ElectricWarlock Reviews

I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021)

Had potential, but the ending ruins it.

[6/10 · 19 January 2022]

When I saw the first episode, I thought the show felt fresh and exciting. I didn't see the twist of Alison taking her dead sister's place coming. I thought it would be very interesting to watch her have to live in fear, always worrying that she'll say or do something to give away her "secret." And it was. I really enjoyed that part of the show. But there is a weird cult subplot that I wasn't sure really suited it. It just seemed kind of shoehorned in and never totally fit. I never really cared about the cult. I was more interested in the main storyline of the teens and the secret they shared together, so that's why I continued to watch.

What I couldn't excuse was that last episode, though. I didn't mind Margot being the killer, it was the way Alison framed Dylan that I thought was silly. She spent the entire season talking abut how she was in love with Dylan her entire life only to get him to put away forever so she could run away with a maniac serial killer who almost murdered her instead? It didn't make any sense to me and didn't come across as realistic. It came across as though it were forced just to be "different" than the typical "couple defeats the villain and lives happily ever after together" ending. But just because something is different doesn't make it good. It seemed very random and not like something I felt the character, or anyone else for that matter, would really do.

The ending left me feeling cold and like I had wasted my time. It felt tacked on and very unsatisfying. Maybe if there was a season 2, they could've fixed their mistakes and given us a better ending to the story. But since the show was cancelled and there will be no season 2, the lousy ending will always stand. But overall I did like the show for the most part despite the odd idea of the cult and the terrible conclusion. It had potential to be something really special but I don't think it quite lived up to it.

Loon Lake (2019)

A very good movie

[8/10 · 10 October 2019]

I watched this movie today and was very impressed. It tells the story of a priest (Pastor Owen Jansen) in the late 1800s who executes a local girl (Mary Jane Terlinden) for witchcraft, but afterwards she comes back from the dead to have her revenge on him. In present day, our main character, Louis, vacations to the small, rural town for quiet and solitude. As he ventures into the cemetery where Mary Jane is buried, he accidentally awakens her spirit and the horror begins.

There are many things to admire in this movie such as the use of color and the excellent music which really help to create a spooky, Gothic atmosphere. Ansel Faraj has a great eye for visuals as the cinematography and use of color are excellent. All of the cast did a great job, but David Selby (who played Quentin Collins in my favorite show of all time, Dark Shadows) does the best job. He plays two characters. The sleazy, lecherous priest and a descendant of his who is the exact opposite; a friendly, nurturing old man. His discussion with Louis about how they both lost their wives is a moving highlight. Kelly Kitko also does an amazing job as the witch who is sympathetic at first and then turns out to be evil and terrifying.

Perhaps my favorite scene of the movie, is a flashback of Pastor Jansen discussing his loss of faith with his wife, Lena, who is wonderfully played by David Selby's Dark Shadows costar, Kathryn Leigh Scott. Pastor Jansen begins to doubt his faith in God after the loss of their son, just as Louis does in present day after the loss of his wife in a car accident. I think most viewers will be able to relate to the issues of grief, loss, and how to continue living after a devastating tragedy. I found it a great touch which added an extra layer of depth.

Overall, I am very glad I watched this movie and look forward to seeing more from Ansel Faraj in the future. If you are a fan of Gothic horror movies like the Hammer films of the 1960s and '70s and Robert Eggers's The Witch, you will surely enjoy this one.

Blair Witch (2016)

Not a bad sequel at all

[8/10 · 18 September 2016]

To start off, I am a huge fan of the first two Blair Witch movies and have been for many years. With 16 years having gone by since Part 2 was released, I had already lost hope that a third Blair Witch movie would ever come. When I discovered I was wrong, I became very excited and Blair Witch 3 was all I could think about. I counted down the days until I'd be able to go to the theater and finally watch it. When I finally did, I wasn't disappointed.

The first half of the film rehashes the Blair Witch mythology as well as what happens to Heather, Josh, and Mike, which we already know if we've seen the first movie. We are introduced to our lead character, James, who is supposed to be the brother of Heather from the first movie. I felt they could've strengthened that particular part of the film. After watching a video on YouTube of what he believes to be Heather, he ventures into the woods thinking he may find her (or at least a clue of exactly what happened to her). While I recognize it's the basis of the film that justifies a sequel, I think the backstory was a bit underdeveloped.

I feel they should've shown us exactly WHY he cares so much about finding his sister. I am aware the events from the first film happened 20 years ago and he looked to be in his early to mid 20s. He would've been a young child and had to live with this event his entire life. The media would constantly hound this family, kids at school would ask all sorts of questions, and his parents would never be the same again. I think they should've had a scene showing how sad and empty his parents became. That would be a good motivator for him to go out and save Heather. He would help his family have closure and go back to how they used to be. So yes, I think they should've done a better job at showing how this dreadful event impacted his life as a whole and that would allow the viewers to feel something more for him. It would've had a greater emotional impact.

There is also a scene where the characters are discussing the story of Eileen Treacle, a young girl who was pulled into the creek and drowned by a ghostly white hand. The character, Ashley, falls into the creek and her foot is cut. The cut gets infected and she acts very sick and fevered for a while. The infection travels up her leg and there is a gross scene with pus and her pulling a long strand of something out of the leg. Though afterwards this subplot is dropped. It never goes anywhere and seems to exist just so we can have that one grossout scene.

