Short Horror Christmas Films

Alright horror fans, on behalf of HorrO’s Gory Reviews and PromoteHorror.com, our Christmas present to you! 

Here are some short horror Christmas films for you to enjoy this holiday weekend…

ANOTHER WOLFCOP REVIEW

Alcoholic werewolf cop Lou Garou springs into action when an eccentric businessman with evil intentions seduces Woodhaven’s residents with a new brewery and hockey team in this outrageous horror-comedy sequel.

Starring: Leo Fafard, Amy Matysio, and Jonathan Cherry

Directed and written by: Lowell Dean

  There are movies made for certain audiences and that can definitely be said for horror comedies. Horror fans will be down for the horror, but it’s the comedy that will make or break it. “Wolfcop” was a hit in my eyes, so there was no hesitation in deciding to watch “Another Wolfcop.” However, if you hated “Wolfcop” (maybe you needed some liquor donuts before watching) then “Another Wolfcop” and this review might not be for you.

  Obviously it’s great to see several of the characters back again especially Wolfcop (Leo Fafard). The movie opens with a crazy car chase scene leaving a path of destruction only Wolfcop could produce in this small town. Tina (Amy Matysio) is sheriff, and trying to hide the legend of Wolfcop from newcomers on the force. Lou aka Wolfcop doesn’t make it easy for her. 

  While “Wolfcop” spent a lot of time introducing Wolfcop and what he could do, this time around it’s a lot about building up a formable foe for Wolfcop. Swallows (Yannick Bisson) is trying to bring chaos to the city, and using a special new drink to do it. This drink has a painful kick to it, as it makes mutants out of people in a way one could only expect in a Wolfcop movie. 

  There were many things that stood out about “Wolfcop,” and are present again. Of course drinking and liquor donuts is one of them. While they aren’t as stressed as the first time around, they’re certainly present. Another thing is how well they handle the transformation from Lou to Wolfcop. While some of bloody special effects deaths later on aren’t perfect, the transformation is spot on again. Wolfcop isn’t the only one transforming either, as he has a special lady friend. And you know what that means…another wild and crazy sex scene!

  The whole mutant thing might make this a crazier movie, but is it funnier? It’s close, but the originality in part one is hard to beat. Without giving it away, the return of one character in particular is definitely welcomed. Not only in their return, but that they bring along a little mutant friend. Speaking of funny things, just imagine Wolfcop playing hockey, and literally taking the fight to the other team. To top it off, add chaos and mutants in the crowd, and a bomb count down!

  Again “Another Wolfcop” is for those who want to see more of Wolfcop. While there’s horror in it, this style of comedy might not be for everyone. It’s really made for those who wish they could watch it with a box of liquor donuts in their hands instead of some stale popcorn. Many of the elements of what made “Wolfcop” great are back, including favorite characters, and another must see sex scene. When it’s time to kick ass, Lou always lets the wolf in him run wild. With that, I give this movie 3 pools of blood and 2 dozen liquor donuts!

  HorrO

(*There is an after credit scene*)

HAPPY DEATH DAY REVIEW

A college student relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer’s identity.

Starring: Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, and Ruby Modine

Directed by: Christopher Landon

Written by: Scott Lobdell

   Many years ago Bill Murray starred in a comedy called “Groundhog Day,” where he was forced to live the same day over and over again. Now comes “Happy Death Day,” where a college student named Tree (Jessica Rothe) is forced to live her birthday over and over. While both end up stuck in their own day from hell, at least Bill wasn’t being chased by a murderer. This is what Tree is forced to overcome in order to live to the day after her birthday day.

  Knowing that this is a horror movie where someone is going to die time after time is exciting. There are so many possibilities there, and opportunities for plenty of blood. However the PG-13 bug bites again, and many of the deaths are cut short as usual. The impact isn’t felt in death, but more when she wakes up in bed the next morning. Still would have preferred the blood, but it does give the audience a little something different.

  It just shows that the movie is more about having a little fun getting through the day over and over, and the mystery of who the killer is. Every time Tree wakes up she’s in a different mood. It’s actually funny watching her no matter what mood she’s in, especially in the moments just after she wakes up. She wakes up in the room of a boy named Carter (Israel Broussard), but the really amusing part is her different reactions to his roommate coming in the room.

  As for the mystery, it seems like they do a good job of hiding the killer’s identity. There are plenty of characters to pick from, and the audience gets a chance to weed out the killer along with Tree. She actually goes on a mission to eliminate suspects one by one, and death by death. It’s a nice little twist to who the killer is, and how they end her death streak. Speaking of her deaths, the only major issue here is that there’s no good reason for this to happen. Basically she’s not a good person and is going through this in order to change her life for the better. That’s a weak explanation for a horror movie!

  “Groundhog Day” was a comedy, and “Happy Death Day” takes a similar path with a horror theme. It’s not on the same comedic level as a Bill Murray comedy, but it turns out to have its funny moments here and there. It's also entertaining trying to figure out the killer, and the twisty way the movie concludes. However, it’s a horror movie, and it would’ve been nicer to have a more bloody movie released on Friday the 13th, but that’s just me! With that, I give it 2.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

JEEPERS CREEPERS 3 REVIEW

Sheriff Dan Tashtego and a team of creeper hunters enlist the help of officer Davis Tubbs to help stop the monsters eating spree.

Starring: Gina Philips, Meg Foster, and Jonathan Breck

  

  It takes 23 years before the Creeper (Jonathan Breck) comes back to feed. Too bad it has felt like 23 years since the last Jeepers Creepers movie. Reason after reason has delayed this movie, but it’s finally here. So was the extremely long wait worth it?

  In “Jeepers Creepers” the audience got to see the Creeper drive an odd looking vehicle that intimidated Trish and Darry. This time around the vehicle does a lot more than just intimidate people. Instead of the Batmobile, think of this as the Deathmobile. It does an effective job of keeping his victims (food) inside, and keeping others out. And the best part for the Creeper, he doesn’t even have to be around for it to work!

  So while his vehicle is cool, audiences came to see the Creeper kill, and not his ride. This time around most of the action takes place during the day, so audiences can see the Creeper clearly for once. Sorry, but he’s nowhere as scary looking during the day. Actually besides his ugly face, and wings, he looks way too human. On a positive note, the audience gets a good look at him using several of his weapons to capture, and kill his food.

  As for the story, it’s kind of weak, and actually all over the place. In previous movies, it was clear where the focus of the Creeper’s attention was. In this one, some characters are just there for him to eventually kill like the group of young bikers. Then there is a side story with an older lady who has a connection to the Creeper through her son. At first it appears like this side story is going somewhere, but just fizzles out in the end. Finally the Creeper seems to have smelled the girl it wants in Addison (Gabrielle Haugh), but the movie doesn’t do enough to focus on her to make the audience even care about her. The best part of the story might be at the end where it's confirmed that this movie takes place in between part 1 and 2.

  In the end, it’s clear what the biggest problem for this movie is... the budget. Instead of the feature presentation it's supposed to be, it feels at times like a low budget movie set for the Syfy channel. Scenes that could have been good don’t appear to be edited right. They lack the punch that the Creeper gave in the previous two films. It’s just so disappointing to wait all that time, and not be given the same opportunity to succeed as the other movies. I really wanted to like “Jeepers Creepers 3,” but it’s not even close to the quality of the previous movies. With that, I have to sadly give it 1 pool of blood.

  HorrO

MOTHER! REVIEW

A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, and Ed Harris

Directed and written by: Darren Aronofsky

  Oh “Mother!” this has to be one of the strangest movies I’ve seen. You might be wondering why I even bothered seeing it. Besides the need to see another horror movie (shocking), I was just curious about story, and how it would end. Sometimes it’s fun to see a movie, and guess where it’s going. 

  So where did this movie ultimately end? Well if you want to play the guessing game like me I suggest you stop reading here. For those who are ready for tons of spoilers, here we go! This is one of those movies that shows you a scene at the beginning that the ending comes back to. Why movies keep doing this I don’t know. This one presents a slight and almost unnoticeable change to it at the end. I’ll just say notice her face.

  But there’s a lot to discuss before we even get to the ending. Most of the movie is centered around Mother (Jennifer Lawrence). So much so, the camera is focused right on her face for a majority of the time. That must have been crazy for her to be in the focus so much. Mother is kind of reserved to start, just wanting to fix her house, and take care of her husband. All that changes when the first of many visitors comes to the house. Her husband, as referred to in the credits as Him (Javier Bardem), yes Him, makes Man (Ed Harris), yes referred to as Man in the credits, stay the night. (Just go through the credits and amuse yourself with the character names!)

