Thriller-thon: Top 10 Horror Films

31 10 2009

When it comes to feeding your craving for frights and thrills, blood and gore, there are always the classic horror films like Rosemary’s Baby, Suspiria and Halloween that are guaranteed to get your heart pumping.  But there have been dozens of movies made in the past decade that have revived the genre and are sure to become classics in their own rights.

Here’s AreYouBeing’s Top-10 Horror Films – Watch them again or for the first time

51K3uQHsEXL._SL500_AA240_High Tension
This film is like Fatal Attraction on acid.  When two young college girls go away to the country for a few days of studying, what should be a stress-free weekend quickly turns into a night of horror as they fight against a truck driver hell-bent on spilling as much blood as possible.  Will their friendship survive, or are they both doomed.  Your pulse will be pumping until the very last second.

51NPJ7WYSTL._SL500_AA240_The Descent
Rock climbing is scary enough, but throw a couple dozen vampire-like creatures and a dark, unexplored cave system into the mix and you have the setting for one hell of a scary movie.  A group of girlfriends enter the caves together, but it quickly becomes clear that not everyone will see daylight again.

5177K3F5Y0L._SL500_AA240_Oldboy
Imagine you’re taken away from everyone you love and held captive for 15 years only to be released one day without any knowledge of whom your capturer is or why they held you against your will for so long.  And once back in the real world, you only have five days to learn the truth or suffer the consequences.  That’s the premise behind Oldboy.  Directed by Chan-wook Park, one of the most talented Asian directors, Oldboy is part of the “Vengeance Trilogy,” which also includes “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” and “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance.”

51z90frSIXL._SL500_AA240_Hostel
There’s an old saying, “You can never go home again,” which couldn’t be more true when discussing this film.  What starts as just another backpacking trip across Europe soon turns into a nightmare vacation.  When three friends take a detour to a hostel for what is promised to be a sex-packed side trip, they soon discover that they’ve been brought here under ulterior motives.  Director Eli Roth gets right to the heart of gore with creative and beutiful shot murder scenes.

512VB0KB5XL._SL500_AA240_Saw
What started as a short film made by friends has spawned one of the most successful horror franchises in recent memory, not to mention one of the most creative and clever killers, Jigsaw.  Chained to a bathtub, Dr. Gordon (Cary Elwes) is put to the test as he must make a series of choices, all of which could determine whether he lives or dies.

511KHM89SFL._SL500_AA240_28 Days Later
If Night of the Living Dead is the holy grail of zombie films, 28 Days Later is the blood that runneth over.  The film put life, literally, back in the zombie genre.  When a man-made [rage] virus takes out England in just under a month, the survivors, including Jim (Cillian Murphy), a young bike messenger who is unconscious in a hospital room during the outbreak, come together in hopes of making it to a safe zone.  The haunting soundtrack and raw, MTV-style cinematography helped catapult this film to instant cult status.

51qKAEKJLqL._SL500_AA240_REC
An unsuspecting reporter and her cameraman tag along with a local fire department on what should be a routine call to a neighborhood apartment building.  They soon discover, along with all the tenants, that no place is safe, especially not your home.  As they try to survive being sealed inside the building with the “infected,” they uncover the truth behind what’s happening, documenting everything on camera.  If you don’t like reading subtitles, checkout the American remake, Quarantine; they’re almost identical, shot for shot.

51oSdie0SsL._SL500_AA240_Joshua
When a young stockbroker (Sam Rockwell) and his wife (Vera Farmiga) have their second child, the first born, 9-year-old Joshua (Jacob Kogan) doesn’t take it so well.  Armed with a frightening intelligence and macabre mind masked by an innocent face, Joshua uses his powers of manipulation to unravel the lives of everyone around him.  The film is capped off with Joshua singing a haunting cover of Dave Matthew’s The Fly.

516kKeB0BdL._SL500_AA240_The Orphanage
The bond between a mother and child can transcend all boundaries.  In this ghost story, a middle-aged woman (Belén Rueda) brings her family back to her childhood home where they will live and run an orphanage for disabled children.  But when her son begins playing with an imaginary friend, weird things start happening all over the house, leading to a game of hide and seek that crosses physical dimensions and could leave another child without his parents.

51JaYS-8UoL._SL500_AA240_Trick ‘r Treat
This film has been in limbo for years, as the film studio kept pushing back the launch date.  Finally, they made a decision to release it on DVD, just in time for the Halloween season.  Starring Anna Paquin (True Blood), the film features four interwoven stories that somehow connect to an infamous school bus murder that took place decades earlier.  If you love films like Creepshow, add this to your Netflix queue today.

