Tag: Horror

EVIL DEAD RISE (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Lee Cronin
Cinematography: Dave Garbett 
Editor: Bryan Shaw 

Cast: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Mirabai Pease, Richard Crouchley, Anna-Maree Thomas, Noah Paul, Gabrielle Echols, Morgan Davies 

A twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.

Even though the film isn’t quite what one expects. Definitely can appreciate it as it introduces us to new characters and surroundings. It as always leaves itself open for a sequel though doubt the survives would be back. 

As I get older I don’t know if it’s me getting sensitive or a bit more squeamish. Films like this tend to be brutal to my psyche. As it might be the nihilism of the film. As it is violent and that strangely has no effect on me. This was actually less gory than the last EVIL DEAD movie it was a reboot and a bit of a remake. 

Here maybe it was the violence towards children. If they were evil would have been fine with me, but here the film lets you get to know them so you care about them. so that they are interesting and you are hoping they might make it to the end. However, when there are other characters in the film they are slaughtered in the span of five minutes. You know that the film is going to need some more deaths. 

Though the film does stay a bit unpredictable which one can appreciate. Though modern day it has a 1980’s/90’s vibe and can spot some of its inspirations.

The film follows the trend of being under-lit so that everything becomes exceptionally dark in certain scenes. You can make out most of what is happening but at times it is tether hard to make out certain moments. 

Even though the last scene kind of explains the prologue and opens up the film to new locations.  It makes little sense. As you wonder how it was so terrible on that floor. You would think the whole building would be suffering and under attack and then the film makes it seem like nope only that one. It’s a big leap but acceptable.

At least it brings the film full circle with the prologue. 

This film is definitely more enjoyable than the last film as it is at least not following a blueprint and is more lively. Even as it stays in a secluded area. It stays entertaining throughout and does have you on the edge of your seat.

The prologue feels like it’s there more to have a high body count for the film overall and give room for a sequel.

This is definitely a film that breathes life into the franchise and gives hope to what might come next. As it goes places other films seem scared of and it feels at times like a relentless onslaught. 

One thing about this film and the last film you can appreciate is that it seems to be moving into more the horror genre of the first film and less the slapstick comedy of the other two movies of the trilogy and the television series. (Which I happen to enjoy). Each of these films is canon and takes place in the same universe, but wisely each film has its own reality and levels. 

So you can almost choose which road you prefer. 

It’s almost like when a silly conversation gets serious with facts.

Grade: C+

THE POPE’S EXORCIST (2023)

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Directed By: Julius Avery 
Written By: Michael Petroni and Evan Spiliotopoulos 
Story By: Jeff Katz, R. Dean McCreary and Chester Hastings 
Based on the books “AN EXORCIST TELLS HIS STORY” And “AN EXORCIST: MORE STORIES” By: Father Gabriele Amorth 
Cinematography: Khalid Mohtaseb
Editor: Matt Evans

Cast: Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto, Franco Nero, Alex Essoe, Pete DeSouza-Feighoney, Laurel Marsden, Cornell John, Bianca Bardowle, Ryan O’Grady 

Inspired by the actual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, The Pope’s Exorcist follows Amorth as he investigates a young boy’s terrifying possession and ends up uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden.

What helps keep the film entertaining at the very least is Russell Crowe is certainly having fun throughout with his over-the-top performance. It’s like imagine if Anthony Hopkins’s version of Van Helsing in BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA had gotten his own modern-day spin-off movie 

The film saves the best for last as it includes action, violence, nudity in other words all the naughty stuff. Even though the film has plenty of racy scenes means more to shock and show the possession. 

The last act of this film is so off the wall and overrated yet fun. That you wish the whole movie had been like that. 

As it stands out because before that the movie had been so basic and unoriginal. Something you have seen before. though it might make an interesting first horror film for those being introduced to the horror genre. 

It’s not that good but what you hope for, leaving room for a franchise.

Considering the director Julien Avery who has directed the crazy and entertaining OVERLORD 

who seems to be when he lets loose. After trying so hard to keep it simple and build up the tension. So with this film, he feels like he is holding back on purpose until the end.

The film is a strange mix as it seems to want to contain itself and seem realistic by trying to stick to the facts. Though there are plenty of places throughout especially the end. When it feels purely Hollywood-pumped-up storytelling. 

