Monthly Archives: January 2017

The Exorcist: S1 Chapter 7 “Father of Lies”

30 Monday Jan 2017

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OF ALL THE EPISODES so far, this one really felt like the series was treading water and stretching out the storyline.

Having said that, it still had little moments, gems if you will that kept you hooked into the direction that the series was going in.

But only just.

Let’s take a look at those moments in Chapter 7, “Father of Lies”.

Warning, there are spoilers ahead.

  1. Father Tomas steps up
    Since his fall from grace, Father Tomas has set out with a point to prove.

    Yes, he fell foul to temptation with Jessica, and there is doubt to be looked at still when it comes to their relationship.

    But, Casey is a member of his patronage.

    And there is a sense of loyalty on Father Tomas part to stand by his pack.

    He will strive to do what he can in order to save Casey.

    And there was one moment above all else that stood out in this episode when he stands between her and Father Marcus.

    At this moment he directs Casey to bow towards him. He is her saviour.

  1. The power of God
    One thing that may be worthy of noting is Father Marcus’ belief that the power of God runs through his hands.

    His belief is carried on from when he temporarily saved Casey’s soul last week.

    But is this self-belief going to be his undoing?

    So far, not much has shaken Father Marcus, but his confidence in his gift, could well see him trip up.

    Especially as he’s so good at pointing out everyone else’s flaws.

  1. Father Bennett challenges The Friars of Ascension

    It was an episode that allowed doubt to creep in.

    Mother Bernadette doubts Father Marcus can save Casey and believes her soul is lost.

    Angela questions Tomas and his faith that Casey is still alive.

    But nothing is more potentially damning than when Father Bennett starts to question the representatives within the Friars of Ascension.

    Something is amiss and Father Bennett doesn’t back down from his hunch.

    But will this lead him down a path that he won’t be able to return from?

  1. Father Bennett’s descent into hell

    Speaking of Father Bennett’s journey, his pursuit would lead him down a dark path, where he would discover the bloody corpses that are being used for some kind of sacrificial pact and literally has to fight his way out in order to survive.

  1. Father Tomas goes off the rails

    The pressure becomes too much thought for Father Tomas and he spirals downwards.
    Believing that all could be lost, he loses his normally cool demeanour and God-like ways and lashes out on one of his flock.

    With no one to turn to, he calls upon Maria Walters, much to her delight.

    Will she now be looked upon kindly by the demons that she is so devoted to?

  1. Angela’s decent into madness

    And what was actually an incredible performance (which I was surprised to see from Geena Davis) was Angela’s loss of faith in all around her when she truly believes that Casey has gone.

    It was both believable and tragic when she learns that all is not lost, at least not with Casey, but perhaps now the Demon has his ultimate prize in his sights?

    The soul of Angela is there for the taking.

Universal Horror: The Phantom of the Opera (1925)

27 Friday Jan 2017

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UNIVERSAL HORROR’S follow up to The Hunchback of Notre Dame would continue to see that success flourish further and continue to explore Gothic Literature as its source, this time with Gaston Leroux’s masterpiece.

Once again Lon Chaney would appear in one of his finest on-screen transformations as the titular Phantom and the film would generate over $2million at the box office despite critics generally calling it an average movie.

It has since found its place and recognition as a significant impact in film history by the Library of Congress.

Personally I feel this movie suffers from the similar lag in pace as its predecessor, a fault that is entirely a subject of its time and place.

It’s also hard to reflect upon when you learn that the original ending was to involve the Phantom dying of a broken heart, instead of the ultimate chase sequence and brutal death at the hands of the mob.

Pacing aside, I still can’t help but marvel at the lengths that Chaney would go to in order to become the monsters on-screen and there’s nothing finer than the make-up reveal when the Phantom’s mask is revealed. It’s a credit to his time, commitment and craftsmanship.

If you’re a keen horror movie fan and would like to take a look at one of the genre’s earliest influences in celluloid history, I would highly recommend giving this a go.

