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Lights Out (2016)
A solid scare machine with an excellent finale.
84%
Despite my enjoyment of the original short, I was not impressed with the trailers for LIGHTS OUT, which made it look like just another jump-scare laden, run-of-the- mill, exercise in mediocrity. To my surprise the pre-release buzz was overwhelmingly positive, and since I got chance to see it for free thanks to a screening pass, I had nothing to lose, and as it turns out Lights Out is one of the biggest surprises of the year. Is it still filled with jump scares? Absolutely, but these types of scares are not of the cheap variety. And what's most impressive is how debuting writer/director David F. Sandberg is able to repeat essentially the same scare over and over, but keeping each one fresh, exciting, and inventive. Save for many that have been spoiled in the advertising, it's the many more that haven't been shown that are the cream of the crop. Lights Out got me to scream out loud on more than one occasion, something The Conjuring 2 was unable to do. Ironically, Lights Out is produced by James Wan (director of The Conjuring franchise) and Sanberg outdoes him again and again, both in legit scares and intensity, a perfect amount of humor sprinkled throughout that isn't cringe inducing, and a visual style all his own that is at times flat out dazzling. Even if the film hadn't been as successful as it is, the technical aspects are faultless.
Still, there are some flaws to be found. It's increasingly apparent that the frightening set pieces were at the forefront of importance when the script was being written, with the character and story depth taking a back seat. Though we do end up caring for these characters, it's mostly through their convincing performances rather than the writing itself. The origin story to the antagonist Diana feels rushed and a bit confused. We understand that something 'very bad happened' to her, and that there was some kind of accident.
But unless I was zoning out, we don't get enough explanation as to what exactly happened and who she was, or why she turned out the way she did beyond the bare-minimum. The attempt at strained familial bonds and mental illness reminds one of The Babadook lite at times, but unfortunately Lights Out never reaches the level of that film's' thematic weight (save for a rather unforeseen turn at at end).
Essentially, the story is nothing more than a clothesline to hang upon what the audience came for, the horror and thrills. These aspects certainly could have been a lot worse, and they don't necessarily drag the film too far down, but a second draft and more fleshing out would have been welcome.
With that being said, Lights Out plays for a while as a solidly executed, entertaining, if not quite extraordinary horror for its first two thirds. Entertaining enough, but aside from the opening and a few scenes here and there, I was wondering why the film was being so hyped up (as of this writing it still holds a 100% score on RottenTomatoes with 13 reviews and counting). But the best is certainly saved for last. The final sequence is where the goods come and where the film raises itself up on onto another level. I'm telling you, it is absolutely RELENTLESS in it's escalating insanity, genuine suspense, thrills upon thrills upon thrills, and some great moments that had me both laughing and jolting in my chair. It's nothing short of exhilarating, and seeing it in a packed theater only adds to the fun.
This finale is where the director finally goes full throttle and doesn't let up until the final shot. It makes a good film into a damned near-great one, especially for horror fans. The use of lighting is also tops, as the vicious monster can never appear in light, the different sources of light- from a lit candle, a fluorescent black light, head lights, flashlights, even gun shots- are all used ingeniously. The same goes for the darkness, as every time a light bulb flickers, or we are suddenly thrown into pitch black darkness, all one can do is hold their breath and grip their chair. As you know some bad news is about to go down. It really dives into that primal, childhood fear of the dark and may conjure up a few bad memories or two. I can't express it enough, the finale is worth the price of admission alone.
Ultimately, while it may not be on the same level of my favorite horror films of the year (The Neon Demon, The Wailing, The Witch, to name a few.) Lights Out is pure popcorn munching horror fun. Ridiculously entertaining, gorgeously executed, and just a great time at the theater. Time will tell if it holds up on repeated viewings, but for now I definitely recommend every horror fan to give this one a watch opening weekend, preferably at night, in the most packed theater one can find. I eagerly await whatever David F. Sandberg does next.
Colonia (2015)
Flimsy, forgettable, account of a true story of atrocity.
When the post-script information presented before the end credits, telling of the true facts and showing actual photos of the real events of Colonia is for more emotionally affecting and interesting than the film that preceded it- you know you're in trouble.
