Overlord (2018)

A few weeks ago, while watching a football game, I saw a kick-ass trailer on TV that prompted me to text my brother right away.

Me: "We need to see Overlord!"

Brother: "Whoa, this is freaky. I literally just watched a trailer for that like two minutes ago and was going to text you the exactly same thing!!"

Me: "It's a sign. Hopefully a sign that it's awesome and we'll really enjoy it!"

Brother: "Oh shit, you must be watching the Seahawks game!"

Us: Hahahaha!

Although I thought fate was working some mysterious magic on us for a second there - instead we were just watching the same game at the same time - the real magic is that when we both saw this trailer, for the first time, we both knew what had to be done. Overlord had to be seen. 

I rarely ever see movies on opening weekend, let alone opening day. I just don't like people crowds that much. I made an exception for this film. 

I can't put in proper terms how excited I was to see this film, and I can't tell you exactly why I had to see it except that it had the look and feel (based on the trailer alone) of a film sure to kick ass and take names. I'm also not sure if it was released on Veterans Day weekend purposefully, but this proud ten year+ Veterans Affairs Administration employee and member of a military family was All Over this film, and not wrong at all in my suspicions of it's ass kickery.

Going to take a moment here to reiterate my Twitter post - sent about 10 minutes after walking out of the theater: 

Oh hell yeah, Overlord!! It's opening weekend - get yourself a seat for this experience!!

If you have a heart condition, ask your doctor if these opening scenes are right for you.

— Jolie Bergman (@HorrorHabitBlog) November 10, 2018

Just remembering the opening scenes gives me palpitations. Holy SHIT.

I was working in a movie theater when Saving Private Ryan was released and remember hearing about WWII Veterans needing to walk out because the visuals/memories were all too real. I've never been in a war zone. I never want to. But this film's opening scenes help give the audience an experience of what D-Day - war in general - entails. 

That's a horror story in itself. 

And then the zombie things show up....

This is a war film. This a military show. This is a horror story. This is a creature feature film of epic proportions. Bonus: Punching Nazis in the face! 

My brother and I argue about how much of a creature feature film this is - you decide for yourself by seeing it. I felt the creatures played a significant role. He felt they were secondary to the other horrors happening. 

All in all, here's what you need to know: A handful of American soldiers with a mission to dismantle Nazi communications head into France on the eve of D-Day, and then they stumble upon experiments....

Thrilling, adventurous, people making bad descions, people making sacrificial descions, real monsters, medical monsters, heartfelt, insane, gross, gritty, fast, and kick-ass: See This Film. 

For the best experience, see this film in the theater. 

***As I was typing this up I just got the news that Stan Lee passed away. I'm adding this news to this post because his comics played no small role in my youth - finding the hero in yourself and in others - and the role he played as hero to so many, in comics and in person. Cheers to you, sir. For everything. Travel on to that next world peacefully. 

Thank you to all of America's veterans for your service. Fun fact: Stan’s official US Army title during WW2 was ‘Playwright.’ #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/limi6CWzsL

— stan lee (@TheRealStanLee) November 11, 2018

Cheers, heros. F*ck you Nazis.

Happy Halloween! Here's 18 Short Horror Films You Need To See! (2018 edition)

October Challenge Day 31:

Happy Halloween everyone!! Here is 18 brilliant short horror films to spook up your day.

Why 18 you ask? Because this is the 8th month of the old Roman calendar and the 10th month of the current calendar. BRAINS!

So without further ado, below is my pick of some of the best out there. With a review of 18 words or less, and in no particular order, please enjoy Horror Habit's 2018 Short Horror Film Festival.

Behind: CRINGE BINGE GALORE! Absolutely Frightening. The mother is just trying to protect her child ... from something...

BEHIND - Horror short film from Ángel Gómez on Vimeo.

Coffer: A quiet night at home leads to a Jump Out Of Your Seat (I literally did) evening.

Coffer - Short horror film from David F. Sandberg on Vimeo.

