Alison's Birthday (1981)

If it wasn't bad enough that the last few days have been gray and dreary, today the temperature decided to plummet. What fun! It made my early trip to Walmart even more miserable. Honestly, it has made me again want to do nothing. Oh well, I guess it's time to catch up with one of yesterday's movies, 1981s Alison's Birthday.

Plot: On her 16th birthday, Alison Findlay and two of her friends make contact with a spirit, who warns Alison of impending doom on her 19th birthday.

I love movies about cults and rituals, and this one definitely falls under that genre. That was actually somewhat of a surprise after reading the advertised description. Shot in the early 80s during the famed round of Satanic Panic, this one fits in.the visual quality is not the best with a grainy appearance, but that does, probably unintentionally because of the age, assist with the atmosphere. The storyline is interesting, although a touch predictable, and the performances work really well. This also has some nice characterization elements that had shape the story. While this is more of a suspense movie instead of pure horror, it does work, especially the ending, which has to be one of the better endings I have seen in a while. Yes, the pacing was uneven and there were a lot of cliché moments, but this still a good watch and reminder from a time of Satanic paranoia. If you like that type of thing, check it out.

Salem - Season Three (2016)

With this being eight days into NaNoWriMo, I am spending time breaking down my own characters in my book. While my project is supernatural in nature, it is not a straight supernatural entry. With that in mind, I decided to binge watch the final season of Salem over the past couple days.

Plot/ The witches’ plan to remake the New World by bringing the Devil to earth and making Salem his capital, but the Devil is a liar, and instead of a New World free from murderous Puritan hypocrisy, his own plan will bring nothing but death and slavery with the ultimate aim of leading humanity to destroy itself. And there’s only one person on earth who can beat the devil — the very witch that birthed him, his mother, Mary Sibley — the only problem is she’s dead. Or is she?

In some ways, I am upset that I finished watching Salem and really think that I may have to break down and purchase it. In many ways, Season Three takes the series to an entirely different arena featuring an insane storyline the delved in many different and darker directions. In fact, the writers seemed to embrace ever taboo that was thought of and decided to bring them to life on the screen. In many ways, this season came across as a modern, almost more action-packed version of something that would have been perfected by Argento or Bava during their artistic peak. The cinematography, performances, practical special effects, and storyline are amazing, and the character development is brought to life perfectly by the cast (Marilyn Manson was crazy) and honestly, it was a shame to see the series end. Yes, there are still some dialog issues that felt out of place and too modern for the period and there were a few disjointed moments that felt out of place, but those issues are extremely minor and did not impact the overall feel of the series in any way. In the end, this was a series that left the air too soon and one that should be seen (especially now that it is available on the different streaming services). If you have finished Stranger Things and are in the mood for a darker more adult period piece, give this series a shot. You may be like me and become a huge fan.

Salem - Season Two (2015)

For some reason, I have been trapped in a Saw mood lately and while I could continue with a review of Saw V, I decided that I needed to go a different direction tonight and catch up on something I should have written about a few days ago. The next review is for Salem Season Two from 2015.

Plot/ the consequences of the Grand Rite are apparent: Salem is afflicted by a terrible plague and a witch war is on the horizon. Mary is reunited with her son; trying to seize power, Mercy kills the Elders, effectively starting an open fight with the remaining witches; Anne is learning about her powers while keeping them secret; John's fate is revealed; Cotton deals with his failures and his father's death. But Salem's biggest threat comes in the form of the Countess an original witch that is trying to raise the devil. It's soon revealed that the Dark Lord himself possesses Mary’s son, and this starts a full-scale witch war that could destroy the town—and the entire world.

