Brainscan (1994)

After a few duds over the past few days,  I decided it was time to reach into the past for something I haven't watched in years. My selection was the fun horror film from 1994, Brainscan.

Plot: A teenager is part of an interactive video game where he kills innocent victims. Later, the murders become real.

This is a fun movie and one that screams 1990s. The cast is decent and there are some great performances, especially that of the Trickster. Sure some of it feels dated today, the storyline, while fun, is outlandish, and the early special effects are hit and miss, but after that,  there is a lot to like. The atmosphere sittings,  the pacing is great,  and the overall feel really works. I am so glad that I decided to revisit it.  In the end,  this one may be leaving Tubi soon,  and that's a shame. If you are looking for a great throwback,  give this one a shot,  you would likely enjoy it.  

Beyond the Gates (2016)

After taking a break from some movies last night, I decided to kick into high gear tonight. Right now, I am in the middle of Phoenix Forgotten (which is interesting). Earlier, I sat back and watched the 2016 throwback Beyond the Gates.

Plot/ Two estranged brothers reunite at their missing father's video store and find a VCR board game dubbed 'Beyond The Gates' that holds a connection to their father's disappearance.

When I sat down t watch this one, I had no idea what to expect, but with this movie being a throwback of sorts to my youth, I was excited. What I found was indeed a low budget homage to early 1980s horror, although it did not inspire me as much as some of those films did back then. While this one is not terrible, it does have its flaws including poorly paced dialog, a slow building story that is overly tedious, uneven performances, and some flat characters. Yes, there were some fun elements; the effects (considering the budget) were interesting and the idea had potential. Unfortunately, those positive moments did not offset the execution problems. In the end, this one could have been much better and even more entertaining. Is it terrible? No, but it will likely be met with a polarizing response and disappoint many hardcore horror fans.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

It’s happening again! Yes, after 25 years, Twin Peaks is finally returning to the screen and I couldn’t be more excited. David Lynch and the Twin Peaks series are  two of the main reasons that I wanted to become a writer. While I knew this was on the horizon, I decided to clear my mind in preparation. That is when I decided to pick up a film from one of my favorite franchises with 2016s Resident Evil: The Final Chapter.

Plot/ Alice returns to where the nightmare began: The Hive in Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.

Let me start off by saying that this has been one of my favorite zombie themed series and I was sad to hear that this was gong to be the final chapter. Fortunately, they decided to go out with a bang. While many people will not enjoy this mindless trip into Raccoon City for a final time (and understandably so), the non0stop action and gore is enough to keep you at least entertained if you can suspend belief for the duration. Yes, there are some strange decisions that lead to holes in the continuity between films and there are definitely some head scratching moments that actually make the movie overly predictable, but those are easily overlooked in the grand scheme. As a film, the action is well paced, the performances were solid, the gore worked, and some of the storyline did add some interesting twists to the franchise as a whole. In the end, this may not be the best movie in the series, but it was entertaining and perfect for some late night zombie fun. Not for everyone, but if you can suspend belief for a couple hours, it can be a great mindless entry.

Assassin's Creed (2016)

After suffering through two movies that did nothing for me, I decided to roll the dice for some action. After some debate, I decided to breakdown and check out the 2016 video game inspired Assassin's Creed. 

Plot/ When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin; he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society.

Not being a gamer, I decided to give this a shot with no idea of what to expect. What I found was something that was confusing and disjointed. The character development was uneven to non-existent making it extremely difficult to relate to the characters, the scripting was difficult to understand, and for me, there was not enough of the movie taking place inside of the historical eras that drew me in from the box/trailers. Yes, the effects were solid and some of the performances worked, but those were not enough to save this one. In the end, this is a movie that I could have passed on. Maybe it was more for fans of the game, but it wasn’t for me.

Beta Test (2016)

After last night’s debacle with Sharkenstein, I had hoped that maybe my next selection would be better. Unfortunately, in some ways it may have been worse. What was that movie? It was the 2016 Sci-Fi/action flick Beta Test.

Plot/ Champion gamer Max Troy discovers events in a new video game are being mirrored in the real world, and must join forces with the game's protagonist, Orson Creed, to unravel the conspiracy before the game's sinister plot overwhelms the city.

This has definitely been a bad week for me with movie selection. Seriously, it feels like nothing I can throw on the television (except Darling) is worth watching. This one is bad, very bad. The acting ranges from poor to bad with cardboard characters and horrid/predictable dialog, the writing is all over the place, and the production values/cinematography is laughable at best. Although the movie is below SyFy Channel bad, the storyline did at least seem to have some promise when reading the synopsis, but other than that, there is really nothing that could make it memorable in any way, shape, or form. In the end, stay away from this one, it really is not worth your time.

