INTRO:
It's that time of year again! Halloween or as most of us know it, the time too watch as many horror movies as possible. Well we've reached the day and it's October 31st. Below are some sweaty palm inducing goodies you may have missed to help you celebrate so you have a bloody good holiday!
2009 Horror/Thriller 95 Mins. Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan Mary Woronov, Greta Gerwig and AJ Bowen star. Written and Directed by Ti West Rated R for graphic violence, gore and language
Ti West's brilliant dread inducing cinematic nightmare may have been made in 2009 but it feels like something straight out of the 70's/early 80's. The film centers on a young woman named Samantha in the 80's. She finds herself in a situation where she is desperate for money, needing it for a deposit on a new apartment. So she accepts a babysitting job at a house in the middle of nowhere. Upon arriving she discovers that there is no baby/child and instead they need her too care for the spooky woman's ailing mother. Who according to them needs very little assistance, so she doesn't need to go upstairs and check on her. They offer her more money and she stays. As the night progresses she begins to hear noses, see shadows and strange figures until finally a dark secret is revealed. The film is a slow burn without a doubt. West soaks the film in a palpable tension of mounting anxiety before exploding at it's blood soaked finale. Innovatively borrowing from films of the era "Devil's" disturbing end will stay with you long after the credits roll.
REAL FEAR: HOUSES THAT OCTOBER BUILT
2014 Horror/Thriller 91 Mins. Brandy Schaefer, Zack Andrews, Bobby Roe, Mikey Roe and Jeff Larson star. Written by Zack Andrews Directed by Bobby Roe Rated R for language, violence, sexuality, nudity and drug use
However, if you find yourself in the mood for something that feels very real look no further than this nightmarish horror delight. "Houses" is a film that centers on a group of documentary film makers who embark on a road trip to find the most extreme haunts in America. Bobby Roe smartly adapts a genuine atmosphere creating characters that feel real and are likable. As the film progresses and they move from haunt to haunt disturbing truths come to light such as interviews with real people and disturbing news reports edited in to increase the films immersive tone. But with each new haunt the people who work at them become more and more bizarre until finally they are being pursued by the group with disastrous consequences. The last third of this film is so creepy and explores some very dark material. What sets "Houses" aside from the onslaught of found footage/mockumentary garbage is how believable everything comes across. Even though I've seen this a few times and done my research it's still hard for me to believe that it isn't real. Which makes it perfect for a terrorific Halloween viewing. Add to the fact that the film is drenched in the dark holiday.
GORY GOODS: NIGHT OF THE DEMONS
1988 Horror 90 Mins. Cathy Podewell, Amelia Kinkade, Linnea Quigley, Billy Gallo Hal Harvins and Donnie Jeffcoat star.Written by Joe Augustyn Directed by Kevin Tenney Rated R for strong language, violence, gore sexuality and nudity
This has been a favorite of mind since my Dad took me to see it in the movies when I was 9 yrs. old. It's the first movie that got me into makeup. especially after learning that they made the demons teeth from Starburst. Although the makeup angle didn't stick it still stands as one of my favorite genre films. After years of scrutiny the horror community has finally found a place for "NOTD" and given the film it's justly due. The film centers on a group of friends who crash a Halloween party at a haunted funeral home with a tragic past and end up releasing a demonic plague of sorts taking them one by one. The film is filled with splendid awe inducing practical effects and maintains a retro 80's vibe with a fun, scary/funny mood. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some unintentional funnies in here the opening scene with Judy at her house has become a cult gem for me and my friends. But if you haven't seen "NOTD" I highly recommend it. It's a fun example of the genre that doesn't take it too seriously and can be a lot of fun if you keep an open mind. It was followed by a more comical but decent sequel a horrifically bad third entry and an insipid remake.
SLICE AND DICE: HELLBENT
2004 Horror/Thriller 84 Mins. Dylan Fergus Bryan Kirkwood, Hank Harris, Andrew Levitas and Hank Harris star. Written and Directed by Paul Etheredge Rated R for language violence gore sexuality, nudity and drug use.
From the producer of the original Halloween and The producer of the original Nightmare elm st. comes this super fun slasher flick. Set during the Halloween Carvinal in West Hollywood a group of gay friends finds themselves hunted by a hunky devil with an eight pack. The kill scenes are brutally fun in an 80's way and the film retains a fun, frenetic pacing throughout. The guys are sexy and the film even boasts a few scares and some rad chase scenes. Paul Etheredge approaches the proceedings with a sort of winking eye keeping it light and fun but the film doesn't skimp on the gory goods. The opening scene alone is worth a watch. The film is also a fun alternative for those who enjoy seeing guys run around scantily clad and screaming for their lives.
SCARED SHITLESS: POSSESSION OF MICHAEL KING
2014 Horror/Thriller 83 Mins. Shane Johnson, Ella Anderson, Tomas Arana, Luke Baines and Cara Pifko star. Written and Directed by David Jung Rated R for language, violence, gore, sexuality and drug use
Can I just say that this movie is fucking scary! It's the type of film that just feels evil. That's partly due to the electrifying central performance from hunky Shane Johnson as Michael King. He stars as a recently widowed single dad who is filming a sort of documentary to disprove the existence of god and the devil. He chooses to achieve this by visiting various people and having them do a bunch of creeptastic rituals on him. But along the way he manages to contact something real and opens himself up to it. All his research results in a truly disturbing possession, the likes of which have never been seen before. Now, everyone knows how many possession movies there are and besides a few, most of them suck. It makes it that much more impressive that in 2014 they finally have been able to reinvent the concept in a really frightening way. The film was unjustly ignored and this cinematic nightmare deserves it's due. But beware this is not a film for the faint of heart. This is an endurance test of absolute horror.
OUTRO:
Well farewell horror fans be safe. Remember to visit my blog and leave me some comments. Halloween is one day for most but it's everyday for me! Til next time enjoy the darkness!
