Topic: Marie's 2012 Horror Movie Thread

[Jimmy]

But you aren't alone this time
Brittany marathon isn't over yet too...

[Dragonfire]

True..but for the tradition to be observed, I must finish after we are supposed to be done.  Which I am.

[Dragonfire]

Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943) Bela Lugosi as Frankenstein's Monster and Lon Chaney Jr. as the cursed Wolf Man collide in one of the great classic horror films of the 1940s. Beginning as a moody chiller, director Roy William Neill sets the stage for an unforgettable clash. The resurrected Wolf Man, seeking a cure for his malady, enlists the aid of mad scientist Patric Knowles, who claims he will not only rid the Wolf Man of his nocturnal metamorphosis but will also revive the frozen body of Frankenstein's inhuman creation.

This was the second movie to feature Larry Talbot as the Wolf Man.  I think I read that it was the first time Universal had two or more of their monsters in the same movie.  I know other movies doing that were made.  This one is set four years after the original Wolf Man.  Grave robbers break into Larry's tomb hoping to find valuables.  Instead they get to deal with the Wolf Man.  Larry doesn't want to hurt anyone again and since he can't control what happens once he is the Wolf Man, he decides he wants to die.  The gypsy woman from the first movie tells him that Dr. Frankenstein may be able to help him, which sets it up for Larry to run into Frankenstein's Monster.  The plot is interesting and entertaining, though it could have been a little stronger.  There isn't much development for the other characters.  The Monster isn't in much of the movie and Frankenstein - that is the doctor, not the monster - isn't in the movie at all..which sort of makes the title wrong.  Anyway, the movie is entertaining and an interesting addition to the Wolf Man series.



Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man

[Dragonfire]

Slither

Slither Prepare yourself for this terrifying, twisted and chilling film that critics are calling "the most entertaining horror movie in years" (Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch). From the writer of 2004's Dawn of the Dead comes the deliciously demented story of an unnamed evil wreaking havoc on a small town. Intent on devouring all life on Earth, this dark force is infecting anyone in its path. Now it's up to the local sheriff, Bill Pardy (Nathan Fillion, Serenity), and his team to stop the spread of rampant devastation – and shocking mutilation – before it's too late.

I originally wanted to see this one just because of Nathan Fillion.  The previews and reviews I read about the movie did make it sound good, but Fillion was the main draw for me.  The plot is interesting and entertaining.  I ended up enjoying the movie much more than I originally thought I would.  The fact that the ...creatures are sort of snake like didn't bother me even though I'm terrified of snakes.  The characters are interesting.  Some of what happens is kind of gross, but it works for the movie.  There is humor in the movie that I think helps to make the movie more entertaining.  The mix of horror and humor - even a bit of silliness in some scenes - works really well. 

This is just a fun, entertaining movie.  I still enjoy it when I watch it.



I did post a longer review at Epinions a few years ago.

Slither

[Dragonfire]

Fright Night

Fright Night Meet Jerry Dandridge. He's sweet, sexy, and he likes to sleep in late. You might think he's the perfect neighbor. But before inviting Jerry in for a nightcap, there's just one thing you should know. Jerry prefers his drinks warm, red—and straight from the jugular! It's FRIGHT NIGHT, a horrific howl starring Chris Sarandon as the seductive vampire and William Ragsdale as the frantic teenager struggling to keep Jerry's deadly fangs out of his neck. Only 17-year-old Charley Brewster (Ragsdale) knows Jerry's bloodcurdling secret. When Charley can't get anybody to believe him, he turns to TV horror host Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), who used to be the "Great Vampire Killer" of the movies. Can these mortals save Charley and his sweetheart Amy (Amanda Bearse) from the wrathful bloodsucker's toothy embrace? If you love being scared, FRIGHT NIGHT will give you the nightmare of your life!

