Keep An Eye Out For THE TAKING

"The Taking is a cinematic experience of light and sound. It's a film made with balls and intellectual muscle. In this film you will discover horrific art told via grisly images and two tales of woe...

The experience begins with Carl who seeks to murder his best friend and adulterous fiancee. Unexpectedly, he awakens in a wooded wasteland. He has no idea as to where he is or how he got there. A sinister family now holds him captive along with another victim named Jade. They're subjected to arcane rituals and are left tied to a tree for several days.

When Carl looks back on their grisly experience in the forest, he comes to the realization that they're not just in the woods; rather they are in a place where people go to fight the vices living inside them. The losing of this fight is something far worse than death; it's the utter damnation of one's very soul."  

"The Taking" is a micro-budget film, made on only $14K by the filmmaking duo known as The BAPartists (Cezil Reed & Lydelle Jackson). It's shot completely during the day, using the Cannon 5D Mark II.

Also, it's been to four international festivals so far, and will screen in competition for the New Visions category in October of this year. And, within six months of completing the film, it's found distributors domestically and internationally. So far, it's already sold to Australian and German territories.

Based on what little the trailer reveals, and the story, all I can say is that I'll be watching this one closely. And I hope to see it soon. With such limited resources, it's always a triumph when movies of this caliber are able to pull off their desired effect. I'll be awaiting patiently for this one, and remain optimistic as always.

For more info, check "The Taking" out online.
http://thetakingmovie.com/

Blu-Ray Review: HALLOWEEN 35TH ANNIVERSARY EDITON

If you've stopped and read my blog from time to time, or if you're a regular to my site, you probably know that the John Carpenter masterpiece film, "Halloween" is my all-time favorite horror flick. I owe a lot to this picture. It's the reason I got into movies as hard as I have, and why I became so head over heals in love with the genre. So, of course, when the new Blu-Ray by Anchor Bay landed, I had to be a part of it.

First off, the picture quality of the movie is completely amazing! The transfer is so smooth and clear. While watching it with a group of friends, they we all picking out things that they haven't seen in such clarity before. And visual vibrance that's downright stunning! Most notably, when Lorie and her gal pals are walking home from school. And, whenever Michael is in the car.

Secondly, I'll mention the packaging. When I first saw the official add for this release, I was instantly a fan of the cover. It's not the classic image of the pumpkin, but it's a nice touch for a deluxe edition. I still think I would have preferred a more artistic cover, like something Scream Factory would have done. But, the one we're provided is sleek and original, while also being taking in a more serious tone. So, it gets a positive vote from me.

The case itself is the the form of hardback book. And, when you open it, the original poster art is on the inside cover. And there's pages of behind the scenes photos, quotes, and the story behind the film. The presentation of this Blu-Ray is pretty impressive! Below, you'll see I took some in hand shots. Sorry for the poor quality on some. The lighting in my house is dim, and I like it that way.

Now, we'll talk about the bonus features. Honestly, the lack thereof is the only thing truly disappointing about this edition. There's only a small handful of features which include, trailers, TV spots, On Location- 25 Years Later (10 minute featurette), TV version footage, new commentary with Jamie Lee Curtis and John Carpenter, and a new documentary on Jamie Lee Curtis' first and last horror convention appearance at a Horrorhound Weekend event. 

The TV version footage was what I got the most enjoyment out of, because it is great to be watching scenes again that I haven't seen in years. Most of which, I remember clear as day. So, it's really cool to own the cut footage. Aside from that, all I watched was the Documentary on Jamie Lee because, I've seen all the other features before. I haven't watched the new commentary yet, but plan on doing so later tonight! This one should be interesting.

If you own "Halloween" on DVD, and have a good amount of bonus stuff, I don't recommend you discard it. I'll be holding onto my 25th Anniversary Edition DVD, which is also released by Anchor Bay. And, is also the recommended edition to have of this film for just the bonus material alone!

Ultimately, this release is more in celebration of the top-notch picture quality than anything else. It's worth owning for that reason as well. Not to mention the hardback book case that it comes in, which I actually heard is a limited run. So, get yours when you can, and sooner than later!

