HORRORESQUE: KING ARTHUR-THE LEGEND OF THE SWORD

KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD
Warner Bros.
2017 color
126 Mins.
Fantasy/ Action
Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Annabelle Wallis, Djimon Honsou and Eric Bana star.
Written and Directed by Guy Ritchie
Rated PG-13 for language, violence and adult themes.

I was lucky enough to catch an advance screening of King Arthur the other night. You may be asking yourself why this review would even appear on a horror blog. But there is without a doubt a lot of horror themes running throughout this gargantuan production. Surprisingly enough this new version of the mythology approaches the material from a darker fantasy angle than any which have proceeded it. The movie starts out with an epic FX heavy battle sequence featuring gigantic, mysterious creatures and lots of magic. Soon after Arthur's parents are murdered and he escapes. Only a young boy he is taken in by a bunch of young women working in a brothel. We see him grow up through a bunch of quick cut flashbacks done in the purest Guy Ritchie style. Of course when reaching his peak he becomes a continuously shirtless, ruggedly charming Charlie Hunnam. 

Acting as a sort of security for the household with a group of charismatic friends. Meanwhile the kingdom is being searched when a stone with an immovable sword appears. And I'm sure you can guess what happens from there. There are the expected events such as the pulling of the sword, Guinevere, whose a mage trained by Merlin this time around and a final epic battle. 

What you don't expect is some gnarly supernatural creatures, a bunch of cool magic and a very unique take on the material that's never been seen before. The movie is also surprisingly funny and creatively executed. Those expecting a standard issue historical take on the legend will be sadly disappointed. This has more in common with Mortal Kombat than Braveheart. The movie is excessively energetic and confidently entertaining but does feel a bit chaotic at times.

 Because of this chaos it's hard to forge any type of emotional connection to the characters or story. It all feels very flashy and awe inspiring. And although there seems to be substance here as well a ton of very cool ideas it all feels like so much and yet doesn't have the girth you would think. As we move towards it's explosive finale it becomes a bit too CGI heavy, that being said it truly is a sight to be seen.

 I only wish they would have gone for that R rating so the violence would be a bit more graphic and the gore more apparent. Also although the cinematography is pretty impressive I do wish they pulled back and slowed down to show some of the battle sequences instead of the quick zooms and cuts that left me a little confused at times. And once you buy into the cinematic universe they create it's one hell of a good time. Filled with insane action set pieces a very hunky and likable Hunnam and awe inspiring visuals this "Arthur"leaves quite an inspired impression. 

And speaking of those genre bloodlines there's everything from nasty sea creatures to giant snakes and an insanely creepy and hellish Video Game style villain. Enjoy!***.5/5

NEW BLOOD HORRORESQUE: COLOSSAL

COLOSSAL
Toy Fight/Bright light
2017 Color
110 Mins.
Horror/Comedy
Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudekis, Austin Stonewall and Tim Blake Nelson star.
Written and Directed by Nacho Vigalondo
Rated R for language, violence and adult themes.

Although technically not a horror film, not a comedy and not a sci-fi film. Colossal is very much a unique and much needed representation of the tired genre. The film centers on a washed up, alcoholic, party girl who returns to her home town after her boyfriend (Dan Stevens-currently the Beast in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and the sexy mofo from The Guest) breaks up with her. Aimless she runs into an old friend who now owns his father's bar played by the talented Jason Sudekis. Coinciding  almost immediately with her arrival a Kaiju monster attacks Seoul, Korea. As the movie moves along she discovers that if she enters a certain patch of land at a certain time the monster will appear halfway across the world and mimic anything she does. We also discover that Jason Sudekis, when walking into the same patch of land becomes a Giant Robot as well. I know most of you are probably rolling your eyes but it's all pretty awesome. She of course becomes very aware of the consequences of her actions and Sudekis begins to abuse his newfound power challenging her. It all culminates to a really unique, impressive, unexpected showdown. There are so many things to love about this movie but let's start off with the performances. Both Hathaway and Sudekis are fantastic. It's her best and most likable role in the last few years she gives Gloria a depth of emotion and desperation and still manages to be quite funny.

