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Torment
Oct 8, 2013 18:32:08 GMT -5
Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 8, 2013 18:32:08 GMT -5
Plot:Newlyweds Cory and Sarah Morgan take Cory's 7-year old son Liam up to the country for some much needed family time. When it appears as if Liam has run away, psychological suspense becomes straight-out horror, as Sarah and Cory must now confront a sadistic cult-like family who have been hiding in the house all along and have taken Liam for themselves. Cast: Peter DaCunha Katharine Isabelle Stephen McHattie Director:Jordan Barker Trailer: horrormoviesandstuff.com/Barkers-Torment-is-here-to-Terrify-you.htmlRelease Date:2014
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 5, 2013 17:40:55 GMT -5
Plot:MaryBeth searches for the true secret to ending the voodoo curse that has left Crowley's ghost terrorizing Honey Island Swamp for decades.
Cast: Danielle Harris Cody Blue Snider Zach Galligan Kane Hodder Rileah Vanderbilt Derek Mears Diane Goldner Caroline Williams Sean Whale
My Thoughts:Should be THE END. Review:"Hatchet 3" is the third entry into the indie-slasher franchise, that began with "Hatchet" (2006). Since then, there's been "Hatchet 2". The first sequel, and now the sequel to that sequel..."Hatchet 3". Is the third time a charm? Well, not really. Mostly because the second time was more of a charm. So in this series' case, the third time is kind of retreading the same old formula, established by this series already. Which is a bunch of people getting torn to pieces in the Honey Island swamp by deformed "repeater"....Victor Crowley. In this latest chapter, Marybeth (Harris) escapes Crowley's grasp once again, after displaying some fancy chainsaw work. From there, she makes it all the way to the local police station. Covered in blood, carrying a gun, and a piece of Crowley's scalp...she's quickly taken into custody by the authorities. She lays the story on them, but of course they don't believe one word of it. And they believe instead, SHE...committed the murders. Meanwhile, a clean up crew is dispatched to the aforementioned swamp to clean up the deceased left strewn about in the previous movie. Ala Victor Crowley. Crowley of course is still alive, so even though our "crew" manages to bag and tag the big lug, he quickly escapes his would-be confines, and picks up where he left off. New players, but...same old game. This, as Marybeth is propositioned by a local reporter (Williams), who has studied Victor Crowley. And thinks she might know the key to shutting him down once and for all. Since the sheriff (Galligan) has already headed to the Swamp to aid in the cleanup, his deputy is left to get talked into a crazy scheme where Marybeth, himself, and the reporter chick obtain an important item. To bring to the swamp, and use to stop Crowley once - and - for all. "Hatchet 3", even though it's the third movie in the series, feels like a true "cap off" to things. And after seeing the movie, I truly hope that it is. The picture establishes itself as the weakest entry into the franchise for one reason. The fun element, is all gone. It's been used up. A lot of these characters seem to put it bluntly..."too old for this sh**." I'd call this film, "Hatchet Grown Up". Because everyone in this movie wants to be a "take charge adult". When it comes to stopping Crowley, yet they make the same "horror movie adult mistakes". When it comes to confronting Victor. For example, none of these people seem to understand that Crowley is indeed..."out there". Even after seeing body parts, blood, and guts strolled all over the swamp. They seem to move through the swamp, as if they're on some sort of search and rescue mission. Up against Drug Lords or Human Criminals. Not an undead, hulking-ghost-zombie-serial-killer. And by the time they do actually..."get it". For example, figuring out that bullets