tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20702743368029928272024-03-12T21:43:21.788-07:00Haunting_Chilling_ThrillingClockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.comBlogger537125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-3638308711737610972021-10-04T18:07:00.000-07:002021-10-04T18:07:17.829-07:00The Fall of Usher (2021) #479<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgE-LnR9MyI/YVuXZrVBeHI/AAAAAAAADuU/2winh0hFEtQOpj6kkjYzC-2hIWGL4HMzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2532/0261CC6B-2A77-498B-A514-05BBF988EDF4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgE-LnR9MyI/YVuXZrVBeHI/AAAAAAAADuU/2winh0hFEtQOpj6kkjYzC-2hIWGL4HMzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/0261CC6B-2A77-498B-A514-05BBF988EDF4.png" width="148" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div>This year the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival had the privilege to host the world premier of the film "The Fall of Usher". The festival has often screened films inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, so this was the perfect place for this film to be shown. At first glance, the viewer is given that the movie is an adaptation of "The Fall of The House of Usher", but it's so much more. The movie is a clever combination of several Edgar Allan Poe stories, each weaving in and out of each other seamlessly. The references vary from obvious and primary focal points to more subtle nods that were added for flair and visual effect. While the movie will be a treat for Poe super-fans looking for every reference and Easter egg they find, the film is easily accessible and enjoyable for those who don't know anything about the writer and his works.</div><div><br /></div><div>Due to the nature of the narrative, I don't want to reveal any of the Poe stories that are used or how they are implemented. This is truly a case where the less you know before hand, the better. What I can say is that the movie stars Riker Hill, an amazing young actor that fully carries the film from beginning to end. This movie was not the first time that he had worked with director and writer Brian Cunningham, and after seeing how fun this movie was, I hope that work together again in the future. </div><div><br /></div><div>Look for this movie in a local film festival near you!</div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-74830221145428459552021-10-03T01:29:00.001-07:002021-10-03T01:29:40.186-07:00The Whisperer in Darkness (2011) #478<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T9MaOlcKvME/YVi5yU2WHGI/AAAAAAAADts/UhpJ1u11wMo8j-wVuNTeReR8b-BB7SM2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s330/371150D3-7D3E-4ADC-BE1B-401250199A1A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T9MaOlcKvME/YVi5yU2WHGI/AAAAAAAADts/UhpJ1u11wMo8j-wVuNTeReR8b-BB7SM2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/371150D3-7D3E-4ADC-BE1B-401250199A1A.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>In celebration of its tenth an anniversary, “The Whisperer in Darkness” was a feature film at the 26th annual H.P Lovecraft Film Festival in Portland, Oregon. It truly is an independent film that was made with love, sweat, and tears by diehard Lovecraft fans. Adapted by Sean Branney and Andrew Leaman, the story faithfully follows Lovecraft’s original work with only minor changes, that is until the third act, which offers an expanded and action packed finale that I think most Lovecraft fans would approve of. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13L0743hL_E/YVi56u0CVhI/AAAAAAAADtw/OvJu39YanzolRWjHPA_ntmFa-pPAcefrACNcBGAsYHQ/s500/912FD0CD-EB36-4470-B817-70765243B3AD.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13L0743hL_E/YVi56u0CVhI/AAAAAAAADtw/OvJu39YanzolRWjHPA_ntmFa-pPAcefrACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/912FD0CD-EB36-4470-B817-70765243B3AD.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The wonderful people of the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society produced this wonderful film in the style of a 1920’s/30’s Universal Studios monster movie. Shown in black and white, the stark contrasts are used to maximum effect that produces some incredibly gorgeous shots and silhouettes. Adding to the visual atmosphere are the multiple scenes in the rain, which helps create the sensation of isolation and struggle. The musical score is beautiful and also very reminiscent of the scores of years long past from that era.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Gwxo4PEoY/YVkIILHnZ6I/AAAAAAAADuA/L2L-BJfMC4obxQya-tOeuAVV_cWGUPq1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s512/ED1FCEB9-AAB4-45C1-874C-E0239C4E25E2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="512" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W1Gwxo4PEoY/YVkIILHnZ6I/AAAAAAAADuA/L2L-BJfMC4obxQya-tOeuAVV_cWGUPq1QCNcBGAsYHQ/w318-h180/ED1FCEB9-AAB4-45C1-874C-E0239C4E25E2.jpeg" width="318" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>“The Whisperer in Darkness” is about Albert Wilmarth, a professor of folk lore at Miskatonic University, who is drawn into a controversy concerning the existence of monstrous creatures living in the mountains of Vermont. Ever the realist, Wilmarth finally agrees to go visit an educated correspondent who claims to have proof of the crab-like creatures ; letters, pictures, audio recordings, and a possible rune covered stone all hint at the actual existence of aliens that have been on the earth for years. As soon as Wilmarth arrives in Vermont, he begins to suspect that the secret conspiracy is more real and larger than he could have ever expected. Is the earth doomed and is there still time to save the human race?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.hplhs.org/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="512" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CP7BWkmdVGQ/YVkMttz2c-I/AAAAAAAADuM/PSMMGvpay2Ek5KMHSKJjfgPy7PMVR6OsACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/ACEE8B9C-41FA-4616-95E0-81E99F979338.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The cast of "The Whisperer in Darkness" includes several members frequently heard in the H.P Lovecraft Historical Society's Dark Adventure Radio Theatre (D.A.R.T) radio plays. These include star Matt Foyer, Barry Lynch, Andrew Leman, and Sean Branney. It's great to see them after hearing their voices in all of the great D.A.R.T projects. "The Whisperer in Darkness" is not currently streaming anywhere or available to rent, but you can purchase a copy directly from the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society at their website <a href="https://www.hplhs.org/" target="_blank">https://www.hplhs.org/</a></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-77574771564352913022021-10-02T01:30:00.001-07:002021-10-02T01:30:00.206-07:00Blood Red Sky (2021) #477<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpt3lIEiFM8/YVCk6UBAg2I/AAAAAAAADsc/1TeuKDdB888hTkN08kTC_tN6b3pgzjaKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/b1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1200" height="233" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jpt3lIEiFM8/YVCk6UBAg2I/AAAAAAAADsc/1TeuKDdB888hTkN08kTC_tN6b3pgzjaKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/b1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Is "Blood Red Sky" more of a horror film or more of an action film? It's difficult to say for sure but it's still a fun, brisk movie that does not disappoint. The premise is simple; a single mother, Nadja, and her only child, Elias, are on their way to New York when the plane they're on is hijacked and terror ensues. The hijackers have planned for everything except for the fact that Nadja is a vampire who is struggling to keep her blood lust in check. Her fight to retain her humanity is slipping but she remains a protective mother first and foremost. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWfxFSHupo/YVClCZJOtII/AAAAAAAADsg/HikxO6Lb6o8g9nWDoABNns-jXmw50aHXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s451/b3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="451" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5KWfxFSHupo/YVClCZJOtII/AAAAAAAADsg/HikxO6Lb6o8g9nWDoABNns-jXmw50aHXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/b3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Blood Red Sky" was directed and co-written by Peter Thorwarth with a budget of $17.7 million dollars. Mr Thorwarth uses his limited budget and the enclosed space of an airplane to full effect, creating an effective vampire film that feels fresh and exciting. Peri Baumeister also stars as Nadja, who gives a performance that is equally emotionally driven as it is action oriented; she is seen as both vulnerable as well as an apex predator. Dominic Purcell, perhaps the most recognized name to an American audience, co-stars as Berg, the leader of the terrorists. He's cool and calm throughout the film, a clever and confident leader who planned for everything for a swift takeover. Alexander Scheer steals the spotlight as one of the terrorists, a psychopathic loose cannon who is the first to figure out that there is a vampire on the flight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9sUo8vfLPk/YVClElVj0FI/AAAAAAAADsk/SM8qTd-GjJkdZXbeJqXocfBiKGpyCZRSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/b2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f9sUo8vfLPk/YVClElVj0FI/AAAAAAAADsk/SM8qTd-GjJkdZXbeJqXocfBiKGpyCZRSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/b2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a vampire film, "Blood Red Sky" examines the struggles of not giving into the beast of the condition. We see Nadja's infection and how she handles being a single mother of an infant. We learn in the beginning of the film that she is headed to New York for a possible solution for her condition although the audience isn't yet aware of what the condition is; this is quickly revealed so it's not really a spoiler. This leads us to speculate if vampirism is more accepted as a possibility than as a myth. When Nadja's vampiric tendencies begin to take over, we see the transformation of a meek, quiet woman to the predator we know vampires to be. Trying to keep her secret from the other passengers and the hijackers is a challenge that ultimately fails. The third act of the film becomes a bloodbath as less restrained predators are released.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6-FoJnpZ80/YVClGVh6tvI/AAAAAAAADso/eW-73HNABxQQ1qGwkUvwphxyFU3PTZnDACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/b4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6-FoJnpZ80/YVClGVh6tvI/AAAAAAAADso/eW-73HNABxQQ1qGwkUvwphxyFU3PTZnDACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/b4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>"Blood Red Sky" is perhaps one of the more enjoyable vampire films I've seen in the last ten years and I hope Netflix continues to stream more horror themed content in the future.</p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-60604146278662459932021-10-01T00:30:00.004-07:002021-10-01T00:30:00.213-07:00Sacrifice (2020) #476<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQPcsSRs1SE/YVCj5_tgZKI/AAAAAAAADsE/8EXs7V83Lak5TF-JjkFnVaGP4NFoHhnWACNcBGAsYHQ/s1508/s1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pQPcsSRs1SE/YVCj5_tgZKI/AAAAAAAADsE/8EXs7V83Lak5TF-JjkFnVaGP4NFoHhnWACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/s1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>In the vein of H.P. Lovecraft comes "Sacrifice", a 2021 thriller about a young man returning to the land where he was born and the family secrets waiting for him there. The isolation of being on a small island in a foreign country, persistent nightmares, and creeping realization that the local citizens are all members of some esoteric cult wear down Issac and his wife Emma until the fateful revelation and conclusion of the film. Directed by Andy Collier and Tor Mian, the movie stars Ludovic Hughes as Issac, Sophie Stevens as Emma, and Barbara Crampton as Renate Nygard.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkFpt1XbioI/YVCj_B1Sl2I/AAAAAAAADsI/shIqxf-xJ8Qhwn9Tvz5Bvx8-_sXke3VLQCNcBGAsYHQ/s451/s4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="451" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UkFpt1XbioI/YVCj_B1Sl2I/AAAAAAAADsI/shIqxf-xJ8Qhwn9Tvz5Bvx8-_sXke3VLQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/s4.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"Sacrifice" feels like a tribute to Lovecraft and his fans, and as such it may not appeal to every horror fan. While building atmosphere, the pacing may feel slow and dragging and the actual scary moments are few and brief, all much like a Lovecraft story. As fans of Lovecraft know, it's not always about the obvious scares that matter the most. The impending doom that haunt Emma throughout the film is truly effective, as well as the mysterious motivations of the cult that seems all too welcoming. Perhaps the most poignant attribute to Lovecraft is having Issac coming back to his homeland to tie up loose strings and slowly learning about his family's haunting past secrets. Giving Issac the last name of Pickman is also a very nice touch!