The Ecstasy of Isabel Mann (2012)

I have many different writing projects going, and I absolutely love it! Last night I finished a rewrite of the back page description for Walking Before Dawn, knocked out two blog posts, and did some work on my After the Static project. Today, after some yard work and answering a few emails, I kicked back and enjoyed my last flick from Family Video: 2012s The Ecstasy of Isabel Mann.

Plot/ A violent sect of day-walking vampires seduces teenager Isabel Mann. Her classmates start to go missing, attracting two detectives. Things get weird as the disturbed teenager kills at will in the nearby woods.

This was the last movie that I picked up at Family Video and probably the one I enjoyed the most. While there were some of the typical low budget flaws present, for the most part, it came off in a rather impressive manner. The performances are decent, the storyline interesting, the cinematography and direction spot on, and the soundtrack blended perfectly with the script and movie. Yes, the pacing was a touch slow, the sound quality was uneven, and some of the elements may seem better suited for an art house film than true horror entry, but when you look at the movie as a whole, they are minimal issues. In the end, this movie is a different approach to the vampire mythos and one that works. Sure, some viewers may not like it (and that is understandable) because of the diverse scripting and scene choices, but those are only minor flaws. Check this one out.

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists (2012)

While I am fighting through this miserable cold, I decided to kick back and relax tonight. Luckily, Bren decided to find something interesting to watch. To my surprise, it was a documentary on a very polarizing subject. What was it? It was the 2012 documentary We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists.

Plot/ We Are Legion traces the collective's breathtaking evolution from merry pranksters to a full-blown, global movement, one armed with new weapons of civil disobedience for an online world.

It has been a while since I ventured into a documentary, and this one may be one of the best I have seen in some time. This one is extremely informative and definitely is a great gateway inside the mind of the collective. Whether you are a fan of anonymous or not, the ideals that exist within the mutual voice should be applauded. Information is power and ideas are bulletproof, thoughts that the globalists that are attempting to overtake society fear and want to destroy. If you do not believe me, listen to some of the speeches by President Obama and candidate Clinton, they want to hand over control of the internet and control free speech to usher in totalitarian control throughout the world. This documentary does a great job at showing the hactivist movement from their humble beginnings, through their development through Reddit and 4chan, and to where they are today. One of the areas that were surprising was the overall lack of supervision or structure within the organization, creating a dynamic that could is both helpful and harmful to the organization. Overall, it does only focus on a few of the more notable causes, but it does show the viewer the power of the movement. In the end, if you would like to see a documentary that is informative and highlights a movement that is often misunderstood, you have to watch this. It is well worth your time!

Spirit Stalkers (2012)

With the Christmas holiday behind us, it was time to move forward and get back to the blog. Needing something horror related, I decided to find something with a low budget indie feel, that movie, and my next review, is the 2012 entry Spirit Stalkers.

Plot/ The Spirit Stalkers reality show, once a big hit, faces cancellation without a ratings boost, which leads the investigative team to Gloria Talman, whose house is rampant with unexplained ghostly activity.

I am all for low budget horror, and was hoping that this one would be as good as some of the tags I saw on Twitter. Unfortunately, there was nothing scary or riveting inside this one and it came off as a bad behind the scenes of a ghost hunting reality show with some blood scattered throughout. Sure, the performances were not bad, the cinematic qualities were better than a lot of low budget films, and the ideologies portrayed with the paranormal investigations seemed realistic. However, there was not much else there to keep your attention. The effects were lacking (although with a low budget that was expected), and it was extremely predictable. In the end, there is nothing memorable here and in the end it will just mesh with the other low budget paranormal movies that have become all the rage in recent years.

41 (2012)

Having taken my final quiz in my class, I decided that I wanted to watch something with a medieval feel. While searching for something in that genre, I stumbled on a time travel flick that I had never heard of. While this film did not take me back to the era that I had hoped for, it was one of the better indie flicks that I have seen in some time. That movie, and my next review, is the 2012 low budget entry 41.

Plot/ A young man discovers a hole in the floor of a local motel that leads to yesterday.

When I stumbled upon this one, I had no idea what to anticipate. What I found was definitely different than what I would have expected, as this one did not play out like any of the typical time travel movies that I have come across. Personally, I love the subject, and believe that we today are living inside some type of time ripple, because that is the only thing that can explain the strange occurrences that are plaguing society. This is an excellent film, that features an intriguing storyline that is both layered and thought provoking, as well as some solid cinematography and a perfect soundtrack the creates an outstanding atmosphere. Yes, the dialog was uneven in spots and some of the scenes felt forced (especially the ones centered on the police), but those flaws were easily overlooked. In the end, this low budget flick was a joy to watch and a movie that should have definitely received more fanfare than it did. Check it out!

