Film Review of the Year Part 5 of 8

Horror comes in from hiding in the closet.

In recent years horror films have been, well, shit. Hostel, Saw, any number of crass remakes of 70's classics or even 70's dross. and yet plough through the shit and 2008 threw up some notably genre classics.

I'd like to start by discussing a film which was neither a classic or really very good, but has received good notices. Eden Lake explored the hoodie factor on horror as two lovers get away for the weekend only to be terrorised by kids who will probably be home late for dinner.

The film is an interesting concept and has some notable scenes, but lacks the rising tension, or pure horror or classics such as Texas Chain Saw Massacre or Halloween. Perhaps the best scene and most terrifying scene is the final one, which demonstrates how inherrent the problems of anitsocial teens really are.

But on to better and more terrifying fare. The Orphange, advertised as from the creator of Pan's Labyrinth shares little with the spanish fantasy. A shocking ghost story more akin the Del Toro's Devuil's Backbone or The Hours has some truly shocking moments and twist which will break your heart, whilst simultaneously scaring the shit out of you.

Cloverfield was the big film of the earlier period of 2008. And my god it was good. relentless, never outstaying its welcome and with a premise which never felt too contrived or dare I say it, inplausible. The film takes the high road by showing us as little as possible to crank up the horror.

George Romero returned to zombie (what else) with diary of the dead. coming off the back of Cloverfield this film lost some of its uniqueness but still managed enough inventive deaths and quirky horror to be worth a look.

Funny Games was truly terrifying in a way horror films rarely are. American cinema has seen a slew of home invasion films over the past year, but Funny Games is the only one which will have you double checking the locks and suspicious of anyone and everyone. The film is relentless in its torment of both the victims and the audience. 3 people left the screening I watched, and it was only most resolute belief in experiencing pure cinema that made me stay. that a morbid curiosity.

Probably my favourite horror fim of the year was also responsible for the most downbeat, pessimistic ending i've seen in horro since perhaps The Wicker Man. Frank Darabont's The Mist is a classic horror film of the 1950's b-movie tradition. From almost the opening minutes there is a genuine sense of dread, tension and anxiety. taking pot shots at fundamental religion and piting humans against the biggeest foe, themselves, and well as some really rather good CG monsters, the film offers no hope or redemption for the characters and as such becomes, in my opinion, a classic of the genre.

Here's hoping 2009 isn't just a spate of remakes, sequels and uninspired copycats.