PARANORMAL ASYLUM: THE REVENGE OF TYPHOID MARY Will Make You Sick

RATED- UNRATED
RUN TIME- 90 MINS
WRITER(S)- FRED EDISON AND GREGORY SCOTT HOUGHTON
STARRING- ROSALIND ASHFORD, PAUL BRIGHT, AND CAMERON CHIUSANO
DIRECTOR- NIMROD ZALMANOWITZ



Synopsis taken from IMDb
Best friends Mark (Aaron Mathias) and Andy (Nathan Spiteri), both aspiring filmmakers, are seeking their next project. They decide to investigate the mystery of Mary Malone, aka Typhoid Mary (Jenny Lee Mitchell), who was sent to North Brother Island, a New York insane asylum, to live in a quarantined isolation after she was blamed for spreading Typhoid Fever.

This is a flick that can be viewed on Netflix, the source in which I watched it. Now, some of you may not be familiar with Typhoid Mary, and neither was I, until I did some research. Turns out that in 1900 to 1907, Mary worked as a cook in the New York area. Pretty much, everywhere she went and worked, resulted in people getting really, really sick. And after all fingers pointed back to her, she was put away in quarantine, then released. Then, she was put back in quarantine, and that's where she died of pneumonia in 1938, at age 69.

Now, after reading up on Mary, and Typhoid Fever, I was anxious to see how "Paranormal Asylum: The Revenge of Typhoid Mary"  would play out. And if used properly, Mary's story could be tweaked to be made into a horror film. The question was, would this film take that leap and succeed? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

I am truthful when I say that this film had potential, but it's vision was just out of reach for such a low-budget movie. The story ends up becoming cliche and typical, and it doesn't go anywhere daring to keep the viewer engaged. I honestly don't know how many paranormal films can keep being made. There's a film for just about every haunting now, and most of them fail miserably. It would be nice for once someone could pull a rabbit out of a hat and really deliver a solid film.

The story and plot are so common that the lack of effort takes the wind out of the movie's sails. It tries to remain suspenseful, but lacks in all suspense and scares. And tries to get away with cheap, loud jumps and quick flashes, simple tactics that don't work on a professional level. I don't know what's so hard about making a ghost story! All the writers, Fred Edison and Gregory Scott Houghton, had to do is look at every other common ghost story around and make a film that's not like them. 

Instead, we're given a film that joins right along side the weak and lackluster ghost stories.

The acting suffers dearly along with the slow and boring pace of the movie. It's a flick that you pay attention to, but don't get anything out of. I just watched as the non-layered character development went on, never feeling or caring anything for any of the cast. Seems like some actors and actresses didn't try at all, and others that did try, tried too hard.

Andy's fiance, Michelle starts acting strange, and both Andy and Mark can see something is wrong with her. This of course, ties in with the fact that Michelle contacted the spirit of Mary through a seance. Some people just never learn...

The film becomes a struggle of survival, but the threat never really seems there due to the seriously low suspense rate. It's very dry and dull, and misses the point. Ghost stories like these are a dime a dozen. They're ridiculously common, and it's a shame that ghost stories like this are currently mimicked and used as the latest standard. Sorry, I just expect films with a little more effort. Can't say I'm a fan of this one.

On a side note, I am currently in a slump of movies. Every so often, I will be on a roll of good movies. Sometimes, I view 10-15 decent flicks in a row. And then, I hit a low, where I watch a large amount of bad pictures in a row. Hopefully, I'll get past this rut soon and get back on track with reviewing films that I actually like. Of course, I have to find some first.

AMITYVILLE ASYLUM will drive you insane

RATED- UNRATED
RUN TIME- 88 MINS
WRITER(S)- ANDREW JONES
STARRING- SARAH LOUISE MADISON, SOPHIA DEL PIZZO, AND KENTON HALL
DIRECTOR- ANDREW JONES



Synopsis taken from IMDb
Lisa Templeton begins a new job as a cleaner at High Hopes Hospital, a mental institution in Amityville, Long Island. Initially delighted to get the job, Lisa soon realizes that all is not as it seems.

