The Dungeon Of Harrow (1962)

I'm just going to relay to you what the DVD has to say about The Dungeon Of Harrow:

"The mad Count De Sade lives in his families' castle located on a remote island. Count De Sade keeps his wife locked up in a dungeon below the castle and his insanity strike fear in to the staff. After a terrible storm, a ship's captain and the son of the ship's owner find themselves washed ashore on this lonely isle, not knowing the danger they face from the evil Count De Sade."

Reading the description was more rewarding than actually watching The Dungeon Of Harrow. If you do choose to watch this movie then first stop at the store for plenty of hard liquor. Also, good news, this guy sums up the movie pretty well and he's far more entertaining than the entire film!

Now, that all said - if yous still want to watch the film you can, free, through the Internet Archive!

Horror Rises From The Tomb (1973)

This movie made my brain hurt a little bit.

The lighting was terrible, but the costumes were awesome! The characters were hard to connect with but the scenery was pretty great! As the DVD case states, Horror Rises From The Tomb is about "A gentleman and his friends arrive at his family's ancient estate for some fun and relaxation. What the group finds instead is terror and bloodthirsty killings all as a result of a family curse. The decapitated head of the gentleman's ancestor is forcing the guests to act out the horrifying plans it is hypnotically sending to them."

I wanted to appreciate the strange awfulness of this film, like one would to an unidentifiable object in a mud pit. Instead I was simply conflicted. This film was difficult to watch and difficult to listen to, but there is some cult classic allure.

I recommend watching this movie with a bunch of friends - have plenty of booze handy.

In fact, here, watch the trailer. It may help:

Lots and lots of booze.

Crucible of Horror (1971)

I started watching this film thinking it had potential but would probably be a let down. No, no I was incorrect. This 1970 fairly well-made film is disturbing. Very disturbing.

As the DVD tells me, Crucible of Horror is about: "The patriarch of a British family [who] seems to take delight in physically and psychologically torturing his wife and daughter while revering his son, who shares in abusing his mother and sister. Finally fed up with the abuse, the mother and daughter plot to do away with the father to end their suffering. After it appears their plan is successful, the mother and daughter must deal with the disappearance of the body and its random appearance in the strangest places and at the most inopportune times."

Although this is a paranormal horror movie, unfortunately abuse like the patriarch inflicts occurs with alarming regularity around the world - which means you might see something similar to the film on the 6:00 P.M. news. Watch this film or watch the news, either way everyone should discus more openly the seriousness of ongoing abuse and sexism.

The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues (1955)

I fell asleep during this movie several, several times. I finally made it through  - somehow.

The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues, per the DVD case, is about "The U.S. Government sends a scientist to investigate some mysterious deaths along a stretch of beach on the pacific Coast. What brings the scientist into the investigation is the radiation burns found on the victims. Arriving at the scene of the deaths, the scientist visits the nearby Pacific College of Oceanography where he meets Professor King and his daughter Lois. While falling for the professor's daughter, our scientist begins to suspect that Professor King's secret research is somehow connected to the radiation and the deaths."

You can now watch this feature film through the Internet Archive! Hurray Internets!

Tormented (1960)

A 1960s classic that I feel deserves a little more attention and appreciation. Although it can fall in between the 'bad but good' horror movie classic cracks, this movie should stand alone. It is a good movie with a very spooky moralistic tale.

As the DVD case describes, Tormented, is about "A pianist [who] dumps his singer girlfriend and becomes engaged to a young socialite from an affluent island community, which infuriates the singer. A confrontation, between the pianist and the singer at the top of a lighthouse, results in her falling to her death to the rocks below. The pianist tries to keep the death quiet while proceeding with the wedding plans but finds it impossible when the deceased singer begins to haunt him."

I expected the writing and characters to be flat, poorly written. Instead they were created with heart and depth, and they continued to evolve as the movie progressed. This is a very fine movie, deserving of some respect, especially considering the hoards of awful horror movies made during this time.

Watch it now for free through the Internet Archive!!

The Killer Shrews (1959)

This movie was my introduction to 1950s creature features, and it is still one of my favorites. Again, this movie is so bad it's good. I struggle to describe these types of movies any other way.

