10 Films to Watch this Halloween

It’s that time of year horror fans! Halloween is upon us and if, like me, you prefer to spend the occasion glued to the sofa with the lights off, indulging in a few tasty treats, here are a few filmic suggestions to accompany you.

Of course, a lot of films have been missed out as lists of this nature are always incredibly difficult. Equally, as you will see, obscurity is relatively absent and the classic choices have remained triumphant... but deservedly so as they are, after all, classics. Nevertheless, if you have any suggestions, please feel free to post a comment! 

As for now, sit back and take heed of this marathon of macabre delights...

10) The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) / Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

Starting the top ten are a choice of two delightfully gothic-come-camp affairs with brilliant soundtracks. Both Rocky Horror... and Phantom... explore dark territories but in a way that is delightfully entertaining and celebratory. A fun way to start the evening. 

9) Trick 'r Treat (2007)

A horror anthology superbly fitting for this occasion. The film follows four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween, each surrounding ghoolish tales and tradition. Keep an eye out for Sam...

8) Rec (2007)

Easing in to the more terrifying affairs now, beginning with Rec. This Spanish, hand-held camera, zombie production is without a doubt one of the more terrifying films to have been added to the sub-genre in quite some time. In a claustrophobic, apartment-building setting, a zombie outbreak occurs with horrific consequences, including a night-vision climax that will get any heart racing. 

7) Hellraiser (1987)

Given the latest news of a burgeoning remake, it feels only right that Hellraiser be included in this year's list. A tale of personal hell, pleasure and pain, this is a dark film that not only implements some great practical effects, but introduced Pinhead as an iconic face of horror.

6) A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Moving on to the canonical classics, A Nightmare on Elm Street makes for wonderful Halloween viewing. This debut for a certain Freddy Krueger is horrific yet wildly entertaining, boasting true visual and creative flare. 

5) Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Arguably one of the most epochal horror films ever - Night of the Living Dead is a grizzly, nihilistic affair. It's always a joy to return to this classic and marvel at the blue-collar zombie sub-genre in its most primitive form. 

4) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Of a similar iconic status to Night of the Living Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre possesses a bleak sensibility and portrays sheer terror. It's a disturbing experience that interestingly depicts bloodless violence, instead shrouding it in a tone of pure insanity. Watch Leatherface deliriously dance with his chainsaw and have the image imprinted on your mind forever.

3) The Exorcist (1973)

Arguably one of the most successful horror films of all time, The Exorcist is nevertheless a disturbing, supernatural affair with scenes that remain shocking even to this day. It feels only right that a film once responsible for vomiting and fainting audience members, be suggested for your viewing pleasure.

2) The Evil Dead (1981)

With witty one liners, promiscuous trees and inconspicuous gunk oozing from every orifice - The Evil Dead is a fantastically gory, fun, and horrifying experience. Not only that, but it gave birth to one of the most entertaining horror characters of our time - the boomstick wielding, Deadite conquering Ash. Groovy.

1) Halloween (1978)

Perhaps a little predictable, but no less deserved of the top spot, Halloween is the don of all teen-slasher affairs - with a top soundtrack and thrilling jump-scares, this film is a joy from start to finish. By no means relentlessly terrifying, it is nevertheless a perfect, celebratory few hours to nicely round off your Hallows' Eve. 

So there we have it, ten features of horrifying fun to keep you entertained over Halloween! Don't forget, feel free to post your suggestions. 

Until next time... enjoy! 

News Update: Clive Barker to write Hellraiser remake

It’s happening folks, Clive Barker is returning to the Hellraiser franchise. Sound a little familiar? Well of course – he made an announcement of the same stature in 2006, when first offered a chance by the Weinstein’s to write a screenplay for the Hellraiser remake. Although this didn't get very far and seemingly hit a dead end, presumably over Dimension’s decision to aim for a PG-13 rating. 

