Out of Darknes (2022)

Last night I had a chance to catch one of the AMC Screen Unseen events at our local theater. To me,  this was awesome,  especially being a horror film. I mean,  there is no better way to see things then before they are widely released. While this film was made in 2022, it was only released in Europe and went have its wide US release until February 9th. That movie in Out of Darkness.

Plot: About 45,000 years ago, a desperate band of early humans finds a new land to settle in. As they start to realize that something monstrous is hunting them down, they must confront a horrifying danger that they never could have imagined.

Not knowing anything about the movie I was about to watch,  I wasn't really prepared for this at the start.  While I do love watching foreign films,  I tend to skip subtitles unless I'm at home.  However,  as the movie progressed, the use of subtitles with this foriegn language film didn't bother me in the least, in fact,  I think it added to the atmosphere and tension.  While there is nothing groundbreaking in this one,  the performances,  cinematography, and overall message was entertaining; although,  I would not actually classify this movie as a horror film.  More of a drama/thriller, this one relies on the darkness and tension between the group of travelers and the unseen creatures tormenting them in the forest to create mood, and it does work.  Shot on a low budget, there is a lot to like.  However, there are some issues that jump out. The make-up, costuming, and lack of body effects don't mesh with the storyline. The gatherers are too clean, healthy, and made up to match the storyline.  What caveman has perfect teeth? Really, not an entire group.  While that's easily overlooked,  it did impact the overall feel of the film. There are also some holes in the storyline that are obvious and never really addressed, making it a bit of a head scratcher.  In the end,  this one was better than I expected, but it's not one I would have searched out.  

Mothman TNT Area - Investigation Pictures

Having stopped by Point Pleasant,  WV for a day of exploring the myth of the Mothman, I was extremely excited. Not only do I love the story of the Mothman, this makes the first time since my transplant that I was able to venture out into the wild.  Sure,  I didn't go crazy. Hell, I didn't even make it a night expedition, but I did get va shall hike in and go check out one of the famous sighting locations: the TNT Area.

Now part of the McClintic Wildlife Management Area, the TNT bunkers may be run down, but I will say they still hold a creepy energy.  It did send chills down my spine. Of course,  whatever small animal that was stalking me from the treeline helped with that.  But oh well.  

If you aren't familiar with Mothman or the sightings in and around Point Pleasant,  this is a great rabbit hole and a tremendous amount of lore. This area,  known then as the West Virginian Ordnance Works, was reported to be the home of this game red-eyed cryptid from late 1966 until early 1967. In fact,  to many researchers,  the first recorded sighting of Mothman took place near the gate of one of the abandoned munition shortage facilities. 

While there were also many other strange phenomena that took place during this period in and around the area,  it was the Mothman, not Indrid Cold, or the Men in Black, or even the ultraterrestrials, that wove its way into the fabric of the region.  A 7-to-10 foot-tall winged entity with glowing red eyes has become part of the folklore and at one point America's most famous cryptid. 

Here are some pictures from that area and some motivation for me to get back into the field.  

Creepypasta (2023)

After spending the day out and about exploring the trail of the Mothman in Point Pleasant, it was nice to come back to the AirBnB and relax. Luckily,  there were plenty of things to choose from for entertainment,  although this selection was,  well... The 2023 notification flick,  Creepypasta.

Plot: Trapped in an abandoned house, a nameless man desperately searches for clues to how he got there. The answer is hidden within a series of disturbing viral videos - each of which begins to infect his mind.

As a writer and a fan of the Creepypasta genre, I had hoped this would fit into that mold and possibly give me some inspiration. Unfortunately, this hopes we're quickly dashed and I feel into the two of a title sucking me into nothingness.  This low budget entry doesn't do anything to suck you in,  in fact,  it is hard to decide on what the main storyline is.  The cinematography may be the highlight,  and honestly nothing about that stood out.  The performances were uneven,  the stories ran together,  and there was really nothing creepy or scary within the confines of this movie.  So there it is,  and if you couldn't tell from that, there is no way I would recommend this one. 

Summer of Fear (1978)

I decided to take a break from cryptids today and did into another interesting topic, Witchcraft.  After did quick searching,  I decided on the made for Television Wes Craven entry Summer of Fear. (AKA Stranger in Our House)

Plot: A teenage girl's life is turned upside down after her cousin moves into her house, and as time goes by she begins to suspect that she may be a practitioner of witchcraft.

For this looking for a precursor to Freddy and a Nightmare on Elm Street, this one will likely disappoint. Origins this third horror entry for Wes Craven was a made for television movie,  thus,  it lacks the impact of typical theatrical releases. However,  the cast and performances are actually pretty good.  Yes,  the setting, costuming, and some of the technical aspects feel and appear dated, but for a movie from the late 70s, most of it holds up quite well.  The storyline is interesting (although a bit predictable) and it did keep me interested to see how it was going to end (did they make a sequel?). In the end,  this wasn't a bad time at all.  Yes,  it won't be for everyone,  but if you are looking for a subtle witchcraft bar film give it a shot.  

