The Sacrament (2013)

Ti West is a director that you're either gonna love or hate.  Some people complain about how he takes to long and that it starts to get boring.  Others enjoy the slow burn style because once the horror starts, it does leave an impact.  In "House of the Devil", when they showed the Grandma, it really scared the shit out of me because I didn't expect something so hideous.  Especially since the movie was very slow.  "The Innkeepers" was bit of a challenge.  But I did enjoyed Sara Paxton's character.  So fuck'n adorable.  Now with "The Sacrament", Ti West was able to keep me interested in the story til the big horrifying ending.  By now, everyone should know that this movie was inspired by the Jonestown Massacre.  And pretty much Ti West does do a re-telling of that event, but made it look like a VICE travel guide/investigative report.

The movie is about a fashion photographer from VICE named Patrick who receives a letter about his sister, Caroline.  Caroline is a recovering drug addict who went to live in a little community in Mississippi.  The letter tells Patrick that the community that Caroline was living at moved out of the country.  Patrick showed the letter to his co-worker, Sam, who is a reporter for VICE, and Sam decides to go look for Patrick's sister and do a investigative report.  They bring Jake, their cameraman, and off they go to find Caroline.

When the VICE team arrive, they are confronted by two men with rifles.  Patrick tells them that they were invited by his sister and the men then gives them a ride to the compound.  Finally they arrive at the compound called Eden Parish.  Caroline welcomes the VICE team when she sees that the guards wouldn't let Patrick in.  Once they go in there, they see a community of people just living their lives.  Caroline explains how a man they call "Father" pretty much started this community.  Sam ask Caroline if he can get a interview with "Father" and she tells him that she'll try.  Patrick goes off with his sister and Sam and Jake are left behind and start going around interviewing some of the people who live there and asking them how they got here.  They interview a lot of people who seemed very happy and give lots of praises to "Father".  Sam and Jake feel a bit off about Eden Parish.  But since the people there seemed happy, they had no problems with it.  But then they meet a little girl named Savannah and her mother who seem to be scared and not happy like the others living in Eden Parish.

Sam finally gets the interview with "Father", but it is conducted in front of the congregation.  Sam asked "Father" a few questions, but "Father" seemed to dodge the questions and begins asking about Sam's wife and his unborn child.  Sam was disappointed  that he couldn't ask "Father" all of his questions.  And of course was creeped out when "Father" mentioned Sam's wife.  Savannah then shows up and gives Sam a little note.  He opens the note and starts to get worried.  He shows Jake the note and it reads "Please Help Us".  Later they go back to their cabin and someone bangs at their door and takes off.  Sam and Jake go outside and find Savannah and her mother, with other members of the congregation, begging Sam and Jake to get them out of Eden Perish.  This really starts to concern Sam and Jake as it seems that Eden Parish isn't the happy place that "Father" claims it to be.

Finally, the next morning, Sam and Jake see that there are a bunch of people outside yelling.  They go out and see that some of the members are trying to leave and some of the guards and Caroline are trying to keep everything under control.  They find Patrick, who explains to them that some of the members want to go with the VICE team, but that there wasn't any room for all of them in the helicopter.  And if you're familiar with the incident in Jonestown, then you might know what happens next.  But still check it out.

So far, this is Ti West's best film.  And with Eli Roth producing the film, they really did their best to make the movie very interesting.  There are images that shocked and made me sad.  I was very informed about the Jonestown Massacre, so I know what to expect.  But I have to give a lot of credit to Gene Jones for portraying the cult leader, "Father".  If you're expecting gore, then you'll be disappointed.  But the movie can be very disturbing.  So if you want to check out a film about a cult, then I recommend "The Sacrament" by Ti West.

Akem Manah - "Demons of the Sabbat" (2014)

Even though Doom Metal is becoming very popular in the underground scene, the number of Doom Metal bands that are coming out is very steady. which is why I'm still a fan of the sub-genre.  Unlike most musical genres that become very poplular, a shit load of bands come out of the woodwork, trying to catch in on the trend.  It also helps that a lot of Doom Metal bands mix some Death, Black, and other experimental music.  Which can sometimes keep things interesting.

When I read online that Akem Manah is coming out with a new alubm, I know that I'm gonna hear a awesome Doom record.  On the last one, "Night of the Black Moon", main man, Dead Nedry added some layers to the Akem Manah sound.  On album #3, to me, the Akem Manah sound has been defined.  As soon as I hear the first chord, I know it's Akem Manah.  Also Nedry was able to get Chris Lollis (ex-Nile/Lecherous Nocturne) on bass and Ivan de Prume (ex-White Zombie) on the skins.  As much as I hear Lollis bass, I do have to say that de Prume did a great job on the drums.  Head guitarist, Scott von Heildt, makes a appearance on two tracks and keeps things interesting.  Also Ramesses' Adam Richardson does vocals on "Demon Rise", which was also fantastic.

