Black Christmas (2006)

Date Of Release: 15^th December 2006 (UK) and 25^th December 2006 (US)

Director: Glen Morgan

Producer: Glen Morgan, James Wong, Odgen Gavanski, Bob Clark, Mark Cuban, Todd Wagner 

Starring: Katie Cassidy, Michelle Trachtenberg, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Oliver Hudson, Lacey Chabert, Kristen Cloke, Andrea Martin

Running Time: 84 minutes

Distributor: Dimension Films & MGM

Review

This film is a very loose remake of the 1974 film of the same name. I had seen that film years ago and was a little bit sceptic about this one. I don’t do remakes to well but seeing as this one was loosely based I thought that I should give it a go. I have to say, I was highly surprised. I expected this to be another teen slasher with a stupid twist set around Christmas. It is a little bit like that but better than you think.

To start off with, the theme of the film. Yes, it is Christmas, but when you are watching it you actually believe it is Christmas. They have all the decorations, the snowy weather and the music. I especially like the part where one of the girls explains that all of the customs are actually Pagan. I also love how the make the scene cheery yet very dark. The film is set in a sorority house, but it’s not your typical bimbo like setting, they don’t play on that too much. The look of the killer is different too. He was born with jaundice which gives him a yellow tint to his skin. In the scenes where he was younger, I think the yellowness was a bit over the top. It’s weird how they got something so common to actually look quite creepy. 
 

The plot itself is actually not half bad, even if the ending was a tad sloppy. I’m not sure about the whole “mother rapes her son to have a baby storyline”, made me gag a little if I’m being honest but I guess that is what the director may have been going for. The whole part with the cheating boyfriend was unnecessary though, too mushy and forgetful to be honest. My favourite part has to be where the bible basher got her head chopped off. All these girls get their eyes gouged out and this geeky little girl gets beheaded?! I found it highly amusing.

This film was actually a lot better than I expected it to be. Not the most amazing horror out there but certainly good for a night in. I would definitely suggest watching this on a cold winters night…with all the doors locked that is.

 

Rating: 6/10 – Simply having a wonderful (BLACK) Christmas time!!!

 

 

Dead Girl

Date Of Release: 6^th September 2008 (Toronto Film Festival) and 24^th July 2009 (US)

Director: Marcel Sarmiento & Gadi Harel

Producer: Marcel Sarmiento, Gadi Harel, Brendan Davis, Cynthia Graner, Vince P Maggio, Blue Nelson

Starring: Shiloh Fernandez, Noah Segan, Candice Accola, Michael Bowen  

Running Time: 101 minutes

Distributor: Dark Sky Films

Review

When I first heard about this movie, I have to say, I really wasn’t expecting too much from it. I thought that it would just be another crappy, porno type, teeny bopper style horror. Got to admit, after watching it, I couldn’t have been more wrong. This film is a lot better than you think it will be. The plot itself is actually quite simple. 2 high school seniors bunk school one day and come across an old abandoned psychiatric hospital. Inside they find a naked mute woman who they later find out is actually un-dead. One of the guys wants to release her whilst the other wants to keep her as some kind of sexual play thing. Events soon spiral out of control.

The film almost has a slight high school movie vibe to it, but that soon changes as the film goes on. It becomes much darker and much more sadistic. The film is full of gore, violence and explicit behaviour. This is one of the only films that I have watched were you are actually on the zombies side and wish that they would just kill every fucker on there. This is probably because abuse is abuse at the end of the day, even if they are un-dead.  
 

There is a part where one of the main guys convinces another guy to receive oral from the dead girl, which he happily goes along with. She then bites into his dick. Blatantly my favourite scene!! The ending scene is also pretty good, and almost poignant in a way. What lengths would you go to; to save the one you love?

This film is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. It may not be to everyone’s taste and at some parts it can be a tad slow but give it a chance. It really is a lot more original than you will think. I certainly recommend you watch it.    

Rating: 7/10 – Move over Rob Zombie, there’s more than one living dead girl in town!
 

 

 

 

Inside

Date Of Release: 13^th June 2007

Director: Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury

Producer: Franck Ribiere, Rodolphe Guglielmi, Frederic Ovcaric, Teddy Percherancier

Starring: Alysson Paradis, Beatrice Dalle, Nathalie Roussel, Tahar Rahim

Running Time: 82 minutes

Distributor: La Fabrique De Films & BR Films

Review

Inside is a basic tale of home invasion and abduction. A pregnant woman is hounded by a mysterious stranger who is out to try and steal her baby. This film is considered one of the best in a new wave of extreme French horror movies, also being voted as one of the most unrelenting horror films ever made. The film is a debut for both of the directors.

I’m a massive fan of foreign horror but only recently have I started watching the French take on it. This is one of the first films that I watched and I was hooked on it ever since. It’s a very dark and twisted tale. What I love about it most is that this could potentially happen in real life and that is what makes it so chilling. I believe there was a tale in the news a couple of years ago with a similar story.

The film has a brilliant flow to it and the storyline is spot on. This film really has no flaws at all. The only thing people will probably moan about it “I have to read the subtitles”. Well, unless you can understand French then I suggest you get over yourselves. Suspense is the key to this film. Most of the film is set within the woman’s home which gives it that element of claustrophobia. Beatrice Dalle, who plays the woman trying to steal the baby, is a perfect villain. She sends shivers down your spine and plays a psychopath to a T without having to overact.

 

 





Considering that this is both the directors first film, the production value is on top form. The opening credit with the foetus is a clever throw into what the film soon becomes. The fight scenes feel very realistic and the dialogue is almost believable. I say this a lot but, the scene at the end is absolutely worth waiting for. It will be one of the most gruesome ones you will ever see but that’s what they are trying to show. Is is life and shit like this happens…..a lot.

If you have never experienced French horror before then I certainly advise that you watch this one. It is very much a must buy and one that will certainly stick with you for a long while to come. If you are pregnant by the way…beware out there…   

 

Rating: 9/10 – This is so good, you will go mad and end up INSIDE for it!!!

 

 

 

The Devil's Rejects

 

Date Of Release: 22nd July 2005

Director: Rob Zombie

Producer: Rob Zombie, Mike Elliott, Michael Ohoven, Andy Gould, Marco Mehlitz

Starring: Sid Haig, Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie, Ken Foree, Matthew McGrory, William Forsythe

Running Time: 109 minutes

Distributor: Liongate

Review

This film is the follow up to Rob Zombie’s 2003 release “House of 1000 corpses”. Known for its sadistic humour and its relentless antiheroes, it has become one of the biggest cult films out there. The film is dedicated to the memory of actor Matthew McGrory (who played Tiny Firefly), who died after the film was made.

If you were a fan of Zombie’s first movie then you will love this. It is based on a family on the run from the law after being issued for over 75 homicides and disappearances over the past few years. They go on a murderous rampage which ends in an ultimate showdown. First off, the production for this film is a lot better than the first, appearing more like a movie rather than a snuff film. The film is set in the 70’s and it does very well to make sure that it appears that way too, you almost feel like you are actually watching it from that period. What I love about this film most is its complete simplicity. There is no over acting, there are minimal special effects and to be fair, this could actually happen in real life which is what makes it a horror. Same goes with the script and the storyline, very simple yet completely effective. It’s not to everyone’s taste, some feel that it is too graphic or too sadistic but that’s life and that is what is shown in this movie.

The most poignant part is definitely the end. I won’t give it away but it does go out to Lynard Skynard’s Freebird. A lot of the scenes are quite gorey but it is covered by a dark sadistic humour that makes you take the side of the bad guys almost. Captain Spaulding is back and, being a fan favourite, does not fail to deliver. You get to see a different side to the family than what you did in the first, dare I say it almost makes them look human! The soundtrack is perfect also, with Zombie sticking to a very southern rock based soundtrack.

This film does not claim to be the best thing ever made nor does it try to play to typical Hollywood horror stereotypes. This is what gives it the cult following that it deserves! If you are easily offended then I say, man up and watch it!!

