HORROR MOVIE KILL OF THE DAY: 8/30/2013

HALLOWEEN: the CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS
(1995)
Directed by:  Joe Chappelle
Starring:  Paul Rudd, Donald Pleasance, Marianna Hagan

Yes, kiddos...this is my favorite horror film of all time.  I am a huge Michael Myers fan...and part 6 - - - the CURSE...is my favorite.  Why?  It just is.

Most people know and love Paul Rudd...he's freaking HUGE in movies right now, and has been for a very long time.  Most don't know that this horror gem is his FIRST movie.  It was released after Clueless (his 2nd film), but filmed before.

Jamie Lloyd - - - Laurie Strode's daughter that was put up for adoption to protect her after her mother faked her own death - - - is older, and no longer played by Danielle Harris (hottie).  Instead, J.C. Brandy takes over, but not for long.

In the first few minutes of the film, she gives birth to a child.  It is taken from her, then given back, and she is forced to flee the dungeons of Smith's Grove Sanitarium with Michael Myers hot on her heels.

Eventually, literally further down the road, he catches up to her at this farm, after running her off the road.  Even though she tries to escape...he grabs her by the throat, and throws her on this nasty piece of farm equipment that is used to separate bails of hay.  I have no earthly clue what it is called....hold on...GOOGLE time...nevermind...can't find it.

Anyways...here is the kill.  Enjoy...

THAT is a bad day.

April Showers

APRIL SHOWERS

(2009)

Directed by:  Andrew Robinson

Starring:  Kelly Blatz, Anna Adams, Tom Arnold, Daryl Sabara

I came across this movie on Netflix last night, while sitting at my friend's house bored to death.  Sometimes I make a horrible choice...giving up quickly, and heading outside for a cigarette and whatever else my mind requires to be captivated.  But once in a while...just once in a while, I come across a great film.  It happened a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon DOG POUND, which I previously reviewed.  Then last night, April Showers popped up.

Yes, this film is based on an actual school shooting, as told by survivors.  It's not very bloody, like most of the films I send your way.  It tugs more at your emotions than at your gore-craving minds.  You see the tragedy from the student's and the teacher's points of view.  In a surprisingly serious and touching role, Tom Arnold plays a teacher who helps save the lives of many students, sadly before losing his own.

There is a love story at the middle of this film.  April and Sean.  In love and separated by tragedy.  I will not give away the whole story, that's for you to discover on your own.  It's not terribly original, but what school shooting is?  I do really enjoy the whole "kids dealing with the fact that they were friends with the shooter" aspect the film has as well.  ELEPHANT and other films about this subject don't touch that side of the story as well as April Flowers.

It's sad and moving.  It keeps your interest.  If you're reading this then you've got nothing better to do, so watch it.

HORROR MOVIE KILL OF THE DAY: 8/28/2013

Death Proof

(2007)

Starring: Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson

Directed by:  Quentin Tarantino

Originally released as part of the GRINDHOUSE series with Robert Rodriguez's PLANET TERROR.

Kurt Russell plays a former stuntman...Stuntman Mike actually.  Now he cruises the mean streets of America, looking for some action.  Usually that means finding someone to kill in, or with his car.  He gets off on getting into car accidents that result in the death of someone else.  He always gets off almost without a scratch, due to his fucking awesome stunt car.

There are 2 parts of the movie, really.  The kill of the day comes from the 2nd part...starring Rosario Dawson, and they always wonderful, spectacular and beautiful Zoe Bell.  They get into a road rage match with Kurt Russell...but he gets a shit ton more than he has bargained for, and ends up getting shot, wrecked, assaulted and killed.  Here it is...

It's not very bloody...so here's a link to the video if you'd like to fully enjoy it...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdQbKLNiUSA

The Woman In Black

The Woman In Black

(2012)

Starring:  Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds

Directed by:  James Watkins

Ok, if you're like me, Daniel Radcliffe will ALWAYS be Harry Potter.  To begin with, if you can't stand the thought of Harry Potter being stripped of his powers and thrown into a hostile haunting situation with an unhappy ending, do not read on.  This movie, and its review, is not for you.

Directed by James Watkins (Eden Lake, the Descent 2), I enjoyed the shit out of the Woman In Black.  In my opinion, it has the scares that I desire, that recent films like "Mama" and "Sinister" have failed to deliver.  I figured this film would be more of a cookie cutter horror film made for mainstream to dig at the pockets of Harry Potter fans all around the world.

Daniel Radcliffe is amazing....AS AMAZING as he is in all the HP films.  He actually does manage to play a role completely different than he has before.  He nails it.  Set in the early 1900's, he is a single parent in the Woman In Black.  His wife died during childbirth, and he's left with a son.  Fast forward years later...he's still single...still a father...and broke.  He has a job as an insurance adjustor type, and travels to a remote village in the English countryside to settle a deceased client's affairs, and finds more than he had bargained for.  

