Clown (2014) #501

From the director and writer team that gave us Marvel Studios beloved Spider-Man trilogy comes “Clown”, a grisly story about a loving father who dons a cursed clown outfit and unwittingly becomes the avatar for a murderous Icelandic demon. What fun! It’s a subtle trend that Marvel hires horror creators due to the fact that they are able to produce effective movies with lower budgets, essentially proving themselves worthy of a large blockbuster budget. This film was produced by Eli Roth, who also makes a brief appearance in the film. "Clown" is also a great film to those that love body horror, so you easily watch this with "Killer Klowns From Space" or "The Fly".

Kent is a loving husband and father and takes the task of donning a clown outfit that he finds in a house he is preparing to sell when the clown that was hired for his son's birthday doesn't show up. A smash at the party, Kent falls asleep in the clown outfit, and in the morning, he finds that he can't remove the wig, take off the nose, of pull off the outfit. He's forced to go to work in the clown outfit and tries once again to remove it but ends up hurting himself. When he arrives home, his wife Meg is able to pull off the nose but doing so causes Kent extreme, blood pain. It seems that he's become one with the outfit. 

Kent tracks down the owner of the outfit, who warns him not to touch it. The mysterious man, Karlsson,played by Peter Stomare (Bad Milo), knows the history of the outfit, explaining that it is the embodiment of an Icelandic demon known as the Cloyne, who must consume a child for every month of winter. Karlsson drugs Kent in order to decapitate him, but Kent awakes and escapes in time. Unfortunately for Kent, he begins to change into the demon, slowly becoming possessed and giving in to his hunger for small children. Trying to resist the demon, Kent tries to kill himself, with disastrous results.

Finally, the demon takes control, and the feeding begins. His first meal was Robbie, who dies in an accident involving Kent's attempt to decapitate his own head. The second is a bully from his son's school. Then two more at a Chuck E Cheese. The movie is dark! For the fifth and final sacrifice, the demon goes after Kent's son. Meg tries to fight off the full demon Cloyne, but will she be able to save her son from the maniacal killer clown? 

There's a great moment in the film when Meg meets Karlsson, who goes on to explain that he fell victim to Cloyne, and the only way to be set free was to devour five terminally ill children from the hospital that he volunteered at, as an entertaining clown!

It Follows (2014) #468

 

"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.

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. 

"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 "Halloween". 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. 

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.

Let Us Prey (2014) #453

"Let Us Prey" is a delightful surprise of a film with just the perfect balance of violence, death, and gore. So much more than a “devil collects its due” type of story, this movie explores what happens when the devil comes to a very sinful, evil town. This movie takes its time introducing the various characters before jumping into non-stop action and the hellfire filled finale.

Liam Cunningham stars as the mysterious stranger Six. His presence is commanding and chilling; for example, he doesn't even say a word during the first twenty-two minutes of the film and he is still able to retain the focus in the room. When he does finally speak, it takes those in the room, and the viewer, by complete surprise. Mr Cunningham's performance alone could carry the weight of the movie, but luckily he doesn’t have to. “Let us Prey” also stars Pollyanna McIntosh who is best known to horror fans for her role in “The Woman” and "The Walking Dead". McIntosh is PC. Rachel Heggie, a rookie cop with a blemished record who is beginning her first night shift at a small police station in a sleepy Scottish town. The other cast members hold their own, including one who delivers a deliciously over the top psychotic performance. 

What I enjoyed about this film is how everyone in town is guilty of some extremely heinous crime. Six knows all of their sins, and as one after another is revealed to the viewer, the suspense and action builds to an ultra violent crescendo. Narratively the story is rather straight forward and doesn’t really offer anything new, but that’s ok because most people can probably guess what might come next which to their delight. Once again, Liam Cunningham is the anchor in this chaotic storm and Pollyanna McIntosh is like a ship caught in the middle of it all and trying their best to survive. 

