Written by John Edward Betancourt What’s truly fascinating about some of the classic works and concepts out there, is how well they continue to resonate hundreds of years after they were first explored in literature. Because it means that someone long ago, truly recognized something fascinating about mankind or the world. Something that they believed was worth writing about so that others could perhaps see it through a different set of eyes and potentially change it, if it was a problem. But little did they know that not only would their works become outright classics, the kind that students would study for generations on end… but that their astute observations would not change in the slightest. Granted, that doesn’t mean that the writer failed to provide a compelling observation, it more so means that their request fell upon deaf ears since people do what they do, and who knows when mankind will collectively listen to the issue that they discovered. But the good news, is that as long as we don’t learn their valuable lessons, new interpretations will continue to appear regarding their work. For creative minds love nothing more than to toy with a classic notion, to see how they play in modern times with modern concepts and recently, this reviewer had the opportunity to enjoy a horror film that took the time to offer a new spin on some age-old concepts in The Devil’s Heist. Now in this particular film we are introduced to a man named Ted, who is finally getting out of prison after spending seven years behind bars, and he is eager to get out and resume his career as a criminal and go after a big score robbery wise, in order to enjoy a taste of the good life for a change. Which motivates him to reunite with his old partner and his partner's girlfriend, in order to rob a bank that is oddly enough, without security in the slightest. Which of course allows for the robbery to go off without a hitch. But unfortunately for this trio of thieves, it turns out they’ve robbed a bank run by witches, and the money they’ve stolen, belongs to Satan himself. Which means they are in some serious trouble since nobody steals from the Devil, and it is only a matter of time before Lucifer reclaims his property… and makes them pay for what they've done. So, at first glance, this movie really doesn't seem as thought it's going to offer depth and intrigue. Since early on, its plot resembles nothing more than a heist flick that just so happens to feature the supernatural. But as the story rolls along, it quickly becomes apparent that this is a tale grounded in a lot of Biblical and classic concepts regarding heaven and hell and good vs. evil, with just a hint of Faust and Dante’s Inferno thrown in for good measure, and adding those elements into the mix, makes for one fascinating ride. One that clearly wants to speak to how a dedication to the darkness in our souls brings about nothing but pain and suffering. Which are themes that have been passed down through ancient works for generations, and they really do provide this movie with delightful depth and relevance. With that being said however, it is important to note that this is a lower budget feature. So, if you’re expecting those concepts to be explored in a grandiose fashion, then you’re in for quite the surprise. Because this is an angry story as well, one that features some rotten people doing rotten things. But making this movie a feisty venture is paramount to its messaging. Because if Ted and his little gang were upstanding people, there would be no lessons to be found, nor would there be any point to the ending, since it offers up just desserts for our sour ‘protagonists’. As to how that plays out, well we will keep that secret here. Simply because it’s best you see that play out live. So, if you’re looking for a horror film that offers up a little flash and dash and has a little meaning buried beneath its bravado, then this is the one for you. Because you can never go wrong with a story that offers up action and adventure and depth, and a critical reminder... to never steal from the Devil. ‘The Devil’s Heist’ is available to watch, via Video On Demand.
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Written by John Edward Betancourt There are a great many reasons why horror fans stick with this genre through and thick and thin. But while most will cite the scares and the buckets of gore as key reasons to stand by it, some will be sure to point out the fact that one big reason why fans love it so, is because it can provide its audience with some incredibly diverse storytelling. Because it doesn’t matter what the subject is, or how taboo it might be in regard to everyday conversation, horror films will explore and tackle these topics in a brave and bold manner and they will always find a way to do so in the most imaginative and unique ways possible and for proof of this, look no further than the anthology horror film. For this particular sub-genre of horror, is about as diverse as it gets, since its unconventional structure allows for it tell unconventional and unique stories, the kind that cover any topic in a brief and horrifying manner when done right. Which is really the trick when it comes to this particular sub-genre, because if a movie in this vein isn’t assembled in the smoothest of fashion, the audience will find some of the vignettes that it offers up to be lackluster and if the wraparound story feels rushed, well the same issue occurs, and that common flaw has allowed for some inconsistent storytelling from style of film to play out throughout the years. But once in a while, you run into an anthology flick that is downright flawless through and through and Shudder just so happens to have an anthology horror film in its exclusive lineup that meets that criteria in, The Mortuary Collection. Now in this particular tale, we are plunged into the heart of a seemingly quiet little town, known as Raven’s End. But sadly, the horrors of the world have wormed their way into this beautiful community since there is a serial killer running rampant through the town and its good people have arrived at the local mortuary to pay their respects to the killer’s latest victim, a young child. But today’s funeral will be slightly unique for the man that runs this mortuary. For a strange young woman named Sam has come calling and is curious about working in such a place, and Montgomery Dark’s decision to hire her on the spot will have lasting repercussions on both their lives since one of them has sour intentions in their heart, and it will take a bit of storytelling from both of them, to uncover which one of them is up to no good. So, the first thing that makes this particular anthology so worth the viewer’s while, is the sheer fact that every story featured in this film, is completely and utterly top notch. For they do what this style of horror film does best and present us with horrible human beings that deserve some kind of punishment for their evil ways and boy do they get what’s coming to them in quite the shocking manner. But while the stories are indeed top notch and haunting, where this movie truly shines is in its wraparound story. Because it actually manages to tie into the ‘punishment’ theme that hangs heavy over this movie, and having it become part of the overall storytelling fabric adds gravity to this motion picture, as do the other storytelling surprises present within its framework. For in many ways, this anthology is also an outright love letter to the genre, since it features all kinds of Easter Eggs and shout outs to the various greats of the genre. For there are little homages peppered about to Edgar Allan Poe and H.P Lovecraft, and the movie makes a big point of offering up a classic horror feel at every turn by setting it in the late 1960s and all of this just adds to the charm of this film, something that is further enhanced by the acting. Because Clancy Brown is simply electric as Montgomery Dark and he brings a zest and a zeal to the role in a manner that only he can, and he is balanced out nicely by Caitlin Fisher, who plays Sam with a fierce determination that allows for the two of them to engage in a delightful cat and mouse game that ends in sheer surprise. But while those elements are important to the quality of this tale, what truly makes it perfect… are the little things. Because this particular movie offers up balance at every turn since the dark humor works like a charm here and it is counterbalanced nicely by some quality scares. The kind that make you jump in your seat or cringe in disgust when the gore arrives and most important of all, it offers up some flawless storytelling. For every tale here simply sucks you in and leaves you eager to see how it is going to play out and that really is a testament to the work of Writer/Director Ryan Spindell, since he’s crafted such a magnificent horror feature and really in the end, all of these elements make this a must-see movie for certain. Because it really is quite the entertaining and horrifying ride and it is a fine reminder that this style of storytelling can truly accomplish wonders, when it is placed in the hands of someone that is eager to nurture its terrifying potential. ‘The Mortuary Collection’ is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder. Written by Scott Edwards There are many skeptics out there that don’t believe that there is anything paranormal happening around the world, even when there are so many reports to back them up. You will never believe it, even if you see it with your own eyes and while that is understandable, I still am left to question, why the closed mind? I know my life goal is to become a ghost that comes out of nowhere, frightens the crap out of people in a hotel and gets recognized for doing so. I know not everybody has that lifelong ambition, but as I have said before, I am far from a normal person. After investigating the Amityville house and coming to the conclusion that Lusk was not alone while he killed his family, Lorraine Warren is ready to take a step back once again. Being grilled on national television about herself and husband Ed being a sham, and seeing a new demon in her dreams, Lorraine wants to take it slow and make sure that the vision she has seen with her husband being killed never comes true. But the Warrens work is never done and when the church comes calling for a consult, Ed is more than willing to say yes and Lorraine will not allow him to go on his own. Across the pond in London, England; Peggy Hodgson is having a difficult time making ends meet, much less keeping her family fed. Getting word from school that her daughter Janet was caught smoking outside, she cannot keep herself from listening to the reason behind it. Trying to plead her case, Janet has something that will take her mind off of things, a spirit board that she and a friend made at school. Trying to ask it questions with her sister Margaret, no answers come their way, but something is awakened in the house. Having terrible dreams, Janet fears for