Alison's Birthday (1981)

If it wasn't bad enough that the last few days have been gray and dreary, today the temperature decided to plummet. What fun! It made my early trip to Walmart even more miserable. Honestly, it has made me again want to do nothing. Oh well, I guess it's time to catch up with one of yesterday's movies, 1981s Alison's Birthday.

Plot: On her 16th birthday, Alison Findlay and two of her friends make contact with a spirit, who warns Alison of impending doom on her 19th birthday.

I love movies about cults and rituals, and this one definitely falls under that genre. That was actually somewhat of a surprise after reading the advertised description. Shot in the early 80s during the famed round of Satanic Panic, this one fits in.the visual quality is not the best with a grainy appearance, but that does, probably unintentionally because of the age, assist with the atmosphere. The storyline is interesting, although a touch predictable, and the performances work really well. This also has some nice characterization elements that had shape the story. While this is more of a suspense movie instead of pure horror, it does work, especially the ending, which has to be one of the better endings I have seen in a while. Yes, the pacing was uneven and there were a lot of cliché moments, but this still a good watch and reminder from a time of Satanic paranoia. If you like that type of thing, check it out.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Having returned from a wet but amazing trip to Haunted Hills Estates, it was time to cocoon myself in a blanket and review the movie I decided on after watching Jigsaw last night. That movie was the 1981 classic An American Werewolf in London.  

Plot/ Two American college students on a walking tour of Britain are attacked by a werewolf that none of the locals will admit exists.

Even after all these years, this movie remains one of the best werewolf films ever made. Complete with a great mixture of comedy, drama, gore, and horror, everything seems to fall perfectly into place. The storyline is both entertaining and interesting, the performances are outstanding, the dialog and scripting work and the special effects are tremendous, as they still run circles around much of the subpar work that is seen in films today. Most importantly, between the soundtrack and the masterful work of director John Landis, everything works to create a dark but uplifting atmosphere in a film that is an easy watch and one that has more than stood the test of time. Sure, there are some predictable elements and the movie feels a touch short, but those are very small flaws within a movie that is a must-see for all horror fans. In the end, this is a classic take on the werewolf genre and a movie that should continue to be the standard that all others in the genus should strive to achieve. If you have not seen it, you are missing out. Find it and check it out.

The House by the Cemetery (1981)

After some creature features and a disaster flick, I decided to go back a few decades and visit some Italian horror. My first selection in that genre for this week is the 1981 Lucio Fulci entry The House by the Cemetery.

Plot/ A New England home is terrorized by a series of murders, unbeknownst to the guests that a gruesome secret is hiding in the basement.

This is definitely a polarizing flick from the Fulci catalog, but it is one of my favorites. This Italian splatterfest has enough blood and gore for any horror fanatic and is backed by an outstanding soundtrack that sets the moods perfectly. The make-up and special effects work, the cinematography is solid, and as I already mentioned, the soundtrack was eerie and dark. Yes, the performances are a touch uneven, there are some plot holes, and the gore may turn some viewers off because of the overall violent tones (more of a problem today with all the sensitivities that exist), but those elements do not harm this one in any way. In the end, Fulci is one of those filmmakers that can be a lightning rod and many will either love his work or hate it. However, if you look within his films, the shocking aspects act as cover for some important social issues that are still problems today.  If you love blood, gore, and violence, you should check this one out. It definitely isn’t the sugarcoated horror of today.

The Beyond (1981)

There really is nothing better than the classic Italian horror films of the 1980s. Whether it was Argento, Bava, or Fulci, there understanding of the genre was incredible. Tonight, I decided to revisit one of those masters, with the 1981 Lucio Fulci entry The Beyond on Shudder.

Plot/ A young woman inherits an old hotel in Louisiana where after a series of supernatural accidents, she learns that the building was built over one of the entrances to Hell.

As a horror fan, growing up in the 1980s was a dream come true, as some of the best horror movies came from that era with the Italian horror maestros creating some of the greatest films of the genre. In this Lucio Fulci classic, you will find everything that made those films great. This is a great combination of atmosphere, gore, and storyline that created a movie that may be one of the most influential films of the era. The performances are solid; the special effects are outstanding, the cinematography flows perfectly within the atmospheric soundtrack, and there is enough gore to make every fan of the genre smile. Sure, the nonlinear storyline and structure may not agree with everyone, and some may seem slow, but those are but minor flaws in this entry. In the end, this movie is one of the best from the decade and a movie that has stood the test of time. Plus, with some Lovecraftian elements sprinkled in, there is a lot more to like than with most films from this period. If you have not seen it, you are missing out! Watch it now!

