The Overlook: Summer Camp

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Good horror movies are great and terrific, bad ones mar the genre and mediocre ones often fall to the wayside. But, for many of these average films the ignorance is uncalled for. Horror fans constantly crave new content - perhaps more than any other genre - and for that, it's important to point out films like Summer Camp.

Summer Camp follows a group of four young Americans hired to be counselors at a summer camp in Europe when tainted water turns them on each other in a fits of rage. It stars Diego Boneta (Scream Queens) as Will, Jocelin Donahue (The House of the Devil) and Maiara Walsh (The Starving Games). It's got a somewhat ridiculous premise, pretty disjointed characters and a flimsy plot, but opening title credits that label the characters as 20-somethings and an eventual explanation as to how and why Americans would be hired to work in a manor-turned-summer camp make the film seem in on the joke. Summer Camp works best when it doesn't take itself too seriously.


For Michelle who spends the first half of the film asking about a phone and the second half making a surprising turn as what looks to be a "final girl," the movie seems destined to fall apart. But, a seeming desire to keep the cast alive leads to a surprising turns of events that actually makes a previously mediocre movie, pretty entertaining. The back-and-forth between virility and normalcy are shakily explained and the film does little to clarify every minute detail but it doesn't stop it from rounding out to a bumpy, but fun ride.


The film is also important because it’s an additional piece to modern scream queen Jocelin Donahue's repertoire. For her, the ability to blend into an array of horror roles comes easy. She is the most salvageable part of the film and her continual participation in horror shouldn't be discouraged or overlooked because she is consistently terrific.


Questions like why Michelle is initially blatantly ignored when she says she needs to use a phone or why WIll doesn't need to go to the hospital after being bitten by a dog suspected of rabies are beyond answering and probably the film's most notable failures. The acting is fine even if the characters aren't and there's definitely enough within the film to make it an easy watch. Regardless of it all, nothing is so terrible that the movie is hard to witness - there's plenty of fun jarring attacks and plenty of cheap thrills. Summer Camp is a good movie to pass the time.

In Defense: The Gallows

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Remember when audiences and critics alike gave up on the found-footage genre? Yeah, that happened about five years before the untimely release of The Gallows by Warner Bros. Pictures. Too similar to the oversaturated found-footage and teen horror subgenres, the release of The Gallows was met with critic panning and complete dismay. But, unlike some truly horrible horror films, the complete disregard for The Gallows is somewhat unwarranted.

Set in the modern day, The Gallows follows a group of teens exploring their school after dark in an attempt to destroy a play set. The Gallows mythology is built around a fictional play of the same name that 20 years prior had been central to an accidental hanging of a student at the school. Upon arrival, the teens become locked in the school and things descend into chaos from there. The film stars Reese Mishler (The End of Forever) - a Troy Bolton type, originally forced into the play but having grown to care for it and his drama queen costar Pfeiffer, played by Pfeiffer Brown. His more cliquey friend Ryan and Ryan's girlfriend Cassidy spearhead the attempted downfall of the play and are played by Ryan Shoos (Bastard) and Cassidy Spilker (God's Not Dead).


Not to deny the film's flaws, it's important to point out how paper thin the film is. Featuring a pretty basic execution and some tumbled camerawork, The Gallows deserves criticism for its lack of originality. But, plenty of movies are and The Gallows certainly sets itself up better with a fresher angle than many movies that get far more critical praise (every superhero movie - especially from Marvel is the same) and even though the shaky cam is worn, it’s never criminally bad. There's plenty of atmosphere and built suspense, unlike actually bad horror movies like The Bye Bye Man and even the film's predictability isn't entirely a bad thing because it does fill out its edges properly before making a dashing bolt for the finish line.


So what's actually good about The Gallows? Well, for starters, the film offers a pretty great, young cast who feed into their roles with deep commitment. Spiller in particular is a memorable addition as the sometimes-mean girl and Shoos plays condescending well. These purposely unlikable characters make for one of horror's most iconic and useful tools: a group of bad characters who have bad things happen to them. It's a restful and entertaining experience for viewers who crave this type of satisfaction and is an overlooked part of the film. On top of that, the cheap, but effective jump scares that run rampant throughout the film make for a suspense-driven journey that works most of the time.


Horror shouldn't always be about achievement. Sometimes - especially in the summer months - fans of the genre just want something easy and fun to watch. The Gallows is that movie. It's a simple, but entertaining film that features some great young stars, a few terrific jump scares and enough bang for your buck to make it worth it. Even if it's not some landmark film with deep meaning or an original plot, The Gallows does exactly what viewers should have thought it would do.

