Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Ouija: Origin of Evil  (2016)

Actors:

Lulu Wilson, Annalise Basso & Elizabeth Reaser

Director:

Mike Flanagan

Runtime:

1 hour 39 minutes

Plot:

In 1965 Los Angles, a widowed mother and her daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by a supernatural spirit, the family confronts unthinkable fears to save and send her possessor back to the other side.

Trailer:

Review:

This film is the prequel to the 2014 film Ouija, which takes place in the same house but 50 years earlier. And is also directed by Mike Flanagan (director of "Hush" and "Oculus") and with his special touch makes the movie far better than the first film. This film has generic story plot said countless times before, but told in a brilliant way.

The cinematography makes a creepy atmosphere. The actors' skills are all around first rate for any film, not one bad egg. As for the special effects, though not original by any means, are done very well and on the creepy side. 

For horror fans, there is a surprise and the end of the credits.
All around I would give this movie a 7.5 out of 10.

Let Us Prey (2014)

Let Us Prey (2014)

Actors:

Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) Pollyanna McIntosh (the Woman) & Bryan Larking (London has Fallen)

Director:

Brian O'Malley

Runtime:

1 hr 32 minutes

Plot:

A mysterious man arrives at the police station in a rural secluded Scottish town and unleashes terror on the cops and criminals inside. 

Trailer:

Liam Cunningham plays a mysterious man (if you pay attention you can figure out who early on) and starts getting into peoples minds. 

Since starting this blog I have watched more foreign horror than I have before. And I have noticed that no matter what the budget they tend to be very well made (including this film). The set, plot, lighting and special effects (including the blood looking real not fake) are excellently done. Hot giving away spoilers, there police officers are worse than the criminals they have in the cells. This is one messed up film that I totally loved. 

  Highly Recommend.

The Black Gate aka the Darkening (1995)

The Black Gate aka the Darkening (1995)

Actors:

Jeff Rector, George Saunders & Rebecca Kyler Downs

Director:

William Mesa

Runtime:

1 hr 20 minutes

Plot:

A psychic visits a woman's seeming idyllic Bed and Breakfast where demons lurk.

Trailer:

Review:

This movie is one of the most cheesiest low quality special effects in 90's B-movies I have ever seen. I had a hard time watching this without wanting to turn the thing off. This film is pg-13, so please don't expect much on the scary parts. 

For those of you who like to sit and watch these movies for the comical aspect please feel free to love this movie for that, otherwise stay away for this film. 

The Black Magic (2002)

The Black Magic (2002)

Actors:

Daniel Lennox, Christina Wieber & Guy Bracca

Director;

Marc-Ivan O'Gorman

Runtime:

1 hour 31 minutes

Plot:

Three young men taking one last hurrah to Bangkok before one of them gets married. There they meet a Thai woman who ends up dead the next morning. Upon returning home, the men are haunted by the vengeful spirit of the woman.

Trailer:

Review:

This film was inspired to some degree by true event. The acting is average while some are just trying too hard. The story, well that takes a while to develop and than it was still just a basic story that has been told many, many times before. The ending was rather weak as most of the story was. To be honest even for a low-budget this movie is just not worth the time to watch it.

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The Conjuring 2 (2016)

Actors:

Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga & Frances O'Connor

Director:

James Wan

Runtime:

2 hr 13 minutes

Plot:

In 1977, paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren come out of a self-imposed sabbatical to travel to Enfield, a borough in north London. There, they meet Peggy Hodgson, an overwhelmed single mother of four who tells the couple that something evil is in her home. Ed and Lorraine believe her story when the youngest daughter starts to show signs of demonic possession. As the Warrens try to help the besieged girl, they become the next target of the malicious spirits.

Trailer:

Review:

Based on actual events around Ed and Lorraine Warren, this film is about England's version of Amityville and is the most documented haunting to date. With James Wan as the director this movie lacks for nothing as per usual for him. The cast and crew did an amazing job. Special effects were great and no mess-ups that I could see.
There were plenty of jump scares and even got me on one (which rarely happens). I took my 81 yr old mother with me to see this (she's not a horror fan in any way) and she also loved this film as well. Even if she got scared a bit.  This being a brand new film I am not going into great detail so I do not include spoilers, but I HIGHLY RECOMMEND  this to everyone, even non horror fans. This one surpassed the first one and is one of the few sequels that are much better than the original.  

