As Above, So Below (2014) Perdita Weeks, Ben Feldman, François Civil, Edwin Hodge, Marion Lambert, Ali Marhyar, Cosme Castro Directed by: John Erick Dowdle
This movie has been on my radar for a good while now, but I never quite got around to it. I generally don’t like found footage films, so that was probably the big reason I didn’t see it. But after seeing a YouTuber I like watching gush about it a few times, I decided to give it a go. And boy, do I kinda feel dumb now.
A team of explorers ventures into the forbidden areas of the Catacombs of Paris looking for the fabled Philosopher’s Stone and come to realize that not all is as it seems.
First, I gotta get the bad out of the way. There were some severely shaky cam moments that I really didn’t enjoy. A lot of shaky cam makes me nauseous. Thankfully, there wasn’t too much of it. And really, that’s all the bad I can say about this film. It was pretty awesome. The acting is usually pretty sketchy in these types of movies, but the cast all did a really good job. The film was actually filmed in the Catacombs, which is both awesome and creepy at the same time. I’d love to visit that one of these days. As a cool bit of trivia, this was the first ever production that secured permission from the French government to film in the Paris Catacombs, both in the public and in the off-limits area. They got permission the night before shooting began.
SPOILERS INCOMING
So after the group actually finds the stone, and a lot of other treasure, it triggers a trap that causes a cave in. The group are forced to go even deeper into the underground, and that’s when shit really starts to get weird. I loved the slowly unravelling mystery of what was going on, and when we finally see the inscription “Abandon all hope ye who enter here” I knew I was in for something special. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Hell has been depicted many ways over the decades, but I’ve never seen anything like this before. It’s such a great idea, being literally what’s in the title of the film. The idea that you’re in a hell of your own making, and only facing your trauma can set you free has been done before (very well in the wonderful film What Dreams May Come), but not quite like this. So if the only thing keeping you from watching this is the fact that it’s a found footage film, I can assure you that it’s such a good film that it makes the found footage element barely an issue.
So, do I recommend it? In case I haven’t made it clear yet, yes yes yes. Absolutely wonderful, it gets a 9/10 from me. It might have been a 10 if it hadn’t been found footage. Go watch it, now!
M.
This film is not currently streaming anywhere, but is available for rental or purchase on YouTube or Amazon Prime.
Annabelle Comes Home (2019) Mckenna Grace, Madison Iseman, Katie Sarife, Michael Cimino, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson Directed by: Gary Dauberman
I was so excited when the first Annabelle movie came out because I’m such a big fan of the Conjuring franchise. And then I saw it and all the wind came out of my sails cause it sucked. Bad. So when this one came out, I had no intentions of watching yet another crappy spin-off. But I’m glad I finally did. It’s a good time.
Ed and Lorraine Warren bring the evil Annabelle doll to their house to contain the evil inside a glass case. But when the Warrens leave for the weekend and leave their young daughter Judy with a babysitter, the evil is accidentally unleashed to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting teens.
I had zero expectations going into this film. And while it doesn’t recreate the wheel or anything, it’s still fun. All the acting was good, which is always a bonus in horror movies. The plot, while slightly predictable and formulaic, was still good. It takes a while setting up the characters, so you actually care about them when shit starts to go south. There’s some decent atmosphere going on and, while not really scary, it’s still fun in its intensity. And they got me once with a very loud jump-scare. Usually I can tell they’re coming from a mile away, but this one got me, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. Well played, Annabelle Comes Home, well played. I will dock them a point for reusing a scare from The Conjuring 2, though. It would have been effective had we not seen it before.
Everything else was on par with what I’ve come to expect from a Conjuring movie. The makeup was really well done, it had some creepy set pieces, and it was nicely shot. And Joseph Bishara played the hell out of his strings, as per usual.
So, do I recommend it? Sure, with the caveat that you have to be a fan of the franchise. I’m not sure how much enjoyment one would get out of it if they weren’t already familiar with the characters and the world since the film doesn’t take much time to explain it. As for me, I give it a good 7/10. I had fun with it. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!
M.
This movie is not currently streaming anywhere (in Canada), but you can purchase or rent it from Amazon Prime or YouTube.
The Vigil (2019) Dave Davis, Menashe Lustig, Lynn Cohen, Malky Goldman, Ronald Cohen, Fred Melamed (v.o.) Directed by: Keith Thomas
This movie had been in my Shudder watchlist for literal years. I just never watched it. I finally did and it wasn’t really anything special.
A man providing overnight watch to a deceased member of his former Orthodox Jewish community finds himself opposite a malevolent entity.
So first, I know absolutely nothing about Jewish culture. I got the basic drift of what was happening though. The film is half in Hebrew, so there’s some subtitles to read. The biggest problem I had with the film is that everything was always so slow. The man’s reaction times to things that are happening seems to be stretched out. Static shots on something that might move (i.e. is that body going to move?) were really really long. It felt almost like the filmmakers were trying to pad the runtime of the film. It clocks in at 89 minutes, so maybe they felt that by doing this, they’d have a decent runtime. But it just made most of the movie unbearably boring most of the time.
The acting was fine, nothing special, but fine. The makeup, however, was pretty bad. The demon hands you see near the end of the film were laughable. I don’t know if they meant to have it look so DIY, but it really does look like something I could make in my basement. It was competently shot, except of course the aforementioned long shots. I will give it credit for an interesting idea, though. A demon that feeds on pain could make a great movie. Just not this one.
So do I recommend it? Not really. There’s nothing here that I’d really say needs to be seen. Best to skip this one. It gets a 4/10 from me.
M.
This film is currently streaming on Shudder and Amazon Prime.
I’m finally finished the second half of this list. I was wondering if I was going to ever get the motivation to finish it at all, but here it is, part 2 of my 15 favourite episodes of Ancient Aliens.
