• About
  • podcasts
  • Shop

Surgeons of Horror

~ Dissecting horror films

Surgeons of Horror

Monthly Archives: December 2016

Mike Flanagan hits 3 horror home runs in 2016 – pt2: Ouija: Origin of Evil

31 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by surgeons of horror in movie of the week

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Horror movies, mike flanagan

ouija-ooe

I’M GOING TO hold my hand up and say that this was the weakest of the 3 Flanagan movies of 2016, but that’s not to lessen its integrity by any stretch as it’s still a damn good movie

If anything it just strengthens Mike Flanagan’s pedigree as a modern horror auteur even further when you combine this with his other 2016 movie releases, Hush, and Before I Wake.

But I digress, back to Ouija: Origin of Evil and why it deserves a lot more recognition than it currently holds.

Firstly, the big elephant in the room which automatically serves as a hindrance in my book, is the bold choice to create a franchise out of what was essentially a flop in its predecessor, Ouija.

When I first heard that Flanagan was attempting to do this I was at first a little flummoxed by that decision, but as a few of my colleagues will testament, I’m a sucker for creativity born out of bold choices and for that measure I was willing to let Flanagan to take me along for the ride.

Secondly, was yet another interesting decision; to take Ouija back to its origins (as the title suggests) and act as a prequel and not a sequel.

In doing so, Flanagan is almost able to wipe the slate clean and throw in a few rules of his own, (some that the original was sadly lacking and give said original a bit more strength to its cause) and generate a new lease of life into what was a dormant vehicle.

A daunting challenge for most but Flanagan would rise to the occasion and allow the tension to be drawn out gradually.

The story itself would follow a family of seance scammers to unwittingly unleash evil, primarily on the youngest daughter and then struggle to fight against damnation in order to win back her soul.

What struck me in particular about this movie was Flanagan’s fascination with the human mind and how it can manipulate, be manipulated and misinterpret various scenarios for good or ill.

It’s an area he has focused on before in Oculus and this movie would allow him to divulge further into this subject as part of his playing field.

So, if like some people you were drawn away from watching this movie as you were let down by the original, I would ask you to reconsider.

This is a movie that highlights a director who is only just starting to pick up his stride and produce some wonderful moments in the horror genre.

And is the reason why he is my recommendation for Director of the Year.

Next up: Before I Wake

Mike Flanagan hits 3 horror home runs in 2016 – pt1: Hush

31 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by surgeons of horror in movie of the week

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Horror movies, mike flanagan

hush-film-poster

DIRECTOR MIKE FLANAGAN has been slowly making his mark as ‘THE’ director to watch in the horror genre.

Back in 2011, he made his name with Absentia and then followed this up with the underrated Oculus film in 2013.

But it would be in 2016 that he would really show his mettle, hitting the ground running with a home invasion movie, Hush.

Something of a theme in 2016 combined with the success of Don’t Breathe.

What made Hush an interesting vehicle is that it thrust a deaf character as its central protagonist. Not a new concept granted but Flanagan’s direction would steer Maddie in a remote setting removing herself from society, running away from her troubles and from the sound of things a troubled relationship.

By stranding our heroine into isolation, she must resort to her strength and wit in order to survive.

And we’re not talking about the whole scream queen scenario where she runs up the stairs instead of out the front door.

There’s a lot of ingenuity involved in her attempts to escape but ultimately finding herself back in the house with nowhere to run.

Its strength is also derived by its minimal cast, essentially leaving the protagonist and antagonist to share the bulk of screen time, with the exception of a couple of neighbours, it relies on the tension and drama to unfold with genuine realism.

A choice that is rewarding to see both sides struggle to swing the pendulum in their favour

And what’s more the pay off is worth the wait.

If you’ve not caught this movie yet, I highly recommend it.

Hats off to the first in a trio of great movies by what I’m dubbing the Director of the Year.

 

Next up: Ouija: Origin of Evil.

