The Inheritance
Directed by Robert O’Hara
Courtesy of Image Entertainment
Released: 2011

I’ve mentioned before that I love to see fresh and unique ideas that breathe new life into my favorite genres. Films that do this are few and far between unfortunately, but I’m happy to report The Inheritance is one of those few films that does.

If you’re not familiar with this film, here is the plot courtesy of the DVD case:

Five ambitious cousins set out on a family reunion during the dead of winter. The purpose of the retreat is to secure their inheritance, a fortune that dates back many generations. upon their arrival, Uncle Melvin welcomes them with open arms, but warns them to respect their family traditions. During the weekend, as each of the cousins mysteriously disappears, they learn the truth about their family legacy, blood ancestry, and the ultimate sacrifice they must make in exchange for their beloved inheritance.

The Inheritance is a surprise for me because I had never heard of it nor the director (newcomer Robert O’Hara), although the film has a stellar cast full of familiar faces, including Keith David, D.B. Woodside, Golden Brooks, Rochelle Aytes, and Novella Nelson. Usually, a project with this many famous names will draw attention. This one might have, but somehow it escaped me.

The first characteristic of The Inheritance that jumped out at me is the camera work. I love the way this movie is filmed. The cinematography combined with the haunting soundtrack set an ominous mood for the film and create an atmosphere of dread along with it.

And speaking of dread, the plot is excellent as well. I won’t go into detail because the film fleshes out the specifics as it moves along, which in turn helps keep you in suspense. But needless to say: it’s original and well done, which are two major sticking points for me. My sole complaint about the story is that I feel like it might have initially had more to it and that some of it might have been cut in the editing process. An odd comment to make, but you’ll see what I mean when you watch it.

One thing that strikes me as awesome about The Inheritance is how writer/director Robert O’Hara builds a myth behind the story. The myth is basically about a mystical presence known as Chakabazz, which takes human form. The mythology itself is impressive, as is the way it is incorporated into the story. I liken this attribute to films like The Blair Witch Project and others, which literally create new legends in which to create real-world situations and scenarios. This only adds to the complexity and integrity of a good horror film.

If I were to have to find a fault with The Inheritance, it would have to be with the cover art on the DVD case. It doesn’t do the story justice and, in fact, was almost dissuasive to me. I almost didn’t watch the film last night because the cover looks, well, hokey.

I’m glad I did watch it, though, and am proud to add it to my movie collection. Check out The Inheritance soon, for sure.

MSB

Guess! Give up? Oh yeah, that’s right…it’s me.

Friday morning, my lovely wife and I will be packing up with my buddy Hayes Hudson from Hayes Hudson’s House of Horror and his lovely wife to trek down to Dallas. Friday evening we will be rubbing elbows with some of horror’s elite. Who all is going to be there, you ask? Here are a few names from the guest list:

Clive Barker
Robert Englund
Roger Corman
Cary Elwes
Dieter Laser
Malcolm McDowell
Yoshiro Nishimura
Angus Scrimm
Tom Six
Thomas Dekker
Nick Principe
Doug Bradley
Michael Baldwin
Jason Eisener
Sean Patrick Flanery
Rodrigo Gudino
Bob Ivy
Ashley Laurence
Kerry Beyer
Stacy Davidson

…and many more!

I’ll post pictures after we get back next week. And, obviously, I won’t be posting on Friday since I’ll be on the road. SO…go check out some of the previous titles I’ve reviewed and then WATCH SOME OF THEM YOURSELF. Well, the good ones, anyway. Otherwise, just be bored.

MSB

The Way Back
Directed by Peter Weir
Courtesy of Image Entertainment
Released: 2010

I have to be honest: I had not heard of The Way Back before I received it in the mail to review. But I wish I had heard about it…I would have loved to have seen it in the theater. Granted, I did get the opportunity to watch it on Blu-ray, so it was a great picture…but the scenery in this film is amazing, and seeing it on the big screen would have been stunning.

If you are not familiar with The Way Back, here is the plot synopsis courtesy of the Blu-ray case:

Inspired by an incredible true story, The Way Back begins in 1940 when seven prisoners attempt the impossible: escape from a brutal Siberian gulag. Thus begins an treacherous 4,500-mile trek to freedom across the world’s most merciless landscapes. They have little food and few supplies. They don’t know or trust each other. But together, they must withstand nature at its most extreme. Their humanity is further tested when they meet a teenage runaway who begs to join them on their quest. A compelling testament to the human spirit, this gripping wilderness adventure is Peter Weir at his hypnotic best.

