Stir of Echoes

Director - David Koepp (Secret Window, Ghost Town)

Starring - Kevin Bacon (Friday the 13th, Tremors), Zachary David Cope (The Wedding Singer), Kathryn Erbe (D2: The Mighty Ducks, How to Get Away With Murder)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Some doors weren't meant to be opened"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When people think of horror and the legendary actors that have spent decades appearing in genre films, they never think of Kevin Bacon.  I know I don't.  It's was not until I started writing this review for a film featuring him that I realize how much he has contributed to the genre.  We Have the original Friday the 13th, Tremors, Hollow Man, MaXXXine, Flatliners, The Demon Murder Case, and The Darkness to name a few.  There is another dozen or so thrillers and so forth that he has appeared in as well for those that want to take a deep dive into his career.  He's no stranger to horror and has appeared in several of my genre favorites included the severely underrated Stir of Echoes from 1999.  I had the film on VHS many years ago and was recently sent the UHD release for review.  This was the perfect reason to revisit one of Bacon's most underrated performances.  I want to thank Lionsgate for sending this one over to review.  

     The film follows everyman Tom (Bacon) who is hypnotized by his sister-n-law at a party.  He quickly starts to hallucinate and seeing people that is not there.  It starts to hinder his work and personal life and soon realizes he is receiving visions from a teenage girl that went missing a few days before he moved into the neighborhood.  With his life spiraling out of control around him, he begins searching the property for her missing body only to uncover the nasty truth about her and her connection to his neighbors.

     Stir of Echoes is one of those films that got swept under the rug by bigger releases of the time only to find a cult following in the years since.  I blame it on premiering the same year as M. Night Shyamalan's The Sixth Sense which consisted of artwork using similar colors and a plot involving seeing ghosts.  The movie was definitely overlooked at the time for various reasons but I think horror fans have since discovered it and have added it to their lists of favorite films.  The acting in this one is great.  Bacon never disappoints and I love seeing him in a role like this.  Most films he has been in has him being the calm and collected character but this film shows another side of him that I truly enjoyed.  While the supporting cast is great, it's Bacon that truly makes the film as enjoyable as it is.  The story for this one is a bit out there with someone having a "sixth sense" or gift awakened after being hypnotized while drunk.  However, it makes up for it with a long, drawn out character arc that really pays off at the end.  It does become predictable by the third act but the visuals and haunting atmosphere makes it worth the ride.  Finally, the film isn't a bloody or violent flick.  It does have one scene that will pull at your emotions a bit, especially if you are a parent, but those looking for a body count will be disappointed.  With that being said, I really enjoyed the make-up effects and visuals used.  It really added another level of atmosphere to the film.  Overall, Stir of Echoes may have found it's place in horror history but still has so much more room to grow.  If you have never seen this underrated classic then I highly suggest you snag this UHD release from Lionsgate.  

The Blair Witch Project

Director(s) - Daniel Myrick (Under the Bed, Believers) and Eduardo Sanchez (Supernatural, Yellowjackets)

Starring - Heather Donahue (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Morgue), Michael C. Williams (Altered, Satanic Hispanics), and Joshua Leonard (Depraved, Torn Hearts)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "In October of 1994 three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary... a year later their footage was found"

Format - UHD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

      Getting old is something we all have to come to terms with and while I don’t think I’m that old I would be lying if I said being in my mid-thirties felt like it did when I was in my mid-twenties. One of the weirdest things about getting old is remembering specific moments in your life and how long it has been since they happened. When I was elementary and middle school I lived through some of the most iconic pop culture moments from the forming of NWO in WCW, the first Playstation, Tamagochi and DigiPets, Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinski, and the marketing around The Blair Witch Project. I remember how exciting it was to talk with people at school about it. So many kids my age thought the movie was real and while I sometimes played into the hype I knew a movie depicting real deaths would never be allowed in theaters. Honestly, I can’t think of another horror release that caused such an stir like this one did with the public. I wasn’t able to watch it in theaters and by the time it made it’s way to VHS the cast had already been interviewed several times which ruined the image that the film was real. I remember thinking the film was alright but nothing that would stick with me over the years. Hell, I still think about the weeks or months leading up to the premier of the movie when people thought it was real but I have never had the desire to revisit it. A few weeks back I received the UHD steelbook release of the original film along with the 2016 sequel. I wanted to check them out during my October horror binge but couldn’t get them worked in. After spinning a few horror titles and an animated Batman film I figured now was the best time to check it out. 

      The film follows three filmmakers who hike in deep into the Maryland wilderness to film a documentary on the legend of the Blair Witch. Along the way they find themselves lost and low on supplies and at night strange things happen at their camp site. As tempers come to a boil the three realize they are not alone in the woods and the legend is true. 

