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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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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

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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

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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

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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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The Host (Gwoemul) review

Posted in Asian Horror, Foreign Horror, Modern Monsters with tags , , , , on June 3, 2013 by Alex Roy

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The Host (Gwoemul) (2006)

Tagline:Man has made his newest predator

Directed by:
Bong Joon-ho

Produced by:
Choi Yong-bae

Run time:
119 minutes

Released:
July 27, 2006

Review:

Not since the original Godzilla film has a monster movie been so great. The Host is a standout monster horror film that is superbly acted and directed. This is a straight forward back to basics film that doesn’t overdo anything with its material. With this film, the filmmakers have created an intense and memorable monster movie that echoes some of the best in the genre. The story is well crafted and it keeps you involved from beginning to end. Nowadays, monster movies go for the found footage angle, which was good at one time, but now, it feels clichéd. The Host on the other hand differs significantly from this aspect, and creates something totally refreshing in the process. With that being said, this is a fine film that is an edge of you seat entertainment and is sure to delight genre fans and any viewer looking for a good monster yarn to watch.  This is a creepy and atmospheric horror film that uses elements of previous monster films to create something new and exciting. I really enjoyed the film and it ranks up there with the original Godzilla film as one of the greatest monster films ever made. This is what monster films should be, a simple, yet effective picture that manages to tell a good story with effective monster carnage. Most films with monsters that have been released Stateside, don’t have that same appeal. I did enjoy Cloverfield, but it wasn’t great either, it all style with barely no substance, it was fun, but it didn’t have the elements to make it a standout monster picture. This film on the hand is a prime example of a great movie that stands out in the genre and can give American monster films a run for their money. The Host is a great movie that I recommend not only to genre fans but to anyone looking for a well crafted monster flick.

Final Rating:
9/10

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Audition review

Posted in Asian Horror, Foreign Horror with tags , , , , on May 23, 2013 by Alex Roy

audition-poster
Audition (1999)

Tagline: She always gets a part

Directed by:
Takashi Miike

Produced by:
Satoshi Fukushima
Akemi Suyama
Toyoyuki Yokohama

Run Time:
115 minutes

Released:
October 6, 1999

Review:

Audition is an impressive Japanese horror tale that is brilliantly acted and directed. The film is a raw, gritty and tense film that has secured a place for Japanese horror in the horror genre. The story is simple, yet effective. The film has enough good gory moments to please fans of the genre, and it is a film that should be seen if you love these types of films. Japan has made quite an impression in the genre, and films like Audition will definitely make you take notice. This is not a film that is easily forgettable. The gore is great, the violence is in your face, and it is a riveting picture that is a modern classic of foreign horror. If you love horror films that push limits, then this is a must see film. Japan are wonderful filmmakers that tend to deliver some truly original horror films and the fact that they use the basics in order to create something truly intense, makes these films much better than most American mainstream horror films. The film is not for everyone, but if you love foreign horror, then give this one a shot, you’re sure to enjoy it, and it definitely delivers effective gore content with scenes that are truly unnerving and horrifying. Audition is an accomplished picture, and one of the better Japanese horror films. The film boasts a strong lead character that is truly demented and unforgettable, and that’s what makes this a superbly crafted horror picture. There are some flaws, and the plot at times could have been better, but for the most part, the gore and good direction overcomes its weaknesses to create a unique and terrifying horror tale that will stick with you long after you’ve seen it. I have a fondness for Japanese horror, and Audition is one of the finest examples of a must-see genre of horror films.

Final Rating:
7/10

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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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The Evil Dead 2013 review

Posted in Bad Horror, Remakes, Zombie Films with tags , , , , , , , on April 15, 2013 by Alex Roy

Evil-Dead-Poster

The Evil Dead (2013)

Tagline: The most terrifying film you will ever experience.

Directed by:
Fede Alvarez

Produced by:
Sam Raimi
Bruce Campbell
Robert G. Tapert

Run time:
92 minutes

Released:
April 5, 2013

Review:

The Evil Dead was a stunning picture that redefined horror. Sam Raimi’s film was terrifying and had wonderful effects and the filmmakers worked with a shoestring budget and were able to pull something truly unique with The Evil Dead. The classic had a sense of atmosphere and brooding tension, which added so much to the terrifying experience. This remake on the hand just suffers from start to finish. The only thing that makes film stand out is the gore effects, and they are quite good and very well done. However where the film lacks significantly is that it relies too closely on the original film to create its scares. Unfortunately this is where the movie fails. Aside from a few changed scenes, this is practically the same film. What made the original so good was the craft, the effort put into it that made it a terrific film to watch. However this one has a bigger budget a bad cast and a poorly written script with few cringe worthy bits of dialogue. I was very much disappointed with the result of this remake, and I thought it was a movie that was killed by way too much praise. I think that they stop remaking every single horror classic because no matter how much you tweak every single imperfection, the remake will never outdo the original. Evil Dead was yet another pitiful, overrated film that just didn’t deliver. Sure it had the gore, and if that’s what you’re looking for, then you may enjoy it, but you want real tension with your gore, you’ll sadly be disappointed. I wanted to be terrified and have a good time, but I simply didn’t. There are some remakes that work and some that don’t. Evil Dead is such a film. There is plenty of splatter effects here, with none of the chills and tension of the original. This is an overrated piece of shit that never should have been made.

Final Rating:
3/10

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Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil review

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

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Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil (2010)

Tagline:The perfect love story… with a high body count…

Directed by:
Eli Craig

Produced by:
Morgan Jurgenson
Albert Klychak
Rosanne Milliken
Deepak Nayar

Run time:
89 minutes

Released:
January 22, 2010

Review:

Tucker & Dale Vs Evil is one of the most accomplished horror comedies that I have seen in quite some time. With a very good cast, director Eli Craig crafts something original and very different.  What I loved about the film was the story, two rednecks get terrorized by annoying teenagers due to the fact that the teens think that Tucker & Dale seem creepy, but in reality they are just two rednecks going on vacation. What is hilarious about the film is that when Tucker & Dale try to clear up the misunderstanding about them being  “Psycho” all hell breaks loose and accidents happen and the body count goes up. The gore effects are well done and are there is plenty of blood here to appeal to gore fans. The script is layered with effective comedy and horror, and there’s plenty of memorable throughout the film. This is a very entertaining movie that is better than most horror films that is currently being released. While the film at times could have been better, the idea behind the film makes it a film that is worthy to see if you love horror comedies. The acting is quite good, and the script is well written with a few flaws. With a fine mix of two genres, director Eli Craig has made a rewarding film that will certainly delight horror fans new and old. Be prepared for something quite different. You will definitely laugh and some the scenes here. There is plenty to enjoy with Tucker & Dale VS Evil, and I happy to see that there is always at least one director out there wanting to create something truly worth seeing. This is a worthwhile addition to the horror genre, and it is a good time from the first frame onwards. The film may be imperfect, but it definitely is a fine movie that will offer you something totally refreshing in terms of a good story.

Final Rating:
8/10

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