Reviews

In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have watched Borderland first out of the other 2007 horror fest titles I rented, because this film has set the bar pretty high. The plot concerns a trio of college friends who decide, before they each move on to different schools, to take a last minute trip over the border for some uninhibited debauchery. Things soon turn into a hellish nightmare when they become targets of a violent drug ring/cult. What keeps this from being another Hostel knock off is Borderlands realistic approach to the material (what makes the proceedings even more terrifying is that they are based on actual events). Also, I was impressed by the quality of the film making and especially the acting, which helps add to the realism (look for an actor you might remember from the Lord of the Rings in very convincing, un-hobbit like role). From the nerve shattering, horrific opening to the finale, Borderland is great horror film that gets under your skin. I highly recommend it to those with strong stomachs.

Unrest is one of the worst offerings from last years After Dark Horrorfest . Despite its excellent setting and spooky atmosphere, not to mention the use of genuine medical gore/cadavers, I was very underwhelmed. The main problem is that there was no real scares, sure there was some well executed suspense scenes, but none that were very frightening or memorable. Also there is no payoff, the setup for the token malevolent evil spirit is creepy and well thought out, but the haunting itself is mediocre. Also Unrest is really lazy and unsatisfying in the way it wraps itself up. Also the characters were pretty bland, which wouldn't bother me if this film had a higher body count, but for a supernatural horror film that moves at such a leisurely pace, I need the characters to be somewhat interesting. See Dark Ride, Grave dancers or The Abandoned instead.

Twin peaks starts of on strong note with the two FBI agents investigating a bizarre slaying, Lynch effectively builds the suspense and conveys a sense of dread and menace. When the plot switch gears about a half hour in, Lynch builds on this feeling of menace thats lurks just below the surface of suburbia. It is in this section of the film that lynch is at his best, creating some truly unsettling scenes of terror and suspense, as well as some equally unnerving implications....Then Twin Peaks begins to implode on itself. My enthusiasm gradually turned into frustration and boredom. David Lynch has always been a somewhat self indulgent filmmaker, but this takes the cake. Every promising aspect of this film goes out the window and the film becomes a headache to watch, it turns into a showcase for half baked sub plots, obnoxious characters (it doesn't help that the unusually poor acting, especially by the lead actress..ugh..become much more noticeable once the film starts its tail dive)and incoherent and mostly uninteresting imagery. I'll give Twin peaks a 4 due to its strong first forty minutes/fifty minutes or so. I know this movie as well as the TV series are highly regarded in some circles, but i just don't see it.

Set in a alternate version of history were Japan never fully recovers socially or economically from WWII, Jin-Ro focuses on the doomed relation ship between two individuals with conflicting backgrounds and loyalties. The film opens with a bang but never really gets its pacing on track afterwards. Other issues include the confusing twists and turns the plot takes (maybe I just watched it to late, but was lost 3/4 in.)and the red riding hood comparisons, while interesting in places, are overused and quickly become pretentious and rather preachy. Getting those complaints off my chest, Jin-ro is also very thought provoking, superbly animated,stylish and well crafted. Recommended.

Not one of Argento's best, but still worth viewing for fans of the genre. Operas greatest assets are the excellent production values and some jaw-dropping kills, as well as Dario's usual craftsmanship behind the camera. However the film is diminished by bland characters and a horribly dated 80's hard rock soundtrack that plays during many of the films key horror scenes, all but ruining the suspense. Opera also suffers from a terrible end segment that feels more than a little tacked on, which is a shame because the intense climax was one of the films standout moments. As I mentioned before fans of the genre will probably be pleased, just don't go in suspecting Susparia 2.