The Girl Next Door

I often throw on some random movie before I go to bed most every night, which is usually pretty late because I stay up either writing, reading other blogs, or watching a movie. Even though I'm only putting something on to fall asleep to, I tend to get all picky about my choice and try to find something I’m in the mood for, even though I plan on going nite-nite. There is no real rationale at this time of night since I am tired and it’s late, so out of frustration, I usually just say, “fuck it, I’ll watch this.” More often than not, I pass out almost too quickly, but once in a great while, I get sucked in.

This is something that is a bit of a double edged sword, on one hand, I am watching a movie that has me drawn in enough to keep me watching, on the other, I am staying up way too late. This was the case when I decided to watch 2007’s, The Girl Next Door. Based off the Jack Ketchum novel of the same name, this is a film that is just tough to shake for some reason and the reason is pretty clear. It’s a difficult film to watch and while there are many films that are hard to watch do to the brutality of what they portray, The Girl Next Door is more so, due to its true to life story basis.

Martyrs would be a recent example of something that is difficult to watch for some and The Girl Next Door doesn’t get quite as brutal on-screen as that film does, but knowing what is happening off-screen and the fact that some of these things did actually happen, is what sets a film like this apart. Set in the late 50’s, the film is told through the eyes of young David (Daniel Manche), who befriends Meg (Blythe Auffarth) the new girl in the neighborhood who recently moved into the house next door to David. Meg and her younger sister Susan (Madeline Taylor), have been sent to live with their aunt Ruth (Blanche Baker) and her three sons after their parents died in an auto accident.   

Many of the neighborhood kids, along with David, are friends with Ruth’s three boys and often hang out at their house, smoking butts, and drinking beer provided by the clearly lax and very outspoken Ruth. Ruth is clearly not all there and seems to be plagued by metal issues, as well as having a strange bitterness that would seem to come from past relationships with men. She often spews out improper advice for the children about men and women, and things of a sexual nature. Being kind of old, past her prime, and very bitter, Ruth is not a big fan of the youthful and pretty new member of her household and out of jealousy, she begins to slowly attack Meg in different ways.

Things start off in a verbal manner, with Ruth calling Meg a slut and belittling her in front of the other teenage boys, as well as her younger sister. The abuse escalates quickly and soon Ruth starts going a little too far with things physically. She gets the very impressionable boys involved with the abuse, which gets worse and worse as each day passes. There is a pack like mentality with the younger boys as they join in and since no one is there to tell them it’s wrong, they begin to show incredibly sickening signs of sadistic instability. Meg is at times tied up by her wrists, hanging from the ceiling in the basement, as Ruth allows the boys to play games that eventually result in Meg being stripped down to nothing.

As degrading as that is, Ruth does not allow the very curious boys to touch Meg in a sexual way…at first, but as each day passes, Ruth lets the boys do more and more to this poor girl. I wont get into too much more about what happens to Meg, but she is physically and sexually abused beyond anything imaginable, and even though much of it is off screen, it's still tough to handle at times. I found myself very frustrated with every next step Ruth and the boys would take things, mostly because I couldn’t believe someone could do this, let alone without any of the kids saying they thought it was wrong. The only boy who was not down for all of this was David, who wanted to help Meg, but was afraid and very confused by the overpowering Ruth.

That was actually a little frustrating too, the fact that Meg’s only friend didn’t really tell anyone, when he had many opportunities to do so. My frustration also partially came from wanting to see the abuse stop, but there comes a point when you realize that it will not stop, until it’s too late. As I mentioned, The Girl Next Door is based on a true story, the story of Sylvia Likens. After watching the film, I looked it up and there are some differences to the character backgrounds with the parents dying, but the core of the abuse is there. Actually, the true story is almost worse than what happens in the film due to the fact that in real life, the parents of Meg and Susan were just scum bags that pawned off their children, as opposed to dying in a car wreck.   

As far as the film itself goes, it is decently made, but feels slightly like a made for TV movie in spots, but it was put out by STARZ!, so that explains that. It doesn’t take away from the films overall effect, however. Most of the acting is decent, with all of the boys being very good, as well as Blythe Auffarth as Meg, who comes off very likable and sweet, making it all the more difficult to witness what happens to her. Blanche Baker starts off a little sketchy at first, but gets better as the film goes along, plus, she has the right look and demeanor when it comes to playing such a sick woman. I was also happy to see the great William Atherton, who plays an adult David and sort of bookends the film as it is his memory that we are watching in the movie. And lastly, I will bring up the 50’s setting, which is one that I always find enjoyable and is something often seen in stories by Stephen King, who incidentally is a big fan of the film, even comparing it to a twisted version of Stand By Me. Twisted indeed. 

