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Reviews
666 Park Avenue (2012)
Silly...but not satanic
Well it seems like this show is getting much more controversy then it deserves. ABC daring to air a series with 666 in the title on a Sunday? After watching the first episode, I see it as much more a haunted apartment building story with a powerful man who may or may not be the devil running things. The sets are nice, but the storyline is really quite tame...Nothing for the conservative religious people to get riled up about. And its on late so the kiddies are in bed. Although there was one startling scene with an elevator malfunctioning, there was nothing to give nightmares either. Now if you want to really be scared and shocked, try out American Horror Story on FX...otherwise this is pg rated stuff that will probably get canceled...Unless the Christian conservatives keep screaming about it. Nothing makes a show popular like controversy.
Sick Boy (2012)
Not that bad...director shows potential
Okay, this isn't the greatest low budget horror film, but it did hold my interest. I also liked the setup, although I agree with another reviewer that there were plot holes. Still, I liked the lead actress and believed in her character...although some of her choices were bad. I also liked the slow build up of tension...and the kid was creepy. It was very well shot and the climax was intense although I kept shouting at the screen for the people to act smarter...but for me, that makes a good horror film to watch with friends...Kinda silly, a bit scary, and harmless. I think with a bigger budget and maybe a better script, the director has a bright future ahead of him.
Elevator (2012)
Great ride...but some flaws
If you can get past some serious flaws...this is a tense, gory, and at times hilariously dark humored thriller. First off, I had a hard time understanding why the security guard manning the elevator door kept squeezing more and more people inside...this was just a normal elevator. Then when the camera goes inside, the space is much larger then it appeared from outside. Disorientating for me and an obvious budget constraint flaw. Also, the actor playing the older rich man was just not very good...his insane glee during an extremely gory part did not fit with his character. But, ignore all this...and it is an insane ride with some politically incorrect humor, great acting from most, and a blood soaked finale that had my jaw on the floor. The epilogue to the film was not needed...maybe just there for padding. All in all a film to watch with friends who are open to extremely black humor and gore.
American Horror Story: Rubber Man (2011)
Wow!
Don't read unless you've seen it! This is by far the best episode yet. So much is revealed! And any confusion about what transpired before is cleared up. And what a sad and shocking ending. Only criticism is Jessica Lange is not in this episode. She really makes the show. Nevertheless, this is an amazing chapter. This series just keeps getting better and better. Can't wait till next week to see what happens next. Tate is scaring the hell out of me. And I feel so sorry for Viv. Hopefully Moira can help. It's so surprising to see America come up with such a daring original show. Not since Twin Peaks way back when has there been a series that challenges us, surprises, scares, and respects our intelligence.
Evil Angel (2009)
Crazy and Confusing.. but I liked it!
This is one strange roller-coaster of a movie. First off it is about two hours long, but never feels boring. It moves so fast and flips back and forth between two stories that it made my head spin at times. The plot, although not that original, feels fresh due to the amazing direction and spurts of bloody violence,all done with a nice touch of black humor. To be honest, I just finished watching it and I am still a bit confused about the entire plot. Basically an evil demon, Lillith can hop into someones body just as they die to possess them. She really does not have an agenda except to kill as many people as she can before she must find a new body. A detective played very well by Ving Rhames is tracking her and a young paramedic is also discovering that something is going on. I guess on paper this plot sounds pretty stupid...but trust me, it is a wild crazy ride and I found myself laughing and gasping throughout. The special effects are not bad and when Lillith kicks ass, it's amazing. So, grab a few beers and some friends and have a ball. Please don't expect to use braincells, this is pure popcorn stuff.
The Lovely Bones (2009)
Why do so many people dislike this film?
When I first read this novel back in 2003, I was blown away yet never imagined a director being able to bring all the wonderful things contained within to the screen. But, in my humble opinion, Peter Jackson has done it. The acting is superb. His vision of the "in between" is magnificent. And the most intense scene in the novel taking place in the killers house that had me frantically tearing through the pages, had me on the edge of my seat in this filmed version. Sure, Jackson does not focus on the more violent and disturbing topics of the novel and stays away from any mention of rape or sex after death...but this movie worked for me despite these changes. So I recommend if you loved the book, see it with an open mind. This is just one mans vision of a novel that he obviously loved. Perhaps it is not perfect, but it is damned good!
