Top 10 Horror Based TV Shows

It's that time of year again! Yes, Halloween, the best time of the year for us horror fans. And that means one thing here on the Maven's Movie Vault of Horror blog, the results for this year's Countdown to Halloween 2013, as voted by the fans on the facebook.


So without further ado, let's begin...






Number 10 - The Addams Family

The misadventures of a blissfully macabre family who consisted of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Lurch, Grandmama, Wednesday, Pugsley, Pubert Addams and Thing.

In 1964, the ABC-TV network created The Addams Family television series based on Charles Addams' cartoon characters. The series was shot in black and white and aired for two seasons in 64 half-hour episodes (September 18, 1964 – September 2, 1966). During the original television run of The Addams Family television series, The New Yorker editor William Shawn refused to publish any Addams Family cartoons.

The television series featured a memorable theme song, written and arranged by longtime Hollywood composer Vic Mizzy. Check it out...

Number 9 - Rod Serling's Night Gallery

Night Gallery is an anthology series that aired on NBC from 1970 to 1973, featuring stories of horror and the macabre. Rod Serling, who had gained fame from an earlier series, The Twilight Zone, served both as the on-air host of Night Gallery and as a major contributor of scripts, although he did not have the same control of content and tone as he had on The Twilight Zone.

The series was introduced with a pilot TV movie that aired on November 8, 1969, and featured the directorial debut of Steven Spielberg, as well as one of the last acting performances by Joan Crawford.

Check out this TV Promo Spot...

Number 8 - Dexter

Meet Dexter Morgan. By day he's a blood spatter pattern expert for the Miami Metro police department. But by night - he takes on an entirely different persona: serial killer. But Dexter isn't your average serial killer as he only kills people who fit a very prolific and precise "moral code" taught to him by his late father Harry, and developed very thoroughly throughout each kill.

Dexter aired on Showtime from October 1st, 2006 to September 22nd, 2013, with 8 seasons altogether. Michael C. Hall has received several awards and nominations for his portrayal of Dexter, including a Golden Globe award.

 Let's go inside the kill room (spoiler alert!)...

Number 7 - Kolchak: The Night Stalker

Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin) was a reporter for Chicago's Independent News Service, and a trouble magnet for situations involving the supernatural. Kolchak turned his investigative skills to vampires, werewolves, zombies and all manner of legendary creatures, but in the end he always failed to convince his skeptical editor.

Kolchak: The Night Stalker is a television series that aired on ABC during the 1974–1975 season. The series was preceded by two television movies, The Night Stalker (1972) and The Night Strangler (1973). The series only lasted a single season. The main character originated in an unpublished novel, The Kolchak Papers, written by Jeff Rice. After the success of the TV movie and its sequel, the novel was initially published in 1973 by Pocket Books as a mass-market paperback original titled The Night Stalker, with Darren McGavin on the cover to tie it to the movie. Moonstone Books continues to produce Kolchak comic books.

Here's the TV intro...

Number 6 - Tales from the Crypt

Tales from the Crypt, sometimes titled HBO's Tales from the Crypt, is a horror anthology television series that ran from June 10, 1989 to July 19, 1996 on the premium cable channel HBO for seven seasons with a total of 93 episodes.

The title is based on the 1950s EC Comics series of the same name and most of the content originated in that comic or the four other EC Comics of the time (Haunt of Fear, Vault of Horror, Crime SuspenStories, and Shock SuspenStories).

The wisecracking Crypt Keeper (pictured), who was voiced by John Kassir and performed by puppeteer Van Snowden, would introduce each episode. Check out the intro...

Number 5 - Buffy the Vampire Slayer

At the young age of 15, Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) was chosen to hunt vampires, demons, and the forces of darkness. Joined by friends Willow and Xander and her watcher Giles, Buffy fights the challenges of High School and saves the world...a lot!

The series aired from March 10th, 1997 until May 20th, 2003. The series was created in 1997 by writer-director Joss Whedon under his production tag, Mutant Enemy Productions.

The idea was first visited through Whedon's script for the 1992 movie Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which featured Kristy Swanson in the title role.

