The Hat Man: Documented Cases of Pure Evil (2019)

I have recently been in a research documentary mood.  I guess it comes with the territory of being limited by what I am allowed to do during my recovery.  While I have been slowly reorganizing my shop,  not being able to lift over 10 pounds frustrates me,  causing me to lose motivation.  One subject that has always interested me is the Hat Man, something that came back into focus when NFL Superstar Aaron Rodgers talked about his encounters with this mysterious entity.  So I dove back in with the documentary, The Hat Man: Documented Cases of Pure Evil.

Plot: Eyewitnesses share their stories of how they encountered an evil entity known as, The Hat Man.

I found this an interesting documentary that followed the tradition path with reenactments, interviews,  and documents pertaining to this mysterious character.  Of course, this one will be a like many others in this realm that engraved a specific theory and build upon it,  never fully dissecting into other theories that exist. Personally,  I like seeing things from every angle with serious discussions being brought forward.  Yes,  there the alternate theories were mentioned,  but never really explored to their fullest potential.  It is definitely trying to convince the audience of a potential theory instead of opening the doors of perception to create conversations. There are also some flaws with the technical aspects,  especially the audio quality throughout. The volume levels constantly needed adjustment creating some slight frustrations. In the end,  I did find  this interesting and informative although there was really no new infirmary given.   Yes, it won't be for everyone (exorcism skeptics). But, if you are a believer or are extension interested, you should enjoy it. 

Star Leaf (2015)

With the kids selecting another play of the horrid Poltergeist remake earlier, I needed something mindless to get that misery out of my mind. After some debate with the voices in my head, I decided on the 2015 sci-fi flick Star Leaf.

Plot/ Hikers find a secret grove of extra-terrestrial marijuana and must fight for their lives when they anger the otherworldly forces protecting the plants.

This flick is definitely a mixed bag for viewers. Not really a horror movie, not really a thriller, I guess it would have to sit inside the sci-fi arena, although that is a touch of a stretch as well. Honestly, it is a hard movie to classify. While the storyline was actually a entertaining with some trippy moments and aliens thrown in for good measure, it was far from a perfect film and was extremely uneven. The scripting was all over, the characters imbalanced, and the dramatic elements seemed a little forced at times. In the end, this movie was better than I expected, but it was nothing like I anticipated when I picked it up at Family Video. Not for everyone, this one will be an acquired taste, and a movie that will fit with the stoner crowd.

Nightbreed (1990)

After suffering through a miserable low budget flick last night, I wanted something different tonight that could help make-up for yesterdays wasted time. After some debate with myself, I decided to venture into the mind of one of my favorites, Clive Barker, and his 1990 cult classic Nightbreed.

Plot/ A troubled young man is drawn to a mythical place called Midian where a variety of monsters are hiding from humanity.

I know this may sound off, especially being a huge fan of Clive Barker, But I had not ventured into the world of Nightbreed until tonight. What I found was something more than I could have imagined. Like some of Barker’s other worlds, this one was fascinating, with outstanding make-up and effects, beautiful sets and design, some solid performances (especially David Cronenberg), and a tremendously dark and heavy atmospheric tone. Yes, some of the characterizations were uneven and there were many non-linear aspects that the passive viewer may find overwhelming, but those did nothing to take away from the overall feel and message of the film. In the end, if you have not seen it, what are you waiting for? This is a dark and beautiful flick that must be seen. Of course, it is not for everyone, but if you are a horror fan like me, you should LOVE it.

Sphere (1998)

As I continue to push through this transmedia project that is a modern adaption of the H.P. Lovecraft classic Haunter of the Dark, I find myself spending more time on it than I ever imagined I would. In doing so, I have been spending time a lot of time with a variety of movies on as background inspiration. The last flick I watched was the 1998 Sci-Fi/Mystery/Thriller Sphere.

Plot/ 1000 feet below the ocean, navy divers discover an object half-a-mile long. A crack team of scientists is deployed to the site in Deep-sea Habitats. What they find boggles the mind as they discover a perfect metal sphere. What is the secret behind the sphere? Will they survive the mysterious 'manifestations'? Who or what is creating these? They may never live to find out.

This was a difficult movie to review. I watched it again the other night after not seeing it for over a decade, and honestly, I found it better than I thought. As was the case the first time I watched it, this is really the tale of two different movies: a first and a second half. The beginning is awesome and touches on some intriguing topics and is entertaining. Unfortunately, with all the promise, the unlikable characters and uneven performances make it difficult to truly digest everything that they were trying to say within the movie. Personally, I liked it because it made me think, and presented some ideas that have always captivated me in a way that was both entertaining and challenging. Of course, this Sci-Fi thriller is not for everyone, but it is definitely worth watching.

