Shelby Oaks: Early Fantasia Review

[@WarlordRising]

Roger Ebert was a critic for porn films before he wrote the screenplay for Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. It wasn't well received at first, but it later became a cult classic.Some people have natural artistic talent. For others, it takes time and hard lessons learned. Respect to Stuckmann for chasing the dream. On the same token, he must be able to be receptive to the same criticism we're all entitled to.

[@elorajdh]

Or maybe his work isn't good. Time will tell, but no need for the participation award.

[@prasantabehera7461]

Ebert was a friend of 'Russ Meyer' who mostly directed erotic films.

[@Freak_Offs_Lubricant]

Roger Ebert was doing WHAT ! 😳

[@Ndrake89]

@@elorajdh what??? I had no idea about that. Crazy

[@MrGMovieReviews]

His reaction to any criticism of this film will be fucking hysterical, coming from someone who’s interacted with him

[@luxurybuzz3681]

I can't wait to see Chris Stuckmann review of Shelby Oaks

[@vladkornienko7889]

I bet it will be the same as “googley eyes”.

[@oneeyedcrow]

He stopped reviewing bad films

[@sophiaandre139]

😂

[@richardscranton4159]

@@oneeyedcrow🥁

[@RodolfLeclerc]

@@oneeyedcrow Ouch!

[@AmityFeatures]

Kind of what I expected, but I commend Stuckmann for going out and doing it. I hope he improves with experience.

[@Mr_Flerb]

I know reviews are largely subjective, but I think you can be more descriptive than “not scary” and “million times better.” You can offer criticism of the pacing, acting, structure, etc, without revealing the twist.

[@Nestid93]

Exactly! Review itself is quite unprofessional to be honest.

[@jeremykokinos5662]

When he said "I didn't jump once" I tuned out. Lol

[@MarcosSouza-rr5ns]

Agreed 100%

[@drewgoin8849]

Thank you! I was wondering why a critic - one who's apparently knowledgeable about mid century French cinema - would refrain from discussing "Shelby Oaks'" technical elements and Stuckmann's creative vision.

[@AJsFigures]

As soon as I hear anyone say "not scary" when reviewing a horror movie, or "I didnt jump once" it completely takes away all credibility for me.

[@PaulMelia]

Just cos you like movies doesn't mean you will be good at making them. That said good on him for trying and following his passion.

[@alexthebigmac4497]

“If you love movies with enough passion you can’t help but to make a good movie.” -Quentin Tarantino

[@PaulMelia]

@@alexthebigmac4497 Love Tarantino but he is just wrong on that one. Plenty people love movies and make shit ones.

[@gjbsarmeri3957]

There is a reason why film school exists

[@spencerrutt]

@@gjbsarmeri3957 and so many great directors never went to film school... that is irrelevant.

[@theredmachete5877]

​@@spencerruttnot everyone is top of the class. Your parents really made you feel special huh

[@Whocares1987]

The word “Shelby” probably has to be the least scary word in the English language. Shelby Oaks sounds like a trailer park.

[@legendarygigolo823]

You're so right 😆 🤣😭

[@steveblundell7766]

“Shelby” has a friendly and approachable connotation, and “Oaks,” suggests stability and growth-elements often associated with youthful narratives, like Dawsons Creek or One Tree Hill

[@kdizzle901]

It’s a horrible title

[@slate49]

I thought it was about a trailer park..until this video

[@markhernden9472]

Actually, it's kind of scary if you've seen Peaky Blinders.

[@HitorMissHallmark]

I was at the Fantasia premiere as well, and my hopes were pretty high for this feature. I think it's commendable what he did with his kickstarter campaign and getting distribution by Neon, I mean, that's a literal dream come true, so hats off to him for all of that. I do agree with you though. I was hoping for more risk, more creative choices (with the exception of "that" moment). It was pretty safe. But, there's promise. Really curious as what he does next.

[@LeinaVance]

You can't be really ambitious with a small scale film like this. Given enough budget and more experience I'm sure he'll find his thing and take more risks.

[@ursula868]

Sounds reflective of Stuckman's personality. He is bland and safe on KZbin these days. I used to find him a lot more animated and creative, loved his hilariocity reviews. Stopped watching his videos several years ago when the passion seemed to die and every review was "safe".

[@azcardguy7825]

I was also at Fantasia and I 100% agree. I was disappointed and expected a significantly different film just based on the criticism Chris has given over the years. The jump scares were my biggest issue with the movie… I could not believe how many he ended up using. Direct result of a lackluster story and borderline hilarious “twist”

[@djtenzen]

The promo art says it all, no shade. But it does.

[@devinfrederking]

I was always underwhelmed by the Title "Shelby Oaks" as it doesn't communicate either theme or genre for the movie.

