The August Underground Trilogy

Extreme horror is an acquired taste. Even some horror buffs don't watch these types of movies. Some horror fans don't like ghost movies, some don't like slashers, and some don't like extreme horror. It doesn't make them less of a horror fan, it's simply just personal preference. But those who dive deep into the underground, unrated, and downright indescribable horror scene have most likely heard of the August Underground films. Written, directed, and distributed collectively by Toe Tag Pictures, these psudo-snuff films are some of the best known underground horror films out there. They have influenced many films like them, and ushered in a whole new era of vile cinema. Let's take a journey into the basement: this is August Underground.

August Underground (2001):
The first in the trilogy, and also the debut feature from Fred Vogel, packs quite a punch. Marketed brilliantly by telling the viewer to imagine walking down the street, and finding a VHS tape. You pick it up and pop it in your VCR out of curiosity, and you witness somebody's sick and twisted "home videos" consisting of torture, mutilation, and cold blooded murder. The story centers around a nameless killer (rumored to be named Peter, but it's never said in the films) played by Fred Vogel, and his friend who is never seen, as they live (and document) their somewhat normal lives. But, what we soon discover is that in their basement is a filthy torture chamber. The main reason this film works is because it looks so real. Everything from the camera work and acting, to the gore effects and psychological abuse contribute to this movie's realism. It's a very rough looking film, as well. It has the look of an extremely low end VHS tape but again, it makes the movie look that much more real. If I was shown this movie without any knowledge of what it was or where it came from, I would call the police. For a sick gore hound, this film delivers in spades. There's hammer bashing, mutilated limbs, sliced off nipples, and more. For a first film, the effects are 100% convincing and expertly done. See this film only if you're curious as to what a snuff film looks like. It's the closest you'll get without having to see the real thing.

August Underground's Mordum (2003):
The second film in the series is, without hesitation, the most disgusting, vile, horrific, shocking film I personally have ever watched. Some of the things in this movie make me question not only the filmmaker's sanity, but my own. I gagged on numerous occasions, my jaw dropped in disbelief throughout, and I felt the need for a shower after watching it. There are things in this film that I refuse to even repeat in writing. Again, the realism sells this film. It's much too real for comfort, which makes it perfect for what it's trying to be. This time around we follow Fred Vogel's character again, but this time he's accompanied by his girlfriend (of sorts) Crusty, and her brother Maggot. The three make up a team of filthy, disgusting murderers who continue to rampage through town, taking us along for the ride. This movie has so many scenes that are so extremely gross and disturbing, they truly have to be seen to be believed. Everything in the first film was magnified and topped in this film, including the acting, realism, and especially the effects. In this sequel, there's a gruesome disembowelment, self mutilation, headless infants, slit throats, and, again, bashed in heads. The movie takes on the grimy, messy look of the first film, making it that much more dirty and realistic looking. Nothing I can say can express how dangerous this movie is. If you're curious, and you have the stomach, seek this one out at your own risk. Watch it if only to brag that you've seen one of the most extreme flicks out there.

August Underground's Penance (2007):
Arguably the most conventional of the three, the final entry in the series still hits very hard. Now with only Fred Vogel and Crusty in the picture, they continue their killing spree, still recording every gruesome moment. This time, though, the film is shot in much better quality. Gone is the static, fuzzy look of the first two films, now we get to see everything (fortunately or not) in perfectly clear detail. While there aren't as many "holy shit" kind of moments in this one, there is more character development. I know it sounds funny for a series like this, but it's true. The previous films had some undertones of a plot, and this one doesn't bring them fully into light but the feeling is much more prevalent. You can tell these people are growing tired of what they're doing. The previous films had the killers cackling at the victims and mocking them but in Penance, it seems like it's more of a chore than anything. That's what made this entry memorable for me. The first two films had balls to the wall gore and visuals, whereas this is more of a character study of sorts put into the same universe. Don't get me wrong, though, this film is still quite nasty when it comes to the good 'ol red stuff. There's the dismemberment/disposal of a body (which was awesome), nails driven into a body, a home style c-section, and a severe hobo beating. This film also has a Christmas time home invasion scene that makes Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer look like something off of the Disney channel. It's a fitting end to this sinister trilogy.

