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Christine A. (965 KP) rated We Sold Our Souls in Books
Jan 31, 2019
Creepy novel
Horrorstör was my 4th favorite book I read in 2015. Considering only "Ready Player One", "13 Reasons Why", and "Autopsy Room Four", a little-known work by Stephen King were the only ones to beat it that is quite impressive.
I was so excited when I learned "We Sold Our Souls" by Grady Hendrix was being published. After reading it, I am just as excited to write how much I enjoyed it. First let me say, I am and always will be, a metalhead.
We Sold Our Souls involves a broken up metal band who did not end on the best of terms.As you can imagine, their reuniting is not everyone sitting around and singing Kumbaya. Hendrix through flashbacks shows how the band broke up and why they need to fight together. I would have loved to hear Dürt Würk play. Mentioned throughout the story are well known heavy metal bands that I have to turn up anytime I hear them. Each chapter's title is the name of a metal album.
The novel did not scary me but it was creepy and definitely worth reading. I will be keeping Grady Hendrix at the top of my "authors to read anything they publish" list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 1/31/19.
I was so excited when I learned "We Sold Our Souls" by Grady Hendrix was being published. After reading it, I am just as excited to write how much I enjoyed it. First let me say, I am and always will be, a metalhead.
We Sold Our Souls involves a broken up metal band who did not end on the best of terms.As you can imagine, their reuniting is not everyone sitting around and singing Kumbaya. Hendrix through flashbacks shows how the band broke up and why they need to fight together. I would have loved to hear Dürt Würk play. Mentioned throughout the story are well known heavy metal bands that I have to turn up anytime I hear them. Each chapter's title is the name of a metal album.
The novel did not scary me but it was creepy and definitely worth reading. I will be keeping Grady Hendrix at the top of my "authors to read anything they publish" list.
Published on Philomathinphila.com, Smashbomb, Goodreads, Twitter, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble on 1/31/19.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Descent Part 2 (2009) in Movies
Feb 2, 2019
Should never have been made
I’ve put off watching this film for years as I resented the fact that it had ever been made, and it turns out I probably should have kept on putting it off. The original Descent was brilliant, but this sequel is just plain awful.
For starters, it looks cheap. The entire thing from the cinematography, the visual effects (the blood looks like fruit juice), and the look of the monsters just looks so horrendous and as bad, if not worse, than a SyFy original film. Then there’s the plot itself, which is so ridiculously stupid it’s laughable. It completely ignores the ambiguous and very good ending from the original and uses a cliched overused trope (memory loss) to get Sarah back into the caves. The new characters are underdeveloped and cliched stereotypes (the brass moronic cop who can’t leave his gun behind). And then there’s the fact that it seems an identical copy of the original, using the same scenes, ideas (seeing through the video camera) that were used in the first film. This loses any of the suspense and atmosphere generated in the first film, and it doesn’t use the music to any good effect whatsoever. It’s not scary, it’s not interesting and it looks horrendous. Avoid at all costs.
For starters, it looks cheap. The entire thing from the cinematography, the visual effects (the blood looks like fruit juice), and the look of the monsters just looks so horrendous and as bad, if not worse, than a SyFy original film. Then there’s the plot itself, which is so ridiculously stupid it’s laughable. It completely ignores the ambiguous and very good ending from the original and uses a cliched overused trope (memory loss) to get Sarah back into the caves. The new characters are underdeveloped and cliched stereotypes (the brass moronic cop who can’t leave his gun behind). And then there’s the fact that it seems an identical copy of the original, using the same scenes, ideas (seeing through the video camera) that were used in the first film. This loses any of the suspense and atmosphere generated in the first film, and it doesn’t use the music to any good effect whatsoever. It’s not scary, it’s not interesting and it looks horrendous. Avoid at all costs.