As said before...there are many GREAT...freaking GREAT scares.  The ghost's screams are ridiculously freaky.  Any movie that breaks the barrier that most horror films have when it comes to killing children in the movie, makes my list.

Expect a happy film watching experience...but not a happy ending.  It's just the type of ending that grabs me, so if you enjoy the movies I enjoy...then enjoy.

HORROR MOVIE KILL OF THE DAY: 8/27/2013

THE MIST

(2007)

Directed by: Frank Darabont (creator of the Walking Dead)

Starring: Thomas Jane (the Punisher), Jeffrey DeMunn (the Walking Dead) and Laurie Holden (the Walking Dead)

The film version of the short story by Stephen King.  I tend to love Stephen King movies.  Pet Semetary, Thinner, The Green Mile, Christine, Rose Red...actually the only one I can't stand is the Langoliers..it's fucking cheesy.

The majority of this film takes place in a grocery store.  I love that all of King's stories take place in Maine - his home state.  Anyways - a mysterious cloud envelops a small town, and unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures, who wreak havoc on the town's inhabitants.

The kill of the day comes from a scene where the characters go to the pharmacy next to the grocery store, to retrieve some much needed medicines.  While there, they find that several of the town's people have been cocooned and had eggs laid inside them.  One of these folks comes to life, for a short time, then meets and explosive end when they fall over, and out comes...

...a shit ton of mutant baby spiders who shoot acid webbing.  Nice huh?  There are lots of crazy as shit beasts in this film, and if you like gory horror films, this is right up your alley...lots of blood...biting, tearing, burning, exploding, shooting, stabbing, ripping, gutting, hanging and suicide.  What more could you ask for?  All that makes me content as can be.

One final note:  this movie has one of the best endings ever.  It is different than the ending in the book.  I love love love it.  Movies that surprise me with non-happy endings always have a special place in my heart.

Watch it.  Love it.

You're Next

You're Next

(2011)

Yes, 2011.  This was actually made in 2011, and bounced around the film festival circuit for quite sometime.  Probably, as usually happens with great horror films, there were some issues with the release through Lionsgate.  Lionsgate is NOTORIOUS for that kind of shit, and I hate it.

I was hoping this film would've made #1 its opening weekend...but it didn't even breach the top 5, ending up at a sad #6, despite the intense marketing viral campaign attempted in the weeks leading up to its release.  I have lost faith in film audiences everywhere.  Who, instead of supporting a great film and spending their money wisely, chose to go see Oprah's new "black people are awesome and don't you forget it" film.  Tisk tisk.

I really enjoyed You're Next.  It was great.  A great friend of mine, who also reviews movies...told me he gave it a 10/10 prior to me seeing it.  I was fairly impressed by this, because he usually is very hostile towards horror movies with his reviews.  10/10?  Maybe.  I'd definitely give it 9/10.  

If you liked the STRANGERS, and FUNNY GAMES - then you will fucking ADORE this film.  If not, you might still enjoy it.  

A family gathers for their parent's anniversary...in the middle of the middle of nowhere.  They are attacked by masked maniacs.  There are some awesome kills.  An unlikely hero emerges, and somewhat saves the day.  There are several twists involved, but you don't have to pay attention too closely to catch them.  Some you can probably see coming.  My favorite part of the film IS the opening, but that doesn't mean the rest isn't worth watching.

Highlights?  A.J. Bowen (the Signal, A Horrible Way to Die, House of the Devil) is always perfect.  He has been one of my favorite actors ever since seeing the Signal...which if you haven't seen...leave me alone...go watch it...then we can be friends again.

I would definitely say go see this film.  It's enjoyable, and for a horror movie...it's done completely right.

The Great Gatsby

Finally saw the Great Gatsby today.  It really was great.  Haha, sorry.  I never read the book, although now, I am wishing I had, and plan to do so very soon.

Leonardo DiCaprio, as always, was in great form.  Tobey Maguire...great as well...especially without the Spiderman suit.

The true stand outs to me are Joel Edgerton(Zero Dark Thirty) and Jason Clarke(Zero Dark Thirty, Public Enemies, Lawless)...2 of my favorite actors.  Jason Clarke especially...is amazing in ANY and EVERYTHING he does.

SPOILER - Leo dies.  He is always getting fucked over by some bitches.

Anyways - see it.