[@steveblundell7766]

@@devinfrederking Terrible title for a horror film, It sounds more like a coming-of-age drama or a teen-oriented TV series like One Tree Hill

[@bipolarewok]

@@devinfrederkingneither does twin peaks, Fargo, Philadelphia, tombstone, etc etc, for that matter. Not all names need to tell what the movie’s about.

[@devinfrederking]

@@bipolarewok True. Agree 100%. I just think that as a crowd funded, low budget indie movie, and debut film I would want to be clear that yes this is a horror movie.

[@flackjacket3dits]

​@@bipolarewoktombstone is the name of a town in Arizona clown

[@Haplo699g]

I don't think anyone thinks a Critic can't become a director In Stuckmanns case, it feels more that he compromised his criticism to further his directorial aspirations.

[@BurnsReviews]

He’s too Stuckmanized

[@raptorskilltor4554]

He sucked up to the movie elites to be there

[@penske_material]

@@raptorskilltor4554 probably literally

[@steveblundell7766]

Godard, Truffaut, Rivette, Chabrol .. they were all critics before they became film-makers. But as a film critic, Stuckman isn't in the same league as these guys. I wouldn't even call him a critic he is just an average film fan with an opinion. And any movie he makes will reflect that

[@MrBooone]

Oh shut the fuck up about this already

[@drewmcgill5290]

Yes, because almost every film has the clause of not giving full reviews until the embargo drops.

[@konghere]

Good film or not, i respect Chris Stuckmann for making the transition from youtube content creator, to being in the film industry. Especially working with flannagen and being picked up ny Neon. Thats a huge success no matter what imo.

[@Bluboy30]

I'm not a die hard Chris Stuckmann fan, I've only discovered his channel a couple of years ago. While I like some of his reviews, I feel like he's holding back on some movies that he reviewed and didn't like. Glad to see he made the jump to actually making a movie. But I'm not surprised that this one isn't that great.

[@Whocares1987]

He’s spineless Will do anything and avoid everything to avoid any semblance of criticism. He’s way too vanilla to be a good critic let alone a film maker. He’s desperate to be a Hollywood big shot that he won’t say a negative word about a movie in fear that he might burn some type of bridge or future connection in the industry. Pretty lame if you ask me.

[@serenacelestine]

He switched up his style a few years back. Before he used to rip into some films if he didn’t like them (I really enjoyed his Hilariocity reviews for this reason). Since he has decided that he doesn’t want to criticise movies as they do require effort on the part of the writer, director or at least crew etc. Do I think you can be critical in a respectful way? Yes. Do I think part of this new passivity is because he’s suddenly aware his own efforts could be mocked? Also yes. But I don’t think the hate he gets is exactly fair. It’s his channel and his prerogative imo and some of the vitriol people come at him with is actually strange to me.

[@NathanDrakeTheGreat]

​@@Whocares1987Should've taken a page out of Tarantino's book. He don't give af, he rips movies apart all the time, and he's doing great.

[@MFgabesylar3030]

@@Whocares1987 "spineless" is a bit harsh. He just stated a few years ago that he didn't want to rip into films publicly anymore. As he wanted to focus on the more positive aspects of film. I appreciate the fact too that he addressed this in a video as well, letting his viewers know. That doesn't seem spineless to me. Seems pretty transparent.

[@kdizzle901]

He used to be a great KZbin critic he’s awful now

[@LuckySTR8]

The lack of Zod's snapped neck is a no go for me

[@vladkornienko7889]

Tell that to Zod’s snapped neck! 😠😠😠😠

[@Nova-fh2et]

That's awesome

[@j-555]

tell that to shelby's snapped oaks.

[@tylermeyer2163]

Wonder if there's a moment in the movie where someone say's I grew up with this

[@j-555]

@@tylermeyer2163 there will be. In after credits sequence that teases “notes from Melanie part 2”

[@fabes63]

Wishing Chris Stuckmann the best!

[@veteranredbeard6222]

I think he did the whole "i wont be negatively reviewing films" as a way to hedge his bets on his movie. He didn't want to keep making fun of movies, just to be laughed at. In this spirit, i knew it wouldn't be great. He didn't have confidence in his own project.

[@gorequillnachovidal]

he didn't want to get blackballed by people in the industry

[@adamh3624]

Exactly right

[@elliotplazinski2264]

I thought it was because he understood how much work went into a film so to entirely shit on them is wrong.

[@adamh3624]

@elliotplazinski2264 He always knew this. When he started making his own movie, he changed his tune. He wanted other reviewers to go easy on him. He's a hack.

[@denzellmovies]

@@adamh3624 Why so synical? Is it really that hard to believe him making a movie of his own has made him look at movies differently? I don't see what is so weird about that

[@henriette2456]

I dare anyone to watch Chris's short films and consider whether he has the potential to make a decent movie.

[@MediaLoverChris02]

Tf is that even supposed to mean???

