Thursday, July 4, 2013

The 10 Horror Films You've Seen 100 Times (Part II)

Today will be the conclusion of yesterday's post. Again, they aren't in any specific ranking or order. These are simply the final five films that we've all seen too many times, and still watch today.

Some of these are a bit more serious than the ones posted yesterday. However, we've still donated hours of our lives to watching these movies over and over again.

What it boiled down to was which films bring back memories, which films drag you into the past when you watch them? For me it was an easy choice, thought I'll admit that I've seen way more movies than these 10 listed 100 times.

This list contains not only the greatest slasher film, sequel, vampire, werewolf film and zombie film. It also contains a trip down memory lane!



"Evil Dead II"


The name of the film says it all gang. I don't really have to write a paragraph for this movie, but I'm going to anyway. Although this film speaks for itself, there's still a lot that can be said about it. It's the greatest horror sequel ever made, and the best of the trilogy. This movie has carried through the ages and hasn't even had a dent put in it's greatness. Films like this one, and the awesomeness it beholds, are the reason some people got into horror. You just can't simply top a classic...

FUN FACT: The reason some of the gore was green and black in the film was because if it were all crimson colored the film would have received an X rating.


"The Lost Boys"


This is one of those films that you can never see too many times. It's one of those movies you still stop on when channel surfing, even though you have it in your DVD collection. You can watch it any time, day or night. It's gained an amazing amount of cult popularity, but it's more than well deserved. It's one of those films you hear a lot of hype for, and it's actually lives up to the hype. This film is amazing.

FUN FACT: This movie invented the phrase "vamp out", which has passed into common usage on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.


"RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD"


Now here is a movie that will give you a little piece of everything, including heaven. Undoubtedly the best zombie film ever made, and one of the funniest horror comedies ever. This film is full of non stop laughs, as well as a great story that always keeps you entertained, even though you've seen it countless times. It's one of the few movies that will actually force you to pay attention and watch, regardless of if you've seen it 10 times or 100 times.

FUN FACT: The Tarman is the first zombie in cinema history to eat a human brain.


"An American Werewolf in London"


"The Howling"  is a good 2nd to this film, but nothing will ever beat it...at least not in the foreseeable future. This movie has been on a pedestal since it came out and has never relinquished the thrown. This is the movie that you'd watch on a Saturday night, eating popcorn with friends and family, or even yourself. It's fun, scary, brilliant and funny. Regardless of what your favorite werewolf film is, you can't deny the greatness of this one.

  FUN FACT: All the songs in this film have the word "moon" in their titles.


"Halloween"


The grand daddy slasher flick. Not the first slasher, but the one that started the craze. This is, and always will be, my favorite horror film of all time, and king of the slashers. The film is legend. It's one of those rare films that recaptures the first time you've seen it every time you watch it. One of the scariest films ever created, this film has found it's way into our hearts, souls and minds. It changed the way we look at horror, and to that I kneel.

FUN FACT: The only person not credited for playing Michael Myers is producer, Debra Hill. She was young Mikey's hands when stabbing Judith in the opening of the film.


Well, that's it! I hope you enjoyed the list, it sure as hell was fun to write about. The child comes out in me when I think of such great films. 

And as I said earlier, there's a lot more films that I've seen 100 times. So Don't be surprised if a 3rd part of this article pops up at some point in the future. All the films listed are known by every horror fan, and thus, they're the horror films we've all seen 100 times...maybe a little less...maybe a little more. Okay, maybe a lot more. Who knows?

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

The 10 Horror Films You've Seen 100 Times (Part 1)

Due to my Mother being ill, I've been spending more time at my parents house, instead of my own place. My parents were never the type to keep up on technology, so they still have a VHS player hooked up along with  the collection of tapes that I watched throughout my years of living there. Even though they have a DVD player, while I was there I felt the need to take a trip down memory lane and use the old trusty VHS player.

I stayed up until almost four O'clock in the morning watching horror films I haven't seen in a while, and the nostalgia struck me. Here I am, staying up late watching tapes at my parents house. For those few hours I was a young teenager again. And then it hit me. I thought of making a two part post that mentions 10 horror films that just about every horror fan has seen at least 100 times.

