SINISTER. (2012) REVIEW BY SANDRA HARRIS.

Sinister DVD Review

Of all the horror films to make it to the big screen last autumn, Sinister, starring Ethan Hawke and directed by Scott Dickinson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose), probably had the most attention. If you were to take one look at any respectable horror web site the stills, TV spots, trailers etc were proudly flaunted as if with some secret knowledge that this will be something to remember. Though the film isn’t exactly a deal-breaker, it’s definitely one of the most skilfully executed horrors seen in 2012.

The story follows Ellison (a top-form Ethan Hawke), a true crime writer who, for his new project, moves him and his family to a new home. Soon after arriving, Ellison finds a box of old films that show the brutal murders of numerous families by an unknown assailant. As he gets closer and closer to unravelling the mystery of the tapes his family are pulled with him into grave danger.

Sounds like a fairly standard horror tale, but it’s not. The thing that puts this film above most is its finely tuned understanding of its subject; the use of old celluloid pulls out a hundred references to voyeuristic horror, Peeping Tom and Psycho jump to mind, and then there’s the family under duress aspect which brings in just about any “haunted house” film you’ve seen. But under all this is the relentless beating heart of a genuine horror story. Take any sequence where Ellison watches the films and you’ll find some of the tautest in ages. From the second we lay eyes on the conspicuous black box of home movies, with their unassuming yet ominous titles, there’s a feeling of dread lording over all. All of a sudden, we want the family to get away from the house, but at the same time we really want to see those movies. Even after the first we want to know what the rest of those canisters hold. That’s where the voyeuristic guilt comes into play and we, the audience, are all of a sudden participants to something ghastly. Unfortunately it’s the film’s own ingenuity that really highlights how lazy it can be, particularly its jump-scares which leap-frog the suspense and capture a significantly cheaper thrill.

Derrickson’s tight direction and frantic style keep the film on track also lending a chaotic feel to some of the more brutal moments. Ellison’s slow-slipping sanity comes with the rapid cutting-in of super 8, an effect that in other hands might have been wasted but here gives a Shining-esque sense of schizophrenia. The speed of the film is important to its narrative: just as the characters very quickly become confused and assailed, the narrative flickers through “haunted house” past “serial killer”, and eventually spirals into a web of macabre beyond the isolated affairs of Ellison’s new home.

The film’s primary issue is one not unusual in modern horror: it shows too much. A lack of reserve in relation to some of the more terrifying concepts allows those concepts to become almost laughable through over-exposure. A scene which sees Ellison wake in the night to wander his creaky old house suddenly becomes an abstract ballet with ghostly children. Mr Boogie, a genuinely unsettling omnipresence, eventually becomes too familiar which is a shame considering he’s the reason you spend half the film wincing in terror and trying to burrow into your seat.

Special note has to be reserved for Christopher Young’s soundtrack, which doesn’t bother to come up with a specific melody; instead it focuses on blurring the lines between film and reality, which in turn leaks Ellison’s world into ours. The insect flickering of the finished celluloid film pops up throughout the film amidst abstract chanting and a host of other deeply unsettling sounds to illustrate Ellison’s mind state and keep us wondering whether he’s bothered to wake up (or fall asleep) once the films have stopped rolling. It truly is a masterful score to be put up there with Young’s work on Hellraiser.

Sinister may not be a film to induct into the canon, but it’s certainly a well-executed piece of nerve-shredding that will haunt you for some time, and it definitely has the potential to seriously disturb your kids. Don’t see it alone.

Scott Clark

★★★★☆

Rating:15
DVD/BD Release Date: 11th February 2013 (UK)
Directed By: Scott Derrickson
Cast:Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance , James Ransone , Clare Foley, Vincent D'Onofrio
Buy Sinister:Blu-ray/ DVD

Win Sinister On Blu Ray & Limited Edition T-Shirt

The “Genuinely terrifying” (5*, Daily Mail) box-office sensation that terrified cinemagoers and critics alike is shortly upon us; the Ethan Hawke-starring Sinister arrives on DVD, Blu-ray and Download February 11th through Momentum Pictures.

