THE DANMAN CAN

When High Tension (2003) hit US theaters in wide release in 2005, I saw it twice in two days. Even then, I didn't particularly love the improbable (and much derided) twist ending, and I still think the film would work better as a straightforward slasher (although then I guess it wouldn't be the movie that it is), but at the time it felt like a shot in the arm for a quasi-mainstream horror film. The last time I watched the picture was 2010 and, while I definitely like it less now, I can't deny that  Giannetto De Rossi 's gruesome makeup effects still pack a punch, the film has a pleasingly dark and grimy look, and the sound design (plus ambient score) does a commendable job of creating suspense throughout.   Alexandre Aja Feature Films Ranked

Maniac (2012) is one of the few horror remakes that justifies its existence by finding that perfect blend of homage whilst carving its own path. On a rewatch, I found Elijah Wood 's narration and heavy breathing/grunting a bit too theatrical but the inventive and well-handled POV technique, the incredibly gruesome f/x, and the excellent analog synth score by Robin Coudert (as Rob) hold up very well. Working largely from Joe Spinell 's story from the original 1980 film  but substituting Spinell's sweaty, greasy, overweight Frank for a more slim, affable Norman Bates type, Maniac  ups the gore—including many brutal scalpings—and trades the grime of late 70s NYC for the glamour and sheen of L.A. There are plenty of references to William Lustig 's (who gave his blessing and served as a producer) original film, but this is no carbon copy. At times the look and style remind me a bit of Brian De Palma . The characters are slightly more fleshed out (pardon the pun) than ...

On a second viewing  Piranha   (2010) holds up just as well in 2D. This is a great film that knows its genre (blood 'n' boobs). It gets the extra 1/2 * for "Extra Stupid Fun".