Patrick: Evil Awakens (2013)

Patrick: Evil Awakens (2013)

Actors:

Jackson Gallagher, Sharni Vinson & Charles Dance

Director:

Mark Hartley

Runtime:

1 hr 36 minutes

Plot:

Kathy (Sharni Vinson) is a young nurse that is eager to prove herself in her new job in an isolated psychiatric clinic. She's intrigued by Patrick (Jackson Gallagher), a comatose patient that her boss Dr. Roget (Charles Dance) assures her is incapable of truly responding to any external stimuli. Kathy is horrified by the experiments that Roget and his nurse Matron Cassidy (Rachel Griffiths) inflict upon him, and she's initially pleased when she finds a way to communicate with him. This quickly turns to horror when Patrick uses his psychic abilities to interfere with her life outside of the hospital, as Patrick has grown obsessed with Kathy and will harm anyone that he deems to be interfering with his relationship with her.

Trailer:

Review:

This is a low budget (remake) Australian horror film. The special effects are very well done for a low budget, I've seen some higher budget films with worse to be honest. The cinematography in this film was done by Garry Richards and he did a splendid job. The lead actress Sharni Vinson (You're Next) was great as always. And the rest of the cast was good in general.

The plot itself makes you think twice about comatose people and telekinesis in a whole new light. Basically the movie is about a stalker in a coma with the ability to make your life hell. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

The Possession of Michael King (2014)

The Possession of Michael King  (2014)

Actors:

 Shane Johnson, Ella Anderson, Cara Pifko 

Director:

David Jung

Runtime:

1 hr 23 minutes

Plot:

Michael , who doesn't believe in God or the Devil. Following the sudden death of his wife, Michael decides to make his next film about the search for the existence of the supernatural, making himself the center of the experiment - allowing demonologists, necromancers, and various practitioners of the occult to try the deepest and darkest spells and rituals they can find on him - in the hopes that when they fail, he'll once and for all have proof that religion and the paranormal are nothing more than myth. But something does happen. An evil and horrifying force has taken over Michael King. And it will not let him go.

Trailer:

Review:

There are almost as many possession movies that have come out in the past few years as zombie movies. Along with the movie "Possession", this movie is another gem that stands above the rest. With special effects and trick photography matched along side a great storyline make this film worth the watch. The actors while some are over the top, the lead character, Michael King, played by Shane Johnson, couldn't have been played better.  

I highly recommend this film to everyone. 

Jason goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)

Jason goes to Hell: The Final Friday  (1993)

Actors:

 John D. LeMay, Kari Keegan, Kane Hodder

Director: 

Adam Marcus

Runtime:

1 hr 27 minutes

Plot:

We find supernatural psychopath Jason Voorhees returning from the dead to possess the body of a medical coroner.

Trailer:

Review:

While the beginning of this film is kinda cool, Jason explodes you ask yourself if they showed you the movie backwards. No they did not, it is only the beginning of one of the most confusing plot of the series. This movie turns Friday the 13th, our beloved slasher film franchise into a freaky who's possessed by Jason now wtf movie.

 The only way I would recommend that you watch this is if you want to watch the entire series. The only good part of this film is the first 10 minutes.

Mine Games (2012)

Mine Games  (2012)

Actors:

Briana Evigan, Julianna Guill & Ethan Peck

 

Director:

 Richard Gray

 

Run time:

1 hour 33 minutes

 

Plot:
A group of young friends make an incomprehensible discovery in an abandoned mine, but the more they try to change the future, the more they seal their fate. 

 

 

Trailer:

 

 

Review:

A typical group of friends travel to a cabin in the middle of no where, investigate something they shouldn't and und up paying for it with their lives movie. Nothing different about it to make it stand out from the other hundreds of movies that have the same basic plot. The acting, special effects and camra work are nothing special either. This is an average horror flick, IMO.

Candyman 2: Farewell to the Flesh (1995)

Candyman 2: Farewell to the Flesh  (1995)

Actors:

Tony Todd, Kelly Rowan & William O'Leary

Director:

Bill Condon

Run time :

1 hour 34 minutes

Plot:

The supernatural serial slayer Candyman returns to stalk the descendents of the family who, a century ago, caused his horrific death and unholy afterlife.

Trailer:

Review:

This is the second of the Candyman series. There is no need to hit on cinemaotgraphy or special effects for this is like the first, both top par. Most of the actorspplayed their part well.

A supernatural slasher story with a back story that the first film did not hit on. This is a solid horror that anyone should see and like.

The House at the End of Time (2013)

The House at the End of Time (2013)

Actors:

Ruddy Rodriguez, Gonzalo Cubero & Rosmel Bustamante

Director:

Alejandro Hidalgo

Run time:

100 minutes

Plot:

Dulce is a mother who has encounters with apparitions in her old house, where it unleashes a terrible prophecy. Thirty years later, turned into an old woman, she returns home to unravel the mystery and tragedy that has tantalized her.

Trailer:

Review:

This is a foreign supernatural horror.  The story goes back and forth between the past and the present for the main character as she remembers the events that happened in her house. The film itself is well written and directed by Alejandro Hidalgo. This film will surpass your expectations because of the story and cinematography. if you don't mind subtitles or know the language I would highly recommend giving this film a go.

Amityville Horror (Original vs Remake)

Amityville Horror
Original	Remake
1979	2005
Actors: James Brolin, Margot Kidder & Rod Steiger	Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Melissa George & Jesse James
Director: Stuart Rosenburg	Director: Andrew Douglas
Run Time: 1hour 57 minutes	Run Time: 1hour 30 Minutes
Comparison: Both James Brolin and Ryan Reynolds played the lead role well and they both happen to be smokin' hot in their versions. The original was by far more intense than the remake but that doesn't mean that the remake lacked in any way. You cannot compare the special effects in either film to the other, IMO they were both on point and well done. I prefer the original to the remake for its intensity factor alone.

London Voodoo (2004)

London Voodoo (2004)

Actors:

Doug Cockle, Sara Stewart & Grace Sprott

Director:

Robert Pratton

Runtime:

1 h 39min

Plot:

A young man relocates his family from New York to London. There his wife discovers a new sexuality and power that threatens to tear apart his family.

Trailer:

Review:

An independent British film. While you can see the film makers have talent, it's frustrating to see it compromised by the lack of funding. The ideas of this film you can tell come from Omen and Amityville among others. I've seen it all before and was not told it in a new way as to actually make me like it.



The Damned (2014)

The Damned (2014)

Actors:

 Peter Facinelli, Sophia Myles & Nathalia Ramos

Director:

Victor Garcia

Run time:

1h 27min

Plot:
From "The Hollywood Reporter": Story follows an American (Facinelli), widowed from his Colombia-born wife, who flies to Bogota with his new fiance (Myles) to retrieve his rebellious teenage daughter Jill (Ramos). After a car accident leaves them stranded in a rundown isolated inn, they discover the old innkeeper has locked a young girl in the basement and their decision to set her free has unintended consequences. 

 Trailer:

Review:

I really liked this film. I originally watched because of Peter Facinelli and actually took me by surprise. The story was well written, a bit creepy, lighting and staging were beautifully done. Very Little special effects but honestly it didn't need them.

Highly recommend giving this one a look.

The Deaths of Ian Stone (2007)

The Deaths of Ian Stone (2007)

Actors:

Mike Vogel, Jaime Murray & Christina Cole

Director:

Dario Paina

Run time:

1h 27 min

Plot:

Deaths tells the story of an all-American guy who is murdered each day by horrifying pursuers, only to wake up in slightly different lives to experience the terror of being murdered again. 

