A Christmas Horror Story (2015) #442

A film that uniquely celebrates the Christmas holiday, "A Christmas Horror Story" is just want horror fans have been asking for. An anthology of loosely connected stories that are inspired by the season...to various degrees of success. Two of the stories are obviously connected to holiday lore, the third story's holiday or religious inspiration makes enough sense for me, but the the fourth story could honestly have taken place any time of the year. This doesn't change the fact that they're all pretty entertaining stories, ranging from serious to over the top fun. This isn't the best movie and it could have been better given the material to work with, but it is still better than not. 

As I mentioned, "A Christmas Horror Story" is made up of four separate stories that are loosely connected by a single character in a different story. The first story is about three high school students that break into their school on Christmas Eve to film a documentary, the second is about a family that is hunted by the Christmas spirit Krampus, another story is about a police officer who takes his wife and young son out to find a Christmas tree on private property and the horrors that follow after his son goes missing, and the fourth and final story line is about Santa Claus defending himself against his elves after they become ill and turn into bloodthirsty, profanity spewing zombies. William Shatner even guest stars as a radio DJ who makes references to some of the events taking place throughout the film.

It is unavoidable for anyone watching "A Christmas Horror Story" to begin comparing it to the Halloween themed film "Trick 'r Treat". Both take place on a beloved holiday, both have characters that tie the different stories together, and each has several recognizable themes related specifically to their holiday. One film is clearly stronger and more fulfilling than the other but both films can still be appreciated. An interesting side note: the director of "Trick 'r Treat", Michael Dougherty, released his holiday horror-comedy "Krampus" the same year that "A Christmas Horror Story" came out.

"A Christmas Horror Story" may not have much value in watching more than once. The scenes cut from one story to the next quickly and randomly, and then suddenly wrap up a bit too early. The story involving William Shatner was fun and provides a satisfying ending for the film. Recommended for anyone looking for a lite horror film for the holiday season

Pontypool (2008) #441

"Pontypool" is one of the more unique horror movies that I've seen in the past ten years, possibly the most unique since "Uzamaki". This movie is a great example on how to properly tell more than show what's going on, and the fact that the entire movie takes place in a radio station makes perfect sense. The premise of the movie is simple - the residents of the little town of Pontypool, Ontario, are succumbing to a viral diease that makes them crazy and murderous, forming in to mobs and killing the uninifected. But here's the catch, the virus is passed through words, specifically the English language! You can tell when someone is infected when they begin in repeating the same word over and over again, as if they forgot what it meant and they're trying to remember.

Stephen McHattie plays morning radio host Grant Mazzy, a man who is most definitely not happy with where he is in life. This is a great character to watch, a big city personality who bulldozes his way past and through his agent, his producer, and even the audience that he's broadcasting to. He's not a bad person, he's just not suited for a small town setting. His strength is radio presence, his commanding voice, and his ability to take hold of the breaking story. 

There is a delightful underlining sense of humor that sprinkled throughout the film. Some of the moments shine through with the characters honest reactions to the chaos and absurdity. One such moment is when Mazzy is trying to console his producer Sydney after an acquaintance is killed, and she off handly reveals a shocking secret about that person. Another "wtf" gem is a cameo appearance by Tony Burgess, who wrote both the novel and screenplay of "Pontypool". 

"Pontypool" is an extremely enjoyable film that you'll want to watch more than once. It's clever and thought provoking, with just a touch of gore and violence to really set the tone. Easily one if my favorite horror movies in the last few years.

Blair Witch (2016) #440

"Blair Witch" is a respectable sequel that continues the original legend that is established in "The Blair Witch Project". There are some familar feeling moments in the film as well as some clever use of modern technology, such as ear piece camera/mics and a video drone. The origin of the Blair witch is discussed, what happened after Heather, Mike, and Josh went missing and how the residents reacted. I enjoy the reason why the campers go into the woods, Heather's little brother wants to find the mysterious house where she was last seen alive. I like how the people who go with him are lifelong friends as well as a girl making her own documentary. And I approve how the people who found the most recent clue want to tag along as well. This tallies six potential victims to be picked off one by one. 

"Blair Witch" does stumble slightly as a sequel when it comes to adding something new while building on the original. The downsides of the film, for me at least, include too many cheap attempts at having people jump into the camera and horrible non-subtle noises in the woods at night, a weird Bermuda Triangle style effect about the woods, an odd infection that one of the campers suffer from, and almost the same story beats from the original "The Blair Witch". Finally, this film ruins what the original did so well, it shows too much. 