Number 7
Title:Aliens and the Lost Ark Season: 6, episode 10 Who they talk to: Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Graham Hancock, Rev Barry H Downing PhD, Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Rev Michael JS Carter, Rabbi Ariel Bar Tzadok, William Henry, David Wilcock, Michael Dennin PhD, David Childress, Jason Martell, Kathleen McGowan, Alexander Bay PhD, Mike Bara What they discuss: Archeological discovery that may prove that the Ark of the Covenant was real. The story in the book of Exodus where Moses went to the top of Mount Sinai and received the 10 commandments, and these tablets were stored in the Ark, which they were told how to build. It would also hold the power of God himself. Who did Moses really encounter? Was it an extraterrestrial being? The Ark was not to be touched, upon pain of death. It was always covered so people couldn’t look at it. Was the Ark some kind of alien technology? It was said to protect and provide for the Israelites while they were in the desert by sending the Manna. Did the Ark hold a machine that made this Manna? The story of the Ark stopping the waters of the Jordan river so that they could go into the Promised Land? The destruction of Jericho. The Philistines capture the Ark, and then they start to get sick and die. They send it back. Did the Ark contain some kind of nuclear driven device? The attire the priests had to wear to approach the Ark to protect themselves from the power coming from it. A physicist explains how the golden Ark could be an energy capacitor. It disappears from history in about 400 BC. The theory that the Ark ended up in Japan, in the caves of mount Tsurugi. The theory that the Ark was hidden by the Knights Templar. The monks in Aksum in the cathedral of St Mary of Zion claim that they have the Ark. Is the Ark hidden under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem? A bright light was seen over the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount. Was it charging the Ark? It is said that the Ark will return with the coming of the Messiah. Notes: I’m fascinated by anything about the Ark of the Covenant. Not sure why, but I am. I don’t believe it was real, but I love the mythology around it. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 6
Title:Closer Encounters Season: 1, episode 4 Who they talk to: Robert Schoch PhD, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Nancy Red Star, David Childress, Erich von Däniken, LA Marzulli, Jonathan Young PhD, Bill Birnes PhD, C Scott Littleton PhD, Betty Ann Brown PhD, Maximillien de LaFayette, George Noory, William Bramley, Chris Pittman, Alex Chionetti, Michael J Crowe PhD, Clifford Mahooty, Philip Coppens, Peter Fiebag, Graham Hancock, Linda Moulton Howe What they discuss: The first test of an atomic bomb in New Mexico. Were there similar weapons in ancient times? The Mahabharata has stories of weapons that are eerily similar to today’s weapons. The ruins of Mohenjo-Daro. Did an atomic bomb go off there? As evidence, there’s vitrification. What about Sodom and Gomorrah? Lot’s wife died from looking at the blast. Noah’s birth and real lineage. Was Noah’s Ark some kind of DNA bank? Paintings from the middle ages that look to be depicting UFOs in the background. Was the Black Death created by extraterrestrials to cull humans? The logs of Christopher Columbus. Did it depict a UFO? The people of Nuremburg who saw an aerial battle in the 16th century and memorialized it in a broadsheet. Cotton Mather’s record of a UFO over the moon. Reports of lights in the sky in the 18th century Europe and Asia. Sightings in early United States history. The ruins at Chaco Canyon show advanced knowledge of astronomy. Strange lights coming from Oak Island in the 19th century. Is the Ark of the Covenant buried there? Is it an extraterrestrial device? Notes: A grab bag of subjects that have to do with sightings and technologies, I found this episode fascinating. I love learning new things, and there was a bunch of stuff in this episode I didn’t know. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 5
Title:The New Evidence Season: 11, episode 4 Who they talk to: Erich von Däniken, David Childress, David Wilcock, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Andrew Collins, David Cheetham PhD, Sabina Magliocco PhD, David Whitehead, William Henry, Robert Bauval, Ramy Romany, Andrew Collins, George Noory, Dominic Steavu PhD, Ed Barnhart PhD, Jason Martell, Brien Foerster What they discuss: A re-introduction of ancient astronaut theory. New technology that helps us understand the cosmos and ancient ruins. The “new Stonehenge” the found at Durrington Walls using ground penetrating radar. 15 other underground sites were also found in the area. Are they remnants of an extraterrestrial space port? The possibility of two additional shafts hidden in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Is one of these chambers the tomb of Nefertiti? And is it hidden because she was not of this world? The archeological dig at the pyramid of Quetzalcoatl in Teotihuacan. Liquid mercury was found. Did it belong to the extraterrestrials that visited them? The tomb of Emperor Chin and his terracotta army also has large quantities of liquid mercury. Was Machu Picchu built with the help of aliens? There may be a large cavity hidden underneath it. 24 new, older images were found at Nazca that can only be seen with a 3D scan. This proves more than one culture were making these glyphs. Similar glyphs were found in Kazakhstan. Were they used to signal the “gods”? Notes: It’s always interesting to learn all the new stuff that can be found with new technologies. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 4
Title:Dark Forces Season: 10, episode 4 Who they talk to: Rev Lionel Fanthorpe, Jonathan Young PhD, Robert Cargill PhD, William Bramley, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Richard Rader PhD, David Wilcock, David Childress, Sabina Magliocco PhD, Kathleen McGowan Coppens, Stephen O’Shea, Erich von Däniken, William Henry, Dan Healey PhD, Rabbi Ariel Bar Tzadok, Mike FitzGerald, George Noory What they discuss: Serial killers who said they worship Satan. Stories of evil forces that overtake humans are prevalent in every culture in the world. Were some of these dark forces extraterrestrials? Ancient Greek author Hesiod and the 9 muses. His story of Pandora’s Box. The Djinn, who could be a force for good or evil. The Cathars and how they believed demons would lead you astray from god with material things. The Sumerian epic The Atrahasis. The birth and death of Grigory Rasputin. The stories of a pact with the devil. The Nazi SS and the occult leanings of Heinrich Himmler. Alistair Crowley and his dark rituals. Do other beings feed on our negative energy? Notes: Stories of evil forces and deals with the devil? Sign me up! Giorgio’s hair:
Number 3
