Post by: addicted2dvd on September 30, 2016, 01:47:42 PM
Horror/Halloween 2016 Challenge
(https://s22.postimg.org/wrvrb2pap/16953.gif)
Trying something a bit different this year. Years ago I had the record of 103 films watched in the one month. Of course I was not working at the time. So this year my roommate Danae Cassandra and I are going to combine efforts to try see if we together can beat the 103 films in the month. Meaning we have to each watch at least 52 films each. Since we both work full time this will be a challenge. On the plus side we do each have a week vacation this month. On the minus side we have a lot going on in October including a good friend's wedding preparations and wedding.
(https://s22.postimg.org/wrvrb2pap/16953.gif)
Trying something a bit different this year. Years ago I had the record of 103 films watched in the one month. Of course I was not working at the time. So this year my roommate Danae Cassandra and I are going to combine efforts to try see if we together can beat the 103 films in the month. Meaning we have to each watch at least 52 films each. Since we both work full time this will be a challenge. On the plus side we do each have a week vacation this month. On the minus side we have a lot going on in October including a good friend's wedding preparations and wedding.
What Counts:
Any movie that we feel fits in with the season. Whether it is a straight up horror movie... Comedy horror including spoofs (ie Scary Movie) or just straight comedies with horror elements (ie Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Hocus Pocus)... animated films with horror elements (ie Frankenweiner/ParaNorman) Or even Kid friendly films that fit in with the season (ie The Dog That Saved Halloween/HalloweenTown). Pretty much anything we feel fits the season.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y87/charlieinfinite/greetings/Halloween/286341367_l.jpg)
Post by: addicted2dvd on September 30, 2016, 02:03:50 PM
Post by: Piffi on September 30, 2016, 05:19:34 PM
Post by: Danae Cassandra on September 30, 2016, 08:49:15 PM
Post by: Piffi on September 30, 2016, 09:35:12 PM
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 01, 2016, 02:30:47 PM
Same username at letteredbox as here Danae? :)
sailordanae (http://letterboxd.com/sailordanae/)
Post by: Piffi on October 01, 2016, 02:57:38 PM
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 01, 2016, 05:09:40 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/I0/I030A9F5DB8058C06f.jpg) | 13 Ghosts (1960/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053559/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13_Ghosts) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smki4Vupb9Q) |
|
Stars:
Charles Herbert as Buck Zorba
Jo Morrow as Medea Zorba
Martin Milner as Ben Rush
Rosemary De Camp as Hilda Zorba
Donald Woods as Cyrus Zorba
Plot:
When an eccentric uncle wills a huge, ramshackle house to his impoverished family, they get the shock of a lifetime. Their new residence comes complete with a spooky housekeeper, plus a fortune in buried treasure and 12 horrifying ghosts.
Extras:
- None
My Thoughts:
I thought this would be a fun way to start my Horror/Halloween marathon. This is one I find to be a little more on the silly side then actually frightening. But I believe that is what William Castle was going for. A silly, spooky story. Though obviously the spookiness does not hold up in today's day and age. But it till makes for an enjoyable viewing experience. I would say it is definitely worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 01, 2016, 05:46:33 PM
Corpse Bride
Year of Release: 2005
Directed By: Mike Johnson, Tim Burton
Starring: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Emily Watson
Genre: Romance, Horror, Animation
Overview:
An Academy Award® nominee and National Board of Review Award winner as 2005's Best Animated Feature, Tim Burton's Corpse Bride carries on in the dark, romantic tradition of his classic Edward Scissorhands and Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Set in a 19th-century European village, this stop-motion animated feature follows the story of Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp), a young man whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride (voiced by Helena Bonham Carter), while his real bride Victoria (voiced by Emily Watson) waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world – or the next – that can keep him away from his one true love. It's a tale of optimism, romance and a very lively afterlife, told in classic Burton style.
My Thoughts:
This is a seasonal favorite of ours; we try to watch it every year. It's such a practically perfect Halloween film. The atmosphere is superbly gothic, creepy, otherworldly. This is done with every detail - the character design, the choice of color palette, and, of course, the music. Both the score and the songs really work to enhance the atmosphere.
I really feel this is one of Tim Burton's best works, and I'd recommend it to just about anyone. It's a great family film for the Halloween season; appropriate for all but the smallest children. Skip this only if you have some serious dislike for Burton's signature style.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt #18, Hoop-tober 3.0
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 4/5
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 01, 2016, 05:52:27 PM
The Living Dead Girl (La Morte Vivante)
Year of Release: 1982
Directed By: Jean Rollin
Starring: Marina Pierro, Françoise Blanchard
Genre: Horror
Overview:
THE LIVING DEAD GIRL (La Morte Vivante) is the story of Catherine Valmont (Françoise Blanchard), a wealthy heiress dead before her time, who is accidentally reanimated when some unfortunate movers attempt to store drums of chemical waste in the neglected burial vaults below her uninhabited chateau. Rollin's "living dead girl" does everything that cinematic convention requires—she kills people, drinks human blood, devours human flesh—yet, for all this, we accept her as an innocent. Meanwhile, the effect that resurrection has upon her childhood friend Hélène (Marina Pierro), is infinitely more conscious, deliberate, and evil.
Bloodier and more violent than his own tastes preferred, THE LIVING DEAD GIRL, forced Rollin to work against the grain in his own preferred genre—and he transformed himself in the process. In the unsettling, bloody finale, Blanchard's performance was so intense, so extreme minutes confused appetite, revulsion, and glee, the take was nearly interrupted out of concern for the actress's mental health. It's one of the most emotionally in century finales in horror film history.
My Thoughts:
I'd seen two of Rollin's films before this (Iron Rose and Lips of Blood) and really enjoyed his style. I was leery going into this one, since everyone talks about this film featuring much more gore than most of Rollin's filmography. That is definitely true - there is a lot of blood, quite a bit of gore, and the camera lingers over it, especially in the last scene. It does feel somewhat excessive, but it might not be. It offers a contrast with the beautiful visuals Rollin sets up. The shots of Catherine walking in the field in her white dress are gorgeous. Setting aside the gory bits, you do see Rollin's dreamy, atmospheric qualities here - the girls with the music box, the scene of Helene washing Catherine, the set up of the chateau and crypts.
It also packs a surprisingly emotional punch for a horror film. The story of Catherine and Helene's love for one another and the tragedy of what happens to them has a greater depth then you might be expecting, especially if you aren't familiar with Rollin or have only heard about his reputation for erotica.
As I said in my reviews of the other two Rollin films I watched, I can't give this a blanket recommendation. The gore would likely appeal to fans of more traditional horror, but the parts in between kills are much slower and focus on creating atmosphere and growing tragedy - there's little action and no jump scares.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt #18, Hoop-tober 3.0
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3.5/5
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 01, 2016, 05:59:09 PM
The Golem: How He Came Into the World (Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam)
Year of Release: 1920
Directed By: Carl Boese, Paul Wegener
Starring: Paul Wegener, Albert Steinrück, Lyda Salmonova, Ernst Deutsch
Genre: Horror, German Expressionism
Overview:
Widely recognized as the source of the Frankenstein myth, the ancient Hebrew legend of the Golem provided actor/director Paul Wegener with the substance for one of the most adventurous films of the German silent cinema.
Suffering under the tyrannical rule of Rudolf II in 16th century Prague, a Talmudic rabbi (Albert Steinrueck) creates a giant warrior (Paul Wegener) to protect the safety of his people. Sculpted of clay and animated by the mysterious secrets of the Cabala, the Golem is a seemingly indestructible juggernaut, performing acts of great heroism, yet equally capable of dreadful violence. When the rabbi's assistant (Ernst Deutsch) takes control of the Golem and attempts to use him for selfish gain, the lumbering monster runs rampant, abducting the rabbi's daughter (Lyda Salmonova) and setting fire to the ghetto.
With its remarkable creation sequence (a dazzling blend of religion, sorcery and special effects) and the grand-scale destruction of its climax, THE GOLEM was one of the greatest achievements of the legendary UFA Studios, and remains an undeniable landmark in the evolution of the horror film.
My Thoughts:
This was a really interesting film. It's a story of magic, a cautionary tale against selfishness, and perhaps also against calling upon spirits and bringing life to that which has none. It is, after all, a prequel to a now-lost film that would take place after the death of the good rabbi who could direct the golem into worthy pursuits. I loved the tinting effects; the green speaks of threat, the red of rage. The expressionistic sets create a wonderful look to the film. Recommended to lovers of cinema history and horror fans, as it's one of the earliest of this kind.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt #18, Hoop-tober 3.0
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 01, 2016, 06:03:18 PM
The Perfume of the Lady in Black (Il profumo della signora in nero)
Year of Release: 1974
Directed By: Francesco Barilli
Starring: Mimsy Farmer, Maurizio Bonuglia, Mario Scaccia, Jho Jhenkins, Nike Arrighi
Genre: Horror, Suspense/Thriller, Giallo
Overview:
Director Francesco Barilli's hallucinatory giallo horror-thriller stars Mimsy Farmer who portrays Sylvia, a chemist who begins to suffer from strange visions; a mysterious woman in black applying perfume in a mirror appears to her and strangers follow her everywhere she goes. Barilli's psychological investigation into the workings of the mind becomes apparent when it is revealed that as a child, Sylvia committed a horrible crime. The slow progression from successful scientist to a woman on the verge of insanity shows an in-depth look at the intricacies of the haunted mind. This is a remarkable film, weaving reality, fantasy and memory into an almost seamless fabric.
My Thoughts:
This is my first giallo, and it bodes well for my enjoyment of the genre. There is some gore at the end of the film, but for the most part this is psychological horror. This was a beautiful film with a genuinely foreboding, ever-deepening, aura of palpable dread. The viewer knows there's something wrong here, and even the most mundane objects become talismans of fear. I thought Mimsy Farmer did a great job as Sylvia, and found her descent into madness to be very believable. If none of the other actors are as good, they still each convey a level of suspicion about them. Everything conspires to keep the viewer wondering what is real, and what is in Sylvia's mind. Unsettling, uneasy, and and disturbing. Recommended.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt #18, Hoop-tober 3.0
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3.75/5
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 01, 2016, 06:09:59 PM
A Virgin Among the Living Dead (La nuit des étoiles filantes)
Year of Release: 1971
Directed By: Jess Franco
Starring: Cristine von Blanc, Britt Nickols, Rosa Palomar, Anne Libert, Howard Vernon
Genre: Horror
Overview:
After losing her mother at an early age and being raised at a boarding school, Cristina Reiner is notified of her father's death and summoned to Monserrat Mansion for the reading of his will. Other members of her strange, accursed family are found there awaiting the imminent demise of Cristina's ailing stepmother, Hermione, whom she has never met. When Death finally visits the castle in the person of an elegantly attired Queen of Darkness, Cristina is approached by the ghost of her father - the noose of his suicide permanently around his neck - who advises her to flee the castle and her cold-skinned, bloodthirsty relatives. But is it already too late? Has she already lost touch with reality? Learn the answers, if you dare, in this legendary cult classic from Jess Franco - uncut in America for the first time!
My Thoughts:
This is my second watch for this film, and I definitely enjoyed it more this time. It's a beautiful, bizarre film that never gives up the full answers to what is going on. Much is left to the viewer to decide. This is not a film about plot. This is a film of visual beauty and genuinely creepy atmosphere. It also contains a lot of nudity. Our heroine is nude as often as she is clothed, and two other ladies bare it all as well. Franco certainly has a eye for eroticism - the scenes of Christine in bed display her gorgeously.
Having watched it and enjoyed it more this second time round, I'm interested to check out more of Franco's oeuvre.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt #19, Hoop-tober 3.0
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3/5
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 01, 2016, 06:39:14 PM
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 01, 2016, 07:46:30 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/I6/I6F1B512E1A35F5EBf.jpg) | Village of the Damned (1960/United Kingdom) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054443/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Village_of_the_Damned_(1960_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AUBlW5EWnI) |
|
Stars:
George Sanders as Gordon Zellaby
Barbara Shelley as Anthea Zellaby
Martin Stephens as David Zellaby
Michael Gwynn as Alan Bernard
Laurence Naismith as Doctor Willers
Plot:
We have met the enemies and they are our children. Well, perhaps not our children, and that's the problem: they are the offspring of aliens who secretly impregnated human women!
That's the riveting premise of Village of the Damned, a science-fiction classic rife with paranoia and set in England's tiny Midwich. There, the glow-eyed humanoids develop at an alarming rate and use astonishing powers of mind to assert their supremacy. Woe to parents or anyone who defies them. Yet one intrepid soul (George Sanders) does. It's "yesterday Midwich, tomorrow the world" in the sequel Children of the Damned. Unusually gifted youngsters who may be a leap forward in human evolution are brought from around the globe to England for scientific study – and then the terror hits with full force. Children, behave!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Another classic. This one I found much more interesting.... and a film that takes itself much more seriously. In most movies I find the fact that it is in black and white to be of no matter what so ever. But for some reason in this case it feels as if the fact that it is in black and white actually adds to the enjoyment of the film. It is a good story line that moves rather quickly. It is one I would recommend checking out.
Rating:
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 02, 2016, 04:59:27 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/VV/VVE6CNLI1SKEKD001f.jpg) | The Wolf Man: Universal Classic Monsters (1941/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034398/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wolf_Man_(1941_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnGhskFaOf0) |
|
Stars:
Claude Rains as Sir John Talbot
Warren William as Dr. Lloyd
Ralph Bellamy as Colonel Montford
Patric Knowles as Frank Andrews
Bela Lugosi as Bela
Plot:
After being attacked and bitten by a wolf in the woods, Larry Talbot becomes a cursed man who transforms into a deadly werewolf when the moon is full.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
- Gallery
- My Scenes (bookmark feature)
My Thoughts:
This is one of the first classic monster movies I ever seen.... and definitely one of my favorites. I love this movie! I especially like how well done the Wolf Man makeup is done. Especially considering the age of this movie. Lon Chaney, Jr. did an awesome job at playing both the tortured soul of Larry Talbot as well as The Wolf Man. And even though is only a small part I enjoyed Bela Lugosi as Bela, the gypsy. This is a movie I have watched many times... and sure I will continue to enjoy many more times to come.
Rating:
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 02, 2016, 07:53:57 PM
Fear(s) of the Dark (Peur(s) du noir)
Year of Release: 2007
Directed By: Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Cailou, Pierre Di Sciullo, Lorenzo Mattotti, Richard McGuire
Starring: Christian Hincker, Aure Atika, Guilaume Depardieu, Louisa Pili, Laurent van der Rest
Genre: Horror, Animation
Overview:
It has been hailed as the most visually stunning and unsettling anthology in modern animation history: Artistic director ETIENNE ROBIAL brings together six of the world's leading comic and graphic artists – BLUTCH, CHARLES BURNS (Black Hole), MARIE CAILLOU, RICHARD McGUIRE, PIERRE DI SCIULLO and LORENZO MATTOTTI – to each create a black and white journey straight into the realm of fright. This is their stark and naked world of phobias, nightmares and shadows, of strange noises, slimy bugs and dead things. It's a creepy, kinky, sometimes funny and always scary ride inside what makes our skin crawl and keeps us awake all night. The lights are off. The fear is real. Do you dare watch it alone?
My Thoughts:
This was stylish and interesting, with quite well-done animation in a variety of styles. If all of the segments aren't as good as the others, that's almost to be expected of an anthology film. I enjoyed the insect and the haunted house stories the best, then the story of the village and the story of the dogs, and lastly the story of the bullied girl and the ghosts. Though the animation is well-done in all of them, it is best done in the haunted house story, though I enjoyed the style of the dog story more. What I didn't like was the inter-pieces of the woman complaining about all the mundane things she is afraid of. That portion seemed rather pretentious. Still, the short films are worth seeing, either for fans of animation or fans of anthology horror.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 1/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 03, 2016, 07:48:05 AM
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors
Year of Release: 1964
Directed By: Freddy Francis
Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Donald Sutherland, Neil McCallum, Alan Freeman, Roy Castle
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Five men who board a train as strangers will soon find commonality when joined by a sixth passenger, the mysterious traveler known as Dr. Schreck (Peter Cushing). Watch as their destinies unfold in the chilling and “life”-altering horror-thrill ride, Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors.
To while away the time, the good doctor offers to read each passenger’s Tarot cards. The innocent parlor game has an unexpected conclusion as each reading unfolds on screen as a terrifying vignette (a werewolf on the loose; a vengeful creeping vine; a tale of voodoo; a disembodied hand coming to life; and a vampire story) the results of which are unpredictable and shocking.
From director Freddie Francis (The Doctor and The Devils, Dracula Has Risen From The Grave, Tales From The Crypt) and starring horror film royalty Peter Cushing (Horror of Dracula, Evil of Frankenstein) and Christopher Lee (Horror of Dracula, Lord of the Rings), Dr. Terror’s House of Horrors features a stellar cast of supporting players including Donald Sutherland (Robert Altman’s M.A.S.H., Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1900), Max Adrian (Ken Russell’s The Devils and The Boyfriend) and Michael Gough (Horror of Dracula, Tim Burton’s Batman and Sleepy Hollow).
