The Cellar (2022)

Today was another long day, but it did allow me to enjoy a variety of different selections. I did some UFO/Alien documentaries, some classic horror with original silent Nosferatu and finally, I ended it with the 2022 low budget entry The Cellar. 

Plot: Keira Woods' daughter mysteriously vanishes in the cellar of their new house. She soon discovers there is an ancient and powerful entity controlling their home that she will have to face or risk losing her family's souls forever.

This movie was set up to be extremely good. It had an interesting premise, the scripting was solid, it had some atmosphere and who doesn’t love a creepy house? Unfortunately, it never truly matches its potential due to uneven performances and a lack of character development throughout. I’m sure there were some budget constraints involved and those never allowed the movie to breathe. In the end, this one was better than expected and one found entertaining. Would I watch it again? Probably not, but it was worth watching this afternoon.

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. 

Slingshot (2024)

While doing some research earlier today, I decided that I wanted something more space related to play while working. After some searching through streaming services, I decided on Slingshot from 2024. 

Plot: An astronaut struggles to maintain his grip on reality aboard a possibly fatally compromised mission to Saturn's moon, Titan.

This movie was more of a space drama than I had hoped for. It is a psychological thriller that doubles as a Sci-Fi flick. That’s not saying it isn’t good or entertaining, it is, but it wasn’t what I was searching for today. The storyline is interesting, although the pacing seems a bit off and it tends to drag at some points, the acting is solid, and the atmosphere is claustrophobic, matching the situation being portrayed.  Other than that it is an entertaining afternoon. In the end, if you are looking for action and adventure this one isn’t for you. But, it you want something more thought provoking, that will make you think, give this one a shot. 

28 Days Later (2002)

For the past week I have been in Pennsylvania dealing with some family medical stuff. While I was there, the weather was cold and I had plenty of time to ring in the New Year with some horror. The series I did for the holiday started with the classic 28 Days Later from 2002. 

Plot: Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the United Kingdom, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.

There is nothing like the Rage virus! I remember when this came out, the impression 28 Days Later made echoed throughout the saturated zombie genre. This movie was different, taking the traditional zombie film to a new level. It honestly was an influence on me as I was working my way through what would eventually become After the Static. The characters are amazing, the storyline navigates away from the traps that plague many horror flicks, the cast is outstanding, and the atmosphere is almost perfect. Plus, the zombie characteristics were fresh and new. This movie is outstanding and definitely set a standard. In the end, if you haven’t seen this one, you are missing out. Try to find it soon as a new installment is rumored to be on the way.