Episode review: The Exorcist: S1 Chapter 4 “The Moveable Feast” review

25 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by surgeons of horror in The Exorcist

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Alan Ruck, Ben Daniels, Geena Davis

THE DEVIL’S IN THE DETAIL.

And this is certainly going to be the case if The Exorcist is going to stand it’s ground as far as longevity is concerned.

What does go in tis favour is the focus on character development and intrigue around the church’s approach to combating demon hood.

The question is can they sustain this right through the season?
So let’s open up the operating theatre to dissect the latest episode and delve into this plot a little deeper with 5 key points taking from Chapter Four, ‘The Moveable Feast”.

  1. The Breakfast of Champions

This series doesn’t shy away from the blood and gore, much to our delight.

But the dish served to Casey of the bloody eggs and deformed birds had us turning our heads in disgust. (In a good way)

What this scene allowed for was a window into Casey’s soul as she struggles with containing power over the demon.

As we snap back to reality, poor Casey is strapped to a hospital bed and face to face with the ‘invisible man’, as he tempts her to give in to his will.

She finally gives in however when he threatens to kill the Nurse that has been looking after her.
What does this mean now for Casey?
Is she beyond saving or is there still an amount of ‘light’ and ‘purity’ to save her soul?

  1. The comedy element
    For the drama and horror to have a stronger impact on its audience.

In this episode, the comedy element comes from two new characters, the paranormal geeks, Cherry and Lester Rego.
Both of who throw up wild theories and accusations but seemed to land on a kernel of truth, when they point out the growing cases that have been developing in and around Chicago.
They’re light-hearted banter was a joy to watch and I wonder if we’ll see the couple return further down the track.

  1. The hidden motive of Maria Walters

Father Tomas may have been relieved that he has the support and money from a wealthy source in the Papal community, but I can’t help but wonder what her ulterior motive might be.

There were certain looks that she would give and her insistence for Tomas to cash that cheque.

What is driving her will to support Tomas’ parish?

Has she made her own agreement with the Devil?

  1. The temptation of Jessica

Once more, old flame Jessica arrives on the scene to lure Father Tomas away from celibacy.

We learn that Jessica’s current boyfriend has been cheating on her, which results in Tomas showing compassion towards her and offering up his apartment for her to crash in.
But when Tomas shows Jessica that he is willing to break the rules, does this mean that he is letting his defences down and in doing so, giving her the opportunity to show her womanly ways?

Will Tomas give in to temptation and provide the demon what he needs to corrupt his soul?

  1. The power of the Nun
    Hands down though, the best moment in this episode came from the introduction of Mother Bernadette.
    Her team of Sisters is undergoing their own battle with demons in what looks like a demonic version of Fight Club.

Each night they battle it out with a possessed soul to bring them back to the light.

It is a fascinating insight into the methods that the church is willing to undertake in their fight against evil.

This also allows Father Marcus the opportunity to resurrect his faith and “powers’ for want of a better word.
With this restored faith in his ability to confront the demon with love not hate, has him prepped and ready for his next actions.
Speaking of which, it looks like we might be finally getting to the Exorcism of Casey Rance in the next episode, ‘Through My Grievous Fault’.
What will happen now when Father Marcus and Father Tomas team up again to cure Casey and lure the Demon out?
And what will happen when The Demon does come to the surface?

Episode review: The Exorcist S1, Chapter 3: “Let Em In”

19 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by surgeons of horror in The Exorcist

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Alan Ruck, Ben Daniels, Geena Davis, The Exorcist

IT’S ALL ABOUT the burn in the next chapter of The Exorcist.

Are these incidents separate examples of how much the demon has his hooks into the city? Or are we dealing with more than on demon as prophesized by Father Marcus?

We were also offered further insights into these characters and the demon/s may have had on them for some time.

So let’s open up the operating theatre to dissect the latest episode of The Exorcist and delve into this plot a little deeper with 5 key points taking from Chapter Three, ‘Let Em In”.

