Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) is the first to find conspicuous events surrounding the landscape of their new home and the rural town within. Her mother Sarah (Elisabeth Shue) is desperate to remain optimistic and sees it a fresh start.
Elissa is more than helpful after learning a murder had occurred in their new home, leading to flirty chats between herself and ideal genre heartthrob Ryan (Max Thieriot) - the son and last remaining member of the murdered family. The suspect is Ryan's younger sister who has not been seen since the killing. While a myth of sister lurks the backyard of the woods, we see Ryan is holding her on basement arrest.
With the plot praying on a routine escape from the enslaved sister, most of the movie focuses on a developing relationship between Elissa and Ryan. The film gets to the point where you forget there is a girl being starved in Ryan's basement. The movies backbone is depending on the occasional fright from the sister while trying to balance a chemistry of love that blends together like Tabasco and tea!
The majority of the film was rubbish as the Gremlins offers a more suspenseful taste than this.
With an old school introduction that was quite pleasing on the eye, the majority of the film was rubbish. The twist at the end does not make up for the first 95 minutes. The Gremlins offers a more suspenseful taste than this
Overall; a mundane attempt at a tiring genre. Another cheap concept involving suspense and characters that where downright careless. Wait for Sinister!
As we continue to celebrate Halloween, let's look at another classic of the 70's; a year in which most original concepts of horror had come about.
Released in 1976, Carrie is a tale of vulnerability at the highest as we follow the path of Carrie (Sissy Spacek); a reclusive high-school student who through-out has had her fair share of incidents regarding her lonely persona which seems to attract malicious bullys.
Not much help in her troubled life is her mother Margaret (Piper Laurie) who has strong, sadistic religious beliefs. The controlled paranoia of Carrie's mother is particularly seen when she features in one of many sinister moments between mother and daughter; Carrie is sent home early due to a scene in the schools showers when she freaks out after getting her first period, attracting the attention of heartless students to laugh and throw things at her. (Yep, quite sad really).
Margaret can only see her daughters situation as a sin, while constantly revealing her regrettable desire of killing Carrie as a child. Margaret condones intimate relations, viewing such an act as extremely sinful.
While Carrie is sometimes forced into repeating her mothers religious chants and locked in the "Sin" room for forgiveness, Carrie begins to notice a telekinetic change in her mind, revealing an extraction of movements and powerful forces.
While not fully understanding the sheer power behind this, it is when Carrie is suddenly asked to the dance by Tommy Ross (William Katt). Carrie mistakenly sees this a glorious opportunity to be accepted and for once in her life, sociable. However the events concerning Carrie and a minority of bully's change the course of her haunting ability.
From start to finish Carrie offers an original spookish concept of ones desire and utter portrayal that leads a reclusive to believe in sociability outside the home her mother continues to rule. The constant Psycho resemblance is seen through-out an plays a wonderful tribute to Hitchcock's masterpiece, referencing the "Eeek" almost slash sounds occurring through-out the films time line.
Directed by Brian De Palma, with Stephen King's novel at hand, Brian creates a fantastic jerk of back-forward scenes that involve Carrie at the happiest of times, even though you know deep down this girl is tormented by pretty much everyone surrounding her. The terrifying jingles of emotions are heard and witnessed by Carrie alone in her bedroom, then a couple of brief reflections of the teens in high-school who are truly enjoying themselves but oblivious to Carries haunting presence.
I was quite surprised to see a goofy John Travolta appearance. He plays Billy Nolan; a puppet alongside high-school popularity queen Chris (Nancy Allen) who some might know as Murphy, aka Robocop's annoying partner. It is more so the antics of Chris who is hell bound on destroying further-more the reputation of Carrie.
The haunting element of this classic are carried out by the freakish chemistry between Carrie and her brain-washed mother. Although the finale results in a memorable cinematic climax, you never forget the performances from both Sissy Spacek and onscreen next of kin, Piper Laurie.
Overall; Another horror classic that leaves a frightening taste before bed. If it isn't the conclusion of this short masterpiece that gets you, it will be the onscreen performance of Carrie's mother that will stay with you for a very long time.