These films touch on the darkest parts of our subconscious. Fred Vogel and Co. know we want to see what we shouldn't, like staring at a car crash on the side of the road. We are all curious about these kind of things, and these filmmakers know it. They are dirty, taboo destroying pieces of art that demand a viewing for anyone willing to witness them. If you are indeed an extreme horror fan, bust out your barf bag and enjoy.

Antichrist

"Chaos Reigns."

So said the fox in Lars von Trier's horror odyssey Antichrist. This sinister piece of art was given a special anti-award at the Cannes Film Festival for it's diabolical images and themes. It's one of the most controversial (yet praised) films in recent years and no matter what you think of it, it's a movie that stays with you long after it is over. I've sworn to myself that the only art house films I enjoy are those which have horror themes, and this movie is no exception. Disgusting, disturbing, unnerving, and all around depressing; all themes that conventional horror movies strive to express, yet fail to do more often than not. Antichrist accomplishes all of them, with style to spare. This is Trier's self described attempt to make a fright film, and it succeeds on every level.

The story surrounds a couple, simply credited as He (Willem Dafoe) and She (Charlotte Gainsbourg), who recently lost their son in a tragic accident. To help themselves cope with his death, they go to their cabin in the woods for some peace and quiet, and to also get away from the chaotic city. As they settle in, they realize something dark lurks deep within the woods. This evil becomes more and more tangible and hostile, and their trip soon becomes a twisted vision of hell. As the tagline for the movie states "Nature is Satan's Church."

The best thing about this film is the outstanding performances of the two leads. Dafoe and Gainsbourg really sell a newly broken family to extremely real effect. Their chemistry is very believable and you really feel their pain. It's very heart wrenching watching He (who is a psychologist) try to help She cope, as she spirals into a deep depression. The way they deal with their evil surroundings is also very grounded. These characters just feel so human in their inhuman situation. 

The look of the film is quite simply perfect. It's dark, cold, and mirrors the themes and tone of the movie impeccably. Trier uses quick shots, dizzying editing, slow motion, classic filter effects, and even a few disorienting CGI shots to convey his vision. The three beggars (a deer, a fox, and a crow) all have a terrifying screen presence, and Trier photographs them in such a way that they seem very supernatural (which is obviously magnified when one of them actually speaks). When the chaos really starts, all of the violence and grotesque imagery is very surreal, and surprisingly never feels unnecessary or excessive. Yes, the images are very shocking, but they aren't so just for the sake of being shocking. It's a truly beautiful film filled to the brim with truly horrendous shots.

The whole movie is essentially about an evil presence being in control of the woods and everything and everyone in them. Trier communicates this through gorgeous, if despicable imagery and two terrific performances. It's a movie that demands to be seen, not just by horror fans with an open mind, but by any film lover with an open mind. It's far more stylish and smart than your average gore flick. It's a dangerous, thought provoking piece of art that will be talked about for years to come. So now I ask you, what do you think is supposed to happen in the woods?

"The Big Four" in French New Wave Horror

When people think of France, they think pretty scenery, cigarettes, romance, and cheese. But, when horror fans think of France, we think gore, suspense, torture, plot twists, and MORE GORE. That's right, from the early 2000s to today, French horror has gone totally haywire, bringing us some of the most insane and original horror flicks ever made. They aren't afraid to go places that American horror movies wouldn't dare touch, and are rightfully praised for doing so. There have been a slew of horror movies to slither out of France, but people tend to talk about four in particular; Martyrs, High Tension, Inside, and Frontier(s). These are the most extreme and memorable French horror movies to come out of the last decade, and they have undoubtedly breathed new life (or death) onto our beloved genre. I will review each of these flicks in all their blood soaked glory. Major spoilers follow, but if you haven't seen these flicks, stop what you're doing and go watch them immediately!

Martyrs (2008):
Watching this movie is a truly moving experience. The first time I viewed it, my jaw was on the floor in disbelief. I couldn't even comprehend what I had just witnessed. While decidedly the least gory of the bunch, it is the most disturbing and it leaves the greatest impact. The film follows Lucie who, as a child, escaped a sick child abuse chamber. She grew up in a foster home with Anna, a girl who acted as a mother figure for her. Lucie is disturbed, and haunted by a "monster" as a result from her horrible ordeal. 15 years after she escaped Lucie hunts down the family responsible in an attempt to rid herself of her past, and start her life over again, dragging a reluctant Anna along with her. What begins as a simple tale of revenge spirals into a dark descent of terror that the two girls were not prepared for. The plot twist in this movie is haunting and very well executed. I wasn't expecting at all what unfolded before me as I was watching, curious to see where it would end up. This is a beautiful movie, with great acting, and amazing atmosphere. It takes turns and twists that you would never expect, and reading anything more about it would ruin the whole experience. The setup is great, the payoff is outstanding, and the message really stays with you long after the credits are done rolling.