This marks the 11th film in the Amityville franchise. And I openly have to admit that I do not like any of the Amityville films. I didn't revisit the original movie until recently, which would make it the better part of seven years since I've last seen it. And, it still did nothing for me, I wasn't entertained. The same is to be said for the sequels for me as well. I know part II has a big following behind it but, again, I wasn't impressed. 

I've even watched the newer documentary of Netflix called, "My Amityville Horror", in which the focus is about Daniel Lutz, and his personal confessions about his life, and truth about the haunting's. Strangely enough, I didn't like that one neither. And I now find the things that happened in that house to be more fake and unbelievable than before. Anyway, let's get one with it...

Seeing as the Amityville series has already about milked the cow for every last drop, I was surprised to see such a new take on the whole thing. Rather than make another crappy haunting film, this picture has vision and goes to new places. However, I didn't say they were good places. Before I get critical, I'd like to start by giving props to the filmmakers for trying to go somewhere fresh with this series.

Basically, this film is about Lisa Templeton (Sophia Del Pizzo) and how she needs a job. Despite doing everything but ruining her interview at the hospital, she gets the job as a janitor/cleaning lady. The excitement doesn't last long when she starts to see things around the hospital, like a woman who died earlier in the day. Then she tells her superiors about her visions and suspicions, and like every other predictable ghost story, everyone looks at her like she's crazy, and thinks her to be so. Now, you're probably thinking how this has anything to do with the Amityville series, and I'm going to tell you. 

See, the hospital in which she and everyone else is working is built on top of where the Amityville house was demolished. So of course, Lisa does some digging and finds dirt, like usual. And she comes to find out that she's in over her head with everything going on around her. Again, this film is solely based on fiction, seeing as the real house is still good and standing. This movie is an attempt to take a stab at a new situation, since all other possibilities are wore out from being used in the prior installments. 

The thing that I hated most about this film is that it takes forever getting to it's point. And while you're waiting, you're bored to tears. It's entirely too slow and you're stuck watching characters you don't give a damn about, doing nothing important. This is one of those movies like ones I've mentioned before, where you can get up, use the bathroom, get a snack and drink, text, and come back in the room without having hit pause and still understand everything going on. Watching, I could tell where the film was going, and it was excruciating to stick around for it to play out. So predictable, yet we're dragged through the mud just to see what we already know is going to happen, happen. 

To me, this film goes out of sight, and out of mind like the rest of them. They can be in Walmart's $5 bin all they want, I consider that too high of a price to pay for any of them. And even though it's new, this film will be in that bin with them in no time. 

An American Ghost Story (2012)

A.K.A. REVENANT 

RATED- UNRATED

RUN TIME- 95 MINS

WRITER(S)- STEPHEN TWARDOKUS

STARRING- STEPHEN TWARDOKUS, LIESEL KOPP, AND JON GALE

DIRECTOR- DEREK COLE

Synopsis taken from IMDb

When Paul, an unemployed writer, decides to rent and live in a house that's rumored to be haunted, he puts his life and his relationships in grave danger as he obsessively attempts to get the story that will finally make his career. 

 

I viewed a private screener for this only a few days ago, after hearing about it from several other bloggers. Like everything, I went in open minded and gave it a chance. Made on an estimated $10,000, I wasn't expecting a whole lot out of it, but I always remain optimistic.

When the film ended, I had mixed emotions. There were things that I liked, and strongly disliked. For one, this is a slow burning horror film. I've got nothing against movies that take their time building suspense and atmosphere. This one, however, was a let down in the sense that nothing ever really happens. This one burns a little too slow, and instead of building the aforementioned atmosphere, it takes the viewer out of the film. 

It is excruciatingly boring at times. I don't mind that it takes a while for events to occur but, this movie really draws out and takes it's time. And the most disappointing thing of all is that the scares that do eventually happen, they aren't worth the tiring wait that you've sat through.

Secondly, when things did happen, when the big scares did occur, they weren't anything original that we haven't seen before. It was recycled scares. At first, I was a bit creeped out, and I've gotta give the film credit for managing to get a reaction out of me at all. However, the effect wasn't long lasted and was shortly lived the second I had a minute to register what had happened. The scares are good for quick responses but, other than that, nothing memorable there. The biggest of scares has to do with a moving sheet, something we've seen 100 times over in such films as the "Paranormal Activity" series.

