Creature from Black Lake (1976)

Sometimes I search for some weird stuff while working and this week that has happened a lot. With my side job with Titans Wire keeping me busy, I am finally able to sit back and catch up on some of the movies that caught my eye. This one was one I haven’t watched in decades and was excited to see it streaming on Amazon, the 1976 bigfoot inspired Creature from Black Lake.

Plot: Two men exploring the Louisiana swamps encounter a Bigfoot-type creature.

As much as The Legend of Boggy Creek inspired me to get into researching the unexplained, this one may rank a pretty close second. This is another example of the classic B-Movie creature features that influenced a generation. This low budget film is a more entertaining overall film than Boggy Creek and takes on the subject in an interesting way. The documentary style really works and this one does offer some suspense. While the performances are uneven and some of the cinematography doesn’t hold up, for the low budget and time period this is a decent entry and entertaining. In the end, this one definitely should be viewed in the same way many hold the Legend of Boggy Creek. This one is a drive-in special and an interesting watch. 

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. 

Butterfly Kisses (2018)

After a few day hiatus to get the house in order for my mother's visit and to enjoy my birthday, I finally have some time to sit back and relax.  During this days,  I did spend some time watching a few shows and movies. One that I found interesting was the found footage mockumentary Butterfly Kisses.

Plot: filmmaker discovers a box of videotapes depicting a disturbing student film project about an urban legend known as Peeping Tom. As he sets out to prove the footage is real, he becomes obsessed, along with the film crew following him.

Found Footage movies can always be a mixed bag and for a while I stayed away from them because it felt so repetitive. However, I seem to be on a hit streak, vacate this makes 2 in a row that I have thoroughly enjoyed.  This one has an interesting premise and is both somewhat comedic and mysterious. I really liked the way the footage was InfoPath into a rather layered storyline.  The performances were solid,  everything went together,  and there was a touch of atmosphere.  Sure,  there were a few bumpy moments in it, but those didn't really hurt what turned into an intriguing character study. If you like found footage,  check this one out. Oh, one last thing,  didn't Peeping Tom somewhat similar to the Hat Man?

Horror in the High Desert (2021)

Monday's are usually a day that I try to get caught up on stuff from the weekend,  especially with shipping items from weekend sales and planning out listings for the week.  Yesterday was much of the same, except for the traffic early in the day.  When I finally settled down,  I decided to check out 2021s Horror in the High Desert. 

Plot: Friends and loved ones gather to recall the events leading to an experienced outdoor enthusiast's disappearance in northern Nevada.

I will admit,  when I saw this one I thought it was a documentary and didn't realize that it was a found footage/mockumentary. In fact,  it felt that way until the last segment of the movie.  Based on a true story,  the scripting and performances were extremities believable and did really well.  Sure the first hour was slow,  but the ending sequence definitely picked up the pace. Overall, this movie was a great example of low budget indie filmmaking complete with a believable atmosphere, an intriguing story, and great character development.  If you like found footage/mockumentary style movies, check this one out.