The Horror Movie Appreciation Thread (1 Viewer)

[John Stell]

Out of Four

09/02/2023

The Dunwich Horror (1970)

A disappointing attempt to film an H.P Lovecraft tale, The Dunwich Horror at least looks great thanks to production designer turned director Daniel Haller. He was responsible for those gorgeously visualized Edgar Allan Poe tales directed by Roger Corman. But Haller can’t overcome the basic problem with the story: presenting a convincing, otherworldly beast that exists in a hokey story of spells and ancient rites.

Dean Stockwell is the young warlock who woos Sandra Dee for the purpose of bringing back “the old ones,” an ancient race that existed before humans. He steals the Necronomicon, a rare book of demonic incantations, from the local university library and starts the ritual that will restore the old folks to power. Meanwhile, the monster that has been imprisoned in Stockwell’s home escapes and starts terrorizing the village.

Haller handles the challenge of presenting the tentacled creature by using psychedelic effects such as reverse negatives, odd color schemes, and the like. But this eventually grows tiresome. Worse is the big climax, which is essentially a couple of folks shouting nonsense words meant to be ancient spells at each other. Dee’s intermittent dream sequences seem like padding to drag things out. On the plus side, the sound design works well, with bizarre cries and swooshing winds working to create an effective atmosphere at times. Not surprisingly, Stockwell’s home is sumptuous.

Stockwell tries hard but looks rather silly sometimes, such as when he presses his knuckles against his temples in order to cast a spell. But other times he uses those same hands with great dramatic flourish, such as when he drugs Dee’s tea. More damaging is the lack of chemistry between Stockwell and Dee. They don’t really seem comfortable together, and it’s hard to accept, despite her words, that she’s genuinely attracted to this guy.

The result is a mixed bag, with the occasionally dazzling visual undercut by the cliché frightened villagers or the bland relationship between Stockwell and Dee. The Dunwich Horror is still one of the best attempts at filming H.P. Lovecraft, which just proves how difficult it is to bring Lovecraft to the screen. Some monsters are best realized in the imagination, whether it’s the imagination of the author, reader, or viewer. (Arrow Blu Ray)

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

Bold = First Time Viewing

09/02/2023

The Blood Beast Terror (1968) 1/2

Peter Cushing is a police inspector investigating a series of murders where the victims are viscously attacked and drained of blood. His search leads him to an entomologist whose daughter is a were-moth. Yeah, a were-moth.

The Blood Beast Terror is little more than a mix of The Gorgon (1964) and any werewolf movie of your choice. In The Gorgon, Cushing plays a doctor protecting his assistant’s secret from being discovered by investigator Christopher Lee. In this effort, Robert Flemyng plays the doctor protecting his daughter’s/creation’s secret from being discovered by investigator Cushing. The transformations are handled using uninspired fades. The script is highly contrived, such as when a bug hobbyist happens to be staying at the inn where an undercover Cushing is a guest. The vicious she-moth is charmingly low-budget makeup wise. But its ultimate demise is a dramatic letdown.

It's no secret what Peter Cushing thought of some of the films he made. But he always respected the work. His solid performance is more than this clichéd production deserves. In fact, all the performances are solid and played straight. But they still can’t salvage an effort that, at a minimum, needed a much more inventive script. The Blood Beast Terror is a big ho-hum. (Kino Blu Ray)

Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster (2021)

Who would have thought that after all that has been written or otherwise produced about the great Boris Karloff that a 2021 documentary could be so moving and powerful. Credit the production team for assembling a crackerjack group of talking heads and top-notch film clips to tell the more-or-less chronological rise of perhaps the finest actor to be so aligned with the horror genre. (Although he never received an Oscar nomination, he did win a Grammy and was nominated for a Tony.) Audio clips of Karloff commenting on his career are blended with respected writers; actors and directors who knew and/or worked with him; directors heavily influenced by his work; and Karloff’s daughter, Sara.

