Nosferatu (2024)

I was so excited when I watched the first trailer for Nosferatu. I knew that I had to go see it. I originally planned for opening night, but family got in the way. That changed today as I made it out for an afternoon showing of 2024s Nosferatu. 

Plot: A gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake.

This was an amazing film. Every aspect of the movie was finely crafted to give it life and allow it to breathe and it does. The overall visuals are amazing and work extremely well at creating a dark yet beautiful experience. The cast was tremendous and their performances were top notch. The atmosphere was amazing, storyline interestingly updated while staying true to the classic, the dialog was outstanding, soundtrack perfect and the effects work well within the story. The pacing started to become uneven toward the end and Count Orlock could have had a little more depth, but those are extremely small issues. In the end, this movie should solidify Robert Eggers as a master of the genre and quickly become a classic. It already has become my favorite Christmas movie and it is one I am sure I will revisit many times. If you haven’t seen it yet, head out and do it. It is well worth it. 

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

Last night as I was finishing my work Enigma's as a remebrance of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday,  I wanted to watch something Poe related. After since thought,  I decided on the new Netflix release from 2022, The Pale Blue Eye.

Plot: Veteran detective Augustus Landor investigates a series of grisly murders with the help of a young cadet who will eventually go on to become the world-famous author Edgar Allan Poe.

I will admit,  I am a huge fan of everything Poe related, so I may be a touch biased in this review.  For,  me,  this film was a blast to watch.  The tension and atmosphere drew me in right from the start.  Everything in this period piece worked: the set, the cast, the costuming, the cinematography, the acting, and the overall feel was perfect for a mystery/thriller. For me though, as a writer, the scripting was fascinating. The way the script was written and then transferred to the screen never felt forced and everything from the dialog to the presence felt extremely natural and was something that I could see transpiring during that time period. Yes, the movie does run long for today's cookie cutter 90 minute box, which could turn some people off, and the opening sequences do move a bit slow as the characters and storyline develops, but this are the only very minor flaws (for some) that this movie has.  This is a must watch for Poe fans and a movie most mystery/thriller fans should enjoy. 

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Over the past few days as I continue my countdown toward Halloween, I have enjoyed my trip back into the world of classic Universal Studios monsters. Today, I decided that it was time to venture into that world once again with the 1935 entry Bride of Frankenstein. 

Plot/ Mary Shelley reveals the main characters of her novel survived: Dr. Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.

Sequels to movies can be a mixed bag with only a handful living up to the baseline set by the original. In this case, that could not be further from the truth, as it not only meets but also surpasses the original in almost every way. There is so much to like with this one, as it builds upon an idea mentioned in the Mary Shelly classic novel. The cast is wonderful with solid performances littered throughout including the returning stalwarts Colin Clive and Boris Karloff repeating their roles from the original, the setting and atmosphere work really well, the storyline is layered and complex, and the visual effects, cinematography, and production elements surpass those of the original. Truly, everything is tremendously done and honestly, it should be held in a higher regard than the original Frankenstein. Yes, it does have a short run time and it leaves the viewer wanting more, but that is something that to me does not hurt the film in any way. In the end, it is always a great debate on which early Frankenstein film is the best. For me, it is the Bride of Frankenstein hands down because it shows that if a sequel is done right, it can be a powerful entry into a franchise. If you have never watched this one, you are missing out. Head to Shudder and check it out!

The Mummy (1932)

After watching an entire series last night in Lore, I decided that I wanted to go back to the roots of horror for my next movie and review. My viewing choice for the evening is the 1932 Universal Studios classic The Mummy.

Plot/ In 1921 a field expedition in Egypt discovers the mummy of ancient Egyptian prince Im-Ho-Tep, who was condemned and buried alive for sacrilege. Also found in the tomb is the Scroll of Thoth, which can bring the dead back to life. One night a young member of the expedition reads the Scroll aloud, and then goes insane, realizing that he has brought Im-Ho-Tep back to life. Ten years later, disguised as a modern Egyptian, the mummy attempts to reunite with his lost love, an ancient princess who has been reincarnated into a beautiful young woman.

