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.

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.

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.

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.

After the surprise success of Piranha 3D (it’s gotten medium to positive reviews, as well as being rated 83% fresh in the hallowed halls of Rotten Tomatoes), it’s been confirmed that a sequel is on the way. More beautiful and naked flesh being torn asunder? Erm, hurrah?

So, the UK Film Council is to be axed. There are really only two things to do in reaction to such baffling news: a) follow in the steps of over 12,000 film fans and sign our official online petition here b) then proceed to remind yourselves of what the UKFC has brought to our screens in the last ten years, starting with the exhilarating horror sequel 28 Weeks Later.

The Saw films have turned wanton cruelty into an annual event, with a seventh instalment in the series due this Halloween. Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, screenwriters of Saw IV, V and VI, evidently aren’t satisfied with the carnage they have already wrought, so they have co-written this equally grisly tale about a robbery that turns unexpectedly nasty.

“One, two, Freddy’s coming for you… Three, four, better lock your door…” In 1984, writer-director Wes Craven unleashed one of cinema’s most iconic and dearly beloved boogiemen: Freddy Krueger. Dressed in an eye-catching red and green striped sweater and a beaten fedora, Freddy stalked his victims in their dreams, killing them with a glove of razor sharp knives. Craven officially laid his hideously-disfigured creation to rest in 1994 with the self-referential New Nightmare and now, more than 15 years later, Freddy is resurrected in a slick yet soulless remake that doesn’t have a clue how to scare an audience.

The horror-savvy amongst you lot will be aware that we revealed the terrifying new poster for the horror remake last week. Now prepare to soil your pants all over again, as a teaser clip of the upcoming movie hits the web. The clip, which can be seen here, sees old Freddy K causing a bit of havoc in a supermarket. We can only assume he was frustrated in his quest to find hand cream.

Cover your eyes! The terrifying new poster for the A Nightmare on Elm Street remake proclaims that we’ll “never sleep again” and we here at Best for Film are genuinely quaking in our boots at the prospect. The slasher series, which spawned such classic cult movies as A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and Freddy vs. Jason, is being revived yet again. Spooky.