my thoughts on.... 'Satan's Little Helper'

Every year, when Halloween rolls around, there's always a question of what films to watch? Well, I have a new one to add to the mix now.... thanks to Brian. (Thank you!) It's a little film that slid by under the rader, but that Netflix kept trying to get me to watch. Finally, I did. The film is called 'Satan's Little Helper' and it's a diamond in the rough. It's something unique, special and fun. It's the perfect little add on to your regular Halloween viewing. It feels like Halloween, takes place on Halloween and has a lot good going for it. It's written and directed by the cult director, Jeff Lieberman. He's not got a huge cinematic history, but he's got a name that's known for what little he's done. He made a movie about killer earthworms! It stars a little boy who only did one other movie, Alexander Brickel. Granted, he's annoying as hell, but he fits in this role perfectly. It was the part he was born to play. I mean, the whole film is kind of surreal or hyper-realistic and he just adds another level to that. It's not really gory or violent, it's just quirky and odd.

The plot revolves around a little boy named, Douglas who is obsessed with a video game called 'Satan's Little Helper'. His mom, played by Amanda Plummer, thinks this game is an okay past time for her son and encourages him to dress up as the main character of the game for Halloween. He wears the costume non-stop. It basically consists of a Satan costume with a little badge around his neck that says, 'Satan's Little Helper'. The game is kind of like 'Grand Theft Auto', without the car and with Satan and a lot of death. As Douglas is running around the neighborhood, he sees a strange man dressed like Satan. This strange man is killing people in the neighborhood and leaving them out in the front yard like a piece of Halloween decorations. Douglas convinces Satan to let him be his 'helper' and they go off on an adventure. What Douglas doesn't realize, is that Satan is actually killing the people.... he thinks it's all pretend. Eventually, he brings him home to meet his mom and sister. Things slowly start to fall apart, until Douglas realizes the truth and all hell breaks loose. The rest you just have to see.I can't say enough good things about this film. I don't want you to think that this is the best Halloween film ever made, but it's a nice breath of fresh air. I've seen almost every Halloween film made to date and even the ones that aren't specifically for Halloween and they were starting to get stale. I think that's why I ended up liking this one so much.... it's new. (actually, it's from 2004) Everybody needs a little change up now and then. I think if you have an open mind and a little bit of a dark sense of humor, then you'll probably dig this film too. Just ignore the one really bad part, when Doug's dad is being gutted. His intestines look really, really fake. Granted, I have had my hands inside a dead body and pulled the guts out of a man.... these guts weren't even close to realistic. (and I didn't kill anyone.... if you remember, I went to a cadaver lab during my Medical Assistant schooling)

I give 'Satan's Little Helper' a solid 4 out of 5 stars. My only regret is that I didn't wait until Halloween to actually watch it. Watching on that night in particular would have made this that much better. But you don't have to do that, it has the Halloween feel year round. They left this open for a sequel, but if they haven't announced one by now, then I kind of doubt it's going to happen. It's probably better that way.... it would have just weakend this storyline, even with the slightly soft ending. This film is available to rent through Netflix.

If you want other good films to watch on Halloween, check out: 'Trick 'r Treat', 'Creepshow' and 'Sleepy Hollow' (1999)

(I couldn't find a trailer that wasn't in Spanish, so here's a short clip from the film. Don't judge based on this alone. Thanks!)

my thoughts on.... 'The House of the Devil'

nostalgia is a wonderful thing.... and as much as we love to watch the films that we love from the past.... we have to come to grips with the fact that new movies are made all the time and they have every right to an audience and may someday become the next generation of films you're nostalgic for.... but in this case, the director Ti West, has taken us back to a time when horror was at it's high point.... the late 70's early 80's.... this film is not just a mere attempt at capturing the time period, it's a complete throwback to another time.... right down to the 16 mm filmstock, the cheesy soundtrack, the credits, the storyline and the actors themselves look like they're straight out of the past.... and i think by using unknown actors it created that feeling even more.... it was impressive to say the least....

the story involves a young woman who is in desperate need of money.... and see a babysitter wanted poster on her college campus.... she decides to give them a call and see about the job.... needless to say, the man that answers is strange to say the least.... but she follows up on it anyway.... and eventually accepts.... once at the house she finds out it's not a baby she's sitting for, but an elderly woman.... again she isn't sure what to make of the whole situation, but the money is too good to pass up.... so she takes the job.... did i mention the story also involves a lunar eclipse....? that comes into play later.... i don't want to give away the whole plot, because it's just going to ruin the experience.... and that's exactly what this film is, an experience.... one that i highly suggest you take part in....
this story is appropriatly scary.... it has it's 'BOO!' moments.... it has dark themes and a healthy enough dose of blood and guts for most horror fans.... i just can't say enough good things about this movie.... and i wasn't sure i would even enjoy it as the only other film i've seen by Ti West was the below average 'Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever'.... this is leaps and bounds beyond that movie.... and it's kind of fun to feel nostalgic about a film you've never even seen before.... this is a rare film that just has to be seen.... so if you have the time and Netflix.... it's OnDemand and you should watch it tonight.... plain and simple....

4 out of 5 stars.... a strong film and one that deserves an audience.... i'd never heard of this until i just stumbled across it while goofing around on the Netflix site.... those are the best kind of suprises.... i could go on praising this film.... but i'd rather you just see it yourself and hopefully i haven't raised your expectations to high.... come into it with no expectations and you'll fall in love just like i did.... oh and one more thing, hail Satan.