HORROR MOVIE KILL OF THE DAY: 8/24/2013

THE SHRINE

(2010)

Starring:  Aaron Ashmore, Cindy Sampson, Megan Heffern

Directed by:  Jon Knautz

Today's kill comes from a great movie that my lady and I happened upon.  This film was surprisingly entertaining, when we definitely didn't expect it to be.  Aaron Ashmore, the male lead in the film, is the twin brother of Shawn Ashmore (Frozen, the Ruins).

Megan Heffern plays Sara.  Sara gets captured by a group of gnarly over-religious European hillbilly types...gets strapped to an altar, and gets permanently decorated with a sharp, new mask.  Check out the process...

And Sara is no longer with us.  The movie is a fun watch, and definitely great if you're looking for a different type of horror film to watch.

Stay tuned...tomorrow's kill is gonna rock.

HORROR MOVIE KILL OF THE DAY: 8/23/2013

Rob Zombie's HALLOWEEN II

(2009)

I am a huge fan of this film.  The first remake by Rob Zombie...not so much.  But the sequel remake...touchmotherfuckindown.

I have done this kill once in the past, and that's because this is my favorite horror movie kill of all time, folks.  Why?  I love the movie, I love the actor, and I love the ferocity and violence in the kill.  It should be a horror movie legend, in my opinion.

Tyler Mane plays the killer, MICHAEL MYERS...the one and only.  Howard Boggs, played by Jeffrey Daniel Phillips (Lords of Salem), is the bouncer, and apparently the janitor, at the Rabbit in Red....former strip-club employer of Michael Myer's mother Deborah.  He is sent out back, complaining, to take out the trash.

He runs into Michael...

Gets stomped...

And ends up looking alot less attractive.

This kill is epic, and it's reveal is awesome too.

I always suggest you watch horror movies.  Especially the Halloween films.  Especially part 6, part 1 and Rob Zombie's part 2.  Do so, and you shall be wise beyond your years.

Dog Pound

Dog Pound (2012)

Directed by: Kim Chapiron  Starring:  Adam Butcher, Shane Kippel and Mateo Morales 

I spent the night at a friends house, and late that night I was surfing Netflix trying to find something to put me back to sleep.  Usually, I go straight to a Friday 13th film for this, because I am so familiarized with those that I don't have to pay close attention to follow along.

I ended up selecting this, reading the description, and was immediately sold.

It takes place in a youth detention center.  It starts with a small set of backstories about the 3 main characters Butch, Davis and Angel.  All 3 are sent to the same detention center.  Throughout the film, you get character building on a few of the guards that you start to care about....just a little bit.  In my opinion, Butch is the best.  Let me tell you...when this guy gets pissed...his face.  DAMN!  If someone was angry and staring me down the way Butch does in this film, I would run away screaming for my mother.  He sells it...big time.

You follow the 3 through several scenarios in the detention center...some funny...some violent...some downright disturbing.  I myself have never been to a youth detention center.  If this movie is a accurate portrayal of one, then I thank God I never had to.  The movie sets Butch as a silent guardian of the other 2.  He kind of indirectly protects them.  Yet, bad luck befalls them all.

Some things happen that you are praying to happen.  Some things happen that you are praying won't happen.  And some things happen that you just don't see coming.  SPOILER and CAUTION!: there IS a rape scene.

If you are a fan of movies with happy endings that leave you smiling and ready to take on the world...at some point, I probably WILL review PLANES or whatever movie PIXAR puts out next.  Avoid this one, and go watch some Family channel.  DOG POUND is NOT that type of movie.  The ending inspired in me a much too loud "WHAT THE FUCK!" for someone sitting at a friend's house filled with sleeping folks, and a 1 1/2 year old child at 5:00 a.m.

This is the first film I have seen by Kim Chapiron, but I was very impressed and look forward to watching more of his work.

Check this film out.  I have a feeling that if you are a close friend of mine, you will LOVE it.

HORROR MOVIE KILL OF THE DAY: 8/22/2013

Today's kill is from GRAVE ENCOUNTERS 2! 

This came out in 2012.  It's an amazing sequel and the the first one is great too!  The Vicious Brothers are awesome, and I can't wait for more from them.  

https://www.facebook.com/TheViciousBrothers

Most POV films these days just aren't scary enough.  For example, 8213: GACY HOUSE is another POV horror film you can easily find on Netflix or any Redbox.  It has the potential to be amazing, but is way too slow the first 2/3 of the film.  All the good stuff happens at the end, and until then, you're just sitting there wishing you'd chose another movie.  

Back to GE2.  In today's kill, our star, Alex, gets the great idea to kill his girlfriend Jennifer.  He has his reasons, and even you find yourself questioning whether or not you would do the same.  Don't answer that out loud if you're sitting next to your significant other.

