What did you think of this film?

Showing posts with label horror. Show all posts
Showing posts with label horror. Show all posts

Thursday, 1 December 2016

Cube (1997)

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'Why are they throwing innocent people in here, are we being punished?!'


Directed by Vincenzo Natali

Starring: Nicole De Boer, Nicky Gaudagni, David Hewlett, Andrew Miller

Budget: $350,000         Box Office: $565,000


Wednesday, 17 August 2016

The Dark (2005)

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'She has found a way to return from death... but something came back with her'.






Directed by John Fawcett

Starring Sean Bean, Mario Bello, Richard Elfyn, Abigail Stone

Released May 2005

Concept



Sarah lives with her father James, her mother Adelle comes to visit in order to bond with her. One day, they go walking by the cliffs. A strange memorial with a carving of the word 'Annwyn' stands there. They are then told that 'Annwyn' is a kind of afterlife in welsh mythology, according to a local named Dafydd. 

Sarah then goes missing, her mother and father distraught, launch a search believing she must have fallen off the cliff-face into the sea. She is presumed dead until one night, when Adelle notices a young girl outside of her window who she then follows. The girl looks a lot like Sarah.

The young girl is believed to be Ebrill, a young girl who died fifty years ago. The daughter of both a Shepard and pastor she died very young due to illness. She was then sent to Annwyn by her father, who gave her to the ocean.

 Saddened and overcome by her death, he believed he could bring her back. He convinced his neighbours to commit suicide by leaping off the cliff, in return for Ebrill. Daffyd was a young boy, and watched both his parents leap to their deaths. Ebrill returned, but brought back a dreadful evil...

Review

Wow talk about atmospheric, this movie has it. It truly lives up to its name 'the dark'. The film starts off with sunshine and laughter but as it goes on the film grows darker and more enclosed and claustrophobic, until daytime itself looks bleak. 

Based on the 1994 novel Sheep by Simon Maginn, the book is drastically different from the movie. So I would recommend checking the book out as well. The film was panned on Rotten Tomatoes but don't take anyone's word for it go check it out. I thought it was an enjoyable film not too far from Silent Hill or Poltergeist even considering it is based on an afterlife/ otherworldly phenomenon. 

This film went straight to DVD but in April 2007, which is an incredibly long time. This film is the first to ever mention the concept of Annwyn, from Christian-Celtic mythology. 

The story is not perfect, Sean Bean cannot catch a break in horror flicks because his daughters keep going missing because of their mothers, it flopped opening weekend but it is a great unknown film with amazing suspense check it out. Tell me what you think in the comments below. 






















Thursday, 11 August 2016

A Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

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'There were seances. People not only made contact with the dead...but they made things appear'. 





Directed by Peter Cornwell

Starring: Virginia Madson, Kyle Gallner, Martin Donovan, Amanda Crew

Released: 27th March 2009

Budget: 10M        Box Office: 77.5M


Wednesday, 3 August 2016

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'.



















Directed by Rigoberto Castaneda 

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

Released: May 29th 2008

Box Office: $300,000



Tuesday, 5 July 2016

Cockney's vs Zombies (2012)

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'Shut up you soppy tart. Those are Zombies!'.





Directed by Matthias Hoene

Starring: Harry Treadaway, Michelle Ryan, Georgia King, Rasmus Hardiker

Released: August 23rd 2012 

Budget: 2.25M           Box Office: £110,000

Concept


The outbreak in this British horror comedy begins when two construction workers come across a tomb from the Seventeenth century, hoping to find treasure instead they find Zombies...

Elsewhere a group of misfits attempt a robbery of a bank, Terry and Andy McGuire; the two clumsy brothers trying to save their grandfathers Ray's retirement home from demolition. Helping them out is their badass cousin Katy, a clumsy idiot friend named Davey and Mental Mickey, a war vet who is mentally unstable. 