The ending of "Blair Witch" leaves the question - what happens next? The actual ending of this film isn't as ambiguous as "The Blair Witch Project", but I can't help but wonder if there will be an attempt to make yet another sequel? How would they expand the existing story and what would they add to the established mythology? Will horror fans remember this film as fondly as the original? 

Overall, I enjoyed the movie even though it felt more like a remake than a sequel. There were moments that I laughed out loud at the characters, and parts that I felt engaged and had no idea what was going to happen next. I wished it had been a bit more original but at least I wasn't completely disappointed. 

Green Room (2015) #439

'Although "Green Room) may not be a traditional horror film but it does have the intensity and thrilling moments of one. The movie neither failed or exceeded my expectations because I didn't really have any going in. All I really knew about "Green Room" was that it had Patrick Stewart ("Lifeforce") playing the leader of a white supremacist group that's trying to kill a punk band that played at his club, and that is exactly what it is. Stewart's performance is top notched as the character Darcy, a calm and collected leader who is trying to rid his bar of a little "problem". He's dangerous, respected, and he knows what he's doing. 

Anton Yelchin ("Fright Night") stars as the guitar player for the punk bank the Ain't Rights; he is easily believable as the terrified band member who was only trying to do the right thing by calling 911 when he walks in on a murder scene. And Anton's co-star and love interest from "Fright Night" Imogen Poots ("28 Weeks Later") rounds out the cast as Amber, another unfortunate witness of the gruesome murder that occurs in the club's green room. Alia Shwkat ("Arrested Development") is another recognizable face, playing Sam, the group's bass player. 

The action sequences and the violence involved are all rather intense and come across as realistic. One moment that really stands out for me is when someone gets shot in the face by a shotgun; you see enough of the damage done before the camera switches view. There is also a scene where Anton's character, Pat, gets his arm hacked up by machetes, leaving the limb bloody and almost useless. The most brutal act of violence might be inflected by the attack dogs that Darcy's men use on the band members. Again, very intense.

Overall, the movie is worth seeing just to watch Patrick Stewart's performance, a role that he considered to be very challenging. This film also marks Anton's final movie premier before his untimely death, R.I.P.

He Never Died (2015) #438

After watching "He Never Died", it's impossible to imagine anyone but Henry Rollins ("Wrong Turn 2", "Feast") playing the lead role of Jack in this film. His performance as Jack is the best I've ever seen of him and his deadpan delivery throughout the movie is pitch perfect. I was weary about watching this film and kept overlooking it because I saw that it was described as a comedy/drama/thriller but that labeling is dead on and actually works in the production. "He Never Died" is a movie that I highly recommend to everyone, horror fan and beyond.

As the movie title suggests, "He Never Died" is about an immortal, Jack, who lives among us but could care less about anything that goes on around him. This is an honest and realistic approach to this kind of character; how long would it take before everyday problems become nothing more than a nuisance to someone who is immortal? Even the during the action scenes, Jack is relaxed and basically unphased by the violence that he inflicts or recives. Jack has a very strict daily routine that hits a bump when he finds out that he has a young adult daughter, Andrea, from a very brief fling he had. He brings her along to bingo and to his favorite local diner. His interactions with her and the waitress of the diner that he frequents are so deadpan and honest that it takes them by surprise, even the the waitress, Cara, who has served him countless times before. 

The antagonists that interrupt Jack's peaceful routine are a pair of mobsters who are looking for a hospital intern that delivers packages to Jack everyday. The intern that works for Jack owes the mobsters money, but their shakedown is interrupted when Jack shows up. After a failed attempt to kill Jack, they resort to kidnapping Jack's daughter Andrea, who was staying with Jack after meeting him a couple of days earlier. Instead of running to her rescue and leaving her to die, Jack is forced to seek out who exactly is calling the shots after a kill team is dispatched to the diner that he goes to every evening. With the help from Cara the waitress, Jack goes out to save his daughter and put an end to the mob once and for all.

The story twists, Jack's dark secrets and mysterious, and the supporting characters making this film fun and unusual. This is most definitely a film to watch for any and all Henry Rollins fans!