Rating: 9/10 – The Devil certainly won’t be rejecting this one!!
 

 

 

Halloween (1978)

Date Of Release: 25^th October 1978

Director: John Carpenter

Producer: John Carpenter, Debra Hill, Kool Lusby, Irwin Yabians, Moustapha Akkad

Starring: Donald Pleasence, Jamie Lee Curtis, P.J Soles, Nancy Loomis

Running Time: 91 minutes (original theatrical version) 103 minutes (extended edition)

Distributor: Compass International Pictures

Review
 

This film is the first in what turned into the Halloween franchise. For what was a small budget film, it turned into one of the most profitable independent films ever made. It was the first in a long line of slasher films and went on to influence future horror.
The film is about a young boy called Michael Myers, who on Halloween night kills his older sister. 15 years later, he escapes the psychiatric hospital and returns home, stalking Laurie Strode and her friends. His psychiatrist, Dr Loomis, follows him to try and prevent him from killing. I remember watching this as a kid, and even though it doesn’t scare me the way it used to, I still love to watch it, especially on Halloween.

 

The first thing you notice straight away is the infamous intro music, which John Carpenter randomly came up with on the piano himself. It is chilling and memorable. Considering the era in which it was shot and the budget they had, it is very well made. No special effects here, the movie has a very realistic feel and the characters are very believable. The antagonists’ weapon is a kitchen knife, which if used in films these days, it would be deemed as boring, but for this film it is perfect. Simplicity is what this film is about. It has all the right scares in the right place without going over the top. It has a few iconic moments such as a young Michael standing in the front yard after having killed his sister, but the one that I always remembered most was the part were Laurie was hiding in the wardrobe and, after thinking she was safe, Michael comes bursting through the doors. The film is predominantly dark (then again, what did you expect??). The plot runs smoothly and the story gets straight to the point. The image of Michael will always stay with you too, this brooding tall man wearing a creepy, expressionless mask (which was actually a William Shatner mask painted white!).

No one ever thought that this film would be that much of a success but 34 years later it is still one of the most influential and most popular horror movies out there. Ask any director and any actor and they will tell you the same thing. This is a horror essential and essentially a masterpiece!

 

Rating: 10/10 – Hallo! Where have you ween all my life??

 



 

Underworld

 

 

Date Of Release: 19^th September 2003

Director: Len Wiseman

Producer: Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Richard Wright

Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Shane Brolly, Erwin Leder

Running Time: 121 minutes (133 for the extended cut)

Distributor: Screen Gems

 

 

Review

This film came out when I was 16 and I was heavily into vampires back then. I loved this film then and I still love it now 9 years on. The vampire film had been done to death. What else could they possibly do with the genre? Then this film came out. The story is about the on-going secret battle between the vampires and the lycans (werewolves). It is a story of wrong doing, betrayal and a battle of survival.

When the film came out there were mixed feelings, mainly negative ones. Some liked it and some didn’t. Those who didn’t like it felt it was just another vampire story, and essentially, that is what it is, but it has a bit more than that. The film is very fast paced and has a consistent plot. The atmosphere of the film is very dark and modern, a lot of dark black and blue hues used. Even the clothing everyone wears is predominantly black (to make them appear more “gothic” maybe?). The vampires themselves don’t look like your stereotypical vampires. They don’t all have pale skin and protruding fangs, they actually look slightly normal, apart from the elders but that’s to be expected I suppose. Some of them have bright blue eyes but that’s as far as it goes. The Lycans transformation is also pretty cool. Again, they aren’t your stereotypical wolf. When they are not transformed they are pretty normal.

 

 

 

The best scene would have to be the one where the guy who is a mix breed of both, transforms. I like how they managed to put the 2 species together. All of the fight scenes really hold their own too, with the actors doing most of their own stunts. The only thing that I would have really liked to see would be more back story to the characters (although, films 2 and 3 do this finally). This film has a slight teen angst to it and I think that is why I, and others, loved it so much. Some may find it a bit flimsy but essentially it is a very good film in the vampire series.

