Bitten and a Fun Fact About the Math Mage

4 of 6 viewers "Liked" "Bitten" (2008, Canada)

Here's what the citizens of the Overlook Theatre had to say:

The Great Hornito - "This is definitely Jason Mewes best performance, which means he was slightly above average. This vampire movie was really a pleasant surprise. If someone would have described this movie to me I would have never watched it. The acting and the over the top music every situation really made this entertaining and worth watching." - 3 1/2 Stars

Ice Giant - "Jason Mewes at his best." - 2 Stars

Unicorn Slayer - "Visually, save cheap contacts, it was intriguing, but the plot is a leftover casserole of expected vampire film scenes. Poor acting was only made bearable by the one good actor and only likable character, Rog. Poor acting, sub par plot, and pathetic, reversed romantic themes of wounded birds and savior complexes." - 2 Stars

Huntress - "I was ready to hate this movie, just based on the cover. Although the acting usually solidified that feeling, the camp and novelty mixed with a couple of fitting story aspects made this a fun movie (with the right people)." - 3 Stars

Math Mage - "Jay manages to be out acted in every scene he's in" - 3 Stars

Lord Battle - "This film starred Jason Mewes, the fact it's watchable is a success, even if the supporting character Roger totally steals the show." 3 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Rating*

I purchased "Bitten" at FYE for $2 on sale for $1.33 or something, at the time I was sure this was a waste of money, but the DVD came with a really nice slip cover and I am a hopeless collector. To my surprise the movie was not a totally pos, in fact the first scene offers some very noir shadow play backed by a very amateurish John Carpenter-esk theme, this was a thousand times better than what I was expecting.

Now with that said this film is far from great, if you couldn't tell from the citizens' tagline reviews the acting is a major issue and the plot is far from inspired. Still this is a soft core vampire flick staring Jason Mewes.

After the credits roll, stick around for a scene that kinda puts a weird spin on the whole film, this is kinda important when trying to figure out how the hell vampires work in this strange world, but don't expect any real answers.

Lastly if you're wondering why this film made the big screen here at the Overlook, it's not because of any overlooked artsy theme or deep relevant notion but simply because I wanted to hear the Math Mage's commentary as the film played (which wasn't much). Math Mage tends to work his thought process out-loud and during a screening this would normally be annoying but somehow he manages to do so very respectfully and it really is very entertaining.

- Lord Battle

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating. 

A Morning Message

Running the Overlook Theatre has been pretty stressful lately and it doesn't help that I've been feeling low on energy. Between work and the energy it takes getting 5-14 friends over regularly to screen films, I've been dragging on posts. I feel terrible about this simply because this blog has become a huge source of  enjoyment for me and all of the citizens.

Today was a great reminder of why a small amount of stress is nothing compared to the opportunities the blog presents. I slept in late again today (which has become a habit) and instead of being upset at the time I'd lost, I was thrilled by a message I had received on twitter.

"For you, because you understand me, and what I'm about to do. I wonder, do reality stars bleed pink? Let's find out." - L.A. Slasher

With this photo attached.

I can't say enough about how excited I am for this film, I think it's pure genius, and I mean every aspect of the film and it's marketing. I mean if the idea of the L.A. Slasher doesn't interest you, than check your pulse because you're dead.

Follow the L.A. Slasher on Facebook or Twitter if you don't already.

Occupant

2 of 6 viewers "Liked" "Occupant" (2011, USA)

Here's what the citizens of the Overlook Theatre had to say:

Book Wyrm - "I liked this because there was a cute cat, a cool twist, and was sort of believable. It was also funny and intriguing. I love crazy decent into madness pseudo ghost films." - 3 Stars

Lord Battle - "Occupant is a terrible film although somewhat entertaining. This slow-burn is just burnt." - 2 Stars

The Impostor - "Occupant tries hard to build suspense but ends up being a very slow and boring movie. Occupant is a film u seem to know whats gonna happen from the beginning but the movie tries to pull you in different directions that just ends up confusing you." - 1 Star

Huntress - "This movie had a shaky beginning, got better and then plummeted. You'd have to be very forgiving to enjoy this." - 2 Stars

The Great Hornito - I thought this movie had a lot of potential but it came up a little short. Movies when people get isolated in a house/app and go crazy are some of my favs but this one wasn't one of the greatest. The Filipino thanksgiving scene almost saved the movie... almost." - 3 Stars

Ice Giant - "The gore effects were pretty cool but they went down to man avenues without ever fully committing to any which left open to many annoying questions." - 2 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Rating*

First I feel it's important to say I love slow-burns, especially in the vein of Polanski's apartment trilogy, Occupant however is far from that. The main problem with this film is that it's totally unbelievable that Danny Hill (or anyone for this matter) would have gone crazy, as nothing during his 12 day stint was very mind altering. A lot of things were scary and or strange but this film fails in what most slow burns showcase, a decent into madness.