However, on October 24^th of this year, Barker made another official statement on the matter. He declared that once again, the puzzle box will be re-opened and has pitched a remake of the first Hellraiser film to Bob Weinstein. It was a successful pitch at that, as he was consequently offered the opportunity to write the script. The full statement is as follows...

"HOT FROM HELL! My friends, I have some news which may be of interest to you. A few weeks ago I had a very productive meeting with Bob Weinstein of Dimension Pictures, in the course of which I pitched a remake of the first HELLRAISER film. The idea of my coming back to the original film and telling the story with a fresh intensity - honoring the structure and the designs from the first incarnation but hopefully creating an even darker and richer film - was attractive to Dimension. Today I have officially been invited to write the script based upon that pitch. 

What can I tell you about it? Well, it will not be a film awash with CGI. I remain as passionate about the power of practical make-up effects as I was when I wrote and directed the first HELLRAISER. Of course the best make-up in the world loses force if not inhabited by a first-rate actor. I told the Dimension team that in my opinion there could never be a Pinhead without Doug Bradley, and much to my delight Bob Weinstein agreed. So once the papers are signed, I will open a Lemarchand Configuration, dip my quill in its contents and start writing. I promise that there will be nowhere on the Internet where the news of my progress will be more reliable than here, because the only author of these reports will be Your Infernal Corespondent, me. My very best wishes to you all, my friends. 

Clive"

It's good news and bad news really. Yes, it means another remake of a cult horror classic, but it cannot be denied that Barker's words are incredibly promising. Fresh intensity? CGI-lite? The return of Doug Bradley? All music to a fan's ears. 

We can only hope therefore, that studio intervention remains minimal and that eventually, the above sentiment will come to fruition. 

Stay tuned for more Hellraiser updates! 

News Update: Official teaser poster for Unearthed and Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary

Not too long ago, an official trailer was released for Unearthed and Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary. Created by John Campopiano and Justin White, this upcoming documentary will explore Pet Sematary - the 1989 filmic adaptation of Stephen King's infamous novel. 

The trailer (below) teases a highly intriguing and informative concept that delves into the film's origins, production and legacy it has left behind, boasting never-before-seen photographs and footage. Dubbed as the 'all-encompassing documentary by fans for the fans', this will undeniably be a must-see for all horror aficionados.



Since its trailer debut, the first official poster for Unearthed... has now been revealed and Wise Words... is more than delighted to finish this news update, by sharing it with you below;

What are your thoughts? Are you a fan of Pet Sematary and excited for this documentary? 

Stay tuned for more Unearthed... updates! 

News Update: Sam Raimi to direct Army of Darkness II?

In a previous news update, Wise Words... confirmed that Bruce Campbell will return as the character of Ash in the highly anticipated sequel, Army of Darkness II.This of course begs the question... what about Sam Raimi? Will he return as the film's director? After all, there can't really be an Army of Darkness II without the man who began it all, the master of the Evil Dead franchise. 

Well fear not, as Fede Alvarez - the man responsible for the latest Evil Dead reboot - addressed the matter on Twitter, in response to a fan's question...

So there we have it, it appears Raimi may indeed return. Even though the man himself is yet to confirm the matter, we can at least have a little bit of faith in Alvarez's response - as someone who, given his new found relationship with the franchise, most likely has the inside scoop. Equally, it's hard to believe Campbell would sign on for a sequel without Raimi in the director's chair... don't you think?

Stay tuned for further Army of Darkness II announcements!

Review: The Walking Dead: Season 4, Episode 2 – Infected

Spoilers!

Last week The Walking Dead returned to our screens with an impressive premiere of season four, providing as many thrills, spills and raining walkers you could ever ask for. This week, Infected stands as an equally strong installment to the show’s fourth season, boasting compelling characterisation and narrative intensity.

In last week’s review, worries were expressed over the introduction of new characters and the complexities this would add to the show's character-drama dynamic. Fears were nonetheless eased as it quickly became evident many of the Woodbury ex-pats would become more or less extras, lining the intricate dynamic of Rick and the gang, with whom we all know and have invested. This week was no different, as one of Infected’s main strengths was indeed the development of a few familiar faces.