Mothman: Beyond the Legend (2023)

I just found out yet I'll be heading off to Point Pleasant, WV at the end of the week for a quick birthday trip and I can't wait.  If you have ready my blog from the outset,  you will already know about my fascination with Mothman and most of the world of cryptids. I can't wait to explore the birthplace of a legendary cryptid.  To help prepare,  I searched out a documentary that I hadn't watched yet and found this 2023 entry,  Mothman: Beyond the Legend. 

Plot: Global sightings challenge the notion that the Mothman is a figment of imagination, but rather an omen of change—or simply beyond our understanding.

This was an interesting documentary on the Mothman that prevents information in a straightforward manner.  While it does lack some of the flair of many of the higher budgeted entries in the topic,  this one definitely takes on quite a bit of material and methodically produces it in a way that flows together quite well. Not only do they discuss the besieging of Point Pleasant, they discuss how the myth has endured and its impact on pop culture.  They also present some cases from all over that have similar characteristics such as the Owlman of Cornwall. In the end,  this was a simple refresher for me that came across pretty good.  Yes,  it is definitely completed on a low budget featuring some and stock footage,  but for informational purposes it served us purpose. In the end, if you are looking for reenactments or craft effects this one may not be for you,  but if you are simply looking for information, give this one a shot.  

Mountain Devil 3: The Bigfoot Invasion (2021)

As I stated yesterday,  I didn't the day inside a Mountain Devil marathon.  Actually being a bit jealous,  as I know and have didn't time in the field with some of the researchers featured in the series.  Oh well,  that's what I get for moving away from the area a few years ago.  With they being said,  here is Mountain Devil 3: The Bigfoot Invasion from 2021.

Plot: This mockumentary explores the sightings of Aliens and Alien Spacecraft in Pennsylvania in the 1970's. While at the same time, sightings of a large hairy creature many know as Bigfoot were sighted at the same time.

I really liked the source material in this one.  Being from the area,  I am familiar with many of these cases and absolutely loved the content.  However,  while the interviews and stories were good,  the execution of the reenactments were hit and miss.  The performances by the cat were uneven to say the least.  Since of them were just bad. While txt did take away of the effectiveness of the source material.  The effects and costuming were also rather uninteresting and to me tom away from the quality of the film.  I understand this is a low budget entry,  but the creatures looked really bad and unbelievable. In the end, while I did enjoy it,  it was hard to watch.  While I understand what was intended,  the validity of the true stories was easily overlooked by the attempt at over the top dramatizations. It definitely isn't for everyone. 

Mountain Devil 2 (2022)

The cold is starting to frustrate me a little,  although it is so much warmer here in Virginia Beach than it was when I was at home in Pennsylvania last week.  While I was there I didn't time thinking about my days in the cryptid and paranormal community.  When I got back yesterday I decided to continue that with a Mountain Devil marathon. Next up is 2022s Mountain Devil 2. 

Plot: In 1976 a book was published titled "The Creature" that swept over Bigfoot enthusiasts and researchers all over the state of Pennsylvania. Since then, it has been the most quoted work on the subject of Bigfoot. But, who was the author and was there any truth in the story?

To me,  movies like this are more about the information and story than the overall quality and technical aspects. This low budget investigative docudrama has an interesting story and drives into a unique piece of Pennsylvanian lore. While less about Bigfoot itself and more of an investigation into the origin and Prentiss truths in the book The Creature, this one is a mixture of interviews and dramatizations based on excerpts from the book.  Featuring a large group out local investigators,  it movie does provide some insight into the research that has taken place. Unfortunately,  this one did drag a little and did not really drive into the Bigfoot mythos. Something that will definitely turn off some enthusiasts that are looking for a straight forward documentary.  Fortunately for me,  having grown up in the area, the focus on the local lore kept me engaged throughout. While there are side solid cinematography aspects,  some of the material feels underwhelming and that does seem to impact the pace.  In the end,  this one won't be for all cryptid enthusiasts,  but if you enjoy a piece based on a legend and the potential research of that legend,  give it a shot.  

Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key (1972)

It was definitely nice being back home in Virginia Beach, although I will say I miss the quiet that came with being in Pennsylvania. Now at home,  I wanted to do what I do every year on this day,  celebrate the birth of the great Edgar Allan Poe. This year I chose the underrated 1972 loose adaptation of the Black Cat, Your Vice is a Locked Room and Only I Have the Key.

Plot: Oliviero is a drunk, burned-out writer who amuses himself by hosting orgies and humiliating his wife. When a number of women are murdered in grisly fashion, Oliviero becomes a prime suspect.

This is dungeon one in a long line of "loose" adaptations of Poe's work.  Yet,  this stylized giallo is rather entertaining. This one did drag a bit and seemed longer than it needed to be,  but to me this is offset by the solid performances,  gore, outstanding soundscape, nudity, and cinematography. Plus,  it did actually have interesting dialog and eventually did venture into some of Pos's tale,  which was the goal for the day.  Sure, there is a low body count and it wasn't as eye catching as did of the giallo movies of the era,  but they didn't hurt the movie much.  In the end,  this one is definitely for fans of the genre and a fun film to stream.  Giallo fans should check it out. 