Buffy's success has led to hundreds of tie-in products, including novels, comics, and video games. Check out this cool tribute video...

Number 4 - The Twilight Zone

Rod Serling's seminal anthology series originally ran from 1959 to '64 and focused on ordinary folks who suddenly found themselves in extraordinary, usually supernatural, situations. The stories would typically end with an ironic twist that would see the guilty punished.

The success of the series led to a feature film, a radio series, a comic book, a magazine, and various other spin-offs that spanned five decades, including two "revival" television series. The first ran on CBS and in syndication in the 1980s, the second ran on UPN from 2002 to 2003.

Here's the intro...

Number 3 - Supernatural

Supernatural, now in its 9th season, was created by Eric Kripke. It was first broadcast on September 13th, 2005 on The WB and is now part of The CW's lineup. Starring Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester, and Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester, the series follows these two brothers as they hunt demons, ghosts, monsters and other supernatural beings in the world.

An important aspect of the series is the use of classic rock, over which creator Eric Kripke threatened to quit when the network would not allow its inclusion.

This is one of my personal favourite shows and Dean Winchester is one of my heroes!

Check out the road so far...

Number 2 - The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard and developed for TV by Frank Darabont. The series stars Andrew Lincoln as sheriff Rick Grimes, who awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating zombies. He sets out to find his family and encounters many other survivors along the way.

The Walking Dead premiered on October 31st, 2010, on the cable television channel AMC and has just started its 4th season.

The most popular character is Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus), even though he was never featured in the original comics.

Here's an idiots guide to The Walking Dead...

Number 1 - American Horror Story

Created and produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk American Horror Story is an anthology series, each season is conceived as a self-contained miniseries, following different characters and locations, and a storyline with its own "beginning, middle, and end."

The first season, subsequently re-titled American Horror Story: Murder House, takes place in 2011 and follows the story of a family that moves into a home haunted by its former occupants. The second season, titled American Horror Story: Asylum, takes place in 1964 and follows the stories of the inhabitants of an institution for the criminally insane. The third season, titled American Horror Story: Coven takes place in the 1800s and present day and follows the battle between witches and voodoo practitioners.

It features many of the same cast members playing different characters in each series. Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Zachary Quinto, Dylan McDermott, Lily Rabe and Taissa Farmiga are included in the returning cast.

The series is bloody, brutal, graphic and disturbing. Even the opening title sequences are creepy! Check out all 3 below...

So there you have it, the fans of Maven's Movie Vault of Horror on Facebook have spoken! I would like to thank them all for getting involved and casting their votes once again for this year's Countdown to Halloween. What do you think to list? Let me know below.

(Sources used: Facebook, IMDB, Wiki, YouTube)

M is for Marriage (2013) Short Film Review

M is for Marriage is a short film written and directed Todd E. Freeman and stars Natalie Victoria, Jeffree Newman and Michael Draper.

Louise is in a therapy session, albeit a very strange one with interesting techniques. Dr. Christian is helping her move pass her husband's infidelity and teaching her to control her hatred. A hatred that can manifest itself physically with devastating effects.

The film runs for 3 minutes plus the credits, but it's still a very powerful piece. The performances are delivered with precision along with slick direction. The practical effects are simply scintillating and the score alone creates a tense atmosphere for the whole time.

M is for Marriage is not just a sneak peek into Freeman's next project, Love Sick, but it's also an entry into the ABCs of Death 2 26th director. Now this is where you guys, the readers, come in. I'm personally backing M is for Marriage and I want you to do the same.  

How? I hear you ask! Well, that's easy! Click on this link here so you can watch the film and follow these instructions...

The Blood Let (2013)

The Blood Let comes from Indie director/writer J.R. McGarrity. The story follows Ex-cop Gus (Rollin Blanton), after his ordeal with a fatal shooting, he's taken a job as a resident manager of a creaky old apartment building, The Royal Vista.

As if the crazy old landlord Wang (Clint Jung) wasn't bad enough, Gus also has to deal with the tenants and their problems. While this is going on, he also attends therapy. Things are made worse when he has to clear out the attic of a dead body and clean an apartment ready for rent.

