Underworld Awakening Review

Underworld Awakening Review, the forth in the underworld series, this takes place in a different world, a world where humans are the main enemy.

Director Bjorn Stein

Writer Len Wiseman

Cast

Kate Beckinsale - Selene
Michael Ealy - Detective Sebastian
India Eisley - Eve
Theo James - David, Selene's ally.
Charles Dance - Thomas
Sandrine Holt - Lida
Stephen Rea - Dr. Jacob Lane
Kris Holden-Ried - Quint Lane

Screen Gems, Running time 88 minutes.

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Sometime shortly after Underworld Evolution the human race has become aware of Vampire and Lycans, seeing them as a threat to the future of mankind the humans have been trying to exterminate them with some degree of success. The Lycans are thought to be extinct and the vampires not far behind.

I am a fan of the first three movies, I think they're solid and entertaining movies that include two of my favorite supernatural creatures Vampires and Werewolves. To be honest I wasn't expecting much from this film, thinking it's just a way for the production company to make more money from this popular franchise, which is a good idea, making movies is a business after all.

When I heard about the story line I was even less impressed, it didn't appeal to me and I didn't expect much from this. However being a fan of the underworld franchise and vampire and werewolves it obviously still interested me.

I was pleasantly surprised with this film, it was much better than I was expecting. It provides good quality action, more of the same plus some new things that we haven't seen before, including a giant werewolf.

I do feel this is my least favorite in the underworld series, however not by as much as I was expecting. Everything about this movie is solid enough, acting and effects are good, overall underworld awakening exceeded my expectations and provided me with some exciting and memorable scenes.

If you enjoyed the previous underworld movies you should enjoy this. Overall a good solid installment into the series. 

7 out of 10

Top 100 Scary Movies

This Top 100 Scary Movies list is influenced by my own personal opinion, popular belief and the highest rated and greatest movies.

This top movies list will be updated with new films when released (maybe), plus I may find myself changing my mind from time to time. Please note this list is far from finished, many of the films will be replaced and adjusted.

If you are looking for a horror movie to watch hopefully this list will provide you with a few ideas.

Top 100 Scary Movies

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1. Alien (1979)
2. The Thing (1982)
3. Aliens (1986)
4. The Shining (1980)
5. Halloween (1978)
6. Psycho (1960)
7. The Exorcist (1973)
8. Evil Dead II (1987)
9. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
10. Dawn of the Dead (1978)
11. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
12. The Mist (2007)
13. Jaws (1975)
14. Scream (1996)
15. Saw (2004)
16. Silence of the Lambs (1991)
17. Insidious (2010)
18. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Beginning (2006)
19. The Hills have Eyes (2006)
20. Scream 4 (2011)
21. The Grudge (2004)
22. Friday the 13th (1980)
23. I Am Legend (2007)
24. Mirrors (2008)
25. Hostel (2005)
26. Dawn of the dead (2004)
27. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
28. The Orphanage (2007)
29. Wrong Turn (2003)
30. The Mothman Prophecies (2002)
31. The Ring (2002)
32. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
33. Hell Raiser (1987)
34. Event Horizon (1997)
35. Evil Dead (1981)
36. The Fly (1986)
37. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
38. IT (1990)
39. The Fog (1980)
40. Hannibal (2001)
41. Army of Darkness (1992)
42. The Women in Black (2012)
43. Dead Alive (1992)
44. [REC] (2007)
45. Audition (1999)
46. Candyman (1992)
47. Cabin in the Woods (2011)
48. An American Haunting (2005)
49. Darkness Falls (2003)
50. Cape Fear (1991)
51. Poltergeist (1982)
52. Jeepers Creepers (2001)
53. Paranormal Activity 2 (2010)
54. Alien 3 (1992)
55. Halloween (2007)
56. Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)
57. Knowing (2009)
58. Drag me to Hell (2009)
59. Planet Terror (2007)
60. The Blair Witch Project (1999)
61. The Howling (1981)
62. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
63. Night of the living dead (1968)
64. 28 weeks later (2007)
65. Frailty (2001)
66. Cemetery Man (1994)
67. Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006)
68. Grave Encounters (2012)
69. Re-Animator (1985)
70. Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
71. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
72. I Saw the Devil (2011)
73. Interview With The Vampire (1994)
74. Rose Red (2002)
75. Ringu (1998)
76. The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007)
77. Return of the Living Dead (1985)
78. Suicide Club (2001)
79. Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003)
80. Amityville Horror (2005)
81. House of Wax (2005)
82. Stir of Echoes (1999)
83. May (2002)
84. Signs (2002)
85. Land of the Dead (2005)
86. Dark Water (2002)
87. What Lies Beneath (2000)
88. Ginger Snaps (2000)
89. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
90. Urban Legend (1998)
91. Devil (2010)
92. The Forgotten (2004)
93. Vacancy (2007)
94. Scream 2 (1997)
95. An American Werewolf in Paris (1997)
96. 28 Days Later (2002)
97. Ju-On (2000)
98. The Ruins (2008)
99. Scream 3 (2000)
100. Dog Soldiers (2002)

The Women In Black Review

The women in black review. A traveling man discovers that a ghost is terrifying a small village.

