Best in Show: Aging Classics (Pt. II of II)



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5. Aliens (1986)
Like Alien, but with even greater crowd appeal, this sequel seems destined to stand the test of time. While packed with more action and intense explosion, Aliens is a horror film with older effects, which seem masterful even in the modern world of CGI. The creatures within are scary, the cast is, once again great, and everything about this film works for a modern audience. Aliens doesn't really recreate its machine, but it definitely builds upon it and takes advantage of every advancing effect it can.





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4. The Exorcist (1973)

The Exorcist is perhaps the most famous horror movie of all time and for good reason. With insane head spins and horrifying tongues, as well as numerous jump scares, it’s a movie that is still relevant today. Sure the split pea soup vomit and gritty camera work make The Exorcist feel a little dated, but there are enough scares and some terrific acting - courtesy of a particularly fantastic Linda Blair (Born Innocent) and Ellen Burstyn (Requiem for a Dream) - that The Exorcist is compelling enough, even in the modern context. The trying struggles of a mother and daughter attempting to overcome the devil is harrowing and timeless.

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3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

There's something about slasher films that allow them to transcend time. While some blood splatter and off acting may not translate well to the modern context, it seems that these movies are capable of appealing to even the most freshman of audiences. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the best. Regardless of some grotesquely over-the-top slicing and dicing, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of those scary movies that'll make even the most seasoned horror fan afraid of backcountry fields and the desolate families who live there.  

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2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

While still relatively young in the grand scheme, The Silence of the Lambs is often regarded as a horror classic. Pushing the boundary into modern horror, the early 90s film may border on drama, but the fact is, The Silence of the Lambs is most definitely horror. Whether you're afraid of cannibalism or the dark, this movie brims with scares. The night vision scene where an unsuspecting Clarice attempts to find Buffalo Bill amongst heaping messes and furniture is incredibly tense, regardless of the year this film came out. The Silence of the Lambs is deserving of a spot on this list, regardless of its release because it’s often clumped in with much older films.



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1. Jaws (1975)

Jaws is the movie that scared a generation out of the water. What this quote doesn't account for is just how many generations Jaws would actually inspire fear in. To this day, many of the people - old and young - who have seen Jaws are still afraid of ocean waters. Jaws is, without a doubt, one of the most transcendent horror films ever. It could be watched today or tomorrow and the shark central to it would still feel believably deadly. While plenty have come after it, no shark movie can or will ever be quite as terrifying as Jaws. Even as its iconic soundtrack has gone on to become one of the most joked about, hearing it in the film is still a terrifying experience. Jaws is perfect for any time of the year, any year, for all years.

 

Best in Show: Aging Classics (Pt. I of II)

Horror is one of those genres that is so often referred to by its classics. Every list of greatest horror films is inundated by older, near geriatric movies featuring less than sleek visuals, some off-color acting and disjointed flaws. But, their inclusion is nonetheless valid. The foundation set by classics help forged a genre that is still strong today. Even old, often overlooked movies like Nosferatu may not be as effective for a young audience, but the filmmakers methodology and resulting product still helped shape the industry. There are of course - just as there are in any genre - those films that have aged so poorly, they'd be almost hard to watch for the first time today. But for those looking for some classics that feel timeless, there are options available.

This week's list covers the best aging horror movies. Included are films that many of our parents grew up on and those we may have been exposed to as children, but the important thing is that they're still amazing today. Despite some flaws, the movies on this list still hold their flames in a modern context, regardless of their dated release.




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10. The Omen (1976)

Working against this film? Some pretty dated acting style and language. Working in its favor? Plenty of deadly stares, creepily suspenseful moments and a storyline that is still applicable today, The Omen asks the question: what if your child had mysterious things happen around him? From his nanny's death after a cry of devotion to Damien to the unsettling Mrs. Baylock, The Omen has aged well mostly because it didn't need so many special effects. It’s the type of movie that avoids outdating itself by focusing less on glorious effects and more on icy stares and disturbing storytelling.









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9. An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Despite the schlocky comedy and campiness of An American Werewolf in London, the fact of the matter is, this movie is terrifying. Featuring some crazy jump scares and an opening werewolf attack that'll have viewers avoiding moonlit walks, this movie is scary from start to finish. Even the grotesque, somewhat dated transformation scene will have you running for the hills (you know, so long as they're well-lit and paved).



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8. The Shining (1980)

I'll be the first to say that there are parts of The Shining that probably won’t appeal to the modern horror audience. The Shining is filled with oddities and deep symbolism, two things that may tune fans of the fast-paced, quick-scare viewer away. But, for those willing to sit and watch, there's plenty of fear packed into this iconic film. Whether it is the blood tidal wave or the lady in the bath tub, The Shining never forgets that its root is in straight up horror. While its plot and storyline may veer, this is a film that can and should be consumed by the masses.