While I consider Martyrs a masterpiece of the modern horror genre, I certainly do not think it’s for everyone, I would say the same for The Girl Next Door. However, even with it’s many flaws and difficult situations, I think it is an important film to watch, just due to the fact that it is based off such a harrowing story. It is one that should be told, just out of respect for what happened in real life to a poor innocent girl. This is a film and story that shows what can go on at any time, at any place, and by the hands of anyone one around us, and to be reminded of this fact, is truly frightening and saddening.

The Horror Hangover

Another Sunday, another hangover, but unfortunately for me I have to work this afternoon. Boy am I jealous that some of you get to fight off the pain you're feeling, by sleeping in and watching some commercial filled, edited for TV, movies! YAY-UH! This afternoon is a great day for televised cinema, as well as an interesting one with how it starts, in contrast to how it all ends.

Things start with a plop over at AMC with Escape from L.A. (1996) at 11:00. This was just on a recent Hangover and I enjoy it for what it is, but it's not one that everyone likes. I don't blame them, I felt the same way for a long time. But it's on, so watch if you so desire.

Moving in a slightly better direction, TBS gives you the gift of choice with Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004), which is also on at 11:00. This is another film that came up recently, but I'll quickly share my thoughts again. I enjoy the RE series for what it is, mindless action and horror that meld together for a fun time spent with Mila Jovovich. Nothing else. Apocalypse is my least favorite of the trilogy, with my favorite being, Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), which just so happens to be on TBS at 1:00, right after Apocalypse.  How's that for set up! RE Extinction is so close to being awesome, that it is awesome!

Next up, WGN is showing Wes Craven Presents: They (2002) at 2:00. I have never had even the slightest of interest in They, Wes Craven's name all over it or not. However, it is directed by Rob Harmon, the same director that brought us 1986's The Hitcher, so that gives the film a little more credibility. I also kind of dig this trailer too, but I am still only slightly more interested than not at all.  

Speaking of never been interested, TBS keeps 'em coming with The Chronicles of Riddick (2004) at 3:00. I loved Pitch Black and even loved the Riddick video game, but I have not heard too many positive things about this one, and I also thought it looked awful. Maybe I'm wrong, but maybe I'm not?!     

Things go boo-yah over at Sundance Channel with Shotgun Stories (2008) at 4:00. This is one I have not, but have really wanted to see since The Gentlemen's Guide to Midnite Cinema covered it way back. You'll get the gist of the film from the trailer, and it is a great trailer for what looks to be a great movie. Sundance will certainly due it justice, so I'll have to go with Shotgun Stories as my pick of the week! 

Second place pick of the week would have to go to IFC's showing of Right at Your Door (2007) at 4:45. Very low-key and almost as low budget, this is a movie that would fall under the genre of the Apocalypse! Set almost entirely in one home and over the course of a day or two, Right at Your Door is a solid post-911 character study about the many levels of fear and paranoia that could be faced at anytime due to attack. Great movie that uses imagination and Wellsian tactics very well, and anyone that is a fan of Pontypool, should definitely give this one a try.

That's all the guidance I can give you for this week, love. See ya next time!

Polishing a Turd

As you may have already noticed, I changed the look of the blog and quite drastically I must say. I have been wanting to do something different for a long time now (the brown blog never really worked, now did it?), so I took advantage of the new blogger design stuff to do so. I would love to hear feedback, if it looks fucking stupid, awesome, or is it difficult to read…blah, blah. I did try and go with a background as epic and powerful as the one who carries the beard, so I think I made a solid choice. BUT, if it is too distracting, please, let me know.

[REC]ording Projects in London

If you haven't already heard, Magnet Releasing just recently announced that it's picked up the US rights to [REC] 2. This is great news for [REC] 2 to be making its way stateside already. The first [REC] took a ridiculously long time to be released, though, that had a whole lot to do with the lesser remake/spoiler-alert box-art/trailer. I ended up getting a foreign copy at a convention, so fuck 'em. Anyways, I loved [REC], and outside of Let the Right One In, it was my favorite movie of that year and the sequel looks fantastic from what I have seen in the trailers. In addition, having Balagueró and Plaza back is a great sign, plus, having the sequel pick up right where the last one left off gets me excited to see where the story will go.

