Phenomena (1985)

While I have been spending some time on the subject of shadow people and the hat man,  there are times when I need to take a break.  When I do,  I love to jump back in time to some of the horror films that made me love the genre.  This 1985 Dario Argento film is one of those,  Phenomena (AKA Creepers)

Plot: A young girl who has an amazing ability to communicate with insects is transferred to an exclusive Swiss boarding school, where her unusual capability might help solve a string of murders.

This has always been a polarizing work,  much like a lot of Argento's works. For me,  it was one of the first movies I encountered by him and helped me fall in love with his imaginative and stylistic approach to horror.  The cast is alright and the performances are uneven,  but this do little to bring diem things interesting story filed with the concepts, visuals,  and details that always cry out in an Argento film.  Yes,  the storyline does have some plot holes and there are side technical issues,  but this one is one of the better Argento films and one that everyone should see.  

Out of Darknes (2022)

Last night I had a chance to catch one of the AMC Screen Unseen events at our local theater. To me,  this was awesome,  especially being a horror film. I mean,  there is no better way to see things then before they are widely released. While this film was made in 2022, it was only released in Europe and went have its wide US release until February 9th. That movie in Out of Darkness.

Plot: About 45,000 years ago, a desperate band of early humans finds a new land to settle in. As they start to realize that something monstrous is hunting them down, they must confront a horrifying danger that they never could have imagined.

Not knowing anything about the movie I was about to watch,  I wasn't really prepared for this at the start.  While I do love watching foreign films,  I tend to skip subtitles unless I'm at home.  However,  as the movie progressed, the use of subtitles with this foriegn language film didn't bother me in the least, in fact,  I think it added to the atmosphere and tension.  While there is nothing groundbreaking in this one,  the performances,  cinematography, and overall message was entertaining; although,  I would not actually classify this movie as a horror film.  More of a drama/thriller, this one relies on the darkness and tension between the group of travelers and the unseen creatures tormenting them in the forest to create mood, and it does work.  Shot on a low budget, there is a lot to like.  However, there are some issues that jump out. The make-up, costuming, and lack of body effects don't mesh with the storyline. The gatherers are too clean, healthy, and made up to match the storyline.  What caveman has perfect teeth? Really, not an entire group.  While that's easily overlooked,  it did impact the overall feel of the film. There are also some holes in the storyline that are obvious and never really addressed, making it a bit of a head scratcher.  In the end,  this one was better than I expected, but it's not one I would have searched out.  

Prophecy (1979)

While I continue to do my research for my next post on Leave the World Behind post,  I took some time to watch some older entries.  My latest entry will be on a classic ecohorror flick from the 70s. The 1979 entry prophecy.

Plot: A government health inspector is dispatched to assess the damage a logging company is causing to a patch of forest claimed by Native Americans, and comes face to face with true terror wreaking havoc in the woods.

While this is far from a perfect movie,  it is definitely one of the better ones from the late 70s. Featuring a solid cast,  the performances are really good and the storyline is rather interesting for the time.  Yes,  it was made lacking the gore and true horror elements that could have taken it to the next level (a PG rating) and it does plod along at some points,  but it really does succeed at creating a solid creature feature.  In the end,  this one may lack the punch of some features,  but it is a fun watch and one that should be put into your creature feature rotation.  

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. 

The Descent (2006)

As the writers and actors style continues,  it has allowed me to drive back into some of the horror movies I have watched,  but failed write about four whatever reason.  Some of this is because when I started the blog,  I hadn't gone back to watch them and others may have been missed because of my work schedule. The first one of those is a gross mistake on my part,  as I reviewed the sequel. That movie is the 2006 entry The Descent. 

Plot: A caving expedition goes horribly wrong, as the explorers become trapped and ultimately pursued by a strange breed of predators.

I remember watching this the first time while deployed near the Horn of Africa, as a horror fan,  it was awesome when something that was not only new,  but so worth watching came up on our lackluster system.  This was one of the more memorable films i watched on the deployment,  and one that i really enjoyed rewatching all this time later. The movie features a tremendous claustraphobic and heavy atmosphere,  that creates a sense of fear and dread throughout. The cinematography is outstanding, the cast does an amazing job, and the script draws the viewer in and really never let's up.  Being deployed,  i have no idea what the reception was,  but this was a highly original movie that was definitely one of the best of that year. In fact, the movie holds up quite well, and was a fun trip back to that time period for me. If you haven't watched it, give it a shot. 