CURSE OF CHUCKY brings the series back with a vengeance

RATED- UNRATED

RUN TIME- 97 MINS

WRITER(S)- DON MANCINI

STARRING- DANIELLE BISUTTI, BRAD DOURIF, AND ALEX VINCENT

DIRECTOR- DON MANCINI

Synopsis taken from IMDb
After her mother's mysterious death, Nica begins to suspect that the talking, red-haired doll her visiting niece has been playing with may be the key to recent bloodshed and chaos. 

It's been 9 years since this beloved series has been touched, and although there was some hate going around when the first trailer for "Curse of Chucky" was released, I remained optimistic. I had a strong feeling since I first heard of this film that it was going to be good, and I was right. It's great to hear such good things being said about this movie now that some have seen it! I think it's a breath of relief for most of us, because so many horror movies have a way of not living up to their hype, or simply aren't deserving of it.

Don Mancini not only wrote, but also directed this latest installment. Although Mancini takes credit for writing all of the films in the "Child's Play" franchise, this one takes things back to the way they were originally, before the series took a slight stumble down hill. While I'll be the first to admit that I liked "Seed of Chucky", I'll also admit that it wasn't a strong point for the franchise to end on. So, not only is it good to see Chucky return in all his former glory, but also to see the series go back to its scary roots and be taken more seriously than the last two sequels.

"Curse of Chucky" goes back to the opening of the original film, with Charles Lee Ray (Brad Dourif) and, rewrites the timeline and history up until after "Child's Play 3". This not only provides us with a fresh story, but also ties in very well with the original three films, forgetting Bride and Seed ever happened. Nothing drastic is changed, just enough to allow things to go in a more idealistic way. I personally think that this is the film that this series needed, and brings it back to life with a great crimson vibrance! 

Brad Dourif takes up his mantel again as the voice of our favorite psychotic, murderous doll. Dourif also gets some screen time, playing a younger version of himself as Charles Lee Ray. These new scenes of him tie in directly with the new storyline for this motion picture. Brad's own daughter, Fiona Dourif is our lead lady in this film, Nica. A paraplegic who is tormented by the deadly, red-headed foe that is Chucky! As everyone around her starts to die, starting with her mother, all fingers eventually point to one suspect. 

Chucky still has his sense of personality, which is laced with some dark humor and dialogue but, it never goes too far on the comedy side. As a matter of fact, truth be told, the first 45 minutes are downright scary! For the first time in a long time, since probably the second film, I was actually creeped out! The malevolent feeling is back in the blood of this series, and I love it. I really like how Chucky is very in-your-face, and hands on. It really does cast him in his old light, the way we've wanted to see him for a while.

Not to mention the look of Chucky himself, which I've liked since I first saw the trailer. Despite some negative buzz going around about his new look, it holds up well. Going beyond that, the animatronics are very well done. I actually heard some people say that he "looks too real" based on what they saw in the trailers. And the thing is, they said it in a negative way. How that makes sense, I'll never know. 

If you ask me, the more real it looks, the better it is. People are inadvertently complimenting the hell out of this movie based on their own ignorance. Most of those who've gotten to see it already have changed their tune now.

The kills are top-notch! There's electrocution, as well as the good old trusty axe and knife used as heinous weapons in some creative, gory kills. And it's very suspenseful. The thrill of wondering who is going to die next and how, is back and what's not to love about that? There's also two cameos that I thoroughly enjoyed, but won't mention for the sake of spoiling it for others.

I'm not sure if the ending is intended for a sequel, or if it simply capped off the series and gave it the ending it deserved. That being said, I'd love to see another installment of this quality. And seeing as they're going strong, I'd highly suggest another sequel than an unnecessary reboot or remake. I'm just glad there's still a series out there that I follow that's not going the remake route, much like the "Scream" franchise is doing. So, I hope to see promise in the future, and I remain positive.  

I think in the end, I'd rank this as the third best film in the series of 6. Right after the original and Bride. I actually bounce back and forth between those two. It really depends on my mood, because they're extreme opposites due to the terror:humor ratio. "Curse of Chucky" rests right beside them, and above the others. 

And don't forget, stay tuned after the credits... 