If however, the thought of sitting through a silent, black and white feature as too archaic and far-removed from the modern format with all the blood and gore at its highest depiction, then maybe this ones not for you.

As for me, I love to indulge in the genre, no matter what its form.

We maybe that doesn’t include Uwe Boll’s work.

  • Paul Farrell

18 movies that shaped Australian horror

26 Thursday Jan 2017

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It’s Australia Day.

So here at Surgeons of Horror we thought that we would look across the years at the movies that helped shape the horror movie genre in our Southern Land.

So without further adieu, here’s our definitive list, let us know if you agree.

  1. Night of Fear (1973)
    Dubbed the first Australian film of the renaissance, (and closely resembling Texas Chain Saw Massacre in style, released another 2 years later) you can see why this movie is well respected among horror movie lovers.

  2. The Cars That Ate Paris (1974)
    The legendary director Peter Weir would debut with this fantastic comedy horror that he also wrote.
    Set in the fictional town of Paris where the towns inhabitants forage off the remains of car accidents, the movie has established something of a cult following.

  3. Long Weekend (1978)
    One of my favourites on this list and fittingly released on the year that I was born.
    Long Weekend wasn’t initially well received upon its initial release, but has a strong message from director Colin Eggleston, where nature fights back on a disrespectful couple.
    It has since been remade in 2008.

  4. Patrick (1978)
    The first of two films by Richard Franklin in our list, this science fiction horror is often cited by fans of the genre.
    Part of the Ozploitation movie scene, Patrick tells the story of a comatose boy with psychic powers.

  5. Alison’s Birthday (1981)
    It’s got all the right ingredients for a horror movie, with ouija boards, spirits from the beyond, demonic possessions, and that killer ending.
    All good reasons why this independent movie makes the list.

  6. Roadgames (1981)
    It’s the movie most noted more recently because of its vocal nod from Quentin Tarantino.
    Starring Stacy Keach and Jamie Lee Curtis it follows a truck driver and a hitch hiker who take it upon themselves to track down a serial killer on the loose.
    Oh and yet another soundtrack from Brian May.

  7. Razorback (1984)
    Australia’s creature feature and our very own Jaws movie albeit about a wild boar on the loose.
    Say all you like about it, but this is a classic in its own right.

  8. Bloodmoon (1990)
    This slasher film may have come late to the Ozploitation, but such was its impact and not necessarily in a good way that it nestles amongst some great titles here purely for its shocking comedy.
    So bad, it’s positively good.
    And features music from Brian May.
    Again this might not necessarily be a good thing.

  9. Body Melt (1993)
    The influence of Peter Jacksons early work is evident to see in this satirical horror.
    It’s got gore to the max and delights in every possible way.

  10. Saw (2003)
    Yet another Australian horror film that would ignite a genre with horror porn, which some don’t have the stomach for.
    In this instance it generated a horror icon in Jigsaw with its glorious deadly traps and launched the careers of both James Wan and Leigh Whannel.
    It also spawned a massive franchise with a success that only falls short of being the best in the entry by The Friday the 13th movies.
    All that could change though come the release of the next instalment, Saw: Legacy this year.

  11. Undead (2003)
    This movie should be better than it is, and goes all guns blazing in the first third of the film before losing the plot entirely.
    Film critic Roger Ebert to say it’s so bad that it’s bad, but despite its flaws, the film still resonates and is a bit of fun at the end of the day.
    And it did launch the careers of the Sperig brothers, who have gone on to direct bigger movies with a lot more fan fare.

  12. Wolf Creek (2005)
    Inspired by the afore-mentioned Roadgames, director Greg McLean has made a strong name for himself in the horror genre with movies such as Rogue, Wolf Creek 2 and the eagerly anticipated The Belko Experiment.
    Part of its appeal was capitalising on the daunting and dangerous world of the Australian Outback and made Mick Taylor on of modern horror movies most glorious villains thanks to John Jarratt’s chilling performance.

