Posts Tagged ‘m-horror’

January 24th, 2019 Featured, Movies, Reviews No Comments »

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Review

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Director: Tobe Hooper
Writer: Kim Henkel, Tobe Hooper
Year: 1974

One of my great movie-watching shames was having never seen original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. At some point I actually saw the remake but never the 1974 version. After having finally watched it, I see what all the fuss was about.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is a dismal movie. No, not in its quality but in what it presents to viewers. It begins with a semi-happy group of young adults trekking through the boonies. Upon getting to their destination, they can’t help but nose around and get mixed up with some seriously messed up neighbors. The film quickly turns into a bleak, terrifying experience.

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I don’t know quite what it is that makes the film so effective, but a lot of it has to do with how unhinged the antagonists are. Leatherface, for example, does not come across as an invincible super being like many iconic horror villains. Yet, he’s clearly deadly. It feels more realistic, which lends itself to a much scarier story.

This movie had my stomach in knots for the minutes leading up to the first death. From then on, I couldn’t help but clench my jaw and simply stare at all that transpired. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre may be a 45 year old film but it definitely hasn’t lost its bite.

January 17th, 2019 Featured, Movies, Reviews No Comments »

You Might Be the Killer Review

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Director: Brett Simmons
Writer:  Covis Berzoyne, Brett Simmons
Year: 2018

You Might Be the Killer landed on a few people’s favorite horror films of 2018 lists. Trusting the judgment of others, I decided to give it a watch. At first, I wasn’t sure how well the movie would play out. The basic concept is provided right in the title – the protagonist has been killing off camp counselors without realizing it.

How can you take something that would just be written off as a joke in a horror-themed skit and make a full film about it? As it turns out, they manage to make a coherent film based off a simple premise. You learn more about why and how our lead became a killer. Along the way expect tons of cheesy references to various horror films.

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It’s a cute movie, to be sure. But cuteness alone doesn’t make it compelling. I cared so little for the protagonist that I can’t even remember his name. In fact, I really only clearly recall his phone call buddy Chuck played by Alyson Hannigan! The fact that they got Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer hyped me up – but that’s clearly the point.

The movie was all about catering to horror fans. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! As a horror fan, I can definitely find enjoyment with copious amounts of horror trivia/fan service. But there’s not a lot of substance beyond it in the case of You Might Be the Killer. Still, it’s a decent watch to see what it offers.