Holidays (2016)

I love being back into the swing of watching horror movies and blogging, it helps me keep my mind engaged as I dissect my next writing project. The next film that I watched was somewhat of a surprise, 2016s anthology Holidays.

Plot/ Nine filmmakers present horror stories that revolve around Valentine's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

When I put this one on, I had no idea what to expect as anthologies can be all over the board when it comes to coherent moments and quality. What I found with this one was much of the same with a mixture of uneven shorts featuring a wide array of approaches to the different holidays covered by the directors. Overall, the stories ranged from unbelievable to ludicrous, and touched on many different topics. Yes, there were a few that were pushed the limits (Kevin Smith’s Halloween comes to mind), but that was to be expected. Incredibly, the film featured some solid performances and some intriguing storylines (Father’s Day and Christmas were my favorites), although I am sure that it won’t appeal to everyone. In the end, if you live mindless horror anthologies, this one is for you. Give it shot!

Tusk (2014)

This has been an interesting weekend, as I watched Genesis in a play, attended Steel City Con where I met Linda Blair from The Exorcist, and watched some killer movies. One of the best (and funniest) movies of the weekend was picked by my wife Brenda on Saturday night, the 2014 Kevin Smith entry Tusk! (#WalrusYes) 

Plot/ When podcaster Wallace travels to Canada to interview someone his plans don't go well and winds up meeting a strange man named Howe who has many stories to tell about is past life, during his interview he wakes up the next day finding out Howe isn't the person he thought he was, Howe has plans to surgically and mentally turn him into a walrus.

Let me start by saying that this one is definitely not for everyone. An extremely dark horror / comedy, this one had me laughing throughout, especially the ending, which is absolutely hilarious and in some ways shocking. There was a lot to like within the confines of this demented flick. The performances were solid, most of the storyline is believable (OK except for the Walrus), and there is a fun dynamic taking place (especially with the Johnny Depp parts). Yes, this flick is a touch unpredictable, outlandish, and has some very unrealistic moments, but that did nothing to bring it down. In the end, this movie works on many levels and should be seen with an open mind. Not for everyone, as I am sure that some people will not appreciate the idea of watching a man being transformed into a walrus, but Hell, it was hideously fun once complete! Give it a shot!

Dogma (1999)

There are times in my life where I realize that I missed something. It does not matter whether it was a great book, a great ban, or even a great movie, having spent so many years out to sea, I just overlooked some classics. As I discovered tonight, that was the case with the 1999 classic comedy Dogma. 

Plot/ An abortion clinic worker with a special heritage is called upon to save the existence of humanity from being negated by two renegade angels trying to exploit a loophole and re-enter Heaven 

It may seem crazy, but tonight was the first time I have seen this Kevin Smith classic, and I am glad I did. In fact, I am kind of pissed at myself for not watching it sooner. There was a lot to like. The cast was perfect, the dialog hilarious, honestly everything worked better than I could have ever imagined. Yes, it was violent, and yes, the language and subject matter will turn some people of, but who cares. Smith absolutely hit the nail on the head and pointed out many issues of the church that filmmakers usually will not touch, and he should be applauded. In the end, this is one of the funniest and entertaining flicks I have seen in some time, and I am mad I waited 15 years to see it. Don't make the same mistake, if you have not watched it, go out and watch it today.

Red State (2011)

 

 

After a couple days away from some movies, I decided to get back into movie viewing with something a bit different. I originally thought about watching a documentary, maybe something on the Illuminati or New World Order, but instead, I decided on a flick that I have wanted to watch for some time, the somewhat controversial, Red State from Kevin Smith.

 

 

Plot/ Set in Middle America, a group of teens receive an online invitation for sex, though they soon encounter fundamentalists with a much more sinister agenda.

 

 

While this may not come across as a popular flick for Kevin Smith fans, an interesting movie touches upon some controversial topics and does it well. Yes, if you believe this is totally fiction, you are wrong. Sure, there are spots that are a bit incoherent and disjointed, but overall it has a solid feel. The acting is good and believable, the cinematography is sound and the scripting works and is full of life. In the end, this one is a fascinating flick that grabs you and brings you in. Of course, it is not for everyone as some of the population does not want to observe or experience the realities of society that exist around us.