So True

Halloween Movies List #1 - Second Look Halloween Movies

How does one make lists? So many things need to go into consideration. Sometimes it’s easy. My end of the year “Best Of” lists are just taking my favorite films released that year and putting them in some kind of order. When you get into more specific lists like this sometimes several things do come up. For a Halloween list I tried to think of movies that, for me, have a feeling of the season. These are not so much the best horror films. Just recommendations. I did not include a lot of films that are no less worth checking out. I also did not include some of the classic films because I usually factor those as a given – 'Dracula', 'Frankenstein', 'The Wolf Man', etc. I also did not include films that I feel work at any time of year. So no 'Dawn of the Dead' or 'Friday the 13th'.

I have four categories which I will be posting at various times over the next two weeks. Also gives me time to finalize them. Again, there are so many films I could put for these lists but I tried to keep it to ones that just feel like Halloween and fall to me.

So let us begin.

Second Look Halloween Movies

These are movies that I feel have either been overlooked or deserve a second chance. Listed in alphabetical order.

THE AMITYVILLE HORROR - Much debate has been made over the "true story". Personally I don't really care. For me this film is still creepy. The Lutz family moves into a new house where the previous family had been murdered by their eldest son. Pretty soon strange things start happening and the creepiness settles in. Granted ghost stories always get to me more than other ones so it doesn't take much for me to get freaked out if a ghost story is done even moderately well. I still think this film holds up well and works. I think because I used to live in Connecticut and stories were always done on the house every Halloween that it always reminds me of this time of year.

BEHIND THE MASK THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON - A film that deserves to be seen. A dark comedy about a documentary crew following around a killer in his day to day life. Assuming that killers like Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, etc. are all real and how they stalk their victims is the way it's done. A good horror comedy is hard to pull off without it leaning too far one way or the other. This one straddles that fine line perfectly. A really clever film and one worth seeing. What better time than at Halloween?

 

THE FOG - After the success of 'Halloween' John Carpenter made this film which at the time people were disapointed in because it was no 'Halloween'. Exactly. That's why it works. He didn't just make the same movie twice. This ghost story about a small town with a dark secret that is revisted by old ghosts who appear in an ominous fog is a creepfest thanks to the amazing atmosphere that John Carpenter creates. Featuring Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Hal Holbrook, Janet Leigh (yes, Jamie's mom), and the man himself Tom Atkins along with yet another great score by Carpenter. The opening scene with John Houseman telling the story with that great music behind him is worth it alone.

HALLOWEEN II - After the success of the first 'Halloween' it's no doubt people were breaking down John Carpenter's door to make a sequel. While he did agree to produce and write it (along with fellow 'Halloween' writer Debra Hill) the directing chair was passed over to Rick Rosenthal. At first it's easy to dismiss this sequel as not only inferior to the first one but a sort of what's the point kind of thing. However, if you stop comparing the film to the first one then you will find a good scary flick. A lot of creepy moments and some extra bloodletting are found here. Along with a great atmosphere which leads to an unnerving sense of dread. Plus this film still has one of the best music cues ever. "You don't know what death is!" Cue Halloween theme. 

Couldn't find a solo clip. The key moment is about 3:30 to 4:20.

HALLOWEEN III SEASON OF THE WITCH - The much maligned film has gotten a bum rap. The goal was to have a Halloween themed film every year featuring a story that takes place around Halloween. A great idea. The problem is because they decided to keep the Halloween title and call it 'Halloween III' it caused many to flip out. A 'Halloween' movie with no Michael Myers? What the deuce?! However, once you take that away from it you'll find a film that, while not perfect, works on many levels. A great idea and one that I secretly would love to do a remake of but that's another post for another time. The Silver Shamrock mask company is making popular Halloween masks only they hold a secret to something more sinister. Starring the great Tom Atkins and featuring a great score by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth this film does work and is worth a second look. Just ignore the whole 'Halloween III' title. Plus even people that hate the film can't deny the catchy jingle used in the commercials for the Silver Shamrocks masks.

PHANTASM - This film works at any time of year but for some reason I always associate it with now. Probably because I saw it for the first time around Halloween. While the fanbase is worldwide for this film I still don't think it gets the recognition it should. A film that walks a fine line between the real and surreal. Strange things are happening up at Morningside Cemetery where the Tall Man resides. Mike, a loner kid still getting over the loss of his parents, discovers what is happening to the disappearing bodies and tries to convince his older brother Jody. An imaginative film from Don Coscarelli that is a perfect fit for the person looking for something different this Halloween season.