The Silence (2019)

While I did take a day yesterday to pay respects to all those that have fallen, I couldn't stay away from a movie in the evening. So, after catching up on The Blacklist, I decided to check out The Silence from 2019. 

Plot: The story of a family struggling to survive in a world terrorized by a deadly primeval species that has evolved for millions of years in the pitch-darkness of a vast underground cave system, hunting only with their acute hearing ability. As the family seeks refuge in a remote haven where they can wait out the invasion, they start to wonder what kind of world will remain when they're ready to emerge.

When i sat down last night i want looking for a blockbuster,  but i hoped for something that was at least exciting. Unfortunately,  this wasn't it.  While this one wasn't terrible, and was watchable,  it had the potential to be a lot more. Featuring a solid cast, decent atmosphere, and a cool soundtrack, this one was littered with missed opportunities. The storyline was uneven,  the creatures themselves packed little punch, and the ending felt a little forced. In the end, this movie was a good time killer on a dreary afternoon, but not much more. 

Attack of the Monsters (1969)

As I said yesterday, I needed something mindless and turned to my 12 Creature Features set. Even after the first movie from the set I watched last night, I needed more. That is when I broke down and continued a Gamera marathon with Attack of the Monsters (AKA Gamera vs. Guiron) from1969.

Plot/ Aliens kidnap two children and take them to another planet for the purpose of getting knowledge from their brains, but Gamera follows and tries to rescue them.

So, I went down a Gamera rabbit hole last night and did not come out until I was two movies into it. Incredibly, this flick was even more ludicrous than the first one, but it was also quite entertaining and laughable. This entry had everything fans of this genre will appreciate including crazy monsters made from rubber suits, uneven audio dubbing, and a fascinating storyline that goes off in multiple directions when you least expect it. More of a kid-centric film than the tamest Godzilla entry, this schlockfest is both entertaining and comical, plus it features some decent acting and decent cinematography for what it is. Yes, all of those technical aspects could be considered flaws (and will be from those who didn’t grow up with these creatures), but they are part of the charm. In the end, while I did like Gammera the Invincible more, this one was rather entertaining and did a great job taking me back to my youth. If you are like me and a fan of 1960s monster driven schlock, give this one a shot. It is a blast and kept me entertained.

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

After watching Awakening the Zodiac, it was time to change genres. Having felt such a connection to Caesar, I decided to grab another flick with some Simian heritage. That movie was the 2017 blockbuster Kong: Skull Island.  

Plot/ A team of scientists explore an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong, and must fight to escape a primal Eden.

I am sure that this is going to be a polarizing film split between the love or hate communities. Personally, I loved this one and think that this is one of the better blockbuster creature features to come out in some time. I will admit that there were a ton of plot holes and the characters were not only flat, but their decision making was unfathomable, but I was able to look past those elements. All of the creatures were amazing, with this representation of Kong being one of my favorites. The fight scenes were fierce and at times gory, and the performances were solid. Overall, this was exactly as advertised a blockbuster creature feature that brought one of the all-time greats back from the dead. In the end, the film will likely disappoint some hardcore Kong fans. Yes, it has some flaws, but if you are in the mood for a mindless creature feature with some tremendous fight scenes this one is for you.

Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack (2001)

After watching Twin Peaks yesterday, I needed something that could help my mind come back to reality, so I decided on this one. Knowing that Godzilla movies are always fun and mindless, what could go wrong with the 2001 entry Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack?

Plot/ Three ancient guardian beasts awaken to protect Japan against Godzilla.

I had seen this on Shudder for some time, but honestly, the length of the titles scared me away. I know that may sound stupid, but it’s true. Now that I have watched it, I can see that I made a huge mistake in waiting. This was one of the darkest and most entertaining Godzilla films I have watched and it made me want to see more. While there are some early CGI issues and such, for the most part, the effects work rather well, creating one of the best monster flicks I have seen. Incredibly, although modernized, the film was able to maintain some of the charms that made the classic Godzilla films so much fun. Less schlock and an entertaining story featuring a dreadful Godzilla out to destroy humanity, this had a lot to like with some solid cinematography, quality dubbing, and a soundtrack that did a perfect job at setting the stage for the action. Yes, some of the creatures did seem off from their original characterizations with the size a ferocity and some of the story felt cliché and predictable, but those were easily overlooked. In the end, if you are a fan of the classic Godzilla flicks and like me, you grew up with them on the Saturday afternoon creature features give this one a shot. This was an entertaining and fun flick that worked perfectly in helping me pass some time in the afternoon.

Creature Feature (2015)

After taking the night off to enjoy some free entertainment, I decided that it was time to get back at it Fortunately, I have some more material from my Brain Damage Films marathon to get back to the blog without subjecting Bren to more low budget horror (although I am right now with another entry). Next up is the 2015 anthology, Creature Feature.

Plot/ five interwove tales of terror that occur one foggy Halloween night in Georgia. A babysitter learns a new appreciation for fine art and hard lesson about the consequences of being irresponsible.

After watching Holidays, I was in the mood for more anthologies and that is what I found with this entry from Brain Damage Films. Like Holidays this entry is somewhat uneven, but due to the lower budget involved, that was expected. This entry does have some cliché moments, but it also has more than enough originality and surprises inside to keep any horror fan entertained. The performances are OK, the storylines work well, and the throwback comic book feel comes together to create an entertaining and not overly serious horror flick. Yes, it is short and there are some rough patches, but this one is a great entry that rises above the low budget limitations. In the end, I am sure this one will not be for everyone, but if you love boobs, gorefests, and mindless horror, give this one a shot!

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.

Stung (2015)

Needing to pass some time while doing homework and waiting for the kids to get to bed so I can watch the final episode of American Horror Story Coven, I wanted something mindless to help get me through. In searching for something mindless, I decided upon the 2015 horror/comedy Stung.

Plot/ A fancy garden party turns into upper class prey when a colony of killer wasps mutates into seven foot tall predators.

When I saw this one, I figured it would be the perfect mindless creature feature that I could use to bridge the gap until I put on the final episode of American Horror Story Coven. When I got inside that is what I found. Sure, it was not quite as funny as I expected it to be, but it had enough over the top moments, unbelievable action, and goo to add at least a little humor. The performances are uneven bur cult icon, Lance Henriksen, more than fills his role. The effects and cinematography are solid, the storyline ridiculous but funny, and some of the effects are decent. In the end, this may not be the greatest horror comedy or creature feature to come out, but it is a decent flick to watch with just enough bloodshed to help pass time. If you have some time and need to watch something, give it shot.

Jurassic World (2015)

Today has been a busy day. In fact, between the Nightmares Zombie 5K and trick or treating, it has been even busier than a usual Halloween for us. In between these two events, I decided to kick back and watch a film I had been looking forward to: 2015s Jurassic World.

Plot/ A new theme park is built on the original site of Jurassic Park. Everything is going well until the parks newest attraction--a genetically modified giant stealth killing machine--escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.

While I was not a huge fan of the first two sequels in the Jurassic Park series, I had hoped that this one would be different. Unfortunately, although it was entertaining and kept me somewhat interested, the storyline was rather predictable, and nowhere near as impressive as the classic Steven Spielberg film. The dinosaurs were interesting and the idea of genetic splicing and developing new species is something that is a lot more relevant today than when the original came out; it is definitely something that people should file away in the back of their minds. A typical creature feature, this movie does feature many action sequences and there are some interesting scenes where they do a great job at taking viewers back to the original. Unfortunately, most of the characters are flat or unlikable, the ending is predictable, and some of the scenes feel a touch disjointed or out of place. In the end, this was a solid creature feature that has some extremely interesting moments. Yes, it never rises to the level of its source material, but it is one of the better entries in the franchise. Give it a shot!

