Being a crazed horror fan who seems to like nothing more than being scared out of my wits doing, watching or listening to something that most regular people would deem painfully terrifying, I thought it only right that I do a top 5 scariest movies of 2011.

Sometimes it is good to remember that we can escape the terrors of reality and curl up on the sofa with a steaming hot chocolate and watch a terrifying horror film.

Paranormal Activity 3

Firstly the most anticipated horror movie moment of the year. It is the prequel of the first 2 epic scream flicks and potentially the scariest. If you ever mix creepy children with demons, the result will not be as sugary as a Disney tale, quite the opposite.

This film follows the initial discovery that there was an entity following the girl from the first two films. At first the parents think its a great trick and sets up camera’s around the house to capture the ’show’. But what they capture and then what they experience is far beyond what they thought. I hear you all thinking ’same old same old’, but it never gets old and it never stops making you jump.

The Rite

Anthony Hopkins always always always managed to get those hairs standing up on the back of you neck. The Rite is no exception. Some may even say he makes a better demon than he does cannibal. Not sure if that is a compliment or not.

The Rite is another exorcism film, but with a twist. The usual swearing, anti-church and body bending demoness is all there, which is never a let down in scaring the audience. However this time being the holiest of holiness does not protect you from possession. A young aspiring exorcist seeks the help of a mysterious priest in learning the skill of extracting demon from person. During a routine exorcism they meet their match and no amount of exorcising seems to be able to banish this beast. Not only that, but it is also based on a true story which makes it all the more nerve destroying.

Insidious

This is similar to the Paranormal Activity franchise, except with a big red man that looks extraordinarily similar to the Star Wars bad guy Darth Maul. Ignoring that, this does not disappoint in delivering the desired scare. After a families son falls into a coma, they start to realise that there is a more sinister force holding him back than just a bump to the head. An odd geeky team of paranormal investigators are invited into the home to attempt the retrieval of they boy. IT soon becomes apparent that it is not the boy that will come to them, it is them that will have to go to the boy.

Attack the Block

One of the funniest scary movies of the year. Especially if your British. Aliens have invaded an East London estate, and it is up to a group of mugging, weed smoking, Mo-ped riding youths to save the world. This story takes them through the twists and turns of the baffling maze that is a council estate. A must see…

Stakeland

As vampire movies go, this is certainly no Twilight. America has collapsed after an economic and political disaster and a vampire epidemic has swept the country. Martin, who was a normal teen before this tragedy, is taken under the wing of Mister who is a rogue, merciless vampire hunter. Apparently vampires don’t like Canada as that seems to be the safe haven that Mister is trying to get Martin to. Their journey takes them to some tense moments and forces them into the company of some rat

New year is upon us. If you are reading this then rise of 2012 was not the end of the world, and this can only be a good thing as there are some top films in store for us this January. Here is top 5 for this month.

Our first is one that we are really excited about, If it doesn’t receive an Oscar for at least one award group then I give up on Hollywood completely. Coriolanus is the modern day adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies. It stars some great faces such as Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler and Vanessa Redgrave, and marks Fiennes directorial debut. The story begins with Coriolanus (Fiennes) running for consul and effortlessly winning. However Sicinius played by James Nesbit strives to undo his power and begins another riot. Coriolanus reacts violently and is banished for treacherous behaviour. He then rises against his own city with horrendous consequence.

It is dodgy ground reconstructing Shakespearian masterpieces into current day hollywood flicks, but this one looks as though it may have surpassed any expectations put upon it, and I personally am sincerely looking forward to its release on Friday 2^nd December.

If some one told you they were going to make a film about Margaret Thatcher, you would not be blamed if your first thought was to watch paint dry. However, the Iron Lady looks darn good. Meryl Streep (The Deer Hunter) is a wonderful actress and Jim Broadbent (Moulin Rouge) compliments her perfectly as the role of the husband of the mighty Thatcher. Her rein saw some of Britain’s most iconic and memorable moments and this film displays Maggie’s most iconic and memorable moments. Due for release on Friday 6^th January.

Clint Eastwood is back, once again behind the camera. This time with another iconic figure, FBI director J.Edgar Hoover, Played by Leonardo DiCaprio. It’s nice to see Leo playing a decent role instead of messing around on a ship or lazing about on a beach.

The film which premiers in the UK on Friday 20^th, follows J.Edgar on his career, family life and his alleged homosexuality which at the time caused major controversy within the ‘Feds.’