Dread (2009)
Unpleasant, Sickening, and Grotesque....but Impressive
It's hard to rate a movie that makes you want to throw-up, but this is a very well made film. The acting is spot on and the story is quite original. And as for the gore...it gets messy here. The final scene with meat nearly sent me running to the toilet and do not expect any happy endings here. I would have a hard time recommending this to my friends because they would think I was a psychopath if I claimed I liked it. But horror films are made to cause a reaction...sometimes an unpleasant one, and this one delivers dread, horror, and a palpable sense of evil that I have not experienced in quite awhile. So, be warned. This is not kids stuff nor is it teen slasher nonsense. For me this was a truly horrifying experience, and although I would never want to watch it again, I feel it only fair to commend the makers of this film. They did a great job. Oh but that meat!!! Yuck!
Children of the Corn (2009)
An interesting mixture of the first film and the short story
Just for a moment reread the original short story. Vicki was a total bitch! She was not a cool and understanding Linda Hamilton. This was not a happy marriage! And look at the first film...that creepy music was cool and they kept it for this new one. And look at the face of 'He who walks behind the rows' in the church in this one..red eyes,green hair, much older then Jesus. Creepy stuff, just like the very, very short story by King. So again they extended what should have been a 30 minute film into a much longer one, but I found it quite an excellent mixture of what I liked about the first film mixed in with what I liked about the short story. So take it for what it is.
Babysitter Wanted (2007)
Good idea...but flawed
I really must be vague with this review, because there is a big twist in the middle of this film that I can only allude to. Let me say that technically, this is quite good for a low budget horror film. There is also a bit of gore if you like that. And the idea of a babysitter being terrorized is well played out here...But. And here is where I must be careful. To be fair, there are enough clues to figure out the twist when it comes, so the writer was playing fair. But(and damn I really could just come out and say what this twist is...and please read no further just in case I give away too much)with such an interesting spin, they really could have done much more. The parents are much too cheerful and accepting of what they have to do. Would not it have been much more interesting and horrific if they were really terrified of the situation they were in...yet forced to do it anyway? The father was much too insane for me and I did not believe in him. Okay, enough said. It's not bad, it's well made, has some scary parts and some gory things. Maybe you'll like it, but maybe like me, you'll say they really had the potential to do more...
Dorothy Mills (2008)
Interesting
A psychiatrist journeys to a desolate island in Ireland to investigate the attempted murder of a young infant. The perpetrator of the crime is a young girl who seems to be suffering from multiple personality disorder...or is she possessed by the spirits of the dead? This well made thriller confused and frustrated me at times; but when all was finally revealed in the last minutes, I was better able to appreciate it. It's well acted and directed, but it does take it's time getting to the final revelation.For those who like a good mystery with a bit of the supernatural thrown in and who don't mind a bit of a mind puzzler. Those expecting scares and gore should best stay away.
While She Was Out (2008)
Horrible
Sorry, but aside from Kim Basinger doing a good job acting scared, this was one of the worst thrillers I've seen in awhile. Logic is thrown out as 4 young guys terrorize this woman outside a crowded mall then shoot a security guard. Yet no one seems to notice. Then, instead of screaming for help or racing back to the mall, she drives off and ends up in the middle of the woods with the guys in hot pursuit. I can't even describe how silly it is seeing this woman fleeing from 4 retarded thugs, carrying a red toolbox, screaming for God to come help her, and then having sex with one of them after brutally killing the others. Please trust me, this is bad and a bit tasteless as well.
Trailer Park of Terror (2008)
Kind of Revolting
I was curious about this since it was shown at the Fantasy FilmFest in Munich. Also I had read a good review in Fangoria. Actually I thought this might be a silly horror comedy from the title. Well not so funny. Although I admit the production values and acting are top notch in this, did I really need to see a long drawn out scene of a guy being skinned alive, made to eat his own flesh, then deep fried? Plus there are some other torture scenes in the film that made me a bit sick. This really does make Hostel and Saw look like Disney. Then there is an annoying undead zombie guitar player that was just kind of dumb I mean, if this is your thing, go for it-like I said,it's well made. I just want to forget about it.