Photo Source: Amazon.com





Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Trailer

24 06 2009

I’m a child of the 80s, so of course I was thrilled when they announced that Transformers was coming to the big screen in a huge Michael Bay spectacle.  But did we really need a sequel? 

Picking up where the last film left off, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen reunites Shia LaBouf, Megan Fox and Josh Duhamel as they team up again with the Autobots in an epic battle against Megatron and the Decepticons. 

The film opens nationwide today, and is sure to be one of the biggest summer blockbusters of ’09.  Bypass the long ticket lines by visiting Fandango.com where you can score tickets, photos, fan reviews and more.  And if you missed the first trailer, watch the newest cut now by clicking below. 





Grooming: Saving Face & Money with Thrillist.com

15 05 2009

I’m always going on and on about how to save money by joining Netflix.  Why not save some money on something that will make you look good too?

Thrillist.com is running a new promo called “Cheap Gear Rundown” where they provide their readers with a ton of great promos.  Check it out now – and signup for their daily e-blasts – for discounts on everything from sports inspired clothing from Amongst Friends to manly grooming from Jock Soap

One of my favorite products from Jock Soap is Topical Storm Exfoliating Body Wash.  It has a light scent and is perfect for getting rid of all that dead skin after a long day of playing ball in the scorching sun with the guys.

Click here for additional product suggestions for looking good while beating the heat.

JOCK SOAP Topical Storm Exfoliating Body Wash

JOCK SOAP Topical Storm Exfoliating Body Wash





BestPicks: New on DVD Today

12 05 2009

After the car payment, rent and credit card bills are paid, it seems like there is little money left over for anything. To save some cash, I’m updating my Netflix queue with the following DVDs out today that are guaranteed to satisfy your entertainment appetite.

Taken
Starring Liam Neeson as a former soldier on a mission to rescue his daughter from a group of slave traders, this action packed film is guaranteed to get you your adrenaline fix in just 90 minutes. Sit back and watch Liam prove that men over 40 can still kick ass.

Underworld: RIse of the Lycans
Though some guys may be upset that Kate Beckinsale was absent from this prequel to the vampire/lycan franchise, there was still plenty of blood, fighting and latex to satisfy your craving. In this film, director Patrick Tatopoulos further explores the backstory of how the vampires and lycans became bitter rivals. Though you may know where the story leads, there are enough twists and amazing graphics to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Season 7
Anyone craving a taste of classic 80s cartoons is sure to get their fill with the 7th season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. With your cold blooded friends Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael, you’ll feel like you were back in 87 playing with your slap bracelet and sipping on a Slush Puppy. Oh, the good old days.

Taken_Underworld_Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles_DVD Covers

Taken, Underworld: RIse of the Lycans, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Season 7

Photo Source: Amazon.com (Logon now to purchase these films and more)





BestPicks: New On DVD This Week

21 04 2009
clive_barker_hellraiser_blu-ray

Hellraiser: Blu-Ray

Does work have you down?  Make it a movie night; it always makes me feel better.  Out on DVD today are The Wrestler and Frost Nixon, both nominated for multiple Academy Awards.  If you missed either in the theatres, this is your chance to see what all the hype is about.  Just one look at Mickey Rourke in this comeback role and you’ll remember why he was once considered one of the greatest actors of our generation.

If those aren’t quite your speed and you crave something a little more demented, it’s time to watch Clive Barker’s Hellraiser as it was meant to be seen; in high definition.  While it doesn’t come with many extras, it’s available for the first time on Blu-ray.

heroes_season-3

HEROES: Season 3 DVD

And just in case these three aren’t enough, checkout the top ten films that people are watching this week on Netflix Instant.

1. Heroes: Season 3
2.  You Don’t Mess with the Zohan
3.  Made of Honor
4.  Enemy of the State
5.  It’s a Boy Girl Thing
6.  The IT Crowd: Series 1
7.  SpongeBob SquarePants: Season 3
8.  Superbad
9.  Dead Space: Downfall
10.  88 Minutes

Photo Sources:

bloody-disgusting.com

Amazon.com (Click Here to Pre-Order Heroes: Season 3 Today)





BestPicks: New On DVD This Week

31 03 2009

It may be three days until the weekend, but that doesn’t mean you can’t partake in some mid-week entertainment.  If you’re like my friends and me though, you might be on a limited budget.  Why not stay in and make it a movie night?  After all, there are a number of new DVDs out today.  Here are my picks of must-see films worth your Benjamins.

