HALLOWEEN 2016

Hi readers. Hope everyone had a spooky but safe Halloween. How did you celebrate? What did you watch? As I have mentioned on this blog in the past I have something of a ritual on the night of October 31st of having a little mini horror marathon, to enter into the creepy spirit. I normally choose what to watch myself but this year I held a poll over on our Facebook group page (do check it out and join us by the way... "join usss"). Anyway the 3 winners of the vote to decide which films I'd watch and write about, as you may have guessed from the picture above, were [•REC], The Cabin in the Woods and John Carpenter's original Halloween.

What follows is a spoiler-y discussion about these 3 movies. It's not a summary and won't take you through every inch of the films, but if you haven't seen them and don't want to be spoiled at all then don't say I didn't warn you, and please watch these films. They are all most definitely worth your time. Now, to the movies.

[•REC] 

 This one I don't want to get too in depth about as Mr Butterscotch and I had a discussion as to whether this film or it's sequel is better which we're hoping to have pieces about up on the site soon. What I will say is that the movie is great but didn't hold up as well as I'd hoped or remembered. That said, this is probably the fourth or fifth time I have watched this movie and I put the DVD in at around 3 in the afternoon whilst it was still a bright and glorious day outside so the atmosphere was hardly conducive to horror. The positives are still very much present, however. The movie maintains it's central conceit of the found-footage trope/genre extremely well, even coming up with the clever reason of needing the camera light to explain it's continued usage at the film's end and thus leading to one of the most iconic images of modern horror as the protagonist, bathed in green night-vision, is dragged off screen into the darkness.

I would also commend any foreign language horror film for even getting noticed in our English speaking countries. It is also, remarkably, a very fresh take on the zombie genre, inventing a fascinating and clever reason for their existence which seems wholly original despite it's heritage potentially being traceable back to the "when there's no more room in Hell..." speech in George A. Romero's original Night of the Living Dead. The sense of claustrophobia and dread is palpable, achieved by a combination of the set design, plot devices like literally sealing us in and the aforementioned fact that we are viewing everything through one camera. It does place the viewer in the thick of the action without release, but all good found-footage movies should.

 And now, the negatives. Unfortunately the characters, outside of our protagonists Angela and Pablo, can be quite hard to follow. I genuinely found myself not knowing when certain people had been bitten or had turned and become zombies. The cavalier attitude to killing these people with a savvy awareness that they are no longer human or salvageable does also betray that this is a movie a little too jarringly to be fully effective. The film becomes a little jumbled in it's hectic middle section and at only 75 mins long could perhaps have used a few minutes to better establish characters and events here. The breakneck pace racing to the film's climax would still be something that I'd keep though, as it's a great tension builder before the appearance of perhaps the most terrifying creature I've seen on film, as the protagonists, and we, work our way to that ending in the dark.

 ***1/2 (3.5/5)

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS

I love this film. I suppose I was pre-disposed to love it given that it is produced and co-written by Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly etc). As such it has all the whip-smart sassy dialogue that I love (but which could easily come off as smart-ass and annoying to others, I appreciate that). More than that however the film is an absolute horror geek's treat and a solid commentary and deconstruction of the genre.

 "Society is binding. Right? It's filling in the cracks with concrete. Everything's filed or reported, logged, right? Chips in our kids heads so they won't get lost. Society needs to crumble. We're all just too chicken shit to let it.... You will come to see things my way." ' - Marty

 I really dig it when a movie sneaks it's central plot and ending into an early line of dialogue that goes completely unnoticed at first. It's done to great effect in Shaun of the Dead and the dialogue above shows that this movie does the same. By the end the film's protagonist and potentially the audience will indeed agree with Marty. The film starts out showing the odd clash of worlds that will inhabit it as we watch a scene of what seems like office banter which leads abruptly into a clever and unique jump scare, which only shows the title. Lol indeed. Next we set up our teen archetypes (whore, jock, scholar, fool and "virgin"/final girl). It's only through the course of the movie that we learn that the characters have been forced (via drugs, mind control etc) into these archetypes.

 Pretty soon our teens have to stop in a lonely, desolate gas station to meet the stereotypical creepy old man with a warning. This is also brought to our attention in dialogue as this "Harbinger" calls the office that we are following, which acts as both a filmmakers and audience substitute, and he is told:

 "Well, you're doing a great job out there. By the numbers, man. You got us started off just right..." 

 This cleverly draws attention to this trope but then subverts it with a very post-modern bit of humour:

 "Cleanse them, cleanse the world of their ignorance and sin. Bathe in the crimson of .... am I on speaker phone?"

 You either hate this subversive humour or love it, and I love it. We then see the teens develop into their roles as the office workers behind their eventual sacrifice explain the limits of their power, again channeling the horror screenwriter:

 "If they don't transgress..."
 "...they can't be punished." 

 The film then explicitly draws a comparison between the office drones watching events play out and the horror film viewer. They watch intently but unfeelingly as a girl shows her breasts, even remarking that they aren't the only ones watching when someone displays disgust at this (referring to their demonic masters AND the horror audience). They then continue to watch, totally desensitized, as the girl, Jules, is brutally offed by a zombie, despite Marty's post-modern protests that they should not have read the Latin in a book they found in the cellar (Evil Dead fans will appreciate this). The cellar, the betting board and the cages seen later are a wealth of geek thrills with references to the monsters eventually seen here, as well as multiple other horror films (I especially noticed the puzzle sphere and demon being a nod to Hellraiser but there are multiple easter eggs).

I also love that the teens are initially forced into making the poor decisions of stereotypical horror characters, such as using mind-altering gas to lead them to think it's a good idea to split up. The direction too, I find, enhances the post-modern connections, I noticed at one point that the director made a scene change by the camera going through/into a TV screen. I don't want to go into too much detail about the film's final act, because it should really be experienced rather than spoiled. Suffice to say there are a lot of monster cameos and a final great one by an appropriate horror actress.

The only negative I could personally give the film is that I don't truly appreciate the nihilistic ending. I realise it is the central points personified but it's just such a bummer and a little too weird for me.

 ****1/2 (4.5/5)

HALLOWEEN (1978) 

What's left to say about John Carpenter's seminal classic? It's a masterpiece, a perfect film to watch on dark, spooky nights. It arguably kick-started the slasher genre (though I'm aware that Psycho, Peeping Tom and Black Christmas all came before but I'd argue were less successful). It has a sense of atmospheric dread that's never been bettered, and it created our very first Scream Queen in Jamie Lee Curtis (who continues to play up this role in the appropriately titled Scream Queens TV show).

 The film opens with a minimalist but extremely effective opening credits sequence. This sets the mood beautifully with just a Jack-O-Lantern, orange text and the iconic and exceptional musical theme. This still gives me chills and evokes so much in me so perfectly. In the films opening scene Carpenter deftly employs an early pov shot to place the audience in the mask of the killer and continue bringing the horror closer whilst showing very little of Michael Myers' murder of his sister Judith.

 The film then builds up tension brilliantly as our final girl heroine, Laurie, increasingly sees "The Shape" (as Myers is described brilliantly in the end credits) behind bushes, in the corner of her eyes, small but shockingly scary in fleeting frames. The boiler suit and William Shatner mask here just add to the other-worldly menace and fear. We hear throughout the film as Doctor Loomis uses dialogue to dehumanise Myers, something which the mask and costume also achieve. He is evil incarnate, the "boogeyman" of our irrational nightmares.

 And this leads me to the only flaw in this near perfect film as we briefly see Laurie unmask Myers and reveal the person beneath. Sure, he looks dead-eyed but it's a bit like when Darth Vader took off his helmet to reveal a pasty old white guy. Not knowing what's under the mask is scarier. This is a small niggle though, as Carpenter expertly uses the camera, sets and even the shadows to make the masked killer so effectively, chillingly scary.

I adore this film. It has a mass appeal (even my mum loves it), and just feels eerie and compelling at the same time. Aptly enough the film is perfect for dark Halloween nights. And it's led me to discover and finally order the sequel.

   ***** (5/5) 

 MM

The Walking Dead Season 7 Episode 1

"THE DAY WILL COME WHEN YOU WON'T BE"

First up let me just start with a SPOILER WARNING. This review and discussion will include spoilers for the episode. Although I truly can't believe there is anyone out there with any interest who hasn't seen the episode and/or knows what happens please be aware that this review will spoil some big moments.

Wow!... and breathe. That's how I felt after 7 months of waiting and then the intense wringer that was this episode. It started out as frustratingly as last season ended: still playing tricks and using cheap shots to torture us in our rabid desire to find out what happened as surely as Negan was teasing and torturing our group of characters. The show runners knew that we, too, were metaphorically lined up and waiting nervously to see who was about to become a vicious human pinata, and boy did they milk it. I initially feared that we'd have an episode of slower, character stuff with just one or two characters before revealing the big moment at the very end of the episode. The Walking Dead is known to do this, often for a complete episode or two, and whilst it has its defenders I'm firmly on the side that it is mostly filler. Too many episodes, too little budget, too many characters...