  13. Lake Mungo (2008)
    One of a couple of movies on our list to adopt the doco style of storytelling, Lake Mungo received fairly positive reviews of a family coming to terms with the loss of their daughter, hinged on a supernatural component.
    It’s a slow film but worth the wait for its gripping climax.

  14. The Horseman (2009)
    A revenge thriller with violence dialled to the extreme and may not be everyone’s taste.
    Personally though, I feel that this film speaks to the fringes of human emotion, evoking rage, heartbreak and empathy all in the space of its 96 minute running time.

  15. The Loved Ones (2010)
    Sean Byrne is still a director to keep an eye on and I for one can’t wait to see his follow up Devil’s Candy.
    His debut feature though would gain a huge following with its gender swap of a damoiselle in distress and a female killer played by the delightful Robin McLeavy.

  16. The Tunnel (2011)
    The second movie to adopt the doco style of storytelling, but through the medium of found footage horror.
    The Tunnel shook up the movie industry with its new approach to distribution, allowing viewers to buy frames from the movie as a means to raise the quota to cover the budget and leave room for a little profit.
    It was a business model that was both brave and rewarding for the producers, but more importantly, the film itself seemed to echo that sentiment.
    It’s a bold movie that keeps you hooked as a camera crew delve into the hidden tunnels beneath the city of Sydney only to find more than they bargained for.

  17. The Babadook (2013)
    One of the more recent movies to make the list and one that has the Surgeons sitting on both sides of the fence.
    Jennifer Kent’s debut feature deserves the recognition though as this psychological horror starring Essie Davis tackles a strong subject matter and tells it in a unique fashion.

  18. Wyrmwood (2014)
    Rounding out our list is this balls-to-the-wall bloody fantastic roller coaster of a movie.
    There is nothing predictable about this movie about a zombie horde let loose.
    Rumours are abound that there is a sequel in the works too.

    • Paul Farrell

The Eduardo Sanchez interview

25 Wednesday Jan 2017

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18 YEARS AGO The Blair Witch Project was screened for the first time before a cinema audience.

Yep, you read that right. 

This classic film has grown up and reached adulthood.

The audience in question would be attendees of the 1999 Sundance Film Festival and Artisan Entertainment would pick up distribution rights and a nationwide release would follow in July of the same year.

The result would see the a new wave of found footage Horror that is still trying to be replicated to this day, such was The Blair Witch Projects success.

Many have tried to emulate it but none have ever captured the hearts and imaginations of its audience.

Now that this film has reached a level of maturity in its 18 year history, the Surgeons of Horror team had looked back to see if it still stands true today, which you can check out our thoughts here.

But nothing could be finer than hearing what one half of the creative mind behind The Blair Witch Project, Eduardo Sanchez has to say on this much-loved film.

Thankfully the Surgeons team got that opportunity when Sanchez glacially stopped by albeit via a Skype phone call to discuss everything from the process of making the movie, its impact at the time, plus some of his other projects both old and new.

Heck, we even got to talking about life in the film world under a Trump Presidency.

It’s deep and a privilege to have spent that time with Eduardo.

Check out the podcast interview below.

The Exorcist: S1 Chapter 6 “Star of the morning”

23 Monday Jan 2017

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THE EXORCISM has been performed albeit without the desired results that Father Marcus and co. were hoping for

So… Where does that leave things for this series?

The writers and producers would have known that there was only so much rope to tie around the Rance’s possession, and with last week’s revelation that Angela is indeed Regan, where does that leave things?

What more damage can the demons accomplish?

Well, let’s take a look at Chapter 6, “Star of the morning” to see if there were any clues.

Warning, there are spoilers ahead.

  1. Chris MacNeill sold out
    Towards the beginning of the episode we are provided with something of a flashback.
    Basically, in the series version of Chris MacNeill, there is a lack of empathy towards her.
    After the ordeal that her daughter went through during the exorcism, Chris’ acting work dried up and she was left with the option of writing a book exploiting Regan’s demonic encounter entitled The Devil In My Daughter.
    The impact that this had between her and Regan was evident in the latter moving away and changing her name.
    What does it mean now that Chris is back on the scene though?
    Can she really change her ways and more importantly, will Regan forgive her for her sins?
    There is a moment in the morgue when it is revealed that the body is not Casey, that suggests there is hope there yet when both Chris and Regan hug, but again, is this just a false ray of hope for what is to come?