Honeymoon (2014) #434

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

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

The Voices (2014) #426

"The Voices" is a Horror-Comedy starring Ryan Reynolds (who better?) and Anna Kendrick. It's a straight forward film about a schizophrenic who hears his cat and dog talking to him, encouraging him to act in positive or murderous ways. The concept is fun and although not unique or different, it is used in an almost innocent way. Ryan's portrayal of Jerry is sweet and caring and makes him one of the most lovable antagonists I've ever seen. It's a fun movie worth watching once or twice. The horror and comedy elements do feel a bit uneven and the transitions between the two could have been more smooth at times but when it wants to be a horror movie, it does a great job; same with the comedic moments. For me, the most entertaining parts of the film were when Ryan's character wasn't taking his medication and the world around him was happy and magical like a Disney cartoon movie. 

Jerry (Renolds) has recently been paroled and his only friends are his dog Bosco and his cat Mr. Whiskers, who live with him in converted apartment above a bowling alley, but that may soon change after he begins to fit in and be accepted by his coworkers at a bathtub fixture manufacturing company. He is chosen to represent the shipping department for the company's annual work party, he falls a pretty girl, and a different pretty girl falls for him. Jerry's good fortune quickly unravels after an unfortunate accident and taking the advice of his pets and other "personalities", with whom he can hear and talks with, begins making some very bad decisions. Even though Jerry tries to be a good person and doesn't want to hurt those around him that he is beginning to care for, one thing does leads to another and soon it's too late.

Closer to God (2014) #422

More thriller than horror, "Closer to God" is a slow burning, suspenseful, updated reimagining of the "Frankenstein" story. Familiar names and the controversial theme of creating life and it's implications are evident, as well as the "village mob" from the classic 1931 "Frankenstein". Technically the film's pacing could move slightly quicker and the background music could be darker and more menacing, but otherwise the film is solid. The stoic acting, primarily from Jeremy Childs portrayal of Dr. Victor Reed, adds a level of gravitas to the serious subject matter.

Dr Victor Reed is a leading researcher in the field of human cloning, and as the movie begins, he is delivering the news that he has successfully cloned a baby girl that he names Emily. The board of directors are less than happy and bring up all of the legal and ethical concerns that are sure to arise. Dr Reed and his staff experience a social backlash after giving a news conference about their medical break through, and after their lab location is exposed, Dr Reed is forced to bring his experiment home, effectively placing his family and house keepers under house arrest as their estate is surrounded by angry protesters. As Dr Reed continues to study and experiment on Emily, pressures from his family and past begin to mount, coming to an enevitable grisly end.

The Houses October Built (2014) #416

I wanted to love this movie because of the name alone, but no matter what this film is called, it was a disappointing let down. The film is about five friends who who seek out various carnival style haunted houses that are set up and operated around Halloween, hoping to find something truly exceptional and scary. I like this idea and I believe that the movie would have worked if it wasn't presented in a POV, "found footage" perspective. The scenes in the traditional "haunted houses", also known as haunts, are fine but the real scares that could have taken place in the big climax are lost and wasted in a mix of cut scenes that are too dark and chaotic to process Asa viewer.

There are a few creepy scenes that work well that take place in the middle of the film. But before these happen, we are treated to watching a group of friends who have a genuine chemistry. The actors almost avoid the cookie cutter stereotypes so their characters come across as real and relatable. The same can not be said about the film's antagonists who are nothing more than the quiet, menacing type of faceless creepers that have been seen in countless horror movies already.

Grace: The Possession (2014) #409

"Grace: The Possession" may seem like just another story about a sheltered naive young girl who becomes possessed by an evil demon who is eventually freed through the efforts of an exorcism, but there is more to this film than meets the eye. What sets this movie apart from films such as "The Exorcism of Emily Rose", "La Posesion de Emma Evans", and "The Last Exorcism" is how you watch the events unfold, through the eyes of Grace, the girl who is possessed. Everything in the film is seen from the point of view of Grace, giving the movie the feeling that you are watching a found footage movie, just like the recent remake of "Maniac". Beyond this clever and effective use of shaky-cam, "Grace" doesn't deliver anything new to this sub-genre. The movie hits the typical plot points that are common for this theme from the slow discovery of the possession, to the demon taking control, to the timing of the exorcism; even the "twist" ending is exactly what you expect. Alexia Fast gives a fine performance as Grace and I hope to see her in future horror films.

