azathothpwiggins Reviews (3,618)

Blood Glacier (2013)

Global Swarming...

[17 April 2024]

BLOOD GLACIER is an eco-horror film with a definite vibe similar to that of John Carpenter's THE THING. Is it as good as Carpenter's classic? Well, no, but it's not bad.

At a remote outpost in the Austrian Alps, a team of climatologists uncover the titular phenomenon. Terror ensues when the effects of the glacier begin to take their toll on the local wildlife, causing bizarre, highly-dangerous mutations.

The human characters are mostly forgettable, except for Gerhard Liebmann, who plays Janek, the Kurt Russell-type antihero of the story. Also, Brigitte Kren is memorable as the no-nonsense Minister. She has some of the best lines, including the hilarious, "Stop eating that banana while you're crying!".

The mutant / hybrid monsters are fairly well-realized, using both practical and CGI effects. So, if you can overlook some goofiness, this should provide a decent evening's entertainment...

Memento (2000)

No Time...

[16 April 2024]

Director Christopher Nolan's MEMENTO is one of the best neo-noir films ever made. It's actually two movies in one, with the main story (in color) running in reverse, while the other, equally important story -(in black and white) runs chronologically. Guy Pearce plays Leonard, a man in search of his wife's killer. The problem is, Leonard has complete short-term memory loss, only remembering events for a few minutes, before losing them forever.

Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Teddy (Joe Pantoliano) are apparently helping Leonard with his quest for justice. However, nothing in this movie is quite as it appears to be, and every word in every scene is important.

Mr. Nolan has really created a mind-bender here, and the use of two aspects of the film weaving their way through each other, while running in opposite directions, is ingenious. There's a definite sense of paranoia throughout, as well as a building dread at what might be in store at the end (beginning?).

A true classic worth several repeat viewings...

Bloody Hell (2020)

Baby Food...

[16 April 2024]

After Rex (Ben O'Toole) saves a bank full of hostages during an armed robbery, he spends 8 years in prison for his efforts. Upon his release, Rex decides to head for Finland. Upon his arrival, a nefarious plot unfolds, and Rex finds himself caught up in a terrifying, life-and-death situation.

BLOODY HELL is a glorious mix of horror, action, and comedy. Mr. O'Toole plays Rex as a man with two distinct personalities, both shown at once having conversations. This really gives the character some extra depth, while also providing the lion's share of the laughs. Rex is pretty complicated, making him the perfect survivor of the ordeal that threatens him.

The other main cast members are quite good as well. Lovers of movies like THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, MOTEL HELL, or FRONTIER(S) should really enjoy this one.

A gory, fast-paced, hilarious trip to dark side...

The Wrath of Becky (2023)

The Return Of Chipmunk...

[15 April 2024]

In THE WRATH OF BECKY, Lulu Wilson reprises her avenging angel role in order to take on another group of murdering scumbags. This time, it's a bunch of knuckle-dragging yahoos known as the "Noble Men" (a thinly-veiled reference to a real organization). So, yes, this sequel gets a bit more political. However, that point becomes moot, and all but forgotten, once the first head explodes!

After all, these movies are all about Becky, and the fools who dare to cross her. The Directors up the ante in this one, as Becky finds herself in -somewhat- greater peril. Her new adversaries seem to have one or two extra I. Q. points over their predecessors. Well, at least one of them might.

The humor level is also higher, with several laugh-out-loud moments.

Another gory action-fest for the revenge film aficionado...

Becky (II) (2020)

"But When She Was Bad..."

[15 April 2024]

A man (Joel McHale) takes his daughter, Becky (Lulu Wilson) to their rustic summer home for the weekend. It's supposed to be the time when dad and his new girlfriend spring their big news. Instead, it will turn into a nightmare of grisly terror, due to the fact that a foursome of escaped convicts is killing their way toward the unsuspecting family-to-be.

Fortunately, Becky herself is far from being a typical teen, and the thugs are about to learn her lesson.

BECKY is a superb, highly satisfying revenge film, and Ms. Wilson plays her character as a force of nature that's just been waiting to be unleashed. This is a fifteen year old playing a role that is utterly convincing. We feel Becky's pain, grief, and raw fury as she turns the tables and takes out the trash.

Kevin James is also quite good as the sadistic leader of the escaped cons, as is Robert Maillet as the imposing, second in command of the group.