THE HAUNTING OF HELENA (2012)

a.k.a. Fairytale 

RATED- UNRATED
RUN TIME- 84 MINS 
WRITER(S)- CHRISTIAN BISCEGLIA 
STARRING- HARRIOT MacMASTERS-GREEN, SABRINA JOLIE PEREZ, AND JARRETH J. MERZ 
DIRECTOR- CHRISTIAN BISCEGLIA AND ASCANIO MALGARINI 



Synopsis taken from IMDb 
A single mother moves into a new house with her daughter. Soon after the young girl has her first baby tooth fall out, she begins to recount that she is having nocternal visits by a tooth fairy. It seems the house has a sinister history. 

If this were a newer movie from this year, my title would read "THE HAUNTING OF HELENA is another terrible and pointless ghost flick". However, it's not a newer film, so I have to reserve that title for another ghost motion picture that is equally as bad, which unfortunately, there's never a short supply of. 

This was one that I found not only hard to sit through but, hard to get through. If it wasn't for my OCD, I would have turned this off less than a half-hour in. I'm adding this onto my list of movies that I strongly advise others from watching. It's not scary. The acting is atrocious, and the story is just plain old lame. It has potential, but it is washed away with hideous storytelling and lack of conviction in anything. 

I liked the tooth fairy angle but, I hate what they did with it. Taking children's teeth and putting them in her own mouth, really? What the hell kind of ghost, fairy, spirit, or whatever is dumb enough to try and fit children's teeth in their mouth? So stupid! Looks like "Darkness Falls" remains the scariest tooth fairy motion picture around... 

There's no believable dialogue spoken, no likeable characters, and there's no substance to it. It's just another half-assed attempt at cheap tricks and loud noises to create a jump from the audience. The catch is, the music overcompensates for how non-scary this picture really is. The score turns up so loud that it gives the scare away and misses the point completely. Rather than tell us when to be scared, I prefer a more classier tale that lets the viewer know when to be terrified on their own. We learn the past of the home in which Helena (Sabrina Jolie Perez) and her mother, Sophia (Harriot MacMasters-Green)are now living, and it's underwhelming. 

Although at the end, there is an effort to make a solid twist. However, it falls flat like the rest of the film. There's hardly any gore in this one as well, which doesn't sit well with me. I try to be on a positive note as often as always, this is just one of those type of movies that don't do a thing for me. It's also one that I can't understand why anyone would like it! Usually, I see what some people may find intriguing about a motion picture that I don't like. 

That's not the case here. In the end, this is a lost film and a lost cause. Screw finding it in the $5 bin at your local Walmart, you can probably get this one at a flea market for under $5. And I'd still consider that overpaying. With no redeemable qualities whatsoever, I must confess that I despise this flick as a whole. Movies like this is why some say horror is dead. 

So, I make it a point to drive home how awful this, and films like it are. The only way I'd recommend this movie is if you're looking for a bad movie that's so stupid and pointless it'll put you in a foul mood. There's nothing memorable about it other than the bad taste you're left with after wasting precious time of your life watching it.

EVIDENCE isn't just another found footage film

RATED- R 
RUN TIME- 94 MINS
WRITER(S)- JOHN SWETNAM 
STARRING- RADHA MITCHELL, NOLAN GERARD FUNK, AND STEPHEN MOYER 
DIRECTOR- OLATUNDE OSUNSANMI 



Synopsis taken from IMDb 
A detective hunts down a killer using video footage shot by the victims of a massacre at an abandoned gas station. 

I can't really say that I was expecting much from this one but, being truthful, it delivered more than I expected. Although I'm a fan of HBO's "True Blood", Stephen Moyer hasn't done anything to impress me. Most of all the things I've seen him in haven't been very favorable to say the least. So, it was a nice change of pace to see him in a film with some real potential. 

Rather than following the cast around for 90 mins, the way most found footage movies do, this one actually incorporates some story. And, in between watching the footage found, we see inside the police department as investigators study and inspect the recorded evidence. We also see how the officers react to watching what they're seeing, and try to solve the mystery. I liked that this was done in such a way to mix-up what's now common for the found footage genre. This one makes the effort to go a little further, and do a little more... 

Detective Burquez (Radha Mitchell) heads the investigation, along with the help of Detective Reese (Stephen Moyer). Reese lost his child recently, and he demands to be on this case. Although Detective Burquez doesn't want Detective Reese around due to it being so close to the tragedy that he's recently undergone, she lets him join in on the investigation. My problem with this scenario is that I think Detective Reese was accepted onto the case in way to easy of a manor. It's stressed how unstable he is, yet he's brought in with hardly any debating. I find this to be on the unrealistic side. 

