Near Dark

Near Dark
(1987) [Trailer]
Director: Kathryn Bigelow (IMDB)

My friend and I discussed vampire films recently and he claimed this was one of the greatest ones ever made. I had never even heard of it, but I respect his opinion (that's what being a friend is all about) and decided to check it out. It's considered a cult classic, but then again, everything is nowadays.

Synopsis: After a hick gets bit by a cute little vampire he hits the road with a group of blood suckers and learns how to live as a creature of the night.

This movie was directed by Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker and Point Break) and stars Bill Paxton and Bishop from Aliens. It's a pretty virtuous film and I found myself entertained, but it's definitely no where near best vampire film material. It rides the line of a vampire flick but it's also a crime spree movie, similar to Natural Born Killers or True Romance. Near Dark has a very gritty tone which I liked, all the characters seemed unkempt and filthy. Highlights for me would be the bar kill scene and shoot out scene. Lowlights for me would be... a blood transfusion gets rid of being a vampire?

Shame

Shame
(2011) [Trailer]
Director: Steve McQueen (IMDB)

If you're thinking of seeing this movie with your parents, you're gonna have a bad time.

Synopsis: If you're Michael Fassbender and you're addicted to boning, chances are it's not gonna be hard (no pun intended) finding people to hook up with. This film showcases that fact.

This movie is more of a character study than anything and Fassbender is brilliant as that character. I wouldn't say that this film is void of any plot, it's just not the main focus in my opinion. It's beautifully shot and there are a few really impressive scenes, including Carey Mulligan's singing scene and the jogging scene. There's lots of fucking... there I said it... so get used to it. Actually it's not as graphic as I thought it would be. I really enjoyed this film and I'm looking forward to checking out the director's other film Hunger soon.

The Mist

The Mist
(2007) [Trailer]
Director: Frank Darabont (IMDB)

I joined a site called Letterboxd. It's like Facebook for film geeks I suppose. I started a Top 50 Best Horror Movies of All Time List and a few people commented that I should check out The Mist and see if it could scrounge its way into the hallowed grounds of my list.

Synopsis: A mysterious mist creeps through a sleepy New England town, the residents soon find out that there is some hardcore shit going on under the vale of fog. After the town becomes versed on the unseen menace they take refuge in a local market and have to learn how to keep their shit together under duress.

Stephen King's works have been brought to the big screen by director Frank Darabont two times before this movie, so you could say they have a bit of a hard on for each another. Darabont is also the man responsible for The Walking Dead, which one third of the cast from this film are also in. The Mist reminds me a lot of John Carpenter's The Fog, only not as effective. It's scary at times and it has some decent dramatic moments, but there are a few areas that bothered me. The way the protagonist's neighbor starts to act is a little unbelievable and some of the other performance, especially the religious lady, are a little over the top. There's also a lot of inconsistencies with the critters in the mist that bothered me.

I did really enjoy the ending, which I won't spoil, but the film definitely gained points for it.

Friday the 13th Part III

Friday the 13th Part III
(1982) [Trailer]
Director: Steve Miner (IMDB)

3D is so massive right now. Every new blockbuster seems to be in 3D and they even have 3D TV's. The technology has been around forever, in fact, they made this here movie in 3D. So why now? Some people are concerned with the meaning of life, I just want answers about 3D.

Synopsis: Kill Jason, Kill.

The addition of 3D to this franchise is a cool idea because they intentionally shot the movie to compliment it. Some people might have a problem with that fact; however, I enjoyed it. There's all the standard things one comes to expect from a Friday the 13th movie: stupid teenagers, jump scares, and a knife welding maniac. This is the first movie in the series where Jason dons the hockey mask, which makes it extra special in my heart of hearts. The effects still hold up nicely and same goes for the score.

The bad would be the cast, they all suck at acting for the most part, but nothing too damaging. The dialog is also kind of wanky in places. One more thing, if the main protagonist was attacked by Jason only two years earlier at Camp Crystal Lake, why the hell would she ever go back there? Just saying.

Make sure you pick this gem up on blu-ray, it includes two pairs of 3D glasses, also you don't need at 3D TV to watch it.

Ravenous

Ravenous
(1999) [Trailer]
Director: Antonia Bird (IMDB)

Have you ever stared at someone and thought, "man, they look delicious." Not in a sexual way, but in a steak sandwich kind of way?
No. Me neither...

Synopsis: US Soliders living in the western frontier during the gold rush encounter a strange man with a craving for human meat.

This movie stars a lot of actors I enjoy seeing on screen, you have Guy Pearce, Daniel from LOST, the pedophile that was in Beetlejuice,  and this guy from Trainspotting. It's an interesting story and it's pulled off masterfully, pretty much hitting you over the head right out of the gate. It also has a seriously killer score which is really weird and eerie, it's done by one of the guys from Blur.

I'm sitting here trying to think of something I didn't like about this and I can't really think of much. I guess you could take issue with some of the supernatural elements of this, but they didn't bother me. I loved this and would recommend it for fans of horrors and thrillers.

The Skin I Live In

The Skin I Live In
(2011) [Trailer]
Director: Pedro Almodóvar (IMDB)

This is a little film that I eagerly wanted to see last year but never got the chance too. It received some pretty stellar reviews and I had heard good things from those I know who saw it. I decided to sit down and see for myself. Now I will pass my words of wisdom onto you.  You're welcome reader.

Synopsis: Antonio Banderas is a crazed surgeon who has issues.

I will start by saying that this is an interesting idea for a movie and well executed for the most part, it's just not a very believable premise. The rational side of me is a real dick and kept taking me out of the film but I still managed to enjoy this. I will keep this part vague and not explain why I had issues with it, as it could be considered spoil territory.

The ambiguous nature of the story and the unease of everything throughout were easily pervade by the director Pedro Almodóvar. Also, Banderas and the main girl were both compelling and seem perfectly cast. The visuals and music were both okay, but didn't stand out in any way.

I'd give this a poke if you're into thrillers, if you don't I'll forgive you.