won't stop Victor Crowley...he's already sunk one of his hands deep into their gullet so it's already too late. The film does a good job of setting up Marybeth and her new reporter friend, as the only ones who truly know what they're up against. So you can already see early on how this movie will turn out. Many, many people will die. Leaving Marybeth and maybe a couple survivors to save the day. Or at least...die trying. Problem is, we've seen this formula before. In "Hatchet 2". An expedition of folks armed to the teeth, hitting Honey Island to take on Crowley. Only to be dispatched in violent, brutal ways. Only in part 2, it was just a lot more fun to watch since the characters were better developed. This time around, outside of Galligan's Sheriff character, and the returning Parry Shen, who adds comedy relief to the mix...again. Most of these characters are swamp food. Popsicle sticks for Crowley to snap, crackle, crush, dismember, and pop - at will. Luckily, the film has Danielle Harris and Caroline Williams. Two veteran horror actresses - as its pair of female leads. So their banter between one another, and overall performance in the movie manages to carry it along modestly until the very end. The film isn't a total flame out, but the formula needed some tweaking beyond a retread of the massacre that occured in part 2. Add to that, the kills begin to mesh with one another as the film goes on. Crowley starts out with some original material early on. As he begins to dispatch of his would-be-dispatchers. But by act three, he's just pulling limbs off and ripping bodies apart. Stuff we've seen already many, many times before. When the film finally does reach the moment where it's "do or die"...in stopping Victor Crowley's rampage once and for all. The expected suspense, and drama just isn't there. Matter of fact, it felt kind of botched. I think it's safe to say, this movie was also missing Reverend Zombie (Tony Todd)...very much as well. His "ambiguity"...as a character. Was sorely lacking and missing in "Hatchet 3". You never could tell whos side he was on. Yet his attitude was a perfect foil for a sort of quasi-antagonist to the films main antagonist, Victor Crowley. "Hatchet 3" will hopefully finish the franchise for good. It certainly felt like 'the finale", or "the end" to the story, and the legend of Victor Crowley. Lets just hope the filmmakers keep it that way. Honestly, I don't see how a "Hatchet 4" occurs, without some MAJOR...revamping of just about everything this franchise has come to be known for. THE GOOD:Harris and Williams give strong performances, and share the female lead spotlight nicely. Galligan starts off strong as the honory local sheriff. But kind of flames out by the end. THE BAD:Things are actually made TOO easy for Victor this time around. None of these people prove to be a match for him. Physically, or mentally. Also Parry Shen returning as a whole new character? Should've made him the "second brother" to Justin or something. The kills lacked impact this time around also. Not as good as previous entries. OVERALL:Two stars out of four.
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 5, 2013 15:57:39 GMT -5
Plot:Nica is grieving over the gruesome suicide of her mother when her domineering older sister Barb arrives with her young family in tow to help settle their mother’s affairs. As the sisters butt heads over Nica’s plans for the future, Barb’s young daughter comforts herself with a grinning, red-haired talking doll named Chucky that recently arrived mysteriously in the mail. But as a string of brutal murders begins to terrorize the household, Nica suspects the doll may hold the key to the bloodshed. What she doesn’t know is that Chucky has a personal score to settle. He’s determined to finish a job he started more than 20 years earlier, and this time he’s going to see it through to the bloody and shocking end.
