The Overlook: Cooties

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Ever watch a movie and think, why? Why does this film even exist? The fact of the matter is, not every movie is necessary. Without a message to drive a story home, many of these films are panned by audiences and critics alike. But if done well, even the most unnecessary film can be worth watching. Whether filled with well-timed scares or even cheap comedy, small indie films can make a big impact by giving audiences something to talk about.  2014's Cooties is one of those films.

While not always best or most purposeful, Cooties is pretty fantastic. Filled with some truly low-brow comedy and an ensemble of strong actors with aggressive character choices, Cooties is the type of movie that'll inspire no one, but entertain most. Following a group of teachers who must band together against some raging zombie students, Cooties is as exactly as ridiculous as its premise sounds. There's schlocky humor, mediocre scares and some blatantly bad storytelling, but for all of its issues, Cooties is undeniably fun. 

Cooties stars Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings) as the newly hired substitute teacher and writer, Clint, Rainn Wilson (The Office) plays a gym teacher, Alison Pill (Milk) plays a former childhood lover and fellow teacher, and Jack McBrayer (30 Rock),  Nasim Pedrad (Scream Queens) and Leigh Wannell (Insidious Chapter II) all play fellow teachers, as well. Ian Brennan (Glee) plays the school's edgy vice principal. While each role is only given so much time to shine, all are fantastic.

At times, the movie becomes too on-the-nose, but its less of a problem and more a stylistic choice. From a hardline racist student aptly named Patriot, to a perfectly timed joke suggesting Wood's character is a hobbit, this movie is definitely aware of its comedic ploys. Very much in the vein of campy films before it, Cooties isn't so concerned with scaring its audience, but is more so interested in providing fun, if not sometimes, cheap entertainment. It's got enough going for it to keep the energy, even if it gets a little weak at parts.

What makes this film so effective is the heart at the center of Cooties. Each and every actor connected to this film seems fully invested in all of the antics this movie has to offer. Whether making an off-color remark, receiving a "cooties shot" or passing out Ritalin to the crazed children, this cast never lets on that they're not in on the joke. Cooties is undeniably light-hearted fun. It's never amazing, but it's definitely a punch of upbeat entertainment.

The Overlook: Fear, Inc.

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Dedicated horror fans often complain about how, over time, they've become desensitized to scares. Even movies that terrify most come across as placid to some aggressively consuming audiences. Playing off of this, some filmmakers have attempted to address these problems head on. In the Scream franchise, horror movie buffs who are seemingly ahead of the killer then become victims and in The Houses October Built, the insatiable desire to be scared took a turn for the deadly when a group of friends look for the best haunted house of their lives. This is basically the foundation of last year's Fear, Inc.; a horror-comedy that shows once again what happens when someone bite off more than they can chew.

Similar to Houses October Built, Fear, Inc. features a group of friends who get caught up in a horror service that takes things very, very far. But, with enough differentiation and a healthy dose of blind comedy, Fear, Inc. is iconic on its own. Opening with a horror fanatic who thinks he's setting his friends up with a company responsible for scaring, this film quickly devolves into a twisting and horrific film asking what limits actually exist in a contract and the question, "who is pranking who?"

Like The Houses October Built, Fear, Inc. brings together a wickedly strong ensemble that is able to balance horror and comedy, given the ridiculousness of the plot. The true star and most definite scene stealer is Lucas Neff (Raising Hope) who plays horror junkie, Joe Foster. His character is the funniest and most blankly accepting of his situation. He adds a lighthearted tone to what could be a very dim film. His girlfriend, Lindsey, is played by Caitlin Stasey (Reign), and Chris Marquette (Freddy vs. Jason) plays his best friend, Ben. The cast is rounded out with Stephanie Drake (Mad Men) playing Ben's wife, and Mark Moses playing the leader of Fear, Inc. 

With so many twists, Fear, Inc. is an unexpectedly good movie. Each of the actors is game for the wild roles they play. Whether being hunted or being tricksters, these characters will completely engross the viewer who will surely be content with whatever they're watching. Fear, Inc. also has a fair set of scares to balance out the comedy. Between some truly energetic deaths and Neff's uncanny ability to seem so unaware and invested in what he believes is a prank, Fear, Inc. gives some truly great moments.