her family’s safety and tries to scare off whatever spirit she has awoken, but the old man is not going anywhere. As the haunting starts to get stronger in the house, no one is immune to the spirit’s devious tricks and once Peggy sees a dresser being pushed along the floor with no one behind it, she starts to fear what is happening in her house. With the police witnessing the strange happenings in the house, they can only file a report which will do nothing for the struggling family. But when a reporter comes calling and is able to get Peggy’s story out to the world, the church takes notice and contact the Warrens to check it out. Not being able to feel anything in the house spirit wise, Lorraine is dumbfounded as to what is controlling young Janet. While having a chat with the spirit, the family discovers that he is a former resident of the house, Bill Wilkins, but still not being able to feel him makes Lorraine question if the family is faking their haunting to try and cash in. With all signs pointing one way, the Warrens start to head back home when Ed is able to find the one thing that could break the case wide open, a demon has taken control of the spirit of Bill Wilkins and in turn taken control of Janet as well. With no time to spare in trying to save the girl’s life, the Warrens are forced to face evil head on once again, but do the spoils really go to the victor? This is a great second installment to the Warren saga that I hope continues on for another couple movies. With so many great stories that are waiting to be told, I don’t think that there should be anything holding them back. I liked the pacing of the movie, even while you are taking a slow stroll down a dark hallway, you are trying to see what Janet is seeing and while the demon cannot be seen by all, he can be seen by who he wants to torment the most. The Hodgson family is just great, I am still trying to figure out who the leader of the kids really is, because young Johnny has got some stones to take on the unknown for his sister’s sake. Another family saved by the Warrens which is what they are known for doing, regardless of what problems they are having in their personal life. Stay Scared. Written by John Edward Betancourt Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘One Cut of the Dead’. If there is one thing that we can all agree upon when it comes to the Holiday Season, it would have to be that this particular time of year is rich in tradition. But while we are all aware of the ones that the vast majority of people follow; the kind that involve a specific timeline for when the decorations go up and how the presents get wrapped… we don’t talk enough about the other traditions that take place during this particular time of year. Which might be a monumental task in its own right since so many celebrate the holidays in their own spectacular way. But one that is definitely worth discussing today, is how horror fans celebrate the holidays. Simply because, these hearty fans don’t listen to the cries that scary movies should only be viewed during the spookiest of seasons. No instead, they tend to enjoy the wonder of this season by putting on their favorite horror movies or a holiday themed one simply because it gives them outright joy and allows for them to process the season in their own special way. Which is why for our holiday movie marathon this season, we are going to do something quite different here at Nerds That Geek. Because we love horror flicks, and we love the season as well and we too want to take part in this unique style of celebration. So, with that in mind, we welcome you to ‘A Very Shudder Holiday’, a special series for the holiday season that outright celebrates some of the finest exclusives that the horror streaming network Shudder has to offer. Not because they paid us to do so, because they didn’t. But because they have some incredible offerings that we haven’t had the chance to dive into just yet, and since 2020 is a dumpster fire as is, this seems like the perfect time to just enjoy what we want to enjoy. So, over the next few days, we are going to dive deep into a wonderful variety of horror films from Shudder, some that are traditional in nature, and some that feature yuletide screams before we wrap up this series with A Creepshow Holiday Special. But with so many offerings from this fantastic network, where on earth does one begin such a mini marathon? Well, that answer to that question is easy in this reviewer’s eyes. Because the best place to start is always with the living dead. For zombies are a true staple of the industry and hotter than ever right now and that’s why One Cut of the Dead is the perfect way to kick off this holiday horror marathon. Now for those unfamiliar with this particular flick, its plot is pretty darn straightforward. For in this story, we are introduced to a low budget horror film crew that has come to an abandoned industrial facility to film a zombie movie for a hack director that is obsessed with his ego and his vision and well… things aren’t going well when we catch up with the cast and crew. Because the director isn’t getting what he wants, and that motivates him to do something drastic and use blood to summon an ancient and evil legend that surrounds this place. One that involves the resurrection of the dead and the successful execution of this plan, is going to make life hell for the good folks that just wanted to make a fun little zombie movie. If anything, that really is quite the baseline plot for a zombie