High Tension (2003):
This movie blew my mind. As part of the unofficial "Splat Pack," Alexandre Aja burst into the horror scene with his brutal, mind bending slasher debut. For a first film, Aja already showed some serious talent for directing suspense and action. The film centers around Marie and Alex, two college friends, who go to Alex's parent's farmhouse for some peace and quiet, and also to catch up on some studying. Before long, in the middle of the night a nameless assailant comes knocking, setting a desperate struggle for survival into motion. This movie was so expertly crafted that I literally have nothing bad to say about it. It's scary, disturbing, suspenseful, and above all, gory as hell. While not as deep or meaningful as Martyrs, it's the perfect movie for any gore hound. Here we have axe murders, slashed throats, and one of the most unique decapitations I've ever seen. The film is also very dark and gritty, adding to the overall sense of dread. The acting is amazing, and it was just an added bonus to have the always great Phillippe Nahon (who I know from I Stand Alone) as the killer. The story is tight with only three big set pieces, which made everything that much more claustrophobic and intense. The direction is impeccable, the music is superb, and Aja even throws in a few nods to the 1980s slasher classic Maniac (the gas station bathroom, jumping on the hood of the car). I won't spoil it, but I did really enjoy the twist near the end. I thought it was well executed and gave the movie a tremendous edge over other recent horror movies. An exceptional first film from someone who would later direct other great genre flicks like The Hills Have Eyes and Piranha. It may not have you thinking about a message or theme, but it sure as hell will leave you with your fist held high, and your gore craving satisfied.  It's a fantastic horror movie, and one of the first to kick off the new wave of gory fright flicks.

Inside (2007):
One of the main reasons I love French horror is because they take a horror sub genre, in this case home invasion, and they twist it into something totally different and refreshing. This movie revolves around Sarah, a recently widowed woman who is about to give birth to her first baby. The night before she's due to go into labor, an insane woman (credited simply as "The Woman") breaks into her house for one thing and one thing only; her unborn child. This movie is absolutely terrifying. Home invasion is the one sub genre that freaks me out, only because it could happen, and it happens in a place where you're supposed to feel the most safe. The scene when you see The Woman in the background while Sarah unknowingly sits on the couch, sends shivered down my spine every time I watch it. Plus, this movie is one of the goriest movies I have ever seen. Anyone who is unlucky enough to enter the doomed household is dispatched in increasingly gruesome ways. The special effects are astounding, making each death seem that much more real and brutal. The film is slow, yet creepy at first, but when the blood starts to flow, it never stops until the crimson river finale. The simple plot allows for minimal excess and little exposition, which is good, so we can focus on all of the carnage. Speaking of carnage, this movie is very ballsy in putting in the C-Section scene and I applaud the filmmakers for it. They opted out the "happy ending" and when it was over, it left me with a very uneasy feeling, as a true horror film should. A scary, suspenseful, blood drenched horror flick that demands a viewing from anyone with a taste for gore.

Frontier(s) (2007):
Another amazing, genre defining horror film from France. Director Xavier Gens chews up the "torture porn" genre and spits it right back at us. He has crafted a highly original, thrilling, and brutally violent film that you would never see released here in America. The story is about a group of thieves who escape Paris with $125,000 and head for the boarder. Along the way, they stop to stay at a hostel who's innkeepers are far more dangerous than the riot plagued city they came from. This film is very dark, and violent with no light or humorous moments. It's an in your face thriller that pulls no punches. The gore is fantastic, and includes one of the best axe murders I think I've ever seen. The story is great and takes enough plot twists to keep your interest and it never veers off into familiarity. The acting is stupendous, and the pacing is tight with not one dull moment. Gens uses a bit of a quick cut technique in the more chaotic scenes and it works to great effect. The characters are rich and both the antagonists and the protagonists are memorable in their own way. This film has it all; neo nazis, cannibalistic underground sub-humans, dysfunctional families, and loads of the good ol' red stuff. If you're a fan of Saw or Hostel and you want to see a movie go even further than those, seek this one out right away.