My love for this film (and several others) was carried into my neighborhood local pub, where I would watch them nearly every Saturday afternoon on the pub television. It slowly developed into a following by bartenders and patrons alike. Saturday afternoons soon turned into 'bad movie Saturday' - where all could enjoy these movie delights over a pint of beer (the two went hand-in-hand wonderfully).

The Killer Shrews, based on the DVD description, is about "A scientist on an island working on a project, to help with the world population problem, accidentally creates giant shrews that escape his lab and devour every animal on the island. With nothing else to eat, the giant shrews set their sights on the compound of scientists and their guests. Led by Captain Thorne Sherman (James Best), the group must make a break for his ship to escape from the ravenous s shrews."

AWESOME

And you know what? Because I love this movie so much AND I love you so much - you can watch this movie now. You're welcome. Grab a beer and enjoy. Happy New Year XO

Metropolis (1927)

This fantastic German film blew my mind - A Lot. The scenery is still jaw-dropping and the plot still applicable to this day. The characters are mesmerizing and the music is wonderful.

DVD description of Metropolis, "This Fritz Lang classic film nearly bankrupted the motion picture studio that produced the feature. Set in 2000, this futuristic tale shows society separated into two distinct segments. The upper class lived in the high towers of the city and reaped the benefits of modern technology. The lower class resided in the underground regions working to make the machinery operate. The main thrust of the film centers on a man from the upper class falling in love with a woman from the lower class and his revelation as to what the world is like outside of his towers."

FANTASTIC FILM. In fact it is so amazing you need to watch it right now. Full German version with English subtitles:



You are welcome.

The Terror (1963)

I stumbled across The Terror one night many years ago, and I STILL have no words to describe this film. Although I've seen it several times since, have read the movie cover description over and over again - the actual film still doesn't make much sense.

That said, it's so absurd, so strange, and such a classic that you must watch it. Must. Here is the movie description, per the case. Note: read it as much as you want, it will be of no use to you when you watch the movie.

"In an early career appearance, Jack Nicholson stars as Lieutenant Duvalier, a nineteenth century military officer whose dreams are haunted by a mysterious beauty (Sandra Knight). Those same dreams draw him to the sinister castle of Baron Von Leppe (Boris Karloff), but is it really the Baron or an impostor  Before he knows it, he finds himself a prisoner and frantically tries to solve the mysteries that surround him. Director Roger Corman collaborated with other directors, including Francis Ford Coppola, in the filming of this horror classic."

If you want to embark on this adventure you can watch it now for free through the Internet Archive!

Attack Of The Giant Leeches (1959)

Man oh man, another gem in the black and white movie world. The movie, Attack Of The Giant Leeches, is not exactly good in quality but what it lacks it makes up for thrice fold by simply being over the top. I find many over the top creature features, such as this one, must be enjoyed as the fabulous nonsensical movie that it is.

Per the movie case: "Mysterious disappearances and the strange circumstances surrounding them grip the swamp patrolled by Game Warden Steve Benton (Ken Clark). while searching the back country for illegal poachers, Benton and his girlfriend Nan Greyson (Jan Shepard) come across a dying moonshiner with mysterious wounds and major blood loss. Adding to this evidence is the eye witness report from a man stating his wife and her lover were dragged into the swamp by some mysterious creatures. When more hunters turn up missing, Benton decides it's time to investigate."

Are you totally sold yet?! Yeah, I know you're curious.

Creature From The Haunted Sea (1961)

This movie is so bad it's good.

Per the movie case, this 1961 film revolves around "An American gangster [who] agrees to transport a group of Caribbean island exiles and their national treasury to safe haven, with the intent of eliminating the exiles and keeping the money. Hoping to use the legend of a sea monster as cover for killing off the soldiers the gangster and his crew discover that the legend is true."

Here is a clip - which is about all you need to know about Creature From The Haunted Sea:

Watch at your own risk/enjoyment!

UPDATE UPDATE!

If you liked what you saw in this trailer, you can now watch the entire movie for free through the Internet Archive!

Carnival Of Souls (1962)

This movie is bad ass.

That's right. Bad ass. Carnival Of Souls is a creeptastic film about a woman who survives a drag racing accident and attempts to get on with her life.