To celebrate the release of Sinister, we’re giving away a limited edition t-shirt and a copy on Blu-ray! Plus, one lucky runner-up will also receive a limited edition t-shirt.

#SurviveSINISTER On Valentine's Day! From 8.00pm Thursday 14th Feb press play and watch your copy of Sinister and join in the fun on twitter following the hashtag #SurviveSINISTER. Share the fear and win prizes. Our team will be online from 7.30pm tweeting from @Sinister_UK to help you get ready!

Desperately in need of a best seller to revive his struggling career, true crime writer Ellison (Ethan Hawke), moves his family to the scene of his most recent story; the unsolved, gruesome murder of a loving, happy suburban family.

Shunned by the local community and strained by his obligations to his family, the discovery of a batch of home movies in the attic offers Ellison shocking proof to the crime he is investigating. Ellison notices the same unidentified figure appearing in each of the 8mm films, leaving him convinced that all the incidents are linked by a truly bizarre connection. As his investigations uncover the terrifying truth he starts to lose his grip on reality and it soon becomes clear that he is placing his own family in harm’s way.

To win the Sinister prizes please answer the following question:

Q.Sinister Ehtan Hawke and Dark Skies (out April) Josh Hamilton In films that share same production teams both starred in a film together in 1993 name that film?

Deadline for this competition is Thursay 28th February (2359hrs), Must be 15 years or older to enter
Please label email Sinister, include answer, name, address only to winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com
Pre-Order/Buy:DVD / Blu-ray

Terms & Conditions:1.This prize is non transferable.No cash alternatives apply.UK & Irish entries only.2.The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and Momentum Pictures. have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice 3.The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse,Momentum Pictures employees 4.This competition is promoted on behalf of Momentum Pictures  5. If this prize becomes unavailable we have the right to offer an alternative prize instead 6.To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, Deadline 28th February 2013 (2359hrs)7.Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.8.If the above form fails please send the information required from the form email it to win [at] thepeoplesmovies [dot] com (label sinister) If any info required from the form is not sent in the email your entry will be void 9.automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified, which could result you been banned.10.If you are friend or like us at facebook for every competition you enter you get double entry, but you must stay stay friend/like us all the time,or future entries maybe considered one entry.11.The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes 12.Prizes may take from days to a few months for delivery which is out of our control13.The competition is opened to Aged 15 and over.14. Majority of the prizes on offer will come from representatives of the distributor, no The People’s Movies &Cinehouse, when we do have the prizes we will inform you.15. Unless Stated Please Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them and if you include your telephone number Cinehouse and The People’s Movies are not responsible for the security of the number 16.The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email or announced via facebook, sometimes we are unable to confirm winners.17.This competition is bound by the rules of Scotland,England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland.18.By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
UK Competitions and Prize Draws at UKwins
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Free Competitions
ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

Can You Survive Sinister? Horror Hit Coming To UK DVD This February

From the producer of “Insidious” and “Paranormal Activity”, the horror box office smash that terrified cinemagoers and critics alike in 2012  When Sinister comes to DVD and Blu-ray. Can you, dare you #SurviveSINISTER in your own home?

Desperately in need of a best seller to revive his struggling career, true crime writer Ellison (Ethan Hawke), moves his family to the scene of his most recent story; the unsolved, gruesome murder of a loving, happy suburban family.Shunned by the local community and strained by his obligations to his family, the discovery of a batch of home movies in the attic offers Ellison shocking proof to the crime he is investigating. Ellison notices the same unidentified figure appearing in each of the 8mm films, leaving him convinced that all the incidents are linked by a truly bizarre connection. As his investigations uncover the terrifying truth he starts to lose his grip on reality and it soon becomes clear that he is placing his own family in harm’s way.

