HEADLESS – This is an example of that rare beast, the horror 'spin-off'. Its inspiration, the acclaimed indie horror flick 'Found', was a kind of dark coming of age type yarn in which a kid finds out that his brother is a serial killer. We got to see bits of the kid raiding his bro's horror tape collection and zoning out to transgressive looking clips of basically some dude in a skull mask going around shagging severed heads. Well, 'Headless' is a film-within-a-film no more, and here is the full throttle feature length version of, to quote my last sentence, “basically some dude in a skull mask going around shagging severed heads”. 'Headless' could be thought of as being part of an underground tendency in latter day US horror, one typified by the work of people like Ryan Nicholson and Brian Paulin and by some of the films that get released by the likes of Unearthed – a no holds barred sub-genre with a fixation on taking revolting gore and depravity to the limit, or at least trying to. That said, 'Headless' didn't strike me as being the wall-to-wall celluloid abattoir I was expecting, although you couldn't say it doesn't deliver on the splatter front - along with the obligatory decaps, there's plenty of eyeball munching, gut ripping, male genitalia slicing etc etc, but it never feels totally excessive, which is probably for the best in a way because with these kind of films you can kind of get too much of a good thing if the 'spice' isn't there. So, is the 'spice' there in 'Headless'? Or better still, what is the 'spice'? For some, that might be the slight novelty of the necro stuff, the head fuc*ing which is 'Headless's selling point, sort of. Actually, that aspect is pretty subdued for the most part, although I can think of one scene that wouldn't get past the BBFC. I was more interested in the surrealist window dressing that the filmmakers threw in now and again to liven things up i.e scenes of killer dude writhing around with a mysterious faceless woman who often sits between two red candles. Also, hard-gore films are inevitably shot on digital and have a tendency to look skanky even these days, whereas 'Headless' sports a very realised aesthetic, one which is indebted to the whole 'grindhouse' thing that won't quite go away, but which is really well done – it's a film set in 1978 and supposedly made in 1978, and I have to say, in quite a few scenes and sequences they got the period look and feel just right, to the point of the film appearing indistinguishable from an old nasty. What else is there? An obligatory back story about horrendous childhood cruelty and, or course, a thin plot about – wait on, we've covered that base, I think. 'Headless' is a great film for unrepentant gore hounds who just want to see something messed up and mean spirited, preferably after having been force fed a 'Leprechaun' box set.

SOLD!! :laugh:

Killing Season (2013)

John Travolta and Robert De Niro star in this outdoors action thriller. Travolta, a member of a Serbian mercenary group and De Niro a former US soldier who once came face to face in the Balkan war, seen here in a prologue. Now in the present day Travolta finds out De Niro is living retired in the remote Appalachian mountains in the United States, so sets out to get revenge on the man who killed the rest of his death squad.

As a concept this is fine, it's major problem is that it really isn't anything special and has been previously done to far superior effect in the Tommy Lee Jones / Benicio Del Toro thriller Hunted (2003) and the John Cusack / Morgan Freeman runaround The Contract (2006). The action is at times incredibly gory - witness Travolta with an arrow through both cheeks which would make Argento squirm and De Niro hung by his calf muscle from a tree - but it's all a bit too implausible and even worse repetitive, and is lumbered with what i feel is a total let down of an ending.

Whilst both De Niro and Travolta are always worth watching, Killing Season sees both heavy weight actors punching well below their weight in an outdoors thriller that is merely okay.

Just want to say that the first film that I will have seen at the cinema this year cough will be Under The Shadow. Saturday!!! Wish me well ahem;)

That's one more than me then! ;)

Awwwwww. There's still time!! ;)

And me...this decade.

Honestly there is nothing on I feel compelled to go and see!

Plus, cinema prices have become ridiculous and many of the small indie screens have closed meaning we're left with vapid, sticky 'Vues' showing films in smaller auditoriums (so they can cram more viewings in). Almost everything seems to be in ****ing 3D nowadays too, and the calibre of audience leaves a lot to be desired - especially evenings and weekends (which is pretty much the only time I could make a showing)... if they're not tapping on their shiny, brain dissolving gadgets they're incessantly talking or laughing with one another.

Grumble, moan, get off my lawn etc. :rant:

...and I thought I was bad! ;)

This, this and this. ^

Agreed!

Doomsday (2008)

Following an outbreak of the deadly Reaper virus in Scotland the country is walled off and it's inhabitants left to die. Decades later the virus returns to threaten London, so battle hardened Rhona Mitra is sent with a military team into the wilderness that is now Scotland to seek a cure.

Director Neil Marshall's third film is a hard as nails mix of Escape From New York, Mad Max 2, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and 28 Days Later.

