Best in Show: Remaking the Classics (Part II of II)

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5. Halloween (2007)

When Rob Zombie remade the original Halloween he received a lot of flak. Some of it was warranted but, for the most part, the 2007 rendition of Halloween is fantastic. Far gorier, far more disturbed and almost as scary, Zombie's Halloween is a completely bloody nightmare. It's the type of movie that will stun you to watch. The unstoppable Michael Myers is particularly unstoppable in this one, with a much more grotesque and terrifying composure.  And, while some of the explicit moments could have been reeled in, the unraveled heap of torture is horrifying.

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4. Sorority Row (2006)

If When a Stranger Calls is the pinnacle of my high school horror days, then Sorority Row was a very close runner up. This movie is a pure, unattached mid-2000s slasher. It never once strives to be anything thought provoking but is so confident in it that it is amazing. From Carrie Fisher's house mother to the sorority girl nicknamed Jugs, this classic remake was an updated thrill ride of seismic proportions. The deaths are entertainment-driven and the dwindling numbers fed into all of the cliché, horror conventions known to man. It truly is one of the most thrilling, yet simultaneously comedic films to come out of the industry.

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3. The Crazies (2010)

The Crazies terrified me. It's the type of movie that never really fails to impress, regardless of how many times you see it. With compelling characters, an innate ability to capture an early post-apocalyptic atmosphere and an insane quarantine scene where a crazed person brings a pitchfork into a hospital room filled with restrained patients, this movie left me on the edge of my seat. And, while it arguably is better than the original and was received as such, the 2010 The Crazies definitely pays homage to its source material. It truly is an outstanding horror movie and generally underrated.

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2. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

Remaking such an iconic classic can be really hard. But, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake featuring Jessica Biel in one of her best roles to date is an undeniably strong film. With all of the grotesque features of the first, paired with spectacularly terrifying moments, this 2003 rendition worked way better than it should have. I remember one specific scene where Biel’s character and Leatherface are in the abandoned slaughterhouse and at one point he lunges underneath some grating after her. The room of people I watched it with unanimously shot out of their seats in fear, in what is perhaps one of the greatest jump scares of all time.

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1. Evil Dead (2013)

The cult classic Evil Dead invokes a lot of nostalgia from horror experts and intense fans everywhere. That's why it's particularly surprising how well this remake was received. Aside from the fact that it is particularly well-done, from the gore to the intense camerawork, every single moment of this film is heart-pounding. Evil Dead is an inexplicable masterpiece that runs parallel to the original. It truly deserves all of the credit it receives as such a stark, aggressively raw addition to a genre that by 2013 was relatively glossing over. Fair warning: it's incredibly dark and cold, so be ready if somehow you've missed it.

 

Best in Show: Remaking the Classics (Part I of II)

In honor of the release of the It trailer; I decided to dedicate this week's list to the remakes that are actually worthwhile. Taken with a grain of salt and acknowledging the lack of creativity in simply recreating old movies, I truly believe that these are worthwhile films that deserve a little more credit. I'd never suggest that they're groundbreaking or overly fantastic but some and especially those that make the top 5, may have undeservedly received tough critiques. Remakes, especially in the horror genre, are going nowhere and it's time we take a look at them and appreciate that we're getting anything at all. Except when they're actually bad (Poltergeist), then they can be critiqued harsher.

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10. The Omen (2006)

The 2006 remake of The Omen isn't anything special, but for what it lacks in groundbreaking material it certainly makes up for in being a well-done, creepy adventure. There's moments - like the skewering of the priest, which is done terrifically, while the acting of the recreated characters is just as strong as the original. For the parents, replaced by Julia Stiles (Out of the Dark) and Liev Schreiber (Scream), their performance as somewhat out of touch socialites is noteworthy. The Omen isn't that out of this world, but it certainly isn't awful; like something you'd tune into Chiller for on a Saturday morning.

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9. House of Wax (2005)

The remake of the classic House of Wax features all of the updated conventions of mid-2000s horror. With the Ill-lit, over the top gore and subpar-acting this remake encapsulated everything this era represents. But, what should have damaged the film far more than it did, made it a campy sometimes scary adventure. It's a pillar of the time period it came out during; featuring Paris Hilton Jared Padalecki and Chad Michael Murray - all icons of my teenage years, whether or not you prescribed to what they were selling.

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8. Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)

This movie basically killed the 2000s remake subgenre. From its foundation it was lampooned for being the straw that broke the camel's back, and while horror remakes like Evil Dead and the awful Texas Chainsaw 3D followed, the willingness to toss money at a remake began to slow. For somewhat understandable reason, The Nightmare on Elm Street remake received a ton of backlash for it’s glossed over and copycat identity. But, looking past the fact that it is in fact a remake, which everyone who went and saw this movie knew, yet simultaneously complained about in the months following, the end result isn't all that bad. Rooney Mara (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) is a terrific actress, even if she later complained about the movie, and for the most part, it did stay true to the original while making slight updates.  I'd argue this film has plenty of scares, too. In fact, one character that falls asleep while swimming made me terrified of the empty lap pools I used to exercise in for years following.



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7. Dawn of the Dead (2004) & The Hills Have Eyes (2006)

These two remakes made quite the splash when they were released- Dawn of the Dead came out to critical acclaim as it nodded to the original and expanded, and The Hills Have Eyes experienced great commercial success as it grossed out viewers everywhere. For the two, their pros seemed almost redeemable given their remake foundation and each resonated with audiences of mid-2000s horror. Even faced with some horror experts' critiques, The Hills Have Eyes stood out as a terrifying venture into the mutant cannibal, and as noted Dawn of the Dead somehow managed to maintain an unmarred image as it brought zombies back into the limelight with, gasp, a zombie baby. Each deserve a spot on this list as both were scary and at the very least, memorable.



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6. When a Stranger Calls (2009)

This movie remake was everything to my friends in high school. We saw it so many times our eyes were basically falling out. But it was that first time we saw it, when we were all left terrified of our typical babysitting positions. When the man appears in the rafters, we all lunged from our seats. I included this movie on this list for the very fact that, regardless of acting or style, this film is pure nostalgia. Everything about this movie spoke to my group of friends, and while I didn't see the original for many years after, I can say that this rendition is most certainly a worthwhile endeavor.

Trailer Excitement: IT

It is hard to make a good remake. We all know this and there are certainly a plethora of examples. From the dismal Poltergeist to the Friday the 13th and latest Texas Chainsaw, ruining originals has been the name of the game for the horror industry for some time. But, there are some small beacons of hope. The early 2000s saw an adequate reconstruction of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and I'd argue that the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street had at least some redeemable qualities.


Today, I'm pausing from my usual reviews and what not to talk about the new It trailer. For those of you who haven't seen the trailer or the original It. You need to. While I'd argue that the original doesn't necessarily stand the test of time thanks to some questionable graphics, it's still pretty scary and weird. But it's not time to talk about that, instead I want to focus on the fact that we may be about to get a fantastic remake. Like 2013's Evil Dead, I truly believe It is going to be a stunning example of how to recreate a movie well.

There are things that are updated and some nostalgic moments and the pair are all paired seamlessly in the trailer, with all of the gleaming production value of modern horror. However, unlike remakes like last year's Poltergeist, which used this gloss to supplement content and quality, It seems prepared to do it's share. From the simple score backing the beginning of the trailer to the turn of buzzing madness as the cast approach a debilitated home, I became engrossed in nightmare remembrance.

This movie has a lot to offer. As someone who doesn't flat out hate remakes, I'd say if we have a chance for a good one, we should take it. They're not going anywhere and if you don't take them for what they are and prejudge and attack them, then you're just ignoring the fact that almost everything ever has been done in some form, prior. The on-the-nose aspect of remakes that seem to drive fans nuts is really over the top.


