Ready or Not (2019)
Since I can't go to the movies because of my seizures, I tend to load up my Netflix list with movies I really want to see. Ready or Not has been at the top of my list ever since I saw its first preview. It looked like a combination of The Most Dangerous Game (Richard Connell) and You're Next (2011).
The Premise
When a member of the Le Domas family gets married, it's tradition to initiate the new in-law by playing a game on their wedding night. The whole family gets into the spirit of things. Why? Because there's a curse on the Le Domas family and if they don't play, they believe something awful will happen. Sometimes the games are harmless, like chess or checkers. But every once in a while, they are forced to play a deadly game of hide and seek.
My Take
I love a good dark comedy and that's how I viewed this movie, more so than a horror film. The actors played their parts straight despite the somewhat absurd circumstances they were put in. I mean, who plays hide and seek on their wedding night with their entire clan of in-laws hunting them down with antique weaponry?
Samara Weaving and Mark O'Brien play the newly married Grace and Alex Le Domas. You may remember Samara from The Babysitter (2017). Except this time she's on the receiving end of some weird shit from a devil worshiping family. To round out the family, there's Adam Brody who plays Daniel Le Domas. With Daniel's character, you never know which side he is on and that makes it really exciting to watch from scene to scene. Melanie Scrofano plays sister Emilie who, from an actor's standpoint, would have been a lot of fun to play. She seems like the family member that took full advantage of the family fortune and never worked a day in her life. And of course there are dear old mom and dad played by Andie MacDowell and Henry Czerny. My favorite thing about their relationship is thinking about the fact that Andie MacDowell's character, Becky Le Domas, would have had to endure the same initiation right of choosing a game to play that the current bride, Grace, is doing right now. What doesn't kill us, I suppose... That brings us to the other in-laws played by Kristian Bruun and Elyse Levesque. I am familiar with Kristian and Elyse from their work on Orphan Black (2013-2017), one of my favorite shows ever. It's fun to see them paired up in the same movie. And finally, there is what appears to be crazy Aunt Helene (Nicky Guadagni), but we learn more about her as the movie progresses.
There are many things I enjoy about this movie. The plot moves along quickly and it doesn't give the audience much time to anticipate what happens next. I like that because it makes it less difficult to predict the scriptwriters next move. There's nothing I hate more than figuring it out all in the first act. So thank you very much Guy Buick and Ryan Murphy. The direction was also well thought out I loved the production design (Matt Bettinelli-Olin and Tyler Gillett).
The Verdict
I was not at all disappointed in Ready or Not. I am disappointed in that I feel like it was sleeper in the cinemas. Maybe it will find its footing in its DVD release or in streaming. I recommend you give it try. I give Ready or Not 5/5 pentagrams. And a little word of advice - be careful who you marry.
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Friday, December 13, 2019
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Return of Horror Fest - Teen Version
Yes Horror Fest made a (small) return to the Romero household this year. But please do not get your panties in a wad if you didn't receive an invite! It was dubbed Horror Fest Returns - The Teen Version for a reason. All of our children (ages 14-18) collectively agreed they wanted to host another 24 hour monster movie marathon. We the parents graciously allowed them to invite their friends over and allow them full fridge access for 24 hours and they could watch whatever Halloween movies they wanted. Here's what they chose this year:
Intruder (1989)
Victor and I picked this flick to start things off. The teenagers wanted a classic '80s slasher flick and this one has always one of our favorites. It's also a bit of a whodunit as one by one the overnight stock crew of a grocery store gets picked off in gruesome ways. Stay tuned till
Jason vs Freddy (2003)
This pick made me laugh because it turns out that half the kids watching the movie never saw the original Friday the 13th or Nightmare on Elm Street! How is that possible? So there were a lot of questions about the dream killer, but ultimately they enjoyed the battle between Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger.
Ghostbusters (1984)
Always a classic, though maybe not so much a horror movie, Ghostbusters chronicles three parapsychologists as they capture ghosts around New York City.
Always a classic, though maybe not so much a horror movie, Ghostbusters chronicles three parapsychologists as they capture ghosts around New York City.
Hush (2016)
I'm a big fan of writers and directors taking control of their projects, especially when they're as well done as Hush. Written and starring Kate Siegel and written and directed by Mike Flanagan, Hush is a thriller about a mute and deaf woman terrorized by masked killer.
I'm a big fan of writers and directors taking control of their projects, especially when they're as well done as Hush. Written and starring Kate Siegel and written and directed by Mike Flanagan, Hush is a thriller about a mute and deaf woman terrorized by masked killer.
13 Cameras (2015)
Talk about creepy. Has anyone ever just given you the heebies jeebies? Actor Neville Archambault does a great job of it in Victor Zarcoff's, 13 Camera's. You can't help but feel for this couple that is being unwittingly spied on in this thriller.
Talk about creepy. Has anyone ever just given you the heebies jeebies? Actor Neville Archambault does a great job of it in Victor Zarcoff's, 13 Camera's. You can't help but feel for this couple that is being unwittingly spied on in this thriller.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
This was a first for many of our teenage guests. They thoroughly enjoyed each and every gory death (especially Johnny Depp's). And they loved Robert Englund's portrayal of Freddy, in this one and in Freddy vs Jason.
This was a first for many of our teenage guests. They thoroughly enjoyed each and every gory death (especially Johnny Depp's). And they loved Robert Englund's portrayal of Freddy, in this one and in Freddy vs Jason.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
This was solely for the thespians in the crowd, though the other guys loved Audrey II and Bill Murray's masochistic Arthur Dent. The theatre crowd was more into Ellen Greene and Rick Moranis. But overall, it was a win! (Of course)
This was solely for the thespians in the crowd, though the other guys loved Audrey II and Bill Murray's masochistic Arthur Dent. The theatre crowd was more into Ellen Greene and Rick Moranis. But overall, it was a win! (Of course)
The Conjuring (2013)
My daughter loves scary movies and she loves this one. Obviously it starts off the Annabelle series, but that's not why we like this one. It's very Amityville Horror (which we watched next) in that a family is haunted by an unknown presence. And it's supposed to have been based on a true story which always makes a haunting even scarier.
My daughter loves scary movies and she loves this one. Obviously it starts off the Annabelle series, but that's not why we like this one. It's very Amityville Horror (which we watched next) in that a family is haunted by an unknown presence. And it's supposed to have been based on a true story which always makes a haunting even scarier.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
This is one of my my husband's favorites, because of Margot Kidder, but that's okay. Of course by this time we started losing some of the teenagers. Haha They were dropping like the flies on Father Delaney. This one is also supposed to be based on a true story which always makes a story even better, in my opinion.
This is one of my my husband's favorites, because of Margot Kidder, but that's okay. Of course by this time we started losing some of the teenagers. Haha They were dropping like the flies on Father Delaney. This one is also supposed to be based on a true story which always makes a story even better, in my opinion.
Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)
I have to tell you I don't know why I own this one and not any of the others, but I do. And it was the first time I watched it. It was a little long, and a little strange, but it was also a little unsettling, which is exactly what it was supposed to be. I obviously can't say much because it gives away the ending, but I did enjoy Paranormal Activity 3.
I have to tell you I don't know why I own this one and not any of the others, but I do. And it was the first time I watched it. It was a little long, and a little strange, but it was also a little unsettling, which is exactly what it was supposed to be. I obviously can't say much because it gives away the ending, but I did enjoy Paranormal Activity 3.
House of Wax (2005)
This one is kind of my guilty pleasure. I enjoy that in the end it's a brother/sister duo that team up (Elisha Cuthbert and Chad Michael Murray) and not a romantic link. Have you ever had a hot wax massage treatment? It's super satisfying. So being covered in the stuff seems like a great idea. But I guess these killers just take it way too far.
This one is kind of my guilty pleasure. I enjoy that in the end it's a brother/sister duo that team up (Elisha Cuthbert and Chad Michael Murray) and not a romantic link. Have you ever had a hot wax massage treatment? It's super satisfying. So being covered in the stuff seems like a great idea. But I guess these killers just take it way too far.
Death Note (2017)
Imagine having the power to kill anyone you want - and then giving that power to a teenager. That's Death Note. A great movie that keeps you in suspense up until the very end, Death Note is a great movie to add to any Halloween movie fest.
Imagine having the power to kill anyone you want - and then giving that power to a teenager. That's Death Note. A great movie that keeps you in suspense up until the very end, Death Note is a great movie to add to any Halloween movie fest.
The Babysitter (2017)
This is another one of our guilty pleasure movies. The Babysitter has all the elements - it's sexy, has dark comedy, and gore. A group of teenage Devil worshipers didn't count on the young boy they were babysitting spying on them. Hilarity ensues. Watch it.
This is another one of our guilty pleasure movies. The Babysitter has all the elements - it's sexy, has dark comedy, and gore. A group of teenage Devil worshipers didn't count on the young boy they were babysitting spying on them. Hilarity ensues. Watch it.
Student Bodies (1981)
This movie was a total spoof and the only one filmed in Houston, as far as I know. (Yay hometown!) If you loves spoof and don't mind the silliness of it all, this one's for you.
This movie was a total spoof and the only one filmed in Houston, as far as I know. (Yay hometown!) If you loves spoof and don't mind the silliness of it all, this one's for you.
The Banana Splits Movie (2019)
This is a new movie we added to our collection this year. My husband grew up watching The Banana Splits so it was only natural he would gravitate toward this movie. It was pretty good, considering the main characters had giant animation robots chasing them all around a TV studio for the duration of the film. Not as silly as it sounds.
This is a new movie we added to our collection this year. My husband grew up watching The Banana Splits so it was only natural he would gravitate toward this movie. It was pretty good, considering the main characters had giant animation robots chasing them all around a TV studio for the duration of the film. Not as silly as it sounds.
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
We can't have a Horror Fest without Tucker and Dale vs Evil. This is our favorite movie about mistaken identities. A group of college kids think that Tucker and Dale are hillbilly killers. After a freak accident in which the hillbillies save one of the college girls from drowning, the rest of the group meet their untimely ends in hilarious freak accidents.
We can't have a Horror Fest without Tucker and Dale vs Evil. This is our favorite movie about mistaken identities. A group of college kids think that Tucker and Dale are hillbilly killers. After a freak accident in which the hillbillies save one of the college girls from drowning, the rest of the group meet their untimely ends in hilarious freak accidents.
Monday, November 9, 2015
What we Watched This Halloween Season - 2015
The tradition continued this year as we tried to fit in as many horror movies as possible this Halloween season and we hosted our second annual 24 Hour Horror Fest! Here's our official list of Halloween movies from 2015.
To make it easier, I have rated the following films on a sliding scale from 1 to 5; 1 being the the worst, but we watched it anyway, and 5 being the best. As always, don't let my opinion be the only one you listen to. Form your own by watching as many movies as you can next Halloween!
In order of appearance:
Friday the 13th Part XII: The New Blood (1988)
A psychic teenager accidentally releases Jason from his underwater confinement to once again go on a nearly unstoppable killing spree.
Hokey, but these are the classics 3/5
Friday the 13th Part XIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
A boatload of teenagers on their graduation cruise accidentally snag Jason and drag him all the way to New York where he terrorizes Manhattan.
Pretty silly 2/5
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
Jason is blown apart (after having mysteriously reappeared at Crystal Lake) and his demonic spirit
goes looking for another Voorhees' body to take over.
Umm, no 1/5
Friday the 13th Part X: To Hell and Back (1995)
Jason is summoned back from Hell from some mischievous teenagers using a mysterious book found on the still standing Voorhees' estate. Will no one ever learn?
Ok, we've got to stop this. 2/5
Student Bodies (1981)
Filmed in my neck of the woods, Student Bodies has long been one of our favorite spoofs. The Breather is one of the best villains you'll ever see.
Sex kills in this horror comedy. 5/5
Intruder (1989)
A maniac killer targets the overnight crew of a local grocery store. I really enjoy this movie because of what happens at the very end.
I suggest the unrated version. 5/5
Near Dark (1987)
A classic vampire love story that will outlast and outdo any Twilight story ever written. A young man gets lured into a vampires' den by a beautiful young woman.
Can love cure vampirism? 5/5
Saw (2004)
Two men are trapped in a room together with no memory of how they got there. What they do know is that one must kill the other to survive.
The start of a franchise is usually the best, and this is true here. 4/5
Saw II (2005)
Serial killer, Jigsaw, has trapped eight people in a factory together inhaling a deadly nerve gas. It is up to one single to detective to unravel his riddles and save them.
An interesting sequel. Not bad. 3/5
Saw III (2006)
A doctor, a man whose son was killed in a hit and run, a detective and Jigsaw's protegee all have something in common in this gruesome sequel.
There's still a story here but it is a little far fetched. 3/5
Saw IV (2007)
Jigsaw and his apprentice are both dead but people are still dying. Who is carrying on Jigsaw's wishes, even after death?
Ok, I'll bite... 3/5
Saw V (2008)
Another group of strangers are put through Jigsaw style traps, but these feel different from before. More brutal. Meanwhile, an agent is on the tail of the new killer.
Maybe it's because we watched all of these in a row, but I am finding the overall plot line pretty fascinating. 3/5
Saw VI (2009)
In the final installment to Saw, the original Jigsaw's plans all come to fruition in one giant convoluted plan. If everyone had just done as they were asked, they all would have lived. Crazy.
Actually pretty well thought out, despite the plot holes. 3/5
Creep (2014)
What do you do when you find out that your client is a little nuts? In found footage/documentary style film, Creep tells the story of Josef's obsession with videographer Aaron.
I'll never quite look at Mark Duplass the same way again. 4/5
The Host (2006)
A young girl is kidnapped by a strange, man-eating creature. Her family refuses to accept her death and stops at nothing to get her back.
Very good Korean film. Not bad special effects. 3/5
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
Filmed in black and white, this movie is another pretty good vampire film. The people of Bad City are unaware that a vampire lives among them, let alone a very lonely and attractive vampire.
This foreign language film (Farsi) is worth putting on your list. 4/5
Witching and Bitching (2013)
A hilarious Spanish language film about men who bitch about women, a jewelry heist and, of course, witches.
So good, we watched it twice. 5/5
The Snowtown Murders (2011)
Based on the true story of Australian serial killer, John Bunting, it recalls events of how one man can influence young minds to murder and torture other people.
Intriguing because it was based on a true story. 3/5
Zombieland (2009)
In a land overrun by zombies, four strangers become friends on their cross-country journey.
With a cast like this, how can you go wrong? 5/5
Smiley (2012)
After learning that an online killer can be summoned anywhere and at anytime, an unstable teenager becomes so paranoid she thinks the killer is stalking her at every turn.
I did it for the lulz. 2/5
The People Under the Stairs (1991)
The People Under the Stairs is about a little girl trapped inside a creepy house, the strange things going on around her, the unwitting boy who rescues her and an urban legend about a hidden treasure.
We introduced a whole new generation to this Wes Craven horror classic. 5/5
Grabbers (2012)
Two peace officers in Ireland discover that the best way to fight blood-thirsty aliens is with a blood alcohol level of point-oh-deadly.
