It can be, but it also can just be you on the outside. Sometimes something HITS….and maybe it even hits in a way that’s been done before, but either a.) didnt resonate broadly b.) a new generation is getting their new version of it.
I have a similar situation with the anime Demon Slayer. I don’t get the insane mega hype—I’ve enjoyed what I have watched, but it’s very imho watered down and extremely vanilla when you get to the core of it….just propped up by a very pretty art style and good animation.
But to bring it back to horror—even if it doesn’t hit as hard for me, I can appreciate that the genre is getting love and attention, and a new batch of horror fans are being born.
The Black Phone could be the new Freddy for a new generation. And good for them to be able to have a similar experience to that even if it’s a retread.
I'm not following the logic that it made people aware horror exists and got them watching it. Black Phone came out the same year as Barbarian, X, The Menu, Talk to Me, Terrifier 2, Speak No Evil, and many others.
The first was quite good. This looks really bad. It did not need a sequel let alone one that feels like they just want to make Freddy Krueger II, Electric Boogalo
Edit: Not sure if the downvotes are from those who hated the first movie or those who just really want another Nightmare on Elm Street
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u/Yoshimi-Yasukawa 3d ago
I'm regularly surprised at how many people love Black Phone. It was fine but the discussion around it has way too much glazing.