Truth or Dare

Director - Jeff Wadlow (Fantasy Island, Cry Wolf) 

Starring - Lucy Hale (Scream 4, Riverdale), Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf, Yoga Hosers), and Violett Beane (The Flash, DC's The Legend of Tomorrow)

Release Date - 2018

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "They are dying to play"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     As I approach the last two films in the set I'm reaching both of the films that I was the most excited to see.  A few years back Truth or Dare hit theaters and the horror community was torn with it's release.  Some loved it while others absolutely hated it.  I'm weird so when I hear people say they hate a movie I find myself wanting to see it more and more.  I was gifted the blu a few months ago but never could find the time to watch it until now.

     The film follows a group of college students who visit Mexico for Spring Break.  There they meet a man who invited them to an old church to play truth or dare.  They start the game and he reveals that he tricked them into playing so he wouldn't have to.  They pass it off as an evil prank and go on back to their business. A few days goes by and they return to campus and soon they start dying one by one until they finish the game.

     I went into this one really excited to check it out.  I know, as I've reviewed in the past, that Tim Ritter and others have made no budget horror flicks with the same name but I feel that this one did not steal their idea.  They simply shared the title.  However, Truth or Dare was a tough one to finish.  It was slow paced, no character development, and the story was extremely dull.  I really wanted to like it but I couldn't.  The acting in this one is decent but the cast went a little overboard in some of the scenes.  The screaming and frantic breathing was overkill which made the film feel extremely forced.  The characters were cliched but they were very likable when the scenes wasn't being overacted.  The story for this one really held my interest.  I liked the paranormal approach to this childish game but the movie moves painfully slow.  The action and interesting story points were paced out.  Finally, the film has blood and some memorable deaths but lacks gore and practical effects.  They rely on camera tricks and deaths that don't require the need for practical effects to be pulled off.  Overall, Truth or Dare is a decent flick to toss in late at night if you want something you've never seen before but the overacting and slow story makes it a struggle to finish.  

Happy Death Day

Director - Christopher Landon (Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, Happy Death Day 2U)

Starring - Jessica Rothe (Valley Girl, Happy Death Day 2U), Israel Broussard (Feat the Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy), Ruby Modine (Satanic Panic, Shameless)

Release Date - 2017

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Get up.  Live your day.  Get killed.  Again."

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) 

Rating (out of 5):

     As I patiently work my way through this Blumhouse box set I find myself reaching the film I was the most excited to see.  In 2017 Blumhouse released the unusual slasher Happy Death Day.  The trailer sold me on on it so I went to the theater that night to watch it...and then I turned around and went home because my kid was sick.  I tried a few more times to check it out and something always popped up so I gave up on it.  When a physical release was announced I ignored the press announcement because I was still salty about not being able to see it in theaters.  When I saw it was included in this set I decided to stop being a bitch a check it out.  

     The film film follows college student Tree (Rothe) who awakens in Carter's (Broussard) dorm after a night of heavy drinking.  She leaves his room and begins her day and that night she finds herself face to face with a masked killer.  After she dies she awakens in Carter's room destined to repeat her day.  She frantically redoes her die only to have the same result.  After several times she decides to find her killer and stop them before she suffers this continuous hell.  

     Happy Death Day had me on the fence until the 30 minute mark and then it really changed it up.  Instead of becoming a repetitive piece of mindless dribble it becomes a movie that is self aware and entertaining.  The acting in this one is entertaining for the most part but far from perfect.  The characters are hard to like at first but as the film progresses you start to like them more.  The cast does a decent enough job with their roles which makes the story a lot easier to follow.  The story for this one blends that Groundhog's Day arch with the standard slasher formula following someone that was wronged who dons a mask and seeks revenge.  When the film starts to become repetitive the story then adapts and changes it to give the viewer something new to grasp.  Finally, the film has several kills but they are rather unimpressive and unimaginative.  All the originality went into the story rather than the death scenes.  Overall, Happy Death Day may be a big budget pop horror flick but it's a solid horror film that could easily become a franchise with so many possibilities.  I highly suggest you check it out.  

Get Out

Director - Jordan Peele (Us)

Starring - Daniel Kaluuya (Black Panther, Kick-Ass 2), Allison Williams (The Mindy Project, The Simpsons), and Catherine Keener (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Bad Grandpa)

Release Date - 2017

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Just because you're invited, doesn't mean you're welcome"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Every year closes with one horror film becoming the most popular film for that year.  A few years ago horror pages and movies collecting groups were going rabid over Jordan Peele's directorial debut.  Honestly, I was curious about the movie myself but I was unable to see it in theaters and before I knew it the movie had already received a physical release.  I snagged a copy but I never found the time to watch it.  That changed when I got in this Blumhouse set to review.  I could finally see the film people had been raving about.

     The film follows young couple Chris (Kaluuya) and Rose (Williams) who is visiting Rose's parents for the first time after becoming a couple.  A simple weekend getaway takes a weird turn when Rose's family begins acting strange along with the guests that are over for a social her parents are having.  Soon Chris discovers their true intentions and why Rose invited him to her parent's home.

     I can see why so many people loved Get Out.  It was a great horror film that combines social commentary with real horror.  I liked it but it did take some time before the movie picked up and I was afraid I wouldn't be able to finish it.  The second half made up for the extremely abysmal first half.  The acting in this one is absolutely fantastic.  Kaluuya carries the movie and his character is very well written.  His racial identity works very well for the story and Kaluuya gave the film his everything.  With that being said, my favorite performance comes from Allison Williams.  Her innocent persona was charming but once the film kicks into the horror portion she really shined.  I was really impressed by how she switched it up.  The supporting cast is great as well and deliver amazing performances.  The story for this one pretty sinister if you really think about it but it's rather predictable.  I really liked the social aspect in the film but you can see the twist coming.  I liked it but there could have been a different approach to it to make the twist have more impact.  Finally, if you want some blood then you got it.  It's not a gory flick but the film still gives us some great scenes with blood and great practical effects.  Overall, Get Out is a well put together horror thriller but I find it difficult to say it's as amazing as others proclaim it to be.  It's still worth a watch and one of the better films in the this set.  

The Visit

Director - M. Night Shyamalan (Split, Glass)

Starring - Olivia DeJonge (Better Watch Out, The Sisterhood of Night), Ed Oxenbould (Better Watch Out, Paper Planes), and Deanna Dunagan (The Exorcist, Running Scared)

Release Date - 2015

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "No one loves you like your grandparents"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     I never realized it until now but I guess I am a fan of controversial filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan.  I remember when I was younger and his films The Sixth Sense, The Village, and Signs was released.  I was quick to grab all them for my collection but I never considered myself a fan.  However, after finally watching his 2015 horror hit The Visit I finally realize that I do enjoy his body of work.  I'm glad I finally took the time to check it out because I really enjoyed it.

     The film follows siblings Becca (DeJonge) and Tyler (Oxenbould) who travel to the country alone to spend time with their grandparents who they had never met.  Their mother fell in love with a substitute teacher and left to be with him which caused some friction between her and her parents.  Now, some years later, they want to finally see and meet their grandchildren.  The trip starts out innocently enough but over time they realize that something is wrong with their grandparents.

     The Visit was an entertaining film but there was some aspects that I could have lived without.  The movie itself is one, like many of Shyamalan's that I can see myself visiting several times over the next few years even though the twist has been revealed.  The acting in this one is not that impressive.  In fact, I had a hard time like the cast and the characters.  When their performances wasn't dragging the scenes down you find yourself hating the characters because of their personalities.  The rapping pre-teen was cringy and one of the worst parts of the movie.  Why couldn't he be a kid obsessed with mixed martial arts or Pokémon?  Why did he need to be obnoxious and a rapper?  I just felt like the characters were written to be annoying on purpose which only adds even more fuel to the unenthused acting.  The story for this one is fucking creepy as hell but leaves me with so many questions.  The thought of kids going to spend the weekend with their grandparents only to have them replaced by insane mental patients is fucking terrifying for any parent.  However, who sends their kids to their estranged grandparents that you haven't seen in a decade alone?  The story can be effective but it's a double edged sword.  Finally, this is not a bloody horror film that most of us crave.  The film is dependent on the atmosphere and story to get the horror across to the viewer.  Overall, The Visit is not a genre defining film but it is a solid enough movie experience.  I would recommend checking it out if you are looking for a popcorn horror flick.  

Death to Metal

Director - Tim Connery (Black Web, Statler's Tapes)

Starring - Alex Stein (Chicago P.D., The Last Shift), Grace Melon (Chicago Fire, Henry Gamble's Birthday Party), and Dan Flannery (Contagion, Empire)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror/Comedy

Tagline - "He has dies.  He has risen.  He will Kill"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     Social media is a valuable resource for many horror fans.  Fans of indie horror in particular have no real place to turn to for indie horror flicks but places like Facebook and Instagram is a great place to connect with other link minded horror fans.  Over the years I've become friends with pr firms, horror artists, authors, filmmakers, producers, and so on.  I find a lot of great movies through them and discover new movies almost daily.  A few days back artist Marc Schoenbach of Sadist Art shared his artwork for the horror comedy Death to Metal.  Marc is one of my favorite artists and I usually jump on any film he has worked on so when I saw this poster I had to hunt the director down.  Tim Connery, the man behind the film, was kind enough to send a link my way to check out.  Thanks Tim!

