Best in Show: Winter Horrors (Pt. II of II)

(imdb.com)

5. Crimson Peak

Mistakenly marketed as a horror movie, but also featuring plenty of horror elements, this gothic romance is an incredibly visual journey. Dripping with director Guillermo Del Toro's stylistic charm, Crimson Peak is lush and brimming with dense fabrics and colors; complimentary to the derelict mansion's snowy exterior. Even the snow, dyed red thanks to the clay mined beneath the mansion is so vivid and intentionally placed. All of this culminates into a truly sensory experience that'll have viewers completely invested in Del Toro's fairytale-like world.  

(imdb.com)

4. 30 Days of Night

During winter, days are shorter and nights are longer and in Alaska, this is most definitely true. Known for its impossibly short days and incredible long nights, this Northern state is the perfect setting for a winter horror film; especially when that film's evil resides in nocturnal creatures. So, around the time the Twilight franchise was dismantling the horror of vampires, the Alaskan-set horror film, 30 Days of Night, was reminding us just how terrifying these bat-like beasts can be. Action-packed and filled with blood-soaked snow, this film utilized its harsh setting perfectly to capture the dreadfulness of 24/7 cold nights.

(imdb.com)

3. Frozen

Afraid of heights? Hate the cold? Well, the confined location of the oft-forgotten, non-Disney film, Frozen, will probably terrify you. Taking place almost entirely on an immobilized ski lift, Frozen finds a group of friends who are forgotten on a long weekend near the top of a mountain. Incredibly disconcerting, this film will creep into your bones. Frozen is grounded in reality, opting for the very real fears of hypothermia over supernatural entities and beasts. Fair warning, if you do actually like skiing and snowboarding, Frozen may be best avoided.

(imdb.com)

2. The Grey

Liam Neeson is undoubtedly one of the most prolific action stars of our time. From all of the Taken movies to Non-Stop, his decades-spanning career has landed him plenty of hits and a fair share of misses. But, perhaps one of his greatest films is the epic survival tale told in The Grey. Telling the story of a group of plane passengers who survive a crash deep in the Northern wilderness, The Grey is compelling and surprisingly deep. Through all the violent wolf encounters, is a heartfelt core centered on friendship and bonds. It’s an intense thriller with more than enough gore to appease genre fans.

(imdb.com)



1. The Shining
While Misery is a fantastic winter horror movie, nothing quite captures the cabin fever of winter more than The Shining. A classic masterpiece known by all, this film is probably the most iconic to come from author Stephen King's work. In the film, the trapped Torrance’s slowly spiral out of control witnessing plenty of horrific acts and scary supernatural entities. With thick fabrics and a hedge maze filled with snow, this movie is best save for the coldest months of the year.  The Shining is an incredibly influential film and its ability to capture the horrors of winter and turn them into something so fantastically engrossing is unparalleled.

Best in Show: Winter Horrors (Pt. I of II)

Despite the unseasonably warm weather, winter should be starting up any moment. As the days get shorter, the nights longer and cold weather starts setting in, icy shapes start to form and things can get little spooky. And, while horror films have a tendency to chill bones even in the dead of summer, it's those set in winter that'll leave you absolutely frozen with fear. These movies often utilize their settings' harsh temperatures and climate with incredible force, creating an experience that can feel urgent, claustrophobic and completely terrifying. So as the snow runs scarlet and the dread fills you up, grab a blanket and get ready for some wild rides.



(imdb.com)

10. Dead Snow

Dead Snow is a ridiculous movie - no one is arguing that. The film follows a group of friends vacationing deep in the Norwegian wilderness when they are come upon by zombies. And not just any zombies- Nazi zombies. Even weirder, these oddly sentient beings use weapons to slaughter their victims. A true splatter film, this comedic, bloody movie is honestly, a little terrifying. Through all the comedy - whether it is a Molotov cocktail accidentally missing a window it needs to go through or pretty much any interaction with the Nazi zombies - Dead Snow actually has plenty of scares.

(imdb.com)

9. The Blackcoat's Daughter

Arguably one of the best films to come out of 2016, The Blackcoat's Daughter is best described as a small flickering candle in the middle of nothingness. Chilling in the best way possible, this film deserved the accolades it received as we followed a student trapped at her school with only another student during a holiday break. The Blackcoat's Daughter is a beautiful master class of the slow burn. It is completely restrained; grounded in realism, despite its supernatural elements. It's the type of movie that some will hate, but most will feel compelled to drudge through the dark and unwelcoming atmosphere.

(imdb.com)

8. Misery

What winter horror movie list would be complete without at least one entry for Stephen King, who hails from a place known for particularly rough winters. Misery is perfect for this time of year given its winter-based story, country home furnishings and muted-tone sweaters and clothing worn by its characters. Aging relatively well, most people know the story of the obsessed young woman who captures her favorite author after a car accident and imprisons him in a remote cabin. Misery is a hazy and fantastic journey with some out-of-this-world scenes worthy of the history books.

