tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64334047896707642792024-03-14T09:21:26.008+00:00Random HorrorRandom Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-35292606688771893782020-04-23T15:50:00.002+01:002021-09-02T13:13:10.322+01:00The Mist (2007): Creature Feature or Cinematic Masterpiece?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XHRhE7cMiJWQqT64CNroVOKZLM5Do35AWFLtrFxsiYYRviN2Uajvia14nKCmygVM51yjNXRTdx3VbfI5C4Qnb-DzLhm2hkABA0iBAhSDpduyfntH4gQkj9RRwP7mP8jN_YSQrBgT2bCn/s1600/The+Mist+Cover.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XHRhE7cMiJWQqT64CNroVOKZLM5Do35AWFLtrFxsiYYRviN2Uajvia14nKCmygVM51yjNXRTdx3VbfI5C4Qnb-DzLhm2hkABA0iBAhSDpduyfntH4gQkj9RRwP7mP8jN_YSQrBgT2bCn/s640/The+Mist+Cover.jpeg" width="456" /></a></div>
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When The Mist was first
released in 2007, it was met with a fairly lacklustre critical response. With
an opening take of just under $9M in the US, you could be forgiven
for thinking this was just another creature feature with little bite!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Overall, according to
<a href="https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3479340545/" target="_blank">boxofficemojo</a>, the film has grossed somewhere in the region of
$57M worldwide off the back of an $18M budget. It's not a bad take but that does not tell the whole story.
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On the surface, the
premise seems simple and perhaps formulaic but if you look deeper, you will
find something which speaks to the human race in so many ways. It is
something which truly hits home and more so at the moment with the
uncertain times we all face around the globe, it showcases the best
and worst of the human psyche.
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The film itself follows
a father and Son who find themselves trapped in a local, small town
supermarket following a storm which brings in a thick,
all-encompassing mist. As the mist begins to engulf everything in its
wake, we are left with a broad dynamic of locals, military personnel
and “outsiders” who also find themselves trapped.</div>
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Needless to say...
there is something in the mist!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4bgK20N9PY0AWggt_Z50c2AMAeV_3uN8l8U6AREKqCObB89yI0GJ-MTAXdPDQcbQz2Ao-wrDfuktP1qVlu8C9yWpJxF6romJyB043jJcQ24kgg44QPyLcGya6TeWGLiTGLN0o56r0bN7/s1600/The+Mist+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="824" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO4bgK20N9PY0AWggt_Z50c2AMAeV_3uN8l8U6AREKqCObB89yI0GJ-MTAXdPDQcbQz2Ao-wrDfuktP1qVlu8C9yWpJxF6romJyB043jJcQ24kgg44QPyLcGya6TeWGLiTGLN0o56r0bN7/s640/The+Mist+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Frank Darabont adapt this Stephen King work which is clearly a combination that has worked
before. This one may not have had the mainstream appeal of The Shawshank
Redemption or The Green Mile but it certainly packs the same punch for
those willing to open their minds to the experience.</div>
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Another good connection sees Thomas Jane starring in his second of three Stephen King
adaptations (so far), the previous being Dreamcatcher (2003) and the
most recent being 1922 (2017).</div>
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With a cast including
the aforementioned Jane, Marcia Gay Harden, Laurie Holden, Toby Jones
and Andre Braugher as well as another Shawshank connection in William
Sadler, The Mist always had the potential to be a solid entry.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMU96s19T9jkz3d4Kfvlln7I_4T9Hf_CQjXfH3MSj_-Zs3VYF0PC1ii6QtJis3dAAsblUl4PqsfZm2UA1oI5OOYBbYoGrmyljF8clic9jiFNlOHWeQ5SOSXq0N_c7TiEBteJ4AS2cOpPI/s1600/The+Mist+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="620" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaMU96s19T9jkz3d4Kfvlln7I_4T9Hf_CQjXfH3MSj_-Zs3VYF0PC1ii6QtJis3dAAsblUl4PqsfZm2UA1oI5OOYBbYoGrmyljF8clic9jiFNlOHWeQ5SOSXq0N_c7TiEBteJ4AS2cOpPI/s640/The+Mist+6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The expectation may
have been 2 hours of the same old film we've all seen countless times
before, a hapless 'would be' hero saves the day when confronted with
an enemy, there's thrills, spills and blood! Sound familiar? I
know...</div>
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<br /></div>
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Instead, The Mist gives
us an extremely stark and insightful study into the mentality of
the Human Race.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhpd085yP-noVDbdPGvIr-nHyg7fFXsDPWoeDyKfvX7F1WSfN4jaP5lfr9K5bslF7B-HB4ZjNvbds7SiUK4bI0ftsNTiEgGpl0kWcp-IwXSJbELNsKsJpjf4BJKR9Kd_ervLSo0mtdx2i/s1600/The+Mist+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1024" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhpd085yP-noVDbdPGvIr-nHyg7fFXsDPWoeDyKfvX7F1WSfN4jaP5lfr9K5bslF7B-HB4ZjNvbds7SiUK4bI0ftsNTiEgGpl0kWcp-IwXSJbELNsKsJpjf4BJKR9Kd_ervLSo0mtdx2i/s640/The+Mist+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When faced with any
form of impending or present doom, the Human race quickly breaks into
factions. One being a rational group whose incentive is survival, utilising basic instincts which override any other
emotion.</div>
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The second, in this
instance being the god fearing “doomsdayers”, who believe that
this is gods wrath or punishment for the sinful actions of the Human
Race. Their salvation takes a more sinister path.</div>
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Each group has its de-facto leader, someone to look to in a time of crisis. Thomas Jane as
David Drayton takes the mantel for the rationale survivors while his
counter part is played with bile inducing brilliance by Marcia Gay
Harden whose character Mrs. Carmody revels in the attention her at times extreme beliefs bring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa-PdwbciQBbMiPMdpsPWF19DosLOdCMr5a0AclYDw1A65qOzcyP1E56WjHbYQbu_oA4opPt0hbe50bKVnRvjk8WJst_e0EcK0NziRaXXFgu0JW_Qsn_EOjSD65wkyJ7wOr2idfSAj6VE/s1600/The+Mist+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="730" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa-PdwbciQBbMiPMdpsPWF19DosLOdCMr5a0AclYDw1A65qOzcyP1E56WjHbYQbu_oA4opPt0hbe50bKVnRvjk8WJst_e0EcK0NziRaXXFgu0JW_Qsn_EOjSD65wkyJ7wOr2idfSAj6VE/s640/The+Mist+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The similarities can be
seen in today's world. We face a global pandemic and while I have not
heard much to make one believe there are those who think this is
“God's wrath”, there are still factions being created. The
overwhelming population are doing all they can to keep themselves and
others safe while there are some who don't see it that way and are,
if somewhat selfishly, ignoring all the scientific evidence and
choosing a different path. I will not get any more political here so
that is where my line is. Now, back to the film.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Mist perfectly
portrays the juxtaposition of the monster movie as the underlying
irony and harsh truth is that the only monster on this planet is the
Human Race. There is a very subtle yet poignant line in the film
which captures this perfectly..
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“As a species we're
fundamentally insane. Put more than two of us in a room, we pick
sides and start dreaming up reasons to kill one another. Why do you
think we invented politics and religion?”</div>
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***Spoilers beyond this
point***</div>
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While those initial
expectations of the same old film are somewhat ex-ponged in the first
half of the film, the second half really hammers it home. The dynamic
has already changed and the groups have already witnessed with their own disbelieving eyes, what is in
the mist. Emotions start to fly. A small group decides they need to leave in
order to try and outrun the mist and although they don't know if that
is even a possibility, the alternative offers a worse fate. The
growing number of followers that Mrs Carmody has amassed decides that
the only way to get through this is to try to answer to the “higher
power” and they have chosen human sacrifice as their form of
appeasement. First up is pointing blame squarely at the feet of one
of the military survivors who found himself trapped.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-EksgnD9XKgZEOmzknkeU5j-g2aev_iXyV_YntAxKVB0ia7T1xMhwqvpgukzF2PGpc5Aar6sGYxD4IkrbuvA1oyRUndshvEtViOmGEBfuyKRwD1BOQxhqsZFskOdxSWPjDAJSTFkMhhv/s1600/The+Mist+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="480" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-EksgnD9XKgZEOmzknkeU5j-g2aev_iXyV_YntAxKVB0ia7T1xMhwqvpgukzF2PGpc5Aar6sGYxD4IkrbuvA1oyRUndshvEtViOmGEBfuyKRwD1BOQxhqsZFskOdxSWPjDAJSTFkMhhv/s640/The+Mist+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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What follows is one of
the most infuriating, emotive and shocking endings to any film ever! As
the group manages to escape the confines of their supermarket prison
after Mrs Carmody's preaching nearly causes her frantic followers to
“sacrifice” David's son, Ollie comes to the rescue triumphantly by liberating Mrs Carmody of her life!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7199kG1pMx-nIkpYmDC3DCQLv4Ppr-1UTjJObEVHYTgFvylkwJqxftPfdSIvPRxvLc5sun6XR3E1q7aOHVmEQOUGBe-_IevhxUixEwALmAFGpfNjEmJF9slVLlwKNbCO1FChnl7qOBuK/s1600/The+mist+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7199kG1pMx-nIkpYmDC3DCQLv4Ppr-1UTjJObEVHYTgFvylkwJqxftPfdSIvPRxvLc5sun6XR3E1q7aOHVmEQOUGBe-_IevhxUixEwALmAFGpfNjEmJF9slVLlwKNbCO1FChnl7qOBuK/s640/The+mist+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The small group who flee the supermarket
eventually make their way to David's car but not before a few losses along the way.<br />
<br />
The next scene takes us with the survivors on an emotional journey as we embark on a slow and heart wrenching drive through the town in which we learn the fate of David's wife...</div>
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As they try to drive out of the mist, car runs out of
gas and they slowly grind to a halt. With the impending doom outside the
car doors closing in and with the harsh reality that they will all very possibly
be eaten alive in an horrific blood bath by the growing number of
creatures, they silently agree to take the easy road and allow David
to put them all out of their miseries with a gun.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuPWUqQ-yG23Ol6V2kh8SZclkHhGjH3pxNJnRymYBKK1zH7Mahs8KH1enSoXe8WPy86705GRXuETNIvqRvU_dg2_rA4n36_oe-EtO8Xx4n_K74XgqkjwowtHQAbfmbv4zVq-7heFZNHUT/s1600/The+Mist+9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuPWUqQ-yG23Ol6V2kh8SZclkHhGjH3pxNJnRymYBKK1zH7Mahs8KH1enSoXe8WPy86705GRXuETNIvqRvU_dg2_rA4n36_oe-EtO8Xx4n_K74XgqkjwowtHQAbfmbv4zVq-7heFZNHUT/s640/The+Mist+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sadly he has 4 bullets
and there are 5 of them. He agrees that he would use the bullets on
his unfortunate passengers and he would “figure something out”.</div>
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As he pulls the trigger
on his son and fellow escapees, his heart breaks and we, as the
viewer are transported to the moment his pain hits. As David screams a
gut wrenching and harrowing scream at the reality of his actions, we really do feel his pain!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE280A-0Dertmp8mEF0aWgshPllLzgLWN2F0ubTfbcRJUDZhG4gBEC21AM48Bz9lMMg9gHmNBk-NRATkAziQ37ufXu4LyTH8oB97wvEQFR2V-6RTiehjhnfc7fqF-2vrpmLuP02RtO_Ve9/s1600/The+Mist+10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE280A-0Dertmp8mEF0aWgshPllLzgLWN2F0ubTfbcRJUDZhG4gBEC21AM48Bz9lMMg9gHmNBk-NRATkAziQ37ufXu4LyTH8oB97wvEQFR2V-6RTiehjhnfc7fqF-2vrpmLuP02RtO_Ve9/s640/The+Mist+10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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David leaves the car
and begs the creatures to come and finish him off, as his shouts and
cries go unheard, the mist begins to clear and a huge convoy of
military vehicles and personnel approach in one of the most horrific, heartbreaking and hollow endings to any film ever!</div>
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There are so many
lessons we as a human race can take from this film. Forget the
distraction of the monsters and the Sci-fi element. The human element of this film
really is interesting. It is made even more interesting when we discover one of the early characters who herself was trapped in the
supermarket, had indeed managed to escape the danger. She had begged someone to help her home to her young
children who were home alone. No one offered to help... We learn her
fate as we see her safe and sound being evacuated by the military
along with her children. If a little selflessness had been
observed then more people could have survived. Instead, selfishness
and fear was the overriding driver and it only lead to death!
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All in all, The Mist is
a brilliant film with multiple layers of interest and intrigue. Certainly for me, one of the best Stephen King adaptations I have ever seen. You
may think it was just another creature feature but I hope that with a
little push, you can look beyond all that and view it for what it is.
So if you haven't seen it for a while or you have only watched it
once and were not a fan, I implore you to give it another viewing
perhaps with a more open mind. Please also allow time to get over the ending as it will stay with you...</div>
Montyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15460139003539979764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-55650073767118492222020-03-15T14:08:00.001+00:002020-03-15T14:08:13.967+00:00Coronavirus: Is this the start of the zombie apocalypse?Is the Coronavirus the start of the zombie apocalypse?<br />
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No.</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_cd4_c07b_52b_1a2a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1OLy7isLzu8bWj9ksXYHpC8yrRyo5DqFhO02_qzVANvEsHEtNoU11P_Q6QPpnGQ" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 392px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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But, that doesn’t stop people from asking the question and whether asked in jest or in seriousness the answer is the same... </div>
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Now before I continue I would like to extend my thoughts to those suffering with or affected by Covid-19. The world has certainly become a smaller place because of this current crisis and I can only hope the powers that be find a swift and viable solution to the current outbreak. </div>
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<div>
No personal opinions on current affairs or conspiracies will be conveyed here.</div>
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<div>
With all that said, the situation does make me mindful of Zombies, that’s just because of the way my brain works. So I am going to give a rundown of some random infection based movies. This does not represent any “top” list or “best” films, that has been covered previously and will be updated in due course. These are simply a few random zombie films to enjoy if you find yourself in isolation and fancy a bit of light entertainment. So put your feet up, grab a cornetto and enjoy...</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_e678_77ce_ee5f_9c49" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/CGGaGz1k4TNXNHUOGFAGBEvphxvBNsrct8F_D51jh4X7fi6phA624m_QUQEISbg" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 616px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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The first film on my list is a personal favourite of mine and may very well find it’s way on most people favourites list.</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_5090_e3bb_ea68_39ff" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/C-4ffHINPEIdhbGn9U1ObEi729hsUX421hYUHlezZ6MuOTjUimPB07vHouMwxY8" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 616px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<div>
28 Days Later:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Directed by Danny Boyle, this film took Zombies up a notch or two. A very ambiguous infection referred to only as Rage. It’s unfortunate victims become supercharged shells with ravenous intentions. Couple this with the stark backdrop of an empty city like London and you have a perfect formula for dread and suspense. Throw in a plot twist and this is one of the greatest zombie films if not horror films ever made. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_80a5_f3a1_5253_702f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Zme0p7mpm1DsrHaoMb6TXOMIxmpuGRL-CgN269IXSLlRPmULVNKXAuROi0Puo1I" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 616px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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With breakthrough performances from Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris alongside movie greats Brendan Gleeson and Christopher Ecclestone this truly is a modern masterpiece of cinema. </div>
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It was followed up with a sequel, 28 Weeks Later in 2007. Although Danny Boyle and Alex Garland served only as exec producers, it was very serviceable and while not sharing its predecessors originality, it was a well made follow up. </div>
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<br /></div>
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28 Days later has stood the test of time and even now, nearly 2 decades after it first hit screens it impresses and never fails to strike a nerve. There were even rumours of Messrs Boyle and Garland teaming up to bring a third instalment although things on that front have been very quiet. </div>
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I will not give up hope...<br />
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</div>
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The next film on the list is one I love just as much today as I did the first time I saw it...</div>
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<div>
<img alt="" id="id_563a_dc1b_f0a2_d7f7" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/3YljNnFQcXIocXwxPL1ncb1Jl5uepdeHiIBy4mFyW9-UUZvW_MZNuG42M0nXk_g" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 616px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
<br />
Resident Evil: Apocalypse </div>
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You either love these movies or you don’t. Or as I always say, you either love them or you’re wrong! Yes they grew more action based as the series progressed but who doesn’t enjoy some mindless horror based action every now and again? Each to their own I guess. </div>
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I loved the first Resident Evil film and while I am a huge lover of the games, in fact I am more a fan of the games than I am of the movies, nevertheless the first Resident Evil film while being so far removed from the source material, if it hadn’t taken place in and around Raccoon City, it may as well not have been “based on”...</div>
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I still loved it.</div>
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It introduced us to Alice, played by Milla Jovovich, who takes the lead as a completely new character, she awakes in a large mansion with no memory of who she is. She is swiftly scooped up by some military types and taken into the depths of Umbrella's underground research facility. The ending set up an inevitable sequel and one word uttered in the chaos was enough to keep me wanting more... Nemesis! </div>
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When Apocalypse came along I took one look at Nemesis and I knew instantly that I would like it..</div>
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Set in Raccoon City in the immediate aftermath of the first film, this one introduces a new set of characters to root for and a much wider expanded universe began to flourish. Alice again as the main protagonist would come up against an old friend... Only now he had been mutated and transformed into a signature Umbrella developed biological weapon. The Nemesis. </div>
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<img alt="" id="id_73aa_fb11_b057_e0a2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/3jl0NjYKPRpKxlOK3HGvmcpm6hqMBnQnhnMtTZrH6Ev8qJz6nPfcgkoaDTPAlR0" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 616px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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The film itself greatly improves upon its predecessor in both action sequences and special effects and the introduction of a few more recognisable elements from the games was certainly a welcome addition. I mean come on, anyone who has ever played Resident Evil 3 must agree, they got it pretty much spot on and with a lot of discussions online at the moment about the upcoming Res3 remake and its redesigned Nemesis, looking back at this even now, I still think. Wow!</div>
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Anyway, as you can probably tell, I like Resident Evil. Back to the film. It’s got zombies, a kick ass protagonist, a kick ass antagonist and loads of action. If you want a nice easy zombie film to kick back with, look no further. It may be universally agreed that this was the series peak however, that has not stopped me from enjoying every film the franchise has put out. </div>
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I am hopeful for a more true to source remake in the near future...</div>
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Next up...</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_c200_ab6_19e4_de2d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9j3fJshaKrB_G1siQkaNp9LqPTeVLl-YevFSouZGFlsHkbtzvXic7QuDbuSJDaw" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 630px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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Zombieland and Zombieland: Double Tap.<br />
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Time to Nut up or up..</div>
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This one is a double header and for good reason. If the thought of a semi serious zombie movie isn’t your idea of light entertainment then maybe kick back and lighten the mood with some dark comedy in the shape of Zombieland and its equally entertaining sequel. </div>
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Released in 2009, Zombieland served as a very enjoyable and fun zombie romp. With one of the best kick ass opening sequences featuring one of my all time favourite songs, For Whom the bell tolls by Metallica to the backdrop of some OTT slo-mo zombie action. A great set up to the 88 minutes that follows.</div>
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Starring Woody Harrelson, Jessie Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin, Zombieland is an awesome and fun look at these few survivors of a zombie apocalypse. We follow the protagonists as they attempt to maintain their status as living, and search for a Twinkie! A lot of laughs, a lot of blood, some gross out moments and an amazing star cameo set this up as not only one of the best zombie movies but one of the best comedies of the last few decades! </div>
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When Amazon commissioned a pilot for a potential TV show, things seemed ok but when it was announced that said pilot would recast the characters, my heart sank. It seemed that hopes of an actual sequel were gone...The pilot under-performed and was inevitably benched. </div>
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It would be another 5 years or so until news started to filter out that the original cast, Director and Writer were delivering a follow up.</div>
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10 years on from the original film and the promised follow up came in the shape of Double Tap (Rule #2 if we’re interested). What this film delivers is exactly what fans wanted to see, more of the same and more Tallahassee! What’s not to love? A few more cameos and a wider world is introduced but essentially, it’s more kick ass, mindless zombie action laced with awesome punchlines and fist bump moments! </div>
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Take this entry as it was presented and make it a back to back double header! You will not regret it, even if you have seen them before, they’re always worth a watch...</div>
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Going back semi serious for next film although this one is actually a remake, it is one hell of a fun film!</div>
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Dawn of the Dead</div>
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As remakes go, this is certainly in my mind up there with the best. A remake of a Horror Classic, the amazing 1978 film of the same name was directed by the master, George A Romero and while his original vision was a raw and thought provoking entry into his “dead” series, the remake gives us a much more formulaic film while being unbelievably fun to watch. </div>
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We follow the characters as they hold up in the seemingly safe surrounds of a shopping mall. With hordes of zombies congregating on their location, they must make a break and escape the flesh hungry zombies! </div>
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Running zombies, light comedy and even a zombie baby! On the surface, it might just be another cheesy zombie film but underneath the corn, there is a very gritty survival horror which in true Romero fashion, is bleak and shocking. Zack Snyder did very good job indeed!</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_9620_6135_b5ac_db6d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/EEIwWyUvpqRAVGAZern2SuoVfftri-CbedkVrFzLWpvPkpovpF9-emQA0VeYXaE" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 746px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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With an ensemble cast consisting of Sarah Polley, Jake Weber, Mekhi Phifer, Ty Burrell and Ving Rhames just to name a few, DOTD hooks you in from its full on opening sequence and hauntingly brilliant Johnny Cash song, The Man Comes Around. You will not regret giving this one a watch!</div>
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As much as I love this film, whoever decided to follow on the trend and remake Day of the Dead... No! That film is only worthy of being on one list and it is not this one! </div>
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I can’t make a list which includes Zombieland and not include our own homegrown UK entry into the comedy based zombie action. I have already made reference to this film at the beginning of this post so it seems only fitting to end on the same...</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_eebb_8649_8bf5_f1da" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/kF3SodOb1FdWA-2xZk4icg7w6GAOQfuZmETWHgdwxq3aMKfjgvFuH24t5faL554" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 746px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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Shaun of the Dead</div>
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This is without a doubt one of my all time favourite movies and easily one of the best British films ever made!<br />
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From the team that gave us the amazing Cult classic that is Spaced, Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg (minus Jessica Hynes/Stevenson - although she does make a cameo appearance).<br />
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When I was first introduced to Spaced as a wide eyed 16 year old, I was instantly hooked! Simon Pegg, Jessica Hynes and Nick Frost as Tim, Daisy and Mike fast became my best friends I didn't even know. There was one episode in particular that endeared me to the character of Tim Bisley and in the broader sense, Simon Pegg. Series one Episode three. Tim spends much of the episode playing through Resident Evil 2 on the PlayStation. At the time, I was pretty much doing the same so I loved this without any second thought. So when I found out that this same team were bringing us a feature length zombie film, I patiently waited for the end result.<br />
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With the release of Shaun of the dead, I rushed to my local cinema and was not disappointed!</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_9188_4e6d_7df0_f9e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CI0Mf74N6PE4poC4WRBGLFaBzqqnntw3j7yp1u4U5oGwcvJMCmEBreXTQYnDPiA" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 746px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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A perfect blend of dread and suspense interlaced with comedy and cultural references delivers the definitive Rom-Zom-Com which still stands worlds apart from all the pretenders who try to live up to the masterpiece that is Shaun of the Dead!<br />
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Shaun must save the day after being confronted with an increasingly dangerous zombie... (sorry, mustn't use the Z word!) outbreak. <br />
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Starring Simon Pegg as the titular Shaun, Nick Frost as best mate Ed, Kate Ashfield as girlfriend Liz and a plethora of recognisable faces both from Spaced and the wider pool of great UK actors. Shaun of the Dead plays like a Romero fan-boys dream with a comedy timing that is often reserved for the best of the best.<br />
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If you haven't seen this film, I have to ask why. If you have seen it, good and watch it again, it never gets old!</div>