This briskly paced account touches on his film, stage, and television career. (It thankfully doesn’t delve into his five marriages and other potentially gossipy material.) And this viewer learned at least one new fact: Frankenstein started filming before Karloff had signed on to play the Monster. But the documentary works primarily because of the sincerity of all those involved. There’s no sign of camp, winking at the camera, or feigned respect. Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster is a highly honorable effort that effectively demonstrates why he has remained so respected and loved throughout the years. (Voltage Films Blu Ray)

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

09/02/2023

Hilde Warren und der Tod (1917)

Fritz Lang scripted this soap opera-ish tale of woman who marries a criminal, and is then left widowed with his spoiled, bratty kid, who grows up to be a spoiled, brattier adult. Whenever she thinks of dying, Death materializes ready to take her. If the film has a point, it may be that death is to be thought of as something comforting instead of being feared. But the heavy-handed nature of the script (for example, one of Hilde’s spurned lovers kills himself) hurts what should have been an ultimately moving though tragic tale. (Ostalgica Blu Ray)

The Tell-Tale Heart (1960)

Schmuck librarian Edgar Marsh makes the mistake of introducing his potential girlfriend to his best friend, and the latter two hit it off. When Edgar finds out, he kills his ex-pal and hides his body. Of course, he’s then tortured by the heartbeats of the dead man, who is buried beneath the floorboards of Edgar’s flat. Despite some atmospheric touches, the film has two main problems: we don’t really care about Edgar that much and the story plods at times. And the final twist is a big groan. (Mill Creek DVD)

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

09/03/2023

The Embalmer (1965) 1/2

In Venice, a sinister figure who dons either skull mask and monk’s robe or frogman suit depending on whether he’s above or below the surface kidnaps beautiful young women so he can petrify them, preserving their beauty. Local newspaperman does more detective work than the detectives to solve the mystery. Stylistically, it falls somewhere between a German krimi and Italian giallo. Unfortunately, it leans toward the weaker elements of those two subgenres. The final 15 minutes or so are great. But the first hour is rather tedious and frequently silly, with lame comedy relief and ridiculous plot points (an editor will fire the reporter if follows a clue to the killer’s hiding place). (Mill Creek DVD)

Night Fright (1967) 1/2

A towering beast terrorizes several Texas youths as well as local law enforcement. Bullets have no effect on the creature, and the sheriff can’t get the help he needs from the military. This is very much a 1950s sci-fi thriller, with space exploration and cosmic radiation factoring in the plot; they even cast John Agar as the sheriff. Unfortunately, this is a tedious, uninvolving effort, with flat performances and lethargic pacing. There is one good moment, as a deputy calls in vain for help while the monster approaches. Other than that, it’s total snoozeville. (Mill Creek DVD)

 

[JasonRoer]

I think you and I hail from the same sarcophagus. I started last night with Halloween (2018). I'm about to start Halloween Kills extended cut and likely double feature it with Halloween Ends. I haven't seen the extended cut of Kills yet so I'm really excited to screen it given how much I loved the theatrical cut.

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

09/03/2023

Every Other Day is Halloween (2009)

Well-done documentary about Washington, DC television personality Dick Dyszel, better known as Count Gore DeVol, Captain 20, and Bozo the Clown, who worked at WDCA Channel 20 from 1972 through 1987. Later he would bring horror hosting to the internet and be one of the founders of the Horror Host Underground. Plenty of clips, interviews with other hosts and fans, and comments by Dyszel himself. Loses steam towards the end when it spends too much time with other hosts, many times repeating themselves. Still worth watching for the fond memories and reminding us of the importance of local programming. (Brinkvision Blu Ray)

Needful Things (1993)

Intriguing Stephen King-based thriller about mysterious stranger who opens curio shop in small town, offering rare objects that appeal to certain citizens. The proprietor barters his wares in exchange for harmless pranks, that ultimately prove to be anything but harmless, pitting neighbor against neighbor. Great cast and intricate plotting make for an engrossing and enjoyable dark fable. Pretty much dismissed upon initial release, which I never quite understood. (Kino Blu Ray)

09/04/2023

Terror-Creatures from the Grave (1965) 1/2

Atmospheric Italian shocker about deceased estate owner who was able to communicate with the dead, and now plans to exact revenge against those responsible for his death (and anyone else who gets in his way) by summoning the ancient creatures from their graves. Barbara Steele again plays an unfaithful wife. Familiar plotting is helped by impressive production design and several shocking set pieces. (Mill Creek DVD)

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

Bold Denotes First Time Viewing

09/04/2023

A Blade in the Dark (1983) 1/2

Musician composing horror film score rents quaint villa where he can work. Unfortunately there's a psycho killer nearby who likes slicing up women with a boxcutter. Oh-so-obvious giallo/slasher from director Lamberto Bava has a couple of stylish moments, which are dwarfed by overlength and predictability. (Vinegar Syndrome Blu Ray)

