Or, more precisely, the films which did not entirely & completely suck.
The past year was a largely disappointing one, for all the usual reasons: American horor mostly defined by recycled ideas, sequels, remakes, unimaginative 'reimaginings' or, at best, misguided, lukewarm, forgettable flicks. On the other hand, international horror was mostly uninspired, plagued by a similar misdirection and memorable punches. There was some decent, moderately entertaining stuff but, other than A SERBIAN FILM, nothing really memorable – nothing that will be talked about in a year or two.
So, here goes my list of the least terrible horrors I saw in 2010.
1. SRPSKI FILM (A SERBIAN FILM)
SER, 10
**** 4
Because it has balls & knows how to use them.
2. I SAW THE DEVIL
KOR, 10
***(*) 3+
Because it's a very entertaining and vicious Grand Guignol.
3. TETSUO THE BULLET MAN
JAP, 09
***(*) 3+
Because of its manic energy and craziness.
4. AMER
BEL, 10
*** 3+
Because it's fetishistic and doesn't give a flying fuck - like all good Giallo villains.
5. DREAM HOME
HK, 10
*** 3+
Because it's unashamedly exploitative, entertaining and surprisingly clever.
6. THE REVENANT
USA, 10
*** 3
Because it has an admirable balance of horror and humor.
7. HEARTLESS
UK, 10
*** 3
Because it's brave, energetic, and one of a kind.
8. HIGANJIMA
JAP, 10
*** 3
Because its has a big budget for a big loud story, and is fun to watch.
9. SOLOMON KANE
USA, 10
*** 3
Because it entertains with some great visuals, without being stupid or cheap (mostly).
10. CABIN FEVER 2
USA, 09
**(*) 3-
Because it's unashamedly exploitative, entertaining and yucky - although somewhat spoilt by the silly ending.
The others:
11. PIRANHA 3D
USA, 10
*** 3-
12. BLACK SWAN
USA, 10
**(*) 3-
13. THE CRAZIES
USA, 10
**(*) 3-
14. PHOBIA 2
THAI, 09
**(*) 3-
15. REC 2
SPA, 09
**(*) 3-
16. THE REEF
USA, 10
**(*) 3-
17. FROZEN
USA, 10
**(*) 3-
18. THE LOVED ONES
AUS, 10
**(*) 3-
19. ROAD KILL
AUS, 10
**(*) 3-
20. SPLICE
USA/CAN, 10
**(*) 3-
21. BURNING BRIGHT
USA, 10
**(*) 3-
22. THE HOLE
USA, 09
**(*) 3-
23. LET ME IN
USA, 10
**(*) 3-
24. IN THEIR SLEEP
FRA, 10
**(*) 3-
25. LA HORDE
FRA, 09
**(*) 3-
26. MUTANT GIRLS SQUAD
JAP, 10
**(*) 3-
27. BLOOD CREEK
USA, 09
**(*) 3-
28. CARRIERS
USA, 09
**(*) 3-
29. BLOOD RIVER
USA, 10
**(*) 3-
30. EMBODIMENT OF EVIL
BRA, 09
**(*) 3-
31. THE FORBIDDEN DOOR
INDON, 10
**(*) 3-
