Alex's 2006 Lists

Comments-

-No overall best-of? Kevin needed a counterpoint.

-Indie spotlight is an excellent idea. And "Poultrygeist" rocks the shit. That twenty minute zombie massacre is the closest any zombie picture has come to "Dead Alive" in the last fifteen years.

-I wanna know more about "The Hills Have Eyes" hate. You considered it laughable- that's loaded, man.

-The "Dust Devil" DVD was fucking legendary, man.

Yeah, I don't get the "Hills Have Eyes" hate either. It wasn't a fantastic film, but it was such an improvement over the original (A true rarity in this genre) that I couldn't complain about it either. It had semi-decent mutant makeup/effects, actual use of flawed characters, and some graphic violence that worked. The storyline is weak, but as it's a remake, I can't fault it too much for that.

I don't have the seething hatred of the "Saw" franchise (They don't rate highly, but damn if don't like boobytraps) that Alex and many others do either, so that may be the differentiating factor.

Looks like there's some gems in there that have peaked my interest. Thanks!

* I love those "trailers only" dvds. I have a few that are just old Monster Flicks and Drive-In B-Movies. Fun stuff with a group of friends. No narrative to pay attention to and plenty of Over-the-Top marketing hyperbole. Many times the trailer is all you need to see of a flick that can't possibly live up the mastery of the gonzo trailer.

I think it's interesting how polarizing the Hills remake has become, especially when it didn't seem to be such an extreme love or hate sort of thing initially upon it's release. It's also surprising in that if I know even a general understanding of the attitudes and opinions of a particular horror fan , I can pretty reliably guess how they'll feel about most films. Not so at all with the Hills remake. I'm often taken by surprise regarding who likes it and who doesn't. I know Alex isn't alone in his hate or for his reasons why. I know a lot of horror fans who hate it because they feel it's completely dull. I happen to think it's very good, feeling that Devin nailed the interesting subtext (although I'm not sure I see his idea of it, which is a conversation I've been meaning to instigate forever) and, after a second viewing, wholeheartedly agree with Kevin's review of the acting across the board. I do agree that the effects and gore have been overhyped, but then I usually feel the gore on most movies is overhyped. I thought Hostel's brutality was a lot of lip service too when compared to what was promised. Anyway, I like Aja so far. He isn't prefect, but he's shown great potential and understanding of the genre. Maybe not original or the best, but he isn't playing nice and he definitely has an eye, some ability for pacing and some genuine grit. I'll give him some more chances to improve.

Are you a fan of the original HILLS, Alex? The mutants had a far sillier backstory.

Well, if you're being generous then I'd say they're at least equal. "Caught up in military testing" versus "monster baby killing his family and raising a wild brood" is at worst a fair fight.

Yeah, that was the one scene that they should've left on the cutting-room floor. Completely extraneous, especially as, IIRC, the opening montage essentially explains the situation already.

But the seriousness thing....different strokes, I guess. 'Twas nice to see a survivalist horror movie that didn't feel the need to puncture the tension, I thought.

That was a really fantastic and interesting list, and there's quite a bit I want to check out after reading it. I actually spent a few hours yesterday going through all of the reviews--I should spend more time reading the Creature Corner. I picked up Head Trauma, though, and I can't wait to hear more about Marcus.

I didn't care much for Hills, either. It was beautifully shot, and at times almost oppressive in its tone, but overall I was kind of bored. And once the trailer attack happens, thematically (it's been so long since I've seen the original, so I can't compare) it seemed to devolve into a clumsy re-hash of Straw Dogs.

Yes, you should. And as for "Hills", I was kind of bored by a lot of it, too, but ya GOTTA admit the trailer scene itself IS riveting. The whole "Will they kill the baby or won't they?" vibe, and the fact that the mom just cold gets SHOT instead of some lame-o attempt at saving them rocked. I love when the happy ending is avoided.

I would like to see a UK release for Head Trauma, but none seems likely.

Sounds like the kinda thing that will play in continuous loop at American Apparel.

Ah, 80s porn you see things jiggling that you shouldn't see jiggle. But the thing is it's almost hypnotic.

Yeah, the trailer assault was pretty brutal. Actually, the scene that got me the most was probably that little bit towards the end where he's locked in that freezer with all the body parts and he's trying to smash his way out. I'm not usually claustrophobic, but damn, that made me squirm.

Forgot all about that part. That was pretty evil, too.

Are you sure it isn't Giant Baba?

I thought comics fans were the weird ones?

How could this guy possibly not see those comments were meant in jest?

ya know, i was underwhelmed by the remake of hills when i saw it in the theater. i really like it now. but i think the original is sweet too. the way people who hate the reamek talk about it, it reminds me of how i felt the first time i watched it. i'd watch it again....its wierd how hype affects you and hype is all relevant to how much you allow yourself to be hyped up. some people (that emailer) are so nuts about this. i cant beleive how many new people hate me now since ive been writing for this site. and will you (alex) please just give saw 3 a chance!?