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.

Cell (2016)

While I know this is Friday the 13th and I should be doing a review of one of those films, the one I grabbed (and am watching right now), I have already reviewed. So, to fill that void, I am writing up the movie from last night, 2016s Cell.

Plot/ When a mysterious cell phone signal causes apocalyptic chaos; an artist is determined to reunite with his young son in New England.

I have never read this book by Stephen King, but honestly, that was probably a good thing because it is often difficult to watch adaptations of his work if you are familiar with the source material. From watching this and the disjointed storyline, I definitely imagine that was the case. More of a philosophical thriller than zombie horror flick, there were some elements of the story that were intriguing. In many ways, this is the world that we live in and I could see society suffer with some type of psychological trauma if something similar happened. The scripting was honest; the performances decent, and there were some atmospheric moments that made this somewhat interesting. Unfortunately, the cinematography and effects make this more of a low budget B-movie destined for the SyFy Channel than anything else, a surprising fact when you see that John Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson take on the lead roles. In the end, this one is nothing memorable and I imagine that the book was a better time. Is it watchable? Yes, but, have I seen worse? Absolutely!

The Devil's Dolls (2016)

As I have said many times, you never really know what you are going to find when you go to Family Video (and I go a lot). On my last trip, I found something that looked like an interesting combination of genres within what could be an interesting movie. That movie was the 2016 IFC flick, The Devil’s Dolls.

Plot/ In the aftermath of the hunt for a serial killer, an ancient curse consumes a city, causing a series of brutal murders and pitting a detective against the clock to save his daughter's life.

I found this one at Family Video and was interested in the subject. Between a serial killer and a “possessed” set of worry dolls, this one appeared to have an interesting mixture of murder and supernatural elements. While this one is not perfect, it does have some parts that were decent especially considering the budgetary restraints. The performances were solid, the cast works, the scripting is decent, and there is enough blood and violence to go around. Unfortunately, there are something missing and the movie never truly reaches its potential and or leaves a lasting impression. In the end, I did enjoy it, but I have also seen better films in the past few weeks. If you are searching for something to watch on a cold night, give it a shot. You could definitely do much worse.

Operation Avalanche (2016)

Sometimes I just need to take a break away from the computer and such, and that was what I did last night while watching a solid conspiracy driven mockumentary. The moon landing may be one of the most famous conspiracy theories out there, and it is one that I have looked into more than a few times. To my surprise, I found a new movie dealing with that subject, 2016s Operation Avalanche.

Plot/ In 1967, four undercover CIA agents were sent to NASA posing as a documentary film crew. What they discovered led to one of the biggest conspiracies in American history.

When I saw this one at Family Video I was not really concerned about the quality or any other aspect, I was drawn to the storyline and subject matter. For better or worse, I love conspiracies and the moon landing is one of my favorite rabbit holes to go down. I am sure there are many out there that are in the same boat on that subject. Matt Johnson is one of the most inspirational filmmakers today. While this movie is not perfect and it does have some flaws, there were enough elements surrounding the story to make it an interesting take on this conspiracy. I loved the feel of the movie, as it definitely transported the viewer back to that period with a solid combination of soundtrack and cinematography. The idea of the story and the performances were also decent. However, the atmosphere and some of the scripting were uneven, plus the pacing was a bit choppy – all elements that detracted from the final product. In the end, this mockumentary was a different and entertaining look at possibly one of the greatest conspiracies of all time. If you are like me and are into conspiracies, give it a shot.

OUIJA 3: The Charlie Charlie Challenge (2016)

Trips to Family Video can be fun. Unfortunately, they can also pull you into some movies that should not be watched. One such movie is the 2016 low budget entry OUIJA 3: The Charlie Charlie Challenge (AKA Charlie Charlie).

Plot/ An eccentric haunted house owner invites a group of hapless teens to play the terrifying game known as Charlie Charlie, overnight in the many attractions his house has to offer. While the game is meant to be a mere spectacle of spooky fun, it soon turns into a true nightmare leaving the teenagers, and the owner, battling for their lives.

My daughter is a huge fan of all of the OUIJA Movies, and I have to say that this is not just a bad low budget entry; it is one of the worst horror films I have seen in some time. Plus, attempting to fit this one into the low budget OUIJA knock-off franchise is absolutely ridiculous. Of course, I should have known better, but when she saw it at Family Video, we had to rent it. I would usually follow at this spot with the positives, but honestly, the only one is the subject matter with the overhyped Charlie Charlie game that popped up as a fad. I just wish that had the staying power of Slenderman, but it didn’t. The acting, the cinematography, the effects, and scripting were all miserable. Really, there was nothing redeeming at all with this one. In the end, I cannot in any way recommend this film. Stay Away!

Left Behind: Vanished (2016)

I have to say that this weather is quite cold and when it is like this, I hate to do anything. Although, it is a great time to watch some movies and stay warm. After another trip to Family Video, I decided on something different, 2016s Left Behind: Vanished.