As they watch the videos from camcorders and cell phones, we see three friends going on a trip. And, they see it go terribly wrong as their stalked and killed off one by one by a man in a welding outfit. Using fire to kill most of the victims, we see that whoever this sicko is, clearly likes to torture his victims. However, lack of character development makes it hard to feel any sorrow or sympathy for the group struggling for survival.

All of the detectives back at the station, bounce back and forth trying to figure out who is behind the grisly murders. Theory after theory gets thrown out and contradicted. Ultimately, we're left trying to solve the puzzle with them. One thing that I can say, is that I didn't find it to be very predictable. Yeah, there are some scenes that you can sense coming a mile away but, there's things you don't expect as well. Especially the ending. Much like countless other horror films, everyone is a suspect, and it's all a matter of figuring out who the best liar is.

Overall, I'd say that I enjoyed this film. I'd also state that even though I'll go on record as saying I like it, I'll also go on record and say that I probably won't ever watch it again. It's one of those films that you just don't care to see again. Once is enough. Also, one of the main reason it's not re-watchable, is because it's not scary at all. It's suspenseful at times, but mostly, we just watch a bunch of random things happening. Nothing about it creeps me out, or even got a slight jump from me. 

It's just a lot of story and theorizing. In the end, "Evidence" is just one of those movies that exists. It's just there, take it or leave it. It isn't a complete waste of time but once you've seen it, you'll never need to see it again. I'm just thankful Stephen Moyer decided to do something slightly better than a terrible movie.

THE BEST STEPHEN KING FILM ADAPTATIONS by Brandon Engel

NOTE FROM GRIMM:
The following post was intended to be posted Saturday on Stephen King's birthday. However, it's late on my end due to lack of internet connection the past few days. 

On the 21st, Stephen King will be turning 66, and by the looks of it, he’s still going strong. Sure, the famed horror author has attempted to retire in the past, and the injuries he sustained after being hit by a vehiclist has made it physically difficult for King to sit and write for extended periods of time. Nevertheless, King has forged ahead. Dr. Sleep, the long awaited sequel to The Shining, will be released just days after his birthday, on the 24th. Not only that, but a second film version of King’s Carrie will hit theaters just a week before Halloween, on October 18th. The new film will star Chloë Grace Moretz, the young scene stealer from Kick-Ass and Kick-Ass 2. We can hope, too, that if Dr. Sleep proves successful, it too will eventually make the jump to big screen. King’s work has a long history of film adaptations inspired by his novels.

Here’s a look at some of the best film adaptations of King’s writings:

 The Shining (1980) 

It’s true, Stephen King himself was not a fan of this film. He felt that the work downplayed the supernatural elements of the the story in order to highlight Jack Torrance’s insanity. And King felt that even Jack Torrance’s descent into madness was botched - since Jack Nicholson had already built a reputation playing mad men, Stephen King felt audiences would easily predict where the plot was going. But despite King’s complaints, and the lukewarm critical reception the film received upon it’s first run, and the fact that the film wasn’t entirely faithful to the book (i.e., there are no supernatural hedge animals in the film, and Jack Torrance’s death is switched from a heated boiler room to the freezing hedge maze), the movie is heralded today as one of the best horror films of all time. The film features many memorable scenes: the rotting old lady in the bathtub; the mutilated twins in the hallway; the blood pouring out of the elevator. Fans of the supernatural aspect will be delighted to know that Dr. Sleep will feature young Danny Torrance grown up, still using his abilities on a daily basis.

Christine (1983)

Forget Herbie. The most memorable living car came from Christine. Only Stephen King could write a story about a murderous, possessed car without producing something accidentally laughable. However absurd the premise may sound, Christine works, and the red and white bloodthirsty Plymouth is truly terrifying. It’s a testament to King’s popularity, the film was already in production prior to the book’s initial release. Kevin Bacon was originally offered the lead role in the film, but he opted to star in Footloose instead. King revisited this trope in later works, but they’re hardly worth viewing; Trucks and Maximum Overdrive don’t really stand up to this tale of a serial killer vehicle.