I can't say that I was expecting great acting but, the performances actually weren't that bad. Like all films of this quality, a lot of dialog seems forced and not genuine, and the acting can be dry and flat at times, but in the end, it wasn't too shabby. Not saying it was anything worth talking about either...

The character development is there, but it's not fully brought out and allowed to bloom. So even though the story's there, we never see anything that brings these characters out of being one-dimensional.

The story however, to me, was a watered down version of 2012's "Sinister". Guy moves into a house, and is hellbent to stay, regardless of how much damage it'll do, all for the sake of writing a book. So, the film loses out on the originality aspect too. I get that resources for low-budget/indie films are very scarce, but I expect a little more than just the standard ghost story. I want to see an inventive take on things, and a movie that isn't afraid to take risks, in which this one takes none. 

Being unbiased, I've gotta take a second to mention that I do appreciate the vision this film was going for. Instead of blowing the budget on some cheap, terrible effects, simple and subtle actions were taken. On a positive note, this is a little effective flick for what it is. It's just nothing you're going to walk away from and recommend to friends.    

In conclusion, this is worth a one time watch to anyone willing to give it a chance. It's a good motion picture to get a few goosebumps out of you, if only for a few moments. Could have been better, could have been worse. Can't say I'm really impressed, can't say I despise it either. It falls in between somewhere. Not sure I can say me and this film will ever cross paths again, life goes on. If this picture had more substance it would have been a lot more effective. 

The Last Will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh (2012)

RATED- UNRATED
RUN TIME- 77 MINS
WRITER(S)- RODRIGO GUDINO
STARRING- AARON POOL, VANESSA REDGRAVE AND JULIAN RICHINGS
DIRECTOR- RODRIGO GUDINO



Synopsis taken from IMDb
An antiques collector inherits a house from his estranged mother only to discover that she had been living in a shrine devoted to a mysterious cult. Soon, he comes to suspect that his mother's oppressive spirit still lingers within her home and is using items in the house to contact him with an urgent message.




Today I'm reviewing a chilling, mind turning film called "The Last will and Testament of Rosalind Leigh". Again, this is another film available on Netflix, so if you want to give this a watch, it's right at your fingertips. I watched this one late at night and by myself. To be truthful, I'd be lying if I said I fully understood it, there's a lot to this movie, and it may take more than one viewing to fully digest what the movie offers. I myself, will be watching it again very soon, maybe even tonight.

I've heard mixed reviews on this one, and I can be totally truthful when I say, that I see both perspectives when it comes down to it. I can see why some would love it, and I can see why some would hate it. Like a lot of horror films, not all genre fans are going to be on the same page when it comes to opinions. This is aimed at those who don't need gore thrown in their face. This is a slow paced haunting film with story and characters. It takes the slow burn route and really just slowly seeps into your skin and brain. 

I'd like to think it's aimed at mature viewers, because it's not all about what you see. You have to think and use your brain. The viewer is treated as intelligent, instead of throwing around cheap jumps and noise to scare you. Though, I will add that some of the music gets to be a bit much, and may make you want to turn your television down. It can actually get quite annoying at times.

What drew me to this film is that it has a sad undertone to it. It's not a happy film and it doesn't try to overcompensate by trying to be overly scary. The pace of the film may seem to move at the pace of a snail at times, but it still manages to keep you watching. Mostly because you're trying to figure out what the hell is going on! Don't take that in a negative light though, I always like a little mystery to my films. Sometimes explanations can kill the hook the movie has on you.

The narration by Rosalind (Vanessa Redgrave) is somber, touching and creepy. You really get a wide array of emotions going when watching this film. One minute you feel one way and the next minute you're all twisted up. This works exceptionally well when applied to ghost/haunting stories. This may not be the greatest paranormal film you'll ever see, but it certainly will sit with you for a bit after you watch it, and make you do an aforementioned second watch.

