EVIL DEAD (2013) Review by Corbin Bond

          “Once you unleash evil, it will consume you.” That is one of the multiple captions attached to Fede Alvarez’s highly anticipated Evil Dead – the rebirth of Sam Raimi’s 1981 horror classic. I just got back from seeing a premiere screening, and this film has been constantly on my mind. Before starting this review, I will say that this is not only a proper remake, but this film is an awesome horror film. Director Fede Alvarez deserves a large amount of praise because he not only created a remake that was very respectful to its original material, but he also filmed one of the most effective horror films in years.

            The story is similar and different, when compared to the original film. We are given four friends, David, Natalie, Olivia, and Eric, who have all gathered together to help the fifth, Mia (played superbly by Jane Levy from ABC’s Suburgatory), through a battle with drug detox. One of the friends winds up discovering an ancient book and reads a forbidden passage. This ultimately leads to some of the most brutal events as, one by one, the friends are taken over by demonic entities. All of this leads to a final bloodbath in which one remaining friend must fight to survive. Ultimately, the film is a true success. With breathtaking cinematography, incredible music, mesmerizing practical effects, a crazy and twisted story, and nightmarish brutality, Alvarez’s Evil Dead ultimately proves itself as another horrifying masterpiece for both old and new fans.

            First of all, the new Evil Dead is one of the most beautifully shot horror films in recent years. From its usage of the fast roving camera through the woods – most reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s original – to the eerie scenes in the cabin and the woods, Alvarez proves he is a master of imagery. Each scene held a stunning sense of beauty to pair with the horrific and gruesome events of the film. Furthermore, the film truly works as a perfect cinematic experience when the cinematography and practical effects are used to their full potential. Speaking of the practical effects, this film deserves yet another round of applause. The film goes against the Hollywood norm of using CGI, and it returns to the classic use of prosthetics, makeup, puppetry, and gallons (over 50,000 gallons) of fake blood. This proves to give the film some of its really frightening qualities as it made each mutilation or demonic visage much more realistic than your average computer generated imagery. The true power of these practical effects is especially realized in the film’s finale where a deluge of blood pours from the sky.

            The power of the horror in the film though does not just lie in its very realistic gore, but also in its suspense, which is heightened with powerful sound effects and music. In terms of sound effects, the film was able to really provide a nail biting and edge-of-your-seat power by emphasizing horrific sounds. This ranges from hearing characters mutilating themselves off screen or demonic growls and breathing in the darkness of this cabin in the woods. Probably the most disturbing use of the sound effects involved a scene in which one of the characters is heard slicing chunks of her own face off while hidden in the darkness. Furthermore, in terms of music, the praise all goes to the incredible Roque Banos. His usage of soft beautiful melodies mixed with loud operatic horror music called back to classic horror scoring that felt nostalgic while also adding to the film’s suspense and overall fright factor. From the impressive opening scene to the film’s finale, Banos’ score and the sound effects made this film a truly wild ride of high octane suspense and grueling terror.

            Thus, we come to the brutality of the film. Being a part of Sam Raimi’s universe, Evil Dead is easily the most brutal horror film to get a wide release in a very long time. However, unlike torture porn films (like Saw or Hostel) that make the horror feel like punishment, this film utilizes gore in a gleeful sense. Although the film oozed with urine, vomit, blood, bone fragments, brains, pus, and other gross things, it never lost its entertainment factor. In fact, throughout the movie, the audience applauded and cheered during certain segments because of these outrageously gruesome moments. This is a factor that will definitely prove effective for diehard fans of the original as well as horror fans in general. Evil Dead is not only an incredibly brutal film, but it is one of the most entertaining brutal horror films to be released in quite some time.

            Overall, Alvarez truly delivers a diehard horror film that definitely deserves recognition and respect. It shows absolute respect for the original while twisting the story at times to make a whole new movie. It’s a fun, horrifying, and insane cinematic experience that should not be missed, and it definitely deserves multiple viewings. This is the horror film that I have been waiting for, and I could not be happier. Evil Dead is without a doubt one of the best horror experiences to have at the cinema this year. Guaranteed!

Sinister Review by Corbin Bond

Here is another video review for the 2012 Horror film, Sinister. It comes from the director behind The Exorcism of Emily Rose and the producers of Paranormal Activity and Insidious. Definitely check it out if you love sleepless nights. I hope you enjoy.

