***Official 19th Annual HTF October Scary Movie Challenge 2018*** (1 Viewer)

[John Stell]

1. Watch 13 Scary/Horror/Halloween-Themed films, etc. from midnight October 1, 2018 through on October 31, 2018 (use your own time zone to set the ending time).

2. Theatrically released films and short features count as 1 point each. Running times are irrelevant. TV specials (e.g. "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!") and individual episodes of anthology TV series (e.g. "The Twilight Zone") also count as 1 point each. For episodic TV series, 2 hour-long episodes (e.g. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") count as 1 point and 3 episodes of 30 minute-long episodes (e.g. "The Munsters") count as 1 point.

3. Two of the 13 films, et.al. must be new discoveries, movies you've never seen before. The point of this is to see those few movies you've always meant to see, but never got around to. Please specify new discoveries in your film list by making them bold, adding asterisks, different colors, etc.

4. Come here and talk about 'em.

5. There is an uber-category, the Ultimate Splatter Challenge for those who wish to put all of the rest of us to shame. This is the heavyweight division. These people, if they choose to accept the challenge, must view 31 horror/scary/Halloween themed movies before dawn on Nov. 1st. Ten new discoveries are recommended for this one. The rest of us will bow down in awed reverence to these truly "Splatterific" HTF members. The bragging rights will be awesome and long lived.6. What movies qualify? If you wanna include it, go for it. There will be no hairsplitting. If The Wizard of Oz sends you to the dresser for a fresh pair of boxer shorts, all the power.At the end of the challenge, the totals will be added up based on the point system outlined in number 2 above.

Reserve your spot below!

 

[whacky blacky]

5. The Amityville Murders (2018). FTV. Streamed. This one deals with the DeFeo murders that took place before the Lutz family moves in to the famous house. Make sure you watch this one as it stands out over all the crappy ones we've been served over the years. 3/5.

 

[Neil Middlemiss]

October 3: IT (2017) 4.5 out of 5 - First Time Viewing

Something evil has a hold of the little town of Derry. A spate of child disappearances has the town on edge, and a group of kids, each harassed and tormented by the town bully, find unity in their misery and set about to discover why Derry seems so cursed. What they discover - a vicious shape-shifting clown called Pennywise - will bring them to the brink.

Having never seen the 1990 TV mini-series with the great Tim Curry as Pennywise, nor having ever read the book, I walked into this cinematic adaptation of the Stephen King story ready for anything. I knew the film was well-received, I knew it was favored by fans of the book, and I knew that it looked scary based on the trailers. What I didn't know what just how freaking scary it would be and how bizarre and frightening and fascinating the horror would be. A cast of child actors can work against a film, but like the best of them (Stand By Me - another King adaptation, being right up there), the cast of actors here work so well in their roles and as a group that it becomes a genuine asset.

This is a handsomely produced film, wonderfully shot and structured, and with a brilliant and dynamic performance by Bill Skarsgård as the sick Pennywise. This has become one of my favorite horror films from the last few years because its so darn good. I was terrified and glued to the screen.

Sometimes great horror films are like rides where you climb on board and hold on for dear life, and while the bursts of horror are teased out over the 2-hour plus running time here, with plenty of coming-of-age drama and character building pulling us deeper into this world, it is a superb ride and has me eager for Chapter 2. Excellent film!

 

[John Stell]

October 3: IT (2017) 4.5 out of 5 - First Time Viewing

Having never seen the 1990 TV mini-series with the late, great Tim Curry...

Actually, Tim Curry is still among the living.

 

[Neil Middlemiss]

Actually, Tim Curry is still among the living.

You are, of course, correct. I have revised the line to speak only of his greatness!

 

[John Stell]

Bold - Denotes first ever viewing
Rating - Out of 4

010) 10/03/2018 Blood of the Vampires (1966)

1/2
As he nears death, father reveals to his son and daughter that their missing mother is actually a vampire who’s hidden away in the basement. Soon Mom passes the family curse onto her boy, who starts putting the bite on the locals. Poorly paced horror from the Philippines lays the romance and religion on pretty thick. But director Gerardo de Leon stages a few effective and atmospheric sequences.

