Tag: Horror

THE INNKEEPERS (2011)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written, Directed & Edited By: Ti West  Cinematography: Eliot Rockett

Cast: Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis, Brenda Cooney, Lena Dunham

During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel’s haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.

This film has the classic feel of a ghost story. Which can be rare in a film set in modern times. Though this one about ghosts set in a dying hotel. Actually gives it a parallel throughout. 

The film has a few scares but like writer/Director Ti West’s previous film THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL. He prefers to take his time to build tension and take it to its breaking point and then reveal things. Here he can’t be accused of phoning it in or trying the same formula. 

The film isn’t as exciting as you would think it would be and still leaves the audience with quite a few questions but still feels satisfying. 

As the film is small-scale and revealing as it goes along. Though not much happens in the film. It still manages to affect you. The cinematography is immaculate, especially in the tracking shots of such a small location. 

Though we follow Sara Paxton’s character. We never truly learn that much about her. Though once in a while we get some perks into her past. We superficially get to know her and her co-worker played by Pat Healy. 

We never get to know them deeply. So when everything starts going down. Though we are scared and scared for them as human beings. We feel nothing truly. As we might feel for leads in most horror films that we have a connection with. 

I will admit to not being the biggest fan of ghost stories or haunted places films. Which tends to feel like you are just waiting around for things to happen a lot of times. Followed by a scene or two where it finally does and that is about it. This one managed to keep my interest.

Grade: C+

WRONG TURN 4: BLOODY BEGINNINGS (2011)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Declan O’Brien 
Based on characters created by: Alan McElroy
Cinematography: Michael Marshall 
Editor: Stein Myhrstad 

Cast: Jenny Pudavick, Tenika Davis, Kaitlyn Wong, Terra Vnesa, Sean Skene, Blane Cypurda, Dan Skene 

A group of college students gets lost in a storm during their snowmobiling trip and takes shelter in an abandoned sanitarium which, unbeknown to them, is home to three deformed cannibals.

While I enjoyed the first three films of this franchise. The first was a grisly run-of-the-mill horror film that felt like a B movie. The second one was more fun and had a sense of humor about itself. It Rarely took itself seriously and was more exploitive. The third tried to put a twisty action noir tale into the horror fold. Which was an interesting mash-up yet felt very dirty.

This is why this film is kind of a disappointment. Instead of going in a more creative direction. This film feels like it ran out of ideas before it even got started. Even though this film is a prequel to the first three. Which maybe should have stopped as a trilogy. 

The only new part of the film is that it is set in a huge seemingly abandoned hospital and in the snow. So there is less terrain to deal with and a single location. Most things about this film are bad, even the ending which one has seen before in the film 2000 MANIACS (The Remake) so it comes off derivative.

This film tends to focus more on the gore and torture aspect to a disgusting degree. That feels unnecessary knowing that the film doesn’t have much going for it in the form of the story. As it plays out like the storyline of the previous films only different in single locations as everyone is slowly hunted down. They even have two graphic sex scenes that while erotic and titillating feels out of place and unnecessary. Here again more bringing an exploitive sheen to the film. It truly is the only noteworthy part of the film.

The deaths while gory the effects at least seem to work. Whereas the Villains’ makeup looks like makeup and like they are just wearing masks.

Not that I’m complaining but making the human fondue. Just goes on too long. Making it distasteful as the whole film is the kills and sex scenes are just gratuitous. I understand you want things to stand out but it just seems too much. Not that I mind it but it advances nothing and makes you wonder how often lesbian characters need to have sex all the time. Sure it’s sexy but unnecessary

Trust me,  just skip it 

Grade: F

WRONG TURN 2: DEAD END (2007)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Joe Lynch
Written By: Al Septien & Turi Meyer
Based On Characters Created By: Alan McElroy
Cinematography: Robin Loewan 
Editor: Ed Marx

Cast: Erica Leerhsen, Henry Rollins, Texas Battle, Aleska Palladino, Daniella Alonso, Crystal Lowe, Ken Krizinger, Steve Braun, Kimberly Caldwell

A group of reality show contestants find themselves fighting for survival against a family of hideously deformed inbred cannibals who plan to ruthlessly butcher them all.

