Connect with us

News

The 8 Best Horror Films of 2018- Tony Runco’s Picks

Published

on

If this year has taught horror fans anything, it’s that 2018 produced some of the best original stories the genre has seen in a LONG time. With so many memorable characters and performances showcased on the big screen (as well as the plethora of Netflix originals released), it was quite the challenge deciding which ones stood out above the rest.

While there are still a couple of titles I regrettably have yet to watch (no, I unfortunately have not seen Suspiria just yet), I’ve compiled a list of my 8 favorite horror films that I DID have the pleasure of viewing this year.

8. The Strangers: Prey at Night

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUeGU-lTlA0

The three masked psychos are back! The Strangers: Prey at Night follows a family of four staying in a trailer park for the evening. Thinking they are alone, it’s only a matter of time before the masked killers begin stalking and hunting their prey.

While I’ll admit that I still think the first film packed a bit more of a punch, Prey at Night still accomplishes the anxiety driven concept of “what would YOU do if you were stalked by murderous strangers?” If nothing else, this film is worth watching for the pool scene alone! The lighting and soundtrack fit the mood perfectly.

7. Hereditary

After her mentally ill mother passes away, Annie and her grieving family begin to have disturbing and supernatural experiences that may be linked to the family’s dark and sinister ancestry.

Hereditary was a film that polarized audiences. Many found it to be completely terrifying and unnerving throughout, while others complained about that lack of “scares” and slow moving plot. Personally, I appreciate the fact that the writers did not oversaturate it with predictable jump scares, and found the gradual unraveling of the family’s psyche highly effective (much like The Witch).

6. Cam

Lola is an ambitious camgirl who’s on a mission to become the number one sexual fantasy for all of her viewers. But when an exact replica of herself has gained control over her account and subsequent followers, the real Lola must figure out a way to regain her identity before it’s too late.

With the modern day obsession for likes, follows, and views, Cam took a unique approach to create a visual thrill ride that shows just how dangerous social media can become. While the ending didn’t quite resolve the way I had hoped, the film’s suspense built steadily throughout and was supported by a superb performance from Madeline Brewer. This one is definitely worth a watch!

5. Halloween

It’s been 40 years since Michael Myers last wreaked havoc on Haddonfield, and Laurie Strode has been preparing herself and her family for his inevitable return ever since. But when his transport bus crashes and sets Michael loose on yet another murderous spree, Laurie must once again confront ‘The Shape’ in the hopes of killing him once and for all.

Intended to be a direct sequel to the 1978 original classic, Halloween combined both a modern day story with an old-school slasher tone. Director David Gordon Green did an outstanding job of paying homage to the original, while still keeping diehard horror fans engaged and on the edge of their seats (which is no easy task now a days). Don’t go into it comparing it to the original, but appreciate it for what it was intended to be.

4. Apostle

In the year 1905, Thomas Richardson finds himself traveling to an isolated island to rescue his kidnapped sister from a mysterious cult. Upon arrival, Thomas begins to understand the sadistic nature of the religious fanatics, and why they have demanded such a large ransom for his sister’s return.

Writer and director Gareth Evans (The Raid) knocks Apostle out of the park. The visuals are stunning and the soundtrack fits the pace and tone brilliantly. The film reminded me of a blend between The Village and The Witch, but a bit more gruesome than both. It’s always refreshing to see an up-and-comer to the horror genre produce such a memorable and unique original story!

3. The Ritual

Four college buddies reunite to honor their deceased friend’s plans for a hiking trip through the woods of northern Sweden. After deciding to take a shortcut off the beaten path and into the dense forest, the group soon realizes that they are being stalked by a rather large, menacing presence.

The scenery and cinematography for The Ritual are absolutely breathtaking. The acting is believable, and the ending turns this mind bending thriller into more of a creature-feature. I was reminded of all of my favorite parts of The Blair Witch Project, combined with vibrant visuals and crisp sound design. Check this one out on Netflix ASAP!

2. A Quiet Place

In a world where man-eating creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing lurk about, silence truly is golden. Two parents do whatever it takes to keep their family as safe and silent as possible, but even the smallest noise can prove to be deadly.

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt show off some pretty impressive acting chops in A Quiet Place. Not to mention, the directing and writing prowess of Krisinski proves that he is a force to be reckoned with in the horror realm. I’m a huge fan of monster movies, and this one kept me clinched with suspense until the end. If this film doesn’t win the Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing, I will be shocked.

1. Mandy

Nicolas Cage stars in this visually stunning masterpiece about a couple living in seclusion in the woods, when their lives are turned gruesomely inside out by a hippie cult and their demonic biker henchmen.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… the only way I can describe this film, is if Hellraiser, Suspiria, and Blade Runner had a baby with the Manson family, and then that baby did a ton of acid with Nicolas Cage… I was sucked into this film from start to finish, and it absolutely stood out as my favorite film of 2018.

Honorable Mention: 14 Cameras, Bird Box, and most likely Overlord (even though I haven’t seen it yet).

Be sure to leave a comment telling us what you think of our lists, and follow us for all of your news and updates on everything horror related!

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News

‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

Published

on

Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

Published

on

Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

News

‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

Published

on

the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' Popcorn Bucket

Continue Reading

Embed Gif with Clickable Title