Late Night with the Devil (2024) #496

 

Watch the trailer here

Released with much fanfare, "Late Night with the Devil" came out in earlier this year, 2024, and proved that David Dastmalchian,(as seen in "The Belko Experiment"), has the ability and presence to take a leading role and run with it; he's engaging and fun to watch trying to keep the show going as it slowly grows more chaotic. With a solid supporting cast, including Michael Ironside as the Narrator, "Late Night with the Devil" is a must-see movie for Halloween!

Late night talk show host Jack Delory is burning out on trying to take the light night crown from Johnny Carson. Throughout the 1970's, Night Owls with Jack Delory comes close but never overtakes the master of light night tv. In a documentary form of exposition, the viewers learn that Jack and his wife had been making regular visits to The Grove, an esoteric cultlike camp for the elite and rich. Jack's wife is diagnosed with cancer, and her appearances on Night Owls brings in ratings, but after her death, Jack is too heartbroken and leaves production for a while. When Jack returns, the show has barely any ratings at this point, but he has a plan. During his sixth, and possible final season, Jack stakes everything on his 1977 Halloween night special, hoping that this will be enough to save the show and finally fulfill his dream of being number one. 

Ensuring his show is perfect for Halloween, Jack has prepared a full-on Occult Themed show which includes a psychic, and supernatural denier, and a girl who had survived a death cult that worshipped the demon Abraxas. It’s a full hour of pure entertainment, or so he and his producer believe. What could possibly go wrong?

The show begins with a standard opening monologue from Jack before he introduces the medium Christou, who performs some simple speaking with the dead tricks. Then Carmichael Haig is brought in, offering a hefty check to any who can prove that magic and the supernatural are real. Haig then begins to dissect how Christou act is fake. Christou then becomes unusually sick and is rushed to the hospital where he is pronounced dead. Not letting that, or weird connections to wife deceased wife, will stop Jack from the big event, the cult survivor Lily and Dr. June Ross-Mitchell. Using Lily as a conduit, will they be able to contact Mr. Wiggles, the demon that supposedly is possessing young Lily? What harm could come from that?

"Late Night with the Devil" has a narrative that is peppered with little hints and clues throughout, making a second or third viewing just as enjoyable as the first. Everyone has something to gain from someone else, and no one is really much of a saint in this film. In the end, who, if any, do we really feel sorry for?

Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) #495

My second favorite entry in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" is "Wes Craven's New Nightmare"! There is so much to love about this film besides merely bringing more Freddy to the world. "New Nightmare" resets the tone back to a more serious, suspenseful slasher, foregoing the silly quips and one-liners. We get to see most of the original actors such as Robert Englund, John Saxon, and original "Nightmare" final girl Heather Langenkamp, and director Wes Craven. More so, these fine people all play a version of their real selves in the movie, creating a blur between fiction and reality.

Looking back, it's obvious that "New Nightmare" is the precursor to "Scream", two movies where Wes Craven examined horror movies in a very meta manner. The main difference between these two films is that "New Nightmare" had a finer scope, looking in at only itself while "Scream" played with all slashers that came before it. In real life, Heather had an obsessed stalker that was forced her to move out of the country; in the film she has a stalker who continuously calls her on the phone. Also in real life, her husband worked as a special effects artist, and so here movie husband is directly inspired by him. One of the producers portrays a version of themselves, attempting to convince Heather to star in one more Elm Street film.

In the world of "New Nightmare", the cast and crew have moved on from the Elm Street films and are working on various other projects. Robert Englund is still an actor but spends his free time painting. Heather is happily married and raising a young son Dylan. Heather still takes on some acting gigs and her husband works in special effects. Life is nearly normal in L.A for Heather, except for the violent earthquakes, the random phone calls, and the nightmares she's beginning to suffer from. When her son Dylan begins to become increasingly traumatized by a version of Freddy, horrible "accidents" begin to take place, starting with the death of her husband. The more Heather tries to find a reason behind the nightmares she shares with her son and Robert, the more likely it seems that the concept of Freddy Krueger is trying to force himself into the real world.

 

The blending of reality and fiction is best displayed by Heather and John Saxon's interactions. As the movie progresses, they naturally begin referring to each other as Nancy and Dad, as if they are crossing over into the fiction of the films. Another smart move with this production is in the makeup and creating a more organic, damaged looking Freddy Krueger character that is referred to as the Entity. This is the specter that is haunting Wes Craven himself, and when Heather seeks answers from him, she discovers that what he writes is coming true, much like Sutter Cane from "In the Mouth of Madness" which came out two years later.

Favorite moment - Heather is at the park with John discussing her concerns about Dylan. Dylan is off playing by himself on the park structures. Heather realizes that Dylan is standing on top of a high platform, raising his arms into the air. He falls but she's there to catch him. He looks at her and says "God didn't want me".

