So after months of waiting for the Evil Dead remake to hit theatres, I found myself highly disappointed by the film. In my own opinion, it was a over-produced crappy re-launch of one of the greatest scary movies of all time. Many current movie go-ers are calling the Evil Dead remake one of the scariest films of all time. I was bored. Yet I heard people screaming in horror, young girls crying in fear of what would happen next, and a even saw few people staring at their feet.
All of this made me start to think about scary films. As a genre, horror is one of my favorites. Giant monsters, pissed off spirits, blood drinking vampires, howling werewolves....You name it, I'll watch it. Myself saying that "I love horror films" is an understatement. There is however only a small amount of films that I will say are actually scary to me. I'm talking actual scary, and not scary as in its scary that people are dumb enough to put money towards any film Adam Sandler makes. I mean check under your bed, look behind the shower current, and turn on all the lights in your house scary. Below is a list of the films that made my senses cringe with fear as I watched them. There are in no particular order. Just random entries of fun filled terror-rific films. This will be Part 1 of a 2 part blog. Enjoy!
The Caller (2011)
There's been many films titled the Caller. But this one is a stand out. More of a psychological thriller with little or no gore, this under-rated thriller definitely came in under the radar. Rachelle Lefevre stars as a newly divorced woman living and working in Puerto Rico, staying in a new apartment and being terrorized by her ex husband. But that's not the main focus of this creepy low budget horror film. Let's just say the next time you answer your phone, you may wonder if their calling from this year or 30 years ago. For all of you True Blood fans, Stephen Moyer is also a part of this cast.
Them{ils} (2006)
When the french make a horror film, they don't make a horror film. They end up making a thriller that makes you double check all your door locks late at night. Possibly making you re-check them just to make sure. This entry into the home invasion and/or creepy things happening late at night type films is a real gem. The opening sequence of a mother and daughter broken down on the side trying to get help is a slow and old fashion start to one fast moving creepy film. If this isn't enough, the film's catch phrase is the 2nd hook. "They didn't want to play with us." When something defends their actions by saying "They didn't want to play us" you know this is going to be fun!
The Shining (1980)
Sorry Stephen King, but I have to disagree with you. Kubrick's envisioning and at times re-envisioning of King's haunting novel is the only film I'll ever refer to as the Shining. A couple years ago King re-did the Shining as a made for tv movie, to better fit the content from his book. Kubrick's version un-settled me by as a kid. It still holds a great place in my heart today. I first watched The Shining during a snow storm when I was about 8 years old. It was the edited version for broadcast TV. Every time I stay in an old hotel with long hallways, I worry that creepy twins will suddenly appear in front of me. Jack Nicholson has never been better as a writer slowly losing his mind at a haunted hotel nestled on a snowy mountain with his wife and somewhat disturbed child. If you have never seen the Shining and do not know what "Redrum" stands for, stop reading this blog now. Go and rent it.
Evil Dead (1980)
I'm surprised more and more how many people have never seen this true low budget gem. The film sparked not only Evil Dead, and then Army of Darkness, but a series of Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and video games. Now of course it also has a remake, which inspired this blog. See the circle goes on and on. This film originally started as a horror short, created by star Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi, which was called "Within the woods." After a few gutsy film business execs caught screenings of within the woods before showings of the Rocky Horror Picture show, they gave Raimi a small amount of money and let him make the evil dead. This film takes a simple approach. 5 college friends go to a remote cabin to spend their spring break. They find an evil book, hear incantations on an audio recorder, and then all hell breaks loose. The film of course features the debut of Bruce Campbell's iconic character Ashley "Ash" Williams. Even though Evil Dead II is my favorite entry of the series, it is more of comedic take on Ash's battle against the Evil dead. This film stands out as the horror classic of the series.
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Horror Novelist Sutter Cane is a new staple in the world of Horror Lit. His books are flying off the shelves, and his fans are becoming almost rabid when one of his novels hits the news stands. His newest book isn't even published yet, and the movie deal has been signed. One small problem: Sutter Cane has vanished, and with him, so has his novel. So insurance investigator John Trent(played by Sam Neil) has been hired to find Cane, and more importantly find the last draft of Cane's newest novel. Sounds basic right? What follows is a trip into madness. Sutter Cane's writings coming to life and Lovecraftian monsters inspired by the ancient ones. Very highly under-rated John Carpenter film in my opinion. It even has a bit of a apocalyptic thriller added in to this at times complicated thriller.
Suspiria (1977)
Dario Argento's 1977 Italian Horror Classic! If you haven't watched many or any Dario Argento films, then you are missing out when it comes to gory films. When talking about shocking scenes today, people often mention the Saw series. I say the words Dario Argento. His films could be quite gory, but they weren't overkill. However argento just had a way with murdering off characters in his own sadistic way. This film entry in Argento's catalog follows a ballet student who travels to study ballet at a posh academy in Germany. At first glance, it seems that there is a serial killer who has a taste for ballet dancers, but there is something much more sinister taking place at the ballet school. Unique death sequences and a complex yet interested plot line highlight this non-mainstream classic.