      Some genre fans incorrectly label The Blair Witch Project as the first found footage film which is the furthest from the truth. While it wasn’t the first to use this style of filmmaker, it was the film that revitalized it when it showed just how lucrative it could be to make a found footage film. While The Blair Witch has catapulted the found footage style films to popularity that is still seen to this day, it is a fairly dull film that doesn’t really come into it’s own until the last 15 or 20 minutes. I respect the hell out of the marketing for the film but the movie itself is nothing special. It’s solid for a first time watch but I believe that many fans remember the hype and rumors surrounding the film during it’s initial release and it heavily influences what they thing of the film itself. The acting in this one is other-worldly. I seriously hate reviewing the acting in found footage films because the cast is trying so hard to make it feel like they are recording themselves doing the most mundane tasks. These scenes are usually abysmal to watch and when I’m not rolling my eyes I’m checking the display to see how much is left of the film. I can’t say the same about the acting in The Blair Witch Project. Their small talk, banter, and other dialogue just feels genuine. It doesn’t feel forced or as awkward to watch as the found footage films that soon followed. The story for this follows a legend that filmmakers Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez created prior to production and built the mythos just for the film’s purpose. Many argue that the Blair Witch was a legend prior to the film’s release but that is not the case. However, when you have a marketing campaign like this one anything can happen. We have a strong background centered around the lore of the witch and when you add in a group of amateur filmmakers documentary their adventure into the woods searching for any hint of the witch’s existence is pure gold. The found footage aspect does make it feel more genuine than if it was a standard film. I respect the hell out of it but it’s because of the found footage style and attention to detail that makes it a mediocre film. I would have preferred a more traditional approach to the story with more attention toward the legend itself and not their journey. Finally, the film has zero effects. We get some rock piles, stacks of sticks, and noises in the dark and that is all the movie needs to strike fear in the viewer. No one in the production of this film was setting out to create a classic or something with such longevity. They wanted to make a movie that people thought was real and once the luster wore off then so did the scares. I couldn’t imagine sitting in a theater with a group of people who went into thinking the people on camera had died or was missing but I bet it was an amazing experience. It’s the mindset that they are dead that made this movie so fucking eerie. Overall, The Blair Witch Project s a film with tremendous historical important for cinema. It was the film that forever made found footage a staple of the genre and it’s marketing and advertising campaign is something that was never seen before or we will see again. The film itself is one of those horror films that is considered the middle of the road. If you have never seen it by this point I would recommend it for a first time watch but it’s not something I would recommend revisiting after sometime or double dipping on the film. Considering the rarity of the blu I would say this UHD is worth it.

Backwoods Marcy

Director - Dawn Murphy (Before I Die)

Starring - Dave Castiglione (Psycho Sisters, After Midnight), G. W. Lawrence (Love is a Stranger Again), and Dawn Murphy

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "She's homeless and hungry for sex, blood, and revenge!"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     When Vinegar Syndrome announced their partnership with Saturn's Core I was so fucking excited.  I knew I wouldn't be a fan of every release but I was still excited to fill that S.O.V. void that many of us indie horror fans need to be filled.  When I saw the news that they would be releasing 1999's Backwoods Marcy I was fucking pumped.  I had never seen this one before I had seen several genre fans share copies of the film on VHS in different Facebook groups.  I pre-ordered it and wanted to see it when it arrived but movies sent to me for review took up most of my time. However, when I saw an opening in my schedule I was quick to toss it in.

     The film follows a city boy who finds himself traveling through some back roads when he comes across Marcy.  A wrong turn quickly turns deadly when he accidentally hits her with his car.  Soon he finds himself kidnapped by a bloody Marcy and forced to do whatever she wants.

     I never heard horror fans talk about how good this movie is or see anyone claim to love it so I knew it was going to be a rough one.  However, I was hoping it would be more enjoyable than it actually was.  I did like the idea behind the film but I still struggled to finish it.  The acting in this one isn't the worst I've seen but the cast is mostly inexperienced by this point in their careers and it shows.  The dialogue is awkward through most of the film and the emotions they portray are not convincing.  I've seen a lot of S.O.V. and no budget horror films that could have been filmed in someone's backyard for fun so I'm very well versed in indie cinema.  This one isn't the worst I've seen but there was plenty of room for improvement.  The story for this one could have been an interesting spin on hixploitation horror.  However, it failed to actually deliver a story that pulled the viewer in.  A guy driving for a good chunk of the film before being caged and abused just isn't that enjoyable.  If the characters had a little more personality and the story had a little more meat on the bone it could have been fun.  Sadly, the way it was made for a pretty difficult flick to finish in my opinion.  Finally, if you expect a bloody mess of a film you will be greatly disappointed.  There is a small bit of blood but that is the extent of it.  I was hoping for some enjoyable no budget effects and craft kills but this one did not deliver on that.  Overall, Backwoods Marcy was not enjoyable.  I love a good S.O.V. film and this one was not it.  This release is worth your money just for the bonus film but I would skip the film.  

