Review: Like.Share.Follow

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In recent years, horror and technology have converged. From found-footage films that use drones to entire plot lines needing the internet or Skype to function, these movies have a growing history in the genre. Building on this new world of digitalization and tying into last week's list of these movies is the newly released Like.Share.Follow.


Following a semi-famous teen Youtuber and his friends, Like.Share.Follow. is a winding exploration of obsessive celebrity culture and the length fans believe themselves to be a part of the lives of constantly status updating celebrities. Released alongside Totem by Cinemax, The movie takes a turn when a young woman decides to take her obsession to the next level and go from online-stalker to physical stalker, as she seeks out and becomes romantically attached to the Youtuber. The film stars Keiynan Lonsdale (Insurgent) as Garret, the Youtuber who is tricked into a relationship with his obsessive fan, Shell, played by Ema Horvath (Burning Kentucky).


Like many teen horror films, the quality of Like.Share.Follow. resides mostly in entertainment value, rather than actual scares. And unlike the aforementioned and previously reviewed Totem, Like.Share.Follow. is truly fun. Far more watchable thanks to Lonsdale who carries a large portion of the film on his charisma alone, Like.Share.Follow. isn't all that groundbreaking or original. But, it's definitely better than the comparative Totem and certainly way more enjoyable to watch. Horvath is also great in her role as the unhinged girl who simply cannot process that what she's doing is quite insane.


Like.Share.Follow. works best as an exploration of youth and digitalization. The very intimate nature of social media and the connection celebrities now must maintain with fans is on full display throughout the movie. Despite it's been there-done-that stalker premise, the heavy hand of modern life helps it stand out. This isn't just another recreation of The Roommate or Misery, it's its own thing altogether. It’s the type of movie that in a world of short attention spans is capable of holding audiences attentions with all its new gizmos and gadgets and atmosphere of “what-ifs.”


Like.Share.Follow. does the most with its stale narrative. With plenty of youth-driven plot devices and a great final punch, it's hard to deny the movie's personality. Turning out great performances by young stars and capturing the unhinged nature of stan culture, this movie is worth sitting through - even if you find that your phone is out the majority of the time. 6 out 10.

Best in Show: Digital Damnation (Pt. I of II)

As new technologies come forward, older generations seem more and more troubled by these progressive inventions. From fears of robot domination to unnerving sources of knowledge in phones, the real life horror of some advances is mostly overreaction. But, in the horror industry, the digital era comes with a bed full of terrifying possibilities to strike fear in viewers. From VHS tapes to Skype, filmmakers have plenty of options to terrify audiences of every age. Unfortunately, some of these films just can't capture terror. But, while movies like The Circle failed to make an impact, others like those on this week's list can stun and scare. These movies use current, real-life technology to make audiences afraid of their computers, media players and phones. They're not quite as futuristic as say, I, Robot, but that's what makes them even more haunting - they could (probably not, though) happen.

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10. Friend Request

The constantly to-be-released Friend Request isn't the scariest film, but it does a lot for the digital era of horror. Featuring some predictable, but good scares on Facebook and a curse caused by a mysterious and troubled Facebook friend and classmate, Friend Request makes the most of its mostly unfortunate lines of dialogue and subpar plot. One jump scare in particular is especially fantastic - so fantastic in fact, that it could elevate the film to slightly above average, rather than mediocrely watchable.

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9. Like.Share.Follow

Part teen drama, part horror film, this new horror film doesn't break any ground, but it does a lot to pass the time. Exploring obsessive internet stardom and the way in which young people become obsessed with internet-famous stars, Like.Share.Follow. follows a stalker who becomes far too attached to a charming Youtuber. As the film progresses, nothing quite unpredictable happens, but for those searching for a more relevant and grounded film, this one's it. It's a dark and scary spiral to mediocre insanity - but it’s worth every second thanks to Keiynan Lonsdale (Dance Academy: The Movie) who's charisma all but carries the film on his back.

