Scream Bloody Entertainment

So far, 2013 has been a hit and miss year in regards to horror films.  While many are looking forward to upcoming films such as World War Z or I, Frankenstein, we’ve decided to take a look at some of the best horror films of the first half of 2013.

Mama

Anytime that a storyline in a horror movie revolves around cute little kids, chances are it is going to be a scarefest. Mama is a tale about two little girls who were left alone in the forest for five years and somehow managed to survive. Now their aunt and uncle are charged with caring for them but soon we discover that the girls may not have been alone that whole time after all. Their former companion has followed them to their new home and is not happy they were taken from her.

Evil Dead

This is a remake of the 1981 classic and this time around the movie focuses more on the horror aspect. Five young adults are in a remote cabin and unwittingly summon demons in the nearby woods that begin to possess them one by one until just one is left to fight for survival. Don't expect the same amazing camerawork or the second coming of Bruce Campbell in this one. 

The Lords of Salem

Rob Zombie's latest horror film gives his own unique take on the Salem witch trials. A radio DJ plays a sinister record that happens to have the power to awaken an ancient coven of 17th century witches. How witches in the 17th century were able to record a record is beyond us, but we will go with it. The witches go on a rampage trying to quench their blood lust over former crimes against them in what will surely be a cult classic for any Rob Zombie fan.

Warm Bodies

It was just a matter of time before someone tried to "Twilightize" the zombie genre. Much like Twilight, this film is an adaptation of a zombie romance novel of the same name.  In this version of zombie-lore, zombies eat brains to get high on memories. One zombie falls in love with the girl in the memories of a particular human victim and saves her. The two begin an adventure together and soon the girl realizes that the zombie is beginning to become human again. If you like sparkling vampires, you will probably like this film.

Texas Chainsaw 3D

A direct sequel to the 1974 original, this film ignores the events of the five other Texas Chainsaw movies that have come before it. A woman and her friends travel to Texas to receive an inheritance and wind up crossing paths with Leatherface. If you are looking for great storytelling or a deep plotline, this isn't your film. Rather, if you are a fan of 70's and 80's slasher films, this will fit the bill nicely.

After a long, long break – the longest in this blog’s short history, no less – during which Scream Bloody Entertainment suffered from some truly unashamed bouts of inactivity, I think that it’s safe to say that I’m back. Summer is coming, which gives me plenty of time to catch up on my long overdue responsibilities. I’m planning on a big comeback, one step at a time. Here’s the first of those steps.

Tuesday

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) - 9/10
One of the harsh truths of filmmaking is that time is not kind on movies. It’s difficult to compare modern films with decade-old (or nearly century-old even) motion pictures. Filming techniques change, acting techniques change, and even make-up and costume design changes as time goes on. That being said, I enjoyed The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari far more than what its year of release might indicate. It was also my first introduction to German Expressionism, which I’m eager to explore further in the future. As dated as this film is, I couldn’t help but be utterly impressed by the sets used. Without a doubt, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari looks gorgeous even to this day. But, of course, the film also offers plenty of substance to go along with the style as it features a surprisingly intriguing plot with a final act twist that I most certainly did not expect, nor even thought a film this old capable of delivering something like it. Lastly, I feel obliged to mention Werner Krauss, whose devilish performance I was taken with in his role as Dr. Caligari.

Saturday

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) - 7/10
Here’s a movie that I really liked, but that perplexed me even more. Before I go on a rant about why I didn’t give this one a higher mark, let’s just get one thing out of the way – Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a very good film. Its camera work and cinematography are gorgeous, the plot is intriguing from start to finish, and, most of all, the ensemble cast is truly excellent. However, the story isn’t exactly the easiest to comprehend, and the film certainly doesn’t make it any easier for the audience. The pacing is admittedly well calculated, but slow nonetheless, and the clues and plot points driving the plot along are often hidden under the veil of the film’s visual composition and directing choices. It is hard to take everything in on a first watch, and details will undoubtedly be lost as a consequence. And ultimately, when it’s all said and done, there’s a sort of realisation that the plot isn’t nearly as special and it’s made out to be, which makes the lack of cohesion overlook in favour of the film’s other, very notable achievements. Nonetheless, I consider Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy an essential watch for the year 2011, and of course Gary Oldman’s sublime performance in the lead role is something to behold.

You can't run from evil when it lives next door.

On the outskirts of suburban Las Vegas, a teenager's life is turned upside down when a vampire moves in next door.

- Colin Farrell
- some impressive setpieces
- builds up suspense well
- strong third act

- a few underwhelming plot developments
- David Tennant isn't given much to do
- not as funny as the original

- moderate level of violence and gore
- low level of scares and frightening scenes
- low level of nudity and sexual themes
- moderate level of profanity

- don't tell your mother that your next-door neighbour is a vampire
- it might be a good idea to close the window blinds if you plan on murdering someone inside your house
- all those years of watching horror movies should at least give you an idea on how to deal with vampires

There is plenty of humour and fun to be found in this remade version of Fright Night. Colin Farrell makes for a great, if slightly different, Jerry the vampire, and the rest of the cast doesn't disappoint either, although David Tennant could have used some extra screen time and a more fleshed-out character. Despite a few shortcomings in terms of plot development, the new Fright Night doesn't stray too far from the original while also leaving room for a fresh approach to the story. In other words, Fright Night is a satisfying remake of the 1980s classic camp-fest.

horror meter: 3 light-sensitive stars (out of 5)

I know what you're thinking – you're wondering if there are any other horror films set in Las Vegas that might be worth your time. Because the setting is so darned interesting, isn't it? Check out this article here. There isn't much to choose from, unfortunately, but hopefully that can quench your thirst – if only a little.

Taste the darkness

Three friends break into the mansion of a comatose old woman in order to steal her rumoured hidden fortune.

- atmospheric and unnerving throughout
- beautiful cinematography
- an impressive and chilling score
- strong first act

- lacks any substantial scares
- poor storyline
- tends to be inconsequential at times
- lacklustre second half
- insufficient closure at the end
- unlikeable protagonists

- moderate level of violence and gore
- moderate level of scares and frightening scenes
- low level of nudity and sexual themes
- low level of profanity

- nurses are assholes
- vampire children suck at ballet
- it might be a good idea to steer clear of the sun as a vampire
- old and frail women are suprisingly tough

With Livid, co-directors Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury move away from the gore-heavy tendencies that marked their debut effort Inside, and instead opt for an entry into supernatural horror. The result is an atmospheric film, suspenseful through and through, that starts off with a strong first half, but ultimately erodes into an inconsequential and disappointing mess. With a plot that doesn’t really lead anywhere, Livid’s gorgeous cinematography and surprisingly competent score amount to little as the movie hits one wall after the next. The saying ‘all style and no substance’ has rarely rung truer than in the case of Livid.

horror meter: 2 wall-eyed stars stars (out of 5)