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So there we are, a few zombie films to pass the time. If you find yourself in isolation and looking for something to watch, stick one of these on and enjoy!<br />
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And if things get any worse, just remember;<br />
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Take car, go to Mum's, Kill Phil, grab Liz, go to the Winchester and wait for all of this to blow over...</div>
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<img alt="" id="id_de4d_7ad3_12f5_61d7" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/JB-zlrUQUYmOT1y7W4ALX3e5pd5eJgaJ5Z51L6Hrq-TFO9qWa4EpmL1k2e9bDHg" style="display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 746px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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How's that for a slice of fried gold?<br />
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Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-1365048142121068032018-09-03T20:17:00.001+01:002024-02-04T16:40:11.693+00:00The Blair Witch Project: A modern day classic?<div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
There are films that are released with little to no expectation but for whatever reason, they go on to shape their respective genre in some way. The classics like Nosferatu, Dracula and Frankenstein are too obvious to put in that box. While they did huge things for the film world, more so than most others in the genre but they were all made during the golden age of cinema. A simpler time when technology had to be pushed or even invented to accommodate the vision of the filmmakers who were attempting to bring these literary characters to life.</div>
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Obviously there were many stories committed to celluloid prior to the three I mentioned above but you get the idea. Films that have changed the genre from which they were routed...</div>
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When we look at more modern entries onto this list, we have to look at films that shaped or changed the sub genre they belong to, films like Night of the Living Dead. A true masterpiece of cinema which gave birth to the version of the “Zombie” that most people envision when that word is mentioned. Obviously modern interpretations include more “Rage” infected beings who don’t slowly lurch towards their victims but chase them down with animalistic vigour. Granted, there are plenty of “zombie” movies to be considered prior to the release of the late great George A. Romero’s 1968 classic but his is widely regarded as the first to show the re-animated cannibalistic creatures we all know and love.</div>
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Moving swiftly on. Another film which deserves special mention is Halloween. While the 1978 slasher film was not the first of it’s kind, it was most certainly the most commercially successful and ultimately one of the most imitated; with its signature blend of suspense, brilliant use of its score and jump scares. </div>
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John Carpenter definitely laid down the gauntlet with his entry. Following on from the success of Halloween, it spawned its own franchise which continues to this day with a new Halloween slated for release later this year (2018) as well as influencing numerous franchises like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street and a whole host of other slasher films from the 1980’s which can all thank Halloween.</div>
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Jaws! How could we talk about genre changing films without mentioning the real life fear of a man eating shark. The film itself boasts a host of inspirational attributes making leaps in cinematography and special effects but one of the most important things about this film was its marketing and advertising strategies. </div>
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I am not sure if you could definitively call Jaws the FIRST Summer Blockbuster but it is certainly one of the most memorable. </div>
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Another strong inspiration on the horror genre was Alien. Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-if horror is still as powerful today as it was 40 years. It’s premise is fairly text book, an unseen presence in a claustrophobic setting. </div>
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Scott turned that standard on its head by inviting viewers into possibly the most isolated version of that premise imaginable. Complete with an amazing tag line, “In Space, no one can hear you scream”. The sci-fi horror world has a lot to thank Mr Scott for!</div>
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Moving quickly forward to 1996. The slasher genre had seemingly had its heyday, with the aforementioned slasher craze of the 1980’s, many would be forgiven for calling time of death on the genre when franchises like Halloween, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street were churning out their 6th instalments and beyond. </div>
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Then, a true master of horror having given us Freddy Krueger in the first place revitalised the genre and injected it with all the modern day plagues and single handedly redefined the slasher “rules”. Scream was a huge success and proved so at the box office, remaining the highest grossing slasher film in history taking $173,046,663 worldwide to date (Correct as of 2018 - Source: Boxofficemojo.com)</div>
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I’ll be right back!.........</div>
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There are many, many more films that could have made it into the opening of this piece but for the sake of time, I am going to move on to the subject at hand.</div>
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In 1999, a film was released which would not only change peoples opinions of horror, it would both divide hardened fans of the franchise and modernise and popularise the genre we tentitively refer to as “Found Footage”.</div>
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I don’t think anyone could have imagined when The Blair Witch Project was released that it would go on to have the impact that it had. Reported to have a production budget in the region of $60,000, it is pound for pound, one of the biggest earning films in history. As of this date, it has taken worldwide earnings of $248,639,099 not including home cinema release! A whopping 4,143 times it’s initial outlay!</div>
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The key to it’s success had to lie in its marketing strategy. It couldn’t have come at a better time. In 1999, the internet had evolved into an unwieldy behemoth, one which would only increase as the years passed by but 1999 was a simpler time; before Facebook, twitter and a host of social media outlets now at our fingertips. Back then you had to actually search for things. Asking Jeeves random questions before settling on a page for it’s interesting articles or informative content.</div>
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The Internet played the biggest role in making this film infamous before it’s release. With a campaign that led the world to believe that the film was actually showcasing the real tragic events that befell three student filmmakers who went Missing, presumed dead. I believe IMDB even listed the cast as such for a period of time on the films initial release!</div>
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The Found Footage genre is one that can find much earlier roots, Cannibal Holocaust can probably claim to be the first of its kind but where that film was notorious for many other reasons, Blair Witch got the mix just right. Countless “copy-cat” or obviously inspired films are churned out every year by opportunistic film makers all searching for a repeat of what Blair Witch somehow accomplished some 20 years ago!</div>
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I am not sure if there are many films which can say they have divided opinions quite as much as The Blair Witch Project... I won’t go too far down this track as everyone is entitled to their opinions. Mine is firmly in the “This film is a piece of cinematic magic”! Enough said on that subject....</div>
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So to the film itself. Could there be a simpler film? Not sure… 3 student filmmakers set out in search of the Blair Witch of Burketsville. Things go bad, the kids never returned from the woods and we see the footage that was recovered following the search. There, thats it! </div>
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We follow Heather, Josh and Mike as they make their way to the woods. A few quick interviews with some of the locals beforehand, then they set off with their gear and cameras in hand. </div>
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In all honesty, the film itself is just as simple as it’s made out above. Nothing great in the way its filmed, there are no visual effects other than those created by the hand held camera’s themselves and the acting is not really acting at all. It would later be revealed that the actors actually filmed most of the movie themselves during an 8 day filming period where they were actually camping in the woods, only contactable by walkie-talkie. </div>
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The simplicity of The Blair Witch Project is really what made it so brilliant. It may not have had the cultural impact it ultimately had if it hadn’t been for the simplicity and simpleness of it.</div>
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As I mentioned before, the film has split opinion from its day of release and people still argue over it to this day. One thing that no one can deny, is the impact The Blair Witch Project has had on the horror genre. If you doubt this impact, please refer back to it’s gross earnings to date as mentioned above!</div>
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It was almost inevitable after its success that a sequel wouldn’t be far behind. Sure enough; just one year later, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 was released. While this film didn’t carry the same weight as its predecessor, </div>
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I enjoyed it. Book of Shadows follows a group of tourists who having seen the Blair Witch Project, travel to its locales in an attempt to discover some of the evidence and scenery for themselves. </div>
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With the hype of The Blair Witch Project, people have been flocking to the woods around burketsville in the hope of solving its mysteries or catching a glimpse of the fabled witch for themselves. Jeffrey Patterson, played by Jeffrey Donovan has capitalised on the hype and influx of interest and runs a tour called the Blair Witch Hunt. The tour takes its paying adventure seekers deep into the woods to see first hand the locations featured in the found tapes of the previous ill fated travellers. </div>
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In case you haven’t seen it, I’m not going to give anything away!</div>
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Book of Shadows was more of a traditional movie. It ditched the found footage angle and stuck mainly to by the numbers filmmaking. Because of this, it was able to branch out slightly into the special effects spectrum. Less practical effects and more standard horror techniques were employed. This did cheapen the experience slightly but only when viewed in direct comparison to its predecessor.</div>
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It may not have been received very well by critics but it performed quite well at the box office and I would be comfortable in saying it has a fairly strong cult following. Some very interesting Easter eggs and intense imagery help make this a more than adequate sequel but not one that ever had any chance of living up to the hype of the original.</div>
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16 years, teasers and a lot of rumours were to come and go before we were finally treated to a third instalment.</div>
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Blair Witch uses a lot of the same ideas from the original but in a modern setting, we are treated to all the mod cons that come with a film being made in 2016. Improved camera quality, high definition, mobile technology and even a drone, which was a very nice touch.</div>
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The film sees James, the brother of Heather, one of the student filmmakers who went missing in the original film. After he sees a video on the internet, he firmly believes he has found the key solving the mystery of Heather’s disappearance. His belief is so strong that he is adamant that wit his new information, not only will he be able to solve the mystery but he will also be able to find Heather alive and hopefully bring her home!</div>
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With this confidence, he sets off with a group of his college friends and heads towards Burketsville. </div>
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The group track down the video’s origin, a young couple called Lane and Talia had uploaded some footage to the internet. After some convincing, the couple agree to help the group. In exchange for their assistance they must take them along on their journey through the woods. The group reluctantly agree’s and under the impression that the young couple know where they’re going, they set off!</div>
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Things quickly go down hill as the group are tormented by a seemingly endless run of bad fortune, or is it the curse of the Blair Witch!?! With things looking bleak, the group begin a similar cycle that befell the original trio. Getting lost in the vast woods, going in circles and encountering strange occurrences. Not even all their modern technology can help them!</div>
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Adam Wingard (V/H/S, You’re Next) creates a worthy accompaniment to The Blair Witch Project with an extremely capable follow up. Some may not agree but I immensely enjoyed Blair Witch. </div>
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The characterisation which is built over the short course of the movie is good enough to conjure up empathetic feelings when things aren’t going so well. The characters themselves are ably played by a good and relatively unknown young cast of actors. All in all, Blair Witch may not have lit the world on fire, if it’s IMDb rating is anything to go by but from my perspective, it was a thoroughly enjoyable film with some good innovative techniques and a very good ending.</div>
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Perhaps the fact that I inadvertently had my own personal screening of the film having pre-booked on a convenient night for me to watch it. It just so happened that no one else fancied a trip to the cinema on that night and so I sat, alone, in a large cinema screen watching this film! I loved it!</div>
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What do you think of the franchise as it currently stands? Three films in, all dividing opinion... Not quite old enough to call it a classic and not quite revered enough to call it a cult classic. Some may agree with my opinion, the Blair Witch Project is a brilliant movie in its delivery and execution. Its follow up was a poorer sibling but still had its moments and the third instalment breathed life back into the story. What ever side you're on, I'd love to hear from you....</div>
Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-38577821216212040972018-08-17T19:12:00.002+01:002021-09-02T13:29:56.552+01:00Twists and Shocks: 9 Random Horror films that keep you guessing<div style="color: #454545; font-family: "helvetica neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Some horror films fizzle without the spark. Some meander along their duration with minimal expenditure. Some fail in any reasonable attempt to muster any more than a meh… </div>
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In general, most give us light enjoyment at best but they’ll never live up to your movie brain expectations with the delights you crave.... </div>
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There are a select few which give us more, a few shining beacons which will have you firmly rooted to the edge of your seat, some will leave your fingernails at risk of being chewed and some will cause toe tapping anxiety.<br />
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Then there are the ones that include all of the above emotions and feelings with the added bonus of staying with you long after the credits have rolled. Those special films are the ones you’ll be thinking about for days, weeks or even months!</div>
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While not all the films on this list may be earth shattering entrants to the genre, one thing is for certain, they keep you guessing and make you think. They will make your brain whirl and sometimes even hurt…. whether you want it to or not.......</div>
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I am also going to show that with good writing, direction and that all important twist, which can help make a film just as successful than a huge production summer blockbuster. Maybe not in terms of bankroll but in the entertainment they provide. </div>
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In no particular order, please enjoy my list of 9 films that will keep you entertained, full of thought or even cringing for many nights.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>*</b><b>** WARNING - SPOILERS ***</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SAW</b></span></div>
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When Saw first hit the big screen in 2004, I have to admit, I did not go rushing to see it. I suppose the main reason for that was the hype! Hype is one thing I don’t like to get caught up in. It can severely interfere with your perception or reception of a film and as such, I tend to keep my distance until the hype has died down.</div>
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With that being said, I managed to avoid all spoilers for this film until I eventually got the opportunity to watch it for myself.</div>
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The film follows two strangers who awake in a dim, dank bathroom, each chained up with little to no memory of how they got there. Accompanied by a dead body in the middle of the room, just out of reach of both of them, they slowly regain their memories and begin to piece together how and why they have found themselves in this strange and extremely compromising position.</div>
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It transpires that the dead body in the room is not dead at all. He is in fact the puppet master of the whole ordeal and announces himself right at the end of the film in a moment that will make you wish you’d believed your own mind when you said “I bet its the guy lying on the floor pretending to be dead!”</div>
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Twist Score: 10</div>
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Shock Factor: 8<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE MIST</b></span></div>
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Being an avid fan of Stephen King, this film was immediately on my radar. However, this film was not only one of the harshest mainstream films I saw in 2007, it is quite possibly the harshest mainstream ending ever! </div>
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Following a freak storm, a small town is plagued by a strange mist which brings with it a host of weird and wonderful monsters with a taste for human flesh! Starring Thomas Jane, he, his son and a small group of survivors hold up in a supermarket in an attempt to survive the carnage going on all around them.</div>
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There were probably two things to get this film on this list so I’m going to talk about the first chronologically. One that annoys me more than anything, the scene I’m talking about see’s the most ridiculous display of interspecies violence imaginable. The "radicals" decide it would be a good idea to turn on their fellow survivors instead of banding together to battle the giant creatures thats have overrun the town!!!</div>
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Ok, so that part I can sort of forgive. You are always going to get some idiots who are intent on putting their own beliefs and thoughts on any situation but the big twist, which is probably more of a colossal shock comes right at the end of the film. </div>
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In what is probably one of the most gut wrenching final scenes to any film, Thomas Jane uses his last remaining bullets to give an easy ending to his son and a few other survivors before letting the monsters devour him. As it would transpire, moments after the fatal shots, he awaits his own demise only to be confronted by the army as they sweep through on their rescue mission! The scream of a father who has just put his son out of his misery only to realise if they had waited only a few minutes more, all of them would have been saved! </div>
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Heartbreaking and brutal to say the least!</div>
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Twist Score: 7</div>
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Shock Factor: 10<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE SIXTH SENSE</b></span></div>
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Well, what can be said about one of the best known thrillers of all time? A young boy who is plagued by visions of spirits, ghosts, whatever you want to refer to them as, he see’s dead people to paraphrase one of the most infamous, regurgitated, satired and mimicked lines in movie history. Bruce Willis shines as Dr. Malcom Crowe, a child psychologist employed to assist with a troubled young boy named Cole. Dr Crowe is somewhat reeling from a failed case which bares a striking resemblance to that of Cole’s. He strives to help this boy in a way that he was unable to in his other case but things may not be quite what they seem.</div>
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While the film itself is gripping and more than adequately entertaining, it keeps you thinking all the way through. With plenty of spook and jump scares to maintain it’s horror stamp. This is the ultimate showcase of what M. Night Shyamalan does best. A thriller with heart and atmosphere plus a mammoth twist to top it off. </div>
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While there are very subtle clues which become more and more obvious on further viewing, it is revealed at the climax of the film that Dr. Malcolm Crowe is in fact a ghost himself and has been the whole time! His previous failed case which ended up with him receiving a bullet wound turned out to be fatal. In a way that can only be described as brilliant, Dr Crowe is completely oblivious to his life impairment and all the little hints along the way are easily misconstrued as everyday issues. Brilliant! </div>
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Twist score: 10</div>
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Shock factor: 7</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE VILLAGE</b></span></div>
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Another M.Night Shyamalan film, another head scratcher and yet another twist! While this film follows a totally different path to that of The Sixth Sense, it does have that same feeling that comes with an M. Night film. </div>
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The Village is about a small isolated community of god fearing people. They follow a strict set of rules and believe that leaving the village would be fatal as the monsters beyond the tree line would not appreciate their infringement and would mercilessly kill them. In a rural setting sometime in the 19th century, the village appears rustic and picturesque but one occupant suspects there is something more so sets out to prove his theory.</div>
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While this twist is impressive and gives the sense that what is seen should not always be believed, it is somewhat lacking in its delivery. It turns out the 19th century, rustic, idealistic town is actually a safe haven set up to protect a way of life and shelter the people from the outside world. In reality, they have created a level of control that is only rivalled by a dictatorship. As outside the boundary walls, the “real world” is actually modern day…</div>
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Twist Score: 7</div>
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Shock Factor: 5</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE OTHERS</b></span><br />
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The Others is about a woman, Grace and her young children Anne and Nicholas who are riding out the harsh times of 1945 in a mansion in Jersey. As the Second World War draws to a conclusion, Grace anxiously waits for her husband to return from battle. </div>
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Grace and her children live in almost complete darkness due to photosensitivity disease the kids suffer from. The condition means that if they are subjected to the harsh rays of sunshine, they will be badly hurt. Struggling to cope with the stresses of raising two children with such restraints, she enlists the help of a housekeeper, a maid and a gardener but things in this already fragile and darkened environment take a turn when Grace becomes convinced that their home is haunted.</div>
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Things in the house develop further and the story begins to unravel as more and more strange things start to happen which makes Grace question everything. She even begins to question her own sanity!</div>
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The twist in this film while initially coming as a shock, makes more and more sense when elements are deconstructed. It is revealed that the spirits which have been seen by Grace and the children are actually living people performing a seance and the ghosts who occupy this house are themselves. </div>
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Grace regains her memory and having been so grief ridden after actually losing her husband to the war, she lost her mind and killed her children. When she realised what she had done, she killed herself!</div>
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Twist Score: 9</div>
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Shock Factor: 7</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE WICKER MAN</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNZsqr3CZIKExFOFTS-t6_3FlqTUvGOUY-AC4krDUkWh5q4uK8r9FqWQM8jnwpjkxrAZhiqTAoldFo3PTQq7yTZVg-b2b0xBvJ-YUb3yRBRIm_yMF5OuAcr0yXlKX9aQmnNSncGGBw-Kl/s1600/The+Wicker+Man+Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1131" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNNZsqr3CZIKExFOFTS-t6_3FlqTUvGOUY-AC4krDUkWh5q4uK8r9FqWQM8jnwpjkxrAZhiqTAoldFo3PTQq7yTZVg-b2b0xBvJ-YUb3yRBRIm_yMF5OuAcr0yXlKX9aQmnNSncGGBw-Kl/s640/The+Wicker+Man+Cover.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
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The Wicker Man is one of those films that everyone should see. It may be very well known/notorious for obvious reasons but if you strip it down to it’s rawest form, The Wicker Man is a very unsettling film indeed. It very much has that 1970’s British vibe to it and it plays on some very real concerns for the outer reaches of the country. Ones which may at the time have gone unnoticed by the authorities. After all, who could police the small, rural islands when they are so out of sync with the everyday occurrences of the mainland.</div>
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Sargent Howie travels to Summerisle, a small Scottish island just off the mainland to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Upon arrival, no one is very helpful. In fact, he can’t even determine whether the information he has is genuine as no one admits to even knowing the missing girl. He soon realises that there is a lot more going on in this small township than he can handle and after meeting Lord Summerisle, played excellently by the late great Christopher Lee, he becomes entangled in pagan rituals bordering on occultist. </div>
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After suspecting that the missing girl is to be offered up as a sacrifice during one the towns pagan rituals, Sargent Howie unwittingly allows himself to be offered up. In a scene that invokes pure dread on a disturbing level, we see the poor sergeant burnt alive inside a giant wicker man. The locals hold hands and sing folk songs, totally unflinching as the horror unfolds.</div>
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Twist Score: 7</div>
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Shock Factor: 9</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>THE DESCENT</b></span><br />
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A great entrant on to this list is none other than British made The Descent. I emphasise the British as being from Blighty myself, I do enjoy when something worthy, enjoyable and successful is gifted to the genre I love. The UK has supplied many scares over the year, The entire Hammer franchise is one that has lit up more than a few screens the world over and more recent forays include the hugely successful 28 Days Later and Shaun of the Dead. </div>
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Having gained moderate success with the brilliant Dog Soldiers, Neil Marshall takes us into the depths of the earth in this eerily claustrophobic thrill ride which is sure to send shivers down the spine.<br />
