Extraordinary Tales (2013)

Having watched Crimson Peak last night, I needed something else to help me focus on my final script project for my film writing class. After some debate with the voices in my head, I decided to venture into the mind of Edgar Allan Poe with the 2013 animated adaption Extraordinary Tales.

Plot/ The film is an animation-accompanied narration of some excerpts of some of the short stories written by Edgar Allan Poe. The movie contains: The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell Tale Heart, The Facts In the Case Of M. Valdemar, The Pit and The Pendulum, and The Masque of the Red Death.

If you have read this blog, you should already know how I feel about Edgar Allen Poe. Not only was he a genius who set the stage for modern American horror, his influence on both the cinematic and literary community may never truly be matched. Unfortunately, some of his popularity has waned in recent years, as the rise of technology has reduced the amount of kids interested in the classics. While this may not be a perfect adaptation, it is an interesting journey into the mind of the master and some of his epic tales. Complete with a diverse animation backdrop, the segments range from great (The Pit & The Pendulum) to the uneven (The Tell-Tale Heart). Of course, the opinions will vary because of the different styles used. What made this even more intriguing is the group of actors used to bring it to life. Legends such as Roger Corman, Sir Christopher Lee, and Bela Lugosi, were joined by Julian Sands and Guillermo del Toro to create a movie that could easily serve as an introduction to Poe for a new generation of fans. In the end, this one will not be for everyone, but it is an entertaining journey into the macabre visions of a literary genius.

Crimson Peak (2015)

After taking the night off last night to relax and work on my script for class, it was time to get back to some horror and check out a flick that caught my eye some time ago. With a few hours in place and needing a break from scripting, I sat down to watch the 2015 gothic horror Crimson Peak.

Plot/ In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds - and remembers.

I had been waiting some time to see this flick, and was excited to see it finally sitting on the shelves at Family Video. As a fan of Guillermo del Toro, I love the way he is able to capture stunning visuals no matter the storyline. While this is not a perfect film, and at times feels forced and disjointed, there are many aspects that made it both intriguing and entertaining. The artistic characteristics are top notch, with an amazing combination of architecture, costumes, cinematography, and stylized visuals that were both dark and vibrant. Unfortunately, the characters and performances were uneven and the overall storyline was somewhat cliché and predictable. In the end, this may not be the best movie in the del Toro catalog, but it is not the worst. If you enjoy gothic dramas with a touch of horror, give it a shot.

Mimic (1997)

Today was such as awesome day. First, it started with a trip to Steel City Con in Monroeville. There is nothing like walking in the footsteps of the classic Dawn of the Dead zombies. From there, a trip to a softball scrimmage and home to some great horror, and bam; great day! Oh, that flick was the 1997 creature feature Mimic.

Plot/ Three years ago entomologist Dr. Susan Tyler genetically created an insect to kill cockroaches carrying a virulent disease, now the insects are out to destroy their only predator, mankind!

It had been some time since I had watched Mimic, and honestly, I forgot how much I enjoyed that flick. While I did not realize then, this early horror take from Guillermo Del Toro is a great example of what was about to come from this talent. The atmosphere is spot on, the acting solid and the storyline and scripting works perfectly in what could have been a schlock-fest. Of course, some of the early dialogue is murky and some of the railway scenes may lack some light, but it definitely all works. In the end, this is one of the better creature features to come out of the 1990s and a film that must be seen. Yes, some of the ideas are a touch unbelievable, but that is a refreshing departure from some of the stuff that comes out from time to time.

Pacific Rim (2013)

The trip to the drive-in Friday night was awesome. Not since watching The Amityville Horror and Sin City together did I find a more enjoyable double feature. While The Conjuring was all that I imagined, I was truly impressed by a movie outside my normal viewing cycle, the blockbuster creature feature Pacific Rim.

Plot/ As a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse.

Growing up, I loved to watch creature features on Saturdays with Super Host. I can remember being amazed that Godzilla could pull off a drop kick… After some time, I lost interest in these flicks, as they became repetitive and anticlimactic. Pacific Rim may be the best creature feature I have seen. This blockbuster had it all, action, monsters, suspense, really, everything you need for a great Sci-Fi flick. More importantly, it featured solid acting, superb visuals, a detailed storyline that featured a remarkable amount of characterization and some tremendous CGI action sequences that created an amazing atmosphere. Sure, there were some minor pacing issues, but overall it was one of the better blockbusters I have seen. It also should go a long way at solidifying Guillermo Del Toro as one of the best filmmakers of the generation, as this is another one of his visual epics.  In the end, this was a bit outside my norm, but I thoroughly enjoyed it (although, I like The Conjuring more) and believe this is a movie that must be seen. Check it out!

Mama (2013)

Continuing through some of the flicks, I have watched in 2013, I figured out it has been a strange year. Lately, I have been so caught up with the scandals that are plaguing our nation that they seem to have taken up much of my time. More disturbing is the fact that every movie seems quite predictable to me lately. One movie that fell into that category was Mama (2013)

Plot/ Annabel and Lucas are faced with the challenge of raising his young nieces that were left alone in the forest for 5 years. But, how alone were they?

This supernatural horror flick was better than I expected. An interesting storyline throughout, this movie succeeds due to the solid cinematography and a decent combination of scripting and scares. Of course, it does use CGI, which is some ways cheapens the flick and makes some of the scenes predictable, although, that does not truly detract from the film at all. In the end, this is a dark flick wit solid acting and an atmospheric soundtrack that does a great job adding to the tension. Is it a masterpiece? No, it is not. However, it is one of the better supernatural themed horror flicks to come out in some time and should be seen.

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)

I have finally recovered from the Steelers heartbreaking loss this weekend, and I have been refreshed by teaching my first two lessons at PIA. So, it is time to get back into the swing of things with a review of the 2010 remake Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.

Plot/ A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own.

I will admit, when I saw this had an R rating, I was excited, especially being a fan of Guillermo del Toro's work. Unfortunately, this one did not do it for me like some of the other films he has been involved with. This one seemed to have way too many plot holes and head scratching moments. Yes, there were some good parts with decent acting, a dark tone and a touch of violence. However, it just seemed to be lacking something that would make it something special. In the end, it had some unnerving moments, and I did like the ending, but I would much rather watch the original than watch that version again. You can check it out if you want, but be warned, there are definitely better choices.