Essential October Viewing Part 2

     Okay kids, here's another 20 films that are essential watching during the month of October.  Here we go.  By the way, these are not in any particular order.  They're all fantastic in their own right.

     20.  SATAN'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS  I love this deliciously diabolical tv movie that features Kate Jackson and Cheryl Ladd together way before "Charlie's Angels", and Scream Queen Pamela Franklin to boot.  This tv flick has some great atmosphere.

     19. ROSEMARY'S BABY  This devilish horror classic has been silently creeping us out for years now, so why not include it in this list?  I can't think of any reasons, can you?

     18. HORROR OF DRACULA  I am thoroughly addicted to Hammer horror films, especially the Dracula series.  Christopher Lee is perfectly menacing here, and if you can't appreciate some classic Drac in the month of October, then there's no hope for ya.

     17.  DAWN OF THE DEAD (1979)  George A. Romero's legendary sequel belongs in permanent rotation all through the entire month of October, right after the original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. These movies are Halloween.

     16.  HELLO MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT 2  This odd and quirky sequel to the 1980 slasher classic has grown on me quite a bit over the years.  I used to not know what to think about it, but I've grown to appreciate it.

     15.  SUSPIRIA  Dario Argento's infamous shocker is always found on tv during the month of October, and with good reason.  A total mind trip of a horror film, it's classic horror all the way. Weird, violent, beautiful... and some of the scariest music ever recorded.

     14.  THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE  Another kick-ass ghost story that's got your classic haunted house atmosphere for days.  This was always on the late show on Friday nights as a child, and I distinctly remember being about 9 and staying up one dark, windy night in October to watch it. A frightfully good time.

     13.  PSYCHO The granddaddy of all slashers.  'Nuff said.  Norman Bates is so iconic, why not have a back-to-back double feature and watch the amazing sequel, PSYCHO 2?  Crazy, heh?

     12. INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS  I'm including both the 1956 and 1978 versions here, well, because they both rock in their own way.  Both are undeniably creepy, and both are classic horror films.

     11.  THE SHINING  I could write an essay on how much I love this film, but I'll reduce it to this is one of the greatest horror films of all time so of course it's great to watch in October on or around Halloween.

     10.  COUNT DRACULA  The BBC adaption starring Louis Jordan is, besides the first few Hammer vampire films, one of the creepiest Dracula presentations of all time.  Weird, haunting, dark- this deliciously Gothic telling of the classic vampire tale is a superb Halloween selection.

      9.  THE DESCENT  Because it's frigging scary, that's why.  Monsters and Halloween go hand in hand.  And these are some pretty scary monsters here.

      8.  CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN  Hammer's classic and lush re-telling of Mary Shelley's immortal tale is an excellent film to curl up to on the sofa on a cold, windy afternoon while the leaves fall outside.  Christopher Lee's monster is rather disturbing in its own right, and Peter Cushing was born to play Dr. Frankenstein.  Love me some Hammer.

      7. AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON/ THE HOWLING  I love both equally and I couldn't choose a favorite if I had to and I shouldn't have to pick just one anyway because I love them both and they are the best werewolf movies ever made so why not watch them both this time of year?

      6.  THE EVIL DEAD  Sam Raimi's undying classic works great on a cloudy, overcast day with a jack-o-lantern on the front porch.  I don't know, it's just always seemed natural to watch it during the month of October.

      5.  DARK NIGHT OF THE SCARECROW  This classic piece of tv terror takes place around Halloween, and although it is guaranteed to creep you out any time of the year, it does make a nice touch this time of year. Good, creepy fun.

      4.  A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET  Wes Craven's original shocker is prime Halloween entertainment.  I've fallen in love with the 1984 slasher again, and all of a sudden I want to watch it right now.  Ah, when Freddy was still scary and not a cheesy comedian!

      3.  SLEEPY HOLLOW  As much as I'm NOT a Johnny Depp fan (go ahead and sue me), I must admit, it's not really October without it.  There should be a law forbidding Tim Burton and Depp to collaborate on anymore projects, but they certainly got it right with this one.  Awesome Halloween atmosphere, and a great score to boot.  Good stuff, indeed.

      2.  NIGHT OF THE DEMONS  The 1987 classic positively reeks of the Halloween spirit, and it's absolutely perfect for parties.  Can't go wrong with this gem in October.

      1.  CREEPSHOW  C'mon, if any film (besides HALLOWEEN) personifies the spirit of October 31,CREEPSHOW is it.  It's always excellent to watch, but it's just a bit more glorious during your annual Shocktober festivities.  Don't you think?  Besides, the opening scene takes place at Halloween, as there is a jack-o-lantern in the window.  And it's awesome.

Here's the link to my first list of Essential October Viewing.

http://screamsofterror.blogspot.com/2010/07/my-list-of-perfect-movies-to-watch.html

Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House

     I loved this record as a child.  I would sit up late, alone, in my bedroom with the lights out, listening to the Chilling, Thrilling, Sounds of the Haunted House.  Good times, kids.  Good times.

Humongous

      When someone mentions slasher films from the 1980's, most people instantly think of Jason Voorhees or Freddy Krueger. But there's actually many slashers from 1980 to 1984 that made virtually no impact upon their initial release, but slowly found a fandom through repeated viewings on HBO and on video cassette. HUMONGOUS was one of those films that disappeared overnight in theaters, but was introduced to many, including myself, via HBO. It was released on video, but it was such a terrible copy you honestly couldn't make heads or tails of it. Thanks to SCORPION RELEASING, HUMONGOUS is finally available and watchable, and boy is it a world of difference.

     HUMONGOUS is actually a pretty decent slasher. I mean, what's not to love about a group of bad acting 80's kids stranded on creepy Dog Island where a lone woman was brutally raped and had a child out of rage and became a weird recluse on the island with all her dogs and gave birth to a horribly deformed boy who grew up to be a scary killer and hunts down the bad acting 80's kids one by one in time-honored slasher fashion?

     HUMONGOUS is presented uncut here- the opening rape scene has added footage, and it's even more disturbing that it was years ago. Yay! Disturbing rape scene aside, there's lots to savor in this flick. Mysterious islands are always fun, hell even Fantasy Island was a hoot. And deformed kids growing up to be murderous psychopaths is a staple of many a classic slasher of the era.

      This film follows the guide book and does it right. I lovingly lump this one in with FRIDAY THE 13TH, THE BURNING, APRIL FOOL'S DAY, JUST BEFORE DAWN, SLEEPAWAY CAMP, THE FINAL TERROR, and MADMAN- all slashers with a woodsy feel ya know, and I love every single one of 'em. Something about these woodsy slashers resonate with me, and thankfully enough people cared about this lost little slasher to bring it back to life so we can enjoy it the way it was meant to be seen. It truly looks smashing.

Curtains and Prom Night coming to Blu-Ray!

   

     Here's some downright fantastic news, kids.  It seems Synapse Films is tackling the project of repairing and restoring the amazing cult slasher "Curtains".  I know, right?  Apparently the original negative is in poor condition, and the restoration is underway.  I can't stress how excited I am about this news.  And as if that weren't enough, they are also polishing up one of my all-time favorites, "Prom Night"!  Rumors are swirling about a definite DVD/blu-ray release for both of these flicks as well, and speaking of rumors- there are supposedly a handful of 80's classic horror about to receive the same treatment.  And "Humongous" is one of them.  Swoons.

   
     

April Fool's Day Modernized Trailer

     Loving this one.  Rad!

 

SCREAM QUEEN TRIBUTE- Janet Leigh

     I'm starting a tribute to the great Scream Queens of cinema, and I can't think of a better one to start with than Janet Leigh.  Although a silver screen legend in her own right, she ranks as one of the greatest Scream Queens for her performance in the granddaddy of all slashers, "Psycho".

