First off I want to say thank you to all my readers for an exciting first year for me for Examiner. There were some ups and downs, high and low points but all in all it was a good start and I can't wait to bring you more exciting horror content. I have tons of things planned for 2013 including covering a few conventions. But to not get ahead of myself I felt it was my duty to present to you the must have must watch list of 2012 for horror movies.
There was a ton of films that were released this year in the horror circuit with many falling by the wayside. There were a few gems that came across our screens this past year and I hope I am giving them justice by putting them on my first list. Please feel free to comment, discuss, and react as you may to this list as you may not feel the same. I have gathered films from indie to mainstream and if there is something on your list that you may have missed I suggest you go watch it before the end of 2013! So here it is in no particular order my top horror films of 2012!
The Dead-
Zombie movies are still riding high after they seemed to peak in the mid 2000’s. This zombie film stuck out because it returned to an age when zombie movies were a lot simpler. The Dead truly pays homage to the Romero, Fulci type zombie films from the 70’s and 80’s. The Dead reminded us that not all zombie movies have to be full of explosions and fast moving undead.
Sinister-
Sinister proved that you didn't have to have a found footage fiasco to recieve mainstream success. This was in my opinion one of the best films all year. It mainly had to do with the chance it had to be horrible. Sinister had one intention and that was to scare the hell out of you and it did just that. Similar to last years success Insidious Sinster reminded us that every now and then even the big boys get it right.
American Mary-
The Soska sisters followed up Dead Hooker in a Trunk with a demented classic starring the wonderfully talented Katharine Isabelle. Tearing up Fantastic Fest and other around the world no other independent film is making as much noise as American Mary. Even though we won't get this film in theatres stateside until 2013 for the those who have seen it they know its a for sure top film of 2012. Make sure to add this to your collection when it arrives.
Excision-
Excision was a film I had to sleep on a few days after watching it. There was tons to process and nothing more than the crazy dreams by the main star Annalynne Mccord. Traci Lords gives a memorable performance as well. I have a love hate relationship with this film. I didn’t like it to be honest but it’s a film I couldn’t deny watching. Excision got tons of good reviews except from me but I did buy it if that stands for something. Its a must see.
Bait-
The last time I saw a shark movie on a must have list it was called Jaws. Usually the terrors of the deep get their due in horror but none as much as Bait. This aussie movie really hit home on the suspense level as you are trapped with a group in an underground grocery store during the tsunami. The group becomes prey as two sharks find there way in and this smart refreshing seafood tale becomes an instant nightmare for the group. The main highlight of this film is the acting was better than expected.
The Hole-
The Hole was more of a child movie that I watched before the Halloween season. Even though The Hole was created in 2009 it hit the shelves in 2012 to a great reception as a classic tale of mischievous kids getting more than they bargained for. With the genius of Joe Dante at the helm The Hole was treat to watch with the whole family. Similar to The Gate from the 80’s The Hole showed us what it was like to be a kid again and be very afraid.
The American Scream-
The only documentary to make the list The American Scream showed us the passion that three families have for the holiday of Halloween. Movies like this made me want to take a tour of this country and talk about the love and admiration we have for all hallow’s eve . With all the bad reality shows showing familing ripping each other apart for ratings, its nice to see families coming together to share a common thread.
The Pact-
Another indie film that was a pleasant surprise was The Pact. The story of a sister looking for her lost sibling while uncovering a dark family secret. The Pact was the best supernatural film of the year and I don’t think any other film was creepier. Seeing images of a separated body still haunt me to this day as the well paced Pact was a treat for anyone with a netflix subscription this year. The Pact is available to watch everywhere now and out of these films on this list this is one i truly want you to see.
The Woman in Black-
The return of Hammer Horror was big for 2012 and they started off with a bang with The Woman in Black. Daniel Radcliffe proved he could survive past the Potter franchise with this well done film about a classic tale. You can never go wrong with urban myths and legends of the supernatural and The Woman in Black still proved that. Filled with scares and suspense many lights were left on at night after witnessing this film.
The Innkeepers-
Ti West proved he could do a traditional horror ghost tale with The Innkeepers. Even though it wasn’t scary by far The Innkeepers was still a good watch as the playful tales of the ghosts that haunt the hotel were shown to us. The crew did a great job of taking the concept and bringing it to it fullest potential. The Innkeepers is a great film for any viewer not just fans of horror.
The Revenant-
Another film that took awhile to be released was The Revenant. Also created in 2009 this film finally hit the shelves in 2012 and made a lasting impact right away. Zombie movies are one this but zombie vigilantes? This film had more laughs than expected while still providing a solid enough story to keep you interested. This is a film that I think could appeal to mainstream as well. It has enough gore to remind you what type of film it is but had the laughs to rival any buddy film.
V/H/S-
Anthologies have been around for decades in horror but not since creepshow have i seen one with the impact of VHS. This collection of directors and writers brought to us a demented take on the found footage genre. With all the FF films out there VHS was refreshing with its raw content and very violent nature. Not every segment of the movie was great but there are enough memorable parts for you not to forget this movie anytime soon.
Asylum Blackout-
This straight to dvd beauty showed us our worst fear, being trapped at work. What is worse is these guys are cooks at an insane asylum and the power has gone out in a massive storm. With the inmates running the show it becomes a fight for survival for the cooks. Blackout is a very well made film with a great story and nice twist at the end.I was leary upon
the first watch of the film but after the first 30 minutes of the film I knew I stumbled onto something that was better than expected.
The Collection-
Few sequels are just as good as the first and The Collection is one. A thrill ride from beginning to end the Collection gave us a new face in horror and the type of character that can have a lasting impact on the slasher films. It seemed if we were all finished with the traps and devices from the SAW movies but the collection showed the could be better and even deadlier. Plus this villain is not hiding behind a pig mask. I hope they are not finished with these films anytime soon.
The Citadel-
Your psychological horror must have for the year is The Citadel. Being released right before the end of 2012, The Citadel is already causing a stir in the horror community. When watching the clips i first thought this film would go over the heads of many but this is a smart and genuinely scary and suspenseful movie. Watch as the main character battles himself and demons to survive and protect his child. Once you find out what's going on you will never be the same after watching The Citadel.
The Bay-
In my opinion the only found footage worth mentioning The Bay pushed the envelope in the mockumentary portion of FF and told an entertaining tale of a small chesapeake bay community and the horror they exercised during a fourth of July fair. The best part of The Bay is the realism the film present with the type of outbreak and the coverage of it. The crew did a great job of making it seem as if this was something being shown on National Geographic. In was finished giving an ear to found footage movies until The Bay came along. Since these films aren't going anywhere anytime soon it gives me hope that at least some filmmakers know what they are doing.
Well that's it. That is my must see list. I know some may think of other films and it's fine. This is truly my opinion as is everything I produce. I hope you will add a few of these
to your collection or Que Don’t forget to subscribe to my RSS so you don’t miss any content an follow me on twiitter: www.twitter.com/nyquilldtb and my tumblr page : www.nyquill666dtb.tumblr.com
Can’t wait to bring you all wonderful content for 2013 and Happy New Year!
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