Magnificent modern anthology horror film and probably the best Halloween-themed movie ever. My favorite horror movie of the year so far, it's a shame this one isn't getting more publicity (and sat on the shelves for two years while producers pondered what to do with it).
This one's got it all: brilliant direction, a great ensemble cast (Brian Cox, Anna Paquin, Dylan Baker, Leslie Bibb), inspired cinematography, a riveting, haunting soundtrack and superb storytelling. The intricately linked slice of life format that worked so well in movies like Pulp Fiction, works wonders here as well. First time writer-director Michael Dougherty is now on my watch list, proving himself more than capable of helming a fright flick. It's so refreshing to see a movie that harkens back to the '80s when horror films were fun and not mere vehicles for torture and gratuitous violence. Don't get me wrong, I like my gore, but a good story is far more important, and here we are treated to four that woven together like a fine tapestry.
Aside from a continuity error or two, my only complaint is that I wanted more. At a slight 82 minutes there's not much room for character development. Then again, the lack of information and back story regarding the characters contributes to the effectiveness of certain twists and shocking revelations. With originality to spare, this movie really captures the Halloween spirit, and I will probably indulge in an annual viewing each October 31 to come. Highly recommended!
Rated R for horror violence, some sexuality/nudity, and language. Genre: Horror/Comedy/Mystery/Thriller. 82 minutes. Available on DVD/Blu-ray on 10/06/2009. My score: 9/10
DRAG ME TO HELL:
Sam Raimi's triumphant return to the horror genre. This is a gross-out horror comedy that is original and consistently entertaining. Fans of Raimi's Evil Dead series will likely get a kick out of this. Alison Lohman plays a loan officer who becomes the victim of a supernatural curse when she evicts an old gypsy woman from her home. This curse quite literally makes her life a living hell, and she, along with her boyfriend (Justin Long), must find a way to liberate her from this strange affliction before it is too late.
Drag will keep you on the edge of your seat until the next surprise forces you off of it and into the air again. It's teeming with well-timed shocks and jolts and cringe-inducing moments that may cause a gag reflex in some. Great make-up FX and an eerie score add to the excitement. This movie is fun, pure and simple. It will make you jump, it will make you laugh and it might make you throw up in your mouth a little. Drag is an excellent companion piece to Raimi's Evil Dead series and a rollicking roller coaster ride of a film that should please both Raimi fans and average moviegoers.
Rated PG-13 for sequences of horror violence, terror, disturbing images and language. Genre: Horror/Comedy/Thriller. 99 minutes. Available on DVD/Blu-ray on 10/13/09. My score: 8.6/10
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY (2009):
One of the best horror movies of 2009 and my favorite "found footage" (a.k.a. shakey-cam) film to date. A couple gets a video camera and leaves it in their bedroom each night with the intention of recording any paranormal activity. If you can suspend disbelief and invest yourself in a world where demons are real then this is a must-see. If you're a hard-up too cool to be scared type then you should avoid this like swine flu, because you'll dismiss it as nonsense and ruin it for those that can curb their skepticism and enjoy a good scare.
The unknown actors do an excellent job fleshing out their characters and their relationship, and first time writer-director Oren Peli wisely lets us get to know and care for them before turning up the suspense. This one's a slow builder, but that is why is so effective. Tension mounts as swinging doors and strange noises downstairs make way for progressively creepier and more inexplicable occurrences.
Everyone has experienced things that go bump in the night: we've all woken up and had trouble dozing off again because our overactive imaginations suggested sinister explanations for unknown sounds. P.A. plays on just such fears and if you thrust yourself entirely into the world of this film it is truly terrifying. Technically brilliant, my only gripe is that I read descriptions of alternate endings online and believe that one was superior to the one selected for its international theatrical release.
Rated R for language. Genre: Horror/Mystery/Thriller. 86 minutes. Currently in theaters. My score: 8.4/10
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