my thoughts on.... 'Die Hölle aka Cold Hell'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

Before we get started, let's talk about the elephant in the room. While I don't believe that this film is horror, it's hitting Shudder on March 15th, which is a primarily horror based streaming service. Then you take into consideration some other films that seem to get qualified as horror, that I don't agree with that distinction. 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'I Saw the Devil', being the two closest analogs I can think of to 'Die Hölle aka Cold Hell'. There are certainly others, but that's not why I'm here, to dispute what qualifies as a horror film. After all is said and done and I've gone home for the day, this film was amazing, regardless of it's classification. I, personally, would throw it into the revenge thriller or serial killer genre, but that's a slippery slope. Case in point, 'Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer' or 'August Underground'. Those films are about serial killers, but have crossed that line into horror. I think where the line ends up for me, is what's more reality based horror. While the earlier examples border more on the dramatic side to a bit of the fantastical, the latter two fall much more on the true horror of man to another man. Not unlike the home invasion genre, which to me is one of the ultimate horrors. Nothing more frightening than having the safety of your own home destroyed. I can watch Jason Voorhees do his thing for hours and never think twice, but the film 'Secuestrados aka Kidnapped' (2010), I never need to see again. It left a permanent scar. So, now that I've set the tone for this review, let's talk about the plot. For once, I didn't write this myself, as I felt like letting Shudder do the talking for me.

Synopsis courtesy of the Shudder press release: "Özge is a young Turkish-born taxi driver, who attends evening classes and is also an ambitious Thai-boxer. She rarely speaks and trains hard. One day she witnesses an extremely brutal murder. The suspect is an insane serial killer, inspired by Islam. And he is convinced that Özge has seen him. A life-and-death struggle ensues. In his job as a police officer, Christian Steiner often has contact with people from immigrant backgrounds. Some years ago his wife left him, taking their child with her. Since then Steiner has been living with his father and cares for him as best he can. Steiner finds it very difficult to trust other people, especially women."

I am a die hard lover of 'women in power' films. I think that's one of the reasons I love horror so much. For far too long, women were the cowering and fragile victims in the corner. Somewhere around 'Halloween' (1978) everything changed. Ever since then and maybe even before then, “The Final Girl” concept was born. The last one standing and usually the one who vanquishes the bad guy, before the credits roll. I love stories where the odds are stacked against our protagonists and yet they come out on top. Sometimes it's only one, sometimes it's many. In 'Cold Hell', we see a woman who's already been broken, but she's been fighting literally and figuratively to regain the strength she lost. Perhaps she never did, but she needed to prove to herself that she was still inside somewhere. Suddenly, she's put in a position where she's backed into a corner by accident when she witnesses the aftermath of what one man does to a woman. When he realizes he's being watched, she becomes his next target. She seeks help from a very doubtful and apathetic police force, her family, friends and even her former lover. Ultimately, she's on her own. It takes everything she's fought so hard for, to provide her the strength to meet this head on. It's a story we can all relate to in some way. Maybe not in any direct correlation to our own lives, but as a metaphor for the struggles we all have to overcome. It's a tale of facing your demons and overcoming them at all costs.

This film is filled with well rounded characters that seem to each have their own capability to be the main character. I don't know if they all had predetermined backstories, that we only get glimpses of, but it feels as though there's a much deeper well that they're all drawing from throughout the film. It's beautifully shot, using a very rich color palette that makes it incredibly enjoyable visually. The story is very engaging and the primary antagonist, is portrayed like a shark. Singular in his purpose, but still blending in with all the other fish around him. That leaves us with Özge (played by the electric Violetta Schurawlow). She's a cab driver by night, a overly caring friend by day and a cold hearted stranger to those who she feels aren't worthy of more from her. She's strong, independent and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those that she loves. I'm trying not to give away too much about this film, as it's something I recommend highly, for lovers of the genre, to see. It has a little bit of something for all of us. It may not have the sheer scope of 'I Saw the Devil'. As a matter of fact, it's a very simple story and it doesn't need to be more than that. It almost hearkens back to the old 70's revenge films. Where you have a character that is content on living their life one way, but then something horrific happens that throws them into a chaotic frenzy of blood lust. It actually takes our heroine a while to decide that what she has to do is stop looking for others to protect her and take the law into her own hands. But you can hear and audible click, when the wheels stop turning in one direction and she makes a hard left turn into Charles Bronson territory. This film easily deserves a 4 out of 5 star rating. The director, Stefan Ruzowitzky, took something old and made it new again and I'm thankful for that. There's something very satisfying about living out that fantasy of taking back what's been taken from you. I have very few misgivings about this film. It engages you within the first few minutes and doesn't let you go until the credits roll. How many films can you say that about these days?

