FORUM/DISCUSSION/TOP 10: Favorite Horror Films...

So we are under two weeks away from Halloween. That means, among other things, it's time for each of us to pull out our most cherished horror films, to once again scare the hell out of us. However, what happens when the films you early bust out have become a tad bit stale? Well, that is what I'm here for.

I have come to find the horror genre to be one of my favorite, and one of the more interesting ones in the world of cinema. With a yearly turnout of handfulls of pure drek the likes of Last House on The Left and Dead Clowns (not this year, but yeah, shit), it takes not only a lot of skill, but a keen eye for the genre to wittle out the crap from the gold. That said, below you will find not only a link to my list of the 10 best horror films, ever made, but also a list of 10 horror films, that you haven't heard of, but really should have, and should watch come Halloween.

10. Wolf Creek
9. Play Misty For Me
8. Suspiria
7. The Haunting
6. Zombie (seriously, Zombie vs. Shark...watch it)
5. Freaks
4. Last House on The Left (Original)
3. Peeping Tom
2. Repulsion
1. Audition

This leads me to my discussion part. What are horror films that YOU love? Do you think modern horror can live up to classic frights? When is your favorite era of horror films? What scares you?


Go see something good!

REVIEW: Trick 'R Treat...

I love horror films, and I love Fall even more.

This time of year, we get films that fit in one of two categories.

First, there are films like Saw, Hostel, and films like Prom Night, that I consider to be "pop" horror. While you can't thematically or visually compare the two styles of film, they are both looking for the same audience. Both are hunting for that opening weekend explosion of say, 25$ million, and then they just burn out like a cigarette in the eye of a torture porn loving tween. Both hunt for that hidden demographic that I like to call, "mentally handicapped". These are the people that simply hunt out films that feature either gorgeous 20-somethings (Prom Night por ejemplo), or that will feature scenes that will not frighten you, simply initiate your gag reflex, or Saw and Hostel, and the like.

Then there is everything else, which is a much smaller percentage than that title may hint at. Films like The Orphanage are not only terrifying, but are also fantastic films, that will linger with you for days. These are for people who instead of wanting to imitate the actions they have just finished watching (I personally wanted to put a drill to the back of my brain after Saw III), will be looking behind their back like a guy with an aired out colon who was just let out of Chino.

Trick 'R Treat falls somewhere in the purgatory between these two, and it works the whole time.

Trick 'R Treat follows five interwoven stories that occur on the same block, on the same night. A couple finds what happens when they blow a jack o' lantern out before midnight, a high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer, a college virgin might have met the right guy for her, a group of mean teens play a prank that they take too far, and a hermit is visited by a special trick or treater, all with the idea that, while the holiday may be fun and games, there are also distinct rules to be followed, or else "you will be in a world of hurt."

This is the first feature from screenwriter Michael Dougherty, and I must say, this is both a fantastic kickoff, and one that was completely mishandled by the studio, Warner Brothers/Legendary Pictures. Honestly, from a studio like Legendary, that released such films like Watchmen, Observe and Report, and 300 (one of those films can dine in hell for all I care), this is a puzzling mishap on their behalf. Not only is this film fantastic, but it is also one that could easily spark not only a yearly viewing or re release of the film, but a growing franchise.

The film features five separate stories, all of which are beyond compelling, and all of which intertwine in some sort of way, primarily with holding our main character, Sam (or Sack Boy as I like to lovingly call this kid), in every plot line. This is by far the films most iconic character, and one that by the end of the piece, will leave you wondering how this could not be the first film in a fantastic and truly original franchise. There really isn't much acting from the boy, so he doesn't hold the acting weight of the film, but where that weight does lie, it lies on some strong shoulders.

The two biggest hitters in the film are Brian Cox and Dylan Baker, who are beyond fantastic here. Brian Cox gets a bit tedious to watch, especially when it's his story, which caps off the film, but for what he is, he completely works. However, the true star of this film, even though he is only in it for probably 20 solid minutes, is Dylan Baker, as Steven, a murderous school principle. He is so menacing, yet so drop dead perfect and hilarious, that you both want to cringe in tension for his scene (especially the first post credit murder), as well as pick yourself up off the floor where you just fell after laughing. Anna Paquin is also solid, if basically ripping off her character from True Blood, and the group of kids we follow near the middle are both ignorant to the lore that they are preaching, but also so innocent, that they really don't know any better.