Overall, what makes Fear, Inc. so special is its originality. It toggling between entertainment and horror is cringe-worthy in the best way possible. Even while viewers see and know that the characters have something to be afraid of, the band of friends still accepts it as a joke. This type of disruption is so perfectly captured it's hard to deny this movie as addicting.

The Overlook: Scare Campaign

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Finding the right balance between a fun, fresh set up and a ridiculous one can be challenging for horror filmmakers. There's a continual push toward originality, but often in the process, these vies make for some truly cringe-worthy movies. Take 12 Feet Deep, what begins as an original concept quickly devolves into something so disappointing; even more so than some films that stuck to basic horror conventions. That's why when a film does break the mold without going off the rails, it's noteworthy. Queue 2016's Scare Campaign.

Remember Scare Tactics, well this show takes the hidden camera show to a new level, showing what happens when things go a step to far. Following a near-accidental shooting, the crew at the center of the fictional show, “Scare Campaign,” decides that they have to do more to continue feeding the audiences appetite. This leads to a complete unraveling as a crazed man takes it a step too far, the crew jump in and all proves to be not as it seems. From that point, a web series interjects themselves into the plotline and makes what already is a mess, a complete disaster. Scare Campaign stars Meegan Warner (The Caretaker) as disgruntled actress, Emma, Olivia DeJonge (The Visit) as newcomer and fresh face, Abby, and Ian Meadows (The Turning) as the show's director, Marcus. It also features Josh Quong Tart (All Saints) as the unhinged contestant, Rohan, and Sigrid Thornton (Wentworth) as the station's manager, Vicki.

Scare Campaign isn't a very serious movie, which certainly helps propel its premise. Even the more dramatic moments are tinged with a sense of low-stakes and lighthearted atmosphere. It's cheap and effective, also somewhat predictable, but it’s the type of film that provides enough to keep audiences watching and interested. In fact, even when the eventual stabbing of the young Abby occurs, there are still some shock value thanks, in part, to its abrupt immediacy. The film never wastes time and moves rather quickly, which for something so out there, is definitely helpful in preventing boredom.

The biggest and most glaring setback for Scare Campaign is its multiple turns that'd have even the most attentive losing place of who is being played and who exactly is in control. Even after the main villains are revealed, it seems like the end is so up in the air that the actual person in control could be anyone. It's unfortunate because had they dialed back just a tad, the movie could have maintained what it had begun without a hiccup.

Scare Campaign isn't anything revolutionary or terrifying, but like films like The Belko Experiment, the popcorn-munching value of Scare Campaign makes it worthwhile. It's a fun and short movie that knows exactly what its audience wants to see, it’s also a perfect addition to a night in watching the recent roll out of numerous horror films from Australia.

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.

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: The Windmill

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For those left with emptiness from the severe lack of slasher films circulating the horror industry right now, look no further than The Windmill. Recently added to Netflix, this under-presented film about a group of tourists stalked by a supernatural killer while visiting Holland's acclaimed windmills, is the closest thing to a straight up slasher audiences will have seen in a while. Even as mystical, occult moments occur, The Windmill is - at a very base level - just a bunch of people being plucked off one-by-one; a tired but consistently entertaining horror convention that has all but disappeared recently.

The cast, while extensive, all do variably well in their roles and when they're killed off (spoiler, it's a slasher), you sometimes care, but most of the time - as is typical for slasher films, you don't. The Windmill stars Charlotte Beaumont (Jupiter Ascending) as Jennifer, a known stowaway with questionable mental stability, Bart Klever (The Pool) as Abe, the bus driver, and Adam Thomas (Altar) as Curt, one of the passenger's sons. The rest of supporting characters are practically cannon fodder, as predictable, but each give worthwhile moments of intrigue.

As noted, The Windmill follows a group of diverse tourists all with storied pasts and secrets as they embark, and later break down, on a road connecting Holland's windmill attractions. The Windmill hosts a variety of twists and turns, a lot more ineffective than not, but is ultimately an easy-to-watch, entertaining movie without stakes. The film's biggest strength is in serving up mid-2000s horror on a silver platter. For such a low budget, they offer worthwhile graphics and some pretty sudden deaths. The Windmill is reminiscent of See No Evil and offers the same level of strange fun.