  1. Father Tomas’ descent
    It appears that the Friars of Ascension’s hopes of luring him into their fray has come undone by the temptation of Jessica that they unleashed upon him.
    His distractions have led him down another path, but can he be saved and will he redeem himself yet?
    It appears that he is still willing to prove himself to Father Marcus.
     
  1. The Friars of Ascension
    The main focus moving forward does appear to be on the devil cult known as the Friars of Ascension, who have attained some pretty powerful representatives from the city of Chicago.
    Chief among these gatherers, priest aside, was the Chief of Police, hand picked by the demon himself to become, “One of Us”, much to Maria Walters chagrin.
    With the demon / devil attaining more and more power from Chicago’s officials, what is the end game here?
    And why is Father Tomas so important for their succession?

  1. Dead bird gorging on the river bank
    When Father Marcus finally does catch up to Casey, it is via tunnel network underground riddled with the possessed homeless.
    We see Casey in full demonic mode, and even taking on the spider walk to make good her escape.
    Father Marcus persists however, stumbling across Casey by the river, washing away her sins in a baptism as he performs his last exorcism upon her and freeing her soul.
    It all seems a little too easy by this point.
    Why does the demon give up on her now?
    Now that Angela has revealed herself as Regan, does the Demon want to exploit this further and claim her as his prize?
    We’re well and truly past the halfway mark now, with four episodes remaining.
    We’ve made it thus far, but can’t help hoping that they’ve left some kind of ace up its sleeve as the show is in danger of losing interest fast.

 

  • Paul Farrell

Universal Horror: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

20 Friday Jan 2017

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IN 1923 Universal Pictures embarked on a series of horror movies that would stamp their mark on the genre for decades to come.

Their choice of story to launch them into a world of Gothic Horror and literature would be in the guise of Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. And considering it we’re still talking about a movie in the silent era, the success that the movie received was enormous and understandably would Universal would capitalise on this success.

With every great story though, a great actor would be needed to portray the lead role.

In this instance Universal would score big with “The Man of a thousand faces” Lon Chaney as Quasimodo.

Part of Chaney’s appeal was his devotion to his craft, dedicated to transforming himself physically, particularly with the aid of make up, which helped style his performance of these dark, twisted, and tortured souls.

The movie itself can feel incredibly slow in the first half as Quasimodo is ordered by his master, Johan to kidnap the fair Esmeralda only to be thwarted by the dashing Phoebus, who instantly falls in love with his damsel.

The result leads Quasimodo to be tortured and ridiculed by his captors and the townsfolk.

It’s only in the latter half of the movie when the people start to revolt against the regime and free Esmeralda once again that it really does start to gain enough momentum to keep your interest.

Essentially it’s a tragic tale and if it were not for Chaney’s performance, this would be instantly forgettable.

As such, he carries the movie and his attention to detail and characterisation is a journey worth the wait.

  • Paul Farrell

The Exorcist: S1 Chapter 5 “Through My Most Grievous Fault”

16 Monday Jan 2017

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THIS WEEK’S EPISODE appeared to follow firmly in the footsteps of its inspiration.

For sometime, this series has been circling around some issues that were questionable and at times uncertain of direction.

But with last night’s reveal, things began to cement itself in place and a clearer direction was left in place.

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 Five, ‘Through My Most Grievous Fault.”

Warning, there are spoilers ahead.

