Horror
Phoenix Forgotten
Derivative scares are surrounded by boring filler and exposition in Phoenix Forgotten, a feature debut by graphic artist Justin Barber that’s also been stupefyingly blessed by producer Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner, The Martian).
Blood Hunters
The horror independent film scene may be the most supportive community of movie goers and filmmakers. Take Blood Hunters, for instance. Despite the movie’s routine qualities, I can imagine horror fanatics who scroll through weekly VOD titles every Tuesday will appreciate it for what it is – an honest effort with some admirably gruesome moments. Blood Hunters isn’t just for this niche audience though. It’s a harmless escape for those with a strong enough stomach…
47 Meters Down
By: Nick Ferwerda 47 Meters Down follows sisters Lisa (Mandy Moore) and Kate (Claire Holt) on a Mexican getaway. After a recent break-up with a long-term boyfriend, Lisa wants nothing more than to make him jealous and prove she isn’t the boring individual he made her out to be.
The Mummy
Well, here I am swimming upstream – having seen Universal’s The Mummy and actually liking it. How do you defend a movie that’s hard to save due to the outpouring of negativity against it? Hey, I was there to defend last year’s heavily panned Suicide Squad. I can give The Mummy a shot.
It Comes at Night
There is a tradition in American horror cinema of making a short film with a lot of effects and minimal plot to be eventually used as a calling card. It seems like this practice has found its way into the feature length semi-mainstream. At least, that’s the only explanation for the existence of Trey Edward Shults’ It Comes at Night, a film which shows the director’s abilities as a horror filmmaker – including his great gift for…
Awakening the Zodiac
Will you find Awakening the Zodiac thrilling? Does the thought of rummaging through a mundane mystery excite you? How about if you’re rewarded with a looney final act that contradicts the film’s creeping atmosphere? This isn’t a good sell because you already know the disheartening answers.
The Transfiguration
The Transfiguration has an extraordinary premise. Judging by the way it’s carried out though, writer/director Michael O’Shea doesn’t realize just how special it is.
The Bye Bye Man
You may giggle at that title – we all have. It’s hard to take seriously, especially since so many stoney faces in the trailer say it without a speck of irony. As one of those jokesters who mocked the title and has now seen the movie, I advise readers to not write this film off just yet. The Bye Bye Man has a main attraction that deserves your attention.