My Thoughts:
This is a solid Amicus anthology horror. It features good production design, decent (if not spectacular) stories, and a fine cast. If Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee are the memorable standouts, none of the others does a bad job. The last story features a young Donald Sutherland as the only other name I recognized. The last two stories are the best ones, but the others aren't terrible. I'd recommend this if you like anthology horror films of this vintage - Tales of Terror for example, or you're a fan of Cushing or Lee. They both give a great performance here.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt #19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.25/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 2/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 03, 2016, 02:31:09 PM
Lips of Blood (Lèvres de sang)
Year of Release: 1975
Directed By: Jean Rolin
Starring: Annie Belle, Jean-Loup Philippe, Catherine Castel, Marie-Pierre Castel, Natalie Perrey, Serge Rolin
Genre: Horror
Overview:
LIPS OF BLOOD (Levres de sang) was considered by Jean Rollin to be the best, or most developed, story he ever wrote. Of all his films, it perhaps best transcends his tendencies toward the poetical and arcane, while remaining at the same time true to his most personal, recurring obsessions: childhood, nostalgia, lost love, romantic quests, the cinema, obsolescence. In the course of its telling, it may also touch on such unsavory topics as vampirism and incest, but it would not be an exaggeration to call LIPS OF BLOOD "Jean Rollin's Somewhere in Time."
Jean-Loup Philippe stars as Frédéric, a maternally-dominated young man who by chance is awakened to a dormant childhood memory by attending a launch party for a new perfume. A chateau pictured in the poster reminds him of a night, long ago, when he was lost and a beautiful young woman (Jennifer, played by Forever Emanuelle's Annie Belle) came out of nowhere to protect him through the night. Later, the woman—unaged—magically appears and beckons to him, and Frédéric finds his way back to the chateau and to her, uncovering some dark secrets about his family's past along the way.
My Thoughts:
I continue to love Rolin. As I said in my previous review of this film, it''s a beautiful piece of visual poetry - dark, romantic, and atmospheric. Rolin has style. He certainly sets up some gorgeously artistic shots. He subverts the traditional horror villain - the vampires here aren't the villain, for all that they do kill people. The film is also rather slow-paced, and I'm certain Rolin's style isn't for everyone. I really enjoy his style, myself - this is my second Rolin this year, and I've got three more planned to watch.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt #19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 3/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 03, 2016, 04:15:08 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/I3/I3B73A6F9A67E2C0Ff.jpg) | House on Haunted Hill (1959/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051744/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_on_Haunted_Hill) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bsa9ymSDoJ0) |
|
Stars:
Vincent Price as Frederick Loren
Carol Ohmart as Annabelle Loren
Richard Long as Lance Schroeder
Alan Marshall as Dr. David Trent
Carolyn Craig as Nora Manning
Plot:
This classic horror favorite stars Vincent Price as Frederick Loren, an eccentric and sinister old man who offers his enemies $10,000 each if they stay the night in his creepy old mansion. Sounds like easy money right? Frederick does his best to scare his guests into leaving early. Little does he realise that someone in the house is out to get him!
When this film first appeared in theaters a skeleton would appear in the theater at a key moment in the film. Eventually filmgoers got wise to the skeleton and began pelting it with candy. Even without the gimicks, The House on Hauntd Hill is spooky good fun. Watch if if you dare...
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
- Gallery
My Thoughts:
What is an October marathon without Vincent Price? And this is one of my favorites. Sure it has it's share of campiness but what Willaim Castle film does not? While the entire cast did a good job... I especially enjoyed (of course) Vincent Price as well as Elisha Cook. This one has a great story line... the setting fits perfectly. This is definitely one I would recommend.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 4/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 03, 2016, 08:05:40 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936826753f.jpg) | Hocus Pocus (1993/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107120/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hocus_Pocus_(1993_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvYb5Aor1Tg) |
|
Stars:
Jason Marsden as Voice of Thackery Binx
Bette Midler as Winifred
Sarah Jessica Parker as Sarah
Kathy Najimy as Mary
Omri Katz as Max
Plot:
Conjure up a cauldron of laughs with Hocus Pocus, a fiendishly fun movie now on Blu-ray for the first time, featuring an all-new digital restoration with enhanced picture and sound. Academy Award® nominee Bette Midler (Best Actress, 1991, For The Boys), Sarah Jessica Parker (Sex And The City) and Kathy Najimy (The Wedding Planner) star in a wild and wacky comedy for the entire family.
When three 17th century Salem witches are accidentally summoned by modern-day pranksters, the 300-year-old trio sets out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth, but first they must outwit three kids and a talking cat. Get ready for a night of zany fun in this bewitching comedy classic – now even better on Blu-ray!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Bonus Trailers
My Thoughts:
I watched this one with my daughter Brittany today. Her pick. I found it to be a fun... albeit silly film. But I am sure it was meant to be. After all it is a family Halloween film so it is children friendly for the most part. Through some of it I was annoyed with the main cast's over-acting. But once I got used to the idea it added to the fun. I can see adding this to my yearly Halloween viewing... though for me it is more to make fun of and laugh at. I feel comfortable recommending this one... it is worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 5/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 03, 2016, 10:53:09 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/70/704400012372f.jpg) | Vampire Girl vs Frankenstein Girl (2009/Japan) Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAGMzxhk3Hg) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1425928/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_Girl_vs._Frankenstein_Girl) |
|
Stars:
Yukie Kawamura as Monami
Takumi Saitoh as Mizushima
Eri Otoguro [Elly Otoguro] as Keiko
Sayaka Kametani
Jiji Bu [Jiji-Boo]
Plot:
Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl is the horrifying story of two classic monsters re-imagined as super hot - and extremely lethal - Japanese school girls. The opening montage of blood-caked --------------------------------------------- ------------------ sends audiences stumbling towards the emergency exits with one hand over their eyes and the other clamped tightly over their mouths. Mad scientist principals, ----------------------- ------ -----, psychedelic blood-filled chocolates, -----, sex-crazed psychotic school nurses, -------, ethically questionable afterschool activities, -------------------------------------------------------ed -----------------, and a ---------------- sumo wrestler from hell are just a few of the atrocities you'll be treated to upon a viewing of this ------- cinematic offering. Oh yeah, there's also a gruesome ------g helicopter constructed out of bloody -------- human ------- limbs-if you're into sick ---------------------- like that.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
Wow...what did I just watch? Bad, over-exaggerated gore effects....bad acting,,, and a story line that needed work. It felt like I was watching a Japanese Troma film. But to be honest... it is about what I expected from the trailer. This is not one I would recommend to anyone.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 6/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 04, 2016, 02:56:18 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396446793f.jpg) | Goosebumps (2015/United States, Australia) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1051904/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goosebumps_(film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4Nm1irH0q8) |
|
Stars:
Jack Black as Stine
Dylan Minnette as Zach
Odeya Rush as Hannah
Ryan Lee as Champ
Amy Ryan as Gale
Plot:
After moving to a small town, Zach Cooper finds a silver lining when he meets next-door neighbor Hannah, the daughter of best-selling Goosebumps series author R.L. Stine. Stine is very mysterious and a prisoner of his own imagination — the monsters that his books made famous are real, and he protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their monuscripts. When the monsters are accidentally unleashed and begin to terrorize the town, it's up to Stine, Zach and Hannah to get them back in their books where they belong!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Bonus Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- Gallery
- Outtakes/Bloopers
- Digital Copy
My Thoughts:
Granted this one is for the fans of the books and TV series. for me it is a lot of nostalgia of watching the TV episodes with my daughter. I really enjoyed this film...and love the fact that I got to watch this one with my daughter since we enjoyed watching the series so much when she was a kid. I think they did a good job at bringing a lot of the characters from the series to film. Jack Black has always been hit and miss for me... but I really liked him playing R. L. Stine. I found this one well worth the time put in to watch it... but I don't see people enjoying this one if they don't know the books or TV series.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 7/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 04, 2016, 09:35:35 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/85/859831002475f.jpg) | Subspecies: 20th Anniversary Edition (1991/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103002/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subspecies_(film)) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP3rbLu4qDY) |
|
Stars:
Angus Scrimm as King Vladislav
Anders Hove as Radu
Irina Movila as Mara
Laura Tate as Michele
Michelle McBride as Lillian
Plot:
As ancient Transylvania struggles into modern times, old myths and superstitions blur with reality. Two American students, Michelle and Lillian, join their Romanian friend Mara in the Carpathian Mountains to study the legends of vampires.
While the three innocents explore the mysterious village culture and rituals, a suppressed evil rises again and casts its shadow upon the land. Unknowingly snared in a centuries-old family feud, the girls fall into the clutches of Radu: a diabolical vampire prince whose madness and bloodlust know no bounds.
To claim his birthright – the ancient Bloodstone – Radu kills his father and hunts his noble half brother Stefan. Dangerous passions erupt into violence as the vampire brothers each become obsessed with Michelle and begin to battle for her immortal soul.
Stefan's forbidden love for Michelle endangers her friends, as the jealous Radu plots to make them his undead consorts.
With Stefan's help, the girls fight for their lives against Radu and his minions – the Subspecies — an army of hellish creatures born of his own flesh. Will they survive to see the sunrise or will Radu curse them to eternal night?
Extras:
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
I am kinda struggling on what to write about this one. I really liked the story... but the production left a bit to be desired. This film could have used a bigger budget... some of the special effects just could have been better. But over all I enjoyed the film... it is definitely worth the time to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 8/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 05, 2016, 12:01:47 AM
The Old Dark House
Year of Release: 1932
Directed By: James Whale
Starring: Boris Karloff, Melvyn Douglas, Charles Laughton, Lillian Bond, Ernest Thesiger, Eva Moore
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Weary travelers find shelter in a mysterious Welsh manor in this definitive "Old Dark House" thriller and cult movie favorite by horror pioneer James Whale (the director of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and The Bride of Frankenstein, and subject of the recent film Gods and Monsters).
Greeted with an animal-like grunt by the mansion's hideously scarred butler (Boris Karloff), three disoriented voyagers (Melvyn Douglas, Raymond Massey and Lillian Bond) find themselves in the unwelcoming company of the psychotic Femm family, whose members include a religious fanatic obsessed with mortality and other matter of the sinful flesh (Eva Moore), her browbeaten brother (Ernest Thesiger), and a scripture-quoting homicidal pyromaniac (Brember Wills)... all watched over by their androgynous, 102-year-old father (Elspeth "John" Dudgeon). Relieving the story's overwhelming weirdness are Charles Laughton and a young Gloria Stuart (Titanic) as two confused visitors to the strange estate.
As witty and surprising as it is darkly unsettling, The Old Dark House is a ghoulishly delightful treat, a one-of-a-kind macabre comedy blanketed with rain-soaked, gothic eeriness orchestrated by one of the foremost directors of the American horror film.
My Thoughts:
I find, for whatever reason, that I'm not as fond of this film today as I was when I first watched it four years ago. I still like Charles Laughton and Boris Karloff's performances. I still think that the cast do a good job creating unique, eccentric characters - and that not only Karloff, but also Eva Moore. That level of religious zealotry is both extremely off-putting and genuinely frightening. Gloria Stuart's character, however, seems even more silly, stupid, and just plain annoying today. The cinematography still creates a really spooky, old, dark house, but the print is in need of a good restoration/HD remaster. That shouldn't matter, but I think it actually does. Still, the script is good and the cast is top notch, so I'd still recommend it to fans of old films and classic horror.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 4/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 05, 2016, 12:13:46 AM
City of the Dead
Year of Release: 1960
Directed By: John Moxey
Starring: Dennis Lotis, Christopher Lee, Patricia Jessel, Tom Naylor, Betta St. John
Genre: Horror
Overview:
College student Nan Barlow is researching the history of witchcraft. Taunted by her brother and fiancé, who have voiced their concern over her silly notions, Nan arms herself with resolve and drives into the small New England village of Whitewood. She is glad that at least she as able to count on the support of her professor. A bit anxious but consumed with curiosity, she will soon embark on the journey of her life!
My Thoughts:
This was a great piece of 60's British horror. Really gothic and creepy, with fantastic atmosphere. Yes, you can tell it's made on a soundstage, but the blackness around the town and the thick fog make Whitewood seem like it exists in another realm. Christopher Lee is in his usual form - charismatic with an aura of menace beneath a classy exterior. The script is good too, especially since you think you know where the film is going and then it hits you with an unexpected twist in the middle. Highly recommended if you enjoy older horror films, or are a fan of Lee's. He's not here as much as I'd like, but he's superb in his scenes.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 4/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 5/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 06, 2016, 12:29:08 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097361467542f.jpg) | Pet Sematary (1989/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098084/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_Sematary_(film)) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpjpUOXQZac) |
|
Stars:
Dale Midkiff as Louis Creed
Fred Gwynne as Jud Crandall
Denise Crosby as Rachel Creed
Brad Greenquist as Victor Pascow
Michael Lombard as Irwin Goldman
Plot:
After moving to an idyllic home in the countryside, life seems perfect for the Creed family...but not for long. Louis and Rachel Creed and their two young children settle in to a house that sits next door to a pet cemetery – built on an ancient Indian burial ground. Their mysterious new neighbor, Jud Crandall (FRED GWYNNE), hides the cemetery's darkest secret...until a family tragedy brings the secret to life. Now, an unthinkable evil is about to be resurrected.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
This has been one of my favorites for years. I been a big fan of Stephen King for a many years... I am also a fan of Denise Crosby. It was also fun to see Fred Gwynne as well. So both the writing and the cast is a plus for me. The atmosphere here is excellent. The story line is very good. While Louis is obviously a smart man what with him being a doctor and all... this story shows time and time again he is not a very wise man. He seems to lose himself more and more as the story goes on. This is definitely a film I would recommend... well worth the time put in to watch it!
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 9/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 06, 2016, 01:33:24 PM
The Witch's Mirror (El espejo de la bruja)
Year of Release: 1960
Directed By: Chano Urueta
Starring: Rosita Arenas, Armando Calvo, Isabela Corona, Dina De Marco
Genre: Horror
Overview:
A benevolent witch (Isabela Corona) enchants a magic mirror to protect her adopted daughter Elena (Dina de Marco) from her cruel husband (Armando Calvo). When the incantation fails and the girl is murdered, the witch vows revenge using every unholy principle of the supernatural that she can conjure. An unforgettable foray into black magic, high spookery and dazzling storytelling, CasaNegra is proud to present The Witch's Mirror restored and remastered for the first time on DVD in a brand new transfer - including the blasphemous resurrection of the slain Elena!
My Thoughts:
The first half of this seems like a low-budget but well-scripted gothic. At the midpoint it turns to gothic meets mad scientist horror. This is by no means bad, as the script holds together with the thread of supernatural vengeance running through all of it. It is a film of witchcraft, and the witch is a powerful force of evil. Nonetheless, she is not the villain of the film.
The budget is low, and the script derivative (Eyes Without a Face is an obvious influence) but the filmmakers create enough atmosphere and the performances are good enough to overlook that. If I've one major criticism, it's that the witch, Sara, targets the innocent second wife as much as the guilty husband. Too often women are pitted against each other by society, and Sara labels Deborah an 'evil woman' for actions outside her control. That aside, I enjoyed the film and would recommend it to fans of gothic horror.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt 19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 6/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 06, 2016, 02:35:17 PM
Pet Sematary
Year of Release: 1989
Directed By: Mary Lambert
Starring: Dale Midkiff, Fred Gwynne, Denise Crosby, Brad Greenquist
Genre: Horror
Overview:
After moving to an idyllic home in the countryside, life seems perfect for the Creed family...but not for long. Louis and Rachel Creed and their two young children settle in to a house that sits next door to a pet cemetery – built on an ancient Indian burial ground. Their mysterious new neighbor, Jud Crandall (FRED GWYNNE), hides the cemetery's darkest secret...until a family tragedy brings the secret to life. Now, an unthinkable evil is about to be resurrected.
My Thoughts:
I thought this was really well done. With King himself providing the screenplay, it makes for a good adaptation of the novel. Both Louis and Rachel Creed are played well, and baby Gage is suitably cute and innocent (until he isn't). The cat playing Church also does a great job. Fred Gwynne makes a great Jud Crandall, but I'd have liked to see his wife included so that he'd have better motivation to take Louis up to the Micmac cemetery. The little girl who plays Ellie also takes it over the top more than once. Those criticism aside, this is still a good horror movie. King and director Mary Lambert film this with a wonderful aura of dread. Even knowing what's coming doesn't detract from the ominous feeling that pervades the film. Recommended for horror fans.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt 19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.75/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 7/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 06, 2016, 02:42:16 PM
Creature With the Atom Brain
Year of Release: 1955
Directed By: Edward L. Cahn
Starring: Richard Denning, Angela Stevens, S. John Launer, Michael Granger
Genre: Science-Fiction, Horror
Overview:
From the pen of the legendary Curt Siodmak (The Wolf Man, Donovan’s Brain) and director Edward L. Cahn (It! The Terror From Beyond Space) comes this smash-bang thriller starring Richard Denning (Creature From The Black Lagoon) as a police doctor hot on the trail of a mob boss who’s hired an ex-Nazi scientist to re-animate his dead thugs to do more dirty work! If it seems like a condensed serial, it shouldn’t be a surprise: the cast is packed with such chapterplay vets as Gregory Gaye, Tristam Coffin, Harry Lauter, Pierre Watkin, Lane Chandler, Don Harvey and Charles Horvath.