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8. Ratter

Could strangers - and the government - be watching us through our laptop webcams? The jury is still out on that one, but in Ratter it takes this idea as fact and runs far with it. Make no mistake, this film, which follows a young woman who moved to New York City for school and later encounters a stalker, is a dreadfully slow burn. With nearly all the movie playing out with increasingly suspicious moments, the terrifying encounter with the stalker is dark and disturbing. Ratter is a home invasion flick where the invader is almost entirely on the outside of the home.

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7. Stay Alive

Horror video games have their own special place in genre fans' hearts. For years, their existence has pushed boundaries, terrified players and made the horror experience more immersive and interactive. But, what happens when a horror game transcends into real life? That's the premise of 2006's Stay Alive. While somewhat dated, this entertaining and intriguing horror film found a group of friends attempting to outlast their characters in a video game with real world consequences. The premise of dying in a game and in turn, actually dying isn't necessarily the most groundbreaking, but it is creative. Like Jumanji for teens, Stay Alive is crazed and unrealistic, but deeply terrifying.

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6. Unfriended

The surprise hit that is Unfriended was pretty revolutionary given that it takes place entirely on computer screens. The fact that it pushed the genre in a new, exciting direction and was able to create real scares and enough steam to impress audiences is shocking, but not undeserved. While it's hard to believe audiences paid to go to a theater to look at a computer screen, it’s not so hard to see why this movie was successful. In the digital era it represented so much of youth culture and the virality of online content. It showed consequences, that, while outlandish, were terrifying and carried quite the anti-bullying message.

Review: Welcome to Willets

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Despite multiple classics and a few big-budget sci-fi adventures, good alien movies are hard to come by. Over the years, the subgenre has taken a quieter route in the industry, with few, notable exceptions. Dark Skies - one of the more recent attempts wasn't overly terrifying and while plenty of interstellar films continue to get released, we've yet to see a permeating rebirth of families getting the heebie-jeebies at the hands of grey figures from the sky. So, for fans anxiously waiting for impact, Welcome to Willets should give a little peace.

Starring Chris Zylka (The Leftovers) as the film's lead, Jeremiah, and Anastasia Baranova (Z Nation) as townie Courtney, Welcome to Willets finds a group of friends fighting for their lives against aliens deep in the woods. The local pot farmer and Courtney's uncle who encounters the group and is worried about the aliens played by Bill Sage (We Are What We Are) and his significant other is played by Sabina Gadecki (Entourage). Jeremiah's group of friends is comprised of a cast of young stars, including Garrett Clayton (King Cobra), Thomas Dekker (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Keelin Woodell (The Bye Bye Man), Rory Culkin (Scream 4) and Harrueche Tran (3-Headed Shark Attack).

The youthful star power of these budding actors definitely works in favor of this movie. Each brings a certain determination surely brought on by each of their past experiences in horror films. In fact, Welcome to Willet is uplifted past other, weaker parts through this group of stars. Shakier plot points and some truly cheesy practical effects take away from the movie's quality and typically higher standard seen from IFC Midnight films. The dialogue could be improved and by the film's end some of the story feels muddled.

Welcome to Willets features a certain retro atmosphere. Like a throwback to the teen horror films of yore, this film is unabashedly simplistic and comedic. It's not a terrifying exercise of horror but it is an easily entertaining one. It's not nearly as polished as say, The Cabin in the Woods, but it is certainly an upbeat romp that's fun enough to sit through.

Overall, Welcome to Willits isn't some insane alien film. It's not Close Encounters or even The Fourth Kind, but in an age where the only existing options are crazed action/sci-fi films and an occasional offbeat alien film, it'll have to do. Welcome to Willets makes the most of its young stars and even it's more weathered veterans, and it’s got plenty to at least get viewers through the night. 5 out 10.

The Overlook: The Loved Ones

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In horror, subtly can do a lot to add to a film's tension and atmosphere. On the flip side, visual gut punches can make for one hell of a romp. Typically, Australian horror goes for the ladder. Movies like the cult classic, Wolf Creek, and this year's Killing Ground, offer plenty of no-holds barred violence and vivid imagery. Another Australian horror film that shouldn't be missed is 2009's The Loved Ones.

Written and directed by Sean Byrne (The Devil's Candy), The Loved Ones follows a teenager kidnapped by a crazy father-daughter duo after he denies the daughter's offer to attend a school dance together. As per the case with most horror movies of similar premises, the eventual escape attempts, saves and murders are gory bloodbaths of seismic proportions. The film stars Xavier Samuel (September) as the lead, Brent Mitchell whose father recently passed, Robin McLeavy (48 Shades) as crazed Lola, and John Brumpton (Storm Warning) as her father.


Each of the cast members - even supporting ones - are impressively cohesive throughout. They fully commit to their roles and all the ridiculous, over-the-top scenes that follow. Byrne's craft is equally strong. Showcasing a very visible style and direction specific to him, Byrne is anything but typical. This aspect is most visible in a clear passion for heavy metal characters and score. Both in The Loved Ones and the recently released IFC Midnight-distributed The Devil's Candy feature plenty metal music. His films are similarly styled featuring vigorous attacks and unblinking scenes.


Is The Loved Ones scary? Maybe if you're currently enrolled in high school with some people who could possibly be crazed stalkers. Otherwise though, The Loved Ones is much more an insane joyride of gruesome and strange fun. There is plenty to appreciate throughout this movie. From the weird zombie-like people who are suggested to be devolved former victims to the unsettling trashiness of Lola, The Loved Ones would never fit in to the horror mainstream, but it also would never want to.


The Loved Ones is best seen with a sense of levity. Not to be taken so seriously, this dark and troubling film injects enough humor into its core scariness to transcend the horror genre. For Byrne's first film ever, it's definitely an impressive feat. Its quality is high above that of most low budget horror films and is certainly worth finding on Hulu.

Review: It (2017)

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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.

 

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Best in Show: Autumnal Scares (Pt. II of II)

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5. A Nightmare on Elm Street

While the legendary 80s film, A Nightmare on Elm Street, may also be suited better for a Halloween-specific article, there's a certain chill to this movie that is reminiscent of fall. From dense fog and teens, this supernatural slasher is somewhat of an enigma when it comes to horror. While the killer is dead, he's not the typical ghostly being that haunts horror films like it. No, he's an actual killer and as he chases his victims through assorted dreamscapes, audiences can expect to be fully immersed in a world that's perpetually fall.



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4. The Conjuring

Old period home, chilly mornings and plenty of fallen leaves. Yes, I could be describing just about any of the movies on this list, but I'm talking about the one, the only: The Conjuring. Easily one of the scariest modern horror films, The Conjuring is meant for fall viewing. Its autumnal setting, often referenced in the film's cinematography and character's fashion feel exclusively autumnal. From witches to ghosts, this movie has everything and it’s all wrapped up in a nice orange and brown bow.



3. The House of the Devil

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The House of the Devil should always be your go to for 80s-inspired, satanic cult films. Highly stylistic and equally terrifying, this movie will prep audiences for the cooler evenings of fall; sweaters, dim-lights and an older home secluded by branchy trees make this movie delectably fall-oriented. The House of the Devil is sure to bring you and your friends into the fall mood thanks largely to the leads attire and surroundings.



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2. The Blair Witch Project/Blair Witch

Say what you will about the surprise sequel to The Blair Witch Project, but the pair complements one another nicely and perfectly capture fall in the Northeast. Like many rural areas there, the setting of these two films features deep woods, leaf-covered grounds and plenty of dewy foliage. Whether watching Heather & co or James & friends getting hopelessly lost in the woods near Burkittsville, ME, the sense of chilled nights and earlier sunsets permeates every scene. Pair this with the casts' hiking gear, visible breath and the iconic snot scene and The Blair Witch Project series will herald you into autumn with gusto.

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1. The Possession

If you're not a woman in your 60s you may not realize that Labor Day is a huge time for garage sales. So, in honor of the holiday itself, it's only fair to give the top spot on this list to a movie that's entire plot stems from a garage sale. That, in addition to the greyness, fallen leaves and general atmosphere of fall, all makes The Possession the type of movie that will have you fully prepared for autumn. The nights scenes are spooky, the day scenes are dull in color and the movie as a whole has an ambience reminiscent of childhood and jumping in leaves, or whatever the horror version of that would be.



