A family moves into a condemned New England house where a witch was executed by drowning in the pond on the property. I had never heard of this movie until a few days ago, but it seemed very interesting. Unfortunately, this movie was a big letdown considering the positive things I've read about it. Superstition is basically 90 minutes of bad acting and bad storytelling with some very gory (and surprisingly well crafted) death sequences. There were a few interesting parts of the movie, but they are overshadowed by this poorly executed film. I heard the score was changed, so the one in the version I watched may not have been the original. However, the score was an exact rip-off of The Shining (1980). I feel like I probably gave a rating slightly higher than it deserves, but I can't help but think about how much potential this movie had. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but if you stumble onto it for free and are bored, go for it.
Reviews
24 Reviews
V/H/S
(2012)
fun & creepy found-footage anthology
19 October 2013
A gang of criminals are hired to break into a house in order to find a VHS tape but they end up finding a large collection of strange and bizarre videos. This was an interesting way to mix the found-footage genre with anthology; having the burglars watching the tapes containing different segments. They were all very strange and creepy segments full of gore and scares. Most of the stories were not too original, and some were very cliché, but they pulled off feeling like real found footage. "Amateur Night" was definitely my favorite of the bunch. Even though I knew what was going to happen due to spoilers, I still liked it the most and was not expecting how it ended. For me, the weakest segment was "Second Honeymoon." It was a bit of a letdown because I usually like Ti West's work and this piece was only so-so. Overall; V/H/S wasn't the most original in terms of scary stories, but it was a fun and original way to display found footage.
The Blair Witch Project
(1999)
unnerving and haunting film
16 October 2013
Three film students visit a small rural town in Maryland in order to make a documentary about its dark history. Things begin going wrong once they are in the woods and gradually become a living nightmare that unfolds from their point of view. The Blair Witch Project is one of the most effectively creepy and scary horror movies of our time. The situations, the people and the acting all seem so real and help create this fictional legend. Because there is pretty much a complete lack of visuals (that most modern movies use as a crutch) and the audience must rely on the reactions from the cast makes this pure genius. Of course, it wouldn't have worked had the actors failed in their performances. But that was definitely not the case with this film. I have only seen it a few times, but nearly every moment sticks with me because The Blair Witch Project is such an unnerving and haunting film.
Waxwork II: Lost in Time
(1992)
funnier than the first
13 October 2013
The sequel stars off right where the first movie ended, but a dismembered hand follows Sarah home and kills her step father. Because nobody believes Sarah's hand story, she is facing jail time. Mark takes Sarah on a journey to find some type of proof to clear Sarah of the charges. This was a pretty decent sequel that was actually funnier than the first. Whereas the original had dark humor, this one has more slapstick humor like Evil Dead II and Dead Alive. Ironically, Bruce Campbell has a part in this movie. It wasn't a big role, but it was very memorable and humorous. There is one thing I was not happy about; the recasting of Sarah. I really don't like when a character is recast, but it makes it worse when the new actor looks completely different. Monika does do a decent job overall. There are some memorable spoofs like House on Haunted Hill, Alien, and Frankenstein. A decent portion of the movie takes place in a medieval land that reminded me of the alternate dimension introduced in the second season of Angel, Pylea. Maybe Joss Whedon was inspired from this movie. The effects are also better, not big studio movie better, but improved from the first. If you liked the first one, you will definitely like this.
Tamara
(2005)
goofy, fun, horror movie
13 October 2013
Tamara is a shy and lonely outcast at school who becomes the victim of a merciless prank by the popular kids. In a fit of rage, there is a struggle and Tamara is killed by accident. The group buries her in the woods and vows to never speak of it again. Then Tamara walks into school the next day.
There's just something about this movie that I really like. It's not very original and is predictable, but it's a fun horror movie to watch. There aren't many modern horror movies that are able to be the good kind of stupid, but Tamara does just that. There are so many ridiculous moments and funny things that happen or are said, but it's never boring. There are also some very disgusting moments of gore that will make you vomit or smile depending on what you like. It's one of those movies you don't bother checking the time because it has a steady pace that never slows down. Last but not least, Jenna does a great job at portraying this character and being evil. So if you want a goofy, fun, horror movie then check out Tamara.
There's just something about this movie that I really like. It's not very original and is predictable, but it's a fun horror movie to watch. There aren't many modern horror movies that are able to be the good kind of stupid, but Tamara does just that. There are so many ridiculous moments and funny things that happen or are said, but it's never boring. There are also some very disgusting moments of gore that will make you vomit or smile depending on what you like. It's one of those movies you don't bother checking the time because it has a steady pace that never slows down. Last but not least, Jenna does a great job at portraying this character and being evil. So if you want a goofy, fun, horror movie then check out Tamara.
