As the months wind down in 2023, November is always considered that leftover month, as a time to catch up on horror films missed out from October and preparing for the mad dash to December, the time flies by incredibly faster it seems with each passing year, and the Visions of Horror column and shows focus on the different genres and styles. It’s here that one takes the time to revisit those films previously seen and reviewed per anniversary and determine if the viewpoint has changed with time, increasing a fondness like an age wine or did it spoil greatly.
Wasteland [2013]
SUMMARY: Wasteland is set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus and within that world is Scott Miller, a man who, against the odds, is trying to carve out some sort of life. The deadly infection that has ravaged the globe has almost totally wiped out the human race and Scott must spend his days finding water, food etc. Whilst trying to find uninfected people by radio, he must also avoid the many dangers that lurk in the outside world, while he waits for the return of the love of his life, Beth.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE: November 2022
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 3.3/10
MY RATE THEN: 3.0/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: No, the movie is still very badly made, and while on a low budget it lacks a compelling and scary zombie movie.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2352892/
***** ****** *****
Hi-8 (Horror Independent 8) [2013]
SUMMARY: Segments from eight of the leading indie horror filmmakers including Tim Ritter, Brad Sykes, Donald Farmer, Todd Sheets, Chris Seaver, Ron Bonk, and Marcus Koch. Each director was challenged to go back to their roots, using analog equipment while tapping into their years of experience to tell a story that is fresh and edgy. Shot all over the USA, the result is a collection of tales that has something to horrify everyone.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE: May 2015
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 4.4/10
MY RATE THEN: 4.5/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: No, it’s a typical ultra-low budgeted anthology film from Wild Eye Releasing that harkens back to the VHS days of SOV (shot-on-video) though without that nostalgic feel of V/H/S series. The film does contain an interesting mix of styles, and as typical with a film like this not all the stories are appealing often enough the more tales doesn’t often reflect that the intended nature of the wrap around storyline. A subtle problem with this type of film it going to cater to a triple niche audience, first lovers of bottom basement budgets, next anthology films and third understanding the concept of SOV when many younger generations of horror fans are familiar with streaming or DVDs having never even been to ‘video stores’ works against finding a more appealing and profitable markets.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2839540/
***** ****** *****
Ugly Sweater Party [2018]
SUMMARY: An ugly sweater party turns into a bloodbath when an evil Christmas sweater possesses one of the partygoers.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE: November 2018
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 7.7/10
MY RATE THEN: 6.0/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: Yes, it’s likely due to the new abundance of new holiday horror, of those the comedy in the story isn’t living up to past memories, it feels tired, perhaps lethargic. The movie caters more to the Troma crowd. The current IMDb rating is now 5.3/10, hence a noted drop.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5254728/
***** ****** *****