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9oRh2wPYws/YVCkDfwWEBI/AAAAAAAADsM/2wIZEDA2CVMMAufFrSgFekm6aVVrYCQ0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s480/s3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="480" height="167" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9oRh2wPYws/YVCkDfwWEBI/AAAAAAAADsM/2wIZEDA2CVMMAufFrSgFekm6aVVrYCQ0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/s3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I must admit that I was looking forward to this film when I learned that Barbara Crampton was attached to the project. She had hinted that she was working on a Lovecraft style movie and that was all it took. She plays an important supporting role with plenty of screen time but still allows Sophie and Ludovic to shine during their scenes. As one of the local citizens with knowledge of Issac's past, Barbara's presence is felt more so in each subsequent scene. It was truly a pleasure watching her in a Lovecraft style movie again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7LkGQSJFGc/YVaYvNWHuMI/AAAAAAAADtc/ppvKN5yRqV06LkKgHLCqFPEuG7m-jUS2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2000/s5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7LkGQSJFGc/YVaYvNWHuMI/AAAAAAAADtc/ppvKN5yRqV06LkKgHLCqFPEuG7m-jUS2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/s5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-73447240122821521652020-10-31T00:30:00.003-07:002020-10-31T00:30:04.494-07:00Doctor Sleep: Director's Cut (2019) #475<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEPOo_odw94/X3K77ELEGII/AAAAAAAADNM/LGxdHaqDlLktj5LDSJ5a_dsyX7pZOLP9gCNcBGAsYHQ/s512/D1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="356" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEPOo_odw94/X3K77ELEGII/AAAAAAAADNM/LGxdHaqDlLktj5LDSJ5a_dsyX7pZOLP9gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D1.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p> "Doctor Sleep" is the sequel that we never knew we wanted. It is not a cheap cash-in like so many sequels are; case in point, the movie came out twenty-nine years after the "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-shining-1980.html" target="_blank">The Shining</a>". This film builds upon the reality that the Stanley Kubrick film first establishes, complete with near perfect, young look alike actors filling in for Shelly Duvall, Scatman Crothers, and even Jack Nicholson. "Doctor Sleep" is rich in nostalgia in a good way as we revisit Danny, Wendy, Jack, Dick and our favorite haunted hotel and find out how they've grown over the past forty years. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v24D7bRou1U/X3LJHjEBYjI/AAAAAAAADOA/ecSRgZp_3YwMMx9Xx_FSr9ranC6xUXFbQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1486/D4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v24D7bRou1U/X3LJHjEBYjI/AAAAAAAADOA/ecSRgZp_3YwMMx9Xx_FSr9ranC6xUXFbQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I've read both "The Shining" and "Doctor Sleep" and I have seen "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-shining-1980.html" target="_blank">The Shining</a>" more times than any other Stephen King adaptation. The film follows the first half of the novel almost faithfully before taking a decidedly different turn...for the better. Director/Screenwriter Mike Flanagan, known for "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2016/06/hush-2016-430.html" target="_blank">Hush</a>", "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2014/09/oculus-2013-387.html" target="_blank">Oculus</a>" and "Gerald's Game", adapted the Stephen King's story to follow the events from "The Shining" film and not from "The Shining" novel. This means that the Overlook Hotel is still standing and was not blown apart from the boiler exploding. Just like the actors, the Overlook Hotel looks nearly exactly the same, just forty years older. This is where the showdown between good and evil takes place in the very epic finale. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKT_hNWzml8/X3LI8gEdDwI/AAAAAAAADN8/eMu37Lk53CMR0mhExsJjGLt5CVjabbNVQCNcBGAsYHQ/s304/D8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKT_hNWzml8/X3LI8gEdDwI/AAAAAAAADN8/eMu37Lk53CMR0mhExsJjGLt5CVjabbNVQCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/D8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>A major theme in both books and both film is dealing with alcoholism. Mr. King has been very open about his struggles with substance abuse in his past and it feels like "Doctor Sleep" is a way for him to share what it could feel like. Just like his father, Dan Torrance is a full blown alcoholic, and when we first see him as an adult, he is hitting rock bottom. Luckily for him, he is able to find a fresh start when he hops on a bus and ends up in Frazier, New Hampshire. He befriends a man named Billy Freeman who helps him find an apartment and a local support group. Dan becomes sober but does battle some temptations throughout the story. The most intense temptation takes place in the Overlook, as Dan shares a deeply personal conversation with the ghost Lloyd the bartender. This scene is easily one of my favorites in the film.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrhi2FTyMtI/X3LGs8r-uCI/AAAAAAAADNo/eOJPuUcarGACfFluYkuO7iQXuZKeunG1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s800/D3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yrhi2FTyMtI/X3LGs8r-uCI/AAAAAAAADNo/eOJPuUcarGACfFluYkuO7iQXuZKeunG1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Besides alcoholism, the other villain in "Doctor Sleep" is the Trueknot, a vagabond group of psychic vampires. They track down those with the shine to feast upon their power, which comes forth like a mist from the victim's mouth. Pain and fear cleanse the shine, makes me more delicious. But sometimes they recruit and turn those with a gift that the Knot could use to their gain. The newest member of the Trueknot is Snakebite Andi, a young teen who can hypnotize someone with a single word or phrase. They are led by Rose the Hat, a truly evil and sly antagonist. The concept could have come across as campy but that is not the case here; they are truly terrifying. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TILTFCsXRsI/X3LHAW5bO1I/AAAAAAAADNw/uLpy0SqWhsYxzkBmLGd_qDtAUE37kEK8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/D6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TILTFCsXRsI/X3LHAW5bO1I/AAAAAAAADNw/uLpy0SqWhsYxzkBmLGd_qDtAUE37kEK8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Mr. King has written several different characters in various books who have a touch of the shine. In this story we are introduced to perhaps the brightest shine of them all, Abra. Growing up, she uses her powers not knowing that she is special, scaring her parents when she psychically plays the piano when she should be sleeping or imitating a magic trick that she saw a party magician perform. She even reaches out to Dan and leaves friendly messages on his large black board wall in his apartment. What I love about how this character is that she knows that she is powerful; she is never the damsel in distress. Ignoring the warnings from Dan to hide herself, Abra uses her powers to search for a young boy whom the Knot had feasted upon. When Rose the Hat learns of Abra, the two have more than one psychic tug-of-war with Abra winning each time. But when Rose the Hat becomes involved directly and the Trueknot comes to claim Abra, the young girl knows that she will need Dan's help</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV-qyfzSS0k/X3LJuyA0zII/AAAAAAAADOM/QYXE4sZYLS4vJr3g47OYNqGBlecb8MskgCNcBGAsYHQ/s960/D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dV-qyfzSS0k/X3LJuyA0zII/AAAAAAAADOM/QYXE4sZYLS4vJr3g47OYNqGBlecb8MskgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Again, my favorite scene is when Dan battles the temptation to drink and to face his past with his and his father's weakness.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zHnnBbKTeA/X3LKTYYkKLI/AAAAAAAADOU/4laS8Qg1nK4YAZ2ZSiiuUB6nElucKRtGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1400/D9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="1400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zHnnBbKTeA/X3LKTYYkKLI/AAAAAAAADOU/4laS8Qg1nK4YAZ2ZSiiuUB6nElucKRtGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-11165020170670577702020-10-30T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-30T00:30:02.575-07:00The Void (2015) #474<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhH53PhV1-g/X2LlBONcvzI/AAAAAAAADHU/QGmIIqzUVZYdYMz324NO_j4eyX6lWRt3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s326/V1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="326" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhH53PhV1-g/X2LlBONcvzI/AAAAAAAADHU/QGmIIqzUVZYdYMz324NO_j4eyX6lWRt3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/V1.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Few films present cosmic dread and utter horror in such an
effective way as “The Void”. From the very first scene the mood is set, from
the violent death and follow through to the eerie background music and the
credit sequence, the viewer is made aware that they are about to watch
something special. With its indescribable creatures, a haunting silent cult,
and cosmic dread that leaves you feeling that humanity is just a speck in the
void, pardon the pun, it’s easy to compare this to something that could have
been written by H.P. Lovecraft. And with its use of practical effects and
make-up, spooky and unsettling soundtrack, and no-holds barred violence in the
vein of “The Thing” and “Prince of Darkness”, it feels like this could have been
directed by John Carpenter. The two masters of cosmic horror would be proud of
writers/directors Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orl8S2MH_gc/X2LlJ_2y5fI/AAAAAAAADHc/ukN2Tlf1sZg-qM8mqtHaJgyI4PHfHkJxwCNcBGAsYHQ/s681/V4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="681" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orl8S2MH_gc/X2LlJ_2y5fI/AAAAAAAADHc/ukN2Tlf1sZg-qM8mqtHaJgyI4PHfHkJxwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/V4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The film is set in a
desolate backwoods hospital that is nearing its scheduled closure. The
emptiness and seclusion creates an immediate sense of dread, and when
mysterious cult members arrive like phantoms in the parking lot, the horror
escalates to chilling heights. Inside the hospital people become possessed
without reason, unknown monsters lurk in the basement, and two armed strangers
take the hospital staff and patients hostage. From every angle fear and dread
seep throughout the film, “The Void” is a non-stop thrill ride into the
unknown. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><o:p></o:p></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgnZc3l6VHg/X2LlFnW9l_I/AAAAAAAADHY/80H_ejfYobIauB27Pk6-xpw9juhAO5TJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/V6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lgnZc3l6VHg/X2LlFnW9l_I/AAAAAAAADHY/80H_ejfYobIauB27Pk6-xpw9juhAO5TJwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/V6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Cosmic horror is at the forefront of “The Void”, leaving the characters feeling insignificant and hopeless. The first sign are the mysterious cult members, silent and haunting as they wait patiently around the hospital. How many of them are there and what are they planning to do? What have they done before the movie begins? The second example of the cosmic horror are the monsters; creepy, malformed, and deadly<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7qMDpAIUd8/X2LlMzcer_I/AAAAAAAADHg/v8GwmSt_SAcKO9qoff9xtSlEa1lOQJrCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/V7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7qMDpAIUd8/X2LlMzcer_I/AAAAAAAADHg/v8GwmSt_SAcKO9qoff9xtSlEa1lOQJrCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/V7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>When a sherif deputy comes across a man crawling along the street covered in blood, he quickly takes him to the nearest hospital. The hospital is operating with a skeleton crew as it prepares to permanently close down. Before anyone can even breathe, chaos ensues when a nurse becomes possessed by something and two strangers with a gun come looking for the blood covered man. Everyone becomes trapped when mysterious cultists surround the hospital. Finally, a bizarre basement is discovered hiding dark, hidden dangers. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-15483239264256750112020-10-29T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-29T00:30:07.097-07:00Mandy (2018) #473<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qmjA-Vr9QI/X4kzA1qiN-I/AAAAAAAADZ4/djgbuVlN2nwZwy-HVvse3AJKTHA8mXipQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/DA834B1E-73EF-4848-945E-531D4002F22D.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qmjA-Vr9QI/X4kzA1qiN-I/AAAAAAAADZ4/djgbuVlN2nwZwy-HVvse3AJKTHA8mXipQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DA834B1E-73EF-4848-945E-531D4002F22D.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>“Mandy” is psychedelic mind trip of colors, false messiahs, drugs, bikers, and a Nicholas Cage that you’ve never seen before. The movie will leave you wondering what you just saw and additional viewings may not help answer any questions, although the film will still be fascinating. It’s a unique film that caught the attention of many and currently holds a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5h6nhhZCyY/X5nztXesiXI/AAAAAAAADlE/ngXrBoCao8QXz7zwdDqKadZtq5qGiWXrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s957/BE46675E-43DB-4410-BCF7-1198DBDA602E.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="957" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X5h6nhhZCyY/X5nztXesiXI/AAAAAAAADlE/ngXrBoCao8QXz7zwdDqKadZtq5qGiWXrwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BE46675E-43DB-4410-BCF7-1198DBDA602E.