If you love black and white horror movies that are AWESOME then you absolutely must watch this movie. This film is quite scary. It is not a classic for people who think horror movies from this era are funny, cute. This movie is neither funny or cute. It is scary, chilling; nightmare fodder.

Not a recommended film for a group of friends, best watched alone or with a good friend in the middle of the night.

Watch it now for free through the Internet Archive!!

Sweet dreams...

The Village (2004)

I know this movie have received a rather bad rap, but I don't give a rip. Step aside negative nancys, I happened to think this movie was rather good.

For instance, there is a monster in the woods. Monster in the woods, people! That's scary. AND it is coming out of the woods - more scary!  If you've not seen The Village before then just start watching it with the knowledge that there is a monster in the woods. That's it - let the film do the rest of the talking.

If you have seen this film before and didn't like it then we'll just have to agree to disagree. I found the movie to be clever, thought provoking, and deep.

Transylvania 6-5000 (1985)

Although this movie involves a vampire, mad scientist, werewolf, hunchback, mummy, Frankenstein's monster, and innocent victims - this movie is far from scary.

Transylvania 6-5000 is actually one of the first family favorites. My siblings and I would sit around the television and watch this movie for several days in a row; we were a bundle of laugh riots on the living room floor.

This is a must-see for people who like horror spoofs. I highly recommend some double-feature nights with Transylvania 6-5000 and Elvira: Mistress Of The Dark.

Fun fun fun!

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

Oh, Sweeney Todd! What fun you are! The scenes, the music, the meat pies.

I spent a New Years Day afternoon watching this movie with my family - I think I'll make it a tradition. Tim Burton has made yet another adorable horror movie with comical amounts of blood and practical discussions about cannibalism - all in the name of love.

Yes, this absolutely is a wonderful film for the whole family. I very much enjoyed it and if you love horror musicals then you will certainly love this one as well.

Stir of Echoes (1999)

I love this movie. Love it.

It is a heartbreaking film about forgotten people, bullying, abuse, and one man's attempt to try and make right at least one of these tragic stories.

Several scenes in Stir Of Echoes were difficult for me to watch - for instance, I have a problem watching any damage done to fingernails. Ahh! I even have a problem writing about damage done to fingernails - Ah!! Okay - stop (think of LOL cats, funny dogs, dark lager beer).

Okay, this is a great movie. Watch alone or with a group - although I think watching this one alone will give you the full scare factor.

If you haven't already noticed, this movie can be added to the 7 degrees of Kevin Bacon list.

The Skeleton Key (2005)

I approached The Skeleton Key with apprehension and was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

The plot revolves around a home caretaker who begins exploring the haunting bayou home where she works. Of course, as we all know, when you're exploring a spooky house in a horror movie: nothing good will come of it.

The twists throughout this movie kept me guessing, and I give thumbs up for all the acting in this visually and musically beautiful film.

If you dig movies about Voodoo and Hoodoo then this is a must see for you. If you love movies about Louisiana's bayous then I highly recommend this movie. A good movie to watch with a group of friends.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

As many have comfort foods, I also have comfort movies. This is one of my comfort movies. Well scripted with a memorable and dare I say lovable cast, The Sixth Sense has gone down in history as one of the best horror movies ever made.

I simply do not have enough nice things to say about it! It's great! wonderful! Watch it!

A wonderful film to watch in a group or alone.

Se7en (1995)

Another movie that could be tossed into the Suspense/Thriller category. Se7en (or simply, Seven) is a well made, well acted, well written story that will certainly make your skin crawl, your stomach turn, and your mind flop.

Nearly every scene in this movie is gritty, and packed with suspense and horror. The story revolves around two cops hunting a serial killer that is committing heinous acts all in the name of Christ - I mean the seven deadly sins. Whether these sins were actually deadly before, it's not clear to me, but they certainly are in the movie.

Do not watch this film until 45 minutes after your last meal.

The Ring (2002)

7 days.

Requiem For A Dream (2000)

This movie will likely always be found in the Drama section, but I'm adding Requiem For A Dream to the horror list because the entire story is a tragic tale about addiction and love (which combined is rather horrific).

