Review: Alien: Covenant

(imdb.com)

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.

 

Best in Show: Summer Horror (Pt. II of II)

5. Sleepaway Camp

(imdb.com)

Sleepaway Camp is a weird, weird movie. It's a film that flashes with 80s flair; now practically laughable in effort and tact. Matching these factors with a twist ending that would now be considered off-putting; Sleepaway Camp has become the sort of cult flick destined for summer sleepovers and movie nights projected onto blankets under the stars. It's got the summer camp for children, featuring all of the fun summer activities your childhood could think of and by the film's end, you're sure to be drowned in the dated nostalgia this movie pours out.

(imdb.com)

4. Jaws/The Shallows

Jaws is the movie that scared a generation out of the water. Jaws is perhaps one of the most iconic summer films ever. Given its ocean beach setting and plethora of prop pool toys, this movie provided audiences with a reason to be even more afraid of the ocean than they were. While Jaws is likely more deserving than fifth on this list, its cooler, New England-based location takes away from the truly summer mood capitalized on by later films like The Shallows. Otherwise, Jaws is still a worthwhile dive into the warmer months, even if those months seem more like April than July.

Speaking of The Shallows, this movie is undoubtedly deserving of a place on this list. Capturing beach warmth with all of the gleaming shine of summer, The Shallows exceeded expectations when it was released last summer. Despite similarities to the classic Jaws, The Shallows is able to stand on its on two fins by providing enough excitement and popcorn-munching fun to make it the summery movie audiences need to put them in the mood.

3. A Perfect Getaway 

(imdb.com)

A Perfect Getaway seamlessly captured the essence of tropical warmth. Even at its wettest, the Hawaiian-based thrilled oozed with the feeling of summer adventure. A Perfect Getaway is the perfect getaway for those looking to escape the back-and-forth weather of the Northeast. It's got everything from sunshine and ocean kayaking to hazy jungle hikes, all culminated into a visually stunning and ultimately thrilling escape.

(imdb.com)

2. Friday The 13th

Maybe even more iconic than Jaws, the pinnacle slasher, Friday the 13th, is easily one of the most recognizable summer films ever. It's the very basis of summer camp massacres and deserves to be recognized as such. This film and its hefty franchise are what many horror fans first think of when they think of summer, and for good reason. Between the warm weather clothing worn by the movie's victims to the old, rickety cabins on the camp's grounds, the setting of Friday the 13th is unforgettable. Camp Crystal Lake is near-summer perfection.

1. Cabin in the Woods 

(imdb.com)

While a lot of people would argue that Friday the 13th is most deserving on a list of summer mood horror films, there is no denying the weight carried by Cabin in the Woods. Simultaneously scary, as it is funny, equally dark as it is light, this on-the-nose dissection of horror is so reminiscent of summer that I can feel sunburn growing now. Whereas movies like Evil Dead feature wet, gray forests, the woods surrounding this film are lush and warm, spotlighted by the moon and done so with such intent (by both the filmmakers and the scientists within the movie), that it's atmosphere is unparalleled. It features all of the warm summer feelings each of the list's other movies offer including lakes, summer fun and poorly dressed teens, but inevitably tosses it all in the air in exchange for a visually crisp and obviously well-A/Ced laboratory. The fact of the matter is, Cabin in the Woods is summer.

 

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

I don't know where you are but where I am, a heat wave has begun looming over my city. To honor these back sweat-inducing temperatures, this week's list is all about putting audiences in the summer mood. You know the feeling; warm and lazy, ready to lounge in a lake or by a pool and most certainly not prepared to be attacked by a killer or alien creatures. Certain horror movies definitely carry with it, a summery identity that can't be shaken. This list, will *spoiler* feature classic movies at summer camps and some modern, out-there choices (see number 10), so without further ado, here are the top 10 movies to put you in a summer mood:

(imdb.com)

10. Thirst

Thirst is a completely selfish pick to kick off this list. In no way is the film an amazing movie. With flaws flying out of every aspect, Thirst is filled to the brim with mediocrity even if it does have its worthwhile aspects (as seen in my recent Overlook article). But, what Thirst did succeed in doing was putting me in a summer mood. Maybe it's the retro troubled-teens-at-camp storyline or the hot desert plateaus, or even the campy low-brow special effects, but Thirst made me feel like barbequing. It's got none of the glitz and glam of better horror movies and all of the overused horror tropes, but through-and-through it was effective in keeping me entertained and preparing me for a heat wave.

(imdb.com)

9. The Final Girls

Like other summer camp films that inevitably made this list (come back tomorrow), The Final Girls features everything that makes the summer feel like summer. Shorts, lakes and the slasher tropes of ole, But, what makes The Final Girls worthy of being included on this list is its conveyance of warmth and its on-the-nose comedy that propels it. Every scene of this film is tinged with softer warm coloring and that, paired with some truly funny moments, make it feel like a summer welcoming parade.

(imdb.com)

8. See No Evil

See No Evil makes this list for nearly identical reasons to Thirst. Entirely selfish in its choosing, See No Evil is reminiscent of those summer mornings where friends and I would wake up from nights of campfires and movie binges and watch whatever half-baked horror film was on Chiller Network. See No Evil is a relatively simplistic slasher and does offer some scarier parts as well as some pretty ridiculous scenarios. It never attempts to exceed expectations and is a truly easy watch. Scenes in the beginning where Kane's character visits a suburban neighborhood additionally apply the summery feeling this movie left me. So, say what you want, but anyone who had Chiller and watched it frequently on their off months, would recognize this film as deserving.

(imdb.com)

7. Zombeavers

Zombeavers leans heavily on camp comedy more than horror, but it's placement on this list is nonetheless necessary. Like many summer horror films, Zombeavers takes place at a cabin on a lake filled with young adults unaware as to what's about to unravel before their eyes. It's the type of movie that is acknowledging bad, but done so with such intention that it's funny. It's a warm and light-hearted romp that'll be sure to win over genre-blend haters and horror fans alike, and similar to The Final Girls, its ability to capitalize on a feeling of warm is commendable.

(imdb.com)

6. Wrong Turn

Maybe I'm simply in the mood to rewatch Wrong Turn, but the love for it on this blog recently is definitely becoming too blatant. There is just something so lovable about this horror movie, especially given that it was one of my first forays into the genre, Wrong Turn is like so many other horror films on this list; a group of friends go on vacation and meet trouble. Simple enough? It is, and the resulting film is a pretty easy watch. It's the type of movie that blatantly rips off other cannibal films but backs it with enough entertainment to be watchable. Wrong Turn gets a lot of flak, but for all its ridiculousness, it is pretty fun and sometimes even, scary.

 

The Overlook: The Exorcism of Molly Hartley

(imdb.com)

There are hundreds of exorcism movies out there. From the classic, The Exorcist, to the critically acclaimed The Conjuring, many horror movies at least feature some form of possession and eventual exorcism. However, like any movie subgenre, a surplus doesn't necessarily mean an abundance of quality and for streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime; these subpar movies have seemingly found a home. Sifting through the worst can be difficult, but if done well, can lead to some rough gems like The Exorcism of Molly Hartley. 


Offering the compelling point of view of a character ardent in her awareness that she knows what is happening to her, The Exorcism of Molly Hartley feels fresh, even if its special effects and execution of possession staples are weaker. The film takes place almost entirely in a psych ward where the lead character Molly - played by Sarah Lind (WolfCop) - is swiftly brought after killing two random side characters. Here she encounters our supporting cast of characters including a stunning Gina Holden (Harper's Island) as Dr. Hawthorne and former priest John Barrow, played by Devon Sawa (SLC Punk). Sawa is noticeably weaker than the other two, but luckily for the film, Lind and Holden are powerful enough to persevere.

Despite a blatantly low budget and questionable production value, The Exorcism of Molly Hartley is an entertaining flick worth a watch. Molly Hartley has all of the hallmarks of exorcism films - featuring displaced voices and references to the occult - and the film wastes little time establishing the story's backdrop; helping make a film that's far better than it could have been. All of this, paired with an original setting and a lead actress who makes the most of the material she's provided, make The Exorcism of Molly Hartley good enough.

