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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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The Abandoned review

Posted in Haunted House Films, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , , on January 23, 2013 by Alex Roy

The Abandoned (2006)

The Abandoned(2006)

Tagline: Death never runs out of time.

Directed by:
Nacho Cerdà

Produced by:
Carlos Fernández
Julio Fernández

Run time:
94 minutes

Released:
September 11, 2006

Review:

The Abandoned is one of those horror films that had the potential of being so much more than what it turned out to be. As a whole, it is a decent film but it could have been much better. The ideas for a great horror film are there, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The Abandoned combines many horror genres into one film and you can clearly see that there was good ideas at work, but the filmmakers clearly couldn’t tie up everything neatly and the film kind of falls apart near the end. However, there are some effective scares at work on-screen, and the cast do a fine job with the so-so material. With a few script rewrites and more thought out idea, the film would have clearly been a memorable addition to the genre. As it stands, this is only worth watching once, and you feel disappointed because this film had some good ingredients to make for a truly chilling movie. Where the film lacks is a compelling, and engaging story. I liked the film despite its flaws, but like I said, it’s not something that I’d personally re-watch again and again. Another problem with the film is that it also relies on previously explored ideas from other films that we’ve seen before and were done better as well. The scares here are good, but there’s just not enough originality with this one to really make it a compelling and enjoyable picture for fans to watch. Go in with an open mind, I thought it was a decent affair, with nothing remarkable about its plot, luckily the film had plenty of atmosphere that was dark, brooding and menacing, which made The Abandoned worth seeing. However, I was left wanting more out of the movie.

Final Rating:
5/10

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Resident Evil: Afterlife review

Posted in Sci Fi Horror, Zombie Films with tags , , , , , , on December 22, 2012 by Alex Roy

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Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

Tagline:Experience anew dimension of evil.

Directed by:
Paul W. S. Anderson

Produced by:
Paul W. S. Anderson
Jeremy Bolt
Don Carmody
Bernd Eichinger
Samuel Hadida
Robert Kulzer

Run time:
91 minutes

Released:
September 10, 2010

Review:

Fourth part in the Resident Evil franchise really doesn’t do anything new or refreshing to the series to expand the franchise into new territory. Afterlife is a more of the same like previous entries, but it has a weaker and silly plot much like Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Despite this, I didn’t hate it as much, but I still felt like something lacked considering that Extinction was such a good third movie. I enjoyed the action scenes, but I also thought that it relied more on effects this time around, even more so than other films in the series, and that says something. There’s a decent cast here, and though there are no memorable performances, each actor brings something decent on-screen to make them stand out. As usual, the one who steals the show is Milla Jovovich and she’s good as always in the role of Alice. Plot wise, this one is predictable and we know how it’s going to turn out.  For a fourth film, this isn’t such a bad movie, but it’s not great either. I think that the filmmakers could have made a far better film, but it’s clear that Resident Evil worked better as a trilogy and no fourth film was needed. This is just another attempt at the studios trying to make money off a movie where so many ideas are underdeveloped and leave a lot to be desired. As it stands, Resident Evil: Afterlife is decent at best, but it’s not a good movie either. When the credits roll, you realize that the film’s saving grace was the action scenes, and even then, they were a bit ridiculous, even by this series standards.  Don’t expect anything good, but expect something mildly entertaining and you may not be disappointed. However no matter how you cut it, Resident Evil is a series that overstated its welcome and the lack of effective ideas shows just that.

Final Rating:
5/10

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Resident Evil Retribution review

Posted in Sci Fi Horror, Zombie Films with tags , , , , , , , on December 22, 2012 by Alex Roy

Resident-Evil-Retribution-iPhone-4-Wallpaper-Poster

Resident Evil: Retribution (2012)

Tagline: The ultimate battle begins

Directed by:
Paul W. S. Anderson

Produced by:
Paul W. S. Anderson
Jeremy Bolt
Don Carmody
Samuel Hadida
Robert Kulzer

Run time:
95 minutes

Released:
September 3, 2012

Review:

Resident Evil: Retribution is a decent final entry (I hope) to this zombie franchise. This is an extravagant action horror film that is designed for fans of the film, and it will surely appeal to them. I’ve been a big fan of the films, and I did think that at least two of them could have been much better, but overall this was a fun and entertaining franchise that relied more on zombie action carnage than story. In turn it was a mindless popcorn action franchise that was fun and worth seeing if you enjoy zombie films, horror films or even action films. The film has plenty of flaws, and it’s to be expected considering that this is the fifth film in the franchise. I liked this one, and it was a decent entry and hopefully final due to the fact that the Resident Evil movies rely more on recycled ideas now more than ever. The action scenes as usual are the standout aspects of this film. This is the perfect film to watch if you have nothing else better to watch and it’s a mindless horror action yarn that should deliver enough entertainment value for viewers looking for an hour and a half to kill. If this is the final entry in the series, then they’ve ended it on a high note, a fun little popcorn film that relies more on its action and thrills to overcome its paper-thin, nonexistent story. Afterlife I thought was a decent film, and it was nothing really great, however this one was a fun and thrilling entry that should appeal to diehard fans of the series. If this is indeed the end, the filmmakers have pulled off a movie that has flaws, but it overcomes them by memorable action and thrills, which is what has made the Resident Evil series such a fun, and entertaining ride for horror fans.