The Children (2008) #494

 

Watch the trailer here

US film makers are very hesitant to show violence against children, which is understandable movie taboo, so to have a British film that is all about violent children meeting violent ends is an unusual find, and "The Children" is such a movie. The violence is expertly alluded to and not actually shown in most moments during this film, but it leaves the viewer feeling that they've seen more than they have. The horror of course comes from seeing your children trying to kill you and having little choice but to react violently in return. At 85 minutes, the movie is a brisk and well-paced thrill ride.

Elaine and Jonah, along with their young children Miranda and Paulie, are going to spend the New Year's Eve holiday with Elaine's sisters' family. Elaine's oldest daughter Casey is also brought along against her will; she would rather spend the time with her friends rather than a group of young rowdy kids. They soon arrive at Chole and Robbie's house, and they and their two children come out to welcome everyone. Paulie, the youngest amongst the children, vomits as he gets out of the car but Elaine believes its due to motion sickness. Over the first night, all of the young children become sick, looking pale and acting oddly. 

First the family cat goes missing, but the adults don't notice. Then during lunch, Miranda unexpectedly attacks her aunt. Robbie quickly takes the other kids outside to deescalate the situation while Jonah takes Miranda upstairs. While outside, Robbie's son Nicky sets up a garden rake in the way of Robbie's sled. Robbie is fatally injured and the children run into the forest during the chaos. Casey was in the forest, trying to sneak off to a party when Robbie is hurt, and sees Leah laughing and cutting something bloody.

As the four children attack the three adults and Casey, they are forced to fight back or get killed by their loved ones. Blame is quickly appointed at each other. Jonah thinks Casey is to blame, while Aunt Chloe thinks her sister and Casey have gone insane and that the children are not at fault. Eventually Elain and Casey try to escape by driving away, but not before Casey begins showing the tale tell signs of the illness the young ones had.

Salem's Lot (2024) #493

A movie stuck in the mire of the film industry, "Salem's Lot" has finally arrived after being shelved and forgotten by the powers that be, and now that it's here its receiving a lukewarm reception, from "it was ok" to "it's pure trash". Diehard fans of the book or the original made for tv film from 1979 have vocalized the most vitriol for this version, and while I adore the book, this movie would be fine if it didn't share the same title. It suffers from the well-intended missteps that "IT pt2" made by rewriting the ending for a modern audience. I still enjoyed the movie recommend at least giving "Salem's Lot" a chance so you can make your own conclusion.

The movie begins with the clever use of visual exposition explaining the arrival of Barlow and Straker, their purchase of the Marsten House and the opening of their antique shop, and the rumored history of the Marsten House, all displayed by various newspaper headlines and articles. This saves the movie a great deal of screen time and keeps the audience engaged during a normally tedious process. The movie's first scene opens within the antique shop with Straker giving instructions on the arrival and handling of the mysteriously heavy box that is to be delivered. Next we see two men making the delivering, being spooked the entire time.

The next day, we are introduced to Ben Mears, played by Lewis Pullman, staring up at the Marsten House, the source of inspiration for his next book. Ben is a successful writer who lived in Salem's Lot when he was younger. In the book the history of the house plays a larger role but here it is simply made out to be the creepy house on the hill. Ben goes into town to try and rent the house and learns that someone had just bought it and moved in over the last week. At the agency, Ben meets Susan, the relators assistant? Ben and Susan run into each other later at the local library, where Susan loudly announces that she will be going to the drive-in, alone. 

Mark Petrie, the new kid in school, is introduced in the classic showdown with the class bully, swiftly neutralizing the bully, showcasing his high intelligence for an 11-year-old. The fight is broken up by Matt Burke, the only teacher in school that seems to care. That night, Mark has two new friends visit his house, Ralphie and Danny. The two brothers walk home but are attacked by Staker, who kidnaps Ralphie as a sacrifice for his master, the vampire Barlow. At the Marsten House, we see Ralphie offered to Barlow, a Nosferatu looking vampire. A search is made by the town to find Ralphie, and it's indicated that Danny has no memory of the attack. Danny falls ill, and while dies while in the hospital, a victim of pernicious anemia. The night of Danny's funeral, the gravedigger Mike is bitten by Danny, beginning the slow but steady spread of vampirism throughout Salem's Lot.

It soon becomes apparent to Ben, Susan, Matt, Mark, and Dr. Cody that something is wrong in "the Lot" and seek help from Father Callahan. Bodies go missing, vampires are flying up to windows asking to be let in, and crosses glow brightly when in the presence of a vampire. The novel becomes purely inspiration for the second half of the film as characters are switched in certain events and the order of events are mixed around. Once again, if you haven't read the book, this is still an entertaining movie even if plays it a little loose on how active a vampire can be during the day. The big showdown takes place at the local drive-in, where Ben and Susan had their first date. It's an interesting idea that is full of action and close calls.

