Encounter (2015)

After a couple of recent anthologies, I decided that it was time to kick back and check out something different. After some internal debate, I settled on the 2015 low budget entry Encounter.

Plot/ A newlywed couple Ted and Lauren rent and old farm house to do a thesis on orbs and set up cameras, Strange ghostly noises and hauntings occur at night. Ted sees video of Lauren, possessed and wandering the fields at night. When their roommate kills himself, they decide to do an séance to see what is haunting the house. Little do they know what they hear and fear is nothing they can pray away.

This was another film I knew little about when I sat down to watch it. Yet, because of the subject matter of orbs, I definitely wanted to watch it. What I found was interesting, while it was not anything amazing, it was a solid low budget entry that took the minimalist approach and made it work. The performances are solid and the cast works well together and there were enough atmospheres to make it watchable. Yes, there were some clichéd moments, the scripting was uneven, and some of the scenes created a few head-scratchers, but it was enjoyable. In the end, this is a solid low budget entry that has some potential. Yes, it is not perfect, but it is an entertaining journey into an interesting (and controversial) topic. Give it a shot.  

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!

The Conduit (2016)

As I continue to dive back into some horror films, it was nice to pick up something at the video store from Brain Damage Films. It seems as though it has been forever since I as able to pick something up from them. This one was the 2016 supernatural/demonic flick The Conduit.

Plot/ Wounded by a recent divorce and haunted by a tragic event in his childhood, Eddie returns to his hometown hoping to pick up the pieces of his broken life. Unable to cope, he attempts suicide and winds up in therapy, where desperate to fill the void in his heart he falls for Amy, a mysterious and young wild flower. But something dark and sinister lurks in Amy's past, will her love save Eddie or will it devour his soul?

I knew nothing about this one going in to it when I saw it at Family Video other than it was from Brain Damage Films. Knowing that, I was pretty much assured that it would be the typical low budget fair, and I was right. While some may complain about the overall use of dream sequences throughout the film, these definitely added something to the feel of the movie. The performances were solid, and there were some interesting twists, but that is not to say that the movie was perfect. There were some pacing issues, incoherent moments, uneven dialog, and the run time may have been a little long for the depth of the screenplay. In the end, this may not be the best of its kind, but it is far from the worst. If you are like me and appreciate low budget cinema, then give this one a shot. However, if you are a major horehound, you may want to stay away.

Holidays (2016)

I love being back into the swing of watching horror movies and blogging, it helps me keep my mind engaged as I dissect my next writing project. The next film that I watched was somewhat of a surprise, 2016s anthology Holidays.

Plot/ Nine filmmakers present horror stories that revolve around Valentine's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

When I put this one on, I had no idea what to expect as anthologies can be all over the board when it comes to coherent moments and quality. What I found with this one was much of the same with a mixture of uneven shorts featuring a wide array of approaches to the different holidays covered by the directors. Overall, the stories ranged from unbelievable to ludicrous, and touched on many different topics. Yes, there were a few that were pushed the limits (Kevin Smith’s Halloween comes to mind), but that was to be expected. Incredibly, the film featured some solid performances and some intriguing storylines (Father’s Day and Christmas were my favorites), although I am sure that it won’t appeal to everyone. In the end, if you live mindless horror anthologies, this one is for you. Give it shot!

Dark (2015)

Now that I am finally getting back on track with things, it is nice to finally dissect some of the films tat have caught my eye recently. One such film is the 2015 psychological thriller Dark (my next review).

Plot/ A disturbed young woman must confront her worst fears when she finds herself trapped alone in a New York City loft during the 2003 blackout.

This movie is definitely one that falls into the love/hate category of filmmaking. More of a dark art house psychological thriller than horror, this flick offers some elements that make it worth watching. This one boasts some outstanding performances, a heavy atmosphere that conjures moments of dread, and an intriguing look at the spiraling psychology of being trapped in a blackout. Yes, there were times where the pace felt slow and some of the overall storyline elements were left dangling, but honestly, those add to the atmosphere and the emotional states of the main character. In the end, this one is definitely not for everyone, but it is a thought provoking thriller that is one of the better art house flicks I have seen in some time.

The Binding (2015)

I am finally starting to catch up from last week and the whirlwind trip to Florida. While my new pal Edgar the Eyeball rests comfortably in his perch in the car, I am sitting here preparing to watch some low budget horror. Hopefully, it is better than the last entry, 2015s The Binding.

Plot/ A young woman's faith is put to the ultimate test when she is forced to uncover the truth behind her husband's horrific visions.

I am definitely in a movie slump at the moment and my selections have not given me material that is in any way inspiring. Much like my review from last night, this one lacks a powerful storyline and suffers greatly because of that. More of a drama than anything resembling a horror film, this movie lacks grit, scares, or anything that will keep the attention of an avid horror fan. In the end, while I have seen worse films, this one definitely misses the mark. Stay away.

