Movie Review - The Unborn (2009)

I think something should be said about new horror, been there done that. With that said, I just finished watching “The Unborn” (2009). This movie is categorized as a supernatural-horror thriller. I don’t normally watch this sub genre that much as I like zombies but also because it is new.

Although the plot line seems unique to me, it is very reminisant of the new horror-thrillers that are being produced in the last decade. The special effects were okay, kind of reminded me again of few other movies I had seen in the past. I wasn’t entirely convinced by this movie and I though why… the answer is because it seems to play out to perfect. I wouldn’t entirely say it was predictable but again; there was a certain ‘Déjà vu’ attached to it that I couldn’t shake.

The story is this; a girl is being haunted by a demon, she researches and finds out it drove her mother to suicide. She meets her grandmother who tells her the background about the demon and the connection with the family. She later finds out she is a twin and this demon has a hard on for twins (as do I). In an effort to rid herself of the demon she contacts a rabbi. The ending is what you would expect, complete with an exorcism and demon battle which everyone dies. To add insult to injury she finds out her bastard boyfriend knocked her up with twins... I'm sorry to say I think this movie will live on in a sequel.

This movie kept my attention but again nothing special other than a scantily dressed girl. I can say there were some pretty freaky scary scenes but that’s it. If you watch it, I can only assume that there wasn’t anything else on. I mean it is still horror but I rate it 3.5/10 and that was being kind.

Movie Review - Daybreakers (2009)

Vampires are cool aren’t they? This is why I decided to watch yet another flick on that sub-genre but this time with an open mind. The movie in question is “Daybreakers” (2009). I would definitely categorize this film as being a science fiction-horror even though it is listed as a horror-thriller.

Although I was ‘thrilled’, I couldn’t help but notice the obvious similarities to the movie “Last Man on Earth” (1964) in which Dr. Robert Morgan (Vincent Price) is the only one left living fighting vampires who of course have turned by some sort of plague? Another a few movies close to it would be the remakes “The Omega Man” (1971) and Will Smith’s “I am Legend” (2007). So, the idea may not have been unique, there was some original concepts with regards to a cure.

The storyline is simple; a plague turns people into vampires, they need blood to survive. Human blood is of course the best vintage and so the supply soon runs out. The movie jumps forward 10 years later from the beginning of the plague. A pharmaceutical company is researching synthetic blood and seems to be the main military clout. Hysteria breaks out and vampires are starved turning them into aggressive bat like creatures. Later, a small faction of humans meets with vampires to reveal and explore a possible end.

The gore and blood scenes were decent, splatter fest. The editing and special effects were fantastic adding that ‘Matrix’ - 'Van Helsing' feel. This movie had my attention the whole way through but I couldn’t help but wonder why the vampires didn’t consider cloning people. Supposedly this film takes place in the year 2019; one would think that present technologies would continue to be researched. The acting and characters were adequate for their parts. Just a solid well put together film.

Some might think this flick was a rip off but I don’t care. It is worth watching. I rate this film 8.5/10. If anything, you should watch for the similarities.

Movie Review - Lifeforce (1985)

I thought I would switch it up and view a science fiction movie. What a surprise, it's also classified as horror too! I have to admit, I felt a bit confused; it was like “2001 Space Odyssey” meets “Fright Night” with a twinge of “28 Days”. The title is called “Lifeforce” (1985).

The basic premise is like this: a group of 3 ‘space vampires’ (2 guys and 1 girl who are enclosed is glass like coffins) who are awaken by a space exploration team near Halley’s Comet. They then ‘feed’ on most of the ship crew-all but one and are some how are brought back to earth. On earth, the space officials are trying to solve the mystery of why the space craft was almost blown up, track down the vampires, and kill them. While the space vampires are being tracked down, they of course are feeding on multiple victims. The feeding is not in the traditional sense that one would expect from a vampire but rather orally-sucking some sort of electrical ‘life-force’ from the unsuspecting victims. (It actually reminds me of how the Wraith from “Stargate: Atlantis” suck life from a person too.) The Space Vampires seem to feed to the point that the hosts are reduced to skeletons but some how only have 2 hours of life before turning into dust. In some cases, victims were zombiefied and crazed while passing on their vampire tendencies.

The special effects aren’t too bad for what is was. I do like the skeletons; a little blood splattering here and there was good. Not a big budget film and it shows. All in all it was a good mix. I don’t think I would really recommend this film, but I would suggest watching if your fan of horror. I give this movie 3/10.

Book Review - Terminator and Philosophy

Thought I would do something different than post a movie review. How about a book report... I recently just finished reading “Terminator and Philosophy: I’ll Be Back, Therefore I am” by William Irwin, Richard Brown and Kevin Decker. Yes, this book is both entertaining and educational. Ever wonder what John Connor, Sarah Connor or the T-101 was thinking? This book explores the deeper meanings behind their reason for existence and how they relate with the events of judgment day and the machines.