Read my review of Grabbers here. 5/5
You're Next (2011)
When a family comes under attack by masked killers, they never expected one of the guests would be able to take them on.
Way to go for kick-ass women! 4/5
The 'Burbs (1989)
Granted this movie is not really a horror movie but it does have all the elements: creepy neighbors, murder, intrigue and paranoia.
Who hasn't wanted to spy on their neighbors? 3/5
Return of the Living Dead II (1988)
The dead rise once again to seek out their favorite meal, brains. It is up to a group of teenagers, and a few inept adults, to stop them.
I admit, I love this one. 4/5
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Five stories intertwine in this supernatural Halloween horror movie.
Trick or Treat! 4/5
The Lost Boys (1987)
Yet another classic vampire love story. I sense a theme. Boy meets girl, girl is a vampire, boy becomes vampire, boy must save them both.
Still better than Twilight. 4/5
House of Wax (2005)
A group of teens are deserted in a strange town and the only attraction is a wax museum. One by one they are killed and turned into wax figures.
Not a terrible remake, all in all. 2/5
Friday the 13th (2009)
An updated version of the original Friday the 13th. A group of young adults are terrorized by Jason Voorhees when they encroach upon his territory.
Not as good as the original, but worth a look. 4/5
I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
A woman is brutally attacked and seeks revenge on those who wronged her.
It's her revenge that makes this remake worth watching. 4/5
The Conjuring (2013)
Something is terrorizing a family in a rural farmhouse in the early 1970's. Paranormal investigators have been summoned to help them sort out the strange happenings.
I have never heard teenage girls scream so loud. It is definitely one of the better paranormal movies made lately. 4/5
Night of the Comet (1984)
This movie has one of my husband's favorite villains in it. Set in the aftermath of the passing a giant comet, a group of teen-aged survivors do what teens do best... Have fun!
Like Valley girls of the apocalypse. 4/5
Fido (2006)
A cloud of radiation has made it so that the dead come back. Set in the 1950's, Fido is an unconventional zombie movie.
Read my review of Fido here. 5/5
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Based on a "true" story, the movie follows the events of a book which follows the accounts given by the Lutz family of what happened to them in the infamous house.
Get out! 4/5
Stage Fright (2014)
Ok, I hate musicals. But this movie is all about a killer who kills people starring in musicals! Perfect! The songs are hilarious and totally tongue in cheek. The entire movie is making fun of musical theatre.
Stay tuned to listen to the credits. 4/5
Let Us Prey (2014)
On her first night in a small Scottish police station, a young police woman, other officers and prisoners become unwilling hostages of a mysterious stranger. Violence erupts as the stranger takes over their minds.
There are no such thing as accidents in this movie. 3/5
Teeth (2007)
If you ever thought women were evil before, you won't have any doubt after watching this movie. Sometimes abstinence really is the best policy, especially when you have teeth... down there.
Vagina Dentata! 2/5
I would love to hear what you watched this past Halloween season. Leave me a comment below! Check out last year's Halloween blog, too!
To make it easier, I have rated the following films on a sliding scale from 1 to 5; 1 being the the worst, but we watched it anyway, and 5 being the best. As always, don't let my opinion be the only one you listen to. Form your own by watching as many movies as you can next Halloween!
In order of appearance:
Friday the 13th Part XII: The New Blood (1988)
A psychic teenager accidentally releases Jason from his underwater confinement to once again go on a nearly unstoppable killing spree.
Hokey, but these are the classics 3/5
Friday the 13th Part XIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)
A boatload of teenagers on their graduation cruise accidentally snag Jason and drag him all the way to New York where he terrorizes Manhattan.
Pretty silly 2/5
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday (1993)
Jason is blown apart (after having mysteriously reappeared at Crystal Lake) and his demonic spirit
goes looking for another Voorhees' body to take over.
Umm, no 1/5
Friday the 13th Part X: To Hell and Back (1995)
Jason is summoned back from Hell from some mischievous teenagers using a mysterious book found on the still standing Voorhees' estate. Will no one ever learn?
Ok, we've got to stop this. 2/5
Student Bodies (1981)
Filmed in my neck of the woods, Student Bodies has long been one of our favorite spoofs. The Breather is one of the best villains you'll ever see.
Sex kills in this horror comedy. 5/5
Intruder (1989)
A maniac killer targets the overnight crew of a local grocery store. I really enjoy this movie because of what happens at the very end.
I suggest the unrated version. 5/5
Near Dark (1987)
A classic vampire love story that will outlast and outdo any Twilight story ever written. A young man gets lured into a vampires' den by a beautiful young woman.
Can love cure vampirism? 5/5
Saw (2004)
Two men are trapped in a room together with no memory of how they got there. What they do know is that one must kill the other to survive.
The start of a franchise is usually the best, and this is true here. 4/5
Saw II (2005)
Serial killer, Jigsaw, has trapped eight people in a factory together inhaling a deadly nerve gas. It is up to one single to detective to unravel his riddles and save them.
An interesting sequel. Not bad. 3/5
Saw III (2006)
A doctor, a man whose son was killed in a hit and run, a detective and Jigsaw's protegee all have something in common in this gruesome sequel.
There's still a story here but it is a little far fetched. 3/5
Saw IV (2007)
Jigsaw and his apprentice are both dead but people are still dying. Who is carrying on Jigsaw's wishes, even after death?
Ok, I'll bite... 3/5
Saw V (2008)
Another group of strangers are put through Jigsaw style traps, but these feel different from before. More brutal. Meanwhile, an agent is on the tail of the new killer.
Maybe it's because we watched all of these in a row, but I am finding the overall plot line pretty fascinating. 3/5
Saw VI (2009)
In the final installment to Saw, the original Jigsaw's plans all come to fruition in one giant convoluted plan. If everyone had just done as they were asked, they all would have lived. Crazy.
Actually pretty well thought out, despite the plot holes. 3/5
Creep (2014)
What do you do when you find out that your client is a little nuts? In found footage/documentary style film, Creep tells the story of Josef's obsession with videographer Aaron.
I'll never quite look at Mark Duplass the same way again. 4/5
The Host (2006)
A young girl is kidnapped by a strange, man-eating creature. Her family refuses to accept her death and stops at nothing to get her back.
Very good Korean film. Not bad special effects. 3/5
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014)
Filmed in black and white, this movie is another pretty good vampire film. The people of Bad City are unaware that a vampire lives among them, let alone a very lonely and attractive vampire.
This foreign language film (Farsi) is worth putting on your list. 4/5
Witching and Bitching (2013)
A hilarious Spanish language film about men who bitch about women, a jewelry heist and, of course, witches.
So good, we watched it twice. 5/5
The Snowtown Murders (2011)
Based on the true story of Australian serial killer, John Bunting, it recalls events of how one man can influence young minds to murder and torture other people.
Intriguing because it was based on a true story. 3/5
Zombieland (2009)
In a land overrun by zombies, four strangers become friends on their cross-country journey.
With a cast like this, how can you go wrong? 5/5
Smiley (2012)
After learning that an online killer can be summoned anywhere and at anytime, an unstable teenager becomes so paranoid she thinks the killer is stalking her at every turn.
I did it for the lulz. 2/5
The People Under the Stairs (1991)
The People Under the Stairs is about a little girl trapped inside a creepy house, the strange things going on around her, the unwitting boy who rescues her and an urban legend about a hidden treasure.
We introduced a whole new generation to this Wes Craven horror classic. 5/5
Grabbers (2012)
Two peace officers in Ireland discover that the best way to fight blood-thirsty aliens is with a blood alcohol level of point-oh-deadly.