Salem's Lot was Stephen King's second published book, inspired by the horror comics of his youth. The book is full of secondary characters, fully fleshed out, who help showcase the steady spread of Barlow's curse and influence in the small town. Their presence is not necessary but does add greatly to the overall appeal and love of the book. This film already feels rushed and the inclusion of these characters was just not possible. Had they been included and the run time increased or presented as a mini-series rather than a movie, the end product may have been more in line with the book, looking past the obvious new ending of course. 

 

The Endless (2017) #492

Spoiler warning!

 

Always be aware of cults, things never end well with cults. And if you happen to be lucky enough to leave a cult, don't go back for a visit! This is the advice that was presented but not heeded in the cosmic horror instant classic "The Endless". Directed and produced by Aaron Moorehead and Justin Benson, the "The Endless" is a cautionary tale of two brothers, also played by Benson and Moorehead, who receive a video from their old cult which tempts the younger one to return to what he saw as a better life.

The movie begins by establishing what life is like for the two brothers, Justin and Aaron, first by showing the friction between the two over the purchase of a car battery. The older brother is the more grounded and responsible one while the younger is flighty and distracted. Instead of picking up a car battery, Aaron spends $20 to purchase a used camcorder so he can watch the mysterious recording that was mailed to them. The video shows Anna, a member from Camp Arcadia, telling the viewer that it's almost time for ascension, so don't be worried if they're not around, that they will be back soon. Justin is forced to acknowledge that the immediate danger that he foretold that would come to the group took longer than he estimated, ten years in fact, but it was bound to happen. He still believes that he saved his brother and himself from a dangerous UFO suicide cult, although their lives are less than ideal. They struggle with money and relationships, working as house cleaners who cook their meals of ramen while on the job. We even see two scenes where the brothers are attending Cult Deprogramming sessions, a lifelong journey to reassimilate. Justin is hopeful that things will improve while Aaron is depressed and begs to visit the camp in order to at least say a proper goodbye; Justin eventually agrees that the two can go for a single day and night.

Camp Arcadia is located in the remote nowhere in southern California, no sign of civilization to be found. On the way, they stop at their mother's roadside memorial. They are surprised that it's still in great condition, even a painting they made almost ten years ago. They leave and eventually arrive at the camp, where they are greeted by a perpetually smiling man named Dave. They drive further until they reach the camp proper, quickly noticing that everyone barely seems to have aged over the past ten years. They get out and are quickly welcomed by the various members that knew them years ago, including Anna from the video and Hal, the leader of the group. The two brothers spend the day talking with the others and forming their own separate impressions of what life really is like at the camp. Justin remains skeptical while Aaron is happy to be "home" and convinces his brother to stay one more night.

During the second day, strange occurrences begin to take place. Invisible barriers, ripples along the ground, photos appearing from nowhere, and the oppressive feeling of being watched. And then that night, both Justin and Aaron see two moons in the sky; Hal explains to Jusitn that this is a known phenomenon, that two means truth and three moons signifies the ascension, and that Justin needs to find his truth before the full third moon. This truth means learning about the time loops and those that are trapped within, including the horrible, painful fate that awaits for those who live until the final moment. Some time loops last years, some last days, while others merely hours or even seconds. Justin and Aaron are forced to find each other and the truth about their lives and relationship in order to survive and escape the time loop at Camp Arcadia. 

My favorite moment - The big reveal in the movie is when Justin finds the time loop with Michael and Chris, from "Resolution". There were some references to "The tweeker with the guns at the cabin" earlier in the film, but to actually see Chris and Michael is a delightful moment. They explain that Michael came here to help Chris and that they only intended to stay for a week, but that was many weeks ago. The viewer is then horrified by the realization that they've been stuck here for months or even years, because Justin had a previous discussion with Michael's previously pregnant wife Jennifer, who was back at the camp. Jennifer was here looking for Michael had mentioned that she left her son with her parents. Adding these characters and connection from the previous film is pure genius and was done so masterfully.

Hostel 2 (2007) #491

 

"Hostel 2" is a smart and engaging sequel to its notorious original in the series, which is also written and directed by Eli Roth. "Hostel" is often times credited as one the films to inspire the term torture-porn, and while there are a few such scenes in this film, it is not the primary focus. Eli takes this opportunity to further explore the inner workings of the Elite Hunting Club and how members become involved. The film also examines how a group of women would be lured to the hostel in Slovakia, with obvious different motivations than the men had in the first film.