You can watch the trailer below:

https://youtu.be/FnCdOQsX5kc

 

In Defense: Chernobyl Diaries



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When I first started this blog, I wrote an article defending The Forest starring Natalie Dormer and now I'm back at it defending a placeholder on last week's list, Chernobyl Diaries. With just an 18 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and audiences panning it on social media, the release of Chernobyl Diaries received a lot of unnecessary hate, despite being relatively original and most definitely horrifying. The storyline felt new even if it adhered to particular horror survival conventions. The "stuck in a radioactive plant" plotline definitely deserves less hate.

Firstly, the acting isn't all that bad. From former child star Jesse McCartney's (Keith) Chris to Olivia Dudley's (Chillerama) Natalie, there are quite a few above average performances. Yes, while it might be surprising given some questionable previous performances, Jesse McCartney is actually adequate. Even side characters like Zoe, played by Ingrid Berdal (Cold Prey), who lasted way too long, were so great in their roles that you felt sympathy watching them in despair. In fact, I can't pick out a performance that was particularly bad and I'd like someone to try.

Chernobyl Dairies scared me a lot the first time I saw it. Between numerous jump and incredibly suspenseful moments, I was dumbfounded by the lack of love it received. With the exception of a poorly placed and untimely bear, I would argue that every other scare is worthwhile. The moment the group is in the dark kitchen when one of the creatures appears, makes my skin crawl. Then it continues down a strong path of sounds in the dark and an especially terrifying child (who was the reason for Chernobyl Diaries making last week's list).

Perhaps the strongest part of Chernobyl Diaries is its use of setting. With on-site filming in Europe and plenty of strong visuals, the Pripyat backdrop of the film felt fresh, especially for a horror film in an age when many were rather basic. Chernobyl Diaries made the most of it's setting of concrete and harsh landscape. Even if parts of the movie were less compelling, it's hard to become distracted by things outside of the movie.

Say what you will about Chernobyl Diaries, but this film really got the job done. It may have fed into some clichés but with a strong plot, acting and setting, the dislike of it felt unnecessary. It definitely scared me and like The Descent did for cave diving, Chernobyl Diaries made sure that I would never want to do anything involving extreme tourism.

Review: From a House on Willow Street

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Hot off the release of The Devil's Candy, IFC Midnight's latest release, From a House on Willow Street, is easily eclipsed. Simultaneously difficult to follow as it is difficult to care about the hodgepodge collection of bandits central to this film, From a House on Willow Street makes numerous valiant efforts to scare only to quickly fall apart at the hands of a disjointed plot and dialogue.

From a House on Willow Street tells the story of a group of captors who kidnap a young woman only to find out that she is possessed. It stars a host of actors spread thinly due to lackluster dialogue. Sharni Vinson (Step Up) plays the central captor, Hazel, who's troubled past is bumpily explained. Carlyn Burchell (Bomb Girls) plays the kidnap victim, Katherine, who is filled with darkness. Other captors include Zino Ventura (C.I.G.A.R.E.), Gutave Gerdener (Donkerland) and Steven John Ward (Angel of the Skies), but none of their roles really substantiate past confusing filler.

The actors all make the most of their roles, each giving a performance that in an adequate horror movie would be stellar. This is especially true for Vinson who's previous horror endeavor, You're Next, is proof of her horror chops. Burchell is also able to go somewhere with her role; providing enough scares and creepy moments to stand out. The other captors do equally sufficient, but the film is presumptuous in believing that their shallow character development warrants viewers’ attentions or sympathy. The movie seems determined to make audiences care that one character wants to be reunited with his daughter or that Vinson's character lost her family but will they? Probably not, because the movie does little legwork past some shouting moments or "big" revelations to bring viewers in.


The biggest problem for the film is its jutting storytelling that feels like pieced together short films. From a House on Willow Street does offer some scares and has plenty of suspenseful moments, but they don't mesh together into a cohesive storyline. There are plenty of jolts and viewers should be prepared to jump out of their seat, but little is done to make those scares build an atmosphere of dread or horror. There's gore and as noted, Burchell does some pretty terrific possession techniques that in any good horror movie, would be stand out moments, but nothing is ever done to drive it or the story home.


