Thursday, October 31, 2013

Review on: Trick R' Treat


Trick R Treat is a traditional horror flick, along the lines of a tamer and more intelligent Creepshow.
This film is an anthology of 4 stories which all eventually, cleverly , tie in to one another.
Even if you do not enjoy horror or scary films, this movie is extremely fun and can be appreciated by  a larger audience who may not usually give the genre a chance. There are a few creepy spooks, and some very minimal gore, but in reality, you end up liking this film because of how cool each of the stories are. I may not have put this is my top horror movies list, but it is still a classic horror film. The reason for Trick R Treat not being in my list is simple- not scary enough. It is highly entertaining and a movie that I can watch over and over again. Its a horror film even haters can enjoy.  It has received critical acclaim at many movie festivals and is certified fresh at Rotten Tomatoes, I'm given this a solid 8/10
If you enjoy this movie, rejoice because Trick R Treat 2 has been announced this past week.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Halloween is coming: My Top Horror Films

This is one of my favorite time of the year, Halloween is hours away and horror movies are what many of us are watching now...or about to watch soon.
One of my most loved genres that is often mocked or frowned upon, but one that we all enjoy come October.
Move over Mike Myers, simma down Freddy Krueger and go get me some snacks Jason Voorhees while Hannibal Lecter is serving up some martinis, let me enjoy these truly great horror movies,

Here is my list of top horror movies.

#1- A SERBIAN FILM

Although I am putting this as my number 1, please do not take this ranking as a sign  that you or anyone should ever be exposed to this film. Avoid watching this is you are somewhat mildly curious because this is the type of movie that you cannot unsee and I guarantee that their are scenes and images in this film that will make you tear up and look away or simply stop it half way through. It is utterly disgusting in the true sense of the word. This makes the movie 7 or Silence of the Lamb look like Sesame Street.
This film has been banned in 6 or 7 countries due to its graphic nature. You've seriously been warned

#2- I SAW THE DEVIL

This may be one of my all time favorite movies, of any genres, any styles, any categories. I Saw The Devil defines horrific. It is so incredibly satisfying and amazingly cruel and gruesome. Despite it being in Korean and having to read through the English subtitles you cannot not see this film. If you like torturous violence and revenge this hits all the right spots. There is no greater vengeance film and none so horrific.  

#3-  MARTYRS

Great film, terrible promo poster. Written and directed by euro Frenchman Pascal Laugier. It is not just beautifully disgusting, but also quite clever. The story is incredibly original and hits all the right marks when it comes to gore and gruesome. This is much more stomach-able than say A Serbien Film, and way more suited for mainstream folks.
Think of a twisted Passion of the Christ meets 7 (Seven) all cleverly orchestrated by Hannibal Lecter.


#4- DREAD

This one isn't nearly as disgusting as my previous 2 entries but still holds its head high with an original simple story and well stylized gore visual effects. Based on a short story from Clive Barker  (Hellraiser), this may be the most accessibly accepted film of the bunch. 


#5- LAKE MUNGO

To simply put it; a good old fashioned ghost story. I can't sell this in any other way.  No blood, no gore, no monsters, just  freaky, intelligent and more importantly unpretentious. If you enjoy creepy and spooky ...this is for you.




# 6 {REC}

This is a more up to date, somewhat typical type of horror film that fits with more recent styling of our current horror films.   very original story with a twisted, subtle religious undertone. One of my favorite new age horror movies and by far the one that will make you jump the most and freak you out.  Often voted as one of the top horror movies of recent years and  top 10 of the past decade. 


Special Mentions to:

THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE
MAMA
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY
EL ESPINAZO DEL DIABLO aka The Devil's Backbone
EL ORFANATO aka The Orphanage




Saturday, October 5, 2013

Review on: The World's End


The  World's End
Starring Simon Pegg, Martin Freeman a mix of other British actors.
This movie is part of a trilogy of films, starting with Shaun of the Dead, Hott Fuzz and this latest installment.
How do they relate to one another you ask... apparently it has something to do with ice cream. (Thank you Wikipedia)
If you like British comedies a la Shaun of the Dead, with a Sci-Fi twist, you can give this movie a watch. Think of this as a smaller budget British version of Mars Attacks!...kind of...sort of
Three words can sum up  The World's End: Pubs, Beer and Aliens.
It does start off real slow and nearly lost me within the first 15 minutes, the slow pace made me forget that I was watching some sci-fi flick.
Once the twist kicks in, it is full out action and lots of heads flying (literally). Death with a hint of humour is always appreciated by yours truly.
I liked Shaun of the Dead, I absolutely hated Hott Fuzz, this one is just fine, it is passable and can be used as a filler when you are looking for a lightweight, non-complicated comedy.
With so little other comedies in theaters right now, The World's End is a decent option. 6/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1213663/