Man, I can’t believe how fast this year has come and gone. It’s already the 11th of November! So far, it’s been a pretty uneventful month. I did watch some really good films, though. Here is part one of my mini-reviews for November 2019! Let me know your opinions on these films!

Taxi Driver

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action by attempting to liberate a presidential campaign worker and an underage prostitute.

My rating: 6.5/10

Notes: I really wanted to love this film. I love Robert De Niro’s performance. The film does a good job in showing his sanity decline, and loneliness increase. A lot of the scenes, though, were really dull and I was just bored most of the time. It’s a classic that deserves to be watched at least once. It just wasn’t my kind of film.

 

Rifftrax: Birdemic: Shock and Terror 

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A horde of mutated birds descends upon the quiet town of Half Moon Bay, California. With the death toll rising, two citizens manage to fight back, but will they survive Birdemic?

My rating: 4/10

Notes: The reason I’m not giving this film a lower score is because the Rifftrax commentary completely saved it. It should’ve been called CGI-Demic, because the only thing shocking about the film was the atrocious CGI birds. If you’re thinking to yourself, “How bad could it really be?” Trust me, it’s bad. Plus, we get plenty of conversations that go nowhere, obviously fake guns, and lots and lots of driving. If you absolutely have to watch this film, it’s so much more tolerable with the hilarious Rifftrax commentary.

 

Digging Up The Marrow

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A documentary exploring genre based monster art takes an odd turn when the filmmakers are contacted by a man who claims he can prove that monsters are indeed real.

My rating: 8.5/10

Notes: This film is probably one of my favorites by Adam Green! I think it’s fantastic that he collaborated with Alex Pardee, and created such a unique documentary-style horror film! It’s really awesome how most of the characters played themselves to give it a very realistic aspect. Plus, it brings some legendary cameos. I highly recommend Digging Up The Marrow!

 

Terror Train

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): Three years after a prank that went terribly awry, the six college students responsible are targeted by a masked killer at a New Year’s Eve party aboard a moving train.

My rating: 7.5/10

Notes: I’ve been waiting a LONG time to see Terror Train, and it was definitely worth the wait! I’d have to say I like this film more than Prom Night (1980). I loved the chemistry of the characters, and I love David Copperfield’s performances, and Carne (Ben Johnson) was awesome! I feel the ending could’ve been better, but it definitely didn’t ruin it for me. Terror Train is a must-watch for slasher fans!

 

Madman

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A legendary psychopathic murderer stalks a summer camp.

My rating: 6.5/10

Notes: This was a pretty decent slasher, overall. A lot of it reminded me of the Hatchet franchise, especially the similarities between Madman Marz (Paul Ehlers) and Victor Crowley (Kane Hodder). The pacing was pretty quick, so when the characters started dropping, it was difficult to care. I do admire Tony Fish’s dedication to the film. Plus, I love the song that’s played at the end. I’d definitely recommend Madman!

 

Ebola Syndrome

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): A restaurant employee wanted for murder contracts Ebola by raping a woman in South Africa and starts an outbreak there and in Hong Kong when he returns home.

My rating: 5.5/10

Notes: This film is definitely not for the faint of heart. Kai is such a despicable character, and Anthony Chau-Sang Wong did a fantastic job playing him! There was a subplot that did bring the story forward a bit, but still fell flat in the end. If you’re more into the extreme horror films, this one should definitely be on your list!

 

Gehenna: Where Death Lives

Synopsis (provided by IMDb.com): Developers in Saipan stumble into a bunker from WWII where an evil force lies in wait.

My rating: 7.5/10

Notes: I came across a clip of this film, and it was so creepy, I was immediately hooked. Overall, Gehenna was a very entertaining film! I saw the ending coming a mile away, but it was still enjoyable. It’s gory, creepy, and it has a very claustrophobic setting. If you do give it a shot, don’t miss the after-credits scene!