  This is where the weirdness begins. After being sick at night, Man wakes up fine, and his wife even shows up. Soon enough his two sons follow, and beginning fighting. One of them eventually kills the other, all while Mother is just trying to please everyone, and quietly suggests they leave. However, Him seems to love having guests over, especially those who know he’s a poet, and admire his work. All this eventually leads to their family inviting people over to the house to hold a wake for their deceased son. The wake soon turns into an odd party, in which Mother has no choice but to put an end to.

  Alright, it might not sound that strange to you yet, but it only gets stranger. As these kind of moments unfold, Mother sometimes pauses and touches the house. They kind of zoom into the walls where we see what appears to be a heart beat. She has some connection to it, is obsessed with her work on it, and preserving it. At this point, you’re just wondering what’s her story, and when the true horror in this movie is going to come out. 

  Well the shit really hits the fan in the last act of the movie. If you thought the wake scene earlier on was crazy, you haven’t seen anything yet. She’s now pregnant and life is good again with Him. However, Him just wrote his latest masterpiece, and this soon drives an army of people to the house. It starts off like the usually paparazzi mess, and then escalates to madness. People upon people come to the house. They start tearing it apart because they want a piece of the poet. Mother is just bouncing around from room to room trying to get people to stop, but they won’t. Every time she runs into Him she begs him to get them to leave, but he just can’t enough of the people’s love. 

  She starts to get labor pains as this madness breaks out to a literal war between police and party goers. People are getting shot, and executed left and right. A cult quickly forms and Him uses their help to finally get Mother in a room to give birth. After she gives birth, she refuses to let him hold the baby knowing he would show it to the lunatics outside. Well, she’s correct cause he does that, and as crazy as it has been to this point, the movie goes extreme with the baby. Seriously, as this unfolds you’re just thinking what the hell am I watching? How did this movie just flip to utter madness that still isn’t making complete sense?

  So at a certain point in the movie I just had a random thought…is she mother nature? I didn’t take it seriously especially after that wild ending. However, after doing some reading about the movie it seems I was correct. It looks like I guessed correctly at least for some aspect of the movie. It turns out there is a whole theme of mother nature and religion going on. Seeing it from that stand point gives me a little more appreciation for what they created here. If you just watch this movie, and don’t know that, then you are really going to be like “that is the worst movie I’ve ever seen.” I mean, when the movie ended, I couldn’t get over how strange it was. Even knowing the meaning behind it, I still think it’s strange, but it’s comforting to know at least there is a method to the madness. 

  Speaking of strange, this isn’t the way I typical write my reviews. You might not even call it a review and more of my experience with “Mother!.” Well a strange movie calls for a strange write up about it. It’s funny to see some people call it amazing, and others saying it’s the worst movie they’ve ever seen. Regardless of what you think about it, I think getting people to both extremes of the spectrum might be a sign of success from the filmmaker’s point of view. With all that said, it’s hard for me to even rate this movie. 5 pools of blood for the meaning behind the madness, or 0 pools of blood for it being extremely odd. I guess I’ll wimp out and give it 2.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

TERRIFIER REVIEW

A maniacal clown named Art, terrorizes three young women on Halloween night and everyone else who stands in his way.

Starring: Jenna Kanell, Catherine Corcoran, Samantha Scaffidi, and David Howard Thornton

Directed and written by: Damien Leone

  So why not follow up one review featuring a clown (IT) with another. While Pennywise is out for fear, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) is out to terrify! This story takes place on Halloween so for Tara (Jenna Knell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran) to see a clown out in the streets isn’t that unusual. Unfortunately for them, there’s something seriously wrong with Art.

  After running into Art in the streets, the two drunk girls make their way into a small pizza shop. Not long after that, Art comes in, and sits across from them. He sits silently while making faces, and changing poses. While this creeps out Tara, Dawn decides to take a selfie with him. Knowing that Art wants to eventually kill them makes this such a crazy scene. As he does all movie long, he’s just mentally torturing his soon to be victims, which is something he apparently excels at.

  When it comes time to kill, Art isn’t clowning around anymore. There’s several nice and bloody kills, but there’s one in particular that stands out. Without giving it away, lets just say it includes a tied up girl, a saw, and lots of blood. Yes, what takes place is clearly fake, but the fact that they go ahead and try to pull it off anyways is awesome!

  Besides the blood, guts, and terrifying moments, the characters and performance of the cast make the movie easy to watch. Tara and Dawn are entertaining in the brief time Art isn’t around. Tara has an issue with Art from the beginning, and does her best to fight back. Jenna does a great job with both being afraid and then taking it to the clown. Catherine also does well being funny in the face of Jenna's fear.

  Without a doubt, Art the Clown is the star in this circus of a tale. David does a terrific job playing him, especially considering Art never says a word. Not talking and mentally messing with his victims before finishing them off really works for him. The story is easy to follow, including the connection between an odd beginning and the end of the movie. It also takes some risks, which can be appreciated. If you’re looking for blood, guts, and a silent creepy clown terrifying his victims, then “Terrifier” is for you! With that, I give it 3.5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

*Shown at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival*

IT REVIEW

A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.

Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Wyatt Oleff

Directed by: Andy Muschietti

Written by: Chase Palmer, Cary Fukunaga, and Gary Dauberman

  It has become common to hear a lot of complaints about remakes especially horror remakes. It’s rare for one to actually receive some positive hype like the way “IT” has. Social media has been buzzing a long time for this movie, and it’s finally here. So you know the question…does “IT” live up to the hype?

  Right off the bat it’s great to see that this movie is rated R. For those familiar with the original, Georgie (Jackson Robert Scott) chases his toy boat down the street, into the sewer, and runs into Pennywise (Bill Skarsgard). That scene ends not showing much, but this remake shows the bloody tragedy that takes place. It sets the tone for many more bloody scenes, and proves that just because they’re kids that doesn’t mean they can’t get hurt.

  Speaking of the kids, this so called ‘Losers Club’ is anything but that. They’re a great mix of characters, and the acting by each kid is spot on. The kids have many of the characteristics found in the original like Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) stuttering, and Eddie (Jack Dylan Grazer) being a mamma’s boy. Richie (Finn Wolfhard) is particularly great, as he’s mocked for not shutting up, and really lets loose with his fowl mouth. They’ll definitely have the audience routing for them individually, and as the ‘Losers Club.’

  Now to Pennywise! This is where some will have mixed feelings. Yes, Tim Curry did an excellent job in the original, and many are right by saying his performance can’t be topped. However, don’t let that stop you from seeing and enjoying this movie. This Pennywise is dressed a little darker, and certainly acts that way. When they talk about Pennywise eating the children, he really brings new meaning to that. However, be prepared for some questionable CGI.

  Pennywise tries really hard to bring out the fear in the kids, and scare the audience. While he might not scare horror fans, he might just do a number on non-horror fans and those afraid of clowns. One of the craziest scenes is when the kids are watching a film in the garage. It starts off slow, but soon enough becomes a big problem for them. The scenes when the kids are in Pennywise’s house, and later in the well are pretty intense. Pennywise definitely wasn’t lying when he said “we all float down here!”

  So yes, for the most part “IT” lives up to the hype. The R rating alone gives this version a major upgrade. Some will like this Pennywise, while others will still prefer the original. Either way, he’ll produce scares that the seasoned horror fan should appreciate while they enjoy watching others jump out of their seats. Most of all, the kids will have the audience eating out of their hands. The acting by the entire Losers Club should be applauded. With that, I give “IT” 4 pools of blood and a red balloon!

  HorrO

TRAGEDY GIRLS REVIEW

Tragedy Girls, a twist on the slasher genre following two death-obsessed teenage girls who use their online show about real-life tragedies to send their small mid-western town into a frenzy and cement their legacy as modern horror legends.

Starring: Brianna Hildebrand, Alexandria Shipp, Kevin Durand, and Nicky Whelan

Directed by: Tyler MacIntyre

Written by: Chris Lee Hill, Tyler MacIntyre, and Justin Olson

  High schoolers Sadie (Brianna Hildebrand) and McKayla (Alexandra Shipp) are completely obsessed with trying to grow their Tragedy Girls social media accounts. They were hoping that following the case of the serial killer named Lowell (Kevin Durand) would get them some follows. However, they soon decide that Lowell just wasn’t cutting it anymore, and took over as the star killers in town. Their social media accounts get plenty of hits, but is “Tragedy Girls” a hit as well? 

