The Exorcist 3 (1990) #395

Although the idea of a sequel to the "The Exorcist" seems like a very horrible idea (and "The Exorcist 2: Heretic" was an extremely horrible idea), the 1990 film "The Exorcist 3" is perhaps the best that we could have ever hoped or expected. The writer of "The Exoricst", William Peter Blatty, wrote and directed this decent follow up, completely ignoring the events in the horrid original sequel. The film suffered the usual demands and re-shoots from studio executives which forced Mr. Blatty to deliver a film that was not his original vision. Even so, this movie is effective and has it's fair share of scares and tense moments. With an all star cast that includes George C. Scott, Brad Dourif, and the surprise return of Jason Miller (who played Father Damien Karras in the original film), the movie is interesting, scary, and highly worth watching.


Lieutenant William Kinderman is drawn into the realm of the supernatural while he is investigating a string of gruesome murders that involves a young boy who was crucified, a priest that was decapitated, and the murder of his close friend who had most of their blood removed and placed in same containers next to their bed in a hospital. Signs at the scenes remind the Lieutenant of a series of murders committed by the Gemini Killer, a murderer who was put to death 15 years earlier. Lieutenant Kinderman soon tracks down a mysterious psychiatric patient in a mental ward who may hold the answers to the recent murders....

Bride of Re-Animator (1990) #394

"Bride of Re-Animator" is a sad, sorry roll of film that should never have been produced. The reasons for the harsh criticism are numerous; characters that were killed off in the original film are back without any explanation or acknowledgment of their previous demise, the main characters return from the original film but fail to have any further development, and a plot that seemed unmotivated and directionless. There were a few elements that reminded me of events from H.P. Lovecraft's original story, so I find that somewhat redeeming as well as Jeffrey Combs reprisal of Herbert West, but overall I was not impressed by this addition to of the Herbert West "trilogy". The film quality was poor, the special effects were tired, and watching this film was more of a chore than it should have been.

The Blob (1988) #393

Horror movies are constantly being remade with updated special effects, modern story lines, and/or cultural twists. The 1988 remake of "The Blob" is an attempt to cash in on a classic film with mediocre special effects that wear thin by the end of the film. Besides a few minor tweaks, the movie is almost the same as the original but takes advantage of having an "R" rating by introducing elements of sex, gore, and language. The movie feels VERY 1980's and falls into the trap of trying to be bigger and flashier than the other movies out at the moment. But like the original, the film is campy, fun, and entertaining as long as you're not looking for something too serious or outright scary.

Even scientific-military types are potential victims of the blob.

Scanners (1981) #392

"Scanners" is a clever, original horror film that was written and directed by a young David Cronenberg. Unlike some of his other films from the 1970's and early 1980's, While "Scanners" is pretty tame compared to Cronenberg's other films, it still has it's wild moments which include Micheal Ironside doing what he does best, acting completely terrifying and insane. The film is about a handful or telepaths and a research/government agency that tries to control and use them. The agency refers to them as scanners because they can "scan"  and control other people and even computer systems. Like other movies in the early 1980's that deal with telepathic powers, the people with these gifts don't always know how to control their powers. In the case of "Scanners", the telepaths are social outcasts, often times unable to block out the voices of the people around them. Those few who have mastered their powers are formidable and deadly.

Cameron Vale is the latest telepath to be rounded up by ConSec, a mysterious agency that trains telepaths to work for them. After their last remaining telepathic agent is killed by a rogue scanner during a conference, Mr. Vale is trained to act as an undercover agent. Vale is able to infiltrate a group of former ConSec telepaths and track down the rogue telepath, the murderous Daryl Revok.

