1/11/2011

2010: THE BEST HORROR FILMS


             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-