But other than those two minor complaints, the film was great. Although it takes a while for the story to get anywhere; once it gets going it doesn't stop. The witch is more powerful than ever and very terrifying. The first film heavily implies the Blair Witch can manipulate time but this film comes right out and says it. This results in several creepy scenes like the characters believing they woke up early in the morning and are confused when they see it is really 2 in the afternoon. Some other moments that stand out as being particularly creepy are when a stick figure functions as a voodoo doll resulting in a character being broken in half, a character climbing a tree and being thrown to the ground, and trees falling on top of another character.

As with the first two films, though, the creepiest part is the ending. Once they set foot in the infamous house, my heart begun to pound as I anticipated with dread what would become of the last two remaining characters. I have a feeling a lot of that will be lost in subsequent viewings as I know what will happen, but the first viewing of it was very tense and terrifying (especially in a theater). Overall, this film does have some problems like certain characters and details not being fleshed out enough. It is still a really good sequel with unforgettable moments that was well worth the wait. I'd recommend it to any fans of the first two films, especially the first one.

Vampira and Me (2012)

A great documentary that would make Maila Nurmi proud.

[10/10 · 26 June 2014]

This film explores everything about the life of Maila Nurmi from her childhood, to the height of her fame, her downfall, her death, her relevance on pop culture, relationship with James Dean, and so much more in all less than 2 hours. Very few details of her life go untouched and it feels like the complete life story on someone who is a very important icon. Most of the film is Maila being interviewed herself so you get to know each detail of her life in her own words. This allows you to feel you're experiencing the events along with her. She is the only one who is seen being interviewed on screen. All of the other interviews are only audio so this film feels like the true, authentic story of Maila's life. Her story is an inspirational one because it showed someone who worked so hard to achieve so much. Yet she was still thrown away like trash, taken advantage of, hurt, betrayed, and overcame all of it to still be an icon to horror/cult film fans, Goths, and a Hollywood legend in general. While she talked about her times of misfortune and fall from grace, she never seemed bitter or resentful; but rather she seemed to be someone who felt lucky to have achieved success and embraced it with gratefulness.

This is a great documentary which captures the life of an icon very well, and also lets you have an idea of what the 1950s were really like and how different Maila was compared to what other women of that time period were expected to be. She was a truly special, unique person who was one of a kind, and you could see that from this documentary. The director was a personal friend of hers and you could tell how much he cared about her from his narration and the fact that he produced such a documentary in memory of her at all. I would recommend this to any fans of Plan 9 From Outer Space (although it surprisingly doesn't get mentioned a whole lot, the documentary shows there is so much more to the person Maila was than just an appearance in a cult movie) and anybody else who wants to know about the mysterious character.

Slaughter Tales (2012)

A very enjoyable film

[8/10 · 30 April 2014]

To start off, this movie was filmed on an extremely low budget by a 14-year-old, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect before I watched it. What I got was one of the most entertaining, fun experiences I've seen in a movie for a long time. It follows an obnoxious teenager with a snotty attitude who steals a VHS tape entitled Slaughter Tales. When he brings the tape home, he is warned by an apparition in his bathroom not to view the tape. He ignores the warning and watches the movie anyways which features a handful of horror stories including one about a kid who is possessed, killer slugs, a serial killer who has a shrine devoted to his dead mother, and much more including fake trailers. As the snotty kid continues to watch the movie (and sarcastically complains about it in breaks between the stories which were among my favorite parts), he learns there is more to it than just a simple horror flick...

Although it's not technically as well made and well acted as other anthology horror films like Tales From the Crypt, The House That Dripped Blood, Creepshow, or other similar films, I never really expected it to be. In fact, it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. As I said before, it was made on a super small budget by a young teenager and his friends/family around the house. You can still see how much passion and enthusiasm Johnny Dickie put into it. He directed the film, shot the film, acted in it, did the special effects, just about everything you can think of. His love for the horror genre and how much he deeply cares about filmmaking really shines through. You can hear from listening to the director's commentary on the DVD that Johnny has an enthusiasm towards making horror films which I feel is also evident in the movie itself. Of course a few of the performances and special effects weren't top notch and you can definitely tell it has a low budget; but there was a lot of love and appreciation put into what was happening on screen so I didn't even care and was able to overlook the flaws.

It also has a funny side in addition to the horror. Some of the lines made me laugh (like in one of the stories where the killer threatens his victim saying "I'm going to rip your f***ing heart out from your eye socket"). It appears that everyone involved had a great time being in the film so it is fun to watch for that reason. it's still just as entertaining as other similar films including the ones I mentioned above and I do think it is worthy of being watched by every horror fan. I can't wait to see what kind of work Johnny Dickie will do in the future.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

Rob Zombie's film debut and masterpiece

[10/10 · 23 July 2013]

Most people already knew that Rob Zombie was a talented musician, but this film proved to us that he was talented at more than just music. He is also a wonderful director, as this film showed. My favorite part of the film is definitely the characters. The Firefly family (which as everyone who has seen the film knows is the family of serial killers) are some of the most fascinating villains I have ever seen in any horror film. You should technically despise them because they are evil, sadistic serial killers, but for some reason I don't. They have a sense of humor and their own distinct personalities. They aren't your typical silent, faceless serial killer wearing a mask and carrying a large weapon like in many other horror films. They have their own unique character traits that separate them from many other horror villains. All of Rob Zombie's films share this quality in that even the most minor characters have their own backstory and personality so I believe that the building of characters is Rob's strongest trait as a filmmaker.

The synopsis sounds like your stereotypical, run-of-the-mill slasher film in which a group of people whose car "breaks down" seek refuge in a house full of serial killers overnight. But it is presented in a bizarre, unique style that only Rob Zombie can master that it is easily distinctive from any other similar horror film. It has a certain quality of surrealism to it that makes the film seem like a crazy dream or hallucination at times rather than a simple movie. That is a quality that few other directors can make their films possess. Not only is the film well directed, but it is also well acted. For me, the standout performance is Sheri Moon (the wife of Rob Zombie) as Baby Firefly. You could tell she really got into her character and I had trouble telling she was acting. It was almost like she temporarily became Baby during the making of the film. She was evil and sadistic but still possessed a quality of childlike innocence and I think that few actresses are capable of something like that. Karen Black, Sid Haig, and Bill Moseley who are three of my all time favorite actors are also included in the cast and do a wonderful job at portraying their characters. I don't think there was one weak performance in the entire film. It seemed like everyone truly loved playing their characters and truly had fun starring in the film.

The movie is extremely violent, gory, and has it's share of foul language and nudity. Many would argue that it is trashy for that reason, but if those qualities make the film trashy then so be it. I like it anyways because it is delightfully entertaining and an outrageously fun film. It's Rob Zombie's first film but you can barely tell. This film made him look like a professional that has been directing films for years. For someone to make what to me is the best horror film of the 21st century so far as their first film shows a sign of a great director and none of his films have disappointed me yet. If you haven't seen this film, you should as soon as possible because you may feel the same way I do.

Super 8 (2011)

A perfect film

[10/10 · 19 July 2013]

It seems like almost every movie from the past decade or so is either a pointless sequel, unwanted remake, or a special effects bonanza with no effort put into it, only money. So when a film like this comes along, it is a very special experience. To start off, this films biggest advantage would have to be it's characters. Every character is well rounded and given their own unique personality which makes them feel like real human beings rather than cardboard cutouts of people. The character of Joe Lamb is particularly likable and reminds me a lot of myself in ways. Joel Courtney did a perfect job of portraying him and I couldn't believe this was his first acting role because he came across as truly professional. Cary, who is obsessed with pyrotechnics, is also one of the most interesting characters and Ryan Lee did a good job at making him seem humorous and comedic. As a matter of fact, I don't think there was one weak performance in the entire film. Every person did a wonderful job at portraying their respective characters and deserves recognition for doing so.

I enjoy that this film took place in the 1970s. I don't think a story like this would've worked as well if it were to take place in our present decade so I think that was a wise choice and helped make the film more effective. While this film does have an extremely strong, character driven story it also has explosions and neat looking alien monster. But what sets it apart from other films with heavy special effects is that it has plenty of heart to go with them. This film can satisfy both fans of character driven films with a strong story and fans of special effects spectacles. It uses special effects to enhance the story, not to replace the story like many other films. This film also has an emotional side. Joe's mother was killed in a factory accident so now he has to live alone with his father who is the local sheriff so he spends more time working than helping his son cope with the loss of his mother. He feels like his father doesn't love him as much as he used to. Joe keeps a locket his mother gave him while she was still alive, and at the end of the movie, he lets the alien take the locket to build his ship in a moment that brings a tear to my eye every time I watch the film. He held on to the memory of his mother the entire film because he felt she was the only thing he had and the only parent who ever cared about him. But in the end after he gave his father a hug, he also gave up the locket which was symbolic of him accepting his mother's passing. He finally realized his father truly does care about him and that he does have a parent he can rely on to be there when he needs him.

Alice Dainard, brilliantly portrayed by Elle Fanning, also makes up with her father who is an alcoholic that blames himself for the factory disaster which kills Joe Lamb's mother. He worked in the same factory and skipped work that day due to a hangover so Mrs. Lamb had to take his shift. Alice forgives her father as well and begins to accept him as a parent and as a person which is also a touching moment. Overall, this is perhaps my favorite non-horror film of all time. In a world where many films are devoid of passion, this one is truly a labor of love. You can tell this film wasn't made solely to make a billion dollars. Effort and care was clearly put into the film by everyone involved and because of that it is one of the best films in years.

Kiss Daddy Goodbye (1981)

A fun, highly entertaining film. It is very underrated.

[9/10 · 19 July 2013]

Whenever I watch a horror movie, these are always the kinds of films I try to find. To start off, the story is very creative. Two twins with telepathic abilities raise their father from the dead to get revenge after he is murdered by a biker gang. I love the premise of the film and think it is executed very well. Any child that was forced to watch while a parent is murdered would be absolutely horrified so it's really no surprise they brought their father back from the dead. He was a single parent and was the only protection they knew. Marilyn Burns from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Helter Skelter stars in this movie which is the reason I decided to watch it in the first place. As with all the rest of her performances, she did a great job in this movie and really stood out. Teen idol Fabian also stars and gives a pretty good performance. The psychic twins played by Patrick and Nell Regan (the children of the director) did a pretty good job for first time actors. It's a shame to see they didn't go on to appear in other films.

