I first saw Joe Johnston’s Honey, I Shrunk the Kids at a drive-in during its initial release in 1989. I was 11 and already a sci-fi junkie, so of course I loved it. Looking back, it’s not surprising that I took to this film as much as I did, as two men who I would come to admire later in life for their imaginative efforts in the horror genre shepherded this production through its earliest stages.
Read MoreBuying Time (2024)
No matter your thoughts on the whys and wherefores of the pandemic era, there’s no denying its ongoing impact on our culture. That being said, I’m somewhat surprised by the seeming reluctance of filmmakers to explore themes related to the situation. This brings me to producer/director Kris Smith and producer/writer/editor Andy Blithe’s no-budget near-future thriller, Buying Time.
Read MoreGood Boy (2022)
Having been on my list to see since seeing the poster, I was excited to finally check out Good Boy. The cast is fully committed, delivering performances that make the bizarre premise almost believable. The film's color temperature lends a dreamlike quality to every scene, with a soft and ethereal filter that enhances the surreal atmosphere.
Read MoreIn a Violent Nature (2024)
I enjoy when filmmakers take chances, especially when I think they work. Writer/director Chris Nash swings for the fences with his new slasher, In a Violent Nature. So, yes, this won’t be for everyone blah blah blah.
Read MoreSting (2024)
Sting delivers a thrilling throwback to '90s creature features, blending nostalgia with modern horror elements in a delightful and terrifying package. Directed by Kiah Roache-Turner, known for Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, this film reimagines the creature horror genre with a unique spin, set against the backdrop of snowy, atmospheric New York, it takes that extra step to add another layer of claustrophobia. The plot centers on 12-year-old Charlotte, whose pet spider undergoes a rapid and horrifying transformation into a giant, flesh-eating monster.
Read MoreRE: Brightburn (2019)
Director David Yarovesky’s Brightburn reimagines the iconic origin story of Superman, which is itself a repurposing of the Moses myth, and gives it a horrific twist. Basically, it’s what if baby Kal El was sent to Earth to conquer it with no compunctions about slaughtering anyone who gets in the way. I’ve read it described as being a superhero film crossed with a slasher flick.
Read MoreWild Eyed and Wicked (2023)
Wild Eyed and Wicked, the feature film debut from G.S. Foxwood, presents a unique blend of horror, familial drama, and fantasy. While it boasts some noteworthy elements, the film ultimately falls short of its potential. The story follows Lily Pierce, who seeks to confront a medieval creature that has tormented her family for generations.
Read MoreMind Body Spirit (2023)
Mind Body Spirit is a chilling dive into the world of screenlife horror, where the ordinary becomes eerie and the familiar is transformed into the terrifying. Directed by Alex Henes and Matthew Merenda, this film cleverly utilizes the digital age's trappings to craft a haunting narrative that lingers long after the credits roll. The story follows Anya, an aspiring yoga influencer who stumbles upon a ritual practice left behind by her estranged grandmother.
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