watched it last night. Tbh I'm still processing what I think of it lol but overall I like the story and his filmmaking was awesome as usual. Edit: It made me think of Voldemort on Professor Quirrell too! 😂

[@VirtualSatyr]

The first 2/3 "Yeah, ok. Seen this before. The last 1/3 "WTF!!!

[@BrandonLikesMovies]

Accurate lol

[@happyx420x]

I feel like I’m the only one who likes this movie. So stoked to see you react to it.

[@jromins9155]

Movies like this don't get made anymore. Studios play it safe and they also had no idea how to market this. It took a huge name in the game to make something unique. Wan wanted this to be a homage to that cheesy horror movie which he definitely accomplished! We need more creative ideas like this!

[@thedailyembarassment]

I feel like if something like this came out in the 80's or even 90's it would be a lot more talked about. I feel like now a lot of people are desensitized

[@biguy617]

The Dark Half is on the Cinemax streaming channel.

[@SpoonySpooky]

The way I figured out the twist was the song where is my mind by safari riot