Favorite scene - The telepathic showdown between Vale and Revok. This scene would one day inspire an epic homage that would appear on "South Park".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22Tj_l4PcPs

The Sacrament (2013) #391

"The Sacrament" is an mediocre offering from director and writer Ti West, with horror fiend Eli Roth serving as one of the producers. The film stars regular Ti West collaborators A.J Bowen, Joe Swanberg, and Amy Seimetz. The film might be a little too polished for a first person perspective film but at least the viewer is saved from an overly shaky and nauseating experience. The film doesn't offer anything new to the material that it covers but it does present that content in an entertaining fashion.

"The Sacrament" is a simple, effective, straightforward, and yet predictable horror film about two independent web-journalists, Sam and Jake,  and a collaborator, Patrick, who go to an unnamed country to make a documentary about Parish Eden, a possible religious utopia for former drug addicts and social rejects. Patrick wants to find his sister Caroline, a recovering drug addict, who wrote a letter to her brother asking him to come. When the three first land, they are taken to the parish by armed locals, giving them quiet concern. While the sibling reunite, Sam and Jake interview the parish residents about their new life and what their leader, Father, is like. Sam and Jake begin to see the positive aspects about the simple life that the parish residents are living but when they meet Father, their fears and concerns quickly return. Soon they realize that there are secrets that are being kept from them and that their lives are in grave danger.

Father being interviewed by Sam and filmed by Jake

Sam and Jake

Caroline holding her brother Patrick

Quarantine 2: Terminal (2001) #390

Like many sequels in the horror genre, "Quarantine 2: Terminal" just doesn't live up to the expectations that were set by the original film in the series. This is not to say that this is a poor movie, only that it would have been stronger as a stand-alone original idea rather than as a sequel. "Quarantine 2: Terminal" breaks from the original in two important ways; first, it isn't shown from a found footage style perspective and second, it is an entirely different story than "REC 2", the Spanish version that "Quarantine" is inspired by. Given all of the source material and expectations that were built from the three films that preceeded this one ("Quarantine", "REC", and "REC 2"), "Quarantine 2: Terminal" was bound to struggle. I feel that this film comes across as a knock off of a "Resident Evil" sequel more than one from "Quarantine". The best part of the film is the first 15 minutes as you watch and try to figure out who exactly on board the plane is the person responsible for spreading the rabies-like infection.

Invaders From Mars (1986) #389

Incredibly campy and comically overacted, the 1986 remake of"Invaders from Mars" is a both a let down and yet an entertaining gem of classic sci-fi fare. The fact that the screenplay was written by Dan O'Bannon ("Alien"), was directed by Tobe Hooper ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "Poltergeist"), and starred horror veterans Karen Black and James Karen should have been more than enough to ensure a thoroughly frightful and creepy movie, even if it was rated PG. Perhaps it was because the movie DID star horror veterans Karen Black and James Karen is why the movie felt over the top and campy? Or maybe it was because most of the aliens looked more comical than frightening? Hunter Carson (Karen Black's real son) delivers a fairly strong performance that is comparable to the 1950's source material that the movie is based on. Further more, the scenes between Carson and Louise Fletcher (who plays the alien controlled school teacher) are the most genuinely intense scenes in the film. Overall, "Invaders From Mars" is a fun film that brings back memories of watching it during summer afternoons as a child and is still entertaining enough for kids today.

Young David Gardner believes that a UFO landed behind a hill near his house during a meteor shower. He soon believes that his dad, and soon his mom, have become pawns of the alien's invasion of his small town. One by one, the population of the town is assimilated and only David and Linda, the school nurse, are left to warn the military about what is going on. Will the military save the town and David's parents or are they already too late?

The "V" Word (2006) #388

I must admit that I thought that the "V" word was going to be video games because that seemed like the focus at the opening of the this episode of "Masters of Horror". But I was wrong and halfway through the piece I realized that it stood for vampire, and I was sorely disappointed. The first half was unique and different; focusing on two friends who grow bored of playing video games and decide to find something more thrilling to do in real life, so they break into a funeral home and run quickly run into trouble. The second half wasn't nearly as interesting and readily fell into typical vampire territory, with one friend embracing the change while the other struggles. I was also disappointed with the small role the Michael Ironside was given, although he did a great job with the time he had.