  1. The car crash
    Isn’t that a thing?
    You declare your true feelings towards your soul mate and friend, when a demon steps out in front of the car, causing it to crash and killing your beloved.
    Such is the plight that faces Katherine in the first of our flashbacks involving the Rance’s.
    But what does this mean and reflect?
    Is this would-have-been lesbian affair, a torment on Katherine’s soul?
    Does the demon capitalise on this often scorned upon view of gay relationships in order to gain control over Katherine?
    What is there to gain from this?
    And did you notice that we never saw Julie’s face at all?
    A touch that I liked and adds weight to the symbolism of their relationship, especially as it was Julie’s face that Katherine was describing that she was attracted to at the time that the accident took place. 
  1. The burning man
    If ever the Pope’s welcoming committee needed convincing that Chicago is falling foul to the Demon’s delights, surely it comes in the guise of a burning man, who turns up outside the building.
    Not much seems to be said around this, other than a brief mention from Bennett, who may have been the only character swayed be the depths of depravity circling them.
    Will the clergy finally get their act together, or is it all too little too late?
  1. From one burn to another
    After stealing a dress from the store, once again showing how under the thumb she has become, Casey is taken in front of Marcus, who begins to drill her about her inadequacies and jealousy of her sister.
    This action draws the demon to the surface, which reveals to Marcus that he is the same demon from the failed exorcism in Ep 1, much to his disbelief.
    So armed with the proof that Casey is clearly under the demonic influence, (caught on camera by Father Tomas) they try to stake their case for an exorcism, only for Marcus to be slapped in the face with an excommunication.
    Man that’s gotta sting. Better cool off by getting smashed in the church pews.
    Oh, and just burn the excommunication papers while you’re at it too.
  1. The curling iron replaces the crucifix
    A fairly infamous scene from the movie, bears witness to Regan using a crucifix to masturbate with. An action that is used to shock her mother in order to display just how possessed she now is.
    Here a similar device is used to shock, but instead it’s the audience that bear witness to the cruel act of self-mutilation as Casey inflicts bodily pain upon her genitals with a curling iron.
    It’s a gruesome moment and one that reflects the fine line between pleasure and pain and treads a similar ground to Clive Barker’s Hellraiser in the process.
  1. The train scene
    Earlier in the episode, Henry starts to realise that there is something clearly wrong with his daughter and when he tries to pry into what is going on, he falls into a temporary coma, (a result of his scaffolding injury).
    Cue demonic possession in from of an entire carriage full of people.
    When a guy sexually advances on Casey, the demon arrives and lures the dark side to the surface.
    Casey then shreds the guy apart with his body eviscerated and then his jaw ripped open.
    Fuck that was intense, but another indication that sex is definitely a key attributer to when the demon’s power is at its greatest, when you combine this attack with the self-mutilation scene and the car crash at the beginning of the episode.
    And did you notice at the end of the train attack, there was another sign declaring, ‘He is coming.’ over Casey’s shoulder? 

With all this doom and gloom circling the characters, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there is no hope for light in the darkness.

But when Bennett hands Marcus a list of places to go to, outside of Chicago, is this a beacon for him to follow in order to restore order and faith once again?

And can Father Tomas take on the torch in Marcus’ absence?

Time will tell in the next episode, ‘The Moveable Feast’.

Episode review: The Exorcist: S1 Chapter 2 “Lupus in Fabula” review

12 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by surgeons of horror in The Exorcist

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

alan, Ben Daniels, Geena Davis, The Exorcist

SPEAK OF THE WOLF and he will come.

The Latin translation for the second episode from The Exorcist takes its emphasis from, the wolf in question is The Devil.

But in what form will the devil take?

And what exactly is his plan.

Once more I will open up the operating theatre to dissect the latest episode of The Exorcist and delve into this plot a little deeper with 5 key points taking from Chapter Two, ‘Lupus in Fabula”.