Satan's Little Helper (2004)

There are times when I am just searching for some mindless horror, and I was definitely in that mood Saturday afternoon. While part of me wanted to take a nap, the other wanted to push through some homework. For some background entertainment, I decided to throw on the 2004 indie entry Satan’s Little Helper.

Plot/ A naïve young boy unknowingly becomes the pawn of a serial killer.

Let me start by saying that this movie absolutely surprised me. Honestly, I have no idea how many times I passed it over expecting something miserable. While this is far from perfect, it was the right mix of comedy and horror to keep me entertained throughout. Technically, the flick works, featuring a decent cast, an interesting storyline, and many decent cinematographic elements. Not to mention that Satan was perfect and his performance alone was a hit. Sure, the ending seemed to drag on a bit and there could have been some more blood, gore, and guts, but those flaws are to be expected in low budget entries. In the end, this black comedy is entertaining and a good way to pass some time getting into the Halloween spirit. It is definitely worth a shot; check it out!

Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (2012)

After entering the world of Silent Hill, the daughters were amazed at the dark atmosphere in the original. As Halloween draws closer, it is becoming easier to create some scares and I decided to help force some small fears by pushing the heavy atmosphere and continuing a winding road into Silent Hill. After the original, it was time for Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (2012).

Plot/ When her father disappears, Heather Mason is drawn into a strange and terrifying alternate reality that holds answers to the horrific nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.

Sequels are always difficult to judge, as they can almost never live up to the expectations set by the original. That is definitely the case here, as even though there are some positives with it, it in no way lives up to the original. There was a lot to like; the acting was decent, the creatures interesting, and the storyline stayed true to the original ideas. Sure, the pacing was off, there were too many jump scares and the characterization was non-existent, but still it is nowhere near enough to totally sink this. In the end, this one could not generate the same atmosphere that made the original film and the video game awesome and it almost felt rushed. Sure, this one is not for everyone, as it does have some violence and gore, but it is entertaining. If you have not seen it, this one is not the original Silent Hill, but it is decent attempt at a sequel.

Silent Hill (2006)

Now that Hamlet is in the rearview, it was nice to be able to watch some decent horror flicks last night with the daughters. What did we decide on? Well, since the Paranormal Activity franchise has because laughable even to them, I decided to let them venture into another franchise, one that may be a little darker, the realm of Silent Hill.

Plot/ Based on the video game, a woman goes in search for her daughter, within the confines of a strange, desolate town called Silent Hill.

Inspiration for movies can come from anywhere, and Silent Hill proved that the transition from video game to cinematic experience can be accomplished in a well done manner. Yes, it is not a perfect flick, but it is dark and atmospheric, everything that one would expect. The storyline is interesting, the gore and effects work, and the performances are on the money. More importantly, for the gamers, there are a lot of similarities in scenery and creatures between the movie and game. Of course, there are some head scratching moments and some minor pacing issues, but that is not a huge hold-up with the movie. In the end, this is a creepy flick that is perfect for the dreary wintery nights that are on the horizon. If you have not watched it, check it out.

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

With my first post retirement ceremony Veteran’s Day weekend drawing to a close, I am at least happy that both the Steelers and Mountaineers won this weekend (ironically both games were in Cincinnati). Hopefully, that is a trend that continues and both teams will have successful seasons. Hmmm, with the rest of the family stealing the TV, I guess it is time to finish my reviews of the Resident Evil series, with the 2010 installment Resident Evil: Afterlife.

Plot/ While still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors who want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia.

Of all of the movies in this series, this one was the least enjoyable and weakest overall effort. The storyline (which was usually solid) was all over the place, the characterization was non-existent, and the acting was uneven (not to mention there was really no horror element at all). Sure, there were some very good action scenes and special effects, but that in no way helps save this from mediocrity. In the end, this action / adventure flick lacks everything (except Milla) that made the others successful, stay away!

Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

Tonight was productive in a manner of speaking, I got a bingo kit complete with daubers and trolls as a retirement gift from the daughters and I finished two OOAK zombies that I will eventually get online. Awesome…  So, as I sit here watching a marathon of the television show Oddities, I decided to continue my journey through the realm of Resident Evil. My last review for the evening is on the third installment of the franchise, 2007s, Resident Evil: Extinction.

Plot/ Survivors of the Raccoon City catastrophe travel across the Nevada desert, hoping to make it to Alaska. Alice joins the caravan and their fight against the evil Umbrella Corp.