From a House on Willow Street is a confusing, uninteresting horror movie brought to a level of mediocrity by its actors and the jump scares it provides. For those looking for something so simple to watch, the lackluster nature of From a House on Willow Street may be overlooked, but for those looking to really get their fill. I'd suggest waiting for a better option. In fact, just rewatch The Devil's Candy because that one had game for days. 4 out of 10.

Best In Show: Horror's Creepy Kids (Part II of II)

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5. The Little Things, Hand bitter (King Kong), spotlighted child (Chernobyl Diaries) token apocalypse daughter (Quarantine)

Rather than occupy entire spots for these small roles, I decided to combine these deservedly noteworthy moments of terror. In each of the films occupying this spot, these children were absolute scene stealers, leaving me with nightmares for weeks. Whether it's the little girl with the chocolate bar in the King Kong remake or the small radioactive child in Chernobyl Diaries, or even the somewhat larger role as the residential apartment girl in Quarantine, these youngsters truly shook me to my core. In fact, part of me thinks they deserve to be placed higher as their parts really did scare me whole-heartedly.

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4. The Grady Twins (The Shining)

I remember the first time I encountered The Shining was when I was sneakily watching my parents watch it and the first scene I saw was with The Grady Twins. Without context or truly understanding their role in the film, I was still terrified. The Grady Twins gave me goose bumps and it was only until I saw the movie in full years later that I realized that no matter what, they would scare me.

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3. Mercy & Jonas (The Witch)

Mercy and Jonas are perhaps two of the greatest children in modern horror. From their willingness to talk to a goat, to Mercy's iconic "clickity-clackity" scene, the pair is odd in both appearance and personality. There's something so innately off-putting about the two youngsters, who seem all too innocent. As the movie progresses and fingers begin to point at their wayward ways, the suspense and tension building around Mercy and Jonas made my hair stand on ends. It was as if all these underlying thoughts overflowed into my consciousness and left me unsettled. Mercy and Jonas are truly standouts in the already stacked Witch cast. Their spot on this list is more than worthwhile.

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2. Regan (The Exorcist)Probably the most legendary child in horror, Regan is the epitome of scary. As a young girl possessed by Satan, she is by far one of the scariest children ever. Whether speaking in tongues or lashing out, Regan is the pinnacle poster child of horror and her actions throughout The Exorcist should scare everyone, but especially parents. What makes her even more effective is the fact that, outside of her possession, Regan is a character you feel for. She's a simple young girl who is then afraid herself of the entity surrounding her. In fact, even the later revival of The Exorcist into the Fox series gives a continued depth to the youngster who terrified a generation.

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1. Asian Influences Kayako and Toshio (The Grudge) & Samara (The Ring)

Full-disclosure: Without having ever seen the source material for The Ring and The Grudge, I can say that the American recreation of these ominous children is still terrifying. And, while eventually I will see Ju-On and Ringu, for now, I will settle to being afraid of the American versions of Kayoko and Toshio and Samara. For movies that have widely been criticized as less-than, I can say with utmost honesty, that these characters were haunting. Each left me up at night and while later sequels took away from - or in the case of Rings, ruined them, each of the three children haunting these films is amazing in their American original form

Best In Show: Horror's Creepy Kids (Part I of II)

Creepy kids are a staple of the horror genre. No matter what form they take, horror movies seem to always include at least one terrifyingly creepy child. Whether they're on the side of our protagonists like in Signs or are deeply villainous like most of the ones who made this list, children in horror feel necessary. Prior to completing this list I was trying to figure out how to limit myself from going off the rails. The final product includes a lot of ties and pairs to complement my indecision. I also removed children who were creepy but definitely not in opposition to the heroes of our stories. So, children - like the pair in Signs or Aidan from The Ring, are notably absent.



