Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Anime)

Watch it on Hulu like me!

Despite the beginning of the new fall season, I haven't felt inclined to watch anything new.  No Modern Family or Parks & Rec just yet.  Instead, I've had a urge to watch someone more anime.  I didn't want to watch something terribly long, as it would take longer to get into the fall lineup.  After looking on Hulu for much longer then I should have, I settled on this little gem - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.

Teiichi and Yuko

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia follows Teiichi, Yuko, Momoe, and Kirie, the members of the Paranormal Investigation club. After school, this team follows various rumors in school about ghost sightings and paranormal activity.  What's unique about the group is the Yuko is a ghost herself.  She can only be seen by those who are aware of her, and even then, they only see what they think she should be.  The first person to see Yuko with clarity is Teiichi.  The series follows the group as they investigate rumors, delves into how the group came together, and ultimately solves the mystery behind Yuko's death. 

Good - I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with this series, other then some sort of ghost element.  I ended up having a great time with this one.  It has a lot of cute humor between the surprisingly small cast.  The exchanges between Yuko and Teiichi are sweet, once you get past the creepy point of Yuko being a ghost.  In fact, the series deals with that issue head on, which I appreciate.  For being a shorter series, it was refreshingly succinct.  It didn't waste time with filler episodes and even had it's fair share of twists.  This is by no means an action packed, testosterone drenched series but the character interactions and development made this a great show to watch.

The Wiki Site

Another aspect were the various horror scenes.  For being a light hearted series, there was some brilliant and downright creepy scenes throughout.  Without much effort, this series seemed to be able to do it all.

Bad - Honestly, I found nothing bad with this series.  I liked everything about it. 

Someone is being a bit friendly 

Overall - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a solid choice.  I wasn't sure what to expect going into the series.  Thankfully I like anything, so long as the story is strong.  Dusk Maiden had a strong story, fun characters, and even pacing.  If you're looking for something fun, light, and quick, pick Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.  You will not be disappointed.  4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Similar to: Dorm, Toradora, Casper the Friendly Ghost (maybe), Typical ghost movies

Atrocious (film)

I had been getting Atrocious as a recommendation for some time.  I read the reviews and wanted to watch something on the shorter side of things.  Finding out this was a found footage horror film that wasn't terribly long, I had every reason to spend an evening watching this film.

Eldest Son Christian

Atrocious follows Christien and July (pronounced Julie), brother and sister, while their family is away at their mother's childhood home.  Avid amateur ghost hunters, they had been tipped off about legends concerning the woods nearby.  A young girl, Miranda, was lost in the woods and never found.  Some stories say she will lead those who are lost in the woods.  Others say how she is seeking revenge for her own lost life.  During their search for the paranormal, a much harsher reality rears it's ugly head.
Likes - I liked what was done with this film.  It's not for everyone though.  To begin with, I really enjoy the found footage approach and Atrocious approached this tactic better then most.  The filming felt much more natural to what a person would film while in a panic or were distracted.  There are moments of long pauses and when they are running, with only trees and brush in sight.  Not being able to see the cause of the commotion adds a greater depth of benson and terror.  Atrocious made you scared for what you couldn't see.  They also incorporated news reels near the end, adding to the idea of how real and well known the event was.

July

Another aspect of the film I enjoyed was the pacing.  This was a slow burn type of film.  It takes it's time to build up the scares.  I appreciated that.  I don't like slow moving films, but I think the molasses run with this film is to it's advantage. Once the shit hits the fan, things happen so fast you can't process what's going on.  Hell, the film itself revisits parts so you can see what actually happened.  This is definitely a film you have to pay attention to while watching it.

Young Josè

Dislikes - There isn't nothing I didn't like about this film.  It's not new in anything of it's method or story.  Things were just executed well.  It does it's main job well - scaring you.

Overall - I think this is a great film.  A part of me wants to say this is what Paranormal Activity wanted to be.  It's thought out and believable on many levels, making it much scarier.  You are there in the rooms, lost in the dark with Christain, unsure what's happening.  You are with July as she tries to navigate the woods her mother told her to stay out of.  You are there, in the middle of it all, scared of what will happen to you.  That is how it should be done! 4 out of 5 stars.

Review: The Ward

It's HALLOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNN!!!!!.....So I tried finding a new American horror film to watch.  I was only able to find this here.

The Ward follows Kristen as she is inexplicably sent to a mental ward after setting a barn on fire.  Upon her arrival, she becomes acclimated into the small world that exists inside.  She meets the other patients, pisses the staff off, and randomly encounters a woman covered in darkness trying to kill her.  This film turns out to be a ghost story...or is it? (Insert spooky laugh)

Likes - The Ward wasn't a stand out innovative film, so it's hard to point out anything major that I liked.  It wasn't terrible or even bad.  The acting was acceptable, except for Sarah's death.  That was a bit silly.  The story was generally solid.  Honestly, I was only half paying attention while watching this.  The questionable points I did pick up on were ratified with the ending, which i might add......WAS A TWIST! Bet you didn't see that coming.

Dislikes - Again, I have the same general comment.  Nothing comes to mind that I greatly disliked about this film.  Not saying it was flawless, though.

Overall - The Ward was a fun film to watch if you don't take it too seriously.  Viewing it once is enjoyable but that would be enough.  This won't change horror or make you scared to sleep at night. I was getting turned off by the ghost story concept because it wasn't being executed in a proper manner.  The ending made it acceptable though.  The ending didn't bring things full circle, so much as, it was able to explain away any flaws the plot might have had.  It was a good idea but the lack of strong acting made the overall film, though fun to watch, an overall forgettable affair.

P.S. One last note I want to add.  I will continue to review smaller, more obscure tittles.  Reviewing big movies that everyone has already seen before is rather frivolous.  I want to give people something unique to read, as opposed to another screaming voice in a roar of screaming voices.