Also, this movie haunts me. Haunts me! The characters are so engaging; you want to love and hold them. You want to help them and show them different ways, betters ways - but no. Instead you have to sit back and watch in horror as their lives unfold one unfortunate moment at a time.

I love this stunning movie, even though it haunts me, I love it so much. A must see for drug counselors, therapists, and students of the above.

Quills (2000)

I first saw this film when I had nothing better to do than watch movies. Okay, so maybe not much has changed really except now I can drink beer and watch movies.

What I really mean to say is that when I first saw this movie, I was a fairly recent transplant to the city from the country, just turned 21, and was still navigating the social structures of adulthood. So when I saw Quills, I walked home in a bit of a daze. I had never heard of the Marquis de Sade before and I could only picture Kate Winslet on the Titanic.

The New York Times called this movie "Wickedly funny and very sexy". Put the pipe down New York Times, this movie is neither wickedly funny or sexy - it is horrific! Granted, it is a stunning film with great acting, heartbreaking scenery, and mind boggling dilemmas, what this movie is not is funny or sexy. It is a horror story, and a good one, on many levels.

Psycho (1960)

Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a stellar example of art in horror movies. Taking the viewer on a seemingly nonchalant trip with a woman who just committed a crime (which in its self doesn't sit right), the story suddenly turns in a WHAT THE?! nail-biting roller coaster.

I actually have no other words for it. This movie has already been covered in writing classes, movie classes, bar room debates, and likely on a television set somewhere every Halloween. Why? Because it is that good.

Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer (2006)

I'm adding this wonderful film to the horror movie list because it's a 'love' story about a serial killer with super powers. That's all I need to say about my reasoning.

As most moving-picture works of art, Perfume: The Story Of A Murderer started out as a book. Written originally by Patrick Suskind in 1985, this fantastic little novel is one of my favorites and it is rumored this novel was also a favorite of Kurt Cobain's.

To my great delight, both the book and the movie are absolutely lovely. The movie did a great job, and at some points I think even better, portraying this strange and awful creature that is a perfume maker.

Watch with a loved one. Enjoy!

The People Under The Stairs (1991)

This movie is a favorite in my family's household, sometimes watched multiple times in a day and quoted during dinner.

I am not entirely sure what it was about The People Under The Stairs that drew my brothers and I together around the television set, quoting and laughing with this movie. Perhaps it was the dry dark humor? Maybe it was the heartwarming elements? And then again, maybe it is because this movie is AWESOME.

Absolutely watch this one with friends. Preferably friends who enjoy Wes Craven.

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

I saw this movie on a Valentine's Day and have been in love ever since.

Sure sure, Pan's Labyrinth may not necessarily fall into a horror movie category still, the movie revolves around so many horrific things. From monsters in human and non-human form, to bloody revolution, to death, to childhood fantasy creatures that if seen in real-life would be downright horrific.

This jaw-dropping film is a must see, even one for the whole family (if you're children are into fantasy stories). There is a reason this film won 3 Academy Awards.

Watch this film. Love this film. It will love you back.

The Others (2001)

Wonderful. Delightful. Beautiful. Fantastic. Creepy. Spine Tingling. I could go on.

The Others is a marvelous film with a tight story line, great acting, memorable characters, and big fat twists that will make you wonder which direction you are facing by the end of the film.

If you've not watched this film because of your conflicted feelings about Nicole Kidman, then shove a hat in your mouth, sit down, and watch this crazy adaption of The Turn Of The Screw. If you've not watched this film because you don't like The Turn Of The Screw or adaptions of it then we are no longer friends.

Watch alone or in a group of dedicated listeners. Have fun!

Open Water (2003)

My Husband bought this movie for us not too long ago.

He said it was one of the scariest movies he's ever seen - and now I have to agree with him. Although Open Water could also be categorized as a Thriller/Suspense, this independent, horror-rific, based on actual events, water-based nightmare is a must watch for horror movie fans. And now, I'm all done talking about this film, I'll let the experts continue:

"Two thumbs up!" Ebert and Roeper

"You may never go in the water again!" Thelma Adams, US Weekly

"Achieves a primal terror" Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

"A sensation! Terrific!" Leonard Maltin, Entertainment Tonight

"An expertly made suspense thriller!" Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

"Prepare to jump out of your skin" Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

"One of the most galvanizing and unforgettable films of the year" Rex Reed

Night Of The Living Dead (1968)

One of the best movies ever made.