     Married to screen icon Tony Curtis, and mother of Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh is true Hollywood royalty.  And her infamous shower scene in "Psycho" is one of cinema's greatest achievements, and truly iconic in the annals of film horror.  Janet Leigh made thousands of people afraid to take a shower, and that's why she's my first Scream Queen tribute.

Janet gets extra cool points for appearing with her Scream Queen daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, in not one but two horror films, John Carpenter's fantastic "The Fog", and "Halloween: H20".  Plus, she appeared in the bona fide camp/cult classic "Night of the Lepus".  What a lady.

     Whether she's fending off demented slashers, vengeful ghosts from the past, or giant killer bunnies- Janet has certainly made an impression on horror film fans over the years.

Happy Anniversary Friday the 13th!

     On this day 33 years ago, the original "Friday the 13th" was released in theaters.  Hard to believe it was 33 years ago, right?  Quite amazing, actually.  The little movie nobody thought could has certainly surpassed anybody's expectations.  And what's even more amazing is how well the film holds up today.  It's still far scarier than most horror movies released today.  So on that note, what are you waiting for?  Go watch it already!

MOVIE POSTER COLLECTION- THE AMITYVILLE HORROR

RIP Richard Brooker (Jason Voorhees)

     Apparently Jason Voorhees is a mere mortal after all.  'Tis a sad day in the world of horror, as we mourn the loss of Richard Brooker.  Unless you have lived in a cave for the past 30 years, you should know that Richard Brooker took on the role of Jason Voorhees and made horror history.  Brooker played Jason in "Friday the 13th Part 3", and was the first Jason to don the infamous hockey mask, making it a worldwide icon of horror.  Richard effortlessly and brilliantly re-invented Jason Voorhees, and it became the definitive Jason to many a horror fan.

     To this day, I still tell anybody that listens that the only good "Friday the 13th" films are the first 4, and after going back and watching them all in a marathon, I firmly stand by that opinion.  Richard's performance made a huge impact on me in my youth, and I would like to take this moment to thank him for his contribution not only to the "Friday the 13th" films, but to the world of horror in general.

SOUNDS FROM THE CRYPT- April Fool's Day

   

      Okay, so today is all about "April Fool's Day".  I'm celebrating my love for it by showcasing the wonderfully creepy score Charles Bernstein did for the film.  Bernstein, who also scored the original "A Nightmare On Elm Street", offered up a sadly overlooked piece of music for a usually overlooked piece of film.  It's a downright awesome score, and although hard to find, is well worth the hunt.  It's one of those fantastic 80's synth scores, and you just can't beat that.  Here's a taste.

Happy April Fool's Day!

     Muffy and I would like to take the time to wish you all a Happy April Fool's Day!  Cheers!  (And yes, I'm watching it tonight...)

SOUNDS FROM THE CRYPT- John Carpenter's The Thing

     On top of being one of the best sci-fi/horror films of all time, Carpenter's classic also boasts a stunningly eerie score by legendary composer Ennio Morricone.  It's a superb and chilling piece that perfectly compliments the bleak terror of the film.  Good stuff.

Scary Tales Around The Campfire

     Hey kids, it's that time of year. Summer is here. Which means lots of camping, floating, and such. Well for me, at least. I live on the lake. Pretty much always have.  My summers as a child consisted of lots of camping, floating, swimming, and frolicking in the woods. And being scared silly by tales of Mrs. Voorhees and Cropsey around a campfire.

      Because of that, I've always had a yen for camp-themed slashers or those that take place in the woods. There is indeed something frightening about being out in the woods, cut off from civilization. Sitting around a campfire, you truly don't know who is watching you, off in the distance. You're vulnerable. You're out of your familiar element, away from the comforts and safety of home. FRIDAY THE 13TH, THE BURNING, and MADMAN are just a few 80's horror films that offer a nice, woodsey vibe.  Got a good scary store to tell?  Let's build a campfire and scare the kids, shall we? I've got the marshmallows if you care to join me.

V/H/S

   

     So I finally got around to watching "V/H/S" last night.  I'd been practically dying to see it, as I'm a regular junkie for horror anthologies. And.... I'm still scratching my head over it.  For a film that was supposed to "restore my faith in horror films", I'm afraid it did quite the opposite.  First of all, I never lost faith in horror films.  Yes, horror today is in a dreadful state.  Sure.  But if I had truly lost faith in horror films, then I wouldn't still be watching them.  I'd wanted to see "V/H/S" since it came out, as I'm usually a huge fan of the "found footage" flicks.  I shoulda just kept waiting.

     Here's the premise.  Apparently, a group of douche-bags are hired to break into this desolate, country home and steal a video tape.  We are never told why they are stealing this particular tape, or what is on it. Nor are we told who exactly wants this tape stolen.  Once the douche-bags arrive, they find a man's dead body sitting in a chair, and a hub of tv screens with tons of video tapes lying around.  Apparently, they don't know which tape to retrieve, so they start popping tapes in, and we are treated, we assume, to the stories on the tapes.  I say assume here, because I honestly didn't know what the hell was going on the entire time I was watching.

       There were some very scary scenes in "V/H/S", but it's such a muddled mess, those scenes are robbed of any impact they might have made.  One of the stories, the one with the bug-eyed weird girl, is actually quite good and disturbing... and I thought it might not be half bad. But 30 minutes later I found myself thinking meh... then another scary moment would happen, only to follow it up with meh... again.  Back and forth.  Finally, we admitted defeat about an hour into it.  We finished it, but barely. This was the longest movie of my life, it seemed.  Just when I thought it was over, someone pops in yet another tape with even more footage.  Too many stories to digest, for sure.

     All this footage is just hurled at us in intervals, and we are somehow supposed to find time to thread it all together into some sort of coherency. Is all this footage somehow connected?  Obviously it is somehow, as all these tapes are found in this deserted house.  But why?  What was the purpose of breaking into the original house to steal the tape in the first place?  lots of douche-baggery to be found, but not much plot.  I found it pretty stupid and un-realistic that a bunch of goons would just break into a house, find a dead man there, and just non-chalantly blunder around while still filming the festivities and going through video tapes.  What is up with the disappearing dead guy?  Was it him who wanted them to come steal the stupid tape in the first place?  Who's the naked guy running around?  And why should we honestly care? This movie reeks of pure laziness.

     Another complaint I have about "V/H/S" is one I find myself applying to many modern horror movies.  Whatever happened to likable characters?  I couldn't wait to see this entire cast dead. Like, for real.  I certainly wouldn't want to know anybody in this movie in real life.  Well, except maybe for the naked guy in the first story...  Everything in "V/H/S" happens to fast, we have no time whatsoever to relate to these characters, or ultimately care what happens to them.  And they're just not likable people. In classic horror films of the day, we actually liked many of those characters.  Whether it was sassy Annie from "Halloween" or goofy Ned from "Friday the 13th", they were fun.  Memorable.  Somewhat real.  We invest time in them, and are ultimately affected by what happens to them.  Not so much here. This all seems very contrived, for the most part. With all the talent involved, I was honestly expecting something more.  This was nothing I haven't seen before, honestly.

     So that's my take on "V/H/S".  This was the first "found footage" flick that I honestly did not like.  It's sad, because it had such potential!  I still think had they cut this in half, and fleshed out say, three of the best stories, this might have been more powerful.  But alas, they didn't.  Oh well.  I suppose I should wrap all this by trying to find something positive to say about this flick.  There is definitely some imagination at work here- maybe a bit too much.  This movie could easily be split up into two separate films, which I think would give the finished project much more impact.  As it is, it's simply way too much crammed into one big mess.  There are some genuinely frightening moments in "V/H/S", and some pretty cool effects as well.  However, to me, it just doesn't all gel together like it should.  There are too many pointless stories going on, and not enough emphasis on the backbone which should tie it all together neatly.  Seems I'm getting negative again.  I think you get the drift by now anyway.