 Thankfully that wasn't the case here. It wasn't long before we flashed back (and even before that Rick spat out another cool quote directly from the comic) and, boy, did we get our answers. Whether you were shocked at who was written off the show or not (and I wasn't), what you saw was truly shocking stuff. It shredded my nerves and left me feeling genuinely queasy... and I loved it! Maybe I'm a masochist, I don't know. You kind of have to be to watch this show and others of its ilk. At first I did think that the show might have gone too far but then I realised that the death of the great Sgt. Abraham showed very little at first, observe:

Sure the context was horrific but this moment was even tempered by great humour that was totally within character (and possibly the greatest defiant last words ever!). The aftermath is when things got a bit out of hand: showing the audience the bloody pulp that was once a beloved character's head and then trying to make Rosita look at these shards of skull on Lucille, the bat. But that was perhaps to justify Daryl lashing out. We were so "there" that we might have felt the same. And I for one genuinely thought that this could mean the end of even the immortal Daryl for a while there. Bravo Scott Gimple, you got me! I don't even like the character but I still cared in that moment. But I knew that something was going to go down. I wasn't shocked but I know from YouTube reaction videos that several people were. Back to it...

 ... and goodbye Glenn. At last. I thought you were dead last season and hated that stupid mislead. At the time I even suspected it was to raise questions about whether he might survive the moment that he notoriously perished in the famous comic issue 100. And yet that bat hit me hard too (thankfully metaphorically speaking). The direction and cinematography here were outstanding. I felt it. And I was grossed out. This was where I again thought that the show might have gone too far. Glenn's make-up effects and half-dead state were horrifying... but then I realised that I dug that it, like a lot of the dialogue, was straight from that famous comic issue. Even though it was cut from the 9pm showing on Sky here in the UK, I don't think this image was just there to shock. Sure it did that but I think it was a cool geek touch. In much the same way as fans may get a thrill from seeing Iron Man and Captain America recreate a classic Civil War splash page on the big screen, here we saw a profound and affecting image writ large across two mediums:

I can't end this review without mentioning the incredibly tense moment between Rick and Carl. it was handled perfectly, as we felt the same feelings as Rick. I complained that if Rick went through with the act of chopping off his sons arm it would be farther than I think Rick would go, despite the consequences, and yet I knew that there would be consequences. It shows how well balanced the episode and show were that it didn't punish us with more carnage. Even the heroic moment when Carl tells his father to go for it is completely in character but a welcome relief for the audience at this point. Imagine how much more harrowing this scene might have been if Carl was begging for mercy. And yet this was still the most tense scene in the episode! My younger brother, watching with me, said as much out loud and I'm inclined to agree. It played skilfully with our knowledge of limb loss from the comics, teases littered throughout the episode, and the fact that we had seen how far Negan would go by now. Kudos on breaking us down along with Rick so that we could go through the journey. We, too, started out angry and defiant and ended up completely broken and compliant.

 Let me finish by adding that I loved a couple of great, littler character moments. Like many people I missed Abraham's final gesture of affection to Sasha but it's great and heartbreaking when you see it. I also loved that Michonne stayed strong in the smart way, not pleading with Negan desperately but acknowledging his power and their understanding. For now. And I adore that Maggie remained defiant, even when Rick wasn't any more. Fans of the comic know how important this moment could be going forward. Finally I love how Sasha, who we watched struggle and battle her way through grief and depression, was the one who said that she would help Maggie "get there" beyond these traumas. I dug this, even though I initially forgot that she had just lost someone too. Emmy standard acting all round, great writing, fantastic direction. Cheap shots not required. I just hope we get some levity for a little while now. Phew.

 One final thought: I love that this show, whilst on a surface level is about the classic horror of the undead, is more about the horrors of life for the living, and how people can be the biggest nightmare you can face. Never has this been made clearer than in the final shot of a lone "walker", come to devour scraps of flesh, now looking so insignificant and feeble as it gets smaller in Rick's rear-view mirror.

How clear can I put this, for the next few Monday nights, The Walking Dead is in charge!

**** (4/5)

 MM

Saw 5 - Review

Hi guys. If you read my previous posting you'll know that I promised this and part of the reasons behind it anyway but I wanted to add that this is here because I just finished watching the DVD. Yes I did buy it in part due to the hype surrounding the sixth installment's recent release but not for the blog alone, it's just the sort of thing I do anyway. I'm a sucker for hype but I quite enjoy that part of film fandom. I am hoping that will gain the piece some extra relevance though.

