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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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Day Watch review

Posted in Foreign Horror, Sci Fi Horror, Vampire films with tags , , , , , , on May 6, 2013 by Alex Roy

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Day Watch (2006)

Tagline:The second chapter in the epic fantasy trilogy

Directed by:
Timur Bekmambetov

Produced by:
Konstantin Ernst
Anatoli Maksimov

Run Time:
132 minutes

Released:
January 1, 2006

Review:

Fans of the original will surely love this follow-up, but it is never anything great. Day Watch is good, but leaves a lot be desired. I thought that the film was well constructed with a prominent sense of style, which is a trademark of Bekmambetov’s films. Day Watch in many ways is a better film than Night Watch because it expands on the story established in the first entry. Night Watch was a film that was all over the place with its plot and relied on its visual style to create its entertainment value. Although similar, this film tones down on heavy special effects and focusing more on storytelling. But that’s not saying that effects are not prominent in the film. There are plenty of scenes that have effects and are quite exciting, but the plot is better thought out here and the film is a more focused, more detailed movie. The performances are good and there are aspects of the film should appeal genre fans. However as a whole, the sequel doesn’t break any new ground in terms of vampire lore. I enjoyed the film, but I felt it could have been better and it was on par with the original. Visually striking, with toned down effects and a good story, Day Watch is a worthwhile follow-up to Night Watch. Fans of the first film will most likely enjoy this entry and it boasts some effective action and tense, horrifying scenes that will certainly delight genre fans. Either way you slice it, these films are only mildly entertaining, and won’t be seen as classics of the genre. With that said, this is worth seeing for mindless entertainment value, but if you’re looking for a standout feature, you’ll sadly be disappointed.

Final Rating:
6/10

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The Vampire Lovers review

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

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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

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The Lords of Salem review

Posted in Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , on May 6, 2013 by Alex Roy

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The Lords of Salem (2012)

Tagline:We’ve been waiting … we’ve always been waiting.

Directed by:
Rob Zombie

Produced by:
Jason Blum
Andy Gould
Oren Peli
Steven Schneider
Rob Zombie

Run time:
101 minutes

Released:
April 19, 2013

Review:

Rob Zombie’s first picture of original material since 2005’s The Devil’s Rejects is an average film that leaves a lot to be desired. After Zombie helmed the remake of Halloween and its subsequent sequel, I was really excited about his future projects of original ideas. Rob Zombie is one of the finer directors in the horror genre today. His films are downright disturbing and dark and bursting with originality. With this being Rob Zombie’s first directing outing Since Halloween 2 is a much more focused film, but one that could have been better as well. After all the disappointing films that have been released in the horror genre this year, Lords of Salem is one of the few films since Mama to be actually watchable. Of course this film is nowhere near as good as The Devil’s Rejects, which is Rob Zombie’s masterpiece. However this is a good little flick that though not perfect, delivers some tense scenes that are quite memorable. I enjoyed the film, but it is a bit underdeveloped in terms of what it could have been. Overall this one is a bit underrated and it is not as bad as what critics have said. Rob Zombie’s signature style of filmmaking soaks up the frame from start to finish, and it definitely appeal to diehard fans of the director. To those who were disappointed in the lack of truly entertaining films, The Lords of Salem will likely give you a tense and thrilling, even if it’s not a perfect viewing experience. This is one of the eccentric works that Rob Zombie has made so far, and it proves that he is a director that can take a risk with trying something new to expand his craft in the horror medium. Some may not enjoy it, but you are curious at seeing what Zombie has done with latest directorial offering, and then give it a shot. It is a far better film than the likes of Texas Chainsaw, Dark Skies, the Evil Dead remake and others. The Lords of Salem is a picture that is flawed, and quite weird, but at least Rob Zombie doesn’t play it safe and that is what makes this one of the better horror flicks this year. Good, but far from his best. If you do decide to see this one, be warned that it is quite different from what Rob Zombie has previously done, but it is a rewarding experience for Zombie’s fans.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Ghost Story review

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

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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

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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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The Survivor review

Posted in Foreign Horror, Supernatural Horror, Survival Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , on February 19, 2013 by Alex Roy

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The Survivor (1981)

Tagline: Pilot Error…Or Supernatural Terror? Only One Man Can Tell!

Directed by:
David Hemmings

Produced by:
William Fayman

Run Time:
100 minutes

Released:
July 9, 1981

Review:

The Survivor is a truly unique horror film that combines elements of supernatural and survival horror into one movie and the result is an interesting concept for a movie that uses an everyday disaster as a basis to start off with the horror. The film wastes no time to dive into the action, and it starts off with the plane crash. Directed with flair by David Hemmings and a cast headed by Robert Powell, The film is a memorable addition to the genre, one that is very well paced and acted, but also at times shows signs of a plot that could have been reworked slightly. Even if it’s slightly unfocused, there’s plenty of good material on-screen to keep you involved from start to finish, and the idea behind the plot is quite intriguing and overcomes the film’s weaknesses.  For a low-budget feature, I am surprised that they were able to pull off something good in the effects department, and of course I’m talking about the plane crash at the start of the film. For the film’s budget, it is very well done and pretty exciting.  There are also many terrifying scenes that build the tension in the viewer and it works very well. What separates Australian horror films from American ones is that they tend to rely a lot on atmosphere to create the terror, and I’ve said that many times before, but it’s true. Aussie films tend to have a certain quality that American films miss, and they are more often than not better as well. With a great cast and a good plot, The Survivor is a well crafted horror film that is definitely worth seeing. If you love supernatural horror tales, then this one is sure to satisfy.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Devil review

Posted in Bowels of Hell, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , on February 15, 2013 by Alex Roy

Devil-movie-poster

Devil (2010)

Tagline:Five strangers trapped. One of them is not what they seem.