There are some wonderful twists, as well as some surprisingly gory sequences, and the finale is perfect.

An action-packed treat for lovers of the subgenre...

Come Play (2020)

Kill! Your! Phone!...

[14 April 2024]

COME PLAY is sort of a PG-13 rated version of THE BABADOOK. It deals with some similar aspects: a lonely boy (Azhy Robertson) and his worried mother (Gillian Jacobs), and a strange book containing a monster. In this movie, autism comes into play, and the monster is named Larry. There's also a father (John Gallagher Jr.), who is a slacker working at a parking lot.

The family dynamic is dysfunctional, and the boy is bullied at school for being different. Unlike the aforementioned BABADOOK, the creepy "book" is online, allowing the creature to haunt the family through several different devices. It's a fairly scary, gangling abomination that was achieved through both practical and computer-generated means.

Not a bad monster movie, with a nice "terror through technology" angle. Having worked with those on the autism spectrum, this movie does a decent job of portraying its effects and mannerisms...

Happy Death Day (2017)

Today Is The Worst Day Of The Rest Of Your Life...

[14 April 2024]

What makes HAPPY DEATH DAY more than just a horror version of GROUNDHOG DAY, is that it uses humor, accentuated by some genuinely frightening horror genre scenarios, without simply being a parody. Jessica Rothe plays Tree, a college student who awakens with a hangover in a strange dorm room. It turns out that this is the least of her worries as she is forced to relive the same day over and over. A day that brings the movie's title into play.

Each "new day" is a little bit different, depending upon what Tree has learned from the last one. There are some truly inventive twists and odd developments along the way. This is not a dumb movie. Tree isn't just another slasher film imbecile. There's even a moral to the story, as well as some actual pathos.

A fantastic horror-comedy, especially for a PG-13 film...

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

No Fate...

[12 April 2024]

With TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY, Director James Cameron did the near-impossible. He surpassed the original film by making the follow-up even more exhilarating and explosive. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns in his signature role as the killer cyborg from the future. This time, he's on an altogether different mission. Linda Hamilton is back as Sarah Connor. Now in a mental institution, she's become a force to be reckoned with, lean and definitely mean!

Edward Furlong is young John Connor, the object of not only Arnie, but a new nemesis (Robert Patrick) that could spell doom for us all!

This movie has an almost continuous stream of classic scenes, including the incredible biker bar opening that establishes Arnold as a leather-clad demigod! If you love action, then you'll love every minute of this gargantuan opus!

Predator 2 (1990)

Urban Jungle...

[9 April 2024]

PREDATOR 2 takes us out of the steamy jungles of the first film, and places the action in 1997 Los Angeles, where rival drug gangs have turned the city into a war zone. The police, led by Lt. Mike Harrigan (Danny Glover), are investigating the vicious mutilation murders of several gang members. Of course, it's obvious from the beginning that the culprit is another alien creature on the hunt.

This sequel is quite good, and Mr. Glover is more than up to the task of facing off against the titular terror. There are gunfights and explosions aplenty, and there's enough bloodshed to fill an olympic swimming pool! Gary Busey is along for the ride as an obsessed government agent, and Bill Paxton gets to play Harrigan's wisecracking sidekick. Also watch for Robert Davi as Harrigan's insufferable boss. Plus, Morton Downey Jr. Plays a highly annoying TV reoporter.

As for the Predator him / itself, Kevin Peter Hall reprises the role, and gets to use some new, extraterrestrial weaponry. It's a memorable rendition.

PREDATOR 2 is packed with classic sequences, including the subway assault, the apartment building chase, and the final conflict.

A solid follow-up that's well worth a watch...

Villains (I) (2019)

"There Ain't A Sweeter Sound In The World Than A Man Tryin' Not To Scream!"...

[9 April 2024]

Two armed robbers (Bill Skarsgard and Maika Monroe) run out of gas after robbing a convenience store. Happening upon an empty rural house, they enter and make themselves at home. When they make a disturbing discovery, and the homeowners (Jeffrey Donovan and Kyra Sedgwick) return, the terror begins, along with the laughs.

VILLAINS strikes the perfect balance between horror and comedy, with plenty of mirth mixed with thrills, chills, and even some truly poignant moments. Mr. Skardsgard and Ms. Monroe make us believe that their characters really do care for each other. Mr. Donovan and Ms. Sedgwick play their roles as completely bananas. Even so, there are times when they're -somewhat- sympathetic.

