Oy ! :caked:

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THANATOMORPHOSE - I should've learned by now not to let my expectations run away with me. It only ever ends in needless disppointment. And so with 'Thanatomorphose', a film I was sure I would rave about, I found myself left with the haunting feeling of having eaten a bunch of ghostly quavers instead of the big f*ck-off pie I thought I might get. The wrong attitude from the start will get you nowhere tsk. Anyway, 'Thanato...' is actually a fairly brave indie horror which leaves us stranded in the bleak apartment of a mostly naked failed artist, who, possibly by way of finding the ultimate metaphor for her existential depression, begins to rot for no narrative reason. Some things happen, a couple of annoying people get stabbed, but mostly she kind of hangs out not doing much. I actually think this is a sound basis for the kind of thing I'd really love to see, a sort of Beckett-meet-Buttgereit endurance test with the emphasis on sickly nothingness rather than shocks. But I didn't quite get that vibe. Not quite enough 'nothingness', and not quite enough 'sickly', despite its reputedly gore laden status according to some reviews. I did think it was good though, and the kind of film a community of fans needs to support ie. a risk taking indie. Also, kudos to Monster Pictures for continuing to release contemporary numbers which would otherwise never make it onto high street UK. I must watch it again to find out whether 'good' might teeter towards 'great'.

ALL NIGHT LONG 2 : ATROCITY - Another flick whose reputation definitely preceded it, one which I hadn't seen despite reading various accounts of its bleak brutality. I was in a kind of washed out mood when I put it on, and didn't really care whether it lived up to my expectations or not. Probably a bit of a dumb idea to watch 'Atrocity' in a less than robust state of mind, as it certainly takes a scouring pad to the twitching underside of the psyche. Or sort of does, because, as with 'Thanato...', I couldn't help but feel it undermined itself in some way. The first thirty minutes really manage to build a heavy, oppressive atmosphere and evoke a world of numbing cruelty, the nadir of which might be forced naked go-going to a Japanese version of DK's 'Too Drunk To F*ck'. But that might be the problem - a certain over-the-topness, a hysteria even. Everything is hopeless, lost to an endless labyrinth of pain and savagery. Everyone is a cruel, horrible prick. It takes real poetic vision to get that atmosphere across. Dunno about 'Atrocity' on that score - it's well put together for nineties J-SOV but, in addition to being overt, is kind of flat. Brave move to feature characters no-one could give a toss about, though - and somewhat interesting, as 'Atrocity' turns out to be at heart a revenge flick driven by the bullied central character, whose self absorbed meekness and clunkily telegraphed creepy obsessions elicit no empathy at all. Anyway, despite these misgivings (which also include arguable homophobia unless I've misread things), I liked 'Atrocity', it's a strong example of extreme Japanese cinema.

ALL NIGHT LONG 3: THE FINAL CHAPTER - It's not the final chapter, there are at least two others (which I haven't seen). I felt it worked a little better than 'Atrocity' in some ways, being more measured in its bleakness but with an offensive over-the-topness which somehow worked. Maybe I thought it was better because it was less concerned with setting up really obvious power dynamics for a big revenge crescendo, more focussed on a pervasive, depressing degradation. It's about a withdrawn young man who collects bodily detritus from rubbish tips and the sex-hotel where he works as a cleaner. Along the way is a trash-collecting serial killer and a bullied schoolgirl. There are loads of gratuitously repugnant bits and, yeah, it might leave you a bit hollow, but then you marvel at the places cinema can go sometimes.

THE CARETAKER - The recent Australian vampire movie. I actually really liked it. I don't quite know why... it has this slow paced, autumnal drama feel to it which grates against the occasional outbursts of vampiric special effects. Quite a unique approach. There's something off-kilter about the music as well, it's really screechy and omnipresent. Somehow, a doom laden atmosphere is conjured out of all this. The focus is on interpersonal dynamics in a survival-type situation rather than action and all the characters are quite weird and unlikeable but still involving. I can see a lot of people not really getting along with it, but I thought it was at least interesting.

CAMP BLOOD 2 - I'm a diehard fan of microbudgeted horror, or at least the idea of it. 'Camp Blood 2' (and, I imagine, 'Camp Blood' itself, which I haven't seen... sort of) feels like the archetype of the late nineties / early noughties shot on video horror... really lame camera, unspeakably cheap effects (and everything), total fag ash minimalism which, in this case, has a weird verve and a gleam in its eye. I hate broad comedy horror, but CB2 made me laugh out loud at least four or five times, which is something I almost never do, esp when watching horror. There's a cleverness and a liveliness to it which revels in cheapness but never becomes obnoxiously knowing. I loved the utter callousness of reprising great swathes of the original (hence the "...sort of" above) to pad out the footage and for once enjoyed the tongue in cheek horror history nerd nods (ie. a trashy starlet undresses in her bedroom which for no reason whatsoever is done out like a cheap Bava-esque nightmare scene with dummies and purple lighting). A lot of these films are a bit rubbish, but I keep going hoping that I'll find something particularly weird or transgressive, or maybe just gratuitous - 'Camp Blood 2' might not be any of the above, but it is a cool romp.

Compliance;

Glad I watched this it's excellent. Throughout its running time I felt extremely uncomfortable and very uneasy. Totally engrossing from start to finish. Basically its about how people will obey other people in authority and not question their requests or demands. Hard to watch at times but when all is said and done, it is definitely worth a watch.

The Dyatlov Pass Incident (2013)

I was hoping for something special from Cliffhanger director Renny Harlin, a genius to me due to the sheer quality of that Stallone snow bound action epic. Sure enough the setup is fine. A group of American college students (And Gemma Atkinson), all highly experienced climbers, go to the Russian Urals to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a team of Russian hikers at the now infamous Dyatlov Pass. Based on a true event in 1959, where Investigators at the time determined that the hikers tore open their tent from within, departing barefoot into heavy snow and a temperature of −30 °C (−22 °F). Although the corpses showed no signs of struggle, two victims had fractured skulls, two had broken ribs, and one was missing her tongue.

So far so good. The set up is neatly done in a way where the viewer actually associates with the group. Squabbling teens are not invited here thankfully. The group meet locals in Russia who warn them not to travel which although seems a cliche, a director such as Harlin invokes a great amout of tension to this build up and the slow climb up the barren pass. Harlin creates a fantastic backdrop to events, utilizing the snowy landscapes brilliantly in a way which made me think i was watching Hammer's classic The Abominable Snowmen, the atmosphere was so good.

Alas upon the hour mark it all goes pear shaped. The group discover a door in the ice and the final third becomes oh so predictable. Somehow a great concept manages to turn into a run of the mill, ho hum, seen it all before, shaky cam, creatures on the loose in an abandoned military base movie. Although well done i was expecting something with a bit more thought to it other than a few nods to the USS Eldridge and The Philadelphia Experiment. The quotes on the cover mention The Blair Witch Project and i would have loved the film to take that sort of unexplained route where the viewer has to come up with their own feelings as to what they have just seen.

On the whole worth watching, but like me you may end up disappointed.

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Who is killing off members of the Hammond family at Hammond Hall? A man? An escaped animal? Maybe a monster of legend?
Who dunnit chiller with red herrings a plenty. Superb atmospheric sets.:yo:

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/12/19/esumegy5.jpg finally watched this. I knew I'd like it and I wasn't wrong :) great flick


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Merry Xmas all

5 movies/releases I've see recently and my thoughts thereof

Tam Lin - This was the year my top 2 desired blu releases came true (Seconds was the other). Actually this happened in 2012 as well (Island of Lost Souls) but I digress, Tam Lin is no lost Wicker Man, but it's a full on entertaining 60s bad trip with beautiful Scottish Borders scenery, a youthful Ian McShane (fresh from The Pleasure Girls Flipside fans), Ava Gardners final performance, cool Pentangle folk music and a great freak out last 15 minutes. Picture quality immaculate. For all it's longuers this is a solid purchase.

Pacific Rim - if ever a movie shot it's duff in the first 15 minutes this is it. Basic problem - there are no consequences to any of this stuff, it's destruction in a cgi void, yawn.

The Act of Killing - The film of the year hype is true, this is an unbelievable piece of work. Werner Herzog is on the Blu ray commentary - can't wait to hear it (saw this on C4). I've actually been to Medan where this was filmed and can confirm it's an utter hellhole, the most uncomfortable city I've ever visited.

The Uninvited - when Criterion do a horror movie, I jump. This is an old fashioned ghost story - the comic relief and gender stereotyping has obviously dated, but, you know, who cares, it's still gorgeous looking and surprisingly creepy as well as psychologically acute.

Deranged - For me the most underrated horror movie there is. Tom Savinis 'not long dead', putrescent corpses are seriously disturbing, I can't think of another borderline mainstream horror (Nekromantik comes close, but isn't even in the same postcode as mainstream) which distorts reality in such a banal yet profound way as this one. Bravo Arrow, by the way for a stellar year.

The Innocents (1961) on the big screen as part of the BFI's Gothic season.

Good too see on the big screen. It really brings the gothic, eerie atmosphere and Freddie Francis's cinematography to life.

