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Welcome to 36 Crazy Wrists, the personal review space of Jorge Orduna—where honest, no-nonsense takes on music, movies, books, and more meet an approachable, DIY spirit. Jorge isn’t a polished critic, but a passionate fan with eclectic tastes—from jazz and hip-hop to punk, horror flicks, and beyond. Whether it’s digging into the 1966 fireworks of Max Roach’s Drums Unlimited, unpacking teen-slasher chills in Until Dawn, or sharing deep dives into classic records and novels, every post blends sharp insight with down-to-earth clarity. Expect candid recommendations, context-rich observations, and a slice of Jorge’s bookshelf, vinyl collection, and streaming queue—all served with zero pretension and total enthusiasm.

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Leviathan Review

 "Leviathan," a 1989 science fiction horror film directed by George P. Cosmatos, nestles into the depths of underwater terror alongside other genre fixtures of the era. While it might not achieve the cult status of its peers, such as "The Abyss" or "Alien," "Leviathan" offers a unique concoction of suspense, horror, and the claustrophobic fear of being trapped underwater with an unknown entity.

The film stars Peter Weller, Richard Crenna, Amanda Pays, and Ernie Hudson, among others, as a crew working on an underwater mining facility. The ensemble cast delivers performances that oscillate between serious drama and the occasionally campy tone that characterizes many late 80s horror films. Weller, as the stoic leader, grounds the narrative, providing a central pivot around which the chaos and horror unfold.

"Leviathan" delves into the familiar theme of human greed and the relentless pursuit of progress, regardless of the ethical or environmental cost. The crew discovers a sunken Soviet vessel, the Leviathan, and retrieves a safe containing documents and a flask of vodka. The decision to consume the vodka leads to a horrific transformation in one of the crew members, kickstarting a series of events that escalate into a fight for survival against a mutating creature.

The creature's design, a combination of practical effects and limited CGI, reflects the era's limitations and ingenuity. While it may not hold up against the high-definition monsters of contemporary cinema, there's a tactile realism to the creature that CGI often struggles to replicate. The design borrows elements from both aquatic life and human anatomy, creating a grotesque amalgamation that is both alien and disturbingly familiar. This visual choice amplifies the horror of the creature, making it a tangible manifestation of the crew's fears and the consequences of their intrusion into the depths.

George P. Cosmatos directs "Leviathan" with a keen eye for tension and atmosphere. The claustrophobic environment of the underwater facility and the omnipresent danger of the deep sea serve as a backdrop to the unfolding horror, making the setting itself a character. The director uses shadows and confined spaces to great effect, building suspense and a sense of impending doom. However, the film occasionally succumbs to genre clichés, with some characters making predictably poor decisions that serve the plot but detract from the realism of their predicament.

The screenplay, penned by David Webb Peoples and Jeb Stuart, weaves themes of corporate negligence and the expendability of workers in pursuit of profit. The mining corporation's indifference to the crew's plight and their decision to abandon them reflects broader societal concerns about the dehumanization of workers and the moral vacuity of corporate entities. This theme resonates with contemporary audiences, making "Leviathan" more than just a creature feature; it's a critique of capitalism's darker facets.

One of the film's strengths is its score, composed by Jerry Goldsmith. The music enhances the atmosphere, adding layers of tension and emotional depth to the narrative. Goldsmith's use of synthesizers alongside traditional orchestration creates a sound that is both of its time and timeless, underlining the film's suspenseful moments and the isolation of the underwater setting.

"Leviathan" is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven, with some stretches of the film lingering on character interactions at the expense of advancing the plot. Additionally, the final act feels rushed, with a resolution that seems both convenient and underdeveloped. These shortcomings, however, do not entirely detract from the film's ability to entertain and horrify.

In retrospect, "Leviathan" can be seen as a product of its time, reflecting the late 80s fascination with underwater exploration and the unknown depths of the ocean. It captures the zeitgeist of an era that stood on the precipice of the digital revolution, clinging to the practical effects and storytelling techniques that defined a generation of horror films.

Comparatively, "Leviathan" may not stand shoulder to shoulder with the giants of its genre, but it offers a compelling narrative, memorable performances, and a glimpse into the fears and hopes of its time. For fans of sci-fi horror, it remains a worthy dive into the depths of underwater terror, a reminder of the genre's capacity to explore the unknown and reflect the anxieties of the human condition.

In conclusion, "Leviathan" is a testament to the enduring appeal of sci-fi horror. It combines the fear of the unknown with the terror of man-made horrors, encapsulating a moment in cinema where the depths of the ocean were the final frontier. While it may not redefine the genre, it remains a noteworthy entry, a piece of cinematic history that continues to entertain and provoke thought about the cost of human ambition and the mysteries that lie beneath the waves.