Filmed on a much bigger budget than previous efforts Dog Soldiers (2002) and The Descent (2005), Doomsday is a rampaging post apocalyptic action / road movie, full of breathtaking stunts, gory horror and scene stealing performances from the likes of Bob Hoskins, Malcolm McDowell and David O'Hara as a politician whose as corrupt as they come. Mitra handles a tough role well and it's a shame her career never really took off to the level of superstardom she might have deserved.

Doomsday has it's critics that suggest the film is too derivative of the many post-ap films that came before it, but i see it more as a homage from a director who is a fan of the genre, and i love it.

Amen brother!!

It's been a couple of years since i watched the dvd. I was a bit stunned to discover a forty page book about the film inside the case.

Nowadays it would be classed as an Arrow limited edition and priced at £50. :rolleyes:

I am afraid i have to agree with the critics, homages can be very good good in my opinion, but you have to bring something fresh to hold it together to stop it being derivate. Hobo with A Shotgun is a good example in my opinion. Doomsday is almost the very definition of derivative and average to me.

Boo, Hiss On yer' bike. :lol:

It does bring something new - Scotland as a wasteland over run by cannibalistic savages.

That's just Scotland Dem.;)

Didn't take long did it? ;)

Great minds and all that jazz.:nod:

Tried watching Twin Peaks Fire Wank With Me. It was utter toss, worse than than the decidedly ropey show. The boxset is going to CEX.

Did i mention i turned it off at a little over halfway? Felt like a week.

Twin peaks you either get or you don't, no judgement on you but i love it, one of my favourite shows ever, i admit the finale felt understated at the time. But watching it in hindsight it feels perfect considering the show, not tying everything up in a neat bundle and reversing the good/evil roles. messing with normal practice.

The last shot of the series just leaves you thinking things can only get worse in the sleepy logging town,and the black lodge sequence is sublime.:nod:

Totally trippy T.V that pulls the rug from under you and distorts normal storytelling.

The film is Lynch breaking away from the constraints of T.V and making Twin Peaks his own personal space and fits in with his own personal style, to me it's darkness and despair reveals the undertones that the T.V series only hinted at and exposes the horror that is underpinning the whole series. :pop2:

But hey that's just my onion on the subject.;)

I also love Twin Peaks, both the show and the film. As said, it isn't for everyone. I expect someone will be delighted to find the boxset in CEX, I know I would be if I didn't already own three different versions of it.

Can't wait for its return.

Sounds great. Only wish that was what I'd seen.

Yeah, i quite like Doomsday, but IMO it's the weakest of his first 3 films. Which is to say, better than a lot of others! Stylistically, Doomsday actually reminds me a bit of Ghosts of Mars (which i don't think is that bad).

I'm a big fan of Christopher Smith too. Creep, Severance, Black Death and Triangle is some good shit.

MALATESTA'S CARNIVAL OF BLOOD – I first watched this in the aftermath of Thrower's 'Nightmare USA', when, like everybody else, I was inspired to track down a lot of obscure grindhouse titles I hadn't even heard of. Seeing it now, I'm surprised I haven't revisited it more over the years. Prior to the Arrow re-release I'd forgotten everything about it apart from Herve Villechaize's turn as some free associating hep cat, but I'm pleased to report that there are plenty of other splashes of outlandishness throughout this unique and colourful film. It starts out a bit like one of those post-HG Lewis flicks that used to be a Something Weird staple – wooden, badly edited but somehow intoxicating because of that lost seventies vibe. Here is an all American family, and they're working at a carnival. It's not really clear what they do, but they live in a caravan. It seems we're off-season, as there's not a great deal of carnival action going on, although there are quite a few interesting characters around – a fortune teller who looks like s(he) might hang out at The Factory, a smug and slightly sinister bald guy called Blood who runs the show, and Malatesta, the shadowy presumed mastermind behind all the weird stuff. I say 'weird stuff' because 'weird stuff' is essentially what 'Malatesta' becomes after the first few minutes, when what started out as a straight but creaky horror flick turns into a free wheeling dream narrative. The all American family flounder around in a landscape which increasingly looks like it was designed by foundation-year art students, a strange universe made of cardboard and bubble wrap where crowds of ghouls hang out in front of massive projections of slient films and hippies are randomly decapitated on big dipper rides. As Steven Thrower himself says in his introduction, it's really not about plot and story (although there is one, just – some square American's get cannibalised by a bunch of freaks), it's more an impressionistic flight of fractured imagery. Very much in the 'Nam era, post Manson vein that runs through early seventies grindhouse and gives some films of that era a shimmering, pot infused vibe of dissociation, and another flick which feels like it was made by a bunch of heads with surrealist ambitions who maybe wanted to turn a quick bit of cash – see also 'Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things', 'Death By Invitation', 'Warlock Moon', 'Messiah Of Evil', 'The Velvet Vampire' etc etc etc. Recommended if you like any of the above.