This is a straight-to-DVD sequel and just like the original no matter how gruesome the action and violence get you can’t take this film too seriously.

This sequel seems to revel more in everything the first one couldn’t show you. Here you get to see the full mutants a lot and often. You get to see a mutant birth, a mutant baby, and mutant sex. So here it is almost like mutant porn. As there is even a graphic oral sex scene between humans. Which was itself very shocking. In fact, it’s the most shocking thing in this whole movie. Which is one of the main reasons the movie might be unrated.

This film also seems to have fun with killing off people we would normally assume would survive. It also tries to be a satire on reality television. Even the. Had been done to death, especially with HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION coming out around the same time.

The special effects are disappointing even with this film having a lower budget than the first. You can see the effects looking poor, but they still give it the old college try. Like the little engine that could the film rolls on with an I think I can attitude.

The film offers no performances of note. Other than following movies like SCREAM and having a star die in the opening moments. Who could have easily been a star of the film. To throw you off guard but you kind of expect it. As it allows their haters in the audience a sort of sick death wish and offers a cruel shock to that person’s fans.

This film again is more macabre fun than anything. Especially if you are a fan of horror with its nod to many classic and cult horror films it knows it will never be as good as. That tries to deepen the myth of these mutants and show more of their survival.

The film is obviously an homage to 1980’s horror films and sequels. 

Just like most sequels, it offers more of the same, only more extensive and more often. Sacrificing set-up as you know what is going to or supposed to happen and characters. As no characters ever really return for the sequels even if they survive.

 Grade: C

SNOW WHITE: A TALE OF TERROR (1997)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Michael Cohn 
Written By: Tom Szollosi & Deborah Serra
Based on the story “SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS” By: Jacob Grimm & Wilhelm Grimm 
Cinematography: Mike Southon 
Editor: Ian Crafford 

Cast: Sigourney Weaver, Sam Neill, Monica Keena, Gil Bellows, David Conrad, Brian Glover, Anthony Brophy

In this dark take on the fairy tale, the growing hatred of a noblewoman, secretly a practitioner of the dark arts, for her stepdaughter, and the witch’s horrifying attempts to kill her.

Interesting telling and reversal of the well-known fairy tale. Here it is much darker.

Though made on a low budget makes it appears to be an affordable production of the tale. Where much of the budget seems to have gone into costumes and set design.

Sigourney Weaver is the only truly interesting performance in the film. They give her character an exciting arc. She blames Snow White for the deterioration of her wedding To her new husband by acting like a brat. Then causing the death of her unborn child. So she takes all of her rages out on Snow White. Getting revenge so that Snow White must flee to survive. She even seduces Snow white, intended..

It would have been interesting if the director decided to pull the film into a genre. Such as horror, action or even just plain old thriller, but he decides to keep it dramatic. 

Making the film seem more theatrical only on location. This brings no thrills to the film at all and ends up making it rather dull than anything else. 

Considering most of the audience knows the story. It would have been wise to add something surprising other than a fuller backstory for a character’s motivations. 

The film is in desperate need to entertain the audience and throw them off guard. As it seems to attempt that then gives up after that one twist. 

GRADE: F

WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR (2022)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written, Directed & Edited By: Jane Schornbrun

Cinematography: Patrick Carbone

Cast: Anna Cobb, Michael J. Rogers, Holly Anne Frink

Alone in her attic bedroom, teenager Casey becomes immersed in an online role-playing horror game, wherein she begins to document the changes that may or may not be happening to her.

The experience of watching this film is like being on The internet and following a person or story randomly at times but more focused. Watching this on an actual computer or laptop one can imagine would only enhance it and make you feel more immersed.

The film uses what you know already to help tell the story. How loneliness feels and an obsession can take over. The desperation in making a connection. Changing your identity to fill A role. 

The film remains creepy throughout. Making the simple so scary and disturbing. Keeping an alienating mood. Yet feeling so personal. 

You keep waiting for something worse to happen. That is the atmosphere of the film. Which is powered by your imagination and fear. In a good way not as a cheap ploy commonly used in subpar PG-13 studio horror films.

