Tag Archives: Thriller

Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1 (2013)

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What with the welcome renaissance of the anthology horror film, indie filmmakers are pooling their resources to deliver films that can showcase everyone’s talents while entertaining an audience. “Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1″ is by no means a masterpiece, but it’s a very solid horror film with directing and storytelling that’s above par in comparison to many other anthologies I’ve seen in the past. Composed of six short films sewn together as one movie, “Horror Anthology Movie Volume 1” attempts to side step common horror tropes in favor of something new and unique.

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The Burning (Collector’s Edition) (1981) [BluRay/DVD]

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The eighties were apparently a time where summer camps were dens for psychopaths and murderers, and “The Burning” displays no exception. Even more vicious than the first “Friday the 13th,” Tony Maylam’s slasher revenge film is a violent and very creepy horror film steeped in eighties slasher tropes, but still manages to feel fresh and unique to this day. Maylam’s direction keeps the film at a brisk pace, while Tom Savini’s special effects inspire quite the cringe, even today. Cropsey is one of the more underrated slasher icons from the eighties.

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Witchboard (1986) [Blu-Ray/DVD Combo]

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Director Kevin Tenney’s “Witchboard” is a spooky, but damn silly supernatural mystery that really works in the context of the eighties and really nothing else. Unlike “Night of the Demons,” you really have to consider the time period in order to enjoy “Witchboard” for its elements that will give you occasional chills, while also inspiring a few eye rolls here and there. This is a decade where the Ouija Board was still considered something of a mystic item, so director Tenney plays with such a superstition.
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The Beast Within (!982) [Blu-Ray]

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It’s an understatement to call “The Beast Within” one of the more unusual horror anomalies of the eighties. Director Phillipe Mora’s film garners an inherent subtext, but what kind, I’m still not sure. “The Beast Within” operates on an almost fever dream kind of narrative that takes twists and turns without ever even trying to form a coherent story thread. Even once. I’m still not sure why there’s a giant anthropomorphic bug monster roaming around, but nonetheless, it’s a pivotal plot point.

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Captain Phillips (2013)

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One thing that director Paul Greengrass seems intent on exploring is that “Captain Phillips” by no means turns in to “Air Force One.” Tom Hanks as Captain Phillips doesn’t fight people, he doesn’t gain the ability to operate hand guns, and there isn’t a catchy one liners he spouts at his Samalian kidnappers. Captain Phillips is first and foremost a human being under very stressful conditions, doing whatever he can to keep his crew alive. Even if it means sacrificing himself. Tom Hanks gives one of the most amazing performances of his career, playing what is one of the most average men thrust in to a perilous situation.

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The Shadow: Collector’s Edition (1994) [Blu-ray]

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I love pulp heroes and classic superheroes from the 1930’s. If you were around during the 90’s, you will remember many of the heroes that studios attempted to revive for big franchises and massive movie series. And sadly they all failed. From Tarzan, and The Phantom, right down to The Rocketeer, they were all fun movies, but audiences wanted no part of their worlds. “The Shadow,” the biggest inspiration for the creation of Batman, is still one of the most underrated superhero adaptations ever made, but one that unfortunately never bloomed in to a full fledged film series.

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Serenity: Leaves on the Wind #1 [Dark Horse Comics]

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“Leaves on the Wind” has a lot to cover in one issue, and surely enough we’re fed a lot of information. And to make things better, the first issue flows smoothly without missing a beat. Sure, the story rushes forward after the events of “Serenity,” but it’s also marching to the beat of the original short lived television series. I’m glad the Firefly clan are back, and as always, they’re being dealt a horrible hand by fate. After losing Wash and the Shepherd, Serenity is now adrift in space and the deaths of their comrades seem almost in vain.

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