Archive for Obscured

« Older Entries

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

Leave A Comment »

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

Leave A Comment »

The Vampire Lovers review

Posted in Hammer Horror, Vampire films with tags , , , , , , , , , , , on May 6, 2013 by Alex Roy

the-vampire-lovers-movie-poster-1970-1020170500

The Vampire Lovers (1970)

Tagline:If you dare… taste the deadly passion of the BLOOD-NYMPHS

Directed by:
Roy Ward Baker

Produced by:
Michael Style
Harry Fine

Run Time:
91 minutes

Review:

The Vampire Lovers is an underrated vampire yarn that is well acted and directed. The film owes its success to its atmosphere, which adds so much to the tone of the film. Director Roy Ward Baker has picked a fine cast of talented actors, including Hammer horror icon Peter Cushing, who gives a standout performance. Ingrid Pitt is wonderful as well, and this film will certainly give genre fans something worthwhile to watch. Although not perfect, this is a vampire film the wait it is meant to be. The story is quite good, and well layered, and like I said, the film is underrated and it doesn’t deserve the flack it has received. There are enough tense, atmospheric scenes throughout the film that will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a fine film that is worth checking out and Hamer horror enthusiasts should seek this one out as it is an overlooked film that hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves. This is among the best vampire films in the genre, and it belongs on the short list of must see vampire licks. The tone and atmosphere of the film sets this one apart from others, and there is a constant feeling of dread on-screen, and it adds so much to the film. Add to that menacing performance of Pitts and you have a highly entertaining horror film that has enough chills to appeal to genre fans. This is a surprising film that relies on a good story, effective visuals to create the chills on-screen. Roy Ward Baker crafts something unique here, and I think this title has been overlooked and it really deserves a second chance. This is horror in its basic form, and it uses it to its advantage to create something entertaining and bone chilling all at once. This is what horror is supposed to be and if you’re looking for a good vampire film that delivers terror, then give this one a shot. There is romantic overtones throughout the film and it sets this film apart from others in the  genre. The Vampire Lovers adds sensuality to its imagery, and it creates something riveting and ultimately exquisite in the process.

Final Rating:
7/10

Leave A Comment »

Ghost Story review

Posted in Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , on April 15, 2013 by Alex Roy

ghost_story

Ghost Story (1981)

Tagline:The time hascome to tell the tale.

Directed by:
John Irvin

Produced by:
Burt Weissbourd

Run Time:
110 minutes

Released:
December 16, 1981

Review:

Ghost Story is an average horror yarn that had the potential of being something truly memorable. As it stands, there are some effective moments here and there, but overall the material is mostly flat with minimal chills to be had. I enjoyed the film as a mindless time waster, but I also felt that the filmmakers could have put a bit more effort into the film’s script to really make it stand out among other ghost tales. Acting wise, there are some good performances, unfortunately there are no standout performances either. Genre fans may enjoy it, and there some good things about the film. However like I said, there should have been more effort put into delivering something truly horrifying. Ghost Story is mildly chilling, and it leaves a lot to be desired. Is the film worth seeing, you ask? Well, it is, if you want something in the vein of Amityville horror, where it’s not too scary, and then this is a perfect film to watch. Ghost Story is one of those films that is perfect for newcomers of the horror genre as the horror content is quite soft, but suggests more that what is going on, on-screen. In that sense, it leaves the imagination run wild, and it that respect, the movie succeeds at being quite entertaining and overcoming its shortcomings. The film could have been reworked, but as a whole, it’s mindless entertainment that will appeal to new fans of horror, but for the veteran, they notice its flaws very early. The plot on the other hand is quite good, but good have been perfected a bit more to really make Ghost Story a memorable horror classic. In the end, it’s worth seeing, and if you can get past its imperfections, you might like it as a cheesy horror tale.

Final Rating:
6/10

Leave A Comment »

Orca review

Posted in Nature Gone Wild with tags , , , , , , , , on April 15, 2013 by Alex Roy

orca-poster
Orca (1977)

Tagline:Terror just beneath the surface

Directed by:
Michael Anderson

Produced by:
Luciano Vincenzoni

Run time:
92 minutes

Released:
July 22, 1977

Review:

After the release of Jaws, many studios tried to cash in on the success of the film, thus a new genre was born, the nature gone wild genre. Orca is yet another one of these Jaws Rip-offs, instead it has a killer whale instead of a great white shark, and it’s a killer whale that terrorizes. What separates the film from Jaws is that the whale has a motive and only seeks revenge on one person instead of creating all out carnage and terror like the shark from Spielberg’s classic. This is a fairly underrated film that I quite enjoyed, and though it is nothing original, there is plenty to enjoy with this film. Orca is fairly underrated and it is a far better film than what you would normally think. I thought that the cast was quite good and Richard Harris did a great job in his role. The weak aspects of the film are that it looks dated and it could have been improved upon. Some parts just didn’t seem to work and there could have been a bit of improvement as well. However this is a fun creature feature that is sure to delight fans of the nature gone wild genre and for a Jaws clone, it works due to the fact that the filmmakers were able to create something different with the all too familiar material. If you love this genre of horror, you should give this underrated gem a shot, with a good cast and interesting story, Orca is a film that is a worthy addition to the genre even if it’s going for the Jaws angle. Orca has its fair share of imperfection, but is far from being an awful horror film. Give the film a shot if you love creature feature and be prepared for some mindless entertainment value that is effective constructed to induce fear in the viewer.

Final Rating:
6/10

1 Comment »

The House on Sorority Row

Posted in Other Slashers with tags , , , , , , , on April 15, 2013 by Alex Roy

house_on_sorority_row_poster_01

The House on Sorority Row (1983)

Tagline:Where nothing is off limits

Directed by:
Mark Rosman

Produced by:
John G. Clark

Run Time:
91 minutes

Released:
January 21, 1983

Review:

The House on Sorority Row is an overlooked Slasher that deserves to be rediscovered by genre fans. The film relies on the typical genre elements which we’ve seen in many other films, but is nonetheless a worthwhile film that is a forgotten film in a genre where numerous films have been overlooked. This is such a film. Although not perfect, The House on Sorority Row has an interesting story that is reminiscent of films like Terror Train and Prom Night. The performances are typical of the genre, and none really stand out. However the kill scenes are great and there is plenty to offer to fans. I felt that this was an overlooked film in the Slasher genre and I feel that horror fans should definitely watch this one as it is far better than most Slasher outings of the era. Director Mark Rosman crafts a film that takes its tie to build up the tension, and it’s something that works well and separates this film among others in the genre.  The film could have used a higher body count, but that’s not entirely a bad thing because Rosman opts to create a tense, suspenseful film, which distinguishes itself in the genre as being a different. Instead of the usual slash and kill, you get something atmospheric, and genuinely tense. If you want to watch something quite different from your standard Slasher, give this one a shot. While maintaining the traditional formula, Mark Rosman has directed a very good underrated genre picture that should definitely appeal to horror fans looking for a forgotten cult hit. The film overcomes its weak aspects by giving the viewer a terrifying, brooding atmosphere, which adds so much to the enjoyment of the film.

Final Rating:
6/10

Leave A Comment »

Cemetery Man review

Posted in Horror Comedy, Italian Horror, Zombie Films with tags , , , , , , on April 7, 2013 by Alex Roy

tumblr_m717q6JnqG1rzlpz5o1_1280

Cemetery Man (1994)

Tagline: Zombies, guns and sex, oh my!

Directed by:
Michele Soavi

Produced by:
Heinz Bibo
Tilde Corsi
Giovanni Romoli
Michele Soavi

Run time:
105 minutes

Released:
March 25, 1994

Review:

Cemetery Man is a fine comedy horror film that is effectively directed by horror master Michele Soavi, who has made his mark in Italian horror by directing La Chiesa (The Church). Soavi crafts yet another memorable horror film that is a very entertaining and is sure to delight zombie film fans. The film has everything that you’d expect from Italian horror films is here, and the film, though not perfect is a must see for genre fans. The film has enough gore and effective genre elements to keep you interested and delivers something amusing on-screen. Cemetery Man is good for what it is, but it is not the best effort from director Soavi, who has made far better pictures in the 80’s. As a whole, take this film as a mindless picture that manages to overcome its imperfections by giving zombie fans plenty of undead carnage on-screen. The plot may be at times lacking, but with a film like this, the zombies are all that matters and Michel Soavi direction gives viewers plenty to enjoy despite its flaws. Cemetery Man is not the greatest of Italian zombie pictures, but it definitely isn’t the worst. This film was deemed to be a Comedy horror film; the comedic tone of the film is flat and virtually nonexistent and the film’s material has a much darker tone in retrospect.  I enjoyed the film, but like I said, Soavi made far better films, but overall this is an underrated film that deserves to be revisited by genre fans. The film is bizarre enough to make it a worthwhile viewing experience. Cemetery Man is a unique zombie offering, one that is sure to delight fans who are looking for good gore and zombie mayhem.

