New Home Movie Releases 2/19/13

This week we have lots of good movies getting released. Oscar nominees Argo and Anna Karenina and two older movies getting a special Blu-Ray 3D release with Top Gun and Monsters Inc. Plus a few other Oscar winners. 

Top 5 Horror films of 2012

Steve had his best documentary list a while back so, I thought I would make my best horror list. 2012 saw some great and not so great horror films. So, here is my top 5 horror films of 2012.


5. Silent House - "Inspired" by true events, I wasn't sure what to expect from Silent House. I thought it would be gimicky. Instead, it was a very tense, shocking horror film. With a very twisted ending, this is one of the truly scariest films of the year.

4. The Woman In Black - Surprise! Daniel Radcliffe can act. I called this Harry Potter and The Woman In Black when I heard of it. I was dead wrong in assuming it wouldnt be very good. It was a very atmospheric horror film. With a dark, damp, foggy London at the turn of the century, this is a great ghost story.

3. Sinister - Ethan Hawke stars in this intense horror story centered on a demon that is attracted to families. While, not a unique horror film, the scares are definetly there. Ethan Hawke keeps things together with a great performance. The soundtrack is also unique and very good here. It definetly adds to the films moody ambiance.

2. V/H/S - An anthology film by some of horror's best indie film makers, VHS caught many by surpise. Unique stories and great acting bring this film to life. This is one of the freshest horror films to come along in years.

1. The Cabin In The Woods  - A fresh horror film that blends scares and laughs very well, Cabin In The Woods is the best horror film of 2012. Joss Whedon' script is funny, quirky and unique. The cast was perfect, featuring Chris Hemsworth as the "jock." This film was in limbo for a long time at MGM. Thankfuly, Lionsgate saved it from the grave.

Movie Review: Sinister

Sinister - Rated R

Directed by Scott Derrickson

Sinister centers on true crime author Ellison Oswalt (Ethan Hawke). After a few failed books, he craves another blockbuster hit so, he moves his family to a town where a family was mysteriously murdered. Unknown to his wife and kids, he moved them into the same house the lived in. This is the set up for Scott Derrickson's (The Exorcisim Of Emily Rose) newest horror film. Upon Oswalt's investigation, he discovers a mysterious box of old 8mm films in the house's attic. Not only do the films contain the murders of the house's previous owners but, also the murders of families all over the country.Oswalt becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the films. Ethan Hawke is very well cast as Oswalt. You feel empathy for him and care about his character and his situation. The film has some very tense moments in it, particularly the footage of the murders. There is a mysterious character that appears in the footage that is quite creepy. Music and sound effects were also very well done and should be noted. They all really add to the atmosphere. The film doesn't do anything new in the horror genre but, is very well made. It is a refreshing change of pace to see a good R rated horror film. It seems that the studios cater to the PG13 crowd these days in the horror genre. Sinister should not be missed if you are a horror fan. It is sure to please.

4 out of 5 stars.

-Chris