The Horror Amnesty Journal

Hey guys, I've started up a blog that is dedicated towards the ethical treatment of horror films. Basically, the reason I began it was to offer a place to discuss the intricate social themes that arise in horror films but are often overlooked by many reviews.

So far, I've posted reviews of:
Jennifer's Body
Trick 'r Treat
Martyrs
The Children
Grace

And I intend to post reviews of:
Halloween II
Drag Me to Hell
Orphan
(and many others).

I'm also looking for contributions of reviews, as I don't want to limit this to only me. I have an introduction post which stipulates the requirements of reviews. Basically they can't be: "I thought it was really scary", or "It sucked because the acting sucked." I'm looking for more complex readings of the films--ala film theory, social theory, etc.

Please check it out, and let me know what you think. Comments on reviews are not limited by any restrictions, so go nuts!

The link is: http://www.horroramnesty.com

[p1zl3]

What gives your reviews clout? I mean, why should I consider your opinion a valid one? :confused:
There's plenty of personal reviews right here on HDC by seasoned horror vets, why look elsewhere?

[Elvis_Christ]

Originally Posted by p1zl3

What gives your reviews clout? I mean, why should I consider your opinion a valid one? :confused:
There's plenty of personal reviews right here on HDC by seasoned horror vets, why look elsewhere?

Perhaps because he did something different than posting in a "last seen movie" thread. [QUOTE] I'm looking for more complex readings of the films--ala film theory, social theory, etc./QUOTE]

If you're going to criticize you should be ragging on the A - F rating shit. That deal is as washed up as */****

[Ferox13]

Sorry Elvis I can only give your post *** :-)

[Elvis_Christ]

I bet I would've got **** if I wasn't aiding and abetting a man talking to himself fuelled by the bloggin' hype and didn't drunkenly mash my quote :D

[p1zl3]

Perhaps because he did something different than posting in a "last seen movie" thread. I'm looking for more complex readings of the films--ala film theory, social theory, etc.
If you're going to criticize you should be ragging on the A - F rating shit. That deal is as washed up as */****

I'm simply requesting that Gregburnscds sell his site... This gives the thread-poster an opportunity to hype his achievements and therefore build a desire to visit his website...
Haven't been to many job interviews, eh Elvis_Christ? Try reading the previous post again with a more positive tone. It'll change the whole meaning... :)

Thanks guys, for actually commenting on my blog, no one seems to be doing that. As for the rating system--it's accessible, and most people want to see it, so I thought about throwing it in there for those who like rating systems, but really, it doesn't mean much. And before I can get myself on a well-established credited horror movie website/magazine, I need to build my own readership--I've spoken to a few contacts that work with Rue Morgue and Fangoria (respectively) and they have all given me the same advice: "Get your blog popular, and we'll consider hosting you."

In terms of what makes my reviews different is the attempt (I may not always be successful at this, but I try) to incorporate sociological and film theory to analyze how a films narrative, plot devices, or characterisations are structured--which is absent in the majority of published reviews. I try to incorporate a pseudo-academic understanding of the films. I'm speaking to an audience and trying to keep personal opinion out of my review and replace it with a well-thought out and evidenced argument. This is not to say that I'll always be right, or that if someone counters my argument effectively, I won't repeal what I've said, but just that I'm attempting to review these films in a way that's not always done. So instead of just saying: "This movie is bad, because I think it's bad", I could say: "I believe this movie to be ineffective and rather trite, considering the racialized stereotypes it uses to propell it's narrative", or something to that effect.

But I hope you guys are interested enough to read it and comment on what I've written.

Originally Posted by p1zl3

What gives your reviews clout? I mean, why should I consider your opinion a valid one? :confused:
There's plenty of personal reviews right here on HDC by seasoned horror vets, why look elsewhere?

I would argue that being a 'seasoned' horror vet is suspect in and of itself, and grants no more status qualifications than myself. There are plenty of reviewers who continue to review films and have had successful careers doing so, however their opinions are cluttered with personal preference, and socialized responses that seem typical and unfettered.

My specific qualifications come from an education in sociology and film theory--two important aspects for considering the implications and impact of films that seriously lacks in a lot of reviews.