The film feels like a weekend box office movie placeholder more designed to bring in a quick buck and have a top spot for the opening weekend and be a go-to in the following weeks for people. who needs to buy a ticket or see something else other than the # 1 sold-out movie. So this is kind of like a B-movie. As it is more content than memorable cinema

Grade: C-

LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE (aka THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE) (1974)

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Directed By: Jorge Grau
Written By: Sandro Continenza and Marcello Coscia
Cinematography: Francisco Sempere
Editor: Domingo Garcia And Vincenzo Tomassi 

Cast: Christine Gallo, Ray Lovelock, Arthur Kennedy, Aldo Massasso, Jeannine Mestre, Genghar Gatti, Jose Ruiz Lifante, Roberto Posse, Giorgio Trestini, Fernando Hilbeck 

In the peaceful, lush, green countryside gruesome murders are committed by the dead who have been brought to life by ultra-sonic radiation. Two travelers from the city who meet accidentally are harassed and implicated by the cops for the murders.

This was a bit of a discovery. Definitely a minor change for a zombie film where we actually care about most of the characters/victims and truly throughout the reason for this plague and man-made. Which makes the film prophetic to a degree. Especially when I’m the beginning we see everyone in masks or covering their faces and this is a film made in 1974

It’s a zombie story that keeps getting frustrating throughout as every time the characters have a chance to warn and try to stop the plague. The authorities do something to obstruct them and try to mail them to serial murderers. Instead of listening and looking out for the greater good.

This film is a little more small scale than the typical zombie plague film. However, it does make the whole endeavor feel more like a thrilling adventure against time throughout. As well as throwing in some romantic innuendo between strangers.

The beginning shows the characters getting away from a society that is shown in all its Luster and depravity as going to the countryside which is thought to be a change of pace and more peaceful.  

Once there is death to the main characters it feels more tragic. As the film does offer heartbreak a few times it does offer what looks to be a happy resolution. 

The film Is macabre at first the violence seems more of what you would expect though as the film goes along it becomes much more macabre and gory. Offering both speeds of zombies fast and slow with practical effects and very impressive and one-of-a-kind contacts giving the zombies red eyes that 28 DAYS LATER seemed to borrow from. 

Though it certainly doesn’t have a happy ending there is a sense of justice or at least comeuppance. It also is one of the rare British zombie films of the 1970s. 

It’s a film where at first you know what is supposed to happen but you never quite know when or how for the first act of the film. Where we get to know the characters and their situations. 

Totally an underrated undiscovered gem. That deserves to be well known and is best to go blind. So not so many expectations. 

Grade: B 

TROUBLE EVERY DAY (2001)

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Directed By: Claire Denis
Written By: Claire Denis and Jean-Pol Fargeau
Cinematography: Agnes Godard 
Editor: Nelly Quettier 

Cast: Vincent Gallo, Tricia Vessey, Beatrice Dalle, Alex Descas, Florence Loiret-Caille, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Raphael Neal

Shane and June Brown are an American couple honeymooning in Paris in an effort to nurture their new life together, a life complicated by Shane’s mysterious and frequent visits to a medical clinic where cutting-edge studies of the human libido are undertaken. When Shane seeks out a self-exiled expert in the field, he happens upon the doctor’s wife, another victim of the same malady. She has become so dangerous and emotionally paralyzed by the condition that her husband imprisons her by day in their home. It is Shane’s chance encounter with this woman that triggers an event so cataclysmic and shocking it might just lead him to rediscover the tranquility he seeks to restore for himself and his new bride.

Not going to lie, the whole reason I wanted to see this film is Beatrice Dalle. Who has had me captivated since her role in Jim Jaramusch’s NIGHT ON EARTH and have been catching up with her roles from the past to the present ever since.

So it was her being in a vampire film before that seemed to become a trend In The 2000s and also Vincent Gallo is in the film and he usually makes whatever he is in a little more vibrant and interesting.

This is a movie that tries in modern times to present a fable connecting vampirism to lust. The character played by Beatrice Dalle is insatiable and seems to constantly need to feed. So much so that she has to be kept locked up and away. As she is a beast that Can’t be contained. Her raw female sexuality comes out while she gets her prey by seeming more innocent yet confident in her sexuality.

She is sloppy, scantily clothed in a nightgown stained with blood like an animal but she still contains beauty.

The longing for blood comes across as more sexual with an extreme fetish the participants only find out about too late. 

