Deadly Spawn (1983)

Director: Douglas McKeown


Premise:
Aliens invade a small community and start eating the residents.

My Take:
The movie has flaws with bad acting being at the top of the list. But the story is decent, there's good gore, and so are the creatures. Combined it makes a decent flick to watch.
What more could you want from early 80's low budget horror?

Rating: In the middle







Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Dawning (2009)

Starring: Jonas Goslow, Najarra Townsend
Director: Greg Holtgrewe


Premise:
A brother and sister head up to see their father and step-mother in a remote cabin. A stranger breaks screaming about something chasing him. The night goes from bad to worse as this unseen entity attacks them all.

My Take:
Minimalistic horror which is derived from the situation and tension from the unknown evil present lurking. The approach only works for so long. Mainly because the characters make poor decision and flip from bickering to telling each other what to do. I feel like with stronger characters this movie would have stood out. Instead it's forgettable.

Rating: In the middle (with a slight warning)







Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

She Beast (1966)

Starring: Michael Reeves
Director: Barbara Steele, Ian Ogilvy


Premise:
A couple are on their honeymoon in a remote village. The woman gets possessed by a witch who wants revenge for her death.

My Take:
I enjoyed the story, even though it was a bit over the top and lacking in execution at times. The creature was almost laughable but seeing how the movie is over 45 years old I guess that can be expected.
It's a movie which isn't too bad to watch but one which is easily forgettable.

Rating: In the middle








Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

The Divide (2011)

Starring: Michael Beihn, Laura German, Milo Ventimiglia, Rosanna Arquette, Courtney B. Vance,
Director: Xavier Gens


Premise: 
A group of tenants take shelter from a nuclear attack in an apartment building basement. As the days pass by, the individuals of the group start breaking down.


My Take:
Two words comes to mind - dark and depressing.
A simple premise is taken to the extremes by an excellent cast and a fine director and a story which feels very plausible.
I also enjoyed the editing of the movie. In times of crisis the rapid fire cuts made the situation seem more chaotic and the long takes helped intensify the human drama when needed.


Rating: So Good







Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

The Boxer's Omen (1983)

Director: Chin Hung Kuei 

Premise:
The brother of an injured kick boxer tries to find a way to break their family curse.

My Take:
What a trippy film from the Shaw Brothers! Kick boxing monk fighting black magic sorcerers. The special effects are so outdated and look bad, but in a way it all adds to the madness.

Rating: In the middle





Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Face Off, Season 2

Starring: McKenzie Westmore, Glenn Hetrick, Ve Neill, Patrick Tatopoulos

Synopsis:
A contest where 12 up and coming special effect artists battle for a top prize.


My Take:
The challenges got bigger in the second season. The cast is full of great artists and interesting personality.
As a guy who's always loved the art of special effects and make up, I simply love this show and constantly amazed at the talent on display.

Rating: So Good.





Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

Starring: Ben Johnson, Dawn Wells
Director: Charles Pierce


Premise:
The year is 1946. In a small down in Texarkana a hooded figure starts killing the residents. Police investigate as the town waits in fear.

My Take:
The movie shows some age but it is still a well down flick. It's got a little of everything: some light hearted comedy, good police mystery, and a gruesome killer.
The great Ben Johnson chews up scenery with a masterful skills. 

Rating: So Good






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

The Clinic (2010)

Starring: Tabrett Bethell, Andy Whitmore
Director: James Rabbitts

Premise:
A couple stay overnight at a rural motel. The very pregnant girlfriend is kidnapped and wakes up in an abandoned building with her baby removed. Then she discovers other woman at the facility and killer.

My Take:
The movie definitely had me guessing. It starts as a man trying to find his pregnant fiancee, then turns in a group of women trying to survive a mysterious killer, then the final act brings it all together in a surprising fashion. Some how it works.

Rating: In the middle






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Shadowland (2010)

Starring: Caitlin McIntosh
Director: Wyatt Weed


Premise:
After a construction crew uncovers a tomb, the vampire sleeping there rises. Soon she is being hunted by the church.

My Take:
Nothing really happens in this movie... except a lot of chasing. It's boring and waste of my time.

Rating: Steaming Pile











Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Alcatraz, Season 1 (2011)

Starring: Sarah Jones, Sam Neill, Jorge Garcia


Synopsis:
In 1963 the prisioners and guards of Alcatraz prison mysteriously disappeared. In 2012, they have mysteriously returned. A group of people are determined to find out why.

My Take:
An interesting premise. The show got better as the season went on as the mystery to what really happened to these prisoners and why started to unfold. A very likeable cast helps the cause.
I am very interested to see where this all leads.

Favorite Episode:
"Tommy Madesen" - While there really wasn't a single episode that stood out as being superior over the others the season finale works well with in the entire story.

Rating: In the middle (but with potential for a great season two)




Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

The Hunters (2011)

Starring: Terrance Knox
Director: Chris Briant


Premise:
A group of hunters bring people to a secluded fort and use them as prey.

My Take:
Boring. The premise has been done before and much better. I hate seeing the majority of these hunters turn from badass into sniveling cowards when the tables are turns. That happens for almost every one of the them. It's dumb.

Rating: Warning (Extreme Warning)





Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Absentia (2011)

Starring: Courtney Bell, Katie Parker
Director: Mike Flanagan


Premise:
After he husband has been missing seven years, a woman is ready to declare him "dead in absentia". Her sister comes to stay to help with the process and the baby on the way. One night the husband reappears in the same clothes he had on seven years ago.

My Take:
The movie starts off with a ghost story feel to it but turns into something much more and unexpected. The tone of the film is dark and full of despair. Also ends up offering a Lovecraftian take for the mysterious disappearances . 
The two leads play great off each other.

