Absintian's Horror Reviews and Thoughts

The Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark books are the primary reason I like reading today. I would always check these books out any chance I could especially when I would be going to camp. The trilogy of books are collections of folklore, myths, urban legends and rhymes that were reimagined for easier reading without lessening the macabre themes. Add in a very talented artist to generate haunting ink drawings to accompany each story, a few of them even now I get chills looking at, and you have a classic anthology series.  When I heard that Guillermo Del Toro was going to produce a movie I was ecstatic. Guillermo has a talent for paying proper attention to what his source material is made of aesthetically and to use that for his films. Look at Crimson Peak for an example trying to bring out the classic Ghost story mixed with Italian giallo film. So if anyone could make a good rendition of the Scary Stories series it would be him. I’m happy to say that the crew hit that mark. With some sma...

Larissa and Matt move into a new home to prepare for the arrival of their baby. The next door neighbors, a mother and her disabled daughter, are very reclusive but the couple do their best to greet them. Larissa begins noticing the neighbors acting very strange, especially Isabelle. The film focuses on Larissa’s growing paranoia as Isabelle always can be seen staring at her through her bedroom window, rightfully unnerving. When Isabelle begins appearing inside the house with increasing malice Larissa’s mental state starts faltering. The couple attempt to find out what is going on and whether Larissa’s fears are truly just her nerves or something supernatural. In most films involving paranormal events only one character ever experiences the lead is never believed or thought to be going mad. This film walks this line without fully diving into the trope. Matt thinks at first it is stress induced but realistically attempts to assist Larissa. He first asks the doctor for antidepressants, bu...

IMDB Link Summer of ‘84 follows 4 friends; Davey, Tommy, Dale and Curtis whom are enjoying their summer. The highlight of their street is the nightime game of Manhunt. One team being hunters the others being the fugitives in a neighborhood wide game of hide and seek. During this game Davey notices a kid being assisted by his neighbor, Wayne. With Wayne’s good reputation as one of the town’s police officers Davey doesn’t think much of it. When a few days later the kid is not seen again and his picture shows up on a milk carton Davey suspects Wayne is the serial killer that was featured on the TV recently. While Davey’s obsession with conspiracy theories has made most adults not believe anything he says his friends believe just enough to help him spy on Wayne to find out evidence that Davey’s theory is correct. The characters work very well with each other, the group feels like a real group of friends with no artificial drama between them. Davey’s obsession is well built as a good reason...