The Adventures of Edgar the Eyeball - Diary Entry - Chapter 1

On my trip home from Orlando and my graduation, I discovered a strange stowaway tagging along as we hung out in the Mardi Gras Arcade in our short stop in Daytona Beach. While this strange one-eyed mutant is cute, he seems to be caught up in some ridiculous situations. Hell, I even had to save him from King Kong at South of the Border. Now, I am his protector, as we will work together to find his destiny. That is if he can stay out of trouble. 

It is strange though. As I tried to communicate with this critter I have named Edgar, he could never answer my questions. You know the ones, where are you from? How did you get here? Did you come in peace? However, Edgar did provide me with a crinkled sheet of paper from his diary. What is said was truly horrifying. 

Edgars’ Diary 

My life felt so empty. I could not face another day; my thoughts longed for another time, another place. I wanted to explore so much, and in turn feel a love banished centuries ago inside my unforgiving world. I could no longer hide my feelings; the pain was too much to take. So, I had to escape from my realm in search of freedom and happiness. 

That is how I arrived on your province, this hollow world called Earth. Unfortunately, I was trapped by the watchmen, the greedy malcontents that long ago infiltrated your world masquerading as humans. Yes, they do hide their reptilian blood well, but the eyes; those eyes will always give them away. 

I must survive this Hell, Deep inside; I know I am here for a reason, although the reason remains hidden. Strange, this destiny was prophesied by my birth by the sacred oracle within the volcanic shrine of Zarare. I thought it was a joke; I could not fathom such a destiny. Now, I am here, trapped inside this glass void waiting for a savior. Help me. 

Stay tuned for more adventures of Edgar the Eyeball as he tries to find his true destiny and save the world.

Don't Look in the Basement 2 (2015)

As I continue to debate my inner voices on what my next project should be, I still have a few movies to catch up on with reviews. Next up, is the 2015 sequel to a cult classic: Don’t Look in the Basement 2.

Plot/ In 1972, the patients, and doctors at Stephens Sanitarium were brutally murdered. Over forty years later, the only known survivor returns only to find the ghosts of the past have not been resting in peace.

After over 40-years, the 1972 cult classic Don't Look In The Basement finally gets a sequel. Unfortunately, it does not live up to the power of the source material. While there are some elements that were lacking in the original such as solid cinematography, decent performances, and a clear vision on what was to be accomplished, it lacks the grainy allure and low budget feel that etched the classic into the viewers mind. It also suffers from uneven pacing, uninteresting characters, and a storyline that was both cliché and predictable. Yes, there was some gore, but not enough to save this one. In the end, if like me, you are a fan of the original cult classic, you will likely be extremely disappointed. Stay away!

Islands of Adventure - August 2016 - 1

Last week was incredible. Not only did I get to enjoy a great family vacation at Universal Studios, but I finally graduated with my Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts in Creative Writing for Entertainment from Full Sail University. This was a major accomplishment for me, and to discover that I was the program Valedictorian made it even more special. Of course, I could not do this alone and my wife Brenda and my daughters gave me enough support to keep me going when I ran into some rough patches. With my degree completed, it is time to buckle down and figure out a project to focus on. Until then, here are some more great pictures from my days at Islands of Adventure. 

Universal Studios - August 2016 - 1

This has been a tremendous week on vacation as I prepared for graduation. Universal Studios Orlando has changed so much since the last time I went (back in 1991), and must say it has changed for the better. As a horror fan, there were enough attractions to keep me interested. And while I did not make it to the new Kong attraction (the wait time was insane), it was still an awesome time. Here are a few pictures from the week, I am sure there will be more to follow as I get through them. 

Starship Troopers (1997)

As I took a day of quiet from the park, it was nice to be able to sit back and relax. To help pass that time, I was able to find an entertaining flick from the past to help maintain focus. That movie is the 1997 entry Starship Troopers.

Plot/ In the distant future high school kids are encouraged to become citizens by joining the military. What they do not know is that they will soon be engaged in a full-scale war against a planet of alien insects. The fight is on to ensure the safety of humanity.

I know that this one came out some time ago and has had mixed reviews that range for horrendous or magnificent. Personally, I love this film adaptation of the Robert A. Heinlein novel. While it is not a perfect film, suffering from cardboard characterizations and performances, and a combination of genres that will definitely turn off some viewers, there are enough positives that will offset any of these issues. The effects are decent and the alien bugs are awesome. Plus, the social context of the film features some deep-rooted insights into the cultural differences that plague society as a whole. In the end, this Sci-Fi/Horror blend is a movie that continues to get better with age and a movie that should be seen. Yes, it is not for everyone, but it is a film that is worth watching.