Rating: So Good (I really, really liked this movie)







Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Sculpture (2009)

Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Starring: Erin Brown, Raine Brown
Director: Pete Jacelone


Premise:
An aspiring artist starts sculpting the perfect man from live parts

My Take:
One word: snoozefest. It tries to be deep with the traumatic events in the main character's childhood but it really doesn't work. Very poor acting doesn't help either.
Skip it... unless you're a big fan of Misty Mundae, I mean Erin Brown. Then only was half and with the fast forward button ready for action.

Rating: Steaming Pile


 

Take Shelter (2011)

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Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Shea Wigham,
Director: Jeff Nichols



Premise:
 A man builds an underground shelter for his family after having horrible dreams about the end of the world.


My Take:
Great, low key performances stand out in this movie. The story is simply and it rides the blurry line of  is this really happening to this man or is it a symptom of schizophrenia which runs in his family.


Rating:  So Good

Look, Season 1 (2010)

Starring: Ali Colbrin, Sharon Hinnendael, Giuseppe Andrews, Robert Curtis Brown, Claudia Christian
Director: Adam Rifken

Synopsis:
The lives of several L.A. residents intertwine through several security and surveillance cameras.

My Take:
An interesting take on "The Big Brother" motiff as we are always being recorded. The frightening part is how little people really are watching and the crimes that are still committed under these cameras.

Favorite Episode:
None stood out over the others.

Rating: In the middle






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Variola Vera (1982)

Starring: Rade Serbedzija
Director: Goran Markovic

Premise:
The true story of a small pox outbreak in Belgrade.

My Take:
Excellent tension runs through the movie as doctors and patients in a hospital are quarantined while trying to figure out what disease has been spread in the building. Also great, realistic special effects.

Rating: So good





Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Creature (2011)

Starring: Sid Haig, Pruitt Taylor Vince
Director: Fred Andrews


Premise:
A group of college kids stumble upon a remote town in the Louisiana bayou. A town haunted by the terrible legend of Lockjaw!

My Take:
The movie is filled with cliches and the legend around the creature is absurd. At least the actors do well with the generic characters.
The movie may have been redeemable if the gore quotient was upped. There isn't that much blood.

Rating: Warning






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Asylum (1972)

Starring: Peter Cushing, Brit Ekland, Herbert Lom, Charlotte Rampling, Patrick Magee
Director: Roy Ward Baker

Premise:
A new doctor is making rounds at an insane asylum and hears the supernatural tales of four patients.

My Take:
The movie has four good segments and a decent wrap around story, all taken from Robert Bloch short stories, but none really stand out over the others. Great acting and tight direction make this an enjoyable film.

Rating: In the middle (but darn fun)





Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Walking Dead, Season 2 (2012)

Starring: Andrew Lincoln, Jon Bernthal, Sarah Wayne Callies


Premise:
Season 2 starts with the survivors leaving Atlanta. Eventually they find shelter in at large, rural farm with the farmer's family. Tensions get high as the two leaders, Rick and Hershel, have different view points on how to handle the dead. The situation isn't helped by Shane who continues to slip further into hatred towards Rick.

My Take:
The second proved one thing: No character is safe. I was highly surprised by a couple of the deaths this season.
This season a lot of the show takes place on the farm. We get a lot of character building. We get invested in these people. There is still plenty of shocks and great gore.
The show continues to follow the path of the graphic novel yet carve its own take.

Favorite Episode: "Beside the Dying Fire" - The season finale has chaos running through out. Hershel's farm is over ran by zombies and the group is forced to fight and flee for safety. Moral is at an all time low and they have no place to hold up for the future.

Rating: So Good



Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

The Skin I Live In (2011)

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya
Director: Pedro Almodovar


Premise:
A plastic surgeon creates a synthetic skin. He's using a mysterious woman as the test subject. A woman who also secret of his obsessions and haunted past.

My Take:
Once again Almodovar proves why he's been one of the most intriguing film makers of the last thirty years. This time coming closer to horror than he ever has before.
Without giving much away (as I never try to spoil the goodies), the movie has you thinking one way at the beginning. Then about half way through the back story comes to light and adds a whole different dimension. Which sets up the twisted third act.
It's a dark and excellent movie.

Rating: So good






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

The Dark Lurking (2010)

Director:Gregory Connors

Premise:
A research facility gets put under lock down. The survivors attempt to escape without getting killed by the creatures which have taken over.

My Take:
The special effects were very good. That's the only kind thing I can say about this movie. The acting is horrible. The story is predictable. The characters are ultra cliched. It became very hard to watch and keep interest.

Rating: Steaming Pile






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

Psycho Shark (2009)

AKA: Jaws In Japan


Director: John Hijiri

Premise:
Two friends are on vacation and get lost. They find a rather deserted hotel to stay at where things seem amiss.

My Take:
Wow. I was hoping for a good shark attack movie. Instead the shark is limited to one brief and ridiculous scene. My basic problem is nothing happens. Two friends have fun on a beach. One of the girls then finds video tape. Girl watches other girls on tape frolic about the beach. In between are strange scenes that dont really make sense or add anything.
I'm not really sure why I didn't shut the movie off.

Rating: Steaming Pile






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.

House On Sorority Row (1983)

Starring: Eileen Davidson, Harley Jane Kozak, Kate McNeil
Director: Mark Rosman

Premise:
The girls of a sorority house pull a prank on their head mistress, which ends up deadly. They cover up the crime and dead bodies start turning up at their party.

My Take:
It's kind of a typical early 80's slasher containing some blood, some nudity, a mildly interesting mystery about the killer's identity, and gaps in logic.

Rating: Warning (but tolerable)






Fringes of Horror by Sean Kimmel is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.seankimmel.com.