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10. Jason (Friday the 13th)

To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the original Friday the 13th. It encompasses everything I love in a slasher film - its simplicity, setting and twist ending all should have left me satisfied, but the scares really could have been stronger. In fact, the only scare that really shook me was the one that made this list. Child-Jason, while only occupying a short scene, is perhaps one of the scariest moments in classic horror. It makes me fear for murky water, in the same way Jaws did and definitely deserves a spot on the scariest horror children.

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9. Damien (The Omen)

The original Omen is a classic and for good reason. Despite rarely saying anything, the central character to the film is creepy beyond belief. Damien does little but accomplishes a lot and the deeply rooted anger in his eye's makes for the most unsettling movie. Damien's ability to strike fear in those around him is pretty terrific for the viewer, who inadvertently is also scared in the process. The Omen isn't the greatest movie out there (sorry, not sorry) but Damien is definitely one of the greatest kids in horror.

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8. The Non-Children, Brahms (The Boy), Annabelle (The Conjuring) & Esther (Orphan)

Gosh, what have I done here? The answer is I combined all three of these because technically, they're not children - supernatural or otherwise, but their depiction is that of a child and the scares they provide are definitely noteworthy. Say what you want about The Boy but Brahms is absolutely terrifying. That dark, empty stare paired with surprisingly creepy rules to follow, all make for a character that sent chills down my spine. Then, there's Annabelle. Yeah, she's just a doll but she is a doll of a little girl and a truly iconic face of modern horror. The doll of Annabelle definitely helped push The Conjuring into the limelight and like Brahms, the shallow stares and the not-so-vacant atmosphere set by this character is bone tingling awesomeness. Lastly, Esther. Is there really anything more to say? Just watch any scene of Orphan and you'll instantly be afraid of her icy glare and ability to fake a smile. She could do equally well on some trashy reality show as she does killing those around her.

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7. The Children (Sinister)

While not a tie, this ranking gives way to a group of children that all really deserve a spot. Captured by Baghuul, the group of kids in Sinister is so disturbingly dark that it's hard not to love them. These kids get taken and then proceed to trick and murder their families, all while videotaping it. The true star of Sinister may be the ancient demon at the center, but it's his minions who truly shine as the horrifyingly youthful tyrants. The children of Sinister are all unique in their own way, but equally scary all the same.

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6. The Masked Ones, Tomas (The Orphanage), Sam (Trick r' Treat) & Unnamed Girl (The Houses October Built)

How dare I combine three movies into one ranking, right? Well I did because the unsettling feeling created by each is very similar. There's something about a moving, expressionless face that is deeply troubling and for these movies, this aspect is all the more advantageous. In The Orphanage, the creepy dead child Tomas wears the most pieced together mask as he causes mischief. Then in the cult classic Trick r' Treat, another patchy mask is exhibited to truly unsettle audiences. Then there's my biased favorite: the unnamed girl in The Houses October Built. Not only does she get added bonus for having loose strands of hair attached to her mask, she also gets points for being truly terrifying. When she gets on the RV my heart was thumping out of my chest.

 

The Overlook: Hidden

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For a movie that came out of nowhere and was seldom seen, the aptly titled Hidden seems to have found new light. Successfully charting on iTunes' horror section and becoming an indie hit, Hidden is the type of revolutionary pandemic film audience's should be compelled to watch. The film first came out in 2015 and was quietly distributed, only found by those who were looking for it.

 Like so many post-apocalyptic films before it, Hidden begins with the typical daily survival tasks of a family of three. However, as the film progresses and the couple and their daughter are forced to leave their home, audiences will quickly realize that this horror-thriller is much more than meets the eye. Hidden stars Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood) as the father Ray, Andrea Rideborough (Birdman) as the mother Claire and Emily Alyn Lind (Revenge) as daughter Zoe.

Hidden is a relatively high-tension film given its title, which as noted seems more meant for its release than its plot. From the opening moments, everything feels uneasy; there are moments of hushed silence, food shortages and the omnipresent monsters in the distant outlook.  The "monsters" (in quotes because, spoilers) are terrifying as they attempt to kill the family and their escape is all the more harrowing because of it.

The second act packs a whopping punch as viewers get their first true look at the outside, post-apocalyptic world. This is where things crank up as the now homeless refugees attempt to find safety in a dangerous world closing in around them. By the time the film reaches its final climactic moment, viewers can expect to be stunned. Like a good M. Night Shyamalan twist, the turn of events in Hidden is outstanding. From the star moment for child actress Lind, to the sub-textual true monsters of the film, Hidden overcomes any practicalities as it makes a mad dash toward originality.

Overall, the biggest strengths of Hidden are its great acting and ability to create unplaced suspense/ Skarsgard is especially good in his starring role and is able to take on the "father" role quite well. Rideborough, while dealt a smaller role, is equally as talented, providing emotional depth to this stark film. As noted, a surprisingly adequate child actor comes into the spotlight with Emily Alyn Lind, who's Zoe is great.

Hidden hides the roar of a lion in its subtle release and title. It's the type of movie best watched at night, with full investment in the darkened bunker that is the family's home. By allowing yourself to be consumed into what looks to be a much simpler movie, the twist becomes that much better. And, even if you start to figure it out early, it doesn't stop it from still being an exciting journey and entry into the subgenre.

 

The Overlook: In Fear

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For filmmakers attempting to break new ground in horror, coming up with new settings seems to be the way to go. From films that take place way up high like Flight 7500 to ones that venture beneath the ground like The Descent, a horror film that goes some place new always adds interest. That's why 2013's In Fear deserves recognition.

In Fear tells the story of a new couple who become deeply lost in the Irish countryside on their way to an isolated music festival. The majority of the film takes place in the couple’s car as they're pursued by an attacker in the dark. In Fear comes with all of the problems faced by a car-based horror movie, from wayward signs and a broken navigator to low fuel, and because of it, the movie sometimes crosses into conventionality. But, what saves this film is an overbearing sense of dread and claustrophobia which truly makes In Fear worthwhile. In Fear stars Iain De Caestecker (Shell) and Alice Englert (Beautiful Creatures) as the newly formed couple, Tom and Lucy, and Allen Leech(Downton Abbey) as Max, a stranger they encounter on the back roads.

In Fear is a relatively easy movie to follow, but definitely comes with some unsettling twists and turns. As the couple set out for the country side after a tiff at a bar and proceed to get lost on random roads, the growing sense of alarm creates compelling tension that will make viewers brace themselves for whatever happens next. Then, as the sun sets, the truly eerie feeling of In Fear sets in. We've all been there - on a backcountry road under the cover of night, where everything seems like endless darkness. This is where In Fear truly thrives.

The film's acting is also spot on. For Englert and Caestecker, their ability to work as a fledgling couple is innately truthful. The subtly at which they function - close with possible love on the horizon, but still early enough in their relationship where anything could end it, is noteworthy and for Leech not much needs to be said as prior credentials include the acclaimed Downton Abbey. This cast of young actors is certainly above averageness and deserves recognition for their ability to work with a very grounded idea and make it superb.

There are flaws in In Fear, but none are quite noticeable to make an impact on the resulting product. Some parts could be more clearly laid out, but the film as a whole constantly raps back to make sure viewers weren't left behind on the last bend. In Fear also makes the most of its indie camera work, making basicness feel closer to home.

You know that feeling you have when you're in complete darkness and you start to hear a ringing in your ear? That is essentially the base of In Fear. There are scares mixed throughout, but it is the overarching presence of nothingness that is truly terrifying. It's a quieter film, but one that is nonetheless, impressive.

Review: The Devil's Candy

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While disturbed men with questionable mental statuses and the crimes they commit may not feel fresh or new, IFC Midnight's latest distribution, The Devil's Candy somehow impresses.  Between the edgy, metal family at the center of this thriller and the dread felt throughout, The Devil's Candy is the one of the most refreshingly disturbing films of the year. It's the type of movie where every cliché and typical plot point is overcome with a sense of renewal. There's the man in an orange tracksuit who has all of the telling signs of a criminal and a family that moves to a secluded farmhouse, and yet, there is enough in this film to keep it relevant and ultimately, terrifying. Clocking in at less than 90 minutes, The Devil's Candy offers jackrabbit pacing infused with deeply embedded, human fears.