Cast: Fiona Dourif Danielle Bisutti Brad Dourif Maitland McConnell Chantal Quesnelle Summer H. Howell A. Martinez Brennan Elliott
My Thoughts:Not Bad. But not Great either. Review:Chucky...everyone's favorite killer doll, took a bit of a sabbatical after his previous adventure. 2005's "Seed Of Chucky". After a nearly-decade absence, he returns in Don Mancini's "Curse Of Chucky". The film makes no mention of "Seed Of Chucky", and for most people I guess that would be a good thing. That particular installment wasn't very well-liked by most genre fans. I personally thought it was ok though. "Curse"s story begins with a wheelchair-bound girl named Nica. Who lives in a gothic mansion with her sickly mother Sarah. One day, a package arrives to them. The dimensions of the package, make it obvious "who" and "what" it is. The following night, Nica here's a scream. And it turns out her mom has been murdered. Nica doesn't know what happened, and suspects it was suicide. Of course, now that this new "doll" has arrived, we all know better. Nica's family arrives to take care of things, in the form of her older Sister Barb, and Nica's Niece Alice. In tow with them, is Barb's husband and Jill the Nanny. Their arrival of course means a higher body count for Chucky, but what does he want now? And why did he target "this" particular family? "Curse Of Chucky" is the template for what one would expect a low-budget Chucky movie to be. And if that scares you, it shouldn't. I know, I know. We all remember what a low-budget "Hellraiser" movie was like. And most of us wanna forget. And some of us have blocked out those horrific memories mentally. But "Curse Of Chucky", despite being Chucky's "DVD debut"...still carries the horror-inspired-charm, cutting-black-humor, and twisted-tone of the previous films. Chucky this time around is a lot less active on camera early on. Instead, the films suggests or implies, most of his kills in the picture's early moments. Saving his walking, talking, chasing, and stabbing moments....for the strong and entertaining final act of the movie. (More on that later). The flick's beginning and middle relies more on character development. Which is quite decent for a picture that is film number "6". In a series centered on a killer doll. Fiona Dourif plays Nica, the strong yet tortured (and now motherless), younger sister. To the more high-maintenance, and snakey, older sister Barb. Played by Danielle Bisutti (Insidious:Chapter 2). Barb wants Nica to use this opportunity to sell the house and move in with them. Nica however, is dead set against the idea. This conflict and the interactions is creates, keeps the movies characters interesting throughout. Barb also has some "secrets" of her own. Which eventually come out in the wash much later on. One thing that doesn't change in "Curse Of Chucky" though, is Chucky being the catalyst for all the action. He is still the proverbial puppet-master. Barb's young daughter Alice falls in love with Chucky of course, being a kid and all. And he uses this opportunity to move around behind the scenes. Getting all of the major players in position so he can slice and dice his way through them. And if you are at the point now where you only watch these movies for the kills, then you'll be disappointed this time around. The deaths are standard. Nothing spectacularly creative. They're effective though. Especially during the final act, that's set to the backdrop of a stormy night. But "Curse" does not come near the creativity that "Bride" and "Seed" displayed with their death scenes. As for Chucky's look. It's slightly different this time around, but there's a small twist near the finale that puts forth a good reason for this. Where "Curse Of Chucky" does wrong somewhat however, is trying too hard at an effort for continuity. The film decides to make mention of Chucky's past victims, which is fine. But it then tries to tie in the pictures initial kill, and Chucky's current motives for his latest killing spree...all the way back to the original "Child's Play"! To make matters worse, someone from Chucky's past (or present depending on if you're keeping score or not)...shows up very late in the movie to wrap things up in one bloody little package. This just makes for a cramped and over-stuffed finish. Something simpler and less contrived would've sufficed. But even in that regard, the movie still manages to keep with the twisted dark humor, and campy murder scenes. That have carried this franchise beyond "Child's Play 3". Times 3. All the way right up to its final scene. Which is not only bizzare, but also strange as well. In reference to its final scene...it sets up the franchise for possibly another entry. While at the same time, playing up the "gender confusion" issues, laid out in the previous movie almost 9 years ago. THE GOOD:Bisutti and the Dourif's (Brad and Fiona)...all give great performances. Bisutti tows the line with the Barb character. She can be hateable? But also likeable as well. She's snakey like I said, but not evil or malicious in that regard. More of an anti-heroine - quasi-heroine character. Fiona Dourif rises to the occasion as Nica, and Brad as usual...slips back into the role of Chucky with a demented ease. The films conclusion is classic Universal Monster Movie stuff setting wise. Always a plus. THE BAD:The movies finale tries to pull itself in too many directions. It covers too much of Chucky's past, and tries to make unecessary connections to previous films. The kills lacked that "dark creativity" this franchise has come to be known for as well. The movies final scene I think puts the writers in a tight box for what could possibly be another sequel. OVERALL:Three stars out of four.
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 5, 2013 1:54:01 GMT -5
Plot:Follows a team of professional ghost hunters who find themselves trapped in an old village hall. When the haunting they set out to investigate turns out to be far worse than anything they could have anticipated, the question remains: Who will survive and what will be left of their souls when they encounter the chilling Judas Ghost?