Final Rating:
6/10

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Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead review

Posted in Exploitation Films, Horror Comedy, Musicals, So bad, it's good, Zombie Films with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 27, 2012 by Alex Roy


Poultrygeist (2006(

Tagline: Humans… the other white meat… Unless you’re black, then it’s dark meat… Or if you are Asian, then it’s yellow meat… Or if you are Native American, it’s red meat…

Directed by:
Lloyd Kaufman

Produced by:
Benjamin Cord
Andrew Deemer
Jason Foulke
Gabriel Friedman
Michael Herz
Lloyd Kaufman

Run Time:
103 Minutes

Released:
December 26, 2006

Review:

Excessively ridiculous and over the top, Poultrygeist is yet another crazy film by the folks at Troma. This is yet another tasteless film, but it does it so well that it’s just a fun ride from start to finish. The jokes are extreme, and quite funny. Acting wise, this film is cringe worthy, but that’s what makes these films so unique. Troma films are purposely awful, and they do it masterfully. If you love these types of horror comedies, then you’re sure to enjoy this trash opus that Lloyd Kaufman has directed. The film has all the usual traits that make up for an effective film in the studios library. The film has insane amounts of gore, and offensive humor and it is so extreme that you cannot help but laugh at how this film plays out. Poultrygeist is one of the most disturbing films that I have seen, and I’ve seen quite a few films that are disturbing. However with this one, the boundaries of good taste are pushed to the limits and it offers a unique viewing experience that you won’t soon forget. This film should appeal to gorehounds and to any Troma fan, however if you’re not used to their films, definitely stay away from this one, as this one is definitely not a flick for viewers who have weak stomachs. As a whole this is a very good horror comedy that succeeds at being totally off the wall with its content. This is sure to appeal to cult film fans, and quite original despite the extreme lack of good taste.

Final rating:
6/10

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After.Life review

Posted in Supernatural Horror, Surreal Horror with tags , , , , , on September 19, 2012 by Alex Roy


After.Life (2009)

Tagline:How can you save yourself if you’re already dead?

Directed by:
Agnieszka Wójtowicz-Vosloo

Produced by:
Bill Perkins
Brad Michael Gilbert
Celine Rattray

Run Time:
104 minutes

Released:
November 7, 2009

Review:

After.Life is a well constructed supernatural horror film that is very original in its idea. The strength of the film lies with Liam Neeson’s powerful performance as Mortician Eliot Deacon who has a gift of talking to the dead. I thought that the film was a breath of fresh air in the genre, and it was different considering all the remakes. With great direction from Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo, After.Life is a creepy horror films that should appeal to fans of the genre. With a great cast at hand, Vosloo delivers a unique and different film that is very much underrated. The mix of the supernatural and surreal elements helps create a terrific film that is definitely worth watching. What made this film really good was that it relied on atmosphere rather than shocks to create its horror, and it works very well. There’s a very well thought out plot that will keep you guessing from start to finish and though it has its imperfections, this is a better film than what most critics have written about it. In other words, this is not a work that should be easily dismissed. A few elements could have been reworked; nonetheless it is an effective chiller that displays a very creepy and effective Liam Neeson which makes up for the film’s flaws. If you love something different in the horror genre, give this film a shot, this is a work that is engaging, well-directed and has some good performances. However, like I stated previously, Neeson is the one that makes this such a thrilling and eerie viewing experience. After.Life may be imperfect, but it’s certainly better than most horror films that come out nowadays.As a low-budget film, this is one that is very well done and should satisfy any fan of the genre.

Final Rating:
7/10

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The Dead Next Door review

Posted in Bad Horror, Zombie Films with tags , , , , , , , , , , on July 21, 2012 by Alex Roy


The Dead Next Door (1989)

Tagline: How do you kill something that won’t die? Where do you run when they’re everywhere?

Directed by:
J.R. Bookwalter

Produced by:
J.R. Bookwalter

Run Time:
84 minutes

Released:
1989

Review:

The Dead Next Door is a poorly constructed low-budget zombie film that just doesn’t work. Shot on Super 8 mm film, the film right from the start has an amateur feel to it. This is a film that is supposed to be homage to all the Romero films. Although I admire the use of Super 8, and what they managed to accomplish with such a low-budget, this film has no real plot or no substance. This could have been a very good film, instead it fails and lacks anything to really peak a horror fan’s interest. J.R Bookwalter’s directing is sloppy and unfocused. The film just fails because it doesn’t tell a consistent story. The film could have been a fine low-budget tribute if the script would have been better. Unfortunately, the film is bad due to stupid overdubbing to make it sound like Bruce Campbell and other horror icons are in the flick. Unfortunately it makes the film unbearable, and it’s a chore to watch. The biggest problems with this film are the script, acting and directing. Although the film has great gore effects considering the budget, it’s simply not worth seeing. The acting itself is horrible, cheesy and laughable and the script goes out all over the place. This is a poorly made that you can tell that no real effort went into making something good and watchable. The filmmakers went for the gore factor, and though impressive, it doesn’t make this a good film. This was bad, and if you love a good zombie flick, pass up on this one, and watch something else. The Dead Next Door simply isn’t worth watching.