The Windmill gets weird. There is no denying how odd this movie gets when the slasher aspect gets left behind by a convoluted supernatural plotline that is both confusing and awkward. If the movie had remained somewhat grounded, it most definitely would have been even better. But, as per usual, some horror movies like to add unnecessary distractions that only weaken them. Think how Annabelle went from cult-ghost movie to crazed-Insidious demon; it is that level of transition.

Overall, for a stumble-upon on Netflix, The Windmill is great. It's not terribly acted and is most definitely one of the more bearable additions on a streaming site known for some weak entries. The Windmill is like Chiller network: good for a sleepy night in, but nothing to write home about.

 

Review: Prevenge



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A strong contender as one of the strangest film's this year is Prevenge. Following the story of a pregnant woman who believes her child is speaking to her; Prevenge is an absurdly dark horror-comedy with gumption. It's the type of movie that doesn't seem concerned with how the audience feels about it, because it is so sure in how it feels about it. Prevenge takes prenatal horror in a strange direction as the crude central character, Ruth, unhappy in her life takes a turn toward killing because of her baby’s pension for it. Prevenge is not for everyone at all, but as noted, it doesn't want to be.

Prevenge stars a particularly quirky Alice Lowe (Hot Fuzz) as mother-to-be, Ruth; she holds the entire film on her shoulders as the sole character with substantial dialogue and multiple scenes. She's fantastically droll, but also really interesting to observe as she interweaves with secondary characters and plots their murders. Other supporting actors include Gemma Whelan (Game of Thrones) as a woman who has no time for Ruth, Kate Dickie (The Witch) as an employer with literally no life outside of her job, and Jo Hartley (This Is England) as a midwife frequented by Ruth. Dickie is especially fantastic; her slightly unhinged working woman is hilariously desperate and unconventional.

Prevenge is never scary in the literal sense. It leans heavily toward dark comedy and while it holds some horror aspects, it certainly doesn't adhere to its conventions. Perhaps the scariest parts of Prevenge - and probably intentional pieces of the movie, are the gross encounters she has with people who don’t care, are outwardly rude or are completely ignorant to her very real problems a pregnant woman faces. In fact, the death scenes are more fun than they are anything else, with precursory that even if her baby isn't talking to her, these people deserve to be killed by Ruth.

One of the oddest parts about Prevenge is in its lack of backstory. The film practically falls into the center of the story. Ruth is deeply pregnant and already hears her baby, neither are explained past brief comments and by the end of the movie, viewers won't t ever truly understand what happened and why, only that it did. There's subtext that is progressive, the nurturing mother figure so typical of stereotypes is broken apart, making way for a single woman unable to cope with her pregnancy and the issues she faces.

As mentioned previously, Prevenge will not be for everyone. It's very British and at times, low budget. But, for its lack of camera prowess and cinematography, the film makes up for in campy fun and a pretty entertaining performance from Alice Lowe. It's the type of movie that'll never make you hold your breath or scream, but it will engross you in a wayward world of talking fetuses and offbeat pregnancy. 6 out 10.

 

Best in Show: Horror-Comedy (Pt. II of II)

Here's the follow up to yesterday's list!

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5. Zombeavers

Do not miss this movie. It is gloriously awful. As someone who typically hates that, the fact that somehow Zombeavers is worthwhile should make people pause. It's hilarious and weird and like Black Sheep, it's a zombie-wereanimal film that is so hilarious in its faults that it makes for something amazing. Yeah, I hate movies like this, but Zombeavers is so endearingly awful and intentional that everything works.  Missing this movie (currently on Netflix) should be punishable.



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4. What We Do in the Shadows

If Slither is this list's horror-leaner, then What We Do in the Shadows is the comedy one. I'm a sucker (get it?) for mockumentaries and this one, based on a group of vampires, is no different. Not only is the application of vintage-vampires in the modern world hilarious on its own but the diversity of styles in each vampire is great. There are true stages in the development of the vampire mythology and the research that went into those developments is clear and visible. What We Do in the Shadows is one of the funniest movies I had seen in a while. At times more laughably pathetic than cool, the challenges faced by the vampires are all too human.



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3. Krampus

With Krampus, it feels like everyone knew it would go one of two ways: unfunny and plainly awful or amazingly hilarious and scary. Krampus is so candid in knowing its intentions that at no moment will viewers question its existence. It feels so meant to be- from its cast of hilarious actors to the strong visuals, Krampus is good for a watch year-round. What makes Krampus spectacular is that it never feels dumb. It's smart and trashy and exactly what you think it will be without the B-horror awfulness that often comes with horror-comedies.



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2. Shaun of the Dead

The first time I saw Shaun of the Dead I hadn't become engrossed in horror movies and even the shortest trailer terrified me. That being said, I was completely horrified by this movie. Yeah, it's great that it’s funny but something about Shaun of the Dead is also so scary. Even the jokey moments- like the zombie trapped on the pole, left me deeply unsettled. It definitely feels like one of the best zombie movies around, even better than some of the more serious ones. Shaun of the Dead is silly, but also really good.

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1. Zombieland

The only zombie horror-comedy that ever passed Shaun of the Dead in my book is Zombieland. Funnier, quicker and more adventurous, Zombieland also felt very grounded in the real world. Sure, one particular moment with Bill Murray is so over-the-top it's ridiculous (also hilarious), but a lot of the moves and reactions made by the group feel so normal and realistic. Zombieland could have been called How You Would Handle The Apocalypse and I would agree whole heartedly. Zombieland is funny and scary and while it's similar to Shaun of the Dead, its definitely more culturally relevant In its moments.

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

Defining what exactly a horror-comedy movie is can be difficult. At times, there is a fine line between a few different moments where a film runs too close one way or the other, may feature satire (like Scream) but isn't necessarily a comedy or is unintentionally funny and is actually just a bad movie. With those things considered, filmmakers must then pull off a movie that is actually entertaining. As someone who is openly predisposed to hating the diametrically opposing genre blend, my list of horror-comedy movies is pretty limited. For some movies that lean one way or the other or do so unintentionally, I tried sift through in exchange for very definable horror-comedy movies.


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10. They're Watching

They're Watching is weird. Simultaneously funny and at times, scarier than it should be, the smaller release of this film isn't one that should go unnoticed. It's ending, while insanely over the top, is the best kind of disaster. From the foreign backdrop, to the less than intelligent characters, They're Watching is a heaping mess of strange Eastern European foreigners and eccentric mythology that makes for a frolicking found-footage adventure with an insane ending to match.

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9. Slither

Slither definitely leans more towards horror than to comedy. When I originally caught this film on MTV years ago, it actually scared me and did little to make me laugh. Over the years, repeated watches have allowed me to see the comedy comfortably, while still being disconcerted by the grotesque parasites that deform and craze the townspeople. This movie is disgusting above most else. It's crazy cyst-like visuals will make your skin crawl long before you're able to utter a chuckle, that being said it's definitely worth something for being such an obnoxiously off movie.

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8. The Final Girls

Like Scream, The Final Girls definitely borders on being a simple satire, but hard inflections of comedy definitely permit it into this list. This movie is perhaps the most millennial film to come out in recent years. With a cast of young, budding stars including Taissa Farmiga of American Horror Story fame, The Final Girls has a lot of color and spunk for such a small movie. Actors like Adam Levine (Workaholics) and Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley), only up the level of the film's ability to make something that is wholly funny.

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7. Black Sheep

Like a lot of the movies that fill out this list, Black Sheep takes grotesque to a new level. Think American Werewolf in London transformation scene but much more horrifying and sheepish (sheep-like, but sheepish sounds better). Black Sheep is insane. Like a zombie-werewolf crossbreed featuring exclusively sheep, literally every moment of this film is a big, laughable question mark. The absurdity that runs rampant- more than pretty much any other movie I've seen, is noteworthy because Black Sheep plays like it has absolutely nothing to lose. Poor graphics, mediocre acting and somehow less than amazing views of New Zealand, all make for a movie that shouldn't be nearly as fun as it is.

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6. Scary Movie 3

To this day, Scary Movie 3 is the only movie in the entire parody franchise to make me laugh. In fact, it's also the only one in the series to scare me even slightly. The use of The Ring and Signs provided for such a array of material that the comedy benefited greatly over the previous two. It is so ridiculous, so unintelligent and yet, so confident, that it's worth the watch. Where low-brow comedy paired with gags would normally make for a cringe-inducing journey, something about Scary Movie 3 kept my attention.