The Evil Within (2017)

What a Saturday, I went to lunch with Dad, was surprised when one of the daughters cut the grass without prompting, and I was able to push through another piece for my epic poem Salvation. While that may not sound like much, it was enough to allow my week to slow down and let me get some much needed down time. To finish the evening, I decided on an interesting flick, 2017s The Evil Within.

Plot/ The sadistic tale of a lonely, mentally handicapped boy who befriends his reflection in an antique mirror. This demonic creature orders him to go on a murderous rampage to kill the people he loves most.

When I sat down to watch this one, I had no clue what to expect. What I found was an interesting film that was much better than I initially would have guessed. While this is not a perfect film and it has some uneven moments, it is rather entertaining and memorable, featuring some solid visuals, decent performances, and sound cinematography. Yes, the ending (like parts of the movie) was confusing and there were some minor pacing issues, but those really do not bring the film down especially when the history of this movie is brought to life. This relatively strange and unknown gem, originally titled The Storyteller, was the obsession of oil heir Andrew Getty, who wrote, directed, and methodically crafted this film for roughly 15-years until his tragic death in 2015. In the end, this movie may not be great, and in may not live up to its own history, but it is a memorable entry and one that I am glad I noticed during my last trip to Family Video.

31 (2016)

As I was sitting here last night I realized that I was two posts away from hitting 1500 here on The Ringmaster's Realm and was debating what movie I wanted to review for that post. After some debate, I finally decided on a movie I feel that must be seen and truly embraced. While that movie will be reviewed tomorrow, for tonight, I have the 2016 Rob Zombie flick 31.

Plot/ Five carnival workers are kidnapped and held hostage in an abandoned, Hell-like compound where they are forced to participate in a violent game, the goal of which is to survive twelve hours against a gang of sadistic clowns.

Having decided to watch this as one of the first films on the new television, I was unsure of what to expect. Rob Zombie is one of the most polarizing filmmakers out there, and his films often sit in the love/hate realm. For me, I love his material, not because it is artistic masterpiece, but because it is a flashback to some of the no-budget grindhouse flicks from my youth. In this case, there is nothing much I can truly say about 31, as it is a trip into violence and gore. Sure, it lacks a coherent plot, it is full of mindless murders, blood, and guts, and the characterization is all over the place. It is what it is, a strange journey into the depraved mind of Rob Zombie. In the end, 31 is a movie that will be polarizing and a movie many will hate. Sure, I thought that it could be better, but it was a fun trip into the 1970s.

Sideshow (2000)

Last night I had to start on my big project for the week. Knowing that, I definitely had to find something that could keep my attention (and maybe serve as some inspiration). After a quick search, I settled on the 2000 low budget horror Sideshow (AKA Haunted Freakshow).

Plot/ While visiting a traveling carnival full of human freaks, high school students nearly join as permanent members.

Most of the time it is easy to predict what to expect from Director Fred Olen Ray and Charles Band, but every once in a while they throw you a curve. That was the case with this dated horror flick that captured the creepiness of the carnival/sideshow atmosphere. While the characters are somewhat unlikable and underdeveloped and the performances uneven at best, there was still enough entertainment and storyline to keep my attention. Couple that with some of the better low budget effects from that day, decent cinematography, and a storyline that was rather coherent, and you have an interesting no budget flick that served as a perfect backdrop for an evening. In the end, this one will definitely not be for everyone, but if you love low budget horror, Charles Band, or Full Moon Entertainment you should love it. Check it out!

Sideshow (2000)

Last night I had to start on my big project for the week. Knowing that, I definitely had to find something that could keep my attention (and maybe serve as some inspiration). After a quick search, I settled on the 2000 low budget horror Sideshow (AKA Haunted Freakshow).

Plot/ While visiting a traveling carnival full of human freaks, high school students nearly join as permanent members.

Most of the time it is easy to predict what to expect from Director Fred Olen Ray and Charles Band, but every once in a while they throw you a curve. That was the case with this dated horror flick that captured the creepiness of the carnival/sideshow atmosphere. While the characters are somewhat unlikable and underdeveloped and the performances uneven at best, there was still enough entertainment and storyline to keep my attention. Couple that with some of the better low budget effects from that day, decent cinematography, and a storyline that was rather coherent, and you have an interesting no budget flick that served as a perfect backdrop for an evening. In the end, this one will definitely not be for everyone, but if you love low budget horror, Charles Band, or Full Moon Entertainment you should love it. Check it out!

Sideshow (2000)

Last night I had to start on my big project for the week. Knowing that, I definitely had to find something that could keep my attention (and maybe serve as some inspiration). After a quick search, I settled on the 2000 low budget horror Sideshow (AKA Haunted Freakshow).

Plot/ While visiting a traveling carnival full of human freaks, high school students nearly join as permanent members.