My Thoughts:
For all its lurid title, this is a surprisingly watchable B-movie. Yes, the premise is ludicrous, but what 1955 sci-fi B-movie's isn't? This is definitely more sci-fi than horror, even with the presence of zombies animated by a mad ex-Nazi scientist. I expect, if I was drunk, I would laugh at how earnestly upstanding Richard Denning plays his police doctor, or how very 50's era sexist his relationship with his wife is. If I didn't know better, I'd think the script writer contributed to The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra. Recommended only if you enjoy 50's B-movies; in which case you'll enjoy this.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 8/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 06, 2016, 02:49:09 PM
The Fall of the House of Usher
Year of Release: 1960
Directed By: Roger Corman
Starring: Vincent Price, Mark Damon, Myrna Fahey, Harry Ellerbe
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Legendary scare-master Vincent Price serves up a diabolical nightmare dripping with "brooding evil and sinister suspense" (Film Daily)! Based on Edgar Allen Poe's chilling tale about a family driven to savage bloodlust by a power beyond their wildest fears, this terrifying story of "murder, madness and necrophilia" (Cue) proves that there's no place like home...for horror! Convinced that his family's blood is tainted by generations of evil, Roderick Usher (Price) is hell-bent on destroying his sister Madeline's wedding. But when Madeline's fiancé arrives at the haunted castle to claim his lovely bride, he soon discovers that, for this family, their house is more than just a home...it's their TOMB!
My Thoughts:
I love Vincent Price. Love, love, love him. He's, like, one of my all-time favorites. This, also, has to be in my top 5 movies of his. He's a wonderful actor, and he does a wonderful job here as the melancholy, mad Roderick Usher. His supporting players do a fine job as well. Yes, it's a slow moving film, but once it gets started it only builds to crescendo.
Corman's staff all do a great job here too. The sets and costumes look terrific, and Price's makeup lends him an entirely different look than one is used to seeing for him. The house has a truly eerie feel, and is really the fifth character of the film. If I would have one criticism, it's that I would have liked more of a focus on Price's doomed Roderick, and less on Mark Damon's hero. That could just be my Price fangirl talking.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt 19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 4/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 8/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 06, 2016, 07:42:33 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/VV/VVD1E2FHRQO4MR901f.jpg) | The Fall of the House of Usher (1960/United States) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Usher_(film)) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053925/) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QslKMIOeME8) |
|
Stars:
Vincent Price (1911) as Roderick Usher
Mark Damon as Philip Winthrop
Myrna Fahey as Madeline Usher
Harry Ellerbe as Bristol
Plot:
Legendary scare-master Vincent Price serves up a diabolical nightmare dripping with "brooding evil and sinister suspense" (Film Daily)! Based on Edgar Allen Poe's chilling tale about a family driven to savage bloodlust by a power beyond their wildest fears, this terrifying story of "murder, madness and necrophilia" (Cue) proves that there's no place like home...for horror! Convinced that his family's blood is tainted by generations of evil, Roderick Usher (Price) is hell-bent on destroying his sister Madeline's wedding. But when Madeline's fiancé arrives at the haunted castle to claim his lovely bride, he soon discovers that, for this family, their house is more than just a home...it's their TOMB!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Gallery
- Interviews
- Introduction by Vincent Price
My Thoughts:
While I am a fan of the late, great Vincent Price... I can't say this one is a favorite of mine. Not that it is a bad movie by any means. I did enjoy it. I just found that about the first half of the film was just too slow for my taste and I found my attention wandering. But in the second half of the film it picked up. And it picked up good. It is definitely worth watching... just expect a slow start on this one.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 10/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 06, 2016, 08:24:37 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/027616092090f.jpg) | The Amityville Horror (1979/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078767/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amityville_Horror_(1979_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvYX6KlIm1k) |
|
Stars:
James Brolin as George Lutz
Margot Kidder as Kathy Lutz
Rod Steiger as Father Delaney
Don Stroud as Father Bolen
Murray Hamilton as Father Ryan
Plot:
For George and Kathy Lutz (James Brolin and Margot Kidder), the Long Island colonial house on the river's edge seemed ideal...but looks can be deceiving. Soon their new dream home becomes a hellish nightmare as the walls begin to drip blood and satanic forces haunt them with sheer, unbridled evil!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This is one of the ghost stories that made me love the ghost/Hauntings sub-genre so much. I was still just a kid when I first watched this movie... and for the longest time was my favorite ghost story. I have watched this movie many times since then... and it still entertains me to the day. I feel the atmosphere is well done. I like the old school effects in it as well. Both Margot Kidder and James Brolin did a fine job. This is one worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 11/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 07, 2016, 02:26:13 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929003549f.jpg) | Interview With the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110148/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interview_with_the_Vampire:_The_Vampire_Chronicles) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRXWYKCzOJk) |
|
Stars:
Brad Pitt as Louis
Christian Slater as Malloy
Virginia McCollam as Whore on Waterfront
John McConnell as Gambler
Tom Cruise as Lestat
Plot:
The undead are among us and livelier than ever when Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and a talented group of youngbloods star in this spellbinding screen adaptation of Anne Rice's bestseller.
Cruise stylishly plays the supremely evil and charismatic vampire Lestat. Pitt is Louis, lured by Lestat into the immortality of the damned. Stephen Rea, Antonio Banderas, Christian Slater and Kirsten Dunst co-star. Hypnotically directed by Neil Jordan from a screenplay by Rice, Interview with the Vampire offers enough thrills, shocks and fiendish fun to last a lifetime - and beyond.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Featurettes
- Introduction by Anne Rice, Neil Jordon and Antonio Banderas
My Thoughts:
It has been a while since I saw this one... but it is one I have always enjoyed. I personally find this one more interesting then I do horrific. It gives you a view into vampirism from the vampire's point of view. A very interesting take indeed. The 2 hours it lasted just flew by as I watched... definitely a sign of a good movie. If by any chance you never seen this one before... I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 12/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 07, 2016, 02:17:07 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/79/794043827624f.jpg) | Campfire Tales (1996/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0115813/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campfire_Tales_(1997_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgDSetDxR8A) |
|
Stars:
James Marsden as Eddie
Amy Smart as Jenny
Rick Lawrence as Rockin' Rob
Plot:
Horror takes a detour deep into the woods in this terrifying cross between Scream and Tales From The Crypt, starring Christine Taylor (Dodgeball) and Ron Livingston (Office Space).
Returning home from a concert and driving recklessly, four teenagers crash their car on a deserted road. To ward off the cold, they build a fire and wait for help. But the hair-raising stories they tell around the fire put a deeper chill into the night. Each tale is more lurid, more horrifying, more shocking than anything they've heard before. Yet for these unlucky teens in the woods, the biggest shock is still to come...
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Bonus Trailers
- DVD-ROM Content
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This is an Anthology Horror that I always enjoyed a lot! Sure... it is very predictable... especially if you know the urban legends they are based on. Which most are pretty well known. There is a very short opening story Which admittedly is not that great.
Next we get to the wraparound story... which I love. Best one I ever seen on any of this type of movie. the wraparound story is well done and has great atmosphere of it's own.
Then we finally get to the first of the 3 actual stories. Which is a pretty good one. There is a newlywed couple that are driving around in a camper... and they get lost and stranded in the back streets somewhere. Has likable characters and pretty good atmosphere. I liked how they handled the things in the dark... as you never get a good look at them. Though it was on the predictable side as it is based of a well known urban legend.
The second story has a young girl with an intruder in the house. Also off a well known urban legend so you know what to expect. I know what you are thinking... why watch something that you know how the stories are going to end. And I would normally agree with you... but these are done so well you don't mind the fact that you know where the stories are going... you just enjoy the journey of getting there.
The last story is my favorite of them all. A guy on a motorcycle (Glenn Quinn of Roseanne fame) stumbles onto a house where a beautiful mute girl lives... and it seems she lives in a haunted house. This is the one of the 3 stories that I do not recognize from an urban legend.
From here we find out the end of the wraparound story... which is also done well.
I find this to be a great movie over-all even if it is predictable. Definitely one I would recommend to any horror fan.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 13/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 07, 2016, 03:48:12 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/715515010221f.jpg) | Carnival of Souls: The Criterion Collection (1962/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055830/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnival_of_Souls) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQfOJ4ZKP3Y) |
|
Stars:
Candace Hilligoss as Mary Henry
Frances Feist as Mrs. Thomas
Sidney Berger as John Linden
Art Ellison as Minister
Stan Levitt as Dr. Samuels
Plot:
Herk Harvey's macabre masterpiece gained a cult following through late night television and has been bootlegged for years. Made by industrial filmmakers on a modest budget, Carnival of Souls was intended to have the "look of a Bergman" and "feel of a Cocteau," and succeeds with its strikingly used locations and spooky organ score. Mary Henry (Candace Hilligoss) survives a drag race in a rural Kansas town, then takes a job as a church organist in Salt Lake City. En route, she becomes haunted by a bizarre apparition that compels her to an abandoned lakeside pavilion. Criterion is proud to present the ultimate special edition of this eerily effective B-movie classic that continues to inspire filmmakers today.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- Gallery
- Production Notes
- Outtakes/Bloopers
My Thoughts:
This is one I have seen a few times before... and always enjoyed. Though I have always had a tough time figuring out what it is about this movie I like so much. It does have a pretty good atmosphere. And has a bit of a mysterious feel to it as well. It didn't occur to me until this viewing... but it reminds me of the TV series The Twilight Zone. This one is definitely worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 14/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 07, 2016, 05:18:40 PM
House of Wax
Year of Release: 1953
Directed By: André De Toth
Starring: Vincent Price, Frank Lovejoy, Phyllis Kirk, Carolyn Jones, Paul Picerni
Genre: Horror
Overview:
In the wicked performance that crowned him the movie's master of the macabre, Vincent Price plays a renowned wax sculptor plunged into madness when an arsonist destroys his life's work. Unable to use his flame-scarred hands, he devises a new – and murderous – way of restocking his House of Wax.
The sweet dread and sheer fun of this creepy classic, co-starring Phyllis Kirk, Carolyn Jones and Charles Bronson and directed by André De Toth, had its roots in a Warner Bros. chiller from 20 years before: Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933), starring Lionel Atwill as the wax-wielding madman and Fay Wray as a potential victim. Directed by Michael Curtiz and shot in a chillingly effective early two-color Technicolor process, it and its spooky remake offer you a delicious double-dip in a paraffin bath of terror.
My Thoughts:
I've mentioned before how much I love Vincent Price, and this is a gem from him. He gives a marvelous performance as the gentle, sensitive artist driven mad by the greed of his partner. It's a truly heart-wrenching scene when he tries, vainly, to save the wax sculptures he's imbued with so much of his life. Sculptures he sees as beings with spirit, that speak to him, that are his friends. If you see the horror of his actions afterward, he is also very sympathetic. It's not hard to see why he was driven to the depths of madness he descends to.
The rest of the film is pretty good too. If some of the parts that were put in solely to take advantage of the 3D technology look a bit hokey in 2D (the can-can dancers, the paddle ball scene) I bet they'd be a lot of fun if I had the right disc & equipment to actually watch this the way it was meant to be seen. While I do wish it didn't break the 4th wall in the paddle-ball scene, because it throws you out of the atmosphere of the film; House of Wax holds up well even in 2D as a good film, largely due to Price's superb performance. Recommended for fans of old school horror and highly recommended for fans of Vincent Price.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt 19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 9/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 07, 2016, 05:45:13 PM
The Mummy
Year of Release: 1932
Directed By: Karl Freund
Starring: Boris Karloff, Zita Johann, David Manners, Arthur Byron, Edward Van Sloan
Genre: Horror
Overview:
The Mummy features horror icon Boris Karloff in a legendary performance as the Egyptian, Imhotep, who is accidentally revived by a team of archaeologists after 3.700 years. It is revealed in a flashback that he was a high priest, embalmed alive for trying to revive the vestal virgin whom he loved, after she had been sacrificed. Alive again, he sets out on an obsessive - and deadly - quest to find his lost love. Featuring groundbreaking makeup by Jack Pierce and artful direction by Karl Freud to achieve a mysterious atmosphere, this terrifying classic inspired countless sequels, spoofs and spin-offs that continue to fuel the legacy of the monster to this day.
My Thoughts:
Second watch, and I still really enjoy this film. Karloff is still wonderful in his performance as the tortured romantic willing to go to any length to be reunited with his lover, and the direction and subtle horror of the film is still top notch.
I was struck, as I was watching today, with the question of who decides who should live and who should die. Imhotep is the villain because he wishes Ankh-es-en-amon to live at the expense of Helen. But does that line of reasoning also not make Frank and Dr. Muller equally villainous, for they wish Helen to live - therefore at the expense of Ankh-es-en-amon...
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt 19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 10/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 07, 2016, 06:24:30 PM
Vampyres
Year of Release: 1974
Directed By: Joseph Larraz
Starring: Marianne Morris, Anulka, Murray Brown, Brian Deacon, Sally Faulkner
Genre: Horror
Overview:
"They share the pleasures of the flesh, and unleashed the horrors of the grave!" screamed the ads. The beautiful Marianne Morris and stunning Playboy centerfold Anulka star as bisexual seductresses who roam the English countryside with an insatiable lust for the blood of mortals as well as the succulent bodies of each other. Director José Ramón Larraz packs this landmark adult hit with chilling atmosphere, shocking bloodshed and some of the most torrid sexuality of any vampire movie in horror history.
Also known as DAUGHTERS OF DRACULA, this controversial cult classic was butchered repeatedly by censors around the world. Blue Underground is proud to present VAMPYRES in a stunning new High Definition transfer that restores all of the controversial gore footage missing from other versions!
My Thoughts:
This is another film with a lovely, creepy atmosphere - a gothic manor with adjoining cemetery, isolated in the woods, inhabited by two beautiful women dressed in black. There's copious amounts of nudity, punctuated by moments of shockingly bloody violence, sometimes together. I'd say if you like Jean Rollin or Jess Franco, this is a film I'd recommend, or alternately consider looking to them if you enjoyed Vampyres.
Watched For: Scavenger Hunt 19, Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3.25/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 11/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 07, 2016, 06:30:30 PM
The Call of Cthulhu
Year of Release: 2005
Directed By: Andrew Leman
Starring: Matt Foyer, John Bolen, Ralph Lucas, Chad Fifer
Genre: Horror
I've reviewed this film before - read here (http://www.dvdcollectorsonline.com/index.php/topic,8439.msg171044.html#msg171044). I can't say any of my thoughts on the film have changed.
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 12/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 07, 2016, 08:25:10 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192114410f.jpg) | Werewolf: The Beast Among Us (2012/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1987028/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolf:_The_Beast_Among_Us) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIQLFnRXfdY) |
|
Stars:
Ed Quinn as Charles
Guy Wilson as Daniel
Stephen Rea as Doc
Rachel Dipillo as Eva
Adam Croasdell as Stefan
Plot:
Werewolf: The Beast Among Us takes Universal Studios' historic monster legacy to an all-new level of chilling action and terrifying suspense. When a mysterious creature terrorizes a village by moonlight, a local young man, Daniel, convinces a team of skilled werewolf hunters to let him join their quest to hunt it down. But as the villagers are attacked one by one and turned into vicious beasts, Daniel begins to fear that his ruthless foe is someone closer than anyone thinks. Starring Ed Quinn, Stephen Rea, Nia Peeples and Steven Bauer.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Bonus Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- BD-Live
- Digital Copy
My Thoughts:
This is the first time I seen this one. I found it to be a decent werewolf movie. It has a nice bit of action in it as well. I am not really familiar with the cast in this one... but they seemed to do a fine job. The story line keeps you interest through out. And there is a surprise here and there. I would say it is worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 15/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 07, 2016, 11:46:07 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/I6/I66B36C7C6249BB31f.jpg) | The Raven (1963/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057449/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Raven_(1963_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvngX_-K-NI) |
|
Stars:
Vincent Price as Craven
Peter Lorre as Bedlo
Boris Karloff as Scarabus
Hazel Court as Lenore
Olive Sturgess as Estelle
Plot:
"The wheels of horror churn amid touches of humor" (The Film Daily) in this twisted tale of sorcery most fowl! Inspired by the gothic poem by Edgar Allan Poe and starring horror legends Vincent Price, Peter Lorre and Boris Karloff – and Jack Nicholson in an early screen role – this Roger Corman classic about two wizards dueling for magical supremacy is utterly bewitching!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Featurettes
- Gallery
- Introduction and parting words by Vincent Price
My Thoughts:
I have to admit... this was a really fun watch. I enjoyed every moment of it. And talk about star packed.... Vincent Price... Peter Lorre...Boris Karloff... and even an early appearance of Jack Nicholson. So early in fact that if I didn't know it ahead of time I would have never recognized him! While it does have it's eerie settings and atmosphere... I wouldn't call this one a horror film. No... this one is more like a fantasy comedy. But that being said I think it is still a good fit for this Halloween season. And it really felt like the entire cast had fun doing this film. Well worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 16/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 08, 2016, 02:00:57 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/03/031398684336f.jpg) | Warlock (1989/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098622/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warlock_(1989_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNsiBg4qYq4) |
|
Stars:
Julian Sands as Warlock
Lori Singer as Kassandra
Richard E. Grant as Redferne
Mary Woronov as Channeller
Kevin O'Brien as Chas
Plot:
Boston. 1691. The gallows await the Warlock (JULIAN SANDS). What was an apparent triumph of Witch Hunter Giles Redferne (RICHARD E. GRANT), is short lived as the Warlock escapes and is hurled 300 years into the future. Now, say a prayer for the City of Angels, for it is here in Los Angeles where he begins the task of reuniting three portions of the Devil's Book that will reveal the secret name of God. If spoken, all creation will be destroyed. Redferne, who is also transported, enlists the aid of Kassandra (LORI SINGER), who has miraculously escaped the Warlock's wrath. But the carnage has begun as the Warlock successfully unites the first two sections. The final portion is buried in an old Boston cemetery...in Redferne's grave! It is on these hallowed grounds where evil magic will confront the strength of righteousness with the future of mankind at stake.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Production Notes
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This one is an entertaining film... I have always liked it. Julian Sands played the Warlock well. And I also liked Lori Singer in this one as well. Though I must admit this one does show it's age. But it is still an entertaining storyline.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 17/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 08, 2016, 06:10:31 AM
The Mummy's Hand
Year of Release: 1940
Directed By: Christy Cabanne
Starring: Dick Foran, Peggy Morgan, Wallace Ford, Eduardo Cianelli, Tom Tyler
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Overview:
In this chilling follow-up to the original classic, a magician (Cecil Kellaway) and his beautiful daughter (Peggy Moran) finance an expedition of American Archaeologists, led by Steve Banning (Dick Foran) and Babe Jenson (Wallace Ford). The team travels to Egypt in search of an undiscovered tomb. At first, they are thrilled to find a 3,000-year-old mummy. But soon they learn that when the moon is full the mummy goes on murderous rampages - unless they can find a way to destroy their greatest find.