Those are the four biggest horror movies to come out of France in the 2000s and they are all modern masterpieces. They all have their own tone, messages, and style, but one thing bonds them all together; gore. These are all insanely violent and each one of them was slapped with an NC-17 upon their initial submission to the MPAA. If you're not into reading subtitles, I beg of you to change your views for at least one of these movies because if you call yourself a horror fan these are a must see, hands down. While my personal favorite of the bunch is Martyrs, all of these would get my highest recommendation any day of the week. Adieux, horror fans!

Sleepaway Camp

The Sleepaway Camp film series is quite an odd one to say the least. Starting off with the beautiful train wreck that was Sleepaway Camp in 1983, the films got weirder and weirder, spawning three more sequels and a big cult following. I personally love all of the movies in the series, because they are odd, funny, scary, gory, and not just your average Friday the 13th knock off. I'm not going to rank these films, but I will list them all and give a review for each. Spoilers are pretty much unavoidable in this piece, so read at your own risk.

Sleepaway Camp (1983):
This movie is a very hard movie to review, because it is really quite bad. The reason it's hard to review though, is because I liked it way more than I should have. This movie was made in the slasher boom of the early 80's on a clearly very small budget. On paper it's just another run of the mill slasher, but it is so much more. With a truly strange story, generic yet memorable characters, some awesome kills, and an extremely shocking ending that is still remembered to this day, this film really is one of a kind. Felissa Rose is pretty solid as Angela, the shy protagonist we follow throughout the film who plays a very big role in the end. The acting, script, and pacing are generally awful, but these elements bring a strange charm to the flick that makes it highly enjoyable. The gore is pretty solid as well, and includes stabbings, boiling faces, curling irons inserted into, well, you get the point, and decapitation. But what really sells this movie is the ending. I won't spoil it, but it's one of the most bizarre, creepy, funny, and surprising endings I've ever seen. And it was very ballsy (bad, bad pun intended). A so bad it's great movie to kick off the series.

Sleepaway Camp 2: Unhappy Campers (1988):
This sequel rocks, in more ways than one. Years after the events of the first film, a new camp called Camp Rolling Hills is up and running with the one and only Angela aka The Angel of Death working as a counselor. Instead of Felissa Rose returning as the infamous killer, Pamela Springsteen took over. She does an amazing job, bringing welcomed humor and spunk to the role. This movie is much more self aware and funny compared to the first, but that's why it works. It's often hilarious and scary at some points as well. The kills are amazing and top the original in every way. The only thing this one doesn't have going for it is a shock ending, but that's a minor complaint. The plot involving Angela "sending people home" after they've dome something bad (sex, drugs, or just being really mean or annoying) is very clever and funny. The acting and pacing are improved this time around and make this sequel more than worth while to watch. Oh, and when I say it rocks, it's not just because of the kills and solid acting, it's also for the soundtrack featuring the likes of Anvil and Hurricane. A totally 80's slasher with a kick ass heavy metal soundtrack, what more can you ask for?

Sleepaway Camp 3: Teenage Wasteland (1989):
A lot of people didn't like this one but I thought it was just as good as the two that came before it. After being fired as a counselor in the second movie, Angela (after an amazing opening scene) finds a way to become a camper at a camp called Camp New Horizons. She then does what she does best, taking care of business killing off bad kids sinning deep within the woods. The kills are highly inventive (like the flag pole kill), but never come quite close enough to be better than the ones in parts 1 and 2. Springsteen returns as Angela and like the second movie, she steals every scene she's in. The plot, again, is tight and flows very nicely combining horror and comedy effortlessly. I really enjoyed this movie, and I'm also really glad they didn't kill of Angela at the end. She's just too cool to die! Another great soundtrack is included, making the movie all the more awesome. All in all, a great entry in the series.

