I'm not a gigantic horror fan, but I just couldn't get behind Saw 5 even if I were. Here are five better ways to spend your hard-earned cash on something scary this weekend.
1) Let the Right One In
(NY & LA only)
I reviewed this one at Fantastic Fest. A Swedish vampire movie so good, everyone I know who has seen it has already decried the remake not only as unnecessary, but impossible to do anything at all better than the original did. Keep an eye on it as it expands out to those of us not in the Capitol of Fake America (NY) and the Gateway to Hell (LA).
2) Fear(s) of the Dark
(NY & LA only)
I reviewed this one at Fantastic Fest as well. I didn't dig every single part of it, but worth it for the three sequences I loved most: the bug, the break in, and the monster in the marshes. Do you want to see something new and striking, or Saw 6: Episode One?
3) The Order of Myths
(Austin only)
Not exactly the horror movie you'd find elsewhere on the list, but and interesting look at continued social segregation in Mobile, Alabama that continues to the present during Mardi Gras. I loved it back in March at SXSW, and since then it's even more interesting to look at in these closing days of the election. I'll try to get more of an idea as to what's going on with this movie's future past its Austin showings and follow up.
4) Dance of the Dead
Available now on DVD (US Region 1)
The prom. The undead. It's been done, but never is it usually re-done this well. If you don't take my word for it, take Quint's at AICN. This movie killed at SXSW, and I'm amazed they didn't release it during Prom season. The Dark Knight hadn't hit yet, and as I recall, Iron Man was cooling off. This reminds me of the boneheaded decision Warnes Bros. made to not release Trick R Treat theatrically this Halloween season (more on that gripe soon).
5) The Substitute
Available now on DVD (US Region 1)
Another Fantastic Fest flick that deserves a full review I've yet to complete. An evil demented substitute teacher is a threat to everyone and the kids know it. From Denmark with scares. I'll do my best to get a real review up before next weekend.
I'd like to follow this up throughout next week with more suggestions of things to do other than see the new Saw movie. Hit me up with suggestions: moiseschiu {at} g mail.