(imdb.com)

7. Devil's Pass Despite some terrible CGI toward the end of this movie, Devils Pass is a horrific endeavor most comparable to The Blair Witch Project. Following a group of American students who set off into Ural Mountains to uncover the truth of the real-life Dyatlov Pass incident, this found-footage feature is best reserved for a cold night. Deeply unsettling and able to perfectly capture the fears of things that go bump in the night, Devil's Pass is an underrated gem worth watching - even if the end reveal is a little laughable.



6. The Thing 

(imdb.com)

A bona fide classic, the 1982 version of The Thing is a legendary horror film featuring a group of researchers burrowed away at a base in Antarctica. Iconic to this day, this movie has everything representative of harsh climates; from ice and huskies, to snowmobiles and giant puffy coats. The Thing has some pretty incredible special effects given the year it came out and the setting is fantastic for an extra cold day. Sure, the average person will never find themselves in the coldest place on earth, but who among us hasn't felt like a winter day isn't the coldest day recorded?

Review: Gerald's Game

(imdb.com)

Often left to fill supporting roles or evil antagonist ones, middle-aged to older characters in horror movies are rarely central. Even films where the couple is older, their teenage kids are often the focus. Movies like Insidious brought a stronger sense of centrality with Lin Shaye's Elise, but even these characters are almost always left to be the mystical medium or ghost hunter. Bookshop owners, groundskeepers, parents; all of these titles are given to older actors and actresses in the horror industry. But where are the starring roles? Where are the roles featuring the childless couple stalked or haunted on a remote plot of land? Well, Gerald's Game offers just that.

Adapted from the 1992 Stephen King novel of the same name, Gerald's Game follows a couple looking to revitalize their relationship at a vacation home in rural Maine. Upon arrival, the pair encounters a large stray dog before the husband sweeps his wife into the bedroom. There, he spices up their intimate life and handcuffs her to the bed. He then proceeds to have a heart attack and die, leaving her trapped.

Gerald's Game stars Carla Gugino (Sucker Punch) and Bruce Greenwood (Hollywood Homicide) as Jessie and Gerald Burlingame. The pair works absolutely fantastic with each other, despite some visible age differences. Throughout the film, Gugino is the truest star, holding most of the dialogue, tension and plot on her back alone. She creates an accomplished character that entraps the viewer in her emotions and struggles. But, Greenwood is also great as a banter-providing vision in Jessie's slow descent into insanity.

Throughout the movie, viewers can expect to be horrified, disgusted and moved. Despite its single - although beautiful location - this movie provides quite a rollercoaster of emotion. As predictable as the dog's reappearance is, there's nothing placid about its mangy animal unpredictability and instinct. The inclusion of a man "made of moonlight" provides some terrifying and mysterious fodder to the thrilling story and the eventual attempts to escape makes for something brutal and wincing. The glossy and well-shot setting, dim and spooky, is perfect for the fall and by the film's end, audiences should feel sufficiently terrified. The film suffers a little from pacing, as many slow burn films do. But, it gives enough padding and direction to maintain interest; a testament to Gugino's abilities as an actor.

 

2017 could be named the year of Stephen King. With two successful adaptations already strong-arming the media industry this year, King's prolific work proves to transcend time. But, where IT found its sparkle in the courage of youth, Gerald's Game finds its strength in the perseverance of the experienced and well-traveled. It's a dark and brooding film with a soul that'll pull heartstrings and scare simultaneously. Gerald's Game is a slow-burn that'll leave you crispy. 7 out 10.  

Review: It (2017)

(imdb.com)

Stephen King is the pinnacle of the horror genre. With more than 50 books in his repertoire and numerous film and television adaptions, his mark will be left on the industry forever. The latest adaption of his work, a feature-length adaption of it, continues this legacy. It has already broken multiple records - and for good reason. Fantastic in nearly every way, it’s the type of big-budget horror film that every member of the audience can find enjoyable. As good, if not better than the infamous 1990 miniseries of the same name, It cannot be ignored.

Direct by Andy Muschietti (Mama), 2017's It is a masterful accomplishment. Following the self-proclaimed Losers friend group as they seek to uncover the disturbing disappearance of local peers, It features a healthy mix of horror, comedy and drama. It's a coming-of-age story with terrifying scenes interwoven and, as the friends delve deeper into the intentions of the scary clown demon, Pennywise, the movie gets all the more unsettling. It stars Bill Skarsgård (Atomic Blonde) as Pennywise the Dancing Clown. The Losers are composed of Jaeden Lieberher (St. Vincent) as leader, Bill Denbrough, Jeremy Ray Taylor  (Ant-Man) as the new kid in school, Ben Hanscom, Sophia Lillis (A Midsummer's Night's Dream) as the sole female and most courageous member, Beverly Marsh, Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things) as jokester Richie Tozier, Chosen Jacobs (Hawaii Five-0) as homeschooler, Mike Hanlon, Jack Dylan Grazer (Tales of Halloween) as the sheltered Eddie Kaspbrak, and Wyatt Oleff (Guardians of the Galaxy) as the group's most reserved member, Stanley Uris. 

One of the most noteworthy aspects of It is its terrific cast of young actors. Each conveying justified emotion with strength and determination, the young up-and-comers all carry their weight. Skarsgård and Lillis are especially strong; Skarsgård giving an unsettling, yet whimsical turn as the horrific clown and Lillis as the outsider whose perseverance is unparalleled. Even the tiniest of roles, like Georgie, played by Jackson Robert Scott's (Criminal Minds), are so meticulously casted that it’s hard not to fall in love with these characters. Muschetti's strength as a director is especially visible as well, as he utilizes each of the young cast's talents and inflects enough style into the setting to truly draw viewers into the world of Derry, Maine.

It, as predicted, is scary. But, it's also so much more. It is a horror movie with heart. Scary scenes are chopped into with laugh-out-loud comedy and intense dramatic scenes that explicitly address the horrifying real-life horrors of our protagonists. Even when these separations get a little distracting though, the quality of each moment lifts the film past any sense of clunky storytelling. This movie is seamless. Its vivid visuals, stellar acting and scares that pull no punches make for a product that is deviously fantastic.

It may not be the scariest film ever, but it’s certainly one of the highest quality horror films in recent years. There are plenty of genre-bending, moments of terror and even great laughs to make every moment feel justified. Overall, It is everything audiences will expect to see. By offering some great retro style, perfect cinematography and great scares, It will appeal to even those viewers not used to horror. 8 out 10.

 

imdb.com

Review: The Mist (T.V. Series)

(imdb.com)

Converting content for television - whether pulled from books or movies - can be a difficult and arduous task. Television series like The Exorcist on Fox rightfully received lukewarm reviews and even though it was better than okay, something felt missing. But, there have been plenty of success stories. Bates Motel, for instance, was widely popular for audiences and critics alike. Now that it's over though, those craving new horror on television need to look no further than The Mist.


Similar in style to the 2007 film and based on the novel by horror icon Stephen King, the Spike series follows a family of three facing the impending evil of a dense fog with sinister creatures within. Like the movie and novel, the television show traps characters together indoors. In the series, the first three episodes - now streaming on Spike - bring a mother and daughter, the daughter's alleged rapist and a multitude of others into a shopping mall, while the father a pair of prisoners an old lady and the girl's best friend, as well as an officer and a few others hold up in a church.


The series stars Alyssa Sutherland (Vikings), Gus Birney (Darcy) and Morgan Spector (The Drop) as Eve, Alex and Kevin Copeland. Holly Deveaux (The Phantoms) and Okezie Morro (Red Tails) play the two prisoners, Luke Cosgrove (Shiver) plays alleged rapist Jay, Russell Posner (The D Train) plays best friend, Adrian, and Frances Conroy (American Horror Story) plays the newly widowed Nathalie. Each of the series' stars is adequate in their role, but Sutherland and Spector truly stand out. Sutherland is able to capture her role as a witty and protective mother perfectly, as is Spector able to uphold his identity as a caring, but more laid-back father. Each is intently political constructions that the series shows indications of disrupting and for that, The Mist wins additional points.


There are some parts of the first three episodes that feel cheesy or a little off. One pair of scenes that are placed together use the word "bitch" in a way that'll make audiences cringe, not because it should be deemed offensive, more because a better comeback would be worthwhile. These are less problems with the stars though and more a reoccurring theme with some hack writing that seeps into an otherwise good series. The graphics also seem to bounce back and forth between entertaining and just laughable, as some of the things seen in the mist are more visually stunning than others.


The Mist Is certain to appease horror fans who may not mind some of its more questionable aspects. Despite feeling a little too made-for-SyFy, there is plenty of creepy moments and some good acting. Whereas some horror television shows take a turn for the dramatics, The Mist is a welcome addition to the horror universe because it seems dedicated to horror itself. There's gore, survival and an atmosphere of loss similar to The Walking Dead. If at all predictable, this series offers enough to keep attention without requiring too much thought. 7 out of 10.

 

 

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

(imdb.com)

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.

(imdb.com)

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.

(imdb.com)

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.

(imdb.com)

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.

(imdb.com)

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.

(imdb.com)

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.

(imdb.com)

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.

(imdb.com)

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.



(imdb.com)

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.



(imdb.com)

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.