Housebound [2014]

Housebound [2014]

Everyone has heard the quip, "jack of all trades, master of none", but many wouldn't realize it'd be an actual compliment when throwing it at a horror film.  Yes, most of the "masters" are long gone (RIP Wes Craven), but being a jack is pretty solid, and being a jack in all aspects of a horror film is pretty bad ass, let alone it being from a first-time director, writer, editor, actor...err...ok, so he didn't act, but I bet he even prepared the small sandwiches table for the actors. 

Kylie Bicknell is a rebellious hellion living the life of late teen crime, when an ATM robbery goes bad, and she ends up being sentenced to house arrest at Ma and Pa's house, a couple seemingly pulled right out of a J&E Coen's Fargo script, and things aren't all right in the old and creaky abode.

Once home, Kylie settles in and mayhem begins.  Meatloafs eaten, Coronation Street's missed, "Hello Moto" is scary, and somehow a bitch becomes endearing.  Housebound is scary, funny, well written, and a blast from start to finish.  Highly recommended.

7/10

Triangle [2009]

Triangle [2009]

If you've never seen a time loop flick before, you'll probably be drooling over Triangle.  But for those well versed in this psychological mind fuck gag it's just another ripoff.  Triangle ripped off Timecrimes (2007), which ripped off Salvage (2006), which ripped off Primer (2004), which ripped off Run Lola Run (1998), which ripped off Groundhog Day (1993).  Now if only Groundhog Day ripped off Triangle...miiiiiiiiiind, bloooooooown (pakeww!).  

Now, I'm not saying the time loop gag is overdone, or can't be successful, it can...clearly...as every film I mentioned above I'd call a helluva good movie.  Unfortunately, that's all of them except Triangle.  Why?  Triangle is about as scary as Groundhog Day.

Triangle had a card to play, in a hand all too often played, and it folded.  Besides Salvage, none of its time loop predecessors had the horror card up its sleeve, the cinematic Ace of Spades, and that's where Triangle falters.  It's a horror film, where the only actual horror, is the fear of the time loop itself.

6/10

Blue Ruin [2013]

Blue Ruin [2013]

Perhaps not a "horror" in its purest summation, Blue Ruin is as terrifying and hands over your face scary as any recent jump-scare ghost flick, The Conjuring and We Are Still Here included.  Add in some bursting-flesh bullet kills and foot on the pedal pacing, it could rival any of the recent ultra-violent crime thrillers as well.

The homeless and mentally scarred son learns the killer of his parents is being let out of prison via plea deal, and well holy shit he just won't stand for that.  And that's literally all I'm going to tell you about the plot.  I'd even advise you to skip the trailer...the least you know going in, the better.

10/10

Pieces of Talent [2014]

Pieces of Talent [2014]

Gore + Substance.  Oh yes, FearFinder shall rejoice.

Don't let any pics or its trailer fool you.  

Pieces of Talent has as much heart and soul as it does blood and guts, 

and both tandems are done to perfection.

Now go here and support these guys.

http://piecesoftalent.com/

9/10