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>There is no better way to describe Nicolas Cage’s performance in “Mandy” as anything other than elemental; he is a force of pure energy. He is finally able to tap into whatever zone he enters mentally when he steps in front of a camera now days and completely let go. There are moments where he is allowed to be calm and reflective and other times where he literally gets to scream and let all of his rage and anguish flow. No one ever saw this performance coming and those who haven’t, prepare yourselves for a brand new kind of Nicolas Cage.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqgm0KXkz6s/X5n0A1DRngI/AAAAAAAADlM/RbbZsa6MlQQXVIL0sgGZhSC3Gxpq3y61wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1180/6BBFD97D-3B1C-48A9-9DDF-1B66CC526658.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="1180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hqgm0KXkz6s/X5n0A1DRngI/AAAAAAAADlM/RbbZsa6MlQQXVIL0sgGZhSC3Gxpq3y61wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/6BBFD97D-3B1C-48A9-9DDF-1B66CC526658.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The film’s story is nice and simple, which allows the events that take place to have their own weight and importance in each scene. Red and Mandy live a simple, quiet life in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. Red works as a logger and Mandy works as a cashier at a gas station. They have deep philosophical conversations that lead you to believe that they are both recovering from past traumas. Everything is going fine until one day when a van drives by Mandy and one of the occupants, Jeremiah Sand, sees her and becomes obsessed. Jeremiah happens to be the leader of a hippie cult that calls themselves The Children of the New Dawn, and Jeremiah truly believes that what he wants is his with the permission from god himself. He has members of his cult kidnap her, which begins a violent, manic turn of events as Red seeks vengeance and does not allow anything to get in his way.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-akDK0Q7Hk/X5n21ZqKhzI/AAAAAAAADlY/d72z7a9iejkuwCHOB2VuOg1yZlYUhEF_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/5D2B301F-B9A1-468E-B593-4E655641074F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-akDK0Q7Hk/X5n21ZqKhzI/AAAAAAAADlY/d72z7a9iejkuwCHOB2VuOg1yZlYUhEF_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/5D2B301F-B9A1-468E-B593-4E655641074F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>One thing that makes this movie so odd and yet wonderful is that you have no idea what is supernatural and what isn’t. Is Red merely a man seeking revenge or is he some kind of immortal? Are the bikers really just mind fried junkies or actual demons? What other atrocities have the Children committed to satisfy Jeremiah? There are no back stories save one, and that teases the audience in the best way in this film. What I do know is thaT this movie will leave a little imprint scarred on your brain that reads “Mandy and Red we’re here”.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BugHQY3RTjE/X5n4Z_F_1FI/AAAAAAAADlk/74kN_jI775kU-A4mrFpEa-zD7VOWZoBOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/57262001-0B5E-458B-821B-E3021EDB8C98.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BugHQY3RTjE/X5n4Z_F_1FI/AAAAAAAADlk/74kN_jI775kU-A4mrFpEa-zD7VOWZoBOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/57262001-0B5E-458B-821B-E3021EDB8C98.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-28895151927713757072020-10-28T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-28T00:30:04.511-07:00The Invisible Man (2020) #472<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik5rwiM6GII/X4QMkk9ZyPI/AAAAAAAADYA/LHH3Dz5QsOAcPDqY78v0sZ1zkfdxrE6vwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1185/I1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ik5rwiM6GII/X4QMkk9ZyPI/AAAAAAAADYA/LHH3Dz5QsOAcPDqY78v0sZ1zkfdxrE6vwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/I1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The film “The Invisible Man” proves that you don’t need a big budget to make a big, incredible movie. Star Elizabeth Moss has the performance of the year as Cecilia Kass, a victim of domestic abuse who believes that her ex Adrian is still tormenting her after his apparent suicide. Leigh Whannell wrote and directed the film, updating and modernizing this adaptation from the novel of the same name. With a budget of only $6 million, “The Invisible Man” took in a box office total of $134 million and have earned more if not for the pandemic closing theaters down earlier in the year.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd6jXt5epuo/X4QMnb14sJI/AAAAAAAADYE/zVawL7a0thUPHoKe88VygNxoBdZlmfTuACNcBGAsYHQ/s720/I2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd6jXt5epuo/X4QMnb14sJI/AAAAAAAADYE/zVawL7a0thUPHoKe88VygNxoBdZlmfTuACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/I2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Elizabeth Moss had her work cut out for her in this film, spending most of her screen time fighting against an unseen force. Her physicality is spot on and completely believable as she’s thrown around and struggles against the invisible assailant. Her range of emotions are also upfront and center, starting the movie as an already beat down and abused woman. She finds the strength to leave her abusive boyfriend and start a new life. When unexplained occurrences begin around her, Cecilia’s composure and resolve are pushed to their limits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQOuNTu3G4w/X4QMrCZ89NI/AAAAAAAADYI/v4a-EmgvdCYFBHeE9C7hummTWee-nv80QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/I3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQOuNTu3G4w/X4QMrCZ89NI/AAAAAAAADYI/v4a-EmgvdCYFBHeE9C7hummTWee-nv80QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/I3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The narrative in “The Invisible Man” is smart and sharp, keeping the theme of abuse and manipulation as the central focus throughout. Cecilia is framed several times and takes the fall. But Cecilia isn’t the only character to fall victim to Adrian; Adrian’s brother Tom expresses how he was used and Cecilia’s friend James is led to believe that Cecilia is a threat to him and his daughter. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDfiO2NjKvo/X4QM7MKCzgI/AAAAAAAADYY/AdPj6S8NKUolnnO_dJglgBxv7UfOPZk8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/I4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1697" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDfiO2NjKvo/X4QM7MKCzgI/AAAAAAAADYY/AdPj6S8NKUolnnO_dJglgBxv7UfOPZk8ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/I4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>The explanation for the invisibility in “The Invisible Man” is clever and believable. Can’t share too much without spoiling anything! The special effects and use of CGI is used sparingly and wisely, relying on Elizabeth’s great acting and physicality to make the most of the action sequences. This is most definitely a movie that I’ll watch several more times over the next year or two. Action packed and suspenseful, “The Invisible Man” is a must see for 2020.</div><div><br /></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-36751872917389959602020-10-27T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-27T00:30:04.803-07:00Brightburn (2019) #471<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asyG_h0fVTU/X5UOI8qhiOI/AAAAAAAADjo/uIjn4ixIp0s6j--Vg4iPsajvOwHiUOFFACNcBGAsYHQ/s755/BB1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asyG_h0fVTU/X5UOI8qhiOI/AAAAAAAADjo/uIjn4ixIp0s6j--Vg4iPsajvOwHiUOFFACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BB1.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>What if Superman had been born evil? This simple premise is the foundation for the 2019 film "Brightburn", written by James Gunn's brother Brian and his cousin Mark, and directed by David Yarovesky. "Brightburn" stars Elizabeth Banks ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/05/slither-2006.html" target="_blank">Slither</a>") and David Denman, and special cameo but Michael Rooker.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AwVmJCNyMk/X5UlRvq8gdI/AAAAAAAADj0/PM4cb1NoKR4zRI_-artOcuizQbGIhtgMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/BB2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7AwVmJCNyMk/X5UlRvq8gdI/AAAAAAAADj0/PM4cb1NoKR4zRI_-artOcuizQbGIhtgMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BB2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Just like Superman, Brandon crashed landed on Earth and was found and adopted by Tori and Kyle Breyer, a young couple who couldn't have children of their own. They raise him well and he turns out to be a typical, awkward preteen. One night, Brandon wakes up and is drawn to the family barn, to where Tori and Kyle had hidden Brandon's ship. This is when his powers begin to manifest and he starts to realize that he isn't as limited as everyone else. Brandon is devastated when the girl who he has a crush on calls him a pervert, causing him to begin acting on his feelings. Later, when he does discover the ship hidden inside the barn, he becomes encouraged and begins chanting "Take the world". Kyle becomes suspicious of his son and only Tori believes that Brandon is still her innocent, little child.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TcOHKtDJ2Y/X5UoC7K7mXI/AAAAAAAADkA/wLLGvPqe8gI2FP5ZMpandJ45xOnDFVAnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1400/bb4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TcOHKtDJ2Y/X5UoC7K7mXI/AAAAAAAADkA/wLLGvPqe8gI2FP5ZMpandJ45xOnDFVAnQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/bb4.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Jackson A. Dunn is perfectly cast as Brandon, portraying him with all of the wonder of his new powers while having moments of conflict of what he should do compared to what he is learning that he can do. The transformation between innocent preteen to an unemphatic killer who sees himself as untouchable. Although he's developing his powers, Brandon is still just a 12 year old boy who is still learning on how to deal with his feelings. This is the tilt on what makes Brandon turn into Brightburn and Kent into Superman. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAfP7VQ3qQU/X5UqMlGoRNI/AAAAAAAADkM/O8061OakwgsR2GDx_cehja1wHcPejI1DwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1287/bb3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAfP7VQ3qQU/X5UqMlGoRNI/AAAAAAAADkM/O8061OakwgsR2GDx_cehja1wHcPejI1DwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/bb3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The visuals for "Brightburn" as fantastic, including his outfit that he creates. It's simple, homemade, and utterly frightening. The special effects work well and the scenes are graphic and detailed. I love the scene where he flips a truck and examines his handiwork. I was impressed that the trailers for the film did not give away too much, leaving the context unspoiled while showing some of the action sequences. The music for the end credits is Billie Eilish"s aptly titled radio hit "Bad Guy".</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-39490538981953831182020-10-26T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-26T00:30:01.640-07:00The Belko Experiment (2017) #470<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WbHcIy9o-I/X5TeMleVipI/AAAAAAAADic/HLGoXlusWqYoDf3f3x1RoXsHd3z4W3DOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BE5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1387" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WbHcIy9o-I/X5TeMleVipI/AAAAAAAADic/HLGoXlusWqYoDf3f3x1RoXsHd3z4W3DOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BE5.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>"The Belko Experiment" is an ultra violent, gore filled film written by James Gunn ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/05/slither-2006.html" target="_blank">Slither</a>" and "Guardians of the Galaxy), and directed by Greg McLean ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2014/02/wolf-creek-2005.html" target="_blank">Wolf Creek</a>"). The star studded cast includes John Gallagher Jr ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2016/06/hush-2016-430.html" target="_blank">Hush</a>" and "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2016/07/10-cloverfield-lane-2016.html" target="_blank">Cloverfield Lane</a>"), Michael Rooker ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/05/slither-2006.html" target="_blank">Slither</a>"), John C. McGinley, and Sean Gunn. It had received mix reviews when it was first released but remains a favorite among genre enthusiasts. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6x55z3rBXQ/X5Tz0bVQ5cI/AAAAAAAADis/Ls7vA5uj5RUFqhGv15jauMdQP0edpHEpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2787/BE6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="2787" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6x55z3rBXQ/X5Tz0bVQ5cI/AAAAAAAADis/Ls7vA5uj5RUFqhGv15jauMdQP0edpHEpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BE6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The film opens with everyone heading into work at the Bogota, Columbia branch of the Belko Industries. The office building is secluded from the rest of the city and is surrounded by fences and armed guards. This is all for the protection of the mostly American staff. All staff members receive a small tracking device that is planted near the base of the skull in case they fall victim to kidnapping or demand of ransom. For some odd reason, all of the guards are new and no one knows where the previous ones are. Once everyone has reported to work and their day begins, an unknown voice comes over the intercom speakers and announces that two employees must be killed or else there will be serious consequences. Panic ensues, people try to escape but they find themselves trapped in the building. When the time elapses and no one has been killed, four random employees die killed when their "trackers" detonate. Further instructions are given to kill or be killed, and the building fall into utter chaos.