Title:Prophets and Prophecies Season: 5, episode 7 Who they talk to: Jonathan Young PhD, Philip Coppens, Richard Rader PhD, Fr William J Fulco PhD, David Childress, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Rev Barry H Downing PhD, Patrick Cooke, Nick Redfern, Erich von Däniken, Jason Martell, Judy Chungwa Ho PhD, Robert Schoch PhD, Jay Weidner, Marie D Jones, Michael Dennin PhD, Doc Barham What they discuss: Cultures from around the world have stories of people who can communicate with other forces. Were these other forces extraterrestrials? The divine encounters of Moses. The encounters of the prophet Elijah. Was the fiery chariot that took him to heaven an alien craft? Joseph Smith Jr and the creation of The Book of Mormon. The birth and life of Buddha. Depictions of the Persian god Ahuru Mazda show him in a winged disc. Was his prophet Zarathustra actually communicating with an extraterrestrial? The Oracle of Delphi and her connection to the god Apollo. Michel de Nostredame and his book Les Propheties. The zero-point field, or Akashic Record, where all knowledge, past present and future, is held. Albert Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity. Notes: More supernatural stuff and I’m here for it. It’s just so interesting. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 2
Title:Aliens and the Creation of Man Season: 3, episode 16 Who they talk to: Dr Ian Tattersall, Craig Stanford PhD, Fiorella Terenzi PhD, Nick Redfern, David Childress, Philip Imbrogno, George Noory, Linda Moulton Howe, Philip Coppens, Erich von Däniken, Bill Birnes PhD, Dr Lyle Armstrong, Jonathan Young PhD, Peter Fiebag, Jason Martell What they discuss: Early hominids. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Some ancient astronaut theorists believe that Darwin wasn’t completely right and homo sapiens became smarter due to extraterrestrial intervention. Was all the species of hominids trial and error of genetic mutations by extraterrestrials? Were Adam and Eve the first genetically modified humans? The Sumerian creation story, where humans were created by beings called the Anunnaki. Stories from many cultures say that language was a gift from the gods. Petroglyphs from around the world depicting beings that came down from the heavens. The theory of panspermia. Notes: This is as close as this show gets to my own beliefs. Panspermia seems very likely to me. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 1
Title:Aliens and the Undead Season: 3, episode 14 Who they talk to: Aidan Dodson PhD, Robert Bauval, Andrew Collins, David Childress, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Brien Foerster, George Noory, Sallie Ann Glassman, Jerry Gandolfo, Tok Thompson PhD, Max Brooks, Bob Curran PhD, Jonathan Young PhD, Erich von Däniken, Pastor Brett Peterson, David Skal, Andrew Wyatt PhD, Richard Rader, Michael Coogan PhD, Jessica Haynes, Dr Jeff Long MD, Doc Barham What they discuss: Mummification and the ancient Egyptian’s afterlife myths. Many cultures believed that they would go to the stars after they died. Was this because of something they witnessed from extraterrestrials? The elongated skulls in Egypt and Peru. Were they inspired by alien visitors, or were they themselves aliens? The origins of the zombie. Almost every ancient culture in the world has some kind of myth of the dead coming back to life. The Haitian practice of voodoo. The story of Jesus and Lazarus. The importance of blood rituals to the Mayans. Many cultures have vampires, or vampire-like creatures, in their mythology. End of the world mythology, and the return of the gods. Near-death experiences. Notes: Aliens and the Undead? Come on! Of course I love this one the most! Incidentally, it also happens to be the very first episode of the show I ever saw, and is what interested me in it in the first place. Giorgio’s hair:
And that’s it! Do you like the show? What’s your favourite episode? Let me know!!
The Mortuary Assistant (2026) Willa Holland, Paul Sparks, John Adams, Keena Ferguson Frasier, Mark Steger, Emily Bennett Directed by: Jeremiah Kipp
This movie just dropped on Shudder a few days ago. I had no idea what it was, and the blurb made it sound like a generic possession film, with the same basic premise as The Possession of Hannah Grace. But since I’m a sucker for possession films, I decided to give it a go. And oh boy…
Rebecca is a newly appointed mortician and gets a call from her boss that he needs her for a night shift. When she arrives, strange things begin to happen, and she finds herself in a life-or-death struggle with a demon.
I’d heard this was based on a video game before watching it. But since I’d had a good time with Until Dawn recently, I decided to give this one a go. What a mistake. This film is awful, bordering on embarrassing. The lead gave such a one-note performance, and the man who played her boss was literally made out of wood. It was a confused, jumbled mess, with scenes that had nothing to do with each kind of stitched together. I don’t need every little thing spelled out for me in a film, but a little would be nice. Even the exposition dump that we got didn’t explain anything. I imagine that if I’d played the game, I might have understood a bit of what was going on. But you shouldn’t have to have played the game to understand the film. The film should stand on its own. I will give credit where credit is due, however. The makeup and gore effects were top notch. Too bad they were in such a turd of a film.
So do I recommend it? No, absolutely not. What a waste of my time. 3/10
I love watching lists on YouTube, and one of the guys I like watching is Daniel over on The Cobwebs Channel. He’s a fan of all things horror, so his lists often reflect that. One series of videos he made is his favourite horror films of each decade, starting with the 30s. I was inspired to make my own version of that, but not only horror films. So be prepared for a grab bag of stuff, hehe. I’m not really a fan of old timey films, so my first post will be for the 70s and before, and I was only able to find 12 that I really loved. Starting next post, though, it’ll be a top 30, and I had all the trouble in the world to keep it at 30. So, without further ado, here’s my favourite films of the 70s (and before)!
Number 12
Title:Cleopatra Year: 1963 Plot: Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt experiences both triumph and tragedy as she attempts to resist the imperial ambitions of Rome. Starring: Elizabeth Taylor, Rex Harrison, Richard Burton, George Cole, Hume Cronyn, Cesare Danova, Kenneth Haigh, Andrew Keir, Martin Landau, Roddy McDowall, Robert Stephens, Pamela Brown Directed by: Joseph L Mankiewicz, Rouben Mamoulian Based on a book?: Yes, The Life and Times of Cleopatra by Carlo Maria Franzero Notes: I absolutely love ancient history, so it’s almost a given that I’d love this. It’s beautiful, it’s lush, the costumes are out of this world (and cost a pretty penny, even in 1960s terms). The only reason it’s not higher up on the list is the second half of the film lulls a bit and is not nearly as good as the first half. The film is also unbelievably long, clocking in at 5h 20m, which I wouldn’t have minded if the Marc Antony part was as good as the Julius Caesar part.
Number 11
Title:The Rocky Horror Picture Show Year: 1975 Plot: A rain-soaked couple take refuge in the castle of a (sweet) transvestite mad scientist from outer space who is about to unveil his greatest creation. Starring: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, Little Nell Campbell, Peter Hinwood, Jonathan Adams, Meat Loaf, Charles Gray Directed by: Jim Sharman Based on a book?: No Notes: I hated this film the first time I saw it. I don’t even remember who got me to give it a second chance, but I thank them. This is one of only 2 musicals in any of these lists, cause I’m generally not a fan (I’m not counting Disney films as musicals, they’re their own beast). It’s silly, it’s campy and it’s a lot of fun.
