The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

 Hi everyone. Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films and TV shows you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

TERRIFIER

I had heard so much hype about this series so I watched part 1 and 2 back to back. The first Terrifier is an ultra-violent slasher flick that follows a crazy clown as he stalks and kills multiple victims on Halloween night.

Directed by Damien Leone, this movie is a throwback to 80s style slasher movies with practical special effects. Part of what makes this film stand out is its antagonist, Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton). Art is a terrifying killer who is unpredictable. Art is gleeful in torturing and murdering his victims. He savors it and there is no apparent rhyme or reason to what he does.

"What did I do?"

Another reason this movie stands out is because it is one of the goriest movies around. If that is the kind of slasher flick you enjoy, this may be your cup of tea.

TERRIFIER 2

Whatever you thought of Terrifier, the sequel is everything its predecessor was and more. This time around, there is a proper protagonist with the introduction of Sienna Shaw (Lauren LaVera). Sienna has a proper character arc and even helps introduce a new element that was missing from the nihilistic first film: hope.

Sienna dons a pretty cool costume.

While the first film was straight up horror, the second film has more fantasy elements. That is not to say that they skimped on the gore. This film is bloodier and more brutal than ever. There is even a scene that reportedly made some audiences vomit and faint in disgust. However, the gore is so over-the-top and ridiculous that it borders onto dark comedy despite the extreme violence.

"Ain't I a stinker?"

If you think you have the stomach for it, Terrifier 2 is easy to recommend.

SMILE

After witnessing a traumatic incident with her patient, Dr. Rose Cotter begins to experience terrifying occurrences she cannot explain. As her life and mental stability begin to unravel, Rose must confront her traumatic past to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

Yikes!

This is definitely one of the creepiest films I have ever seen. Every time someone on the screen smiled their creepy smile, I genuinely got chills. This movie just gave me an icky feeling and I mean that in the best way possible. The story itself is also deep as it explores trauma and overcoming it. This is an excellent horror film and I highly recommend giving it a watch.

AS THE GODS WILL

A group of high school students are forced to play a supernatural game of death. With no idea who is behind the games, their only option is to continue winning to survive.

The first event is a deadly game of Red Light, Green Light with a talking Daruma.

Directed by Takashi Miike (Audition, Ichi the Killer), this movie is based on the manga of the same name. These types of stories are all the rage with shows like Squid Game and Alice in Borderland proving popular. There are definitely some similarities but this film is still worth checking out on its own merit. Unfortunately, the film does leave some story threads hanging. It is clear there is more to it. So if an incomplete story bothers you, you may want to skip this film since there is no sequel planned at the moment. But as a whole, the film is still satisfying even without answering all the questions it props up.

DEADSTREAM

A disgraced internet personality tries to win his audience back by live streaming his stay overnight at an abandoned haunted house. Things take a turn for the worse when he accidentally awakens a malevolent spirit.

I admit that I would like to see a real live stream doing stupid things like this.

A modern take on found footage films, Deadstream is clever, creepy, and genuinely funny. Running at just 1 hour and 27 minutes, the movie makes the most of its time and is entertaining throughout. Even though the comedy is great, the film also has moments of tension. This is an easy horror comedy to recommend. Give this one a look.

SKINAMARINK

Two children wake up in the middle of the night to find that their father is missing, and all the windows and doors in their home have vanished.

This Canadian-made horror film is difficult to describe. There is very little narrative of any kind. It really just follows these children, who you barely even see, as they navigate their own home which has apparently turned against them.

I think this is one of those films that relies on your own imagination. To really put yourself in the film and get the most out of it, I recommend watching it at night with all your lights off. Put away your phones and any other distractions to be immersed. You will feel like the children in this film, not knowing what is going on but still feel a sense of dread as you navigate their home. 

The film is often dark and grainy, leaving the horror to the viewer's imagination.

Ultimately, I think this film will be divisive but if you think you can immerse yourself like I described then it is worth checking out. It is a unique experience.

INFINITY POOL

A couple on vacation ventures outside their resort but soon find themselves involved with a culture of violence, hedonism, and horror.

Directed by Brandon Cronenberg (son of renowned filmmaker David Cronenberg), this trippy film features stand out acting from the excellent Mia Goth (X, Pearl) and Alexander Skarsgård (The Northman, Succession).

Mia Goth has quickly made a name for herself in the horror genre.

Without giving anything away, this film is a real mindbender that asks some tough questions and takes the viewer on a journey with unsettling themes. Do morals decay when consequences are removed? I think audiences will also have some healthy debate about what really happened in the film. This is one to watch.