Leatherface (2017) Review

Buckle up, because we’re slicing into the grisly world of “Leatherface” (2017). As a hardcore enthusiast of the genre, you know that when it comes to chainsaw-wielding maniacs, few can hold a candle to the infamous Leatherface. So, let's dive into this raw and rugged prequel to the iconic “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” series and see if it lives up to the bloody legacy!

Plot and Atmosphere

Set before the events of the original 1974 classic, “Leatherface” takes us on a dark journey, exploring the origins of the titular character. We're not in the typical haunted house or foggy cemetery; no, we’re thrown into the dusty and desolate backroads of Texas. The story follows a young Jed Sawyer, who after a series of tragic events, is sent to a mental institution. Years later, a violent breakout leads him on a path of mayhem and gore, shaping him into the Leatherface we all love to fear.

Directors Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury don't skimp on the ambiance. They paint a picture of rural decay and moral emptiness, setting the perfect stage for a horror show. The grim tone and visceral violence are not for the faint of heart – but then again, neither are you!

Performances and Cinematography

The cast delivers performances as raw as the film’s aesthetics. Newcomer Sam Strike portrays the young Leatherface with a disturbing blend of innocence and burgeoning madness. His transition from troubled teen to the chainsaw-toting titan is both unsettling and captivating. The supporting cast, including Stephen Dorff and Lili Taylor, add depth and darkness to this twisted tale, making every character memorable in their own right.

Visually, “Leatherface” doesn't hold back. The cinematography is a gritty spectacle, with each frame oozing dread and despair. The directors masterfully use shadows and light to amplify the horror, making you feel the heat of the Texas sun and the chill of the approaching doom.

Gore and Grind

Let’s get to the meat of it – the gore. This film delivers it in spades. It's visceral, unapologetic, and downright brutal. Every slash of the chainsaw, every scream, feels raw and real. But it's not just gore for gore's sake; it serves the story, illustrating Leatherface's descent into darkness.

“Leatherface” (2017) is a bloody, brutal ride that digs into the roots of a horror icon. It’s a must-watch for those who crave the thrill of the chase and the chill of the chainsaw. If you're a true horror hound, this film deserves a spot in your Blu-ray collection. Don’t just take my word for it – grab your copy, turn down the lights, and prepare for a night of terror. You can thank me later – if you make it through the night, that is!

Purchase your Blu-ray of “Leatherface” here and completeyour horror collection today!

Thanksgiving Review

Thanksgiving: A Middle-of-the-Road Feast for Horror Enthusiasts

In the realm of horror, few films manage to serve a dish that's both familiar and surprisingly fresh. Thanksgiving attempts just that, situating itself comfortably within the genre while trying to carve out its own niche. This review promises a casual and entertaining stroll through the film's highs and lows, catering specifically to the pallet of horror aficionados.

Plot at a Glance

Thanksgiving unfolds in a typical small town where the holiday spirit is as thick as the November fog. But this year, the town's tranquil veneer cracks when a series of bizarre incidents begin to spoil the festive mood. As the townsfolk's Thanksgiving preparations turn into a fight for survival, the movie cleverly uses tension and suspense to keep the viewers on the edge of their seats. While the narrative occasionally trots down the well-worn paths of the genre, it's the unexpected twists that keep the feast interesting.

The Meat of the Matter

For horror movie enthusiasts seeking the next film to add to their 'best horror movies' list, Thanksgiving offers a mixed bag. The cinematography adeptly captures the eerie atmosphere of a town caught between tradition and terror. Performances are robust, with characters that, while archetypal, provide a solid foundation for the unfolding horror. However, it's the special effects where Thanksgiving truly shines, skillfully blending practical effects with CGI to create a visceral horror experience that's as unsettling as it is visually captivating.

A Slice of Critique

While Thanksgiving succeeds in many aspects, it's not without its shortcomings. The pacing, brisk in some sections, feels sluggish in others, making the film's narrative flow feel slightly disjointed. Character development, although adequate, misses some opportunities to deepen the emotional impact of the story. Nonetheless, for fans scouring through horror movies free of pretense and filled with genuine genre love, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise enjoyable watch.

Final Thoughts and Rating

Thanksgiving is a film that, much like the holiday itself, offers comfort in the familiar while sprinkling in enough novelty to keep things interesting. It's a solid addition to any horror fan's collection but doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of the genre. This cinematic dish earns a hearty 3 out of 5, making it a worthy watch for those who enjoy their horror with a side of dark humor and traditional scares.

Craving more after the feast? Grab your copy of Thanksgiving on Blu-ray for the ultimate horror experience, complete with bone-chilling bonus features that are sure to keep the holiday spirit (and scares) alive in your collection!