Deadly Blessing (1981)

After spending much of the weekend locked into a Star Wars marathon (yes, even the miserable prequels), I decided to find something that more resembles my typical viewing for my evening entertainment. After some searching on Netflix and Shudder, I decided on the 1981 psychological thriller, Deadly Blessing as my next review.

Plot/ After her husband dies of mysterious circumstances, a widow becomes increasingly paranoid of the neighboring religious community that may have diabolical plans for her.

Let’s be honest, there is nothing like the early thrillers crafted by Wes Craven, and this one may be one of his most underrated films. Set in the in rural America outside of Amish Country, this is a trip into darkness that helps build an unnerving atmosphere throughout. Most of all, it encompasses almost every horror genre imaginable. The performances from the renowned cast are solid, the soundtrack, and setting work perfectly together, and the storyline/scripting is strong. Yes, it may lack blood, guts, and gore, and it does feature a polarizing ending that people either love or hate, but those elements in no way bring the movie down. In the end, if you love classic atmospheric horror this one is definitely for you. Give it a shot!

Zombie Lake (1981)

I had a few minutes when I got home as the wife and daughters went to a matinee to see some chick flicks. With that time, I spent some time watching Ancient Aliens, along with the 1981 schlockfest Zombie Lake.

Plot/ In small villages, somewhere in France, German soldiers, killed and thrown into the lake by the Resistance during WW II, come back.

This film by Jean Rollin is a train wreck and possibly one of the cheesiest zombie flicks ever made. Yes, it does feature a ton of nudity, some decent underwater cinematography, and a couple of decent shots, but that in no way can save this schlockfest in any way. The special effects and make-up are laughable, the acting beyond amateurish, the lake a joke, and the script by Jess Franco is incoherent at best. In the end, there were a couple of entertaining moments, but it is nowhere enough to make this a good movie. Sure, it may be hilarious because of the schlock-factor, but at best, it is a 90-minute time waster.

Galaxy of Terror (1981)

Last night I skipped blogging to go with the family to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. While I was not a huge fan of the first flick, I was more impressed with this one. In fact, not only am I excited to see the final installments of the series, I am glad that the daughters have both read the books and watched the movie. This series is extremely relevant to the fundamentals of Agenda 21 and the building tyrannical Police State evolving under this lawless regime.  This is a perfect snapshot at what will happen to our society if things do not change in Washington D.C. However, that is not what I am reviewing today, that movie is the 1981 Sci-Fi / Horror flick Galaxy of Terror.

Plot/ As a lone spaceship proceeds on its long voyage across space, the crew are surprised to encounter a strange pyramid form. Surprise turns to horror as one by one; they discover that their darkest nightmares are all starting to become real.

This is by no means a great movie, but it is one of my guilty pleasures. It has everything that made Roger Corman schlock flicks awesome. It is outrageous and totally unbelievable, it is graphic and sleazy, and it has just enough of a storyline to be interesting. The acting (by an awesome cast Sid Haig, Robert Englund and more) is uneven, but that works in this type of flick. Even the effects, which are actually above B-Grade movie, are pretty solid considering the era. In the end, this Corman entry is one that should be seen. Yes, it is far from perfect and some of the scenes may turn some people off, but who cares. If you love B-Grade Sci-Fi / Horror, give this one a shot. 

Hell Night (1981)

Last night, I decided to check out what was on Netflix.  After suffering though some very bad choices at the video store, my choices just had to be better. Plus, having spent a few hours at the lake, I needed to just kick back and relax, instead of venturing out to the store. While I found a bunch of cool stuff, one flick stood out. That film, 1981’s Hell Night, was one of my favorites growing up, and one I had not watched in some time.

Plot/ Four college pledges are forced to spend the night in a deserted old mansion where they get killed off one by one by the monstrous surviving members of a family massacre years earlier for trespassing on their living grounds.

