Misty Layne
@mistylayne.bsky.social
Writer, Poet, Film Reviewer
Why CinemaSchminema? Because I really would rather be watching this.
https://cinemaschminema.substack.com/
Why CinemaSchminema? Because I really would rather be watching this.
https://cinemaschminema.substack.com/
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Martin’s Memory,” the third film in the “Baleful” series.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, how to forget murder.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:05 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Martin’s Memory,” the third film in the “Baleful” series.
“Skinamarink” is an intriguing and sometimes haunting film that takes childhood fears and turns them into a cacophony of jarring images and sounds. It’s far too long, in my opinion, and will leave you with more questions than answers, but it’s definitely worth a watch.
"Skinamarink" Gives Haunting Vibes
Or, when childhood fears come to life.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 15, 2026 at 5:04 PM
“Skinamarink” is an intriguing and sometimes haunting film that takes childhood fears and turns them into a cacophony of jarring images and sounds. It’s far too long, in my opinion, and will leave you with more questions than answers, but it’s definitely worth a watch.
“Possum” might not be for everyone, but the slowly creeping sense of unease and dread the film leaves you with makes it more than worth the watch (as does the marionette from the depths of hell).
"Possum" Leaves You Simmering in Unease
Or, meet the worst puppet in the world.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:03 PM
“Possum” might not be for everyone, but the slowly creeping sense of unease and dread the film leaves you with makes it more than worth the watch (as does the marionette from the depths of hell).
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Krystal Is Missing,” the second film in the “Baleful” series.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, what is up with those creepy crawlies?
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 12, 2026 at 2:02 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Krystal Is Missing,” the second film in the “Baleful” series.
“Late Night with the Devil” is hands down one of the better films I’ve seen lately, and definitely one I’m going to be thinking about for a while.
"Late Night with the Devil" Absolutely Kills
Or, late night shows in the 1970s were WILD.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 8, 2026 at 5:03 PM
“Late Night with the Devil” is hands down one of the better films I’ve seen lately, and definitely one I’m going to be thinking about for a while.
Overall, “The Ceremony Is About to Begin” felt like it could have been so much better and truly unique, and for some reason, simply decided not to be.
"The Ceremony Is About to Begin" Chooses Mediocrity
Or, an intriguing concept goes mostly nowhere.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 7, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Overall, “The Ceremony Is About to Begin” felt like it could have been so much better and truly unique, and for some reason, simply decided not to be.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Eddie Has a Problem,” the first film in the “Baleful” series.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, Eddie does indeed have a problem, yikes.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:01 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Eddie Has a Problem,” the first film in the “Baleful” series.
“The Notorious Finster” is not a film I’d ever watch again. It’s a long, slow trudge through the lives of a bunch of random people who just happen to be in the vicinity of a serial killer, and there’s truly not much that’s interesting about it.
"The Notorious Finster" Falls Flat
Or, how not to catch a serial killer.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
February 1, 2026 at 5:06 PM
“The Notorious Finster” is not a film I’d ever watch again. It’s a long, slow trudge through the lives of a bunch of random people who just happen to be in the vicinity of a serial killer, and there’s truly not much that’s interesting about it.
“All Alone Together” is an amazingly well-done film about the ways mental illness creeps up on you and how creative endeavors can be both a lifesaver and a nightmare to endure. It’s easily my favorite film from 2025.
"All Alone Together" Is Haunting & Heartbreaking
Or, an intimate look at mental illness.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 31, 2026 at 5:03 PM
“All Alone Together” is an amazingly well-done film about the ways mental illness creeps up on you and how creative endeavors can be both a lifesaver and a nightmare to endure. It’s easily my favorite film from 2025.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Rejected.”
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, no wonder those commercials were rejected.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Rejected.”
“Horror in the High Desert” is not a horror film, but a straight true crime mockumentary. If you enjoy true crime, you might enjoy this one, but if you’re looking for something scary, this definitely isn’t the film you want.
"Horror in the High Desert" Has Desert But No Horror
Or, why trespassing is bad.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 25, 2026 at 5:05 PM
“Horror in the High Desert” is not a horror film, but a straight true crime mockumentary. If you enjoy true crime, you might enjoy this one, but if you’re looking for something scary, this definitely isn’t the film you want.
I think “Mr. Jones” could possibly have been a better film if stuff had actually happened, but as it is, the movie is simply another that took what was potentially a cool idea and failed to deliver.
"Mr. Jones" Is The Worst Trip Ever
Or, this is why we don't break into people's homes.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 24, 2026 at 5:05 PM
I think “Mr. Jones” could possibly have been a better film if stuff had actually happened, but as it is, the movie is simply another that took what was potentially a cool idea and failed to deliver.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “oneirophrenia” and “Double Vision.”
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, dissociation and doppelgängers.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 2:06 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “oneirophrenia” and “Double Vision.”
“Demon” isn’t your typical scary horror movie. However, it delves into the horrors of forgetting immense tragedies or pretending they never existed in the first place, making it incredibly relevant today & an excellent reminder that facing the ghosts of the past is the only way to contain them.
"Demon" Reminds Us to Remember the Past
Or, a wedding and a funeral.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 5:05 PM
“Demon” isn’t your typical scary horror movie. However, it delves into the horrors of forgetting immense tragedies or pretending they never existed in the first place, making it incredibly relevant today & an excellent reminder that facing the ghosts of the past is the only way to contain them.
“Belzebuth ” is a hell of a ride filled with creepiness and intensity, and one of the better religious horror films I’ve seen, especially lately.
"Belzebuth" Is Incredibly Fun
Or, watch out for those demonic Christ statues.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 5:02 PM
“Belzebuth ” is a hell of a ride filled with creepiness and intensity, and one of the better religious horror films I’ve seen, especially lately.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Odd Girl.”
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, how to make friends and win enemies.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:04 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Odd Girl.”
“The Sound” could’ve been a truly frightening, high-concept horror/thriller, but instead it ended up in territory that’s a mix of boring and unintentionally hilarious. Unless you’re just really into mountain climbing, you might want to skip this one.
"The Sound" Is Majorly Disappointing
Or, mountain climbing should be far scarier.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 5:10 PM
“The Sound” could’ve been a truly frightening, high-concept horror/thriller, but instead it ended up in territory that’s a mix of boring and unintentionally hilarious. Unless you’re just really into mountain climbing, you might want to skip this one.
It’s unfortunate that “The Possession of Hannah Grace” felt like it could have been something so amazing, but chose to stick to the long-used demon possession formula instead.
"The Possession of Hannah Grace" Is Mid
Or, please do something new with demon possession already.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:05 PM
It’s unfortunate that “The Possession of Hannah Grace” felt like it could have been something so amazing, but chose to stick to the long-used demon possession formula instead.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Chomp.”
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, how to make it to the top.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “Chomp.”
Honestly, “Masking Threshold” is a phenomenal piece of filmmaking that takes what could be a boring story & turns it into something heart-wrenching & horrific to watch, while also making you consider the intricacies of life & how the smallest things can set off a cascading chain of consequences.
"Masking Threshold" Is Gorgeously Horrific
Or, madness is closer than you believe.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 4, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Honestly, “Masking Threshold” is a phenomenal piece of filmmaking that takes what could be a boring story & turns it into something heart-wrenching & horrific to watch, while also making you consider the intricacies of life & how the smallest things can set off a cascading chain of consequences.
Had the story been something even somewhat original, I probably would have greatly enjoyed this film, but the “been there, done that” nature of it kind of ruined the whole thing.
"Without Name" Is Without Fun
Or, same old, same old.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 3, 2026 at 5:05 PM
Had the story been something even somewhat original, I probably would have greatly enjoyed this film, but the “been there, done that” nature of it kind of ruined the whole thing.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “The Auteur.”
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, voyeurism and becoming oneself.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:02 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have “The Auteur.”
“Chawz” is an entertaining romp and a creature feature that encourages conservation while just being plain silly. It’s not a film I’d watch again, but I certainly don’t mind having watched it in the first place.
"Chawz" Is A Riot
Or, the consequences of destroying the environment.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
December 28, 2025 at 10:38 PM
“Chawz” is an entertaining romp and a creature feature that encourages conservation while just being plain silly. It’s not a film I’d watch again, but I certainly don’t mind having watched it in the first place.
If chaotic monster movies are your thing, though, give “Detrimental” a go. Just don’t expect too much.
"Detrimental" Is SO Chaotic
Or, one hot mess of a monster flick.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
December 27, 2025 at 5:05 PM
If chaotic monster movies are your thing, though, give “Detrimental” a go. Just don’t expect too much.
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have more holiday horror with “Jolly” and “Not Before Christmas.”
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts!
Or, don't take that tree down yet and avoid animatronics.
cinemaschminema.substack.com
December 25, 2025 at 2:09 AM
Welcome to Wednesday Short Shorts, where I catch up on the plethora of short films I’m trying to get through! Today, we have more holiday horror with “Jolly” and “Not Before Christmas.”