SESSION 9 - Once again a ghost film. What can I say? They creep me out. A little gem about a group of asbestos cleaners hired to work in the old institution only things start happening especially after the discovery of some old tapes of a session from a former patient. Is the place haunted? A really creepy film with one of the creepiest shots I have ever seen. If you're looking for one that gets under your skin give this film a try. Also worth noting on a technical level this was a very early shot on HD film. 

Next list will either be Halloween films for the kids or alternate Halloween films. Haven't decided which one will come first. Look for it soon. In the meantime check out the above films.

Adam Green's Halloween Watch List

Adam Green made a list of Halloween movies to watch over at Killer Film.com. You can see his list here. The fact that he listed Disney's 'Legend Of Sleepy Hollow' makes him all that much cooler. That was one of my childhood favorites as well.

This got me thinking since I'm a bit of a list hog. Always love doing my "best of" lists at the end of the year. I think I'll also do one for Halloween only break it up a little. Do different kinds of lists leading up to Halloween. Still deciding the categories. One will obviously be the ultimate Halloween movies. The ones people usually think of. Also want to think of other categories. If I can I'll post the first list later today.

Don't forget to check out Adam's list here.

Jack Chop!

Every year filmmaker Adam Green does a short film for Halloween. This year's short is a hilarious take off on the Slap Chop guy (the same guy who does the Sham Wow commercials in the off chance you haven't seen it).

 A slight personal side, I first met Adam a few years ago at a convention when he was promoting 'Hatchet'. At first I was wary. A guy younger than me already making a film. Damn him. Of course, as soon as I met him I couldn't help but like him. He is very nice, talented, and funny. And he does love his horror. How can you not like the guy? He also turned out to be very supportive. When I was shooting my film I was coming up with these fake things to hang up in the "police station". You don't really see them in the film (as is evident by the above still) but for my own sake I liked having them there. All of them were made up of friends. Adam has this picture of himself in a fake mugshot that I always thought was hilarious so I asked him if he wouldn't mind if I used it. Without hesitation he said yes. It was a long shoot day and it really helped having these there to bring a smile to my face.

Here is the latest Halloween short from Ariescope Pictures - 'Jack Chop!' Enjoy.

Drag Me To Hell

This week sees the release of Sam Raimi's return to horror with 'Drag Me To Hell'. Some people initially complained about the PG-13 rating especially considering the 'Evil Dead' films. However, this film is meant to be more of a creepy tale along the lines of old Vincent Price movies as an example. There are some ew moments especially with some insects and vomit but it's something that young kids can watch. Afterall, don't we all deserve some stuff to watch when it comes to this time of year?

What I liked about this film is that it was a throw back to older horror films. It reminds me a lot of films like 'House On Haunted Hill' or 'House of Wax'. It's just a lot of fun. It's not the get under your skin type of scary that 'Paranormal Activity' is and not what the upcoming 'Saw VI' will be as far as violence. It has some creepy moments and a few good jumps but most of all it's just entertaining. This is where Raimi decided to go and I think it works.

The film stars the beautiful Alison Lohman as a bank worker who chooses to impress her boss by not helping an old woman who financially cannot afford to stay in her home. The old Gypsy woman decides to curse her causing her to be visited by demons attempting to, well, drag her to hell. She tries desperately to do whatever it takes to lift the curse.

Unfortunately it was released during the summer. If it came out now I think it would have done very well. With the new DVD and Blu-ray you can at least enjoy it at home. I think it's something that will appeal to people of all ages (not the wee ones but 12 and older) who just like a good scary flick. What better time of year? So give the film a chance. Is it 'The Evil Dead'? No. Nor should it be. Sam Raimi wanted to make a fun film with some scares that will appeal beyond us horror normies. I think he succeeded.

Music Box Massacre V This Weekend

This weekend yours truly will be at The Music Box theatre (I know, how is that different from any other weekend?) partaking in the annual Music Box Massacre  event. Number five to be exact. A 24 hour horror movie marathon. It kicks off at noon on Saturday and ends at noon on Sunday. It is definitely an endurance test but one that is worth it. Not only is it the rare chance to see some truly great films on the big screen but to also enjoy them with a room full of fans. Even when those moments of sleep try to invade me the audience reaction always raises the energy level of the room and I am good to go. Unfortunately I did miss the first two. I was at III and IV and can say I made it through both. Usually the second to last film is where I start to really get drowsy but I never fell asleep. We'll see what happens this year. 

Such a good line up this year as is evident by the above flyer. Plus guests including Stuart Gordon and Art Hindle. Plus I get to see 'Dark Night Of The Scarecrow' which I have not seen since I was a kid.

