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Showing posts from October, 2014

Saw (2004) - James Wan

Saw is a wildly successful independent horror movie from Australia's James Wan. The movie is very complex and very engaging. The film has a really heavy overarching feeling of dread and anguish that is only rivaled by movies like Se7en. Supported by a solid story line and equally solid script. The actors and characters are fantastic. Our main heroes played by Carey Elwes and Leigh Whannell do a great job of building the tension. It's really well executed. This is also the movie that started really celebrating the "twist" ending. It's pretty glorious. This is the story of two men that wake-up finding themselves being imprisoned in a damp, dark basement. Both are shackled around an ankle and held on opposite sides of the room. Through their captivity, they start to remember and realize things. They learn that they are being held by a psychotic serial killer that "plays games" with his victims by putting them in killer obstacle courses of sorts

The Return of the Vampire (1944) - Lew Landers

The Return of the Vampire is one of the best horror movies of the 1940's. While the world was in turmoil, Bela Lugosi was making us forget for a moment and fear his iconic vampire character. The film has it's flaws but is survived mostly due to it's camp. This was supposed to be a sequel to Dracula but was made by a different studio. This forced them to use terrible names for the characters. Bela Lugosi is basically Dracula but they have to change his name to Dr. Armand Tesla. I don't know where they pulled that from but there it is.  Doctor Tesla was a Romanian scientist that became enamored with vampires. It just so happened that he becomes a vampire and begins terrorizing London. That is until he is defeated when a stake is driven through his heart. He is entombed, again, in the cemetery. Twenty years later, the Nazi's begin bombing London it disturbs his grave. Two inept guards find the Vampire body with the stake still sticking out of it. So the guards

Alien (1979) - Ridley Scott

Horror movies were, for the most part, secluded to earth and what we know. Never on such a large scale had horror been presented to us from another world. From another place, far, far off in the galaxy somewhere. Ridley Scott brought Alien to us in such a way that melds both horror and science fiction. He brings us an instant classic. Alien is the best horror movie in the series. Aliens is full of action and Alien 3 is dramatic. Then the horrible sequels don't do it any justice. The original is near flawless and simply amazing. The character development, the story-line, and even the effects are all phenomenal. The acting is a little two dimensional at times but it's a non-issue. Yup, Alien is quite the picture. A crew aboard the space vessel Nostromo is heading home when they are awaken early by an SOS message. It appears the message is coming from a nearby planet. When they investigate they end-up picking up a stowaway in the form of a vicious and horrible alien!

Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990) - Jeff Burr

Director Jeff Burr knew what kind of animal he was going to be working with when he started working on Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III. The background tale is legend. The cannibalistic hermit family that lives out in the sticks of Texas is wanted for murdering a number of people and eating them. The content is what Burr needed to get down. He delivered one of the goriest, horrific films put to celluloid. Leatherface was so brutal that they had to cut a number of scenes just to gain an X rating. Apparently certain underlying story lines were cut as well. Had it not been for these cuts this might have been the best of the franchise. Unfortunately, the cuts exist and the substance took a huge blow from it. A couple from Los Angeles (Kate Hodge and Bill Butler), that is driving to Florida, accidentally gets wrapped up in the affairs of the infamous Sawyer family. They are harassed by various family members like Leatherface, Tex (Viggo Mortensen), a strange little

The Dead Zone (1983) - David Cronenberg

The Dead Zone from 1983 is more of a dramatic thriller than an actual horror movie. However, the film does have a looming darkness that director David Cronenberg really brings to light, so to speak. It's not obvious, but subtleties are definitely Cronenberg's forte. This is a adaptation of a Stephen King short story. What horror movie marathon would be complete without a King picture? The film follows Johnny Smith (Christopher Walken) after he awakens from a five year coma. Smith learns that he can see someone's future if he touches them. Obviously, this is something that he couldn't do before. He is bombarded by news reporters to show an example. This bothers him, as you can really see the frustration. He just wants to be left alone but has the task of town-hero thrust upon him. To make matters worse, his girlfriend from before the accident is now married and living happily with some local political jagoff. He is literally just trying to live his life and stay out