My Thoughts:
This quite a bit more comedy than horror. Indeed, except for an origin story at the beginning, the mummy doesn't appear until about half way through the film. Until then, this is almost an Abbot and Costello script of two bumbling adventurers and a pretty dame. Indeed, it almost seems like the character of Babe was written as a character for Costello, minus the cowardice his characters often have.
Worth watching as a part of Universal's classic Mummy films, but not an actual classic the way the first one is. It does establish the rest of the franchise, however, so if you're going to watch the later films you'll want to watch this first. Just don't expect it to be anywhere as good as the Karloff film.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 13/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 08, 2016, 07:05:02 AM
The Mummy's Tomb
Year of Release: 1942
Directed By: Harold Young
Starring: Dick Foran, John Hubbard, Elyse Knox, George Zucco, Wallace Ford, Turhan Bey, Lon Chaney Jr.
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Screen legend Lon Chaney Jr. stars in a compassionate portrayal of the ancient Egyptian mummy Kharis in this timeless tale of lost love. The high priest Mehemet (Turhan Bey) transports Kharis from Egypt to the United States to wreak vengeance on the family who defiled the sacred tomb of his beloved princess. One by one, members of the expedition die. But Mehemet has fallen in love with the beautiful fiancee (Elyse Knox) of the group's leader (Dick Foran). Now he must convince Kharis to help him acheive his ultimate goal - before a furious mob destroys them both.
My Thoughts:
This is a fairly standard sequel to The Mummy's Hand. The horror is better here, though the actual film is weaker. I think that puts the two films on about even footing. I like the fact that this is an actual sequel, picking up directly from Hand with a lot of the same characters. There's a thread of decent continuity through the whole rest of the series. The film flounders a bit for a focal point after the first few deaths, and the ending is out-of-place in its quick wrap to happily-ever-after. Still this is worth watching as a classic 40's piece of Universal Horror, even if it's not one of the the best.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 14/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 08, 2016, 07:06:27 AM
Pete - 17
Gen - 17 (14 reviewed)
Total - 34
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 08, 2016, 04:35:32 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/50/5027626700447.4f.jpg) | Night of the Living Dead (1968/United States) Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Living_Dead) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063350/) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gUKvmOEGCU) |
|
Stars:
Duane Jones as Ben
Judith O'Dea as Barbra
Karl Hardman as Harry
Marilyn Eastman as Helen
Keith Wayne as Tom
Plot:
In director George Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, seven people secluded in a Pennsylvania farmhouse face relentless attacks by reanimated corpses seeking to eat their flesh. The group, which includes a married couple and their daughter, a pair of young lovers, and an African American man, try to keep their sanity as the living dead try endlessly to enter the house until they are laid to rest by burning or a severe blow to the head. As they listen to news reports of the zombie plague taking over the eastern United States, the ever-decreasing band of survivors loses ground in their battle to both keep peace with one another and stay alive.
Romero's low-budget, homegrown classic went from being unable to find a distributor to becoming one of the most influential horror films of all time. Aside from its visceral impact years before realistic gore became the fashion, the film is also important for its portrayal of a black man as the protagonist during a time when race relations were an extremely sensitive issue in the United States. Romero's choice for the ending of his film also made a shocking and bold statement about the issue.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
This is one that I enjoy very much. I have watched this film many, MANY times, but... and I may get flamed for this... but I for one prefer the remake to the original. Not because this one is a bad movie... I really do enjoy it a lot... but I just can not stand Barbara's character in this version! What a scared whining.... good for nothing character. I do realize this is just a sign of the times... but I just have such a hard time watching it. Sure I realize Romero says a lot when it comes to race in this movie making Ben such a good and strong character... but the way he did Barbara just takes away from what is otherwise a great movie. I mean even when she is safe in the house and not hysterical... she is still so sicared she can't even get herself to talk to Ben to answer his questions or anything else. It seems like forever before she actually starts to talk to him... and then she does little more then ramble on. With all that being said this is still a great film. Definitely a film every horror fan should see at least once.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 18/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 08, 2016, 09:19:51 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396771796f.jpg) | Night of the Living Dead (1990/United States) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Living_Dead_(1990_film)) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100258/) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0r7L8tS2L0) |
|
Stars:
Tony Todd as Ben
Patricia Tallman as Barbara
Tom Towles as Harry
McKee Anderson as Helen
William Butler as Tom
Plot:
It’s a new night for terror... and a new dawn in horror movie-making when special-effects genius Tom Savini (creator of the spectacularly gruesome make-up in FRIDAY THE 13TH and CREEPSHOW) brings modern technology to this colorful remake of George A. Romero's 1968 cult classic.
Seven strangers are trapped in an isolated farmhouse while cannibalistic zombies – awakened from death by the return of a radioactive space probe – wage a relentless attack, killing (and eating) everyone in their path. The classic for the 90's: graphic, gruesome and more terrifying than ever!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
- Production Notes
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
OK... for my tastes... this is much more like it! Yes... in the beginning Barbara is still all scared and crying... but she is also fighting back at the same time and is not depending on someone else to save her! This is the way I want to see Barbara! Not to mention that I am a huge fan of Tony Todd. Between those 2 things... it really feels like this remake was made catered to me. As much as I love the original... and I do love the original!.. I have to say in this case I definitely prefer the remake! How often can someone say that? I also think it is a plus that we have Tom Savani directing this one. He really does a good job showing homage to the original while updating it at the same time. Once again... in my opinion... he made all the right choices to make a wonderful remake from great source material.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 19/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 08, 2016, 11:13:36 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929189694f.jpg) | The Bad Seed (1956/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048977/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bad_Seed_(1956_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NWGyG4W5DI) |
|
Stars:
Gage Clarke as Tasker
Jesse White as Emory
Joan Croyden as Miss Fern
William Hopper as Kenneth Penmark
Paul Fix as Richard Bravo
Plot:
Rhoda (Patty McCormack) is a well-mannered 8-year-old little lady - and an efficient, unfeeling killer. And in this spellbinding chronicle of evil, whatever Rhoda wants, she ruthlessly gets. Her mother Christine (Nancy Kelly), reluctantly made to see her child's moral blindness at work, is heartrendingly torn between mother love and grief for Rhoda's victims. From Maxwell Anderson's stage hit, The Bad Seed ticks like a time bomb under the skilful direction of Mervyn LeRoy, who cast several Broadway production originals, including Kelly (re-creating the role that won her a Tony®), McCormack and Eileen Heckart. Their harrowing performances captured three of this suspenseful movie's four Academy Award® nominations*– and make this thriller one of the great ones.
*1956 Nominations: Best Actress (Kelly), Supporting Actress (Heckart and McCormack) and B&W Cinematography.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
This one is a very good film. Though it is one that starts off a bit on the slow side... but it don't take long to pull you into the story. It has a good atmosphere and the entire cast does a wonderful job. My one complaint would have to be the way they ended it. I think if they would have cut it off a little earlier (while in the hospital) it would have been much better. But with that being said... this is definitely a classic that is worth watching.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 20/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 09, 2016, 02:52:44 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/I5/I550B037A6106BAEAf.jpg) | Halloweentown (1998/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0173886/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloweentown_(film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EdgGsmswIo) |
|
Stars:
Debbie Reynolds as Aggie
Judith Hoag as Gwen
Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie
Joey Zimmerman as Dylan
Phillip Van Dyke as Luke
Plot:
Join Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown) and her grandmother Aggie (Debbie Reynolds) as they stir up a cauldron full of comedy and adventure in two Disney Channel Classics – Halloweentown and Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge.
On her 13th birthday, Marnie learns she's a witch, discovers a secret portal and is transported to Halloweentown – a magical place where ghosts and ghouls, witches and werewolves live apart from the human world. But she soon finds herself battling wicked warlocks, evil curses and endless surprises.
Halloweentown Double Feature will charm pixies, trolls and families everywhere every day of the year.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This is one I used to watch with my daughter. And we decided to watch it again tonight for nostalgia. It remains a fun family film. Something to just to sit back and laugh at. Of course this is aimed to the younger children so nothing too creepy or scary here. Just a little Halloween fun for the entire family.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 21/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 09, 2016, 04:40:17 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/VV/VVAK5G6UJ10QTEA01f.jpg) | Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge (2001/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0274761/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloweentown_II:_Kalabar%27s_Revenge) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJVCwAkH1Pg) |
|
Stars:
Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie
Judith Hoag as Gwen
Daniel Kountz as Cal
Joey Zimmerman [Joseph Zimmerman] as Dylan
Emily Roeske as Sophie
Plot:
Join Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown) and her grandmother Aggie (Debbie Reynolds) as they stir up a cauldron full of comedy and adventure in two Disney Channel Classics – Halloweentown and Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge.
On her 13th birthday, Marnie learns she's a witch, discovers a secret portal and is transported to Halloweentown – a magical place where ghosts and ghouls, witches and werewolves live apart from the human world. But she soon finds herself battling wicked warlocks, evil curses and endless surprises.
Halloweentown Double Feature will charm pixies, trolls and families everywhere every day of the year.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This sequel... while still entertaining family fun... wasn't quite as good as the first one. This one has all the main cast returning. Worth watching only if you liked the first one.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 10, 2016, 03:17:08 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/012569798496f.jpg) | Poltergeist (1982/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084516/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poltergeist_(1982_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eZgEKjYJqA) |
|
Stars:
Craig T. Nelson as Steve Freeling
JoBeth Williams as Diane Freeling
Beatrice Straight as Dr. Lesh
Dominique Dunne as Dana Freeling
Oliver Robins as Robbie Freeling
Plot:
"THEY'RE HERE," playful at first...but not for long. A storm erupts, a tree attacks and little Carol Anne Freeling is whisked away into a spectral void. As her family confronts horrors galore, something else is here too: a new benchmark in Hollywood ghost stories. Producers Steven Spielburg and Frank Marshall and director Tobe Hooper head the elite scream team of this classic horror. Welcome to Home Sweet Haunted Home.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
I haven't watched this one is quite some time. While the movie does have a little bit of a slow start... it definitely makes up for it with a great story. I never been much of a fan of Craig T. Nelson... but I did like JoBeth Williams as the mother. The haunting starts pretty mild... moving things around and such much to the enjoyment and entertainment of the mother. But before you know it things takes a turn for the worse. It has been so long since I watched this one that I forgot how good it is. I enjoyed every minute of watching this one again. If by any chance you have not seen this movie before... I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 23/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 10, 2016, 04:56:50 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/024543210580f.jpg) | Poltergeist: Extended Cut (2015/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1029360/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poltergeist_(2015_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViWTPto3atU) |
|
Stars:
Sam Rockwell as Eric Bowen
Rosemarie DeWitt as Amy Bowen
Saxon Sharbino as Kendra Bowen
Kyle Catlett as Griffin Bowen
Kennedi Clements as Madison Bowen
Plot:
From legendary filmmaker Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, The Evil Dead) and director Gil Kenan (Monster House) comes this "thrilling" (Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter) film starring Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt. After the Bowen family moves into s seemingly perfect suburban home, sinister spirits begin to haunt them. And when the terrifying apparitions abduct Maddy (Kennedi Clements), their youngest daughter, the Bowens must find a way to rescue her — or they'll lose her forever. With suspenseful storytelling and jaw-dropping visuals, this electrifying take on a spine-chilling classic will haunt you from its early nightmarish moments to its exhilarating climax!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Gallery
- Digital Copy
- Extended Cut & Alternate Ending on 2D BD only.
My Thoughts:
When I first heard they were making a remake of Poltergeist I was not very hopeful but curious. As the original has always been one of my favorites. I was even less hopeful when I read some bad reviews. But I must say I disagree with those bad reviews. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I never really cared about the father in the original... but I think he was portrayed much better in this one. And lets face it we have better special effects now then we did back in the early '80s... and I feel they made this version more enjoyable. I also liked that this time we got to see the little girl in the other side and what the little girl had to go through. This doesn't take away from how much I love the original. It just gives me another option for the basic story. In my opinion this is a remake done right... I definitely feel it is worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 24/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 06:58:17 PM
The Mummy's Ghost
Year of Release: 1944
Directed By: Reginald LeBorg
Starring: John Carradine, Robert Lowery, Ramsay Ames, Lon Chaney Jr.
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Big screen icons Lon Chany Jr. and John Carradine star in this riveting tale of true love and the ancient curse that haunts it. Doomed lovers Princess Ananka and commoner Kharis (Chaney Jr.) are buried together, but only he has the potion for eternal life. Kharis enlists the help of an Egyptian high priest (Carradine) to revive Ananka. But he soon find the priest plans to keep her for himself. Forced to flee with his beloved, Kharis takes refuge in a swamp, where the mystery of eternal romance is revealed with unexpected optimism.
My Thoughts:
For all its title, the mummy is very solid and not particularly ghost-like here. I expect it's a nod to his apparent destruction in the previous film. The story here is also much a retread of the previous film - Kharis is the tool which the high priest controls (though we see moments where Kharis is not in accord, these are overtaken by the priest's control of him), and the high priest becomes obsessed with the girl. The surprisingly downbeat ending saves Ghost from being a total copy and grants the film better measure of true horror than we've previously seen in this series. Recommended only if you're a fan of horror films of this era, or as part of The Mummy franchise. If you've seen the previous films and enjoyed them, you'll enjoy this one.
As an aside, the overview attached to this film in Profiler is really inaccurate to the film.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52 (15 reviewed)
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 07:03:22 PM
The Mummy's Curse
Year of Release: 1944
Directed By: Leslie Goodwins
Starring: Lon Chaney Jr., Peter Coe, Virginia Christine, Kay Harding
Genre: Horror
Overview:
In his final film appearance, Lon Chaney Jr. returns as one of the screen's most memorable movie monsters: ancient Egyptian mummy Kharis, who is tormented by his forbidden love for a long-dead princess. Transported to Cajun country by archaeologists, Kharis breaks free and goes on a rampage of terror and destruction. Finally, he is united with his princess. But they soon discover that the greatest threat their ancient romance has ever known may be the museum curators who are after them.
My Thoughts:
The final film in Universal's franchise. I'll say this - from Hand onward there's been good continuity in the series. Each film following and referencing the previous in an effective way. The one break in continuity is that somehow Massachusetts has now become Louisiana. But we do pick up where Ghost ends. The plot is much a retread again, but at least they change it up with the assistant the one becoming obsessed with the girl rather than the high priest. Again, the same basic quality as the previous films without the surprise ending of Ghost. Still, if you've enjoyed those you'll enjoy this one and want to see it as part of the franchise.
Again, the overview attached to this film in Profiler is really inaccurate to the film.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52 (16 reviewed)
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 07:06:49 PM
The Dunwitch Horror
Year of Release: 1970
Directed By: Daniel Haller
Starring: Sandra Dee, Dean Stockwell, Ed Begley, Lloyd Bochner, Sam Jaffe
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Single white warlock seeks beautiful blond babe to join him at the altar...the sacrificial altar! When the son of Satan (Dean Stockwell) seduces a wide-eyed college student (Sandra Dee), it's a match made in hell in this "exceptional, truly engrossing film of the supernatural" (Los Angeles Times) where the romance is hot...and the terror bone-chilling! Young Wilbur Whateley (Stockwell) has haunting eyes and an impish grin. No wonder, since his father was the devil and his mother was insane! So when Wilbur decides to start a family, he lures a cute coed (Dee) to the mountains for a weekend of demonic rites and wrongs! Now all hell is about to break loose, as their passion awakes an ancient evil determined to destroy all humanity in this sinister scare-fest of satanic seduction!
My Thoughts:
This is a handsome production, with enough deviations from Lovecraft's story to make a good movie while still keeping to its spirit. If Dean Stockwell's Wilbur is more charismatic and good-looking than his literary counterpart, it works for what the film is trying to do. I personally love film inverts what we expect our hero and villain to look like - the villain is a charming young man, the hero a suspicious old professor. It's also not hard to have a lot of sympathy for this version of Wilbur. The film portrays small-minded townsfolk as unrelenting bullies (most especially funeral scene!), so the idea that Wilbur may wish to summon extraplanar beings to wipe out humanity isn't so farfetched. Recommended if you're a fan of Lovecraft, or enjoy 60's era horror (such as AIP's films starring Vincent Price). For fans of either of those, you won't go wrong here.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52 (17 reviewed)
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 07:58:02 PM
The Bad Seed
Year of Release: 1956
Directed By: Mervyn LeRoy
Starring: Patty McCormack, Nancy Kelly, Evelyn Varden, Henry Jones, Eileen Heckart
Genre: Suspense/Thriller, Horror
Overview:
Rhoda (Patty McCormack) is a well-mannered 8-year-old little lady - and an efficient, unfeeling killer. And in this spellbinding chronicle of evil, whatever Rhoda wants, she ruthlessly gets. Her mother Christine (Nancy Kelly), reluctantly made to see her child's moral blindness at work, is heartrendingly torn between mother love and grief for Rhoda's victims. From Maxwell Anderson's stage hit, The Bad Seed ticks like a time bomb under the skilful direction of Mervyn LeRoy, who cast several Broadway production originals, including Kelly (re-creating the role that won her a Tony®), McCormack and Eileen Heckart. Their harrowing performances captured three of this suspenseful movie's four Academy Award® nominations*– and make this thriller one of the great ones.
