Movie Review: The Cemetery (2014; Massacre Video)

...ya know?? One of the biggest problems with being a respectably seasoned, knowledgeable and well-rounded horror genre aficionado (...in truth, I can't admit to have seen everything...and I do relish the occasional surprise, in having finally gotten around in catching something, which I've either ignored, or something that has just merely gotten by me...both instances, for whatever reason...but eh, I feel that I've seen enough to justify respectable commentary)...exuding and giving proper credit to everything seen over the years, from the golden age of silent cinema, to today's big screen offerings, as well as the often-ignored and under-appreciated independent productions, produced nowadays...is that this viewer, often times, finds himself quite torn. Torn, with respects to genre filmmakers, who borrow and tinker with previously used, albeit proven sure-fire ideas, throw them into their own perspective pots, along with a smidgen of ideas of their own, stir vigorously, and proudly...perhaps even shamelessly serve up something 'uniquely homage', for lack of a better term. Hell, Quentin Tarantino's been doing that for years, and for the most part, has been quite successful at it, for those who's been keeping up...

Movie Review: Hellbenders (2013, OffHollywood/Lionsgate)

...you've heard this one before, right?? The angst, burnt-out and vulnerable priest, having wrestled with his own inner demons, as well as a profound loss of faith, manages to find within himself, a kindling and unswerving righteous justice, in attempting the near impossible task of exorcising a soul devouring demon from a hapless victim. Giving the last bit of strength within him, he grabs and throttles the demon-possessed human vessel...begging, pleading for the hellish spirit to 'come into' him; naturally, in the priest's weakened and vulnerable state, the demon obliges the pleading man of the cloth. However, as the evil spirit attempts to take over, the priest musters just enough of his waning consciousness to let out one last angst and anguished cry...as he jumps out the window, taking the spirit with him...falling several stories, tumbling down a long flight of stairs, and breaking his neck, at the foot of the stairway...thus sacrificing himself, and sending the demon back to it's fiery hellish underground domain...

Movie Review: The Rite (2011)

 by Peggy Christie

The Rite is about Michael, a mortician who, while very good at his job, seems lost and unhappy. In his family, if you’re not a mortician, you’re a priest. So Michael enrolls in seminary school, despite his lack of faith in God and religion (this IS my shocked face), with the idea that if in four years it doesn’t work out, he can just quit.

As he physically leaves the seminary, a bizarre series of events results in the accidental death of a passing cyclist. While administering last rites to the poor dying woman, Michael’s teacher sees ‘something’ in him. He instructs Michael (more like extorts him) to head to Rome where he can take a course in exorcisms. Apparently there’s been an uprising in demonic possessions and the Vatican wants a licensed exorcist in every parish.

Huh?