Tag: Horror

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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

THE SADNESS (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Rob Jabbaz 
Cinematography: Jib-le bai

Cast: Berant Zhu, Regina Lai, Ying-Ru Chan, Emerson Tsai, Wei-Hua lan 

After a year of combating a pandemic with relatively benign symptoms, a frustrated nation finally lets its guard down. This is when the virus spontaneously mutates, giving rise to a mind-altering plague. The streets erupt into violence and depravity, as those infected are driven to enact the most cruel and ghastly things they can think of. Murder, torture, rape and mutilation are only the beginning. A young couple is pushed to the limits of sanity as they try to reunite amid the chaos. The age of civility and order is no more. There is only “The Sadness”.

This movie was a challenge. As it wasn’t the gore that disturbed as this is a zombie movie that was kind of expected. Even as it went far beyond what we might be used to in a zombie film. 

This was a movie that truly lived up to Its title as This was well Made but disturbing at least to me so much I can’t really recommend it. It is generally a disturbing film  As it all had no point 

Not only For the general fire but the film as a whole. 

As if it just wants to be a more realistic and downbeat horror film that is one thing, but it goes above and beyond to be more provocative. Its general disturbance includes sexual assault and other depravities and there are other Films that are worse, but they don’t seem to kind of revel in it so much. Where you wonder ? What is the point? Just to be the worst.

Albeit though this is a zombie film it is more like 28 days later where it is more of a virus that makes everyone violent and can be killed like any other human. There are no special rules. As there is a minor explanation, but mostly seems to take the narrative of Will we see the two leads introduced in the beginning. Finally, make their way back towards one another.

The film is depraved and cynical throughout. It just seems to go above and beyond to shock the violence and atrocities. Maybe I am getting old and prudish but I need some reasoning if you are going to go that far. I am usually a horror film fan also. 

This is obviously not a film for the lighthearted. If this sounds like your type of film, go for it. Unfortunately for me, it is not my cup of tea. 

Again not a badly filmed movie. Just too much for no real reason.

CURE (1997)

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Written & Directed By: Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Cinematography: Tokusho Kikumura
Editor: Kan Suzuki

Cast: Koji Yakusho, Tsuy Oshiujik, Masato Hagiwara, Anna Nakagawa 

A frustrated detective deals with the case of several gruesome murders committed by people who have no recollection of what they’ve done.

This is a film that the less you know about it the better. Though it still will have no overall effect on your enjoyment or feelings. It does help you to discover things as the characters do.

This movie is a marvel, not one to easily describe. It plays as a psychological thriller and horror but is more like a piece of art above all Else.

The film is tightly composed and contains a stillness. As well as staying very quiet no matter the violence that is shown.

Where the violence is shown more in the aftermath. Rather than actual attacks or actions. 

The mood and tone of the film never managed to rise. It stays dry, quiet, cold, and measured at its own pace. Which whole being a thriller is impressive as we watch pieces come together. Though still, some remain unexplained. 

The film manages to keep us interested and learning as it goes on. As this is a film that is best to pay attention to all the details though at Its speed it would be hard to miss certain elements.

The film eventually breaks down into a cat and mouse game between the suspect and the detective but it involves so much more that might be red herrings such as conspiracies. 

Some of the film’s threads that seem to connect to one another unravel or come off as some kind of coincidence. 

What helps throw the audience off is that there is no lead-up to the violence or actions of the characters. It just seems to happen and we are presented with it offering no rhyme or reason at first. Seemingly random and dealing with the aftermath. Which can be scarier than knowing the motive where you can rationale or understand 

Grade: B+

EVIL DEAD TRAP (1988)

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Directed By: Toshiharu Ikeda
Written By: Takashi Ishii 
Cinematography: Masaki Tamura 
Editor: Akimasa Kawashima 

Cast: Miyuki Ono, Aya Katsuragi, Hitomi Kobayashi, Eriko Nakagawa, Masahiko Abe

A late-night TV presenter receives a snuff tape, in which a woman is brutally killed. She decides to take a crew out to a location indicated in the tape, but only death and despair await them.

