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Werewolves on Wheels review

Posted in Exploitation Films, Supernatural Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , , on November 27, 2012 by Alex Roy

Werewolves on Wheels (1971)

Tagline: This Gang Thought It Was Tough… ’til it found a new type of hell…The Bride of Satan!

Directed by:
Michel Levesque

Produced by:
Paul Lewis

Run time:
85 minutes

Released:
November 19, 1971

Review:

Pretty decent horror exploitation film about a group of bikers who are werewolves. If you’re looking for a fun, but very flawed low-budget flick to watch, then give this one a viewing. If you love these types of low-grade films, then this is for you. The film does lack in the plot department, and most of the time, it’s pretty dull, and the acting and directing aren’t that great either. However, the idea behind the film is pretty neat and fun, and there is enough here to make it worth seeing it once. There’s twisted, supernatural elements that’s apparent throughout the film and it overcomes it flaws just enough for you to enjoy it. The film is sleazy, cheesy and tongue in cheek, and has enough things going for the exploitation film fan. However for the common horror fan, this one may be hard to watch as there’s really not that much substance to its plot and effective, standout performances. Werewolves on Wheels is decent, but never great. This is one of those obscured low-budget gems that really defined exploitation films for what they are. Fun, unfocused and ultimately forgettable, this really could have been a stand out film, but in the end, it leaves a lot to be desired out of the plot. If you come across this title, give it a watch if you have nothing else better to do. This is a decent picture that has an interesting premise, but never does take off. Fun, but leaves you wanting more out of a film.

Final Rating:
5/10

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Teen Wolf Too review

Posted in Bad Horror, Horror Comedy, Modern Monsters with tags , , , , , , , on July 11, 2012 by Alex Roy


Teen Wolf Too (1987)

Tagline:

Directed by:
Christopher Leitch

Produced by:
Kent Bateman
Thomas Coleman (executive producer)
Michael Rosenblatt (executive producer)

Run Time:
94 minutes

Released:
November 20,1987

Review

Sequel to Teen Wolf is not the film that it could have been. This film is poorly constructed and has a recycled plot from the first one with a different lead actor and setting. The film had an interesting idea for its plot, but the filmmakers seem to be going through the motions and don’t have anything exciting to offer. The film is just dull, boring and stupid. The fact that Michael J. Fox is absent from the film makes this a bland affair. There’s really nothing new going on here, and Teen Wolf Too is just a poor sequel to a comedy horror classic. The result on-screen is a film that just doesn’t have anything interesting. This film just tries to cash in on the success of the original, and it does it very poorly. This film was horrible, and doesn’t have the magic the first one had. The first one was cheesy, but it was lots of fun from start to finish. However this film is just too predictable, and add to that a bad cast, a poorly written script that just isn’t interesting, and you have a bad film. Stick with the original, although cheesy, imperfect and corny at times, it was a fun film to watch. This, on the other hand is just a failed attempt at building on the original by using old ideas instead of using something new. This is just a tiresome film that isn’t worth your time. Jason Batman has done much better than this, and he does what he can with such a poor script, but ultimately it ends up being a dire, predictable and boring film that you just don’t care about. Watch the original Teen Wolf instead; this film is basically a rehash of ideas previously explored in the first film. You’re not missing much by not watching this.

Final Rating:
3/10

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Fright Night Part 2 review

Posted in Vampire films, Horror Comedy with tags , , , , , on June 26, 2012 by Alex Roy


Fright Night Part 2 (1988)

Tagline: Do you have ataste for terror?

Directed by
Tommy Lee Wallace

Produced by:
Miguel Tejada-Flores
Herb Jaffe,
Mort Engelberg

Run Time:
104 minutes

Released:
December 8, 1988

Review:

Being a die-hard fan of the original Fright Night, I finally got around to seeing the sequel. I had heard mixed things about, and I was skeptical about seeing it. However, I found the film to be pretty good, but not as good the original. This sequel is a more laid back flick than the first. Watching the first film, you realize that there is a different tone in atmosphere with this one. The film is good, but lacks the elements that made the first one such a classic. The problem with this film is that it essentially follows the same ideas as the first. With that being said, Fright Night Part 2 offers nothing really new or original, but is nonetheless a fun little film. This is one of those sequels that could have been great, but it’s slightly disappointing. This film could have been better if Stephen Geoffreys who played Evil Ed would have returned. The film is slightly more tongue in cheek than the original, and is gorier, which ruins the tone of the film a bit. The original Fright Night wasn’t gory and tended to rely more a dark atmosphere to create its horror. However with this sequel, the filmmakers went for more gore, which for me anyhow cheapened the film a bit. The standouts here are Julie Carmen as Regine Dandrige and Traci Lind as Alex, Charley’s new girlfriend. The script may not be as solid as the first film, but this is still a pretty good vampire film. This could have been a far better sequel as well. The film had some good ideas on-screen, but I think that they could have toned down the gore and make it a bit more atmospheric. The sensual traditional vampire elements were there, and Julie Carmen was definitely perfect in her part. The best way to describe Fright Night Part 2 is as a cheesy, mindless good time. Just don’t go expecting something memorable like the 1985 classic, you’ll be disappointed. However as far as real vampire films are concerned, this is still one of those films that keeps with the traditions. This is a film worth seeing and still fun, just not as fun as the original.

Final Rating:
6/10

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The Cabin in the Woods review

Posted in Psychological Horror, Sci Fi Horror with tags , , , , , , , , , on June 12, 2012 by Alex Roy


The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Tagline: You think you know the story.

Directed by:
Drew Goddard

Produced by:
Joss Whedon

Run Time:
95 minutes

Released:
April 13, 2012

Review:

The Cabin in the Woods is a great and surprisingly different horror film, one that is a much-needed breath of fresh air in the genre. Director Drew Goddard and producer Joss Wheddon deliver a solid film that blends elements of multiple sub genre of the horror genre. I find it hard to put this film in a specific category, but it has hints of the Slasher genre, Zombie genre, supernatural and Sci Fi horror genres to name a few. The best way to describe this is as a present to horror fans. Using multiple elements from many genres, Wheddon delivers something that horror fans will thoroughly enjoy. While using the usual horror clichés, the filmmakers manage to keep everything refreshing as well due to a strong story and cast. The actors deliver great performances, and it’s not the usual horror film performances. The characters are likeable. The story branches out nicely into different territory, which makes for this film very hard to classify. What it is is a film that displays clichés smartly and with the effective plot, it keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end. I very much enjoyed the film, and thought it was a great new addition to the stale genre of horror, where film studios are more preoccupied at remaking classic films. The Cabin in the Woods is proof that by using the standard horror formula, you create something totally original and reinvents the horror genre in the process. If you’re tired of constant watered down, scare free remakes, then give this one a shot. This film is probably the most inventive and best flick I’ve seen in a long time. Joss Wheddon has always been a creative mastermind, with The Avengers and this film, he is at the top of his game. What really stood out for me in this film was it reminded of a better version of the 1997 film, Cube. Except add to that many other horror elements, and you have something totally different and very entertaining. This film is a must see, and horror fans will rejoice that this is something totally new and good for a change.

Final Rating:
9/10

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Teen Wolf review

Posted in Horror Comedy, Modern Monsters with tags , , , on May 25, 2012 by Alex Roy

Teen Wolf (1985)

Tagline: He always wanted to be special…but he never expected this!

Directed by:
Rod Daniel

Produced by:
Mark Levinson
Scott M. Rosenfelt
George W. Perkins
Thomas Coleman
Michael Rosenblatt

Run Time:
91 minutes

Released:
August 23, 1985

Review:

Pretty good comedy horror flick with teen flair, Teen Wolf delivers a good time with a good cast of actors who are great to watch on-screen. Although not as memorable as other horror comedies of the 80′s, Teen Wolf is still a must for all horror fans. There are things that could have been done better, but for the most part, it succeeds at being a very entertaining film. This is cheesy 80′s comedy horror at its best. This is a fun twist on the usual werewolf flick, and it works. Although not perfect, this film is still a must see with great gags on-screen, and a cast that’s sure to please. The film at times is weak, but as a whole it succeeds at entertaining you because of the new ideas expressed in its story. The film may falter at times, but it doesn’t prevent it from being a fun, entertaining hour and a half. I very much enjoyed this film, Michael J. Fox was very good here, and he made the film work. If you’re looking for a fun cheesy comedy horror film that is meant not to be taken serious, Teen Wolf is that film. A very enjoyable film from start to finish this is an underrated film that deserves a lot more praise than it has gotten. Sure there are things that could have been improved upon, but in the end, the film still manages to be worthwhile viewing. If you enjoy 80′s comedy horror cheese, then Teen Wolf is the perfect film for you to watch and fill that void. A different take on werewolf films and it pays off.