Where not only do the trailers offer the sin of giving too much away in the preview but also the feeling it might as well have gone full rated R. So it doesn’t feel so restrained. Not to mention would make the film somewhat memorable if even just for the more naughty parts and probably would have made as much money either way. Which still wouldn’t have been enough but I guess the studios hope teens who are sneaking into other films will buy tickets or who want to see more mature movies but can’t get tickets to a rated R movie settle for Disturbing and intense more mentally even though it is framed as a game. As we are offered clues and details in the background that only a few are acknowledged and come into play. 

It might remind some of the early 2000s indie cinema.  Where once in a while really felt creative and innovative. While seeming more like a more mainstream shell. 

Told through the camera. Not necessarily through complete scenes.

It’s the intention of what we are used to from traditional narratives. It tries to subvert the ordinary and flow. Even watching the videos of one character strangely feel opened to more than just the character 

Though most of the images and material are minimal. Yet the film sets your mind a blaze as to what could happen.

Hard to exactly explain the film other than to say it is more cerebral and for the adventurous. As it is definitely not for everyone 

Grade: A-

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 5: THE DREAM CHILD (1989)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stephen Hopkins 
Written By: Leslie Bohem
Story By: John Skipp & Craig Spector 
Based On Characters Created By: Wes Craven
Cinematography: Peter Levy 
Editor: Chuck Weiss & Brent A. Schoenfeld

Cast: Robert Englund, Lisa Wilcox, Kelly Jo Minter, Whit Hertford, Danny Hassel, Erika Anderson, Nick Mele, Joe Seely

The pregnant Alice finds Freddy Krueger striking through the sleeping mind of her unborn child, hoping to be reborn into the real world.

Despite as always some impressive special effects and death sequences. The film still feels rushed. there doesn’t seem to be as much thought out into this sequel. So that it comes off as rather bland and almost just another sequel. 

Though it should feel like an important entry into the franchise. It feels like a clear sign of it dying out, especially of any fresh ideas or originality. 

The film has a good concept but officially moves into the realm of feeling like just another sequel. As it doesn’t have any particular character of itself. It lacks identity and feels undefined so It feels like more of the same. Almost the continuing adventures of. 

The story feels simple yet overly convoluted for no reason. As it delves a little deeper into the origins of Freddy Kruger and the franchise’s own mythology. 

It does show the horror Amanda Kruger went through. Fleshing out Freddy’s back story offers another plot of how he can get himself into the world. Being reborn in another body that feels a bit CHILD’S PLAY inspired.

At this point from an observation perspective, you do have to be amazed that this town still had kids. Not to mention the amount. Do people still hang out with the main character, the final girl of the last film. Though they quickly dispatch the final boy survivor of the last film. Even as his death scene is one of the more impressive special effects-wise.

Though this film seems to have fewer victims. Due to more story, investigation, and plot that come across as filler. That seems to be kind of riding a theme of there being even a young child being involved and being influenced so that there would be a new Freddy Kruger. 

The film unfortunately feels like for the most part it is going through the motions and isn’t as creative as it believes itself to be. Though I am thankful that the film does have a person of color who makes it to the end.

The death count also seems smaller than in previous films. As again the death seems to want to be more set pieces and intricate themselves. More than just random or throwaway 

GRADE: C

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 4: THE DREAM MASTER (1988)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Renny Harlin
Written By: Brian Helgeland & Scott Pierce 
Story By: William Kotzwinkle
Based On Characters Created By: Wes Craven
Cinematography: Steven Fierberg
Editor: Chuck Weiss, Jack Tucker & Michael N Knue

Cast: Robert Englund, Lisa Wilcox, Tuesday Knight, Brooke Theiss, Toy Newkirk, Duane Davis, Rodney Eastman, Danny Hassel, Ken Sagoes, Nicholas Mele

Freddy Krueger returns once again to terrorize the dreams of the remaining Dream Warriors, as well as those of a young woman who may be able to defeat him for good.

This sequel was inevitable and had eliminated its link to the past by eliminating the known Survivors of the previous films. This film tries to start anew, by in turn eliminating the survivors from the previous film, quickly.