The Exorcism of Molly Hartley has a twisting plot that'll leave viewers wondering what events are supernatural and which are clearly made up in Molly's head. Naturally, given the fact that it's a horror movie, audiences will tend to agree with what Molly believes is happening to her., but the film offers enough contrary positions to keep the film moving  Even the use of the tired "rogue exorcist" trope is forgivable given the film's other efforts in originality.

As noted, The Exorcism of Molly Hartley is nowhere near award-worthy. But, for all of the awfulness that fills out streaming sites' edges, this piece of work certainly feels like one of the best. Molly Hartley does take some time to win over viewers but once the legwork is done, this film becomes quite the entertaining romp with an especially effective ending.

 

Review: Dead Awake

(imdb.com)

When 2015's The Nightmare was released, sleep paralysis became a mainstream and well-talked about topic. So naturally, the horror industry, in a continual effort to provide new and exciting stories, would attempt to capitalize on fans' renewed interest. The most recent of these films, named Dead Awake is an unfortunate elaboration of the disorder. Like sleep paralysis, Dead Awake is a film trapped in its place - never really pushing itself in any direction.  Similar to Nightmare on Elm Street but without any of the campy fun or genuine scares, this movie will surely be forgotten.

Dead Awake stars Jocelin Donahue (The House of the Devil) as twins Beth and, more notably, Kate. Unfortunately for the young horror alumna, Donahue comes across as lackluster. Whether it's the jarringly plain plot or balancing two characters at once that throw her, Donahue's performance is nothing like her stellar turn in The House of the Devil. The cast is filled out with Lori Petty (A League of Their Own) as Dr. Sykes, Jesse Bradford (Flags of our Fathers) as Beth's boyfriend, Brea Grant (Dexter) and Jeffrey Reddick (creator of the Final Destination Franchise) as her friends, and Jesse Borrego (Con Air) as a mysterious outsider. They too are all relatively flat.

From the get go, Dead Awake is flimsily set up; sacrificing its potential for baseline storytelling and predictability. The film falls into place in perfect linearity. When Kate enters her birthday party, the camera pans to each of the potential victims and viewers can quickly figure out what's going to happen, in what order and with what retribution. They'll hope there will be some break away from the norm or even some entertaining death scenes and scares, but this film accepts its mediocrity and embraces it.

The film never really works to become a lovable indie release. It's got glossed over aspects that seem more similar to bigger releases, but even this isn't done well enough, and the mediocrity running through its vein and a host of lackluster jump scares only perpetuate a cycle of contrived storytelling. Dead Awake is far too pragmatic, shooting for complacency rather than excellence in a way that feels lazy, rather than daring.

Dead Awake plays too deeply into typical horror formulas - featuring everything from a kind, but ignorant psychologist to a mysterious foreigner, but it never compliments this plainness with anything joltingly terrifying or fun. It is a truly bland experience and by the time it's wrapped, if viewers haven't fell into a deep slumber, chances are they'll believe their time could have been better spent napping. 4 out 10.

 

Review: Hounds of Love

(imdb.com)

For years, the horror industry has benefitted from near-true events of home invasions and close-to-home murders. Movies like The Strangers captured attention because of the belief that its events could happen all too simply. Even movies like The Call, which abstract the limits of drama and leak into the thriller genre, can easily be seen through a horror lens. Continuing to blur the line of other genres and the oft slept on horror genre is Hounds of Love.

While deeply realistic, Hounds of Love is most certainly a horror movie. Telling the unnerving story of a girl horrifically kidnapped in Perth, Australia, Hounds of Love is dark and disturbing. Set in the 80s, Hounds of Love greatly benefits from its use of toxically dated furniture and costumes. The meticulously chosen set pieces ground the film in reality.

The film stars Emma Booth (Introducing the Dwights) and Stephen Curry (The King) as kidnappers Evelyn and John, and Ashleigh Cummings (Razzle Dazzle: A Journey into Dance) plays Vicki, the young kidnap victim. Each of the three is stunningly perfect; immersing themselves in their respective roles and truly committing to the film's stark plot. Booth and Curry are especially good at showcasing the intrinsically disturbed nature of their relationship. Their toxic relationship is brilliantly elaborated on and as the film progresses, audiences are sure to be drawn in.

While absent of any supernatural occurrences or otherworldly creatures, Hounds of Love is still a truly terrifying showcase of real monsters are right before your eyes who are startlingly human. Hounds of Love will undoubtedly turn off some given its explicit and graphic content, but for those who can stick with it, the movie's compelling character study should offer more than enough. Each moment of the film heavies the heart more but thankfully, these moments never feel hopeless. Throughout the movie, the filmmakers provide enough disruptions in the downtrodden cycle of torture to illuminate glimmers of hope, thus ensuring that the viewers who stuck around after the premise aren't left with turned stomachs.

Hounds of Love is dark and unsettling, but it's also terrifically well-done. It's portrayal of a volatile relationship and troubled characters won't make viewers feel sympathy, but it will engross them in their story. It's the type of movie that never feels advantageous or tacky; choosing to focus on the characters and their roles, rather than grossly explicit scenes. Hounds of Love is a perfectly done film in the vein of movies like Nocturnal Animals.  It's far superior to similarly disturbing but ultimately trashy films like Wolves at the Door, and is most definitely worth the watch.

 

Best in Show: Horror Sequels (Part II of II)

(imdb.com)

5. The Descent: Part 2

Most horror fans and critics agree that The Descent is a modern classic. It terrified audiences and thanks to superb acting and crazy effects, the claustrophobic horror film catapulted its way into the hearts of all. But, the lesser talker about, yet still adequate follow up to The Descent deserves viewers' attention. Like the first, it offers up completely terrifying cave creatures and all of the original's claustrophobic atmosphere. The Descent: Part 2 is a direct continuation of the first's story and is nearly as unsettling, which given it being a sequel, is saying a lot. While the group venturing into the deadly cave may not be as compelling, there are still plenty to root for and when a surprise entry comes about, fans of the original will undoubtedly be won over.

(imdb.com)

4. The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 got a surprising amount of flak from horror fans attempting to be edgier. By disliking the sequel to the critically acclaimed original, fans attempted to differentiate themselves from casual viewers and critics who applauded the sequel's continuation of stellar camera work and genuine scares. But, not even that coalition could halt the success of the second Conjuring. This movie is impressive and to search for flaws, people had to really stretch. This is one of the few horror sequels that keeps the majority of themes from the original and carries them over well. It's deeply terrifying and worth every second of its longer runtime.



(imb.com)

3. Scream 2

There is something so timeless about Scream. Simple, yet satirical, Scream ages better than most horror classics and this is partially thanks to its nearly as amazing sequels. Scream 2 is perhaps the movie at its best; grander and just as quickly paced, the follow up to Scream, spans over a college campus and features a lovable twist and some fun chase scenes. Scream 2 also hones in on the first's comedy and makes plenty of bold moves to be even funnier and on-the-nose. Scream 2 is definitely comparable to the first and with all of the same actors attached to it; it definitely feels like a trip down nostalgia lane.

(imdb.com)

2. Saw II

While the first Saw build viral excitement, it is the film's sequel where the movie really comes into its own. Looking past the shock value of the original, Saw II is arguably more entertaining and more superior. Featuring far more suspense, a host of new characters and a twisting and turning plot, Saw II opened so many doors for the franchise. The traps are creative, the characters are unlovable and as they maneuver through the death house, it's easy to become captivated in their tiny world. Saw II is an underrated gem in the horror universe, often overlooked by the regarded first and the more over-the-top follow ups. But, this sequel, with all of its sickening yellow lighting and choppy rooms, is the real gem of the series.

(imdb.com)

1. Aliens

Aliens, the well-known, highly regarded sequel to Alien, is - by some accounts - even better than the first. Utilizing plenty of special effects, a host of new talent, including a pretty great child star, is pretty much an action-packed perfection. In fact, the aptly titled Aliens could have just as easily been named Sigourney Weaver vs Space Monsters Pt. II and I'm pretty sure the audience and today's viewers would still love it. This is the type of movie that, even if the graphics get a little wonky over time, is still a must see and worthy rewatch. Aliens is nonstop suspense and excitement and is a pinnacle sequel to an already great horror-sci-fi film.