Director(s) - Michael Savino (Attack of the Killer Refrigerator) and Mark Veau
Starring - Robert W. Allen, Christine McNamara, and Michael Elyanow
Release Date - 1990
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
When I first learned about the horror comedy Attack of the Killer Refrigerator it was a vhs release that was making some rounds on different horror message boards I frequented. I can remember it becoming a popular topic on Upcoming Horror Movies where I remember talking with a few of my friends there who had seen it. They all mentioned how it was something up my alley and I often looked at the VHS artwork over and over without noticing the bonus film at the bottom of the artwork. The movie was released with a second film, the 40 minute short The Hook of Woodland Heights. It wasn’t until I ordered the blu release from Terror Vision that realized that it had a second film and when I was looking for artwork for my review that I saw the second title at the very bottom of the release. This bonus film is much longer than the title release and I couldn’t wait to check it out.
The film follows a serial killer missing his hand who escapes from an insane asylum and makes his way through the woods to a small community. Using a homemade pronged fork on his missing hand, he begins kills people as they cross his path.
The Hook of Woodland Heights reminds me a lot of the recent S.O.V. releases from Visual Vengeance. It’s cheap, amateur, but so much fucking fun. Hell, I think this film is much more enjoyable than Attack of the Killer Refrigerator but doesn’t have the appealing title. This backyard film pays tribute to the classic ghost story told around campfires for decades along with some classic slasher flair. I like it but it’s far from perfect. The acting in this one is not the worst I’ve seen but it also suffers from inexperience. The characters are very generic but the cast is clearly friends in real life and that chemistry shows in most scenes. They work well together and the awkwardness of inexperienced acting is not as noticeable as it could have been. The story for this one is a straight homage to the classic camp fire tale told for decades about the escaped mental patient with a hook for a hand. However, the film flows like a slasher which I really enjoy and at 40 minutes it doesn’t over stay it’s welcome. It has solid pacing but a little more time could have been spent on character development and the death scenes. Finally, the deaths are amusing and use classic camera tricks and movie magic. We get some blood but that is really the extent of the effects which is a bit of a let down. Overall, The Hook of Woodland Heights is a fun short S.O.V. horror flick that has no reason being as good as it is. I really enjoyed it and think it’s the better of the two films in the set. (I know here is another Christmas themed film in the set)
Director - Michael Savino (The Hook of Woodland Heights)
Starring - Lori Regonini, Christina Murphy (Carlito's Way), and Lori Carson (The Dwelling)
Release Date - 1990
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "Oh no!! I hate cold cuts!!"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)
Rating (out of 5):
I''ve always been drawn to the goofy side of cinema. I love horror movies that have a sense of humor and doesn’t try to be the next great slasher, zombie, torture porn flick that we’ve seen thousands of times before. Give me a movie with some clever humor and a ridiculous plot and I’m in. One movie that I’ve known about for years but never had the opportunity to check it out was 1990’s Attack of the Killer Refrigerator. I had seen this one floating around in various horror sites on VHS but I was out of tape collecting at the time so I never tried to score a copy. I did find it on bootleg DVD a few years back but I never pulled the trigger on it. I’m glad I waited because the folks over at Terror Vision released the film on blu. I refused to sleep on this release so I snagged a copy and tossed it in when I could.
T
he film follows a group of teenagers who decide to have a little get together. As time goes on the group separate to fornicate and one by one an old fridge that they randomly abused comes to life to seek revenge.
Attack of the Killer Refrigerator is not trying to be anything but a fun movie. It’s cheap, rushed, and messy but it’s funny and holds your attention just long enough to finish it. It’s a movie you can toss on with some friends and have some laughs or binge watch with some beers with movies like Over-sexed Rug Suckers from Mars. The acting in this one has plenty of room for improvement but I wouldn’t say that it was bad. Sure, it’s awkward at times and the cast’s eyes wonder all over the screen but they react naturally with one another. It makes the absurd story work while giving the film some humor. It ma be cringy humor but the cast still delivers some laughs. The story for this one is short and simple. It gets straight to the point and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. The film is less than 20 minutes which is a brilliant run time for a film like this. Stretching it out any further would have stretched the joke way too thin. Finally, the film has some blood but don’t expect memorable deaths with amazing gore. The deaths are funny and fit the film but they will not stick with you like some of your favorite kills from other genre favorites. Overall, Attack of the Killer Refrigerator is a short shot on video horror comedy about a killer fridge. It’s not a title that will change your life forever but it’s fun especially if you are drunk or high. Check it out on blu now from Terror Vision.