October is here and I am gearing up for 24 hours of horror at my favorite theatre. What more can a guy ask for?

Trick R' Treat

Every so often we get a movie that so fits a holiday or time of year perfectly that they become synonymous with it. What would Christmas be like without 'It's A Wonderful Life' or 'A Christmas Story'? Or Easter without 'The Ten Commandments'? Halloween is obviously known as the time to whip out the horror films. At least for those that don't whip them out the rest of the year like I do. John Carpenter's 'Halloween' will always been associated with October 31st just by its very name. I know I've made it my yearly ritual (is that the right word to use considering the day?) to watch it on Halloween night. I know one year I watched it the night before and one year I did miss it completely. But pretty much every Halloween since I was in high school The Shape enters my home theatre.

 

Michael Dougherty, the writer of such films as 'X-Men 2' and 'Superman Returns', wrote and directed 'Trick R' Treat'. A film that celebrates the traditions of Halloween and the trick or treat tradition with tales interwoven for a new take on anthology horror.

The film was made back in 2007 but was caught in limbo by Warner Bros. I was lucky enough to catch the film back in August at a special screening as part of the Terror In The Aisles film festival here in Chicago with the director in person. While a theatrical release is not going to happen we are lucky enough to have the film to watch as it was just released on DVD and Blu-ray. It's a fun film that has some good creepy moments but nothing over the top. Something I would have loved when I was 12 as much as I do now at ... well, now. I think watching it the first time can be a little off putting as it is an anothology. It's several little stores and they're not broken up into segments as with films like 'Creepshow'. Sometimes you're with one story and then switch to another before returning back. It's never confusing but may throw some people off if they aren't sure it's an anthology going into it. Guaranteed the second viewing will be much appreciated and one that will no doubt become a tradition. While it will never replace my anual tradition of the John Carpenter classic there is plenty of room in my evening for a little bit of Sam, the little trick or treater character seen on the cover. 

 

And having Anna Paquin in that Little Red Riding Hood get up ain't too bad either.

Paranormal Activity

Last night I was one of the lucky few (although standing in line for three hours maybe lucky is too strong a word) to see the new film Paranormal Activity. It's a cross between 'The Blair Witch Project' and 'The Changeling'. It's about a young couple who is plagued by a spirit that is after the girl. The whole film is done by the point of view of the camera the couple uses to document these happenings. Although it is all  footage based it never falls into the shaky cam area. Even when the camera is being carried around loosely it's never dizzying or nauseating. It does fall into some of the same issues I had with 'The Blair Witch Project' which was when it wasn't night time and they're standing around talking you do wonder why the camera is on and why we can't move on with the story. Luckily though this isn't through the whole thing. Mainly the first half to help set up the characters.

The film reminded me a lot of those Unsolved Mysteries segments on ghosts. They used to freak me out. And by used to I mean they still do. But they were always about the simpler things. A creaking door. A knocking sound. A shadow across the wall. That is what happens in 'Paranormal Activity'. A lot of it is odd sounds and quick shadows. While CGI was used it's not for big special effects. In a few shots it appears (and I'm only assuming as I don't know for sure) to have been used to just remove the person that would cause the shadow. It's not noticable but my guess is it was used to help eliminate certain elements for the simple effect to work. By going the simpler route the film works. Once you see the wide shot of the couple sleeping in bed and an ominous low end bass you know something is about to happen. By the fourth night the audience would tense up which was great.

Hopefully the film will see a wider release. Although I think the film will work at home. It was great seeing an audience reaction but I think if I saw this for the first time at home by myself in a dark room I would have soiled myself. For some reason I was distracted everytime someone went to the washroom. Which seemed to happen every 2 minutes. I guess because I was sitting near the door I noticed it more. I did feel the ending needed just one more scene. I felt just as it got to the moment when you thought all hell was about to break loose that it then got to it and it ended. Just for my own sake I would have liked just one more moment before that. Although that might just be me and something that may not be an issue with future viewings.

This film has a long life and one that I think will survive for a long time. Although rated R there is nothing in it that is really hard R. It's more a few F bombs than anything. I think if they had dropped a few of them (no pun intended) and let it be more of a PG-13 then it might get a broader audience. Trust me, if this film was PG it would still be effective. Sometimes a creaking door is all you need.

Here is the film's official site and the trailer.

I Want My Cake!!!

 

Out today is the Blu-ray of George Romero's 'Creepshow'. One of my all time favorite films. I can't wait to dive in and see it in HD. I hope the transfer is good. The DVD of it was decent but had some shaky frames and a lot of dirt. Granted with some of the processed shots with the animation and whatnot there will be dirt because of how it was done and outside of a major (and expensive) restoration will always be there. In some of the other scenes though there was a lot of it. Hopefully it's been cleaned up a bit. Although I hope it doesn't have any unnecessary digital enhancements such as edge enhancement. I'll take the dirt over that. 