John Carpenter's suspenseful masterpiece consisted of some real quality, cold blooded quotes. Quite simple ones also, and very misleading to the eyes of some; Tommy - " Laurie, what's the boogieman? Laurie - "There's no such thing."
How wrong was Jamie Lee Curtis's vulnerable high school sweetheart to think that. 1978 brought absolute terror to cinema-goers around the world. A good ten years before my time, Halloween night never appealed to me very much, however the video tape of Carpenters classic, in which was kept hidden from me for years due to child-hood trauma, the creation of sheer terror was really upon me the day I watched it. (I was brave, but not enough to watch it at night)
The quiet suburban neighbourhood of Haddonfield was about to become quite an iconic scene; a young Michael Myers is about to lay the path for a dramatic return to his home town 15 years later.
Only 6 years old, nobody knew what drove the mind of such a young boy. His dark and twisted mind would drive him to stab his 16 year old sister, carving a whole new perspective to the way the town would celebrate Halloween.
Institutionalised for almost 15 years, Michael Myers escapes the outskirts of Illinois as he makes his way back home, hoping to arrive on a very convenient date; October 31st, 1978, Halloween.
Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is your stereotypical book worm slash high school virgin who chooses babysitting over drunken nights any day of the week. Softly spoken and well behaved, she is unaware of the danger about to curse Haddonfield that very night.
Michael Myers, played by Tony Moran is off the grid, however it is the introduction of his doctor, Sam Loomis (Donald Pleasence) that makes the night a nerve wrecking cat and mouse chase as he seeks to find Myers before he reeks havoc in Haddonfield. Desperate for assistance, Loomis contacts Sheriff Leigh Brackett (Charles Cyphers) to warn him of Michael's presence to be, believing that Michale will reenact the murder of 1963.
Dr Loomis - I met this six-year-old child, with this blank, pale, emotionless face and, the blackest eyes... the devil's eyes."
Sheriff Brackett is not fully convinced of Sam's accusations, however it is no convenience of the friendship between his daughter Annie (Nancy Kyes) and Michael's target, Laurie.
A series of events leads to the category of classics Halloween will forever remain. When Loomis finds out Michael's motive for escape, he is hell bound on preventing the murder of another family connection, Laurie Strode, who is oblivious to any past the psycothic killer had created.
Hot on the trail of Michael, Loomis is adamant to get in contact with Laurie as she spends her Halloween night babysitting Tommy Doyle (Brian Andrews). However it is not all horror movies and pumpkin making as Laurie converts into survival mode as when Tommy told her he had seen the boogieman previously, she should have believed him.
My favourite horror movie, if you want to call it horror? unlike a majority of Horrors of that era, Halloween was so original in terms of frightening you with nothing other than suspense. John Carpenter did not need a truck full of fake blood to convince the audience of the dangers of someone with a psycothic frame of mind. A simple concept; an average joe in a Captain Kirk mask. Let's not forget the anticipation of the classic theme tune which proved another simple way of terrifying the audience without revealing anything.
Halloween is also one of the originals to introduce what lurks in the background. Like I said, Michael Myers is an average Joe with a twisted heart. The concept of someone watching you, but yet not knowing, will always give me goose bumps. Of course a lot of movies are created on the monsters of our dreams, and done it so well, but Halloween will always frighten me with its short, yet mediocre plot that proves a possibility along with a more realistic chance of being stalked by the unknown.
In so many parts of this movie, Loomis sums up what he is feeling, and somehow you believe in his disturbia, hoping his presence will prevent the horror that eventually follows.
Dr Loomis - "I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up because I realised what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... evil."
The acting is mundane but acceptable. Jamie Lee Curtis was so amateur in this movie but some how I believe there could have been no other. The sequels, threequels etc that would follow eventually made Laurie strode out to be some sort of "Sarah Connor" when in fact the original shows the conversion of vulnerability to survival mode that leads to a dramatic conclusion in the film. However it was not fully a bad thing they opened the door for a sequel, I enjoyed the follow up, but the rest were pure garbage. In fact I think it is sometimes fun to watch the apparent trilogy to really embrace how much a qualitative piece of work John Carpenter created back in 1978.