The Horribly Slow Murderer with the Extremely Inefficient Weapon: LMFAO

The Horribly Slow Murderer with the Extremely Inefficient Weapon by Richard Gale from Bibs on Vimeo.

The Visitor: A creatively done little story with a neat twist. 

THE VISITOR (2016) - short horror film from M/N/K/N Production on Vimeo.

The Maiden: Spooky haunted house story goes sinister. Dare you to play the Scary Grandma game after seeing this.

THE MAIDEN - short horror film from Michael Chaves on Vimeo.

Larry: Careful what you browse through in the lost and found. This creature is terribly scary!!

Larry - A Short Horror Film from Jacob Chase on Vimeo.

Into the Mud: Well this took a turn I certainly did not expect!!! Brilliant story, cinematography, and acting. 

'INTO THE MUD' HORROR SHORT FILM from Pablo S. Pastor on Vimeo.

The Bridge Partner: This is one very serious bridge game. Fun, fresh, and wonderfully made - great story for all horror fans.

THE BRIDGE PARTNER - Short Film from Gabriel Olson on Vimeo.

Good Luck, Mr. Zombie!: This is a clever little side tickler!!

Good Luck, Mr. Zombie! Short comedy horror from Stuart Stanton on Vimeo.

In The Tall Grass: A fantastic, wonderfully made animated horror story about the horrors of our mind.

In The Tall Grass - Short horror animation film from Alexii Muftoll on Vimeo.

The Election: You might think you know what this film is about, but I can assure you - you don't.

The Election Short Film from Padraig Reynolds on Vimeo.

Green Eyed: Brilliantly created original story about a girl, a monster, and a jealous yuppie.

GREEN EYED - Short Film from Nathaniel Lindsay on Vimeo.

The Crossing: A genuinely disturbing story about love, loss, and the nightmares in-between. Lovely work, terrifying story.

ПЕРЕХОД - THE CROSSING (A Short Horror Film) from Shell Shock on Vimeo.

The Little Mermaid: Fantastical, beautiful, and chilling.

The Little Mermaid from Kim Oxlund on Vimeo.

Waffle: Sometimes making friends is very difficult. Gruesome and unsettling, this short is also a cautionary tale, of sorts. 

WAFFLE - short horror film from Rafael De Leon Jr. on Vimeo.

The Silent: A troubling but beautiful visual experience, and a look into grief. 

The Silent - Award Winning Short Horror Film from Toni Tikkanen on Vimeo.

Midnight Story: A little story about actual monsters in our home... one of the best animated films I've ever seen. 

Horror Short Film : Midnight Story ; เรื่องสยอง 2 นาที : นิทานเที่ยงคืน from ALTERNATE STUDIO on Vimeo.

Zombies and Cigarettes: "What are they?!" "Zombies, I think". [screaming and chaos everywhere]. "Zombies in Spain?" Smart, gory good fun.

Short film Zombies and cigarettes / English subtitle from Rafa Martínez on Vimeo.

The Witch in the Window (2018)

October Challenge Day 18

Three days ago I was watching a loved one hold on to life by a thread, and they very nearly lost their grasp. Today I received a call from them - they used all their strength to whisper over the line: "I'm sorry."

A torrential downpour of tears and every variety of emotions took my breath away.

It was a tremendously emotional day, to say the least. Tremendously emotional. So much so that I felt like I could sleep for three days, and it was only 3:00 PM. Instead I got home, sat in the living room chair and very nearly fell asleep at 5:00 PM. The cats made sure sleep was not happening that early, so instead I decided it was time to try and watch a horror movie.

Scrolling through the latest horror movie news, I came across a film that I noticed was just released today on the Shudder channel! This film was apparently plucked from the film festival circuit and is now, as of October 18th, showing exclusively on Shudder. Ladies and gentlemen, I present: The Witch In The Window.

I don't recall the last time I watched a movie on 'opening night'. I often wait weeks to see a film when it comes out in theaters. I hate the ticket lines, really crowded theaters, and generally I prefer that the hype chills for a bit. Hell, I don't even like going into a museum exhibit if there are more than five people in there at time. I love people, I have a tremendous love for people. I just don't like too many of them near me.

So when I saw that it was a movie 'opening night' that I could enjoy from the living room chair that I could barely move from, all while trying to wrap my heart and mind around the day's overwhelming heart bursts, I was more than happy to continue to sit there and let my mind melt into the safe world of stories and make-believe.

As in almost all my movie choices, I have no idea what I'm getting into aside from the occasional vague reference or description. All I knew about this film was that it was opening day and a father and son were going to bond while fixing a house together.

If you like tenderhearted spooky stories where things linger in the background to menace your idea of safety, then get this one ready in your to-watch queue!

I strongly believe that really good ghost stories are actually heartbreaking love stories under the cold, angry surface. In life and in stories. Here we have a love story. A love story about family and dysfunction. There also happens to be a pretty stellar ghost involved. Bonus: there are a few elements in this little spook factory that really, really, really surprised me.

This film was able to create some very original and disturbing scenes using nothing more than the sense of normalcy. BRILLIANT. These scenes will, in fact, haunt me. *looking directly at you 'son slowing waking up' scene*. I was most pretty blown away by this film's story telling magic.

I also just needed this type of story right now. I needed a spooky little drama/horror. I needed a place for my mind to cozy up to - in a world where loves never dies. I also needed a place where my heart could find treasures in some of the forgotten corners of our diverse emotions.

This film is not for every horror fan, but it's likely a really good choice for those looking for a ghost story that is more focused on the living.

I watched this film on Shudder, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this heartfelt story.

Marrowbone aka The Secret of Marrowbone (2017)

October Challenge Day 9

Hold on to your heart strings - it's about to get dusty in here (I'm not crying you're crying)! It wasn't until after I watched Marrowbone that I saw it was written and directed by Sergio G. Sánchez - who also wrote The Orphanage [deep, guttural sob].

There are five siblings in our family, and I would do anything for my brothers - and they would do anything for me. We are tight and a force to be reckoned with should anything threaten our unit. So you can image how invested I quickly became with this story: siblings doing anything to stay together and protect themselves.

SOB. I'm already sobbing. 

In this story sibling are trapped together in a spooky old mansion, out in the woods, armed and ready to go to war their #1 threat: Their Father.

Things are already dark in this twisted tale and they get darker, terribly so. Although their home/prison/under more normal circumstances most children's fantasy palace is a mixed blessing, the story quickly reveals how this cohesive unit survives on a day-to-day basis. There is so much charm and kindness in this shadowy story, making the unraveling of it all the more shocking and (again) *dusty for the eyes.

Ghosts in the attic, fantasy in the woods, board games at night - it's hard not to fall in love with these kids. It's hard not to sympathize with their plight, especially whey their secret might be found out...

Fantastic cinematography, spooky atmosphere, wonderful acting and writing: bravo on all fronts. But prepare yourselves folks, this is a harrowing little story that will leave you with many different feelings by the end. Pairs with fresh vegetables, water, and tea. Best watched from a blanket fort.

I watched this film on Hulu, or use the Find It! Watch it! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to locate where else you can find this original and jarring twisted tale.

Bad Taste (1987)

October Challenge Day 8

This film has been on my To Watch list for YEARS. Why it's taken me so long to see it (especially since I love Peter Jackson's other hilarious gore show, Dead Alive), I have no idea. But finally the day came. Finally I made time for Bad Taste.

As you can tell by the poster image, this movie doesn't care what you think.

Here we have a bunch of aliens that landed in New Zealand to harvest humans for their fast food chain. Sit back, crack open the beers, and let the hilarity begin!

There's something about this film that feels like a day drinking idea that was spontaneously made with your best buds after an already raucous evening. Then things went sideways. Something you'll laugh about later of course, but sideways all the same.

This is a ridiculous, witty, gross film with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Particular laugh-out-loud humor, however. Sure, there's a lot of just laughable gross moments, but the banter is quick and takes no prisoners so keep up! The gore also takes no prisoners - prepare to cringe while (periodically) uncomfortably giggling.

