August 18

When There’s No More Room in Stockholm: “Berlin Syndrome” (2017)

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When contrasted against last year’s similarly-themed (but far more original) Pet, Berlin Syndrome seems especially disappointing.

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Still of "Calvin" from LIFE (2017) August 14

LIFE (2017): A Competent but Not Too Lively Sci-Fi / Horror Thriller

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Billed as a sci-fi/horror film, Life (2017, dir. Daniel Espinosa) is more accurately a semi-lame thriller based on the familiar sci-fi trope of contamination by an alien species.

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Still from FUNNY GAMES (2007) August 10

“Post-Horror” or Just More “FUNNY GAMES”? (Part 2 of 2)

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In this second part of a two-part article, I focus on the film(s) that I introduced at the end of the first part: Michael Haneke’s FUNNY GAMES (1997 / 2007).

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August 09

The Emptiness of “The Void” (2016)

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Distanced from Astron-6’s darkly funny aesthetic, it becomes just another genre flick defined by its borrowed parts.

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August 02

“The Entity” (1982): Misogyny and the Paranormal

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It is no mistake that a great deal of the horror genre revolves around the victimization, rebellion and eventual liberation of women.

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July 24

The Tactile Horror of “Felt” (2014)

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Felt is a captivating journey that forces the viewer to consider the perspective of a challenging character.

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Still from FUNNY GAMES (1997) July 13

“Post-Horror” or Just More “Funny Games”? (Part 1 of 2)

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“Post-horror” is apparently a ‘thing’ now. The thing is, it’s really nothing new.

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July 11

The Secrets of “Toad Road” (2012)

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In a way, the addicts of Toad Road are not unlike the religious types who seek redemption and release via unquestioning faith in an omniscient, all-powerful creator.

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Still from THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE (2016) July 10

“THE AUTOPSY OF JANE DOE” (2016)

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I give this movie the highest praise by saying I hope they make a sequel. Hell, I really hope they make a prequel AND an origin story. And I usually hate origin stories.

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Theatrical poster for LO (2009) June 29

“Lo” (2009) – a Demonic Horror Comedy from Travis Betz

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Going back eight years is not much of a throwback in time. Yet writer-director Travis Betz’ “Lo” (2009) is worthy of a Throwback Thursday shout-out anyway. It’s an overlooked and undervalued film that deserves a wider audience. A genre-blending horror comedy musical with romantic drama elements, this indie picture takes a lot of chances and still succeeds.

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