  1. Has Father Marcus lost his touch?
    Father Marcus is a veteran in the field of exorcism, and has no doubt seen many challenges along the way, but has he met his greatest challenge yet.
    When he tries to snoop into the background of a homeless man, (who reacted to young Casey at the church, where he recognizes the devil in her), Marcus is then confronted by an elderly woman showing all the hallmarks of being possessed.
    Try as he might though, Marcus is unable to keep the demon at bay.
    Has he lost his touch?
    Is the devil truly that powerful, or has something happened to lessen Marcus’ strength?
    If his powers are truly stifled, what does that hold for the battle between Good and Evil that lay ahead?
    Do our hopes then lie with Father Tomas instead?
  2. Will Father Tomas past come back to haunt him?
    Speaking of Father Tomas, it seems he is still a doubting Thomas, despite all the evidence that has been shown to him so far.
    Or at least he’s still not willing to rock the boat when it comes to his religious elders.
    And then there’s the matter of his old flame, Jessica.
    Does he still hold a torch to her? And will this be his’ own undoing?
    Give the Devil an inch and he will find a way to break you.
  3. Who is the strange man that visits Casey?
    Speaking of the devil, his hooks seem firmly in control of Casey, who starts to see a strange man, and yet is completely comfortable around him.
    Is this the Devil himself, come to visit and manipulate her?
    The first time we see this man, would indicate this. He visits Casey at the Lacrosse game, where she gets her “Carrie” on and uses some telekinetic ability to snap an opponents’ leg.
    When her mother Angela gets suspicious and deceptively makes Casey drink some Holy water, you’d think that the game was up, and yet, the Force is strong with this one, as Casey contains herself long enough to get through dinner before barfing up pea soup into the toilet.
    How long can she hold up this guise though, when there are bloody centipedes appearing under her pillow?
  4. How far does the devil’s arm reach?
    One great piece that come out of this episode was actually centred away from The Rance’s and the priesthood and into the neighbourhood.
    Throughout the episode, we are shown a young guy with headphones cruising in and out of shot, leading the audience to think that there was a potential back-story that we would follow with this character.
    Little did we know it was a rouse to show the true length of the Devil’s reach within the community as said headphones is dispatched along with his family in a massive bloodbath and all their organs are removed.
    What are these organs for?
    Are we about to witness a blood pact or sacrifice ala The Wicker Man?
    Whatever lay ahead, it doesn’t bode well for the locals.
  5. And did you notice, the wrong side of the Pope?
    The closing image of the episode was a poster announcing the arrival of the Pope, coming to town, but strangely the image is of the back of the Pope.
    Could this infer that it’s not the arrival of The Pope that we should be prepared for, something much worse?
    Something of unspeakable evil that lurks where not even the greatest living religious presence can see.

Episode review: The Exorcist: S1 Chapter 1 “And Let My Cry Come Unto Thee” review

05 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by surgeons of horror in The Exorcist

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Alan Ruck, Ben Daniels, Geena Davis, The Exorcist

SO THE EXORCIST TV series finally reached Australian shores and a plethora of excitement had been brewing from the Surgeons of Horror camp in anticipation of where this series would take us.

As usual, there were skeptics and believers among our team of professionals, but as Lead Surgeon, it was my duty to take on board the dissection of the Season.

And what better way to do this, than by dissecting one episode at a time.

The Priests:

Father Marcus

Right for the set-off, this series would focus on the priests, as they will play the centrepiece for the show, which I highly support.
Character is such an important aspect of any movie or TV series. In order to keep our interest they must be strong and filled with plenty of depth, especially as what we hope will transpire is the breakdown or assassination of these characters when they come face to face with the demon.
“You gotta build them up before you can pull them down.”

First up is Father Marcus, played the magnificent Ben Daniels, who can convey depth with a single look.
He’s the hardened veteran of Exorcism. A man that has already witnessed the extent of The Devil’s work and danced in His playground.

But to what extent has he gone too in order to challenge and rid people’s souls of evil?
We get the chance to witness a doomed exorcism take place, where Marcus will stop at nothing to try and outfox the demon, to the point of pulling a gun on a fellow priest.
We’re also given our first twist in the tale, albeit via a painful twist of the neck – a nod to the original – but as was duly pointed out by fellow Surgeon Antony Yee, “That would kill yer”, and in this case, it did, and Marcus would lose this battle.

