Personally, I wasn't a huge fan of Darren Aronofsky's previous film, "The Wrestler." So, I was at first hesitant to see Aronofsky's latest film, "Black Swan." But as soon as the praise started tumbling in, I decided that I HAD to see it. So far, I'd call "Black Swan" the best movie of the year.
The film is about Nina Sayers, a young ballerina living with her mother Erica, a former ballerina herself. Nina strives to be the best in her New York ballet company. Her director, Thomas Leroy, announces his production of Swan Lake(a classic ballet), and since legendary Beth McIntyre is retiring, Nina is given the role of the Swan Queen(aka The White Swan). However, she must also portray the Swan Queen's evil twin, The Black Swan. As of now, Thomas knows that the Swan Queen will be no problem for Nina, but she struggles immensely with the Black Swan. In comes competition by the name of Lily, a woman who is strong, carefree, and very sexually expressive. As Nina strives for perfection, she experiences pain, sexuality, paranoia, and obsession that slowly drives her to the edge.
Now, here is a story that could have been riddled with clichés. But no. The script, written by Mark Heyman, Andres Heinz, and John McLoughlin, is extremely well-written and filled with surprises. At times, we aren't sure if what we see through Nina's eyes is true. Of course, her slow loss of sanity is visible. But is Lily really out to get Nina? Is Thomas really exploiting his dancers sexually?
"Black Swan" is definitely a horror film, and that may be hard for other people to view it as such. Nina's descent is nightmarish and truly horrific. When I watched the film, I recalled the styles of early Roman Polanski(i.e. "Repulsion" and "Rosemary's Baby"), David Cronenberg(i.e. "Shivers" and "The Fly"), and even Dario Argento("Suspiria"). Nina's paranoia is like that of Catherine Deneuve, and her bodily horror certainly brings to mind that of the early Cronenberg films. Several horror fans will think of "Suspiria" right away when they watch "Black Swan," knowing that Argento's film is also about ballet. But Aronofsky's film is also beautiful and lavish, like Argento's style.
The character of Nina fascinates me. In our eyes, she is a frightened little girl in a woman's body. She is afraid to express any sexuality, mostly because of her controlling mother. She wants to be perfect, and reach higher than those of her cutthroat partners. Perfection and pressure leads to her madness, and it is heartbreaking as well as shocking.
Of course, the script and the direction are key to the film's effect, but it is the cast that, to me, makes the movie. Natalie Portman's performance as Nina is absolutely stunning. Portman has done many roles that never allow her to grow as an actress. "Black Swan" shows that she can do anything, and she has grown into her own. Thomas is played by Vincent Cassel, and he gives a very memorable performance. Barbara Hershey is also outstanding as Erica. It is told to us that Erica gave up ballet to have Nina. Nina has grown a bit, and Erica is afraid to see that. So when she sees her daughter struggle for perfection, she represses her a lot of the time. Hershey captures that to a T. You will also see a nice performance from Winona Ryder as Beth. For the time she has on screen, Ryder is quite good. But the big surprise here is Mila Kunis as Lily. Known more for crude and light-hearted fare(TV's "That 70's Show" and "Family Guy," and the hit film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall), you would never expect Kunis in a role like this. She is not the voice of little Meg Griffin anymore. She is an actress, and her performance here equals that of Portman.
Director Aronofsky has given us what could be his most ambitious and beautiful film yet. He has worked with a flawless script to form a truly amazing film. "Black Swan," in itself, is an intense drama about the pressure and struggles of the ballet art. However, it is definitely, and maybe not to some people, a psychological horror film, and a great one at that. If anybody deserves the Best Actress Oscar this year more than anyone, it's Natalie Portman. Hell, this could even be up for Best Picture. "I just want to be perfect," says Nina. Poor Nina's pressure makes her suffer, but the movie sure doesn't. "Black Swan" IS perfect.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Paranormal Activity 2: A Miracle Sequel
For those who loved "Paranormal Activity," get ready. We now get the 2010 sequel, "Paranormal Activity 2," and the good news is that it brings the same shivers of the first film to full circle. The bad news...well, there's no bad news at all.
"PA2" follows Katie's sister, Kristy, and her family: Daniel, her husband, Ally, her stepdaughter, and Hunter, Kristy's one year-old baby. After they come home one day to find their house has been trashed and they suspect a burglary, Daniel sets up six security cameras around the house to record everything that goes on at night. It turns out that this was no burglary.
Oren Peli's "Paranormal Activity," the indie fright fest that was demanded in theaters across the nation, is one of my favorite horror films of 2009. I've only watched it twice: the first time in a theater, the second time at home. Ever since, I have been afraid to watch it a third time. It is a film that has the same horrifying impact each time you watch it.
Just months after the first film's success, rumors of a sequel started spreading. That was cause for the skeptics to flock. We know how sequels like "Blair Witch 2" can go. "Blair Witch 2" was big on budget, low on scares, and high on stupidity. "Paranormal Activity 2" could have been a big-budget bomb that completely ruined the greatness of the first film. But, no. Believe it or not, "Paranormal Activity 2" accomplishes everything the first film did. In a way, it's better than the original.
Most "PA" fans will remember the classic scenes of Katie and Micah's bedroom, and being on the edge of the seat with suspense, just waiting for something to strike. The sequel doesn't limit itself to just one room, but six areas of the house: the pool, the kitchen, the living room, outside the front door, the stairs, and baby Hunter's bedroom. The ability to have more cameras in the sequel heightens the tension much more. Once again, you are just waiting, looking at the different cameras, hoping that you will see something.
"Paranormal Activity 2" is almost exactly like the first film due to familiarity. But familiarity is part of the fun of the sequel. Just ask Dread Central.com: "Knowing what this family is up against makes things so much scarier." You WILL see slamming doors and creeping shadows, and hear rumblings and footsteps in the film's nighttime setting. But, wait. The sequel actually has more shocks than the first movie. What you see in "PA2" will scare you, indubitably.
I won't give anything away, but the sequel offers a great backstory and a wonderful freshness. You see, "Paranormal Activity 2" is more of a prequel, bringing events back over a week before the original film's incidents. You get to know Katie's family more and you're given time to care.
And like the first one, the acting in the sequel doesn't feel like acting...not at all. We get the feeling that we are looking at a real family suffer. And Katie Featherston returns in a great and effective supporting role.
Oren Peli takes the role of producer this time around, and in the directing chair is Tod Williams, who is completely uninvolved with the first film. With 3 million dollars, a slightly bigger budget compared to the $11,000 budget Peli had, Williams knows what to do. He avoids special effects and goes for the same formula of the first movie, letting the audience engage themselves in another wonderfully psychological and horrifying genre film. Be proud, Oren Peli, that direction for the sequel was in the right hands.
Now, not everyone loved the first "Paranormal Activity." So it's safe to say that if you didn't like the first film, don't see the second. However, if you're a big fan, like I am, the sequel's a match made in horror heaven. If you couldn't sleep after the first movie, if you had to keep your lights on when you were alone in your room, you ain't seen nothing yet. "Paranormal Activity 2" is the "Aliens" of the decade. Sweet dreams, everybody.
"PA2" follows Katie's sister, Kristy, and her family: Daniel, her husband, Ally, her stepdaughter, and Hunter, Kristy's one year-old baby. After they come home one day to find their house has been trashed and they suspect a burglary, Daniel sets up six security cameras around the house to record everything that goes on at night. It turns out that this was no burglary.
Oren Peli's "Paranormal Activity," the indie fright fest that was demanded in theaters across the nation, is one of my favorite horror films of 2009. I've only watched it twice: the first time in a theater, the second time at home. Ever since, I have been afraid to watch it a third time. It is a film that has the same horrifying impact each time you watch it.
Just months after the first film's success, rumors of a sequel started spreading. That was cause for the skeptics to flock. We know how sequels like "Blair Witch 2" can go. "Blair Witch 2" was big on budget, low on scares, and high on stupidity. "Paranormal Activity 2" could have been a big-budget bomb that completely ruined the greatness of the first film. But, no. Believe it or not, "Paranormal Activity 2" accomplishes everything the first film did. In a way, it's better than the original.
Most "PA" fans will remember the classic scenes of Katie and Micah's bedroom, and being on the edge of the seat with suspense, just waiting for something to strike. The sequel doesn't limit itself to just one room, but six areas of the house: the pool, the kitchen, the living room, outside the front door, the stairs, and baby Hunter's bedroom. The ability to have more cameras in the sequel heightens the tension much more. Once again, you are just waiting, looking at the different cameras, hoping that you will see something.
"Paranormal Activity 2" is almost exactly like the first film due to familiarity. But familiarity is part of the fun of the sequel. Just ask Dread Central.com: "Knowing what this family is up against makes things so much scarier." You WILL see slamming doors and creeping shadows, and hear rumblings and footsteps in the film's nighttime setting. But, wait. The sequel actually has more shocks than the first movie. What you see in "PA2" will scare you, indubitably.
I won't give anything away, but the sequel offers a great backstory and a wonderful freshness. You see, "Paranormal Activity 2" is more of a prequel, bringing events back over a week before the original film's incidents. You get to know Katie's family more and you're given time to care.
And like the first one, the acting in the sequel doesn't feel like acting...not at all. We get the feeling that we are looking at a real family suffer. And Katie Featherston returns in a great and effective supporting role.
Oren Peli takes the role of producer this time around, and in the directing chair is Tod Williams, who is completely uninvolved with the first film. With 3 million dollars, a slightly bigger budget compared to the $11,000 budget Peli had, Williams knows what to do. He avoids special effects and goes for the same formula of the first movie, letting the audience engage themselves in another wonderfully psychological and horrifying genre film. Be proud, Oren Peli, that direction for the sequel was in the right hands.
Now, not everyone loved the first "Paranormal Activity." So it's safe to say that if you didn't like the first film, don't see the second. However, if you're a big fan, like I am, the sequel's a match made in horror heaven. If you couldn't sleep after the first movie, if you had to keep your lights on when you were alone in your room, you ain't seen nothing yet. "Paranormal Activity 2" is the "Aliens" of the decade. Sweet dreams, everybody.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Eleven Best Ghost Stories
1) The Haunting (1963)- Four people head over to the infamous Hill House to record a little paranormal activity, and they get a hell of a lot more than they bargained for. Robert Wise crafts the perfect tale of supernatural horror that is psychologically horrifying. Not a single ghost in sight. With "The Haunting," it's all about sound effect. That banging on the door and the cackling still gives me the creeps. Perfectly cast, well-written, and flawlessly directed, "The Haunting" is THE definitive ghost story.
2) Poltergeist (1982)- From the director of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and a story by Steven Spielberg, "Poltergeist" brings us to the suburban town of Cuesta Verde, where the Freeling family soon experience traumatizing ghostly events, including the disappearance of their 5 year-old daughter, Carol-Anne. From then on, all hell breaks loose. A perfect blend of subtle horror and tremendous "BOO!" scares, with wonderful effects(Industrial Light and Magic!), a great cast of actors(gotta love Zelda Rubinstein as Tangina), and a truly startling story. "They're heeere."
3) The Others (2001)- Nicole Kidman. Old dark mansion. Ghostly activity. Best words to describe the movie. Alejandro Amenabar's spooky "Haunting-style" tale will satisfy anybody who loves slow-burn horror.
4) The Innocents (1961)- Based on Henry James's "The Turn of the Screw," this ghost story is more sophisticated than you'd believe. Deborah Kerr stars as Miss Giddens, a nanny looking over young Miles and Flora at the Blye estate. When she begins to see apparitions around the mansion, she gets a gut-wrenching feeling that there is something that Miles and Flora are not telling her. You're not really sure what to believe after you watch "The Innocents." Are there really ghosts at Blye? Could it be the paranoia or sexual repression of Miss Giddens? It could be either. Eerie, atmospheric, and very disquieting, "The Innocents" will not let you down. It's truly one of the creepiest horror films of the 1960's.
5) The Fog (1980)- John Carpenter followed up "Halloween" with this nifty little campfire story about the island of Antonio Bay, which is struck by a surrounding fog on its 100th birthday. It is not taken seriously at first. But then it's no joke. A great build-up of suspense and horror backed up by an all-star cast and frightening music from good old Mr. Carpenter.
6) The Entity (1981)- Inspired by the real-life case of Doris Bither and based on the novel by Frank De Felitta, this is one of the more bizarre and very shocking ghost stories to appear over the years. Happily living her life with her three children, all is well with single mother Carla Moran until she is repeatedly beaten and raped by an unseen force over several nights. Psychologists can't understand what is happening, and Carla is slowly dismissed as insane. But you and I both know that an entity is attacking Carla, and the film is her struggle for survival and help. The ghostly rape scenes certainly aren't fun, but "The Entity" is a great and underrated movie that deserves more attention. Barbara Hershey is well-cast as Carla, and so is Ron Silver as Dr. Sneiderman.
7) The Amityville Horror (1979)- Another movie inspired by a true story, this film takes us to Amityville, Long Island, where George and Kathy Lutz and their three children move into the lovely 412 Ocean Avenue home. What begins as a dream come true turns into 28 days of horror. There are a couple of cheesy moments, but it's no doubt that "The Amityville Horror" is a classic haunted house movie due to its publicized story and several genuine creep-out moments.
8) The Sixth Sense (1999)- Dr. Malcolm is a child psychologist whose next patient is young Cole, who says he sees dead people. The bad news is he's right. More of a tragic ghost drama than a horror film, to me, "The Sixth Sense" was M. Night Shyamalan's breakout movie. It made Haley Joel Osment a star, and it gave us insight into why the ghosts in the film were there. Several moody and creepy moments highlight the film, especially young Osment in the red tent.
9) Paranormal Activity (2009)- Katie believes there is something in her and boyfriend Micah's new house. So Micah sets up a camera in their bedroom to film whatever happens when they sleep. The results will terrify you. Delayed for two years and finally demanded by moviegoers everywhere, this is a simple haunted house story that induces major goosebumps. Is "Paranormal Activity" for everyone? No. But for those who are into slow tension will love it. As the movie promises, it will make you afaid to go to sleep with the lights off for a long time.
10) Burnt Offerings (1976)- A super-simple "family rents house for the summer and finds that it's haunted" movie. But what makes it better than the PG-13 dreck you see nowadways are the subtle and quiet scares that build through the movie. The horror builds to a great sense of dread. Put together the star power of Karen Black, Oliver Reed, Bette Davis, Burgess Meredith, and Eileen Heckart, the direction of Dan Curtis(creator of the hit show "Dark Shadows"), and remarkable tension, and you get "Burnt Offerings." P.S. The devilish grin of The Chauffeur brings chills to the spine.
11) The Shining (1980)- Jack Nicholson with an axe. A large hotel. Some extremely frightening ghosts, including those damn twins. If you haven't seen Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece based on Stephen King's novel, watch it or be ashamed that you didn't.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Best Movies To Watch On Halloween Night!
As All Hallow's Eve 2010 approaches, I, HorrorMovieBuff, have decided to make another list. Put on that costume, pop that popcorn, and pig out on that awesome candy. These are the best movies to chill your spine on Halloween.
1) Halloween(1978)- Now, this one is a no-brainer. "Halloween" is a movie I watch constantly, whether it is or isn't October 31st. John Carpenter's classic tale tells the story of the masked murderer Michael Myers returning to Haddonfield to stalk Laurie Strode and her friends. Damn creepy, with a terrifying villain, a perfect music score, and flawless acting from Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, and the ensemble cast. I've said it enough. "Halloween" is THE horror film that will last forever.
2) The Exorcist(1973)- Okay. This is one of the scariest movies of all time, no doubt about it. William Friedkin directs this Satanic frightfest about a 12 year-old girl posessed by the devil and the priest and exorcist that try to save her soul. Not only unbearably eerie and shocking(Love that 360-degree head turn and Linda Blair's disgusting language), but also an intense drama that takes a look into the tragic and tortured life of the priest and the pain that he goes through. If you haven't seen "The Exorcist," then you're not even a horror fan. This is pure horror!
3) Psycho(1960)- Your mother would be ashamed of you(pun intended) if you didn't watch this classic. Alfred Hitchcock orchestrates one of the perfect and essential thrillers that will leave you terrified to take a shower.
4) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(1974)- It's so much more than just a slasher film. Director Tobe Hooper sparked his career with this truly disturbing horror film about five teens that come face to face with backwoods cannibals, led by chainsaw-wielding, skin-ripping Leatherface. Known for being the bloodiest movie of all time? I don't think so. Tobe Hooper lets your imagination go to work, which leads to the graphic thoughts that the movie will leave you with. Clasutrophobic, horrifying, and not fun at all. But it's definitely a classic!
5) A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)- Listen to the nursery rhyme, and then tell me that it doesn't creep you out: One, two, Freddy's coming for you. Three, four, better lock your door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again. Wes Craven's 80's horror masterpiece gives you good reason to not go to sleep.
6) The Omen(1976)- Another Satanic tale that is smart and eerie. Ambassador Robert Thorn adopts a baby in Rome after his wife, Katherine, has a miscarriage. The child seems to be doing well until he's 5 years old. After that, the Thorn family's life is all downhill from there. Do us all a favor: When you give birth and name the kid Damien, check his scalp for any signs of the Antichrist. P.S. "The Omen" has the best decapitation ever put on film.
7) Jaws(1975)- It's flawless! Perfect casting, perfect direction, and a horrifying and iconic musical score. Thank God that mechanical shark didn't work.
8) Rosemary's Baby(1968)- Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse buy a new apartment at the Bramford, which leads to all hell breaking loose. Mia Farrow's performance is amazing, showing emotions of paranoia, innocence, and fear. It's a classic film, period. The cradle still rocks.
9) Night of the Living Dead(1968)- Several people lock themselves into a halfway house that is soon to be surrounded by flesh-hungry ghouls. One of the first real zombie movies that, even though it was made on a low budget, still looks extremely well-made. George A. Romero offers up lots of social commentary that just make the movie more controversial and out there. "They're coming to get you, Barbara..."
10) Friday the 13th(1980)- The movie that invented the gory slasher genre that you see so often. Betsy Palmer is to die for as Mrs. Voorhees. Ch, ch, ch. Ah, ah, ah.
11) Child's Play(1988)- Tom Holland directs the story of Karen Barclay and her son Andy, a boy obsessed with Good Guy dolls. He owns the pajamas, the sneakers, all kinds of memorabilia. Andy's birthday is coming up, and Karen surprises her son with his very own Good Guy doll. His name is Chucky, and he swears that he and Andy will be "friends till the end." That is, until a person gets killed, and Andy becomes a suspect. But Karen knows who the real suspect is...Chucky. The doll is alive, and mighty pissed off! I know, I know. It sounds like an ultra-sleazy B-movie. But "Child's Play" is a very dark horror film with great acting, especially from Brad Dourif as the voice of Chucky, and one uber-creepy doll.
12) Scream(1996)- Scripted by Kevin Williamson and directed by master of fright Wes Craven, "Scream" is one of the perfect Halloween party movies. It offers up a healthy dosage of horror, comedy, and drama. A year after Sidney Campbell's mother has died, people begin to get phone calls from a serial killer, whose knowledge of horror movies is pretty diabolical. After one girl gets murdered, it becomes a game of cat and mouse for Sidney, the tabloid with a heart Gale Weathers, dumb but sweet Dewey Riley, and Sidney's friends from school. If you're a horror cinephile, get some friends together and have a ball with this nifty and clever horror classic that is filled to the brim with awesome movie references.
13) The Evil Dead(1981)- The ultimate "cabin in the woods/demon posession/slice and dice" flick. Watch it.
14) The Silence of the Lambs(1991)- FBI newbie Clarice Starling is assigned the case of capturing and killing serial killer Buffalo Bill. But first, she must get the info she needs from an intelligent madman(pun intended), Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter. The Academy Award-winning film is argued about whether or not it is a horror film. For me, it is. And it's a masterpiece. It builds slowly, but once you're 15 minutes in and you meet our good pal Hannibal Lecter, you'll be creeped out instantly. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are the perfect creepshow duo. And Ted Levine is so unbearably frightening as Buffalo Bill.
15) The Haunting(1963), Poltergeist(1982), and The Shining(1980)- I've publicized about these movies enough. They're three movies that will keep you up long after the night is over.
1) Halloween(1978)- Now, this one is a no-brainer. "Halloween" is a movie I watch constantly, whether it is or isn't October 31st. John Carpenter's classic tale tells the story of the masked murderer Michael Myers returning to Haddonfield to stalk Laurie Strode and her friends. Damn creepy, with a terrifying villain, a perfect music score, and flawless acting from Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence, and the ensemble cast. I've said it enough. "Halloween" is THE horror film that will last forever.
2) The Exorcist(1973)- Okay. This is one of the scariest movies of all time, no doubt about it. William Friedkin directs this Satanic frightfest about a 12 year-old girl posessed by the devil and the priest and exorcist that try to save her soul. Not only unbearably eerie and shocking(Love that 360-degree head turn and Linda Blair's disgusting language), but also an intense drama that takes a look into the tragic and tortured life of the priest and the pain that he goes through. If you haven't seen "The Exorcist," then you're not even a horror fan. This is pure horror!
3) Psycho(1960)- Your mother would be ashamed of you(pun intended) if you didn't watch this classic. Alfred Hitchcock orchestrates one of the perfect and essential thrillers that will leave you terrified to take a shower.
4) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(1974)- It's so much more than just a slasher film. Director Tobe Hooper sparked his career with this truly disturbing horror film about five teens that come face to face with backwoods cannibals, led by chainsaw-wielding, skin-ripping Leatherface. Known for being the bloodiest movie of all time? I don't think so. Tobe Hooper lets your imagination go to work, which leads to the graphic thoughts that the movie will leave you with. Clasutrophobic, horrifying, and not fun at all. But it's definitely a classic!
5) A Nightmare on Elm Street(1984)- Listen to the nursery rhyme, and then tell me that it doesn't creep you out: One, two, Freddy's coming for you. Three, four, better lock your door. Five, six, grab your crucifix. Seven, eight, gonna stay up late. Nine, ten, never sleep again. Wes Craven's 80's horror masterpiece gives you good reason to not go to sleep.
6) The Omen(1976)- Another Satanic tale that is smart and eerie. Ambassador Robert Thorn adopts a baby in Rome after his wife, Katherine, has a miscarriage. The child seems to be doing well until he's 5 years old. After that, the Thorn family's life is all downhill from there. Do us all a favor: When you give birth and name the kid Damien, check his scalp for any signs of the Antichrist. P.S. "The Omen" has the best decapitation ever put on film.
7) Jaws(1975)- It's flawless! Perfect casting, perfect direction, and a horrifying and iconic musical score. Thank God that mechanical shark didn't work.
8) Rosemary's Baby(1968)- Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse buy a new apartment at the Bramford, which leads to all hell breaking loose. Mia Farrow's performance is amazing, showing emotions of paranoia, innocence, and fear. It's a classic film, period. The cradle still rocks.
9) Night of the Living Dead(1968)- Several people lock themselves into a halfway house that is soon to be surrounded by flesh-hungry ghouls. One of the first real zombie movies that, even though it was made on a low budget, still looks extremely well-made. George A. Romero offers up lots of social commentary that just make the movie more controversial and out there. "They're coming to get you, Barbara..."
10) Friday the 13th(1980)- The movie that invented the gory slasher genre that you see so often. Betsy Palmer is to die for as Mrs. Voorhees. Ch, ch, ch. Ah, ah, ah.
11) Child's Play(1988)- Tom Holland directs the story of Karen Barclay and her son Andy, a boy obsessed with Good Guy dolls. He owns the pajamas, the sneakers, all kinds of memorabilia. Andy's birthday is coming up, and Karen surprises her son with his very own Good Guy doll. His name is Chucky, and he swears that he and Andy will be "friends till the end." That is, until a person gets killed, and Andy becomes a suspect. But Karen knows who the real suspect is...Chucky. The doll is alive, and mighty pissed off! I know, I know. It sounds like an ultra-sleazy B-movie. But "Child's Play" is a very dark horror film with great acting, especially from Brad Dourif as the voice of Chucky, and one uber-creepy doll.
12) Scream(1996)- Scripted by Kevin Williamson and directed by master of fright Wes Craven, "Scream" is one of the perfect Halloween party movies. It offers up a healthy dosage of horror, comedy, and drama. A year after Sidney Campbell's mother has died, people begin to get phone calls from a serial killer, whose knowledge of horror movies is pretty diabolical. After one girl gets murdered, it becomes a game of cat and mouse for Sidney, the tabloid with a heart Gale Weathers, dumb but sweet Dewey Riley, and Sidney's friends from school. If you're a horror cinephile, get some friends together and have a ball with this nifty and clever horror classic that is filled to the brim with awesome movie references.
13) The Evil Dead(1981)- The ultimate "cabin in the woods/demon posession/slice and dice" flick. Watch it.
14) The Silence of the Lambs(1991)- FBI newbie Clarice Starling is assigned the case of capturing and killing serial killer Buffalo Bill. But first, she must get the info she needs from an intelligent madman(pun intended), Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter. The Academy Award-winning film is argued about whether or not it is a horror film. For me, it is. And it's a masterpiece. It builds slowly, but once you're 15 minutes in and you meet our good pal Hannibal Lecter, you'll be creeped out instantly. Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins are the perfect creepshow duo. And Ted Levine is so unbearably frightening as Buffalo Bill.
15) The Haunting(1963), Poltergeist(1982), and The Shining(1980)- I've publicized about these movies enough. They're three movies that will keep you up long after the night is over.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The Other: Subtle and Suspenseful Psychological Horror
"Holland...where is the baby?"
-Niles Perry, in a whisper
Some of the best horror films were from the 70's. Some of them were disturbing and weird, like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," while others were so suspenseful you could hardly bear it, like "Halloween." But there's a film from 1972 that is different from those..."The Other."
The story takes place during the Great Depression at Pequot Landing at a country-side house, home of the Perry family. Niles and Holland Perry are two twins that do everything together. But after cousin Russell dies, horrible accidents and problems plague the Perry family. Could Niles or Holland have something to do with it?
Directed by Robert Mulligan, director of "Summer of '42" and "To Kill A Mockingbird," has brought to us one of the creepiest psychological horror films of the 70's. It's probably the most psychological a horror film can get. The horror here is so subtle and quiet, it brings a chill up the spine.
The cast features famed stage actress Uta Hagen as Ada, Niles's grandmother. Hagen gives a radiant performance. Diana Muldaur plays Alexandra Perry, even though she is not in the movie much of the time. You'll even catch a young John Ritter in his first movie role. But the real show-stealers here are the Perry twins themselves, played by Chris and Martin Udvarnoky. They give awesome performances for the one time they ever made a movie. The character of Holland is an unnerving character, and Martin Udvarnoky fills the role with zest and frightening flavor.
"The Other" is based upon a novel by actor-turned writer Thomas Tryon. Tryon has written the script for the film version, and in a way, he improves upon his book. The movie is actually better for once in a long time.
If you're patient and you love slow-burn horror/thrillers of the 70's, take the chance and watch "The Other." You'll be glad you did. The whispering of the Perry twins will leave an imprint on you long after you've watched the movie.
-Niles Perry, in a whisper
Some of the best horror films were from the 70's. Some of them were disturbing and weird, like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," while others were so suspenseful you could hardly bear it, like "Halloween." But there's a film from 1972 that is different from those..."The Other."
The story takes place during the Great Depression at Pequot Landing at a country-side house, home of the Perry family. Niles and Holland Perry are two twins that do everything together. But after cousin Russell dies, horrible accidents and problems plague the Perry family. Could Niles or Holland have something to do with it?
Directed by Robert Mulligan, director of "Summer of '42" and "To Kill A Mockingbird," has brought to us one of the creepiest psychological horror films of the 70's. It's probably the most psychological a horror film can get. The horror here is so subtle and quiet, it brings a chill up the spine.
The cast features famed stage actress Uta Hagen as Ada, Niles's grandmother. Hagen gives a radiant performance. Diana Muldaur plays Alexandra Perry, even though she is not in the movie much of the time. You'll even catch a young John Ritter in his first movie role. But the real show-stealers here are the Perry twins themselves, played by Chris and Martin Udvarnoky. They give awesome performances for the one time they ever made a movie. The character of Holland is an unnerving character, and Martin Udvarnoky fills the role with zest and frightening flavor.
"The Other" is based upon a novel by actor-turned writer Thomas Tryon. Tryon has written the script for the film version, and in a way, he improves upon his book. The movie is actually better for once in a long time.
If you're patient and you love slow-burn horror/thrillers of the 70's, take the chance and watch "The Other." You'll be glad you did. The whispering of the Perry twins will leave an imprint on you long after you've watched the movie.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Piranha 3D Is A Gleeful Fish Tale!
We've seen plenty of "Jaws" rip-offs in our heyday, maybe even too many. Joe Dante's 1978 answer to "Jaws," a movie called "Piranha," was a truly delightful cult classic with cheesy acting, hilarious special effects, and copious amounts of nudity. After the success of "My Bloody Valentine 3D," we now get another remake..."Piranha 3D!" Well, maybe I shouldn't call it a remake since it is very different from the original film. But what matters is that this film was a blast!
The plot's really cliched, but wonderfully executed. It is Spring Break in the small town of Lake Victoria, and the horny, drunken teenagers are flocking for the party. When an earthquake occurs, releasing hundreds of thousands of piranha from the unknown depths of the lake, Sheriff Julie Forester and her crew must fight to stop the danger that the teenagers are in.
If you remember the film "Snakes On A Plane," you'll remember that it was great because it didn't try to be something it wasn't. "Piranha 3D" is in the vein of that film. It knows what it's supposed to be, and that's probably why it works so well. It is made like a good, old-fashioned B-movie from the 80's, and is unapologetically gory, hilarious, and it offers the most nudity in a horror film in years.
I said it before. "Piranha 3D" is extremely violent, and it's not sorry for it. When the piranha attack, it's full-on and once the carnage starts, it never stops! It had more blood than "The Evil Dead," and "My Bloody Valentine" combined, and that's a rarity. The one sequence that you'll be anxious to see the most is the Spring Break massacre scene. It goes on for a long time, and the violent nature of it makes you squirm and laugh at the same time. For the gore-hounds who love their horror movies with lots of red stuff, you've hit the jackpot when you go to see this movie.
As many critics have said, there is so much nudity in "Piranha 3D" that it will knock a kid into puberty. I'm surprised that it got away with so many boob shots, especially in 3D. Wait until you see the "underwater ballet" sequence.
The cast is filled with A-list actors who know how to have a good time and not take a horror movie so seriously. Elisabeth Shue is great as Julie Forester. You wonder how in the world an Oscar-nominee like her got into this movie. But Ms. Shue knows how to have fun, and she gives a good performance in this movie. You will also catch Ving Rhames as the deputy, Adam Scott("Step Brothers") as Novak, Christopher Lloyd(a riot!) as Dr. Goodman, Steven R. McQueen as Jake, "Gossip Girl" Jessica Szohr as Kelly, and Jerry O' Connell as Derek Jones, the exploitative porno director who will stop at nothing to get his footage. And here's a surprise, a slut that you care about. British model Kelly Brook plays Danni, one of Derek's Wild, Wild Girls. There's the rule that if you drop your top in a horror movie, you're dead. Sure, Brook's character is a slut, but she is able to make a nice and innocent conversation with Jake in one scene, and she gains your sympathy quickly. Oops. Did I mention that Richard Dreyfuss opens the movie? God, I love his cameo! He literally plays the exact same character he played in Jaws, wearing the same outfit, singing the same song, and, in every sense of the quote, "needing a bigger boat."
For the first time in a while, the 3D is excellent. Now, this is what I expect from 3D. If you're going to make a movie about a school of carnivorous fish, I want the piranha flying in my face, gore in my face, boobs in my face, etc. The movie never shys away from the 3D gimmick, and I love it for that.
"Piranha 3D" is directed by French director Alexandre Aja, known best for directing "High Tension" and the remake of "The Hills Have Eyes." This film is extremely different for a person like him, knowing how disturbing and serious his previous horror films have been. Aja truly impressed me with this movie, giving so much energy and life to it.
Now, "Piranha 3D" is not for everyone. Many will think of it as the stupidest horror film in years. Not true. The movie is smarter than that, and is knowing of what its audience wants to see. If you want a horror film that will be remembered as THE definitive B-movie of the decade, then you've found it here. "Piranha 3D" is the most entertaining horror film of the year so far.
The plot's really cliched, but wonderfully executed. It is Spring Break in the small town of Lake Victoria, and the horny, drunken teenagers are flocking for the party. When an earthquake occurs, releasing hundreds of thousands of piranha from the unknown depths of the lake, Sheriff Julie Forester and her crew must fight to stop the danger that the teenagers are in.
If you remember the film "Snakes On A Plane," you'll remember that it was great because it didn't try to be something it wasn't. "Piranha 3D" is in the vein of that film. It knows what it's supposed to be, and that's probably why it works so well. It is made like a good, old-fashioned B-movie from the 80's, and is unapologetically gory, hilarious, and it offers the most nudity in a horror film in years.
I said it before. "Piranha 3D" is extremely violent, and it's not sorry for it. When the piranha attack, it's full-on and once the carnage starts, it never stops! It had more blood than "The Evil Dead," and "My Bloody Valentine" combined, and that's a rarity. The one sequence that you'll be anxious to see the most is the Spring Break massacre scene. It goes on for a long time, and the violent nature of it makes you squirm and laugh at the same time. For the gore-hounds who love their horror movies with lots of red stuff, you've hit the jackpot when you go to see this movie.
As many critics have said, there is so much nudity in "Piranha 3D" that it will knock a kid into puberty. I'm surprised that it got away with so many boob shots, especially in 3D. Wait until you see the "underwater ballet" sequence.
The cast is filled with A-list actors who know how to have a good time and not take a horror movie so seriously. Elisabeth Shue is great as Julie Forester. You wonder how in the world an Oscar-nominee like her got into this movie. But Ms. Shue knows how to have fun, and she gives a good performance in this movie. You will also catch Ving Rhames as the deputy, Adam Scott("Step Brothers") as Novak, Christopher Lloyd(a riot!) as Dr. Goodman, Steven R. McQueen as Jake, "Gossip Girl" Jessica Szohr as Kelly, and Jerry O' Connell as Derek Jones, the exploitative porno director who will stop at nothing to get his footage. And here's a surprise, a slut that you care about. British model Kelly Brook plays Danni, one of Derek's Wild, Wild Girls. There's the rule that if you drop your top in a horror movie, you're dead. Sure, Brook's character is a slut, but she is able to make a nice and innocent conversation with Jake in one scene, and she gains your sympathy quickly. Oops. Did I mention that Richard Dreyfuss opens the movie? God, I love his cameo! He literally plays the exact same character he played in Jaws, wearing the same outfit, singing the same song, and, in every sense of the quote, "needing a bigger boat."
For the first time in a while, the 3D is excellent. Now, this is what I expect from 3D. If you're going to make a movie about a school of carnivorous fish, I want the piranha flying in my face, gore in my face, boobs in my face, etc. The movie never shys away from the 3D gimmick, and I love it for that.
"Piranha 3D" is directed by French director Alexandre Aja, known best for directing "High Tension" and the remake of "The Hills Have Eyes." This film is extremely different for a person like him, knowing how disturbing and serious his previous horror films have been. Aja truly impressed me with this movie, giving so much energy and life to it.
Now, "Piranha 3D" is not for everyone. Many will think of it as the stupidest horror film in years. Not true. The movie is smarter than that, and is knowing of what its audience wants to see. If you want a horror film that will be remembered as THE definitive B-movie of the decade, then you've found it here. "Piranha 3D" is the most entertaining horror film of the year so far.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Invasion of the Body Snatchers: Is The Remake Better?
1956: the year of the pod people. That year, the film "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" was a huge hit. While goofy at times, it certainly sparked controversy and relation to Communism at the time. Then, there's 1978, 22 years later. And famed filmmaker Philip Kaufman revived the classic story for the modern 70's audience. Does the remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" work? Yes. In fact, I think it might work better than the original.
A group of people begin to discover weird changes in their surroundings, starting with Elizabeth Driscoll. Something's up with her boyfriend Geoffrey, and she doesn't know what it is. That's when a flower is introduced to health department investigator Matthew Bennell, Jack Bellicec and his wife Nancy, and famous Dr. David Kibner. It's a pod flower unlike anything that has ever been seen before. Then, everybody begins to change. Couples suspect their family or husband or wife of not being who they really are. Something terrible's going on in this town, and it's happening to everybody. They're here...and you're next!
I expected this remake to be a failure. Fortunately, it isn't. In my opinion, the original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is a good film, but it can't escape total silliness. That's not what I look for in a horror film, or at least a sci-fi horror. The remake of "Invasion" was everything the original wasn't. It trades in goofiness for straightforward chills. The sense that the Body Snatchers could be anybody, either your mother or father or best friend, brings extreme effect to the viewer. And there's plenty of scares and unnerving elements throughout the film to keep you attached to your seat.
A-list actors give amazing performances in this film. Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Veronica Cartwright and Jeff Goldblum play their parts so well, it's as if they're not even acting. They portray their characters as real people in a situation too terrifying to describe. And hooray for Leonard Nimoy, who finally steps out of his "Star Trek" roots. He can't be remembered as Spock for the rest of his life, and he proves that while playing Kibner.
The 1956 version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is reccomended. However, the 1978 remake is essential. It's scary, it's atmospheric, and most of all, effective. The sound that comes out of the pod people's mouth will remain embedded in your mind long after you watch the film.
A group of people begin to discover weird changes in their surroundings, starting with Elizabeth Driscoll. Something's up with her boyfriend Geoffrey, and she doesn't know what it is. That's when a flower is introduced to health department investigator Matthew Bennell, Jack Bellicec and his wife Nancy, and famous Dr. David Kibner. It's a pod flower unlike anything that has ever been seen before. Then, everybody begins to change. Couples suspect their family or husband or wife of not being who they really are. Something terrible's going on in this town, and it's happening to everybody. They're here...and you're next!
I expected this remake to be a failure. Fortunately, it isn't. In my opinion, the original "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is a good film, but it can't escape total silliness. That's not what I look for in a horror film, or at least a sci-fi horror. The remake of "Invasion" was everything the original wasn't. It trades in goofiness for straightforward chills. The sense that the Body Snatchers could be anybody, either your mother or father or best friend, brings extreme effect to the viewer. And there's plenty of scares and unnerving elements throughout the film to keep you attached to your seat.
A-list actors give amazing performances in this film. Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Veronica Cartwright and Jeff Goldblum play their parts so well, it's as if they're not even acting. They portray their characters as real people in a situation too terrifying to describe. And hooray for Leonard Nimoy, who finally steps out of his "Star Trek" roots. He can't be remembered as Spock for the rest of his life, and he proves that while playing Kibner.
The 1956 version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is reccomended. However, the 1978 remake is essential. It's scary, it's atmospheric, and most of all, effective. The sound that comes out of the pod people's mouth will remain embedded in your mind long after you watch the film.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Pet Sematary: Not Your Average Stephen King Movie
I've seen all of the Stephen King movies. Some are amazing, and some aren't. Personally, my favorite time of Stephen King was the 70's-80's era. That was when King films were scary and uncompromising. One of my favorites is 1989's "Pet Sematary," a film that is unlike any Stephen King movie out there.
Louis Creed, his wife Rachel, and their two children, Ellie and baby Gage, move to a house in Maine that brings on the idea of the American dream. But it's not at all what it's supposed to be, according to their friendly neighbor Jud Crandall. Beyond Louis and Rachel's house lies a path to the Pet Sematary, a graveyard filled with dead pets buried by broken-hearted children. After Rachel and the kids go on vacation, Louis faces a problem with the family cat, Church, after he is hit by a truck. Jud leads Louis to a farther path after the Pet Sematary, a path to an Indian burial ground. And before Louis knows it, Church comes back to life. And after the tragic death of Gage, Louis can't bear to live with his son's death anymore, and decides to bury him at the Pet Sematary. Bad idea.
Out of all the Stephen King movies, I think "Pet Sematary" is his darkest tale. It's a gritty, disturbing, violent, and unnerving film that is, at times, painful to watch. Not that it's a bad thing. This is a great horror film, through and through.
What does Jud mean when he says "Sometimes, dead is better?" When he says this, we understand that death is a powerful thing, something that we can all relate to. Months after Gage dies, Louis just refuses to let him go. He needs to realize that you can't bring people back to life. And if you do, you're taking things too far.
One of the scariest elements of the movie is what happens after the cat or the child is buried at the Pet Sematary. We think that Gage is happy when he comes back. But the truth is what comes out of the burial ground isn't Gage. It's something different and evil. As it is mentioned several times in the movie, "the barrier was not meant to be crossed."
The acting in this film is quite good. Dale Midkiff's performance as Louis is subtle and heartbreaking as you know that he can't comfort his daughter and he is slowly losing his mind after traveling to the Indian burial ground. "Star Trek" alumni Denise Crosby does well as Rachel. Gage's death brings on horrible memories from her childhood, mostly about her dying sister Zelda. You feel awful about what is happening to her, and you gain Crosby's sympathy instantly. Fred Gwynne's portrayal of Jud is a little bit goofy, but you gotta love him. I mean, he's Herman Munster. Let's talk about little Miko Hughes as Gage. He's just a baby in this film, and it's almost like he didn't need direction. That's how good he is in this movie. It still creeps me out when I hear him laugh.
George A. Romero was supposed to direct the film, but that job went to Mary Lambert, who I believe was a better decision. Many male viewers believe that women cannot direct horror films. But Lambert proves them wrong with intelligent direction and perfect understanding of the plot.
Will you be creeped out by this movie? Absolutely. Will you be grossed out? It's impossible not to be. But the gore is just the cherry on top for "Pet Sematary." This film is all about disturbing and scaring you. It's such a dark story and one of Stephen King's best. Everything about this movie, from the character of Zelda to Louis's loss of sanity, will scare you. And you will discover that sometimes, dead truly is better.
Louis Creed, his wife Rachel, and their two children, Ellie and baby Gage, move to a house in Maine that brings on the idea of the American dream. But it's not at all what it's supposed to be, according to their friendly neighbor Jud Crandall. Beyond Louis and Rachel's house lies a path to the Pet Sematary, a graveyard filled with dead pets buried by broken-hearted children. After Rachel and the kids go on vacation, Louis faces a problem with the family cat, Church, after he is hit by a truck. Jud leads Louis to a farther path after the Pet Sematary, a path to an Indian burial ground. And before Louis knows it, Church comes back to life. And after the tragic death of Gage, Louis can't bear to live with his son's death anymore, and decides to bury him at the Pet Sematary. Bad idea.
Out of all the Stephen King movies, I think "Pet Sematary" is his darkest tale. It's a gritty, disturbing, violent, and unnerving film that is, at times, painful to watch. Not that it's a bad thing. This is a great horror film, through and through.
What does Jud mean when he says "Sometimes, dead is better?" When he says this, we understand that death is a powerful thing, something that we can all relate to. Months after Gage dies, Louis just refuses to let him go. He needs to realize that you can't bring people back to life. And if you do, you're taking things too far.
One of the scariest elements of the movie is what happens after the cat or the child is buried at the Pet Sematary. We think that Gage is happy when he comes back. But the truth is what comes out of the burial ground isn't Gage. It's something different and evil. As it is mentioned several times in the movie, "the barrier was not meant to be crossed."
The acting in this film is quite good. Dale Midkiff's performance as Louis is subtle and heartbreaking as you know that he can't comfort his daughter and he is slowly losing his mind after traveling to the Indian burial ground. "Star Trek" alumni Denise Crosby does well as Rachel. Gage's death brings on horrible memories from her childhood, mostly about her dying sister Zelda. You feel awful about what is happening to her, and you gain Crosby's sympathy instantly. Fred Gwynne's portrayal of Jud is a little bit goofy, but you gotta love him. I mean, he's Herman Munster. Let's talk about little Miko Hughes as Gage. He's just a baby in this film, and it's almost like he didn't need direction. That's how good he is in this movie. It still creeps me out when I hear him laugh.
George A. Romero was supposed to direct the film, but that job went to Mary Lambert, who I believe was a better decision. Many male viewers believe that women cannot direct horror films. But Lambert proves them wrong with intelligent direction and perfect understanding of the plot.
Will you be creeped out by this movie? Absolutely. Will you be grossed out? It's impossible not to be. But the gore is just the cherry on top for "Pet Sematary." This film is all about disturbing and scaring you. It's such a dark story and one of Stephen King's best. Everything about this movie, from the character of Zelda to Louis's loss of sanity, will scare you. And you will discover that sometimes, dead truly is better.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The Best Horror Films of the 2000's
1) Ginger Snaps (2000)- Two goth sisters, Brigitte and Ginger, are walking through the woods one night, and Ginger is attacked by some kind of dog. Slowly, Brigitte realizes that Ginger will turn into a werewolf in a couple of days. Using the lycanthrope mythos as a metaphor for female puberty, this is not your average werewolf movie. It's scary, darkly comic, bloody, and Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle are perfectly cast as Brigitte and Ginger.
2) The Descent (2005)- A group of daredevil women go spelunking and get stuck inside the cave. Searching for a way out, they realize that they are not alone. This film is what a horror movie should be. You get claustrophobia, fear of the dark, strong independent leads, and some of the most horrifying monsters since "Aliens." Definitely one of the scariest movies I've ever seen.
3) The Others (2001)- In the tradition of "The Haunting," "The Others" is about a woman sheltering her children in a dark mansion due to their allergies caused by sunlight. After the woman hires servants to work around the house, strange things happen. Why does the daughter tell stories of an imaginary boy named Victor? Why are there sudden noises around the mansion? The servants know nothing, and the children are not playing around. Who is threatening the lives of this woman and her children? Directed by Alejandro Amenabar, this good, old-fashioned ghost story will chill you to the bone.
4) The Mist (2007)- Stephen King's tale of an impending fog surrounding a supermarket is creepy and tragic, and it has an amazing cast. Marcia Gay Harden's performance as a twisted religious fanatic should have been Oscar-worthy.
5) Final Destination (2000)- One of the most original horror movies of the decade. After a boy has a premonition of a plane exploding, he and other passengers are thrown off the plane, only to discover that the plane does explode just minutes afterwards. In time, death itself begins to pick off the kids in the order that they were meant to die on the plane. Gory and smart, "Final Destination" is a big surprise.
6) Saw (2004)- A very different slasher movie about a serial killer by the name of Jigsaw. Jigsaw only has one perogative, and that is to play torturous games with his victims and make them realize whether or not their life is worth living. While two people are trapped in a dilapidated bathroom, Jigsaw holds hostage two of the family members of one of the victims. How far will this doctor go to stop Jigsaw and save the life of his wife and daughter? "Saw" reminds you very much of David Fincher's "Seven," only this film makes your skin crawl and stomach churn a lot more than the other. It's not for the faint of heart.
7) 1408 (2007)- Another Stephen King tale in the vein of "The Shining." John Cusack stars as Mike Enslin, an author who has seen it all. He's been to the haunted houses and the hotels. Nothing has ever truly happened. Mike later sets his sights on The Dolphin Hotel, home to the infamous room 1408, where terrible things have occurred. Staying in 1408 is not permitted, but Mike is able to persuade the hotel manager to hand over the key. The truth is there really is something wrong with room 1408, and Mike has a big problem on his hands. It's a little bit of a ghost story, but it's not the ghosts in "1408" that scare the viewer. It's the room's ability to drive Mike Enslin to the brink of madness. An expertly crafted horror film that boasts the wonderful performances of Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson.
8) The House of the Devil (2009)- A girl looking for money is given a babysitting job in the house of Vincent and Vivian Ullman, who are hiding a dark and terrifying secret. Ti West's Satanic tale is not too much about gore. It's more about the unsettling suspense the viewer goes through until the blood-curdling climax. It's eerie and perfect, with A-grade performances by Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, and Greta Girwig. "The House of the Devil" is a real horror gem.
9) Dawn of the Dead (2004)- A remake of George Romero's 1978 zombie flick, this one doesn't feature as much social commentary as it does loads of scares and gore, and the zombies have been turned into unstoppable, fast-running forces of nature that you can't escape. Great cast, especially Sarah Polley.
10) Frailty (2001)- Bill Paxton stars in and directs this Gothic horror/thriller about two boys whose father is a serial killer who believes he is doing God's will by eliminating demons from Earth, or in reality, just killing people and involving his children. Very unnerving and brutal, without really showing that much. Paxton's performance is chilling.
11) Drag Me To Hell (2009)- Starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, and Dileep Rao, Sam Raimi's story about a girl cursed by a gypsy is a trip well worth taking. In the spirit of Raimi's first horror film, "The Evil Dead," this is a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end, with endless scares, a great sense of humor, and loads of goo. Adding this to your collection is a no-brainer.
12) Trick 'r Treat (2008)- From the writer of "X2: X-Men United" comes an anthology horror film that actually beats "Creepshow." The four tales are woven into the traditional night of Halloween. Two of the tales are fun while the other two are just chilling: A virginal college girl joins her friends in a party in the woods, a night in the life of a serial killer is examined, a group of kids discover that an urban legend is true, and a cranky old man gets an unwelcome visit from a maniacal trick or treater. Why such a great horror film like this sat on the Warner Bros. shelf for so long is beyond me, but I'm so glad I got to watch this it. "Trick 'r Treat" embraces the Halloween holiday so much, and is very funny at times. Check this off your must-see list.
13) May (2002)- Angela Bettis stars as lazy-eyed May, an outcast whose only friend is a ceramic doll she keeps in a box. After being rejected by a boy she has a major crush on, May finds that if you can't find a friend, make one. On Halloween, May decides to go Frankenstein and steal the body parts of others to create the perfect friend. Lucky McKee's story is extremely quirky and bizarre, and you feel sympathy towards May throughout the film. Bettis is fantastic in the title role, and Anna Faris is hilarious as her lesbian pal.
14) The Strangers (2007)- Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play a couple who are terrorized by unknown maniacs in their halfway home in the woods. Atmosphere is not the only trait that lifts this movie beyond other horror films. We never really find out who these strangers are or what their motive is, which makes this movie just as scary as I thought it would be. This is THE definitive home-invasion horror film that all others will try and fail to surpass.
15) Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)- The story is about a futuristic society that has been plagued by an epidemic. Thanks to GeneCo, the society's popular biotech company, an organ-financing program is created. If the patient is unable to pay for the organ that is donated, they are given time by GeneCo to pay up. And if they can't come up with the money in the duration of time given, GeneCo sends out The Repo Man to reposess the organ...in the bloodiest ways. The story surrounding this wonderful horror rock opera is more interesting than you'd think it would be. This film gives you the feeling of watching a midnight showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and I can already tell you that it will be a cult classic. You have the imaginative director Darren Lynn Bousman("Saw II") behind the camera. It has a surprising and entertaining cast, including Anthony Head(TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer")and Alexa Vega("Spy Kids"). Sarah Brightman is so beautiful and has an amazing voice. It's no wonder she was the star in her ex-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway hit "The Phantom of the Opera." "Repo!" offers so much more than your average rock musical.
16) Jeepers Creepers (2001)- Driving home after a spring break fling, Trish Jenner and her brother Darry stumble upon a church that leads underground to the home of a maniac that surrounds himself with hundreds of dead bodies. They try to warn the police, but nobody believes them. Until the person attacks the town. Only it's not a person. Victor Salva's tale is a classic, old-fashioned monster movie with plenty of violence, good performances by the two leads, and an imaginative and original monster that you have every reason to be scared of.
17) The Crazies (2010)- In the town of Ogden Marsh, people are slowly losing their mind and terrorizing others. Soon, the virus that is eating away at this town will be spread nationwide. Can sheriff David Dutton and his wife Judy survive the nightmare? That's right. I'm listing the remake of George Romero's 1973 horror flick as one of the best of the decade. It has flawless acting and plenty of scares. But it's the social commentary littered throughout the film that makes it so nerve-wracking. Diseases, like H1N1 and AIDS, are referenced very much, as well as paranoia and the feeling that this could really happen. Even the most dedicated fan of the genre will be freaked out by this movie. "The Crazies" is one of the best remakes out there.
18) 30 Days of Night (2007)- Based on Steve Niles' popular graphic novel, this film takes us to Barrow, Alaska, a town that is heading into their month of darkness. The town sheriff Eben, his wife Stella, and several other people are the only ones left alive after a random pack of vampires attack. Can Eben and Stella live to see sunlight, or will the fanged creatures destroy the town forever? From David Slade, director of "Hard Candy," comes a real vampire movie. It's gory, it's mean-spirited, it's frightening, and the production design is fantastic. Plus, you have the star-power of Josh Hartnett and Melissa George. Forget "Twilight!" You want vampires? These are vampires!
19) Orphan (2009)- Peter Sarsgaard and Vera Farmiga star as John and Kate, a couple looking to adopt a child. It's not an easy decision, but they make their choice right away when they meet Esther, a Russian orphan just looking for love. But very quickly, things get weird. She begins to exhibit extremely bizarre behavior, and gets in trouble with others. Something is wrong with Esther, and it's up to Kate to stop it. Not your average "killer kid" flick, "Orphan" is disturbing and plenty scary, and you won't believe the twist at the end of the film!
20) Paranormal Activity (2007)- The haunted house story that was put off for two years and demanded in cities nationwide is one of 2009's most creepy and disturbing horror films you'll watch this year. Suspense builds slowly as the events that are happening while Katie and Micah sleep become downright shocking and terrifying, and the climax will remain embedded in your mind for weeks. Are the other viewers right when they say that you won't be able to sleep after watching "Paranormal Activity?" Definitely.
2) The Descent (2005)- A group of daredevil women go spelunking and get stuck inside the cave. Searching for a way out, they realize that they are not alone. This film is what a horror movie should be. You get claustrophobia, fear of the dark, strong independent leads, and some of the most horrifying monsters since "Aliens." Definitely one of the scariest movies I've ever seen.
3) The Others (2001)- In the tradition of "The Haunting," "The Others" is about a woman sheltering her children in a dark mansion due to their allergies caused by sunlight. After the woman hires servants to work around the house, strange things happen. Why does the daughter tell stories of an imaginary boy named Victor? Why are there sudden noises around the mansion? The servants know nothing, and the children are not playing around. Who is threatening the lives of this woman and her children? Directed by Alejandro Amenabar, this good, old-fashioned ghost story will chill you to the bone.
4) The Mist (2007)- Stephen King's tale of an impending fog surrounding a supermarket is creepy and tragic, and it has an amazing cast. Marcia Gay Harden's performance as a twisted religious fanatic should have been Oscar-worthy.
5) Final Destination (2000)- One of the most original horror movies of the decade. After a boy has a premonition of a plane exploding, he and other passengers are thrown off the plane, only to discover that the plane does explode just minutes afterwards. In time, death itself begins to pick off the kids in the order that they were meant to die on the plane. Gory and smart, "Final Destination" is a big surprise.
6) Saw (2004)- A very different slasher movie about a serial killer by the name of Jigsaw. Jigsaw only has one perogative, and that is to play torturous games with his victims and make them realize whether or not their life is worth living. While two people are trapped in a dilapidated bathroom, Jigsaw holds hostage two of the family members of one of the victims. How far will this doctor go to stop Jigsaw and save the life of his wife and daughter? "Saw" reminds you very much of David Fincher's "Seven," only this film makes your skin crawl and stomach churn a lot more than the other. It's not for the faint of heart.
7) 1408 (2007)- Another Stephen King tale in the vein of "The Shining." John Cusack stars as Mike Enslin, an author who has seen it all. He's been to the haunted houses and the hotels. Nothing has ever truly happened. Mike later sets his sights on The Dolphin Hotel, home to the infamous room 1408, where terrible things have occurred. Staying in 1408 is not permitted, but Mike is able to persuade the hotel manager to hand over the key. The truth is there really is something wrong with room 1408, and Mike has a big problem on his hands. It's a little bit of a ghost story, but it's not the ghosts in "1408" that scare the viewer. It's the room's ability to drive Mike Enslin to the brink of madness. An expertly crafted horror film that boasts the wonderful performances of Cusack and Samuel L. Jackson.
8) The House of the Devil (2009)- A girl looking for money is given a babysitting job in the house of Vincent and Vivian Ullman, who are hiding a dark and terrifying secret. Ti West's Satanic tale is not too much about gore. It's more about the unsettling suspense the viewer goes through until the blood-curdling climax. It's eerie and perfect, with A-grade performances by Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, and Greta Girwig. "The House of the Devil" is a real horror gem.
9) Dawn of the Dead (2004)- A remake of George Romero's 1978 zombie flick, this one doesn't feature as much social commentary as it does loads of scares and gore, and the zombies have been turned into unstoppable, fast-running forces of nature that you can't escape. Great cast, especially Sarah Polley.
10) Frailty (2001)- Bill Paxton stars in and directs this Gothic horror/thriller about two boys whose father is a serial killer who believes he is doing God's will by eliminating demons from Earth, or in reality, just killing people and involving his children. Very unnerving and brutal, without really showing that much. Paxton's performance is chilling.
11) Drag Me To Hell (2009)- Starring Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, and Dileep Rao, Sam Raimi's story about a girl cursed by a gypsy is a trip well worth taking. In the spirit of Raimi's first horror film, "The Evil Dead," this is a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end, with endless scares, a great sense of humor, and loads of goo. Adding this to your collection is a no-brainer.
12) Trick 'r Treat (2008)- From the writer of "X2: X-Men United" comes an anthology horror film that actually beats "Creepshow." The four tales are woven into the traditional night of Halloween. Two of the tales are fun while the other two are just chilling: A virginal college girl joins her friends in a party in the woods, a night in the life of a serial killer is examined, a group of kids discover that an urban legend is true, and a cranky old man gets an unwelcome visit from a maniacal trick or treater. Why such a great horror film like this sat on the Warner Bros. shelf for so long is beyond me, but I'm so glad I got to watch this it. "Trick 'r Treat" embraces the Halloween holiday so much, and is very funny at times. Check this off your must-see list.
13) May (2002)- Angela Bettis stars as lazy-eyed May, an outcast whose only friend is a ceramic doll she keeps in a box. After being rejected by a boy she has a major crush on, May finds that if you can't find a friend, make one. On Halloween, May decides to go Frankenstein and steal the body parts of others to create the perfect friend. Lucky McKee's story is extremely quirky and bizarre, and you feel sympathy towards May throughout the film. Bettis is fantastic in the title role, and Anna Faris is hilarious as her lesbian pal.
14) The Strangers (2007)- Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman play a couple who are terrorized by unknown maniacs in their halfway home in the woods. Atmosphere is not the only trait that lifts this movie beyond other horror films. We never really find out who these strangers are or what their motive is, which makes this movie just as scary as I thought it would be. This is THE definitive home-invasion horror film that all others will try and fail to surpass.
15) Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)- The story is about a futuristic society that has been plagued by an epidemic. Thanks to GeneCo, the society's popular biotech company, an organ-financing program is created. If the patient is unable to pay for the organ that is donated, they are given time by GeneCo to pay up. And if they can't come up with the money in the duration of time given, GeneCo sends out The Repo Man to reposess the organ...in the bloodiest ways. The story surrounding this wonderful horror rock opera is more interesting than you'd think it would be. This film gives you the feeling of watching a midnight showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and I can already tell you that it will be a cult classic. You have the imaginative director Darren Lynn Bousman("Saw II") behind the camera. It has a surprising and entertaining cast, including Anthony Head(TV's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer")and Alexa Vega("Spy Kids"). Sarah Brightman is so beautiful and has an amazing voice. It's no wonder she was the star in her ex-husband Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway hit "The Phantom of the Opera." "Repo!" offers so much more than your average rock musical.
16) Jeepers Creepers (2001)- Driving home after a spring break fling, Trish Jenner and her brother Darry stumble upon a church that leads underground to the home of a maniac that surrounds himself with hundreds of dead bodies. They try to warn the police, but nobody believes them. Until the person attacks the town. Only it's not a person. Victor Salva's tale is a classic, old-fashioned monster movie with plenty of violence, good performances by the two leads, and an imaginative and original monster that you have every reason to be scared of.
17) The Crazies (2010)- In the town of Ogden Marsh, people are slowly losing their mind and terrorizing others. Soon, the virus that is eating away at this town will be spread nationwide. Can sheriff David Dutton and his wife Judy survive the nightmare? That's right. I'm listing the remake of George Romero's 1973 horror flick as one of the best of the decade. It has flawless acting and plenty of scares. But it's the social commentary littered throughout the film that makes it so nerve-wracking. Diseases, like H1N1 and AIDS, are referenced very much, as well as paranoia and the feeling that this could really happen. Even the most dedicated fan of the genre will be freaked out by this movie. "The Crazies" is one of the best remakes out there.
18) 30 Days of Night (2007)- Based on Steve Niles' popular graphic novel, this film takes us to Barrow, Alaska, a town that is heading into their month of darkness. The town sheriff Eben, his wife Stella, and several other people are the only ones left alive after a random pack of vampires attack. Can Eben and Stella live to see sunlight, or will the fanged creatures destroy the town forever? From David Slade, director of "Hard Candy," comes a real vampire movie. It's gory, it's mean-spirited, it's frightening, and the production design is fantastic. Plus, you have the star-power of Josh Hartnett and Melissa George. Forget "Twilight!" You want vampires? These are vampires!
19) Orphan (2009)- Peter Sarsgaard and Vera Farmiga star as John and Kate, a couple looking to adopt a child. It's not an easy decision, but they make their choice right away when they meet Esther, a Russian orphan just looking for love. But very quickly, things get weird. She begins to exhibit extremely bizarre behavior, and gets in trouble with others. Something is wrong with Esther, and it's up to Kate to stop it. Not your average "killer kid" flick, "Orphan" is disturbing and plenty scary, and you won't believe the twist at the end of the film!
20) Paranormal Activity (2007)- The haunted house story that was put off for two years and demanded in cities nationwide is one of 2009's most creepy and disturbing horror films you'll watch this year. Suspense builds slowly as the events that are happening while Katie and Micah sleep become downright shocking and terrifying, and the climax will remain embedded in your mind for weeks. Are the other viewers right when they say that you won't be able to sleep after watching "Paranormal Activity?" Definitely.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Top 10 Slasher Films of the 1980's
In the 80's, a new kind of horror began. After being introduced to the iconic Jason Voorhees, many slasher films followed that were panned during their release, but several of them actually have something strong in them. These are the best slasher films of the 1980's.
1) Happy Birthday To Me (1981)- Melissa Sue Anderson and Glen Ford star in this classic slasher about a high school girl traumatized by her troubled past. Slowly, her friends, whom are known as The Crawford Academy Top Ten, begin to die one by one in the events leading up to her birthday. Could she have something to do with it? This one is deeply underrated. It's a horror film that is truly ahead of its time. It's smart, it's strange, it's bloody, and it has a great cast. This is one delicious slice of cake for any horror fan.
2) Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)- After Pamela Voorhees struck terror into the hearts of counselors at Camp Crystal Lake, along came a sequel to the classic horror hit. A new batch of horny, drugged-up, fun-loving teens start training to be counselors at a camp near Camp Crystal Lake. Does anybody smell trouble already? "Friday the 13th Part 2" was the first film in the series to feature Jason as the actual killer. It's great fun to watch, there are wonderful kills, and in a weird way, you sympathize with Jason. "Part 2" is good luck, not bad.
3) He Knows You're Alone (1980)- Armand Mastroianni's film is different from the others in that the killer mostly targets women scheduled to get married. This one is not too gory, and that's good. "He Knows You're Alone" is more about suspense and paranoia than sex and blood. Caitlyn O' Heaney gives a likeable performance as Amy, and the music is very creepy.
4) The Burning (1980)- Another camp slasher in the tradition of "Friday the 13th," but is almost better, in a way. Thanks to our three enjoyable leads, some interesting cameos, plenty of nudity, and Tom Savini's makeup effects, this one's a winner!
5) Terror Train (1980)- After "Halloween" and "Prom Night" came "Terror Train," another Jamie Lee Curtis slasher vehicle that is fun and scary. College kids celebrate their graduation by having a party on a train. Now, here's the bad news. An unwelcome guest is on board, slicing his way through the masked teens. Could it be somebody from their past? Check this one out.
6) My Bloody Valentine (1981)- Miner attacks locals on Valentine's Day with a large pickaxe. The movie that inspired the remake. It's damn creepy and good fun for the genre fan.
7) Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)- My favorite "Halloween" sequel. Enough said.
8) The Funhouse (1981)- Tobe Hooper's slasher about four teens who spend the night in a carnival funhouse and get sliced and diced by someone, or something, in a Frankenstein mask. Chilling atmosphere is the highlight of this horror romp.
9) Hell Night (1981)- Teens pledging Alpha Sigma Rho begin intiation by spending the night in Garth Manor, home to a mysterious madman. Linda Blair is awesome in this film that feels like a mix of "The Funhouse" and old Universal monster movies.
10) The House on Sorority Row (1983)- Have you ever seen "Sorority Row?" This is the movie that inspired it. Give it a watch. It's a slasher filled with pizazz and energy.
1) Happy Birthday To Me (1981)- Melissa Sue Anderson and Glen Ford star in this classic slasher about a high school girl traumatized by her troubled past. Slowly, her friends, whom are known as The Crawford Academy Top Ten, begin to die one by one in the events leading up to her birthday. Could she have something to do with it? This one is deeply underrated. It's a horror film that is truly ahead of its time. It's smart, it's strange, it's bloody, and it has a great cast. This is one delicious slice of cake for any horror fan.
2) Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)- After Pamela Voorhees struck terror into the hearts of counselors at Camp Crystal Lake, along came a sequel to the classic horror hit. A new batch of horny, drugged-up, fun-loving teens start training to be counselors at a camp near Camp Crystal Lake. Does anybody smell trouble already? "Friday the 13th Part 2" was the first film in the series to feature Jason as the actual killer. It's great fun to watch, there are wonderful kills, and in a weird way, you sympathize with Jason. "Part 2" is good luck, not bad.
3) He Knows You're Alone (1980)- Armand Mastroianni's film is different from the others in that the killer mostly targets women scheduled to get married. This one is not too gory, and that's good. "He Knows You're Alone" is more about suspense and paranoia than sex and blood. Caitlyn O' Heaney gives a likeable performance as Amy, and the music is very creepy.
4) The Burning (1980)- Another camp slasher in the tradition of "Friday the 13th," but is almost better, in a way. Thanks to our three enjoyable leads, some interesting cameos, plenty of nudity, and Tom Savini's makeup effects, this one's a winner!
5) Terror Train (1980)- After "Halloween" and "Prom Night" came "Terror Train," another Jamie Lee Curtis slasher vehicle that is fun and scary. College kids celebrate their graduation by having a party on a train. Now, here's the bad news. An unwelcome guest is on board, slicing his way through the masked teens. Could it be somebody from their past? Check this one out.
6) My Bloody Valentine (1981)- Miner attacks locals on Valentine's Day with a large pickaxe. The movie that inspired the remake. It's damn creepy and good fun for the genre fan.
7) Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)- My favorite "Halloween" sequel. Enough said.
8) The Funhouse (1981)- Tobe Hooper's slasher about four teens who spend the night in a carnival funhouse and get sliced and diced by someone, or something, in a Frankenstein mask. Chilling atmosphere is the highlight of this horror romp.
9) Hell Night (1981)- Teens pledging Alpha Sigma Rho begin intiation by spending the night in Garth Manor, home to a mysterious madman. Linda Blair is awesome in this film that feels like a mix of "The Funhouse" and old Universal monster movies.
10) The House on Sorority Row (1983)- Have you ever seen "Sorority Row?" This is the movie that inspired it. Give it a watch. It's a slasher filled with pizazz and energy.
My Favorite Horror Films of the 1970's
1) Halloween (1978)- Jamie Lee Curtis makes her big debut in this classic movie about a serial killer who escapes from a mental asylum and returns to his hometown to kill on Halloween Night. Super scary and creepy, and the acting is top-notch all around. If it weren't for this movie, there wouldn't be such an iconic masked killer by the name of Michael Myers.
2) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)- Kids are traveling through Texas, run out of gas and find a house that belongs to a skin-ripping cannibal family. Tobe Hooper takes a simple premise and creates one of the most disturbing, horrifying, and insane horror classics ever made. Leatherface's name has become synonymous with the genre. Actress Marilyn Burns's screaming will last in your head for hours. Multiple showers are guaranteed.
3) Jaws (1975)- Steven Spielberg's masterpiece about a 25-foot, 3-ton Great White shark that attacks a New England town, leading to the showdown between the shark, Chief Martin Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper, and sea captain Quint. Without a doubt the most frightening PG-rated movie of all time.
4) The Exorcist (1973)- Two priests join forces to end the demonic posession of an innocent 12 year-old girl. The movie that changed horror forever. Need I say more?
5) The Omen (1976)- Ambassador Robert Thorn and his wife Katherine adopt a baby that grows up to be Damien, which leads to horrifying accidents. Could Damien be the Antichrist? Suspenseful, shocking, and atmospheric are all perfect words to describe Richard Donner's film. Jerry Goldsmith almost dominates the movie with a blood-curdling score.
6) Black Christmas (1974)- Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, and John Saxon star in this cult slasher film about a stranger who hides out in the attic of a sorority house and kills each girl one by one on Christmas Day. Extremely creepy and unnerving, and a hilarious performance by Margot Kidder as one of the girls. Who knew Bob Clark, director of "Porky's" and "A Christmas Story" would start his career with this?
7) Phantasm (1979)-Don Coscarelli's eerie nightmare about The Tall Man and his funeral parlor of horrors. The acting isn't the best component, but this movie is all about atmosphere and surrealism, and Angus Scrimm's performance as The Tall Man is unforgettable.
8) The Amityville Horror (1979)- Your classic modern-day haunted house movie about a family who moves into a house on Long Island that is plagued by the murders of the family that lived there before. Ghosts are aplenty in this film, and it will creep you out. Let's not forget the star power of James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy Lutz. Inspired by a true story.
9) Suspiria (1977)- The best of all foreign horror films. Dario Argento weaves a tale of a girl who travels to a ballet school and discovers it's a witch coven. While it is a brutal and frightening film, Argento's trademark murders are filmed beautifully and with loads of style. Don't watch this at night!
10) Carrie (1976)- Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, this is the story of Carrie White, an outcast bullied by everyone in her school and labeled a sinner by a religious nutcase of a mother. When things are taken too far on the night of her senior prom, Carrie decides to use her newly-discovered power of telekinesis and make these teenagers pay. This intense drama takes a hard left turn and becomes a horror movie to remember. Brian De Palma's directorial skill is aided by the outstanding performances of his cast, especially Sissy Spacek as Carrie and Piper Laurie as Margaret White.
11) The Stepford Wives (1975)- After the adaptation of Ira Levin's "Rosemary's Baby" came the next story in his repertoire, "The Stepford Wives." Joanna Eberhardt, her husband, and their two children move to the town of Stepford, where the housewives seem a little too human. Levin's story is satirical at times, mocking the 60's generation of a Beaver Cleaver-like Americana. At other times, it's weird and creepy. Katharine Ross gives a great performance as Joanna.
2) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)- Kids are traveling through Texas, run out of gas and find a house that belongs to a skin-ripping cannibal family. Tobe Hooper takes a simple premise and creates one of the most disturbing, horrifying, and insane horror classics ever made. Leatherface's name has become synonymous with the genre. Actress Marilyn Burns's screaming will last in your head for hours. Multiple showers are guaranteed.
3) Jaws (1975)- Steven Spielberg's masterpiece about a 25-foot, 3-ton Great White shark that attacks a New England town, leading to the showdown between the shark, Chief Martin Brody, marine biologist Matt Hooper, and sea captain Quint. Without a doubt the most frightening PG-rated movie of all time.
4) The Exorcist (1973)- Two priests join forces to end the demonic posession of an innocent 12 year-old girl. The movie that changed horror forever. Need I say more?
5) The Omen (1976)- Ambassador Robert Thorn and his wife Katherine adopt a baby that grows up to be Damien, which leads to horrifying accidents. Could Damien be the Antichrist? Suspenseful, shocking, and atmospheric are all perfect words to describe Richard Donner's film. Jerry Goldsmith almost dominates the movie with a blood-curdling score.
6) Black Christmas (1974)- Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, and John Saxon star in this cult slasher film about a stranger who hides out in the attic of a sorority house and kills each girl one by one on Christmas Day. Extremely creepy and unnerving, and a hilarious performance by Margot Kidder as one of the girls. Who knew Bob Clark, director of "Porky's" and "A Christmas Story" would start his career with this?
7) Phantasm (1979)-Don Coscarelli's eerie nightmare about The Tall Man and his funeral parlor of horrors. The acting isn't the best component, but this movie is all about atmosphere and surrealism, and Angus Scrimm's performance as The Tall Man is unforgettable.
8) The Amityville Horror (1979)- Your classic modern-day haunted house movie about a family who moves into a house on Long Island that is plagued by the murders of the family that lived there before. Ghosts are aplenty in this film, and it will creep you out. Let's not forget the star power of James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy Lutz. Inspired by a true story.
9) Suspiria (1977)- The best of all foreign horror films. Dario Argento weaves a tale of a girl who travels to a ballet school and discovers it's a witch coven. While it is a brutal and frightening film, Argento's trademark murders are filmed beautifully and with loads of style. Don't watch this at night!
10) Carrie (1976)- Based on the classic novel by Stephen King, this is the story of Carrie White, an outcast bullied by everyone in her school and labeled a sinner by a religious nutcase of a mother. When things are taken too far on the night of her senior prom, Carrie decides to use her newly-discovered power of telekinesis and make these teenagers pay. This intense drama takes a hard left turn and becomes a horror movie to remember. Brian De Palma's directorial skill is aided by the outstanding performances of his cast, especially Sissy Spacek as Carrie and Piper Laurie as Margaret White.
11) The Stepford Wives (1975)- After the adaptation of Ira Levin's "Rosemary's Baby" came the next story in his repertoire, "The Stepford Wives." Joanna Eberhardt, her husband, and their two children move to the town of Stepford, where the housewives seem a little too human. Levin's story is satirical at times, mocking the 60's generation of a Beaver Cleaver-like Americana. At other times, it's weird and creepy. Katharine Ross gives a great performance as Joanna.
Friday, June 11, 2010
My Favorite Horror Films of the 1960's
The title speaks for itself.
1) The Haunting (1963)- A group of people spend a few nights at the infamous Hill House to find any sort of supernatural occurrences. And that's what they get. Robert Wise's ghost story is probably the best ever made, keeping the audience completely in suspense and letting their imagination run as a ghostly apparition is never found onscreen. Indeed, what you don't see is scarier than what you do see. Based on Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House," there's no doubt that this film will give you chills.
2) Psycho (1960)- Marion Crane embezzles 40,000 dollars and spends the night at the homey Bates Motel, run by the shy Norman Bates, who's got a terrifying secret hidden in his house on the hill. Gotta love Alfred Hitchcock! "Psycho" is not only a perfect horror film, but a template in the history of cinema as well. Pitch-perfect atmosphere, a classic mind-numbing score by Bernard Hermann, and a performance by Anthony Perkins that will be remembered forever. To this day, the shower scene is still a shocker!
3) Rosemary's Baby (1968)- Guy and Rosemary Woodhouse, a happily married couple, buy an apartment in the Bramford, which leads to Rosemary's weird dreams, paranoid ideas of the elderly Castevet couple next door, and fear that something terrible is going to happen to her unborn baby. Roman Polanski's journey into the heart of paranoia and psychological horror is to die for. Not a single moment in this film goes by that isn't creepy or surreal. And Mia Farrow's performance as Rosemary is perfect. Aided by a strong cast, including John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Minnie Castevet, and a bizarre musical score, you should be ashamed if you haven't seen "Rosemary's Baby."
4) The Innocents (1961)- Classic gothic horror about Miss Giddens, an 1800's governess who travels to the Blye mansion to care for the young Miles and Flora. Not all is well at the Blye mansion as Miss Giddens begins to experience strange happenings and see horrific figures around the house. Could Miles and Flora have something to do with it? Another ghost story in the vein of "The Haunting" that is weird and eerie. Great atmosphere is the sole purpose of the film, and it succeeds nicely. A wonderful performance from Deborah Kerr as Miss Giddens.
1) The Haunting (1963)- A group of people spend a few nights at the infamous Hill House to find any sort of supernatural occurrences. And that's what they get. Robert Wise's ghost story is probably the best ever made, keeping the audience completely in suspense and letting their imagination run as a ghostly apparition is never found onscreen. Indeed, what you don't see is scarier than what you do see. Based on Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House," there's no doubt that this film will give you chills.
2) Psycho (1960)- Marion Crane embezzles 40,000 dollars and spends the night at the homey Bates Motel, run by the shy Norman Bates, who's got a terrifying secret hidden in his house on the hill. Gotta love Alfred Hitchcock! "Psycho" is not only a perfect horror film, but a template in the history of cinema as well. Pitch-perfect atmosphere, a classic mind-numbing score by Bernard Hermann, and a performance by Anthony Perkins that will be remembered forever. To this day, the shower scene is still a shocker!
3) Rosemary's Baby (1968)- Guy and Rosemary Woodhouse, a happily married couple, buy an apartment in the Bramford, which leads to Rosemary's weird dreams, paranoid ideas of the elderly Castevet couple next door, and fear that something terrible is going to happen to her unborn baby. Roman Polanski's journey into the heart of paranoia and psychological horror is to die for. Not a single moment in this film goes by that isn't creepy or surreal. And Mia Farrow's performance as Rosemary is perfect. Aided by a strong cast, including John Cassavetes and Ruth Gordon, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Minnie Castevet, and a bizarre musical score, you should be ashamed if you haven't seen "Rosemary's Baby."
4) The Innocents (1961)- Classic gothic horror about Miss Giddens, an 1800's governess who travels to the Blye mansion to care for the young Miles and Flora. Not all is well at the Blye mansion as Miss Giddens begins to experience strange happenings and see horrific figures around the house. Could Miles and Flora have something to do with it? Another ghost story in the vein of "The Haunting" that is weird and eerie. Great atmosphere is the sole purpose of the film, and it succeeds nicely. A wonderful performance from Deborah Kerr as Miss Giddens.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Sequels
We all know how classic the 1984 horror film was and is. Do I really need to grade it? No. But after watching the documentary "Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy," I realized that the films that followed have something that makes them better than I thought they were. Time to grade the "Nightmare On Elm Street" sequels.
1) A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)- In this sequel, a boy named Jesse Walsh and his family move into Nancy Thompson's old house on 1428 Elm Street, and he discovers what happened there. Jesse slowly realizes that Freddy Krueger is not finished with his work in Springwood, and he's found a new companion to kill for him...Jesse himself! With the help of his high school sweetheart Lisa, Jesse must stop Freddy's reign of terror before it's too late. Freddy is still pretty scary in this sequel, and not a single sense of humor in him is evident at all. If you can overlook the awkward and unintentional gay overtones(including the line "Something is trying to get inside my body" and the shower sequence), "Freddy's Revenge" is actually a good sequel. B-
2) A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors (1987)- Heather Langenkamp returns as Nancy, who is now a psychologist trying to help damaged teens in a mental hospital who can't sleep. After one kid dies, it is obvious that Freddy Krueger is back to kill what's left of the Elm Street children. And it's up to the remaining 6 teens to use their hidden power and kill the dream-stalker. There is almost nothing wrong with this third "Nightmare." It boasts great dream sequences, a Freddy who is funny but still very creepy, Langenkamp's triumphant return as well as John Saxon's, and the big debut of Patricia Arquette. Just the music could have used a bit of work. Overall, a great sequel. A-
3) A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)- Another batch of Elm Street kids are terrorized by Freddy, and it's up to Alice to stop him once and for all. This is the point when Freddy isn't scary anymore. However, Robert Englund delivers his wisecracks with relish, making Freddy a very macabre comedian. The dream sequences are quite cool, and there's great special effects. Lisa Wilcox makes Alice a very plucky and sympathetic heroine, and I liked her performance very much. Certainly not the original, but still very good. And I'm big fan of director Renny Harlin(Die Hard 2 and Deep Blue Sea). B+
4) A Nightmare On Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)- "It's a boy!!!!" Freddy Krueger returns to haunt more dreams while taking over the nightmares of Alice's unborn son. Great special effects, as always, abound in this one. And it has an interesting story. But it does have its flaws. Some of these people look a little bit too old to be graduating high school, the script feels a little bit rushed, and Freddy's jokes are a little close to hitting the line of stupidity. But thankfully, they don't. I'm not saying you should steer clear of Part 5, but altogether, it's just decent. C+
5) Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)- Another group of teens battle Freddy in their dreams while a young woman figures out her dark secret that connects to the dream figure. "Freddy's Dead" is almost laughably bad. Some of Freddy's wisecracks are tasteless and very bland. The acting isn't terrible, that's one good thing. But the story isn't interesting and feels formulaic. However, if you don't take it seriously, it's an okay bad movie. Let's be thankful I'm not giving this one an F. D+
6) Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)- Heather Langenkamp is living with her son and husband, and has a good life. But dreams become a reality as those involved with the "Nightmare On Elm Street" movies begin to die one by one. Is Freddy really the cause of these deaths? Unfortunately, yes. Now this is what I'm talking about. Craven's return to his roots is perfect. It's witty, terrifying, gory, and fun. An intelligent premise is not the only thing that's great about this movie. The performances of the cast are marvelous as everyone from the "Elm Street" movies play themselves. Heather Langenkamp's dynamite performance is one to remember. And Robert Englund takes you on a frightening roller coaster ride, playing Freddy with no wisecracks or mercy. He has brought back Freddy's fear factor. Before "New Nightmare," I thought Part 3 was the best of the series. But I think it's safe to say that this one's the best of them since the original. A+
1) A Nightmare On Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985)- In this sequel, a boy named Jesse Walsh and his family move into Nancy Thompson's old house on 1428 Elm Street, and he discovers what happened there. Jesse slowly realizes that Freddy Krueger is not finished with his work in Springwood, and he's found a new companion to kill for him...Jesse himself! With the help of his high school sweetheart Lisa, Jesse must stop Freddy's reign of terror before it's too late. Freddy is still pretty scary in this sequel, and not a single sense of humor in him is evident at all. If you can overlook the awkward and unintentional gay overtones(including the line "Something is trying to get inside my body" and the shower sequence), "Freddy's Revenge" is actually a good sequel. B-
2) A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors (1987)- Heather Langenkamp returns as Nancy, who is now a psychologist trying to help damaged teens in a mental hospital who can't sleep. After one kid dies, it is obvious that Freddy Krueger is back to kill what's left of the Elm Street children. And it's up to the remaining 6 teens to use their hidden power and kill the dream-stalker. There is almost nothing wrong with this third "Nightmare." It boasts great dream sequences, a Freddy who is funny but still very creepy, Langenkamp's triumphant return as well as John Saxon's, and the big debut of Patricia Arquette. Just the music could have used a bit of work. Overall, a great sequel. A-
3) A Nightmare On Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)- Another batch of Elm Street kids are terrorized by Freddy, and it's up to Alice to stop him once and for all. This is the point when Freddy isn't scary anymore. However, Robert Englund delivers his wisecracks with relish, making Freddy a very macabre comedian. The dream sequences are quite cool, and there's great special effects. Lisa Wilcox makes Alice a very plucky and sympathetic heroine, and I liked her performance very much. Certainly not the original, but still very good. And I'm big fan of director Renny Harlin(Die Hard 2 and Deep Blue Sea). B+
4) A Nightmare On Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989)- "It's a boy!!!!" Freddy Krueger returns to haunt more dreams while taking over the nightmares of Alice's unborn son. Great special effects, as always, abound in this one. And it has an interesting story. But it does have its flaws. Some of these people look a little bit too old to be graduating high school, the script feels a little bit rushed, and Freddy's jokes are a little close to hitting the line of stupidity. But thankfully, they don't. I'm not saying you should steer clear of Part 5, but altogether, it's just decent. C+
5) Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare (1991)- Another group of teens battle Freddy in their dreams while a young woman figures out her dark secret that connects to the dream figure. "Freddy's Dead" is almost laughably bad. Some of Freddy's wisecracks are tasteless and very bland. The acting isn't terrible, that's one good thing. But the story isn't interesting and feels formulaic. However, if you don't take it seriously, it's an okay bad movie. Let's be thankful I'm not giving this one an F. D+
6) Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)- Heather Langenkamp is living with her son and husband, and has a good life. But dreams become a reality as those involved with the "Nightmare On Elm Street" movies begin to die one by one. Is Freddy really the cause of these deaths? Unfortunately, yes. Now this is what I'm talking about. Craven's return to his roots is perfect. It's witty, terrifying, gory, and fun. An intelligent premise is not the only thing that's great about this movie. The performances of the cast are marvelous as everyone from the "Elm Street" movies play themselves. Heather Langenkamp's dynamite performance is one to remember. And Robert Englund takes you on a frightening roller coaster ride, playing Freddy with no wisecracks or mercy. He has brought back Freddy's fear factor. Before "New Nightmare," I thought Part 3 was the best of the series. But I think it's safe to say that this one's the best of them since the original. A+
Friday, May 14, 2010
My Top 10 Horror Remakes
I know, I know. Not everybody's a fan of remakes. But I sure am. Here's a list of my top 10 favorite horror remakes of all time:
1) The Fly (1986)- The 1958 Vincent Price favorite was one of the cheesiest movies I had ever seen. The 1986 reimagining directed by David Cronenberg is anything but cheesy. Seth Brundle is a scientist who has created a stroke of genius in his new teleportation machine. And with the help of his journalist lover, Veronica Quaife, he seeks out to improve his invention by teleporting himself. The bad news is that a fly gets caught in the machine with Brundle, and therefore, this man slowly turns into a terrifying insect. Next to stellar casting, especially Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis as Brundle and Veronica, and slowly built tension, the movie is guaranteed to shock any viewer, especially when we get to see Brundle transform.
2) The Thing (1982)- I have never seen the original film, but John Carpenter's remake is definitely one of the best out there. Kurt Russell and his comrades are doing a project in Antarctica when they discover a ship believed to be 1000 years old. Russell and company should have kept away from the ship, because an alien being has stumbled into the base, taking on the form of any man there and attacking the next. What Carpenter does with his version of "The Thing" is bring a terrible sense of paranoia to the viewer. We never know who is The Thing and who is human, which is what makes the movie so scary. Also, atmosphere is big here. You are in the middle of nowhere with a huge problem on your hands, and no matter how loud you scream, nobody is going to be there to help. Overall, a winner from the director of "Halloween," "The Fog," and "Christine."
3) My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)- The original 1981 slasher flick is a cult favorite, and personally, the remake is possibly just as good. It's been ten years since Harry Warden savagely killed people in the Hanniger Mines, and Tom Hanniger is finally returning to his hometown of Harmony to sell the mine, only to discover that everything has changed and his girlfriend Sarah has married his nemesis, Sheriff Axel Palmer. As Valentine's Day approaches, other people are brutally murdered with a pickaxe. Could it be that Harry Warden is alive and back for revenge? "MBV3D" is just one great time at the movies, and is best seen in 3D. Filled with blood, guts, a great cast(including Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, and Kerr Smith), an original story, and one of the most gratuitous and hilarious nude scenes of all time, "My Bloody Valentine 3D" will not break your heart.
4) The Last House on the Left (2009)- This remake is better than Wes Craven's original film by far. "Last House" is brutal and terrifying, and brings a realistic tone to a frightening plot. When teenage girl Mari Collingwood and her friend Paige befriend a soft-spoken boy named Justin in a hotel room, they are thrust into a death trap with three maniacal criminals who rape and torture the two girls. After Mari is left for dead, the criminals hide out in the home of John and Emma, Mari's parents! And When John and Emma find their half-dead daughter at their door, they gather all of their strength to make these people pay for what they've done. Nicely directed, and perfectly cast, especially Tony Goldwyn as John, Monica Potter as Emma, Garrett Dillahunt as Krug, and Sara Paxton as Mari. Brace yourself!
5) Halloween (2007)- You know the story of Michael Myers. Many have hated it, but I really like Rob Zombie's vision of a classic film, which takes an original and odd approach to this iconic boogeyman. If you don't compare it to John Carpenter's "Halloween," then you and Zombie fans will definitely like this.
6) Halloween 2 (2009)- Actually, this one isn't a remake. Rob Zombie's sequel to his 2007 vision is his own movie completely. Scout Taylor Compton actually improves on her version of Laurie Strode in this one, bringing a tragic and weird side to the character. And it's always a pleasure to see Malcolm MacDowell(Alex De Large of "A Clockwork Orange") and Danielle Harris, "Halloween" heroine extraordinaire. If you want a fresh and completely different take on Michael Myers, then you have hit the jackpot with "H2."
7) The Hills Have Eyes (2006)- My first horror movie experience in the theater, this one was unbearable to watch, but in a good way. It's a pretty simple story: Family gets stuck in the middle of the desert, and are attacked overnight by a group of psychotic cannibals. After the attack, the family fights back and decides to cash the check on these freaks. Intense and gruesome, this is the second hit remake in Wes Craven's repertoire. Not for the faint of heart.
8) Friday the 13th (2009)- Ch, ch, ch, ch. Ah, ah, ah, ah. Jason fans, rejoice! This homage to the first four "Friday" is pure gold. On our trip back to Camp Crystal Lake, we are introduced to a much more intimidating and frightening Jason Voorhees and a cast of teens partying down by the lake. Lots of nudity, good kills, a little bit of stoner comedy, and a creepy killer all highlight this entry that is the complete opposite of what its title suggests.
9) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)- Michael Bay's first horror trip is not the original, but it almost equals it. Kids driving through Texas to catch a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert stumble upon an old house, belonging to our good friend Leatherface, a serial killer who skins his victims and uses their faces for masks. The cast does a good job, including "7th Heaven" star Jessia Biel and the frightening R. Lee Ermey, the chainsaw is used to the hilt, and there's plenty of scares and gore for the fans.
10) A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010)- Nine, ten, he's back again. Freddy's back to stalk a few Springwood teens on Elm Street in their dreams. If you die in your dreams, you die in reality, and it's up to Nancy to stop Freddy once and for all. With the interesting concept of micro-naps, there are times when you don't know whether a character is dreaming or not, making the movie scarier. As for Freddy, star Jackie Earle Haley("Breaking Away," "Little Children," "Watchmen," and "Shutter Island") fits the role perfectly, eliminating some of Englund's stale wisecracks from the sequels and trading it in for dead-on creepiness. Directed by music video vet Samuel Bayer, this trip down Elm Street should be taken more than once. It's that good!
1) The Fly (1986)- The 1958 Vincent Price favorite was one of the cheesiest movies I had ever seen. The 1986 reimagining directed by David Cronenberg is anything but cheesy. Seth Brundle is a scientist who has created a stroke of genius in his new teleportation machine. And with the help of his journalist lover, Veronica Quaife, he seeks out to improve his invention by teleporting himself. The bad news is that a fly gets caught in the machine with Brundle, and therefore, this man slowly turns into a terrifying insect. Next to stellar casting, especially Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis as Brundle and Veronica, and slowly built tension, the movie is guaranteed to shock any viewer, especially when we get to see Brundle transform.
2) The Thing (1982)- I have never seen the original film, but John Carpenter's remake is definitely one of the best out there. Kurt Russell and his comrades are doing a project in Antarctica when they discover a ship believed to be 1000 years old. Russell and company should have kept away from the ship, because an alien being has stumbled into the base, taking on the form of any man there and attacking the next. What Carpenter does with his version of "The Thing" is bring a terrible sense of paranoia to the viewer. We never know who is The Thing and who is human, which is what makes the movie so scary. Also, atmosphere is big here. You are in the middle of nowhere with a huge problem on your hands, and no matter how loud you scream, nobody is going to be there to help. Overall, a winner from the director of "Halloween," "The Fog," and "Christine."
3) My Bloody Valentine 3D (2009)- The original 1981 slasher flick is a cult favorite, and personally, the remake is possibly just as good. It's been ten years since Harry Warden savagely killed people in the Hanniger Mines, and Tom Hanniger is finally returning to his hometown of Harmony to sell the mine, only to discover that everything has changed and his girlfriend Sarah has married his nemesis, Sheriff Axel Palmer. As Valentine's Day approaches, other people are brutally murdered with a pickaxe. Could it be that Harry Warden is alive and back for revenge? "MBV3D" is just one great time at the movies, and is best seen in 3D. Filled with blood, guts, a great cast(including Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, and Kerr Smith), an original story, and one of the most gratuitous and hilarious nude scenes of all time, "My Bloody Valentine 3D" will not break your heart.
4) The Last House on the Left (2009)- This remake is better than Wes Craven's original film by far. "Last House" is brutal and terrifying, and brings a realistic tone to a frightening plot. When teenage girl Mari Collingwood and her friend Paige befriend a soft-spoken boy named Justin in a hotel room, they are thrust into a death trap with three maniacal criminals who rape and torture the two girls. After Mari is left for dead, the criminals hide out in the home of John and Emma, Mari's parents! And When John and Emma find their half-dead daughter at their door, they gather all of their strength to make these people pay for what they've done. Nicely directed, and perfectly cast, especially Tony Goldwyn as John, Monica Potter as Emma, Garrett Dillahunt as Krug, and Sara Paxton as Mari. Brace yourself!
5) Halloween (2007)- You know the story of Michael Myers. Many have hated it, but I really like Rob Zombie's vision of a classic film, which takes an original and odd approach to this iconic boogeyman. If you don't compare it to John Carpenter's "Halloween," then you and Zombie fans will definitely like this.
6) Halloween 2 (2009)- Actually, this one isn't a remake. Rob Zombie's sequel to his 2007 vision is his own movie completely. Scout Taylor Compton actually improves on her version of Laurie Strode in this one, bringing a tragic and weird side to the character. And it's always a pleasure to see Malcolm MacDowell(Alex De Large of "A Clockwork Orange") and Danielle Harris, "Halloween" heroine extraordinaire. If you want a fresh and completely different take on Michael Myers, then you have hit the jackpot with "H2."
7) The Hills Have Eyes (2006)- My first horror movie experience in the theater, this one was unbearable to watch, but in a good way. It's a pretty simple story: Family gets stuck in the middle of the desert, and are attacked overnight by a group of psychotic cannibals. After the attack, the family fights back and decides to cash the check on these freaks. Intense and gruesome, this is the second hit remake in Wes Craven's repertoire. Not for the faint of heart.
8) Friday the 13th (2009)- Ch, ch, ch, ch. Ah, ah, ah, ah. Jason fans, rejoice! This homage to the first four "Friday" is pure gold. On our trip back to Camp Crystal Lake, we are introduced to a much more intimidating and frightening Jason Voorhees and a cast of teens partying down by the lake. Lots of nudity, good kills, a little bit of stoner comedy, and a creepy killer all highlight this entry that is the complete opposite of what its title suggests.
9) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)- Michael Bay's first horror trip is not the original, but it almost equals it. Kids driving through Texas to catch a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert stumble upon an old house, belonging to our good friend Leatherface, a serial killer who skins his victims and uses their faces for masks. The cast does a good job, including "7th Heaven" star Jessia Biel and the frightening R. Lee Ermey, the chainsaw is used to the hilt, and there's plenty of scares and gore for the fans.
10) A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010)- Nine, ten, he's back again. Freddy's back to stalk a few Springwood teens on Elm Street in their dreams. If you die in your dreams, you die in reality, and it's up to Nancy to stop Freddy once and for all. With the interesting concept of micro-naps, there are times when you don't know whether a character is dreaming or not, making the movie scarier. As for Freddy, star Jackie Earle Haley("Breaking Away," "Little Children," "Watchmen," and "Shutter Island") fits the role perfectly, eliminating some of Englund's stale wisecracks from the sequels and trading it in for dead-on creepiness. Directed by music video vet Samuel Bayer, this trip down Elm Street should be taken more than once. It's that good!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Jaws: Remembering My First Horror Movie
"You're gonna need a bigger boat."
-Martin Brody
The horror genre is one that is much maligned in the film industry. Some people just don't like being scared. That's their opinion, but here's mine. Being scared is very primal and relatable, which is why several horror movies have such a great effect on the viewer. I can remember my first real horror film, which I watched when I was 5 years old. I was familiar with Steven Spielberg's "Jaws," but had never seen the film. As I sat in front of my TV set, I had no clue what I was getting into. What followed was a life-long fear of going to the beach. "Jaws" has been dissected many times. This review will describe my undying passion for this film, and how great it is.
The plot takes us to Amity Long Island, a New England resort that brings happiness and joy to many islanders. Police chief Martin Brody, his wife Ellen, and their sons Michael and Sean are fairly new to Amity, and are liking it immensely. Then, along comes Martin's next job when he discovers the mutilated body of a teenage girl on the beach. Could it have been an axe murderer or a boating accident? No. Martin can tell right away that this was a shark attack, and it is important that he closes the beaches. But thanks to the idiotic mayor, things take a turn for the worse when islanders are attacked by a shark on July 4th. With the help of marine biologist Matt Hooper and the strange fisherman Quint, Martin takes a boat out into the middle of the ocean to kill the fish. But it turns out that their problem is much bigger than expected. This predator is a 25-foot long, 3-ton Great White, and it's ready for its next meal.
I feel that "Jaws" is a film that we can all relate to. We want to know what is in the depths of the ocean below us as we swim, but many people know that as common as shark attacks are, they are at times accidental. But this movie portrays the ultimate fear of a Great White shark that just won't go away. I think this is one of the reasons why "Jaws" holds up 35 years later.
The film is based on a best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, which I frankly believe has nothing on the movie. It's a good book, but certainly a flawed one as it focuses more on Martin and Ellen's marriage than it does on the attacks. Carl Gottlieb's script holds the viewer on the edge of their seat, waiting for the creature to strike.
Thanks to production failures, keeping the beast in the dark until the final act was the best way to go. Spielberg's mechanical shark, nicknamed Bruce, didn't work at times during filming, which led to the idea of not showing the shark. Instead, most of the film gives us POV shots from the shark's perspective, placing the viewer right smack in the middle of the action. When we aren't seeing things from the shark's point of view, we are in suspense for the rest of the movie until the shark finally appears, a classic scene that takes us completely by surprise.
The first scene in the film, the death of Chrissie Watkins, is still terrifying as we are thrust into the first attack. I remember watching that scene for the first time and being so shocked that my jaw was dropped for at least 10 minutes. I still get scared of that moment all these years later.
Another of my favorite moments in the film is when Quint recounts his experience on the U.S.S. Indianappolis. Written by Robert Shaw himself, this monologue is the most unnerving and creepy soliloquy I have ever heard. Hearing it brings chills down my spine each time I watch the film, and I'm sure it has the same effect on every other viewer.
Unlike many of the inferior follow-ups, the cast in "Jaws" is absolutely perfect. Every performance is never cheesy and every character is written three-dimensionally. We care about what happens to Martin and everyone else. Roy Scheider does a great job as Martin, and the same goes for Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper. Robert Shaw's performance as Quint is at times funny and odd and other times very memorable. Lorraine Gary and Murray Hamilton also do very well with their roles as Ellen Brody and Mayor Larry Vaughn.
The standout part of the film, other than the cast and Spielberg's direction, is John William's undeniably haunting score, signalling the coming of the shark. It brings tremendous dread to the viewer, and it didn't win an Oscar for nothing.
"Jaws" is, was, and ever shall be the classic shark movie. For a PG-rating, it is one of the scariest movies I've ever seen and it has the guts to avoid the gore and predictability that only a few other horror movies suffer from. When it comes to the 70's, Spielberg was a modern-day Hitchcock. Boasting a delightful cast, psychologically unnerving suspense and terror, and one of the greatest musical scores of all time, "Jaws" is not only a perfect horror film, but simply a perfect film all the way. I will never forget that fin gliding across the water, the terrifying music crescendoing.
-Martin Brody
The horror genre is one that is much maligned in the film industry. Some people just don't like being scared. That's their opinion, but here's mine. Being scared is very primal and relatable, which is why several horror movies have such a great effect on the viewer. I can remember my first real horror film, which I watched when I was 5 years old. I was familiar with Steven Spielberg's "Jaws," but had never seen the film. As I sat in front of my TV set, I had no clue what I was getting into. What followed was a life-long fear of going to the beach. "Jaws" has been dissected many times. This review will describe my undying passion for this film, and how great it is.
The plot takes us to Amity Long Island, a New England resort that brings happiness and joy to many islanders. Police chief Martin Brody, his wife Ellen, and their sons Michael and Sean are fairly new to Amity, and are liking it immensely. Then, along comes Martin's next job when he discovers the mutilated body of a teenage girl on the beach. Could it have been an axe murderer or a boating accident? No. Martin can tell right away that this was a shark attack, and it is important that he closes the beaches. But thanks to the idiotic mayor, things take a turn for the worse when islanders are attacked by a shark on July 4th. With the help of marine biologist Matt Hooper and the strange fisherman Quint, Martin takes a boat out into the middle of the ocean to kill the fish. But it turns out that their problem is much bigger than expected. This predator is a 25-foot long, 3-ton Great White, and it's ready for its next meal.
I feel that "Jaws" is a film that we can all relate to. We want to know what is in the depths of the ocean below us as we swim, but many people know that as common as shark attacks are, they are at times accidental. But this movie portrays the ultimate fear of a Great White shark that just won't go away. I think this is one of the reasons why "Jaws" holds up 35 years later.
The film is based on a best-selling novel by Peter Benchley, which I frankly believe has nothing on the movie. It's a good book, but certainly a flawed one as it focuses more on Martin and Ellen's marriage than it does on the attacks. Carl Gottlieb's script holds the viewer on the edge of their seat, waiting for the creature to strike.
Thanks to production failures, keeping the beast in the dark until the final act was the best way to go. Spielberg's mechanical shark, nicknamed Bruce, didn't work at times during filming, which led to the idea of not showing the shark. Instead, most of the film gives us POV shots from the shark's perspective, placing the viewer right smack in the middle of the action. When we aren't seeing things from the shark's point of view, we are in suspense for the rest of the movie until the shark finally appears, a classic scene that takes us completely by surprise.
The first scene in the film, the death of Chrissie Watkins, is still terrifying as we are thrust into the first attack. I remember watching that scene for the first time and being so shocked that my jaw was dropped for at least 10 minutes. I still get scared of that moment all these years later.
Another of my favorite moments in the film is when Quint recounts his experience on the U.S.S. Indianappolis. Written by Robert Shaw himself, this monologue is the most unnerving and creepy soliloquy I have ever heard. Hearing it brings chills down my spine each time I watch the film, and I'm sure it has the same effect on every other viewer.
Unlike many of the inferior follow-ups, the cast in "Jaws" is absolutely perfect. Every performance is never cheesy and every character is written three-dimensionally. We care about what happens to Martin and everyone else. Roy Scheider does a great job as Martin, and the same goes for Richard Dreyfuss as Hooper. Robert Shaw's performance as Quint is at times funny and odd and other times very memorable. Lorraine Gary and Murray Hamilton also do very well with their roles as Ellen Brody and Mayor Larry Vaughn.
The standout part of the film, other than the cast and Spielberg's direction, is John William's undeniably haunting score, signalling the coming of the shark. It brings tremendous dread to the viewer, and it didn't win an Oscar for nothing.
"Jaws" is, was, and ever shall be the classic shark movie. For a PG-rating, it is one of the scariest movies I've ever seen and it has the guts to avoid the gore and predictability that only a few other horror movies suffer from. When it comes to the 70's, Spielberg was a modern-day Hitchcock. Boasting a delightful cast, psychologically unnerving suspense and terror, and one of the greatest musical scores of all time, "Jaws" is not only a perfect horror film, but simply a perfect film all the way. I will never forget that fin gliding across the water, the terrifying music crescendoing.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
A Nightmare On Elm Street 2010: An Absolutely Essential Nightmare!
Unlike many other people, I am actually a big fan of producer Michael Bay's horror remakes. I really enjoyed "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "The Amityville Horror," and "Friday the 13th." And although they were kind of unnecessary, they always pulled through, in my opinion. So, did I enjoy the 2010 edition of "A Nightmare on Elm Street?" I more than enjoyed it. I loved it!
For those of you who don't know the plot, here's a summary: The movie revolves around five friends: Kris, Jesse, Dean, Quentin, and Nancy. All of them are having terrible dreams of a burnt man in a red-and-green sweater, wearing a fedora hat and knives for fingers. After they start to die in their sleep, one by one, all that is left is Nancy and Quentin. And they will discover that the boogeyman of their dreams is real, and if you fall asleep, you die in reality.
1984's "A Nightmare On Elm Street" introduced one of the most iconic slashers of all time, Freddy Krueger. The original film is wonderfully atmospheric and scary, but then came the sequels. After parts 2 and 3, Freddy turned into a comedian. He slowly lost his scare factor, until Wes Craven revived the true Freddy in "New Nightmare." Did I think a remake was well-deserved? Frankly, yes. And you wanna know something? In some ways, this remake might surpass the original.
First off, the movie was, without a doubt, very scary. A real horror movie wouldn't give you a chance to breathe. In "Nightmare," you get plenty of "BOO!" moments.
Also, this adaptation actually delves a lot more into the origins of Freddy, and makes you question whether or not he was innocent or very much a psychopath.
Third, the dreams are terrifying. And while Freddy is hacking up teens in their sleep, we get a new and original element: micro-naps. At times, I wasn't sure if a character was dreaming or not, which made it very suspenseful.
"A Nightmare On Elm Street" is directed by Samuel Bayer, the music video vet most famous for making the iconic video for Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Bayer shows tremendous style throughout the film and pays close attention to the characters. I look forward to many more projects directed by Bayer, as it is obvious that he knows how to make a horror movie.
The acting in "Nightmare" is actually better than the original. The teens are nicely cast. Katie Cassidy does a great job as Kris, and her death was amazing. The same goes for Thomas Dekker as Jesse, Kyle Gallner as Quentin, and Kellan Lutz as Dean. Then, there's Nancy, played by Rooney Mara. You can disagree with me if you want to, but I dug the new Nancy. She was a sad, sympathetic, dark character that I cared about. Mara's Nancy is very different from Heather Langenkamp's Nancy, but both are very good performances. Langenkamp would be very proud of Ms. Mara. Nancy and Quentin's parents are played by Connie Britton and Clancy Brown, who both give great performances.
And last but not least, there is Freddy. The new Krueger is played by the fantastic Jackie Earle Haley. After films like "Breaking Away" and "Bad News Bears," Haley made a comeback with his Oscar-nominated performance as a convicted sex offender in "Little Children." And now, everyone knows him as Rorshach from last year's hit "Watchmen." It is time for people to let go of Robert Englund. His performance was great, but he can't be known as Freddy for the rest of his life. Therefore, Haley IS Freddy! I think the new version of the gloved maniac is more sadistic and terrifying than Freddy's ever been, and Haley's one-liners are much darker than as portrayed in the sequels. The real Freddy I loved was the one in Part 1, the unforgiving, monstrous ghoul that took great delight in killing these teens. Haley heightens the viciousness and fright of the original Freddy, and his performance WILL creep you out.
I think the ones who will love the new "Nightmare On Elm Street" will be those who refuse to compare it to the original. Going into this, I knew what I was in for: just a great time at the movies. And that's what I got. The "Nightmare" redux was everything I hoped it would be: scary, creepy, fun, bloody, and creative. With a great cast, especially the performance of Haley as Krueger, a cool new story, great deaths, and endless jump scares, this is one trip down Elm Street that I will cherish forever. "One, two, Freddy's coming for you...."
For those of you who don't know the plot, here's a summary: The movie revolves around five friends: Kris, Jesse, Dean, Quentin, and Nancy. All of them are having terrible dreams of a burnt man in a red-and-green sweater, wearing a fedora hat and knives for fingers. After they start to die in their sleep, one by one, all that is left is Nancy and Quentin. And they will discover that the boogeyman of their dreams is real, and if you fall asleep, you die in reality.
1984's "A Nightmare On Elm Street" introduced one of the most iconic slashers of all time, Freddy Krueger. The original film is wonderfully atmospheric and scary, but then came the sequels. After parts 2 and 3, Freddy turned into a comedian. He slowly lost his scare factor, until Wes Craven revived the true Freddy in "New Nightmare." Did I think a remake was well-deserved? Frankly, yes. And you wanna know something? In some ways, this remake might surpass the original.
First off, the movie was, without a doubt, very scary. A real horror movie wouldn't give you a chance to breathe. In "Nightmare," you get plenty of "BOO!" moments.
Also, this adaptation actually delves a lot more into the origins of Freddy, and makes you question whether or not he was innocent or very much a psychopath.
Third, the dreams are terrifying. And while Freddy is hacking up teens in their sleep, we get a new and original element: micro-naps. At times, I wasn't sure if a character was dreaming or not, which made it very suspenseful.
"A Nightmare On Elm Street" is directed by Samuel Bayer, the music video vet most famous for making the iconic video for Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Bayer shows tremendous style throughout the film and pays close attention to the characters. I look forward to many more projects directed by Bayer, as it is obvious that he knows how to make a horror movie.
The acting in "Nightmare" is actually better than the original. The teens are nicely cast. Katie Cassidy does a great job as Kris, and her death was amazing. The same goes for Thomas Dekker as Jesse, Kyle Gallner as Quentin, and Kellan Lutz as Dean. Then, there's Nancy, played by Rooney Mara. You can disagree with me if you want to, but I dug the new Nancy. She was a sad, sympathetic, dark character that I cared about. Mara's Nancy is very different from Heather Langenkamp's Nancy, but both are very good performances. Langenkamp would be very proud of Ms. Mara. Nancy and Quentin's parents are played by Connie Britton and Clancy Brown, who both give great performances.
And last but not least, there is Freddy. The new Krueger is played by the fantastic Jackie Earle Haley. After films like "Breaking Away" and "Bad News Bears," Haley made a comeback with his Oscar-nominated performance as a convicted sex offender in "Little Children." And now, everyone knows him as Rorshach from last year's hit "Watchmen." It is time for people to let go of Robert Englund. His performance was great, but he can't be known as Freddy for the rest of his life. Therefore, Haley IS Freddy! I think the new version of the gloved maniac is more sadistic and terrifying than Freddy's ever been, and Haley's one-liners are much darker than as portrayed in the sequels. The real Freddy I loved was the one in Part 1, the unforgiving, monstrous ghoul that took great delight in killing these teens. Haley heightens the viciousness and fright of the original Freddy, and his performance WILL creep you out.
I think the ones who will love the new "Nightmare On Elm Street" will be those who refuse to compare it to the original. Going into this, I knew what I was in for: just a great time at the movies. And that's what I got. The "Nightmare" redux was everything I hoped it would be: scary, creepy, fun, bloody, and creative. With a great cast, especially the performance of Haley as Krueger, a cool new story, great deaths, and endless jump scares, this is one trip down Elm Street that I will cherish forever. "One, two, Freddy's coming for you...."
Friday, April 23, 2010
Phantasm: A Strange, Creepy, And Classic Nightmare
"You play a good game, boy. But the game is finished. And now you die!"
-The Tall Man
I remember when a friend of mine reccomended Don Coscarelli's "Phantasm" to me. I was familiar with the title, but had never seen the actual film. I felt that I had been missing out on something great, and after a week, I finally watched this 1979 horror flick. And great wasn't even the right word to describe it. "Phantasm" is an extremely creepy flick that introduced one of the most disturbing, eerie, and frightening icons of the modern horror film...The Tall Man.
The film is about a 13-year-old boy named Michael Pearson, his brother Jody, and their friend Reggie, an ice cream vendor. After the death of his parents, Mike lives a life that is sometimes quiet and sad and the other time exciting and fantastic. When a close friend dies, Mike sneaks into the funeral at Morningside Cemetery. And that is when he sees a tall, thin man in a tuxedo grab the coffin, throw it in his hearse and drive away. Mike is clueless to what is going on, but he knows that it's not good. This is only the beginning of a living nightmare filled with murderous dwarves, flying spheres of doom, and a sultry but mysterious lady in a lavender dress, and as Mike comes closer to discovering what is happening, he is joined by Jody and Reggie in a fight against The Tall Man.
At times, "Phantasm" doesn't make sense. But it's not supposed to. The film is like one big dream, a fantasy beyond comprehension. Surrealism is key in several horror films, and "Phantasm" sticks to the idea like glue.
This film is, without a doubt, very creepy and frightening. In the end, we don't even know if The Tall Man is real or a figment of our imagination. When you think about it, the whole world to Mike, Jody, and Reggie could be a phantasm, an illusion. And next to that, there is a certain symbolism found in the film. It raises the question of what happens or where we go when we die. Is there a Heaven or Hell? Does The Tall Man represent the grim reaper? While many horror films are about people dying, death is a strong underlying message in this movie.
Another important component in the story is the relationship between Mike and Jody. Jody feels there's nothing he can do to help Mike after their parents' death. And he's thinking about sending him away to another relative. Like Mike, none of us want to be left alone with nothing. To Mike, Jody is the only big thing he has left.
The acting isn't the greatest point of the film, but Angus Scrimm's outstanding performance inspires many other boogeymen in the modern horror genre, ranging from Michael Myers to Freddy Krueger. His presence immediately brings out fear in the viewer, as well as his gut-wrenching stare and his voice. Scrimm remains an icon of the genre, and his performance as The Tall Man is simply untouchable.
When all is said and done, "Phantasm" is a classic and has a spot well-earned in my list of countless horror favorites. It has been followed by three sequels, and The Tall Man is one of the greatest boogeymen of all time. If you haven't seen "Phantasm," isn't about time you did? There is no reason why a horror fan like you should miss this masterpiece. "BOOOOOOOOOYYYY!!!!"
-The Tall Man
I remember when a friend of mine reccomended Don Coscarelli's "Phantasm" to me. I was familiar with the title, but had never seen the actual film. I felt that I had been missing out on something great, and after a week, I finally watched this 1979 horror flick. And great wasn't even the right word to describe it. "Phantasm" is an extremely creepy flick that introduced one of the most disturbing, eerie, and frightening icons of the modern horror film...The Tall Man.
The film is about a 13-year-old boy named Michael Pearson, his brother Jody, and their friend Reggie, an ice cream vendor. After the death of his parents, Mike lives a life that is sometimes quiet and sad and the other time exciting and fantastic. When a close friend dies, Mike sneaks into the funeral at Morningside Cemetery. And that is when he sees a tall, thin man in a tuxedo grab the coffin, throw it in his hearse and drive away. Mike is clueless to what is going on, but he knows that it's not good. This is only the beginning of a living nightmare filled with murderous dwarves, flying spheres of doom, and a sultry but mysterious lady in a lavender dress, and as Mike comes closer to discovering what is happening, he is joined by Jody and Reggie in a fight against The Tall Man.
At times, "Phantasm" doesn't make sense. But it's not supposed to. The film is like one big dream, a fantasy beyond comprehension. Surrealism is key in several horror films, and "Phantasm" sticks to the idea like glue.
This film is, without a doubt, very creepy and frightening. In the end, we don't even know if The Tall Man is real or a figment of our imagination. When you think about it, the whole world to Mike, Jody, and Reggie could be a phantasm, an illusion. And next to that, there is a certain symbolism found in the film. It raises the question of what happens or where we go when we die. Is there a Heaven or Hell? Does The Tall Man represent the grim reaper? While many horror films are about people dying, death is a strong underlying message in this movie.
Another important component in the story is the relationship between Mike and Jody. Jody feels there's nothing he can do to help Mike after their parents' death. And he's thinking about sending him away to another relative. Like Mike, none of us want to be left alone with nothing. To Mike, Jody is the only big thing he has left.
The acting isn't the greatest point of the film, but Angus Scrimm's outstanding performance inspires many other boogeymen in the modern horror genre, ranging from Michael Myers to Freddy Krueger. His presence immediately brings out fear in the viewer, as well as his gut-wrenching stare and his voice. Scrimm remains an icon of the genre, and his performance as The Tall Man is simply untouchable.
When all is said and done, "Phantasm" is a classic and has a spot well-earned in my list of countless horror favorites. It has been followed by three sequels, and The Tall Man is one of the greatest boogeymen of all time. If you haven't seen "Phantasm," isn't about time you did? There is no reason why a horror fan like you should miss this masterpiece. "BOOOOOOOOOYYYY!!!!"
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The House On Haunted Hill: A B-Movie Treat!
During the 50's, several B-grade horror films came out that rocked the nation. "Dementia 13," "The Blob," "Them!" These titles were insanely popular during their release. But of all of these films, the movies I remember growing up with are those of director William Castle, a genre master famous for using endless gags on his audiences. Three of his films include "The Tingler," "13 Ghosts," and of course, "The House On Haunted Hill." 1958's "Haunted Hill" is my favorite of his films, possibly my favorite B-movie ever made.
The plot is fairly simple. Millionaire Frederick Loren is hosting a party for his smart-ass wife, Annabelle. Where, you ask? The House on Haunted Hill, a house that is reputed to be haunted by the most merciless ghosts that come to mind. Loren has invited five people: Lance Schroeder, a pilot, Ruth Bridges, a columnist, David Trent, a doctor, Watson Pritchard, a previous victim of the house, and Nora Manning, an intern in Loren's business company. There is a catch to it all: Anybody who stays the night all the way through to the morning will be awarded with $10,000 each. As the guests and their host continue to occupy the house, many strange things begin to happen, terrifying things. Is the House on Haunted Hill really haunted? You will soon find out.
There's not much of a story to the film, but there is so much fun to be had with this Castle vehicle. "The House On Haunted Hill" has 'B-movie' written all over it, and it has all the right ingredients to prove it.
The movie opens with Pritchard and Loren informing the viewer of the history of the house, and is basically telling us to turn back while we still can. You want to, but everyone knows you can't, or else there would be no point in watching the film.
Then, we are given a chance to get to know the characters as they are properly introduced by Loren. This is a nice cast of actors, and man, can the women scream!
"Haunted Hill" begins with a creepy tone to it, but once it kicks into gear, there is no stopping the endless shocks that so obviously would've given viewers in the 50's heart attacks. Several of the scares in the film are unexpected and frightening, which I love.
And last but not least, you don't have a 5o's horror film without the genius performance of Vincent Price. I have always been a fan of "The Fly," but this is personally my favorite performance by Price. The dude has extraordinary presence each time he comes on camera, and he leaves you unsure whether you should trust Loren or not.
Let's sum it all up, shall we? In the end, "The House On Haunted Hill" is a timeless horror classic that has everything a B-movie should have: the shocks, everlasting screams, a wonderfully eerie tone, and the performance of Vincent Price. Please come into The House on Haunted Hill...if you dare. Cue the screams!
The plot is fairly simple. Millionaire Frederick Loren is hosting a party for his smart-ass wife, Annabelle. Where, you ask? The House on Haunted Hill, a house that is reputed to be haunted by the most merciless ghosts that come to mind. Loren has invited five people: Lance Schroeder, a pilot, Ruth Bridges, a columnist, David Trent, a doctor, Watson Pritchard, a previous victim of the house, and Nora Manning, an intern in Loren's business company. There is a catch to it all: Anybody who stays the night all the way through to the morning will be awarded with $10,000 each. As the guests and their host continue to occupy the house, many strange things begin to happen, terrifying things. Is the House on Haunted Hill really haunted? You will soon find out.
There's not much of a story to the film, but there is so much fun to be had with this Castle vehicle. "The House On Haunted Hill" has 'B-movie' written all over it, and it has all the right ingredients to prove it.
The movie opens with Pritchard and Loren informing the viewer of the history of the house, and is basically telling us to turn back while we still can. You want to, but everyone knows you can't, or else there would be no point in watching the film.
Then, we are given a chance to get to know the characters as they are properly introduced by Loren. This is a nice cast of actors, and man, can the women scream!
"Haunted Hill" begins with a creepy tone to it, but once it kicks into gear, there is no stopping the endless shocks that so obviously would've given viewers in the 50's heart attacks. Several of the scares in the film are unexpected and frightening, which I love.
And last but not least, you don't have a 5o's horror film without the genius performance of Vincent Price. I have always been a fan of "The Fly," but this is personally my favorite performance by Price. The dude has extraordinary presence each time he comes on camera, and he leaves you unsure whether you should trust Loren or not.
Let's sum it all up, shall we? In the end, "The House On Haunted Hill" is a timeless horror classic that has everything a B-movie should have: the shocks, everlasting screams, a wonderfully eerie tone, and the performance of Vincent Price. Please come into The House on Haunted Hill...if you dare. Cue the screams!
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Omen: A Film That Still Haunts Us
During the religious horror craze, including films such as "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Exorcist," another movie about an evil child was inevitable. But the film that followed them created the most terrifying child since Regan in "The Exorcist." And with a rumored curse and a nerve-racking following, it is evident that "The Omen" is definitely one of the scariest movies of all time.
After his wife, Katherine, has a horrible miscarriage, U.S. diplomat Robert Thorn immediately decides to adopt a child and save Katherine the pain of knowing what really happened. They name their new baby boy Damien, and after five years, things seem to be going well with him. Until his fifth birthday party, when that young nanny hangs herself. And then more gruesome events occur. Is it all just a disturbing coincidence? Robert finds out that these happenings are far beyond coincidence. There's something wrong with Damien. Katherine can sense it as well. Soon, the Antichrist will have its day, and the apocalypse will begin. Is Damien the son of Satan?
I absolutely love "creepy kid" flicks, one remarkable example being "The Innocents." Children are a blessing in a parent's life, but as portrayed in these films, their eerie glance predicts that they are hiding something. And the thing about Damien in "The Omen" is that you can feel right away that he is hiding something from you. He's too happy, and he's never sick. However, you don't know whether he is the Antichrist or not.
"The Omen" builds suspense perfectly. The grueling accidents get creepier throughout the film, and as Robert keeps track of who his son really is, you are built up to one of the biggest shocks in horror cinema.
Just like "The Exorcist," "The Omen" had its fair share of coincidences in reality. Things happened on the set that went far beyond possible. This resulted in a greater impact after moviegoers saw the film. Those who were religious bashed it, and ran out to get their bibles. Priests protested, people worried more about their children. "The Omen's" curse and impact are arguably bigger than "The Exorcist." Anyway, back to the film.
Casting for the film was quite surprising. Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as Robert and Katherine? Who would've thought? But Peck and Remick's performances are emotional and sympathetic. David Warner does a nice job as photographer Keith Jennings. But the actress who's really notable is Billie Whitelaw as Damien's nanny and apostle from Hell, Mrs. Baylock. Whitelaw's performance is so undeniably creepy, and once things started going between her and the Thorns, you hated her so much. Whitelaw should have been nominated for an Oscar.
Director Richard Donner, who later would direct "The Goonies," does a great job directing, and thanks to screenwriter David Seltzer, the story is a winner. Seltzer pours so many references to the bible into the film in order for the audience to believe that Damien is the Antichrist. And trust me, you do.
And last but not least, Jerry Goldsmith's score is one of the most foreboding pieces I ever heard in a horror film. The Latin chanting brings chills up my spine each time I hear it. And once you hear the score, you can tell right away that something terrible is going to happen. Goldsmith didn't get an Oscar for nothing.
Overall, it's no doubt that "The Omen" remains a frightening and disturbing masterpiece of horror cinema. The music, the acting, the deaths, the story, it all leads up to what makes a classic horror film. The marketing posters for the flm read "You've been warned." Truer words were never spoken.
After his wife, Katherine, has a horrible miscarriage, U.S. diplomat Robert Thorn immediately decides to adopt a child and save Katherine the pain of knowing what really happened. They name their new baby boy Damien, and after five years, things seem to be going well with him. Until his fifth birthday party, when that young nanny hangs herself. And then more gruesome events occur. Is it all just a disturbing coincidence? Robert finds out that these happenings are far beyond coincidence. There's something wrong with Damien. Katherine can sense it as well. Soon, the Antichrist will have its day, and the apocalypse will begin. Is Damien the son of Satan?
I absolutely love "creepy kid" flicks, one remarkable example being "The Innocents." Children are a blessing in a parent's life, but as portrayed in these films, their eerie glance predicts that they are hiding something. And the thing about Damien in "The Omen" is that you can feel right away that he is hiding something from you. He's too happy, and he's never sick. However, you don't know whether he is the Antichrist or not.
"The Omen" builds suspense perfectly. The grueling accidents get creepier throughout the film, and as Robert keeps track of who his son really is, you are built up to one of the biggest shocks in horror cinema.
Just like "The Exorcist," "The Omen" had its fair share of coincidences in reality. Things happened on the set that went far beyond possible. This resulted in a greater impact after moviegoers saw the film. Those who were religious bashed it, and ran out to get their bibles. Priests protested, people worried more about their children. "The Omen's" curse and impact are arguably bigger than "The Exorcist." Anyway, back to the film.
Casting for the film was quite surprising. Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as Robert and Katherine? Who would've thought? But Peck and Remick's performances are emotional and sympathetic. David Warner does a nice job as photographer Keith Jennings. But the actress who's really notable is Billie Whitelaw as Damien's nanny and apostle from Hell, Mrs. Baylock. Whitelaw's performance is so undeniably creepy, and once things started going between her and the Thorns, you hated her so much. Whitelaw should have been nominated for an Oscar.
Director Richard Donner, who later would direct "The Goonies," does a great job directing, and thanks to screenwriter David Seltzer, the story is a winner. Seltzer pours so many references to the bible into the film in order for the audience to believe that Damien is the Antichrist. And trust me, you do.
And last but not least, Jerry Goldsmith's score is one of the most foreboding pieces I ever heard in a horror film. The Latin chanting brings chills up my spine each time I hear it. And once you hear the score, you can tell right away that something terrible is going to happen. Goldsmith didn't get an Oscar for nothing.
Overall, it's no doubt that "The Omen" remains a frightening and disturbing masterpiece of horror cinema. The music, the acting, the deaths, the story, it all leads up to what makes a classic horror film. The marketing posters for the flm read "You've been warned." Truer words were never spoken.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Amityville Horror: A Haunted House Movie To Remember!
I've seen many ghost movies that are classics. "Poltergeist" was scary as hell. "The Haunting" was a perfect exercise in psychological horror. "Burnt Offerings" knew how to build up an audience. And, of course, there's "The Amityville Horror," which ranks in my book as a wonderful spookfest.
On a cold, wet night in 1974, Ronald "Butch" DeFeo Jr. shot his family to death, face down, in their beds. The location for such a gruesome crime took place in a Dutch Colonial house on 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, Long Island. During his trial, DeFeo testified that he did commit the murders, but he had heard voices in the house telling him to do it. A year later, George and Kathy Lutz, a non-superstitious couple, decided to buy the house on 112 Ocean Avenue. A month later, they moved in with their three children. But after 28 days of non-stop horrific occurrences, the Lutz family could stand no more. Therefore, on the final night, George, Kathy and their children fled for dear life and never returned to their home.
"The Amityville Horror" has all the right ingredients for a good ghost story including a well-chosen cast, a good script, a menacing score and loads of creepiness. The events in the home go from strange to eerie to absolutely shocking.
The film has very good performances by James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy. Brolin's prediction of George is correct, and his descent into madness is believable. Margot Kidder is also very good as Kathy, as well as Rob Steiger who pours his heart and soul into this performance.
Although it is comparable to Jerry Goldsmith's music for "Poltergeist," Lalo Schifrin's Academy Award-nominated score is downright moody and frightening.
Everyone knows the story of the infamous house in Amityville. It still exists to this day. But is it haunted? Many people aren't sure. And others believe flat-out that the haunting was a hoax. But I truthfully think the house is haunted. Most of us will never know the facts of what happened at 112 Ocean Avenue. But what we do know is that the film adaptation of "The Amityville Horror" is an accurate and creepy portrayal of a family dream gone horribly wrong. And even though it gets close to the edge of campiness, it never goes over-the-top and remains a must in every avid horror fan's collection..
On a cold, wet night in 1974, Ronald "Butch" DeFeo Jr. shot his family to death, face down, in their beds. The location for such a gruesome crime took place in a Dutch Colonial house on 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, Long Island. During his trial, DeFeo testified that he did commit the murders, but he had heard voices in the house telling him to do it. A year later, George and Kathy Lutz, a non-superstitious couple, decided to buy the house on 112 Ocean Avenue. A month later, they moved in with their three children. But after 28 days of non-stop horrific occurrences, the Lutz family could stand no more. Therefore, on the final night, George, Kathy and their children fled for dear life and never returned to their home.
"The Amityville Horror" has all the right ingredients for a good ghost story including a well-chosen cast, a good script, a menacing score and loads of creepiness. The events in the home go from strange to eerie to absolutely shocking.
The film has very good performances by James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy. Brolin's prediction of George is correct, and his descent into madness is believable. Margot Kidder is also very good as Kathy, as well as Rob Steiger who pours his heart and soul into this performance.
Although it is comparable to Jerry Goldsmith's music for "Poltergeist," Lalo Schifrin's Academy Award-nominated score is downright moody and frightening.
Everyone knows the story of the infamous house in Amityville. It still exists to this day. But is it haunted? Many people aren't sure. And others believe flat-out that the haunting was a hoax. But I truthfully think the house is haunted. Most of us will never know the facts of what happened at 112 Ocean Avenue. But what we do know is that the film adaptation of "The Amityville Horror" is an accurate and creepy portrayal of a family dream gone horribly wrong. And even though it gets close to the edge of campiness, it never goes over-the-top and remains a must in every avid horror fan's collection..
There's A Lot To Like About Jennifer's Body!
I loved "Juno." The acting and the direction rocked. But most of all, you gotta love Diablo Cody's witty writing which was filled with savvy girl-speak and references to classic films. Those films would include such horror flicks as Herschell Gordon Lewis's cult favorite "The Wizard of Gore" and Dario Argento's masterpiece "Suspiria." So, when my good friend Dan showed me a preview of a Diablo Cody-scripted horror film with a pissed off Megan Fox, I was surprised but very excited. I never expected Cody to be such a fan of the genre, and this was a wonderful chance to see her try her hand at it. Simply put, "Jennifer's Body" rocks!
In the style of "Mean Girls" meets "Ginger Snaps" meets "Carrie," "Jennifer's Body" is about two best friends, nerdy Anita "Needy" Lesnicky and high school hottie Jennifer Check, in their high school in the town of Devil's Kettle. One night, Needy ditches her boyfriend Chip to go with Jen to see a performance by Low Shoulder, the ultimate emo band, whose lead singer, Nikolai Wolf, according to Jennifer, is extra "salty." After the bar burns down, Needy and Jen survive, but Nikolai and his band lure Jen away. Later that night, Jen comes back to Needy's house, only covered in blood and super-hungry. And not hungry for food, but for human flesh. Needy discovers that Jen has turned into a flesh-hungry demon who feeds on the blood of teenage boys. Looks like Devil's Kettle has one hell of a problem.
Out of all the films of 2009, "Jennifer's Body" is without a doubt the most underrated horror film of the year. Hopes were dashed when teenage guys got to see Megan Fox tear people to shreds, but didn't get their chance to see the "Transformers" star naked. And many people felt that the comedy drowned out the horror. Not to be a prude, but so what if Ms. Fox didn't get in the buff? As long as the movie is gory and fun, I'm OK.
Let's start off with the main component here: Diablo Cody's script is the real star of the movie. In such a horrific world where human beings are being eaten alive, Cody brings a superb macabre sense of humor to it all. And her writing is, believe it or not, very honest. The film accurately portrays the current generation of sexed-up, drug-addicted high school, and the character of Needy is very sympathetic.
On to the acting. Even though Megan Fox is the huge icon that she is, this is her first leading role. She's not the most talented actress, but it almost feels like she doesn't need to act for this film. Fox is Jennifer, through and through. For a slutty, evil cheerleader, Ms. Fox really pulls through in this performance. I truly believe that she is getting more talented in each film she makes. And Needy is played by Amanda Seyfried, who went from the smokin' hot dummy in "Mean Girls" to the sweet and concerned geek in this film. Seyfried is terrific in the role as she goes from Ms. Goody Two Shoes to Ultimate Bad-Ass. This is Seyfried's best performance since "Mean Girls." The rest of the cast is very good, including Johnny Simmons as Needy's boyfriend Chip, Adam Brody(?!) as Nikolai, and cameos from J.K. Simmons as a handicapped teacher and Amy Sedaris as Needy's drunk mother.
Overall, unlike other people, I personally love this film and I embrace it for what it is, a full-blown horror-comedy written by a female version of Sam Raimi. The movie isn't scary, but it is very gory, the comedy is hilarious, the script is nifty and the performances are quite good. Just because Megan Fox doesn't get nude doesn't mean there's nothing to like about "Jennifer's Body."
In the style of "Mean Girls" meets "Ginger Snaps" meets "Carrie," "Jennifer's Body" is about two best friends, nerdy Anita "Needy" Lesnicky and high school hottie Jennifer Check, in their high school in the town of Devil's Kettle. One night, Needy ditches her boyfriend Chip to go with Jen to see a performance by Low Shoulder, the ultimate emo band, whose lead singer, Nikolai Wolf, according to Jennifer, is extra "salty." After the bar burns down, Needy and Jen survive, but Nikolai and his band lure Jen away. Later that night, Jen comes back to Needy's house, only covered in blood and super-hungry. And not hungry for food, but for human flesh. Needy discovers that Jen has turned into a flesh-hungry demon who feeds on the blood of teenage boys. Looks like Devil's Kettle has one hell of a problem.
Out of all the films of 2009, "Jennifer's Body" is without a doubt the most underrated horror film of the year. Hopes were dashed when teenage guys got to see Megan Fox tear people to shreds, but didn't get their chance to see the "Transformers" star naked. And many people felt that the comedy drowned out the horror. Not to be a prude, but so what if Ms. Fox didn't get in the buff? As long as the movie is gory and fun, I'm OK.
Let's start off with the main component here: Diablo Cody's script is the real star of the movie. In such a horrific world where human beings are being eaten alive, Cody brings a superb macabre sense of humor to it all. And her writing is, believe it or not, very honest. The film accurately portrays the current generation of sexed-up, drug-addicted high school, and the character of Needy is very sympathetic.
On to the acting. Even though Megan Fox is the huge icon that she is, this is her first leading role. She's not the most talented actress, but it almost feels like she doesn't need to act for this film. Fox is Jennifer, through and through. For a slutty, evil cheerleader, Ms. Fox really pulls through in this performance. I truly believe that she is getting more talented in each film she makes. And Needy is played by Amanda Seyfried, who went from the smokin' hot dummy in "Mean Girls" to the sweet and concerned geek in this film. Seyfried is terrific in the role as she goes from Ms. Goody Two Shoes to Ultimate Bad-Ass. This is Seyfried's best performance since "Mean Girls." The rest of the cast is very good, including Johnny Simmons as Needy's boyfriend Chip, Adam Brody(?!) as Nikolai, and cameos from J.K. Simmons as a handicapped teacher and Amy Sedaris as Needy's drunk mother.
Overall, unlike other people, I personally love this film and I embrace it for what it is, a full-blown horror-comedy written by a female version of Sam Raimi. The movie isn't scary, but it is very gory, the comedy is hilarious, the script is nifty and the performances are quite good. Just because Megan Fox doesn't get nude doesn't mean there's nothing to like about "Jennifer's Body."
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Happy Birthday To Me: An 80's Slasher That Takes The Cake!
After many good and bad Friday the 13th clones, including The Burning, Graduation Day and Prom Night, there was one movie in the batch that I actually felt was superior to the others. That film was 1981's Happy Birthday To Me, an original, smart, and hip slasher flick that has the gore and the brains.
Virginia 'Ginny' Wainright is still suffering the traumas of her mother's death and the doctors' experimental brain surgery. However, her life is still quite bright in that she is very popular at her school. As a matter of fact, she is one of Crawford Academy's Top 10. Virginia finally feels that she belongs. Now she is approaching her 18th birthday. And as much as it is a joyous occasion, things start going downhill quickly as an unknown assailant begins killing Crawford's Top 10. Is it possible that Virginia could have something to do with it?
Truthfully, Happy Birthday To Me is one of two films from the genre that aren't repetitive, the other one being The House on Sorority Row. Birthday is very fresh material coming from 1981, and is able to seriously pay attention to the story, unlike some of the senseless bloodbaths that came out of that decade. A lot of the film is very unpredictable, including casting, the chosen director, and some wonderful slasher kills that you don't see very much in the genre.
I thought the film was nicely cast. The teens are played realistically and colorfully, including Tracy Bregman as Ginny's best friend Ann. And who would have ever thought that Glenn Ford would be a cameo in this film. But the big "WOW!" factor in the acting department of the movie is Melissa Sue Anderson as Virginia. Fresh off the infamous TV series The Little House on the Prairie, Anderson was one girl that you'd never expect to be in a horror film. But according to John Dunning, the producer of the film as well as My Bloody Valentine, said that Anderson no longer wanted to portray such a prissy teen and wanted to try something that would shock everyone. Anderson succeeded in this film. She brings a lot of vulnerability to Virginia, and most of all, you sympathized with her. After all that Virginia has been through, even though she is happy around her friends, you feel that the character is despondent and still suffering dramatically from her earlier traumas. Basically, Melissa Sue Anderson's performance is excellent.
At the helm of the camera is J. Lee Thompson. And I know what you're thinking? 'Really? The director of The Guns of Navarone and Cape Fear directed a slasher film?' But you'd be surprised by how dedicated Thompson is to the film and how much he loves the genre. Producer Dunning says that Thompson couldn't help but scream for more blood during the death scenes. Obviously, Thompson had a good time directing the movie. But when he isn't screaming for more blood in the film, he is able to create atmosphere and mood, something that further slasher films couldn't do.
Let's put the icing on the cake. Happy Birthday to Me is one of the best slasher movies to come out of the 80's. It's creepy, gory, fun, and nicely acted. In a world of camp killers and holiday madmen, this is the movie that, for once, doesn't repeat its history.
P.S. The shish-kebab kill is fantastic!
Virginia 'Ginny' Wainright is still suffering the traumas of her mother's death and the doctors' experimental brain surgery. However, her life is still quite bright in that she is very popular at her school. As a matter of fact, she is one of Crawford Academy's Top 10. Virginia finally feels that she belongs. Now she is approaching her 18th birthday. And as much as it is a joyous occasion, things start going downhill quickly as an unknown assailant begins killing Crawford's Top 10. Is it possible that Virginia could have something to do with it?
Truthfully, Happy Birthday To Me is one of two films from the genre that aren't repetitive, the other one being The House on Sorority Row. Birthday is very fresh material coming from 1981, and is able to seriously pay attention to the story, unlike some of the senseless bloodbaths that came out of that decade. A lot of the film is very unpredictable, including casting, the chosen director, and some wonderful slasher kills that you don't see very much in the genre.
I thought the film was nicely cast. The teens are played realistically and colorfully, including Tracy Bregman as Ginny's best friend Ann. And who would have ever thought that Glenn Ford would be a cameo in this film. But the big "WOW!" factor in the acting department of the movie is Melissa Sue Anderson as Virginia. Fresh off the infamous TV series The Little House on the Prairie, Anderson was one girl that you'd never expect to be in a horror film. But according to John Dunning, the producer of the film as well as My Bloody Valentine, said that Anderson no longer wanted to portray such a prissy teen and wanted to try something that would shock everyone. Anderson succeeded in this film. She brings a lot of vulnerability to Virginia, and most of all, you sympathized with her. After all that Virginia has been through, even though she is happy around her friends, you feel that the character is despondent and still suffering dramatically from her earlier traumas. Basically, Melissa Sue Anderson's performance is excellent.
At the helm of the camera is J. Lee Thompson. And I know what you're thinking? 'Really? The director of The Guns of Navarone and Cape Fear directed a slasher film?' But you'd be surprised by how dedicated Thompson is to the film and how much he loves the genre. Producer Dunning says that Thompson couldn't help but scream for more blood during the death scenes. Obviously, Thompson had a good time directing the movie. But when he isn't screaming for more blood in the film, he is able to create atmosphere and mood, something that further slasher films couldn't do.
Let's put the icing on the cake. Happy Birthday to Me is one of the best slasher movies to come out of the 80's. It's creepy, gory, fun, and nicely acted. In a world of camp killers and holiday madmen, this is the movie that, for once, doesn't repeat its history.
P.S. The shish-kebab kill is fantastic!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Shutter Island Will Creep You Out!
After such films as "Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "Goodfellas," "Casino," and "The Departed," Martin Scorsese is no doubt one of the best filmmakers of our time. His films are so well-constructed, brilliantly acted, and they always get to us soon after we watch them. His latest film is one that has left us in extreme anticipation and excitement. You put together a great cast(including Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, etc.), a nifty script, some bone-chilling visuals and Martin Scorsese, and what do you get? The result is "Shutter Island."
Based on the best-selling novel by Dennis Lehane, "Shutter Island" is about two Federal Marshals, Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule. Teddy and Chuck have been assigned to a case that revolves around Ashecliffe, a gigantic mental institution in the middle of God knows where on a land called Shutter Island. According to the head staff, including Dr. Cawley and Dr. Naehring, a girl believed to be highly dangerous escaped from Shutter Island, and it is up to Teddy and Chuck to find out where she is. But how can a girl escape a remote island when she was put in a maximum security ward and locked up into a room with a single barred window? And why is Teddy experiencing horrible memories from his past? The truth will be made clear as Teddy and Chuck discover the true intentions of Shutter Island and fight for their survival.
"Shutter Island" is a very different movie for a director like Scorsese. After watching, I was stunned with what he had to offer. This film goes to show you that an extraordinary director can do anything. And the final product is a nicely put together one.
Kill me for thinking so, but this film reminded me very much of director David Lynch during his first film, "Eraserhead." Sure, "Shutter Island" makes much more sense than that film, but when it comes to plot twists and hallucinations, the film is like one big dream, a nightmare in which you can't figure out what's going on until it is time for you to wake up. But when you're at Shutter Island, the nightmare never ends.
Martin Scorsese is no stranger to the thriller genre. He was responsible for the perfect reimagining of "Cape Fear." Now, "Shutter Island" is not Scorsese's best film. However, he is masterful as he creates suspense and builds tension.
I really liked the atmosphere in the film. When we approach Shutter Island, our gut tells us to turn back while we can. But our mind tells us to go inside Ashecliffe and discover what is going on. Let me tell you, the results ain't pretty.
Not only is the movie filled with unsettling visuals, but it's also filled with an all-star cast. This is probably Leonardo DiCaprio's most gut-wrenchingly real and elaborate performance of his career. He brings a realistic tone to Teddy, one that is very disturbing. Teddy's partner, Chuck, is played by Mark Ruffalo, who also does quite well with his part. Ben Kingsley is absolutely perfect as Dr. Cawley. Ebert has said "Kingsley brings an utter menace each time he smiles." Need I say more? The rest of the cast includes Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Max von Sydow(The Exorcist!), John Carroll Lynch, Jackie Earle Haley, Michelle Williams(in a very eerie role as Teddy's haunting wife), and Elias Koteas.
I had very different expectations for "Shutter Island." But after I saw it, the result was far beyond what I had expected. After walking out of the theater, the film leaves a lingering sense of dread in you that is hard to wear off. Scorsese is a master of the thriller genre, and he is aided by a stunning cast, a great script, and most of all, a story that is uncommon. In my book, and hopefully in yours, "Shutter Island" is a winner.
Based on the best-selling novel by Dennis Lehane, "Shutter Island" is about two Federal Marshals, Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule. Teddy and Chuck have been assigned to a case that revolves around Ashecliffe, a gigantic mental institution in the middle of God knows where on a land called Shutter Island. According to the head staff, including Dr. Cawley and Dr. Naehring, a girl believed to be highly dangerous escaped from Shutter Island, and it is up to Teddy and Chuck to find out where she is. But how can a girl escape a remote island when she was put in a maximum security ward and locked up into a room with a single barred window? And why is Teddy experiencing horrible memories from his past? The truth will be made clear as Teddy and Chuck discover the true intentions of Shutter Island and fight for their survival.
"Shutter Island" is a very different movie for a director like Scorsese. After watching, I was stunned with what he had to offer. This film goes to show you that an extraordinary director can do anything. And the final product is a nicely put together one.
Kill me for thinking so, but this film reminded me very much of director David Lynch during his first film, "Eraserhead." Sure, "Shutter Island" makes much more sense than that film, but when it comes to plot twists and hallucinations, the film is like one big dream, a nightmare in which you can't figure out what's going on until it is time for you to wake up. But when you're at Shutter Island, the nightmare never ends.
Martin Scorsese is no stranger to the thriller genre. He was responsible for the perfect reimagining of "Cape Fear." Now, "Shutter Island" is not Scorsese's best film. However, he is masterful as he creates suspense and builds tension.
I really liked the atmosphere in the film. When we approach Shutter Island, our gut tells us to turn back while we can. But our mind tells us to go inside Ashecliffe and discover what is going on. Let me tell you, the results ain't pretty.
Not only is the movie filled with unsettling visuals, but it's also filled with an all-star cast. This is probably Leonardo DiCaprio's most gut-wrenchingly real and elaborate performance of his career. He brings a realistic tone to Teddy, one that is very disturbing. Teddy's partner, Chuck, is played by Mark Ruffalo, who also does quite well with his part. Ben Kingsley is absolutely perfect as Dr. Cawley. Ebert has said "Kingsley brings an utter menace each time he smiles." Need I say more? The rest of the cast includes Emily Mortimer, Patricia Clarkson, Max von Sydow(The Exorcist!), John Carroll Lynch, Jackie Earle Haley, Michelle Williams(in a very eerie role as Teddy's haunting wife), and Elias Koteas.
I had very different expectations for "Shutter Island." But after I saw it, the result was far beyond what I had expected. After walking out of the theater, the film leaves a lingering sense of dread in you that is hard to wear off. Scorsese is a master of the thriller genre, and he is aided by a stunning cast, a great script, and most of all, a story that is uncommon. In my book, and hopefully in yours, "Shutter Island" is a winner.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Friday the 13th 2009: Jason Is Back!
For critics and non-fans of horror, remakes are easy to criticize and harass. Rob Zombie’s "Halloween," Marcus Nispel’s "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," and Andrew Douglas’s "The Amityville Horror," they have all become victims of the critics. They have all created box-office success, but does it mean they were necessarily good? I must say that I had high hopes for Marcus Nispel’s re-imagining of the all-time classic "Friday the 13th," and I was ready to take on Jason again. Get ready… This gory, fun version of Jason’s everlasting reign of terror is well worth every penny. It’s exactly the opposite of what its title suggests. Consider this reboot of the franchise extremely lucky.
So, in comes the big question: Is this really a remake of the classic 1980 horror film? Actually, no. It’s more of an homage to the original film and its 3 sequels. The plot is different, Mrs. Voorhees is only in the movie for a short 2 to 3 minutes, and Camp Crystal Lake has been changed completely. Let’s go into the plot, huh? It’s been nearly a month, and Clay goes to Crystal Lake to search for his missing sister Whitney. Meanwhile, a group of fun-loving teens head down to a good friend’s summer home for some drinking games, sex, drug use, topless waterskiing, and more. There’s Trent, Jenna, Chewie, Laurence, Chelsea, Nolan, and Bree. What Clay and the others don’t know is that an abandoned piece of land called Camp Crystal Lake is right around the corner, and today is Friday the 13th. And an incredibly strong, terrifying, angry, hockey-masked murderer named Jason Voorhees is not happy with his unwelcome guests. With blood-stained weapons and a sharp intelligence, Jason hunts down the prey and kills them one by one. If any of them want to live past this dreadful night, then they will have to use every possibility of stopping Jason dead in his tracks, and get the hell out of Camp Crystal Lake for good.
This "Friday the 13th" is a true homage to the scariest movies of the series: Parts I, II, III, and IV(The Final Chapter). The kills are gory and thrilling, bringing us back to the good old days, and there’s plenty of the expected sex and female nudity. Everyone knows that if you don’t have the boobs, a slasher movie’s going to suck. Thankfully, this film has healthy doses of skin.
What’s really pissed me off is "Friday the 13th’s" negative reviews. People have been calling it trash, junk, and a dud. First of all, I have something to say to the critics: Stop comparing it to the original and other current horror remakes! And who are they to criticize the movie’s nudity and violence when that’s exactly what the original had, and that turned out to be a classic! Critics have been against the series since 1980. Ever since the original "Friday" was released, they have butchered it with harsh criticism and hatred. So, my advice to the critics: If you don’t like the original "Friday," then you shouldn’t be so rude about this reboot. Don’t see it. It’s entertainment strictly for the fans. Of course, critics have to always spend their money to review any movie out there. And in the end, they still call it “junk.” So, critics, you should be happy that this movie actually tried to be good, and wasn’t the garbage that "Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning," "Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday," "Jason X" or "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" was.
And, I also have something to say to those who think that "Friday" was bad. I’m not going to bash you like I did with the critics. Critics piss me off more than you guys, so I’ll give you some friendly advice. If you’re going to go into "Friday the 13th," you need to have a sharp knowledge of what it is. If you’re a fan, I don’t think that you should expect something like "Freddy vs. Jason" or a specific "Friday" sequel. You need to know that this is a new, and different, kind of Jason. He’s stronger, and not a “supernatural zombie,” as "Friday" star Amanda Righetti describes him. If you go into "Friday the 13th" with those notions, then you should have no problem sitting back and enjoying it for what it is.
As much as I loved the entire movie, personally, my favorite part of "Friday the 13th" is the first 20 minutes, one of the coolest horror openings in history. This opening plays like the original’s classic sequel, starting off with a bunch of drunk, sex-crazed teenagers being told the story of how Mama Voorhees got decapitated, and her son Jason, who drowned on Friday the 13th of 1957, returned from the dead to wreak havoc on Camp Crystal Lake, and he roams the camp to this day in search of intruders. You can probably guess what happens next. The beginning of the film is eerie, gory, and it’s no doubt that it’s scary. This is the best opening to a horror film since "When A Stranger Calls" in 1979.
Of course, the best character of Marcus Nispel’s "Friday the 13th" is its villain, our favorite Crystal Lake resident Jason Voorhees. Parts I, II, III, and IV highlighted the times when the murderer(or murderess) actually ran, was ruthless, and truly effective. Then, basically after Part IV, Jason was a slow, and campy, stalker. But, not here. Uh-uh, not here. Jason is a full-throttle, cold-blooded monster that does not take the time to catch up with the victims. He’s right there, in your face, and running after you with his large machete. Now, isn’t that a horror villain we can love? Also, this is possibly Jason at his creepiest, since the film portrays him as incredibly sadistic, making sure that anybody who crosses his path will die a slow, painful, and violent death.
One other thing "Friday" has going for it is a load of humor and horror movie references that only the most jaded genre fan can point out. The sex scenes in the movie had me laughing a lot because they were so over the top, and the drinking jokes were pretty funny. The comedy blends well with the carnage, and that is one of the things that is key for this reboot.
"Friday the 13th’s" murders are in the great spirit of the original’s, and pay tribute to makeup master Tom Savini’s great effects. Everybody in the film falls by Jason’s blade, axe, spear, you name it. And it’s done very well. Before I saw the movie, I thought that it would be gorier than any other Friday film I‘ve ever seen. But comparing to the original movie, it’s surprisingly not as gruesome. Yes, the movie is plenty gory, but the violence, in my opinion, could have gone farther. But in the end, it doesn’t need to be over the top. You need to have at least a few moments of suspense in order to make a good horror film, and the violence is toned down a little bit so the murders can feel realistic and scary. The makeup and special effects department on this movie make sure that the kills look real and fun. Those who have been devoted to the series might feel like they have seen these types of deaths before, but Brad Fuller, producer on the film, hoped that fans would get the stylish kills they remembered with just a touch of life, or newcomers to the series would see deaths that they have never seen before. Basically, the deaths are at the right tone, and there’s nothing wrong here.
Technically, the film’s setting looks terrific. When we are taken back to Camp Crystal Lake after so many years, we sit back in the film, and remember the greatness of Jason’s stalking grounds. Everything the original’s setting had is back on the screen again. I tell you, once you visit this Crystal Lake, you’ll have second thoughts about going to summer camp.
"Friday the 13th’s" characters aren’t completely smart, but that’s part of the fun of revisiting the genre. As a fan, an audience member is always going to yell out at the screen “Don’t do that!,” “Don’t go in there!,” or “Hey, look out! The killer’s right behind you!” Here, we still care for the characters on their way down Jason’s list of victims. Most of them will obviously wind up dying, and we’ll cheer Jason on. But there will always be certain characters that we want to live.
Time to break down a great cast. Jared Padalecki, Amanda Righetti, Danielle Panabaker, and Travis Van Winkle are our leading characters as Clay, Whitney, Jenna, and Trent. I just want to say that I really enjoy Righetti’s performance. She plays the helpless teen so well, and my God, can she scream! Others of the cast include: Aaron Yoo as Chewie, a likeable and funny stoner, Julianna Guill as Bree, the most interesting slutty horror chick on screen, Jonathan Sadowski as Wade, who gives a memorable performance, Ben Feldman as Richie(loved his death), Arlen Escarpeta as Lawrence(This is the token black guy some other horror flicks have. Only this time, you want him to live.), Willa Ford as Chelsea(the topless waterskiing murder is fantastic), and Nick Mennell as Mike. And genre fan Derek Mears plays Jason perfectly. He was just the right guy to play him since Kane Hodder took on the role. He understands this character, and he makes sure that everybody is still afraid of him. Physically and mentally, Mears is perfect in the role. A stellar cast, and a great Jason.
The script is well-written by Damien Shannon and Mark Swift, who wrote down the script for the horror crowd-pleaser "Freddy vs. Jason." Obviously, their script shows that they love and respect the horror genre, and want to get the audience to love this movie. They have created some characters that are funny and sympathetic as they hit Jason’s chopping board. As for Jason himself, Shannon and Swift have orchestrated a great new vision of him that audiences won’t forget.
Director Marcus Nispel, director of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre re-imagining, certainly knows how to set up "Friday the 13th" technically and cast-wise. He’s definitely a fan of the original movies to be sure, and wants the audience to get that craving to return to Camp Crystal Lake to join Jason in his horrifying trail of carnage again.
Some people will go into "Friday the 13th" very skeptical, and others will go into it with high expectations. Some fans will be disappointed while the other fans will have the time of their life. And to those who are completely new to the franchise and Jason legend, I think they’ll love it if they haven’t seen too many horror remakes. The audience is either going to love or hate this movie. But as a die-hard fan of the series, this "Friday" is definitely one to remember. Jason Voorhees is back, and he’s creepier, meaner, and smarter than ever! Now, it‘s time to quote those famous sounds. Ready? …Ch, ch, ch, ch. Ah, ah, ah, ah.
So, in comes the big question: Is this really a remake of the classic 1980 horror film? Actually, no. It’s more of an homage to the original film and its 3 sequels. The plot is different, Mrs. Voorhees is only in the movie for a short 2 to 3 minutes, and Camp Crystal Lake has been changed completely. Let’s go into the plot, huh? It’s been nearly a month, and Clay goes to Crystal Lake to search for his missing sister Whitney. Meanwhile, a group of fun-loving teens head down to a good friend’s summer home for some drinking games, sex, drug use, topless waterskiing, and more. There’s Trent, Jenna, Chewie, Laurence, Chelsea, Nolan, and Bree. What Clay and the others don’t know is that an abandoned piece of land called Camp Crystal Lake is right around the corner, and today is Friday the 13th. And an incredibly strong, terrifying, angry, hockey-masked murderer named Jason Voorhees is not happy with his unwelcome guests. With blood-stained weapons and a sharp intelligence, Jason hunts down the prey and kills them one by one. If any of them want to live past this dreadful night, then they will have to use every possibility of stopping Jason dead in his tracks, and get the hell out of Camp Crystal Lake for good.
This "Friday the 13th" is a true homage to the scariest movies of the series: Parts I, II, III, and IV(The Final Chapter). The kills are gory and thrilling, bringing us back to the good old days, and there’s plenty of the expected sex and female nudity. Everyone knows that if you don’t have the boobs, a slasher movie’s going to suck. Thankfully, this film has healthy doses of skin.
What’s really pissed me off is "Friday the 13th’s" negative reviews. People have been calling it trash, junk, and a dud. First of all, I have something to say to the critics: Stop comparing it to the original and other current horror remakes! And who are they to criticize the movie’s nudity and violence when that’s exactly what the original had, and that turned out to be a classic! Critics have been against the series since 1980. Ever since the original "Friday" was released, they have butchered it with harsh criticism and hatred. So, my advice to the critics: If you don’t like the original "Friday," then you shouldn’t be so rude about this reboot. Don’t see it. It’s entertainment strictly for the fans. Of course, critics have to always spend their money to review any movie out there. And in the end, they still call it “junk.” So, critics, you should be happy that this movie actually tried to be good, and wasn’t the garbage that "Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning," "Jason Goes To Hell: The Final Friday," "Jason X" or "Halloween III: Season of the Witch" was.
And, I also have something to say to those who think that "Friday" was bad. I’m not going to bash you like I did with the critics. Critics piss me off more than you guys, so I’ll give you some friendly advice. If you’re going to go into "Friday the 13th," you need to have a sharp knowledge of what it is. If you’re a fan, I don’t think that you should expect something like "Freddy vs. Jason" or a specific "Friday" sequel. You need to know that this is a new, and different, kind of Jason. He’s stronger, and not a “supernatural zombie,” as "Friday" star Amanda Righetti describes him. If you go into "Friday the 13th" with those notions, then you should have no problem sitting back and enjoying it for what it is.
As much as I loved the entire movie, personally, my favorite part of "Friday the 13th" is the first 20 minutes, one of the coolest horror openings in history. This opening plays like the original’s classic sequel, starting off with a bunch of drunk, sex-crazed teenagers being told the story of how Mama Voorhees got decapitated, and her son Jason, who drowned on Friday the 13th of 1957, returned from the dead to wreak havoc on Camp Crystal Lake, and he roams the camp to this day in search of intruders. You can probably guess what happens next. The beginning of the film is eerie, gory, and it’s no doubt that it’s scary. This is the best opening to a horror film since "When A Stranger Calls" in 1979.
Of course, the best character of Marcus Nispel’s "Friday the 13th" is its villain, our favorite Crystal Lake resident Jason Voorhees. Parts I, II, III, and IV highlighted the times when the murderer(or murderess) actually ran, was ruthless, and truly effective. Then, basically after Part IV, Jason was a slow, and campy, stalker. But, not here. Uh-uh, not here. Jason is a full-throttle, cold-blooded monster that does not take the time to catch up with the victims. He’s right there, in your face, and running after you with his large machete. Now, isn’t that a horror villain we can love? Also, this is possibly Jason at his creepiest, since the film portrays him as incredibly sadistic, making sure that anybody who crosses his path will die a slow, painful, and violent death.
One other thing "Friday" has going for it is a load of humor and horror movie references that only the most jaded genre fan can point out. The sex scenes in the movie had me laughing a lot because they were so over the top, and the drinking jokes were pretty funny. The comedy blends well with the carnage, and that is one of the things that is key for this reboot.
"Friday the 13th’s" murders are in the great spirit of the original’s, and pay tribute to makeup master Tom Savini’s great effects. Everybody in the film falls by Jason’s blade, axe, spear, you name it. And it’s done very well. Before I saw the movie, I thought that it would be gorier than any other Friday film I‘ve ever seen. But comparing to the original movie, it’s surprisingly not as gruesome. Yes, the movie is plenty gory, but the violence, in my opinion, could have gone farther. But in the end, it doesn’t need to be over the top. You need to have at least a few moments of suspense in order to make a good horror film, and the violence is toned down a little bit so the murders can feel realistic and scary. The makeup and special effects department on this movie make sure that the kills look real and fun. Those who have been devoted to the series might feel like they have seen these types of deaths before, but Brad Fuller, producer on the film, hoped that fans would get the stylish kills they remembered with just a touch of life, or newcomers to the series would see deaths that they have never seen before. Basically, the deaths are at the right tone, and there’s nothing wrong here.
Technically, the film’s setting looks terrific. When we are taken back to Camp Crystal Lake after so many years, we sit back in the film, and remember the greatness of Jason’s stalking grounds. Everything the original’s setting had is back on the screen again. I tell you, once you visit this Crystal Lake, you’ll have second thoughts about going to summer camp.
"Friday the 13th’s" characters aren’t completely smart, but that’s part of the fun of revisiting the genre. As a fan, an audience member is always going to yell out at the screen “Don’t do that!,” “Don’t go in there!,” or “Hey, look out! The killer’s right behind you!” Here, we still care for the characters on their way down Jason’s list of victims. Most of them will obviously wind up dying, and we’ll cheer Jason on. But there will always be certain characters that we want to live.
Time to break down a great cast. Jared Padalecki, Amanda Righetti, Danielle Panabaker, and Travis Van Winkle are our leading characters as Clay, Whitney, Jenna, and Trent. I just want to say that I really enjoy Righetti’s performance. She plays the helpless teen so well, and my God, can she scream! Others of the cast include: Aaron Yoo as Chewie, a likeable and funny stoner, Julianna Guill as Bree, the most interesting slutty horror chick on screen, Jonathan Sadowski as Wade, who gives a memorable performance, Ben Feldman as Richie(loved his death), Arlen Escarpeta as Lawrence(This is the token black guy some other horror flicks have. Only this time, you want him to live.), Willa Ford as Chelsea(the topless waterskiing murder is fantastic), and Nick Mennell as Mike. And genre fan Derek Mears plays Jason perfectly. He was just the right guy to play him since Kane Hodder took on the role. He understands this character, and he makes sure that everybody is still afraid of him. Physically and mentally, Mears is perfect in the role. A stellar cast, and a great Jason.
The script is well-written by Damien Shannon and Mark Swift, who wrote down the script for the horror crowd-pleaser "Freddy vs. Jason." Obviously, their script shows that they love and respect the horror genre, and want to get the audience to love this movie. They have created some characters that are funny and sympathetic as they hit Jason’s chopping board. As for Jason himself, Shannon and Swift have orchestrated a great new vision of him that audiences won’t forget.
Director Marcus Nispel, director of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre re-imagining, certainly knows how to set up "Friday the 13th" technically and cast-wise. He’s definitely a fan of the original movies to be sure, and wants the audience to get that craving to return to Camp Crystal Lake to join Jason in his horrifying trail of carnage again.
Some people will go into "Friday the 13th" very skeptical, and others will go into it with high expectations. Some fans will be disappointed while the other fans will have the time of their life. And to those who are completely new to the franchise and Jason legend, I think they’ll love it if they haven’t seen too many horror remakes. The audience is either going to love or hate this movie. But as a die-hard fan of the series, this "Friday" is definitely one to remember. Jason Voorhees is back, and he’s creepier, meaner, and smarter than ever! Now, it‘s time to quote those famous sounds. Ready? …Ch, ch, ch, ch. Ah, ah, ah, ah.
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