Don't Breathe (2016) #437

Intense, intense, intense; that's the best way to describe the film "Don't Breathe", the newest film from director Fede Alvarez ("Evil Dead") and co-producers Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert. It's a simple premise that delivers in every way; three young adults break into a rundown house to steal a fortune in cash from a blind veteran. The small cast of main characters keeps the story running smoothly and at a brisk pace and the film doesn't rely on gore or jump scares since the entire film is one long scare. My only complaint is that we really don't get to know too much about the three thieves, so it's hard to sympathize with them too much when things run astray.

What makes this movie work so well is the use of sound as well as visuals in certain scenes. Like the movie "Hush", one of the main characters has a sensory deficiency and that handicap plays directly into the plot. Unlike "Hush", "Don't Breathe" utilizes this detail perfectly and actually makes it important to the premise of the film. In this film, the blind man has home court advantage and it doesn't matter that he's blind because he knows every inch of his house and has grown to live with his disability and has learned to depend on his hearing that much more. 

Jane Levy is the main antigonist/protagonist in don't breathe, returning to work with Mr. Alvarez after starring as Mia in the 2013 "Evil Dead" film. Like most leading women in the horror genre, her character is all kick ass and "can do", more than holding her own along the side of her two male partners. My favorite moment of this is when she tells the other two that she's going to climb through a window so they can get inside; one of the guys tells her she isn't being made to do it, she informs him that she's choosing to by her own choice.

Of course some people may complain that there are a few plot holes or situations where they'll ask why didn't the characters do this or that, but I think that's looking at the film much to closely. This is a great way to spend 90 minutes, just getting lost in the moment of a really fun movie. Fede has proved that he has range as a horror director and I look forward to the next project he works on.

The Gallows (2015) #436

"The Gallows" was a highly advertised 2015 POV horror film distributed by Blumhouse Productions. It's a decent film with an clever premise that fails to deliver the scares that the commercials promised. I appreciate the setting (a high school at night), how the film avoids using CGI, and the minimal cast, but I feel that the film would have been more successful as a regular movie than being filmed in a POV format. For some reason, I feel that the advertising campaign was similar to that of "My Bloody Valentine 3D", and if it had been presented in the same style, this film would have worked. Having four teens with video cameras running around a locked up high school from a mysterious killer with only one method of killing loses it's appeal and believability rather quickly; if only they had a valid reason to keep recording while running for their lives like the characters in "The Blair Witch Project"!

While I like the direction that the story takes, the characters themselves are cliched and underdeveloped. The other detail I noticed while watching the credits was the fact that most of the cast share the same first names as their character; Reese Mishler as Reese Houser, Pfeifer Brown as Pfeifer Ross, Ryan Shoos who played Ryan Shoos (???), and Price T Morgan as Price. This was either extremely lazy script writing or a clever way to include the actors as they helped create the story. A few of the actors do feel like they are giving their all in their performances regardless of the strength of the dialogue in the script.

The pacing of the movie is solid, giving the viewer ample time to see the set up of the plot, be introduced to the characters and learn about their basic motives, and move on to the point of the movie. The ending has a twist that I was not expecting but one that works. Overall, my review of "The Gallows" is a mixed; it was fun to watch but it could have been so much more.

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) #435

"10 Cloverfield Lane" is a taunt thriller that may or may not take place in the same realm as "Cloverfield". It's a detail that's not too important because this film could have had been given any title, but if the two films are related, then the mysteries about the two films continue to grow and adding great potential for future stories in the franchise. The main difference between the two films in how they were filmed; "Cloverfield" was shot in the first perspective, POV, style while "10 Cloverfield Lane" is filmed in the traditional style, making this fim easier to watch for those who don't like the shakey-cam technique.

The movie, at the surface, is about three individuals who are locked in an underground bomb shelter after some questionable events happen in the nearby area. The story is carried by the talents of the minimal cast, showcasing John Goodman ("C.H.U.D") in a wonderfully creepy role as Howard, Mary Elizabeth Winstead ("Final Destination 3") as Michelle, and John Gallagher Jr ("Hush") as Emmett. The chemistry between these three actors is intense and perfect, striking a chord when Howard's paranoia gets worked up or when Michelle tries to escape.

The movie pacing could be considered a slow burn, at times moving along at a pace that makes you want to scream at the screen to hurry up and get to the point. When the point is made, the tension leading up to it makes perfect sense. There are enough twists and suspenseful moments in the film to make up for the lack of direct action that takes place in its predesessor. 

Like many others, "10 Cloverfield Lane" wasn't what I expecting but I really enjoyed it and I'm excited to see what comes next in this creative franchise.

