What did you think of Black Swan, Dem? Was this the first time you've seen it? I watched that one in the cinema and my initial assessment was that it was a mini masterpiece but I haven't revisited it since.

You need to get stuck into this thread Jinx. :tongue1: :nod: https://www.cult-labs.com/forums/hor...ntly-2987.html

I reviewed it 2 days ago. :) It should be the second post down on the linked page. :pop2:

It was my first viewing, by the way.

I swear I looked in that thread before asking that and didn't see it.:doh:


14. The Innocents

Okay, shamed confession time. I've never seen The Innocents despite hearing wonderful things about it for a very long time. I don't know why I never watched it. I guess, as they say, procrastination is the thief of time. Anyway, it certainly didn't disappoint. This film was captivating from beginning to end with just enough of a menacing tone that lurks in the first act to keep you feeling uneasy. The second act is a little more playful while maintaining a slight subtext that carries into the third act where things begin to come unraveled. There is something that emanates from within this film that made me feel claustrophobic and I think that is partly due to the superb cinematography which encapsulated the edges of the frame in a subtle vignetting. Truly a marvelous film and one I will seek to revisit often. Criterion's blu-ray is seemingly perfect in replicating the stark, monochromatic contrast of celluloid.

Loving the daily reviews Jinx. :clap:

Nice work.

Me too, the reviews are small and easy to digest.... Just how my wife likes it

:lol: Thanks guys. My plan is to revisit this thread each year. Well, if we're all still here that is.

15. The Evil Dead (Original)

The Evil Dead, say the title and it evokes excitement, even in the most jaded horror fan's heart. To borrow a phrase from a friend, this is the quintessential "splatter punk" horror. Once this film hits the accelerator it never falters from it's break neck pace which twists us along in a foggy whirlwind of demonic possession, grisly gore and even a tree raping poor Cheryl. Of course, most everyone who reads this will have seen the film many times so this is nothing new.

In what could have been just another B horror film, Sam Raimi turned this into a doctrine for how to make an effective low budget horror film with invigorating spirit and inventive cinematography. The crude special effects, rigid acting and, most importantly, misty exteriors all contribute to the film's atmosphere. I think the most unsettling scene for me is when Linda is sitting in a doorway in the center of the frame with that inexplicable grin plastered on her face. Something about her adolescent behavior just hasn't sat right with me from the first time I watched this. Give me this film over Raimi's later, crummy, ultra budget super hero efforts any day.

Funnily enough, I also watched The Evil Dead last night, but love it for most of the reasons you don't!

I love that Ash is such an ineffective character for most of the running time, becoming trapped under a flimsy shelf unit, being unwilling to face the truth and dismember those around him who are clearly possessed. As far as I'm concerned, he is basically the 'everyman' as, in the same situation, most of us wouldn't grab an axe or chainsaw and massacre everyone around us!

Interesting Nos. Believe it or not I was actually going to go into that but I wanted to keep it brief and concise so I chose to wrap it up instead of having three or more paragraphs. Reading it again, exploring the subtle nuances of the film probably would have benefited the mini review.

16. Trick Or Treat

Part 3 of my repressed high school horror viewing. (EvilSpeak, Fear No Evil) I don't really have many comments on this one other than it's a fun, energetic, rock n roll horror film that you can watch with your brain switched off. I do suppose there is a fairly blatant message that can be read about idolizing celebrities but I just choose to watch it for what it is.

It truly feels like the filmmakers had an authentic passion about the music they were making the film about and never make it a novelty act despite interjecting some comedy relief. I've dug this film since the first time I watched it which coincidentally was when I was in high school and sort of a metal head like Eddie in the film. If there is one negative I can find it is the fact that I don't feel like they established the autumn/Halloween atmosphere very well. It's really only a minor quibble though. Killer soundtrack that I'm proud to say I own on vinyl. Rock n roll, steal your soul!

14th - Halloween H20 / She-Wolf of London
15th - Halloween Night / The Devil Rides Out
16th - Intruder / I Walked with a Zombie (with Newman / Jones chat track)