Midsommar Review

I didn’t catch up to Midsommar until recently. I was definitely not sure what to expect, but I kept getting told that it was up my alley. I finally sat down, and was a little intimidated because the run time is longer than the average horror film. The first thing I noticed about the movie was how well it looked. It is bright, full of life, and has an interesting backdrop overall. I loved the scenery, and the cinematography off the bat was good. It took a little bit to get to the locales but it was worth the wait as it really did showcase a great deal of beauty. I love a well shot film, and this one was well shot from the start.

The plot starts simple enough, a group of students go to Sweden after the death of the main character’s family. They go to there with the premise of studying a festival that only occurs every 90 years. Upon seeing some of the things going on, a sinister plot brews, and they see themselves trapped in a cult’s arms. The plot thickens slowly, and things really get out of hand as some of them start to get killed before they could leave. As the body count rises, things get out of hand, and our main heroine is placed as a queen, meanwhile her boyfriend is used to breed a child, and things just keep getting nuts.

Visually this movie is superior to a lot of movies in the horror genre. The cult is sensationalized, and really well done throughout, with some very interesting moments. The acting from Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, and the rest hits hard, especially when things start to go awry in the cult and people start getting killed. Even the sex scene is shot with immense attention to detail, and the horrors therein are shown with a sinister spin.

Midsommar hits you in the head really hard a few times, and shows you some extremes in terms of cult behavior. It also shines light on the horrors of outsiders coming into a new locale. I’m not saying that all communities are going to gut you, but this one certainly did. The movie is long, but it unravels into a sinister story if you stick with it. There is a lot to unravel with this one, but I don’t want to spoil things for you, but rather am going to tell you to see it. There’s some hard moments, and a bit of gore, but the majority of the film is shot with cinematography in mind and detailed throughout. It will leave you unsettled, especially towards the end, as it really is a movie with dread and obscenity in mind. It’s presented in a good visual, and wow, I was impressed. I recommend owning this one.

The Tank Review

Another day, another horror movie, and this time around we are dealing with a creature feature. I like a good one, and I don’t want to reveal my thoughts too quickly, but I will say that this one had me guessing at first, and with a solid trailer, I thought it was going to be a lot better than what it turned out to be. ”The Tank” has a story to tell, and it doesn’t hold back, it’ll just take a little bit of effort to et yourself through the slow pacing.

This movie has a simple plan of action. It features a couple with their child and dog, they own a pet store and are told that they have inherited a house. They visit this house and odd things start to happen. The kid starts to see things trying to get into the house, meanwhile the parents start to explore a water tank that is connected to the house. As the film progresses, we are shown a scary salamander type monster, and it eats alive the realtor, and then some as it terrorizes the family.

There’s a side story that tries to tie together the past and present, but overall, I found that the movie was slow moving. It is a slow progression to get through to the end, and if you invest in the movie, it will reveal itself to you in a good way. However, I’m not going to lie, it’s a slow burn. Once the suspense gives way to the monster, you start rooting for the family to take on the monster and escape. That doesn’t happen right away, as the monster takes them on head first, and attacks. There’s even a point where the kid gets kidnapped, and the dad gets almost eaten alive as well, making this a true monster flick.

“The Tank” isn’t half bad, but it isn’t half good either. It is slow, but it has some redeeming factors here and there. The monster itself is ugly, strong, and attacks with relative ease in water and out. The family is loveable, so you start to root for them towards the end. I found myself hoping that they beat the monster, and in the end, well, I won’t spoil it for you. The movie was slow, but there was enough to make it worth checking out, especially if you’re a fan of monster flicks. The monster is CG for the most part, and it’s not terribly done. If you can suspend your belief, you will find this to be an entertaining popcorn flick. It’s not grand, but it doesn’t suck either.

I recommend “The Tank” to horror fans that need a new movie to check out and are out of ideas. I wouldn’t watch it again, but in my quest to see it all, it was a nice feather in the cap.

The Toy Box Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect when Lynette recommended we watch The Toy Box. I was definitely not sure, but in my quest to see all things horror, I decided to check it out alongside her. “The Toy Box” came out in 2018 and it featured a variety stars but would eventually get released to VOD and some smaller theaters overall. I could see why, as it is not exactly the best filmed movie, but let’s explore it a little more before I give it a recommendation or a beware of viewer.

