Film Filter: Off- Twisted

Twisted  (2004) R

Ashley Judd, Samuel L. Jackson, Andy Garcia

Film Filter: On - Police officer Jessica Shepard has recently been promoted to inspector and it seems as though everything is going perfectly- until her former lovers start piling up in body bags.  Jessica struggles to find out who is responsible for these murders themed around her private life, not forgetting to include herself on the list of potential suspects.  She must look in to her family's dark past in order to help her solve the serial killings and protect those around her, even if that means protecting them from herself.
Things to note: Intriguing plot, good acting, thematic murders, difficult to guess the killer.

 Good movie until the end, not very memorable.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Suspenseful murder mysteries like Double Jeopardy, 

High Crimes, and any other Ashley Judd thriller.

Film Filter: Off

Film Filter: Off- The Lost Tribe

The Lost Tribe  (2010) R

Emily Foxler, Nick Mennell, Marc Bacher

Film Filter: On -  In attempts to close a business deal that will garner them a fortune, four friends take a pleasure cruise across the sea.  Pleasure turns to panic as they rescue a body from the water and eventually find themselves on a deserted, uncharted island after their ship crashes.  They soon realize that they are not alone on the island and as people start disappearing they realize they must work together to find out who, or what, is hunting them.
Things to note: Plot is pretty much non-existent, too much death too soon to carry what little plot is left along, gaps in the story line, good costuming and make-up on the creatures.

So awful, I'm speechless...almost.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Silent, convoluted primate films.  Much like Castaway meets 

Planet of the Apes, but with a worse plot.

Film Filter: Off

Film Filter: Off- The Alphabet Killer

The Alphabet Killer  (2008) R

Eliza Dushku, Cary Elwes, Timothy Hutton

Film Filter: On-  Based on true events taken place in Rochester NY, this film shows the mysterious serial murders of several innocent young girls in the suburbs, and the attempts of the Rochester Police Department to solve them.  Investigator Megan Paige (Dushku) gets too involved with the case, causing her to jeopardize her relationship, risk her career, and unsettle her physical and mental health.  She remains intent on solving the murders, and uncovering the truth of who the methodological psychopath is behind the killings.
Items to note: Murders tied around a common theme, based on a true event, Eliza Dushku goes crazy, takes place in Rochester, involves creepy ministers and the ghosts of young girls (but what good scary movie DOESN'T have those things?)

Not Eliza Dushku's best...and that's saying something.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:
Dark thrillers involving thematic murders, like Final Destination, but

with a more diluted and less interesting theme.

Film Filter: Off

Welcome and First Review: Insidious

Hello, and welcome to Film Filter: Off- your guide to reviews and posts on movies of the horror/thriller genre.  This blog aims to guide your film watching decisions with insight and suggestions on today's best (and of course, worst) thriller and horror flicks.

Now you may be asking yourself, "Why would someone limit themselves to such a genre?  Why not just rate and critique ALL films?"  Well my friends, the answer is simple- I do what I want.  Haha, but seriously- did you know that a startling amount of the horror and thriller movie population is pure crap?  (If you've seen at least 10 scary movies in your life, then yes, you probably did know this.)  The point is, the horror/thriller movie genre is a frightening territory of film to wander into if you are not prepared with the knowledge to battle it appropriately and choose a good one.

With my help you will acquire the skills and knowledge to out-think, out-choose, and out-live the awful films that make up this genre, and appreciate the good ones.

So, before we get into the fun part, I need to familiarize you with my style.  Much like a first date, this will allow you to get to know me and my style, and maybe one of us will get a free dinner out of it.  You will find that you will better understand and enjoy Film Filter: Off once you get what I'm puttin' down.  You dig?  Aight.

Rating System:
Most people use stars, but I don't.  Some people use clever icons that are relevant to their site's title, but I don't.  Almost all critics use a 1-5 scale to delineate awful movies from the greats.  Have you guessed yet?  I don't.  For those of you that love this system, though, I have translated mine into one so you can get the gist of what I say and how it critiques with others' opinions.

-A silent bubble indicates I was stunned by  its sheer awful-ness.  Don't waste your time.
-A swearing bubble means that I probably cursed in regret of deciding to watch the film.
-An indecisive smiley says it was average.  Not bad, but nothing I'll remember in 5 years either.  
-A smiley face means that I enjoyed the film and feel it was above average.  You should probably see it.
-A star rating indicates that this film is great, and is a must see.  So, see it!







On to the last bit, I promise!  The title of this fancy schmancy blog is Film Filter: Off.  This catchy phrase indicates that I will review the movies I see in two ways: filtered, and unfiltered.  Filtered reviews are for those of you looking for a good scary flick and want to know enough about the movie to see it on your own.  Once you enter the realm of unfiltered reviews, however, I make no promises that there won't be spoilers.  This feature is primarily for those of you who A) have seen the movie and want to know my honest opinion, or B) don't care about receiving spoilers before viewing the movie and want to know my honest opionion.  Please be careful before you click...you have been warned! 

Insidious (2011) PG-13

Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Simpkins
Film Filter: On- A young family moves into a house where an incident occurs with their son that causes them to seek medical treatment.  The doctors, however, can find nothing physically wrong with the boy, causing the parents to question what has actually happened to their son and to seek alternative means to help him.
Items to Note: Unique story, complex plot, variety of moods throughout movie, good mix of in your face pop-up scary moments and genuine horror, believable acting, twisted ending.

Creepy, intriguing, unique, and...creepy!

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:  

Supernatural thrillers that give you nightmares.  Think Amityville Horror, but more complex.  

Film Filter: Off