Best in Show: Scary Children's Toys (Pt. II of II)

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5. Ha-Ha-Hoo Owl (Deliver Us From Evil)

While many larger, more iconic children's toys exist in the horror universe, the owl stuffed animal at the center of Deliver Us From Evil shouldn't be overlooked. Easily one of the scariest parts of the movie and undoubtedly a terrifyingly suspenseful moment, the filmmakers ability to capture the suspenseful atmosphere of the Ha-Ha-Hoo Owl scene is incredible. Like The Fourth Kind-meets-Care-Bears there is something so sinister about the plush, hollow-eyed owl rolling across the floor, cawing at the young daughter of police officer Sarchie.

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4. Clown (Poltergeist)

While Poltergeist is a bona fide classic in its own right, it should be noted that the terrorizing clown toy a large reason why. By far one of the film's most iconic and haunting scenes, the clown is much like the Ha-Ha-Who Owl and likely was the inspiration behind it. It sits there subtly, but the audience and the characters know that something far darker is going to happen in the coming scenes and when it does, it does not disappoint. The clown in poltergeist only fuels horror's relationship with clowns and the peoples' fear of them and for that; I guess we should be thankful?

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3. Billy (Dead Silence)

Long before James Wan created the traps and dolls that would be central to Saw and The Conjuring franchise, he was busy playing with puppets. Dead Silence is easily one of the most underrated gems in modern horror and deserves better. Sure it's got a slightly ridiculous plot and some cheesy moments but the puppets and story at the core of this film are scary. The tuxedo-wearing Billy in particular is especially noteworthy. Classier that the other haunted objects on this list, the gleaming Billy is a nightmare-inducing entity who's eyes hold a stunning, but terrifying expression. Billy, like Dead Silence, is greatly underestimated in the horror industry. 

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2. Chucky (Child's Play)

Easily the most well-known toy on this list, Chucky is perhaps the most recognizable and horrific of horror's scary toys. While later sequels and oversaturated merchandising diminished the character, but the original Child's Play is certainly a noteworthy excursion. Deeply disturbing and at times, comical, the redheaded Chucky made a generation afraid of their toys. Even if somewhat laughable in a modern horror context - especially thanks to some truly odd and trashy sequels - the legendary Chucky is an undeniable force in the industry. This sinister doll is terrifying.

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1. Annabelle (The Conjuring)

Say what you will about the modern horror era, but it has given us the scariest children's toy ever. Completely objective and unquantifiable, Annabelle is not only iconic, but also scary. Even after it was obstructed by a spin-off and viral fame, the original showing of the Annabelle doll was absolutely terrifying. Think of the moment audiences were first introduced to her and the suspense she built throughout the film. The expectations of movement, the blank stares and all of the troubling mythology surrounding her create one of the unsettling creations in horror. Annabelle may have hit an oversaturation much like Chucky, but there is still something innately terrifying about this old-timey, cursed doll.

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Best in Show: Scary Children's Toys (Pt. I of II)

Scary children's toys are nothing new for the horror industry. From classics to the modern day, dolls and assorted play things have instilled fear in adults everywhere. And, while some of the earliest films have struggled to stand the test of time without becoming comical, the trend continues to this day with films like Annabelle: Creation set to be released this summer. The fact is, horror movies and children's toys are intrinsically connected; showcasing just how disturbing some of society's recreational objects are. This week's list covers horror's scariest toys.

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10. Cymbal-Banging Monkey (Toy Story 3)

This blog is most definitely about horror movies, but the cymbal-clapping monkey featured in Toy Story 3 is the stuff of nightmares. The scene - featuring the bug-eyed monkey watching security cams - is nothing short of horrifying as his red-ringed eyes and insane clattering would traumatize even the most fearless child. I am so happy I waited to see this movie without children in the theater because I can only imagine the tears it caused. Disney should consider delving deeper into the horror genre, especially if this is the work it can create. 

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9. Billy (Saw)

With a new Saw film right around the corner, acknowledging the iconic face of the franchise is only right. Billy is the type of scary doll that should definitely give pause to anyone believing in Jigsaw's sanity. What would ever possess this father to give his son something that is so visibly scary? Unlike other picks on this list, there is nothing salvageable or innocent in the face of this swirly-cheeked, tuxedo-wearing toy. Add on the later use of Billy as the face to Jigsaw's videos and traps, and this puppet easily becomes one of the scariest things to come out of the series.

