House on Eden (2025)

It's NFL training camp season, and because I cover the Tennessee Titans, I have been quite busy. But that doesn't stop me from mixing in some horror movies with the constant stream of The X-Files I have on while working. The latest film I stumbled on was the 2025 indie horror flick, House on Eden. 

Plot: Setting out to film their next paranormal investigation, Kris, Celina, and Jay encounter a malevolent, ancient spirit that resides in an abandoned house deep in the woods.

As a found footage movie, this already falls into a love/hate area of cinema, and it ultimately is plagued by many of the same elements that are found in the genre. The storyline is a bit thin, and it created an uneven feel throughout, although the movie does pick up as it goes on. The performances are decent, although the characters are flat and rigid, and the scares are light, but there are a couple that hit home. To me, the biggest letdown was the ending, which felt a bit rushed. In the end, this was an average found footage film made on a lower budget, and another in the YouTuber trend, and I do find that refreshing. For me, I won't be putting this one into high rotation, but I may revisit it in the future when I'm not swamped with work and can fully lock in. 

Shelby Oaks (2024)

I will admit that I have become addicted to true crime documentaries and YouTube over recent weeks since the whole Bricks & Minifigs / Reckless Ben - Salem Brick Trial has gone down. I know it's not horror, Sci-Fi, or some unexplained documentary, but man, it could be. The corruption being uncovered by the researchers has been incredible, and it is quickly developing into a "what not to do" expose. Seriously, Bricks & Minifigs, you suck! 

That being said, I decided I wanted to revisit a movie I watched a few months ago and enjoyed more than some people did when it was first released. The 2024 entry, Shelby Oaks. 

Plot: A woman's obsessive search for her missing sister leads her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil.

This movie definitely feels like one people will love or hate. After rewatching it, I am somewhere in the middle. Yes, some of it felt disjointed, and the ending didn't truly hit home, but there were some positives with the atmosphere, the storyline, and some of the investigation angles. The performances were solid, and the idea was interesting. Unfortunately, besides the ending, the pacing was off, and the depth of the story appeared to lose its way the longer the movie went on, and this definitely held it back. Yes, it's not in any way groundbreaking, but it is entertaining and a fun watch with some creepy moments.

Creature from Black Lake (1976)

Sometimes I search for some weird stuff while working and this week that has happened a lot. With my side job with Titans Wire keeping me busy, I am finally able to sit back and catch up on some of the movies that caught my eye. This one was one I haven’t watched in decades and was excited to see it streaming on Amazon, the 1976 bigfoot inspired Creature from Black Lake.

Plot: Two men exploring the Louisiana swamps encounter a Bigfoot-type creature.

As much as The Legend of Boggy Creek inspired me to get into researching the unexplained, this one may rank a pretty close second. This is another example of the classic B-Movie creature features that influenced a generation. This low budget film is a more entertaining overall film than Boggy Creek and takes on the subject in an interesting way. The documentary style really works and this one does offer some suspense. While the performances are uneven and some of the cinematography doesn’t hold up, for the low budget and time period this is a decent entry and entertaining. In the end, this one definitely should be viewed in the same way many hold the Legend of Boggy Creek. This one is a drive-in special and an interesting watch. 

Exhume (2018)

Another day, and what has become a trend, another dud. I really hoped to break my streak, but that didn’t happen with this low budget entry, 2018s Exhume. 

Plot: Patrick Connor's life is quickly turned upside down after taking a job at an abandoned probationary camp for boys.

I had hoped that this would be a bounce back for my movie viewing. I have been in a rut and my selections have not been the greatest. Unfortunately, this one starts out rather promising before flying off the rails. Yes, the acting is ok and there are some good cinematography elements, but the positives dwindle after that. The storyline and plot make little sense and are full of holes and the effects don't hit home. Not to mention the pacing is a bit disjointed and there is no real plot twist to give a payoff. In the end, I wanted to enjoy this one, as I am a huge fan of lower budgeted films. Unfortunately, this one falls short and is not memorable in any way. At least I streamed it and didn’t pay extra for it. Stay away, there are better options available. 