The Frozen (2012)

Every once in a while, I want to find something to watch with the daughters and look for something with a lower rating. Speaking of daughters, it is hard to believe that my oldest Genesis turned 17 today. She is an incredible and talented girl and the sky is truly the limit with her. Next up for review during this wintery season is the 2012 flick, The Frozen.

Plot/ After a harrowing snowmobile accident, a young couple is stranded in the woods and must survive while waiting for help to arrive. Events take a turn for the worse after the disappearance of Emma's boyfriend, leaving her on her own not only to battle the elements, but also to elude a mysterious hunter who is tracking her through the forest.

There are times when movies rely on the simplex of mean and provided just enough to keep you watching. In this stripped down ultra low budget flick, the storyline may be simple, but the acting and ideas are solid, and the decision to use the natural soundscape really works to build tension. Yes, it is somewhat predictable, the pacing is a touch slow, and there is really no action, but some of that is expected on a small budget. In the end, this one may not be groundbreaking, but it does feature some entertaining moments and a touch of realism. If you like slower nature based movies, give it a shot.

Bloodworx (2012)

It is funny; these time changes are really a pain in the butt. I swear, I have struggled all day with the time change, and feel exhausted. Luckily, for me, it has been a relaxing evening watching Genesis in her first performance with the VFW Band, as they played a veterans ceremony at the local Masonic Lodge. As a veteran, it was a proud moment watching my extremely talented daughter play such patriotic music. Now I am home and jumping back into the blog with the 2012 flick Bloodworx (AKA Bloodwork).

Plot/ Best friends Greg and Rob, college roommates, decide to earn a little extra cash by participating in a two-week pharmaceutical test over the Christmas holidays. Locked into a remote hospital facility far out in the isolated countryside, they find themselves part of a bizarre series of tests and question whether they will survive.

It is amazing how many of these government experiment gone awry flicks come out and follow a detailed outline. Honestly, it is like listening to Democrats on Sunday talk shows. While that is again the case with this one (especially toward the end of the film), there are some interesting moments early on and lasting toward the middle of the film. This one is at least entertaining, with decent acting, and it does have a few spots of originality shine through prior to the cliché moments taking control. On a down side, the scripting is uneven and the predictable moments at the end make it impossible for the flick to reach its potential. In the end, more of a thriller than horror flick, this one is hard to place. Yes, there are some entertaining spots that make it worthwhile, but the cliché moments tend to bring it down. Do not run out and buy it, but if you catch it late on a Saturday evening, feel free to give it a shot.

Specter (2012)

Now that I have secured some stuff to create a makeshift Ebola protection suit, it is definitely time to kick back and relax for the evening. I am actually working two different costumes tomorrow, first with some Ebola moments followed by some Nightmare of Elm Street/Freddy Kruger time. Now, to the blog; next up the 2013 indie flick Specter.

Plot/ The town of Midground is threatened by a tsunami caused by a massive earthquake in the North Pacific Ocean. After other unexplainable events transpire, Chase Lombardi and friends are forced to discover whether they are experiencing a natural phenomenon or something else all together.

Specter is an intriguing flick that definitely takes on multiple genres inside its condensed storyline. While it is an interesting mix of found-footage drama, Sci-Fi and thriller, it possibly bit off more than it could handle. Unfortunately, the found-footage aspects of the film may of led to some of the unrefined and uneven moments inside (although, that format does lead to a few of the highlights of the film). Yes, there are some positives with the interesting story and decent nature effects, but those cannot overcome the unevenness built from some of the camera decisions and visualizations. In the end, this is definitely more of a supernatural themed thriller than straight horror flick and will not be for everyone. Sure, it has some good moments, but for the most part, it does not match its overall potential.

 

A Haunting at Preston Castle (2012)

Last night, I took a break from movies to do some writing. Yes, that piece, which I posted yesterday, is zombie themed and I know that zombies are saturating the world, but this short story is part of something much larger and layered. Tonight, I decided to venture into some paranormal areas with my movie selection, the 2012 indie entry A Haunting at Preston Castle (AKA Preston Castle). 

Plot/ When three friends set out for an innocent, late night adventure, they encounter more than ever imagined. Inspired by true events at northern California’s infamous haunted house, Preston Castle, the question is whether these three will survive the night.

This flick is another loosely based true story based in an actual haunted location: Preston Castle (in California). While there is really nothing new in this film, it did surprise me as the pacing actually built throughout and there were some decent cinematic elements. Unfortunately, there is nothing new in this one, as the acting is uneven, the scripting is weak, and there is truly nothing memorable inside. In the end, this cliché filled movie does nothing more than help pass some time during writing. Sure, if you are a fan of movies based on true haunted locations, you may enjoy it, but trust me; there is nothing in this that you have not seen before.