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7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Despite an atrociously dated soundtrack and some truly 80s visuals and camerawork, the original Nightmare on Elm Street film packs full punches of full-on scares. Even with some rough edges, this movie will scare you. Freddy alone is terrifying enough reason to include this movie on the list. No matter his plane of existence, the character requires little to relate to the current time period. He is timeless and equally scary now as he was then. The scenes of him chasing down Nancy and friends are some of the most nightmare-inducing fuel in horror history. 

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6. Alien (1979)

Whether its recency bias thanks to some stellar sequels or the simple fact that this movie makes the most of its late 70s special effects, the undeniable fact is that Alien does not age. Sigourney Weaver is, as she always has been and will continue to be, wonderful. Her acting skills and heroic nature are as timely today as they once were, and with scares abundant, Alien is a standout. For fans of modern horror, there is certainly enough here to maintain attention and warrant a watch. For fans of the genre in general, this is especially true. Alien may feel dated in the grand scheme of modern graphics, but even in this age, there is something so interesting about the space shuttle and crew central to this movie.

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.

 

Review: The Void

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Alien: Covenant is fast approaching, but until then what do sci-fi/horror fans have to look forward to? I present The Void. Easily one of the most entertaining and mysteriously outrageous as it is grounded, The Void is a terrifying concoction of the cult and alternative dimension subgenres. It's the rare sci-fi/horror movie that seems realistic - thanks in part to a stunning cast of actors who bring a level of humanism to their roles.

The Void follows a police officer who brings a disoriented man to a desolate hospital, only to bear witness to a grand plot of portal openings and monstrous creatures. The recently charred hospital that is this film's setting, hosts a number of lingering characters who have yet to move to one of the more well-kept hospitals in the rural area. There's a trio of nurses, a doctor, a pregnant teen, her grandfather, a male patient and later an additional pair running from the cult. Each of these characters provide depth and interest to the storyline; especially noteworthy given horror's tendency to use a cast like cannon fodder rather than story development.

The Void stars Aaron Poole (The Conspiracy) as police officer and central character, Daniel Carter, horror icon Kenneth Welsh (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) as Dr. Richard Powell, a friend of Daniel's father, Daniel Fathers (Dark Matter) as a man running from the cult outside the hospital and Kathleen Munroe (Resurrection) as experienced nurse and wife of Daniel, Allison Fraser. Other cast members include Ellen Wong (The Carrie Diaries) also supports as an inexperienced nurse-in-training, Kim, Mik Byskov (The 100) as a fellow cult escapee, Grace Munro () as the pregnant teen, Maggie and James Millington (The Freshman) as her grandfather.

As noted, this movie excels at creating characters that feel worthwhile. For Poole who holds much of the camera's attention, his role as Daniel is especially terrific given his realistic and subtly comical responses. Other especially great performances come from Wong, whose character goes from somewhat useless to undoubtedly scrappy and Munro's Maggie who is scarily frantic for her and her baby’s life. The understandable, but constantly frustrating man played by Fathers, is also entertaining enough, as is the other members mentioned previously.

The Void is also bolstered by a pension for suspense building. No matter how ridiculous or off-the-rails its final scenes got, everything felt horrifying. Even scenes that had a sense of placidity - like those featuring the cloaked cult members standing in the lot - were unsettling at the least. There's also plenty of homage to movies like The Thing, with impressive practical effects and well-timed gross out scenes worthy of the history books. In fact, there are no true flaws in The Void. This is a film that is truly committed to its mythology and no matter where that mythology goes or how susceptible that world could be of critiques, the confidence at which it plays out is hard to undermine.

The Void is deserving of each and every one of its praises. It is horror-inducing, it is funny and it most certainly is well-done. It’s the type of movie an array of people could find something to love and is setting an early standard for best lists of 2017. From the very first scene where Daniel comes face-to-face with a cult member (Personal note: I pinpointed this scene as one that would give me nightmares, and within an hour of falling asleep I was jolted awake by a dream of it), to the final intense moments of survival, The Void never lets up. 9 out 10.

 

Review: Be Afraid



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This review will be short - the worthwhileness in writing it is simply to acknowledge the fact that I sat through it in its entirety. And, while this review takes on a more candid tone and leaves behind the typical standards of review writing, Be Afraid is an insult to horror and deserves nothing more. Equally bad as it is boring, confusing and ultimately dumb (there's not an elegant way to say it), Be Afraid is weaker than any horror movie out this year- indie or otherwise. Where one could typically toss its failures to a lower budget or an indie release, the fact of the matter is, this film is absolute nothingness.

Be Afraid is about a family that moves into an older house where something happened to the previous tenants. There's a ghoul that spearheads the scares, seemingly plucked from the documentary The Nightmare, and at various points a young love story featuring a girl who feels trapped in the hometown she grew up in and a returning stepson with a past, seems to bud. To be honest, that's my synopsis takeaway and I'm not entirely sure it's all right, but it doesn't look like the filmmakers cared to make it clear in the first place. The film stars an ensemble of actors who I won't name as not to mar their careers.

