Amityville Ripper
– (2023) – A knife from the Amityville house lures Jack the Ripper to a rural party. The only saving grace to this fiasco is that everyone on and off screen is in on the joke that they’re making a bad movie. While this comedic attempt doesn’t entirely work, breaking the fourth wall is about as creative as these cruddy movies can get.
Mind Twister
– (1993) – Two women attempt to solve the mystery of a murderous psychiatrist. Doesn’t have a lot of bloodshed to hold attention, but the plethora of sleaze makes up for as much. This is certainly easy on the eyes, but the dialog is quite painful to the ears. Won’t win points for intelligence, but is somewhat pleasing nonetheless.
Don’t Look in the Basement 2
– (2015) – Doctors at an infamous mental facility deal with patients and their visions of a dark past. On the positive side, the is relatively well-made and the acting isn’t terrible. As for the rest? This is a blood and suspense free slog of one dragging scene after another. What it lacks in horror it makes up for with characters endlessly yelling at one another.
Things II
– (1998) – An author tells an aspiring writer two stories about a creature involved in a robbery and a creature involved in the disappearance of a model. A zero budget outing that will never win points for drama, but some of the acting is above average while the scant plots move quickly. Could have used more gore, but that would only have added to an already bleak budget.
Poor Things
– (2023) – A woman with a child’s brain tries to come to terms with her own body before coming to terms with the world at large. A humorous and well-written fantasy about rare second chances at life and how mankind always veers toward personal domination. The atmosphere is as unique as the plot, and never feels artsy on purpose. Instead, this is a superior looking film to coincide with superior human performances.
your a-z guide to obscure & classic horror movies
– (1990) – A Vietnam vet is forced to uncover the secrets of a mind bending drug after demons start appearing in his life. Has an intriguing story that’s too shaky and grim to build emotion, but enough oddities hold attention throughout. A little creepy, a little sad, and a little involving, but a little certainly isn’t enough.
Big Driver
– (2014) – An author on a reading tour is raped by a hillbilly and unravels while attempting her next vengeful step. Lacks conviction right out of the gate thanks to phony characters and advancements that try too hard to shock. Wants to entertain through psychological means, but everything’s been seen before.
Rise of the Animals
– (2011) – A group of friends try to survive an onslaught of murderous woodland creatures. The true horror comes from the story and characters, while the terror expectations are hilariously awful. The F/X are deplorable enough to salvage what would have been a bore.
Humans vs. Zombies
– (2011) – A group of college students come to terms with each other as well as a zombie outbreak. Has a few mildly fun get-to-know-you character moments, and an above average attempt to freshen a beaten genre. Commonness gets in the way of any festivities, but the lightheartedness does work.
Tales from the Crypt Presents Ritual
– (2001) – A doctor who travels to Jamaica to care for a zombie discovers voodoo. Doesn’t have much of a plot, and the horror is lacking, but it’s full of fun characters and scenarios. Gets slower as it nears the end, but always provides enjoyment.
Tales from the Hood 3
– (2020) – Anthology of four stories (amid a brief wraparound) that focus on burn victims, white supremacy, diva swapping, and sneakers that induce diarrhea. While none of the stories can be considered profound, none are particularly worthless either. An okay outing that has brushes with humor and some decent-enough horror.
Flesh Eaters from Outer Space
– (1989) – A woman has visions of an alien rampage while the government aims to control the situation. An unattractive and flimsy production that covers too-familiar ground, but is rich in 80’s atmosphere. Dumb as a stick, but often bloody and somewhat fun.