Tag: film

Fifth set … one (or two) to go … 10/27

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Gonna have to push it a bit down the wire as Tuesday and Thursday are “scheduled.)

What’s worse than watching Shane Falco play football? Watching Michael J Fox play basketball.

Teen Wolf lighthearted fun but ultimately feels dated. The humor is hit-or-miss, and the werewolf transformation is more goofy than thrilling. Michael J. Fox’s charm helps, the plot is predictable, and the overall execution lacks bite compared to other werewolf films. How many more times will C-GPT use this?
Underworld. Intriguing premise. More Kate Beckinsale. Sets up a long running franchise. While the visuals and action sequences stand out, the plot is convoluted, and the characters lack depth. It’s entertaining, but not particularly memorable.
House of Frankenstein classic Universal monster fun, bringing together Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein’s Monster in an ambitious crossover. Boris Karloff shines as the mad scientist, and the atmosphere is wonderfully eerie. Carradine, Lon Chaney Jr., J Carrol Naish, and Dr. Marcus Welby’s housekeeper and the gypsy dancer! A must-watch for fans of vintage monster mayhem.
The Howling. Everyone’s favorite 80’s mom, Dee Wallace. And damned little else. Good transitions and they try to spice it up with some sex but it just doesn’t get it done.
House of Dracula. the story feels rushed and lacks depth. While the concept is intriguing, the execution is uneven, and the film fails to capture the magic of earlier Universal classics. It’s watchable but ultimately underwhelming. Glen Strang as the Monster!
Spirits of the Dead visually stunning anthology that adapts Edgar Allan Poe’s tales with style. Directors Fellini, Vadim, and Malle bring unique flair to each segment, and the atmosphere is hauntingly surreal. A captivating blend of horror and artistry that stands out. Brigitte Bardot. Jane Fonda (looking stunning but uncomfortable with her brother Peter as a love interest.)
The Shining just keeps growing on me. A masterclass in psychological horror. Jack Nicholson’s iconic performance and the film’s eerie atmosphere create an unforgettable sense of dread. With stunning visuals and haunting sound design, it remains one of the most chilling and influential horror films of all time.
With apologies The Mist (the SWEDISH version) was next on the list but I’ve been unable to FIND it. Maybe next year.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a groundbreaking masterpiece of expressionist cinema. Its twisted, surreal visuals and eerie atmosphere revolutionized horror, influencing generations of filmmakers. A haunting tale of madness, with iconic sets and a chilling twist, it remains a timeless classic. Not to mention the BBG from Casablanca, Conrad Veidt, is Cesar the Somnambulist.
The Innocents is a hauntingly atmospheric ghost story, masterfully blending psychological horror with gothic elegance. Deborah Kerr’s brilliant performance and the film’s eerie cinematography create an unsettling, ambiguous narrative that lingers long after viewing. A timeless subtle classic.
and finally Suspiria is visually stunning horror masterpiece, drenched in vivid colors and eerie atmosphere. Dario Argento’s direction, combined with Goblin’s haunting score, creates an immersive and nightmarish experience. A surreal, terrifying journey that stands as a landmark in horror cinema.

Two more groups of ten left. Gonna be a busy final week! And we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Third ten ….. end of the first half …. 10/16

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We’ll start with the werewolf flix again.

Wolf Waxwork was the first of these that were on both my list and the fanbase. This was second. blends psychological tension with classic werewolf thrills, elevated by Jack Nicholson’s captivating performance. The film’s mix of horror and drama, combined with its dark humor, makes it a refreshing take on the genre that still stands out today
Trick ‘r Treat masterfully intertwines multiple Halloween tales with dark humor and chilling twists. Its clever storytelling and memorable characters make it a standout in the horror anthology genre, celebrating the spooky season with style.
Wolf Blood. 1924 Considered by many to be the FIRST werewolf movie. It has an interesting concept but lacks the bite it needs to truly stand out. The pacing is slow, and the narrative feels dated, though its historical significance is notable
I Was a Teenage Werewolf a cult classic that perfectly captures the eerie charm of 1950s horror. With a captivating performance by Michael Landon, it’s a nostalgic blend of thrills and teen angst
Werewolves Within another previously unseen. a quirky mix of comedy and horror but struggles to find a consistent tone. While entertaining in parts, it doesn’t quite deliver a memorable experience. DOES include Milana Vayntrub however!
Back to the “regular” list.
Cannibal Apocalypse has its moments of gritty tension and action but lacks the bite to fully stand out. It’s more of a curiosity than a must-see horror experience. First time. Doesn’t need to be a second.
Shaun of the Dead brilliantly blends comedy and horror, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside genuine scares. With clever writing, sharp satire, and a cast led by Simon Pegg at their best, it’s a zombie film that redefines the genre while keeping its heart firmly in place. Likely to have earned a “permanent” spot.
Burial Ground Typical European offering. delivers on gore and shock value but lacks substance in plot and character development. While the practical effects are suitably gruesome, the dialogue and acting often feel stiff and awkward. It’s a cult classic for some, but overall, it’s more odd than engaging.
The Conjuring masterfully blends suspense, atmosphere, and classic horror elements, delivering a chilling experience that lingers long after the credits roll. With strong performances and expertly crafted scares, it stands as a modern supernatural thriller that both frightens and captivates in equal measure. A must-watch and a strong start to a strong franchise.
The Whip and the Body Another typical Europen period piece. Suffers from a sluggish pace and lackluster performances, failing to deliver the tension and chills its premise promises. Despite the gothic atmosphere and visuals, the film’s plot feels underdeveloped, and its scares lack impact, making it a disappointing entry in horror cinema. But hey: Christoper Lee, Dahlia Lavi and some whipping scenes.