I read online (after I watched the film) that there are disputes as to whether or not this story is true. But regardless, The Way Back is an epic film and one that you should definitely check out for sure. It runs a bit longer than most films, but you won’t notice…there’s enough drama in this film to span several.

As I mentioned above, the scenery in this film is excellent. Broad sweeping shots show much of the beautiful, mountainous landscape and capture the true essence of the film’s primary tone: isolation. I understand that this movie was filmed in Bulgaria, Morocco, and India, but you can’t tell…it looks just like what I would imagine Siberia would look like.

Which brings me to the acting; no offense to the guy, but I would have never have though Colin Farrell could be a good dramatic actor. Wow…was I wrong. Farrell gives what I would consider to be the performance of his career, portraying an opportunistic soldier-thug named Valka. And, as always, the charismatic Ed Harris delivers a stout performance as an American named Smith. Throw in Jim Sturgess as the wrongly-accused Janusz and you have a cast that cannot be beat. The chemistry between the cast is one of the major points of interest for me and gave an enormous bit of credibility to the story.

As for the plight these characters endure, I can’t describe it in words. This story is no mere survival story…this is truly an epic journey undertaken by strong-willed individuals who risk more by surviving than by giving in to the elements and dying. I found myself cringing at some of the ordeals they have to endure, especially the situations involving their feet.

My sole complaint about the film is that I feel like the characters were slightly underdeveloped. We get to see what they endure and how they bond as a result, but we never get to understand who they are and where they come from, other than what is verbally told. This does not detract from the film in any way, though, and it is a nit-picky thing on my part to be sure. But it is something I do have to mention.

I can’t say much more about The Way Back because it is certainly something you have to see to understand and appreciate. But see it you should and soon. The Way Back was released on DVD and Blu-ray on April 22, 2011.

MSB

Matthew Watts

Congratulations, Matthew! Once I receive your mailing address, I’ll get this DVD out to you ASAP.

Thanks to everyone that entered…and keep your eyes peeled: the next giveaway will start shortly!

MSB

Skyline
Directed by The Brothers Strause
Courtesy of Netflix
Released: 2010

I wasn’t actually planning on watching Skyline last night…but when I realized Netflix had sent it, I just couldn’t resist. And man, I’m glad I watched it…it’s a great science-fiction thriller and one that I’m definitely am glad to have seen!

If you’re not familiar with Skyline, here is the plot:

Strange lights appear in the sky above Los Angeles, drawing people outside and then sucking them up into oblivion. Four friends observe what is happening and realize the lights are part of an alien invasion. They then struggle to survive against the insurmountable odds.

First of all, let me address the obvious: many people hated Skyline because it wasn’t what they were expecting. They probably grouped it together with other alien-invasion flicks like Battle: Los Angeles and were therefore disappointed with what they got. But you CAN’T compare this film to something like Battle: Los Angeles. This is something totally different.

How?

Well, Skyline is not an action flick to start with. It is an intense foray into the lives of four people as they struggle to survive. And when I say intense, I mean it…there are several scenes that had my wife on edge because of the suspense. I have to admit as well that I squirmed a few times at certain points also.

The special effects in the film are awesome, although I can’t say they are as good as those in District 9. Still, though, this film is a visual delight and anyone that likes effects-heavy films should not be disappointed. My only complaint about the special effects is that they use A LOT of CG and I feel like a couple of the scenes could have been done better with physical effects.

The camerawork is good as well, with many moving shots and plenty of hand-held work. I have to commend the Brothers Strause for not using a first-person perspective like so many films are doing nowadays. That has its place for sure, but I think this film is better served by NOT doing it.

I’m not going to give anything away about the ending, but I will tell you that you need to watch the credits for some final end action. And, I’m going to bet that the ending is also a reason that many people didn’t like the film as well. I’m sure that many found it ridiculous, although I personally think it’s very intelligent and a nice change of pace from other alien films. You’ll have to check it out for yourself and make your own decision.

In summary, I give Skyline an A and am glad I watched it. I’m considering picking it up on Blu-ray to truly get the full power of the special effects. Check this one out if you’re a fan of science-fiction thrillers.

MSB

Blood Oath
Directed by David Buchert
Courtesy of CAV Distribution / Troma
Released: 2007

I’ve been a fan of Troma for a looong time, going as far back as Class of Nuke ‘Em High. So when I heard they had one called Blood Oath, I KNEW it was a must-see. And let me tell you: it’s definitely that!

