Bigfoot Creek (2011)

I know, it's been a while since I reviewed anything.  That didn't mean,  I haven't been watching anything. In fact,  I've logged quite a few hours watching some stuff over the past few weeks.  Unfortunately,  I just haven't felt like sitting down and taking the time to jot down my thoughts.  That changed this afternoon as I wait for a Cthulhu idol to finish printing.  So,  I settled on the 2011 mockumentary Bigfoot Creek.

Plot: Since the 1970s he has roamed the countryside, watching...and waiting. This all-new docudrama chronicles these true events that occurred throughout the Midwest.

Also known as the Legacy of Boggy Creek, this movie attempted to follow the baseline established by original cryptid classic,  the Legend of Boggy Creek. Unfortunately,  this one did not quote resonate the same way and definitely did not spark the same amount of interest in the subject.  While I do applaud the independent origins and low budget nature of the film,  it was just a tough watch from start to finish.  The effects and costuming were bad, the pacing uneven,  and the overall feel lacked the rustic good natured realism of the source. As a researched myself,  it just took way too much effort to watch this one,  especially on a subject the I love.  In the end,  I understand what was trying to be accomplished with this film and appreciate it, it is just that the execution didn't allow me to enjoy a film that I could have really got behind.  Please,  do yourself a favor and just watch the Legend of Boggy Creek. It is a better flick. 

Day 6 (2011)

After spending most of the past two days submerged in homework with a large publishing and distribution project, I decided that I needed to take a break and watch something to help motivate me. After some debate, I decided to watch the 2011 sci-fi mystery Day 6 (AKA Alien Exorcism).

Plot/ Dr. Davide studies the alien abductions. From the abductees under hypnosis, he has understood that some alien races have been installing, for millennia, their active memories in the people's brains, to exploit a special energy: the Soul.

While I had no idea what to expect with this movie, I was definitely surprised to find such a diverse mixture in the storyline. Also known as Alien Exorcism, Day 6 is a movie that manages to combine the alien mythos with religion in a way that is entertaining. It was definitely a different look at possession and alien abductions and it was an intriguing and modern take on the concepts. Overall, while there was really nothing new, the performances, the cinematography, and the subject matter made it a good watch, even at the extended run time. Yes, the audio quality was uneven, and some of the early portions of the movie seemed disjointed as they built the storyline, it was not enough to bring this one down. In the end, this is an underrated movie that is entertaining and should appeal to many people who are fans of the different genres. While this is not groundbreaking, give it a shot; you may enjoy it.

Hellraiser: Revelations (2011)

With The Visit behind me, I still had some work to do and needed something dark in the background. After some debate, I decided to venture back into a franchise that I absolutely love, Hellraiser, with the ninth installment Hellraiser: Revelations.  

Plot/ two friends discover a puzzle box in Mexico, which opens a gateway to Hell. Before long, Pinhead has returned to make the lives of everyone in his way miserable.

While I have not reviewed all of the Hellraiser movies, I have seen them all, and this ninth installment has to be the worst. I can now see why Doug Bradley passed (not that his presence would have saved it). There were some interesting effects in this one (even if they were predictable and similar to earlier entries in the franchise) and who would not love to see the box, chains, a pleasures of the flesh instilled by the cenobites. Unfortunately, there was absolutely nothing new in this one, and it felt like a modified rip-off of all of the others. The performances are uneven, the dialog bad, the characters did nothing to appeal to anyone, and the atmosphere was non-existent. Even the classic Pinhead character failed to develop and was shell of himself, with Stephan Smith Collins trying too hard to channel the definitive traits of Bradley. In the end, this is definitely one movie I could have done without and even as a huge fan of the franchise; I will never watch this one again. Stay away!

Donovan's Echo (2011)

After a trying afternoon dealing with the VA, I decided that I needed to unwind earlier than usual. With the kids awake, I decided to find something tamer than usual. After some debate with the voices in my head, I decided on the 2011 independent entry: Donovan’s Echo.