I'm not ranking these in any particular order, we've all seen some more than others. I'm just listing them, and today is the first 5. These are films that most of us still watch today on higher formats like DVD and Blu-Ray, but they still bring back memories because, they've been with us for so long. They're the films that helped to seal the deal on us being horror fans, the ones that had an impact on us because we watched them so many times, the ones that we'd stay up late at night to watch to be scared and thrilled. The films we'll always cherish, no matter how aged they are, they'll never be irrelevant to us.

These are the movies that'll always strike memories in us, and they will always make us remember where we were in life when we became obsessed.


"Elvira, Mistress of the Dark"


Everybody loves Elvira! It's not enough that she hosted her own show, they had to give her a movie as well, and aren't we glad they did? As if there wasn't already enough about her to love, now we got a full feature length film based on her! This movie is filled with laughs galore and has some pretty laughable-yet amazing-stunts and special effects. It's the best of Elvira in 90 minutes, and I've watched those 90 minutes more times than I could count. And I'd never take back a second of it.

FUN FACT: During the scene in which Elvira is being burned at the stake,the heat from the flames was so intense that it melted Cassandra Peterson's black Elvira wig.


"Killer Klowns From Outer Space"


This was a movie that was scary, yet really, really amusing. We'd be creeped out, but turn around and laugh in the same scene. Unless you have a fear of clowns, I don't think anyone was really scared of this movie. It's the definition of a popcorn flick! It's fun, cheesy, goofy, and a hell of a lot of fun. Even though you may have gotten a little freaked out by it, you always returned for seconds and thirds. And as a child, it had you checking your cotton candy when you went to the fair.

FUN FACT: The giant "King Klown" from the ending sequence, effectively called "Klownzilla" by the Chiodo brothers, was actually played by one of them (Charles Chiodo).


"Critters"


Who honestly can say that they do not enjoy watching "Critters"? I don't know anyone, and it's because even if you don't like it for whatever reason, there's still something to enjoy about it as well. Long ago were the days when you could have cute little fur balls as small terrors. Not only does this one have laughs, it has a little bit of everything. As ridiculous as it is, it has that touch of perfection that we've all grown to see and love.

FUN FACT: There are only 2 deaths on-screen, all the other characters are simply just 'harmed'.


"Tales from the Hood"


This is that movie that everyone and their mother talked about. I remember the days when my friends would say, "hey, you wanna come over my house and watch 'Tales from the Hood?". Though I can't lie, I was one of those people asking my friends as well. We didn't care that it was the same film 100 times we were watching, we thought we were cool as hell for watching this stuff. And we were, we just didn't know exactly how cool we were until now that we look back at it. ...Okay, we weren't that cool. But to us, we were.

FUN FACT: David Alan Grier, known during the early to mid 90's as one of the cast members on the sketch show In Living Color (1990), appeared in a very rare non-comedic role as Carl, the very abusive stepfather during the second segment. 

"Monster Squad"


This is what I like to call the default movie. When you were bored or didn't know what to do, or didn't have anything on TV to watch, you watched "Monster Squad". It's got all of the movie monsters that have become icons over the ages in one film, and featured kids your age! It was a dream film, you'd get lost in the fantasy of it all. And wishing you could be as cool as the kids in the movie. And no matter how many times you watched it, the ending with Frankenstein never got any easier to watch. This film is loved and adored by everyone, and rightfully so.

FUN FACT: Liam Neeson was paid for a bit part that was never shot.



If you can agree on any and all of the above as being films you've seen countless times, and films that you hold dear in your heart, then check back tomorrow when I reveal the remaining 5 films!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

10 Greatest Vampire Hunters in Cinema History

Vampires have been around for ages now, and the one thing that always accompanies them is a foe, stopping at nothing to put the undead to rest. I've narrowed it down to my ten favorite hunters, the ones that have had the most impact on me, as well as cinema lovers all around the globe.

Just like vampires, vampire hunters do exist. There's stories of people who claim to prowl the cemeteries at night in search of blood suckers. Some look at these people like they're crazy, but are they really? Or are they simply facing a truth we're all afraid of? I'll leave that one up to you to decide.

Like Vampires, hunters also spilled into cinema. And in this list you will only find real, flesh, and blood Vampire hunters. I love comics, but this isn't a list for comic characters or cartoons. The ten chosen, are the icons that we'll always remember and pay homage to.