[@flackjacket3dits]

​@MediaLoverChris02 he's shit at filmmaking

[@emptyblank099a]

Most directors have terrible short films.

[@pesky716]

If I were to review this comments section, I would rate it uninspired and extremely predictable. One side loyal to Stuckman, one side frothing at the mouth for a reason to criticize him.

[@Ndrake89]

Yeah he did it to himself. It's perfectly fair criticism.

[@A_YouTube_Commenter]

I like Chris, but I don't like him being flaky. He never had bad will with criticism. He can say something sucks. It's not personal.

[@steveblundell7766]

He strikes me as the sort of person who would make a good friend but a lousy film-maker

[@himmelektronik]

keep in mind the vast majority of people hasn't even watched the film and still they jump to conclusions that fit their narrow little hater narratives.

[@Ndrake89]

@@himmelektronik how do you know people haven't seen it. And it's haven't not hasn't

[@harlemdeni]

1) A 5/10 directorial debut is NOT BAD at all. It was mentioned a couple of times that the twist is great and I'm looking forward to it. 2) Being a great, or at least the most subscribed film critic on youtube doesn't mean it'll all translate into making great, or even good movies. I think Stuckmann was fully aware of that, but! 3) Kudos to him for making his dream come true. Whether this movie is a masterpiece, a mediocre one like this review says, or pure hot garbage - millions of people only dream about this, and he actually did it.

[@anthonywheeler2082]

Ya gotta start somewhere

[@harold3165]

It just so happens that Chris is starting at the very bottom.

[@gj9157]

​@@harold3165 makes sense

[@georgeh4171]

Would be surprised if he got a second chance after this. It was crowdfunded film with a Director with Internet fame to generate a potential audience. Of course Neon would give it a try.

[@tyleradams3490]

I was cautiously optimistic about Shelby Oaks...his sorta *best* short film was pretty awful, the writing especially. But his enthusiasm and effort on Shelby Oaks had me hopeful. I also thought with more stakes for him he might rise to the occasion. I hope he improves and has another shot at a feature. Curious: How were the VFX in the film? Were they well done, or did they stick out like a sore thumb?

[@fbanget]

The visual fx are fine there aren’t that many fx shots. Given the budget, I found the movie to be great looking and well shot.

[@MrBooone]

Man, I gotta say, I fucking hate the discourse of everyone shitting on him because he geared his reviews to being more "Positive". As someone who makes videos themsevles, I also would get sick of making videos about movies I don't like. Also saying a movie "isn't scary" is such a dogshit criticism, I don't think any horror really scares me

[@WarlordRising]

The overall is reception is mixed right now, which is pretty damn good for a first time director.

[@jabrokneetoeknee6448]

You know exactly what is meant by “not scary” in the context of a discussion about a horror movie. It means there weren’t any genuine chills, unsettling moments, or effective use of tension… as in it wasn’t very intense

[@thesnerg8691]

I’ve always seen Chris as a very sensitive guy through his reviews and comments, there’s a lot of unconfident wishy washy energy through his film, it could’ve been good with a more confident locked in director.

[@FP19487]

Interesting take. Honestly after the success of Talk to Me debut from Raka, I’m hopeful this will strengthen the studios to take chances and bring out more creative talents from YT to big screen. Either way not everyone can stick the first landing, most weren’t. Kudos to Stuckmann for chasing his dream. Still gonna check it out for myself.

[@prasantabehera7461]

Chris is a first time director and had been very passionate about his film. Am glad he found a major studio to distribute his film. You should also now try making a horror film since you are an ardent horror fan like Chris Stuckmann.

[@DBZ003]

Chris Stuckmann has consistently honored the requests of filmmakers and studios when they ask to not spoil a major plot point, and his reviews are still interesting. I think blaming the request not to spoil the twist as a reason for a sub-par review more speaks to your current abilities as a critic of movies.

[@Locadel2003]

Let’s hope Stuckmann gets to do some bigger and better movies. Just watch David Fincher first movie and also M Might Shyamalan first movie, the second one was a masterpiece but the first was just bad

[@FutureRules]

David Fincher or M Night's first movie tops this one, even David Sandberg's first youtube short is waaaay better than this, lmao.

[@neonumber9885]

​@@FutureRules what were some of your issues with it?

[@vismayavijoy4818]

Some of the best horror movies of recent times hereditary, get out, witch, babadook etc were directorial debuts. So Stuckmann has equal chance of not making it too

[@32lilbruce]

sorry but not everyone wants that, hes a shill and his perception of what good films are is everything wrong with him.

[@jabrokneetoeknee6448]

@@neonumber9885 I doubt he even saw it

[@MrRicardowill]

This breaks my heart. I was hoping it got at least an 8 out of 10, but it’s understandable. Stuck man has been polishing his image leading up to the release, I wonder if he will go back to his old Stuckman and be brutally honest with his reviews?