It’s like “8MM” meets “The Shining” meets “Insidious”. A supremely creepy horror, full of dread, shocking images and almost unbearable tension, this one is pretty much guaranteed to give audiences nightmares. It also features a superb central performance by Ethan Hawke.

So can you survive Sinister? Find out 11th February 2013 when the film arrives in UK&Ireland on DVD, Blu-Ray. Sinister stars stars Ethan Hawke , Vincent D’Onofrio , James Ransome, Juliet Rylance and Fred Dalton Thompson

• Extras: 
• Director's Commentary
• Commentary with Writers Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill
• True Crime Authors Feature
• Living in a House of Death Feature
•  Fear Experiment
• Trailer

Pre-Order: Sinister On Blu-ray / DVD

Win SINISTER Poster & Bag

We love to spoil you at Cinehouse and The People's Movies  with competitions and tomorrow a horror that's been living up to it's hype Sinister will be released in UK&Ireland. When great films come out we love to celebrate a great film by giving away some great prizes and our kind friends at Momentum Pictures have given us a  poster  for one lucky reader and as a extra bonus the winner will also receive a limited edition film bag to carry those spare trousers & underwear after you check Sinister out!

"The producer of “Insidious” and “Paranormal Activity” delivers a chilling horror like no other with a movie that is being hotly tipped as the most effective edge-of-your-seat cinematic experience of the year"

Desperately in need of a best seller to revive his struggling career, true crime writer Ellison (Ethan Hawke), moves his family to the scene of his most recent story; the unsolved, gruesome murder of a loving, happy suburban family.
Shunned by the local community and strained by his obligations to his family, the discovery of a batch of home movies in the attic offers Ellison shocking proof to the crime he is investigating. Ellison notices the same unidentified figure appearing in each of the 8mm films, leaving him convinced that all the incidents are linked by a truly bizarre connection. As his investigations uncover the terrifying truth he starts to lose his grip on reality and it soon becomes clear that he is placing his own family in harm’s way.

Sinister (Momentum Pictures) is out at UK cinemas on Friday 5th October. Read Our Review

To enter this competition please answer this simple question:

Q.Director Scott Derrickson directed whose Exorcism ?

a.The Exorsism of Emily Jane
b.The Exorcism Of Emily Rose
c.The Exorcism Of Emily Blunt

Send Your Answer, Name, Address, Postcode and 2+8-5= to winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com, header your email as 'Sinister' , Deadline is Sunday 21st October 2012

Sinister is released in  UK& Irish cinemas from the 5th of October and you can find out more on both Facebook and via their twitter: @Sinister_UK.

Terms and conditions

• This prize is non transferable.
• No cash alternatives apply.
• UK & Irish entries only
  The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse and Momentum Pictures have the right to alter, delay or cancel this competition without any notice
• The competition is not opened to employees, family, friends of The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse,Momentum Pictures employees
• This competition is promoted on behalf of Momentum Pictures
  
• If this prize becomes unavailable we have the right to offer an alternative prize instead.
• The Prize is a signed Robert Cargill poster and limited edition Sinister bag
• To enter this competition you must send in your answer, name, address only, 2+8-5= Deadline October 21ST, 2012 (2359hrs)
• Will only accept entries sent to the correct email (winatcinehouseuk@gmail.com), any other entry via any other email will be void.
• label your email 'sinister'
• automated entries are not allowed and will be disqualified, which could result you been banned
• The Peoples Movies, Cinehouse takes no responsibility for delayed, lost, stolen prizes
• Prizes may take from days to a few months for delivery which is out of our control.
• The competition is opened to Aged 15  and over 
• Unless Stated Please  Do Not Include Telephone Numbers, we don’t need them and if you include your telephone number Cinehouse and The People’s Movies are not responsible for the security of the number.
• The winning entries will be picked at random and contacted by email
• This competition is bound by the rules of Scotland,England & Wales, Northern Ireland, Ireland.
• By sending your entry for this competition you are confirming you have read and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
UK Competitions and Prize Draws at UKwins
Loquax Competitions
Free Competitions
ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions

New Red Band Sinister Trailer Will Intensely Disturb You

When it comes to film’s with such an amazing buzz I like to tread on safe ground and call it potentially great film but Scott Derrickson’s Sinister since it’s SXSW premier the buzz has been steadily been growing and tonight we have a new Red Band Trailer! Pardon my French but holy shit this is genuinely looking a scary film!!! This been a red band trailer so you’ll be expecting a few f-bombs,nudity your disappointment will become fear as what we get is some truly disturbing imagery and as no words are uttered it gives this trailer a truly atmospheric level of dread. Sinister is one Horror film even hardcore horrorphiles will have to admit we have a potentially scary film on the cards.

We are catching the film in just over a week’s time, but you can read the Frightfest review our friends at Blogomatic3000 gave us, You can catch Sinister on October 5th (UK, Ireland and USA) starring Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio, Clare Foley, Juliet Rylance and James Ransone

Desperately in need of a best seller to revive his struggling career, true crime writer Ellison (Ethan Hawke), moves his family to the scene of his most recent story; the unsolved, gruesome murder of a loving, happy suburban family.Shunned by the local community and strained by his obligations to his family, the discovery of a batch of home movies in the attic offers Ellison shocking proof to the crime he is investigating. Ellison notices the same unidentified figure appearing in each of the 8mm films, leaving him convinced that all the incidents are linked by a truly bizarre connection. As his investigations uncover the terrifying truth he starts to lose his grip on reality and it soon becomes clear that he is placing his own family in harm’s way.

source Yahoo Movies

Cinehouse of Horrors #2

News

First up, fans of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series will be happy to hear that a poster and image for the seventh instalment of the franchise are now circulating the web. Texas Chainsaw 3D, out January 4^th, is a direct sequel to Tobe Hooper’s classic first instalment and will star a plethora of stars, not unrelated to the series, including Tobe Hooper, Bill Moseley, and  original Leatherface Gunnar Hansen! Click here for a plot synopsis and the exclusive first photo. 
                On the subject of classic series, it is a pleasure to announce that the sixth Child's Play film has commenced principal photography. The film, Curse of Chucky, will see Brad Dourif back as the voice of the demonic doll, and Don Mancini (writer/co-writer of the series) back writing and directing.

                The film adaptation of Stephen King’s epic fantasy saga The Dark Tower has met more strife in the form of Warner Bros dropping the project.  Thankfully Media Rights Capital seem pretty serious about taking up the opportunity, with Ron Howard still attached as director. Russell Crowe has expressed interest in playing the lead character Roland, a gunslinger in an apocalyptic world trying to unearth the mystery of the dark tower.
               2009’s gory booby-trap horror The Collector has finally spawned a sequel, the gruesome poster for which can be found over at Bloody Disgusting. The Collection is due out October 30^th and is again helmed by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, the team that brought us Saw’s 4-7.

                Going back to Stephen king, the upcoming remake of the classic 1976 prom-horror Carrie, which was based on King’s debut novel of the same name, has finally given us glimpses of the new vision. The film stars Chloe Grace Moretz as the abused girl with telekinetic powers and Julianne Moore as her religious zealot mother. The web is rife with debate over the validity of a remake, but hopefully the film will prove a useful and well-executed update. Due out March 15 2013. Catch the rest of the images over at BloodyDisgusting 

                For fans of Asain horror, 9-9-81 will be just the thing for you. Thai film exports tend to angle more towards art-house, but when they do horror they get it pretty spot-on.  The film is composed of nine short movies each nine minutes in length (hence the title) and as far as I can tell will revolve around a vengeful bride.  Catch the trailer bellow.