Come Back to Me (2014) #408

"Come Back to Me" is a clever and unique horror film that takes a few horror elements and spins them around, giving them a fresh new twist. I became very interested in seeing this film after I found out that it was based on the book "The Resurrectionist" by Wrath James White, a writer that I'm hearing a lot of good things about. The film is violent, unexpected, has a creepy character, and has a ending that is very memorable; the first half of the film is a bit slow and confusing but everything makes sense soon enough in the second half. This is another must see horror film is you like slow building tension that pays off in the end.

The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) #407

One of the more intelligent POV films from the last few years, "The Taking of Deborah Logan" was a pleasant surprise that delivers intense thrills that involve characters that are you care about. What begins as a documentary about Deborah and the effects of Alzheimer's Diesease quickly spirals into something dark and supernatural, with the documentary crew and Deborah's daughter racing against the clock to save to her. Everything about this movie runs smoothly, from the acting to the story to the special effects; the plot twists were surprising and kept the movie felling fresh. Without giving anything away, I can say that this film is a must see for anyone who is looking for a solid horror movie.

Finders Keepers (2014) #406

"Finders Keepers" is a weak horror film that borrows heavily from both "Child's Play" and "Trilogy of Terror", where the focus of the story is about a evil, possessed doll that kills everyone. This doll, named Lilith, looks similar to the Zuni fetish doll from "Trilogy" and is just as violent. Lilith is also found and loved by a young girl, who she quickly possesses, and Lilith doesn't waste any time in her efforts to kill the people around her new friend. And like the original "Child's Play", various adults suspect that either the young girl or even her newly divorced mother is to blame for the body count. But unlike either film, the film is seriously lacking any scares or even scenes of the doll in motion killing people. The doll just sits there, the girl just screams when someone tries to take the doll away, an the girl just screams some more when someone tries to give her a new doll. My other complaint is this - why are all of the victims who are stabbed with a knife are stabbed so high in the backs; the doll is barely a 12 inches tall. The movie pushes good taste and patience and isn't worth the time to watch.

Deliver Us From Evil (2014) #405

Director Scott Derrickson is back with familiar material in his newest film, "Deliver Us From Evil". Unfortunately, this movie fails to find the nice balance between normal and supernatural that "The Exorcism of Emily Rose", or the truly frightening suspense and tension that was built up in "Sinister". I disliked the movie overall considering that the first half was much too slow. Also, the movie spends too much time in the dark with too many overwhelming shadows and sickly green backgrounds. Despite it's shortcomings,"Deliver Us From Evil" finds some interesting and entertaining moments late in the film concerning possessions and exorcisms.

Based on real experiences by New York cop Ralph Sarchie, "Deliver Us From Evil" follows his work with a castilin priest as they track down a possessed marine who is spreading his influence among others in the city.

Cabin Fever: Patient Zero (2014) #404

"Cabin Fever: Patient Zero" is another unnecessary sequel trying to capitalize on a successful, original film. Set as a prequel to the events in 2002's "Cabin Fever", "Patient Zero" fails to offer anything new the franchise and just feels like more of the same. Half of the movie follows a man named Porter (played by Sean Austin), who is immune to the infection that he is carrying. He spends most of the film locked in an unreliable quarantine system where he is able to infect others, including a mouse. During this time we still do not learn the cause of the infection (unless I missed it) but it is revealed that the doctor tending on Porter believes that he is close to coming up with a cure...which will ultimately make him rich and famous. The other half of the film focuses on a bachelor party that finds it's way onto the island where Porter is being kept. Party people and scientists are both exposed to infection and die in bloody messes, just like they do in the previous two films.

I could say that the movie's lackluster performance was due to the director, Kaare Andrews, isn't even really a filmmaker but a man who is better known for his contributions as an illustrator for Marvel Comics. But knowing that, I can't blame him because he didn't write the script or develop the concept, he was just working with what he had.

Annabelle (2014) #403

Taking inspiration from the real life files of Ed and Loraine Warren and the commercial success of "The Conjuring", 2014's "Annabelle" is a prequel/spin-off combination film that is entertaining and yet misses the (perhaps unfair) expectations set by the original film in this franchise. This film creates a back story for the possessed doll that was locked away in the Warrens basement collection room in "The Conjuring". I'm not a fan of over explaining scary or evil things but this is exactly why "Annabelle" was made. At times the story feels a little predictable and some of the visual effects reminded me of other movies I had recently seen. The movie did have some tense and scary moments so I would recommend this film to those who have not see "The Conjuring" already.


Inspired by Ed and Lorraine Warren's invesigations into the supernatural and paranormal, "Annabelle" is a story about a doll that becomes possessed by a Satan worshiper. The young family that owned the doll becomes haunted by it and their attempts to rid themselves of it prove nearly impossible.

Mercy (2014) #402

"Mercy" is another film that has been adapted from a short story by Stephen King originally titled "Gramma" ; these little gems will be coming to light for many more years to come. It has his feel about it, from the names of the characters to their familiar relationships. The movie stars Chandler Riggs (Carl from "The Walking Dead") as George, a young boy who is close with his grandmother Mercy. Chandler delivers a fine performance and carries the movie well while supported by Dylan McDermott and Frances O'Connor. What I liked most about this film is that it embraced the fact that it was dealing with supernatural elements unlike other movies in recent years that seem to through supernatural aspects into the plot for a surprise twist or for an easy ending.

George is the only relative that seems to love and get a long with his grandmother Mercy. George enjoys spending time with her and listening to her stories and advice, and then teasing his older brother with the stories that haunt their family history. After Mercy has a stroke and is forced out of the nursing home, George's mother brings George and his brother with her back to her childhood home to take care of Mercy. Strange events begin to take place that directly affect George's mother and her two siblings, as well as George's brother and even an old flame of his mom's. George discovers that witchcraft, spirits, and even a spell book are all apart of Mercy's past. But what will this mean for him and his family?

Tusk (2014) #401

"Tusk" is a difficult film to like but it does have some positive aspects to it.

1. It's better than "The Human Centipede".
2. Fleetwood Mac's song "Tusk" was played at the perfect time in the film.
3. This is the first time that I've enjoyed seeing Justin Long in a movie.
4. The end result of the transformation is gruesome and freaky.

That being said, "Tusk" is a train wreck of a movie that starts off fine, losing a bit of steam, finds a little steam, and then goes completely off the rails when Johnny Depp's character is introduced. Considering that the premise of the movie was derived from a joke during one of Kevin Smith's own podcasts, I can see how he didn't even take the concept seriously from beginning to end. It's a shame because the concept had potential and I enjoyed the steady line between comedy and horror that the film had during the first hour.

13 Sins (2014) #399

To what length would you go if you were offered greatly increased amounts of money, deposited directly into your bank account, to perform various tasks from an unknown voice on the other end of a phone? Elliot needs money desperately after he loses his job because he has a pregnant fiancee, mentally handicapped brother, and an angry and abusive father to take care of. His luck changes with a phone call; Elliot thinks that he is blessed after he is asked to kill a fly and is awarded $1000 for his efforts. Slowly the requests grow more uncomfortable as the cash reward grows. From making a child cry to taking a corpse out to coffee to unspeakable deeds, Elliot finds himself forced into completing 13 tasks that will ultimately change his life and the lives of the people he loves the most. The movie is quick paced, beginning violently and never letting up.