Insidious (2011)

Title: Insidious

Release Date: April 1, 2011

Director: James Wan

Writer: Leigh Whannel

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne 

Genre: Horror, Thriller

So, Insidious and I have a love/hate relationship. When I first saw the ads and heard the hype for this movie, I was stoked. It had the whole 'I am Legend' type commercials that gave away very little, and just the aura of this film looked amazing.  So the very first time  I saw it was on dvd (which does take down the scary-ness), and I was pumped. But to my surprise, not even halfway through I was laughing. Not good, insane, laugh-so-you-don't-cry laughter, but embarrassed-for-director type laughter. Now keep in mind that was my first time watching it and I was with friends.

Now recently, I saw it on netflix and decided to give it a second chance, with a movie reviewer type mind-set. I have to say, I liked it a lot more this time around. Though, I was home alone and my house is pretty scary at night. 

What I loved about this movie? It was, for a horror movie, well made. Continuity seemed almost flawless, and with that, attention to detail was actually pretty interesting. One part near the middle of the movie, the husband is working as a teacher and drawn on the chalkboard behind him is the "demon" face that appears later in the film. Also, there is the whole macabre-old-timey type feel about it. And they have these beautifully cliche violin/string instrument riffs when things get scary and I LOVE that. 

What disappointed me? Well the acting is 'ehhh' at times, things that are supposed to be insanely scary are laughable, and at times the film is just TOO kitschy and predictable. This movie had loads of potential and I feel like they dropped the ball on 80% of it.

I give this a 6 out of 10 stars.

American Horror Story (2011)

Title: American Horror Story

Release Date: October 5th, 2011

Creators: Brad Falchuk, Ryan Murphy

Starring: Evan Peters, Connie Britton

Genre: Horror, Drama

So, yes, yes, I know it's not a film, but no lie, this show is insanely good. Like actually horror/thriller good. I thought it might be one of those "horror" shows where they throw in a vampire and call it a day, but no, this show is goooood. 

Now you're all like "Cool story bro, so why is it good?". And I will tell you. First off, the horror started right off the bat. Within the first 9 minutes, there were murders. Not hidden, shadow on the shower curtain type murders, but legitimate, gory murders. If that doesn't make you wanna go watch it already, then you are probably a normal, completely sane person. But alas, there is more. The place setting is beautiful. I have a huge respect for older houses (especially cause I live in one from 1911) and this house is great. Yes, I do know they usually make sets and scenery, but even so, this may-be-a-replica house is brilliant. The casting. I would just say that because anyone who watches the show would know what I'm talking about but seriously, the casting is great. They have enough "famous" actors to make it interesting, but enough new players to make it honest. It's also got a Rosemary's Baby meets Amityville Horror meets every great ghost story you've ever heard type feel. And lastly, for all you folks that love a little romance, there's enough marriage-drama, teenage heartbreak, and risque scenes to go around.

Obviously, I'm giving this show a glowing review because I watch it and love it, but as a huge horror fan, I walked into this show a skeptic and I am walking out a believer, both in television horror and in FX's choices on all its shows (it's always sunny, archer, wilfred, louis, etc). Oh, and their movie line-up ain't to shabby either (SO MANY MARVEL MOVIES, etc).

I give this show a 9 out of 10 stars. 

Drive (2011)

Title: Drive

Release Date: September 16, 2011

Director: Nicholas Refn

Writer: Hossein Amini (based on book by James Sallis)

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Ron Perlman

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

I'll start by saying I love Ryan Gosling. I love his acting, I like him as a person, and I think he makes good choices in what movies he does. Now saying that, I really didn't fully enjoy this movie. I found myself getting bored at moments that were supposed to be, suspenseful? And the whole thing seemed a little rushed. The thing about this that really bums me out is that I know I could have LOVED this movie, but it truly left me needing more. 

Things I loved about this movie? I could respect the 80's type feel they gave it through soundtrack, lighting, wardrobe, etc. The colors made the actual film beautiful and visually really attractive. Of course, most the acting was on point but there were these moments where everyone seemed dead. It was a cast of dead-eyed actors. And, as much as I love Ryan Gosling, he was definitely pulling a 'Michael Cera', i.e. playing the exact same type character he's played in like 4 other movies. But he's easy on the eyes so it wasn't too bad. But Carey Mulligan? She was boring, she just didn't have the spark that the female lead should have.

Other things I liked about this film was the underground mobster aspect, the unexpected gore, and the cool driving. You could tell they pulled all the stops on these things, especially the cars. Those few things might have been the only thing that made the movie watchable. I believe the cinematography and style of this movie could've made it a classic, but it was just missing the chemistry that makes a good movie great. 

I give it a 5.5 out of 10 stars.  

Fright Night (1985)

Title: Fright Night 

Release Date: August 2, 1985

Director: Tom Holland

Writer: Tom Holland

Starring: Chris Saradon, William Ragsdale

Genre: Comedy, Horror

For an eighties horror-comedy flick, I really loved it. I have a soft spot for real prosthetics and gory scenes in horror movies. This movie had a very honest feel to it and I liked that it didn't glamorize vampires like they are today.

The acting, well it wasn't super great, but it was definitely not un-bearable. At times it was cheesy, but I think it added to the humor of the movie. The script wasn't groundbreaking but it kept a good pace and wasn't all over the place like other 80's horror.

I think what really drew me to this movie were the costumes/prosthetics/gore. At one point a character changes from a wolf back into a human in a very 'American Werewolf in London' type manner and needless to say, I loved it. I think these scenes full of silicone, fake blood, and plastic teeth really made the film. 

I give this film 5.5 of 10 stars.

Fish Tank (2009)

Title: Fish Tank 

Release Date: September 11, 2009

Director: Andrea Arnold

Writer: Andrea Arnold

Starring: Katie Jarvis, Micheal Fassbender

Genre: Drama

I'll start by saying I'm not usually one to adore European Films, but this really struck me. The cast's chemistry was brilliant (see I'm already sounding british), the plot was fast paced and the story line just really drew the audience in.

This is the story of a head strong, "foul-mouthed" 15 year old girl named Mia, living on an "Essex Estate" with her sloppy and selfish mother and her younger, just as dirty mouthed, sister. Mia has a passion for dance and spends a lot of her time practicing. After her mother brings home a confident and handsome 'boyfriend', the story takes an interesting turn as you witness the world through this stubborn, aggressive teen's eyes.

I really enjoyed this. It was definitely a 'stumbled upon' type movie but it's completely worth a watch. The soundtrack fit the movie well, featuring a variety of music, some more dated then others. There's a lot of tension throughout the story and it creates a very beautifully 'loss of innocence' type film.

I give this film a 7.5 out of 10 stars.