I still really enjoy this one.  It is just a good, entertaining vampire with a proper vampire that will rip people apart..instead of being all sparkly and moody.  I think the idea of a teenager figuring out that a neighbor is a vampire is cool.  The story is fun and entertaining and it works well.  The effects are done well though look a little dated now..but that doesn't make me enjoy the movie any less.  It is the same with the music.



I did post a longer review on Epinions a few years ago if anyone wants to take a look.

Fright Night

[Dragonfire]

She-Wolf of London

She-Wolf of London The citizens in turn-of-the-century London are terrified and Scotland Yard is baffled by a mysterious string of bloody killings in the city's most infamous park. In a nearby estate Phyllis Allenby (June Lockhart) fears that the "Allenby Curse" which led to the death of her parents has now turned her into a "she-wolf." Haunted by dreams of mayhem and worried she's going insane, Phyllis breaks off her engagement with her fiancé (Don Porter). Determined to prove that the woman he loves couldn't be a murderess, he sets out to unmask the real killer.

This is another movie from the Wolf Man Universal DVD set.  There is no connection to the other Wolf Man movies.  It really isn't even a werewolf movie.  There is just the suggestion that a female werewolf is responsible for some strange killings in a park in London.  Phyllis believes the curse on her family is turning her into a werewolf.  Something suspicious is going on though because she discovers the bottom of her robe is wet and her slippers are covered in mud.  The plot is somewhat interesting, but it isn't handled as well as it could have been.  I think this is more of a suspense thriller, though it isn't that thrilling or suspenseful.  I figured out what was going on fairly early.  The movie would have been a lot better if the mystery had been stronger. 

I did manage to enjoy the movie overall..I"m not sure who I would recommend it too.  It is interesting, though not great.



I did post a longer review on Epinions.

She-Wolf of London

[Dragonfire]

Halloween

Halloween Fifteen years ago, Michael Myers brutally massacred his sister. Now, after escaping from a mental hospital, he’s back to relive his grisly crime again, and again...and again. This is Halloween like you’ve never seen or heard it before! Halloween has been fully restored under the supervision of Lucasfilm’s THX Digital Mastering Services. The video was transferred by the award-winning colorist Adam Adams ('Terminator 2', 'Titanic') from a new 35mm interpositive (made from the original camera negative) and approved by the film’s cinematographer Dean Cundey ('Jurassic Park', 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit'). The new Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack was created by Chace Productions in association with Alan Howarth using the original 16-track music studio master and the recently discovered original 35mm magnetic dialogue & effects tracks.

This is just a really good, effective scary movie.  Everything works together really well to make a good movie.  Michael works as a scary character.  He's not some monster or demon..he is a real person that ...flipped in a big way and started killing.  Granted, he was a child when the flip occurred, but I think that helps to make him scarier and more twisted.  When I first heard about the remake and there being more background for Michael shared, at first I thought that could be interesting.  But after I've thought about it more, I've changed my mind.  He's so scary and effective because things aren't fully explored for why he flipped out.  I haven't seen the remake and don't know if I ever will.  This one is just so good.  There were a lot of copycat type movies after this..some were ok and others were not so good.  The movie is classic for a reason.  Even though there are several murders, the movie isn't that violent or gory.  That is something else that I think makes the movie scarier.  The music is very creepy too.  Just hearing the theme gets me freaked out.



I did get a longer review posted on Epinions a few years ago.

Halloween

[Jimmy]

When I first heard about the remake and there being more background for Michael shared, at first I thought that could be interesting.  But after I've thought about it more, I've changed my mind.

It's one of the huge error of the remake (the other being the director choice as Rob Zombie isn't the guy for that type of film at all)... we don't need to know what happen to him between the age of six and twenty three. No need to have everything written to know that he was born with a missing fuse. Seriously I'm sure most of the movie goers aren't dumb, they are able to think by themselves without a drawing...

They did the exact same error with the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake (one that I like by the way for those who think I hate every remake, the sequel they did is even my favorite one after the original by Hooper).