Waxwork
(1988)
A gem when it comes to campy horror movies
7 October 2013
A group of friends attend a private showing at a new Waxwork museum, but the owner has a sinister plan that involves the wax figures. The museum has displays of the most sinister creatures known to man and once a person steps onto the display, they enter the creature's world. I thoroughly enjoy this movie every time I watch it because it is very creative and set out to do something completely different. The only negative thing I can say is that the effects and editing are fairly poor. However, it doesn't stand out that much or ruin the movie at all. It is full of dark humor and gives nods to great horror movies. Of course, it wouldn't be a campy 80's movie without Gremlins star Zach Galligan and several other memorable actors from the decade showing up. It should also be mentioned that this is Anthony Hickox's first feature-length film, which makes it even more impressive. This is a gem when it comes to campy horror movies and is a definite must-see.
Amityville 3-D
(1983)
Amityville take #3
6 October 2013
The third installment to the Amityville movies finds a non-believer, John Baxter, moving into the infamous house to prove he does not believe the stories. Well, everyone who seems to come in contact with him and the house begins to die in bizarre ways. This movie was not horrible, but it just wasn't that great, even compared to the second installment. There were a few moments that were very good. I don't want to spoil the scene, but there is a particular moment that is very eerie and bone-chilling. One of the main issues with this movie is that it focused too much on what the evil force was behind the house. That is the same thing that hurt the second installment. The subtle creepiness of the original is what made it work so well, but this one seemed like it wanted to be a crappy Poltergeist sequel and fell flat. It was also odd that characters in the movie acknowledged the DeFeo murders, ignoring the Lutz family all-together along with the name change of the first family in Amityville II (Motelli). My only guess is that they were trying to suggest the first two movies were in-fact movies and this one was "real," or they just forgot what continuity was. The acting was not that great, too many awkward pauses and poor delivery. I won't say this was the worst horror movie I've ever seen, but it is definitely up there. Watch at your own risk, or watch to make fun of it.
A young man slowly losing his mind
4 October 2013
This horror prequel depicts the events that lead to the massacre of a family. The movie was based on the actual family who lived in the Amityville house, the DeFeo's, who were all murdered by the oldest son. There are inaccuracies to not only the real events, but to the events depicted in the first movie. I remember being told this movie was "scarier than the first one," but I found myself laughing at most of it. Don't get me wrong, there were still some creepy moments (the mother feeling a presence in the basement, Sonny being attacked by the presence and hearing the voices), but it was mainly made up of bad writing and awkward dialog. Some of the special effects were surprisingly done very well for their time. Jack Magner also did an exceptional job portraying a young man slowly losing his mind to a maleficent force. It was decent, even with the bad dialog, until the last twenty minutes or so. The ending was very weak and fell flat. But overall, I would say to watch it for the good parts I mentioned and then make fun of the rest.
The Cabin in the Woods
(2011)
Outstanding breath of fresh air to the genre
1 October 2013
Five friends go away for a trip to a secluded cabin in the woods
and no, you haven't seen this one. 'Cabin is a love letter to all of the wonderful things in the horror genre by Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard. I really did not know what to expect with this movie, but I knew it would be worthwhile. There is this wonderful aspect in the writing where you think you know what will happen, but you get completely blindsided. While I disagree with the majority of horror fans in that there are zero good ones being made anymore, The Cabin in the Woods was an outstanding breath of fresh air to the genre. I haven't been this satisfied with a horror movie since Trick 'r Treat. The detail in this movie was epic, to put it lightly and is one of the reasons you never get bored from watching it multiple times. It was a true labor of love from people who understand the genre. Another noteworthy aspect of the movie is they used practical effects as much as possible, which is a very rare thing today. Any filmmaker will tell you that digital effects are far easier, but it's nice to see a big studio film (let alone one of horror) not use CGI as a crutch. The Cabin in the Woods is hands down a modern-day horror classic.
Pumpkinhead
(1988)
An eerie tale of terror!
30 October 2012
Some city kids take a trip to the country and one of them ends up killing a local boy in a biking accident. That boy's father decides to make a deal with a witch to get vengeance on the city kids by unleashing a powerful demon. Shortly after, the man realizes he went too far and has to try and help save the kids. This is such a great horror movie with quality sets, good acting, and a creepy demon. The demon, Pumpkinhead, is very well-done for an '80s movie and feels like just another character. The sets are outstanding, especially the witches' cabin, cemetery, and old church. They really give you a rustic and eerie tone that suits the movie's overall tone. Lance Henriksen gives a great performance as a man struggling with the sudden loss of his son and the choices he makes. I think that is one of the main reasons I like the movie so much because it's not just some monster killing pretty people, it's also about this man struggling with his own inner demons. There also some memorable lines in the movie, especially from the witch, Haggis, who is very creepy. The score also fits into the movie very well and is perfect for the setting and type of movie that it is. Another important thing about the movie is that it never drags on or gets too full of itself, but it is very creative and has a surprising ending. It is definitely a must-see for any horror fan.