M3GAN

A brilliant roboticist named Gemma designs M3GAN, a robot with advanced artificial intelligence built to be the ultimate companion for children. When Gemma becomes the caretaker to her 8 year old niece, Gemma decides to use a M3GAN prototype to help her with her new duties. But things do not work out the way Gemma had hoped.

The Olsen Twins are back in the spotlight.... Which one is this again?

This film really surprised me. It is a clever modern take on movies like Child's Play but still stands out on its own. M3GAN is also a surprisingly funny film and the gore is kept to a minimum despite the violence so it is appealing to a fairly large audience. Watch this movie now.

TALK TO ME

A group of friends conjure spirits using an embalmed hand for fun and thrills, until one of them goes too far and unleashes a sinister evil.

Oh she's just letting a spirit possess her. What could go wrong?

This is a really good thriller with great acting and genuinely unsettling moments. The film explores the theme of grief throughout, and shows the devastating consequences of messing with supernatural forces you do not understand. This film gets a big thumbs up from me.

NO ONE WILL SAVE YOU

A seamstress living alone in her childhood home soon finds herself fighting for her life against an extraterrestrial threat.

Written and directed by Brian Druffield (who wrote the fun horror comedy The Babysitter), this sci-fi horror film stands out because there is no dialogue. This can be polarizing but a good film does not need to tell you what is happening when they can show you. While not very scary, this film is a fun watch as the protagonist has to overcome bigger and bigger threats. 

This seamstress is surprising decent at fighting aliens.

Now if this film was just about fighting aliens, it would be a miss but there is a running theme about trauma. One could even argue that overcoming trauma is what the film is really all about. However, I think the ending will be divisive. It is open to interpretation but I think it is fun to talk to your friends about what the film and ending really mean. Go watch this movie now!

EVIL DEAD RISE

Two estranged sisters have their reunion cut short when they must battle for survival and save their family from evil flesh-possessing demons.

This film surprised me. The trailer did not impress me but this turned out being an intense and gory movie. I missed the comedy from the old Ash Williams movies but it still has what you expect from the Evil Dead franchise such as fast and frantic gory action. 

It's not Evil Dead without a chainsaw.

If you enjoy the Evil Dead movies, this is a worthy standalone flick.

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

The latest Netflix drama from Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush) involves a story following siblings Frederick and Madeline Usher who built a powerful pharmaceutical empire. However, everything they created begins to crumble when the heirs to the Usher Dynasty begin to die one by one.

"The Usher heirs are doing what now?!"

Loosely based on the short story of the same name by Edgar Allan Poe, this limited series is a love letter to the master of the macabre himself. There are several references to the works of Poe including character names, episode titles, and even some of the situations these characters find themselves in. If you are a fan of Poe, you will likely love this show.

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

The show also features excellent acting and a very topical story that is darkly satirical. The show is not very scary but features the expected elements from gothic literature as well as strong characters. Definitely give this show a watch. The Fall of the House of Usher is available on Netflix now.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just keep away from the clowns. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my annual Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween (and with covid-19 still around, that may be a good idea), here are some films and TV series you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

SQUID GAME

This super popular Netflix Korean drama series features hundreds of contestants competing in children's games for a large sum of cash. But they have to stake their lives to win.

Don't play games with this guy.

This 9-episode show is popular for a reason. It features a layered story with superb acting, memorable characters, and class themes such as those found in movies like Parasite and Snowpiercer. Even the titular squid game can be dissected to represent class struggle. The story leaves enough open for a second season but I honestly feel like the show would still feel complete if that never happens. There are spoilers everywhere online so definitely make this one a priority if you somehow have not yet seen it.

MALIGNANT

A woman named Madison has terrifying visions of grisly murders, but she soon learns that these visions are all too real.

"Hello, police? I'd like to report a murder only I can see in my head.... Hello?"

Directed by one of my favorite horror directors, James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring, Insidious), Malignant is something very different from Wan's previous horror films. It feels more like an homage to B-movies with the frantic violence of a Sam Raimi film like Evil Dead, and this movie gets incredibly violent. There is a big twist that I will not spoil but once you get there, the gory action turns up several notches. The twist is ridiculous, and the movie feels like it was made as a bad movie on purpose, but somehow it still works. My only critique is that since the premise is so bizarre that Wan should have made this more of a horror comedy. It takes itself maybe a little too seriously but Wan is so good that this movie still ends up very entertaining. Give this one a chance.

MIDNIGHT MASS

This Netflix limited series takes place in an isolated town on a small island where a mysterious, charismatic priest arrives, bringing miracles and hope with him. As expected, not all is as it seems.

The priest means well but you know what they say about good intentions.

This show is the latest offering from creator/director Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush). While not as scary as Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House, or as emotional as his follow-up The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass instead offers a slow burn that builds up to a horrific climax. It features strong acting and a topical, layered story showing the potential terror resulting from misplaced faith. Another great show from Mike Flanagan.

ALICE IN BORDERLAND

This Netflix series follows an aimless gamer and his friends as they are transported to a strange, empty version of Tokyo, Japan where they are forced to play sadistic games just to survive.

"Does Tokyo sound a little quiet to you guys?"

Based on the manga of the same name, Alice in Borderland is yet another show featuring games with lives on the line but it also stands out for its creativity. It kind of feels like Saw meets Squid Game. Part of the fun is the characters figuring out the rules of the games because they are not always straightforward. Another thing I enjoyed about this show is that it feels like a live acton manga with the kind of tropes and story beats you would expect, especially once the story arc reaches its climax. A second season has been confirmed and I hope they are able to keep the quality of the show up. This might be one of the better manga adaptations around so definitely check this one out.

PSYCHO GOREMAN

Two siblings inadvertently resurrect an ancient alien overlord but then force him to do their childish biddings by using a magical amulet. However, this soon draws the attention of intergalactic assassins from around the universe.

This little girl is almost as big a psycho as Psycho Goreman himself.

Directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void), this film is a campy, gory love letter to 80s horror movies. It feels like a cross between E.T. and The Toxic Avenger. It's cheesy, it's violent, it's absurd, and it's very funny at times. I also love how the film uses so many practical effects. The downside is the little girl is incredibly annoying, and some of the jokes fall flat, but overall this is an entertaining, over-the-top movie that does not take itself seriously at all. This will not be for everyone but if my description caught your attention then this may be for you.

AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

A family wakes up on Christmas Day to find their house surrounded by a mysterious substance, followed by the TV set displaying a simple message: "Stay Indoors and Await Further Instructions". As the TV begins to give orders, the situation escalates. How far will this family go to follow these orders?

Sick nose ring, bro.

This is a great sci-fi horror film reminiscent of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. It takes a dark satirical look at topical themes such as xenophobia and media-driven paranoia. Some of these themes may be too on the nose but that does not detract too much from the film. Give this a watch if you are a fan of science fiction style parables.

CANDYMAN (2021)

An artist looking for inspiration explores the history of the Candyman, but his sanity soon begins to unravel as he unwittingly unleashes a deluge of violence.

Be his victim.... Wait, who the hell is that?!

Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and DaCosta, this reboot/sequel is a followup to the old movies but also expands on the mythos with some mixed results that I think mostly works. It is difficult to outdo the original film's slow burn and psychological terror, so they went in a different direction. For example, the racial undertones of the original film are replaced with overt racial themes. Moreover, the Candyman's motivations in the original film are more mysterious, which is part of what makes it so scary. Without giving anything away, Candyman's purpose is much clearer in this film, although the film contradicts this purpose at least once. This clearer purpose also makes this sequel less scary. Despite that, I still enjoyed this film and it has an important message to tell. Some may not like the new direction but overall the new film is a worthy sequel.

BATTLE ROYALE

In near-future Japan, the government passes the BR Act to curb rising juvenile delinquency. A class of 9th graders learns what that means when they are captured and forced to fight to the death on an island in the annual Battle Royale.

There are no winners in the Battle Royale. Only survivors.

I would be remiss if I talked about Squid Game and Alice in Borderland without also talking about their source of inspiration. Battle Royale is a highly influential film based on the novel of the same name. It has been a while since I had seen this film but it still holds up incredibly well. In fact, I think my appreciation for it has only grown over time. The interesting characters, the horrors of the situation, and the question of "What would you do?" really pull the viewer in. This is a film that has often been imitated but it is still one of the best around. Definitely give new shows like Squid Game a watch but go out of your way to watch this classic.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just maybe don't play any games with strangers in the subways, OK? Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. I am a little late this year but if you would like to keep Halloween going in November, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

RAW

This French-Belgian horror film follows a young vegetarian named Justine who begins her first semester at veterinary school. During a hazing ritual, Justine reluctantly eats raw meat for the first time. The former vegetarian soon finds herself craving not just meat, but human flesh.

I may have to go vegetarian for a while after watching this.

At its core, the film is a coming of age story about a young woman who also happens to have an insatiable hunger for flesh. It is a unique and stand out horror film, which is not easy to pull off nowadays. The film also received critical acclaim for Julia Ducournau's direction and screenplay. This is one to watch.


THE VOID

This film follows a police officer and a small group of people who are trapped in a hospital when they are surrounded by mysterious hooded figures. Events turn for the worse when the group is attacked by grotesque monsters. They soon discover the hospital may house something far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

"You might want to get that checked."

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, this movie is a love letter to 80s horror films like The Thing. It has body horror and some great practical effects. If you are a fan of these things, check this movie out. It is not perfect, but it has quickly become one of my favorite horror movies to rewatch during Halloween time.


HEREDITARY

This film follows the Graham family as they deal with the death of their matriarch. The family soon find themselves haunted. But with mental illness running in the family, how can they tell what is real? The truth is the family may have inherited a far more sinister fate.

Same.

Written and directed by Ari Aster, this film received critical acclaim, with an exceptional performance by actress Toni Collette. The story is incredibly layered and slowly builds to a crescendo. I highly recommend this film.


A DARK SONG

This psychological gem follows a grieving mother and an occultist as they perform a ritual to contact the dead. Unfortunately, things do not quite go as planned.

What could go wrong?

Like Hereditary, this film is a slow burn but also a rewarding experience. A Dark Song offers an unsettling atmosphere that digs into your mind and stays with you even after the credits have rolled. The film also has some surprisingly beautiful scenes and a positive message amidst the horror.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Written and directed by Liam Gavin, check this movie out for something different.


THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

OK this is a Netflix series and not a movie, but this is a must watch for fans of horror. The 10-episode first season follows the Crain family as they recall their time as children at the haunted Hill House. Now adults, the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past.

Just a typical day for the Crain family.

Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name, the series was created and directed by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Oculus, Hush, and Gerald's Game. All films I have recommended in my blog in the past. Basically, if Flanagan directed it, give it a look.

"So... whose turn is it to sleep on the couch?"

This series features a genuinely scary and layered story with some standout acting as well. It really delves into who these people are and has some strong characterizations. The best way to describe it is a horror version of This Is Us. Go binge it... now.


That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all had fun this year. Happy Belated Halloween!

Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and The Defenders - SDCC Teaser Trailers

Sweet Christmas! Watch the SDCC teaser trailer for Marvel's original Netflix series, Luke Cage!

Assuming the show follows the same quality as Daredevil and Jessica Jones, Luke Cage will be a must-watch for fans of the superhero genre.

Here is an official synopsis:

"After a sabotaged experiment leaves him with super strength and unbreakable skin, Luke Cage (Mike Colter) becomes a fugitive who attempts to rebuild his life in modern day Harlem, New York City. But soon he is pulled out of the shadows and must fight a battle for the heart of his city - forcing him to confront a past he had tried to bury."


Want more? Marvel also released a teaser trailer for Iron Fist!

Here is a short synopsis:

"Danny Rand (Finn Jones) returns to New York City, after being missing for years, to fight corruption with a proficiency in kung-fu and the ability to call upon the power of the Iron Fist."


But that's not all. Marvel also revealed the teaser trailer for The Defenders!

The Defenders serves as a culmination of the various Marvel Netflix shows. It features Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist as they unite to face their biggest threat yet.


Finally, Marvel also released an awesome sizzle trailer for their Netflix programs..... because apparently we are not hyped enough.

The first season of Luke Cage will debut on Netflix on September 30, 2016. The Defenders will arrive sometime in 2017. No release date was revealed for Iron Fist, but it is expected to premiere in 2017.

Jessica Jones - First Full-Length Trailer

Watch the first full-length trailer for Marvel's new Netflix series, Jessica Jones!

Very intriguing story. The villain came off as disturbingly powerful, and from the looks of it, the show could be even darker than Daredevil.

The series stars Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, David Tennant as Kilgrave, and Mike Colter as Luke Cage.

Here is a short synopsis:

"Ever since her short-lived stint as a Super Hero ended in tragedy, Jessica Jones has been rebuilding her personal life and career as a hot-tempered, sardonic, badass private detective in Hell's Kitchen, New York City. Plagued by self-loathing, and a wicked case of PTSD, Jessica battles demons from within and without, using her extraordinary abilities as an unlikely champion for those in need... especially if they're willing to cut her a check."

This is the second series Marvel will release exclusively for Netflix. Luke Cage and Iron Fist will also be released exclusively for the popular streaming service, which will lead to a big miniseries called The Defenders featuring the lead characters from all four series in one big team-up.