SPOILER COUNTRY - YOU KNOW THE DRILL!!!

In a nutshell this movie naturally picks up where the previous one left off. (find my review of that elsewhere on the blog). Detective Hoffman has picked up the torch of previous protagonist Jigsaw. With no loose end present one is presented as the FBI agent from the previous movie, Peter Strahm, is seen as supposed to die in the mass house death orgy that made up Saw 3, 4 and now the start of 5 but he survives in quite a clever way and with John Kramer dead sets out to find the new man responsible, putting Hoffman's secret in jeopardy. Along the way we see in flashback how he and Jigsaw met and, unknowing to us in the audience, the ways in which Hoffman was present at the events from all 3 films (conveniently with both other villains foolishly killed off). This is done surprisingly well despite being necessary but more on that later. Concurrently with the investigation and attempts by Hoffman to cover his tracks by framing his pursuer we follow a Saw 2 style set up of 5 victims (get it?) in a series of rooms set as traps as they attempt to survive grisly fates, and learn a valuable life lesson about morality. No sarcasm intended, you do get that in a non-overt or ironic way. Now to the review...

We open as ever with a traditional straight-into-the-action trap. Like the previous movies this is the best one here and starts us off well, done excellently, presented well practically and with a later story purpose that justifies even the biggest annoyance that it was not "winnable", since this is, as we learn, Hoffman and not Jigsaw responsible, killing the man who murdered his sister and framing Jigsaw, much to his initial annoyance and setting up their partnership and to a degree all the previous films, or aspects of them. This playing with time and never hall marking where we are in all films' narrative is done better here than before, still bold but with more help than before for the clued in and up to date. This also brings up the best ideas from previous Saw's about the nature of Jigsaw's twisted morality and why these things are happening to people. This along with many other parts of the movie show a major shift away from gratuitous gore and so called "torture porn" to a half way decent story which kept this viewer intrigued and hooked. It is also more comprehensible than the previous attempt at this and easier to follow as a result. That said anyone with no knowledge of previous events would presumably still be very lost. It also brings me to one of my annoyances. I am angered by the idea, presented by ignorant and hack media types mainly, that these films, especially the continuous sequels, are just lowest-common-denominator set pieces and mass market fodder, there is way too much going on, here at least, and credit is due for that. This part of the plot takes in some frustratingly unexplained plot threads regarding Jigsaw's estranged wife but one assumes that is hedging bets for inevitable future revelations. The rest of the linked men's histories reminded me of the Scream 3 description of the last part of a trilogy, we do go back to the beginning and discover something we thought we knew which is shown differently, explaining things in this case, allowing us a whistle stop tour of the first few films which leaves fans feeling rewarded and tying things up surprisingly effectively, never feeling forced. The ending too is one of the better attempts at shocking us as we deeply empathise and encourage the newest victim, Strahm, to do as he is told and learn the rules, as justice is once again perverted and we end on an unfortunately jarringly gruesome scene but brave plot climax as the bad guy wins again, even covering up his deeds as they are blamed on the victim.

The other main plot is also surprisingly decent. We learn as we go the crime these 5 people have commited which made them a target for Jigsaw (though seriously he's dead, that's enough with the "oh but do just set up these last bad people" stuff). Their amoral actions led them to be targets but whats interesting is how clued up the film lets them be, and cleverer, since the audience would presumably be more savvy by now too as we follow along. This part shocks a couple of times by doing the unexpected, first killing off the groups seeming leader then again seeing the less moral-seeming guy saved as the helpless female character is persecuted and killed. The big twist is really cool as we learn that these 5 thought they had to be sacrificed one by one but actually should have worked together, this seems to earn the last, truly awful and grisly, trap a lot more as they have to allow their arms to be carved up to spill enough blood to open their final doorway to freedom. Ordinarily this would seem OTT, especially in lieu of the more reserved tone of the rest of the film but the plot makes it have more of a point, as it does with these people's presence, though like before they seem to serve no point to the continuous narrative being displayed and are just here to give us some main focus for this one film, not brilliantly woven in but still good enough as Jigsaw fodder generally. Another gripe, held over from previous reviews is how the traps again, like many of the franchise's traps, seem to have no basis in actual medical reality and are not nearly as survivable you're left feeling which can take you out of the narrative a tad.