10. Peter Vincent ('Fright Night')



1985's 'Fright Night' is my 2nd favorite vampire film ever, after 'The Lost Boys'. Played to perfection by Roddy McDowall, Peter Vincent is the host of local television show Fright Night. A show that showcases Peter's movies, portraying him as a vampire hunter. Only when a real vampire moves into town, he's faced with the real monster, and not just the fake ones played by actors in his movies.

The thing that's so likable about this guy is that he's a real guy, afraid like we all would be. Yet, he's able to overcome his cowardice and really be the hero he's always portrayed himself in movies as. Even though it's a small role, it was an awesome one. And it's a character no horror fan will ever forget about.


9. Jack Crow (John Carpenter's 'Vampires') 



The 1998 film 'Vampires' was a success, and a film that gets brought up a lot in conversations about vampire movies. Though some tend to forget about it, it's still echoing off the vampire genre's walls. Everyone was happy to see a good and original vampire film be made. Not to mention that it's by the master himself, John Carpenter.

Played by James Woods, Jack Crow is the leader of a pact of vampire hunters and mercenaries sponsored by the Vatican. This character is so memorable because of how gritty he is, and how he's not afraid to get his hands dirty. He's only a man and he's flawed, but he's one tough SOB and fights tooth and nail to stay in the game and to destroy vampires.


8. Sam and Dean Winchester ('Supernatural')



Though I've stopped  watching the CW show after the epic fifth season,  no one can deny the awesome duo Sam and Dean are! They hunt down every and any ugly, and scary thing that lurk in the shadows, including fanged freaks. The lore on vampires was well written on 'Supernatural', it was a realistic take on the blood fiends.

Even though their backs are always to the wall, they never cease to devise a brilliant plan to get the job done. It make cost them some blood loss and a few broken bones, but Sam and Dean are blue-collar workers who never stop until the beasts are at rest.


7. The Frog Brothers ('The Lost Boys')



Everything about 'The Lost Boys' is iconic! Including the two comic loving, rough and rugged Frog Brothers. These guys are just cool. If I went to school with them, they'd be my crowd. They're weird, funny, knowledgeable, and although they get by on the skin of their teeth, they're grade A ass kickers.

When Sam finds out his brother, Michael, may be a vampire, he contacts none other than the Frog Brothers for help. Although they're amateur, they take care of business and are a blast to watch. They never get old and neither does the film. I love these guys!


6. Gabriel Van Helsing ('Van Helsing')


Even though the 2004 film fell flat on it's face to a lot of critical abuse, no one can say that Van Helsing isn't an efficient vampire hunter. Hell, he turns himself into a werewolf, a beast he also hunts, in order to take out Dracula. If that's not dedication, I don't know what is.

Van Helsing is a member of the Knights of the Holy Order, stationed at the Vatican. He's sent on a mission to save the Valerious family from history's most feared vampire, Dracula. Gabriel is a tough, rugged and smart hunter that will forever be remembered as a character. Regardless of how you feel about the film itself.


5. Lucian ('Underworld')



Being the first ever werewolf that could transform into human form, Lucian started an army of his kind against his will, and under the ruling of Viktor. After being betrayed, Lucian breaks free from being the vampire's pet slave and starts a rebellion, wrecking havoc on the undead.

Lucian isn't a malicious man. He's forever tortured by the death of his beloved Sonja, and won't rest until his revenge tears the vampire clan apart. Stopping at nothing, he creates a half-vampire and half-werewolf being for his will to be carried out. And for Viktor, head of the vampires, to be burdened with facing off against a creature he once terminated when he killed his daughter due to her love for Lucien and the child she bared with him.


4. Abraham Lincoln ('Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter')



As crazy as it sounds, Abraham Lincoln being a vampire hunter really works, if only for the fact that it's such an off the wall idea. And while the film is only good for entertainment value, Abe is a pretty skilled hunter! He fought like Van Helsing, only with more grounded weapons.

After witnessing his mother's demise at the hands of a vampire, Lincoln seeks vengeance against the night breed and dedicates his life to training and becoming a masterful slayer before running for president. All through the ages, Lincoln downs the population numbers for vampires, and seals his legacy.


