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8 'AFTER DARK' Horrorfest Films To Almost Die For
I don’t think anyone would contemplate biting if I attempted to sell the idea that After Dark’s Horrorfest series was a fantastic collection of artwork. Nearly every film to be featured in four years was torn apart by critics, and for once, those critics were right: Horrorfest is a miserable series with very, very few gems buried deep beneath thick layers of mud.
Knowing this, I began contemplating: of these specific horrific flicks, what eight are closest to bona fide quality productions? I’ve seen every feature released under the Horrorfest banner, and honestly, it was challenging to pick eight of these movies that I honestly enjoyed.
Nevertheless, I managed to sort through the thicket, and low-and-behold, after dulling my machete on heaps of dense trash, I uncovered eight fun features that I’d conder reviting in the future.
Before I get into my list, let me just say I in no way, expect everyone to agree with me on this piece. It was challenging compiling this list, and if I’m finding myself fighting this topic, I imagine many of you will as well. Also conder that when you’re dealing with a batch of mediocrity the slightest differential in personal preference can lead to drastically differing opinions.
, but it’s an inspired effort by a group of proming youngsters.<br /><br />
The story is mple: A group of “unpopular” (I’m not even sure what that word means anymore) kids become fed up with the abuse they endure at school, so, naturally, they plan a secret costume party, invite their enemies and torture the hell out of them. There’s little here in terms of originality, but there’s pason in the performances, and you can clearly see that director Joey Stewart really tried to make a kick ass flick. A Commendable (and fun!) attempt, even if the end is result is clearly blemished.http://youtu.be/N9JjyRc652I
6. The Deaths of Ian Stone: This Horrorfest installment is actually interesting for a number of reasons. The story itself (which focuses on a man who’s repeatedly killed, only to awake living a completely different life) is intriguing. There are some high quality performances, but crippling pacing issues that slow all forward progreson. Just when you feel the climax at hand, it’s rinse and repeat.<br /><br />One of the stronger points of this film is Mike Vogel’s performance as Ian Stone. There are plenty of supporting characters, but there’s little doubt as to whom the focus lies. The special effects crew on hand does a fine job turning potentially crude CGI into embraceable imagery.<br /><br />
It’s no ground breaking effort, but The Deaths of Ian Stone is indeed entertaining.<br /><br />http://youtu.be/5P-2rXS5LS4<br /><br />5. Perkins 14: Beyond the obvious genre elements of this picture lies a complex character study that’s deeply saddening. Sure, we’ve got some interesting zombie-like ghouls on hand, as well as some child murders to mull over, but Sheriff Dwayne Hopper’s harrowing emotional plight is the true meat on this bone.<br /><br />
Patrick O’Kane’s haunting performance as our lead protagonist is the real show stealer. There are a handful of extremely intimate scenes, and as a viewer it’s easy to connect with the immensely sentive performance O’Kane submits. I’m not sure whether Perkins 14 is more drama than horror, but it is a moving feature that’s sure to tap a nerve in young parents out there.<br /><br />http://youtu.be/SHEU22Sq4pg<br /><br />4. Mulberry Street: Now here’s a rather enjoyable piece of work. Writer/actor Nick Damici and director Jim Mickle make for a perfect duo (as further evidenced by their follow-up feature Stake Land).<br /><br />Both men are still fairly green in terms of filmmaking, but the intenty and dedication they invest in their work all but guarantees a fine future for both. With Mulberry Street<br /><br />earning some of the better ratings of the Horrorfest releases, and Stake Land winning fans over, expect more grizzly character driven tales from these gentlemen.<br /><br />As for the story, it’s for the most part a creature feature that collided with a crowd of zombies. An infection breaks out amongst redent rats, and if your sorry ass happens to be bitten by an infected critter, you transform into a rat yourself! It’s not so much the gore, or special FX that shine (though they’re impresve), but rather the films atmosphere and realism in the depiction of everyday poverty; there are some moments that plenty will relate too, which itself is a dismaying emotion. Powerful stuff right here.<br /><br />http://youtu.be/S7deZyB2kfE<br /><br />3. From Within: From Within is certainly the most stylized feature After Dark has offered up to this point. It’s well shot, with a budget that (while small) manages to exceed micro and enough talent behind the scenes to make it appear as if the film actually had some solid funding. It’s still a low budget flick mind you, it just looks extremely clean.