One of the best horror movies ever made.

One of the best zombie movies ever made.

Quite simply, one of the best.

I first watched this film about 12 years ago, and I don't recall ever looking away from the television screen during the movie. By the end of the film I wanted to rewind the tape and make the whole thing end differently. I was dumb struck, in awe of the entire story. I was also just a few steps away from walking down the street and demanding that everyone watch this film.

Instead, now I just dress up as a zombie every chance I get.

Watch this film people! It will change you. I promise.

Watch it now through the Internet Archive!! I present Night Of The Living Dead:

The Mothman Prophecies (2002)

You know what people, this was a darn good movie and if anyone tells you otherwise then they are boring  Not wrong, just boring - no imagination what so ever. The stories about the Mothman are so crazy, bizarre and rather sad that you have to have a little bit of an imagination just to listen to them all.

Oddly, the movie, The Mothman Prophecies, came out before the documentary, Eyes Of The Mothman, and although the two are unrelated in all ways except topic, I found both to be very interesting, insightful, and entertaining. Of course the movie version will hype and rearrange stories about this paranormal figure so as to meet box office levels, I felt The Mothman Prophecies did alright telling their version of the story.

Both the documentary and movie received OK reviews. I believe they deserve a little more than OK. If you want the Hollywood version of this story then of course watch the movie. If you want more information on the background of the Mothman, watch the documentary. If have nothing to do today then watch both.

The Lost Boys (1987)

What is there not to love about this film? Nothing.

The Lost Boys is hilarious and horrific, with a soundtrack just as memorable as the movie quotes and the cast of characters. Capturing a 1980s teenage scene that John Hughes did not (....or didn't he...?) this horror classic is fun for the whole family*!

I personally do not know anyone who has not seen this film. If you, dear reader, have not seen this film then please stop what you're doing - stop it! - and march to your nearest video store and rent this movie. Tell them Horror Habit sent you. Good.

"Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die".

*Depends... on the family.

The Howling (1981)

I just recently saw this film. Over 30 years after The Howling was made I finally saw this horror classic. I have no idea why it took me so long to see it, as I agree with the Los Angeles Magazine that it is "One of the best werewolf movies ever made!".

Nearly everything about this movie was a surprise to me. From the opening scene to the last few moments, I sat shocked at the creativity of the plot, the effects, and the characters.

If you are like me and haven't watched this film because of absolutely no good reason whatsoever, then now is the time to watch it, with or without friends, day or night. If you've not watched this film because you don't like horror movies then fine, that's cool and all but what are you doing reading this blog.

The Haunting In Connecticut (2009)

The Haunting In Connecticut is a movie based on the real-life experiences relayed in an hour and half long episode of Discovery Channel's A Haunting series.

The Discovery Channel's episode scared me so much (So Much!) that I went to see this Hollywood version just to wash the memory of the television version out of my head. As hoped, the Hollywood version was so mild, washed-out, and full of fluff that it temporarily diluted my memory of the television version.


Not to say that this movie was terrible - it wasn't terrible. It simply wasn't as scary or as realistic as the Discovery Channel's version (yes, I just said that).

If you are looking for a downright scary first account experience of this story then watch the Discovery Channel version. If you want a story that ties up loose ends and has a happy ending then watch the the Hollywood version.

Haunted (1995)

I believe this one slid past many radars, including the 'original movie titles' radar.

Although cursed with a poor title, I found Haunted to be a mighty fine movie. It is a Victorian-esk style ghost story. No gore, no screams, no monsters - just the horrors of social deviants. This clever movie is held together by strong acting and intriguing dialog while it creeps and teeters along a ledge of dark and dirty secrets. 

Not a movie for a loud and boisterous crowd. Certainly one for those who enjoy a quiet and unnerving ghost story with twists and turns. 

Final Destination (2000)

This movie really gabbed my attention when it first came out. Although it had all the horror movie stock characters, I appreciated the creative plot twists and story-line.