Plot/ A series of uncanny déjà vu events force a man to re-examine his tragic past, memory, instinct, and future.

I had never heard of this one when it popped up on the screen on my Netflix account and decided to role the dice. I am glad that I did. This rather unknown (and therefore underrated) supernatural themed movie was a lot better than I ever imagined. The atmosphere was heavy, the storyline layered, the performances solid, and the characters worked well together. Yes, it was a touch predictable as there were just enough hints written in to aid in discovery, and there were a few production/cinematography issues, but that did little to bring this one down. In the end, this was an entertaining mystery that dove into an intriguing topic. Check it out; it was definitely a surprise.

Wonderland (2011)

After watching some Sci-Fi last night with The Signal, I decided that I wanted to venture into a different world tonight. After a rip to Family Video, I decided on the 2011 no-budget indie flick Wonderland (AKA VIViD).

Plot/ A new drug grants its users the ability to place their consciousness into the bodies of other people. Soon, a serial killer begins to use the drug as a way to live and die as other people by forcing his victims to kill him or herself.

This was quite a surprise. When I grabbed it at Family Video, I expected another typical no-budget indie flick, but what I found was something original, entertaining, and dark. The storyline is layered and complex, the performances are solid, the visuals are striking, the pacing, and soundtrack work together to create a dark atmosphere, and there is enough blood to make horror fans smile. While I enjoyed the surrealistic aspects and non-linear qualities of the film, I am sure that they will be a turnoff for some viewers. In the end, this movie definitely takes you on a dark trip down into the rabbit hole and brings you out alive. Yes, it is not for everyone, but if you enjoy surreal journeys into darkness, take this trip, you will enjoy it.

The Ouija Experiment (2011)

While our weather did not improve all that much on Sunday, it did allow me a chance to sit back and do some relaxing. I did have to finish some homework, but that was only a small trip into work mode. Now, to catch up on some of my weekend viewing, the 2011 low budget flick, The Ouija Experiment. 

Plot/ Five friends decide to videotape their experimental sessions with an Ouija board in an attempt to create a viral video that is sure to make them famous. Personal drama causes members of the group to forget to maintain focus on the game's important rules and soon fall prey to the evil entities that occupy the board. 

This low budget entry has has been a challenge to get a hold of. Incredibly, it was always out when I went in to Family Video, that was until yesterday when I grabbed it. Of course, being a low budget flick with a small unknown cast, I figured there would be some issues, and there were. While the story was interesting and there were some creepy moments, it did not hold my attention throughout. One major reason was the overacting, which was evident from the first minutes of the film. Couple that with the uneven pacing and lack of flow and it was a difficult viewing experience. In the end, while the story had some potential, the opportunity to reach that was missed. Unless you have it on your bucket list to watch everything with Ouija Boards, I would pass.

You're Next (2011)

After spending Thursday night with the remake of Carrie, I decided I wanted to go with something mindless for my Friday evening. With the snow falling outside, it is the perfect night for some mayhem. After some thought, I decided upon the 2011 horror flick, You're Next.

Plot/ When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.

As usual, I stayed away from this one until I could watch it at home and i am glad I did. While this is not a perfect flick, it does have some interesting aspects even with the cliche moments sprinkled in. This movie actually has a decent mix of comedy elements thrown into the various kills, which in some ways make it more fun than you may have expected. The acting is OK, the cinematography solid, and the direction works, having some originality thrown into the mix with some of the kills. Sure, the atmosphere is all over, there are plot holes and the characterization is lacking, but it is far from terrible. In the end, this is a hard flick to categorize, as it boasts multiple murders, but does not fit into the different horror sub-genres. To me, this was an entertaining and comic trip down a bloody path, and one I enjoyed. Not for everyone, but if you like blood, guts, murder and mayhem, give it a shoot. If not, stay away.