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The main character Sarah, having gone through a horrific incident just a year ago, is invited by friends to go on a caving adventure. Tensions have flared because of the series of events that led up to the incident a year a go but this could be the bonding sessions a few of them need to right a few wrongs. As they venture deeper and deeper into the cave things take a nasty turn. With their exit blocked, they must travel deeper still into the cave to search for a way out. With supplies running low and tempers fraying, the group must try to work together to survive but…. They are not alone!</div>
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The twist with this film is more one of false hope. The real fear of this film could be argued. Is it the “friend” with whom you entrust your life that you should be scared of or is it the cave dwelling monsters who feed on human flesh? You don’t have to be a film major to appreciate the metaphors here! After a tense struggle between two of the survivors and with hordes of the flesh eating monsters closing in, Sarah escapes the cave and runs like hell to her car! Joy soon turns to agony as we soon learn that the whole escape had been nothing more than a figment of Sarah’s imagination. She never escaped the cave, she never reached her car and she was not on her way to freedom! She is in fact still in the cave. Her realisation that maybe all hope is lost! She closes her eyes and pictures happier times as the sound of the creatures closes in……. It must be noted that the US version actually has her escaping, I assume this was to set things up nicely for the sequel.</div>
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Twist Score: 6</div>
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Shock Factor: 8</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SCREAM</b></span><br />
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When Wes Craven decided to breathe new life into the slasher genre, he did it the right way. 1996 saw the release of Scream. A film that would not only reinvigorate a sub genre that had become very stale but would ignite my initial love for the Horror genre as a whole. </div>
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Scream follows the turbulent lives of a group of teenagers as they are stalked and killed off by a masked killer. As the one year anniversary of the death of Sydney’s mother approaches, a person dressed in a ghost mask starts terrorising the small town of Woodsboro. Sydney and her friends must come to terms with their current plight and try to solve the mystery of who is causing so much strife.<br />
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The twist in this film is somewhat different… There is obviously the whodunit twist which inevitably comes with any mask based slasher but for the purposes of this post, the twist I am concentrating on is the shock opening scene! </div>
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We are first introduced to Casey Becker, played by Drew Barrymore. She is at home alone one evening getting ready for her boyfriend coming round to watch a scary movie. She receives a phone call from the killer who promptly invites her to “play a game”. After coming to the belated realisation that this is not a prank call and it most certainly is not one of her friends playing a joke, she has no option but to play the game.<br />
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After witnessing her boyfriend being killed, a very intense game of cat and mouse ensues and young Casey finally meets her maker. All of this unfolds in the opening scene. It is not so much how the killer goes about his business, although his line of conversation is very entertaining.<br /></div>
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It has a lot more to do with the fact that who could have predicted that the most sellable star in this film would not see more than 12 minutes screen time?!<br />
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Twist Score: 7</div>
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Shock Factor: 8</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD</b></span><br />
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George A. Romero’s classic zombie film I hear you say? Yes. The very same! This is widely credited with revolutionising the horror genre and without doubt bore the classic zombie which we all now know and love as being reanimated, flesh eating monsters. While the word Zombie is never uttered in this film, it has been cited as the beginning of a new age of zombie films. Previous incarnations of the “Zombie” were Haitian slaves, appearing in films like White Zombie.</div>
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Night of the Living Dead follows seven people as they hold up in a farmhouse after being set upon by a group of undead flesh esters. There isn’t much else I can say about this film without devoting too much time to breaking it down and micro analysing every facet of it…. So that is something I will do in another post!</div>
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The twist with this film is beyond shock… As a posse of gun wielding men move in to clean up the mess left by the hordes of zombies, they come across the farmhouse which had played host to the seven unlucky souls seeking refuge for the night. Lone survivor Ben, makes his way to the fresh light of day having survived the horror of the night. Mistaking him for one of the undead, the posse shoot him without warning, killing him with a fatal headshot. Ben’s body is piled up with those of the undead and burnt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5UOmLaVzKs3o1Xt3UA5Voz3k9WTcwqSPOnWdVfwnPSGiwsC19VDrfg1Y9KzL0F7A6EFZsgUqUEKbR06-xBHBboC-aDu-8IAgRkpsdQkJZBfwvFIbnpYHOlA_iSda2f6j18DOuZuw1Sye/s1600/Night+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="314" data-original-width="320" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5UOmLaVzKs3o1Xt3UA5Voz3k9WTcwqSPOnWdVfwnPSGiwsC19VDrfg1Y9KzL0F7A6EFZsgUqUEKbR06-xBHBboC-aDu-8IAgRkpsdQkJZBfwvFIbnpYHOlA_iSda2f6j18DOuZuw1Sye/s640/Night+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Bleak, I know. There is so much to say about this film that a follow up post is essential! Just another excuse to re-watch this film…</div>
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Twist Score: 6</div>
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Shock Factor: 8<br />
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So there we have it. A selection of films with some great twists to get your horror juices flowing. I am in no way calling this a definitive list or a list of top films containing the best twists, this is simply a small selection of films with some interesting, impressive and sometimes shocking twists.... I would love to hear from you if you have any thoughts on my list or think I should have included others over these.</div>
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Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-73520401679087716332018-07-11T22:04:00.000+01:002018-08-02T22:11:39.069+01:00Movie Review: IT (2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYnLCvfsyqAKr6qbINhyphenhyphenRf5F5kx3G7Kg62GYE-BumBVf9sGeMwculJPYlCkt4gjRKX_7SA9ASnwlzXgFOSTKjQSk0ci1gdpHtn91ujgeysKIb48wQ_w90vUFHCym_hD23xlXRsG-pyClT/s1600/IT+Cover1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IT Cover" border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1124" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYnLCvfsyqAKr6qbINhyphenhyphenRf5F5kx3G7Kg62GYE-BumBVf9sGeMwculJPYlCkt4gjRKX_7SA9ASnwlzXgFOSTKjQSk0ci1gdpHtn91ujgeysKIb48wQ_w90vUFHCym_hD23xlXRsG-pyClT/s640/IT+Cover1.jpg" title="IT Cover" width="636" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">While my love for horror films may have wavered over the last few years... Hence my recent Hiatus... I have re-found that love and I suppose it all comes down to finding my happy in this world.. Something which gives me the strength and want to do anything and everything I've always wanted to. Well enough of the soppy shit. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Last year a film was released which garnered the kind of public interest usually reserved for huge scale, large budgeted superhero movies... IT. Who doesn't enjoy a good scare at the cinema every now and then.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So off I went with my happy to the movie theatre to watch a scary film. The room was very near full. To say that after the film had already been out a week, in our small corner of the world is a huge coup for the local cinema and the coffers it laps up!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Anyway, on to the film!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">We follow Bill, Richie, Beverly, Ben, Mike, Eddie & Stan, a group of young kids dubbed the losers club. The group must band together to battle the woes of growing up in a cruel and harsh world. The only problem is, they're growing up in Derry, Maine. A town plagued by disappearances.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ6zEzwKyBhgU3O7Os7qSaMZevEPUE8nyQAZy8CkNU9QDU-3TlClGgZI-hz2N1lf8WHlL5HNpTg_Mh-BeXfwTWN-oQDtvYbs5jbGbH13WASlqQ8sb9r9mOBfizOxa5qryLeJxCxDrIK1Z/s1600/IT+Losers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="Loser Club" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJ6zEzwKyBhgU3O7Os7qSaMZevEPUE8nyQAZy8CkNU9QDU-3TlClGgZI-hz2N1lf8WHlL5HNpTg_Mh-BeXfwTWN-oQDtvYbs5jbGbH13WASlqQ8sb9r9mOBfizOxa5qryLeJxCxDrIK1Z/s640/IT+Losers.jpg" title="Loser Club" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">After the disappearance of Bill's brother Georgie, the small town is once again thrown into disarray. Bill struggles to come to terms with the disappearance of his little brother and strives for answers. As the kids face adversity from all angles, they must come together to battle their worst fears. Individually and as a group. The fear I speak of takes many forms but it’s preferred embodiment is that of Pennywise, the dancing clown.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">What can we say about this film that hasn’t already been said somewhere?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">IT is a modern day take/adaptation of the classic Stephen King novel of the same name. I have to admit, being a fan of the novel and having somewhat enjoying the original 1990 made for TV “mini-series”, I was slightly apprehensive before watching this modern version. Not least because the original Pennywise was masterfully portrayed by one of the greatest character actors in history, Tim Curry!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj5iAlMspmOXLFiApcQk8zt97xbwjwfolPuYNVjFM1AiklPfv11reEpy8-0OzFAwg5yrfgtiKxfW3TGtaLfAEEstAlKrQWgz4-O7BYmta0xQigBL4UdLyqqx_ZYmtbrMqFG6iV5UNUDKa/s1600/IT+Tim+Curry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="Pennywise Tim Curry" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibj5iAlMspmOXLFiApcQk8zt97xbwjwfolPuYNVjFM1AiklPfv11reEpy8-0OzFAwg5yrfgtiKxfW3TGtaLfAEEstAlKrQWgz4-O7BYmta0xQigBL4UdLyqqx_ZYmtbrMqFG6iV5UNUDKa/s400/IT+Tim+Curry.jpg" title="Pennywise Tim Curry" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Tim Curry’s on screen display was enough to muster the inner most primal fears in any person. It did help that when I first saw the original I was about 9 years old and having already read the book, I had a picture in my head. As is the case with most books but the reality of the on-screen portrayal far exceeded my imagination! I was fully in awe of his performance. As for the rest of the original film, it had its moments but I wont be the first person to say it trailed off towards the end.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">So, my initial apprehension was purely based on how they could possibly manage the great expectation of following Mr Curry as the happy/crazy clown...</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">If I was to say that Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of said clown was the brightest beacon in this film, would you argue? I would love to hear if you disagree...</span></div>
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<a href="http://cdn.lowgif.com/full/d225e5297eef4e26-hi-clown-gif-hi-clown-it-discover-share-gifs." imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="Happy Wave Pennywise" border="0" src="http://cdn.lowgif.com/full/d225e5297eef4e26-hi-clown-gif-hi-clown-it-discover-share-gifs." data-original-height="268" data-original-width="500" height="171" title="Happy Wave Pennywise" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">This film was funny, I mean laugh out loud funny as the quick whit of some of the child characters, notably Eddie, carry the film rather well. It has a good level of atmospheric build up and some good graphic scenes along with the occasional jump scare.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The modern take on the story was a good element. Moving it from a 1950’s setting to the late 80’s. In some way this small change makes it feel much more relevant and allows the viewer to associate a lot more with the surroundings and cultural references. Who doesn’t love the 80’s?</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">One of my favourite aspects of this film was the initial shock factor. I know, I know... Spoilers but lets face it, most of the world has seen this movie and if you haven't. Stop reading now...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtAL33g_mI20n3vNMazKkjsseS0hc4-JWzVsmG2AboaJbSVaqpZeAFaZmAEfOF2d2Vcnz11zas7NOLRHdgqwP9Iet-3NVuXafCQbQA3tvTQOyO_-mqb8aht4G2J04D5JTqsLVTaEnWzWz/s1600/IT+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="You'll Float Too" border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="600" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBtAL33g_mI20n3vNMazKkjsseS0hc4-JWzVsmG2AboaJbSVaqpZeAFaZmAEfOF2d2Vcnz11zas7NOLRHdgqwP9Iet-3NVuXafCQbQA3tvTQOyO_-mqb8aht4G2J04D5JTqsLVTaEnWzWz/s640/IT+3.jpg" title="You'll Float Too" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Within the first 10 minutes of this film, we are treated/exposed to some mindless child cruelty as something very unusual for mainstream films takes place in front of our very eyes. Poor young Georgie is innocently talking to a stranger in a clown costume, in the sewer... This takes stranger danger to whole new level! He is viciously assaulted and loses his arm... While frantically trying to claw his way from the danger and being trailed now by a huge pool of blood, he is whipped back towards the storm drain and disappears! </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I understand that in the modern day, films must push the boundaries of what is socially acceptable and one thing that is very rarely seen on the silver screen, is children in any kind of real danger. This film thrusts that upon us from the word go. Something which as well as being quite poignant is very graphic but in its own little way, it is not detrimental to the style of the film and in no way is it in poor taste... at least I didn't think so.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue";"><span style="font-size: 12px;">One of the only negative things I can realistically say is IT was the film is about 30 minutes too long. At least in a cinema setting. The run time of 135 minutes is a big ask for any horror film. Maybe in the comfort of a home cinema, this would be more bearable. I appreciate that there is a lot of story to get through and the producers must have wanted to see how it would fare before green lighting the obvious follow up but... and that is a pretty big but! This film would have benefited massively from being just that little bit more prompt. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrBW9G5na8qlSJQzQ5zMJv2KqUn-k8JaBn0elu3oy0tIUHrgh3B6VOi66ZtDFJnVKym4lVZDIEql1Bj8YBIaPDNrizEcynd4sSyLlYm1p_mKj_atTKcmvLdNvXXGCoSn-eW_kjiLqQEcK/s1600/IT+Pennywise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IT Balloon" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="992" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrBW9G5na8qlSJQzQ5zMJv2KqUn-k8JaBn0elu3oy0tIUHrgh3B6VOi66ZtDFJnVKym4lVZDIEql1Bj8YBIaPDNrizEcynd4sSyLlYm1p_mKj_atTKcmvLdNvXXGCoSn-eW_kjiLqQEcK/s640/IT+Pennywise.jpg" title="IT Balloon" width="640" /></span></a><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
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To totally contradict my statement above, an extended directors cut would be brilliant as some characters would definitely have benefited from more screen time. *ahem Mike *ahem, mentioning no names…But there we go!</div>
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<span style="color: black;">If you haven’t seen this film yet, I would wholly recommend watching it. It is easily one of the best horror films of recent years and as I touched on earlier, the portrayal of Pennywise is movie magic in its most rawest form. Worth watching just for that.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Quietly optimistic about Chapter 2 however it will be difficult. As anyone who knows the book or has seen the original, the second half focuses on the Losers club after they have all grown up! Lets just hope that the end product does chapter one justice and improves on the 1990’s effort.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">8/10 (An extra point for Pennywise!)</span><br />
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Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-6453380595929689572018-06-11T22:10:00.000+01:002018-08-02T22:08:01.451+01:00Movie Review: The Boy (2016)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzktHdmH3fLaNezmBUVStNCmnjPRr5HjLv8ymhHUwxgqOv4erSr4CazIuVPeCh4IkIMyeck1Gmb1gehPWi9U_i2Y3PZ-fOD9Wjr9Jwf-_-w_M1FkErnrkf2Tm6x6L0RrZSxmH07ZpuKVc0/s1600/The+Boy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="The Boy" border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="314" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzktHdmH3fLaNezmBUVStNCmnjPRr5HjLv8ymhHUwxgqOv4erSr4CazIuVPeCh4IkIMyeck1Gmb1gehPWi9U_i2Y3PZ-fOD9Wjr9Jwf-_-w_M1FkErnrkf2Tm6x6L0RrZSxmH07ZpuKVc0/s640/The+Boy.jpg" title="The Boy" width="450" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">The Boy starts off as seemingly innocent as possible. A young American girl (Greta) is about to start a new job as a nanny in jolly old England. What she doesn’t know is the young boy she is due to care for is actually a life sized doll!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">Yep, you heard me. A scary ass life sized pot doll complete with scary eyes, perfect hair and a wardrobe to rival the best of us! The story unfolds that the parents, Mr & Mrs Heelshire, did have a living, breathing son who died over 20 years ago and as a coping mechanism, they got attached to a life sized doll in the young departed boys’ stead.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">The Heelshire’s live, as I said in England, in an amazingly sprawling country house. Their daily routines all revolve around caring for the doll child and catering to it’s/his every whim.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">Sound strange yet? It should, the Heelshire’s are an old couple now and Mr Heelshire makes his true feelings known to Greta in a quiet setting while emptying the rat traps by admitting that things had gotten out of hand but it would appear to be easier for him to just carry on as is.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">Mrs Heelshire on the other hand appears to be 100% convinced that the doll is the embodiment of their son Brahms and sets about explaining his daily routine to Greta. It’s a strict routine which she is adamant is adhered to at all times or Brahms would not like it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">The Heelshire’s set off on their first holiday in decades, much to the apparent delight of Mr Heelshire and so off they go, leaving Greta to care for Brahms. A parting gift from Mrs Heelshire as they leave the house, 2 words.... “I’m Sorry”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtELnQBJ6-A135uVgsJoN9D7-Blstm81jkJaLb3Mkp0qPDHZgKw2yf0e1T2RcNJU6oRZuafp-b4T4x2yUtsfGoVksmxCQTd6beyO_IRnhWfQqT63wIACCYkxJ1-mzJ6tia39zePDgssRH/s1600/The+Boy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="The Boy 1" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtELnQBJ6-A135uVgsJoN9D7-Blstm81jkJaLb3Mkp0qPDHZgKw2yf0e1T2RcNJU6oRZuafp-b4T4x2yUtsfGoVksmxCQTd6beyO_IRnhWfQqT63wIACCYkxJ1-mzJ6tia39zePDgssRH/s400/The+Boy+2.jpg" title="The Boy 1" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">With the Heelshire’s gone and Greta seemingly getting paid to stay all alone in a large country house in England doing not very much at all, she quickly chucks the routine to one side, covers the creepy looking doll with a blanket and does what anyone would do in the same situation, drink the rich people’s wine!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">The introduction of Malcolm, the local shop keeper who delivers the weekly groceries to the house, sets up a bit of a love interest and a slight distraction from the edgy and chilling child/doll minding. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">As the story progresses we learn a lot about why Greta took up this position, a job so far from home and even more about the tragic story surrounding Brahms’ death, the real one, not the doll variety.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">Directed by William Brent Bell who has some pedigree within the walls of this blog having also directed The Devil Within and Stay Alive, The Boy plays out like many psychological thrillers with a few jump scares along the way. Couple that with a very creepy looking pot doll and we have a film that is well worth the 1 hour, 37 minute run time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy_eiPJ6fHOW_rVxUpt1wxS-tquBOXqXpY6oRZi-rH2mW6i79Yqj4kqdlMFjOqLvSs8cKQFHxMVLXYKqosUHB5fy9tzNQuewnwooH3xAkUeczmqrveptgPt7dG2LEMozqweRBfVxsnwEc/s1600/The+Boy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="The Boy 2" border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1000" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqy_eiPJ6fHOW_rVxUpt1wxS-tquBOXqXpY6oRZi-rH2mW6i79Yqj4kqdlMFjOqLvSs8cKQFHxMVLXYKqosUHB5fy9tzNQuewnwooH3xAkUeczmqrveptgPt7dG2LEMozqweRBfVxsnwEc/s400/The+Boy+1.jpg" title="The Boy 2" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">At first glance, The Boy suffers from not really knowing it’s true identity, a few twists take the story and the film itself off on a few tangents but when you sit down after the credits have rolled and dissect it for all that it is, The Boy is a very clever film that does not pretend to be anything other than what it is.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">And what it is, is an enjoyable, slow burner of a move which is very well written, directed and acted. Props go out to the main cast of two, Lauren Cohen as Greta the nanny and Rupert Evans as Malcolm because for the majority of the film, it is only these two faces we see... Besides the doll!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">I would fully recommend this film to anyone looking for an easy to watch horror mystery on a Random Saturday night, you will hopefully not be disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #000000;">My Rating 7/10</span><br />
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Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-12494722708798385642018-06-05T20:09:00.000+01:002018-06-05T20:09:01.510+01:00Movie Review: Veronica (2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ8kxaI7501FJZoyJDmMz-QLyfW29W1aoxgogTcrmu7ltDJ9BhiEJdux7CZq5hbnrADxWQ5vc3pHZVp8u6f-EbEFQVKY8VqQoXDfH6LHxmKhtmCfQabQnfEeOqsb-Uc292XmQSaymEfPD/s1600/Veronica.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1497" data-original-width="1058" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ8kxaI7501FJZoyJDmMz-QLyfW29W1aoxgogTcrmu7ltDJ9BhiEJdux7CZq5hbnrADxWQ5vc3pHZVp8u6f-EbEFQVKY8VqQoXDfH6LHxmKhtmCfQabQnfEeOqsb-Uc292XmQSaymEfPD/s640/Veronica.jpg" title="Veronica" width="451" /></a></div>
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Where do I start with this film? I have never had an issue with subtitles, so when my girlfriend suggested a film she saw a trailer for on Netflix, the subtitles quirk did not put me off.</div>
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A quick stop via YouTube to watch the trailer and I was definitely in the mood for this film!</div>
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A teenage girl, Veronica, who seems to carry the weight of the world on her young shoulders is introduced to the audience as the mother figure. She not only has to contend with getting herself ready for school every morning but also her 3 young siblings who consist of twin girls Lucia and Irene and youngest, Antonito. </div>
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We quickly learn that this family has recently gone through some extremely difficult times as it is gleamed that their father has recently passed away and their mother has to work long hours to support the family.</div>
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Veronica has obviously decided. Along with her best friend Rosa, that she wants to try and get some closure so with a ouija board in hand, she attempts to make contact with her recently departed father.</div>
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The girls, along with another friend take advantage of a total eclipse and while all their classmates and teachers are occupied observing the spectacle in the sky, they make their way to a secluded area of the school and begin their seance.</div>
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As you can imagine, things go drastically wrong and the movie begins!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQppZt5UgiZezEs6s5rtejGfL4eQuj_0uhGKjGEjS2TLVZeMqmCqSxUtIlSu3fYAvnaw5DtChX4JlPOFKYMjIM7-rbU5otfSN-JuEYIzAcCzVxXADRDCWWLDFlDSIPLHT3io01l4YG222M/s1600/veronica1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQppZt5UgiZezEs6s5rtejGfL4eQuj_0uhGKjGEjS2TLVZeMqmCqSxUtIlSu3fYAvnaw5DtChX4JlPOFKYMjIM7-rbU5otfSN-JuEYIzAcCzVxXADRDCWWLDFlDSIPLHT3io01l4YG222M/s400/veronica1.jpg" title="Veronica1" width="400" /></a></div>
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Veronica is a slow burner with very few moments in the way of genuine scares but what it lacks in those, it more than makes up for in raw atmosphere. I’m not sure if its just me but there is something very atmospheric and unnerving about foreign language films which is somehow not matched by their American counterparts. </div>
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I am not saying this makes all foreign language films better than any other, I am simply saying it is a different style of filmmaking. One which I enjoy thoroughly from time to time.</div>
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While this film stands as a prime example of my previous statement, it does carry a weight of expectation. With the knowledge that the events that take place are based on supposed true events which befell a young girl in Spain in 1990, the film instantly holds a certain stigma.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu8x9SSys02NwpzwemqYtZBEHVSt8qR66spTUI_w78-8ThdpZo7rP-1Fp9EUIwTGT7ymEo4h7wxPSeuM_uEkRWWOKaa-D84miQs3hApG3ME33Jm8uo302kxA_MCx7ndFxElA2sEuO0isK/s1600/Veronica2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu8x9SSys02NwpzwemqYtZBEHVSt8qR66spTUI_w78-8ThdpZo7rP-1Fp9EUIwTGT7ymEo4h7wxPSeuM_uEkRWWOKaa-D84miQs3hApG3ME33Jm8uo302kxA_MCx7ndFxElA2sEuO0isK/s400/Veronica2.jpg" title="Veronica2" width="400" /></a></div>
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I would fully recommend this film to anyone wanting a good possession film who isn’t looking for the overly ridiculous or extremely fearful experience. </div>
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Score 7/10</div>
IMDB <span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-user="ur13833819" data-title="tt5862312" data-style="p2"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5862312/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img src="https://ia.media-imdb.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_38x18.png" alt="Veronica (2017) on IMDb" />
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Veronica (2017)</div>
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Starring: Sandra Escacena, Ana Torrent</div>
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Directed by Paco Plaza ([REC] series)</div>
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<br /></div>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-91294950081192368672016-05-01T10:51:00.000+01:002016-05-02T10:58:52.528+01:00Movie Review: Dark (2015)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwulz8a66SQyhGLAGcaudbLLPX09_K-5_Aohty3seMxjW2BYi64OciUTwoRDfiVkW_ZT-TfA9spNN_p7OcAeFeLkIXIkHdKCJCAFa7AGBMhBJgaRQZ01_thvpqIyRnC1eQz4JRWvUov1J/s1600/Dark+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dark Poster" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwulz8a66SQyhGLAGcaudbLLPX09_K-5_Aohty3seMxjW2BYi64OciUTwoRDfiVkW_ZT-TfA9spNN_p7OcAeFeLkIXIkHdKCJCAFa7AGBMhBJgaRQZ01_thvpqIyRnC1eQz4JRWvUov1J/s400/Dark+2015.jpg" title="Dark Poster" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Well here I am again,
out of retirement (again) but the opportunity to watch and review a
film sent to me by the production company is always a no-brainer.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Let me begin by saying
this film is not classically HORROR but it's subject matter and the
means of delivery firmly set it in the psychological thriller
category so it's all good.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
DARK tells the story of
a young former model (Kate) who is struggling with major personal
issues. Left alone for the weekend after her girlfriend goes away,
her internal hell rears it's ugly face in every possible way. Oh, and
to top it all off, it all unfurls during the 2003 New York Black-out
(I checked, it was a real thing!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Her descent into
madness is beautifully captured as we follow Kate on a journey that
takes her from random bars drinking with strangers to being a
self-imposed prisoner in her own home.
