Asia Extreme

Some of the best films being made have come out of Asia. They are able to tell a ghost story in such a way, that it was reminiscent of classic films. For me I think it as to be the cultural influence. Some cultures having such a strong connection to the afterlife and understanding that maybe something can linger on a land. When you want something outside the box, and do not mind reading these are some films you should check out. Just a few of my favorites.

1. Old Boy -Korea
This films focuses on this man, being kidnapped and held captive for 15yrs, only to be released and asked to figure who and why he was taken.

There are so many different parts of this film that blew my mind. I can't say t much because, it would be spoiler heavy. Lets just say this is worth a watch. It is part of a trilogy of vengeance.

2. A Tale of Two Sisters-Korea

This movie is about a family struggling to deal with deaths within the family.

The story is really quite beautiful and you become very drawn in. It is a mystery wrapped up with paranormal events.

3. I Saw the Devil-Korea

A secret agent in Seoul young fiancé is killed by a serial killer. He exacts revenge. He captures the man, releases him and does it again. Inflicting as much pain on as he can till he decides to finish him off.

The killer is actually the main character from Old Boy.

4. Ju-On-Japan

This is a ghost story about a curse that has taken control of a house. Anyone who enters the house is now infected.

There is an American movie The Grudge, which I happened to enjoy, but this one is just truly creepy.

5. Ichi the Killer-Japan

This movie is a hard one to describe. You have a crazed yakuza enforcer, searching for his boss. He is also obsessed with pain. He comes across Ichi and realizes this guy might be able to give him the pain he wants.

 If you like blood and just chaos then this is a film you need to see.

6. Audition-Japan

A sleazy television producer/ widower sets up, with the help of a friend, an audition for him to meet a woman. The woman he meets might not be as sweet as he hopes.

Reasons why you should not abuse your position and host a fake audition. You might not be the only one with an agenda. This is a film I searched for when I first got into Asian horror. Did not disappoint at all.

7. Shutter-Thailand

 A young photographer and his girlfriend, get into an accident on a country road, one night. They soon discover shortly after returning to Bangkok, strange things in their photos. 

There is an American remake, and surprisingly it is good, usually they don't transfer as well.

8. Dumplings-China (Hong Kong)

An older actress obsessed, with staying young a prominent, hears of women in town, who has the secret to the fountain of youth. It's all in the dumplings.

This is great, because it captures a fear many people have. What would you do to hold on to your beauty?

These are my top 8 films and all have something different to offer. Enjoy

Thrill Seekers

Sometimes we want to go out and do something exciting; who doesn't it always seems so fun. sadly for some of us it doesn't end up well. Unlike these poor souls in these films, most of use just deal with wet socks, bugs and all around uncomfortableness.

Chernobyl Diaries

Who doesn't want to go to a forgotten nuclear plant in the old USSR? Sounds like an amazing time, and will probably be thought provoking. Right.....

Well these kids of course they are American, find parts of a forgotten world that most would like to forget. I will say this there are some jumps and it was much more entertaining than I thought. Always be cautious when going to eastern Europe....... morality of the story.  

 The Descent

 

 I always enjoy a great chick movie, but not that sappy shit, unless its called for ( who doesn't love Steal Magnolias). But when you can have a bunch of bad ass women; then mix in some secrets and scandal..... it's a fucking winner!!!

This movie is a lot of fun. You have some girlfriends who all go climbing or as they say spelunking into caves. They get lost, drama ensues, and the dark isn't helpful. You never know what is around the corner.

Honorable mention: There is a number 2, but please refrain from watching the trailer till you watch the first.

Natural Born Killers

The alternative Romeo & Juliet.. this story is deep dark and lovely. What is not to love. Yea the parents had to go ( let's be honest Dangerfield was a perv!!).

Just like any teen love affair there is no room for adults, and anyone who gets in their way, is just waiting to die!!  Lets not forget Creepy Robert Downey ( he deserved it). Yes Oliver Stone does do some good work; that's not conspiracy heavy.

Here's a taste to wet that palate.

3 For 1 Deal, Special on Clowns

Coulrophobia: The fear of Clowns

Since I was sick the last two days, I had not been able to post. So consider yourself lucky. We have a special on clowns. I happen to hate clowns with a passion. And for some reason, around this time of year people take it to far. There are actually people running around in costume, scaring whoever they can. Let's just say, I would freak if I bumped into one of these weirdos on the T.

If you are going to start with clowns, there is truly only one way to go. This movie did such a number on me as a kid. It is kind of funny now looking back at it. I admit at times they still creep me out.

Agh the 80's, what a decade filled with cinematic masterpiece's. Killer Clowns from Outer Space, crashed landed on us in 1988. While clowns has always been a concern, and a good way to freak out kids. Aliens clowns, not the biggest budget, questionable acting are what make this movie entertaining. It is definitely a film you go into watching, not expecting an Oscar level screenplay (but hey sometimes, those suck).