Director - Richard Russell (Thewlis, Dinner Guest)
Starring - Allison Marie Rogers (The Pure and the Damned, A Very Frail Heart), Douglas Esper (Dwellers, The Other Side of Darkness), and Jacob Rayl
Release Date - 2023
Genre - Drama/Horror
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Horror Society has given me the opportunity to meet some amazing filmmakers over the years along with putting me in touch with genre legends that I grew up loving. It’s been one of the wildest adventures of my life and every day I look forward to new opportunities that present themselves. Sometime last year indie filmmaker Richard Russell reached out to review his short Thewlis which really impressed me. I know that he had been working on a new film since my review of Thewlis and a few days ago he messaged me to check it out. The film, It’ll Be Okay, promised to bring a new spin on a beloved horror creature. I want to thank Richard for sending this one over.
The short follows an all American family with a loving father and mother with a teenage son. The three look like a picture perfect family on the outside but behind closed doors the son is hiding a dark secret that his parents have to confront once a month. However, as he grows stronger and stronger with each passing year they find it damn near impossible to hide him from the rest of the world resulting in them taking drastic measures to protect innocence lives.
I’m trying really hard not to spoil the film but this is one of the most unique shorts I’ve seen on the sub-genre. In fact, I wouldn’t call this a horror short at all. It’s a family drama with some horror elements but it’s not horror. It’s heart breaking and emotional which is something I was not expecting when I hit play. The acting in this one is great. The cast is small and they all work so well together which only strengthens the emotional connection the viewer has with the story. Their interactions and dialogue with one another feels genuine and you can’t help but really connect with them. This casting is damn near perfect. The story for this one is essentially a drama about a loving family who tries to make the best out of a shitty situation. Sure, there is a horror twist to it but it’s more of a mention instead of an event in the film. The movie relies on the emotional ties of the family and the grave decision the parents are forced to make. It’s a powerful story that makes great use of it’s short run time. Finally, don’t expect to see a ton of blood and guts. In fact, there is none. The film is a character piece that does not need the blood and gore that most horror titles rely on. Overall, It’ll Be Okay is a must see short. It’s not your typical film that has the same subject matter. Russell is a name indie horror fans need to be checking out.
Starring - Jeff Daniels (Dumb and Dumber, Arachnophobia), Ariana Richards (Jurassic Park, Tremors), and Emilia Crow (Scarface, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
Release Date - 1991
Genre - Sci-Fi/Drama
Tagline - They came from the future to witness our past"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I was born in the mid-80s and lived through the video store age. I didn’t have a Blockbuster or Hollywood Video near me but I did have two ma and pop video stores. The first and more prominent video rental store was Dewey’s Video and I spent so much fucking time there especially on Fridays after school. I would browse the game section for a few minutes until something caught my eye and then it was on to the movies where I would usually snag four or five tapes to watch over the weekend. The other video rental store was housed in a single wide trailer parked in the middle of town and focused more on games than films. I spent a lot of time at both of these places and I am the person I am because these stores were such a big part of my childhood. A few weeks ago MVD sent over the film The Grand Tour as part of their Unearthed Classics line. This film stars Jeff Daniels and looked oddly familiar. I did a little looking online and realized that this was one I had seen before a long time ago under the title Timescape. I didn’t remember anything about this one and couldn’t wait to revisit it. I want to thank MVD and Unearthed for sending this one over!
The film follows a single father and his daughter who buy an inn in a small town to renovate. He lost his wife sometime ago in a winter accident when their car slid into a horse and buggy. Before they finish renovating they find themselves playing host to a group of “tourists” who are behaving oddly. When one of them drops their passport after an accident he deducts that they are time travelers that visit different historical disasters and something must be happening to their small town soon. During this he also has to deal with his father in law, the judge, who believes he is responsible for his daughter’s death and uses his power as judge to take temporary custody of his daughter. After not one, but two, disasters he is forced to use the tourists time traveling technology to save his daughter and suffer the repercussions for changing history.
The Grand Tour, Timescape, or The Grand Tour: Disaster in Time is a film that I was not expecting Unearthed Films to release but I’m fucking glad they did because I loved this one. I have no idea why I never obsessed over it when I was a kid but I’ve watched this blu release twice now and I’m still not tiring of it. It’s a fun drama with some sci-fi elements that holds your attention regardless of how many times you watch it. Honestly, this may be my favorite release from Unearthed Films barely beating Invitation Only out of that spot. The acting in this one is superb. It’s top notch from the top down. Jeff Daniels delivers what is easily my favorite performance of his. He shows so much range here that most fans may forget that he has thanks to Dumb and Dumber. He is fantastic and I think his performance here is most of the reason I can rewatch the film so easily. The supporting cast is just as fantastic but the characters are nowhere near as enjoyable as Daniels’ character. The story for this one is not what I would call predictable. Instead, it gives you all the clues you need to see where the film is going, all it asks for is that you pay attention to see them. I love the story and how it’s still a small town film with a sci-fi film. It doesn’t over do it and keeps that early 90s drama style. It has smooth pacing and works on most levels regardless if you are into early 90s sci-fi dramas. Finally, the film doesn’t really have and visuals or practical effects. We get a few moments nearing the end of the film using classic camera tricks and angles but that is the extent of it. If you are looking for a visual effects heavy sci-fi film then you will be very disappointed. Overall, The Grand Tour is not something I expect most viewers of the site to appreciate but those of us that lived through the video store era will really love what Unearthed brought to their Classics line. Please check this release out!
Starring - Tim Creed (Vikings, Maze), Kevin Barry (Michael Inside, Bridget & Eamon), and Laurence Ubong Williams (Humans, The Capture)
Release Date - 2021
Genre - Crime/Thriller
Format - Streaming (Online Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
A couple of weeks ago I was asked to review the crime thriller Death Blow from filmmaker Chris Leto. I was surprised by how much I liked this blend of crime and horror elements. It made me wonder why there hasn’t been other films with similar premises. Around this time I received a message from an Irish actor I befriended years ago to check out the crime horror flick Gateway. I was really intrigued by this and the artwork really pulled peaked my interest but I was unable to watch it right away due to life and so on. After some time I was finally able to check it out and I’m glad I did. It was a very atmospheric and brooding horror tale. I want to thank John Ryan Howard for hitting me up to check this one out.
The film follows a group of low level thugs who botched a job and find themselves taking over an abandoned house. They attempt to grow weed in order to make back the money they lost for their crime boss. However, the lack of squatters in the home doesn’t deter them from moving in to work. Soon they find themselves overwhelmed by a benevolent presence and the real reason the home was vacant for so long.
I knew absolutely nothing about Gateway aside from artwork and the little bit of info given to me from the vague synopsis on imdb. The artwork really made my imagination wonder and I couldn’t wait to check it out. I really enjoyed the film but it’s one of those films that works for a first time viewing and stays on your mind for days after watching it but it doesn’t really have that much of a replay value. I liked it but I will not be checking it out again any time soon. The acting in this one is great. Some of the characters are bit more detailed than others but the cast does a fantastic job. The cast works very well together and the characters they bring to life is grounded and relatable. The story for this one is a very slow burn but once they are in the home the film does pick up. It has great atmosphere and a lot of character development. The first hour or so could have been trimmed down scientifically as to help with the film’s pacing along with a little more of the haunted house feel added to the film but that’s just my opinion. Finally, the film has a few deaths with a little blood but don’t expect memorable deaths with amazing gore. The kills fit the movie but are very limited with the blood. A little more imagination here would have went a long way. Overall, Gateway is a solid haunted house meets crime thriller flick that works. It’s a lot of fun especially if you are looking for something a little different. I highly recommend checking it out.
Director - Hanung Bramantyo (Love is Trap, The Robbers)
Starring - Rizky Nazar (Till Death Do Us Part, Cult), Yasmin Napper (Friendship is Like a Cocoon, Imperfect), and Omar Daniel (Qorin, Ritual)
Release Date - 2022
Genre - Action/Adventure
Tagline - "A hero awakens"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I get asked to review a lot of movies and some of them don’t always fall under the horror umbrella. In fact, I would say that a quarter of the films sent my way for review are not horror at all but still appeal to genre fans. Hell, I don’t really care if they are a full fledged horror title or something that just appeals to me. If I’m interested in a movie I will check it out and review it regardless if it draws attention from the trolls. A few weeks back Well Go USA sent over the Indonesian super hero film Legend of Gatotkaca. The trailer looked a lot of fun so I added it to my review line up. After reviewing the surprisingly impressive It’ll Be Okay I decided it was time to finally check this one out.
The film follows a college student who witnesses the death of his best friend by a powerful assassin on live television. While investigating his murder he uncovers that his part of a line of superpowered people that must protect the world from another group of powered individuals that has waged war on them for centuries.