After thoroughly enjoying season one of Salem, it was a no-brainer to dive back into it during the month of October with season 2. What I found when venturing into this is something that pushed the limits even further than it did during the first season. While this fictional tale was interesting and at times somewhat over-the-top, the quality and depth of the storyline made it interesting and the subject matter was perfect for viewers like me that love dark and violent period pieces that are loosely connected to real events. This one definitely continued with the action, the torture, the blood, and the explicit sexual tension that made the first installments adult friendly. In this case, the added details to the storyline with the Grand Rite and the Dark Lord may turn some viewers off, but for me, this was the perfect step that the series should take. As in season one, the characters are interesting and the cast is solid, the cinematography and effects are tremendous, and the action and atmosphere do a great job working in tandem to create an entertaining show. Unfortunately, the series is still littered with historical inaccuracies and the performances are still a touch uneven, and the dialog isn’t where it should be for a period piece. Fortunately, these flaws are easily overlooked and do little to bring the series down. In the end, while this one may not be on the top of the list for some people, it is an entertaining and dark journey into a different time and a series that talks about some subjects that should be talked about. In many ways, the social commentary sprinkled into the storyline speaks volumes about where we are in society today, and that alone makes it a must-see.

Salem - Season One (2014)

Period pieces have always been one of the things that I like to take in when attempting to find something to watch. After spending multiple hours in the colonial period at Friendship Hill, I decided to change some things up today. It has been a while since I have reviewed any type of true television show. But now, after finishing season one of Salem (2014), I figured I would give it a shot once again.

Plot/ Season One follows Mary Sibley, a witch conspiring with other witches to bring forth the Grand Rite, as she brings forth hysteria among the Puritans of Salem. Her former flame, John Alden, returns after years of absence, complicating her wicked plan.

While I did bypass this when it first premiered, after finishing season one, I have to ask myself why. For me, this interesting mixture of historical fact and pure fiction has turned out to be one of the most entertaining series that I have watched in some time and I look forward to starting season two later tonight. For fans of dark and violent shows on television, this one should sit near the top of your list. Between the action scenes, witch tortures, and executions, there is enough blood to go around. Couple that with some gratuitous sexual situations, it is clear that this a show for adults. The characters are interesting, the storyline may not be authentic, but it is intriguing, and the cinematography and effects are outstanding. Yes, there are a ton of historical inaccuracies with both the setting and the characters, the performances are uneven, and the dialog lacks an authentic time period feel, but those did not hurt the overall feel of season one.

For some, this show will not resonate in the same manner as it has with me, and that is understandable. However, the network and writers should be applauded for the way they take on the subject manner without fearing a backlash. Sure, season one was not perfect, but it definitely should have opened some eyes on the hypocritical nature of some religious practices that still take place in the world today. If you have not got into this one, give it a shot; just don’t expect to find a watered-down trip back to Salem.  

End of Days (1999)

Having watched a wide variety of flick over the past few days, I wanted to get back to something closer to my After the Static project. While that is zombie/outbreak themed, there are some religious/apocalyptic overtones inside the book. With that in mind, I decided to watch the 1999 action/horror flick End of Days.  

Plot/ At the end of the century, Satan visits New York in search of a bride. It's up to an ex-cop who now runs an elite security outfit to stop him.

I remember seeing this when it came out and even after watching it again, I can say that my initial thoughts will still ring true: viewers will either love or hate this film. Really, there is no in between, especially with the religious overtones that are woven throughout the movie. For me, this was an entertaining flick that I still find intriguing. The storyline, while uneven, is interesting, the performances and effects are decent, and the dark cinematography works well with the soundtrack and the theme of the movie. Yes, some of the characterizations could have been darker, some of the scriptings were uneven, and it was highly implausible, but that is what makes movies like this engaging. In the end, this one will be polarizing due to many different factors including actors, religious beliefs, and tone; but, at the end of the day, it is just a fun and mindless good versus evil flick that should be seen.

Return of the Evil Dead (1973)

After spending the afternoon relaxing, I decided to kick back and find something different to help me pass the evening. One search of Shudder and I found it. That film was the 1973 entry in the Blind Dead series, Return of the Evil Dead (AKA Return of the Blind Dead)

Plot/ 500 years after they were blinded and executed for committing human sacrifices, a band of Templar knights returns from the grave to terrorize a rural Portuguese village during it's centennial celebration. Being blind, the Templars find their victims through sound, usually the screams of their victims. Taking refuge in a deserted cathedral, a small group of people must find a way to escape from the creatures.