9/10

Vampire circus

Not as we'll knowing as Frankenstein or Dracula and it doesn't have peter Cushing or Christopher lee in it but this is one of my favorite hammers, because of its unique and creepy atmosphere. 9.5/10

Watched Trance again last night. This is the film Danny Boyle made whilst working on theOlympics opening ceremony. It reminds me a lot of Shallow Grave - but that's no bad thing. I recommend you take alook at it.

THE BURNING.This hormone driven, teen slasher still stands the test of time. I really like the way after the opening killing of the prostitute, it takes bloody ages until the blood starts flowing again making the last third of the film a blood and flesh delight.

THIS IS THE END. If you like Seth Rogen's other work you'll enjoy this Armageddon set comedy as a group of actors play themselves in The End Times. It had enough knob jokes to keep me laughing and an excellent cameo by Channing Tatum as a gimp.

AFTERSHOCK. I really enjoyed this surprisingly nasty disaster film from Eli Roth and co. There is a real sense of meanness underlying the film as it changes from travelogue to disaster film into a horror/thriller. Worth a look.

I hated it thought it was dull boring and to long ,
Maybe ill have to give it a 2 go ......sometime ..

That's what I thought when I saw at the cinema, and my opinion didn't change when I saw it recently at home.

Suspiria by Dario Argento.

Have not seen this in ages. His best film IMO. Haven't seen many Italian movies of late but I hope to rectify this now that I have over two weeks off work. Colours seem to jump off the screen. Next Italian movie to watch..............City of the Living Dead from Blue Underground.

… and the award for worst film of 2013 (and possibly the last 20 years) goes to … (drum roll) … Film 43 which I won on-line but turns out to be an appallingly inept comedy that relies on offending its audience as the way to get its laughs. Truly terrible and even though I got it for free I still feel I paid too much.

Shame, out of the Tarantino films I have seen it may be my favourite or at least pretty high up there. Certainly one of the better films I've seen this year.

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Uh-oh! I may have gotten over the trauma of watching "Haicurlers" films but I dived back into the shallow end of the cinematic pond too quickly and steeply with; "The Lost Jungle" (1934), "Mesa of Lost Women" (1953), "Assignment: Outer Space" (1960), and "Laser Mission" (1990)! I now have figurative gravel rash from scraping the bottom!

"The Lost Jungle" (1934) is disappointing in it's total lack of sense and it's cruel treatment of animals. It "stars" Clyde Beatty, an animal trainer and circus star, as himself rescuing his girlfriend from an island that has African and Asian wildlife on it in an excuse to show lions and tigers in the same film. At best "The Lost Jungle" is naive hog-wash but the unthinking cruelty portrayed in it is inexcusable in this day and age! -7/10!

"Mesa of Lost Women" (1953) is a wonderful film - except for one thing. The story is great fun, the acting is okay, the script is fine, the effects are passable for the time. What's wrong with it then? The bloody jingly jangly Spanish guitar is what's wrong with it! If any film needed an option to turn off the score it's "Mesa of Lost Women" (1953)! I'd give it a high 15/10 if it wasn't for that incessant strumming! 12/10 for everything else!

"Assignment: Outer Space" (1960) - at least it is a sci-fi film! Some decent effects for this pre-"2001: A Space Odyssey" movie. 5/10 for trying!

"Laser Mission" (1990) has no excuses! An action movie vehicle for Brandon Lee and Ernest Borgnine which falls completely flat. I think that it was supposed to have some comedy in it but I may be wrong. Totally unbelievable and not a laser in sight! 5/10 for giving Borgnine some work!

I deserve a lie down after those turkeys so - 'night, 'night!

For me Django Unchained could have cut at least 45 mins from the running time

I feel very much in the minority on it, for me the 160 minute or so run time flew by. Moreso on the second viewing.

I loved it.

Exactly how I felt, which made my surprise even greater when I saw it was joint #22 on the Sight & Sound list of the best films of 2013.

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Nice little horror filler from Columbia. A gypsy girl can turn in to a wolf at will and kills any who may find out her secret.

Last night...
Flight of the Dead - Surprisingly good fun!
Aenigma - I'd not seen this much criticised Fulci flick before but thoroughly enjoyed it!
Lord of Illusions - Cool Clive Barker tale I was excited to revisit!

and this morning, I'm just coming to the end of the animated Avengers Assemble, which has been highly unremarkable.