Candyman: Day of the Dead

Director - Turi Meyer (Sleepstalker, Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Starring - Donna D'Errico (Escape from Area 51, Reno 911!), Tony Todd (Candyman, Night of the Living Dead), Mark Adair-Rios (Charmed, Encino Man)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Repeat his name five times if you dare"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I miss the video store age.  I never lived in an area with a Blockbuster or Hollywood Video.  Instead, my area had Dewey's Video and the short lived Buck's Video.  Dewey's was the far superior video store but Buck's was where you went if you were looking for games.  I spent a lot of time browsing the tapes at Dewey's and as I got older I spent most of my time on the right side of his store where he housed the sci-fi and horror tapes.  I remember looking at the VHS artwork for movies like the Leprechaun series, several releases from Full Moon, and the last two Candyman films.  I had watched the Candyman trilogy several times growing up but I don't remember a lot about the third film Day of the Dead.  When Vestron Video announced the release of the film on blu I used this as an excuse to revisit all three films.  I want to thank Vestron for sending Day of the Dead over for review.  

     The film follows Caroline (D'Errico) who discovers she is the descendant of Daniel Robitaille, the Candyman.  She has several of his paintings and is putting them in an exhibit to showcase that he isn't the monster many believe him to be.  However, the owner of the gallery wants to use the legend around him to cash in on his name.  This proves to be a poor choice when saying his name five times in front of a mirror awakens him sending him on another bloody rampage as he tries to convince his distant relative to join him.

     Day of the Dead is by far the weakest of the trilogy but it could have been something really enjoyable.  I love the lore that was brought to Candyman in Farewell to the Flesh but Day of the Dead is unable to build upon it.  Instead, it delivers the same story while changing the location from New Orleans to Los Angeles.  I wanted to love it, especially after watching the first two films, but I couldn't.  The repetitive nature of the story made it a bit of a drag.  The acting in this one is solid but it is reminiscent of the original Candyman.  The cast, Todd included, is great while the female lead just wasn't doing it for me.  I loved the entire cast and the characters they brought to life.  Todd once again doesn't disappoint and knocks it out of the park but D'Errico's performance is very underwhelming.  A few scenes are worthwhile but most of her scenes are awkward and forced much like Madsen's in the original.  Candyman relies on strong female leads and she doesn't do it for me.  The story for this one is basically Farewell to the Flesh but the setting is changed from NOLA to LA with the focus of African American struggle in 90s America is swapped with Latin American struggles in late 90s America.  The small changes is not enough to make the film feel new or a proper continuation of the story.  It's repetitive and predictable.  It's clearly a cash grab on the property with no heart of passion put into the writing of this follow up.  Finally, the film has some horrible visual effects and decent practical effects but nothing that really stands out for viewers.  Farewell to the Flesh really did raise the bar for the series and this one just rushed through it.  Overall, Candyman: Day of the Dead is just a quick cash grab on a property that has a decent fan base.  It's just a regurgitated story with some minor changes that gives viewers nothing substantial to hold on to.  Collectors and fans of the first two Candyman films will want this release for their collections but someone looking for something enjoyable to watch will be disappointed.  

Anal Paprika

Director - Chris Seaver (Filthy McNasty, Die-B-Que)

Starring - Chris Seaver, Casey Bowker (Ski Wolf, The Weirdsies), and Lori Swierczek (Anal Paprika 2: Vampire Killers, Anal Paprika 3: Menage-a-Death)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "The movie Yohan doesn't want you to see"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I've been a fan of filmmaker Chris Seaver for sometime now.  There is a few films of his that I don't really care for but most of his catalogue are fantastic.  His brand of humor just resonates with me and his films are a lot of fun.  Over the years I've been lucky enough to collect his films on DVD and occasionally on blu.  However, in recent months he has started upgrading his films to blu and periodically releasing them.  One of the releases he put out on blu was the Anal Paprika trilogy.  These are movies I've owned for sometime on DVD and couldn't wait to revisit them.  As soon as The Seavage was taking orders for the release I snagged one.  I couldn't watch it right away but as soon as I had the time I tossed them in.

     The film follows three dorky friends who decide to go for a hike through the local woods.  While there they tell each other stories about the local legend about a mentally disturbed man who reached his breaking point as a child when his father forced him to watch 80s and 90s sitcoms.  Now, he's homicidal and obsessed with John Stamos.  After learning about the legend they find themselves face to face with the menace.

     Anal Paprika is a short that sells it's self short.  It's a fun short but I could see so much more coming from it.  Don't get me wrong, I find the short to be very entertaining but a feature length slasher parody following a John Stamos obsessed killer is exactly what I need in my life.  It works as a short but it could have been a slasher for the ages if it was feature length.  The acting in this one is exactly what you would expect from a Chris Seaver film.  The characters are all full of energy and comical.  They deliver fun dialogue and it's clear they are all friends in real life because their on screen chemistry is amazing.  The story for this one is fucking brilliant.  Seaver is a huge nostalgia nerd so I'm not surprised that he created a story following a maniac obsessed with John Stamos.  It's funny and works but I feel like it's just a little too short.  Seaver could have easily turned this short into a feature length film.  Instead, it's a short and once the joke is explored we find it over.  Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a great short with so many laughs but the thought that we could have been given a slasher where a killer is stabbing people while quoting Uncle Jesse makes me extremely sad.  Finally, the film has a few deaths but the film's no budget dictated the effects.  It's not as bloody as I would have liked but the humor more than made up for the lack of carnage.  Overall, Anal Paprika is short and sweet.  I had a lot of fun with it and the creativity in the story really exemplifies what makes Seaver's films so much fun.  I highly recommend it.  

