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.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
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+
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