'Die Hölle aka Cold Hell' lands exclusively on Shudder starting March 15th!



If you like this, check out: 'Thriller: A Cruel Picture aka They Call Her One Eye' (1973), 'The Brave One' (2007) and 'Baise Moi' (2000)

my thoughts on.... 'Zibahkhana' aka 'Hell's Ground'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

I can legitimately say that I've never seen a Pakistani horror film. Ever. Not for any other reason, except that I've never come across one before. That all changed last night, thanks to a tip from my other favorite horror Facebook page: 'The Video Bunker'. I had no idea what I was getting into, outside of a few vague reviews that I read and some back and forth on the Facebook post. What I got from that little bit of information, made me curious enough to immediately seek this one out. Let me say, I was NOT disappointed! If you are familiar with foreign cinema at all, then your expectations may be a little skewed. I know that I kept expecting a Bollywood style send up of the horror genre that I love. Compete with dance numbers and singing. I'm happy to announce, that none of that occurred during this film, but there were still elements of that, bubbling under the surface the entire time. The primary reason this film caught my attention, aside from the Pakistani angle, was that it was labeled as their first “splatter” film. Let's stop and think about this for a moment. This film was released in 2007. Herschell Gordon Lewis first brought gore on the scene in 1963.There's a 44 year gap between America's first exposure to the stomach churning aspects of horror and when Pakistan got their first taste. That's longer than I've been alive. That alone, should be more than enough to wet your appetite to see this film. What's fascinating about this is that despite that huge span of time, they've seen enough American horror films to know what blood, guts and gore should look like. Granted, some of the special effects were lacking, in the make up department, but the rest were spot on with anything you would have seen at the same time here in the states. That's saying something. Before we get to much further into this, let's breakdown the plot for a moment.

'Zibahkhana' aka 'Hell's Ground' tells the story of 5 young people that are setting out on an overnight trip to see a rock show. (Sound familiar?) Before they're setting out for their trip, we get some various news footage and reports that some other things are happening that are causing something similar to a zombie outbreak. Although that's never really mentioned, you get that impression from the information provided. Along their way to the show, they stop to get some food from a vendor that's famous for their tea and food. After only a short while, the only person who's eaten it, begins to feel ill. They pull over and he gets out, because he's going to be sick. He's then attacked by one of these zombie like people. After being surrounded by more of these creatures, they get out of the area as quickly as possible. All of them then decide they need to find somewhere to get help, when they come across a little shack and the man inside tells them he can get them where they need to go. As it turns out, he's a little bit crazy and has a severed head in his bag. They kick him out and end up running him over. From there, things go from bad to worse and I don't want to spoil anymore than I already have.

This film borrows heavily from so many American horror counterparts, that you can pick them out as they happen. Especially the man in the shack. He is the Pakistani analog for the hitchhiker in the original 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'. I'd love to go more into detail, but part of the overall fun of this film, is seeing all of it's roots showing throughout its run time. Another little fun nod to the genre, is the vendor at the tea shop. In an earlier scene, we see that one of the main characters is a horror fan and he stops for a moment to watch a snippet from another Pakistani horror called 'Zinda Laash' aka 'Dracula in Pakistan'. The man who plays Dracula, his name is Rehan, also plays the tea vendor. The main character even calls him out, in a very blatant nod to the other film. It's wonderful. What's also fascinating about this film, is the way that the story and violence are handled. It's clear the cultural differences are driving the way things play out. The script, the characterizations, everything about this is Americanized, but clearly staying within the Pakistani culture. Even the background music is straight out of a 1960's Pakistani film and feels very out of place to those of us raised on films here in the states. Including zombies, feasting on skin, guts and gore.... but never actually putting any of it in their mouths. The movie itself is incredibly entertaining. There's nothing really bad that I can say about it. I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen the whole time. Partially, because it was all so unfamiliar that it set me on edge and partially because I had absolutely no clue what they were going to throw at me next. I mean, there are zombies, but the actual main villains are a trio of cannibalistic family members. They've even got their own version of Leatherface, called 'Baby'. A man in a burqa, who's been raised as a woman. It's crazy.