My Thoughts:
This was a really good film. The performances were all really top-notch. Though Patty McCormick impressive's, given her age when the film was made, it's really hard to single out any of the actors as standing out. They're all great, from the smarmy caretaker, to the distraught Mrs. Daigle, to the increasingly troubled Christine.
This is mostly a thriller with film noir stylings, though the horror lies both in Rhoda's actions and the idea of a child simply being born evil. Were it to end where it should, it would be true horror. However, Hays Code restrictions tack on an unnecessary epilogue after the hospital scene. The film should end at the hospital, and that it doesn't undermines the horror of the film. The fact that the rest of the film is so very excellent is really marred by that, but I'd still recommend it as an excellent old-school horror.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3.75/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52 (19 reviewed)
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 08:35:39 PM
Ringu
Year of Release: 1998
Directed By: Hideo Nakata
Starring: Nanako Matsushima, Miki Nakatani, Hiroyuki Sanada, Yuko Takeuchi, Hitomi Sato
Genre: Horror
Overview:
If you liked The Ring, you'll love Ringu, the original international box office hit that started it all!
A mysterious video has been linked to a number of deaths, and when an inquisitive journalist finds the tape and views it herself, she sets in motion a chain of events that puts her own life in danger.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience!
My Thoughts:
Very patient, ominous piece of horror that builds to its revelations and climax. Not a lot of scares, though they're good when it gets to them. Really, this is a lot more mystery, the horror unfolding ever greater as the viewer is drawn deeper in and learns more. Very fitting ending that keeps it firmly in the realm of true horror as well.
Don't expect any sort of gore or jump scares, but this is more than worth seeing for horror fans, as it's influence in J-horror and later American horror and pop culture is considerable.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52 (20 reviewed)
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 08:39:24 PM
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
Year of Release: 2013
Directed By: Tommy Wirkola
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen, Pihla Viitala
Genre: Action, Horror
Overview:
Get ready for a twisted take on the classic tale as Hansel (JEREMY RENNER) and Gretel (GEMMA ARTERTON) have turned pro, coping with the trauma of their childhood captivity by slaying witches for hire. But when seemingly unstoppable bounty hunters meet their match in an enemy so evil, it'll take all their training, weapons and courage to survive. PAYBACK IS A WITCH!
My Thoughts:
This is mindless action-horror, but I enjoy this a lot more than I probably should. I find this film a lot of really silly fun. Maybe I've played too much D&D, cause this is a D&D adventure. Maybe that it's the fun of the steampunk stylings or the genre mashup, both of which I enjoy. Or maybe I just really like Jeremy Renner. I think it's that one. Definitely that one.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52 (21 reviewed)
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 09:24:14 PM
Poltergeist
Year of Release: 1982
Directed By: Tobe Hooper
Starring: Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Beatrice Straight, Oliver Robins, Heather O'Rourke
Genre: Horror, Suspense/Thriller
Overview:
"THEY'RE HERE," playful at first...but not for long. A storm erupts, a tree attacks and little Carol Anne Freeling is whisked away into a spectral void. As her family confronts horrors galore, something else is here too: a new benchmark in Hollywood ghost stories. Producers Steven Spielburg and Frank Marshall and director Tobe Hooper head the elite scream team of this classic horror. Welcome to Home Sweet Haunted Home.
My Thoughts:
This was really good. I think I watched this as a kid when it was broadcast on TV, because there were definitely scenes I remembered. Yet so much of the film was new to me that it was like watching it for the first time.
I think the thing I appreciated most was the character of the mother. There were a lot of good things going on here - atmosphere, performances, some great effects for their time, but I liked the mother the best. I liked that she didn't just stand around and do nothing but scream. That she was the one that entered the portal to the other world, that she ran back into the house to save the kids. Glad to see a woman who takes action despite her own fear.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 4/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 22/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 10, 2016, 09:28:38 PM
CURRENT TALLY:
Genevieve - 22/52
Pete - 24/52
Total - 46/104
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 11, 2016, 06:41:57 PM
Masque of the Red Death
Year of Release: 1964
Directed By: Roger Corman
Starring: Vincent Price, Hazel Court, Jane Asher, David Weston, Nigel Green, Patrick Magee
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Death and debauchery reign in the castle of Prince Prospero (Vincent Price), and when it reigns...it pours! Prospero has only one excuse for his diabolical deeds - the devil made him do it! But when a mysterious, uninvited guest crashes his pad during a masquerade ball, there'll be hell to pay as the party atmosphere turns into a danse macabre!
My Thoughts:
This is another one of Price & Corman's wonderful Poe adaptations. Price is marvelous as the sinister, cultured, cruel Prospero, and Corman's direction is solid. There's a good supporting cast here, and lavish, colorful sets and costumes. Apparently Corman was able to borrow sets from Becket, so this is a handsome production. Nicholas Roeg is here as cinematographer, and he makes wonderful use of light and dark in the film, as well as the jewel-like colors of Prospero's masquerade ... and of the figures of death. One of the best of Price's films. Highly recommended.
This is also a beautiful transfer of the film. It's never looked better.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 4/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 23/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 12, 2016, 04:49:10 PM
Dagon
Year of Release: 2001
Directed By: Stuart Gordon
Starring: Ezra Godden, Francisco Rabal, Raquel Meroño, Macarena Gómez, Brendan Price, Birgit Bofarull
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Based on a short story by HP Lovecraft, the undisputed master of macabre ...
Paul and his girlfriend Barbara are celebrating the success of their new company on a yacht off the coast of Spain. When a sudden storm smashes their boat on a reef, Barbara and Paul swim to the nearest town for help. The decrepit fishing village of Imboca at first seems to be deserted, but unblinking eyes peer out from boarded-up houses. The strange inhabitants offer little help to the stranded couple. By nightfall, Barbara is missing and Paul finds himself pursued by the entire town ... but a town of what?
My Thoughts:
For all its additions to the story, Dagon keeps to The Shadow Over Innsmouth fairly closely. We have the drunk, the shambling locals, the famous escape from the inn, and the truly Lovecraftian ending. If we have the addition of other characters besides our narrator and the drunk, and the additions of romantic subplots, those work for the film. It still keeps to the spirit of Innsmouth and that makes it work in bringing Lovecraft to the screen.
Unlike some other films I've been watching this month, this is not a beautiful film. It's nigh the opposite of Masque of the Red Death that I watched this morning. This is an ugly film, dirty, gloomy, perpetually wet. In contrast to Price's cultured characters, the folk of Imboca are degenerate and brutish. There's also considerably more gore, especially in a certain scene toward the end. This is a harder horror film that my usual classics, and I can't recommend it for the squeamish. I can recommend it to fans of Lovecraft, for it's a decent adaptation of Innsmouth, so long as you don't mind the gore.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 24/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 12, 2016, 05:35:16 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/VV/VVA9O7NCCV5E1I701f.jpg) | The Masque of the Red Death (1964/United States) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Masque_of_the_Red_Death_(1964_film)) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058333/) |
|
Stars:
Vincent Price (1911) as Prospero
Hazel Court as Juliana
Jane Asher as Francesca
David Weston as Gino
Nigel Green as Ludovico
Plot:
Death and debauchery reign in the castle of Prince Prospero (Vincent Price), and when it reigns...it pours! Prospero has only one excuse for his diabolical deeds - the devil made him do it! But when a mysterious, uninvited guest crashes his pad during a masquerade ball, there'll be hell to pay as the party atmosphere turns into a danse macabre!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Gallery
- Interviews
- Introduction by Vincent Price
My Thoughts:
This is one of Vincent Price's films I never seen before. I must say I enjoyed it very much. The story line easily kept my attention through out the film... and I found the visuals to be done very well. The vibrant colors they used seem to add to the story. And I found the entire cast to be great. This is one I would really like to add to my own collection.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 25/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 13, 2016, 08:24:11 PM
Whispering Corridors (Yeogo goedam)
Year of Release: 1998
Directed By: Ki-Hyung Park
Starring: Kang-hee Choi, Gyu-ri Kim, Min-jung Kim, Mi-yeon Lee, Jin-hie Park, Ji-hye Yun
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Life is what you'd expect for young teenagers in this seemingly normal private all-girls school, until a past alumni returns as a teacher. She strikes up a friendship with two very different students and a horrific course of events ensues. A teacher is found dead, apparently having committed suicide, and circumstances that inextricably link both the past and the present are unveiled. As the body count rises, the memories of the deaths unleash the echoes of ghosts down the corridors.
My Thoughts:
This was a really good piece of horror. That some of the most horrific scenes are carried out by the living in no way diminishes the power of the ghost story. The ghost is a powerful supernatural being. And she does bring a brutal retribution down. But the true horror is a school culture that not only condones bullying but has teachers actively participating in it, pitting student against student, berating and belittling them for low scores in front of all their peers.
The film creates a great oppressive atmosphere in the school, and the actors all do a good job. Some things are a bit confusing, but with a bit of patient thought can be worked out. Recommended for fans of Asian horror.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 25/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 13, 2016, 08:29:51 PM
Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell (Kyuketsuki Gokemidoro)
Year of Release: 1968
Directed By: Hajime Sato
Starring: Teruo Yoshida, Tomomi Sato, Hideo Ko, Masaya Takahashi, Nobuo Kaneko, Eizo Kitamura
Genre: Horror, Science-Fiction
Overview:
After an airplane is forced to crash-land in a remote area, its passengers find themselves face-to-face with an alien force that wants to possess them body and soul—and perhaps take over the entire human race. Filled with creatively repulsive effects—including a very invasive bloblike life-form—Hajime Sato's Goke, Body Snatcher from Hell is a pulpy, apocalyptic gross-out.
My Thoughts:
This a bleak, heavily political, sci-fi horror. It's also a study of what happens to people in crisis situations, and how a crisis makes people show their true nature. Some stay strong in their morals, others crumble, and others will try everything to save themselves, including at the expense of someone else. Also, some scream. Hello, most annoying trope of horror movies - the useless, screaming female!
The effects and some of the plot points are rather trippy; this is firmly in B-movie territory. Still, it rises above the average B-movie of its time with its commentaries on Vietnam, Hiroshima, and political corruption. There's a lot more going on here than most B-movies. That also makes it very much a product of its time. It hasn't exactly aged well. Worth seeing for the B-movie enthusiast however.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 26/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 14, 2016, 12:56:03 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097360182743f.jpg) | Stephen King's Silver Bullet: Widescreen Collection (1985/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090021/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Bullet_(film)) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hSkvsPs13I) |
|
Stars:
Gary Busey as Uncle Red
Everett McGill as Reverend Lowe
Corey Haim as Marty Coslaw
Megan Follows as Jane Coslaw
Robin Groves as Nan Coslaw
Plot:
Something is killing off townsfolk in Tarker's Mills. Something mysterious. Something ingenious. Something remotely human. But the only person in town with courage to stop this lurking menace is a 13-year-old boy, confined to a wheelchair since birth. Adapted to the screen by suspense master Stephen King from his "Cycle of the Werewolf" novelette, this exhilarating thriller features astounding special effects by three-time Oscar® winner Carlo Rambaldi ("E.T.," "Alien," "King Kong").
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
I have loved it since I first saw it when I was just a teen. I absolutely love the supped up wheel chair... The Silver Bullet! I really enjoyed the scene when he first got it... finding out just how fast it went. I believe Stephen King's take on the werewolf legend is just right on the spot. And I liked who the werewolf turned out to be. While it is not what I would call a gory movie... there is a scene or two that shows it's fair share of blood. There was nothing about this movie that was not just plain enjoyable. It is definitely one of my favorite werewolf movies.If by chance you never seen this film it is one I highly recommend!
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 26/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 14, 2016, 03:17:10 PM
Silver Bullet
Year of Release: 1985
Directed By: Daniel Attias
Starring: Gary Busey, Everett McGill, Corey Haim, Megan Follows
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Something is killing off townsfolk in Tarker's Mills. Something mysterious. Something ingenious. Something remotely human. But the only person in town with courage to stop this lurking menace is a 13-year-old boy, confined to a wheelchair since birth. Adapted to the screen by suspense master Stephen King from his "Cycle of the Werewolf" novelette, this exhilarating thriller features astounding special effects by three-time Oscar® winner Carlo Rambaldi ("E.T.," "Alien," "King Kong").
My Thoughts:
This was a pretty good werewolf movie. It lacks any backstory on the werewolf, and I liked that about the film. It makes the werewolf this immensely threatening supernatural monster, an inhuman creature rather than a tortured soul. He's mad, bad and dangerous and must be put down.
King doing the screenplay means this is more than just a monster story. It's a story of the town and folks in it. Corey Haim is really good in his role, especially in holding true to the physical limitations of it. The girl who played his sister is pretty good too, and their interactions have a certain authenticity to siblings of that age. I love Gary Busey as their drunk, loser uncle who seems really cool when you don't know any better. And of course, I love the wheelchair. Everyone loves the wheelchair. I think the narration wasn't needed. That's a device I thought worked better for Stand By Me than it does here. Small quibbles aside, this was still quite good and I'd recommend it if you're looking for a werewolf film.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 27/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 14, 2016, 04:55:59 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929024315f.jpg) | The Lost Boys (1987/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093437/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lost_Boys) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsv_NQFbQzo) |
|
Stars:
Jason Patric as Michael
Corey Haim as Sam
Dianne Wiest as Lucy
Barnard Hughes as Grandpa
Edward Herrmann [Ed Herrmann] as Max
Plot:
Sam and his older brother Michael are average, everyday teens. But after they move with their mother to peaceful Santa Clara, California, things mysteriously begin to change. Michael's not himself lately. And Mom's not going to like what he's turning into.
The Lost Boys reshapes vampire tradition, deftly mixing heart-pounding terror, rib-tickling laughs and a body-gyrating rock soundtrack. Under Joel Schumacher's direction, a marvelous cast – Jason Patric, Jami Gertz, Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Barnard Hughes, Edward Herrmann and Dianne Wiest – stakes you to gleefully ghoulish entertainment.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- Gallery
- Interactive Games
- Multi-angle
- Music Videos
My Thoughts:
I am sure it is partially nostalgia for me... but this is one of my favorite vampire films. It is one I have seen countless times...one that I never tire of. This movie is the first thing I ever seen Kiefer Sutherland in... and I think he did an awesome job in it. I also think Jason Patric did a great job as Michael. and I definitely couldn't help but to enjoy the Old Fart (Grandpa)... I just get such a kick out of him and all the stuffed animals he gave to Sam. Definitely one I would highly recommend to any horror fan... especially vampire fans. Though I do believe most all horror fans probably seen this one by now!
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 27/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 14, 2016, 08:10:46 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936281835f.jpg) | Halloweentown High (2004/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414078/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloweentown_High) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJD_l_K1Asc) |
|
Stars:
Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie Piper
Debbie Reynolds as Aggie Cromwell
Judith Hoag as Gwen Piper
Joey Zimmerman as Dylan Piper
Emily Roeske as Sophie Piper
Plot:
Back to school's never been so cool or supernatural for Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown), her grandmother Aggie (Debbie Reynolds), and her family of witches in this latest chapter in the ever-popular series of Halloweentown movies.
When Marnie convinces the Halloweentown Council to send several teenagers to her high school in the mortal world, she even promises to give up her magic if any harm comes to them. But soon, Marnie and her new friends are in trouble and out of luck when the evil Knight Of The Iron Dagger appears. He's determined to destroy all things magical, and it's up to Marnie to save her high school, the human world and her magic.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Bonus Trailers
- Interactive Games
- DVD-ROM Content
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
Probably my least favorite in the franchise.While it is still entertaining I found the story line to be less interesting what with it mostly taking place in the mortal world. These films are just more entertaining when they are in Halloweentown. That being said... this one is still worth the time put in to watch.... if you enjoyed the previous films in the franchise.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 28/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 14, 2016, 08:58:54 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936736175f.jpg) | Return to Halloweentown: Ultimate Secret Edition (2006/United States) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Return_to_Halloweentown) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816520/) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihXBE-mPe5c) |
|
Stars:
Sara Paxton as Marnie
Judith Hoag as Gwen
Lucas Grabeel as Ethan
Joey Zimmerman [J. Paul Zimmerman] as Dylan
Kristy Wu as Scarlett
Plot:
Unlock the secrets in the fourth installment of the hit Disney Channel Halloweentown series and discover a "Behind-The-Scenes Spooktacular" with an insider's look at the special effects and creature creations on the Ultime Secret Edition DVD.
Everyone knows Marnie Piper (Sara Paxton, Aquamarine) is a witch, so it comes as no surprise when she wins a full scholarship to prestigious Witch University in Halloweentown. Marnie travels through the portal to become Witch U's most famous coed. But everything is not what it seems. There's a new school rule: No magic allowed! With the help of old friends Ethan (Lucas Grabeel, High School Musical and High School Musical 2) and Benny the Skeleton, and new friends Professor Periwinkle and Aneesa the Genie, Marnie learns she holds the key to revealing the ultimate secret.
