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Maniac 2012 review

Posted in French Horror, Other Slashers, Remakes with tags , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2013 by Alex Roy

maniac-poster1
Maniac(2012)

Tagline:

Directed by:
Franck Khalfoun

Produced by:
Alexandre Aja

Run time:
89 minutes

Released:
May 3, 2013

Review:

The remake of the 1980 Exploitation slasher classic is a pretty good little flick that is riveting and thrilling. This film, like the original before it, doesn’t shy away from the graphic kills, which may appeal to genre fans looking for something grotesque to watch. Elijah Wood steps into the role of Frank, and he is quite good in his performance. I felt that he was able to deliver a performance that matched that of Joe Spinell, but managed to do something quite different as well.  The film is one of the better remakes that have come out in recent times, and at times, remakes are quite good, and Maniac proves that. This is a disturbing horror yarn that will certainly leave its mark. Wood gives a bone chilling performance, on e that does stand out, and it makes it one of the strongest aspects of the film. There is really nothing new added to the formula, as this one covers similar ground than the original. This is truly one of the most depraved and deranged films in the genre and Elijah Wood really convinces you that he is crazy and disturb. This is a stunning remake, and one that doesn’t tarnish the legacy of the original. The performances are good as well, considering that this is a picture that is pretty basic in its story. Genre fans will most likely love this one, and you can appreciate the fact that, it is in many ways, a much darker and atmospheric film than the original. Director Franck Khalfoun gets into the mind of a killer, and it is a terrifying and shocking journey from start to finish. The movie works well enough to keep you hooked from the first frame onwards, and even if you don’t like it, it will definitely have an impact on you.  As a fan of the William Lustig’s original, I was pleasantly surprised by how good this movie was. This remake is worth checking out if you love these types of horror flicks. Not a perfect remake, but better than some recent ones.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Amityville: Dollhouse review

Posted in Bad Horror, Haunted House Films with tags , , , , , , , , , , on December 16, 2012 by Alex Roy

Amityville 8 La Casa de Muñecas - Amityville Dollhouse - 1996 - Poster006

Amityville: Dollhouse (1997)

Tagline: Evil never dies.

Directed by:
Steve White

Produced by:
David Newlon
Zane W. Levitt
Steve White
Mark Yellen

Run Time:
93 minutes

Released:
February 18, 1997

Review:

As far as I’m concerned, there really aren’t any good reasons to keep making these sequels that are more boring than exciting. This is yet another dull movie in a series that never should have existed in the first place. Sometimes studios tend to stretch out a concept beyond its limits and that is the case with Amityville: Dollhouse. Although introducing a new idea to the series, and quite frankly it is pretty interesting, the film falls flat due to a poor script that really doesn’t have anything good going for it and it’s yet another boring film that is void of scares and effective storytelling that will keep you involved from start to finish. This film suffers yet again from a lack of a good script and good cast. Add to that poor directing, a low-budget feel and you get another awful film that doesn’t satisfy. Even with an interesting idea, the film loses its focuses due to lackluster performances and poor writing. The film feels as if it was green lit after a first draft was written, and no care was given whatsoever in the final product. The result shows on-screen and this is yet another lazy film that is awful and not worth seeing as it really doesn’t do anything interesting with its plot. Don’t expect anything with this one, you’ll be disappointed. I never knew why they making these uninspired films as they were always dull and not scary, most of the time they were stupid and cheesy and you have that with this entry. Watch something else, you’ll be glad you did.
Final Rating:
1/10

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Dolls review

Posted in Other Slashers with tags , , , , , , , , on July 21, 2012 by Alex Roy

Dolls (1987)

Tagline: They Walk. They Talk. They Kill.