Oculus (2013) #387

I've never liked split narratives that follow separate story lines that occur in the past and the present because I feel that any tension that is built is lost in one timeline when it switches back to the other. In the 2013 horror movie "Oculus", this technique is used to various degrees of success; the first 30 minutes was difficult to follow but the film finds a pleasant rhythm switching back and forth in the second act. It follows two siblings, both as pre-teens and as young adults, as they deal with an evil, possessive mirror that has a long history of being owned by people who have all suffered bizarre and gruesome deaths. The movie was written, edited, and directed by Mike Flanagan, expanding a short film that he had created in 2005. Overall, I enjoyed the film and noticed several similar themes that are found in the film "1408" and "The Amityville Horror".

A young family moves into a new house, where the father purchases a gorgeous antique mirror to decorate his office. The mirror is evil and soon possesses the parents who turn viciously on their two children. The son is blamed for his parents death and is sent to a psychiatric facility for 11 years while his older sister becomes obsessed with learning the history of the mirror and eventually obtaining it for a scientific experiment to prove that it is supernatural. The two siblings meet at their childhood home, where the sister has set the mirror up with a series of video cameras and computers to record and track the occurrences within the room. It's not long before the mirror begins to effect the two and the objects within the house, including making the plants wilt and influencing the siblings without them realizing it. Will the siblings resist the mirror's evil force or will they end up victims like all of the mirror's previous owners?

Favorite moment - When Kaylie (the sister), bites down on a light bulb after the mirror tricks her into thinking that she picked up an apple.

You're Next (2011) #386

"You're Next" is a thrilling standout in the home invasion horror sub-genre. The premise presented delivers an excellent reason as to why there are so many potential victims and an even more delightful and satisfying reason as to why the film's heroine is so well suited for the chilling situation that she finds herself in. The acting is solid, the pacing is perfect, and the movie's twist and turns feel fresh and exciting even if you see them coming (which I didn't). Finally, the way that the victims are killed off one by one are creative and varied, making "You're Next" a must see horror film.

Like other home invasion horror movies of recent memory, like "The Purge" and "The Strangers", "You're Next" hides the identities of the invaders by using simple and not overly complicated masks. The use of the animal masks, which were heavily used in movie posters and other forms of advertisements, effectively strike a chord and heighten the sense of terror.

The adult children and their respective significant others gather together in a large rural house to celebrate their parent's anniversary and their father's recent retirement. During dinner, the family is attacked by a group of unknown assailants wearing animal masks. The family is killed off one by one until Erin, a new girlfriend of one of the sons, begins fighting back.

Favorite moment - A clever use using a blender to kill someone.

As Above, So Below (2014) #385

"As Above, So Below" is another horror movie filmed in the shaky-cam/found footage tradition, which is about a young, highly educated, "Laura Croft" type of woman who goes along with her videographer, a friend, and three Parisian guides into the catacombs beneath Paris in search of the Philosopher's Stone; they find the mythical but they also find and enter the gates of Hell. stone butThis movie is perhaps the shakiest of all of the shaky-cam films that I've seen recently, which means that those who are suffer from motion sickness will want to avoid this film. For those who can stomach such visual rides, "As Above, So Below" is worth checking out if you enjoy startling, jump-in-your-seats type moments. If you're more of a horror film connoisseur, you may find yourself a bit disappointed. The film ends with several loose ends and various questions unanswered; this leaves the viewer wanting to know more and feeling a bit cheated. The reason for this is because the script itself strays from the premise and promises that it sets for itself; for example, if the adventurers are experiencing elements from their own personal Hell, then why are there other unrelated elements being presented?

Overall, I enjoyed the most of the film but I was hoping for a little bit more.

Author's Note - Twitter!

Hello everyone! I'm proud and delighted to announce that I have created a Twitter account so I can post more up to date thoughts and questions about our favorite topic, horror movies!

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Thank you!