Unfortunately, actress Patricia Arquette doesn’t reprise her role. So it is recast (one can see why she decided not to come back as she wouldn’t have been around too long or maybe it was rewritten when she decided not to return) 

The main character is around long enough to pass on the torch to the new lead or new final girl of the franchise. As soon as all those around her. Particularly those close to her soon find themselves being inventively dispatched. As she slowly learns to control and use her powers.

The films already lose their spontaneity as Freddy never seems to strike at random but instead always goes after only the main character’s inner circle. Which here is explained away as, since the power she has been passed allows her to bring others into her dreams. It sets up more victims for Freddy. Even though it seems like she only really does this twice.

Again this film is kind of a rebirth. We have another new director Renny Harlin directing this film and offers for the time a more stylish and cutting-edge film. That matches the times MTV editing.

The deaths stay inventive and over time it seems that is how you remember each film by the kills which could almost be themed. Here we have a death In which the character is trained in martial arts and fights Freddy using them only Freddy is invisible.

It’s a modern touch for the time period and even though a bit silly. Matches the theme of teenage dreams and how silly they can be as they feed off the unconscious mind of the participant. Onto what Freddy does is indulge and offer a physical and deadly punchline. As well as a pun to end it on 

While the film tries and certainly has energy. As this is only the second of the sequels where Freddy goes from being scarier. Into a more wisecracking villain. Where the whole point of the films is to give the audience the inventive violence they want. Satiate their bloodlust but be inventive with it. 

This film is unfortunately a step down from part 3. Though it does try and manages to have its own identity. As this film comes off a little more sarcastic and seems more special effects-laden. 

Grade: C+

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2022)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: David Blue Garcia
Written By: Chris Thomas Devlin 
Story By: Fede Alvarez & Rodo Sayagues
Based on characters created by: Ken Henkel & Tobe Hooper
Cinematography: Ricardo Diaz 
Editor: Christopher S. Capp

Cast: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Jacob Latimore, Mark Burnham, Alice Krige, Moe Dunford, Olwen Fouere, Jessica Allain, Neil Hudson

After 48 years of hiding, Leatherface returns to terrorize a group of idealistic young friends who accidentally disrupt his carefully shielded world in a remote Texas town.

It does live up to its title and as long as you are in the mood not to think and just want violence with little reason or build up.

It’s Meant to be a direct sequel to the original film. It doesn’t even work on that level. While bringing back some aspects and characters of the original film but not as much or with real Meaning but more symbolic.

I have followed this franchise since the beginning as the original first film is one of my all-time favorites horror films. The first sequel has been the only one close to satisfying since. As each following sequel has had their strength but has shown more weakness than anything and this sequel is by far one of the more disappointing. As even the films before at least tried for Some originality or tried to bring something new to the table. Even if just a stylistic vision. This offers next to nothing new in fact it could easily be a stand-alone horror film, not one attached to any particular franchise. 

This film is just ugly and I say this as a fan of some of the previous films. Even the last one which was a prequel at least offered some inventiveness along the way. To keep you invested. 

This is updated &  by the numbers but really even though a reboot could have been any horror film that just offers up something more excessive. Not to mention a built-in history and knowledge of the monster that lies at the heart of the tale. 

As most of the characters are disposable. They are dispatched before we really get to know them we are told their source is nothing to really make us care other than the decency of not wanting another human being to perish.

This seems like a slasher movie made more for an audience who wants to see violence and asks little of reason or correlation for it.

Not to mention throw in some next-generation women and diverse characters to set up to be slaughtered in an entertaining fashion In which it is made to mroe look more like revenge or an audience fantasy. A kind of stick it to those who really annoying in society.  As their best defense is to just film him And somehow throw in school shootings. So it saws through so-called wokeness. 

The director and script Seem more invested in kills and laying on gore than being inventive in any other way. There are a few impressive shots thrown in but by the time you see them you are already in the middle of a mess. 

What truly is mysterious is that these sequels have a wealth of material as well as the franchise has plenty of resources to be used and it seems other than the main. Characters that whenever a new film comes forth seem to be disconnected from one another. Trying to do something different that seems more random than anything. 

