Midnight Horror Collection Volume 1

After viewing all eight movies on this set, it was definitely worth the $5.00 I spent on it at WalMart. Yes, there were some down moments, but in the end, there were more winners than losers. My only major complaint is that there was no true theme to group the films together, but then again for 5 bucks does that even matter? The best films on the Midnight Horror Collection Volume 1 set are:

Demonic Toys
Prom Night (1980)
Below
I Am Omega
The Legend of Sorrow Creek
and yes, Evil Bong!

Decadent Evil (2005)

As I creep closer to getting out of New Jersey, I decided to finish the Midnight Horror Collection Volume 1, before I dive into some classic Black & White horror. The last entry is the 2005 Decadent Evil.

Plot/ A fallen foot tall Homunculus called Marvin (a part human/part reptile creature) is imprisoned in a birdcage by a vengeful lover who is bidding to become the world's most powerful vampire.

Now let me start by saying, I am a fan of Charles Band and Full Moon Entertainment, while low budget their movies always seem to make me laugh a bit. This one, sure it is not the best that he has released (from Wizard Entertainment), has a few moments inside the story that at least made it interesting. Shot in six days (which is evident), the flick is flawed. The acting is rigid, the effects so-so, the cinematography OK and the plot has more than a few holes  even the sex and nudity are not on par with some of his other entries.  In the end, this is really not worth watching (even if the ending is hilarious).

Demonic Toys (1992)

Two rooms are totally complete with cleaning and removing the last remnants of the past three years here in New Jersey, and it was time to sit down for a few and cool off. While sitting here, I decided to try and catch up on some of the movies I have watched over the past couple of weeks. This entry, the 1992 Satan needs reborn flick, Demonic Toys.

Plot/ A botched bust on a pair of arms dealers inadvertently leads to the raising of a sixty-six-year-old demon with the power to bring toys to life as his personal minions. The demon is looking for a body to inhabit so he can increase his powers, and it just so happens that one of the police officers is pregnant with the ideal host. As the murderous toys close in on their victims, the officer must not only fight for her life, but for the soul of her unborn child.

To me, this is one of the best and most entertaining low-budget offerings from Charles Band and Full Moon Entertainment. Yes, the acting is uneven, the plot has some holes and there is not much gore, but it is 90 minutes of entertainment that runs from hilarious to violent. The soundtrack works creating a dark and atmospheric mood, and while special effects are not great (although some are interesting), what horror fan could not LOVE the demonic toys, they are awesome! Sure, like all of the flicks from Full Moon, this one is not for everyone. But, fans of cheesy horror should get a kick out of it!  

Prom Night (1980)

As I continue to move through the Midnight Horror Collection (Volume 1), I decided to finally watch the 1980 slasher Prom Night. As a kid growing up, this was one of those films that left an impression on me, and one that I remember to this day.

Plot/ For six long years, Hamilton High School seniors Kelly, Jude, Wendy, and Nick have been hiding the truth of what happened to ten-year-old Robin Hammond the day her broken body was discovered near an old abandoned convent. The foursome kept secret how they taunted Robin - backed her into a corner until, frightened, she stood on a window ledge... and fell to her death. Though an accident, the then-twelve-year-olds feared they'd be held responsible and vowed never to tell. But someone else was there that day... watching. And now, that someone is ready to exact murderous revenge-on prom night.

I remember this from when it came out in 1980; I will never forget watching the head roll down the stage. This is not to mention Jamie Lee Curtis cementing her position as the Scream Queen of the day.  While, this is the typical slasher, full of cliché moments and trappings, this one succeeds where some others fail. It boasts some good characterization, solid acting, and a perfect soundtrack that creates a dark and eerie atmosphere throughout. Plus, the plot actually creates a decent mystery that builds and holds you from start to finish. Yes, there are some flaws such as lighting and uneven effects (not to mention disco, wow, I do remember those days). However, this is a much better film than the modern incarnation and one that can be found on the cheap. A must watch for slasher fans or true fans of 1980s horror.

Evil Bong (2006)

I decided to stray from my normal movie selections and venture into the horror / comedy arena. My selection was Full Moon Pictures Evil Bong from 2006 from Charles Band.

Plot/ Straight-laced nerd Alistair moves into a college dorm with hardcore marijuana users Brett, Larnell, and Bachman. Larnell orders an old giant bong that proves to have strange magical powers. When smoked said bong sends a person to a bizarre drugged-out alternate realm from which there is no easy escape.

