Dracula Untold

Review by Bob Ignizio

Bram Stoker would scarcely recognize the protagonist of DRACULA RISING. Rather than the terrifying yet seductive monster of the classic novel, this Dracula is more of a tragic action hero. Neither is there much about him that would be familiar to any historian despite efforts to tie the fictional Count Dracula to the real life 15^th century Prince and warlord. Just for starters, this Vlad is Transylvanian, whereas the historical Vlad was ruler of Wallachia. If you're not that concerned with historical accuracy or fidelity to the source material, however, DRACULA RISING is actually kind of fun.

With all the epic battle scenes, gothic set design and costuming, heavy use of CGI effects, and a cast filled with classy British actors slumming it, it's not unfair to compare DRACULA RISING to the UNDERWORLD franchise. DRACULA seems to be aiming for a slightly older audience with longer attention spans, though. It's still trash, but it's classy trash.

31 Days of Halloween 2014: Patrick: Evil Awakens

*Note: This year for our annual 31 Days of Halloween marathon of horror movie reviews, rather than write about old favorites, we're focusing on modern horror films that haven't had a wide theatrical release. So for the entire month of October, we will be dealing with horror fare that you can find in the “New Release” section of Netflix or (if you still have one) your local video store. So instead of nostalgic appreciations and recommendations, this promises to be more of a “the good, the bad, and the ugly” kind of affair. Hopefully more good than bad and ugly, but that remains to be seen.

Review by Bob Ignizio

In PATRICK: EVIL AWAKENS, nurse Kathy Jacquar (Sharni Vinson, star of YOU'RE NEXT) is starting a new job at a research facility for coma patients. Her boss there is the smug and condescending Dr. Roget (Charles Dance, Tywin Lannister in Game of Thrones), although she also has to deal with his unpleasant daughter Matron Cassidy (Rachael Griffiths). To further complicate matters, and provide more potential victims for once the scary stuff starts, Kathy has just left her fiance Ed (Damon Gameau). And even though she still has feelings for Ed, Kathy also begins a relationship with a celebrity doctor named Brian (Martin Crewes) after being set up by co-worker Nurse Williams (Peta Sergeant).