Horror movies at Sundance

Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the U.S., so big that it can barely be called an "independent" film festival. It's more a launching ground for movies that aren't considered 'blockbusters', but have decent budgets and are backed by industry professionals . Where's the shot on DV films, put together on a shoestring budget by a couple of half baked kids from South Dakota? They're at Slamdance, which takes place in Park City at the same time. I might actually be going to Slamdance this year, check out their website here. It's a true showcase of independent horror. In any case... there's a bunch of horror titles screening at the Park City at Midnight lineup, part of the Sundance Film Festival.

"The Broken" is written and directed by Sean Ellis, who's biggest film to date would be "Cashback", the romantic comedy. "The Broken" is about a girl who sees herself drive past in her own car, so she follows this mystery woman up to her apartment and... then events take an eeire turn for the worse.

"George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead" has already screened up at the Toronto International Film Festival and has been picked up. Not only has it been picked up, they're already talking sequel, either way... they're screening it here.

"Donkey Punch" has the best title of the entire festival, but I wouldn't call it a horror. It's a about a bunch of guys who go out partying, one dies, then all hell breaks loose as they decide what to do.

"Funny Games" is written and directed by Michael Haneke, who's made a bunch of films over in the U.K., including... "Funny Games", which he made 10 years ago. The new one has American actors, same U.K. plot. Sweet.

Quentin Tarantino's 'Quentin Tarantino Presents' banner is releasing "Hell Ride", which was produced by Quentin Tarantino after Quentin Tarantino inspired Larry Bishop some years ago to write, direct and star in his own movie. He did just that. Why, exactly, is this at an independent film festival? Can anything with Tarantino's name on it possibly be considered independent? It's a bloody, sexy tale of motorcycle revenge, which doesn't sound like a typical Tarantino film to me.

"Otto" is definitely an indie horror. Written and directed by Bruce LaBruce, it's about a lonely gay zombie who searches for love and meaning in contemporary Berlin.

I can't say I'm excited for "Hell Ride" and I still haven't seen "Diary of the Dead", but I really need to. The other seem to fit the bill or indie horror, as well. Like I said earlier, take a walk over to The Slamdance festival... it'll be worth the price of admission and, no, it's not free.