Now here is a film that looks awful. So awful in fact it is a must see. The Darkest Hour is another alien flick, this time set in Russia (as opposed to America, why do most aliens want to attack America?) and 3D.

A group of young Tourist are trapped in Moscow after an unknown otherworldly life form attacks the city and drains everything of its power. Luke (Emile Hirsch, Lords of Dogtown and Milk) and his friends must do whatever it takes to survive so they can figure out how to save the world. I wonder how this one will end. The Darkest Hour will be jumping out of your screens on Friday the 13^th. Lucky for some.

Every year has to have it’s vampire film. Whether they are good or not is a different story. The fourth instalment in the ‘Underworld’ franchise, Underworld Awakening is released on 20^th Friday, which is the same day as J.Edgar. So if you’d prefer an action packed, bitey, anti-human adventure filled with pretty people and all in 3D, then this one is for you.

To celebrate the Launch of film maker David Lynches album ‘Crazy Clown Time’ we have collated what we think is the top 5 moments in Davids films that truly Lynched the audiences.

5.The Black Lodge scene in the final episode of Twin Peaks could be one of the most bizarre moments in TV history. It features a disgusting variety of strange acting individuals from lead character Agent Coopers dreams.
Part of the Black Lodge is ‘the ‘Red Room’ which is an extra-dimensional place where every one speaks in a reverse fashion and nothing is what is seems. In the series American policeman Deputy Hawk explains the lodge.
‘The Legend says that every Spirit must pass through there on the way to perfection. There, you will meet your own shadow-self. If you confront the Black Lodge with imperfect courage, it will utterly annihilate your soul.’

4. A film that was originally detested by critics but is now widely acclaimed is Blue Velvet, which contains an iconic scene that is strange as it is masterful. The lead bad guy played by Dennis Hopper is Frank Booth who is a foul mouth sick sociopath. In the Candy Coloured Clown scene, his partner in crime Ben, lip-syncs to ‘In Dreams’ by Roy Orbison. This sends Frank into a deep sadness then suddenly an epic rage displaying his personality in a sickeningly beautiful way.

3. Lost highway is said to take place in the same universe as Twin Peaks, which is not a place anyone would wish to be. The story is about Fred Madison who feels he and his wife are being stalked by the Mystery Man, who posted videos to their house of them sleeping and of their property. Fred suspects his wife Renee of cheating on him and the Mystery man uses his skills of manipulation to assist him in finding out. This scene is the Party scene where Fred meets the Mystery Man for the first time. The most chilling part of this clip I when the music is taken out, it is as if all normality in his life has been stripped away from him while this evil character reveals himself.

2. ‘I am not an animal, I am a human being!’ Some thing I have being trying to convince people for a long time. But not as well as the great Elephant Man did in Liverpool Street Station after he accidentally knocks down a young girl and is chased by an angry mob who have unmasked him. It is a scene that is just as uplifting as it is upsetting. He finally stands up for himself, showing that as he said, he is actually a human being, not an elephant. However this expresses human kinds inability to accept those that are different, acting animalistic themselves in trying to expel the oddity from their community.

1. The lady in the radiator. What is the lady in the radiator? Why is she there? Well this was never really explained. In the film Eraserhead which was one of Lynches first successes in 1977, Henry Spencer is left to look after a severely deformed baby. After numerous bizarre and random events he meets the lady in the radiator who has grotesquely swollen and deformed cheeks. She dances and sings a song with the lyrics ‘in heaven everything is fine’ which was covered by the Pixies in 2004. Now this is certainly not the only freakish scene in the film. In fact this flick is scene after scene of happenings that will haunt your dreams. But it definitely needs to be Mr. Lynches number 1 weird moment.

David Lynches album Crazy Clown Time is available from 7th November 2011 from Amazon, HMV, Play and iTunes.

At number 5 we have; ‘The Shining’ (1980) probably the most renowned book by Stephen King!! The film follows closely to the book as we watch a family head to an isolated hotel for the winter period not knowing about the evil and dark presence that roams its corridors! The film stars Jack Nicholson as he preforms one of his best and iconic roles! If you haven’t seen this film you have too!!

At number 4 it’s; ‘Alien’ (1979) this film has to be one of the biggest and most iconic horror films ever to be released!! After a mining ship goes down on a deserted planet, a crew is sent to find out what happened but they are not alone! It can’t be stressed enough, this film is an amazing watch!!