This is a movie best to go in blind as even if described it can never match the experience of watching it and what actually happens throughout the film. 

The location of the film the warehouse that the characters go through Is a character In itself as it seems the deeper and longer they stay there it seems to get bigger and as they journey along it seems like they are going deeper and deeper into hell on earth. A demented funhouse that seems to be a playhouse for the killer. 

This is a movie I had heard about for a while but from its title believed it to be an Evil dead movie Rip off. 

The irony is that the film actually does at times seem to have homages to the film of Its title’s inspiration with scenes of a rampaging camera going throughout the location. As seemingly whoever the evil is seeking.

You also have to consider when the film was made and released. As it’s a refreshingly original film where you can see the inspiration for many other horror films. In its, DNA is definitely in the SAW movie franchise with the boobs traps and graphic violence and consequences. 

The special effects and make-up are impressive and practical. Especially for the time as you can tell this was a film made with love of the genre 

Unfortunately, one of the few weaknesses of the film is that while trying to serve us sec and nudity, which seemed more common for the genre at the time we get a graphic sec scene but we also get a totally unnecessary graphic rape scene. That really adds nothing but gives the film an unneeded sense of depravity. Punishing certain Characters even more cruelly than needed and for no reason.

This is the kind of film where after a while you kind of give up all hope of sense or the film comes to a logical conclusion and just goes with it the chaos that it offers up and hopes it is worth it or it stays as unpredictable as it has presented itself so far. 

The film doesn’t have a big body count but makes up for it with impressive and original kills. Not to mention piling on the tension at times. Even if towards the end it feels a little long and overplayed. 

Grade: B

IL DEMONIO (1967)

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Directed & Story By: Brunello Rondi

Written By: Brunello Rondi, Ugo Guerra & Luciano Martino

Cinematography: Carlo Bellero

Editor: Mario Serandrei

Cast: Daliah Lavi, Frank Wolff, Anna Maria Aveta, Dario Dolci, Francs Mazzoni, Rossana Rovere 

A lonely, sexually-uninhibited young peasant is subjected to an exorcism after she hexes a man who rejects her advances.

This is a film I had never heard of before and stumbled upon. Definitely did not regret it.

What will attract many to this film is the lead played by Daliah Levi, She is amazing in her role and quite gorgeous. That you can see why so many are tempted by her. She throws herself into the role even more physically in one acne where she continuously contorts her body. She is as beautiful as the cinematography throughout.

This is an obsessive love story that turns into madness and questionable passion or a growing mental illness that seems to grow into group hysteria. By the end of the film, there is barely anyone who is truly innocent.

This film can be seen as a precursor or maybe even an early inspiration for Isabelle Adjani’s Iconic performance in POSSESSION

The film is a neorealist Italian movie with religious overtones and folk horror elements.

The film plays out a tragedy really as for all of those supposedly scared of her. She is ultimately a victim throughout. Most of the men trying to save or cure her violate or viciously attack her. All of them so-called holy and come down with her throw her away. Even the man she is in love with the man who blames his lust for her. All on her as some kind of spell. 

At first, her lover does come across as a victim but becomes a villain by the end. As the film tries to showcase what has led him to this path. His own mind of mental breakdown is tied to religion, lust, and folklore. 

This film definitely shows how misogynistic and exploitive those so-called true believers are when it comes to women and especially if they show any sexuality or seem to enjoy sex 

GRADE: B-

UNHUMAN (2022)

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Directed By: Marcus Dunstan 
Written By: Marcus Dunstan & Patrick Melton
Cinematography: Lyn Moncrief 
Editor: Andrew Wesman

Cast: Brianne Tju, Benjamin Wadsworth, Drew Schneid, Uriah Sulton, Ali Gallo, Peter Giles, Joshua Mikel, Lo Graham, C.J. Leblanc 

A group of high school students whose school bus crashes on a field trip. Relationships are tested once they realize they are being stalked by an attacker who intends to drive them out and straight into a horrifying fight to survive.