3. Blade ('Blade')



While in labor with her son, a woman was bitten by a vampire causing her son within her to come out at birth as a hybrid. Half-human and half-vampire, Blade was given his name by an old man and vampire hunter who goes by the name of Whistler. After almost killing Blade, Whistler knew he was unique, so he took young Blade in and trained him to become a hunter of his own kind.

Blade is a total badass. That's the only word that you can really use for this guy. He's full of dark humor, but he's very serious and vicious. He's a forced to be reckoned with. He wins every battle and has faced the badest of the bad.


2. Van Helsing ('Dracula')


Peter Cushing's legacy holds many characters and films under it's belt. His portrayal as Van Helsing in several Hammer horror films throughout years and years. Everyone loves watching Cushing slay the undead scum. He's such an iconic actor, and he gave this character a face.

I don't think I've ever met anyone who isn't a fan of this guy and these awesome films. He will always be the Van Helsing we all remember and cherish. His face is what you see when you hear the name.


1. Buffy Summers ('Buffy the Vampire Slayer')



Everyone knows who Buffy is. She's simply one of the most iconic television characters ever devised. Anyone, young and old, can tell you who Buffy is. Because she stole so many hours of our lives as we watched the show religiously. While I know most would say Peter Cushing deserves the #1 spot, I disagree. Buffy is the greatest vampire slayer ever. Period.

Chosen as the slayer, Buffy fights to keep her town, and the world safe. She's saved the world a total of 7 times. But she doesn't slay alone, she has her "scooby gang" who tag along and help. Consisting of her friends and relatives, Buffy was always close to those who surrounded her and has died to save their lives...and returned.


Monday, July 1, 2013

Crowsnest (2012)




RATED- R
RUN TIME- 84 MINS
WRITER(S)- JOHN SHEPPARD 
STARRING- MITTITA BARBER, ASLAM HUSAIN AND VICTOR ZINCK JR. 
DIRECTOR- BRENTON SPENCER



Synopsis taken from IMDb
In late summer of 2011, five young friends on a road trip went missing after being attacked by nomadic cannibals in a huge RV. Video was recorded by the victims and recovered by police as evidence in their still-unsolved murders. 




For some reason, Netflix gave this film a very high rating, so I figured I'd watch it. Only later did I realize that they've overrated a ton of movies. Giving some awful films 4 stars and up! I figure it's just some technical difficulties going on, but still, I would have liked to have known what I was getting into...

"Crowsnest" is a found footage movie, that doesn't bring anything new to the table. The found footage route is getting pretty overused as it is, so for a film to come out that's got nothing to offer is really just dropping the ball. You've got so many found footage films coming out like the "V/H/S" films, that have very creative short stories. So for this film to be full length and not have a single thing be memorable is just very poor.



There are some moments, actually there is one single moment, where my jaw dropped and thought this film had some opportunity. But as it turned out, my shock and surprise was only a momentary thing. 

I didn't like a single character and their dialog felt forced. Even though some of it came off as genuine, you're never taken out of the fact that it's a movie, nothing about it is believable, and that is crippling for a found footage film. The realism is what these types of films thrive on!

You can tell that this film is trying to imitate others, and one of them being overly obvious. They attempted to create the fear that we felt in "Jeepers Creepers", when the Creeper's rusty truck was running Darry and Trish off of the road. Only in this movie, it's done with a big white RV, and it couldn't be less scary. I really didn't care if the RV hit the stars of this film, because it didn't seen authentic. It's cheap scares and it's been done way better before.

Of course, as the film progresses and things get worse and worse, the lead characters want to hash it out and argue. They waste time and energy of drama that I couldn't care less for. The realism isn't there, so the characters are poorly written and any and all drama comes off as cliche Hollywood horror. 



There's some gore, but it's nothing noteworthy. There's few effects, but what is there is decent. This movie relied on being a paranoid film, and it didn't work at all. I don't think this movie would scare you unless you're a young teenager just discovering horror. It's sad how mediocre this film is.

In conclusion, this is a film I won't be finding myself ever watching again. I got not a single thing out of it. I found myself texting my way through the movie just to stay awake. I usually try to not be hard on horror films that I find bad, but this one felt like it took no effort to make, so the truth deserves to be spoken. "Crowsnest" falls short in every possible way and is a complete waste of time.






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