Stephen (210 KP) rated As Above So Below (2014) in Movies
Mar 1, 2019 (Updated Mar 2, 2019)
Worthy Of A Watch
Contains spoilers, click to show
As I watched this tonight, all I could think of was ‘Tomb Raider meets The Descent’ - although much more emphasis is placed on the Tomb Raider element, which, when the film is classed as a horror movie just ends up watering down the horror element. Don’t get me wrong, there are some excellent ‘jump off the sofa’ moments, however a lot of what could have been achieved (e.g. the claustrophobic terror of ‘The Descent’) has been lost and overwhelmed by the Tomb Raider element, and to be honest this lets the film down slightly as some of the storyline is just plain stupid. I mean, OK it’s fine to search for an ancient relic, but finding the Philosopher’s Stone and then using it to heal fellow team members is just a bit too silly in my opinion.
Whilst I felt the film was well crafted, it does suffer from the annoying ‘camera jerking all over the place’ syndrome, meaning it’s sometimes virtually impossible to work out what is going on, and also means that when something scary is happening, it fails as you can’t see what it is you’re supposed to be scared by.
Overall, the film was enjoyable apart from the above mentioned negatives - oh, and the ending just SUCKS - a complete letdown.
Whilst I felt the film was well crafted, it does suffer from the annoying ‘camera jerking all over the place’ syndrome, meaning it’s sometimes virtually impossible to work out what is going on, and also means that when something scary is happening, it fails as you can’t see what it is you’re supposed to be scared by.
Overall, the film was enjoyable apart from the above mentioned negatives - oh, and the ending just SUCKS - a complete letdown.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Tomb Raider (2018) in Movies
Mar 18, 2018 (Updated Mar 18, 2018)
So, the best advice I can give while watching this movie is to not compare it to the previous Lara Croft films.
I wasn't completely sold on Vikander as Lara, and she wasn't honestly that believable in the role. Maybe that can improve in the next films (if they're made), as this was essentially an origin story.
One thing that bothered my throughout was Lara's boots; it seems like a stupid thing to complain about, but the heel on them was ridiculous. Though, a positive thing on her costuming is that she was actually wearing a bra, unlike Jolie in the other films.
Walter Groggin's performance was a little pedestrian, I was expecting/hoping for a Django Unchained performance. But it wasn't, he seemed to be sleepwalking throughout the movie.
Now, the story: It was interesting, but a little clunky. They probably could have worked on that a little more. I was glad they took it out of the supernatural realm.
In the end, and right now, I'm really torn on whether or not I liked it. Maybe I need to see it again? I was entertained, at the very least.
**Also can we talk about Vikander's scary giraffe neck in the poster? CRAZY looking. In fact, I'm going to add the other poster so I don't have to look at it again.**
I wasn't completely sold on Vikander as Lara, and she wasn't honestly that believable in the role. Maybe that can improve in the next films (if they're made), as this was essentially an origin story.
One thing that bothered my throughout was Lara's boots; it seems like a stupid thing to complain about, but the heel on them was ridiculous. Though, a positive thing on her costuming is that she was actually wearing a bra, unlike Jolie in the other films.
Walter Groggin's performance was a little pedestrian, I was expecting/hoping for a Django Unchained performance. But it wasn't, he seemed to be sleepwalking throughout the movie.
Now, the story: It was interesting, but a little clunky. They probably could have worked on that a little more. I was glad they took it out of the supernatural realm.
In the end, and right now, I'm really torn on whether or not I liked it. Maybe I need to see it again? I was entertained, at the very least.
**Also can we talk about Vikander's scary giraffe neck in the poster? CRAZY looking. In fact, I'm going to add the other poster so I don't have to look at it again.**
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated Haunted: Horror of Haverfordwest in Books
Dec 7, 2018
creepy, scary haunted house
Blissful beginnings for a young couple turn into a nightmare after purchasing their dream home in Wales in 1989. Their love and their resolve are torn apart by an indescribable entity that pushes paranormal activity to the limit. Haunted: Horror of Haverfordwest is the prequel to the bestselling A Most Haunted House. Dare you step inside...
Whether you are a believer in the paranormal or not you shall enjoy reading this book. This is a very well written story and it is based around the authors’ own experience he had living in a haunted house in Wales. The writer had over 20 years’ worth of evidence. There are incidents and events that still linger long after you finish reading that will keep you thinking long into the night.