Cast: Martin Delaney Lucy Cudden Simon Merrells Alexander Perkins Grahame Fox
Director:Simon Pearce
Release Date:2014
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 5, 2013 1:51:04 GMT -5
Plot:Seven strangers find themselves trapped inside an abandoned hospital after an unexplainable apocalyptic event. In addition to being haunted by what they've lost, the strangers must also fight off mysterious creatures that hunt them down one by one.
Cast: Edward Furlong Jeff Fahey Yvonne Zima Ed Quinn Tahyna Tozzi Molly Hagan Seth David Mitchell
Director:Andrew Hyatt
Release Date:2014
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 5, 2013 1:32:58 GMT -5
Plot:After the death of his wife, a grieving man becomes the victim of a horrific experiment to cure his addiction.
Cast: Brad Dourif Gary Cairns Nick Nicotera Sienna Farall
Director:Brian Avenet-Bradley
Release Date:2014
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 3, 2013 17:51:06 GMT -5
Plot:When a grad student meets her boyfriend's family for the first time - she soon must rely on her past as the daughter of survivalists to save the day -- when a gang of masked murderers threaten to kill them all.
Cast: James Ransome Ti West Barbara Crampton Rob Moran Sharni Vinson Nick Tucci Wendy Glenn AJ Bowen Joe Swanberg Margaret Laney Amy Seimetz Calvin Reeder Larry Fessenden Kate Lyn SheilMy Thoughts:One Bloody Soap Opera! Review:"You're Next" is a slasher/thriller from filmmaker Adam Wingard. That focuses on a couple Crispian (Bowen), and Erin (Vinson). One day, they decide to go up to visit Cirspian's family, so they can be properly introduced to Erin. Things start off smoothly enough, but during dinner...the family enters into a table-side argument with one another. The verbal-exchange is soon interrupted when a cross-bow-arrow comes crashing through the window, and fatally impales a member of the family. At that point, the evening quickly morphs into a fight for survival, which ties back the films gruesome opening sequence. "You're Next" to this horror flick watcher, originally looked like a twist on "The Strangers" (2009). Another genre flick that featured masked intruders, terrorizing a group of innocents. In that films case, a young couple. Similar to this film, except the boyfriend's family is in the house as well. "You're Next" doesn't display as much suspense as "The Strangers". Nor does it set up the scares and terror as well. But one thing that "You're Next" does better, is carry more of a force-felt impact once the killers show up. They don't step into the thick of things quietly, like our trio in "The Strangers" did. They kind of "crash" this party, literally. This works in the films favor, but also sets up a plot twist that comes later on. The movies early moments are spent really making our main protogs, look like sitting ducks. As a seemingly endless array of arrows come flying into the house, and take out family member, after family member. And those who aren't immediately killed, are badly wounded. And really are easy prey for our masked-assailants once they enter the house. Not before one confusing-yet-gory sequence though, where a character decides to try and "outrun" the incoming projectiles. In an attempt to escape and get help. The family does have one source of hope though. Seems Crispian's "girl", Erin. Has some survivalist background in her. So she decides to take the fight to the mad killers. Who sport animal masks such as "FOX" and "WOLF", and the like. While our villains make an attempt early in the movie, to eliminate the whole family in one fell-swoop. Our heroine played by Sharni Vinson, decides to eliminate "them"...one by one. And does pretty well for herself throughout the movie. The character is kept grounded in the process though. No fancy Kung-Fu, or Matrix Spin Moves here. Erin uses just her wits, some luck, and anything (ANYTHING...LITERALLY)...she can get her hands on that is viable as a weapon or harm or severe injury or bludgeoning. This makes her more than a match for the masked invaders. The picture hits somewhat of a snag though when some dirty laundry is revealed about the remaining living - players. Those who were not taken out by the cross-bow-birage. These revelations act as the movies so-called twists. I didn't see them coming, well...sort of. I assumed one half of the big plot twist prior to it being revealed. But there was one half they managed to keep me in the dark about, until