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. 

Season of the Witch (1972)

After watching some holiday horror, I decided that I needed to go into the time machine and check out a classic. Growing up in the Pittsburgh area, no one was bigger than George Romero, his living dead series is woven into our fabric. While this one isn’t part of that series, it is one that I remember renting on VHS in my youth, 1972s Season of the Witch AKA Hungry Wives. 

Plot: A neglected, unhappy suburban housewife gets mixed up in witchcraft with unexpected consequences.

I know this one isn’t for everyone and it is likely one of Romero’s weakest entries, but there is something about that I love. Not a true horror film by any means, this one is more artsy and almost experimental within the confines of a dark, almost exploitative drama. There are occult overtones and multiple dream sequences that dive into more horror elements, but it is definitely nowhere near horror. The performances are solid and the ideas are there to outline what he was thinking, but it is a bit wordy and slow at times. The pacing does bring the film down, likely turning off many with the way it slowly builds. The technical aspects are rather good and overall it isn’t a terrible film. In the end, this one definitely isn’t Romero’s best work and won’t be for everyone, but it is worth watching at least once. Romero laid the foundation for horror as we know it today and he could have never achieved that without his early entries like this

Dark Harvest (2023)

 

I decided that I needed a break from the world of Fallout 76 yesterday afternoon and decide to watch a few movies.  One I have watched before and this 2023 entry Dark Harvest.

Plot: Teens confront a legendary supernatural spectre that emerges from the cornfields of a small Midwestern town every fall.

At first glance,  I figured this was going to be another Slasher/Teenage based horror flick.  Fortunately,  I was wrong and this was quite entertaining and somewhat original campared to a majority of the movies coming out today. Although, the premise was a touch outlandish, there were some interesting elements within the storyline.  The performances were OK, the scripting decent,  the scenery and era fit,  and the effects were pretty good.  My biggest peeve was that I was able to figure out the twist about mid way through and spent the majority of the movie trying to figure out what was going to happen to rectify it. I did like the ending and the way it turned out.  But,  I'm sure some will watch and be turned off by both the end and the story itself.  In the end,  this was a fun movie and one I thought was a lot better than I expected.  I'm sure it will be polarizing, but if your look for some fun horror,  give it a shot. 

Summer of Fear (1978)

I decided to take a break from cryptids today and did into another interesting topic, Witchcraft.  After did quick searching,  I decided on the made for Television Wes Craven entry Summer of Fear. (AKA Stranger in Our House)

Plot: A teenage girl's life is turned upside down after her cousin moves into her house, and as time goes by she begins to suspect that she may be a practitioner of witchcraft.

For this looking for a precursor to Freddy and a Nightmare on Elm Street, this one will likely disappoint. Origins this third horror entry for Wes Craven was a made for television movie,  thus,  it lacks the impact of typical theatrical releases. However,  the cast and performances are actually pretty good.  Yes,  the setting, costuming, and some of the technical aspects feel and appear dated, but for a movie from the late 70s, most of it holds up quite well.  The storyline is interesting (although a bit predictable) and it did keep me interested to see how it was going to end (did they make a sequel?). In the end,  this wasn't a bad time at all.  Yes,  it won't be for everyone,  but if you are looking for a subtle witchcraft bar film give it a shot.  

Hell House LLC II: The Abaddon Hotel (2018)

I took a couple of days off from the blog to attend a few movies and take part in a couple of horror trivia contests. I love horror trivia, but I will admit, the questions that these people are asking are getting harder and more difficult to answer. Who knew how crazy the Polish movie poster for Alien looked like the Spaghetti Monster. In preparation for the next installment of this series, I revisited the Hell House LLC franchise, with Part 2, the Abaddon Hotel being my next entry.

Plot: It's been eight years since the opening night tragedy of Hell House, LLC and still many unanswered questions remain. Thanks to an anonymous tip, investigative journalist Jessica Fox is convinced that key evidence is hidden inside the abandoned Abaddon Hotel-evidence that will shed light on the hotel's mysteries.