Prometheus Review By Corbin Bond

Here is my very first video review for the blog, and I have decided to vlog about Ridley Scott's Alien prequel, Prometheus. I hope you guys enjoy.

The Cabin In The Woods Review By Corbin Bond

We all know the classic tropes of Horror films ever since Scream brought forth its classic rules to survive in this genre. Nowadays, those rules have been reflecting in just about every Horror film being released where there are gratuitous amounts of gore, sex, and drug use. There almost seems to be no hope left in Hollywood either due to their wastes of money with releasing constant remakes and sequels that are just used as money grabbers but have no substance at all. Then, faster than a speeding bullet comes Joss Whedon to rescue the genre for all Horror fans. Whedon has developed a titanic fan base because of his television work with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, and Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long. He is well known for his combination of horrific violence with slapstick to create perfect self referential stories with much depth and symbolism that calls back to American society. The Cabin in the Woods is the wake up call our generation, and Hollywood, needs. With a perfect cast, sharp and witty writing, clever scares, and a thousand twists, The Cabin in the Woods goes beyond the level of a Horror masterpiece, and is sure to become an instant classic.

Now, before going any further, I will express some incredibly important pieces of information to all. First, I have a set list of Horror films that I consider the "best of the best," and the top 10 is reserved for strictly the classics, like Psycho, The Exorcist, A Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. After seeing this movie only once, I can say without a doubt that this film has become my second favorite Horror film of all time! Second, this film is a spectacular Horror film; however, I cannot tell anything about it. This is a special type of film, where you have to see it for yourself. It's the type of movie you need to go to the theaters to see with a group of friends and then discuss with only those friends afterwards. I'm sure though with the horrible spoilers on the internet that some may learn some things. However, I cannot express enough how important it is that you do not listen to anyone who has seen the movie. You must see it for yourself!

Now that that is out of the way, I will review the film with no spoilers at all. First, the acting was terrific. Joss Whedon has assembled some of the finest actors for this movie, like Chris Hemsworth, and some are even new actors. They all perform very convincingly, and you feel for each of the characters in the film. Next, there is the cinematography which is fantastic. Joss Whedon is not only a master with a pen, but when partnered with Cloverfield's Drew Goddard, he is a master of the camera. The camera work was perfect and crisp for each scene. Furthermore, with a great score this film really knows how to revitalize the classic atmospheres of Horror. Whedon knows exactly what to do to bring the classic Horror film back to life. Meanwhile, there is the writing which is sharp, witty, hilarious, and incredibly sinister. There is a huge mouthful of cynicism in every line given in this film that adds to the overall effect. Also, if you think that you know the story from the trailers, then I have two words for you. THINK AGAIN!!! This film knows what you expect, and then kicks you right in between the legs and sucker punches you over and over and over again. You never know where this film is going to go, as each moment twists and turns until you are basically turned into a giant rubix cube (like the house in the poster). Moreover, the film has an extremely high octane entertainment factor because it is the most original Horror film to be released in nearly a decade. To give you a hint, once the end credits started, the theater I was in erupted in cheers and applause. I have never experienced this before.

Thus, I come to the end of my review for what has to be the best film of 2012 so far. Joss Whedon deserves a round of applause for this work of Horror GENIUS, and Hollywood now needs to learn what it owes Horror fans. The film is a passionate love letter to Horror fans that I will gladly accept, and if you enjoy originality, cleverness, and pure adrenaline-rushing entertainment in your Horror, then look no further. The Cabin in the Woods is everything Horror fans have been waiting for, and people will be talking about this film for many many years to come.

Red State Review by Samantha Mauney

Ummm.. wow.

Those were my main thoughts while watching the movie Red State. Directed and written by Kevin Smith, this film is a whirlwind of surprises. The biggest surprise came for me when I found out that this was a horror movie, which happened about twenty minutes into the film.  I started watching this movie because I saw that it was available for instant streaming on Netflix. I knew that it was directed by Kevin Smith, and that, therefore, I was bound to like it. Clerks, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back are among my favorite films, and Smith's Q&A sessions are the stuff of legend (seriously, look them up). Because Netflix labeled Red State under the primary genre of action and adventure, I had no idea what I was getting into when I started to watch this film. Call me crazy, but I was expecting an action comedy in the vein of Hot Fuzz. That is NOT what I got.
Though he mainly writes dialogue-driven comedies, this film is not Smith's first attempt at action. He also directed the 2010 action comedy Cop Out starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan. However, this is his first foray into horror, and all I can say is that I wish he had attempted the genre sooner.


I hate to delve too much into the plot for fear of giving too much away. The movie is about a fringe protestant, ultra-conservative protestant church that makes a habit of enacting God's wrath by killing "sinners." In addition to this hobby, members of the church are avid gun enthusiasts. So much so that they attract the attention of the ATF. Chaos and unbridled bloodshed ensues (think Westboro Baptist Church meets The Wicker Man meets Waco, TX). The plot of the story makes it unconventional for a horror story. While the villains are easy to spot, determining just who is a protagonist is a bit trickier. Talking in this film is minimal, excluding a sermon by the pastor of the church, so there isn't much of a chance to determine who the potential protagonists might be, until all other candidates are dead.

Again, though the dialogue is minimal, the acting in this film is very authentic. You can almost understand the charismatic appeal of the pastor (played by Michael Parks) of the hate-filled "Five Points Trinity Church," and, unsettlingly enough, I even found myself wanting to sing along to a gospel song or two during their sacrificial worship service. Kyle Gallner, the current "it" boy of horror, is also in this film. And last but not least, the unforgettable John Goodman steals the show, playing an ATF agent confronted with having to choose between what is right and what is easy.


The film is relatively fast paced, at only 88 minutes long. So if you like action, then this is the movie for you. Interestingly, what makes this film sing is the dialogue (despite the fact that there isn't very much of it), which, as I previously mentioned, is Smith's specialty. There is a poignant soliloquy towards the end of the film that is nothing short of perfection, followed quickly by the awkward lightheartedness that made Kevin Smith famous. Nevertheless, the film ends with a definite message that is very real and, if you follow his personal opinions, very personal to the director.
It's a shame that this film went straight to DVD because Smith's controversial decision to self-distribute. Perhaps if Red State had been shown in theatres instead of simply shopped around at film festivals, more people would have the opportunity to appreciate it. Though many critics have published poor reviews of the film, it has also been lauded by Tarantino and others. Who knows, maybe this film will reach cult status in ten years, or maybe DVD sales will start to pick up on Smith's website. Either way, sooner or later, I think that people will have to see this film for what it truly is: an experimental piece of art that deserves its day in the sun.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo Review By Corbin Bond

         “The feel bad movie of Christmas” was the caption for one of the most highly anticipated films of 2011. David Fincher, who has created such classics as Seven, Fight Club, and the recently acclaimed The Social Network, now returns to his darker storytelling roots in his film adaptation of the worldwide bestselling novel The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In fact, such a tale of murder, brutality, mystery, and dread seems to be the perfect place for Fincher to show his true visceral style. I just left the advance showing of the film this evening, and it was definitely another Fincher masterpiece. Not to be confused with the Swedish films based on the same book, Fincher’s adaptation is more respectful to its source material by providing a gruesome yet beautiful and intriguing story at a crisp and rapid pace. However, what really makes this film shine over the previous version was in its cast. This is especially the case for the leads played by Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace) and Rooney Mara (A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Social Network).  Overall, Fincher provides both fans and newcomers to the story a grim, brutal, yet powerful film that is sure to be a major success.

                First of all, I do want add that this film is not entirely for the faint of heart. There are especially shocking moments throughout that are very difficult to watch. However, despite the brutality, we are given a story that explores the depiction of evil and how far it can go to fully manifest in the world. For those new to the story, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo centers on the characters of Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. Mikael is a journalist whom has been recently accused and charged with libel. The story involves Mikael trying gain back his credibility in the world of journalism by helping solve a 40 year old mystery of a 16 year old girl who disappeared and was murdered on a lonely island in Northern Sweden. Meanwhile, Mikael finds a connection between the disappearance and a string of unsolved murders spanning throughout the country. During his investigation, Mikael calls for the assistance of Lisbeth Salander who we come to know along with Mikael. Lisbeth is an expert hacker who has lived an incredibly hard life. She had been conducting background checks on Mikael accessing his private materials. The two characters’ stories come together as they work to solve the mystery and find the murderer.