Final Rating:
6/10

Leave A Comment »

Hospital Massacre review

Posted in Other Slashers with tags , , , , , , , on March 24, 2013 by Alex Roy

580629_437031356375413_953213717_n
Hospital Massacre(1982)

Tagline:There’s no recovery room at…Hospital Massacre

Directed by:
Boaz Davidson

Produced by:
Yoram Globus
Menahem Golan

Run time:
89 minutes

Released:
April, 1982

Review:

During the slasher craze of the 1980’s, many films have come out, and have since forgotten due to the fact that there have been many other films that have overshadowed their existence. One such film is Hospital Massacre. This is a genre film that doesn’t try anything new with its formula, and it is just a collection of clichés with an average plot.  The strength of the film lies in its effective kill sequences, which are quite bloody, and creative. The film could have been better, but it definitely manages to be a good Slasher film for genre fans looking for an underrated, obscured flick. The film leaves a lot of room for improvement, but overall it is a well crafted horror yarn that relies on a brooding sense of atmosphere to build its tension. This is a worthy addition to the genre, and though far from perfect, it still gives genre fans something that is entertaining to check out. The kill sequences are what makes up for the forgettable performances. If the script would have been rewritten, this Slasher could have stood out among the very best in the genre. As it is, it’s a good outing, and one that is sure to please the most diehard of fans. Hospital Massacre is a bit different, and does offer some tense atmosphere, which is what most films lack. However, most of the time relies on all the ingredients that have made the genre popular among fans. The film is a must see for fans of obscured horror yarns, and though lacking in great story, the gore and kill sequences more than make up for it.

Final Rating:
6/10

Leave A Comment »

Xtro review

Posted in Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 24, 2013 by Alex Roy

xtro_poster_02

Xtro (1982)

Tagline: When Tony grows up, he’s going to be just like Daddy!

Directed by:
Harry Bromley Davenport

Produced by:
Mark Forstater

Run Time:
81 minutes

Released:
August 6, 1982

Review:

Decent Alien Rip-off, Xtro doesn’t cover new ground in terms of alien themed horror films, but is a fun little B movie that boasts some memorable moments. However I have seen far better rip-off of Alien and Xtro though somewhat entertaining, leaves a lot to be desired in terms of what it could have been.  I enjoyed the film for what it was, but felt it could have been a bit better.  The performances were an aspect that could have greatly improved, however the gore effects is where the film excelled and they were quite good considering the budget of the film. Sci Fi horror fans may enjoy the camp value of Xtro, but they will surely feel that in terms of an Alien type horror yarn, it is a weak affair that is really only worth checking out once. Unlike its horrible sequels, this was actually quite entertaining and decent despite the fact that it was weak compared to others in this genre. The best way to view this film is as a guilty pleasure.  The effects are the best thing about the film and it overcomes its slightly thin plot. Gore fans may enjoy I, but to those looking for great horror that is memorable and thrilling, you’ll sadly be disappointed. This is a decent picture that delivers good effects, but leaves a lot to be desired from its weak plot. Expect something mildly amusing, and you may like it. I enjoyed the film, but I also felt it could have been much better as well, and there was plenty of room for improvement.

Final Rating:
5/10

Leave A Comment »

Night of Fear review

Posted in Exploitation Films, Foreign Horror with tags , , , , , , on March 4, 2013 by Alex Roy

NIGHTOFFEAR

Night of Fear (1972)

Tagline:Hunted and Trapped! Her Nightmare is Just Beginning!

Directed by:
Terry Bourke

Produced by:
Rod Hay

Run Time:
54 minutes

Released:
March 18, 1973

Review:

Night of Fear is an interesting little horror flick that plays out like a short film due to its run time of 54 minutes. Director Terry Bourke is able to compress enough chills in the movie’s short run time to make it quite an entertaining thrill ride. Along with its follow-up Inn of the Damned, this film would be an early exercise in Australian horror filmmaking. Also the film exercise the ozploitation genre, which is in fact Aussie Exploitation, and the result is an interesting short that relies on atmosphere and a fairly basic plot of a woman being terrorized by a maniac in the Australian outback or backwoods. What is impressive is that the movie has little to no dialogue, and acts more on its visuals to tell its story. Bourke is able to pull it off due to good directing, and a fairly good cast to boot. This film has its flaws, but for the most part works well enough for its run time. The idea could have been built upon more, but this was Aussie horror in its early years, and they were still trying to experiment with what would work in the genre.  This is a tense movie that steadily builds up the fear in the viewer and though it is not a classic, as this film would be surpassed by far better pictures in the Aussie horror genre, it is still worth checking out due to its impact on future films in Australian cinema. A dark, macabre and psychotic ride wait you in this weary ride into madness.

Final Rating:
6/10

Leave A Comment »

« Older Entries
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 30 other followers