Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) Movie

In 2010 a book by Seth Grahame-Smith took center stage in the horror genre and branched out to impact people that are fans of history as well. The item that got most people interested was the lead character of the book, and that was Abraham Lincoln. The title of this book would later make it to the big screen, and that title, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Grahame-Smith was involved in turning his book into a movie by writing the adapted screen play and the movie was directed by Timor Bekmambetov. The film was additionally produced by Bekmambetov, but the big name that drew attention to the film was Tim Burton.

The movie does follow many of the main plot points fans of the book loved. The thing to remember in any book to movie adaptation is the movie will differ, even if the author writes the screen play.

This is much the case with Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter as the movie does change some scenes from those of the book. The way the film is presented is beautiful and the settings are the type of things that will catch your eye and wishing you were part of that world.

The dangers of the vampires in the era are well shown and the vampires themselves are cruel and deceitful. These are creatures that wish to feed and control society. They want to be, no pun intended, at the top of the food chain in more ways than one. However, as soon as a young Abraham finds out what they are capable off he makes a point of stopping them and eventually runs for office.

The history of Abraham Lincoln is well known to many in America and his iconic look is captured very well by actor Benjamin Walker. Along the way Abraham is assisted by the mysterious Henry Sturgis, who is played by Dominic Cooper.

The film does a great job of showing Abraham’s struggles as a young man as he grows and learns how to hunt vampires. Abraham takes lessons on how to kill them from Sturgis and later directions on who to kill as well. These lessons are shown in a great way and give motion and images to the things read in the book. Along with this piece the true story of Abraham runs in the back ground and we watch as he becomes President.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter is a film that vampire fans will truly enjoy. The intrigue, mystery and vampires themselves are things that will make this a film that can be enjoyed. Those who are more interested in the history side must keep in mind that it maybe there but it may not be completely accurate. The one thing I want to make sure all fans of the books understand that this is NOT the book. So go in with an open mind when viewing the film and enjoy it for what it is. A vampire slaying film, set with a main character named Abraham Lincoln with a backdrop of a young America.

Horror Addicts Top Ten Contest – The List and The Winner

 

The votes are in and they have been counted. So without further delay here is the TOP TEN MOVIES as voted by you the listeners.

1. Ghost Ship – 2002 – Domestic
2. 1408 – 2007 – Domestic
3. Brotherhood of the Wolf – 2001 – French
4. Paranormal Activity – 2007 – Domestic
5. The Descent – 2005 – UK
6. Saw – 2002 – Domestic
7. The Mist – 2007 – Domestic
8. The Ring – 2002 – Domestic
9. Dead Silence – 2007 – Domestic
10. Case 39 – 2009 – Domestic

 

Now on to the winner of the prize package which includes copies of some featured films from this season, and a copy of the book, “Vikings, Vampires and Mailmen”.

The winner is (Insert your own drum roll here);

Bill Rafferty of Illinois.

Congratulations to Bill and thank you to all that entered the contest.

Below are the movies Bill submitted to the contest in the list he had them in order.

1. The Strangers – 2008- Domestic
2. Laid to Rest –  2008 – Domestic
3. Paranormal Activity – 2007 – Domestic
4. Shutter (remake) – 2008 – Domestic
5. Dead Silence – 2007 – Domestic
6. Insidious – 2006 – Domestic
7. Halloween (remake) – 2007 – Domestic
8. Hostel – 2005 – Domestic
9. Ghost Ship – 2002 – Domestic
10. Saw – 2002 – Domestic

Tucker & Dale vs Evil (2010)

So often in horror movies those “hated” hillbillies are portrayed as deformed insane killers that will kill anyone that enters their property. They are often seen as cannibalistic creatures, more than humans that thrive on the meat of college students and travelers. The question raised in the comedic horror film, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, is what if this is not the case.  Is it possible that sometimes these poor people are just misunderstood?

Tucker & Dale vs. Evil starts out with Tucker (Alan Tudyk) and Dale (Tyler Labine) are working their way to a vacation property that Tucker just purchased. They stop at a gas station and while there the inevitable happens. A car load of college students comes into the lot and Dale is smitten by one of the members of the college group.

The college students are on their way to go camping and consist of Allison (Katrina Bowden), Chad (Jesse Moss), Chloe (Chelan Simmons), Chuck (Travis Nelson), Jason (Brandon Jay McLaren), Naomi (Christie Laing), Todd (Alex Arsenault), Mitch (Adam Beauchesne) and Mike (Joseph Allan Sutherland).  It’s the very pretty Allison that Dale finds himself liking and after some pressure from Tucker he goes over to talk to her. The problem the man is nervous and isn’t exactly in his Sunday best. He freaks the group out. After all, they do say that first impressions are a key to making friends and in this meeting the kids think they met killer Hillbillies.

Tucker and Dale just let it go and continue out to their vacation home and arrive to find a rundown cabin. To them this is heaven, and although it may need work, they set out on making the place their second home.  It just happens that maybe a few miles away, along the same lake the college kids have setup their camp.  It’s here that Chad makes moves on Allison only to have her turn him down.

Chad shares the story of a Memorial Day Massacre that happened in these same woods years before. It was a case where some hillbillies had slaughtered a group of college kids with only one of them making it out of the slaughter alive.  As in most cases to take the edge off the kids decide to take a swim on the lake not knowing that Tucker and Dale are already fishing.  It’s only when Tucker and Dale see the beautiful Allison with her freaking out seeing them causing her to fall and hit her head.  The boys rush to her rescue pulling her into the little boat and as the other college kids’ look on their fear the worse.  The only thing this group of kids can do now is SAVE THEIR FRIEND.

At this point in the movie things just continue to get more confused and messed up on both sides of these comedic story. The kids mount a rescue missing as Dale does his best to nurse the injured Allison back to health.  As each side does their own things it’s bound to happen that they misinterpret the others actions. Things only get worse for the college kids as odd accidents end up in some shocking deaths that will not only have you laughing but shaking your head as you watch.

To think just a bad first impression and a misunderstanding will lead to all this carnage.  Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a great story and movie. It is truly comedic to watch as the two very kind hillbillies must struggle against the menacing college kids. The kids may be more to blame for what is happening in this film than the hillbillies turning this genre specific norm around.  The movie will lead you not only laughing but for a change pulling for the hillbillies.

The Ward (2010)

During the 1960’s the act of being in a psychological hospital was possible worse than what put you there to begin with. Hospitals during the period were known for harsh conditions, poor treatment, and the use of shock therapy.  It’s during this period that we find the setting of the John Carpenter Directed film The Ward taking place.

The Ward opens not in a calm opening seen but instead it opens with a murder. A young woman scared for her life is suddenly attacked and killed by an unseen assailant.  Moments after this we find a young woman standing out of a burning farm house, which was thankfully empty. The police arrive and the young woman ends up at the North Bend Psychiatric Hospital.

As the film progresses we find out that this little “fire brand” is known as Kristen (Amanda Beard).  She is put into a room that was previously home to Tammy who was the unlucky victim at the start of the film. Kristen is introduced to others in her wing that all have their own problems and mannerisms. There is Emily (Mammie Gummer), the wild one who loves stirring problems with the other girls. Sarah (Danielle Panabaker) is the snobbish, flirt, within the group who seems to feel better putting others down. Zoey (Laura-Leigh) is traumatized to the point she dresses as a young girl and must always have her stuffed bunny with her. Lastly there is Iris (Lyndsy Fonesca), who loves to draw in her sketchbook and is friendly to all the other girls. It’s possible that her mannerisms are why she may hold the secrets to the questions Kristen eventually starts to ask.

Kristen is put under the care of Doctor Stringer (Jared Harris) who seems to really care about the girls and will do his best to heal Kristen. The good doctor does his best to try and get Kristen to open up about her past but all he does is push her to multiple escape attempts.

The Ward takes into these women’s lives and shows us the struggles each has surviving in this psychiatric hospital. The mystery of the psychiatric hospital begins to grow as a figure starts to appear. Eventually Kristen is attacked and after telling a nurse she receives the dread electroshock therapy. It’s here that she learns of Tammy and the mystery and horror grows even more from this point in the film.

John Carpenter waited nearly ten years after directing Ghosts of Mars to direct another film. It’s fortunate that his unique style was used in this psychological Horror Film. Since films such as The Thing, The Fog, and others Carpenter has become a master at building suspense. The Ward does not let you down as those around Kristen start to disappear, or are they killed by that dark figure?

Amanda Beard helps to sell the character of Kristen to the point you begin to sympathize with her plight. She just wants out of the hospital and attempts to escape many times. You may even begin asking why she is truly trying to escape.  Is it the hospital, being locked up, or her own memories?  This is what Carpenter does well when shooting a film. He’ll take the story and frame it so that you could be on the seat of your pants waiting for the next scare.  So let’s close with this…………………..BOO!!!

Dark Passages (short film)

Dark Passages is a short film that came out of the mind of Cesar Cruz and Outworld Entertainment. The film may have had a limited budget but there is enough action and drama in the film that it appears to have been made for much more.

Dark Passages starts with people awakening in a wooded area having no idea how they got there. After a period we find that they start to question each other blaming the other for the mess they have found themselves in. It’s only when a maniac woman runs up to them trying to get them to be quiet and get them to run.

What’s after her? What’s got her so scared? It’s simple a man with a GIANT Hammer. The man can swing the thing with little effort and if he hits you with the device, well they don’t want to be hit.

The problem as they run to avoid the man with the hammer they find others lost in the wood and instead of banding together they start to watch for each other. The group starts to turn on each other questioning what has brought them to this point. As they do the Hammer gets closer and closer to his prey.

Dark Passages is a short story with a unique plot. It involves the struggle of individuals trying not only to survive but what got them to this place. The story unwinds and as it does we get ideas of what was all involved in getting them trapped in the woods with this maniac.

The viewer is left to determine who they may root for and hope is able to escape the madness. You begin to follow along and as the reasons for their sudden treatment becomes clear you ask, is there someone to root for.  This is what makes Dark Passages so intriguing to watch.  It’s full of emotions and short twists in the plot that you forget it’s a short film and not a feature.

Horror Addicts Top Ten Movie Contest Update

Horror Addicts it’s time to give you an update on how the movie contest is going.

The below list is the list of the Top Ten so far from the user lists that have come from our listeners, and readers.

Do you agree with this list of Top Ten movies or do you feel your movies are missing? There isn’t a lot of movies from those who are fans of Foreign Horror Fans.

Well this is just a reminder it’s your time to get your top ten list into the email address of HAddictsmovies@gmail.com to get a chance of seeing one of your films listed.  The deadline is August 15th so time is running out.

Again all we want is your top ten films, year of release and country of origin.

We have had some great sample lists provided to us as examples so check them out.

They were provided by writer Kevin Glennon and Directors Philip Chidel and John Pata.

Now without further delay here is the list of films that have gotten the most repeat submissions and will be in the Top Ten.

• Dead Silence – 2007 (US)
• Ghost Ship   – 2002 (US)
• Paranormal Activity  -2007 (US)
• Saw  – 2004 (US)
• The Descent – 2005 (UK)
• The Mist – 2007 (US)
• The Ring   – 2002 (US)
• Case 39 – 2009 (US)
• Frailty – 2002 (US)
• The Strangers – 2008 (US)

Some films that are just short of the Top Ten.

• Shutter – 2008 (US)
• Brotherhood of the Wolf – 2001 (French)
• Insidious – 2010 (US)
• Let Me In – 2010 (US)
• Orphan – 2009 (US)

The key thing to note about the above list of film so far is that most are from the US. I know we have fans of Foreign horror but nothing has really come in for those movies. So the challenge is on.

So get your personal list of Top Ten Horror Films released during form 2000 to end of 2011 into us as soon as you can.  Their are prizes at risk for those within the US and Canada, and for those overseas bragging rights to see one of your films listed.

Wicked Little Things (2006)

Wicked Little Things was released in 2006 and was featured in the After Dark Horrorfest as a Film to Die For. Upon seeing this film there is many great reasons on why the film was listed in such a manner as it brings in not only questions but has something many horror films are often afraid to do. It has children as the creatures one must fear.

Wicked Little Things takes place in the old mining town in Pennsylvania. The movie shows the viewer horrible accidents in the early part of the twentieth century were children are being used in the mine as labor.  This may have been a common practice during that period but the fate that befalls these children is far from common.

We are then introduced to a family of women headed by the now widowed Karen Tunney (Lori Heuring). She is moving back to the town to take ownership of her late husband’s family home with her daughters Sarah (Scout Taylor-Compton) and Emma (Chloe Grace Moretz).  These women are unaware of what happened in the mine those so long ago, but they eventually will find out.

Karen moves into town and on her travels to her new home she meets some of the locals. They advise her to keep her family inside at night without giving much or a reason why. When she finally finds the old house you wonder if the house is safe as there are many things that are wrong with the now dilapidated home.

The interesting piece to Wicked Little Things is that writers Boaz Davidson and Ben Nedivi tell a great and spooky tale that focuses much of its story around children.  Being a precocious little girl the youngest daughter Emma ends up with an imaginary friend. As the movie progresses we are wondering if the friend is really imaginary and eventually you may find out.

Wicked Little Things does something few horror films can do and it uses a spooky setting along with children to tell a horrific story line. The ending is written in such a way that you’re actually left with enough closure you feel satisfied to what you have just seen.

Director J.S. Cardone did a masterful job in getting the best out of the many young actors he had to work with to complete the film. There are scenes in which severe violence is happening but its foreshadowed enough your mind gets to be involved and fill in what could be missing scenes.

Wicked Little Things is one of those movies that has flown under the radar of many horror film fans. The fact the film stars an up and coming actress in Chloe Grace Moretz may bring more of her fans to want to view the film.  Moretz does a great job in the movie and adds to the strength of a great cast. This is a film that horror fans should love not just for her work but also the spooky settings. The key thing here is that those Wicked Little Things mentioned in the title are indeed children and are capable of much more than you may think.

A Guest Top Ten Horror Movie List – Kevin Glennon

The below is from the author of the book, yes I said book,”Vikings, Vampires and Mailmen” by Kevin Glennon. The thought here was to get another view of a horror movie list by checking with one who writes horror.  So, Kevin was kind enough to help us with this bit of research and submitted the below list to share. If you haven’t seen it David reviewed his book in a previous post on the blog.

Top 10 Horror Movies – 2000 – 2011
by Kevin Glennon

10. Tucker and Dale vs Evil (2010 – USA)
This movie did to horror what Chris Moore’s book Fool did to Shakespeare.  Sometimes even Evil isn’t black and white.

9.  Bubba Ho-Tep (2004 – USA)
Everything about this movie is original and fresh, which is why a boring bad guy like a mummy can be feared again (finally).  And what Bruce Campbell movie was ever bad?

8.  F ido (2006 – Canada)
This movie is teeming with monsters, only they’re not the zombies.  The gore is brilliant, but the filmography makes this a borderline art film by a clear horror fan.

7.  Zombieland (2009 – USA)
We knew what we were getting by just the title alone, and it doesn’t disappoint.  Great acting actually pulls this movie together, as it’s really nothing special from a zombie-horror perspective.

6.  Shadow of the Vampire (2000 – USA)
You never actually know if there are real monsters – only that everybody is moments away from being ripped apart.  It’s a great way to bring back such a horror classic.

5.  Cloverfield (2008 – USA)
Perhaps the only modern movie to do CGI right without taking away from the horror.  Clearly someone was listening in film school when the lesson was “less is more.”

4.  Saw (2004 – USA)
The perfect modern American horror movie, with original plots and twists.  In a world of smartphones with GPS and 911, this flick brought scary back.

3.  Troll Hunter (2010 – Norway)
This is CGI done right – very tasteful, original story with a genius balance of teasing the viewer with information before finally revealing things.  Great acting and locations.