Overall, this film is very unique and bizarre. It's certainly not what you would expect from a zombie horror film and that's the reason I enjoy it so much. It is a breath of fresh air and not many people seem to know about it which is very sad. I think it is highly underrated and deserves a lot more recognition than it receives. It is not your typical, run-of- the-mill horror film, it is very strange. But that strangeness is what makes it memorable. I bought the film expecting it to be just an average , typical horror film you see everyday but I was pleasantly surprised because I got a nice, interesting horror film unlike anything I'd ever seen before. If you have not yet watched this film, you should see it as soon as possible. You will not regret it because it is a very intriguing movie.

Deadly Friend (1986)

One of Wes Craven's best

[10/10 · 19 July 2013]

Everyone who knows anything about horror movies knows that Wes Craven is a horror legend because of films like The Last House on the Left, The Hills Have Eyes, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream. But I personally feel this is one of Wes Craven's best films and is very underrated. To start with, it has interesting characters that are easy to relate to which I feel is a very important thing for any film to have because if you don't care about the characters, you won't care what happens to them and if the viewers don't care what happens in a film then it is a total failure. Matthew Laborteaux (who people may know as Albert from The Little House on the Prairie) is perfectly cast as Paul Conway, the main character of the film who is a genius and is even friends with an adorable robot named BB. His convincing performance makes the character likable and easy to care about. Kristy Swanson plays the character of Samantha who I personally felt very sorry for because she had to live with an abusive alcoholic of a father. Her character's life is very sad and she doesn't deserve to go through what she has to on a daily basis. Another performance that stood out was Anne Ramsey as Elvira, the grouchy old next door neighbor the audience loves to hate. Her performance was hilarious because she was so mean and her crotchety attitude made for some great and memorable moments.

This film starts out as your typical, cheerful '80s movie about the new kid in town and has a light, comedic atmosphere to begin with. But when the film becomes serious, there are very emotional moments that will definitely leave an impact on the viewer's psyche. It touches on issues such as alcoholism, domestic abuse, love, and death. The story is very creative. It is a love story as well as a horror film and to me it doesn't feel like any other film I've ever seen. There is one death scene that most audiences remember this film for. If you haven't seen it, I won't spoil it for you, but if you have, you know exactly what scene I'm referring to. The death sequence came out of nowhere and was immensely shocking. Overall, this was a well written, well acted film with interesting characters. The only flaw I noticed with the film is the ending. Again, I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't seen the film but it is not the way I would've ended the film whatsoever. But other than that, the film is perfect and one of my absolute favorites of all time. If you haven't seen this film yet, you absolutely should because it is a true, underrated classic.

The Lords of Salem (2012)

Rob Zombie's best film yet

[10/10 · 15 June 2013]

Rob Zombie is one of the most polarizing directors in horror today. Most people either seem to absolutely adore his films or despise them and think he should be banned from filmmaking forever. I am in the group of people who love all of his films. In fact, I think he's the best horror director spawned out of the 21st century and this film is an example of why. This film has a great story in which a coven of witches is executed during the Salem Witch Trials and come back 300 years later to get revenge by choosing a descendant of one of the executioners to give birth to the Antichrist. All of Rob's previous films before this, although good, have contained heavy amounts of blood, violence, obscene language, and nudity. This film is different than all of the rest because it chooses to focus on atmosphere and building suspense and contains very little blood, violence, or vulgar language. It doesn't even feel like a Rob Zombie film because it is so different from all of his others. I think that shows how great of a director he is that he can make two completely different types of horror films and do them both successfully. It also uses beautiful imagery to tell it's story. This film dares to have it's own unique style in a world where almost every horror film looks the same. This confused many people into thinking the film emphasized it's style rather than story. I don't think that at all. While the imagery and cinematography was striking, I feel it was used in a way so it was helpful to the story; not replacing the story completely.

Sheri Moon Zombie plays the lead role of Heidi Hawthorne in what I think is her best performance so far. Her character goes through a lot not only being a recovering drug addict but having to deal with supernatural events on top of it that makes her fear she is losing her sanity. Sheri's performance makes you feel immense pity for her character and you really sympathize with her. I really wanted to see her overcome the battle with the witches and finally become happy again. Judy Geeson, Patricia Quinn, and Dee Wallace also give great performances and manage to seem wickedly evil. But Meg Foster's performance is probably the highlight of the entire film. She does not hold back whatsoever and gives the role every drop of talent she has. It doesn't even feel as if she's acting, it feels like she truly became this sinister woman for her role.

Do not let any negative review of this film fool you, otherwise you will miss out on a truly great film. This is Rob Zombie's best film yet and in my opinion it shows how much he is growing as a director. I think that in two or three decades, it is going to be seen as one of the great horror classics of our time because it is a dark, evil feeling film dripping with suspense and atmosphere similar to classics such as Suspiria, The Shining, and Rosemary's Baby.

Salem's Lot (1979)

The best vampire movie of all time.

[10/10 · 15 June 2013]

I believe this horror film is perfect in every way. If it had any flaws, I certainly didn't notice them. The characters were interesting and likable for the most part. I especially identified with Mark Petrie because at times I felt the character was based on me. We have similar personalities because we both are the quiet, introverted type who enjoys being alone and both love horror films and writing. I think the most important thing any film could do is make you care about the characters and what happens to them. This film did that very well. Each character felt like a real person rather than a cardboard stock character existent only to have a cool death scene like many other horror movies. All the actors and actresses playing the characters did a brilliant job as well. Lance Kerwin was perfectly cast in the role of Mark Petrie and gave a wonderful performance. Ronnie Scribner also managed to be genuinely creepy in the role of Ralphie Glick and his great performance in the film resulted in one of the most memorable moments I've ever seen in any horror film. Anyone who's seen it knows exactly what scene I'm talking about.

