(Andre Ovredal, 2016)
A father and son coroner are tasked with performing the autopsy of a woman found at a crime scene. She has no identity, and the more they investigate, the more they start to realize something is off about the body. Suitably creepy with potent performances by Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch. It fizzles out towards the end, but definitely has its share of hair raising moments. Thinking back, outside of the Danish film Nightwatch and its American remake, not many horror films take place in morgues. GRADE: B
(Nikolas Arcel, 2017)
Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey are wasted in this dull adaptation of Stephen King's book series. Simultaneously cramped (not good to put 8 books into one movie) and empty, the film follows a young boy who envisions a world dominated by a Man in Black who wants to take down The Dark Tower and end the universe. Or something. Both leads, usually bastions of charisma, look like they'd rather be getting a root canal, though McConaughey would still make a decent Randal Flagg should that film re-adaptation ever happen. Let's just hope it's way better than this mess. GRADE: D
(Christopher Landon, 2017)
In a slasher twist on Groundhog Day, a college student lives her last day - also her birthday - over and over until she can figure out the identity of her killer. Hybrid comedy and horror, the more over the top aspects and comedic parts of the story work the best and keep the pace moving. The slasher elements are nothing new. Outside of the investment in "torture porn", I'm not sure the slasher genre has really had a strong revival this millennium. The genre desperately needs another Scream. Jessica Rothe is a great find and the story is clever enough to overcome most of its flaws. Israel Broussard (The Bling Ring) co-stars. GRADE: B
(Michael Winner, 1977)
A model-actress moves into a cheap New York City apartment, is introduced to its eccentric tenants, and discovers it's actually a gateway to Hell. Kinda surprised this hasn't been remade? I think I wasn't aware of this movie's existence because I confused it with The Entity and The Fury. It's pretty cheesy in that sordid 70's way. It also is stacked with veteran actors in small roles: Beverly D'Angelo (making quite an impression!), Christopher Walken, and Jeff Goldblum in some of their earliest work, while Burgess Meredith, Ava Gardner, Jerry Orbach and Eli Wallach also appear. GRADE: C+
(Babak Anvari, 2016)
In war-torn 1980's Tehran, a mother begins to suspect a spirit - or Djinn - is in her apartment building and has its sights set on her daughter. I think this might be the first horror film I've seen from the Middle East. Lots of people have compared this to The Babadook, but the film's spirit is a lot less specific as an entity. When it does appear, it delivers the jolts. Lead actress Nargess Rashidi is very good. Sidenote: the subtitles on this DVD also described the action on the screen. Very annoying. I just need the dialogue. GRADE: B
(Lewis Allen, 1944)
A brother and sister buy a mansion along the sea for a cheap price and soon learn why the house was such a steal. I guess in 1944 it wouldn't raise any eyebrows for siblings to purchase a home together. Clever photography for when the ghost does appear, this was nominated for a Black and White Cinematography Oscar. The best part of the film was the punchline delivered at the end. Starring Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey. GRADE: B
(John R. Leonetti, 2017)
Variation on "The Monkey's Paw" in which a teenage girl is given a music box by her dumpster diving dad. The box grants her seven wishes, but unbeknownst to her, blood will be required as payment. This proceeds exactly as you imagine it will. The only notable thing is seeing Ryan Phillippe - 20 years after I Know What You Did Last Summer - as the father. I'm so old. He still looks amazing. Relatable Joey King stars. GRADE: C
No comments:
Post a Comment