Silly, smart, and absolutely disgusting, this is a great film for a lazy day drinking day or a goofy night with a small group of friends. Pairs with bad ideas that intended to be good ideas. Watch in clothes you haven't washed in weeks.

I've watched this film on Hoopla, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this splatter festival.

Demon House (2018)

October Challenge Day 7

I'm a huge paranormal fan. I've even created an extensive list of paranormal TV shows and documentaries that fellow paranormal fans can use to satisfy their own hunger for the unknown.

So, naturally, I know all about the Ghost Adventures crew. I affectionately call them my Ghost Bros. However I wasn't initially aware that this documentary was created by Ghost Adventures founder, Zak Bagans. I honestly thought Demon House was just a scary movie until I started up the film!

(This says a lot about much research I do before starting up horror films...)

I recall reading in the news about Zak buying a notoriously haunted house, but I didn't look much further into it. Figured we'd be hearing more about that transaction later. Sure enough the world did, and it is this documentary!

Zak provides the audience with plenty of warnings at the beginning of this show. Warnings that this house is seriously disturbed and could affect others - just even watching the film. I know this is a real 'gimmicky' way to engage the audience, but I was honestly disturbed by this film.

It is gripping, it is engaging, and it's downright rather scary. Regardless of your beliefs in the paranormal, it's a fascinating story and it has a kick in the gut ending. The work that went into the creation of this is well done and successfully told.

Now, I get disturbed by interesting things. For instance, with mother!, the fact there was no sidewalk leading to the house messed up my head something terrible. Here, it was the fact there was no real dining room. There was no place for a family to properly gather around a table. I Can't Tell You Exactly Why This Disturbed Me! The house was built with no support for a friend or family gathering place.

Not even the living room is a living room! It's a hall. This observation gave me chills. In my opinion, the house was sick in the first place. It was a building, but certainly not a home. The ghosts just made the creep factor worse (particularly for me). 

All in all, this is a downright creepy tale. Best watched alone in the dark. Pairs with wind, snow, and lots of deep-seeded dread looming in the background.

I watched this film on Amazon Prime, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to locate where else you can find this bone chiller.

Demon Wind (1990)

October Challenge Day 11

I've been having a hellish week. Really terrible week. Poor health, stress overload, family health problems, and then our upstairs neighbor left their tub running - and then left the apartment! - so we had a minor flood. Get right out of town, universe, because this is a bunch of BS.

As a result I've needed quite a few ridiculous gore fests to quiet the mind and chill out. One of those fests included the marvelous diamond in the puss-filled rough: Demon Wind.

That poster belongs in a museum! That belongs in a museum!!!

Good lord. Just look at that beauty.

So, fun fact, I've personally encountered some demon winds. It's usually after I eat several slices of roasted garlic clove-covered pizza and topping my gut with some mighty IPA beers, but every once in a while they come out of nowhere and they, sure enough, blow me away.

This story is delightfully all over the place, but in short it's about a (surprisingly large) group of teen/20-somethings that are road tripping to a friend's family farm. The farm is a dark and spooky place where something terrible happened years ago. Mystery solving time!

You all know how this is going to end - in blood and guts. Never mind that, it's the adventure as the story unfolds that is the true gem of this experience. For instance, there is a scene where an amateur magician roundhouse kicks a can of beer and I'm STILL laughing. Laughing out loud. I cheers who ever wrote that scene.

Gore! Gore! Gore! Gitty up gore fans - this stuff is hilariously epic. Fun monsters, side-ticking banter, groan-worthy banter, startlingly striking scenery and settings - this is a fun, fun film.

Pairs with moods that need uplifting, cans of beer or bottles of Coke. Order in from your sketchiest local restaurant and order the most unusual item on the menu. 

I watched this film on the Shudder channel, or use the Horror Habit's Find It! Watch It! Links to locate where else you can find this late night giggle gore fest gem.