2.  Night Watch (2004 – Russia)
A great twist on traditional vampire movies, this story gets everyone dirty.  It’s not good vs. evil so much as evil vs. more evil.

1.  Shaun of the Dead (2004 – UK)
One of the smartest movies in a long time, and doesn’t skimp on the gore or the loss of good characters.  Easily one of the best zombie flicks of all time.  I’d put it on the list multiple times if I could!

Hell Night (1981)

Hell Night came out in 1981 and was an independent horror film that stared Vincent Van Patten and Linda Blair. The film came out during the early period of the 1980’s horror decade. A decade that saw horror films hit their prime and many films that spawned a decade of unforgettable characters.

The movie actually combines some of the horror ideas and stories that made the 1980s a staple of modern horror. The film contains things from a college party, an insane family and a group of college students left alone. These are things that become synonymous with many horror films that have come since this movie was made.

Hell Night starts out with a college party in which both a fraternity, and sorority, is having their annual party. The goal is to get the new pledges initiated into the appropriate group by having them stay the night in the Garth Manor.

We find out that Garth Manor was at one time filled with a man who wanted a lot of privacy for his family. They refused to have their home updated with a lot of modern technology of the period and preferred to live away from prying eyes. This could be caused by the fact that Garth’s did not have much luck when it came to having children. The viewer gets told a tale about the Garth family and how the children each had their own deformity that eventually drove Mister Garth insane.

The man killed his entire family, strangling his wife, and killing his children before hanging himself. The police do become involved and after a complete search were unable to find two of the bodies. This is the story that the main characters Marti (Linda Blair), Seth (Vincent Van Patten), Jeff (Peter Barton), and Denise (Suki Goodwin) hear before being locked in.

What happens from here on out is a story that has some unique twists along with some that have become horror norms. The unique thing is that it must be that many of those involved in the college have already gone through this initiation with no problems. This can be said as we find those in charge of the initiation have set up screaming effects and other gems to scare those inside. The problem is after twelve years this isn’t going to go as planned.

Hell Night can be seen as a predictable film by today’s standards due to the fact many of the scares have been done before. What makes this interesting is the fact the film in away makes fun of itself in the way the scare machines are used.  We get the sense that the college students are not falling for the devices and that the old tricks are not working. Those behind them continue to try with no luck. It’s when the new element of real fear comes in to the film that things get interesting.

Fans of the 1980’s horror films should really like this seldom seen classic. Linda Blair fans will also get a real charge out of the film as she does a great job in this film. At the time she made Hell Night she was of college age being about 22. Hell Night is one of those movies that can last with today’s movies and although the effects maybe out dated it is a film that is worth a viewing.

Eleven Questions with Graphic Artist – Shane Ryan

Below is an interview done with Australian Graphic Artist Shane Ryan. He was kind enough to answer some questions and sent a long some samples of his work.  I hope you enjoy the insight into Shane’s work and his mind.  Be sure you check out the four pieces of his art that he shared with us at Horror Addicts within this post.

Q1. As your website states you have been creating your works since you’ve been able to hold a pencil in your little “claws”. Can you remember what that first drawing was and how did your family react when you showed it to them?

A:  I can’t recall one specific piece really, as far as I remember all my drawings were of a dark nature, the fact that everything I’d draw was horror related did cause some concern for my parents when I first started, but lucky for me they knew someone studying to be a psychologist, after he told them they had nothing to worry about I was free to draw as many horrible images as my little dark heart desired. The only people who took some convincing I wasn’t a Michael Myers in disguise were my school teachers. Can’t say I blame them, when you flip through my old school books they start with pages full of school work, page by page though the school work was gradually consumed by collages of monstrous creatures and hideous scenes of horror, to them it probably appeared as if I had been possessed by evil spirits, in truth I just had an overriding passion for art and not much of a liking for Math’s and English class.

Q2. People wait for that moment when they get confirmation that their work is being excepted by a broad audience. Do you remember that moment and the image?

A:  For me it was a series of events which sealed the deal, which have only taken place over the last 5 years. Firstly winning an open fantasy art competition that was open Australia wide, considering the event was aimed more at fantasy art rather than horror I must admit I was quite surprised when I received the call the next day that I’d been picked for the judges award, next was being featured by Fangoria and finally having my piece Chaos Factory accepted into the group show Damned II in the U.S. Having my work in a group show with so many renowned dark artists’ including one of my early inspirations (H.R.Giger) was the icing on the cake.

Q3. During your career have there ever been moments that you felt like this was the wrong line of work? If so, what kept you going, and what is the job you would be doing? If never an issue what has kept your drive alive?

A:  In the early stages it was honestly fairly daunting, there was a number of times I questioned whether I’d made the right decision pursuing a career in the arts or not, it’s got to be better than working as a labourer in construction though and that’s what I was doing before I started art full time. What helped me to keep going is overtime I’ve come to realize that making a career from your art is like a long steep climb up a treacherous mountain with many wrong turns and pitfalls.  I’ve learnt to accept that the highs and lows are all part of the game so I tend to not let the negative parts get to me and just concentrate on hiking up that mountain, at least through trial and error I’ve got better at choosing the right path most of the time and learn’t how to avoid the pitfalls a bit better.
Q4. As you work on your art do you find yourself often having to correct an error, or toss a piece out as the image does not go the way you want?

A:  There’s always things that need to be adjusted as you work to bring the whole piece together, all the elements of an image need to work as one and this sometimes calls for quite a bit of tinkering before you nail it. I started drawing using ball point pens and from that developed the handy ability to be able to change or cover up my mistakes or make any changes I need to, most of the time anyway. On the rare occasion I find myself working on a piece that I feel isn’t going to work the way I planned I either try and take it down a different path which is how some of my best works have been created or I keep it and use it for reference for when I attempt the piece again, it’s an artist’s mistakes that teach them the way to do something right after all so it’s always a good idea to keep them rather then throw them out, plus it gives you a better idea of how your work is evolving if you keep it all, the good and the bad.

Q5. As you grew up did you have artists that you inspired to follow?

A:  Earlier on I had many artist’s that inspired me including H.R.Giger, Todd McFarlane, Clive Barker to name a few, as I started to experiment with my own style and techniques more in my early teens I began to make a conscience effort to not be influenced by other artist’s and over the years I’ve made it a priority to develop my own unique visual voice rather than allowing my work to be influenced by others.

Q6. Have you been able to meet any of these artists over the years?

A:  Unfortunately not in person no, being based in Australia there’s not a great lot of opportunity to. I have met and had dealings with many peers and industry people online through social networking and aim to catch up with a number of them in person when I eventually hit the U.S. hopefully sometime soon to work on some film projects that are possibly on the horizon.

Q7. Where do you get your inspiration from for your artwork?

A:  I take inspiration from a whole range of things including, music, films, criminal psychology and news reports. But again I try not to draw concepts that are influenced to directly by whatever has inspired the piece I’m working on, I try to use forms of inspiration to set the mood of the work without being a direct influence on the piece. Although I don’t really find I need to take inspiration from outside my own imagination these days, I guess you could say after three decades of conjuring up horror images I have more than enough macabre imagery stored away in this imagination of mine to use it for inspiration.

Q8. Due to the dark imagery you create has there ever been a case that a work has brought you, or possibly a fan to have nightmares?

A:  I quite often have dreams of zombie outbreaks and killer hill billies but I’d have to say I draw more from my dreams then the other way around. I had a dream with some really bizarre creatures the other night actually that I’m going to use, I’ve done a few sketches of them but as yet haven’t got them quite right, like I said their bizarre and not like anything I’ve drawn or seen before. As for a fan having a nightmare about my work I can’t really say I’ve heard of any, perhaps none have lived to tell the tale.

Q9. Do you as an artist have a dream job, or showcase you wish you could have?

A:  I’d love to host a haunted attraction over ran by my dark creations here in Australia, there’s next to no haunted attractions here and there should be I say, plus seeing my work bring the fear factor up to 11 first hand would be awesome. My life time goal is to eventually build up a horror company covering all forms of creative horror,  art and design, film production, music, figurines. As for show cases I’d love the opportunity to one day have an exhibition at Giger’s Gallery nothing else would be that.

Q10. If you could write your own eulogy, what is the one thing besides your art would you like to be known for?

A:  I’d like to be remembered as someone who helped get other people get into the industry and also for introducing the world to a number of unknown horror artists, including my nephew, when it comes to art he’s definitely following in my footsteps, he’s going to be better than me one day I can see it. I’d like to leave a bread crumb trail along that treacherous mountain path (art career) for him to follow. Basically I’d like to be known as someone who helped people turn their dreams into reality, that’s a legacy I’d like to leave.

Q11. Lastly any little secrets you want to share, like maybe you have a secret love for My Little Ponies or other cute type of things?

A:  Do they make Living Dead Ponies? Honestly I’d say about as cutesy as I go is Ren and Stimpy, that’s about as light relief as I need. Other than that it’s Horror, horror and horror for me, always has been always will be, does that make me a Horror Addict?
Where to find Shane on the Web:

Gallery and store at www.graphichorror.com
Available for all types of horror art projects, film, music, posters, anything as long as it’s Horrible.
Contact with enquiries through the site or
http://www.facebook.com/graphichorror.com
http://www.twitter.com/graphichorror

A Guest Top Ten Horror Movie List – John Pata

Below is a guest Top Ten List along with some honorable mentions from one member of the writer/director pair behind the film Dead Weight.  John does a great job of going into his list and the fun of his list.  John was featured in an interview at the end of last seasons (6) on an interview regarding Dead Weight. The film was just reviewed in the season.

So below is John’s Top Ten List along with his Honorable Mentions.

John Pata…………

Truth be told, no matter how much I spend on this list, I will want to change it immediately. And then tomorrow. And then next week, and the week after that. And so on… And so on… And so on…

I decided it was time just to get it the way I want it (for now, of course), and leave it at that. I’m sure there are plenty I spaced out on and left off the list, too. Now I am not saying that these are the BEST films of the 2000s, rather the ones I enjoyed the most. Be it for the craft, story, gore, scares or anything else really. Oh, and they are listed in alphabetical order. It was challenging enough to narrow it down to ten. I’ll be damned if I was going to attempt to rank them after that. However, I did select a “cream of the crop”, for what it’s worth. So, without further adieu…

John Pata’s Top Ten Films of the 2000s:

10.  28 Days Later (2002 – UK)

  9.  Cabin Fever (2002 – Domestic)

  8.  Feast (2005 – Domestic)

  7.  Ginger Snaps (2000 – Canada)

  6.  Inside (2007 – France)

  5. The Mist (2007 – Domestic)

  4.  Shaun of the Dead (2004 – England)

  3. The Signal (2007 – Domestic)

  2. Trick ‘r Treat (2007 – Domestic)

  1. The Descent* (2005 – UK)

* = My pick for Best Film of the 2000’s

I now present my Honorable Mentions:

30 Days of Night

Behind The Mask

Devil’s Rejects

Freddy vs. Jason

The HIll Have Eyes

High Tension

Let Me In

Mulberry Street

[REC]

Severance

A Guest Top Ten Horror Movie List – Philip Chidel

To help our Horror Addicts fans get an idea of the type of things we are looking for here is a guest list of Top Ten Horror Films from Philip Chidel.  You may remember Philip from his interview on Horror Addicts along with the review of his short film ‘Til Death.

So take a look at his list of top Ten Horror Films between the years of 2000 to 2011.  He provides us with reasons for his choice which should help shed some light on what had him pick the film.

So without further discussion here is his list.

Philip Chidel’s Top 10

10  OPEN WATER:  (2003 – domestic) Some say over hyped for such a low budget, which may not be possible, but real sharks are scary.  The final scene haunts me still.  Boring to some, terrifying to me.

9  THE STRANGERS: (2008 – domestic) A guilty pleasure.  Could have been an easily forgettable low-budget slasher flick.  Instead has sharp direction, slick production value, and genuinely creepy masked baddies.

8  PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: (2007 – domestic)   Perhaps damaged by its lesser and imitative sequels, but this first one really did make me scared to go to bed at night.  Unique and inventive.

7  THE DESCENT: (2005 – UK)   Girl power!!  But not enough girl power to scare away Batmen.  Also has one of the great scare moments in the last 20 years.  Maybe more.

6 TRICK ‘R TREAT: (2007 – domestic)  Great campy fun.  Great for a Halloween in.

5 RINGU: (1998 – Japan)   The original.  Still the definitive J-horror movie, and you still don’t get a better creep on than the girl thru the TV set.

Note remade as, The Ring (2002 – Domestic)

4 REC: (2007 – Spanish)  Spain is scary.  Esp. those quarantined apartments with weird angry things in the attic that attack for no damn reason.  Sequel is good too!

3 THE HOST: (2006 – South Korean)   Anotherll time fave.   Monster as metaphor.  Or if you like: Just plain old badass monster.

2 LET THE RIGHT ONE IN:  (2008 – Sweden) Smart hard drama is always scarier than real horror.  But add vampires and kids, and you’re golden.

1  AUDITION: (2000 – Japan) The scariest most gloriously repulsive movie and it is actually ABOUT something.  All time fave.

Horror Addicts Top Ten Movie Contest

Are you tired of seeing those movie lists telling you, yes you, the viewer what the top films are?  Wouldn’t you like to have the chance to share what you consider the top ten films of the past decade to be?

Well you no longer have to wait as your time has come.

Horror Addicts wants to give our listeners a chance to give us their top ten list for 2000 to end of 2011.

Yes that’s right we are asking you all to put your list together and send it to us.

All you have to do is send your top ten list to our email address of HAddictsmovies@gmail.com.

So you may ask yourself, “That’s great but why would I want to take the time to get a list together and send it to Horror Addicts?”

 How’s this for a good reason, a chance at winning some free stuff that will include a few films that were featured on Horror Addicts!!  You could see your films listed on a special Horror Addicts Fans Top Ten List.  Yes we will take all the entries and come up with fan based Top Ten.

A Horror Addict screams: “So tell me, please tell me what do I have to do to get in on this!!”

 Relax patient Horror Addict let’s get to the official steps on what you need to do.

 Official Entry Rules

1.       Put together your top ten list of films starting in 2000 to end of 2011.

a.       List should contain

                                   i.      Movie Title (year of release)

                                  ii.      English or Foreign Film

2.       Include your full name and mailing address

a.       Entries welcome from around the world but movie winners will be chosen from all US/Canada entries due to cost of mailing.

3.       Email the list to HAddictsmovies@gmail.com

4.       Send the emails in by August 15, 2012

 Horror Addicts Obligations:

 1.       Compile all the received top ten lists together.

2.       Count number of votes for a film and create a Horror Addict Fans Top Ten List.

3.       Post this Top Ten List on the blog.

4.       As entries received give them a number for the drawing.

5.       Using a random number generator pick a winner from out of all the US/Canadian entries.

6.       Post the winners Name and there Top Ten List to the blog.

7.       Send the winner their Horror Addicts Movie Prize Packet.  Prize includes copies of Dead Weight and ‘Til Death, and more great stuff.

8.      If list to diverse than a blog poll will be created to get the top ten films.

To help show you what we are looking for, watch the blog for TWO special guest lists of their TOP TEN.

Mondo Schlocko! and The Italian Zombie Movie Part 1 & 2

During last year’s trip to the Flint Horror Convention, I was lucky and was given some movies to watch from some of the directors in attendance.  The reviews listed below are of just some of the films that I received.  I will warn you that these films may not be for overall sale and were done with limited budgets.  I can say I’m sure there are people who will find the films interesting and may follow the links at the end of the reviews to get their copies or find out more about them.

Mondo Schlocko!

This is a 25 minute short horror comedy in much the style of the beloved Troma horror films and was written and directed by David Gibson.  Gibson used talent and filmed his movie entirely in Michigan around the Detroit area.