The premise is easy, Alien clowns crashed land on Earth, and terrorize a small town.

Clowns didn't just haunt the 80's, they are a cinematic treasure, that crosses decades. So when new clown films come out, I get excited. I know it sounds a little masochistic, but isn't that why we all tune in?????

Eli Roth being the horror lover that he is, obviously feels the same, about the masked creeps. He produced the 2014 film Clown. The movie is directed and written by, Jon Watts, and written by Christopher Ford.

This also has a easy premise, a father finds a clown suit in the attic, puts it on after the clown cancels for his son's birthday party. First off I couldn't believe that kid's still want to have clown parties. while the plot may seem easy, it is how everything plays out that makes this movie fun.

Of course there was only, one film that could be saved for last. This film is what gave most now adults, fears in their childhood. What's crazy is that this was a television movie; back when they were on more than just Lifetime.This film also let us know that forever, Tim Curry will be the man!!!

Now this movie, starts out as just a truly creepy clown flick. Kids start to go missing and are found savagely, killed. A group of misfit's attempt to fight the clown. Once when they are kids growing up, in small town Maine. Then again 30yrs later, as adults. Hoping this time, they put him down forever.

 It was a television movie, so it played over two nights. It started out really strong.Then Stephen King runs into a problem, I would say happens a lot; the ending. Just to be safe I won't spoil it, but  all of you that have seen it, know what I mean.

For Your Information:

This movie is in the process of being remade, it comes out 2017. It will be interesting to see how this ends up. I'm sure it won't be as good as Tim Curry's Pennywise "the clown". The production quality on the other hand should be great.

Tom Cruise's tiptoe into Horror

Good Afternoon my friends! For my second choice I thought I would give you a little, creature feature. While vampires aren't full on creature's.... they damn sure aren't people. But that is why we love them. They have an amazing ability to seduce their victims, make people want to be them, and look amazing for all eternity. All garlic aside of course.

Yes the movie I have been alluding too is Interview with the Vampire (1994). By far one of my favorite Tom Cruise films. Dear Lestat, wasn't the lead but he definitely stole the show. The film focuses around Brad Pitts character Louis. We see his transformation and even his trouble with killing ( succumbing to eating rats.... low brow vampire.)

Poor Louie looses it all. The plague has ravaged Europe, leaving him alone. His whole family dies. It is at their graves that, he runs into Lestat. Then he is offered a deal he can't refuse.

We also get to meet a young Kirsten Dunst, she plays Claudia. Claudia is also sick with the black death. Louie finds her and decides he will save her from her fate. Maybe it is his need to be a father again. But is  being immortal  (a child forever) a gift or a curse?

What other 90's film would be complete with out the heartthrob of the decade.... Christian Slater. He plays, a reporter who, happens to be taking Louie story. Of course he does not believe that there is a thing as vampires. He will definitely be in for a surprise.

Feast on this little nibble of a feature.

31 days of Horror......

The season is upon us my friends, where all things goolish, come out and play. the most exciting time of year. it is when you can make your friends/loved ones watched the most horrific movies; All in the name of Halloween. I like to pull out some of the most depraved things I have ever seen lol.... but I would not recommend that idea, for a Netflix and chill night.

Into The Further We Go

I would like to start the list out with one of my all time favorites. since Halloween takes us into the darkness and furthest reaches of a sick mind..... Insidious (2010)made the most sense.

This movie has a bit of everything. You have an amazing cast (you actually care about the family). The story-line is thought-out from beginning to end. When you are stressed and freaked out they even add in some humor ( all smart horror masters due).

You have a family that moves into a new home in California. After moving in one of their sons goes to sleep and never wakes up. The mother starts to believe the house is haunted, of course the dad doesn't (typical). Only issue is, it's not the house that is haunted....... IT IS THEIR SON!!!

But what truly makes this film great is the depiction of the demon and the further. the understand that setting can be a character in a film. Sometimes a truly vital character.

But for me it all boils down to that creepy Bitch? in a dress ( if you've seen it you now what I mean).
The ending makes it special. I hope you enjoy this haunted house pleasure.

I'll be back with a new film all this month.....Enjoy!!!

Horror for the small screen

I love when I can find a great horror show on television. The only problem is that they are few and far between but when they are done right it gives me life. I've comprised a list of a few of my favorites that have been on television over the years.

Hannibal was the most amazing show to come from the mind of Bryan Fuller. Being a fan of the books and films his interpretation changed my out look on the story. His use of cinematography was just as important as his script. I mean the show has scully!!

The actor he chose to play Hannibal was fantastic. Mads Mikkelsen was born to play the role. While many praised Anthony Hopkins after seeing Mads in the role there is no comparison. First off his accent and background are more on par with the character. He also carries himself with a sense of class and sophistication, the way it should be played. And his clothes were just amazing, my brother looks for ways to to capture his style.No offense but Hopkins was over the top.