The movie has a simple plot. A family goes on an adventure with a RV that they purchased. Along the way however, they start to find that their RV is not all it seems. In fact, the windows won’t open, and it takes over the driving at one point. As it turns out, the RV is haunted! No joke, it is haunted, and it was previously owned by a serial killer, and his spirit resides inside of the thing. With that in mind, you’ll find that the movie mixes a lot of genres as the family starts getting killed one by one thanks to the RV overall. All sorts of things occur, but it’s isolated to the camper, and it’s interesting to see how things play out, but don’t expect much, as the gore is limited.

With limited gore, and overall limited production, you get a horror movie that isn’t that great, but isn’t horrible at all. I didn’t find that this was bad, but overall, I did think that it lacked something. I don’t know what it was, but it just lacked. The acting is not that great, it stars Mischa Barton and Denise Richards, whom both do an ok job with the script that they are given, but it is just so slim that you don’t really get a lot out of it.

One thing that I like in horror is the ability for characters to survive somehow, or to defeat the spirit or antagonist in a way. It bugs me when there is no out, and well, in this case there wasn’t much of an out at all. In fact, I found that this was a bleak, sad sack of a story, and eventually just ended without any recourse. I guess that’s how it goes sometimes, especially when it comes to horror movies.

Overall, “The Toy Box” is enjoyable on a smaller scale, but it definitely lacks something. It’s straight to DVD quality, and there are some moments that aren’t half bad, especially when the spirit shows itself as the serial killer, but other than that, it’s a lackluster romp that you can avoid unless you’re running out of horror movies to watch and just find this one. Collectors only, if you ask me.

Open Graves Review

I don’t usually take so long between posts, but I have been without a computer for a while. I recently purchased a new option, and have some time on my hands. With that in mind, I decided to jump into the pantheon of horror again and start reviewing. Today, we go back to 2009 and we look at the movie “Open Graves”. This is a horror movie that fell under the radar for me, and only recently have I circled back to check it out. It’s a movie that I had no idea existed, then boom, it comes to streaming and I decide to check it out.

The opening is a little fast, and you are taken to medieval times where someone is being tortured. Their skin and organs are made into a game, a board game that is given a curse, that will be the crux of what the movie is about overall. The movie then moves to modern times, showing a great deal of surfing to begin. Surf fans will like this, but I’m not sure why the movie spent so much time with surfing, as it doesn’t need to be there as much as it is, so I guess it’s fine.

After we get to present day, we meet up with a group of friends that are on vacation and are tourists in a new town. One member finds a weird store that has oddities, and once he goes in he is given a game by a man in a wheelchair. The game, however, is not what it seems, and much like you saw in “Jumanji’, something sinister is afoot. You see, the game is simple enough, if you win you get a wish, but if you lose, you will die in the manner that the game states.

The friends begin to play and they progress, only to have some lose. As people lose, they start to leave the house for various reasons. When they leave their house, however, they end up dealing with sinister issues. They end up dying as the game foretells, and the movie shifts gears to where our main character Jason, has to keep playing and hope that he can win to get a wish to bring back his friends.

“Open Graves” stars Eliza Dushku, and Mike Vogel, and it’s 100 minutes long. It isn’t too bad, it speeds through, and then really kicks into full gear when our main hero decides to fight back and try to win the game. The movie was filmed on a low budget, and it somehow overcomes that. Mix “Final Destination” and “Jumanji”, and you get a feeling for what “Open Graves” is all about.

Not all is good with the movie, mind you There is bad CGI, there are some grotesque moments, and overall its comedic to see how things work out. I didn’t hate the movie, but it definitely has some holes in the presentation. Overall, however, “Open Graves” delivers on the premise, without hand holding, and it’s a strong movie to watch. I liked it. Check it out streaming today.

Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich Review

“Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich”  is a 2018 movie that came out in the series of Puppet Master films. I have the box set, and was surprised when there was another one released, and of course this isn’t even the last one, as there are more to review as well. But before we get into the rest of the series, let’s take focus on the movie at hand, “Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich”.

 

The plot is simple enough, and doesn’t need over simplification, it’s just a straight forward slasher. The puppets in question come alive again and this time they are targeting people of color, homosexuals, Jewish people, and are basically creating hate crimes. They each do their bidding when you least expect it, and they kill without remorse, since they are puppets afterall. They are possessed, and it’s up to Thomas Lennon as Edgard Easton to fight back, alongside his friends. 

 

Overall the movie is well shot, it’s got some good tone to it. The movie flows easily and there’s a good sense of dread throughout. Thomas Lennon makes the movie worthwhile, in my book, as the rest of the actors are set pieces for the most part. Lennon’s performance really makes you believe at times, the depression is real, and moving along we get some glimpses of characterization you don’t usually get from a horror movie. Aside from that, you can expect the same horror elements that made the other Puppet master movies shine. “Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich” is balanced, straight forward, and really comes to life with a variety of different kills and spills. 