Final Rating:
2/10

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Pet Sematary review

Posted in Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , on March 29, 2012 by Alex Roy

Pet Sematary (1989)

Tagline: Sometimes dead is better.

Directed by:
Mary Lambert

Produced by:
Richard P. Rubinstein

Run Time:
103 minutes

Released:
April 21, 1989

Review:

Pet Sematary is a very good horror film and believe it or not somebody can make a good horror film out of a Stephen King novel. Mary Lambert does a great job with this film and manages to bring across King’s creepy story pretty well. Most people may avoid this, but they should check it out. This film is surprisingly good, and is definitely one of the better King adaptations. Above all, this is one of the scariest of all of King’s creations, and those who loved the book will definitely enjoy this film. This is a terrific film that delivers solid scares, and fans of the book like myself will enjoy it. I find this film adaptation to be very underrated, and it doesn’t deserve the flack it has received. As far as horror films are concerned, Pet Sematary delivers a memorable and terrifying viewing experience. The film has a good cast that deliver on-screen. Actor Fred Gwynne is probably the best here, and the lead actor Dale Midkiff is good as well. This film is better than what most people would think. As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the better King adaptations that really stands out and delivers effective terror. Director Mary Lambert keeps the terror coming and the film has a good atmosphere with a sense of evil, dread and helplessness. This is what makes horror so much fun to watch. Pet Sematary has all the elements that would make for a good, entertaining horror film. If you’re a Stephen King fan, then check this one out. This film has plenty of effective creepy moments to give you a good scare.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Pet Sematary 2 review

Posted in Bad Horror, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , on March 29, 2012 by Alex Roy

Pet Sematary 2 (1992)

Tagline: Raise some hell.

Directed by:
Mary Lambert

Produced by:
Ralph Singleton

Run Time:
100 minutes

Released:
August 28, 1992

Review:

Pet Sematary two is a pretty bad sequel to a very good horror flick. As usual, the filmmakers decided to create a follow-up to a fun horror flick, but this time around, the sequel really doesn’t pay off. The film may appeal to gore fans, as it is very gruesome and director Mary Lambert leaves nothing out. This sequel acts as if it forgets the first film, that actually delivered terror; but this time around, it just delivers on the bloodletting. What I loved about the original was the supernatural elements that rounded out a good story, and in fact it probably was the best work by author Stephen King. Pet Sematary tries to amp up the game by providing more blood and gore and the film doesn’t stand out. I felt that this film missed the mark and didn’t deliver anything aside from gore. A good story would have helped, but the film lacked in that department. I felt the film lacked anything really interesting that would make it watchable. This sequel relies more on gore than anything, and it’s fine if that’s what you’re expecting, but to those who loved those who loved the original, this will most likely disappoint you. As far as sequels are concerned, this follow-up is bad to mediocre and with only the gore factor to deliver its horror, the film ends up being a waste of time. There are a few decent elements here and there, but as a whole; the film doesn’t work and like I previously stated, it’s a disappointment. The film could have been much better and the filmmakers could have thought of a better plot, but it’s just bland.

Final Rating:
4/10

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Black Sabbath (I tre volti della paura) review

Posted in Classic Horror, Horror Anthologies, Italian Horror with tags , , , , , , , on October 15, 2011 by Alex Roy

Black Sabbath (1963)

Tagline: …The most gruesome day in the calendar of the Undead!

Directed by:
Mario Bava

Produced by:
Salvatore Billiterri
Paolo Mercuri

Run Time:
92 Minutes

Released:
November 17, 1963

Review:

Mario Bava’s Black Sabbath is a definite horror classic. This horror film is an anthology with three terrific, horrifying stories. Brilliantly directed with a good dose of atmospheric dread for each story, and narrated by legendary horror icon, Boris Karloff; Black Sabbath is an effectively chilling horror anthology and is one of the best horror anthologies that I have seen in quite some time. Black Sabbath has got three stories that will terrify you. Each story is brilliantly acted and leaves you in a state of dread. My personal favorite of the three stories is the third one, “The drop of water”; I thought that was the most chilling of all. A woman is haunted by the vengeful ghost of a dead medium after she steals a sapphire ring from her finger. The moments of that story are chilling and are some of the most terrifying in the horror genre. Mario Bava has made one of the best anthologies with Black Sabbath and this is a must see classic for horror fans. The stories are chilling, and they definitely build up good tension and a feeling of dread in the viewer. This is a terrific horror film and I consider one of the key Italian horror films. This is a well constructed horror film, one that is chilling and memorable. The film is brilliantly acted and directed and the stories are terrifying and original. As far as horror anthologies are concerned, Black Sabbath is by far one of the best that has ever been filmed. If you haven’t seen this classic, then you should head to your local video store and rent it, you’ll be in for one terrifying night of eerie and bone chilling stories.

Final Rating:
9/10

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