Misery (1990) 

Misery marked the beginning of an excellent working relationship between Stephen King and Kathy Bates. The book follows an author, Paul Sheldon, played by James Caan, who survives a car crash only to be kidnapped by an obsessed fan, Annie Wilkes, played by Bates. Annie then hides the author in her home in order to torture him and she forces him to write for her. Kathy Bates did such a phenomenal job of playing the terrifying, stalkerish Annie that King began to write roles specifically for Bates. Another notable collaboration between the two was the film Dolores Claiborne, starring Bates in the titular role as a New England woman who murdered her abusive husband to protect her daughter.

The Green Mile (1999) 

This one is a bit of a departure from the rest of the list, as it’s hard to classify as a horror film, since both the novel and movie have the tendency to tug on heart strings. Regardless, this is one of the most emotionally complex and enriching pieces of writing from King, and it translated to the screen beautifully. Then, John Coffey, played by Michael Clarke Duncan, opens his mouth, a swarm of bugs pours out, and we remember that he’s on death row and two little girls have been raped and murdered. The Green Mile induces a fear quite similar to Misery, a fear that spurs from the wrongdoing of other people, and the horrible unfairness that can get someone killed. The film was an important one also for Tom Hanks, who played prison guard Paul Edgecomb. Edgecomb discovers both Coffey’s innocence and his supernatural abilities, but cannot save him from his unfortunate fate.

Carrie (1976) 

Carrie not only shot Stephen King into the limelight, it was also the first film Brian De Palma directed. Sissy Spacek originally played Carrie, the geeky telekinetic who falls for a grotesque practical joke at the hands of her high school classmates. In an extreme response to her humiliation, Carrie destroys the town using her newfound powers. Carrie in the book was described as being overweight, but in typical Hollywood fashion both Sissy Spacek and Chloë Grace Moretz are more appealing to the camera. While Piper Laurie offered a harrowing performance in the original film as Carrie’s mother, Margaret White, the new film has Julianne Moore filling in for Laurie (and rumor has it that Jodie Foster was initially considered to play the part.) We have to wonder whether the film will follow it’s predecessors twist on the ending - leaving the parents alive to grieve - or if the second version will return to the book’s original ending which saw Carrie’s entire town burned to the ground.

Author Bio: Brandon Engel is an entertainment blogger with DirectTVcomparison.com whose interests include vintage pulp novels and black and white horror films. Among his favorite authors are Arthur Machen, Stephen King, Oscar Wilde, and H.P. Lovecraft.

Top 5 Worst Horror Movie Remakes

In response to my popular post last week on the best horror movie remakes, I figured I'd do a follow-up. This time, talking about the worst horror remakes around. The ones that to me, don't offer anything new or creative, and don't do the originals justice. As always, when remakes are brought up, it's bound to draw attention in both the positive and negative. Remakes are the hardest thing for genre fans to agree or disagree on. I won't be surprised if many disagree with this list. I also won't be surprised if many agree.

Before you read this list, you should make sure and check out last weeks post first. Top 5 Horror Movie Remakes

The movies listed below are the worst of the worst. And yes, before anyone says anything, Rob Zombie's "Halloween" remake is on the list. I think Rob is more controversial and hated than remakes at times. I personally, don't have any issues with him, and I enjoy most of his work. However, his remake of the greatest horror film ever was atrocious to me, as is the sequel. There are worse remakes out there though, and there all here too.

1) One Missed Call (2008)

2) Day of the Dead (2008)

3) Prom Night (2008)

4) The Fog (2005)

5) Halloween (2007)

THIS IS THE END is really funny

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 107 MINS
WRITER(S)- SETH ROGAN AND EVAN GOLDBERG
STARRING- JAMES FRANCO, JONAH HILL, AND SETH ROGAN
DIRECTOR- EVAN GOLDBERG AND SETH ROGAN



Synopsis taken from IMDb
While attending a party and James Franco's house, Seth Rogan, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are are faced with the apocalypse. 

While everyone in this flick has been in some things not worth a second viewing, they've all also been in some really good pictures. So, I was excited going into this one. The whole concept is just ridiculous enough to pull me in. And, the best thing about it, for me, is that everyone plays themselves. Even if they are exaggerated versions of who they are, it still works.

