Blink Twice Scores and Reviews Reveal a Divisive Movie

As a seasoned moviegoer who has seen my fair share of psychological thrillers and films helmed by talented directors, I find myself intrigued yet cautiously optimistic about Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut, “Blink Twice.” Having witnessed Channing Tatum’s acting evolution over the years, I’m eager to see him explore darker territories.

If you decide not to blink twice, you might miss out on the “raw horror” and “stunning visuals,” which some critics are raving about regarding the movie currently scoring 78% on the Tomatometer based on 138 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. However, other professional reviewers are cautioning viewers about spending their money on the psychological thriller directed by Zoë Kravitz and her real-life partner Channing Tatum, as reviewed by Will Sayre from MovieWeb who gave it a 3 out of 5 rating in his critique.

1. “Watching Tatum delve into extremely grim realities might be compelling enough to draw crowds this weekend, despite the fact that Blink Twice’s turns become somewhat unhinged in its excessive second and third acts. At least, Kravitz’s directorial debut is sure to spark some discussions, showcasing her distinctive visual style.”

Rue Morgue’s critic, Michael Gingold, is among those who truly appreciated the movie “Blink Twice.” In his assessment, he expresses that he really enjoyed it.

As someone who has spent years immersed in the world of film and television, I can confidently say that this thriller stands out as a truly exceptional piece of work. It gradually ramps up the tension, ultimately delivering a chilling climax that left me absolutely riveted. But what really sets this movie apart is Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut. With her unique perspective and obvious talent, she has demonstrated an ability to captivate audiences and hint at a promising future in filmmaking. I can only imagine the heights she will reach with her next project, and I eagerly await what she will bring to the table as she embarks on this new chapter in her career.

Critic Richard Roeper from the Chicago Sun-Times commended “Blink Twice” and awarded it a rating of 3.5 out of 4 stars. In his analysis of the psychological thriller that failed to surpass the $1 million mark ($820,000) during its initial screenings on August 22, as reported by The Numbers, Roeper wrote:

Striking visuals, smart dialogue distinguish actor’s gonzo directorial debut starring Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum.

PEOPLE’s Tom Gliatto adds:

Having grown up immersed in a myriad of stories, both ancient and modern, I find this description to be a captivating blend of familiar yet unexpected elements. As someone who has spent countless hours delving into fairy tales, horrors, and biblical allegories, I can appreciate the wild, weird horror ride that this passage paints. It evokes a sense of familiarity, reminding me of those chilling nights when I would read Grimm’s Fairy Tales by candlelight or watch classic horror movies, all while pondering the deeper meanings hidden within their narratives. The suggestion of biblical allegory adds an intriguing layer to this description, as I have often found parallels between certain tales and the stories from the Bible. This passage stirs my imagination and leaves me eagerly awaiting the journey it promises.

Over the weekend, Blink Twice may find itself in a tough position at the box office due to stiff competition from movies like Alien: Romulus, Deadpool & Wolverine, It Ends with Us, and others. This could make it challenging not only for Kravitz’s directorial debut but also for newcomers such as The Crow ($650,000) and The Forge ($600,000). In the same vein as Blink Twice, both these movies had a tough time during their initial screenings. However, if Kravitz and Tatum’s collaboration is to thrive at the theater, it needs to overcome some harsh criticisms.

Blink Twice Has Some Naysayers to Face

Blink Twice Scores and Reviews Reveal a Divisive Movie

The No. 1 film “Alien: Romulus” from last weekend might regain its position at the box office as it faces a group of underperforming films in the final weeks of the 2024 summer movie season. While many critics have praised “Blink Twice,” some found its psychological thriller aspect unappealing. Ross McIndoe of Slant Magazine, for instance, expressed this viewpoint.

“Blink Twice seems to express concern about the potential threats that men can present, as well as the pressure women face to appear happy even when in the presence of such harassers. However, it only offers a superficial exploration of these complex issues.”

In a rather critical review, Odie Henderson from the Boston Globe gave the film “Blink Twice” a scathing assessment, assigning it just 1.5 stars out of a possible 4. To put it in his own words, Henderson expressed that Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut did not meet his expectations.

The film “Blink Twice” might be trying to make a feminist statement, but it essentially boils down to a typical slasher movie featuring several stereotypical Final Girls, portrayed by Alia Shawkat, Trew Mullen, Liz Caribel, and Adria Arjona from the series “Hit Man”.

In his critique for the Washington Post, Ty Burr didn’t hold back on offering a somewhat indirect praise for the movie “Blink Twice,” giving it just 2 out of 4 stars. His words suggest that he found something worth noting in the film, albeit not enough to fully recommend it.

To put it simply, I found this film to be somewhat engaging for a while, but ultimately forgettable. If I were to offer advice, I’d suggest giving it a skip next time.

Twice Blink might get overshadowed in the final rush of summer, considering its mediocre reviews and underwhelming pre-release performances. It’s very unlikely that it will match the $100-million milestone set by lower-budget films like Longlegs and It Ends with Us, given their success against blockbusters, when you take into account the current figures and mixed criticisms.

Blink Twice
is now playing in theaters.

2024-08-25 00:34

Blink Twice Has Some Naysayers to Face

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