Read my review of Grabbers here. 5/5
You're Next (2011)
When a family comes under attack by masked killers, they never expected one of the guests would be able to take them on.
Way to go for kick-ass women! 4/5
The 'Burbs (1989)
Granted this movie is not really a horror movie but it does have all the elements: creepy neighbors, murder, intrigue and paranoia.
Who hasn't wanted to spy on their neighbors? 3/5
Return of the Living Dead II (1988)
The dead rise once again to seek out their favorite meal, brains. It is up to a group of teenagers, and a few inept adults, to stop them.
I admit, I love this one. 4/5
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Five stories intertwine in this supernatural Halloween horror movie.
Trick or Treat! 4/5
The Lost Boys (1987)
Yet another classic vampire love story. I sense a theme. Boy meets girl, girl is a vampire, boy becomes vampire, boy must save them both.
Still better than Twilight. 4/5
House of Wax (2005)
A group of teens are deserted in a strange town and the only attraction is a wax museum. One by one they are killed and turned into wax figures.
Not a terrible remake, all in all. 2/5
Friday the 13th (2009)
An updated version of the original Friday the 13th. A group of young adults are terrorized by Jason Voorhees when they encroach upon his territory.
Not as good as the original, but worth a look. 4/5
I Spit on Your Grave (2010)
A woman is brutally attacked and seeks revenge on those who wronged her.
It's her revenge that makes this remake worth watching. 4/5
The Conjuring (2013)
Something is terrorizing a family in a rural farmhouse in the early 1970's. Paranormal investigators have been summoned to help them sort out the strange happenings.
I have never heard teenage girls scream so loud. It is definitely one of the better paranormal movies made lately. 4/5
Night of the Comet (1984)
This movie has one of my husband's favorite villains in it. Set in the aftermath of the passing a giant comet, a group of teen-aged survivors do what teens do best... Have fun!
Like Valley girls of the apocalypse. 4/5
Fido (2006)
A cloud of radiation has made it so that the dead come back. Set in the 1950's, Fido is an unconventional zombie movie.
Read my review of Fido here. 5/5
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Based on a "true" story, the movie follows the events of a book which follows the accounts given by the Lutz family of what happened to them in the infamous house.
Get out! 4/5
Stage Fright (2014)
Ok, I hate musicals. But this movie is all about a killer who kills people starring in musicals! Perfect! The songs are hilarious and totally tongue in cheek. The entire movie is making fun of musical theatre.
Stay tuned to listen to the credits. 4/5
Let Us Prey (2014)
On her first night in a small Scottish police station, a young police woman, other officers and prisoners become unwilling hostages of a mysterious stranger. Violence erupts as the stranger takes over their minds.
There are no such thing as accidents in this movie. 3/5
Teeth (2007)
If you ever thought women were evil before, you won't have any doubt after watching this movie. Sometimes abstinence really is the best policy, especially when you have teeth... down there.
Vagina Dentata! 2/5
I would love to hear what you watched this past Halloween season. Leave me a comment below! Check out last year's Halloween blog, too!
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
What We Watched This Halloween Season - 2014
We have a tradition every October. We try to squeeze in as many horror movies as possible before the end of the scary movie season. This year we took it up a notch and even had a Monster Movie Marathon the weekend of Halloween.
To make the rating game easy, I decided to rate the movies on a 1 through 5 scale; 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. But of course, do not let my ratings keep you from watching any of these gems next horror season or any season. Happy Watching!
(In the order in which we watched them...)
You're Next (2011)
A family comes under attack during an anniversary party by a group of masked murderers. Unfortunately for them, one of the guests is better at killing than they are.
You're Next was not that bad. Gory? Yes. Fun to watch? Yes. It was well written and even decently acted, for a slasher flick. 4/5
Tormented (2011)
Daigo has become withdrawn and has formed a strong attachment to a stuffed rabbit. His sister, Kiriko, can't talk and is having trouble trying to convince her father to help. Kiriko has to enter a dangerous dream world when Daigo goes missing in order to discover the truth about her life.
Tormented was a little out there for me. I can see how fans of Japanese horror films would dig on this. In fact my husband enjoyed it more than I, but I had a hard time getting into it. 3/5
The Initiation (1984)
College student Kelly is to be initiated into the Delta Ro Kai sorority. While performing the prank in order to get into the sorority, a killer begins picking all the initiates off one by one.
A classic '80s horror film, that's for sure. It had it all; the hair, the boobs, the gratuitous sex. It was very predictable but fun to watch. But I'm a sucker for the classics. 3/5
Big Ass Spider (2013)
The military creates a killer spider (what?!?!) that grows bigger every time it eats. Eventually it grows so big that even the military can't kill it. It is up to a handful of scientists, and one exterminator, to take it down.
One word, Jose. The banter of the two main characters, Alex and Jose, was what made this movie worth watching. They were hilarious. 3/5
The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Loosely based on a true story, a Texas Ranger hunts down a serial killer who was terrorizing residents in Texarkana, Texas in 1946.
If you ever get a chance to read up on the true story, it is pretty fascinating. 4/5
13 Sins (2014)
Preying on those who have fallen on desperate times, a game show host calls Elliot and gives him tasks to complete, each with an increasing monetary reward. Each task gets more and more gruesome until Elliot is under threat of incarceration until he finishes the game. And earns the big pay out.
Very good and original idea. It was well written, well acted, and well directed. In fact we shared this one with friends at our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
The House of the Devil (2009)
College student Samantha takes a babysitting job at a large and isolated house during a total lunar eclipse. As the night wears on, she begins to realize that her clients are devil worshipers and she has been lured there as a sacrifice.
This was very slow to develop. Very slow. But if you happen to watch it, you may recognize an actor from You're Next. 2/5
ATM (2012)
Three people are trapped in an ATM kiosk overnight by a deranged killer.
I saw about twenty plot holes in this movie, but it was still fun to watch. Plus I was pissed at not ever finding out the killer's motives! I hate that! 1/5
Haunt (2013)
A family moves into a house where a tragedy had befallen the previous tenants. The teen-aged boy of the family befriends the girl next door. They start fooling around with a radio that can communicate with the dead and strange things start happening in the house.
I thought it moved too slowly and was too predictable in its jumps and scares. Plus I had the ending figured out way ahead of time. But overall still an enjoyable watch. 2/5
Dead Silence (2007)
After his wife is murdered, Jamie returns home for the funeral. The killer is later linked to the ghost of a ventriloquist that hails from his hometown. As he digs into his wife's murder, he discovers a grisly folktale that centers around Mary Shaw, a murdered ventriloquist with a vendetta against his family.
Dead Silence was a really unique story. It was a little far fetched, but it was made nearly believable by the way it was written, directed and performed. 3/5
Bruiser (2000)
After years of being treated badly by his boss, his wife, his friends, his coworker and even his dog, a man wakes up one day with a blank white mask as a face. He uses this anonymity to get revenge on those who have wronged him.
This is a George A. Romero film. Though I don't know that it is technically a horror film, it still has its fair share of blood and sex. He is, after all, a masked killer. 4/5
New Year's Evil (1980)
While hosting a Punk Rock New Year's Eve television show, Diane Sullivan gets a call saying that someone will die when New Year's strikes in each time zone, ending with her.
Again, pure 80's cheese, but I love it. 3/5
Tamara (2005)
Tamara is the nerdy, unattractive girl that doesn't quite fit in. But no one knows that she is a witch. When she dies in a bizarre accident she comes back, sexy and ready to kill.