Vincent Gallo is her old lover who has moved on and has a younger wife. He has been able to contain his vampirism and come off as a regular Joe. Though he is drawn back to her. Even as she has a husband who never quite knew what he was getting into, but accepts his responsibilities and tries to help the love of his life in his own way. Hoping she will become satisfied and normal. 

The film is brutally violent and contains a lot of anticipation that never quite lives up to the promise. 

However, it does show a romantic side as in the scene where Dalle’s husband is cleaning the blood off of his feral wife after she seduces and attacks another victim. Shows a devotion that goes above and beyond. He loves her so passionately that she eats her partners. He supports her. Even as he knows he can’t be with her intimately or it will be the end of him. He also knows and worries about who will take care of her if he leaves or something happens to him.

As he knows no one will be as devoted. Yet he continuously longs for her and has made his own kind of sacrifice for her. The epitome of a nice guy. Who does everything but doesn’t have that spark and still wants your old lover who you both were bad for each other but still carries a certain bond. 

The film leaves you in the audience to pick up on details and read into the film what you believe may or may not be true. 

We watch as their acts are made attractive and delectable. More part of the act of pleasure that goes along with it.

I’m not going to lie, this was my first time watching a Claire Denis film. So I didn’t know exactly what to expect. So by the end, I was disappointed immensely and a little confused. Since then I can’t say I have watched much more of her work. I believe only two other films. Only one can I say I truly was mesmerized by  35 SHOTS OF RUM

Ultimately the film’s promise seems wasted. As we wait for major parts of the story to move or more action that never seems to come.

Nor is any of the setup really acted upon dramatically. As it is never touching or moving really. Unfortunately, it comes across as boring and like it wants to mean something and say something but ultimately doesn’t.

Grace: C-

BURY THE BRIDE (2023)

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Directed By: Spider One 
Written By: Krsy Fox and Spider One
Cinematography: Andy Patch
Editor: Krsy Fox

Cast: Krsy Fox, Scout Taylor-Compton, Dylan Rourke, Chaz Bono, Lyndsi LaRose, Rachel Brunner, Katie Ryan, Adam Marcinowski, Cameron Cowperthwaite

Bride-to-be June’s bachelorette getaway turns deadly when her bloodthirsty fiance and his friends show up to crash the party.

This is an entertaining B-movie. It’s a TUBI channel original. So you know what you are going into with this film. You only hope that it offers some surprises. Though much better than expected by a director who actually goes by SPIDER ONE. 

Even when it has its chances to be inventive it doesn’t go where you are hoping. It tries to keep you on your toes but offers nothing that exciting. Even though it stays pretty dark throughout.

Once again women are mainly the victims of men throughout. Only here mix in some old-school rednecks. The problem is that the females are far more interesting than the men. Which helps you feel something whenever anything happens to them. As they raise the stakes. 

Thought the film would be more of a slasher film until it turns a little supernatural.

The film has an interesting premise that could have been explored more, but it sets its own speed. As everything escalated pretty quickly. So that it can’t explain everything. Like many questions, you might have by the end. 

For instance, how was anyone charmed by the redneck groom. She has no need to be that desperate 

Then again that’s what sequels are made for. As Star, Co-Writer, and Editor Krys Fox Seems to have most aspects of this film handled. s it seems a project she built for herself from the ground up

The film is entertaining as long as you don’t think too hard about it and don’t ask too much of the material. 

Grade: C

KIDS VS. ALIENS (2023)

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Directed & Edited By: Jason Eisener
Written By: John Davies & Jason Eisener 
Cinematography: Mat Berkley 

Cast: Dominic Mariche, Pheobe Rex, Calem MacDonald, Asher Grayson, Ben Tector, Emma Vickers, Isaiah Fortune

An all-time rager of a teen house party turns to terror when aliens attack, forcing two warring siblings to band together to survive the night.

This Is like an R-rated Amblin film, but it seems to lack heart. It gets points for presenting a more realistic at times version of characters and events,  it also seems to have a cruel heart that seems determined to show the worst. Not cynical and humorous, just evil characters at times.

So it lacks a certain Joy and commitment of a film like PSYCHO GOREMAN. As a kid’s film with childish sensibilities. This seems more made for adults and just happens to involve kids as main characters. 

Amblin films put kids in danger with steaks but also provide a bit of nostalgia or make you wish you went on those adventures. This is more bleak.