</div>
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<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
When I say follow, I
really do mean follow! I counted very few seconds of screen time
without Kate being prominent. This aspect is far from being a bad
thing, Whitney Able's portrayal of Kate is a shining beacon worthy of
so much praise for it's infinite beauty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH1KwkCLnT5C95SfTMRMaDZl4SnAYEAwGZkPFnUE5iNr3Hknd8BaKJDJx23CtpddzdNlPNiscaDtrqbzWibWfULn1Of4cOAdcUUZnit4S3q2UK6OOojmur14J6z3PKPwYdCe6QiH02PvB/s1600/Dark+2015+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="DARK" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH1KwkCLnT5C95SfTMRMaDZl4SnAYEAwGZkPFnUE5iNr3Hknd8BaKJDJx23CtpddzdNlPNiscaDtrqbzWibWfULn1Of4cOAdcUUZnit4S3q2UK6OOojmur14J6z3PKPwYdCe6QiH02PvB/s320/Dark+2015+2.jpg" title="DARK" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
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<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Whitney Able is
supported on her ride by Alexandra Breckenridge who plays her absent
girlfriend Leah along with Brendan Sexton, her neighbour and Michael
Eklund as Benny, a welcome distraction for Kate on this night of
madness! In addition and one of those bizarre coincidences in life,
Redman has a very small cameo as a doorman and familiar face for
Kate. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So, what about the coincidence you ask? I received the DVD copy
of this film just 2 days after seeing Redman in concert with Method
Man, Not much I know but when you live in the UK and see a duo like
that in concert the same week you're sent a film which features one
of the act, it's fairly weird. On a side note, Redman was fantastic
as was Method Man, The former even selling his material from the
stage and good enough to sit around after the gig signing everyone's
gear! Good guy!<br />
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAixiBGBGj-iLo_vrAZvAdtuZzmMTj7nbxVV3PacY2K0LN-zAl7XT-owV5ZYDR0jXuw_bCQ2LQ7Z9p3ySJdzpx38-AhKE01cTjbKnxFG8d3Km_dM22T855vFgiMtIZs0A1fOyJ6_uld4H/s1600/Dark+2015+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="REDMAN DARK" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAixiBGBGj-iLo_vrAZvAdtuZzmMTj7nbxVV3PacY2K0LN-zAl7XT-owV5ZYDR0jXuw_bCQ2LQ7Z9p3ySJdzpx38-AhKE01cTjbKnxFG8d3Km_dM22T855vFgiMtIZs0A1fOyJ6_uld4H/s320/Dark+2015+3.png" title="REDMAN DARK" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anyway, back to the
film. Dark is a consistent slow burner but it creates the kind of tension
that will keep you gripped throughout. The slow pace continues BUT to
great effect as you, as the viewer are taken through all emotions
possible in this artistically voyeuristic tale! </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Elias who provided
the screenplay here previously gave us the film <a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2013/02/gut.html" target="_blank">GUT</a> which had the same artistic stamp. Directed by Nick Basile (who also has
connections to GUT) delivers a great film here and hopefully it and him will
get the recognition they rightly deserve.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUm-wfb7C6ph8b8a2OlEo_vk2Yo-w6bHINfSOpXbyHaq-NQtj2Sv3USl3efqO5z6mWAeaFPl1F5EFvFsWp3njClNzo288_YD-EHBl6rKyv7j9PFcWv_uiYZJBXean4G3ArbfeuhR_NBO8/s1600/Dark+2015+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Whitney Able DARK" border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEUm-wfb7C6ph8b8a2OlEo_vk2Yo-w6bHINfSOpXbyHaq-NQtj2Sv3USl3efqO5z6mWAeaFPl1F5EFvFsWp3njClNzo288_YD-EHBl6rKyv7j9PFcWv_uiYZJBXean4G3ArbfeuhR_NBO8/s320/Dark+2015+4.jpg" title="Whitney Able DARK" width="320" /></a></div>
Another quick word on
the star, Whitney Able. I can't praise her performance enough and
after seeing her previously in <a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2012/11/monsters.html" target="_blank">MONSTERS</a>, another low budget, cultish
slow burner! I can only hope we all get to see a lot more of her in
the future.</div>
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<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Dark serves as a piece
of artwork which needs to be appreciated! 90 minutes of edge of your
seat tension which really gets under your skin and keeps you guessing
all the way through. It succeeds greatly and it's fantastic
conclusion will make you think long after the credits have rolled!</div>
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I would highly
recommend this film and while I believe it's going to be doing the
festival rounds, I do hope for a wider release soon. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Rating: 8</b></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2mf3s93lTn4" width="480"></iframe>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-60051524063497721192015-05-30T12:22:00.000+01:002015-05-30T12:22:57.469+01:00Movie Review: Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk_1NQELY8QYN-hl1Kq1_SMFVAUB71WLAH926kbPxEroauPKY45XeiDTsNlNp0W9hZU387PFmsR3Uh79zPhpq_TnmIx5Xif8UqOb2YT9E_GlcY2uaeToIrY666LNyXolnjkHjUg3-hhbD/s1600/Wyrmwood+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIk_1NQELY8QYN-hl1Kq1_SMFVAUB71WLAH926kbPxEroauPKY45XeiDTsNlNp0W9hZU387PFmsR3Uh79zPhpq_TnmIx5Xif8UqOb2YT9E_GlcY2uaeToIrY666LNyXolnjkHjUg3-hhbD/s400/Wyrmwood+1.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
From the first time I watched a trailer via a friends Facebook share,
I have been looking forward to seeing Wyrmwood. Even thought the
trailer I saw was nothing more than a 30 second teaser, I could still
see the potential and so when I spotted a copy in my local HMV, I
quickly snapped it up with the intention of watching it immediately.
The night came, the kids were asleep and the drinks were ready so in
went the newly purchased Blu-ray disc and away we went.
<br />
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The film begins with a future event which perfectly sets the scene of
what we are about to enjoy and enjoy is a very mediocre way of
describing this film. I don't know about you but I think the Zombie
genre has become very stale of late, left to stagnate and rot thanks
greatly to the poor efforts of The Walking Dead. Hollywood has an
uncanny knack of taking something which has, over a long period of
time garnered an impressive following and admiration and turning it
into something “for the masses” which ultimately pushes the old
faithful away.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I may be talking from personal opinion and the few true Zombie
aficionados that I have encountered but the Zombie fan, I mean the
real lumbering, shuffling zombie fan does not like The Walking Dead
or what it has done for future entries into the zombie category.
While World War Z was enjoyable in parts, it didn't live up to the
book and certainly didn't light the genre up like it had promised. I
much prefer the truly original entries into the fray. Films like
Pontypool which put an extremely brave twist on the genre and one I
watched recently called Open Grave* which may not be your typical
zombie film but in trying something new, they have gained huge points
in my eyes (*Review to come).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhcGbDF3RdMoPgM76QOcey96CME2mt9M6dBcLllCT1sLtmXWX8jNYhQW98OjeQ1jrurkW787CwwNUx8J_L53jLU-7kSzKqiOkOvqKC1OGR63NsJaaWiHNEKPutaIr5qQ_SjPumIaMCkWa/s1600/Wyrmwood+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhcGbDF3RdMoPgM76QOcey96CME2mt9M6dBcLllCT1sLtmXWX8jNYhQW98OjeQ1jrurkW787CwwNUx8J_L53jLU-7kSzKqiOkOvqKC1OGR63NsJaaWiHNEKPutaIr5qQ_SjPumIaMCkWa/s640/Wyrmwood+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Anyway, on the surface, Wyrmwood appears to be an example of the
aforementioned stale and stagnating variety however there is more
originality in this 98 minute long feature than The Walking Dead has
mustered in five seasons! Ok, forgive me, I really dislike the
Walking Dead and I may not gain many fans for my opinions but they
are that! My opinions...</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Following a meteor shower a zombie outbreak plunges the world into
chaos. We follow Barry who is trying to get to his sister Brooke. He
is joined along the way by Benny and Frank as they battle zombies and
the military in a frantic fight for survival. As always, I'm not
giving any of the plot away on the off chance you haven't already
seen this movie and like me, enjoy watching films for yourself
without having them spoiled by idiotic publications and critics who
think you only read their posts because you don't want to watch films
for yourself!
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
With a cast totally unknown to me, Wyrmwood was a breath of fresh
air. Jay Gallagher whose portrayal of the main protagonist Barry, was
instantly likeable and he is joined on his journey by Leon Burchill
playing the part of Benny and Keith Agius as Frank. The cast is
rounded off by Bianca Bradey who plays Brooke, Barry's sister. The
mix of kick-ass action, suspense and humour is perfect </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69PnjESTemzgJdDPtBoNRxN-wzW_wng1DmOSKMfLLA5XZUB8WZlVy8RZijRwLVQKWCswjw2P2bRti-K2LIktmFBWAa2z9wsWzQ1uSr0GLcvwAeG3sfjhhkUk0boE-zU1vEr8AdXxGihqa/s1600/wyrmwood+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69PnjESTemzgJdDPtBoNRxN-wzW_wng1DmOSKMfLLA5XZUB8WZlVy8RZijRwLVQKWCswjw2P2bRti-K2LIktmFBWAa2z9wsWzQ1uSr0GLcvwAeG3sfjhhkUk0boE-zU1vEr8AdXxGihqa/s400/wyrmwood+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
and the
balance between the cast makes this film a truly enjoyable
experience.
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Upon the films conclusion, I found myself wanting more. It has always
taken a lot for me to dislike something which is why it's unusual to
so many that I don't like the Walking Dead but for me to instantly
want more after a film is finished is a huge compliment. I have my
fingers crossed for a sequel and while it is only rumoured at the
moment, I'm hoping the success of this film will be enough to
persuade them to make another.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I would highly recommend this film to all, whether you're a fan of
Zombie films or not. It has everything you could possibly want. An
enjoyable and at times hilarious film with zombies in it. Ticks all
the boxes really!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Released: 2014</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2535470" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2535470/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2014) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
</a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
My Rating: 8</div>
Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-67122538940203851832015-04-11T09:54:00.000+01:002015-04-11T09:54:32.217+01:00Movie Review: The Dyatlov Pass Incident (2013)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lBXvLGFQz28fOYIZCGgu1Bo2P_zrQfPgUeb2Q5NlLbU3KKHA7HJL49TNFnUEsmkUpzDIIes7Tx2axN5JffuwM_0gjm3CIsNywI1ErWQB2zDvfLiPnDNgzF2g8B1xqoF_C5yj5FTcVgaB/s1600/Dyatlov+Pass+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lBXvLGFQz28fOYIZCGgu1Bo2P_zrQfPgUeb2Q5NlLbU3KKHA7HJL49TNFnUEsmkUpzDIIes7Tx2axN5JffuwM_0gjm3CIsNywI1ErWQB2zDvfLiPnDNgzF2g8B1xqoF_C5yj5FTcVgaB/s1600/Dyatlov+Pass+2013.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
I picked this film up some time a go during one of my “customers
also bought” Amazon spending sprees. As with most, it arrived and
promptly founds itself placed neatly on my shelf to await such an
opportunity to grace my TV screen.<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Having watched a trailer for a film called The Devils Pass, I went to
add it to my wish-list and was happy to learn that I already own it
only under a different name. So The Devils Pass or The Dyatlov Pass
Incident which ever you want to call it, was set off and I settled
down to enjoy.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I had already gathered from the trailer that I was once again
stepping into the world of the Found Footage variety. As someone who
is possibly in a small group of people who love found footage genre
no matter how it comes, I was looking forward to seeing what joy's
this attempt would bring.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
We're given a very impressive back story and introduced to the main
characters who we'll be getting to know over the next 100 minutes or
so, immediately sucked in and liking what I was seeing.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
The story of the original incident is really quite interesting. A
real incident that befouled a group of Russian skiers back in 1959.
The group led by Igor Dyatlov, were discovered in the snow at various
locations having mysteriously fled their camp site abruptly one
night. There must have been an immediate or sudden threat as some
were found barefoot. More intriguingly was the fact that even though
there was no sign of a struggle a couple of the ill fated group had
suffered serious injuries.</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprl5BlAp-FA8wv4ceO3kArHBul4VLQCZEJU1z-960Lcye27DXedCU41dN_IerXXRFJU3zyPvm8uyShHapNSU86TSApjjtUxmaqP3L2UarI3p35SlYVTCG0vbDfk_9S0LOkwDQusAz6zde/s1600/Dyatlov+Pass+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprl5BlAp-FA8wv4ceO3kArHBul4VLQCZEJU1z-960Lcye27DXedCU41dN_IerXXRFJU3zyPvm8uyShHapNSU86TSApjjtUxmaqP3L2UarI3p35SlYVTCG0vbDfk_9S0LOkwDQusAz6zde/s1600/Dyatlov+Pass+1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
The film itself introduces us to Holly King, a student who has been
researching the incident. Her work has been rewarded by a grant in
order to allow continued research in mother Russia herself!
Co-Director Jenson, sound engineer Denise and “expert” climbers
J.P and Andy make up the rest of the group and after a small intro,
they set off on their adventure!<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
A twist I've always liked is when the film begins by telling us the
fate of the characters, it doesn't always work and sometimes it can
spoil a good film but when done correctly, it allows us to relax and
enjoy the film knowing that we are simply watching how events
unfolded in a very candid and somewhat voyeuristic way. Blair Witch
nailed it and this film gives it a pretty good go too!</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
As usual I'm not going into any more detail, I'm afraid if you want
to know what happened to them, you'll just have to watch the film. If
you do decide to watch it, you may, like me be pleasantly surprised.
A very well made and well acted film which will keep you gripped all
the way through. Even if one of those actors is Gemma Atkinson. A
very likeable and good actress who has the unfortunate stigma of
having starred in a British soap called Hollyoaks. Soap's are like
anti-television and something I have never really understood but then
I suppose you have to start somewhere, lets face it you, if you're
from Australia, chances are you started out in either Home and Away
or Neighbours! Maybe a few exceptions.... but not many! It doesn't
always work that way in the British isles however. I can't think of
too many successful transitions from Eastenders or Corrie to
Hollywood but what do I know?</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Anyway...</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo08pog9V3yhemb7Wi1VfxnGUI_amQ9mnDCeI6se09bP_MCH8XHz5qnyPc1fM7adPFwtvjA2WywWFa7ScgIg4hXNcFsvnzSVPlRaJC0ktyhAcgnjLznXr2b-fFe6vDT-WeSI7CnY2krIv/s1600/Dyatlov+Pass+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLo08pog9V3yhemb7Wi1VfxnGUI_amQ9mnDCeI6se09bP_MCH8XHz5qnyPc1fM7adPFwtvjA2WywWFa7ScgIg4hXNcFsvnzSVPlRaJC0ktyhAcgnjLznXr2b-fFe6vDT-WeSI7CnY2krIv/s1600/Dyatlov+Pass+2.png" height="220" width="400" /></a>
I have always found it difficult to critique films of any variety but
especially horror films. It takes a very special something for me to
dislike a film. I'm not the kind of person who says things like “seen
one seen them all” I would much rather just see what other film
makers can do with a similar premise. So with this film, despite it
basically being a love child of The Blair Witch Project and The
Chernobyl Diaries, there is nothing to dislike! Those are two of my
favourite films after all.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Couple the back story being a true story along with my fascination
with Russia and its super secretive history, The Dyatlov Pass
Incident was fully enjoyable and one which I'm sure I'll watch again
and again. This genre of film is brilliant at hiding things in plain
sight and even as I watch The Blair Witch and Chernobyl Diaries
again, I still discover new things! After all, it usually takes at
least two viewings to take in all that there is to see! Or is that
just me?</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Year Released: 2013</div>
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1905040" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1905040/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Devil's Pass (2013) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
</a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 7.5</strong></span>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-20596346964163214662015-02-24T19:10:00.000+00:002015-02-24T19:10:05.695+00:00Movie Review: The Realm aka The Ouija Experiment (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U9UUsJwMPWZpT8TS4ulBB9Ey300eaCbB7JM3-9Iw_YCyuU_Nd0liCrgwAmHFZwyNPRrePxyvwm8SCwZMrjp7f-onjJ1dgQve9evyWIgQQIUE0cjxotXxpBVgJ9dZSfOEABuwZY9-p3mM/s1600/The+Realm+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Realm" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1U9UUsJwMPWZpT8TS4ulBB9Ey300eaCbB7JM3-9Iw_YCyuU_Nd0liCrgwAmHFZwyNPRrePxyvwm8SCwZMrjp7f-onjJ1dgQve9evyWIgQQIUE0cjxotXxpBVgJ9dZSfOEABuwZY9-p3mM/s1600/The+Realm+2011.jpg" height="400" title="The Realm" width="281" /></a></div>
I sometimes forget where I pick these films up, this one was either
1p on Amazon (Thanks Zoverstocks) or it was £1 in Poundland. Either
way, its been in my collection for a while and I randomly selected it
for viewing.<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I learned a long time ago that in no way should you ever judge how
good a film may or may not be by the content of its cover. This is no
exception. On first glance, a very professional looking cover with a
picture that is vague enough to have you instantly intrigued. It even
included a cardboard sleeve slip case for extra professionalism.