Best in Show: Autumnal Scares (Pt. I of II)

Hear that? The fallen leaves crunching under your flip-flops? Well, that's the quickly changing season. Summer is nearly over and for many of us Labor Day is the nail in the coffin. School is back in session, hoodies become a necessity and pools become way too cold. In cinema, films have long used the seasons to set the tone of the movie; capturing the symbols of the time of year and drawing viewers in with those aspects. In fall, it’s often either a film related to Halloween or has plenty of falling leaves, grey skies and dim lighting to signify the months of September until late November. This week's list covers the most autumnal horror films that'll make the season change a little easier.

Note: As this film is more about the beginning of fall and not Halloween, movies explicitly related to the holiday will receive their own list later in the season.

10. Hollow 

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Dimly lit and grey all around, 2011's British import, Hollow, feels perfect for a night in surrounded by blankets. While never fully acknowledging the season - some characters wear shorts, while others opt for sweaters - there's something perpetually cool about the countryside in this film. While maybe not the strongest film, there are plenty of brief scares to instill fear and leave you unsettled. All of this complements autumn feelings as warm candles are placed throughout the film's night scenes giving it an orange glow that'll leave you craving pumpkin.





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9. My Soul to Take

Wes Craven's critically panned slasher film, My Soul to Take, may not have won over viewers and audiences, but its woodsy setting, constantly falling and sweatshirt-wearing students give the film an undeniable sense of September. Craven captures the setting of this film perfectly, and while perhaps some things could be improved on, there is a very clear sense for the time of the year it’s meant to take place during. Letterman jackets abound, My Soul to Take is like the football game-reminder that the change of seasons is upon us.


8. House at the End of the Street 

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Spooky to some, terrible for others; this is the space where we find films like House at the End of the Street. While many would argue there's plenty to pull from this twisted mystery-thriller, others would argue that its best meant unwatched. However, disregarding the films quality, this movie will definitely make you ready for the changing season. Whether Jennifer Lawrence's character is taking long walks home or peering into the woods around her house, the dampness of the movie and the fact that she's beginning classes at a new school all lend themselves to a feeling of fall.

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7. It Follows

Between beaches and a few scenes in a pool, it may be possible to confuse It Follows as a summer set movie. But, as if it took place during Labor Day itself, viewers will notice the cool lighting and colors, flannel-adorning characters and general sense of summers end. It's impossible to mistake: It Follows is a tale that comes with the fall. This movie seems like the perfect lead in to the season of changing leaves and long pants. The hues and lighting, the crispness of the atmosphere and the scenes taking place in the school all make for an experience that'll undeniably set you in the mood for pumpkins lattes and scarves. You know, if you're into that sort of thing.

6. The Woman in Black 

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Maybe meant more for the future Halloween movie list, maybe not. But, The Woman in Black includes everything you could think of from nostalgic autumn weather. Dark hues, cooling weather and period clothing reminiscent of fall, This film, like many time period pieces before it, has an air of nostalgia that just about anyone can connect with; whether or not you were alive. And, what works in tandem together better than reminiscing and fall? Nothing. That's the answer. While Christmas brings the thoughts of joys of Christmas past, autumn often brings such nostalgia of coziness and sweaters that it’s impossible to ignore.  

Review: The Transfiguration

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Since Twilight snatched the vampire subgenre, it’s been difficult to find serious, incredible horror movies about bloodsuckers. While a movie like What We Do in the Shadows gave fans some of what they crave, the film was most definitely a comedy. Even 30 Days of Night, while terrifying, did little to give faith to the subgenre's legs. Revival seems far off, but for those needing a fix, The Transfiguration should do just the trick.


The Transfiguration is a simple, odd feature grounded in reality, but dark to its core. Following a troubled youth with a pension for blood-sucking, this movie is a chaotic spiral and portrayal of mental health, loss and trauma. Milo is in a bad situation; recently recovering from the loss of his mother and working to make ends meet with an admittedly young, immature brother. He meets another social outcast named Sophie, and together, their odd personalities mesh and coagulate into something more disturbing and out-of-touch. The Transfiguration stars young up-and-comers Eric Ruffin (The Good Wife) and Chloe Levine (The OA) as Milo and Sophie, respectively.


