Movie Review: At The Devils Door (2014)

WildCinema Presents

Movie Review: At The Devils Door (2014)

The Lowdown

Once every so often you watch a movie with low expectations and end up getting something much better than anticipated. At The Devils Door is one such movie. I went in expecting nothing and walked away with a huge smile because what i had just seen was pretty damn good.

In At The Devils Door writer and director Nicholas McCarthy charts familiar territory with an inventive flare as he tells us a tale about a young real estate agent named Leigh (Catalina Sandino Moreno) and her artist sister Vera (Naya Rivera) who get involved in a battle with supernatural forces.

Now the plot sounds like it could have come from just about any horror movie spanning the last decade. But what sets this movie apart is the love and care that has gone into each frame. Never content to deliver mediocre jump scares the movie takes its time building up likeable charecters and a story that builds on multiple levels so when the scares come they're actually pretty terrifying. The movie harkens back to simpler times in horror movies when what you dont see is just as scary as what you do see and the movie never reveals its antagonist for too long and the movie is all the better for it, we see girls flying round rooms and hear a chilling voice say "come to me" but only every now and then do we catch a glimpse of lucifer himself, and its usually shot in the shadows or in a window pane reflection. Call me crazy but its a lot creepier that way.

  Final Verdict

Gushing atmopshere from the very first frame and lovingly shot in beautiful HD the movie is fantastic to look at. Naya Rivera carries the movie well and fans of hers will probably dig this performance. The movie itself is a slow burn and successfully builds the tension and the twists and turns come at all the right times. Perfect saturday night entertainment.

Rating

3 out of 5

WildCinema Presents Movie Review: Among Friends (2012)

WildCinema Presents

Movie Review: Among Friends (2012)

The Lowdown:

After debuting on the festival circuit last year, scream queen Danielle Harris's directorial debut finally gets a general release on DVD and VOD and its a hell of a lot more fun than it has any right to be.

Among Friends tells the story of a group of friends who get together for an 80s themed murder mystery party that quickly turns sour when they are each tortured and forced to pay for the secrets they keep. The concept is hardly original but its executed with playfulness and a solid degree of tension in which the audience never quite knows whats going to happen next, making it a thrillingly exciting watch the first time around.

Sadly though the cinematography does leave a lot to be desired, it just screams straight to video from the get go, not that that's a bad thing by any means, the concept and execution are all great and the movies a hell of a roller coaster ride, so its a shame the overall look of the film dosent look more cinematic and grand as i feel this could have at least made a great cult classic in the years to come, but the vast majority of people will sadly dismiss this as B movie trash now which is a shame, but dont let the overall look fool you, this is a smart and fun little throwback to 80s horror.

Also worthy mentioning is one scene in particular that fans of Danielle Harris will get a kick out of in which a Dinner guest tripping on mushrooms thinks she's on a movie set and spots Ms Harris in the clown costume she donned in Halloween 4. Its a nice little tip of the hat from Danielle to her long time fans

Final Verdict

Although not breaking any new ground or offering anything unique into the DTV horror genre. Among Friends offers just enough thrills and gore to be worthy of a rental.

Rating

A solid 2 out of 5.

 

Fatal Call - Movie Review - Wild Cinema

WildCinema Presents

Movie Review : Fatal Call

 

 

The Lowdown

Its been a busy year for Screen favorite Danielle Harris, with a handful of movies still set for release sometime in the near future, Fatal Call A.K.A Call Me On Tuesday, marks a departure from her usual "scream queen" fare, one that is sure to both surprise and delight many a fan, as Danielle lights up the screen as the seductive but conniving  Amy Hannison.

Jason London stars as Mitch, a smalltown guy who's affair with a beautiful woman has disastrous consequences as he fights for his life and to clear his name. The plot reads simple enough on paper, but there are terrific twist and turns as the film progresses that are played out and executed effectively, taking this from Z grade Thriller, to a pretty fun and engaging B movie.

I was both surprised and delighted by the casting decisions, not only do we get great perfomances from Danielle Harris and Veteran Jason London, but Kevin Sorbo of "Hercules" fame is along for the ride, as well as Scary Movies, Lochlyn Munro, this isnt your typical B movie no name cast and the film is all the better for it.

The writing and directing for the most part is really well done and director/writer Jack Snyder does a great job of capturing the tone of early 90s erotic thrillers, as the movie at times feels like a throwback to the days of Shannon Tweed thrillers albeit with a lot less sex and more emphasis on the storyline. 

The only minor complaint i have is towards the middle of the movie it starts to drag on a little, but that is quickly rectified with a fantastically tense sequence featuring Jason London's character Mitch sneaking into Amy's house to acquire some evidence to clear his name. Its a well written and directed sequence that perfectly and effectively notches up the tension and will have viewers hanging on the edge of their seats. 

Final Verdict

 For fans of Femme Fatale films and Steamy late night cable thrillers, Fatal Call is neither anything fresh nor groundbreaking. But that said, it does provide a handful of tense thrills, a standout being the nightclub chase and car park showdown, an engaging storyline with plenty of twists and turns to keep even the most jaded movie goer satisfied, and great performances from Kevin Sorbo, Jason London and the ever beautiful Danielle Harris, who shows terrific range and sexuality, we dont usually get to see from her. Fatal Call is the perfect movie for a Friday night when all you want to do is put your feet up and relax.

Rating

An unusual acting turn for Danielle Harris, solid directing and writing earn this a 3 out of 5.

Its worth checking out and despite its DTV movie production values, is an engaging treat from start to finish.

Also check out some of our other articles:

VHS NOSTALGIA #1

Movie Review:  Hansel And Gretel

Movie Review Hatchet III