Overall; John Carpenters Halloween is and always will be one of the best horror/suspenseful thrillers ever made. Along with The Thing and Psycho, this can not be missed come October 31st.
Sinister is written and directed by Scott Derrickson, who judging by his resume, this guy loves his horror movies; that I don't have a problem with! I was really looking forward to this flick for two reasons; Insidious was one of my favourite horror movies of the last ten years, so my anticipation grew with the production of Sinister carrying the same producer. And B, prior to seeing Sinister, I watched "House at the End of the street" which left me desperate for something fresh.
Ellison (Ethan Hawke) is an accomplished writer who brews his career through the premise of true-crime stories. His obsession is based on the majority of murders and mysteries surrounding them with a weight of controversy surrounding his Journalistic morals.
Ellison is hell bent on reaching a peak he is yet to discover in his career while trying to convince himself of the stories he covers are for the people, and not for fame. It is no convenience when he moves his family into their new home, a suburban crime scene; a freakish killing spree that resulted in the hanging of an entire family. Desperate for his big break, Ellison has to manage the Ora surrounding the town and its unspoken crime and his wife Tracy (Juliet Rylance) who is convinced of a refreshing start to a troubled past.
Although the Sheriff (Fred Dalton Thompson) voiced his own opinion on Ellison's reputation, it doesn't stop the willingness behind Ellison's personality as he stumbles across a box of horrific surprises that hold a motive behind his current investigation.
Without hesitation, Ellison puts the mysterious reel of tapes together as he is disturbed but yet satisfied to witness a plethora of found-footage images that take him on a journey through a nightmare worse than he could have imagined.
Desperate to fulfil is unwanted duties, Ellison discovers a dark figure within the murders; a supernatural spirit that haunts those who discover the tapes.
Ellison's insight into the murders reveal an origin of secrets that is sure to shock the town as he believes, in cliche journalistic fashion, "the people must to know". Although Ellison is not prepared for the danger he could place on his wife and kids as a demon lurks behind his projector of evidence.
Judging a book by its cover is not my thing, but by its introduction, that is how I roll!. On the off, Sinister invites you down a dark and twisted path, most likely a journey that you will have never witnessed before. The first scene reveals a taste of refreshing initiative. Originality is not the main key to Sinister because to be blunt, it ain't original, but it is really scary.
The main premise is the constant suspense that is revealed within the tapes. It is not graphically gory, just down right disturbing with each video backed up with a frightening tune. Just like Paranormal Activity, the majority of scares are within the backing of found-footage. But apart from the mundane routine events in 21st century horror movies, Sinister succeeds in disturbing the mind of the viewer without actual "Jump-Scares".
The plot is fascinating in it's own sick way, following a puzzle that I had no idea how it would come together, but it did, and it did so in original fashion.
Looking at the majority of Horrors this year, it is obvious to label Sinister as the best and certainly the scariest movie of 2012 thus far. I adore my horror movies so I was quite satisfied with a concept that is not entirely fresh, but revealed scenes with simple ideas and found a way of visually implanting an image into the viewers head. It is not always about the full on graphic that disturbs the mind, it is the motive behind it that really gets the viewers asking questions, and better yet, remembering something that almost feels a supernatural reality.
Overall; Not entirely original with the folks behind the scenes nit-picking at Insidious and Paranormal Activity. However, the overall creation of horror is really frightening, with scenes that some viewers may find disturbing. Sinister is a successful result of a genre that has unfortunately been the subject of poor and effortless movies lately. Halloween is approaching, don't hesitate with this one!
I have come to learn what was once described a "Horror" genre is now a word that is well and truly deceased. We think Horror and reminisce on classics such as A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Thing and many others I am sure to think of once I sign off! Suspense thriller is now a descriptive genre that has been around for a while, but I still find myself phrasing horror. The fact the majority of poor Suspenseful horrors have torched us over the years, I think I am finally ready let go of a genre that will always be remembered for its recognition through-out the 70's and 80's.
In terms of the review ahead, let's start off by referencing the quotes in the image above; The following movie is NOT deeply scary with a twist that is far from awesome but is in fact decent, a word equivalent to acceptable where I come from.