However the best performance in the film has to be Reggie Nalder in the role of Kurt Barlow. He is without a doubt the most terrifying vampire I have ever seen in any film before. His makeup effects are absolutely wonderful and have yet to be outdone. The musical score also deserves recognition for contributing to the suspenseful, chilling atmosphere that the entire film has. The film is over three hours long but you are so engaged and captivated while watching it, that the time length goes by quickly and ends up only feeling half as long as it actually is. It felt like the perfect blend of classic horror style and modern horror. The atmosphere was so perfect that it felt like you were actually living the events of the film along with the characters. Very few films have that effect for me. Based on the novel by Stephen King who is a mastermind of the horror genre and directed by the legendary Tobe Hooper, there is no way this film could possibly be anything less than amazing. It is truly a perfect horror film and there are very few like it.

The Other (1972)

An amazing masterpiece

[10/10 · 17 March 2013]

If you want a horror film that relies on a good, suspenseful story rather than blood, violence, and outrageously loud jump scares, then this a film you cannot afford to miss. While this film isn't particularly scary, it has enough mystery and imagination that it manages to be captivating all the way through. The story is highly imaginative and thoroughly interesting. The characters were interesting and likable. I really cared about the characters and what happened to them and for me that is the key to making a good movie. If I don't care about the characters, I won't care what happens in the story, and if I don't care what happens in the story I won't care for the film. Many horror movies make the mistake of having the characters exist only to be killed in bizarre ways, but the characters in this movie were well thought out and felt like real people with real personalities. Uta Hagen, Martin Udvarnoky, and Chris Udvarnoky gave the best performances in the film. Their performances are unforgettable and they bring their own qualities to the characters that make them feel that much more authentic.

Many people would likely find this film boring because they are used to horror films with grotesque looking monsters jumping out of dark corners, and madmen butchering people with large weapons. But this film isn't like those at all. It is sophisticated, intellectual, and requires the viewer to think; something so few horror films today do. It is unique and unlike any other horror film I've seen and because of that it is one of my absolute favorites.

Dead of Night (1977 TV Movie)

A wonderful horror anthology

[10/10 · 7 March 2013]

It seems every horror fan is aware of Dan Curtis's masterpiece Trilogy of Terror, but this film doesn't seem to get quite as much recognition as Trilogy of Terror and it is just as good in my opinion. The first story isn't exactly horror. It is more of a Twilight Zone like tale of a man who travels back in time using a 1920s car to save the lives of his girlfriend's grandparents. It is a very intriguing tale, and just like an episode of The Twilight Zone, the twist ending captures you by surprise. Ed Begley, Jr. makes the story great and his performance really sells it. The story is interesting and well written. The second story, No Such Thing As A Vampire, starts out as your typical vampire story in that there are mysterious attacks and everyone in the village is in fear. But the ending of the story is something I didn't see coming at all. It features Elisha Cook, Jr., who is always a joy to watch in everything he stars in. Bobby, the third of the three stories, is the best and without a doubt the most memorable. Joan Hackett is terrific as a grieving mother who is desperate to have the son she loves so much with her again. Lee Montgomery's performance is unforgettable as Bobby. He is one of my favorite actors and he never played the villain in anything else I watched him in. But he is truly scary and menacing in the role of Bobby. I can see why the mother was so afraid of him.

Overall, all of the stories have an atmosphere of mystery, suspense, and intrigue about them. All of them were wonderfully written by the brilliant Richard Matheson. If you like horror movies full of shock and suspense, this is one film you cannot afford to miss. I feel this film is a terrific, underrated masterpiece.

Empire of the Ants (1977)

This is a very fun movie

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

If all you knew of this film was it's title and what it is about, you'd probably expect it to be just another cheesy B-movie. However, I think it has qualities that sets it apart from other B-movies. It actually has an interesting story, characters with a lot of depth, good acting, and great looking filming locations. All of the characters in this movie are fascinating. They feel like real people rather than just cardboard props that exist simply to be killed. The actors and actresses who play the characters are wonderful as well. Joan Collins, Pamela Susan Shoop, and John David Carson particularly stand out. They bring a certain quality to their characters that makes you like them. The story also has an interesting premise. It is somewhat similar to the movie Them!, but has just enough of Bert I. Gordon's charm that you can easily distinguish the two. I will admit, the giant ants don't look very realistic. But unless you grab a large group of giant ants, find a way to enlarge them drastically, and then train them to act, there's no way they could ever look completely authentic so the effects don't bother me. I don't watch films for how good their effects are anyways. I watch them for an interesting story with fascinating characters and I feel this film has both of those qualities. I won't go as far to say this film is the biggest masterpiece of all time, but I believe it is well written, well acted, and highly entertaining. That's all I ask for in a film. Don't let any bad reviews discourage you from seeing this film because you will be missing a charming, fascinating movie. This is an underrated film and doesn't get enough credit for how good it truly is.