The Babadook (2014)

Yes, it has been a few days since I ventured into the blog, mostly because I have been stuck at either the softball field or doing homework in my Developing New Worlds class. Of course, I am usually enjoying some type of movie though, as I cannot function unless my mind is transported elsewhere. One movie that I watched that made a tremendous impact was the 2014 Australian horror flick, The Babadook.

Plot/ A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.

It has been some time since I watched a movie and wanted it to keep going after it ended. That was the case with The Babadook. While the premise is subtle, the overall storyline is tremendous and effectively draws the viewer in and makes them want more. The atmosphere is amazing, the characterizations outstanding, the emotional performances over-the-top yet believable and the stylized images and sound effects work perfectly within the story. This movie is truly that good. Yes, the accents may turn some people off, but if that is the case, you should not be watching a foreign film to begin with. In the end, this is one of the best horror films to come out in some time and is an entertaining trip into an emotional tale of terror. If you have not seen it, find it, and watch it!

Blue Sunshine (1978)

Last night I was searching for something older to watch. Over the past few days (really weeks), I have been caught up in an extreme retro mood. After some searching, I stumbled upon something interesting; the 1978 cult classic Blue Sunshine.

Plot/ A bizarre series of murders begins in Los Angeles, where people start going bald and then become homicidal maniacs. But could the blame rest on a particularly dangerous form of LSD called Blue Sunshine the murderers took ten years before?

Every once in a while you stumble upon something that shocks you with its depth and quality, even from a humble low budget beginning. That is exactly what you have here with this 1970s drug induced shocker. More of a thriller/psychological horror than straight up 70s exploitation, this one featured some solid performances, a building tension, and an amazingly layered and original storyline. In fact, the only downfall is there are a few predictable moments mixed in and the ending leaves a bit to be desired. In the end, this 1970s cult classic has aged rather well and is an entertaining trip into that era. If you have not seen it, give it a shot it is a fun shocker.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014)

Over the past couple days; I have been caught up with both a cold and homework for my college class. While I definitely enjoyed my homework more now that I am writing again (math sucks), it was the sneezing that constantly beat me down. Over that time I was able to catch a few films, including the 2014 entry Sin City: A Dame to Kill For.

Plot/ Co-directors Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller reunite to bring Miller's "Sin City" graphic novels back to the screen. Weaving together two of Miller's classic stories with new tales, the town's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more notorious inhabitants.

The Sin City franchise is destined to either be loved or hated by the viewers, personally I love the mixture of film noir, violence, and sexual content inside the surrealistic world. While I waited to see this one at home, I was amazed at the detailed CGI and comic book realism that was again developed. The cast is outstanding, the performances solid, the storyline interesting (especially having never ventured into the graphic novel series), and there is an entertaining atmosphere throughout. Sure, there may be some rough transitions between sequences, and while it did have the wonderful contrasts of color, it did lack the overall innovative feel of the initial installment. In the end, you will either love this one or hate it, but it should be seen. This is one of the more entertaining adult themed trips into the bizarre that exists today. 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.

Dread (2009)

I decided to watch Krampus, but could not get into it at all and actually fell asleep after about 20 minutes. Stay away! To make up for that once I woke up, I decided to watch something a touch different and ventured into the After Dark Horrorfest for the 2009 entry Dread.

Plot/ Three college students set out to document what other people dread most.

I am a huge Clive Barker fan and have no idea how I missed this adaptation of his short story. On top of that, it was part of the After Dark Horrorfest, crazy. This movie was definitely one of the better films I have seen from that series, with an original storyline, solid technical attributes, and a clear vision into darkness. The performances are decent; the pacing works, and it truly out does its budget.  Yes, there are some uneven parts, but those do nothing to truly drag this one down. In the end, this is one of the better psychological horror flicks I have seen in some time, and a flick that should be seen. If you have not watched it, give it a shot!

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 Brood (1979)

After a couple days away from the blog, focusing on NFL Draft preps for Steelers 101, I decided to jump back into some classic horror on Friday. Of course, that did come after watching Hannibal (cannot miss that), as it is my favorite show on regular television (The Following a close second). My selection for the evening was the 1979 flick: The Brood.

Plot/ A man tries to uncover an unconventional psychologist's therapy techniques on his institutionalized wife, while a series of brutal attacks committed by a brood of mutant children coincides with the husband's investigation.

David Cronenberg movies are always interesting and this one is quite possibly one of his best. The Sci-Fi / Psychological Horror combo has everything a horror fan needs to be satisfied. The storyline is interesting, soundtrack effective, the cinematography is tremendous, the acting convincing, and the atmosphere creates a dark and heavy realm. Yes, some of the costuming may make it feel dated, but honestly, that is part of the allure of the movie. In the end, this is a classic piece of 1970s horror cinema, and a movie that must be seen. If you have not watched this one, find it, and check it out.