The Evil Dead
(1981)
Campy horror classic
30 October 2012
Five friends go to a cabin in the woods; only to unintentionally release evil demons that slowly begin to posses them. This movie was a labor of love and it truly shows. Dead is a very important movie in the horror genre since it remains to be inspiration for so many subsequent ones. I remember several people suggesting I see this movie because I am a big horror fan. When I finally saw it, I was very impressed and enjoyed it a great deal. It's very in-your-face and is loaded with dark humor. The gore is also pretty disgusting, which goes well with a campy movie like this. I think I really appreciated the movie years after first seeing it and finding out how much went into making it. They took years to film and piece it together, actors left due to scheduling issues, they filmed in poor conditions. It really was a labor of love made by a handful of horror nerds that any filmmaker should appreciate, considering most first-time feature films turn out so horrible. The Evil dead will always remain a horror classic in my book and is always fun to watch.
Cabin Fever
(2002)
Flesh-eating viruses make for a great vacation!
30 October 2012
A group of college friends rent a remote cabin for a vacation, but a deadly flesh-eating virus soon ruins their plans. It soon spreads amongst the group and their ruthless selves begin to emerge. Eli Roth delivers an eerie tale of a flesh-eating virus and the way people react when their lives are in danger. This is such a great movie because it's not really your typical "horror" at all. There is no serial killer, mutant zombie, or made doctor, it's just a flesh-eating virus. I think the real horror with this is showing how everyone quickly turns on one another after discovering some may be infected. Aside from some very random parts that had nothing to do with this movie at all ("pancakes"), it was a very effective and disturbing horror movie.
Frankenstein
(1931)
It's Alive!
30 October 2012
A scientist set on reanimating the dead assembles a body out of various human parts and gives the creature new life. Doctor Henry Frankenstein must face the consequences once his experiment takes a turn for the worse. Frankenstein stands the test of time and will always remain a classic. Boris Karloff portrays the reanimated monster and while he does not have any actual lines, his performance was very eerie, almost animalistic. Colin Clive also gives a great performance as Dr. Frankenstein himself; I still get chills when he goes nearly mad exclaiming "it's alive!" Though the movie does alter the story written by Mary Shelley, it encompasses the same notion that man is always trying to play God, which does not always go right. The overall movie is enjoyable and is something any classic horror fan will enjoy and appreciate.
The Wolf Man
(1941)
A classic tale
30 October 2012
When his brother is murdered, Larry Talbot returns from America to his hometown in Wales. Larry is then soon attacked by a vicious wolf, but kills the best only to discover it turns back into a human. Discovering he is cursed and will turn into a werewolf, Larry struggles with what to do as the villagers hunt for the wolf. The Wolf Man has its charm and is very memorable with some great scenes and dialogue, like the gypsy poem. Lon Chaney Jr. gives a decent performance of a many struggling with a curse that will forever change his life. One thing that always bugged me about the movie was they seem to have struggled with setting it in one century or time-period between the 1800's and the 1940's. I guess it's not a huge deal, but just seeing cars driving around in this particular movie does feel a bit odd. Now before someone goes crazy on me, I do appreciate this movie a great deal. Most of the lore about werewolves can be traced back to this movie such as being turned by a bite and transforming when there is a full moon. It's still a great classic horror movie that everyone can enjoy.
The Mummy
(1932)
An eerie classic!
30 October 2012
In 1921, a field expedition in Egypt unearths the mummy of a condemned Egyptian Prince, Im-Ho-Tep. One of the members of the expedition accidentally brings the prince back to life, but the mummy vanishes. Ten years later, the mummy does everything in his power to reunite with his deceased love, who has been reincarnated into a young woman. The classic story of eternally cursed love is one of my favorite classic monster movies. Karloff plays the mesmerizing mummy with some great looking make up. Edward Van Sloan marks his third appearance in a Universal Monsters movie (previously Dracula and Frankenstein), very talented. The story is definitely similar to Dracula, but completely different as well. There were a few parts that lagged due to explaining too much, but that is one of the parts of those old classics. I think the makeup and set design was very creative and helps the movie. The performances from Karloff and Johann are also very memorable. Eighty years later and it's still a great old movie to watch.
Return to House on Haunted Hill
(2007 Video)
Poor sequel to superior movie
12 October 2012
In the sequel to the 1999 remake, a new group of people descend into the house to search for an ancient statue of Baphomet, which is worth millions. They soon come face to face with the evil within the house and must fight to survive. They also find a way to tie into the first movie, but it's the usual for these types of sequels; a relative of someone from the original cast. This is definitely an inferior sequel to a far more superior horror movie. However, you really should not be expecting more from a straight-to-DVD sequel to a 7 year old movie (at the time of its release). The characters were fairly basic without much to care about, besides the main character and a few others. The acting actually was not that bad, it just doesn't seem great due to the writing at times. The gore factor was up, and while it was never cheap looking, some of it felt out of place and done to gross people out. The amazing score from the previous movie was missing, though slight pieces showed up in a revamped form. The score for this movie was weak and generic, without much ability to affect a scene like the original. The plot had potential and actually gave some answers to why the house was evil, but some of it seemed a bit too out there.