It's the type of film made without care, without passion and most certainly, without the intent to interest its audience. There's nothing scary, thoughtful or comical about Be Afraid. It's never funny-bad so that it could at least hope to end up in a movie pack in Wal-Mart or good enough to even find some sort of middle ground, instead it's simply an unfortunate film without any redeemable qualities, for B-fans, indie fans or horror fans in general.

While it'd probably be argued that this film was loved and cared for; that someone somewhere out there held it near and dear to their heart, but the simple fact of the matter is that if someone did care, it got entirely lost in translation. Be Afraid is a confusing, muddled mess with stereotypical roles and problems. The transitions between scenes, conversations and scares are disjointed and out-of-place and scenes seem directly plucked from far superior films. 1 out 10.

 

Best on Netflix: Circle

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Netflix has a lot of weird movies. Their collection of horror is often pulled from far reaches of the industry and features some of the best (and worst) in odd finds. For those willing and able to sift through the heaps of questionable films, there are some secret troves of promise. Circle is one of those hidden gems.

Set up like an alien-meets-saw-meets-social-experiment, Circle is like that game played in civics class where a group of people must decide who, out of a fictional group, would be allowed in a bunker for an apocalypse. Abducted by some unknowns, the group of players must remain standing and decide who to kill off in each round, leaving one to survive. Breaking the rules comes with consequences, and by the film's end, audiences can expect to be engrossed.

Circle stars a huge ensemble of relatively unknown performers who definitely do their fair share of legwork making this movie way better than it could have been. Featuring different careers, personalities and problems, a large majority of the participants are able to provide enough depth to make viewers care. Stars like Michael Nardelli (Revenge) who plays Eric, a relatively standard and level-headed character, and Allegra Masters (Extremely Decent) as a young pregnant women are especially noteworthy for their roles.

The strongest aspect of Circle is its pacing and ability to keep the attention of viewers. Because the entire film takes place in a singular dark room, dialogue takes center stage. Watching as the group tries to decide who to kill off and when is the purest drama. It’s like watching your favorite reality TV show but instead of a prosthetic leg being thrown, its votes to condemn a rude businessman. The cast's ability to toss ideas and argue in a way that never feels repetitive is noteworthy and viewers are sure to enjoy the ease at which this film can be watched.

The simplicity of Circle doesn't allow the space for many flaws. Even just one noticeable flaw would most certainly topple this movie because of its thin plot. Instead, Circle keeps attention on its positives by capturing the wonderment of who will live. Circle is very confident in itself and never takes itself that seriously, which is important for a movie without a lot of twists and turns.

Circle is as strategic as Survivor but is a much quicker game with far greater consequences. It’s not the classiest, but for such a simple plot it's pretty thoughtful. It's a take on human nature that is probably more realistic than some dramas out there, even if the way it gets there isn't realistic. Circle is worth a watch for fans of games.

 

The Overlook: Coherence

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Some of the best horror movies of the past few years have been wildly simplistic. Grounded and slow burning, these mostly indie movies seem realistic because of their practical effects and low-key production. Movies like The Blackcoat's Daughter (fresh in my mind from a recent review) give us the opportunity to feel a part of a movie based on their very realistic atmosphere. Even supernatural and otherworldly films can provide this very intimate and human feel through practical filming and casual production value. 2013's Coherence is one of those movies.

Following a group of friends at a dinner party, Coherence takes a turn for the horrific and complex after a comet is sighted and strange events begin to occur. The movie boasts a strong cast with Emily Baldoni (Grizzly Park) as Emily, Maury Sterling (Smokin' Aces) as Kevin, Nicholas Brendon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) as Mike and Lorene Scafaria (Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist) as Lee and Elizabeth Gracen (Highlander: the Series) as Beth.

For most of the movie, the guests of the dinner party are led along on a tumultuous ride that is even further steps behind the audience viewing. While viewers are left in the dark, twisted plot of the film, even their knowledge of what exactly is happening is ahead of the clueless characters. Watching them unravel as they attempt to figure out what they once thought they knew is entertaining enough and because of the movie's shorter run time, viewers should stay focused throughout.

Despite it's low budget, the majority of the actors are great acting as disheveled messes. Their varied talent levels (accurately represented in screen time), make what could be an overly fantastical and Lifetime movie-worthy plot, cool and gripping. Beldoni is an especially shining star as the group's most level-headed member.

 

Coherence works best when it examines group dynamics and thought processes. For some of the characters, their willingness to ignore the complexities of the ordeal they face is compelling. What would never happen in real life still makes viewers wonder how they would react if their group of friends were exposed to the insane and frightening nature of the movie.

Coherence should not be missed. Like last year's indie darling The Invitation, this complex and twisty movie offers a lot to look at without very much pizzazz needed. The ordinariness of it, paired with the insane events that occur will leave you questioning what you would do in that situation. If any of this article seems vague, it's because to spoil would be to ruin and I would never want to ruin the coherent Coherence.