I was actually a trifle speechless when the end credits rolled on this one. I mean, based on the previous After Dark Horrorfest entries, I expected the same hot, wet garbage juice as, say, Nightmare Man. And on another note, what's up with the advertsing of this year's already-passed festival? Back in February I went to get the dates and found the fest had already come and gone! Anyway, why was I speechless after watching Perkins' 14? Because it was simply a decent horror film; it was actually pretty good.Okay, here it is: I am partial to Maine locale whether in books or in movies. Perhaps this is the sole reason I thoroughly enjoyed The Uninvited (US remake of A Tale of Two Sisters). Maine, for me, conjures up all of the great characters, plots, and atmospheres delivered by Stephen King in the 35 novels and 42 short stories I've read to date. Plus, Maine is just a darn great place to be! Though this movie didn't fixate on the typical lakeside cottages and rocky coastline, or lobster roll loving locals. Conversely, it delivered its punch mostly between a graveyard and a jail.
I'll be honest up front and admit that while the film is not necessarily horrifying, it effectively executes a dark, dismal atmosphere with its main plot (a troubled psychopath has abducted children and turned them into über zombies) and its subplots (a cop struggling with the abduction of his son; the cop's unfaithful wife due to an unfulfillment of needs; the cop's daughter hanging out with stoners in a graveyard and considering losing her virginity to the lamest male character I've seen in a long time). Everything about the movie shares a common theme: fear and regret.
And there was a good amount of gore! I was a little put off by the first few bloody scenes, as they seemed toned down, but as the film rolled on I realized that they were saving the good stuff for later--I've always hated movies that shove the goriest parts in your face at the beginning. It's not exactly on par with 28 Days Later or 28 Weeks Later, but the movie has its own small-town charm, and a deeper story than a science lab disaster. My only complaint with Perkins' 14 is the lame (Goth?) guitarist/boyfriend.
It seems to me that this year's entries could just be a turn in the right direction; that direction being the horror genre. This flick even has a great ending, even if it gets a bit predictable in the midst of the massacre. I'm looking forward to my next ADH movie, Voices, which should arrive from Netflix today.
Review Soundtrack:
Greeley Estates - "Desperate Times Call For Desperate Housewives"
The Dillinger Escape Plan - "Sunshine The Werewolf"
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This is one I've been hearing a lot of good things about, mostly from folks as shocked as yourself to find a decent film amongst the After Dark Horrorfest titles. Must check it out.
ReplyDeleteJohnny - I'm about to write a review for Voices, an even better ADH entry than Perkins' 14! I really regret missing the fest this time around, but these flicks have my interest piqued for next year!
ReplyDeleteWow - I too am shocked this is good. And excited that it's good - it's been a while since I saw a good horror movie.
ReplyDeleteOh, I did watch The Uninvited though, and I really enjoyed it. Was worried I would be mocked, so it's nice to see I'm in good company.
Gore-Gore Girl: This year's After Dark fest is definitely a step in the right direction. Be sure to check out Voices; it's even better than Perkins' 14.
ReplyDeleteThe Uninvited was great, and I, too, was mocked by friends. They kept pointing out flaws with the "big twist," but I was able to dispel every claim by applying a little imagination. Sometimes I think people try to play the role of Mister-Rational-Thought Plato when watching "fiction" movies! Did you happen to see the original, A Tale of Two Sisters?
I honestly didn't bother trying to think back through whether or not the narrative matched up perfectly with the twist. I was simply having too much fun - it's not every day that I find a movie where I'm totally engrossed, that features two girls who actually like each other, who I like also (is that too much to ask?). If I didn't like the film, I probably would have picked it apart...
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the original, but would be interested in seeing it. It's good? I kinda rejected all J-Horror after the complete saturation of the market, and one creepy kid/ghost too many (last one I watched was the original Dark Water). Maybe I'm missing out on some treats?
GGG - I completely agree with you about the sisters. Every moment with them was enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteThe original is definitely worth a watch. You'll see just how explicit the 'twist' was in the US remake. I'll admit to being slightly bewildered after my first viewing.
I REALLY NEED TO SEE THIS. I HAVE PASSED IT UP. I KIND OF GAVE UP ON THE AFTER DARK HORROR FEST SERIES BUT YOU MAKE THIS ONE AND VOICES SOUND REALLY AWESOME I NEED TO GIVE BOTH OF THOSE AGO....
ReplyDeleteCheesy - I had given up on the ADH movies, too, but this year's selection was a leap in the right direction!
ReplyDelete