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Amityville Vampire (2021)
Entertains if you let it ...
Of course the feature has "Indie Film" written all over it, but I am not inclined to slam such an honest effort by people who are genuinely trying to entertain. The title attempts to link the film to the "real world" Amityville Horror story of the late 1970's simply to evoke the name and draw in an immediate market/audience. A little blood and a little skin are part of the bait for potential audiences, although neither are too extreme. The most convincing performance was probably the Paco character, one of three murderer/rapist thugs in the final vignette. He had some genuine menace and presence to him. This vampire sucks, not the neck, but the name of 40+-year-old classics but forgive it that and watch without expecting to see "Citizen Kane".
The Bunker Game (2022)
The Bunker Lame
A silly premise, melodramatic performances replete with badly faked accents, the least exciting sex scene I'd ever scene, pretenses to depth that wasn't there and I was out within 40-45 minutes.
Fantasy Island (2020)
30 Minutes, then "Adios to Fantasy Island!"
Not one compelling performance. Not one compelling storyline. Sprinkle in some politically correct stuff that would never have made it to the original series. The script and dialogue resemble an 11th grade creative writing project where the kid's allowed to include some profanity and lewd humor. This review will NOT contain spoilers because, at a little past the 30-minute mark, I refused to give any more time over to this garbage. Makes the original series look like Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar".
We Summon the Darkness (2019)
We Summon the 80's
The film doesn't endeavor to be "Citizen Kane" and it does entertain if you let it. It's not aiming for an Academy Award, or even to be a true slasher film. The character development, story and overall atmosphere are decent enough. I can't believe Alexandra D still looks so young! The only part I found unconvincing was the metal concert itself; the vibe in the place, the behavior of the audience. Intended as a club gig, I suppose. I wasn't a total devotee, but that generation of "underground" music fans were for real. It was full of hotter women, tougher guys, more knowledgeable fans and MUCH better musicians than today's MC Food Court gangsters. In any case, the film is good if you aren't expecting a classic.
Armenian Haunting (2018)
Not A Typical Ghost Story
Lacking even a modicum of effects in terms of making the ghost or supernatural events scary, but a decent enough story and some good performances. Another reviewer's claim that the film is "political propaganda" is absurd. There is no "Armenians good; Turks bad" agenda in the story. The story features both noble and ignoble Armenian characters and is NOT simply about vilifying the Turks or Turkey. It is a fictional story with some connections to the Armenian genocide which is documented historical fact, rather like "The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" was a fictionalized story set in the WWII Holocaust era. I wasn't thrilled by this movie, but was reasonably entertained by it.
All Girls Weekend (2016)
The Girls Aren't Alone on this Hike ...
It would have been easy to be reactionary and abandon this one early, but I was glad I didn't do that. Performances become more compelling as the intensity builds. Man (or woman) vs. Nature, Man vs. himself and Man vs. the Supernatural are all conflict narratives that come into play. The supernatural presence is understated compared to many films in the genre. There are nice visuals including some breathtaking wilderness/nature shots and Gema Calero in her underwear squirting herself with water, albeit it in a brief and somewhat dark scene. I felt as though I might be disappointed, early in the film, but found it enjoyable and even gripping by the end.
Monster Party (2018)
Intense and Compelling
Suspense-filled, action-filled and not a bad performance among the bunch. No pretense as far as being great art or some loftier kind of film. Traditional horror/slasher archetypes in place, but also a good deal of originality. Recommended to fans of the genre.
The Detained (2017)
PG Horror Film
A little light on the shock value and grotesqueness for the Horror fan. Fans of the "Wrong Turn" or "Hatchet" series would be barking up the wrong tree with this one, but it's not a bad film. The violent scenes are not at all graphic. There is no nudity or extensive use of profanity. The performances, however, are good and the story passable. I would like to see more work by these actors and will likely seek it out.
Haunted (2017)
Genuinely Unnerving
There were moments edge-of-your-seat dread and anticipation in this film. Some of the spirits were genuinely intimidating and horrifying, despite the haunting & possession themes being highly familiar territory for viewers. I really don't understand why some viewers would watch a foreign film, then complain about the actors having accents or "bad English". Gradual escalation of tension and convincing performances emphasizing progressive loss of composure by several actors in the film. The concerned mother, the serious and focused professor were also good. A blockbuster with a Hollywood effects team and budget behind it? No - but a very good film and recommended.
The Green Inferno (2013)
Entertaining and horrific yet believable
I am at a loss to explain the bad/mediocre reviews. This film has atmosphere, a believable plot and superb performances from the cast, particularly Lorenza Izzo. I will be recommending it to many friends. There is even an embedded moral dilemma for one of the leads that plays out in an intriguing manner. The contrast between New York City and the Peruvian rain forest is palpable and striking. The descent into fear, panic, despair, desperation, hopelessness is conveyed brilliantly. Vital and all too human questions are addressed, such as when a fate is worse than death, when the value of a "cause" is greater than personal survival or that of people who trust you, what constitutes redemption, what constitutes a morally bankrupt society as opposed to a morally divergent one. This film is, actually, SUPERB in many regards.
After School Massacre (2014)
Go BACK to school before making another film
The sets are lacking, the acting chops are SORELY lacking and originality is not to be found anywhere. There are some cute women in the cast, but libidinous male viewers shouldn't get their hopes up; the "skin factor" is limited and nowhere near sufficient to make it worthwhile watching this debacle. The kills are so unconvincing as to be comical, the role of law enforcement depicted with a childlike simplicity, meaning gore and suspense fans will also find the film quite disappointing. I am the most patient of movie viewers, but I ended up skimming through most of the film on 4x fast forward after watching the first 25-30 minutes. Too lousy a film to even come close to the "so bad it's good" classification. AVOID!
Resurrection Mary (2007)
Driven by story rather than effects ...
If you are looking for an effects-driven, star-powered blockbuster, then this film will disappoint. It is, however, quite good in terms of being a classic ghost story. The actual legend pertaining to the Resurrection Mary folklore from Chicago is secondary to the fictionalized tale presented as the plot in this film. The cynic in me suspects that the famous legend was incorporated into the script and the title for marketing purposes. I worried that the fictitious script would be slanderous, or do a disservice to a young woman who died tragically, but the film was done well. That Kristin Herrera is also a pretty strikingly FINE-lookin' lady!
The Amityville Haunting (2011)
Insultingly bad
The film is ridiculous. Firstly, the interior of the home meant to pass for the historic, palatial and atmospheric DeFeo-Lutz haunted house on Long Island is clearly a modern townhouse or semi-detached. Most of the ...umm ...actors ...are completely wrong for the parts they play, mainly because the filmmakers just used the family members and friends they had available to fill the roles. The effects are beyond pedestrian and the storyline is not all that imaginative. This is not an "indie film", it's a home movie. This work is an attempt to grab a few bucks by exploiting the Amityville name before any potential viewers realize that it sucks and has nothing whatsoever to do with the actual events or location of the 1970's American haunting. I actually resent their perception of indie horror fans' as gullible and there to be exploited in this manner. This might be the worst movie I have ever seen.