Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)

It has been a slow evening as I mentally prepare myself for the Halloween parade tomorrow and with that, I decided to finally venture into Riverdale. Before I got to that point tonight, I decided to watch the 1956 sci-fi/horror classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Plot/ A small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates.

There many great sci-fi movies from the 1950s, most of which built on the paranoia of the era and created horrific narratives that resonated with the population of the day. In many ways, it is those elements that allow this somewhat simple storyline to develop into something much darker and memorable. This movie is a tremendous watch featuring solid performances, a claustrophobic dark atmosphere, perfect pacing, and a soundtrack that allowed everything to build a tense mood. Of course, the realism of the aliens being human added a depth that was often misplaced by the creatures in the rubber suits that made up the majority of the sci-fi films of the era. Yes, there may be some plot holes and littered inside the storyline and some of the effects may not totally hold up across the decades, but those are but small flaws in this classic film. In the end, while others have attempted to recreate this movie in different eras and still this version is by far the best. If fact, in many ways it is arguably the best sci-fi flick of the 1950s and a movie that must be seen.

The Thing (1982)

After treating myself to a musical with Sweeney Todd, I decided that I needed something with a little more realism and some horrific splatter scenes and gore. I finally settled on the 1982 John Carpenter classic, The Thing.

Plot/ A research facility in Antarctica comes across an alien force that can become anything it touches with 100% accuracy. The members must now find out who is human and who is not before it is too late.

I remember when this one came out because it was a fascinating watch. Having just seen ET and feeling bored, this one was what I expected in an alien flick. Looking back at it now, I appreciate it even more because of the effects. The practical effects in this movie are some of the best and definitely run laps around the majority of CGI crap that hits the screen today. Even better, everything holds up well even after all these years. The atmosphere is dark, heavy, and toxic, the cast and performances are solid, and the amount of paranoia created within the scripting was amazing. And, did I mention the gore and effects? Honestly, not only are they realistic, but also they fit perfectly with the tension built throughout the film. In the end, this may be one of the best films by John Carpenter and it should be revered in the same manner as Halloween, Prince of Darkness (Okay, one of my favorites) or The Fog. If you have not watched this one yet, you are missing one of the best horror films of the 1980s. Find it and check it out.

Suspiria (1977)

Over the past few days, I have been working another 10-minute play potentially for an event later in the year in Pittsburgh. I have been so amazed by how my first play, Not Always What It Seems, continues to grow as the performance date approaches. Personally, I think I am hooked and love the process. Getting back to the blog before finishing my next play, I decided to venture into some darkness for some inspiration. My selection was the 1977 classic Suspiria.

Plot/ A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders.

Staying inside the 1970s can be a fun time for any horror/sci-fi fan, as there are many classics that left an imprint on the genres to choose from. Suspiria is one of those films, and one of the movies that left a lasting imprint on me when I first started watching horror in my youth. In revisiting it this week, I found what I already thought; this Dario Argento masterpiece stands the test of time. Filled with a tremendous color pallet, a perfectly unsettling soundtrack from Goblin that blends into the atmosphere like a character, decent performances, and an incredibly dark and heavy atmosphere that that is woven into every second. Yes, the plot is thin with some giant holes in the storyline and the vibrant use of colors may turn some viewers off, but those are but minor flaws inside this mesmerizing journey into the depths of horror. In the end, this trip into darkness is one of the greatest Italian horror films ever made and a classic that every horror fan should watch. Find it and check it out.

Coma (1978)

After a night with the space family Robinson, I decided to venture back a few decades for my next selection. That movie was the 1978 sci-fi thriller Coma.

Plot/ When a young female doctor notices an unnatural amount of coma's occurring in her hospital she uncovers a horrible conspiracy.

This is one of those movies that stick with you long after you watch it. Filmed in the late 1970s, this one stands tall even after all of these years. The cinematography and direction are amazing creating a dark, heavy, and suspenseful atmosphere, the performances are solid, the scripting based on the source material works, and the storyline may be even more relevant today than it was in the decade that it was released in. Yes, there are some flaws that can be picked up under close inspection of the film and some of the early pacings seems a bit slow, but those are but minor flaws in this sci-fi classic. In the end, if you are in the mood for a solid sci-fi suspense thriller, give this one a shot. This is an outstanding selection for a rainy summers night. That is unless you are poised for a doctors visit in the near future.

