Movie Review: Winchester

Being a horror fan, i sometimes feel obligated to get out and support horror movies in the theater. This means i often sit through awful mainstream dreck without an ounce of artistry to its money sucking soul. Of course, I do like being surprised by mainstream horror, movies like The Conjuring and Insidious did just that. So, when i first saw the trailer for Winchester, I thought I was in for that rare mainstream treat. The film, based on the trailer, had an interesting look, an interesting premise, plus the added bonus of Helen Mirren. Then I started hearing that it was no good, slow and boring and I almost took a pass on it, but faced with sold out Black Panther screenings, it looked like a good alternative to me, so I gave it a shot.

Concert Review: Iron Maiden w/ Ghost (Barclays Center 7/21/17)

It has been a handful of years since i was a regular concert goer. There have been a number of factors that led to my general lack of concert going, like the fact I don’t really care to travel long distances to go to a show and the lack of quality shows coming to my neck of the woods. Well, one of the bands that could and should get you out of your concert-going funk is Iron Maiden. When I learned they would be marking a stop in Brooklyn and were bringing Ghost with them, well, I knew where i had to be. And there I was and they did not disappoint whatsoever. In fact, the show sold out so fast they added a second date.

Movie Review: We Are Still Here

In 1981, Lucio Fulci completed the unofficial Gates of Hell Trilogy with House by the Cemetery (it follows The Beyond and City of the Living Dead). The movie centered on a family who move to an old house with a secret. I do not want to give away the secret, but let me say it is a good one. The film is another winner in the late Fulci’s filmography. It has a great score and features the great Catriona MacColl. Of course, it has the most annoying screen child this side of the Babadook boy, the infamous Bobby. Now, I am sure you are wondering just what this has to do with We Are Still Here, right? Well, rest assured, it is not another remake.

Movie Review: Woman in Black 2 - Angel of Death

It was nearly three years ago that we were introduced to the Woman in Black, a woman wronged, doomed to haunt the Eel Marsh estate exacting revenge on any who should cross her path. That movie was set at the turn of the twentieth century and centered on an insurance agent played by Daniel Radcliffe (in his first post-Harry Potter role). It was a well executed old school ghost story. Rather atmospheric and certainly effective. Now we are faced with a sequel. Is it a necessary one? Nope, don't think so. Still, here it is despite any real reason for existence. Why was it made? I doubt I will ever really know.

Movie Review: The Conjuring

It has to be difficult for a director working within a specific genre. There are some types of films whose formulas and tropes have been so ingrained in pop culture and people so familiar with how they work that it has to be incredibly difficult to work within them and create something effective. It is not always easy to break from the chains of familiarity and transcend what we think a genre film can be. Some people are willing to accept mediocrity. Fortunately we have some filmmakers willing to play in the genres and try things, some new, some old.

Movie Review: Mama (2013)

When I first saw the trailer for Mama I have to admit that I was intrigued. The movie looked genuinely creepy, and that is always a good element to have when talking about a ghost story. However, despite the generally positive reaction I had to the trailer, he prospect of it actually being a good movie left me conflicted. The biggest problem was that it was rated PG-13. On the other side, it has none other than Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) on board as a producer and he is not the sort who lends his name lightly. There must have been something about this project that caught his attention, that fact should make this a worthwhile endeavor.