 

While there’s a bit of gore, and the pacing can slow down here and there, “Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich” is a solid horror movie with some good points of interest. I liked it, and found it to be a good jump into the series, and well, I’m a fan of Thomas Lennon so maybe I’m a little biased. Overall I recommend this movie as part of the greater lore of the Puppet Master series. It’s a chap dvd you can pick up and well worth it. 

 

Pick up “Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich”  on dvd by clicking here. 

Bones And All Review

Can you make a cannibal movie and a love story? Well, I didn’t think you could, but there’s something interesting about those that dare to mesh the two and create something of substance. “Bones and All” begins with a shocker of an opening, and it carries through such innocence at first glance. You wonder why things are the way they are, and then after the first glimpse into flesh eating, you realize that something is awry. 

 

The movie begins like a detective story. The story features a young woman looking for her mother, trying to find out why she left. As her father leaves her, she carries on the notion of finding her birth mother and asking questions. This carries a major arc of the film, but along the way she meets some interesting characters, including a love interest. 

 

Things seem to flow through a love story, and one that is quite interesting and dare I say beautiful. You forget that you’re watching a horror movie, as it becomes very dramatic, and easy going. There’s something nuanced to the film, shot with a great deal of attention to details. It’s a wonderful landscape of cinematography, and it moves forward with ease. 

 

Things go off the rails at several instances, and you are reminded that you’re watching a horror movie because of the cannibalism aspect of the movie. I found that aspect to be a bit scary, especially when a maniac appears. It becomes scary at times, but the cannibalism isn’t the scariest of things. You have to watch to fully grasp the tense nature of the movie. 

 

Overall, “Bones and All” is an interesting character study. It has some nice moments of endearing love, but there’s a horror element to the story as there’s cannibalism, stalking and more. The film has an interesting style to it, and it hit me hard. It is an interesting movie, and it mixes the horror genre, drama, and love all in one. It’s a good movie that will haunt you at times. 

Swallowed (2022) Review

I was told that there was a new movie that had a mix of body horror and crime thriller, and I was all in. I have been watching a lot lately, but haven’t reviewed them in a while. That’s why I decided to sit and think about a recent movie, called “Swallowed”. 

 

The premise of the film is easy enough to follow, a couple of friends get caught up in a drug running option. However, they are in over their heads, especially when they realize that they have to swallow the drugs, and carry them through to a new location. If that’s not bad enough, they get stuck amidst the run, and have to deal with a biological horror. 

 

The movie is tense. It has a great deal of tense moments and really gets you hooked overall. Cooper Koch and Jose Colon do a good job of moving through the script and making you believe things are happening in real life. A sign of a good actor, of course, is to make you feel what is going on. The movie is not fast paced, and it unwinds slowly, moving through a crime caper to a horror element, to a kidnapping. 

 

“Swallowed” is a tense thriller, with a science fiction element thrown into boot. It’s a serious movie with a serious premise that really shocks at times. You’ll find yourself lost in what happens scene for scene, especially with a lot of full frontal nudity, lol. “Swallowed” is one of those movies that gets under your skin, and really works. I recommend it greatly. 

My Best Friend’s Exorcism Review

Grady Hendrix put out a book in 2016 called “My Best Friend’s Exorcism”, and it was a comedic horror novel with a lot to offer. I read the book, and was excited to see what the movie would be like. While the book had a great deal of humor to it, the movie doesn’t, and that’s where the comparisons start, but don’t end. I’m not going to do a compare and contrast here, because the book was just better in my opinion.

The movie has a simple plot, two friends have their lives changed when one of them is possessed by a demon. Their lives turned upside down, the only hope is to go through an exorcism, and hope that the demon gets out. Along the way we do have some comedic moments, but for the most part, it’s not that funny o f a movie.

Abby and Gretchen are the main characters and the ones that are dealing with the demon. The demon is not half bad, and the CGI work is good. The movie takes its time to move forward, but there’s a lot of throwback to the 1980s through musical moments. These solidify the characters, and you get a subplot here and there to level out the overall story.

I found the movie to be fun, it was drenched in the 1980s, and I loved that about the movie. It doesn’t take itself too seriously at times, but when it does get serious, it’s really good. Of all the exorcism movies, however, this is a tame one. The demon and exorcism isn’t something that gets too graphic, although there are some moments that make you think about other movies in the genre. It’s about “Goosebumps” level at times, and that’s not a bad thing, it’s got some soul to it, and it plays well.

Overall, “My Best Friend’s Exorcism” is a good overall movie. It’s horror comedy, but light on the comedy. It’s not graphic, it isn’t going to cause you to pull away a lot, but there are some good moments, and a nice sub plot that includes an interesting weight loss issue, to say the least. The movie flows well, it’s good overall, and definitely worth your time. You can stream it on Amazon Prime. 