I wouldn't say this movie is absolutely horrible; it does have some decent portions. The thing that hurts the movie the most is that it is a sequel to a brilliant horror movie which takes all the brilliance out and replaces it with gore. Another thing that seriously hurt the movie was the changes to the house itself, inside and outside. Besides some archive footage for the opening, when showing the house, it was a CGI model. They also changed the entrance of front where it is a noticeably different set up, yet it leads to the exact same lounge/lobby area from the first movie. They ignore all the other rooms featured in the house, and most of the ones in this movie seem out of place. I'm assuming the budget could not warrant a proper reconstruction of all the previous sets or filming at the Griffith Park Observatory (for the entrance). Had this been given a bigger budget and done by William Malone and Dick Bebe, I think it would have been just as amazing. Unfortunately, we're stuck with a mediocre sequel that is mildly entertaining when you ignore the differences between it and the first one. I would say I'm on the fence with this one, but leaning more towards disliking it.
I wouldn't say this movie is absolutely horrible; it does have some decent portions. The thing that hurts the movie the most is that it is a sequel to a brilliant horror movie which takes all the brilliance out and replaces it with gore. Another thing that seriously hurt the movie was the changes to the house itself, inside and outside. Besides some archive footage for the opening, when showing the house, it was a CGI model. They also changed the entrance of front where it is a noticeably different set up, yet it leads to the exact same lounge/lobby area from the first movie. They ignore all the other rooms featured in the house, and most of the ones in this movie seem out of place. I'm assuming the budget could not warrant a proper reconstruction of all the previous sets or filming at the Griffith Park Observatory (for the entrance). Had this been given a bigger budget and done by William Malone and Dick Bebe, I think it would have been just as amazing. Unfortunately, we're stuck with a mediocre sequel that is mildly entertaining when you ignore the differences between it and the first one. I would say I'm on the fence with this one, but leaning more towards disliking it.
Dracula
(1931)
A must-see horror classic!
12 October 2012
An ancient vampire, Count Dracula, makes his way to London in a bloody mess. After arriving, he turns Lucy into a vampire and then preys upon Mina. It is up to Mina's fiancé, John Harker, and Van Helsing to prevent Dracula's plan to make Mina one of the undead. The classic Bella Lugosi film has stood the test of time and has remained one of the most memorable movies in the world. I always enjoy watching it and appreciate it for paving the way for all of the other Universal Monsters. Bela Lugosi is eerie and creepy in his role as the notorious Count. It's a shame that Lugosi never got the recognition he deserved. I don't find it "scary," but I do find it very creepy, especially the Renfield character. The sets are well done for an older movie and you really get that dark-Gothic vibe. There are definitely several differences between the Bram Stoker novel, but it would not be the first movie to ever change its source material. If you love classic horror movies then I highly recommend you watch the 1931 Dracula.
House on Haunted Hill
(1999)
Creepy, stylish, and well-made.
8 October 2012
A group of people are invited to a party in a notorious mansion, formerly a mental institution for the criminally insane. Each guest will receive one million dollars, but there is a catch of course: they must survive the entire night. This remake of the 1959 Vincent Price movie updates the story the original while giving a darker and more sinister tone. I enjoyed the original, but for various other reasons and I honestly don't feel they are anything of the same. Besides the very basic plot and some characters, the remake is pretty much a completely different movie. If you want a good old Vincent Price movie, see the original. If you want to see a creepy ghost movie, see the remake. I enjoyed this version very much and consider it one of the better horror movie remakes. They have an exceptionally amazing cast made up of some favorites of mine like Geoffrey Rush, Famke Janssen, Ali Larter, Peter Gallagher, and Chris Kattan. I would not go as far as to say the characters were all likable or completely fleshed out, but you have a sense of who they all are. The performances in the movie are done very well and everyone takes their roles very seriously. A great scene that was carried on from the original was one between the host and his wife after the guests arrive. It was a wonderful look at how morbid their relationship is and hints at how far they will go to get back at one another.
The opening title sequence gives an eerie introduction that is also very unique. The score is superb, setting a grand tone for the movie which is another part that I feel really makes it stand out. I love the look and feel of the movie, especially the actual house. For the entrance, they filmed at the famous Griffith Park Observatory and really made it look run-down and eerie. The far shots of the house are done with a miniature, which I feel is always a much better way to go if it can be done since it gives a much more realistic feel. As for the interior, it's very stylish and gives a classic yet dark feel. Not to mention some of the morbid art pieces displayed around the house and archaic devices used on patients. I appreciate the decision to make the house a former mental institution, putting a twist to the haunted house genre. It also gave it a more disturbing undertone to the history of the house. The doctor who ran the hospital went mad back in the early 30's who began butchering patients and conducting experiments on them. The scary part about that is things along those lines unfortunately happened in mental institutions back in the day. There are some great twists and turns that might surprise you if you have not seen the movie yet. One thing that can be appreciated is they avoid some horror movie clichés and provide answers to why everything is happening in an organic way. It's definitely not as predictable as most horror movies out there today. There is also a scene after the credits, so make sure not to miss it.
