Fright Fest 2011 review

Fright Fest 2011

Every August bank holiday thousands of gore hounds ascend upon London’s Leicester Square for the UK’s premiere horror and fantasy film festival. Playing host to over forty movies, many of them being either world or UK premieres, this is truly the weekend that cinephiles the world over should all have marked down on their calendar. Opening on the Thursday night with the UK premiere of the Guilermo Del Toro produced Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark and closing on bank holiday Monday with the hotly anticipated survival shocker A Lonely Place To Die along with first showings of Fright Night 3D, Ti West’s The Inkeepers and Brit horror flick Kill List, Fright Fest 2011 would be the biggest Fright Fest yet! I headed down to Leicester Square for the opening night and here is my pick of the good, the bad and the damn right nasty from the weekend!

Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark (****): Written and produced by Guilermo Del Toro, this has been a labour of love for the big man as it has taken him years to get the movie made but it will finally see a release this October. Don’t Be Afraid is a remake of a 1973 TV movie of the same name, a TV movie that most people will never have heard of which is always a good thing when it comes to movie remakes. The story goes a little like this - a young girl (Baille Maddison) is sent to live with her father (Guy Pearce) and his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes) and discovers strange creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own. Troy Nixey’s remake enters classic haunted house territory and it has a great old school horror vibe to it that I really love, also the good news is that is has Del Toro’s finger prints all over it and I found myself at several points having flashbacks to Pans Labyrinth. The big scares here come courtesy of the evil fairy creatures that are creepy as hell (expecting anything less from Del Toro?) these things are damn right nasty, hell they are the worst tiny terrors on the big screen since those pesky Critters!!!

Final Destination 5 (***): You know exactly what you are getting when you go se a Final Destination movie, the formula has not changed since the first movie which was released eleven years ago now and to be honest that is not such a bad thing! With the 3D gimmick also now commonplace with the franchise, the movies have the same feel as taking a trip to Thorpe Park and going on your favourite ride – a rollercoaster ride of death from start to finish Final Destination 5 surprisingly rises above the other sequels in the series and it is no exaggeration to say this is the best entry since the original, for me the reason behind this stems from it not taking itself too seriously and the comedy has been heavily ramped up and to great affect. Oh any best news of all – Tony Todd is back for his usual cameo which is always a highlight of these movies! 

The Theatre Bizarre (*): Theatre Bizarre follows in the footsteps of a long line of classic horror anthology movies, this sub genre is a big favourite of mine with the anthology’s from both Hammer and Amicus back in the 60’s and early 70’s being amongst my favourites, so naturally I had high hopes for this movie, I mean seven horror greats coming together for a collection of seven macabre shorts – what could be better? God I wish I had set my expectations lower! The stories on offer here range from horribly average to damn right garbage, the running time is also around an hour too long and had this been cut down to four stories then it may have had a better flow to it. Richard Stanley’s Mother Of Toads gets the movie off to a decent start with a very predictable but still creative story with a very Lovecraftian flavour to it. Next up is the morbid love story I Love You which is definitely the pick of the bunch. Tom Savini’s Wet Dreams is an amateurish effort from a horror maestro who should know better. The Accident is a very poignant story but seems very out of place here in this ultra gory collection. Vision Stains and Sweets round out the collection and I guess the worst was left to last as this double header is absolute dross! It is unlikely that Theatre Bizarre will ever see a theatrical release, still avoid at all costs! 

Tucker And Dale VS Evil (****): Tucker and Dale is the story of two hapless hillbillies who head out into the woods to fix up their new vacation home only to come up against a group of college kids who are under the impression that the duo are of the Wrong Turn redneck ilk and are going to kill them off one by one – alas hilarious major misunderstandings abound and a blood bath ensues! Tucker and Dale is a comedic twist on movies such as Texas Chainsaw and Wrong Turn, It truly is a laugh out loud flick from start to finish and at the same time offers up plenty of inventive death scenes and nail biting moments. Alan Tudyk (Firefly) and Tyler Labine (Reaper) are first class as the title characters, both of these actors excel in these types of comedic roles and the chemistry between the duo here is first rate. Tucker And Dale will not see a widespread theatrical release here in the UK but will hit DVD AND Blu Ray at the end of September and I cannot recommend it highly enough, yes it is silly but I’ll go on record and say this is the comedy event of 2011!

Troll Hunter (****): As would be expected Troll Hunter went down a treat with the Fright Fest faithful, you can read my full review on the movie by scrolling the AOTA archives.

The Wicker Tree (***): Based on Robin Hardy’s novel Cowboys For Christ, this is a sequel/reimagining to his classic 1973 movie The Wicker Man. The Wicker Tree is a highly engaging movie that will keep you entertained throughout, my only complaint with Hardy’s new entry into the series is that the horror aspect is almost non existent until the final twenty minutes with the first seventy played mainly for laughs. Still this is definitely one to check out when it gets a DVD release in the first half of 2012.

Fright Night 3D (***): A big budget Disney remake of a classic 1985 vampire movie with Colin Farell in the lead role as the sexy vampire next door? You gotta be fucking kidding me right???!!! That was my initial reaction to the news that Fright Night would be remade for 2011, one of my favourite 80’s horror movies this was bound to be shite! Right? Actually wrong as 2011’s Fright Night 3D is actually one of the best vampire movies to hit the big screen in quite some time, the 3D may be pointless but the classic story in still intact (well with a few tweaks) and the casting is very good with Farrell being excellent as Jerry and Anton Yelchin, Toni Collete and David Tennant all fantastic in their roles. As far as the cast goes, the major downfall for was Chris Mintz-Plasse in the role of Evil as Stephen Geoffreys was the highlight of the 1985 original when he portrayed the role. Look out for cameo from original Jerry – Chris Sarandon, this had the fright fest faithful up on their feet cheering at the premiere!

The Inkeepers (**): Ti West is a Fright Fest favourite so there was never any doubt that he would not return with his latest offering Inkeepers, A slacker-horror centered on the last two employees at a haunted hotel that's going out of business. Now I like Ti West and I did want to like The Inkeepers but for me it just felt like it had something missing, I cannot say too much without giving the movie away but come the final frame I felt slightly cheated over what I had seen in the past ninety minutes. Sara Paxton is fantastic in the lead role of slacker Claire and without her this may have fell totally on its arse but she is likeable enough of a character to keep you gripped at her ghost hunting exploits. I may be being a little harsh here as The Inkeepers was one of the biggest hits with fans at this year’s festival but for me it felt a little flat but hey there is always a chance I’ll give it a second chance!

Visit www.Frightfest.co.uk news on the upcoming Halloween allnighter and next February’s Fright Fest Glasgow.

By Anthony Bohan

Apollo 18 review

Houston, do we have a problem??


Going into this screening I didn't know what to expect, I mean I knew what the film was about and how the story would be told (first hand accounts using "lost footage") but I didn't know if I was excited or what. 

I'm a big space nut, so when I heard about this film I knew I had to watch it but wasn't sure what conspiracy they would turn to (won't give anything away) but it's a solid theory that has been going on for years.

Apollo 18 is a film based on conspiracy theories as to why we haven't been back to the moon (if we even got there in the first place) shot as though the archive footage was discovered, the story tells of three astronauts who are rocketed to the moon on a top secret mission, one the public are not meant to know about. As they go on with there mission they start to unravel a secret they were not meant to discover and all hell breaks loose.

As the film plays it no doubt has some creepy moments but nothing worth spilling your popcorn over or covering your eyes over although it does make you want to keep watching. The film is edited very well but sometimes I felt that the film going out of frame got pretty annoying (made me want to bang the side of the screen to straighten it out if I could)

The acting is great and the camera angles are great at concealing certain things but the whole time I never thought this could be real (and Timur Berbembatov's Executive producing credit fuelled the thought)

So is Apollo 18 a rocket fuelled by tension, horror and truth or does Huston have a problem? To be honest I don't know, As much as I liked it I can't help but think it won't do too well. It's a good film and like Paranormal Activity people may believe it is real but I can't see this making any big waves.

Watch if you liked 'The Fourth Kind' or 'Paranormal Activity'

I'm @GeorgeK1988 and I'm blasting off

Troll Hunter review by the new guy Tony

André Øvredal’s Troll Hunter has become something of a cultural phenomenon in its native Norway upon its release last year and now in 2011 the rest of the world finally get to see this monster hit! Troll Hunter sees a group of three student film makers stumble upon a solitary figure with a very weird occupation – that being that he is in the field of hunting down big nasty trolls for a secret sector of the Norwegian government, the team decide to follow him and catch all of his exploits on film to put on show for the rest of the world to see. 

Troll Hunter perfectly balances both horror and comedy and feels like an odd mash up of The Blair Witch Project meets Ghostbusters! My initial perception after seeing the trailer back last year was that it looked an interesting concept but with their being budget constraints I doubted that I would be privy to seeing many trolls lumbering around on screen, but how wrong was I! There are trolls aplenty to be seen here and they come in several weird and wonderful varieties and the best news of all is that visually they look fantastic, no ropey cgi to be seen here as the trolls look as authentic as could be and have a very eerie human quality to them, very akin to that of the creatures seen in 2009’s Where The Wild Things Are. Unfortunately Troll Hunter is one of those movies that will pass the casual cinema audience by, but for those who do seek it out will be richly rewarded, and with a sequel and a big budget Hollywood remake on the horizon the troll hunting business has never looked brighter!

Tony Bohan

Conann the Barbarian Review by Ms Kay

Blood, boobs and barbarians. What more could you ask for in an action film? Maybe a fantasy world and half the cast of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra? Well if that’s what you are after then this is the film for you.

Little Leo Howard (played a young Snake Eyes in GI Joe) kicks starts this movie as young Conan and quite literally throws down everyone and every doubt towards this movie (this kid has some mad skills). Now, by no means is this film a piece of ground breaking cinema but if you want a film you can watch with minimal thinking, this is it. Jason Momoa who plays a more ‘charismatic’ version of Conan then his predecessor Arnie, well, that’s how he and director Marcus Nispel describe the rebooted character, Check out the interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1T_h_mAr30&feature=relmfu) definitely more than looks the part.

The movie follows Conan on a quest to avenge his tribe and more so his father (Hellboy’s Ron Perlman). Conan literally fights his way through the movie, which is quite fitting as his first drink was blood. Along the way he meets Tamara (Rachel Nichols) who is the key to a supernatural lock that Khalar Zym(he killed Conans daddy) is trying to open. And of course they get it on.

I am very surprised at the 15 classification due to the sheer amount of sex and graphical violence, but then again I suppose is has some sort of historical verification (kind of...maybe...who am I kidding?). The script isn’t fantastic and the story’s a little predictable but let’s be honest you aren’t expecting anything else. If you want a fast passed film to kick back and relax to, this is for you. How else would you want to spend your down time?

I'm @_kaymd_  and “I live, I love, I slay and I’m content”

The Inbetweeners: The Movie Review

So after just three seasons of the Inbetweeners it is coming to an end, but not before the guys get together for one last time in the much awaited Inbetweeners movie. 

It's pretty much the same format as the show, so it's worked out to be a long episode but all that means is more of our favourite lads Will, Jay, Niel and Simon. 

The boys are off to Malia and for a holiday of sun, sea, sand, sex ,booze and a few more things along those lines. 

Those who aren't familiar with the show will still be able to jump in and get as many laughs as die hard fans will. Things do get a little more cringeworthy then in the series and I did at points i did get a bit embarrassed.

So basically its a lads holiday film, which women can enjoy just as mich. This film is hilarious and i would recomend it to anyone who has been on a clubbing holiday to give this a watch, you'll notice so many situations that we've unfortunatly all been through.

@_KayMD_ giving a shout out to all the briefcase wankers

Our late but still relevant review of 'Rise of the Apes

I know we're late to the party but fashionably will be our excuse on why we haven't reviewed one of the biggest films of the year...Rise of the Apes.

This film is downright awesome! Based on arguably one of the greatest Sci-fi films of all time, it tells of how Apes Rose to power and the downfall of man came to be.

Based on the Ape mythology of the 70's films we see how Ceaser (Andy Serkis) stood up tall and literally said 'No'. The first of future apes who unites a tired and downtrodden race to power. Serkis plays this role spectacularly, allowing you to really feel that Ceaser is real, granted with the help of WETA (the guys who keep reminding us that they made Avatar) who did a bang up job on the visual effects.

The film is great, the direction is smooth and the music score emotional. It's not a classic but it's one helluva movie. It also is jam packed with references from the other films.

Rise of the Apes allows you to feel real sympathy for the very beings who will one day chase us through the forests. With amazing characters and a solid story it really does match up to the original. Do I smell a sequel? Hell yeah! And does it have something to do with Mars? Possibly. Watch for yourself and make up your mind.