What seems an ideal family dream home, Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) is the first to find conspicuous events surrounding the landscape of their new home and the rural town within. Her mother Sarah (Elisabeth Shue) is desperate to remain optimistic and sees the move a fresh start from a troubled past we know little about.
Elissa is more than a little helpful after learning a murder had occurred in their new home, leading to flirty chats between herself and ideal genre heartthrob Ryan (Max Thieriot), the son and last remaining member of the murdered family. The long time suspect is Ryan's younger sister who, since the killing has never been seen. While a myth of the demented sister lurking the backyard of the woods, we see Ryan is holding her on basement arrest to savour himself of any further troubles.
With the plot praying on a routine escape from the enslaved sister, most of the movie focuses on a developing relationship between Elissa and Ryan, despite the despicable weight from the locals. Just like your basic romance concept, the mother isn't happy for obvious reasons, Elissa wants to be with him so there is nothing anyone can do. The film gets to the point where you forget there is a girl being starved in Ryan's basement. The movies backbone is depending on the occasional fright from the sister while trying to balance a chemistry of love that blends together like Tabasco and tea!
There is a twist that you feel quite privileged to have witnessed first off, but give it time. You ever find leaving a movie and thinking "yeah, somewhere in the back of my mind I enjoyed parts of the flick", but the more you think about it, clever twist or not, the majority of the film was rubbish. There is more suspense slash horror in the Gremlins, honestly.
Note; The House at the end of the street is indeed at the end of a drive-way surrounded by a concept of creepy woods. You won't find a street associated with any house in this film.
So with an old school introduction that was quite pleasing in terms of scary, it quickly changed course trying to develop something completely different to what the trailer had revealed. A twist at the end does not make up for the first 95 minutes.
Overall; A typically mundane attempt at a tiring genre. Just another cheap concept that although supplied an okay twist, the overall suspense and characters involved where downright careless. Wait for Sinister!
The Imposter is a dark and twisted tale that follows the heartbreaking events of a Texas family who describe their path of betrayal in what was supposed to be the homecoming of their 16 year old son.
The concept follows an element of two sides consisting of reenactments from Frederic's trail, to actual footage of his time with his new family. On the other hand, the movie focuses on the bereavement and public outcry as members of the family, including the sister of Nicholas, Carey Gibson. Carey continuously reveals how foolishly tricked she was, as well as numerous relatives being suckered into believing Frederic is 16 year old Nicholas.
Frederic Bourdin's position on the streets had to be convincing, selling the Texas based family a story that might not convince your average Joe, but certainly worked due to an in depth fictional mindset. Frederic sells Carey a 3 year biography of torture and abuse, his pupils being discoloured to prevent him being recognised is just one of many sickening lies from Frederic.
What is originally a straight forward and a surprisingly achievable lie, it is when the story of the boy's return goes viral, inviting people that Frederic and the family did not want. This leads to a nail biting twist and some serious consequences for both Frederic and the Texan family.
Director Bart Layton provided all the ingredients in making a well shot, factual based documentary that unfolds the origin of a qualified fabricator and blending it with a tragic tale of a young boys life. Although the characters involved are highly relevant, one can not help in thinking Bart Layton could have gathered more individuals to explain what is still a mysterious story. Instead, we are left listening to Carey Gibson and the mother who come across annoyingly gullible. In fact they are stupidly fooled into believing they are reunited with Nicholas who, as we can clearly see is not the boy he was 3 years ago. Still, the story is extremely interesting and highly memorable for the narration of Frederic Bourdin who reveals the "in your face" presence that is felt through-out the film as well as the screen your sitting in.
The Imposter is deluding and some what a disgusting portrayal of a con artist that would be forever recognised for misleading an oblivious family awaiting the return of their son, Nicholas Barclay.
Overall; For the lack of documentaries in cinemas, this one, like many, is worth a watch. If you can see past the idiotic family, you will find the Imposter is both enjoyable and very frightening.
Just when I thought the movie industry had descended from strange minded concepts, Killer Joe turns out to be one of the most uncanny movies to ever hit our screens! Although one would cringe in admitting it is weirdly enjoyable!