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8. Der Klown (Krampus)

While campy and fun, the Christmas horror hit, Krampus, offers plenty of jarring moments. From a crazed tree topper to the hoofed demon himself, there are moments of real horror in this otherwise over-the-top movie. Perhaps none are as scary as Der Klown, the jack-in-the-box creature central to kidnapping the film's family. The first time the big, nasty beast-toy opens his mouth is horrifying. It's like something out of a 80s horror movie but with effects meant for modern audiences, all culminating into something far more effective.

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7.  Brahms (The Boy) 

The Boy got a pretty bad wrap when it came out. Early reviews showed promise, but upon its full theatrical release, the Lauren Cohen-starring horror film took a sour turn. And, while I'd argue some criticisms are warranted, audiences seemed to overlook the very terrifying doll central to the movie. Brahms is a terrifyingly empty looking doll and the filmmakers do a terrific job elaborating on his mythology. From scattered shadows to movement across rooms, Cohen's character couldn't look away from him without feeling the absolute spin-tingling atmosphere and I felt no different. Brahms is scary. While the movie may have some faulty aspects, this toy certainly wasn't one of them.

(thegreenhead.com)

6. Talky Tina (The Twilight Zone)

The Twilight Zone can sometimes feel ancient next to some modern horror creations. While definitely scary for its time and still a cultural piece worth appreciating, the vast majority of the episodes haven't stood the test of time well. But, one episode in particular is an exception. For those looking to be scared, look no further than the 'Talking Doll' episode from the anthology series. Talky Tina has aged splendidly and even in it's black-and-white, 1960s glory it's still scary to this day. Easily one of the series most disturbing episodes, Talking Tina was ahead of its time - overtly opting to terrify the father, rather than the typical direction of the mother - and it works. This episode was simple, but effective in scaring its viewers and is definitely worth witnessing.

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.

 

The Overlook: Viral

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Recently, I wrapped up a list of best outbreak horror films. Mostly hefty in subject matter and rarely easy on the eyes, the movies listed included pandemics like the ones seen in Contagion and 28 Days Later. In fact, finding a pandemic horror movie that is suspenseful and scary, but still has air to it, is difficult, Movies like Cabin Fever 2 may provide some form of this but these are typically too cheesy and foolish to matter, which is why finding Viral on Netflix is pretty great. Serious, but ultimately easy to engage with, Viral is a teen horror film that works.

Viral follows two sisters, played by Analeigh Tipton (Project Almanac) and Sofia Black D'Elia (Warm Bodies), who must face an oncoming pandemic without their parents. D'Elia's Sofia is the more serious, level-headed of the two and Tipton's Stacey is reckless, often choosing her boyfriend, played by Machine Gun Kelly (Nerve), over safety, Each of the three are particularly effective at conveying the young spirit of negligence, even if at times they try to take the outbreak seriously. A party scene in particular, fully captures this immature essence as even Sofia, breaks and decides to participate in the evening's events.


With the exception of the name "Stacy" joltingly called out one too many times early in the film, the film is pretty heartfelt and entertaining. The characters are all strong in their choices and work effectively off of one another. The movie's last scenes where one of them contracts the sickness are effectively moving and never cheap or over-the-top and its short runtime definitely ensures that the audience won’t be too bored.

Viral probably won't impress diehard horror fans, but it is in no way as bad as some of the industry's most annoying teen horror movies. Whereas movies like Ouija and The Bye Bye Man strongly adhere to a middle ground; incapable of truly scary moments in a dedication not to fans, but instead to making money, it's clear that Viral wasn't afraid to take chances. Viral is effective because it draws on tropes but never allows those to supplement for story.

Viral is a pretty great low-stakes pandemic film; its lightning- fast pace making it a speedy, but suspenseful watch. The film benefits greatly by feeding on and then overcoming the typical hallmarks of teen horror; dumb decisions, a pair of snarky sisters, a dumb boyfriend and no parents in sight, all work in tandem to create an atmosphere that's youthful and buoyant, providing a typically unseen point of view for outbreak films.

 

Review: Alien: Covenant

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When Prometheus was first released, diehard fans of the original Alien films questioned the prequel's expanded mythology and the director Ridley Scott's story, but between the film's critical and commercial successes, the train continued onward with ease. So when it was announced that the sequel to Prometheus, titled Alien: Covenant, would return the series to its roots, while answering questions opened by Prometheus, audiences, fans and critics collectively rejoiced. Trailers and a strong marketing campaign portraying the film as a colonization effort gone wrong, only built the excitement surrounding the film and now released, all of the promises made seem to have been fulfilled.

