The best way I can describe 2010's Horror collection is like getting pizza from a place you've never ordered from. It's pizza, so it's not that bad, but it's not as good as your used to. In plain English, 2010 Horror films for the most part, sucked.
Below are five (5) bright spots in an ocean of blah:
5. Buried (Lionsgate Films) Starring: Ryan Reynolds
Reynolds stars as a US Government contractor who wakes up in a coffin with a canteen full of water, a few glow sticks and a cell phone. If your clostrophobic you may want to skip this one. Here's the reason why it made my list: I like Ryan Renolds, and at times I enjoy his quirky humor...but in doses. You get none of it here, and he proves he can carry the lead in a serious role. A big thumbs up to Rodrego Cortez and his talents behind the camera.
4. The Loved Ones (Madman films) starring: No one you'd know
It's the Aussie version of Sixteen Candles gone horribly wrong. Girl meets boy. Girl is obsessed with boy and asks boy to prom. Boy delcines, and is kidnapped by girl and her twisted father. Film makers should pay close attention to this fatal obsession piece (the best I've seen since Steven King's Misery). The character development is near perfect and doesn't smother the raw nature of the film. Aso, The Loved Ones has the most interesting villian(s) in recent memory. This is 2010's best movie you've probably never heard of.
3. REC 2 (Magnet films) Again, No one you'd know
Any sequal (now think hard) that can stand alone without the original having to carry it is a rare accomplishment, especially in the horror arena. This Spanish soon-to-be-cult-classic gives an whole new explanation on why this viral outbreak happened in the first place. Check out REC and REC 2 for a 'shit-your-pants' horror movie marathon. You will not be disappointed.
2. Devil (Universal Pictures) Starring: Chris Messina, Bokeem Woodbine ans Bojana Novakovic
I have to admit, anything with M. Night Shama-lama-ding-dong's name attached to it, I enter and view with caution. Devil works on many levels, all the sub-plots comply and we eventually funnel down the the big "M. Night" hook (which he has failed at terribly since Signs) we have grown so accustomed to. Note to M. Night: Stick to producing THE NIGHT CRONICLES for now, and don't screw up a good piece of redemption.
1. The Killer Inside Me (MPI home video) Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba and Kate Hudson
Any film that repeats in your brain like acid rails, is a film for me. Affleck's (you know, the brother who can act) portrayal of Lou Ford, a permissive deputy sherrif goes from small-town simple to depraived and devout of morals, is second to none. Many scenes are unforgettable, but two specifically will haunt you for some time after. Casey Affleck continues to impress the Hell out of me and this is one of his finest works to date.
Bonus: Best Remake
The Crazies (Overture Films) Timothy Olyphant and Radha Mitchell
Hits like a hammer and much better than the 37 year old original. The concept envokes real fear regarding bio-warfare and it's potential effects if an accident were to happen. Olyphant plays an ass-kickin' sherrif forced to due what he must to save his family from a biological disaster. Check it out, it rocks...
Stay tuned for my Worst 5 Horror Films of 2010 coming very soon. I'd love to hear your 2 cents on these picks, so please email me your thoughts.
All the best,
E
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