I've not watched the movie series that has trailed behind the original Final Destination, and I have no desire to as I suspect they are awful.  You are free to tell me if I'm wrong. But I don't think I'm wrong. Besides, I like tucking this little goody away to be enjoyed at random times.

If you've been detoured from watching the original because the Final Destination series is so bad then please, put those fears away. Watch the original and never look back (or at the series) again.

The Evil Dead (1981)

The Evil Dead is one of the best horror movies ever made. Period.

Here is what the DVD case has to say:

"In the summer of 1979, a group of Detroit friends with $375,000 raised from local investigators headed for a cabin outside of Morristown, Tennessee to make a film about five college studies possessed by an ancient 'Book of the Dead". The filmmakers' goal was to create the 'The Ultimate Experience in Grueling Terror,' a movie so relentless that it would stand forever as a landmark in modern horror history. When it was released in 1982, it was immediately recognized worldwide as one of the most ferociously original films ever made."

This movie is an over-the-top explosion of gore, demons who think they are hilarious, creative deaths, and nail-biting entertainment. A must see. A must own. A must share. 

Dawn Of The Dead (2004)

I watched this film after taking an inadvertent near year-long hiatus from horror movies. It was a great reintroduction.

Watching Dawn Of The Dead in the theater was a fun experience, nearly knocked my popcorn over a couple times (which would have been so very sad). Seeing as, at this point, it is quite unlikely you'll get the same theater opportunity then I recommend gathering a group of zombie fans in a place with a big screen, pile the tables high with snacks and beverages of choice, and let the fun begin.

The opening scene of this movie is still one of my AAHHHHHH! favorites. As many zombie films are, the remainder of the movie is an action packed, dark-humored adventure. Fun, gross, icky, and with a big bloated and rotten finger pointed at consumerism, this movie is built to entertain.

Dark Water (2002)

This movie left me chilled to the bone, shaking. So much so that I felt compelled to watch warm fuzzy things before moving on with day-to-day activities.

I don't believe this reaction has as much to due with the scare/scream factor, but because of the growing dampness, the cold world, the sorrow, and the emptiness that Dark Water fosters.

This haunting film was apparently the inspiration for The Ring - and I can see why. Although the two are quite different, the underlining heart-breaking connection between both films is present and terrifying.

For full chill effect, I recommend watching this movie alone on a dark and stormy night.

Cat's Eye (1985)

Written by Stephen King, Cat's Eye is a short story trilogy of terror that was a focal point for my childhood nightmares. I even convinced myself, when I found what appeared to be a very small sword in a friend's backyard, that little killer trolls were In Fact Real and they were after me.

Thus, I choose to carry a cat around whenever I could, and constantly cleaned my room to be sure no trolls would have a place to hide. There was very little argument from parents by this change in behavior. 

Although I'm not sure why I was allowed to watch this movie at such a young age, little killer trolls with swords continues to be a conversation starter (and laugh fest) at our dinner table. Especially when Dad pokes our ankles with toothpicks when the siblings are lounging on the couch. 

This is a fun film - although not a film for all families.

Cabin Fever (2002)

My introduction to this fantastic film was not by way of reading about the gruesome plot, or typical and hilarious characters, or the heart and soul put into the development. No, my introduction to Cabin Fever was by a small video clip extra available on the DVD.

This clip is how I was introduced, and now I'm going to use it to introduce this film to you. I'm not going to tell you anything about this film until you first watch this clip:

Good. Now go watch the movie. Have fun!

Bubble (2005)

This movie is a Drama. But like the Brown Bunny, I believe this movie can also be considered a horror story.

Bubble is chilling, hauntingly realistic, and a majority of this film takes place in a doll factory. Doll factory aside, this movie paints a gut wrenching portrait of America's dying small town factory communities, the heart-break of family obligation, and the horrific power of unspoken and unrealized emotion.

As A.O. Scott of the New York Times stated: "Absorbing and unnerving".

I love this movie. It is so delicate, so strong, so horrific, and so dramatic - that I really can't categorized the movie as one genre. I do believe, however, that it belongs in the horror section: American Horror section. 

