Murdercise
– (2023) – A young woman with a violent temper kills people on a video shoot. Yet another outing that pretends it’s from the ’80s, but the digital look squashes the intended ambiance. The characters are obnoxious and wholly unlikable, but this does deliver some violence and nudity so not every effort is wasted.
Insidious: The Red Door
– (2023) – A father and his son contend with personal demons from afar and within the same realm. The story doesn’t do anything new from a family perspective, and there aren’t a lot of scenes of horror. The attempts at emotional bonding is appreciated, but there isn’t enough weight to any vapid character to make us care whether or not anyone lives or dies. Lastly, the comic relief just plain stinks.
Mahakaal
– (1994) – A burnt maniac with knives for fingers stalks people in their dreams. An absurd curiosity that features as many scenes of horror as it does musical numbers. Works best when shamelessly ripping off the Elm Street series, as everything else requires a boatload of patience, yet the visuals are strong enough to consider this a must watch for those who wish to see copyright laws completely infringed upon. Equally dark and obnoxious.
Playback
– (2012) – A high school student investigates a murder that has ties to a dark past of directorial mischief. After a tense and grueling opening scene, this leads way to a confusing mishmash of tired ideas, from bodily possession to containing secrets. Incredibly hard to follow as the editing is as choppy as the story structure, and features little that’s worth remembering. Pure slop.
Feeders 3: The Final Meal
– (2022) – During the filming of a movie about the alien invasion featured in Feeders, actual aliens arrive to kill anyone they can. A rather pathetic attempt to conclude a series best left in the past, as nothing provided sparks interest in the prior films nor this current one. Gets worse as it progresses, but not in a desired, fun way. It’s bad, but not bad enough.
your a-z guide to obscure & classic horror movies
– (2008) – The owner of an isolated motel explores a means of filming his guests screwing and/or dying. Has a few turns that are worth noting, but the overall stench is that of stale imagination. Distractingly unoriginal and too full of itself.
– (2008) – College students succumb to spirits that stem from the true history of their dorm. A good idea to exploit specific pasts through traumatic haunts, but none of the characters or their predicaments are worth dealing with. Wastes a strong premise through shallow details.
– (1987) – Mysterious murders are occurring at a camp for cheerleaders, but nobody enthusiastic seems to care. Has some nifty gore, but not nearly enough to rescue the lame comedy. Holds interest, but is too routine.
Wrong Turn 5: Bloodlines
– (2012) – A group of friends fall prey to mutants who have legendary ties to their small town’s murderous past. The violence is inventive and sometimes disturbing, but that’s all this has going for it. The logic, acting, and dialog are insultingly hideous.
Snowbeast
– (1977) – A yeti picks off skiers at a resort that’s gearing up for a celebration. Mind numbing in its dullness, and does little but rip off Jaws. The monster is barely seen, yet there’s a calm aura that makes the abundant drama almost worth sitting through… almost.
Shaun of the Dead
– (2004) – An average guy deals with the loss of his girlfriend in a world suddenly overrun with zombies. Moves at a breakneck speed while packing in humor and wit. Solid characters, bloodcurdling moments, and a genuinely touching ending make this one of the more unique horror experiences.
Angel Heart
– (1987) – A private detective leaves behind a trail of dead bodies on his way from a Poughkeepsie asylum to the voodoo depths of Louisiana. Engrossing from the start and steadily paced throughout, with great highlights in atmosphere and acting. The climax, however, borders on silly.
Drive Thru
– (2007) – A guy in a ridiculous clown costume kills teens who have ties to his disfigurement. Okay when straightforward, but pretty bad when dealing with the scattered workings of the killer. Has a distracting soundtrack, and most of the comedy fails, but it’s better than many bad slashers.
Play Dead
– (1983) – A woman with a vendetta against her family magically persuades a dog to kill them. Anything dealing with the drama is the pits, but the dog inclusions are so manically awful they’re hard not to appreciate. Bad, but entertaining for all the wrong reasons.