This was actually funnier than I expected. True that is not saying much, but there were a few laughable moments (especially when Tommy Chong shows up). Do not get me wrong, this flick is far from great, full of stupidity, plot holes, subpar effects, uneven acting and stereotypical undeveloped characters. However, it is actually entertaining and has enough eye candy to make every man smile. More sitcom than horror, but if you are looking to waste a couple hours with mindless stoner humor, check it out!

Below (2002)

Early yesterday, I decided to sit back and enjoy the WWII Navy mystery / thriller / horror flick Below from 2002.

Plot/ In the dark silence of the sea during World War II, the submarine USS Tiger Shark prowls on what should be a routine rescue mission. But for the shell-shocked crew, trapped together in the sub's narrow corridors and constricted spaces, this is about to become a journey into the sensory delusions, mental deceptions and runaway fear that lurk just below the surface of the ocean and deep inside the human psyche.

As a Navy Sailor, it is always fun to find horror movies that deal with the Navy, and stumbling onto this flick was a treat. Below is an intricate and interesting storyline that is full of twists and turns. Actually, there is not much wrong with this one and it is a great example of what can be accomplished when you focus on story, mood and atmosphere. The cinematography, effects and acting are all solid and the movie truly delivers some chilling moments. Yes, there are some flaws in character development and pacing, but those are easily overlooked. If you find this one, it is definitely worth checking out (especially as part of the $5 buck Midnight Horror Collection).

Meridian (1990)

Settling into the new house this weekend has not allowed for watching some good television (any television for that matter). But, not to fret, it allowed me to catch up with the flicks that I watched before I left Jersey. The next one that I need to talk about is Meridian from Charles Band and Full Moon Entertainment.

Plot/ Two American students go to Italy after graduating from art school, one to work in restoration of paintings, the other because she's inherited her father's castle. When the restorer visits her friend at the castle, they invite the players of a traveling sideshow to dinner, and are slipped drugs, leading to an orgy of abandon. The woman who owns the castle keeps having visions of a young woman who has been stabbed in the castle. After talking to her nanny, she finds that the "vision" woman is her father's sister, who was murdered brutally as the consequence of a 15th Century curse put on her family, and that she is the next in line, and the troupe they have entertained is a part of the curse.

I will be honest, I watched this simply because it featured Sherilyn Fenn (and she did not disappoint). This simple adaptation (albeit more adult) of Beauty and the Beast is an interesting flick. Yes, there really is nothing special here, it has slow pacing, the effects are OK, the acting is alright and honestly there is not much excitement, horror or gore. Really, there is not much other that Sherilyn Fenn to capture the imagination. Unless you absolutely LOVE her, stay away.

I Am Omega (2007)

After a few days of battling the moving truck, and not finally being able to unpack a bit, it was nice to be able to chill and catch up on a couple of the flicks I have watched over the past few weeks. The first flick is I Am Omega from the Midnight Horror Collection V.1.

Plot/ The last man on earth (well sort of) must battle the undead horde that rules Earth, in this low budget post-apocalyptic thriller

While not the best straight to DVD release from Asylum, it is far from the worst. This unneeded adaptation of the Richard Matheson classic I Am Legend actually has some things going for it, like decent locations, some pretty good cinematography, and some pretty good zombie effects (plus, loved seeing the Omega’s). Unfortunately, there are some plot holes the lead to a ridiculous amount of slow pacing (especially in the first half hour). If you like mindless horror, you may enjoy this one (especially if you go in expecting very little like I did).

The Legend of Sorrow Creek (2007)

Now that I have run out of newspaper and boxes for the last few items that I need to pack up, I decided to spend some time on my blog as I watch Dario Argento’s Creepers (Phenomena). Prior to this, I watched The Legend of Sorrow Creek from 2007.

Plot/ Kayla and Jesse loved spending their childhood summers at their grandfather's secluded cottage in the pristine mountains of rural New England. Now, fifteen years since their last visit, the sisters return along with Kayla's boyfriend Dean and his best-friend Tobe for a much-needed break from their busy lives in New York. But when a simple fishing accident leads the foursome to follow an unexplored shortcut through the woods, the lives of this small group of friends are shattered forever as they suddenly find themselves facing the shocking and terrible curse of one of America's most haunted places.

When I picked up this 8-Movie Pack Midnight Horror Collection V.1, I was unsure what to expect from the majority of flicks. I started with this one and discovered something better than an average low-budget B-Movie. The movie was interesting with a storyline that while not perfect kept me engaged. The acting was sound, the cinematography was solid overall it had some good moments. Unfortunately, the plot development and scripting seemed a bit sporadic and underdeveloped, which did detract from the feel. In the end, I did enjoy this one and think it was a great opener for this set. I probably would not run out and buy this by itself, but as part of a $5.00 box set it is worth watching.