Saw IV (2007)

I was rather shocked when I discovered that I had never reviewed the entire Saw franchise, as it is one of my favorite series to watch. Of course, that also gave me an excuse to re-watch them for review purposes. Next up for review is 2007s Saw IV.

Plot/ Despite Jigsaw's death, and in order to save the lives of two of his colleagues, Lieutenant Rigg is forced to take part in a new game, which promises to test him to the limit.

I remember wondering after watching Saw III how the series would continue and went into this one with some trepidation. What I found when watching this one was a layered and complex storyline that took the Jigsaw storyline to a new level and darker depths. As a fan of the series, the twist that the end was perfect, and was something that seemed to almost transport us back to the original ending. The storyline is interesting especially as they dove back into Jigsaw’s history and take you through his journey, the special effects and traps are awesome, and the performances are solid. However, it is the way they overlapped time and stories that really made this one stand out for me. Yes, there are some moments where things seem too coincidental or random and there are a few times, where it almost feels predictable, but those are only minor flaws in the overall production and don’t really impact the quality of the film. In the end, while it did lack some suspense, it made up for that with a quality storyline that is extremely memorable. This is definitely one of my favorites in the series and an entry that must be seen.

Saw 2 (2005)

After spending last night at the Edgar Allan Poe reenactment, I decided that I wanted some violent horror for my Halloween night. Thinking back over the past month, I couldn’t believe that I had never reviewed half of the Saw franchise and figured that I would start that undertaking by revisiting Saw 2 from 2005.

Plot/ A detective and his team must rescue eight people trapped in a factory by the twisted serial killer known as Jigsaw.

The original Saw was one of the best horror/thrillers I had seen. It was atmospheric, dark, and the storyline was tremendous. Creating a sequel to a movie such as that is almost an impossible task. Yet, now after revisiting Saw 2, it is clear that Darren Lynn Bousman did just that with a tightly woven storyline that differs from the original but captures the essence of the classic perfectly. I remember when this one first came out and the clear differences between the two made it an uneven watch for me. However, today, that feeling is completely different. The change with having multiple players in Jigsaws game was the perfect step for the franchise and added layers to the legend of Jigsaw that would pay many dividends throughout the rest of the series. The cast is tremendous, the performances are solid, the dialog, scripting, and storyline were fantastic (the twists made it even more worthwhile), and the gore, traps, and special effects were amazing. Sure, the pit of needles was blah (and honestly still a letdown) and some of the arguments and decisions made by the participants were annoying, but those are only minor flaws. In the end, I am glad that I decided to revisit this one tonight on Halloween; it was so much better than I remembered and a movie that fans like me could have easily overlooked as it was sandwiched between the two best movies made in the franchise (and possibly the genre). If you haven’t seen it or revisited it in a while, I think you should. This is an outstanding movie and one that is perfect for the Halloween season.

Abattoir (2016)

If you have read my blog, you would now that Darren Lynn Bousman is one of my favorite directors. Not only is an alumnus of Full Sail University like me, he has also created some of the most visually appealing movies of the past decade. Between his work on the Saw franchise, Repo: The Genetic Opera, and The Devil’s Carnival, there is an artistic flare that is not usually seen in horror. Next up for review is his next movie, 2016s Abattoir, a film that I honestly believe may be his best work.

Plot/ An investigative reporter teams up with a Police officer to solve the mystery of why a seemingly good man murdered her sister's family.

I had been waiting to see this since I first heard about it, and I was not disappointed by what I found. While I can see why this movie could be somewhat polarizing, it is an interesting take on the haunted house/curse genre and is both intelligent and visually appealing. More of a slow burn, as the tension building throughout, I found myself drawn to the main characters and the storyline. The cinematography and visuals are tremendous, the performances are solid, and the atmosphere inside the film is dark and heavy. Yes, I am sure that the scripting will cause some viewers some issue with the way it embraces an almost retro feel with a prose-like style that seems more suited for a vintage film than a modern thriller and the ending is definitely one that is both somewhat predictable and refreshing, but those issues should in no way impact the overall viewing experience of watching this film. In the end, this is one of the most memorable and entertaining films to hit the shelves in some time and left me wanting more. If you have not seen it, you are definitely missing out.

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

After watching some gore and violence from one of the Saw films, it was time to find something different tonight. Having some alone time with the girls in acting, it was nice to not have to worry about what I put on. What did I decide on? I picked out the 2008 musical Repo! The Genetic Opera.

Plot/ In the year 2056 - the not so distant future - an epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GeneCo, a biotech company that offers organ transplants, for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by villainous Repo Men.