09/05/2023

Leprechaun 2 (1994) 1/2

Jilted out of a bride 1,000 years ago, a vicious leprechaun reemerges in present time to wed a descendant of the servant who jilted him. Juvenile sequel has some good one-liners and Warwick Davis seems to be having fun. But the acting is subpar and the film overlong for such a simplistic story. (Lionsgate Blu Ray)

Leprechaun 3 (1995)

In this outing the diminutive devil is set free in Las Vegas, where he causes headaches for the local casino and a pawnshop broker. More of the same, with Warwick Davis delivering gruesome rhymes aplenty. Boredom sets in quickly. (Lionsgate Blu Ray)

09/06/2023

Leprechaun 4: In Space (1996) 1/2

Bizarre blending of 1980s sci-fi/fantasy clichés with our favorite leprechaun's shenanigans. The tiny terror is engaged to a greedy, other-worldly princess when their bliss is disrupted by a group of spaced invaders and their demented mad scientist leader. The campiest entry yet has some real laughs and gruesome effects. But, as usual, the story wears out it welcome well before the conclusion. Favorite visual includes a head smashed by a trashcan lid. (Lionsgate Blu Ray)

Leprechaun in the Hood (2000)

A trio of would-be rap stars, who want to send positive messages, crosses paths with gangster rapper Ice T, who years ago secured a magic flute from murderous leprechaun. Things get ugly and the terror-tyke is again on the loose. The best in the series so far, this film actually has more on its mind than just gruesome kills, with some interesting characters who fret over the choices they've made and have to make. Some legit laughs too, as well as digs at the music industry and not-so-holy preachers. (Lionsgate Blu Ray)

 

[JasonRoer]

I haven't had a lot of free time this past week, however, when my wife returned from her trip, we got back to watching The Walking Dead. We are now halfway through season 10 and still absolutely enamored with the series. Everyone I've spoken to seems to have stopped watching TWD at some point of the series. My daughter watched it during the first run and she stopped when there was a dreadful end to one of the characters. Others I know stopped during other points of the series. I can't see why personally. I just want the show to last forever despite it obviously ending at season 11. Of course, we'll still get to dive into Fear the Walking Dead and Dead City, as well as the coming new spinoff series. We're especially excited about the spinoff following Daryl in France. Daryl is our favorite character and Paris is my personal favorite city in the world. Should be fun to watch that show.

Anyway, I didn't realize we were so early in September. I seriously thought we were steamrolling toward October. I was excited for my favorite month to begin. It's coming, but I laughed this morning when I saw it was only the 9th.

Thanks for keeping this thread going. It's always fun to come on and see the reviews.

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

Bold Denotes First Time Viewing

09/07/2023

Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha' Hood (2003)

A kind hairdresser finds the Leprechaun's loot and shares it with her besties, who mostly spend the money. This doesn't sit well with the homicidal hobgoblin, who wants all his treasure back. More of the same, with scattered laughs and some gruesome gore effects. Surprisingly...okay. (Lionsgate Blu Ray)

Leprechaun: Origins (2014)

A complete reinvention of the franchise, with the title creature now more like Golem from those Lord of the Rings movies, just not as nice. Years ago an Irish family stole a leprechaun's gold. Now they must sacrifice human lives as repentance. They trick a quartet of naïve Americans into visiting their home, then trap the young people in the estate's "guest cottage." But the would-be prey are more resourceful than the previous victims. Straight-faced, vicious entry in the series has some decent characterizations and situations. But ultimately this is little more than your standard monster-on-the-loose story. (Lionsgate Blu Ray)

Dark Waters (1993) 1/2

After her father dies, a young woman travels to an isolated island convent that her father financially supported during his lifetime. Why? Does it somehow tie to her mother's death during childbirth? What happened to her friend who was staying at the convent and corresponded with her? Ultimately, it's hard to care. Although beautifully shot with a good visual or two, the story is largely impenetrable until it's finale, and even then we're left with questions. The final twist/shot is pretty much ripped off from a certain 1977 film. The fact the director had to reshoot a lot of the film is clearly in evidence. (Severin Blu Ray)

 

[JasonRoer]

My wife and I are now 3 episodes away from finishing season 10 and entering the final season of The Walking Dead. We continue to be impressed with how the show manages to feel fresh after so many seasons. We've counted 3 episodes that we felt were subpar. And even those were entertaining. How far did any of you get in the series?