The exciting Halloweentown series continues with more magic, mystery and suspense in Return To Halloweentown!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
This one I enjoyed more then the last. Not surprised as this one takes place for the most part in Halloweentown. And it has a story that is interesting enough to keep your attention. A fun Halloween film for the entire family that is worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 29/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 14, 2016, 11:08:38 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/018713544193f.jpg) | The Good Witch (2008/Canada) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1105729/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Witch) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGyian2iVzg) |
|
Stars:
Catherine Bell as Cassie Nightingale
Chris Potter as Jake Russell
Catherine Disher as Martha Tinsdale
Peter MacNeill as George O'Hanrahan
Allan Royal as Walter Cobb
Plot:
A mysterious, yet charming woman arrives in a small town and causes a stir when people think she is an actual witch. The town's moral committee, lead by the mayor's wife, becomes convinced she is evil and begins a campaign to drive her out of town. This causes much stress to the town sheriff, a struggling widower, who is slowly developing feelings for the woman. As their relationship grows, the woman helps the sheriff's children, as well as several members of the community, face their problems and overcome personal obstacles. But is it common sense or magic that's helping the townfolk? And will they ever be able to accept her as one of their own?
Extras:
- Scene Access
My Thoughts:
I have made it a tradition to watch at least some of these films around Halloween for years now. And after Watching it multiple times... I found I enjoy it now just as much as I did the first time I seen it. I really like the character of Cassandra Nightingale (The Good Witch) and the lovely Catherine Bell did a wonderful job in the role. I couldn't imagine anyone doing it better. I been a fan of Catherine Bell every since her JAG days. If there is anything I didn't care for though... it would be that the ending felt like it was settled a little quickly and easily. But that didn't really take away from the movie for me.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 30/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 15, 2016, 02:44:30 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/IB/IBAFD76CDFB73C8E7f.jpg) | The Good Witch's Garden (2009/Canada) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1312251/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Witch's_Garden) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCKCdD4qH_s) |
|
Stars:
Catherine Bell as Cassie Nightingale
Chris Potter as Jake Russell
Catherine Disher as Martha Tinsdale
Peter MacNeill as George O'Hanrahan
Rob Stewart as Nick Chasen
Plot:
Cassie has settled into Middleton and is busy making a home of Grey House. Her boyfriend, Sheriff Jake Russell, and his kids are happy to have Cassie in the neighborhood, but she has yet to gain the trust of some people in town.
Extras:
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
My Thoughts:
This is a nice continuation in the franchise. Has a good story line and the entire min cast comes back. Definitely a fun watch... I highly recommend this one.... especially if you enjoyed the first one.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 31/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 15, 2016, 03:48:30 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/VV/VVNBUNDJFREF4E701f.jpg) | The Good Witch's Gift (2010/Canada) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1560779/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Good_Witch's_Gift) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VbC7s2KIKE) |
|
Stars:
Catherine Bell as Cassie Nightingale
Chris Potter as Jake Russell
Catherine Disher as Martha Tinsdale
Peter MacNeill as George O'Hanrahan
Matthew Knight as Brandon Russell
Plot:
Cassandra Nightingale always has a few tricks up her sleeve, but is surprised when her handsome sweetheart, Police Chief Jake Russell, proposes.
Extras:
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
My Thoughts:
Another good and touching installment. Sure this one takes place during the Christmas season... but it is still as magical as the first two... still about the good witch. So I am allowing myself to include it for my Halloween marathon. Watching these three films tonight is making me fall in love with these characters all over again. If you are a fan of the franchise you already know this is an installment you just can't miss. A must see!
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 32/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 16, 2016, 07:00:12 AM
Strangler of the Swamp
Year of Release: 1945
Directed By: Frank Wisbar
Starring: Rosemary La Planche, Robert Barratt, Blake Edwards, Charles Middleton, Effie Parnell
Genre: Horror
Overview:
A ferryman who was wrongly hanged for murder is now a ghost, and he's more than a little perturbed. He wants revenge, and he's inflicting strange, violent deaths on the townsfolk responsible for this execution.
The ghost (Charles Middleton, best-known for playing Ming the Merciless in the Flash Gordon series) is all the scarier for his simplicity: a grim shape that gradually manifests itself, blending into the shadows and the night. Blake Edwards, in a rare acting appearance before he became a famous director, is Christian Sanders, Jr., next on the ghost's list of victims, and Rosemary La Planche is his lover who's willing to sacrifice herself to save his life. Robert Barrat is the community leader who fights the villagers' superstitions.
Steeped in gothic atmosphere, STRANGLER OF THE SWAMP recreated director Frank Wisbar's extremely stylish classic fantasy film, Fährmann Maria, made in Germany before Wisbar came to Hollywood and directed such movies as the Devil Bat's Daughter. Wisbar's inventive use of lighting, camera and sets makes STRANGLER a stand-out.
My Thoughts:
This has great atmosphere for a 40's B-movie. There aren't many sets, and you can tell they didn't have much budget, but add a fog machine and the sort of swampy scenery you might put up for a community theatre production, and it somehow creates a wonderfully creepy feel to this film.
While some of the dialog isn't great, and the acting is servicable at best, I really liked the character of Maria and the way they visualized the ghost. The ghost is dark and murky, never fully seen, which really works for the story and makes the ghost seem more threatening. Maria, meanwhile, is a remarkably strong character for the time period. The lurid cover has little to do with the actual film. She is the actual hero of the film, the one who confronts the ghost and defeats him. The cover should really replace her with Blake Edwards character being threatened instead. Well worth watching for those who enjoy low-budget films of this era.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 28/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 16, 2016, 05:22:35 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/63/634991293525f.jpg) | Boo (2005/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0385560/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boo_(film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WjxjMNGuRY) |
|
Stars:
Trish Coren as Jessie
Rachel Harland as Cindy
Jilon Ghai as Kevin
Happy Mahaney as Emmett
Shirlene Quigley as Honey
Plot:
Some hospitals don't have a 13th floor. Santa Mira Hospital shouldn't have a third. It's something a group of five college students discover when they enter an abandoned hospital on Halloween night only to discover that rumors about the place being haunted are very real. Running into other people who are trapped in the hospital, they uncover the truth about a vengeful spirit who is hell bent on making sure no one, except himself, gets out alive!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
This is a movie I got for my Birthday back in '05. My daughter Brittany got it for me knowing how much I enjoyed ghost stories. And that is what Boo is... a pretty good ghost story. Definitely not the best I ever seen... but not bad either. I felt the story started out slow and feeling like a low budget horror. But then as the movie went on it became more of a serious ghost movie. I wouldn't call Boo scary... even though it does try to be. They attempted the atmosphere from the very beginning but I feel it tried too hard instead of letting it come naturally from the story... especially in the beginning. The atmosphere approved once they got into the hospital... but still felt forced. In my opinion... they shouldn't of felt the need to try to make the movie feel scary in the first few scenes when all they had to do was set up the story and introduce the characters. A horror movie does not need to be scary from beginning to end to be good... unfortunately that is just what Boo tried to do... and for me at least.... that really made the beginning of the movie almost laughable. For the first few scenes I thought I just wasn't going to make it through this movie. But as I said... Boo did turn out to be a pretty good movie. I did enjoy it... and I am glad I have it added to my collection. As for my recommendation... I would Cautiously Recommend this one. Even though I did enjoy it... I can see this movie putting people off. So it really isn't one I would recommend to everyone. I would say if you are curious about this movie... Rent it first.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 33/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 16, 2016, 07:00:23 PM
The Corpse Vanishes
Year of Release: 1942
Directed By: Wallace Fox
Starring: Bela Lugosi, Luana Walters, Tris Coffin, Elizabeth Russell
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Bela Lugosi revels in his role as European horticulturalist Dr. Lorenz in this outlandish tale of horror and dementia. The good doctor’s aging wife (Elizabeth Russell) needs fluids harvested from the glands of young virgins in order to retain her eternal youth and beauty. What better place for the doctor to maintain his supply than at the alter, where he kidnaps the unsuspecting brides before they can complete their vows. Sedating them into a coma-like state he brings them to his mansion to collect his tainted bounty.
My Thoughts:
This was a pretty standard Poverty Row film starring Bela Lugosi. Lugosi made quite a few of these low-budget films for studios like Monogram and PRC. He's always the best thing in them, and he doesn't disappoint on that score here. He has the best dialog and the only memorable scenes, and the rest of the film suffers from a lack of him.
Everyone else is very so-so. Luana Walters's reporter character is all tough talk but faints at the actual clench of danger. Tris Coffin's doctor is supremely bland. At least Elizabeth Russell's Countess is deliciously evil, even if we learn nothing about her background. The dialog is pretty bad, and the director plays the whole thing very seriously, even when the script could benefit from a touch of camp.
Recommended only to fans of Lugosi or devotees of B-movies. Sadly not nearly as good as Strangler of the Swamp despite the presence of the always-wonderful Lugosi.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 29/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 18, 2016, 04:54:49 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/04/043396470545f.jpg) | Ghostbusters: Answer the Call: Extended Edition (2016/United States) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghostbusters_(2016_film)) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289401/) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2ElJyJSJzA) |
|
Stars:
Zach Woods as Tour Guide
Kristen Wiig as Erin Gilbert
Justin Kirk as Phil Hudson
Elizabeth Perkins as Phyllis Adler
Ed Begley, Jr. [Ed Begley Jr.] as Ed Mulgrave
Plot:
Ghostbusters makes its long-awaited return with Director Paul Feig's unique and hilarious take on the classic supernatural comedy, led by the freshest minds in comedy today Mellisa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Chris Hemsworth. Together they tem up to save Manhattan from a sudden invasion of spirits, spooks and slime that engulfs the city. Robert Abele of TheWrap says "This new A-team of ghostbusters are fresh and funny."
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Bonus Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- Gallery
- Outtakes/Bloopers
- Digital Copy
- Extended and Theatrical Versions
My Thoughts:
After watching this one I got to say while not as good as I was hoping for it to be... but it's also not as bad as the reviews made it out to be. But then I never trusted reviews for movies anyway. This one was definitely entertaining enough to keep my interest through-out the entire film. And I loved the cameos that the surviving cast of the original film had in this one. A couple things I did not like in it. #1 has to be Chris Hemsworth character. They just made him to stupid... and I am not talking stupid in a funny way... I mean aggravatingly stupid. Another thing that didn't work for me was the giant ghostbusters logo come to life that they had to fight... it just looked too fake and silly. Those are my two main complaints about the film. Over-all I enjoyed the movie and glad I added it to my collection.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 34/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 19, 2016, 02:52:59 AM
Dark Water (Honogurai mizu no soko kara)
Year of Release: 2002
Directed By: Hideo Nakata
Starring: Hitomi Kuroki, Rio Kanno, Mirei Oguchi, Asami Mizukawa, Fumiya Kohinata
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Yoshimi simply wanted a better life — for both herself and her daughter Ikuko. Unfortunately, such wishes may sometimes be hard to come by. The custody battle for her daughter has grown embittered and hurtful, her new job is less than desirable, and Ikuko's schoolwork as taken a turn for the worse. But, Yoshimi has something bigger to worry about. Something upstairs. Something cold and dank. Something that should have never been.
My Thoughts:
This was a really well-crafted film. Everything works together so well. We find our story centers around an increasingly desperate and unsettled mother, who fears the loss of the only thing that gives her life meaning - her young daughter. Hitomi Kuroki plays her beautifully, showing the deep love she has for her child and the lengths she is willing to go to for her. Rio Kanno, the little girl who plays her daughter, is also really great.
The film also has great atmosphere. Yoshimi works hard to make the apartment a home for them, but the oppression of the building and the menace of it will not be denied. So many details contribute to this - lighting, cinematography, sound - everything comes together so well to create this palpable aura. This is the same director as Ringu, which I watched earlier in the month. That is by far the more famous film, but I think this one is better.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 4/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 30/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 20, 2016, 09:04:01 PM
Flesh for Frankenstein
Year of Release: 1973
Directed By: Paul Morrissey
Starring: Joe Dallesandro, Monique van Vooren, Udo Kier, Arno Juerging, Dalila Di Lazzaro, Srdjan Zelenovic
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Maverick filmmaker Paul Morrissey's Flesh for Frankenstein reevaluates the horror film, infusing it with satiric wit and sexuality. Morrissey's tale of the mad Baron Frankenstein and his perverse creative urges was heavily edited upon initial release. Criterion presents the restored director's cut—fully intact after 25 years—in a new widescreen transfer.
My Thoughts:
"To know death, Otto, you have to fuck life in the gall bladder!"
Well, that was weird. I'd have expected an exploitation/art film mashup from a company like Redemption or Blue Underground. Seems an unusual film for a Criterion release.
I'm not even sure how to review this. A lot of the shots, lighting, and sets are quite good, but the acting is ... well ... Udo Kier is so completely over-the-top as the Baron Frankenstein, I think he's aiming to jump the moon. I think they wanted him to go that way, though. Monique van Vooren is over-the-top as well, but at least her snobbishness is more believable. At the other end of the spectrum, Joe Dallesandro delivers his performance completely wooden, while I've seen mannequins with more emotion than Srdjan Zelenović.
This is likely supposed to be a parody, but they play it straight. That works for me, because I'm not a big fan of parodies. It's a genre that's so easy to get wrong. I don't know who I'd recommend this to - at least, beyond Criterion completists. There's quite a bit of gore, so horror fans might enjoy it, but its art film aspirations come off in certain sections as pretentious. Yet the either flat or exaggerated acting may turn off serious film fans.
Horror+sex+art film is done much better by Jean Rollin, so if you're interested in that sort of genre, check him out first.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016, Scavenger Hunt 19
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 2.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 33/52 (31 reviewed)
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 21, 2016, 08:02:13 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/03/031398111719f.jpg) | The Haunting in Connecticut (2009/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0492044/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Haunting_in_Connecticut) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRJA3lN0xCQ) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0492044/) |
|
Stars:
Virginia Madsen as Sara Campbell
Kyle Gallner as Matt Campbell
Elias Koteas as Reverend Popescu
Amanda Crew as Wendy
Martin Donovan (1957) as Peter Campbell
Plot:
Based on a chilling true story, THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT charts one family's terrifying, real-life encounter with the dark forces of the supernatural. When the Campbell family moves to upstate Connecticut, they soon learn that their charming Victorian home has a disturbing history.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- Theatrical & Unrated Versions
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I have heard both good and bad about this movie... and thankfully I have to agree with those that liked it. Sure some of the stuff I seen in many ghost stories... but there was also stuff I seen in this movie for the very first time. There was a couple things that did bother me about the story. But over all I really enjoyed this one. The actor playing the ill son looked very familiar to me... but I just couldn't place where I knew him from... so after the movie I checked his filmography. Turns out I knew him from 2 different shows. He played Beaver on Veronica Mars and he also played Bart Allen (The Flash) on a couple episodes of Smallville. I would recommend this movie to anyone that enjoys ghost stories.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 35/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 21, 2016, 09:52:34 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/03/031398167761f.jpg) | The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1457765/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Haunting_in_Connecticut_2:_Ghosts_of_Georgia) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vt_TnDqAYGc) |
|
Stars:
Abigail Spencer as Lisa Wyrick
Morgana Shaw as Lisa's Mother
Emily Alyn Lind as Heidi Wyrick
Chad Michael Murray as Andy Wyrick
Grant James as Mr. Gordy
Plot:
Building on the terror of The Haunting in Connecticut, this horrifying tale traces a young family's nightmarish descent into a centuries-old Southern hell. When Andy Wyrick (Chad Michael Murray, House of Wax) moves his wife Lisa (Abigail Spencer, TV's "Mad Men") and daughter Heidi to a historic home in Georgia, they quickly discover they are not the house's only inhabitants. Joined by Lisa's free-spirited sister, Joyce (Katee Sackhoff, TV's "Battlestar Galactica"), the family soon comes face-to-face with a bone-chilling mystery born of a deranged desire... a haunting secret rising from underground and threatening to bring down anyone in its path.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
- Outtakes/Bloopers
- Digital Copy
My Thoughts:
Just finished this one... and I must say.. enjoyed it quite a bit. It has a good story line and likable characters... even if they did make the sister-in-law a little on the weird side. This film easily kept my attention through-out. It shows that there is good and evil in everyone. I also liked how they made it a completely seperate story compared to the first one... and not some type of continuation of the same family or house or what have you. The movie is well worth the time put in to watch it. Recommended.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 36/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 22, 2016, 03:08:16 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/09/097361477749f.jpg) | Jeff Dunham: Minding the Monsters (2012/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2461736/) |
|
Stars:
Jeff Dunham as Himself
Plot:
Jeff Dunham's Minding the Monsters bring together your favorites–Walter, Peanut, Bubba J, José Jalapeño...on a steek!, and Achmend The Dead Terrorist as you've never seen them before!
Enter the ultimate haunted house where Walter transforms into something grumpier than he already is! Watch Bubba J rise from the dead! Meet Peanut's alter ego, the purple avenger of the night, and his spicy sidekick! And witness Achmed literally dressed to kill in an outfit that would terrify the most terrifying terrorist!
The result is an all-new original live comedy event like no other, complete with each of Jeff's stage partners starring in their own horror movie trailer!
