The Ultimate Vampire Movie of the Year

                                                                         
"Let the Right One In", a Swedish made, modern day Vampire movie, has a romantic twist to it. I am anxious to read the novel. This movie was released in Sweden in April 2008, and later in October in the U.S. I really like the way the old vampire standards remained intact. You know, getting burned by sunlight, the ability to read other's thoughts, super strength, taking flight, and many others. The story takes place in a town close to Stockholm, Vallingby.

The movie starts with an opening scene of Oskar, a 12 year old, somewhat lonely boy, who fantasizes of getting revenge against school bullies. Oskar meets his new neighbor, Eli, a girl who appears to be 12 years old, but admits to being 12 for a long, long time. Eli's roommate is becoming undependable as far as getting her the "nourishment" she requires to exist. He worries he may also be recognized around this small town where dead bodies are washing up on a regular basis. I wonder about her relationship with this man and his age when they first met.

Eli is initially reluctant to be Oskar's friend, but later encourages him to face his fears. When he confides in her about the bullies, she 's sure he doesn't hit back. Oscar states that there's three of them, she tells him "Hit back even harder". She also let's him know that she can help him. I believe this gives him the confidence to start weight lifting. Oskar does overcome his fears while at the same time establishing a trusting bond with Eli. I loved the scene where Eli climbs into his window (after being invited in) and lies next to Oskar and intimately holds hands with him. I thought one of the scariest scenes was how Eli reacted after Oskar wanted to "mix blood" with her. I'm not sure if Oskar is intimidated upon realizing the truth about Eli, but he he seems to accept her as she is and that's probably what sets this movie apart from others. So much is learned when Eli begs Oskar "Please, be me for a while" and I believe he could see it all through her eyes.That's as much of the story as you'll get from me, though I was surprised by the ending.

I really don't believe these characters could have been cast any better than these two talented young actors. The cinematography was gorgeous with the beautiful crisp snow as a background. Rated 3 on the gore score, though I felt it was kept subtle and not extremely violent. Also, special effects were excellent and not completely dependent on computer generated effects. I did enjoy the soundtrack and there were so many great examples of contrast that the Director conveyed superbly. Language translation was good. It will be known as one of the greatest (non-Anne Rice) vampire movies ever.

Scared E. Kat

Catching the Midnight Meat Train

I have been looking forward to seeing this since finding this one recently. Bradley Cooper ( the guy that played the jerk boyfriend to Owen Wilson's love interest in the Wedding Crashers) plays a photographer barely making it in New York with his waitress girlfriend. When a hot shot art dealer (Brooke Shields) tells him he needs to step up his photography in order to be "known" he slowly becomes obsessed with a dapper dressed man (played by Vinnie Jones-a rough and rugged actor in Snatch; Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels)who he suspects killed a woman and follows him into the subway tunnels and the trains at night. As time goes on, the photographer starts to change from some tofu eating pacifist to someone with a real taste for red meat and and changes into someone completely different.
Considering the writer (Clive Barker - from Hellraiser) the film doesn't disappoint in blood and gore. The fact that it isn't the typical revenge flick gave it marks in my book. Overall it is a great movie for the season, but don't expect it to win any awards at the Oscars. I would rate it 3-4 on the gore score.

Fellow Fright Fans

Scared E. Kat here and hoping you are getting some movies you like. If you want something in particular, we will try our best to find it I am at heart an Asian Horror fan, but I began with American Horror. If you would leave a comment to let me know what you like I'll try my best to review it for you. Anyway, thanks to everyone who like me, love horror.!!!!

Here's One For The Guys----Zombie- Strippers-YES!

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This movie Zombie Strippers released 2008 is , scarey and ,.comical. In the near future,George W Bush's 4th term as President, A virus was given to marines that died with intent to reanimate this marine so he could return to serve his duty. The gene defects and a marine named Byrdflough is bitten. So he goes to the The Rhino, to have a drink and watch Kat,the star dancer (....Jenna Jameson) When the marine Byrdflough becomes ill , he suddenly turns into a zombie and jumps on Kat, biting her. She's okay..,actually the guys are really into the Zombie Strippers dances. One guy ran out of money and started writing checks. Soon Jess (the sweet Nebraska girl who must strip to make money for her Grandmothers colostomy) must make her debut on the "pole",but she couldn't. So some of the girls try to help her out.
Very quickly it seems that the club patrons prefer the Zombie Strippers. The girls love the guys so much, they just eat them up (literally) Soon the Z squad came into town , they checked for the Zombies and got rid of them.