[Dragonfire]

I agree...people aren't that dumb and they don't need everything spelled out like that.  Someone seems to disagree though.  Ohhh..that reminds me.  That goes along with what del Toro said in one of the extras on Mimic.  The producers and studio wanted things more spelled out ...like 1 2 3 etc.  del Toro didn't agree.  He wanted to leave certain things out and let the audience figure things out and come to their own conclusions about things.  I think that was the biggest issue he had with the one Weinstein and the studio.  He thinks spelling everything out that way takes away the suspense.  I think he's right.  That sort of thing, not explaining every last thing, is part of why I think Inception works so well.  Nolan doesn't treat audiences like we are stupid, and somehow, he has been able to keep the studio from sticking their noses in and messing with stuff.

[Jimmy]

BTW Marie In your banner I see that you have always the old DVD of Halloween 2 and 3... when you'll feel for a double dip I highly recommand the Blu-rays released in september, they really worth the money if you like the films.

Edit : the one for the first Halloween worth it too, but I think the features are the same of an old anniversary edition but it sure looks good compare with the 1999 release I had before.

[Dragonfire]

Halloween II

Halloween II Picking up precisely where its predecessor left off, 'Halloween II' follows the same ill-fated characters as they encounter the knife-wielding maniac they left for dead in the first 'Halloween'. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the hospital where his sister lays waiting. As he gets closer and closer to his terrified target, Dr. Loomis discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath's savage actions. Written by horror masters John Carpenter and Debra Hill, 'Halloween II' is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.

This one picks up right after the end of the first movie after a short recap.  I think the movie works overall and makes a decent sequel.  It probably really wasn't needed, and Michael would have been scarier without more movies, but this one at least still works well.  Michael is still just a person that flipped out.  In later movies - I'm thinking in 4 in when it really started - he ends up being something else..possessed by a demon or monster or whatever and he won't die no matter what happens to him.  Once things start down that way, Michael ceases to be as scary.  Having the plot for this movie be tied so closely to the first movie helps to make the movie better.  The plot is a bit more predictable.  The killings are more violent in this one and gory.  I'm guessing that is because other similiar movies that were made after the first movie went more violent.  A little more about Michael does come out during this one.  There really isn't any more development for the other characters.  Most are just random characters tossed in to be victims.  Laurie spends most of the movie on some kind of drug in the hospital that was supposed to make her sleep, so she can barely move at times.

Overall, the movie is good and entertaining. 



I did post a longer review on Epinions a few years ago.

Halloween II

[Dragonfire]

BTW Marie In your banner I see that you have always the old DVD of Halloween 2 and 3... when you'll feel for a double dip I highly recommand the Blu-rays released in september, they really worth the money if you like the films.

Edit : the one for the first Halloween worth it too, but I think the features are the same of an old anniversary edition but it sure looks good compare with the 1999 release I had before.

I did see that Blu-ray versions were out.  I probably will end up double dipping at some point. 

Don't worry...I'll remember to assign the blame properly when the time comes.

[Dragonfire]

Halloween III: Season of the Witch

Halloween III: Season of the Witch Producer 'John Carpenter' ('Halloween', 'The Thing') presents the third chilling installment in the shocking 'Halloween' collection. When a terrified toy salesman is mysteriously attacked and brought to the hospital, babbling and clutching the year's most popular Halloween costume, an eerie pumpkin mask, doctor Daniel Challis is thrust into a terrifying Halloween nightmare. Working with the salesman's daughter, Ellie, Daniel traces the mask to the Silver Shamrock Novelties company and its founder, Conal Cochran. Ellie and Daniel uncover Cochran's shocking Halloween plan and must stop him before trick-or-treaters across the country never come home in this terrifying thriller.