Halloween second ten – 10/12

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let’s lead off with the Werewolf features:

Dog Soldiers has solid potential but is held back by clunky dialogue, weak character development, and effects that struggle to deliver convincing thrills.
The Boy Who Cried Werewolf (2010). Mistake. I MEANT to watch the 1973 version. THIS version falls flat with predictable plot twists, cheesy dialogue, and lackluster special effects, making it more cringe than creature feature. Remind me not to do werewolf movies again – this was a new one. Guessing I’ve seen most of what’s watchable.
The Midnight Hour. Another new one. A fun blast of the 80’s cast stumbles with its mix of horror and camp, failing to deliver real scares or laughs. It’s more dated cheese than Halloween classic.
Speaking of dated cheese, have you figured out I’m using chatgpt to speed up these snippets?
The Beast Must Die (1974) Third movie by that title offers an intriguing premise and a fun ‘whodunit’ twist, but its pacing drags and the effects leave much to be desired.
Ginger Snaps Great concept. Well acted. but ultimately uneven and suffers from pacing issues.
Now on to our regular features.
The House with Laughing Windows. Darned near impossible to find. Meager Giallo effort. chilling atmosphere and unsettling moments but more confusing than frightening or weird.
My other “experiment” this year was with including sci-fi on the list. Kinda done with that.
Predator is an action-packed classic that masterfully blends sci-fi and suspense. With intense pacing, memorable characters, and a terrifying villain, it’s a must-watch for action fans.
Murder Party quirky humor and a unique premise, but its low-budget feel and uneven pacing keep it from being a truly engaging horror-comedy. Read that before? This director IS developing though. He’s worth watching. previously unseen
Lisa and the Devil Telly Savalas in the early sucker days pre-Kojak. Typical Italian horror. visually striking with surreal elements, but its confusing plot and slow pacing make it more of an artistic curiosity than a captivating horror film. previously unseen.
Back to the sci-fi beat. The Thing 1982. incredible practical effects and a tense atmosphere, but its slow buildup and bleak tone might not resonate with everyone. Like me.
And I’m thinking I ditch the “unwatched” next year, or at LEAST leave them out of the write-up.

The first ten

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Gonna be a long month and I can’t believe it’s the 8th already. Here’s the drill: 31 horror movies – my favorites, FlickChart user favorites, and up to a dozen I’ve never seen before. Plus the same for “werewolf” movies. Plus another dozen or so that are household faves. This is the first batch – five WW movies and five standard fare.

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night. Superman vs New Orleans. feels like a half-hearted mix of supernatural clichés, cheesy humor, and underwhelming action. Fun in parts, but ultimately forgettable. 5/10 (new)
Cry of the Werewolf delivers classic horror thrills with eerie atmosphere and intriguing twists. A vintage gem for fans of old-school creature features 7/10
Doctor Jekyll and the Werewolf struggles with a disjointed plot and lackluster scares, failing to merge its classic elements into a compelling horror experience 1/10 (new)
Waxwork campy horror flick that entertains with its quirky premise and 80s vibe. Zach Galligan gives it charm, but the uneven pacing and cheesy effects hold it back. 6/10
Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf misses the mark with a weak plot and forced humor. Too much Wacky Racers. Not enough charming fun. 1/10 (new)
The House on the Edge of the Park some unsettling moments but lacks depth. Its shock value overshadows any real suspense, making it more uncomfortable than engaging. 7/10 (new)
Ready or Not a wickedly fun thrill ride, blending horror and dark humor with style. Samara Weaving shines in a game of survival that’s clever and unpredictable. Will likely make the list again. 9/10
Just Before Dawn 1981 moments of suspense and eerie atmosphere, but it’s bogged down by a slow pace and predictable plot, lacking the punch of true slasher classics. strong female without being a Mary Sue. 7/10 probably too high. (new)
Beau Is Afraid swings for the fences with its surreal storytelling, but its overindulgent pace and ambiguous plot might leave you more puzzled than entertained 6/10. (new). Doesn’t need to be rewatched.
The Golem First franchise. Masterpiece of silent cinema, blending expressionist visuals with a captivating story. Its exploration of creation and monstrosity still resonates, making it a timeless classic. 9/10.
The House with Laughing Windows should be next but I cannot find it (for free.) Maybe next year.