First of all, it takes a little long to get interesting. For the majority of the beginning, we just see Seth Rogan and Jay Baruchel hanging out, and catching up. While this doesn't really benefit the movie, it does help build story between them that blossoms towards the end. Jay doesn't like the idea of going to Franco's house, because he doesn't feel that he fits in, and isn't fond of any of Rogan's friends. With a little persuasion, Jay tags along. 

Once they arrive at Franco's home is when things start to get funny, and we get away from the serious drama. Though the laughs are there, to me, it still drags on a bit too much. Until the apocalypse happens, all there really is to laugh at, is how everyone acts and makes asses of themselves. The party definitely seems like a good time, even if Jay doesn't enjoy it. 

When the end of the world begins, the film goes from funny to laugh-out-loud hilarious. They're none equipped for such a catastrophe, and they handle things in such an immature and stupid way that you can't help but crack up. I am actually very surprised by how religious this movie is, and how true it stays to the Bible in terms of how the apocalypse goes down. It manages to not be overwhelmingly righteous but, the message is there, clear as day! I like that they went this route, because in today's society it's not really cool to believe in God anymore. So, I appreciate that they keep it old school, and by the book (pun intended).

Pretty much, all of the chosen people on earth are taken to heaven through beams of light that looks like something from a UFO, and it's easy to believe at first that it's aliens abducting people. One may even think that's the direction it's going but, once the religious aspect is brought into the picture, you see that all the sinners, including everyone at Franco's party, are "left behind" to live in hell. But, what do these guys do? They take an abundance of narcotics and party.

Danny McBride is the person I was probably looking forward to the most, and I was kind of let down to see that his character isn't very likable, and even Franco himself doesn't like him. I love the scenes of them arguing with one another for some of the most idiotic things you can think of! Just senseless fun! Michael Cera is actually pretty good in this, and there's an appearance by Channing Tatum that had me going. Funny stuff.

Aside from all that, there's some classic scenes amongst the cast. Such as, the filming of "The Pineapple Express 2"  and "The Exorcism of Jonah Hill". This is the way these guys amuse themselves with what little time they have left on earth. And I'm glad they do, because it sure as hell makes for some quality entertainment.

No, this is not a perfect comedy. The acting isn't brilliant or extraordinary, it never is if you ask me. The story is simple, and didn't take a lot of thought. At least I'd hope that it didn't take a lot of thought for something so basic. On the other hand, this motion picture is well crafted and makes a good time. It's a lot better than some of the other films this cast has been it, bet on that.

Ultimately, the message is not to be a crappy person or in the end, you'll get what you have coming to ya. It's cool to see the guys and girls make fun of the fact that they're in the group of people who aren't good enough for heaven. It's even better to see them make the best of the time they have left, and discover that nothing is stronger than friendship. 

In conclusion, I wasn't as impressed as I was hoping to be but, I still like it.

STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS will pull you in

RATED- PG-13

RUN TIME- 132 MINS

WRITER(S)- ROBERTO ORCI, ALEX KURTZMAN, AND DAVID LINDELOF

STARRING- CHRIS PINE, ZACHARY QUINTO, AND ZOE SALDANA

DIRECTOR- J.J. ABRAMS

Synopsis taken from IMDb

After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. 

Growing up, I was a huge Star Trek fan. As a child, I owned the entire series of action figures from "The Next Generation", along with The Enterprise, Transporter, and other diorama sets for the figures. I actually got my love for the series from my dad, who is a serious Trekkie. However, as I grew up and got into horror, I left all that stuff behind. I haven't watched an episode of the show in, I don't know how many years! 

In 2009, when J.J. Abrams released his first film in this franchise, I was an instant fan. I won't say that it got me back into the series but, I really enjoyed the fresh take on the characters. As well as how brilliant the story was written, and how it crossed over with the original series' timeline. So after missing it in theaters, and having to hunt it down from five Redbox machines, I was finally able to sit down and watch, "Into Darkness".

Much like it's predecessor, "Into Darkness" starts instantly with intense action and stays entertaining throughout. Aside from the one-liners, I enjoyed this one almost as much as I did the first film! Again, the action sequences are awesome, and borderline epic. Same goes for the cgi. I said it on Twitter, and I stand by the fact that J.J. Abrams has done to this series what Chris Nolan did to the Batman series, and I like it a lot.

