Snobbin: Beautiful Trash in the Pop Culture Gutter

I used to be a wallflower at the punk show.  Standing in back like those cool people in that Jawbreaker lyric or Peter Parker, replete in sweater vest a tour song well defined. I watched everyone else participate, slunk in the corner like a ragdoll  in required black hoodie, shock of auburn hair, drooped over crooked glasses. '90s indie fashion or a Weezer video extra, the early days of emo.  A backpack possibly slung over my shoulder, and a lack of beer in my hand, made me stand out, an awkward clown, never a joiner. Even though I loved the volume of the music, the warmth of the room, distinguished from the blustery, wintery outside, I found it hard to join.  These states never get warm. The band never breaks a string. Once I finally joined and met the people in the room, I became a figure in the scene, with my own nickname and relevance. Seldom a band member, I was the eternal commenter, the guy who could talk records, a legend in my hometown. Like that irredeemabl...

David Bruckner's  The Ritual builds suspense through the familiar narrative trope of difficult friendships and decisions but takes its protagonist to unexpected places that rework many folk horror tropes, such as the outsider coming to unfamiliar areas and finding horrific occult practices and villagers that are compelled to commit them. The premise which could be a feel good buddy comedy turns horrific quickly, and the legacy of the characters comes into question. Add in a really interesting folk horror monster with antlers, hoofs, and human-like body parts, and you have all the ingredients for an interesting genre excursion. 

  The updated Rube Goldberg devices in this loose remake of William Castle's 1960 haunted house flick along with the exaggeratedly designed ghosts make this one fun to watch if predictable. Tony Shalhoub, Shannon Elizabeth, and Matthew Lillard each give their all in a film that needs more scares. 

 Bees barely buzzes. Even John Saxon cannot save this snoozefest. 

One of the best voodoo films due to strong performances, atmosphere, and special effects. Wes Craven tells a complex political story in a way that never feels dull and generally surprises. The film generally authentically covers Haitian voodoo honestly without attempting cheap scares. Dr. Dennis Allen (Bill Pullman) and Dr. Marielle Duchamp (Cathy Tyson) also somehow maintain realistic chemistry while combatting the evil Dargent Peytraud (Zakes Mokae) in a thriller that actually thrills.

George Romero like you've seldom seen him. This arty vampire film manages to bring the New Hollywood to the Arthouse vampire. Most of the film meanders, despite having interesting characters and dialogue, but the conclusion still surprises and makes Martin must viewing.