Frontiers{Frontieres} (2007)
The french strike again. No that's not what this film is about, but it is another great entry into the sick and twisted mind of french horror films. Not all films that are scary have to have huge amounts of gore. At times films with too much shock and "ewww" moments often take away from the scary factor of a film. This one is in fact an exception to that rule. Scary, thrilling, and times down right disgusting Frontiers is not for the weak of heart. There are scenes of this film that even made me a little sick in the stomach. The film centers on a group of people who flee France after elections have caused riots in Paris. The group takes refuge at an inn run by quaint country folk, only to discover this a not a well reviewed Inn. And I'm not talking about forgetting to place new towels in the room or leaving mints on your pillows. What they do excel in is bloody murder, people turned into human cattle, a leftover Nazi cannibal general, inbreeding, and a forced marriage proposal. Add in some sweet revenge, and you have one helluva killer ride.
The Pact (2012)
Our next entry is a film that actually debuted at the 2011 Sudance Film festival. I know, not a film festival that you expect to find a horror masterpiece at. The Pact follows Annie(played by Caity Lotz) who is dealing with the recent death of her estranged mother, and now the bizarre disappearance of her sister. Annie realizes something supernatural is taking place inside her mother's house, but that's not all that lies within. Some plot lines talk about the secrets we keep....this film shows sometimes the secrets we keep are in fact "still" in the house. This great indie horror flick definitely has what it takes to be consider a classic down the road.
The Loved Ones (2009)
Shocking Horror from down under. It is exactly what this film is. I've described this movie as being what happens when you turn down a date request from the daughter of the texas chainsaw family. This Aussie entry has enough cringe worthy moments to win a place in the heart of gore fanatics, yet also still hold a story for fans of the non-gory thrill rides. High school senior Brent is dealing with the loss of his father, as well as disconnection from his mother and the world around him. He slices himself in an emo style just so he can feel alive. Brent's life isn't all downhill though. He has a hot girlfriend whom he's taking to the prom, and a crazy best friend who always has pot ready for some partying. Brent's bad move comes when nerdy but cute Lola asks Brent to the prom. He politely declines. Big Mistake. From here on out its a sadistic thrill ride that includes abductions, brutal torture, lobotomy and even a catchy yet annoying pop song that will get stuck in your head for a few days after.
Martyrs (2008)
Yet another entry from the French horror flicks. If our previous french entries haven't messed with your mind enough, Martyrs will. This movie is sick. Hell that's not even a good description. This movie is twisted and at times one really F**cked up film! If violence towards women turns your stomach, it may be in your best interest to avoid this bizarre film. I can't even say that I liked this film, but it did scare the be-jezzus out me. Plus having read stories about cults that participate in this type of actions, makes things even worse. The story revolves around Lucie and Anna. Lucie was abused for years, and because of it has nightmares of being attacked by some sort of demonic girl. Lucie finds who she believes is the family responsible for her mis-treatment and murders them. Soon after Lucie realizes she will never be able to flee her psychological torment, and slits her throat. Thus leaving Anna to clean up Lucie's mess. However Anna has no clue of what is "really" going on, and this is when the main shocking moments begin. You get a sadistic cult, Brutal beatdowns, degrading comments, and even a human skinning. This is one sick flick.There has been recent talk about an american remake of this film. To make me cringe even more, the production team from the Twilight series is looking into to taking it on. Please leave this film alone.
Carnival of Souls (1962)
This classic horror gem is also in fact an early indie horror film. Made on a shoe string budget by Herk Harvey, this 1962 scary movie took some time to catch on. It has since inspired many modern horror films. I'm not going to tell you which films, as the ending of this film relates to an ending of a much watched horror film from a few years ago. If you watch this movie, you'll understand what film I'm talking about. And the critics all thought this newer film had an original ending? Guess they don't watch classic horror. Carnival of Souls follows a woman named Mary who has a pretty serious accident of driving off of a bridge into the icy cold water. From this moment on, Mary starts to see people who may or may not be figments of her vivid imagination. Mostly it is vision of the ghostly character known soley as "The man" who is actually portrayed by the director himself. So the question remains, is Mary crazy, or is something evil really after her? Watch it and find out for yourself. Just do not watch the terrible remake of this film. It had to be one of the worst remakes ever hatched.
Right At Your Door (2006)
A happy young couple wakes up on a seemingly normal weekday afternoon. The wife leaves for work and the husband happily goes about his day. Then disaster strikes....some sort of device has exploded in downtown LA. The authorities are asking everyone to stay in their homes, stay off the streets. Martial Law has been implemented. There is a news story asking people to not let the "infected" people into their home. Then the wife comes home, only to find out her husband has locked her out. Things get even more interesting from here on out. This subtle survival film was a late night find of mine on Sundance. Its low budget, and at times hard to watch. Not due to graphic violence, which this film has none. More due to the bad lighting, and grainy footage of the film. Good date movie. You know, the age old question....Do you really trust your spouse?
Well that's it for now. Part 2 coming soon. We'll be starting off with one of the all time greatest werewolf films, and continue our journey through the grotesque, the creepy, and the sometimes down right weird. Til Next time...Stay scary!