All in all, there are so many things going on in this film, that I would be remiss in telling them to you in complete detail. The pure joy of this film is experiencing it for yourself. Seriously, for any hardcore horror film nerd, you need to this this one. If for no other reason, than to see what we've been seeing our whole lives, through a different lens. The script is simple, the characters are boilerplate and the movie is kind of silly, but all of it in the most lovingly fantastic way. At some point, I'll need to add this one to my library. It needs a bigger audience and deserves one. My only hope is that they continue to make their way down this bloody path. This film is a great start and feels like 'The Evil Dead' had a baby with the 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2003) and those are only two of the many influences felt during this film. I can honestly say that I've never seen anything quite like this before and may never see anything quite like it again. In America, this would have been someone's confused student film that lays the groundwork for amazing things later. Here, it's an attempt to bridge the gap with their American counterparts and create something truly horrifying. I have nothing but love to give. If you have the chance and can track it down, this is a 4 out of 5 star horror film that is as good or better than a lot of what I've seen recently. Maybe I'm looking at it through rose colored glasses, but as a jaded horror film fan, it's a breath of fresh air and a much needed one at that.



If you like this film, check out: 'The Evil Dead' (1980), 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (2003) and 'High Tension' aka 'Haute Tension' (2003)

my thoughts on.... 'Under the Shadow'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

I have a soft spot for foreign films, I always have. Ever since I made a point of learning about all aspects of film and became a student of it, before I actually became a student of it. Foreign horror films, especially. My favorites, by far, have been the French imports. Granted, there is a lot of wonderfully wicked horror out there, from around the globe. But the French seem to have a 'no holds barred' kind of mentality that is only matched by that of the Japanese. They go for broke, every chance they get and make the French seem tame. However, I've never seen an Iranian horror film. So when I heard so many good things about Babak Anvari's 'Under The Shadow', I couldn't help but want to take the time to see what all the fuss was about. I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. What I got was a fresh take and feel on a genre that can tend to get bogged down in the same scenarios, time and time again. It's refreshing when you can experience a new voice in your beloved genre.

The film takes place in Tehran, during the 80's. It's a war-torn time, when the overwhelming odds of being bombed or overrun, is far too common place. Shidah (played by Narges Rashidi), is the mother of a little girl, who's been recently barred from continuing her med school courses. Her husband is a doctor and is called to the front lines, to be a medic. Left alone with her daughter, Dorsa, the conflict seems to be creeping closer and closer to home. Despite being away, her husband continually urges her to get out of the city and head to a safer area. Being stubborn and not wanting to leave her home, she and Dorsa continue to stay put. The children began to tell tales that there is a Djinn that is haunting the building. After Dorsa's beloved doll goes missing, she begins to tell her mother that it's been taken. As the days go by, more and more residents of the complex begin leaving. Shidah continues to hold her ground, partially because Dorsa won't leave without her doll. Soon, it becomes all too clear that they are not alone and that the Djinn may be more than just a children's story.

While 'Under the Shadow' may be a PG-13 affair, don't let that influence your desire to see it. This film takes a rating, that tends to be the kiss of death for American horror films, and uses it to its advantage. This film is all about atmosphere and building on not only the fear of the ghost like Djinn, but that of the ever present terror of war. This whole movie relies heavily on your subconscious fears and what you don't see. There's little to no blood and very few sequences involving the creature itself. Instead, you get a sense of oncoming dread, as the pot slowly boils towards an eventual climax. When we do get a chance to witness the creature, it's done incredibly well and I've never been so frightened of something that looks like it stole my mother's curtains. At times, it's very reminiscent of something you've seen before, but at others, it can be other worldly and off putting. I was not prepared for what this film had to offer. Even though I know very little about what was going on in Tehran, at the time this film takes place, I didn't need too. Babak Anvari gives you just enough history and cultural cliff notes, that you can gleam what was going on, with little to no background being necessary. That's the mark of a good storyteller.

If you decide to under take this journey into the unknown, please be sure to use the subtitles and not the American dubbed version. I know it's a small bone to pick, but the dubbing is horrible and doesn't do the actors justice in their performances. Everyone in this film is spot on in their portrayals of the various characters that inhabit this time and place. Also, this is a very claustrophobic movie, that primarily takes place in the apartment building that Shidah and her family live in. There are a few other sets involved during the run time of the film, but the majority of it is all interior shots of the complex. That's by no means a negative thing. The sense of almost being trapped by not only the outside world, but the Djinn, makes for a very uneasy viewing experience. One that would be serviced best, by watching it late at night with the lights off, the surround sound on and the volume up. 'Under the Shadow' is everything a well crafted horror film should be. Which garners it a 4 out of 5 star rating and is something I highly recommend that you invest your time in seeing. I promise you that you haven't seen a ghost story quite like this one and where as it may be walking over grounds that you've walked over before, that doesn't matter. You'll still find something new that you've never seen before. Buy the ticket and take the ride. It's worth the price of admission.



If you like this, check out: 'The Woman in Black', 'The Grudge' and 'Paranormal Activity'

my thoughts on.... 'Bunny the Killer Thing'

As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....