More so than a film, Trick 'R Treat is a monument to the holiday that is Halloween. Instead of simply being about a killer who kills on October 31st (although I do LOVE Carpenters Halloween, which is a vastly superior film, by the way), it takes the holiday, and makes it have it's own strong and historic mythology. Halloween may be all fun and games for children, but instead of being just a day of costumes, the day has rules and myths that must be respected, or else you will have a kid in a creepy ass sack mask hunt your candy pumping ass down until he guts you like a chubby kid ripping open a forty year old Twinkies as if it were his last.

The film is also not just a horror film. While there are a few horror style moments, none are too scary (if at all), but the film is also intensely comedic. Featuring dozens of scenes that will have you guffawing for days, this film is one of the most enjoyable that I've had a chance to see in a while. It also looked really beautiful, especially when knowing that it came from a first time director. The colors and hues that he throws on the screen not only amp up the emotion in the film, but really set you in the mood for fall and Halloween. That may be this films ultimate triumph. After viewing this piece I personally wanted to run out and throw a huge costume party in honor of the holiday, something I haven't felt since my higschool days.

However, the film did have some stark flaws.

The films major flaw is in it's use of horror. Along with a film like Jennifer's Body, there is some sort of movement of directors dishing out horror that is oddly muted. While there are a few scares, there is nothing that will leave you creeped out for longer than the second it takes you to discover that you are stupid for thinking that. Nothing will stay with you for longer than the length of the film, unlike other films like The Orphanage, and that is ultimately the films biggest sin. While it does do Halloween great justice in giving it a deep mythology, it negates that point by ultimately making it a comedic event, more than a frightening one. The only thing that I will remember is Sack Boy, which makes the first point I made, about the studios mishandling this film, even more depressing and all around shocking. The film also drags heavily down into the mud, particularly during the second story, involving Anna Paquin's character. There is no real connection to the overall plot, and it doesn't do anything more than add a supernatural element to the film. While fun to watch, it's incoherent, and completely out of place in this otherwise dark, yet realistic in a way, horror/comedy.

All in all, Trick 'R Treat is destined to become a cult classic, and I hope it does. While it's not the best film out there, it is one that any horror fanatic needs to hunt out. It's a great dark horror/comedy, that, albeit flawed, is an original take on horror and Halloween, and one you should check out.

TRICK 'R TREAT - 7.5/10

Go see something good!

TRAILER/POSTER: The House of The Devil...

So anytime there is a badass retro style poster, I love to give it a little shout out over here at I Are Movies. However, mos tof the time, the film itself doesn't really live up to the poster (Hell Ride I'm looking at you). So when the film is as AMAZING, if not more so than the poster, I love to feature it hear, so everyone gets a bit of time to lookout for it.

That is the case with The House of The Devil. Released by indie darling Magnet/Magnolia, this film looks truly great, and a perfect addition to that companies recent releases, like Timecrimes, Let The Right One In and the upcoming Bronson. Here's the synopsis:

“In the 1980s, college student Samantha Hughes takes a strange babysitting job that coincides with a full lunar eclipse. She slowly realizes her clients harbor a terrifying secret; they plan to use her in a satanic ritual. ”

Here's the trailer (Poster and trailer via Vulture by way of /Film):



I LOVE this trailer. It looks very moody and sure it starts a bit slow, but that finish looks so intense, that this is one that I can't wait to get my hands on when it hits XBOX Live on October 1st, before being unleashed the day before Halloween in theaters.

Go see something good!

REPOST: Why American Horror Sucks...

**THIS IS A REPOST OF SOMETHING I POSTED BACK IN DECEMBER, AND WITH SOME NEW HIT HORROR FILMS, I THOUGHT THIS COULD BE A FUN POST TO GET SOME DISCUSSION GOING**

Foreign films are not a bad thing. Over the past couple of weeks, a few remakes were announced, or semi-announced, based off of Asian horror/thriller/monster flicks. First, we have the Korean Monster film, The Host, which is set to be remade, along with a remake of the brilliant Asian thriller, Oldboy, which is rumored to be helmed by Steven Speilberg, and star Will Smith. While the latter is not going to be a straight remake, it started me thinking, what are a few things that we as American filmgoers are afraid of. The two things I came out with, were gay cowboys, and subtitles. Now, hopefully the public will realize that Brokeback Mountain was a great film, but that's not what I'm here to talk about, I am here to tell you all that subtitles are not a scary thing.

In the United States, we are graced with brilliant films such as Hostel 2 and Saw 55340934. Now, sarcasm aside, there is no doubt that these films hit the right spot for people, looking for a good scare. However, they don't fit that bill, when you take a good look at them. David Cronenberg, the God of disturbing gore, once said that "what makes a true horror film terryfiying, is the strong sense of sympathy for the main character". It's a basic premise. You have a main character, thrust into some sort of problem, and you feel a strong sense of sympathy for the said character. Yet, neither of these films do this.

The true deathblow to American horror, may be seen in the third film in the Saw series. The first two films in that Halloween staple had the aforementioned sense of sympathy. The two men shackled at the ankles, simply looking to escape, or the father who really just wants to see his child one more time, to tell him just how much he loves him. Not only that, but the films were somewhat fresh. No one, and I mean no one saw the twist of the first film coming, and the second one, arguably, upped the twist level to an M. Night high. The style was fresh, the idea was smart and interesting, and the visual flares, particularly in the first film, were well made.

Yet, the series continued, and fell into the hands of Darren Bousman. Now you have a film series, looking for actresses in a VH1 game show, and holding back American horror cinema. Another recent piece of news that started me thinking about this, was the announcement that it looks as though Rob Zombie is going to ride his flame blood laden metal horse to save the day that is the sequel to his Halloween remake. The reason American horror films are lacking, is the epitome of that film.

Take the original Halloween for example. At one point, this brilliant horror staple was the most profitable independent film release, ever, and for good reason. It has great, if insanely basic story, along with a classic villain, and did one thing modern horror films don't even dream of attempting. The film is scary, without shedding one drop, if any, of blood. Yet you have the modern Halloween, and with that comes the abusive parents, the horrible home life, and the therapy, all accounting for probably one of the most uncalled for back stories in film. Along with the cliche back-story, came the Michael Winterbottom meets a mud fight visuals, the grainy film stock, and the Saw 2.0 version gore, all making up a not very compelling, not frightening, just cliche deathblow to modern horror. Zombie has done his great thriller in The Devil's Rejects, and I still believe he's a solid director, I just think he really skipped a beat with this pile of drek.

All of that said, not ALL modern horror films are bad, you just have to look over in lands of subtitles, a thing that is almost as frightening as the thought of Michael Bay producing a remake of the Birds (oh, wait), to us over here in the U.S. Take the aforementioned "The Host" for example. Anti-American in it's sentiments, but then again, what foreign film ISN'T anti-American, and completely compelling in it's story, this film was championed by critics, but never seen by citizens. Honestly, if you've seen it, I am sending you a mind hug right now. It's not cliche, it's not boring visually, and most of all, it's genuinely compelling to watch.

Late in '07, there was a film released, presented to us by the genius Guillermo del Toro, called The Orphanage, or El Orfanato. It's a creepy ghost story, and may be the most frightening film I have seen in probably three years. However, it doesn't rely on an arm getting cut off, a girl getting abused, or even a twist, it just rely on brilliant film making. There is one scene in particular, and those of you who have seen it, get creeped out along with me, in which the main character is playing a child's game, in which she counts, and every time she finishes her counting, a child or group of children appear behind her. The way the camera just moves the children in and out of frame makes this the creepiest scene I've seen in a while. Through out the film, the true frights come from long shots down hallways, swift camera moves, or the beautiful and haunting score calmly playing in the background. That said, I could count the amount of people who have seen this on my left hand.

Not all directors want to subject you to subtitles. Some film makers feel as though it may be profitable to take their own films, and remake them, in English, for us all to watch. Or not. This year, the third best film I've seen happens to follow this suit, and is Funny Games. It comes to us from Michael Haneke, who previously helmed the equally as frightening Cache, and doesn't shy away from anything. It's similar in plot to another film from this year, The Strangers (more on that in a second), and is almost like, and I know this is a dead comparison, but if Gus Van Sandt directed a remake of A Clockwork Orange. It's a dark film, with grey, monochromatic color scheme, grainy visuals, and lyrically disturbing filmmaking, that doesn't shy away from the confrontational style that Haneke has seemed to fashion. You get Michael Pitt looking straight into the camera, asking us why we truly like these torture porn films, and taking these gorno conventions, and with a press of a button, taking all the visceral reaction we just had, watching one of the bad guys get it, all away. It's a home invasion story, with poetic direction, and a lack of box office gross, and I ended up seeing it with a couple who walked out half way through, complaining false advertising (no joke).