Directed by:
John Erick Dowdle

Produced by:
M. Night Shyamalan
Sam Mercer

Run Time:
80 minutes

Released:
September 17, 2010

Review:

Devil is a surprisingly eerie horror film with a very interesting idea. Five people are trapped in an elevator and one of them is the Devil himself. That is essentially the plot of the movie, and it leaves you on the edge of your seat. There are some really tense moments in the film, and for a short run time, there are enough jolts here to keep you interested from start to finish.  The cast done a good job, but there isn’t any standout performances either. What is even more surprising is that the film’s idea is from M. Night Shyamalan who has lacked vision from his last few directorial efforts (Although The Happening was decent). The film has a few flaws of course, luckily there are more high points than lows, and genre fans will surely enjoy this film if they are looking for something entertaining and thrilling. Devil may not be the comeback that Shyamalan needs, but it’s a step in the right direction and it proves that he still has a few good ideas up his sleeve. This is a fine supernatural horror film that director John E. Dowdle directs with flair. There are enough good elements to overcome the bad and this is a very entertaining movie that should be seen if you want a different film. There are enough thrills to keep you engaged till the very end. I was pleasantly surprised by this film, and it was not what I was expected. Devil is creepy and well thought out, but the weaker points is that some of the acting is a little off, however the good plot makes for it to be effective and entertaining viewing.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Mama review

Posted in Ghost Stories, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , on January 31, 2013 by Alex Roy

MAMA-movie-poster

Mama (2013)

Tagline:A mother’s love is forever.

Directed by:
Andres Muschietti

Produced by:
J. Miles Dale
Barbara Muschietti
Guillermo del Toro

Run time:
100 minutes

Released:
January 18, 2013

Review:

Guillermo del Toro is a stunning producer in the horror genre, and has helped many directors create something truly intense for horror fans. Director Andres Muschietti delivers one of the better horror films of the year with Mama. Although it has some predictable clichés, the film manages to be quite entertaining and fun. Jessica Chastain is good here as well, and this is a well crafted ghost tale that despite the fact it is not that original, is far better than a few horror films that have been released(Texas Chainsaw, Hansel and Gretel: Witch hunters). There are some very tense scenes in the film, and it makes for a truly entertaining horror film. The film does have its flaws, like the fact that it has the usual clichés of a typical ghost tale, but that is to be expected. I really don’t understand why the film got the flack it received, as it is one of the most entertaining horror films as of yet this year. Where other pictures have failed in delivering a horror tale with an interesting plot, this one succeeds. Along with the cast who deliver some good performances, this is a film worth seeing and is quite frankly underrated. If you love ghost stories, then this is a film to see. Jessica Chastain as usual delivers a good performance, and as an actress she really is assembling quite a resume of good movies. There is a bit of everything in this one to enjoy, and if you love these types of films, then you owe it to yourself to watch it. The directing is good and the cast definitely are able to make a predictable and overdone formula into a worthwhile film, and with that said, it is a very entertaining movie from start to finish. Just go into this one with an open mind, and you’re sure to enjoy it. Despite the clichés and its predictability, Mama is a fine little film that is sure to delight horror fans looking for a pleasant ghost tale to watch, and considering the bad horror flicks that have plagued the theater this month; well this is the most fun I’ve had at the theater. Director Andres Muschietti can create something entertaining using a proven formula.

Final Rating:
6/10

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The Ward review

Posted in Bad Horror, Psychological Horror, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , on December 24, 2012 by Alex Roy

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The Ward (2010)

Tagline: Only Sanity Can Keep You Alive

Directed by:
John Carpenter

Produced by:
Peter Block
Doug Mankoff
Mike Marcus
Andrew Spaulding

Run Time:
90 minutes

Released:
September 13, 2010

Review:

Horror master John Carpenter has been absent for quite some time. This is his first directorial effort since Ghosts of Mars which was released in 2001. This is a film that had the potential of being a terrific supernatural horror movie. However this happens to be a dull, bland and unimpressive affair. John Carpenter, who is one of most legendary of horror directors, crafts a film that is formulaic and predictable. This had a very promising start, but in the end it fails to really grab your attention and it focuses more on delivering cheap scares and boring, not so well written dialogue. Carpenter has done far better work than this in the supernatural genre and he proved that with 1980’s The Fog. The Ward is a mediocre movie that leaves horror fans wanting more out of their experience. I think John Carpenter can deliver a better film if he really puts his mind to it. This was disappointing affair, and I expected something much better than this. This is just a case of being an undeveloped horror picture that could have been fun and entertaining. However, Carpenter doesn’t deliver and it just doesn’t stand out among his other works. This film makes Ghosts of Mars look great by comparison and if I had to pick one of the worst that John Carpenter has made, it would have to be this one. As a horror film, it is void of effective scares that can leave you on the edge of your seat till the final frame. The Ward, given a rewrite or two could have worked well enough and be a fine return to form of Carpenter’s early days. But I’m still waiting on him to create a more refined picture that will bring back the quality that his fans expect from such a unique talent.

Final Rating:
4/10

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