With very little interest and pressure from the landlord to rent the apartment, Gus ends up renting it at 3 o'clock in the morning to a rather mysterious couple, Star (Elise Jackson) and Connor (David Landry). But this ends up being a life threatening mistake as the new found tenants are vampires!

 

The acting isn't great, but on the comedy side, Clint Jung as Wang steals the show. Keep an out for the guy in the garbage bin in too. The best performances come from Elise Jackson and David Landry as the vampires.

The film delivers, though cheap due to the budget, thrills and blood. I love the nod to The Lost Boys, obviously with the character Star and the jacket worn by Connor, which highly resembles the jacket worn by Laddie.

I liked the feel of the direction, but the script could have been a lot stronger. The best aspect of the movie was the story itself. I found it original and refreshing. I have to admit, I really enjoyed this low budget Indie comedy horror. You can check out the trailer below HERE.

THE BLOOD LET DELIVERS LOTS OF FUN AND WOULD BE AN ADMIRABLE ADDITION TO ANYONE'S VAMPIRE COLLECT

 

The Blood Let gets 3 Stars

VAMPIRES: From the 1980's to Present (2013). A List of My Top 5 Vampire Films from each Decade

As most of you should know, I love vampires! It's my favourite sub-genre of Horror and my ultimate fantasy. So in celebration of this, I thought I'd do a list of my favourite vamp flicks. As there's probably too many to mention, I've decided to go back to the 80's (as I was born in 70's and started watching vamp movies in the 80's) and work my way to present, giving a top 5 from each decade. Here we go...

~ From the 80's ~

Number 5: Vampire's Kiss (1988)

Nicolas Cage plays Peter Loew, a publishing executive that thinks he's turning into a vampire after an encounter with a woman who bites him. Shortly after the meeting, he starts exhibiting erratic behaviour. The woman continues to visit and as his madness deepens, it begins to look as if some of the events he's experiencing may be hallucinations.

Watching Cage going from normal to complete and utter delusional madness is magic. This is still one of my favourite films that Nicolas Cage has starred in. There's no actual vampires in this, but it's still great watching Cage run around trying to find fake vamp teeth!

Number 4: Near Dark (1987)

A mid-western farm boy reluctantly becomes a member of the undead when a girl he meets turns out to be part of a band of nomadic vampires who roam the highways in stolen cars and cause havoc wherever they go.

It stars Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton and Jenette Goldstein. The film did poorly at the box office upon release, but was viewed favourably by critics subsequently and has a sizable cult following.

My favourite part of the film is the bar scene, plus most of Bill Paxton lines! You can check a couple of these scenes in the video below.

Number 3: Fright Night (1985)

For young Charlie Brewster (William Ragsdale), an avid horror fan, begins to suspect that his new neighbour is a vampire after he exhibits some strange behaviour. No one believes what Charlie tells them he has seen, so he enlists the help of a washed-up actor, Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), who hosts Charlie's favourite TV show, Fright Night.

This 80's classic still stands the test of time, even when it was remade (but not bettered) in 2011. It also spawned a sequel in 1988.

He's the "spying scene" for you. WARNING: Contains 80's boobs...

Number 2: The Hunger (1983)

The Egyptian vampire lady Miriam (Catherine Deneuve) subsists upon the blood of her lovers. In return the guys or girls don't age... until Miriam has enough of them. Unfortunately that's currently the case with John (David Bowie), so his life expectancy is below 24 hours. Desperately he seeks help from the famous Dr. Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon). She doesn't really believe his story, but becomes curious and contacts Miriam, only to get drawn in by her.

This neo-Gothic exercise in style and atmosphere is perhaps most widely known for a lesbian sex scene involving Miriam and Sarah. Maybe why it was one of my favourites growing up???!!! Plus Bowie is just cool as fuck.