Directed by:
Stuart Gordon

Produced by:
Charles Band
Brian Yuzna

Run Time:
77 minutes

Released:
May 22, 1987

Review:

One of the better killer doll films, Dolls is a good film that relies on old ideas, but nonetheless work well due to great effects, creepy atmosphere and Guy Rolfe’s performance. Add to that some very impressive special effects. Although nothing really new, this is a fun little film that generates some good scares. Of all the doll films I’ve seen, this film along with Tourist Trap are the best I’ve seen. The performances are questionable; however Guy Rolfe himself makes this film worth seeing. The film has its faults, but for the most part, it succeeds at delivering good enough scares to entertain any horror fan. The film’s strength lies in Stuart Gordon effective directing. Even with the fact that this film is nothing new, it’s still is very entertaining and lots of fun from start to finish. The film has its flaws, but it manages to one of those underrated, often overlooked gems of 80′s horror. The film is silly at times, but there’s enough going on-on screen to make this film standout. Stuart Gordon has made something very different from his previous work, Re-Animator, and he shows off his skills as a well-rounded horror director that delivers one of the definitive killer doll flicks. The ideas are nothing new, but it still manages to be eerie, creepy and humorous at times. I really enjoyed this film, and I think it’s a fine departure from Stuart Gordon’s previous work.

Final Rating:
6/10

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May review

Posted in Psycho Horror, Psychological Horror with tags , , , , , , , , on June 30, 2012 by Alex Roy

May (2002)

Tagline:Be careful… She just might take your heart.

Directed by:
Lucky McKee

Produced by:
Marius Balchunas
Scott Sturgeon

Run Time:
93 minutes

Released:
January 13,2002

Review:

May is the story of May an odd girl who is very weird. She’s never really fit in anywhere. When she meets a guy, things go well, but she starts doing stuff and he leaves. That’s when the horror starts. May is the type of horror film that blends horror and drama together, the film is pretty sad and you end up feeling sorry for May. The story itself is very well written, terrifying and dramatic all rolled into one. What surprised me most about this film is how well crafted the story was. May is an intense film and at times you feel uneasy and startled. In a worthy note, Anna Farris gives her best (and only) performance. May is a solid Horror film that successfully combines drama and horror to create a poignant, terrifying film. Director Lucky McKee directs a solid cast that give great performances here. May is a different type of horror film, one that pushes the limits of terror and it does it very well with the lead actress Angela Bettis giving a sad, psychotic performance as the title character; she makes this film what it is. Brilliantly conceived and well-written, this is a much-needed film in the genre because we have so many unoriginal films in the horror genre nowadays. It’s always great to see a director doing something different, something good and original. May is a disturbing film, one that horror fans should definitely check out. This is a brilliantly directed film and showcases the talents of a director who knows how to deliver shocks to an audience. One of the best films of its kind since Brian DePalma’s Carrie.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Tourist Trap review

Posted in Exploitation Films, Other Slashers, Psycho Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on June 7, 2012 by Alex Roy

Tourist Trap (1979)

Tagline: Every year young people disappear!

Directed by:
David Schmoeller

Written by:
David Schmoeller
J. Larry Carroll

Run Time:
90 minutes

Released:
March 16, 1979

Review:

A truly unique concept for a Slasher film, Tourist Trap directed by David Schmoeller (Puppet Master) is a tense, creepy and very well done film. Unlike many Slasher films that came after it, this film has barely any gore, and uses suspense to build up the chills and tension. Add to that the killer’s mannequins, which are very eerie, and add so much dread to the overall tone of the film. The story itself is fairly simple, but the filmmakers know how to pull off something effectively entertaining by having the killer play a cat and mouse game with his victims. The standout of the film is Chuck Connors as Slaussen, the owner of the museum, and who is perfect as the films villain. Slaussen turns his victims into mannequins for his museum. This is a terrific, obscured gem of late 70′s horror. This is a nightmarish film, and it leaves on the edge of your seat. The mannequins are a key component in delivering the chills and David Schmoeller keeps the ball rolling as the elements unfold before the unsuspecting viewer. The beauty part about Tourist Trap is that, it doesn’t rely on logic, and you never know what to expect. Everything is a surprise, and this is what separates this Slasher film from the rest. Tourist Trap is a truly satisfying horror gem that every horror fan should check out. This is definitely David Schmoeller’s best film, as Puppet Master lacked in terms of effective scares and engaging story. Tourist Trap is a memorable film, and one of the standouts in the genre. This has plenty of nods from previous horror works, which I won’t spoil, but it plays out beautifully for a very imaginative horror experience.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Puppet Master Review