Excellent review as always, Frankie. I fell in love with Malatesta's grubby charm this year after wanting to watch it for years. I never dreamed it would get the kind of treatment that Arrow gave it.

It's heartening (and a bit mad, in a good way) when those really freaky flicks, which are obscure even by most fan standards, get such plush releases. I hope that Arrow eventually does part 2 of the American Horror set.

31

A lot of people dont like or dont get Rob Zombie films, i enjoy them with Devils Rejects being IMO his best, 31 isnt his best but its still a decent brutal ride of a film, but if you dont like Rob Zombie movies stay away, i must also mention Doom Head what a great horror character, maybe he will get his own movie some day.

6.5/10

They've hinted at another set for 2017, so here's hoping.

All this talk of Twin Peaks, can't wait for the third season. Big fan of the movie and show, just ordered the blu ray set from Amazon for only £16 the other day, and also downloading the extended fancut of Fire Walk With Me which puts the 90 odd minutes of deleted scenes back in, which even on their own are quite an amazing watch.

As for what I've seen recently? Well I haven't done this in ****ing ages but I just finished a Civil Procedure essay and this is a nice change. So let's just see what I've seen more recently or the highlights of a bit further back.

Ex Machina - 9/10
This weeks viewing for Genre and the Moving Image under the subheading Sci Fi and the Post Human. Alex Garland's directorial debut shows the same level of intelligence and unique questioning on human nature and instincts as 28 Days Later and The Beach (the book, sadly Boyle's film doesn't quite convey this as much as the book), and makes for fascinating and beautiful viewing. Quite uncomfortable and unsettling throughout, you don't know who to like or who to trust. But sadly, for the large part, it is quite predictable, which is a disappointment. You call most twists and events, and you feel at times like you've seen bits and pieces of this done before in other places. Other than that, fantastic sci fi viewing with beautiful direction and fascinating writing.

Boy Meets Girl - 6/10
Was at a best friends place, and after a rewatch of Silent Hill, she decided it was time for "something gay" at the recommendation from her girlfriend. The movie starts and some may groan at the opening: what at first view appears to be an emo girl creating a suicide note/video through Amanda Todd-esque flash cards. We then move into the plot. From the natural lighting to the quite real feel of sets, this movie feels cheap and independent from the strart. The story follows a trans girl and her love with, well, it gets messy. Anyway, the movie starts of with great dialogue and feels like a nice change from the usual romance of movies, however this doesn't last long before it devolves into what is essentially every fan fiction romance in existence. Taken characters fall in love and kiss after only two brief meetings, there's drama, its all so painfully cliche. On top of this, you have these very graphic "the talk" like conversations dispersed throughout that function less as comedic relief, and more just extremely awkward and uncomfortable in their crude nature. What they're trying to do here is admirable, and I wanted so much to like it, but found myself so disappointed by bizarre character actions, dropped characters or plots, and the overall feel that this is less the product of a talented filmmaker and more a bored teenage girl translating a fanfiction into a "real" story 50 Shades style.

Silent Hill - 8/10
Oh yeah, about this. First time watching it since it first came out, still as creepy as ever, and one of the most visually impressive movies I've seen. However this time I realised not just how extremely long this movie is at just over two hours, but also how confusing this could be to someone with no prior knowledge of the games. Many elements of the plot are left until only the very end of the film, and even then, some just aren't even explained. That said, still love it, and it's way better than the turd of a sequel.

Blair Witch - 9/10
Could not wait for this, haven't been this excited for a movie in ages. Saw it opening day, and well, mixed signals. It falls into a Force Awakens situation where it feels almost like a remake at times, and the first 2/3 seem to fall into some quite bad cliches. Characters popping out of nowhere to accidentally scare friends. Bodies mysteriously dragged off screen after their demise. Some plot devices aren't consistent (a severely infected delirious girl who can barely walk manages to climb a tree several meters high with little trouble later). However, the ideas this film plays with and creates for the lore are fascinating and horrifying. And then we reach the house. Oh boy. Quite possibly the most terrifying 30 minutes of film I've seen. Pure dread and terror. I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't seen it, but it's intense, claustrophobic, and almost a bit revelatory for the franchise. I can understand the flack it cops for its first few acts, but honestly, like the original, its slowburn and shows its true colours right at the end. However, expectations also have to be changed considering what the original film is. The original films magic was that it could very easily be real. The location, everything that happens. This film favors the supernatural and the spooky a lot more throughout, and it works to its favor in the end. The very obvious location shift from Maryland to British Columbia is instantly noticeable however, in that the trees themselves are wildly different and this environment is much less flat and sparse like in the first film. Give it a shot, but lower your expectations.

