Author Archives: surgeons of horror

Podcast: 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.

Episode review: 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

Movie review: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1923)

20 Friday Jan 2017

Posted by in Universal Horror

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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

Episode review: 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

Podcast: 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: The Last Key

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

Mike Flanagan hits 3 horror home runs in 2016 – pt3: Before I Wake

01 Sunday Jan 2017

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IN MY HUMBLE OPINION, Before I Wake is by far the best of Mike Flanagan’s 2016 movies.

I could also venture that it’s his best movie so far.

It’s filled with the stuff of imagination that makes one glow after viewing it.

So much magic and heart combined with fear and tragedy that can only be born out of dreams and nightmares.

The credit falls upon Flanagan and co-writer Jeff Howard to bring this spectacle to the screen with such wonder and delight.

Following the story of a couple who look to adopt a child after their own heartbreak and ruin after tragically losing their own son some years prior.

So, as they carry this baggage with them and try to repair, both Jessie and Mark have to face their past when Cody comes under their roof.

But all is not as it seems with Cody. 

There is a mystical aura that surrounds him and when he sleeps, something both glorious and sinister occurs.

Again what struck me about Flanagan’s craft as a storyteller is that he is able to show the depth of character with his leads and in doing so, Kate Bosworth’s Jessie shows all her flaws and weaknesses that as a viewer you both empathise and scathed with the same sweeping judgement.

The Diagnosis:

Before I Wake is an emotional journey that reawakens the soul and enriches the senses.

Don’t be turned off by it’s lack of a cinema release as this was purely down to the collapse in finances from Relativity Media.

Before I Wake is now available on Netflix.

Watch it now and fall in love with a supernatural fantasy that continues to delight with every viewing.

More Mike Flanagan movie reviews:

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

31 Saturday Dec 2016

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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

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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.