Death Note Movie Review

The latest offering from Adam Wingard has been released on Netflix and it’s safe to say he’s done it again. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve seen so far from Adam Wingard and just like You’re Next, The Guest and last year’s sequel to The Blair Witch Project, Death Note is a fun movie to watch.

It’s probably worth noting that I’m not familiar with the Japanese Magna that the film is based on but that puts me in a better position to judge the film on its own without any emotional connection to the source material.

The movie follows a high school student named Light who discovers a mysterious notebook called Death Note. He is then visited by a Death God named Ryuk who goes over the rules of the notebook and tells him that he can cause the death of anyone he writes in the pages. All he needs is the name, be able to picture their face in his mind and the way he wants them to die. Along with his girlfriend he then proceeds to rid the world of criminals under the guise of Kira. This starts a cat and mouse chase between Light and a super detective known as L who tries to track down Kira.

It’s not the best movie in the world but it serves its purpose of entertaining you. The story is good, all the effects are spot on and the cast all play good roles. Adam Wingard was a perfect choice to direct this as he is very capable of killing of his characters in imaginative ways and I look forward to more movies from him.

I would have been happy to watch this in the cinema but Netflix are cutting out the middle men and are making some really good content and delivering it right to you wherever you are and however you want to watch it.

3.5 / 5

IT: Chapter 1 Movie Review

IT has finally been unleashed upon us all and it is one of the best horror films in such a long time!

After spending years in development and having numerous writers and directors attached to the project we finally have a movie that the book deserves. I will go as far and say it is my best adaption of a Stephen King story. My other favourites are Stand By Me, Shawshank Redemption and The Mist.

  

I'm going to assume you are familiar with the story of IT either from reading the book or watching the TV movie from the 90's so I'm not going to go over the details of the story. This is the first of a two part movie and focuses solely on the Loser Club members when they are children. The movie is set in the 80's as appose to the 50's when the book is set and the next movie will be set in the present day moving it from the 80's when the Losers face IT again as adults.

They really have turned the horror up on this one, from the opening scene you realise that this is going to hold no punches, if it wasn't from the comedy relieve that comes mainly from Richie and Eddie this would have been one hell of a dark movie.

The whole cast are brilliant, some characters outshine others but I can't find fault with any of the performances. Now this can be seen as a double edged sword for the next chapter as the adults that have to play the same characters have a very hard act to follow.

IT Chapter 1 is going to be very successful at the box office and deservedly so. This is a great movie and the marketing campaign has been excellent. I know it must help to be promoting a character such as Pennywise who is already a household name, up there with Freddy, Jason and Michael but there wasn't any big name actors attached. I do hope this success leads to more big budget horror movies in the future or studios putting some good marketing behind some of the great indy movies that are made year after year.

IT: Chapter 1 proves you no longer have to be terrified of remakes apart from the fact that it's scary as fuck. I admit there has been many unnecessary remakes recently but when the movie is adapted from a book I always look forward to see how someone else can bring the pages to screen especially when it's a book I love. You will always have the saying that the movie isn't as good as the book and the same can be said about this version of IT but it's a much better adaptation then the previous outing.

I give IT: Chapter 1 5/5

Stephen King Overload

The last couple of months have been crazy with Stephen King related content so I thought I would gather together what I can in case you missed any of it.

First up is the Castle Rock TV series announcement.

Being developed by Bad Robot for Hulu not much is known about the series but judging by the trailer it gathers up a collection of characters from the Stephen King universe and dumps them into Castle Rock. Really not sure how the show is going to work, I did joke at the time that the plot was that bunch of kids break into Stephen King’s house and find all his manuscripts which have been locked up and when the kids open them it unleashes all the horrors inside on Castle Rock.

I’m not entirely sold with the little information that is known or if it’s something that needs to be done. How much do people want to see Pennywise go on his holidays to Castle Rock and meet up with Danny Torrance and Annie Wilkes who are also on their holidays there? But it’s definitely got my attention and I’m pretty sure I will be watching once it is released.

Something I am completely sold with is the new IT teaser trailer and it seems I’m not the only one with a record breaking 197 million views in 24 hours. I am very excited for this movie as a kid I found the original TV movie comical but as a adult I found the novel terrifying. I feel this is one remake that everyone who has read the book can agree is necessary. I will now avoid all following trailers and look forward to the actual movie released in September.

