Pinprick (2009)

4/10

Unfortunately, this is not really a horror movie. An escaped convict is living in the closet of a 15-year-old girl when he decides to branch out and become a bigger part of the family by seducing the girl’s mother. The jealousy and tension create quite a love triangle, making this worth a watch. The twist ending is unexpected and adds a fun dynamic.

Invisible (2006)

4/10

Despite what is written in the one IMDB review, this is not terrible. A couple heads out to a cabin for the weekend to focus on their relationship and seems to be successful. Of course, two lunatics quickly appear to ruin the romantic getaway. There is immediate tension, which gives way to suspense, and then the violence kicks in. This is short and sweet, at just over an hour. The lighting could be better at times, and the ending is sort of a letdown. But we’ve seen much worse.

The Pit and the Pendulum/The Inquisitor (1991)

3/10

Full Moon Entertainment’s disappointing attempt at creating a feature-length film out of Poe’s classic tale. Lance Henriksen is not bad, and the wardrobes and sets are fine. However, Poe’s story never really plays out here. There is a pendulum and some rats (one gets sliced in half!), but the darkness, suspense, and despair are missing. The victim in Poe’s story does not know or see the torture that is coming, which keeps the reader on edge. After an hour of lame torture attempts and dialogue, though, I was just ready for this to end.

Hall of Twelve by Rebecca Besser

2013

When beginning Rebecca Besser’s Hall of Twelve, there is an immediate sense of dread and tragedy, similar to The Mist and The Walking Dead. Her monsters are unique enough to make the story feel different, and the idea of being forced to gamble for your life by rolling dice is definitely terrifying. This is an easy, quick read which should appeal to fans of any horror sub-genre. Roll the dice… see if you live!

Purchase Hall of Twelve at Amazon.

Scream Park (2012)

7 kills

8/10

Super fun slasher about theme park employees trying to have one last after-hours party before the struggling business closes its gates. Billed as an 80s throwback flick, it mostly delivers. Some acting could be better, and the audio is inconsistent at times. Still, the excellent soundtrack sets this movie above most of its indie peers, while the ability to film at Conneaut Lake Park in Pennsylvania makes all the difference. These aren’t cardboard cutouts designed to look like theme park attractions. Like the coasters, the tilt-a-whirl, and the hot dog stands, Scream Park is the real deal.

Junior/Engine Trouble (2002)

1 kill

2/10

This was part of one of those $5 eight-packs at Walmart, and it may not be worth the 65 cents. Two girls go on a road trip, like a song way too much, get lost, argue, kiss and make up, and realize they have engine trouble. By the time one of them shouts something about it being a “ROAD TRIP FROM HELL!” we are only 30 minutes in. Bad acting, bad film-making. Fun premise and the killer looks awesome, but it just doesn’t deliver. Watch a Chainsaw Massacre or Wrong Turn sequel instead.

The first three films shown during Elvira’s Horror Hunt (part of HorrorHound Weekend: Indianapolis) were all great and have already made the trip worth it.  Elvira will announce the winners on Saturday night, and all three of these should be strong contenders.

Teddy
9/10

This short is an homage to 80s slashers like Friday the 13th and Sleepaway Camp, which makes it perfect for this site and our podcast.  The guys at Slasher Studios did a great job with this movie, and I would love to see this expanded.  Imagine a Friday the 13th movie that has five minutes of setup, five minutes of kills, lots of gore, and hilarious dialogue.  If you like slashers as much as we do, you’ll definitely want to see Teddy.

Nailbiter
9/10

We have discussed Nailbiter on the podcast but have not posted about it here yet.  This was my third time watching Patrick Rea’s feature length creature flick, and it gets better each time.  The movie tells the story of a mother and her three daughters taking shelter in a cellar during a tornado.  The storm soon becomes the least of their worries when one of the girls is bitten… by something.  Great effects and a wonderful score highlight the movie.  This is a perfect throwback to the older midnight movies, and the rude cellphone people even stopped texting halfway through!

Baby-Sitting
9/10

This short was directed by young Lucas Masson, who came to HorrorHound (following Dragon*Con) all the way from France.  We have seen movies about babysitters, but this one is different.  Like Teddy, there is tons of gore and some really good comedy, traits shared by most good slashers.  Outisde of Michael Myers showing up at the door, this is like a babysitter’s worst nightmare and might make you a little worried the next time you are left alone with slightly strange children.  Baby-Sitting is a brilliant debut by Masson.

Life After Death by Damien Echols

2012

10/10

Those who have followed the story of the West Memphis Three, through the HBO Paradise Lost films and/or the various books and web sites dedicated to the WM3, likely know the story of Damien Echols. However, to hear it in his own words is amazing, as he is an excellent writer, poet, and storyteller. Reading about his life before he was wrongly convicted of murder is shocking enough. Of course, things only got worse in prison.

Horror fans will enjoy reading about Echols’s love of the genre, Halloween, and the fall season in general. He’s definitely one of us!

Check out my full review of the book on examiner.com.

What They Say

2011

9/10

“What They Say” is a fairly terrifying short film about family secrets. Heather Dorff is great as the lead character, who is tortured daily by the world around her. When she’s alone, however, she suffers even more. Some of the scenes are actually kind of difficult to watch, which is always fun. Is she cursed? Is it inside of her, or is it in the room where she spends her time? Kelsey Zukowski and Kitsie Duncan are also good here. Forget the torture porn and watch this instead.