Don't Breathe Review

Horror movies have a way of going to eleven fast, at least many of them. They jump at you and give you violence overall. Some of them, however, take their time, and wind you up before they get macabre. “Don’t Breathe” starts with a nod to the macabre, and then slowly introduces you to the characters. We are given slight back stories for the trio that we are dealing with, and you start to feel as though they are the protagonists. They are flawed heroes, each with their own vision of what their future wants and needs are, and yet they are the villains.

The way the story moves forward is simple enough, we have a trio of individuals that steal their way through life. There are different motives for each, and one that is heartfelt, but at the end of the day they are doing something bad, breaking and entering, in order to steal. So let’s not wax too poetic or feel good for these people. I’m just rambling now aren’t I?

The trio target an old man that supposedly has a 300,000 dollars in his home somewhere. They enter his house and they discover all kinds of wrong, including a woman tied up, and they get more than they bargained for trying to get out of the home.

“Don’t Breathe” is a slow moving, atmospheric horror movie. I would make it more akin to a thriller than straight horror, but it was in the horror section so I’ll keep it that way. The movie is tightly wound, and doesn’t let up in the tension department. You don’t want to root for the characters, but you’re intrigued as to what is beyond closed and locked doors. What we find is unsettling, and something that you don’t expect overall. The old man fights back, and that’s what our main characters get in a way, but the movie makes you feel for Rocky, giving the movie a little heart.

The movie has a sense of movement, quality pacing, and pulls the right punches at the right time. I liked how it is organized, and like how things aren’t always black and white. “Don’t Breathe” hits you hard at times, and squeezes through the plot with ease. It has atmosphere, and it is tense throughout. It’s a highly recommended movie with horror, heart, and sheer intensity.

Add “Don’t Breathe” to your collection or stream it byclicking here.

Cold Creek Manor Review

Modern horror escapes me a bit, because I usually am lost in the 1980s or something. “Cold Creek Manor” came across my desk and I didn’t want to see it at first glance. It didn’t really appeal to me at first, but then I gave it a try, and decided it was well worth my time, especially with a cast that featured good actors. Dennis Quaid and Sharon Stone are starring so that’s a plus side, making this an interesting option overall. The plot is simple enough, a family wants to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city so they decide to buy an old mansion somewhere far from the city, and they plan on fixing it all up. However, things go awry when the original owner shows up and haunts them, causing a world of chaos for them to have to deal with overall.

The movie looks good, and that’s due in large part to the budget. This was not a made for DVD movie or anything like that, and it shows the way the film is setup, as well as the quality of the acting. The plot takes some time to develop. It crawls at times, trying to build tension, and it just never feels too scary. Is “Cold Creek Manor” scary? Nope. “Cold Creek Manor” just kind of meanders its way through the plot points, and they are ridiculous at times.

The family is convinced to hire the old owner, and things just go awry from there. Weird things start to happen, including being chased in a vehicle, snakes being found in the home, and a horse dying. These are all supposed to lead us to believe that Dale is the main culprit, and well, there’s no reason to not believe it since he is the one issue that keeps coming up.

I gave “Cold Creek Manor” a fair chance. I watched it, and I mulled it over, and can’t recommend it. It’s convoluted at best. There’s no reason why a family well off enough to own the property would hire some stranger to fix things up, even if he lived there before. There’s a deeper story to the house, and of course Dale causes some issues too, but meh, by the time you find that all out, you have most likely given up on the movie. I know I wanted to throw in the towel several times. It’s not a great movie, and while it visually looks ok, it just can’t salvage a slow moving plot design. I don’t recommend it. 

The Evil Within Review

Creepy movies usually have stellar openings, and some of my favorites come to mind when it comes to that notion. “The Evil Within” goes for the gusto right away, with a full blown creep factor of nightmares. In fact, you aren’t going to expect it, as the movie pulls no punches in positioning our  main character in the nightmare that is unbalancing his core. Is he dreaming? What is real? In first person narration you hear the story start to unfold and it’s one that features an unnerving juxtaposition of dream and reality, with set pieces that are truly macabre.

There’s a real creative push in this one, and while the plot slowly develops, it does so with good imagination. By the time you’re introduced to a more horrific creature, you’re ready for it, and you feel for the main character, especially with his mental disability. You cheer for him, even though the nightmares and the mirror become the central pivot of the scary moments. The scares are done well, and there’s a bit of gore overall.