Sony have released a poster for the upcoming Dark Tower movie but still no footage has emerged. Unfortunately the release date has been push back to August. As much as I’m looking forward to this movie I feel Sony are struggling with how to market it. They need to do something soon just to ride the waves created by the IT trailer.

Other movies and series based on Stephen’s work to look out for this year is The Mist, Mr Mercedes, 1922 and Gerald’s Game.

Now if that’s not enough to look forward to we also have books being released this year. I’m trying my best to catch up and read everything King has released but he is not showing any signs in slowing down in the writing department meaning my to read list just keeps getting longer and longer.

First up is a novella written with Richard Chizmar set in Castle Rock called Gwendy’s Button Box. Later in the year Sleeping Beauties will be released which he co wrote with his son Owen King. Sleeping Beauties is also being adapted into a TV show.

Now you know what I do. If I have missed anything off then please let me know as I possibly don’t know.

Renew The Exorcist Series

I have just finished watching episode 8 of the new Exorcist TV series and up to now it is my favourite horror tv series so why hasn't it been renewed yet?

Now this post will contain spoilers so if you have not watched the show and plan on doing so then please stop reading and enjoy the show as it really is good.

If you haven't yet watched the show and don't plan on watching it then please continue to read and hopefully I can convince you to start watching.

I noticed on Twitter a campaign to try and get the show renewed with the #renewtheexorist hash tag and a show this good really should be renewed and got me asking myself why isn't it getting the viewers it deserves?

I believe the reason it hasn't had as many viewers is the way it was marketed. All I knew before watching it was that they were making a series of The Exorcist. I originally thought it was going to be a remake which I know many horror fans don't even entertain the thought of watching a remake so anyone that avoids remakes regardless would have already put it on the shit pile. The original trailer didn't help as it looked like a remake with a mother trying to get help for her possessed daughter.

It was during the first episode that I realised it was set in the same world as the original movie when we see a glimpse of a news article with a picture of the famous stairs from The Exorcist. It was at the end of episode 5 when we found out, (now this is the spoiler bit...) it is a direct sequel to the frist movie! Regan is now grown up, changed her name and has daughters of her own, one of which is being possessed by the same demon Captain Howdy as Regan.

So why was it never promoted as a sequel? I'm guessing the reason is they wanted to shock the audience with the big reveal which work very well with me. I was very shocked at the end of episode 5 and couldn't wait for the next episode and made a series I was already enjoying that much better.

Now you would think the people that rubbished the show of as another shitty remake would be able to enjoy the show as the sequel it is however fans of the show can't tell them it is a sequel. The way the shock ending of episode 5 played out it would be classed as a major spoiler if fans were to give that story away and no one wants to be the person that gives spoilers away.

Which leaves us all at a kind of stand off. Fans of the show want a second season and in order to get that the show needs more viewers and the only way to create more viewers is to create a buzz about the show which means talking about the which fans can't talk about without giving spoilers of the show away. Saying it's shuch a good show isn't enough to encourage people disenfranchised by remakes to give it a go. I feel the makers of the show felt just having The Exorcist title would be enough to generate viewers which unfortunately hasn't happened. Also not including Tubular Bells as the theme tune hasn't helped.

So where do we go from here? I really want a second season, I've noticed the official Twitter account hasn't had a problem giving spoilers away as you can see from the screen shots from below. I've had to stop following them as the US is ahead of the UK on episodes.

So should us fans give away these spoilers in the hope that more newcomers will come and watch the show giving it a more likely chance of it being renewed? I think it's worth being being that person that gives spoilers away if it pays off.

Grimmfest 2016 Highlights

Grimmfest is one event I look forward to every year and before you know it it's been and gone. This was my fifth year attending the genre film festival and it makes me proud to have witnessed how it's evolved into what it's become today.

Kicking of on Thursday evening and finishing on Sunday night they screened 20 feature films and 10 shorts. Returning to Odeon Printworks, Manchester they had a new sponsor with The Horror Channel who brought along a wall for you to graffiti with your favourite quotes from horror movies. There wasn't as many stalls as the previous year but Arrow Video had their usual stall and they never have a problem with parting me from my money. 

Here are my highlights from the festival. Unfortunately I was unable to attend on the Saturday so missed a few of the screenings but there was one film everyone I spoke to gave high praise for which I must see when I next get the opportunity is Trash Fire. A few honorable mentions for the films that didn't make my highlights but are worth a watch goes to Directors Cut, Darling and Beyond The Gates.

What We Become
A neighbourhood becomes a quarantine zone when virus epidemic breaks out.
What makes What We Become different from other zombie movies is you see how the breakout slowly unfolds with characters you care about this is a must see for any zombie movie fan.

My Father Die
A brutal revenge southern gothic movie where a deaf and mute man seeks revenge on his dad for murdering his brother.
There is never a dull moment in this movie beautifully filmed with a shit load of action and you never know which way it's going to go.

Train To Busan
A father and daughter catch a train when a zombie epidemic breaks out.
Yes this is Zombies On A Train but it's so much better than that. Easily my favourite movie of the festival. It's an emotionally charged adrenaline rush that is so well made I can't see any zombie movie fan not liking it.

Tonight She Comes
This is a great movie that starts of as a typical slasher movie then spirals into something much more.
Inspired by the slasher films of the 70s and 80s to the point where they lovingly rip of a certain kill scene this movie has a lot going for it. It will make you laugh and it will turn your stomach but it won't disappoint.

The Rezort
Think Jurassic Park but with zombies. The Rezort is a holiday island that has been set up after a zombie pandemic almost wiped out the planet for wealthy guest to go hunting zombies.
Another well made zombie film from this years Grimmfest. It good to see some new ideas being used for the zombie sub-genre when I was starting think everything has already been done.

Thank you for reading and be sure to check out these movies when they become available for you. Unfortunately I don't have release dates but when I get some information I will be sure to let you know.

Highlights From Past Grimmfest 2012 - 2015

Grimmfest, Manchester's annual horror film festival kicks off on the 6th October and this year will be the fifth time I've attended the event. For the first three years I attended the event took place at the Dancehouse Theatre before moving to it's current home at the Odeon Printworks last year. Due to this event I have seen some great movies that I know would have passed me by if I didn't attend. I also enjoy watching the shorts from some promising film makers. I have also seen some godawful shit that I wish I did miss but that's part of the risk of attending movies you don't research beforehand. Although I know I can't attend all the days and screenings I've always bought the full festival pass as I still feel I get the value for my money.

Here I want to share with you some of my highlights from the past festivals

2012

Comedown

You always remember your first! Comedown was the first movie I saw at Grimmfest so forgive me if I remember this with rose-tinted glasses but I really enjoyed this slasher set in an derelict tower block in London.

Grabbers

What can I say about Grabbers? If you haven't already seen Grabbers then you are missing out. Very funny creature feature set in Ireland with really good practical special FX.

Devoured

In 2012 Grimmfest had two screens playing different films simultaneously, they had the main screen and a smaller screen in a studio. I arrived too late on the Friday for the start of Nightbreed: The Cabal Cut in the main screen but Devoured was about to start in the studio screen so why not give something new a try. I was presently surprised with it. A slow burn haunting, psychological thriller with a fantastic lead actress who gradually descents into madness.

Stitches

What could go wrong? The final film of the festival with the star in attendance. So you probably wouldn't want a technical glitch like the sound dropping out with fifteen minutes to go to happen? So bless the organisers as that's exactly what happened. Stitches is an enjoyable killer clown movie staring Ross Noble. What makes this film even more special is that Pollyanne McIntosh came and sat next to me to watch it.

2013

I've only picked three films that stood out for me at the 2013 Grimmfest. This year marked the launch of the Grimmfest fringe which replaced the second screen at the Dancehouse. Unfortunately I completely missed all these screenings at the fringe due to work commitments. I did see a good number of the films screened at the Dancehouse but these are the only three I went out of my way to buy and watch again.

The Borderlands

Up there as one of my best found footage movies. An investigation team go into a church where a priest claims miracles have taken place. Great use of head cameras throughout to answer the question "why would you keep filming?". I do wish this gets a release on Netflix or something in order to get more people to see it as I'm sure it could have a much larger fan base.

Jug Face
(Also known as The Pit) is a very creepy movie where a backwoods community have to offer blood sacrifices to a pit. Not giving the pit who it wants will cause it to wreck havoc.

The Machine
Beautifully shot with an amazing score The Machine is a fantastic science fiction movie where the MOD steal a self-aware artificial intelligence creation.

2014

In my opinion Grimmfest came back in 2014 with a much stronger lineup than the previous year. Still housed at the Dancehouse theatre with the fringe held this year at Gorilla here are my top five favourites from this year. I must point out I missed all the fringe screenings again this year but that didn't take away from my overall experience.