Special Announcement

For those of you familiar with Robert Rhine or Girls and Corpses, the magazine of which he is “Deaditor-in-Chief”, we have something special to announce. Rhine’s super-sized four-years-in-the-making graphic novel horror extravaganza ‘Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Hell’ shall be re-released for Halloween. The anthology is jam-packed with gore and peppered with a gleeful black comedy that makes it a must for all hard-core horror fans, add that to the fact that it’s 43 different stories are illustrated by 43 of the top horror graphic artists and we shouldn’t have to say much else apart from… miss it at your own risk!

Weird News

And now for what will probably become my favourite part of our newsletter: Weird News! There’s been whispers on the web of an upcoming Toxic Avenger remake, something that will perhaps confuddle all you cult fans out there who have seen the original and its three sequels. Why would it need to be remade? Still, I’m interested to see how it goes. More interesting than the news of the remake is perhaps who has been linked to play the Avenger this time round, none other than John Travolta! We hope to God this thing happens.

Trailers

Sinister
Starring: Ethan Hawke and directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose).Desperately in need of a best seller to revive his struggling career, true crime writer Ellison (Ethan Hawke), moves his family to the scene of his most recent story; the unsolved, gruesome murder of a loving, happy suburban family. Shunned by the local community and strained by his obligations to his family, the discovery of a batch of home movies in the attic offers Ellison shocking proof to the crime he is investigating. Ellison notices the same unidentified figure appearing in each of the 8mm films, leaving him convinced that all the incidents are linked by a truly bizarre connection. As his investigations uncover the terrifying truth he starts to lose his grip on reality and it soon becomes clear that he is placing his own family in harm’s way.
Release Date: 5th October 2012

Silent Hill Revelation 3D 
Starring: Sean Bean, Malcolm McDowell, and Carrie-Anne Moss Directed by Michael J. Bassett. When her father disappears, Heather Mason is drawn into a strange and terrifying alternate reality that holds answers to the horrific nightmares that have plagued her since childhood. Source IMDb

Release Date: 26th October 2012

9-9-81: Not much going around for this just now, all we have is a trailer sans subtitles, but at least it looks nice.

Upcoming Releases

As we are now well into the Autumn months you can expect a slew of horror releases in the build up to Halloween. We've have handpicked some of the most exciting upcoming releases of September.

The Devil's Business -10th September
Low budget British horror, The Devil's Business, has already been compared to the works of Harold Pinter and Dennis Wheatley - high praise indeed. Part hit-man thriller, part occult horror - Sean Hogan's upcoming character driven feature sounds incredibly promising.(read our review)

The House Of The Long Shadows - 17th September
This forgotten masterpiece should be watched for four reasons: John Carradine, Peter Cushing, Vincent Price & Christopher Lee. Yes all four horror superstars teamed up for this atmospheric haunted house chiller, now being released on DVD for the first time ever.

Silent House (2011) - 17th September
This surprisingly entertaining US remake of Uruguayan production La Casa Muda, may lack the nerve shredding tension of the original but delivers on scares. It also features a stellar turn from Elizabeth Olsen.

The Cabin In The Woods - 24th September
This Joss Whedon produced gem proved a surprise highlight for many horror aficionados flipping the rules of the genre. Beginning as a tense forest set slasher, Whedon's film transforms into so much more - that for the sake of spoilers shouldn't be discussed.

Competitions

Cinehouseuk would like to invite readers to join in with the competitions we are running at the moment. First off theres an opportunity to win Truth or Dare on DVD, Deadling is 16^th of September, click here for the question and details.

Second, we have a Blu-ray copy of The Aggression Scale up for grabs, if your interested you can find the question and details here. Deadline is 23rd of September.

               

Last but not least we have DVD copies of [Rec]3: Genesis available as prizes, all you have to do is submit your answer to our question and one of them could be yours! Click here to participate in Cinehouseuk’s competition. Deadline is 23^rd of September.

Good Luck!

Scott Clark & Andrew McArthur