     The film follows a priest who is very devout but during his youth found himself on the business end of a bullying from local metal heads.  Now, as an adult, he has a mortal hatred for metal and anyone that listens to it.  His hatred was so severe that after he suffered a mutilating accident he used his new found strength to murder the metal heads that were attending a concert.  

     Most horror fans that I know are metal heads.  Metal and horror goes hand in hand and I'm hard pressed to find a horror fan that doesn't like metal to some extent.  What I find to be surprising about the entire horror and metal culture is that there is not enough horror movies centered around metal.  Sure, there is some and a lot of indie horror films feature heavy soundtracks of unsigned metal bands but we don't have nearly enough metal centered horror flicks.  Death to Metal does a fantastic job at blending the standard slasher formular with a metal centric story.  It works very well and really impressed me.  The acting in this one is pretty well done.  The characters are very entertaining and the cast really gets int otheir roles.  Some of the supporting cast does shoe their inexperience but the overall acting in the film was great.  I really enjoyed Alex Stein and Grace Meon's chemistry on screen.  They worked very well together and their characters are very grounded.  The story for this one is a standard slasher tale mixed with horror the metal scene in most towns and cities.  I really liked how Connery took the old slasher motif following someone that was wronged (the priest) who starts killing those that they feel had wronged them.  The addition of the great metal soundtrack and the music scene really drives this one home for me.  With that being said, I did not get enough of the killing.  I really loved the theme around the killer and there just wasn't enough of those scenes for me.  Finally, the film has several on screen deaths but not enough for my bloodlust. The kills we get make great use of the killer and the religious theme.  The kills are gory and the practical effects are fucking amazing.  The most hardcore slasher fans will really appreciate the deaths in this one.  Overall, Death to Metal is a fucking must see for fans of slasher, bass blasting metal, and genre fans looking for a good time.  This movie gets everything right and I can't wait to fucking watch it again.  God damn, it was so much fun!

Unfriended

Director - Levan Gabriadze (Rezo, Yolki 2)

Starring - Heather Sossaman (NCIS, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Matthew Bohrer (Lucifer, Hipster Holocaust), and Courtney Halverson (True Detective, Ghost Whisperer)

Release Date - 2014

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "This April, revenge comes online"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I was sent the press release for this set I was curious about checking out a few of the films listed.  There was only one film I wasn't looking forward to checking out but the others were movies I had been curious about for some time.  One of those movies was the 2014 new age found footage flick Unfriended.  The movie spawned a sequel and several more copy cat films trying to appeal to the young movie goers.  It looked goofy but I was excited to check it out.  Sadly, it was even goofier than I originally thought and one of the worst movies I had seen in a long time.  

     The film follows a group of high schoolers one year after one of their own killed herself after an embarrassing video went live.  Now, on the anniversary of her suicide someone has joined in on their group video call under her name.  One by one they are taken out of the call and eventually die.

    I was a little curious about this one but after actually seeing it now I have to say that it is one of the worst movie experiences I've sit through for sometime now.  The movie was cheap, lazy, and lacked almost every aspect that I hold dear about the horror genre.  I would be open to the sequel to this one but if I was ever tasked with watching this movie again or kicking my favorite child you better believe I'm punting my 2 year old across the living room.  The acting in this one is like nails on a chalk board.  Watching a group of teenagers try to impress each other on a video call is cringy to say the least but then watching those same teenagers try to act scared on a video call was extremely goofy.  The found footage inspired approach really made me want to turn it off in terms of the acting.  It was very unnatural.  The story for this one is super simple but the lack of content with this super simple story made it a pain to finish.  Watching people panic on webcam was a horrible experience.  Honestly, I liked what the story wanted to do but the execution was all wrong.  Finally, the film's only redeemable moments is the death scenes.  They were unintentionally funny but they did entertain.  The deaths are rather quick but I liked the way they looked.  Overall, Unfriended is a huge waste of time and I would almost bet that it's the low point of this set.  Skip it.  

