The Lost - THE GATE 2 (1990)

"The Lost" are movies that have largely flown under the radar, but deserve to be seen.  To kick off this new series of reviews, I've decided to spotlight the little known sequel, THE GATE 2.  

REEL ZOMBIES (2008) - Movie Review

Check out my review of Synapse Films newest release, REEL ZOMBIES.

Horror...with a Heart (Horror Movie Picks for Valentine's Day)

Who says horror movies can't have a heart?  As Valentine's Day draws near, I compiled this list of my personal favorite horror movies with a romantic edge for your Valentine's Day perusal. Forgive me in advance for not including the classic slasher My Bloody Valentine to this list or Bram Stoker's Dracula.  Both are just way too obvious.  So dim the lights, snuggle up close with that special someone and get ready to have your heart HANDED TO YOU!

1. Let the Right One In (2008).  I'll forever be in awe of this beautiful and haunting Swedish film.  The story centers on a bullied and alienated 12 year old boy who finds a kindred spirit in a (who knows how old) vampire trapped in a young girl's body.  The film tones down the vampire mythos - without toning down the bloodshed - and focuses on the desperate and poignant relationship between the two young leads.  The film is grim, inspiring, sorrowful, harrowing and, in the end, incredibly moving.  A masterpiece.  (I also, though less devoutly, recommend the American remake - Let Me In.  Check out my full review of it here.)

2. Cemetery Man (1994).  Cemetery Man is quite frankly one of the most beautifully shot, poetic and hypnotic horror films ever made. Director Michele Soavi, a protege of Dario Argento, creates a spellbinding, surrealist atmosphere and then soaks everything in gore!  Rupert Everett plays a cemetery caretaker who's job is to dispatch the living dead ("returners") when they rise hungry from their graves. He is granted a brief reprieve from the loneliness of his grim profession when he begins an affair with Anna Fulchi (who plays no less than 3 different characters in the film!), only to lose her and then longingly ponder the meaning of existence. The movie's excessive bloodshed is offset by its wicked sense of humor and whimsy.  It is truly a sublime nightmare.

3. Thirst (2009).  Park Chan-wook (Old Boy, Stoker) is one of the most celebrated directors working today, and for good reason.  His 2009 film, Thirst, finds a Catholic priest volunteering to undergo an experimental medical procedure only to die and be resurrected as a vampire by a tainted blood transfusion. Now he struggles not only with his thirst for human blood, but with the overpowering desire he feels for a young woman trapped in a bad marriage.  Eventually the two embark on a blood-soaked journey. The vampire elements are grounded nicely by the honesty portrayed in the highs and lows the two confront over the course of the film and their relationship.

4. May (2002).  At the core of Lucky McKee's May is the story of a desperately lonely person wanting to connect with others.  At some point in all our lives we've felt the same way - the outsider, the freak, forever alone. Matters are complicated for May, however, as she's just a little...unhinged. Instead of searching for the perfect friend/mate, May decides she'd rather create her own using "all the best parts". May sports an offbeat, dark-as-hell sense of humor and a great cast, including an outstanding performance from Angela Bettis in the lead. May is a must-own.


List your own favorite horror movies with a heart in the comments section below, and have a great Valentine's Day!

File 13 - THE PIT (1981)

My series of cult, sleaze and exploitation film reviews continues with my thoughts on 1981's THE PIT.

FUNKO'S Re:Action Toyline Revealed

As if Funko didn't already have a stranglehold on collector's wallets, they have revealed the full line up for their upcoming Re:Action series of 3 3/4-inch figures, and the list is massive, including a grand total of sixty figures! 

The 3 3/4-inch scale figures are reminiscent of the classic Kenner brand toyline from the 1980's.  The figures are available to pre-order now from Entertainment Earth and run about 10 bucks each, with a street date sometime in July.

The list includes classic Universal Monsters such as Frankenstein, Dracula and the Creature, as well as modern horror icons such as Jason, Freddy, Pinhead and Michael Myers. (What! No Leatherface!?) You can also expect figures of The Crow, Snake Plissken, the Terminator, Predator, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Goonies, Pulp Fiction and more.

Check out pictures of selected figures below and head on over to Entertainment Earth to see the full list of figures available now for pre-order.

 

 

 

NIGHT OF THE DEMONS Collector's Edition Blu-ray Review

Check out my review of Scream Factory's newest Collector's Edition Blu-ray release, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS.

File 13 - NEW YEAR'S EVIL (1980)

I continue my series of cult, sleaze and exploitation movie reviews entitled FILE 13 with my review of 1980's NEW YEAR'S EVIL.