First off, two more birds have donned the love-nest, in addition to Maggie and Glenn, in the form of Tyreese and Karen. Both of whom make a sweet, attentive and romantic couple yet avoid crossing into cringe-worthy territory. Of course, happiness is the kiss of death in a post-apocalyptic world, thus Karen's untimely death at the end of the episode doesn't amount to much of a shock. However, it was nonetheless important, providing a turning point for Tyreese who may consequently delve into darker, more interesting territory, to avenge the death of his beloved. 

Rick also hit a bit of a turning point this week. Having seen the depths of despair and insanity, following the death of Lori and a few questionable decisions as group-leader, his disdain for weaponry and love for farming has been a natural path for his character to take. Not to mention a conscious attempt to lead Carl away from any Governor-esque antics. Yet arising problems within the prison mean the others are in need of Rick as a quick-thinking, level-headed leader - indeed, Daryl so eloquently states, “When the shit hits, you stand there with a shovel”. As fate would have it, with an increasing number of walkers barraging the fences daily (and almost breaking in) Rick eventually takes charge once again and salvages the prison from what would have been quite a horde of the hungry un-dead. The sacrifice of his beloved pigs in order to do so is a somewhat obvious metaphor of transgression, yet it’s an important point within the episode that nicely signifies further development of Rick’s character. 

Despite this, it feels this week’s spotlight shines firmly on Michonne. Last season she felt nothing more than a stoic, samurai-wielding, walker-fighting powerhouse. However two episodes in, and season four presents a marked contrast to this with a far more comforting and friendly representation. Her particular relationship with Rick and Carl is unequivocally maternal (not to mention quite charming), and this in addition to her unease around the newborn points toward a familial past we are currently unaware of. In a particularly emotive scene, this is further suggested through a tearful breakdown whilst holding Rick’s daughter. Not only does this development work as an effective paradox to the character we have previously become accustomed to, but it automatically grants her with a new found sense of depth, in a wonderfully intriguing manner. 

Characterisation aside, this week’s narrativisation of The Walking Dead is sublimely riddled with a latent intensity. From the beginning of the episode, Patrick's new found 'life' as a walker begins, and he slowly lumbers through the darkened halls of cell block D, freely into the room of a sleeping, unsuspecting survivor. The silence and subtlety of this brilliantly orchestrated sequence forces us to wait for any imminent confrontation, and instead gleefully subjects us to the gory, relentless dismemberment of a helpless individual. By lingering on this moment, walkers are once again depicted as truly horrible, ravenous beings - a perception sometimes lost in this show through over-saturation.

Eventually the scene escalates into a chaotic climax, boasting smart cinematography, as specific editing and camera shots carefully depict the consequent devastation. This incident sequentially leads characters to the realisation that infection is spreading through other means, but may be detectable from flu-like symptoms. As a result, quarantine and paranoia ensue, causing tensions to rise and a rather mysterious, fiery denouement...

Through this careful structuring of events, Infected brilliantly provides a ripple effect of escalating strife and intensity. What starts as a walker’s silent ascent into the feast of a lifetime, ends in separation, paranoia and the death of two more characters. Thus, as season four’s show-runner, Scott M. Gimple is clearly taking The Walking Dead in a direction away from The Governor and the dangers of surviving humanity. Instead, the path feels far more primitive in nature, by retaining quality characterisation, and re-working the concept of disease – a simple idea but one that is by no means any less threatening, presenting consequences that are nigh on insurmountable. The result so far, is positively infectious...

What are your thoughts on this episode of The Walking Dead? Post a comment! 

News Update: Tim Burton to direct Beetlejuice 2?

There is a lot of love and admiration for Tim Burton's 1988 classic, Beetlejuice - a comic and fantastical tale centered around an obnoxious bio-exorcist from the underworld. Over twenty years later, it appears Beetlejuice 2 is in the works, with Seth Grahame-Smith working on a script.

