Film Filter: Off - Horns

Horns (2013) R

Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella

Film Filter: On Ig Perrish's girlfriend's unexpected murder has the whole town believing that he is culpable of the crime, with little to no one believing he is innocent.  Despite his best verbal and legal attempts to disprove the town's belief, Ig starts to grow two very obvious horns from his temple, forcing people to question whether or not he is the devil himself.

Things to note: Graphic sexual scenes, completely unique plot, story lines weaved together seamlessly, good plot pacing, a few random scenes that disrupt the main point of the story, rape scene, some moments of extreme fantasy, strong delivery by most of the cast.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Graphic fantasy thrillers, like Legion or Devil's Advocate

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Film Filter: Off - Gone Girl

Gone Girl  (2014) R

Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

Film Filter: On When Nick Dunne's wife mysteriously disappears, he is instantly in the public eye as the authorities search for her.  As the days continue, public scrutiny falls on Nick, as it seems more plausible each day that he is in some way responsible for Amy's disappearance.  As Nick tries to figure out how to stay out of the limelight, and how to keep the police and civilians off his back, he struggles to find out what actually happened to his wife.

Things to note: Interesting cinematography that keeps you interested, edgy soundtrack during the film that helps the plot feel more unsettled, outstanding performance by Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck definitely delivers a solid performance as well, story pacing is appropriate and doesn't reveal too much too soon, lots of plot twists and unpredictable shifts in the story.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Psychological murder mysteries like All Good Things, or Gothika

Film Filter: Off-  I had heard so much about this film and its expectations for me were very high.  Did this film meet them?  Read on to find out…

Film Filter: Off - The Gift

The Gift (2000)

Cate Blanchett, Katie Holmes, Keanu Reeves

Film Filter: On- Annie Wilson is a single mom whose clairvoyant readings help pay the bills.  When a young woman from the community goes missing and the police are at the end of their bread trail, they have no choice but to seek out Annie's unusual skill set.  Although they are skeptics, the authorities soon realize that Annie's extrasensory abilities pay off, but they must all soon decide how to proceed with caution, as her ability to sense impending circumstances appears to be incriminating.

Things to note: Good cinematography, very good casting, great characterization and believability, the movie feels realistic, star studded cast, good use of scare tactics

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Thrillers that question the protagonist's sanity, like Gothika

Film Filter: Off- This movie sat on my queued list for a while, so I was glad to finally get the opportunity to watch it on an unexpected day off…

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

New year, new format!

As I prep my next post for publishing, I just wanted to let y'all know that I am revamping my layout.

Instead of the…

Click here for Film Filter: Off

…link that appears below each synopsis that takes you to my in depth review (that I am still confined at least 25% of my viewers do not realize exists) I will be including it in the actual synopsis, or the "Film Filter: On" portion.

I will insert a page break, but because my Film Filter: Off posts usually contain spoiler alerts, I wanted to let you know to proceed with caution, if you are not at a point in which you would like to hear about film specs.

That is all, horror fans.  New review to follow.

Film Filter: Off - Se7en

Se7en R (1995)

Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey

Film Filter: On- A rookie detective and his well-seasoned partner are on a case to solve a series of murders pertaining to the seven deadly sins.  Once they discover the links in the first two murders, it is a race against time, sanity, and wits to discover who the murderer is before the seventh sin is completed.

Things to note: Excellent casting, intriguing story, good character development, good use of themes, story is a bit slow to start, captivating ending.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Psychological murder mysteries like Silence of the Lambs, 

or thematic murder stories like The Bone Collector

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Hey everyone, my name is Corri and I suck at maintaining this blog.

I've always been told that the first step to fixing a problem is admitting that you have one, hence the title of my post.

2014 was off to a great start…until March.  I can blame the hellacious task that was nearly singlehandedly running my musical with pitfalls and obstacles left and right, but to be perfectly frank, that's not a reason, it's an excuse.  To be really honest, I got into a rom-com, feel-good movie rut, and thereby sent my Netflix suggestions into a whole new realm of mushy, sappy, joyful cinematic bliss, and it was a tough transition back to the thriller/horror universe.

I also started managing my personal blog again, and found that posts there required less research, less time, and were easier to maintain.  Another excuse, but hey, at least I'm being honest.

So here's my ultimatum…as one of my resolutions, I'd like to attempt a monthly post on this blog, with a weekly post on my personal blog.  I'm not ready to throw in the towel on either yet, as I have spent a lot of time, and many years of effort on both.  So let's do this, 2015, and if the task proves too difficult I'll figure it out, I guess.

So without further adieu, I will be posting a review on the movie Seven today, but in the meantime, enjoy this horrifying preview of a movie that I will see in the near future, despite the pants-pooping that will likely ensue.

Happy New Fear, er- Year!

Film Filter: Off - The Awakening

The Awakening R (2011)


Rebecca Hall, Dominic West, Imelda Staunton

Film Filter: On- Florence Cathcart makes a living debunking ghost stories and haunted houses, which doesn't exactly make her popular with the spiritual community.  After being approached by the headmaster of a boarding school about an incident and immediately rejecting the offer, Florence has a change of heart and decides to investigate.  What she finds will cause her to re-think everything she has so easily dismissed about spirits, and remember what she has forgotten she knew about her past.

Things to note: Good cinematography, excellent cast, very detailed story, inconclusive ending, unique and interesting plot

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Historical ghost stories, like The Others or The Conjuring

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Film Filter: Off - Insidious Chapter 2

Insidious: Chapter 2 PG-13 (2013)

Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey

Film Filter: On- The continuation of the first installation of this series takes us to Josh and Renai Lambert right after the events ending the first film.  While Renai seems unsure what to think about the events that just transpired, Josh seems adamant to try to forget everything and move on, insisting that if Renai ignore the ghosts, they will in turn disappear.  When this strategy doesn't appear to work Renai must ask herself if the ghosts are indeed haunting the house, or her husband, yet the question remains: is her husband really who he claims to be?

Things to note: Same cast, forced dialogue at times, a few pop out moments, good story continuation and development, lots of new information regarding past characters, random ending, implausible scenarios

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Haunted house thrillers like The Haunting, Sinister, or the Conjuring

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Film Filter: Off - The Prophecy

The Prophecy R (1995)

Christopher Walken, Elias Koteas, Virginia Madsen

Film Filter: On- Two angels descend to Earth with very different agendas: one to find the darkest soul on Earth and use it in the angelic battle in Heaven, and the other to prevent that very scenario.  A former seminarian-turned-cop and a school teacher team up to figure out what's going on, and how to eliminate this multi-century divine battle, before they- and the rest of humanity- get caught in the crossfire.
Things to note: Solid cast, fictional historical re-telling, some irrational moments, interesting premise

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Angelic/Satanic thrillers like Constantine or The Ninth Gate

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Film Filter: Off - Sharknado

Sharknado TV-14 (2013)


Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, John Heard

Film Filter: On- When a hurricane off the coast of California gets severe, flooding in Los Angeles results in highly aggressive sharks swimming around the city wreaking havoc.  If that's not bad enough, several tornados emerge over the Pacific Ocean, threatening to dispense the rage-filled sharks onto dry land to cause mayhem.
Things to note: Illogical scenarios, terrible acting, huge gaps in story, incorrect information presented, really poor character development and interactions, many scene inconsistencies.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Highly illogical creature features, like Megashark vs. Crocosaurus, 

or shark thrillers like Open Water or Deep Blue Sea

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Film Filter: Off - Paranormal Activity 3

Paranormal Activity 3 R (2011)


Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown, Christopher Nicholas Smith

Film Filter: On- As a prequel to the prequel (?) this film showcases Katie and Krista as children.  Living with their mother and her boyfriend, Dennis, the two girls start experiencing strange occurrences with Krista's so-called "imaginary" friend, Toby.  After witnessing something inexplicable, Dennis resides to using his videographer skills to set up cameras in the house.  After several nights of documentation, the family has to face the choice of dealing with the situation head on, or trying to escape.  Will relocation alone rid them of their demons?
Things to note: Very slow paced, pretty similar to the first two films, answers some questions and fills in some holes left in the first two films, climactic moments resulting in anticlimactic action.

You'll like this movie if you enjoy:

Paranormal Activity, or Paranormal Activity 2, or 

Paranormal Activity 4, or Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.  

Or Paranormal Activity 6 because let's face it, it will happen.

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Film Filter: Off - The Ninth Gate

The Ninth Gate R (1999)



Johnny Depp, Frank Langella, Lena Olin

Film Filter: On- A man, Corso, who deals with rare books gets propositioned to travel to Europe in search of two duplicates one of his clients is after to authenticate.  As Corso gets deeper into the investigation of the rare Satanic book, he discovers that he is not the only one in search of the books and the knowledge that comes with them.  As people Corso encounters start dying, he and his ally must make a choice as to how deep they really want to get into this investigation.
Things to note: Decent cast, interesting story, long movie (over two hours), solid pacing that doesn't drag, unique ending, terrible fight scenes, really awful musical selections in scenes.

You'll like this film if you enjoy:

Devil worshipping thrillers, like End of Days, or The Prophecy

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Corri's Gory Awards: 2013

Hello again!

2013 was a pretty tough year for my blogging endeavors.  After taking a four month hiatus, and missing the month of September, I really didn't get as much done as I had hoped.  Let's hope that 2014 brings a much brighter future for Film Filter: Off.  Enjoy my sparse review of the anti-climactic 2013!

2013: In Review

Most fun movie to review: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
"Lastly, they took a well known story and innovated it brilliantly.  Perhaps there were nuances that were not preferred by some audiences, but it can't be denied that the strategy of taking a fairy tale classic and retelling it with the victims as badass heroes is a unique, and fun take to witness on-screen."

Least fun movie to review: Zodiac
 "Although there are elements that are present in the movie that appear to be of this genre [horror], it's really more of a murder-mystery/thriller.  For those that are looking for a scary movie, don't push play.  If you're looking for something thought provoking, it might be more up your alley."

Biggest surprise, for the better: House at the End of the Street
"In terms of the plot, I thought it was almost flawlessly executed.  The ability of the movie to portray Tyler and Carrie Anne as the antagonists, with Elissa and Ryan as the protagonists worked beautifully."

Biggest surprise, for the worse: World War Z
"Lastly, and most annoyingly so, this movie is about an 86% rip off of I Am Legend.  Now, before you jump down my throat by saying, "Well Corri, World War Z was a 2006 novel that came out before the movie AND before I Am Legend which wasn't released until 2007."  Yes, this is true, but I Am Legend was ALSO a book, and was written in 1954, so, boo yah. "

Goriest: Evil Dead
"One of the things this movie does well that separates itself from the pack is its ability to show the un-showable.  Some movies go there, but the vast majority leave you with the individual parts to piece together the grotesque moment ahead, and let your imagination fill in the gaps.  This film does not, it's pretty much all right there on the table for you to see.  The jury's still out on if it made the film better, but the movie certainly gets points for being ballsy."

Scariest: The Conjuring
"...I can't say I have screamed out loud in a theater so many times since The Woman In Black.  This film has some great uses with pop-out moments, that really scare the bejeezus out of you!  I had successfully shrieked, flailed, spilled, soda, and kicked the poor person in front of me by the time the movie had ended."

Most thought provoking: The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh
 "I feel like the staple of a quality movie is one that makes you think, and this one sometimes seems like it does nothing but that.  Taken to an extreme degree, which this movie may have done, this idea becomes a downer for movies trying to seem "too intellectual", but it is so refreshing to see something unique and different with films that one can almost overlook it.  Almost."

Worst all around: Red State
"I would be lying if I said that this was not a frustrating film to watch.  As previously mentioned, this movie breaks the standard formula, and as a result kills off some characters that shouldn't die, and prolongs the life of those that should."

Best all around: The Conjuring
"It never hurts to have a scary movie that is "based on a true story", and this one seems to be a bit more legit than the rest.  I would encourage anyone who has seen this film to visit Ed and Lorraine Warren's website to get some deeper information regarding some of the tales found in the film."

Again, my apologies for my lack of blogging last year.  Hopefully I can keep up in 2014!

Horrifically yours,

Corri

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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