Plot/ When a billion people around the globe suddenly vanish and chaos engulfs the nation a small group tries to figure out what has happened and how they fit into this dangerous new world.

I have to admit that I enjoyed reading the Left Behind series when it first came out. That being said, I thought that the initial theatrical attempts left something to be desired, as they did not capture the atmosphere in the same manner as the books. When I saw this, I was unsure what to expect and hoped that maybe some of the problems from the first entries may have been addressed. While some of the elements in the movie was definitely up graded, there were still some issues. Overall, the performances were solid, the storyline was woven into the original timeline in a believable and entertaining manner, and the sight of Antichrist Nicolae Carpathia was a nice twist. Unfortunately, the story becomes a bit disjointed and it feels forced at some points. In the end, this entry in the series was a refreshing take on a subject matter that can be polarizing considering the religious overtones and the cultural climate of society today. If you enjoy this type of story, give it a shot. 

Morgan (2016)

After watching The Shelter, I was looking to find something more conspiracy related. Unfortunately, the movie I was searching for was out. Instead, I decided on the 2016 entry Morgan.

Plot/ A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being.

When I saw this one on the shelf at Family Video, it looked interesting. In some ways, the advertised premise reminded me of the storyline from Embryo that I watched earlier in the week. While what I found was somewhat similar, this one was overall a lot more thought provoking and darker. Besides the interesting storyline, it featured some solid performances, a talented cast, and an intense and somewhat dark atmosphere. Yes, the ending was a bit of a let down and some of the characterizations were flat, but overall those elements did little to bring the movie down. In the end, this one has a nice mixture of horror and science fiction elements and is a fun watch, especially if you are stuck in the middle of a blizzard or deep freeze. Stay warm out there!

The Shelter (2015)

Last night I took a trip in the snow to Family Video in hopes of finding one of the new releases that looked interesting. Unfortunately, the film I was looking for was out. Instead, I decided on the 2015 psychological thriller The Shelter.

Plot/ A homeless man finds shelter for the night within a lavish abandoned two-story house. He eventually discovers that he is not alone and the premises won't let him leave.

When I saw this at Family Video the premise seemed straightforward. However, this movie was nothing like I expected. In fact, The Shelter was much better than I could have imagined. This psychological thriller with supernatural overtones is both thought provoking and intriguing; covering a topic that I am sure many will recognize or potentially struggle with. Not only is the storyline interesting, the atmosphere, the cinematography, and scripting work together to create an enthralling film. Couple that with some solid performances from a minimalist cast (especially Michael Pare) and the movie is well worth your time. In the end, this is one of the better psychological thrillers I have seen in some time. You should check it out.

Embryo (1976)

As the weather turned cold last night, I decided to turn back the clock and watch something from my childhood. No, it isn’t Disney or any type of cartoon (so, my childhood was not normal), it was the 1976 Sci-Fi/Horror flick Embryo.

Plot/ A scientist doing experiments on a human fetus discovers a method to accelerate the fetus into a mature adult in just a few days. However, the "adult" fetus turns into a homicidal psycho and looks for a new formula to prevent her from aging further.

When I saw this one was the part of that movie set, I was interested to see how it stood the test of time. Unfortunately, it did not fair very well, as the technology in the movie was completely outdated. That being said, the idea involved with the storyline (yes, a bit Frankensteinish) being interesting. The cast and performances were solid, the scripting and pacing were on spot, and the effects were better than expected. Yes, the technology (especially the computer) seemed ancient and the ending seemed a bit off, but those flaws were commonplace during the 1970s in smaller budgeted horror. In the end, this one was an entertaining and intriguing movie to look back on. While it is far from perfect and rather tame, it is still worth watching on a cold winters night.

The Craving (2008)

Now that I am settling into a groove with the blog to start the year, it is fun to get back into some of the low budget horror flicks that I have always enjoyed. The next movie up for review is from that nine-movie set I picked up over the holidays. It is the 2008 no-budget entry The Craving from Brain Damage Films.

Plot/ A group of college students embarking on a cross country road trip to the Burning Man Festival find themselves stranded in desert. Come nightfall a vicious predatory monster comes out searching for a meal.

This is another micro-budget flick that I found on that nine-movie set and a movie that I expected to suffer from many of the same flaws that the other films of this budget suffer from. This movie does have its share of flaws and is somewhat clichéd, but there is some positive elements that I would not have expected at first glance. The scripting was not bad and the pacing allowed the tension to build throughout, the atmosphere matched the scenery, and there was enough blood and violence sprinkled in to overcome some of the clichéd moments. Yes, there are some strangely placed sex scenes, the sound quality was all over, and the performances were uneven, but I have seen a lot worse in movies with larger budgets. In the end, this may not be a perfect flick, but it is a decent no-budget entry. Sure, it will fall into the love/hate vein, but don’t most horror flicks do that?

