The Children (2008)

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'I think the children are sick'.

Directed by: Tom Shankland

Starring: Eva Birthistle, Hannah Tointon, Stephan Campbell Moore

Released (UK): 5th December 2008

Baby Blues (2008)

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'I think something's wrong with momma'

Directed by Lars Jacobson & Amardeep Kaleka

Starring Colleen Porch, Ridge Canipe, Joel Bryant, Kali Majors.

Released: 5th August 2008

Concept

Known to me by its other name Cradle Will Fall as it was released in the Uk; this 2008 thriller is one of the most darkest and hard at home films I have ever sat through. The idea that a loved one especially one as close as a mother could do this when you are vulnerable is horrifying. Based loosely on a true story doesn't lessen the dread.

Savannah, Georgia. It's the 1980's and if that isn't scary enough a mother, having just given birth to her fourth child is having a mental breakdown. She cannot handle the post natal depression and when the father leaves to his truck driving occupation she snaps.
The eldest son Jimmy now has to fight unbelievable odds, protecting his siblings from their psychotic mother, all the while trying to contact their father who is hours away, unknown of the fate his family is in.
It's a race of time and a battle for survival, this film will keep you on your toes.

Review

The film is dark, and not because most of this film is shot in well...blue. The ending is heartbreaking and leaves you with a dreaded gut feeling.
If you get the opportunity to catch this film do so you will find a gem that only received mediocre reviews but deserves its spotlight in the horror community, you won't regret it.

Based on the true case of Andrea Yates, a mother who drowned her five children in a bathtub in 2001, this flick is not just one of those 'it could happen', but is a 'it has happened' concept.

Manhunt (Rovdyr) (2008)

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'If you go down to the woods today you're sure for a nasty surprise' - Movie Tagline

Directed by Patrik Syversen

Starring: Kristina Leganger Aaserud, Janne Beate Bones, Henriette Bruusgaard, Jorn Bjorn Fuller Gee

Released: 2008

Blackout (2008)

'You can plan your whole life out. You can plot the most complex course. But sooner or later, you're gonna walk in some piece of sh*t elevator'.

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Directed by Rigoberto Castaneda 

Starring: Amber Tamblyn, Aiden Gillen, Armie Hammer, Katie Stuart

Released: May 29th 2008

Box Office: $300,000

Eden Lake (2008)

'I'm not going to be bullied away by a bunch of twelve-year olds'.

Directed by James Watkins

Starring: Kelly Reilly, Michael Fassbender, Jack O'Connell, Finn Atkins

Released: 28th September 2008

Box Office: 4M

Concept

A young couple Jenny and Steve go for a short break to a lake, where Steve used to go to as a child. They are enjoying themselves immensely until they find themselves being disturbed by a gang of youths nearby. They begin playing loud music and staring at Jenny. 

Feeling disgruntled, Steve politely asks the youths to behave. Which falls flat on its face. Clearly they are unsupervised and are out to do what they want. The morning after Steve finds a mark on his car, presumably by the teens. In frustration he comes across a house by the town, it has a bike outside one of the youths had...

Steve and Jenny end up finding themselves eventually being hunted, and now must find a way out of the lake and woods to escape the young psychopaths. The gangs leader, Brett is a sadistic psychopath fuelled only by his home life and his friends are too afraid to disagree or just don't care. 

Review

This is a British horror film, and has an underlying social belly to the film regarding the youth of Britain, which is still angry and unfortunately still relevant today. Whilst it would be unfair to say all teenagers in Britain are like this in the working class or lower there is a problem. 

There is a moral dilemma when watching this film, because you are watching children deliberately and enjoyfully try and cause active harm to a couple. But in society being hostile towards anyone under age is considered immoral and practically illegal. 

It makes you wonder what you yourself would do in that situation, all the more burdening if you are with your loved one. It personally made me feel angry and constantly waiting for the revenge on the youths. Watch this film at least once it is a great ride for any horror fan.

The Midnight Meat Train (2008)

'I followed him into the subway. He butchers them like cattle.'

Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura 

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Vinnie Jones, Lesley Bibb, Brooke Shields

Released: August 1st 2008

Box Office: 3.5M

Concept

Wow this film doesn't pull any punches, coming from Lionsgate Studios who are renowned for their catalogue of films including previously mentioned Cabin Fever and ripped straight out of the sadistic mind of Clive Barker. We as an audience are given a tremendous gift in the form of an original story with a compelling plot, a protagonist you can follow and some of the goriest pieces of cinema I've ever seen. 

The story follows an unsuccessful photographer trying to make it big in LA. In a bid to get more recognition for his work he decides to go to the subway at night. There he comes across a gang harassing a young woman, and begins taking pictures of the situation. Hoping to catch the 'heart of the city' and get a real urban feel from his film. 

She then goes missing, and begins to investigate this mystery. This investigation as just a normal everyday guy unravels into a complete nightmare of gore, guts and horror. His search for this woman becomes a complete obsession, his girlfriend doesn't believe him and neither do the police.  Fast becoming a dangerous situation he can no longer turn away from.

Review

From a short story written in Clive Barkers: Book of Blood back in 1984 this film has grown into somewhat a cult status. Seeing from the box office the film probably didn't make as much as it cost to make it resulting in a loss. However many people fondly remember this film and agree they would watch it again.

And fight the urge to be sick during the eyeball scene, this scene caught me and many others off guard, here I'll even post the scene for you. It's just one...or should I say three deaths in this film. It's not ruining anything but the eyeball scene should you wish to watch.

(WARNING HIGH GRAPHIC CONTENT VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED)

If you have not seen this movie you should, don't let anyone ruin the plot points because then it just becomes pointless. You may find the wheels on this train fall off a little at the end but it will leave you satisfied none the less. If you have seen Clive Barkers mind brought to life before in the wake of Hellraiser I strongly suggest you look at this film.