Silent Hill (2006)

Silent Hill (2006)

Dir. Christophe Gans

As someone who's had minimal hands-on experience with the video game series upon which the film is based I can't offer any kind of proper game-to-film comparisons, but I can attempt a review for people who are new to the franchise, exploring the question of whether or not you need to already be a fan in order to appreciate what Christophe Gans delivered.

My short answer is no, I don't think you do. The film's strengths stand by themselves, and the failings in the story would be there either way.

One of the main differences between an existing fan's perspective and a newbie's would perhaps be the viewer's ability to give a backstory to some of the characters or creatures, and doing that may well come with its own kind of baggage or even add further complications to the plot.

Dark Star: H.R. Giger's World (2015)

Dark Star: H.R. Giger's World (2015)

Dir. Belinda Sallin

A documentary that invites viewers into the Swiss artist's home, a retreat hidden within a protective border of trees and shadow, packed with a lifetime of books, journals and receipts upon shelves that are under stress. I've been a Giger fan since I was a teenager, so I knew I'd find something of value even if the rest was sycophantic or flat, but the film is surprisingly good. I say 'surprisingly' because it was Dir. Belinda Sallin's first feature-length venture and that always leaves some room for doubt.

It was filmed in the year leading up to Giger's death. He looks worn out, as if the burden of the artistic genius he carried for so long has extracted a visible toll and he's resigned to merely waiting for the inevitable; even conversing with friends and loved ones seems occasionally laborious for him.

Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962)

Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962)

Author: Ray Bradbury | Page Count: 272

“He knew what the wind was doing to them, where it was taking them, to all the secret places that were never so secret again in life.”

Green Town, Illinois, is a quiet Midwestern town, home to best friends William Halloway and Jim Nightshade, both aged thirteen; one was born as the day ended, the other born as the day begins. They've much in common but also reflect each other, thriving on the mirror image differences. You'll recognise them. They’re you and me. They’re everyone that ever lived or ever will. Tapping into the archetypal and imbuing it with meaningful magic is one of Bradbury's many talents. His currency is emotion and he spends it without reservation.

SWTWC is a timeless study of childhood and loss of innocence, wrapped up in a dark fantasy that will excite or terrify depending on the age of the reader.

Gamera: Millennium Era Films (2006—)

Gamera the Brave (2006)

Dir. Ryuta Tasaki

Kadokawa's re-imagining of Gamera is a significant departure from Daiei's Heisei era style and as such deserves to be judged by different criteria. It's very much a children's movie, but it's one that has the potential to touch their hearts and stay in residence there as they grow and mature.

It follows Toru (Ryo Tomioka), a boy not yet come to terms with the death of his mother a year before. Toru has friends but spends much of his time alone. When he finds a baby turtle, they form a strong bond. He protects it and as it grows it protects him in return.

It's a sentimental journey that isn't without its explosive moments, but the real punch in the story is the simplicity by which it's told and the lingering aspect of the perfect ending.

Gyo: 2-in-1 Edition (2015)

Gyo: 2-in-1 Edition (2015)

Author and Illustrator: Junji Ito | Page Count: 400

"What the hell is this?"

Tadashi loves his girlfriend Kaori, though the reader may find it difficult to feel similarly because her inner-bitch rises to the surface often. One of her defining features is that she has an acute sense of smell. When the ‘death stench’ first hits Okinawa it’s Kaori that's most affected. What’s causing the stench makes its presence known shortly afterwards, and that’s when things go full Junji Ito. You'll be thanking the olfactory gods that the book isn't a scratch 'n' sniff.

The creatures that live in the sea have evolved in weird ways. Their peculiarities make sense when viewed in their own environment, but on land they're so alien looking that they can be terrifying. Even the ones we're familiar with, such as sharks, would take on a whole new level of terror when making a beeline for some poor sap on an ordinary street full of cars.

ForeBears (2013)

ForeBears (2013)

Dir. Marie Cachet

A documentary by Marie Cachet and Varg Vikernes (aka 'Count Grishnackh' of Burzum) that chooses to observe its subject, as opposed to commenting on it in any direct, expository way. Structurally it brings three things together into one whole:

• Footage that closely resembles home movies (watch as the Count gets studious with a book before making himself a hot drink in his favourite cup. Oh, the excitement~);

• Excerpts from the Egyptian Book of the Dead;

• Burzum music as soundtrack, namely the Sôl austan, Mâni vestan (2013) album.

The juxtaposition of Varg's life with his wife Marie's is where the film finds something to say.

The freedom that mother and children enjoy is enviable. You may not sympathise with the Pagan belief system, but at least the kids are learning genuine skills, not being instructed in layered religious guilt and shame or how to do algebra.

It can be viewed FREE at Marie Cachet's YouTube channel: ForeBears (2013)

DUNE: The Film(s) (1984-88)

Dune (1984)

Dir. David Lynch

A flawed but visually impressive adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel (1965) of the same name. It explores the machinations of three great houses as they each attempt to gain the upper hand over the other, in the year 10,191.

The Dune of the title is a planet upon which a commodity unique to its ecology is mined. Great power is bestowed upon whosoever controls the mining and distribution of that product. But the position also breeds immense jealousy and hatred in others, making the house chosen to oversee its operations a prime target.

While the planet itself has perils and challenges to overcome, a major focus of the story revolves around that which exists within an individual, at the forefront of which is young Paul Atreides, successor to the throne of House Atreides.