Hatchet III (2013)

Tagline: The legend never dies

Directed by:
BJ McDonnell

Produced by:
Sarah Elbert
Adam Green

Run Time:
80 minutes

Released:
June 14, 2013

Review:

Third part in the Hatchet trilogy is a satisfying gory treat that retains the traditional elements of the previous two films, and adds to the story something that is sure to delight fans of the first two films. What makes this film really good is the fact that the filmmakers have cast some terrific horror icons to star in the film. Sid Haig is here along with Danielle Harris and Caroline Williams. The film also boasts impressive gore sequences that will appeal to the most diehard gorehound. Hatchet 3 is an accomplished Slasher film, one that continues the tradition of old school terror in modern times. Although Hatchet creator Adam Green doesn’t direct this third effort, he assumes producing duties and hands over the director’s chair to BJ McDonnell who crafts a film worthy of the Hatchet banner. This is a fine horror film, one that ranks up there with the year’s best horror films. Fans will be pleased with the direction this film is going, and the idea behind its plot is insane and will leave you on the edge of your seat from the last bloody frame. With simple, yet effective idea, McDonnell delivers one of the most exciting Slashers in recent years, and it is a film that if it spells out the end of the Victor Crowley saga, they ended the series on a high note. This is a gory good time that is a must for any horror fan looking for something actually worth seeing. Forget crap like Texas Chainsaw, this is the Slasher film to see this year along with the remake of William Lustig’s Maniac. The only complaint here is that Adam Green didn’t direct it, but at least he was involved with the project and it made this one standout like the first two. Hatchet 3 may not be perfect, but for what it is, it’s a standout horror offering, and for horror fans, that should suffice.

Final Rating:
8/10

Tagline:Can you see them, Sally … hiding in the shadows. They’re alive, Sally. They want you to be one of them when the lights go out.

Directed by:
John Newland

Produced by:
Allen S. Epstein

Run Time:
74 minutes

Released:
October 10, 1973

Review:

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark is one of the finest haunted house films in the genre. For a made for TV affair, this is a fine example of using atmosphere to create tension on-screen. The cast here is wonderful, and for its short run time, the film is truly an impressive piece of cinema that though might seem a bit dated, is still a terrifying horror experience that will delight genre fans looking for a well crafted haunted house horror tale. This is one of those rare films that actually can terrify a viewer and is among the finest pictures in the genre. With a great performance by Kim Darby, this made for TV film is one of those forgotten classics that deserves to be rediscovered by a wider audience. The tense atmosphere adds to the film enjoyment and it serves up bone chilling terror the way a horror film is supposed to. The supernatural elements here work well to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the great performances from its cast elevate this film significantly. If you love haunted house films, then seek this one out as this is among the classics that defined the genre. The film’s story is very interesting and well layered to create a unique experience. Haunted house films are often hard to pull off, but director John Newland crafts a fine picture that is chilling from start to finish. With a clear understanding of pulling off effective terror, Newland delivers a supernatural tour de force that ranks up there with some of the finest horror films ever made.

Final Rating:
9/10

Tagline: Who’s tracking you?

Directed by:
Simon Barrett
(Tape 49)
Adam Wingard
(Clinical Trials)
Eduardo Sánchez
(A Ride in the Park)
Gregg Hale
(A Ride in the Park)
Gareth Huw Evans
(Safe Haven)
Timo Tjahjanto
(Safe Haven)
Jason Eisener
(Alien Abduction Slumber Party)

Produced by:
Roxanne Benjamin
Gary Binkow
Kyle David Crosby
Brad Miska
Jamie Nash

Run Time:
96 minutes

Released:
June 6, 2013

Review:

V/H/S/2 is an entertaining decent follow-up to the surprisingly different type of found footage film. The result here is a decent film that uses the same old formula, but manages to cook up entertaining horror tales. I really thought that the original didn’t need a sequel, but what they did here was a decent affair that can appeal to fans of the original film. V/H/S/2 is a film that could have been great, but is a case of having a few stories that are not as good, and by the end of the film, you realize that more effort could have been put into making this follow-up. This isn’t a bad film by any means, but is one that could have been better considering the originality of the first film. With this sequel, it feels like another found footage film with nothing new to add to the genre. While the first V/H/S did something different in the genre, this sequel takes the ideas from the first film, and adds new stories, but doesn’t do anything to really stretch the concept even further. Decent overall, but not great, V/H/S/2 is a film that covers familiar ground without revamping its ideas. The picture suffers from a bit of predictability, luckily some stories, although not all good have a few standouts, which is sure to delight genre fans. As long as the filmmakers know when to draw the line, I think that the V/H/S franchise won’t be too tiresome if they make another sequel. If they do, then I hope the third film is the last. Overall with good stories are present here, but not enough to really make this a standout sequel.

Final Rating:
5/10

Tagline:Trespassers will be violated.

Directed by:
William Wesley

Produced by:
William Wesley
Cami Winikoff

Run time:
83 minutes

Released:
September 28, 1988

Review:

Scarecrows is a good film, but one that could definitely have used a few rewrites to make it a much better horror film. The scarecrow genre is an interesting genre of horror, and there has been a few good movies to deal with the subject, the most notable being Dark Night of the Scarecrow, which stands as the finest and scariest Scarecrow film ever made. This film on the other hand is good, but one that never really takes off and becomes a tedious affair. The film is directed by somewhat who clearly can’t seem to craft a tense and thrilling memorable horror film that considering its idea, should have been much better than this. Scarecrows is good, but falls short of its potential, and I think it’s a great shame because this film could have been a worthwhile and truly terrifying scarecrow film. As it stands, the scares are average, and the performances could have been improved upon a bit. The film clearly has limitations, and it tries to create effective scares, but it never ends up being terrifying. A good outing, but one that isn’t a standout picture either. If you want the definitive scarecrow film, watch Dark Night of the Scarecrow, which is far better acted, directed and has a much better story.  This is a good horror film to watch when you have nothing else better to do, and it could have been done much better. I really expected something great with this one, but as a whole, I was a bit disappointed as well. Good, but never great, Scarecrows is a film that considering its premise should definitely have been superior in every way compared to what we go on-screen. Worth seeing at least once, but it doesn’t necessitate multiple viewings.

Final Rating:
6/10

Stoker (2013)

Tagline:Do Not Disturb The Family.

Directed by:
Park Chan-wook

Produced by:
Ridley Scott
Tony Scott
Michael Costigan

Run Time:
99 minutes

Released:
March 1, 2013

Review:

Considering that Park Chan-wook has crafted the Vengeance trilogy, films that have been pretty intense and violent, takes a different approach and helms this psychological horror film. Park is a fine filmmaker, and he can craft something very engaging. Although Stoker’s script is a bit lacking, and it does show on-screen, Park’s direction and great cast elevate the material in order to make something entertaining to watch. The pacing of the film is a bit slow, but in turn, the plot steadily builds up and unravels in a manner that you cannot tear yourself away from the screen. Park keeps the ball rolling due to creating a film with an uncomfortable atmosphere, which adds to the film’s entertainment value.  You never know how this one will turn out, and Stoker is an unnerving, yet engaging film experience that is directed by a filmmaker that is not afraid to get into the psychological aspects of it all. There are some really intense scenes here that stand out and make for the better moments of the film. Stoker is yet another fine film from Park, and I thoroughly enjoyed with a great cast, and good story, this one of the better Psychological horror thrillers in a while. The makes you feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t make you want to turn away due to the fact that after a while, the stories’ low points improve and the performances here are effective to really the film experience that you are sure to enjoy if you’re a fan of the genre. The film has its flaws, but due to Park’s effective direction he is able to create something worthwhile and entertaining to watch. Stoker’s script could have been touched upon a bit more, but overall, this is a fine film worth checking out.

Final Rating:
7/10

Tagline:He Knows Who’s Been Naughty

Directed by:
Steven C. Miller

Produced by:
Shara Kay
Phyllis Laing
Richard Saperstein
Brian Witten

Run time:
94 minutes

Released:
November 30, 2012

Review:

The remake of Silent Night, Deadly Night is a much darker update of the 1984 controversial classic Slasher film. Although at times the dialogue is a bit cheesy and awkward, the kill sequences are purely nasty and make up for the so-so dialogue. Let’s face it, Slasher films are not known for great script writing, but they deliver in great kill scenes, most certainly gives genre fans enough gory kills to satisfy the most demanding genre fans. The original film was quite good for what it was and it was a much underrated film. However by today’s standards, it’s quite cheesy and it looks dated. With this remake, the filmmakers deliver a gory thrill ride that is one of the better Slasher remakes since My Bloody Valentine 3D. This is only a film for genre fans. Go into this film expecting a mindless splatter film, and that’s what you’ll get. Like I said, the gore is standout and it more than makes up for the lack of story, which is decent, but the filmmakers could have been reworked because killers in Slasher films usually have a motive for their spree. This Santa doesn’t seem to have a motive, and it would have been interesting to develop a more in-depth story to the character. I recommend this film for any horror fan looking for a Slasher film with effective kill sequences. Although not a great movie, Silent Night is one of the better films in the genre that has come out lately, and it should at least be seen for its hints of old school Slasher elements. This is a worthy update to the original film, and it is an entertaining film that manages to give horror fans what they want. Although some parts are questionable, there is enough here to enjoy if you’re a fan of this genre of horror.

Final Rating:
6/10

Evil Aliens (2006)

Tagline: They’re all that stand between us and the Evil Aliens. Pray that’s enough.