It's like the Carrie for witch lovers. And actually not too bad. 3/5
Hellgate (2011)
After a terrible accident in which he lost his wife and son, Jeff is now living in the shadow world between life and death. He has frightening visions in which he sees demons and ghosts. Now he has to make the choice to live in the world of the living or join the world of the dead.
I enjoyed the different view Hellgate took on the underworld. Another very slow moving movie.3/5
Donovan's Brain (1953)
Dr. Patrick Cory and his wife have been experimenting with brains. When they are unable to save the life of millionaire, Mr. Donovan, they keep his brain to experiment on it as well. Donovan's brain establishes a link with Dr. Cory's brain and uses Cory to seek revenge on his enemies.
A classic movie from the 1950's, Donovan's Brain was fun to watch. What I didn't like was the surprise ending. I felt like I had the carpet pulled out from under me. I like to have some hint at what is going on. 3/5
House of Whipcord (1974)
Young, beautiful girls are lured to an isolated mansion by a handsome young man, Mark E. Desade. Once there, they are forbidden to leave, charged with ludicrous crimes and told they are going to be rehabilitated. In truth they are tortured and some are even killed.
House of Whipcord was an interesting film. I can definitely see how people were disturbed by it in 1974. 3/5
Chillerama (2011)
It's closing night at the last drive-in in America and four movies are on the reels to be shown: Wadzilla, I was a Teenage Werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein and Zom-B-Movie. All promising to be in very bad taste.
And they did not disappoint! I cringed and squirmed my way through the first three, but I turned it off at the start of the fourth and final short film. Too gross. And I can put up with a lot. 2/5
Humanoids From the Deep (1980)
Half-men, half-fish monsters terrorize a small fishing town.
Total camp and fun. Horny half-fish-men? One of my husband's favorites and if I don't give it a five, I'll never hear the end of it. So let's compromise and say 4.5/5
Satan's Little Helper (2004)
A little boy accidentally helps a serial killer, who is dressed up like a character from his favorite video game, on Halloween.
Satan's Little Helper is pretty silly, but it was actually a good idea. All kids (and some adults I know) would totally geek out if they met their video game idol. It was an easy, mindless watch. 4/5
Grave Secrets (1989)
A professor of psychic phenomena helps a woman investigate the unusual occurrences surrounding the bed and breakfast she owns.
This was a decent ghost story. It was interesting enough that the lack of scares kept me watching. 3/5
Gildersleeve's Ghost (1944)
Throckmorton Gildersleeve is running for public office so who better to help him out than the ghosts of his ancestors? Except idea of helping is to get him involved with a mad scientist, a giant gorilla, and a (sometimes) invisible woman.
My kids and I watched this movie together and laughed the whole way through. It was basically just good clean fun. 4/5
The Smiling Ghost (1941)
Elinor Bentley Fairchild is one unlucky woman. All of her previous beaus have met a tragic and untimely end due to the Smiling Ghost. Now the Fairchild family has hired "Lucky" Downing to pretend to be her latest fiancee to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Another oldie but a goody, The Smiling Ghost was funny with a touch of mystery. 4/5
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Based on the Stephen King story, Trucks, the movie is about what happens when a mysterious comet allows machines to come to life and terrorize the people of Earth. A group of survivors try to wait it out in a tiny truck stop.
Another of my husband's favorites, Maximum Overdrive is not necessarily a Halloween movie because there are no monsters in the traditional sense, but rather it is scary because the terror comes from objects we take for granted. 4.5/5
The Fog (1980)
Ghosts in a killer fog come seeking their revenge on the 100th anniversary of the night of their ship wreck. They won't rest until they claim their quota of soles.
The Fog is a good campfire story. That's the feel behind this movie for me. When you can cuddle up and watch a scary story that has lasted through the years, you know you have something good. 4/5
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale are two hillbillies trying to get some work done on their vacation home out in the middle of the woods. After a misunderstanding with some college kids, the bodies start piling up.
This is one of our favorites and it kicked off our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)
A group of bank robbers have to fight through waves of zombies in East London in order to get back to their grandfather's retirement home and save him.
Another of our annual favorites. 5/5
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
An alien and his robot land on Earth with a message of peace to give the world leaders. But the alien is wounded so he decides to try a different approach.
This is the movie that brought us Klaatu Barada Nikto. What more do you want? 4/5
World War Z (2013)
A world wide zombie epidemic has broken out. Gerry Lane is on a mission to help find the cure.
I know some people didn't like the fast moving zombies of WWZ, but I did. I think it made them even more frightening. I haven't read this book by Max Brooks, yet, but I did enjoy this film. 4/5
Strippers vs Werewolves (2012)
The head of a local werewolf pack is killed in a strip club, giving the strippers until the next full moon to prepare for their revenge.
Um, it was a lot better than I thought it would be. The dialogue was actually pretty funny and very tongue in cheek. I could have lived without some of the choices in cinematography and music, but otherwise, eh. 2/5
Halloween (1978)
Michael Meyers escapes from an asylum and terrorizes the babysitters of Haddonfield on Halloween night.
Another classic! 5/5
Halloween 2 (1981)
Laurie has been hospitalized from the injuries she sustained by Michael Meyers. Meanwhile, the hunt for the killer continues.
Too bad the series was never better after this. 4/5
Hell Comes to Frog Town (1988)
Much of the world has been rendered infertile after a nuclear war. Sam Hell, a prisoner, has been tasked with the terrible duty of mating with the few remaining fertile females. However, he and his sexy escorts need to rescue them from Frog Town first.
This was nothing but pure 80's camp and cheese. The only scary thing here was the fact that we actually enjoyed watching this B movie. 2/5
Poltergeist (1982)
A family's home becomes haunted by ghosts. They appear harmless at first but eventually become more aggressive and kidnap their young daughter.
This was the movie that ended our Monster Movie Marathon. The perfect ending to a perfect horror movie season. 5/5
To make the rating game easy, I decided to rate the movies on a 1 through 5 scale; 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. But of course, do not let my ratings keep you from watching any of these gems next horror season or any season. Happy Watching!
(In the order in which we watched them...)
You're Next (2011)
A family comes under attack during an anniversary party by a group of masked murderers. Unfortunately for them, one of the guests is better at killing than they are.
You're Next was not that bad. Gory? Yes. Fun to watch? Yes. It was well written and even decently acted, for a slasher flick. 4/5
Tormented (2011)
Daigo has become withdrawn and has formed a strong attachment to a stuffed rabbit. His sister, Kiriko, can't talk and is having trouble trying to convince her father to help. Kiriko has to enter a dangerous dream world when Daigo goes missing in order to discover the truth about her life.
Tormented was a little out there for me. I can see how fans of Japanese horror films would dig on this. In fact my husband enjoyed it more than I, but I had a hard time getting into it. 3/5
The Initiation (1984)
College student Kelly is to be initiated into the Delta Ro Kai sorority. While performing the prank in order to get into the sorority, a killer begins picking all the initiates off one by one.
A classic '80s horror film, that's for sure. It had it all; the hair, the boobs, the gratuitous sex. It was very predictable but fun to watch. But I'm a sucker for the classics. 3/5
Big Ass Spider (2013)
The military creates a killer spider (what?!?!) that grows bigger every time it eats. Eventually it grows so big that even the military can't kill it. It is up to a handful of scientists, and one exterminator, to take it down.
One word, Jose. The banter of the two main characters, Alex and Jose, was what made this movie worth watching. They were hilarious. 3/5
The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)
Loosely based on a true story, a Texas Ranger hunts down a serial killer who was terrorizing residents in Texarkana, Texas in 1946.
If you ever get a chance to read up on the true story, it is pretty fascinating. 4/5
13 Sins (2014)
Preying on those who have fallen on desperate times, a game show host calls Elliot and gives him tasks to complete, each with an increasing monetary reward. Each task gets more and more gruesome until Elliot is under threat of incarceration until he finishes the game. And earns the big pay out.
Very good and original idea. It was well written, well acted, and well directed. In fact we shared this one with friends at our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
The House of the Devil (2009)
College student Samantha takes a babysitting job at a large and isolated house during a total lunar eclipse. As the night wears on, she begins to realize that her clients are devil worshipers and she has been lured there as a sacrifice.
This was very slow to develop. Very slow. But if you happen to watch it, you may recognize an actor from You're Next. 2/5
ATM (2012)
Three people are trapped in an ATM kiosk overnight by a deranged killer.
I saw about twenty plot holes in this movie, but it was still fun to watch. Plus I was pissed at not ever finding out the killer's motives! I hate that! 1/5
Haunt (2013)
A family moves into a house where a tragedy had befallen the previous tenants. The teen-aged boy of the family befriends the girl next door. They start fooling around with a radio that can communicate with the dead and strange things start happening in the house.
I thought it moved too slowly and was too predictable in its jumps and scares. Plus I had the ending figured out way ahead of time. But overall still an enjoyable watch. 2/5
Dead Silence (2007)
After his wife is murdered, Jamie returns home for the funeral. The killer is later linked to the ghost of a ventriloquist that hails from his hometown. As he digs into his wife's murder, he discovers a grisly folktale that centers around Mary Shaw, a murdered ventriloquist with a vendetta against his family.
Dead Silence was a really unique story. It was a little far fetched, but it was made nearly believable by the way it was written, directed and performed. 3/5
Bruiser (2000)
After years of being treated badly by his boss, his wife, his friends, his coworker and even his dog, a man wakes up one day with a blank white mask as a face. He uses this anonymity to get revenge on those who have wronged him.
This is a George A. Romero film. Though I don't know that it is technically a horror film, it still has its fair share of blood and sex. He is, after all, a masked killer. 4/5
New Year's Evil (1980)
While hosting a Punk Rock New Year's Eve television show, Diane Sullivan gets a call saying that someone will die when New Year's strikes in each time zone, ending with her.
Again, pure 80's cheese, but I love it. 3/5
Tamara (2005)
Tamara is the nerdy, unattractive girl that doesn't quite fit in. But no one knows that she is a witch. When she dies in a bizarre accident she comes back, sexy and ready to kill.
It's like the Carrie for witch lovers. And actually not too bad. 3/5
Hellgate (2011)
After a terrible accident in which he lost his wife and son, Jeff is now living in the shadow world between life and death. He has frightening visions in which he sees demons and ghosts. Now he has to make the choice to live in the world of the living or join the world of the dead.
I enjoyed the different view Hellgate took on the underworld. Another very slow moving movie.3/5
Donovan's Brain (1953)
Dr. Patrick Cory and his wife have been experimenting with brains. When they are unable to save the life of millionaire, Mr. Donovan, they keep his brain to experiment on it as well. Donovan's brain establishes a link with Dr. Cory's brain and uses Cory to seek revenge on his enemies.
A classic movie from the 1950's, Donovan's Brain was fun to watch. What I didn't like was the surprise ending. I felt like I had the carpet pulled out from under me. I like to have some hint at what is going on. 3/5
House of Whipcord (1974)
Young, beautiful girls are lured to an isolated mansion by a handsome young man, Mark E. Desade. Once there, they are forbidden to leave, charged with ludicrous crimes and told they are going to be rehabilitated. In truth they are tortured and some are even killed.
House of Whipcord was an interesting film. I can definitely see how people were disturbed by it in 1974. 3/5
Chillerama (2011)
It's closing night at the last drive-in in America and four movies are on the reels to be shown: Wadzilla, I was a Teenage Werebear, The Diary of Anne Frankenstein and Zom-B-Movie. All promising to be in very bad taste.
And they did not disappoint! I cringed and squirmed my way through the first three, but I turned it off at the start of the fourth and final short film. Too gross. And I can put up with a lot. 2/5
Humanoids From the Deep (1980)
Half-men, half-fish monsters terrorize a small fishing town.
Total camp and fun. Horny half-fish-men? One of my husband's favorites and if I don't give it a five, I'll never hear the end of it. So let's compromise and say 4.5/5
Satan's Little Helper (2004)
A little boy accidentally helps a serial killer, who is dressed up like a character from his favorite video game, on Halloween.
Satan's Little Helper is pretty silly, but it was actually a good idea. All kids (and some adults I know) would totally geek out if they met their video game idol. It was an easy, mindless watch. 4/5
Grave Secrets (1989)
A professor of psychic phenomena helps a woman investigate the unusual occurrences surrounding the bed and breakfast she owns.
This was a decent ghost story. It was interesting enough that the lack of scares kept me watching. 3/5
Gildersleeve's Ghost (1944)
Throckmorton Gildersleeve is running for public office so who better to help him out than the ghosts of his ancestors? Except idea of helping is to get him involved with a mad scientist, a giant gorilla, and a (sometimes) invisible woman.
My kids and I watched this movie together and laughed the whole way through. It was basically just good clean fun. 4/5
The Smiling Ghost (1941)
Elinor Bentley Fairchild is one unlucky woman. All of her previous beaus have met a tragic and untimely end due to the Smiling Ghost. Now the Fairchild family has hired "Lucky" Downing to pretend to be her latest fiancee to get to the bottom of this mystery.
Another oldie but a goody, The Smiling Ghost was funny with a touch of mystery. 4/5
Maximum Overdrive (1986)
Based on the Stephen King story, Trucks, the movie is about what happens when a mysterious comet allows machines to come to life and terrorize the people of Earth. A group of survivors try to wait it out in a tiny truck stop.
Another of my husband's favorites, Maximum Overdrive is not necessarily a Halloween movie because there are no monsters in the traditional sense, but rather it is scary because the terror comes from objects we take for granted. 4.5/5
The Fog (1980)
Ghosts in a killer fog come seeking their revenge on the 100th anniversary of the night of their ship wreck. They won't rest until they claim their quota of soles.
The Fog is a good campfire story. That's the feel behind this movie for me. When you can cuddle up and watch a scary story that has lasted through the years, you know you have something good. 4/5
Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010)
Tucker and Dale are two hillbillies trying to get some work done on their vacation home out in the middle of the woods. After a misunderstanding with some college kids, the bodies start piling up.
This is one of our favorites and it kicked off our Monster Movie Marathon. 5/5
Cockneys vs Zombies (2012)
A group of bank robbers have to fight through waves of zombies in East London in order to get back to their grandfather's retirement home and save him.
Another of our annual favorites. 5/5
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
An alien and his robot land on Earth with a message of peace to give the world leaders. But the alien is wounded so he decides to try a different approach.
This is the movie that brought us Klaatu Barada Nikto. What more do you want? 4/5
World War Z (2013)
A world wide zombie epidemic has broken out. Gerry Lane is on a mission to help find the cure.
I know some people didn't like the fast moving zombies of WWZ, but I did. I think it made them even more frightening. I haven't read this book by Max Brooks, yet, but I did enjoy this film. 4/5
Strippers vs Werewolves (2012)
The head of a local werewolf pack is killed in a strip club, giving the strippers until the next full moon to prepare for their revenge.
Um, it was a lot better than I thought it would be. The dialogue was actually pretty funny and very tongue in cheek. I could have lived without some of the choices in cinematography and music, but otherwise, eh. 2/5
Halloween (1978)
Michael Meyers escapes from an asylum and terrorizes the babysitters of Haddonfield on Halloween night.
Another classic! 5/5
Halloween 2 (1981)
Laurie has been hospitalized from the injuries she sustained by Michael Meyers. Meanwhile, the hunt for the killer continues.
Too bad the series was never better after this. 4/5
Hell Comes to Frog Town (1988)
Much of the world has been rendered infertile after a nuclear war. Sam Hell, a prisoner, has been tasked with the terrible duty of mating with the few remaining fertile females. However, he and his sexy escorts need to rescue them from Frog Town first.
This was nothing but pure 80's camp and cheese. The only scary thing here was the fact that we actually enjoyed watching this B movie. 2/5
Poltergeist (1982)
A family's home becomes haunted by ghosts. They appear harmless at first but eventually become more aggressive and kidnap their young daughter.
This was the movie that ended our Monster Movie Marathon. The perfect ending to a perfect horror movie season. 5/5
Monday, October 28, 2013
More Halloween Movies to Watch...
To conclude my series on which Movies to Watch this Halloween season, I am only including the movies that were submitted by you, the readers, via FaceBook, Twitter and Google. Please forgive me as there are some movies that I am unfamiliar with, but I am going to try my best to do them justice. And without further ado, and in no particular order:
The Mist (2007)
More Halloween Moves to Watch...
Clownhouse (1989)
Three mental patients escape from an institution and murder a troupe of traveling circus clowns. After donning their costumes, they terrorizing some young boys in a nearby town. Unfortunately, this is also one of those movies that is incredibly hard to find and I need it! I really do!
What Lies Beneath (2000)
This is one of those movies that begs the question, "Am I crazy or is my husband just trying to make me think I'm crazy so he can get away with murder?" It is kind of like a modern day Gaslight and Psycho all in one.
Gothika (2003)
A movie that takes a woman who has lost her memory, places her in an dangerous place, accuses her of a heinous crime and now makes her battle with frightening spirits.
The Ring (2002)
If you watch a certain video tape, you will die. That is the premise of The Ring. So you ask yourself, why would anyone ever watch it?
The Strangers (2008)
There is nothing more terrifying than people that are willing to torture you just because they want to. In The Strangers, a couple has become trapped their own vacation home. What is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy each other and become a time to fight for survival from masked, anonymous intruders.
Pet Sematary (1989)
Sometimes the dead are better off dead, no matter how painful it is for the living. This is a lesson that the family in Pet Sematary will soon learn. Pet Sematary is based on a story by horror maven Stephen King.
Shocker (1989)
Shocker is about a serial killer who has been put to death and then uses electricity to continue to kill from beyond the grave. Even dead murderers want revenge, especially on the ones responsible for putting them away.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
A young couple has broken down in the rain and has sought shelter in a nearby home. Little do they know that they are in for a night of debauchery, cross dressing, and song and dance! RHPS as become one of the biggest cult classics ever and has a huge fan base around the world.
The Woman in Black (1989/2012)
Vengeful ghosts make for good stories. In this movie, a spirit is seeking revenge for her drowned son. Her story seems to unfold only to terrorize a young lawyer who has been sent to settle the angry spirit's estate.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012)
This is the story of what happens when horror has been designed for you. When five friends get together in an isolated cabin, and someone else is pulling the strings, how far will they go to escape their fates?
The Awakening (2011)
A young woman, who exposes hoaxes, gets involved with a ghost investigation at a boarding school. Events lead the usually skeptical woman to doubt her beliefs and to be afraid for probably the first time.
Devil (2010)
Claustrophobia is a real fear. In Devil, a group of people are trapped in an elevator and if that wasn't enough, one of them has a hidden agenda.
Peur(s) du Noir AKA Fear(s) of the Dark (2007)
This film features animated scary stories in a series of shorts.
The Mist (2007)
Another movie based on a short story by Stephen King, The Mist is about the unseen things you are afraid of. People become trapped in a small town grocery store after a freak storm pushes a strange mist into their area. The mist is full of strange blood, sucking creatures.
Jisatsu Sakuru AKA Suicide Club (2001)
A detective is trying to solve the mystery of a rash of suicides in Japan. But how do you stop a killer when the killer is yourself?
Janghwa, Hongryeon AKA A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
A Korean film about two sisters having to deal with a cruel step-mother and a few ghosts while recovering from a stint in a metal institution.
L'uccello Dalle Piume di Cristallo AKA The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (1970)
An American writer travelling in Rome becomes the target of a serial killer after witnessing the attack on the lone surviving victim. Without much for the police to go on, the writer takes on the investigation himself, pulling him further and further into the killer's deadly game.
Hour of the Wolf (1968)
A husband is haunted by his past demons. His wife, desperate to help him, begins to share in his late night hallucinations.
That Darn Cat (1965/1997)
A kidnapped woman is able to get messages out via a wandering cat. The cat's owner, in turn, contacts the authorities. Together they take down the inept crooks.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
A romance movie that just happens to have zombies... Shaun is trying to win back Liz's heart when a zombie apocalypse breaks out and hilarity ensues!
Zombieland (2009)
Zombieland taught us the rules of how to live in a world infested with zombies. "Double Tap!"
When a Stranger Calls (1979)
Before the days of Caller ID, it was so much easier to terrorize your babysitters. When someone calls and keeps inquiring about the children in your care, it's either their parents or a lunatic waiting to tear you apart.
Thank you so much for all of your suggestions! I had so much fun reading all your comments and discussing movies with all of you! Look for the next list coming out in December, "Christmas Movies You Must See"!
Friday, October 4, 2013
25 Movies You Should Watch This Halloween
I thought I would compile a list of movies you should add to your "Must Watch" list of Halloween movies this October. I want to invite you, my readers, to add any movies you love in the comment section. From that comment section, and comments I get on FaceBook and Twitter, I will compile an additional list. See? I listen to you guys! Here we go!
In No Particular Order You Should Watch:
Halloween (1978)
Duh! Who hasn't seen this classic? It is an absolute must! It changed the face of all horror movies and was done on the budget of an independent film. Just goes to show that you can do great things with a small amount of money. It is also a lesson in self defense for every babysitter.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The zombie movie that started all zombie movies and another movie made with very little money. It accidentally added to the commentary on racial tensions in America at the time by casting a black actor in the lead role that ultimately had control over the white actors.
Pumpkinhead (1988)
The story of a man seeking revenge for his fallen son. This is a personal favorite of my husband. Some teenagers accidentally kill a man's son so he conjures up a demon in order to seek vengeance. But vengeance comes with a steep price.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I love this movie. It is my absolute favorite Mel Brooks comedy. You can only deny your heritage for so long. And poor Dr. Frankenstein finally succumbs to who he really is in the most fantastically funny way in Young Frankenstein.
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
I like this movie because it was an original idea at the time. They set the scene just right so that it wasn't cheesy or goofy. It was suspenseful and interesting and cast very well. In fact I just watched it again last night.
Beetlejuice (1988)
I make no apologies for loving this movie. Everyone has their guilty pleasures and this is one of mine. I saw it as a kid and thought that it was creepy and silly. As an adult I think that it's goofy and funny. But my kids love it so I still get to watch it. Just don't say his name three times!
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
I don't think very many people have seen this movie. I like this one. It had four separate stories that end up all coming together. It's one of those movies that I can't say too much about because I would give too much away, but it's worth a watch.
Scream (1996)
"What's your favorite scary movie?" This movie made the ghost face mask a favorite Halloween costume for years. It made fun of the 'rules' of scary movies and set new standards for new generations to live up to.