The Forest (2016)

October Challenge Day 9

Folks, I have been sick! Like, couldn't move sick - and it came on with a fury. Just a few days ago I couldn't move my head, it was so stiff! My head! The rest of me wasn't doing much better.

I "watched" movies though, and by "watched" I mean I had something on somewhere in the house but I was asleep most of the time. We'll get to those reviews later.

Last night I finally felt ready to interact with the world, albeit distantly. I have wonderful friends who host a movie night once a week during October, but I could not make last night's showing. Sickness could not stop us though!!!

Instead, we started the movie at the same time (in our respective homes) and watched it together via the help of technology. The movie of choice: The Forest.

So I know this movie didn't fare well in the theaters. I didn't even see it until last night, but here's where my heart is going into this post:

The story is about a very real forest in Japan where people commit suicide. I was a little, shall we say, put off by the idea of this movie for that reason alone. Suicide is not entertainment. It's serious, isolating, and engulfed in illness.

So there I was, isolated and engulfed in illness, and there was a friend reaching out. We watched this film together via our own TVs and with the aid of texts. We also had a good hearty laugh about my rock solid 'tree trunk neck', as I called it. Not realizing the irony of the haunted forest story at the time.

And you know what? I had a really great time. I had a great time not because of the movie itself, which is alright/some promise/story needed work/all together okay. I had a great time watching it with my friend.

As someone who is a big advocate for understanding the quality of watching a horror film, especially a horror film, is not always on the film - it's who you are watching it with that greatly contributes - this film is going down in my personal history as one of my fondest memories. I realize that is a terribly odd thing to say about a suicide forest.

So here's my advice for this film. Watch it with people - watch it with friends - family - when you need support in anyway. Watch it with talkers, rooters, skeptics, and those that make you bellow out in laughter (especially when it's inappropriate).

Thankfully I'm feeling better now but my phone just buzzed notifying me of several children coming down with a mystery illness in my state. I think I'm going to turn off the news for a bit and watch a zombie flick.

Mad love to support networks. Keep talking. Take care of yourself. Stay hydrated.

I rented this film. Or you can use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this sad, spooky love story.

The Haunting (1963)

October Challenge Day 6

There is a crack in the soles of my shoes, and never is that crack more noticeable than when it rains. So after a night of visiting friends, walking through rain and puddles, and going through two pairs of  soaking socks, when I arrived home last night I wanted nothing more than to curl up on the couch to a spooky little tale (and some french onion soup). 

A dark, raining night simply screams blankets, soups, and spooky stories, so when it occurred to me that it's been far too long since I've seen the classic The Haunting, I knew what had to be done.

Based on (the magnificent) Shirley Jackson and her (stunning) novel, The Haunting of Hill House, this downright chilling story follows a paranormal investigator's quest to prove ghosts exists and the people he brings along for the terrifying ride.

Shirley Jackson is one of my most favorite authors. There's a chance I might even worship her a little bit... So I'm delighted beyond words at how well made this adaptation is - how well they captured the essence of her absolutely chilling atmospheres and outcomes.

Now, there are few things that *truly* frighten me in horror stories (books or film), except growling and the sound of pounding. Growling and pounding. There you are folks - that stuff scares the crap out of me. And wouldn't you know it! In the book and the film there is quite a lot of pounding! Thankfully no growling, not sure how I would have handled that. It's thanks to this story that prompted my fear of pounding! The Changling didn't help matters.

Hard to picture yourself scared of the sound of pounding? Then just help yourself to a healthy helping of this film! You know it's a well made horror feature when you are now afraid of everyday things, like doors, a spiral staircase, and pounding...

Heady, atmospheric, chilling, and jaw-dropping, this ghost story is unique and stunning in so many different ways (e.g., a people and paranormal study). Pairs with soup, tea/coffee/whiskey, and lots of blankets to curl up under. Looking to make it a double feature night? Add The Innocents (1961) to the watch list.

I rented this film. You can use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to locate where else you can find this goose bump-riddled feature. 