011) 10/03/2018 The Fan (1981)

Lauren Bacall plays legendary stage and screen performer who’s become target of obsessed fan and letter-writer Michael Biehn. When she doesn’t answer his missives, he lashes — or rather slashes — out at those close to her. Largely predictable thriller still has its strong points. There’s an impressive title sequence, a great cast, and fine music score too.

012) 10/04/2018 Fangs of the Living Dead (1969)

1/2
Engaged model learns two weeks before her wedding that she’s inherited her late mother’s estate. Upon meeting her creepy uncle, she learns the truth about her ancestors. Disappointing Spanish horror looks great but suffers from poor pacing and all too familiar plot beats; certain scenes seem directly lifted from other vampire films. And the film’s sense of humor is misplaced.

013) 10/04/2018 Scared to Death (1947)

Bela Lugosi’s only color film is a badly directed and edited mystery that takes place at private clinic presided over by George Zucco. A corpse tells us the story of how she was murdered. Scenes featuring Lugosi and Zucco (who play cousins!) offer some fun for classic horror buffs, as does a figure in a green mask. But the nonsensical script is so bad it ruins everything. Lugosi does have some great dialogue such as, “If I allowed myself to be announced, I doubt I would be received anywhere.”​

 

[Radioman970]

Wednesday, October 3rd
6. Friday the 13th (1980) I don't know if I'm normal anymore because as each one shows up in the movie on their way to the camp or already there I see them in the various ways they will die. eeeek! I've seen this so much after years of being afraid of it, taking it's toll help! And why is F13 so comforting?! so much nostalgia and I"m warm all over and even almost drift off to sleep I'm so relaxed. This and Wizard of Oz. I'm crazy... ! I was thinking how great it would be if smiling Anna would-be cook for the camp would escape death over and over and became final girl. btw, the dog she pets at the service station in town looks a little like my dog Honey Bun. First time on blu for me. A little better picture, much better sound and nice having a back up from my DVD anyway.

7. Hell House LLC. (2016) One Halloween Haunt so more intimate than The Houses October Built. And I think genuinely more unnerving for me than the tacked on feel of the ending for the other movie. Houses is best for it's haunt tour feel but Hell is scarier. Movies like this save time and money so i don't have to drive to one of these things. Would actually love to participate in putting one on, dress up like a headless man who talks to you with a staticy voice coming out of a boom box I'm holding. ttthhHHeee weeeaaather in heelllllllll isssss continueeeed skiiiin melting hooOOOootttt... nooOOoowww morre Luuuuke Brrrryaannn... ssssscCCCccarreeeee..!! lol

 

[Michael Elliott]

A Bucket of Blood (1959) ***

Roger Corman's classic offers up a great performance by Dick Miller who plays an artist who finally makes it big due to his work being so realistic. It turns out he's actually murdering people and that's why he art looks so real. Out of all the cheap-o films Corman directed, this here is probably the best because of its tongue-in-cheek nature and of course the wonderful performance by Miller.

The Wasp Woman (1959) * 1/2

Susan Cabot plays a cosmetic worker who tries an experimental drug and then transforms into the title character. This Roger Corman film just isn't very fun to watch and mainly because the monster is kept off the screen for the majority of the running time. I understand why Corman did this but it doesn't work in this case because the characters and story are just boring so you want the monster even if it doesn't look that good.

Fog Island (1945) ** 1/2

George Zucco is released from prison and invites those he blames to a party where he plans to seek revenge. Zucco was very good in the film as was Lionel Atwill. Then two certainly make this "B" picture worth watching but there's no question that the rest of the cast are rather bland and the story just isn't that original or interesting. The setting and atmosphere were quite good though.

Rawhead Rex (1986) ***

A demon rises from Ireland and goes on a country wide killing streak. I was a little shocked to see Clive Barker talk so badly about this film but he and I rarely agree so perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much. I really thought this worked like a 1950's monster-on-the-loose film but mixed with the 80's blood and gore. The monster looks incredibly fake but at the same time this adds to the charm.