Dark Breed (1996)

After finishing my physical therapy this morning, I just wanted to relax and recover. Having someone attempt to stretch scar tissue really isn’t a fun experience. To assist in this endeavor, I went to Tubi to find something Sci-Fi related and decided on 1996s Dark Breed. 

Plot: Six astronauts are infected by an alien organism.

More of a cheesy action flick than horror movie , Dark Breed, offers a ton of explosions and is a low budget conglomeration of multiple Sci-Fi stories wrapped in one package. The acting is ok and there is a ton of stunt work that makes it fun, but lost in all the explosions and craziness is not much of a coherent story and it lacks teeth to be anything more than an outlandish action film. In the end, this is not really a Sci-Fi film. Yes, there are alien/infection overtones, but those are lost in the execution. I do not recommend this one for Sci-Fi fans at all. 

Season of the Witch (1972)

After watching some holiday horror, I decided that I needed to go into the time machine and check out a classic. Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, no one was bigger than George Romero, his living dead series is woven into our fabric. While this one isn’t part of that series, it is one that I remember renting on VHS in my youth, 1972s Season of the Witch AKA Hungry Wives. 

Plot: A neglected, unhappy suburban housewife gets mixed up in witchcraft with unexpected consequences.

I know this one isn’t for everyone and it is likely one of Romero’s weakest entries, but there is something about that I love. Not a true horror film by any means, this one is more artsy and almost experimental within the confines of a dark, almost exploitative drama. There are occult overtones and multiple dream sequences that dive into more horror elements, but it is definitely nowhere near horror. The performances are solid and the ideas are there to outline what he was thinking, but it is a bit wordy and slow at times. The pacing does bring the film down, likely turning off many with the way it slowly builds. The technical aspects are rather good and overall it isn’t a terrible film. In the end, this one definitely isn’t Romero’s best work and won’t be for everyone, but it is worth watching at least once. Romero laid the foundation for horror as we know it today and he could have never achieved that without his early entries like this

Coherence (2013)

I have officially survived the great alien invasion of 2024. I guess I will have to wait until the next apocalypse to occur for some excitement. Hopefully, it will be zombies, we haven’t had one of those in a while. Since there was a cool asteroid going through the sky in Siberia last night, I settled down and watched some Sci-Fi with a comet, the 2013 entry Coherence. 

Plot: Strange things begin to happen when a group of friends gather for a dinner party on an evening when a comet is passing overhead.

This low budget entry is a picture of minimalism and definitely shows what can be accomplished if you limit yourself. Is it perfect, no. In fact there are some elements within the film that really don’t matter and are left alone. The atmosphere was tense, although it could have been more claustrophobic, which would have put it over the top. However, the performances are solid and the overall storyline and feel is outstanding. It does have some pacing issues and this one will definitely fit into the love it or hate it arena, but that is just fine. In the end, I thought this one was pretty good and kept me engaged for the entirety. It’s not a typical Sci-Fi entry but if you enjoy potential mind-bending trips give it a shot. Plus, any film that can dive into Schrodinger’s Cat is definitely worth watching.

Th Beast Within (2024)

I am normally not a fan of werewolf movies. Strange, because I am fascinated by cryptids and the strange creatures that roam the backwoods of the world. When I picked this one, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It is the 2024 entry, The Beast Within. 

Plot: After a series of strange events leads her to question her family's isolated life on a fortified compound deep in the English wilds, 10-year-old Willow follows her parents on one of their secret late-night treks to the heart of the forest.

I wasn’t quite sure this was going down the werewolf path at first and enjoyed the slight hints of folklore that was sprinkled in. Unfortunately, between the over use of symbolism and blatant hints held within the storyline, I felt like it drug along. The pacing and overall story was choppy and that outweighed some of the strong performances held inside.  The movie also lacked action, but it had some really good visuals and for a lower budgeted entry, it wasn’t that bad. In the end, this one is not the best, but it's not the worst. Maybe a fan of the werewolf genre would like it more, but for me, it didn’t hit home.