Repo The Genetic Opera is my second favorite horror musical next to Rocky Horror, but it is an extremely close second. This one is definitely not for everyone, with the dark almost Sci-Fi backdrop mixed with graphic gore and an amazingly diverse soundtrack; it will surely turn some away. Fortunately, the creativity, solid performances, and interesting storyline only added to this unique and ambitious project. Yes, some of the singing was off (Bill Moseley comes to mind) and some of the characters lacked depth, but that matter’s naught. In the end, this is one of the most entertaining and visually captivating films I have seen. Is it Rocky Horror? No, but in many ways it is a far superior film and one that should live on in the same manner. If you have not caught it, check it out!

Saw III (2006)

After picking up a couple of Saw posters at Steel City Con, I was in the mood to revisit Jigsaw. This series, while a touch controversial in some circles, demonstrated that there was still originality inside the horror genre. In fact, this series is still what drives me to write, as I know that something original can be made. My next review is possibly the best of the series, Saw III.

Plot/ Jigsaw kidnaps a doctor to keep him alive while he watches his new apprentice put an unlucky citizen through a brutal test.

I will admit, I am a sucker for this franchise. Honestly, Twisted Pictures and the Saw series rejuvenated my love of horror, especially this one, Saw III, which may be my favorite of all the films. This movie had everything that a horror film should have, a non-linear storyline, solid overall acting, blood, guts, and gore. Truly, this had everything that a horror fan should be searching for in a horror flick. Yes, there were some confusion within the story and some of it did seem predictable, but those are easily overlooked. In the end, this is one of the more entertaining films in the series, and was a perfect rebound from Saw II, which was a touch slow in comparison to the original. If you have not seen it, check it out! This one is definitely worth watching.

The Devil's Carnival (2012)

Every weekend I try to find something different and interesting to watch and review. While this is a challenge at times, as many entries in the indie genre can be hit-or-miss, it is something that I take enjoyment in finding. This weekend I decided to venture deep into some of the flicks I have been pushing off for the interesting musical venture, The Devil’s Carnival from one of my favorite filmmakers' Darren Lynn Bousman.

Plot/ Three individuals have, somehow, found their way to a carnival, set in hell, and run by the devil. The trio is made up of a kleptomaniac, an obsessed father, and a gullible teenager, all of whom are doomed to repeat the very sins that delivered them to the carnival's doorsteps.

I have had this movie in my queue for some time, but had not decided to watch it. Last night, the 55-minute run time fit into my schedule perfectly and I am so happy to have finally watched it. This one is not for everyone, and it is likely to be split down the middle love or hate. I personally love it. This dark and atmospheric musical does a great job of creating a twisted journey into three of Aesop's Fables.  The soundscape, the visual effects, and cinematography are tremendous. Yes, the acting is a bit uneven in spots and the short run time does have an impact, but neither drags it down. In the end, this flick is one of the better horror-themed musicals I have seen and a movie that must be seen. If you love Repo: The Genetic Opera you should definitely check this one out!

The Barrens (2012)

 

 

 

After working on a couple pieces on HAARP and Hurricane Sandy, and also spending multiple hours on twitter calling for answers in the Benghazi Incident, I decided it was time for a break. I needed it. Sure, those other two causes are tremendously important, and the mainstream media has done little to cover them, there does come a time to step back. Ironically, when I was searching for something to watch, I stumbled upon a movie about one of my favorite subjects, the Jersey Devil. What is it? The 2012 flick, The Barrens.

 

 

Plot/ A man takes his family on a camping trip and becomes convinced they are being stalked by the legendary monster of the New Jersey Pine Barrens: the Jersey Devil.

 

 

Having suffered though many creature features recently, I had low expectations on this entry. However, much to my surprise, this one was a lot better than I could have ever imagined. Armed with an outstanding storyline and some solid acting, this one was entertaining throughout. The scripting was sound, the effects on target and the cinematography was good. Yes, there were some slight pacing issues and a couple small elements that felt out of place, but those are easily overlooked. In the end, this may be more of a psychological thriller than horror, but it is entertaining and actually an original take on this great legend. If you enjoy creature features and are looking for one, check this out.

 

11-11-11:The Prophecy (2011)

In looking at the blog this week, it seems like a strange religious theme started to permeate the pages. Incredibly, there was not plan to this and there was no rhyme or reason for it to take place, especially considering the movies were selected at random. The next film that came in was the Darren Lynn Bousman religious thriller 11-11-11: The Prophecy.

Plot/ After the death of his wife and child, an author travels to Barcelona to see his estranged brother and dying father, where he learns that his life is plagued by events that occur on 11-11-11.

I think I may be in the minority on this one, but I enjoyed it. The character driven tension with the religious overtones seem to create an interesting feel. Yes, it was not really the apocalyptic flick that some of the advertisements portrayed, and yes, the ending left a lot to be desired, but it was somewhat effective. The acting was ok, the scripting decent, and pace solid. There were some flaws as the effects seemed forced and the ending truly was not needed. In the end, as a religious thriller, it is watchable and somewhat enjoyable, but as a straight apocalyptic horror, it does not hit the spot. If you like dark religious themes, check it out, if not…