The haunting thriller focuses on a trailer park in southern Texas which is home to the Smiths, a bizarre family of red-necks. Chris (Emile Hirsch) and his father Ansel (Thomas Haden Church) are far from your average father-son relationship, that is until they discover a loop-hole relating to an assurance policy consumed by Ansel's previous wife (Chris's mother). Chris who is in depth with loan sharks and a gambling addiction lacking him in favours, he receives information regarding the pot of money sitting beneath his mother, believing if something should happen her, the loot would be forwarded to his deranged sister, Dottie (Juno Temple.)
Introducing Killer Joe (Matthew McConaughey); a recluse sheriff of the law and a gun for hire. Both guys are advised on the work ethic of Joe, leading them to a hosted agreement which will see Joe kill Ansel's wife for a hefty share of the cash. However there is a catch. One that shows the true nature of Joe's perverted character. Both Ansel and Chris struggle to convince Joe of the eventual pay he will receive leaving Joe to come up with the idea of him holding a"retainer", a "keep-safe" until he receives pay. Dottie, the sibling in the family, serves as that "retainer" opening up a frightening new path to Joe's persona.
Mystified to the sadistic ways of Joe, Chris and his degenerate father can only sit by an watch as Joe's hesitation and visits to their home become more frequent. Ansel's girlfriend Sharla (Gina Gershon) is suspicious of Joe's antics but sees no reason why she shouldn't slave her step-daughter to Joe. Her greed and overall character is obvious and is revealed along with Chris and Ansel as desperate measures to receive the assurance money. What was originally a contract to assassinate, Joe's striking presence results in a sociable friendship, which was more than originally intended resulting in what Ansel believes to be a dangerous situation. Although Chris's selfishness is revealed through-out the deal, he himself is worried for the manipulation of his be-wildered family.
Killer Joe is in a category of its own; and so it should be. What starts off as a pretty direct plot, this movie takes the biscuit in terms of the ridiculousness of its immediate turn around. Without giving away too much of the original twists, Joe's dark humour and manipulation expands as his disturbed fantasies are directly shown as the movie seeks to turn ones stomach. His love for a 9 year old (or 10) takes its toll as well as a plethora of gross fantasies, the audience will settle for non-other than great despise towards both Joe and the Smith family. The family are not the brightest of red-necks and can't help but get sucked into the mind and discomposed ways of a powerful yet insane individual in Joe.
The concept resembles that of The Devil's Rejects and The Texas Chain Saw Massacre which succeeds in drawing your attention to each character on screen, the outskirts of the dangers and typical cold bloodied Texans. Killer Joe is extremely dark and frighteningly funny, with scenes I couldn't possibly begin to describe.With a strange element of characters and a nice soundtrack, it offers some fine twists and memorable yet shocking scenes. (trust me)
Although Killer Joe offers up some fantastic performances from both Matthew McConaughey, Gina Gershon and a brave portrayal of innocence from Juno Temple, the movie itself is a simple no-brainer that might not be everyones cup of tea though one should see it for McConaughey's performance alone.
Overall: Attacks the vulnerable with its original concept, Killer Joe is extremely entertaining while testing the gag reflex of the audience.
You need to be in order to really relish Christopher Nolan's magical masterpiece, the Prestige which stars Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson
Following the success of Batman Begins in 2005, Christian Bale must have fancied the work of Nolan, taking up another leading role in a dark, twisted tale of exacerbation between two obsessive magicians.
Set upon the end of the nineteenth century, Robert Angler (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are both associates of a seasoned magician by the name of Cutter (Michael Caine) who lives off teaching amateur magicians. An aged persona in Cutter, he can see serious potential in both Robert and Borden but both their perceptions of appropriate magic have wide differentiation.
When a magic trick involving a water tank goes wrong, ending with the drowning of Robert's wife, the blame is shed upon Alfred who had apparently back-tracked on which way he should have tied the knot, trapping Julia (Wife) until her death.
The after-mat of the unfortunate incident leads to the eventual plot of the prestige which consists of jealousy and rivalry. The death of Robert's wife sees both men depart, leading separate careers that result in twisted sacrifices. Both make it their all to become the best magician in the town, even if that means the sabotage of ones career, maybe life! The prestige shows a desperate tale of obsession and begrudging as Robert and Alfred struggle to reach the prime they ever so dream of.