The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972)

An underrated masterpiece

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

Before The Exorcist showed up, there was this film about possession. However, this doesn't get even a quarter of the recognition The Exorcist gets and I think it should. I see no reason whatsoever this film shouldn't be on every horror fan's list of best films ever. It has all the elements necessary to make a good horror movie. To start with, it has a wonderful, well written story based on a book by Ramona Stewart. The film is very well paced. It is filled with suspense and atmosphere. There is a sense of dread from the moment the film starts. In fact, the sense of dread is so unrelenting, that right from the beginning you can tell something bad is going to happen. It's just a matter of time to wait. This film doesn't need blood and gore or loud jump scares, it actually has real terror. The characters are also very fascinating. The main character, Norah, seems to be a rich, uppity snob, she has an extreme amount of devotion to her family so you can't help but like her even if you don't want to. All of the acting is good, but the performance that stands out the most is David Elliott's. During the climax of the film, you feel sorry for his character as well as his sister. His performance is so convincing, that you actually believe he is being put under the abuse that Joel inflicts upon his character.

The most infamous scene of the film is near the ending. I won't give too much detail, but things happen in this film that no filmmaker would even attempt to do today. If you have seen the film, you already know exactly what I am referring to. If you haven't, you will have to see for yourself. While what happens near the ending is upsetting to almost everyone who watches it, I think that's the whole point. A good movie will make the viewer feel something, and this movie certainly does that. It is more than just a controversial horror film, though. It touches on important subject matter such as racism, cultural differences, and class distinction. Overall, this film doesn't get anywhere near the recognition it receives. It is an underrated, shocking, and brutal film. I will recommend it every chance I receive.

Burnt Offerings (1976)

One of the best horror movies ever made.

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

If you are looking for blood, gore, or loud jump scares, you might want to look elsewhere. Rather than resorting to cheap tactics, this film focuses heavily on atmosphere, suspense, and tension. There is enough suspense in this film for three movies. There isn't a boring moment in this entire film. I was so captivated by this film, that the first time I watched it, I actually felt as if I lived in the mansion among the characters. Almost never does a film come along in which I forget I'm even watching a movie and can't separate it from reality. This movie did just that. It's story sounds like your run-of-the-mill haunted house film when you simply read the summary, but when you actually watch the film, it is a unique experience never to be forgotten. It is highly similar to The Shining. Both films are sophisticated, chilling horror films that require the viewer to think. Because of that, they are both wonderful.

It is no coincidence that this movie is from the mastermind behind Dark Shadows. Dan Curtis masters suspense and terror in a way very few can. The musical score by Robert Cobert contributes to the unsettling mood of the film perfectly. It is one of my favorite scores of all time. The acting is incredible. Karen Black, Oliver Reed, Bette Davis, and Lee Montgomery all have great chemistry as a family and are all wonderful in their respective performances. The characters are all likable. I don't usually like happy endings in horror movies, but this is a case where I wanted the characters to live because I liked them so much. But sadly, that was not meant to happen. Overall, this film has everything I could want in a horror film and I am glad to be a fan of it.

Ben (1972)

Films like this are the reason I'm a horror fan

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

The original Willard was a great film in itself, but this film is even better in my opinion. This is more than just your typical horror film about killer rats, it is a touching story about friendship. The main character of the film, a boy with heart problems named Danny (brilliantly portrayed by Lee Montgomery who is one of my favorite actors) befriends Ben, the leader of the group of killer rats from the first movie. The police try to have Ben and all the rest of the rats killed. The main reason this film resonated with me is because I can identify with Danny. I know what it's like to be lonely and feel like you have no one you can depend on. I also know what it's like to have an animal as a companion because most of the time I feel more comfortable around animals than I do around people. And as I mentioned before, Lee Montgomery is one of my favorite actors. So all of these factors combined made the character of Danny likable to me and easy to relate to. Many people who dislike the film complain that the rats are "supposed to be evil" and not friendly. I would disagree with that statement. Willard had the same type of companionship with the rats to start with. It was only when Willard turned on them and decided he wanted them dead that they wanted him dealt with. But Danny never stopped being loyal to the rats. They truly cared about one another so the rats had no reason to try to kill him. The ending of the movie brings a tear to my eye every time. You can see just how much Danny and Ben truly care about one another and how special their friendship really is. Michael Jackson's beautiful song makes the ending that much more effective.

The acting in this film was truly remarkable. Lee Montgomery's performance was great. He used just the right amount of emotion and made his character likable. Besides his performance, Meredith Baxter, who played Eve, was also great. She was totally convincing as a protective sister. In fact, if you weren't aware the film was fictional, you could swear Danny and Eve really were brother and sister. Meredith Baxter played her role in such a way that it seemed as though she genuinely cared about her brother's well being. The story is unique and wonderfully written. However, it is quite different from it's predecessor. While Willard had a slight touch of dark humor, it was far more serious than this film for the most part. Although this film does have death scenes, it is a slightly more lighthearted than Willard so both adults and children can enjoy it.