Director James Watkins

Writer Susan Hill

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe, Arthur Kipps
Misha Handley, Joseph Kipps
Jessica Raine, Nanny
Roger Allam, Mr. Bentley
Ciaran Hinds, Daily
Shaun Dooley, Fisher
Mary Stockley, Mrs. Fisher
Alexia Osborne, Victoria Hardy
Indira Ainger, Little Girl on Train
Andy Robb, Doctor
Lucy May Barker, Nursemaid

Alliance Films, Hammer Film Productions - Running time 95 minutes.

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Arthur is a young lawyer who is sent to investigate the legal documents of a house, who's owner Mrs Drablow recently died. During his research he discovered a dark truth about how a past resident and her son died. One night while conducting his work alone in the house, Arthur soon comes to the realization that the house is haunted.

Right from the beginning I enjoyed the feel of this movie, it's very atmospheric and suspenseful and I was immersed from the start. The small village looks good and it provides a good feel of isolation which all helps with the tension building.

Daniel Radcliffe provides a nice believable performance, at times it was hard to look past the Harry Potter character for which we know and love Daniel Radcliffe. It was always going to be difficult for Daniel to take on a new character because of Harry Potter, but despite this disadvantage he does a great job as Arthur Kipps. Daily (Ciaran Hinds) is also one of my favorite characters providing a good performance.

I found The Women in Black a scary experience, providing some well timed shock tactics and uniquely creepy moments, this makes a nice change from all the first person perspective horror films we have had in recent years. The Women in black gives us something new despite it being just a basic haunted house movie at the heart.

Overall I found it an enjoyable scary experience. There are many mixed reviews floating about, however if you enjoyed films such as Paranormal Activity and Insidious I think you'll enjoy this.

7 out of 10

The Shining Review

The Shining Review, a very atmospheric and creepy movie staring Jack Nicholson.

Director Stanley Kubrick

Writer Stephen King

Cast

Jack Nicholson - Jack Torrance
Shelley Duvall - Wendy Torrance
Danny Lloyd - Danny Torrance
Scatman Crothers - Dick Hallorann
Barry Nelson - Stuart Ullman
Philip Stone - Delbert Grady
Joe Turkel - Lloyd the bartender
Anne Jackson - Doctor
Tony Burton - Larry Durkin

Warner Bros Pictures, Running time 142 minutes.

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A father and this family go to a isolated hotel in the heart of winter, the hotel has a dark past and contains dark spirits that start to influence Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson). Jack slowly starts to become insane. While Jack is losing his mind their son develops a psychic ability called the shining that allows him to see spirits, and even be possessed by one.

Right from the start this movie is captivating, it has a unique atmosphere and mood which gets more intense as the film progresses. The very creepy atmosphere is enhanced by the great camera work, which includes the use of long shots which very effectively creates a sense of isolation. The creepy music is also very effective at setting the mood. As the movie progresses it creates a real sense of tension and panic in the last half an hour, plus it has one of the best ever endings to a film.

Jack Nicholson is fantastic in this movie and plays the role perfectly, It's hard to imagine anyone else doing a better job. Jack Nicholson is also very funny in his role which adds to his brilliant performance.


I am sure when this film was released it was terrifying, however I only watched The Shining relatively recently. While I can't say I was terrified watching this, I do find it an incredibly creepy experience and it certainly deserves a high rating.

8 out of 10

The Purge Review

The Purge Review, for 12 months of every year any crime including murder will go unpunished, all emergency services are suspended.

Director James DeMonaco

Writer James DeMonaco

Cast

Ethan Hawke - James Sandin
Lena Headey - Mary Sandin
Edwin Hodge - Bloody Stranger
Rhys Wakefield - Polite Leader
Max Burkholder - Charlie Sandin
Adelaide Kane - Zoey Sandin

Blumhouse Productions - Running time 85 minutes

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In order to deal with the countries increasing crime rate, the US government stop all emergency services and allows any crime to go unchallenged for a single annual 12 hour period known as The Purge. The purge allows people to unleash their built up anger and frustration, releasing their demons. Also this 12 hours periods helps to eradicate the homeless and the weak.