If you’re not familiar with Blood Oath, here is the synopsis, courtesy of the DVD cover:

Mr. and Mrs. Krupp wanted nothing more than a healthy child. After several failed attempts, they contacted a mysterious woman who promised them a child but everything has a price. Now the offspring roams the woods as an urban legend, twisted and evil, living off the bodies of those who enter its sanctuary. Today, a group of friends on a weekend camping trip decide to investigate the story. Bad decision! They will have to fight to stay alive, but they will soon pray for death!

Let me summarize this film before I review it: FUN. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. Granted, the premise isn’t anything new (I mean, if only I had a dollar for every slasher film I’ve ever seen), but that shouldn’t stop you. Check this one out for sure. Troma gives a gory, entertaining jaunt into familiar territory and they make you want more.

One thing that happily surprises me about Blood Oath is the good acting. Most B-movies of this type are overloaded with hack-acting that makes you roll your eyes and reach for the STOP button. But the acting in this flick is actually good. I never once thought it was overdone or too tongue-in-cheek.

The other aspect about this film that I love is the twist at the end. I definitely didn’t see it coming and, although it is basically sprung on you without warning or precursor, I think it works just fine. It will definitely make you say “HUH?” But that’s in a good way.

I would have to bet that the folks at Troma have an absolute blast making their films. That is pretty much evidenced with how much fun they bring to the screen. Blood Oath continues that tradition and makes me look forward to their next outing. Add this one to your collection for sure.

MSB

Hurry and enter the DVD giveaway…you have until midnight this Friday, April 22, to enter! This is your chance to win a copy of the new release The Inheritance. Check out the original post about the contest below for rules and details.

Good luck!!

It’s Giveaway Time!

MSB

The Oxford Murders
Directed by Alex de la Iglesia
Courtesy of Magnolia Home Entertainment
Released: 2008

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I first read about The Oxford Murders. I’m a sucker for a good murder mystery (and I must stress, a GOOD murder mystery…some of them are almost unbearable to watch) and the mathematical basis for the clues in this one really jumped out at me. So, even though it’s not in my usual realm for review, I decided to give it a shot.

If you’re not familiar with The Oxford Murders, it is a straight-to-DVD release starring Elijah Wood and John Hurt. Here is the premise, courtesy of imdb.com:

At Oxford University, a professor and a grad student work together to try and stop a potential series of murders seemingly linked by mathematical symbols.

I have to admit: I was quite pleased with this film and I’m glad I can review it here. It is a tightly knit mystery with a couple of nice twists strewn throughout. Normally, I automatically think of Frodo Baggins whenever I see Elijah Wood…but thankfully, this movie takes that completely away.

Wood and Hurt both do a fantastic job with their characters. Wood plays the new student to Oxford, a transfer who wants to work with his idol on a math thesis. Hurt plays the professor who Wood idolizes. I would never have guessed that these two could play off of each other so well, but they do an excellent job. Wood easily comes across as the eager student, hoping to impress his mentor with his deductions, while Hurt smoothly portrays the sometimes-cynical, world-weary professor.

And the plot is very good as well. Granted, you do have to pay attention to catch certain things throughout. But overall, the story is well-written and doesn’t take too many intellectual liberties (i.e. you don’t have to be a rocket-scientist to see what’s going on.

My sole complaint about The Oxford Murders is that it can be a bit preachy in some aspects, and even mundane in others. For example, much of the dialogue focuses on how there are technically no absolutes in the world and how philosophy is dead. I understand the necessity for putting it in, but I think some of what is said puts too much of a focus on Hurt’s character’s cynicism.

But that’s pretty much the only negative I can put for this film. It is wildly entertaining and keeps you guessing, right up to the end. I was definitely thrown “off the path” a couple of times and found the true revelation of the murderer to be quite satisfying. Definitely give this one a look.

MSB

Check this out!

Our short film A Walk in the Woods has been chosen as an Official Selection of the Splatterfest Comicapalooza Film Festival in Houston!! How cool is that?? Splatterfest is taking place at the end of May and it sounds like it’s going to be a lot of fun. They chose 23 feature films and 17 shorts to show, so it’s obviously a big honor!

If you haven’t watched A Walk in the Woods, check it out at our website link below:

http://www.shatteredmindstudios.com/ourmovies.html

MSB

Yep…trekking into the Northeast again…and thus, my posts will be sporadic for a couple of days. BUT, the good news is that I think this is my last trip for a while. So, I will have a plethora of reviews for you soon. Until then, enjoy the previous posts. Oh, and don’t forget to sign up for the DVD giveaway!!

MSB