[@mooviedude141]

I grew up with Shelby Oaks

[@Renob3]

Ngl I’m getting hater vibes with this review 😂

[@LilZestyStinkyNegga15]

Dude literally stated he knew nothing about Chris

[@jessicapreston9808]

💯

[@j-555]

Oh come on. The movie is REALLY bad. 5/10 is pretty restrained. I've been reading reviews and impressions from attendees of the festival. The things they're saying make me go "yikes."

[@loui30]

He literally praises Stuckmann multiple times, what hate?

[@lurkzie]

How has he still not put out a trailer?

[@JustinSimpson]

Now that Neon will be the film’s distributor, they will be the ones responsible for the trailer and marketing.

[@docsamson198]

As someone who has had to doctor low-budget horror scripts, I know how hard it is to make an excellent horror movie. Thanks for the honest review. Hopefully Stuckmann does better next time.

[@j-555]

I don't get why so many amateurs want to start in that genre. It's such a tired genre because nearly every idea to scare or disturb audiences has been attempted. It's the hardest one in a lot of ways, in my opinion. It takes a brilliant auteur like Hitchcock or Kubrick to make not only an effective horror piece, but one that is a quality movie as well. Sure, there's a lot of trashy movies with scary parts, but that's just cheap exploitation. I think beginners should start in comedy, drama and *maybe* sci-fi if it's small and clever enough, but the fantasy, horror and action genres are just not for freshmen filmmakers.

[@leeahare]

Horror doesn't need to be jumpy. Some horror movies that rely on jump scares often are annoying af, a good example of this is The Descent 2, it was almost unwatchable because of this. Thanks for the review.

[@quodnomenmihiest6283]

If by "jumpy" you mean jump scares, I hear this movie has plenty of them. I do agree that they are overused and annoying.

[@user-wl2md5kz7k]

It’s only his first movie, I don’t think anyone is expecting it to be scary like the exorcist or something like that. Chris is a young director who has a bright future and we are all here to support him and see his career grow

[@thinlion01]

Talk to me was fire for a youtuber first movie

[@bengirard1984]

@@thinlion01 Yup! Also 10 Cloverfield Lane, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, was his directorial debut in 2016 and he was a KZbinr before (probably the first one actually who did it) and the movie was mind blowing. It wasn't horror in the traditional sense, but John Goodman was scary af in it.

[@rabbigrape]

He's hardly a "film critic" anymore, ever since he started working on his own movie Shelby Oaks. He didn't want to step on toes anymore of fellow movie directors since he was now entering the field as one. Now he just tells you what the movies are about and making you aware of the lighting, the casting, the this and the that of what went into making the movie. No more critiquing movies which sucks cuz I enjoyed his sharp criticism good or bad.

[@JanHell666]

Either way i hope it goes good enough for Chris so he can do another one and grow as a director etc, his best one is to come later.

[@Truth_Alone_Triumphs_777]

Wow. Can’t wait for that guy Chris Stuckman’s review!

[@SpeedBoost]

If Red Letter Media reviews this movie Little Chrissy will take a leap into the great beyond! ... as he had a two year long breakdown when they mildly ribbed him in the intro of a Re: View on their channel.

[@Kimnicpat]

Which video was that ?

[@SpeedBoost]

@@Kimnicpat I'm not sure now, it's definitely one of the Re:Views with Mike and Rich, and Stuckman's meltdown went on for so long that a few Re:Views later the RLM guys apologized and said they were just joking and they didn't expect him to have such an extreme reaction to a little ribbing. Stuckman even made Vlogs where he was just crying non stop in them and he was acting like it was the worst thing to ever happen to him, now take in mind that he had never met or interacted with the RLM guys, but he was behaving like it was his best friends who turned on him. His overreaction was scarier than anything in his Straight to Netflix movie!

[@Kimnicpat]

@@SpeedBoost Wow. I had heard that RLM made some sort of comment directed his way, but I didn’t know he melted down over it. Yikes.

[@lacanam]

@@Kimnicpat The Ghostbusters one.

[@Nightmarewrath]

I also wanna see RLM review Rogue Elements. Drinker/Jordan's movie he's writing, just to dunk on him.

[@AkamoriArt]

Stuckmann stopped critiquing films so people wouldn't critique his film. Ooops.

[@natsukisubaru1732]

You are wrong. “Oops” - He stopped criticizing so that studios would not refuse to work with him in the future. Put on a helmet next time you going to make a stupid misinformed comment on the internet next time. Don’t want you hurting yourself

[@JamminOnThe1]

Sounds like from the review that the movie is kind of just ok. I hate to say it, but for movies to do well, especially horror films, they need to really have that something special. Like “Smile” or “Talk to Me”. There needs to be a buzz that is actually good to drum up curiosity. But I’m kind of intrigued by the twist. I’ll see if and if I hate it, I’ll send a message to Chris Stuckman saying I’d like to be reimbursed for the ticket and soda and popcorn and candy. “Yo Chris, im going to need ya to Venmo me 80 dollars, dude!”

[@natsukisubaru1732]

Smile and talk to me? Please. I’d chalk those up as ok movies too. For me the last “special” was “Hereditary” and since then nothing. At least until “When evil lurks” debating whether it’s between ok and special.

[@JamminOnThe1]

@@natsukisubaru1732 Well, I'm not even saying that those movies were the new classics. I'm just saying that they had buzz and good reviews which made them hits. I agree that there are so many horror films out there, it's hard for some of them to stand out. "Long Legs" is getting a ton of buzz right now. It takes a lot to get people to actually go out to the movie theater nowadays.

[@luxurybuzz3681]

Smile was just okay

[@07foxmulder]

Smile, Talk to Me and Hereditary were all laughably goofy.

[@JamminOnThe1]

@@07foxmulder You know what other movies were laughably goofy too? The Shining, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Exorcist. Those were made by a bunch of hacks.

[@jasonchilado]

You base scare level of horror on how many times you jump?

[@Bitumesilicatissimo]

I'm Italian, not a motherlenguage, but I really hope that he said is "no scary because no jumpscares"

[@Jamesadamiak]

Maaan this found footage premise looked really bad so I’m not shocked sadly

[@TheWaross]

Except it isn't found footage??

[@N00bkillr693]

I lost respect for him after the Madame Web video he did. I was excited for a negative review and instead I got a video on studio interference which I know all too well. Which sucks as a fan but I have to say he really is a shell of his former self

[@soundsonic2754]

You lost respect for him because he didn’t shit on a director hamstrung by a studio who doesn’t care about good films? What is wrong with you

[@soundsonic2754]

@@steveblundell7766 he said the movie was bad he just said I’m not blaming the director when it is clear that Sony is the issue

[@RussianPirate-ff7yt]

The moment I lost respect for him was his Dial of destiny review. You can easily tell throughout the video that he didn't like the film, but he's trying to hide it. He's literally reaching for straws trying to find anything positive to say about the film. I'm not a hater of his. I obviously haven't watched Shellby Oaks and don't know whether it's good or not. If it's not, I do hope he will get a chance to make something worthwhile in the future. But there is a difference between fair criticism and bashing the people behind the film. Just like there's a difference between praising and ass-kissing. And his reviews nowadays come off as extremely dishonest to me.

[@OmarHudson]

I respect an honest review. Good for you. You knew the hate you would receive for being honest and you did it anyway.

[@channelZER01]

Followed this from the day he announced it. Very cool that he pretty much showed the entire process, and must be ao satisfying for him to be such a film fan and now he has his own film for people to review and enjoy. Wont lie, not my cup of tea but ill definitely support!!! Chris is awesome and i wish him the best

[@liquidjake7672]

For your question: “would he himself actually adhere to this embargo?” Back in 2017 he saw a press screening of Blade Runner 2049 and was told by Denis not to reveal any of the plot. And he actually held up his end of the bargain. I feel like I have to defend Chris as an aspiring filmmaker because I would hate for any info about a project I’m working on to leak and get spoiled. I don’t think he’s isolating himself from criticism because eventually he won’t be able to, and I think Chris is aware of that.

[@j-555]

yeah but he's not even working on it anymore. it's kind of ridiculous at this point. great for him getting a distributor i guess, but this thing did not need a theatrical release. it's gonna be eaten alive the more exposure it gets. that neon distrubitor has some ownership of alamo drafthouse, and they play indie trash here and there (for instance, I saw a trailer for a vomit-inducing piece of filth called "the people's joker" before the screening of a real movie) so it will probably play at select locations of a chain like that.

[@alexj.vasquez9730]

Thanks for the honest review! The premise and plot of the movie does sound like a movie that's been made a hundred times.

[@tommylien2024]

Thanks for an honest review. So all the critics Stuckman critique about is now in his own movie. Just the plot itself is already over used. So true low budget plot does not mean it ends up being bad.

[@DavoneRice]

He's stopped criticizing films because he didn't want people criticizing his new film poorly

[@rfgator22]

Stated another way, he decided to dedicate his channel to celebrating movies he loves. Becoming a filmmaker himself likely played a role in that as he realized how hard creating movies is.

[@_WESTSIDE_]

Of course lol that’s why I stopped watching him.

[@Dethseye]

I cannot wait for this movie. You said the twist was great, but can't talk about it. So makes me more excited. I'm so happy for Chris and I love the KZbin web series that comes before this

[@GoreyBits]

I’m looking forward to seeing it for myself

[@MoonDoggie82]

I don't think he's ever made short films and I think that's where the problem is. He approached it like because he's seen movies and reviewed movies he knows how to make them. He should have started by making some micro shorts and work his way up to feature films.

