Minikicker is back, and better than ever! Actually that’s a lie, its somehow got worse with only two reviews instead of three. I’m not really selling this well but stick with it for a duo of films from that well known genre – the vampire documentary. So sit back and enjoy some bite-sized reviews straight from my fingers into your mouth. Sorry, that sounded incredibly creepy, I’ll move right on to the movies.
Afflicted (2013)
I’ve had Afflicted recommended to me by some of you beloved littlekickers so I decided to give it a go on Netflix. I’m glad I did as it was a surprising twist on the tired found-footage genre. Afflicted begins with two friends making a video of their round the world trip in the style of those Catfish douchebags. One of them makes the mistake of going home with a weird French lady and begins to slowly change into something not quite human. Afflicted mixes a bit of Chronicle with some of Paranormal Activity to create a fresh take on vampires. Writers Derek Lee and Clif Prowse are good as the unlucky travelers, the special effects are er, effective and the scares are well timed. There are however problems with pacing and the plot stretches its believability to breaking point but it’s definitely worth a watch for those who like a slow-burning modern horror.
7/10
What We Do In The Shadows (2014)
Next up we have What We Do In The Shadows which is a mock-documentary about a group of vampires sharing a house in Wellington, New Zealand. There’s not much to be said here other than that I loved it. The film is simply brilliant with its deconstruction of the vampire mythos. These guys may be murderous bloodsuckers but they’re also total assholes who have become completely behind the times in the hundreds of years they’ve been alive. Imagine ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ with vampires and you’re very close to getting a sense of what the movie is like. Fans of Flight Of The Conchords will recognise Jermaine Clement as the ancient, hedonistic, Vlad The Poker who rounds out an excellent cast of Kiwi talent. What We Do In The Shadows throws up questions such as ‘how does a vampire know he’s dressed cool if he doesn’t have a reflection?’ and ‘why do vampire like to eat virgins?’. The results are hilarious and are sure to have you chuckling long after the werewolf-smelling end credits.
9/10
Afflicted is available on Netflix and What We Do In The Shadows is available on Blu-ray and DVD.
Screenkicker! 
Oh god that virgin/sandwich joke had me in tears man! Good grief WWDITS is so good. I think it honestly is my favorite film — period — of 2015 so far.
I need to get on and see Afflicted, too. This is the third post I’ve read today giving it some praise.
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I really liked Shadows. Really liked it. So fun.
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Hmm. I didn’t really have any interest in Afflicted, but you make it sound a lot better than I expected. Might have to give it a go! And I’ve been wanting to see What We Do in the Shadows! Happy to see it lives up. 🙂
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I’m dying to see What We Do In The Shadows but it’s not available to rent on iTunes yet. It looks like a hoot, love Jermaine Clement!
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I think you’ll love it. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it but I laughed so much. Its very silly.
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Mike! Nice reviews. 🙂 I was desperate to see What We Do In The Shadows when it was out but nowhere near me was playing it. I hate that!!!! I so need to see it. Love the sound of it. 🙂
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Great work, “‘This Is Spinal Tap’ with vampires” is my favourite phrase of the day! I need to see this one.
I quite liked Afflicted, especially seeing as most horros on Netflix are crap, what a nice surprise to see something half decent.
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[…] and pathos. The film is directed by Taika Waititi who made one of my favourite comedies ever What We Do In the Shadows and he knocks it out of the park again. I adored this film and challenge anyone to view it and not […]
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