Schizoid (1980) ** 1/2

Klaus Kinski's therapy class is under attack by a maniac with scissors in this early Cannon slasher. I'm not sure why I never got around to watching this before but for the most part I thought it was entertaining for what it was. The film features some very good performances by the three leads and yes that includes Kinski. The film offers up some mild violence but nothing like FRIDAY THE 13TH or other slashers from the era. Cannon would kick up their game with HOSPITAL MASSACRE.

Island Claws (1980) **

A Florida company is doing experiments on crabs and soon the little creatures are attacking people. Eventually a giant crab shows up to do some damage. CRABZILLA would have been a better title for this film. On the whole this is a pretty bland movie but the attack scenes are so poorly done that you can't help but laugh at them and have some fun with them. There's certainly nothing overly special here but it's at least mildly entertaining if you're a fan of the nature gone wild genre.

 

[dpippel]

OCTOBER 3:

4) The War of the Worlds (1953) - 5/5 stars - After learning that a brand new HD version of this classic film was available on iTunes, I had to check it out. It looks WONDERFUL! Hopefully this will see a disc release at some point. The movie itself, of course, is extremely well-crafted, with legendary special effects by the the great George Pal and lead performances from Gene Barry and Ann Robinson. For me the only drawback is its overtly religious overtones, but it's a product of its time. A fantastic take on the seminal H.G. Wells Martian invasion story, it has never looked or sounded better.

 

[Ruz-El]

Bah! More drama at the homestead so still only one movie in last night. Y'all getting in more than one a day are making me anxious! Three days in and I'm already getting the paranoia that I'm not going to get anything watched!

I got in a good one though, I think? I'm not really sure.

003 10/03 Delirium (1979) This is one of those films that I find hard to review. A group of nationalists have formed a vigilante group where they send out Vietnam vets to met out justice they think the courts has failed at. One of them has gone completely crispy crackers and is flat out murdering women and it's got the vigilante board all a tizzy since the cops are catching on to them. The first bit plays like a slasher, the later half more of a 80's action set piece. There's enough gore (not impressive) to have this one hit the UK's Video Nasty list. The most notable thing for me is how much of it takes place in the daylight, as opposed to the usual slasher tropes where everything is at night.

But is it actually a good movie? I don't know. It's got ropy acting and graphic but ropy effects and I found it entertaining enough to warrant 2 and a half stars but I'm waffling on giving a three star review since it kind of feels like a precursor of films to come and the plot is pretty clever idea handled in a not very clever way. I guess it's a good, bad movie?

 

[Winston T. Boogie]

October 4:

 

[whacky blacky]

6. Ruby (1977). FTV. Watched on DVD. Campy Exorcist ripoff that has its moments. 2.5/5.

 

[Neil Middlemiss]

October 4: Hereditary (2018) - 4.5 out of 5 - First Time Viewing

Upon the death of the family matriarch - an apparently cold and distant woman - the family begins to unravel. The death of the young daughter deepens the grief but also brings with it a series of bizarre and disturbing visions and occurrences, pushing the fragile family to the edge.

Hereditary is a brilliant piece of cinema, rich with unusual, sudden, disturbing images and moments that I found gripping. The film has developed a bit of a "love it or hate it" response, which is a shame. The strength of the film comes from a stunning performance by Toni Collette and a collection of performances from the rest of the cast (most notably that of Alex Wolff's deeply felt Peter) that are a fascinating mix of detached, peculiar, and emotionally frayed and gripped.

The film slowly walks rather than sprints, through its storytelling, and that serves the building sense of dread and mystery incredibly well. This is more an experiential film than a more typical horror narrative. It leaves little clues throughout and wants to keep you in the dark with inexplicable images and frightening moments that will have theories running around in your head as you try to decipher the films code - what might really be going on.

The film is slow-burn scary, which I think might just be my favorite kind, and the endless sense of unease and brooding psychological horror is engaging and effective - and the terror of the unknown malevolence had me hooked. I loved not really knowing what on earth was happening, and even when I was sure, I liked the doubts I had. And if Toni Collette isn't at least nominated for the major acting awards, it will be a disservice to the craft because she gives this role absolutely everything!