Number 3 is a slightly newer film; ‘Saw’ (2004) again a very well known film, mainly for the amount of gore, but put that aside they do tell an amazing story! The story in this film is about 2 men who wake up in what appears to me an in-escapable room with no memories of how they got their and they are forced to play a deadly game for any chance of survival! Again this is a film that should not be missed!

Moving on to number 2 on our list; ‘Quarantine’ (2008) is not a well known film, it is an English remake of the French film ‘Rec’ (2007) and it has to be said that the plot is very good; its about an apartment building that gets infected with a deadly disease, but to control this from an outbreak the government quarantine the building, forcing the survivors to deal with the monsters that this new disease is creating! Combined with amazing acting and camera work (that you would find similar to ‘Cloverfield’ (2008)) this film really draws you in and is capable of preventing you from sleeping!!

Finally number 1 on our list of horror films to watch this Halloween is; ‘The Ring’ (2002) this film has been rated one of the scariest films ever made and is a definite sleep stopper! The film is about a mysterious videotape that if watched will bring the viewer death 7 days later! If you want a scare this Halloween this is the film for you!!

Written by: Daniel Titcom

This could be one of the best Christmas films you will ever see. Being a bit of a scrooge myself, I appreciate the less tinselly things in life. You could say i’m more ho hum than ho ho ho! So Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, by Finnish director, Jalmari Helander from the home of the original Santa Claus, would be right down anyones snowy street who feels the same.

Even if your not naughty, but are in fact very nice and are partial to a few merriments sweetening up your world, you will still enjoy the alternative spin this film has set on the beloved jolly figure fondly known as Santa.

A group of new actors on the international scene were successfully cast for this festive flick, especially lead character Piertari played by Onni Tommila who fit the role of the naughty, curious and slightly creepy little Santa hunter perfectly.

The plot follows a group of reindeer herders whose Christmas period is disturbed by some American excavations being completed on top of a nearby mountain.

It turns out the Americans have uncovered a legendary grave. However the occupant of said grave along with its little helpers, were not as dead as the intruders probably would have liked.

The discovery of an old man with a long dirty white beard caught in a wolf trap sheds a whole new light on actually who sees you when you’re sleeping, and who knows when your awake.

After watching Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (and you should) you won’t forget that he knows if you’ve been bad or good, so be good. For goodness sake!

Phillip Tottman

Here is a little number that is not short of being an incredible piece of art.

‘Dance, Dance otherwise we are lost’, said one of the most influential dancers of all time, Pina Bausch. Pina is a representation of Bauschs’ finest work presenting some of her most admired dances. With an awe-inspiring sound track including some fantastic composers such as Tom Hanreich and Jun Miyake and the wonderful imagery that this pioneer’s body art creates.

One of the most notable performances is the first dance in the film is titled ‘Le Sacre du Printemps’ where the dancers are performing on a layer of peat. This makes it near impossible to complete any light moves. This particular ballet is about the sacrifice of a chosen virgin to the gods of spring so the heavy movements in the peat depict the struggle.

With regular flashbacks to actual footage of Philippina ‘Pina’ Bausch, this is a true dedication not just to her work but to her vision. In her words ‘there are situations of course,that leave you utterly speechless. All you can do is hint at things.’

Pina is much more than a hint, and not far from a perfect representation of the German dance legend. With documentary aspects as well as full performances of some of the best bits in her career each one telling it’s own breath taking story.

Pina is a must see for people who like something a little different. Checkout the trailer here.

http://www.pina-film.de/en/trailer.html

Christmas is creeping its way into our lives once again, so why not rest yourself after a long day at the shops with one of our top 5 new cinema releases.

If you are looking for a fast paced, pure adrenalin pumping, testosterone filled, just down right cool film, I would suggest our number 5 December release. That’s right the Hollywood Hobbit is back where he belongs, as Ethan Hunt in the next instalment of ridiculous stunts, stupidly expensive cars being crashed and numerous explosions that don’t kill people in Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol.

IMF agent Ethan Hunt is framed for bombing the Kremlin. Forced to work with no official back up, the accused team go rogue and most likely save the world. Again, on Monday 26^th December. If not for anything else, Simon Pegg plays a lead role. I’m going to watch it just for that.

How can you go wrong with a bit of Robert Downey Junior and Jude Law? You can’t, is the simple answer to that.

The second chapter in the Sherlock Holmes franchise is on its way with A Game of Shadows graces our screens on Friday 16^th December. The spiffing duo will once again take us deep into the heart of London and Paris at the end of the 1800’s following detective Sherlock Holmes and his ever smarter sidekick Dr John Watson on another elementary adventure.