The effects are good, there’s a good practical nature to some of them, and there’s CG involved too. However, it looks good throughout, and the story unfolds with great focus on the growing nightmares that our main character has, even if the pacing stalls at some points. Despite the hiccups, the threat of the nightmares grows and we get a centralized horror figure that wants everyone dead, and our hero conflicted, and being pushed into things further and further through the mirror that is setup.

The identity crisis in movies is not my favorite, I’ve written about that beforehand. I don’t appreciate the lazy element of it, but in this movie it works. It works in a lot of movies, I admit, but I used to hate it more. This one plays on that and really pushes your buttons, making it a crazy movie at times.

“The Evil Within” is a good psychological horror picture. It slowly tightens your senses, and squeezes your synapses, making you empathize at times, and then realize you’re hero is not really a hero at all. It has heart, it has fear, it’s a good character study, and I recommend it for sure.

Add “The Evil Within” to your DVD collection or stream it byclicking here.

The Shining Review

“The Shining” is one of my favorite books. I loved the characters that Stephen King put together, and the flow of the novel, and ending was great. There’s a lot of tension built into the book, and it is not like the movie. In fact, from what I’ve read, King though the movie was not as good as the book and took too many liberties. That caused friction to the point where King had a mini-series made that was closer to the books more dramatic moments.

There’s not much more that can be said about the movie that hasn’t been said already, but then again, the point of blogging about cinema is not always so cut and dry. I am well aware that there’s plenty of reviews of this movie, so what my thoughts are, well, are my own and therefore worth posting right? I don’t know, I’m rambling.

The plot is very simple for The Shining. A hotel requires someone to keep watch over the winter months, and so a family moves in. The movie follows Jack Torrance and his family in a peaceful, serene, isolated location. He’s a writer and he is looking forward to getting to work on his novel, and getting time away from the big city. Through the course of the movie however, he begins to go mad. The hotel has a history, and a tragic past, leading to the hotel to be haunted with the past. This causes Jack to go nuts, and try to kill his family.

Jack Nicholson puts on one hell of a performance in this movie, making it one hell of a visual throughout. He really resonates on screen, and Shelley Duvall does great as Wendy. I found myself glued to the screen, even though I’ve seen this movie many times over. Stanley Kubrick’s direction is great too, pushing the cinematic scope to the limits, making every shot, and visual design flow look perfect. There’s great cinematography on this one, and it has stellar sound to boot.

“The Shining” can be a little slow for some, but the way that it is presented, and the overall story captures the imagination and doesn’t let go. It’s a solid movie that deserves the praise it gets, and is definitely worth your time if you haven’t seen it in a while. I highly recommend it.

Check out The Shining on Blu Ray by clicking here, or stream it, I don’t care. 

Last Shift Review

There’s something about being isolated, and alone in a job. I used to sell caskets for a living, and that job had me alone with a lot of caskets all day and night. It was a job that left me with a lot of boredom, and well, it just wasn’t fun at times. Dead jobs are relatable to me, so when I heard about “Last Shift” I immediately thought about that isolation. However, the movie is a lot more horrific than anything I had to deal with, even though the premise starts out quite simply.

The movie is about a cop that is working the last shift at a station. As she moves through her shift, a madman shows up and starts to cause trouble. Then as the movie progresses, so does the strange happenings, and a lot of things just don’t seem right. We’re talking supernatural moments, with locked doors, moving chairs, and lots of jump scares to cause you alarm.

“Last Shift” does a good job in presenting the isolation of working overnight in a building, let alone a police station. There’s a sense of boredom that our main character feels at first, and then things go off the rails as the film progresses. There are plenty of jump scars, as I stated, and there’s an attention to details related to the loneliness and boredom that comes with isolation. However, the movie takes a turn into the macabre several times, and you are in for a great treat if you stick with it.

The pacing is a little slow at first, but it slowly builds drama, and eventually unleashes a torrent of scary moments. It isn’t full of gore, it features very few people involved, and it just simply works on several levels. You don’t need much to make a good horror or psychological film, and “Last Shift” is definitely one of them. It has a lot of tension, and supernatural elements to make you keep watching. Even though it starts off slow, it picks up just in time and leaves you enjoying the moments. It’s not the best movie, but man does it get you at times. I liked it. I recommend it, and of course you should check it out.

Add “Last Shift” to your dvd collection or stream it byclicking here. 

Maniac Review

There’s just something about the 1980s. I can’t seem to move away from the decade when it comes to horror movies for review on this blog. I find myself with a list to go through and well, I’ll get through it eventually. Today we focus on a movie from 1980 that was shot on a tight budget, and features all the makings of a slasher, it’s called “Maniac”.