I love the piano intro on "Dark Ritual".  "Reign of Terror" is probably the best song that Akem Manah has recorded.  Scott von Heildt's lead also makes that track awesome.  I wouldn't be surprise if the title "Possession Of Nun" was inspired Haxan.  And "The Twisted Rites of Satan's Bride" is also one of my favorite tracks.

If you're a fan of "The Devil is in All of You" and "Night of the Black Moon", Then you're really going to enjoy "Demons of the Sabbat".  It's a huge step forward but still the Akem Manah that we know and love.  Very heavy.  Very dark.  Very Akem Manah.  This album gets "Five Hitlers Punched in the Face".

Red Fang - "Whales and Leeches" (2013)

My my, Oregon.  The bands that you've been exporting lately.  You brought us Poison Idea, The Decemberist, Black Elk, Trees, Akem Manah, Agalloch.  And now Red Fang.  It looks like the entire West Coast has a music scene.

By now you're already familiar with them because their third album, "Whales and Leeches", made a huge buzz last year.  Of course you've seen their video for "Blood Like Cream" (with Portlandia's Fred Armisen.  And also saw them perform on David Letterman (in which band leader Paul Shaffer joined in on keyboards).

If you're familiar with Red Fang, then you'll hear how much they have grown with album number 3.  Aside from their production, Red Fang sound tighter than ever.  The musicianship is more perfect then the last album.  And a lot of the songs have become more catchier.  Of course Aaron and  Bryan still got the clean vocals and growls still going.  And John still kicks ass on the drums.

For those who aren't familiar with them, Red Fang is a band that has a real sound.  They don't sound like some watered-down radio-friendly band.  They're very high energy, not aggressive or "hardcore", so don't worry about soiling your slim jeans.

The opening track "Doen" has a awesome Mastodon vibe, but with a more stoner metal sound.  "Blood Like Cream has the most catchiest chorus.  "Voices of the Dead" is a song that I love turning the volume up when driving.  And "Dawn Rising" is a really sick Sludge track.

If you enjoy Mastodon or Queens of the Stone Age, then you'll really enjoy Red Fang.  They do a awesome of blending hard rock with a bit of Sludge.  They may not be a moshing band, but you can sure as hell bang your head to them.  And for you high school kids, while playing "Whales and leeches" in you're room, expect your parents to be banging on your door and telling you to put it louder.  That's why I give this album "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face.

A Band Called Death (2012)

When I was a wee little lad, I was told that The Ramones and The Sex Pistols were the originators of punk.  Also when I was a wee little lad, Death was a death metal band from Florida, started by Chuck Shuldiner.  Well it turns out that three brothers from Detroit played some very fast rock n' roll before The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.  And there was already a band called Death before Chuck changed Mantis to Death.  This documentary caught my attention when Sean Boyle of Hellbeard mentioned it on his Facebook status.  And I was surprise when I saw that Scott Mosier (Kevin Smith's friend/producer) helped to get this doc released.

In the documentary, we meet the Hackney brothers (Bobby, David, Dannis).  Sons of a preacher, they grew up in the Motor City known as Detroit, where Motown was a huge thing.  In 73', they formed a band called Death after trying to start a funk/rock n' roll band.  The sound was very fast and loud, that people today would consider it "proto-punk".  They recorded a demo and shopped it around to record labels, but no one was interested.  most of the labels thought the sound was too aggressive.  And the band's name didn't help either, even though in the doc, they explain the meaning of the name, which was meant to be seen as a positive light.  But soon enough, they were signed to Groovesville, but sadly, they had trouble in trying to market Death.  Because of this, Death will disband.  Bobby and Dannis would start a reggae.  David would write songs by himself.  Years later, David would pass away.  This would be a shame because later on, a record collector purchased a 45 and was amazed by Death's sound.  He would write about them on his blog and upload two songs from Death.  Later, other music fans would listen to them and also give high praises.  But when Bobby's son, Bobby Jr., heard the two songs, that would make a huge impact on Bobby and Dannis.  They finally got the recognition they deserved.  Because of all the interest, the remaining Hackney brothers would reform Death.  Later, they would release their first album and start touring.

This was a really touching documentary about not just music, but family.  The Hackney brothers were really close.  David had a message and luckily his brothers were able to spread it to concert goers, nationwide.  A Band Called Death is a great documentary in general.  Even if you're not a fan of punk, the Hackney's story is still interesting.  Bobby and Dannis seemed very humble and don't make a big deal about they were the "first" to do this or that.  But it's nice to see that a band like them have finally got recognized.

Berberian Sound Studio (2012)

This movie caught my interest when I heard that it takes place during a making of a Italian giallo.  Being a fan of Dario Argento, I had to seek this out.  I do have to say that this is a strange film.  Some may not like it, others will find it interesting.  There were times where I get lost in the story, but just seeing things get crazier for the main character, just makes me want to see what happens next.