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) - Philip Kaufman

This film is another interpretation of  The Body Snatchers  from 1955. A novel written by Jack Finney. And a remake of  Invasion of the Body Snatchers  from 1956. Though the story is expanded in  Invasion '78  and it gives you a larger scope of just how far the pods must reach. It has a more graphic and intense look and feel. It has a much larger political view and explores that side of the film a lot more. You get the feeling that this outbreak is on a much larger scale.  The film stars Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, and even Leonard Nimoy. As in the usual story line, pod-plants from outer space descend on Earth and make clones of all humans that come in contact with them. Then when that human sleeps their clones absorb (?) them and kill them.  These clones are mostly emotionless. However, they look and sound just like everyone else. In fact the copy is just like you in every-way, except devoid of feeling. It's apparent that so

Friday the 13th (1980) - Sean Cunningham

I hadn't seen the original Friday the 13th  until I turned 19 in 2002. I hadn't stayed away from it, I just never came across it. However, I had seen other films in the franchise. My favorite then, and still now, is Friday the 13th: Part VI Jason Lives. When I finally watched the original movie I had already known about the twist with the killer being Pamela Voorhees. It wasn't very secret. But the movie still impressed me.  The film is about Camp Crystal Lake, which is nicknamed Camp Blood after someone went crazy in 1958 and killed two counselors. Then a series of unexplained events occur that make the residents condemn the area. However, in 1979 the camp is being re-opened much to the chagrin of the local townsfolk. The cast is mediocre in the grand scope. However, this cast fits this picture perfectly. Adrienne King and Betsy Palmer are your main characters. Both being the focus of the film. King becomes our young heroine that takes the natural leadership r

The Frighteners (1995) - Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson of Dead Alive and The Lord of the Rings fame leads us into another realm of horror created in the far off land of New Zealand. This kiwi cinema-savant has the ability to create some of the most amazing fictional worlds. This is a trait only a few directors have. It really enhances the film viewing experience by getting you to go along with the story. It fools you into believing that this place exists. It doesn't hurt that he is given some big names to work with including; Michael J. Fox, Jeffery Combs, Jake Busey, John Astin, Dee Wallace, and so many more. The effects are really what set this movie aside from all of the others. Peter Jackson is the epitome of the title, director. He knows exactly what he wants to see on screen and makes it happen. Much like Melies and Krauss of the early days. Jackson is a master magician of the silver screen.  The Frighteners is a delightful and original feature about Frank Banister, a schlubby ghost whisperer

Hostel (2005) - Eli Roth

Eli Roth brings us one hell of a masterpiece in horror cinema. Everything about this movie from the dark comedy to the intense gore expertly executed. This fine addition to my ever growing list of scary movies is not just great. It's important. Hostel came at a time when I had almost lost faith in horror films. It restored my faith and inspired me to keep believing that I can keep getting scared. With the backing of Quentin Tarantino and the direction of Eli Roth, you know your in for an entertaining treat. Top notch writing and acting don't hurt it either. If you wanted a horror movie with kid's gloves on then keep on looking. This movie might just be too much for you.  A couple of Americans vacationing in Europe find themselves visiting Slovakia, for some reason, and end up in a creepy town with a disturbing secret. An elite group of rich people hunt visitors for sport. Not really hunt. More like tie down and torture.  The movie takes pieces of films l

Bad Milo! (2013) - Jacob Vaughn

Bad Milo is a really decent horror/comedy from Jacob Vaughn that doesn't pull punches when it comes to shit jokes. That's what this is. One big long shit joke that's executed well and has definite cult appeal. The cast is a mediocre group of comedians from various prime time television programs. Ken Marino (Children's Hospital and Party Down), Gillian Jacobs (Community), Patrick Warburton (Seinfeld and Venture Bros.), Stephen Root (King of the Hill and Office Space), and Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley and Portlandia) plus a good deal of other cameos that make the viewer feel at home. This movie has it's really hilarious moments and it's really gross moments. It is definitely something different. Marino plays Duncan, a really stressed out guy that can't find a way to relax. He starts to suffer from really excruciating stomach pains associated with his uber-stress. This summons a demon that comes out of his butt and viciously murders various peo

Tourist Trap (1979) - David Schmoeller

Tourist Trap is really an amazing find for a couple of reasons. One, it's completely obscure and unheard of. Yeah, a couple of people might reference it here and there but it's mostly forgotten about. Some say that this movie having a PG rating really hurt it. It was easily overlooked. Two, it's scary as hell. I was genuinely scared when I watched the opening scene. It was really impressive. Stephen King is a fan of the opening scene as well. The first thing you notice is that the music, composed by Pino Donaggio, is really bizarre and full of slide-whistles and wood blocks being knocked together. It sounded like the opening theme to a Saturday morning cartoon. You really don't expect to see a horror flick. It reminds me of something that the Italian horror masters would do. In fact the films aesthetic reminds me of Suspiria. It works. This movie is intense, crazy, and beautiful. A group of teenagers decide to find their way through a strange private road when their

