Horror
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
This feature length adaptation of two youtube shorts is visually great, with an immersive world and spectacular effects. A darkly funny take on the legend of Santa Claus, though the film is sadly hampered by crippling pacing issues.
Read more…Paranormal Activity 2
The original Paranormal Activity was a great revisionist horror. Adapting Val Lewton’s classic less is more philosophy, the film dealt in suspense rather than cheap pay-offs, in drama rather than violence and in fear rather than gore. In short, it worked because the audience cared about the characters and didn’t know what was coming next. Wanna take a guess at why the sequel fails?
Read more…Halloween Film Events 2010. Get them before they get you. And they will.
Here at Best For Film, we want you to be prepared. Halloween comes but once a year, creeping up on you whilst you are distracted by the changing weather and the slow realisation that it’s not acceptable to wander around in your bikini because SUMMER IS OVER. And we would hate for you to miss out on super cool Halloween things due to a lack of preparation. So here it is, champs; a list of Halloween film events for you and me and all to share.
Read more…Slash’s Slasher Film Company
It was only a matter of time before Slash got involved with the movies. I just thank God it wasn’t a cameo role in Austin Powers. But this is good. He’s only gone and started up his own horror movie production company. TREAT!
Read more…Hyper Japan: Adventure in Anime
Hyper Japan, a three day “pop culture” event made its way to The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane last weekend. Imagine all things Japanese under a London roof; food, art, gaming, fashion and technology (I saw my first 3D telly!) and you’ve got something a bit like it. But I had no time for Japanese tomfoolery, I was there with a purpose. So I tore myself away from the manga illustrators and Japanese fashion show, slapped on my film hat and went to be wowed (and a bit weirded out) by the joy and absudity of anime.
Read more…Cherry Tree Lane
The latest offering from Paul Andrew Williams (known for 2006′s London to Brighton), it would be difficult to describe Cherry Tree Lane as the sort of film anybody would watch for enjoyment. The story of a London couple held hostage in their own home by some seriously disgruntled youths, it is uncomfortable viewing from start to finish; rarely has there been a film that could make you feel more horrified at what is happening onscreen. You won’t want to watch and yet, curiously, this is precisely why you must.
Read more…The Hole
A welcome return from director Joe Dante, The Hole is another fine contribution to the ‘family horror’ genre that helped make his name. Providing both laughs and scares, it credits its child viewers with an ability that too many kids films lack; the intelligence to be treated like adults. Bringing the darkness, but keeping things light, it will entertain both youngsters and grown-ups alike. And it all comes with the added benefit of 3D. So, go on – have a little fun and face your biggest fears.
Read more…The Human Centipede
Even as a hardened horror fan, I sat down to watch The Human Centipede with a therapist on speed dial. I need not have worried. Yes, the film is disturbing, but ultimately The Human Centipede is a pretty lifeless creature, that neither makes you think, fear or even laugh enough for it to gain the cult status it so clearly craves.
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