What Films Have You Seen Recently? - Page 1783

ThePopeofCOSDS · #**17821** 24th November 2012, 11:38 PM

As promised, Night of the Bloody Apes Review

- Nom DePlume & Razor88

evbear · #**17822** 25th November 2012, 01:34 PM

Just Posted a review for the 'The Tall Man':

French director Pascal Laugier, returns with a cinematic cipher 'The Tall Man', his first film after causing a stir in the horror community, with the visceral endurance test ‘Martyrs’. Fans of which, have waited with baited breath, to see what new acts of terror he would unleash. Sadly for them, instead of another carnival of shock images, Laugier has birthed a quiet, thoughtful little film, that while it presents itself as one thing, is actually another entirely.

Set in the small town of Cold Rock, in the state of Washington, that is now almost like a ghost town, since the once prosperous coal mine shut down. Not wanting to forsake their homes, the people stayed, despite the finical crises inflicted on them. Little did they know that things were about to get far worse, as their bad fortune takes an even more horrible turn.

For someone, or something, has begun taking their children, one by one. Could it be a person living amongst them? Or is it the entity the town has christened The Tall Man. An enigmatic figure, who appears from the surrounding woods, snatching the children away, never to be seen again. Sympathetic to their troubled plight, is local nurse Julia Denning (Jessica Biel) who has stayed in the town even after the death of her husband, the previous physician. Jessica try’s her best to help any that need her, particularly the troubled and mute Jenny (Jodelle Ferland), whose sister is knocked up by their mother's alcoholic and violent boyfriend.

While it may lack some real, definite dramatic punch, it still succeeds in giving the viewer more than they expected – and how many modern horrors can you say that about. This is also another well placed attack on the ideals of the wealthy and privileged in society by Laugier. Who again here, has them conduct their own personal experiments on the middle class and poor of society.

It’s refreshing to see such strong ideas in this day and age, especially from a horror/thriller starring Jessica Biel, the third lead from 'Blade 3' - who also acts as producer. While I will freely admit to never being a fan of her before, as I can only remember one half decent performance from her, in the underrated Ellis adaptation ‘Rules of Attraction’. Besides what her past roles may have lead you to believe, she gives a truly committed performance here, as the put upon Julia, who suffering the tortures of the damn for her beliefs.

Another wonderful addition is Jodelle Felyand, a fantastic and intriguing young actress, that will be familiar to genre fans, from performances in Terry Gilliam's 'Tideland' (2005), the mini series 'Kingdom Hospital' (2004), and the original 'Silent Hill' (2006). Most recently she appeared as a zombie hillbilly in the awesome meta horror 'Cabin In The Woods' (2012). Hopefully we will see more of this actress in the future, if she doesn’t fall into the dreaded and sometimes inescapable world of direct to DVD horror.

In time I can see 'The Tall Man' entering the canon of must see, unappreciated horror gems, as more people discover it. I can already picture it appearing in countless websites, as the author demands their readership to please check out this little seen horror gem. Well if it isn't, please let me be the first, because while it’s not any classic by any stretch of the imagination, it’s still a very well made exciting little film, that should have gotten a lot more recognition. So yes, please unearth this gem.

As for Laugier, I would love to see him return to the horror genre for real next time, as I really dig his brutal some times painful to watch, excursions in this genre. I still see his 'Hellraiser' remake not being made as a great loss to the genre, hopefully his next project will bring him the credit he rightfully deserves.

JoshuaKaitlyn · #**17823** 25th November 2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Make Them Die Slowly

I have a friend who first watched this whilst suffering with a puking and shitting bug. He swears it's the only way to watch the film for that added layer of scuzz. I've yet to replicate his experience but given time and a low boredom threshold, who knows?

Hey! All I'm missing at the moment is the movie itself! (off work - sick)

Pete · #**17824** 25th November 2012, 02:50 PM

Haven't watched a DVD or BD in about 6 weeks so decided to watch NIGHT OF THE DEMONS which I'd never seen before. It was alright, nothing special. Linnea Quigley was as annoying as ever.

Demdike@Cult Labs · #**17825** 25th November 2012, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete

Haven't watched a DVD or BD in about 6 weeks so decided to watch NIGHT OF THE DEMONS which I'd never seen before. It was alright, nothing special. Linnea Quigley was as annoying as ever.

Terrible actress. Extremely unconvincing.

She goes nude so remains popular.