film, one that really doesn’t seem all that remarkable. But it doesn’t take long for the viewer to realize that this particular movie is going to be something quite special, since it becomes apparent that this zombie fiesta is filmed in a single and massive extended take, one that is executed in masterful fashion. Which is impressive in its own right since this is something that few filmmakers ever dare to attempt. But director Shin’ichirô Ueda pulls it off here no problem. Which allows for a high-octane and wild zombie tale to take place, one filled to the brim with laughter and shocking surprises, especially when it comes to the first ending of this motion picture. For it turns out that the zombie portion of this story is only 37 minutes along and once the carnage has come to a close, the movie transforms into something more since we are treated to a backstory segment that allows for us to learn, exactly how this movie came to life. Which in many ways, satirizes the filmmaking industry in general. Since it pokes fun of the ambitious and impractical ideas that some production companies come up with, alongside some of the challenges that creatives face when it comes to logistics and ego and all the other wild things that we hear about from time to time, in regard to assembling a motion picture or a television series. But what truly makes this segment of the story so special and so fascinating, is that it quickly transforms itself from outright satire, to a genuine love letter to the industry by examining how much it means to the people that work in it. Because this cast and crew, go the extra mile in order to ensure that One Cut of the Dead is a rousing success through and through. Because they’re the ones responsible for it and its content, and despite the problems they face or the challenges that pop up on the day of filming, they are dedicated to pulling off the impossible and creating something worthwhile and magical and well… that’s quite the wonderful way to wrap up a zombie story. One that is quite frankly… as unique as they come. Because it truly does feature quite the unconventional way to tell a story. Since it uses the ‘end result’ to set up a secondary story of how this movie came to life and well… that’s just brilliant when all is said and done. Because it is just a rarity to run into a film that thumbs at nose at conventional structure in such a manner, while still managing to be compelling and engaging and this is handled in such a smooth manner, that when the time comes for this ambitious project to be filmed; you’re rooting for the cast and crew to pull this off and be the heroes you know they can be. In the end however, this really is quite the refreshing film thanks to its uniqueness, and it is also the perfect way to kick off this marathon. For its quality truly informs us that Shudder is offering up nothing short of top quality when it comes to their exclusives and that definitely leaves this reviewer excited to continue this holiday themed horror journey. Until next time. ‘One Cut of the Dead’ is streaming now, exclusively on Shudder. Written by Scott Edwards It is difficult to finally come to the decision to let someone that is not family take care of your children. I think this is called hiring a babysitter, I think I had plenty of these growing up and while I don’t remember my earlier ones, I do remember some very entertaining ones that I got when I was older. I always thought that when my parents were gone, that there would be no rules, but damn, I was wrong. More often than not, my little plans to get away with doing things I did not normally get to do were always cut off at the knees and while I did have fun, it was not as exciting as I would have expected. It is an important night for Dan and Joyce, but a little problem has arisen, as their normal babysitter is not available. Getting passed on another name of one of Maggie’s friends, Anna should be a great replacement and the two parents should be able to get on with their special anniversary night. Talking Dan’s ear off in the car, Anna seems to be a nice girl and when arriving at the house, she meets young Sally, younger Christopher and the eldest of the bunch, Jacob. With the little ones eating right out of her hand from the moment she walks in the door, Jacob will be a tougher one to crack, but Anna will not let up. Waving goodbye to Joyce and Dan, the night is off and filled with games, but not like the normal ones the kids have played before. Turning a game of dress up into a game of pretend, Christopher breaks one of the cardinal rules of the house by ruining some pillowcases, but Anna does not seem to mind. Getting ready for their next game, a game of hide and seek, Jacob gets roped in by the flirty Anna and is willing to give it a go. While counting backwards from one hundred, Anna starts searching the house for something, going through closets, drawers and jewelry boxes until she finds what she is looking for. As the countdown ends, Jacob finds her first and is forced to help the young woman who is on her period. Knowing that there is something not right going on with the babysitter, Jacob figures out her little secret when she announces the movie for the night. Finding out that she is not Anna, but Emelie, Jacob needs to ask someone for help, but his friend Howie is cut off and they will have to meet later in the night. With a rough bedtime story that explains all of Emelie’s past, Sally and Jacob are ready to take a stand. Finding that their father’s gun