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: The Haunting (1963)

The Haunting
Directed by Robert Wise

A creepy haunted house movie that still stands as not only one of the very best horror films of the '60s, but of all-time. Amazingly-shot and well-acted, this is the subtle, reserved type of horror I love. Instead of having things flying at you, Wise chooses to build atmospheric tension without needing to show the audience almost anything. The result is one of the most creepy and awesome horror movies of its time. Even over 50 years after its release, it still manages to make my hair stand on end. A great ghost story and an absolutely unmissable horror classic.

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: The Black Cat (1934)

The Black Cat
Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer

Probably the creepiest of all classic Universal horror movies, this movie is a bizarre, risque showcase for Lugosi and Karloff, giving two of the best performances of their respective careers, aided by a script that lets the two legendary actors play off each other to great effect. Though there are holes in this movie (mostly found in the performances by its *other* leads and in the recycled musical score), most of what it has to offer is dark, eerie, and surprisingly unsettling for a film of its time. Well-shot, much more fleshed-out than it could have been, and quite effective.