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Maniac 2012 review

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

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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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The House on Sorority Row

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

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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

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Cold Prey (Fritt Vilt) review

Posted in Cold Prey series, Foreign Horror with tags , , , , , , , on April 7, 2013 by Alex Roy

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Cold Prey (2006)

Tagline: Prepare For your final descent.

Directed by:
Roar Uthaug

Produced by:
Martin Sundland
Magne Lyngner

Run Time:
97 Minutes

Released:
October 13, 2006

Review:

Cold Prey is one of the best, most original Slasher films of recent memory. Along with Adam Green’s Hatchet, this film is a real breath of fresh from stale teen Slasher films such as Urban Legend and I know What You Did Last Summer. Cold Prey is an effective horror film that steadily builds up the tension on-screen and slowly terrifies. Cold Prey’s dark atmosphere and sense of helplessness (as the characters are in the middle of nowhere) only add to its strong, original story and elevate this film beyond anything that we have seen in the horror genre since the 1980′s. I am very impressed with the Norwegian output in the horror genre, and Cold Prey is a terrific Slasher film that will definitely become popular over time. Given time, this film will find its audience. To sum up Cold Prey, it’s a Slasher film that brings back key elements of the slasher film formula very well and it’s reminiscent of classic vintage slasher greats. Cold Prey is one of the few genre films to really terrorize the viewer. This film has something that most Slasher films do not possesses and that’s a feeling of constant suspense. If you’re a fan of the genre, then you’ll surely enjoy this one. With a good cast and effective directing, Cold Prey delivers memorable thrills and shocks that successfully brings back key elements that made Slasher films exciting a fun to watch. Cold Prey is one of the finer Norwegian horror films and is among the best films in the horror genre in a very long time.

Final Rating:
8/10

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Cold Prey 2: Resurrection (Fritt Vilt II) review

Posted in Cold Prey series, Foreign Horror with tags , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2013 by Alex Roy

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Cold Prey II (2008)

Tagline: Marerittet Fortsetter 10.Oktober…

Directed by:
Mats Stenberg

Produced by:
Martin Sundland
Kristian Sinkerud

Run Time:
86 Minutes

Released:
October 10, 2008

Review:

Sequel to Cold Prey is a pretty good follow-up, continuing where the first left off, this entry is a good film, but one that could have been improved upon. The first Cold Prey brought back the best elements of the Slasher film, while adding atmosphere and tension. While maintaining some key elements that made the first film what it was, this follow-up manages to be thrilling and tense, but there could have been a few improvements here and there to make it a better film. The lack of truly original material on-screen is to be expected from this genre of horror. Luckily despite its imperfections, this follow-up to Cold Prey still has plenty of effective bone chilling moments to appeal to the viewer. The film takes a different approach in terms of plot, and it is quite interesting to see where the filmmakers take the story. What separates this follow-up from others is that though it uses the same old formula, the filmmakers at least try to create something new with the material while retaining everything that you’d expect. Despite its weak bits, there are still plenty of tense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Like Hatchet II, Cold Prey II manages to reuse the formula executed from the first film, and add to it, to make it a worthwhile movie to watch. Just when you’d think that the filmmakers have stretched the genre into every possible angle, they came up with this. Not a perfect film, but one that manages to still thrill and entertain you, compared to many other films that just fails due to the fact that Hollywood only is interested in remaking classics. Cold Prey 2 delivers and is a fine follow-up to a modern Slasher classic.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Cold Prey 3 ( Fritt vilt III) review

Posted in Cold Prey series, Foreign Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , on April 7, 2013 by Alex Roy

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Cold Prey Beginning (2010)

Tagline:

Directed by:
Mikkel Brænne Sandemose

Produced by:
Martin Sundland
Kristian Sinkerud

Run Time:
95 minutes

Released:
October 15, 2010

Review:

Third film in the Cold Prey trilogy is a prequel to the first two films and it takes place in the 1980’s. For a third entry in a Slasher franchise, this still has plenty of effective ideas to make it an interesting watch for genre fans. Cold Prey still has all the necessary things that you’d expect from this series, and it not only relies on gory kills, but suspense and atmosphere to build the tension on-screen. The Norwegians are truly wonderful in creating intense horror films that bring back traditional elements that has made the genre worth seeing. This prequel should appeal to fans, but like every other third part in any series, the film does start to show a certain lack of inspiration. Luckily the film does still have lots to offer for fans looking for effective thrills. Cold Prey 3 could have been done better, but like I said, there is enough good material presented here to make for a worthwhile viewing experience. I enjoyed the prequel and it has everything that I enjoyed from the first, albeit a tad watered down. However that is to be expected from a third film. This entry still has lots of gore and effectively great kill sequences that make up for a good Slasher film. The Cold Prey films were a breath of fresh air in a horror genre that was stagnant, cliché and lacked anything that was truly entertaining. For a prequel, Cold Prey 3 will surely appeal to fans and it is a horror picture that delivers the good yet again. Although this better be the final entry in the series as we see that the film’s ideas are struggling in some areas. Nonetheless, this is still a worthwhile movie and one that delivers from start to finish.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Hospital Massacre review