Magnet is looking to release [REC] 2 sometime early July, which will consist of a limited theatrical release through Magnolia/Magnet’s Ultra VOD program, as well as debuting a month prior on VOD platforms nationwide. Therefore, in only a few months, we should all be able to gain access to this one in one way or another. However, I am jealous that there will be no chance in hell that it's getting into any theaters near me. *Hmmf*

 

Something else I was pointed to today is this weird little movie called Project London coming from Spiral Productions. It's described by it's describers as a no budget special effects extravaganza, with no interjection from Hollywood. Project London is directed by Ian Hurbert and is an independently produced and distributed feature length, sci-fi, action-adventure film. Shot in HD digital video, Project London is claimed to showcase incredible digital effects work, all wrapped around a powerful story of a boy and his decision that can save Earth.

Here, watch the trailer and we'll talk more afterwards…

 

What'd you think? I mean, it is very low budget, but I am curious as to just how low that budget is. The effects do look pretty cool and the film has an interesting style, if it is indeed as micro-budget as claimed. It's tough to tell if it looks any good or not with no dialogue or character interaction, plus, that song is not too pretty for me ears. From my knowledge, the film is not yet finished, and they are still working on sound design, so that kind of explains that. In addition, the idea behind Project London is that people can follow its progress on the film's website, which is meant to be exciting for film fans, as well as software engineers and post-production artists. That is almost a red flag and makes me think that this all could be an excuse to say, "Hey, look what I can do with my computer!" Still, my interest is piqued and I will monitor this one for further developments. I mean, look at what happened with the amazing Ink…though, I would be very surprised if that level could be achieved again anytime soon, but one can hope. Check out the website by clicking right here if you would like more info about the project.

Freddy's Friday Night Dance Party!: Renegade Edition!

Taking a slightly different approach with this edition of Freddy's Friday Night Dance Party, I thought it would be cool to introduce you to the man behind this week's tight tune. This is a cat that truly walks the walk, a dude that garners respect, but does so with a positive attitude and all while wearing black leather boots, paired up with a matching black leather trench. Get ready to pop that collar kids, 'cause it's time to meet, the one, the only, CHILLY-D!

 

Nothing quite says hip-hop like the Renegade Snake Eater, Lorenzo Lamas. His moves and style out on the street are very impressive, but little boot maneuvers and random references to European fashion are nothing compared to what The Lamas is able to do when he's on stage. So, without any further ado, I present Chilly-D performing, Do You Know Who I Am!   

 

Written and performed by the husband and wife musical super duo, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson (as Ashford & Simpson), Do You Know Who I Am is taken from 1984's Body Rock. Directed by Marcelo Epstein, Body Rock is yet another entry into the Hip-Hopsploitation genre and is filled with break dancing, graffiti, and of course, rap skillz. Much of this magic was provided, or was made to appear provided, by the great Lorenzo Lamas, which should really tell you everything you need to know. This would mark the first time that a movie featured on Freddy's Friday Night Dance Party is one that I have not actually seen, but I couldn't sit on these clips any longer then I already have…they are pure gold. The skeleton dance scene is magnificent with its glow-in-the-dark neon colors and slow-mo Nunchaku moves thanks to Chilly-D. However, it does get me a little teary eyed as I wonder whatever happened to dj Skele-tone.

Totally Tubular Trailers!

I have a great mixture of trailers that have recently caught my eye, so take a look and enjoy! But don't enjoy too much – we wouldn't want a sticky keyboard, now would we? 

First trailer I got for your purdy eyes is for SES (or Voice), a Turkish film directed by Ümit Ünal and written by film-critic and novelist Uygar Şirin. SES is about a woman that begins to hear strange voices, voices that tell her things that no one else would know. Some believe she is receiving these messages from a greater being, but these voices become more threatening and intense as each day passes. No English, but even still, you will see what looks to be a very promising film that is shot very well and filled with some seriously intense sound design.

 

The Good, the Bad, the Weird was originally released in July of 2008 in South Korea, but it's taken until now to FINALLY get a release over here in the states. This film actually took the number five spot on my top 13 of 2009, though, this U.S. release date makes it a 2010 under my release date rules. But, this one took too damned long to be released, so I took liberties. Directed by one of cinema's finest directors, Kim Ji-woon, The Good, the Bad, the Weird stars two of my favorite actors with Lee Byung-hun and Song Kang-ho. This trailer is made specifically for the U.S. limited release, which will be on April 23rd from IFC. So, if any of you get the opportunity, do not miss out on this highly entertaining action romp.