Number 10
Title:Dracula Year: 1979 Plot: In 1913, the charming, seductive and sinister vampire Count Dracula travels to England in search of an immortal bride. Starring: Frank Langella, Laurence Olivier, Kate Nelligan, Donald Pleasence, Trevor Eve, Jan Francis, Tony Haygarth Directed by: John Badham Based on a book?: Yes, Dracula by Bram Stoker Notes: This is the first iteration of Dracula that I ever saw (when I was probably too young), and so when I saw Bram Stoker’s Dracula in 1992, I was confused as to why they switched Mina and Lucy’s characters. Imagine my surprise when I read the book and found that the ’92 version had the right of it. I still have no idea why this version switched the names. It’s a little long winded at times, but it’s a beautiful film, Langella is very smooth as the Count.
Number 9
Title:Psycho Year: 1960 Plot: A woman on the run stops for the night at a lonely motel where she meets the nice, if a little odd, Norman Bates. Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Simon Oakland Directed by: Alfred Hitchcock Based on a book?: Yes, Psycho by Robert Bloch Notes: What can I say about this classic, besides the fact that it’s almost surprising I like it as much as I do? I’m generally not a fan of old timey movies, and I’m generally not a fan of slashers, but there are exceptions to everything. I also can’t deny the effect that this film had on the horror industry as a whole. Being done by a respected director, it put the whole world on notice that horror was more than B-movies.
Number 8
Title:The Ghost and Mrs Muir Year: 1947 Plot: In 1900, a young widow finds her seaside cottage is haunted and forms a unique relationship with the ghost. Starring: Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders, Edna Best, Vanessa Brown, Anna Lee Directed by: Joseph L Mankiewicz Based on a book?: Yes, The Ghost and Mrs Muir by Josephine Leslie (under the pseudonym RA Dick) Notes: Such a cozy, warm movie. I loved the interaction between the gruff old sea captain’s ghost and the eponymous Mrs Muir. I really don’t have much to say about this film besides I was pleasantly surprised that I loved it.
Number 7
Title:Some Like it Hot Year: 1959 Plot: After two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in. Starring: Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Marilyn Monroe, George Raft, Pat O’Brien, Joe E Brown, Joan Shawlee Directed by: Billy Wilder Based on a book?: No Notes: I absolutely love this film. Yes, the relationships are a little problematic when you think too hard about it, but it’s so charming, so romantic, even funny at times. And Marilyn Monroe was stunning!
Number 6
Title:Invasion of the Body Snatchers Year: 1956 Plot: A small-town doctor learns that the population of his community is being replaced by emotionless alien duplicates. Starring: Kevin McCarthy, Dana Wynter, Larry Gates, King Donovan, Carolyn Jones, Jean Willes, Ralph Dumke, Virginia Christine Directed by: Don Siegel Based on a book?: Yes, The Body Snatchers by Jack Finney Notes: When this title is brought up, it’s usually the 70s version that gets all the love. But I prefer this one by leaps and bounds. The sense of creeping dread is there just under the surface, and it’s wonderfully executed.
Number 5
Title:Robin Hood Year: 1973 Plot: Robin Hood, an outlaw with a heart of gold, must save his beloved Nottingham from the evil Prince John all the while wooing his childhood love, Maid Marian. Starring: Brian Bedford, Phil Harris, Monica Evans, Peter Ustinov, Terry-Thomas, Andy Devine, Pat Buttram, Roger Miller, Carole Shelley Directed by: Wolfgang Reitherman, David Hand Based on a book?: While the story itself originates from poems written starting in the 14th century, the first real book written about Robin Hood was The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle Notes: This was one of my favourite movies growing up, so imagine my surprise to learn that it was not well received when it came out. Sure, the character of Little John is basically just Baloo from The Jungle Book (even voiced by the same actor), but the film itself is fun and sweet with some great songs.
Number 4
Title: The Last Man on Earth Year: 1964 Plot: When a disease turns all of humanity into the living dead, the last man on earth becomes a reluctant vampire hunter. Starring: Vincent Price, Franca Bettoia, Emma Danieli, Giacomo Rossi Stuart, Umberto Raho Directed by: Ubaldo Ragona, Sidney Salkow Based on a book?: Yes, I Am Legend by Richard Matheson Notes: Vincent Price is an absolute legend in the horror community, and even though I haven’t seen many of his films, I know this. This film is dark, bleak, and lonely, with a gut punch ending. An absolute hidden classic in my opinion.
Number 3
Title:Wizards Year: 1977 Plot: On a post-apocalyptic Earth, a wizard and his faire folk comrades fight an evil wizard who’s using technology in his bid for conquest. Starring: Bob Holt, Jesse Welles, Richard Romanus, David Proval, Steve Gravers, Jim Connell, Peter Hobbs, Mark Hamill Directed by: Ralph Bakshi Based on a book?: No Notes: I saw this when I was way too young to appreciate the gravity of what was happening in this world. Now that I’m older, I still love it, but for entirely different reasons. This animation is definitely not for kids. Unless, of course, we’re talking about a kid like me, hehe.
Number 2
Title:The Sword in the Stone Year: 1963 Plot: A poor boy named Arthur learns the power of love, kindness, knowledge and bravery with the help of a wizard called Merlin in the path to become one of the most beloved kings in English history. Starring: Rickie Sorensen, Karl Swenson, Junius Matthews, Sebastian Cabot, Norman Alden, Martha Wentworth, Alan Napier Directed by: Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi, David Hand Based on a book?: Yes, The Sword in the Stone by TH White Notes: This is one of my absolute favourite Disney movies of all time. While my love of others that I saw as a kid has somewhat faded, I can still watch this one and love it as much as I did back then. It’s so much fun! The scene where Archimedes is laughing his ass off at Merlin after he got his beard stuck in the propellers of a toy airplane gets me every time.
Number 1
Title:The Exorcist Year: 1973 Plot: When a malevolent entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life. Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, Lee J Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, William O’Malley, Rudolf Schündler Directed by: William Friedkin Based on a book?: Yes, The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty Notes: As if this is a surprise to anyone who knows me. Thinking of other horror films of the era, this one just stands head and shoulders above the rest. It’s such a bleak film, dealing with things such as the loss of faith and despair. Yes, of course, there are the gross out and scary scenes, but the film is so much more then that. I strongly recommend it to anyone who loves horror and for some reason still haven’t seen it. It holds up surprisingly well for a film made in the early 70s.
And that’s my list! What are your favourites? Stay tuned for the 80s, coming soon!
I watched this off my Shudder watchlist last night. I enjoy demon-y type movies, so I figured I’d give this little Indonesian film a chance. And it was… fine.
After a woman is seemingly possessed, the shock sends her husband to a psychiatric hospital. But the real terror waits for her children after the father comes home.
I’m not even sure I have enough to say about this for a full blog post, but I’ll try. It was an altogether average film. The acting was fine. The story was fine, if a little uninspired. The camerawork was fine, although it did get a little annoying with the weird angles sometimes. The demon looked ok, but again, uninspired. One thing I really didn’t like, though, was their over-reliance of cgi. There were hardly any makeup effects, it was all cg. It takes away from a film, I find, if over-used. The one big makeup they had was some shots of the demon itself, and honestly, it looked a little silly. The film was also over-long, clocking in at 1 hour 49 minutes. 20 minutes could have easily been shaved off this thing.
I didn’t know anything about this demon, the Perewangan, because it’s from Javanese folklore. The word means “helper” and is basically a demon you summon to grant you what you want, but it must be fed. And if you don’t, you’re cursed and possessed. It’s multigenerational as well, so even if you kill yourself or something, that won’t stop it. It’s a pretty common myth, they have something like that from many cultures around the world, but they could have done something more interesting with the concept, I’m sure. And the ending is, in a word, typical.
So do I recommend it? Meh, not really. There’s not much to recommend. It gets a fine 5/10 from me.
Supernatural horror is my favourite category of horror films (and books for that matter), and in that subgenre, possession films (and books) are my favourites. I’ve seen and read so many that they tend to blur together, but a few of them really stand out. Here are my top 15 possession films. You’ll notice, when called for, I put “true story” in quotations. I definitely don’t believe any of this stuff happened for real, with the exception of two court cases for numbers 7 and 2. But everything surrounding them, that’s a big no. Enjoy!
Number 15
Title:Prey for the Devil Year: 2022 Starring: Jacqueline Byers, Christian Navarro, Posy Taylor, Colin Salmon, Nicholas Ralph, Virginia Madsen, Ben Cross, Debora Zhecheva Directed by: Daniel Stamm Plot: A nun prepares to perform an exorcism and comes face to face with a demonic force with mysterious ties to her past. Why I love it: This is the film that I’ve seen most recently, and I have to say, I was quite impressed. It didn’t reinvent the wheel or anything, but it was a good time.
Number 14
Title: Late Night with the Devil Year: 2023 Starring: David Dastmalchian, Laura Gordon, Ingrid Torelli, Ian Bliss, Fayssal Bazzi, Rhys Auteri, Georgina Haig, Josh Quong Tart Directed by: Cameron Cairnes, Colin Cairnes Plot: A late night tv host in 1977, in an effort to save his dying show, has on a girl who is supposedly possessed in a live broadcast that goes horribly wrong. Why I love it: This was quite a unique film, and they did an amazing job recreating the vibe of a cheesy 70’s talk show. It might have been higher on my list, but I wasn’t a big fan of the ending.
Number 13
Title:The Possession of Michael King Year: 2014 Starring: Shane Johnson, Ella Anderson, Cara Pifko, Julie McNiven, Tomas Arana, Patricia Healy, Cullen Douglas, Jed Rees, Dale Dickey Directed by: David Jung Plot: Michael is an atheist who recently lost his wife in an unfortunate accident. After confronting his late wife’s “spiritual adviser” (a tarot card reader), he decides to make a documentary featuring what he believes will be proof that the supernatural doesn’t exist. Why I love it: This little film is so much better than it had any right being. As someone who hates found footage, I found this film so good that I was able to look past it.
Number 12
Title:Evil Dead Year: 2013 Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Jessica Lucas, Lou Taylor Pucci, Elizabeth Blackmore, Inca the Dog Directed by: Fede Alvarez Plot: Five friends head to a remote cabin to help one of them kick a drug habit, where the discovery of a Book of the Dead leads them to unwittingly summon up demons living in the nearby woods. Why I love it: I hated the original, but this remake/sequel is pretty awesome. So much more gory than I usually like my films, but it was very well done, so I was able to enjoy it despite that.
Number 11
Title: The Blackcoat’s Daughter Year: 2015 Starring: Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Boynton, Emma Roberts, James Remar, Lauren Holly, Greg Ellwand Directed by: Osgood Perkins Plot: During winter break, two students stay in an all-girls boarding school in the company of a terrifying presence. Why I love it: Wonderful, quiet, and weird. I loved it. What a gut-punch of an ending.
Number 10
Title:The Vatican Tapes Year: 2015 Starring: Olivia Taylor Dudley, Michael Peña, Dougray Scott, John Patrick Amedori, Peter Andersson, Djimon Hounsou, Kathleen Robertson Directed by: Mark Neveldine Plot: A priest and two Vatican exorcists must do battle with an ancient satanic force to save the soul of a young woman. Why I love it: I really wasn’t expecting much when I picked this up in a Walmart bargain bin. Imagine my surprise when I actually loved it! Just a fun, good time.
Number 9
Title:Ouija: Origin of Evil Year: 2016 Starring: Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, Annalise Basso, Henry Thomas, Parker Mack, Halle Charlton, Kate Siegel, Doug Jones Directed by: Mike Flanagan Plot: In 1967 Los Angeles, a girl tries to communicate with her late father through a Ouija board, but unleashes a demon instead. Why I love it: I had no intention of watching it, since the first one was awful. But the trailer intrigued me enough that I gave it a chance. And I’m glad I did. Mike Flanagan can really do no wrong.
Number 8
Title: Fallen Year: 1998 Starring: Denzel Washington, John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davidtz, James Gandolfini, Elias Koteas, Gabriel Casseus, Robert Joy Directed by: Gregory Hoblit Plot: Homicide detective John Hobbes witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese. Soon after the execution, the killings start again, and they are very similar to Reese’s style. He is then taunted by an entity that can jump from body to body. Why I love it: This is such an under-rated gem, I rarely hear people talking about it, which is a real shame. It’s a great story with a stacked cast. It’s not a conventional possession movie, but still fits the category.
Number 7
Title:The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It Year: 2021 Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ruairi O’Connor, Sarah Catherine Hook, Julian Hilliard, John Noble, Eugenie Bondurant, Shannon Kook, Steve Coulter Directed by: Michael Chaves Plot: Arne Cheyenne Johnson stabs and murders his landlord, claiming to be under demonic possession while Ed and Lorraine Warren investigate the case and try to prove his innocence. Why I love it: I may be in the minority here, but this is my second favourite Conjuring movie. I just love the characters so much (as long as I separate them from their real-life counterparts), and I love spending time with them. Based on a “true story”, based on The Devil in Connecticut by Gerald Brittle.
Number 6
Title:The Exorcist Year: 1973 Starring: Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Jason Miller, Max von Sydow, Lee J Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran, William O’Malley Directed by: William Friedkin Plot: When a mysterious entity possesses a young girl, her mother seeks the help of two Catholic priests to save her life. Why I love it: I mean, it’s the OG, how could I not love it? I feel like I should apologize for not having it higher, but my top 5 are really, really good, hehe. A wonderful case study in faith and despair. Based on The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty.
Number 5
Title:Stigmata Year: 1999 Starring: Patricia Arquette, Gabriel Byrne, Jonathan Pryce, Nia Long, Thomas Kopache, Enrico Colantoni, Rade Serbedzija, Dick Latessa Directed by: Rupert Wainwright Plot: When a young woman becomes afflicted by stigmata, a priest is sent to investigate her case, which may have severe ramifications for his faith and for the Catholic church itself. Why I love it: My lifelong crush on Gabriel Byrne aside, this is just an awesome movie. I must have seen it over 20 times!
Number 4
Title: The Exorcist III Year: 1990 Starring: George C Scott, Ed Flanders, Brad Dourif, Jason Miller, Nicol Williamson, Scott Wilson, Nancy Fish Directed by: William Peter Blatty Plot: A police lieutenant uncovers more than he bargained for as his investigation of a series of murders, which have all the hallmarks of the deceased Gemini serial killer, leads him to question the patients of a psychiatric ward. Why I love it: It may upset some people that this one is higher than the first one, but I simply like this one more. George C Scott was born to play this role, and Brad Dourif is absolutely electric as the Gemini killer. And it has the best jump scare in movie history, full stop. Based on Legion by William Peter Blatty.
Number 3
Title:Deliver Us From Evil Year: 2014 Starring: Eric Bana, Edgar Ramírez, Joel McHale, Olivia Munn, Sean Harris, Chris Coy, Lulu Wilson, Olivia Horton, Dorian Missick, Mike Houston Directed by: Scott Derrickson Plot: A detective and a priest join forces to stop an ancient evil that is spreading across New York. Why I love it: As soon as I saw it was directed by Scott Derrickson, I knew I would love it. It’s got great characters, good mystery, some tense scenes, and a killer exorcism. What else could you want? Based on a “true story”, based on Beware the Night by Ralph Sarchie.
Number 2
Title:The Exorcism of Emily Rose Year: 2005 Starring: Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson, Jennifer Carpenter, Campbell Scott, Colm Feore, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Joshua Close, JR Bourne, Mary Beth Hurt Directed by: Scott Derrickson Plot: A lawyer takes on a negligent homicide case involving a priest who performed an exorcism on a young girl. Why I love it: Scott Derrickson again, I know. I didn’t plan it like this, I swear! This film is at times poignant, at times tense, and at times downright scary. Based on a “true story”, based on The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel by Dr Felicitas Goodman.
Number 1
Title:The Conjuring Year: 2013 Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston, Joey King, Shanley Caswell, Shannon Kook, John Brotherton, Hayley McFarland, Mackenzie Foy, Kyla Deaver, Sterling Jerins, Joseph Bishara Directed by: James Wan Plot: Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse. Why I love it: This is my comfort movie. When I don’t feel well, if I’m in the hospital, or if I simply don’t know what to do with myself, I’ll throw this film on and I’ll immediately feel better. Based on a “true story”, based on House of Darkness House of Light by Andrea Perron.
In memory of Erich von Däniken, who we just lost this past January 10th, I decided to put together a list of my favourite episodes of Ancient Aliens. It’s one of my favourite shows, I tend to put it on to fall asleep to, or if my brain is not up to watching anything else. Now I haven’t seen every single episode, in fact I’ve missed a lot of the latest seasons, so there might be ones I’ve missed that I’d really love. Hopefully they’ll put out a box set once the show is done. I don’t really believe any of this stuff, but you can’t deny the effect that Däniken, and the show, has had on pop culture. Rest well, Erich. I hope you’re with your ancient astronauts now. (Side note, this is taking longer than I expected, so I’m separating it into two posts.)