Amazingly, I had forgotten that the great Linda Blair starred in this one (she was so hott). So, when I sat down last night to watch it, I was even more excited. Honestly, it has been 25-or-so year since I had watched this one, and I could not wait to take a trip down memory lane. This great little film did a great job a marrying different elements of the horror genre, and creating a slasher with a bit more atmosphere than usual. Sure, there is some cliché, but it really works within the storyline. Overall, the acting was solid, the make-up effects (particularly the deformed psycho) were good (and creepy), and the look created something bloody and stylish (especially for a slasher). In the end, this atmospheric flick was one of the best entries from the start of the 1980s horror boom, and one that should be seen, Check it out!

Happy Birthday To Me (1981)

After spending the day packing (33 boxes and counting from the bedroom), it was time to relax and let my stomach heal a bit before going at it tomorrow. For some relaxation, I decided to venture back to the 1980s for some slasher fun. My selection for the evening 1981s Happy Birthday to Me.

Plot/ Virginia is proud that she belongs to a clique feature the best students at a private school. But before her 18th birthday, a grueling set of murders take place and her friends are the ones who are falling prey. Could it be her? She suffers from blackouts due to a freak accident one year earlier. We soon learn the truth behind her accident and what is going on.

To me, Happy Birthday to Me is one of the best slashers of the era and a top notch horror flick / thriller to boot! Originating from the heyday of the slasher flick, this one often goes overlooked and I am not sure why. It boasts a decent cast, a great storyline, gore and atmosphere. Everything you need for an entertaining and memorable horror movie. Yes, some of the acting is below average, but everything cannot be perfect. In the end, this is a  great flick that must be seen. I highly recommend this one!

The Funhouse (1981)

After reviewing  Torture Garden, I decided to keep going with the Sideshow / Circus theme. Next up, in the Ringmaster’s Realm is the 1981 Cult Horror Classic, The Funhouse by Tobe Hooper, one of the four films in the 4 Movie Marathon: Cult Horror Collection.

Plot/ Two young couples on a double date go to a mysterious carnival. As a prank they decide to spend the night in the funhouse. When they witness a brutal murder, they suddenly find themselves in horrific danger.

This has always been one of my favorites; combining two creepy elements and creating an above average 1980s slasher/thriller. The story and script are solid, the acting decent, the effects are awesome (especially Rick Baker’s creation) and the soundtrack is perfect. Most of all, Hooper’s direction creates tremendous suspense within an atmosphere of dread that permeates through the entire production. Perfect, no, but what movie is? In the end, this is a tremendous effort and definitely one of the best slasher/thrillers from the 1980s, and definitely a must see!

The Boogens (1981)

After spending some time in a mortuary, it was nice to head into something a bit darker, an abandoned mine shaft. My choice for that adventure 1981s The Boogens.

Plot/ Scaly monsters are released from an abandoned, boarded-up silver mine in Colorado and proceed to do away with character after character.

I was surprised, this is actually a lot better than I expected. As a flick from my youth, it definitely was not what I expected either. The direction is solid, creating a very creepy atmosphere with the mine shafts and old buildings. The acting and storyline are both better than most and the effects are pretty decent. Sure, the Boogens are a bit laughable when they are finally revealed, but that is close to the end and has little impact on the overall make-up of the film. All-in-all, this is not a great film, but it is far from the worst of the era. Check it out if you get a chance during the overnight hours, it is a good way to pass the late night hours.

Graduation Day (1981)

While I continue to break in the new TV, it was time to venture back to my youth and see how a 1980s slasher comes across. My choice was the well known Troma entry Graduation Day.

Plot/ After a high school track runner, named Laura, suddenly dies from a heart attack after finishing a 30-second 100-meter race, a killer wearing a sweat suit and a fencing mask beings killing off her friends on the school track team one by one. The suspects include the track coach Michaels, Laura's sister Anne who arrives in town for the funeral, the creepy school principal Mr. Guglione, and Laura's strange boyfriend Kevin.

It was a blast from the past when I saw this on Netflix, I almost remember riding my bike to the video store. Ironically, even after all of these years, I came away from this flick with the same feeling, why did I watch this one? Yes, it is not the worst slasher from the era, but it is far from the top. The characters, acting, plot and soundtrack are pretty lame and often unnecessary, Couple that with the “B” Movie quality and you can see where this is going. To its credit, there are some good moments with some pretty funny murder sequences and it does have Vanna White and B-movie scream queen Linnea Quigley, but really, not much more. If you are into campy slasher flicks that cry 1980s, this one is for you, if you aren’t, stay clear!