 

As noted, The Devil's Candy follows an artist father, played by Ethan Embry (Late Phases), as he and his wife, played by Shiri Appleby (UnREAL), and their daughter, played by Kiara Glasco (Christmas Magic), move into a recently reduced-price home. Turns out, the prior owners had died, leaving their voices-hearing, tracksuit-wearing adult son, played by Pruitt Taylor Vince (Constantine), homeless. Things spiral out as the father's artistic vision becomes intertwined with the demonic actions of the tracksuit man. Sounds like a lot to keep track? The movie is surprisingly easy to follow despite it's complex backdrop and for a horror film, that's a good thing.

 

The Devil's Candy benefits from a really, really outstanding cast; both Embry and Glasco do equally fantastic in their role as a tight knit father-daughter duo - sometimes acting more like friends than a parent and child pair. Embry is good at playing an artist who begins to lose track of time; his crazed eyes and shaky body doing giving all the more physical substance to the role and Glasco most certainly has a future if she wants to stay in horror (I see future final girl in her future). Then there is Appleby who is particular stunning and surprisingly effective as a more level-headed mother turned scream queen. This movie rests solely on us feeling attached to this family, and the resulting film has a lot to thank the cast for.

 

Other noteworthy aspects include a fantastic score and strong camerawork. The score itself builds a lot of tension. One place this is certainly commendable is in a flash sequence of Embry's character painting interwoven with the tracksuit man sawing and cleaning a body. It's stellar work like this that moves this film past basicness. Here is also where some of the film's best camerawork comes into play. With such a short runtime, The Devil's Candy certainly makes a lot of strong moves to engross audiences. Side note: for the HGTV-lover, the move-in montage is especially fun.

 

The Devil's Candy shows that while supernatural events may occur, the most evil things are surprisingly grounded in humanity. The tracksuit man may be possessed, but he also may just be disturbed; his life inexplicably interwoven with the visions of the father. Stranger things have happened and crimes have been more supernaturally solved. One thing is clear though:  as a well-shot, well-acted, ungodly tense film with little time to spare, The Devil's Candy is a taut thriller worth watching. Whether 

Best In Show: Possession Films (Pt. II of II)

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5. The Conjuring 2

Horror sequels are tough work. Pulling them off successfully is pretty rare, and when accomplished, deserves many accolades. The sequel to the even more terrifying first, The Conjuring 2 is the rare horror film that continues a storyline without disruption. The choice to follow Ed and Lorraine Warren was a brilliant idea as any number of their case files could be adapted to film. Not to mention both Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are stellar actors who deserve some nominations somewhere for these movies. The Conjuring 2 is a scary, scary movie and the possession of the young girl is great, but The Conjuring 2 is also about far more than the possession, instead the true focal point of the story is on the pair of demonologists.

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4. The Babadook

Because Mr. Babadook has become somewhat of an icon, I actually forgot that at the very core of this film is the possession of Essie Davis' single mother character. The Babadook is an amazing film that goes deeper than pretty much any modern horror movie with the exception of this year's Get Out. It's an examination of a single mother’s constant struggles to deal with a difficult life, and only after this is fleshed out does the possession actually come in to play. The Babadook also wins points for avoiding the over-the-top mystical character that offers advice on dealing with demons and wins points for having such strong central characters and terrifying scares.

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3. The Conjuring

While The Conjuring is maybe one of my favorite movies ever, I consider it to be much more o a haunted house film than a possession. Yes, Bathsheba possesses the mother and yes it's a main storyline, but for all of its amazingness, The Conjuring isn't so much a strictly possession and exorcism movie. I love it and think its terrifying but, it loses points on this list for the fact that there are two exorcist movies that are more deserving. The Conjuring is superbly acted, well shot and incredibly done, and everyone knows this so I won't continue to harp on.