Uninvited (1988)

After watching some Argento, I decided on a mindless afternoon of domesticated Creature Features. Yes,  there are a ton,  especially from the classic straight to VHS era. My first choice was the 1988 entry Uninvited.

Plot: A cat infected with a genetically engineered virus escapes from a lab and goes on a killing spree, finding its way onboard a shady businessman's yacht loaded with young guests.

Where do I begin? Growing up in this era, I do admit I have a soft spot for the films that came out during this time.  They did help shape my love for horror and always made for an interesting trip to video store and that is exactly what this movie would be.  Not only did it come across extremely dated,  there weren't many moments for it to hang its hat on.  The effects (especially the mutant cat) were laughable, the performance ranges from bagd to cardboard,  and the storyline was, well, beyond a stretch. I mean everything that could be wrong with it,  was, and it came across as more of a headscratching comedy than horror film. But,  honestly,  that was what I expected when I read the synopsis and saw the year on Prime. Would I recommend it? Absolutely not, but to be fair,  there are worse movies out there,  especially from that period. Beware!

Bog (1979)

I know I haven't posted much lately,  although, that isn't too easy that I haven't been watching stuff or researching strange things.  In fact,  I spent most of last week and this week marathoning Grimm, a show that I believe had a lot of predictive programming elements woven in. Last night,  I went to see Oppenheimer, and while I could review that,  I will hold off because of the strike. That's no problem,  because that gives me a chance to look at some older movies,  such as 1979s Bog.

Plot: Dynamite fishing in a rural swamp revives a prehistoric gill monster that must have the blood of human females in order to survive.

I know Horror Host Mister Lobo says, "they're not bad movies, they're just misunderstood movies" and I can usually agree with that.  Usually you can found some element that makes it worth watching.  That isn't the case with this one,  as it may be one of the worst movies I have ever seen.  Really,  there are no redeeming qualities.  The acting is below average or worse,  the cinematography, effects, and editing are bad (even for low budget films), the storyline is unreal,  and the overall quality of the movie has in no way held up over time.  Incredibly,  there are no signs that any of this was intentionally put together to give it some comedic elements. This movie is just bad. Stay away!

The Magnetic Monster (1953)

This has been a couple of hot and humid days and unfortunately, it looks like I have to start my grass cutting odyssey all over. Man, that has been rough. But, after going to the Naro Cinema today to watch Jaws, I felt like watching a classic Sci-Fi flick.  So, I settled on the 1953 entry, the Magnetic Monster.

Plot: The Office of Scientific Investigation sends A-Men agents to investigate reports of unusual magnetic activity in various communities.

Having never watched this one before, I found this was one of the better low budget Sci-Fi  flicks of the era. This one featured some decent performances, an interesting (and intelligent) storyline, solid pacing, and a realistic approach to the subject matter. From director Ivan Tors (Science Fiction Theater), this one comes complete with an outstanding ending, making it one that should be seen. Yes,  the film did feel a little dated today, but for something that is pushing 70-years-old, it is well worth watching. CHECK IT OUT!

Fade to Black (1980)

Having just returned from a local indie comic show, I decided that I needed some downtime and wanted to revisit something from my youth. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, there was a lot of classic horror and this one was a favorite, 1980s Fade to Black.

Plot: A shy, lonely film buff embarks on a killing spree against those who browbeat and betray him, all the while stalking his idol, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike.

Horror movies from the 80s are a mixed bag, but some stand tall. This is one that I love to revisit from time to time as it is quite memorable. Shot with a dark gritty style, this movie does a great job at creating an air of madness and demonstrates what can be accomplished with an interesting storyline. While it is somewhat predictable, there are many moments that are memorable and help create a feeling of despair. You can tell that this did have a lower budget, as the performances are uneven, there are some extremely disjointed moments, and the characters are somewhat unlikable, but those monents seem to add character to the film. While there are some flaws within the storyline that cause it to fall short of its potential, this movie is a fun and mindless trip back in time. It probably isn't for everyone, but fans of the 80s should enjoy it.

