Movie Review: Aftershock (2013)

So, the other day I just happened to be scanning the local theaters to see what they had, not sure why, there usually isn't a whole lot of variety. Then I came across a theater I haven't been to in years and discovered they had the Eli Roth produced Aftershock. I had heard of the film, even seen the trailer, but figured I wouldn't see it in theaters since it was only getting a limited release (along with VOD, I believe). Talk about a pleasant surprise.

Critical Capsule: Iron Man 3, The Great Gatsby, Pain and Gain, Oblivion, Disconnect, Trance, 42

I just realized that there have been a few recent releases that I have not weighed on on here on the site. As much as I would like to review everything that I watch, regardless of where I see it, that just isn't going to happen. I am not going to say I will never do proper reviews on these films, but I thought before they get too far back in the rearview mirror, I would chime I with a little blurb on each, if you will.

The CritCast watches Just Before Dawn

Recently I was able to attend a 35mm screening of Just Before Dawn with director Jeff Lieberman in attendance. It was a great experience. It was the first time I ever saw this film and seeing it on the big screen as originally intended was a particular treat. This movie may be lumped in with other slashers of the era, it is more than that. Just watch, while the set up seems awfully familiar, the execution is quite different. This is a good film that builds atmosphere and tries to avoid typical horror movie cliches. Watch as I ramble about my experience.

Movie Review: The Living Dead Girl (aka La morte vivante)

Hot on the heels of my experience with The Night of the Hunted, I jumped right back into the Jean Rollin pool with The Living Dead Girl. It is another haunting exercise in style, atmosphere, and mood, with less attention paid to performance ad story development. Who knew this could be such a potent combination? (that is a rhetorical question. Clearly somebody knew and I am left to play catchup.) Also, whenever I see the title, I cannot help but think of Rob Zombie, and knowing his affinity for horror, am assuming there is a connection, but am too lazy to actually look.

Movie Review: The Night of the Hunted (aka La nuit des traquees)

I must admit to being a neophyte when it comes to Jean Rollin. Prior to The Night of the Hunted, my one experience win Rollin was Zombie Lake, a movie that is not good, but I think I kind of like (I am still making up my mind). It seems to me that Rollin is kind of love him or hate him type of filmmaker. I am rather glad that I discovered him at this stage of my cinematic maturation. If I had watched these movies earlier, I likely wold have written him off and meet looked back. I am not saying you will like him or not, his style is definitely am acquired taste.

Movie Review: Go Goa Gone

I love being surprised by a movie. I love being caught off guard by something of unexpected quality. Going into something blindly and finding something awesome or classic or entertaining is just a great feeling. It helps explain my reaction to Go Goa Gone, the latest Bollywood import from Eros International to hit local theaters. Now, I have enjoyed going to the Indian imports when they play, they may never be my favorite type of film, but they offer a different cinematic experience. As for this one, it was different in a great many ways. Mostly for the good.