As Good As It Gets

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

This is the best adaptation of Lovecraft made to date... for simple reason that it is the only adaptation of Lovecraft made to date. All predecessors are just inspired by some Lovecraft story or his mythos overall, while Dagon is, although modernized, pretty faithful adaptation of "The Shadow Over Innsmouth". Finally! Although I have to admit that most of 18 Lovecraft inspired movies I saw so far were entertaining, I was being seriously annoyed by lack of real adaptation of this great master of horror. Considering really small budget that destroys any serious attempt of bringing supernatural to the screen, this movie is real masterpiece.8/10

This is the way I think horror movies should be: unpredictable, horrific, and in their own tumultuous direction.This is a fantasy horror adventure and it strays from the same old "Hollywood-horror"' formula, and for that it is very commendable, but not only for that, but for utilizing the poignancy of the original H.P Lovecraft story and adapting it appropriately in the modern age.I am a fan of the director, and as similar with his other titles this film is full of real props, costumes and monster designs that are slimy and horrific. Even though I think the film could use a smoother editing job, I could tell that a lot went into maintaining the dark and archaic mood, making it a truly satisfying horror classic.

This was recommended to me by a friend, otherwise I would never have found this great nugget.A distressed couple end up on a remote seaside village where it is immediately apparent something fishy is going.This is based on Lovecraft so therefore has a certain tone and pace to it. The film is essentially a chase movie but compared to modern movies it may seem a bit tame - do not expect exploding oil tankers or roundhouse kicks.There is a real Hammer House feel to the film from the relaxed pace to the mysterious yarn spinning hobo to the scattering of topless beauties.Some of the CGI is a little ropey in places but the horror scenes are affective and well managed, most importantly the overall feel is perfect.If you need lots of action to hold your attention this may not be for you. But if you are a Cthulhu fan, have a bit of patience and imagination this is a great movie.

It's a pleasure to view a horror film that actually lives up to the *word* "horror". This film is like a nightmare that just goes on and on, with no real relief and no promise that there will be light at the end of its tunnel. It shows its characters no real mercy, and is absolutely overwhelmed by a constantly threatening atmosphere. Note that once the sun disappears in this story, it stays gone. ("Dagon" *has* to be a leading contender for rainiest film of all time.) Director Stuart Gordon and screenwriter Dennis Paoli, old hands at adapting the works of H.P. Lovecraft, don't spend very much time easing you into this madness. Some of the performances are excellent and the dialogue is quite literate. That's not to mention the fact that the visual effects and makeup effects are overall superb. The sets and the lighting are perfect for the material. And it's all topped off with an unnerving, ominous music score composed by Carles Cases.Of course, Lovecraft buffs know that this only takes the title of one Lovecraft short story, and is actually an adaptation of a different one, "The Shadow Over Innsmouth". It stars Ezra Godden as Paul Marsh, on vacation with his sexy wife Barbara (Raquel Merono) with another couple off the coast of Spain. Trouble arises with their boat, a storm arises, and Paul & Barbara make it to the coastal town of Imboca. Here the people behave very strangely; in fact, they're all something other than human and have been praying to Dagon, a monstrous god of the sea, for a long time. And they have plans for Paul and Barbara.Giving "Dagon" some heart and soul is the robust performance of veteran Francisco Rabal ("Belle de Jour", "Nightmare City"), in one of his final roles (the film is dedicated to the late actor). He's basically our exposition provider but does a wonderful job. You quickly become attached to this character and lament his departure from the story. As for Godden and the character of Paul, they may be a matter of taste as it takes a while for Paul to change from agitated nerd to ass kicking hero. The ladies are lovely; also capturing our attention is Macarena Gomez as Uxia, the mysterious young woman who's instantly smitten with Paul.Genre fans will likely have a fine time with this one. It's good, grim entertainment that truly creates a little world of its own.Eight out of 10.