Number 1: The Lost Boys (1987)

Lucy and her two sons, Michael (Jason Patric) and Sam (Corey Haim) move to a small coast town in California. The town is plagued by bikers and some mysterious deaths. Sam makes friends with two other boys, Edgar (Corey Feldman) and Alan (Jamison Newlander) Frog, who claim to be vampire hunters while Michael is drawn into the gang of vampire bikers by a beautiful girl named Star (Jami Gertz), which is lead by David (Kiefer Sutherland).


Was this a surprise to anyone?! This is still on my favourites movies of all time list. I love everything about this film, included the soundtrack.

It was the first vampire movie that I really payed attention to as a kid after watching some of the Hammer Films of the 70's. It made me fall in love with the sub-genre.

My favourite quote of course...

"Now you know what we are, now you know what you are. You'll never grow old, Michael, and you'll never die."

Here's a tribute video I found on YouTube featuring the theme song Cry Little Sister...

~ From the 90's ~

Number 5: From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Two criminals, brothers Seth Gecko (George Clooney) and his psychopath rapist brother Richard Gecko (Quentin Tarantino), and their hostages, Jacob (Harvey Keitel), Kate (Juliette Lewis) and Scott (Ernest Liu), unknowingly seek temporary refuge in an establishment populated by vampires. During a sexy dance routine performed by Santanico Pandemonium (Salma Hayek), all hell breaks loose!

Directed by Robert Rodriguez from a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, this film boasts one of the best array of cast members that also includes genre legend Tom Savini, Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Fred Williamson, Michael Parks and John Saxon. Clooney's performance in this is still one of my favourite roles he's ever played.

Number 4: Blade (1998)

Half-vampire, half-mortal man, Blade (Wesley Snipes) is out to kill all vampire kind with the help of his mentor Whistler (Kris Kristofferson). In the meantime, vampire Deacon Frost (Stephen Dorff) is looking to complete an ancient prophecy that will involve Blade's "day walker" blood.

I went to see this film while on holiday in Florida (the first time I ever visited the States) so the whole experience was amazing. As a fan of Snipes' previous work, I loved his performance, which was only equalled by Dorff, who was just so cool! I even have the Frost vampire mark tattooed on the back of my neck. The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Check it out...

Number 3: Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

A widowed plantation owner named Louis (Brad Pitt), is befriended by Lestat (Tom Cruise), who offers him the chance of immortality by becoming a vampire. Centuries later, Louis tells his 200 year long epic life story of love, betrayal, loneliness and hunger to a reporter, Daniel Malloy (Christian Slater).

Based on the novel written by Anne Rice, she also wrote the screenplay. The film also stars Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea and a very young Kirsten Dunst.

This is in my top 5 because of the excellent performances, great direction by Neil Jordan and Rice's spellbinding writing.

Number 2: Vampires (1998)

A vampire slayer, Jack Crow (James Woods), and his team must retrieve an ancient Catholic relic that, should it be acquired by the vampire Jan Valek (Thomas Ian Griffith), will allow him to endure sunlight.

One of my favourite John Carpenter films, this bloody and brutal entry into the sub-genre sees James Woods at his best, having some of the best lines in a movie, ever!

"You wanna try garlic? You could stand there with garlic around your neck and one of these buggers will bend you fucking over and take a walk up your strada-chocolata WHILE he's suckin' the blood outta your neck"

Number 1: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

No list can be complete without the mention of the vampire of all vampires, Dracula!

Bram Stoker's classic Gothic tale of eternal love, lust and blood is brought to life by The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola.

Despite the dodgy English accents from Keanu Reeves and
Winona Ryder, I still love this movie. With fantastic performances from Gary Oldman as Dracula and Anthony Hopkins the eccentric (if not slightly crazed) Professor Abraham Van Helsing, added to the stunning cinematography, I can watch this film over and over again.

It actually picked up a few awards at the 1993 Oscars which included Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing, Best Makeup and Best Costume Design.

~ From the 00's ~

Number 5: Thirst (2009)

Beloved and devoted priest, Sang-hyeon (Kang-ho Song), from a small town volunteers for a medical experiment which fails and strickens him with vampirism. Physical and psychological changes lead to his affair with a wife of his childhood friend who is repressed and tired of her mundane life. The one-time priest falls deeper in despair and depravity. As things turns for worse, he struggles to maintain whats left of his humanity.