Cassadaga (2011)

After finishing up my homework for the week, I decided to check out something different for the week. With a backlog of flicks to review from my alone time, I have not searched anything out. My selection for this Saturday night is the 2011 indie horror flick Cassadaga. 

Plot/ A deaf woman who resurrects the ghost of a murdered young woman is forced by the spirit to a serial killer who turns his female victims into marionette dolls. 

This supernatural thriller was a surprise and a lot different than I expected when I grabbed it at Family Video. As an indie flick, it does boast an interesting premise, solid acting, and some decent effects. Sure, there are some pacing issues, there are clichéd movements, and toward the end, the killer became predictable, but that does not truly bring it down in any major way. Overall, while it did somewhat fall short of reaching its potential because it never married all of the subplots, it is much better than many of the independent movies in the same genre. In the end, this one was better than I expected and a flick that is well worth watching. While nothing in it is groundbreaking, this is a quality production that is rather entertaining.

Jack the Reaper (2011)

After watching the Ninth Gate over the weekend, I decided it was time to get back to some of the flicks that I picked up at Family Video. While I did not rent anything groundbreaking, I did pick up a couple of interesting looking titles. The first one I watched in the 2011 slasher, Jack the Reaper.

Plot/ A group of unsuspecting teens face a railroad reaper in his desert carnival.

This movie is one of those rare no-budget indie flicks that is both original and cliché at the same time. While that is the case and there is really nothing new here, there is a lot of stuff to like about it. The killer is awesome visually, the effects are solid, and the director actually succeeds at creating an atmosphere and does not cheapen the flick by using a ton of CGI. Sure, the acting is so-so, Tony Todd is wasted in his cameo and some of the dialogue does not work, but that is somewhat acceptable due to the budgetary restraints. In the end, it is not an overwhelming flick by any means, but it is also not the worst of its kind. If you like off-beat slashers, you will likely enjoy this one.

Jacob (2011)

I have been spending some time this holiday weekend with the family and catching up on some horror flicks we grabbed at Family Video the other day. Tonight as I sit here, I cannot believe the weather; as it looks like the UFOs from Independence Day are overhead in the lightning and clouds, it is crazy. However, that weather really did nothing to enhance this latest flick, from 2011, Jacob.

Plot/ Lonely and disturbed Jacob Kell loved his little sister more than anything on earth. When tragedy strikes, Jacob retaliates the only way he knows how - and anyone who crosses his path will know there is no limit to his brutal vengeance.

It is not often that I am left so torn about a movie, but this one did just that. In watching it, there was some good and some bad, something most movies have. Honestly, the bad, may actually outweigh the good, a common trait of low budget indie flicks. However, there was something here that I just cannot place. On the good, there was a lot of gore, and some of the storyline seemed layered. Unfortunately, the acting was uneven, the dialogue and editing all over the place, the pacing was off and the back-story, while there, never did enough to create full characters. In the end, I was somewhat entertained, but feel like there was so much more that could have come from this movie as it had potential. Of course, it could have helped if the storyline was at least coherent, allowing some of the back-story to rise. I have seen far worse flicks lately. Watch at your own risk. Bottom of Form

The Thing (2011)

I have been on an alien / UFO kick this weekend and for the most part kept it to documentaries. Between Ancient Aliens, UFO Files and some interesting biblical stuff that connects the topic, I have burnt up Direct TV on the subject. That was until earlier tonight when the 2011 prequel of The Thing was on…

Plot/ Deep below the Arctic ice, scientists discover an alien spacecraft and the remains of the occupant. The scientists cut it out of the ice and take it back to their camp. Unfortunately, as the ice melts, the creature reanimates and the terror begins.