Halloween (2007)

One of my favorite remakes

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

I feel like the moment it was announced this film was being made, people automatically hated it without giving it a chance. I recognize the fact that the original film is a classic and love it just as much as any other horror fan does, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy this film as well. While most remakes are just about the same as the original for the most part with only slight adjustments such as using modern special effects, newer technology, and popular actors from today; this remake actually contributes something to the story by going into more detail about Michael's past. In the original movie, Michael is simply born evil and has no real reason to become a serial killer besides the fact that he was born that way. In this movie, Rob Zombie saw it necessary to give Michael a backstory and make the fact that he was born into an unstable family as the reason he became a killer. That is considered a clichéd and unoriginal reason to some, but to me it seems completely realistic and believable. If you read about real life serial killers like Albert Fish, John Wayne Gacy, Ed Gein, and Henry Lee Lucas, there seems to be a trend that most of them grew up with rough childhoods in an unhealthy environment so it makes sense that would be the reason Michael would kill. The "born evil" explanation suits the original movie, but this isn't the original movie. I think the reason given as Michael becoming a killer suits this film and if people want to watch the original Halloween, they should watch it and skip this remake. People complained when the remake of Psycho was exactly the same as the original and then complained this one was too different and changed Michael's backstory too much. Should remakes be the same or different? Make up your mind.

The acting in this film is incredible. Daeg Faerch, Danielle Harris, Scout Taylor-Compton, Malcolm McDowell, Tyler Mane, Dee Wallace, Sheri Moon Zombie, William Forsythe, Brad Dourif, and Danny Trejo were all amazing in their respective roles. There wasn't a weak performance in this entire film. Everyone who acted in this film gives their performance all the talent they have and you can tell they really enjoy what they're doing which is very important to a film. If the actors are bored, you can certainly tell are bored and that makes the viewer lose interest as well. I didn't notice that whatsoever from this film. The great acting is what makes this film because you honestly believe the actors and actresses really are the characters they portray in the film. Only a brilliant director could elicit such great performances from an actor and I believe that Rob Zombie is a brilliant director. He is the best horror filmmaker of the 21st century and I don't think people give him enough credit. Because he is also a successful musician, people think music is the only thing he should be allowed to be good at. I honestly think that is the reason people hate Rob's films. All of Rob's films are excellent and all horror filmmakers who plan to do any remake in the future should watch this film and learn how to do a remake right.

Boggy Creek II: And the Legend Continues (1983)

Definitely does not belong in the bottom 100.

[9/10 · 5 March 2013]

The only reason whatsoever that this movie is in the bottom 100 is because it appeared on the television show Mystery Science Theater 3000. People assume that just because a movie appeared on that show that it must be bad which simply isn't the case. Many movies that appeared on that show are entertaining on their own and do not need jokes and commentary to make them worthwhile. This movie is a good example of how to do a sequel correctly. All of the characters are likable and the performances from all of the actors and actresses were pleasing. Charles B. Pierce creates a wonderful story that is unforgettable. The story manages to touch my emotions in a way few films do.

I especially like how this movie showed another side to the Fouke "Monster." It showed that he wasn't really a monster at all. He was just a creature who was misunderstood and feared for no good reason at all. He just wanted to take care of his injured child who was kidnapped and locked in chains for the purposes of being exploited for money. The creature had determination. Seeing his child being treated in this way just because he was different gave him the drive to fight against Mr. Crenshaw's evil deeds and get his child back because he loved him. He fought for his son out of love and that is a truly special thing. Monsters can't love. When I think of monsters, I think of evil beings who have death and destruction on their minds, not creatures who are full of kindness for the ones they love. If the Fouke Monster is evil, it is because humans made him that way with their need to fear and exploit anything that may be considered different in some way. The first two movies touched on this concept too, but I think this movie put an interesting spin on it and made it an unforgettable cinematic experience. This movie is an inspiration to me, and I am proud to call myself a fan of it.

If you are going to skip this film because of it's reputation being on the bottom 100, please reconsider. You may have the same point of view I did. Many films are on that list that don't belong there and this is most definitely one of them.

Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)

An underrated masterpiece

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

As everyone knows by now, The Exorcist is a horror classic. This film would be a horror classic as well if it wasn't so misunderstood. This film mixes horror, science fiction, and fantasy all in one film. It is pervaded with a dreamlike atmosphere to the point in which it doesn't even feel as if you're watching a film when you see it. It feels as if you're right in the middle of a bizarre nightmare you can't wake up from, similar to Suspiria. The music contributes to this dreamlike atmosphere in a way I have never heard a score contribute to the atmosphere before. Ennio Morricone did a terrific job at composing the score. Listening to this score alone, you can see it's really no wonder he's considered a legendary composer. The camera-work also achieved the effect of contributing the dreamlike atmosphere.

I believe the reason so many people dislike it is because it is so different in tone to the first film. People watch the film expecting it to be exactly the same as the first and it isn't whatsoever. It is a very unique film experience that feels nothing like the first film. While the first film was a straight horror/drama grounded in reality for the most part, this film goes it's own route and is highly fantastical. If it was simply called The Heretic, I think people would like it a lot more. Because it's a sequel, people can't seem to get the first film out of their mind and constantly compare it.

The film gives a reason for Regan's possession. It gives the idea that she had the gift of healing as the reason she was possessed. Satan wanted to destroy this gift because it was used for goodness, so he sent a demon to possess Regan. I believe that was a genius and creative idea. There is a touching scene in which Regan causes an autistic girl who is mute speak for the first time in front of her mother. It always gives me goosebumps no matter how many times I see the film. The story which is very well written cleverly links the past with the future. While it gives fresh ideas and builds on the story of Regan's life and the aftermath of her possession, it also delves further into the past by showing Father Merrin's prior experience with exorcism before he met Regan. It is also brilliantly acted. Linda Blair is terrific and it's good to see her play Regan yet again. It was also nice to see Kitty Winn for the second time. Louise Fletcher, James Earl Jones, Richard Burton, Paul Henreid, and Ned Beatty are also among the all star cast and give unforgettable performances.