"Now you're looking for the secret. But you won't find it because of course, you're not really looking. You don't really want to work it out. You want to be fooled." - Michael Caine's Cutter
Its dark concept reveals a love story from both camps as Olivia (Scarlett Johansson) sets a goal of deceiving both individuals, playing one off the other resulting in complications within Alfred's own relationship with Sarah (Rebecca Hall). Although Alfred and Robert show a hint of feelings for Olivia , both clever individuals see her as a spy as they both persuade her to infiltrate each others lives and performances resulting in what they hope is the revealing secrets within their magic.
Cutter is caught between the vicious rivalry as it is seen as the last straw for Robert who's desperate attempt to out-with Alfred is looking slim as he struggles to find a loop-hole within "The Transported Man", a gifted new trick holding a secret that Alfred will take to the grave!
Seen through the eyes of possessive magicians, the Prestige is an original, extraordinary tale of two individuals desperate to wow their audience with the next step...the prestige!
This is a glorious piece of work with memorable performances from both Bale and Jackman. Just like the previous work of Christopher Nolan, his brother Johnathan has also helped with the creation of a screenplay that proves once again that their weird and wonderful directing has resulted in a fantastic movie.
The prestige is one of my personal favourites and will go down as one of the best movies of the last decade. Michael Caine adds to the delightful cast with his presence resulting in an element that can only be relished and embraced through the experienced Christopher Nolan.
Overall: An original concept with performances and twists guaranteed to blow your mind!
It has been a rough few years for Robert De Niro. He
deserves great credit for his continuity and sometimes desperate attempt at
reviving that "Foot stomping" character that once brought his be-
loving ego to our screens. Not that his success or noticeability has lessened,
but I for one have witnessed some horrors featuring his face lately.
Red Lights follows the story of psychologist Margaret Wilson (Weaver),
along with her partner in paranormal crime, Tom Buckley (Cillian Murphy). They both travel the
state seeking to expose those claiming to be factual based Psychics.
Margaret, who has seen and done it all before, distants herself from any beliefs such as religion and particularly the ability to perform such dark magic. Her past
is a troubled one. She is famous for her debates and enthusiastic ways of
revealing the fake to those who are paying to be lied to.
The job at hand is dull and becomes routine to Tom and
Margaret as the movie starts by showing them in numerous situations where they
both seem clearly aware of certain folks trying to make money from the gullible.
It all seems quite mundane over their years of experience but It is only when Simon Silver returns to America after 30 years that begs the
question. Is he as genuine as his reputation speaks for?
Simon (De Niro) is an original paranormal psychic, who has
always claimed as well as having a cult following to this extraordinary power.
As blind as can be, his abilities speak for themselves as he returns home to perform one last show. Tom, who is a very eager and ambiguous individual, sees this as
an opportunity to expose the one guy the public would always believe in.
Margaret, who has a past with Simon, warns Tom of his presence and the people
around him.
As goes, the eventual plot (That takes so long to reach) is
whether Simon holds the power he claims to have carried through-out a generation. It is clear he has an apparent past of
healing, mind-reading, floating on air and numerous ways of wooing his audience.
As for "Red Lights", it is the term used by Margaret and Tom as
as they seek to spot certain individuals roaming the area before a show
begins. They apparently stick out and are always related to the performer in
some way. (This is the performer’s way of sending people to infiltrate his
audience to be. Their way of cheating the people).
The movie is indeed, awfully boring. It seemed a risky
concept that in fact might have been original but unfortunately it felt slow,
dull, and extremely irritating to watch at times taking into account the great
actors trying to develop strong characters. You find the excuse to see this
because of De Niro and the rest, but Red Lights does nothing for any of the
guys involved. De Niro’s character Silver is blind, so on that note De Niro
pulls off what seems a lazy performance in what almost seems like a forgetful cameo!
It is strange because the reputation of the cast involved speaks for itself. To be honest I was not sure if Red Lights were a horror or
thriller flick? In fairness there were some jumpy scenes (Maybe one), but all in all, the
movies climax was always failing, leading to a forgetful trip to the movies. A
scene right after Simon Silver abandons a performance; it shows a streak of
around eight journalists in a row. It seemed like it went on for almost ten
minutes yapping about the incident in the rain making a big deal out of
nothing! Indeed there are a numer of scenes you might find your mind shouting "NEXT"!