  1. Angela is Regan
    It was the elephant that had been in the room staring us in the face with no one daring to utter the obvious.
    Yes, the reason that Angela was so quick to recognize her daughter’s possession is that she had witnessed a similar episode before firsthand.
    What’s more she is Regan from the original storyline and inspiration for the series, now all grown up with a new identity.
    A secret that she even kept from her husband Henry. How will there relationship play out now that this has been revealed?
    We all know that the past has a way of catching up with you now matter how hard you try to run away from them.
    And there’s no hiding from these feelings from God or the Devil for that matter, for they know all.
    Now that the demon has found Angela again though, what is his grand plan? Why the fascination with her?
  1. The temptation of Jessica part 2
    Speaking of fascinations, the inevitable occurred when the demon explored Father Tomas’ one weakness, his feelings for Jessica.
    Sex is one of the Devil’s greatest assets to exploit and greater men have crumbled.
    Left with his tail between his legs, how will Father Tomas come back from this? Especially as he ‘sowed his seed’ with Jessica anyway,
    Can he truly redeem himself after exploiting his temptation and giving in to his desires?
     
  1. Katherine’s Lament
    She may have had her heart in the right place but boy did Kat play into the Devil’s hands.
    She firmly believed that she was helping her sister by calling the police, but all that she enabled was to let the devil roam free.
    Will her good nature be her own undoing?
    Has turning her back on her family only pushed her further away from them?
    The cracks have will and truly appeared and there’s no knowing if they can reunite together again.

  1. The return of Chris MacNeil
    This is one area that caught me off guard a little.
    I liked the nod to the ray of hope cast from the street light and the expectation that this savior could be another expert priest arriving on the scene, but the reveal that this was Chris MacNeil left me deflated, it was all very well leaving us to believe that Regan was back on the scene but to introduce her mother too felt a little too far fetched.
    But is this revelation a false hope?
    Will her introduction and its likeness in symbolism to the original film spell out doom for her?
  1. The Devil on the run
    And what of Casey? Having finely tune her devil’s side and giving an Ambulance and its occupants a fine work over that would make the likes of Michael Myers blush, she is now on the loose.
    What end to this game of cat and mouse?
    Will she be found and in what state will she be in if they find her?

 

 – Paul Farrell

Full Moon Sessions: The Howling (1981)

12 Thursday Jan 2017

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THIS YEAR, the Surgeons of Horror team would like to raise our heads to the power of the moon

With the power of the full moon, it’s time to bask in it’s cool glow in honour of all things lycanthropy with a monthly feature called the Full Moon Sessions.

Each month, the team will look into a werewolf movie and dissect them with some warm-hearted discussions to delve into the reasons why the film was a success and it’s overall appeal.

This month we launch with The Howling, one of three movies released in 1981 centred around the werewolf alongside An American Werewolf In London and Wolfen.

The Howling directed by Joe Dante who would spore a career out of creature features would initially turn heads with Piranha, a self-admitted Jaws rip-off.

Off the back of this, The Howling, would be his launchpad to success with The Gremlins, The Burbs, and Innerspace to name but a few.

The movie itself, based on a Gary Brandner novel of the same name, follows Karen White (Dee Wallace), co-anchor and on field reporter who through an investigation involving a serial killer unearths a dark cult immersed in American society.

The traumatic confrontation with the serial killer leads Karen to seek psychiatric help through a retreat known as ‘The Colony’, but all is not as it seems.

A cult following gathered from the back of the movie’s release at the height of the horror movie bang in the 80s and the home video boom, but after 30+ years, how does the movie stand up?

Does it still have an impact today? And can it stand out in it’s own right and away from the long shadow of An American Werewolf In London?

Check out the Full Moon Sessions podcast below to get the point of view from The Surgeons.

https://player.whooshkaa.com/player/episode/id/99898?visual=true

Also available on iTunes

  • “Howling Mad Moon” MacGuire

A look ahead at horror in 2017 pt.2

05 Thursday Jan 2017

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It

Release Date: 7 Sep
The story of a group of kids who take on a killer clown entity only to face their demons once more in adulthood.
Prediction: It’s the Stephen King tale that confirmed my love for his work and as much as people praised the mini-series, in particular that of Tim Curry’s performance, (of which I concur) there was a slight lacking in the fear factor that the entity creates that is captured in the book.
If they can do that then they’ve hit a winner in my book.

The Mummy

Release Date: 8 Jun
As Universal Pictures look to resurrect their horror movie franchise, they turn to the familiar tale of the Mummy.
In this instance keeping the action adventure feel but dialling it up to 11+ and casting Tom Cruise in the lead.
Prediction: Someone described this online as Mission Impossible with a supernatural twist which I feel is an adequate description.
This movie will probably be a case of all style and no substance, but will be a hit regardless.

Patient Zero

Release Date: 17 Feb
A pandemic outbreak in the form of a mutated version of rabies turns humans into a new species called ‘the infected’.
Stars Doctor Who’s Matt Smith and Game of Thrones’ Natalie Dormer, this definitely has a British vibe and will tread that line of drama and realism with adequate aplomb.
Prediction: Better than your average movie and could be a surprise hit as a result.

Raw

Release Date: 10 Mar
The French film and television industry are starting to generate some deliciously disturbing stories of late and Raw is the latest to fall into that mix.
Following the story of a vegetarian who takes part in an initiation ritual that leads her to becoming a cannibal.
Prediction: Believe them or not but there have been reports of medial services being called out to attend to audience members fainting over the graphic nature involved.
This merely piques my interest further and leads me to believe that this could be the sleeper hit of the year.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Release Date: 26 Jan
Alice and friends must team up one last time against the evil Umbrella organisation and save humankind.
Prediction: There are fans of the series who will love this film and the makers will give them all they what they expect and more.
For other mortals, this will be yet another exercise for Paul WS Anderson to delve into the franchise that he has dedicated most of his career to by taking one last bow.

Rings

Release Date: 23 Feb
It’s starting to feel like the year of the franchises and there’s a couple more to come yet.
The American version of the J Horror success gets its third outing.
Set 13 years after the last movie, but the twist this time is the discovery of a movie within the movie of the cursed videotape.
Prediction: More of the same with nothing new on the table will make this a tired exploration of a tried and tested genre.

Saw Legacy

Release Date: 27 Oct
Another film franchise set to return with its traditional Friday before Halloween.
Prediction: Most people will want the gore factor heightened and the traps to be extravagant and near on impossible to escape.
With the Sperig brothers at the helm, I feel that this could a triumphant return for Billy The Puppet.

Split

Release Date: 26 Jan
An American psychological horror thriller film from M. Night Shyamalan.
His last film The Visit showed signs of his former glory but can the story of three girls being kidnapped by a guy with multiple personalities continue his upward trajectory?Prediction: Shyamalan may only be saved by James McAvoy’s performance. That’s a lot of pressure resting on his shoulders.

Suspiria

Release Date: 14 Oct
All is not as it seems behind the walls of a prestigious Dance Academy in Berlin.
What lies behind the grisly murders?
Prediction: What can I say about this remake?
It’s hard to shake the attachment I have for the original, which is one of my favourite horror movies ever.
But IF I were to remove my snob hat for a moment, the leafs hold a lot of potential, with Chloe Grace Moretz, Dakota Johnson, and Tilda Swinton.
Let’s pause judgement and say that this could prove to be one of the surprises of the year.

World War Z 2

Release Date: 8 Jun
The Zombie outbreak that was based on a pretty good novel only to disappoint with its massive snooze fest of a film.
But it managed to gain a wide release and success which only means one thing. A sequel.
Prediction: Despite Brad Pitt apparently coming back and the promise of a whole new direction, I can’t help but feel that this movie is going to be yet another let down.

Back to Part 1

A look ahead at horror in 2017

05 Thursday Jan 2017

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2016 PROVED TO BE quite a big year for Horror films with the successes of Don’t Breathe, The Conjuring 2, and The Witch to name but a few.

But can this year prove to be as fruitful in delighting our senses and twisting our minds?

