Found Footage 3D (2016)

After spending so much time lost in the classics, I figured it was time to return to the present for my next review. That film is the 2016 entry Found Footage 3D that I found on Shudder.

Plot/ A group of filmmakers sets out to make the first 3D found footage horror movie, but find themselves IN a found footage horror movie when the evil entity from their film escapes into their behind-the-scenes footage.

This is one that I had never heard of and knew nothing about going into it. Unfortunately, I wish that I had an idea of what was in store. I have to admit that I enjoyed it more than most found footage films, although it does (in an attempted non-serious way) fall into many of the same traps that plague the subgenre. The storyline and premise are interesting (albeit almost predictable), as the attempt to spoof the found footage genre is somewhat original. The characterizations, dialog, and some of the gore does make it a better watch than most. Unfortunately, the satire only goes so far before the movie falls into the same issues that they are making fun. While I am sure that was intentional, it could have subtly gone that route instead of falling headfirst back into them. Couple that with some uneven pacing and the unnecessary use of 3D and you have a movie that never quite reaches its full potential. In the end, the idea and set-up were there with this one; it just misses the mark and falls into the jumbled subgenre with many other found footage entries that suffer from the same flaws. Sure, it isn’t terrible, but it could have been something that was a much more memorable experience.

Witchboard (1986)

Today was a long day. Between one daughter at taking a walk back in time to the colonial era at FestiFall and another one at softball practice, it felt like I never sat down. When I did finally find time to relax, I decided to venture into the 1980s for my next flick, the 1986 classic Witchboard.

Plot/ At a party, a guest brings out an Ouija board, and they attempt to contact a spirit he knows. The spirit does appear, but it becomes apparent to the one who brought the Ouija board that this is an evil spirit that is impersonating his spirit.

This was one of my favorites back in the 1980s and I have seen it many times and it never fails to entertain. Yes, it does feel a touch dated when I watch it today, but that is only a minor flaw in the film. This one is great for the Halloween season and one that adds to the lore of the Ouija Board. The performances are solid, the soundtrack does a great job promoting the mood, the cinematography is outstanding, and the scripting and overall storyline is both entertaining and interesting. Sure, there are a few parts of the film that feels a little underdeveloped and the ending may feel a touch forced, but those areas do nothing to hurt the movie. In the end, this one is well worth watching and is a great example of what horror could be without the crazy gore that was quite popular during the decade. If you have not seen it, check it out on Shudder, you too should enjoy it.

The Appearing (2014)

What a day. It started with softball practice early in the morning, followed by a short nap, and finally some relaxation after submitting writing samples for a potential screenwriting critique. Hopefully, I am selected; it would be a tremendous opportunity. Now, in relaxation mode, I decided to check out another movie from 2014, The Appearing.

Plot/ A woman once possessed by a mysterious entity uncovers a shocking secret about her past and must face the demon that dwells inside of her.

One of the hardest genres to break into with a low-budget indie flick are ones that are centered on possession. In this case, there is truly nothing to differentiate it from any of the other middle of the pack entries in this arena. In fact, there is nothing new in it and it has a very cliché feel. The acting is stiff, the chemistry is lacking, and the storyline may be too simple and predictable. Yes, there were some decent effect driven moments for the low budget realm, but there is truly nothing to separate it from many other films. In the end, this was a simple film that offers very little for the devout horror fan. It may not be the worse in the genre, but it is far from the best.

Fangoria Presents: Entity (2012)

Earlier today, I decided to head to the Family Video to pick up some movies for the weekend. Upon my departure, I was given a mandate to focus on supernatural horror, as the life-like horror I have picked up recently has struck a nerve in the house. While walking around, I stumbled upon a couple interesting flicks, one being Entity from Fangoria Presents.

Plot/ In 1998, thirty four unidentified bodies were found in shallow graves in a remote Siberian forest. After subsequent investigations, no official explanation by the Russian authorities was ever offered about the circumstances of the deaths. The case was closed. In 2010, a small TV crew set out for the Siberian forest Nothing was heard from them again.

After the opening sequence, I expect a lot more. Now, do not take that wrong, this is not a terrible flick, I had just wanted more. While this is not totally a found-footage flick, it does have those elements at times, and they are actually used in the right manner. This is an interesting story, and one that seemed a lot more layered than some films in the same vein. The acting was solid, the scenery and scripting worked and the cinematography was well done. Unfortunately, the audio quality of the copy I watched was very sub par, which made it difficult to hear at times, there are some typical stereotypes in play, and the movie lacked an abundance of scares. In the end, this will be a polarizing flick for many. Yes, this movie may lack gore and over the top violence, but it is an interesting take on a psychic driven supernatural flick and one that is worth watching.