The writing here seems vastly improved however, perhaps the best plotting since the first film or two and better than the last 2. The direction too is noticeably accomplished. Whilst constrained by the hyperactive flashes and cuts which have become the Saw hallmark there are a surprising couple of flourishes playing with time changes within the scene by cutting using a pendulum and other objects passing by camera. All in all a very enjoyable night in, less gratuitous and gross than the more inferior efforts, a great plot not too difficult to follow, some fan pleasing stuff without seeming overtly winking at the audience, great ways to still keep Jigsaw involved, which I was worried wouldn't work (and fear won't next time) but was well presented here. Solid, does what it sets out to and I can't find too much to fault and a fair bit to praise, though maybe that's relief after the dropping quality of the previous two films or a good mood, or just good old personal preference. I can't promise everyone will get the same as me out of this but similar viewers and fans will. Whatever, my final score is in...

**** (4/5)

MM

The Exorcist 3 - Extremely Belated Review

Apologies all but Mr B and i actually watched this at my place almost 2 weeks ago I think, illness, work, and other life complications have eaten my time but indulge me if you will as I randomly attempt to splurge some coherent thoughts about this, a film which regular readers will know Mr B loves, and initiated a quest for amongst me and my family.
The picture opens frankly slowly, there are some good but cliched pieces of visual creepy imagery, usually harking back to the stair tumble from the first Exorcist film (our first hint of how important that will be and one of very few early references to the earlier picture). Slight visual clues and tricks appear which are a bit confusing and jarring (at least for me), an atmosphere is created but non-fans or those slow on the filmic uptake may find it a tad frustrating. More criminal still is the lack of any real horror. Sure there are murders but at least two occur off screen and more is implied than shown, a shame for me but I know this is part of the charm for my esteemed colleague and I can see how that might be so even though I don't agree and was less forgiving of this.
As things progress we end up almost in a straight police procedural for a while. Maybe it's necessary exposition, perhaps it's giving the actors some meaty stuff to play against outside a genre that may be seen as less worthy, whatever the case I found this to be the weakest part of the movie. Again though by comparison my viewing buddy was loving the set up and mood and even noticing things like little subtle shapes in the shadows and other eerie moments which were lost on me (I'm still not convinced these were intentional, at least in the one example he pointed out to me).
Eventually we end up in the cell of the man claiming to be the Gemini killer (who was killed via execution years ago around the end of Regan's possession ordeal) but who looks, to our protagonist, exactly like The Exorcist's Father Damian Karras. This is where the film earns its status for me (and a visibly awed and transfixed Mr B). This first scene in that cell has since become one of my favourite in the genre, we have detailed horror dialogue and descriptions, excellent creepy dialogue and even two actors playing the same part which really shouldn't work but it's amazing how well it does and how completely captivated we are by the performances that we go with it. The two actors playing this unfortunate character deserve much kudos, (including reliable genre veteran and legend Brad Dourif) as well as our lead.
As the plot goes much deeper into horror territory things vastly improve. We get a brilliantly realised, visually stylish surreal dream scene. There is much exploration of past events and lots is tied up. When we get to the obvious ending (the green-faced possession) which should seem trite and forced the imagery and depictions become truly memorable, disturbing and jarring but completely original, if horrific in the best, most thoughtful way. The final depiction of hell is one of the most powerful film images and will stay with you for a while.
Overall a really slow burner which only kicks off half way through then gets excellent just as it finishes but with some great plotting (if over complicated), a few brilliant moments (look out for a crazy old lady ceiling walk), three top notch actors and one of the best endings I've seen in a while, I still can't see why Mr B raves QUITE so much about it as it's a little too plodding and does have flaws but still a very good, surprisingly original and hard working sequel.

*** (3/5)

MM

Rec 2: First Review

Hey gang.
A glut of reviews have started emerging for upcoming and newly or recently released horrors. Whilst I'm not planning on sharing them all (check the usual sites if you are interested though) I wanted to link to a review by Massawyrm on AICN. Mainly because I'm super hyped for this film, even more so now. The piece is what I would call spoiler-free as it gives no specifics or detail but you may wish to avoid it if you do want to come to this film with absolutely untainted, fresh eyes. If not, and I do recommend this, check it out here.