Posted in Puppet Master series, Sci Fi Horror, So bad, it's good with tags , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Alex Roy

Puppet Master (1989)

Tagline: Evil comes in all sizes

Directed by:
David Schmoeller

Prodoced by:
Hope Perello

Run Time:
90 Minutes

Released:
October 12, 1989

Review:

The first Puppet Master film is a fairly decent horror film that glimpses of great ideas, but never is fully realized. This first entry in the Puppet Master franchise is by far the best. This is a strange horror film, the premise is quite intriguing and there’s some good ideas explored with the concept. However things could have been done a lot better, but this is a straight to DVD film, so you can’t expect really anything that great. Puppet Master is a fun film that delivers a decent plot, but it’s a very bizarre film too. The film manages to an entertaining film, but Puppet Master has limitations in its script and the acting is standard B movie acting. There’s nothing special about it. Puppet Master is the only one in the franchise that really is worth watching and is a fun little horror film to check out. This is the best Puppet Master film, and despite the fact that it’s somewhat lackluster, it still is a fun film despite its limitations. The best way to enjoy Puppet Master is with an open mind, this is a harmless film meant thrill, and it most certainly does that. Although not great, this first film is still much better than the ten other abysmal sequels that would continue the series the subsequent years to come. Director David Schmoeller who directed the classic Tourist Trap directs this film with good enough flare to keep you interested. Although far from his best, this is still a worthy film to watch. If you want my opinion, only watch this film, and stay away from the sequels as they offer nothing good for the viewer. However definitely give this one a shot if you want an eccentric viewing experience. This film is a worthy Sci Fi tongue in cheek horror film.

Final Rating:
5/10

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Puppet Master II review

Posted in Bad Horror, Puppet Master series, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Alex Roy

Puppet Master II (1991)

Tagline: they’re back… No strings attached.

Directed by:
Dave Allen

Produced by:
Charles Band

Run Time:
88 Minutes

Released:
February 7, 1991

Review:

Follow up to the first Puppet Master is a big disappointment. After the amusing first entry, Puppet Master is a step down and is definitely not a fun experience. The cast is terrible, and the acting is about the same level as Troll 2. The first Puppet Master was a decent, watchable horror film. But Puppet Master 2 is simply a very bad film with bad acting, bad dialogue and bad directing. The film feels sloppy and doesn’t try to break new ground. This is a poor attempt at a sequel, but it’s not surprising considering that the whole series is a straight to DVD crap fest (except for the first film) There’s nothing entertaining about this film, and you can see it was so cheaply made that it could have been a Sci Fi channel movie. This is a poorly constructed film with poor execution. If you liked the first film, don’t bother with this one, it has nothing good to offer and is a waste of time. The film is terrible and not worth your time. I found myself fast forwarding a few times with this because it wasn’t good and the acting was painful to watch and the so-called story was pretty bad as well. This is a film that feels bad all around, avoid this because this series is just bad and the sequels are tiresome, boring and a mess. This second film fails where the first one succeeded, and that’s being a good so bat’s good horror flick. I disliked every sequel that came after the original, and I feel that because of that, this one of the worst horror series ever made.

Final Rating:
1/10

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Puppet Master III: Toulon’s Revenge review

Posted in Bad Horror, Puppet Master series, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Alex Roy

Puppet Master III (1991)

Tagline: When good puppets go bad

Directed by:
David DeCoteau

Produced by:
Charles Band

Run Time:
86 Minutes

Released:
October 17, 1991

Review:

Third entry in the Puppet Master series is a terrible waste of time. The idea for the film is interesting, but the film feels too low-budget because after all, this series was always a straight to DVD series. The film is poorly made, with a bad script, bad acting and bad directing. There isn’t really anything redeeming about this film, except you feel that there is something that would’ve been done better due to its concept. However that’s not to be. The only remotely good Puppet Master film is the first one, and I really don’t know why they kept on making sequels to the first. Really by this third entry you can see the filmmakers were struggling to find an angle on what could work for a story, a story that could have been interesting, but it fails due to the lack of talent involved. The Puppet master series lacks anything truly interesting, and his third entry is very bad and is not worth watching if you’ve seen the first two. This is one sequel to avoid and not bother with. There is nothing really good here and the film is lazy filmmaking even by straight to DVD standards. The film is awful, and I can’t recommend any horror fan watching this mess. The ideas for the film fall apart really fast, and there is absolutely nothing salvageable about this third tiresome entry. Skip it. Though very bad, the film did have some potential, but is clearly wasted here. Not a film worth watching. Your time would be better spent doing something else.

Final Rating:
1/10

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Puppet Master 4 review

Posted in Bad Horror, Puppet Master series, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Alex Roy

Puppet Master 4 (1993)

Tagline: when bad puppets turn good

Directed by:
Jeff Burr

Produced by:
Charles Band

Run Time:
79 Minutes

Released:
November 24, 1993

Review:

Awful film. Tiresome and uninspired, this fourth entry abruptly changes direction from the last two sequels. Unfortunately the result is a very stupid film that tries far too hard at being a great tongue in cheeks Sci Fi horror flick. The film doesn’t pay off, and it ends up being the worst entry in the first five outings. This film is painful to watch. If you’re looking for a fun horror flick, this film isn’t. Puppet Master 4 is a poorly crafted film of which no effort has been put into the film, you clearly see that on-screen. The cast is bad, and give awful performances, the directing is bad and it’s clear that the director has no interest in trying to make a good film whatsoever. That’s often the case with straight to DVD titles, there is no effort put into the films because no one will be interested watching them. The film has all the trademarks of what makes a bad straight to DVD title. The film looks cheap, just like every other film in this series, the story is minimalistic, silly and stupid and add to that a cast that can’t act. This film is horrible, and is one of the most stupid films in this entire series. This film should be seen as a how not to make a film. Disappointing, and utter waste of time, Puppet Master is a horrible mess from start to finish, one that isn’t worth anyone’s time. Watch something else, you’ll be glad you did, because this film is simply just stupid, and makes you wonder as to why you even watched it in the first place. Watch something different, as this is a stupid, pointless, poorly constructed film that never should have been green lit.

Final Rating:
1/10

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Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter review

Posted in Bad Horror, Puppet Master series, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , on May 21, 2012 by Alex Roy


Puppet Master 5: The Final Chapter (1994)

Tagline: Puppets Vs. An All New Evil!

Directed by:
Jeff Burr

Produced by:
Charles Band
Keith S. Payson

Run Time:
90 minutes

Released:
September 21, 1994

Review:

For a supposed final film, The Final Chapter is a mess that lacks anything to truly engage the viewer. I know that this series meant to be tongue in cheek, but really there are better films in the genre considering. There really couldn’t be anything to peak your interest in this one, this film suffers from everything which made the sequels so tiresome. The film is poorly done. Again, we have a film which has decent ideas, but they never really come to fruition. The film bad, and has nothing to truly entertain you. If you’re hoping to an end to this series, you’ll be sad to know that The Final Chapter is not the end. How can the studio keep these awful films coming, you ask? I really can’t answer that, but it’s always the same, to milk out a series to the fullest until it really has nothing left to give. With this fifth entry, you realize that there are no more decent ideas for films. Everything that would have made an interest film is not present here, and it’s simply a waste of celluloid. There’s simply nothing to works here to elevate this film to a memorable or good status. This is a film that is dull, boring and poorly done. With every sequel the studio puts out for this series, every film fails to be truly good entertain, and ends up falls flat right from the get go. If you think this so-called final chapter is bad, wait till you watch the sequels that came after it. Either way, this should truly have been the real ending to this series that never should have existed. Puppet Master did not need ten sequels. Not the last chapter and it’s a pretty bad flick.

Final Rating:
2/10

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