House of the Devil (2009) #397

The only real way to enjoy director Ti West is 1) watch his films with an open mind and 2) watch more than one of his films. While I appreciate his efforts in the 2013 film "Sacrament", I was ultimately disappointed with the final product. So when I watched and finished "House of the Devil", I felt almost the same way. Both films offer the viewer a very, very slow "burn" before the films reach their climax, and when the big reveal or plot tilt occurs, it doesn't feel like it's enough. But when I sat down to write this review for "House of the Devil", I found myself looking back at both films rather fondly. These are the kind of films that require multiple viewings perhaps; both offer enough substance and tension to chew on for a while and so maybe with a second viewing, both movies might prove to be more rewarding. Having said this, I do prefer "Sacrament" over "House of the Devil" at the moment although the latter is worth checking out. I confess that I'm excited to watch both movies again in the few days!

"House of the Devil" is set, and filmed as if was made, during the early 1980's. The music style, the clothing, the angles that the camera is used to film the movie, and other techniques are all expertly applied. Even the opening and closing credits show traits that were popular during the horror films of the 70's and 80's. The movie itself is about a satanic cult, a lunar eclipse, and a college student in need of cash; all elements that were popular in the 1980's. The way that the story plays out is simple and obvious, playing on the fear of satanic cults in a subtle way. When the action takes place on screen, it's quick and brutal, unlike other horror movies currently that try to drown the viewers with gore and violence.

The Sacrament (2013) #391

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

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

Father being interviewed by Sam and filmed by Jake

Sam and Jake

Caroline holding her brother Patrick

You're Next (2011) #386

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

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

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

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