Perfectly balancing horror with action and tying in aspects of both the classic Alien franchise with the deeper more drama-based Prometheus, Alien: Covenant is a thrilling non-stop adventure of seismic proportions. Tense and explosive, Covenant wastes little time setting the stage. The film follows a spaceship crew headed toward a planet in hopes of colonization, only to discover a signal on a previously unnoticed planet. Upon inspection, the crew meets more than they bargain for and the film quickly devolves into horrific chaos.

Alien: Covenant stars Katherine Waterson (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) as Daniels, the stunning and worthy Sigourney Weaver of the film, and Michael Fassbender (Assassin's Creed) reprising his as a Weyland Corps android, this time named Walter. The film also includes Billy Crudup (Spotlight) as first mate, Oram, and Danny McBride (Vice Principals) as the ship's pilot, Tennessee. Additionally, Carmen Ejogo (The Purge: Anarchy) and Amy Seimetz (The Killing) play biologist and Oram's wife, Karine, and lander pilot, Maggie, respectively. The film is then rounded out by a pretty fantastic and robust cast of cannon fodder characters that other than an online prologue are nearly nonexistent.

Alien: Covenant is a truly impressive endeavor. Featuring some fantastical visuals and special effects, the movie is captivating; offering some amazingly fiendish and terrifying aliens, sprawling forests and some futuristic technology that are sure to make sci-fi fans' heads spin. All of this is then topped with awesome costuming and some intense explosions and fight sequences. Covenant also benefits greatly from the notably good cast. No matter the size of the role, it's clear that each actor is invested and prepared for their character's fate.

Throughout the film, small flaws barely dent the gleaming exterior of Covenant. Aspects of the film - like a final act twist - can be easily picked up on, but are ultimately forgivable due to the impeccable execution. Even the gratuitous bloodshed is done in such a way that'll engross, rather than disgust the viewer. The film's plot is also nearly airtight; seamlessly tying in Prometheus, even if somewhat abrupt. Covenant is able to overcome all of these hurdles given its popcorn-munching, blockbuster action and its lightning-quick pace.

Alien: Covenant is terrifically retro. Its ability to capture the spirit of classic sci-fi films and modernize it in such a way that makes it even scarier is nearly unparalleled. It's the type of seismic movie that can tout its own horn because it offers so much. It' brims with action and fantastical elements and by its end, viewers should be completely satisfied. 8 out of 10.

 

Best in Show: Summer Horror (Pt. II of II)

5. Sleepaway Camp

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Sleepaway Camp is a weird, weird movie. It's a film that flashes with 80s flair; now practically laughable in effort and tact. Matching these factors with a twist ending that would now be considered off-putting; Sleepaway Camp has become the sort of cult flick destined for summer sleepovers and movie nights projected onto blankets under the stars. It's got the summer camp for children, featuring all of the fun summer activities your childhood could think of and by the film's end, you're sure to be drowned in the dated nostalgia this movie pours out.

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4. Jaws/The Shallows

Jaws is the movie that scared a generation out of the water. Jaws is perhaps one of the most iconic summer films ever. Given its ocean beach setting and plethora of prop pool toys, this movie provided audiences with a reason to be even more afraid of the ocean than they were. While Jaws is likely more deserving than fifth on this list, its cooler, New England-based location takes away from the truly summer mood capitalized on by later films like The Shallows. Otherwise, Jaws is still a worthwhile dive into the warmer months, even if those months seem more like April than July.

Speaking of The Shallows, this movie is undoubtedly deserving of a place on this list. Capturing beach warmth with all of the gleaming shine of summer, The Shallows exceeded expectations when it was released last summer. Despite similarities to the classic Jaws, The Shallows is able to stand on its on two fins by providing enough excitement and popcorn-munching fun to make it the summery movie audiences need to put them in the mood.

3. A Perfect Getaway 

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A Perfect Getaway seamlessly captured the essence of tropical warmth. Even at its wettest, the Hawaiian-based thrilled oozed with the feeling of summer adventure. A Perfect Getaway is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the back-and-forth weather of the Northeast. It's got everything from sunshine and ocean kayaking to hazy jungle hikes, all culminated into a visually stunning and ultimately thrilling escape.