  It doesn’t take long to see that this is going to be a fun movie. With a little plot twist to start, Sadie and McKayla quickly display they’re a perfect match. The best friends are clever in both their conversations, and plans to murder their soon to be victims. While their characters aren’t great roles models by any stretch of the imagination, their desire for a bigger social media following will certainly be relatable to many in the audience. 

  Don’t think for a minute that just because they’re teens that the kills won’t be bloody. While their plans are good, they aren’t always executed perfectly. This leaves for plenty of blood splattering scenes like in the school shop room. The girls prove to be well versed in killing, disposing of bodies, and cleaning up all while having little boundaries. 

  Brianna Hildebrand and Alexandra Shipp really do an excellent job in their roles. They pull off the times when they need to be average teens, and are definitely great when the killing begins. While the focus is obviously on them, don’t sleep on Kevin’s performance. He proves to be the perfect choice as the serial killer. Someone the audience can believe is a mean killer, but also make mistakes along the way. Also making an appearance in a little more serious of a role than expected is Craig Robinson, who plays Big Al.

  Audiences should enjoy “Tragedy Girls” because it provides a great tandem of female leads along with a nice mix of horror and comedy. The story is well played out from the small twist at the beginning to the motivation behind their madness at the end. There is plenty of blood and guts, and strong acting performances all around. Ultimately, it may seem like watching a modern version of “Scream.” With that, I would follow, and “Like” “Tragedy Girls” on social media, and give it 4 pools of blood.

  HorrO 

*Shown at the Popcorn Frights Film Festival*

SIGHTS & SOUNDS FROM THE POPCORN FRIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL

The 3rd annual Popcorn Frights Film Festival promised to be bigger, bolder, and bloodier and boy did they deliver! The festival experienced many sell out screenings, and topped ticket sales from last year! Horror fans were treated to 46 films over 7 days, including the North American premieres of “Jackals,” and “The Bride,” and the Florida premieres of “Mayhem,” and “Tragedy Girls” amongst others. Popcorn Frights also hosted its inaugural Homegrown: 100% Pure Fresh Squeezed Florida Horror program. Directors, writers, and actors attended the festival like Joe Lynch, Graham Skipper, Brandon Christensen, and Jeremy Gardner. PromoteHorror.com, as a proud sponsor of the festival, was there to witness it all, and now wants to share some of it with you. Below are pictures, and videos shot over the course of the week, including many of the Q&As. Enjoy…

Also check out these great recaps of the festival from our friends at TrueHorror.net 

Recap 1      Recap 2

ANNABELLE CREATION REVIEW

Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.

Starring: Stephanie Sigman, Miranda Otto, Lulu Wilson, and Anthony LaPaglia

Directed by: David F. Sandberg 

Written by: Gary Dauberman

  Marvel has created one of the best universes going right now with their superhero movies. Not long ago, Universal announced the return of their monster icons in what they’re calling the Dark Universe. And then there’s The Conjuring Universe that is somewhat quietly coming out from the shadows. A third Conjuring movie is on its way, along with “The Nun,” but first Annabelle gets a second chance to win over horror fans.

  With a title like “Annabelle Creation” the audience might expect to see a lot about her creation. However, after seeing dollmaker Samuel Mullins (Anthony LaPaglia) put the final touches on Annabelle, there isn’t much Annabelle backstory until the end. Instead the audience sees the tragedy that happens to the Mullins family, and then years later how they provide a home to some foster girls. It gets the movie off to kind of a slow start, as the girls have to be introduced, and get settled in. It isn’t until Janice (Talitha Bateman), a young physically challenged girl, finds Annabelle that things pick up.

  Being apart of The Conjuring Universe, the scares start happening the way the audience might expect. First Annabelle might appear here and there, and then something in the darkness sets its sights on freaking out the girls. Besides Janice, her best friend Linda (Lulu Wilson) has some run-ins with Annabelle. In one of the better scares, she’s shooting a ball into a dark hallway, and pulling it back with a string. Well, it’s not hard to imagine how creepy that scene can be. 

  The intensity of the scares really kick in when the demon reveals itself, and its intentions with the girls. Also, the story of how the demon attached itself to Annabelle is finally divulged. It might be obvious to some after events earlier in the movie. However, that’s not the interesting part. When the dust settles, the true connection between “Annabelle” and “Annabelle Creation” is revealed, and it puts a nice punctuation on the movie. 