has been left out, Jacob tries to scare the strange woman away, but she does not seem to fear him at all. But when Christopher picks up the gun and pulls the trigger, Emelie knows that she has found exactly what she has been looking for. With a plan in place to get her baby cub back, the doorbell rings and Maggie comes to visit the kids but seeing a stranger with her friends is only the beginning of what turns into a deadly evening on so many levels. I did not know what to expect when turning this movie on, but I must say that I was kind of impressed. Evil Babysitter movies have come and gone with the same storyline and while this one did not deviate too far from the proven formula; it will stick with you. Emelie is just a charming young woman, she almost charmed the pants off of Dan and seemed like the coolest babysitter ever when it came to letting the kids do whatever they wanted. But the flirtation with Jacob to get him to play with his siblings was something that I have not seen before and even he knew that there was something wrong with it, even though he would have a story to tell. Watching Jacob grow up on the screen was just fantastic since he did not seem to want to deal with his brother and sister, but when he was needed most, he was there for them, high five for brotherly love! Emelie was something of a conundrum before you saw her story and then you fully understand her intentions of taking the job for the night and only one thing could get in her way of pulling it off, Maggie. Oh, Maggie your screen time was short, but thank you for being there. With juice, drugged juice, a cute babysitter, all rules off of the table, a parent’s sex tape and python eating live prey, this is a good little ride that will leave you wondering what your babysitter is doing with your kids when you are not home. Stay Scared. Written by Scott Edwards What a wonderful world it would be if you could take a vacation for as long as you wanted to. To get your mind right and be able to accomplish everything that you ever dreamed of. Alas, the sad reality of things is that it costs so much to do these things, even to take a road trip and find a place to lay your head. But getting away from the job for at least a week is good for the mind and body, so at least most people are able to work that into their busy schedules, if only to get some rest. Trying to get his little brother away from real life for a little bit, Josh is more than happy to pick on him as well. Even though Mike knows that Josh is having a good time at his expense, he still does not want to get too out of control, but when Josh decides to drive with his eyes closed, the two find out that they are on a trip that they will never forget. Almost crashing into a couple of the locals, the two find themselves being run down by a gang of rednecks and crash their car in the local stream. Needing to get their car out, the two start making their way to town, only to find out that it is just as backwards as the roads. Trying to get the attention of a local man stumbling out of the bar, Mike follows him in to the back alley and sees that the man is dead. Needing to get help, Mike and Josh head into the bar where they find their old friends from the drive into town drinking and looking for a fight. Being led by Albert, the group is ready to take a pound of flesh from the brothers, but when the Sheriff walks in, everything is put on the back burner for the night. Telling Sheriff Will what they found, the three head out to the back alley and find another man sleeping in the same place where Mike saw the dead body. Although the dead man is missing, Sheriff Will sees something strange on the ground and picks it up to have it checked out by his favorite doctor. Getting Mike’s wounds patched up from the fight, Josh and Mike are put up in an old woman’s house for the night but are ordered to leave as soon as they get their car fixed. Waking up late in the afternoon, Josh is shocked to see that his little brother has gone missing. Heading into town to try and get a tow truck to get his car out of the ditch, Josh sees that most of the businesses are shut down for some strange reason, but the bar is open, so he heads on in. Finding schoolteacher slash bartender Holly, Josh is starting to rethink his position on the town and is able to catch a ride to the other gas station that should be open, but the two have a quick stop to make at the school where screaming is heard down the hallways. Investigating what is going on, Josh makes his way down to the boiler room and finds a dead girl who falls on top of him. Not only that, but his old buddy Albert is in the room as well and ready for round two of the fight. While Sheriff Will is having problems around his little town, he is usually able to keep it under control, but something has changed. Finding out that the ooze that he found on the ground is a kind of blood that expands when it touches human blood is disconcerting, but now with finding the dead little girl in the school, he knows that something strange is happening. Thinking that Josh may have been involved with the girl’s death, he starts to keep an eye on the out of towner, but that might not be enough when all is said and done. Giving Doctor Myra a go at the dead girl’s body, he is hoping to find out what it eating at the residents of his town and hopefully put an end to it. But the findings are just too shocking for anyone to believe with a chemical reaction taking place in the human body that nobody can survive, yet