Dir. Levan Grabiadaze Sta. Heather Sossaman, Matthew Bohrer, Courtney Halverson--USA--Horror, Mystery
Highly cliched horror tale disguised within a seemingly original presentation. While it's nice to see that lower tier films of the genre still utilizing gimmicks to entice viewers, the novelty of a story told entirely on a computer screen proves to off quickly. Furthermore, older viewers may get lost in modern jargon while others are privy to headaches or eye exhaustion from prolonged viewing of a bright screen. The scares are few and far in between, as the action is spread thin. The only thing this piece has going for it is a subtle cat and mouse game, which becomes pointless by it's conclusion.
2. Eden Lake (2008) 03/05/2015 ★★★
Dir. James Watkins Sta. Kelly Reilly, Michael Fassbender, Tara Ellis--UK--Horror, Thriller
Balanced between common horror conventions and a concise spirit of originality, is a thriller determined to brutalize its audience through the sadistic and primal mind of man. Behind a corrupt, and sadistic small town community lies lush and thriving fauna; paralleling the decay of modern morality. Despite this piece's overused plot and purge of violence, viewers continue to be fascinated by it's brilliant juxtaposition.
3. The Crucible (1996) 10/05/2015 ★★★ 1/2
Dir. Nicholas Hytner Sta. Daniel Day Lewis, Winona Ryder, Paul Scofield--USA--Drama
This adaptation successfully translates its dramatic microcosm to the screen, without sacrificing secondary dialogue or characters for common Hollywood conventions. Most of the author's literary symbolism, foreshadowing, and commentaries are present, and take advantage of visual devices. Although easily understandable, periodic dialogue brings the era to life as it naturally rolls of the actors tongue to further realistic allegory. Primary players brilliantly morph into their respective characters, gaining sympathy with highlights the horrors of oppression and isolation.
4. Scum (1979) 13/05/2015 ★★★ 1/2
Dir. Alan Clarke Sta. Ray Winstone, Mick Ford, Julian Firth--UK--Drama
An intimate portrayal of sadistic desperation, this piece leaves a lasting impression on viewers through relentless rising action. Direction and photography brilliantly capture the melancholy of an isolated boys prison, thus paralleling nonchalant emotion of our protagonists. Like many lower-budget films, the price tag works in it's favor, providing a realistic experience which allows audiences to care for the likeable cast of characters. Unfortunately this tactic falters, with melodramatic scenes and acting snapping us back into reality.
5. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) 14/05/2015 ★★★ 1/2
Dir. George Miller Sta. Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Holt--AUS--Action, Adventure, Thriller
A non-stop, exciting fantasy which impressively exhausts its immense budget through stunning visuals and heart-stopping practical effects. Those behind the camera wonderfully paint a desperately convoluted world, which absorbs viewers through an unexplained superficial and isolating charm. Most of the actors perfectly step into their respective roles, bringing to life a cast of colorful characters, reminiscent of a bygone era. Under the surface, a relevant social commentary concerning equality and conservation will resonate with modern viewers.
6. Mad Max: Beyond Thunder Dome (1985) 15/05/2015 ★★★ 1/2
Dir. George Miller Sta. Mel Gibson, Tina Turner, Robert Grubb--AUS--Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
A fantastical journey into a strange, albeit highly imaginative world reminiscent of bygone fables. Natural desert landscapes adorned with oasis' add to the captivating imagery, and symbolically works to represent the hope lost in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Costumes, prodigious set design, and colorful characters play on the viewers senses and youthful wonder, enticing them to follow their protagonists until the exciting conclusion.
7. Nashville (1975) 20/05/2015 ★★★★
Dir. Robert Altman Sta. Ned Beatty, Henry Gibson, Keith Carradine--USA--Music, Drama, Comedy
Director Robert Altman successfully orchestrates a highly revealing political piece through realistic improvisation, and utilization of visual devices. While other film's use their robust cast list as a gimmick, the use of underrated actors who were given improvisational freedom and encouraged to pen their own songs contributes to the work's pragmatism. Instead of feeling bombarded, each player's limited screen time is put to use as some work as symbolic plot devices to convey the corruption and egotism that comes as the price to fame.
8. Django (1966) 22/05/2015 ★★★ 1/2
Dir. Sergio Corbucci Sta. Franco Nero, Ángel Álvarez, Loredana Nusiak--Itl--Action, Western
Unlike preceding Westerns, the isolated and grimy atmosphere of this piece paints a realistic portrait of it's setting opposed to glorifying it. Even our illustrious hero is downgraded to an unassuming gunslinger who is caked with mud and touts a coffin. However, like many entries into this saturated genre, non-distracting cliche's are prevalent throughout. The most refreshing aspect of this Italian work is it's uncompromising, action-fueled plot and its cast of disreputable characters. These aforementioned aspects, along with a concise run time ensure viewers will be free of boredom by the film's conclusion.
9. Poltergeist III (1988) 24/05/2015 ★★ 1/2
Dir. Gary Sherman Sta. Heather O'Rourke, Tom Skerritt, Nancy Allen--USA--Horror
Expectantly this haunting piece does not live up to its predecessors, but instead delivers an entertaining, albeit amusing piece. A stunning Chicago high-rise and a splay of new characters provide unique devices, and sets this film apart from the rest of the trilogy. Unfortunately, due to the importance put on the protagonist and one-dimensional acting, the aforementioned mechanism fails due the inability of this picture to stand on its own. However, the piece succeeds at delivering chilling and impressive special effects, effectively establishing an isolating tone in a populated setting.
10. Conspiracy Theory (1997) 26/05/2015 ★★★★
Dir. Richard Donner Sta. Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart--Thriller, Mystery
From its onset, this thriller grabs the curiosity of their audience and entices them to discover more about their eccentric and seemingly average protagonist. Exploiting mass paranoia towards politics, this eerie piece establishes a believable situation through fiction whereas utilization of a non-fictional situation would result in various holes and far fetched circumstances. Furthermore, cinematography and dirty, urban setting are reminiscent of earlier pieces from the 1970s when similarly styled films were in vogue. With ongoing action and an array of colorful suspect characters, viewers will be appropriately worn out by its conclusion.
11. Inn of the Damned (1975) 29/05/2015 ★★★
Dir. Terry Bourke Sta. Alex Cord, Judith Anderson, Michael Craig--AUS--Horror, Mystery, Western
From the onset this appears to be a confused piece as two dissimilar story-lines veer off into differing genres. By the film's conclusion the plot appropriately merges any loose ends, and the audience will most likely excuse any previous missteps. However the first thirty minutes, while successful at showcasing natural Australian landscapes, proves to be highly unnecessary and forgettable. While many scenes may result in unintentional laughter, most of the acting as well as action sequences are impressively executed. The endeavor of a mixed genre piece is admired, and at the very least delivers the tone of an "urban legend".
Decade Breakdown
60s: 1
70s: 3
80s: 2
90s: 2
00s: 1
10s: 2
Country Breakdown
Australia: 3
Italy: 1
United Kingdom: 2
United States: 5
Cliche Counter
One or more leads die: 5 Male Dominated Cast: 1 Horror: 4
Top 5
1. Nashville
2. Conspiracy Theory
3. Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome
4. The Crucible
5. Scum