[@stevenaripez281]

He did make like at least 3 short films that I'm aware of. Shorts are helpful but making a feature film is a different beast. I know from my own experience.

[@j-555]

Damn straight.

[@azcardguy7825]

I saw Shelby Oaks at the Fantasia Film Festival back in August. I was really disappointed after all the build up but after thinking about it, I shouldn’t have been. Chris is a nice guy and a good critic but with that being said, he’s not necessarily an intellectually deep guy. You can’t really expect great writing from someone like him.

[@DMRCapitalHill]

Chris should stick with making shorts instead of full length films. You always start off with shorts and then build into full lengths

[@pdzombie1906]

I think you said enough!! 😅 Sounds formulaic and it's very hard to do anything new with Found Footage these days. Even something as Late Night with the Devil only uses the format as a plot device ant not a resource. I recently watched The Borderlands (or Final Prayer), truly efective, inventive and scary with an awesome twist...

[@ifadetogray]

Only a few first timers really come out the gate with a brilliant first film and often those that do had a lot of practice in the film industry or making home films, and Chris may just be catching up in that regard, as his energies were more focused on film reviews than making films for a long time.

[@beepster991]

To be a a film director and a critic, one need to trace a clear line between both. His "review" of "Madame Web" made it 100% clear he's trying to have both ways. As an example, when Kevin Smith reviewed movies, he didn't gave clemency to bad movies. No matter who's to blame, a movie is either good or bad. Can't have it both ways because he "relate" to directors with different levels of involvement in the creative process. If Stuckmann is no longer able to criticize movies, he can do something else with his channel or simply end his online career. His decision.

[@agahnim0196]

He said multiple times that he didn't consider himself a critic and that he didn't want to criticize movies he doesn't like anymore, but prefers to celebrate what he loves instead.

[@beepster991]

@@agahnim0196 If he's no longer a registered critic, good. But his crusade to paint major studios as "evil corporations" exploiting movie directors is not good. Being a "director for hire" is a good way to get experience on major productions. Unless major producers, most directors DO NOT own movies they worked on. Passion projects can be good but not always profitable. If his goal is to open doors to larger productions, he better soften his tone to not become another Josh Trank.

[@j-555]

Yes. that Madame Web video was so egregious because he was really just trying to virtue signal for hollywood brownie points, but it totally sends the wrong message -- to everyone. Industry people knew that thing was garbage. If he didn't want to watch or review it because he didn't like it, there's no problem with that. He could've just ignored it. He just cannot stop the channel because he needs the income.

[@beepster991]

@@j-555 Villainizing Hollywood producers is not the best approach for "brownie points". Even indie production companies will avoid directors who may turn on them. Creative differences can happen. But ultimately, who pays the bills gets the final word. For other problems, the directors guild exists. As for his channel, it's been on a constant decline for a year. Doubt will stay profitable for much long.

[@REED1988]

Chris is terrified that someone will mock and pick apart his passion project, knowing he did it to many others throughout his youtube career

[@French_Canadian_Pea_Soup]

First, how would you know how he feels? Second, I don't think he has ever ripped a movie apart. Just stated his opinion which is just as good as yours.

[@GabrielTheMagolorMain]

Oh no, he’s human?

[@REED1988]

@French_Canadian_Pea_Soup he did 42 videos on his hilariocity series.. which indeed picked apart bad movies.... and yes everything is subjective... and yes they were funny.. but trying to say he states his opinion while now NOT stating his opinion is a little hypocritical

[@French_Canadian_Pea_Soup]

@@REED1988 So by your standard he RIPPED APART those movies? For me, ripped apart implies rage or hate and being disrespectful.

[@REED1988]

@French_Canadian_Pea_Soup Whatever that means to you is on you?.. not me... and I said he picked apart bad movies, not ripped apart every movie... and I digress. I have been a subscriber to Chris for years and have enjoyed his content.. having an opinion isn't deing disrespectful.. but when it was known he was making a movie, he doubled down on any kind of criticism because more than likely he wanted to be taken seriously as a director and wanted his movie promoted, and released in cinemas...

[@keithmichael112]

He's the film critic who won't criticize films

[@nrmacky8.726]

No, he simply chooses to only speak about films he enjoys. It's refreshing, as there are so many channels out there that choose to review movies they don't enjoy. In fact, some channels will make countless videos moaning about the same movie or t.v show.

[@keithmichael112]

​@nrmacky8.726 that's fine, he's not a film critic though, he's just a film enjoyer

[@lorriechristian7164]

That's not accurate

[@kingslayer2999]

His Madame Web "review" was joke

[@keithmichael112]

@@lorriechristian7164 care to elaborate lol

[@elijahverdin725]

I kind of feel disappointed that the Paranormal Paranoids videos weren't discussed. Shelby Oaks is considered a sort of continuation of the unfiction project.

