"The Witch" Movie Review

March issue has been posted as well. Enjoy...

"The Witch" movie review

The recently released horror film, "The Witch," has been getting a lot of hype since its release back in mid-February. The psychological horror film, which is the directorial debut of film maker, Robert Eggers, brings a different take on the horror genre, showing that man’s fears can be far more terrifying than myths.  It basically showed that man’s fears and ideas implanted by religion, government, and tradition, can drive them to do insane things, some of which still happen to this day. The variety of occult symbolism, and the embodiment of female empowerment, definitely showed face in the film as well.   This would have definitely hit a chord for that time period, when woman were suffering oppression, and free thinkers were often killed for their beliefs. I almost felt that the witch itself was a manifestation, or symbol, for the bad happenings that would befall the family, and the lingering horror that still dwells to this day, where despair seems to run rampant. I felt that these were great points to bring up, and I felt the execution on it to some point was done pretty well. My main complaint about the film was that I felt it dragged at certain parts, and that points could have been made sooner.  I also felt that it needed more action, to cut the tension of the story, and keep the viewer enticed. I was waiting with anticipation for something to happen, yet I was left still waiting in the end, which was a bit disappointing. The few scenes of gore definitely hit a curb with me and helped break the tension a bit, but I felt like a little more of that might have helped the film out a bit to even out the dialogue and message. I'm not going to write off and say this was an awful film, because it was definitely the contrary, but I think someone who isn't much for extensive dialogue  might find the film a bit lack luster. I suggest checking it out, and giving it a chance, but if you're expecting horrific gore throughout, you will be disappointed

Feb Issue up. Review on John Carpenter's "Cigarette Burns"

hello everyone,

Sorry it took me a bit and that the Feb issue is late,but to make up for it. I'll be posting up a separate post with the March issue as well.

Here is the Feb issue enjoy!

"Cigarette Burns" Movie Review

  "La fin absolue du monde,"  “The absolute end of the world,” is a film within the film depicted in the eight installments in the Masters of Horror series, entitled "Cigarette Burns."  Directed by well-known film maker, John Carpenter (The Thing, They Live, Halloween, Vampires") it unveils the madness within man that he blindly can't see for himself. Carpenter paints a macabre portrait, revolving around all the characters involved, as they all eventually see the horror and torment within themselves that drives them to the brink of insanity.  The main characters, Kirby Sweetman (played by Norman Reedus) and the private film collector who hires him, Mr.Bellinger (Udo Kier) are both tormented by their dark past.  Kirby is tormented by the death of his wife and the guilt that is brought to him by his father in law.  While Bellinger's past isn't described too much in the film, it’s implied in the early and late stages of the film that he harbors dark demons within. The chilling climax brings to full circle what the film ends up bringing out in both characters.  The concept is brilliantly executed, and the idea of underground and banned films has always been a fascination to me since I got into the underground film genre. I think what I loved most about the film itself is man’s obsession with the unknown, wanting to know what lies ahead no matter how horrifying it may be.  Film makers and writers can make or break an audience by what they often show or write, and sometimes hearing about it isn't enough.  Only true revelations can be revealed by what the eyes see and the mind interrupts.  The journey and the search can bring clues that in the end will either cause the progression of the soul or the total destruction of it.  I don't want to give too much away, and I feel like writing a synopsis of each scene will ruin the experience.  I figured it'll be better for one to see it and enjoy the journey as much as I did. As the film itself states, "Some films are meant to be seen".