Whichever way you look at it, I was impressed by the presentation.
But, what about the important thing, the film itself???</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
We follow Brandon, You Tube “Star” with a whole 20 views and his
friend Shay who is taking Brandon to her, stay with me on this, “hot
boy friends” best friend, Michael's house! Still with me? Good!</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Upon arrival the pair are met by Lynette who is said “hot
boyfriends” sister. “Hot boyfriend” will henceforth be known as
Calvin and as we are introduced to Michael, the whole group is now
ready to begin.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Once the pleasantries are dealt with, Michael informs the group that
they are all in fact there to enjoy a leisurely game of Ouija Board!
As you do... The group begin their game and we are treated to the
stereotypical spectrum of reactions. From “Its real” all the way
down to jovial scepticism, the whole thing feels a bit silly at
first. What ensues turns this innocent game into a dangerous game of
cat and mouse!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu0cr6qg8GGCkXzMQsROK_hebZ4kQJaEzyMpStoLEuPlo-9JHsyuOZTHyRRewi28hn0qqbsht8jmA0EtZnBpUmI1qSZmvyWowIxF8WgT0Bn5U6zE6Yo9D3Bgo2d_Hcd_4PyT5IqcwZLnc/s1600/The+Realm+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Realm 1" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfu0cr6qg8GGCkXzMQsROK_hebZ4kQJaEzyMpStoLEuPlo-9JHsyuOZTHyRRewi28hn0qqbsht8jmA0EtZnBpUmI1qSZmvyWowIxF8WgT0Bn5U6zE6Yo9D3Bgo2d_Hcd_4PyT5IqcwZLnc/s1600/The+Realm+2.jpg" height="240" title="The Realm 1" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
So, when we drill it down, The Realm had the feel of a low budget You
Tube film. The script was so-so and the delivery was believable
enough to hold it all together. Fortunately for the viewer we are
treated to a few frights, seldom seen low budget or Random Horror
Films.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Nothing in this world is scarier to the average red blooded man than
the female of the species and even more so when that female is 5
years old and... oh yeah, dead! The Little Girl Ghost has always been
a creepy prospect for me, ghost stories as a kid and of course the
twins from the eerie hallways of the Overlook Hotel!</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
The Realm features some very satisfying scenes. Anyone who has seen
the You Tube video of the girl ghost crying in a hallway will
appreciate some of the scenes in this film. I am not deluded enough
to believe that the videos people post of “Real Ghost Captured on
camera” are real but I enjoy watching them purely for how inventive
and well made some of them are. There's a definite artistry involved!</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7YkTgRljRBXqFdo4qHcyE960WoMqdQU2eMBD-Egng5EGnjNw9yPBtflywLzmkdgvnrhyd4ItYe-_0R2G-KzM0QoZzKjxXVazQkt3E6jN8WwAJBaIYDrqRJNTuGZtWI84nz1P6DVbXnFZ/s1600/The+Realm+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Realm 2" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7YkTgRljRBXqFdo4qHcyE960WoMqdQU2eMBD-Egng5EGnjNw9yPBtflywLzmkdgvnrhyd4ItYe-_0R2G-KzM0QoZzKjxXVazQkt3E6jN8WwAJBaIYDrqRJNTuGZtWI84nz1P6DVbXnFZ/s1600/The+Realm+1.jpg" height="221" title="The Realm 2" width="320" /></a><br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
The Realm doesn't quite deliver on its early promise but it did have
a few scenes that was enough to make me enjoy watching, even if it
did take a few detours along its way towards a slight twist ending.
The only reaction that could be generated with the telegraphed
“twist” however was “I saw that coming!”
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
So, for the guts of it, The Realm feels low budget and I suppose it
should, according to IMdB, the budget for this film was $1,200! With
that knowledge, I am more than impressed with what the film makers
managed to achieve. Its definitely worth a watch but don't expect too
much!<br />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Year Released: 2011</span><br />
</div>
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p2" data-title="tt2364842" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2364842/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="The Ouija Experiment (2011) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_38x18.png" />
</a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 5.5</strong></span>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-9052057317182511002015-02-07T16:21:00.001+00:002015-02-07T16:21:32.506+00:00Movie Review: Sanatorium (2013)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOkzpFFWD-dbqLcpvzVa-veswCI80zHt91gRoJc_25_NLyScpm2RDa6cGI_klE9CwnGTvsy3kdb3S1TfHwHLuppyowsnzOaI3WZ3z3dmFDYf2Qk4SyVHYZEMhSgBTvQgcVOLV9p3eFlol/s1600/Sanatorium+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOkzpFFWD-dbqLcpvzVa-veswCI80zHt91gRoJc_25_NLyScpm2RDa6cGI_klE9CwnGTvsy3kdb3S1TfHwHLuppyowsnzOaI3WZ3z3dmFDYf2Qk4SyVHYZEMhSgBTvQgcVOLV9p3eFlol/s1600/Sanatorium+2014.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
While out and about doing my weekly shop, I came across a DVD with
the tell tale “After Dark Original” banner splashed across the top
of the case. I'm something of a Blu-Ray snob these days, so much so
that I have just started archiving all of my DVD's in cool little
Disc selector while re-buying some of the better ones on BD but its not
everyday I find an After Dark Original in my local Tesco store so I
made an exception. In hindsight I could of ordered the Blu-Ray on
Amazon but I needed something to watch that night so I just bought
it.<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Now I haven't reviewed as many of the After Dark titles as perhaps I
should have but I have about 12 in total. From memory, The Task and
Husk are probably among the better ones with only The Scream of the
Banshee being on the poor side, from the ones I've watched so far.
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I suppose most people would be saying. Oh no! Not another found
footage film about a group of paranormal investigators in some cliché
ridden abandoned house with a wonderfully sinister back story!</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Personally, I love them! Although the quality varies and some are
bordering on the criminal. Every now and then one stands out and
succeeds at creating something enjoyable and fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0idNYIssABUlR7cXy6Ym3CmyXWSmBCgkNO1ECQF3XeglrY7wzqXxXhVV_X-4cMLuu_NGoPbfvuUnQPmQ1JXqIaw5oR4C8Eeyp1YrrrK3I-TfSeOYPRgAzrTla7Zpta2kYjVUHjD2XAVna/s1600/Sanatorium+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0idNYIssABUlR7cXy6Ym3CmyXWSmBCgkNO1ECQF3XeglrY7wzqXxXhVV_X-4cMLuu_NGoPbfvuUnQPmQ1JXqIaw5oR4C8Eeyp1YrrrK3I-TfSeOYPRgAzrTla7Zpta2kYjVUHjD2XAVna/s1600/Sanatorium+1.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
With Sanatorium the group are called The Ghost Trackers and for their
100<sup>th</sup> episode they have travelled to the 'notorious'
Hillcrest Sanatorium for a night of spook spotting. With an
impressive build up story complete with details of a grizzly
murder/suicide involving a mental patient and some children, the
group set up the standard equipment and begin their investigation.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
On the anniversary of the murderer's suicide, The Ghost Trackers go
through the usual paranormal investigation rituals. The time honoured
EMF reader, digital recorders, infra-red imaging and even motion
sensors equipped with an alarm that sounds whenever they're
triggered. All good touches.
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
There is very little to say in terms of storyline because as most
will know, all of these films are very similar. Its the little
differences that set the good ones apart. Satisfactory acting coupled
with a good script tick those boxes. In terms of actual scares, the
fear factor for Sanatorium is generated more by what you think you
saw as opposed to what they actually show us. I have seen some
terrible versions where the apparitions are on full display in all
their CGI 'glory' but executed so badly, it eliminates any semblance
of atmosphere and fear. No problems like that here though as we are
treated to a few creepy moments and the odd jump.
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4SWPjKlYdFKOAY-cnfd9JnQ56VfawPM_EVehzVB-1EJ6GwEMJMX7mfMZq6a12qsToAhEtB3fAwtHTQkwHU0sklYH2pVgshfrbnFhmAa9vhBo1WtxaiP2X3EXioM2rWv44fGzWh4xOZJA/s1600/Sanatorium+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4SWPjKlYdFKOAY-cnfd9JnQ56VfawPM_EVehzVB-1EJ6GwEMJMX7mfMZq6a12qsToAhEtB3fAwtHTQkwHU0sklYH2pVgshfrbnFhmAa9vhBo1WtxaiP2X3EXioM2rWv44fGzWh4xOZJA/s1600/Sanatorium+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
If I have one criticism, it is that where they succeed in maintaining
a creepy atmosphere, they did not utilise that to its full potential.
I think a little too much time was wasted getting them into the
building and not enough time focusing on the build up to the final
“showdown”. One of my favourite's from this category, Grave
Encounters found the mix perfectly and should be the benchmark for
all others.
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Saying that, films I have seen recently like The Speak and Episode 50
fail miserably, so finding that balance is the most important aspect
for any future hand held ghost hunter style horror film.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
After all is said and done, Sanatorium impressed me and I can say I
wholly enjoyed the experience. I would watch it again, if only to see
if I can spot more hidden “what was that” moments.
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
After a small bit of research, I think the Hillcrest Sanatorium is
actually a real place. Located in Howell, MI, it did house people
with TB. I can't comment on the story given in the film and I'm
fairly sure the actual filming location is somewhere totally
different. Still, it is quite unnerving to try and imagine the pain
and suffering that was felt within walls of places like this...</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Released: 2013</div>
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p2" data-title="tt2004419" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2004419/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Sanatorium (2013) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_38x18.png" />
</a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 6.5</strong></span>
Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-73752549412760679042015-02-03T19:54:00.000+00:002015-02-03T19:54:13.621+00:00Movie Review: Deliver Us from Evil (2014)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FGAi0tl8LGDff9MiB2z-PRpxHghOEfnMfEsc137_9Y3tS065owSjBc1ZOF70y-Ia4J2nlKtoj9S8NtLVD42xLz8RFEp2Y1SUp1akWiD-tLugRfrnBjupvr-l3mP-h03VFT8W1OgVom8k/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FGAi0tl8LGDff9MiB2z-PRpxHghOEfnMfEsc137_9Y3tS065owSjBc1ZOF70y-Ia4J2nlKtoj9S8NtLVD42xLz8RFEp2Y1SUp1akWiD-tLugRfrnBjupvr-l3mP-h03VFT8W1OgVom8k/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+2014.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
As readers of mine may or may not be aware, I have an unrivalled
hatred for the “classic” that is The Exorcist. In my humblest of
opinions, the single worst “big” horror film ever spawned. That
does not make me completely averse to the Possession sub-genre. In
fact, The Devil Within proved to be very entertaining indeed but the
less said about The Last Exorcism and its unholy sequel the better!<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I would probably put Eric Bana in the bracket of “bigger”
Hollywood stars and it is nice to see some bigger names appearing in
these types of films instead of using them as a stepping stone to
something bigger.
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
The film carries its own pedigree, Directed by Scott Derrickson whose
previous film was the brilliant Sinister. Another bigger horror film
starring an established Hollywood actor (Ethan Hawke) and his
possession experience spans to the film prior to that, The Exorcism
of Emily Rose, which put a very enjoyable twist on the sub-genre.</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
When you stand back and take a look, Deliver us from Evil promises a
lot. The question is however... Does it work? Short answer, Yes. I
suppose I should talk about the film itself really, so here goes.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOXhy3mQZqJezDKM9KouoU58cEFEFQ7cXxmPJT_LtYvJ_lZtFvdQRpxk_uELg4Y5LjN1qF5AnKEVxiLw6D2demIV0Ypc5b_0ymgaxFrmkCvQLVbwlsqeubXcC6jLYM9hEQQZvtVLNdKXO/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOOXhy3mQZqJezDKM9KouoU58cEFEFQ7cXxmPJT_LtYvJ_lZtFvdQRpxk_uELg4Y5LjN1qF5AnKEVxiLw6D2demIV0Ypc5b_0ymgaxFrmkCvQLVbwlsqeubXcC6jLYM9hEQQZvtVLNdKXO/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
With Deliver us from Evil, we have another slightly different
offering for the possession mould. If I knew nothing about the film
before watching it, I wouldn't be blamed for thinking I had just
started watching a crime thriller. In reality, that's not too far
from the truth. Eric Bana stars as New York Police Officer Sarchie
who along with his partner Butler, played by Joel McHale begin
investigating a strange series of events.
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
When a woman seemingly goes crazy and throws her infant son into the
lion enclosure at Brooklyn Zoo, the partners find themselves delving
deep into the depths of demonic possession. After being joined by
catholic priest and exorcist, Mendoza played by Edgar Ramirez,
Sarchie unravels a mystery which threatens to engulf even his own
family.
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
At first, I was unsure how to take this film. The acting is certainly
of a high standard and the storyline is quite captivating but the way
its filmed made me feel that maybe the budget was slightly heavy on
the recruitment side. Its not terrible but it just didn't feel like a
Hollywood effort that one might expect from Derrickson. Not to
mention a production credit for Jerry Bruckheimer. Once I had got
used to the way it looked though, I was able to really sit back and
enjoy it.
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
I didn't know much about it before watching but I did remember seeing
a trailer for it a while back after one of the more creepy scenes
involving Sarchies' daughter and a stuffed owl!</div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvYX1hmiN6K4MWVMEKSa4gzp7YnHFCuQr9qwxPV9XZqv7m2DH_qCGDLED8xkVGxjk0gIk-hjb3-Qddkp0IOLRW_sjdkPxuB23-9GeiBiQAfAGIJwDnoygx1qOvNd7xyaeujDskrn9rcnY/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvYX1hmiN6K4MWVMEKSa4gzp7YnHFCuQr9qwxPV9XZqv7m2DH_qCGDLED8xkVGxjk0gIk-hjb3-Qddkp0IOLRW_sjdkPxuB23-9GeiBiQAfAGIJwDnoygx1qOvNd7xyaeujDskrn9rcnY/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+1.jpg" height="260" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
All in all, Deliver us from Evil was fairly good. It didn't set the
world alight but the use of The Doors' songs certainly put a smile on
my face. One of my all time favourite bands and with the song People
are strange, really quite fitting! </div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZKSjD6gUEy_rYMov_gvJbb1Tm31bOpqiAmsIa3RI9FZNUISdMYn2UWCG2U770Pd8GV5v2xCg2yUr4zp_b23CWKE6pca-QwR6-4eCcyuXSV4m28SKnA3dvcY2H_XzcgwAee9Metp4B8l/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKYZKSjD6gUEy_rYMov_gvJbb1Tm31bOpqiAmsIa3RI9FZNUISdMYn2UWCG2U770Pd8GV5v2xCg2yUr4zp_b23CWKE6pca-QwR6-4eCcyuXSV4m28SKnA3dvcY2H_XzcgwAee9Metp4B8l/s1600/Deliver+us+from+Evil+2.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
I have to make a special mention for Sean Harris who plays a
character called Santino. He is the main focus of the evil and cuts a
sinister figure on screen. I first saw Harris, who hails from
England, in a music video for the song Stop Me by Mark Ronson. His
role in Harry Brown alongside Michael Caine was brilliant and
apparently it was that role which made Derrickson cast him in this
film without even having an interview! *interesting <em>wikipedia </em><span style="font-style: normal;">fact.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
After watching, I did a very small bit of research and I discovered
that the film is supposed to be based on real life events as detailed
in the book <i>Beware the Night</i> written by the real life Ralph
Sarchie. On further reading though, it doesn't actually use any of
the cases written by the NYPD officer turned demonologist.
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Watch it, make of it what you will but hopefully, like me you will
find a fair amount of enjoyment in the whole experience.
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
Released: 2014</div>
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p2" data-title="tt2377322" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2377322/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Deliver Us from Evil (2014) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_38x18.png" />
</a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 7</strong></span>
Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-7346087629064832532015-01-29T21:37:00.000+00:002015-01-29T21:38:59.449+00:00Movie Review: Alien Abduction (2014)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ndEZ_o51qnx1UdFGvukeqRxh_PCciJw_sDZx63OY0Z56eNUOg9ZxWB2eDptUqovsGGZWMqQkCloQ8qaRsFjkSmWzEUzA77o71OO-8Ch2vAOSJyYSpZ4XsEKhrRrbWTiqde12YfqivWdF/s1600/Alien+Abduction+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ndEZ_o51qnx1UdFGvukeqRxh_PCciJw_sDZx63OY0Z56eNUOg9ZxWB2eDptUqovsGGZWMqQkCloQ8qaRsFjkSmWzEUzA77o71OO-8Ch2vAOSJyYSpZ4XsEKhrRrbWTiqde12YfqivWdF/s1600/Alien+Abduction+2014.jpg" height="400" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So, here it is. My first blog entry in
nearly two years and I have decided to review one of the many films I
watched last year which, in my humble opinion, was extremely
underrated. </span><br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I don't think the world has given
enough love to the found footage sub-genre of Horror films. A
sub-genre which I find highly enjoyable, as evidenced by some of my
past posts, Skew, Grave Encounters and V/H/S to name but a few and of
course, my number one horror film The Blair Witch Project. </span>
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The love for this sub-genre, sadly
died almost as quickly as it had emerged. From the seldom seen gems
like said Witch project to a barrage of low budget, sub-standard and
almost identical blunders, it could be easy to see why. </span>
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As I said though, every now and then
we find a film which not only reignites our love for a certain
sub-genre but reminds us why we ever loved it at all!</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Alien Abduction follows the Morris
family whose autistic son Riley, is capturing the families camping
trip on film. Along with his Brother, Sister and parents the family
begin to fall foul to strange occurrences. Jumps, jumps and a few
more jumps along with the occasional “did I just see that” moment
keep things moving along very swimmingly. Some good characterisation
is built as the film plays out and the ever present Riley, does a
great job with the camera. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-ZzLfsdrK_NJEiiS3RFPYU5hp_itlF_R4CA5xCs002ZU8LBybU9W8itvUVZ8E_cXl_gxdolTG4KqGmf6M93xZBVJ-bBoueMOnzbeyC9Z7uPZ2tv0Ir17-VWSfNPF-Soi-E-_gEzX6bs_/s1600/Alien+Abduction+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-ZzLfsdrK_NJEiiS3RFPYU5hp_itlF_R4CA5xCs002ZU8LBybU9W8itvUVZ8E_cXl_gxdolTG4KqGmf6M93xZBVJ-bBoueMOnzbeyC9Z7uPZ2tv0Ir17-VWSfNPF-Soi-E-_gEzX6bs_/s1600/Alien+Abduction+2.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Riley's autism brilliantly lends
itself to a very plausible explanation for the continuous filming. An
aspect that a lot of found footage films glaze over with the time
honoured “People need to see” excuse but in reality, why is the
camera not the first thing to find itself flung to the floor as the
rational people run for safety?</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The film obviously includes more than
that and when I say more, I really do mean it but I, as always do not
like to give anything away and that includes the very basic of basic!</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Having read a few other reviews of
this film I was disappointed and somewhat surprised to learn that my
enthusiasm for this film was not shared by many, if any at all. What
some might call formulaic and predictable, I might call... well.
Formulaic and predicable but why is that necessarily a bad thing?
Sometimes when you watch a horror film or a sci-fi film or any film
for that matter it really shouldn't make any difference if you
predicted what was going to happen or who was going to bite the dust.
Relax, enjoy it, it's not a competition to see who is the best
wannabe Director. If you think you're that good, do it!</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-Bsq0DbNDlYxq8mcx_3tya7P4vZ5z-TCymqLPDVWQceoKrb3Z0NnTyd-mucWR8Rwz4fcquQk2m23BnfLs_7dbRavM64mLCME_vYUksAb7Ap317fzbJY_eKwuaqBaKjrhi7RL2dcgaPQB/s1600/Alien+Abduction+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-Bsq0DbNDlYxq8mcx_3tya7P4vZ5z-TCymqLPDVWQceoKrb3Z0NnTyd-mucWR8Rwz4fcquQk2m23BnfLs_7dbRavM64mLCME_vYUksAb7Ap317fzbJY_eKwuaqBaKjrhi7RL2dcgaPQB/s1600/Alien+Abduction+1.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I don't buy into the Academy way of
watching films where only films with a message or cultural relevance
can be viewed as good or acceptable. If I watch a film and I don't
find myself checking the timer to see how long is left, then there is
a good chance I enjoyed it! </span>
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">While the storyline is not the most
original, the film is full of little treats for the eyes, good acting
and a level of tension is generated that befits a film of this
subject matter. As the camera rolls and the story progresses, we lose
some of the tension but not to the point where we lose all interest. </span>
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I cant change anyone's opinion and I
don't try to, I simply put my own views on films across and if you
disagree, that's your opinion. Funny how that works hey? If you
haven't already seen this and you've just read my “review” to try
and influence your decision on whether to watch it or not, please do
but don't watch it expecting to see the greatest film ever made, or
even something to make your top 500. Instead watch it the way I watch
all films... Suspend all belief, have no expectations and just enjoy
it for what it is. A low budget but well made hand held film about
aliens. Alien it is not be but then again, how many films can claim
they've come anywhere close what is in my opinion the bar for the
sci-fi/horror genre?</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Year Released: 2014</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2510434" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2510434/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Alien Abduction (2014) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 7</strong></span>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-89524309467952313202013-06-10T12:53:00.000+01:002013-06-10T12:58:13.427+01:00Short Movie Review: The Prospector's Curse (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4PMy40s-_3tE0QXT9s125vVQ93uWoSHA7RTkzZPmZEHMHQtnhENgFzjTacFksDISbw6ZzqldjwCeNh5SC_SEqwJWqUHOqBQ4UJ-0sschyqumWiqMXpAz8VVliBi4gR5B-9Xs6DQ0h99X/s1600/prospector.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4PMy40s-_3tE0QXT9s125vVQ93uWoSHA7RTkzZPmZEHMHQtnhENgFzjTacFksDISbw6ZzqldjwCeNh5SC_SEqwJWqUHOqBQ4UJ-0sschyqumWiqMXpAz8VVliBi4gR5B-9Xs6DQ0h99X/s320/prospector.bmp" width="237" yya="true" /></a></div>
This short film was first brought to my attention by director Josh Heisie way back in February 2012. Due to “unforseen events”, the film missed its initial slated release target of Summer 2012. However, I was recently updated as to the status of the film and I have also had the opportunity to sample the work for myself...<br />
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Set in Gold-rush era Wild West, Theodore “Tubby” Ellsworth and Jack smith are two criminals on the run. As they make their escape in the woods, they come across a dying Prospector. Lying on Indian ground and knowing of his impending demise, he makes the pair promise to give him a Christian burial. They fail on their oath, instead opting to steal the old man’s gold. Little do they know, the prospector is about to return to claim what is rightfully his and inflict terrible vengeance on the two naive outlaws!<br />
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While I may not hold a massive space in my heart for short films, there are the odd ones that manage to weasel their way into my consciousness. The last such short was the brilliantly sinister and atmospheric Familiar. In what seems to be delevoping into a pattern, the amazing lead from Familiar, Robert Nolan also stars in this bite-sized reel of fun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO79_ZSrZwmME7tZwdoBgj95fSi99DzA3Nq8Po64ms-iR2dnOihqJfieZEF1bdK79jHa9kGR-iaTdQtcxsbFdiDV0kzDUT8Yz1oYEMnmWH1bQu2RFTaY6qbSmKip3Iqy1-7ufkjbpMNUQI/s1600/prospector+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO79_ZSrZwmME7tZwdoBgj95fSi99DzA3Nq8Po64ms-iR2dnOihqJfieZEF1bdK79jHa9kGR-iaTdQtcxsbFdiDV0kzDUT8Yz1oYEMnmWH1bQu2RFTaY6qbSmKip3Iqy1-7ufkjbpMNUQI/s320/prospector+1.bmp" width="320" yya="true" /></a></div>
Nolan appears as the prospector himself, with just as much gusto and tongue in cheek genius as other antagonists like Freddy Krueger and Chucky. <br />
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As I watched the 15 minute short, one of the main things that struck me was the professional feel of the finished article. A lot of work clearly went into making this as good looking as possible and they certainly succeeded in that respect. Further to this, special effects feel almost out of place in a short. Something of this quality more than deserves to be in a feature. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingjfYawJreafnOFpKjOxgJrkR2AKgUiyst7Q-YX-vdgqzcrToYXEY1OgbYpm6cFR2k_S0RGyraxou55bWh8UDI7bi7DiBwveVIJUkZINlNHLJomphKI1Nn3AX1ArK5X50gt1Ln72aC62t/s1600/prospector+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingjfYawJreafnOFpKjOxgJrkR2AKgUiyst7Q-YX-vdgqzcrToYXEY1OgbYpm6cFR2k_S0RGyraxou55bWh8UDI7bi7DiBwveVIJUkZINlNHLJomphKI1Nn3AX1ArK5X50gt1Ln72aC62t/s320/prospector+2.bmp" width="320" yya="true" /></a></div>
Maybe it’s over the top slapstick approach takes away from the real horror element but when watching, you barely notice. Instead, I found myself sitting up and appreciating the whole experience as a fun-filled romp in the woods complete with some awesome imagery.<br />
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On the whole, The Prospectors curse provided me with as much enjoyment as I needed and more than I was expecting. If I have one criticism, Ok, not a criticism, more of a light grumble. The Prospectors Curse more than deserves a feature. At 15 minutes, there was barely enough time to fully enjoy and appreciate all that this film could be.<br />
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Released: 2012<br />
<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2388781/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_31x14.png" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 7</strong></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/41627371" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/41627371">The Prospector's Curse - Trailer</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6608261">Josh Heisie</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-73270881350330028042013-05-21T12:58:00.000+01:002013-05-21T12:58:09.155+01:00Movie Review: Trick 'r Treat (2007)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs0dpGKy4L_rGcw2aHlHIJZPSt10hrljDaHEmCyHLiUbbkETIfkM3llxBr6bpvPM2jh_8AERmYCOH-dMhVk_9bYWo0o1wuPvRsjcF3hQkAmRuH_ZAAkCldujutuNaeCIAdMeS0DdB206W/s1600/Trick+r+Treat+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Trick R Treat Cover" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNs0dpGKy4L_rGcw2aHlHIJZPSt10hrljDaHEmCyHLiUbbkETIfkM3llxBr6bpvPM2jh_8AERmYCOH-dMhVk_9bYWo0o1wuPvRsjcF3hQkAmRuH_ZAAkCldujutuNaeCIAdMeS0DdB206W/s400/Trick+r+Treat+Poster.jpg" title="Trick 'r Treat Cover" width="292" ya="true" /></a></div>
This is a film that has sat on my shelf for far too long. Christmas 2011 I believe. Anyway, after a small amount of deliberation with the misses, we decided to make it the next film on the Random Horror watch list. <br />
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We sat down, drinks ready and open minded. Ready for whatever would come from this relatively mysterious looking DVD. Were we in for a treat?...<br />
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I am going to do this slightly differently because of the nature of the film. In actuality, it’s not really a film. Rather a collection of 4 tales of Halloween woes. The connections being the setting (all in the same town) and Sam, a tiny trick or treater in an orange suit with a burlap sack over his head reminiscent of a jack-o-lantern. Although characters do appear in differing stories at differing levels, the main connection is Sam!<br />
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In what plays like a ‘horror-stories-around-the-camp-fire’ sort of way, we weave in and out of story arcs as the film runs. The opening, being a stand-alone story which sets the tone for the film sees Emma and Henry returning home from what has obviously been a fun-filled evening in full costume. Emma begins to tidy up the OTT garden decorations but soon falls foul of a Halloween trick! From here, we are taken to an earlier setting and the first of our four treats!<br />
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The principal follows the mishaps of a serial killing school principal. With slightly macabre undertones,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uamZWghqv2PtEwwnJ80_pJNFAioJLCInsComqLGcHE3rEBJ6dwL9ht8rkJLzSmhiwQGEzt1p9O3qtAmuXKkoIMs18AYHYQ6vZAzteL7zpzkGFa1AGyeQyDUA-2ZfNMHBzW52rZ0xkihb/s1600/trick_r_treat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Principal" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uamZWghqv2PtEwwnJ80_pJNFAioJLCInsComqLGcHE3rEBJ6dwL9ht8rkJLzSmhiwQGEzt1p9O3qtAmuXKkoIMs18AYHYQ6vZAzteL7zpzkGFa1AGyeQyDUA-2ZfNMHBzW52rZ0xkihb/s320/trick_r_treat20.jpg" title="Trick r treat Principal" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
the principal himself is as sinister as he is clumsy and definitely naive to boot. His taste for Halloween tricks will undoubtedly bite him in the arse later!<br />
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The second story sees a group kids travelling to a local rock quarry regaling tales of murderous pasts involving a school bus full of unfortunate kids. The kids had supposedly met their doom at the bottom of the quarry one fateful Halloween night. A Halloween prank which goes horrendously wrong proves more than enough for the kids’ enjoyment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJWbQE5QQIcwXnnZPCGI7H7kmp9ojahhOZB6w1hYAyCxUUjpIM4jXblnnp75AXNbdoShAyILQJ5s-jjirMaHYYHGGRf_fJB9_QF-5mLEcOhh7c-vSXbfYjJYXrm81mJZXClW1Kd7AR6K5/s1600/TRICK2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJWbQE5QQIcwXnnZPCGI7H7kmp9ojahhOZB6w1hYAyCxUUjpIM4jXblnnp75AXNbdoShAyILQJ5s-jjirMaHYYHGGRf_fJB9_QF-5mLEcOhh7c-vSXbfYjJYXrm81mJZXClW1Kd7AR6K5/s320/TRICK2.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
Thirdly, we follow a group of girls getting ready for a party. Laurie, Danielle, Maria and Janet are all set for a good night. Laurie, being a shy girl stays behind a while. She is later prompted to join the group in the woods. While travelling to meet them, alone, she is joined by someone else and all hell breaks loose in what is probably the most fun segment of the film!<br />
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The final short comes in the form of the grouchy neighbour of Principal Wilkins, Kreeg! As we had heard from the principals own segment, Kreeg is a bit of an irritable, cantankerous old man whose dislike of Halloween is fairly obvious. Following on from the parts we had previously seen, Kreeg does battle with Sam the pumpkin boy in his own home with varying levels of success. <br />
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The whole thing is wrapped up nicely as we see most of the pieces of this Halloween jigsaw fall into place before our very eyes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gUrN5caWooddakc7Xb0ZrYMqDBhPInggwK0daAG1pfluwgVAIvM7xHIOCbhTprdvKMnW1ZoZRkAp5-lj3ATz6_Zxa2OzHVUsJan2Fm4i62FCgWX32trCZugXMYR4tuq4mIyHayFX8Jaw/s1600/trick+r+treat+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gUrN5caWooddakc7Xb0ZrYMqDBhPInggwK0daAG1pfluwgVAIvM7xHIOCbhTprdvKMnW1ZoZRkAp5-lj3ATz6_Zxa2OzHVUsJan2Fm4i62FCgWX32trCZugXMYR4tuq4mIyHayFX8Jaw/s320/trick+r+treat+3.jpg" width="320" ya="true" /></a></div>
As Halloween themed films go, this one is really enjoyable. The list of themed films admittedly isn’t great but I would have to put this somewhere near the top end. A stella cast ably perform their roles throughout as we are taken into a world of Jack-o-lanterns, costumes, girls, death, zombies, vampires, werewolves and anything else the horror genre can associate with the favoured holiday!<br />
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The able cast of which I speak are also fairly familiar faces with Dylan Baker as Principal Wilkins who is just creepy and Anna Paquin playing the shy, retiring virgin is a brilliant twist on what follows! The always brilliant Brian Cox providing the grouchy neighbour with a secret is another great casting move. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTucDF7YCpiof8cx_sEcK8gPiuA9awcvdmLEEOw1eCNp7EfwQ0YvY37tlS4WgIB3ofWm6QL6G0ut7p6FSCvSNG2xCmbv9idjT8AmqYyb6OOeXZuYZSFLQP1WA7vVv9dk3rcGOGkfJ7O9eE/s1600/Trick+R+Treat+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTucDF7YCpiof8cx_sEcK8gPiuA9awcvdmLEEOw1eCNp7EfwQ0YvY37tlS4WgIB3ofWm6QL6G0ut7p6FSCvSNG2xCmbv9idjT8AmqYyb6OOeXZuYZSFLQP1WA7vVv9dk3rcGOGkfJ7O9eE/s400/Trick+R+Treat+4.jpg" width="400" ya="true" /></a></div>
As for atmosphere... Well, when you have so much dry ice floating around, the kind of comic-book style atmosphere that was clearly the target is easily achieved and very effective. While the film may fall ever so slightly into the tongue in cheek category as a result, what it lacks in real horror and scares, it more than makes up for it with its own brand of black comedy and drama. <br />
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While reading some background information, I noticed that no official cinema release was given and baring a few small screenings, it was released direct to DVD in 2009. It seems such a shame that films of this calibre find it difficult to get a general cinema release when some of what Hollywood puts out is so poor, it begs the question why bother!?<br />
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On the whole, Trick ‘R Treat is an enthrallingly entertaining and an all round enjoyable watch. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a fun filled film to enjoy on any random horror night, not just on October 31st!<br />
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Released: 2007<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p4" data-title="tt0862856" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0862856/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Trick 'r Treat (2007) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_31x14.png" /></a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 7.5</strong></span>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-19726493941388880152013-05-05T11:13:00.000+01:002013-05-05T11:37:51.292+01:00Movie Review: Apartment 143 (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLADbV2nnaQnfS-jslq8cbjLfXUOmNTQQjApEvccDp1haEdAG1N0WcQxWUj1EiodxoPW_5Xp-XOKx7Ck7yVgN7RZxeDkLAkiXRRYwnG_vxCtJp6jZIZF44u-4P0z6HE_PXzyTQ8BvE3YW/s1600/apartment-143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLADbV2nnaQnfS-jslq8cbjLfXUOmNTQQjApEvccDp1haEdAG1N0WcQxWUj1EiodxoPW_5Xp-XOKx7Ck7yVgN7RZxeDkLAkiXRRYwnG_vxCtJp6jZIZF44u-4P0z6HE_PXzyTQ8BvE3YW/s400/apartment-143.jpg" width="269" /></a>I found this film in a bargain bin in my local DVD retailer with a rather inviting £3 sticker on it. As such, I snapped it up and set about making it the latest in the long line of found footage style films on my watch list.</div>
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Apartment 143 follows the story of Alan White and his two kids, Caitlin and Benny. Alan moves his family into the small apartment to try and escape the strange occurrences that have plagued the family since the death of his wife. Upon moving however, the hauntings continue. Desperate, he calls in a group of parapsychologists to try and explain or even help the family get through this difficult phase.<br />
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The group consisting of Dr. Helzer and his two assistants Paul and Ellen start setting up all sorts of technical equipment around the apartment to monitor and document everything. Hoping to find either some compelling evidence or to just help put the families’ worries at ease, they soon get more than they had ever hoped for!<br />
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Ok, basics out of the way, now down to the brass tax. Essentially, Apartment 143 is another film in the long list of found footage haunting stories. A solid cast is able to carry the film quite well throughout its 80 minute duration even if the dialogue is a bit hammy. The main plus point for this film has to be the level of atmosphere that is generated. A tension that can only be garnered from good filmmaking and good filmmaking is exactly what I witnessed in Apartment 143.<br />
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Its high levels of atmosphere could also be construed by some as slightly slow or maybe even boring but in my opinion sometimes less is more. I was not a great lover of Paranormal Activity as such but the concept and the delivery really intrigued me. Similarly with Apartment 143, it does tend to fall slightly towards its conclusion but less so than in others. <br />
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There is not a massive amount of special effects but when we do see something, it is very impressive. One scene in particular made me jump. I won’t tell you which, if you’ve seen it you may know which bit I am referring to but it again was an example of good filmmaking because even though I could see it coming from a mile away, it was done in such a way it still made me jump! For me, that’s filmmaking! For so many years atmosphere and tension has been sacrificed for poor music and scares that fail to have the kind of impact that many good directors are able to have nowadays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfhQTz8FzL69RaIl0muTK7J301qHD9F19xcC29iy6fn0_dwo8aHazC1nCLoIK0i8jMy28fpCSYlwWKajSZp09fRq6SXPNVotAP6tj8GaTX5FYeBdVvt_TLIYXZODZMqxV41OX3Hjm45yI/s1600/apartment_143_thum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfhQTz8FzL69RaIl0muTK7J301qHD9F19xcC29iy6fn0_dwo8aHazC1nCLoIK0i8jMy28fpCSYlwWKajSZp09fRq6SXPNVotAP6tj8GaTX5FYeBdVvt_TLIYXZODZMqxV41OX3Hjm45yI/s320/apartment_143_thum.jpg" width="320" /></a>It is very hard to try and pick enough to say about a film when all the best bits could be considered spoilers. My outlook being such that I avoid giving away too much about the film otherwise I would be just another critic with an opinion. This way I’m just a film lover with an opinion!</div>
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In essence, Apartment 143 falls slightly short of its reputation as a great haunted house film but where so many others have failed miserably, this one at least comes close. It constitutes an all-round enjoyable mix of ghostly occurrences and demonic possession. I would recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of the sub-genre or even those who are a bit reluctant to embrace the new breed of horror film.<br />
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It is my hope that the found footage film continues to evolve and maybe one day we will have something to rival the very best.<br />
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Released: 2012<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p4" data-title="tt1757742" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1757742/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Apartment 143 (2011) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_31x14.png" />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Rating: 6.5</span></strong>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-31891282893220374982013-05-01T12:28:00.007+01:002013-05-03T12:32:54.694+01:00Movie Review: The Zombie Diaries (2006)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrypN6nDsJpRh_VA0AxI6TAEC6ZhoN-LgDCfduTM9kj_y8TkBEmr6zSauQcqTjQtvgmW_aWPRYUbQWnQUIhuAUVrLA16ZHp5dH8jSJqIFM4OA8bO2dfhv5ACWPHm0gIf_NGa-wY51Pb_60/s1600/936full-the-zombie-diaries-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrypN6nDsJpRh_VA0AxI6TAEC6ZhoN-LgDCfduTM9kj_y8TkBEmr6zSauQcqTjQtvgmW_aWPRYUbQWnQUIhuAUVrLA16ZHp5dH8jSJqIFM4OA8bO2dfhv5ACWPHm0gIf_NGa-wY51Pb_60/s400/936full-the-zombie-diaries-poster.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">WARNING ***CONTAINS SPOILERS***</span></strong><br />
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Quite early on in my evolving love for the Random Horror world, I was given a film called Zombie Diaries on DVD. It was released a short time before George A. Romero’s Diary of the Dead and was a British Independent movie. <br />
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My feelings for this film are so great that I am breaking my usually rule of NO SPOILERS! That is all I will say on that!<br />
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Zombie Diaries follows three sub-stories which all revolve around the arc of a virus which is slowly making its way to the shore’s of England. The first story finds us following a reporter and crew as they leave London following a lead on the virus. The story takes them to a farm in the countryside. Upon arrival, something seems strange and it isn’t long before the virus they’ve been hunting finds them!<br />
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The second story feels more like something from a survival film. Three survivors make their way in a car to a destination unknown, with a gun and some fight about them, they search for useful parts in any place they can. Ultimately though, the infected become a much bigger nuisance than they ever feared!<br />
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The third story finds a well knit group of people hold up in a farm house. A bit of hostility towards one another slowly creeps in and upsets the fine balance that had been established within the group. As a result, the attention is diverted from the Zombies which start to make their advance!<br />
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Much like the plot of the film, the quality is split into three sections. Unfortunately for Zombie Diaries, none of the sub-stories mean anything as the whole film is spoilt by the ending. A group of un-infected chav’s disturb the creepy tone which had built throughout the film and turn it into another run-of-the-mill slasher film, a direction which has plagued the UK Independent horror market in recent years. The empathy built and we all felt happy when the characters survived the Zombie horde’s. Only for them to be despatched anyway but not by zombies, no, Instead by some jumped up little pricks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt7DikIpy6y3zS-cF2A0xkeoEsj2z8gI3y8F1yiikeT4z0_t1jajWjz9WDyHtkPbCtRdtkZtfQzuq3EMWzeuA7F2kn54Wsldn2kcMdCAQu7PylbUl4hore4hD9_VVYhT6bambF_EL3HGq/s1600/zombiediariespic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt7DikIpy6y3zS-cF2A0xkeoEsj2z8gI3y8F1yiikeT4z0_t1jajWjz9WDyHtkPbCtRdtkZtfQzuq3EMWzeuA7F2kn54Wsldn2kcMdCAQu7PylbUl4hore4hD9_VVYhT6bambF_EL3HGq/s320/zombiediariespic4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In some respects, Zombie Diaries is a good example of solid British Filmmaking but only if you chop off the last ten minutes. Up to that point I was all ready to give this film a solid 6. However! With an ending that made the whole thing feel pointless and irritating, mainly because I had invested a lot of time and energy into the experience, I have no alternative but to completely disregard this film from my memory banks! Even after my original viewing fell into the abyss of my drunken sub-conscience, I gave it a second chance but low-and-behold, I was left wanting.... Wanting the last 81 minutes back! <br />
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The acting for the most part is.... regrettably, forgettable! Some VERY wooden conversations between characters leaves the whole thing feeling extremely scripted, some very hard work is required just to get from one scene to the next. Some browney points are earned with the special effects which were quite impressive for a small production like this but ultimately, not enough to save the film from the chop!<br />
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Never the less, I am a sucker for anything random so I shall be partaking in the sequel World of the Dead: Zombie Diaries 2, sometime soon. <br />
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Released: 2006<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p4" data-title="tt0876294" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0876294/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="The Zombie Diaries (2006) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_31x14.png" /></a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Rating: 2</span></strong>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-25505597812316583212013-04-24T19:29:00.000+01:002013-04-24T19:29:04.177+01:00Movie Review: The Amityville Haunting (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfgBKSGzZ_uy2hgfl5Ap2D-YISfpm_d8Wv48S7bbmj1N2eBFlkVTvIok0F-8ByMWZwH3HEoC6elInP4lcqPAaSE_tXYpWMVGJ_BkJcq3trGNX6aQECfVbtB08N0vpIu1QQGnWAkx6u_tK/s1600/AmityvilleHaunting-DVD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfgBKSGzZ_uy2hgfl5Ap2D-YISfpm_d8Wv48S7bbmj1N2eBFlkVTvIok0F-8ByMWZwH3HEoC6elInP4lcqPAaSE_tXYpWMVGJ_BkJcq3trGNX6aQECfVbtB08N0vpIu1QQGnWAkx6u_tK/s400/AmityvilleHaunting-DVD.jpg" width="283" /></a>After more than a month out of the game, I returned to the world of Random Horror with a... not quite a bang, more of a piff! I trawled through the Amazon suggests looking for more hidden gems and what I found was The Amityville Haunting!</div>
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By now, I think everyone should know the story of The Amityville House and its connected stories, for those who don’t, read about it. Anyway, The Amityville Haunting sells itself as a “Real” found footage film. The tagline reads... “The family did not survive but the recordings did”. I think this pretty much sums up the direction the film will take us.<br />
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To begin, we see a group of kids filming themselves breaking into the house whilst it is empty. They fool around a bit and pretty much do what young stupid American stereotype teens do in these types of films. And, equally as stereotypical, they all meet with untimely ends!<br />
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We skip forward slightly and a very awkward looking family introduce themselves to a slightly tentative realtor. With this, we are introduced to the Benson family, Douglas, Virginia and their three kids Tyler, Lori and Melanie. The whole experience is being captured by Tyler on his hand held camera. A quick scout around the house and a bit of a Luke-warm discussion between the parents and they decide to take the house. With this in their thoughts, they rush to inform the realtor only to find her lying dead in the driveway!<br />
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Unperturbed, the Bensons begin their move. A few removal men get the film-maker treatment as Tyler teases them about the house being the infamous Amityville house and how it is supposedly haunted. They must be the only removal men on the planet who don’t watch films because not one of them seems to have heard of it!<br />
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Before the day is done, yet another fatal accident befouls the christening of this young family’s new home. One of the removal men met his maker after falling down the stairs! By now, Virginia is beginning to regret the decision to move but Douglas’s military background starts to show and he insists they stay for at least a few more days. Further angles are added when he installs a security camera but it isn’t long before their decision to live in this fateful house bites them in the arse!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FgPLMD9Z6GqHA_yLbIOcuP_oMG7x5hOKnbuwapWGQj717yXOuYHWtJHVZ5fZ14gTyiUE3y8LMq12DJ0cAsPl2HvvEnkpT7yqZbYzJdEvsRlUrwXjDzzRWYN8cadziRgS6Hfhs5v8ze0i/s1600/amityville-haunting-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FgPLMD9Z6GqHA_yLbIOcuP_oMG7x5hOKnbuwapWGQj717yXOuYHWtJHVZ5fZ14gTyiUE3y8LMq12DJ0cAsPl2HvvEnkpT7yqZbYzJdEvsRlUrwXjDzzRWYN8cadziRgS6Hfhs5v8ze0i/s1600/amityville-haunting-1.jpg" /></a>So, pretty much that is the tract of this film. Slow, sometimes painfully so and poorly acted are probably the first words I would use to describe The Amityville Haunting. As a “real” film, the whole scenario and portrayal are totally unreal. Douglas as the man of the house rules with an iron fist but then still persuades the family to vacate the house in order to install an unhidden camera! Ok, perhaps but what plays out through the entire duration (86 Minutes) is a lacklustre, fairly uninteresting home movie which threatens to scare on only one occasion.</div>
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In all honesty, much like the majority of the direct to video releases of the Amityville series, this film could have been called anything. Very little reference is made to the DeFeo or the Lutz families and if I’m totally honest, it might have interested me more in the long run if it had been called something like the Benson Family Haunting. I admit, I bought the film because of its connection to Amityville but all that proves is the draw of the story is still appealing to me (PR at work) but the fact that this film is connected to two of my favourite horror films is quite a saddening thought!<br />
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Bad acting, no special effects of note and a story which is non-existent really don’t take too much away from what was always going to be a terrible film. Playing on the recent craze of found footage films only heightens the disaster. A Sub-Genre which has enthralled me in recent times with titles like Grave Encounters and Skew, somehow now however, films like this and Episode 50 have left a bitter taste in my mouth as the entertainment factor is sucked from them at high force!<br />
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Much like the Benson family in this film though, I will not be perturbed, I will not give in. My search for good horror from all walks of life goes on. The Amityville Haunting serves as a good benchmark on which to improve upon. Certainly not the worst horror film I have seen in recent times, far from it but for anyone interested in watching this film, I leave one word...... Don’t!<br />
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Released: 2011<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p4" data-title="tt2042447" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2042447/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="The Amityville Haunting (2011) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_31x14.png" /></a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Rating: 3</span></strong>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-84967493708712264012013-03-19T19:23:00.001+00:002013-03-19T19:24:03.856+00:00Movie Review: Outpost: Black Sun (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEWf8_RLuIXDo2ySJQDXtwZTmeBZiPXAqLkBa9glORvK20ppR2YMprwRvGyZ2pEr37Cf45kCn45Y_5ZHgJvg5kS_3YyRJ_QnPFBthgwphcu1oRX3madiX2GV278OYl7Mbur_9LGwwiJHw/s1600/Outpost+Black+Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEWf8_RLuIXDo2ySJQDXtwZTmeBZiPXAqLkBa9glORvK20ppR2YMprwRvGyZ2pEr37Cf45kCn45Y_5ZHgJvg5kS_3YyRJ_QnPFBthgwphcu1oRX3madiX2GV278OYl7Mbur_9LGwwiJHw/s400/Outpost+Black+Sun.jpg" title="Outpost Black Sun" width="270" /></a>This is a film that like the previous sequel I reviewed (<a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2013/03/movie-review-grave-encounters-2-2012.html" target="_blank">Grave Encounters 2</a>) promised so much. Let me take you back a bit. One of my first posts on this website was for a little indie film called <a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2011/08/outpost.html" target="_blank">Outpost</a>. The film saw a group of mercenaries escorting a businessman in the woods of Eastern Europe only to be confronted by an army of un-dead Nazi SS soldiers. The concept and delivery were brilliant and immediately after watching Outpost, I was ecstatic to learn that a sequel had already been commissioned.</div>
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A few years passed and it seemed as though Outpost 2 was never going to be released, I had been following their Facebook/Twitter pages so I knew the film had been made but alas, no release date. Even news of a third instalment didn’t bring with it a release for the second! Eventually, as if overnight, Outpost: Black Sun was released in shops and quickly moved to the top of my wish list! I finally got the opportunity to watch it after a chance visit to HMV provided me with a copy for the bargain price of £3! <br />
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Black Sun begins with a flashback scene to 1945 and a Nazi scientist called Klausener. Klausener is working on some crazy technology to assist the Nazi push; a familiar face in Götz (Johnny Meres), the breather from the first instalment was a welcome sight. Skip forward a few decades and we are introduced to Lena, hell bent on eradicating the world of the last few survivors of Hitler’s army, she is on the trail of Klausener. Little does she know that her search is about to drag her into a world she is ill equipped to handle. A machine that was developed by Klausener is the item it seems everyone is trying to attain. It gives any member of Gotz’s undead army within its radius the lucky advantage of being immortal. As the radius of the machines power expands, it brings with it more doom.<br />
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Lena is joined on her voyage by Wallace, who has been on the trail of Klausener for a long time and is well positioned to help even if his motives are slightly sketchy. After joining up with a Special Forces unit, they must go deep into enemy territory to try and stop the massing Nazi army before its immortal reach stretches too far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TcSGSzd7Nt7kCdwJMWQZpFFmeBQ6bTa9zrb9Q9caC-_ZKoxaX-vsAAOx1HYVn9PnQ-fBToqxbhS3FKnGOMwCBLxQh-9zAiKLUM6hupETyLt8gShcSgBcwnhxs8mOikGhPeRw8Eb-oywd/s1600/Outpost+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TcSGSzd7Nt7kCdwJMWQZpFFmeBQ6bTa9zrb9Q9caC-_ZKoxaX-vsAAOx1HYVn9PnQ-fBToqxbhS3FKnGOMwCBLxQh-9zAiKLUM6hupETyLt8gShcSgBcwnhxs8mOikGhPeRw8Eb-oywd/s400/Outpost+2.png" title="Outpost 2 Nazi Zombies" width="400" /></a>As with the first film, there are lots of Nazi zombies to keep everyone entertained but, and I say this with the greatest of sadness, the film lacks in most departments. The storyline seems like something from a Hellboy comic. Too much of the technology is described in far too great a detail than is required for a horror film of this type. For that level of detail, an action film is the direction to go but this is too dark to be considered in that category, so I suppose in essence, very much like Grave Encounters 2, Outpost: Black Sun is a sequel that doesn’t quite fit.</div>
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Whereas the first film was inventive, original, creepy and very atmospheric, this instalment just isn’t unfortunately. The story seems to suffer from too much depth and once it starts drowning, it can never quite get its head above water again. As the story develops, we are treated to a few interesting sights and even a few “stop breathing or he’ll see you” moments which do add weight to its horror roots but sadly it’s not enough.<br />
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Although the film suffers from many downfalls one good feature is the acting. For the most part, this is done with great ease. Notably from Richard Coyle who plays Wallace. I had only previously seen him in a made for TV Sky programme called Going Postal based on Terry Pratchett’s work. He was good in both. Catherine Steadman played the role of Lena brilliantly too and this did add that much needed extra dimension to proceedings.<br />
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All in all, Black Sun was on a slippery path from the beginning. Its main enemy was its predecessor. Had this been a standalone venture with no connection to the original, then I can see how it may have worked however, it wasn’t. No matter how slim the connection, I was always going to compare this to the first and with that being said, it disappointed greatly. What we have learned from this is that with a bit of extra cash, the producers etc have suffered from lottery winning syndrome. Too much money that they didn’t know where to throw it!<br />
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I will not let this effort dissuade me from watching the next instalment, Outpost: Rise of the Spetsnaz. Hopefully that will repair all the damage caused here…
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Released: 2012<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1418712" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1418712/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Outpost: Black Sun (2012) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Rating: 4</span></strong>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-73285276934418535152013-03-17T15:48:00.000+00:002013-04-22T13:07:07.694+01:00Movie Review: Grave Encounters 2 (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjhLCpeH3xZaq13qODoo903bzZewRqSs-ViTFrRYYIZdsaT2inqJPyS3K2Tba9WpiG0J1DvcB3UTuYa5dKxao-UF3x61Nuxi7NAn92NSLp0ss2IdVeMO2gfKxIl4I8TeAdQ6eP-m7qyVK/s1600/Grave+Encounters+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjhLCpeH3xZaq13qODoo903bzZewRqSs-ViTFrRYYIZdsaT2inqJPyS3K2Tba9WpiG0J1DvcB3UTuYa5dKxao-UF3x61Nuxi7NAn92NSLp0ss2IdVeMO2gfKxIl4I8TeAdQ6eP-m7qyVK/s400/Grave+Encounters+2.jpg" title="Grave Encounters 2" width="271" /></a>I must say after watching and massively enjoying the first <a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2013/01/grave-encounters.html" target="_blank">Grave Encounters</a>, I was very excited to see the second. I watched a few trailers and nothing I saw did anything to alter my initial excitement. I was scanning the DVD shelf at our local unnamed chain supermarket when I saw it; twice reduced the price was now too good an opportunity to pass up at £5! </div>
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Still excited, I decided to watch it that same night…<br />
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Grave Encounters 2 begins with a montage of amateur film reviewers giving their two cents on the first instalment. One of them is Film Student Alex Wright. After giving it a fairly poor review he becomes obsessed with the mystery surrounding the production of the first film. He is contacted by a viewer of his video blog known only as Death Awaits and is fed small snippets of information.<br />
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This information is enough to get Alex more than intrigued, so along with his friends Jennifer, Trevor, Tessa and Jared he sets about unravelling the secrets of Grave Encounters. Their journey takes them to an interview with Sean Rogerson a.k.a Lance Preston, host of Grave Encounters. They are greeted by Sean’s mother but it soon becomes clear she is not all there. After Mrs Rogerson’s care giver insists they leave the house, she informs the group of friends that she has dementia and no one has heard from Sean in ten years.<br />
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A further trail takes Alex to L.A to try and meet with series producer Jerry Hartfield, this also proves to be a hard fought trip in which he manages to gather some info but not enough to blow the lid off. It is his ultimate decision that they have to travel to the filming location of Grave Encounters in order to uncover the truth. Having been given the location of an unknown mental hospital in Vancouver, Canada, that is supposedly the actual location of the fictional Collingwood Hospital from the series, they embark on their next adventure!<br />
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I don’t really want to go any further because the rest of the film is a mixture of copycatting from the first film and dire storytelling portrayed on screen! To say I was disappointed doesn’t quite cover it. Grave Encounters 2 took everything that was good from the first and squeezed it dry so all we are left with is a sub-standard half found footage film, half cliché ridden genre movie that doesn’t even know its own identity!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6w43JSo8S7AW-B5M-4WAQvi7Tkmk4sXiSjbmkiqouxeUPCp84OSuSJIojormvdzAGOXOZKsZ_ultVpMcSlyMhek9eHM3jdowY230jddbIGtr_tZavj65DxU4QYDwUjMfuUP60MxwOpyv/s1600/grave+encounters+2+Girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6w43JSo8S7AW-B5M-4WAQvi7Tkmk4sXiSjbmkiqouxeUPCp84OSuSJIojormvdzAGOXOZKsZ_ultVpMcSlyMhek9eHM3jdowY230jddbIGtr_tZavj65DxU4QYDwUjMfuUP60MxwOpyv/s400/grave+encounters+2+Girl.jpg" title="Grave Encounters 2 Girl" width="400" /></a></div>
I say half and half because there are a few scenes in the middle that follow similar patterns to that of the first film and could easily be classed as Found Footage but the rest is so unbelievable and poor that calling it found footage would be an insult to its predecessor and to the greats that bore us the sub-genre!<br />
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When I mention those few found footage style scenes, I have to follow it up with the fact they are carbon copies of the first! Right down to the nurse and the wide open mouth style scares that really worked well in the first but for genre lovers all around the world it’s not enough! We need to see something more. Some shred of originality which sadly was lacking in this effort. <br />
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Poorly acted on the whole and characters that did nothing to gain any miniscule amount of empathy. From the word go, I disliked the main characters and even the feel of the film. I’m not against students per se but the way they are portrayed on film makes me really dislike them. I am sure real American students are very different so hopefully I haven’t offended anyone… <br />
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Essentially what Grave Encounters 2 represents is something akin to Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 with one glaring difference, Blair Witch 2 was actually quite good. It was always going to be a tough act to follow up something as impressive as Grave Encounters. I don’t know, maybe they rushed production or didn’t put too much thought into story but whatever the reason, it really begs the question Why? Why was it allowed? In a move totally out of the ordinary for me, I can’t give much in the way of positivity or praise what-so-ever.<br />
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The only thing I can say about this film is; if you liked Grave Encounters please, please don’t watch Grave Encounters 2 unless you want to be wholly disappointed! <br />
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On a slightly separate note, right at the end of the film a set of numbers briefly appears on the screen. A quick google search of the numbers (49 14 122 48) led me to a Wikipedia page which revealed the actual filming location as Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam, British Columbia. If the hospital looked familiar, that’s probably because you’ve seen it somewhere before. Included, is a very large list of film and TV titles that have been filmed in or around Riverview Hospital…. Disappointed? I was!<br />
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Released: 2012<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2231554" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2231554/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Grave Encounters 2 (2012) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Rating: 2</span></strong>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-12332993834247028602013-03-15T12:38:00.000+00:002013-03-15T12:48:26.181+00:00Movie Review: V/H/S (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6KcIgvnhyKO7jjBbyDz3vBuPCEwpImq1RXuhrruBxgB9TKNxLBHBrvw1X1rBW-m9k9T8Eh1cuhRHdq9RC29GcKDORh2i83pFM8cHscidORgGUEiulsh-TbK3n7gDh2UC1Y9B4uWfBX1t/s1600/VHS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6KcIgvnhyKO7jjBbyDz3vBuPCEwpImq1RXuhrruBxgB9TKNxLBHBrvw1X1rBW-m9k9T8Eh1cuhRHdq9RC29GcKDORh2i83pFM8cHscidORgGUEiulsh-TbK3n7gDh2UC1Y9B4uWfBX1t/s400/VHS.jpg" title="VHS" width="283" /></a></div>
This is another film that was brought to my attention a while ago, this time through the wonders of Twitter and its many awesome horror fans. I watched the trailer on YouTube then instantly watched it again and then again and over the course of the next week or so, continued to watch in awe as I wondered if this could be as good in reality as the trailer made it seem...<br />
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Months passed and although I continued to refresh my memory by watching the many updated trailers that came by, I was thwarted in my attempts to watch it as being in the UK, all VOD opportunities seemed to be in the States. But, my time would come! I was browsing around randomly on Amazon when my gaze was diverted by a familiar VHS cover. A patient wait until the end of January and V/H/S was finally in my possession!<br />
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It is so difficult to review an anthology because they differ so dramatically! One can influence my decision and consciousness greatly while others may drag it down somewhat. I suppose the best way to do it would be to individually break it down and review each one on its own merits as standalone short films and then as a whole.<br />
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So here we go.<br />
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<u><strong>The Narrative - Tape 56</strong></u><br />
Dir. Adam Wingard<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxzgV6P3ATd-EtE70OiwchNUuqXyHjVVIDuQ2fMkie97rkxf6ZSTn9O0BA8Yqq0IsV0tdrKXW63A0ZgoIZwm0qjcZR8uYISbswG0uXE7_NPKD2NoIWjQO1cofUxLVSiT7iHNQCbyKPm5p/s1600/VHS+-+Tape+56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="213" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidxzgV6P3ATd-EtE70OiwchNUuqXyHjVVIDuQ2fMkie97rkxf6ZSTn9O0BA8Yqq0IsV0tdrKXW63A0ZgoIZwm0qjcZR8uYISbswG0uXE7_NPKD2NoIWjQO1cofUxLVSiT7iHNQCbyKPm5p/s320/VHS+-+Tape+56.jpg" title="VHS Tape 56" width="320" /></a></div>
V/H/S is presented as a found footage film centred around a group of young criminals and their underhanded money making exploits including filming exposure porn and selling it on the internet. An opportunity arises that sets them the task of breaking into a house to steal a VHS tape. Too good to be true maybe but the group set off to complete the job. Upon arrival at the house, they discover the corpse of a man sitting in front of several TV’s with nothing but static white noise being played. Free to roam the house uninterrupted, the group split and search for the VHS tapes while one member remains in the room. He plays the tape that is still in the Video player and thus begins the anthology of horror shorts that make up V/H/S. While they watch the VHS tapes laid before them, the film cuts back to this as a running front story with the rest played behind. <br />
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Although this was the most annoying of the collection, it was mainly for personal reasons. I just don’t connect with criminals and some of the things they do make me dislike them even more! With all that out of the way, the acting was good and the suspense that builds as shot to shot we are invited further into a sick world of snuff films and corpses is brilliant.<br />
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<strong>Rating: 6.5</strong><br />
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<u><strong>Amateur Night</strong></u><br />
Dir. David Bruckner<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQFGBxkoBGThQhxO6Tj6loIhrZH-7M-9oyXAb6rxlVfdFvjsVLJ7TPpKc-3pSyB8xS4JXrM4J4S9SRhl0SqIIESg_rVR3qfjTw9YUtl8c0dgloKt-HyOEksbDxQQLkQjjGlmddwAkz3HI/s1600/VHS+-+Amateur+Night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQFGBxkoBGThQhxO6Tj6loIhrZH-7M-9oyXAb6rxlVfdFvjsVLJ7TPpKc-3pSyB8xS4JXrM4J4S9SRhl0SqIIESg_rVR3qfjTw9YUtl8c0dgloKt-HyOEksbDxQQLkQjjGlmddwAkz3HI/s400/VHS+-+Amateur+Night.jpg" title="VHS Amateur Night" width="400" /></a></div>
This is the first of the shorts that is presented to us and it follows Shane, Patrick and Clint as they get ready for a night on the pull, to put it bluntly. From their rented motel room, Clint tests out his new glasses which are fitted with a hidden camera. Their objective is to proposition some unsuspecting girls and invite them back to their motel room in order to make a sex tape. <br />
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They head out and soon liaise with a group of young ladies who are just as “up for it” as they are. However, one girl, Lily who takes an instant shine to Clint seems to stand out from the crowd but for the most bizarre reasons.<br />
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As an introduction to this format, this segment serves its purpose very well. The acting is actually very good, with special mention to Hannah Fierman whose portrayal of the eerily played Lily is brilliant! <br />
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On the whole very enjoyable and creepy even if the conclusion was slightly disappointing.<br />
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<strong>Rating: 7</strong><br />
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<u><strong>Second Honeymoon</strong></u><br />
Dir. Ti West<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlUiqCTNb_MHPN8yrP-WPQGZL2nm0a9BPpJQvAHrgqt4JXD98nKfyCbx6btgdVcvfJ0rvNnv0c6Yk1IWTt_Nxo26hYSWDvO_VcIXzifu9NrsPO_CHtfh2uwcf0NMxAIQLdk1305747xaI/s1600/VHS+-+Second+Honeymoon.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlUiqCTNb_MHPN8yrP-WPQGZL2nm0a9BPpJQvAHrgqt4JXD98nKfyCbx6btgdVcvfJ0rvNnv0c6Yk1IWTt_Nxo26hYSWDvO_VcIXzifu9NrsPO_CHtfh2uwcf0NMxAIQLdk1305747xaI/s400/VHS+-+Second+Honeymoon.bmp" title="VHS Second Honeymoon" width="400" /></a></div>
Second Honeymoon follows Sam and Stephanie as they embark on a road trip across America, filming their adventure with a handheld camera to recount their experiences along the way. An unexpected and off-camera encounter with a stranger leads the pair to be quite wary about a young woman who had asked for a lift. In the middle of the night, the camera zips to life however, we are not being held by either of the young couple. Instead, we are watching as an intruder creepily records their own exploits as the pair sleep. The morning brings a new day and the cycle continues! <br />
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This is perhaps the most simplistic segment of the collection but this by no means is detrimental to the directors’ ability to conjure up intimate fear at a primal level! Great camera work and a twist ending help make Second Honeymoon enjoyable in its own way.<br />
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<strong>Rating: 7</strong><br />
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<u><strong>Tuesday the 17th</strong></u><br />
Dir. Glenn McQuaid<br />
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Joey, Spider, Samantha and Wendy embark on camping trip. Wendy has clearly been before as she guides the group around the woods, as she does so a few choice memories intrude on their seemingly picturesque trip. Wendy eventually reveals that a murderer killed her friends in these woods and he is still at large! The others suspect she may be pulling their legs so laugh it off and continue on. However it soon becomes apparent that something is lurking in the woods and Wendy may be looking for revenge!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ-Wijr_VZd5LTAqaBKz3NsldEbF-Jm5wg-rhR8p4l5FPy0pn22cg6Ca8bn48MRmthyphenhyphenq4IFcQGYY_viwEoyF-RaIrj_q0dp8pyvdjaoI95eQt0Zg276VE4puRXZd3ErprVOApNs8jK8RN/s1600/VHS+-+Tuesday+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ-Wijr_VZd5LTAqaBKz3NsldEbF-Jm5wg-rhR8p4l5FPy0pn22cg6Ca8bn48MRmthyphenhyphenq4IFcQGYY_viwEoyF-RaIrj_q0dp8pyvdjaoI95eQt0Zg276VE4puRXZd3ErprVOApNs8jK8RN/s400/VHS+-+Tuesday+17.jpg" title="VHS Tuesday 17th" width="400" /></a></div>
As with others, there is a definite underlying sexual tension in this piece but while that may detract from other films of similar tendencies, which is not the case here. Characterisation is the biggest factor in this segment as back stories and empathy is gathered in equal measure. As such, Tuesday the 17th feels like a movie I’ve seen before, many times. <br />
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Possibly the least original in concept but one of the most visually impressive examples of such concept I have seen. Camera tricks a plenty as this little segment provides the blood soaked gore fest of the collection!<br />
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<strong>Rating: 7</strong><br />
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<u><strong>The Sick thing that happened to Emily when she was younger</strong></u><br />
Dir. Joe Swanberg<br />
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This segment follows Emily and her video chat exploits with her doctor to be boyfriend, James. The pair discuss many things, among them a strange bump on Emily’s arm and the fact Emily thinks her apartment may be haunted. As they talk via video link, Emily attempts to prove the haunting by showing James first hand. Things escalate and the haunting may be the least of Emily’s worries!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGDk0slw-vYEpbxJIZtfV0Yj1Re8_KzSK-DjlbD8I0_vpShZsBCSLZHeZvwFypPU3RAZd_n2hbyutNHYQrnV6ODs1EHXNPax_9antb3aAHpMUtyi_8H81LUvj8PHw72tc3HhJFZVxQFNY/s1600/VHS+-+The+Stange+Thing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="226" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGDk0slw-vYEpbxJIZtfV0Yj1Re8_KzSK-DjlbD8I0_vpShZsBCSLZHeZvwFypPU3RAZd_n2hbyutNHYQrnV6ODs1EHXNPax_9antb3aAHpMUtyi_8H81LUvj8PHw72tc3HhJFZVxQFNY/s400/VHS+-+The+Stange+Thing.jpg" title="VHS The Sick thing that happened to Emily when she was younger" width="400" /></a></div>
This starts off being very similar to a short film I watched via a Horror app, Popcorn Horror which was called Chatter, in which a young woman angry with her long distance boyfriend decides to chat to strangers via video link. Anyway, back to The sick thing... Emily’s fear and anxiety is perfectly captured by Helen Rogers and the scares provided in this one are next to the best offered by this collection. However, much like Amateur Night, the ending was a slight let down but the rest more than make it enjoyable.<br />
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<strong>Rating: 8</strong><br />
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<strong><u>10/31/98</u></strong><br />
Dir. Radio Silence<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo6evOWyDKeCq9TuQakxxlFWQskstabWihLA5DwNWCtcsRcnNGczpTNI0fqfBeV15J5AqFp3M-WryEz2TMW9g8m9GXeifRf3EhamsqBC74ZlxpW0LIQD03qLJChu_9YCatvU7Ke-j3J6W/s1600/VHS+-+10-31-98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo6evOWyDKeCq9TuQakxxlFWQskstabWihLA5DwNWCtcsRcnNGczpTNI0fqfBeV15J5AqFp3M-WryEz2TMW9g8m9GXeifRf3EhamsqBC74ZlxpW0LIQD03qLJChu_9YCatvU7Ke-j3J6W/s400/VHS+-+10-31-98.jpg" title="VHS 10/31/98" width="400" /></a></div>
The sixth and final segment see’s friends Chad, Matt, Tyler and Paul setting out to a Halloween party complete with costumes. They head to the party but somehow get a little lost and end up breaking into the wrong house. A few supernatural occurrences prompt the group to assume they’re in a Halloween attraction and decide to go with it. As they search the house, they wind up in the attic where a group of men ritualistically chant with a young woman bound and suspended from the roof. The men don’t take too kindly to the intrusion and begin assaulting the woman. A series of bizarre events make the cult seem like child’s play as the group of friends must now escape a nightmare!<br />
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The final and best of the group, scares a plenty, jumps and even a few laughs. 10/31/98 exceeds all other segments for one simple reason, its ending! Others ended like the writer had run out of idea’s or were trying to shock but this one ends how a really good feature would end.<br />
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Brilliantly acted and scary!<br />
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<strong>Rating: 8.5</strong><br />
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All in all, V/H/S stands as a brilliant example of indie film making and real horror in its rawest form. While some segments may have been better than others, the whole makes for an extremely enjoyable 2 hour experience. A quick scan on Wikipedia lead me to a comment made by Variety which had suggested that the film was too long and maybe should have relegated some parts to a DVD extra. I have to disagree with this comment, the length of a chronicle of stories such as this is perfect as it is, any shorter and all you have is a made for TV special or something along those lines.<br />
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Each director had their own visions to put out into the world for us to enjoy and as I said, some were better than others but each one was enjoyable in its own special way. I even loved the fact the video was extremely grainy in parts and sometimes even skipped several seconds. It made the whole thing feel very genuine! <br />
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A perfect example of what I would normally call Random Horror however, this randomness has started to reach out and evolve. Random Horror that has grown and twisted its way into the consciousnesses of a mass audience and I have to say I am enjoying this new era of Horror. Keep it coming! If you’re on the fence about this one or having second thoughts about watching it, I would say just go for it. It gives a great account of modern horror and sets it in a brilliantly blood soaked awe of anticipation, anxiety and fear!<br />
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V/H/S impressed me so much, it will most certainly become one I will watch again and again....<br />
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Here’s looking forward to the sequel: V/H/S/2<br />
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Released: 2012<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt2105044" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2105044/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="V/H/S (2012) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /></a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Rating:- </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Segmented Average Score: 7.3</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">As a whole: 8</span></strong>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-49306650899322361012013-03-10T16:56:00.002+00:002013-03-10T16:56:49.851+00:00Movie Review: Silent House (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyanOFBETlHsaG2i9XYoej5YK9OFWfWTooKq5Wp-aOdrT6pf_6wQ6pV568YwR4eAMnLiBOHci11DQZe6sMpJPK1-85se9tIDWSeYuYoq0EVEMbboe0sf7LFT5ckxp9Mer-YUXA1gKYimGW/s1600/Silent+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyanOFBETlHsaG2i9XYoej5YK9OFWfWTooKq5Wp-aOdrT6pf_6wQ6pV568YwR4eAMnLiBOHci11DQZe6sMpJPK1-85se9tIDWSeYuYoq0EVEMbboe0sf7LFT5ckxp9Mer-YUXA1gKYimGW/s400/Silent+House.jpg" width="266" /></a>I first saw this advertised before watching <a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2013/03/chernobyl-diaries.html" target="_blank">Chernobyl Diaries</a> and while the premise sounded quite familiar, the delivery made me really want to watch. So, off I went to my local retailer and lo-and-behold, the same sale that gifted me Chernobyl Diaries for £5, also gave me this title for the same price. I was quite happy to say the least.</div>
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The film follows Sarah (Elizabeth Olsen) who has travelled with her father, John to their lakeside retreat to pack it up ready for selling. Helping them along the way is Peter, John’s Brother. The house itself is quite run down and in a fairly poor state. After a petty brotherly argument, Peter leaves to get away for a bit, leaving Sarah and her dad alone in the house.<br />
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A strange encounter with Sophia, who says she used to play with Sarah when they were kids, sets the tone of the film very well. Despite being friendly about the reunion, Sarah appears to have no clue whom she is. Either way, they arrange to meet up later. She leaves and Sarah returns to the sanctity of the house. Locking the door behind her!<br />
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She begins to hear strange noises coming from upstairs. After alerting her dad, he begins an investigation but soon falls foul of something sinister. Assuming its intruders, Sarah attempts to flee the house but with all the windows boarded up and unable to find the key for the door she recently locked, there is no way out! She must now attempt to find her dad and escape this nightmare before things get any worse!<br />
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I don’t really want to give anymore away, so I won’t! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3khJf_kIbrwrUPMCq523sfHEH1dei0zxPQq_Odh88LsJN1R2o68bvZbM1Y_bzLAZ0Qv3rKcmhPpgGmqLH8FKY6r2wUKbbOGT7FJeB6R8CbGzeWuiQ1R6V8VZ_pQUEmEYi4ZgpRfGEEABw/s1600/Elizabeth+Olsen+-+Silent+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3khJf_kIbrwrUPMCq523sfHEH1dei0zxPQq_Odh88LsJN1R2o68bvZbM1Y_bzLAZ0Qv3rKcmhPpgGmqLH8FKY6r2wUKbbOGT7FJeB6R8CbGzeWuiQ1R6V8VZ_pQUEmEYi4ZgpRfGEEABw/s400/Elizabeth+Olsen+-+Silent+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The most interesting thing about this film is the way it’s made. It is filmed to give the impression of one long single shot take. In reality they filmed small segments and carefully edited the scenes together but it is done so well, better than I have ever seen before in fact, that it makes this film feel real. Throughout the entire film, the viewer can almost literally put themselves behind the shoulder of Sarah who occupies about 98% of the runtime.<br />
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This technique helps immensely with the atmosphere as it feels like we’re some creepy fly on the wall. An unwavering fixation on Sarah as we follow so closely we genuinely feel and share her fear! Some scenes I was found holding my breath along with Sarah as she hides in the furthest recesses of this old rickety house!<br />
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The name Olsen was kind of familiar, so a quick check on iMDb helped me learn that she is younger sister of the Olsen twins and this is one of her first forays into motion pictures. If this is anything to go by, I can safely assume she has a long and successful career ahead of her. Her role in this film was played brilliantly from start to finish, as she took me in and made me really empathetic towards her and her plight!<br />
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As for genuine scares, Silent House didn’t have many but with the type of film it was, I wasn’t really looking for scares. The build-up of immense dread, suspense and apprehension are enough to fuel this type of film. However, when something special was offered for the eyes, it was more than enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. A great story brilliantly portrayed and told through the work of actors and directors, Silent House is one I would certainly recommend!<br />
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Released: 2011<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1767382" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1767382/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Silent House (2011) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 8</strong></span>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-29393808276420330652013-03-06T19:07:00.001+00:002013-03-10T11:22:10.315+00:00Movie Review: Chernobyl Diaries (2012)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l8_cWns2Eq9iP5e-oaHX0q3zEbtYG72nIrngYQIucqxeBdbsfK6Y9FwWy4TfyusJ8FAp3tmMo2Monu-x7Oyc7F8W_CpfJDvtvJkRWj1Hc7tJUwFok_A87pLIDWVQXbRqPoywEPJFHe6x/s1600/chernobyl+Diaries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7l8_cWns2Eq9iP5e-oaHX0q3zEbtYG72nIrngYQIucqxeBdbsfK6Y9FwWy4TfyusJ8FAp3tmMo2Monu-x7Oyc7F8W_CpfJDvtvJkRWj1Hc7tJUwFok_A87pLIDWVQXbRqPoywEPJFHe6x/s400/chernobyl+Diaries.jpg" title="Chernobyl Diaries" width="282" /></a>
Another film that was instantly appealing to me was The Chernobyl Diaries. The same shopping spree that saw me buying <a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2013/03/the-loved-ones.html" target="_blank">The Loved Ones</a> also saw me purchasing this! I had been meaning to watch it for quite some time and when I saw a solitary copy of it at cut price of about £5 (Thank you HMV 70% off!) I could not resist!</div>
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Chernobyl Diaries follows a group of friends travelling around Europe. Chris, along with his girlfriend Natalie and another friend Amanda document their trip with footage from loads of major cities around Europe. The next stop on their trip is to the Ukraine to meet up with Chris’ brother Paul. From Kiev, they plan to travel to Moscow however, a chance opportunity to visit the site of the infamous Chernobyl nuclear reactor proves too good to pass up! They meet up with extreme tour guide Uri and along with another couple there for the trip, they set off to the town of Pripyat.<br />
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The actual reactor site is still too dangerous for humans so the group make do with the town that was populated by the workers and their families. The town of Pripyat was evacuated with little warning when Chernobyl’s nuclear reactor No. 4 went critical and exploded. With the exception of a few opportunistic thieves, the town is heavily guarded and remains relatively untouched. After arriving at a military checkpoint, they are told to turn around. Uri, refusing this advice finds another route into the town through the woods.<br />
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Once in Pripyat, the group are shown around by Uri who despite being slightly cautious, appears to know his way around. They take their chance to snap some very cool pics and have a good old nosey around at some of the amenities and homes that were abandoned. As day draws to a close Uri urges the group back to the van but it refuses to start. After a small bit of investigation, they find the starter motor and the cables to said motor appear to have been chewed by something! They sit less than calmly in the lifeless van until night falls around them. Then the fun really begins!<br />
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With Producer and screenplay writer Oren Peli involved, we know what kind of film we’re going to get but the actual result is so much more than I had expected. It will inevitably be likened to the docu-styled paranormal activity purely because of its style but it is far superior. In fact, for reasons quite unknown to me, the more I think about it the more I enjoyed this film. The fact we are only given mouth watering snippets of the dangers, always slightly visible but just out of reach if you know what I mean. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB79rBJumHfqycBQBSz7aFNM7_tS_qmNRGl-wugN-Cs1nhKuMWbAi_Pimk6NTQxyLEBtGY5Otfn1ZnkTixrmHfDjbXBIixDSC0VDGz3KrlVwSjAkacBcYhtGlIDJWjle1Svp-TDWMvPo97/s1600/chernobyl+diaries+Pripyat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB79rBJumHfqycBQBSz7aFNM7_tS_qmNRGl-wugN-Cs1nhKuMWbAi_Pimk6NTQxyLEBtGY5Otfn1ZnkTixrmHfDjbXBIixDSC0VDGz3KrlVwSjAkacBcYhtGlIDJWjle1Svp-TDWMvPo97/s400/chernobyl+diaries+Pripyat.jpg" title="Pripyat" width="400" /></a>While Chernobyl Diaries wasn’t actually filmed on location for obviously reasons, I thought the scenes were very convincing. The minor details really help the atmosphere and overall believability of the movie. I know the reality of the situation is very different and people regularly visit the town of Pripyat on “official” tourist visits but if that was internationally common knowledge then perhaps the film wouldn’t have been made or maybe it would have, just set in an earlier time.<br />
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A very interesting read on <a href="http://www.scifimoviepage.com/blog/movies/chernobyl-diaries-fact-vs-fiction/" target="_blank">Sci-Fi Movie Hype</a> takes us through some of the flaws within the film BUT what I am reviewing is the movie itself, so enjoy the read at your will but please do not let any of it take away from what is an original and fantastic horror film. Sometimes people let little things like this influence their minds too much. Example, Jurassic Park appears plausible and reachable in the film but then a Scientist tells you its IMPOSSIBLE! Does that make you enjoy the film any less? Just because tourists go to Pripyat all the time and Mobile Phones DO work, does that make this film any less enjoyable? Short answer... No!<br />
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Chernobyl Diaries is brilliantly acted with a screenplay to match. Some great filming tricks make the whole thing feel ironically claustrophobic and a few jumpy bits really add to the atmosphere. At no point throughout this film did I find myself anything other than engrossed so despite everything we now know, it is still a brilliant film. In fact, I think I will watch it again tonight!<br />
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Released: 2012<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1991245" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1991245/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Chernobyl Diaries (2012) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 8</strong></span> Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433404789670764279.post-28371605116925748162013-03-05T20:42:00.000+00:002013-04-25T12:30:58.448+01:00Movie Review: Skew (2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5lQ_g3Ww2LnVo2Clpwkjbw02j-lOsHz0zhHZp-sSkBksa0JweWgPnUMHb4fiM6XRBbUHLmeCJjY0sSDrJqFniYQsbaD4C24fyM3oWU1hS9tS2B4xJyCkNEOUKPpaQS-gyB__d3nwqIdt/s1600/Skew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5lQ_g3Ww2LnVo2Clpwkjbw02j-lOsHz0zhHZp-sSkBksa0JweWgPnUMHb4fiM6XRBbUHLmeCJjY0sSDrJqFniYQsbaD4C24fyM3oWU1hS9tS2B4xJyCkNEOUKPpaQS-gyB__d3nwqIdt/s320/Skew.jpg" width="216" /></a>With all the bigger budget horror films I have watched lately, I thought I would mix it up a bit and watch something a bit more low-budget, something more in keeping with the likes of a true random horror. It’s another one that the misses got me for Christmas so I have waited quite a while to watch it but with the amount of DVD’s I have, this is understandable. </div>
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First impressions from the case were quite good, it gave me a good idea what the film would entail... Someone filming events using a hand-held camera. I suppose that is fairly close to the mark and in keeping with current trends. The likes of <a href="http://www.randomhorror.co.uk/2013/01/grave-encounters.html" target="_blank">Grave Encounters</a> and Paranormal Activity have really led resurgence in the found footage/Hand-held department after the greats of Cannibal Holocaust and The Blair Witch Project paved the way.<br />
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Skew follows Richard, Eva and Simon on a road trip across the country as they travel to a friend’s wedding. Simon has decided that he is going to document every second of the trip and does so with great compassion and determination. As tensions flair throughout the journey, friendships are tested and the three friends must battle not only their own demons but each others as well. The eager Simon maintains his intrusive recording as we learn more about the characters and what they are feeling. <br />
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A seemingly innocent stop off at a motel leads to the first in a chain of events that will thrill and entertain. Through the glassy lens of the camera, Simon witnesses a bizarre occurrence. The Motel managers face appears blurred or skewed. He initially disregards it as a glitch but when the man turns up dead, he begins to suspect something. As the story progresses, more and more of these skewed faces plague Simon until eventually the three friends turn on one another!<br />
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Skew gives us another original concept using a trusty hand held but where Grave Encounters really impressed, Skew impressed in other ways. A bit more stilted in its delivery perhaps and some scenes could be construed as boring as long single shots of dialogue fill up a lot of space but when something exciting does happen, it makes up for that in spades. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_nCjg_FxMWIv5VbmVXdjde_LoRr_k1f3LHaf8rSpiRV0S__Rs7nxawMiTCXEubsxJHc57nTWIdy_woNSJIywsb1o29q4Br1DPJyXH85UHzvMp3exCEuOSnqJieMadgmbz6jbGr5Lvou_/s1600/Skew_Face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Skew Face" border="0" height="190" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_nCjg_FxMWIv5VbmVXdjde_LoRr_k1f3LHaf8rSpiRV0S__Rs7nxawMiTCXEubsxJHc57nTWIdy_woNSJIywsb1o29q4Br1DPJyXH85UHzvMp3exCEuOSnqJieMadgmbz6jbGr5Lvou_/s320/Skew_Face.jpg" title="Skew Face" width="350" /></a></div>
The great thing about watching a film that genuinely looks real is that when you’re witnessing what someone else witnessed firsthand, you constantly find yourself looking in shadows for something hidden. Something that maybe the director wanted us to see but the flow of the film ignored it. I have yet to see a film that utilises this concept to great effect but I look anyway! I think that might contribute to my love for this type of film, even if I never find anything, the fun is in the looking!<br />
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Brilliantly acted by a relatively unknown cast and a story that warrants a wider audience, Skew really impressed me from the outset. I must say a special mention for the special effects in this film, while still looking like a cheap handheld, there are moments when I found myself backing it up to watch again just to make sure I saw what I think I saw. This great movie's use of camera trickery and special effects continued to impress me throughout and hopefully others using similar methods will do so for years to come. It is my hope that the found footage genre maintains its level of evolution until hopefully we have something to realistically surpass the greats... <br />
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To all reading this, I may not have done this film too much justice there but I can only divulge so much information without breaking my rule of no spoilers, so I suggest you dig into your pockets or empty out your piggy bank, get onto Amazon and buy a copy of Skew. Watch it and enjoy! <br />
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Released: 2011<br />
<span class="imdbRatingPlugin" data-style="p3" data-title="tt1808477" data-user="ur13833819"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1808477/?ref_=plg_rt_1"><img alt="Skew (2011) on IMDb" src="http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/images/imdb_37x18.png" /> </a></span><script>(function(d,s,id){var js,stags=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(d.getElementById(id)){return;}js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/imdb/plugins/rating/js/rating.min.js";stags.parentNode.insertBefore(js,stags);})(document,'script','imdb-rating-api');</script><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>My Rating: 7.5</strong></span>Random Horrorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11786302473199933676noreply@blogger.com