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The Evictors review

Posted in Haunted House Films, Psycho Horror, Psychological Horror with tags , , , , , , , , on May 23, 2013 by Alex Roy

evictors

The Evictors (1979)

Tagline:  It was a small Louisiana town where people live and love and die and no one ever thought of locking their doors… except in the Monroe house.

Directed by:
Charles B. Pierce

Produced by:
Charles B. Pierce

Run Time:
92 minutes

Released:
April 18, 1979

Review:

Once in a while there comes an obscured gem that is truly an exciting and thrilling horror experience. The Evictors is such a gem, this is a well acted and directed horror yarn that is a must see for genre fans. This is a film that relies on the basics to tell a good story and it works. The cast is great as well and comprises underrated actor Michael Parks and actress Jessica Harper. This is a creepy an intense movie that is sure to satisfy fans who love obscured horror films. The film relies on atmosphere to set the tone of the film and it successfully builds up tension and dread in the viewer. Films like this are a rare commodity and deserve to see the light of day. The direction by director Charles B. Pierce is great, and can craft a terrific horror picture that is genuinely unnerving. The film at times could have been better, but it relies on a good cast to elevate the story and brings on the tension that fans are looking for in a traditional horror film. Films like this are far better than most films in the genre. This is a well acted, directed and told horror picture that goes for basic chills rather elaborate and poorly thought out sequences that simply don’t work. The Evictors is a worthy addition to the genre and one that is a must see for horror fans looking for a well acted and genuinely eerie film. The Evictors is entertaining from start to finish and it is one of the best obscured titles that I have seen in quite some time.  If you come across this one, give it a shot, you will be surprised at how good it is.  

Final Rating:
7/10

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The House That Dripped Blood review

Posted in Horror Anthologies with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 11, 2013 by Alex Roy

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The House That Dripped Blood (1970)

Tagline:TERROR waits for you in every room in The House That Dripped Blood

Directed by:
Peter Duffell

Produced by:
Milton Subotsky
Max Rosenberg

Run time:
102 minutes

Released:
February 22, 1971

Review:

The House That Dripped Blood is a near flawless horror anthology that has a great sense of atmosphere which carries on through each story. The film succeeds on many levels due to its well written script, great acting and brilliant directing. This is a great anthology that has well crafted stories that are truly chilling. Director Peter Duffell direction is confident and he has a clear understanding of what makes an effective horror picture. Horror legends Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing give great performances here, and each story has something special to offer to fans. Of all the anthology films that has graced the horror genre; The House That Dripped Blood remains one of the best and is a classic of the genre. If you’re looking for genuinely creepy stories, then this movie will surely provide you with what you’re looking for. The film delivers something unique in terms of effective horror, and with a great cast, a wonderful script, this is a stunning anthology that remains a well structured movie that stands out above others in the genre. The film mixes all sorts of elements and works well in being a memorable film that stands out among others. This is a brilliant movie that is a must see for anyone looking for four spooky, well constructed stories in one picture. Director Peter Duffell has made a stunning movie that I enjoyed from start to finish. The cast that Duffell work with makes this one quite entertaining and with legends like Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, this is a winner.   If you come across this one, give it a shot, you’ll most likely enjoy it.

Final Rating:
8/10

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Next of Kin review

Posted in Foreign Horror, Haunted House Films, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , on February 19, 2013 by Alex Roy

Next_of_Kin

Next of Kin (1982)

Tagline:There’s no place like home, bloody home.

Directed by:
Tony Williams

Produced by:
Robert Le Tet
Timothy White

Run Time:
89 minutes

Released:
November 1982

Review:

Brilliant Australian Supernatural haunted house horror film effectively directed by Tony Williams. This is an eerie and splendidly chilling movie that relies on a good cast of actors including renowned Aussie actor John Jarrat and Jackie Kerin. This is a steadily crafted horror tale that has hints of previous movies such as Kubrick’s The Shinning and some have also referenced Argento’s Suspiria. This is one of those movies that rely on atmosphere to create the tension, and in many ways a film like this is far better than other genre pictures because it takes its time to let the terror unfold and in turn it pays off by delivering a truly chilling and memorable experience.  The cast do a fine job in their roles and the directing is terrific and you clearly can see that Tony Williams has an eye for creating scary scenes that will stick in your head. This is a highly engaging film that will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very end. I thought that it was a fine supernatural horror film that used the basic ingredients of the genre very well.  This is an overlooked film from the genre, and horror fans owe it to themselves to check this one out. With a great plot, terrific acting and directing, Next of Kin is one of the best genre films that I have seen, and more than once there have been quite a few genuinely creepy scenes. The film’s use of atmosphere is what makes this one stand out above other genre pictures, and it’s very rare for a film to pull off so much with basic elements of the genre. Next of Kin is a far better film than many other movies in the genre, and the result is an overlooked gem that definitely deserves to be rediscovered.