Zodiac (2007)

As this week wore on, I decided to spend some time revisiting some movies that I have seen many times but failed to review. The first one on the list was the 2007 thriller Zodiac.

Plot/ In the late 1960s/early 1970s, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes an amateur detective obsessed with tracking down the Zodiac Killer, an unidentified individual who terrorizes Northern California with a killing spree.

This is a film that I thought I had already reviewed. However, I realized that although this is one of my favorite films on the Zodiac Killer, I had never actually written it up. With that being said, I just had to watch it again and do what should have been done some time ago. This is a tremendous film that actually takes a surprising approach to telling the true story of one of the most famous unsolved cases in history. The storyline is thought out and compelling, the cinematography and direction create a dark and heavy atmosphere, and the outstanding cast all do an outstanding job at embracing their characters and pulling through with solid performances. Yes, the movie may run a bit long, and most of the murders take place early on, but those are only small hiccups that don’t bring the movie down. In the end, if you are fascinated by the Zodiac Killer this is a must see. If you aren’t, you too should watch this one, it offers a detailed look at this mystery.

Red Planet Mars (1952)

After watching Slugs last night, I decided that I wanted to watch some type of classic sci-fi tale. After some searching, I settled on the 1952 entry Red Planet Mars.

Plot/ An American scientist is able to contact and communicate with Mars with shattering political, economic, and spiritual repercussions.

This one is an entertaining and interesting film that is definitely more of an intellectual drama than a pure sci-fi flick. Released during the early part of the Cold War, the sentiments of the day with the communist hysteria is evident throughout. Hell, this could have been one of the flicks that educated McCain and Feinstein on the Russian threat. The acting is solid, the cinematography excellent, and the storyline does have some twists that make it a fun watch. Yes, there are some strong religious overtones, there are no real action sequences or effects, and the flow is a touch choppy, but those are not deal breakers. In the end, this was a fun watch and a movie that does embrace the thoughts and attitudes of that era. Not for everyone, but a movie that should be seen.

Assassin's Creed (2016)

After suffering through two movies that did nothing for me, I decided to roll the dice for some action. After some debate, I decided to breakdown and check out the 2016 video game inspired Assassin's Creed. 

Plot/ When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin; he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society.

Not being a gamer, I decided to give this a shot with no idea of what to expect. What I found was something that was confusing and disjointed. The character development was uneven to non-existent making it extremely difficult to relate to the characters, the scripting was difficult to understand, and for me, there was not enough of the movie taking place inside of the historical eras that drew me in from the box/trailers. Yes, the effects were solid and some of the performances worked, but those were not enough to save this one. In the end, this is a movie that I could have passed on. Maybe it was more for fans of the game, but it wasn’t for me.

The Number 23 (2007)

When I took a trip to Family Video last night I was searching for something a touch different. After a few minutes, I decided on the 2007 entry The Number 23. For me, there are some intriguing elements to be uncovered with strange numerology and coincidence. That is if you believe in coincidence, I don’t.

Plot/ Walter Sparrow becomes obsessed with a novel that he believes was written about him. As his obsession increases, more and more similarities seem to arise.

This is one of those flicks that I have stayed away from for some time even though the premise sounded interesting. Now that I have watched it, I wish I had picked it up earlier. This one is much better than I expected, featuring a thought-provoking storyline, solid performances from an interesting cast, decent scripting, and a darker atmosphere than I expected when I grabbed it from the shelf. On top of that, the cinematic elements all came together in a way that made the movie and entertaining and smooth watch. Sure, there were some incoherent moments that did not match the characters predictable actions and the ending seemed somewhat predictable compared to the early points that built the storyline, but those are just minor flaws. In the end, this one was a great watch on this cold and icy evening. If you are looking to take a trip back in time for a flick, give the movie a shot-you could do much worse.

The Visit (2015)

After taking a couple days off to work on an important project, I decided it was time to get back at it and found something different to help fuel some of what I was writing. What was that movie? It was the 2015 independent thriller The Visit.

Plot/ Two siblings become incredibly frightened by their grandparents disturbing behavior, while visiting them on vacation.