[@hanyolo2041]

Anyone that watched his short films knew this wouldnt be anything great. Im just glad to hear it isnt awful. More so, im glad my dude is getting to follow his dream.

[@blacksuede]

Chris is a genuine guy. He casted some decent actors in his movie.

[@j-555]

Oh please. He is not genuine at all. It's almost sad at this point that his following still thinks so. He sold his channel by projecting a dishonest representation of himself. He has a long history and track record of treating people poorly, lying, manipulating, playing victim and being an all-around drama queen. He is not geuine. He sucks.

[@gjbsarmeri3957]

I really dislike it when people use "it's not scary" argument for horror movies. I've seen a crap load of horror movies that are amazing but didn't make me jump or scare me. Hereditary, The Exorcist, Midsommar, Lake Mungo and a lot of others never made me jump or feel really scared or anything like that. Talk to me is an amazing movie but I never jumped or got scared. That doesn't mean that it's a bad horror movie. It all depends on the person watching. Some people get scared form jumpscares, some people get scared by the atmosphere, etc. Some people don't ever get scared when watching a horror movie. Trollhunter for example is a fantasy/horror movie and I never felt a glipmse of "I'm scared" while watching and I thought it was a very fun and enjoyable watch. I think the "horror" in horror movies is more connected towards the characters, the atmosphere, how the characters are feeling, how they are dreading or how they themselves are scared. I rarely ever look at horror movies as "Oh I'm gonna watch this so I get scared". For example a lot of people will tell you that The Exorcist from 1973 is not scary or that it was funny for them. But people seem to forget that even the director said that their aim wasn't to create a horror movie. You may not be scared when you watch it but put yourself into the shoes of the mother and the daughter and what they had to go through during the movie and the constant fear that your daughter can hurt you or hurt herself. And the mystery of the demon that's possessing her and how truly evil it is and what it's doing to that little girl. It's truly what's terrifying. And the fact that it was all practical effects made it better. And even if we classify it as a horror movie, are you really gonna tell me it broke the cardinal rule of horror movie because you didn't get scared or jumped?

[@ricmorpheus2025]

What called my attention in this video:The 007 'A View for a Kill' film poster hanging at the back wall. I was 10 y.o. when my father took me and my older brother to watch our first Bond movie and we loved it.

[@landonbailey]

sorry I can't tell you about the big spoiler twist that you will never see coming!

[@breakdownsbodybags]

Not really surprising. First time offerings are rarely genre breaking. Looking forward to reviewing this once it's released.

[@charliesarasyoutubeadventu7539]

The original is amazing, so if you get the chance, I recommend you check it out, because it delivers on so many levels.

[@jwnj9716]

Not the biggest fan of his channel. Always found him boring. Sure, I'll give this one a chance.

[@Puppetsinmyhead]

Brendon sexton 3. Made him sound like a trilogy of movies. Baaaaateeeeeeestaaaaaaa

[@securityg]

So, this movie reflects Chris STUCKman's persona; flat, emotionless, uncharasmatic, one-dimensional, unengaging, void of any personality. Got it! - James D Watkins artistic director of Phoenix Productions.

[@Mr_Flerb]

I’m reasonably certain that’s pronounced “the third.” Unless he’s a sequel, of course!

[@plisskenetic]

At this point I'm guessing one big reveal is the disappearance is all a big conspiracy ala Rosemary's baby (like how horriditary poorly did).

[@puntybrah]

im more interested in seeing his reaction to the criticisms more than the movie itself. Ive been watching his channel for a decade and sad go say, the guy has severely fell off and become out of touch when what his original content was about, now he simply wont criticises anything and preaches how hard it is to maks films regardless of if theyre bad or not. I have a feeling he will have a hard time coping with the reviews for his debut.

[@alancham4]

Making good movies is hard.

[@zacharyneely]

lol there’s a pattern emerging here. Chris stuckman RLM Critical Drinker… all KZbin Film Critics/Reviewers that attempt to make a film and it falling short. It’s almost like making great cinema is hard to do, but insulting others is not.

[@alejandromolinac]

Huh? Least the Critical Drinker and RLM are really funny.... And follow basic thesis statements and supportive evidence....

[@FutureRules]

@@alejandromolinac Critical Drinker funny? are you serious?? lmao.

[@charlieflint1161]

Drinkers short film isn't even out yet

[@Danjoker.]

Critical Drinker? Ew

[@steveblundell7766]

@@FutureRules Go away now

[@JohnMack-f3f]

Stuckman has been working hard to minimize the negative feedback for work. That’s why he doesn’t even do reviews, only advertisements for movies.

[@fbanget]

I give it a 7, although I kinda went in with incredibly low expectations. I think he's a better director than writer and has potential. I liked the twist, most of the scenes toward the end with Norma, but not the last scene.

