i absolutely loved the way that this was set up, part-narrative and part-screenplay, as it made for a really complex and rich story. narrative was a little sparse but the stylistics made up for it.

This book could have been so much more for me. I’m sad it didn’t live up to my expectations. At first I thought it was the format but overall this book was sooo unbearably slow for me.
Sooo much happening but nothing happening.
I loved the end but that was like the last chapter!
When thinking about the book, I keep thinking what I want to think and what could have been great. Not actually what happened. Don’t get me wrong it’s messed up in itself. It just toook forever and soo much talking.
Not the best for me but def try for yourself!

Horror movie was such an interesting novel.. I loved how it would go from the script as if it were being filmed, to the present day Thin Kid.

The novel Horror Film is a deeply unsettling novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. By adopting the perspective of a seemingly insignificant character, the author creates a chilling atmosphere of dread and entrapment.

The narrative masterfully blurs the lines between fiction and reality, as the protagonist’s experiences as a horror film actor mirror the societal pressures individuals face throughout their lives. The novel’s exploration of the masks we wear and the roles we are forced into is both terrifying and thought-provoking.

Through its clever structure and pacing, Horror Film gradually strips away the reader’s sense of control, mirroring the protagonist’s own loss of agency. The ending, which questions the true nature of monstrosity, leaves a lasting impact, forcing readers to confront their own complicity in the horror.

Overall, Horror Film is a haunting and unforgettable read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by societal expectations.

This book had the classic Paul Tremblay touch and I always really enjoy that. The slow creeping dread and inevitable kind of horror is so gripping and it feels so personal. This book feels like you’re in it watching it in real time. The main characters have depth and were relatable even when everything was super uncomfortable. There was a lot to keep track of with the various timelines so this is not a light read or something to casually. If you like Paul Tremblay you’ll like this book and if you’ve never ready a book by him I might not start with this one.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

I felt this horror book to be a bit slower of a reveal. Another author who is really great at some open ended components, and really get you thinking.

I am not going to pretend that I fully understand everything about this book, but I can confidently say that I’ve enjoyed every moment reading it! Even when I was confused.

This story is told by a guy who acted in a ‘90s horror film that was never fully released, except for some scenes uploaded to YouTube 15 years after they were shot. Now he’s involved in a present-day reboot, and the chapters go back and forth between then and now. Within the chapters, we get the narrator’s POV for a while and then a large chunk of the screenplay written in script form.

This is my first Tremblay book, so maybe that’s why I’m so open to the meta-ness of it. I get why some readers are put off by this style, but I’m super impressed by the author’s ability to create something so readable and simultaneously artistic. I think this form is genius.

Full review on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5978001162

DNF @ 28%

gave it 58 pages but ultimately I’m too bored to bother to continue. the premise is super intriguing but to be frank I’m finding the writing to be kinda amateur compared to other books I’ve read this year, plus the chapters that are formatted like a screenplay are simply not good. I’ve taken multiple classes on screenplay writing and have dabbled in writing them myself and the screenplay in here is written poorly. I can’t tell if it’s written that way on purpose and frankly I just don’t care enough to find out.

I don't have much to say other than this book was so good. It was every bit of what I wanted out of Paul Tremblay to do as a follow up to The Pallbearers Club. It was creepy but held a good writing style and pace throughout. I want to reread this book with the audiobook as I have heard great things about it. I love mixed media in my books. Just a great read.

In 1993, a group of independent filmmakers set out to make a horror movie. What followed was the film never being completed and only three scenes from the movie being released to the public. The mystery and tragedy that occurred on the set of the film titled, "Horror Movie," caused a cult like fascination with the public about what really did happen during the making of the film. Now, years later there is only one original cast member left of the making of the original movie - the man who played the mysterious character known as "the Thin Kid" - and they plan to make a big budget "reboot."

I found this book very interesting. I thought the way the author changed timelines, but also including "real" pieces of the script in between sequences was very clever. Part of me was on the edge of my seat for most of the book, but I also feel as though I never fully got to the point where I was scared or terrorized. Taking on this trope of the "cursed film" was something that I feel does not happen very often in the literary world and it was great to see the author blend film with the literary.

Thank you to NetGalley, Paul Tremblay and William Morrow for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I had quite high expectations for this one and unfortunately for me, it fell short. I found the way it was formatted was difficult to read on kindle and I just didn’t connect with the characters. I liked the ending but that’s about it. It’s not a bad book, just too difficult for me to follow.