Final Rating:
8/10

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House II: The Second Story review

Posted in Horror Comedy with tags , , , , , , on January 31, 2013 by Alex Roy

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House II: The Second Story (1987)

Tagline: Frightening strikes twice!

Directed by:
Ethan Wiley

Produced by:
Sean S. Cunningham

Run time:
88 minutes

Released:
May 14, 1987

Review:

Steve Miner made a fun little horror film in 1986 by the name of House. A year later, House II: The Second Story would appear. Like the first film, it has a tongue in cheek approach to the material, and it doesn’t take itself seriously. Unfortunately, this film is inferior to the first and it lacks the charm that the original delivered. Nonetheless, this is a decent affair, but is never anything remarkable either. The scares are mild and it plays out like a so-so horror comedy. The film could have been better, but the first one wasn’t excellent either. Despite the film’s flaws, it is entertaining for what it is, and fans of the first should enjoy this one as well. Acting wise, Jonathan Stark gives a good performance here, but he we was much better in Fright Night. The film had potential of being a great sequel, but in the end it’s a decent one at best. Towards the middle of the film, it does get a bit silly and it becomes a bit flat in terms of effective horror comedy. Overall it’s mildly amusing film that’s worth seeing if you enjoy mindless movies. Director Ethan Wiley’s direction leaves a lot to be desired, and despite the flaws, he manages to make something watchable. However it is not as fun as the first House, and this one could have been much better too. The script lacks at times, and it does feel rushed, but this a film to watch if you have nothing else better to do. The actors do what they can with the lacking material, they make it amusing for the viewer looking for a decent horror comedy to watch.

Final Rating:
5/10

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Night of the Demons review

Posted in Night of the Demons series with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2013 by Alex Roy

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Night Of The Demons (1988)

Tagline: Angela is having a party, Jason and Freddy are too scared to come. But You’ll have a hell of a time.

Directed by:
Kevin Tenney

Produced by:
Joe Augustyn

Run Time:
90 Minutes

Released:
October 14th, 1988

Review:

Kevin S. Tenney’s original film is a horrifying, fun and amusing piece of Halloween viewing. Film stars Horror veteran Linnea Quigley and Amelia Kinkade. Night of the Demons is a terrific blend of horrifying blood and gore. Tenney’s excellent directing effects a fun mood of terror on-screen, and the film succeeds in being horrifying, and amusing all at once. The kids spend the night in a haunted funeral home for Halloween, and they discover an old mirror. Soon each of them become Demons and the rest that aren’t try to survive the night. Night of the Demons is a definite Halloween seasonal classic. Night of the Demons is a fun, thrilling carnival of horror extravaganza that will definitely appeal to every old school horror fan. Night of the Demons is a definite must see classic. Kevin Tenney’s directing is superb, and he directs this stellar cast of actors in the amusing spook fest. The special effects are very well done and the film is meant not to be taken too seriously, which is a must for a film like this. Night of the Demons may be a flawed film, but it definitely delivers all the necessities that good horror film needs to deliver to appeal to its audience. As a diehard Horror fan, I personally think that this is one of the best Horror films of the 1980′s. If you love all the classic 80′s Horror films, and you haven’t seen this film yet, then give this one a shot. Night of the Demons promises to be one terrific night of spooky enjoyable fun.

Final Rating:
8/10

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Night of the Demons 2 review

Posted in Night of the Demons series with tags , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2013 by Alex Roy

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Night Of The Demon 2 (1994)

Tagline: No one leaves this party EVER!