I went into this one really looking forward to a story rich martial arts film with superheroes. However, the film is a drama with some fight scenes that are heavy with visual effects but it’s nothing like I thought it would be. In fact, it took me almost three days to make it all the way through. The acting in this one reminded me of a mix between a soap opera and a broadway play. They over react most of the time and they blindly stare off most of the time afraid to make eye contact. I try not to be too negative on the cast in a movie sent for review but this one was a rough watch for the most part. The story for this one really interested me but the way it was done really took away the impact of it all. The movie hits a slow patch around the 30 minute mark and doesn’t fully recover until the last leg of the film. We get horrible character interactions during this time and a strong story arch that is not explored to it’s fullest potential. The movie really did waste such a strong story. Finally, the film has some great visuals and some solid fight scenes. It’s not a gruesome film but the visual effects we get only makes the film look better than it actually is. I love how they were used and implemented in the film. Overall, Legend of Gatotkaca was nothing like I was expecting and it was a difficult one to finish. From doing a little looking online it looks like my opinion is similar to others that have seen it. I like what Well Go is doing but this is one release that wasn’t for me. Skip it.
Director - Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now)
Starring - Val Kilmer (Tombstone, Real Genius), Bruce Dern (The 'Burbs, The St. Valentine's Day Massacre), and Elle Fanning (Super 8, The Neon Demon)
Release Date - 2022/2011
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Some mysteries needs to be solved"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I love movies that are odd and go against the grain. Movies that are meant not to fit in or made to stand out always catch my eye. I’ve watched movies about killer condoms, a living placenta, turd monsters, people eating shit to survive, and so on. I absolutely love this side of cinema and I love movies that does not try to impress anyone. They have a story to tell and they don’t care if you like it or not. A few weeks ago I received the press release for B’Twixt Now and Sunrise. This Francis Ford Coppola directed film was originally released in 2011 under the title Twixt. This was the first I was hearing about it and with the UHD release hitting store shelves I was very curious about it. I reached out and was lucky enough to get a copy of the film for review.
The film follows the “dollar bin Stephen King” Hall Baltimore (Kilmer) who is doing a book signing tour through various small towns. He finds himself in a town with a dark history and once housed the legendary Edgar Allen Poe. He begins working with the town’s sheriff, Bobby LaGrange (Dern), on a novel while researching the town’s past involving a mass murder when a religious father kills his children along with suspicion that a group of free loving goths are vampires.
I went into this one very curious and excited. I saw the imdb page prior to reviewing this and was very curious when I saw that someone was portraying Edgar Allen Poe along with seeing Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern on screen together. Sadly, these two were one of the few redeeming qualities of this film. I don’t know who the intended audience for this one is but it wasn’t for movie fans like myself. The acting in this one is so much fun. Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern work so well together. I love their characters and their clashing personalities is one of the few reasons I could finish the film. The supporting cast is great as well but Dern and Kilmer’s interactions are a highlight. The story for this one is all over the place. We never know if the film is supposed to be a ghost tale or one about vampires. Instead, it bounces between the two while the viewer is taken through Baltimore’s wake and dreaming state. It is very confusing and difficult to follow but has some beautiful imagery. This doesn’t make up for the lack of coherent story telling but it’s still nice to look at. Finally, the film has some blood and some make up effects. With that being said, it relies heavily on visual effects. Some look great especially for being over 10 years old while some scenes look very cheap and dated. Overall, B’Twixt Now and Sunrise is a confusing and difficult film to follow. I loved the acting and the idea behind the film but the overall movie is one I can’t recommend. Skip it.
Starring - Marilyn Burns (Helter Skelter, Eaten Alive), Edwin Neal (My Boyfriend's Back, Zombiegeddon), and Allen Danzinger (Storage Locker, Eggshells)
Release Date - 1974
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "Who will survive and what will be left of them?" Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I’ve been asked to review some of the world’s most memorable horror films over the years ranging from the classic Universal monster movies to modern films that became instant classics like X and Barbarian. When I started writing reviews 13 years ago I never expected to be asked to review some of the films that has been sent my way. It’s an exciting feeling getting to review some of the movies I grew up with as they find releases on new formats. A few weeks ago I was sent the original 1974 Tobe Hooper classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on UHD for review. This steelbook release gave me the opportunity to revisit this one. While it’s not my favorite film in the franchise I still respect the hell out of it and it is still a fun watch.