People who suffered through the latest reboot of The Mummy should definitely head over to Shudder and revisit the 1932 Universal Studios classic to burn the modern monstrosity out of their minds. While this is not a straight horror film with it actually feeling more like a gothic romance/drama only in a different location, it does have all the elements needed to make it an entertaining and memorable trip into darkness. This movie screams atmosphere and creates a dreamlike state that takes the viewer to a different place. The performances are outstanding, especially horror icon Boris Karloff in one of his most memorable characters, what little make-up effects that are used are tremendous, and the cinematography, setting, and the set pieces are remarkable. Of course, many viewers that watch this will not like the slower pace and lack of action, but those elements just help bring the story to life in a way that ties the entire movie together. In the end, this may be one of the most subdued horror films from that early 1930s Universal catalog, but it is still an amazing watch. If you have not seen it, there is no way you can call yourself a true horror fan. Head over to Shudder and watch it. It is a must see.

And Now the Screaming Starts! (1973)

Last night I decided to continue venturing down that retro path and turned to Shudder to find something interesting. After some debate, I decided on the 1973 gothic ghost story And Now the Screaming Starts!

Plot/ England, 1795: the young Catherine has just married Charles Fengriffen and moves into his castle. She becomes the victim of an old curse that lays on the family. On her wedding night, she is raped by a ghost and gets pregnant.

This was a different film than I expected and I was actually quite entertained by the odd elements that were added in. From Amicus Studios, this gothic ghost story offers an interesting (albeit somewhat clichéd) storyline that was brought to life by an outstanding cast led by Peter Cushing. The performances were solid, the cinematography and setting were captivating, the atmosphere was heavy, and the visuals and color pallet used was amazing. Yes, the special effects were lacking in quality and the end game was a bit drawn out, but those are small flaws in what is definitely an underrated film in the studios' catalog. In the end, while there were some contradictory moments in the storyline and some of the low budget flaws rise up, for the most part, this one delivers. Yes, it is not perfect, but it is an entertaining movie and one that can be found on Shudder for free if you are in the mood for a classic gothic ghost story.

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

Having spent last night with Chucky, I decided that I wanted something completely different tonight. After searching through Shudder, I went for a classic vampire tale in 1979s vampire entry Nosferatu the Vampyre.

Plot/ Count Dracula moves from Transylvania to Wismar, spreading the Black Plague across the land. Only a woman pure of heart can bring an end to his reign of horror.

Wanting a classic vampire tale, this movie seemed like the perfect selection for the evening. Having not seen it in some time, I had forgotten how beautiful this movie was and how well it captured the great story of Dracula. Werner Herzog did a great job at creating a modern version of Murnau's classic Nosferatu, while adding some almost human elements to the Dracula character. The performances are outstanding, the cinematography and visuals are amazing, and there is a subtle calm that ties everything together. Unfortunately, the splendor captured inside those elements do take a small toll on the overall feel of the movie as this one does seem to lack the darker atmosphere of the original, the pacing is slow, and there really are no creepy or frightening moments. Fortunately, when you submerge yourself into the film, those flaws are easily overlooked. In the end, this is a different film than most Dracula interpretations because it shows sadness in the character that usually doesn’t exist. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth watching and an underrated film in Dracula lore.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

After watching Cujo last night, I decided that I needed something different before heading off to bed. Lately, I have been struggling with focus while trying to write and have been searching for something to just start that. Finally, while searching my streaming services, I decided on the 2007 horror musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

Plot/ In the Victorian London, the barber Benjamin Barker is married to the gorgeous Lucy and they have a lovely child, Johanna. The beauty of Lucy attracts the attention of the corrupt Judge Turpin, who falsely accuses the barber of a crime that he did not commit and abuses Lucy later after gaining custody of her. After fifteen years in exile, Benjamin returns to London under the new identity of Sweeney Todd, seeking revenge against Turpin.