This movie is one of the better examples of its subgenre...

The Munsters (2022)

A Sweet Halloween Treat...

[9 April 2024]

Personally, I went into this movie expecting it to be terrible. I grew up watching THE MUNSTERS, and just couldn't picture a modern update. I like several of Director Rob Zombie's other films, but this is a vastly different sort of movie for him. Plus, it had already been panned as a "bomb" by critics.

Well, upon having watched it, it was not that bad at all. Was it silly? Absurd? Goofy? Yes, but so was the original TV series! In fact, one of the best things about this, is that it never insults the material. It comes off more as a tribute / homage film, and not a parody. The main characters: Lily (Sheri Moon Zombie), The Count (Daniel Roebuck), and, of course, Herman (Jeff Daniel Phillips), are all well-realized. The actors get the mannerisms down as well as the look. The costumes / makeup are great, and there are tons of Easter Eggs for fans of the show to discover.

One of the main complaints seems to be the psychedelic color scheme. To be fair, the Director wanted to film it in black and white but was overruled by studio meddlers. So, he decided to go all-out day-glo, and it works!

There's a nice cameo performance by Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson as well.

A fun, harmless movie for the entire family...

Sea Fever (2019)

Unwanted Passengers...

[9 April 2024]

SEA FEVER is a nautical horror film about a commercial fishing vessel that encounters a strange creature that attaches itself to the ship's hull. When it finally lets go, the crew discover that it left something behind that could threaten everyone on board.

This is an effective psychological thriller with high levels of paranoia, dread, and doom. Hormione Corfield is very good as the sole scientist on the ship. Her character also seems to be the only one with any common sense. Several illogical and downright stupid decisions are made along the way that only make things worse.

The monster is interesting, but it's role is only to get the terror started, letting the humans take it the rest of the way. The finale is a bit languid, but it fits the somber mood.

Recommended for those who are deathly afraid of the ocean...

The Hallow (2015)

Creeping Things...

[8 April 2024]

In THE HALLOW, Joseph Mawle stars as Adam, a microbiologist who, along with his wife (Bojana Novacovic) and infant son, move into an old house in the middle of the forest. Said forest is about to be cleared and developed. Adam has come ahead in order to study the trees before they are cut down. The locals are not thrilled at all with their new neighbors.

After Adam makes a grisly discovery, things begin to take a terrifying turn.

Director Corin Hardy has made a fine monster / horror film, filled with Irish folklore melded with ecological terror. Both practical and CGI effects are used, working well together in the darkness of the deep woods. The creatures are hellish nightmares, and are -blessedly- not overutilized.

A bizarre creeper with a full-throttle finale...

Dracula (1974 TV Movie)

Classic 1970s TV Horror...

[3 April 2024]

Director Dan Curtis' DRACULA is a classic made-for-TV movie that really captures the essence of Bram Stoker's original monster. Count Dracula (Jack Palance) is sophisticated and cultured, yet we get the impression of something very bestial lurking just beneath the surface. Mr. Palance plays Dracula in a manner that seethes with barely-contained malice, a creature in search of not only warm blood, but the woman of his dreams (Fiona Lewis). He's relentless and unwavering in his quest.

Making the best of his budget, Mr. Curtis goes all out with this production, making it a memorable entry during his reign as the TV King of Horror. Writer, Richard Matheson draws from several sources to create a powerful retelling of Stoker's tale.

Well worth watching...

Sharknado (2013 TV Movie)

It's Raining Sharks! Hallelujah!...

[3 April 2024]

SHARKNADO is certainly an infamously bad movie, and for good reason. Here's a list of some reasons why:

#1- Some of the worst, most cartoonish CGI ever seen! The sharks are never infused into their surroundings in any believable way!

#2- The human characters are lethargic to the point of being comatose! Even Tara Reid and John Heard appear to be in dire need of a nap!

#3- There are continuity lapses in almost every scene! School bus-loads of kids disappear and reappear; sharks and their tornadoes are powerless to cause any widespread damage; and on and on!

Now, it's well known that this movie was created to be terrible on purpose. Even so, it should at least be funny. A movie this godawful simply must be hilarious, or it's a brainhammer!

