Category: Film Reviews

COLD SKIN

Not Rated – 1 hour 48 minutes – Release Date: September 7, 2018 (USA)

Directed by: Xavier Gens

Written By: Jesús Olmo and Eron Sheean (screenplay)
Based on the novel, of the same name, by Albert Sánchez Piñol

Starring:
Ray Stevenson as Gruner
David Oakes as “Friend”
Aura Garrido as Aneris
In 1914, a man named “Friend” (David Oakes) arrives at a remote island in the Antarctic Circle to replace a meteorologist, who died of typhus. The only other person living on the island is Gruner (Ray Stevenson), the lighthouse caretaker. Friend’s first night on the island proves eventful, as he discovers typhus may not have been what killed his predecessor, Gruner is keeping secrets from him, and they’re not alone on the island. *Mild spoilers will be contained beyond this point*

I actually saw COLD SKIN at Monsterpalooza back in April, but I wanted to hold off on writing a review until we got closer to its release date. I also wanted to have time to clarify my thoughts on the film. Some are comparing this film to Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar winning THE SHAPE OF WATER. I guess that makes sense in a “barely scratching the surface” sort of way. Both films do contain humanoid amphibious creatures, but they couldn’t be more different. The comparison really does a disservice to Xavier Gens’ COLD SKIN. If you’ve seen the same being said, don’t let it cloud your expectations for the film.

The story premise is great, and what I will say first and foremost about the film is that it made me want to read the novel, however I found the script to be lacking. It does start with a bang, and Friend’s first night on the island is tense and enthralling. We learn of the creatures’ existence as he does, so the viewer is caught up in his surprise, panic, and invested in his survival. I think that set up is what deflates the middle section of the film for me. Large parts of what comes after feels overly repetitive, and dull. That includes several scenes of the creatures trying to storm the lighthouse, which should be as terrifying as Friend’s first night. Sadly, they lacked the tension and sense of dread that was present for the initial attack Friend survived.

What this film does have going for it is Aura Garrido’s turn as the creature named Aneris. Her performance under makeup effects was memorizing, exceptional, and heartbreaking. The creature design by Arturo Balseiro and the makeup effects by Cesar Alonso were absolutely wonderful. Aneris looked amazing, and Garrido was able to convey emotion beautifully via expression through the makeup. David Oakes did a fine job for what he was given, but I thought Ray Stevenson was the most underserved by the script. I generally enjoy him in everything I see him in, but his character was flat and one-note for the majority of the movie.

While I found the middle of the film frustrating the ending was amazing. So, I can say it began and finished strongly. On top of that Cinematographer Daniel Aranyó turns in some haunting and dreary visuals. However, that isn’t enough for me to recommend this as a cinema viewing or even a V.O.D. option to a general audience. There is enough there to recommend a watch via streaming platform or cable, once it becomes available, if you’re looking for something a bit different. I respect what all involved attempted to do, but ultimately COLD SKIN didn’t come together as I had hoped it would.

THE NIGHT EATS THE WORLD

Not Rated – 1 hour and 33 Minutes – Release Date: July 13, 2018 (USA)

Directed by: Dominique Rocher

Written by: Jérémie Guez, Guillaume Lemans, and Dominique Rocher
Based on the novel, “La nuit a devore le monde”, by Pit Agarmen

Cast

Anders Danielsen Lie as Sam
Golshifteh Farahani as Sarah
Denis Lavant as Alfred
Sigrid Bouaziz as Fanny
David Kammenos as Mathieu

THE NIGHT EATS THE WORLD opens with Sam (Anders Danielsen Lie) attempting to pick up his box of remaining belongings from his ex-girlfriend during a party at her place in Paris. He ends up locking himself in the study, and falls asleep while waiting on her to come talk to him. The next day Sam awakens to an empty, blood splattered apartment, and he quickly learns there’s been a zombie outbreak.

The rest of the film explores how Sam stays alive as the world around him seems dead and gone. This reminded me of a cross between CASTAWAY and IT COMES AT NIGHT. While there is a bit of action here and there, this entry into the zombie genre is way more concerned with delving into the human condition, and contemplating the meaning of life. To say it’s a slow burn is an understatement, but I found the movie fascinating and Anders Danielsen Lie’s performance kept my attention the whole way through. Dominique Rocher shows great promise based off his first effort directing a feature length film.

This won’t be for everyone (it’s currently at 76% on Rotten Tomatoes, but only at 44% for the audience rating, and at 50% on Metacritic) like most recent, atmospheric and introspective horror films have been. I specifically mentioned IT COMES AT NIGHT earlier because this film has that same, plodding tone and feel. If that sounds like it would bore you to death, I’d advise you skip this movie for a ride on TRAIN TO BUSAN for your next zombie fix. If THE NIGHT EATS THE WORLD sounds like it might been in your wheelhouse, I do recommend it for a viewing. It’s, without question, not your typical zombie fare and I appreciate that more than I can convey here.

PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH

Not Rated – 1 hour 30 minutes – Release Date: May 17, 2018 (in cinemas and VOD)

Directed by Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund
Written by S. Craig Zahler
Based on characters created by Charles Band and Kenneth J. Hall

Starring:
Thomas Lennon as Edgar
Jenny Pellicer as Ashley
Nelson Franklin as Markowitz
Barbara Crampton as Carol Doreski
Michael Paré as Detective Brown
Charlyne Yi as Nerissa
Udo Kier as Andre Toulon
Anne Beyer as Hedwig Wagner
Alex Beh as Howie
Skeeta Jenkins as Cuddly Bear

I have fond memories of Charles Band and David Schmoeller’s 1989 cult classic PUPPET MASTER, so I was excited when I heard that PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH was rebooting the franchise. That phrase makes some people’s blood run cold, but fear not. The deal in place allows the original franchise to continue on while this film is the beginning of a whole new, and separate franchise. Think of it as a Puppet Master series beamed in from an alternate universe. Last night I attended the Los Angeles premiere of PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH at the American Cinematheque Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, and it pleases me to say the film is a horror fan’s dream.

The plot revolves around Edgar, a newly divorced comic book writer and artist played by Thomas Lennon, who is forced to temporally move in with his parents. While going through his deceased brother’s room he runs across a strange puppet. Research reveals it’s a collector’s item because it was made by Andre Toulon, played by the always great Udo Kier, an infamous murder killed thirty year prior. It turns out the 30th anniversary of Toulon’s death at the hands of the police and the discovery of his murders is coming up. A huge convention is planned, also containing an auction, and down on his luck Edgar decides to take a road trip to sell the puppet. Of course, evil plans have other ideas and all of the Toulon puppets come to life and wreak havoc of the convention attendees.

The script was by S. Craig Zahler (BONE TOMAKAWK and CELL BLOCK 99) was so well balanced. There were bits of pure horror woven in with character moments, and some great comedic bits, while never feeling cheesy or tongue in cheek in any way. Additionally the directing by Sonny Laguna and Tommy Wiklund was stellar. From what producer Dallas Sonnier, and co-producer Amanda Presmyk said in the post-screening Q&A this really was a labor of love from all involved with putting the film together because nearly all of them were huge fans of the original PUPPET MASTER.

The cast was amazing across the board. Thomas Lennon played Edgar with a real world earnestness that was great to see. Jenny Pellicer as Ashely, in her first horror film role ever, nailed a perfect balance in the co-lead as Edgar’s girlfriend. She’s smart, funny, quirky, cool, and totally badass. The other main character is Markowitz, played by Nelson Franklin. He’s the wise-ass friend, and boss, of Edgar who manages to not just be a snarky punchline machine. The before mentioned Udo Kier is joined by fellow legend Barbara Crampton, playing Carol Doreski, the retired officer who helped take Andre Toulon down thirty years ago. Michael Paré, playing Detective Brown who is investigating all of the sudden murders at the convention hotel chews the scenery in the best way possible. Cuddly Bear, the scene stealing character played by Skeeta Jenkins, shows up around the mid-point of the movie and is my favorite in the film.

Tate Steinsiek, the creature and puppet designer and special effects coordinator, and his crew deserve all the praise in the world. They did an incredible job with all the practical effects and the puppet redesigns were outstanding. It really is breath taking what they were able to accomplish on a low-budget. There were two kill scenes in particular that were mind-blowing, and stuff I’ve never seen done in all my years of being a horror fan. I promise you’ll know which two I’m speaking of, and I’m positive everyone else will be talking about them once they see the movie.

This is a perfect example of a film to see with a crowd. So, either catch it at the cinema or buy it on VOD gather fellow horror loving friends and family to watch. Order some pizza, have a few beers, stock up on chips and dips and have a fun night. Watching PUPPET MASTER: THE LITTLEST REICH brought back great memories of being in middle school, renting a ton of horror movies from the local mom and pop video store and spending the weekend hanging out with friends watching them over a Friday and Saturday night. I truly enjoyed this movie, recommend it, and look forward to buying it this Friday so I can watch it again. Also, stay/watch through the credits!

Post-Q&A photo with panel moderator Jonah Ray, stars Udo Kier, Thomas Lennon, Nelson Franklin, Jenny Pellicer, co-producer Amanda Presmyk, and producer Dallas Sonnier