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!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
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!
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