Like with many sequels, this movie doesn't quite live up to the baseline established by the original. In fact, while not terrible, it misses the mark in a ton of ways. The performances are uneven, the characters are not as interesting, and the overall storyline is not as nuanced or effective as the original. Yes, there are some moments where things work and they make it interesting, but the performances of the cast do not come close to what was experienced in the original film. That is definitely something that hold this film back and prevents it from matching the feel and quality of the original. Not a terrible movie, but one that could have been so much more with a different cast. 

Santa Sangre (1989)

As usual October has been a busy month,  vending both Monster Fest and Heroes Assemble. With both events finally done,  I can relax , continue enjoying horror,  and maybe even breaking through my writers block.  The next film up for review is the 1989 cult classic, Santa Sangre.

Plot: A former circus artist escapes from a mental hospital to rejoin his armless mother--the leader of a strange religious cult--and is forced to enact brutal murders in her name as he becomes her arms.

Let me start by saying that i have no idea why i waited this long to catch this film,  this one is truly amazing.  The artistic aspects alive would make it had above many of the surreaistic folks of the era.  However,  this one also boasts a tremendous atmosphere that takes full advantage of the unsettling imaging, violence,  and sexuality. There really isn't much that this one gets wrong.  Sure,  some of the appearace may feel dated when streaming,  but for me, that added to the experience. Plus,  the circus theme really hit a soft spot.  If you haven't seen it,  you are missing out. 

Darkness (2002)

It was another day day outside, but it was not a total loss as I was able to make some good progress in the toy building.  I can actually see my desk again. When I finished that,  I decided to kick back and watch the 2002 entry Darkness.

Plot: A teenage girl moves into a remote country house with her family, only to discover that their gloomy new home has a horrifying past that threatens to destroy the family.

I didn't know what to expect from this one,  but came away rather intrigued.  While,  it did have some of the typical supernatural elements,  it was armor to maintain  a suspenseful tone throughout. The scripting was awesome,  the performances outstanding, and the cinematography and direction created some tremendous atmosphere. Now, Iam sure there will be parts that turn viewers off with the slower pace and the lack of typical horror tropes, but those are only benefits in my eyes. In the end,  this one is an excellent independent film and one that should be watched. 

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.

Suspiria (2018)

I know that I keep saying that I am going to make more of a concerted effort in writing reviews of the movies I watch or at least, keep you updated on what is listed on the Ringmaster’s Realm over at ETSY. Unfortunately, between kids and then being sick, I haven’t been able to do everything that I wanted to do. That should all change soon, as I am definitely ready to buckle down and knock some stuff out (it also helps that I brought my Mac back to life). With that, the next movie for review is the 2018 remake (reinterpretation) of Suspiria.

Plot/ A darkness swirls at the center of a world-renowned dance company, one that will engulf the artistic director, an ambitious young dancer, and a grieving psychotherapist. Some will succumb to the nightmare. Others will finally wake up.

I had mixed feelings about this movie when I originally heard about it. I am a huge Argento fan and next to Deep Red, the original Suspiria were my first forays into his works. Because of that, I was unsure how I would feel about this one and wanted to stay away. Now, having finally watched it, what I found was something much better than I could have ever imagined it would be. Yes, this film is not for everyone and will likely fall into the love/hate spectrum of movies. For me, I loved it. While it does lack the transcending beauty of a classic Argento film, the cinematography is amazing; capturing every shot flawlessly, the atmosphere is dark and heavy, the performances are strong, and the soundtrack was a perfect match for the darkness on the screen. Sure, it isn’t the original (which will turn some people off) and some of the elements are difficult to totally put together, but those are easy flaws to overlook. In the end, this version of Suspiria will never overtake the status of the original and shouldn’t. This is a different version of a great story and it should be judged on its own merits. If you have not watched it yet, give it a shot. There are other films out there that are much, much worse.

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.

Schock (1977)

So, I have discovered that mentally, I am in a very retro mood and needed to continue down that road. After searching through some of my services, I decided on the 1977 Mario Bava entry Schock (AKA Shock and Beyond the Door II).

Plot/ A couple is terrorized in their new house haunted by the vengeful ghost of the woman's former husband who possesses her young son.