In fact I had completely forgotten I had even watched this film until I came across it on a random film list. Colonia reeks of Hollywood phoniness, especially an overlong and rather unnecessary chase sequence near the end that has no other purpose than to make the film long enough to count as a feature length film.
Emma Watson can be a solid actress (see Perks of Being a Wallflower or The Bling Ring) but her performance is nothing more than adequate, and rather forgettable. Daniel Bruhl is solid enough, but it's obvious that both these actors are straining to bring depth and conviction to a flimsy screenplay. Michael Nyquist, however, is certainly chilling and downright loathsome, but even he is nothing more than a one-note villain.
It's also a bad sign when there's a sense the director felt the only way to hold the audience's attention is through endless depictions of abuse and horrific implications of child sex abuse, only to cheapen it when throwing in typical thriller tropes for cheap, ineffective, suspense sequences. It makes the treatment of the true story seem exploitative and disrespectful to the actual victims who had to live through this atrocity.
Colonia feels like a poorly written blurb you'd find in a history book in high school, and the bull shitted 5 page essay one would write just to get a passing grade. Since I had never seen heard of this true story, I was shocked to see how recent certain aspects of it was. But I'd highly suggest skipping this entirely, and looking into documentaries or online research, as this silly and absolutely forgettable depiction of true events should be skipped.
Prank (2013)
A Brilliantly Executed Prank
Clever, darkly humorous, shocking, and grim. Prank not only ranks as one of the best films of the year, but also one of the best of its kind of the decade. A cast of unknowns give brilliant performances, never hitting one false note. It all builds to a final hour of pure insanity, filled with unforeseen twists, jaw dropping imagery, and an ending that is as haunting as it is chilling and ambiguous. Do not skip out on seeing this gem of a film. Even if you aren't a fan of the found footage style, you'll be surprised how steady the camera is throughout. This is just a powerful and unforgettable experience. A film you'll see and never forget. You'll laugh, you'll squirm, you'll be riveted and you'll be left on the floor, beaten with a skateboard. I know there is still quite a year of great films ahead, but Prank will remain in my top ten no matter what. A timely new classic of it's genre. Brilliant.
And ignore the 3.7 IMDb user score. This is 20k times better then what 'found footage' films that get wide release distribution these days.
This is a new classic. You'd be damned to miss out on it.
The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007)
Flawed but still harrowing.
As of 2007 this film has yet to be released, even the sibling directors have gone on to do other films (the dreadful REC remake, Quarantine, and the not-horrible Devil.) But it's the film that hasn't been released that is their most effective work.
The main weakness throughout is the acting. Sometimes it's passable, other times it is dreadful. The actors who are in the titular tapes are spot on and raw. When it comes to the talking head interviews, however, things get a little shaky.
Eventually, though, this low budget freak fest finds its footing, and the audience is served a line of tapes featuring ghastly, sometimes all too real, acts of violence, torture, and dismemberment. The directors pull no punches either. They don't cut away right before the blood is shed. We are confronted with brutal and truly rattling sequences of sustained terror.
But it's not all blood and guts, even though for a while it seems that's all this film has to offer. It also deals with the repercussions of abuse and the psychological damage it can cause, all leading to a denouement that is more frightening in it's implications then the gore we have witnessed.
Not for the faint of heart, but if you have the patience, and you stick with it, The Poughkeepsie Tapes is ultimately a highly successful exercise in unadulterated terror. Seriously, though, some of this will singe your imagination and may make you more than a little queasy.
R: contains explicit depictions of sadistic violence, torture and gore, disturbing graphic images, and for sustained frightening sequences.
Begotten (1989)
Begotton (1990)
Type of horror: Surreal, avant-garde, religious-themed, disturbing. Cautions: Contains graphic and horrific images,
Putting the experience of watching Begotten into words is extremely difficult. There are sequences (particularly the opening) which include some of the most stomach churning and nightmare inducing things that you couldn't possibly imagine. It takes a lot to affect me when it comes to horror films, but Begotten is a film I could never watch again. It's almost as if the print of the film was found in the bowels of hell. But again, it's a film that is simply unable to put into words as it's more of a mind screwing experience.. but an unforgettable, unique, and wholly original one.