The film follows a group of twenty-somethings as they travel through Texas after news broke about a series of graverobbers has plagued several southern towns. After they pick up an unhinged hitchhiker, they find themselves at a home isolated from others and inside that home is a family of cannibals with a knack for killing.
The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre gave the world the iconic slasher Leatherface along with being one of the most effective horror films of it’s time. I give credit where credit is due and TCM has everything going for it. With that being said, it’s not even in my top three favorite TCM films. It’s an amazing film and a still enjoy watching it from time to time. The acting in this one is one of my favorite parts of the film. The entire cast is firing on every cylinder but my favorite performances will always be Ed Neal’s and Gunnar Hansen. The characters they both portrayed still stand out regardless of how many times you’ve seen the film. The story for this one was shocking for the early 70s but doesn’t really have the impact on viewers discovering the film for the first time now. However, the premise and set up still works regardless of when it was made. It’s a straight forward story that has endless possibilities for sequels which has been tested over the years. Finally, the film is not as bloody and gory as you would expect. Leatherface’s iconic mask looks amazing and we get a few scenes with blood and a few cheap gags but the lack of gore has always disappointed me. Overall, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a huge part of horror history and this steelbook is a must own for fans of the film and genre collectors. While it’s not my favorite film in the franchise I still respect the hell out of it and this release is a must own. Check it out
Director - Jean-Denis Bonan (Metropolis, Le Seducteur)
Starring - Claude Merlin (A Foreign Body, Natalia), Solange Pradel (The Rape of the Vampire, World on a Wire), and Myriam Mezieres (Scarred Soul, Spanish Fly)
Release Date - 1968
Genre - Crime/Mystery
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
I find myself reviewing a lot of strange and unusual films that I typically would not. This has opened me up to a world of films that are very enjoyable. Sometime back I started receiving press releases for the “lost” French thriller A Woman Kills from 1968. I’ll be completely honest and admit that this is the kind of film I would typically ignore but when I received it in the mail for review I decided to review it. I want to thank Justin Cook for sending this one over for review!
The film is set in Paris during the early 60s when a prostitute is executed for a series of brutal murders. The executioner begins a relationship with a female officer who was responsible for investigating the murders and soon the murders start up again prompting speculation someone involved with the prostitutes arrest and executioner may be involved.
While I did enjoy A Woman Kills I highly doubt that I will be revisiting this one anytime soon. I enjoyed it for a first time watch but it’s just not my cup of tea. Hell, it took me a few mins to actually warm up to it and even then I don’t feel like I fully appreciated it as it was. It was a solid and predictable film but this is not something I would personally hit play on for my own entertainment. The acting in this one was really well done. I love films with bold characters that have personalities that stick out with over the top performances. However, this film has a strong cast all the way around with no weak links. They made the film as enjoyable as it was but I feel as if the film would be damn near unwatchable if just one person didn’t pull their weight. The story for this one becomes a bit predictable once you hit the halfway mark but that doesn’t ruin the film. It’s still a very engaging film with some rich visuals and a entertaining characters. It delivers what it sets out to do but very little else which is why it’s a film I don’t see myself revisiting. Finally, don’t expect a bloodbath of a film. Hell, don’t expect memorable deaths either because you will be very disappointed. The film is more of a story driven character piece with no desire to offer up memorable deaths. Overall, A Woman Kills is a fun “lost” crime thriller that may not tickle the more hardcore genre fans but if you like unusual films then I highly suggest checking this one out.
Director - Jonathan Levine (All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, The Night Before)
Starring - Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road, Clash of the Titans), Teresa Palmer (Lights Out, A Discovery of Witches), and John Malkovich (Con Air, Mindcage)
Release Date - 2013
Genre - Romance/Comedy/Horror
Tagline - "Who say's romance is dead?"
Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
Way back in 2013 I was in a rough spot. I’ve been a fan of zombie movies for as long as I could remember but the premier of the television adaptation of The Walking Dead turned zombies into a pop culture phenomenon. After that first season I found myself overwhelmed with indie zombie flicks for review along with the dozens of moderately budgeted zombie flicks that were lining the shelves at Walmart and Target. In 2013 we had some seriously enjoyable zombie flicks but there was so many. We had a film adaptation of World War Z, Bath Salt Zombies, The Dead 2, Buck Wild, Pro wrestlers vs Zombies, and the romantic zombie comedy Warm Bodies. I actually watched Warm Bodies in theaters and remember liking it. It was a fun popcorn flick that didn’t try to reinvent the sub-genre but contribute to it. I’ve watched the film a few times since that initial theatrical viewing and still find that it holds up. A few weeks back I received the UHD release of the film for review and used this opportunity to revisit it one more time.
