Directed by John Poliquin. Written by The Vicious Brothers. Starring Richard Harmon, Leanne Lapp, Dylan Playfair, Stephanie Bennett, Howard Lai, Ben Wilkinson and Sean Rogerson.
Plot: a film student becomes obsessed with the Grave Encounters film and brings his friends with him to the psychiatric hospital in hopes of finding proof it was all real.
Alex (Harmon) wants to make a horror movie that is different somehow and therefore much better than the modern horror films being released. At first, he is critical of Grave Encounters, not completely believing the story. Then, he flips, goes and speaks to Sean’s (Rogerson) mother, discovers he is actually missing and begins believing everything. He even decides that he could be the one to find evidence if he goes to the same hospital Sean and his crew did.
Alex brings his girlfriend, Jennifer (Lapp), his best friend, Trevor (Playfair), Jennifer’s friend, Tessa (Bennett) and Tessa’s boyfriend, Jared (Lai), to the hospital with him. They set up cameras and begin recording sounds as well, just as the crew before them did. They’re so stupid though. Much dumber than Sean’s crew. Less hypocritical, but much, much dumber. For instance, they decide that because they could lose their way in the labyrinthine place, they’re going to leave glowsticks on the floor to light the way. Only, glowsticks do lose their glow after a while making the whole idea rather dreadful.
When things start going to shit, Jennifer and Trevor, who didn’t accept that any of it could ever be real, immediately want to leave. Screw the cameras and the other equipment, they want to go. It’s sad that they become the smartest two because, of course, they aren’t really listened to.
Although the ending isn’t stellar, the script is actually quite good. The actors are very talented, the effects are a pleasure to scream at and many parts are really funny. The Freddy Claws is low, but that doesn’t take away from the scares. And there are scares. The movie was also super realistic because of the actions and reactions of the characters. It’s an enjoyable film overall.
I suppose I could list my favorite movies here, but instead I'll give you a strange glimpse into what makes me TaraRomero.
1. I met George Romero. He was the kindest and sweetest man. He talked to me for longer than he should have with the line getting longer. He also held my hand. And when he noticed the ladybug I have tattooed on my wrist, he said he liked it and asked me it's name. Till then, it had not had a name. Now, I call him George.
2. I love stickers. All stickers. I just adore them. I even ask for stickers for Christmas! As a matter of fact, the birthday that just past, every member of my immediate family gave me sticker packs as gifts. Affordable and extremely appreciated.
3. I have never put much stock in astrology or horoscopes, but I LOVE the magic of the MBTI. Omg. I am an INFP and it actually sounds just like me. Introverted mostly. Creative always. Heart before head and not the most logical. Totally me! For better or worse.
4. It's no surprise I count horror so high up on the list of things that make me, me. However, it's so within my soul that I was part of the Horror Club in college. Interesting bunch. And even took a Horror Lit class as an elective. I got an A.
5. Coffee always makes me happy. Always. I'm particularly fond of caramel macchiatos. But I'll drink black coffee if it's the only thing available.
6. I hate shock for the sake of shock and endings that depress me. I always mention the movies Within (2016) and the Eli Roth produced, written and starred in, Aftershock (2012), as proof of this distate I have. I abhor the idea that just because I like horror, some people think I'd actually praise a movie that lets you think the "Final Girl" just made it through the night, only to slap her in the face with a tsunami.
7. We are big time animal people. I mean, if I could, I'd have an elephant, a bear, a zebra, a penguin, an otter and a meerkat, living with me. Seriously though. We have 2 dogs right now and 2 cats. Both cats we picked up when they each came to our front door hungry. And both dogs we got from 2 different sets of neighbors. Both who, unfortunately, don't know how to care for pets long-term. But they're happy and healthy now!!
8. Revisiting my love of horror, one of the above cats, my cat, is a little black guy named Church. Because Pet Sematary. His middle name is even Pascow. To give credit where credit's due, the name was DJ's idea. But he loves horror too!
9. I'm big into art. Along with movie posters and an Anne Frank quote, I have some actual paintings on my wall. I really think Dali paints beautifully when he wants to. And if I don't get to see Michaelangelo's Pieta in person some day, I will be very disappointed.
10. Lastly, I find Emily Dickinson's poetry intriguing. I took an elective course about her as well. But do you know I injected horror even there? I was given a poem to dissect and I picked one on death, of course. Then, I researched old "Death Photos" and even printed out copies for everyone in the class. They were so interested in looking at them that it stopped them from all looking at me, and I was able to deal quite well with my stage fright. Haha
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