They Live! (1988) - John Carpenter

What do you get when you mix Rowdy Roddy Piper, John Carpenter, Guns, and general badassery? Why you get one of the most iconic movies of the nineteen eighties. In the early nineties every kid on my block knew this movie and loved it. They Live is Carpenters response to the Reganomics of the era. The movie doesn't hide it's political undertones either. It shoves them right in your face. Delivered by Roddy Piper and Keith David. The film has been cited as inspiration for a number of actors and artists including contemporary street-artist Shepard Fairey who famously used the films Obey theme in his work.  Roddy Piper plays a down-on-his-luck drifter that gets mixed up in one of the biggest cover-ups of all time. Aliens have infiltrated Earth and have been subconsciously pushing humans to do their will through subliminal messaging. Once Piper finds a pair of glasses that allow him to see through the aliens ruse, all hell breaks loose.  The film isn't very frighten

Dr. Terrors House of Horrors (1965) - Freddy Francis

Dr. Terror's House of Horrors is a fantastic anthology horror movie that explores some pretty unnerving and spooky tales. There is a star studded cast with a very Tales from the Crypt meets Hammer horror feel. This was actually made in a series of horror films from Amicus Productions. Starring some really big names. The film has Peter Crushing as our antagonist. A traveling gypsy man that reads deathly tarot cards to unsuspecting travelers. This particular group of travelers is made up of Christopher Lee, Neil McCallum, Alan Freeman, Roy Castle, and Donald Sutherland. The film has some really psychadellic inspired stories. Mostly the Voodoo installment. Roy Castle plays a jazz musician that steals a Voodoo chant for his own profit as he turns it into a really awesome jazz groove. This scene even features some quality Jazz flute. Other installments that I enjoyed involved Alan Freeman battling mother nature and some vicious creeping vines. The other stars Christopher Lee as a sn

Tremors (1990) - Ron Underwood

Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward star in this early 90's drive-in masterpiece. When I was seven my dad and I went to the drive in movies to see this and I couldn't have been happier. It was great. I remember being scared and hiding my eyes during a scene when a Graboid (that's what the antagonists are called) pulled a station wagon underground. I don't know why that one scared me but it did. I caught this movie on AMC this week and was not disappointed.  A small desert town falls victim to giant earth dwelling worms that terrorize anything that touches the ground. It's like that game you played when you were a kid. Ground is lava. A Seismologist is researching in the area and figures that the worms are tracking humans based on the sounds of the vibrations they make on the ground. This means everyone has to stay quiet and find higher ground. Now, Bacon, Ward, and the Seismologist have to try to find a way to keep this little town safe. While figuring out just wh

Prophecy (1979) - John Frankenheimer

John Frankenheimer wanted to make a difference with this picture. He didn't want this to go down as just any other horror movie. Prophecy from '79 is a PG rated piece highlighting the horrors of logging and pollution. However, it couldn't stay far from it's horror movie roots. Released during the infamous "Summer of Fear" This movie had some really stiff competition. Alien, Amityville Horror, Phantasm, Driller Killer, were all playing at the time. It was a great time to be a fan. That really shines through in all of those movies. Each had a cheapness that was ironic and now, nostalgic. The film stars Robert Foxworth, Talia Shire, Armand Assante, and Richard Dysart trying to survive, deep in the woods, against a vicious titanic mutated bear. Disfigured and transformed by the chemicals from a near-by logging operation. The story focuses on the struggle between a local native-american tribe and this evil corporate logging camp. Doctor Robert Verne sh

Djinn (2013) - Tobe Hooper

The Middle East doesn't have that many irons in the fire when it comes to horror movies. That's why I really like Djinn. It isn't a fantastic horror movie but it's interesting and well made. The United Arab Emirates funded this movie being helmed by Texas Chainsaw Massacre creator Tobe Hooper. He's a great choice. Hooper's experience really draws the fear of each horror movie he makes and this movie is no different. Salama and Khalid are a young Emirati couple who move back home from America after the accidental death of their infant child. They move into a large high rise in Ras al-Khaimah and start their lives together. Something just doesn't sit right with Salama. The atmosphere and aura surrounding Ras al-Khaimah is really creepy. A dense fog has settled and looks to be staying. Salama begins to hear and see things. That's when the fun begins. Djinn gives a great, realistic look at the ancient creatures. It takes from the writings in the Qur&