The opening title sequence gives an eerie introduction that is also very unique. The score is superb, setting a grand tone for the movie which is another part that I feel really makes it stand out. I love the look and feel of the movie, especially the actual house. For the entrance, they filmed at the famous Griffith Park Observatory and really made it look run-down and eerie. The far shots of the house are done with a miniature, which I feel is always a much better way to go if it can be done since it gives a much more realistic feel. As for the interior, it's very stylish and gives a classic yet dark feel. Not to mention some of the morbid art pieces displayed around the house and archaic devices used on patients. I appreciate the decision to make the house a former mental institution, putting a twist to the haunted house genre. It also gave it a more disturbing undertone to the history of the house. The doctor who ran the hospital went mad back in the early 30's who began butchering patients and conducting experiments on them. The scary part about that is things along those lines unfortunately happened in mental institutions back in the day. There are some great twists and turns that might surprise you if you have not seen the movie yet. One thing that can be appreciated is they avoid some horror movie clichés and provide answers to why everything is happening in an organic way. It's definitely not as predictable as most horror movies out there today. There is also a scene after the credits, so make sure not to miss it.
Hatchet II
(2010)
Not horrible, not amazing either.
7 October 2012
Hatchet II finds itself starting literally where the previous one left off. However, very noticeable changes are all too apparent in nearly every aspect of the movie, besides the outrageous gore. Marybeth has been recast and while I like Danielle Harris, I have to agree with others on saying it took basically the whole movie to figure out the character. When a character get's recast, the actor is likely not going to play them the same way and Harris' performance was different than Feldman's. Marybeth also seemed different from the previous movie since she was a strong female character, but is now more of a crybaby who needs men to save her. The change in Crowley's makeup is also clearly different and it was not as good. Now before you go all crazy and get upset at me, take a look at my Hatchet review, I enjoyed that movie a great deal. The first movie was humorous, did not take itself too serious and had characters that while stereotypical for a horror movie, you cared about most of them. Unfortunately, this sequel does not hold up to the original and it's a real shame considering I wanted to like this one just as much. Now, I don't hate it at all, but I just don't feel that it was a good movie, let alone a sequel. I am disappointed with Adam Green because he did such a good job with Hatchet and Frozen, yet this movie feels rushed and cheaply done. There is not as much humor in this one, unless you want to count the gore that is pretty ridiculous. I think where the first movie was something made just for the people who love those corny 80's slashers; this sequel is more for people who enjoy non-stop vicious gore. Don't get me wrong, it's not all the gore that makes this movie a bad second installment. It's the fact that they seemed to think up a dozen disgusting murders and build a movie around it. You pretty much hate or don't know most of the characters in this movie, so when their time comes, it doesn't matter. There is even a montage of flashbacks that shows several other people who were victims of Victor Crowley and they all suffer grotesque deaths.
The whole set up of the sequel is also a bit far-fetched. Marybeth's entire world has just been flipped upside down and she was nearly ripped to pieces by a deranged ghost-creature, yet she is willing to risk her life to go back to find him. I also find it strange that so many locals who know about the cursed swamps would actually go there all in the hopes that a well-known con-artist will pay them each $5,000. Green should have just kept Marybeth in the swamp and had a group of campers or tourists stumble onto her. I'm on the fence with the fact that they added an origin story to Victor Crowley and gave a reason for why Marybeth is connected to him. Most horror movies that try to go back and give an origin story for the villain usually end up being pretty bad, just look at Halloween 6. I wouldn't say it was a total fail because it was slightly interesting and for some reason it reminded me a little of Pumpkinhead. Some cameos you will undoubtedly notice are Mercedes McNab, Joleigh Fioravanti and Joel Murray (though it's only his voice). For anyone who saw Adam Green's other movie, Frozen, you might notice an Easter egg involving Emma Bell. If you haven't seen Frozen yet then I suggest you do that, great thriller. Shawn Ashmore and Joe Lynch also have some small cameos, so keep an eye out or you might miss them.
I guess Hatchet II could have been worse, though it's definitely not memorable like original. Some of the murders definitely stand out, but it's not an amazing sequel like many people are saying. I consider myself a big horror fan and it was only okay for me, but that is my opinion and others will have their own as well.
The whole set up of the sequel is also a bit far-fetched. Marybeth's entire world has just been flipped upside down and she was nearly ripped to pieces by a deranged ghost-creature, yet she is willing to risk her life to go back to find him. I also find it strange that so many locals who know about the cursed swamps would actually go there all in the hopes that a well-known con-artist will pay them each $5,000. Green should have just kept Marybeth in the swamp and had a group of campers or tourists stumble onto her. I'm on the fence with the fact that they added an origin story to Victor Crowley and gave a reason for why Marybeth is connected to him. Most horror movies that try to go back and give an origin story for the villain usually end up being pretty bad, just look at Halloween 6. I wouldn't say it was a total fail because it was slightly interesting and for some reason it reminded me a little of Pumpkinhead. Some cameos you will undoubtedly notice are Mercedes McNab, Joleigh Fioravanti and Joel Murray (though it's only his voice). For anyone who saw Adam Green's other movie, Frozen, you might notice an Easter egg involving Emma Bell. If you haven't seen Frozen yet then I suggest you do that, great thriller. Shawn Ashmore and Joe Lynch also have some small cameos, so keep an eye out or you might miss them.
I guess Hatchet II could have been worse, though it's definitely not memorable like original. Some of the murders definitely stand out, but it's not an amazing sequel like many people are saying. I consider myself a big horror fan and it was only okay for me, but that is my opinion and others will have their own as well.
The Cottage
(2008)
Two guys have the worst day ever!
5 October 2012
This little gem is definitely not something you see all that often. I honestly have no idea what made me watch it years back, but I'm glad I did because it is a very good horror movie. It starts off slow and the horror portion of it does not begin until literally halfway through. However, it is not boring at all because they give you time to develop the characters and let you know who they are. There are also plenty of hilarious moments that will have you laughing out loud. One particularly hilarious scene is when a woman beats a man up while her hands are tied behind her back. She later goes on to call him obscenities which makes the moment all the more hilarious. I would consider this a dark comedy/horror slasher. You have some great-funny dialogue mixed in with some messed up death scenes and a few moments that might make you jump. There is also a cameo by none other than Pinhead himself. Okay, it's just the actor (Doug Bradley) who played him in all of the official Hellraiser movies, but it's still a memorable cameo.
Two men hide out in a country-side cottage after a botched kidnapping while their hostage makes the situation more chaotic. To make things worse, they have a neighbor who is not someone you would want to run into ever. Liked stated above, the horror does not really come into play until halfway through the movie. The first half is dark comedy with character introductions and plot building. The second half is a gory slasher with some humor mixed in. While many do not seem to care for the way the movie slowly turns into horror, I appreciate it for taking a different approach. I like to think of it as a story of people who are having a bad day and it gradually gets worse. What could possibly top their bad day? Stumbling onto a farm where a deranged being lives. It is definitely more about the main character introduced at the start than getting into any of the back-story introduced on the farm, so just remember that. The score is also surprisingly good, something not often seen in the lower budget horror films. It sort of sounds a bit like Danny Elfman's score from Beetlejuice along with a few others mixed in, but it's very enjoyable and adds to the movie.
I really enjoyed this movie and if you are looking for a hilarious, well-made horror film then watch The Cottage.
Two men hide out in a country-side cottage after a botched kidnapping while their hostage makes the situation more chaotic. To make things worse, they have a neighbor who is not someone you would want to run into ever. Liked stated above, the horror does not really come into play until halfway through the movie. The first half is dark comedy with character introductions and plot building. The second half is a gory slasher with some humor mixed in. While many do not seem to care for the way the movie slowly turns into horror, I appreciate it for taking a different approach. I like to think of it as a story of people who are having a bad day and it gradually gets worse. What could possibly top their bad day? Stumbling onto a farm where a deranged being lives. It is definitely more about the main character introduced at the start than getting into any of the back-story introduced on the farm, so just remember that. The score is also surprisingly good, something not often seen in the lower budget horror films. It sort of sounds a bit like Danny Elfman's score from Beetlejuice along with a few others mixed in, but it's very enjoyable and adds to the movie.
I really enjoyed this movie and if you are looking for a hilarious, well-made horror film then watch The Cottage.
Hatchet
(2006)
A slasher that doesn't take itself seriously
4 October 2012
Hatchet is a blood-soaked love letter to the campy horror-slasher films of the '80s. It pays homage to films like Friday the 13th and Sleepaway Camp while catering to the fans who love a good old-fashioned gore fest, with some boobs of course. I bought this movie before even watching it because I heard so many good things and was not disappointed. Don't try and take this movie seriously though, it was definitely not meant to be. It's very campy and dumb, but that's fine because it should be that way. There are plenty of hilarious moments that will get you laughing. I think calling it a "spoof" of '80s slasher movies is correct, but it's not as comedic as spoofs like Scary Movie. The set-up is repetitive, the dialogue is corny, and the special effects (while horrifically gory) are not that great. However, that's what makes it fun to watch. You can't go into this movie expecting some great masterpiece or even a really good horror movie. Go into this movie expecting a campy gore-fest that you can laugh at how ridiculous it is.
A haunted boat ride tour group gets stranded in the Louisiana bayous and they are attacked by a deformed creature that haunts the area. You have your cliché characters of course; the nerdy guy, the token African American, the bitch, the dumb bimbo, the pervert, the goofy older couple, the con-artist, and the woman who knows about the creature. While all the roles are very stereotypical and often seen in this genre, the actors did a decent job considering the subject matter. You should also keep an eye out for cameos by two big horror icons, Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and Tony Todd (Candy Man) who both bring some laughs. Joshua Leonard (The Blair Witch Project) and John Carl Buechler (Special Effects Artist on movies like Halloween 4 and Bride of Re-Animator) also make small cameos. This movie is definitely not for the people with weak stomachs, there is non-stop gore/violence, along with some bodily fluids (vomit, saliva).
So if you want to watch a ridiculous slasher with lots of graphic gore and some topless women, Hatchet is the one for you.
A haunted boat ride tour group gets stranded in the Louisiana bayous and they are attacked by a deformed creature that haunts the area. You have your cliché characters of course; the nerdy guy, the token African American, the bitch, the dumb bimbo, the pervert, the goofy older couple, the con-artist, and the woman who knows about the creature. While all the roles are very stereotypical and often seen in this genre, the actors did a decent job considering the subject matter. You should also keep an eye out for cameos by two big horror icons, Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street) and Tony Todd (Candy Man) who both bring some laughs. Joshua Leonard (The Blair Witch Project) and John Carl Buechler (Special Effects Artist on movies like Halloween 4 and Bride of Re-Animator) also make small cameos. This movie is definitely not for the people with weak stomachs, there is non-stop gore/violence, along with some bodily fluids (vomit, saliva).
So if you want to watch a ridiculous slasher with lots of graphic gore and some topless women, Hatchet is the one for you.
Cry Wolf
(2005)
Not what you would expect
2 October 2012
When this movie first came out, I remember many mixed feelings about it. It wasn't until several years later that I actually got to see it, and I have to say this really surprised me. It's like a hidden gem in a way because you really don't expect it to be anything besides your typical teen slasher, but it turns out it's anything but. Unfortunately many people don't seem to appreciate the movie for what it is; a mystery-thriller with elements of a slashler. I know some people have compared it to Urban Legend (1998), and I definitely noticed the similarity also along with some elements of Final Exam (1981) and Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998). However, while Cry Wolf shares some similarities, it is very original and surprising. It's more like the start of an urban legend and shows just how fast it can spread with social networking.
It starts off pretty simple, guy with troubled past meets mysterious girl. They flirt, she introduces him into a private group where they play mind games, and he impresses her. Then they decide to create the ultimate game in light of a recent murder in town; start a rumor that the same thing has happened in other schools and have the student body questioning everyone. Everything seems fine until they start getting strange instant messages and are being stalked by someone dressed as the made up killer.
It's definitely more than that and hopefully will surprise you. Now I'm not saying this movie is pure cinematic gold, but it's definitely not just some ordinary-generic horror movie. I consider myself a true horror fan and genuinely enjoyed the movie. If you like edgy horror movies with twists and turns, I highly recommend seeing Cry Wolf.
It starts off pretty simple, guy with troubled past meets mysterious girl. They flirt, she introduces him into a private group where they play mind games, and he impresses her. Then they decide to create the ultimate game in light of a recent murder in town; start a rumor that the same thing has happened in other schools and have the student body questioning everyone. Everything seems fine until they start getting strange instant messages and are being stalked by someone dressed as the made up killer.
It's definitely more than that and hopefully will surprise you. Now I'm not saying this movie is pure cinematic gold, but it's definitely not just some ordinary-generic horror movie. I consider myself a true horror fan and genuinely enjoyed the movie. If you like edgy horror movies with twists and turns, I highly recommend seeing Cry Wolf.
House of Wax
(2005)
Slasher With Brains
1 October 2012
Six college friends go on a road trip to a football game, but decide to camp out after taking a detour that set them back. After some car trouble, they find the town of Ambrose, which features a wax museum whose figures seem very life-like. The group soon discovers the town and people in it are not all they appear to be and must fight to survive.
Many people mistake House of Wax for your average slasher flick remake. However, upon watching it, the movie might surprise you, as it did me. This movie definitely separates itself from most of the movies in the genre by giving something so rarely done in horror movies anymore; characters you care about and good writing. The writing is definitely above average compared to most slasher-horror movies of today. The characters come off as grounded in reality and relatable, some more than others, though. The acting is good and you may even be surprised by the level of Paris Hilton's acting; it's not quite as horrible as you'd imagine. If you don't want to see the movie solely because Paris Hilton's name is attached, then you are missing out. She is barely even in it and has very little dialogue. Another factor is that you have to pay attention because some things are very subtle. I remember I was still noticing things that were not so blatantly obvious after the third and fourth time viewing the movie. It is also not entirely fair for people to compare it to the 1953 Vincent Price version because aside from a few basic plot details and the name, it's a completely different movie. To be blunt, both are good movies that represented the best of its genre for the time it was made and are not anything of the same.