Aftermath (2012)

With many people talking about end times prophecies, or thinking that Ebola will kill us all off in the name of the United Nations or Agenda 21, I thought that it would be nice to venture into a more traditional view of the apocalypse: nuclear war. Of course, I already know that nothing I choose will live up to Jericho, but I did prepare myself for that. My next selection for the blog is 2012s Aftermath (AKA Remnants). 

Plot/ Searching for a happy ending to a tale of unimaginable disaster and horror, nine strangers find themselves holed up together in a farmhouse cellar in rural Texas. The United States has hastily become embroiled in World War 3.

I am sure that people will have mixed feelings about this movie, and it is easy to see why. The slowly paced post-apocalyptic set entry does have some head scratching moments, but to me, that was fine. There was something about the storyline that lent a touch of believability inside that balanced out the depressing overtones. The scripting works, the visuals are solid, and the soundtrack helps set a dark atmosphere. Yes, some of the performances were uneven, and as I mentioned there were some parts of the overall story that made little sense, but that does little to bring it down. In the end, this brooding look at the human reaction to strife is entertaining and interesting. Sure, some will not like it, but to me, it is one of the better post apocalyptic entries to come out in some time and one that should be seen.

Found (2012)

Earlier today, I finally finished my last quiz in art history. While it was not the 100 percent that I pulled in the first three, a 96 is not bad. Of course, I believe I know the one I missed and I probably changed it from right to wrong, something that frustrates me on many levels. Now, time to get back to the blog, with a review of the 2012 low budget flick Found.

Plot/ Based on the novel by Todd Rigney, Found centers around Marty, a shy, bullied fifth-grader who takes refuge in horror films... until his life turns into one. After finding a human head in his brother's closet, Marty fears for the safety of his family while making a desperate effort to reconnect with Steve, the big brother whose homicidal cravings threaten to destroy life as Marty knows it

I love finding no-budget indie flicks that surpass all expectations and leave you wanting more. That is exactly what this movie does. This twisted flick works on many levels with great atmosphere, decent acting, plenty of blood, and solid effects. On top of that, it does a great job at exploring many of the issues that plague society in a subtle socially conscious manner, so to draw you in and allow the issues to take hold. Yes, as with all low budget indie flicks there are some problems with sound quality and there are a few moment with technical difficulties, but those do little to bring this movie down. In the end, this coming of age horror flick hits on many levels and is a joy to watch. Sure, it may not be for everyone, but if you enjoy well-done indie horror, you must check it out!

Video Digest #1 - 2012 Fayette County Bigfoot Expedition

 

In my new college class, I have been focused on building videos and podcast. This is what I hope becomes a regular series here at The Ringmaster's Realm, an investigation video. In the strange world that exists around us, there are chances to experience the unknown around every corner. This first one is from a Bigfoot Expedition from Fayette County in 2012. Any and all feedback would be much appreciated.

If you are interested in a copy of Searching the Abyss, drop me a line and we can work out the details.  Enjoy!

Art of Darkness (2012)

With the end of another week at hand, it was time to jump back into review mode. While Bren and Jillian finally broke down and watch Stage Fright last night, I decided to visit something different. My choice, the 2012 British import Art of Darkness.

Plot/ A young woman is held captive by an unhinged lunatic intent on transforming her into his latest blood-splattered masterpiece.

Art of Darkness (AKA Art House Massacre) is a low budget entry that definitely suffers from many of the ailments that plague similar movies from the genre. An interesting premise, the execution does not match the potential that is in place. The dialog is all over, the acting uneven, and the characterizations lack depth. Sure, there is a touch of gore and the pacing picks up as it moves along. In the end, this one is just another forgettable film in the horror genre. There are a few moments that are entertaining, but not enough to search it out.

Legend of Hell (2012)

After Knights of Badassdom, I was in a medieval mood and wanted to enjoy something else from that genre. After a walk through Family Video, I found what I hoped would be a perfect serious compliment. That movie was the 2012 German entry Legend of Hell.   

Plot/ An archaeologist discovers an ancient artifact and scroll that starts a series of events that kills her several times over in various time periods, past lives and locations. It seems that the artifact and scroll are linked to a gateway to hell. Various hellish creatures pour in throughout history, it looks like the gateway has been opened. The archaeologist teams up with warriors and guides from the past to try to close the gate.

This was another movie that I had never heard of but was swayed to rent it by the cover. Having recently entered into a few Knights Templar discussions, it struck a cord. Unfortunately, I should have stopped there; I may have been better off. Sure, this movie is not terrible; it is just not very good. The storyline has some interesting moments, but not enough to save it. The acting is uneven, the effects good and bad, the characters flat, and there is truly nothing new. Yes, there are some good battle scenes and some decent gore, but that is about it. In the end, nothing inside this movie makes it jump out. As with any movie, there are some entertaining moments, but too often the slow pacing and confusing storyline get in the way. There are definitely better choices out there.