1408 (2007) #384

"1408" has instantly become one of my favorite Stephen King adaptions, so much so that I want to find the short story that inspired the film and read it. This film has a solid beginning, middle, and surprisingly, a very satisfying ending. It's a ghost story that works and that feels fresh and unique, with a clever twist that I haven't seen before. John Cusack is brilliant as Mike Enslin, a talented novelist who begins visiting "haunted" locations and writing books about his experiences. Mr. Cusack carries the weight of the film as he is in every scene and is supported by only a handful of other actors for brief moments; a prolonged scene with John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson is truly delightful.

Mike Enslin is a novelist who writes about supernatural places and events, although he is a skeptic and doesn't believe in what he writes about. He receives an anonymous postcard from the Dolphin Hotel with a message "Don't enter 1408" written on it. Mike learns that dozens of people had died in that room in various gruesome ways.  He goes to the hotel to stay the night, finding legal loopholes to force the hotel management to allow him into the room. Gelarld Olin, the hotel manager, tries his best to dissuede Mike from going into the room by giving him a file full of pictures and police reports of some of the victims. Mike takes the file, a fancy bottle of scotch, and his wits with him into the innocent looking room, ignoring everyone's warnings. It's not long after his investigation begins that he realizes that there might be something to about the room after all....

The Purge: Anarchy (2014) #383

Warning: Subtle spoilers ahead!


What makes the concept behind "The Purge" movies so interesting is the fact that each film is able to explore and expand on various ideas and perspectives that various characters may have. In the original film, we see a regular family under siege by a group of young adults who want to exercise their national right to kill and torture whoever they wish. The original "The Purge" was an interesting, effective, and still somehow am underwhelming film, but it had set the stage beautifully for other stories to be told about this new and horrifying national holiday.

"The Purge 2: Anarchy" takes the concept that was presented in the first film and dives right in, expanding on several characters from different walks of life who are brought together by circumstances outside of their control, who are left to try to survive the night while trapped in the city. The film's five main characters are easily relatable and you can't help yourself from hoping that they make it through the night.

The film touches on political, economical, and social issues on a deeper level than the original film while still being a truly effective horror movie. The scenes are intense, gripping, and chilling. Even though some events in certain scenes could be figured out before they occurred, nothing felt forced or cheesy; ok, maybe the scene that felt a bit too much like "The Road Warrior" might have been a little cheesy but at least it was still fun.

For the next sequel, I would love to see what the first annual "purge" was like and how it came about. Was it civil/class warfare that had gotten out if hand? How accepting was the general public, knowing that they could suddenly kill, maim, and torture whomever they wanted? Or seeing how certain events played out in the third act of "Anarchy", does the "purge" continue and how has it evolved?

Stake Land (2010) #382

"Stake Land" is an interesting blend of vampires and survival horror set in a post-apocalyptic setting. The vampires are feral and mindless which make them feel more like zombies, travelling both solo and in packs during the night, are difficult to kill, and are just plain nasty. The human survivors live in tightly guarded communities, trying to live normal lives. In the outskirts, a dangerous band of religious cannibals known as the Brotherhood rule the highways and pick off and terrorize innocent travelers. It's a combination of elements that are typically not presented so smoothly in a horror film, especially one that presents all of the horrific moments with a gentle touch of humor and humanity. The characters are likable and relateable and are brought to life by a very talented cast which includes Danielle Harris, Kelly McGillis, and Larry Fessenden. Although the film's stars, Nick Damici and Connor Paolo, are both new to mainstream horror, they carry the weight of the film wonderfully and I would love to see them in this genre in the future.


A vampire hunter known only as Mister takes a teenage boy as an apprentice after saving him from vampire. The two travel from town to town, steadily travelling north to "New Eden". Along the way they met and save other survivors, the Brotherhood and their leader Jebedia Loven, and a host of animalistic vampires. For every triumph to achieve, they suffer a tragedy. As they near the borders of "New Eden", Mister and Martin come across a thinking vampire, a creature that tests their resolve, wits, and skills.