This is a comedy, but there are a few scenes that use state of the art special effects very well.
There's much nudity, but no one here cared. [european friends}. I feel this movie deserves a 5 on the Gore score. I liked Paco, the janitor. It's a first class film with lots of T&A, blood and a jaw-dropping scene you will never forget. It's a fun movie to see!

Scared E Kat

Feng Shui or rearranging the house? Tough decision

"Feng Shui" is my first foray into Phillipine cinema and my hopes were high, but unfortunately I was somewhat disappointed. The story starts out good enough - when Joy Ramirez (played by Kris Aquino) finds a bagwa (a "good luck" charm that somehow finds it way to Manila from China) and at first gives Joy incredible luck at the expense of everyone else that looks into it. As for the movie production-the plot is pretty straightforward and pretty predictable, while the effects were nothing special. And while the paranormal aspects of the film does warrant it to be classified as a "horror" movie - little else does. Hopefully future viewings of horror movies from the Phillipines will do much to improve my impression of their ventures into the horror genre.

Finally--A Five on the Gore Score

This French movie released in May 2008 at the After Dark-Eight Movies to Die For Horror Fest, Frontiers, is a treat for my extreme fright fans. Even though this specific genre of horror is not my "cup of tea", trust me, it's radical. For those who are Texas Chainsaw Massacre fans, and I don't know many horror fans that aren't, you must see this.
Yasmin is the pregnant main character, distressed after losing Sami, who was fatally shot after what appears to be a robbery that takes place amongst riots during France's presidential elections. The gang parts and plans to join Yasmin and Alex at this hostel they encountered. Tom and Farid are "distracted" by the sexy Gilberte and Claudia, who rented them the rooms. After a family style dinner, Tom makes an offensive remark about Gilberte and Claudia. Goetz, the girl's Brother confronts the two men, asks about a bag of money. This is where the trouble starts, the men try to escape by car but are driven off the road by Goetz and Karl. Soon Yasmin and Alex arrive at the hostel and are told there were no vacant rooms for Tom and Farid. Meanwhile, Tom and Farid try crawling through a tunnel but are discovered by another family member, Hans. Yasmin and Alex learn about family dynamics when they meet their Father, an old Nazi who has concerns of continuing his blood line with "pure" blood.
There are a few picturesque scenes that are really nice, but most are graphic. This film lacks only in translation, please be patient, it's worth it. The cast is great. I did recognize Alex, from "The Brotherhood of the Wolf". Special effects were very realistic. I believe this film merits 5 on the gore score. I am now a fan of the director, Xavier Gens ....Excellent!!
Scared E. Kat

Cello----A Korean Classical Treat

One of the first Korean horrors that made me a big fan, Cello, released in 2005, scared me, almost speechless. Mi-Ju is a cellist, having difficulty recovering from a traumatic car accident where she lost her best friend (whom she was in competition with). Seems after being approached by a cello student who was angry about a grade she received from Mi-Ju, unusual text messages and family behaviors begin happening. There's also the new housekeeper that lost her family in a car accident as well. It seems Mi-Ju's world is crumbling apart, but with some great musical background playing. After, Jun-Ki confronts his wife, Mi-Ju, he finds out about a graduation recording where Tae-yeon came in as second place to Mi-Ju and the accident that happened on the women's car ride home. Mi-Ju and another professor attend a recital, where Mi-Ju finds herself alone in the auditorium, or was that just a daydream? Meanwhile, everyone at home begins behaving strangely, including Mi-Ju.
This movie is a first class production with great special effects, including some computer generated effects. If you like the cello, then you'll be in for a treat. It's a bit suspenseful as the plot plays out. It does rate a 4 on the gore score. The cast is great, the director has a way of telling this story perfectly! Language translation was good. Loved the ending!!
Scared E. Kat

Thanks for Hanging Tight Fright Fans!!

