Dread Central’s Best and Worst of 2014
Steve Barton
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Steve “Uncle Creepy” Barton’s Picks
So yeah. 2014. It was without question the single most mediocre year for theatrical horror that I can remember. Everything was just meh. Not too bad. Not too good. Just there. To say I wasn’t a fan is a bit of an understatement. That being said… it was also an incredible year for limited release, straight to VOD horror. You want the good shit? It was right in your home the entire time and completely free of teenagers or the elderly texting as if they’re the only people there.
So here you go… in no particular order.
The Babadook – Yes, I like many wanted to strangle the child star, but he didn’t do enough to damper what was an otherwise great and horrific experience. This flick had everything I love in spades… atmosphere, a truly spooky big bad, and a lead actress in Essie Davis who takes home performance of the year as far as my money goes.
The Sacrament – I’ve been a big fan of Ti West for many years, but without question The Sacrament just blew my mind. There’s no way to sit through the film’s third act and not find yourself genuinely disturbed. So realistic. It hits like a gut-punch and has stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
Afflicted – If there are two things I’m completely tired of, its found footage and vampire films. Imagine my surprise when I loved this baby who came along that was relying on both of those elements! This? This is how you knock it out of the proverbial park, kids. Bravo.
The Houses October Built – I love the Halloween season with every fiber of my being. All the spooky decor, everyone finally letting it all hang out… Halloween is one of the most liberating holidays of the year, and more and more people are getting in on it. This little found footage flick captured the feeling and essence of the season with the kind of creepy perfection that is rarely seen. Just when you think you’re done with first-person filmmaking, someone comes along and makes you remember why it’s been so successful in the first place.
Tusk – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… Anytime that you can go into a theatre to see a movie about a mad scientist who turns a guy into a walrus and still leave shocked? Well, that’s just amazing, and so is Kevin Smith’s Tusk. Yeah, it has some rough patches, but the sheer insanity of the whole affair is a spectacle in and of itself.
Honorable Mentions: Delivery, Nurse 3D, Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, Godzilla, The Purge: Anarchy
Ah, yes! This year’s shit sandwiches. In no particular order…
Annabelle – Here’s the thing… when you can watch a spoof movie (in this case A Haunted House 2) and it uses your title character better than the real thing, you know there’s a problem. Annabelle could very well be the biggest missed opportunity of 2014. Though I must say…. getting something this wrong is almost impressive on some level.
I, Frankenstein – Writing something bad about this is akin to picking on a defenseless kid who can’t even muster up the gumption to look you in the eye. Yes, it’s as bad as you’ve heard. No, there’s absolutely no reason to ever watch this. I mean like ever.
The Quiet Ones – Note to filmmakers everywhere: Having your main bad guy show up to the finale of your movie wearing pajamas is just not a good idea. Thanks. Bye.
Grace: The Possession – Here it is, kids! The perfect representation of everything that is wrong with the horror genre. Take notes.
The Pyramid – When you can make a shit-fest like As Above, So Below seem more appealing, then holy Christ have you accomplished something special. Yep, there’s a reason why this flick got dumped by 20th Century Fox and we applaud them for caring enough to spare innocent eyes everywhere by not releasing this mess wide.
Dishonorable Mentions: The Devil’s Hand, As Above, So Below, Vampire Academy, Godzilla, Devil’s Due.
