The Overlook: Carnage Park

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Violence and horror go hand in hand. When done well, things like gore and extreme injuries can become compelling additions to a story. If done poorly, these aspects can often come off as cheap or grotesque in the worst ways possible. In many cases, these films entice viewers with twisted points of views and retro style to enhance the experience. Movies like The House of the Devil, have found fondness balancing time-period stylizations and grindhouse gore. The IFC Midnight-distributed, 70s-inspired Carnage Park capitalizes on these elements.

Following a bank robbery and kidnap escape gone wrong, Carnage Park follows two criminals and the woman they abduct as they encounter more than they bargained for when they accidentally drive through a crazed sniper's land. The film plays out with the woman and her captors attempting to escape the fenced in property as they're being stalked. Carnage Park stars a particularly amazing Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism) as the uppity and confident Vivian, James Hebert (Recovery) and Michael Villar (Visions) as the two robbers and Pat Healy (The Innkeepers) as Wyatt Moss, the sniper.

The film does have moments of displeasure. Carnage Park features plenty of dismembered body parts, sometimes too many twists and a strange final act. While all of this is forgivable given it's less than lengthy runtime, the taut Carnage Park may be too much for certain viewers. The faint of heart, the weak of stomach and those looking for something strictly horror based should look elsewhere, because this is a film that is attempting to stand alone.

Carnage Park is intensive and gory. It's a stark film inflected with the plenty of 70s costuming and atmosphere. Similar to a grindhouse film, there is a certain brutality present throughout the movie, but it never exceeds to the point of distaste. Sure, there are moments, - like when an unsuspecting Vivian comes across other victims - but Carnage Park has an innate ability to keep the focus on the short, but fiery story, rather than the trauma. As noted Ashley Bell is fantastic in her role; continuously becoming more unhinged as her sense of privilege is tested.

Carnage Park is a really particular film meant for a really particular audience, but for people who are willing and able, it's sure to be an explosive experience. The film is truly entertaining, which is an especially strong feat given its pitch-dark plot and depiction of desperation. The film is currently streaming on Netflix and is definitely worth it.

 

Best in Show: Found Footage (II of II)

Here it is, the conclusion to my favorite found-footage horror movies! Below, you'll find a list of the horror movies I cannot get enough of. Shot with shaking hands and filled with scares, I would consider this subgenre to be underrated. Sure, there are one too many, but for the gems listed previously and for those below, the found-footage subgenre owes a lot of gratitude. These movies are fantastically spooky.

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5. The Last Exorcism (2010)

I really love a good exorcism movie. And, with so many out there, I have a ton of options. Unfortunately for that point, quantity doesn't equal quality, and for exorcism movies, there seems to be a slim picking of The Exorcist-level terror. Enter 2010's The Last Exorcism. Easily one of the scariest exorcism movies out there, The Last Exorcism is a gripping addition to the subgenre- even if its use of found-footage isn't that necessary or great. Ashley Bell is amazing (and flexible) as the titular star of the show. Her innocence-turned-evil personality is an incredible transformation worthy of attention.

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4. The Blair Witch Project (1999)

The Blair Witch Project holds the distinct position as being the first found-footage horror movie I ever watched. I cannot necessarily saw what I like so much about this movie. Maybe it's its originality or its atmosphere, but realistically, the first time I saw The Blair Witch Project, I did not enjoy it. However, time and again, every fall I rewatch this movie that I had thought I didn't enjoy. Every time I see it though, I notice something different. Whether it's new sounds or a subtle moment, I grip my seat a little tighter. I really have gone back and forth on my feelings about this movie, but in this post, I do hereby declare, that I've enjoyed 99 out of 100 times I have seen The Blair Witch Project.



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3. As Above, So Below (2014)

I never understood the hatred this movie got. Despite being a relatively original and filled to the brim with scares, the story of an adventurous archaeologist didn't receive much of a warm reception. I've seen this movie numerous times and still cannot figure out what people's problems were with it. Sure it was at peak found-footage hate, but As Above, So Below isn't only scary, it's also really interesting. Even without the scares, this movie would be an entertaining exploration film that delves deep underneath Paris. By knocking out all of the marks that most "bad" horror movies can't overcome, like bad acting and a lack of suspense, As Above, So Below impressed me more than most modern horror films do and continues to do so after every revisit.

2. The House October Built (2014)

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I'll be honest; The Houses October Built will more than likely be included on numerous lists throughout this blog until I'm sure every person ever has seen it. The Houses October Built is a stellar found-footage horror movie that actually makes sense. The whole documentary angle can seem tired and used up, but when there is a topic that would actually be documented with video cameras; like a group of friends searching for the ultimate haunted house, the resulting film can be a grounded and terrifying experience. I love The Houses October Built because it is such an effortless experience that never tries to go above and beyond but is entirely confident in its capabilities.

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1. The Visit (2015)

The Visit is by far one of the best modern horror movies out there. Intentionally funny, equally terrifying and shined with a plot twist that could make classic M. Night Shyamalan happy, this film marked the revival of a director who had become the butt of jokes. The Visit is insane. Each moment of this movie is horrifying. From the darkened hallways where the grandmother runs to the final climactic moments that could take your breath away, Add points for Kathryn Hahn's existence and placement in this movie and also for the scene underneath the house because it was shot in complete daylight proving once and for all that sometimes the scariest things in your life take place under the sun.