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Best 5 Horror Films of 2018 – Eric Panico’s Picks
It’s a tough job naming the “Best” Horror Films of 2018, since everyone’s criteria for what they want out of a horror movie is vastly different. To some, the “best” means the scariest, but if I judged solely by what films disturbed me the most then that damn Overboard remake would likely be a contender this year. (If I watched it that is.)
2018 was also challenging to keep up with. We got sci-fi thrillers, franchise reboots, Netflix Originals, and everything in between. It saddens me the Halloween reboot was nowhere near my top 5 or possibly even my top 10. However, I’m thankful so many original horror films and TV shows were killing it in 2018. I will shamefully admit I didn’t get to see everything I wanted to this year, but here are some of my favorites looking back on what 2018 had to offer.
5. Upgrade
This sci-fi, fringe horror film written and directed by Leigh Whannell is a fresh take on a familiar concept. Modern Luddite Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green) must unwillingly turn to the aid of a state-of-the-art computer chip implanted in his spinal chord when his wife is murdered, and their attackers leave him paralyzed from the neck down.
The brutal fight choreography doesn’t just function as action filler; it also works to illustrate Grey’s symbiotic relationship with his A.I. companion S.T.E.M.. Grey often looks like a passenger in his own body as he watches in horror while S.T.E.M. overrides his motor functions to carve up some baddies. Logan Marshall-Green delivers a poignant performance all the way to Upgrade’s satisfying conclusion.
4. Ghost Stories
Ghost Stories made our skeptical main character Professor Goodman, and audiences alike, question everything we thought was real in this eerie anthology. Each segment was utterly spine-tingling as Goodman’s bizarre investigation continued to raise more questions than answers.
The film begs to be analyzed and rewatched for the subtle themes and clues on the way to its mind-bending climax. But, as the title suggests, even the casual viewer will appreciate this anthology just for what it offers on the surface…Some damn spooky ghost stories.
3. The Ritual
It’s become common for modern horror films to a pull bait-and-switch when it comes to paranormal elements, but The Ritual embraces the supernatural without going off the rails.
The Descent is often referenced as one of the best modern horror movies, and The Ritual shares many of its virtues, while being its own unique story. David Bruckner’s backwoods horror film is everything 2016’s Blair Witch reboot should have been. Ominous, patient, atmospheric, and downright creepy.
2. A Quiet Place
Never have I sat in a packed theater twice for the same movie and have been able to hear a pin drop both times. A Quiet Place is a sleek, white-knuckle experience with a hook that proved to be more than a gimmick. John Krasinksi’s venture in the horror genre took everything he learned from dramas and applied it to a focused, gripping tale.
Krasinski’s A Quiet Place doesn’t stand out just because of its interesting concept, and suspenseful storytelling. It also remembers to be heartfelt, and make you care about the characters. That’s why sometimes fresh eyes like Kransinski’s can be invaluable in the horror genre.
1. Hereditary
Ari Aster’s masterful Hereditary relentlessly amped up the suspense and refused to provide audience the sweet relief of jump scares. The tension is torturous throughout, and many of us will never forget the infamous car scene that left audiences wide-eyed with bated breath for what seemed like an eternity.
Hereditary plunges a family into a nightmare as we watch the Graham’s get torn apart by tragedy and evil. Incredible performances by Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, and Miley Shapiro coupled with merciless tension leaves us haunted by this disturbing family affair.
Honorable Mentions:
Mandy
Panos Cosmatos takes us on one hypnotic journey for vengeance that looks like heaven, but feels like hell. Needless to say, you can get lost in Mandy’s stunning, technicolored visuals the same way you lose all track of time staring at a lava lamp. The late Jóhann Jóhannsson gifted this film with what would sadly be one of his last beautiful scores, and helped take audiences on this surreal adventure of rock and revenge.
Nicolas Cage delivers a performance teetering between sorrow and insanity in that way only Nicolas Cage can do. I never thought I’d be so zen watching a bloody chainsaw death match, but this film puts you in such a trance that nothing could possibly ruin it.
Apostle
Gareth Evans, best known for The Raid films, clearly knows how to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Seeing the writer/director bring his dynamic visual style and knack for suspense from hard-hitting crime thrillers to a horror/thriller was a thing of beauty.
The Guest’s Dan Stevens delivers another brilliant performance in Apostle as a man who’s trying to infiltrate a cult controlled island to save his sister. This bleak period film is elevated by gorgeous cinematography and Evans’ ability to tighten the screw with nail-biting scenes and a tight script.
