It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of the Houston Horror Film Festival. I mean, I could really consider Houston Marriott Westchase my home away from home at this point, but despite all of the years I’ve attended the event, I’ve always concentrated most of my time in the vendor halls and photo areas. This is the first year that I found the time to watch, enjoy, and critique each and every movie. While I wish I had enjoyed more of the films, I’m always happy to catch new projects from fresh voices.
Cannibal comedian (2023) ★★★½
The concept of the film is truly unique, and it was executed flawlessly because everyone gave their absolute best. The cast's enthusiasm was evident, showcasing their genuine dedication to the roles throughout the project.
the barn part II (2022) ★★½
What a letdown! Everything I cherished in the initial installment is now absent. Invest in execution, not more cameos. It's worth a look, but it doesn't live up to being a worthy sequel to an already classic Halloween fixture.
The pumpkin man (2023) ★★
While lacking in quality, this film compensates with its intriguing charm. Ideal for the spooky season; however, one would hope that after two attempts, the director would learn to white balance—entertaining but needs refinement.
Go away (2023) ★
It gets muddled quickly, and you can't help but notice the paid selfies scattered throughout the house. I like to support indie horror, but no new ground is broken here. Sadly, this is just another one destined for the graveyard of Tubi.
puppet killer (2019) ★★★★
Destined to be a midnight staple or, at the very least, something that I constantly recommend to anyone asking for an underrated gem. Perfectly blends humor and horror in a way that few voices can! Ovies is someone to watch.
The Barbados Project (2022) ★
I understand the constraints of low-budget filmmaking, but does this classify as a film? Subtitles were necessary for comprehension half the time, and it being found footage doesn't exempt it from having a coherent narrative.
Puppet Killer is the real standout here, but that doesn’t mean the other films are without merit. If you have the time, I suggest looking into any of the projects that may catch your eye. Thank you to the Houston Horror Film Festival for hosting such a fantastic event year in and year out. We’ll see you next year.
Jessie Hobson