they decided to let it be known. But the twist had no impact on me as a viewer, nor the film. And this is the movies weakness right here in a nutshell. The "twist" is soap-opera'ish, but at the same time. It fits the mold of the characters in question, and their lifestyles. That being said, it's too obvious, too flat, and too expected and predictable. Not in the sense of it being revealed too early. But the twist is exactly what you'd expect from "these sorts of folks". Behavior wise I mean. That's why it doesn't work. The twist is more suited for one of these action/thrillers with a hot young cast, that involves drugs, girls, and nightclubs. It doesn't quite fit what is supposed to be a gritty, indie, horror flick. It doesn't kill the whole movie, but I personally felt the shady motives deal could've been tweaked to be something far superior to what we got. Still, "You're Next" is worth seeing at least once. It attempts to bring back the genre away from its current doldrums of remakes, zombies, and more remakes. In that regard, as well as the strong performance of its female lead. Who makes for a well-grounded, and fun-to-root-for heroine...it's a good watch! THE GOOD:Sharni Vinson gives a terrific performance as Erin. She slowly rises to the occasion at what's happening. But by the middle of the movie, fully comes into her own as the antidote to the masked-killers and their blood-lust-driven disease. The kills are nothing fancy, and are in line with other home invasion horror pics of the past like "The Strangers" and "Last House On The Left". A perfect fit for this sort of movie. The scene where the arrows start to fly was an intense 15 minutes or so. THE BAD:When all is revealed about some of the folks involved in all of this, it feels too soap-opera'ish to be taken seriously. The final character twist, to me? Felt forced, but had a slight hint of clever to it too. Still a bit shaky on that aspect of the movie. OVERALL:Three stars out of four.
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 3, 2013 12:19:48 GMT -5
Plot:An FBI agent with time-bending powers must fight sinister forces from the future to save her loved ones from being erased from existence. Cast: Alesandra Durham Joel Bishop Terence Goodman Ian Paul Freeth Chris Laird Anne Sward K. Danor Gerald Alan Peterson Alix Maria Taulbee Christopher Robin Miller Director:Thomas Gomez Durham Trailer: Release Date:2014
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Oct 1, 2013 15:56:08 GMT -5
Plot:The haunted Lambert family seeks to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world.
Cast: Lin Shaye Patrick Wilson Rose Byrne Ty Simpkins Barbara HersheyMy Thoughts:Not scary...but interesting. Review:"Insidious:Chapter 2"...is James Wan's follow-up shocker to his 2011 supernatural-shocker, "Insidious". Where a family with a terrifying connection to the spirit planes, are tormented by evil entities who lurk in a place called "The Further". The sequel returns Wan, along with other familiar faces. Such as Patrick Wilson as Josh Lambert, Rose Byrne as Renai Lambert, Ty Simpkins as Dalton Lambert, and Barbara Hershey as Lorraine Lambert. On the other side of things, Lin Shaye is back as Elise (sort of), and Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson are back as Specs and Tucker respectively. This time around, not much has changed. Josh is still reeling from the events of the first film. He definitely is not "himself". His wife Renai is trying to keep the homestead together after the events of the first movie. And his son Dalton is trying to lead a normal life as a kid. Of course, that can't and won't happen, because this is like, ya know...part and s*** so, yeah. Our otherwordly friends are not done just yet with the Lambert family. Josh in particular plays a major role in all of this. Since the focal point of the movie is his childhood, and a mysterious secret from it. That ties into what's happening now. The family is still being hindered by entities like I said. This time, coming in the form of a creepy bride to be or...deceased bride to be in this case. She has a connection to Josh, and toys with his head throughout the film. But she also targets Renai as well. Mostly because of the baby. Who this evil woman has her sights set on. In movies like this, the nether-realm-spooks, ALWAYS....want the baby. But the sequel offers up a whole new direction than just cheap scares, and packing in a bunch of new characters just to attain a high body count. That's what most sequels do. In a movie like "Insidious:Chapter 2". You'd expect new characters such as an annoying news-reporter. Who wants the TMZ'esque exclusive on the Lambert family. Dragging their names through the tabloid mill all the while, she is trying to uncover their deep, dark, secret. Or a nosy neighbor who is dangerously obsessed with the paranormal. But no, this movie casts a very tight net. Bringing in just 2 new characters into the game. And the returnees from part one (living and dead)...do their jobs well in "furthering" (no pun intended)...the story here. Josh's Mom Lorraine (Hershey), comes more into plays this time as a mover and shaker. She hooks up with Specs, Tucker, and their new friend Carl, who is kind of like a replacement for Elise in this movie. To find out who is after her son and his family, 'this time'. Carl uses "dice"...(which look more like kids toy letter blocks)...to communicate with the other side. But these communications are actually the films somewhat, downfall. When Carl first receives a lead from Elise, on the dangerous entity stalking the Lambert's...it almost seems "too easy". A trained viewer, or avid watcher of horror movies, will nail this "twist" from the moment it is set in motion. Although it is fun to watch Specs and the gang trapsing around an abandoned, old, creepy hospital. Which is one of the many places this lead takes them. "Insidious:Chapter 2" doesn't reach the levels of creepiness and terror that the first movie did. "Insidious" had better pacing, and better set-up's for the scary moments. The sequel seems to throw them at the wall whenever monotony kicks in. And whenever that happens, we'll see the ghostly bride appear and then vanish real quick. Gets annoying after awhile. And mostly because the ghostly bride is actually sort of wasted in the movie. As a villainess, she IS creepy. All the way down to her wicked-witch-of-the-west'ish voice. But I don't think she's given enough to do in the movie. Besides pop out at people in a BOO moment. Or deliver the occasional "bi**h-slap." To one of ehr targets. "Insidious" does deliver a better finale than the first picture did. That was one of "Insidious"es weaknesses in my opinion. The finish seemed rushed. This time around, they do a betetr job of slowing down the pace, and filling out time with pivotal plot reveals, and details about what's really going on with Josh. That is followed up by a fantastic...AND I DO MEAN FANTASTIC, ending. The last scene in particular, that sets up a third movie quite nicely. Still, I wanted to learn more in this movie about the place known as "The Further". It's not explained in this movie beyond being a place of endless darkness where wayward spirits seem to just hang around. One small "new" detail is revealed about the place via the character of Elise. But I still think part 3 needs to expand on "The Further", its mythology, origins, etc. And also who (or what) else - resides there. We do learn one thing about it though. Apparently, you can find your way around the place using a simple camping lantern. Damned if I know how that works. But well, "the magic of movies". "Insidious:Chapter 2" is a good sequel, that will satisfy fans of paranormal horror, but I am not sure if it will satisfy fans of the first movie in bulk. It felt somewhat flat compared to the terrifying moments of part 1. The storytelling and continuation was on point though. And Specs and Tucker had bigger roles, so...I can't gripe too much I guess. THE GOOD:Great storytelling, and sticking with the foundation laid out by the first movie. The writers/filmmakers didn't go overboard with packing the sequel full of unecessary new characters, and subplots. Lin Shaye was great as Elise, and Leigh and Sampson were good as Specs and Tucker "back for more". "The Bride" was a great villainess and extremely creepy. Still, I wish more of her "abilities" had been put on display. THE BAD:I thought some of the terror brought to the screen by "Insidious" was lost in part 2. Which didn't pack as much "scare-pact" as part 1 did. But most sequels barely reach the potential of their firsts, so...nothing new in that aspect really. OVERALL:Three stars out of four.
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Post by Mr.HoRrOr on Sept 27, 2013 14:12:48 GMT -5
Plot:N/A
Cast:N/A
Director:N/A
Release Date:2014
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