'The dead have highways, highways that lead to intersections, and intersections that spill into our world. If you should find yourself at one of these intersections you should stop and listen. Because the dead have stories to tell'.
Directed by John Harrison
Starring: Jonas Armstrong, Sophie Ward, Doug Bradley
Released: 28th September 2009
Concept
Another film based on the works of Clive Barker. Book of Blood, based on the novel of the same name is a very dark and foreboding tale only a sick creative mind could create.
The film follows a young man named Simon, who is kidnapped by a hitman. The hitman is hired to to take away Simon's skin, which he finds is horrifically covered in words carved all over his body. Curious, he offers Simon a quick death if he reveals how this happened to him. Simon begins telling the story.
Simon goes on to explain how a young girl was violated and brutally murdered by a supernatural force. This incident brings curiosity to Mary Florescu, a paranormal professor, and Reg Fuller, her partner. Mary then discovers Simon, a clairvoyant student, and though reluctant, the three of them eventually venture into the home to move in to begin a paranormal investigation. But things go from bad to worse.
Review
I love this film, it's original, it's dark, it's gritty. It's a great British horror movie and there's a few twists and turns including a big one halfway through which I won't spoil for you. It has an horrific ending that follows it and is a great underrated film people need to see.
It's gory, atmospheric, it's aesthetic is Britain on a rainy day, all stony and gloomy. If you don't have this movie in your collection I urge you to get it you will not be disappointed at all.
Clive Barker is such a great author and films based on his novels are just fantastic. If you haven't seen this film you should.
Starring: Rider Strong, Noah Segan, Alexi Wasser, Rusty Kelly
Released: October 24th 2009 (Screamfest Horror Film Festival)
Concept
In this sequel to the bizarre gorefest the original was, this time the infection has spread rapidly. Taking place after the first Cabin Fever the disease has spread from the desolate woods into a small town via the water supply, a company has bottled the water and it is now distributed at the local high school.
It follows a roughly new set of characters aside from the creepy strange policeman from the first film (paarrty man). It contains the usual quirky guy trying to get the girl who's with the unflattering jock boyfriend and that obese friend who somehow manages to score with the popular girl.
It is a lot more claustrophobic specifically because it is in a school soon locked down by authorities, there's no running through trees from wild dogs and hermits this time, but it does have that style with it.
A strange headmistress, a janitor that does something unforgivable to the punch, jock boyfriend who is a complete... well. And a scene in which uses a prosthetic penis that made me threw up in my mouth. Amputation is involved and diseased breasts. Oh boy, you best not eat before watching this.
Review
I watched this film before I watched the original Cabin Fever. And let me tell you, in terms of making your stomach churn, this is worse. This film is so grotesque I wouldn't be surprised if you felt uncomfortable watching it throughout. The trailer itself might put you off.
However if you are a gore fanatic you will enjoy this crude, ridiculous film. It is in no way a bad film in my opinion but it is not the best. It has the same elements as before, aside from a different crew working on it and just two members of the original cast this film is a good ride for gore seekers.
I recommend this to anyone who likes the original, or the Human Centipede franchise, oh and zombies.
If you have any suggestions please feel free to comment below, i would also appreciate if you followed me and shared me. Take care fiends.
'I don't want to get sick. I don't want any of us getting sick!'
Directed by Eli Roth
Staring: Rider Strong, Jordan Ladd, Cerina Vincent, Arie Verveen
Released (Toronto International Film Festival): September 14th 2002
Budget: 1.5 million Box Office: 30.6 million
Concept
From a directing debut from Eli Roth you have to give him credit. This film took those early noughties slasher gore films such as Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Jeepers Creepers and those endless Scream sequels, and produced something original. A clash of Evil Dead atmosphere mixing with a little bit of Dawn of the Dead and turning it inside out. This film is right off the bat weird and doesn't take itself too seriously.
A group of highly sexual and wacky teens go to a cabin in the woods (cliche) and whilst there on holiday because of spring break weird things begin to happen to them. And they find themselves in an unwinnable situation with one another, each paranoid of the other.
To start off we have a child named Dennis, who sits outside his families store. Silent and emotionless he has a tendency to bite people and start using Kung Fu. A hermit that dies a horrible death by stupidity, a police cop who just wants to party is absolutely stupid, and a racist grandpa.
Yet with all these weird side characters there's a powerful psychological edge to this film that, like said before; doesn't take itself way too seriously. A flesh eating virus begins running rampant, and it's not long until everyone is freaking out and taking matters into their own hands for survival.
It delves into deeper and darker sides to the human psyche. Not wanting someone you care deeply enough dying but your own life may be at risk, and surely enough each character shows their true colours.
Review
Based off Eli Roth's own experience of getting a skin infection in Iceland, that inevitably gave him the strong inspiration for this commonly forgotten piece of film.
This film has it all, great horror. The scenery and atmosphere is down to a tea of isolation and paranoia. The gore is stomach churning (honestly people don't watch after food) and the psychology aspects make you wonder what you would do. A classic recipe for horror. It's got a lot of laughs drawn from it as well to temporarily distract you from the horrific situation our protagonists have found themselves in.
In my opinion you will be giving yourself a great disservice if you skip over this film. It is a tearaway from the typical early noughties films that were produced at the time.
I hope you are all sitting uncomfortably, because soon we will be diving into the infested rivers of... Cabin Fever 2!
