gizmomogwai There's been a rather polarizing response to this film, and perhaps it's not hard too see why. The Lure, a horror-musical mermaid movie (yes, really), made the rounds through the Fantasia Film Festival, to international release, and then to The Criterion Collection. But some people aren't buying. It is strange- that's part of the interest- but horror-musicals aren't unprecedented. The Wicker Man got there first, all the way back in 1973. The Lure boasts a lot of visual appeal, and not just in the frequently topless young woman. The colour scheme is sumptuous and poetic throughout. The music is actually engaging, though I don't usually go in for musicals. The mermaids themselves have a shocking beauty to them, a kind of animalistic viciousness scary and seductive all at once. The story, though somewhat simplistic, goes down well. Even if you're not interested in ponying up the dough for the Blu-ray, it's worth heading to Criterion's YouTube channel and investing $3.99. If you're in the mood, this will hit.

Nefeli Forni I truly believe "The Lure" to be an authentic movie that invites the audience to experience a great cinematic delight. It is original in its settings and narrative, with interesting characters and incredible scenes. The movie gives us the pleasure of the unexpected. Highly recommendable and a must for cinephiles.

paradux It is unforgettable.Mainly because it is a polish horror/musical presented with in the original soundtrack with subtitles. And likely the best polish musical/horror film you will ever see.Does it work, aside from the oddity? Actually, not really.Perhaps because the director thinks he is living in the 1970s, or perhaps because the entire cast looks like they escaped from an off-Broadway version of Cabaret.The two young ladies playing the fish are best part. You get a sense they were waiting for a better movie but never quite found it.

Skooch LeGook After an extremely promising, magical and inventive first half-hour, the sirens' spell quickly wore off of me. The musical numbers, of which there are too many, have completely nonsensical lyrics and so little originality in them that the pace slows down to unbearable levels. It was like watching a bunch of predictable drag queen numbers. The plot is a complete mess, with random characters popping in and out with little to no consequence other than to up the surreal vibe the film so desperately wants to project, and none of the world's 'rules' remain consistent. Like a great looking lover whose only talents are to look good, I got bored of this film quickly and proudly ejected myself from the equation before things dragged out even more. (The first time Polish director shows a lot of promise though and I'll definitely check out her next feature. Her video, with the help of a few ADHD children in the background, thanking the Fantasia audience before the film started was very charming.)Much love from Montreal!