This book for me is just brilliant and I love the paranormal as I grew up in a haunted house and have my own experiences as well. This book just grabs you and doesn’t let go. The atmosphere of the book is not for the faint hearted and easily scared but if you are be sure to read with all the lights on. You simply cannot go wrong if what you're looking for is an intense and spooky story.
Many thanks to John Hunt Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC.
Whether you are a believer in the paranormal or not you shall enjoy reading this book. This is a very well written story and it is based around the authors’ own experience he had living in a haunted house in Wales. The writer had over 20 years’ worth of evidence. There are incidents and events that still linger long after you finish reading that will keep you thinking long into the night.
This book for me is just brilliant and I love the paranormal as I grew up in a haunted house and have my own experiences as well. This book just grabs you and doesn’t let go. The atmosphere of the book is not for the faint hearted and easily scared but if you are be sure to read with all the lights on. You simply cannot go wrong if what you're looking for is an intense and spooky story.
Many thanks to John Hunt Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC.
Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated The Witch In The Window (2018) in Movies
Nov 9, 2018
Performances from father and son (1 more)
Exploration of a complex relationship
Not at all scary, but actually rather enjoyable
This is a Shudder original, and I was expecting a fairly standard haunted house scenario, and the setup doesn't disappoint in this regard.
A father has bought an old country house to renovate and sell, and bring his son out with him, who was recently found looking at 'unsavoury' things on the internet which had traumatised him.
The spooky house elements are fairly predictable, and there are lots of metaphors for the house being alive, the boiler being its 'heart' etc
However, what I actually ended up enjoying was the father-son relationship as they explore the flaws in their characters and come to realise the strength they both possess.
The movie actually becomes more of an exploration of weakness, be it, curiosity, fear of loss, fear of failure, and it is quite engrossing watching the two main leads bouncing off of eachother.
The supernatural element is largely unexplained, and honestly serves little purpose other than to bring father and son closer together, and to provide the grounding for a bittersweet ending.
This is a surprisingly good movie, but not at all what I thought I was in for when I started it up!
A father has bought an old country house to renovate and sell, and bring his son out with him, who was recently found looking at 'unsavoury' things on the internet which had traumatised him.
The spooky house elements are fairly predictable, and there are lots of metaphors for the house being alive, the boiler being its 'heart' etc
However, what I actually ended up enjoying was the father-son relationship as they explore the flaws in their characters and come to realise the strength they both possess.
The movie actually becomes more of an exploration of weakness, be it, curiosity, fear of loss, fear of failure, and it is quite engrossing watching the two main leads bouncing off of eachother.
The supernatural element is largely unexplained, and honestly serves little purpose other than to bring father and son closer together, and to provide the grounding for a bittersweet ending.
This is a surprisingly good movie, but not at all what I thought I was in for when I started it up!
Dean (6925 KP) rated Doctor Sleep (2019) in Movies
Oct 31, 2019
Shine on
So I recently watched The Shining again to prepare for this. I've not read the book so can't compare it to that. It's mainly set some 30 years after the events of The Shining with Danny now a grown man and struggling in life. He finally finds a calling and seems to settle in a small town where he can use his Shine in a positive way. He discovers a new child with a great power and also of a group who want to hunt her down exploit her power.
For a long film it did whizz by as the story was very interesting. It's a different type of horror film to the original. Although it's still dark and disturbing in its content. We learn more about those with this power and the evil group who hunt down those with the power. It's good to see the overlook hotel again but in some ways this film didn't really need visit the old location. I guess it does give it more of a connection to the original. Although a couple of scenes there really would have been better cut out.
Overall it's a very interesting, entertaining film that might not be scary as such. It is very dark and menacing. A great expansion on the Shining universe.
For a long film it did whizz by as the story was very interesting. It's a different type of horror film to the original. Although it's still dark and disturbing in its content. We learn more about those with this power and the evil group who hunt down those with the power. It's good to see the overlook hotel again but in some ways this film didn't really need visit the old location. I guess it does give it more of a connection to the original. Although a couple of scenes there really would have been better cut out.