The film takes you into the back alleys of a city in which we find a man out cruising the streets. We eventually find out that he is looking for a “street walker” for a quick bit of fun. It’s only then that we find out this is no ordinary man and appears to be some type of demon.

The two negotiate on their price and then consummate the contract with some fun in the backseat. As we see they make sure to use the proper protection before the act.  As they finish up the woman walks away making sure to “remove” the protection and it’s found that the protection had broken.

It’s from there we find out the woman is pregnant and what would normally take 9 months takes only 9 days.  It’s here things get a bit strange for the woman and during this there are moments of some interesting comedy.

Now when I say interesting comedy, some people will find it a bit “off color” and not to their liking. One quick example is we find out what can happen when a “John” decides to pick up our now very pregnant woman.  We find out that this John is going to wish he hadn’t as he loses a very critical piece, let’s say the “tip”, of a man’s favorite organ.

Where to find more on Mondo Schlocko!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mondo-Schlocko-25-Minute-Gore-Comedy-Short-Film/185340058159722

For Sale: http://www.piranhakeeper.com/  You can find the film for sale in their horror section.

 

The Italian Zombie Movie Parts 1 & 2

These two films are in fact the packaging for what I consider to be one very long movie. The way the films are broken up will in no way hamper your enjoyment of these low budget films.  Some would almost say the films had no budget but I have to disagree as there is hint of a small budget.

The two films take us into the story that involves a psychic, a succubus, the Michigan Militia, a veteran with one eye, and a few other crazy characters along the way. Oh I cannot leave out the fact the films also have an element of alien technology involved in the film as well.

The Italian Zombie Movie was written and directed by Thomas Berdinski who made an impact with Flint Horror Con attendees by coming somewhat in character from a previous film. He also brought along some big hairy balls to toss around with those visiting his booth. I know that may sound strange but those were another set piece from a previous film.

Now you may ask, “Why did I mention that?” in this review.  It’s simple. I wanted to give you an idea of what Thomas was like to help you understand the genius involved in writing and directing these two films.  Also a hint into the type of humor the man has to explain what people will find in these films.

These films take a very eclectic cast and telling the story via chapters helps to keep the action moving. You are introduced to the different characters in the first film which for some may move a bit slow. It’s in the second part of the films that the story really takes off.  This is really needed due to the numerous plot changes and sub plots that are happening within the film.

Just to list a few of the plots you have a man who loses an eye at the beginning of the film who is trying to find out who killed his brother. He meets his brother’s widow at his funeral and she turns out to be a psychic who finds him cute.  We later find out that this woman has had some odd experiences in her own life and some involved candy from a masked man as a child.

I cannot forget the doctor’s assistant who is a succubus and is dating what must be the biggest egotistical jerk seen in film.  This man has no shame in talking about his disdain for women and what they are truly good for.

That’s just two of the many plots in the film as the movies take you into a film that pays homage to those horror films from overseas that came to the US shores in the 1980’s. Fans of the horror genre will see a lot of little pieces of the film that will have them going “oh I remember that from this movie”.  Also those who love Troma will again find another film well worth a viewing.

The overall story line has this group of eclectic characters meeting in a land, called Italy, having to fight off zombies.  The trek each of the characters takes to the land is shown in great effort and depth in the first film.  We find the center story is how the injured soldier wants to find out who his behind his twin brothers story.  The other main plot point is why a mysterious doctor has done the things he has done and his work on healthy soldiers just to harm, handicap, or kill the poor soldiers.

What these two films have is just plain great humor and a story line full of sub plots. It will leave a person wanting more especially as you fall in love with the different characters in the film. There is indeed several characters that will endure themselves to different types of people. I know one character, Bruno, will be one many will fall in love with.

Overall although these are low, to no budget, films they are certainly well worth a viewing or two, or three. I say this just because they are a great guilty pleasure.  I must add that the work done on the look of the zombies was just amazing, and some of the other makeup was also just as great to see.

Having met Thomas Berdinski and hearing him speak, I’ve learned the man is an on hands type.  He wants to make sure the aspects of the film are done to great measures that will look good to those who see the film. He accomplished that in this film and the writing of a very complex script.

Where to find more:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Italian-Zombie-Movie/74995029596

Official Website: http://www.italianzombiemovie.com

Dead Weight (2012) Review

Often in movies we hear about these special gems, these labors of love, these all life encompassing films that come out and shock an audience. One of the most recent films of this type was the horror film Paranormal Activity that came out of nowhere and took audiences by storm. The film grew and grew from word of mouth and as horror fans know has spawned several sequels.

There is a little horror film that came out of Wisconsin that saw a nearly two year process become a film. The story began with a simple story idea between two friends that grew and later became their first feature film. The film is the brain child of John Pata and Adam Bartlett who used their love of horror to write and direct the film Dead Weight. If things role as I hope this film could find itself growing in the leaps that we saw Paranormal Activity take.

The story behind the films making in itself is a small miracle as John and Adam were able to use connections and friends to bring the film together. The cast could be called a risk taker as the main star Joe Belknap of the film is a first time actor. Others in the cast had everything from small experiences to some who were established actors. In all truth established actor Aaron Christensen even asked if there was a part available for his acting wife Michelle Courvais. Thankfully there was a role for her as she did play a key part in the film. How Dead Weight was put together is something that will surprise those who view the film and will raise questions about the human spirit as you watch.

Dead Weight starts on the funny side as we find a young man returning home, changing and making himself a bowl of cereal to eat. The fact that he took a risk on the milk for the cereal adds a bit of levity to the opening but things do not stay that light for long. As he’s sitting on his couch he begins to read a comic book when the phone rings. Sadly for one Charlie Russell (Belknap) it is a phone call he will never forget as it’s his girlfriend Samantha (Mary Lindberg) on the line. She has shattering news there’s an outbreak and the world is about to change around them.

This begins Charlie’s long trek to get to the city of Wausau, Wisconsin, and reunite with Samantha. We find him in the wilds of Wisconsin traveling with four additional companions. These brave individuals being the group leader Thomas (Christensen), the group’s lone female Meredith (Courvais) and two other men. The group stuck together and share their meager supplies as they travel. They do all they can to avoid those affected by the outbreak as they follow the lone map to Wausau. They have taken Charlie at his word that they will find help in Wausau and risk their lives to get there with him.

Along this trip we will see many ethical questions raised about ones humanity. We will get to watch as characters begin to slowly doubt each other, and that at times the infected are not the only danger. We have to question what would we be willing to do reunite with a loved one in this type of a world. Would we follow Charlie’s example or take other roads to get to our destination? There are other psychological questions to be answered as we watch the events unfold. The one true fact of the film is this; Charlie must get to Wausau no matter the cost. The other question between Samantha and Charlie which side will you find yourself in favor of as you watch their lives prior to the outbreak.

Dead Weight does an amazing job at presenting this story to the viewer. They are able to show the bleakness of the world through the lens and the way the way the film was framed. During the filming they shot in sequence so as things changed for the characters the cast also followed in those emotions. A sudden spring snowfall made for an additional element that helped show a passage of time that is important to the films progress. This is evident as some scenes the freshly fallen snow is seen melting in others.

Dead Weight is one of those films that you can tell was a labor of love. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend one of the first screenings of this special film. Listening to John and Adam thank those involved and tell the story of the film gets one infected for their love of the film. You will note I did not say their film as they men made a point to call it our film to those who were involved in its production, filming and now marketing. It’s a special to be involved in an event like that and I must add I got infected as well. It’s a film that I hope others go out of their way to find and to see. I am adding a personal note on how I have fallen in love with this film not just from that event but viewing the film itself.

At this time if you are interested in the film you can purchase it through their company at the below link.

To Purchase:  http://headtraumaproductions.bigcartel.com/

Official Site: http://www.carryingdeadweight.com/

Official Blog: http://www.deadweightmovie.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carryingdeadweight

Til Death (short film 2011)

Til Death is a short film that was written and directed by Philip Chidel.  The film stars Ramon de Ocampo, Johnny Giacalone and Katherine Celio.  The story, although short, tells about the simple love between a man and his wife. You could also say it shows exactly what they mean by those wedding vows, “Til Death do us part.”

The film opens with a grieving husband visiting the grave site of his departed wife, Karen (Cello) who died in a car accident.  The husband was injured in the accident but fortunately for him he was not killed, or maybe it’s unfortunately for him.  His friend, Ron (Giacalone), is with him at his side and we get the sense he is the fix-it type of man for their mutual employer.

Mark (de Ocampo) is naturally distraught over his wife’s death and upon going home he sets himself into a stale home. The main lighting source comes from the windows or a fire place in the evening. He doesn’t appear to be motivated to get on with his life after Karen’s death. You could almost start to feel bad for the man, but as Ron tries to check on him you begin to wonder.

Eventually the hurt and pain from the loss of his wife takes a much deeper toll on the poor man. He begins to slowly seem to decompose and his body starts to fail him.  We get to watch as this happens and the look and feel as this happens is shown masterfully in this short film.

As this is a short film one must be careful on how much of the main plot is discussed. The film is something that people will truly enjoy as we watch how the main character copes with what happens. The eventual outcome is not something some will see coming and this adds to the  film. This is another great short film that will keep viewers glued to the action and maybe even get you to cringe.

Some additional information I’m sharing late but if you want to learn more about the film you can check out the two links below.

Web site:  www.tildeath-movie.com

Facebook Page: facebook.com/TilDeathMovie

Update from 5/13/2012

Philip Chidel and I, have been in touch and he asked I share this with those who wish to view the film.  This also goes for those with additional questions.  He asked that you get a hold of him at the following email. So if you want to view the film, drop him a line.

Email Address:  tildeath@cardiacpictures.com

Deviling (2011)

“Sometimes Nightmares do come true, Love Ronald”, are the last words that Sharlene sees before she begins screaming and banging for her life. This is followed by a maniacal laugh from Ronald as the short film Deviling comes to an end.

Deviling was written and directed by Michael Sharpe and the film introduces us to two living, and one dead body.  How these tie together is something you will understand as you watch the film.

You see, Ronald (Robert Haulbrook) is a mortician who has finished his work on a deceased individual.  It’s possible he was feeling sadness from the work but we never do understand why he picks this time to call his ex-girlfriend. He calls with the pretense of wishing her a Happy Halloween. We then watch as Ronald tries to tell his ex, Sharlene (Jodi Essex), that he misses her.

As the short film continues we begin to question Ronald’s actions, and his sanity. During the film there are quotes from Edgar Allen Poe and Ambrose Bierce. These quotes may provide a bit of insight on what is happening within Ronald’s mind as he goes about his tasks.

Deviling is a short film but it has a look and feel that would fit in many major looking films.  There is a hue of almost black and white when we first observe Ronald. You could almost say that it was a sterile look to the room and his surroundings.  As we see Sharlene for the first time we are flashed to a brightness and look of life from her surroundings in contrast.

These type of simple setting changes and the look of Ronald does wonders for the short film.  The story moves on at an appropriate pace and keeps you interested in the story.  The portrayal of Ronald is done so well that you can easily believe the sudden changes in his emotions.  All factors mentioned are what makes Deviling a film worth seeing.

To view Deviling you can find the film here: http://vimeo.com/35602557

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard co-wrote the film The Cabin in the Woods back in 2009.  The film was then shot and directed by Goddard and was completed in May of 2009.  Sadly the film was shot under the MGM umbrella who later filed for bankruptcy putting the release of the film on a severe hold as the film fell into limbo.  However, in 2012 the film finally came to release just over three years from its original completion date.  Thankfully for Horror Fans the film is out in release and eventually will end up on DVD.

The film’s opening credit scenes may leave some wondering if they have entered the correct theatre as they start.  You are shown images of ritualistic sacrifices through many different cultures.  You will obviously find yourself asking what does this have to do with anything in regards to the film.  To be honest this is a brilliant opening sequence as it’s the first hint of what is to come as the story moves forward.

The film starts with Richard Sitterson (Richard Jenkins) and Steve Hadley (Bradley Whitford) doing the normal thing of talking about life around a coffee machine. As they walk through their non-descript office building they are approached by Wendy Lin (Amy Acker) who is concerned about other operations around the world.  Sitterson and Hadley point out that one of those countries remaining has a spotless record and there is no concern.

The viewer is than taken to a house were a group of five college aged kids are getting ready to take a vacation to a cabin now owned by Curt Vaughan’s (Chris Hemsworth) cousin. Curt is taking a long his girlfriend Jules Louden (Anna Hutchison), her friend Dana Polk (Kristen Connolly), a pot smoking friend Marty Mikalski (Fran Kranz) and lastly Holden McCrea (Jesse Williams).  Holden is the guy Kurt and Jules asked along in hopes of hooking him up with the now relationship free Dana.

As the group takes their RV out to the cabin we flash back to the office that Sitterson and Hadley are working in and we begin to see that they are tracking the group.  At this time we are not sure why but as you watch you begin to see something begin to unravel.  We get an idea on how much trouble the group is going to be in as we watch a hawk follow their RV as it enters a tunnel.  As they drive thru and emerge on the other side the hawk is seen flying and it suddenly bursts as it hits a field that stops it from following the RV any further.

This is the viewer’s first hint that something isn’t right about this cabin in the woods and we watch as those at the mysterious office watch what happens to the kids inside.  There is a hidden motive to all of the struggles the kids go through and it will eventually become evident.  The joy is watching how things are revealed on how things are set to take place.

Whedon and Goddard in away take a direct shot at the current trend in horror films. You can see how their story seems to glorify the things that make horror films great to one aspect of the audience. However, at the same time they seem to ridicule aspects of more modern horror that have become a great trend in the genre.

This is what makes The Cabin in the Woods such an interesting film.  Along with the way the story is told and things unravel it helps to bring questions about what makes horror great, and at same time bad.  This is all handled in the way the film moves and paces as the college students seem to avoid stereotypes that are associated with these films.  There are hints at some of them and we watch as people pay for that fact.  The really interesting thing is as you watch the film we find out a major secret about what, or who, could kill the kids.  The fact they have an option of foolishly choosing the implement of their own death from horror film stereotypes is well done.

The Cabin in the Woods is a film that horror fans should try to see either on the big screen, or when available on DVD.  It’s a film you will find both fascinating but at the same time quite intriguing.  It turns those horror film stereotypes we’ve come to see on their head and makes you think.  Of course, any Joss Whedon fan will want to see this just to show support for his works. I know this Brown Coat saw it for that reason as well and really enjoyed the film.

Inkubus (2011)

Robert Englund is a name that has become synonymous with horror since his days of playing Freddy Krueger in several Nightmare on Elm Street films.  As of late Englund has been found doing guest shots in films and movies but rarely has he had a full starring role. The film Inkubus puts Englund back into a starring role and front and center through much of the film.

Joining Robert Englund in Inkubus is another name that should be known to horror fans, one William Forsythe.  Along with these two actors the main cast is rounded out by Jonathan Silverman, Michelle Ray Smith and Joey Fatone.  There are two supporting cast members Horror Addicts should recognize and that being Dyan Kane and Tom DeNucci who were featured in an our previous season finale along with director Glenn Ciano.

The film Inkbus has a tag line that reads, “We all must face our demons.”  Those who take time to view the film should see that this is a very appropriate line.  Inkbus tells the viewer of the horrific events that take place, one seemingly quiet night, in a police station in the town of Wood Haven, Rhode Island.  The station is devoid of much activity, and personnel, as it approaches the date to shut down.

The precinct’s silent night is broken when a young man is arrested for supposedly killing his girlfriend.  The young man claims his innocence stating that out of nowhere someone was there attacking her and taking her head.  They do not believe him as his body is covered in her blood, but those doubts change soon enough.

The change comes as a man in a dark jacket walks in carrying the head of the young man’s girlfriend. The police quickly arrest the man and have the young man sent to lockup.  This is where things in this soon to close police station go from weird to downright deadly.

As the movie progresses the story is told about whom this man is, and we find out about his origins.  This is not a normal person but a long lived demon that has a plan for a retired police detective. The problem is everyone in the police station is in danger and with the simple tricks that Inkubus will pull on those inside can turn deadly.

Inkubus makes great use of the actual closed police station that they were able to use to shoot the film.  This added realism to the film that may not have been provided on a sound stage.  The film also gives you a sort of claustrophobic feel just as the actors started to feel while shooting the film.  It allows you to possibly understand how Inkubus is able to easily manipulate those around him.

The film also takes time to explain the back story of Inkubus and how long he has been around humans.  We begin to understand his motives and what he is doing in that particular police station.  We find out that we are actually reliving the tale at points as we find head Detective Caretti (Fatone) is being interviewed while in a psychiatric ward somewhere.  His story covers the events of the night we witness and what happened to his wife and child.

Inkubus can be called a bit of homage to Englund’s past role as Freddy.  The main difference in this case all those who fall victim to his mind games are well awake.  Englund’s character also has a unique device that is utilized in some of the kills that are witnessed in this film.

Inkbus may be questioned by viewers who check the cast list and wonder how such an odd cast of actors can turn in a good film.  This comes from the way Director Glenn Ciano is able to get the best out of his cast.  Many, I’m sure will question the use of former N’Sync singer Joey Fatone in such a pivotal role of the film.  This was something I also questioned, but I found that Fatone did a great job in the role of the chief Detective. The fact he was featured in many of the films scenes along with Englund and Forsythe only helped to make his role even more believable.

Inkubus is not a big major motion picture movie, but fans of Englund will certainly enjoy the film.  There are other reasons to like the film as the setting, the look, and feel of the film add to the overall enjoyment.  We at HorrorAddicts.net were lucky enough to speak to some involved in the film and from their discussion of the film you can easily get the feeling the loved the film they made and the experience in making it. This is something that viewers should take with them when watching the film and enjoying Inkubus.

Flint Horror Convention Part One

The Flint Horror Convention ended back on 10/30/11, and those behind the event should be very proud of what they accomplished. Chris Ringler and Geary Roe pulled off a first time event that was well attended and had some great vendors and some very special guests showing that Horror of all types has a home in the state of Michigan.

The convention brought together several Independent film makers, artists, writers, photographers and more importantly fans of horror into one building.  This building is Flint’s Historic Masonic Temple which I found may have been a special guest to the convention and I will get into that a bit more.

The convention had a long list of guests and vendors and they all were more than willing to take time to talk to those attending.  I saw people sharing their stories, their products and many cases a handshake as people spoke together.  This of course is a great sign for a convention when those involved feel welcome be it from vendor, to guest, to visitor.

The layout was special as the films featured at the convention where shown in an auditorium that served as a perfect setting for them.  Those who were able to attend one of the nine films were able to view them in their own room with little to no interruptions.  The panels were along the same floor but far enough way that there was no problem hearing them and those doing the panels did a great job of helping them move along, which was a rare issue.

The vendors were on a separate floor and had a large room setup in a logical manner that it allowed people to flow freely among them all.  As I wondered the floor I came across some names from Horror Films fans may recognize.  Tom Sullivan, Hal Dietrich, Ken Sagoes, David Hayes, and Kevin Lindenmuth to just name a few of those seen across the vendor floor as you wandered around.  Horror Addicts fans would have found Michele Roger and Mark Eller among those at the convention.  Actually for many they would have found Mark at the door as he was volunteering his time with the convention.  Michele shared a bit more then her writing as I found out that she is an accomplished harpist.

The artists and photographers who were displaying their work had a great showing as their works displayed were stunning.  It was not easy walking away from some of the vendor tables without breaking the bank to find funds to purchase some of their great works.

Now the one special guest that some may have not realized were provided by the building itself.  You see, rumor has it the Masonic Temple, which has been around since the late 1800’s is haunted.  In speaking to some of the convention attendees there were some similar stories coming from people.  The main being the elevator stopping at empty floors with no one there and no buttons pushed.  Another was odd feelings people got as they decided to take the stairs instead of the elevator.  In speaking to some associated with the building there have been other events that have happened as well.  Guest John E.L. Tenney may have found this very interesting.  Fans of Unsolved Mysteries and Paranormal State may recognize this name as he has been a research for both shows and will be on camera when the new version of Paranormal State starts with a new team.

The convention was open from 12 to 10pm and it was great to see people coming and going throughout the day.  The attendance was still there by almost 9pm that evening as there were still people walking around and looking at the vendors’ booths.  I have to say as someone who attended the convention you could not tell this was their first one.  There were several vendors who told me they were surprised with the turnout and the way the convention ran.  Tom Sullivan shared with me a horror story of another convention he was to attend and compared it to the Flint Convention.  To paraphrase what he said the differences were black and white between the two conventions.

The Flint Horror Convention is something fans of Horror not only in Michigan, but elsewhere, should keep an eye out for when future conventions are announced. I’m sure with the professionalism that this was run and some events held prior to the event there will be more.  It was a privilege to attend the convention and share with people information about Horror Addicts as I made my way around the convention.  The one thing I got from all my discussions was how great the convention was going. So, to all the volunteers and to the Flint Horror Con Committee great job to all and hope to see you next year. Lastly to those I spoke with I apologize for not mentioning everyone by name during this but the time you took to speak to me was greatly appreciated.

Knightmist’s Top Ten Reviewed Movies

Since I have begun reviewing Horror Films I have found that the list has grown to account for over sixty films.  These films have ranged from classics to modern movies.  I have covered genres from straight horror, thrillers, psychological, b-movies to the comedic.  As another year comes to an end, I thought it was about time I looked back at all those films.  It’s also important to remember those films so they do not show up a second time on Horror Addicts.  So below I’m sharing a blurb on what I’d consider the top ten films of those I have reviewed.  There is no specific order to this list as they all could easily be the number one in my list.

Salem’s Lot (1979) David Soul, James Mason, Bonnie Bedelia

Salem’s Lot is one of those Television mini-series that left people speechless after seeing the series. Now it’s available for the masses to watch through DVD rentals and other forms of media.  It’s a story that came from the mind of Steven King and takes you to a small town besieged upon by a dark and ruthless vampire.  This creature will turn everyone from small children to adults and this film shows the battle between those who know what is happening and those who choose to run.

The Shining (1980) Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall, Danny Lloyd

This is another Steve King entry into my list and do not see this as a trend, it’s just another great film. The Shining is a film that takes you deep into the psyche of its main character.  It’s a study of what a man will imagine and eventually do when he is placed in a place of solitude. In this case, the man goes insane with a little help from the local spirits. This film is set apart by the young actor and the role he plays in the film making this a stunning film.

Dog Soldiers (2002) Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd, Emma Cleasby

British Soldiers are dropped into the highlands to take part in a training mission.  This seems a simple enough tasks but then they discover that things are not as they seem.  The troopers eventually end up finding themselves under attack from an unseen enemy who later does get revealed. They are being attacked by a pack of werewolves and then it becomes a battle of who will survive. A great survival movie with a great cast and even better great looking werewolves that scare

Fido (2006) K’Sun Ray, Billy Connolly, Carrie-Anne Moss

The world has seen a dramatic war in which men, woman and even children had to fight for their lives.  Humanity eventually beat back the hordes of Zombies that were created from radiation from space and a genius found a way to control the zombies.  This takes us to the town of Willard where a boy’s mother is able to get the family a zombie.  Timmy befriends the zombie and names him Fido and we get a story that is quite unique.  Things eventually get interesting in town and we see a boy do anything he can to save his dog, oops I mean his Zombie.

Let the Right One In (2008) Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar

It’s the 1980’s and a boy lives alone with his mother in Sweden.  The boy is somewhat of a loner in school and is often bullied by a group of kids.  One day while out in the courtyard of his apartment complex he meets a young girl.  They eventually strike up a friendship, of sorts, and at times even speak through Morse code. The girl is different and has an old man as a caretaker and after a while we find out she is a vampire.  Their friendship is tested and things began to go wrong in town as she thirsts. This film was so well received it got an American remake called Let Me In (2010) staring Kodi Smit-McPhee and Chloe Grace Moretz.

Perfect Creature (2007) Dougray Scott, Saffron Burrows

This film came to the US in a straight to DVD release and was made in New Zealand with a well-known cast for that part of the world. The movie is set in a steampunk type of environment and takes place in a city that resembles Victorian London. There is a mix of cars, zeppelins, radios and black and white TVs that help to sell the world.  What makes this land stand out is the fact that vampires are seen as a church and are called the Brotherhood. Their job is to help to protect humanity and aid mankind by providing medicine for disease. However, one of the Brotherhood breaks ranks and begins attacking humans and it’s up to a female cop and a brother to track down the killer. As they track him a story unravels that is unique and quite surprising.

Slither (2006) Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker

A meteor crashes near the town of Woodsville and unlucky town member Grant Grant is infected by a creature that had traveled within the meteor.  This creature begins to kill pets and eventually starts taking over the people in town. It’s up to the Sheriff Bill Prady to discover what is going on and save the town and anyone that has not been infected.  This film is a dirty pleasure as there is plenty of humor and some interesting scenes in the film that will either have you laughing or going ick.

The Strangers (2009) Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman

A man had just proposed to his girlfriend only to be turned down by her.  They return to the vacation home of his parents to relax before seeing what will happen with them.  As they are there a blonde woman stops at the home and asks for Tamara. After they tell the stranger it’s the wrong house things return to normal, or they think. After James leaves to get some smokes for Kristen, the woman returns. After this we begin to see people watching her from outside and then eventually within the house. It only gets worse for the couple form that point. This film takes the fears of home invasion and turns it on its head and most of all the creepy middle of nowhere setting adds to the film.

The Host (2006)

A South Korean Horror Film that takes a unique look at the killer creature tale. The film centers around a family that will do everything it can to get their missing little girl back. She had been taken by a creature that had wreaked havoc along the waterway killing people and taking the girl back to its home. The family which has a gold medalist archer, snack bar owner, his son and an additional son do all they can to find the girl. This leads to moments of challenge within the family unit and some comedy. It’s a great film as it explores the family as well as seeing the girl try to stay alive when in the creature’s lair.

The Exorcist (1973) Ellen Burstyn, Linda Blair, Max Von Sydow

In truth I should need to write very little about The Exorcist as it’s a horror classic and has been scary audiences since its original release.  The film has been followed by some conflicts and legends behind the filming of the movie. Most people remember a scene in which Linda Blair’s character tosses up enough pea soup that it appears as if it wouldn’t stop.  This film continues to make it on lists of scariest films ever made and should continue to be listed for some time. The plot is simple enough a young girl becomes possessed and the exorcism that takes place to save her. The film is pure terror and one that still sticks in the mind of viewers after seeing the film years in the past.

Slither (2006) Encore

Director James Gunn began his director debut with the comedic horror film Slither which was released back in 2006.  The film had a cast of up and coming actors who should be well known to many film and television audiences of today.  The cast’s ensemble included Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker, Tonia Saulnier, Gregg Henry and a personal favorite Nathan Fillion.

Slither starts out with Grant Grant (Rooker) out in the woods with one Brenda Guitierrez when they witness something fall to earth. Grant cannot help but go and investigate what has fallen into the woods outside of their little town of Woodsville.  If it wasn’t bad enough that Grant was out cheating on his wife, this investigation would lead to a life changing event for Grant as he’s taken over by an alien parasite.

What happens after this parasitic takeover would change the life of every inhabitant of the town of Woodsville.  Animals and pets begin disappearing from the town and Sheriff Bill Pardy (Fillion) begins to investigate.  At the same time Starla Grant (Banks) begins to notice differences in her husband Grant and tries to get him to see a doctor with Grant avoiding the issue at every chance.  As to add to confusion around town Brenda goes missing and it’s only during the search for her do we find out more on what Grant has been “seeding” around town.

Slither is director James Gunn’s directorial debut and he was also involved with the writing of the film. Gunn used much of his love for Horror films in the making of this film and his work at Troma as influence to the film.  This will show throughout the film as some of the comedic lines and actions in the film may have come from Troma and other horror films.

Slither is one of those horror films that can cause a divide by those who view the film.  Some would say that the comedic nature of the film is lost on viewers as there has not been a sting of comedic horror films that have really made it made stream at the time the film was released. Also there was the fact that when the expectant Brenda baby bump pops, her broad leads to a town full of zombies like creatures.

However, for those who are fans of comedic horror this film hits all marks from a witty dialogue and great scenes.  Some of those scenes happen during the most intense parts of the film and help to elevate some of the seriousness of the film. Another great point is how this alien parasite that had taken over Grant is in love with his wife Starla as much as Grant is himself.  It’s amusing to watch the “zombie” like town’s people show their love for Starla.  Another ironic twist is fans of Rooker will know him as the zombie fighter Merle from Walking Dead, but here he is the start of the plaque.

Slither is one of those guilty pleasures that you will put on to watch on occasion just to enjoy a laugh and a creepy film.  The way the parasitic children wonder throughout town in search of people in it is ingenious.  You get to laugh as they will do just about anything to find a host to infect.  You will find yourself cringing as you watch people attempt to escape the disaster that is befalling this small town and laugh at their attempts. Most of all you will be sure to find at least one or more characters you will relate to or cheer for during the viewing.

Slither may not have been the jumping off point for much of the cast but it’s great to watch so many actors in a film such as this. It’s not every day you get a cast like this together without the film being a major studios next blockbuster film.  Along with the cast is Lorena Gale who passed in 2009 but horror fans will remember her from The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and Chronicles of Riddick. Jenna Fischer from TVs the Office is also in the film and at the time was director James Gunn’s better half. So, with all of this talent it’s hard to believe the film did not get a better reception, but as they say it’s all about the timing.

The Shining (1980) Encore Review

What can one say about the Stanley Kubrick film The Shining that has not been said before? The film has seen parodies in film, cartoons and even television commercials.  The film has influences on many screen writers, directors and even actors due to the performances seen in the film by the cast. The Shining is a film that has seen it’s name appear on favorite horror films time after time, and continues to this day to be enjoyed by horror fans.

The question is what has made this film such a pivotal film in the Horror genre?  Is it the fact that The Shining was based off of a great book by Horror writer Stephen King? Is it the great screen play written by Kubrick and novelist Diane Johnson?  Did Kubrick create such a mood in his direction that fans are drawn into the film and thus thoroughly drawing the viewer in? Or was it simply the performances by the cast?

Personally it was a combination of all these things that make The Shining a horror film that will continue to scare viewers for some time to come.  Jack Nicholson stars as Jack Torrance who is an ex-teacher working on a writing career when we are introduced to his character. Torrance is interviewing for a position at the Overlook Hotel which will give him the opportunity for months of peace to pursue his writing. There is however one piece of information that had been left out of his initial interview for the job.  Torrance finds out what had happened to a previous caretaker’s twin girls, the wife and the caretaker himself.  This tragic tail can be considered to be a bit of foreshadowing of events to come.

Wendy Torrance, played by Shelley Duvall, is at home caring for her son who is not looking forward to the temporary move to the Outlook. Young Danny, played by Danny Lloyd, may have some insight to what is to come through his “invisible” friend.  We get a hint on how psychic Danny’s friend is when he predicts the phone call from his father saying he has gotten the job.  Is this another piece of information that needs to be filed aware for later?

The film is full of other scenes and acts of foreshadowing that helps the viewer follow along and gain more and more interest into the story.  The spirits of the Overlook seem to be after one thing as the movie progresses.  Their plan appears to be to get Jack to do something terrible to his family.  In one scene we find the ghost of the previous caretaker telling Jack what he must do to his family.  The spirit doesn’t tell him directly what to do but if the viewer remembers the story from the interview chills may come to you.

There is one thing in this film that viewers should try and pick up on.  It is that although the film appears to show us that they are interested in Jack there are scenes that drop hints that maybe Jack isn’t who they really want.  Just listen to the subtle phrases and words spoken when the spirits talk about young Danny.  They are quite intrigued by his gifts and at times you may wonder is there a reason they want Jack to kill his family?  Do they have something in mind for Danny or that special gift we find out about?

The Shining is simply a masterful film.  The plot, the acting, and the direction are equally important to any viewer of this film.  Jack Nicholson’s acting as his character dives head first into madness is masterful. The is no doubt as we watch this quiet man fall to each of his own personal demons.  Be it giving into his aggressive behavior or sudden wish to begin drinking again.  The spirits are able to push each of Jack’s magical buttons to further his decent.  Be it an agreeable ear from a bartender or the advice of a long dead caretaker.  Either way Jack becomes a puppet to the wishes of the spirits and will by the end of the film is willing to do ANYTHING to show he is worth all their trouble.

The Shining is a film that Horror fans should enjoy and treasure.  The DVD version of the film shows us a sneak peak into the making of the film as Kubrick’s teenage daughter  shot a documentary of the making of the film. Fortunately for fans this documentary is on the DVD and should be equally enjoyed as the film.

The most interesting piece about this film is that it’s original release was slow.  It was only the word of mouth that drove this film to become the success it has become. So, follow the example that was previously shared and spread the word on this film.  If you, or friends, have not seen this Horror Classic then take some time and sit back and watch The Shining.  Hopefully you will find it to be a film that all you want to do is spread the word and help introduce the film to a generation that has yet to see it.

Perfect Creature (2007) Encore Review

The film Perfect Creature is a film that many would not equate to being a Vampire movie.  This is because the plot has you watching as two brothers match wits as influenza ravages the general public.  The thing is there is much more to the plot and two “Brothers”.

To start this film is set in what appears to be a combination of Victoria England and a post World War 2 time frame, and some actually consider it a steam punk type of setting.  The structures in the film have a gothic feel to them and the overall look to the slum called Jamestown is really well done.  You get a great sense of the hopeless of the inhabitants of this area through the look and dress.  In a switch from using pure CG for the look of the film pictures were taken of buildings throughout New Zealand that would fit the setting.  These images where then added to the layering of the film and thus give it such a gorgeous look.

The story is just as appealing as the setting of this film. I say this as the film makers do a great job of introducing us to the lead characters within the first 10 to 20 minutes of the film.  We also learn that the word Brother has a different meaning then you’d think in this.  The fact is that a Brother is actually a Vampire.

The hero Silus is introduced to his young baby brother as Edgar comes into the world.  We find out then that Silus shares a mother with Edgar and that both are Vampires.  I add that the scene with the baby Edgar is quite interesting as we see the young child with its fangs.   The film then jumps ahead 100 years and we learn more about the background of how the Brothers came to being.  Alchemy was used to create the Brothers through Genetic experimentation, but at a cost as disease was also created.

When we next see Silus he is an adult and is hunting a murder of humans.  The same humans that the Brothers are there to protect as the Brothers linked to being a religion.  Then we meet female police officer Lilly who is in the midst of arresting a landlord who has been stock piling influenza shots to sell on the black market instead of providing to his tenants.  At this point in the film the key players have been introduced to us in some form or another and the story is about to take off.

The thing that engages one so much about this film is the different role Vampires play in this alternate society.  They are not seen as blood thirsty creatures of the night only hunting for prey and to cause death.  Vampires are actually seen as god like as they have churches with thousands of followers.  People even go to their local Brother Church to donate not money, but blood to the Brothers.

However, as the movie’s opening script warns us something is happening to upset the balance between Humans and the Vampires.  This thing is deadly and toxic not just to the Brothers but as well to Humans. The fact is the villain, Edgar, is as cold blooded as any modern telling of a Vampire.  His methods maybe slightly different but the affect on society is just the same if not worse.  Edgar’s methods work so well that the government gets to the point they are willing to let all in Jamestown die to protect society.

Perfect Creature is one of those films that when you stumble across it all you will want to do is share it with your friends that are horror fans.  I’m hoping that you enjoy the movie as much as I have as it’s become somewhat rare to find a horror film that contains a well written story and plot.

Dog Soldiers (2002) Encore Review

The name Dog Soldiers does not have you picture a horror movie. Instead you may think of a Disney film where they have dogs saving the day. Another option is you may picture a film like Valiant where we get to see the struggles of carrier pigeons. A possible thought is you could think of a group of dogs that band together to save their neighborhood tree and are lead by a retired police dog. If you even think ANY of these then you would be sadly mistaken.

Dog Soldiers is a plain and simple action horror film brought to us by the director behind Doomsday and The Decent. This film has a rather simple plot. The story revolves around a small squad of British regular army who are sent into a wooded area to work with a Special Forces group on a training exercise.

The main character who is named Cooper we are shown had a run-in with the Commander of this special forces unit during a training exercise months back and had been washed out. This conflict comes in as the movie progresses as the commander is the only one to survive a massacre of the Special Forces squad.

The regulars try to call for help when they are attacked by a fast moving and unseen enemy. The enemy is relentless and an evade and escape plan begins as the regulars take wounded and some are killed.

The movie moves quickly and I have to admit the look of the werewolves when finally seen is great. They did an awesome job on the makeup and design of the creatures. The one thing I really enjoyed is how the allowed the werewolves to have a brain. There was more of one of them and they showed how they would hunt as a pack and used their intelligence when hunting the soldiers.

There are some surprising twists in the film and there is one scene that is blatantly obvious to this movie fan as a throw back to the movie Zulu. There is a comment by one soldier on how it’s so much like an experience that happened to the British Army back during the time of the Zulu. During this battle several men are trapped at a lone outpost surrounded by thousands of Zulu warriors. This is an actual battle from the British Army History and the way it was referenced in the film was great for this movie buff.

I will say the movie does have a somewhat typical ending but the movie itself is well worth a rental in my humble opinion. I say this especially if you’re a fan of Lycans and especially ones that are designed so convincingly. I will add this last bit about one of the chilling moments in the film. This moment comes when those remaining realize the werewolves have been let in the house and we see them slowly come into view ready to strike.

The Exorcist (1973) Encore Review

The Exorcist was made in 1973 and was adapted from a book that was written by William Peter Blatty.  The book, and thus the film, were said to have been loosely based on an actual record exorcism that took place in 1949.  The film stars Max von Sydow (Father Merrin), Ellen Burstyn (Chris MacNeil), and a young Linda Blair (Regan MacNeil).

The film starts and moves in a slow pace unraveling a story that comes to be called one of the scariest films of all time.  This is done masterfully by Director William Friedkin as we get to see scenes of a loving mother raising her daughter.  The other center plot in the film is the struggle of young Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) who is struggling with his faith and ability to carry on in his role as a Father.  Karras is actually a very brilliant man that we find out chose the church over taking a more lucrative job as a psychologist.

The movie’s opening sequence introduces us to Father Merrin (von Sydow) who finds a small relic showing a dark looking figure while on a dig in Egypt.  Father Merrin later travels to a small region in Egypt where he comes across a much larger statue that resembles the relic and a bit of foreshadowing comes to us as we suddenly hear two dogs fighting nearby.

The film jumps to Georgetown where we are introduced to the actress Chris MacNeil, (Burstyn) who is working on her latest film.  MacNeil seems to have a great life as she lives with her daughter Regan.  Regan is an active 12 year old who like many her age has her likes and dislikes and during one scene we find that Regan would really like a horse.  It’s not long after this that we find out that Regan had found an Ouija board and had actually played with the game.  The problem is when Chris tries to use the game the board, well it tells her NO.

The film progresses building questions and suspense throughout as the plots unravel. We continue to see Father Karras struggle with his faith and talking about his problem with friends. Regan begins having seizures and other health problems that cause her mother to take her to several doctors. Of which some do painful medical tests and studies on Regan that in themselves are quite scary to watch. It’s only about the midway point of the film do we find out what is happening to Regan and the story that unravels to our eyes is startling.  Things are made even darker as people begin to die that may have a connection to the McNeil’s.

The Exorcist is one of those films that you can talk to friends, family and even strangers about and most will have a favorite scene.  People will tell you how the film has scared them and in some cases given then nightmares.  The version of the film I watched included scenes that were held out of the original theatrical release as they were deemed to be too scary for viewers at the time.  This just adds to the movies lore and appeal and explains why it has remained to be one of the scariest films ever made.

You’d think making this film the cast and crew would have a light hearted set and would find ways to relax as they dealt with this story.  Well, that wasn’t the case for those involved in the production of the film.  Actor Jack MacGrowan died during the filming of the movie due to complications that came from the flu.  There are reported Urban Legends about blessings being down on the set due to technical and other problems that took place during the filming.  One such incident is when the interior sets of the MacNeil home were destroyed by fire, well except for Regan’s bedroom.   Linda Blair was also injured during the film as a harness used during one of her thrashing scenes broke.

Learning about the Urban Legends and that the inspiration of the story came from an actual exorcism, does not ruin the film but makes it even more chilling.  To think that so much surrounds a movie released in 1973, and the fact it still chills viewers today tells you something about this film.  This is one of those films that if you are a horror fan and have yet to watch it, I have to ask what are you waiting for?

The Host (2006) Encore Review

The Host is a South Korean Horror Film that came out in 2006.  The film saw its premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in 2006 before it was released theatrically in Korea. The film has won many awards and received numerous other award nominations. Although the film has received all this acclaims it only received only a limited US release and many Horror Fans have paid the film little attention.

The Host opens with a doctor telling his lab assistant that he hates dust. He prefers a clean working area and after wiping the dust off the bottle of formaldehyde orders they poured down the sink.  The doctor is warned that the sink leads out to the Han River, but the doctor does not care about procedure or the river. The viewer gets to see the assistant, now wearing a mask, dump a bottle down the drain.  As the camera pans we find that there is over a hundred empty bottles with more yet to empty.

The film then does some small time jumps to a more modern day Seoul, Korea.  We are then introduced slowly to a rather dysfunctional family.  It’s not long after this that we find the people along the bank of the river enjoying their day notice something hanging from the bridge. As the watchers start throwing food out at the shape something happens.  The creature shows it true self and begins a run thru the crowds crushing and devouring people as it goes, and sadly for one family it takes their young girl with it as it leaves.

The movie follows the exploits of the family of Hyun-Seo as they try and find her to get her back. The film is full of concepts that are not often seen in many horror films today.  The film does an amazing job at investigating the family dynamic and the way they interact and think of each other.  The father does his best to get his oldest children to see their slow witted brother as a man.

The story takes off as we see the civil police agencies and South Korean government try to deal with the creature.  It is decided by the United Nations that they are unable to contain the situation and even worse the creature maybe carrying a virus.

The Host shows us that Horror can come not just from a creature, but from the feelings we may carry for others, and our environment.  We watch as this family tries to save their little girl and at the same time has disconnections and tragedy hit them through their trials.  The film has moments of shock not just from a sudden appearance of the creature but events that happen when the creature is not involved.  There is one big question that begins to show itself as you watch the film.  Who really is the monster?

Fido (2006) Encore Review

I haven’t heard of the film Fido and after some searching I was finally able to find it, and sit down and watch the movie. Fido is a surprisingly well made and the idea behind the film is also something interesting and not to far out of the zombie cliché world.

The town of Willard is like many 1950’s type of towns. You have beautiful homes, green lush lawns, a gorgeous city park and zombies. (Insert the sound of breaks squealing to a stop).

Did I say ZOMBIES?? Yes, Yes I did the town of Willard and the world in which this film takes place had the Great Zombie War. It wasn’t till the genius Dr. Geiger determines that the only way to kill a zombie is to shoot them in the head did humanity start winning the war. The great Doctor takes it one step further and develops control collars that allow the Zombies to interact with people and curb their hunger for human flesh.

We are introduced to those wonderful facts through a News Reel type of movie that plays before we get into the meet of the movie. If you’ve ever seen any of those old Atomic Bomb movies where people are told to “duck and cover” imagine that if you will. The way this film is done and spliced with some vintage WW2 film footage was quite intriguing. It was also a great way to introduce us to the world that Willard is in.

I will also say that this movie is your typical feel good family movie where a boy falls in love with his Zombie, irr I mean pet. Fido, the zombie his mother gets, becomes a family member much like a dog would in the old shows like Lassie. The fact that Timmy consistently says things like “Fetch boy”, “Good boy”, or in one seen, “I knew you wouldn’t eat me boy.”

One of my favorite comedic moments is when Fido comes home and Timmy’s mother asks where Timmy is and Fido lets out a whine and wants her to follow him. I had a laugh out loud moment when I thought back to all those Lassie jokes where a dog barks and people would ask, “Where’s Timmy boy?”.

The film also has some other small comedic pieces to help move the movie and plot along. You get to watch the zombies do everything in the town from assisting the milkman to delivering the local paper.

The movie does a great job of making you feel like your set back in the 1950’s as I mentioned before. I want to add to that point as there was some great use of automobiles in the film and even cars with those HUGE white walls. Also, the fact that Timmy’s mother felt she needed a Zombie to keep up with the neighbors as they where the only family without one. The fact she also had to take a pie over to welcome the new neighbors to the neighborhood.

Now, the movie isn’t all just laughs as there is some drama behind the movie. Timmy’s father for example has a zombie phobia because his 1 kill during the Zombie war was a family member. We also see poor Timmy stuck with a father who really doesn’t know how to relate to him and would rather be golfing. Of course there are other protagonists such as 2 local bullies, and an old lady neighbor who gives Timmy the riot act for not putting his bike away. Also in many pet/child movies something happens to Fido in which Timmy must go and rescue him.

Overall, I was pleasantly really surprised by this film and would highly recommend the film to others. The cast has some well now actors/actresses such as Carrie-Ann Moss playing Timmy’s mother. Fido is played by comedian Billy Connolly who was Uncle Monty in Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events and was in a great film called Mrs. Brown. The young boy, K’Sun Ray, did an amazing job considering this was his first movie role according to IMDB.com.

So if you’re in the mood for a light hearted movie with a bit of zombies go out and find this movie, or add it to your Netflix queue. This film actually is low enough on the blood and gore I’d recommend it as an overall family film. Just keep one thing in mind when doing this, and that it is a zombie film and you must have your flesh eating and shots to the head.

Chiller 13: Horror’s Creepiest Kids 2011

The Chiller Television network has brought us another list of horror staples and in this instance it’s not movies, but instead its kids. The television special used guests and clips to show the viewer what they believe to be the thirteen creepiest kids in movies.  The list below shows the movie referenced and the main kid from each film.  So take a look and share your thoughts.

Now without further commenting let’s get to the list.

13. The Sixth Sense / Cole Sear
12. Children of the Corn / Isaac and Malachai
11. Interview with a Vampire / Claudia
10. Poltergeist / Carol Anne Freeling
9. The Shining / Danny Torrance
8. Let Me In / Owen and Abby
7. The Addams Family / Wednesday
6. The Ring / Samara
5. The Exorcist / Regan MacNeil
4. The Good Son / Henry Evans
3. Orphan / Esther
2. Pet Sematary / GageCreed
1. The Omen / DamienThorn

How do you like your horror?

Horror covers so many genres and it’s popularity never seems to drop as new media helps to push Horror out to the world. We can find horror in almost every place we look. From terrible real world events, to  comic books, movies, television, books, and so much more.  There is one question that those who market horror try to figure out when it comes to their audience and that is, what people want to see in their horror.

So this is my question to the fans of horror:

Do you look for the bloodier and gore filled stories, or something that engages the mind. Maybe you like a combination of the two elements.

To start let me share my thoughts on how I take my horror.

If you haven’t gotten any idea by previous posts or other comments, I like my horror with a story and a plot. I want to be scared not just visually but through the mind.  The human mind is an amazing thing and with that comes our imagination.  Our original fears of the dark, bugs, lightning, and other things as a child is the first hint of what our imagination can do for us.  Those fears can go away as a child or linger and become even bigger fears as we grow.  It’s that imagination that when properly motivated can shake a person to it’s core and thus why I like to have a thought provoking scare.  I want some of what is happening to be left to the imagination so that the fear that comes from it can make things even better.

So now I’m looking for the thoughts of those who take time to read this and respond.

~Knightmist

Conversation with Adam Bartlett and John Pata

Many of you will not recognize the names of Adam Bartlett and John Pata, but these two men started a long collaboration process that has lead to their film, Dead Weight, which they hope to release in 2012. These two men were kind enough to give up some of their time and speak to Horror Addicts about their film.  The film is set in their home state of Wisconsin and the primary filming was done around places they may have called home. It is a personal hope that we here at Horror Addicts can say we where there at a start of the success of Dead Weight.  It was a pleasure speaking to both men and getting a sense of how much they love their work.

You can hear the full interview on the season finale of  http://www.horroraddicts.net

During the interview you will be able to find out about the process of the film and some of the locations used in the shooting.  There will even be a discussion about how they found the films mascot and the name for said mascot.  You will also get a glimpse of how much the film meant to Adam and John, and hopefully their passion when it comes to the film.  Some could say the way these two men speak of the film it’s as if it’s a beloved child.

If you’d like to learn more about the film, and see a trailer, you can check out their blog at Dead Weight Movie.

A Sneak Peek at Inkubus starring Robert Englund, William Forysthe

When people are asked to name some of the most prolific actors in Horror, the name that will come to many lists is that of Robert Englund. To many he will be best known for his role as Freddy Krueger.  However, Englund has stepped beyond this role and has been in many films since the Nightmare on Elm Street film series.  In the film Inkubus, he’s back to play the key character in the film.  Along side Englund is Horror icon, William Forysthe.

The rest of the cast is composed of individuals such as Joey Fatone, Jonathan Silverman, Michelle Ray Smith, and others.  Horror Addicts had that ability and fortune to speak with actor Tom DeNucci, actress Dyan Kane, and director Glenn Ciano.  In the interviews you will get to hear the passion they all have for their film and some of how the film was made.  Listen to these interviews on Episode #71 of HorrorAddicts.net.

Horror Addicts would like to thank those at Woodhaven Production Company for giving us the opportunity to speak with those in the movie and it’s director.  I hope fans will enjoy the discussions, but more importantly find a way to see the movie.

Inkubus will be in select theaters from Oct 28th-Nov. 3rd.

1. Providence Place Mall Cinema, RI
2. Warwick Cinema, RI
3. Showcase Revere, MA
4. Showcase Bridgeport, CT
5. Island 16: Cinema De Lux, Holtsville, NY
6. Multiplex Cinemas at Town Center Plaza, East Windsor, NJ
7. Springdale 18: Cinema De Lux, Springdale, OH
8. Valley Art, Tempe, AZ
9. Magic Lantern, Spokane, WA
10. The Dark Room Theater, San Fran, CA
11. The Times Cinema, Milwaukee, WI
12. Sanibel Island Cinema, Sanibel, FL

More information can be found at their Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/InkubusMovie?sk=info

Paranormal Activity Franchise

First-time director and writer, Oren Peji, went to extremes to make his first independent feature.  Peji started his journey by not only remodeling his own home, but researching the films unseen protagonist.  The remodeling of his home, the research and the dramatic form of story-telling created a cult phenomenon which later became one of 2009’s run away hits.  The film has spawned two sequels with each continuing to step back into the story set by the original film.

Some of the original films lure and success, came from an ingenious online marketing campaign.  Fans were asked to go online and demand that it be shown in the city in which they live.  In many major cities this worked well as fans were treated to the film.  After the film’s original run fans who signed up on the website were even given an opportunity to re-sign up and get their name in the films credits.  This of course caused the film to have some of the longest listed credits in recent movies but it helped fans, like me, feel this film was for us.

While all this excitement over the film was going on, Paramount purchased the rights to the film, and thus opened the door for sequels.  The second film in the series was released in 2010 and like the original scared viewers nearly out of their seats.  This second film can be called a prequel and did just as well as the original, and then we have the third film in the franchise coming out in 2011.

By now some of those reading may be wondering what film franchise I am referring to and others may have guessed by now.  I am, of course, referring to the Paranormal Activity franchise of films.

What makes these films so unique, is the way in which the story is told and the time much of the action takes place.  In both films we find one of two sisters being harassed by some mysterious entity.  The entity primarily uses the night hours to make its attention known to the family.  In the original film we find Katie (Katie Featherston) being tormented by something.  Noises in the night, bumps and thuds and eventually things get worse.  Katie is dragged from her bed, kicking and screaming and worst of all her boyfriend is no help.  Micah (Micah Sloat) refuses to listen to the advice given to them by a psychic and attempts communication with the entity and taunts the creature.  This leads to an ending that has shocked those who saw the film.

The eventual sequel, takes us back into the story.  It shows how Katie’s sister, Kristi (Sprague Grayden), is married with an infant son.  Kristi and her husband, Dan (Brian Boland), arrive home one night to find their home ransacked and eventually the only thing found missing is a necklace her sister had given her.  This leads to security camera’s being installed within the house.

As in the first film things begin to happen.  Kristi’s house is besieged by an entity of some sort as well.  It starts simple with the pool cleaner ending up on the pool’s deck and moves on.  At one point Dan’s daughter, Ali (Molly Ephraim) is locked out of the home while babysitting her brother.  Unlike the original film, in this one we find out that whatever is haunting them wants the baby boy.  Thanks in part to research that Ali does we find out that the entity is a demon and somewhere in Kristi’s and Katie’s, family someone had to have made a deal with the demon.  Now that the time has come the beast want’s its payment.

What makes these two films so unique is they prey on your base fears.  We see people sleeping as doors open around them.  Shadows reach out to touch an individual and at times it appears as if it could be standing there watching them.  How many can say a thought of someone, or something, staring at them as they sleep doesn’t send a chill down your spine.  Closets, cupboards and other items move and do their own thing with no sign of what caused it.  Worst of all, people seem to become possessed – their actions are no longer their own.

Beyond that base fear, the other item in both films that can get to an individual is how we see the men in these sisters’ lives have no disregard for their fears.  Neither man is willing to listen to the woman in their life until things get to their ultimate worst.  The men do not take the fears and concerns these woman are trying to share with them seriously but instead either deny or encourage what is going on.  This is a fear many couples have, the mistrust of a loved one.  The fear of knowing someone you care about, and cares about you, will not listen.  This can add to the tension in both films and in a subtle way is as scary as what is happening.

The Paranormal Activity Franchise is telling its story in reverse, giving us the back story to each film as it moves forward.  We understand the driving story to each original film as the franchise moves along.  The films tie together beautifully as they tell the story of this poor family.  In all cases a slow building event grows and the tension of not only the viewer but those watching the events as they unfold.  In a world where we are used to watching film crews record the life of people for reality television, these films work perfectly.  We can understand how a single camera, or more, is able to capture all this activity with no one knowing what to do. As paranormal television shows grow in popularity and we start to hear the true stories of other the events of this franchise become more real and possibly even scarier.

David Hess a Rememberance

David Hess was born in 196 in New York City, and sadly he passed away on October 8, 2011.  David Hess left a career that spanned several decades and involved not only his horror films but also a career in music.

Hess actually first got his start in music in 1956 and found a career writing for artists such as Elvis, Pat Boone, Sal Mineo and other stars of the era.  He at one point became the head of A&R at Mercury records a few years before he started a successful acting career.

It was in 1972 Wes Craven put him in the staring role in The Last House on the Left. Hess portrayed Krug Stillo in the film who was the lead protagonist in the movie.  Craven’s film was so disturbing that several countries at the time banned the film, or wanted edits before it could be shown.  Some of this controversy can easily be pointed back to Hess’s portrayal of the sadistic Krug.

Hess continued to have a career not only in film but also in music. Over the past decades leading up to his death, horror fans would have seen him in Craven’s Swamp Thing in 1982 and heard his musical influence in Cabin Fever (2003).

Hess was a man whose influence wasn’t just felt in the United States but also overseas.  The man will be known to those in Germany as well as he had a career in film dubbing.

David Hess continued to be involved in the convention circuit as he regrouped with his co-stars form Last House on the Left at Fangoria in 2009.

So, it is with sad news that we have to say good bye to David Hess.  His influences and works are something that no one will forget and as people  continue finding movies he will continue to exist.   This is something we all hope for in life, and that is knowing others will remember our life and works.  To the family of David Hess his memory will not just reside in you, but all those fans that loved him and those yet to discover him.

Pandorum (2009)

By 2174 earth is over populated and war has broken out for the limited resources left on the planet; man begins to head out to space to find new worlds and homes that can support human life.  We witness a ship in space receiving a last message stating that they are all of what is left of us.  Does this mean they are the remains of humanity?  This maybe one of the questions answered in the film Pandorum.

The film opens with Corporal Bower (Ben Foster) awakening suddenly in what looks to be a stasis tube of some sort.  Bower has no memory of the events that have taken place aboard the ship, Elysium.  Bower works on getting his bearings and eventually awakens Lieutenant Payton (Dennis Quaid). Together they start to try and determine what is happening aboard their ship.  The men’s task is hampered by the fact neither has much of a memory and it’s only training and impulse that is keeping them functioning.

After multiple attempts to reach the bridge and unable to reach others the two men must finally make a decision.  It is decided that Bower would make his way through the ship to the ship’s reactor.  They come to this conclusion as Bower appears to be a ship technician and that is why he was awoken.  As Payton begins to guide Bower through the ship using a radio, Bower heads out into the ship.

During his trek Bower, comes across some strange and unknown things.  There is dead bodies, a wild woman and even worse, some sort of wild creature.  All of these things continue to grow a mystery as Bowers simple trip to repair the reactor becomes a battle for his life.  Along the way he finds out what has happened aboard the ship.  Bower even runs across a few other people and as he has already found out not all is as it appears and not everyone is concerned about him.

As Bower continues through his life threatening journey things do not go smoothly for Payton.  Payton begins to hear noises he begins to get jumpy.  He gets a make shift weapon and begins ensuring all entry points are secure.  Eventually he comes to find the source of the noise and it’s not what he expects.  It’s a man who claims to have come from the bridge of the ship, and, as we find, out this man has a secret.

Pandorum is not just the title to this film but it’s also a disease that can happen in space.  It’s brought on by long incarceration in stasis and can cause multiple of problems.  Delirium, paranoia and vivid hallucinations are just some of the side effects of pandorum.  These are symptoms we begin to see in the bulk of the main characters of the film.  We even find out in a previous ship that a captain went insane and launched the entire crew into space basically killing all aboard.  However, there are even worse things happening aboard this ship that no one had seen before.  The film takes us into a small study of how humanity may evolve as our environmental factors change around us.  In this instance there is an internal stimulus that also helps to change things aboard the ship as many sleep in stasis.

Pandorum takes the viewer through a mix of emotions, story and fear.  We wonder if things on board the ship are getting as bad as they appear or are Bower and Payton themselves suffering from pandorum. We watch as Payton battles with the Corporal Gallo that has come from the bridge.  Gallo holds many secrets and challenges Payton at every turn as the two men talk.  It’s Bower that has the worst of it as he continues to work his way through the bowel of the ship to repair the reactor before it kills all on board.  Bower’s every step and each turn becomes more and more fearful as he goes, never knowing who he can trust.  This brings us all into the paranoia that we find happening aboard the ship.  It also makes for a great thrill ride in space that will keep many viewers enthralled till the end.

Sunshine (2007)

They say all good things must come to an end in 2057 the sun is dying and the Earth is beginning to freeze.  The space ship Icarus I was sent to re-ignite the sun but the ship was lost seven years previous. Captain Pinbacker (Mark Strong) and his entire crew are felt to have died in their attempt.  So now it is time for the Icarus II to make its long trip to the sun using its stellar bomb payload.

The film opens with the crew of the Icarus II about to pass into the dead zone where they will lose all communications with Earth.  Physicist Robert Capa (Cillian Murphy) is creating one last message to send to his family back on Earth, while others take the time to work or relax.

However as they continue their voyage communications officer Harvey (Troy Garity) hears something that should not be out there.  There is a distress beacon and of all things it’s coming from the lost Icarus I.  Captain Keneda (Hiroyuki Sanada) asks Capa if they should make an attempt to rendezvous with the original Icarus.  Capa eventually comes to the conclusion that they should indeed set course to rendezvous with the ship, but this is where things begin to go bad.

There is a miss calculation by navigator Trey (actor) that causes severe damage to some of the ships mirrors.  This requires a dangerous spacewalk that eventually leads to some tragedy.  As they remainder of the crew travels to the Icarus I they have to deal with this sudden loss and the change of moods.  Things only get worse when they doc with the Icarus and find that there is no real damage on the ship.

This is where director Danny Boyle gets into the meat of the story.  There is a major surprise hidden on the original Icarus that awaits those who have docked with the ship.  The members of the Icarus II begin to dwindle as there are accidents on board and eventually maybe murder as well.

As in most of his films Danny Boyle does an incredible job of framing and setting the location of the film.  The images of space, the ship, and the crew’s quarters are done extremely well. Boyle also uses his ensemble class to tell a story that could be transported to nearly any location as the backdrop story is simple, survival.  There are images in this film that can be shocking but at the same time beautiful.

The one thing we don’t get is how bad things are back on Earth as the ship travels as we are not really shown what is happening to the planet as the sun slowly dies.  The time when we do we find an iconic piece of modern construction shown in an element no one would expect.

Sunshine may not seem to be a true horror film too many as the film is more plot driven then anything.  The film does not have your topless teenagers or those out having sex, but the film can be scary. The key to the fear in this film is watching the convictions of the true antagonist.  Seeing what lengths the antagonist will go through to stop the mission of the Icarus. So, if you can allow yourself to watch more of a sci-fi horror film you will find another Danny Boyle masterpiece.  To close just a few others you will find in the cast as you watch the film; Chris Evans, Michelle Yeoh and Rose Byrne.

In the Mouth of Madness (1995)

John Carpenter directs actors Sam Neil, Jürgen Prochnow and even Charlton Heston in the 1995 movie In the Mouth of Madness.  The film opens with every writer’s dream, the act of a book being printed for later sales.  It is after this opening credit scene that we witness an ambulance rushing to what we find out to be a psychiatric hospital.  The man being driven to the asylum is Insurance Investigator John Trent (Neil).

Dr. Wrenn comes to visit Trent to question his story and if possible get him out of the asylum.  Dr. Wrenn is eventually led to the cell that Trent has been held in and as he arrives he finds something quite interesting.  Trent has used a black crayon to cover his cell, his clothing and his skin with hundreds of crosses.  As Dr. Wrenn begins to talk to Trent we get a look what drove this man into the madness he has found himself in.

The story starts off easy enough as we find Trent questioning a man about a warehouse fire.  The man expecting to be paid for his claim on the warehouse is tripped up by the facts Trent has found.  Trent’s abilities continue to impress the insurance company’s owner and the men eventually go out to lunch.  At lunch Trent is offered a full time job with the company, but he prefers to continue to work freelance.  As the two men enjoy their lunch an odd scene develops behind them: a man comes out of a store and begins marching toward the men carrying an ax.  People scream and run to get out of the man’s way as he crosses the street.  The man eventually comes to their window and with a swing of his axe breaks the window.  It appears he is going to kill Trent with the ax, but the man stops to ask him if he reads Sutter Cane.  Cane being the man Trent just heard has gone missing and could cost his insurance company friend millions.  The would be killer is promptly shot to death before he can deliver a blow.

Trent eventually finds himself in the offices of Arcane Publishing who’s director, Jackson Harglow (Heston) wants him to go and find the disappeared horror writer Sutter Can.  As Harglow begins to discuss Cane with Trent, we find that the man has an appeal far reaching any modern writer.  One could almost compare Cane’s works with those of H. P. Lovecraft.

Trent eventually takes the job and he and a representative of Arcane head out to find the missing Sutter Cane (Prochnow).  The problem as the pieces start to get put together regarding where Cane maybe Trent begins to find himself have disturbing dreams and unfortunately for him, this is only the beginning.  In the Mouth of Madness is more of a psychological horror film but does have some elements of straight horror within the film.  We also follow along as Trent has to answer a major question; the question being is he part of the book?

Carpenter again shows why he has fascinated horror fans for decades.  The setting of this film along with the way Carpenter is able to get a story told comes alive in this film.  You will enjoy following along as the mythical town of Hobbs End is searched for and shocked as items from the new book may start to come true Carpenter is at his best in these type of films and draws upon a great cast to tell a story that many have not seen.  In the Mouth of Madness along with the pre-reviewed, The Thing, are part of Carpenter’s Apocalypse Trilogy with Prince of Darkness being the final film.  Fans of Carpenter’s films will thoroughly enjoy this movie and the cast turns in performances that shine.

The Thing (1982)

The Thing came out in 1982, and unfortunately for the film, it came out just weeks after one of the most beloved exterrestrial films of all time, ET.  What makes this fact unique to The Thing is that unlike ET, this film portrays aliens in a much different light.   Due to this difference, The Thing did not get the warmest reception at the box office, some could say it was about as warm as the artic setting of the film.

The Thing starts in a manner that may upset some viewers as we find a sled dog being shot at from a helicopter.  The dog continues to be chased through the snow as those in the copter do all they can to kill the animal.  The animal eventually runs close enough to a US outpost that the sounds of the chase draw the attention to those inside and they rush out to see what is happening.  After a few tense moments there is an explosion and both those chasing the animal are now dead.

This is where the mystery of the film begins as those within the camp begin to try and piece together just what has happened.  The puzzle eventually leads to helicopter pilot R.J. MacReady (Kurt Russel) and outpost Dr. Copper (Richard Dystart) to risk a flight to the camp of origin, for the men chasing the dog.  They land the copter to find themselves at a burned out Norwegian Outpost, and after a search come across a human corpse, or at least looks human.  They grab all that they can, including the corpse, and head back to their outpost.  They the odd corpse is given an autopsy by Dr. Brair (Wilford Brimley) and he finds nothing conclusive just that there are some odd internal organs.

Up to this point in the film the dog has been allowed to roam around the outpost and even spends the night in a bunk with one of the crew.  It isn’t until the dog gets in the way that Clark (Richard Masur) is ordered to finally kennel the animal with the others.  This is where we get somewhat of an introduction to what the men are going to face in their artic isolation.  The dog begins to change into something that eventually attacks the other dogs and due to the noise members of the outpost come running and are shocked by what they find.  They use a flamethrower to kill the creature, but the question is was this the only one?

As the film progresses we begin to learn more about the creature and what it is capable of doing.  The tests that Dr. Brair does even shows us the extent of what would happen if the creature was allowed to leave this artic wasteland and get to higher populations.  We get to watch as the men of the outpost begin to distrust each other and more and more layers of fear envelope the team.  They begin to turn on each other and at times this may even turn deadly.

The Thing is John Carpenter at his best.  The film takes a great cast, puts them in an isolated location giving them a simple option of life or death.  You get to watch as those in the film try to determine who the creature maybe.  Simple tricks such as fire to blood can help yield the creatures location, but is it something they want to find at that moment.  The cast itself is eclectic and the men offer a great balance to the story as each one offers a different character type to the film.  The Thing is simply a fun and exciting film to watch.  You cannot help but find yourself relating to at least one of the characters.  You will find yourself guessing throughout the film, who is next, do they survive, and where is it?

Now, if you are a fan of The Thing and wonder what really happened at the other outpost, well I have good news for you.  There is a film called The Thing being released in 2011 which is a prequel to this film.  The upcoming film shows us what happened to those first impacted by the creature and how they brought it into camp.

Salem’s Lot (1975)

If you have ever left a town you at one time called home you find yourself thinking about those early times in your life.  You may even want to think about going back home to visit people, or to restart the creative process again.  This is what writer Ben Mears (David Soul) tries to do when he travels back to the home of his youth.  Mears finds himself back in such a small town, with such a strong history and has even gone through a name change from Jerusalem’s Lot to Salem’s Lot.

Salem’s Lot is like any small town in America.  It is a town where secrets are not truly secrets at all but things of public knowledge, but just barely hidden from those they would harm. This is the Salem’s Lot that Mears finds himself driving back into.  As Mears was only about ten years old when he left town he is not recognized when he walks into the local realtor.  He inquires about places he could possibly rent and asks about the long empty Marsten house.

Unfortunately for Mears, the house has just recently been purchased by one Richard Staker (James Mason).  Staker, and his business partner, are moving into Salem’s Lot and are in the midst of opening an antiques shop.  They had purchased the old Marsten house not long before Mears came back to town and asked about the long abandoned home. See, Mears had hoped to pen a story that used the old home as a reference point for the story.  As the film goes on, we find out that something horrible happened in the house back when Mears lived in the town.  This has lead Mears to believe the house to be pure evil, and unfortunately as the film goes on Mears suspicious of the house begin to prove true.

Salem’s Lot was made as a television miniseries but the direction and story make this something that should have been on the big screen.  The reason for this is that series did an incredible job at building suspense.  It is somewhat obvious at the short beginning of the film that Mears and a young boy are being hunted by something.  It is in the flashback of the film we find out what maybe after them and how cruel that something could be.

The best aspects of this film are the way they use the suspense and the imagination to build the story.  This belongs at about the time one of two local boys meet a dark hand in the woods on a way home.  The boy eventually reappears at his brothers window in what can be called one of the scariest moments caught on film.  The fact that this is done in a television miniseries adds to the way it is shown.  I am sure there are people today that still get nightmares from this very scene.

Salem’s Lot does one thing very well and that is building interest in the mysterious business partner of Staker, one Kurt Barlow.  We see the local realtor asking about him and the town sheriff as well.  No one has seen the man, but as things begin to happen in town Barlow and Staker become under investigation.  The show did a great job of showing how fear of the unknown can cause sheer panic in a small town. We begin to know that Barlow is probably the man, or creature, behind what is happening and when we finally see him it is quite shocking.

Salem’s Lot is one of those series that stands the test of time.  The show may lack some of the special effects that we have come to see in today’s television and films, but it makes an impact.  Those who have seen Salem’s Lot will tell you that the series left a lasting impression.  The villain in the film may even be an homage to the original vampire films, and the servant Staker is played masterfully by Mason.  The fact that this is now available as a home video release shows that this series is truly something worth seeing.

Carnival of Souls (1962)

If you look at horror films through the ages some of the most talked about or iconic films are those that were made on a shoe string budget.  Films such as, Night of the Living Dead and Paranormal Activity are the first to pop into my mind along with this week’s featured film Carnival of Souls.  As mentioned, Carnival of Souls was made on a tight budget and to some is one of the best horror films of its time.  The sad thing is, that many have not seen or experienced the film as of yet.

Carnival of Souls was made back in 1962 and for the time had a budget of just around thirty-three thousand dollars.  A great example of how the budget was handled is the fact the director even shot himself as one of the more “interesting” roles in the film.  The producers, and director, also relied on a lot of the locals in making this film and were very fortunate to find the right settings when it came to location.

Candace Hilligoss stars as the young female organist, Mary Henry.  Mary is found to be a very talented woman when it comes to playing the organ and these talents could have served her well through life, but one faithful day can change the direction of anyone’s life.

The event in question is shown to the viewers within the opening moments of the film. It’s a common occurrence of youth, especially in the 1960’s, to accept a challenge to drag race another car.  However, when Mary and her friends except the challenge from some local boys they could not have known that it results in the girl’s car getting pushed off the local bridge.  This leads the girl’s car into splashing down into the river with only Mary surviving, as we see her come out of the water at the river’s edge.

Mary stumbles through life for a period before moving on and settling in Salt Lake City.  She is able to find work at a local church using her talents at the organ to become the church organist.  She is even able to find a place to live, and although, one of her neighbors seems a bit attracted to Mary she at times comes off as cold and a bit uncaring.  This all could be a result from the horrific accident that had claimed the life of two of her friends.

There is one problem that Mary is unsure of how to deal with and this is the fact she begins seeing a strange man’s face in mirrors and at times it even takes her place in a mirror.  She seems to be the only one that sees the man and other things begin to happen as well.  A creepy, maybe even demonic, form of organ music begins to plague her and at one point something takes over her body as she begins to play the music while in church.

I’m purposely leaving out some of the highlights and other action scenes, as I personally want people to get out and view the film on their own.  This is one of those hidden, cult classics, that more and more people need to be introduced to.

Carnival of Souls was shot in such a manner that they made use of every dime they had available to them.  The director’s use of camera angles adds to the sense of dread you may get for Mary during pivotal scenes in the film.  The direction also is done in such a way that it draws you into Mary’s life. You even begin to relate to her as the movie goes on and feel sorry for this young woman.  The ending in itself will also leave you somewhat shocked.

This is one of those films that may continue to get air play on television during those midnight creature feature shows.  However, if you do find it, I would suggest you take time and view the film and ignore any host banter.  Carnival of Souls is a film that needed no bigger budget as it delivered its story to viewers in an engaging way.  Lastly, this is one of those films that delivers a mind and thought provoking feature that will leave you wishing there was more.

House of Wax 1953

Today when one looks at upcoming movies it’s not too difficult to find a film that is being released in 3D.  However, back in the early 1950’s this was not the case as 3D was a beginning film genre.  Vincent Price was the star of one of these early films called, House of Wax.

The film was released in 1953 and those behind early 3D saw it as a gimmick to try and pull movie goers back to theaters after some new fangled technology called television was leading to a decline in movie attendance.  House of Wax was the film that Warner Brothers released during this period and it stared not only Vincent Price but also a young Charles Bronson.

The film opens with us finding partners Henry Jarrod (Price) and Mathew Burke (Roy Robert) arguing over the wax museum the two own.  Jarrod is worked hard and poured his heart and soul into the masterful pieces of art that fill the museum.  However, Burke wants to expand the museum and wants Jarrod to create more horrific pieces to draw in more paying customers.   The problem is, Jarrod does not want to do this and thus Burke sets the building a blaze.  We witness Jarrod’s plight as he tries to stop the fire and save his creations.  One could even feel sorry for the man as so much of his beloved creations are being destroyed in front of him.

Several years pass and we find Jarrod back in within a wax museum with a whole new set of creations. This time the work is more horrific, and some could say ripped from the headlines of the period.  The works are just as masterful as before and some may even be found to strike a resemblance from people from Jarrod’s past.  Jarrod is found to also have a mute assistant (Bronson) who assists in the care of the museum.  The question becomes were did Jarrod come up with the designs and who is this scarred beast that is found following people and possibly killing them as well.

House of Wax is a film that highlights the acting ability that so many have come to love from his movies.  I would almost argue that this is Price’s best acting role as you at first find yourself sympathizing with the man when his early creations are destroyed.  We witness the pain and agony the man goes through as the fire rips through his first museum.  It’s then that we can understand how he becomes mad and later does the things we witness throughout the film.  The supporting cast from Bronson on down ads to this remake.

Yes, I did state that House of Wax is a remake as the first telling of this film was done in 1933, but many horror fans will tell you this has to be the best version.  The story did get another remake later in film history and the story can be seen in other films as well.

The film was shot for an early 3D movie industry and there are going to be scenes and credits that will look odd to viewers when watched in 2D.  However, it is hard to get past the fact that the film was shot in a manner that it took advantage of the setting and most of all the acting.  Price is able to pull a viewer into a film, an event and a scene with just a simple look.  A raised eyebrow or menacing look is enough to send chills down the spine.  So all of these elements combined create a great horror film that viewers should enjoy.

Shock, 1946

How would you react if you looked out a window and saw someone murdered? Would you scream, would you call the police, or would you find yourself in shock?

The film Shock, gives us an insight into one of the possibilities to my queries.  One Janet Steward (Anabel Shaw) is staying at a hotel and she hears a loud argument taking place.  As most people would,  she takes a moment to look and see what the heated argument is about. She witnesses a horrific sight as she sees a man murder a woman.  Janet is later found by her war veteran husband in a complete comatose state.  She is taken to a mental hospital where she will find herself treated by Dr. Richard Cross, played by Vincent Price.

Fans of Vincent Price will automatically come to see him as the villain in this film as most know that was the type of role he was best known for.  Shock is a film that will not disappoint Price’s fans as we get to see a master of his art portray his character in a great way.

We get to watch as this masterful actor finds ways to make all those attached to Janet believe she has truly lost her mind.  Dr. Cross is aided on this quest by Nurse Elaine Jordan (Lynn Bari) who just happens to be the good doctor’s lover.

Shock has a short running time that modern movie viewers may not care for, but even with it’s shorten span, the film packs a great punch.  The film is a thrilling twisted tale as we get to witness what the good doctor is able to get away with, within his own asylum.  The rest of the cast also turn in some great roles and that includes actor Frank Latimore who plays Janet’s husband, Lt. Paul Stewart.

Vincent Price fans will greatly appreciate this film as it captures Price at the peak of his acting career.  Those who love psychological thrillers will also find the film quite engrossing.  Another factor is that we get an idea of some of the old medical practices that were used to treat those with psychological issues.  It is one of these methods that help to bring the movie to a climax, but not quite to the ending.  As any Price film, the film ends in such away you may find yourself asking questions.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

If you ask the common movie fan what they know of the Silent Movie genre, you often get the same type of answer.  They will usually reference the comedic actors of the period such as Buster Keeton and Charlie Chaplin.  However, many film fans will tell you that the Silent Movie genre offered up hundreds of films that dealt with everything from tragedy to comedy. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was one of the first films to  introduce viewers to the Horror genre.

Having been produced in Germany during the early years of the Silent Movie genre;  the stars are unknown by many modern film viewers. But if there is one star whose name has withstood the test of time it would be actress, Lil Dagover. Her career spanned over 50 years and is well known to fans of German films and television.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari opens with two men sitting on a bench sharing a little life philosophy.  One of the men, Francis, begins to tell the other about the death of his friend Alan.  We are then treated to a flashback type of story were the events of Francis’ story unwind.

We are introduced to Dr. Caligari, a man who wishes to enter the town’s festival with his act.  The star of Dr. Caligari’s act is a somnambulist (sleepwalker), who has been asleep most of  his 23 years of life.  However, when the somnambulist, Cesare, awakes he is able to answer any questions much like a psychic.  Caligari goes about getting the proper documents to enter his act into the town’s festival and begins to scout the festival to find a location to setup his tent.  Meanwhile, we find Francis and his friend Alan looking for something to do in town when they decide to head out to the festival.  They eventually end up in Dr. Caligari’s tent and when Alan asks Cesare a simple question, dread strikes Alan as he is told he only has till dawn to live.

Thus the horror of the story comes into to play;  Alan is found dead the next morning having been murdered in the night.  Alan is not the first to have died in a mysterious manner and it appears the small town has a killer living among them.  Francis leads an investigation with his betrothed, Jane, in order to expose the killer.

What made this film unique for its period are the set pieces and designs used.  The creepy backdrops and sets are like those you would find on the set of a Tim Burton film.  Warped and oblong pieces that give a shadow of foreboding and dread.  The film makers also used lighting to help accent the periods of dread in the film, and at the same time brighten the mood when needed.  As words cannot be used to convey what is going without breaking a scene with a cue card with the appropriate wording the actors had to sell the emotions.  So it’s not to shocking that some will see the acting as over the top at moments while viewing a film such as this.