I will admit, I have a soft spot for musicals, especially if they trend in the direction of horror and this one did not disappoint. Being a Tim Burton movie and featuring Johnny Depp, it was hard to be excited, as their stuff has been hit or miss. Fortunately, this one was a hit and it is well worth watching. This one is a pure musical, but it does a great job at mixing the dark comedy and horror elements in a way that makes it extremely entertaining. The cast is amazing (although, I did feel like it should have been a Harry Potter reunion), Burtons’ imagery and cinematic choices were tight and crafted an atmospheric tale, the artistic elements were flawless, and the graphic horror elements, while brutal and gory, came across in almost a subdued way that fit perfect in this dark world. Yes, being a musical may turn some people off, but honestly, that shouldn’t be a factor as this one is much more than your typical musical. In the end, this is a movie that should be seen, and one that I feel does not get the respect that it deserves. It is everything a horror fan should enjoy and if you have not watched it yet, you are missing out.

Suspiria (1977)

Over the past few days, I have been working another 10-minute play potentially for an event later in the year in Pittsburgh. I have been so amazed by how my first play, Not Always What It Seems, continues to grow as the performance date approaches. Personally, I think I am hooked and love the process. Getting back to the blog before finishing my next play, I decided to venture into some darkness for some inspiration. My selection was the 1977 classic Suspiria.

Plot/ A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders.

Staying inside the 1970s can be a fun time for any horror/sci-fi fan, as there are many classics that left an imprint on the genres to choose from. Suspiria is one of those films, and one of the movies that left a lasting imprint on me when I first started watching horror in my youth. In revisiting it this week, I found what I already thought; this Dario Argento masterpiece stands the test of time. Filled with a tremendous color pallet, a perfectly unsettling soundtrack from Goblin that blends into the atmosphere like a character, decent performances, and an incredibly dark and heavy atmosphere that that is woven into every second. Yes, the plot is thin with some giant holes in the storyline and the vibrant use of colors may turn some viewers off, but those are but minor flaws inside this mesmerizing journey into the depths of horror. In the end, this trip into darkness is one of the greatest Italian horror films ever made and a classic that every horror fan should watch. Find it and check it out.

The Undying Monster (1942)

While my plans for this first weekend of vacation are still a bit up in the air, I decided that I would watch some classic horror in case that I don’t make it to Monster Bash. My selection was the 1942 werewolf flick The Undying Monster.

Plot/ A legendary monster threatens surviving members of an aristocratic English family when they venture out on chilly, foggy nights.

Honestly, there is nothing better than the B-movies of the early sci-fi and horror that came out during the cinema’s infancy and this is a great example of that. This 1942 werewolf entry has all the elements that made those films popular. With its dark and heavy atmosphere, some solid performances, and a storyline that does a great job mixing mystery into the werewolf genre. Yes, some of the dialog is a bit off, the characterizations are uneven, and there are some of the typical flaws that plague movies from that era, but those are easily overlooked. In the end, this is one of the better B-class werewolf films and a movie that those that enjoy classic horror/mystery should enjoy. Check it out!

A Cure for Wellness (2016)

There are times where I enjoy thought-provoking thrillers more than any other genres. Unfortunately, finding entertaining films that do not follow a clichéd and predictable template is becoming more and more challenging. Fortunately, that was not the case with the 2016 entry A Cure for Wellness.

Plot/ An ambitious young executive is sent to retrieve his company's CEO from an idyllic but mysterious wellness center at a remote location in the Swiss Alps but soon suspects that the spa's treatments are not what they seem.