MM

Saw 4 - Review

As mentioned in my previous blog entry I was inspired to watch this by checking out the advance publicity for the next in the series, it was one of those DVD's that I had bought and left on the shelf, to watch someday. It got forgotten when I gave up on the franchise after watching number 3, and as I grew increasingly weary of the assembly-line release of still more films, as the tagline says "you think it is over, but the games have just begun." Finally motivated to watch it I slipped the disc in on a lonely night this Saturday and was quite surprised, but pleasantly. The movie was nowhere near as bad as I feared, actually holding my attention quite well and not seeming at all like the waste of time I'd expected, half poised to switch off before the end. Don't get me wrong there are flaws (I'll get to that) and this is far from a great or classic movie, and to be honest if you aren't a Saw fan then you might as well take a star off my eventual score, likewise if you haven't seen any of the movies then take away 2, this is not the place to start. That said I quite enjoyed it.
(SPOILER ALERT – If you haven’t seen Saw 4 and ever plan on coming to it fresh then stop reading right now!).
Let's start with the problems, the films now seem increasingly reliant on gore and torture leading to new ways of showing blood, guts, body parts etc at the expense of plot. There is more attention to the "Eurgh" response which annoys me as a viewer who likes at least some plot to back it up. From an opening autopsy scene which actually had me shouting to get on with it to traps so ridiculous and jarring they hold up to no analysis and seem designed for pure shock value only. Similarly while the plot is good in some ways, that I shall mention, the same flaws are still present that I mentioned in my Saw 2 review, even 2 films later. These include inescapable traps, nonsenscial motivations, and shocks and surprises which contradict and confound. Anyone wanting to pick the plot of this apart has an easy job.
Despite that though it has more of a plot thread than I was expecting. This time we follow SWAT Commander Rigg in his personal test (not dissimilar to how the whole of Saw 2 was ultimately a test for Detective Matthews (who makes a welcome and fairly cool return). Along the way we cleverly but not bafflingly follow various non-linear strands including the investigation of an apparent accomplice to the now deceased Jigsaw and Amanda, and crucially and brilliantly John Kramer's motivation for becoming the serial killer Jigsaw and his very first trap (it has a purpose, this is all stuff that was touched upon or detailed in the graphic novel spun off from the earlier films but so cool to see, actual character stuff I was not expecting).
The traps themselves do the job they are there for I guess, naturally some ennui has set in by now so some fall short while others seem to border on genius (I loved the woman being connected to her husband by steel rods through his major arteries but not hers so she held his fate in her hands, that's the kind of poetic justice that makes the villain so much more interesting than the hack, slash, gore factor). To be avoided are traps like the opening one where two people are pitted against one another, in this case deprived of different senses, but one has to die.
As things conclude it's jarring but great when we see cameos from people across all previous movies in the flashback pieces, until eventually we see that these events are playing out simultaneously with those from the third movie (the only way they can make sense really). That said the final reveal of Detective Hoffman as the heir to the legacy and our new villain seems like an attempt to replicate the effect of the same reveals of Jigsaw in the first movie and Amanda in the second, it fals short and is a bit confusing (though I read this is cleared up in the next film, which I do plan to buy and watch, being quite psyched for the next 2 now). It reeks of wanting to keep the franchise running despite killing off the guy who made it, thus emphasising how dumb this was!
Overall an enjoyable piece if you don't overthink it, better if you've been following all the films and paying attention but for me...

*** (3/5)

MM

Harper's Island Eps 1 and 2 - Review

Part 1: Oh boy was this a slog. It starts off well with an early, very gruesome murder which seems to set the tone nicely then sadly devolves into a slasher equivalent of the bad teen dramas you try and avoid that are constantly on E4, kind of like a Halloween 90210. This, sadly, seems necessary to setting up characters, motivations etc for the murder mystery part of the narrative. We do successfully meet the main players and their relation to each other (I won't repeat them all here, watch the episode if you care). The cast are a mixed bag but Elaine Cassidy as Abby (already set up as our "final girl" with a plot identical to that of Neve Campbell's protagonist in Scream) doing an admirable job of carrying the show in these early stages. Also it has to be said that the show did pull off a genuine shock in the episode's second death, killing off a guy who had been firmly set up as a suspect for the murders. Not great, I almost did turn off during the Dawson's Creek moments at the party but thankfully worth getting through, and does get much more engaging than here too but not until...