The Boy Next Door

Director - Rob Cohen (The Skulls, Dragonheart)

Starring - Jennifer Lopez (The Cell, Anaconda), Ryan Guzman (Pretty Little Liars, Heroes Reborn), and Ian Nelson (The Hunger Games, Teen Wolf)

Release Date - 2015

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "A moment she couldn't resist.  An obsession he can't control"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     When I received this Blumhouse horror set there was several releases in it that I had wanted to check out for sometime.  Movies like The Visit and Get Out to be more specific.  However, one film that I was really not looking forward to checking out was the 2015 horror thriller The Boy Next Door.  I remember seeing trailers for this one back when it was released and thought that it looked like something Lifetime or Hallmark would air during Halloween.  However, this one really surprised me.  I really enjoyed it for what it is but I don't see myself going out of the way to watch it again.

    The film follows recently separated Claire Peterson (Lopez) who is a school teacher.  She lives with her son and meets her elderly neighbor's nephew Noah (Guzman) just days before classes start.  One night after a botched date she starts drinking when he calls her needing help with dinner.  She goes over to help and soon the two hook up.  She freaks out when she awakens and he tries to calm her down.  Seeing that it's not working he stops and she leaves.  He tries to keep it going but she tries to remain professional and realistic while explaining to him it was a mistake.  This pushes him over and he starts sabatoging her work and home life.  When she refuses to break he goes deeper into his obsession resulting in deadly consequences.  

     I was not expecting The Boy Next Door to pull me in like it did but I found myself getting sucked into the story and when it was over and done with I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it.  It's not a movie I would go out of my way to watch again but if I was channel surfing and caught it on I would check it out again.  The acting in this one works for the film but there is several inconsistencies from most of the cast.  Lopez delivers a fantastic performance during the last half of the film but the first half she is very underwhelming.  The same can be said for the supporting cast.  Everyone brings it in the last half of the film but the slow paced scenes and unenthused performances in the first half makes it a little difficult to stick with.  The story for this one is something you could find on a Lifetime movie from the 90s.  A teacher getting in over her head and the student becoming obsessive isn't very horror filled but can be a fun day time dark thriller.  However, the last 20 minutes of the movie is really heart-pounding and action packed.  Horror related but not enough to really call the film a horror flick.  Finally, if you want blood and gore you will not find it here.  The film is more story and character driven instead of on the red stuff.  Overall, The Boy Next Door is a surprisingly fun thriller that works.  I know a lot of you horror minded readers will skip this one but you really should check it out.  It was well worth the time.  

The Tax Collector

Director - David Ayer (Suicide Squad, Sabotage)

Starring - Bobby Soto (Monster Survival Guide, The Closer), Cinthya Carmona (Rush Hour, The Fix), and Shia LaBeouf (Transformers, Lawless)

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Crime/Action

Format - 4K Ultra HD (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     For months I've been seeing videos, pictures, new articles, and memes for the David Ayer action flick The Tax Collector.  David Ayer impressed me with Sabotage and Suicide Squad so I was ready to dive into this one regardless of the hate it was receiving online from keyboard warriors and LeBeouf's performance.  When I received the press release for the physical release from RLJE I had to jump on it.  I requested a review copy and they really hooked me up.  I was sent the UHD release in a steelbook featuring the bad ass artwork pictured above.  Thanks guys!

     The film follows a loyal tax collector and his hired gun as they travel the city picking up drops from the local drug dealers and so forth.  A heavy drop takes a dark turn when he reveals he has switched sides and is working for a rival.  The tax collector and his body guard refuse to switch and soon an all war finds it's way to his doorstep.

     I went into this one with high hopes seeing it was a film from Ayers and starring LeBeouf but the movie just didn't feel finished or stuff was changed on the fly.  I don't know when principle photography started on the film or what but maybe Covid hit or something along those lines because the movie just doesn't feel like it was properly finished.  Whatever the reasoning the movie just wasn't that fun.  I liked the characters and the story starts out decent but once we hit the half way mark the movie just doesn't have that edge I was looking for.  The acting in this one is fucking amazing.  Soto commands the film.  I was afraid that LeBeouf would out stage the entire cast but Soto delivers a fucking top notch performance.  LeBeouf holds his own and his character will be a fan favorite but Soto deserves some much needed credit.  The supporting cast is just as good and the film houses so many fantastic characters.  It's a damn shame the story didn't reach the character's level.  The story for this one dives deep into organized crime and gang culture.  The movie starts out on the right foot and does a fantastic job building up the characters and the settings.  However, once we reach the middle of the film the story just unfolds with no real impact on the viewer.  The sense of urgency, dread, and death has no impact.  It's almost done in a heartless manner that brings nothing out of the viewer.  Even the deaths of our favorite characters have no impact or emotion behind them.  It just happens and you are indifferent about it.  Finally, the film showcases some serious blood and practical effects.  The deaths and practical effects are pretty fucking impressive.  I wasn't expecting that when I tossed it in.  In fact, one scene in particular had me rewinding the film to see the effects again.  Overall, The Tax Collector is far from perfect and I don't see myself tossing it in again willingly but it did have some moments that I would recommend checking out.  It deserves at least one watch.  