I'm @GeorgeK1988 and I'm down with those damn dirty apes!!

Super 8 review by Mr George

When I first heard that Spielberg was producing a JJ Abrams film I wasn't sure what to think, I just knew it would be big. And I was right! 

There is only one way to describe 'Super 8', it's 'The Goonies' Meets 'Cloverfield' (and I'm sure that's how Abrams pitched it to Spielberg) 

The film is about a group of kids in the 70s who are making a film and accidentally film a train wreck on their Super 8 camera which unravels a secret the US AirForce wanted kept quiet. What's the secret you ask? I'll let you find out when you watch it. 

I can honestly say I've been waiting for a film like this for a very long time, I am a huge fan of The Goonies and this film really does use the same outline when it comes to the child characters, bits of Mouth and Chunk are seen throughout the film which not only adds to comedic value but allows fans of 80's films to really give the same feel we get when we watch our favourite kids films now. 

The kids are hilarious, the effects are amazing and the direction is pure. Abrams really did well with this one. As you would think, there are plenty Spielberg references and influences throughout the film, from families bickering in the background ("Close Encounters") to the kids racing through the streets on their bikes ( "ET" "Goonies") and don't forget shadow shots ("Indiana Jones") but dint let that distract you from Abrams ability to conceal what is shown and show what is concealed....sounds confusing, but you'll know what I mean when you see the film.

This really is an awesome movie, deemed to be a classic, the sort of film that will inspire kids to become film-makers (much like 'Goonies' making me want to be a pirate!!)

The music, like the film is beautiful and moving. It's not too long too which is perfect for any parents with restless kids. 

I highly recommend this film, it's for everyone!!

@GeorgeK1988

Captain America Review by Mr George

Okay, I've just got in from a screening of Marvel Studio's Captain America and I can honestly say I enjoyed it.
At the beginning I expected this film to not really hit British audiences very hard due to the blatant Pro-American propaganda but to be honest it wasn't so bad. 

I half expected to hear "we're Americans" "we're the best" but it never came, this film is about the story, the origin of Marvel's most iconic character, a story about war, strength and power of faith. I left the cinema wanting to punch Nazis in the face.

Joe Johnston really brought this story to life, it being set mainly in the 40s/50s, decided to film it in a similar style, the cheese factor not being too bad and using 40s style transitions through the edit. Evans certainly made me forget he was the Human Torch in previous comic book movie flops and Weaving plays the villain so well it gave me the creeps. The special effects were great but a skinny chris Evans made me giggle everytime I saw him and the 3D was not needed. 

With appearances from characters like a rather older and more realistic Bucky, Doogan, Howard Stark and what do you know Samuel L Jackson's Nick Fury, it really is hitting the referencing in the face.

It's a great film and really gets you in the the mood for The Avengers (set for May release) which I might add is the post credit scene (the leaked Avengers trailer we saw during SDCC 11) if you've been following The Marvel movies so far you can't miss this one. It's a real treat.

But don't take my word for it, see it for yourself!!

I am @GeorgeK1988 and is this film awesome, action-packed and funny? Try @_alloftheabove_ 

Horrible Bosses review

Move over Stu, Alan, Phil and Mr Chow there are some new guys in town and these ones are lethal. Well almost.
 
Ok so there could have been snappier titles, but let's be honest it's to the point, these guys are just plain horrible. Jennifer Aniston plays a sex pest dentist who harasses her dental nurse assistant but don't you dare say that it isn't that bad! Because there are apparently some men that don't want to see her running around in knickers (really...I know right) and Dale is one of them. So obviously she needs to die, along with his friend Kurt's Boss, a complete slime ball who's creeped out by men in wheelchairs and spends to much time with ladyboys (which is a legit lifestyle choice by the way) played by the surprisingly funny Colin Farrel. And let's not forget the crazy funny and crazy scary Kevin spacey who plays the best egotistical maniac in a while, who completely terrorises their friend nick. 
 
But first these three guys are going to need a murder consultant because a guy who does the correct kind of 'wet work' is hard to find and Jamie Foxx is that guy and one bad ass mother, so bad his name is actually mother fucker jones (yes, you read that right). And as you guessed it, hilarious consequences follow. And follow they do. If you watch one comedy this year let it be Horrible Bosses, or else.
 
Horrible Bosses hitting screens 22 July
 
@_KayMD_ (Kay)  signing off!