*Possible language ahead. You have been warned.* Let's just get this out of the way, before we go any further, I can legitimately say that I'm not sure if I liked this film or not. Maybe by the end of this review, I'll have a more solid answer for you. But for now, I'm so completely torn on this one. First of all, I never thought I'd be watching a Finnish horror film about a giant killer man/rabbit with a huge penis. Second of all, I never expected to write those words into a sentence, prior to today. 'Bunny the Killer Thing' is NOT an Easter film. It's a little hard to describe, actually. If the previous sentences aren't a dead give away. Not that I haven't seen some of the elements before. I just haven't seen them all strung together like this. One part, comedy and another part horror, in the end.... it's just weird. I like weird. I really do. I'm just not a fan of rape, by giant man/rabbits or humans either. I get what the writers and director were going for. A hybrid of the early films of Peter Jackson, Brian Yuzna and some Troma thrown in for good measure. The problem is, that I'm just not sure it worked. Kind of like a bigger budget 'Swamp Ape', but on the snowy mountainside. Let's take a moment to talk about the story and then we'll come back to me trying to decide what to make of this thing.

The story begins with a writer and his 'muse', showing up at a cabin in the snow. All seems perfect, for about 30 seconds. Suddenly, they're held at gunpoint and stunned by tasers. Before long, one of them is dead and the other is being injected by some unknown substance. He then breaks free of his bonds and begins knocking out or killing his captors, in a dash for freedom. The audience soon realizes that he's becoming more than a man.... a man/rabbit, with a huge penis. Cut to the credits. When we rejoin our film, already in progress, there is a group of young people on their way up to the same part of the countryside where the movie began. They're soon passing 3 strangers who are then invited to join them at their retreat. Drinking commences, as well as some sex and then the real “fun” begins. Bunny the Killer Thing is soon hunting them down, one by one, raping and killing anyone he can find. All the while, swinging his dick around in a maneuver I like to call, 'The Heli-cock-ter'. Why he does this? No one knows. Did I mention that right before he attacks, he yells: “PUSSY!” and proceeds to sexually assault his prey to death. Over the course of the remaining run time of the film, people are violated and murdered. None of them very likable to begin with. In the end, our remaining three survivors, are kidnapped and we find out that the experiments are still continuing. This time, on them! They manage a VERY unique and daring escape as they take out all of the hostage takers. Then, in the big finale, we are forced to witness a giant man/rabbit, kinky fetish folk, orgy. They all get slaughtered by our 3 hero type people and off they go into the winter sunset. But wait! There's one more scene, involving a man/rabbit, his giant penis and a woman/rabbit and her giant “PUSSY!”. Man, I feel dirty just writing all of that out.

Let's get one thing clear, I love weird and deviant horror films. Some of my favorites are ones that the rest of the world just doesn't get. So, I'm not saying all of this, because I'm some kind of puritan. I love it when things get down and dirty, I'm just not a guy that thinks rape is funny. On ANY level. I think that's what ultimately turned me off to this film. Perhaps, if the man/rabbit was still well hung, but didn't feel the need to penetrate anything that moved? I honestly think I would have thought more of this film, if that had been the case. Not too mention, this film is not entirely in English. That's not a bad thing, but Amazon Prime didn't feel the need to offer subtitles, so maybe I missed some important plot points that could have improved my viewing experience? I doubt it, but maybe I'm wrong. There were so many things to really enjoy about this film. It was beautifully shot and the direction was incredibly solid. All of the actors were well cast, albeit not very likable. The story was somewhat fun and the man/rabbit was actually kind of entertaining. It's just a damn shame that the writer/director, Joonas Makkonen, felt the need to use sex crimes as a vehicle for humor. There were a lot of clever and quite funny moments in the film. The special effects were pretty good and it was an overall, well done film.

Once the credits rolled, I needed to take a shower. Not literally, but almost. 'Bunny the Killer Thing' was something to behold and I'm sure something that would get the Lloyd Kaufman seal of approval. For me, it ended up being not what I expected and not something I would actively want to see again. 2 out of 5 stars, for what could have been 4 out of 5. Yes, the rape was that big of a detractor to the overall product. There was so much going on in this movie, that sets it apart for so much schlock out there. Maybe if it had something to say? Some kind of hidden message or subtext? I don't know. I wanted to like it, I really did. But there are some things that can't be unseen. If you can look past the parts that made me cringe, then you might find something of value here. 'Bunny the Killer Thing' is its own kind of monster and one that, seems, may be back for a sequel. I only hope that it doesn't reproduce like actual rabbits do.



If you want something like this, but better, check out: 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead', 'Braindead' aka 'Dead Alive' or 'Re-Animator'