Directed by Chan-wook Park, this a very interesting and different take on the vampire sub-genre. And that's why it's in my top 5.

Number 4: 30 Days of Night (2007)

This is the story of an isolated Alaskan town that is plunged into darkness for a month each year when the sun sinks below the horizon. As the last rays of light fade, the town is attacked by a bloodthirsty gang of vampires bent on an uninterrupted orgy of destruction. Only the small town's husband and wife (Josh Hartnett and Melissa George) Sheriff team stand between the survivors and certain destruction.

Based on a graphic novel, this is a harsh and moody piece with vampires that are primeval and animalistic, which is why I like it. If you've not had the chance, check out the prequel mini-sodes 30 Days of Night: Blood Trails, if you can find them.

Number 3: Let the Right One In (2008)

Oskar (Kåre Hedebrant), a bullied 12-year old, dreams of revenge. He falls in love with Eli (Lina Leandersson), a peculiar girl. She can't stand the sun or food and to come into a room she needs to be invited. Eli gives Oskar the strength to hit back but when he realises that Eli needs to drink other people's blood to live he's faced with a choice. How much can love forgive?

This Swedish film was directed by Tomas Alfredson and based on the 2004 novel of the same title by John Ajvide Lindqvist, who also wrote the screenplay. Again, this is quite a moody piece and has strong performances from the young leads.

Number 2: Suck (2009)

Joey (Rob Stefaniuk) is the lead singer of the struggling band The Winners. After a show in a bar, bass player Jennifer (Jessica Paré), leaves the place with the creepy Queeny (Dimitri Coats) and they spend the night together. The next day, Jennifer turns up late for a gig, looking extraordinary stunning. She soon reveals she's been turned into a vampire and one by turns the rest of the band to further their success. In the meantime, Eddie Van Helsing (Malcolm McDowell) is hot on their trail.

With appearances from Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins and Iggy Pop, this comedy horror is just simply a fun and refreshing with a pretty damn good soundtrack. Check out this movie soundtrack trailer...

Number 1: Underworld (2003)

Selene (Kate Beckinsale), a beautiful vampire warrior, is entrenched in a war between the vampire and werewolf races. Although she is aligned with the vampires, she falls in love with Michael (Scott Speedman), a hybrid, who is being hunted by the head of the werewolf clan, Lucian (Michael Sheen).

I might get some stick for this, but I don't care! I love this action horror and not just because Beckinsale has blue eyes, dark hair, is a vampire, and runs around in tight PVC!

I love the Gothic style and dark ambiance. I love soundtrack. I love the fact it's filmed in Budapest (Hungary). The first time I watched it, I was like "I've been down that street!"

The best performance comes from Sheen though, followed closely by Bill Nighy as Viktor.

~ From the 10's ~

Number 5: Byzantium (2012)

Two mysterious women seek refuge in a run-down coastal resort. Clara (Gemma Arterton) meets lonely Noel, who provides shelter in his deserted guesthouse, Byzantium. Schoolgirl Eleanor (Saoirse Ronan) befriends Frank (Caleb Landry Jones) and tells him their lethal secret. They were born 200 years ago and survive on human blood. As knowledge of their secret spreads, their past catches up on them with deathly consequence.

Neil Jordan returns to the vampire sub-genre again with this horror drama. The big difference between this film and other vampire films is the mythos itself, but still has a similar feeling tone as Interview with the Vampire.

Number 4: Midnight Son (2011)

The story of a young man called Jacob (Zak Kilberg) who is confined to a life of isolation, due to a very rare skin disorder. His world changes when he meets local bartender Mary (Maya Parish) and falls in love. Jacob's condition worsens and forces him to drink human blood for sustenance, leading to law enforcement suspecting him in a series of grizzly murders.

Again, this has a different take on the vampirism, specially for Jacob's character. Smart, intense, and unpredictable throughout, the small cast delivers a rock solid performance in between the blood, the plot twists and a score, that all keeps you on edge.

