s_twcramer

After "Blair Witch Project" the scary "mocumentary" business went through the roof. Ten years later, the trend is still going strong, with at least a couple dozen films with the same concept of hand-held terror. "Lake Mungo" is by far the best since "Blair Witch". It accomplishes much more than this year's other big effort, "Paranormal Activity", which, I found rather tame at best. Played almost as a television news special, "Lake Mungo" is the most believable entry thus far. The downplayed, monotone performances of the actors is very effective. The naturalism they maintain only adds more edge and anxiety to the story. And speaking of story, unlike most of the other first person horror movies, "Lake Mungo" actually has a good one. It's an honest mystery, full of secrets and lies, wrapped around a paranormal thriller. It has enough twists, turns and enough surprises/scares to keep anyone's attention. Rarely have I experienced so many chills in one sitting. Don't wait for the Hollywood re-make already in the works, there's no need, the Australians got it right the first time (unlike you, Hollywood.) Don't miss one of the best horror films of 2009.

"Trick'r Treat" has obviously been a topic among horror fans for years now. I don't know if anyone remembers this far back, but the original release date was actually April of 2007, as announced at the completion of the film. Here were are two and half years later...it's arrived. The wait was not in vain.

"Trick 'r Treat" is a tribute to Halloween. The wait and hype may have put unrealistic expectations in the minds of some. The movie is not without it's flaws. The stories are interesting...but not very scary. The acting is good...but not great. The intertwined plot is very cool, but it takes a lot of unraveling on your part, if you blink, you might miss something (or someone). After viewing the movie you realize that it's actually a movie about love. The love of Halloween. While Carpender's 1978 slasher film was a straight forward horror plot, set on Halloween, "Trick 'r Treat" is a series of several different plots ABOUT Halloween. There is really no comparison between the two. Basically it's as fun as movie could be. But, don't expect to have a life changing horror movie experience. Let's face it, does those even exist anymore? That being said, "Trick 'r Treat" is the best horror film of the new century.