Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*

Just Like the Good Ol' Days*
Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*
Genres: Thriller, Horror
Year:2025
Country:US

Description:

"Reunited, but far from reminiscing about old times, Jax Mercier's directorial debut short film dives headfirst into a tense scenario involving five former high school friends. As they gather once again to relive their past experiences, one of them harbors a long-held grudge and decides to take matters into his own hands, seeking vengeance for perceived slights from the others. The film masterfully captures the emotional rollercoaster of these men's complex relationships as they grapple with buried resentments and unspoken truths. Mercier's skillful storytelling takes viewers on a thrilling ride that exposes just how fragile and dangerous old friendships can be when past wrongdoings resurface."

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“Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” (2025) is a horror-thriller directed by Jax Mercier that follows five former high school friends as they reunite and delve into their past experiences. While the film does an exceptional job at showcasing the emotional rollercoaster of these characters’ relationships, it ultimately falls short in terms of its storytelling execution and character development.

The film attempts to build tension by exploring the long-held grudges among the group members, but the payoff is lackluster due to weak character motivations and underdeveloped backstories. The acting also leaves much to be desired, as the performances come off as stilted and unconvincing in many scenes.

Moreover, while the concept of exploring how fragile and dangerous old friendships can be when past wrongdoings resurface is intriguing, the movie fails to deliver on its promise, leaving audiences feeling unsatisfied. The pacing of the story is also an issue, as it drags on without providing enough engaging moments for the audience to stay invested throughout its runtime.

Overall, I would give “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” a disappointing 9 out of 20 due to its weak character development, underwhelming storytelling, and subpar acting performances.

“Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” is a taut horror-thriller that delves into the darker side of human relationships. Directed by Jax Mercier in their debut short film, it masterfully balances suspense with character development. The ensemble cast does justice to their respective roles and effectively portrays the emotional turmoil of old friends grappling with past resentments. While there are moments when the pacing seems slightly off, overall the film delivers a compelling story that leaves viewers reflecting on the fragility of friendship. With a rating of 5 (Medium, Neutral), it’s an engaging watch that keeps you guessing until the end.

I’m curious about how Mercier portrays the escalating tensions between these former high school friends. How would you rate the believability of their relationships in this short film?

“Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” (2025) is a competently executed horror-thriller directed by Jax Mercier, starring an ensemble cast of lesser-known actors. While the film manages to keep viewers engaged throughout with its intricate character dynamics and tense scenarios, it lacks the emotional depth required to truly leave a lasting impact. The storytelling is mostly engaging, although some plot points feel slightly clichéd at times, but this does not detract significantly from the overall experience. In conclusion, while “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” isn’t groundbreaking, it remains an entertaining watch for fans of the horror-thriller genre, deserving a casual 5 out of 10 rating.

Just Like the Good Ol’ Days* is a compelling short film that dives into the dark side of friendships and grudges held for far too long. The director, Jax Mercier, does an admirable job of weaving together a tense storyline that keeps viewers on edge as they watch the relationships between five former high school friends unravel. Although it’s not groundbreaking in terms of originality, this short film is well-executed and showcases some impressive acting from its unknown cast. With an intriguing premise and solid storytelling, Just Like the Good Ol’ Days* earns a neutral rating of 5 out of 10, offering viewers an enjoyable but predictable thriller experience.

This short film is both heart-wrenching and pulse-pounding, leaving you questioning the depths of human emotions and friendship. With a masterful portrayal of past grudges and buried truths, “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days” earns its 10 out of 10 for evoking raw and unnerving feelings throughout its runtime.

I recently watched “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” (2025), a horror-thriller starring unknown actors, and I must say that it was quite an enjoyable and thrilling experience! Directed by Jax Mercier, this short film takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as it explores the complexities and fragility of old friendships. The plot revolves around five former high school friends who reunite to reminisce about their past experiences but end up navigating through hidden resentments and unspoken truths, leading to one person seeking revenge.

The acting in this film is genuinely impressive, especially given the unknown cast. They portray the characters’ emotional turmoil with conviction and bring the story to life in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I particularly enjoyed watching how Mercier masterfully unravels the thread of hidden grudges and past wrongdoings, making for an intense viewing experience.

I would definitely give “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” (2025) a rating of 4 out of 5 stars; it’s a must-watch for those who enjoy suspenseful horror-thriller stories with strong character development.

“Just Like the Good Ol’ Days* is an intense, gripping film that brilliantly explores the complexities of long-lasting friendships and human emotions. With a perfect 5-star rating, this short horror/thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat while masterfully unraveling each character’s motivations. Highly recommended!”

Just Like the Good Ol’ Days* (2025) is quite a spectacle – and I use that term loosely. The director, Jax Mercier, apparently believes that convoluted storylines and overacting are the secrets to success in the horror-thriller genre. This short film, starring unknowns who should probably remain so, follows five high school buddies trying to relive their glory days while one of them plots a bloody revenge for petty grudges. The plot holes are as deep as the characters’ motivations and the acting is as subtle as a sledgehammer to the head. Yet, it somehow clocks in at an excruciating 86 minutes. But hey, who am I to rain on this cinematic parade? I’m just here for the thrilling ride of watching friendships crumble under the weight of long-held resentments and terrible scriptwriting. This movie, my friends, is a masterclass in how not to make a horror-thriller. A solid 12 out of 10 for its commitment to mediocrity!

I saw “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days*” and while it had an interesting premise, I couldn’t help but feel that the acting fell a bit flat. Some of the scenes seemed forced and overdramatic, which detracted from the overall tension of the film. Additionally, I wasn’t blown away by the plot twists; they were predictable and didn’t provide enough depth to make the story stand out. As someone who loves horror and thriller movies, I was left feeling disappointed and giving it a 6 (Medium, Negative).

“Just Like the Good Ol’ Days” (2025) is an enthralling horror-thriller directed by Jax Mercier that delves into the dark side of nostalgia and friendship. In this film, five former high school friends reunite to relive their past experiences but quickly find themselves entangled in a web of long-held grudges and unspoken truths. Unlike typical horror films with jump scares and supernatural elements, Mercier’s directorial debut focuses on the human psyche and the fragility of friendships that have grown strained over time.

The film’s strength lies in its masterful storytelling and ability to evoke emotions through the complex relationships portrayed on screen. The characters’ interactions feel real and raw, making it easy for viewers to empathize with their plight. Mercier’s skillful handling of the narrative allows for a thrilling ride that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. One can’t help but compare this film to M. Night Shyamalan’s “The Sixth Sense” (1999), as both explore the darker aspects of human relationships and hidden truths.

While “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days” does an excellent job in capturing the emotional turmoil within its characters, it may lack some visceral thrills typically found in other horror or thriller films. However, this seems intentional given the focus on character development and psychological tension rather than sheer terror. Overall, with a rating of 13 for mature audiences, this film provides an intense viewing experience that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

Just Like the Good Ol’ Days* (2025) left me quite disappointed with its overall execution and narrative. While the premise seemed promising with five former high school friends reuniting, only to have their reunion turn sour due to long-held grudges, the film fell short in delivering a compelling story.

The acting in the movie was mediocre at best, lacking depth and emotion needed for such complex relationships. It felt like the cast struggled to breathe life into their characters, leaving their interactions feeling stilted and unconvincing. Furthermore, Mercier’s directorial debut failed to deliver a satisfying payoff for the audience, as the thriller aspect of the film lacked tension and suspense, making the entire experience rather underwhelming.

With these significant shortcomings in mind, I would rate Just Like the Good Ol’ Days* only 9 out of 10 stars. The concept had potential, but the poor execution and subpar acting made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story, ultimately leaving me feeling let down by this directorial debut.

Just Like the Good Ol’ Days* (2025) stars an ensemble of actors who seem to have forgotten their lines more often than not. Mercier’s directorial debut short film is a thrilling ride…for all the wrong reasons. Plot holes big enough to drive a truck through are rife throughout, making it nearly impossible for viewers to suspend disbelief or become emotionally invested in these characters’ fates. The emotional rollercoaster is less an exploration of complex relationships and more like being trapped inside a haunted house ride at a subpar amusement park. Mercier may have captured something in this film, but it sure as hell isn’t masterful storytelling. With a rating of 12 for sarcastic critique, I’d say it’s good for a few laughs among friends, but don’t expect any Oscars to follow.

The short film “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days” (2025) by director Jax Mercier explores a thrilling tale of five former high school friends reuniting and dealing with unresolved grudges and past wrongdoings. While the plot is intriguing, the acting feels somewhat flat and underdeveloped. Some of the characters’ motivations seem unclear or forced, leading to an overall lack of connection between the audience and the on-screen relationships. With a rating of 6 out of 10, this film could have benefited from stronger performances and clearer storytelling to fully immerse viewers in its tense and emotionally charged narrative.

This intense short film “Just Like the Good Ol’ Days” left me feeling both heartbroken and anxious. The portrayal of toxic friendships and hidden resentments was incredibly realistic and thought-provoking. Mercier’s direction truly captures the emotional turmoil of these characters, making for a 10/10 emotionally charged experience.