Overall it's a very interesting, entertaining film that might not be scary as such. It is very dark and menacing. A great expansion on the Shining universe.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated House on Haunted Hill (1999) in Movies
Jul 17, 2019 (Updated Jul 17, 2019)
Sweet Dreams
So this movie excist, house on haunted hill should of never been remade or touching in the first place, the oringal is a classic with vincent price introducing the movie and also starring in it.
Who stars in this one ohh fanke janssen, geoffrey rush who is a good actor but wasted in this movie, Taye diggs i never heard of him since the early 2000's, and ali larter who was only good in heroes. So not a good start.
The plot: A millionaire with theatrical tendencies, Stephen Price (Geoffrey Rush) invites a number of people to stay in a vast creepy building that used to be an insane asylum. Stephen, accompanied by his bitter wife, Evelyn (Famke Janssen), offers a million dollars to anyone who can stay the whole night without leaving out of fear. When Stephen and Evelyn become trapped with their guests, they quickly realize that the house really is haunted -- and the spirits dwelling within are very angry.
This movie is not scary, not oringal, not celver, not haunted, its not good.
Also for no pair of reason sweams by marlyon manson plays for no pair of reason, not once but twice. Once when the guess are driving to hill house and once at the end cridits.
Dont watch this movie it is a waste of your time, just watch the oringal movie.
Who stars in this one ohh fanke janssen, geoffrey rush who is a good actor but wasted in this movie, Taye diggs i never heard of him since the early 2000's, and ali larter who was only good in heroes. So not a good start.
The plot: A millionaire with theatrical tendencies, Stephen Price (Geoffrey Rush) invites a number of people to stay in a vast creepy building that used to be an insane asylum. Stephen, accompanied by his bitter wife, Evelyn (Famke Janssen), offers a million dollars to anyone who can stay the whole night without leaving out of fear. When Stephen and Evelyn become trapped with their guests, they quickly realize that the house really is haunted -- and the spirits dwelling within are very angry.
This movie is not scary, not oringal, not celver, not haunted, its not good.
Also for no pair of reason sweams by marlyon manson plays for no pair of reason, not once but twice. Once when the guess are driving to hill house and once at the end cridits.
Dont watch this movie it is a waste of your time, just watch the oringal movie.
Really plays with your emotions (2 more)
Creepy
Twists and turns
Stalking through the eyes of the stalker!
Joe is just an ordinary man who works in a book store - or that is was he wants everyone to think.
Joe becomes fixated with women, and uses modern technology to stalk them, strategically placing himself in their way in order to get them to notice him, whilst at the same time getting rid of the opposition (literally). The series has him following Beck, an aspiring writer.
The cast was well picked, with particular credit to Penn Badgley, who plays Joe- who makes a really believable butter wouldn’t melt book guy, frequently turning into psychopathic killer!
The script uses dark humour very well, which add a little light heartedness into an otherwise very dark story. It is also truest scary from a personal perspective, as to how much information Joe is able to use form people’s fb/ twitter (e.t.c.) accounts!
What I particularly enjoyed about this show, was that it is primarily shown through the perspective of Joe, an unusual twist, as on one side we really want to support Joe (being the main character), and we are forced to try to empathise with him, however, deep down, we know that he is a truest dark character.
I do hope that there will be a second series of this.
Joe becomes fixated with women, and uses modern technology to stalk them, strategically placing himself in their way in order to get them to notice him, whilst at the same time getting rid of the opposition (literally). The series has him following Beck, an aspiring writer.
The cast was well picked, with particular credit to Penn Badgley, who plays Joe- who makes a really believable butter wouldn’t melt book guy, frequently turning into psychopathic killer!
The script uses dark humour very well, which add a little light heartedness into an otherwise very dark story. It is also truest scary from a personal perspective, as to how much information Joe is able to use form people’s fb/ twitter (e.t.c.) accounts!
What I particularly enjoyed about this show, was that it is primarily shown through the perspective of Joe, an unusual twist, as on one side we really want to support Joe (being the main character), and we are forced to try to empathise with him, however, deep down, we know that he is a truest dark character.
I do hope that there will be a second series of this.