This film is not like any of the other films. Just because it’s different, doesn’t make it bearable. Where actually it felt typical of more modern horror films. The last film which tried to add lore and a mystery or guessing game to the formula seemed like it was trying. This film seemed more designed or planned than any other. Just as the more modern reboots. 

It’s not a film that would seem rewarding to even be seen in theaters. 

Grade: F

LAKE MUNGO (2008)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Joel Anderson Cinematography: John Brawley

Editor: Bill Murphy

Cast: Rosie Traynor, David Pledger, Martin Sharpe, Talia Zucker, Tania Lentini, Cameron Strachan, Judith Roberts, Robin Cuming

Strange things start happening after a girl is found drowned in a lake.

This film is a totally creative endeavor. That is best viewed without knowing anything about the film in advance. 

This film really catches you off guard. It starts off as a documentary that seems like It’s going to be about a ghost story.

Then it morphs into more of a supernatural tale. Then it becomes an out-and-out mystery.

One can truly appreciate the film as it keeps you on your toes. Never quite knowing where it is going but keeping the audience interested.

At times the film can be scary but is more aimed at telling a believable story. Considering it is a part of the AFTER THE DARK series of films. One might have  expected a more extreme genre-specific horror film. 

Which I believe most will enjoy what you get here. As this is one of the best one of that series of films.

The film keeps you engaged the whole time that you watch it. As you try to figure out the mystery. This feels like what the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY films should be instead of just tedium for 70 minutes and then some action on the last 10.

It is more for an artistic crowd. While not being an aristocratic type film 

GRADE: B

JEEPERS CREEPERS (2001)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Victor Salva 
Cinematography: Don E. FauntLeRoy
Editor: Ed Marx 

Cast: Gina Philips, Eileen Brennan, Justin Long, Jonathan Breck, Patricia Belcher, Brandon Smith 

A brother and sister driving home through isolated countryside for spring break encounter a flesh-eating creature that is in the midst of its ritualistic eating spree.

When it comes to this film it will always come surrounded by controversy. Not only because of the director’s past crimes and their horrific nature of them but also because he has continued to make films for the general public. Not to mention in his work since he got out of jail for his crimes. His films have alluded to or given a showcase to his fetishes so to speak. At least that is what those who know of his past have been able to notice.

Especially when it comes to scenes such as him sniffing the boy’s underwear and seemingly intent on hunting the male lead down more than anything.

When it comes to Victor Salva he is a talented filmmaker. His film before this POWDER seemed to come across as a thinly disguised apology and a kind of begging for forgiveness about his past. Like this film, it was a surprise hit. Even though it was more of a family drama.

Here he gets to sink his teeth into an original tale. Where he even created a new iconic horror movie monster for a generation. The film definitely goes for jump scares and the element of surprise as it builds up the tension and sense of dread. As it is a film the audience has to have patience.

The protagonists of the film use back roads to avoid traffic. Which also sets the film’s mood of desolation. As we barely see any people other than The leads and the monster for plenty of stretches.

The film is a low budget yet still feels like a movie that could have been made in the 1970s or 80s where there is an emphasis on the special effects which are practical but it stays somewhat a mystery and instead focuses on the characters. Mainly the two leads who are playing siblings and as the film goes along.

The brother played by Justin Long goes from being more the happy-go-lucky joking character to the most haunted. As his sister becomes more and more tough and protective. 

The film is almost like THE PREDATOR. Not as action-packed but it is essentially a film about a monster hunting its prey.

One scene In Particular truly saves the film And is truly noteworthy the police station massacre. As this is a film that whenever there is the action you are thankful as the film truly becomes exciting.

The film truly never offers too much information on the creature; it could only go two ways. Part one in a series that will get into the origins of the creature (which it did) or remain a mystery as a one-off film (which might have been better. Especially for it having a more lasting legacy)

This is a film that is more In tune with watching it in a theater or the closest to a theatrical experience that you can manage to get its full impact. 

The film is seen as a classic by a few. As the scares are original yet feel cheap. It doesn’t help that the film was followed by two sequels that felt somewhat needed but didn’t do anything to deepen the lore or impress that they needed to be told. 

The other aspect that made me enjoy the film is it’s dark ending. Which really feels like a gut punch. 

Grade: C