Resurrection

Director - Russell Mulcahy (Resident Evil: Extinction, Highlander)

Starring - Christopher Lambert (Highlander, Mortal Kombat), Robert Joy (The Hills Have Eyes, Land of the Dead), and Jonathan Potts (Jason X, The Strain)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "On the brink of genius is the madness of a serial killer"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I was horror minded when I was in elementary school but that was mainly focused to literature.  I loved reading books, especially Stephen King and Goosebumps, but I was still an avid movie fan and watched all genres.  It wasn't until I was in middle school that I really found myself diving in horror film.  I was in middle school around 1999-2001 so movies that were released prior to were either rented around the time they were released or they skipped by me.  That's why I love companies like Arrow Video, Blue Underground, Severin Films, and Vinegar Syndrome.  Movies released decades before I was born and films released before I could appreciate them are now getting physical releases from these boutique labels.  Sometime back Vin Syn announced the release of the 1999 religious horror film Resurrection starring Christopher Lambert.  Many genre fans were quick to call it a Se7en clone but that only made me want to see it even more.  I gladly pre-ordered it when it was available and added it to my list of films to review when I could.

     The film follows a homicide detective who is tasked with solving an especially gruesome murder.  Soon he uncovers the religious connections and concludes that the murderer, though smart, is extremely disturbed and a religious nut who is trying to build the body of Christ using connections to the bible.  However, the closer he gets to finding the deranged mind the closer home the killer becomes until both lines cross.

     I wasn't expecting a film to be as polished and as well thought out as Se7en but what Resurrection brought to the table was nothing short of brilliant.  I can see why it gets compared to the latter but it is an exceptionally well written religious horror tale that does have it's own unique spin on the horror-crime mash ups.  In fact, there is parts of this film that I prefer over Se7en.  The acting in this one is one of the weakest aspects of the film.  I was a huge Highlander fan growing up so I know exactly how dry and unemotional Lambert can be but there was something about watching him try to convey heartbreak that made me laugh my ass off.  His dedication to the role is unquestionable but his emotional range is smaller than Kristen Stewart.  The supporting cast tries to pick up the slack but they struggle to find their footing as well but I was really impressed with Robert Joy and his performance.  He never disappoints and it was nice seeing him take on a bigger role than normal.  He's a fantastic character actor and his character here made the entire film for me.  The story for this one is a murder mystery with a lot of aspect focused on the crime portion but it doesn't hide it's horror elements.  It is because of this, along with the heavy religious aspect, that gains the film the comparison to Se7en.  With that being said, I thoroughly enjoyed the macabre take on the resurrection of Jesus and how religious fanaticism is the real horror of the world.  I enjoyed the pacing, the twists, the depravity it takes with the religion, and the pay out at the end.  Finally, the film doesn't shy away with the blood and delivers some bloody moments and great special effects.   The dead props, the make-up effects, and practical effects are all top notch which only sets the film over the top.  Overall, Resurrection is a must see for all genre fans and essential viewing during your Easter Sunday.  I highly recommend this release from Vin Syn so be sure to snag a copy.  

Duck! The Carbine High Massacre

Director(s) - William Hellfire (The Duct Tape Killer, An Erotic Werewolf in London) and Joey Smack (Sour Milk)

Starring - William Hellfire, Joey Smack, and Erin Brown (Dickshark, The Screaming Dead)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "The only thing you can do is watch in shock!"\

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     I graduated high school in 2005 so that put my high school from around 2001 to 2005.  School shootings and other acts of terrorism wasn't uncommon then but they were not as common as they are now.  During my high school years Columbine was still fresh in everyone's mind but I lived in a small town in West Virginia where EVERYONE carried guns so none of us really batted an eye when we saw someone with one.  A friend of mine, who I have not spoke with in years, was obsessed with the Columbine massacre.  This obsession introduced me to William Hellfire, and in turn, Erin Brown.  One day, during the heat of the summer, we watched Hellfire and Joey Smack's 1999 satirical horror film Duck! The Carbine High Massacre.  The movie was rough around the edges but I really enjoyed it and this initial viewing sparked an interest in adding the films of Hellfire and Misty Mundae.  When I saw that Saturn's Core was releasing it on blu I had to jump on it.  I never owned the film on physical media and I was looking forward to revisiting it.

     The film follows neo-punks Derwin (Hellfire) and Derick (Smack) who are constantly harassed by many of their classmates.  They suffer through verbal abuse on a daily manner but after a physical altercation they set in motion a plan to shoot up the school before turning the weapons on themselves.