 Sudekis on the other hand is so likable for the film's first half before transforming believably into a sociopathic monster of sorts. Writer/ Director Vigalondo smartly ushers the proceedings with a comedic edge. And even when the film gets really dark it still remains entertaining and relatable. And it's no secret when it comes to the films subtext, symbolism and message. Gloria's actions regarding her life and it's direction have consequences not just for her but all the others around her. The Kaiju portion of the film I don't think should be taken at face value it's symbolic of the destruction someone can do when not paying attention to how it affects others. It's a profound statement delivered in a warped, gargantuan, cinematic way. Colossal of course isn't perfect it could have used a bit more comedy and a bigger finale but in the end it all feels very appropriate. For those reasons it won't branch out to the mainstream audience but it's a remarkable little gem nonetheless and a welcome return for Hathaway as well as a career changer for funny man Sudekis. ****.25/5

NEW BLOOD: THE VOID

THE VOID
Cave/JoBro
2017 Color
90 Mins.
Horror/Sci-Fi
Aaron Poole, Kenneth Welsch, Daniel Fathers and Kathleen Munroe star.
Written and Directed by Jeremy Gillesepie and Steve Konstanski
N/R contains language, violence and gore.

Wow this movie arrived on a tremendous amount of hype within the genre community. So there's absolutely no way that it wouldn't be at least a little disappointing, and it is. Not to say it's not a solid throwback to the practical effects driven creep flicks of yesteryear, but it's just lacking the heart those classics possess. Centering on a group of mostly strangers who find themselves gathered at a run down hospital as they encounter a strange cult and some otherworld dimensional nasties. I really think the hype is what brought me down a few pegs for this one. But let me pull it a part a little for you. First up the performances and characters, all though the leads are pretty good their characters could have been drawn better. Giving them more depth and charisma. The supporting players are all pretty forgettable including the hellraiser esque villain.

 The direction and writing is unique in parts and feels confident at times but the film does feel like it was thrown together a bit as they were making it. The pacing and the flow could have used some work and the film never really feels as scary or urgent as it should. The main attraction here are the practical effects which are quite fun and impressive but don't come anywhere near the works of films like The Thing and Slither to name a few. The film is fun and culminates to a unique if underwhelming finale. Conceptually it seems more vast and creative than it's execution and there's no hiding that there's real talent here. Some of the film's twists are quite surprising but it all feels very limited by it's budgetary constraints. Hopefully it does well and we can get a bigger sequel to really cement what they can do with all of this. Definitely worth a watch but don't believe the hype although fun it leaves much to be desired which is oddly representative of the title. ***.25/5

NEW BLOOD: PHOENIX FORGOTTEN

PHOENIX FORGOTTEN
Cinelou/ Scott free
2017 Color
87 Mins.
Sci-Fi/Thriller
Florence Hartigan, Luke Spencer Roberts, Chelsea Lopez, Justin Matthews and Matt Biedel star.
Written and Directed by Justin Barber
Rated PG-13 for adult themes

The Found Footage subgenre has without a doubt been done to the death. But as it neared it's ending a few years ago it began to deliver a lot more than it usually does for better or worse. So it's an odd thing that this film would even hit theaters this weekend. Sure it's a quiet release with a new studio backing it,a combination which has generated some unique experiences in the past such as Blair Witch and House of 1000 Corpses. I mean it just feels like there has to be something special about it if they are putting their asses out there. Well I'm here to tell you, that there's just not. I didn't really have any expectations walking into this thing after it not being screened for critics and the audience reviews landing on the mediocre end but wow there is just really nothing here. It's one of those movies where literally everything is in the trailers. Now it's not the worst movie. They do build a believable atmosphere even if it never generates any real tension. The movie centers on three teens who went missing after they investigated the Phoenix Lights events in the late 90's. The movie doesn't really offer any new insight to the material or the genre. And speaking as someone who is terrified of realistic Alien flicks like The Fourth Kind, Dark Skies and hell even Alien Abduction to an extent I just found myself slightly interested but most underwhelmed and even a little bored by the events unrolling before my eyes. As always they try and develop relationships between the characters and they do for the most part. But there's just not enough depth so that you really know or care about any of the kids. The proceedings also lack a sense of urgency so important in movies like these. At the end of day It's all overly mediocre and although I try and not participate in the usual stereotypes with films like these I will have to say that it does feel very much like a cheaper rip off of the Blair Witch project and despite not being awful it's just not worth anyone's time. Phoenix Forgettable would have been a more appropriate title. **/5

