Spider-Man Star Jacob Batalon’s Panned 2024 Horror Movie Tarot Heading to Netflix

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As a dedicated gamer and film critic with a soft spot for horror movies, I’ve seen my fair share of both good and bad films in the genre. When I heard about “Tarot,” the new Syfy horror movie starring Jacob Batalon, I was intrigued, especially since he had already impressed me as Ned Leeds in “Spider-Man: Far from Home.” However, the critical reception for “Tarot” has been less than favorable.

The film “Tarot,” released on May 3, 2024, brought in $49 million at the box office despite a small budget of $8 million. However, it didn’t receive positive reviews from critics, with only an 18% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Starring Jacob Batalon from “Spider-Man: Far from Home,” as well as Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, and Avantika, the movie follows a group of college students who inadvertently use a cursed tarot deck. As they start dying one by one, they must work together to reveal the deck’s secrets before it’s too late. With audiences giving it a slightly better 59% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Tarot” is now moving to Netflix in an attempt to regain popularity.

I’m excitedly counting down the days until August 1, 2024, when “Tarot” will be available on Netflix, only three short months after its theatrical release. However, even as a passionate fan, I can’t ignore the less-than-positive reviews from critics. MovieWeb’s Greg Archer described it as a movie that “lacks the solid creative foundation to keep it standing,” much like the ominous Tower card in Tarot itself. Other critics have compared “Tarot” to “Final Destination” with tarot cards, found it frustratingly aggravating, and criticized its one-dimensional characters, clunky dialogue, and complete lack of scares.

Jacob Batalon is Tarot’s Only Saving Grace

It’s undeniable that “Tarot” is not an exceptional film. However, can we have a good time while watching it? The answer is yes, largely due to Batalon’s performance. Despite being only 27 years old, he impresses in “Tarot,” turning a subpar situation and script into something enjoyable. In the MCU, Batalon portrays Ned Leeds, but in Syfy’s “Reginald the Vampire,” he assumes the leading role. With his charisma and humor, Batalon elevates “Tarot” from being a tedious horror movie. His scenes are filled with amusing moments that add levity to the film since there are few genuine scares present in this production. Watching him describe his “cat-like reflexes” in one scene is enough evidence of Batalon’s lighthearted approach towards both himself and “Tarot.”

Regrettably, Syfy has chosen not to renew “Reginald the Vampire” for a third season, ending Batalon’s portrayal of the overweight vampire Reginald Andres. The show, which had received generally favorable reviews with a 70% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, was unfortunately let go due to insufficient viewership. Although Batalon shone in his role, the series at times appeared overly similar to “What We Do in the Shadows,” whose final season starts airing on October 21.

I’ve been following Batalon’s acting career with great interest and admiration, and I must say, his recent casting in “Novocaine” alongside Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder is a promising sign. Though he may only be in a supporting role this time, I strongly believe that every moment on screen for Batalon is an opportunity to shine.

Tarot
hits Netflix on August 1, 2024, and you can check out the trailer below.

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2024-07-26 19:03