Dunham's Arguing with Myself, Spark of Insanity, A Very Special Christmas Special and Controlled Chaos are among the most popular television specials and live tours worldwide. Minding the Monsters takes Dunham's comedy to another level in a show that is so funny, it's scary!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
Years ago if you told me I would be a fan of a ventriloquist I would have laughed in your face. But I must say I love this guy's act! The thing about him is he is funny just as a comic alone... then when he adds the puppets he is just that much funnier. Now I will say this one isn't quite a funny as his Christmas special... but it is more then worth the time put in to watch it!
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 37/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 24, 2016, 05:12:28 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/715515103312f.jpg) | The Blob: The Criterion Collection (1958/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051418/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blob) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdUsyXQ8Wrs) |
|
Stars:
Steve McQueen [Steven McQueen] (1930) as Steve Andrews
Aneta Corsaut [Aneta Corseaut] as Jane Martin
Earl Rowe as Lieutenant Dave
Olin Howland [Olin Howlin] as Old Man
Stephen Chase [Steven Chase] as Dr. T. Hallen
Plot:
A CULT CLASSIC OF GOOEY GREATNESS, The Blob follows the havoc wreaked on a small town by an outer-space monster with neither soul nor vertebrae, with Steve McQueen playing a rebel teenager who tries to warn the residents about the jellylike invader. Strong performances and ingenious special effects help The Blob transcend the schlock sci-fi and youth delinquency genres from which it originates. Made outside of Hollywood by a maverick film distributor and a crew whose credits mostly comprised religious and educational shorts, The Blob helped launch the careers of McQueen and composer Burt Bacharach, whose bouncy title song is just one of this film's many unexpected pleasures.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Gallery
- Booklet containing an essay by critic Kim Newman
My Thoughts:
This one I enjoyed qite a bit. Definitely more then the '80s remake. While the movie was more then enjoyable I must say the opening theme song had me a bit concerned at first. It just seemed silly and in my opinion didn't fit with the movie. But over-all a good movie with likable characters. Definitely worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 38/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 24, 2016, 08:01:40 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192241277f.jpg) | As Above So Below (2014/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2870612/) |Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/As_Above,_So_Below_(film)) |Trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fq358xHbzN4) |
|
Stars:
Perdita Weeks as Scarlett
Ben Feldman as George
Edwin Hodge as Benji
François Civil as Papillon
Marion Lambert as Souxie
Plot:
Miles of twisting catacombs lie beneath the streets of Paris, the eternal home to countless souls. When a team of explores ventures into the uncharted maze of bones, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead. A journey into madness and terror, As Above/So Below reaches deep into human psyche to reveal the personal demons that come back to haunt us all.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Feature Trailers
- Featurettes
- BD-Live
My Thoughts:
I must say... this one came off to me to be more weird then anything. It had it's moments but I found it had a hard time keeping my attention. It does have it's moments here and there though. And it was a good idea for a story. I just found it difficult to care about the characters. Over all no more then an average film.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 39/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 25, 2016, 01:56:46 AM
Ghost Story
Year of Release: 1981
Directed By: John Irvin
Starring: Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, John Houseman, Craig Wasson
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Put together a gloomy New England house, a dark night and four of America's legendary leading men and you have all the ingredients for the classic Ghost Story, a spellbinding motion picture based on the bestseller by Peter Straub. Co-starring Patricia Neal, Ghost Story is about the Members of the Chowder Society: Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and John Houseman, who get together each week to share tales of horror. Soon, however, a secret terror invades the group, and one by one, they die mysteriously because of a real life ghost story that is part of their past.
My Thoughts:
This was a good, old-fashioned style ghost story. It has a cast of top-line stars - Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks Jr, Melvyn Douglas, John Houseman - many of them making their last film. It's quite the juxtaposition of Fred Astaire and horror film, but he turns in his usual solid performance. I'd honestly argue that Astaire's character, rather than Craig Wasson's, is the hero of the film, for all that I think we're supposed to identify with Wasson. I also thought Alice Krieg did a good job as her character, pulling off alluring and menacing simultaneously.
The biggest thing I didn't like was the subplot with the Bates brothers. Those characters are unneccessary. I understand that they were more prominant in the original book, but here in the film they make no sense and actually detract from the story.
That aside, I enjoyed the film and would recommend it. Especially if you're a fan of Astaire's, this is his last film, so you'll want to sit down for a view. There isn't a Disney princess horror film, so our optional challenge is filled out by the scene of Wasson, as the twin of the character he plays for most of the film, falling from the window in part of the opening scene.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016, Scavenger Hunt 19
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 34/52 (32 reviewed)
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 25, 2016, 02:06:50 AM
Night of the Hunted (La Nuit Des Traquées)
Year of Release: 1980
Directed By: Jean Rollin
Starring: Brigitte Lahaie, Vincent Gardère, Dominique Journet, Bernard Papineau, Rachel Mhas
Genre: Horror
Overview:
A man driving home late one night nearly hits a beautiful, scantily-clad woman who is running wild in the streets; he takes her back to his apartment, they make love, and he discovers that she has already forgotten where they met. She is rapidly losing her memory, a woman without a past. The amnesiac woman is traced back to scientific fortress melodramatically known as "The Black Tower," where people suffering memory and identity loss due to accidental nuclear contamination are being held and treated.
Although Rollin made the film with absolute freedom within his budget, he was forced to race through with absurd time restraints. As a result, NIGHT OF THE HUNTED (La Nuit des Traquees) is a compromised film, to be sure, but it is a unique and exceptional chapter in Rollin's filmography. It has a distinctly Cronenbergain feel, that reaches back to Cronenberg's early experimental short films Stereo (1969) and Crimes of the Future (1970).
The film's powerfully moving finale is, for my money, the single greatest sequence in Rollin's entire body of work.
My Thoughts:
This is another interesting, atmospheric film from Rollin. It's a very different film from the others of his I've watched, in that there is nothing supernatural here. That makes this all the more frightening, all the more horrific, as this is something you can actually imagine happening.
This is very much a Rollin film, so there's plenty of nudity and sex. Rollin definitely has an eye for erotic atmosphere, and that is still evident here. There's also his trademark dreamy visuals here, especially in the opening scene and the closing scene.
This is a definite recommendation for fans of Rollin's films, and wouldn't necessarily be a bad place to start with his films. It has more of a plot than some of them, though things are never fully explained, and the viewer is still left with questions at the end.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016, Scavenger Hunt 19
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 35/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 25, 2016, 02:12:26 AM
Blood and Black Lace (Sei donne per l'assassino)
Year of Release: 1964
Directed By: Mario Bava
Starring: Cameron Mitchell, Eva Bartok, Thomas Reiner, Ariana Gorini, Dante DiPaolo
Genre: Horror, Crime, Suspense/Thriller
Overview:
The Christian Haute Couture fashion house is a home to models... and backstabbing... and blackmail... and drug deals... and MURDER.
Having established a template for the giallo with The Girl Who Knew Too Much, Mario Bava set about cementing its rules with Blood and Black Lace. In doing so he created one of the most influential films ever made – an Italian classic that would spearhead the giallo genre, provide a prototype for the slasher movie, and have a huge effect on filmmakers as diverse as Dario Argento and Martin Scorsese.
Newly restored from the original camera negative and presented here in its original, uncut Italian form, this dual-format release allows fans to see Blood and Black Lace afresh and offers newcomers the ideal introduction to a major piece of cult filmmaking.
My Thoughts:
I've just started watching giallo films, and this reinforces my thus-far enjoyment of the genre. This is certainly a beautiful film. Bava has an eye for gorgeous visuals, with a rich color pallette, interesting use of light and shadow, and inventive and wonderful camerawork.
The technical aspects of the film are so good that it's a shame the characters are underdeveloped. The viewer doesn't care about any of the victims, nor do we really root for the police to solve the crimes. I found myself detached from the characters, instead absorbed in the beauty of the film. The story is good, and Bava skillfully takes you from kill to reveal to twist, but I didn't care about anyone.
That aside, this is a beautiful, influential film, and anyone interested in giallo, or in slasher films (of which this is considered the prototype) should definitely see it.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016, Scavenger Hunt 19
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 36/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 25, 2016, 02:17:13 AM
The Bird With the Crystal Plumage (L'uccello dalle piume di cristallo)
Year of Release: 1970
Directed By: Dario Argento
Starring: Tony Musante, Suzy Kendall, Enrico Maria Salerno, Eva Renzi, Umberto Raho
Genre: Horror, Crime, Suspense/Thriller
Overview:
An American writer (Tony Musante – Toma TV series) traveling in Rome is the only witness to an attempted murder by a sinister man in a raincoat and black leather gloves, though he is powerless to do anything to stop him. With a feeling that something is not quite right about the scene he has witnessed and the police's inability to make any progress, he launches his own personal investigation... and nearly loses his life in the process. While this modern day Jack-the-Ripper type is slithering through the dark byways of Rome slicing up pretty girls, director Dario Argento is carving up the emotions of terrified viewers. Dark deeds are mixed with black comedy worthy of Hitchcock in a film of almost unbearable tension and nail-biting suspense.
My Thoughts:
This is now my third giallo, and they really just seem to keep getting better. I really enjoyed this film, even more than the previous ones I've watched: Blood and Black Lace and Perfume of the Lady in Black, both of which were really good.
This is more of a murder mystery/investigation film than a horror film, though it definitely has its horrific parts. Most especially the apartment scene, and the implication of the ending combined with the explanation of the psychiatrist. All of the performances are really good, though I do get tired of the screaming woman trope.
Like the other giallo I've seen, this is a beautiful film. Some of the shots and lighting choices are simply gorgeous. Argento, like Bava, has a great eye for setting a scene. Highly recommended.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 4/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 37/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 28, 2016, 06:20:07 PM
The Frighteners
Year of Release: 1996
Directed By: Peter Jackson
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Trini Alvarado, Peter Dobson, John Astin, Jeffrey Combs
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Overview:
From Academy Award®-winning° director Peter Jackson (King Kong, The Lord Of The Rings trilogy) comes this wicked comedy-thriller.
Michael J. Fox stars as Frank Bannister, a small-town "ghostbuster" in league with the very spirits he's supposed to be exorcising. The scam works well until a powerful spirit goes on a murderous rampage, forcing Frank to find a way to stop the diabolical ghoul in this special-effects-packed supernatural chiller that's so fiendishly entertaining, it's frightening!
My Thoughts:
This was a fun, fast-paced ride, a horror-comedy mix with a solid cast. Michael J. Fox is the best one here, but John Astin's character definitely makes an impression. Jeffrey Combs does too, but I really disliked that character. I'm detracting half a star for how over-the-top annoying I found him.
The story is entertaining, the script often funny, and the effects still look pretty decent twenty years later. The one glaring hole is that the viewer gets no explanation why one ghost is more powerful than all the other ghosts. For me that was a big oversight. Still, it's an engaging, amusing film that was a lot of fun to watch. Recommended.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 38/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 28, 2016, 07:10:35 PM
The Frighteners:
This has always been a favorite of mine... despite some irritating characters. Lots of fun to watch... recommended!
Lake Placid:
Found this to be an entertaining film... but definitely seen better. But a decent time waster.
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein:
Definitely a classic... been a favorite of mine for years! A must see!
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 42/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 28, 2016, 07:38:51 PM
Kingdom of the Spiders
Year of Release: 1977
Directed By: John "Bud" Cardos
Starring: William Shatner, Tiffany Bolling, Woody Strode, Lieux Dressler, David McLean
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction
Overview:
William Shatner stars as veterinarian "Rack" Hansen in this cult classic about an Arizona town infested with eight-legged killers, which turn on the humans whose insecticides have depleted their normal food supply. Woody Strode, who played the title role in John Ford's Sergeant Rutledge and won a Golden Globe Award for Spartacus, is Rack's friend, rancher Walter Colby, whose livestock first fall victim to the angry arachnids. Entomologist Diane Ashley (Tiffany Bolling) arrives and tries to help Rack deal with the crisis, but with the big country fair fast approaching, Mayor Connors (Roy Engel) refuses to let them quarantine Colby's ranch. Soon, the remaining residents are barricaded at Emma Washburn's (Lieux Dressler) lodge, fighting for their very lives, in this skin-crawling chiller featuring Shatner's then-wife, Marcy Lafferty, as his sister-in-law, Terry.
My Thoughts:
This was a lot better than I was expecting. Granted, I wasn't expecting a lot based on the cheap DVD release I have, but even ignoring that it's still a movie from the late 70's titled Kingdom of the Spiders. I picked it up for my collection solely based on the presence of William Shatner, because I'm that much of a trekkie.
Shatner gives the performance I'm expecting here, which is to say solid and heroic, but not particularly nuanced (this is no Boston Legal). Still, I enjoy seeing him. I was pleasantly suprised by the portayal of his love intrest, who is a competent and knowledgeable scientist, and is proven right even when no one believes her. I also liked the low angle, tarantual perspective shots, which added to both the camp and the threat of the film.
If the film starts fairly predictably, it certainly doesn't end that way. The ending is unexpected and I really enjoyed that. Recommended if you're a Shatner fan, or if you're looking for a good creature feature. This definitely was one.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 39/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 28, 2016, 08:09:25 PM
Only Lovers Left Alive
Year of Release: 2013
Directed By: Jim Jarmusch
Starring: Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Anton Yelchin, Mia Wasikowska
Genre: Drama, Horror
Overview:
The tale of two fragile and sensitive vampires, Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton), who have been lovers for centuries. Both are cultured intellectuals with an all-embracing passion for music, literature and science, who have evolved to a level where they no longer kill for sustenance, but still retain their innate wildness. Their love story has endured several centuries but their debauched idyll is threatened by the uninvited arrival of Eve's carefree little sister Ava (Mia Wasikowska) who hasn't yet learned to tame her wilder instincts. Driven by sensual photography, trance-like music, and droll humor, Jim Jarmusch's ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE is a meditation on art, science, and the mysteries of everlasting love.
My Thoughts:
I'm kinda torn on this film. I loved the performances - Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton are great, and this is a great character study, especially of Hiddleston's character. There's such great atmosphere, beautiful scenes and interesting ideas. It's wry and melancholy, with an interesting criticism of both the decline of art and culture and of those who bemoan the decline thereof.
Still, something about it didn't click with me. Maybe I wasn't in the proper mood - and it's a moody piece, there's very little plot here. I want to go back to it at some point, probably when I'm more in the mood for an art film or drama. Despite the presence of vampires, this has very little horror.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.75/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 40/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 28, 2016, 08:33:54 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/71/717951006288f.jpg) | Tower of Terror (1997/) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0131620/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_Terror_(film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ln1LVfUSa2U) |
|
Stars:
Steve Guttenberg as Buzzy Crocker
Kirsten Dunst as Anna
Nia Peeples as Jill Perry
Michael McShane as Chris 'Q' Todd
Amzie Strickland as Abigail Gregory
Plot:
Big-screen stars Steve Guttenberg (Three Men And A Little Lady) and Kirsten Dunst (Drop Dead Gorgeous) encounter a host of haunts in this delightfully spooky mystery! Buzzy Crocker (Guttenberg) is a hard-luck photojournalist whose unexpected encounter with an old woman leads him to investigate an unexplained, decades-old disappearance. It seems that one Halloween night, many years ago, five partygoers vanished in the elevator of the Hollywood Tower Hotel...and ever since, their ghosts have remained trapped inside the dilapidated old building! In an action-filled story that delivers creepy fun for everyone, Buzzy ultimately teams with his niece (Dunst) to solve the mystery while managing to save their lives and capture the biggest story of the year!
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This is a film that my daughter and I used to watch... so holds some nostalgia for me. I found it to be a fun movie. I have seen better, but is well worth the watch and perfect for family entertainment during the Halloween season. I recommend giving it a chance.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 43/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 29, 2016, 02:09:08 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013131086393f.jpg) | Hell Night (1981/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082511/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell_Night) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seUoQ3ip3UU) |
|
Stars:
Linda Blair as Marti
Vincent Van Patten as Seth
Peter Barton as Jeff
Kevin Brophy as Peter
Jenny Neumann as May
Plot:
As an initiation rite into Alpha Sigma Rho fraternity, four pledges must spend a night in Garth Manor, twelve years to the day after the previous resident murdered his entire family. Two of the pledges, Marti (Linda Blair, The Exorcist) and Jeff (Peter Barton), ignore the rumors that the now-deserted mansion is haunted by a crazed killer, until one-by-one, members of their group mysteriously disappear. Could this be part of a fraternity prank or is a demented former tenant seeking revenge?
When their seemingly innocent rite of passage turns deadly, these college students will do anything to survive Hell Night.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Production Notes
My Thoughts:
This one I kinda have mixed feelings about. It is good for what it is... but you kinda expect more from it. It is just an average typical '80s slasher film. A bit on the low budget side. Entertaining but not overly so. This one has Linda Blair in it... I always liked her for some reason. She isn't the best actress out there... and she is cute but not great looking. But there is just something there that always appealed to me. She is the only familiar face in this movie. Pretty much everyone else I have no idea who they are. A decent movie to waste a couple hours with... but nothing to get too excited about. I am not sure why they rated this movie R... really nothing in it that is all that bad. Must just be when it was rated. I would think if it was put through for rating today it would get either a PG or a PG-13 at the most.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 44/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 29, 2016, 02:33:13 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/78/786936723816f.jpg) | The Haunted Mansion (2003/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338094/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Haunted_Mansion_(film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U32Law7K-b8) |
|
Stars:
Eddie Murphy as Jim Evers
Terence Stamp as Ramsley
Nathaniel Parker as Master Gracey
Marsha Thomason as Sara Evers
Jennifer Tilly as Madame Leota
Plot:
From the studio that brought you Pirates of the Caribbean comes the fright-filled comedy adventure with eye-popping special effects presented for the first time through the magic of Blu-ray Disc technology!
