DVD Reviews: Horror Flicks

THE AMITYVILLE HORROR

Genre: Horror
Synopsis: The Lutz family moves into a house where murders were committed the year prior. And then a bunch of freaky stuff happens.
Pros: This is a great time to watch a film like "The Amityville Horror." Fall is upon us, Halloween is approaching, and the temperature is dropping to a comfortable chill that should get anyone in the mood to watch a fear flick. This one doesn't offer much substance, but it does serve up an anatomic amount of shocks and thrills. The atmosphere is ominous, there are plenty of "boo" scares, and the film doesn't pull any punches (I loved the precursive prologue). The cast is also up to the challenge. Ryan Reynolds turns in a solid performance, somehow jettisoning his goofball persona.
Cons: Note to Michael Bay - stop remaking horror films! It seems that Hollywood has finally run out of ideas. "Amityville" doesn't bring anything new to the table, and it feels like a stopgap medley of haunted house movies that we've already seen.
Supplementary Material: An audio commentary, 2 featurettes, 8 deleted scenes, and photo galleries. If you're keen on this redux, you might want to try "Poltergeist" or "The Changeling."

THE DEVIL'S REJECTS

Genre: Western/Horror
Synopsis: The murderous Firefly clan (dubbed "The Devil's Rejects" by the media) is on the run from the police.
Pros: This sequel to the raffish, camped up "House of 1,000 Corpses" is the polar opposite of its primogenitor. "Rejects" is brutal, filthy, bloody, sleazy, smutty, and downright lewd. If those words excite you, then this movie is for you. I loved it myself, but then again, I'm a homicidal maniac. Director Rob Zombie intended on making a gravelly homage to road movies from the 1970's, and that's exactly what he delivers. The characters are memorable, the dialogue is instantly quotable (if only I could recant some of it here), and the finale is thrilling. I never use the word "thrilling," so that should tell you something. Comparable to "The Hills Have Eyes" and "Natural Born Killers." Use as directed. Consult with your doctor before renting.
Cons: The film doesn't know when to end itself. But that's my sole quibble.
Supplementary Material: Two commentary tracks, a blooper reel, two faux commercials, a making-of documentary, deleted scenes, make-up tests, a tribute to late actor Matthew McGrory (a.k.a. Tiny), and more.

THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE

Genre: Horror
Synopsis: A fictionalized account of a real court case that involved the alleged demonic possession of a teenage girl.
Pros: It should be said right off the bat that this isn't a straight horror flick. "Emily Rose" was marketed as a visceral terror treat, but in reality, it's an intellectual court drama with bated shades of "The Exorcist." I, for one, admired this cloven-hoofed cupcake for taking a novel approach to the "evil cute girl" subgenre. I was rarely reminded of the Linda Blair classic. The settings were different, the characters were different, and the themes were different. Having seen dozens of tacky "Exorcist" offshoots, it was rather refreshing to dive into a Satanic spooktacular that didn't play by the rules. The acting is honest, the pace moves at an impelling clip, and the plot is sure to prompt a recusant debate or two.
Cons: There is one too many flashbacks (I disliked the whole "locket" scenario). Also, our lead doesn't put up much of a fight in court. We're supposed to be on her side, but frankly, she's a lousy attorney.
Supplementary Material: A commentary track and 3 featurettes.