Just Before Dawn - The Code Red Release;

For a slasher movie there ain't a whole lot of bloodshed in this flick. Watched the longer 103 minute version thinking there might be more gore or T&A. I came away severely disappointed. Not much in the way of extras, but fair play to Code Red for getting JBD out on Blu. For a low budget movie I found the acting to be pretty good and consistent throughout the entire running time. Enjoyed this much more than Squirm, which I ****ing hate.

On Friday night, I watched Absentia due to a recommendation from Demdike and his review (see here).

It seems to be made with a moderate budget but this works in its favour as this allows the filmmakers great freedom in terms of narrative structure and basically to make something which is unlike the formulaic horrors churned out by the major studios. As Demdike said, it doesn't rely on cheap jumps but rather a growing sense of dread, an increasingly creepy atmosphere and glimpses and suggestions of something terrible instead.

I enjoyed Absentia more than most other horror films made in the last couple of years and was really pleased Demdike brought it to my attention.

Lieberman was more inspired by "Deliverance" than by "Friday the 13th" when making this classic backwoods horror. ;)

It certainly shows.

Whilst I was watching Absentia, I was amazed at how realistic the prosthetics were, making Courtney Bell (who plays Tricia) look genuinely pregnant. I've just looked at the trivia on the IMDb where it says Courtney Bell was actually seven months pregnant at the time of filming, which would explain why her appearance and behaviour was so authentic!

Also, it looked moderately budgeted but I didn't know more than a third of the budget ($25,000) was raised through Kickstarter.

Recent viewings

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Elvira:Mistress of the Dark. So 80s my head hurts but not unfunny if you are in the right mood. I wasn't, so spent a large part of the film looking at porn mag pictures of Cassandra Peterson flaunting her natural ginger hair.

Mindflesh (2008)

Mindflesh is one of those films that seemed to have a mesmeric hold over me. Playing out as a sensory nightmare, i found the film enchanting from the very start. The actual story about a taxi driver with issues from a disturbing childhood that enable a portal to be created for his obsessions to pass from the dream world to reality, is almost secondary to the visual stimuli on the screen in front of you. The film at heart is a study of loneliness and suppression, encapsulated by demonic sex with a creature from another plane as the fabrics of reality blur. Brilliantly filmed, the aforementioned blurring of reality is onscreen from the beginning as Chris, our taxi driver, glances at everyday objects and situations and the camera gives us an odd ripple effect which was slightly annoying at first but as you begin to understand the story actually becomes quite hypnotic.

The film at times is downright disturbing. In the early scenes Chris appears to be growing nipples from his stomach to which something otherworldly likes to attach itself, this is in the first five minutes, after that we have a perverted detective who masturbates over crime scene images of a woman whose breasts have been horrifically sliced off. A beautiful naked woman who moves between the metaphysical planes to satisfy Chris's obsessions, before keeping him captive on the kitchen floor and ****ing him senseless amid his own piss, shit and vomit. From then on it becomes more surreal, and mentally and visually provocative to an extent where you just go with the flow.

Trying to say Mindflesh is like other films is difficut as i really don't think it is. I suppose Hellraiser and Videodrome could be considered an influence, but on the whole Mindflesh is a seductive piece of ambitious, original horror. It's a challenging film no doubt, and there were parts i didn't fully grasp on first viewing, it didn't really bother me though as hopefully these concepts will become clearer with repeated viewings, of which there will be many.

The dvd features a director's commentary and a ninety minute production diary.
Highly recommended.

Whilst Dem has been out perving Boo, I have been returned to more innocent times.

Beach Girls And The Monster (1965) - Trailer - YouTube

Nice to see 'Mindflesh' get a mention Dem, it's pretty weird 'n' warped for a UK release - I'll have to dig it out and give it a rewatch to divert my mind from the putrid bleakness of Shitmas.

Third time round for Big ass spider and second time for Hobbit The desolation of Smaug. Brilliant Sunday viewings!

Haven't seen this for a while but if I remember correctly I highly enjoyed this well made atmospheric and plods along very nicely and goes to show you don't have to relie on to much violence and gore to make a decent horror like most films of today think you do.

The Conjuring:-

Fantastic movie and brilliantly directed by James Wan. A director to keep a close eye on. Looks and sounds great on Blu. Interesting extras, if a little on the short side :)

Now You See Me. This was a bit "up itself" to my mind. Ruffalo is a soso presence in every film I've seen him in, so that didn't help either.

Man Of Steel. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. The fights were cool, but apart from that, twas DULL.

Back to Franco, methinks!!!

Funnily enough rewatched Man Of Steel the other day on Blu. Personally I enjoyed it a little more on the second viewing. Controversial opinion but to me I feel it's still one of the better modern US comic book films much like Snyder's own Watchmen adaptation. :pop2: