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

AUGUST 2005

RATINGS

- PUTRID TRASH

- THAT WHICH DOESN'T KILL YOU...

- EH. NOT TOO BAD. PASSABLE.

- VERY GOOD, IF NOT GREAT.

- INCREDIBLE, POSSIBLY A CLASSIC!

Tales from the Crypt: Season 1 (1989)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I'm sure you've already seen most of these episodes anyhow. It's great that this series has finally made it to DVD, but where are the extras? A few things seem quite dated, but not in an entirely bad way. Sure, the twist ending don't seem as shocking as they used to...but everything is better the first time around. Can't wait for the rest of the collection, so open up The Crypt!

Tales from the Crypt: From Comic Books to Television (2005)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this made a great companion piece for the re-release of 'Tales from the Crypt: Season 1'. I'd place this one near the top of the list of my favorite documentaries ever. It's a great tale of publishing, black-listing, and freedom of speech. Plus, some of the artwork from the magazine covers haven't seen the light of day in years.

Dead Meat (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this was an effective little zombie flick. Probably would be a good companion to 'Shaun of the Dead', though this one plays much more for scares than laughs. Be sure to watch the making of and the early short film from the director 'Brain Eater'. You may want to watch this with the subtitles on, it helped me quite a bit.

The Hole (2001)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this one was just excellent. Told from many different perspectives, you're never really sure where the truth lies. Great to see both Thora Birch and Keira Knightley http://www.netflix.com/RoleDisplay?id=20029921 have characters with British accents. Yum. Sources say that Disney had something to do with burying this film for the last four years due to the fact that one of their sweethearts, Knightley, has a fleeting flesh shot. What a shame. This flick should have gotten a full theatrical release, it deserved it for sure.

The Machinist (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this film was so good on so many levels, I couldn't imagine that anyone who likes psychological thrillers wouldn't like this one. Reminiscent of both 'Fight Club' and Memento'...this film has a style and energy unto itself.

Suspect Zero (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...is there any movie that Ben Kingsley doesn't completely improve just by appearing onscreen? Well, again he doesn't disappoint. This film has a few great twists and turns, ones that I personally didn't see coming. Not your typical 'serial killer/time is running' out sort of film!

Enduring Love (2004)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this was a rather different movie about obsession, obligation, and love. It's one of those movies that would make most viewers uncomfortable. For that alone I have to give it some due respect. Some great cinematography, but some fatal plot flaws. Recommended, even with all it's flaws.

The Jacket (2005)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I just couldn't get into this film. It was like the 'Butterfly Effect' but without the conviction. I just felt almost like I was watching a composite of several movies put together with odd timing and competent editing.

Tomie (1999)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this movie just didn't do it for me. It was just downright ridiculous in parts, and only mildly amusing in others. It was almost like there was no script in parts and everyone was just improving. One of the more disappointing Asian horror films I've seen.

Boogeyman (2005)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I only saw this film a few days ago, and can hardly even remember what it was all about. That's a pretty bad sign. I liked it better the first time around when it was called 'Darkness Falls'.

The Wicker Man (1973)

Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...I WILL say this movie had some interesting, unique, and absolutely surreal moments. Even for a movie that's nearly as old as I am, there were some very strange and creepy moments. But, from the first five minutes you know what's going on, who's behind it, and what's going to ultimately happen. I mean, is it just me? Maybe if it wasn't titled 'The Wicker Man'? Maybe if the titular item/character wasn't pictured on the cover of the DVD? A re-make would work...but, this one was just an open book from the first moment.