I first saw this one on tv several years ago.  I remember thinking it was weird that Michael wasn't around or even mentioned - heck during at least one scene, the original Halloween is seen playing on a tv in the background.  At that point, I didn't really like the movie much.  It has grown on me since then and I think it is a pretty good movie.  It is definitely more original than many movies made and more original than all the other Halloween sequels that just have Michael killing more people while somehow being indestructible.  Maybe he was the first prototype for a Terminator.     Anyway, I think the movie is interesting and entertaining.  I like that it doesn't deal with Michael and I think we could have some really interesting and varied movies if John Carpenter had stuck with his original idea of making different scary movies - not connected to Michael.  The movie is creepy and I honestly wasn't expecting what was going on the first time I saw it.  The music is kind of annoying at times, but that song from the commercial is memorable.  Someone just has to mention the movie, and that stupid song pops right into my head.   

Anyway, I enjoy the movie and think it is worth checking out.  People just need to know ahead of time that Michael Myers has nothing to do with it.



I did post a longer review on Epinions last year.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch

[Dragonfire]

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit From the Academy Award®-winning* creators of Wallace and Gromit comes "one of the most enjoyable family films of the year" (Jeffrey Lyons, NBC). When their town's prized produce starts disappearing, our cheese-loving inventor and his savvy canine companion must use all their wildly imaginative inventions to try to capture a mysterious beast of epic and fluffy proportions! Hailed as "a terrific family movie" (Russ Leatherman, CNN and Moviefone.com) and "whimsical, funny and endlessly inventive" (Roger Ebert, Ebert & Roeper), The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a hare-raising adventure for the whole family! * The Wrong Trousers (Winner, Best Animated Short, 1993), A Close Shave (Winner, Best Animated Short, 1995)

I saw this one when it was in the theater originally and I've watched it several times since then.  I still really enjoy it.  It is a fun, entertaining movie.  It is a good family friendly Halloween type movie.  The story is cute and entertaining and I think it works well.  There is a decent amount of mystery.  The characters are fun and interesting.  The animation is done well. 

I love this movie.  It is definitely worth seeing.



I did get a review posted on Epinions after I first saw the movie.

Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit

[Dragonfire]

Fright Night (2011)

Fright Night Meet the sexy new neighbour, Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell). He's dangerously charming - and utterly lethal. That's because he just happens to be a vampire, and out for blood...buckets of it. After high school senior Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) makes the connection between Jerry's suspicious activity and a steadily rising body count, he vows to end the reign of terror next door. But he can't do it alone. His only hope is Las Vegas magician / vampire-slayer Peter Vincent (David Tennant). Together, this unlikely duo set out to end Jerry's evil rampage. But Jerry is a ruthless, relentless killer, and he's not going down without a fight. Get set to sink your teeth into this thrilling re-vamp of the terrifying horror classic. Featuring a star-studded cast and crawling with bonus, Fright Night will captivate you from the very first bite!

When I first heard about this movie being made, I wasn't sure about it.  Then I heard that David Tennant was going to be in it.  At that point I figured I'd see the movie since I really like Tennant.  I liked the trailers once I saw them and I ended up going to see it in the theater.  I really enjoyed the movie.  I think it works as a good remake and is just a good vampire movie.  The basic idea of the plot is the same, though things have been changed some.  It is set in Vegas which ends up making sense.  At least one of the characters - maybe two - remark about how in Vegas a lot of people work at night, so no one thinks about them not being out in the day.  There are also a lot of people moving in and out of the area, so it isn't as likely that missing people will be noticed.  Jerry is a proper, scary, will rip your throat out vampire.  While I have enjoyed some of the sillier vampire movies and even found things to like about Twilight despite the stupidity of the vampires sparkling in daylight, it is nice to watch a movie with a proper vampire again.  Peter Vincent has been updated as well in a way I didn't expect.  He is a bit of a jerk at times, but Tennant makes it work.  I loved him in the part.  I think Colin Ferrel is good as Jerry too.  He is seductive and creepy and it works wonderfully for the character.  Charlie is more of a jerk at first, but he gets better.  The movie is a bit predictable, but that doesn't bother me at all.  There are a few little changes here and there that are interesting, including one that I really like. 



I did post a longer review at Epinions after I first saw the movie.

Fright Night (2011)