Number 15
Title:The Mystery of Puma Punku Season: 4, episode 6 Who they talk to: David Childress, Hugh Newman, Philip Coppens, Brien Foerster, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Christopher Dunn, Paul Goldstein PhD, Erich von Däniken, George Noory What they discuss: Puma Punku (duh). But seriously, they discuss how complex and flawless the stonework is, positing that primitive man could never have made the type of cuts found on the site. They also make a comparison of the stone from Puma Punku to stone that has been sawed and stone that’s been laser cut. They discuss the creator god Viracocha, who’s depicted in carvings at nearby Tiahuanaco, and how it looks like the site was destroyed by a giant cataclysm. Notes: The show says the stones used were andesite, diorite, and granite, but in reality, it was andesite and red sandstone, which is actually much softer. Andesite, however, is still incredibly hard, so search me as to how they actually did it way back then. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 14
Title:The Evidence Season: 1, episode 1 Who they talk to: Philip Coppens, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Dr Uwe Apel, Dr Algund Eenboom, Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval, Robert H Frisbee PhD, Michael Cremo, Dr Steven M Greer, David Childress, Jonathan Young PhD, Roger Hopkins What they discuss: A wooden figure found in a tomb in Egypt of what is called the Saqqara bird, and how it’s incredibly aerodynamic. 1500-year-old peoples in Columbia called the Tolima made golden figures of animals, of which a few dozen look eerily like aircraft. They show how they made a model of one of these figures and it actually flew. The Vimanas, what they say are aircraft described in the ancient Indian Sanskrit texts. The Nazca lines and wondering what they were for. Runways, perhaps? The Bible’s book of Ezekiel, and what the object he saw really was. Ancient Egyptian tools, and how they couldn’t have been primitive. They talk to a professional stone sculptor who seems baffled by some of the ancient stonework, saying that, yes, it’s possible, but incredibly hard, and why do something the hardest way possible? He admits that he would have trouble replicating the blocks from Puma Punku, even with his modern machines. Explaining what the manna that sustained the Israelites while in the desert from the Bible was. Maybe it came from a nuclear-driven device that was housed in the Ark of the Covenant. What were the pyramids really for? Maybe some kind of power plant? Notes: I keep feeling that the OG episode should really be higher on my list, but there are so many great ones coming that I really couldn’t place it higher. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 13
Title:The Viking Gods Season: 5, episode 11 Who they talk to: Timothy R Tangherlini PhD, Kirsten Wolf PhD, Jonathan Young PhD, Scott A Mellor PhD, Robert Schoch PhD, Dr Karl EH Seigfried, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Jason Martell, Philip Coppens, William Henry, David Childress, Michael Dennin PhD, Peter H Schultz PhD What they discuss: How the Vikings were a lot more than the stories lead us to believe. They were traders and travelers more than they were raiders. They made it to the new world centuries before the Europeans. Their shipbuilding skills were almost unmatched. An attack on Lindisfarne seemed to be enhanced by otherworldly occurrences. The origin of the gods and the 9 worlds of their realm. About Odin and his weapons that sound like futuristic weapons. Are his ravens Huginn and Muninn spy satellites? About Thor and his weapons. Is his magic belt of strength, Megingjord, some kind of exoskeleton? About Freyr and his ship, Skidbladnir, gifted to him by Loki, perhaps a space craft? The Sons of Ivaldi, the beings who crafted the weapons that the gods used. The Rainbow Bridge, Bifrost. Is it a wormhole? A professor demonstrates a device that propels a marble with kinetic energy, and it almost disintegrates a stone block. Could Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, have been a weapon of kinetic energy? The Viking burial rituals. Was Valhalla a space station? Notes: Ancient history has always been my bag, and the Vikings and their mythology have always fascinated me. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 12
Title:Secrets of the Exoplanets Season: 14, episode 22 Who they talk to: Michael Summers PhD, William Henry, Michael Dennin PhD, Amy Shira Teitel, Michio Kaku PhD, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Jason Martell, Jonathan Young PhD, David Childress, Joel Sercel PhD, Bill Birnes PhD, Nick Pope What they discuss: The launching of survey satellite TESS, and how it works. Giordano Bruno, and how he was burned at the stake in Rome for saying that there were aliens on other planets. The first exoplanet was found in 1992. Explaining the transit method of looking for exoplanets. The sheer number of planets in the universe, and how there must be life on some of them. Proxima B, the planet found around the star closest to us, Proxima Centauri. Breakthrough Starshot, the program that wants to send tiny probes to Proxima B. Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, and how it makes possible wormholes. How ancient structures are aligned to the constellation Orion, like the pyramids of Giza, and how a lot of ancient cultures say their gods came from Orion, Sirius, or the Pleiades. Zechariah Sitchin’s theory that there’s a planet in our own solar system, Nibiru, with alien life, the Anunnaki. There may actually be a planet way out there, called Planet X, according to two astrophysicists from CalTech. Asteroid mining. Did aliens come to our planet for resources? What life forms on other planets could theoretically look like, depending on the size of the planet and its star. Visitors from water worlds would have amphibious features. Notes: I love anything that has to do with looking for and finding exoplanets. And now that the James Webb Space Telescope is actually up there, it’s even more exciting! Giorgio’s hair:
Number 11
Title:Angels and Aliens Season: 2, episode 7 Who they talk to: Fr William J Fulco PhD, Philip Coppens, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Bill Birnes PhD, George Noory, Erich von Däniken, Thomas E Bullard PhD, David Wilcock, Linda Moulton Howe, Rev Michael JS Carter, Michael Cremo, Richard Rader, Jason Martell, Michael Dennin PhD, Jonathan Young PhD, LA Marzulli What they discuss: What are angels? They are found in every ancient culture, not just Christianity. They are otherworldly creatures who’s name in other languages translates to “messenger” or “intermediary”. Was the war between angels and fallen angels some kind of extraterrestrial mutiny? In the Book of Enoch, the angels wanted to marry human women, and they produced offspring called the Nephilim. Two angels went to warn Lot in the Bible and the Quran that the city will be destroyed, and he needs to take his family and leave. Were these angels extraterrestrials who were taking sides in a war? The debate between scholars about the fallen angels. 55% of American adults believe they have a guardian angel. What could they be? The story of Peter, who was helped by an angel to escape imprisonment then disappeared. Was this an extraterrestrial? Do they want to help humanity? Where does the concept of angels having wings come from? Was it just ancient man’s way of depicting the fact that they could fly, maybe in some kind of jet pack or a craft? A humanoid with wings centered on their backs would not be able to actually fly. How an angel would never have asked Abraham to kill his son. But a wicked extraterrestrial might. The Djinn and where they might have come from. Was the “genie in a bottle” actually some sort of hologram? History is full of people who claim to have been influenced by otherworldly forces to do the things they do. Notes: I love all kinds of mythology, so it’s no surprise to see this on the list. I’m a sucker for all kinds of documentaries about history, mythology, folklore, and religion, which is what drew me to this show in the first place. Because, along with all the crazy, there is a lot of those things. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 10