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVmmgiY227g/X5T2t06dwCI/AAAAAAAADi8/IMeRC14Ci7cLWYRGkIwxTWQwI7x9rf_ygCNcBGAsYHQ/s900/BE3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="900" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kVmmgiY227g/X5T2t06dwCI/AAAAAAAADi8/IMeRC14Ci7cLWYRGkIwxTWQwI7x9rf_ygCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BE3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The film explores the morality of what people would do in a situation like this, and how those who consider themselves in power prey on those without. In this case it's the management team and those who see their lives as more important that others who try to control the situation and decide who gets to live and who gets to die. It's a gut wrenching scenario to watch as the employees who are old, single, or who do not have kids are lined up to be executed. But not everything goes to plane because not everyone agrees with what the few have decided...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUDt7mX_GUE/X5T5zs8SHCI/AAAAAAAADjU/3Q_2OwFaiMUkbtTpLQKF0jPz6IimJMkWACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/BE8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yUDt7mX_GUE/X5T5zs8SHCI/AAAAAAAADjU/3Q_2OwFaiMUkbtTpLQKF0jPz6IimJMkWACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BE8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>What makes this film interesting is watching those who don't want to follow the orders to kill. They try to find ways to escape, to cope and manage their stress, and try to fight back. Mike, played by John Gallagher Jr, tries to protect his girlfriend/coworker Leandra, ensure that no breaks into the gun locker, and tries to flag down help from the outside world. The people who are trying to do the right thing are the ones whose deaths come most shocking as the experiment comes to it's epic conclusion.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmP9q25v9IY/X5T54zpwlZI/AAAAAAAADjY/W9VoxbpfKFoM1k_7oYSSkMbvgQYchvzJACNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/BE4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmP9q25v9IY/X5T54zpwlZI/AAAAAAAADjY/W9VoxbpfKFoM1k_7oYSSkMbvgQYchvzJACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/BE4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-51919713435782663092020-10-25T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-25T00:30:01.153-07:00Session 9 (2001) #469<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mS4I4RK1p7U/X5SpI-L_CEI/AAAAAAAADhs/qQEoTP6zwaA425peQAlJO3OEyHzdSYMZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s315/SS2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mS4I4RK1p7U/X5SpI-L_CEI/AAAAAAAADhs/qQEoTP6zwaA425peQAlJO3OEyHzdSYMZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/SS2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>"Session 9" is a dark, haunting psychological thriller about a team of asbestos removers working in an old asylum and how one the the team members comes across tape recordings of one of the more puzzling cases that took place there many years ago. Directed by Brad Anderson and starring David Caruso, Peter Mullan, and Larry Fessenden.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXbKqdh6uHg/X5TWpuhJygI/AAAAAAAADiI/RtkA9AeyGBs1mWYgXiWWtFT8jZBQ4-I_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s530/S3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BXbKqdh6uHg/X5TWpuhJygI/AAAAAAAADiI/RtkA9AeyGBs1mWYgXiWWtFT8jZBQ4-I_wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gordon owns an asbestos abatement company that wins a highly sought after contract to clean out a large abandoned mental hospital with it own infamous history. Part of the contract that Gordon agreed to was that his team would finish the job in only one week, much to the dismay of the team's supervisor Phil. Before the project even begins, the team members have their own personal demons to contend with. Phil is dealing with a breakup with his girlfriend, Hank has a gambling problem and is sleeping with Phil's ex, Mike who is a law school dropout with an anger problem, and Gordon's nephew Jeff who has an extreme fear of the dark. It's not long before the project starts to fall apart, including Hank's disappearance and Mike finding a set of tapes from the sessions of one of the patients. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQS1VqAqEB8/X5TUFeo5Y5I/AAAAAAAADh8/OGVfqpYGkY8J2vYUJJMvDAuCrNyAOVqgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s520/S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="520" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQS1VqAqEB8/X5TUFeo5Y5I/AAAAAAAADh8/OGVfqpYGkY8J2vYUJJMvDAuCrNyAOVqgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The narrative's pace is steady throughout so it never feels too slow or fast and the scenes build well upon each other while the session tapes act as interludes. It feels like a proper ghost or haunted house story, achieving a chilling and frightening atmosphere without gore and violence. This movie makes you think and multiple viewings offer hidden clues that you may have missed previously. It's all about the interpersonal relationships and the rundown hospital.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvpB-MOa6ME/X5TWtxJyCuI/AAAAAAAADiM/CmsGnILVfLYUb33fafGmpUVyQ71FZAUXQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1060/S5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="1060" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvpB-MOa6ME/X5TWtxJyCuI/AAAAAAAADiM/CmsGnILVfLYUb33fafGmpUVyQ71FZAUXQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S5.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>The movie was filmed in Danvers State Hospital in Massachusetts. The hospital itself greatly inspired Anderson's script as well as a real life trial concerning a man who violently killed his wife after she burnt his dinner one night. The crew had no need for sets, using what was already left in the hospital. The hospital has since been demolished, but not before leaving a part of it's legacy on film for all horror fans to enjoyClockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-26738950925463181142020-10-24T12:12:00.001-07:002020-10-24T12:12:17.107-07:00It Follows (2014) #468<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWVyPkgi98s/X5RbM4a7vwI/AAAAAAAADf0/-gX-WWseKqkiaXZXmN-zcl4jPl6NSMgLACNcBGAsYHQ/s1500/It1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GWVyPkgi98s/X5RbM4a7vwI/AAAAAAAADf0/-gX-WWseKqkiaXZXmN-zcl4jPl6NSMgLACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/It1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>"It Follows" hit the the theaters in 2014 and instantly became classic horror film. This independent darling directed and written by David Robert Mitchell was made with a budget of $2 million dollars and earned over $23 million during it's theatrical run, holds a 95% fresh rating with Rotten Tomatoes, and remains one of the more original horror films of the last decade. The pacing and musical score help make this movie extremely creepy.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zC3iM0CVsw/X5RuVFrNB1I/AAAAAAAADgE/bvR2w2C-UI8BGFh12MQnHFtgbJnF9AmlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/It2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zC3iM0CVsw/X5RuVFrNB1I/AAAAAAAADgE/bvR2w2C-UI8BGFh12MQnHFtgbJnF9AmlgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/It2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The film's premise is hauntingly simple; a deadly curse is passed from one person to another through intercourse. The curse comes in the form of a slowly walking specter that it only visible to those who infected.The specter's appearance is constantly changing but often appears rather ghastly. If the specter gets close enough to their victim, it kills them in a most gruesome fashion. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJCy89Qaah4/X5RwM88HXkI/AAAAAAAADgQ/UUB2aSG0o0MN09X8eQZRjFaABWdqSOsrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1024/It4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJCy89Qaah4/X5RwM88HXkI/AAAAAAAADgQ/UUB2aSG0o0MN09X8eQZRjFaABWdqSOsrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/It4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>"It Follows" feels extremely nostalgic and that it one of it's main appeals. Mr. Mitchell has admitted that George Romero and John Carpenter are two of his primary influences and it shows in this movie. Many viewers and critics have expressed how the film feels like it could have been directed by Carpenter and it's easy to see how. The look and feel of the neighborhood where "It Follows" takes place is extremely similar to Haddonfield, the hometown of Michael Myers from "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/04/halloween-1978.html" target="_blank">Halloween</a>". The background score also has a serious Carpenter vibe at times, mainly when the specter is is in close proximity. The specter also inspires a sense of nostalgia because it so relentless and persistent but slow and steady liked Myers, Voorhees, or even the T-100. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ILl-mP2uM4/X5R0tQ5MH-I/AAAAAAAADgc/0Y1llh7ISbctpiwYKPv4QELBeYSypCmkQCNcBGAsYHQ/s990/It3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="990" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ILl-mP2uM4/X5R0tQ5MH-I/AAAAAAAADgc/0Y1llh7ISbctpiwYKPv4QELBeYSypCmkQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/It3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Maika Monroe stars as Jay, a nineteen year old who is starting to date a guy named Hugh. She's smitten with him and after a few dates she has sex with him in his car. While enjoying the aftermath, Hugh knocks her out with chloroform. Jay wakes up finding herself tied to a wheelchair in an abandoned building. Hugh explains that he had to sleep with her to pass the curse along and that some kind of monster will come and follow her wherever she goes. He warns her to always stay in room with more than one exit. Once she sees the specter, he wheels her back to his car and drops her off at her house. With the help of friends, Jay does all that she can to survive until she can figure out a way to break the cure.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-88953034207781733042020-10-23T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-23T00:30:03.891-07:00Ma (2019) #467<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZJhPpyAWcI/X5JOYTtNZSI/AAAAAAAADfE/fgV4Ylg4MOYuAF69KS5M-gQs2zMNctOewCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/62E6C497-C630-40D3-BE43-95D4C3057486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZJhPpyAWcI/X5JOYTtNZSI/AAAAAAAADfE/fgV4Ylg4MOYuAF69KS5M-gQs2zMNctOewCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/62E6C497-C630-40D3-BE43-95D4C3057486.jpeg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>What happens when you take a script that could be intended for a Lifetime Network movie, commit to the violence and language, and hire current well known actors? The end results in a movie like 2019’s “Ma”, starring Octavia Spencer and Luke Evans. The film crew knew exactly what kind of movie they were making and gave it their all. “Ma” is a fun, non-apologetic journey of a crazy lady wanting to be accepted. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1SObCBMOK4/X5JO14jMJDI/AAAAAAAADfc/N2CUmxPw88QRNDr9B6MzZjnE_EKaYTUZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1870/4A6601AA-1A6F-461B-BEF4-52E9DDD1C260.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="1870" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1SObCBMOK4/X5JO14jMJDI/AAAAAAAADfc/N2CUmxPw88QRNDr9B6MzZjnE_EKaYTUZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4A6601AA-1A6F-461B-BEF4-52E9DDD1C260.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The movie was developed by director Tate Taylor, Octavia, and Blumhouse Productions. Tate and Octavia had worked together “The Help” and “Get On Up”. Octavia wanted to try something vastly different than any other role she’d had up to that point and Tate just wanted to do something “fucked up”. I’m not sure if I would consider “Ma” to be all that F’d up but it is something new for the two old time friends to try. When Tate offered Octavia the chance to star as a lead in a psychological horror film, she accepted the role without even reading the script.</p><p>As I mentioned, the story is about a lonely middle aged woman desperate to feel accepted. Octavia plays Sue Ann, a veterinary technician who buys some alcohol for some underaged kids. Knowing where they are going to go drink, she places an anonymous phone call to the local authorities who briskly break up their party. Sue Ann comes across the group the next day, buying them more alcohol and inviting them to her house so they can party without the risk of getting caught. And this begins an awkward, dark, sequence of partying and dependency.