Willy's Wonderland (2021)

This will be my last day in Pennsylvania on this trip and Timothy's I'll be back in a more favorable climate. Waking to 4 inches of snow and single digit temperatures are really not my cup of tea.  I did stay in most of the day and decided to watch this 2021 flick, Willy's Wonderland.

Plot: When his car breaks down, a quiet loner agrees to clean an abandoned family fun center in exchange for repairs. He soon finds himself waging war against possessed animatronic mascots while trapped inside Willy's Wonderland.

What else could horror and B-Movie fans ask for but a crazy almost unhinged performance by Nicolas Cage? Not much,  right.  This is that movie.  Cage plays the character perfectly,  and the performance makes the movie.  While there is no real scare factor,  the fight scenes with the possessed animatronics are B-Movie gold. The storyline is fun,  the characters are OK,  and the effects are pretty good.  Yes,  this one is mindless and lacks any type of scare,  but that fits nothing to really bring the movie down, it is a fun trip into a strange world. Give it a shot. 

Demonic (2015)

As the snow started to fall in this frigid weather,  I had to find something to watch.  While I internally debate on whether to continue having down the giallo path,  I couldn't bring myself to search for another one.  Instead I turned to something more modern,  2015s Demonic.

Plot: A psychologist and a police officer investigate the deaths of five people, who were killed while trying to summon ghosts.

If the plot sounds familiar,  it is.  Like many movies in the genre this one suffers from the lack of originality that seems to plague horror from time to time.  However,  that's not saying this is a bad film.  In the contrary it was rather emtertaing featuring a solid cast,  decent performances,  and some nice direction and cinematography.  In fact,  the main issue is the story,  which is both predictable and rather vanilla. Everything else works if you can deal with that. In the end,  there is nothing groundbreaking here,  but it isn't a total waste of time.  Something I found useful on this snow file evening.  I'm not saying it's a must watch,  but know,  you could do much worse.  

Five Dolls for an August Moon (1970)

Wow, it was a cold one here in Pennsylvania today.  It was definitely a far cry from what I am used to at the beach.  Oh well,  what can you do? After picking up a few things for the toy store,  I decided to stay warm by watching a movie,  my choice was the 1970 Italian horror, Five Dolls for an August Moon. 

Plot: When an inventor takes a group of investors for an island vacation, an unseen murderer kills them one by one.

While there are many elements in this one that screams Bava, there is definitely something lacking in this one.  Artistically this one features some solid work with with the direction and cinematography, but it definitely does not match the quality of did of his other works. The storyline and scripting are lacking, leading to what eventually spirals into a mess. Fortunately, Bava does enough to keep the movie from being boring and it isn't a total waste.  In the end,  this is far from his best work, but he still manages to create an entertaining and watchable film. It's not perfect by any means,  but you can still give it a shot. 

The Mutilator (1984)

Having traveled from Virginia Beach to Pennsylvania, it was like entering the tundra.  When I left it was in the 60s, now 20s with snow.  What fun. So, as I chill at the house,  I decided to revisit a 80s slasher as I transport myself back to my youth with the 1984 entry The Mutilator (AKA Fall Break)

Plot: Years after the accidental death of his wife, a deranged man starts to slice and dice his son's friends at a beachfront condominium.

Talk about a mindless slasher.  This is another VHS flashback that knew its place in the heart of the slasher craze. With a weird almost meaningless storyline,  this one navigate from kill to kill effortlessly with some interesting (yet predictable) kills,  a solid pace,  and gore. The performances are not bad and the movie is definitely entertaining.  Yes,  most of it feels dated today and the effects are not great,  but if you are searching for something to help you pass a winter day away,  this one should work. Not for everyone,  but if you love 80s slasher films,  give it a shot. 

The Brain (1988)

Last night I wanted something mindless and cheesy,  so I searched for something from the 80s. I remember walking to the video store to see what new horror flick would appear on the shelves,  who knows,  this may have been one I picked up back then.  It definitely fits with the late 80s VHS craze. This is the 1988 entry,  the Brain.

Plot: With the help of an alien organism, a man brainwashes audiences through television. A troubled high school student is determined to stop them.

I don't know where to even begin with this one.  Terrible? No,  in many ways it was unbelievably entertaining, although entirely unbelievable and full of low budget schlock.  The performances were OK,  the pacing was actually good,  and there were a few parts that had me on the floor laughing. However,  the storyline,  the characters,  and the overall feel was definitely something you would find in a straight to VHS entry.  And then there were the special effects, which were special. The creature (the brain) may be one of the most outlandish things I've seen in a while and definitely could have used an upgrade with indestructible tentacles that came from nowhere. It was insane.  Sure,  this one isn't the best,  but if your looking for mindless 80s horror, give this one a look.