Poltergeist (1982)
A movie about a family plagued with problems turned cast plagued with catastrophe. Creepy!
The Thing (1982)
I remember watching this movie with my dad. I love this movie! The special effects were amazing for the time. It was a scary idea during the Cold War. People were not who you thought they were. It was a movie about hiding in plain sight. The 2011 version was pretty good, too.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
I love special effects, in case you haven't noticed. In this movie, they wanted to show the audience the werewolf transformation and friend, Jack's, deteriorating state. The rest of the movie was pretty good, too.
Psycho (1960)
The Hitchcock movie that made every woman afraid of taking a shower. It may not be very scary by today's standards, but it was downright frightening in the 1960's.
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
Not my personal favorite, but the kids love it. And it's a tradition, I suppose.
Casper (1995)
Casper, the friendly ghost, made it to the big screen. He befriends the daughter of a paranormal expert who moves into the house where he and his three ghostly uncles reside.
The Witches (1990)
This family movie is based on a book that I have yet to read. Witches think children smell like dog poop and turn them into mice. Then, one little mouse-child gets the best of them. It's not how big you are, it's how smart you are.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Another one of my favorite witch movies. I love when kids get revenge on adults. It helps keep things in check and keeps us adults on our toes.
Monster House (2006)
Monster House gives you a good reason to stay off of that old man's lawn. You never know if his departed wife's spirit has taken over his house and will devour you if ever come in. Best heed his warning...
Wasting Away aka Aaah! Zombies! (2007)
A zombie movie in which the zombies don't know they're zombies. It's completely silly and told mostly from the zombie's perspective as they try to understand why they are being chased, gunned down, and are soooo hungry! Mmmm, brains...
Clue (1985)
I knew every word to this movie when I was a kid and it is probably the one movie my mom will never watch again. It's another one of my guilty pleasure movies. It's a mystery and that's why it is on my list. Don't judge me.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Supposedly based on true events, The Amityville Horror takes you through the terrifying events that the Lutz family experienced in their short stay in the haunted house.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Another movie that is scary because people may not be what they seem. I especially love this movie for the ending.
Slither (2006)
I love movies that add humor to their horror and Slither is one of those. When I saw Grabbers, I immediately thought of Slither because of the similarity in style.
28 Days Later (2002)
I think this was one of the best post-apocalyptic zombie worlds ever created for a movie. It revealed all sides of human nature and inspired countless other movies and television shows, like the Walking Dead.
Friday the 13th (1980)
It was Mrs. Vorhees! Sorry to give away the ending, but I hate it when people blame poor Jason for all that carnage. I know we all laugh when it happens now, but the big reveal of finding all the bodies was genius in 1980.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy will get you in your dreams! What a great idea! A person who can kill you in your sleep. And it was all your parent's fault! Even better.
I hope you enjoyed my list and that it inspires you to make your own. Please tell me your favorites so that I can compile a second "Favorite's List"! I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Haunting!
In No Particular Order You Should Watch:
Halloween (1978)
Duh! Who hasn't seen this classic? It is an absolute must! It changed the face of all horror movies and was done on the budget of an independent film. Just goes to show that you can do great things with a small amount of money. It is also a lesson in self defense for every babysitter.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
The zombie movie that started all zombie movies and another movie made with very little money. It accidentally added to the commentary on racial tensions in America at the time by casting a black actor in the lead role that ultimately had control over the white actors.
Pumpkinhead (1988)
The story of a man seeking revenge for his fallen son. This is a personal favorite of my husband. Some teenagers accidentally kill a man's son so he conjures up a demon in order to seek vengeance. But vengeance comes with a steep price.
Young Frankenstein (1974)
I love this movie. It is my absolute favorite Mel Brooks comedy. You can only deny your heritage for so long. And poor Dr. Frankenstein finally succumbs to who he really is in the most fantastically funny way in Young Frankenstein.
Jeepers Creepers (2001)
I like this movie because it was an original idea at the time. They set the scene just right so that it wasn't cheesy or goofy. It was suspenseful and interesting and cast very well. In fact I just watched it again last night.
Beetlejuice (1988)
I make no apologies for loving this movie. Everyone has their guilty pleasures and this is one of mine. I saw it as a kid and thought that it was creepy and silly. As an adult I think that it's goofy and funny. But my kids love it so I still get to watch it. Just don't say his name three times!
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
I don't think very many people have seen this movie. I like this one. It had four separate stories that end up all coming together. It's one of those movies that I can't say too much about because I would give too much away, but it's worth a watch.
Scream (1996)
"What's your favorite scary movie?" This movie made the ghost face mask a favorite Halloween costume for years. It made fun of the 'rules' of scary movies and set new standards for new generations to live up to.
Poltergeist (1982)
A movie about a family plagued with problems turned cast plagued with catastrophe. Creepy!
The Thing (1982)
I remember watching this movie with my dad. I love this movie! The special effects were amazing for the time. It was a scary idea during the Cold War. People were not who you thought they were. It was a movie about hiding in plain sight. The 2011 version was pretty good, too.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
I love special effects, in case you haven't noticed. In this movie, they wanted to show the audience the werewolf transformation and friend, Jack's, deteriorating state. The rest of the movie was pretty good, too.
Psycho (1960)
The Hitchcock movie that made every woman afraid of taking a shower. It may not be very scary by today's standards, but it was downright frightening in the 1960's.
It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown (1966)
Not my personal favorite, but the kids love it. And it's a tradition, I suppose.
Casper (1995)
Casper, the friendly ghost, made it to the big screen. He befriends the daughter of a paranormal expert who moves into the house where he and his three ghostly uncles reside.
The Witches (1990)
This family movie is based on a book that I have yet to read. Witches think children smell like dog poop and turn them into mice. Then, one little mouse-child gets the best of them. It's not how big you are, it's how smart you are.
Hocus Pocus (1993)
Another one of my favorite witch movies. I love when kids get revenge on adults. It helps keep things in check and keeps us adults on our toes.
Monster House (2006)
Monster House gives you a good reason to stay off of that old man's lawn. You never know if his departed wife's spirit has taken over his house and will devour you if ever come in. Best heed his warning...
Wasting Away aka Aaah! Zombies! (2007)
A zombie movie in which the zombies don't know they're zombies. It's completely silly and told mostly from the zombie's perspective as they try to understand why they are being chased, gunned down, and are soooo hungry! Mmmm, brains...
Clue (1985)
I knew every word to this movie when I was a kid and it is probably the one movie my mom will never watch again. It's another one of my guilty pleasure movies. It's a mystery and that's why it is on my list. Don't judge me.
The Amityville Horror (1979)
Supposedly based on true events, The Amityville Horror takes you through the terrifying events that the Lutz family experienced in their short stay in the haunted house.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Another movie that is scary because people may not be what they seem. I especially love this movie for the ending.
Slither (2006)
I love movies that add humor to their horror and Slither is one of those. When I saw Grabbers, I immediately thought of Slither because of the similarity in style.
28 Days Later (2002)
I think this was one of the best post-apocalyptic zombie worlds ever created for a movie. It revealed all sides of human nature and inspired countless other movies and television shows, like the Walking Dead.
Friday the 13th (1980)
It was Mrs. Vorhees! Sorry to give away the ending, but I hate it when people blame poor Jason for all that carnage. I know we all laugh when it happens now, but the big reveal of finding all the bodies was genius in 1980.
Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Freddy will get you in your dreams! What a great idea! A person who can kill you in your sleep. And it was all your parent's fault! Even better.
I hope you enjoyed my list and that it inspires you to make your own. Please tell me your favorites so that I can compile a second "Favorite's List"! I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Haunting!
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