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

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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

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Creep Van review

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

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Creep Van (2012)

Tagline: Let the bad times roll

Directed by
Scott W. Mckinlay

Produced by
Chris Abell
Jim Bartoo
Robert M. Evans
Vince Marinelli
Scott W. Mckinlay
Megan Powers
Michael J. Walker

Run Time:
80 minutes

Released:
June 10, 2012

Review:

Creep Van is yet another awful straight to DVD horror title that really doesn’t deliver.  The idea for the film was quite interesting; unfortunately, the filmmakers were not able to create something watchable. The end result is a film that is poorly acted, directed with no flow to keep you interested from start to finish. Creep Van could have been a wonderful low-budget horror yarn; unfortunately it fails in almost every respect.  The film feels rushed, with no emphasis on trying to make a memorable, watchable film that could have been good. The film relies more on clichés and sloppy directing, which simply doesn’t work. This is a horror film that definitely doesn’t deliver on its ambitious ideas, thus it ends up being a dreadful film going experience that simply isn’t worth your time. Creep Van is a low-budget schlock fest that just doesn’t thrill. The film is pretty boring, and there is never anything to really grab your attention. The idea for the plot was good, but the execution was poor. This is just another one of those forgettable straight to DVD titles that simply fails to thrill the viewer. The horror is terrible, and it relies on clichés and there are no performances that stand out. There is nothing worthwhile to enjoy here, and it presents fans with the same old tired out formula, instead of trying to do something new and refreshing. If the film would have been rewritten, and a few things changed up, then maybe this film would have been worth seeing. As it stands, this is a forgettable dull affair that simply isn’t worth your time due to an awful scrip, awful directing and awful acting.

Final Rating:
1/10

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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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Nightmares review

Posted in Horror Anthologies with tags , , , , , on March 4, 2013 by Alex Roy

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Nightmares (1983)

Tagline:Just shut you eyes and scream.

Directed by:
Joseph Sargent

Produced by:
Christopher Crowe

Run Time:
99 minutes

Released:
September 9, 1983

Review:

Nightmares is a well constructed anthology horror film that is very well acted and directed by Joseph Sargent. The stories are pretty entertaining and are fairly creepy in their tone and atmosphere. This is a far different anthology than Creepshow and it works well enough to keep the horror viewer entertained throughout due to its very good stories and immaculate directing. Some stories are a bit too short, and I think that the second one in particular could have been longer as I felt; there was a lot to offer. However despite this, this is a good film that ranks up there among the best horror anthologies. Like I said, this could have been a better movie, and it had the potential of being a memorable feature, but it offers only good entertainment that had plenty of potential to overcome its weaknesses. The stories are good, but there are things that could have been improved upon. However for what it is, this is a worthwhile anthology that is better than say Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, and follows the string of anthology films that has graced the genre of the 1980’s. Of course Creepshow is a far better film, but Nightmares still gives you a great time for its hour and a half runtime despite its slightly underdeveloped ideas. You can just imagine how good this one could have been if the script would have been rewritten a few times. This is a film worth seeing for what it is, and it does manage to be quite good even if it is not memorable in the long run.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Inn of the Damned review

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

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Inn of the Damned(1975)

Tagline:Where the guests check in… but never check out!

Directed by:
Terry Bourke

Produced by:
Terry Bourke
Rod Hay

Run Time:
118 minutes

Released:
November 18, 1975

Review:

Using the psycho formula and mixing it with the Western, director Terry Bourke crafts a fun and entertaining horror film that is an obscured and forgotten gem of an Exploitation film to boot. Although far from perfect, the film does manage to pull together both genres of film very well and create something good in the process. The cast a good job with the material, although it is nothing new, Bourke manages to make a film that should nonetheless please genre fans.  The film works well due to fluent directing, a great sense of atmosphere which adds to the terror and feel of a Western/Horror hybrid. Inn of the Damned is a good film to watch on a Friday night when you have nothing else better to do, and though not always exciting, thrilling due to some parts being a bit too slow, the idea behind the plot makes it very entertaining and worth seeing. In terms of Ozploitation, the Aussi’s were just getting started and with this film, it showed the potential of such great films that would follow in later years.  The tone of the film is what stands out the most about it, it’s eerie and creepy and there are plenty of tense moments. Even if it uses recycled ideas, this is a film worth checking out due to the fact that it combines two genres well enough to make it enjoyable if you’re a fan of these types of films.  Although not a great movie, it still has its place in the Australian Ozploitation genre and it is a film worth checking out if you want to check out the earlier attempts of Aussie horror filmmaking. This is a confident movie that overcomes its flaws by being something different as well as something familiar.

Final Rating:
6/10

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