MUST SEE! NEW BLOOD:THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER

THE BLACKCOAT'S DAUGHTER
A24
2017 color
93 Mins.
Horror/Thriller
Emma Roberts, Kiernan Shipka, Lauren Holly, Lucy Boynton and James Remar star.
Written and Directed by Oz Perkins
Rated R for strong language, violence and gore.

A few years ago this film opened to rave reviews under the much better ambiguous title of "February". I was lucky enough to see it and I'm so glad that it's finally out so that everyone can experience this exceptional genre experience. It's an odd sort of film and one I refuse to spoil for anyone by giving away too many details. But here's what it's kind of about. There are two main stories here being interwoven together. Both are about seemingly troubled young woman. One of them is stuck at a boarding school for winter break and the other is traveling cross country. As the proceedings play out you begin to discover strange things about them and their stories which involve a multitude of creepy things that roll out unexpectedly leading up to a disturbing, thought provoking conclusion.

The movie has many strengths but I'd first like to point the quiet intensity it possesses. Like the best of the genre the film builds a palpable atmosphere of dread from it's opening moments to it's last. They sustain that dread throughout making the audience feel both immersed in the spaciness of what's going on and unable to look away from gruesomeness to come.

 This film is without a doubt of the slow burn varietal and only viewers with patience will be rewarded by it's dark delights. Those looking for jump scares or action look else where. This is a psychological, character driven film. Believable, tragic and haunting. The film feels so unique and original and is written and directed by former doofy but adorable actor Oz Perkins (Legally Blonde) in his astounding cinematic debut.

 Oz is also the son of Screen legend of Horror alumni Anthony Perkins.

 Aside from accomplished direction and writing the film also features two ridiculously great performances from Shipka and even more impressively from Roberts. Shedding their teen girl roots in favor of something much darker and way more complex.

The film's cinematography is also inspired as is the soft, melodic, nightmare inducing score.  I would also like to point out that this film is definitely not for everyone. the greatest works of art are polarizing sending viewers in both directions. Undoubtedly horror this film goes beyond what's expected as it delves into issues of youth, grief and the disconnection of humanity. It's a rare thing to watch a horror film this artistic and poetic.I really want to say much more but I'm gonna be good. All I can say is that it's truly disappointing to see this film is being buried to a limited theatrical/VOD release. I have a feeling that there are gonna be great things from everyone involved. Unfortunately Perkins followed up this masterpiece with the dreadfully boring but atmospheric Netflix horror film The Pretty thing that lives next door but with the release of his first film finally I'm sure he will begin to garner the attention that he deserves and deliver on it. When I originally saw this I was blown away and felt it was the best film of the year and that feeling has not changed. Don't miss it! ****.75/5

MUST SEE!-NEW BLOOD: THE DEVIL'S CANDY

THE DEVIL'S CANDY
IFC Midnight
2017 Color
90 Mins.
Horror/Thriller
Ethan Embry, Shiri Appleby, Kiara Glasco and Pruitt Taylor Vince star. 
Written and Directed by Sean Byrne
Rated R for language, violence and gore.