Let’s take a look at the movies that lie ahead…

Alien: Covenant

Release Date: 18 May
Is it me or is there more hype around this movie than Prometheus?
It might have something to do with the return of our beloved xenonorph and its predatorial instincts that once again see humans in a fight for survival.
Prediction: With Michael Fassbender reprising his role as the ‘synthetic’ David, along with a strong cast, this looks and feels like the Alien franchise is back on form.

Amityville: the Awakening

Release Date: 30 Jun tbc
This marks the 18th entry into the Amityville franchise, which by my reckoning makes this the most in a  series.
This time the story focuses on Belle and her twin siblings, one of whom is comatose until strange paranormal occurrences awaken him.
Prediction: With the movie changing hands through the selling of Miramax plus poor preview screenings have seen this movie delayed on several occasions.
If this movie does see the light of day, I expect that it will be yet another poor addition to the franchise posing the question why bother returning to it at all.

Annabelle 2

Release Date: 10 Aug
The sequel to The Conjuring spin-off that sees the possessed doll wreak havoc on an orphanage.
Prediction: Another weak entry. The plot line seems farcical.

The Belko Experiment

Release Date: 17 Mar
Think of this as Battle Royale set in a high-rise building as 80 participants are told by an unknown voice that they must play a game of kill or be killed.
Prediction: Brought to the screens by the visionary mind of Australia’s Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, The Darkness) this could be a pleasant surprise albeit using familiar territory. Expect a gruesome battle of survival to occur.

The Bye Bye Man

Release Date: 13 Jan tbc
The concept behind this movie sees three college students find themselves stalked by an entity that can take control of your mind simply if you think or say his name.
Prediction: Sounds like a shit version of The Candyman.
Shitty title, shitty premise doesn’t bold well in my opinion, but hey, I’m happy to be proven wrong.

Chucky 7

Release Date: Dec
Not much is known about this movie yet other than writer of the all six instalments and director of the last two, Don Mancini has resurrected the killer doll for another on-screen outing.
Prediction: If this heralds the right kind of comedy this could be the best version since Bride of Chucky.

A Cure For Wellness

Release Date: 16 Mar
When a young executive goes to retrieve his CEO from a wellness centre, he finds himself spiralling into a world of secrets where his own sanity is tested.
Prediction: Director Gore Verbinski can be a bit hit be miss and if we’re honest more miss of late.
Judging by the trailer though, this could well be a return to form and perhaps one of the better horror movies of 2017.

The Dark Tower

Release Date: 27 Jul
The science fantasy western horror book series from the mind of Stephen King gets the movie treatment.
The film in this instance has been described as a ‘quasi-sequel’ to the books.
Prediction: With a lot of big names producing this movie and the likes of Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey taking the leads there is a lot of high expectations on this being a success.
I for one feel that they won’t be disappointed.
A hit that will likely bring more from the universe in further outings.

Flatliners

Release Date: 28 Sep
Again not much has been announced around the details of this movie other than it being a sequel to the 90’s classic with Kiefer Sutherland set to reprise his role of Dr Nelson Wright.
Prediction: This movie sits on the precipice of success or failure.
With Ellen Page attached I have a feeling this could be better than your average flick and could take this franchise into bold new territory and reawaken a tinge of nostalgia. “Today’s a great day to die.”

Friday the 13th

Release Date: 13 Oct
Another reboot is on the horizon marking this as the 13th instalment.
Not much else has been announced other than it being delayed til later in the year.
Prediction: This needs to be delivered with the right blend of humour and horror in order for Jason to truly terrorise the screens again.
I so want this to be a success but I feel like this might be the final nail in Jason’s coffin.

Get Out

Release Date: 24 Feb
A horror satire from the insatiably brilliant mind if Jordan Peele sees Chris, an African-American man, try to escape from an estate where its black residents go missing.
Prediction: The comedy horror hit of the year.

Insidious 4

Release Date: 30 Oct
The latest chapter of supernatural horror franchise continues this time with James Wan’s previous partner in horror, Leigh Whannel at the helm.
Prediction: Better than the previous outing but not a par on the original.

Horror Movies in 2017 pt.2