Evan Slead

Before its official release, Jeepers Creepers 3 had a great deal of controversy surrounding it. With its director being monitored for child abuse allegations, it appeared the third entry in the series was not going to make waves, even if it ended up being a masterpiece. Looking at the film objectively and without the lingering moral issues of its creator on my mind, I can attest that Jeepers Creepers 3 is not only a terrible film, but it is a lesson in how to make something far, far below mediocrity.

Horror filmmakers have a unique opportunity. Wtih several subgenres at their disposal they have the option to morph any franchise into a completely different experience. However, it can be tricky for a well-established series to step outside of its norm and explore a different area of horror. With risk can come great reward, though, and Johannes Roberts' sequel to 2008's The Strangers is a clear-cut deviation from the home invasion subgenre that introduced us to the three masked psychopaths.

Director Guillermo del Toro tends to play well within period-piece settings, using his strong visuals and attention to detail to create a story that makes whatever world or period of time feel completely realistic. Whether looking at the modern world through the lens of giant mechs and monsters in Pacific Rim or telling the tragic story of children surviving a war-torn Spain in The Devil's Backbone, del Toro takes risks in what he puts his characters through regardless of setting.

Perhaps one of the strangest releases and letdowns of this year goes to Tomas Alfredson's latest film, The Snowman. The director is known for fantastic films across many genres, including Let The Right One In and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, but sadly, his latest work feels like a phoned-in gig.