"When his late grandmother leaves him her rent-controlled apartment in New York, Danny Hill moves in... only to discover that he isn't exactly alone." This is the synopsis for "Occupant" found on Netfilx, this also helps make discovering what this film was originally intended to be about impossible.

There is a scene where Danny starts creating crude weapons from home appliances and what he creates is pretty cool (other than the tennis racket with spikes), even though they way it was filmed is obnoxious. In all fairness, this film is easy to sit through or awesome to have on as a backround horror film that won't distract you while you clean your room, but ultimately the touchy Eastern European doorman, the complaining neighbors (from next door even though the noise would bother someone below...), the scummy bug guy, and the hot girl who stalks guys for a blog all made for a lot of content that failed to move the story or explain the mystery that kept everyone watching.

- Lord Battle

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating. 

The Upper Footage with some Context

2 of 7 viewers "Liked" "The Upper Footage" (2013, USA)

Here's what the citizens of the Overlook Theatre had to say:

The Impostor - "The Upper Footage is something I haven't seen done before, it seemed almost too real. It was very basic and simple, I feel if it got more complicated it may not have felt as real. Characters were very unlikable and scenes dragged on a bit too long which made it boring. Upper's plot had me intrigued even though things weren't executed as well as they could have been. If I didn't find out it wasn't real I think I would have thought differently about it." - 3 Stars

Lord Battle - "Viewed without any context this film is certainly a downer and because I feel that the film can't stand alone (explanation after the trailer) I have to rate it poorly, despite the fact that "The Upper Footage" is an awesome experiment in film making. I just wish Justin Cole played with the actual footage more and made it not only feel real, but also entertaining." - 2 Stars

The Great Hornito - "Found footage is my favorite genre right now and this one was a pretty good one. I really love the idea of this movie but they just didn't do enough with this unique story. I thought it would have been better if it was more campy and over the top." - 3 1/2 Stars

Huntress - "This was a painfully uneventful hour and a half, spent with a group of rich assholes. All the director-made hype about the footage being real seemed like an excuse to have barely anything happen." - 2 Stars

Book Wyrm - Spoiler - "Nothing was resolved, nothing happened, and the only 1/2 decent character got killed (Will). Terrible. I love found footage but nothing could save this film." - 1 Star

Ice Giant - Fell Asleep - Default 2 Stars

Bug - "The movie failed to keep my attention 0% of the time. There was a tiny amount of interesting content." - 2 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Rating*

(First I have to say none of the citizens knew any of what I have written below while screening the film.)

I have to admit I feel a bit awkward about writing the wrap up to "The Upper Footage" as this is the first film I've seen in a long time that made me feel like I missed something. Upper Footage isn't some deeply intellectual film or a feature with a complicated plot; no, the reason I felt lost has to do with the main selling point of the film. Believing "The Upper Footage" is real is very important when it comes to the entertainment value of the film, simply because they focused solely on making it feel as real as possible. If you found yourself asking "Is it real?" then you enjoyed this film more than I did. 

With a bit of research I discovered the answer to my "The Upper Footage" question. Upper footage is more of an art film trying to prove the medium and what can be down with it while making a social statement. The subjects in the film are a representation of the 1% and the evils that occur when you are detached from normal society (This is obvious without any research). Although this commentary is fun, it has nothing to do with my feelings of missing something during the screening, that answer was found when reading about Justin Cole and his intent when filming "The Upper Footage".

Cole loved the media buzz that surrounded "The Blair Witch Project" and wondered why other found footage films never tried to take advantage of the incredibly realistic style. I'm sure you can tell where this is going but it's important to discuss because all of the footage in the beginning of "The Upper Footage" from TMZ and other news sources is real. Cole himself set out leaking footage and spreading rumors so that the hype and feel of his film was as real as possible. The other thing that is important to know is that the blurred face of the victim isn't just a gimmick, apparently she is an actual socialite with a famous mother and or father and the nude scene she did is actually cut due to distributors and theaters demanding an edit.