  Before wrapping this up, I have to make a point about Annabelle. After seeing Annabelle in “The Conjuring,” I was instantly drawn in, and wanted to know more about her. However, after two movies my interest in her has greatly diminished. Why…well because after it’s said and done she’s just a creepy looking doll. She doesn’t really do anything other than show up here and there. The demon is the true evil force here, and the one creating the real scares. She’s pretty much the opposite of Chucky, and in the end that’s disappointing.

  Going back to the movie itself, it’s easy to see how “Annabelle Creation” fits into The Conjuring Universe. It has the same feel to it, and the scares are effective, but done in an expected manner. The demon eventually makes itself known and does its best to scare the girls, and the more importantly the audience. There’s usually some strong acting performances, and this time it’s courtesy of the Talitha and Lulu. While “Annabelle” might not have knocked the socks off fans, it seems “Annabelle Creation” might win over more fans this time around. With that said, I give it 3 pools of blood. 

HorrO

*There are after credits scenes so stay to the very end*

DARK TOWER REVIEW

The Last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain, has been locked in an eternal battle with Walter O’Dim, also known as the Man in Black, determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together. With the fate of the worlds at stake, good and evil collide in the ultimate battle only Roland can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.

Starring: Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Taylor

Directed by: Nikolaj Arcel

Written by: Akiva Goldsman, Jeff Pinkner, Anders Thomas Jensen, and Nikolaj Arcel

  Not that he went anywhere, but it looks like Stephen King is making a come back. The T.V. show ‘The Mist’ has been running for over a month now, and of course the highly anticipated remake of “IT” is not far away. Sandwiched in between is “The Dark Tower,” based on one of King’s longer novels. While this movie doesn’t cover the whole novel, it introduces audiences to this strange universe King created.

  And an introduction it is. While they fill the audience in on some things, it almost feels like something is missing from both the story, and the characters involved. The story follows a young boy, Jack Chambers (Tom Taylor), and the visions he has been having. He’s sure his visions are real regardless of the disbelief from the people around him. He draws things in his visions like the Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (Idris Elba). 

  One of the visions gives the audience background on Roland, in his last battle along side his father. Both of them have been in a long battle with the Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), but that’s the only past battle that’s shown. With Roland having so much hate for him, it would have been nice to see more of their history. As for the Man in Black, they could have given the audience more information on his rise to power, and why he’s so determined to make the Tower fall. 

  Even though it would have been good to know more about these characters, they’re still pretty good at what they do. The Man in Black can make almost anyone do what he wants. He walks past people acting all cool, gives a simple command, and they do it. It also makes him pretty intimidating. Being a Gunslinger, it’s obvious what Roland is good at. While watching him shoot is good, it might be even better watching some of the ways he reloads.

  Too bad it seems the audience doesn’t get enough of them. As mentioned, they don’t show much of them in the past, and limited interaction between them until the final scene. Going into the movie, it felt like there would be plenty of action, but there isn’t anything spectacular until the end. While the story follows Jack, maybe there would’ve been more action if it followed Roland. Then it could have covered the backstory better, and had more action in their world. Jack comes from the real world, and nothing much happens there early on. There's some decent humor when they return to the real world, but this isn't a comedy.

  For those who haven’t read the novel, like myself, maybe it leaves you a little lost. It just felt like there should be more to this story. Being a long novel, it’s easy to understand them leaving stuff out, but it truly felt like they should have covered more. If they spent more time in the other world then maybe they could have covered more things. It would have made more sense, and definitely could’ve provided more action especially between Roland and the Man in Black. However, for those who read the novel, maybe it made enough sense, and therefore they did right by the story. Either way, I give “The Dark Tower” 2 pools of blood.

  HorrO

Trailers from Horror Movies & Shows at SDCC2017!

Enjoy some of the horror that was presented at SDCC2017! More will be added as trailers are released!

 

WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES REVIEW

After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind.

Starring: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, and Steve Zahn

Directed by: Matt Reeves

Written by: Mark Bomback, and Matt Reeves 

  So many remakes fail to live up to the original, but so far this new Planet of the Apes series has held its own. “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” and “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” were terrific movies for many of the same reasons. They're so terrific, each movie got 5 pools of blood from me, and that’s not something that happens often. So could “War for the Planet of the Apes” complete the trifecta, and get 5 pools of blood as well? 

  As reminded in the opening, the events in those movies have all led to this war. The beginning also reminds audiences how brutal war can be. There’s a quick, but intense battle between the humans and apes in which many lives are lost. Soon enough Caesar (Andy Serkis) makes his appearance, and is very much the same old Caesar. However, that quickly changes and his story becomes even more fascinating. Caesar begins changing into his old rival Koba (Toby Kebbell), and fights with this demon inside him the entire time. For the first time, both apes and the audience have doubts in what Caesar is doing.

  Koba might be Caesar’s personal demon, but he has some familiar faces by his side in Maurice (Karin Konoval) and Rocket (Terry Notary). The audience knows what to expect from them, but it’s some of the new faces that are a welcome addition to the story. First, there’s Nova (Amiah Miller), who’s a young girl that quickly bonds with the apes. She can’t speak, and that may trigger a connection to the original movie for some. And then there’s the comic relief, Bad Ape (Steve Zahn). He’s unlike any ape to date, and his humor is welcomed in such an emotional movie.

  Speaking of emotions, one of the beautiful things about all three of these movies is how they pull at the emotions of the audience. As mentioned, just watching Caesar struggle like he’s never struggled before is tough. It’s even tougher watching him when he knows he’s let his fellow apes down after doing so much for them. Then there are moments like Nova bringing water to Caesar, or placing a flower on a dying ape. Hell, an argument for sympathy towards The Colonel (Woody Harrelson) can be made even after all of the bad things he’s done.

  The emotional rollercoaster leads to an amazing final act. It’s do or die time for the apes and humans. As expected, Caesar steps up, and puts his life on the line for the apes. He’s also still motivated by revenge, but the world has a twist of fate for his plan. When the intense battle seems to be over, another avalanche of a surprise drops, and changes the landscape in the war for the planet of the apes. 

  For those who haven’t seen the original series, you might be missing out on what makes this trilogy truly special. They’ve just done a fabulous job of retelling this story from different angles, while leading to the same end point. It’s great being able to see Caesar become the iconic figure to apes, and this time really facing personal demons. It’s just another of the many continuous comparisons between humans and apes the series makes. While fighting for the planet, they fail to realize how alike they really are. This movie might be more emotional then the others, which is helped with the addition of Nova. Again for those who have seen the original series, the ending should be satisfying, and make you look forward to the what should happen next. So as you might have expected by now, yes the trifecta is complete because I’m giving “War for the Planet of the Apes” 5 pools of blood.

  HorrO

WISH UPON REVIEW

A teenage girl discovers a box that carries magic powers and a deadly price for using them.

Starring: Joey King, Ryan Phillippe, and Ki Hong Lee

Directed by: John R. Leonetti

Written by: Barbara Marshall

  Clare (Joey King) is a teenager who is already struggling at life. Her mother passed away when she was little, and her life in high school isn’t going so well. On top of that, she’s continually embarrassed by her father, Jonathan (Ryan Phillippe). If only a girl had something she could “Wish Upon” to make her troubles go away!

  Well, she’s in luck because her father just gave her the best early birthday present ever. What appears to be just a cool looking box, is apparently a box that grants wishes. After her first couple of wishes, she slowly realizes that they’re actually coming true, and is benefitting from them. As the audience might expect, she wishes for many of her struggles to go away in one way or the other.

  While suddenly living the good life, she fails to make the connection between the people passing away around her, and the wishes. The box has some deadly warnings on it, that unfortunately she doesn’t get translated until it’s too late. As for these deaths, there’s actually a couple of them that would have been nice to see in full effect. Unfortunately, the movie is PG-13 so either the deaths lack blood, are too dark to see, or are cut away as it happens.

  Really, the movie couldn’t be any more directed towards the teenage audience. Not only with the deaths, but the story is meant for them. Many of them will be able to relate to what Clare goes through, or maybe with some of the characters around her. On top of that, they probably won’t realize the subpar acting, including a lack luster performance from an experienced actor like Ryan Phillippe. 

  It won’t take long for older horror fans to realize that the deaths in “Wish Upon” play out a lot like those in the Final Destination franchise. While the suspense is there, the deaths are more like Final Destination lite. While the movie tries to pull surprises, it fails for anyone actually paying attention, and even ends as expected. Basically, if you’re a teenage horror fan, go enjoy the movie. For those that actually want to see a death scene play out in full, forget about it! With that, my wish is to give this movie 1 pool of blood.

  HorrO

  *There is an after credits scene*