Part 2: Much improved, THREE really grisly deaths again, much more intriguing development as this viewer, for one, tries to now get a handle on potential killers (my early money: nice guy ex Jimmy who is just far too likeable or the charming English fop with a glimpsed dark side who's dating the flirt, who just happens to have a thing for serial killers). The soap elements are much better handled as we ease into knowing and liking at least one group of characters in my case (those surrounding the groom being much more interesting than the bride's side). Another truly surprising set up of potential murderer, whom you then grow to care for, only to have her bizarrely killed off (off screen though, tut tut, its a god job you're a whodunnit). It is becoming slightly ludicrous that nobody has yet noticed people begin to be murdered on an island with history but that's a minor criticism as no doubt this will have to be addressed next week, suffice to say I'm already hooked, contemplating theories, avoiding spoilers so be warned and eagerly anticipating the third part. I'm loving playing along and really getting into even the soap like parts so if anyone cares to discuss it and is also avoiding looking up the answers online feel free to comment, check me out on Facebook or Twitter or e-mail wils1_uk@hotmail.com. Failing that I may do an investigative piece on the suspects after a couple more eps...

Ep 1: ** (2/5)
Ep 2: **** (4/5)

MM

The Grudge 3 - Review

SPOILER WARNING This movie is basically the story of one family still living in the Chicago apartment block that, as of the last sequel, is now infected with the curse (in this movie named for the first time in the american franchise as a ju-on). The players are our "final girl/heroine" type, a teenage girl named Lisa who is about to move to New York with her boyfriend on a fashion fellowship, her elder brother Max, left in charge of the family and the building since their parents died and young 8 year old Rose, who suffers from some kind of terminal disease which is affecting her breathing (but oddly goes unnamed). I mention this because this film completely abandons the non-linear narrative and spooky investigative elements of the previous two pictures in favour of a plain kitchen-sink drama narrative involving these 3, whom the horror unfolds around, sort of like the american remake of Dark Water. Other characters are introduced (a total of 6: Jake (survivor from the last film, his psychiatrist Dr Sullivan (Saw's Shawnee Smith, the kindly neighbour Gretchen (Star Trek TNG's Marina Sirtis, and to a lesser degree Lisa's boyfriend and Max's boss but all of these are merely fodder to be introduced and then as quickly dispatched by Kayako/Toshio/the curse. We do however also meet Naoko, the sister of Kayako who, it conveniently turns out, knows a ritual to stop her siblings curse and is only now having nightmares compelling her to do so, tied into memories of the God awful "demon feeding" plot line from movie 2.
Let's get this straight: this is a bad movie, or more accurately a bad horror movie, as a drama there are times when it really seems to work, but that's not what I wanted to watch. There are literally 3 worthy scares, all quite effective but as before all rip-offs of effectively scary or creepy moments from previous or other films. We see Kayako emerge from a painting to murder Gretchen and trap Dr Sullivan in a maze of her own hospital rooms, both good enough with top class terrified acting from both genre queens, but frustratingly brief and off set by a couple of deaths which actually occur OFF-SCREEN!!! A cardinal sin for a horror film, if that's how this can be classified.
The plot, as it stands, is nonsensical and ridiculous. Naoko only now shows up to cleanse a house in a different country, several victims and a continent later? Even the little moments such as giving Gretchen arthritis and similar character traits are rendered pointless and leave you wondering why they bothered at all, she could just as easily have been a tap dancing albanian clown for all the effect it has on anything! It's quite nice seeing the glimpses of the story's history but here it's flogged to absolute death in a straight drama which I already don't care for, the little scenes will keep ardent fans very slightly placated, but ultimately wanting. The frustrating thing is there is a good sequel horror somewhere in this turgid mess, some ideas could be slightly altered or furthered, replacing bad ones to make a much better overall film, in fact that's just it, this feels like a first draft that was rushed into production and filmed.
The end was so bizarre and confusing I had to look up what it meant, not the stupid but well presented scene as the murdered Naoko becomes a new Kayako style apparition (baffling though this is within the continuity of how Kayako came to be) but the scene at the end which shows Rose, having drank Kayako's blood to stop her (no, really), now appear to be her, the implication being that she is now carrying her and all the evil spirits SHE had inside, at this point the whole thing collapses like a house of cards, assuming anyone cares enough after a looong hour and a half to question it. Special mention too to the attrocious special effects on the villains, painting them a near flourescent blue and yet having people act like they just saw a normal boy on the stairs. Did Lisa think he had some odd disease, or was just really, really cold? Dull on a criminal level, frustratingly not scary enough with too much emphasis on a terrible plot and not enough on actual horror! Sorry guys, catch it if you're desperate for a couple of nice jumps and scares that you properly have to fight for and work to get through to but otherwise take my advice and avoid it like the plague, there are much better horrors out there...