A BAD ASS MUTHERF*CKING HORROR MOVIE! From writer/directed Sean Byrne of the criminally under seen "Loved ones". The Devil's Candy is an immersive, seductive, inspired fusion of Metal and Horror. The film centers on a young family who move into a new home with a jaded past. One of their first nights there a previous tenant returns after being ousted from where he's staying for playing his guitar too loud to drown out a demonic voice. They of course ask him to leave and after a run in with the cops at a motel he decides to stop playing and give into the voices and murder. Almost immediately after the father begins to hear voices and begins to create a tapestry of horrific images.

 Eventually the murderer targets the daughter and the family must do whatever it takes to prevent him from accomplishing his goal. 

This could have been so formulaic and so predictable. But every moment that could go somewhere familiar doesn't. Although not as gory as his previous feature "Devil's Candy" has more of an psychological impact. The movie is packed to the brim with solid performances from the now ridiculously hot Ethan Embry as the father.

A career best from Shiri Appleby as the mom, a solid performance from Kiara Glasco as the daughter and Pruitt Taylor Vince creepy as ever as the killer. 
When I started this review I said this movie was an infusion of metal and horror, let me explain. Many films have tried to combine the two and succeeded to a point, most recently Deathgasm. But there never has been a movie like this. Metal flows through it from the music the family likes, to the score and the blood of the story. 
There are so many bad ass moments enhanced by remarkable cinematography and accomplished direction by Sean Byrne. Speaking of him, how is he not famous yet? Someone snatch this guy up so we can see many more things from him. The only thing I would have hoped for is a bit more development concerning some side characters to clarify things but truth be told this film could have been generic I mean the setup isn't actually anything new but the way in which the material is handled and the creepy depth it's given makes everything feel fresh and exciting. Although it deserved a wide theater release catch this brilliant horror indie on demand now. It's a must see! ****.5/5

NEW BLOOD: LIFE (SPOILER FREE REVIEW)

LIFE
Sony/Columbia
2017 Color
103 Mins. Sci-Fi/Horror
Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson and Jake Gyenhaal star.
Written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick
Directed by Daniel Espinosa
Rated R for language, violence and gore.

Oh Life what a strange beast you are. Modeled after the space horror flicks like Alien and it's 100 ripoffs with some Gravity thrown in for good measure. Life is a slightly confused genre hybrid. The film centers on a space crew that uncovers a living organism taken from a sample from Mars. It of course begins to grow becomes aggressive and will do anything to survive. 

We've seen this movie before many, many times. There's not a lot of new here besides some cool effects and a top notch cast of which I'm unsure about why they signed up. The movie isn't bad but it's execution is puzzling. Nearly every frame of Life presents itself as a PG-13 movie. It's very much on the tame side side stepping any real graphic violence or gore with a bunch of F bombs thrown around in the background. I'm pretty sure the film wasn't gaining the traction they wanted to so they added some stuff in and hoped the more hardcore audience to show up. Which is just a little disappointing because every time you think a scene will allude to a Carpenter's Thing or even an Event Horizon payoff it doesn't leaving us to wonder whether it was stripped and toned down as not to offend anyone. The film isn't smart or clever but it does manage to be adequately entertaining with some tense moments sprinkled throughout.

 The only thing that really separates it from the flock it's imitating and the straight to dvd route is a massive size budget at $58,000,000 which is used splendidly. The film looks gorgeously. Space hasn't looked this good since Gravity. And the A list cast who all give solid performances to underdeveloped parts especially Gyllenhaal and Ferguson who I will have my eye on from now on. Reynolds is hunky and funny as you would expect. The creature design is cool but leaves much to be desired and the rationality of the characters is unintentionally funny at times. I mean their definition of quarantine is just pathetic. Now I'm not gonna get into any spoilers because the film would benefit from being seen with a fresh eye. And it's mostly worth seeing. True it's not very original or smart but it has enough fun stuff throughout some of which had be squeezing my boyfriends hand. In the end it's all very perplexing as to why this movie was even made. Maybe there was a darker screenplay they started with or maybe the rumor about it being a "venom" prequel (yes the character from Marvel) was originally true before it was flushed out. Either way it's worth a watch for us starving horror fans even if it's copying far better films without the same result. ***.5/5