Coming to you from the Houston area, we did experience Ike. We did prepare well, but I just have to say, we were very lucky and he just flew over us. So we just had power restored and I noticed yet, we still had many people checking things out here. I plan to get busy and will be back to sharing with you some recommendations for a few scary movies. Get your popcorn ready, have your shoes close (in case a quick exit is necessary) and most importantly, should one of those zombie looking monsters start creeping out of the t.v.----Chop The Head Off----
Scared E. Kat

The Hamiltons

This 2006 American release, a feature of The Horror Feast, The Hamiltons, is a modern day take of a genre of classic horror movies. The beginning scenes show what seems to be the typical Californian family. We find David, the elder Son, attempting to take over parental duties and supporting his siblings, Wendell and Darlene (incestuous twins) and Francis. However, we learn there are a few family secrets that the Social worker doesn't know of when he dines at their dinner table. Francis is the ever troubled teenager still having difficulty dealing with the untimely death of his parents. He uses his camera as a means of coping with his unconventional family.
The movie has a homemade movie feel that I like in spite of it's lack of C.G.E'.s.
The special effects are just sufficient. I rated it 2 on the gore score. The actors did seem to help make the story line somewhat believeable. I'm not sure about my fellow fright fans, but are y'all missing the Asian extremes too?
Scared E. Kat

THE DEATHS OF IAN STONE....A must see

I'm glad I didn't have to die to see this fourth of Eight Films to Die For because it would be a shame if you didn't know about it. I did also see The Hamiltons and I'm sure to review that one next.
The Deaths of Ian Stone, an American movie released in 2007, has Ian (main character) who seems to be the only character without a British accent, encountering something strange on the road during his ride home from a disappointing hockey game. This strange thing suddenly disappears and in an instant reappears in a dark, demonic form to take his life. He awakens to find himself in an office, at work, with Jenny, a co-worker that was his girlfriend in the opening scene at the hockey game. Computer generated effects are excellent! After being approached on the street by a stranger who tries to warn him of these creatures who feed on people's fears, Ian runs home to find Madea, apparently his live in girlfriend who ultimately kills him also. The cycle is repeated in what seems to be shorter life cycles with more creatures pursuing him. There are undertones in this movie reminescent of the American version of Abre los Ojos----Vanilla Sky.
I think most people will enjoy this movie. It was a first class production with a great cast. It scored 3+ on the gore score and I appreciated the generous budget spent on special effects.
Scared E. Kat

THE UNREST....One of Eight Films to Die For

Since we are international in name, it is about time I review an American production. This is only the second of eight (supposedly to die for), that I've seen. I'm a bit more impressed with The Unrest than with Nightmare Man. I believe this movie had a bigger budget to work with, affording them a more experienced cast and better special effects.
Released in 2006, the opening scene begins with a woman, in a hospital gown standing in front of a mirror who uses a broken, jagged piece of the mirror to mutilate herself. From there they cut to a scene of two mortgue attendants unpacking cadavers for use of medical students. We are introduced to Allison Blanchard, her love interest, Brian, and fellow medical students,Carlos and Rick. They're all first year medical students. For those who are not in the medical field, or are just not true "fright fans", just a warning, the special effects look very real and I didn't note use of any C.G.E.s. As Allison's sense of a cadaver's unrested spirit grows, so does the number of dead bodies that have come into contact with this cadaver they nicknamed "Norma". It's difficult to ignore a repetitive, ritual type of chanting throughout the movie. From there the plot unfolds as Allison researches the history of the cadaver. In theory, I'm not so sure of the history this story provides of this ancient tribe, but then again, I'm certainly not a Historian. The cast is really good and for the Americans reading this blog, who dislike reading subtitles, your wish has come true. Oh, I rate this a definite 4 on the gore score. As for my fellow fright fans, enjoy your lesson in Gross Anatomy.

Scared E. Kat

A TALE OF TWO SISTERS...........it's a classic!

This was one of the first Asian horror movies I've seen and a personal favorite. I didn't quite understand it the first time I watched it but even after seeing it several times, maybe that's just the Director's intent. Still, there's so much I like about the movie, the music, the house, it's a big house, nicely furnished, but dark and very strange.
This Korean film, released in 2003, begins with Sumi (the older Sister) being released to go home from a hospital, from the Dr's conversation, it' seems to be a psychiatric ward. After arriving home and dealing with the Stepmom that she loathes, strange forces begin to appear. Sumi's main concern is to protect her Sister, SuYeon. After a dinner with Stepmom's Brother where his wife has what seems like a violent seizure, she later reveals that she had seen a girl under the kitchen sink. Things go downhill for Sumi quickly. We learn what happened with the wardrobe eventually and why it's a major issue.
There are some flashback scenes, and special effects are really good. It scored a 2 on the gore score, but don't discount it for that, the suspense and just the style in which it was filmed justifies watching it. Language translation was good. I liked it even though I don't even have a Sister.