                As I mentioned earlier, the major strongpoint this film possesses is its cast. Without such brilliant acting, this film would not have been nearly as impressive. The best acting definitely came from Rooney Mara in her portrayal of Lisbeth Salander. Mara gives an Oscar worthy and all too real view into the life of a troubled, horrifically wronged, and misunderstood young woman who endures her torments but fights back with an incredible vengeance. You can sense an incredible passion and commitment to the role with every single one of her lines, gestures, and even glances. Throughout the film, the audience bears witness to the horrors she must endure such as harassment, brutal sexual molestation, and heart break. However, after witnessing such brutal evils audiences can witness how she fights back against evil in a way that is even more terrifying yet incredibly captivating. Meanwhile, Daniel Craig delivers his best performance to date as Mikael. He provides audiences with an intriguing portrayal of a man at his lowest trying to build himself back up in an almost Sherlock Holmes like method.  However, though Mara and Craig were amazing, in terms of supporting cast, Stellan Skarsgard (Melancholia, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest) stands out the most. He provides a very chilling persona as an enigmatic character who adds an eerie atmosphere to the mystery.  With such a brilliant cast, this film truly delivers a powerful punch.

                The next powerful factor about the film has to be in its score written and composed the lead singer of Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor, and co-written and composed by Atticus Ross. Reznor and Ross, who already have Oscar acclaim with their musical work on The Social Network, have once again given a very beautiful musical composition to the film. Each musical piece is incredibly dark and unsettling and is able to delicately and perfectly capture the dread and melancholy in each and every scene. Probably the most appreciated musical work in the film has to be seen in Reznor’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” sung by Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The song played during the opening credits provides the perfect ear catcher while the images in the opening play out as what have to be the most artistic and intriguing opening credits in film history. The score to follow plays out to create a very unsettling and tense atmosphere and builds suspense throughout the film before letting it explode.

                Fincher also shows an excellent cinematographic talent as each shot in the film is smooth, artistic, ominous, and beautiful. The cold and colorless winter atmosphere mixed with some minor colorful images creates the perfect uncanny contrast. Fincher’s imagery also allows for a more interesting look into the inner psyches of the characters. His shots allow for implicit understandings into what might be going on in each of the characters’ heads. Each scene is intricately filmed to follow actions and conversations following such delicate details as simple gestures and body language. Not only that, but there is also a definite and incredibly heightened sense of foreboding especially with the scenes involving Lisbeth and the film’s climax. The film proves how Fincher is a master of story telling through just mere images.      

                Meanwhile, the film’s story is told at a very rapid pace unlike Fincher’s earlier work in Zodiac, which seemed rather slow at times. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo does the exact opposite. Although it is a long movie (around 2 hours and 40 minutes to be exact), the story seems very fluid very smooth and very fast paced. There is no dull moment throughout the entire film as the mystery keeps you guessing the entire time with twists and turns at every corner. When the film reaches its ending, there is definitely a sense of closure making this a very good stand alone film. However, it is the first part of a trilogy meaning the ending also provided a sense of being a slight to be continued. Even though I do wish we could have seen more, such a minor issue can be easily forgotten when compared to vast majority of pros the film possesses. Furthermore, the film is definitely powerful in how it affected people after the ending credits came up. While leaving the crowded theater and going into the parking lot I could overhear people conversing about the film’s themes, dialogue, atmosphere, acting, etc. This is a film that gets into your head and stays with you for a while.

                David Fincher has once again returned to create another incredible work of film making. Through excellent and respectful depictions based from the source material, he has shown how even an English language adaptation can be made into a very amazing film. His imagery and storytelling provide an exceptional and grim look into evil, torment, madness, heart break, and endurance.  Meanwhile, with an absolutely outstanding performance by the committed Rooney Mara we are given an incredibly strong and powerful female character, in the form of Lisbeth Salander. The film definitely seems to be a very good Oscar contender this year, and it is definitely a film that should not be missed.  Therefore, this “feel bad movie of Christmas,” which crosses multiple boundaries and goes far beyond normal limitations to provide the most realistically brutal, beautiful and captivating story, is easily the best film of 2011.

*I understand that this film isn't exactly a Horror film. However, it is an amazing psychological thriller/ murder mystery that has some especially horrific elements.

                

New Promo video for Brown Hauntings

Last weekend VHS helped make this promo for the Hauntings at Brown College. It was a ton of fun!