Trapped Ashes (2008) 6/10

I love anthology movies. Creepshow, Creepshow 2, Tales from the Dark Side etc. They were hugely popular in the horror flicks of yesteryear but these days they've become a rare breed. Trapped Ashes sets out to change that but does little to win the hearts and minds of its viewers.

Ken Russell, Sean s. Cunningham, Joe Dante, Monte Hellman, John Gaeta each direct a different story found within Trapped Ashes. The film is about a group of people on a studio backlot tour that get trapped in the set for an old horror movie. In order to get out they must tell the most terrifying story that truly happened to them. Stories include carnivorous breast implants, Japanese succubus, a nefarious tapeworm and more.

Ok so the plot is a bit silly but i was willing to go along with it since i do really like a few of the directors and the film also stars John Saxon so I was sold there too. The problem is that the film comes off as silly as the plot is. I really couldn't take it too seriously and found my self more laughably amused rather then gripped with suspense. The character's interactions are poorly written and unbelievable as well. Much like with the masters of horror series that style differences between the directors are compromised by having to use the same crew each time. So, it looks to me, as if it really could have been directed by one person rather then 5 different ones. That being said the look of the film is very smooth and vibrant. Striking colors and smooth editing are the order of the day and its refreshing to see that new films can still be made without the high paced reality tv style editing.

Check out Trapped Ashes if you dig any of the aforementioned directors, just don't expect a masterpiece.

Nudity - mild

Gore - mild

Overall - 6/10