Suspiria

Grimmfest always screen at least one classic movie at their festivals. This is a perfect opportunity for you to see your favourite movie on the big screen. What made Suspiria different from any other screening was that Goblin was in house to play the score live. If you ever get a chance to watch a film with the score played live then take it.

What We Do In The Shadows
I have watched this movie so many times since the festival and it doesn't get old. Created by the brilliant minds behind Flight Of The Concords this hilarious mockumentry follows the struggles of a group of vampires that flat share in New Zealand as they prepare for the annual masquerade ball for the undead.

Choerence
Can't really say much about Choerence without giving away the plot but it's a very clever, mind bending movie that stays in your head long after watching.

Starry Eyes
I do love a slow build movie and Starry Eyes doesn't disappoint. A dark tale about Hollywood ambition where a waitress is offered a dream role but not everything is as it seems.

Wolfcop
Grimmfest had a fair amount of horror comedies on offer in 2014 and Wolfcop is another example of how a horror comedy should be done. It never takes itself serious and offers a great amount of gore for you to enjoy.

2015

In 2015 Grimmfest returned bigger and better than all the previous years I attended. At it's new home at the Odeon Printworks the team created a fantastic festival. They had more stalls, a gamers section, a new host to conduct the Q & As, more guests and most of all a brilliant selection of movies. Here are my favourite movies from the festival...

Blood Sucking Bastards

Another very good horror comedy where the new office manager is a vampire that attempts to turn all the employees.

He Never Died
Henry Rollins plays an eternal being who just wants to be left alone and play bingo. A very enjoyable slow build.

Turbo Kid
A homage to 80's post apocalypse movies. This was one of my highlights from 2015 and I don't mean just from the festival. Great 80's style score, fantastic 80's style effects and an enjoyable story.

The Hive
It was late in the day when I watched this and was very tired so probably didn't appreciate it as much as it deserves but The Hive is a visual stunning, very well made zombie movie.

Excess Flesh
Not one to watch while eating or feeling hungry. A girl with body image issues is obsessed with her model roommate and soon the obsession becomes violent. Another example how to do a slow build movie.

Howl
A good creature feature where a night train to London breaks down in a forest home to werewolf type creatures. As if being trapped on a train isn't bad enough.

Deathgasm
If you love zombies, heavy metal and a good laugh then this is one from you. You can count on New Zealand to produce a good horror comedy.

A Christmas Horror Story
Four Christmas based horror movies blended together, one of which features Santa fighting zombie elves what more do I have to say.

I think it's safe to say I'm looking forward to this year's event unfortunately I can't make it there Saturday but I'll be there all the other days. Thanks for reading and please check back for a review of this year's festival.

Blair Witch 2016 Spoiler Free Movie Review

Set 20 years after the events of the first film, Lisa; a film maker, is making a documentary on ambiguous loss where one of her subjects is James whos older sister Heather went missing along with two of her friends while camping in the woods. James comes across some footage on YouTube that has been recently found in the woods which he believes shows his sister. Lisa and James along with two other friends go into the woods hoping to find more clues related to what happened to Heather...

The announcement of Blair Witch came as a shock to many horror fans, especially the ones who had been following the developments of Adam Wingard's new film The Woods which was revealed as Blair Witch at it's first screening at Comic Con. This is a direct sequel to the first movie and rightfully ignores The Book of Shadows.
I got to see this as a mystery movie at the cinema. I was so happy when I saw the title as you may know I loved the first film and been looking forward to seeing this since it's announcement. I have to say I wasn't disappointed with this sequel however I wasn't blown away either.

The movie has some faults and the biggest problem I had was with the acting at the beginning of the movie. It felt like the actors was acting and not giving a natural improvised performance which was done so well in the first movie. I will point out that the acting got better as the film went on but I would have liked the characters to be believable from the start.
My other problem was that there was also a large amount of unnecessary jump scares. I'm a sucker for jump scares, they get me every time and I don't mind them but this movie had many of times when it was just the main characters coming out of a bush or just standing there when a swinging camera locks on to them.

There are many positives about the film which I won't go into to keep it spoiler free but I will say where this film succeeds and will be remembered for is the final 30 minutes. You will witness one of the most intense sequences that lasts for half an hour without a break for a breather. You will be begging for the movie to end just to get your heart rate down to an acceptable rhythm again.

If you are a fan of the first movie then you should enjoy this. It goes over territory which you will be familiar with from the first film and expands on the myths. If you didn't like the first film and I appreciate The Blair Witch Project is the Marmite of horror movies then there is nothing here for you.

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