ALIEN ABDUCTION REVIEW

A vacationing family encounters an alien threat in this thriller based on the real-life Brown Mountain Lights phenomenon in North Carolina.

Starring: Katherine Sigismund, Corey Eid, Riley Morris, and Jillian Clare

Directed by: Matty Beckerman

Written by: Robert Lewis

  Horror fans have seen a lot of found footage films over the past few years, but not many about aliens. Actually, not long into “Alien Abduction” I was thinking "V/H/S," or even more specifically the alien short film in "V/H/S2". I didn't really care for that short, so "Alien Abduction" had to be better... right?

  After an introduction to what the Brown Mountain Lights phenomenon is about, the audience meets the Morris family, as they head off to the mountains for their camping trip. The movie is shot through a hand-held camera of the youngest child, Riley (Riley Polanski), who is autistic. As far as the camera angles and movement throughout the movie, they aren't too bad. There is no cause for nausea this time around.

  The most annoying thing about this kind of alien movie is how they never want to show the audience the aliens. Yes, aliens usually stay hidden, but from an audience perspective you want to see them. This movie gives the audience some decent looks at the aliens, including when the family has their first encounter with them. The movie also uses a lot of the typically alien flashing white light thing, which does get annoying after awhile.

  While there aren't many scares, the movie does a good job of holding the audience's attention. There is plenty of tension, and suspense as the aliens pursue the family in the dark woods of the mountain. As this pursuit happens, the audience is left wondering what the aliens will do with the family, which adds to the suspense.

  "Alien Abduction" proves to be a better movie than the short alien film in "V/H/S2." The found footage aspect of the film is easy to watch. While more would have been better, there are still some good shots of the aliens. It isn't the scariest alien film, but creates good tension, and suspense. Throw in a good acting good job all around, and I give this movie 2.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

THE LOVED ONES REVIEW

When Brent turns down his classmate Lola's invitation to the prom, she concocts a wildly violent plan for revenge. 

Starring: Xavier Samuel, Robin McLeavy, and Victoria Thaine

Directed and written by: Sean Byrne

  Remember that girl or boy you wanted to ask to the prom? Maybe you weren't sure what they would say but you asked them anyways. Of course you hoped for a yes, but then that painful no came out of their mouth. How could they say no? Feelings of embarrassment, shame, and especially anger rushed over you! The anger inside you was trying to drive you to seek some revenge, but that never happened.

  Well Lola (Robin McLeavy) is plenty angry, and has no problem seeking revenge when Brent (Xavier Samuel) turns her down for the prom. She proves to be a girl that you never want to say no to. With the help of her father, they kidnap Brent, and take him back to their house to hold their private prom. This prom’s events primarily include torturing Brent. Besides the fact that Lola and father are completely nuts, it doesn't seem to make too much sense torturing him so much. That is when the audience finds out that there is a little more to this story. 

  The little surprise isn't enough to save this movie. While it has some moments of fun watching Lola go mad it gets a little old. Then there is a pointless sub story of one of Brent's friends going to prom. It seems like just a time killer while waiting to see Lola torture Brent yet again. The only good part of the story is how the opening scene, which seems pointless at first, actually has some meaning in the end. Because “The Loved Ones” basically amounts to Lola’s madness, which grows old fast, I give this movie 1.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO