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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Corri's Gory Awards: 2012

Hello again!

As promised, here is the 2012 edition.  It seems that this was a robust year and I had some difficulty making some of the decisions, which may have resulted in some ties.  Enjoy!

2012: In Review

Most fun movie to review: The Human Centipede
"If you’re visiting a person you suspect of kidnapping and possibly murder, don’t drink their roofie water.  And, when you come back with a proper search warrant, don’t stupidly burst into a room and just stand there.  There’s a gun-holding, door-kicking, flashlight-wielding protocol that even I know of from watching umpteen police dramas, and if you don’t follow it, you’ll get shot.  Der."

Least fun movie to review: Season of the Witch
"This movie is not great on its own merit for the first 80% ...  The remaining 20% is the nail in the bad-movie coffin."

Biggest surprise, for the better: Tucker & Dale vs. Evil
"The feel of it is generally a mix of the aspect of everything going wrong in Meet the Parents with the humorous, gory nature of Shaun of the Dead."

Biggest surprise, for the worse: Session 9
"I'm going to try to make this as short and painless as possible, because re-hashing this film to any lengthy degree is just going to continue to frustrate me.  Con #1- There.  Was.  No.  Logical.  Plot."

Goriest: Slither
"They seem to sense human flesh, since they gravitate toward it constantly throughout the film, yet when there are hundreds of worms that explode from a body, and only 10 or so humans in the room, there are like 5 or 6 humans that don't get attacked."

Scariest: Sinister
"One of the things that this movie did very well, which in my opinion is an important staple of a good horror movie, is the scare factor.  Sure, some of the scares were cheap shots, and almost ALL of them were predictable but it didn’t change the fact that pretty much all of them were effective."

Most thought provoking: Shutter Island
"The ending.  I can't give the movie credit for that, obviously, but I can give the movie credit for the things they did well to set up for the ending.  Much like Inception, you really need to watch this movie twice to fully appreciate what has been done."

Worst all around: TIE 11-11-11 & 7 Below
"In terms of plot, this movie is about as well put together and interesting as a geriatric chess match."
"Where?- I don't know.  Some mid-western state that starts with an "M".  It could have taken place in my living room and I still wouldn't have found it entertaining."

Best all around: The Woman in Black
"I think it delivers an almost flawless recipe for horror, and leaves you constantly on the edge of your seat, wanting to know more about what's going on until the very end.  Very well done, Potter."

I really love looking back through the movies I've reviewed to re-analyze them.  Some of them are really quite good, and unfortunately I can't give due credit to all of the worthy ones in my end of year reviews, but I do encourage you to check them out in your free time.

Horrifically yours,

Corri

Corri's Gory Awards: 2011

Hello avid horror fans!

As I was perusing some of my older work, I realized that I had not, in two years, done one "Year in Review" post...how appalling.  The following is my attempt to remedy that.  Next to each category you will find: the name of the film that won the award, a link from the title of the film to my review for you to check out, and a favorite quote of mine from the review.  Happy hunting, and my apologies for not having the foresight to have done this two years ago.

2011: In Review

Most fun movie to review: Splice 
"Other than the unique story line and pseudo-interesting beginning, this movie really blows." 

Least fun movie to review: A Perfect Getaway
"...despite this movie not being that great, it's worth seeing if you've got nothing better to do."

Biggest surprise, for the better: White Noise 2: The Light 
"One of my favorite parts of having this blog is that I now watch horror movies whether I think they will suck or not, which gives me the opportunity to be pleasantly surprised every once in awhile by a diamond in the rough like this one."

Biggest surprise, for the worse: Straw Dogs
"I'm hoping the book and first movie are better, but seeing this version has inhibited me from researching this story further due to its extreme sucky-ness."

Goriest: Final Destination 5 
"The introduction was probably the coolest part in terms of 3-D effects, but the movie does a good job of inserting them without fail into most death scenes."

Scariest:The Exorcism of Emily Rose 
"You know an actor does a great job when it isn't until the fifth time you've seen the movie that you think, "Gosh, that must've been really hard PRETENDING to be possessed..." because the thought that they aren't actually possessed hadn't occurred to you."

Most thought provoking: The Secret
"Due to its unique nature, it was highly unpredictable.  This forced me to constantly be vigilant as to what was going on, so I wouldn't miss a critical moment. "

Worst all around: The Lost Tribe
"I can't find a way to wrap up this review, other than to urge you not to watch it, or at least find a way to turn it into a drinking game."

Best all around: Devil
"A good story, be it horror or other genre, does not leave loose ends and this film does a good job of fitting all of that goodness into one, tight 80 minute package.  It's about quality, not quantity, people."

I sincerely hope you check out some of these movies if you haven't done so, at least the ones with the decent reviews.  I will be posting my 2012: In Review pretty soon too, but since I have only made a whopping TWELVE posts for 2013 I have to get on watching some more movies as well.  I hope you enjoyed my insights, and look for more to come shortly!

Horrifically yours,

Corri

Film Filter: Off - Zodiac

Zodiac R (2007)

Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, Anthony Edwards

Film Filter: On- When several San Francisco newspapers receive a threatening message from a serial killer, they have a choice to print the information provided to save more people from dying, or to have blood on their hands for ignoring a murderer.  After the article gets published, several journalists and an investigator get caught up in a decades long cat and mouse chase with a killer they can't identify.  Can they conjure up enough evidence to make an arrest, or will these obsessed individuals come to the conclusion that "there's more than one way to lose your life to a killer"?
Things to note: Great acting, long movie, based on true case files, frustrating scenario, not very scary, awkward murder scenes.

This movie is okay if you're into thrillers, but is pretty 

slow paced and requires lots of focus.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Murder thrillers like the Black Dahlia, or Seven.

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Film Filter: Off - House at the End of the Street

House at the End of the Street PG-13 (2012)


Jennifer Lawrence, Max Thieriot, Elisabeth Shue

Film Filter: On- When Elissa and her mother move into a nice neighborhood, she finds that many hold a disdain for the house next door to hers.  After being forced to accept a ride from the only living survivor of the horrific murders his sister committed in their house years prior, Elissa becomes intrigued with Ryan, seeing something unique about him.  Despite her mother's, and the neighborhood's words of caution, Elissa finds herself wanting to spend more time with the mysterious Ryan.  Ryan must ultimately decide whether he can trust Elissa enough to keep the secret he has been keeping from her, while Elissa will be forced to decide if the truth about Ryan's sister will get in the way of her relationship with him.
Things to note: Good character interactions, very interesting and unique story, Jennifer Lawrence delivers a strong performance, fantastic ending.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Thrillers involving a house where murders occurred, like Amityville Horror, 

or movies about mentally ill antagonists, like Gothika or In Dreams

Click here for Film Filter Off

Up & Coming Scary Movies/Ones I was Too Lazy to Watch

Hello rabid horror fans,

The following is a top five list of scary movies I want to see before 2013 is over.  Do you want to see them too?  Have you seen them already?  Feel free to leave me a comment telling me why you want to see it, or why you thought it was awesome/terrible.  I'm dying to know your thoughts.  >:-)

#5 Curse of Chucky

#4 The House at the End of the Street

#3 Mama

#2 Insidious 2

#1 Carrie

Film Filter: Off - The Conjuring

The  Conjuring (R) 2013


Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor

Film Filter: On- When the Perron family moves into a big new house, they feel incredibly lucky.  Despite the house's weird idiosyncrasies with the clocks, and Carolyn's strange unexpected bruises, the Perron family start to view it as a home, not just a house.  It isn't until some of the young daughters are spooked by unexplained happenings and sightings that Carolyn seeks out Ed and Lorraine Warren, renowned ghost hunters.  Upon entering the house, the Warrens find an unmistakable presence of not just one spirit, but several.  One of them is fiercely malevolent, and will stop at nothing to take over Carolyn and destroy her children.  The longer the spirit stays, the weaker Carolyn becomes, and the Warrens will find themselves encountering the most haunted story they will experience.
Things to note- Interesting two-dimensional story, good acting, based on a true story, really scary pop-out moments, creative twist on an overdone plot, very captivating end scene.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Creepy possession stories involving a house and a family, like 

Paranormal Activity, Sinister, Insidious, or Poltergeist

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Film Filter: Off - World War Z

Film Filter: Off - World War Z


Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertes

Film Filter: On- When retired United Nations employee Gerry Lane gets a call to assist in a global epidemic, he refuses.  When forced to reconcile the safety of his family with the offer on the table, however, he must reconsider.  Teamed up with military professionals, and a doctor who seems to have all the answers, Gerry must try to stop the epidemic from getting even more out of control than it already is.
Things to note: Good use of special effects, unique view of zombies and their movement, good scaffolding of plot points, almost unbearably similar to I Am Legend.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Zombie apocalypse thrillers, like 28 Days Later, or epidemic thrillers like 

I Am Legend, The Crazies or Contagion

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Up & Coming Horror Films

Hello, avid horror fans!

In my attempts to bridge the awkward falling out we've had these past two months, I brought you a gift.  The following are some trailers I have (sort of) seen in theaters which look (from what I could tell by looking through my hand) intriguing.  I meant to post this last night, but the thumbnail for the Insidious 2 trailer scared the piss out of me, and I had to then attempt to shut my laptop down with the screen half shut, imagining this horrifying ghost lady is going to reach through Marcus Aurelius (my MacBook) and grab me.  In my defense, it was 1:00 am and I was alone.  So there.

Insidious 2 - If you've seen the first one, we all saw this sequel coming (I cannot continue to write on this blog if I have to look at that awful thumbnail, seriously.  There were NONE that didn't creep the pants off me.  You're welcome, self.  You're welcome.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBbi4NeebAk

The Conjuring - My beloved fiancee decided to hide in a corner and clap twice as I came through the entryway.  Not funny.  (The scene referenced may be in another trailer, if you feel ballsy enough to venture through them)

So, this summer looks promising for thrill seeking movie goers.  I will update you, and in return, comment and let me know what YOU thought too.  I'm not always right...

Seriously, that thumbnail freaks me out.

-Corri

Film Filter: Off - Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters R (2013)


Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, and Famke Janssn 

Film Filter: On- After the well known tale of Hansel & Gretel's traumatic childhood takes place, the dynamic duo realize they have a knack for one thing: killing witches.  Now adults, they are hired by communities to eliminate witch problems, and one village seems to be worse off than most.  Hansel and Gretel discover a Blood Moon ceremony about to commence within days, and soon realize that in order to save the kidnapped children of the village they will have to learn more about it, and the Grand Witch in charge, Muriel.  Unbeknownst to them, Muriel will also be teaching them much that they don't know about their past.  Hansel and Gretel must learn from the past they don't understand, and apply the skills they have learned in the present before the ritual is complete, and hope is lost.
Things to note: Will Ferrell as producer, good storytelling, interesting twist on well known story, some corny one liners, unnecessary swearing through a lot of minor dialogue, very good pacing, decent acting

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Fairy tale-esque movies with a twist, like Red Riding Hood or Darkness Falls.

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Film Filter: Off - Evil Dead

Evil Dead R (2013)

 Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Jessica Lucas

Film Filter: On- When a group of adolescents convene in the woods to help their friend, Mia, with a drug problem, keeping Mia contained ends up becoming the least of their worries.  As they peruse the cabin, full of family memories between Mia and her brother David, they come across some strange decor in the basement.  As Eric becomes intrigued by a mysterious book, he stumbles across an incantation that seems to have unleashed an evil spirit.  As the spirit starts to take over Mia, and others, Eric and David must look ahead in the book to try to see what the next horrific step in the demonic process is, but the problem is only exacerbated when they realize what must be done in order to stop it.
Things to note: Very gory, good filling in of original film gaps, good use of timing for horrific scenes, a slew of pop out scares along with the gore, pseudo believable rationale for not vacating the eerie premises, stick around after the credits for a surprise ;)

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Zombie/possession stories like The Evil Dead, Cabin in the Woods, or The Exorcist

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Evil Dead on Friday 4/5

Evil Dead is coming out this Friday and I'm pretty pumped/horrified/nauseated/thrilled/anxious/scared to see it.  What do you think?

Film Filter: Off - The Raven

The Raven (R) 2012


John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans

Film Filter: On- A troubled, drunk Poe deals with the daily woes of forbidden romance and lackluster competition, until he is summoned by the Boston police regarding a murder.  It turns out that a crazy fanatic is taking Edgar Allen Poe's work and turning it into a grisly reality.  Detective Fields and Poe team up to try and locate the killer, but time is of the essence when it becomes personal.
Things to note: Dark cinematography, unique blend of fact and fiction, unrealistic scenarios regarding the killer, Cusack does Poe decently, gory death scenes

You'll like this film if you enjoy:

Premonition killings with gory details, like Final Destination, 

or period horror stories like The Woman in Black or From Hell

Click here for Film Filter: Off

Hiatus

Hello fellow horror fanatics,

I was a little shocked upon my return to see that the last post I wrote was in 2012!  Granted, it was as close as one could be to 2013, but that's beside the point.

Since this is not a normal post I would publish, I'll make this brief.  Due to the innate stress and lack of free time while running a show at the school I teach, I have to apologize for being unavailable.  A lot of why I started this blog was not only for a hobby, but to be therapeutic since I really do enjoy analyzing and writing.  Between the school show, applying for my Master's degree, planning a wedding and, well just life in general, I haven't found the time nor the inspiration to blog, and for that I am sorry.

I will reconcile to try my best to balance the craziness of life with my blogging hobby, and I will certainly keep you all in the loop in the process.

Frightfully yours,
Corri