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dizDDZmrVEw/X5JOjR5aJPI/AAAAAAAADfM/Z-jxrzU_ke4MdqbxcW0a9Etpioqk1cCtACNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/9A475688-502F-4138-BFA3-24C9311725B3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dizDDZmrVEw/X5JOjR5aJPI/AAAAAAAADfM/Z-jxrzU_ke4MdqbxcW0a9Etpioqk1cCtACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/9A475688-502F-4138-BFA3-24C9311725B3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Diana Silvers costars as Maggie Thompson, the new girl in town. She quickly makes friends with a group of teens who like to party but are otherwise decent kids. At first she considers Sue Ann nice and accommodating, but begins to suspect something sinister when she’s drugged and has her earrings stolen. When her friend Haley notices that Sue Ann is wearing a bracelet that belongs to one of her friends, the two girls decide to break into Sue Ann’s house to see what else she might have stolen or is hiding.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSHlr0FwtAc/X5JPO9EOGjI/AAAAAAAADfo/e1-wHRTHcdEMYEMkAOE6RUQZUXUh-p0MgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/50BA8BE9-9255-4F15-BEC9-39B30DA256BB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSHlr0FwtAc/X5JPO9EOGjI/AAAAAAAADfo/e1-wHRTHcdEMYEMkAOE6RUQZUXUh-p0MgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/50BA8BE9-9255-4F15-BEC9-39B30DA256BB.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The cast includes Juliette Lewis, who plays Maggie’s mother Erica, Luke Evans, and Missi Pyle. The three were classmates with Sue Ann when she was in high school. They were the friends she thought she had and had always wanted. Now that she is friends with their children, will they accept her now?</p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-26083137909586392192020-10-22T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-22T00:30:03.768-07:00The Wicker Man (2006) #466<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKti-z7fgIc/X5EDhfIrh0I/AAAAAAAADeg/uVZ_YdzGCEU_fZBfEvOVdBLc0S2H598EgCNcBGAsYHQ/s597/14001D71-D046-4D0E-867D-19F77A1C2ED2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKti-z7fgIc/X5EDhfIrh0I/AAAAAAAADeg/uVZ_YdzGCEU_fZBfEvOVdBLc0S2H598EgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/14001D71-D046-4D0E-867D-19F77A1C2ED2.jpeg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The 2006 remake of “The Wicker Man” is an example of what not to do when making a movie but the end result still ends up as a cult classic. “The Wicker Man” has a painfully awful script, bizarre costumes, and stars an unhinged Nicholas Cage as police officer Edward Malus.The film also has the dubious honor of having won the Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Remake. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYpdTJyF0f4/X5EDnXdE78I/AAAAAAAADek/cjAlSTCiblIccQeIEIjxtFfOmkHZRkXTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s300/29CEAB53-E722-4FE4-85B2-6930B71436B4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYpdTJyF0f4/X5EDnXdE78I/AAAAAAAADek/cjAlSTCiblIccQeIEIjxtFfOmkHZRkXTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/29CEAB53-E722-4FE4-85B2-6930B71436B4.jpeg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The first 15 minutes of the movie are the worst, in my opinion; so much do that I almost turned it off. The dialogue is so terrible throughout the film, but the beginning is by far the hardest part to get through. Once Edward gets on the island, the dialogue and story improve slightly, thank god. The acting is also a bit cringe worthy, but ultimately it is the narrative of the story that pushes everything forward and keeps the whole film from becoming a complete dumpster fire. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqj7myRTUNo/X5EDvIWd5cI/AAAAAAAADeo/oVHDgtlJIWYSG7tECiBbN5HgIVT3wslAACNcBGAsYHQ/s400/A7C397AE-8E5E-4CA4-BA8B-4CD7A414C158.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqj7myRTUNo/X5EDvIWd5cI/AAAAAAAADeo/oVHDgtlJIWYSG7tECiBbN5HgIVT3wslAACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/A7C397AE-8E5E-4CA4-BA8B-4CD7A414C158.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>This remake shares inspiration from both the novel “The Ritual” by David Pinner and the original film. Edward is personally motivated to solve his missing persons case, unlike Sergeant Howie who was just following up on an assigned case. This simple change makes the viewer more invested in the character’s journey in this instance; it gives the story deeper emotional stakes. The leader of the island, Summerisle, is a woman in the remake and the majority of the population is female; this is an important detail for the remake’s narrative.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoFDfYP96wQ/X5EErTfVoWI/AAAAAAAADe0/H_T79LX5w5o4-2RfvcHqi7fKsH5Obf0rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s340/28A96426-C242-4548-8D0D-DECAF951AA03.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoFDfYP96wQ/X5EErTfVoWI/AAAAAAAADe0/H_T79LX5w5o4-2RfvcHqi7fKsH5Obf0rQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/28A96426-C242-4548-8D0D-DECAF951AA03.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Edward Malus is a police officer who is suffering PTSD after a deadly accident that he witnessed. He is finally coded out from his apartment when he learns that his ex-fiancée needs his help to find her missing daughter. He travels to a remote island in the Pacific Northwest in search of the young girl and his ex. The island is shrouded in mystery and he is unable to get a straight answer from anyone. When Edward begins to piece together what’s going on, it may already be too late.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-86513390740160646422020-10-21T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-21T00:30:04.878-07:00Pet Sematary (2019) #465<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyGd-asgHes/X4z09Xz5J9I/AAAAAAAADdw/92QGGIhbih0h-HqHcrE3jA_Wvo7kUDCiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s880/P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YyGd-asgHes/X4z09Xz5J9I/AAAAAAAADdw/92QGGIhbih0h-HqHcrE3jA_Wvo7kUDCiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/P2.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>"Pet Sematary" is a classic Stephen King kind of story and it only makes sense that there would be a new version of movie for horror fans. In my opinion, the 2019 version is an improvement over the original 1989 film. It has an impressive cast that includes Jason Clarke, Amy Seimetz ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-sacrament-2013-391.html" target="_blank">The Sacrament</a>"), and John Lithgow. It has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers alike, but I still recommend this to any who enjoy a good horror movie; a film to watch alone in the dark and get lost in.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzH1pGx4C98/X4z25x1Zd5I/AAAAAAAADd8/JUo93hb2Va0kydpSdPyRUj7mTHEcDYXDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/P1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzH1pGx4C98/X4z25x1Zd5I/AAAAAAAADd8/JUo93hb2Va0kydpSdPyRUj7mTHEcDYXDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The first thing you notice is how beautiful this film is. The colors pop and the scenes are crystal clear. Then there are the haunting children in the processional to the pet sematary, a purely haunting scene that draws the viewer in. All of the special effects and make up are such an improvement over the original, as well as some of the narrative choices that have been made. They very from the novel but not in a distracting fashion. In fact, the changes that were made make the story overall more effective and gives the narrative a fresh new feeling. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOdUP5huNG0/X4z5uaxVR3I/AAAAAAAADeI/9K6YDjKtC2EnRqbMesZ1t7sZW0F05VzPACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/P3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOdUP5huNG0/X4z5uaxVR3I/AAAAAAAADeI/9K6YDjKtC2EnRqbMesZ1t7sZW0F05VzPACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/P3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The story in "Pet Sematary" is it largest struggle because the narrative is to busy going in different directions to keep everything focused. The story itself in this case doesn't need to be fancy, it should be kept simple and straight forward. The three main adult characters all see their own personal ghost. Louis sees a patient who had couldn't save, Rachel sees her sister, and Jud sees his wife. I can understand why they are there but I feel it adds just too much to the overall story. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9_PIYa-rZY/X4z8Jn_SYyI/AAAAAAAADeU/s7iNnK0cd3o3lxRAV_fpCsKJWAG7rKEngCNcBGAsYHQ/s600/P1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z9_PIYa-rZY/X4z8Jn_SYyI/AAAAAAAADeU/s7iNnK0cd3o3lxRAV_fpCsKJWAG7rKEngCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Louis Creed has moved his family from Boston to Ludlow, Maine, a sleepy little town when compared to the bustling metropolis. While exploring the large plot of land that they now own, his wife Rachel and daughter Ellie witness a procession of children on their way to the pet sematary. Louis learns more about the secrets about the cemetery from his neighbor Jud when he takes Louis to bury Ellie's cat Church after he was killed by a truck on Halloween. Church comes back but he is different, more feral and viscous. After attacking his young son Gage, Louis takes Church out to the woods after he fails to euthanize him. Later, Ellie is killed by a truck when she runs out to the street after seeing her cat after a few weeks. Overcome with grief, Louis decides to bury his daughter in the pet sematary but soon comes to regret that decision.... </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-86452960948039349352020-10-20T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-20T00:30:02.934-07:00Jigsaw (2017) #464<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/fcb68kAOvt4">Jigsaw Movie Trailer</a></div>
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After an eight year hiatus, the “Saw” franchise is back and as deadly as ever. The series was a perennial favorite around Halloween, and “Jigsaw” hit theaters in late October in 2017. The previews leading up to the film’s release teased the possible return of Jigsaw himself, even though he died as violently as some of his victims in the third film. The previous films made clever narrative choices to include the The Jigsaw killer and this film delivers an equally interesting move. At any rate, it’s great to see the charismatic Mr Tobin Bell back with his devious devices.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-QBxOXhG98/X4zZVuDYvrI/AAAAAAAADdE/K0JHWQuDlbwpipyW08QQWeT6cWRSJPldwCNcBGAsYHQ/s696/J3.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="696" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-QBxOXhG98/X4zZVuDYvrI/AAAAAAAADdE/K0JHWQuDlbwpipyW08QQWeT6cWRSJPldwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/J3.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The film begins nearly a decade after the death of the famous Jigsaw Killer, John Kramer. So police are thoroughly confused when they corner a criminal on the run with a strange device around his neck, who tells the police that he needs to begin a new game in order to live. Before he's able to say more, he's shot down by the officers on the scene. And so begins a new series of death traps for a group of five unlucky players. Like previous installments, the chosen five are not innocent and are being taught to atone for their transgressions.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UafsoqNg7Q/X4ziOrUB1VI/AAAAAAAADdQ/72xH0TvJ7HgnFfZvUBDxCRYV73X_u7GZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/J2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7UafsoqNg7Q/X4ziOrUB1VI/AAAAAAAADdQ/72xH0TvJ7HgnFfZvUBDxCRYV73X_u7GZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/J2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of the attractions of the series are the different death traps that John Kramer and his associates designed and the traps in "Jigsaw" do not disappoint. There are some very clever ones this time around, and as usual, there is sometimes a deeper meaning behind them. This film also includes a character that has begun collecting the different traps that John has created; but are they the originals are merely impressive fakes?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nfLx7LZ8Rk/X4zidWuL09I/AAAAAAAADdU/X8p4hjazdqESk6Cs1dqSXKpVg4D4ZRV1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/J4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nfLx7LZ8Rk/X4zidWuL09I/AAAAAAAADdU/X8p4hjazdqESk6Cs1dqSXKpVg4D4ZRV1QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/J4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From a narrative standpoint, "Jigsaw" is a well craft story that honors the previous films in the series. Unlike a couple of the previous films that were written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, there doesn't feel like any obvious plot points that were planted to continue the film franchise. If there was, they were more subtle like those found in the first three films. We may soon know what clues may have been left behind by "Jigsaw" writers Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger when "Spiral: From the Book of Saw" premiers in 2021</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXfa0gRbfl0/X4zlydK_saI/AAAAAAAADdk/tkImzqw7VKs6laxK6CIbJ_PFHqqVrNAjQCNcBGAsYHQ/s644/j5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="644" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXfa0gRbfl0/X4zlydK_saI/AAAAAAAADdk/tkImzqw7VKs6laxK6CIbJ_PFHqqVrNAjQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/j5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-87228110323522497212020-10-19T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-19T00:30:02.338-07:00Sleepwalkers (1992) #463<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-me7OjG9VBf4/X4yqsGgKT2I/AAAAAAAADcI/kfAnSOi9GEg5jBkwUlsgIc5mzznRLogmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/S1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1273" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-me7OjG9VBf4/X4yqsGgKT2I/AAAAAAAADcI/kfAnSOi9GEg5jBkwUlsgIc5mzznRLogmQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S1.