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Black Cab (2024)
Moody Horror
It is a little jarring to see Nick Frost in such a chilling role. He was great in the cornetto trilogy and he funny, but here he is creepy and sinister.
The film does set a tense tone from the minute it starts and it is made even more tense by the bickering and low key anger between a young couple, Anne (Synnøve Karlsen) and Patrick (Luke Norris.) The climb into the back of the cab and that is when thing take a dark turn.
The cast here do an excellent job but this is really Frost's movie. As Ian the cab driver, he starts off chatty and jovial but there is an undercurrent that seeps out into something terrifying.
I love British horror, they are generally low burn and build tension and unease instead of going straight to the gore. This to me, is a strength and it makes the viewer uneasy which a good horror should do.
The movie isn't perfect as it does take a longer route than it needs to, but all up this is a worthy entry into horror.
Ganja & Hess (1973)
I Had To Watch This Twice
The first time I tried to watch it, I grew impatient and ended up turning it off. I remember thinking at the time that it was too pretentious and slow. I decided to give it another chance and I am actually glad that you did.
This is not your typical blaxplotation movie, this is not your typical vampire movie either. It's neither and it's both.
I am not even going to try and explain this, it's something that you have to experience on your own,
This is a movie that you will either love or hate. There is no in between here. This is a film that goes deep into subtext and symbolism. This is a film that digs deep.
While it is beautiful to watch and it is easy to see how well crafted it is, it can still be difficult to follow.
I will give extra kudos to the great soundtrack though. It is perfect for the mood and tone of the movie.
The Veil (2023)
Moody Horror
This is a neat horror/thriller movies that is well filmed and very well acted. Relying on the strengths of its two leads, Rebekah Kennedy and Sean O'Brian.
At first I was not entirely sure of what was happening, but when I finally realised, it was a brilliant twist and it all fell into place.
The atmosphere and mood of the film was perfect and I loved the low key tension of it all.
In a way, this is a redemption story as well of a story about regrets and wanting to make wrongs right, so to speak.
This is a movie that may not be for everyone, some might find it a trifle slow, but it is ultimately rewarding.
Killer Sofa (2019)
Surprised By How Good It Was
I have to be honest, I was not expecting much when I started watching this movie. I have a love for Australian and New Zealand horror and thriller movies. They are often well filmed with a great stories and good acting. Of course there are a few awful movies out there but most are usually watchable at least so I went into this with no real expectations and ended up having a great time.
Killer Sofa, which is actually a recliner is a goofy comedy horror but there are some really creepy moments in it. They way they were able to make the chair look sinister was clever and the effects were solid for a very low budget movie.
The acting was good, nothing special but the actors they their all.
This is not a perfect film, but it is not meant to be. It is pure bloody fun with some pretty scary moments.
Don't be over critical while watching this, just settle back and have fun.
La orgía nocturna de los vampiros (1973)
Interesting Horror Movie
This movie about vampires is a little more obscure than the more mainstream Hammer and Amicus, films. This is an interesting film with some memorable scenes. A huge man lopping off limbs at the behest of a vampire Countess, a dreary looking village that is deserted during the day but becomes lively at night. A bus filled with tourists that inadvertently end up at this village due to the sudden death of the bus driver.
The vampires start hacking and snacking and it becomes a very grim affair indeed.
It is a good movie with some great makeup effects and scary scenes, particularly with the children, The only weakness of the movie is the soundtrack. It is so painfully seventies and at times really clash with mood and vibe of the film. Other than that, it is worth watching as a bit of a time capsule of the seventies.
Transylvania Twist (1989)
Goofy Cheesy Fun
How could I forget about this movie? I rediscovered it completely by accident and I am glad I did.
This is considered the Airplane of horror movies and even though it is not as funny as Young Frankenstein, it is on par with Transylvania 6-5000.
The cast do a great job and it was a treat to see the late great Boris Karloff.
The biggest fun I had though was picking up all the horror culture references. There were so many and even though there are a few people who think it's lazy humour, but I loved it.
The humour is very broad but it does work because it is not trying to be anything else. The actors are clearly having fun and it does add to the overall tone of the movie.
This might not be for everyone, but it is fun and does have a charm of its own.
You'll Never Find Me (2023)
Brilliant Aussie Horror
This movie is absolutely brilliant, it is everything that an intelligent horror/thriller should be. Forget the endless Saw gorefests and the latest remake of an old horror movie, this is what we need. You'll Never Find Me is a dark and introspective physiological horror that takes place mostly in one setting with two main characters. There is a real cat and mouse feeling but who is the cat and who is the mouse?