 

Rating: 8/10 – Under the world and far away….all the vampires come to prey!! (on those that haven’t bought this anyway….)

 

 



 

 



 





Dark Water (2002)

Date Of Release: 19^th January 2002

Director: Hideo Nakata

Producer: Taka Ichise

Starring: Hitomi Kuroki, Rio Kanno, Mirei Oguchi, Fumiyo Kominata

Running Time: 101 minutes

Distributor: Tomo Company LTD
 

Review
 

This is a drama horror from the director of RING and RING 2. It was based on a short story written by Koji Susuki called “Floating water”. It is quite a simple plot line, a divorce and her young child move into a new apartment to start a new life for themselves. After a while, weird damp spots start appearing on the ceiling. As she investigates further, she unfolds a sad tale that will affect their lives.

This is another brilliant Asian horror; the simplicity of the film almost makes you forget that it is actually a horror. There are no over the top CGI effects or over acting. Everything is as simple as it can get (think of how the original ring looked). There is also not a lot of music used, which you think would not set the atmosphere but it actually works. They are only used at the pivotal scenes. the overall look of this film is quite dark with highlighting to show off the “nicer” parts of the story.

 

I love the look of the main antagonist in the film. Again, she is not overdone by special effects or doing the whole “little girl with the long hair in face” thing. She is simply a spirit, known by her yellow rain coat. She is not intentionally evil, just driven by a desire to not be lonely. That is what really drives this film, essentially the lack and longing of a mothers love and sacrifice. The best scene of the film being the last one (don’t worry, I won’t give it away!). There aren’t too many great scenes but the film runs together pretty smoothly to not really need one.

Not the scariest film you will ever come across but it does have a slight chill factor to it. It is just a simple, straight forward tale that will leave an imprint on you. Some may find it a tad boring but if you are a big fan of the Asian horror genre then you will love this.

 

Rating: 8/10 – This film will certainly not leave you in (dark) water!

 

 



Dawn Of The Living Dead

Date Of Release: 3^rd November 2004 (USA) 30^th May 2005 (UK)
 

Director: David Heavener

Producer: David Heavener

Starring: David Heavener, Amanda Baumann, Joe Estevez, Todd Bridges

Running Time: 90 minutes

Distributor: Acteurs Auteurs Associes (AAA)

Review
 

The film is basically about a former junkie who, whilst still dealing with psychological issues, moves to the Mexican border with her fiancé (who is also her doctor). They then befriend a local caretaker. The place then becomes under siege by ancient Mayan zombies, who we find out, were killed by the caretaker. The orphan connects to the woman who helps solve their murders and a way to lay them to rest.

There are 2 things to point out, 1 – I bought this solely because I thought it was something to do with the George Romero series (which it isn’t) and 2 – I only gave away the plot line so as to save you from watching it yourself.

 

 

This film is truly awful, that includes everything from the acting right down to the effects. The plot could have worked but the script was completely slaughtered. I don’t even know where to start. There was no chemistry between the cast, there didn’t seem to be much direction and I reckon a big part of the budget went towards the sun effect at the end. There isn’t even a good scene that can do it any justice, it is just appalling from start to finish.

I wouldn’t even recommend this for zombie lovers. I love crappy B movies more than the next person but even I could bear this film no longer. This film is a big NO!!

 

Rating: 2/10 – Dawn of the I wouldn’t even bother…



 



Catacombs

 

Date Of Release: 7^th October 2007

Director: Tomm Coker & David Elliot

Producer: Gregg Hoffman, Mark Burg & Oren Koules

Starring: Shannyn Sossamon & Alicia Moore

Running Time: 90 minutes

Distributor: Lionsgate

Review

From the producers of saw comes this psychological horror. Set in the catacombs of Paris (although, a big part of it was actually filmed in Bucharest, Romania), it is essentially about a girl, who is extremely nervous about everything, and is invited by her sister to come to Paris. When she arrives there, they go to a rave held within the catacombs. Events unfold and she is then pursued by a manic killer. There is a twist at the end however…

When I first heard that there was going to be a film in the catacombs, I was stoked! I have always wanted to go there and heard so many tales. I was to be disappointed however, as this film is not actually about the catacombs or its history (although some of it is briefly mentioned), it is a story of a maniac who dwells within it. Also, being a film done by the producers of Saw, I half expected it to be full of blood and gore. Again, I was left disappointed.