Dead of Night (1977)

October Challenge Day 5

When I have no idea what to watch I often turn to an anthology. Or, in rare instances, a somewhat raunchy cartoon comedy.

There were no raunchy cartoons this evening, however... So there I was, evening all to myself, cats all curled up on the couch with me and I had no idea what I wanted to see. Until I stumbled up on this 1970's made-for-TV goodness, Dead Of Night, while one of my favorite childhood dishes (spaghetti casserole) was heating up in the oven.

The thing I love about anthologies, especially made-for-TV anthologies, is that I *know* at least one of the stories is going to be great. They are also going to be deliciously cheesy - but not too much cheese - just enough to delight the savory senses. Just like my awesome casserole.

Such is the case with this gem!

*Note, this one should not to be confused with the absolutely stellar anthology gem, Dead of Night (1945).

The first story is a heart-felt love story, the second a sinister tale of deception, while the third story (it's always the third story) is probably the best. Or at least the most memorable.

Throughout the first two stories I knew I hadn't seen this show. The third one though, I sat up on the couch, leaned closer, and said to no one: "I've seen this story..."

Couldn't tell you when, where, or how I saw the last tale of this show, but I know I saw it and it a left a disturbing impression on me, and perhaps one of the first to resonate "Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it". It's also probably so impressionable because it's a perfect horror story: at what lengths will you go to bring a loved one back and what price will you pay?

[queue weathering a dark stormy night in front of a hearth fire, thunder rings, ominous sounds bellow in the distance]

This is a really well made show, and a fine collection of familiar/not familiar stories. Richard Matheson fans rejoice - if you're not familiar with this show then I suggest you get on this pronto. Make it a double feature with Trilogy of Terror!!!

Pairs with your favorite comfort food, clothes, and a few close friends. Best watched as the Fall blows in and on a blustery night.

I saw this film on the Shudder channel. Use the Find It. Watch It. links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this delightfully chilling gem.

The Fly (1986)

October Challenge Day 4

I was in the mood for a little horror, little Sci-Fi, little classic, and settled comfortably on the 1986 marvel: The Fly.

I've seen this film before - in fact, seen it as recently as this most recent New Years! Because that's what normal people do. They watch The Fly to welcome in the new year! Normal!

Although I've seen this film several times over the last few decades, a few new things popped out to me:

#1: Why am I always so surprised how gross this film becomes? WHY. This film is disgusting and I can't understand why it always surprises me.

#2: Further solidifies my belief that many wonderful horror films were made in the 1950s but only a few were selected to be reborn in the 1980s as GREAT films.

#3: If you replace the fly aspect with a drug then this is a horror story on a whole new level....

This is a remarkable horror film. Engaging, sympathetic, intriguing, dramatic, GROSS GROSS GROSS, horrifying, and still heartfelt - all while being about a man, his pursuit for good and science - and a fly. Creative geniuses for the win again!

What really struck me during this most recent viewing was the uncanny resemblance to watching someone descend into a madness - through drugs and alcohol, for instance - and this scientist making a mistake in his work.

A harmless mistake. No one saw it coming. Just this one time won't harm anything. I have it under control.

Anyone who has watched someone loss their mind, body, and soul to drugs and/or alcohol, will understand what I'm talking about here. The transformations in face, body, and personality. The anger. The night/day of behavior and predictability. The horror of watching it happen (by the person or the public) and feeling completely helpless. You get it.

All of these things happen in the film, to a startlingly mirror image of real life events. Except in the story it's a fly that infests a human's DNA. In reality, it's other items that infest our well being.

I didn't mean for this to happen.

There are very few *good* "mad scientist" movies out any more. Almost seemed they hit their peak in the '30s with a few occurrences in the '70s and 80s. Perhaps what startles me most about any mad scientist story is that the scientist doesn't scare me - it's who they become as a result of their blind pursuits that scare me. Blind, well intended, pursuits. Oh, hello there Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

This is an excellent horror film. An excellent moral story. An excellent gore fest. It's an excellent film. Pairs with good ideas that are made bad by booze, and maybe some mediocre steak.