The two leads, Brendan Rock and Jordan Cowan are wonderful, they carry this movie and that is a big task. The glances, the inflections in their voices. They are able to sell the uncertainty and growing suspicion growing between them. The storm raging outside gives the movie an even more claustrophobic feel, at times the cracking and groaning sounds like an old ship at sea. This is what makes the movie feel as though they are both trapped and un-moored from the rest of the world.
This is a film with nuance and it does not spoon feed its audience you have to pay attention. The hints are all there for people to pick up and pick through.
U have always said that Aussie for horror right and this movie proves it. It does not rely on shoddy jump scares or torture porn, this is storytelling at its best and not done on a huge budget.
This is a visual treat with deep and intelligent dialogue delivered with a natural ease that really sells it. The ending is the kicker though that will stay with you for a long time.
Death Cruise (1974)
Fun Made For TV Thriller
This is a fun made for TV thriller that has a definite 70s charm to it. With a cast that includes Richard Long, Tom Bosley, Kate Jackson and Michael Constantine, you know that this is going to be an entertaining cruise.
Three married couples win a trip on a cruise ship and then begin to get bumped off. The ship's doctor quickly works out that there is a nefarious plot that a faked competition to lure the hapless couples on board. There are a couple of red herrings that were pretty effective and to be honest, I did not see the ending twist coming.
The acting is pretty good and the setting, on board a luxury cruise ship was pretty enough.
One thing I did like, was the Captain and crew did not act like idiots. As soon as the doctor realises that the deaths were murder, the Captain agrees and does everything to keep the remaining couples safe.
This is a fun movie that brings the nostalgia and tells a pretty good story.
Mr. Crocket (2024)
Pure 90s Nostalgia Fun
I have a soft spot for 70s, 80 and 90s horror movie and series. I find these more entertaining and fun than a lot of modern movies and shows. Mr Crockett really brings a 90s vibe that really sells the movie for me. The movie manages to build a sinister atmosphere while also adding a goofy humour that quickly becomes very dark. The acting here is great with some terrific scenes but it is the manic antics of Mr Crockett played by Elvis Nolasco which really carries the movie.
A children's TV host who has died and now can come through the television via a VHS tape is a great, if not exactly new idea. The way the host and the puppets just stop and stare into the TV screen is creepy but I wished the puppets looked scarier.
This is an fun film with a bit of a twist at the end that I wasn't expecting. I hope Hulu make more movies like this.
Torture Garden (1967)
A Horror Classic
This sports a stellar cast and with great stories all written by Robert Bloch. The stories are entertaining and the wraparound story binds them all neatly together.
The acting is first rate with stars like Burgess Meredith, Jack Palance and Peter Cushing. KIt was also supposed to start Christopher Lee but sadly that did not happen. This is one of my favourites and the story with the piano was the one that remained in my memory as being so creepy.
This is a great classic horror movie and one of the better Amicus films. This is a movie that is perfect for Halloween as it does have a wonderfully eerie atmosphere. This is one for lovers of classic British horror.
Cinemaphobia (2009)
Aussie Horror That Has Some Originality
Strangely enough I had not heard of this horror movie. I try to keep up with horror and thrillers from Australia, being Aussie myself. This one must have slipped by me which is a shame as this is not to bad.
It is easy to see that it was done on a limited budget, but all the actors give it their all.
All the characters are very Aussie in their approach, it is nice to see them not try to act like they are in a Hollywood movie.
The story is an interesting one, a couple of budding filmmakers try to make a movie in a cinema while a horror-a-thon is showing.
While it is not a perfect film like Next Of Kin or Relic it is still fun to watch.
The kills are solid enough and the music and camera work were competent which made the movie easy to watch and follow.
My only gripe is that some of the characters feel a tad cliched and could have been written with a little more depth. Other than that, it sets out to deliver what it promises, a neat little slasher.
Un delitto poco comune (1987)
Interesting Giallo
This has a very interesting and somewhat unique premise, a young man who suffers from a rare disease which makes him age rapidly.
This makes him mentally unstable and he goes on a killing spree while taunting the police.
This movie has a first rate cast and a competent script, but it stays firmly within the Giallo lines of stalk and kill which limits the stay somewhat.
Michael York and Donald Pleasence.are great and it is a treat to see them in a film together, Mapi Galan and Edwidge Fenech are fine here as the love interests. This is one of the better Giallo films of the 80s and there are some great scenes. The only issue I have here is the aging makeup used to age York, it looked a little fake, but he still managed to see it through his acting.
This is one for fans of Giallo movies.
The Wolf of Snow Hollow (2020)
Interesting Werewolf Movie
While I did enjoy it, I found the majority of the characters irritating and unlikable, I suppose they were not meant to be likable but it sort of put me off a bit. That is a small gripe though as the movie does have an interesting premise and a nice little twist, The acting was good and the movie was able to build up an atmosphere filled with tension as the bodies piled up.
