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Hatchet 3 review

Posted in Other Slashers with tags , , , , , , , on June 16, 2013 by Alex Roy

Hatchet-3-2013-Movie-Poster

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

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Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark review

Posted in Classic Horror, Ghost Stories, Haunted House Films, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , , on June 16, 2013 by Alex Roy

DontBeAfraidoftheDark
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark (1973)

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

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V/H/S/2 review

Posted in Found Footage, Horror Anthologies with tags , , , , , , , on June 16, 2013 by Alex Roy

VHS-2-movie-poster
V/H/S/2 (2013)

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

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Scarecrows review

Posted in Other Slashers, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , on June 16, 2013 by Alex Roy

Scarecrows_onesheet-1-500x750
Scarecrows (1988)

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

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Silent Night review

Posted in Other Slashers, Remakes, Silent Night, Deadly Night series with tags , , , , , , , on June 3, 2013 by Alex Roy

silent-night-movie-poster-01-940x1358
Silent Night (2012)

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

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Evil Aliens review

Posted in Horror Comedy, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2013 by Alex Roy

evil_aliens_ver2_xlg

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

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Willard review

Posted in Nature Gone Wild, Psychological Horror with tags , , , , , on June 3, 2013 by Alex Roy

willard-movie-poster-1971-1020170465

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:

Willard is an interesting horror tale about a social misfit who has a hard time and his only friends are rats. This is an eerie little horror yarn that is quite creepy, especially if you hate rats. The performances here are very good, and the lead actor who plays the title character, Bruce Davison is terrific and he gives the character a certain menacing charm that keeps you involved. Daniel Mann’s direction is immaculate, and he crafts something unique and quite cheesy at the same name. However it works with effective results. The film has a dark atmosphere that is almost melancholic and helpless, which sets your distractions away from the cheesy notion of attacking rats. Aside from that, there are some impressive names like Ernest Borgnine. Willard is an entertaining picture that is sure to thrill horror fans and it boasts a well plotted story with a great cast and awesome direction. If you love old horror films that are somewhat forgotten, then give Willard a shot. This is a skin crawling affair that will certainly make you feel uncomfortable. This is a highly entertaining film that delivers s the thrills and chills. Willard has its imperfections, but due to a strong cast and well written script, this is a standout horror film that offers up a memorable and tense viewing experience. I really loved the film, and if you want a film that will give you the willies, then Willard is such a film. This is among the finest horror films of the 1970′s and it is quite different as well. This is a film that deserves to be rediscovered and it really brings a tense, chilling atmosphere to the viewer. If you hate rats, then this will certainly make you feel uncomfortable from the first frame onwards. However it is a must see for sheer terror and great acting.

Final Rating:
8/10

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Willard 2003 review

Posted in Remakes, Nature Gone Wild, Psychological Horror with tags , , , , , , on June 3, 2013 by Alex Roy

willard

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

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Highwaymen review

Posted in Road Rage, Thrillers with tags , , , , , , , , on May 25, 2013 by Alex Roy

highwaymen

Highwaymen (2004)

Tagline: Terror hits the road

Directed by:
Robert Harmon

Produced by:
Bradley Jenkel
Carroll Kemp
Mike Marcus

Run Time:
80 minutes

Released:
February 13, 2004

Review:

Road movies are quite interesting in the horror medium. The notion of a psycho that creeps around the open road stalking his victims is quite frightening due to the fact it adds another dimension of exhilaration due to the fact at time many of the demented maniacs uses cars as their weapons. Highwaymen is an interesting horror thriller set on the open road where a maniac kills women with his 1972 El Dorado. For a low-budget flick, this is quite good and it will surely interest genre fans and it definitely is a well crafted picture that is sure to creep you out. Of course the film has its flaws, but the cast is quite god and each bring something to the screen that makes this a tense and terrifying film. This is an overlooked gem that deserve to find a wider audience to the fact that it has an effective concept that works. The film is short, but is never dull, and it is a well crafted picture that will surely appeal to genre fans looking for low-budget gems. The film works well enough for its short run time and the villain played by Colm Feore is chilling and quite memorable. The only downside to this film is that it is a bit too short, and it could have been a bit longer due to its interesting concept. Luckily director Robert Harmon manages to craft something terrifying, thrilling and quite compelling and that’s enough to overcome the film’s shortcomings. With a great cast, a good story and effective directing, Highwaymen is a worthwhile horror thriller that is worth seeing if you love road films. As it is, it a fine addition to the road rage genre and it does boast some entertaining sequences that will certainly appeal to horror fans. Highwaymen is imperfect, but is underrated and deserves to be at least viewed with an open mind.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Silent Scream review

Posted in Other Slashers with tags , , , , , , , on May 23, 2013 by Alex Roy

8165__x400_silent_scream_poster_01Silent Scream (1980)

Tagline:Terror so sudden there is no time to scream”.

Directed by:
Denny Harris

Produced by
Denny Harris
Joan Harris
Jim Wheat
Ken Wheat
Leslie Zurla

Run Time:
87 minutes

Released:
August 7, 1980

Review:

Obscured Slasher film is a good little shocker, but one that relies on the traditional genre formula in order to create the carnage on-screen. What we have here is a film that is entertaining, but doesn’t break new ground and it is predictable. Diehard Slasher fans will certainly love this one, especially if you enjoy obscured, forgotten horror films, Silent Scream is for you. The kills are well done, and there is a steady build up to the first murders, which gives the film a tense atmosphere. Even if it’s not a perfect film, this is a must see for genre fans, and it works as mindless entertainment. While relying on the traditional genre elements, Silent Scream is still one of those obscured gems that will delight fans even if it’s predictable. The performances are decent at best, but the strength of the film lies in its kill sequences which are well thought out and will certainly put you on the edge of your seat. If you love films like this, give this one a shot, but it does leave room for improvement and it is a film clearly has its limitations, but manages to be an entertaining Slasher yarn due to the fact that the film has good sequences of murder and a few tense moments. As a whole, it’s not the worst in the genre, but is not the best either. As obscured Slashers are concerned, this one delivers, but it could have been rewritten to expand on its interesting ideas that the director tried to convey. Silent Scream is a must for genre fans but if you’re keen on low budget shockers, then this one is not for you. Still for all its imperfections, it’s an entertaining ride from start to finish and I had fun watching the film. I simply wish that the script could have be revised and its ideas refined to make this one truly standout.

Final Rating:
6/10

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