What really makes The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari stick out is the way the plot moves and how the story unfolds.  The amazing factor of this film would have to be the twist at the end of the film.  It is much like something you would find in modern Hollywood films, even as recent as a 2010 Martin Scorsese blockbuster. In all aspects of the film, the only thing missing is the dialogue, but if you can get past that you will find a great classic Horror film.

The Burrowers (2008)

In the wild west of the early United States, in what was known as “The Dakota Territories” a family is found dead.  During that period of our history the first assumption is that the murder of the family had to be caused by the Native Americans.  Unfortunately for those involved they are going to find out they are far from the truth.

The Burrowers opens with Coffey (Karl Geary) returning from a trip and upon arriving home he finds a slaughter and there is no sign of his girl.   Upon finding that others are also missing he gets a posse together to find them and get them back.  Coffey believes the atrocity was caused by Indians and will do anything he can to get her back and kill those involved.

As Coffey and his posse try and search out those missing they begin to come across others out in these wild opened spaces.  The men come across the United States Cavalry, Indians and as the movie progresses they eventually come across a surprise just buried under the top soil of the open planes.  What they find is a woman who has been buried alive and eventually we will find out what has put her there, and why.

What makes The Burrowers a unique film is the way Perry was able to combine to well know film genres into a great movie.  Perry does a great job at setting the movie up and making it believable that the film took place in the late 1800’s.  We find all the conflicts of that era taking place within the film.  You have the Native American’s trying to hold onto their lands.  Settlers moving westward setting up homes and trying to make a home for themselves.  Then we have the Cavalry whose job is to protect the settlers and at times take their job a bit too seriously as we find out in the film.

Then we move from this western motive to the horror aspect of the film.  This aspect is heightened by the wide open spaces, the dark night found upon the open plane with only the moon and a fire to cast light.  Then of course there are the noises in this dark and sudden movement that will have some viewers jumping in their seats.  Lastly, there are the creatures that were behind the disappearance of the settler family, and abduction of Coffey’s girl.  These creatures are learning to adapt to a changing world and having lost one food source has moved onto another.

The Burrowers is a film that many should find appealing to watch.  It should find viewers who like either movie genre or fans of both will not be disappointed.  The film slowly builds the suspense and when things get interesting and quicker paced you will not feel disappointed.  This straight to DVD release would have played well in theatres, and hopefully will play well in your homes.

The Pit and the Pendulum (1991)

The Pit and the Pendulum is a short story written by Edgar Allen Poe, and was released to the public back in 1842.  This movie, which bares the same name, was released back in 1991 and was directed by Stuart Gordon.  Viewers of the film should not go into this movie hoping for a retelling of Poe’s story but instead a film that takes some inspiration from Poe.

In this version of The Pit and the Pendulum we find some similarities to Poe’s original work.  The film tells us about the torture that is endured during the inquisition of the 1490’s.  We get glimpses of the crude and obscene ways the lead Inquisitor Torquemada practiced his craft within this film.

The opening of this film will be your first glimpse on what to expect when viewing the film.  Before the credits even roll we find Torquemada having a dead man exhumed from his entombment.  The purpose is that the individual has been deemed a witch.  The order is given to punish the sinner and the corpse is raised and then brutally beaten.

The problem is that not all will find this a traumatic act of torture, but some may find it comedic.  This is one of the things that seem to run throughout the film.  There are quips and jokes that are spoken that add some levity. It also helps that some of the comedic lines are delivered by actors that many horror, and television fans, will recognize.   The scribe, Francisco is played by the actor Jeffery Combs, who many will remember from The Frighteners.  The witch Esmeralda is played by Frances Bay, better remembered as Happy Gilmore’s grandmother.  Also in the film is Oliver Reed who happens to meet a fate that is pulled right out of another of Poe’s stories.

The movie stars nearly unknown Actress Rona De Ricci who plays the young woman Maria.  It is her unfortunate luck to capture the eye of Torquemada as she begs for the beating of a young boy to be halted.  Upon her arrest her husband, Antonio (Jonathan Fuller) tries everything he can to get her out of prison, but ends up arrested himself.  It is at this time we find out that Torquemada, played masterfully by Lance Henricksen, may possibly be insane.  At least we get that appearance as we watch him battle an internal struggle between the love he has for Maria and the love for the church.

The Pit and the Pendulum is a film that may divide the audience of those who come to view the film. Those who are Poe fans may see the film as a cheap attempt to capitalize off Poe’s story by loosely basing its action on Poe’s work and at times having little resemblance to the original work.  Others, however, will watch the film for what it is. They will watch a film that through horror and comedy tell the story of the torture Maria receives at Torquemada’s command.  They will also view the torture that Torquemada bestows on himself through his internal strife.  The one thing you will not see in this version of the inquisition is the lightheartedness of Monty Python, or the dance number from Mel Brooks.  I wonder what side of the fence viewers will find themselves on when finished with the film.  One final thing to note, the film does have full frontal nudity and could be an issue for some.

A Discussion with Ned the Dead

Greetings HorrorAddicts.net fans and friends.  I want to take a moment and give you all a sneak peek into the mind of a Northeast Wisconsin Television performer that has graced the small screen for over twenty years.

This individual is simply named, Ned the Dead, and has been sharing his love of horror films with television viewers in some form or another for decades.   I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to sit down and interview Ned the Dead for Horror Addicts.

This interview will be upcoming and shared with the rest of you as you will get to hear the over thirty minute conversation that I had with Ned.

Ned is a unique gentleman of over fifty years old and gives insight into the background of his show, the future of Ned and his thoughts on Horror films.

You will also get a glance into the man’s unique humor as he crack  quips that will have any listener laughing as they here this discussion.  You will get to learn secrets into the man’s life and also the man known as Steve who is behind Ned the Dead.

As  you listen to the interview I’ll make sure to ask Ned to explain why he must keep hitting a board on set, which has become part of the normal behavior.  Ned will then explain that this action is called “spanking the plank” and of course you will need to listen to the interview for the purpose behind the spanking.

Most importantly Horror Addicts you will hear an interview from a gentleman that simply loves the job he is doing.  You should hear this coming from the near glee in his voice as he explains his show and those around him.  We cover everything from the beginning of his career, to thoughts on other hosts and his ideal movie cast if he could make a film.

I hope  you will all take time and listen to this interview when it becomes available in the HorrorAddicts.net feed and please share your comments here.  Most of all those who take time to listen to the interview will get to find out how Ned will be able to reach viewers outside of Northeast Wisconsin in what could be only a few months.

~~Knightmist

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark (1988)

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark is not just a name heard on television but is the title of film that was released to unwitting horror fans in 1988.  The film stars William Morgan Sheppard, Jeff Conaway, Edie McClurg, and most notably one Cassandra Peterson.  What makes Cassandra Peterson so unique is that she is the woman behind the dark haired mistress, that many know simply as Elvira.

We open the film finding Elvira doing the one thing most of will know her best for and that is behind a television camera introducing her fans to another film.  As the taping of her show is wrapping up we get a look at the “fast” paced action that goes on in the television studio.  Shortly after the taping of her program ends, Elvira has a run in with the stations new owner who sadly only one thought on his mind regarding Elvira.  She promptly uses her sharp tongued razor wit to tell him off and promptly quits to follow her dream job in Las Vegas.

There just happens to be one problem with her plan as her agent informs her that the show requires her to come up with some money to help produce the show.  The amount she will need to produce is a small pittance of change, as it’s only FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS.  Elvira is of course upset about this but then there is a ray of hope a letter informing her that her Aunt Morgana Talbot has passed away.

The film helps to show us the humor that many have been laughing at and enjoying for years through Elvira’s long television presence.  The key difference is, in this movie, Elvira has a cast of characters that helped to expand on this humor as there are townspeople setup to be the foil for many of the jokes. The key protagonist is one Chastity Pariah played beautifully by McClurg.  As the head of the towns morality group, Pariah has done her best to keep unwholesome influences from entering the town.  On top of this Elvira must deal with her Uncle Vincent Talbot (Sheppard) who is after one of the items Elvira receives in the will.

What is all given to Elvira in the will reading? Well she gets her aunt’s old house, her pet poodle and a cookbook.  It’s the cookbook that Vincent wants and as we find out is more than willing to do anything to get his hands on this book.

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark brings us a unique story line, a punk rock poodle, and plenty of strange antics by those in the town.  We get to see the teenagers in town do just about anything to help Elvira after they get to know her.  The kids become some of the only people that accept our heroine in town other then the town’s movie theater operator.

This is not the scariest film many will see but, if anything, what it lacks in scares it makes up in laughs.  The movie is full of one liner jokes, sight gags and just simple set pieces that will leave a person laughing.  If you take time to watch the names of the businesses that run throughout the town of Falwell. One of the funniest scenes in the film is when Elvira tries to get back at the town’s morality people by trying to shock them with a creature in a pot.  However, the creature is gone and what is left is a delicious pot of food that does have quite the side affect on those who eat the dish.

Elvira, Mistress of the Dark is a film that Elvira herself could show on one of her many programs through the year.  The film has enough campy humor that many should love it.  Of course it’s hard to miss Elvira in anything she does due to her many “assets” and of course that biting humor.  This is a movie that anyone could enjoy and come to love.  Now, if you need one more reason to watch then stick around and enjoy Elvira’s performance at the end of the film.

Trilogy of Blood: Deadneks (2010)

Horror Addicts, friends at Ruckus Productions have given us an opportunity to share with you all their latest film, Trilogy of Blood: Deadneks.  We are fortunate to get this viewing of the film, as the film has been picked to be part of the Underground Horror Fest II taking place in March of 2011.  The DVD cover pretty much tells you what is to come, as it states five simple words that are perfect to explain the film.  Psychotic Hillbillies Crazed for Carnage.  The film stars the band The Deadneks who also serve as the musical act for the film.  Also along for the ride is the daughter of Rock and Roll Legend David Lee Roth, one Brenna Lee Roth.

This is a short film with a running time of just over 25 minutes and according to the DVD jacket was made on a tight shoe string budget of an estimated 62 dollars.  The crew at Ruckus Productions made good use of that budget and provide viewers with a short film that could have been done in the early Grindhouse era of films.

The film tells us a quick and simple story about the perils of three city girls who take the time to pick up a hitchhiker on a back road.  Not long after giving the man a ride the girls accept an invitation to a local party, and after that, well the girls find out they made a mistake.   The girls each meet their own unique fate and in the end, the film does meet many of the qualities of horror films of this genre.

The film would meet with an R rating if put out in theaters and is something you may not want your kiddos to watch.  Ruckus Productions does a great job in fitting in all the horror elements normally found in a full length feature of the Grindhouse Genre in this short film.  Viewers will find some humor, nudity, sex, and of course plenty of blood.  One example of the humor found is when a male character goes running after a woman with his only clothing being a sock, and well it’s not on his feet.  Ruckus shot this film in Virginia and helped to show us all what can be done on a limited budget and an imagination.

Take a look at the trailer for the film posted below for your enjoyment.

Trilogy of Blood: Deadneks Official Trailer

Valentine (2001)

Roses are red, violets are blue, I had loved you, but now I must kill you.  This is not something you’d want to find in a Valentine’s Day card, but several unlucky girls do in the movie Valentine.  The film tells the story of several women that in their youth spurned a young classmate.  We are treated to the event in the opening sequence of the movie and I’m sure we can all relate to the situation.  After all, who didn’t have a geek, nerd, or outcast in grade school that the class picked on and most likely tormented to the mental breaking point.

Valentine stars an almost who’s who of young Hollywood for 2001 when the film was made.  The cast is led by Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, Mary Shelton, Jessica Capshaw, Jessica Cauffiel and Katherine Heigl.  Many of this cast has been seen in both Television and movies and I’m sure it will be easy for fans to find a cast member they have come to love.

The film moves forward from the grade school incident to our introduction to one of the girls from the gym.  We are meeting Shelley Fisher (Heigl) who is out on a date with quite an idiot of a date.  The man is so charming that Fisher, upon leaving, goes back to medical school and prepares to work on a cadaver.  Here she is startled by a fellow student and finds the first of several Valentine’s Day cards that will be seen in the film.  This card shows a woman getting stabbed in the neck which is also a case of foreshadowing as each card will show.  Fisher meets her death shortly after finding the card and if you wish to see how, watch the movie.  The death of their old classmate reaches the other friends and not long after Fisher’s funeral the other girls get their share of cards as well.

Valentine does a good job of introducing us to a traumatic event in a young man’s life that has caused him to seek revenge on those he blames for public embarrassment.  The film is an attempt at taking us back to the slasher films of the 1980’s using some modern twists.  Each of the old classmates have people in their life and some even boyfriends.

What makes Valentine a good Horror film is that not only does it pay some homage to the slasher films of the 1980’s, it uses the lessons learned from more recent Horror films.  The look and feel of the film matches that of the 1990’s films like Scream.  The film also does a good job in showing eerie elements and surprise that can keep some viewers jumping.  Then of course there is the unique inventiveness of the way in which the murders take place.  There is one such kill that comes as a complete surprise and well the poor victim got the “point”.

Valentine is one of those movies that did not meet great box office success.  However, it is worth a viewing as I for one count it as one of my guilty pleasures.  The film does such a great job in combining a good back story with more recent events that it is worth watching.  The murderer in the films use of a cherub mask to hide the identity is so fitting for the Valentine motive of the film.  Lastly the fact we are kept guessing on who the murderer is till the end of the film is also well done.  There, of course, is a twist at the ending as there is in so many films, and hopefully those who watch the film enjoy it as much as I did.

Alone in the Dark (1982)

Alone in the Dark came out in 1982 and was one of the first offerings from New Line Cinema.  The film has quite the cast for the time it was made.  The film stars Dwight Schultz, who many will remember from the television show The A-Team, were he played Howling Mad Murdock.  Schultz plays Doctor Dan Potter who finds himself working at the Psychiatric Haven run by one Doctor Leo Bain.

Doctor Bain is played by Donald Pleasance who Horror fans will remember from his role in Halloween.  We find that Dr. Bain sees his patients more of voyagers and has a unique way of treating them.  The haven does have its share of dangerous criminals that are housed on the third floor of the facility.  Dr. Bain does not see a reason to use bars to hold these patients in their rooms but instead uses electronic measures to keep these men contained.  Dr. Bain also has light security around the men, as he only has one guard on duty.

The film does take time to setup and gives the viewer time to become familiar with the patients, the doctors and of course their families.  Part of this setup is finding out Frank Hawkes (Jack Palance) is trying to get the others upon the third floor to believe that Dr. Potter killed their beloved Dr. Merton.  This of course leads to resentment and even thoughts of revenge on Dr. Potter.  The “voyagers” of the third floor may get their chance when one night the state has a massive power outage and these men are turned loose.

This is where Alone in the Dark earns its title.  We get to find out what four criminally insane men will do now that they are free, and have a target in mind.  Hawkes leads his fellow inmates into town to Dr. Potter’s home along the way creating havoc and doing the things they do best.  Joining Hawkes is pyromaniac Bryon Sutcliff (Martin Landau), child molester Ronald Ester (Erland Van Lidth) and maniac John Skaggs (Phillip Clark).

Those of you who thought this maybe an adaptation of the video game by now should realize this is a totally different film.  The movie is one of the initial offerings into the slasher genre that would become the 1980’s.  The, then beginning, New Line Cinema may have taken a risk with this film but after viewing the film you can see it paid off.  The film may leave some fans of Horror upset about some slow pacing at first, but it is something that can be over looked.  If anything the film’s slow pacing setup may be what comes helps to build anticipation for when the lights go out.  This is a film that fans of the 1980’s slasher films will enjoy.