Thursday, January 01, 2015

The Top 5 Horror Films of 2014 and the Bottom of the Horror Pile Too!

2014 was another hit and miss year for horror movies. On the big screen, films like Annabelle, The Purge: Anarchy, Ouija, As Above, So Below and Annabelle played to modest returns. There were only a few horror films which could be considered blockbusters, like Dracula Untold. Dracula Untold had a budget of over $50 million. In indie horror, creativity continues to come first, before returns and it was here that this reviewer saw some of the best films. So, without further ado, this long time horror critic presents the best horror films of 2014 (and some of the worst).

In fact, all of the films on this "Best of 2014" came from the indie market. With the rehash of ideas in Hollywood, it is becoming more and more difficult to find quality horror features at the local cinema. Remakes and forced sequels make up the bulk of theatrical appearances. On the flips side, in 2014, there were dozens and dozens of indie horror features which came out throughout the year. Some were released overseas, while even more were released in domestic markets. Almost all of the films on this list were made for $2 million or for considerably less (below 15K).

Top Horror Films of 2014:

1) At the Devil's Door: This film, from director Nicholas McCarthy (The Pact), utilizes a good vs. evil theme. But, this was one of the only concepts that has been seen many times before in film. McCarthy decided to create his thrills and chills in the sound department. It was here where a demon could be heard, skulking about an abandoned home. Though, a few jump scares were created behind cabinet doors. At the Devil's Door is memorable for drumming up terror by what is not seen on the screen. This film is a must-see for any and all horror fans.

An At the Devil's Door Review on 28DLA


2) The House at the End of Time: The House at the End of Time, also known as La casa del fin de los Tiempos, is the first horror film to emerge from Venezuela. The film's story takes place over several time periods as one woman wanders an ancient home. She relives part of her life in the past, with her two young sons, or in the future, where she has become an old woman. The film's central story and timeline are never revealed. So, the narrative can often be very disorienting, which leads to a few surprises. Fans of complex stories are encouraged to check this one out.

An at The House at the End of Time Review

3) Kristi: Kristi is one film that is difficult to track down. It has only been released in overseas markets and a release in North America has not been announced, yet. The lack of a major release is not because of the film's quality. This title shows major production values. Shot on a large college in New Orleans, director Oliver Blackburn (Donkey Punch) utilizes lots of wide shots and interiors, to tell an entertaining tale of a woman attacked on campus. This is one of the few films on this list to use a larger budget, of over $6 million. And, this film shows polish. AS well, Kristi could be considered popcorn fare. But, this film also offers lots of great chase sequences, which amps up the film's tension. Horror fans will have to look to Germany or Thailand to find a copy.

*a review of this title is forthcoming.

4) Don't Blink: Don't Blink holds its greatest strengths in its script. Travis Oates has crafted a mysterious story for this title. Very little is revealed as characters begin to disappear. Who will disappear next? And, what is causing these characters to disappear? These are some of the many questions that will come up, when one views this title. And, the filmmakers have deliberately chosen to keep the answers in the dark. Viewers will have to decide for themselves what is happening in this exciting feature. Although, a review on this site offers a few hints:

A Don't Blink Review on 28DLA

5) Starry Eyes: Starry Eyes is one of only a few films that offers an underlying message. Beware Hollywood! Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer deliver this message through a supernatural element. The Devil is brought into horror once again, with Sarah (Alex Essoe) falling for every casting trick in the book. Still, Sarah's poor choices are not without consequences. Soon, she is a tool of the Devil and surely destined for hell. The blood effects and great ending bring lots of terror to the screen, in this exceptional film.

A Starry Eyes Review is Available Here

Honourable mentions: Ben Ketai's Beneath, The Den from Zachary Donohue and the French shot film As Above, So Below.

Worst Horror Films of 2014:

There are so many films that come out every year, that there are bound to be a few bad ones. Though, this critic avoided many of the worst ones by skimming through reviews before watching many home entertainment releases. And, this viewer used this same practice to miss any horror duds in the theatre. This viewer continues to be thankful for all of the other critics out there.

This "Worst of 2014" list is composed entirely of indie films. Most of these titles were likely hampered by small budgets and therefore, they were hamstrung out of the starting gate. Though, this is not an excuse to deliver rotten film fruit. Also, many of these films suffered from a recurring error, the inability to bring real conflict to the story. This error is created when characters come across as false or when conflicts are forced. On the other hand, sometimes, story beats come out of nowhere, or they break up the previous tempo of the film. Or, they offer no tempo at all, in the case of House of Dust. Finally, these films have not been listed in any numerical order. There are no real winners in the "Worst Horror of 2014" category.

Infliction: Infliction is simply a terrible movie. This film billed itself as a horror feature, but there are no scares to be found here. Instead, the filmmakers show no sense of pacing, nor of action. This film takes eighty minutes to get going. By this time, most viewers will have moved onto something else, like the stop button.

A more scathing review of Infliction is hosted here:

An Infliction Review on 28DLA

House of Dust: This is another film that suffers from lack of action. Much of the film consists of characters walking into frame, across frame and out of frame. Very little happens in-between. As well, characters behave inefficiently. For instance, the protagonist visits one location, is challenged and then returns to the same setting. The challenge does not help the story and is utilized to draw out this boring film, a little more. House of Dust offers some great DVD artwork and not much else.

A House of Dust Review

Motivational Growth: Motivational Growth is an example of a film that could have used more money. But, is there a film out there that could not use a little more in its budget? As well, director Don Thacker chooses some very dark subject matter to center his film on, suicide. Shot on a single, ugly looking set, Motivational Growth will grow on you like black mold; you just want it to go away.

A Motivational Growth Review

Chemical Peel: Chemical Peel is another indie film shot in the North of California. A post-apocalyptic tale with potential, this film made some poor choices in the casting department. Few of the actresses can deliver any sense of believability. Also, partially written by the female cast, the dialogue consists of superficial hostility and contrivances. As well, the characters, themselves, are distasteful and full of spite. If you can make it through this film, then congratulations, you have earned your stripes to become a Blog critic, too!

A Chemical Peel Review

Dishonourable mentions: Patrick McBrearty's The Door and Ryan M. Andrews' Sick.

*many of the directors and writers on this second list are early in their career, but not all.


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