What are some of your favorite horror films of 2018? Let us know in the comments!
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Movies
Trailer for ‘The Exorcism’ Has Russell Crowe Possessed
The latest exorcism movie is about to drop this summer. It’s aptly titled The Exorcism and it stars Academy Award winner turned B-movie savant Russell Crowe. The trailer dropped today and by the looks of it, we are getting a possession movie that takes place on a movie set.
Just like this year’s recent demon-in-media-space film Late Night With the Devil, The Exorcism happens during a production. Although the former takes place on a live network talk show, the latter is on an active sound stage. Hopefully, it won’t be entirely serious and we’ll get some meta chuckles out of it.
The film will open in theaters on June 7, but since Shudder also acquired it, it probably won’t be long after that until it finds a home on the streaming service.
Crowe plays, “Anthony Miller, a troubled actor who begins to unravel while shooting a supernatural horror film. His estranged daughter, Lee (Ryan Simpkins), wonders if he’s slipping back into his past addictions or if there’s something more sinister at play. The film also stars Sam Worthington, Chloe Bailey, Adam Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce.”
Crowe did see some success in last year’s The Pope’s Exorcist mostly because his character was so over-the-top and infused with such comical hubris it bordered on parody. We will see if that is the route actor-turned-director Joshua John Miller takes with The Exorcism.
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News
Win a Stay at The Lizzie Borden House From Spirit Halloween
Spirit Halloween has declared that this week marks the start of spooky season and to celebrate they are offering fans a chance to stay at the Lizzie Borden House with so many perks Lizzie herself would approve.
The Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA is claimed to be one of the most haunted houses in America. Of course one lucky winner and up to 12 of their friends will find out if the rumors are true if they win the grand prize: A private stay in the notorious house.
“We are delighted to work with Spirit Halloween to roll out the red carpet and offer the public a chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience at the infamous Lizzie Borden House, which also includes additional haunted experiences and merchandise,” said Lance Zaal, President & Founder of US Ghost Adventures.
Fans can enter to win by following Spirit Halloween‘s Instagram and leaving a comment on the contest post from now through April 28.
The prize also includes:
An exclusive guided house tour, including insider insight around the murder, the trial, and commonly reported hauntings
A late-night ghost tour, complete with professional ghost-hunting gear
A private breakfast in the Borden family dining room
A ghost hunting starter kit with two pieces of Ghost Daddy Ghost Hunting Gear and a lesson for two at US Ghost Adventures Ghost Hunting Course
The ultimate Lizzie Borden gift package, featuring an official hatchet, the Lizzie Borden board game, Lily the Haunted Doll, and America’s Most Haunted Volume II
Winner’s choice of a Ghost Tour experience in Salem or a True Crime experience in Boston for two
“Our Halfway to Halloween celebration provides fans an exhilarating taste of what’s to come this fall and empowers them to start planning for their favorite season as early as they please,” said Steven Silverstein, CEO of Spirit Halloween. “We have cultivated an incredible following of enthusiasts who embody the Halloween lifestyle, and we’re thrilled to bring the fun back to life.”
Spirit Halloween is also preparing for their retail haunted houses. On Thursday, August 1 their flagship store in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. will officially open to start off the season. That event usually draws in hordes of people eager to see what new merch, animatronics, and exclusive IP goods will be trending this year.
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Movies
’28 Years Later’ Trilogy Taking Shape With Serious Star Power
Danny Boyle is revisiting his 28 Days Later universe with three new films. He will direct the first, 28 Years Later, with two more to follow. Deadline is reporting that sources say Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes have been cast for the first entry, a sequel to the original. Details are being kept under wraps so we don’t know how or if the first original sequel 28 Weeks Later fits into the project.
Boyle will direct the first movie but it’s unclear which role he will take on in the subsequent films. What is known is Candyman (2021) director Nia DaCosta is scheduled to direct the second film in this trilogy and that the third will be filmed immediately afterward. Whether DaCosta will direct both is still unclear.
Alex Garland is writing the scripts. Garland is having a successful time at the box office right now. He wrote and directed the current action/thriller Civil War which was just knocked out of the theatrical top spot by Radio Silence’s Abigail.
There is no word yet on when, or where, 28 Years Later will start production.
The original film followed Jim (Cillian Murphy) who wakes from a coma to find that London is currently dealing with a zombie outbreak.
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