Eddie Murphy stars as a real estate agent whose family comes face-to-face with 999 grim, grinning ghosts in the creepy old Gracey Manor! Experience each supernatural effect in 1080p High Definition, and hear each ghostly wail in astonishing 5.1 48 kHz, 24-bit uncompressed audio. The unparalleled realism of Blu-ray Disc technology delivers you directly into The Haunted Mansion... if you dare to venture inside.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Featurettes
My Thoughts:
This one is definitely not the best ghost movie I ever seen... but what it is... is a fun way to spend 90min. If you are looking for scares you need to look elsewhere. But it is a good movie for the whole family to watch. The story line is good... and the cast does a fine job. Recommended.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 45/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 29, 2016, 04:11:05 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/01/013132371498f.jpg) | The Dog Who Saved Halloween (2011/) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1821447/) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymk2tIXcAlE) |
|
Stars:
Gary Valentine (1961) as George Bannister
Dean Cain as Ted
Elisa Donovan as Morgan
Lance Henriksen as Eli Cole
Joey "Coco" Diaz as Stewey
Plot:
Zeus (voiced by Joey Lawrence) and the Bannister family have moved into a new home just in time for Halloween! When Zeus and George (Gary Valentine of ''The King of Queens'') decide to investigate a creepy neighbor (Lance Henriksen of Aliens), they discover a scary dog (voiced by Mayim Bialik of ''Blossom'' and ''The Big Bang Theory''), a haunted house and form a surprising partnership with a familiar pair of bumbling burglars (Dean Cain and Joey ''Coco'' Diaz). Can Zeus bust some ghosts, find a missing cat and face his biggest fear, all in time to go trick or treating? Elisa Donovan (''Sabrina the Teenage Witch'') and Curtis Armstrong (Revenge of the Nerds) star in this all-new thrills & chills adventure from the creators of The Dog Who Saved Christmas and The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
- Outtakes/Bloopers
My Thoughts:
This one I did find cute and worth the watch... but when it comes to the talking animal movies you are better off watching the buddy movies. I must admit that I liked how this one had a lot of familiar faces in it. The story line while enjoyable enough was highly predictable. I guessed what was going on at the neighbor's house within the first half hour of the film. I would say this one is more suited for the much younger crowd.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 46/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 29, 2016, 07:17:54 PM
The Mummy
Year of Release: 1959
Directed By: Terence Fisher
Starring: Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, Yvonne Furneaux, Eddie Byrne
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Christopher Lee wraps on the moldy gauze bandages to become the tormented Kharis, an avenger stalking the hills of Victorian England to track down desecrators of his beloved's Egyptian tomb.
My Thoughts:
This isn't a remake of the original Universal classic, but of the later sequels. This is another take on the story of Kharis and Ananka, compressing elements from Hand, Tomb and Ghost into a single film. In that respect, it's actually better than those three films, because this isn't a story that needs to be spread out over four different films.
Equally, Hammer's production values are higher and the use of technicolor creates a wonderful look to the film. Peter Cushing turns in his usual fine performance as the archaeologist, and it is always a treat to watch him. Christopher Lee accomplishes more with the expression in his eyes than many other actors do with their whole bodies. I still wish he had more to work with - a role more like Karloff's in '32 or Vosloo's in the '99 film would be more suited to his talents.
This is a typical Hammer film - Victorian setting, foggy British countryside, a rich color palette, a touch of romantic melancholy, and a dash of camp - so if you enjoy Hammer's films, you'll like this one.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.25/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 41/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 29, 2016, 08:07:37 PM
The Bride of Frankenstein
Year of Release: 1935
Directed By: James Whale
Starring: Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson, Ernest Thesiger
Genre: Horror
Overview:
In one of the most popular horror classics of all time, Boris Karloff reprises his role as he silver screen's most misunderstood monster, who now longs for a mate (Elsa Lanchester).
My Thoughts:
This was a tragic film in so many respects. The horror isn't the monster - the horror is the treatment of the monster. Indeed, it is the way that people treat him that makes him into a monster. When shown kindness, he responds in kind. Shown fear and anger, he equally responds in kind. He is a lonely, persecuted being, judged on his appearance and origin - and that brings about the deaths among the townsfolk.
We see that he could have a different life, in his brief friendship with the blind hermit. We see he has the capacity to learn, to care, and to enjoy life. So his decision at the end of the film, that he is better off dead, makes this more tragedy than horror.
There was so much that I liked about this film that made the part I disliked so much more pronounced - Una O'Connor's character. That character was so ridiculous, her character overacted and ludicrously hysterical, that she nearly brings the entire tragic atmosphere of the film down. I'd really like to just edit her out of the film, because I enjoyed the rest of it quite a lot.
Her aside, this is a classic piece of cinema that everyone should see at some point. It's a good follow up to Frankenstein, though for me that remains the superior film.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 42/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 29, 2016, 08:50:17 PM
Lake Placid
Year of Release: 1999
Directed By: Steve Miner
Starring: Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Oliver Platt, Brendan Gleeson, Betty White
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Overview:
Bill Pullman (Independence Day, The Grudge), Bridget Fonda (Jackie Brown), Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges) and Oliver Platt (X-Men: First Class) share an appetite for sheer adventure when a tranquil New England lakefront erupts into an action-packed den of destruction in this "monster of a hit" (Wireless Magazine)!
An investigative team, armed with state-of-the-art equipment, high-powered weaponry and a biting sense of sarcasm, must work together to defeat Black Lake's most ferocious resident: a 30-foot prehistoric crocodile! Written by David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, Boston Legal), directed by Steve Miner (Halloween H20, Friday The 13th Part 2), and co-starring Betty White as the cantankerous Mrs. Bickerman, this terrifying tale of survival "combines humor and thrills with remarkable deftness" (New York Post).
My Thoughts:
If the hallmark of a good creature film is when you root for the creature, this was a great one. Because I was really rooting for the crocodile to eat people. Especially Bridget Fonda's character. And Oliver Platt's. More Fonda's though, she really got on my nerves. There were scenes that I was like that's supposed to build sympathy for her, so the viewer won't want her to get eaten ... nope, didn't work, still want her to get chomped.
My favorite character was the sherriff - him and Betty White were the only ones I really didn't want the croc to eat.
Aside from really hating Kelly, and mostly hating Hector, the rest of the film is pretty good. The croc is really well done, and they chose a beautiful location to film at. The script moves briskly, and there are hints to the twist at the end if the viewer really pays attention. Recommended for fans of creature features.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 43/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on October 29, 2016, 09:01:52 PM
Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein
Year of Release: 1948
Directed By: Charles T. Barton
Starring: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Lon Chaney Jr., Bela Lugosi, Glenn Strange
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Overview:
Comedy meets horror when Bud Abbott and Lou Costello encounter Universal's classic monsters in the frightfully funny Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. The world of baggage handlers Chick Young (Abbott) and Wilbur Grey (Costello) is turned upside down when they receive the remains of Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Frankenstein (Glenn Strange) bound for the House of Horrors museum. When Dracula and Frankenstein escape, complete chaos ensues as Chick and Wilbur get mixed up in an evil plot to switch Wilbur's brain with Frankenstein's and are aided by Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney, Jr.), who turns into The Wolf Man when the moon is full! Featuring a perfect blend of laughs and thrills, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein is one of the "all-time great horror comedies." (Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide)
My Thoughts:
This holds up really well on a second viewing. This is such a fun film. Abbott and Costello are my favorite old-time comedy team, and their comedy is still really funny even when you've seen it before.
This has a good mix of spooky horror elements and comedy, and the monsters are all treated very well. You've got Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. so you can't ask for a better cast (unless they could have gotten Karloff as well). The film works because the horror is treated seriously and doesn't fall into the trap of being too silly or a spoof. Instead it coems off as an homage to Universal's monsters.
Lots of fun, highly recommended.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Scavenger Hunt 19, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 4/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 44/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 31, 2016, 03:41:38 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/68/687797113795f.jpg) | The Pumpkin Karver (2006/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0810444/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pumpkin_Karver) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-mGxa-_85M) |
|
Stars:
Michael Zara as Jonathan Starks
Amy Weber as Lynn Starks
Brian Kary as MIB #1
Bryan Jamerson as MIB #2
David J. Wright as Alec/Pumpkin Face
Plot:
Jonathan and his beautiful sister have moved to a new town in order to start over, leaving a horrible past behind. With the future looking bright, they kick things off with a wild Halloween party on a deserted farm. But there's one guest who wasn't invited and won't let them forget their past. A gruesome pumpkin-headed killer is ready to party—and dying to do some carving. This year, don't answer the door, the trick or treat bags are body bags.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
- Bonus Trailers
- Closed Captioned
My Thoughts:
This one was recommended to me a while back and when I saw it on sale at Amazon for only $3.99 I couldn't resist checking it out. And it was definitely worth the price paid. I actually enjoyed it quite a bit. Sure a couple of the scenes were a bit over the top for the story. And some of the effects could have been better. But over-all I enjoyed it... glad I added it to my collection.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 47/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on October 31, 2016, 09:09:59 PM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/02/025192231551f.jpg) | Dracula (1979/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079073/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula_(1979_film)) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWHE74-Dp_E) |
|
Stars:
Frank Langella as Dracula
Laurence Olivier as Van Helsing
Donald Pleasence as Seward
Kate Nelligan as Lucy
Trevor Eve as Harker
Plot:
Throughout history, Dracula has filled men's hearts with fear – and the hearts of women with desire. In this stylish production of Bram Stoker's classic tale, Frank Langella gives an electrifying performance as the bloodthirsty Count Dracula in search for his ultimate bride. Meanwhile, the renowned and relentless vampire hunter, Van Helsing (Laurence Olivier), seeks to end the Dark Prince's reign of terror over the citizens of Transylvania. Featuring a mesmerizing cast, fine direction and a superbly atmospheric musical score, Dracula is an unforgettable adaptation of one of the most enduring horror legends of all time.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Bonus Trailers
- Featurettes
- Digital Copy
My Thoughts:
I have been curious about this one for years as I had heard good things about it. While I didn't find it to be a terrible movie... I was expecting more. Mainly I found it to be a little slow for my taste. I did however like the final scene and how they finally defeated Dracula... and then the effects used could have been better. Grated this film is almost 40 years old... but watching it I felt like it was even older effects wise. Worth the time to watch... but don't go in expecting too much. There is definitely better tellings of the story out there.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 48/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 01, 2016, 01:18:54 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/88/883929527557f.jpg) | Salem's Lot (1979/United States) Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salem%27s_Lot_(1979_miniseries)) |IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079844/) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itgqj4okSv8) |
|
Stars:
David Soul as Ben Mears
James Masonas Richard K. Straker
Lance Kerwin as Mark Petrie
Bonnie Bedelia as Susan Norton
Lew Ayres as Jason Berk
Plot:
Sinister events bring together a writer (David Soul) fascinated with an old hilltop house; a suave antiques dealer (James Mason) whose expertise goes beyond bric-a-brac; and the dealer's mysterious, pale-skinned "partner" (Reggie Nalder) in "Salem's Lot" — a blood-curdling shocker based on King's novel and directed by Tobe Hooper (Poltergeist).
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Audio Commentary
- Feature Trailers
My Thoughts:
I have loved this one since the first time I saw it back in my teen years. Of course this is an adaptation from the book that Stephen King wrote. Who of course is my favorite horror writer. For a movie that is almost 40 years old... this movie has some decent scares in it. I personally haven't been scared from it since I was a kid... but I do remember it would scare my wife every time we watched it. A couple of my favorite spooky parts in this movie is ..
1. The kid vampire scratching at his friends window.... pleading with him to let him in.
2. The grave digger rocking in the rocking chair... looks over at you and hisses at you with his eyes glowing
I am really enjoying watching this one again. As for comparing this one to the remake... that is something I don't normally like to do... but sometimes it is just too hard not to. I really like both versions... like them both a lot! but I think I have to say I enjoy this one the most between the 2. I don't know why... but to me this one is a pure classic when it comes to vampire movies... it is one of the ones to beat!
Needless to say... this is one I would always highly recommend to any horror fan... and an absolute must see for any fan of vampire movies.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 49/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 01, 2016, 04:08:37 AM
| (http://www.invelos.com/mpimages/IE/IE415635B28C56777f.jpg) | Beetlejuice (1988/United States) IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094721/) |Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice) |Trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hovKm9oFiM) |
|
Stars:
Alec Baldwin as Adam
Geena Davis as Barbara
Annie McEnroe as Jane Butterfield
Maurice Page as Ernie
Hugo Stanger as Old Bill
Plot:
What's a Yuppie ghost couple (Geena Davis and Alec Baldwin) to do when their quaint New England home is overrun by trendy New Yorkers? Hire a freelance "bio-exorcist" to spook the intruders, of course. As directed by Tim Burton, Michael "Keaton's Beetlejuice is one of the biggest, baddest wolves a ghost movie has ever unleashed, a polter-gas" (The Village Voice). Keaton's work in this and Clean and Sober won him 1988's National Society of Film Critics Best Actor Award. Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Jeffrey Jones and Sylvia Sidney share starring honors along with wondrous production design, Harry Belafonte soundtrack tunes and Oscar®-winning Best Makeup.
Extras:
- Scene Access
- Feature Trailers
- Beetlejuice Cartoon Episodes
My Thoughts:
I always found this movie to be a lot of fun. Geena Davis was great in the role. And even though I don't normally care for her... I also enjoyed Winona Ryder. This is one that is just plain a fun watch. One that I have seen several times over the years. One I was happy to ugrade to blu-ray... even if they still didn't do much for it when it comes to extras. Believe they just brought over the DVD extras (which wasn't much) and was done with it. Still the film is well worth the time put in to watch it.
Rating:
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 50/52
Post by: addicted2dvd on November 01, 2016, 04:09:49 AM
Post by: Danae Cassandra on November 01, 2016, 05:54:44 AM
The Whip and the Body (La frusta e il corpo)
Year of Release: 1963
Directed By: Mario Bava
Starring: Daliah Lavi, Christopher Lee, Tony Kendall, Isli Oberon, Harriet White
Genre: Horror
Overview:
Steeped in sadomasochism and lushly photographed in the vivid hues for which the director is known, Mario Bava's THE WHIP AND THE BODY is a Gothic thriller that far surpasses the API Edgar Allan Poe films that it was intended to emulate.
Christopher Lee (Dracula: Prince of Darkness) stars as Kurt Menliff, the sadistic son of a wealthy Count, who returns to the family castle, much to the dismay of his family, their servants, and the beautiful woman with whom he shares a fondness for the lash (Daliah Lavi). When Kurt is found murdered, it brings no peace to those who had feared him, as his vengeful spirit cannot be contained by the grave, and he returns to torment those unfortunate enough to remain within Menliff Manor.
My Thoughts:
Bava has a real talent for creating atmosphere. His use of light, the howling wind, the way he frames his actors. He really makes you feel the isolation of this family. Not just the isolation of their home, with its seaside view and rugged cliffs, but the isolation they have from each other. For all that they are family, it is in name (or blood) only.
Christopher Lee really stands out as well. His entire manner presents a threat in every move he makes in this film. Daliah Lavi equally portrays the increasingly unhinged Nevenka very well. The rest of the cast is solid, but unremarkable.
I enjoyed this quite a lot. I'd recommend it to fans of gothic horror or of Mario Bava. This is my fourth film of his, and it compares very well to Black Sabbath and Blood and Black Lace, both of which were very good.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 45/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on November 01, 2016, 05:58:01 AM
Black Sabbath (I tre volti della paura)
Year of Release: 1963
Directed By: Mario Bava
Starring: Michele Mercier, Lydia Alfonsi, Boris Karloff, Mark Damon, Susy Andersen, Jacqueline Pierreux
Genre: Horror
Overview:
One of the great horror anthology films, and Bava's personal favorite of his works, BLACK SABBATH solidified the director's reputation as Europe's maestro of the macabre.
In "The Telephone," a woman is haunted by menacing phone calls from a former lover. "The Wurdulak" stars Boris Karloff as a vampire hunter whose family is stalked by the wandering spirit of an undead ghoul. "A Drop of Water" involves a nurse who steals a ring from a corpse-not realizing the curse that is carried with it.
This Kino Classics edition showcases Bava's original European cut of the film (I tre volti della paura, or Three Faces of Fear), before it was re-edited and re-scored for American release.
My Thoughts:
On second viewing, I still think this is one of the best anthology horror films. Each of the stories is a good one, and each is better than the one before. "The Wurdulak" is still my favorite, but I also still think that "The Drop of Water" is actually the strongest story. Having seen two other fine films from Mario Bava (Blood and Black Lace and The Whip and the Body), I appreciate even more his art direction and use of light and color. He really knows how to create a great atmosphere, tell a spooky story, and get a great performance out of his cast. Well worth watching.
The one thing I do wish is that there wasn't the epilogue. i had forgotten about it, and it rather detracts from the great thing Bava has going on here. I'm knocking the film down half a star for it's presence.
Watched For: Hoop-tober 3.0, Horror/Halloween Challenge 2016
Bechdel Test: Pass
Mako Mori Test: Pass
Overall: 3.5/5
Horror/Halloween Challenge Films: 46/52
Post by: Danae Cassandra on November 01, 2016, 06:02:12 AM
Gen - 46/52
Pete - 50/52
Total - 96/104
Overall, I think we did pretty well, given how busy October has been. Hopefully next year there won't be nearly the amount of stuff going on in October and we can really knock this out of the park.