Mini-review: Housebound (2014)

Housebound
Directed by Gerard Johnstone

Bizarre, hilarious, and even creepy at times, this New Zealand mystery/horror/comedy is one of the better films I've seen from 2014, and certainly one of the more unique. This movie has a very dark and jarring sense of humor, making jokes out of some of the strangest things, while also maintaining suspense and throwing in just enough plot twists to keep it all interesting. By the time it was over, I wanted to watch it all over again. Pure entertainment for audiences with a dark sense of humor and interest in films that aren't exactly ordinary. As a directorial debut, this is one of the best in recent memory.

Mini-review: Banshee Chapter (2013)

Banshee Chapter
Directed by Blair Erickson

I went into this movie not expecting much and walked away surprisingly satisfied. There are too many jump-scares, but quite a few of them are alarmingly effective and I found myself getting goosebumps quite frequently throughout this movie. The way the scares are built up make them all the more creepy, giving enough time to anticipate, as opposed to just hurling an onslaught of loud noises and spooky images at you. Ted Levine (aka Buffalo Bill from The Silence Of The Lambs) gives a fun supporting performance, adding quite a few laughs in one of the best roles of his career.. All-in-all, I liked the way this movie alternated between found-footage and traditional film-making, and though some parts of it might not be the best as it falls victim to horror cliches, I can't say I didn't enjoy it quite a bit.

Review: Thankskilling 3 (2012)

Thankskilling 3
Directed by Jordan Downey

Ladies and gentlemen, I have found a new least-favorite movie of all-time.

Mini-review: Annabelle (2014)

Annabelle
Directed by John R. Leonetti

A horror movie that's probably only mildly creepy to audience members between the ages 3-9 (the rest should find it just plain silly). A not-really-follow-up to The Conjuring, but based on a sub-plot from the film surrounding a seemingly possessed doll -- the image of which being by far the "scariest" thing in the movie. About as creepy and atmospheric as a stack of pillows near a fireplace, and just like that statement, this movie may leave you thinking "um, what?" but you won't have any reason to be afraid of it.

Mini-review: As Above, So Below (2014)

As Above, So Below
Directed by John Erick Dowdle

One of the most uneven, creative, and ridiculous mainstream horror movies of the past few years, this movie takes many wrong steps as it goes, but succeeds in staying at least interesting and delivering a surprising and often quite interesting third act. What it lacks in scares, it more than makes up for in creativity, and has a few really great moments. It may feel at times a little bit like National Treasure, but I suppose there are worse things in the world than being similar in ways to a silly Nic Cage movie. Also, this really didn't need to be found footage. That's a gimmick that has really run its course, and it would be nice if in the future filmmakers would refrain from arbitrarily using it. Still, as erratic is it may be, this movie is worth looking into if you find yourself in the mood for a different kind of horror film.

Mini-review: Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Directed by Jalmari Helander

One of the most imaginative Christmas movies ever made (which is saying something), and one of the most bizarre and awesome horror movies of the past 10 years. At times this "evil Santa" film feels like a kids movie, until things start getting serious, and you're left amazed that something that gruesome could make its way into a Christmas movie. No, this isn't the scariest thing out there, but it doesn't really try to be. Instead, it tells a unique story in a unique way, and ends on a high note. Great holiday viewing for anyone with a sweet tooth for seasonal horror.

Mini-review: Cheap Thrills (2014)

Cheap Thrills
Directed by E.L. Katz

Black comedy, drama, horror, thriller; whatever you choose to call it, this movie is an excellent addition to the genre. With great performances from all 4 leads, director Katz gets all he could ask for from his dedicated actors, who go all out in every way to drive the point home. Chock full of laughs, cringes, and many other awkward and dirty feelings, this is a movie that totally lives up to its title and exceeded all my expectations. An awesome experience for some, but definitely not recommended to the overly-sensitive or anyone with an overactive gag reflex.

Mini-review: The Innkeepers (2011)

The Innkeepers
Directed by Ti West

It took until my second viewing to appreciate just how good this movie is, but now I can't stop thinking about it. Featuring two of the most likable leading characters ever in a horror movie and a tension and atmosphere that builds and builds until its conclusion. Even with a less-than-stellar ending filled with far too many "don't go in there!" moments, I still loved every minute of it. Slow, but fun to watch -- and creepy as hell to watch alone.