Number 3: We are the Night (2010)

Set in Berlin, the story follows 3 female vampires, Louise (Nina Hoss), Charlotte (Jennifer Ulrich) and Nora (Anna Fischer) and their lavish nightlife style. The trio of vamps are soon joined by small time pickpocket Lena (Karoline Herfurth), as Louise has fallen for and made her a vampire. Their actions soon catches the attention of the police which add a whole load of complications to their lives.

This seductive and sophisticated German offering into the sub-genre is an excellent addition.

Favourite quote: "We eat, drink, snort cocaine and fuck as much as we want, and we don't get fat, pregnant, or addicted. Come on, smile. Millions of girls would kill for that."

Number 2: Stake Land (2010)

Martin (Connor Paolo) was a normal teenage boy before the country collapsed in an empty pit of economic and political disaster. A vampire epidemic has swept across what is left of the nation's abandoned towns and cities, and it's up to Mister (Nick Damici), a death dealing, rogue vampire hunter, to get Martin safely north to Canada, the continent's New Eden.

This is a harrowing and brutal film with a zombie apocalypse feel to it, but with mindless and aggressive vampires instead.

It also stars Kelly McGillis and scream queen Danielle Harris.

Number 1: Kiss of the Damned (2012)

The vampire Djuna (Joséphine de La Baume) resists the advances of Paolo (Milo Ventimiglia), but soon gives in to their passion. When her trouble-making sister Mimi (Roxane Mesquida) unexpectedly comes to visit, Djuna's love is threatened, and the whole vampire community becomes endangered.

I'd go as far to say that this is one of the best 21st Century vampire flicks to date. I find it hard to believe that this is only the first feature, written and directed, by Xan Cassavetes.

It pays homage to classic vampire/horror flicks of the 60's/70's and is quite simply...

UBER COOL, SUPER SEXY, FEROCIOUSLY SPELLBINDING & HAS A SCORE AND SOUNDTRACK TO DIE FOR.

So that's it, for now anyway. I'm looking forward to watching many more Vampire movies in the decades to come. I hope you enjoyed going through the list and if you haven't seen some of them, I recommend you do! There's a few of these films that I've reviewed on this blog and you can check them out by clicking HERE.

Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)

I watched Insidious when it first came out back in 2010, then again for only the second time today, a couple of hours before going to see Chapter 2.

While I liked the first film, I wasn't overly impressed with it, but having loved The Conjuring I was looking forward to seeing what James Wan would do with his sequel, as he also directed the first film.

If you haven't seen Insidious then there will be a couple of spoilers.

As this sequel directly follows the events and time line of Insidious, there's no long drawn out character development, so we're straight into the story, frights and thrills.

We're treated to a look back into the past at the beginning of the movie, when Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) first meets a young Josh Lambert (Garrett Ryan) in an attempt to help with his haunted problems (this ties in with the storyline later in the film). Back to present time, before Elise's body is even cold, the Lambert family have moved out of their house and into Josh's mother's, Lorraine Lambert's (Barbara Hershey) home.

It's not long before strange things start happening again! With Renai Lambert (Rose Byrne) reporting the events that happened in the old house to the police, she's now unsure of Josh's involvement in Elise's death. But as time goes on, Josh (Patrick Wilson) starts acting more out of character.

Meanwhile, paranormal investigators Tucker (Angus Sampson) and Specs (Leigh Whannell) try to make sense of the situation by checking out Elise's house. They connect with Lorraine Lambert, as she has also been seeing disturbing things. In the process, they meet with one of Elise's old friends, Carl (Steve Coulter). As they dig deeper into the past, the truth becomes clear and helps them determine what's going on with the Lambert family. But the more the facts are revealed, the more danger the Lambert family and everybody else is in!

With the story following straight on and all the characters returning, it's easy to get into the movie. If you liked the first flick, then you'll like this one even more. It has flash backs to when Josh was about Dalton Lambert's (Ty Simpkins) age and has crossovers within the two time lines. These can seem to be drawing away from the main story, but everything ties in together by the end.