The film is an extension of one of the short films from V/H/S 2. So it’s coming from a macabre cinematic universe. Where it seems determined to break the rules, be deletions, and go overboard altogether.

You can call it a kids film and an alien invasion film With some drugs, violence, and more. Taken from a youthful outlook. It has a little adult outlook and a more independent version of the film McG’s RIM OF THE WORLD. Though similar this film has rougher edges.

You have kids cursing constantly and some scenes of violence. Where it feels like it could have been made by the kid’s characters in the movie. Only with more skilled production design.

The film offers an ending that is as cruel as the movie comes off at times. Which makes the whole endeavor not as much fun as it seeks. Which is a crucial element in films of this type. As there isn’t quite a mixture that works here.

It comes across as a fashion sense of the times. As short as it is. It stays somewhat entertaining in where they are going with this and how far.

The aliens are basic and look a little better than guys in suits. 

I really wanted to like it, but can only give it a mild recommendation depending on what you Are looking to get out of it.

Grade: C 

ENYS MEN (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Mark Jenkin

Cast: Mary Woodvine, Edward Rowe, Flo Crowe, John Woodvine, Joe Gray

Set in 1973 on an uninhabited island off the Cornish coast, a wildlife volunteer’s daily observations of a rare flower turn into a metaphysical journey that forces her as well as the viewer to question what is real and what is a nightmare.

This is a film More about the filmmaking and mood than anything. Truly plot driven it’s definitely full of atmosphere. 

It seems mundane at first and then slowly tightens Its grip. As Like the character it gets more maddening offering glimpses but never quite spelling out how they’ll fit or what they exactly might mean if anything 

The film feels trippy and experimental at times but slowly leads you to figure out It’s pieces.

Though ultimately you will have to come to your own conclusions. It shows the main character who has no name descent into madness while isolated 

Where like her you begin to wonder what is real and what is made up in her head or some kind of fantasy or nightmare she is living through 

Strength of filmmaking only wish it was a bit of a stronger story. 

It’s A challenging film for some audiences whether you are on Its wavelength ultimately or not. It is a folk horror tale that is in turns also psychological

It is quite a ride that isn’t exciting at first but the more you fit into it the more you will get out of it.

It is a film that demands your attention or you will find yourself easily lost. Which you might find yourself even when paying attention 

Grade: B-

CALVAIRE (2004)

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Directed By: Fabrice Du Welz
Written By: Fabrice Du Welz and Roman Protat
Cinematography: Benoit Debie
Editor: Sabine Hubeaux 

Cast: Laurent Lucas, Philippe Nahon, Brigitte Lehaie, Jean-Luc Couchard, Jackie Berroyer, Jo Priesta 

Marc, a traveling entertainer, is on his way home for Christmas when his van breaks down in the middle of a jerkwater town with some strange inhabitants.

This seems to be a film that expands on the scariest most memorable scenes of the Film, DELIVERANCE

The film illustrates how loneliness and the absence of a partner, particularly a woman, drives a small town mad. Is it a small town or are there different representations of one man?

Though against the other’s will.  it does at times, feel like the mechanic is a romantic in his own way.

The film comes off as eager to disturb and unsettled its audience 

While the film shocks, it’s slow as it takes its time to reveal and get to know the characters. Who you can tell he is quite disturbed by the appearance of the young man looking for his dog.

The main character seems to attract or cause desire, and those around him. Usually, it’s for his job as an entertainer so it seems to take a personal interest and his audience. 

By the end, it almost seems like karma has led him into this nightmare scenario, even though he hasn’t done anything to be hourly cruel.

This is why it sometimes feels like an extended TALES FROM THE CRYPT episode only cruel and with little to no humor, as well as no actual score with a mean-spirited comeuppance 

Some sequences are just bizarre that seem to come out of nowhere like the dancing at the bar that is strangely choreographed. Or the pig sequence in the barn, which is just downright nightmarish, but also hints of what might come. 

There are hints of bestiality abound as a given replacement for the absence of females in physical Ways, but also companionship whether that is meant to be symbolic or not that is how it comes off. It’s insulting, but also shows the growing nature of relationships with pets to take the place of what is absent in the person’s life

The film shows a disturbing and bloody nature that could be used to categorize the film as French extreme, one of the earliest examples of the genre. 

Oh, the film is dirty in all the more disturbing as it feels realistic and not like a slasher or meet-up horror scenario. 

