Stakeland



Stakeland Poster



I didn’t have very high expectations for this film, basically set in the wilderness of post apocalyptic America, shot down by a vampire virus which is on the brink of encompassing the world, “Mister” and “Martin” are both set on the same path after “Mister” saves “Martin” against the vampires that kill his parents and eat his sibling (Literally).

The film is mostly set in rural surroundings so it gives the effect of “no where to run” and certainly “no where to hide”, Mister and Martin on there travels meet a variety of characters such as a nun and a few “beautiful damsel’s in distress” and finally a “brotherhood” that seems to have in for our 2 main protagonists. On the whole I believe that the film is mostly about how their relationship flourishes through out and how humanity would pull together if this were ever to happen.

For a low budget film the vampires/undead are extremely effective and the make up is excellent, if you are looking for a film to make you jump, this isn’t it, however it does provide and good emotional story with likeable characters and a good standard of acting.

One of the Vampires/Undead

This may seem like a short review, but its just one of those films that not really much happens, but if I were to talk about the film, it would kind of giveaway the suspense in which is builds throughout the film, like what they are going to do next.

All I can say is that, its not your run of the mill vampire film, however it is definitely worth your time, and it is a fulfilling film to watch, and there is possible room for a sequel.

Characters: 8/10

Storyline: 6/10

Overall: 7/10

Insidious

Like a lot of people, I love everything about the horror genre from the violence right down to the bare bones of the soundtrack, however I was unsure whether I would enjoy this film, and still since watching it I am unsure of what my overall opinion is. There are blindingly scary moments in this film, and there are some down right hilarious moment’s as well (non-intentional).



He Looks............Hungry!!



I will start with the basics, the films starts with the introduction of Renai and Josh the main protagonists of the story and also parents too 3 “angelic”, well at least 2 of them are angelic, I personally cannot speak for the 3^rd child, I will leave that assumption to you, the viewer. They have recently moved to this new “beautiful house” in what seems a really quiet town. There is no real back story to why they have moved, but we are told that they have come for a fresh start.

The beginning of the film starts off slow and suspenseful (not in a bad way either) always keeping you on the toes waiting for something to happen. Renai plays a creepy and creaky piano with sheet music which is where the first layers of the film are produced, she starts to look for this particular box that they have moved with, but cannot seem to find it anywhere until she finds it in the dark and dingy attic.

Then things start to get extremely creepy, as the viewer you start wondering if Renai herself is going crazy or something is actually going on in this Haunted House of ridiculously scary “being”. The “old school” baby monitor plays a major part in this film and is where the first creepy incident happens, Renai listens to the monitor as she hears her daughter crying, she also hears a creepy voice along side her child, which freezes her to the ground and you to the seat. Even as I type I have goose bumps even thinking about this scene. The “being” scowls something along the lines of:

         “I want”, “I want him”, “I WANT him”, “I….I…. WANT…………NOOOOOW”

Followed by Renai sprinting up the stairs (at the rate of a snail might I add considering her baby is in the presence of something extremely sinister) however poor Renai hasn’t made it in time and only finds the baby stood up crying.



Insidious Poster



A few more things happen to unsettle the viewer through out, and like I said will have you on the edge of your seat. I won’t tell you too much buts that’s the first half of the film, its all about the suspense and the not knowing what is in the dark corner.

In the second half you finally come to learn what these “beings” are, which is when the film starts to ruin itself unfortunately, now don’t get me wrong the make up is extremely good for a low budget film ($1,500,000). One particular “being” will have you wondering whether or not to ever turn the light off again. However the camera shows rather too much of these “beings” in the light and in your face, and after a while it becomes quite mundane, as you keep seeing the same thing over and over again.



Towards the end of the film it becomes quite out of this world literally, which is where some people find that they might lose there imagination a little bit, due to the use of “Astral Projection” in the film, the film tries to make it all to real, but that and the showing of the beings too much becomes a little……..silly. Never the less, the film has a massive twist towards the end, which will make you think,“Okaaaaaaaaay then”.

James Wan has done a very good job of putting this on the big screen, just like the 1^st SAW (one of my all time favourite films), but may upset a lot of people in the second half of the film, and unfortunately it ruined it for me as it just turned into “just another horror film” which is unfortunate, because this could have been an excellent horror.

One of the main things that keeps this film a float is the amazing soundtrack, the creepy orchestra in the background keeps you on your toes and with out a doubt truly makes the film scary, without this the film would struggle in being scary.

The Visitor

The acting isn’t particularly amazing, probably due to the lack of depth in the script but it is believable, in some scenarios, you just feel like shouting at the screen “WHAT ARE YOU DOING”.

I wouldn’t say to anyone, don’t rent/buy this film. But it does have its faults. Just be prepared to be very, very scared in the first half.

Storyline: (First Half) 8/10 (Second Half) 3/10

Characters: 7/10

Soundtrack: 9/10

Overall:  7/10