Since most of my recent writing has yet to be published, this week's update contains only three new reviews – one of which is mildly positive, two of which are severely negative. Nonetheless, be sure to check out my contributions (#10 and #2) to IFC's Halloween-themed list The 25 Scariest Moments in Non-Horror Films, as well as my interview with Ti West, whose awesome The House of the Devil opens in select cities today.
Ti West Gives Horror a Good Name (IFC News)
The 25 Scariest Moments in Non-Horror Films (IFC News)
Out Now:
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (Slant magazine)
Skin (Slant magazine)
Labor Day (Slant magazine)
4 responses to “Devil’s Night”
Only two capsules? I think they shorted you. Also, NICE call on Pinocchio, I know a lot of folks (myself included) who rewatched that one post-adolescence only to be surprised by the film’s genuinely unsettling depiction of falling morally astray.
I expected something from Lynch – Blue Velvet’s car ride, maybe – over the reliably funny Curb Stomp. American History X is as over the top as something like Troll 2, and just about as frightening.
IFC has given me plenty to do as of late, so it wasn’t really a slight.
As for American History X, I know what you’re saying, but that curb stomp remains cringe-worthy. I can barely even think about it without shuddering. Blue Velvet, however, is a somewhat surprising omission.
Pinocchio rules.
You know, one of the scariest images that has always stuck with me is Christopher Penn holding a rock over a bloodied female stranger in the park in the climax to Altman’s “Short Cuts.” I was certain he just comitted a random murder, but there was some ambiguity to make you wonder a bit whether it was the result of the rock slide.
I think I have to correct myself: it’s pretty clear that Penn murdered the girl. I guess I haven’t seen it in awhile.