Let me just say that this book was fantastic, a bit deep and hard to swallow at times. Basically, the book contains a compilation of essays written by various scholars to explore and debate philosophical ideas and apply them to the Terminator franchise (Terminator, T2 Judgment Day, T3 Rise of the Machines and The Sarah Connor Chronicles). There are several quotes, and citations from the franchise to help solidify their arguments. I did find at times that it was a bit of an overkill dwelling on certain topics to the point of annoyance (almost like beating a dead horse).

The themes presented were completely profound. In some cases I felt I needed a University degree to comprehend the ideas within. This book has it all; everything from theories to speculation. The truth is no one really knows and it is unlikely that James Cameron put that much thought into his movie. It is what it is; an action packed flick with fighting robots.

I have always been interested in philosophy but the topic is so boringly dry... however, when put into the context of the Terminator franchise it has life and new meaning. I did lean a thing and enjoyed reading it. Being that I'm a big fan of the franchise and the Terminator universe, that I just had to read it.

I highly recommend reading this book; even if you’re not into philosophy but as a fan. Who knows, you may just pick up a thing or two about one of the best movie franchises in history.
THE TERMINATOR, HE'LL BE BACK

Movie Review - Zombie Town (2007)

If you’re a true fan of horror, gore and zombies like me, than you can appreciate films which are not considered mainstream. I’m a big advocate for independent film makers and their efforts; it’s what keeps the genre alive. That said I would invite you all to watch "Zombie Town" (2007). I was really impressed with this one.

I would categorize this story as a horror survival, the premise seems to be very reminiscent of the movie "Night of the Creeps" (1986). Townspeople become infected and are filled with black slug parasites. This makes them zombies going around biting other innocent locals. Then, enter- a small group of 20 something’s banding together trying to solve the mystery, come up with a plan and execute the annihilation of their zombie infected town folk.

There was a bit of subtle humour that reminds me of "Zombie Land" (2009), but it's all about the delivery. The zombies running amok were a cross between that of "28 Days" and "Night of the Living Dead", -a good combination. The camera work was a bit shaky at times, overall not too too bad. The acting was poorly done though, everything from overacting to sounding too rehearsed. Aside from that, this movie didn't lack in the gore department. There was lots of blood and guts making it very graphic, so much so that Romeo himself would be proud.

So being what it was, I give this movie 7/10 and if anything you should watch for the gore and the primary influence from "Night of the Creeps". Who said that there is a whole lot of nothing going on in small towns?

Movie Review - Undead (2003)

In my humble opinion, British comedy is considered the apex. In all my TV/movie watching, I have formulated that the British do it better and with more style. Canada is one of the only countries that gets it and it's evident in their wholly produced productions. However, the United States perception of comedies lack the subtle humour and well written scripts that are played out in British productions. I think It's interesting to note that some well known sitcoms/series are carbon copies with established roots in Britain.

That said, I recently watched “Undead” (2003). This movie hails from down under but as far as I'm concerned Australia has ties with Britain and it shows. This movie was released here in North America as well but I had never heard of it. The title intrigued me. Could it be another zombie flick ?

Upon viewing, I soon discovered it was a zombie horror adventure comedy about surviving. Surprised and delighted, I was so impressed. I found the movie to be heavily influenced by the "Evil Dead" series and contained elements reminiscent of the "Night of the Living Dead" series. In fact, it may have been the inspiration for fight scenes and subtle humor to the hit zombie horror comedy “Shaun of the Dead”. (2004). In any case, this movie is chalk full of fun.

I won’t give away any of the story line on this one, you will have to watch it. I assure that you will be pleasantly surprised. The story line is a bit weak but is interesting enough to keep your attention. I will say this; this movie is filled with the usual cheese and even introduces alien intervention. I rate this movie 7.5/10. This movie is definitely worth watching if not to see the references of cult classics within.

Movie Review - Brain Dead / Dead Alive (1992)

I'm not sure I agree with the saying 'less is better', but when it comes to gore, the more gore -- the better. What I'm referring to is the flick "Braindead / Dead Alive" (1992). Now, I've been meaning to see this for a while and can't believe I hadn't. This movie is supposed to be a cult classic, I would like to think that most avid horror fans would have already seen it. So I won't go into any detail but it is definitely a celebration of carnage.

The gore is top notch. Wow ! This movie is funny as hell too. The comedy overwrites the fact that it's gore and so you can't help but laugh instead of puke. The scenes are very graphic. The story itself is not bad, but of course it had potential to be better but that would mean less gore and more talk. You will spend the last 40 minutes with your mouth open in amazement. In short, it's a piece of art.

I can't believe that this movie was directed by Peter Jackson. Who would have thought that just 10 years later he would be giving us the most amazing complex story ever imagined...with "Lord Of the Rings". I suppose everyone has their beginnings but how he was able to do it is a bit of a mystery.

Being that it is a cult favorite. I am not rating it. If you like gore, watch it. It's there. I liked it for what it was and happy I did. In any case, I highly recommend viewing this movie, not for the story but the sheer enjoyment of maximum visual stimulation.