FeardotCom (2002) - William Malone

A generic and dark tale of supernatural murder involving the internet. Specifically a website called Fear.com or Feardotcom. When a user browses this torture snuff website they are given 48 hours to live. The movie is really dark and seems to have a grainy or grungy filter put over the lens. Some parts are hard to follow and I didn't really enjoy their choice of lead actress. Natascha McElhone is pretty boring. It just feels like they didn't try. In short, this movie is typical of a early 2000's horror film. From the Bush era, when things were all about pounding energy drinks and bad-mouthing arab nations. Nu-Metal pounded the airwaves and Nu-Horror reigned supreme at the box-office. Mostly because people didn't have much of anything else to watch. Horror in Hollywood was stuck in a funk of copying any J-Horror venture they could find. Movies like The Eye, Black Water, Darkness Falls, The Ring, The Grudge, and The Messengers are all examples of terrible horror flic

Cabin in the Woods (2012) - Drew Goddard

The teen horror movie aesthetic is fully explained in this satire of all horror films. Boasting some huge names that actually pull their weight makes for a really great watch and fun horror movie to delight just about anyone. The film started with a 30 million dollar budget and had Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard attached. Both are hugely talented. Whedon comes off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Goddard comes off of Lost and Cloverfield. Not exactly lightweights.  The film takes slasher horror in a whole new direction. While it adds a surprising and very pleasing dark humor aspect to the movie, it doesn't skimp on the things that matter. The movie still elicits a fear. It has grizzly imagery and puts characters that you can relate with in a frightening situation. It's bloody and gory. It has action and a slight sense of adventure. Cabin in the Woods is one of the rare horror movies that utilize the full spectrum of theater and delivers well.  In the usual fare, a gr

Slugs (1987) - Juan Piquer SimĂ³n

Skeez and sleaze. These Roger Corman influenced pieces are a dime a dozen in the eighties. I love it. These VHS specials have a storytelling would be right at home during a fifties drive-in. However, they get the perk of being made in the eighties. That means more gore and explicit activity. Quite handy to have around for a quick horror movie-fest or random pizza date night flick. It's gonna be fun. Slugs is the unbelievable tale of Mike Brady, the worst government employee of all time versus a slew of man eating, brain burrowing slugs with teeth! These slugs attack en masse and literally swarm over their victims tearing them to shreds. Mike Brady utilizes the full extent of his position as Health Inspector and has made it his personal task to eradicate these creatures. Hilarity ensues. Horrible acting, writing, and effects plague the film from the beginning. However, it's all part of the charm. When it's taken ironically it goes down so well. Actors stumble over lines a

Galaxy of Terror (1981) - Bruce D. Clark

I had never heard about this until I came across it on Netflix. I saw that Sid Haig was in it and couldn't wait to check it out and see what it had to offer. However, it didn't offer very much. Galaxy of Terror is fun movie to watch ironically. Its an odd mix of Alien and Event Horizon. The film takes place on a strange planet where your worst fear can come to life! Each member of the crew aboard the Quest is in fight for their life!  Fear is the driving force behind this eighties b-movie. Every member of the crew that dies has one thing in common. The deaths are all based on the person's fear. This makes for some pretty neat kills, albeit weird and strange. But that is what I love about these movies. Even though this movie was trash, it had some really creative death scenes and with Roger Corman behind it, there was some really decent sleeze. Case in point is the maggot rape scene. Just let that sink in for a bit. The movie is chock full of cheesy effects an

The Sacrement (2013) - Ti West

The Sacrament was really interesting. I am a big fan of House of the Devil and The Innkeepers. From film director Ti West. This double team of West and fear film extraordinaire, Eli Roth seemed too good to be true and perhaps it was. While The Sacrament is truly a tale of a terrible tragedy it fails to actually deliver.  Three film-makers from VICE document their attempt to free one of the members sisters from a strange religious cult. The cult is led by a manipulative con-artist that brainwashes his "family" they all call him Father. The cult consists of hundreds of people that have started a small community called Eden Parish. These reporters have a really strange experience.  Eli Roth had restored my faith in horror films when he created the Hostle series. I had viewed most modern horror movies as being too family friendly and handled with kids gloves. When I attended a screening of Hostle the crowd in the theater was erupting with emotion. It was a beau