The film follows R who is a zombie that is a bit different than the others. He was able to keep a bit of his past self and often reminisces about being human. He still has an insatiable taste for human flesh but once he has fed he goes back to mundane tasks until the time has come for him to feed again. Things change for him when a group of zombies he is with attack a group of survivors savaging for medicine where he spots the beautiful Julie. He saves her from the horde of the undead and takes her back to the airliner that he calls home. Soon a relationship blossoms and when he falls in love with her he finds his heart start beating again. It’s a race again time as the survivors and the zombies continue their war as they try to stop both sides from killing each other while they have a cure for the plague.
When horror fans talk about zombie flicks they often mention Romero’s Dead series, Fulci’s Zombi, The Dead Next Door, and so on. They want bloody and gory zombie flicks with amazing practical effects and an overwhelming sense of dread. However, as much as I love those films I still find myself floating toward the movies that take risks with weird stories. Warm Bodies is one of the few romantic comedies that I enjoy. It doesn’t over do the romance and relies on the story to get to the point. It’s a popcorn flick with zombies and some cheap laughs that don’t really find their marks. The acting in this one is very enjoyable. Surprisingly, I’m a big fan of Nicholas Hoult. He’s been in several films that I enjoy and I look forward to his newest film Renfield. I’m also a fan of Rob Corddry. Hot Tub Time Machine was one of my go to comedies for several years and I still randomly binge Children’s Hospital. The remainder of the cast is just as great, Malkovich included. The story for this one a goofy movie with zombies falling in love with their food and saving the human race. It’s that simple and straight forward. We have a side story about a war hungry human wanting to eradicate the undead with a similar threat in the zombies with the ghouls. It’s a fun film with a fairly generic story that finds a way to work. Finally, the film relies heavily on visual effects. We get some make up effects on the normal zombies but most of the deaths and the ghouls are CGI. This will be a turn off to most horror fans but those expecting a popcorn flick will not let it ruin the experience. Overall, Warm Bodies is a cute flick for people looking to shut their brains off for an hour and a half. It’s not Dawn of the Dead or Zombi but it’s fun for what it is. Check it out
Starring - Lucas Paul, Dali Rose Treteault, and Ross Paul (Moby Dick)
Release Date - 2022
Genre - Horror
Tagline - "In this house..." format - Streaming (Online Screener)
Rating (out of 5):
The last few years has been good to horror fans. Movies like X, Pearl, The Black Phone, Nope, Hellraiser, and Barbarian are among the few that seriously impressed me I saw them. Hell, X, Hellraiser, The Black Phone, and Hellraiser are among my top films for the year which usually falls to mostly indie horror films. These surprise hits have opened my mind a bit more for theatrical releases and when one catches my eye now I’m more than excited to check them out. Several weeks ago Skinamarink started making rounds on social media with peaked my curiosity. A few days after seeing the initial posts I was sent a screener link from Shudder. When I saw they were behind this one I was even more curious to check it out. However, I was unable to watch it in a timely manner due to a death in the family but I was able to finally check it out. I want to thank Shudder for sending this one over for review.
The film follows two small children who awaken to find they are alone with no way to leave their home. They relocate to the living room to watch television and have a sleep over while they wait for their parent’s return but something sinister is lurking in the shadows.
I really went into Skinamarink excited after hearing nothing but good things about the film but what I found was a movie that I almost couldn’t finish. This “movie” is one of the most difficult viewing experiences I have ever suffered through. It was slow, drawn out, and abysmal with no atmosphere or tension. The “scary” moments were not effective and the film itself tries too hard to be authentic which creates what I felt like was a dull movie experience. The acting in this one is not acting in a traditional sense. The cast is small and we don’t really get performances from them like you would expect in a normal horror film. Instead, they go about their night as normal kids watching television and reacting to the “scary” things happening around them. The story for this one is straight forward and could have been an effective short. Instead, we get a feature length film where we go great lengths with nothing happening at all except for shadows moving and the like. If the movie had an actual story to follow it would have worked but these drawn out scenes with nothing eventful happening made it damn near impossible to finish. Finally, don’t expect a bloody flick. In fact, don’t expect much of anything if you hit play on this one. Overall, Skinamarink received some serious praise from horror fans but I failed to see anything redeeming about the film. I hate being negative but this is one that needs skipped.
