If you'll look back
at the last few years, at horror that has been released
theatrically, you'll see an alarming trend. For the most part,
we're treated with bland Hollywood remakes, of recently released
foreign horror, or rehashes of past American cult classics.
Every now and then, a decent, original horror film slips through
the cracks, and makes it to the big screen. Sadly, these rare
films are usually not met with the same ticket sales as the next
big rip-off. A well versed onlooker may think that Hollywood is
trying to kill the horror genre, and succeeding. While the
mainstream horror movie is all but dead, the indie horror scene
is thriving, and needs your support.
Some of the most
important horror films, not only of the past decade, but of all
time have been independent from the Hollywood structure.
Unfortunately, outside of festivals, these movies are usually
dumped direct to DVD. What can you do to help, you ask? The
first step is abstaining from flocking to the theater to see the
32nd Saw film, or this month's obscure remake of horror history.
The best way to speak out is to use your wallet. Be choosy of
the films you see at the cinema, if you have a choice that is.
If you have a choice, between another remake, or something
different, see something different instead. The next thing you
can do is spend money on indie horror on DVD. For me, I've
almost stopped going to the theater, as it's not worth it most
times. I do, however have a massive DVD collection. A lot of
which is indie horror. It's easy to keep up with if you read
your favorite horror site(Which is hopefully us) add a few news
feeds to your google home page, so that every time you open your
browser, you see what's new in indie horror.
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Splinter
Splinter took me by surprise. For some reason, it
slipped through my radar. I caught it on Time Warner
On-Demand back before it was released to DVD. I wasn't
expecting much, but it was around Halloween, and I was
wanting a horror movie to watch. From start to finish, I
was completely drawn-in to Splinter. It's unique take on
the "Body Snatchers" style of horror left me in awe of
this little indie that could. One thing that makes this
movie stand out amongst other body snatcher style films
is the setting, and the cinematography. It's very
claustrophobic, set in mostly one, small location.
Director Toby Wilkins, whom oddly went on to direct The
Grudge 3(One of the better, but still bad Grudge films)
could create some great indie horror classics, if given
the proper support. Add to that, Shea Wigham's stellar
performance, and that scores Splinter a spot as a
must-own for any horror fan.
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End of the Line
End of the Line is a Canadian horror film from 2007.
It went by pretty much unnoticed by all. The only
way I can describe this film is that it's a
religious slasher/survival horror type of movie.
It's not religious as in it preaches a religious
message, but the antagonists are a religious cult,
that has vowed to rid the world of sinners. Much
like Splinter, most of End of the Line is set in one
location, a subway system. This adds a layer of
claustrophobia to an already tense film. While the
film does have a few flaws, for the most part it's a
solid example of indie horror done right. It's
tense, the pacing is tight, the kills are good, most
of the special effects are practical, and the
acting, for the most part suits the movie. If you
live near one of the closing Movie Gallery, or
Hollywood Video locations, every one of those stores
I've been to has had a copy or two of this film for
5 bucks at the most. It's well worth that price, and
is strongly recommended that you add this one to
your collection. If you're constantly on the look
out for hidden gems, End of the Line will not
disappoint.
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Alien Raiders
Alien Raiders is cursed with such a ridiculous name,
most people pass it up in fear of it being another
terrible SyFy original. This is definitely not the
case with this one. Don't let the silly name fool
you, Alien Raiders is another solid example of a
great, overlooked indie horror classic. Starring
Carlos Bernard, better known as Tony, from TV' 24,
Alien Raiders is another "Body Snatchers" style
sci-fi/horror film. Set mostly in a small grocery
store, the action never lets up. From start to
finish, Alien Raiders is tense, and has plenty of
well done ooey gooey stuff for the gorehounds out
there. All effects appear to be practical, and
handled well. The acting is more than apt, and the
cinematography does a great job at making you
squirm. It's a shame that this one flew by
unnoticed, as it was one of the better Horror/Sci-Fi
flicks of 2008, in my opinion of course. Don't let
the terrible name distract you, I promise you
there's a good time waiting for you in Alien
Raiders.
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Borderland
Borderland is part of the Afterdark Horror Fest.
Some of the films they showcase might not be
wonderful, but AfterDark films is certainly on the
front line in the fight for indie horror. Bordeland
was one of the best of the 8 films that were part of
the second annual horror fest. Starring Rider
Strong, who's become a cult favorite since his role
in Eli Roth's Cabin fever, Borderland involves a
group of friends, who have taken a trip to Mexico
before they all go their separate ways. Some dismiss
Borderland as simple torture porn. Personally, I
find that label to be silly, for any movie. We're
shown here, the horrible things that humans do to
other humans. There is no supernatural force in
Borderland. It's just people, being cruel to people
for personal gain. The pacing is one of the best
things about the movie. It get's started quick,
doesn't linger,and doesn't have the ever popular
twist for the sake of twists that's become a staple
of modern films of this nature. It's quick, and
dirty, just the way I like it. If you missed this
one, pick it up on the cheap, it's definitely worthy
of being added to your collection.
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Carriers
Carriers is one that I almost skipped. One of my
main prejudices when it comes to film is the PG-13
rating. More times than not, a horror film get's a
PG-13, because the studio has given the film makers
a strict guideline to adhere to. I feel this waters
films down, and hinders the artistic vision of it's
makers. Sometimes, of course, there are exceptions
to the rule, and Carriers is one of them. The film
is an excellent entry into the post apocalyptic
"virus" style films. It's a zombie film without
zombies. A virus has ravaged through the earth's
population. We follow a group of survivors, as they
make their way through the desolate roads in an
attempt to find more supplies. One performance that
surprised me, was Chris Pine as Brian. His
performance alone raises this movie's score
significantly. Don't let the PG-13 scare you, there
was no holding back in Carriers. Violence, when
necessary is not watered down. I'm frankly surprised
they even let this one get away with the rating to
begin with. If you like post apocalyptic features,
Add Carriers to your library. I think you'll be
pleasantly surprised.
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It's indie horror that's
keeping our genre alive, so when given the opportunity,
throw some money into the jar. Like I said, nothing speaks
louder than the wallet, perhaps, if we pour more money into
indie horror, than going each month to reward the current
lack of creativity
in Hollywood, we'll get a response.
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