I watched this film on Hulu. Use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this goretastic scream fest. 

Piranha (1978)

October Challenge Day 3:

OH MY GAWD

Where in the world did this beautiful yet terribly entertaining masterpiece crawl out from? From giant water basins of experimental evil, that's where!

Piranha, I never expected you to be so delightfully fantastic.

Pull open the tabs on your beers, slather on the baby oil, and prepare yourself for a Jaws (in miniature) adventure! 

What could possibly go wrong when the military begins biological warfare experiments on PIRANHAS? But wait, could it get any worse when those experimental waters are accidentally drained into rivers that are popular with tourists?

Sit back folks, rest assured, it all goes down hill and drains into the largest body of water available - all for our thrill-seeking pleasure.

Honestly, this is a surprisingly entertaining film and a hilarious blood bath. Literally, most of the blood seen is in water, like a bath, but bloody.

Obviously trying to sail on the Jaws scenes, according to IMDB, this film was sued by Universal Studies but Stephen Spielberg liked it so much the lawsuit was dropped. Entertaining horror film and a happy ending - win win!

Bask in the ridiculous wonder of this film alone or with a group of friends - guaranteed hilarity regardless. Be sure to pack that picnic basket, hide the flask, and venture into uncharted waters in either your most comfortable or revealing clothes. 

I watched this film for free on Tubi. Use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to locate where else you can find this welcoming and absurd creature feature.

PS: What's Up With The Creature Walking Around in the Lab?!?!?!?!??!!? I need answers!!!!!

Thirteen Women (1932)

October Challenge Day 2:

It was a dark night last night. Surprisingly dark, menacing, and dreary - perfect atmosphere for curling up on the couch to a black and white classic!

Let me introduce you to the very surprising Thirteen Women. (Note, not 13 Women, as I've made the mistake of searching for this film by...)

Folks, wow. So many different wows. I'll explain.  

First of all, I found this film daring and shocking in many ways:

Subject: elite sorority women are being menaced by horoscopes (that's right, horoscopes) suddenly arriving in the mail, informing them of their unavoidable and untimely death. 

Race and Religion: Ah, I'd like to blame a lot of things on the ignorance of 1932 but seeing as we've recently had the Ghost In The Shell nonsense AND this movie dives even deeper into culture, religion, and race topics - and... it gets real right quick. Right quick. The ending of this film deserves a whole hell of a lot of conversation.

Costumes: These f*cking costumes are AMAZING. Holy sh*t. I was gobsmacked by these outfits and I honestly can say I've never said that about costumes in any film. Ever.

Money and Power: It's never made clear why these woman have so much money, power, and no longer have husbands. As one woman said to the other, essentially, "Why don't you get married again?" and the other responds with "Not going to make that mistake again." In fact, throughout the film, husbands and men are toys, a nuisance, or unnecessary. Mind blown - considering this was 1932.

Bullying and Privilege: Well. Let's just say the conversations needed in 1932 are still needed in 2018. Very much so. This whole film is a walking, talking, much needed conversation!

In all, this spooky little feature packs a lot into its surprising story line. A Lot.

But that's not all!!

This film was recommended to me by a fan of my Roku channel, asking if I could show it. Sadly, I don't yet have access to this film but I was intrigued, so I did a little digging....

Now, folks. I'm a huge paranormal fan. My research into this realm is never ending. So, naturally, I knew all about the haunting at the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. I knew the story is that an aspiring starlet jumped to her death after a failed career. I knew of the stories that rumored her ghost terrorized trespassing teens and unsuspecting visitors. I even knew the legend was based on fact, and her name is: Peg Entwistle.

What I did not know was that Thirteen Women helped prompt that terrible leap.

Peg, just 24, had determined dreams to make it in Hollywood. Although already a successful stage actress - she wanted the silver screen. Finally her first chance came as a supporting access in Thirteen Women. Shortly after the release of this film, however, the reviews of her performance came in and they were, apparently, negative. 