[@bandit_six5418]

When Flanagan jumped on board, my hype shot WAY up. I wasn’t expecting a masterpiece, but I gotta believe people who know what they’re talking about see something in Stuckmann.

[@MisterK-YT]

What did Mike have to do with it

[@drumsandroses22]

At some point, people have to separate the film critic from the director that is Stuckmann. Yes he does not criticize films anymore, and I unfollowed his YT channel because of it. But I have to give credit where credit is due: he made a feature length film, which is more than 99% of people who shit on him could say.

[@andressrojas]

5/10 it's a great note, I've seen Stuckman shortfilms and he's not a good storyteller and does'nt know how to handle a good rythm. Sadly that's something you have or you don't- And it shows in early director projects like Fincher, Spielberg, etc. I'm curious about this movie, but not very hopeful.

[@theterbear9915]

Stuckman is too scared to criticize anything yet wants to be a film critic and film maker. He's a play it safe film snob.

[@MadailinBurnhope]

he hasn't called what he does "film criticism" for a long time, it's more like showcasing films he likes and recommends; he's quite transparent about that

[@foxross4468]

snob is type of personality and he is objectively *not* that. Some weird hater shit to even say that just because you get your rocks of watching people be negatively critical.

[@32lilbruce]

NAILED IT!

[@32lilbruce]

@@MadailinBurnhope But when you slap "REVIEW" on your thumbnails and post reviews to rotten tomatoes, it makes all that void. Thats not transparent enough

[@blackstacie_ibe]

I’m new to horror so I don’t know much. Maybe I won’t see the usual tropes.

[@Stane686k]

I would’ve thought Flannigan would’ve helped him polish it up a bit

[@Kimnicpat]

Maybe he did

[@RanAkano]

Ye... Kind of what I expected. I like Stuckman, he seems like a really nice guy. I Watch his channel because I value his opinion, and he used the chance provided to him by his "fame"... in the right way. He didn't waste the shot and that's what's important. But I expected as much from the movie.

[@alexprinsrealestateagent1263]

I’ve had zero faith in Shelby Oaks being any good. However, you got to start somewhere. Good for Chris for starting his career as a director.

[@MadailinBurnhope]

it's not scary because you "didn't jump"? incredible

[@j-555]

don't be so triggered and salty. It sounds like a movie that was intended to make the audience jump.

[@nettlecider]

I expected somewhat lukewarm to low positive reviews but the fact that you said you 'didn't jump once' is actually giving me hope 😂 we all clearly are looking for very different experiences with horror movies

[@quarantinebored1427]

It makes you wonder if stuckman received Final Cut.

[@joesmith201212]

Oh dear lord seriously it's a found footage film.... oh man is that dude really that uncreative... yikes you would think someone who reviews films knows that trope is so overused and that fad died 20 years ago. Yikes what's next for him Sci fi movie about a farm boy who discovers laser swords and leaves his home planet to battle a galactic empire and find out the leader is his father?

[@MrMegatron85]

Im getting Lake Mungo vibes

[@blacksuede]

That's decent movie.

[@MrMegatron85]

@@blacksuede agree.d You can cut the dread with a butter knife

[@BADBOYBROM]

Is A View to A Kill your favourite Bond film?

[@boogiedaddy3434]

Stuckmann, in his own words, quit critiquing films when he started this project. He now "discusses" films, giving no real criticism because he feels as if it wouldn't be fair for him to criticize them if he was going to now be part of the industry. I, personally, think its an odd choice. I wish he would continue to offer his critiques, but I guess he doesn't want people to think he's offering negative opinions to make his work look better, or perhaps he doesn't want people to say "well you did _____, while you criticized _____ for doing the same thing."

[@gutwallst6645]

every time I hear "found footage" I give a big Eye Roll

[@darraghkane18]

I think people who want to direct and have an idea for a story should befriend writers. The whole writer director thing can be painful and sometimes they are hard to reach and be told “you’re writing is shit”. As I like Stuckman I will give it a view when it reaches my shores. Thank you for the review.

[@ianw0ng]

a lot of critics turned into filmmakers, the most famous of which was the french director truffaut. he knew what he was talking about though when talking about film.

[@DreamSoulBoi]

No matter what I’m going to watch this movie to support ✊🏾💯

[@LukeBrown-md7fq]

Dan Trachtenberg was also a reviewer before he became a director (10 Cloverfield Lane, Prey)

[@denniemullete]

bro ... i think that youre distance is about 1 ft from the camera ... em 'i right ?

[@IowaRocker81]

You call Chris an amateur but you clearly never saw his directorial horror debut, The Woods. That movie is a 10/10

[@jackieboyborden]

Kogonada is a critic turned director, and I for one think his films are amazing

[@AmirReviews]

Your negative bias is pretty clear mate, even the things which are positive about the movie you're just glossing over them.