YOU'RE NEXT is a modern horror masterpiece

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 94 MINS
WRITER(S)- SIMON BARRETT
STARRING- SHARNI VINSON, JOE SWANBERG, AND AJ BOWEN
DIRECTOR- ADAM WINGARD



Synopsis taken from IMDb
When the Davidson family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one victim harbors a secret attack for fighting back.

I know, I know, I'm a bit late on this one. Sorry for the delay, I'm just simply backed up with stuff to watch, including screeners. I got back from seeing this film last night, and I left the theater talking about it, and smiling. It actually cracks me up whenever good motion pictures like this hit, and are a big deal amongst the horror community. Because, it shows all the people out there ignorantly boasting about horror being dead, that it's clearly not. Yeah, there's been a lot of bad horrors this year, films that didn't live up to their expectations, like "The Purge". 

But, however you look at it, there's been a good amount of good horror films made this year. With "Evil Dead", "The Conjuring", and "You're Next" all doing well at the box-office, and going over well with the majority of genre fans, I'd say horror is kicking and screaming. The list goes on, we've got "The Lords of Salem", and "Hatchet III" to include as well. But, let's move on to the film at hand here...

"You're Next" is a brilliant breath of fresh air! Yeah, it's a home invasion movie, and there's others like it. That doesn't matter, as long as the movie manages to mix things up and go to new places, which this motion picture does. Though this took two years to finally hit the big screen and get the theatrical release it deserved, it is more than well worth the wait! 

It begins with a slow, yet explosive opening that instantly sets the mood for the whole duration. There is nothing pretty about it, it's just very gritty and balls to the wall horror. And it manages to stay entertaining and not go too far into the realism to the point where it takes the viewer out of the picture, or becomes uncomfortable to watch. Being totally honest, with all the hype buzzing around this one, I was really worried that I'd be the oddball and not like it. That's not the case.

Aside from being fresh and hip, the film manages to be smart and sexy, and completely enjoyable. Best thing of all is that it's not predictable. The characters are well crafted and genuine, which does make the brutality of it a little unnerving but, that's the freaking point! I'm completely impressed overall. Not to mention that Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator) is in it and looks as beautiful as ever! 

Wilmington Delaware's own Ti West, director of "The House of the Devil" and "The Innkeepers", plays a quick role as Tariq. I found it amusing because his character is an exaggerated version of himself, pretty much. 

The thing that stands out the most about this movie, that really makes it a winner, is the fact that we're given the best female heroine since Jamie Lee Curtis' performance as Laurie Strode from the original John Carpenter classic from 1978, "Halloween". Sharni Vinson (Bait 3D) plays Erin, a bad-ass chick who can more than handle her own. She's smart, tough, and totally believable. On a side note, I'd like to mention that I like how there is backstory added in to explain how she's such a strong woman. Without that tidbit, her character wouldn't have held up as well.

Aside from the acting and characters, the story doesn't let up once it starts. It's just non-stop, in-your-face entertainment. I've got to commend Adam Wingard for not overusing gore. This film is kept grounded in the sense that it doesn't become unbelievable due to the amount of blood used. It's used where necessary. And the kills are both inventive, and things we've seen before. Even so, they're all bloody well done, no pun intended.

As the story plays out, everything comes into light and we realize that the killers actually have a motive, unlike 2008's "The Strangers", in which this film is often compared. And, the plot twists are on point, and keep you glued to the screen. It's heart pounding thrill after thrill, with plenty of jumps. Lastly, what I noticed and really appreciated about this movie, is that the scares aren't given away and made predictable with the music. "You're Next" just jumps out and grabs you! It's the best film of it's kind in recent memory.

The Purge is a popcorn flick, nothing more.

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 85 MINS
WRITER(S)- JAMES DeMONACO
STARRING- ETHAN HAWKE, LENA HEADEY AND MAX BURKHOLDER
DIRECTOR- JAMES DeMONACO



Synopsis taken from IMDb
A family is held hostage for harboring the target of a murderous syndicate during the Purge, a 12-hour period in which any and all crime is legalized. 




I saw the "Evil Dead" remake back when it was released, and that was the first time I saw a trailer for this film. From the go I noticed two things that made me want to see it: Ethan Hawke is the star, I'm a big fan of his acting. And the other thing being that the concept of this film is original and a really cool idea.

Now the film has been out for a good few weeks, and due to being over worked, I just got around to seeing it Sunday night. I was the only one in the theater, so I was kicked back and ready to enjoy myself. Popcorn and soda in hand. I've heard some negative reviews about this film, but I always tend to have my own opinion and not let others think for me. Part of me couldn't understand what could have gone wrong for it to get such bad reviews, because it looked so good!

From the start, the movie had me locked in. I barely took my eyes off of the screen even to eat my popcorn, I was spilling it everywhere. Good thing no one else was around to see what a pig I was being (laugh). But seriously, the movie kept me watching the whole entire film, so I gotta take my hat off to that. I was thoroughly entertained from beginning to end.

After viewing it, my take on it seems to be that of many others. Only not as harsh. I think the acting was very well done. Everyone did a pretty good job performing. Where the film slacked is that it felt rushed, and thus a lot of details are missing. If the film had been an extra half our or even fifteen minutes longer, I think it would have been better. It's a fantastic, original idea, but it suffers from a bit of bad writing. 

Some of the things that happen don't come off as genuine, so that disconnects you from the characters a bit. Some of the choices they make cause the film to fall under cliches, and that's what takes away from it. With this film, they had the chance to do new things and go new places. And instead, they use a great concept and mix it in with things already done before, and even  a bit predictable.

When the murderers come to the Sandin's house and demand their Purge victim back, they're not being malevolent, they're being patient and understanding. Yet it still comes off creepy as hell. I liked that the Purger's weren't totally cold hearted, and that they were logical instead of radical. Rhys Wakefield plays the leader of the group hunting down their victim. He's evil, but awesome. Although he acts cool and collected, you can see the beast awaiting just under the surface. 

As the film progressed, there were some crazy things that happen that I wasn't expecting. I got a few surprises out of it and a jump or two. And I really liked Ethan Hawke's character. For once there isn't someone who's a complete imbecile as the lead. James Sandin, (Hawke) does what he has to to protect his family. He's a family man first and foremost. It was a relief to watch someone on screen taking the proper action, and not just leaving a knife beside the body of someone you "think" is dead. 

"The Purge" isn't a perfect film. And it doesn't quite meet its potential. But it's a very thrilling and entertaining ride. I'd watch it several more times and maybe grow to even like it more. This isn't a movie that sucks so bad that you'll never want to see it again. I think the main reason it's received bad reviews is because people had their hopes high. I'm a fan of this film, but it's not all it could have been. 

And for all of the haters out there, be ready, because due to this films success, a sequel is already in the works.

THIS FILM GETS 3 REAPER SKULLS OUT OF 5