Honeymoon (2014) #434

"Honeymoon" is the kind of horror film that grabs your attention and never lets go. This is one of the best horror films I've seen in a while. What makes this movie so great is the way that it introduces you to the two main characters in the beginning, giving you just enough information to feel like you know what kind of people they are without going overboard and boring you with useless details. Then the location changes to where the bulk of the movie takes place, introduces the other characters, and rolls ahead at a perfect pace to the moment when the perfect honeymoon takes a jarring and abrupt turn to the unknown. The chemistry between Rose Leslie and Harry Treadaway is perfect as they come across completely believable as a young newly wed couple, and when things start taking a turn for the worse, you feel so much horror and concern for them. Even though you can see where the story is going and how it might possibly end, the journey there is still one hell of a ride.

"Honeymoon" is the story about Bea and Paul, two newlyweds who embark on their honeymoon at a nice rural cottage on a lake, right before the summer begins. Everything is perfect for the two love birds until they run into and old friend of Bea's at the local restaurant, where they met Annie and Will, both who are acting a little odd. Thinking nothing of it, Bea and Paul return to their cottage to continue their vacation. That night, Paul wakes to find Bea missing; he finds her wandering around in the forest confused and disoriented. He brings her home where she promises him that she's fine, but Paul soon discovers that Bea is far from being fine....

Final Destination 3 (2006) #433

When the first "Final Destination" came out in 1999, it was obviously apparent that a new horror franchise had been created. The series was able to stay fresh and intriguing, from the mass death scene in the beginning of the film that's avoided due to a premonition to the grisly and creative death scenes that took out the survivors one by one. In "Final Destination 3", the conceptual twist that is introduced is that each character's death is captured on film, with each picture showing vaguely how the victim will be killed off. It's an interesting plot device that works pretty well in a movie like this. Once this clue is discovered, the remaining survivors are warned to no avail. If someone knew who you were going to die, would you want to know how?

As with most horror movies with a high death toll, the large cast of characters are underdeveloped and paper thin stereotypes of various teen cliches, more so this time around than the two previous films...but not nearly as bad as "Final Destination 4". The exception to this are the characters played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kris Lemeche ("Ginger Snaps" and "The Frankenstein Theory" ), and Ryan Merriman ("The Ring 2"); being the main characters, these three do receive more screen time to flesh out their personalities and motives. 

Accidents at amusement parks are known to happen, so this having the grand catastrophe in "Final Destination 3" take place on an old wooden roller coaster is brilliant. The death's in this scene are not as simple and realistic as those found in the original "Final Destination" or as gruesome as in "Final Destination-2" but they are still terrifying in the fact that any of them could happen in real life. It's also a great way to kill off a group of people who know each all at once. Of course, the survivors escape this tragedy for equally painful and horrific ways to die later on in the film.

One of my favorite moments in this film is when Kris Lemeche's character, Ian, raises the question of what would happen if one of the survivors who cheated death decided to commit suicide? His question is left unanswered but it raises an interesting point; would it break the cycle? It's a dark question and I'm thankful that the writers did not explore what could have happened, but it's a great plot point in showing how dark Ian's character is. This conversation takes place while the most improbable mousetrap style death in the film slowly builds to it's eventual climax.

Contracted: Phase 2 (2015)

It's sometimes difficult for a sequel to keep the spirit of the original film while adding something new so it's not repeating the same beat over and over. "Contracted: Phase 2" manages to honor the original movie while advancing the story forward; it feels like it stumbles at times but the overall production works. The first movie was nice and subtle and the viewer didn't know, but could guess, where the story was going. "Contracted: Phase 2" shows the aftermath and advances the narrative forward.

                      Spoilers below

If you've seen "Contracted", then you know what might be happening in this movie; it's easy to connect the dots. This series is about the start of a zombie outbreak plain and simple and you are reminded of this in the very first scene of this sequel. The virus is slowly beginning to spread and the authorities are now looking for the bio-terrorist that started it. By the end of the film a hospital has been quarantined, so it's interesting to see how large of scale the next film, if there is one, will take the story. 

The one detail, if details are important to you, that bothers me about this movie is how quickly the virus/infection spreads. It took 6 days for the main character Samantha in the first film to become fully infected, and 6 days for Riley to become fully infected, but only a matter of hours for everyone else? Samantha had sex with the source of, let's say contamination, and then Riley had sec with her a few days later; both of them suffered for nearly the same amount of time. But a girl that Riley kisses deeply and his grandmother who he gives a quick peck on the cheek change in less than a day makes it difficult to take seriously. 