Scared E. Kat

UNHOLY WOMEN three to be exact

In the first of a trio of this 2007 Japanese release, Rattle Rattle really rocks. Kanako is literally knocked out when she collides with another force while walking home. Upon awakening she is visited from a little girl, who vanishes as quickly as she appeared. After Kanako returns home she receives a call from her fi'ance, Akira, who warns her that his he was just visited from his ex-wife, who attacked him with a knife. Shortly afterwards, a lady in red, with long, flowing black hair fiercely begins chasing Kanako. This is where the the special effects, including some C.G.E.s comes in. It rates a 2+ on the gore score.
The second short story, Hagane, is without doubt one of the strangest films I've seen. Sekiguchi's boss asks him to take his sister on a date, even provides him with a car and her photo isn't too bad. After meeting her he realizes, she's really something else, at least from the waist up. Some of the scenes are actually a bit comical (in a twisted way). It's maybe a 1 on the gore score, but the plot, it is just different.
Inheritance begins with Saeko, a divorced Mom who has moved back home to live with and take care of her ailing Mom. When Saeko's son Michio confides in her that he had seen a boy around the house, she initially doesn't take him serously. Later, she finds herself in the tool shed when she has some flashbacks of her childhood and a brother, Masahiko, who went missing and has yet to be found. This is where things become strange, not to mention how her own relationship with her son changes. I rated this 1 on the gore score, sorry Fright Fans, just not enough blood for me. Language translation was good on all short stories.

Scared E. Kat

FRITT VILT translated=Cold Prey..a chilling experience!

Released in 2006, this Norwegian thriller starts with some picturesque scenes of five young snowboarders on vacation, when Morten Tobias breaks a leg, ouch!! Without cell phone reception in those high mountains, they must take shelter in what appears to be an abandoned hotel. While Morten Tobias is recovering, Jannicke learns that this hotel has been vacant for 30 years...or has it?
I liked the way the suspense played out in this film. Special effects were good, rated a 3 on the gore score. Language translation was good. Yes, I can't wait to see FRITT VILT II!

Scared E. Kat

Picnic today?Stay out of the DARK FOREST

I am a big fan of Korean horror movies and I like the way this movie was directed. These five climbers trespassed into a forest closed down because of a fire. More about the fire is later revealed. There are a few character background stories of interest (plot related) so you must pay close attention during the entire movie. Sorry, I don't like homework either, trust me, your hard work pays off well. I rated this 3+ on the gore score. Special effects were great, and I liked the style , seems American friendly. Language translation was good.
What I learned from this movie....leave the stone pagodas alone!



Scared E. Kat

It Takes Different Strokes to Rule the World!

Kat and I were watching a movie called Dark Forest (review forthcoming) with a friend that is a true horror movie fan. As we watched the movie, one woman was killed in a really brutal way - so much so it kind of freaked him out. It was then I realized another reason why foreign horror and home grown horror is so different most of the time.
Foreign horror directors address subjects and infuse scenes in their movies that American directors avoid like the plague due to fear of some interest group forming a lynch mob and coming after them. Take Battle Royale - the sheer genius of the plot of "thinning the herd" of uncooperative, disrespectful teens alone makes this movie almost taboo in the United States, while the lesbian undertones in High Tension would never be seen in a movie in this country without some gratuitious sex scene which would ruin the film. Foreign directors see horror and fear through a different set of glasses, and adhere to a different set of filmmaking rules.
It is my hope and prayer that one day the film industry in Hollywood will have an epiphany and see the error of their ways. The goal should not be to copy a decent movie from a different country but to use those movies as a catalyst for an original thought. Put some intelligence in the great genre of American horror cinema (I swear, I see one more big boobed female that can't think her way out of a closet get chased around for most of a movie by some "monster" I'm going to scream!) - explore the human psyche a little more and don't be afraid to go out on a limb and try a different point of view. As for the "money men" in Hollywood - the next time someone comes up with an idea to redo a classic that was done to death (Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween) - just say no....

The Horror in room 6 ? H6

Unsure of the origin of the the title, H6 tells us the thoughts and ideas of a truly demented soul who is determined to go down as one of the most infamous serial killers. After being released for serving several years in a Spanish prison, Antonio Frau finds he has inherited property from a distant relative he hardly knew. Seems upon learning that this house was once a bordello (to put it in nicer terms), he's very curious and I would dare to say "aroused". It's really not long after Antonio weds that he brings home these "women of the night"(of course with the sole intention of helping cleanse them of their afflictions). Since his wife works long night shifts at the hospital, she appreciates the gourmet meals her new husband cooks for her. Oh, by the way, add cannibalism to his list of great talents, along with butcher.
This movie lacks the blood and detailed, up close shots that the Hostel movies deliver so well. I'm not so sure if Antonio redeems himself, as he truly believes he has in his sick, evil mind. I rate this movie 2 on the gore score, not much of a budget spent on special effects either. However, as a consolation prize, there is a special recipe revealed for those who might have a taste for something different.



