movie review
Movie reviews for horror fans; from gruesome bone-chillers to dark horror thrillers, a showcase for frightful films that seek to entertain and to terrify.
The Importance of 'Peeping Tom'
So absorbing and successful at focusing on the camera as a tangible concept that you quickly forget this film is being directed by the late great Michael Powell, rather than aspiring director and psychopath Mark Lewis. The film focuses on a young man who murders women and uses a camera to film their final moments, immortalising them in his growing filmography. Peeping Tom was incredibly controversial upon its release and sent critics and audiences into uproar with it’s sleazy, sexual themes mixed with overt violence. As a result, it’s initial release only lasted five days before being pulled and single-handedly crumbling Michael Powell’s illustrious career. However, years on it, is now considered a masterpiece of both horror and British cinema and is widely considered as a spiritual partner to Hitchcock’s game-changing Psycho (1960) and also Rear Window (1954), connected in character types, subject matter and style. But this film did not get a chance to reach the box-office heights of it’s American counterparts.
By Conor Crooks6 years ago in Horror
Everyone Needs to See Horror Festival Favorite 'Tigers Are Not Afraid'!
Every year the horror genre unveils simply terrifying tales that encourage all of us to sleep with the lights on. And recently the horror world has put out some seriously game-changing titles that have taken our darkest fears to a whole other level. Filmmakers aren’t afraid to push the medium passed its boundaries, and bravely explore its mysterious, uncharted territories. These brave endeavors are the stuff of legends, and one fantastic example of that is Tigers Are Not Afraid. This horror fantasy tale set against the backdrop of cartel violence is nothing short of spectacular, horrifying, and extraordinary. And now thanks to the generous folks over at Shudder, fans now know when they’ll get a chance to see this scary spectacle on the big screen before it ends up on the horror streaming platform. The trailer will spark your imagination, intrigue your curiosity, and put fear in your mind until you get the closure of seeing the actual film.
By D.J. Rivera6 years ago in Horror
Reed Alexander's Horror Review of 'The Mist' (2007)
I didn't read the book. Two things. First, I don't give a flying fuck if this wasn't close to the actual book. Sorry, I just don't fucking care. Second, I don't give a good goddamn if the book was better. This movie was fucking awesome! And god DAMN it was brutal. It just keeps kicking you while you're down, and you don't think anything can get any worse, then it pulls out a set of golf clubs and starts whaling on you Mafia style while you're curled up in the fetal position. And the ending, the coup de gras, is a merciless shot to the dick with steel-toed boots.
By Reed Alexander6 years ago in Horror
A Short Review of 'Gwen' (2019, William McGregor)
I almost missed Gwen entirely. It wasn't until I saw the review by critic Mark Kermode that I became aware of it's existence. As I researched into the film I found consistently that it received a number of very praising write ups. So I decided it would definitely be worth given a try and from what I saw of the trailer, further convinced me of that. Having gone to see it, I can say that it met all expectations. It is a film that has successfully melded both Folklore and Gothicism. Creating a hybrid that one cannot help but become invested and engaged in.
By Craig York6 years ago in Horror
Reed Alexander's Horror Review of 'Split Second' (1992)
Sleep well and dream of electric sheep. Rutger Hauer (1944-2019)There were, of course, far more iconic movies to review for Rutger Hauer. But none affected me and my love of horror as much as this movie did. Movies like Split Second are the reason I became obsessed with horror, and eventually became a horror critic and writer.
By Reed Alexander7 years ago in Horror
Reed Alexander's Horror Review of 'The Possession of David O'Reilly' (2010)
Everyone who's a fan of my reviews, knows I'm not a fan of 'Shaky Camera.' There are exceptions to this, as with all things, but I feel it's a band wagon most studios need to start falling off.
By Reed Alexander7 years ago in Horror
'The Dead Don't Die' (2019) Review
A bizarre melting pot of comedy, conventions, and concepts. From its hyped opening at Cannes, to its wide release, the reception for Jim Jarmusch’s The Dead Don’t Die (2019) has been a mixed bag. The same can be said of the film itself. Riffing off of films such as Zombieland (2009) and more directly the Romero classics, Night of the Living Dead (1968) and Dawn of the Dead (1978). In it’s humour and genre-informed characters and also in it’s critiques of humanity and society. The Dead Don’t Die is a zombie film with something to say, but what that is exactly gets lost in translation.
By Conor Crooks7 years ago in Horror
'IT: Chapter Two'
The trailer has dropped for IT: Chapter Two, the second part of the Andy Muschietti version of Stephen King's hit book. Chapter Two will follow the adult version of the Loser's club as they return to Derry to try and end Pennywise for good, after almost defeating him as children in the past.
By S. K. Gregory7 years ago in Horror
'The Return of Swamp Thing'—Review of the Sequel Film
1989 was a big year in the history of DC films. It saw the release of Tim Burton's Batman movie starring Michael Keaton in the titular role. That film was a cultural phenomenon that pleased many Batman fans. But a month prior to that film's premiere, there was another DC film, one that was not as big as Batman 89 turned out to be. It was a sequel to 1982s Wes Craven-directed Swamp Thing film. Titled The Return of Swamp Thing, this Jim Wynorski-directed sequel is seldom brought up during discussions of DC movies, which is understandable. One could argue that it is in some ways better than the first film, but it still was not enough for it to make a huge splash.
By Steven Shinder7 years ago in Horror
Reed Alexander's Horror Review of 'Leprechaun' (1993)
And now for an old classic in fucking BAD movies. Look, literally everyone going into this movie should know it's a giant shit show. They didn't even attempt to make it sound like serious horror back when the were producing it. But it's been 26 years at the time of this review. There is zero reasons for anyone to not know the Leprechaun franchise is basically one long running joke. They were basically just trying to figure out how loony-toons they could get with the concept. Shit, by nowadays standards, with movies like Sharknado, this franchise didn't even go far enough.
By Reed Alexander7 years ago in Horror