The movie did have a nice payoff at the end and things were tied up quite nicely, but it also reminds me of other far better werewolf movies out there like An American Werewolf In London and The Wolfman. Also the Australian series, Wolf Like Me.
This was enjoyable and I did like that the film showed the main character's struggles with everything and everyone around him.
This isn't a perfect film but it is an entertaining one.
Nachts, wenn Dracula erwacht (1970)
Flawed But Faithful Adaptation
I have given this a high rating for a couple of reasons. First of all, this is one of the better and more faithful adaptations of Stoker's novel, which I have read.
Second, the acting in this movie is flawless with a stellar cast. Lee, Kinski and Lom were perfect in their roles. Lee bringing a wonderful gravitas and dignity to the Count.
Lom was perfect as Van Helsing and I honestly found Kinski's performance as Renfield to be almost hypnotic.
On a side note, this is the first film I had actually seen Klaus Kinsky in and I have had a love of his acting ever since even though he was notoriously difficult to work with. He always put in a brilliant performance.
Even though this film is not perfect and does stray from the original story, it makes the effort to capture its essence and shows a side to Dracula rarely seen, especially in his soliloquy to Harker about his family's history.
If you love vampire movies, this is one for you.
The House of Seven Corpses (1974)
One Of The Better 70s Horror Movies
I grew up watching these movies and some have aged better than others. This is one of my favourites probably because this is one of the first horror movies that I watched as a child. The movie is heavy on atmosphere, it relies more on mood than gore. The acting is solid and all the actors make their characters interesting. John Carradine always brings class to anything he is in and he is a definite bonus here,
The story, a movie being filmed in an old house where several deaths took place is an interesting one and it did pay off in the end even if the ending got a little muddled. David falling into an open grave and climbing out a corpse. There had been nothing earlier to indicate that there was something off about him so that part to me did not really make sense. That is just a small personal gripe though.
This is a movie that gives you what you paid for, an entertaining watch if you are happy to overlook its few flaws.
The Funhouse (1981)
Neat Little Horror Movie
The Fun house is one of my favourite 80s horror movies. The monster is pretty original and it does have many memorable scenes. The acting is better than most of these kinds of movies and the setting, a carnival makes for a creepy setting.
This is not your typical stalk and slash movie but it more a horror/monster movie.
Some teen decide to stay overnight in a carnival for a laugh, only they witness a murder and then find themselves being hunted by a hideously deformed man.
I did read the novel that was based on the film which did go deeper into the background of the various characters. It gave the story a little more depth.
There are some great kills and really scary scenes and the action never lags which helps keep the pace of the movie up.
This is an interesting 80s horror that is worth watching, especially if you like creepy carnivals.
The People's Joker (2022)
Wow, Just Wow
To be honest I didn't even know this movie existed. I found out when a YouTuber mentioned the movie. I had to go really looking for it and I am so glad I did.
Indie movies can be hit and miss, especially the low budget ones. This is a definite hit and on so many levels. Another movie that had a similar aesthetic was, I Saw The TV Glow.
This is not just a poignant story about a trans comedian but a romp through the DC universe. I have been reading comics for decades and it was fun to see all the nods to the DC universe.
But it is the story itself that was brilliant. The troubled relationship between a trans woman and her mother. There was a real heartfelt scene between them that really hit home that had a deep insight into her mother's emotional state.
It also showed a toxic relationship that highlighted that not every romance has a happy ending. That was something I actually found refreshing.
The movies style, live action and animation worked well and added a sense of chaotic fun while still effectively telling its story.
The acting was great and the characters were interesting and had me invested all the way to the end.
This may not be to everyone's taste but I am glad I watched it.
Island of the Dead (2000)
Not That Bad Not That Geat Either
I do like Malcolm McDowell and he is probably the best thing in this movie. I will say the movie did have a good start with some creepy atmosphere but it can't seem to keep the momentum up.
McDowell plays a wealthy man who buys an island to house un-homed and people who are poor, but his motives are less than pure.
A police detective is investigating a girl's disappearance on the island as well plus some prisoners who are working on the island as well.
The film starts off strongly and the island that had once been a hospital and mental facility and is now deserted is a suitably creepy setting. The payoff, killer insects , just did not seem to work. If they had stuck to a more supernatural themes, it may have had a stronger and more interesting story.
I do not mind killer insects, X Files had a great episode with flesh eating insects but here , the story kind of staggered a bit.
It is not terrible, but it is not particularly memorable either.
Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)
A True Classic
I loved this series, both the movie and TV. I have been a diehard fan of the Apes since I was a kid.
The sequel to Planet Of The Apes does the first movie justice and even though we don't get much of Taylor, Brent is as good a character and carries the movie well.