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2. Friday The 13th

Maybe even more iconic than Jaws, the pinnacle slasher, Friday the 13th, is easily one of the most recognizable summer films ever. It's the very basis of summer camp massacres and deserves to be recognized as such. This film and its hefty franchise are what many horror fans first think of when they think of summer, and for good reason. Between the warm weather clothing worn by the movie's victims to the old, rickety cabins on the camp's grounds, the setting of Friday the 13th is unforgettable. Camp Crystal Lake is near-summer perfection.

1. Cabin in the Woods 

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While a lot of people would argue that Friday the 13th is most deserving on a list of summer mood horror films, there is no denying the weight carried by Cabin in the Woods. Simultaneously scary, as it is funny, equally dark as it is light, this on-the-nose dissection of horror is so reminiscent of summer that I can feel sunburn growing now. Whereas movies like Evil Dead feature wet, gray forests, the woods surrounding this film are lush and warm, spotlighted by the moon and done so with such intent (by both the filmmakers and the scientists within the movie), that it's atmosphere is unparalleled. It features all of the warm summer feelings each of the list's other movies offer including lakes, summer fun and poorly dressed teens, but inevitably tosses it all in the air in exchange for a visually crisp and obviously well-A/Ced laboratory. The fact of the matter is, Cabin in the Woods is summer.

 

Best in Show: Summer Horror (Pt. I of II)

I don't know where you are but where I am, a heat wave has begun looming over my city. To honor these back sweat-inducing temperatures, this week's list is all about putting audiences in the summer mood. You know the feeling; warm and lazy, ready to lounge in a lake or by a pool and most certainly not prepared to be attacked by a killer or alien creatures. Certain horror movies definitely carry with it, a summery identity that can't be shaken. This list, will *spoiler* feature classic movies at summer camps and some modern, out-there choices (see number 10), so without further ado, here are the top 10 movies to put you in a summer mood:

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10. Thirst

Thirst is a completely selfish pick to kick off this list. In no way is the film an amazing movie. With flaws flying out of every aspect, Thirst is filled to the brim with mediocrity even if it does have its worthwhile aspects (as seen in my recent Overlook article). But, what Thirst did succeed in doing was putting me in a summer mood. Maybe it's the retro troubled-teens-at-camp storyline or the hot desert plateaus, or even the campy low-brow special effects, but Thirst made me feel like barbequing. It's got none of the glitz and glam of better horror movies and all of the overused horror tropes, but through-and-through it was effective in keeping me entertained and preparing me for a heat wave.

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9. The Final Girls

Like other summer camp films that inevitably made this list (come back tomorrow), The Final Girls features everything that makes the summer feel like summer. Shorts, lakes and the slasher tropes of ole, But, what makes The Final Girls worthy of being included on this list is its conveyance of warmth and its on-the-nose comedy that propels it. Every scene of this film is tinged with softer warm coloring and that, paired with some truly funny moments, make it feel like a summer welcoming parade.

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8. See No Evil

See No Evil makes this list for nearly identical reasons to Thirst. Entirely selfish in its choosing, See No Evil is reminiscent of those summer mornings where friends and I would wake up from nights of campfires and movie binges and watch whatever half-baked horror film was on Chiller Network. See No Evil is a relatively simplistic slasher and does offer some scarier parts as well as some pretty ridiculous scenarios. It never attempts to exceed expectations and is a truly easy watch. Scenes in the beginning where Kane's character visits a suburban neighborhood additionally apply the summery feeling this movie left me. So, say what you want, but anyone who had Chiller and watched it frequently on their off months, would recognize this film as deserving.

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7. Zombeavers

Zombeavers leans heavily on camp comedy more than horror, but it's placement on this list is nonetheless necessary. Like many summer horror films, Zombeavers takes place at a cabin on a lake filled with young adults unaware as to what's about to unravel before their eyes. It's the type of movie that is acknowledging bad, but done so with such intention that it's funny. It's a warm and light-hearted romp that'll be sure to win over genre-blend haters and horror fans alike, and similar to The Final Girls, its ability to capitalize on a feeling of warm is commendable.

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6. Wrong Turn

Maybe I'm simply in the mood to rewatch Wrong Turn, but the love for it on this blog recently is definitely becoming too blatant. There is just something so lovable about this horror movie, especially given that it was one of my first forays into the genre, Wrong Turn is like so many other horror films on this list; a group of friends go on vacation and meet trouble. Simple enough? It is, and the resulting film is a pretty easy watch. It's the type of movie that blatantly rips off other cannibal films but backs it with enough entertainment to be watchable. Wrong Turn gets a lot of flak, but for all its ridiculousness, it is pretty fun and sometimes even, scary.