We are greatly awaiting Rick's return! We both think the final shot of season 10 will be Michone seeing him. At the very least, it should be his face no matter who is seeing him. I'm very curious to see what happened to Rick over the past 6 years since the bridge blew up and he went to the A/B people or whatever their group is called.

As an aside, I started gathering a list of movies for the October challenge today. Most of these were inspired by what I saw on here, mostly Stell's reviews.

Barbarian
It 1 and 2 (saw part 1, didn't see part 2)
Needful Things
Orphan
Speak No Evil 2022
The Brainiac 1961
Terror Creatures from the Grave 1965

I'll be building my list out over the next couple weeks and then October will finally be here.

 

[EricSchulz]

@John Stell I’ve never watched ANY of the Leprechaun but now I think I have to!

 

[Malcolm R]

How far did any of you get in the series?

I think I made it a few eps into Season 2. The show just felt like it was spinning its wheels and not going anywhere, as I recall. Long time ago, though.

EDIT: I read a couple seasons' synopsis and I think I may have made it through season 2, and a few eps into season 3. I also seem to recall disliking most of the characters, so I was rooting for the walkers most of the time instead of the survivors.

 

[BobO'Link]

@John Stell I’ve never watched ANY of the Leprechaun but now I think I have to!

I would say don't - unless you're a glutton for bad movie punishment. The first is kind of OK but after that it really, really, goes downhill.

 

[BobO'Link]

My wife and I are now 3 episodes away from finishing season 10 and entering the final season of The Walking Dead. We continue to be impressed with how the show manages to feel fresh after so many seasons. We've counted 3 episodes that we felt were subpar. And even those were entertaining. How far did any of you get in the series?

I barely made it through S1 - it was just too cliche and things happened for no logical reason - basically just to advance the plot whether or not it made sense. I thought it was horribly plotted/written. My daughter and a horror loving co-worker love the series. I gave that S1 set to my daughter. In all fairness - there are only a small, very select, handful of zombie films I like.

 

[Malcolm R]

Warwick Davis is fun to watch and you get to see the debut of Jennifer Aniston in the first.

There's another recent film, 2018's Leprechaun Returns, but I haven't tracked that down yet. Supposedly a direct sequel to the original film, though Davis didn't return (Linden Porco took over the role; he also had a part in Nightmare Alley). I think the lead actress is supposedly playing the daughter of Aniston's character. Looks like they also got Ozzie back.

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

09/08/2023

The Manster (1959)

This film means business. It starts out with a brutal attack on nubile Japanese bathers; quickly moves to the basement of scientist’s laboratory where deformed creatures reside; and then has a reporter poisoned since he is to be the next experiment. In many ways, this American/Japanese co-production is the definitive late-night horror movie, complete with atmospheric black and white photography, unscrupulous mad doctor, agonized hero, and incredible monster. It’s also creepy as hell. (Mill Creek DVD)

Bloody Pit of Horror (1965)

Thinking they've stumbled upon an abandoned castle, a photographer and his models bust in and plan on using various rooms for photo ops. Unfortunately, the location is actually occupied by a reclusive actor who thinks he's the notorious Crimson Executioner reincarnated. Mickey Hargitay, as the madman, loves to flex his pecs and show off his chest. The models dress scantily. There are torture devices and nonsensical ramblings. The film looks great in color too. But it's all too goofy and unbelievable, and frequently laughable. (Mill Creek DVD)

Scared to Death (1946)

Bela Lugosi’s only color horror 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.” (Mill Creek DVD)

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

Bold Denotes First Time Viewing

09/09/2023

Crucible of Horror (1971)

Michael Gough, in one of his less hammy roles, plays a tyrannical husband/father whose abuse drives his wife and daughter to plot his murder. Easier said than done. The atmosphere is sufficiently creepy and Gough is sufficiently villainous. But the familiar story drags during the midsection, leading to a bizarre conclusion. (Mill Creek DVD)

Horror Rises from the Tomb (1973) 1/2

Head of decapitated warlock (Paul Naschy), discovered by treasure seekers, starts controlling those around him and once rejoined to his body, begins a reign of terror. A gorgeous looking film with absolutely no sense of pacing or logic. The women are beautiful, but the attack scenes are repetitive and sometimes downright funny, such as when Naschy is tormented by a talisman in a scene that goes on forever. (Mill Creek DVD)