This might have been better off as an MTV original movie rather than an epic original release. Maybe even a television series to stretch it out and back itself up when it comes to plausibility. As it would explain thoroughly who the audience is more aimed at and would make more sense with the direction and twists.

As it tries to do something different or new with its premise in the zombie genre. Which works for it and against it depending on certain audience members. As it tries to do something original, that one can admire and probably helped it get made, but ultimately doesn’t exactly work.

Though the film can be quite entertaining. It remains that way only If you take it for what it offers and don’t try to think too hard. Then it is perfect popcorn entertainment with a twist. That you might be able to see coming. 

As the camera angles and shots are distracting as they are more used in music videos and make the film come off more as jittery. This is why it feels more like an MTV-style production. Other than most of the cast being teenage characters as the adults are taken out quickly 

As it goes for a THE BREAKFAST CLUB explanation of showing that the characters are more than Initially thought and are more well-rounded. While we see them break out of their so-called roles. 

Though ultimately the hero is the one who seems to have no identity through all of this seems to create one. Even though we are never quite sure she is the way she is. Though she does give us a hero who can be physical but is more defined by her quick thinking and ultimate smarts.

Luckily the movie isn’t as exploitive as it could be. It sticks To the genre rules and even has a  final girl of sorts. Though it is heavily edited like it has its own problems when it comes to attention spans and feels rather aggressive. 

This film reminds me of DETENTION directed by Joseph Kahn. Though that film is stronger visually and in theme. This feels like a more lighthearted and cleaner version.

GRADE: C

MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM (2022)

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Directed By: Damon Thomas
Written By: Jenna Lamia
Based On The Novel By: Grady Hendrix
Cinematography: Rob Givens 
Editor: Brad Turner 

Cast: Elsie Fisher, Amiah Miller, Rachel Ogechi Kanu, Cathy Ang, Christopher Lowell,  Clayton Royal Johnson, Cameron Bass

Teen best friends Abby and Gretchen grapple with an otherworldly demon that takes up residence in Gretchen’s body.

First off let me say that I have read the book and I am a fan of it. 

Next, let me say that this film is pretty faithful to the material. It is also quite different. As the movie plays drier and less spirited than the book.

It’s like the film followed the recipe but seemed to skip some ingredients. I don’t know if this was on purpose or because of the budget. A nice attempt that never quite cuts to the heart. 

As while it does count as a horror film. It also feels more to stay in the safe realm of Pg-13 because it wants to appeal to a younger female audience. As it feels a bit disconnected from other audience members.

The cast is fairly unknown for the most part which works. As it leaves everyone open to being a victim or being taken out and not safe because of their stardom.

Through the film. Betrays them by making most of the characters so stereotypical or one-sided that again we never really get to know or feel anything for them except for the two leads. Even in some dramatic moments for the supporting characters it never reaches the level of emotion it could because you barely know them. 

It’s nice to see a film with a cast so diverse and Christopher Lowell as one of the lemon brothers is energetic and hilarious. Even though he is not in the film nearly enough. He is truly what helps keep the film afloat. As he is the only one here who seems to provide those qualities which the film heavily lacks most of the time. Making it come off as more workman-like and less caring.

It might also be that until Christopher Lowell’s character shows up the movie has no sense of humor. It seems set at playing it straight. Which kind of sucks the air out of the room instead of keeping your interests fully. As it comes off as bland as sugarless gum. Sure a hint of flavor, but for the most part you are just chewing your own backwash.

Elsie Fisher is the lead and makes for a truly memorable heroine as she does most of the heavy lifting throughout.

The film also shows the screenplay principle of constantly introducing something as minor and it coming back to be a major point or detail later in the movie. 

It’s not a horrible movie but a movie that needed maybe a draft or two more before the endeavor was taken into production. As there are the bones of a good movie here.

Can give it credit as trying to be for a certain audience and not ever going for exploitation and trying to stick strictly to its story. Even if it feels a little more cut and dry for it. 

For a film about possession. The film seems to lack a spirit of Its own. Yes, I read the original book which had plenty of it. It stays faithful in following the recipe but seems to be missing many vital ingredients

Grade: C