This is one show that I hope they are able to make a film or gets picked up so we can see where exactly Fuller was going to take the story.

 I was sad to see it go. RIP Hannibal 2013-2015 still alive in reruns on Amazon

Enjoy a taste

              OutCast by Cinemax

This was a new show that came out over the summer. It comes from the same creator that wrote the Walking Dead. While I may not read to many graphic novels this guy has me rethinking that. Robert Kirkman is a genius. He has the ability to bring this story to life from the pages to the screen.

This show tells the story of a small West Virginia town that has an unusual problem. They have been plagued by demons, resulting in an alarming amount of exorcisums. 

The protagonist has a special ability and teams up with a preacher to figure out what exactly is going on. Won't say more because it would be a spoiler.

This next choice is one I feel like has to be on the list. While I will say I was late to joining the craze but since I have I am enjoying the ride.

  
                                         

This is exactly what a true horror loves. It has gore, awesome killings and Zombies!! The beauty of it thouhg there is a great cast and one hell of  a script. The world ends and will people act reasonible or will society collapse. I have always believed in the latter.

 My question to you is who got to meet lucille up close and personal? AMC this fall

                     RIP 2014-2016

This was another short lived show but it was stunning. I loved how dark and gloomy it was it added a much needed atmosphere to truly capture the characters struggle.

The whole show is about one womans fight for her eternal soul. Vanessa Ives played beautifully by  Eva Green takes her character to the deepest darkest reaches of her soul.

On her journey she makes friends and everyone on the cast has something special to offer her in her lifelong battle. I mean you have a James Bond Timothy Dalton and the return of Josh Hartnett. It's a well rounded cast that take on fighting different types of evil.

Now this show ended ubrubtly over the summer, it was a suprise to all the fans. The writers said her story was done so there was no need for the show to go on but I would say it was probably the lack luster ratings.
You can find it on Netlix if you do not have Showtime.

                     my favorite is #9

No list would be complete without the best show of all time. While it might not be "horror" to some it truly is. It deals with aliens, serial killers, demons, inbreds, government cover ups and the list goes on. This show had some of the darkset episodes on a network television channel.

It was also able to show us some of the funniest episodes that a drama has ever done. It was so well thought out from beggining to end. I mean they were able to create a movie that was just a really long episode between two extremely complicated season. Agh the 90's had some good tv.

I was happy when the show came back if only for a short season over the spring but the way it ended seems like this won't be the last time we see the show. See you soon Mulder and Scully the FBI's least wanted.

All these shows offer something for everyone check them out and let me know which one is your favorite!

Summer Fun

Summertime is almost over, but beofre it ends once Labor Day rears its ugly head, the kids are back from camp and ready to go back to school. Lets look at some classic summer trips that just make me want to swim with great whites, camp with maniacs or their mother.

1. Sleepaway Camp: Young Angela and her cousin Ricky get shipped off to Camp Arawak for the summer by Ricky's creepy mom. I don't think she'll be winning mother of the year anytime soon. Her look just adds to the awesomeness of the movie.

It has to be hands down one of my favorite movies. Yes it is filled with that cheesy 80's trope but the ENDING!!!!! It is now a cult classic due to that suprose is the last act. I remember the first time I saw it. I was with my friend Kristen doing our typical Video Thunder rental for the weekend ( we chose by vhs cover) and we came across this little gem and thought why not.

Well that moment changed our lives. Litterally if you've seen the ending then you know. Like most young kids we just kept replaying it.

2.Jason: This time young counselors are going to set up for the kids when they start getting picked off one by one. Another creepy mom in this one must of been a trend in the 80's.

This was great when I first saw it. I've seen them all but once he gets to space it was a bit much for me. This one also has a pretty cool ending for those that have never seen it but seriously how could you know have seen it.

3. Piranha 2010: A massive earthquake unleashes preastoric flesh eating creatures that casue more damage on Spring Break than college kids ever could.

I chose this version and not the original becuase selfishly I have actually been to spring break where this was filmed. Beautiful Lake Havasu, Arizona. rittled with kids and I could just image the damage these little creatures would do.

4. Cabin Fever 2002: More kids learning that when you go camping don't be rude to the locals because it just never ends up good.... Pancakes lol

This movie stuck with me for the sheer level of ugh but not gore I usually love and think is cool. Eli Roth  loves to make movies that are as gorey as possible in his vision. I'm still on the fence about him but this is fun.

5. Jaws: The tale of one of my favorite creatures. This film is beautifully shot, acted and plot driven. I mean come on that monologue on the boat.

This was a must on the list especially with all the great white sightings off the coast of Massachusetts this year.

Notable mention: Cannibal Holocaust for all those do gooders who take trips during the summer to help the natives. Hope the food is good.


Enjoy the water come Labor Day.