Antichrist (2009)

3.5 / 5 Dec '10
Tagline: When nature turns evil, true terror awaits.
Directed by: Lars von Trier
Written by: Lars von Trier
Actors include: Willem DaFoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Storm Acheche Sahlstrøm
Genre: Drama, Thriller, Horror
Length: 105 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
For me this was a rather hit and miss film, the ending I quite enjoyed...okay well maybe "enjoyed" isn't the word...it made me uncomfortable. The beginning I found to be rather dry and up it's own ass (although very well acted) it was rather boring. It begins with the death of a couple's infant while they are having sex (I was shocked at how much we see here honestly), from there it's a downward spiral of guilt, shame and despair. It's a depressing film, and some of the creepy imagery is quite well created (especially the woods and dead animals). The ending was surprisingly demented and entertaining though people watching this as an art film will be disappointed, I thought it had good payoff. It does "cross the line" a few times into silly territory...I mean a talking fox? What was up with that? Oh well it's a strange hybrid of art film, disturbing gross out fest and well acted drama....it was worth watching but not something I'd probably watch again.

Availability:  On Blu-Ray & DVD

Let The Right One In (2008)

4 / 5 Nov '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Tomas Alfredson
Written by: John Ajvide Lindqvist
Actors include: Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar
Genre: Horror
Length: 115 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Considering this is a modern vampire film I actually expected to dislike this but luckily this was one of the rare good ones. It's stylish, and elegant, particularly the contrast with the snow and blood, very interesting. The cast is very effective and skilled and the plot is engaging yet simple, very easy to enjoy. It's no wonder this one made such headlines and inspired a remake (that I haven't seen). The story is about a young boy named Oscar who is bullied and lonely but he dreams of revenge. He meets an unusual neighbor girl, and despite initial resistance the two become close friends, only of course she has a secret. She can't go into the sun and she has rather odd eating habits. It's actually quite satisfying on a story level and on a blood level so horror fans who just came for the red stuff should still be pleased. Even for those who don't enjoy subtitles this one is worth the effort (plus there isn't a ton of dialogue), definitely one of the highlights of horror from the last decade.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray