The Splat Pack

With horror looking dead (no pun intended) coming out of the 90's, there was seemingly no light at the end of the tunnel for our beloved genre. That is, until a group of film makers from all around the globe said enough is enough. They didn't need to have a meeting, they knew nothing of one another, but they did know that the horror genre needed a kick in the teeth. I'm talking, of course, about "The Splat Pack." Eli Roth, Rob Zombie, Neil Marshall, James Wan, Greg McLean, Adam Green, and Alexandre Aja all, in the early 2000's, decided horror needed to be edgy again. They all released unbelievably gory movies into the mainstream leaving horror fans both relieved and screaming for more. These filmmakers gave horror fans hope, and changed the face of horror for the better part of a decade. Let's look at these directors' filmographies shall we?

Eli Roth:
Eli Roth spent his parents' retirement money in order to produce his 2002 debut film Cabin Fever. It was a fun, creepy, and above all gory debut that put him on the map and got him recognized by a lot of people including Quentin Tarantino and Peter Jackson. After the success of his first movie, his sophomore film Hostel was highly anticipated. It was released in 2005 with solid reviews from critics and fans alike. He also made a sequel in 2007, Hostel Part II, which was another hit in the horror community. He hasn't directed a movie since, but he's produced many, and even acted in a few. There are rumors that his next directorial project will be a cannibal movie in the vein of Cannibal Holocaust.

Rob Zombie:
With his music showing much love to the horror genre, Zombie making a horror flick of his own seemed only right. In 2003 he released his hallucinatory debut House of 1000 Corpses. It was bizarre, trippy, and gory as hell. It has since become a cult hit. His second flick, The Devil's Rejects, a loose sequel to House, was met with very positive reviews and is still considered to be his best movie. After proving that he had some serious talent behind the camera, he went on to tackle the remake of Halloween in 2007. It was met with mixed reviews, but was box office hit. In 2009, he made the sequel, Halloween 2 with the same results. His most recent film, The Lords of Salem is currently making the rounds at festivals, and has been picked up by Anchor Bay for distribution.

Neil Marshall:
Nicknamed the king of B-movies, Neil Marshall exploded into the horror scene in 2002 with his debut Dog Soldiers, an old school style werewolf flick. This got him some serious attention, as his next movie, 2005's The Descent, gained a full theatrical run. He has since somewhat drifted away from horror as he moved on to direct Doomsday, a Mad Max-esque apocalyptic thriller in 2008, and Centurion, a sword and sandal adventure flick in 2010. Rumor has it he's returning to horror with Burst, a movie about people spontaneously combusting.

James Wan:
Back in 2004, a little film called Saw was released. It essentially created the "torture porn" sub genre and changed the way we saw horror films. James Wan finished this film in 18 days on a shoestring budget, making it one of the most successful independent horror movies ever made. He has since directed Dead Silence and Death Sentence (both released in 2007), and Insidious released in 2011. His next work is highly anticipated.

Greg McLean:
Australian born director showed off extreme talent when his debut Wolf Creek was released in 2005. It was his personal answer to Saw and Hostel and it was met with huge success. His second feature film Rogue, about a killer crocodile, was released in 2007 with very positive reviews. He hasn't directed a film since, but a sequel to Wolf Creek is reportedly in the works.

Adam Green:
Better late then never, Adam Green released Hatchet, a throwback to old school American slashers, in 2006. It was met with praise from critics and fans alike. He later directed some smaller films like Spiral in 2007, before making Frozen in 2010. Frozen proved he not only knew how to orchestrate mindless violence and gore, but also suspense and true scares. Hatchet 2 was released in 2010 as well but it came with so-so reviews. He also directed a segment in the sleazy anthology Chillerama, which was released in 2011. He is currently acting as writer and producer of a third Hatchet film.

Alexandre Aja:
French filmmaker Alexandre Aja burst into the horror scene with his gloriously gory debut High Tension in 2003. This gained him some recognition, and he came to the states for his next feature, The Hills Have Eyes, which was released in 2006. This gave him a name in the US as a horror master. He stumbled a bit with 2008's Mirrors, as it was a critical and financial bust. But, he was back to form with 2010's Piranha. He has been writing and producing since, and plans to direct another film soon.

As horror fans, we owe these guys our lives. They saved our genre from the dreadful 90's and reminded us how amazing good ol' bloody horror films can be. If you haven't seen any of these films, I say definitely check them out. They're all an extremely important part of the horror genre. Long live The Splat Pack!

The Scream Series

Ah, the 90s. The absolute worst decade for our beloved genre. All horror films were watered down, and the big franchises of the 80s were dying off. It was a very sad decade for horror, but one franchise shined through all of the crap. I am talking of course, about the Scream movies. While these movies were the exact reason that 90s horror sucked (90210-type cast, very little gore, etc.), they are good based solely on who was involved; the immortal Wes Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson. This dynamic duo put together the best horror films of the 90s and even one of the best horror franchises ever.

Scream (1996)
With the almighty slasher film all but extinct, the horror genre was looking very grim going into the 1990s. The MPAA was on a censorship rampage, chopping our favorite films to bits, and killing off icons. But, in the middle of the decade, Wes Craven decided to direct a little film called Scream. Scream was funny, scary, and just the shot in the arm horror needed. The self referential comedy mixed with the tried and true slasher formula was a match made in horror heaven. The acting was great, the characters were memorable (even if they were a "90210 cast"), and the gore was surprisingly brutal. It was the first horror film to actually mock and deconstruct slasher films while itself was one. It's a true horror classic, and it's up there with the best of the genre.

Scream 2 (1997)
Like the sequels jokingly mentioned in this flick, this movie surpasses the original. It's bigger, better, and improves on both what was good and bad in the original scream. Like Randy says while he's explaining sequel rules, "1. The body count is always bigger. And 2. The death scenes are always much more elaborate, with more blood and gore." This movie follows these simple rules and throw in the memorable characters and funny inside jokes the first film introduced. The kills were satisfying and so was the payoff at the end. A very worthy sequel to a great original.

Scream 3 (2000)
This is the movie in the franchise that seems to divide audiences. It's pretty low on gore and there's way too much exposition. But to me, that's the point. I think (and hope) that they were trying to make fun of how the final installments of trilogies often explain too much, and really throw in unnecessary twists. Other than that, the violence was alright, and the comedy was less present. Overall it's great of you're a fan of the franchise, but it's definitely the weakest and most forgettable in the series.

Scream 4 (2011)
I absolutely loved this movie. All of the original cast and crew returning over a decade after the third installment was enough for me to get excited for this movie. Written to make fun of how every horror movie is being remade, it slyly becomes a remake of the first film. I really enjoyed the new cast as well as the returning group. The gore was amped up for modern audiences, and it was amazing. Guts strewn across a bed, stabs to the forehead, and endless other kinds of stabbings occur. The comedy is right up there with the first Scream. It's a great movie, and supposedly the start of a new trilogy. Keep 'em coming!

The Scream franchise has cemented itself in horror history as the savior of the 90s. Without these flicks, horror fans would've lost their minds (until the splat pack, anyway). We owe a lot to this series, and I'm excited for what's to come! Now, what's your favorite scary movie?

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!