Leon (Aaron Pool), Rosalind's son is settling his mother's estate and starts to encounter weird things and happenings such as statues showing up and moving on their own. What's unique about this film is that Leon is practically alone through the duration of the film. The whole film centers around him and how he's reacting and dealing with his mother's death. We almost instantly know how he feels of her, which isn't very good. There's a lot in his past that he's not happy to remember. We come to understand that he was harshly abused as a child by his mother for not sharing her belief in God, and moved away to get away from it all.

When Leon comes back to deal with his mother's estate things go from weird to crazy, and them back to weird. The whole movie keeps you guessing as to what is really happening, up until the sad and haunting ending. There's really not too much to give away without confusing any reader, so I'll stop right here. Just know that if you're in the mood for a film that will keep you intrigued and may cause an eyebrow to be raised a time or two, this is worth a watch. Especially if you like haunting films and wouldn't mind giving it a second viewing once the smoke clears from the first time.

There's some bad acting at times throughout, which is the same I can say for the editing. This isn't one of the best ghost stories you'll ever see, not even close. It's also not the worst either. This is a movie that manages to do it's job without an abundance of gore, nudity and killings. It's an easy, laid back horror film that'll keep you're mind going the whole time. So yeah, it's absolutely worth at least one watch by anyone up for a decent haunting story.

A Haunted House (2013)

"This $*%! ain't paranormal"

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 86 MINS
WRITER(S)- MARLON WAYANS AND RICK ALVAREZ
STARRING- MARLON WAYANS, ESSENCE ATKINS AND MARLENE FORTE
DIRECTOR- MICHAEL TIDDES

Synopsis taken from IMDb

Malcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, but soon learn a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm-determined to keep his sex life on track- turns to a priest, a psychic and a team of ghost-busters for help.



STORY: Marlon Wayans gives the horror-spoof genre a go on his own in this film,without his brothers Sean and Keenan Ivory Wayans. In this film, like all the other Wayans films, it's laced with jokes with the butt end being racial or potty humor. This film is shot in POV mode with a camcorder, just like in the Paranormal Activity movies. Malcolm (Marlon Wayans) lives on his own in with his dog and maid, Rosa (Marlene Forte) and he decides it'd be a good idea for his girlfriend Kisha (Essence Atkins) to move in with him. Upon her arrival, Malcolm starts to immediately wonder if his friends were right in telling him not to go ahead with the move. Most importantly, he's not getting laid and that sets him off.

Kisha mentions she's been hearing noises and at first Malcolm doesn't believe her, but he becomes convinced. They call upon a Psychic for advisement on what is haunting their house. Chip the Psychic (Nick Swardson) comes to their aid and is more caught up in his crush on Malcolm than the haunting.

Things get even worse when Kisha becomes possessed, and Malcolm calls upon "The Ghost Guys", a team of wannabe ghost hunters and a Priest named Father Williams (Cedric the Entertainer). As they all try and help, they none seem to able to do anything effective.They're in over their heads.

Malcolm and Kisha are terrified of their unwanted visitor

HUMOR/LAUGHS: This movie is laugh out loud funny. The whole theater was in hysterics! This movie didn't let up with the humor and it was pretty funny the whole way through. Cedric the Entertainer was a show stealer as Father Williams, his scenes were cracking me up. He was a good addition to the cast.



SPECIAL FX/STUNTS: The effects in this movie were cheap gag jokes that you could tell didn't cost a lot, but that makes it funnier. The point is to see how they react to the bizarre events going on, that's where the real funny stuff is. There was a lot of cgi used in this movie for some of the gags and other scarier elements of this film but nothing fancy.



OVERALL: If you go into the theater expecting a Christopher Nolan or Francis Coppola film, and judging it on the terms of being a "good movie" than go see something else. The people making this movie knew exactly what they were doing, going of an over-the-top funny movie full of raunchy humor and sterotyping. They aren't concerned with winning an Oscar. Judging this movie on a fair grounds, being that it's a movie meant to entertain you and make you laugh, it's a total blast. I can't wait for it to come out on Blu-ray.

THIS FILM GETS 3 REAPER SKULLS OUT OF 5