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I am getting old, oh and Review-Strangers Prey at Night

Wow it has definitely been awhile on this blog.  I started this back in 2012 fresh out college.  It was both to document and reflect on horror films that I had watched & also review them as I went through.  It has been fun sifting through old posts to remind me of films that are definitely worth a second watch.  I will be doing the best I can to stay diligent in keeping this up to date as I can.

Now... for the Strangers Prey at Night.  I have seen a lot of negativity going in to my first watch of this.  Many critics have argued it is a shell of the first film (which I loved) and did nothing exceptional.  I agree with most of those points as the film didn’t really do much for character development or anything worth remembering.  One thing I found that it did do well was create an atmosphere that is a little less claustrophobic then its predecessor.  We now have a large open trailer park that allows for much larger shots that force your eyes to wander.

One thing I really really disliked about this film was the cheesy use of 80′s nostalgia.  From the title design, soundtrack, and film style it did everything it could to draw on the success other films have had with throwing it back to the 80′s.  The problem is those other films (House of the Devil, Stranger Things, It Follows) all embraced that culture.  The Strangers instead bounced back in forth using modern times (smart phones) when convenient.  It all together fell really lazy and not close to the tone of the first film.

Overall the film is worth a watch if you were a fan of the first, but nothing more then a rent.

Rating: 1.5/5.

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Review- The Babadook

This film has been on my radar for the better part of about a year now.  I picked it up, put it back down, picked it up again, put it back down.  For some reason I just kept finding excuses to watch something else.  Finally I had some free time this past weekend and got around to watching the highly praised Babadook.

The Babadook centers around a mother and child battling through different psychological issues stemming from the loss of a close family member.   The film taps into the raw emotion of a mother dealing with an incredibly painful loss and also have to take responsibility for a seemingly troubled son.  Many times throughout the film it feels more of a drama with horror elements weaved into the plot to keep you unsettled.

Overall, I have to admit I was bored throughout the majority of the film.  I am very much one of those people that can sit through a movie and enjoy it very well knowing whoever else is watching it with is probably bored or disappointed.  Perhaps the movie was to hyped up for me from other horror fans, but I just wasn’t in tune with the pacing and suspense that other people raved about.  However, I can appreciate the film for its superb acting and great cinematography that other horror films are just lacking nowadays. 

Rating 1.5/5

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Review- The Witch

I was actually shocked that my wife wanted to see this film in theatres.  I explained to her that this was not going to be your average big box office horror movie filled with jump scares and loud cabinet openings.  To my delight, we both really enjoyed the film for what it was.

The Witch is a film that centers around the paranoia of 17th century New England during the height of the witch hysteria.  Between the science and religious beliefs nobody quite knows what the hell is going on and many people resort to the easiest out, casting people as Witches.  The film follows a family who decides to abandon a plantation and start anew in a vast wilderness.  This is where the film accelerates building both tension and a strong atmosphere.

If you are a fan of slow burn style horror movies that focus on building tension and creating a strong atmosphere, then this film is for you.  If you are looking for a cheap ticket to be rattled by a bump of jump scares then you are best to wait for the Conjuring 2.  I was so impressed that this film made the big box office sticking to it’s routes and delivering a film that horror fanatics can be proud of.  

Definitely get out there and support this film as the true horror masterpiece that it is as you know everyone else in the theater will be walking out complaining.

Rating: 4/5

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Review- The Visit

Like most people, I have not been a huge fan of Shyamalan’s recent films.  It always feels in the beginning they have a ton of potential only go have some plot twist that either makes no sense, or takes the film in a downwards direction.  I am happy to say that his most recent film, The Visit, completely delivers and really returns Shyamalan to his former Sixth Sense self.

The Visit is a documentary style film that follows two kids that are going away to there grandparents house for a week.  They begin to document strange occurrences that happen during the visit culminating in a nice twist.

I thought the film, while not doing anything revolutionary, portrayed the documentary style well.  The reasons given for documenting there experience were much more plausible then you see in many horror films and really allows for the character development to excel early on in the film as you get to know the two kids.  I thought the pacing was on point and avoided many of the mistakes you see in other Shyamalan movies. Where so many other films he has done interject humor or sarcasm at inappropriate times, The Visit holds steady and at times has some great overarching themes.