Title:Aliens and Lost Worlds Season: 3, episode 8 Who they talk to: Payson Sheets PhD, David Cheetham PhD, Philip Coppens, Adrian Gilbert, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, David Childress, Erich von Däniken, Jon C Lohse PhD, Donald Sanders PhD, Jason Martell, Giuseppe Orefici PhD, Brien Foerster, Jorge Luis Delgado Mamani, Chris Stevenson PhD, George Noory, Charles Love PhD, Robert Mullins PhD, Juris Zarins PhD, Graham Hancock What they discuss: Copan, one of the cultural hubs of the Mayan people. It was abandoned in the 9th century AD, and its people seem to have vanished. Would their carvings and statues they left behind depict proof that they were contacted by extraterrestrials? The theory that the Mayans have had contact with people on the other side of the world. The depiction of the gods flying down from the heavens in flying serpents. Were the Mayan rulers descendants of extraterrestrials? The ancient ruins of Commagene, in Turkey, built by King Antiochus I, merging Greek and Persian gods. The remarkable knowledge that they had about the stars. Was the star of Bethlehem some kind of craft? Were the Magi in possession of some kind of technology? Was Antiochus I a Magi himself? The capital of the Nazca people, Cahuachi. The Nazcan disappeared about 1200 years ago. They drew enormous geoglyphs known as the Nazca Lines. Some believe they could not have made these figures without guidance from above. The legends of the “star people”. The elongated skulls found in the area. Were they alien hybrids? The Moai of Easter Island. The Rapa Nui people were nearly wiped out by the time Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen and his crew arrived in 1722. How did this relatively primitive people move these giant statues? Legend says the Moai “walked” into place. Do the “birdman” carvings on the island represent extraterrestrials that visited them? Does the Garden of Eden exist? If so, where could it be? Some believe it’s under the waters of the Persian Gulf. Was mankind engineered by extraterrestrials in Eden? Notes: Ancient history has always been one of my favourite subjects, so of course I was going to love this one. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 9
Title:The Satan Conspiracy Season: 6, episode 5 Who they talk to: Henry Ansgar Kelly PhD, Kathleen McGowan, Rev Bob Larson, Adam Blai, Jonathan Young PhD, Pastor Brett Peterson, Patrick Cooke, Kenneth L Hanson PhD, William Henry, Rev Barry H Downing PhD, Fr William J Fulco PhD, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Scott Roberts, David Childress, Richard Rader, Erich von Däniken What they discuss: Satan, the representation of evil on earth. An exorcist believes he can exorcise demons from people who think they’re possessed at a church in Florida. The myths and legends that depict Satan’s origins. The story of Adam and Eve and the serpent. The story of Job, who was tested by Satan with the ok by God. The Watchers from the Book of Enoch. The leader of these Watchers was an angel called Shemihaza. The story is similar to Lucifer’s in that there is a hierarchy of species between us and God. Were these Watchers, these Fallen angels, extraterrestrials that disobeyed their leader in making contact with us, guiding us? If Shemihaza and Lucifer are like beings, could they have been misrepresented all these years? The similarities between these stories and those of the Anunnaki. The similarities between those stories and that of the feathered serpent deity Kukulkan from Mayan mythology. The similarities again with the story of the Greek Prometheus and the Incan Viracocha. Why are all these stories so similar? Were they all based on the same visitors? Demonic possession. The Book of Revelation and the final battle between Satan and God. Notes: Dark mythology, my favourite kind of mythology. But that Floridian Reverend is so full of shit, I can’t even. And to take advantage of those poor people who clearly need psychiatric help, it’s kinda gross. Giorgio’s hair:
Number 8
Title: The Shadow People Season: 18, episode 8 Who they talk to: David Childress, Bill Birnes PhD, William Henry, Jonathan Young PhD, Mike Ricksecker, Paul Christensen, Heidi Hollis, Giorgio A Tsoukalos, Amir Hussain PhD, George Noory, Jason Offutt, Caroline Cory, Linda Moulton Howe, Michio Kaku PhD What they discuss: The refugees of Laos in 1975. Healthy men dying in their sleep and how they thought it was because they couldn’t do their rituals properly. Describing shadow people as ethereal entities who are dark, opaque, with little to no facial features. A journalist recounts his encounter with the shadow people. Wake up, can’t move, and there’s a dark entity around you. An author describes her experiences with the shadow people, and talks about her book. The difference between shadow people and ghosts. The Choctaw people and their legend of the Nalusa Chito. The Sumerian myth of the Alû. The Djinn in Islamic folklore. So many cultures around the world have the same kind of legends that involved shadow people. Some people report feeling energy emanating from the shadow people. Are shadow beings misunderstood alien technology, like maybe a cloaking technology? The similarities between the shadow people experience and alien abductions. The entity known as the Hat Man. Are the Hat Men the same as the Men in Black? Are shadow people inter-dimensional beings? The effect that DMT has on people. Many of them see the same thing. Does it change your brain to be able to perceive what we can’t normally see? Notes: Hey, hey you guys… ever heard of sleep paralysis? Yeah, that explains everything. But it’s an episode about ghosty demony stuff, and I’m all over that! Giorgio’s hair:
The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Mia Tomlinson, Ben Hardy, Steve Coulter, Rebecca Calder, Elliot Cowan, Beau Gadsdon, and Kíla Lord Cassidy Directed by: Michael Chaves
The 4th and supposed final film in the wildly popular Conjuring franchise, I had high hopes for this film, seeing how much I loved the others. And while it’s not a bad movie by any means, it is the least good of the bunch.
Ed and Lorraine find themselves this time facing an entity that hits a little too close to home when it reaches out to attack their daughter, Judy.
I was so excited for this film that I did something I never do: I bought the film as soon as it was available on YouTube for either 25 or 30 bucks. I’m not exactly swimming in the dough, so I generally wait til it’s at least down to 15. And while I’m not entirely mad for spending the money, it really could have waited. Ah well.
First the good. It had a banger of an opening. Very atmospheric, very creepy. I was all in at that point. After that, however, things just got a little… formulaic I guess you could say. I can picture the producers sitting around the table smoking cigarettes and saying “just do what the others did and, oh, add tons of jumpscares and creepy smiles. People like those, right?” I really don’t know why every single entity has to smile these days. Sure, once can be creepy, if it’s done right. But all of them? All the time? Nah. The Conjuring had zero creepy smiles and was so much creepier. But I digress.
Everything in the film looked good. Most of the effects and makeup were very well done, as usual. It’s a little gorier than the previous entries, but it was done well. I even had to look away once (I’m not a huge fan of gore, it tends to make me cringe and look away). The acting was all good, but it has been consistently good for these films, so I wasn’t too surprised there. There were a few good, creepy set pieces, but unfortunately most of them ended with a “graaaahhhh!” jumpscare (cue over-dramatic musical sting here).
So do I recommend it? Yes? I guess? If you loved the series as I do, you’ll likely have a good time with it. It’s definitely not bad, just a little underwhelming as a final curtain film. I give it a decent 7/10.
M.
This film is currently for rent or purchase on YouTube and Prime.
Here at The Late Night Horror Drive-In my goal is to bring the readers a fresh perspective of all things horror, cult, film in general plus a heavy dose of nostalgia. While horror may be the main focus but there will be plenty of genres and eras included here.
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