Sometimes it is hard to figure what will come from a M. Night Shyamalan movie, some are awesome and some leave such a miserable impression that you do not want to ever go back. Fortunately, this is one of the better entries from him and it has a lot going for it. While it does feel forced ay some points, overall it has an interesting dynamic going on with some solid performances, a touch of comedy, and just enough tension to make it watchable; even some of the shaky cam moments come across in a sound manner. Unfortunately, mixed in with some of the forced moments, the twist ending is somewhat expected and is not a huge surprise. In fact, it was rather predictable the deeper you went into the movie. In the end, this movie will likely be polarizing and viewers will either love it or hate it. Personally, I went in with low expectations and found it rather refreshing. If you follow that path, you may enjoy it as well.

Infini (2015)

While I try to keep my excitement tempered as I prepare to check out Star Wars: The Force Awakens tomorrow, I was definitely in a Sci-Fi mood as I worked on some paperwork for school. To help quench my mood, I decided to check out the 2015 entry Infini, a darker flick from that genre.

Plot/ An elite 'search and rescue' team transport onto an off-world mining-facility to rescue Whit Carmichael, the lone survivor of a biological outbreak.

As I sat down to watch this one, I really had no expectations. What I found was something much better than I would have expected featuring a tremendously atmospheric and claustrophobic Sci-Fi flick that I wish I had watched earlier. This one has a lot to like, with outstanding sets, solid production values, enjoyable characters with decent performances, and a nice blend of special effects. Yes, the scripting was a touch wordy in spots and there were a few head scratching moments, but those were minor in comparison to the rest of the movie. In the end, this one is well worth watching and a movie that much better than some of the other Sci-Fi entries that populates the market. If you are a true fan of science fiction, give it a shot; you should enjoy it.

The Gift (2015)

After spending a few days in past decades, I decided to come back to modern times to find a movie for the evening. Luckily, one such film made it to the DVD player after a trip to Family Video in the 2015 thriller The Gift.

Plot/ A young married couple's lives are thrown into a harrowing tailspin when an acquaintance from the husband's past brings mysterious gifts and a horrifying secret to light after more than 20 years.

The Gift was an odd movie for me to watch and review. While it was a good movie overall, it really did not speak to me as much as I expected. A solid thriller, that definitely seemed to channel a lot of from the past in the way it was presented with a genuine creepiness and tension throughout. It really felt like a modern journey into a classic Hitchcock film. The performances were solid, the scripting worked, and the cinematography and direction was spot on. Unfortunately, while the movie was good and atmosphere awesome, I could not truly connect to the characters and truly felt like an outsider watching it. Of course, that could be due to the fact that the pacing was strange, the runtime was short, and the somewhat expected violence never materialized on screen. Honestly, I am not sure why I felt so disconnected. In the end, this is a decent thriller and movie that I may have to watch again to truly appreciate. If you are searching for an atmospheric thriller, give it a shot!

It Follows (2015)

As the year starts to wind down, it is definitely nice to be back in the swing of watching horror and blogging again. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the interaction of the softball season, but I missed writing and watching movies. As I continue to dive into all that I missed, it was nice find a solid array of low budget entries. One of the better movies from 2015 is It Follows.

Plot/ For nineteen-year-old Jay, autumn should be about school, boys, and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her friends must find a way to escape the horrors, which seem to be only a few steps behind.

It has been some time since a movie came out that truly inspired memory of the classic horror films of the 1970s and 1980s. This flick is definitely one that embraced the psychological horror of that time and created something awesome out of an extremely simple construct. There is so much to like in this one between the outstanding cinematography, the heavy atmosphere, and detailed characters that fit together within the confines of the storyline. Yes, there were some uneven moments and even a few jump scared thrown in, but those were definitely easy to overlook when you are immersed in the darkness of the film. In the end, this one is an outstanding example of low budget horror and one of the better movies of 2015. If you have not seen it, you are seriously missing out. Check it out!

Open Windows (2014)

Every once in a while I need to kick back and watch something that is different than my normal selections. Last night I decided to throw one of those into my weekend rotation. While I love straight horror, sometimes a little Crime/Thriller action is needed. Next up for review is the 2014 thriller Open Windows.

Plot/ A jilted fan soon finds himself pulled into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse after he accepts the opportunity to spy on his favorite actress via his laptop.

This movie is perplexing to review. While there were some interesting moments early on, but the final act was a twist that was not truly needed. Couple that with some decent performances, an intriguing storyline, and this was something that was different and thought provoking. Yes, there were some head scratching moments, pacing issues, and some scripting moments (not to mention the ending) that hurt the overall feel. In the end, this was decently entertaining and a movie that will definitely fall into the love/hate category of cinema. If you are looking for something to help pass some time on a slow evening, give it a shot.