Destination Inner Space (1966)

I was pretty excited last night as I stood one of the Ringmaster's Originals, the line of prints I created to salvage old comic book art from randomly destroyed vintage comics.  To me, preserving this art is important and something that isn't that hard to accomplish. While debating with myself about what piece should be next,  I kicked back with a classic creature feature from the 1960s, Destination Inner Space. 

Plot: A group of scientists working in a deep-sea research station discovers a strange craft of extraterrestrial origin.

Let me start by saying that if you don't enjoy classic B-grade creature feature schlock, this one isn't for you.  If you do,  then you should get a kick out of this one.  Yes,  it has low-grade effects,  probably a lower budget,  and some (I'm sure) unintentional laughs,  but those things add to the campy feel of the entire film.   And, of course, that is all before I get to the overstuffed Sci-Fi bass that stands as one of the more unique aliens from that era of film.  In the end,  if you want to suspend belief and drift into a bygone era of fun mindless creature features, this one is definitely for you.  This has all the campy elements and much more.  

Split Second (1992)

It was busy around my shop yesterday with 3 online sales on top of the two packages that I had to send out. Fortunately, I have the time to focus on that on days when that happens. So far today has been quieter, allowing me to start rebuilding the workshop after neglecting it during my transplant hiatus. Once I finished yesterday, I decided to dive into the world of Rutger Hauer with the 1992 flick Split Second.

Plot: In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.

I love Rutger Hauer movies and it is still hard to fathom that he is no longer with us. Onereason that i have always enjoyed his films is that he always seems to enjoy the project he was working on. This movie again shows that side of him. While this is clearly a B-Movie and far from a classic like like Blade Runner, he played his character perfectly. This is a lower budget film that has definitely built a solid cult following with a dark gloomy post-apocalyptic atmosphere, an interesting storyline, and decent scripting. Sure, this one will never boast great effects, truly believable moments, or being a cinematic masterpiece. But, if you enjoy fun, low budget, not bad but misunderstood movies and can appreciate schlocky Sci-Fi, this movie is for you.

 

The Vast of Night (2019)

Another Monday,  another early trip to the VA Medical Center for blood work. Unfortunately,  that is part of the new normal after receiving the love translated. At least,  or weather isn't that bad, so the drive isn't all that bad.  Knowing I had that this morning,  I wanted to watch something something mellow last night,  so I decided on the 2019 Sci-Fi mystery The Vast of Night.

Plot: In New Mexico in the 1950s, two kids search for the source of a mysterious frequency that has descended on their town; they soon uncover more than they had counted on.

I love movies that transport you to another time,  and this one did just TV that.  Another slow-burn, this Sci-Fi  mystery drama came off as almost a modern episode of the Twilight Zone or Night Gallery. The plot and storyline were solid,  the performances believable, and the overall quality was outstanding. Yes,  the movie could have been a little longer and a bit more captivating, but those are but minor flaws in what is a low budget gem. This one was well worth watching and satisfied my evenings desires. Unfortunately,  it won't be for everyone (especially those looking for action and adrenaline), but if you love an interesting story with Sci-Fi  and mystery themes, this one is for you.

All Eyes (2022)

As this week continues, I have found getting back to watching horror and returning to the blog has been really therapeutic and has helped me pass some time as I recover from my transplant. Luckily, there are a ton of movies out there for me to choose from. The next one I decided I was the 2022 independent flick All Eyes.

Plot: A disgraced podcast stumbles upon an eccentric farmer who claims to have a monster living in the woods near his house.

When I read the premise of this one,  I was intrigued because I have been stuck in this podcast realm for a few days.  More of a drama than creature feature,  this movie is one that is a lot more layered than you would expect at first glace. The storyline is good,  the cast and performances are solid,  and the overall feel of the movie really works.  One thing that really stood out was the scripting. As a writer myself,  I found that the character development, the depth of the airline,  and the way everything was brought together was tremendous. Yes,  there are some slow moments,  especially at the beginning,  and the monster reveal was sort of a letdown, but for a movie that I am sure had a low budget, some flaws are to be expected. In the end,  this wasn't the horror movie that I expected,  but it was a film that I am glad I discovered. Not for everyone,  but worth the watch.