 

The Overlook: The Exorcism of Molly Hartley

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There are hundreds of exorcism movies out there. From the classic, The Exorcist, to the critically acclaimed The Conjuring, many horror movies at least feature some form of possession and eventual exorcism. However, like any movie subgenre, a surplus doesn't necessarily mean an abundance of quality and for streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime; these subpar movies have seemingly found a home. Sifting through the worst can be difficult, but if done well, can lead to some rough gems like The Exorcism of Molly Hartley. 


Offering the compelling point of view of a character ardent in her awareness that she knows what is happening to her, The Exorcism of Molly Hartley feels fresh, even if its special effects and execution of possession staples are weaker. The film takes place almost entirely in a psych ward where the lead character Molly - played by Sarah Lind (WolfCop) - is swiftly brought after killing two random side characters. Here she encounters our supporting cast of characters including a stunning Gina Holden (Harper's Island) as Dr. Hawthorne and former priest John Barrow, played by Devon Sawa (SLC Punk). Sawa is noticeably weaker than the other two, but luckily for the film, Lind and Holden are powerful enough to persevere.

Despite a blatantly low budget and questionable production value, The Exorcism of Molly Hartley is an entertaining flick worth a watch. Molly Hartley has all of the hallmarks of exorcism films - featuring displaced voices and references to the occult - and the film wastes little time establishing the story's backdrop; helping make a film that's far better than it could have been. All of this, paired with an original setting and a lead actress who makes the most of the material she's provided, make The Exorcism of Molly Hartley good enough.

The Exorcism of Molly Hartley has a twisting plot that'll leave viewers wondering what events are supernatural and which are clearly made up in Molly's head. Naturally, given the fact that it's a horror movie, audiences will tend to agree with what Molly believes is happening to her., but the film offers enough contrary positions to keep the film moving  Even the use of the tired "rogue exorcist" trope is forgivable given the film's other efforts in originality.

As noted, The Exorcism of Molly Hartley is nowhere near award-worthy. But, for all of the awfulness that fills out streaming sites' edges, this piece of work certainly feels like one of the best. Molly Hartley does take some time to win over viewers but once the legwork is done, this film becomes quite the entertaining romp with an especially effective ending.

 

Review: Dead Awake

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When 2015's The Nightmare was released, sleep paralysis became a mainstream and well-talked about topic. So naturally, the horror industry, in a continual effort to provide new and exciting stories, would attempt to capitalize on fans' renewed interest. The most recent of these films, named Dead Awake is an unfortunate elaboration of the disorder. Like sleep paralysis, Dead Awake is a film trapped in its place - never really pushing itself in any direction.  Similar to Nightmare on Elm Street but without any of the campy fun or genuine scares, this movie will surely be forgotten.

Dead Awake stars Jocelin Donahue (The House of the Devil) as twins Beth and, more notably, Kate. Unfortunately for the young horror alumna, Donahue comes across as lackluster. Whether it's the jarringly plain plot or balancing two characters at once that throw her, Donahue's performance is nothing like her stellar turn in The House of the Devil. The cast is filled out with Lori Petty (A League of Their Own) as Dr. Sykes, Jesse Bradford (Flags of our Fathers) as Beth's boyfriend, Brea Grant (Dexter) and Jeffrey Reddick (creator of the Final Destination Franchise) as her friends, and Jesse Borrego (Con Air) as a mysterious outsider. They too are all relatively flat.

From the get go, Dead Awake is flimsily set up; sacrificing its potential for baseline storytelling and predictability. The film falls into place in perfect linearity. When Kate enters her birthday party, the camera pans to each of the potential victims and viewers can quickly figure out what's going to happen, in what order and with what retribution. They'll hope there will be some break away from the norm or even some entertaining death scenes and scares, but this film accepts its mediocrity and embraces it.

The film never really works to become a lovable indie release. It's got glossed over aspects that seem more similar to bigger releases, but even this isn't done well enough, and the mediocrity running through its vein and a host of lackluster jump scares only perpetuate a cycle of contrived storytelling. Dead Awake is far too pragmatic, shooting for complacency rather than excellence in a way that feels lazy, rather than daring.

Dead Awake plays too deeply into typical horror formulas - featuring everything from a kind, but ignorant psychologist to a mysterious foreigner, but it never compliments this plainness with anything joltingly terrifying or fun. It is a truly bland experience and by the time it's wrapped, if viewers haven't fell into a deep slumber, chances are they'll believe their time could have been better spent napping. 4 out 10.