2014 is here and so are a brand new batch of horror films.  And as That Other Raimi Brother said, it’s time to start thinking about the array of horror films that will be hitting movie theaters (or Video On Demand) over the course of the next 12 months.  And being that he has  already covered his Top 10 Most Anticipated Horror Films of 2014, here are 5 More Upcoming Horror Films that I am personally looking forward to in 2014.

 

Cheap Thrills (March 24th)

This dark comedy, directed by first time director E.L. Katz and based after a screenplay co-written by Trent Haaga (Deadgirl), looks sick and twisted. It also features David Koechner, known primarily for his comedic roles, portraying a sadistic psychopath.  After premiering at SXSW, a day-long auction took place for the rights to the film in a rare bidding war. The movie is about an auto mechanic who loses his job and is unable to pay his rent. He goes to a bar and meets up with an old friend from High School.  A rich couple, that  they meet while out, gives them money for completing simple dares.  The dares are simple at first, but they later become violent as their friendships are tested.

 

  

Devil’s Due (January 17th)

Another film, like The Omen, that follows the possible birth of the Anti-Christ.  This one stars Friday Night Lights alum Zach Gilford, who is also set to star in The Purge 2 later in 2014.  The plot picks up after a mysterious, lost night on a honeymoon in which a newlywed couple finds themselves dealing with an earlier-than-planned pregnancy. While recording everything for posterity, the husband begins to notice odd behavior in his wife that they initially write off to nerves. But as the months pass, it becomes evident that the dark changes to her body and mind have a much more sinister origin.  It definitely looks creepy as hell.

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Grand Piano (March 7th)

What would any horror list be without the inclusion of a Elijah Wood film?  Especially after his creepy performance in 2013’s Maniac, only this time he plays the victim and John Cusack plays the psychopath.  The film follows Tom Selznick (Wood), the most talented pianist of his generation, who stopped performing in public because of his stage fright. Years after a catastrophic performance, he reappears in public in a long-awaited concert in Chicago. In a packed theater, in front of the expectant audience, Tom finds a message written on the score: “Play one wrong note and you die.” Without leaving the piano, Tom must discover the anonymous sniper’s motives and look for help without anyone realizing.  This film looks tense and has an incredible concept, and I could easily see this film making it into my Top 10 Films of 2014.  Or I could just be setting myself up for disappointment, who knows?

 

The Purge 2 (June 20th)

Not much is known about this sequel, except that it will expand upon the concept seen in the original film.  The director of the original, James DeMonaco, is set to return.  I really hope that this film rises above the mediocre original and becomes a worthy continuation of a new and worthy horror franchise.

 

 

Willow Creek (April 29th)

Basically, Willow Creek is The Blair Witch Project meets Finding Bigfoot.  The plot follows a couple interested in Bigfoot lore who record their findings, and from the looks of it find what they are searching for… but will they survive the ordeal?  The film is directed by Bobcat Goldthwait, a comedian  who has brought us such films as God Bless America, Worlds Greatest Dad and Sleeping Dogs Lie, which all dealt with controversial subjects.  So what’s so controversial about Big Foot?   I guess we’re going to have to wait to find out.   I am surprisingly excited about this movie, especially since I am tired of the whole found footage concept.