Suicide Squad - 8/10
Ohhhhhhhhhh boy. This was terrible. It's like a fun terrible cheesy action movie. You can tell from the start its a mess. The editing is awful, holes everywhere, forced soundtrack, anemic plot that feels like the bare threads of something that once was, not to mention confusing. Cringe worthy writing. Cara Delevinge's performance as Enchantress sucks, and her CG body once she changes is distracting and disturbing. So why the high rating? Simple, its fun! It's like the shitty movies from latter decades we watch and laugh at and have a great time, delivered to us with a multi-million dollar budget and an amazing cast. The cast, as well, are a big draw. The performances for the most part are flawless. Jared Leto does an amazing job of the Joker once you get past the questionable costuming, whilst Will Smith and Margot Robbie give perfect performances. I'd argue Margot Robbie's absolutely perfect job of Harley Quinn is worth seeing the movie for. I really hope this gets an extended cut (without the shitty soundtrack) like BvS did, as it's clear there is a lot missing, especially of the Joker.

That's all I feel like for today, may do more tomorrow

Try Irish zom/com Boy Eats Girl. I love that. :lol:

Silent Hill is awful. After a nicely atmospheric opening it gets worse and worse. I might be on my own thinking this though.

Despite all the poor word of mouth, at least in this country, i quite fancy seeing Suicide Squad. I aim to make it my final film on New Years Eve if it's out to buy by then.

Hahah I've heard of that one, one of my mates used to think quite highly of it, so will have to give it a shot some time

As for Silent Hill, I know a lot of people who quite like it, but my understanding of it's general consensus was always critical acclaim for visuals and nothing else positive.

Give Suicide Squad a shot as something fun or just a morbid curiosity, nothing to lose I think :) Certainly better than most Marvel drivel

I loved Silent Hill - great atmosphere and some creepy visuals.

Suicide Squad is also one I'm curious to see despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews.

I second and third this emotion. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeesh it's dire. After the game itself creeping me out maximum stylee, this was a major letdown.

Night Train (M Brian King, 2009)
This I recommend. Danny Glover plays the old hand, the CGI is unobtrusive and Its been a while since I've seen "one of these". check the trailer if you want it spoiled, go into it blind if you want to enjoy it.

Baby Blues (2008, Armadeep Kaleka)
A searing look at PND. NOT. An oddity/bog standard horror film. Depends on your outlook I suppose...recommended??

It's a mass market horror film you know?

Not the one about the dying Polish poet who with his final steps walks into the hills to contemplate his past life in a bittersweet tale of regret and forgiveness.

That sounds awesome – you make it, I'll watch it.

Blair Witch

Pretty much a phenomenon for how it helped invent viral marketing for movies in the late 90's back when dial up was a thing, the original film itself remains pretty good but the impact is never the same as the first time I saw it on a dodgy poor quality VHS bootleg, which almost feels like the exact way a psuedo-supernatural snuff flick should be watched. Lots of people cite Cannibal Holocaust as its inspiration but its odd to think that its initial concept was more like boggy creek or one of those late night true story documentaries that haunt the history channel these days. The sequel was actually ok, just not great and had a stupid ending. Its nice to see then that Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett have been roped in to bring back the concept several decades after the original (I feel old) spawned a flood of fouind footage cheapies that clogged the straight to DVD market for years.
I rate Wingard and Barrett as film makers and really dug You're next & the guest (spawning a few 'its shit' comments no doubt, non of which I've ever been convinced by enough to change my opinions) and here they manage to actually deliver something interesting. It probably not going to appeal to anyone who hates the original and its not without its flaws, the biggest being that it feels a little like a retread in places. However, each time I started thinking it might disappoint it threw in something great that warmed me up to the film again and the final 30 minutes are genuiely scary. I must add it helped I was the only one in the theatre which probably added something to the proceedings. So far with don't breathe its two for two on the autumn horrors for me so far.

Antibirth

Natasha Lyonne plays Lou, a punk party animal with a foul mouth and a taste for hard living who lives in a static caravan out in the middle of nowhere and funds her erratic lifestyle through work as a maid at a local motel. She lives in a bleak, snowy shit-hole of a town where everyone is either a junkie or a dealer and after a night of heavy partying she wakes up realising she might be pregnant. As she investigates she discovers a conspiracy of fringe-science, experimental drugs and alien conspiracy.
Antibirth is a great little indie movie that I highly reccomend. Its got some genuinely trashy gross-out moments including a vile miscarriage scene and some DIY surgery on a huge blister that might make you wretch but the film feels fresh and original with a great script and a solid central performance from Lyonne. Chloë Sevigny appears as her friend who might have her own agenda and Meg Tilly gives a great performance as an abductee who attempts to help lou. I'll probably pick this up

Sounds good. Natasha Lyonne is always worth a watch be it in The Slums of Beverley Hills or Comic Book Villains to genre fare like Revenant.

She is also very good in Orange is the New Black.