The following video actually contains ALL the kills from Grave Encounters 2.  I'll be honest...it was hard to find the exact footage I was looking for.  So, if you want to see the HEAD SMASH that my girlfriend and I chose, scan ahead to 7:40 mark on the video, and literally watch the camera do its work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g1e6R7SVAA

Some music you should give a shot

What I've been listening to lately...

Heavy and melodic.  BLESSTHEFALL always delivers.  I would say this is their best album by far.  These dudes are pretty young, and they keep getting better.  Honestly, it pisses me off.

Dishwalla.  Most remember this band for their 90's hit "Counting Blue Cars" (Tell me all your thoughts on God, cuz I'd really like to meet her")....remember?  Anyways - - - this band never fails to deliver.  They write the most beautiful, epic songs.  The singer J.R. Richards has gone solo since the band split, and his stuff is worth checking out as well.  I will post that sometime soon I'm sure.  My favorite tracks on this album are "Somewhere In the Middle" and "Candleburn".  Check it out, and play it for your lady.

How about a little bit of punk rock?  The Flatliners are awesome.  That's really all I can say.  Their new album, "Dead Language", drops on September 17, courtesy of Fat Wreck Chords...but their previous albums are what won me over.  Especially THE GREAT AWAKE (2007).  Give em a listen.  NOW.

My girlfriend actually turned me onto this band.  They are from London, England, and are considered a style called "indietronica".  Hmmm...the genres they come up with these days fucking kill me.  Anyways - - - I really enjoy this entire album.  "Pompeii" and "Things We Lost In the Fire" stick out as my favorite tracks.   This band is PERFECT for driving in the car.  Listen, buy, download, play and drive. 

If there are any albums or films you would like me to review...give me a holler.

The Faces of Jason!

Thanks to the Slasher Stop on Facebook for posting this...I love this picture.  

Some nifty pics I found online...

Found these today.  I like them both, so I am posting them here.

HORROR MOVIE KILL OF THE DAY! 8/21/13

TODAY'S KILL:  

Rainn Wilson in Rob Zombie's HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES.

Personally, I am a fan of all of Mr. Zombie's work, EXCEPT Lords of Salem.  It's trash.  Don't see it.  

However, this film, and it's somewhat sequel "the Devil's Rejects" are amazing.

Anyways - - - this leads to that, and Rainn Wilson is turned into a work of art...thanks to Otis, the always wonderful Bill Moseley.

Here ya go!!!...FISHBOY...

If you haven't seen it...do so.  You're missing out.

OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN

GERARD BUTLER, AARON ECKHART and MORGAN FREEMAN...that's enough to make you watch the movie right there.  Cole Hauser and Dylan McDermott (American Horror Story) are in it as well, but not enough for my taste...I love those guys.

Ok.  North Korean terrorists take over the White House, and I have to say, they do it in a pretty badass way.  Gerard Butler plays a Secret Service agent who becomes the only hope for the President and his cabinet members who are being held hostage in the bunker below the White House.  NOW, usually I do not care much for action movies.  I decided to watch this around 3am when I could find nothing else.  I am very glad I did.  This is one of the best action films I have ever seen.  

It really did make me feel a little patriotic.  God bless the USA.  Rick Yune plays Kang, the leader of the bad fellas, and is pretty freaking amazing at it.  I hope we see more of him in the future.

The film's score (music) is great.   Especially in the beginning credits, and the end.  

So check this film out...Gerard Butler is always fun to watch, and well....Morgan Freeman.  Enough said.

ATM (2012)

I started this movie, with not much hope.  It stars a recently thinned down Josh Peck (Josh & Drake, Red Dawn (remake), Alice Eve (Star Trek: Into the Darkness, MIB 3) and Brian Geraghty (the Hurt Locker).  It starts off like most of the other horror films saturating Netflix these days...campy.  The folks go to a party at work.  Our main character, David, has a crush on Emily.  He drives her home, with his friend Corey tagging along.  This leads to that, and the trio winds up at an ATM.  The creepiest ATM possible mind you, and they make sure to park far enough away, in the middle of the night, in an extremely dark parking lot, to piss you off.

Eventually, they find themselves trapped inside with a madman staring them down.  This guy is wearing the most cliche' winter coat, which CAN add to the creepy factor if you live in a colder climate.  Otherwise, he just looks like some hipster who just got off work from your local Hollister.

Now, before watching this movie, you may ask yourself how they can fill an entire 90 minutes with a movie that takes place in and around an atm.  But they do it, and not too badly I might add.

There are a few surprises, most can be seen coming to the trained horror film eye.  The ending is the fun part, or at least it was for me.  If you've got 90 minutes to kill and you're tired of seeing the same slasher chasing the same big breasted bitches through the same woods...sit back and try ATM out.  The best I can say about it is that it's F U N.  That's really all you can ask for from a horror movie these days.