For those of you who may not have seen my TOP 13 HALLOWEEN MOVIES OF ALL TIME blog posts for the Stan Winston School of the Character Arts, here's a link to both PART'S 1 & 2. It was realllllllly hard to narrow down my worship of horror to a top 10 13 list, but … Continue reading MY TOP 13 HALLOWEEN MOVIES OF ALL TIME – For the Stan Winston School.
Month: October 2012
10/31/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #31 – A Nightmare on Elm Street.
One… two… Freddy's coming for you… Three… four… better lock your door… Five… six… grab your crucifix… Seven… eight… better stay up late… Nine… ten… never sleep again… Seriously, how incredible was that song??? Every year on Halloween, I save a real special movie. Even if sometimes it may be a rather obvious choice, it … Continue reading 10/31/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #31 – A Nightmare on Elm Street.
10/30/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #30 – The Woman in Black.
Here is a movie that does everything right. I honestly can’t say a single bad thing about it. The Woman in Black is, in my opinion, not only one of the best movies to come out this year, but I think it will be recognized as one of the best for years to come. … Continue reading 10/30/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #30 – The Woman in Black.
10/29/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #29 – Opera.
If you’ve read me at all, you know I’m a HUGE Dario Argento fan. Well, to clarify, I’m actually more of a pre-1990’s Dario Argento fan. His later movies never quite worked as well for me, but his early giallo stuff through all of the 70’s and 80’s is downright amazing. Hell, all his movies … Continue reading 10/29/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #29 – Opera.
10/28/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #28 – Children of the Corn.
Another in the, “saw as a child and scared the SHIT out of me” category. Children of the Corn has everything a good horror movie needs. First, it’s Stephen King. So, duh. The master of disturbing things gives us one of his best short stories. Second, it’s set in a remote Nebraska town. *shivers* Nebraska… … Continue reading 10/28/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #28 – Children of the Corn.
10/27/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #27 – The Burrowers.
Yesterday I wrote about people that lived under the ground; today I’m going to build on that same idea. Only the creatures of the title here are much more primal in their needs. They just want to eat. The Burrowers is pretty basic at its core. It’s simply about something that lives under the … Continue reading 10/27/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #27 – The Burrowers.
10/26/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #26 – Nightbreed.
When you first hear that Clive Barker and David Cronenberg are joining forces to work on a film together, the horror fan in all of us freaks out at the sheer notion of the complete insanity in store for us. But then as you watch, you realize it’s not what you think. David Cronenberg … Continue reading 10/26/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #26 – Nightbreed.
10/25/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #25 – In the Mouth of Madness.
Most people in the horror biz would agree that one of their key influences is the author HP Lovecraft. I most definitely count myself one of them. As a kid, a collection of his short stories was one of my favorite books, and it still gives me chills to this day. Lovecraft was like … Continue reading 10/25/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #25 – In the Mouth of Madness.
10/24/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #24 – Borderland.
Horror movies come in all shapes and sizes. Most people usually affiliate them with ghosts, goblins, or demons. But sometimes the horror in the film has nothing to do with the supernatural at all. Sometimes it simply comes from the basic horrors that man can do. I’ve heard people say that Borderland is not … Continue reading 10/24/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #24 – Borderland.
10/23/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #23 – Splinter.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I have an affinity for imaginative lower budget horror movies. Especially when you’re attempting a creature feature, if a huge budget isn’t an available option, the filmmakers must rely on clever (and cheaper) ways to accomplish the same ideas. Splinter has practical effects, almost entirely … Continue reading 10/23/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #23 – Splinter.
10/22/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #22 – Clownhouse.
I really can’t recommend this film at all, but I feel a strange obligation to those who are looking during this Halloween season for something that is cross-the-line, truly, honestly, icky. Clownhouse is this, but sadly for much more than you realize. On occasion I choose a film that is disturbing to its core, based … Continue reading 10/22/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #22 – Clownhouse.
10/21/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #21 – [REC]3: Genesis.
It appears that it’s become a tradition to put a [REC] movie on this list each year. If you look back at the last two years, I included [REC] in 2010, and [REC]2 in 2011 (together they combine into one of my all-time favorite horror duos.) So it’s only appropriate that I include [REC]3: Genesis … Continue reading 10/21/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #21 – [REC]3: Genesis.
10/20/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #20 – Wrong Turn.
Wrong Turn is one of those movies that doesn’t reinvent the wheel, at all, but for some reason it just sticks. I mean, they’re on Wrong Turn 5 now. Say what you want, but whenever a film gets to part 5, they’re doing something right. Creepy, deformed, cannibalistic hillbillies are kind of like the lesser … Continue reading 10/20/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #20 – Wrong Turn.
10/19/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #19 – Open Water.
Here is minimalist filmmaking at its purist. Open Water is one of those super low budget gems that become successful based on simply hitting the right cords. More of a thriller than a straight horror (although anyone with a fear of sharks would definitely disagree), the premise is insanely simple. A couple goes with a … Continue reading 10/19/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #19 – Open Water.
10/18/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #18 – Sinister.
Oh, Sinister… How I love thee… It’s rare that I can recommend a movie you can still see on the big screen, but lucky you, here’s one playing in theaters right now. It opened just last week, and trust me, this is one you want to see with the full cinema experience. Ideally, you want … Continue reading 10/18/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #18 – Sinister.
10/17/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #17 – Birdemic: Shock and Terror.
Okay, so today’s post is a bit different. I’m definitely widening the scope of the word, “horror.” Yes, Birdemic: Shock and Terror is supposed to be a horror movie, so I'm still on point there. But mainly in this case “horror” means, “the absolute worst thing ever put on screen.” Birdemic is, by many people’s … Continue reading 10/17/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #17 – Birdemic: Shock and Terror.
10/16/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #16 – Psycho (1960).
Since most people definitely know about this movie, I’ll tell you my personal connection with it. With not one, but two different films coming out in the next few weeks about Alfred Hitchcock, he’s been on my mind lately. Growing up I loved Alfred Hitchcock. When I was young, maybe 8 years old, my mom … Continue reading 10/16/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #16 – Psycho (1960).
10/15/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #15 – Session 9.
Okay, so today’s movie is a little creeper from a decade or so ago that has stuck with me ever since I saw it. It’s not a flashy, high-energy, terrorfest by any means. What it is though, is a slow-paced, character drama that slowly gets under your skin, bit by bit. It’s moody, creepy, and … Continue reading 10/15/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #15 – Session 9.
10/14/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #14 – Excision.
A few days ago I borrowed a film review from myself that I completed this past Sundance Film Festival for The Pact. Well, today I’m going to do the same thing with this seriously twisted little ditty. I was going to wait until this Tuesday (10/16/2012), since that’s when it hits the DVD market for … Continue reading 10/14/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #14 – Excision.
10/13/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #13 – 28 Days Later…
This was another of those movies that I was lucky enough to catch at Sundance before there was any buzz about it at all. I knew it was directed by Danny Boyle and that was basically about it. Boy was I pleasantly surprised to find out it was a virus/infected/zombie movie, and a crazy one … Continue reading 10/13/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #13 – 28 Days Later…
10/12/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #12 – Lake Mungo.
Since yesterday’s pick was such an over the top, fast-paced, gorefest, I decided to pick something a little more slow moving, creepy, and mood-based today. I know nowadays a lot of people can’t stand when a movie takes its time, but personally, I looooove a slow burn. Lake Mungo is absolutely that slow burn of … Continue reading 10/12/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #12 – Lake Mungo.
10/11/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #11 – Bay of Blood, aka Twitch of the Death Nerve.
Okay, it’s a third of the way into the month so I figure it’s as good a time as any to really start getting my horror geek on. I’m actually kind of ashamed that this is my third year doing these recommendations, and this is my first Mario Bava post. Dammit. But yes, today’s recommendation … Continue reading 10/11/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #11 – Bay of Blood, aka Twitch of the Death Nerve.
10/10/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #10 – Pet Sematary.
For a lot of you grammar Nazis out there, the misspelling in the title alone should be terrifying enough. But for the rest of you, how about Indian burial grounds, reanimated dead animals, and, oh yeah, scalpel-wielding devil children? Yes, again, one of horror’s most terrifying tropes is brought to absolutely chilling life in this … Continue reading 10/10/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #10 – Pet Sematary.
10/9/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #9 – The Pact (2012).
Today’s movie is a bit of a flashback since I already reviewed it after a midnight screening at Sundance. Although, now that you can rent it through OnDemand, it deserves another look (sadly I think the DVD release is mysteriously right after Halloween, first week of November.) The Pact is a small, old school, very … Continue reading 10/9/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #9 – The Pact (2012).
10/8/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #8 – Shaun of the Dead.
Occasionally I give a recommendation that seems like such an obvious choice to me, but find out later that a whole slew of people have never even seen the film I mentioned. Shaun of the Dead falls into that category. I seem to think everyone has already seen this, then consistently find people that have … Continue reading 10/8/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #8 – Shaun of the Dead.
10/7/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #7 – Gremlins.
Okay, so here’s one for the kiddies, and the kiddie in all of us. Or is it? Oh, those loveable little Mogwai. So cute and cuddly. But man, you really don’t want to feed them after midnight, or else your cute fuzzy guys get all scaly and murderous (their internal clocks must know about time … Continue reading 10/7/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #7 – Gremlins.
10/6/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #6 – Hostel.
In honor of Eli Roth’s amazing horror palace, The Goretorium, freshly opening in Las Vegas, I have to pay my respect and put Hostel on this list. I know this is a movie that a lot of non-gore people love to bash (along with the Saw films), calling it “torture-porn” (a phrase I despise), but … Continue reading 10/6/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #6 – Hostel.
10/5/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #5 – The Wicker Man (1973)
This is a SPOILER ALERT-filled post. Know that right up front. Because quite honestly, you can’t even talk about this movie, and its main contribution to the world of horror, without discussing the major spoiler of this film. I repeat, SPOILER freakin’ ALERT. If you want to be surprised at all, stop reading now. But … Continue reading 10/5/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #5 – The Wicker Man (1973)
10/4/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #4 – Child’s Play.
“Hi, I’m Chucky. Wanna play?” Ahh, delightful. Another movie from my childhood. Look, poo-poo this movie all you want, but whenever someone asks the general public to name the top 5 horror characters, guess what the majority of them will likely say? Jason, Freddy, Michael Myers, Leatherface, then they’ll think for a moment… and finally … Continue reading 10/4/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #4 – Child’s Play.
10/3/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #3 – The Innkeepers.
Ti West is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. Why? Because he focuses less on complex plotting, and more on mood and suspense. With Ti, it’s not as much about constant scares happening at all times, but rather about letting things simmer and build slowly, a dying art. Because of this, some people in … Continue reading 10/3/12 – OCTOBER HORROR MOVIE RECOMMENDATION #3 – The Innkeepers.
Musings of a Scary Horror Writer. 