Freak

Director - Lucky Cerruti (Kindness of Strangers)

Starring - Sasha Van Cott, Hunter Wilson, and Dorran Boucher 

Release Date - 2020

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Five Friends.  Two nights.  One...FREAK"

Format - Streaming (Online Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     This time last year I was in full Halloween swing watching and reviewing as many horror movies as I could.  A Facebook post from a mutual friend opened me up to the world of Dead Vision Productions.  The post was for the DVDs of their short Kindness of Strangers directed by Lucky Cerruti.  I really enjoyed the short and I followed the page for upcoming releases.  A few weeks ago Lucky hit me up about his newest project.  The slasher Freak was his newest creation and he was gearing up to unleash the finished product on the world.  Just a day or so ago he hit me up again to review his newest mad slasher.  I happily jumped on it.  Thanks Lucky!

     The film follows five youths who travel out into the wilderness for a camping trip.  The area they chose to go with has a legend about a deformed man that kills everyone that ventures into his neck of the woods.  They disregard the rumors and go camping anyway but soon come face to disformed face with a knife wielding maniac.  

        Kindness of Strangers was a grounded and solid horror short that really helped get me in the Halloween spirit.  However, Freak was nothing like that.  It was a violent slasher that I was not expecting to enjoy as much as I did.  I knew I was going to enjoy it but this is probably my favorite watch of this October and one I can see myself tossing it annually.  The acting in this one is solid.  The characters are stereotypical slasher fodder with cliched personalities but it works for the film.  The cast does a decent job with their performances but we are here to watch them die.  No offense.  The story for this one is one we've seen a hundred times by this point.  It borrows heavily from movies like Friday the 13th, Hatchet, Wrong Turn, and any other slasher revolving around a freak of nature killing people in the woods.  It's not original but the execution makes it worth a watch.  The puppet mixed with the on screen kills really sold the movie for me.  Finally, the film is up front with the viewer on the blood and gore.  We get some pretty impressive kills that are bloody, gory, and imaginative.  The practical effects is fucking fantastic and the kills stand out especially when compared to other indie slashers.  Overall, Freak may be a little less than an hour in length but more than makes up for it with some impressive kills and plenty of gore.  This is one you need to sink your teeth into this Halloween season and I strongly suggest you grab a copy when they are available!

Ouija

Director - Stiles White 

Starring - Olivia Cooke (Ready Player One, Bates Motel), Ana Coto (Can't Take It Back, Disconnected), and Daren Kagasoff (The Secret Life of an American Teenager, Stalker)

Release Date - 2014

Genre - Horror

Tagline - "Keep telling yourself it's just a game"

Format - Bluray (Personal Collection) (Screener)

Rating (out of 5):

     The Purge was a solid kick off to the Blumhouse Horrors 10 film blu set.  It's not the best movie but it is a fun watch to begin the month of October.  I don't see myself revisiting it anytime soon but it does set the mood for the month.  After watching it I went ahead and quickly tossed in the second film in the set which is the 2014 supernatural horror flick Ouija.  This film spawned several sequels, prequels, and copy cats over the years but it was one I had never seen until now.  

     The film follows a group of friends who recently lost a close friend.  She killed herself a few days after playing with an old Ouija board.  They suspect something more sinister is at play so they break out the same Ouija board that she used to see if they could find some answers.

     I went into this one pretty excited to see the film that started a pretty popular trend in horror.  Sadly, the movie was not what I was expecting and became one I wished I would have skipped.   The movie had a painfully dull story, very bland performances, and the atmosphere was lacking.  The movie just wasn't for me.  The acting in this one is very lackluster.  The characters are very cliched and unoriginal.  If you've seen a paranormal film from the last 20 years then you've seen these same characters.  No redeeming personalities and no performances to hold your attention can be found here.  The story for this one is interesting on paper.  People have an unnatural fear of the Ouija board so having a horror film set around it only made sense.  However, the entire film focused on the board and not enough around an actual set up.  The movie itself feels almost rushed and many of the scenes could be cut with no effect on the story.  Finally, the film is not a bloody one.  We get some visual effects that are solid but if you want some blood and gore you will be very disappointed.  Overall, Ouija is a pop horror flick for the pre-teens.  Honestly, with some editing, I could see it playing on Disney during October,  I do know that it will NOT be playing in my house again.  Skip it.