Advice: Watch only when inebriated, unless you believe in self-torture...

Where the Devil Roams (2023)

"Looks Like The Devil's Got A New Dance Partner!"...

[2 April 2024]

WHERE THE DEVIL ROAMS is another creepy film from The Adams clan. Set during the Great Depression era, we are taken along with a family of three carnival performers (John Adams, Toby Poser, and Zelda Adams), as they embark on their spree of grisly murder.

Known for making the best of meager funds, this movie is no exception. As usual, the story is unique and gruesome, and the practical gore effects are well-realized. It's cool to see a family of filmmakers put together such a dark genre effort. The music -also performed by the Adamses- is a sort of ethereal sounding gloom-metal that might not have been around in the 1930s, but fits the overall mood of the film.

Recommended for those who appreciate low-budget horror movies that are quite out of the ordinary...

The Hole in the Ground (2019)

Into The Abyss...

[1 April 2024]

In THE HOLE IN THE GROUND, Sarah (Seana Kerslake) and her son relocate after the dissolution of her marriage. Now living in a forested area, the isolation seems to take its toll on Sarah. She soon starts to believe that her son might not be what he appears to be.

Filled with symbolism, dark inferences and foreboding, this is an occult chiller that runs a cold finger down your spine. It draws from ancient folklore, while also using maternal fears and depression / anxiety. As in similar films, we're not 100% sure whether or not there's something more psychological going on. Is it all just in Sarah's head?

It's not until the final act that we can be certain either way.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy a good old jolt of creeping paranoia...

The Cabin in the Woods (2011)

Fearful Fun...

[28 March 2024]

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS takes the most common tropes of the horror genre, and uses them to parody / satirize modern horror movies. This is mostly successful, in a similar way to what SCREAM did with the slasher film.

We are immediately introduced to an odd group of operatives in some hidden facility. These people seem to be arranging something for five college students who are spending the weekend in the cabin of the title. As the story unfolds, the college kids go through some very familiar experiences that are shown to be manipulated.

Terror and panic ensue.

What makes this movie work is its acidic sense of humor. The victims are pretty much like a thousand such monster fodder from a thousand different movies. The misanthropy of those behind the scenes, is both shocking and hysterically funny. When we get to the ultimate reason for the programmed mayhem, it all makes a kind of sense, and allows the filmmakers to take us into Lovecraftian territory.

All in all, an inventive, hilarious poke at all things horror...

The Blackcoat's Daughter (I) (2015)

"You Had Your Chance!"...

[27 March 2024]

THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER is best described as bleak, somber, and ominous, without a speck of hope throughout its running time. Director Oz Perkins really pours on the dread and doom here, with an atmosphere so thick it's suffocating.

The drama unfolds in and around a Catholic boarding school for girls, centering on three young women: Kat (Kiernan Shipka). Rose (Lucy Boynton), and Joan (Emma Roberts), during two distinct winters.

Presented in non-chronological order, the story seems jumbled, but this only adds to the sense of disorientation and creeping unease. It's important to pay close attention to every word of dialogue, and to watch for small oddities in every scene. A second viewing is recommended, since some things become quite clear in hindsight. Everyone is superb in their roles, including James Remar and Lauren Holly as a grieving couple who have a date with destiny.

A superior horror film in all respects...

The Hunger Games (2012)

Kill Or Be Killed...

[26 March 2024]

Having never read the novel upon which this film is based, this review is about the movie only.

THE HUNGER GAMES is an engaging, exhilarating, yet tragic story set in a future dystopian society where the titular contest pits 12 districts against each other. Two contestants are chosen to represent each district in a battle to the death with the other 11. Ultimately, there can be only one survivor, making things even more heartwrenching. All of this plays out via live broadcast to a cheering audience.

This movie is reminiscent of THE RUNNING MAN, mixed with elements from classics like BRAVE NEW WORLD and BATTLE ROYALE. The main character, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is from the coal-mining district 12. Ms. Lawrence is very convincing in her desperate role, making Katniss a wide-eyed country kid who must draw upon everything she knows in order to stay alive. Many difficult decisions are made, all of them costly.

There is just as much poignancy as there is action and violence, making this movie stand out as one of the more balanced of its subgenre. The film's commentary on commercialization, social / moral decay, and governmental control, is clear and suitably biting. There is more going on here than just another popcorn movie.