Directed by:
Jake West

Produced by:
Falcon Film Productions

Run time:
89 minutes

Released:
March 10, 2006

Review:

Evil Aliens is a worthwhile horror comedy that shows how a low-budget film can do something truly creative in terms of what the filmmakers were able to pull off with such a meager budget. The film is cheesy and gory and over the top. This is definitely the type of film that will certainly delight fans of lower budget films. The performances are quite good and the cast is amusing in what they bring to the screen. I thought that Evil Aliens was one of the best low-budget horror comedies in quite some time. The film looks cheaply made, but that shouldn’t turn you away from the sheer entertainment value that the film provides so well. There’s plenty of over the top moments that you’re sure to enjoy if you love gross out films. The film is imperfect, but it is a film where it is crafted purely for mindless fun, and enjoy yourself with friends. Evil Aliens is a well crafted picture that boasts wicked gore effects and funny scenes that are well thought out. If you enjoy B movies, then this is a must see. There is enough originality here that makes Evil Aliens one of the most enjoyable horror comedies of the last ten years or so. If this is the type of film that you like, don’t pass this one up. The jokes are funny, the gore is plentiful and the director is able to pull off something truly wonderful with his ideas. Even if it’s never anything truly perfect, this is the perfect film that shows how talented some filmmakers are. If you’re tired of big budget horror films that recycle the same crap over and over again, and then give this one a shot, you may be pleasantly surprised at how good it is.

Final Rating:
7/10

Willard (1971)

Tagline:Where your nightmares end…WILLARD begins.

Directed by:
Daniel Mann

Produced by:
Charles A. Pratt
Mort Briskin
Bing Crosby

Run Time:
95 minutes

Released:
June 18, 1971

Review:

Final Rating:
8/10

Willard (2003)

Tagline: A new breed of friendship

Directed by:
Glen Morgan

Produced by:
Glen Morgan
James Wong
Toby Emmerich

Run Time:
100 minutes

Released:
March 15, 2003

Review:

The remake of the 1971 film Willard starring Crispin Glover in the titular role as a social misfit who only has rats for friends is one of those remakes that is actually quite entertaining. While nowadays remakes tend to disappoint, this is an enjoyable film that is can successfully creep you out, because let’s face it, rats are just gross. Crispin Glover is quite good here, and I’ve always enjoyed seeing him in films. He is a talented actor that be humorous and yet creepy, such is the case with Willard. Fans of the original film might like this, and it is a well crafted film that shows us that not all remakes are bad. The film is creepy and at times pretty funny, border lining on cheesy, but Crispin Glover keeps you involved and he is able to convey ridiculousness and seriousness into one performance that keeps you entertained from start to finish. Willard is a good film that keeps elements of the original intact, while freshening up the formula to create something new at the same time. You are most likely to enjoy this film if you loved the original, and though it was a good film, the original left room for improvement and this remake touches on those elements. Remakes tend to be hit and miss, but I really liked this film, it had the right amount of creepy material mixed with dark humor to make it quite a worthy update on a classic horror film. Crispin Glover is great here and he delivers in his performance as the reclusive title character. This is a prime example of a well crafted remake that is fun and entertaining from start to finish due to its cast, direction and well executed story. Although it may be silly at times, there is a certain chill factor within the film that you simply can’t ignore.

Final Rating:
6/10

The Host (Gwoemul) (2006)

Tagline:Man has made his newest predator

Directed by:
Bong Joon-ho

Produced by:
Choi Yong-bae

Run time:
119 minutes

Released:
July 27, 2006

Review:

Not since the original Godzilla film has a monster movie been so great. The Host is a standout monster horror film that is superbly acted and directed. This is a straight forward back to basics film that doesn’t overdo anything with its material. With this film, the filmmakers have created an intense and memorable monster movie that echoes some of the best in the genre. The story is well crafted and it keeps you involved from beginning to end. Nowadays, monster movies go for the found footage angle, which was good at one time, but now, it feels clichéd. The Host on the other hand differs significantly from this aspect, and creates something totally refreshing in the process. With that being said, this is a fine film that is an edge of you seat entertainment and is sure to delight genre fans and any viewer looking for a good monster yarn to watch.  This is a creepy and atmospheric horror film that uses elements of previous monster films to create something new and exciting. I really enjoyed the film and it ranks up there with the original Godzilla film as one of the greatest monster films ever made. This is what monster films should be, a simple, yet effective picture that manages to tell a good story with effective monster carnage. Most films with monsters that have been released Stateside, don’t have that same appeal. I did enjoy Cloverfield, but it wasn’t great either, it all style with barely no substance, it was fun, but it didn’t have the elements to make it a standout monster picture. This film on the hand is a prime example of a great movie that stands out in the genre and can give American monster films a run for their money. The Host is a great movie that I recommend not only to genre fans but to anyone looking for a well crafted monster flick.

Final Rating:
9/10