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>"Sleepwalkers" is an often overlooked and forgotten horror film from the early 1990's, directed by Mick Garris and a written by Stephen King. This was in fact the first time Mr. King wrote an original script for a full length film that wasn't adapted from one of his of his own stories. The story revolves around the last two survivors of a vampiric species of shape shifters that can only survive on the blood of virgins. The movie itself has it's strengths and weaknesses but is still a pretty fair movie for the time.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx8p0B1wd6g/X4ysa2m8zPI/AAAAAAAADcU/90W5VEIWI30kVWm52yAMo5xE9FHTalxTACNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/S3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx8p0B1wd6g/X4ysa2m8zPI/AAAAAAAADcU/90W5VEIWI30kVWm52yAMo5xE9FHTalxTACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Alice Krige ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2020/10/gretel-hansel-2020-462.html" target="_blank">Gretel & Hansel</a>") and Brian Krause star as Mary Brady and her son Charles, two shape shifters that feed on the psychic essence of human female virgins. Their powers include strength and the ability to turn themselves as well as their car invisible. They can change the appearance of the car as well. They differ from standard vampires in most aspects; the sun doesn't hurt them being the first and foremost. The odd thing about these two, and perhaps one the more problematic aspects of this film is their incestral relationship between mother and son. This is how the two are able to pass the psychic energy that Charles consumes from his victims. It's awkward and unsettling to say the least. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtmQ-X0snoE/X4ytqPh0-mI/AAAAAAAADcg/pTV5axwtlDgsR1CAsdm8GQFLJO430WliwCNcBGAsYHQ/s756/S5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="756" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TtmQ-X0snoE/X4ytqPh0-mI/AAAAAAAADcg/pTV5axwtlDgsR1CAsdm8GQFLJO430WliwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The Brady's intended victim is Tanya Robertson, played by Madchen Amick, who was best known at the time for her work on "Twin Peaks". She is a delight to watch and is one of the bright spots in the film, coming across as a genuine teenager (although she wasn't anymore). Her emotions as a girl with a new crush to being the final girl come across sincerely. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjlwXBdUBls/X4yvfl-fCdI/AAAAAAAADcs/YMu7YFpg0cUwWpXETx8Rqo7TbFPGNxmlACNcBGAsYHQ/s1920/S4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vjlwXBdUBls/X4yvfl-fCdI/AAAAAAAADcs/YMu7YFpg0cUwWpXETx8Rqo7TbFPGNxmlACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>My favorite, as well as many others I bet, thing about this movie is how it is packed with cameos of several masters of horror that include Stephen King, Clive Barker, Tobe Hooper, John Landis, and Joe Dante. I'm pretty sure this was how Mick Garris was able to forge the foundations for his series Masters of Horror, which would showcase work from three of the four artists. Mark Hamill and Ron Perlman as have small roles as well, both in law enforcement. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP_EZ1NgQic/X4yxBVogYyI/AAAAAAAADc4/O1W19YZJv2QCdDjtAkecsOL1Xi1adJwpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s643/S6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="643" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PP_EZ1NgQic/X4yxBVogYyI/AAAAAAAADc4/O1W19YZJv2QCdDjtAkecsOL1Xi1adJwpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/S6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Besides the cameos, I love the shape shifters unique weakness which is a mortal fear of cats. It seems that cats are their natural enemies and gather in large numbers wherever the Brady's live. When they get close enough, the cats would pounce and attack Charles and Mary. I love when cats are used in movies and are more than just a jump scare....which they are really good at. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-52230238766558382422020-10-18T00:30:00.002-07:002020-10-18T00:30:03.843-07:00Gretel & Hansel (2020) #462<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgfnE3gN6xw/X4vXwBVkw8I/AAAAAAAADbU/LbZGH7qfP4EFepRLthkE-DFh8vnacjhUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1022/GH6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="816" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgfnE3gN6xw/X4vXwBVkw8I/AAAAAAAADbU/LbZGH7qfP4EFepRLthkE-DFh8vnacjhUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/GH6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>One of the few theatrical movie releases of 2020, "Gretel & Hansel" is a dark, modern retelling of the classic Hansel and Gretel fairy tale with the added bonus of learning about the origin of the evil old witch that likes to eat children. This is the kind of movie that I'll watch only once; it was very well made but it wasn't the kind of movie I normally would sit through. As many critics have written, the movie has a serious pacing issue that will test most viewers, even with a running time of only 87 minutes. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXCwl-C7O9Q/X4vX3mwevHI/AAAAAAAADbY/sLT_ZE1U55EWflgGpZNXpoSeZQkS2nrfACNcBGAsYHQ/s945/GH5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="945" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXCwl-C7O9Q/X4vX3mwevHI/AAAAAAAADbY/sLT_ZE1U55EWflgGpZNXpoSeZQkS2nrfACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/GH5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>While "Gretel & Hansel" does have it's issues with pacing, it does have it's strengths as well. The visuals are stunning and the cinematography is of the highest quality. The color palate used is the typical dark blues contrasted with warm oranges and amber. In an attempt to look artistic or to simply distance itself from other period horror movies, the witch's house is a very modern looking house. The interior looks like it feels the time period save for the cellar which looks like it was filmed in a modern painters/photographers art studio. It is a very interesting choice to make. The sound track is also nice and eerie and helps to set the mood with all of the dead, empty space of non-action.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JfEWTDtHB8/X4vX8gj_9oI/AAAAAAAADbc/y6FspV30_7Ev4YSa1KcGE7IzokE46hL_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s275/GH2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JfEWTDtHB8/X4vX8gj_9oI/AAAAAAAADbc/y6FspV30_7Ev4YSa1KcGE7IzokE46hL_ACNcBGAsYHQ/s0/GH2.jpg" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Sophia Lillis, best known as Beverly Marsh in "It" and "It: Chapter 2", stars as Gretel. Having already proved her ability to star in a big budget horror film, Sophia looks at east carrying the weight of this film and it's attempt to create a dark and heavy atmosphere. She alone is responsible for her young brother Hansel after they are forced to flee from their home after their mother threatens to kill them with an axe. She continues to try to protect her brother after they meet Holda, an old woman who lives alone in the forest...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSuae-KG8JY/X4vcvm0btWI/AAAAAAAADbw/qXdQJ-FvbI82xWP345QbOfm9kIm5Oqx-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/GH3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSuae-KG8JY/X4vcvm0btWI/AAAAAAAADbw/qXdQJ-FvbI82xWP345QbOfm9kIm5Oqx-QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/GH3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Alice Krige, who stars as the witch Holda, who does an incredible job of keeping things creepy. She lives alone and has no livestock but she always has plenty of food. Her fingers are permanently stained black, making her even more mysterious. The exchanges between Gretel and Holda are tense and keep the movie grounded. Holda alone knows the history of the Beautiful Child, a young girl who was banished after people began to die after coming to hear her premonitions. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eM6zUcMYg_o/X4verl1LGqI/AAAAAAAADb8/sHt0ueC3R60bDEA5zkXTUcgJgpzcJVMCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s943/GH4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="943" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eM6zUcMYg_o/X4verl1LGqI/AAAAAAAADb8/sHt0ueC3R60bDEA5zkXTUcgJgpzcJVMCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/GH4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-86539396650116831222020-10-17T19:10:00.000-07:002020-10-17T19:10:18.627-07:00Final Destination 5 (2011) #461<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYJ5Vr-NRI8/X4uaAS6LpEI/AAAAAAAADaE/RVzWpD-0O6gMamr1tL6yzpj84Ujhzh7aACNcBGAsYHQ/s384/FD1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="256" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYJ5Vr-NRI8/X4uaAS6LpEI/AAAAAAAADaE/RVzWpD-0O6gMamr1tL6yzpj84Ujhzh7aACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/FD1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>A return to a favorite series, “Final Destination 5” follows in the exact foot steps of the previous films. The main character has a premonition about a massive disaster and how several people experience a gruesome death. The main character then warns everyone before the disaster occurs, temporarily saving those several other people before they end up dying in some other horrible fashion. The disasters include a plane explosion, a massive traffic pile up, a roller coaster falling apart, a racetrack speedway accident, and finally a suspension bridge under construction falling apart.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yj-41iwOHl8/X4uaVGHbk-I/AAAAAAAADaU/AHRLt3OCeqA_hlgRuXnxJxJ7cYprXthxACNcBGAsYHQ/s991/F4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="991" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yj-41iwOHl8/X4uaVGHbk-I/AAAAAAAADaU/AHRLt3OCeqA_hlgRuXnxJxJ7cYprXthxACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/F4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>Like part 3 and 4, the survivors in “Final Destination 5” are simple character tropes that don’t have their moment to become fully developed as actual people. They have there one outstanding trait to lead them narratively to the situation that will cause their death. Since this is a horror movie, there’s nothing inherently wrong with this but I had high hopes since this felt like possible jump start to the series after part 4 was named “The Final Destination”. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Oc8pl_G9TY/X4uaP3Cm8RI/AAAAAAAADaQ/3ZrXJ0j4jKY_Oyp5ERdxZWGQHTLXv8c4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/FD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Oc8pl_G9TY/X4uaP3Cm8RI/AAAAAAAADaQ/3ZrXJ0j4jKY_Oyp5ERdxZWGQHTLXv8c4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/FD2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Nicolas D’Agosto stars as Sam, an inspiring chef as well as a sales associate at a manufacturing plant. He is the lucky one to experience the premonition this time around, convincing half of his coworkers to leave the bus that they were on before the bridge falls apart. He saves his girlfriend Molly, played by Emma Bell “<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/08/frozen-2010.html" target="_blank">Frozen</a>“, his best friend Peter, coworkers Nathan, Candice, Olivia, Issac, and his boss Dennis. He then spends the rest of the movie trying to figure out why people are still dying and how to save them. A new idea on how to stop the cycle is suggested by Bludworth, once again played by the amazing Tony Todd ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/04/candyman-1992.html" target="_blank">Candyman</a>"and "Night of the Living Dead").</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O426Y4oTPnk/X4ud3SBSAuI/AAAAAAAADak/U6iZh03AaS8OBKNdeQ0-UA5f1hhT08eVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s960/FD5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O426Y4oTPnk/X4ud3SBSAuI/AAAAAAAADak/U6iZh03AaS8OBKNdeQ0-UA5f1hhT08eVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/FD5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The main appeal to the "Final Destination" series is watching the huge disaster in the beginning and the jaw dropping crazy ways that people die afterwards. In comparison to the other films, this one does not disappoint. What doe set this one apart from the other is the fact that this was released during the most recent era of 3D movies, a time when almost every film that was released in theaters had a more expensive 3D version to watch. You can tell early on that this is the case as the film makers took every chance to use the 3D effect through the movie. This isn't too distracting if you know about this before hand and have had previous experience with such films. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZRB6CbJ3Sc/X4uii1nCaKI/AAAAAAAADaw/sUejJ52jXqQLdZ2r5SUVqL8C378w9BsoACNcBGAsYHQ/s728/FD3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="728" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZRB6CbJ3Sc/X4uii1nCaKI/AAAAAAAADaw/sUejJ52jXqQLdZ2r5SUVqL8C378w9BsoACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/FD3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Favorite moment - Besides the main disaster scene in the beginning of the film, my favorite moment is watching Sam walk through the restaurant that he works in, seeing each and every kitchen that could be used to kill him. So, so many different ways to die in in kitchen!</p><p><br /></p><p>Second favorite moment - Each film references the previous films, usually the original, and I love how this film does the same thing.</p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-83564624310731110072020-10-16T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-16T00:30:00.312-07:00Would You Rather (2012) #460<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAN9LME7MWQ/X4kMUp7dKeI/AAAAAAAADZI/0P7Jb0v6X3EN1C2tSNII9GCbJC3QTzAIACNcBGAsYHQ/s402/72DDC091-9610-45B6-89B2-5C71E4A3797F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="279" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAN9LME7MWQ/X4kMUp7dKeI/AAAAAAAADZI/0P7Jb0v6X3EN1C2tSNII9GCbJC3QTzAIACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/72DDC091-9610-45B6-89B2-5C71E4A3797F.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What would you do if you had the chance to become financially secure, freeing yourself and your family from overwhelming medical bills and stress. “Would You Rather” explores how far a young woman would attempt to endure to save herself and her brother from financial ruin and to get him the medical help he desperately needs. A dark psychological horror film starring Brittany Snow, Jeffrey Combs, and Robin Lord Taylor.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioFdLJEqHZg/X4kmenkWvOI/AAAAAAAADZc/qxKdhcjI3PIJPRZgtGOQG4tS3HV5nopEACNcBGAsYHQ/s467/B011F42C-9CF7-4BD6-BF33-D0E4C672E317.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="467" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ioFdLJEqHZg/X4kmenkWvOI/AAAAAAAADZc/qxKdhcjI3PIJPRZgtGOQG4tS3HV5nopEACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/B011F42C-9CF7-4BD6-BF33-D0E4C672E317.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect) stars as Iris, a young woman struggling to find employment while taking care of her younger brother who is slowly dying from leukemia. They are unable to afford the cost for his treatment and the future seems dire. Her brother’s doctor introduces her to a philanthropist named Shepard Lambrick, who offers to take care of her debt as well as find a bone marrow donor for her brother. All she has to do is to come to his residence and play a evening of the game <i>Would You Rather</i>. Considering his generous offer, Iris agrees. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYhJ8riu65o/X4kmNaPt8bI/AAAAAAAADZU/z0A9OOSNksEX4k5l9OwufdlNtwjnowCoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/9A9041F3-3943-49BB-B79D-3B4894B8F8D6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aYhJ8riu65o/X4kmNaPt8bI/AAAAAAAADZU/z0A9OOSNksEX4k5l9OwufdlNtwjnowCoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/9A9041F3-3943-49BB-B79D-3B4894B8F8D6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Shepherd Lambrick, played by the amazing Jeffrey Combs “ “, “ “, and “ “, has assembled eight poor souls who are in desperate need of winning the grand prize at the end of the game. The guests joining Iris all have problems of their own which include an elderly paralyzed woman, a gambling addict, and alcoholic, and more. Shepherd’s son Julian and several butlers also join the group. The game begins during dinner when Shepherd offers Iris $10,000 to eat a steak and foie gras after learning that she is a vegetarian. She accepts the offer as she swallows her pride and principles. The game continues playing on the guests weaknesses, becoming more awful as the prize increases.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDhFcu-yaY/X4km2HUqpGI/AAAAAAAADZk/_uT1Vawy9Qk9vMJp6lzErtebk0OUpLNrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s800/45F65517-3204-4945-8587-D0FE127E358B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2FDhFcu-yaY/X4km2HUqpGI/AAAAAAAADZk/_uT1Vawy9Qk9vMJp6lzErtebk0OUpLNrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/45F65517-3204-4945-8587-D0FE127E358B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>“Would You Rather” is a gruesome, chilling movie. It has a similar theme to others movies I’ve reviewed such as “<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/preview/2070274336802992827/5987007833328213642" target="_blank">Kindan No Osama Geemu</a>” and “<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/search?q=13+sins" target="_blank">13 Sins</a>”. Not quite torture porn, the film walks a fine line with its level of blood and violence. The games go dark very fast and never let up. That’s not to say that character development is a second thought. Some characters have chemistry with each other and bonds are made as they suffer together. My only disappointment, from a narrative standpoint, is the development of Julian. It felt like that there was more to his relationship with his father and their family history after a few subtle comments made early on in the film. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3BwCSjH4rA/X4knKb9nRDI/AAAAAAAADZs/GT6G1G9G540FZD4X8kJtNmS9-OEXL5DSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s450/52ED5B3F-F0E6-4D65-8660-93D9B39ECA8B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3BwCSjH4rA/X4knKb9nRDI/AAAAAAAADZs/GT6G1G9G540FZD4X8kJtNmS9-OEXL5DSgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/52ED5B3F-F0E6-4D65-8660-93D9B39ECA8B.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-32813673587378706362020-10-15T00:30:00.004-07:002020-10-15T00:30:04.096-07:00The Invitation (2015) #459<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acEWbAQj8Bc/X4fVfmr5cVI/AAAAAAAADYk/aAI7DCod_-0gZSMSE8pLqe2DPkIVF-z9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s755/4D7F59E6-E4E6-4BC7-88F5-581F8FADEB52.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="509" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acEWbAQj8Bc/X4fVfmr5cVI/AAAAAAAADYk/aAI7DCod_-0gZSMSE8pLqe2DPkIVF-z9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4D7F59E6-E4E6-4BC7-88F5-581F8FADEB52.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>"The Invitation" is a dark, thought provoking thriller that grabs the viewer's attention and doesn't let go. The film is a major shift in style and pacing for director Karyn Kusama, who is best known for the action film "Aeon Flux". While "Aeon Flux" was bold, bright, and action packed, "The Invitation" is purposely slow and steady, carefully building tension and anticipation. The movie is dark and so is the primary theme that influences the film; grief. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udjbOAVIKn8/X4fVlv8fbdI/AAAAAAAADYo/2AQ5cJbWYWoTSzvk1sPCZOKfZpFYtbe4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s740/1B71478D-D777-40D4-B026-FEEF1E1664C8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="740" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udjbOAVIKn8/X4fVlv8fbdI/AAAAAAAADYo/2AQ5cJbWYWoTSzvk1sPCZOKfZpFYtbe4QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/1B71478D-D777-40D4-B026-FEEF1E1664C8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Will and his girlfriend Kira are invited to a party that is hosted by his ex-wife Eden and her new husband David. Tension still exists between David and Eden ever since their young accidentally died. Will is still grief stricken and to make matters worse is the fact that the party is taking place at his former residence. Logan Marshall-Green’s performance as Will is perhaps his best, having appeared in such films as “Prometheus” and “Upgrade” as well as other supporting roles. His presence is layered with sadness and regret, and as the night unfolds at the dinner party, he is overcome with memories. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyl-SimkRxA/X4fV5WJ9UYI/AAAAAAAADY0/lpGDjb9caT4FsXXhLvEsS-cyLODZpxiOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/AB8309D1-68AF-4CC0-A0BD-EA5851B6A313.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kyl-SimkRxA/X4fV5WJ9UYI/AAAAAAAADY0/lpGDjb9caT4FsXXhLvEsS-cyLODZpxiOwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/AB8309D1-68AF-4CC0-A0BD-EA5851B6A313.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Eden, played by Tammy Blanchard, has found her own way to deal with the death of their son. Eden and her husband David have joined a special group called The Invitation that teaches people to come to terms with their grief through spiritual philosophy. The newlyweds tell their dinner guests that they hope to share their new beliefs with their friends and that is why Will was invited. But as the night unfolds, Will begins to suspect an ulterior motive. Why invite all of your friends over just to share your new religion?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGCDrhHLqe0/X4fWAWRTGDI/AAAAAAAADY4/0SoBgA86FJ4jvJgWbMxhZAwSiZbfQ1GGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0374BAE1-2F8E-4CC8-B7CC-2DDA7AE3D76A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGCDrhHLqe0/X4fWAWRTGDI/AAAAAAAADY4/0SoBgA86FJ4jvJgWbMxhZAwSiZbfQ1GGQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/0374BAE1-2F8E-4CC8-B7CC-2DDA7AE3D76A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone at the dinner party are all old friends, and they welcome Will and Kira with open arms. The gathering begins peacefully but before long Will begins to act oddly. A combination of old painful memories and Eden’s behavior are assumed to be the reasons for Will’s actions. Midway through the night, David and Eden’s new friend Pruitt (John Carroll Lynch) arrives. While everyone welcomes Pruitt, Will’s anxiety and paranoia becomes fixated on David and Pruitt. Something just isn’t right...</div><div><br /></div><div>I really enjoyed “The Invitation” and all that he has to offer. It’s the kind of film that leaves you thinking about it days after you saw it and makes you want to see it again see catch all of the little details.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-26026179429355298272020-10-14T00:30:00.002-07:002020-10-14T22:07:23.248-07:00Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) #458<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHK7B-R0go4/X4QJ-y48WsI/AAAAAAAADXc/9JTQqNGhe3oyCLBZ2_UmDXUO9RZoLNIkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1500/B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1057" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHK7B-R0go4/X4QJ-y48WsI/AAAAAAAADXc/9JTQqNGhe3oyCLBZ2_UmDXUO9RZoLNIkgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/B1.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>There is no reason I can come up with to guess or explain why it took me so long before finally watching “Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon”. I loved the concept and execution of this film from beginning to end. It’s look at a typical slasher movie from the inside out; a very meta experience from the perspective of the villain. It’s a well made movie with surprise cameos of some of the biggest names in horror. <div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlnzvk9eRW8/X4QMDU1B-kI/AAAAAAAADX0/v6KBmgIdNFgbJoYl4XAu_BRm94Fhy_QbwCNcBGAsYHQ/s853/B4.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="853" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hlnzvk9eRW8/X4QMDU1B-kI/AAAAAAAADX0/v6KBmgIdNFgbJoYl4XAu_BRm94Fhy_QbwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/B4.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The movie follows journalist Taylor and her two cameramen Doug and Todd as they work on their newest documentary; the origin of new local “slasher” styled killer, Leslie Vernon. Leslie seems like a charismatic, intelligent young man who just happens to be ready to join the ranks of famous slasher killers like Jason, Michael, and Freddy. Leslie explains to Taylor that he is the young boy from local legend that had killed his own family before being presumably killed by his neighbors. With his origin in place, he goes on to explain all the ends and outs of becoming a great slasher killer which includes how to pick a final girl, how to orchestrate his first kill, and how to create a climatic showdown. For Leslie, it’s all a test for the final girl to see if she can survive his assault; if she does, then they both win.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEt-xla3iuw/X4QLqIBwgrI/AAAAAAAADXo/Xa-ahhqOK_spAcpDlPcNVY90O6KjqPDzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s400/B3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vEt-xla3iuw/X4QLqIBwgrI/AAAAAAAADXo/Xa-ahhqOK_spAcpDlPcNVY90O6KjqPDzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/B3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nathan Baesel plays Leslie Vernon, the charismatic killer. He plays the role full of vest and energy, someone who is fully invested in his project. Even after he makes his first kill, he still comes across as friendly, although the film crew is clearly on edge. It’s a shame that he hasn’t appeared in anything else related since this film. Angela Goethals is Taylor Gentry, the host of the documentary crew. She was a delight to watch as she interacted with Leslie, trying to get all that she could out of him and then coming to her senses and her desire to help save the final girl after he begins his killing spree. Robert Englund has a small but important role as Doc Halloran, a Dr. Loomis type character who knows about Leslie’s past and his plan, attempting to stop him before it’s too late. Zelda Rubinstein even shows up in a cameo as a librarian.