This movie is very obviously an indie. It’s a quiet and bubbling slow burn with an eerie and simplistic soundtrack to boot. The Transfiguration may not be the easiest thing for fans of more straight forward horror to devour, but both Ruffin and Levin are terrific. The pair - while fresh - play their roles perfectly; working in tandem to draw viewers into their budding friendship with dreadful precision. There is something so deeply unsettling about the movie's suspense. Even in its quietness, audiences will suspect the film's tension and the badness that'll stem from its characters decisions.


It may feel a little liberal to call The Transfiguration a horror movie, but it should be acknowledged as such. It's got some troubling, devilish moments that cut through its more drama-based plot, and when the viciousness does happen, it comes with such force it’s hard to deny the film's horror-fueled heart. The Transfiguration is a beautiful, but obviously grim coming-of-age film; its character-driven storyline giving viewers a point-of-view that'll leave them in despair, rather than in satisfaction at their concluding story. 6 out of 10.

Review: Annabelle: Creation

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For what feels like years, talk of cinematic universes seemed to only revolve around superhero movies and explosive sci-fi franchises. But, proving caped crusaders wrong is the work of James Wan and the flourishing world of The Conjuring. From the original film to the successful sequel and the critically berated Annabelle, the future of The Conjuring is proving to have longer legs than anyone thought. Spin-offs, including The Nun and The Crooked Man, and a third installment of the original storyline all are planned. And, with the release of Annabelle: Creation just last week, The Conjuring universe has been placed back into critics good graces.

Annabelle: Creation follows a couple who, after the death of their daughter, provide refuge to a girl's orphanage. One of the young girls finds a doll- yes, the doll - and everything quickly unravels. As with any horror film, moving into the house proves to be a terrifying time for all; featuring plenty of bumps in the night, dark hallways and plenty of horrifying moments. Featuring many budding stars and a few veterans, Annabelle: Creation offers a pretty stunning cast of varying ages and generations. Annabelle Creation stars Anthony LaPaglia (Without a Trace) and Miranda Otto (What Lies Beneath) as the parents of the recently deceased Bee, played by Samara Lee (Concussion). Lulu Wilson (Ouija: Origin of Evil) plays Linda, the headstrong, caring friend of the polio-inflicted Janice, played by Talitha Eliana Bateman (Geostorm). The film also stars Stephanie Sigman (Spectre) as the girls' caretaker, Sister Charlotte, Grace Fulton (Badland) and Philippa Couthard (The Catch) as older girls, Carol and Nancy, and Tayler Buck (American Crime Story) and Lou Lou Safran (The Choice) as other orphans.

It's important to note each of the cast due to the fact that they're all fantastic. Even for smaller parts, actresses like Fulton and Couthhard provide a certain depth to the film and make characters that may do bad things, but aren't deserving of the horrors they encounter. What'll come as a shock to no one, however, is young scream queen Wilson, who plays the somewhat awkward, but kind and engaging Linda.

Is Annabelle: Creation as incredible as James Wan's first two creations? Maybe not. But clearly the franchise is in good hands. Director David Sandberg (Lights Out) tosses the franchise's latest back into the hyper-stylized world created by James Wan and even though the scares may not be as heart-stopping, they're still plenty gripping. Parting ways with the somewhat gleaming and more mainstream Annabelle for the better, Creation recovers all that was lost from the critically panned spin-off. Sure, there are some scares that align too closely to the gimmicks already used by the universe's older installments, but the fear factor never feels stale. Sandberg perfect captures moments of silence and pairs them with tense atmospheric music and scoring.

Annabelle: Creation accomplishes exactly what it meant to do: scare and stun. Whether it be in the shape of a scarecrow, eyes in the darkness or, of course, the doll central to it all, this film realigns The Conjuring universe with the path that won so many over in the beginning. Annabelle: Creation is a blast of nostalgia. For fans of horror, there are more than enough terrifying moments to satisfy as well as some great characters to care about. 7 out of 10.