Most of the time it is easy to predict what to expect from Director Fred Olen Ray and Charles Band, but every once in a while they throw you a curve. That was the case with this dated horror flick that captured the creepiness of the carnival/sideshow atmosphere. While the characters are somewhat unlikable and underdeveloped and the performances uneven at best, there was still enough entertainment and storyline to keep my attention. Couple that with some of the better low budget effects from that day, decent cinematography, and a storyline that was rather coherent, and you have an interesting no budget flick that served as a perfect backdrop for an evening. In the end, this one will definitely not be for everyone, but if you love low budget horror, Charles Band, or Full Moon Entertainment you should love it. Check it out!

Sideshow (2000)

Last night I had to start on my big project for the week. Knowing that, I definitely had to find something that could keep my attention (and maybe serve as some inspiration). After a quick search, I settled on the 2000 low budget horror Sideshow (AKA Haunted Freakshow).

Plot/ While visiting a traveling carnival full of human freaks, high school students nearly join as permanent members.

Most of the time it is easy to predict what to expect from Director Fred Olen Ray and Charles Band, but every once in a while they throw you a curve. That was the case with this dated horror flick that captured the creepiness of the carnival/sideshow atmosphere. While the characters are somewhat unlikable and underdeveloped and the performances uneven at best, there was still enough entertainment and storyline to keep my attention. Couple that with some of the better low budget effects from that day, decent cinematography, and a storyline that was rather coherent, and you have an interesting no budget flick that served as a perfect backdrop for an evening. In the end, this one will definitely not be for everyone, but if you love low budget horror, Charles Band, or Full Moon Entertainment you should love it. Check it out!

Byzantium (2012)

While I always enjoy conspiracy driven entries, at times, I also enjoy trips into the more traditional avenues of horror. Yes, at times, these flicks become somewhat cliché, especially in the vampire and zombie genres; there is always a challenge in discovering a movie that inspires me to want more. Next up on my review list is the vampire flick Byzantium from 2012.

Plot/ Two mysterious women seek refuge in a run-down coastal resort. Clara meets lonely Noel, who provides shelter in his deserted guesthouse, Byzantium. Schoolgirl Eleanor befriends Frank and tells him their lethal secret. They were born 200 years ago and survive on human blood. As knowledge of their secret spreads, their past catches up on them with deathly consequence.

Or the longest time, I honesty tried to stay away from the vampire genre. Everything that was coming out seemed to follow the same model and it was starting to get old. That was different with Byzantium. The adult oriented vampire flick relied on story and atmosphere instead of the constant barrage of action. Yes, there was blood and action, but it was woven into the fabric of the movie. While the pacing is a tad slow, the overall acting, characterization, storyline, and heavy atmosphere more than make up for it. In the end, this is one of the more underrated vampire flicks to come out in some time. While it is not for everyone, as it is not action all the time, if you enjoy a dark story-driven trip into the realm of the undead this one is quite entertaining.

The Devil's Carnival (2012)

Every weekend I try to find something different and interesting to watch and review. While this is a challenge at times, as many entries in the indie genre can be hit-or-miss, it is something that I take enjoyment in finding. This weekend I decided to venture deep into some of the flicks I have been pushing off for the interesting musical venture, The Devil’s Carnival from one of my favorite filmmakers' Darren Lynn Bousman.

Plot/ Three individuals have, somehow, found their way to a carnival, set in hell, and run by the devil. The trio is made up of a kleptomaniac, an obsessed father, and a gullible teenager, all of whom are doomed to repeat the very sins that delivered them to the carnival's doorsteps.

I have had this movie in my queue for some time, but had not decided to watch it. Last night, the 55-minute run time fit into my schedule perfectly and I am so happy to have finally watched it. This one is not for everyone, and it is likely to be split down the middle love or hate. I personally love it. This dark and atmospheric musical does a great job of creating a twisted journey into three of Aesop's Fables.  The soundscape, the visual effects, and cinematography are tremendous. Yes, the acting is a bit uneven in spots and the short run time does have an impact, but neither drags it down. In the end, this flick is one of the better horror-themed musicals I have seen and a movie that must be seen. If you love Repo: The Genetic Opera you should definitely check this one out!

Jack the Reaper (2011)

After watching the Ninth Gate over the weekend, I decided it was time to get back to some of the flicks that I picked up at Family Video. While I did not rent anything groundbreaking, I did pick up a couple of interesting looking titles. The first one I watched in the 2011 slasher, Jack the Reaper.

Plot/ A group of unsuspecting teens face a railroad reaper in his desert carnival.

This movie is one of those rare no-budget indie flicks that is both original and cliché at the same time. While that is the case and there is really nothing new here, there is a lot of stuff to like about it. The killer is awesome visually, the effects are solid, and the director actually succeeds at creating an atmosphere and does not cheapen the flick by using a ton of CGI. Sure, the acting is so-so, Tony Todd is wasted in his cameo and some of the dialogue does not work, but that is somewhat acceptable due to the budgetary restraints. In the end, it is not an overwhelming flick by any means, but it is also not the worst of its kind. If you like off-beat slashers, you will likely enjoy this one.

Side Sho (2007)

 

As we stand on the eve of the apocalypse, I decided to kick back and watch something mindless. In searching Netflix, I decided to find something that suited me. After all, with this being The Ringmaster’s Realm, and our side business is called Scarlet Circus, some type of carnival or circus horror would fit the bill. That is when I found, Side Sho from 2007.

 

 

Plot/ A suburban family traveling the back roads of the southeast in search of historic roadside attractions finds more than they bargained for when they happen upon a rustic sideshow museum that houses a dark secret.

 

 

When I saw this, I hoped that it would be some solid entertainment for the eve of the apocalypse. This low-budget independent flick may rip off many different flicks in the genre and a flick full of cliché, but it is actually rather entertaining. On the positive side, there are some decent cinematography, ok acting, and some good effects and kills. Yes, the scripting is all over the place and there is zero originality, but it still stands as a simple independent flick. In the end, if you are a fan of Wrong Turn type horror centered on the clichéd exploitation of inbreeding, check this one out. If you are tired of flicks from this genre, stay away, there is nothing here for you.

 

 

Carny (2009)

After watching Hypothermia last night, I decided to continue with the creature feature trend. Over the past few weeks, I have been doing a lot of research in governmental conspiracies and have stayed away from one of my first loves, mysterious cryptids. With that in mind, I decided to venture into the world of Sci-Fi Channel creature features, and the famed Jersey Devil, in the 2009 flick, Carny.

Plot/ A devilish creature escapes from a carnival to wreak havoc on a small town.

As someone who has investigated the existence of the Jersey Devil both in the field and in folklore, I always jump at a chance to watch movies that associate with these mysterious creatures. The one problem with these flicks is that usually they portray these creatures on an outlandish light. This one is no different. Sure, there are some good points, as there is decent action and pacing, some blood and gore, good character development, and the creature is one of the better CGI incarnations that the Sci-Fi Channel creature features have delivered. Yes, it is still flawed, as there are plot holes galore, scripting issues, zero back-story to develop the legend of this creature and the preacher character gets annoying after some time. In the end, this is not the best Sci-Fi Channel creature feature, but it is not the worst. If you love these movies, this one was rather entertaining and a flick that can be enjoyed.

Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932)

As I was taking a walk into the early stages of Sci-Fi and Horror, I felt that my night would not be complete unless I ventured into the mind of my favorite master of terror, Edgar Allan Poe.  What a better way to close my evening but with a classic tale starring one of the greatest horror icons of all time Bela Lugosi, in the often overlooked 1932 adaptation of Murders in the Rue Morgue.

Plot/ In 19th Century Paris, the maniacal Dr. Mirakle abducts young women and injects them with ape blood in an attempt to prove ape-human kinship. He constantly meets failure as the abducted women die. Medical student Pierre Dupin discovers what Mirakle is doing too late to prevent the abduction of his girlfriend Camille. Now he desperately tries to enlist the help of the police to get her back.

I love movies based on the works of Poe (albeit loose adaptations), in fact, I can never get enough of them when I find them. Sure, some are better than others, but in same ways they always carry at least some of the flair that was woven into them decades before their transition to the silver screen. This adaptation, while running only about 80 minutes, is definitely worth watching. Filmed by Universal Studios, after their initial foray into horror, this flick features great set design and perfect atmosphere. The acting is solid, but it is Bela Lugosi that is amazing, captivating the screen during every second of his screen time. Yes, there are some flaws. Some of the cinematography is so-so and editing was uneven.  In the end, this is a classic early example of Universal Studios mastery and a film that is definitely worth watching.

Freakshow (2007)

It is hard to believe that 2011 is almost over, and with it my Naval career will come to an end. As I sat down last night reflecting on the past year and thinking about what my future holds as I prepare to start work at the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, I decided to watch something close to my heart. I love the weird, strange and odd; I love the side shows of the days gone by. With that in mind my selection was Freakshow from 2007.   

Plot/ This is the story of a group of criminals who chose to hide out by working security at a traveling circus. At first, they plot with an insider to steal the ticket sales, but the wily Lucy has bigger plans. She convinces the gang to let her seduce and marry the aging circus owner, Lon, in order to secure the entire circus fortune. The freaks are on to their scheme, however, and when the youngest of them is caught by the ruthless gang, they show no mercy to ensure her silence. When the circus folk find the child's remains, they swear vengeance, and no one is safe from their fury.

I honestly should have known that this movie was too good to be true (boasting being banned in 42 countries). I am usually all for movies and shows about the carnivals and the sideshows that travelled with them during that golden age of the freak show, unfortunately, this one did nothing to make me want to ever see it again. There was next to no gore (last 10-15 minutes), no character development, poor pacing and an uneven script with so-so acting.  Really, there was nothing here to keep me entertained, I just kept watching in hopes it would get better. I will admit, I at least liked the ending, but that was about it. Take my advice, stay clear!