This, the third installment, was actually another decent entry in this series, seemingly combining the finer points of the first two flicks and creating a surprisingly good sequel. There are some similarities between the movies so far, the ever-changing story is backed by awesome scenery, the acting is solid and honestly, this one had a lot of interesting and well done special effects. If there was one downfall, it was that this one truly lacked detailed characterization, with important details of the group’s background being left out. As I have said before, I never played the video games, so that info could be inherent, but I would never know. In the end, this was an entertaining flick that sits just a notch below the first two in my eyes. If you haven’t seen this sequel, check it out.

Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

As I prepare for a day at volleyball tryouts with the girls, I decided to finish my review of the second installment of the Resident Evil series. This flick, Resident Evil: Apocalypse from 2004 was more than just an ample follow-up, it may be the high point of the series. On a last note, there is still time to get involved in tomorrow's short film filming at the Evans City Cemetery (Evans Ciy,  PA) benefitting the save the NOTLD chapel.

Plot/ Alice comes to in Raccoon City, only to find it has become infested with zombies and monsters. With the help of Jill Valentine and Carlos Olivera, Alice must find a way out of the city before it is destroyed by a nuclear missile.

Of all of the Resident Evil movies, I honestly think this is my favorite and I also believe that it is a touch better than the first installment. This one featured a better atmosphere; one that was eerie and heavy, and a sense of immanent dread that the first seemed to lack.  The pacing was tremendous, the locations and scenery were solid, and the male-up (Nemesis was awesome) and effects had their moments (as did the acting). Sure, there was nothing really new or groundbreaking with this one, but it was more than just another sequel and again Milla was perfect as Alice. Yes, this again was more action / adventure than horror, but it is definitely worth watching if you get the chance and haven’t seen it.

Resident Evil (2002)

As I was looking for a movie last night, I decided to watch something with a zombie theme. This Sunday my friends over at the Save the Chapel movement are filming a short zombie flick at the Evans City Cemetery and unfortunately I cannot make it (for details on this shoot - check out their website or facebook page). Oh well, with this being Veterans Day Weekend, I decided to watch something I could focus on all weekend, so my choice was the Resident Evil series. First up for review, the one that started it all, Resident Evil from 2002.

Plot/ A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident.

I will admit I have never played a Resident Evil video game, so for me watching the movies was my way into the ethos (something I like to do not being a gamer). This film was the first and possibly best of the series. Yes, there were some cliché zombie moments that were detractors, but those were few and far between. This flick was much more than cliché, featuring a nice blend of action, tension and horror, while laying out a layered storyline.  The atmosphere, acting, cinematography and pacing were all solid, not to mention a tremendous soundtrack and some great special effects that worked perfectly for the mood of the film. Milla Jovovich was ideal for the role of Alice (the rest of the cast too bad either) and did a masterful job throughout. Sure, this was not truly a horror or zombie movie, featuring more action and adventure than terror, but that does not matter. In the end, this was one of the flicks that re-energized the zombie movement and one that should be watched not because it was a video game, but because it is truly entertaining.

Devour (2005)

With Brenda and the kids headed back this way to help finish packing, I decided to do very little tonight other than check out some horror flicks. In fact, right now I am enjoying a classic Argento tale, Inferno. Prior to that though, I started the evening with my friend the devil, in 2005s Devour.

  

Plot/ In Cheever Lake, the twenty-one years old Jake Gray has bloody nightmares while awake. His friends Conrad Dean and Dakota apply him in a weird game called The Pathway. Jake begins to mix reality with daydreams, while his closest friends die. Jake blames the game, which might be connected to the devil, for the deaths of his friends and decides to investigate the mystery.

Let me start by saying that this movie caught me off guard. I went in not expecting much, but what I found was an interesting and entertaining storyline that held my interest throughout. Yes, this suffers like most low budget flicks with some plot holes, scripting issues and poor character development, but what it lacks there it more than makes up for it with some solid acting and good cinematography.  And while the characters seemed a bit undeveloped, they were at least interesting. In the end, this is a hidden gem in the genre. Yes, it is far from perfect, but it is entertaining and interesting, which is a lot more than most flicks.

Game Box 1.0 (2004)

I was trying to find something to watch with the daughters and decided upon the 2004 video game gone awry flick Game Box 1.0.

Plot/ A reclusive video game tester discovers a revolutionary new console system with the power to feed on the player's most intimate hopes and fears a virtual reality trip to remember.

Anytime I grab a random PG-13 flick to watch with the daughters, I tend to quiver a little always expecting the worse. But, sometimes, you can be surprised. This is one of those movies. Yes, it is far from perfect with of the typical low budget flaws like uneven acting, predictability, and cliché scripting. However, in this flick the pacing was awesome and some of the effects were solid. I actually could not believe how much I enjoyed this virtual reality sci-fi adventure. Check it out, it is actually pretty good.