When it comes to remakes or sequels of beloved cult classics, it's a harsh truth of what will be, will be and there is little chance of a Hollywood studio withdrawing plans for a film deemed untouchable by its admirers. So what can us fans hope for? Well, (and this does not speak for everyone of course) the desire is to have a production that captures the tone and charm of the original. 

Of course, this then begs the question - will Burton return as the director? Originally, he was lauded as the sequels producer but recent developments suggest he may once again return to the director's chair. According to The Wrap, Warner Bros. have offered Burton the opportunity but an answer is unknown, as he is yet to read the latest draft of the script. Unfortunately until then, Beetlejuice fans can only keep their fingers crossed for a return to old form. 

With that in mind, surely this sequel can only exist if Michael Keaton returns to play the titular character?...

Stay tuned for more Beetlejuice developments! 

Review: American Mary

In 2012, American Mary was praised as one of the top features of Film4 FrightFest and in January this year, it finally received a limited distribution. Nine months later, I have at last had the pleasure of viewing this interesting and provocative tale.

Directed by Jen and Sylvia Soska, this horror flick follows Mary Mason (superbly played by Katharine Isabelle) – a medical student and aspiring surgeon. Victim to overbearing chauvinism and financial woes, Mary decides to at least solve her monetary issues by applying for a job at the sleazy strip-joint Bourbon-A-Go-Go. Club owner Billy Barker (Antonio Cupo) grants her a job, but one that doesn't involve performing on stage. Instead, upon discovering her medical education, he requests she perform some illegal surgery... for five thousand dollars. Given her financial situation, Mary reluctantly accepts the offer and completes the job successfully. However, word of her surgical finesse soon gets around and she fast becomes a highly sought after individual.

Betty Boop wannabe, Beatress (Tristan Risk), seeks Mary’s services and offers ten thousand dollars in exchange for an “unconventional operation... for cosmetic purposes” on aspiring Barbie-doll Ruby RealGirl (Paula Lindberg). After completing another successful surgery, Mary consequently generates further acclaim. However whilst respected by some, she remains objectified by others and falls victim to extreme objectification and violence from her medical professors. The main culprit, Dr. Grant (David Lovgren), is then kidnapped by Billy’s errand boys, and handed over to Mary, where she performs all manners of surgery as an act of extreme revenge, namely in the form of bodily alterations. It is not long therefore, before Mary drops out of medical school and seamlessly becomes a fully fledged celebrity in the underground body modification community. 

From the off, American Mary is a smart, satirical comment on the American Dream. On the one hand we have the titular protagonist who is a girl of familial values, working hard and struggling to achieve her dream occupation. Yet on the other hand, circumstances propel Mary into a world of objectification and exploitation. From this she arguably reigns supreme but at the cost of her moral integrity, mental stability and ethics. She develops from a smiling, hard working but victimised individual into a successful, powerful yet fear inducing woman, whose personality and studious nature is replaced with stoic expressions and psychological scarring that no amount of suturing could ever heal. 

Wonderfully portrayed by Katharine Isabelle, this character development and female cast and crew attribute the film with an underlying comment on sexual politics. Furthermore, the lurid portrayal of men teamed with the conscious addition of sleaze and titillation, effectively depicts the perils of objectification. Therefore it is almost without question, that this dark tale of transcendence consequently places American Mary as a twisted tale of feminism, granting the film with its greatest strength. It is a problematic truth that rape-revenge films are often automatically granted a ‘feminist’ title and indeed, some of you may disagree with this thematic analysis; however, the female centricity of American Mary is undeniable and at the very least induces a provocative debate. 

American Mary’s strengths also lie in the films’ style. Note-worthy aspects are the FX created by Todd Masters and MastersFX, who successfully create graphic scenes of surgery and the unsettling appearances of Beatress and Ruby RealGirl. Old school practices are in abundance and it is refreshing to see nothing of a computer-generated nature. Equally, the costume design by Jayne Mabbott is nicely done, as Mary’s attire gradually consists of bright reds and leather that coincide with her ascension to prowess. The films’ only weak spot is its third and final act in which narrative cohesion is somewhat lost and the unfolding, climactic events feel slightly rushed and out of place. 