Definitely give The Visit a watch as it will keep you entertained and guessing what exactly is going on.

Rating: 3.5/5

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2015- My Top 5

OK, so I have been reading a lot of blogs lately listing everyone’s top horror movies of the year.  Rather then create a repetitive list that most everyone has seen, I am going to to do things a little differently.  Below you will find my top 5 list of movies I have seen in the year 2015.  This is not necessarily movies that have been released this past year, or horror movies for that matter.  Hope you enjoy and either get to watch a few.

#5 Holliston

I know most people and horror enthusiasts have probably already seen this TV show, but I just got through season 2 a couple months back and man what a show.  Just a thoroughly enjoyable show that I easily lose two hours in.

#4 Mississippi Grind

Obviously not a horror movie by conventional standards, but when further diving into the character development you can see elements of genuine horror and disillusion.  Some people are scared of ghosts, zombies, and monsters.  For me, real horror is having no money and an addiction which leads you further down a road of failure.  Definitely worth checking out..

#3 Digging up the Marrow

I think I knew from the start Adam Green would make this list twice.  Digging up the Marrow takes the found footage/documentary style of horror and turns it up side down.  With elements of humor, creativity, and fun; Digging up the Marrow is one of my favorites out of 2015.

#2 Zombeavers

Fun, witty, gory, are a few ways to describe this horror comedy of 2015.  Zombeavers embraces the B movie horror genre in a way that makes you love and respect the film for what it is. 

#1 It Follows

Definitely my favorite movie of the year.  Normally horror films are really strong in certain areas and lacking in others.  It Follows nails every thing so well from atmosphere, pacing, and sound.  This is the must see horror movie of 2015.

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Review- Zombeavers

You would think not really liking zombies and the horror comedy genre as a whole would turn me away from this movie.  However, after getting a few recommendations from friends decided to check it out and dam I am glad I did.

I have to admit there is nothing better then B movie horror poking complete and utter fun of itself.  When done right you hit home runs like Thankskilling and Zombeavers. The film gets just about everything right from over the top stereotypical casting, to fun gore scenes.  Sometimes movies that purposely make themselves appear bad are the funniest by far.  Simply put, I had a blast with this film.. I was laughing and just enjoying the cast, and of course the beavers.

This will be a great movie for any horror fan looking to take a break from jump scares, tense scenes, or difficult content.  9/10 times when we are watching horror movies we are looking for tense or great atmospheres that builds a sense of dread or tension.  However, every once in awhile a film like Zombeavers comes around that allows us to not only laugh and have fun, but even poke fun of ourselves as horror fans with what the genre as become.

Rating 4/5

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Review- It Follows

Been wanting to review this one for awhile.  It Follows has received a ton of mixed reviews from people absolutely praising it, to those not understanding the big deal behind it. 

It follows follows a very basic premise of something or someone that is passed along from person to person when they have sex.  The trick is once you have it you have to pass it along to someone else or it will continue to follow you until you die.

Now normally a film with this plot design would be reserved to a horror comedy B movie, but It Follows nails the cinematography, sound, and pacing so well that the movie is one of my favorites to come along in awhile.  The film constantly keeps you on edge as you never know when whatever is following you has caught up because the basic premise is whatever is following you simply walks until it reaches you. 

The soundtrack is absolutely amazing in this film.  Rather then reserving the soundtrack to jump scares, it creates a nice pace and flow.  What many  modern horror movies lack is a soundtrack that drives atmosphere and tension.  It follows does this so well that it adds another layer of fear.

Definitely recommend picking up this film.  It seems available with most major retailers and you absolutely will not regret it.

Rating: 4.5/5

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Review- Wrong Turn 6

Ah the Wrong Turn series.. I can remember watching the 1st one 11-12 years ago picking up the film at Movie Gallery, putting it in my VCR, and watching it on my tube TV.

My how have times changed.

