MaXXXine
– (2024) – An aspiring actress lands her first non-porno role while those closest to her are picked off by a serial killer. A slow and steady mystery that consistently involves despite featuring a beyond-selfish protagonist who does nothing but protect herself, which is seemingly the Hollywood way. Loses some steam once the killer is revealed, yet does have an ultra-violent climax. The lesser entry in the series, though it still manages to grip. (Kevin Bacon steals the show.)
In a Violent Nature
– (2024) – A maniac stalks a wooden terrain and kills anyone he comes across. Though relatively plot-free, this is an extremely unique slasher that focuses not on partying teens, but on the killer himself. The pace is slow, there’s little dialog, and a musical score doesn’t exist, but none of those things are a problem since they add a sense of realism many of these films lack. Hits the skids during an unimpressive final act, but getting there is often satisfying.
Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey II
– (2024) – Animals once abandoned by a human continue their destructive ways. There’s really not plot to speak of, as the only story relates to the occurrences of the first film, but I doubt anyone will show up for the narrative. Those coming for the violence certainly won’t be let down, as the murders deliver some truly heavy punches. Thin but brutal.
Cinderella’s Revenge
– (2024) – A girl who’s tormented by her family exacts revenge on them after they try to claim a prince from her. On one hand it’s nice to see a fairy tale take a turn toward violence, but there isn’t a whole lot of carnage and not much fun is had with the premise, aside from a godmother from the future. Not great, but it’s short and has a mean streak.
The Strangers: Chapter 1
– (2024) – A young couple with car trouble spend the night in a house where they’re harassed by three masked intruders. That about sums up the entire movie, as there’s virtually nothing else to this. Characters have no arcs, and the cat-and-mouse motif has been seen dozens of times before. An experience not unlike watching grass grow.
your a-z guide to obscure & classic horror movies
– (1995) – An aspiring priest rekindles an old friendship with a budding stripper who’s pursued by vampires. The drama between the leads isn’t half bad, but the undead nonsense ruins any meaningful progress. Packed with cliches, but has good moments.
– (2019) – Three dolls contained in an attic cause trouble for an incredibly small amount of people. There isn’t a whole lot of horror going on, which wouldn’t be so bad had the drama not been so stale yet taken to high degrees of seriousness. Has decent parts, but in all is prone to annoy, especially the dialog.
– (1987) – A group of friends vacate to a closed asylum that’s inhabited by punk girls and a skinless killer. Has a couple of gory moments worth noting, and some bikini-clad eye candy, but the story and production are miserable. A goofy dud that at least has some ’80s charm.
Wrong Turn 3: Left for Dead
– (2009) – Fugitives try to escape the woods where a deranged hillbilly is stalking them. The premise is little more than an excuse to have macho men posture at one another, which gets tiring in a hurry. Some of the kills are worthwhile, although most are CGI. Not a complete disaster, but comes close.
The Black Scorpion
– (1957) – A geologist attempts to save mankind from a giant scorpion. Not unlike the scores of other creature features of the era, from obvious storytelling to kid-friendly inclusions. The creature F/X are neat, but nothing else is close to remarkable.
Night of the Living Dead (1990)
– (1990) – The rising dead trap a group of strangers in a seemingly abandoned house. A carbon copy of the original, but with a few new twists that include a stronger heroine and gorier F/X. The characters still grate on nerves, and little things still take forever, but some horrific developments maintain interest straight to the iffy conclusion.
Zombie Nightmare
– (1986) – A guy who’s struck down by a car is resurrected to exact revenge on his assailants. Fails to generate much interest, mainly because the lead villain is killed only two-thirds in. The slow pace doesn’t help, but some of the stupidity is amusing.
Children of Camp Blood
– (2020) – People tormented by visions of a killer clown visit his domain to overcome their fears. Not unlike any other Camp Blood cheapie that’s only forgiven by a short length that limits the amount of paltry acting and pathetic gore. Does attempt a plot, thin as it may be, and moves relatively quickly.
The Children (1980)
– (1980) – When a bus passes through a mysterious mist, the kids inside gain the power to burn others. Too much time passes between the more engaging scenes, but what works is often creepy and somewhat surprising. The serious tone helps keep the killer tykes from seeming silly.