The Horror Library - The Best in Horror Fiction

Mini Movie Reviews
By R.J. Cavender

'Now, I don't want to give anything away'...Mini Movie Reviews
by RJ Cavender

APRIL/MAY 2005

RATINGS

- PUTRID TRASH

- THAT WHICH DOESN'T KILL YOU...

- EH. NOT TOO BAD. PASSABLE.

- VERY GOOD, IF NOT GREAT.

- INCREDIBLE, POSSIBLY A CLASSIC!

The Hillside Strangler (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this movie is probably one of
the better 'serial killer' direct-to-DVD offerings released in the last few
years. Gritty and unappologetic, this one takes you on a ride into the minds
of two of LA's most notorious murderers. The retro look is great, and really
works well to add to the atmosphere of this film. Much more than I expected!

Battle Royale: Special Edition (2001)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...'Battle Royale' was an unexpected and enjoyable little bloodbath! This one goes on my Top 10 list! I'm afraid nearly anything I could tell you about this film would give something away, so let me just say...there's a huge body count and it's a lot of fun to get there! Part 'Lord of the Flies' and part 'Kill
Bill'...this one held my attention from the first second of film and didn't let up until the credits! A killer good time!

The Hazing (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...'The Hazing' is one of those films you'll either love or hate. It really doesn't kick into high gear until past the one hour mark, but when it does kick in...it really delivers the goods. At first I was uncertain if this one was truly an homage to slasher films of the eighties, or just another poorly acted film with a
moderate budget. But, if your a fan of the eighties bloodbath slashers, and you have a taste for in-jokes and horror cliche's...then this one is a keeper! We turned it into a drinking game with friends, and it was a great time for all!

Broken Vessels (1999)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...'Broken Vessels' was much more than I expected from an unknown indie film from a few years ago. Equal parts "Bring out Your Dead", "Fight Club". and "SPUN", this movie dives head first into the lives of two EMT workers and their growing substance abuse problems. It'll make you think twice about taking an ambulance. The cinematography goes from surreal to hand-held video, and it all blends into one nightmarish landscape of what America is and the monsters some people can become...left to their own devises.

Red Riding Hood (2003)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this one is a guilty pleasure if nothing more. Filmed in Rome, but with American actors, this one was reminiscent of 'The Other' and 'Misery'...but is really nothing like either. It's odd. This film was brilliant in some parts and idiotic in others. But, overall...if a 12-year-old girl serial killer on a bike...in Rome...sounds like a GREAT premise to you, then this is your film. It was horrible, mind you. Just...odd. Very odd. But, the acting is solid and the locales are all so intriguing...it's hard not to like this film.

The Forgotten (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I'm starting to get fed up with these 'twist ending' films that rely only on a big reveal at the end for it's effectiveness. I mean, this film was worth watching and all...it's just that these tricks are wearing thin. Julianne Moore was great in this film, but it sort of felt like a "Not without my Daughter" sort of horror film made by Lifetime Television. Something about this one just didn't feel original. But, for innovative special effects and a few new ideas, I'll give this one a...

Cellular (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this one wasn't too bad. Oh, it was no classic either, mind you. It was just much better than I expected. This one borrows so much from so many movies, it doesn't even makes sense to list them all. And, sure...you'll have to suspend belief, as much of what's shown wouldn't make any sense to anyone with any logic at all. But... for some reason, the characters and the story grew on me. The pacing was quick, and it rarely seemed dragged out.

The Fog (1980)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I decided to re-visit this early John Carpenter movie on a rainy Sunday as a double-feature with "The Brood". You know, thinking back...this is one of the first horror films I remember seeing in the theaters. Sure, it's not as powerful as it was when I was a kid...but most of the effective elements that worked back then, still pack a punch nowdays. Plus, it's just cool to see Jamie Lee Curtis and her mother Janet Leigh in a film together. I'm sure this one will be getting a Hollywood update soon...they'd better not screw this one up.

The Brood (1979)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this early Cronenberg film just didn't have much effect on me. I even fought the urge to fast forward. It just seemed...so 'talky'. Too much 70's psycho-babble for my tastes. But, some elements were still really effective... and the lil monster kids will always creep me out. Maybe, after watching "The Fog" earlier that day this one just paled in comparison.

Chasing Sleep (2000)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but... Jeff Daniels puts in double-duty in the crazy department in this 2000 film, just newly released on DVD. It's just one of those films that focuses in on theme, atmosphere, and suspense...and everything else is secondary. Reminded me of a mix of "Memento" and "The Telltale Heart" ...with a little peyote thrown in for good measure. I imagine this is what it'd be like to go crazy, and the filmmakers do a damn good job of laying it down on film. A bit slow for some viewers, but if you stick with it...it's totally worth it.

The Exorcist: Restored Version (1973)
The Exorcist 2: The Heretic (1977)
Exorcist 3 (1990)
Exorcist: The Beginning (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I decided to give this whole collection a re-watching now that the prequel has been released on DVD. First off, I still think the restored version of the original is great! The new footage adds to the horror, and the DVD transfer is crisp. Obviously, a classic. Now...for part two. It JUST should have never happened, and rumor has it that this one was just put together quickly to cash in on Linda
Blair's popularity at the time. 'Heretic' indeed! I'd never seen "Exorcist 3" until now, but I probably would have had I known it was written and directed by William Peter Blatty. And... The PREQUEL! Actually, I rather enjoyed the prequel "Exorcist: The Beginning". Not a classic like the first...but rather an accompanying piece that works well to answer some questions and show events that seal the entire collection up as a whole. My advise...rent then all, except for "The Exorcist 2: The Heretic" which is advised for only the biggest completist fans.

Phone (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I have a new horror favorite from Korea! This one is a bit reminiscent of other Asian offerings like "The Eye" and "Ringu", but the solid acting and incredible cinematography elevated this one to a new level. I was glued to the screen. If you liked either of the above mentioned films, or "Ju-on:The Grudge", you'll most likely fall in love with this film. I did.

The Vanishing (1993) / Spoorloos (1988)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but... I decided to re-watch this thriller from '93, and watch it's original Dutch counterpart which I've never seen before. TRUST ME... if you have never seen the US version, watch the Dutch one first! While the US remake is mostly true to the original, the ending is where it suffers a case of Hollywood Happy Ending Syndrome. And the difference, makes ALL the difference. Both movies are great, but the Americanized version taste some of the sting out of the punch...which makes the entire film suffer.
(The Vanishing)

/ (Spoorloos)

Cube (1997)
Cube 2: Hypercube (2002)
Cube Zero (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this collection is the best sci-fi/horror series since the Alien trilogy. I can't tell you anything more than that, as these movies... have a lot of secrets. Lots of blood and high-tech splatter, with a good deal of brains behind it all. Watch the trilogy back-to-back...you'll blow your mind!

The Crazies (1973)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...George A. Romero has made much better films. That said, this one has it's moments. Some definite shades of "Night of the Living Dead" plus some foreshadowing to projects like "28 Days Later" and other viral related disaster films. But...time hasn't been kind to this one. Very outdated, horrible acting, and overall it just ends up being more laughable than anything else. But, it was something somewhat new for it's time...so that's got to count for something. In my opinion, best viewed with a few friends, a few drinks, and if nothing else...you'll have a few laughs.