Love in the Time of Monsters (2014)

While I have been swamped with school and softball, I decided to jump back into the blog today after hearing the devastating news the Sir Christopher Lee passed away. Lee was a trailblazer, and for many horror fans he served to indoctrinate us into the genre, we have grown to love. He will definitely be missed. In catching up on some of the movies I have recently watched, I am going to stick with the horror/comedy theme with  

Plot/ Two sisters travel to a cheesy tourist trap where they battle toxic monsters dressed in Bigfoot costumes in order to save the ones they love.

After Zombeavers, I wanted to keep the horror comedy train rolling, and with this one, I definitely made the right choice. While in many ways this schlockfest was an amazing journey, the fact that everyone ebraced the homage to the cheesefests of the 1980s was incredible. Between the costuming, the dialog, the characters, and a perfect atmosphere everything worked to bring this film to life. What made this one special though is the way the movie was choreographed with just the right blend of horror and comedy, enough to keep you entertained through the schlockiest moments. Yes, there were some CGI issues and some of it was predictable, but those flaws are easily overlooked. In the end, this is one of the best horror comedies I have seen, and a movie that must be seen. Yes, it is not for everyone, but if you love cheesy B-movies, check this one out!

Gingerclown (2013)

I cannot believe that it has been almost a week and I am still fighting off the last parts of this stomach bug. I have no idea what it was, but damn, it has been knocking me out. During this time though I have had a chance to catch a few flicks, one of them is the 2013 cheesefest Gingerclown.

Plot/ To impress the girl of his dreams, Sam enters an old amusement park, where torturous monsters roam the grounds.

Growing up in the 1980s, I have seen my share of big-boxed horror cheese, and honestly, this one fits right it with those. With that being the case, if you do not love that era of straight to VHS schlockfests, this movie will definitely not be for you. Gingerclown is in no way a perfect movie, in fact, it is likely one of the cheesiest, and cliché riddled flicks to come out in some time. Couple that with bad animatronic effects (classic 1980s cheese) that make SyFy Channel CGI look impressive, and it is easy to see where we are headed. Yes, it does have some decent actors doing voice work for the animatronics (Tim Curry and Lance Henriksen) and it does create the feel that it was made in the 1980s, but those are about the best parts. In the end, this movie is bad, but it embraced that realization by trying to recreate one of the best eras of low budget horror. Definitely not for everyone, but if like me you want taken back to your youth and love 1980s schlock (minus the boobs), suspend all reality for a while and give it a shot…

Creature (1985)

After spending most of my evening last night diving into archetypes and mythology for my college class, I decided that I needed something mindless to free my mind. To take care of that I found a piece of low budget 1980s Sci-Fi/Horror that hit the spot. What was that flick? It was the 1985 cheesefest Creature (AKA The Titan Find).

Plot/ An expedition to Titan uncovers an alien being, that goes on a rampage.

Is there anything better than 1980s Sci-Fi cheesiness? Well, technically most things are better, but this is a world all its own and one that is perfect for a mindless afternoon of blood and guts. Creature screams 80s, complete with the uneven script, clichéd moments, and large-scale gore. Yes, it is not perfect, but it does have some solid performances, an outstanding score, and some of the best over the top low budget gore from the era. In the end, this may not be the most memorable film from this genre, but it is a fun and mindless romp into the deep regions of space. If you love gorefest from the 1980s, you should definitely give it a shot.

Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968)

If you have read my blog, you would already know that I love classic exploitation cinema. There was something about those and the cheap slashers of the 1980s that just draw me in. Usually, I ensure I watch some heading into Halloween, but this year, I went a different direction and stayed in a more modern realm. However, this week I needed to quench that thirst, and decided to watch the 1968 flick Mad Doctor of Blood Island.

Plot/ A man who loves to travel, travels to an island where a mad doctor is creating zombies.

Personally, I love older exploitation flicks and this one was a blast. Shot in the Philippines, this classic example of vintage drive-in schlock was one of the more entertaining movies I have seen in some time. While there are many technical issues, it was actually a lot better than I imagined before diving into it. The scripting is paced and made sense, the scenery was amazing, the performances were better than most (for the genre and era) and there was enough blood, gore and guts to make me smile (with some boobs as well). Sure, the creatures were not great and there were some questionable cinematography/editing issues when the creature came out, but those are to be expected. In the end, this was a solid example of the awesome horror/exploitation films that made that era great, if you have not seen it give a shot.