Directed by:
Brian Trenchard-Smith

Produced by:
Jeff Geoffray

Run Time:
96 Minutes

Released:
1994

Review:

Sequel to Night of the Demons is a fun and entertaining picture that has all the good elements of the first, but lacks slightly in originality. The film still has all the gore and ghouls that you’d expect, but you realize that it could have been better. Personally I feel that Kevin S. Tenney, director of the first should have directed this and this sequel could have benefited from his personal touch. Despite this, the film is amusing, and relies on the gore to compensate for the lack of original ideas on-screen. The film has all the usual horror clichés and you end not caring when the characters get knocked off due to the fact most of them are idiots and shallow and have no depth. For what it is, this is a worthwhile follow-up to the first one even if it’s not perfect; it still should be seen by fans of the original. This is better than most sequels and despite all its clichés; it delivers everything you’d expect from a horror film. The plot is interesting, but lacks in some areas, and like I said, it’s also its biggest flaw, as it tends to recycle a few ideas from the first. Does are mild complaints, and I found this one to be a well crafted film that if you enjoyed the first film, then you’re sure to love this. The film boasts some impressive special effects and it is the film’s high point along with the gore. The Night of the Demons films, are in my opinion strictly gore flicks, and the most certainly deliver in that department. A good sequel that overcomes its imperfections due to its gore. Near the ends it gets slightly silly, but it’s all in good fun. If you love gore, don’t pass up on this.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Night of the Demons 3 reviews

Posted in Night of the Demons series with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2013 by Alex Roy

Night_of_the_Demons_3_poster

Night of the Demons 3 (1997)

Tagline: Angelaès back to her old tricks again!

Directed by:
Jim “James” Kaufman

Produced by:
Claudio Castravelli

Run time:
88 minutes

Released:
1997

Review:

Third entry in The Night of the Demons franchise is a flawed but still very enjoyable horror flick. The elements that made the first two films great are here, but are a tad watered down. The result is an average but enjoyable Horror flick which is more tongue in cheek than actually horrifying. Despite this, the film does manage to scare just enough for you to have a good time. But by no means is this better than the first film, which was brilliantly directed by director Kevin S. Tenney. This film is cheesy, comical and fun. I don’t think that this is a bad third entry at all. But compared to the first two, of course it’s disappointing. But fans of the first film might not be that disappointed because this is still a fairly well done sequel. The cast is decent at best, considering that this is a direct to video sequel. The film still has plenty of blood for the gore fans out there, and the film does have great moments, but as a third entry in this franchise, this is a bit of a disappointment. But by no means is this a bad film, but if you watch this, you should realize that it doesn’t beat the original. The film follows essentially the same formula, but surrounds a bunch of criminals hiding out in the funeral home. This is a good enough third entry, but like I’ve said a bit disappointing. However this is still a fun film to watch. Amelia Kinkade of course returns as Angela, and she is just as great as ever. I also felt that there was a more tongue in cheek feel to this film than the first two in the series. The film tended to rely more on comedy than horror at times, and it did feel like the filmmakers lost track of what they were doing. But then Night of the Demons is a Horror Comedy, but for this entry they tended to push the comedic elements a little harder than the previous entries. Despite the flaws, Night of the Demons 3 is still a very entertaining film and is still a good viewing.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Night of the Demons 2010 remake review

Posted in Night of the Demons series, Remakes with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 25, 2013 by Alex Roy

night-of-the-demons-2010-poster-horror-movies-14104442-1200-1713
Night of the Demons (2010)

Tagline:All Hell Is Going To Break Loose

Directed by:
Adam Gierasch

Produced by:
Greg McKay
Kevin Tenney
Michael Arata

Run time:
93 minutes

Released:
October 15, 2010

Review:

As far as remakes go, I’m as skeptical as the next horror fan. Very often Horror remakes will be hit and miss, and most of the time they’ll miss the mark by a long shot. But thankfully, this is not the case with The Night of the Demons remake. The remake is one terrific blood soaked gore fest. I don’t understand why the remake got so many bad reviews. The film is actually a well crafted film using obviously the premise of the original, but doing something very amusing with the whole idea and reinvents the formula in a whole new way. The result is an awesome remake with plenty of blood, guts, nudity and horror. Helming the film is director Adam Gierasch, a diehard Horror fan. Gierasch’s directing is superb and his love of horror films shows on-screen. The remake Of Night of the Demons is one of the best since My Bloody Valentine 3D. The film is great Halloween viewing and like the original, is a definite must see for all horror fans. Obviously the strength of the film lies within the gore content, and the film has no shortage of blood and guts. The cast is average, and there’s not really anyone enjoyable on-screen, so when they become Demons, you really don’t care about the characters. Even if there’s not really anyone great on-screen, Shannon Elizabeth and Edward Furlong are the best here, and Elizabeth is perfectly cast as Angela. However I feel the characters aren’t that great. But in the end, for a film like this, it’s the gore that counts. The Night of the Demons remake certainly delivers on blood and guts, and it’s what makes this film so much fun in the end. Night of the Demons isn’t a flawless remake, but it’s still much better than most remakes out there, and considering that this is a direct to video remake, its pretty good and very entertaining. This is one of the best remakes that I’ve seen in quite some time, is almost as good as Kevin Tenney’s original film. However, this film will never beat the original. This remake also features a cameo from Linnea Quigley who played in the first one. A terrific and horrifying film that’s sure to please fans of the original.