The Blind Dead series is one of my favorites from the 1970s. I love the tie between zombies and the legendary Knights Templar, which have a mysterious history (at least their last days). While this movie is not perfect, suffering from many of the low budget elements that plague the other entries in the series, it is a step up in quality from the first entry. The performances are decent, the scripting and dubbed dialog isn’t bad, and there are a few action packed moments. Of course, some of the effects do not stand up to time and some of the cinematic choices seem to drag down the tension. In the end, this one is a sound picture and a movie that helps pass some time on a quiet night. If you are looking for some vintage low budget zombie action, give it a shot. This is an entertaining series that should be seen by all zombie fans.

The House of Seven Corpses (1974)

I have definitely been on a retro kick lately, although I did sneak in a viewing of Repo: The Genetic Opera. To continue my retro feel, I went way into my youth for the 1974 horror flick The House of Seven Corpses.

Plot/ A director is filming on location in a house where seven murders were committed. The caretaker warns them not to mess with things they do not understand (the murders were occult related), but the director wants to be as authentic as possible and has his cast re-enact rituals that took place in the house thus summoning a ghoul from the nearby cemetery to bump the whole film crew off one by one.

Horror movies of the 1970s were a mixed bag, as the genre seemed to be in a period of transition. While this one is not technically very good, I feel that is often overlooked as a piece of horror history. Yes, there are some flaws with the way the movie is scripted and paced, but there is a certain charm that will draw fans of early 1970s horror in. The cast is solid and there are some decent performances (John Carradine is definitely creepy), the atmosphere is dark and heavy, and the storyline is entertaining and interesting. Sure, there is not a lot of blood or gore, there is little action, there could have been some more supernatural elements added in, and the effects are nowhere near the quality of today, but for a lower budgeted film of that era, they are not that bad. In the end, this is a nice retro piece and a fun movie to help pass some time. Is it perfect, by no means, but it is a fun slow burn haunted house flick that is good on a cold windy night.

31 (2016)

As I was sitting here last night I realized that I was two posts away from hitting 1500 here on The Ringmaster's Realm and was debating what movie I wanted to review for that post. After some debate, I finally decided on a movie I feel that must be seen and truly embraced. While that movie will be reviewed tomorrow, for tonight, I have the 2016 Rob Zombie flick 31.

Plot/ Five carnival workers are kidnapped and held hostage in an abandoned, Hell-like compound where they are forced to participate in a violent game, the goal of which is to survive twelve hours against a gang of sadistic clowns.

Having decided to watch this as one of the first films on the new television, I was unsure of what to expect. Rob Zombie is one of the most polarizing filmmakers out there, and his films often sit in the love/hate realm. For me, I love his material, not because it is artistic masterpiece, but because it is a flashback to some of the no-budget grindhouse flicks from my youth. In this case, there is nothing much I can truly say about 31, as it is a trip into violence and gore. Sure, it lacks a coherent plot, it is full of mindless murders, blood, and guts, and the characterization is all over the place. It is what it is, a strange journey into the depraved mind of Rob Zombie. In the end, 31 is a movie that will be polarizing and a movie many will hate. Sure, I thought that it could be better, but it was a fun trip into the 1970s.

Deadly Blessing (1981)

After spending much of the weekend locked into a Star Wars marathon (yes, even the miserable prequels), I decided to find something that more resembles my typical viewing for my evening entertainment. After some searching on Netflix and Shudder, I decided on the 1981 psychological thriller, Deadly Blessing as my next review.

Plot/ After her husband dies of mysterious circumstances, a widow becomes increasingly paranoid of the neighboring religious community that may have diabolical plans for her.

Let’s be honest, there is nothing like the early thrillers crafted by Wes Craven, and this one may be one of his most underrated films. Set in the in rural America outside of Amish Country, this is a trip into darkness that helps build an unnerving atmosphere throughout. Most of all, it encompasses almost every horror genre imaginable. The performances from the renowned cast are solid, the soundtrack, and setting work perfectly together, and the storyline/scripting is strong. Yes, it may lack blood, guts, and gore, and it does feature a polarizing ending that people either love or hate, but those elements in no way bring the movie down. In the end, if you love classic atmospheric horror this one is definitely for you. Give it a shot!

