Sinister Screens

Sinister Screens movie reviews is an online ‘zine published by horror professional Shane Ryan Staley, focused on his love for horror & weird cinema. Here you’ll find his latest reviews, articles and year’s best lists.

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I Spit On Your Grave 2010

I Spit On Your Grave (2010) ★★½

April 28, 2024

Overview The Revenge of Jennifer Hills. A beautiful woman from the city, Jennifer Hills, rents an isolated cabin in the country to write her latest novel. Soon, a group of local lowlifes subject her to a nightmare of degradation, rape, and violence. Review The remake of the classic that should’ve never been remade. The 2010 version of I Spit On Your Grave showcases a less graphic rape scene and an extended revenge section of the movie. The problem is that all revenge scenarios are so improbable and unrealistic that it’s hard to really rejoice in. The gore and revenge kills were more brutal, which was a plus. But the death knell was that Jennifer Hills just hung out in the

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Disappear Completely

Disappear Completely (2022)

April 28, 2024

Overview Smell. Taste. Feel. Hear. See. It could be your last time. An ambitious and insensitive tabloid crime photographer falls victim to a mysterious illness that makes him lose, one by one, his five senses. Review Similar to a Mexican Thinner. Disappear Completely seldom peaks above an average movie. Decent acting, rather unoriginal plot and just too slowly paced to be all that gripping. There is a rather rich occult culture in Mexico and this is well displayed in this film. Strong witchcraft and a hex that leads to the main character slowly losing each of his senses. I felt the ending was well-done with the director really building a

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The Human Centipede 2

The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) (2011) ★

April 27, 2024

Overview 100% medically INaccurate. Inspired by the fictional Dr. Heiter, disturbed loner Martin dreams of creating a 12-person centipede and sets out to realize his sick fantasy. Review The Human Centipede 2 was a very derivative take on the original. There’s also a wishy-washy ‘is this real or fantasy’ angle that included meta-movie elements referring to the first film and an actress, which was self-serving and pointless. Its only intent was to be more provocative, but this sequel really brought nothing new to the table. In fact, it was less disturbing because it was far less believable than the original. How do we top the disgusting act of sewing 3 people

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Infested

Infested (2023) ★★★½

April 27, 2024

Overview Residents of a rundown French apartment building battle against an army of deadly, rapidly reproducing spiders. Review Well that escalated quickly! If you can suspend disbelief in the rapid spread and growth rate of these predatory arthropods, you’re in for a real nightmare of a film. Have a case of arachnophobia? Even better! The visuals and cinematography in this film are great. No rubber spiders here. The cast is top-notch, creating a very believable social community in the rundown French apartments. Infested, a French language film, might as well have been sponsored by Nike, as the product placement in this movie is abundant. Next time you pull out those

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Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986) ★★★½

April 26, 2024

Overview He’s not Freddy, he’s not Jason…he’s real. Henry likes to kill people, in different ways each time. Henry shares an apartment with Otis When Otis’ sister comes to stay, we see both sides of Henry: “the guy next door” and the serial killer. Review Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer was considered one of the most disturbing films of its day. However, almost forty years since its release, it really doesn’t hold a candle to the splatter and violence released in more modern cinema. Yet, this movie has held its own as being a really solid film. It straddles the line between humanizing those who dehumanize and portraying the

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August Underground

August Underground (2001)

April 25, 2024

Overview The sickest film ever made. Imagine walking down the street and finding an unmarked VHS tape. Curiosity piqued, you take it home and pop it in. What starts off as two men screwing around with a video camera quickly transforms into an ultra-realistic torture sequence where the unidentified psychopaths tape their exploits as they torment and violate a woman tied to a chair. Review Back on the crazy, sick train in my pursuit to view the most disturbing films ever made. Next is August Underground which is basically a glorified found footage snuff film. But it goes beyond even that. Now I’ve been rather stoic in my journey of

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ABOUT SINISTER SCREENS

Sinister Screens Movie ReviewsSinister Screens Movie Reviews is a captivating online publication curated by the esteemed horror aficionado, Shane Ryan Staley. As an established figure in the realm of horror and weird literature, Staley’s passion permeates every aspect of the ‘zine, offering readers a thrilling journey into the dark and enigmatic world of cinematic artistry. With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering dedication to the genre, Staley’s reviews share what he’s been watching, general thoughts and critiques, providing readers with insightful analyses that delve deep into the heart of each film.

Within the pages of Sinister Screens, readers can expect to discover Staley’s latest musings on a diverse array of horror and weird cinema offerings. From spine-chilling classics to avant-garde masterpieces, Staley’s reviews offer a comprehensive exploration of the genre’s rich tapestry, catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. With each review, Staley invites readers to join him on a voyage of discovery, where the boundaries of reality blur and the macabre beckons.

In addition to his reviews, Sinister Screens also serves as a hub for Staley’s thought-provoking articles and meticulously curated year-end lists. Through these features, Staley sheds light on the intricacies of horror cinema, exploring themes, trends, and emerging talents within the industry. Whether delving into the psychology of fear or celebrating the innovative visionaries pushing the boundaries of the genre, Staley’s articles offer readers a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and artistic merit of horror and weird cinema.

At its core, Sinister Screens is more than just a platform for movie reviews—it’s a testament to Staley’s unwavering passion for the macabre and his relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence. Through his work, Staley invites readers to embrace the darkness, to confront their deepest fears, and to experience the transcendent power of horror and weird cinema in all its spine-tingling glory.

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Although this is the official website for Shane Ryan Staley, contributions have been made by a staff of curators, artists, biographers and bibliographers collecting historical information and data on the author, including descriptions and articles pertaining to his professional career. Thank you to all contributors!