The plot is simple enough, we are introduced to a maniac, hence the title, who is on a serial spree of killing. The action starts up fast, and the first ten minutes give us an initial look at the villain and what he does, only for him to wake up from a dream lying next to a victim. The opening credits showcase our villain much like “Nightmare on Elm Street” did, giving us a look at the villain in different light, but mostly darkness. The movie flows well enough, focusing on various characters and their routines, only to come face to face with the killer. It’s a straight forward slasher in that way.

“Maniac” is an odd film at times, focusing on characters you can’t really invest in overall. It’s definitely a product of the time, and it flows well, with a focus on the brutality of the slayings, and good special effects from Tom Savini. I found that to be interesting overall, and the framework of the movie to be good. I didn’t find myself bored at any time, which sometimes happens with some of these older slashers. If there was a critique to this, it would be that the movie focuses on the killer more than any other character, so it really is a character study more than a  standard horror movie where you get a protagonist up front doing a lot of work to capture the villain.

There’s some gore, especially with the scalping that goes on. Tom Savini’s special effects are always great to see, and he does a good job with this one. I appreciated the practical effects, which you don’t always get with modern horror movies today. “Maniac” lives up to its name, it features a sick villain, and a story that is very much in the horror category. It’s an exploitation film for sure, and something that will rattle you if you’re not a fan of this type of horror film. That being said, I recommend “Maniac” for anyone that is looking for a cult film.

Add "Maniac" to your DVD collection by clicking here!

Splatter University Review

We return to the 1980s and this time around we are going to take a look at a Troma Entertainment release. The budget on this was very low, and it shows, but hey, that doesn’t necessarily mean the movie is bad, right? “Splatter University” is a low budget slasher film, and it has a lot to offer, even with a limited budget, and it is a surprise I didn’t see it sooner than I did.

The plot revolves around an escaped insane asylum patient that goes on a killing spree. Through the movie, however, you don’t see where he lands and when the body count starts to rise, things get hectic and fingers start getting pointed. There’s a sense of “Giallo” in this one, as you only see the knife that kills, and nothing else. It’s interesting to see  how that works, but it’s an effective way to slash. After the body count starts to rise, there’s a reveal of the killer and you start to root for the final girl, even though this breaks tradition.

The pacing of the movie is a little slow at times. I found myself wondering when the next victim was going to take a fall. However, whenever I started to think that, something would happen and things would definitely ramp up. The music is good, the shots are ok, and the kills are creatively done in first person view. There’s a sense of suspense throughout and there’s even a misdirection with who the killer could be, making this an above average slasher if you ask me.

“Splatter University” is not going to win any awards, and of course it didn’t. It’s a movie that diehard horror fans are going to love, and casual viewers will watch once and move on. I for one think it’s not half bad, and would rate it a 3 out of 5, with some good overall action, and interesting premise. It’s straight to the point, gives you a good deal of shock, and well, I won’t ruin it, just watch the movie and see if it’s up your alley, I know it was up mine for sure.

Orphan: First Kill Review

I reviewed “Orphan” a while ago, and I did not see the sequel right away. I saw that it came out, but I didn’t know when I would be watching it, until now. I finally sat down to check it out, and while the original had a twist to get me, this time around we knew that there was something wrong with the main character. That may have been the main reason why the first got me, while this one seemed to tread water at times.

The plot of “Orphan: First Kill” focuses on a young child that is really an adult. We know this from the first film, and while she is locked up in a mental institution, she learns how to escape and gets moving forward with a new plot. She poses as a lost girl and gets united with a couple in the United States. She poses as Esther, and the parents in the United States assume it was their lost child. This of course proves disastrous as the story unfolds and they find out that Esther is more than meets the eye, and is really a grown woman.

The movie starts swiftly, and doesn’t really hold up at first. You get thrown into the situation that would lend itself to the rest of the film with ease, and there’s some disturbing moments. The body count begins fast, and that’s one thing to appreciate with this movie, it pulls no punches to start. However, it pumps the brakes and slows down some, causing some sort of break in communication. I found myself a little bored in the middle, with the slow moving process of Esther getting to know her family and the family having doubts that it’s really her to begin with. As the movie progresses, however, the tension starts to really pull you in, and the third act really brings about some strong horror elements.

Overall “Orphan: First Kill” lacks the secret weapon of the first movie. The first movie held that secret and was well paced, delivering interesting moments, and sub plot to allow you to really get hooked. This one, knowing the premise already, really hurts it, and causes you to second guess the need for the movie to begin with. That aside, it is a strong horror movie with thriller elements, and really pushes some buttons towards the end. While it is a good enough movie, I don’t think it is as good as the first release, and it really does seem too slow at times. I didn’t hate the movie, don’t get me wrong, I just felt that it was missing something, or really just didn’t do the original justice, at least not like I expected.