Tag: siege

You’re Next (2011, dir. Adam Wingard)

A family reunion is interrupted by home-invading masked killers. Superior horror flick with touches of black comedy. Knows precisely what it is and works to fulfil expectations well: a brisk, bloody job well done.

Here’s the trailer.

Rogue (2020, dir. MJ Bassett)

A hostage extraction team is hunted across the East African savannah by vengeful kidnappers, and by a lion escaped from illegal breeders. Efficient DTV actioner with horror elements maximising location shooting production values while cheerfully stealing bits of business from all over: plus a Backstreet Boys running gag.

Here’s the trailer.

Better Watch Out (2017, dir. Chris Peckover)

A pre-teen and his babysitter find themselves in a hostage situation one Christmas. Gleeful mashup of Home Alone and The Strangers that plays fast with audience expectations of a Yuletide teen wish fulfilment black comedy siege horror flick. Does what it sets out to do with some gusto.

Here’s the trailer.

The Park Is Mine (1985, dir. Steven Hilliard Stern)

A struggling ex-soldier holds Central Park hostage to gain attention for veterans’ issues. Odd mix of post-First Blood action and issues-based drama, this talky oddball siege flick has a lot going for it, even if it feels compromised in its execution.

Here’s the trailer.

VFW (2020, dir. Joe Begos)

A group of veterans defend their bar from a violent drug gang. Gory, well-cast homage to early John Carpenter flicks (and by extension Rio Bravo). A game cast have fun, everyone’s in on the joke, and it’s good to see these vets have meaty roles. Doesn’t overstay its welcome, neither.

Inside Man (2006, dir. Spike Lee)

An embattled detective tries to work out how an unorthodox bank robbery became a hostage situation. Smart heist/siege movie that works as an intelligent genre piece and a sly political commentary on post-9/11 America. Lots to enjoy, with clever performances all around and plenty to think about. Recommended.

The Silence (2019, dir. John R Leonetti)

After a swarm of ravenous creatures who hunt by sound is released, a family runs to stay alive. Patchy road movie/horror hybrid from the Tim Lebbon novel. Comes across – a touch unfairly – as an opportunistic grab-bag of bits from Pitch Black / The Birds / Straw Dogs and the more recent Bird Box / A Quiet Place.

Demon Knight [AKA Tales From The Crypt: Demon Knight] (1995, dir. Ernest Dickerson)

A remorseless demon stalks an immortal holding the last key to humanity’s survival. Under-appreciated siege horror-comedy linked (vaguely) to the EC comics. A game diverse ensemble cast of character actors jolly things along, supported by excellent direction. Unpretentious fun.

Security (2017, dir. Alain Desrochers)

An ex-marine mall cop defends his workplace from besieging kidnappers. Hugely enjoyable little B-movie riffing on Cohen & Tate, Die Hard and John Carpenter’s Rio Bravo-ish siege flicks. Some hideously-intrusive product placement aside, this is an unpretentious blast.