Upon escaping the bank, 2.5M on them they discover that London has been overrun by the dead! And now must save the elderly in the retirement home and escape the hordes of dead cannibals. But it is not as easy as they think...

Review

It's of no mistake, this film was a major flop. Which is a shame really I find it to be a funny and remembered film. It does share its similarities to another British comedy horror about zombies... such as the protagonists are clumsy lunatics and they are trying to save person X and get them to destination Y and wait for all this to blow over.

I personally found this film funnier than Shaun of the Dead, because that film to me is not funny. However Cockney's vs Zombies did make me laugh quite a few times. The only thing missing was quotable lines and it could be stuck in my brain constantly.

This is a must see film is you love zombie movies and comedy. Basically if you liked S.O.T.D. you'll certainly like this one. It's a good laugh and it's a shame this film doesn't get the attention it deserves, definitely an underrated film and certainly classed as a Horror Hidden Gem. 



























Sunday, 3 July 2016

Book of Blood (2009)

'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.









Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Tormented (2009)


'It started out as...a joke'.



Directed by Jon Wright

Starring: Alex Pettyfur, Calvin Dean, Tom Hopper, April Pearson

Released: 22 May 2009

Budget: £700,000          Box Office: £280,000


Concept  



This BBC film that obviously bombed is a classic take on the revenge slasher. This time the premise is a social look at bullying, suicide and teenage social pressures. It is about an unpopular, overweight pupil named Darren Mullet, who by the time this film begins as already taken his own life.

He took his own life due to the extreme bullying he recieved from a certain group of people as well as the attitude and social neglect of the other students. And now he's come back back from the dead to take them out. One by one. 

This is an incredibly sad tale and as a slasher you really are on his side despite him barely speaking let alone not much screen time throughout. Each murder seems like a victory and it drives you as you hope he completes his conquest and receives the results of his bloodcurdling campaign.

Review

This film coincidentally came out on my 14th birthday, and at that time in my life I really identified with Mullet. This film is not a perfect film granted, but it's a fun film to watch if you want a cheap laugh, gory kills and a heart rendering side to it as well. It might take yourself back to a time where exploring sexuality, parties and other activities where your thing, or keeping your head down in the corridors. 

If you love slasher movies or quirky Brit films or anything to do with what this film is giving you I urge you to check it out. Watch it just the once and you will be amazed at this sad black comedy horror film. (Phew that was a mouthful).









Wednesday, 25 May 2016

The Host (2006)

The Host (2006)


'You are dimwits, Right to the end. I'll see you in Hell'.


Directed byBong Joon-ho


StarringSong Kang-ho
Byun Hee-bong
Park Hae-il
Bae Doona
Go Ah-sung


Running time
119 minutes
CountrySouth Korea

Concept



In this South Korean monster film a clumsy young father who sells food to tourists finds himself in a parents unimaginable nightmare when a creature climbs out of the local river and kidnaps his young daughter after a menacing killing spree. Having had 200 bottles of Formaldehyde dumped into the river years prior. There were strange sightings and rumours and even a suicide linked to the myth. Now along with his grandfather, graduate alcoholic brother and professional archer sis they must track down this creature and rescue their young family member. With quite a mix of comedy and tragedy this amazing film brings into it some psychological elements as well.



ReviewThis is likely to be my most favourite Asian horror film. It can give you a good laugh and make you feel sad the next. The camera angles in this partiular film are just amazing especially when the monster is first shown on screen. The CGI doesn't look fantastic but it can be forgiven for a great plot you can't help but finish. An absolute must-see 8/10. Once again there is a lonk for this DVD down below.


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Host-2--DISC-DVD/dp/B000KRNMVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1464206484&sr=8-1&keywords=the+host+2006


Monday, 23 May 2016

Ghost Train (1941)

Ghost Train (1941)

'They know no train runs on these lines past 10 O' clock. Only one thing can come from looking at the ghost train- death!'