The Brown Bunny (2003)

Sure, maybe this movie would be best described as a Drama - and it is a Drama - but I also feel it could be described as a horror movie. My reasoning is based on what the characters experience (which in turn you experience): horror of loss, horror of memory, horror of the reality.

The Brown Bunny is slow by most movie standards - but this slowness is necessary to tell the tale appropriately. Let me share with you what the movie cover has to say:

"Adults Only: Raw, Tender, Brutal. The Brown Bunny is both a love story and a haunting portrait of a lost soul unable to forget his past.

After finishing a motorcycle race in New Hampshire, Bud Clay (Vincent Gallo) loads his racing bike into the back of his van and begins a cross-country odyssey to Los Angeles, where he is to compete in another race. During his trip, he meets three very different women: Violet, a wholesome all-American gas station attendant; Lilly (Cheryl Tiegs), a fellow lost soul he connects with at a highway rest stop; and Rose, a Las Vegas prostitute.

Throughout his journey, Bud can never escape his intense feelings for the love of his life, Daisy (Chloe Sevigny), so he plans to reconcile with her when he reaches Los Angeles.

Arriving in Los Angeles, Bud checks into a motel before visiting the abandoned home he once shared with Daisy. He leaves a note, hoping she will turn up at his motel room...

Building to a notorious climax, the film presents one of the frankest portrayals of male sexuality ever seen in American cinema."

No you go watch it.

Brotherhood Of The Wolf aka Le Pacte Des Loups (2001)

This movie knocked my socks off and then ripped them to shreds.

Brotherhood Of The Wolf is a most excellent French film. Perhaps, at this point, the only one I have thoroughly enjoyed. The opening scene took my breath away. Through the rest of the film I was clapping my hands, covering my eyes, stomping my feet, and a little dumb struck.

There are elements that are over the top - but I wouldn't want it any other way. The film is gory - but not too gory. It has dark humor - but not too much dark humor. Loaded with action, suspense, and horror this movie is a visual and mental adventure waiting to happen to you while you sit comfortably and eat tasty snacks.

Note: Do not watch the English dubbed version. You will not enjoy this film.

Boogeyman (2005)

You know, it has been so long since I've seen this movie that I've nearly forgotten what it was about. However, I haven't forgotten how I felt after watching the movie: not good.

Although I have a great deal of patience for unimpressive independent films, I have essentially no patience for bad Hollywood movies. All that money, experience, and expertise, and we get something like The Boogeyman. Why?

Oh well, this is a rather excellent film to watch with very intoxicated friends. I highly recommend doing so approximately 15 years from now when most elements will be hilariously dated (which is why I still own the film).

The Beast Of Bray Road (2005)

I'm not sure what happened here, but it's not pretty.

The Beast Of Bray Road is based on apparent sightings of a werewolf in Wisconsin. Sure werewolves are always exciting AND this movie does have a nice little twist at the end  - I wasn't totally impressed.

I will always tip my hat to movie makers. It takes a ton of work, dedication, and collaboration to put a film out. Independent films, such as this one, are no doubt a work from the heart.

That all said, I own this movie. I'm waiting for a perfect time to re-watch with friends as I'm sure I will have a different, truly entertaining experience. Maybe I'll see more things which were missed during the first viewing.

An American Haunting (2005)

This movie kinda blew my mind a little bit.

An American Haunting didn't get the greatest of reviews. I don't know why - perhaps those reviewers weren't paying attention to the underlying story (which I believe is fairly well addressed at the end).

I've read a lot of stories about the Bell Witch and not one of them brought to light a potential reason for the paranormal activity like this movie did. If you a paranormal fan or researcher, I highly recommend this movie.  If you're gathering a bunch of lady friends over for movie night, I highly recommend this movie. If you're gathering a bunch of guys over for a movie night - this film may or may not have the same impact.

Great film for potentially opening up difficult personal doors for internal or group conversations.

American Psycho (2000)

This is a very disturbing film. Period.

Whether you know a lot or a little about serious mental illnesses, American Psycho will shake you speechless. This is a gory, maddening, and dark-humored (very, very dark humored) film about a young and successful New York business employee who looses his mind - and you will go down with him.