The edit demands started after bad press from this flyer used to promote the film.

I only wish I could have seen "The Upper Footage" in the right context. Sadly Upper footage will end up like most films that do well for reasons other than simply being a good film and fail in the long run. I am however very interested in what Justin Cole may have up his sleeve for future endeavors. 

- Lord Battle

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating.

L.A. Slasher and Possibly the Most Interesting Page on Facebook

Writer director Martin Owen has done something amazing and yes, it involves the stylish character shown above (Thanks to Fangoria for letting me steal the picture). Mr Owen has managed to take a slew of "celebrities" that normally repel people from theaters and turn it into an awesome horror fantasy. 

Mischa Barton, Eric Roberts, Andy Dic, and Dave Bautista are just a few of the names that will appear in this film. And I'm sure you've figured out that the character pictured above isn't a big fan of these people... Oh and I forgot to mention that this slashers heroine is Brooke Hogan.

As if the picture and list of names wasn't enough, I still have my favorite part of this film to share, its Facebook page. Yes, the Facebook page for "L.A. Slasher" had me laughing from pure excitement, let me show you why.

It seems that our androgynous L.A. Slasher actually runs the Facebook and I must say I'm a fan! Here's another post from the L.A. Slasher.

Yes I "Liked" this post and I support the L.A. Slasher, so what?

The dark and insightful posts are just part of the reason the Facebook page got me so excited, the other parts being the articles the Slasher shares and comments on, and the awesome photos he takes with his future victims...

Here is the Slasher with Josh Lucas

Ethan Hawke

And at the Grammy's with Billy Ray.

I think it's time you jumped on Facebook and like L.A. Slasher, it's easily one of the most entertaining pages running right now. And for slasher fans, this is an excellent experiment in developing a new killer before the release of the film.

Jug Face and Why it's the First Artsy Campy Indie-Drama-Horror

5 of 7 viewers "Liked" "Jug Face" (2013, USA)

Here's what the citizens of the Overlook Theatre had to say:

Book Wyrm -  *Spoiler* "Even though many citizens didn't enjoy the film, I liked its stark depiction of reality. I really liked how the main girl really ended up dead and didn't defy death or reality. This was a pretty decent movie." - 3 Stars

Lord Battle - "Divine intervention, moonshine, and ceramics. This film is part indie drama focusing on the perception of life as a human and part campy supernatural horror. "Jug Face" is anything but normal." - 4 Stars

The Impostor - "The film had me intrigued by this mythical pit of doom but ultimately let me down. It's not a horrible movie, the first half of the film was pretty good and actors did a great job. I wish the ending was more exciting. But what can u do "The pit wants what it wants"." - 3 Stars

The Berkeley Blazer - "There's much to like in Jug Face, yet there is also much wasted potential. This supernatural hillbilly horror drama will tantalize your fascination with the morbid by using its demon-pit politics and incestuous liaisons, but like most of its characters, the film goes nowhere." - 2 1/2 Stars

The Great Hornito - "This film was really interesting the first 30 minutes or so... but then it steadily became more and more dull and boring. This movie reminded me of the village and just like the village it didn't deliver." - 2 1/2 Stars

Huntress - "This movie went in a direction I wasn't expecting, but the story was unlike anything I've seen. I had a love/hate relationship with a couple of the characters but they still grew on me." - 3 1/2 Stars

Ice Giant - Fell Asleep - Default 2 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Rating*

I once again find myself torn about using a trailer to break up the tagline reviews and the final star rating. On one hand, I think it's aesthetically pleasing and really makes for a more complete review; on the other hand, I rarely enjoy any films trailer. I find them especially revealing to someone leaving this site having read a review and planning on viewing said film. If you wanna make me happy, just skip the damn trailers I guess.

Chad Crawford Kinkle has managed to do something I have always day dreamed about, and that's combining my love of artsy indie-dramas and campy horror into one film. "Jug Face" is also totally misleading in this sense. The film gives you bursts of the best of both worlds but also contains campy cringes and indie tropes. I think the inevitable problem with these two types of cinema colliding into one film is essentially what makes each of the respective genres enjoyable. 

All campy horror films require a few things, like an over-the-top situation which may or may not even be possible, a regular Joe transforming into a kick-ass hero or a kick-ass hero appearing to rise to said challenge and save the day, and of course, cheesy humor accented by gallons of blood (which makes the violence feel more cartoonish and less offensive), all cut together in an inspired low budget fashion. Now in order for the campy horror film to be truly excellent these points need to feel truly authentic.

Indie-dramas on the other hand require the complete opposite, like an often mundane situation that could have or has happened to most people, a regular Joe, and drama. It may sound underwhelming but a good indie is anything but.

My summary is very generalized and obviously doesn't apply to all films of these genres but when describing "Jug Face" it's appropriate, since big chucks of the film felt like the campy horror I described above and then switch to an artsy indie-drama. The effect this has on the audience is jarring and disappointing. Just when you are getting into the supernatural aspect of the film it gets very "slice of life" on you.

- Lord Battle

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating.

Devil's Due or a Retelling of Paranormal Activity

5 of 5 viewers "Liked" "Devil's Due" (2014, USA)

Here's what the citizens of the Overlook Theatre had to say:

The Great Hornito - "Devils Due a really sold paranormal found footage film the only problem I have with it is that it is generic and the ending was boring. The acting and story were really good but I feel like I've seen movies just like this many times over the last 5 years or so." 3 1/2 Stars

Lord Battle - "Pretty much a retelling of "Paranormal Activity" with nothing new to offer to the found footage genre." 3 Stars

The Berkeley Blazer - "I'm liking this movie, but strictly as a popcorn exercise. The beautifully simple performances of the two protagonists, the solidly crafted tension-building, and the Manichean cosmology are assets for most of the film, yet the ending frazzles and slumps so limply, failing on every possible level, and those assets are poisoned by this dreadfully unimaginative conclusion, which fails to address neither the religious narrative nor the domestic narrative in any satisfactory way." - 2 1/2 Stars

The Impostor - "Overall, Devils Due is an entertaining film. It begins very promising and the two main actors did a great job, but for me the finally was a bit of a disappointment. Nothing new was brought to the table. Devils Due is your typical found footage/supernatural horror combo we have seen before." - 3 1/2 Stars

Huntress - "After such an entertaining beginning and strong ground work I was hoping for more from the second half of the movie. The anti-climatic ending wasted a lot of potential." - 3 Stars

The Overlook Theatre Final Rating*

"Devil's Due" has helped me understand why people call found footage the worst genre in horror. I originally thought people disliked the genre because of it's attempt to seem real, which never made sense to me since all movies try to suspend disbelieve and found footage simply had an advantage. I now understand that this advantage draws in lesser talents or is a crutch for a lack of ideas.

*Spoiler*

This film suffered from the latter, the last couple of scenes were by far the worst of the film, not only were they dumb but they weakened the story as a whole. I'm of course referring to the 2 police officers that were either cult members playing a really cruel joke for no reason or real police that are comically bad at their job. The Berkeley Blazer said it best "They couldn't tell that their house was exploded?". The other scene that was lazy and stupid is the last one showing the next newly wed couple. Here are 3 reasons why I hated this scene: 1 The cab driver, why did it have to be the exact same guy? It would have been a lot scarier if it wasn't him. It also would have implied a lot more people are out there. 2 Imagery of the Eiffel Tower is not scary and France does not give off the same tourist lost in a foreign land vibe. But if they really felt the need to keep this scene they should have at least shown the driver taking them to the catacombs or something. 3 The addition of this scene only leaves you with questions that ultimately poke holes in the story, like "So how do they know about newly weds and the duration of their honeymoons?" or "Are all the girls "Born from death" or was that a coincidences?" or "How many of these babies do they need, if in the womb they can psychic slam people?".

The other problem with this film is it basically just retells the "Paranormal Activity" story. I mean we even ended up referring to the girls after the film as the marked ones. I could write about all the similarities between the paranormal series and this film but I'd rather people see it for them selves. I also went on a rant above when the movie wasn't terrible it just did nothing for the found footage genre, or horror in general. The Great Hornito put it best when he said, "If this was the first found footage movie I ever saw I would have loved it but since I have seen better ones it's just okay."

- Lord Battle

*Based on the star ratings turned in by character reviewers, others viewed and got to "Dislike" or "Like" but that does not effect the rating.