The House that Screamed (1969) 1/2

Headmistress of boarding school for “poisoned” girls keeps her teenaged son tucked away, although he has a habit of spying on the students and meeting with a female now and again. Then there’s the matter of the missing young women who are believed to be runaways but are instead murder victims. There is no surprise in the killer’s identity. The motivation behind the killings chillingly caps this atmospheric if overlong Gothic thriller. (Mill Creek DVD)

The Sadist (1963)

Arch Hall, Jr. is totally convincing as psycho who torments family when they stop for gas at the wrong place. What follows is a tense exercise in survival as the captives try to outsmart their well-armed captor and his equally vicious girlfriend. Very fine low budget thriller, with a satisfyingly gruesome demise for the bad guy. (Mill Creek DVD)

Keep My Grave Open (1977) 1/2

Young, lonely spinster apparently has icky feelings for her unseen brother, Kevin. They live in an isolated farmhouse where strangers are not welcome. But does Kevin really exist? And who is responsible for those murders we witness? Admittedly, the final twist is a good one. Unfortunately, even with a short running time, this thing drags trying to stretch its thin storyline. Would have made a great Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode. (Mill Creek DVD)

Private Parts (1972) 1/2

After Cheryl has an argument with her roommate, she takes off and asks her Aunt Martha, who manages the King Edward Hotel, if she could stay a few days. Cheryl finds some of the residents strange, but takes an interest in photographer George. But when the corpses start piling up, who is responsible? Quirky, offbeat psycho thriller doesn't quite hold together but it has charm and some surprises. (Shout! Factory Blu Ray)

The American Nightmare (2000) 1/2

Ostensibly a documentary about the impact of 1960s cultural events (especially the Vietnam war) on horror films, this is too narrowly focused to really prove its point. Essentially it looks at Night of the Living Dead, Last House on the Left, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Shivers, and the work of Tom Savini. Halloween gets a brief mention too. It's good to hear from George A Romero, Wes Craven, Tobe Hooper, David Cronenberg, John Carpenter, and Savini, who share thoughts on their films and what influenced them. But there were a lot more American horror films produced during this time aren't talked about. If you are going to be so bold to call yourself The American Nightmare, you need a much bigger sample size than what is offered here. (Docurama DVD)

 

[John Stell]

Out of Four

Bold Denotes First Time Viewing

09/11/2023

Endangered Species (1982)

Ex-cop and his teen daughter stumble upon bizarre series of events in small town, including cattle mutilations and mysterious deaths. Potentially dynamite story about conspiracies, the government, UFOs, and chemical warfare is muted by poor pacing and wanting direction. Good cast helps. (Shout! Factory Blu Ray)

Bloodsuckers (1971)

When an Oxford student goes missing in Greece, several of his chums go looking for him, and find their pal has gotten himself mixed up with murder and a beautiful vampire. Badly directed thriller lacks thrills, suspense, and good characters. Peter Cushing is around in the last act as pompous professor but can't save this thing. Other good actors in the cast who hopefully were paid well include Patrick Macnee and Edward Woodward. (ESC Editions Blu Ray)

 

[JasonRoer]

Warwick Davis is fun to watch and you get to see the debut of Jennifer Aniston in the first.

There's another recent film, 2018's Leprechaun Returns, but I haven't tracked that down yet. Supposedly a direct sequel to the original film, though Davis didn't return (Linden Porco took over the role; he also had a part in Nightmare Alley). I think the lead actress is supposedly playing the daughter of Aniston's character. Looks like they also got Ozzie back.

I haven't seen it (Leprechaun Returns), but it seems to me they were going the route of Halloween and just ignoring all the sequels in favor of continuing the original. I've never seen any of the series, and it seems like many people didn't like much of what the sequels had to offer, so I guess going taking the ignore path makes sense.

 

[JasonRoer]

I think I made it a few eps into Season 2. The show just felt like it was spinning its wheels and not going anywhere, as I recall. Long time ago, though.

EDIT: I read a couple seasons' synopsis and I think I may have made it through season 2, and a few eps into season 3. I also seem to recall disliking most of the characters, so I was rooting for the walkers most of the time instead of the survivors.

That's interesting. My wife and I both love many of the characters and loved the character development. Heck, we even cried a few times over the course of the series. I want to be like Daryl when I grow up.