This looks as though it could be worth a watch, and possibly even better than the first.

Our next in line is a prequel to the 1982 film of the same name. The Thing looks just as scary as the last Thing…… or something. Set in the ruthlessly cold ice jungles of Antarctica, a frozen body of an extra-terrestrial is uncovered and taken back to base camp. The story line pretty much follows the original, except with better CGI and the presence of women amongst the cast. Due for a chilling release on Friday 2^nd December.

Cue the inspirational film that makes us cry and wish we were better than we are. The Lady is at number 2. Directed by Luc Besson and starring Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) depicting the life of Burmese politian Aung San Suu Kyi. This is an absolute epic Love story, telling how Aung San Suu Kyi pushes herself to the core of Burma’s unstable and hostile regime away from her family and potentially sacrificing all she has for the good of the people. But will her husband’s love for her survive?

You will have to wait to find out when it is released on Friday 30^th December.

The Final film of our top 5 is an odd one. There are other films that probably should be on here, such as the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Camp Hell (which looks terrifying), but are not mainly because the last four films in our top 5 were far too predictable. However here is a little number that will definitely be a memorable moment in modern day cinema. Even if a little silent.

The Artist revisits the silent film era featuring such incredible faces as John Goodman, Malcolm McDowell and Missi Pyle. Set in 1927 Hollywood, star of the show George Valentin is worried that the arrival of talking pictures will finish his career, until he meets young dancer Peppy Miller who is on the verge of a big break. Now if this isn’t your thing for a Christmas Movie, please feel free to go and watch Lost Christmas with Eddie Izzard which looks satisfyingly magical and christmassy, but the Artist is something a little special for fans of the slightly different. Quietly slipping into the cinemas on Friday 30^th December.

If you have seen or heard anything about these pictures or other titles released this month and want to express your opinion, please let us know as we are always happy to hear from our film fans.

In the meantime have a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year.

October is here!! And that means more cinema releases! Here are our top 5 films of the month and seeing that it is Halloween this month we have included two different horror films!

Lets start with our first horror film of the month! ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ set for release on the 3/10/11 and it certainly looks like it will live up to the genre!

This film is about a young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend. She soon discovers creatures in her new home that want to claim her as one of their own.

The story sounds interesting and from what we’ve seen so far the film looks like it will be a memorable and terrifying experience!

Now not everybody likes horror films so here’s an action film for you! ‘The Three Musketeers’ due for release on the 12/10/11 looks like it will be one of the most action packed films of the year and with an all start cast it is bound to be an amazing watch!

In this adaptation of the classic story we see the legendary three musketeers down on their luck, but when a new member joins their group they all unite in order to defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war.

This film looks incredible and will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and with a cast including Milla Jovovich (‘Resident Evil’), Ray Stevens (‘Thor’ [2011]) and Orlando Bloom (‘Pirates of the Carrabin’) this film could be a possible contender for film of the year!!!

Or maybe you’re looking for a laugh? Well our most looked forward to comedy of the month is: ‘Jonny English: Reborn’ and if it’s anything like the last installment of Jonny English it’s bound to be a light riot!!

Rowan Atkinson plays the most unlikely intelligence officer in Her Majesty’s Secret Service and he must stop a group of international assassins before they eliminate a world leader and cause global chaos.

This hilarious secret agents blasts onto the cinema screens on the 7/10/11!!

Now the next film on our list is the film we are most excited about this month! And if you’re a fan of the old television series then you won’t want to miss this!!

‘The Adventures of Tintin’ storms into the cinemas on the 26/10/11, and it looks just incredible!! With Steven Spielberg directing and Peter Jackson producing, mixed with the most up-to-date CGI that has ever been seen in a film, this film is guaranteed to impress and blow the box office away!!

The story in a nut shell is that: Tintin and his friends discover directions to a sunken ship commanded by Capt. Haddock’s ancestor and go off on a treasure hunt.

This film looks absolute incredible!! And is suitable for the whole family!!

Now the last film on our list this month is another horror film, in light of Halloween we think that this will be the most watched horror film of this year!

‘Paranormal Activity 3 ‘enters the cinema on the 21/10/11, and if you have seen any of the previous films you will know how spine tingling these films can be!!

The plot has been kept quite low profile so we were unable to find any information on it, but it will be interesting to see where they go with the story considering how the last one ended!

One thing is for sure; don’t go to see this film alone because if it’s anything like the others, you may not be able to sleep!!

