Blackout (2023)
– (2023) – An alcoholic artist struggles with the death of his father in a town corrupted by a real estate developer. Tries its best to create a small town atmosphere where everyone is aware of everyone else’s problems, but every scene between characters drags on for so long it’s easy to lose sight of their dilemmas. Yes, there’s a werewolf in this, but his scenes are so rare it’s often easy to forget you’re watching a horror movie.
Late Night with the Devil
– (2023) – A multitude of depraved incidents transpire during a talk show on Halloween night, from possession to hypnosis to hysteria. While the plot doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, the style and structure are so unique that this is often hard to look away from. The gore F/X are impressive, while the humor is equally up to task. Not the easiest to describe, but a cinch to enjoy.
Imaginary
– (2024) – A young girl develops the same imaginary friend her new step-mother once had, and follows the same improbable motions of coping with a fantastical world. Begins as a common, lackluster family drama before gradually becoming a common, lackluster horror story. Humiliates itself when trying to explore the lore of imaginary friends, while in-turn making fools of a cast made to recite banal dialog. Lacks suspense, logic, and emotional depth.
Dark Harvest (2023)
– (2023) – Every year, teenagers must prevent a pumpkin-like creature from dominating their town. The few moments dedicated to horror are creative, atmospheric, and graphic. The bulk that’s dedicated to character drama, however, is trivial and dull. The ultimate twist is pretty obvious, but stands as one of the few ambitious plot moments.
Shakespeare’s Shitstorm
– (2020) – A boat loaded with raunchy patrons is destroyed by whales, forcing everyone onto an island where their debauchery worsens. A maniacal mess that whizzes through scenes without ever giving the story a chance to breathe. There’s too much to take in all at once, yet not all is lost. The horror aspects are imaginative and Lloyd Kaufman steals the show whenever he’s on screen. The music, however, is hardly memorable.
your a-z guide to obscure & classic horror movies
– (1994) – A young man who’s mauled by a lion has his brain implanted into a mechanical dinosaur. As preposterous as the plot sounds, this actually sort of works because it knows exactly how stupid it is. Moves fast and blends eye-rolling comedy with some genuinely humorous moments. Sounds like a children’s movie, but is far more risque.
– (1990) – The high school swim team turns into zombies, making the night difficult for a band, the basketball team and two horror geeks. An unfocused mess that never makes sense or shows signs of purpose. Feels like Demons, but never rises to such an enjoyable level.
– (1998) – A murderer plays vicious games with the writer who threatens to turn him in. Seems to go out of its way to ignore logic, believability, and realism. Profoundly stupid, and barely entertaining as such.
Hunters
– (2016) – Several innocent people fall victim to killers who won’t shut up about their takes on life. A miserable experience that does nothing but showcase one scene of torture after another. Has no plot, but displays high levels of hatred toward humanity.
The Ghost and the Darkness
– (1996) – A bridge constructionist oversees the erection of a new passage in an African village that’s littered with lions. Attempts a Jaws-on-land motif, but the suspense fails, the jokes fall flat, and the characters are all stiff. Means well, but goes nowhere.
Night of the Seagulls
– (1976) – Knights with no eyes kill beached sacrifices, until a new teacher in town butts in. Not as atmosphere heavy as the previous three, but the blind dead are still creepy enough to unnerve. Unfortunately, the pace drags and not a lot of action occurs.
White Zombie
– (1932) – A couple travels to Haiti to become married, but an owner of undead slaves wants the woman for himself. Aside from expectedly lame dialog and unfortunate racism, this is a pretty creepy story that’s far ahead of its time. Dark, moody, and mostly effective.
Ghosthouse
– (1988) – A radio and computer “expert” investigates a distress call coming from a house where people died 20 years earlier. Some of the atmosphere is strong, and the rare occurrences of gore are highly commendable. The awkward acting and cheesy dialog, however, nearly ruin all positive achievements.
Dumpster Baby
– (2000) – A discarded newborn is passed around from one group of lowlifes to another. Aside from a phantom following the baby’s whereabouts, there isn’t enough going on to classify this as an actual story. Seems like an art school project from a confused mind.