     Duck! is not the best film you will see.  In fact, it's rough in a lot of ways in regards of cinematography and production quality but I feel that it is an important film in regards to subject matter and how it was approached.  The film is so controversial that it landed both filmmakers in jail where they made national headlines at the time.  It could be a difficult watch for some cinema fans but I think it should be required for genre fans.  The acting in this one is extremely amateur but it's not bad.  It was cool seeing Hellfire in front of the camera instead of behind it and Smack was solid in his role.  The part of the cast that continued acting has grown so much since this film and that includes Erin Brown.  It's cool to see such an indie horror icon like Erin Brown here at such an early stage in her career.  The story for this one is a comedic approach to the events that unfortunately unfolded at Columbine a year or two prior to the film.  Two bullied teens attacked and killed their fellow students before turning their guns on themselves.  However, the film's attempt at humor does seem to fall on death ears but the plot itself still rings true to this day with many kids and teenagers who suffer from abuse at home and at school continue to inflict so much damage to other students.  It is a sensitive subject for many and many would rather turn a blind eye on the subject of gun violence and school shootings unless you were to make a film about it.  Then you will find yourself coming under attack and prosecuted.  Finally, the film has plenty of blood.  The practical effects are minimal but the film has so much blood for you sick fucks to enjoy.  Overall, Duck! The Carbine High Massacre is not an easy watch for some people but I thoroughly enjoy it.  It not the best looking or shot film but I find the story to be extremely important especially in today's political climate.  The blu release is a must own for genre fans and I can't recommend it enough.  

Strawberry Estates

Director - Ron Bonk (She Kills, House Shark)

Starring - Lisa Chelenza (Check Out, Reynolds City), Chrissy Frick, and Bob Fullenbaum

Release Date - 1997/1999

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "The truth is in here"

Format - DVD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Found footage is a sub-genre I find myself not really interested in.  I enjoy The Blair Witch Project and a few random ones that I've reviewed over the years but the sub-genre as a whole is pretty disappointing.  For me, I find it difficult to watch most found footage flicks because of the awkward and horrid dialogue.  The small talk is the worst which makes for a cringy movie experience.  A few weeks ago I received a few of the SRS Cinema retro DVD releases from MVD which included a found footage flick directed by SRS founder Ron Bonk.  I recently dug into his S.O.V. horror flick City of the Vampires and enjoyed it so I was very curious about this one.

     The film follows a group of paranormal investigators who visit the abandoned Strawberry Estates which was once an asylum.  One of them is a psychic who is trying to speak with some of those that passed on the property but something is clouding her abilities.  Soon they uncover that the property is actually a gateway and their lives are in jeopardy.

     Strawberry Estates is a bit of an odd found footage flick.  Most genre fans wrongfully credit Blair Witch as the first found footage flick but that is far from the case.  This style of film was actually used as far back as the 60s but Blair Witch is by far the most popular.  Seeing that Bonk directed a found footage film prior to Blair Witch's popularity really is unusual for the 90s.  Anyway, Bonk first filmed Strawberry Estates in 1997 and then reshot it again in 1999 with additional cast members.  This DVD actually included both films but my review is for the feature length release.  The acting in this one is pretty grounded and solid.  The characters are not annoying at all and the small talk, that all found footage films use to make it feel like a documentary over a film, is not that awkward.  In fact, it was pretty smooth and held my attention very well.  I really liked how Bonk handled this one and the cast does a fantastic job at making the film work.  The story for this one is pretty cool for a found footage flick.  An abandoned asylum that is now the gateway to a supernatural world is pretty fucking great but the story just doesn't cut it for the one hour and forty minute run time.  I was sold on the movie until I had hit the hour mark and nothing worth noting had happened.  I then spent the next 30 or so minutes wondering what the point of the movie was.  Honestly, I really enjoy the idea of the film but it could be trimmed down to less than an hour.  It's way too long which makes it extremely difficult to finish.  Finally, the film has a few deaths in the movie's final moments that has some blood but if you are looking for amazing practical effects and gore then you will be disappointed.  Overall, Strawberry Estates had me sold but once I hit the hour mark I found myself asking what the point of it all was.  A good chunk needs to be cut out in order for me to take it seriously.  I really like director Ron Bonk and his films have never let me down but this is one I can't recommend.  Skip it.  

     

The Haunting

Director - Jan de Bont (Speed, Twister)

Starring - Liam Neeson (Taken, Clash of the Titans), Catherine Zeta-Jones (The Phantom, Titanic), and Lili Taylor (The Conjuring, Hemlock Grove)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Some houses are born bad"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The late 90s and early 00s was the years I was really coming into my own in respect to the type of horror flicks I enjoy.  These were the years that I was introduced to Idle Hands, Thir13en Ghosts, Bones, and a few more that I would constantly watch.  I had been renting Full Moon and Troma flicks for years by this point as well so a lot of the bigger budget horror thrillers didn't look that appealing to me.  In 1999 The Haunting received a remake starring Liam Neeson from Twister and Speed director Jan de Bont.  I remember when this film was originally released and I didn't want to check it out.  Honestly, it looked like it was going to be a big budget snoozefest.  When I recieved the press release for the blu I was going to skip on reviewing it but a close friend told me to give it a shot.  I was reluctant because we have very different tastes in horror but I caved in.  Wish I wouldn't have.