This fault pales in comparison however, as American Mary is a wonderfully grisly, satirical comment on the American Dream, which equally portrays a feminist rite of passage. Sutured together with excellent characterisation, superb performances and the optimum amount of stylistic sleaze and gory imagery, this is undeniably one of the more compelling and provocative horrors of 2013. 

Have you seen American Mary? What were your thoughts? Post a comment! 

News Update: Bruce Campbell confirms Army of Darkness 2!

Not too long ago Fede Alvarez, director of the Evil Dead remake, hinted that Sam Raimi (director of the original Evil Dead trilogy) was considering Army of Darkness 2. Indeed since then, these rumors have been confirmed by the man himself. This of course led all fans to question Bruce Campbell's involvement - after all, what would an Evil Dead film be without this boomstick wielding hero?

Well do not fear, as at Wizard World Nashville Comic-Con, the cult treasure and star of Raimi's classics confirmed this excitable rumor. When asked by a fan if he would star in said sequel, he jokingly explained to pundits...

"The last one was twenty-two years ago. I just haven’t been racing to do it. Sam Raimi is just a little bit busy making the biggest movies in Hollywood. I used to be busy. Now I’m not. That’s why I’m here...."

He continued...

"Ash would have to stop occasionally from chasing some deadite to catch his breath. Maybe we could do that, I guess. That would be exciting. Fight in a walker. That would be alright. Hit them with my cane. Fake them out, have a fake heart attack, distract a zombie. I like it.”

Then ending on a more serious note Campbell confirmed, "Alright sir, the answer is yes", admitting to the bright future of this highly sought after sequel. 

Deadites unite - Ash will grace our screens again.

Source: Comicbook.com

News Update: Trailer for Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

Like it or loath it, you cannot deny that Paranormal Activity is a money-making horror franchise, capitalising on all that is quiet... quiet... quiet...LOUD. Even though fans of this popular series will have to wait until at least October 2014 for the fifth official installment, there is a spin-off heading to our screens in the mean time. 

Entitled Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and directed by Christopher Landon, this addition is due to be released in January 2014. Over the past few days, the first official trailer has surfaced, giving us a glimpse at this upcoming session of paranormal frights. Check it out below...
 

Of course the traditional found-footage concept remains, as does the onslaught of supernatural phenomena. However this trailer reveals a differing narrative concept that may well refresh the franchise's well-known paranormal mythology. So, could The Marked Ones... be a terrifying breath of fresh air? Or just another tiresome addition?
Share your thoughts!

News Update: The Walking Dead Mini-Doc!

The Walking Dead has returned to our screens this week, kicking Season 4 off with a promising first episode (you can read my review of it here). Now, if that wasn't enough for you Walker-loving patrons, a short documentary has also been made, celebrating ten years of this cultural phenomenon. Entitled The Walking Dead: A Decade of Dead, this twenty minute love-in charts the titular phenomenon, from its days as a graphic novel by Robert Kirkman, to its latest televisual adaptation. It also celebrates the talented artists Greg Nicotero and Charlie Adlard who bring the un-dead to life, in addition to the all-important fans that have kept this story alive for a decade. Check out the mini-documentary below...

Don't forget - you can catch weekly reviews of The Walking Dead on Wise Words...!

Review: American Horror Story: Coven, Episode 2 – Boy Parts

Spoilers!

Last week, the introductory episode of Coven did a pretty strong job at easing us in to this new anthological era. Characters were introduced, the tone and thematics teased and the perils of witchcraft and voodoo were merely suggested. This week Boy Parts delves a little deeper and in the process highlights the pros and cons of the shows' characterisation. 

