The Overlook: Demonic

(imdb.com)

A recent trend in horror movies is uniting criminal investigations to exorcisms. Movies like The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Deliver Us from Evil and Fox's The Exorcist TV series paired cops and detectives with ongoing or aftermath discoveries of butchered victims, occult symbols and often, a couple survivors. While sometimes repetitive, these movies and shows offer fresh takes on humans interacting with demons and the devil. That's why 2015's Demonic is worth a watch.

Recently added to Netflix, Demonic follows a group of friends who enter a haunted house and get more than they bargain for. Alongside these flashbacks are a detective and psychologist attempting to solve the eventual massacre of the teens. Demonic stars Maria Bello (Secret Window) and Frank Grillo (Warrior) as psychologist Elizabeth Klein and Detective Mark Lewis, respectively. Cody Horn (End of Watch), Dustin Milligan (Schitt's Creek), Scott Mechlowicz (EuroTrip) and Megan Park (What If) play the group of teens, with Milligan starring as troubled young man with disturbing dreams. His character John, Horn's Michelle and Mechlowicz's Bryan are the only remaining members of the party upon the police's arrival.

Demonic has a lot of flaws. From some shaky acting from supporting characters to some mediocre story points, there's a lot to criticize. But at its center, there's still something entertaining about this movie. Milligan is absolutely fantastic as the central character and possible murderer - even if his character has some inconsistencies. Had the filmmakers left him more solemn throughout, rather than give him some jokey moments, his character would be even more solidified.

Additionally, the nonchronological storyline, while interesting comes with its own host of issues. Most importantly, the aftermath scenes are far more entertaining than the typical and at times, overly conventional teens-exploring-a-haunted-house ones. But, while this film could have fallen completely into the waste basket, these later scenes mostly focusing on Bello's and Grillo's characters provide plenty of buffers. Both Bello and Grillo bring a heightened level of acting to some of the weaker characters and cast.

This movie isn't perfect. But, in a constant craving for more, horror fans can rest assured that empty space will be filled. It's a movie that revels in its basic functions, but provides enough jump scares and star power to drive it home. Demonic is a great choice for a casual afternoon, even if not necessarily a horror-filled night.

 

 

 

Review: Fender Bender

(imdb.com)

There seems to be a large, vague abyss as to when horror fans are going to be getting a new slasher that they deserve. From the classics of the 80s to the revival in the mid-2000s, these horror movies that feature a humanoid killer are often panned by critics and loved by horror fanatics. Attempts by indie filmmakers have been somewhat bland at best and it does feel like a true to spirit slasher is never coming. Fender Bender doesn't satisfy that hopeful whim.


Following a girl stalked by the man she previously got in a fender bender with, Fender Bender begins with the best intentions before becoming a muddled mess. An opening sequence featuring the first victim of the killer, gives plenty of the chase so many fans are compelled to watch, but the scene is short. In fact, it's actually a shame the film's opening character; played by Cassidy Freeman (Longmire) isn't the center of the film. She's a far superior and believable actress then the teens that take over the screen. But, this isn't her film and her replacements are Makenzie Vega, who stars as Hillary, the quintessential final girl, and Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars) and Kelsey Leos Montoya (The Guest) as her best friends, Rachel and Erik.


Fender Bender leaves a lot to yearn for. From some questionable character choices that would make even the silliest of slashers cringe to plot points worthy of a dumpster, this movie feels desperately lost. Hillary's parents are inexplicably difficult in a way that feels far too obstructive to be the film. They're voices sound kind and their willingness to give their daughter a cell phone despite having the viewer believe they're atypically controlling feels disjointed and thoughtless. It's a difficult balance that the film never real figures out how to tackle; these parents aren't loving, but strict - they're just awkwardly mean.


Just as the film begins to redeem its issues and setbacks caused by the angry parents plot point, it starts to fall apart all over again; entering an unsalvageable stage. When Hillary's two friends show up, it seems predictable but as if the film is picking itself up, preparing for a straightforward romp that would feel plain but enjoyable. Unfortunately, the too-close-for-comfort insurance woman Hillary spoke to immediately following the fender bender calls again, with some news. She calls so late at night to explain a ridiculous story that she would have never have told Hillary in any universe, real or otherwise. Even for a movie, this part is absolutely unwarranted and distractingly painful. It ruins the movie for every scene after it by removing the viewer from the experience. It's not comical or so-bad-it's-good, it's just bad. Story progression is important, but in this case, connecting the opening sequence with the ongoing of Hillary's survival feels unnecessary - especially when done so blatantly wrong.


For fans craving a slasher film in what seems to be an empty abyss in modern horror, they'll have to wait a little longer. While Fender Bender offers glimmers of hope and nostalgia, the movie's straightforward fashion is quickly destroyed by uncharacteristically off-putting parents, a soundtrack similar to that of a 90s-elementary school PSA and moments of outrageous absurdity. 3 out 10.