 

Being billed as a return to greatness, the Richard Berry directed 22 Bullets (L 'Immortel) stars  Jean Reno as retired mobster - turned family man, Charly Matteï, who is shot 22 times and left for dead. Only problem is, he isn't and Charly makes it a point to take a little vengeance on those that dare to try and take his life. 22 Bullets is produced by Luc Besson, so of course the first thing everyone thinks is this is Besson and Reno's return to what was done with the fantastic hitman-with-a-heart film, The Professional. Well, Besson is the producer, not the director here, so that is a little unfair to 22 Bullets' helmer, Richard Berry. The film does look quite impressive and very beautiful, so he should be mentioned before the producer, whether or not it's Luc Besson. No speaka no English once again, but trust me, this movie looks just fine without it.  

 

For the final trailer this evening, I have something that you may or may not have already seen. If not, then I'm very happy to be able to share it with you. This is one we all know about, so no need to go into background info or plot – it's the trailer for Predators! I must say, it looks quite promising and the cast is fantastic (Shane Vendrell!). However, Danny Trejo mispronouncing oriented is a little distracting (unless Trejo is British? Probably not), but it's Trejo, so he can say whatever the hell he wants.

That's it lovely's, until next time!

Even More Baby Babble: Vengeance continues to reign, getting my horror special edition and tee shirt all wet!

I have so much random shit to talk about that I couldn't even try and cram it in that last post, so here I go again. On my own. First up, I'll get right back into the topic of revenge films! As I was compiling my Top Five Female Revenge Movies list, I couldn't help but have a shit ton of revenge films cross my mind. With that, came the sudden memory that the Vengeance Trilogy super box set was due out any day now. Within an hour of that thought, I happened to drop by Freddy in Space only to see that Johnny had just received his copy in the mail, meaning that it was indeed out on standard DVD. I immediately made a mess in my pants and with my still unspent $50 Amazon birthday gift card, I went and bought it straight away! It's $44.99 new through Amazon, but being the smarty pants that I am, I bought a new copy used, and even with shipping, I only spent about $36 bucks! YEAAHHA! That leaves me with more gift card cash to buy even more stuff! Anyways, I got the set in the mail today and while it isn't the most eye catching, it's loaded more than a baked potato with cheese and bacon – which is what really matters. I cannot wait to dig into all of the extras, especially the Fade to White version of Lady Vengeance.

Something else I received in the mail s0mewhat recently, is the SFX Magazine Horror Special Edition. I actually do not have any place near me that sells either Fangoria, or Rue Morgue, so outside of Paracinema, I have not read a genre magazine in about six months. I would subscribe, but that shit is too expensive and to be honest those magazines can be pretty hit or miss. So it was very nice getting my hands on this Horror Special Edition from SFX Magazine, which is a UK based mag that normally deals in Sci-Fi cinema. The special is very well put together and has a solid and easy to read layout. It's also quite girthy, which is never a bad thing. I'm talking about the magazine, you pig! As for content, it's filled to the bloody brim with a mixture of news articles, retrospectives, interviews, and all sorts of other goodies. It came out at the end of January, so some of the news is dated, but there is plenty of great stuff to be read. You should still be able to pick up a copy at any one of the bigger book stores like Borders or Barnes & Noble, or you can order it online as a back issue. If you are interested, you can click here for more info on the magazine and some of the various articles found within.

A little while back, Chuck from Zombies Don't Run, asked if I would write a little something for one of the movies on his reader-voted Top 10 Horror Movies of the 90's. I got to write about 1992's, Peter Jackson splatter-piece, Dead-Alive! I actually wrote quite a bit about it and my first not-so-good encounter with the film. Stop by Zombies Don't Run to see what I wrote about Dead-Alive, it's placement on the list, as well as what other films made that list. There are a bunch of other guest bloggers that wrote for some of the other movies that made the cut, so check out who wrote what, about what? Huh?! 

Finally, I have one more thing to share before I stop typing your eyes out. The good folks behind Paracinema Magazine, have just began an amazing adventure into the world of cinema related tee shirts! It's called Paratees and the tag-line of this hot new thang is "Cinema Obsession Put to Cloth," and they aspire to put inspirational genre art on quality tee shirts. Their first shirt design is available and it's inspired by the Walter Hill classic, The Warriors! The shirt is titled "For All You Boppers Out There" with the artwork done by RAZ. So please, take a second to stop by the new site and take a look around from time to time - I'll be sure to keep you all updated when new shirt designs become available.

Alright, that's it for me…I've gone on more than long enough now. You're free to go, but please come back!