As of last week we were introduced to Madison, Zoe, Queenie and Nan. These four young witches, each with an individual power, are housed at Miss Robichaux’s School for Exceptional Young Ladies, supervised by Cordelia and her mother Fiona, otherwise known as the ‘Supreme’. Following the death of multiple frat boys, of which Madison and Zoe are accountable, police investigation is rife, in addition to the witchly resurrection of a murdered frat boy named Kyle (Evan Peters). Elsewhere Fiona questions the immortality of previously buried Madame LaLaurie, only to discover it was a punishment from the powerful voodoo Priestess, Marie Laveau (Angela Bassett). 

Structurally speaking, narrative developments are progressed rather well this week, specifically through strategic flashbacks and detailed dialogue. These intermittent moments increasingly reveal the confrontational history between Marie, LaLaurie, witchcraft and voodoo. Yet, this well thought out narrativisation is partly undermined by one or two interjectory moments, that fragment the whole episodic experience. Cordelia’s issues with fertility (in addition to the snake-and-fire-pit love scene) felt totally out of place and Misty’s (Lily Rabe) connection to the story was a little forced. Similarly the resurrection of Kyle, whilst undoubtedly paving a parable regarding the dangers of supernaturally inducing life, fell flat and underwhelming. No amount of gore and dismembered body parts could make the scene as exciting as it was no doubt intended.  For this, I have to posit a somewhat damning theory. As it stands, the young witches are not compelling and likable characters. Their youthful sensibility renders a demure quality which ultimately sacrifices interest. Nor does it help, that they are overshadowed by what has to be Boy Parts’ biggest feat – one that will no doubt remain throughout the entirety of this series. 

I am of course referring to the three powerhouse females of Fiona, LaLaurie and Laveau. Given the unfolding history between witchcraft and voodoo practices, hinted at throughout Boy Parts, the beginning of a compelling dynamic is formed. Pulling each performance out of the bag, Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates and Bassett render these strong characters immediately likable. Their confrontational histories, strong personalities and latent desires for revenge, immortality and the welfare of their families, center the dynamic. This teamed with magnificently dark, bitchy but comical demeanours (credit also due here to the shows’ scriptwriters) creates a wonderful chemistry that overshadows any sense of pubescent teen-drama. 

Over time, the young witches may develop into something more. Until then, Boy Parts - whilst a little fractured and shedding unkind truths on our young protagonists – foregrounds the beginning of an almighty trio that is sure to cast a spell on any viewer. 

What are your thoughts on this week's episode? Do you agree with my thoughts on the younger characters of the show? Post a comment! 

Review: The Walking Dead: Season 4, Episode 1 – 30 Days Without an Accident

Spoilers!

Let’s recap shall we? Season Three of The Walking Dead ended on a somewhat anti-climactic note. The Governor retreated to who-knows-where and the surviving residents of Woodbury clambered off a school bus and into the residence of Rick’s prison community. From the off therefore, Season Four poses a series of problems – how will the group cope with this barrage of new faces? Are we in for weekly installments of soap-oriented drama, whilst the walkers simply meander in the background? Not ruddy likely, as evident from this episode alone, new showrunner Scott M. Gimple is keen to refresh and progress The Walking Dead, and with a strong, introductory episode to prove it. 

So how do we cope with these new character additions? How are we supposed to care for them, having undergone zero characterisation (apart from perhaps Bob, Tyreese and Karen who are granted actual screen time)? Well, the truth is we don’t really have to care for them at all. Aside from one or two lines of banal dialogue, it’s clear that most of the additions from Woodbury are merely narrative devices to shine a spotlight on those that we have cared for since the beginning. Furthermore, it seems Gimple and co. have flashed forward, bypassing any awkward initial stages of group integration. Instead we are presented with a fully functional community. 

On the face of it, everyone appears to be zombie-apocalypse-savvy. They’re growing crops, keeping animals, cooking large meals and harboring romances. Positions are appointed, fence patrols are in place to fend off the un-dead and supply runs are a traditional occurrence. Overall, the prison community appears to have a real hold on the situation. It feels safe - they are surviving. Thanks to this thriving dynamic, Rick, Herschel, Maggie, Glenn, Daryl, Maggie and co. are closer than ever. Carol and Daryl are back on form, Herschel and Rick have a bond that feels almost paternal, Glenn and Maggie remain very much in love and Michonne is now a well-respected member of the group. Even Carl has refrained from shooting young boys recently and has turned to naming the farmyard animals. All in all, it's an idealized view of post-apocalyptic survival, as so eloquently stated by Daryl, "It's like a damn romance novel...". But of course, frays are a-foot in this safe-haven tapestry and 30 Days... does an excellent job at teasing one or two themes that will undeniably prove that the fight for survival is far from over. 

First off, the production team of The Walking Dead vowed that this season would re-integrate Walkers has a horrifying threat – and boy, do they. In a fantastic set-piece that occurs mid-supply run, a decaying roof in a department store results in a rain of Walkers on unsuspecting protagonists Daryl, Michonne, Tyreese, Sasha, Glenn, Bob and Zack. It's an exciting sequence of brilliantly gory effects, brimming with fun and intensity. Moreover, it's a refreshing reminder of the threat these un-dead folk pose - a wise, intentional move for this introductory episode.

Elsewhere Rick is involved in a neat little parable, as a gullible victim in a mad woman's quest to find fresh flesh for the head of her un-dead husband. Whilst bonkers and a little out of place, this sub-plot is a nice message to remind us of the sheer desperation and loss that still exists outside the prison walls. Equally, small details such as Glenn's reluctance to have children, or Beth's methodical and stoic response to the death of her love interest, highlight the psychological scarring events have had on protagonists. 

However, it is the ending of this episode that teases the most prominent theme - disease. A young member of the community falls unwell toward the end of the episode. Awaking in the middle of the night and heading to the showers, he collapses to the floor, only to awake as a Walker. Having not been bitten or willingly killed, an interesting question is raised. When surviving in this post-apocalyptic state, in which decay and bacteria is imminent, could the spread of disease via other vectors be the new threat of this Season?

Overall, 30 Days... is a brilliant start to Season Four. Gimple has evidently progressed The Walking Dead to an era of new threats, teased a few intriguing plot points and refreshed that which could have become tired. Whilst internal dramas will no doubt remain, this introductory episode is a brilliant hint that the Walkers - or disease and decay in general - may well pose the more significant threat in weeks to come. 

What were your thoughts on the first episode of Season Four? Post a comment! 

 

Review: American Horror Story: Coven, Episode 1 – Bitchcraft

Spoilers! 

For two seasons, American Horror Story has delighted us as a worthy horror serial, amalgamating generic trends in an anthological format, combining strong performances, disturbing (yet compelling) imagery and  at times, a melodramatic sensibility that is, in fact, a pure joy to watch. This week, the much-loved programme returned with its third season. Coven is primarily set 300 years after the Salem witch trials. It surrounds a few newly self-discovered young witches whose lives are once again in danger. Madison (Emma Roberts), Nan (Jamie Brewer), Queenie (Gabourey Sidibe) and Zoe (Taissa Farmiga) are housed in Miss Robichaux’s School for Exceptional Young Ladies. Under the watch of Cordelia (Sarah Paulson) and the 'Supreme' Fiona (Jessica Lange), each must learn to live with their power and seemingly fit in with normal society. Bitchcraft, this season’s premiere episode, does a promising job at easing us in to this narrative premise.

It’s 1834 and Kathy Bates kicks off this week’s proceedings, diving head first into a role that can only be described as bonkers. Her character, Madame LaLaurie, is a wealthy socialite, a woman who just so happens to enjoy retaining her youth by smearing the blood of slaves on to her face. This ties in quite nicely with her torture chamber and obsession with Minotaur’s. From the off, this introduction provides us with the gory imagery of broken limbs, seared flesh and mouths sewn shut – a bold, opening statement from the show’s creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. Three series in, and they still mean business.

In addition to the graphic, violent imagery that occurs throughout Bitchcraft, and one or two early plot points (including the ‘Supreme’s’ life-sucking abilities and Zoe’s power to murder men via fornication) that suggest a rather dark and sinister direction for Coven to take, there is also the traditional interjection of subtle comedy. As ever, the lack of boundaries when it comes to the tone of this show is no secret. Yet I can’t help but feel, that even from this episode alone, there is an overall tonal shift to a far more feminine and lighter affair than the show’s serial predecessors. That is, the plot surrounding the young witches generates a far more playful, teenage sensibility (not to mention, the all-female cast provide the overt femininity). Interjectory jokes about Hogwarts are implemented in a tongue-in-cheek manner but it rings somewhat true, only wands, robes and Butterbeer is seemingly replaced with female comradery, high-fashion, sex and alcohol. 

This tonal shift isn't necessarily a bad move; when you think about it, just as the narrative incoherence of Season Two fitted its mental asylum setting, a youthful feel to this series is only fitting for its preoccupation with retaining, well... youth. Furthermore, even with this difference in tone, the door is very much open for incredibly dark and difficult material to develop. After all, it mustn't be overlooked that violence, death and date-rape all fitted into this hour long episode. So perhaps the playful, boarding school atmosphere actually makes a welcomed break from particularly horrific material. Either way, the intrigue is there and therefore provided the episode with an overall enigma, even charm, creating a strong introduction for what is to come.

Stylistically speaking, we see the traditional visual flare associated with American Horror Story. Lavish cinematography, costume and set design worked wonders, specifically during the introductory shots of the school and throughout the college frat party - specific kudos for the use of a fish eye lens, which again added to the episode’s contemporary, youthful feel. Of course, one of the wonderful features of the show’s anthological format is the guaranteed return of a brilliant cast, and it is great to see Evan Peters, Jessica Lange, et al. back on screen. As ever, they fulfill their roles with great fervor making each performance a pure joy to watch.  

So there we have it, American Horror Story is back and the first episode of Coven has done an effective job of easing us in. Rather than cramming, Bitchcraft introduces the main characters, teases at narrative strands and presents a distinct shift in tone to create an intriguing, enigmatic pathway for the series' development.

What were your thoughts on the first episode of Coven? Post a comment! 

News Update: Developers of Amnesia: The Dark Descent reveal new game!

Frictional Games, the developers of the now-infamous Amnesia: The Dark Descent, have unveiled their next foray into the gaming industry. Check out the latest teaser for SOMA (with gameplay footage) below...


"What happened...?" indeed - it's an enigmatic and intriguing teaser to say the least, that already boasts a refreshing Sci-fi twist and wonderful detail. All questions will remained unanswered however, that is until 2015 when the game will be released on PC and PlayStation 4.

That's it for now - stay tuned for more updates. Better yet, post a comment! What are your thoughts on this teaser for SOMA?

News Update: Release date for Birth of the Living Dead

Since 2012 a small, independent documentary now entitled Birth of the Living Dead has been making the rounds at certain film festivals. Now it has been confirmed that the documentary will be made available via multiple platforms from October 15th.

Birth of the Living Dead is a documentary that tells the tale of college drop-out George A. Romero and his unlikely film crew, who subsequently made a certain low budget horror film in 1968, known as Night of the Living Dead. This film is often perceived as one of the most iconic horror films of all time and is arguably the original source from which the zombie sub-genre has been shaped to this day. 

The documentary covers the film's production and explores America's socio-cultural climate at the time of the film's release - a tumultuous era of racial and civil unrest, set amongst the horrors of Vietnam. It details Romero's pivotal creation of the horrifying undead that we are familiar with today, and how this provided a profound insight into American culture at its most difficult time. 


Details are to be confirmed but the release dates thus far are as follows;
iTunes - October 15th Limited theater release in the US - October 18th Video On Demand services - November 6th 
Check the official website for more details.