The premise was super interesting but the book was too much of a slow burn for me. The characters weren't relatable or likable and it didn't seem to really hit hard on the horror elements it promised. It was just ok which is disappointing since I expected much more.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book. This was a bizarre book for sure, from how the kids made the movie to how it evolved, to how it's being remade. There were some interesting moments for sure. For me this book ebbed and flowed; some parts I couldn't tear myself away from, while others were ho-hum. And the synopsis is spot on-the ending is a bit of a mind bender! Overall I'd say this book was good; it was different which I like but not sure I'd read again.

Paul Tremblay's **"Horror Movie"** has been eagerly anticipated by fans of his previous work, but unfortunately, this novel falls short of expectations. Despite the promising premise, the execution left me disappointed and at times, downright bored.

**Challenges with the Story:**

- **Lack of Character Development:** One of the most significant issues with the book is the characterization. The characters feel shallow and one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with or care about them. Their motivations are unclear, and their actions often seem arbitrary, which detracts from the story’s potential impact.

- **Tedious Pacing:** The novel suffers from a sluggish pace. The narrative feels like it's dragging on, with little progress in the plot, making the reading experience feel endless. Despite its intriguing setup, the story often seems to go nowhere, leading to frustration.

- **Overused Trope:** The "lost horror movie" concept is one that's been explored frequently in the genre. Unfortunately, "Horror Movie" doesn't bring anything new to the table, making it feel like a rehash of familiar themes without a fresh perspective.

- **Script Format:** The use of a script format throughout parts of the novel is more distracting than innovative. It interrupts the flow of the story and makes it difficult to understand the narrative's purpose or direction.

- **Confusing Storyline:** At points, the story becomes jumbled, leaving the reader unsure about what is happening or why. The lack of clarity in the plot and character motivations further muddles the experience.

**Overall Impression:**

While Paul Tremblay has proven his storytelling prowess in previous works like **"Survivor Song,"** "Horror Movie" misses the mark. The novel fails to provide the character depth, engaging pacing, or innovative twists needed to elevate the overused cursed film trope. This book may find an audience among die-hard Tremblay fans, but it lacks the compelling elements that make a story truly memorable.

In summary, **"Horror Movie"** earns a 2.5 to 3-star rating. It is a novel that may appeal to those already invested in Tremblay's style but might leave others wondering about its point and wishing for more substance and originality.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay is a masterful and riveting exploration of fear that redefines the horror genre. Tremblay's innovative narrative and chilling prose create an incredibly immersive and unsettling experience, keeping readers on edge from start to finish. The novel’s intricate plot and psychological depth elevate it to a new level of terror, showcasing Tremblay’s unparalleled skill in crafting suspense. This book is a tour de force of horror fiction, solidifying Tremblay’s status as a leading voice in the genre.

I finally got around to reading this one by Paul Tremblay. I felt the plot was a little interesting but also stretched. Not as much horror as I would hope

Another great book by author Paul Tremblay that will leave you thinking about the book long after you've put it down.

There seem to be a lot of books out or coming out that deal with demons and film. Here’s another and one that is okay. Not superb, but also not terrible. I’ve come to expect super scary, slow-burn, horror from Tremblay and here it’s really just the slow-burn. The scary stuff? Not so scary. Fans of Tremblay’s work will definitely enjoy, but I would send people to his earlier work to start reading him.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for a copy of this book for review.
I was really expecting something that was creepy and intense. This was not that. I apparently just did not get it. Sorry.

This was my first Paul Tremblay book and I was very excited, as I've heard only good things! The way this book was written was very different, which made it intriguing. It is told in varying timelines, all with the movie script for "Horror Movie" woven in between. Due to the changing timelines and the script being within the story, I found myself struggling with knowing when something was 'real' or when it was part of the movie. It impacted my view of the narrator substantially and while I initially found him trustworthy, as the story went on, it was evident he was not a reliable narrator. This story made me very uncomfortable for numerous reasons and some of the horror was quite gross (I love horror, but have a weak stomach for some things). I feel my discomfort was Paul's goal with this, along with the meshing of the movie and real life. I did not see the ending coming, both of the movie and of the narrator's story. I will definitely be recommending this to my horror loving friends!