"I Still See You" versus "Ride" (2018)

It's a new year and with that we have our first MoVTie Critic's "Movie Versus". For those who are not familiar with this, I pick two films with similar themes (or in this case the same actress) and have them go head to head for the most G.M.Stars. Today we have two films starring former Disney Channel star from the show "Shake It Up" Bella Thorne. It's ghost versus psychos in this faceoff so let's get started.

First up is the suspenseful horror film "I Still See You". We follow Veronica Calder (Bella Thorne) as she tells of how life is ten years after an apocalyptic event that wiped out millions of lives but left behind ghost of those lost. These ghost seem to repeat a moment in their lives and fade away without any acknowledgement of the world of the living around them. Yet as Veronica's birthday approaches, she encounters a ghost of a man who she's never seen before that leaves her a message to run. Convinced that there may be more about these "echoes" than they were led to believe, she seeks out the help of a classmate who has a fascination with them named Kirk Lane (Richard Harmon). Together they start to discover that they may be more aware of what is going on and are trying to reach out to tell them something that is coming before its too late.

Next up is the suspense thriller that lives up to its name, "Ride". Taking place out in L.A., many aspiring actors like James (Jesse T. Usher) have to pay the bills and his choice is to be a driver for an Uber-like company that provides rides for those who request it with just the touch of an app. He first gives a ride to a beautiful, intelligent and fun woman named Jessica (Bella Thorne) and they hit it off to where she invites him in to join her friends at the club. Yet needing to make some money, James chooses to take on one more ride request from a guy that goes by Bruno (Will Brill). Despite his foul mouth and his indecisiveness as to where he's going, Jesse decides to go along with it with the promise of extra cash. As the two get chummy, Bruno convinces James to go back to Jessica and offer the chance to go to a party in Malibu with them, yet little do the two know that they're about to take a wild ride. Bruno begins to show his true colors, and his gun and James and Jessica find themselves in a terrifying situation where they must play by his rules as they drive down the dark lonely streets of L.A. hoping that their next stop will not be their last.

Two tales of fear and life and death situations yet only one can take the crown. "I Still See You" is a creepy and unique ghost story that goes beyond the standard haunting you would expect from a supernatural tale that's mystery is as deep as the snow outside. Seeing Bella Thorne without her signature red locks and outside of a comedic role shows she has range and has outgrown her Disney dance shoes and turn them in for four G.M.Stars.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Green Mountain Stars

 "Ride" doesn't disappoint with its heart-pounding moments with do or die moments around every corner for Bella and Jesse's characters. Their chemistry to not only keep themselves alive but to protect the other is a great dynamic with Will playing the role of friend turned psychopath with his mind games makes you uncertain as to how it will all play out. It's a realistic tale that will make you question ever using an Uber app again and walks away with the win with four and a half G.M.Stars.

⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Green Mountain Stars

I hope you enjoyed this movie showdown and will rush out to get these films and judge for yourself to see which Bella film is your favorite.

"I Still See You" and "Ride" (2018) are currently available at Redbox and where movies are sold/streamed.