poe426 JOHN CARPENTER'S CIGARETTE BURNS (as it's called) is an interesting mix of a dozen ideas (at least). In the movie LEGION, an angel loses his wings (the hard way). In Carpenter's classic IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS, insurance investigator Sam Neill attempts to track down a mysterious author whose books seem to have altered the reality of his readers; before long, Neill can't tell the Real World from the Fictional. In RINGU (THE RING), the mere viewing of a video tape warps the fine line between Life and Death and soon the distinction becomes no distinction at all. In CIGARETTE BURNS, Norman Reedus is sent to track down a copy of LA FIN ABSOLUE DU MONDE (THE ABSOLUTE END OF THE WORLD), a film so something or other that anyone who sees it goes nuts. En route, he meets an angel whose wings have been clipped and starts to experience some of the symptoms laid out in some of the aforementioned movies. Not Carpenter's best (although as a director he seems incapable of directing BADLY), but certainly the best episode of the MASTERS OF HORROR series.

Masked Superstar Mr. X This episode of "Masters of Horror" was incredible. With John Carpenter directing it, I knew it would be good. Boy, was I sure right! I would of definitely liked to see this as a full length film because it was that good. Norman Reedus (Blade 2) who played "Kirby" was very believable on his quest to find the only copy of this extremely rare and only viewed once film called, "Le Fin Absolue Du Monde". At the only showing of this film, many deaths followed, within that theater! The only known copy of this film was then taken by the government and burned, or so it is believed. Although, the character of "Bellinger" believes a copy still exists. Bellinger, played by Udo Kier needs to get his hands on this film at all costs! He is obsessed with this film. The cost, comes to $200,000, which is exactly what Norman Reedes needs to pay a debt he owes on this theater. But, is putting his life on the line to find this film worth the price? Time will tell. Udo Kier who I've always liked since "Blade" did a great job portraying his character: sick, twisted, and creepy. As Bellinger gets closer to discovering the film reel, more dark and mysterious secrets are revealed, or should I say, relived! Hats off to John Carpenter and I hope he does more films like this. This is a must see! Great pace and suspense. Now the only thing I wish is that I could see "Le Fin Absolue Du Monde"! Even if it means death!

Agnelin "Cigarette burns" is the second MoH episode that I watch, after "Imprint". It follows the owner of a movie theater who is still haunted by his past, and by his late girlfriend's father, who gave them the theater as a loan and is asking for his payment. The theater owner is contacted by an eccentric movie buff millionaire, with an extraordinary request: he must retrieve for him the original copy of an obscure movie called "Le fin absolue du monde", which is said to imbue in those who watch it instant and violent insanity. As the search for the elusive and sinister movie goes on, the young protagonist becomes more and more trapped by the evil aura that the movie and all the history around it exude...While it certainly reminds of movies like "Ringu"/"The ring", from what I have read (and as my personal conclusion, too), the mysterious and ill-awakening movie is only an excuse to tell a tale of increasing depravity and madness, and of how the effects of pure evil transcend the object that first contained or provoked it, as everything and everyone about the movie seems as damned and insane as the roll of film itself. In fact, you can see how the characters who as much as hear about the movie become infected with the evil that it radiates. Also interesting is the Bible-based detail about how, in order to make the movie, humans kidnapped an angel and tortured him, which unleashed God's wrath and punishment.The movie is well directed, and above all the suspense is extremely well built and paced. The ending also makes sense and the whole story is well resolved. It is also very gory and contains very disturbing imagery, but if you're used to watching horror and gore, this won't make your eyebrow go up.

Steve Easton I'd first like to echo some of the other postings here by saying I found this to be John Carpenter's best work in years, it had me glued to the screen.There are so many things to like. The script and particularly the dialogue are quite sublime, building up upon the sense of foreboding established early on. All the actors put in quality performances, this is well directed work. The shocks and moments of gore work effectively, if this had been released in the UK during the 80s it would have been banned as a 'video nasty'.Is this too plagiaristic? I don't think so. While it has similarities to earlier presentations (such as The Ninth Gate), I think there's plenty of room in this genre for more horrors in this style. Rather this than more 'body count' and/or 'torture porn' movies. Like others, I'd have been quite happy to see this (expanded) as a full length movie.And excellent addition to the series, possibly the best. Highly recommended.