Film Filter: Off - The Call of the Cthuhlu

The Call of the Cthuhlu (2005)


Matt Foyer, John Bolen, Ralph Lucas

Film Filter: On- When a young man is required to settle his great-uncle's estate, he stumbles upon a quest to find answers to his great-uncle's search of the Cthuhlu.  This takes him on a journey to the past, present, and future, as he travels far and wide to stumble upon the answers he great-uncle sought.  As he delves deeper into the history, though, he must decide for himself at what point does he know too much?
Things to note: Filmed in Mythoscope to make it look like it was filmed in the 20s, is a silent film, only 47 minutes long, very antiquated "special effects" and settings, only subtitled when necessary.

This, again, falls into the category of films that I didn't 

particularly care for, but merit a solid rating.  

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Silent horror films like Nosferatu or Frankenstein.

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Film Filter: Off - Red State

Red State R (2011)


Michael Parks, Melissa Leo, John Goodman

Film Filter: On- When three teenage boys find a local online advertisement for sex, they are eager to participate.  Once they meet the woman, however, their plans change.  Falling victim to a trap from members of their local Westboro Baptist Church, the boys realize they were never meant to receive sex from the woman, nor were they ever meant to leave.  The three boys must figure out a way to escape the cult-like ceremony they are meant to be sacrificed for, before they become victim to the crazy minister and his congregation.
Things to note:- directed by Kevin Smith, good acting, storyline that is different, unpredictable

I wasn't actually the biggest fan of this film, but on its merit 

I do recommend that you watch it

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Fanatical worship stories like Drag Me To Hell, or The Wicker Man

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Film Filter: Off - 6 Souls

6 Souls R (2010)

Julianne Moore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Jeffrey DeMunn

Film Filter: On- Cara Harding is struggling to harmonize her scientific profession with her spiritual beliefs after her husband is murdered.  Eager to get her opinion on a case, her father encourages her to see a patient of his so he can review her diagnosis.  On the surface, Cara has it all figured out, but as she digs deeper into the patient's afflictions, she is not as certain as she once seemed.  Trying to find the answers proves to be more and more difficult as people in Cara's life slowly start to disappear, and as spiritual beliefs come into question she is forced to figure out: how badly does she want the answers?
Things to note: Solid acting, good and believable character interactions, great multiple personalities personification, good ending, several twists, lost opportunities for scary moments

You'll like this film if you enjoy:

Multiple personalty thrillers like Primal Fear, or 

possession stories like Fallen or Case 39

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Film Filter: Off - The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh

The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh NR (2012)

Aaron Poole, Vanessa Redgrave, Julian Richings
Film Filter: On- After Rosalind Leigh passes, her estranged son is forced back into the house he grew up in, and loathed, in order to sell it.  After the first night in the house, Leon realizes that there is a presence still presiding, and works to uncover who it is, and what they want.
Things to note: Very unique story, open ended, some gaps in character development and plot, great use of symbolism.

I had a hard time rating this...it has SUCH potential to be great, but at the end

 of the day I just felt like it was missing too much meat.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Eerie haunting stories, like Population 436 or The Haunting.

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Film Filter: Off - The Ruins

The Ruins R (2008)


Shawn Ashmore, Jena Malone, Jonathan Tucker

Film Filter: On- A group of four college friends travel to Mexico together on a vacation, and receive an enticing offer to visit some ancient Mayan ruins the day before they are scheduled to leave for home.  Wanting to experience more of Mexico than simple tequila and beaches, the group obliges, and travels through lush jungles until they reach the exotic temple.  Unbeknownst to them, the natives do not want them to visit the temple grounds, and after the group unknowingly disobeys the Mayan rule, they find they are stuck on the ruins permanently, unless they can find some external help.  As they salvage food and water and brainstorm some ideas for rescue plans, the group realizes the plant life on the temple is the reason why they cannot escape, and that the Mayan tribe below them is the least of their problems.
Things to note: Relatively believable scenarios, very attractive scenery, based off a 2006 novel, unique story, odd pacing, some key points left out of story, different ending from the book.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Destination thrillers like The Perfect Getaway,

 or ancient temple/cave stories like The Descent

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Firday the 13th! ...belated

In honor of this horror-ble holiday that occurred yesterday, let me share a meme that my friend posted on Facebook:

Stay tuned for a new blog post tonight!

Film Filter: Off - The Fourth Kind

The Fourth Kind PG-13 (2009)


Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas, Will Patton

Film Filter: On- When Dr. Abigail Tyler's husband is mysteriously murdered, she must start to cope with the grief alongside her two children, as she continues to give therapy to her patients in Nome, Alaska.  After discovering many odd coincidences between her patients, she is forced to investigate into some non-human theories of interaction and abduction that make even her question her own sanity.  Determined to get to the bottom of the disappearances, and her patients' experiences, Dr. Tyler continues her hypnosis therapy, despite the often horrifying after-effects.  It truly is a race against logic for her to uncover the truth before she loses her credibility as a psychologist, and before more citizens turn up missing.
Things to note: Solid cast, illogical police work and rationale, story gets less believable as it continues, very good scare tactics, unique "found footage" perspective, claims to be based on actual footage.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Found footage mysteries like the Blair Witch Project, 

or psycho-therapist thrillers like Gothika.

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