I love the work of Mario Bava and the entire Italian horror scene of the 1970s and this film is one of the reasons. Although it had been years since I watched it the first time, Shock continues to build on me. This film cries atmosphere and offers an interesting storyline that offers some decent twists. The performances from the minimalistic cast are solid and as usual, Bava delivers some incredible technical work and the ending is one that I truly enjoyed. Yes, some of the effects and gore may feel dated and it may feel somewhat predictable and ordinary by today’s standards, but those are but minor flaws within this film. In the end, there are enough elements inside this one to keep every fan of classic Italian horror satisfied. Sure, it is not perfect, but really, what movie is? Not only is this a good movie, with it being Bava’s last film, it is definitely a must see. Find it and check it out.

The Visitor (1979)

After taking a break last night from watching any movies, I decided that today I would go back and review a movie that I caught earlier in the week. That movie is the 1979 horror/sci-fi entry The Visitor.

Plot/ The soul of a young girl with telekinetic powers becomes the prize in a fight between forces of God and the Devil.

I am a huge fan of surreal movies that make you think; especially ones that can border on confusing and this one fits that bill perfectly. An interesting storyline that seems to feed on more than a few classics, this movie has some elements that should appeal to any horror or sci-fi fan. For the most part, the performances are solid, the cinematography is interesting, and the overall tone and feel of the movie works. Unfortunately, the storyline and plot, while intriguing have so many confusing elements that it is hard to make sense out of (even if you are paying close attention) and the soundtrack feels completely out of touch with the overall tone of the movie. In the end, this one will definitely fall into the love/hate category and is extremely hard to totally describe in any way. My only recommendation is to see it for yourself (at least once) and make your own judgment. Personally, I enjoyed it, but then again, my tastes are much different than many horror/sci-fi fans out there.

The Plague of the Zombies (1966)

This weekend I had a great time at Monsterfest 14. Not only was I able to debut my two new books After the Static and Salvation, but also I was able to interact with some horror fans of all genres. By the end of the night, although tired, many of us came to the zombie double feature. The first movie from the evening was the 1966 Hammer Horror entry The Plague of the Zombies.

Plot/ A medical professor and his daughter link a Cornish epidemic to a village squire's voodoo.

It’s funny when you think that you had watched something, but get the ultimate surprise when you realize you were mistaken. That was the case with this one and what I found was one of the best Hammer Films I have seen. From 1966, this atmospheric zombie entry (Hammer Films only venture into the genre) predates the groundbreaking George Romero zombie epic Night of the Living Dead and lays the groundwork for what has developed over the years. The pacing is sound, the atmosphere is amazing, and the cast and performances are solid. Honestly, it is one of the best Hammer films I have seen and gives credence to the thought that the studio should have expanded their catalog to other creatures in the genre. Yes, some of it does feel dated and the story is somewhat predictable, but those flaws are minor. In the end, this was a perfect way to end the evening at Monsterfest 14 and an underrated entry that all zombie fans much see. Check it out.

The Mummy (2017)

I definitely needed something different today to watch. After spending so much time in Salem, and then following that up last night with Sleepy Hollow, I decided that I wanted something with a modern flair. After some debate, I decided on the 2017 entry The Mummy.

Plot/ An ancient Egyptian princess is awakened from her crypt beneath the desert, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension.

I had heard so many mixed things about this movie since its release and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Honestly, I am quite sorry I made the trip to rent it at Family Video. Set as the first film the Universal Studios Dark Universe, this was a huge miss and really offers little hope for what type of travesties await us with the other entries. While the casting was impressive, there was no substance behind the performances and everything (even the fight scenes) felt flat. Sure, this film was able to distance itself from the majority of the last Mummy trilogy (I did like the first one), it did not do enough and ended up taking the overall storyline in a direction that was not as entertaining and/or as memorable as it could have been. Yes, the visuals work, and the cast is what it is (although Tom Cruise again proves he is nothing more than a name at this stage), but those are the only real positives that I can pull from the time I spent watching it. The effects were average, the characters are all unlikable and do not leave any type of lasting impression, the action sequences are a mess, and again, the best scenes are in the trailer. In the end, this is a bad movie and one that should not even share a name with the classic Universal Studios take on The Mummy. If you haven’t wasted your money yet, don’t it is not worth it at all.

Salem Witch Trials (2002)

After watching Witchery yesterday before practice, I found myself in a witchcraft mood last night when I got home. So, I did what I always do, and turned to my streaming services to find something that would help quench my appetite. I eventually settled on the 2002 entry Salem Witch Trials for my journey into the occult and witchcraft.

Plot/ A masterful work accurately details the current consensus of what exactly occurred to prompt the colonial witch trials.

This was another movie (mini series) that I somehow missed during my time in the Navy. In fact, when I saw it last night, I thought it was a documentary. I am excited that it wasn’t. What I found was an entertaining journey into the times of the Salem Witch Trials, one of the historical events that helped shape my interests as I have grown older. The ensemble cast led by Shirley MacLaine and Kirstie Alley was tremendous and the performances definitely were in harmony with the dark storyline. The cinematography was outstanding, the storyline was layered, and the entertainment and educational value really came together. While the film does have a drawn out feel, because it was a miniseries, that was to be expected. In the end, the story of the Salem Witch Trials and the hysteria that overtook society is something that can never be forgotten in our history. It is part of the fabric of our Nation and demonstrates what can happen when greed and panic become one. This may not be perfect, but it is a story (and movie) that must be seen and remembered. If you have not watched it, find it on Amazon and check it out.

Witchery (1988)

When it became evident that the West Virginia game was over, I decided to find something on television to help pass the time before I had to leave for Prestige softball practice. After some searching, I decided on the 1988 entry Witchery (AKA Witchcraft and Evil Encounters).

Plot/ When a storm strands a group on a Massachusetts Island where the only dwelling is an old hotel supposedly haunted by the ghost of a former German actress their worst fears are brought to life.

This is a film that I can honestly say that I do not remember from my youth. That is funny because, between the subject matter and Linda Blair, I almost certainly would have picked this one up. What I found today when watching it was a movie that was clearly part of that 1980s big box horror with some outrageous effects and many head-scratching moments. Of course, this also has the typical flaws with uneven performances, some strange cinematic decisions, laughable moments, and a pace that seems to teeter between slow and fast. That being said, the setting was amazing and the storyline (while somewhat predictable) was entertaining. In the end, this was not a great movie, but it was not the worst either. Feel free to give it a shot if you are searching for something and need something mindless, you could do much worse.

Manhattan Baby (1982)

After spending last night with Lucio Fulci, I decided to go back into his mind for an encore. After some debate, I decided on the 1982 entry Manhattan Baby.

Plot/ An archaeologist opens an Egyptian tomb and accidentally releases an evil spirit. His young daughter becomes possessed by the freed entity and upon arrival back in New York the gory murders begin.

While this isn’t a great movie or even anything close to Lucio Fulci's best work, there is something in this one that always makes me want to see more. Not a typical Fulci gorefest, this one is definitely closer to an atmospheric thriller than true horror film. As usual, it does suffer from some of the typical issues that seem to permeate most films by Fulci with slower pacing, underdeveloped characterizations, and uneven performances. Plus, the movie does feel a bit dated, but that too should be expected with it being filmed in the early 1980s. Fortunately, if you are a fan of his work, you should already be expecting this. This one does offer an interesting (sure, unbelievable) storyline, a tremendously dark and heavy atmosphere, and a perfectly matched gothic soundtrack that helps build the tension. In the end, this one may not be his best work, but it is still an entertaining (and polarizing) journey into the world of Fulci. If you have not seen it, you should give it a shot.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

After making it through Alien: Covenant this weekend, I decided to change genres completely for my next flick. That movie is the 2017 action/adventure King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

Plot/ Robbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy - whether he likes it or not.

I can see why this is polarizing. On one hand, this is definitely not your traditional King Arthur movie, which would leave traditionalists up in arms. But, there are some interesting aspects that make it entertaining. Personally, I did enjoy the action sequences, the performances, and most of the effects. However, the lack of character development, the modern dialog, and the overall lack of Arthurian atmosphere did not do it for me. Was it a terrible movie? No, in fact, had it been made outside the King Arthur universe it would have likely received a better reception. In the end, if you like period pieces and can look past the idea that this is Arthur and Excalibur, then you may enjoy this one more than I did. Not a terrible movie, but not quite what I was expecting.

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.