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: Awaken the Shadowman

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Ever walk into a horror movie, not expecting much but leaving pleasantly surprised? It's a rare occurrence, but one that is welcome. So often, horror movies are harshly criticized on for their tell-all trailers and poor unraveling. But sometimes, there's more to appreciate as a viewer than critics would suggest. Awaken the Shadowman isn't one of these cases. While the intent is there, the recently released Awaken the Shadowman isn't the most offensive film, but it'll surprise no one in its simplistic and underwhelming unraveling.

Awaken the Shadowman follows a couple who return home after the husband's mother disappears. A drunk and lonely woman with a suspiciously connected support group, the man's mother is somewhat of an enigma; collecting random trinkets and making odd decisions. She's the type of character that could have been used much more effectively in what becomes a rather typical cult film. The film stars Jean Smart (The Accountant), who makes a strong effort in her dead role as the substance-abusing mother of Jake and Adam, played by Skyler Caleb (Waking) and James Zimbardi (Watertown), respectively. Adam's wife, Beth, is played by lily Somers (Reboot).


Like many poorly laid out movies featuring mediocre B-horror conventions, Awaken the Shadowman is incredibly slow and makes some incredibly blatant mistakes. Throughout there are an array of inklings of hope; off-center characters and some built in suspense, but a tacky soundtrack and some audibly painful dialogue make what could have been an average film about a cult, something far less. Themes observing the bereavement process, as well as substance abuse are problematic and never progressing, and even when there's a jump toward some sort of symbolism, the movie decides to backtrack into flat mediocrity.


It'd be a lie to say that the filmmakers don't have some inspired tense scenes and scares, but nothing about these moments feel new or groundbreaking. Similar ploys have been done better in less original films, but they are at least well-rounded. The scattershot horror of Awaken the Shadowman makes the film watchable, but certainly not worthwhile. It's a film that makes effort to impress but falls short at every turn.


Awaken the Shadowman isn't a disaster, but it isn't great. It's the type of horror movie that is best overlooked, but on the chance you're viewing list has run dry, it's not the most painful endeavor. In the world of dentistry, Awaken the Shadowman is more a cavity than a wisdom tooth extraction, but it's definitely not a routine cleaning or polish. 4 out of 10.

 

Best in Show: Horror in the City (Pt. II of II)

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5. Quarantine

Quarantine is the type of film that'll make you afraid of apartment complexes. Despite the numerous exits and the fact that the building itself is no taller than a large house, the building central to this New York City-based horror film is less homey and more like a coffin. Representative of much of the older housing in urban areas, the questionably lit, eerie corridors of Quarantine is a city horror film that preys on primal fears of germs and condensed spaces.

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4. Cloverfield

Cloverfield is iconic. Foraging the rebirth of found-footage alongside films like Paranormal Activity, Cloverfield isn't consistently terrifying but, uses its setting perfectly. Like the multitude of monster flicks before it, this movie's city-based setting made for a thrilling journey into a labyrinth of buildings and side streets. Propelled through stylized footage across New York City to seem realistic, this film delved viewers into the position of the characters and begged the question, "what would you do?" Cloverfield is perfectly sound; it - like many movies - has some flaws, but its use of location is pretty stellar.

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3. 28 Days Later

While later escaping the city, the characters of 28 Days Later begin in London during a terrifying outbreak. By far one of the scariest modern horror films, 28 Days Later provided a fresh take on typically stunted, walking zombie creatures and gave them agility, which in a city setting where navigation can be difficult, made the film all the more scary. 28 Days Later use of London streets felt very new as so many others before it had settled for New York City. Its depiction of the denigration of the city, catapulted by particularly aggressive zombies, left viewers stunned when it first came out.

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2. The Purge: Anarchy

When The Purge first came out, critics and audiences ate up the movie's original concept and creative setting. However, somewhat disappointed by the film's house-based small scale, fans still wanted something more. Then, the sequel came out. Perfectly capturing and visualizing exactly what viewers had been seeking, The Purge: Anarchy is one of the greatest sequels ever released. Trekking across Los Angeles, Anarchy tackled race relations, socioeconomic status and the intersections between them, all wrapped tightly into a fiercely intense package. It showcases the absolute chaos that could erupt in a densely populated area with stamina.