they do, and require living blood to feed on. I typed in classic horror movies on my search prompt to find this gem and am happy that it came up. I am a huge fan of 80’s horror movies, mostly because they are so out there and, in my case, recognize a couple of actors/actresses that I have seen in bit roles down the road. This one (also known as Night Shadows) was no different, with a new breed of zombies that I do not remember, who have the power to burn and melt anything they touch with their hands. While I am still unclear why this power does not happen on the rest of the body, I will say that the changing of these people to zombies is different than anything I have seen before and I like that. The characters are fun in this movie, and while Josh seems to be the lead, the Sheriff really steals the show with his story of retribution and his love for Doctor Myra. Not really a lot of the standard red blood in this movie, but there is plenty of splatter, Molotov cocktails, blue skinned zombies and some toxic waste. Stay Scared. Written by Scott Edwards The fear of losing a family member is something that nobody should have to go through, but so often they do. Turning their lives upside down to make ends meet is something that we hear on a daily basis for people experiencing the fight to keep their family member alive and it seems for them, there is no end in sight. Giving up everything that was important to them, it is a miracle when everything comes to an end and they are able to get back on their feet. No matter what the cost is, so many people give everything they have without question and would do it again in a heartbeat to save a loved one and that should be commended when all is said and done. Driving back and forth between the hospital and their home, Sara Campbell is having a more difficult time every day watching as her son Matt continues to suffer in the back of the car. Knowing that the drive hurts him, she is looking for an alternative and the thought of finding a house closer to the hospital seems like the only way. While Matt is getting his cancer treatment, Sara takes to the road and finds a house that would be perfect for her family, but it has one flaw that the landlord lets her know about. But when driving back home and seeing that Matt is worse off than ever before, she pulls the trigger and lets the rest of the family know that they are moving to a new home. Before the rest of the family shows up, Sara offers Matt the opportunity to pick his own room and her son decides on the basement. Saying it picked him, he would rather be out of the way of his younger siblings, especially when he starts to get sick again. But there is something else about the room that has grabbed his attention as there is another locked room in the basement and he is dying to find out what is behind the door. When the rest of the family shows up, little Billy and Mary pick their own rooms while niece Wendy gets assigned the room with the great painting on the wall and Peter and Sara of course get the master. Everything seems great in the house, but Matt is seeing things moving around and since these visions do not seem to be going away, he needs someone to talk to. Reverend Popescu who is in the same treatment program offers Matt a helpful ear when it comes to dealing with the dead. With both of them being so close to death, it is like opening a doorway to the other side and the dead like to take that as an opportunity to be seen and heard. None of this is reassuring at all for Matt, since he just wants to find a way how to make them stop so he can live the remainder of his days in peace, but when his little brother Billy gets stalked by a ghost and Mary falls through the attic floor, Matt and Wendy find out the dark secret that the old house is holding on to. With the house being build atop a former mortuary, the two also find out that the previous owner Ramsey Aickman and his understudy Jonah used the building for séances and over time, Aickman found a way to improve the power of his medium to channel the dead. Passing their story on to the Reverend, he tries to help, but is thrown out when Sara finds out that there is a stranger in her house, but little does she know who else is there with her family that can only be seen by those who are close to death themselves. It has been a couple years since I watched this the first time, but sitting and watching it again, I am a little more impressed with it. I really liked the backstory the house got and the dark practices by Aickman being shown on the screen, especially when the dead take Jonah from the land of the living. The fear that Matt not only shows for dying but being kicked off of the medical trial that he is a part of is great and he sees that keeping anything hidden is no good for his chance for recovery. Matt’s father Peter could have used a little more story, as you see him break down and go back to his old habits that got him in trouble with the family, who knows how long ago, but he is fighting spirits of his own throughout. Sara really had the best all-around story, trying to keep her family from falling apart when everything seems to be crumbling in front of her face. I like the family, I like the games they play and how each member tried to cope with the imminent demise of Matt in the house, even though they want him to get better, there is very little that even science can do to save him, but maybe a greater force can. Stay Scared. |
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