Return to Sleepaway Camp (2008):
Over 20 years after the first Sleepaway Camp was released, the original writer/director Robert Hiltzik returns at the helm of this sequel. Proposed as a direct sequel to the first movie, it completely ignores the events of 2 & 3, which would have pissed me off, but they made the great decision to bring back Felissa Rose as the infamous Angela. Unfortunately, that, and the kills are the only things this movie has going for it. The main character named Alan is one of the most unlikable and annoying characters I've ever come across in a horror movie. He's supposed to be the victim, but he is mean and kind of brings all of the bullying on himself. Also, the film is very slow in the middle. There are a couple really good kills at the beginning, and then A LOT of nothingness, and then a pretty good, blood soaked ending. Having said all that, the kills really are pretty sweet. One in particular involving a sharpened broomstick is spectacular. The effects are very well done and almost saved this movie for me. The ending is superb and the final shot brought back the creepy feeling of the original movie's ending. Oddly enough this is a lot like the original because, in the case of both films, if you can get past the awful acting, bad pacing, and horrid script, there are solid kills and an amazing ending. A fitting end(?) to this slasher series.

Sleepaway Camp 4: The Survivor (N/A):
I feel like I need to mention this one even though it's not, and never will be, a part of the series. This movie started filming in the early 90's and production was stopped, and never started back up again. The 30 some odd minutes of surviving production footage can be viewed most likely online, and is also available as a bonus disc in the Sleepaway Camp Survival Kit box set from Anchor Bay. I personally haven't watched it, as it is unfinished and no gore is included. But nonetheless, it's still an interesting part of the history of this series.

The Sleepaway Camp franchise is very enjoyable and highly underrated if you ask me. All of the films have something going for them and they are all, without a doubt, worth watching. I personally like the second and third film over the first and fourth only because I favor Springsteen's Angela to Rose's if only by a little. This is a great series and deserves a bigger following. An absolute mandatory view for any slasher fan. All four films come highly recommended from yours truly. And remember, Oh I'm a happy camper, I love the clear blue sky! And with the grace of God, I'll camp until i die.

The Thing (2011)

When a prequel was announced for John Carpenter's 1982 seminal classic The Thing, I have to admit, I was pretty excited. I thought a prequel was a great idea (much, MUCH better than a remake), and fans would have an excuse to revisit The Thing universe. For the record, I'm also really into the whole prequel trend these days (Prometheus, *SPOILER* Final Destination 5, etc), and I was pumped to see what awesome creature designs, characters, and suspense this new film would bring.

When the prequel of the same name came out, it was met with generally negative reviews and disappointing box office numbers. To be fair, even the original got mixed reviews and was considered a flop back in '82. Just saying. Despite all of this I decided to go see it anyway. I sat there in awe and I left the theater very confused as to why people were hating on this flick. To say the least, I loved it. Here's why I think true fans of the original The Thing, or body horror movies in general should give it another chance.

Let's get the biggest complaint out of the way first; the use of CGI. I am one of the very few people that could forget that the original film had some of the best practical effects of the 80's, and just enjoy this one as a stand alone movie. I thought the CGI was really well used and gave us some amazing money shots of transformations, and incinerations as well. The filmmakers DID use practical effects, as seen in the "making of" on the DVD/Blu-Ray. After watching that, in fact, it was easier to spot the (quite a few) uses of practical effects. All of that aside, the creature designs were outstanding. They kept the feel of the original without copying anything (besides what's explained/ shown in the '82 film). The mutations are brutal and unexpected, as is the gore. To me, this film definitely lived up to the classic effects of the original.

Honestly, that was really the only big complaint about this entry, which is quite unfair, as it has a lot more going for it. Another great thing about this flick is the acting. Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who is rapidly becoming one of my favorite actresses, holds her ground as the film's heroine. She gives off an almost Ellen Ripley vibe as she takes command, and she steals every scene she's in. The rest of the cast is great as well, with each character being memorable and unique. The group in this film felt real, as if they were hand picked from around the word and plopped together in this one location.

The paranoid feeling of the original film also makes an appearance in the prequel. The film delivers on the effects without sacrificing suspense, and mystery. I was constantly trying to figure out who was assimilated and how the thing would make its appearance. Nothing in this flick seemed recycled or predictable and that is a successful attempt at creating paranoia, not only for the characters but for the audience as well.

So, I urge you to give this movie another chance. It has amazing effects/creatures, an eerie feeling about it, and great acting as well. Fans will notice nods to the original like an homage to the "testing" scene, and various little things seen when they visit the doomed camp in the '82 version. The ending brilliantly ties everything up too, and it left me very satisfied. I really hope this movie gets a following like the original did, because it more than deserves it.