Directed byWalter Forde

Written byMarriott Edgar (dialogue)
Val Guest (dialogue)
J.O.C. Orton (writer)
Based onplay The Ghost Train
by Arnold Ridley
StarringArthur Askey
Richard Murdoch


Release dates
  • 3 May 1941 (UK)
Running time
85 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom



Concept

In this fantastically thrilling black comedy a group of passengers on a train are trying to get to Truro. Unknown to each other they all find themselves in a similar situation where they miss the last train and are then forced to stay at the station during a heavy storm. They are told the legend of the ghost train by the reluctant stationmaster. He tells of the old tale where Forty-Three years prior a man named Ted Holmes died of a heart attack before he could close the bridge, plunging it into the river. They then spend the night together trying to get to morning without little incidence.

Review

This black comedy is pure hilarity with a good few spooks thrown in. Certainly a film for horror novices, there are so many elements that make this a brilliant film. The characters are unique and perfect, everyone has a role to play. There is a lot of suspense of the  ghost train itself that cuts into your mind and frightens you as the film climaxes. There are plenty of twists in this flick to keep you guessing and great spooky add ons. From the thunder and lightening, to a suspicious death, a young delusional woman, the apparent mad man thrown clear of the train itself and even Nazism. You should watch this film the comedy is cut finely and will make you chuckle at least once, the suspense is curdling and the plot never bores. Even when it seems the set is moving it keeps you locked in its gripI give it a great 10/10.

Here is a description for where you can pick up this clumsy masterpiece.




Thursday, 19 May 2016

Dead Silence (2007)

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Dead Silence (2007)


'Families found...without their tongues'.



Directed by  James Wan

Starring: Ryan Kwanten, Amber Valletta, Donnie Wahlberg. Michael Fairman 

Released: March 16th 2007


Concept

Jamie Ashen is thrown into his own personal hell from the very start when a mysterious package arrives. When he and his girlfriend open it they find a very creepy doll. There is no clue as to where it cam from except a small card that states 'my name is Billy'. James runs out for some food and when he returns his love is found murdered without her tongue.

  Convinced the doll did it somehow he then proceeds to go visit his estranged father and discovers a terrible secret. A terrible secret the townsfolk have kept for many many years. 

 Being the prime suspect hot on his trails is a detective who is certain Jamie is the murderer and is using Billy as a scapegoat. Can Jamie solve the mystery and somehow prove to police that Billy did it? An excellently tense and creepy film. There is not much I can say without spoiling the ending. Go watch it...now!



Review

I love this underrated film. It didn't score well on sites such as Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic but forget what the critics say listen to what a fan says; this film is awesome. It's got great atmosphere with it as well as a compelling story with highly tense scenes and a thought out backstory.

It has an amazing twist ending.  Don't spoil the ending for anyone who hasn't seen it please. From the creators of the SAW franchise I beg you to seek this out and please watch it at least just the once. 

I watched this film in my teen years when friends came round for the night, we'd sit in the dark watching films and this has a great nostalgic feeling for me. if you get the opportunity to see this film I highly recommend watching it...now!


















Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Would You Rather (2012)

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Would You Rather 

'There'll be other people there...people who just haven't received...a fair shake in life'

Directed by David Guy Levy

Starring: Brittany Snow, Sasha Grey, Jeffrey Combs,  John Heard

Released: October 14th 2012




Creep (2004)

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Creep (2014)

'Excuse me can you help me? I fell asleep on the platform...'



Image result for creep 2004 film










Directed by Christopher Smith

Starring: Franka Potente, Ken Campbell, Vas Blackwood, Jeremy Sheffield

Released: 10th August 2004

Box Office: 1.7M

Thursday, 12 May 2016

Silent Hill (2006)

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Silent Hill (2006)

'The fire doesn't cleanse it blackens.'




Directed by Christophe Gans

Starring: Radha Mitchell, Sean Bean, Laurie Holden, Kim Coates

Released: April 21st 2006 (Canada)