By Chris Kavan - 03/29/17 at 10:47 AM CT
Oy vey, it's not a very exciting update this week, I'm sorry to say. Only one wide release film is getting a rating and, to be honest, it's not even one I was aware of until this bulletin came out. Anyway, it's yet another "found footage" horror film, with a sci-fi twist - that is actually based on a real event, though the film itself is an entirely fictional account of said event. It's definitely a streaming option, but only because I'm a sucker for b-grade horror, no matter the subject matter. Other than that, it's a wasteland - and a short list at that.
So, as I mentioned, this week's horror entry is based on an actual event. On March 13, 1997 a triangular series of lights were seen over Phoenix, Arizon - witnessed by several hundreds (or even thousands) of people, including then-governor Fife Symington. The incident drew a lot of media attention at the time and, of course, many theories as to what the lights really were - with UFOs being one of those explanations. In the upcoming film Phoenix Forgotten, after 20 years, footage is found featuring a group of teens who go to investigate the phenomena only to find the horrifying truth. Of course this is presented in typical found-footage fashion (shaky cameras and the like) and I'm interested to see how they translate 1997 technology (no smart phones) to the filming of this story. I will admit, basing it on a real story earns it some points, but it is so hard to get excited for any found-footage film since so many are done wrong (but some of my favorites included the 2008 film Lake Mungo, 2012 eco-horror The Bay, zombie-esque REC and the under-appreciated Grave Encounters). This is streaming for me and it joins a very crowded April 21st release. Rated PG-13 for terror, peril and some language.
That's all folks - but if you want the full (short) list - read on.
THE CHILDREN OF GENGHIS
Rated G.
COMPLICES
Rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.
THE LOVERS
Rated R for sexuality and language.
PHOENIX FORGOTTEN
Rated PG-13 for terror, peril and some language.
TACO SHOP
Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, language, some innuendo and drug material.