Red Lights can be frustrating at times the way it
occasionally cuts to a cable TV screen, talking news stuff about how Silver came
and left! It is just hard to care about this movie unfortunately.
Sigourney Weaver, Cillian Murphy and the rest gave a
performance; I just think they chose a bad movie to represent...
Like most of these supernatural flicks they do tend to offer
some nice twists, basically to change the mind of the audience last minute. Red
Lights seemed destined to go down an unexpected road but left a climax that
was indeed surprising but in no way memorable.
De Niro’s appearance is not surprising though. "Killer Elite"..."New
Year’s Eve" “Righteous Kill” "Hide and seek"...what next?Cillian Murphy was by far the best even
though you could not care less whether he lives or dies in this flick!
I will say, Elizabeth Olsen plays Sally, a student of Margret
and Tom’s paranormal class. She tags alongside Tom while he sets the path to
exposing the great Simon Silver! Elizabeth Olsen (3 of a kind?) has a
bright future ahead of her...honestly she is quite good.
Insidious is a classic piece of work released in 2010. It follows the Horror slash chiller path, representing a genre that has failed cinemas for the past 10 years . Certain Horror movies have made a significant mark in cinema history, dating as far back to the genuis work in "It"(1990), Halloween (1978), "Friday the 13th (1980) and "A Nightmare on elm street"(1984). Those few of many classics are fine examples of the word, "Horror" as they were successful in frightening the audience, leaving visual implants into the brain of the average viewer. If you are still thinking of a movie that scared you mentally and physically before you go to bed at night? that movie had done it's job. If you find yourself watching it for the next 20 years or so, it is indeed a classic. Similar to my examples above. Another example, Insidious.
Dalton Lambert (Ty Simpkins) falls suddenly into a catastrophic coma following an accident in the family's abandoned attic. The parents, Josh and Renai are bewildered to the result that follows as Dalton is hospitalised before being transferred home to be treated further more.
The Coma appears far from basic as several months on reveal Dalton is no closer to being revived. It is when spiritual happenings occur through-out the house that Renai (Rose Byrne) begins to question the possible relation to the apparent haunting and her son, Dalton.
Josh (Patrick Wilson) is your typical male, ideal father. Although he is paranoid for the safety of his son, he does not believe in Paranormal activity. The films disturbing plot is seen through the eyes of Renai and Josh as we watch their creepy situations come to life. As Dalton lies lifeless in his bed, both parents are caught up in haunting visions and disturbing sounds as whatever it is stalking the family home, it appears to be coming from Dalton's room.
In a desperate bid to seek and rid the house of the evil spirits, Renai invites paranormal doctor Elise (Lin Shaye) in a last ditch attempt to convince herself that she is not going insane. The Inclusion of Lin Shaye proved a touch of class as the result of her inclusion is highly memorable, offering a more darker feel than her character "Elise" originally intended.
A haunting tale with a slight twist, Insidious looks and feels awesome. The movie is shot with a dull shade of grey, giving off a depressing feel to what seems ever so real. There are some jumpy scenes that will guarantee the awakening of the average viewer.
A great introduction with a snip of relation to the vintage Hammer production, with a frightening violin tune that the mind will struggle to erase once the movie comes to a climax. Without saying too much about such a clever and tense concept, it is a plot that should be truly revealed in a dark room, by yourself!
This review is based off my viewing of Insidious the second time around. I am delighted to say it scared me senseless, just as it did upon its original release.
Taking into account what we have seen over the years, Insidious finishes top with one of the best horror movies of the past ten years. The last movie released that blends into this category is "Drag Me to Hell" by Sam Raimi . Also a must see for all horror fans.
Insidious did all the right things for me. It had me shook in a disturbing way, a way that makes me want to witness its crafty work over and over again.
Chronicle is the latest movie to be released in relation to the newly born genre that is Found footage.