All is not lost for American horror though, especially with a young director, Bryan Bertino, who helmed the '08 release, The Strangers. This solid little indie release is a breath of fresh air, or at least a last second gasp in the flood of drek. It takes a solid story, two lovers are going to a cabin after a friends wedding, and turns it into a new style American horror film. It takes a lot of style from '60's-'70's style horror films, the most obvious being The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and also some of the more modern stylings. It takes the in your face, docudrama style of TCM, along with the grainy and gritty visuals of Saw, and also gets a couple of great performances from it's two stars, Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman. Another reason this film steps out of the shadow of the rest of American horror, is in the skill of not only the direction, but sound design and particularly score. There is a score here, but it's so minimalist and when it is not only used, but when it drops out, it only adds to the terror. There's just something about a grainy record player playing a scratchy jazz song that creeps me out. So here's looking at you Bertino. May you make America proud!

Now, I hope I have opened your eyes to a few foreign horror flicks that you all should check out. If not, and if you would like me to maybe do a complete list of say, 15 horror films I say check out, just leave a comment or two in the comments section. This is a pretty jumbled post, but I really just wanted to express my thoughts, and sure it's after Halloween, but it's never a wrong time to be scared. It's also some talking points for this weekend.

Thanks for checking this out! Leave any thoughts on the note or horror films in general, and I will get up a list of 15 horror films I think are must see's sometime in the near future. Do you think American horror gets a bad rap? Or is it simply that the popular films are a horrible example of American horror? Could it be that we have just lost the true meaning of fright? What are your thoughts?

Come back later for more news and notes!

Go see something good!

TOP 10: Scariest Films Ever...

Hey! With Halloween right around the corner, it’s about that time to bust out the classic horror films and thrillers to get you in the mood. So, in honor of this frightening holiday, I’ve compiled a list of ten films that are perfect for your own little fright fest.

10.The Exorcist
This may be the most controversial on the list, not only with the visuals, but it had the balls to question the existence of god. This film is actually so creepy, that after a few accidents on the set, director William Friedkin hired a priest to have an actual exorcism for the set.

9.The Decent
This is one of, if not the only new age horror film to use something other than gore to get its viewers to scream. This film is a perfect example of how atmosphere can be used for scares, instead of blood and monsters. Director Neil Marshall has crafted a truly haunting film that, minus a lack luster ending, is set to scare and creep generations to come.

8.The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
This comes to us from director Tobey Hooper, and in a way similar to Psycho, is based on the brutal killings of Ed Gein. This is the quitessential slasher flick, and from the opening glimpses of body parts to the very end chase scene, this film never lets it’s viewer go with it’s almost documentary style. It’s so beloved; there is a copy of it sitting in the Museum of Modern

7.Se7en
At number 7, the only non Horror film on the list and that is the film Se7en. David Fincher’s masterpiece features one of the most frightening murderers and crime stories to grace the silver screen. From a decomposing body suddenly gasping for air, to the sheer creepiness of Kevin Spacey’s “John Doe”, this film is a clinic in mood. Ultimately culminating in one of the greatest film twists ever, this is a staple in my film collection.

6.Night of the Living Dead
The original zombie film, and one of, if not the most influential horror films to this day. George A. Romero’s masterpiece may be 40 years old, but it’s still as powerful as ever and along with allegories about racism and the Vietnam War, also featuring a strong female lead, it stands the test of time as not only a horror film, but a cultural moment.

5.Psycho
The father of the slasher genre, with all the genre’s staples. Heavy editing, one of the creepiest film characters ever in Norman Bates, and the harsh score from Bernard Herrmann, yet the film doesn’t rely on these though, as many of its scariest moments come in more subtle means. There’s not much I can say about this that hasn’t already been said.

4.Alien
Chestbursters. Enough said.

3.Audition
This film comes to us from the mind of Asian auteur Takishi Miike, and features one of the biggest plot turns, or at least most startling, in all of film. The film starts as what looks to be a solid Asian romantic comedy, but then, without any notice, a single telephone ring turns it into one of the most frightening and purely visceral films to come from the new generation of horror. Duffle bags have never been so scary.

2.Rosemary’s Baby
This 1968 classic from controversial director, Roman Polanski, and is psychological horror at its best. It lacks horror staples like a werewolf, a serial killer, and even a lot of blood, yet to this day, is one of the best examples of atmosphere as terror. Featuring a legendary performance from Mia Farrow, brilliant direcetion, and a shocking ending, this is one that is a perfect addition to any film collection. It’s also got one of the greatest posters ever made.

1. The Shining
This film comes to us from legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, and is a course in another aspect of film, sound design. This is still the greatest example of sound adding or even making terror. The sound editing of the little boy riding his bike through the halls of the Overlook Hotel is some of the best ever put to film, only to culminate in one of the scariest cuts in film. With a legendary performance from Jack Nicholson, the film may be a little on the long side, but what happens through the span of the film is one of the best character arcs and purely scary stories to be told.

What is your favorite horror film? What makes a good horror film to you?

Go see something good!

TOP 10: Modern Day Horror/Thriller Films...

Hey! With Halloween right around the corner, it’s about that time to bust out the classic horror films and thrillers to get you in the mood. However, recently, horror films and thrillers have begun to slowly lean more towards grossing out it's viewers than frightening thme. That said, there are a few films that have genuinley worked and are creepy as hell. So, in honor of this frightening holiday, I’ve compiled a list of ten films that have come out since the turn of the century, that you may not have seen, but really should. These are ten of the creepiest, most frightnening films I've seen this decade...

10. Wolf Creek/Saw
9. The Mist (in Black and White) - Not the scariest flick, but the ending may be one of the best EVER...
8. The Others
7. The Ring
6. Silent Hill
5. 28 Days Later
4. The Orphanage
3. Funny Games
2. The Decent
1. Audition

What are your favorite modern horror film? Next week I'll have the ten greatest horror films of all time...

Go see something good!

Weekend Wrap Up...

You guys know what this is about, so lets get down to it, I've got packing to do...

Box Office top 10...

1.The Dark Knight
2.Pineapple Express
3.The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
4.The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
5.Step Brothers
6.Mamma Mia!
7.Journey to the Center of the Earth
8.Hancock
9.Swing Vote
10.WALL-E

The Dark Knight WINS AGAIN. The thing about that is, The Dark Knight beating these films, means that people are going out to see TDK MULTIPLE TIMES before even thinking about seeing these other films, including a sure fire, or thought to be surefire hit with Pineapple Express. HOWEVER, I believe Tropic Thunder this week will beat it, and gross over 60 million bucks, even though it may blow it's load a little early, as it, like PE, is opening on Wednesday...

There are the only three real noteable DVD releases..

- CJ7...Comes to us from Stephen Chow, the mastermind behind Kung Fu Hustle, and Shaolin Soccer...kind of like E.T., just much more crazy and cartoony...I haven't seen it, so this is definitley something I will be renting...
- Smart People...I think one of my first reviews over on my blog, and I really enjoyed this film. It's funny and includes one of my favorite male performances from the brilliant Thomas Hayden Church. HOWEVER, if you want to see an Ellen Page film, go to Hard Candy or The Tracey Fragments first. SM is a bit better than Juno, Citizen Kane compared to the first 20 minutes of Juno, but not as good as either of those films...so give it a shot...

PICK OF THE WEEK
- Brand Upon the Brain...
Two reasons why you should be excited for this film...
1) Guy Madden is behind it...
2) It's a Criterion release, for it's FIRST RUN...
It's a small film with Madden narrating over footage, so it may be a little out there, as most of his films are, but it's at the top of my queue, as it should be for you...

So this week sees 4 major releases that I am pretty interested in...However, I am not sure which ones I should review...I am positive that I will be seeing the Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller, Jack Black war comedy, Tropic Thunder, yet I don't know what else to check out. We have Vicky Christina Barcelona, Woody Allen's new film about two women who meet a seductive Spanish painter and stars Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, and Scarlett Johannson, and features a threesome between those actors, so bonus points there...We also have the horror film Mirrors starring Keifer Sutherland which is directed by Hills Have Eyes remake helmer Alexandre Aja, in which people are tortured by their images in mirrors...and finally we have Star Wars: the Clone Wars, the animated Star Wars film...so what should I see?? What looks the most interesting to you, and what are you interested in checking out? I'm leaning towards all but the Star Wars film, but if enough people want to hear what I have to say about, I may give it a shot. Expect a TT review on Friday though...

Alright, that's all for now, come back later for the usual...

Go see something good!!