So, Marcus is a hard-boiled guy from the heart of humanity, shaken to the core, but lived to see the next day. Is he now about to meet his match in the Rance household?

Father Tomas

At the other end of the spectrum, we have Father Tomas, a young pioneer in the priesthood, destined for great things. His parish is in a rundown part of town, but he has restored faith in the community with his energy and spirit. And his sermons reflect this.
But what ails him? There are whispers of his relationship with a woman. Has he truly buried these feelings?

And do you get the feeling that he’s had it too good so far? That his life has been a little too easy up to this point?

Will his quest for greater things lead him to darker places? We certainly hope so.

It’s certainly going to be interesting when he comes face to face with the demon.
Or has the demon already got his hooks into Father Tomas?

Are these nightmares that he is having, the perfect vessel for the demon to manipulate with Father Tomas’ mind, before the game even begins? It would be pretty cool, if this was the case, and the journey all the more rewarding when he does do battle.

All is not well in the Rance household

It would appear from the beginning, that certain things are off kilter with the Rance’s. We’re led to believe at first that the trouble centres on the daughter, Katherine, who was recently involved in a car crash, where one of her friends died.
However, ironically enough, it seems that she is probably the least of our concerns at this stage.
In the “twist” reveal, we are shown that it’s her sister, Casey that is under the devil’s thumb. The sweet and innocent are much more corruptible and mold like putty in the devil’s hands.

Unfortunately this reveal, was pretty obvious and didn’t blind-side me at all. There is promise of more twists to come, and I hope that they bring on the shock factor, as this was a little underwhelming in its delivery of plot.
Having said that though, I do take my hat off to the character development involved in this episode, as it certainly holds potential for further developments down the line.

Interestingly though was Casey’s comment, whilst possessed in the attic, about there being more than one rat to contend with. Are their more people already under the demon’s control?

There are certainly hints that the father, Henry (Alan Ruck) is not all together there and hasn’t been for some time.

And let’s not forget Angela (Geena Davis) the hypersensitive mother of the family who suspects the devil’s hand at every corner. Is there more to her than meets the eye? She seems very quick to shout “Demon” when it comes to Katherine.

What has made her so on edge?

Has she had dealings with the Devil before?

The homage

The last word I have on this episode is the homage to the original movie.
Whilst every fan loves to see the nod of reflection to cinema’s finest moments, in this case when Marcus arrives at the possessed abode and lifts his head to the heavens to gaze upon the lit window of an apartment above, whilst silhouetted by it’s haloed glow, we can only wish that these are few and far between if the series is to make it’s own mark in the franchise and stand on it’s own feet.
Time will tell if indeed the series will be able to stand out of it’s predecessor’s shadow and become an entity in it’s own right.

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • January 2023
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016

Categories

  • A Night of Horror Film Festival
  • Alien franchise
  • Alliance Francaise French Film Festival
  • Australian Horror
  • Best Movies and Shows
  • Competition
  • episode review
  • Flashback Fridays
  • Friday the 13th Franchise
  • Full Moon Sessions
  • Halloween franchise
  • In Memorium
  • Interview
  • japanese film festival
  • John Carpenter
  • killer pigs
  • midwest weirdfest
  • MidWest WierdFest
  • MonsterFest
  • movie of the week
  • Movie review
  • News article
  • podcast episode
  • press release
  • retrospective
  • Rialto Distribution
  • Ring Franchise
  • series review
  • Spanish horror
  • sydney film festival
  • Sydney Underground Film Festival
  • The Blair Witch Franchise
  • The Exorcist
  • The Howling franchise
  • Top 10 list
  • Trash Night Tuesdays on Tubi
  • umbrella entertainment
  • Uncategorized
  • Universal Horror
  • Wes Craven
  • wes craven's the scream years

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Surgeons of Horror
    • Join 180 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Surgeons of Horror
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...