I have stayed clear of this flick for some time, as I was a huge fan of the first remake from John Carpenter. But, having been in an alien type mood, I decided to venture into this prequel. Now I understand why. On its own merits there are some interesting facets to this flick that make it entertaining, unfortunately, in comparison to the earlier masterpiece it is overshadowed. The creature design is awesome, I just wish they would have stayed away from so much of the CGI, Yes, they are interesting, but still CGI dampens some of it. The acting is solid, storyline interesting, and atmosphere is ok; as I said entertaining in its own right. The problem is that much of the premise is shared from the Carpenter classic and there is nothing new in this flick to make it very memorable on its own. Yes, this one is entertaining and has some moments of tension, Is it perfect, no, but it is interesting to watch, especially if you know little of the Carpenter flick from 1982. 

Twixt (2011)

During a trip through Family Video, I saw a flick that caught my eye, but it was out. I hate when that happens. Incredibly, while I had never heard of the flick before, it started popping up everywhere through the week; at Target, on Demand, everywhere. Finally, I went in today at it was there. That flick is the 2011 surrealistic thriller Twixt.

Plot/ A writer with a declining career arrives in a small town as part of his book tour and gets caught up in a murder mystery involving a young girl. That night in a dream, a mysterious young ghost named V. approaches him. He's unsure of her connection to the murder in the town, but is grateful for the story being handed to him. Ultimately, he is led to the truth of the story, surprised to find that the ending has more to do with his own life than he could ever have anticipated.

After watching this one it is easy to see that it will be an extremely polarizing flick for viewers. Coming from cinema icon Francis Ford Coppola, this movie is nothing like his masterpieces from early in his career and if you are expecting that, you will be disappointed. This surrealistic journey into darkness is both atmospheric and dark. Most of the cinematography and color decisions are amazing, the acting is solid, and it is extremely visual with a soundscape that matches perfectly. Sure some of the storyline is a bit incoherent and the script is all over the place, but it works because it makes you pay attention and think. In the end, this movie is definitely not for everyone as the surrealism takes you more toward Mulholland Drive than the Godfather, but it is an entertaining movie to watch if you like that style of movie. 

Another Kind (2011)

Back-to-back documentaries are good for your soul! Truly, they are, as too much of society fails to follow their birthright to ask questions and demand answers. We face a lot of challenges today to items we once viewed as untouchable, with actions and arguments that are unfathomable. We must speak up to these injustices. To take a break from documentaries, I decided on Another Kind from 2011.

Plot/ A group of unprepared weekend hikers go missing while snowshoeing in the Catskill Mountains.

I had never heard of this one when I saw it Family Video and said what the heck. What I found was an interesting low budget indie flick, which valued atmosphere over action. Sure, that works to some effect, but it was not without flaws. The storyline is appealing, yet the scripting leaves giant holes in it. Yes, that can work and add some questions, but there was some unevenness within these that hinted too much to be effective. The acting was solid, and some of the twists added to it as a whole. Unfortunately, the pacing was a bit off, which may have caused the questions to become holes, and the ending may have reached for too much. In the end, this attempt at a surrealistic thriller / horror flick was decent, but it lacks the strong storyline or originality to be anything truly memorable. If you catch it, it will help you pass time on a cold snowy night. 

The Day (2011)

After suffering through Grizzly Flats, I had hoped that my next selection would be much better. I had honestly wanted something different from anything that I have selected recently. With the pulse of society being uneven recently, I decided that I wanted to watch something more apocalyptic. In the end, I decided upon the 2011 independent flick The Day.

Plot/ A group of five people working to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic future discover what they think is a safe, abandoned farmhouse, but they soon find themselves fighting to stay alive as a gang of bloodthirsty predators attack.

When I grabbed this, I expected something very different. However, what I found was much better than that. This was a dark, entertaining and somewhat dismal journey into post-apocalyptic depravity. More of a thriller or character driven drama than anything else, this has a tremendous atmosphere, outstanding performances and an intensity that permeates dread throughout the fabric of the film. More importantly, this storyline projects a harsh reality of what could happen if this type of environment comes to life, and it was a treat to watch. Some may not enjoy it as much as I did, and that is understandable, but that is OK. In the end, this is an entertaining dark drama that should be watched at least once.