There's not just the returning characters, we're also introduced to a few new ones. Steve Coulter is a great addition to the cast. Tucker (Angus Sampson) and Specs (Leigh Whannell) once again provide us with a couple of comedy moments to lighten the mood. But it's Patrick Wilson that provided the standout performance in Chapter 2 for me.

I really did enjoy the story a lot more. I can only put that down to James Wan adding his touch to it, instead of Leigh Whannell going it alone, even though he still did a great job writing the screenplay. And as always, Wan does a solid job as director, provided us with jumps and frights. As for the VFX, there's nothing new here, but they're still practical and effective like the earlier flick. The score helps with the frights, the mood and tension of the film.

Lets not forget the fact that this produced by Jason Blum's Blumhouse Productions and everything he touches turns to gold, so I'm expecting high box office figures for this sequel.

So overall, Insidious: Chapter 2 is by no means a perfect movie. It's not even the best horror film I've seen this year, but it would make an appearance in my top 10 of 2013. The scares aren't the best, they may make you jump, but it relies more on the score to give it an edge and there is a little too many door slams. However, I am pleased to say that it surpasses it's predecessor (I would give Insidious (2010) 3.5 Stars).

POSSIBLY ONE OF THE BEST HORROR SEQUELS IN THE PAST 10 YEARS, INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2 IS FRIGHTFULLY FUN AND EERIE. JAMES WAN ONCE AGAIN PROVES TO BE THE GO-TO DIRECTOR FOR HORROR!

Insidious: Chapter 2 gets 4 Stars

Check out the trailer below...

Byzantium (2012)

As far as Vampire films go, Interview with the Vampire is still one of my favourite movies. So when I first heard that Neil Jordan was returning to the sub-genre to direct Byzantium, I was that little bit more excited about it. Jordan also directed The Company of Wolves (1984), The Crying Game (1992) and  Michael Collins (1996) among other films, so we know we're going to get quality.

Don't head into this movie thinking it will be just another generic vamp flick with lots of fangs and blood. This is a horror / drama. I'd also like say that it has one of the most stunning movie posters I've seen!

The story follows Eleanor (Saoirse Ronan) and Clara (Gemma Arterton). They live from day to day with Clara doing what she has to, to earn money to support them both. When someone from Clara's past turns up, Werner (Thure Lindhardt), she puts them both in a compromising position and the two girls have to flee to another location.

They hit a seaside town, somewhere that Eleanor believes they have been before. Straight away, Clara does what she does best, making money and looking for a place to stay. In the meantime Eleanor meets Frank (Caleb Landry Jones), which turns into a friendship. Clara has now found a place stay with Noel (Daniel Mays), in his run down hotel.

Clara works her magic and turns the hotel into a thriving business, with a difference, and Eleanor attends the local school with Frank. Everyday, Eleanor writes down her tragic story of immortality and trows it away each time. But when she decides to write the same story, claiming she is a 200 year old vampire, and give it to her friend frank, it back fires on her as Frank passes it on to their teacher, who in turn becomes concerned that Eleanor has a problem since she insists that what she wrote is the truth.

This all leads to Clara having to clean up the mess Eleanor has made, in turn making more of a mess herself. Now the attention of the authorities has been drawn as well as someone else from Clara's past. Past events are starting to haunt Eleanor and Clara even more than before, threatening to separate the them from each other. Will they get the happy ending they both earnestly and secretly crave for or will death be their future?

The big difference between this film and other vampire films is the mythos itself. It has very original origin story and as for the feeding, the normal set of tools are not used, but the thirst for blood is still the same! With some decent practical FX, the flow of blood should keep vampire and horror fans happy.

The story itself is extremely well written by Moira Buffini and with Jordan's direction, it's an excellent film that the seasoned non horror movie buff will appreciate too. Jordan's vision fills the screen and the movie does have a similar feeling tone as Interview with the Vampire, without as much action and more drama though.

The film flashes back and forth from the past to the present, answering all the questions that arise in your head throughout the proceedings. This makes you get more involved and connected to each character.