* (1/5)

MM

Review - Saw 2

Hello again fear mongers. Mr B and I decided on an impromptu horror double bill when hanging out last night and now Im sharing the resulting thoughts, views and opinions with you faithful few frighteners. Stay tuned for a special piece on Texas Chain Saw Massacre (the remake) in a style you haven’t seen before but first our more traditional thoughts and my review of the first film we watched, Saw 2.
I was surprised I talked Mr B into this but my excitable descriptions of pieces I recalled (I remembered quite digging this before) convinced him, so in the disc went, we munched on petrol station snacks, as has become the norm, and the logo’s played, much to Mr B’s approval, oh how things went downhill from there.
The film opens with a trap in progress (SPOILER ALERT – If you haven’t seen Saw 2 and ever plan on coming to it fresh then stop reading right now!). This involves a hapless victim having to gouge out his eye to retrieve a key to a death “mask” laden with spikes which will snap shut on him in a few seconds. Supposedly this is his poetic justice for having used his peepers to spy on people as an informant. I’m not ashamed to say I still think this scene and trap are incredible, you truly feel for the guy and put yourself in that horrendous position, the first thing through my mind being that I couldnt do it, pondered every time I see him reach for the eyeball with a blade. This also struck me as quite clever, it’s misdirection in a sense since you’re expecing an Un Chien Andalou style eye slicing but it doesnt happen, you’re left reeling as a viewer, disgusted by the idea of it but wanting it to happen so the poor guy can free himself, it’s almost cathartic and relieving when the mask snaps shut, reminiscent of a scene in Mask of Satan, a reference for the hardcore horror fanatics. Mr B looked nonplussed here but his opinion wasnt shared so on we ploughed.
We next launch into exposition setting up the cop characters, once Mr B had got over who both actors were (despite initial disbelief that it was Marky Mark Wahlberg’s brother and the chick from Starship Troopers) he concentrated, regretting it later but that’s to come. There was some hand wringing and excitement when we finally got to the meat of the story, meeting our protagonists all trapped in a house together. Lets deal with these sections of the film first...
Most of the traps Mr B found ridiculous, and it has to be said they dont hold up to logical analysis or scrutiny. I forgive a lot due to the fact the people here were clearly never meant to leave the first room but as Mr B pointed out with regards to a different matter its human nature not to sit around when you think you’re dying. That said he did visibly flinch twice, something I have NEVER seen him do as a hardened horror nut, due to his dislike of needles in one case, I forget the second.
It was during the more “police procedural” parts with Jigsaw and Detective Matthews that Mr B really expressed his distaste of what passed for a plot, completely disregarding the villains motivations and “logic”, its hard to disagree in part but I still find it cool at times in the series, and its not necessarily what they are about.
In conclusion not as good as I rememebered but still a worthy effort, some effective moments of emotional affectation, good plot beats and twists for me, and a few great traps and gore moments. My personal score...

*** (3/5)



MM

News - Weekend Round-Up

Hi all. MM back on a particularly bored night, thought I may as well share a couple of new tidbits with you.
First of all the staff of AICN have posted their first official opinion on Rob Zombie's Halloween 2. I don't plan on linking to every one of these but this is a particularly good read, a very interesting piece and this guy Massawyrm seems to know what he's talking about and have as much love and respect for the genre as we here do.
Secondly as you'll see in the review if you check it out it's been announced that Zombie will be helming a remake of seminal horror "classic" The Blob, only apparently without the traditional representation of the titular amorphous monster, which he claims is too cheesy and wouldn't be accepted by audiences today. I really don't like this idea, The Blob never struck me as a great film anyway except in terms of a certain trashy B movie aesthetic (and an appearance by the legendary Steve McQueen in the original), a remake might be more suited to the likes of Robert Rodriguez or a director with similar sensibilities who isn't afraid to embrace the kitsch and corny. My opinion of the one Zombie film I've seen, Halloween, is well documented on the site and not wholly negative, but does lead me to expect the Blob to be a misunderstood shape-changing alien bounty hunter who was abused by his step parent from a warring species of intellectual inferiors. Still it is happening, you never know it could be worth a watch. Up to now Im totally indifferent to this news though, sorry fans.
MM

Halloween 2 - First Reviews

Hi again. A reader and contributor over at Ain't It Cool who attended the premiere of Rob Zombie's sequel has posted their first review. Although the folks over at AICN seem to be united in their loathing of the original Zombie Halloween I have to say I quite liked it in a way. Likewise despite this review tearing the sequel a new one it oddly made me just want to go see it. I am a troubled horror geek. Find the piece by following the linkage below...

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/42155

MM