During the purge a man is being chased and hunted by a murderous gang looking to fore fill their need to purge. The young son of a wealthy family allow the man to seek safety in their house. However the gang are very determined to satisfy their need to purge and they give the family a choice. Give the man back to them or become victims of the purge themselves.

While the whole idea is farfetched, it's a good one and I like it, it has much potential. It's definitely a nice refreshing change to have a relatively original idea like this. Unfortunately the movie is partly ruined by the stupidity of the characters.

It has been awhile since I was so badly irritated by a movie, for example the young boy knows the access code to the house security system causing the whole problem in the first place, and then he lets in a complete stranger during the purge. After that moment of insanity we have a whole lot more stupid behavior and things that just make no sense what so ever. It just ruined what could have been a great movie. I felt like the writing was just rushed and sloppy, with a bit more effort this could of been really good.

There were moments that were enjoyable, the concept itself for example. I like the idea of having house defenses and the survival element. Also the concept of having no emergency services or laws is both scary and exciting. I felt it started and ended well, just everything in between was a bit of a mess.

It's still entertaining, it's just a shame it could of been so much better.

6.5 out of 10

The Lost Boys Review

The Lost Boys Review, classic 80s vampire movie starring Kiefer Sutherland.

Director Joel Schumacher

Writer Janice Fischer

Cast

Jason Patric - Michael Emerson
Corey Haim - Sam Emerson
Kiefer Sutherland - David
Corey Feldman - Edgar Frog
Jamison Newlander - Alan Frog
Dianne Wiest - Lucy Emerson
Brooke McCarter - Paul
Jami Gertz - Star
Edward Herrmann - Max
Barnard Hughes - Grandpa

Warner Bros, Running time 97 minutes.

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A mother (Dianne Wiest) and her two sons move to Santa Clara, the older bother Michael (Jason Patric) becomes fascinated with a girl that hangs out with some mysterious bikers. The younger brother Sam (Corey Haim) meets some strange boys that claim to be Vampire hunters.

This film may be getting on in years now but it's still very entertaining, it has a unique style and charm, and there are some very good comical and memorable moments. This movie is behind and has influenced and set the standard for many recent vampire films.

The Lost Boys visuals are great, perfectly capturing the 80s feel and offering nostalgic value, it captures the best elements of the decade very well, glamorizing the 80s. Most of the characters are likable with solid acting and dialog, Kiefer Sutherland is brilliant and dominates all the scenes he is in with his charismatic performance. The story is very simple and easy to follow, because of the charm and feel of the movie it keeps you very immersed and entertained.

The Lost Boys takes on a more comic approach rather than horror and gore, some moments do create tension and uncertainty helped by the unique and slightly creepy atmosphere, which makes this very enjoyable and it's certainly worth a repeat watch or two.

7.5 out of 10

The Conjuring Review

The Conjuring Review, after a family move into a farm house they soon discover that the house is haunted and they seek help from paranomal investigators.

Director James Wan

Writer Chad Hayes - Carey Hayes

Cast

Vera Farmiga - Lorraine Warren
Patrick Wilson - Ed Warren
Lili Taylor - Carolyn Perron
Ron Livingston - Roger Perron
Joey King - Christine
Mackenzie Foy - Cindy
Kyla Deaver - April
Shanley Caswell - Andrea
Hayley McFarland - Nancy

New Line Cinema - Running time 112 minutes

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Shortly after a family move into a new farm house they begin to experience strange and unexplained phenomena, scared and not knowing what to do, they turn to Ed and Lorraine Warren husband and wife paranormal investigators for help. When Ed and Lorraine visit the family at the farm house, it doesn't take them long to realise that this is a genuine case. Ed and Lorraine must gain proof of the haunting before the Vatican will approve an Exorcism to rid the house of the evil forces that haunt the family.

The story may sound familiar, it sounds like something that we have seen before, and as over used as this story is I still love it and I still haven't got bored of it yet. Plus I had been hearing some good things about The Conjuring so it was always going to be on my watch list.

Even though the story is not exactly original, The Conjuring tells the story very well with good pacing and timing, there is enough differences during this movie to give it a fairly unique feel. James Wan has brought his own style to The Conjuring especially noticeable in the cinematography making this feel fresh, or relatively fresh anyway.

The acting is good throughout, especially Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) and Ed Warren (Patrick Wilson) which are likable characters and they did a great job of capturing and drawing me into the movie and keeping my interest.

So how scary is it? of course this is just my personal opinion, it's definitely scary however I personally didn't find it as terrifying as I was expecting. Perhaps I was expecting too much, there are a few chilling moments and scares but it's not the scariest movie that I have seen in the last few years. I think that crown goes to Insidious.

Overall The Conjuring is a well made horror movie, if you're a fan of the haunted house style movie then this should be on your watch list.

7 out of 10