<br /><br />Beyond the high gloss is a multi-layered story that I really don’t want to spoil for those who haven’t seen the picture yet. I’ll say this: religion, suicide, the supernatural and one small, intimate town make for a damn intriguing tale. The characters are fleshed out wonderfully, and a few stay alive in your memory long after the final credits roll. Be sure to pay close attention to the film's finale, it’s a fairly rewarding climax.<br /><br />http://youtu.be/bKdpi1L8sFI<br /><br />2. Autopsy: There’s fun, then there’s a lot of fun; Enter Autopsy, which is a genuine blast. There is absolutely nothing of ncere substance here, but Robert Patrick revels in his role as the (cough) good doc David Benway (hey, ultimately, his intentions aren’t evil!), and there’s some fun gore in store for viewers.<br /><br />
The gist of the story is no challenge to grasp, as unlikely a story as it is: Injured youngsters are taken to a mysterious hospital by mysterious paramedics (Michael Bowen is in tow, which is a huge plus right off the bat…it’s hard to see the guy and not think of the “Pussy Wagon”, which automatically draws a few laughs) who prep the victims for the mad doctor to come and utilize his finely sharpened utenls. Nothing groundbreaking, but fun, definitely not pretentious, and believe me, there will be blood.http://youtu.be/d2ISuVvP-XI1. Lake Mungo: I’ll be chastised heavily for this pick, and I’m ready for it: bring it on!<br /><br />
All jokes ade, I’m a huge documentary fan; I find them fascinating and deeply engaging. To see Lake Mungo, an obvious mocumentary, assembled in such believable fashion was a truly gratifying experience. Of every Horrorfest film to hit shelves, this one boasts the most complexity and attention to detail, by a landslide.<br /><br />This pseudo-documentary tells the story of a young girl who drowns, and the extremely odd occurences that follow in the wake of her death. Nothing is as initially depicted; there are some twists that work well, and saw a lot of thought invested. In the end, you’ll either love or hate this feature. If you’re inclined to view documentaries, get ready for an entertaining and chilling ride; if documentaries aren’t really your thing, you may miss the genius and hard work behind this sleeper.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1GzakHhC-wo/TIk6CmJqfqI/AAAAAAAABj4/LsO4BamrEnY/s1600/gravedancers1.jpg)
I want to throw in a few quick nods to some features that nearly made the cut:
Dark Ride (A goofy, but gory little flick that's certainly entertaining upon initial viewing.) The Reeds (Stellar first half that loses steam as the big reveal is unveiled.) Tooth and Nail (This one had all the potential in the world, but came up a bit short in the technical talent department.) The Abandoned (Some terrific atmosphere here!)
Matt_Molgaard
Sunday 7/17/2011 at 11:30 PM | 78845
anyone else having trouble seeing the images in this thread? (I've replaced them twice, still having some issues :( )
EDIT: NVM, it's fixed, I'm retarded at times lol
EDIT: NVM, it's fixed, I'm retarded at times lol
Matt_Molgaard
Monday 7/18/2011 at 02:18 AM | 78859
What about The Hamiltons..... Best indie film i've seen in a while.
Mr. Huitt
Monday 7/18/2011 at 03:06 AM | 78872
Yea I also liked The Hamiltons.
DoubleshotJ
Monday 7/18/2011 at 03:17 AM | 78873
i actually didnt enjoy that one. I thought the pacing was terrible, to be completely honest, it was a little tough for me to stay awake through it
just wasnt for me i suppose
just wasnt for me i suppose
Matt_Molgaard
Monday 7/18/2011 at 03:53 AM | 78875
I feel like Mulberry Street could have been better. The whole 'turning into rats' thing just seemed weird to me. I would have preferred it, had they been zombies.
But overall, I agree. I'm most often disappointed severely with these films, but you got the good ones right on.
But overall, I agree. I'm most often disappointed severely with these films, but you got the good ones right on.
nolifefan
Monday 7/18/2011 at 01:55 PM | 78887
What about Dread?
I've heard good things about it and have been meaning to see it...
I've heard good things about it and have been meaning to see it...
RHOADES
Wednesday 7/20/2011 at 06:27 AM | 78981
What about Dread?
I've heard good things about it and have been meaning to see it...
one of the flicks i anticipated most, and was ultimately REALLY disappointed in. I haven't read Barkers story yet, but the movie itself was dreadfully boring (you see what I did there lol).
You want to talk about a film that suffers from pacing issues, this one is it, unfortunately.
I've heard good things about it and have been meaning to see it...
one of the flicks i anticipated most, and was ultimately REALLY disappointed in. I haven't read Barkers story yet, but the movie itself was dreadfully boring (you see what I did there lol).
You want to talk about a film that suffers from pacing issues, this one is it, unfortunately.
Matt_Molgaard
Wednesday 7/20/2011 at 02:30 PM | 79001