     The film follows three insomniacs who are invited to an old mansion for a study.  Their doctor invites them under false pretenses.  He has them believing they are there to be treated but the doctor really wants to experiment on them with fear.  A simple excersice in fear turns deadly when the mansion they are in becomes alive and something sinister living in the walls reveals itself.

     A lot of the horror crowd praises 1999's The Haunting for its atmosphere and tension but I fail to see what they are referring to.  The movie has a decent enough story going for it but when it was all said and done I found myself drifting off to sleep.  I'm going to assume that this one is a tough one to watch and not that I've been over doing it on horror lately.  The acting in this one is a little underwhelming.  This is an all star cast and the characters and performances we get are rather bland.  The characters are so forgettable and in some of the scenes they feel as if they are just there to collect a pay check instead of delivering great performances.  The story for this one has so much potential.  Having insomniacs pushed to the limits and then put through a horrifying trial only to be surprised by a real life haunting could have worked.  However, the predictable haunting and drawn out scenes made this one a bit of a chore to finish.  In fact, the second this flick was over I went ahead and went to bed.  I couldn't stay awake.  Finally, this is not a bloody flick but if you want some of the most laughable CGI and a house coming to life then this film is everything you've ever wanted.  Overall, The Haunting was a huge disappointment.  The movie had a solid plot but the execution, acting, and overdramatic scenes made it miss it's mark.  The horrible CGI is made even more laughable by the remastered release.  The blu looks good and I absolutely adore the sleeve but the movie itself was not that good.   

Drop Dead Gorgeous

Director - Michael Patrick Jann (Daybreak, Reno 911!)

Starring - Kirsten Dunst (Interview with a Vampire, Spider-Man), Ellen Barkin (Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Faerie Tale Theatre), and Allison Janney (The Addams Family, Ma)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Comedy

Tagline - "The battle between the good and the bad is about to get ugly"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was in high school I remember seeing the 1999 mockumentary Drop Dead Gorgeous at the local video store but I never had the desire to watch it.  Some of my movie friends talked about how funny it was but, honestly, the idea of watching a comedy about a beauty pageant really didn't sound like something I would enjoy.  Fast forward about 15 or so years and I've discovered that I love a lot of these quirky 90s comedies that time has seemed to forgot.  When I received a review silicit for the blu release of Drop Dead Gorgeous I decided to finally pull the trigger on it.  I requested a copy and WB was kind enough to send one my way.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows a small town that is gearing up for a beauty pageant while a documentary film crew films everything.  The crew films the judges, contestants, and those responsible for the pageant as strange things happen like the death of the all-star female who was everyone's choice to win, to the deaths of others involved.

     When I made a post about watching this film for the first time on Facebook I had several friends comment on the post talking about how awesome the movie was.  This made me really excited to finally check it out but I was quick to see that the movie was not nearly as funny as everyone lead me to believe.  The film did have a few laughs and fun characters but I found myself becoming bored with it fairly early on.  It was fun but I don't want to ever watch it again.  The acting in this one is great.  The entire cast is fantastic and the characters really do make the film.  Most mockumentaries fail to give viewers entertaining characters but this cast does a phenomenal job.  The story for this one is simple, straight forward, and grounded but it is also boring at times and very, very predictable.  The characters do their best to hold your attention but the scenes become very dry and super boring.  The simple story would work if there was a little more going on in each scene rather than the purposely and brilliantly done awkward interviews.  Finally, the film is not one for those of you looking for blood and gore.  There is a gag with some make-up effects that was rather impressive but no bloodshed for you sick fucks.  Overall, Drop Dead Gorgeous has some funny moments and is overflowing with memorable characters but the scenes are so dull at times that you will feel yourself drifting away from the movie.  The blu looks great but the lack of supplemental material will not make it a must own for avid fans.  

Limbo

Director - Tina Krause (Tina Krause Captured)
Starring - Barron (Trick or Treats), Suze Daufler, and Sean Farrell
Release Date - 1999
Genre - Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Last year I realized that I had accumulated several of the American Genre Film Archives releases on blu.  I decided it was time to give the ma spin and quickly found myself falling in love with their releases.  Not only were the image and sound quality of these once forgotten films top notch but the movies were extremely fun... for the most part.  Their collaborative efforts with Something Weird and Bleeding Skull has resulted in some of my favorite releases in my collection.  When Vinegar Syndrome announced the special edition slipcover release of AGFA and Bleeding Skull's Limbo from actress Tina Krause I jumped on it.  When it arrived I quickly worked it into my schedule for review.  Sadly, the film was a tough sit for me and I found myself struggling to finish it.  

     The story, or lack there of, follows a woman who picks up some strange at the local bar.  She accidentally kills him and over the next few days she struggles with the people around her, a supernatural presence, and a trip to her own Hell.