  • slumdog_millionaire_movie_posterSlumdog Millionaire – When I first heard the premise for this film I thought; “REALLY, a film based on the game show ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire‘”?  It didn’t seem like a movie I wanted to waste my time or money on seeing.  The buzz was too big though, and I finally caved, a decision I’m very happy about.  Slumdog definitely deserves the Oscar for Best Picture
  • Marley & Me – I’m not a big fan of films about pets, even though I love animals.  There is always something so contrived about a pet-centric film.  This one has plenty of great laughs though, mixed with some heartfelt moments.  And who doesn’t like watching Jennifer Aniston? 
  • Seven Pounds – I haven’t seen this film yet, but I’ve heard great things about it.  Departing from his normal action hero path, Will Smith plays a man on a road to redemption as he helps change the lives of strangers for the better.

If you don’t have time to swing by BestBuy on your way home, logon to Netflix.  Here’s the top 10 movies that people are watching this week on Netflix Instant

  1. Made of Honor
  2. Heroes: Season 3
  3. 88 Minutes
  4. Dead Like Me: Life After Death
  5. Never Back Down
  6. Superbad
  7. Elegy
  8. Penelope
  9. Gardens of the Night
  10. Ratatouille

Photo Sources:

harpymarx.wordpress.com

iwatchstuff.com





Netflix’s Top 10 “On Demand” Videos

24 02 2009

Sick of re-runs of the same old reality TV?  Make it a movie night.  Here’s the top 10 list of “on demand” videos that people are watching this week on Netflix “Instant.”

  1. penelope_movie_posterPenelope
  2. 21
  3. Heroes: Season 3
  4. Serenity
  5. Humboldt County
  6. Superbad
  7. Ratatouille
  8. MythBusters: Collection 1
  9. 30 Rock: Season 1
  10. Next

Photo Source: collider.com





Netflix’s Top 10 “On Demand” Videos

16 02 2009

It’s President’s Day and you finally have a much needed day off.  This is your chance to catch up on your favorite TV series and all those films you missed in the theatre. Here’s the top 10 list of “on demand” videos that people nationwide are watching this week on Netflix “Instant.”

  1. 21_movie_poster_onesheet_-_collidercom21
  2. Serenity (2005)
  3. Heroes: Season 3
  4. Superbad (2007)
  5. Ratatouille
  6. 30 Rock: Season 1
  7. Next (2007)
  8. The Office: Season 1
  9. The Office: Season 4
  10. The Visitor (2007)

Photo Source: iseefilms.wordpress.com





REPO! Falls Flat

7 02 2009

One thing you’ll come to learn over time; when it comes to movies, I’m a dead sucker for horror films.

So when the producers of SAW released their new rock opera, REPO! The Genetic Opera, I headed down to my local BestBuy (I make this pilgrimage every Tuesday) to pick up a copy. Why not? After all, how could you go wrong with a musical slasher flick? repo_the_genetic_opera_horror_musical

Settled in at home, I popped the disc into my new BluRay and pressed play. It didn’t take me long to figure out why this movie went straight to video at the value price of $14.99. I guess I should have known better when I saw Paris Hilton on the cast list; did I mention she “acts” and “sings” in this film?

With little lyrical or musical value, the movie was barely worth the time it took me to drive to the store; much less the 90 minutes it took to watch it. With no melody to sing along with, even the actors look like they’re straining to stay focused. Where the film lacks polish, they do make up for with creativity and gore. Let’s just say Ms. Hilton gets a new face…and then loses it.

The two redeeming qualities are Joseph White’s cinematography and Anthony Head’s performance. White fuses elements of an MTV music video with stunning color and computer generated graphics to create a punk infused world inhabited by a cast of misfits obsessed with perfection. Head, a musical veteran from his days on Buffy, hits every note with precision as he belts out ballads between gutting victims to reclaim their mortgaged organs. In many ways, REPO! Is a cautionary tale of man in the near future and how the quest for perfection will ultimately will lead to our own undoing; or murder.

Though I wouldn’t recommend that you run out and foolishly waste your money like me, it might be worth adding to your Netflix Queue. I can assure you that you won’t be humming the songs the next day, but any fan of the horror genre will find some merit within.

Photo Source: http://www.impawards.com