HALLOWEEN (1978)

I've reviewed this film countless times and it still hasn't lost it's impact. John Carpenter's cinematic masterpiece is a perfect storm of score, stress inducing cinematography, an iconic performance from Jamie Lee Curtis and the amazing Donald Pleasence, slick, smart direction and one hell of a boogeyman. There's not much to say that hasn't been said. The movie is a simplistic, sweaty palm inducing, dread fueled nightmare that set the baeewirk for every slasher film released after.

Budget: $300,000

Box Office: $70M

10/10

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2003)

The original Chainsaw is my favorite horror film of all time. So when this was initially announced I really had no interest in seeing it, Especially after finding out Michael Bay was involved. Until that awesome sales trailer came out followed by what may be the best horror trailer ever released spliced with the songs Song to the Siren by This Mortal Coil and Signal to Noise by Peter Gabriel. And when it finally came out I still went in quite cautiously besides the solid buzz. And when I walked I had witnessed one of the best horror remakes of all time. The film works as an uber polished pop version of the original with truly striking cinematography and solid performances all around especially from Jessica Biel who redefines what scared is in horror movies. The movie is a fast, intense, aggressive, stylish nightmarish horror ride with scenes that just stick to you long after it's over. Although it doesn't have the impact of the original or the high quality I'd be lying if I didn't say they truly did a fantastic job with the material proving they had reason to revisit it.

Budget: $9.5M

Box Office: $107M

9/10

THE EVIL DEAD (1981)

Truly one of the best horror movies ever made. Sam Raimi's inspired foray into the genre has rightly gained an enormous cult following and as well of an extended franchise of its own including a superior sequel, a fun follow up, a solid remake and an amazing tv series. At its core is the handsome, charismatic Bruce Campbell as him and his friends are terrorized by a dark evil from the book of the dead, "the necronomicon". Que the grotesque possessions, blood spraying, tree raping, and mutilation. The movie is guerilla filming at it's best and most inspired. Slick cinematography and smart direction elevate the proceedings and make it all feel real, intense and at times comical despite its budgetary limitations.The results are one hell of a scary movie that helped defined the genre.

Budget: $375,000

Box Office: $2.6M

9.5/10

A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 3: DREAM WARRIORS

Considered by most to be the franchise's best sequel. I certainly agreed when I was younger, this is the film that made me obsessed with horror and Freddy. This was my childhood. I remember my dad taking me to see this with my cousins at a mall in Colorado and several times after that. Nancy played by a fierce Heather Lagenkamp returns to help a group of troubled teens suffering from the nightmares and being terrorized by the claw fingered boogeyman. The movie is solid all around. The feel of the film is dark with dreamlike cinematography, wonderous creativity, some awe inspiring practical effects and solid performances all around especially from a young, effective Patricia Arquette. This is the one that really launched the brand and was also the last one that was actually scary. It's truly a great horror movie but I just prefer the criminally underrated and brilliant new nightmare just by a smidge. A feisty Jennifer Rubin, Laurence Fishburne, Craig Wasson and John Saxon also star. The movie us of course ruled by an iconic performance from Robert Englund as our favorite monster.

Budget: $4.3M

Box Office: $44.79M

10/10

MORTAL KOMBAT (1995)

This movie was such a huge part of my childhood. I remember my dad taking me and my friends to a matinee the theater went dark and the theme exploded in digital sound. What followed just blew my mind. Revisiting it now it obviously hasn't aged well. Its undoubtedly goofy, the special effects leave something to be desired and the performances are overly campy. That being said Paul W.S. Anderson future director of the Resident Evil franchise and also responsible for the underrated sci-fi epic Event Horizon directs the proceedings with a straightforward confidence celebrating the corny aspects and relishing in the video game world. Ultra stylish with a killer soundtrack and some great action sequences. Mortal Kombat is truly one of the best video game adaptations.

Budget: $18M
Box Office: $122.1M

8/10

PINATA SURVIVAL ISLAND (2002)

Say what you will. I realize this is a movie about an ass ancient killer pinata as he slices and dices his way through some hot frat boys and sorority girls. But honestly...I kinda love it. I'm not saying it's good but it's one hell of a guilty pleasure. For one thing there's not a dull moment in its meager 85 minute running time and it's loaded with fun action a ridiculous villain, explosive killing scenes and two charasmatic performances from as spunky Jamie Presley and a hunky Nicholas Brendon of TVs Buffy. So leave your brain at the door and it's a crazy fun blast of energetic mayhem.

7/10