Overall, I think the amount of hatred this film receives is absolutely unfair. It deserves none of it. It is one of the most underrated, misunderstood films of all time. Sometimes I even enjoy it more than the first film. Please don't let the bad reputation this film has discourage you from watching it. You may have the same feelings about the film that I do.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

A brilliant horror movie

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

This is one of my favorite horror films of all time. The main reason I love it is because it leaves everything up to the imagination of the viewer. It doesn't show you the villain (whoever or whatever it may be), so you have to decide for yourself what is happening. This film gives the viewer just as large of a role in the film as it does with the characters. I can't think of many films that do that, so this film is truly one of a kind. If you don't have an imagination and like to have every detail of a film spoonfed to you, this film is not the one for you. This is a horror film that actually requires the viewer to think, and not all viewers like to do that, so that's one of the main reasons many seem to dislike it.

This film doesn't need cheap gore, brutal death scenes, tasteless nudity, or even overly loud jump scares. It relies solely on suspense and atmosphere. Every moment of the film captures the viewer's interest and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for what is going to happen next. The amount of tension this film builds is horrifying. There is a brooding atmosphere that permeates the entire film. The second you see the characters, you can sense that something bad is going to happen and you dread it. You really feel sorry for the characters and sympathize with the situation they're going through. This is due to the amazing performances from Heather Donahue, Michael Williams, and Joshua Leonard. You can't tell they're acting at all. It seems as if they're truly in danger.

If you like subtle, intelligent horror films that are truly about being scary rather than blood, gore, and loud noises, this is the film for you. If not, then perhaps you would be better off watching something else.

Summer of Fear (1978 TV Movie)

An underrated masterpiece

[10/10 · 5 March 2013]

Anyone who is familiar with Wes Craven's films knows that he is a horror legend, making such classics as A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Last House on the Left, The Hills Have Eyes, and Scream. While those are some of his most famous films, I'd say this one is just as good as all of them and doesn't get anywhere near enough recognition. The main thing I think this film does well is create interesting characters. The people in this film are fascinating and seem just like real people, not fictional characters. Linda Blair, Lee Purcell, and Fran Drescher gave the best performances of the film. The story is also very interesting and well written. It is based off of a book by Lois Duncan. Every moment of this film is fascinating and I wasn't bored once. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next. I wanted Rachel to expose her cousin's witchcraft and defeat her every step of the way. Most of the time when I watch a film, I keep my eye on the clock counting down the minutes until it will end. I didn't do that at all with this film because I didn't want it to end.

This is one of the most entertaining horror films I've ever seen and I don't feel as if it gets enough recognition. It is one of Wes Craven's best and completely fun to watch.

Joshua (2007)

Great movie, but I think Joshua was misunderstood.

[10/10 · 22 June 2011]

First of all, I just wanted to say that this movie was terrific. I am a fan of movies about evil children and so I knew what to expect, seeing similar movies such as "The Bad Seed" and "Children of the Corn" beforehand. I was greatly pleased when I watched this film. The main thing I liked, besides the wonderful story, was the extremely well-written characters. Character development is one of the most important things I feel any movie could have because if you don't care about the characters, you aren't going to care what happens to them so what good is watching a movie if you don't care about the characters? This movie did a wonderful job with writing the characters because I did care about them. Especially Joshua who was brilliantly portrayed by Jacob Kogan. He was perfectly cast in the role of Joshua who I think was misunderstood, and let me explain why:

This film seems to try to portray Joshua as sinister, manipulative and evil and I don't think Joshua was evil at all, I just think he thought differently than other children and had habits and characteristics that were unusual compared to everyone else. He felt unloved by his parents and felt that they weren't giving him enough affection because of his new baby sister so he acted out and started doing these crazy things like collapsing on stage during the piano recital in an effort to gain their attention. In the scene where he tells the baby "no one will ever love you," I felt sorry for him because it shows that he feels unloved and unwanted by his parents so he blames the baby for it. The parents were too busy paying attention to the new baby that at times it seemed like they forgot they even had a son, so this carried on to the point where Joshua seemed to dislike his parents and wanted to be taken away from them, which is evident in the scene with the psychiatrist. I feel that he knew he would be taken away if he drew pictures filled with blood or violence and he wanted that to happen. He and his uncle had a strongbond and he felt he belonged with his uncle rather than his parents. As for the killing of the dog and his grandmother, we never actually see him kill them on screen so they could just be coincidental accidents. I like Joshua and feel that his character was similar to me in many ways including his interest in mummies and Ancient Egyptian culture, which were something I was greatly interested in when I was younger.

Also, the ending of the film was the best part in my opinion. It made me almost cry both times I watched it, so you'd better have a tissue when you watch it. Overall, this film was a great movie with a wonderful story, well written characters, great acting, tons of suspense and great acting. If you haven't seen this movie, see it as soon as possible and try to see the character of Joshua from a different point-of-view than a homicidal maniac.