 

 Trailer:

 

 

Review:

 

 Sort of a horror version of Ground hog's Day. Ian Stone dies over and over again, each time he wakes in a different life. When he starts to remember another like "THEY" kill him.

To me, the storyline and plot are not that bad though it lags in areas. Cinematography was very well done. This horror-thriller turns into a "love can conquer all" twist plot. Not a bad movie if you can get through the few laggy parts.

Way of the Vampire (2005)

Way of the Vampire (2005)

Actors:

Rhett Giles, Andreas Beckett & Paul Logan

Directors:

 Sarah Nean Bruce, Eduardo Durão

Run time:

1h 22 min

Plot:

 Dr. Abraham Van Helsing is granted immortality by the Catholic Church until he can hunt down the last vampire prince. 

Trailer:

Review:

I am truly shocked that the Aslyum (B movie producction house) put out this bad of quality movie. Lighting, most of the time its fairly bad (its night in the house but daylight comes through the window). Costumes, set and props departments lacked in their jobs: example: old likking house- modern door used,  time when candles were source of light- can see light bulbs in pendeant lights. 

Save your time read the book.

The Mummy (1932)

The Mummy (1932)

Actors:

Boris Karloff, Zita Johann & David Manners

Director:

Karl Freund

Run time:

73 minutes

Plot:

During a British Museum-sponsored archaeological expedition to Egypt led by Sir Joseph Whemple, the recently discovered mummy of a high priest, Im-ho-tep, comes to life and walks away into the desert night. Ten years later a new expedition led by Sir Joseph's son, Frank Whemple, find the tomb of Princess Anck-es-en-Amon, Im-ho-tep's long lost love. In order to revive her completely, Im-ho-tep requires Helen Grosvenor to die so he can revive her and make her a living mummy like himself. 

Trailer:

Review:

This is a classic for a reason and still to this day  is the best mummy picture of all (IMO). Everything about this is at top performance even for this day in age. This movie is all atmosphere. The detail of focusing on Karloff's eyes and the way he pulled off the threatening character carry this film. To me this is the best of the classic horror genre.

If you have not seen The Mummy you must!

House on Haunted Hill (1959)

House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Actors:

Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart & Richard Long

Director:

Robb White

Run time:

75 minutes

Plot:

A very wealthy man gives a haunted house party, offering to give each of his guests $10,000 - if they can survive the night. 

Trailer:

Review:

 Made popular by Vincent Price's stellar performance and use of effects, this is a cult classic if ever there was one. The lighting plays a major roll in the success of this film. This is available in both color and black &white. This is a must see as well as the remake. Both versions carry the same base story line but play out in two different ways.

 

Nosferatu (1922)

Nosferatu (1922)

Actors:

Max Schreck, Gustav von Wangenheim & Greta Schroder

Director:

F.W. Murnau

Runtime:

1h 21min

Plot:

Count Orlok's move to Wisburg and brings the plague, this reveals his connection to the Realtor Thomas Hutter, and the Count's obsession with Hutter's wife, Ellen - the only one with the power to end the evil. 

Trailer:

Review:

This silent film, the most silent horror watched. This movie is what started our love of vampires in movies today. Must see for any horror fan. Great use of lighting makes most of the effects and scenes eerie.

The Rite (2011)

The Rite (2011)

Actors:

Anthony Hopkins, Colin O'Donoghue & Alice Braga

Director:

Mikael Håfström

Run time:

1h 54 min

Plot:
Inspired by true events, "The Rite" follows skeptical seminary student Michael Kovak (Colin O'Donoghue), who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While he's in Rome, Michael meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith, uncovering the devil's reach even to one of the holiest places on Earth. 

Trailer:

Review:

 One of the best exorcism movies out there to date. Anthony Hopkins does not dissappoint nor does Colin O'Donoghue (Captain Hook from Once a Upon a Time). Hopkins plays an Exorcist preist in Rome who gets possessed, who else could play this role so well? There are no real major effects in this. Cinematography was on point in every scene, acting couldn't have been better & storyline/ plot was rich. Never a disappointment in this soon to be classic.