Halloween (2007)
Okay but not great
Although technically well made with some good performances, this re-imagining of the original classic never comes close to the suspense and horror of John Carpenters masterpiece. That is not to say it is not worth seeing. The first half is the story of Michael as a child living with his white trash family and this, for me, was the most interesting part of the film. Sheri Moon is quite good playing his mother who works at night as a stripper to support her family and truly loves her little boy. When she is told by Michaels school principle that her son seems to be torturing small animals, she does not believe it. Then on Halloween, he kills his sister, her boyfriend, and his mothers boyfriend, sparing only his baby sister...Laurie. As you know the rest of the story, I won't bother telling it, but it is extremely violent with at least 14 killings that I counted. Laurie in this version is okay but seems to scream a lot and is not nearly as resourceful as Jamie Lee was. Malcolm McDowell is the best thing here and plays Dr Loomis quite well...and Michael is quite scary looking, bigger and creepier looking. Still, there are just so many things that don't work in this film, that I am sorry to have to say you are better off renting the classic and watching that instead.
11:14 (2003)
Crazy Fun
I am amazed that this movie was not released in the states. I just saw it on DVD in Germany and really liked it! It's fast paced and original. It also has a very dark, comedic edge to it. As one of the actors describes it in an interview, think Pulp Fiction on a bad acid trip. I could not believe the severed penis incident...too crazy yet I oddly believed it could really happen. So check it out, I really think you will enjoy it if you tend to like extremely dark humor. I am so sad that we have not had a chance to hear more from this writer/director. I really think had some studio had the guts to put this in the cinema, there would have been a very positive reaction to it.
Jennifer's Shadow (2004)
Terrible!
Oh this was a really bad movie. The girl who plays Jennifer is OK, but I think she acts bitchy through the movie, not because she is having her organs ripped out by a raven at night, but because she is thinking of firing her agent for putting her in this piece of crap. Faye Dunaway acts like she is remaking Mommy Dearest and the ending is completely silly. I really can't recommend this movie at all even though as a fan of Edgar Allen Poe, I was intrigued a bit by the references to his work(Ravens, House of Usher-like family curse,and being buried alive)-still he would probably turn over in his grave if he knew about this film.
Open Water (2003)
Truly Frightening for me
Minor spoilers: I have noticed that there are many mixed reviews for this film and that is understandable. I think that many will either like this film allot or truly hate it. I saw it at the Munich Fantasy Filmfest a few weeks ago and there was definitely mixed reactions from the audience. For me, my heart began to race as soon as it became clear how this situation happened. From the obnoxious diver who needed a mask to the man checking off the people as they came back into the boat. Then I found myself staring at the water, just as the characters do, gasping every time a fin appeared, squirming in my seat when there was an attack, and just wishing it would end. I really have not been so afraid in a movie before and I think it was because I just felt like I was there with them. Granted, the acting isn't so great and the end was a bit anti-climactic...but I admire the directing the ability of all involved to make me feel really afraid.
Trespassing (2004)
Disappointing
Minor spoilers: I saw this at the Munich Film festival a few weeks ago and was a bit disappointed. There was so much potential for this mainly due to the director's excellent use of location and atmosphere. It truly started out quite creepy and intense, with some very cool camera work. I also thought the animal traps everywhere were really unsettling. It appeared to be setting up for quite a frightening ride. Then it slowly turned into a standard slasher flick with way too much talking between the characters and a silly ending that made no sense. Still, I certainly look forward to seeing more from this director in future and just hope he spends a little more time on the script.
House of 1000 Corpses (2003)
Such Potential
First of all, I consider myself a horror-film fanatic and I was excited to learn that this was going to be released in theaters. I also admired the direction and style of this film and look forward to Rob Zombie continuing to make more films. However, I can't say I liked it much. The problem for me was the lack of creating sympathetic characters that I could care about. They were just fodder for the torture and mayhem that follow. Now, there never is a dull moment and the violence and gore are pretty intense, but I just never really got too involved in the plot. It was like watching a music video most of the time. I believe other horror fans should check it out and some will probably love it while others may be disappointed. One thing, though, it is a positive event that films like this are finally getting more attention then the usual run of the mill Scream rip-offs. Let's hope for more that focus a bit more on plot and characterization.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Excellent Film
This movie completely captivated me and the ending blew me away. Mysterious, Dark, and very very funny, I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys puzzling over a movie for days after seeing it...great stuff
Batoru rowaiaru (2000)
Never seen anything like it
This movie is unrelenting in it's violence against young 9th graders and as such would never be released in the states. However, if you can get past this and realize that it is actually meant as a satire, this movie is mindblowing and extremely action packed. I recommend it for those who can handle extreme gore and violence yet like a great plot as well.