A modern classic...

Brotherhood of the Wolf (2001)

"Come, Let's Drink To Our Betrayals!"...

[25 March 2024]

BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF is set in 18th century France, where a duo of investigators (Samuel Le Bihan and Mark Dacascos) have been dispatched from Paris to uncover what has been mauling and mutilating its way through the rural population. Upon their arrival, they find that superstition and political expediency are their greatest obstacles. It is said that a huge beast is behind the slaughter.

Is it a giant wolf? A monster? A demon? Or, perhaps something much worse?

Director Christophe Gans has made an absorbing film full of mystery, intrigue, and explosive action. Mr. Gans allows the story to unfold slowly, letting us watch the futility of the King's "solution", before the real hunt begins.

A unique costume-thriller with strong horror elements, shocking twists / revelations, and a thoroughly satisfying finale...

Night Watch (1973)

Nosey Neighbor......

[25 March 2024]

NIGHT WATCH stars Elizabeth Taylor as Ellen Wheeler, who appears to witness a murder in the house next door. Her claims are complicated by the fact that she has suffered a devastating traumatic event. Now, Ellen's husband (Laurence Harvey), and best friend (Billie Whitelaw) seem supportive, but skeptical. As the story unfolds, we find that we can't simply rely on the -apparently- obvious.

Sort of an odd mixture of REAR WINDOW and GASLIGHT, this movie draws heavily from both of these films. However, there are some wonderfully tricky twists involved here that turn everything on its head, giving viewers a chance to drop their collective jaw. With NIGHT WATCH, it's all about the final act, and the revelations therein.

Ms. Taylor plays her neurotic role to perfection, helping to set up a denouement for the ages!

Pay close attention and be patient. The payoff is well worth the wait...

Moonfall (2022)

Lunacy...

[24 March 2024]

MOONFALL is another gargantuan, would-be blockbuster from Director Roland Emmerich. It stars Hale Berry and Patrick Wilson as astronauts who experience a mysterious, tragic anomaly in space. Years later, they must reunite, along with a fast food worker (John Bradley) who has foreseen a coming global catastrophe.

Much like he did with ID4, Mr. Emmerich manages to condense about 15 hours worth of movie into 130 minutes. Things happen so quickly that it's dizzying. By the time we say, "Hey wait a minute! I don't think that's even remotely possible!", we're several explosive scenes behind.

As modern sci-fi goes, it's certainly not boring, but it does make your head ring like a gong after awhile. Absurd? Yes. Overblown? Absolutely. The finale is a spectacle so jaw-droppingly preposterous, that only Mr. Emmerich could have created it. To be fair, this film is best enjoyed in the theater. This is why God invented popcorn...

The Unholy (2021)

That Old-Time Religion...

[22 March 2024]

In THE UNHOLY, after a prologue not unlike the opening of BLACK SUNDAY (aka: The Mask Of Satan), a young girl (Cricket Brown) seems to undergo a miraculous healing, and goes on to heal others. A cynical, down-on-his-luck reporter (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) happens to be on the scene, and investigates the ensuing events. Eventually, things happen that point more toward the demonic than the divine.

While not a terrible occult horror film, it's not all that terrifying either. The biggest problem is the egregious use of CGI to represent the eeevil entity. Sadly, CGI just isn't frightening, and detracts from the horror by looking so cartoonish. The CGI fire is equally unconvincing.

Worth a glance, but not a rewatch...

The Turning (2020)

A Turn Too Far...

[22 March 2024]

THE TURNING is a modern retelling of the novel, THE TURN OF THE SCREW. This story had already been rendered perfectly in THE INNOCENTS in 1961. To be fair, a newer version might have been okay, since so much time had passed.

However, in spite of a good performance by young Mr. Finn Wolfhard as Miles, the rest of the film is rather anemic. The main character, Kate Mandell (Mackenzie Davis) isn't bad, but she's not very interesting either. She roams around the mansion, being taunted by Miles, and fearing the icy head housekeeper. This goes on for most of the movie, until... Boom! The "shock" ending just sort of comes out of nowhere, and the credits roll. Now, sometimes a big twist like this is warranted and works perfectlly. Not here. This finale is far too abrupt and absurd, making no sense, and making the rest of the movie meaningless.

Ugh...