It continues from the first film with Brent having to deal with the apes being in charge and humans reduced to animals, being hunted and used for gun fodder and experimentation.
The first half of the movie serves to set up the rest, but things do get interesting when the underground mutant dwellers are discovered.
The one thing I remembered was the eerie discordant hymns that were sung and they are still creepy even now. The actors all do a great job here and the action is just as good as was in the first movie.
I always have a fun time watching these classics again and again as I am sure many people do.
La rose de fer (1973)
Gorgeous Looking Movie
I wanted to title this, The Blair Witch In The Graveyard but thought that it might be a little misleading.
This is actually a psychological horror that slowly builds up into a shocking finale. It is not an easy film to pin down, much like Let's Scare Jessica To Death and The Addiction. The horror is on a muted scale that is still just as hard hitting but in a more subtle way.
I can see where some people would find it slow and a little hard to follow, but it is a film that needs full attention,
A young man and woman meet at a wedding and decide to go on a date, So far, so good, Then they stop at a cemetery and that is where it all starts to unravel.
The two leads do well with the minimalist script. It is mostly him on the verge of panic as they are lost in the cemetery and her mental state fracturing.
This is a beautiful looking movie and the setting, while dreary is also stunning.
It is a shame that there are not more movies like out there.
Viy (1967)
Atmospheric Russian Folktale Horror
I am giving this a couple of extra stars simply for doing such a great effects job on what would not have been a very big budget.
You can see the imagination and effort that went into this. The story is a simple one, a young seminary student encounters an old woman who as it turns out, is a witch. He beats her with a stick and as she dies she reverts into a pretty young woman. The young man is summed by her father to sit vigil over three nights for her and that is where the movie really ramps up.
The scenes in the church are really well done and entertaining. The creatures are quite scary and the acting is actually good for the kind of film it is.
Is it a perfect movie? It does have its issues. The start is a little slow and it ends rather abruptly with the scene switching to a couple of workers rather than the aftermath of the events in the church.
But this is the little movie that could, the settings are creepy and atmospheric with a building sense of dread. But there is quite a bit of humour in there as well/
This is a rare classic that really does deserve to be seen.
The Mean One (2022)
A Bloody Good Time
I have watched both Pooh Blood And Honey and The Banana Splits horror movies and I am amazed that I did not know that The Mean One even existed.
This is a fun movie for people who loves these kinds of movies. The acting is good which is nice for a change and extra points to the films narrator. Anyone who knows the famous story about The Grinch will appreciate the effort that the creators of the film made to stay true to the spirit of the original even though this Grinch is on a killing spree.
This is a fun popcorn slasher that is perfect for the Christmas season. Maybe just don't put it on for the kids.
Kronos (1957)
Thoughtful Scifi
I love me some 50s science fiction, the cheesier the better. Of course there are some real classics like The Day The Earth Stood Still and The Incredible Shrinking Man. Kronos is actually up there with them. The movie touches on themes of mass consumption and finite resources, something that was not really addressed until later in movies.
The histrionics are thankfully kept to a minimum and even though women were still woefully represented, the movie was a step in the right direction.
The film is a lot more thoughtful then many of the time that were made more for popcorn fare than anything serious. It is a shame that this movie isn't as well known as it should, it does deserve to be seen,
The Whisperer in Darkness (2011)
Lovecraft Done Right
I found this on Tubi and to be honest, I did not have high hopes as low budget movies tend to be rather poorly done. This however was a pleasant surprise. The movie was shot in black and white and done in a 1940s style that suited it perfectly. It had the look and feel of an old Universal horror movie and have the movie a lovely vintage aesthetic.
The acting and scripting were both spot on, the actors all doing an excellent job. While it is clear that this film did not have a huge budget, it seemed to work in its favour rather than against it.
The Whisperer In The Darkness is one of H. P Lovecraft's better stories and this movie really does it justice.
The story is reasonably true to the source and they make the effort to make it feel like a cosmic horror.
I won't go into the details of the plot as it is better to just watch it, even if you are not a fan of Lovecraft. You will be well rewarded.
Videodrome (1983)
Cronenberg Classic
This a bleak movie that really shows the almost symbiotic relationship humans have with media, in this case, television. This was kind of like Black Mirror but in the eighties and with a lot more surreal imagery. For 1983, this was considered pretty shocking, and to be honest, it still holds up today.
The cast is excellent, James Woods, Debbie Harry. This is a movie where they are both at the top of their acting. The special effects are amazing and still beats shonky ai effects hands down. The story is a little hard to follow at times, but this is not a movie that spoon feeds its audience. Instead it immerses you into a world of violence and freaky images that ramps the creep factor up to eleven.
This is Cronenberg at his best and this is a movie that should be seen at least once. It will be sure to stay in your memory log after you have seen it.