It's a beautifully crafted movie full of emotional content. From the dreary looking location to the contrasting colourful lights all within the seaside town, Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton bring the whole thing to life with great performances. The supporting cast is full of quality too, but it's Ronan, along with Caleb Landry Jones that steal the show.

WITH SOME STUNNING CINEMATOGRAPHY AND OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES, BYZANTIUM APPEALS TO, NOT JUST VAMPIRE FANS, BUT FILM ENTHUSIASTS IN GENERAL.

Byzantium gets 5 Stars

Check out the trailer below...

The Conjuring (2013)

The Conjuring is directed by James Wan. If you didn't know, he also directed Saw (2004), the very underrated Dead Silence (2007), Insidious (2010) and of course the upcoming Insidious Chapter 2 (due September 13th 2013). With some very solid films under his belt, I was expecting something equally as good. I was not disappointed!

Let's start with the facts. The movie is based on Ed and Lorraine Warren, as played by Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga. The married couple were paranormal investigators and in 1952 founded the New England Society for Psychic Research (FIND OUT MORE HERE).

The film itself is based on old case files of the Perron family investigation. Mother, Carolyn Perron (Lili Taylor), father, Roger Perron (Ron Livingston) and their five daughters Andrea, Nancy, Christine, Cindy and April.



Now I've been doing a little research into this, since it's "based on a true story" and I found some interesting stuff (FIND OUT MORE HERE)!

"The Conjuring IS based on a true story...our story. However, the film is not based on my trilogy House of Darkness House of Light. It is, instead, based upon the case files of Ed & Lorraine Warren...There are liberties taken and a few discrepancies but overall, it is what it claims to be — based on a true story, believe it or not." - Andrea Perron (in a Letter to Horror-Movies.ca, June 2013)

The opening scene sees the Warrens investigating a disturbance involving a rather sinister looking doll that is quickly dealt with. They are showing the recorded film as part of a lecture. We then get introduced to the Perron family as they are moving into their new home. A big creepy as hell old house!

As most haunting movies go, strange things start to happen around the house causing worry for Carolyn and Roger. They call upon the Warrens for help and with their team they set about investigating, recording and capturing evidence of a paranormal manifestation among other things. Ed and Lorraine delve deeper into the past of the house with disturbing results.

This means one thing, everything goes from bad to worse for all involved! It's not just the Perron family at risk, but also the Warren's family. It fast becomes a race against time to save their loved ones.

Everybody loved hanging out with Ed

It's no surprise that this film topped the US box office in it's opening weekend. James Wan really pulled off something special from a modest script written by Chad Hayes and Carey Hayes, who, in previous years also co-wrote together Whiteout (2009), The Reaping (2007) and House of Wax (2005).

It's been a very long time since I sat in the cinema and heard such loud and frightening screams from audience members. In fact, it's been that long that I can't remember when or what was showing. Don't let this fool you though, they were the screams of non horror fans. The scenes in question, to us horror fans, are a little on the cheap side, but don't let that put you off. The tension throughout is real, along with the fact that Wan gets you looking one way and hitting you the other. It's been a while since I've seen a great use of miss-direction in the genre.

And with talent like Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga, who are both solid in everything I've seen them in, it was easy to relate or have a connection with the characters. Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor play the loving parents well, which is supported by the five young cast to good effect. John Brotherton as Brad provided some comedy moments to lighten the mood a little.

All this added with the good special and practical effects made a very enjoyable watch, even if I was freaked out quite a lot of the time. Stay during the end credits as there is a few pictures of the real Warrens and the Perron family. 1 hour and 52 minutes might sound like a little too long for a horror flick, but I didn't notice because I got into the film so much. Again, this is testament to the great story telling. I highly recommend watching The Conjuring as it's easily one of the best horror movies of the year.

WITH LOTS OF EDGE OF THE SEAT TENSION AND FRIGHTS, THIS FILM WILL PUNCH YOU IN THE FACE AND STILL LEAVE YOU WITH A FEEL GOOD FACTOR!

The Conjuring gets 5 Stars

Check out the trailer below...