Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told (1967)

There are times when I really want to watch something from the classic era of horror cinema and take a stab at something different. That was the case tonight when I picked the 1967 cult classic Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told (AKA Cannibal Orgy).

Plot/ A caretaker devotes himself to three demented siblings after their father's death.

This low budget Lon Chaney Jr. gem is quite different than what I would have imagined considering the era. A true cult classic, this one features a unique storyline that spans many taboo subjects including cannibalism, necrophilia, and inbreeding (as well as murder). The performances from the stellar cast, the cinematography, and the characterizations are all outstanding. Yes, there is some humor that may or may not have been intentional and there are a few directorial choices that seem a bit off, but those elements do not really damage the overall feel of the movie. In the end, this film is well worth finding and watching. Sure, it is a touch odd, but it is also an enjoyable 80 minutes of relaxation in a grim world.

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.

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

After watching some gore and violence from one of the Saw films, it was time to find something different tonight. Having some alone time with the girls in acting, it was nice to not have to worry about what I put on. What did I decide on? I picked out the 2008 musical Repo! The Genetic Opera.

Plot/ In the year 2056 - the not so distant future - an epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GeneCo, a biotech company that offers organ transplants, for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by villainous Repo Men.

Repo The Genetic Opera is my second favorite horror musical next to Rocky Horror, but it is an extremely close second. This one is definitely not for everyone, with the dark almost Sci-Fi backdrop mixed with graphic gore and an amazingly diverse soundtrack; it will surely turn some away. Fortunately, the creativity, solid performances, and interesting storyline only added to this unique and ambitious project. Yes, some of the singing was off (Bill Moseley comes to mind) and some of the characters lacked depth, but that matter’s naught. In the end, this is one of the most entertaining and visually captivating films I have seen. Is it Rocky Horror? No, but in many ways it is a far superior film and one that should live on in the same manner. If you have not caught it, check it out!

What a Strange Week it has Been!!!!!

What a strange week it has been, literally, I never imagined that when I started this week so many crazy and disturbing stories would make the news in North America. I know I have watched and possibly reviewed on here some of the most disturbing flicks out there. In fact, it was just last week where I profiled the true story behind the movie The Afflicted. However, as tragic and disturbing as that story is, it has nothing on the reality of this week. If you missed it, here is a recap of sorts.

  

Saturday, news broke of the strange cannibalistic attack on a man on the MacArther causeway near Miami Beach, FL.  Not only was this a ghastly attack, the entire thing was captured on a security camera, bringing the entire story to world in full color. Of course, this camera also captured the violent end when the police shot the perpetrator multiple times after he would not stop eating the victims face.

If you are not familiar with the story, Haitian born Rudy Eugene attacked a man by chewing and eating 75 percent of his face while he was passed out. The victim survived and is now in the hospital in serious condition after losing or suffering injuries to his eyes, nose, cheeks and mouth.

Why did Eugene do it? No one knows for sure. However, it was originally reported that he was possibly high on the synthetic drug called Bath Salts, although his girlfriend may have other ideas. The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, went on record stating she believed that Eugene was the victim of a voodoo curse, and the attack had to have supernatural roots. No matter what, this case will be one that not soon forgotten.

 

 

Of course, the week could have ended there with the strange crimes and attacks, but it did not. On Sunday, a report came out about a man in Hackensack, NJ, who allegedly cut out his own intestines and threw them at the police. This bizarre story centers around Wayne Carter, a 43-year old New Jersey man, who barricaded himself into a room in his house and reportedly began to stab himself in the abdomen, neck and legs. The man was in such a place that pepper spray only enraged him and actually prompted him to throw pieces of his flesh and intestines at the police officers that were called to the scene.

Yes, this strange occurrence was not nearly as violent as the attack of the Miami Cannibal, but still, it was one of the strangest stories to be reported in sometime. If I were a true believer, I would definitely start believing that the apocalypse was closer than 203 days away.

Yes, the week could have ended there and it would have been one of the strangest to come about in some time, but no, it did not. Today, the story broke about Luca Rocco Magnotta, and his connection to the body parts discovered in the mail, the disgusting video 1 lunatic 1 ice pick, and the remains of a torso discovered in Montreal.

  

This may be one of the most disturbing bits of reality I have heard in some time as Magnotta, a gay porn star / necrophiliac / cat killer, apparently recorded the murder, dismemberment and anal rape before entering into some cannibalistic acts with the corpse. Utterly one of the most disturbing things I have witnessed if real.

 

Unfortunately, this may not be the first violent act on film by the disturbed individual also known as Eric Clinton Newman or Vladimir Romanov. He has actually been in the crosshairs of animal rights activists as he reportedly; video taped the torture and killing of cats over the past few years, not to mention possibly entering into a relationship notorious sex killer Karla Homolka. Seriously, if this is all true, this one is nuts (and I have not touched his blog that talks about necrophilia).

 

The Canadian authorities have charged Magnotta with the crimes and an international manhunt is underway. In fact, Interpol has become involved as it has been reported that the 29-year old escaped to Paris prior to the discovery of any of the body parts or torso.

 

 

With these three stories in the books, it is easy to wonder, what strange stuff is instore for us as time goes on.

Necromentia (2009)

As a Steelers fan, I tried to watch end enjoy the Super Bowl, I just could not do it. It honestly felt like I was taking a trip into Hell, just miserable. With that feeling already permeating my mind, I decided to take a trip into the depths as well with my movie selection for the evening. I mean, how could I go wrong with a flick that says it is a trip into Hell complete with blood, guts, murder, necrophilia, and an OUIJA Board? Got me there… The movie I chose instead of the Super Bowl is Necromentia from 2009.

Plot/ A off-world look at the superstitious repercussions of tattooing an Ouija Board on your body. Hagen, who has a dead wife believes that he can revive her from the dead. Travis, a man who lost his brother and wants to join him in the after life. Morbius, a bartender who is betrayed by those he loves comes back from the dead to take revenge. And a strange man only known as Mr. Skinny protects the secrets of the Ouija Board and how the stories weave and affect each other.

As a horror fan, I already know that being drawn in by the writings on a DVD cover can be dangerous, but when I saw the words Hellraiser Meets Saw, count me as one that had his interests perked. What I found when I sat down was something I never expected, something dark and melodic with a similar feel to the Clive Barker masterpiece it was compared to. This anthology-based flick is definitely all horror, complete with solid effects, decent acting, disturbing surreal imagery and an in-depth plot that really makes one think (plus some great torturous and bloody images). Yes, there are flaws like the abrupt ending that leaves you somewhat unsatisfied, some cliché characterization and uneven pacing. However, those are easily overlooked within this semi-original trip into the depths of this netherworld revisionist Hell.  In the end, this is a great movie for fans of deep and dark horror, yes it has enough gore for gorehounds, but it is the disturbing story that takes the starring role, not just the blood and guts. Check this one out!