Flesh for the Inferno (2015)

Now that I am settling into a solid schedule with the girls being home, I enjoy the fact that I can get back into some horror cinema on a more regular basis. Next up for review is another no-budget entry in 2015s Flesh for the Inferno.

Plot/ A youth group plans to spruce up a dilapidated old Catholic school, but uncover a grisly tomb from a dark history that the school walls have housed in this horror thriller.

There is something about true no-budget horror cinema that always excites me. That was definitely the case with this one, as I found a very intriguing movie that both had potential for a larger budget, and some quality moments within the low budget atmosphere that graces the screen. While everything is not perfect, this movie had a throwback feel to the classic lower budget films I watched in my youth, and the nunsploitation elements were perfect. The movie features some solid pacing, an interesting soundscape, and some awesome practical effects. Yes, the performances were uneven and there were some head scratching moments, but those elements did not destroy the viewing experience. In the end, this low budget entry will not be for everyone and will likely fall into the love/hate category. Personally, I loved it, but I could definitely see that how some might not. If you love no-budget cinema, give it a shot; just do not take it overly serious.

The Masque of the Red Death (1964)

After taking a few days off to work on some things at the house and with school, I decided to continue my journey into the mind of Poe. What was the next flick I decided on, the 1964 entry The Masque of the Red Death.

Plot/ A European prince terrorizes the local peasantry while using his castle as a refuge against the Red Death plague that stalks the land.

When you think of Edgar Allan Poe and the cinema, two names should come to mind: Roger Corman and Vincent Price, and this film may be the best adaption the pair completed. Not only was this one of the most technically impressive entries in the series, it may be the most atmospheric. Price is amazing; pulling off one of his greatest and memorable performances, couple that with the memorable cinematography, vivid colors, and a remarkable script adaptation (The Masque of the Red Death and Hop Frog) and this is one of the best horror movies of that era. In the end, this may be one of the greatest and most noteworthy Poe adaptations to grace the big screen. If you have not seen it, you are missing something. Check it out!

Dark Places (2015)

After spending a good chunk of my weekend in a world with some alien and UFO themed movies, I decided that I needed to go into a different direction with one of my movie selections. Wanting something darker, I eventually decided on the 2015 mystery/thriller Dark Places.

Plot/ Libby Day was only eight years old when her family was brutally murdered in their rural Kansas farmhouse. Almost thirty years later, she agrees to revisit the crime and uncovers the wrenching truths that led up to that tragic night.

Because this was based on a book by the author of Gone Girl, I was excited, as that was one of the more stimulating flicks I have seen. While this movie is not quite at that level, it does take on an interesting topic and era (the satanic craze of the 1980s). Built as a layered whodunit, there is a lot to like; featuring a solid cast, some awesome performances, intriguing storyline, and an overall unbelievable storyline. Sure, the ending does feel a little forced and anticlimactic, but that in no way should impact whether or not you pick this one up. In the end, this may not be Gone Girl, but it is a solid mystery/thriller that needs to be seen.

Annabelle (2014)

Ok, as I continue to battle though this stomach ailment, I have been able to watch a couple flicks in between naps. I am just glad I am feeling somewhat better, although work did beat me down earlier today. Oh well, keep battling and it will pass, hmmm. Next up for review was one of the bigger hyped movies of 2014, Annabelle.

Plot/ A couple begins to experience terrifying supernatural occurrences involving a vintage doll shortly after their home is invaded by satanic cultists.

Having enjoyed The Conjuring, I thought I knew what I was getting into with Annabelle. Unfortunately, I was wrong, as everything I loved about The Conjuring was missing in this one. Yes, the story is loosely based on a true story, but that did not cause the overuse of cliché and lack of originality. Honestly, there were no scares; the characters were flat and unbelievable, and it was slow. Even my 10-year old thought it was “boring.” Yes, some of the performances were decent and the subject matter interesting, but that did little to rescue it from the vast amount of clichés that permeated throughout. In the end, this may not be the worst of its genre, but it is far from the top of the list. If you are a fan of The Conjuring or a horror fan in general, stay away… There are many better choices out there.