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1. Train to Busan

Maybe it can be tossed up to its currency, but Train to Busan is one of the most original city horror films I've ever seen. While taking place mostly on a train, the use of passing cityscapes and the claustrophobic atmosphere of the speeding train cars make Train to Busan a stand out. It's a thrilling, fast-paced horror flick. Even with subtitles which may make some wary, this movie never distracts from its intense storyline; offering abundant scares, great emotional moments and some truly great visual effects. Add on formerly populated train stations and a destination to one of South Korea's largest cities, and Train to Busan is sure to resonate with anyone who feels overwhelmed by urban areas.

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

In a lot of horror movies, utilizing rural landscapes and dark forests add to the drama. These desolate locations create a sense of helplessness and dread, most often ending in a bloodbath. But, cities aren't so safe either. While woods offer plenty of winding shadows and dark emptiness, cities offer sharp corners and intense populations. In horror, movies that are set in the city are often just as terrifying - if not more terrifying - than those places in the wilderness. Sure, out in the woods you may feel alone, but in the city, you can't ever feel alone - danger could be lurking anywhere. This week's list covers horror movies that use cities to their advantage.

10. Rosemary's Baby

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Visually stunning, the 1960s classic, Rosemary's Baby, takes place perfectly nestled in an astounding apartment deep in New York City. Easily one of horror's most iconic films and most legendary setting, Rosemary's Baby has inspired numerous films shot in urban settings. From Annabelle to Devil's Due, pretty much any movie featuring a pregnancy seems to draw from this classic. Annabelle directly pulled from the beauty of the apartment complex in Rosemary's Baby and for good reason - it's the type of movie with enough visuals to produce countless films.

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9. Deliver Us from Evil

While not the scariest, Deliver Us from Evil makes the best use of its large scale setting. Utilizing much of New York City's derelict architecture, the critically panned, Deliver Us from Evil, makes great use of its surroundings. Featuring scenes in a zoo, apartments and standalone houses, the filmmakers used the entire city to create an expansive world commonly unseen in horror. Even it’s more typical locales, like the dimly lit basement brim with urban decay and tight corridors. Deliver Us from Evil has plenty of flaws to gawk at, but its amazing use of the city is underrated.

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8. The Day After Tomorrow

While not necessarily horror, the ever timely, Day After Tomorrow, is its own type of scary movie. With cascading views and a giant public library central to this apocalyptic adventure, Day After Tomorrow is a noteworthy disaster film that showcases the end of the world within New York City. While other films have showcases this location in dire circumstances, the way the diversity of the city is represented is pretty spot on, allowing room for multiple characters from different backgrounds to live facing the end of days. Using the antiquated library as a focal point, Day After Tomorrow makes New York City feel like its own little world, providing everything you'd need, while cutting you off from the actual world itself.

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7. World War Z

With the gigantic setting of the entire planet, World War Z feels like a massive feat. Beginning as a focused escape and expanding to larger borders encompassing entire cities, World War Z hits every mark. Between the opening scenes in an apartment complex deep within Philadelphia and expanding toward true chaos as all of Jerusalem goes under siege, this film balances intimate horror with massive world-ending nightmares. World War Z isn't your typical horror film that focuses on a group of survivors, but instead looks at the global impact of an outbreak. Its use of urban centers is terrific and definitely fresh.

 

6. As Above, So Below

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While not specifically dictated by the city above, As Above, So Below features a pretty fantastic urban setting beneath Paris. It just so happens that the catacombs beneath are real, thus qualifying it for this list. What makes this movie special in regards to the city is how terrifying the underground can become, despite the land above being lively and vibrant. Regardless of what is happening in Paris, the catacombs beneath are completely different and scary. They showcase just how deafening cities can be. Whether in a sewer or in an underground burial, As Above, So Below made tourist hotbeds feel desolate.