This is a movie that I wanted to see when it was in the theaters, but unfortunately, I was not able to align my schedule and had to wait. Fortunately, I was able to get it tonight and found it exactly what I somewhat expected. Visually, this film is amazing and offers some of the best technical execution I have seen in some time. The performances are solid, the soundtrack works in creating an unsettling mood, and the storyline is interesting (even though there are some predictable elements). Sure, not everyone will enjoy the ending, the movie develops at a slow pace, and there are a bunch of unanswered questions, but those do little to bring down the positives. In the end, this one will not be for everyone. However, if you enjoy creepy surrealistic psychological thrillers, this one is for you. Give it a shot!

The Institute (2017)

Last night, I took some time away from the blog as I was working on my National Poetry Month project, the epic poem Salvation. While that has proven to be extremely challenging, I am on pace to have it finished by the end of the month. To get back into the swing of things, I decided on the 2016 psychological thriller The Institute.

Plot/ In 19th century Baltimore, a girl was stricken with grief from her parents' untimely death voluntarily checks herself into the Rosewood Institute, and is subjected to bizarre and increasingly violent pseudo-scientific experiments in personality modification, brainwashing and mind control; she must escape the clutches of the Rosewood and exact her revenge.

When I saw this one on the shelf, I decided to give it a shot. While it is not a perfect film, it is an atmospheric and entertaining flick that was different than what I expected. There are some positives, as the performances were decent, the storyline interesting, the cinematography solid, and the atmosphere was better than I would have expected. Yes, it did lack some of the horror elements that I expected, the sound quality of the disk was off, and some of the characters felt flat, but those elements did not indeed hamper the end product that fit will into the Victorian aesthetic. In the end, the real horror of this tale is that it is believable in regards to the way patients were treated and experimented on during that era. Sure, this is not a perfect film (although I personally love it, as it matches my writing style), and it is more of a mental trip into days gone by, but it is a movie that fans of period horror pieces should check out. 

The Whip and the Body (1963)

As I sat here on the eve of Edgar Allan Poe’s birthday, I had originally intended to watch one of he classics based on his works. However, after some thought, I decided to venture into something that could have been inspired by Poe, with the 1963 Mario Bava classic The Whip and the Body.  

Plot/ In the 19th century, a sadistic nobleman terrorizes the members of his family. He is found dead, but his ghost soon returns to haunt the residents of his castle.

I am sure that when this one came out, it was controversial with the mixture of gothic horror with some sadism mixed in for good measure. In 1963, movies such as that were considered taboo, and likely would have not been well received. Starring Christopher Lee, this Mario Bava entry is an entertaining movie, and one that has many of the elements that made his movies memorable. Between the beautiful cinematography and the stylistic use of colors, solid performances, and an interesting storyline, this movie has everything a Bava fan could ask for. Yes, the ending does feel lacking and there a many illogical moments, but those almost seem to be part of Bava lore. In the end, this movie is an entertaining watch and one that should be viewed. If you have not seen it, but love gothic horror cinema, give it a shot.

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!

Lisa and the Devil (1973)

After hanging out with “He Who Walks Behind the Rows,” last night, I decided that I wanted to venture back into some classic horror. After searching Shudder for something interesting, I decided on the 1973 Mario Bava entry Lisa and the Devil.

Plot/ Lisa is a tourist in an ancient city. When she gets lost, she finds an old mansion in which to shelter. Soon she is sucked into a vortex of deception, debauchery and evil presided over by housekeeper Leandre.

As a fan of surrealistic movies and horror, it is awesome to get a chance to watch some of the films that possibly served as inspirations to the modern masters of the art. In this one, horror maestro Mario Bava creates one of his most entertaining and original films, and it has the perfect surrealism that I was looking for. Butchered as House of Exorcism here in the United States when it was originally released, the original vision is much more atmospheric, powerful, and coherent in the original form (Lisa And The Devil). The cast is solid and features some tremendous performances (Telly Savalas is awesome), the atmosphere is just creepy enough, and the cinematography, setting, and storyline work together to create a special movie. Yes, some of the pacing may feel slow and there are some head scratching moments, but those are easily overlooked. In the end, this is one of my favorite Mario Bava movies, and a movie that fans of that era and genre must watch.