We have had a monopoly of found footage movie releases over the years. The Blaire witch project might be the only one that deserves a positive mention. Its vintage concept came about back in 1999 when it gave us something fresh and paved the way for a not so great future..."Apollo 18", "Cloverfield", "Quarantine" and not forgetting the not so eager release of "The Devil Inside Me".
Chronicle follows the lives of Andrew, Steve and Matt who find themselves trapped in a life changing experience when they encounter a strange hole containing a strong alien like energy. Their everyday ability becomes abnormal when they find their encounter the night before has left them with telekinesis strength.
It is from there on that Andrews desire to video tape life's events might actuality make sense as he begins to film the development of their newly found superpowers. Things spiral out of control quickly as both Steve and Matt start to doubt Andrews consistency as he begins to take certain matters into his own hands, leading to serious consequences and uneasy attention.
The scenes consist of clever camera tricks, involving moving cars, floating objects and bullying the public, all out of boredom leading to sheer enjoyment. Chronicle is quite amusing with some jaw dropping moments and does well in keeping the viewers attention.
In comparison to previous found-footage movies, Chronicle beats them all, as it was both exciting and enjoyable with some scenes bound to leave you wide eyed. As for the acting, from a cast I wasn't aware of, they all put in quality performances making something so far fetched seem very realistic.
Another year, yet another guy decides setting up cameras in the family home is a great idea.... in Paranormal Activity 3.
When Paranormal Activity first came to our screens in 2007, it brought something very different and unique. The frightening story based on supernatural occurrence in a house occupied by loved up couple Katie and Micah who are both haunted by an unseen presence. On the release, the movie grossed in at around 190,000,000.
Without touching on the sequel too much, let us just say it failed to live up to the success of the first movie. Upon its release in 2010, the sequel pretty much gave us the same thing but adding one or two more impressive camera tricks.
Paranormal Activity 3 takes us back to 1988...as you might of seen in the trailer, how it all began! Two Sisters Katie and Kristi are toddlers who begin to experience the happenings in their family home, where it appears the younger of the two Katie befriends a spirit in the house....unfortunately for her, it ain't Casper!
According to Katie, her demonic friend goes by the name of Toby. We do not get to see much of this Toby of course because the parents seem to think that Katie, who we see talking to herself (Toby...) is so young that she will grow out of it, how wrong they were!
Anyways, noises get louder by the night, and frames drop from the wall, the usual jazz. Like the first two, the father (Why always the man?) starts thinking, hang on? somethings not right here, let's set up some cameras and see what we get, and what we get is indeed some hair-raising stuff!
Once the cameras are in location around the house, it really does get Chilling. I will not lie, I was terrified. When the father sets up one camera to one a them old battery fans that go side to side really slowly? you are left anticipating what is about to happen as its making its way back to the left...or right!
I must admit, the camera tricks in this one are exquisite. It definitely blows the first two out of the water with its haunting effects and its life like presence of the demon. Paranormal activity 3 does a good job convincing viewers that you just never know if the occurrences in the movie can actually happen to you.....?
As much as I might have made out Paranormal Activity 3 to be a good movie, I must point out for viewers to expect the worst ending you can possibly imagine. If I am correct I am pretty sure it was meant to be some sort of twist.....me? I was unconvinced, ridiculous!
Unfortunately as much as I enjoy a good scare, and the movie was successful in that way, the Paranormal Activity franchise is and always will be a cinematic experience only. Anyone hoping to get a good thrill from a DVD version will be hugely disappointed. I believe seeing the trilogy is a once off only and I have no future plans of renting or buying either parts of the haunting series.
Overall, Paranormal Activity is a good time. It definitely had me shook, and to be honest I can't remember much of the first to say this was better or scarier if you like? But it was more entertaining than part two, that's for sure. The two little kids were creepy, and I must admit, they both played scared really well! As for the father (Stepfather), he as usual was a brave idiot, and the mother was as usual, clueless to what was going on!
So go see it in the cinema, don't waste your time illegal downloading (Like what you kids tend to do!) or waiting for it to be released on DVD because it just isn't the same experience. Paranormal Activity must be watched in a big black room with surround sound and screaming women, or in my case...MEN!
Same old stuff, just that little bit more frightening! :)