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2.The Last Exorcism

I've heard some mixed things about The Last Exorcism and yet, I cannot see its faults. The Last Exorcism is the most recent full on possession film that has had commercial success. It's terrifying, updated from classics like The Exorcist and is by-and-large, underrated. The Last Exorcism has some of the best scare sequences in modern horror and Ashley Bell's role as a possessed girl in red boots is fantastic. The ending is also really relentless and for all of the tepid responses about how this movie isn't anything groundbreaking, I would argue that it doesn't need to be. The Last Exorcism is a plain Jane of horror- its purpose is solely to scare and intrigue audiences, not make them think. And, on those accounts, it works stupendously.



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1.The Exorcist

Maybe it's to stave off hate or because it's one of the few classics I really, truly enjoy even today, but the OG Exorcist deserves this top spot. It is so iconic and so well done that even today, it's compelling. I originally thought the graphics and pea soup vomit of this film would have been a turn off in the modern era, but this is a movie that cannot be beat. it stands the test of times and I would watch Regan's head spin over and over. The Exorcist is required viewing, even if you don't like old movies.

 

Best In Show: Possession Films (Part I of II)

Full disclosure: this list was nearly impossible to piece together. So many movies feature some variation or form of possession and every time I tried limiting myself to a certain dimension or aspect, I found something else that could count. So, I settled with a wide net and decided to just make a list that has possession in one form of another, but said possession must make up a substantial portion of the film, rather than a minor part. In addition, I took into account how much of the movie revolves around the possession and possible exorcism and then tried to determine placing based on that content, not the overall movie. Sounds reassuring, right? That's pretty much the resulting list, but it is done and it is here, so that's something:


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10. Deliver Us From Evil
Deliver Us From Evil isn't a great movie. The end scene is a really long, boring drag and some other aspects could be improved. But, this movie has some really spectacular lead-up scenes. From the moments in the zoo to the dark abandoned apartments, Deliver Us From Evil does provide some sense of dread, even if it is ruined by a far-too-long scene. It loses additional points for that scene being the actual exorcism and if a movie is about possession, shouldn't the eventual exorcism be amazing? Either way, this movie got a really bad rap when it came out but it's far more permissible than some of the weaker genre entries (The Devil Inside). 

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9. The Possession
The Possession isn't the best film. It brims with modern horror clichés like the craftsmen-style home with little personality and untimely jump scares, but in its majority, The Possession is highly effective. From a pretty stellar cast to numerous creepy moments and a pretty stellar possession, this film is an easy enough watch to make it worthwhile. It's not deeply thought-provoking or intense, but it's definitely the kind of movie that can put you in the mood for something like Halloween.



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8. The Taking of Deborah Logan

I will say it again and again; The Taking of Deborah Logan is a must-see. By far one of the most underrated films ever, this movie about a woman suffering from old age is far more sinister than the opening parts would have you believe. The Taking of Deborah Logan features the rarely done geriatric possession and does so with so much horrifying tact that viewers can expect to be both sympathetic and scared. The Taking of Deborah Logan is a cold and unrelenting film and the slow progression of the possession makes it all the better.



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7. Evil Dead (2013)

I'm going to say this once and for all: The Evil Dead remake is a great movie. Perhaps even better than the original, this film features some of the most grotesque scenes in modern horror, all with grisly updated graphics that surpass any of the original's visuals. Evil Dead also features the simultaneously terrifying and hilarious possession of Mia, played by Jane Levy (Don't Breathe). This movie is great to watch when you want to feel deeply unsettled.

6. Sinister

Sinister is, by and far, one of the scariest movies I have ever seen. However, its placement on this list is hindered by the fact that, while the little girl does become possessed (spoiler), the demon is much more capable and visible than typical possession movies. It uses the children, but he also has some mandate of his own. Sinister is terrifying but, its position on this list waivers due to the fact that the possession isn't necessarily the star of the show.