This movie paints a very particular picture of life (for some...?) during the 1980's in New York; the attitudes, the social habits, gender roles and attitudes, etc. This movie can also leave a good deal of existential questions for the viewer - many which I suspect are addressed in the American Psycho book, by Bret Easton Ellis.

Sadly, to one degree or the other, much of what is portrayed in this movie can also be seen on the 6:00 PM news...

Watch with friends. Watch with your World Societies, Psychology, or Let's Just Go To The Bar And Drink It All Away class.

13 Ghosts (1960)

This is a delightful movie! Perfect for creating a Halloween (or otherwise spooky) atmosphere for people who don't like anything scary.

This William Castle production of 13 Ghosts is fun for the whole family. It is clever, engaging, very funny, and with just a dash of spine tingling. This film does and does not take itself seriously. As the Hollywood Reporter called it: "A spook saga that is fun and exciting".

Watch with friends, alone, or have on in the background as you're giving out Halloween candy - it is sure to please all who encounter it.

The Movie List

Merry Christmas, everyone!

So, I made this list and checked it - oh - probably a hundred times. It is an alphabetical list of all the horror movies I've seen and/or own. The naughty and nice list will come later.

I will blog and tag my review of each of these movies. You can then find them later either through scrolling through my blog posts or through this new alpha list - depends on how much time you want to waste.

Speaking of time to waste, it will take me just a wee bit of time to write the review for all these films. Be patient, have fun, happy holidays, and happy new year!

November - Holy Cow! Movies!

Okay folks, so I had no plans of abandoning this blog after my October Horror Movie Fest. However, November has been a bit busy (see: Book Writing), so I've not been able to stick to my plan of watching a horror movie about Food at least once a week this month.

That said: I have been able to squeeze in some horror movies.

As my mind was about to pop (see: Book Writing), I decided I needed a break. So, I poured myself a glass(es) of whiskey and watched four horror movies in a row. Because that is how it needs to be done sometimes.

Movies of choice are from my own collection, and movies I've never seen before.

Movie #1: The Bat (1959).

I'm still not exactly clear why a bat played so predominantly in this film, but I am crystal clear on why you need to see this movie. It stars Vincent Price and it is hilarious. I'm pretty sure it was always meant to be hilarious. The movie revolves around a mystery writer who moves into a mansion of secrets - and then: hilarity ensues.  Watch with friends, preferably with lady friends and lots of wine. Fellas, you can certainly watch this film, but be prepared to see a gaggle of ladies squabble over dead bodies in their house. This strange and hilarious film should be enjoyed with friends (bottom line).

In fact, watch it now through the Internet Archive!

Movie #2: Bloodlust (1959)

Sooooooo, nothing says a nice vacation away from overbearing parents with teenage friends like skeet shooting on the open seas. Seriously, that is how this movie began. And wait, what's that? An island that suddenly was never there before? Let's check it out! Yeah!

This Noxzema commercial turned terribly horribly wrong surprised me at times. For instance, I never saw the skeet shooting coming. But I did see the 'rich and all powerful man come out with a gun and say he likes to hunt humans' coming. It gets bad for skeet shooting folks, and it says a lot about how some people felt about PTSD treatment of WWII veterans during the 1950's. Ah, watch with trusted friends who are interested in sociological experiments.

Watch it now if you're looking for trouble!



Movie #3: Last Woman On Earth (1960)

This is absolutely a horror movie for women of the 1950's-1960's. The movie opens up with a cock fight.  A real live cock fight - if that tells you anything. The wife, married to her cock fighting loving husband, stays drunk most of the time, attempts to get out of her marriage by several different means (alcoholism, 'accidently' falling off a balcony, and running away with someone else) and all were unsuccessful. On top of it all - she ends up being the last woman on earth. The earth being the place she shares with the only two other living individuals, her husband and her heartthrob. I found this movie disturbing.

You can watch it now through the Internet Archive!



Movie #4: The Amazing Mr. X (1948)

Well, howdy. I enjoyed this film. I found the opening to be quite creepy, the building suspense was well done. The rest of the movie was rather clever and unique. I would not consider this movie 'horror', although the opening was very much that. Watch this movie if you don't like horror movies. Watch with people who like surprises. In fact, watch it now!



And that's it for the moment folks! Talk to you all soon!