The Wrong Turn series has kind of correlated with my transition from adolescence to adulthood.  I can honestly say after watching the 1st, I would have never thought 15 years later I would be still be following the series. 

The series has definitely had its ups and downs.  1-2 were pretty fun, 3-4 I hardly remember, and after 5 I had given up on the series.  I purchased 6 kind of randomly and certainly do not regret it.  Wrong Turn 6 brings some fresh life into a dying series.  While we still have the same cannibal crew, the new faces bring some genuine quality to the series.  Sadie Katz delivers a creepy performance and brings to her character what Sherri Moon Zombie did for Baby.  

If you were a fan of the other Wrong Turn’s then 6 is a must, if you enjoyed the 1st couple, then revisiting the series with 6 will definitely be worth your time.

Rating: 3/5

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Review- Starry Eyes

Finally had the opportunity to catch this since being released on Netflix.  I have been hearing a lot of good things about this film and tend to really enjoy Dark Sky releases.

Starry Eyes centers around a young actress desperate to break into a star role.  She finally catches her big break during an audition for a horror film that seems to good to be true.  Since assuming the role strange things begin to happen that test her willingness to let herself go.  The film follows a slow burn style that leads to an expected ending and then takes you into a more unexpected direction.

I just feel meh about Starry Eyes.  I really liked the premise and the lead actress absolutely killed it.  However, the film leaves a lot to be desired and many times is cliche and predictable.  If this was not available for streaming on Netflix I would say skip it, but because you can watch for free, it may be worth your time.

Rating 2/5

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Review- Digging up the Marrow

Can’t believe how long it has been since I last did a review.  There hasn't been many horror movies jumping out at me lately, but finally Adam Green’s latest project hit the spot.

This documentary style film follows the story of a fan that writes Adam claiming he has found real monsters.  Adam does a good job making the story fit within the context of his day to day life including his horror convention tours, current projects, and family life.  At times I actually enjoyed these parts of the film more as you can tell there was a genuine effort to include other actors, directors, and fans to the project making it feel more like a project then a documentary.  

I have to say I love films like this that start with a premise that of course isn't true, but allows you to think what if?  It really allowed the art in the film to shine and watching the extras you get a real appreciation for the amount of work that went into conceptualizing and then building the monsters.  I definitely recommend this one to people looking for something fresh and fun.

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Top 5 Horror Films of 2014

It has been a crazy year for me personally and because of that horror movies have taken a bit of a back seat. However, I still have gotten to see a healthy amount and have put together my top 5 favorite horror films of 2014. This is not to say these are the best horror films of 2014 as I have not seen several key films that people are raving about. Here are 5 you should definitely check out:

#5

The Den

Really enjoyed this one. It doesn't do anything particularly new, but executes incredibly well. The story is essentially told through Skype technology, and uses it well.

#4

The Sacrament

I am a huge fan of Ti West and while I didn't think this was quite up to par with his other films, The Sacrament does a great job building up to a wonderful finish.

#3

Willow Creek

I know a lot of people that were huge fans of Willow Creek, but being one that loves found footage films (just realized every film in my top 5 is) I found this to be an interesting spin on Big Foot.

#2

As Above So Below

A group goes down in search of an ancient artifact and stumble into the gates of hell.  While often times cliche, the film was an enjoyable ride throughout.  The premise of being in hell allowed them to completely go outside the box with much of the imagery. 

#1

Green Inferno

Similar to Cannibal Holocaust.  That is all.

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Review- V/H/S Viral

To say that I have been anxiously awaiting the VOD release of V/H/S viral is an understatement.  I am a HUGE fan of the first couple installments and thought I just couldn't get enough.  Needless to say for those that have watched viral I believe the series has run the course..

Viral only has 3 shorts weaved into an incoherent main story line.  The first films follows a magician who finds a cloak that grants him powers to basically do anything.  He ends up getting in a battle with his assistant for the cloak and the story centers around that.  After watching this short I knew I was in for a long night.  Here's the deal.. I don't watch V/H/S for fun comic style short's, I watch it to be freaked out and blown away with creativity. 