The entire first season of Jessica Jones will be available on Netflix on Friday, November 20th.

Orange is the New Black - New Photos and Series Trailer

Netflix has released a new series trailer for Orange is the New Black.

Great new trailer splicing up footage from the first two seasons with the new season. If you haven't seen what the series is all about, now is a good time to catch up.

Aside from the new trailer, Netflix has also released some new photos from the third season.

"You can't sit with us."

What could be more thrilling than a game of dominos?

When even Big Boo the Clown can't cheer up Pennsatucky, all hope is lost.

Don't try to resist Crazy Eyes. You can't. She'll throw pie for you.

Chapman might have been wrong when she said they do "other things".

Stay clear of these two.

"Don't you dare throw pie at me."

Lori Petty sighting.

"Queen of the World!.... Well maybe just of the prison."

Here's a short synopsis for the new season:

"The Women of Litchfield unapologetically return for the third coming. With a crisis of faith and their beliefs and loyalties being tested, each character must decide what and who to believe in."

All 14 episodes of the 3rd season of Orange Is the New Black will be available on Netflix on June 12th.

Orange Is the New Black - Season 3 - Official Trailer

Netflix has released the Season 3 trailer for Orange Is the New Black! Sorry, not sorry.

Crazy Eyes is just the best. In case you were wondering, the song in the trailer is "I'm So Sorry" by Imagine Dragons.

Here's a short synopsis for the new season:

"The Women of Litchfield unapologetically return for the third coming. With a crisis of faith and their beliefs and loyalties being tested, each character must decide what and who to believe in."

Much of the old cast are returning, such as Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Kate Mugrew, Danielle Brooks, and Uzo Aduba. Of course, there will be a few newcomers as well, such as Australian actress Ruby Rose.

All 14 episodes of the 3rd season of Orange Is the New Black will be available on Netflix on June 12th.

Daredevil - First Full Trailer

Check out the first full trailer for Marvel's new Netflix series, Daredevil.

The trailer definitely fleshes out the story, which is looking like the grittiest take on superheroes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That is good thing since it helps give the series its own unique flavor.

The series stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, and Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin.

Here is a short synopsis:

"Meet Matt Murdock. Blinded as a boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt fights injustice by day as a respected lawyer and by night as the masked vigilante known as Daredevil in Hell's Kitchen, New York. He'll do anything to make his city a better place, but at what price?"

Daredevil is the first of 4 new programs slated to be released from Marvel exclusively on Netflix, including A.K.A. Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage. These programs will culminate with the main characters of these shows teaming up for a miniseries called The Defenders. These new programs will also be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which includes popular movies such as Guardians of the Galaxy and The Avengers.

All 13 episodes of Daredevil will be available on Netflix on April 10th.

Daredevil - Official Teaser Trailer

Watch the official teaser trailer for Marvel's first Netflix series, Daredevil!

Looks like a dark and gritty program reminiscent of the CW's Arrow, which is definitely a good thing.

The series stars Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock/Daredevil, Deborah Ann Woll as Karen Page, Elden Henson as Foggy Nelson, Rosario Dawson as Claire Temple, and Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin.

Here is a short synopsis:

"Meet Matt Murdock. Blinded as a boy but imbued with extraordinary senses, Matt fights injustice by day as a respected lawyer and by night as the masked vigilante known as Daredevil in Hell's Kitchen, New York. He'll do anything to make his city a better place, but at what price?"

Daredevil is the first of 4 new programs slated to be released from Marvel exclusively on Netflix. The show will be followed by A.K.A. Jessica Jones, Iron Fist, and Luke Cage, all of which will culminate with a miniseries about the Defenders. These new programs will also be a part of Marvel's Cinematic Universe, which includes popular movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and The Avengers.

All 10 episodes of Daredevil will be available on Netflix on April 10th.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - First Official Trailer

Watch the first official trailer for Tina Fey's new Netflix comedy, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

Looks like a surefire hit to me. Created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (30 Rock), the series stars Ellie Kemper as the titular character. The cast also includes Tituss Burgess, Sara Chase, Lauren Adams, Sol Miranda, Jane Krakowski, and Carol Kane.

Here's an official synopsis:

"After living in a cult for fifteen years, Kimmy decides to reclaim her life and start over in New York City. Armed with just a backpack, light-up sneakers, and a couple of way-past-due library books, she's ready to take on a world she didn't even think existed anymore. Wide-eyed but resilient, nothing is going to stand in her way. She quickly finds a new job, a new roommate, and a new beginning."

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt will debut its first season on Netflix on March 6.