I'm really satisfied that this one doesn't drop the ball, and keeps on rolling. The stakes are raised extensively high, this is to be expected when you have Khan as the main villain. I really liked Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as Khan, and rather than compare it to Ricardo Montalban's version of the character, I welcome it as a new take. A few people told me going into this that I shouldn't watch it with a hardcore Trekkie because they'll pick it apart with how it differentiates with the older flicks. Unfortunately, I watched this with my dad, so I didn't exactly take the advice given to me but, he liked it, the same as me.

There's a scene between Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) that I found profoundly sad. Good news is, it doesn't last long. There's a lot of rich story and character development between Spock and James Kirk, and we see them grow as characters. It's a nice touch to see them get along for once, instead of always being at each others' throats, like in the prior film.

This movie has a lot of underlying political tones that you can smell a mile a way. Especially when it comes to war. Some very serious and deep messaging in there. And what is great about this movie, is that it manages to go really dark, and takes risks. Things happen to characters all throughout that you don't expect, and aren't anticipating. It manages to stay fresh but, stay true to what we expect. Which is a hard thing to juggle.

"Into Darkness" is full of heart and hope, friendship, honor, and family. It's as uplifting and positive as it is dark. Managing a perfect balance of sinking so low, and then reaching so high, you're left excited and thrilled. Unfortunately, J.J. Abrams has announced he won't be on board for the third film due to being asked to shoot the new "Star Wars" film. I can truly say that he'll be missed, and I can only hope that they find a suitable replacement who will keep this series on the right track. Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) has been rumored to possibly be on board.

Aside from some senseless dialog at some points, and some over-the-top acting, "Into Darkness" is an overall success.

Today's Winner And Next Month's Prize Announced

Big congrats to Nick Kelly for winning the "Silent Hill: Revelation" poster by being quickest to answer! I'd also like to thank him for being such a loyal fan. He contributes on the Grimm Reviewz Facebook page daily, and is very knowledgeable when it comes to the horror genre. You earned this one, buddy!

Now, if you're wondering why the hell a poster from "Resident Evil: Retribution" is shown above, it's because it's next months prize! As usual, it's the full on 27X40 theatrical poster. There will be a trivia question next month around the same time, and the winner takes this bad boy home!

I'd like to thank everyone for commenting and participating! Don't get discouraged for not winning, because there's more to come every month! The thing about me is, I keep giving out chances for people to win something. I like giving stuff out to my fans, and genre buffs in general. Call it my good deed for the month.

SILENT HILL: REVELATION Poster Giveaway

As promised, I'm here with this month's free prize. And I'm ready to give it to one of you! 27X40 theatrical, double-sided official  poster from the latest "Silent Hill" film. Last month's prize still hasn't shipped out yet because I'm awaiting on some shipping supplies to arrive to save me multiple trips to the post office in the future. So within two weeks, I'm hoping to have both this months and last months posters shipped.

Now, in the previous month, I mentioned that starting in September, the giveaways would entail some sort of participation. So, in staying true to that, below I've listed 5 movies based on video games. The first person to put them in the order in which they came out and post in the comment box will win. It's that easy! Good luck to you all!

House of the Dead
Resident Evil
Silent Hill
Super Mario Bros.
Stay Alive





REMEMBER: This contest and all other contests on this site are for followers only. This is my thank you to my readers and fans. So, if you do not follow me on this site (left hand side of the page where it says Grimm's Minion's) and you comment trying to enter the contest, your comment and entry will be invalid. If you'd like to join in on the giveaways, join my site and then comment away. I'm always down for building a bigger audience.

Older Movie Review: PIGS (1972)

A.K.A. Daddy's Deadly Darling

RATED- R
RUN TIME- 80 MINS
WRITER(S)- MARC LAWRENCE
STARRING- TONI LAWRENCE, MARC LAWRENCE, AND JESSE VINT
DIRECTOR- MARC LAWRENCE



Synopsis taken from IMDb
Lynn Hart is a disturbed young woman who escapes from a mental hospital where she was committed for killing her abusive father who raped her. Stealing a nurse's uniform and car, Lynn ends up in a small Calfornia town where she meets and shacks up with Zambrini, and old farmer who runs the local motel and roadside cafe. Zambrini also owns a group of pigs that he keeps in a pen behind his house who have somehow developed a taste for human flesh. When Lynn begins killing a number of men who remind her of her dead father, Zambrini helps her out by disposing of the bodies to the pigs. Investigating the disappearances, the local sheriff eventually becomes suspicious of Lynn's past and a private investigator, hired by the hospital to find her, slowly close in on Lynn.