Favorite moment - The scene where the Brotherhood demonstrate how deranged they are by dropping vampires inside the confines of a secured town, killing innocent victims in an instant bloodbath.

Devil's Due (2014) #381

"Devil's Due" is a mediocre horror film that is seen through the lens of a video camera, capturing the touching moments of a young couple as they get married, go on a honey moon, become expecting parents, and finally have their lives torn asunder when they realize that they are being used by a group trying to summon the Antichrist. The movie is more P.O.V. (Point of View) than Found Footage because the scenes in the film are recorded from multiple camera sources, and from which the content is neither edited or found later on. Even though there is plenty of time to develop the two main characters, Zach and Samantha, we learn only the basics about either of them and ultimately are not as invested in their struggles as we could be. The film has a few legitimate scares and an interesting, although unoriginal, feel about.

Zach and Samantha are young couple in love and Zach has decided to video tape all of their major, and minor, moments together. While on their honeymoon is the Dominican Republic, Zach and Samantha visit a fortune teller who tells Samantha that she was "born from death" and that "they've been waiting for you". Later that night, the two are taken to an underground nightclub by a pushy cab driver, and while they are there, they drugged and become unwilling participants in a religious ceremony. Not remembering much about the night before, the two return to the US and start their lives together. Several weeks later, Samantha tells Zach that she is pregnant, even though she has been on the pill. As the weeks pass, Samantha begins acting strangely, entering a possessed like state where she demonstrates super strength and telekinetic powers. Zach also notices strangers watching their house at all hours of the day and night and finding weird symbols inside the house. The movie comes to a climax as Samantha nears her due date and the cult moves in to take what they believe is theirs...

Wolf Creek 2 (2013) #380

In my opinion, sequels should only be made if there is another story to tell involving characters or details from an original film. Unfortunately, half of the horror movies created don't share or follow that train of thought and "Wolf Creek 2" is such an example. It is merely the continuing adventures of the sadistic Australian Outback hermit Mick Taylor, finding helpless tourists to torture and kill. To give the director/writer Greg McLean credit, the character Mick does branch out and kill a few police officers and locals as well this time around. The movie begins nice and strong but quickly slides into a predictable sequence of cat-and-mouse situations. All of this does not mean that the movie isn't enjoyable but it does mean that it's not as outright scary or chilling as the original.

Chernobyl Diaries (2012) #379

"Chernobyl Diaries" is horror film that was written and produced by Oren Peli, the director and creator of "Paranormal Activity". Once again, Mr. Peli delivers a decent horror movie made with a minimal budget and sparse special effects. It was only a matter of time before someone created a wide released horror flick that took place at or around the old Chernobyl power plant. While the film doesn't take complete advantage with the possibilities presented, what the movie does contain is still fun and entertaining. The characters may not be fully developed or very interesting but I personally enjoyed seeing Ingrid Bolsø Berdal play such a different kind of character than I've previously seen in her other work such as "Frett Vilt" and "Frett Vilt ", and watching the commanding presence of Dimitri Diatchenko as the extreme tour guide who takes the group of friends on their ill fated trip.

"Chernobyl Diaries" is your typical horror flick about a group of friends going someplace that they have no right going to and getting killed off one by one. This time the setting takes place in the abandoned town of Pripyat, which sits in the shadows of the Chernobyl Power Plant. Four American friends, a Norwegian and and an Australian take an "Extreme Tour" led by Uri into Pripyat, having to bypass border patrol guards who would not allow the group to enter the city. Once inside, they explore the city and have a close encounter with a wild bear in an old apartment building. When they return to their van, Uri finds that engine has had it's wires cut and that the group is stuck until morning. Noises are soon heard off in the dark of the night, and Uri becomes the first victim of the inhabitants hiding in the darkness. Soon the group is attacked, mauled, and chased around the town, being killed off one by one.