The reasoning for the column, is to honesty take the time to return to a previous reviews and see if my viewpoint has changed since when I first reviewed it, so few ever do this to reflect on the past, but as one learns more of the cinema, techniques and the knowledge expands so could the opportunity to view material differently. Often critics write a review, post, and forget about it may find itself with a ‘404’ or a dead video link hence an excellent chance to make sure it is fine for future readers.
This is column is in connection with Visions of Horror February 2024 found here.
***** ***** *****
The Ganzfeld Haunting (2014)
SUMMARY PER IMDB: Using equipment from a banned 1950s test, a group of students conduct a series of psychological experiments into telepathy, with horrific consequences.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE ORIGINALLY: April 2015
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 3.1/10
MY RATE THEN: 3.0/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: No, this rating is fair for the film that is lacking in multiple areas, of the poorly driven horror thriller of a weak storyline delivered haunting tale that still lacks all sorts of frights and scares.
***** ***** *****
Arkham Sanitarium: Soul Eater (2014)
SUMMARY PER IMDB: Arkham Sanitarium was vacant for years after a sex and death cult was arrested for committing heinous acts on patients. Today paranormal investigators are trapped and battling malevolent forces as they grapple with the very creatures created by HP Lovecraft.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE ORIGINALLY: October 2014
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 2.2/10
MY RATE THEN: 2.5/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: Yes, but in a downward trend, due to the fact when I saw the movie I was just beginning to learn to critique films, understand the process past the essence of entertainment, my exposure to the cinema from that standpoint was non-existent. Since then and rewatching I thoroughly agree this film is a poor man representation of Lovecraft’s world of horrors. It lacks a cohesive storyline and dreadful entertainment for the viewer, even in a casual manner.
***** ***** *****
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
SUMMARY PER IMDB: A strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE ORIGINALLY: Likely for myself and how I was raised on classic horror in the 70s, so saw it early in my life.
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 7.0/10
MY RATE THEN: 7.0/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: No, this is true classic horror, and still popular with the die-hard Universal Horror fanbase, anytime new memorabilia are released for this character it sells out quickly. The film is the classic tale of the beast wanting the beauty, and it contains a few other elements worth viewing especially for the b-movie screenwriters. Especially those seeking to show that classic style and design on a limited budget.
***** ***** *****
The Wild Beasts (1984)
SUMMARY PER IMDB: The water supply for a large city zoo becomes contaminated with PCP, and the animals go crazy and get loose.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE ORIGINALLY: May 2017
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 5.4/10
MY RATE THEN: 5.0/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: Yes, I have grown to like the film a bit more, perhaps of how likely the water could become comprised as we are always hearing about continents in the water. Also, how the purity of water is endangered, and this story reflects the vulnerability that exists in the fragile interlaced ecological systems. It was in the nature attacks/ environmental horror subgenre, especially 40-years later.
***** ***** *****
Blood Punch (2014)
SUMMARY PER IMDB: A young man is lured into a dangerous love triangle that begins to take a series of shocking and grisly supernatural turns.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE ORIGINALLY: October 2015
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 6.4/10
MY RATE THEN: 6.5/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: No, I still think this a justified rating for the movie, which has a good story and structure enough entertainment value, with solid performance from the cast. One aspect I likely missed the first time around was the slight religious tone of repeating a past deed as one character named Milton and hence the name is synonymous with tortured souls’ paradox. However, the film gives enough dark humor and a creepy is woven carefully into the flick.
***** ***** *****
A Dark Place Inside (2014)
SUMMARY PER IMDB: To survive, Andy commits heinous acts of murder to find refuge from a world that is in essence mad, a world where we deny our true will, thoughts, and desires. How many people like Andy commit heinous acts in their attempt to “cope” with an insane society? Andy has a very dark place inside.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE ORIGINALLY: December 2015
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 4.4/10
MY RATE THEN: 4.5/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: No, it remains the same, no wavering on the original rating or review, the sinister implications are clearly precise in revealing the abusive nature of both the serial killer’s mind and the victim themselves. The director Mike O’Mahony intent is still clear and works very well for a low budget conclusion as it shows the cumulative psychological damage.
***** ***** *****
We Summon the Darkness (2019)
SUMMARY PER IMDB: Three best friends embark on a road trip to a heavy-metal show, where they bond with three aspiring musicians and head off to one of the girl’s country home for an after-party.
WHEN I SAW IT DATE ORIGINALLY: April 2019
THE IMDB RATE AT TIME OF REV: 5.1/10
MY RATE THEN: 5.0/10
HAS MY VIEW CHANGE: No, the movement was/is still good enough to be seen occasionally, although it tries to make the connection between satanic forces and heavy music, except it lacks metal music, aside from one song on repeat. The possibility to acquire music from bands in exchange for credit and exposure could have worked. It clearly has a missed opportunity to become a free-flowing black humor movie.
***** ***** *****