Surprisingly enough, I had not heard of this film until last week. I was part of a discussion where this was brought up, and it automatically sounded like my type of flick. And, luckily enough, even though I've never heard of it, it is extremely easy to find! So, I had myself a movie night and checked it out.

The transfer was very dark and gritty but, I don't mind that. I like some films more that way. I appreciate Blu-Ray and all it's technological advances it provides to our viewing pleasure but, some films just have a better effect when they're viewed in their grainy glory. For this type of movie, the quality was actually perfect. Not saying that I wouldn't wanna see it in Blu-Ray in the future though.

It gives off vibes that are relevant to "Don't Look in the Basement" from 1973, and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" from the following year. However, both films came after the release of this one! So one's got to think that it's possible for this to have actually influenced them? I suppose we'll never know because, this motion picture is very low-key and underground. I don't know how many people have heard of it and, as I mentioned above, I just heard of it, myself. 

It starts off with some pedophilia and incest, and then murder. Lynn (Toni Hart) lives in her own state of mind, ignorant to the truth, because she's very fragile after having such horrors done to her by her own father. The sexual abuse depicted is more implied than anything. There's not much shown, and when dealing with such delicate topics, that's always a good thing. Lynn leaves to find refuge with the weird old man, Zambrini (Marc Lawrence), who locals pick on and condemn. Claiming he feeds humans to his pigs, Zambrini is always on the defense, and being an old man, he's very convincing. 

Although twisted and strange, there's hardly any gore shown. It's not a bloody movie, much like Texas Chainsaw. And it doesn't need it. It's actually very effective without showing much, (the way old school films used to do) before it became the standard to show everything and capitalize on the shock/gross-out factor. But, there is at least one "holy shitaki!" moment that involves a very close encounter with Zambrini and the sheriff, and a severed hand. Even though we get the feeling Zambrini is weary of Lynn, and knows there's something off with her, he still helps her dispose of her victims. Guess he's become somewhat of a master at it.

People in town say that they think his pigs only want to eat humans, and that they become the humans they eat. I'm not sure where this film was shot but, it the setting was perfect, and genuine. 

Despite how much I enjoyed watching this, it still has it's flaws. For example, it tends to drag on from time to time, and get a little dry and boring. It's also quite predictable but, it's effective. And considering that it was probably released ahead of it's time, I have to give kudos. Although I like it, I have a feeling I'd love it if I were around back in the day when it was released! Coming before so many other films like it, it puts things in new perspective. And it gets a nod from me for being original, and thrilling.

The only character development we get is dialog. Even though we see both sides of both Lynn and Zambrini, there's not much in the way of growth between them, or for them individually. But, they're the type of people that you feel you know all about just by looking at them. There's a positive for all of the negatives that I can say about this movie but, that doesn't make it perfect. Really, this is just a good watch if you're into low-budget films from the 70's, and aren't looking for a masterpiece. It's entertaining, interesting, and even enjoyable.

This is definitely one I'd break out from time to time. It really would make a good double feature with "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre". If you haven't seen this one yet, go do so. It's not very long, and it's a trip into one of the finer ages of the horror genre. Not really scary, more suspenseful, you'll walk away loving it or hating it. Someone told me they didn't like it due to "lack of gore" but, that's never bothered me. 

Part of me thinks I'd be more critical if I wasn't such a fan of films from the 70's and 80's, and maybe that's true. Maybe it's hard for me to be unbiased with these types of pictures, although there's plenty of films from both decades that I loathe. Either way, it's not a bad watch, and maybe you'll even get turned onto a film you didn't even know about, and like it, just like me.

Suffering from weak plot, weird and underdeveloped characters, and some tediously boring parts, "Pigs" isn't the best thing you'll ever watch. I am a fan though, and I'm glad I was recommended this one, because it's my type of movie, at the end of the day.