Scared E. Kat

What Doesn't Kill Us...

In the movie Neighbor Number 13, the main character Juzo Murasaki (played by Shun Oguri) has a big problem. After being sadistically assaulted by three kids while in grade school, he develops this alter ego that makes Tyler Durden in Fight Club look like Mr. Rogers. His evil half (penned Neighbor 13 after the number of their apartment and is played by Shido Nakamura) is the force driving him to seek revenge on the main bully that assaulted him, Akai Toru (played by Hirofumi Arai), and has no problem doing whatever it takes to get his revenge. And while this might seem like a typical "revenge" movie- there are many things about this movie that make it anything but. The symbolism of such scenes as at the shack adds to the creepiness of the movie, and the 70s style cartoon the director uses when Juzo tells his co worker of his intentions is incredible.
While I would have preferred they ended the movie about 10 minutes before they did, overall I have to say I was thoroughly impressed. And while I have seen much more blood in movies, I am giving this movie a Gore Score of 4 because of the terror and and touching on a deep seated fear that all parents have. Happy Viewing!



Bacchus789

You Say Tomato.....

What is horror?

I had a conversation the other day with someone who complained that people classify certain foreign horror movies improperly - suggesting that some foreign "horror" movies aren't really horror movies at all. While I understand his point of view, and agree with it somewhat, I see why people do that. First, some foreign movies, especially Asian movies, come from a point of view and are so far off the typical Americans scope of reasoning. How does one really categorize "Battle Royale", "Battlefield Baseball", or any one of the movie in the "Vengeance" series? While these movies might not scare the daylights out of everyone, these movies do contain an amount of violence and fake blood and body parts to trump anything in an American grade B gore movie. So, it is with this frame of mind, we will review these and other movies in the future that might not meet the typical person's idea of "horror". It is our intentions to turn people on to some really fine cinema that many are unaware of. Enjoy!!!!

Bacchus789

Why I Became an Asian Horror Movie Fan

"Audition"has just enough sheer terror and graphic gore (not bloody) to make any willing viewer a Japanese horror movie fan. I can't say that the main character Aoyama, didn't deserve what he had coming but, then again, he was forewarned by his partner. When he met Asami during auditions he held, I suppose he was enchanted by her beauty and emotional depth. Let's just say, I don't believe Aoyama ever saw it coming.
This movie rates high on the gore score, a very deserving 4. I must warn everyone that even though "Audition" isn't a bloody, gore movie, there are some flashback scenes that are not for the faint-hearted audience. Oh, but this is a seriously graphic movie, so, go light on the popcorn!




Scared E. Kat

http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=1:181774

Batter Up!!!!

"Battlefield Baseball" is a comic romp into horror with a dash of musical thrown in for kicks. Seido High School's baseball team has dreams of playing Koshien Stadium Tournament which is now possible with a team including Gorilla Matsui. Unfortunately, the first team they play is the Gedo High School, known for dismemberment (literally) of their opponents! Fortunately, the new bad ass kid in school accidently killed his father with a baseball, and decides to join his new school's team. Fun ensues....

A Fairy Tale of Another Sort

I just had the pleasure of viewing the Korean version of "Hansel and Gretel". Foremost, the cinematography was dreamlike, the plot had nothing to do with the Brothers Grimm version. However, I'm always a sucker for the proverbial "happy ending", which it did indeed deliver. This movie rates low on my Gore Score, but redeems itself with it's childlike setting, great cast and direction. Can't wait to see their take on "Little Red Riding Hood".


Scared E. Kat

http://www.hancinema.net/korean_movie_Hansel_and_Gretel.php

Welcome all!

Welcome to our new blog! We love foreign horror movies from all over the world - whether it is from Korea, Japan, or even Hungary - scary movies are one of the things that transcend political differences or cultural boundaries. It is our hope to meet others like us, as well as enlighten others to good horror movies as well as expose the bastardization of these movies by Hollywood. Keep an open mind, play nice with others, ans remember that just because one disagrees doesn't make them wrong.

Bacchus789