We are introduce to Gilderoy, a middle-age bloke who took a job in a Italian horror flick, working as a sound engineer.  When Gilderoy see's what film he's working on, he begins to feel uncomfortable.  Also some of the actress doing the dubs are also not big fans of the film, either.  Producer Francesco Coraggio doesn't makes things easy for his staff.  When Gilderoy tries to get his flight ticket reimbursed, Francesco always gives him excuses.  Or when a actress has a scene where she screams, he makes them do it over and over again.  By the end of the second act, things do start to get weird for Gilderoy.  First, someone tries to break into his room.  Then later someone tries to attack him in his sleep.  By the end of the film, you start to wonder what was this movie all about.

Me being a fan of Italian horror, behind the scene stuff, and sound recording, I found this movie to be interesting.  Of course I wasn't really that big on the third act.  I felt like there could have been more.  The atmosphere was great.  It gave really creepy vibe.  Very similar films by Bava and Argento. The average movie goer may not fancy this film a lot.  But if you're interested in seeing how dubbing and sound effects were done back in the days, then you might find it fascinating.  It may not be the greatest horror/psycho-thriller, but it was a decent flick.

Escape From Tomorrow (2013)

Escape From Tomorrow made a lot of noise last year when it was said that the movie was filmed at Disney World, without the permission of the Disney Company.  Have to say that the film-makers had a lot of balls.  Luckily, Disney didn't sent out their lawyers to cease-and-desist the film.  Thinking that doing such a thing will bring attention to the film.

Of course the movie was shot guerrilla style.  Most of the actors had to remember their lines, since they couldn't re-shoot anything.  And even though there was some green screen shots, it didn't hurt the film that much.  I really don't want to say it had a  Lynchian  feel because it was black & white, but it did have some nightmare-ish parts in which a David Lynch fan like myself, really enjoyed.

The movie opens up with Jim, who's on the phone with his boss, while on holiday.  He is told that he is being let go.  Without wanting to alarm his family, he decides to hide it from them and just enjoy his last day on vacation.

While roaming around Disney World, Jim takes a fancy on two teenage girls from France.  Of course this is the beginning of a creepy obsession.  Jim tries to enjoy his vacation, but while riding "It's A Small World" (I believe), Jim starts having hallucinations.  After that, Jim takes his son to the Buzz Lightyear ride.  Jim once again, sees the French girls and follows them around the park.  Because of this, Jim makes a lot of questionable decisions (like taking his 7 yr old son to Space Mountain).  There are also some odd characters that Jim meets, like the man in the motor cart and the lady with the heirloom necklace.  By the end of the film, things really start getting crazy for Jim, as thing begin to unravel about the "Happiest Place On Earth".

I really enjoyed the weirdness and craziness of Escape From Tomorrow.  The acting was pretty good.  I sort of felt for Jim.  He losses his job while on holiday.  His sex life doesn't look to well.  And he has a son who disobeys him.  These are some things that I fear about life.  I don't want to say I can relate, but more that I understand.  You can watch the film on Netflix, and if you enjoyed it, I'm pretty sure you can find the DVD at many retail stores.  So if this movie interest you, check it out and just kick back.  It's the best way to enjoy this film.

Big Bad Wolves (2013)

When you got a thriller like "Big Bad Wolves"; coming from Israel, you're gonna have a lot of people talking.  Most likely because you really don't hear too much horror/thriller movies coming from the Holy Land.  Of course you've seen the blurb from Quentin Tarantino on the movie poster.  But don't let that be your deciding factor.  If you've seen Aharon Keshales and Navot Papushado first film "Kalevet"; also known as "Rabies" in the US, then you'll enjoy their second feature.

The movie begins with three detectives taking a man; who is accused of murdering a young girl.  They interrogate the accused by giving him a beating.  They get a call from the chief who tells them to stop because there wasn't any evidence.  Later the chief gets a anonymous call from someone who found the body of the missing girl. When they find the body, her father shows up.  This event makes the father to take things in his own hands.  Later, the detective who was in charge of the case was let go when a video surfaced on youtube, where the detectives were roughing up the man they brought in for interrogation.  Still believing that the man is the suspect, he follows the suspect and takes him to the woods and tries to get him to admit for the murder.  The father shows up and hits the detective with a shovel.  The accused man was grateful, but didn't know that the father wanted him for himself.  The father takes the detective and the suspect to a house far away from the city.  In there, he tortures the suspect to get him talking.  The suspect claims that he didn't do anything.  The father continues torturing him.  Because the suspect is taking a lot of pain, we start to think that maybe he wasn't the killer.  Or maybe he can handle a lot of pain.

I really enjoyed Big Bad Wolves.  The acting was great.  There was some dark humor which made this flick enjoyable.  And even though the torture scenes weren't gory, they sure were brutal.  The ending was really sad, but don't let that steer you away.  If you enjoy revenge flicks, then check out Big Bad Wolves.