  

Unfortunately it doesn't come with any  extras outside of the trailer. I love having the trailer. It's amazing how some discs, which claim to be special editions, never have the trailer on there. Unless there is some rights issues (like with music) then please always include the trailer(s). 

That being said the lack of extras is amazing. Especially considering the incredible extras that Red Shirt Pictures did for the 2 disc special edition Region 2 DVD. Not only did it have a commentary track featuring George Romero and Tom Savini but also a great documentary. It's a shame none of this is on there as I'm sure it could have been included. Looks like I won't be tossing out that DVD just yet. For those of you that can play R2 discs then by all means get a copy of it. It's worth it.

I'll be back once I watch it with how it looks. At the very least I hope they did a good job with the transfer.

UPDATE: Having watched it I will say the transfer is pretty decent. It's very clean and some of it has some greater detail. I noticed it most with 'Something To Tide You Over' and 'The Crate'.  Other parts looked a little soft. Not sure if it's how it was shot or not. Depending on what lens you use on the camera that can make an overall softer picture. So I can't say for sure if that is just the way it is. I'd say outside of a full on restoration though this is about as good as the film will look. At least for right now. The audio hasn't been remixed for 5.1. It's the same as it is on the DVD. A basic 2.0 surround mix. And of course the missing extras. And I do say missing because they do exist. Too bad they couldn't have been included. If you love the movie though I'm sure you'll pick it up like I did.

Gladiator Blu-ray - That Bad?

As I mentioned in a previous post about the controversy (is that too strong a word?) regarding the transfer on the new Sapphire Series Blu-ray from Paramount of 'Gladiator' where the old 2000 HD transfer was used as the master instead of making a new one. 'Gladiator' is one of my all time favorite movies so I was eager to watch it again no matter what. I did watch the extended version and the extended scenes (which I believe were mastered in 2005) do look a lot better.



The film itself holds up so well. I've seen the film so many times and it's just as effective as it was the first time I saw it. So five minutes into the movie the transfer is really not that big of an issue. At least with me. The main issue is the edge enhancement. It is never (or should never be) used on current transfers because of the digital artifacting that can come from it. It provides a false level of detail. Like you had your sharpness turned up too high. If it is turned up too high then turn it down by the way. This is noticeable from the start. Again, a few minutes in I was just watching the movie. The color rendition is great. The transfer isn't bad. It's not like other discs I've seen ('Donnie Darko' and 'Dog Soldiers' for example) where it looks like the DVD. It looks better than DVD but not on par with other current HD transfers. I hope Paramount rectifies this but it does not, in the end, take away from the movie itself.



2000 was a major year for me. Coming out of 1999 I felt like I was left a bit beaten. Was going through a bad time and was very depressed. I hadn't done anything creative in over two years and life in general was getting to me. New Year's Eve while I watched alone on TV the world celebrate the coming of the new millennium I realized I needed to turn my life around. Within three months I was able to and started pursuing my dreams again. Got in contact with old friends. Got involved in creative projects. Jumped back in although it did mean I took a hit financially. However, that summer was just incredible. And having it start with a movie like 'Gladiator' made it all the more special. It was the first film I had seen in awhile that really hit me and got me excited about movies. It was a nice marriage of my creative life and my film geek life. So the film will always hold a special place for me.



This was also Oliver Reed's last film. He died towards the end of shooting which resulted in his last scene in the movie being done using outtakes of footage from other scenes being digitally altered to match and a double. It is quite amazing. I still can't tell. Such a powerful performance and a very underrated actor. Many people thought this film would have kicked off a resurgence for him. But it's nice to know he went out on a high note.



Should you buy the Blu-ray? Not sure. If you honestly can look at a transfer and know off the bat the faults with it and are preoccupied with it then no. If you sort of notice things like that but overall the movie will eventually take over your interest then I think you'll be fine. If Paramount does offer a replacement at some point then all of this is a mute point. In the meantime, if you love the movie and want to watch it in the best form available (and it is despite its flaws) then by all means get it. Afterall, are you not entertained?



*NOTE: The above screen shots are NOT from the Blu-ray. They are from the the DVD. Their only purpose is to show off the movie and it makes posts more interesting if you have pictures.

UPDATE: Blu-ray.com has a review of the disc. They do great reviews especially when it comes to the technical aspects so by all means this is a great resource to make your decision on. Click Here