 

[TravisR]

7. Werewolf Of London

The title says it all. Not the best werewolf movies but the makeup, while not Chaney's Wolf Man, is still pretty cool and creepy looking.

 

[dpippel]

OCTOBER 4:

5) Lifeforce (1985) - 3.5/5 stars - Another guilty pleasure of mine, Tobe Hooper's space vampire flick is a hoot, with some very good effects work and extremely crappy acting, especially from Steve Railsback. It's an interesting premise made all the more palatable by the presence of the lovely Matilda May, in the role of "Space Girl". A Golan-Globus Production!!! The new 4K scan released as a Blu by Shout Factory is as good looking as this movie will probably ever get. Highly recommended!

 

[John Stell]

Bold - Denotes first ever viewing
Rating - Out of a possible 4

014) 10/04/2018 The Bloody Vampire (1962)

1/2
Vampire Count Frankenhausen keeps his beautiful female victims tucked away in coffins in his castle cellar, biding his time until he can take over the world! Meanwhile Count Cagliostro continues the family tradition of trying to rid the world of the undead bloodsuckers. This has one of the best openings of any Mexican horror, as a horse-drawn carriage glides in slow motion along fog-enshrouded roads. Its driver is a cloak-wearing skeleton! There’s also a big-ass bat flapping about and a phenomenal use of music and eerie sound effects. Unfortunately, the film is also frequently talky, spoiling the well-mounted atmosphere. Still, a good choice for a Saturday night spook show. Followed by The Invasion of the Vampires.


015) 10/04/2018 The Invasion of the Vampires (1963)

Sequel to The Bloody Vampire finds doctor visiting the Haunted Hacienda to research mysterious murders. It seems Count Frankenhausen is up to his old tricks near Dead Man’s Lake. Not as inventively atmospheric as its predecessor, this follow-up nevertheless has its moments, especially during the finale. Otherwise, it’s a familiar talk fest, although the village priest’s rant about the stupid townspeople is hilarious.


016) 10/05/2018 The Strangler of Blackmoor Castle (1963)

A nine-fingered strangler carves an M into his victims’ foreheads to terrorize supposedly upstanding citizen who’s about to be knighted. The motive is stolen diamonds. Despite gruesome murders, a spooky swamp, a climax involving a drill, and the presence of title castle complete with catacombs, this is a rather flat entry in the German krimi series based on Bryan Edgar Wallace novels. And this viewer guessed the killer right away. ​

 

[Neil Middlemiss]

OCTOBER 4:

5) Lifeforce (1985) - 3.5/5 stars - Another guilty pleasure of mine, Tobe Hooper's space vampire flick is a hoot, with some very good effects work and extremely crappy acting, especially from Steve Railsback. It's an interesting premise made all the more palatable by the presence of the lovely Matilda May, in the role of "Space Girl". The new 4K scan released as a Blu by Shout Factory is as good looking as this movie will probably ever get. Highly recommended!

I have always been a fan of Lifeforce. I think part of it was the England setting (something we rarely saw for this kind of big-budget sci-fi film back then). It's an oddity and I think that gives it a certain cult allure.

 

[Michael Elliott]

Fear in the Dark (1991) ***

Christopher Lee hosts this documentary that takes a look at the history of horror films. Argento, Friedkin, Steele, Barker, Craven, Bloch and Carpenter are among the people interviewed as they discuss their influences as well as some of their movies. There have been so many recent horror documentaries so it's hard to find something that says something you haven't already heard. This one here was good for the most part and Lee was certainly energetic with his narration.

Horror Cafe (1990) ***

This here is an interesting round table discussion between Roger Corman, John Carpenter, author Clive Barker, novelist Ramsey Campbell, screenwriter Peter Adkins and author Lisa Tuttle. The discussion include what fear really is, political horror as well as the group giving ideas on a possible horror movie. There's nothing great here and often times people are over-talking each other but it's still worth watching considering how is involved.

