POE: Project of Evil (2012)

With the NFL Draft finally in the books, I can finally take off my Steelers 101 hat and take a break. While I still have some work to do with a total recap and undrafted rookie profiles, it will be nowhere near the intensity of the past three nights. With some extra time on my hands, I decided to venture into the mind of Poe for my next review. My selection for the evening was Brain Damage Films, POE: Project of Evil (AKA P.O.E. 2) from 2012.

Plot/ In this twisted horror anthology, eight talented Italian directors present their takes on the disturbing tales of Edgar Allan Poe, each in a very personal and modern way. Prepare to experience the terror of POE like never before!

Before I get deep into my review let me start by saying if you are a Poe purest you should stay away from this film. If, like me, you enjoy strange anthologies and love the master of macabre, than you may enjoy this one. Clearly art house cinema, this Italian entry has a lot to like, as it uses the classic Poe tales as a backdrop for surreal journey’s into the macabre. The acting is solid, the cinematography top notch, effects really work. Unfortunately, for many this is not the straightforward horror flick they will expect and much of the incoherent and bizarre interpretations will go over their heads. This one is clearly not for everyone as the combination of violence and nudity sit outside the typical world of Poe. However, in the end, I totally enjoyed it. This was one of the more original films I have seen in some time and one of the more intriguing art house cinema pieces that has made their way onto video store shelves. If you enjoy strangeness and can watch it with an open mind, check it out; it is worth it.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Today has been a long day. Between a field trip to the ATC Tower, softball, Soccer and a miserable storm, I could not wait for the day to end. Once I finished my stuff for Steelers 101 and posted a short story in my class, I decided it was time to finish the review for one of the last flicks I watched, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen from 2003.

Plot/ In an alternate Victorian Age world, a group of famous contemporary fantasy, Sci-Fi and adventure characters team up on a secret mission.

Having not read the comic or graphic novel, I had no preconceived notion about this movie. What I found was a fun and interesting journey into a fantasy world that I would love to be a part of. Sure, some may not like the over-the-top storyline, the strange mixture of characters, and the crazy steampunk influenced weaponry, but those are off base and extremely too serious. This movie is entertaining with some solid performances, a great cast, and a fun atmosphere. In the end, it is definitely not for everyone, but it is an entertaining movie that should not be taken seriously. Open your mind, suspend reality, and give it a shot!

Body Parts (1991)

After a long day of crazy weather prevented me from finishing what I had planned, it was definitely time to relax to a movie. Having finished my homework, I decided to see what was available on one of the movie channels I pay for. In the end, I decided on the 1991 thriller Body Parts.

Plot/ After losing his arm in a car accident, a criminal psychologist has it replaced with a limb that belonged to a serial killer.

It had been a long time since I saw this one and I could tell last night that age was not kind to this one. Originally, it did not have quite the B-Movie feel that it has today, but after two decades that is likely to happen to many films in the genre. The acting is uneven, the story somewhat cliché and the pacing is unbalanced. Yes, there is some gore in the final parts that at least make it fun, but that is about it. In the end, this does have some entertaining and interesting moments, but nothing truly original. If you love movies from the 1990s, give it a shot; it is not great, but not terrible either.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)

Last night was a crazy night. Softball practice was not rained out (although it should have been), and I spent two hours in the rain even though the daughter decided to go to acting instead. I guess that is some of the pains that go with being an assistant coach. When I got home, I decided to kick back and relax. To do that, I decided to watch The Exorcism of Emily Rose from 2005.

Plot/ A lawyer takes on a negligent homicide case involving a priest who performed an exorcism on a young girl.

When I first saw this film when it came out, I found it a little blah. Remembering back, I fell prey to the advertising for the film, as it was amazing. Unfortunately, at that time, it could not live up to those trailers. Watching this film last night, I found it much more entertaining than the first time I watched it. Not a true horror flick, this psychological thriller / supernatural drama had a solid atmosphere, decent dialog, and an interesting story. Yes, there were not a lot of scares and some of the pacing made it feel a touch flat, but that did not hurt it much. In the end, this movie was much better after than I thought it would be the second time around. If you have not watched it, give it a chance. If you have, and it has been a while like me, give it another shot.

Germ Z (2013)

It was a nice break today, no daughters, no wife, just silence for a few hours. During that time, I was able to edit my short story for class, do my Steelers 101 stuff, and watch a couple of horror flicks. After some debate on which one I would review, I decided on the 2013 low budget flick Germ Z.

Plot/ The military's attempt to shoot down an orbiting satellite unleashes a space-borne epidemic on a remote, small town.

This low-budget indie flick is extremely uneven. While I am used to these flaws with a viewing schedule full of independents, this one was a bit different overall. This one actually had some solid acting, something many other films of its budget lack. Unfortunately, the plot was a touch stale, the pacing a touch off, and there is a lot of wasted time setting up story. On top of that, there was really nothing special to set it apart from any of the other flicks in this genre. In the end, while there were a few entertaining moments, it was not enough to make it memorable in any way. Unless you have nothing else to watch, there are better choices out there.

The Illusionist (2006)

After taking Saturday off to recover from soccer, softball, and fishing, I decided to kick back and watch something with a bit of a lighter feel. After doing some football coverage with my first mock draft of the season, it was time to find something. That is when I found one of my favorite period pieces / mysteries; the Illusionist from 2006.

Plot/ In turn-of-the-century Vienna, a magician uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.

This movie is rare, as it took two genres and pulled off merging them into one entertaining and fluid pieces of cinema. Everything about this film worked extremely well. The cast bought into their roles and performed them perfectly, the cinematography and visuals are amazing, the scripting keeps you guessing, and the ending was perfect. Honestly, even after viewing it multiple times it is still fascinating to watch. If you have not seen it, yet, then I ask why not? This is a tremendous film and one that should viewed. Check it out!

The Brood (1979)

After a couple days away from the blog, focusing on NFL Draft preps for Steelers 101, I decided to jump back into some classic horror on Friday. Of course, that did come after watching Hannibal (cannot miss that), as it is my favorite show on regular television (The Following a close second). My selection for the evening was the 1979 flick: The Brood.

Plot/ A man tries to uncover an unconventional psychologist's therapy techniques on his institutionalized wife, while a series of brutal attacks committed by a brood of mutant children coincides with the husband's investigation.

David Cronenberg movies are always interesting and this one is quite possibly one of his best. The Sci-Fi / Psychological Horror combo has everything a horror fan needs to be satisfied. The storyline is interesting, soundtrack effective, the cinematography is tremendous, the acting convincing, and the atmosphere creates a dark and heavy realm. Yes, some of the costuming may make it feel dated, but honestly, that is part of the allure of the movie. In the end, this is a classic piece of 1970s horror cinema, and a movie that must be seen. If you have not watched this one, find it, and check it out.