That’s it for our top 5 films of October but we would love to hear your opinions, what are you most looking forward to? And if you see any of the films on our list what did you think? Was it worth the watch?

This September will see the release of a number of fantastic films into the cinema! But which ones should you see? Well here’s a list of our top 5 films due for release this month!

First on the list is the Si-fi/Horror film ‘Apollo 18’ due for release on the 2^nd of September.

This film is based on a conspiracy theory that after the success of the first manned mission to the moon in the Apollo 17 launched 17^th December 1972, a year later a secret mission was launched dubbed the Apollo 18 manned by 2 American astronauts heading back to the moon, this mission was apparently funded by the US Department of Defense.

The film claims: ‘what you are about to see is the actual footage which the astronauts captured on that mission. While NASA denies its authenticity, others say it’s the real reason we’ve never gone back to the moon.’

With so much controversy around this film debating whether the footage is real or not it is unclear what the real truth is and isn’t is completely up to the audience’s own interpretation, but one thing is for sure this film is guaranteed to be a thrilling and spine tingling watch!!

Now maybe Horror/Si-fi isn’t your thing but if you’re looking for a comedy then ‘Born to be a Star’ is the film for you!

Due for release on the 9^th September this film follows a bottom feeder from nowhere who sets on an epic journey to become a porn star after discovering his parents are ex porn stars.

This film comes from the comic genius Adam Sandler! And if it’s like any of his other ones then you are guaranteed to be in stiches and crying with laughter from start to finish!!

The next film can only be described as ‘Piranha 3D’ on steroids!! ‘Shark Night 3D’ is set for release on the 2^nd of September.

‘Shark Night 3D’ tells a story of a group of friends who go away for a weekend on a remote island, but after a tragic incident occurs the group need to leave and get to the nearest hospital but they soon realize that they are not the only ones out their in the water!

From director David Ellis (‘The Final Destination,’ ‘Snakes On a Plane’), featuring a red-hot young cast including Sara Paxton (‘Superhero Movie,’ ‘Last House on the Left’), Dustin Milligan (“90210,” ‘Slither’), Chris Carmack (“The O.C.”), Joel David Moore (‘Avatar’), Chris Zylka (‘The Amazing Spider Man’) and Katharine McPhee (‘The House Bunny’).

This film will have you on the edge of your seats!!

Due for release on September the 9^th the film; ‘Warrior’ has shaped up to be an outstanding film!!

When two estranged brothers both skilled in various martial arts are separated by a tragic family event they thought they would never face each together again, but when a fighting tournament arises the two brothers both enter. As they climb the ranks and their inevitable fight draws near they are both have to confront the forces that tore their family apart!

From the director of ‘Pride and Glory’ Gavin O’Conner this film is set to take its audiences on an emotional ride that will have you cheering for more!

There is not much said about the final film on our list but ‘Contagious’ is set for release on the 9^th September.

Steven Soderbergh (director of ‘Erin Brockovich’) presents this look at what happens when an infectious disease threatens humanity through varied viewpoints from an ensemble cast, including Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, and Kate Winslet.

Although their isn’t much said about the plot it already has us interested and with a cast like that were bound to be in for a treat!!

There are many more fantastic films coming out this month but these 5 just stood out above the rest!! What films are you looking forward to seeing this month? And what do you make of our choices? Macs magazine is always interested in your views!

‘The Inbetweeners Movie’ was one of the most highly anticipated films to be released this year but did it live up to the hype?

The movie follows the four friends as they leave school and go on a ‘lads holiday’ before starting university and going their separate ways, with out revealing too much of the plot line this film gives ‘The Inbetweeners’ the sending off that it deserved, unlike the highly anti-climatic ending of the T.V. series.

The film defiantly lived up to the hype as it had the whole cinema (which was packed out!) in hysterics from start to finish! This film does a great job of grabbing its audience and immerses them into the film, so much so that when something embarrassing/ or ‘cringe worthy’ happens you find yourself feeling the same way as the character on screen, it actually feels like you are there with them!

The film seems to depict the traditional ‘lads holiday’ very well, there’s none of this Hollywood glamorization just realism showing the highs and lows that everyone faces on holiday it even has that one crazy person that everybody meets at least once on holiday!!

The movie gave you exactly what you would expect from ‘The Inbetweeners’ a lot of laughs along with those moments that make you squirm through embarrassment! This film absolutely lived up to the hype!! And is a definite must see film!! Trust us you won’t be disappointed!!