The Garden - Short Story

I see you from a distance and I cannot touch. Oh, how I want to; I crave the life force and nectar you harbor. Your pale skin; your sparkling eyes, my pulse quickens as I stare through the shrouded veil, I can almost taste you. You are close, as I can feel your warmth. Yet, as I reach for you, the emptiness consumes me. You have vanished and my longing continues.

Everyday, it is the same ritual. I sneak upon the luscious garden toward your window. Your stunning beauty transcending the loneliness I feel inside this desolate heart. My hideous appearance drowning any chance I have at capturing a soul as pure as you. Still, I stare into your room, wondering what you are, your thoughts, feelings, and desires fill my void with meaning; fantasizing about a life inside your arms. Again, you vanish. Where have you gone?

Saddened, I return to my lair and stare into my mirror; thoughts, feelings, desires, all betray my eyes. You reach for me, and I return your touch, navigating my way through your warmth. My thoughts mirror yours. Our hearts; souls are the same, our lives entwined. Your commands are my actions and your desires, my eternal light. My destiny lies in your arms.

“No, this cannot be! I am not worthy of your untainted flesh!”

Sorrow engulfs my world, as I know there is only one truth, a fate prophesized at birth. These horns, ears, and my despicable countenance; my divine curse brought forth by evil, but, I long for something more; something real. This is not who I am, not who I will be. I want to love, I want to hold you and consummate all of my dreams. Unfortunately, my mind is opened to my bleak reality; fear and decay creep into my thoughts. I am lost, my existence full of isolation, and I know I will never have you.

I return to your precious garden, today will be the day we finally meet. My arms will soothe your fears and our lives will become one. Again, I reach for you; your soft skin tempting the dark cravings I harbor in my bowels. Your body quivers, as my sharp fingers gently descend toward your depths. I can feel your pulse race as the blood begins to flow down your neck.

After what seems like all perpetuity, our eyes meet. The flames of desire, of passion, blaze fiercely inside your sanctuary. The sanguine pain grasps consumes every inch, ecstasy is near. We are one. Our bodies combined as we drink from the consecrated chalice; dine on the sacred elixir; our secret union at hand, transporting us to forbidden realms of pleasure and pain. You have saved me from perpetual damnation and emptiness. I love you.

Unfortunately, I cannot stay with you my dear, for no one will understand, or accept, our stained visage. But, I will return, and again our souls combine, and our hearts will be as one.

They Crawl (2001)

With the holidays over and everyone (including me) back at school, it was time to dive into some low budget horror. After some debate, I decided to break into the $5 bin at WalMart, with the nine-movie horror set featuring the 2001 low budget entry They Crawl.

Plot/ After a terrifying incident of man, a police detective needs to find a way to stop the creepy horde of roaches before it can kill more people.

I knew that it had been a while since I went down the no-budget indie horror trail, but I couldn’t resist when I saw a nine movie set at WalMart after the holiday that featured some interesting titles. In the case with the first entry, it is exactly what one would expect from a low budget insect infestation flick. What could go wrong with that? While the movie suffers from many of the flaws that plague this genre, there were a couple of interesting elements that made it at least tolerable. The storyline, although it does have some holes, is interesting and to be honest, it is a lot more violent than I would have expected from this budget. Yes, the plot has issues and is more confusing than it should have been, the ending is uneven at best, and the CGI was not good at all. In the end, this movie is far from good, but it is also nowhere near the worst film in the genre. If you are like me and love no-budget horror, it can at least help you pass some time.

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

Finally, it is 2017. In some ways, I hate to see 2016 go away. I graduated Valedictorian in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University; I had a fun trip to Universal Studios with Brenda and the girls, and dove into a ton of conspiracy theories that were proven true thanks to WikiLeaks. What more could anyone ask for (maybe the PowerBall or something). Here is hoping that 2017 will be just as fun. For my first review of 2017, I decided to finish the Alien franchise with 1997s Alien: Resurrection.

Plot/ Two centuries after her death, Ellen Ripley is revived as a powerful human/alien hybrid clone that must continue her war against the aliens.

In finishing off the sequels to the Alien franchise, Alien: Resurrection is definitely an improvement over Alien 3. While it is far from a perfect movie, featuring many different plot holes and a soundtrack that did not seem to create the same atmospheric elements as the earlier entries, there are some moments that make it an interesting entry in the series. Of course, some of the love/hate attitudes that exist with this entry could be because it is quite different than its predecessors. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet definitely created something more surreal and dreamlike than the others, plus there were a lot more images of blood, gore, and violence than what was featured earlier in the franchise. The storyline was interesting (even with the plot holes), and the cast and performances were solid (plus the alien hybrid was a nice twist). In the end, this one does not rise to the quality of the sources, but it is more memorable than Alien 3. If you love the Alien franchise, give it shot. There are a lot worse out there.