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEeORuJ7-ng/X4QLtfujy1I/AAAAAAAADXs/IxWT7bAszZEY7__0onrp7cQRFitl_LiagCNcBGAsYHQ/s1920/B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEeORuJ7-ng/X4QLtfujy1I/AAAAAAAADXs/IxWT7bAszZEY7__0onrp7cQRFitl_LiagCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I loved about this film is the balance it finds between being a very dark comedy in the first half before turning into a full on slasher flick. Both halves are so good at being what they are and the transition is very smooth. During the first half, Leslie explains what he plans to do during the Big Night, and the second half of the film has him doing just that. It’s such a joy to see the different aspects explored and explained from the killer’s point of view. It’s absurd and it works. I highly recommend this film, even more so to those who enjoyed “<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-cabin-in-woods-2012.html" target="_blank">The Cabin in the Woods</a>”.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-53764248163174401322020-10-13T00:30:00.002-07:002020-10-13T00:30:06.645-07:00The Ritual (2017) #457<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0CLRjqT5hU/X4P0tfKkvjI/AAAAAAAADW0/NIYFJ-e3yCELHApNTSd4LfkAEh8JzKETQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/R1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1380" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0CLRjqT5hU/X4P0tfKkvjI/AAAAAAAADW0/NIYFJ-e3yCELHApNTSd4LfkAEh8JzKETQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/R1.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>A Netflix original movie, "The Ritual" would have been fun to see on a large screen in a proper theater. The novel by Adam Nevill was adapted by Joe Barton and directed by David Bruckner, who is known for "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2020/10/southbound-2015-452.html" target="_blank">Southbound</a>" and "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/10/vhs-2012.html" target="_blank">V/H/S</a>", and Andy Serkis holds an executive producer credit. The film follows four friends who go out of country on a hiking trip to honor a fifth friend who was killed by a thug in a botched convenience store robbery. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaOOEJ43_0s/X4P00ni107I/AAAAAAAADW4/AVpdmWI4LjI_D_KbHuqxX-DUdGi_wnJgACNcBGAsYHQ/s1200/R4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CaOOEJ43_0s/X4P00ni107I/AAAAAAAADW4/AVpdmWI4LjI_D_KbHuqxX-DUdGi_wnJgACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/R4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>A group of five long time friends are gathered to plan their next yearly trip. Rob suggests hiking in Sweden but his plan is mocked and laughed at as the others would prefer something more urban. As the friends head home, Rob and Luke stop by a convenience store, unaware that there is a robbery in progress. Rob is seen by the robbers, and when he refuses to hand over his sentimental possessions, he is shot dead. The next year, in honor of his death, the friends go on the hiking trip that Rob had suggested. </p><p>The mood is dark and somber as Luke, Dom, Hutch, and Phil begin there hiking trip in Northern Sweden. On the second day of the hike, Dom seriously injures his knee. Hutch recommends cutting through the forest so the trip time can be reduced for Dom. The group agrees and enters the forest proper, but they quickly become lost and begin to see haunting signs that something isn't quite right. That night they find an old cabin to take shelter from a sudden storm, only to find more haunting and terrifying relics that have been left behind. Things quickly spiral out of control as they continue to head deeper in to the woods...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlFiClORQQQ/X4P3zyOMS0I/AAAAAAAADXI/3UGuUVkTwK0IJco-WLh3vsYbEZeVqa6RgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1000/R3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="483" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlFiClORQQQ/X4P3zyOMS0I/AAAAAAAADXI/3UGuUVkTwK0IJco-WLh3vsYbEZeVqa6RgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/R3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>"The Ritual" is full of wonderfully creepy moments and includes one of the most original and horrifying creatures to ever grace the screen. The friends breakdown of trust, security, and sanity grabs the viewers attention and never lets go. It gives the viewer with enough unanswered questions to leave them wanting more. I'm inspired to read the novel just to see if I can gleam anything new that I may have missed. This is one film that I can not recommend enough.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq9vDc0n7M4/X4QJnhbSncI/AAAAAAAADXU/vO-wKkCmrBwIpEzwB4aDRcG1_RD_FxAUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s600/R5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq9vDc0n7M4/X4QJnhbSncI/AAAAAAAADXU/vO-wKkCmrBwIpEzwB4aDRcG1_RD_FxAUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/R5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-11447208510505947832020-10-12T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-12T00:30:05.392-07:00Dreamscape (1984) #456<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tTMjASoHLg/X4OyvQuzdzI/AAAAAAAADWM/zjDHPbhyzvQYfMTfaq2TTV3iLazKBidFQCNcBGAsYHQ/s391/D6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="255" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tTMjASoHLg/X4OyvQuzdzI/AAAAAAAADWM/zjDHPbhyzvQYfMTfaq2TTV3iLazKBidFQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D6.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>One of my favorite horror movies when I was a kid was "Dreamscape", starring Dennis Quaid, Kate Capshaw, David Patrick Kelly, and Max Von Sydow. It's only PG-13, there's no excessive profanity or sexual situations, but there are some truly effective scary scenes in this movie and a real sense of dread in some of the dream sequences. Once again, a PG-13 film proves it can be just as effective as an R rated movie when it comes to horror. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jlw-GTcROx8/X4PjpE3T9JI/AAAAAAAADWY/pCdBCOWlWmI__2XUX_I5WaEiBiGAZes3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s440/D5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jlw-GTcROx8/X4PjpE3T9JI/AAAAAAAADWY/pCdBCOWlWmI__2XUX_I5WaEiBiGAZes3gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>A very young Dennis Quaid plays Alex Gardner, a gifted psychic who spends his days using his unique abilities to win horse races and charming women. He is recruited by a secret government agency that is experimenting with technology that allows psychics to enter and influence peoples dreams. Alex is gifted and highly intelligent, and Mr. Quaid plays Alex as arrogant, confident, but caring. He delivers a great performance and shows a real sense of vulnerability and fright when he comes face to face with a little boy's nightmare. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sjv1_rXua4/X4PjuCGwSRI/AAAAAAAADWc/k7JDFCXbUE8ZkRJE7hTYkjszTnwonbnkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s881/D3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="881" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9sjv1_rXua4/X4PjuCGwSRI/AAAAAAAADWc/k7JDFCXbUE8ZkRJE7hTYkjszTnwonbnkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>David Patrick Kelly, best known to horror fans as T-Bird from "The Crow", steals the show as the psychopathic Tommy Ray Glatman. Tommy Ray is the original psychic at the agency and considers himself as the master of the dream world. When Alex and Tommy Ray first meet, Tommy Ray makes it clear that he's the best and the only one that can influence peoples dreams. Without the agency finding out, Tommy Ray has learned how to control his surroundings and manipulate the dreams from within.</p><p>The supporting cast is rounded out with Max Von Sydow ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-exorcist-1973.html" target="_blank">The Exorcist</a>") as Dr. Paul Novotny and Kate Capshaw as his assistant Jane DeVries. Both of their performances are great and their characters greatly add to the narrative. Dr. Novotny has previous history with Alex and is the reason why Alex decides to stay. Jane becomes Alex's love interest and helps him when the agency is taken over from the good doctor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCLdT6Hw34U/X4PjyDfd86I/AAAAAAAADWg/llG5J0cjyDQnYv6zzHZOSXPCuuqwF8N0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s512/D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hCLdT6Hw34U/X4PjyDfd86I/AAAAAAAADWg/llG5J0cjyDQnYv6zzHZOSXPCuuqwF8N0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>An important theme that is a driving narrative point in "Dreamscape" is the fear of nuclear war. Like "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-dead-zone-1983-445.html" target="_blank">The Dead Zone</a>", flashes of nuclear use haunt the dreamer, and in this case it's the President of the United States. Unlike Greg Stillson, this President wants to avoid this horrible outcome. This was a real threat and fear to many at this time and it's interesting to see how it's used in film as a narrative device.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2070274336802992827.post-438455579448288992020-10-11T00:30:00.001-07:002020-10-11T00:30:03.096-07:00The Devil's Rain (1975) #455<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb4BDkStDDM/X4KTaYC2h7I/AAAAAAAADWA/DhcydN0Gy5QIMYV7VJU8Mw3CU9t3ibZ0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s500/Dd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="341" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb4BDkStDDM/X4KTaYC2h7I/AAAAAAAADWA/DhcydN0Gy5QIMYV7VJU8Mw3CU9t3ibZ0QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Dd2.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cKDpLHPp7k" target="_blank">"The Devil's Rain" trailer</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>It sometimes feels like that horror movies in the 1970's were either extremely campy or scary as hell, usually depending on the age appropriate rating it received. This seems to indicate that the PG rated ones were overly campy while the R rated stood a chance at having some real scares and treated as a seriously treated film. "The Devil's Rain" can be considered campy by today's standards but I think it did a great in trying to be a real horror film despite being rated PG when compared to other movies from that time.<div><br /></div><div><br /><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /><br />"The Devil's Rain" boasts a stellar cast of big name stars from the mid-seventies. Ernest Borgnine stars as Jonathan Corbis, the Satanic Priest of a ancient cult of devil worshipers. William Shatner plays Mark Preston, a young man who is attempting to keep a dangerous book that his family has hidden away from Corbis who needs it to complete his rituals. Tom Skerritt ("<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2013/05/alien-1979.html" target="_blank">Alien</a>" and "<a href="https://hauntingchillingthrilling.blogspot.com/2020/10/the-dead-zone-1983-445.html" target="_blank">The Dead Zone</a>") plays Tom Preston, Mark's older brother who comes back home after hearing that his brother was in trouble. John Travolta, in one of his first feature films, makes a brief appearance as a faceless cult member. </div><div><br /></div><div>While the the main cast members were established actors at this time, this film isn't the best performance for any of them. Some may look back at this film as a slight embarrassment on their resume, but I hope they had a fun time making this film. Not everyone movie is a blockbuster or a career defining moment; sometimes they need to be made for the audience that they hope to find.</div><div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLOE3BDJIh0/V3DEafJ6XsI/AAAAAAAACzs/5Fye8raDyyk5eGIFbdIMWO1WGCHRej7GACLcB/s1600/Borgnine-in-DevilsRain01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLOE3BDJIh0/V3DEafJ6XsI/AAAAAAAACzs/5Fye8raDyyk5eGIFbdIMWO1WGCHRej7GACLcB/s320/Borgnine-in-DevilsRain01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Although "The Devil's Rain" had a great cast, it doesn't have much of a story line. The plot is basic and could have been expanded upon in several areas. With a running time of 85 minutes, it feels what story it has feels stretched thin. Had it been a part of an anthology, perhaps as the main segment with a runtime of 50 or 60 minutes, the overall effort may have been more effective. </div><div><br /></div><div>The make up effects in "The Devil's Rain" is another point where the film may feel campy. Compared to today's standards, the effects are outdated and sloppy. But back then, on a PG rated film, I feel that it works. The Goat-like appearance that Corbis has is practical and effective. The cheap looking expressionless masks that the cultists wear become makes sense when their faces begin to melt in the film's climax. The cultists appearance also adds to the dread that they've lost their souls and that they are nothing but pawns for the Satanic Priest.</div><br />
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<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bottle known as The Devil's Rain!</div>
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<br /></div></div></div>Clockwork_Realityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12112198474470631253noreply@blogger.com0