     I dived into this one very excited to see what crazy film AGFA and Bleeding Skull has brought me but I was soon greeted with a film that struggles with pacing and story telling.  It took me almost three days to finish this 55 minute film.  I try to be open minded about everything I review and granted this was an AGFA release I knew it would be far from perfect but this one just didn't flow that well.  Hell, maybe it's so perfect that only a true genius can enjoy it and it's over my head.  Regardless, this film was not a fun experience for me.  The acting in this one left much to be desired.  The cast had little to no experience.  In fact, Krause herself is the only person I could find in the film with more than one credit to her name with most of the cast having only this film as their only credit.  The characters just feel uncomfortable in their roles and don't give their scenes the dedication they deserve.  It almost feels like they were asked to be in it as a favor to Krause.  The story for this one does not flow like your typical horror film.  It's almost like an arthouse fever dream that is difficult to follow.  I see it compared to David Lynch meets a Nine Inch Nails music video.  I can see why they would compare it to those but I feel like that is giving this one a little too much credit.  At least a David Lynch film has a consistent story throughout.  The way the story is told here makes it extremely difficult to follow.  Finally, gorehounds will be very disappointed in this one.  The film focuses more on story than it does blood.  We get just a little blood but nothing to notice.  Overall, Limbo was a painful watch to me.  I always try to be respectful when I review a movie but I'm struggling to find anything nice to say about this one.  I know this was an S.O.V. release initially but the blu release is very dark at times.  So dark that I had lighten my screen up during these scenes.  AGFA and Bleeding Skull has released some real gems.  Sadly. Limbo is not one of them.  

Gemini

GEMINI - Coming soon to Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro on Vimeo.
Director - Shin'ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man, Vital)
Starring - Masahiro Motoki (The Big Bee, The Bird People in China), Ryo (Enter the Void, Alive), and Yasutaka Tsutsui (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Paprika)
Release Date - 1999
Genre - Fantasy/Horror
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Several weeks back I spent about two weeks running through the Solid Metal Nightmares.  This film collection from Arrow Video consists of ten films from acclaimed director Shin'ya Tsukamoto.  The films, for the most part, were pretty damn fun and very unique.  A few days back Mondo Macabro sent over the 1999 Shin'ya Tsukamoto film Gemini on blu.  Like the previous Tsukamoto films, this is one I had never seen before so I was pretty fucking excited to check it out.  Thanks Mondo Macabro for sending sending this one my way.
     The film follows a wealthy and respectable doctor who falls in love with a woman suffering from amnesia.  His parents resent her but his love for her quickly cuts them out.  He tries to live his life with his new love but his home is soon overtaken with a foul odor that drives his father mad.  Then both his parents are murdered.  When life looks bleak for the man that had it all he discovers that he is actually a twin.  His brother was tossed in the river and saved by a peasant.  Once he found out his brother was a renowned doctor he set out to get his revenge and the woman he loved...who just happens to be the woman with amnesia.
     Honestly, I didn't know what to expect from Gemini.  After spending almost 2 weeks going through 10 of his other films I've realized that he is a very versatile filmmaker capable of throwing anything at the viewer.  Gemini, though billed as a fantasy horror film, did not feel like a horror film.  In fact, it was a dark fantasy film with more drama than horror elements.  Regardless, I really enjoyed what was given to us.  The acting in this one is probably the best of any Tsukamoto film I've seen yet.  Masahiro Motoki taking on dual roles is exciting and highly entertaining.  The characters paralleled personalities and intensities makes his performance a marvel to look at.  He literally carried the film on his shoulders.  The supporting cast is nothing short of amazing as well but Motoki was legendary here.  The story for this one, as I stated earlier, is a period piece that feels more like a dark fantasy with macabre elements.  With that being said, I absolutely loved the story and Tsukamoto's approach to the story.  The brothers coming from different backgrounds having their roles reversed is a fascinating story and the dark surreal look at both sides really works.  The dialogue is a little too heavy at times especially with the subtitles but nothing unbearable.  Finally, the film does have some blood but the best part of the film is the make-up effects and the look of some of the characters.  Gorehounds will be disappointed but those looking for a story will appreciate the film.  Overall, Gemini is another great Tsukamoto flick with amazing atmosphere and beautiful scenery.  The blu from Mondo Macabro looks absolutely gorgeous as well.  Don't let the stills from the trailer fool you.  Fans will want this one for your collection.  

Idle Hands

Director - Rodman Flender (Leprechaun 2, Scream: The TV Series)

Starring - Devon Sawa (Final Destination, Casper), Seth Green (Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Guardians of the Galaxy), and Elden Henson (Daredevil, The Butterfly Effect)

Release Date - 1999

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "The comedy that gives horror films the backhand."

