The Day

The Day. 2011.

The Day is a 2011 Canadian post-apocalyptic film directed by Douglas Aarniokoski. The film stars Ashley Bell, Shannyn Sossamon, Dominic Monaghan and Shawn Ashmore. (Wikipedia)
Release date: September 15, 2011 (initial release)
Director: Douglas Aarniokoski
DVD release date: November 27, 2012
Running time: 90 minutes
Screenplay: Luke Passmore

I absolutely love Post Apocalyptic, Apocalyptic, Outbreak and general world ending themes in films. The breakdown of humanity on a massively global scale has always been of great interest to me; am I jaded and soured by civilization, probably. One of the greatest questions asked by most PA flicks is; what would I do in that scenario. What would the viewer do differently? Or, could I survive. Do I have what it takes to survive? I think in that respect I enjoy this genre of horror immensely. I read the synopsis about The Day (not being aware of the film beforehand) and rented it immediately; pleasantly surprised to find out that it is a Canadian film (go Leafs!). The Day is set in a crumbling world where an unknown event has resulted in the collapse of society; global food shortages are hinted at in the film. Cannibalism is widespread and is a central focus throughout The Day. Various groups roam the rural landscape hunting and trapping human prey for food. The theme of cannibalism is standard fare in countless PA films but is portrayed in a rather bleak and desperate way in The Day. Touching on realism. The Day is shot in wonderfully crisp grey tones highlighting a shattered and dull world; bringing about a sad despairing feel to the film. With supplies and food running low a band of survivors (old high school friends) find themselves trapped in an old dilapidated farmhouse fighting for survival against a blood thirsty band of cannibalistic hunters intent on slaughtering them for their next meal. Wow cool huh? Yep. The Film begs the question; what would you do to survive? Or more specifically; what would you eat to survive? If you are into PA at all you have to give this one a go, it has its flaws (like anything else) but is a solid entry into the genre. Check out The Day @ IMDb.

Next Up: stock up on canned goods……

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Related articles

• Watch an Exclusive Clip from The Day (dreadcentral.com)
• Today’s the Day I Talk About “The Day” (improbablefrontiers.wordpress.com)
• Exclusive: Ashley Bell Discusses The Day, The Last Exorcism Part II and More (dreadcentral.com)
• Blu-ray Review: Gunfight At The End Of The World In ‘The Day’ (geek-news.mtv.com)

Hidden

Hidden is an Italian-Canadian horror film directed by Antoine Thomas and produced by Caramel Films. It was filmed in Italy and Canada over the Summer and Fall of 2010. Hidden 3D was filmed in both 2D and 3D Technologies.
Release date: April 21, 2011 (initial release)
Running time: 88 minutes
Budget: 8 million USD
Producer: Don Carmody
Cast: Devon Bostick, Jason Blicker
(Wiki)

Bored to death one night I decided to try this flick out on crackflix. The poster looked pretty cool and the description seemed okay, though I had to ignore the crappy rating (2 stars….yikes!). Diving into the film I quickly learned that certain sketchy doctors were experimenting on addictions patients at an isolated (of course) and ominous looking research facility far out in the backwoods of anywhere USA. Ya I know that sounds pretty badass but despite an interesting start Hidden failed to deliver in pretty much every aspect. While the sound and cinematography were good and the acting wasn’t terrible the film just seemed blah. Lacklustre if you will. The terrible cgi and brightly lit scenes smacked of made for TV. The mayhem and killing were dreadfully boring, dull and gore-free (which was a big turn off). The climax held no surprises or twists and left me disappointed.  Being Canadian I really want to like home grown films but sadly Hidden left me wanting more.  Lots more.  Watch this one only if you are into crappy, boring, poorly executed, and generally uninteresting films.  Hidden @ IMDb.

Next Up: Jack Frost……

American Mary

American Mary. January 2013.

American Mary is a 2012 Canadian horror film starring Katharine Isabelle and written and directed by The Soska Sisters.It’s been stated that the music for the film was written by Kevvy aka Kevin James Maher.
Release date: August 27, 2012 (initial release)
Directors: Jen Soska, Sylvia Soska
Cast: Katharine Isabelle
(Wiki)

Struggling to make financial ends meet while studying to be a surgeon, talented medical student Mary Mason (Katharine Isabelle) finds herself reduced to applying for work at a local strip joint in order to pay off her mounting debts. During her interview, she is unexpectedly called upon to perform some illegal emergency surgery on one of the club’s clients and is instantly rewarded with a significant cash payment. American Mary @ IMDb.

Body Horror! Woot.

Tucker and Dale vs Evil

Tucker and Dale vs Evil. 2010.

Tucker & Dale vs Evil is a 2010 Canadian-American comedy horror film written and directed by Eli Craig. The film stars Alan Tudyk, Tyler Labine and Katrina Bowden.
Release date: January 22, 2010 (initial release)
Director: Eli Craig
DVD release date: November 29, 2011
Running time: 89 minutes
Screenplay: Eli Craig, Morgan Jurgenson

A group of college students, including Allison (Katrina Bowden), Chad (Jesse Moss), Chloe (Chelan Simmons), Chuck (Travis Nelson), Jason (Brandon Jay McLaren), Naomi (Christie Laing), Todd (Alex Arsenault), Mitch (Adam Beauchesne) and Mike (Joseph Allan Sutherland), are going camping in West Virginia. While at a gas station, they encounter Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine) two well-meaning hillbillies who have just bought the vacation home of their dreams: a run-down lakefront cabin in the middle of the woods. (Wiki)

Tucker and Dale vs Evil is an absolutely hilarious take on the classic backwoods slasher subgenre. Im not generally a horror-comedy fan but this works astonishingly well. A group of teens stumble across the two inept hillbillies and a series of misunderstandings and role reversals ensue with bloody consequences. This is definitely a must watch on Netflix. Tucker and Dale @ IMDB