Final Rating:
7/10

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The Abandoned review

Posted in Haunted House Films, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , , on January 23, 2013 by Alex Roy

The Abandoned (2006)

The Abandoned(2006)

Tagline: Death never runs out of time.

Directed by:
Nacho Cerdà

Produced by:
Carlos Fernández
Julio Fernández

Run time:
94 minutes

Released:
September 11, 2006

Review:

The Abandoned is one of those horror films that had the potential of being so much more than what it turned out to be. As a whole, it is a decent film but it could have been much better. The ideas for a great horror film are there, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The Abandoned combines many horror genres into one film and you can clearly see that there was good ideas at work, but the filmmakers clearly couldn’t tie up everything neatly and the film kind of falls apart near the end. However, there are some effective scares at work on-screen, and the cast do a fine job with the so-so material. With a few script rewrites and more thought out idea, the film would have clearly been a memorable addition to the genre. As it stands, this is only worth watching once, and you feel disappointed because this film had some good ingredients to make for a truly chilling movie. Where the film lacks is a compelling, and engaging story. I liked the film despite its flaws, but like I said, it’s not something that I’d personally re-watch again and again. Another problem with the film is that it also relies on previously explored ideas from other films that we’ve seen before and were done better as well. The scares here are good, but there’s just not enough originality with this one to really make it a compelling and enjoyable picture for fans to watch. Go in with an open mind, I thought it was a decent affair, with nothing remarkable about its plot, luckily the film had plenty of atmosphere that was dark, brooding and menacing, which made The Abandoned worth seeing. However, I was left wanting more out of the movie.

Final Rating:
5/10

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The Amityville Horror review

Posted in Haunted House Films, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , on December 17, 2012 by Alex Roy

amityville_horror

The Amityville Horror (1979)

Tageline:”For God’s sake. Get out!”

Directed by:
Stuart Rosenberg

Produced by:
Samuel Z. Arkoff

Run Time:
117 Minutes

Released:
July 27, 1979

Review:

The Amityville Horror is really the perfect horror film for the horror rookie. I found the film pretty scary, but not too scary. It’s not Exorcist scary. The film is pure old school shocks, and the film relies on atmosphere to create its terrifying pacing. The film is slow, but is necessary in establishing effective scares. Based on the “real” life story of how George and Kathleen Lutz bought a haunted house where a member of the previous family murdered his entire family, The Amityville Horror is yes a haunted house film. However the Lutz ordeal is of course bullshit and was conjured up to make a quick buck on the tragic murder that happened in that house. Anyhow, the new family moves in and strange things start to happen. The husband for one acts stranger, and becomes more violent. There are also other weird happening such an ordeal involving a babysitter where she is locked into the closet and is scared to death and that she can’t get out. The Amityville Horror is a good haunted house film, but it’s far from the best. For my money The Changeling with George C. Scott is a far more superior film. The Amityville Horror is terrifying, but when you read about the real happenings, it definitely makes it less scary. But for what it’s worth, this is a film that people who are new to horror should check out. The film has about the right amount of scares to make this film a not so unpleasant viewing experience to the horror beginner. The Amityville Horror definitely relies on its atmosphere to create the horror and eerie tone of the film. It works in some ways and in others it doesn’t. But it does offer some decent enough entertainment, and decent enough scares. A good enough film for seasoned Horror buffs even if it doesn’t have that many terrifying moments that one would expect from a film like this. If you want the most terrifying haunted house film, watch The Changeling. But if you want a film with enough decent scares to scare, but not in an Exorcist sort of way, then The Amityville Horror would be a good pick. A good film, even if it’s not truly classic, it sure as hell doesn’t feel like it.
Final Rating:
6/10

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