The second film follows a man who creates a device that allows him to travel to another universe.  He ends up meeting himself in a parallel universe (what are the odds!) and they agree to swap for 15 minutes.  What he thinks will be a similar life ends up to be completely different and it follows both of there journeys.  Again, another yawn short. 

The third and final short follows a skate group that crosses the border to Mexico to film there stunts.  They end up running into a bunch of cultists who are trying to apparently raise the devil.  This is by far and away my favorite of the three and demonstrates you can mix fun with genuine horror and intrigue.

I felt after V/H/S 2 the series was going to keep building steam.  The third installment was the worst of the series and incredibly uneventful.  The wraparound story was terrible and the shorts didn't to much to support it.  Do yourself a favor and save the $10 and your time and skip V/H/S Viral.

Rating: 1/5

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Review- In Fear

At last my favorite time of the year, Halloween, Rock and Shock, and a cold.....  This weekend is the 11th annual Rock and Shock and I am home sick.  Luckily for me I was still able to get some signed merchandise, many of it wishing me well.  

So instead of the convention I curled up on the coach for a movie marathon.  The first was a film I picked up a few days ago called In Fear.  

The film follows the story of a new couple deciding to ditch a rock festival to escape into the Irish countryside for a weekend getaway at a rural hotel.  They run into trouble when they get lost in the rural countryside along back roads.  To make it worse they are being pursued and tormented by locals who they made trouble with earlier.

First, I really enjoyed the film.  Most of us have had an experience of being in the middle of nowhere and lost.  The film plays on those fears along with the fear of outsiders.  This film keeps you guessing throughout and after watching the behind the scenes you learn the actors really had no idea what was going to happen next due to lack of a script.  Definitely, unconventional and very fun!

Rating: 3.5/5

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Review- The Sacrament

Really was looking forward to the latest Ti West Release. My favorite director paired with by favorite genre of horror was something that really stood out to me in an otherwise bland year for horror.

The film follows a film crew as they investigate a remote community that one of the film crews sister has been living in. The Sacrament is typical slow burn style film consistent with other films Ti West has done. Newcomers to this style may be a little put off as the first hour of the film is really dedicated to developing characters and introducing the audience to the community.

In the past this slow burn style has created some great payoffs at the end (The Innkeepers, House of the Devil). However, with the Sacrament I feel the payoff wasn't there. Don't get me wrong, the film was thoroughly enjoyable and felt very real, but just did not deliver like I was hoping. Still definitely worth a view and will probably be on many 2014 top horror lists.

Rating: 3/5

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Outside the Genre

Every now and then (mainly then) I venture outside the genre to check out different projects and films.  This weekend was the Berkshire International Film Festival, an annual festival showcasing different films from different genre's around the world.  I thought I would share my experience and some films worth checking out.

Lucky Them:

This is definitely worth a look for horror fans looking to take a break.  The film centers around a rock music critic and her search for her lost lover who one night just walked away from a promising career to never be found.  As someone who loves the rock scene and genre this film did a great job capturing the spirit of Seattle and its alt rock routes.  It also had a nice surprise guest appearance at the end that made for a great payoff as we discover what happened.

Rating: 4/5

Beside Still Waters:

Another fun indie film that was an ode to friendship, love, and loss.  Rather then feeling like a film, it felt like you were following a typical night with a group of friends.  However, the film centers on it being anything but an ordinary night centering around jealousy, lust, and exploring how sometimes friendships can be anything but ordinary.  Beside Still Waters manages to tug on all of these emotions throughout the night and I found myself being able to relate or identify with many of the situations.

Rating : 3/5

When visiting these film festivals I am always reminded how much appreciation can be given to the directors and producers of these films who are out pounding the pavement to get noticed.  It reminds me of what Adam Green was talking to me about when I had last met him.  The need to support indie films and filmmakers by supporting the festival runs and purchasing the DVD's when they are released.

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The Problem with Modern Horror

Horror-Ca with another good write up on the problems with modern horror films.  Needless to say after watching a stream of recent "mainstream" horror movies, I definitely agree with the author.

Check out the article at:

http://www.horror-movies.ca/modern-horror-whats-wrong/