It  takes place in a town that apparently only had one woman once, and wisely escaped if she had to go through half of what the leaders 

In the end, the film is a story of a man fighting for survival and Just unsettling, but in a familiar Milieu. 

This definitely seems made to appeal for a specialty cult audience

Grade: C

ORPHAN: FIRST KILL (2022)

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Directed By: William Brent Bell
Written By: David Coggeshall
Story By: David Leslie Johnson-McColdrick 
Based on characters created By: Alex Mace
Cinematography: Karim Hussain
Editor: Josh Ethier 

Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Julia Stiles, Rossif Sutherland, Hiro Kanagawa, Matthew Finlan, Samantha Walles 

After orchestrating a brilliant escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility, Esther travels to America by impersonating the missing daughter of a wealthy family.

A movie where It’s surprising success got a sequel or prequel trying to open it up into a franchise that is not needed or truly asked for.

So while it could easily be written off there is an attempt here that makes it not necessarily feel cheapened but an attempt to Make Something worthwhile.

While not great at least it tries not to be as surprising as the original but still manages to keep up the suspense and thrills. Now we are more in on the surprise to see how she works to stay ahead of those who suspect her and keep manipulating those around her. 

The second half of the film or truly the last third offer up a twist that is unexpected like the original, but enlivens the movie so that it doesn’t feel like more of the same. It makes the film worthwhile, adding a dimension you’re not expecting.

It has Villains underestimating each other until a confrontation is needed to show dominance. Where the film tries to make us have sympathy for a sociopath to a degree. Which began with showing how vicious she can be.

While the movie is certainly brutal to show the viciousness and evil it never feels unnecessary. 

Julia Stiles in yet another horror extension, but at least she is very good in this one and can understand why she choose this role. Reminds you of how good she can still be when given the right role 

As always in these movies the black character already suspects something is up And can see through the facade. 

The film makes every scene look hazy most of the time. Almost wish that this was a Brian DePalma movie.

How do you do that by having a psychopath go against people who are much worse?

A Little cheesy but worthwhile as it stays entertaining for the most part even if at times it feels trashy with a delectable shiny sheen and gloss Also shows how she knows she will never be accepted.

Maybe this sequel feels so good and refreshing as most likely going in you aren’t actually expecting as much especially when it comes to quality.

A prequel origin story where we learn the details of the fate of the characters we vaguely hear about in the first film. 

It gets very campy 

Grade: B-

BABY BLOOD (1990)

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Directed By: Alain Robak
Written By: Alain Robak and Serge Cukier 
Cinematography: Bernard Dechet 
Editor: Elizabeth Moulinier 

Cast: Emmanuelle Escourrou, Christian Sinniger, Jean-Francois Gallotte, Roselyne Geslot, Francois Frapier, Thierry Le Portier 

When a strange creature crawls into a woman’s uterus she becomes a killer in order to feed the tiny terror growing within her.

This is one of those movies that came from nowhere for fame. I had never previously heard of this film and decided to take a chance at it. While scrolling through Shudder.

This Is definitely a film made for horror fans. The theme of this film seems to be literally at first men’s horniness will be the death of them. Most don’t come off well throughout the film.

As the lead female played with total commitment and energy by Emmanuelle Escourrou.  who gets infected by this parasite at first is reluctant to go through with what the parasite is forcing her to do. Working her way as a seductress to entice more victims. As she already had men all over her, even when not trying, though she was in an abusive relationship and the one man she wanted to have no interest.

The parasite in her uterus wants her to kill but not for blood or the remains. The film never seems to answer the reasons why. Just the act sets this film apart from similarly themed films in its wake like GRACE or PREVENGE.

As the parasite grows into a baby after sex and while psychically communicating and controls her more through pain and threats. So it’s almost like she is in an abusive relationship again. 

The film presents the killings not from a need, not from a maternal instinct of trying to help her child survive. As it says it wants blood but we rarely see her take it. 

The first half of the film is presented episodically like short stories of her next kill. While still on the run. 

The film offers plenty of nudity and some sex, but it’s never quite erotic, exotic, or sexy. The filmmakers do have some artistic tendencies in the film, but it seems like with a Troma Studios-type budget. That ends up having the movie feel slightly exploitative. 

The film at times feels quite silly, but it never lets loose to have fun with its wacky premise.

The film never goes where you expect. As once you believe you have it figured out. It goes another way.

GRADE: B