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5):

     Middle school was when I was coming into my own.  Horror became a huge part of my life when I was in the 4th grade but the movies that shaped my tastes in the genre were the movies I discovered when I was in middle school.  It was this time that I really got into the films of Sam Raimi, George A. Romero, and classics like Return of the Living Dead, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, and big budget releases.  Idle Hands, along with Return of the Living Dead and Halfbaked, was my go to movie.  I would often rotate those three tapes to watch before and after school.  I watched it so much that my dad threatened to burn the tapes because he was tired of hearing them playing in my room.  Once that tape stopped working I drifted away from the film.  I bought the DVD while in college but never did revisit this blast from my past until recently.  Scream Factory announced their blu release which was a perfect time to revisit this one.

     The film follows stoner Anton (Sawa) who discovers his parents were murdered.  He tells his two friends but it's too late.  They all discover that his hand is now possessed and will kill at will unless he stops it.  It kills his two friends but they were too lazy to walk into the light so they come back as the undead to help Anton.  In a blind fit of rage he cuts the hand off setting it loose to kill anyone at anytime now that it is no longer anchored to Anton.  

     I was concerned that this one did not age well but after just a few minutes of it playing I was hit with that wave of nostalgia that many of us crave.  As a product of the 80s and raised in the 90s I often find myself searching for those classic movies and shows that I grew up with.  This Scream Factory release was perfect and really took me back to a time when I wasn't stressed over bills, work, being the father my children deserves, and politics.  It was just me and a highly entertaining film.  The acting in this one is nothing amazing by film standards but I've always loved the characters.  Sawa plays one hell of a convincing stoner while Seth Green and Elden Henson work perfectly as the undead comedic duo.  Their chemistry is great together and most of the people my age wanted a friendship like this.  My favorite character will always be the metal head Randy portrayed by Jack Noseworthy.  To this day he is still the most bad ass character in any horror movie.  The story for this one is a comedic alternative late 90s approach to the devil possessed sub-genre.  I enjoy a good stoner comedy and you can bet your ass I'd break my own neck to see a horror stoner comedy.  I really like how this one just tosses so many things in a blender and it still works.  Halloween, a devil hunter, weed, a little love story, zombies, and all the humor.  So much is going on but it doesn't make it feel cluttered.  It works for what it is and the pacing is smooth.  You never find yourself becoming bored or overburdened.  Finally, the film has some blood and great make-up effects but those of you looking for a gory masterpiece will be surely disappointed.  The kills we get work for the film and the make-up effects are top notch.  With that being said, the visual effects we get did not hold up over time and look rough.  Overall, Idle Hands is my favorite release from Scream Factory.  Hands down (pun intended).  The blu looks great but the special features we do get is a bit of a let down.  I would have loved a retrospective or a reunion/interview with some of the film's notable stars over the supporting cast.  Still, well worth adding to any horror fan's collection.

Terror Firmer

Director - Lloyd Kaufman (Poultrygeist, The Toxic Avenger)
Starring - Will Keenan (Tromeo and Juliet, Chop), Alyce LaTourelle (Daredreamer, Junk), and Lloyd Kaufman
Release Date - 1999
Genre - Horror/Comedy
Tagline - "Let's make some art!"
Format - Bluray (Personal Collection)

Rating (out of 5): 

     Why not follow up one Troma review with another Troma review?  I recently revisited the 1990 vampire flick Def by Temptation and really enjoyed myself.  Vinegar Syndrome did a fantastic job with that release and I can see myself giving the film the attention it deserves for years to come.  After checking that out I decided to turn my attention to Troma's recent release of Kaufman's 1999 Terror Firmer.  This is one of the few Troma releases  I had yet to see.  I've owned the DVD for many years but several Troma fans told me that this was Kaufman's worst work yet.  I was always afraid of tossing it in but with the release of the new blu I decided to fire it up.  

     The film follows a blind filmmaker and his no budget film crew working on a new horror film when their set is plagued with mysterious deaths. Animosity among the cast comes to a boil as people begin to fear for their lives but in true Troma fashion the killer is revealed and nothing is as it seems.

      

     I feel stupid for sleeping on this one for all these years.  It was a fun movie but nowhere near as entertaining as other Troma releases.  I can see why so many dislike but I also found some enjoyment with it.  The acting in this one is what you would expect from a Troma release.  The character are unforgettable and fun but the acting is far from perfect.  The high energy cast mixed with the dialogue and scene makes the film funny but there is a few times when the acting is unintentionally funny.  The story for this one flows like a slasher except the tone is very much so Troma.  The slasher style is completely removed here and Troma makes it their own but it still works. I liked the killer's reveal and how the characters supported the story.  Fans of Troma will know what to expect with this one.  Finally, this one has some fantastic practical effects and some gore.  I liked the look of the practical effects and the kills.  There is several times the make-up effects made me laugh because the quality was nowhere near  that of the practical effects.  Overall, Terror Firmer is another fun Troma flick.  I wouldn't compare it to other Troma films but it does hold it's own.  The blu is a little underwhelming and almost the same quality as the DVD I have.  I tossed it in and didn't notice much of a different in quality.  Collectors may want this one for their collection but if you already own the DVD there isn't much special about this release.