The movie begins with Paxton, the primary character from the first film. He has a long and detailed dream about the aftermath of his escape. When he awakes, his girlfriend tells him that he's being paranoid. She becomes distracted, leaving the room for a few moments, but upon her return, she finds that Paxton has been killed and his head removed.

The next scene then introduces this film's group of friends who are currently in Rome; practical Beth, outgoing Whitney, and introverted Lorna. The three women meet Axelle, who convinces them to join her on a spa getaway. They arrive in Slovakia and check into the hostel, where the quirky desk clerk from the first film takes their passports and uploads them to Elite's website, where men and women from around the globe begin placing bids on the auction for the three women. 

An American named Todd wins both Beth and Whitney, celebrating his win while on the golf course. He then calls his best Stuart to tell him about his plans, and together the two quickly fly out to Slovakia. The two arrive in time to watch the women at the annual harvest festival. The friends notice that the cider is extremely strong, so Beth decided to stop drinking while Lorna is convinced that the drinks are not alcoholic. Beth is then hit on by a local, whom she politely declines several times before he declares that "I could have helped you". She then meets Stuart, and the two talk for a few moments. At this time, Lorna is escorted away down the river where she is kidnapped and delivered as a prize to the woman who won her auction. 

Beth eventually becomes separated from her friends, waking up in the spa without her belongings. She is chased by a group of men, losing them in the woods only to be stopped by the street children from the first film. Before any harm can come, she is saved by Axelle and her boss, Sascha. They return to Sacha's mansion, were Beth accidently finds a trophy room with decapitated heads, including Paxton's, set on display. She is then gaged and taken to the torture factory. There she is joined by Stuart, dressed in a smock and ready to begin his torture. At first, he is reluctant but when he finds out that Todd has been killed because he couldn't finish off Whitney, he completes his friend's task before coming back for Beth. He explains that Beth reminds him of his hated wife, and this will be as close to killing her as he can get. Beth is able to get free and chains Stuart to the chair. The pair are interrupted by Sascha and a host of guards. Beth negotiates her freedom by buying the chance to kill Stuart, in which she does so in a very gruesome fashion. Beth becomes an Elite Hunting Club member, the only way to ensure her safety.

What I enjoy about this movie is how Eli shows the process of the auction and Todd's and Stuart's initiation into the Elite Hunting Club. Before we learn about Stuart's motivation, we hear how insecure Todd is and how killing someone will somehow make him someone to fear and respect. When Todd and Stuart arrive at the factory, they are required to receive the Club's official tattoo. Stuart is hesitant, knowing that his wife is not going to approve and ask too many questions about it. He only relents when he realizes that his and Todd's life are on the line if they don't go through with every requirement that the Club enforces. And we see what happens to Todd when he is unable to kill Whitney after he accidently maims her with a bone saw.

Resolution (2013) #490

For me, "Resolution" is a difficult movie to review; it encapsulates so many impressions that is hard to properly describe. It's quirky, it's thought provoking, it's confusing, and its creative. "Resolution" is also very enjoyable, rewatchable, and is a fantastic first film for Aaron Morehead and Justin Benson. The duo has garnered a respectable reputation in the independent movie scene and are held in high regard in the cosmic horror sub-genre. "Resolution" establishes a foundation that would be seen in some of their future movies.

Michael receives an email containing a series of video clips of his childhood friend Chris getting high and firing a gun erratically at a remote and desolate cabin. Michael decides to go and help his friend by forcing him to become sober or agree to rehab by tasing him and handcuffing him to a pipe, taking Chris by surprise. Chris pleads for freedom and tells Michael that he will not go to rehab, that the only time he's happy is when he's high. 

The next day Micah and Billy, two acquaintances of Chris and Michael, come to the cabin demanding the return of the drugs that Chris is holding for them. Michael chases them off, but Chris warns him that the two drug dealers have become unpredictable and dangerous since high school. Billy and Micah return but are quickly chased off by Charles and two others; Charles then tells Michael that they are on reservation land and need to leave. Michael bribes Charles to let the two stay for five more days and then he promises they will be gone.

If this wasn't enough to derail Michael's good intentions, bizarre forms of media and media equipment begin to appear. It begins when Chris tells Michael that he never sent him a video in the first place. Events begin to spiral when the two friends start seeing video clips and audio recordings of their deaths, caused by both Billy and Micah as well as Charles and his friends. With little choice left, Michael and Chris try to stay a few steps ahead of the future events to stay alive and attempt to figure out how to appease whatever force is providing these clues.

The dialogue between Michael and Chris is cheeky, adorable, and feels natural. It's one of the highlights of the film and showcases Justin Benson's ability to write realistic dialogue. Some may argue that Vinny Curran's performance as Chris going through withdrawal is unrealistic, but I appreciate his work here. The movie is not about the horror of drug dependance but about being entertainment pawns for an unseen force.