Considering the fact that this film had a low-budget, it is of high quality between the set design and visual effects. As much as the gore in this movie is cringe-worthy (fingers, feet, boiling wax on skin), it is not over-done and is mainly prosthetics, another rarity in modern horror movies. Something that still fascinates me to this day is the fact that the entire town they filmed in was a set built just for the movie. The detail and style within that town alone is remarkable and gives a great tone to the movie — and who can forget the outstanding work that obviously went into the actual house of wax? The entire thing was literally made of wax. It has an old-world feel with abstract art that gives a creepy vibe, along with spider webs and dust. John Ottman also gave a pleasing score that sort of feels like a mixture of old horror with new. A very eerie tone was set throughout the movie with Ottman's unusual score. The song selection is also great with artists like Marilyn Manson, Joy Division, Deftones, My Chemicle Romance and Disturbed. One thing that may get missed about the underlying message of the movie is the bonds of twin siblings and how the relationships can be strained or forces one to stray from good. I don't want to give much away, but just look out for that and you will definitely see what I am talking about.
If you are looking for a good slasher-horror that has a good storyline, then I highly recommend House of Wax.
Many people mistake House of Wax for your average slasher flick remake. However, upon watching it, the movie might surprise you, as it did me. This movie definitely separates itself from most of the movies in the genre by giving something so rarely done in horror movies anymore; characters you care about and good writing. The writing is definitely above average compared to most slasher-horror movies of today. The characters come off as grounded in reality and relatable, some more than others, though. The acting is good and you may even be surprised by the level of Paris Hilton's acting; it's not quite as horrible as you'd imagine. If you don't want to see the movie solely because Paris Hilton's name is attached, then you are missing out. She is barely even in it and has very little dialogue. Another factor is that you have to pay attention because some things are very subtle. I remember I was still noticing things that were not so blatantly obvious after the third and fourth time viewing the movie. It is also not entirely fair for people to compare it to the 1953 Vincent Price version because aside from a few basic plot details and the name, it's a completely different movie. To be blunt, both are good movies that represented the best of its genre for the time it was made and are not anything of the same.
Considering the fact that this film had a low-budget, it is of high quality between the set design and visual effects. As much as the gore in this movie is cringe-worthy (fingers, feet, boiling wax on skin), it is not over-done and is mainly prosthetics, another rarity in modern horror movies. Something that still fascinates me to this day is the fact that the entire town they filmed in was a set built just for the movie. The detail and style within that town alone is remarkable and gives a great tone to the movie — and who can forget the outstanding work that obviously went into the actual house of wax? The entire thing was literally made of wax. It has an old-world feel with abstract art that gives a creepy vibe, along with spider webs and dust. John Ottman also gave a pleasing score that sort of feels like a mixture of old horror with new. A very eerie tone was set throughout the movie with Ottman's unusual score. The song selection is also great with artists like Marilyn Manson, Joy Division, Deftones, My Chemicle Romance and Disturbed. One thing that may get missed about the underlying message of the movie is the bonds of twin siblings and how the relationships can be strained or forces one to stray from good. I don't want to give much away, but just look out for that and you will definitely see what I am talking about.
If you are looking for a good slasher-horror that has a good storyline, then I highly recommend House of Wax.
Popularity Over Quality?
9 November 2010
I enjoy watching this show as often as I can. This season-started had such great potential. The story revolved around a bombing that created quite a scare to both the citizens of Las Vegas and police officers.
That being said, it was all soiled by adding Justin Bieber into the mix. He felt so out of place and did not seem to fit in with the group of people his character was involved with. He was supposed to be part of a radical group who opposes the way the US government functions. His acting was emotionless and made the actors he interacted with look bad. I say shame on everyone who suggested this idea of brining Justin in, and allowed it to actually happen. It is so disgusting when shows sell out on a "pop sensation" like Bieber, especially when they can't act at all and have no prior acting experience and most possibly training. I think it would not have been as distasteful if Justin was good at acting. He needs to go to acting school before he takes any future roles on anything to do with him reading from a script. As for CSI, they need to make sure their future guest stars can actually act and not just sell out for popularity.
That being said, it was all soiled by adding Justin Bieber into the mix. He felt so out of place and did not seem to fit in with the group of people his character was involved with. He was supposed to be part of a radical group who opposes the way the US government functions. His acting was emotionless and made the actors he interacted with look bad. I say shame on everyone who suggested this idea of brining Justin in, and allowed it to actually happen. It is so disgusting when shows sell out on a "pop sensation" like Bieber, especially when they can't act at all and have no prior acting experience and most possibly training. I think it would not have been as distasteful if Justin was good at acting. He needs to go to acting school before he takes any future roles on anything to do with him reading from a script. As for CSI, they need to make sure their future guest stars can actually act and not just sell out for popularity.
Tell Your Friends