Even though I had initial disappointments, the film isn’t actually that bad. The cast are pretty good in both acting ability and charisma. They film has a good steady flow, getting to the point and not actually stalling about on unnecessary plot lines. Even the way it is filmed is very sporadic and very tense (which is obviously what they were going for). It is quite similar to Saw in some ways, especially in the flashback scenes. Even in the scene where they explain what the madman is like and his past, it looks like something right out of the franchise. All that aside, it does stand on its own slightly.

 

 

The best scene would have to be the first contact with the “monster”. They played it quite well, this tale all of a sudden coming to reality. Pinks character is pretty good at her story telling element and the way that she almost winds up her sister to such torment. The only thing that I would have liked to have seen different was the ending. It was good but it just lacked the something, it kind of made you go “oh. Really?” rather than “Wow!” Kind of leaves you wondering was that it? There is one thing I can’t fault however and that is the setting. It is very dark and beautiful, exactly what I would imagine if I went there.

All in all, there was space for this movie to play a bit more on people’s fears but it didn’t just quite get there. Still would love to see if anyone could actually watch it on their own!

Rating: 7/10 - If you haven’t seen it yet then I think you Cata comb and buy it!

 



 

The Blair Witch Project

Date Of Release: 30^th July 1999

Director: Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez

Producer: Robin Cowie & Gregg Hale

Starring: Heather Donahue, Michael C Williams, Joshua Leonard

Running Time: 79 minutes

Distributor: Artisan Entertainment

Review

This film is considered one of the scariest of all time and one of the most popular to come out of the 90’s. Not only that, it is one of the most successful independent films of all time. It has also been credited as giving rise to the docu-horror genre (films such as paranormal activity and REC followed this style). The film itself stems from the “found footage” genre (made popular by Cannibal Holocaust).

The plot itself is quite simple, 3 film students set out to do a documentary on the Blair Witch, in Burkittsville. They interview locals and then hike out into the woods. They are never seen again. The footage is found one year later. The story and legend are completely made up yet they managed to fool a hell of a lot of people into thinking that this was actual footage and that these people were actually missing. One of the best things about the film was the improvisation by the actors. They were given a brief script and the directors left instructions for them rather than direct them. All the footage was shot by the actors giving it a more realistic feel. A lot of internet marketing helped build up the hype. The filming itself only took 8 days and was made on a budget of about $20,000 (some say $50,000).

The film feels completely raw from beginning to end. The shaky camera action also gives it a realistic and scary look. They filmed it in the fall which gives it a cold atmosphere. The chemistry between actors works really well, if that wasn’t there then the improvisation would be useless. Everything has been made as realistic as possible, even down to the part when Heather really breaks down and sobs into the camera; you can see snot and all! The filming at night is the best part, some of it you really struggle to see but that’s what the film is all about, they are not concentrating on letting you see as they are too much in fear to realise what they are doing.

The black and white effect really sets the mood as well (seen only in the night vision shots). There are a few really outstanding scenes. The part where they find all the hanging stick figures is a pretty simple scene but it is sure as shit creepy, even them finding the piles of rocks outside the tent is weird. Another stand out scene is the creepy rustling noises outside the tent at night, they describe it as crackling. This leads to Josh’s disappearance; they hear his screams in the night and find his blood soaked shirt with teeth and hair in the morning. Last but not least, the creepiest and most well-known scene of the movie, Heather finding Mike facing the wall. I’m not going to describe that one; you will have to watch it for yourself.

This really is a psychological horror as it really knew how to play on people’s fears, and the worst fear of all…..the unknown…making this film a seriously good one.

Rating: 10/10 – If you’re wondering Witch film to buy, you Blair-ter make it this one!!