Final rating:
6/10

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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans review

Posted in Vampire films, Underworld series with tags , , , on May 22, 2012 by Alex Roy

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

Tagline: Every war has a beginning

Directed by:
Patrick Tatopoulos

Produced by:
Len Wiseman
Tom Rosenberg
Gary Lucchesi
Skip Williamson

Run Time:
92 minutes

Released:
January 23, 2009

Review:

A surprisingly decent and enjoyable film that is a departure from the previous two entries. I really didn’t enjoy the second film, and I was skeptical about this one. I was surprised it wasn’t a total waste. The film was better, but it also had its fare share of flaws. The film although interesting in its idea, shows that the filmmakers were struggling with the material that they conceived for this prequel. The film tends to try too hard at delivering a competent story. Despite its potential, the film never succeeds entirely at being a great film. The result is a decent popcorn flick that is much better than the second film, but is overdone. I feel they should just have stuck with the basics instead of over complicating the story. The Underworld franchise has always been about mindless action horror, but where most of the films fail is that the filmmakers tend to put far too much content in its story just for the sake of it. This is a decent third film, one that should appeal to fans of the series. I feel though that a lot more effort could have been put into the film’s plot to truly make in engaging. However, this series goes for mindless action first, effective story telling second. But the films have delivered anything truly great story wise either. This prequel is decent for what it is, but leaves a lot to be desired as well. Worth watching if you’re a fan of the first films, but of all the Underworld films that really stands, the original is the best one to watch. Rise of the Lycans is a decent take at a prequel despite its flaws.

Final Rating:
5/10

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Underworld Awkening review

Posted in Underworld series with tags , , , , , , on May 22, 2012 by Alex Roy

Underworld Awakening (2012)

Tagline: Vengeance returns.

Directed by:
Måns Mårlind
Björn Stein

Produced by:
Tom Rosenberg
Gary Lucchesi
Len Wiseman
Richard Wright

Run Time:
88 minutes

Released:
January 20, 2012

Review:

Fourth film in the Underworld series is a mediocre film that combine, action and horror. What starts off to be promising film quickly turns tiresome. Underworld Awakening is a mindless popcorn action horror flick with a minimalistic story. I felt with this entry, the film had a plot that just didn’t deliver. The film had potential, but it just ended up being a mindless actioner. The Underworld series is one of the few action horror films that had a big potential in being something better than what they turned out to be. Rise of the Lycans was a decent flick, and along with the first film brought something unique to the vampire genre. With this fourth film, the filmmakers have clearly run out of ideas. I thought that the idea of Selene having a daughter was interesting, but there just wasn’t any real substance to the idea, it was as if the producers were like ok in this film Selene has a daughter, and we’re going to have Kate Beckinsale kick ass for an hour and twenty minutes. With this film, there’s simply no depth its plot to truly make it engaging. I just hope this will be the final entry in the series because there’s really nothing good going for this series anymore. Rise of the Lycans was flawed, but was a decent action horror film that explored the back story of the feud. With this one it just seemed they made to keep the series going without any merit to do something good and thrilling. The delivers on the action, but lacks an effective plot, which in turn ends up being a shallow emotionless film. There could have been something good here, but the result is a film where the filmmakers didn’t seem to care about the outcome. The end result is a mediocre film with good action, but an underdeveloped plot.

Final Rating:
4/10

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Silver Bullet review

Posted in Modern Monsters with tags , , on February 26, 2012 by Alex Roy

Silver Bullet (1985)

Tagline: It started in May in a small town and every month after that whenever the moon is full… It came back

Directed by:
Daniel Attias

Produced by:
Dino De Laurentiis

Run Time:
95 Minutes

Released:
October 11, 1985

Review:

Silver Bullet is a pretty good werewolf film. Corey Haim gives a good performance and so does Gary Busey. Silver Bullet is based on a short story by Stephen King, and like every King adaptation it’s creepy and chilling. The werewolf effects are great and terrifying. The film is definitely a thrill ride, and is a terrific horror film. Despite this film being horrifying and thrilling, the film does have a few flaws. Silver Bullet feels like a teen version of a Werewolf film due to the fact that heart throb Corey Haim plays a crippled kid. this film could have benefited from a stronger storyline as well. The film has some tense, scary moments, but at times the terror feels a bit forced and it prevents Silver Bullet to reaching its full potential. Otherwise, a pretty good film, if you like werewolf films, then Silver Bullet will give you a different take on the werewolf myth, but this ain’t no American Werewolf In London.

Final Rating:
7/10

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Dog Soldiers review

Posted in British horror, Modern Monsters with tags , , on February 1, 2012 by Alex Roy

Dog Soldiers (2002)

Tagline: Six Men. Full Moon. No Chance.

Directed by:
Neil Marshall

Produced by:
Christopher Figg
Tom Reeve
David E. Allen

Run Time:
105 Minutes

Released:
May 10, 2002

Review:

Dog Soldiers is one of the original werewolf films in recent memory. Directed by Neil Marshall who would later helm The Descent, this is a unique twist on old school werewolf films. This by far one of the best werewolf films since An American Werewolf in London and The Howling. Directing Neil Marshall delivers a film that blazes with originality. Dog Soldiers is an impressive take on a classic monster. The film is well acted with a good story and good gore effects to appeal to harden fans of the genre. This film is exciting and though throughout later years of the decade, remakes have become the prime type of film to appeal to today’s audiences, this film will most likely be discovered by old school horror fans that want ultimate thrills. Dog Soldiers is an awesome werewolf film with great effects. Neil Marshall has made a future classic of the genre. Along with The Descent, Dog Soldiers is one of the most memorable and original horror flicks to come out of Britain. The fact that this film takes an old idea and creates something totally new is great. This film shows that there are still directors willing to take the risk at creating a traditional, yet modern horror film, and separate themselves from the current Hollywood obsession with remaking every classic horror film. Dog Soldiers is one of the best werewolf films that you haven’t seen. Great gore effects and good acting with great directing by Neil Marshall makes Dog Soldier a must see for every serious horror film fan.

Final Rating:

8/10

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Chillerama review

Posted in Horror Anthologies, Horror Comedy with tags , , , , , on December 10, 2011 by Alex Roy

Chillerama (2011)

Tagline: The Ultimate midnight movie.

Directed by:
Adam Rifkin
Tim Sullivan
Adam Green
Joe Lynch

Produced by:
Jason Richard Miller
Andrew Mysko
Cory Neal

Run Time:
119 Minutes

Released:
November 29, 2011

Review:

Directed by some of modern horrors best new talents, Chillerama is a good anthology of horror stories. The directors of the film have taken a liking to the Grindhouse cinema much like Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez did with their film, Grindhouse. Chillerama features four stories that are homage’s and parodies of old school horror flicks of the 1950′s to the 1970′s. There are a few weak elements in the film, such as the second story, which is a musical, and aside from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, I’m not a big fan of musicals. Aside from I was a teenage Wearbear, this film is a fun little horror anthology. However there are aspects of the film that could have been improved upon. There are some great stories that are very funny, and Chillerama is a great addition to the short list of horror anthologies worth watching. This film is a fine tribute to old school horror films, and what’s great about this film is that in its two-hour running time, the filmmakers fit so much creativity into the film. Aside from the werewolf musical, which I previously stated absolutely sucked, this film was good for what it was. If you’re looking for a fine tribute to old school horror, then you might find it here with Chillerama. Some of the stories are ridiculous especially the segment “Wadzilla” which probably the best story in this anthology. Chillerama has a good cast of actors here, and I think that the fact that four of today’s foremost horror directors collaborated on one film makes this a must see film. Sure, the film could be better, but for the most part, it succeeds at being an entertaining two hours of crazy original horror stories. Only the most diehard horror fan will enjoy this.

Final Rating:
6/10

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