Mini-review: You're Next (2013)

You're Next
Directed by Adam Wingard

Not nearly as genre-defining and pioneering as some will have you believe, but still probably the best slasher movie since Scream. With a dark, twisted sense of humor and some really great character performances (most notably Sharni Vinson, as one of the coolest horror heroines ever), this movie toys with your expectations and delivers laughs as well as some very creative kills -- which, believe it or not, is actually something that matters a lot to me when it comes to slasher movies. No, this isn't an instant classic by any means, but an entertaining movie that's fun to watch again and again.

Mini-review: Haunt (2013)

Haunt
Directed by Mac Carter

Usually when I give a low rating for a movie, it's because of all the things it does wrong -- and to an extent that's the case here. But here it's largely due to the complete lack of *right*: nothing about this movie is even remotaly original or memorable in any way. The acting is mediocre, the music is forgettable, there is no atmosphere to be heard or, the jump-scares are ineffective and this same basic story has been done to death a thousand times over. Just don't waste your time with this unless you think great horror is lack of build-up followed by things occasionally jumping out at you for about an hour and a half.

Mini-review: All Hallow's Eve (2013)

All Hallow's Eve
Directed by Damien Leone

An un-creepy attempt at anthology horror done in the same fashion as V/H/S, only this time with little kids and their insanely terrible babysitter watching a mysterious videotape featuring all kinds of horror cliches and a "scary clown" that is neither scary nor a clown (it's totally a mime). There is a lot a movie can do with the anthology set-up, and this movie didn't take advantage of almost any of those things. Totally unimaginative, uninspired, and pretty weak in general.

Mini-review: Swamphead (2011)

Swamphead
Directed by Dustin Drover & Justin Propp

This movie is practically the dictionary definition of what would classify as an acquired taste - or, rather lack of taste. Gory, tasteless, ridiculous, and ridiculously tasteless, this low budget horror movie is fully aware of its limitations and low-brow sensibilities, and shamelessly runs with it. Equal parts hilarious, absurd, and repulsive, this is the kind of low quality trash I could easily find myself watching again. No, it's not scary (nor does it try to be), and in many ways doesn't have any right to exist in the first place, but it's entertaining in a sleazy kind of way, and great material for bad movie night.

My Top 50 Movies of the 2010s (Part III: #10-1)

10. Silver Linings Playbook - 2012
Directed by David O. Russell

David O. Russell, who often directs movies that aren't particularly groundbreaking (seriously, The Fighter and American Hustle? Even the titles are boring) took a simple plot and made it extraordinary, thanks largely to a great cast of characters played by great actors turning in some of the best performances of their careers. Admittedly, there are very few things about this movie that are all that unique, special, or mind-blowing. I understand that. But every time I watch this movie, I find myself wanting to start it over and watch it again. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence deliver top-notch performances, giving off great chemistry and showing some excellent comedic timing, helping to make them one of my favorite on-screen couples. Even Robert De Niro, who over the past 15 years or so seems to have given up the art of acting in favor of making De Niro-y faces in front of a camera and collecting money for it, gives a great performance as a quirky, somewhat insane old man with a serious case of OCD. I've never seen him quite like this before, and it was nice to see him actually put out effort for a role again. In the end, this movie is hilarious, charming, and emotionally-satisfying, making it one of my all-time favorite romantic comedies.

My Top 50 Movies of the 2010s (Part II: #25-11)

I'm sure there will be entries on this list that people will disagree with, which makes me happy. If you have issues with my list, leave me feedback. I want to hear what people think, what changes they would make, or even recommendations for things I might have missed that aren't included on this list. Any feedback is good feedback.

But now, to business. This is part 2 of my top 50 of the 2010s decade.

25. Certified Copy - 2010
Directed by Abbas Kiarostami

By the halfway point, I enjoyed this movie quite a bit. It was a relatively simple film, with good performances and interesting characters. And then something happened that changed this movie into complex, challenging, and totally unforgettable. One of director Kiarostami's finest efforts to date -- which is saying something.

My Top 50 Movies of the 2010s (Part I: #50-26)

A definite work in progress, this list will be updated on occasion to compensate for new releases, though I'll often wait for a while to make sure the movie has the staying power to keep on this list before I throw it on here. But as it stands, and as you glance through, these are my top 50 movies of the 2010s.

50. The Avengers - 2012
Directed by Joss Whedon

Though I could have just as easily slipped Guardians Of The Galaxy in this slot, I feel this movie deserves a position on here for sheer enjoyability, and being one of the only movies of this sort to ever be released. Utilizing plot devices and developments from a handful of individual superhero movies before it, The Avengers takes this monumental set-up and runs with it.