Overall, "Contracted: Phase 2" is a fun little zombie film that focuses more on the infection and becoming rather than fighting of the hordes of undead that we're all so used to seeing.

The Conjuring 2 (2016) #432

Three years after the stellar original hit the theaters in 2013, the highly anticipated sequel to "The Conjuring" has finally arrived. Although we were given "Annabelle" to whet our pallet until now, that film ultimately left viewers feeling somewhat disappointed. So does "The Conjuring 2" live up to expectations? The answer is yes and almost; "The Conjuring 2" is a great horror film but didn't hit the adrenaline as hard as the original did. When directly compared to the original, there are fewer and less effective scares. As a stand alone film, which the movie is able to do if you have not seen the original, "The Conjuring 2" is still successful at adapting a story based on true events and a great way to be introduced to Ed and Lorraine Warren.

One of the best parts of watching "The Conjuring 2" is seeing Patrick Wilson ("Insidious" and "Bone Tomahawk") and Vera Farmiga ("The Bates Motel" return as Ed and Lorraine Warren. They have such great chemistry together and can really believe that they are the famous pair. Patrick is easily one of my favorite horror movie actors and I would love to see Vera in more big screen horror films as well. Joining the cast is Frances O'Connor ("Mercy"), who plays the single mother with four children, one who is haunted by an spirit. Another great part is having James Wan ("Saw", "Insidious", and "The Conjuring") return to the horror genre after directing the action film "Furious 7" (another great film!). He kept the film at an even pace and tried to push the story just enough, having admitted that there is only so much you can do when the story is based on real events.

That story that inspired "The Conjuring 2" is none other than the Enfield Haunting, one of the most documented supernatural occurrences ever. In 1977, Janet Hodgson, was possessed by a spirit who claimed that it's name was Bill Wilkins, an old man that had died in the house that Janet and her family now lived in. Various supernatural events took place in the house which involved family before Ed and Lorraine were requested to help determine if those same events were a hoax or not. The Warrens were recently in the limelight after being a part of the investigation with the Amityville Haunting. 

The film does a wonderful job in telling the tale of the Enfield Haunting while fleshing out further backstory for the Warrens and the dangers that their profession held. I'm excited for when I get to watch both films back to back at home and really compare notes.

Torment (2013) #431

Katharine Isabelle's most memorable roles are those where she is badass take control woman such as in "Ginger Snaps" and "American Mary"so it's a real surprise to see her take a role where she portrays average newlywed wife in the movie "Torment". Even then, using the word average is an understatement because she is able to hold her own against the cult like group that invades her home in the middle of the night. It's nice to see her take different roles and showcase her acting chops even if she does cry out for her husband for help a few too many times. "Cory!" "CORY!!"

"Torment" is the simple little story about newlywed couple Cory and Sarah who are trying to start a new life together with Cory's son Liam. Of course Liam doesn't like Sarah no matter how nice she tried to be to him. To help Liam cope with the death of his mother and the new family dynamic, Cory takes Sarah and Liam to the family summer home in the middle of nowhere, always a great idea. 

Cory and Sarah soon discover that the summer house had a problem with squatters, a fact that the local sheriff tries to dismiss and reassure them that they are safe. Of course they're not, and soon they are besieged by a manical family wearing ripped off stuff toy heads, terrorizing the young family.

"Torment" is the kind of horror movie filled with jump scares, violence, and a fair amount of edge if your seat chills. It doesn't offer anything new to the genre but it is fun and doesn't disappoint. With excellent pacing and enough story background to have you care about the characters, "Torment" is another must see film for any Katharine Isabelle fan or any casual horror film viewer. 

Author's Note - Snow

Summer is quickly approaching and so is the warm weather that comes with it. So this is a great time to cool down and what better way to try that than watching some great horror films that take place somewhere far away that happens to be covered in snow.

Almost all of my favorite horror movies take place in a snow covered setting. These films always seem more intense, having a stronger sense of dread and isolation for the victims and survivors. You must also admit that a spray of blood is much more vibrant and dramatic when it lands against a pristine blanket of white snow!


Here are a few of my favorite films that take place in the cold and icy winter wonder lands.

"30 Days of Night"

'We Are Still Here"

"The Shining"

"Dead Snow"

"The Thing"

"Fritt Vilt"

"Fritt Vilt 2"

"Trolljergeren"

"Mutants"