Mesa of Lost Women (1953) *

Jackie Coogan goes from working with Chaplin to appearing in this film, which is easily one of the worst ever made. Thankfully it's bad enough to where you can get a few bits of entertainment out of it. Coogan plays a doctor creating giant spiders and weird women. The acting, directing, editing, score and pretty much everything else is downright awful but this leads to a few funny moments. The added narration is incredibly bad and you really can't help but feel bad for Coogan.

The Being (1983) ** 1/2

Dumb politicians dump toxic waste and soon a biohazard monster is stalking and killing people in Idaho. There's nothing ground-breaking here but for the most part I found it to be mildly entertaining. The story isn't original and the film isn't that well-made but at the same time it works as a monster-on-the-loose type of films from the 50's mixed with the gore and violence of the 80's. There's some pretty bloody stuff here plus you get Martin Landau and Jose Ferrer.

The Fog (1980) *** 1/2

There's no way Carpenter could have topped HALLOWEEN but he did follow it up with one of the better horror films of the decade. This film still holds up quite well. I know some complain that there's nothing happening in the middle of the film but to me it's a slow-burn leading up to the finale. As far as the ending goes, I just love the way Carpenter slowly builds up the fear. That fog rolling in is quite effective plus we've got a downright terrific cast here.

The American Nightmare (2000) ***

Carpenter, Landis, Craven, Romero and others are on hand to discuss the political nature of the horror films made in the late 60's and early 70's. We hear about the various political assassinations, the Vietnam war and other issues going on and how this played into horror films like NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE and THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT. This was an interesting idea for a documentary and it works extremely good and especially the way it shows how real life began to bleed into the movies.

 

[Ruz-El]

I really have to check out HEREDITARY. Everyone says it's disturbing, sounds like my jam.

I got in two lat night, and I regret it.


004 10/04 Boogeyman II: Redux (2003) 0.5/5 This one features the director playing a director giving a crime deposition (looks to be shot on VHS at his dinner table) cut with footage from the 80’s boogeyman movies. I think. It didn’t make any sense, this move is a piece of trash and the director can go to hell.

005 10/04 Lake of Dracula (1971) 3.5/5 The second film of the BLOODTHIRSTY TRILOGY actually features a bonafide Dracula but MINOR SPOILER: Dracula never enters or rises from a lake. This one hits all the typical marks of a Vampire movie. Strange goings on at a lakeside village, a girl trying to figure it all out, and has one of the weirdest arrivals of Dracula. This Drac is basically dumped at the side of the road in a packing crate for the local fisherman shop guy to deal with. It sounds bad, but the movie is good, packed with atmosphere and visuals and enough original touches to keep you invested.

I can't think of another film I gave half a star to. That's how inept and garbage this version of Boogeyman II is. What sucks is I've never seen the original one, and now I never well since this Redux is such trash.

 

[John Stell]

I really have to check out HEREDITARY. Everyone says it's disturbing, sounds like my jam.

004 10/04 Boogeyman II: Redux (2003) 0.5/5 This one features the director playing a director giving a crime deposition (looks to be shot on VHS at his dinner table) cut with footage from the 80’s boogeyman movies. I think. It didn’t make any sense, this move is a piece of trash and the director can go to hell.

I can't think of another film I gave half a star to. That's how inept and garbage this version of Boogeyman II is. What sucks is I've never seen the original one, and now I never well since this Redux is such trash.

The original Boogeyman II is also garbage. The DVD release by Genon is out of print. I remember very little about it other than it takes place at a party thrown by the director and some weird stuff happens there. I haven't watched Redux yet and don't know if or when I ever will. But sometimes I want to channel my inner Crow T. Robot so who knows?

 

[Michael Elliott]

I've seen most of Lommel's films and I just don't know what happened. I really thought THE BOOGEYMAN was a very good picture. The original version of BOOGEYMAN II is really bad but the REDUX version (basically part 4) is pure trash. RETURN OF THE BOOGEYMAN isn't any better (the third film). He did complete a new one before he died but I haven't heard when it is going to be released. His SOV films from the 00's are just as awful.

What's weird about REDUX is that BOOGEYMAN II is somewhat notorious for a couple insane death scenes yet they are missing int he new version making it all the more pointless.