Phil sees CRIMSON PEAK from Universal Pictures-February 20, 2016

Director Guillermo del Toro has made some of the most interesting, original and frightening films ever made. From his breakthrough debut of CRONOS to films like HELLBOY, PAN'S LABYRINTH and PACIFIC RIM, del Toro has crafted works of art that contains both surrealistic imagery and social commentary. His latest film CRIMSON PEAK is equal parts horrifying disturbing and atheistically pleasing visually.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger named Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay: a place filled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak.

Words cannot describe just how amazing and gorgeous this movie is. With its sweeping visuals, impressive sets, outstanding performers and terrifying script, the movie harkens back to the old Hammer Films of the past. And like those gothic classics, this film captures the look and sounds of the early 1900s perfectly: the impressive exterior sets, the dramatic costumes, the eirry English castle, everything is done to perfection. You don't see to many movies being made with this much attention to detail. Again, del Toro's directing is fantastic!

Along with co-writer Matthew Robbins, del Toro's script is utterly horrifyingly romantic and weaves together themes of love, murder, life and death. It's sheer brilliance is such a welcomed change of pace from your typical Hollywood cookie cutter films and the tired reboot/remake/sequel trend. The story itself is gripping; showing us a time and place that we immediately are drawn to. We the audience  are transported into another world and we become so invested in not only the story, but the characters that inhabit this world.

The three main leads are phenomenal, each bringing something interesting to the table. Our protagonist Edith is wonderfully brought to life by Mia Wasikowska and she brings a wide variety of emotions. Edith is intelligent, a gifted writer, bold and has no problem with speaking mind, and yet at the same time she's naive, stubborn and vulnerable. A great performance by this talented actress. Tom Hiddleston breaks out of his Marvel alter ego Loki and shows us he has a lot more to offer to his fans. He adds a sense of intrigue, mystery and distrust to his character Thomas but there's a level of confusion. He knows what he has to do but he becomes town between his love for Edith and his loyalty to his sister Lucille, played amazingly twisted by Jessica Chastain. Lucille is both insanely breathtaking and gorgeously twisted which is very hard to pull off but Miss Chastain does this effortlessly. This actress was born to play this character!

CRIMSON PEAK is one of the most hauntingly beautiful romantic horror films I've seen in decades! Easily one of the most strikingly and original films as well! So do yourself a favor and see this astounding work of art!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Very highly recommended!!

CRIMSON PEAK is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. It's also available on Redbox and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!