Depression and alcohol crawled deep into her bones one night not long after the release and those bastards did not let go. She left a note apologizing she didn't do it sooner.

I'd like to send a message to Peg right now. 

I thought you did great! I do not understand how or why anyone could have given your performance anything but a glowing review. Your scenes were too short, that's my only complaint. You weren't given enough time. On and off the screen. 

Sister, you don't need to be haunting that sign anymore. Be free.

If anyone needs help at anytime, please reach out. Her name was dragged across the papers - a tragic story that sold. No one deserves that and there is help. There is always help: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. 

Peace and keep talking.

Peg Entwistle

50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 4)

Welcome to the fourth annual mega list of movies you may have missed! Hurrah for more movies, movies and lists!

So, without further ado and to welcome in this year's October Challenge, I present:

50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 4)
Because there will be more. Oh yes, there will be more.

1922: A sinister and chilling story about a man and his family, or rather, a man perhaps a little more interested in his farm than his family... This movie gave me the damn creeps. CREEPS. Not at all surprised to see the original story is written by the great Stephen King. This slow burn and downright sad story might also give you the creepy crawlies. Pairs with a tall, cool glass of water.


A View from a Hill: Looking to curl up to a spooky little story about some haunted artifacts? Then look no further! I'm a huge fan of Victorian-era ghost stories, and if you are too then you don't want miss this one. Originally written by yet another fantastic horror novelist, H.R. James, this ghostly tale will take you to a crumbling British estate and leave you there - mentally and emotionally. Cold, atmospheric, and chilling, I highly recommend this one for fans of ghost stories told around the campfire.


Alien: Resurrection: I'm not sure why some people don't like this film - the 4th of the Alien series. I thought it was fun and frightening, especially the monster at the end. Shut The Front Door with that madness. Folks, that monster still scares me (over 20 years after first seeing it). If you loved Alien and Aliens, and haven't given this one a shot yet, then I highly recommend giving it a try - for the monster (I'm using that word on purpose) at the end alone, at the very least. You can read more in my review here.

All The Kind Strangers: This made for TV film really struck me. It's unsettling, very unsettling. For instance, there's a pivotal car ride towards the beginning of the film that left me with no small amount of anxiety. This anxiety was building all because of the road conditions. Road conditions. From there the edge of your seat experience blossomed. Sad, chilling, and original - this is a good pick for a dark and stormy night alone.

The Autopsy of Jane Doe: Speaking of a great film for a dark and stormy night alone... if you're into that sort of thing then you don't want to miss this one! What could possibly go wrong in a basement morgue on a dark and stormy night when an unidentified body rolls in? All the things go wrong - and in all surprisings ways. Stellar spooks abound, here. You can read more in my review here.


Baskin: A co-worker recommend this Turkish beauty to me, and it took me months to finish. I kept starting it, found it too disturbing or not a good fit for the mood I was in at the time, and had to return to it later, again and again. This film is MADNESS in action. Gross, gross, unsettling madness at every turn. Pairs with a strong constitution. You might want to watch this on a sunny afternoon if you're not ready to go to some really dark places.

The Beyond: Speaking of weird and wild, you know anything directed by Lucio Fulci won't let you down! This is one of my favorites of his (The House By The Cemetery being another). This film is also a madhouse - doesn't help the madness that this house is built upon the entrance to HELL. As with almost any Fulci film, expect crazy gore, effects, and a somewhat confusing but still entertaining story line.

The Blood Beast Terror: Looking for some classic British screams, and perhaps some Peter Cushing goodness, then look no further! Stocked full with the delightful elements of a 1960's creature feature, combined with decent acting and and an absorbing plot, this is a good film for the family or a pleasent afternoon little horror movie fest. Paris with cozy clothes, mimosas, and snack food.

Cat People: I'm referring to the original film here, from 1942 - not the 1982 version (I haven't seen that one yet). I love classic horror films, love them. I particularly love this one because of the originality, especially for the time. A woman's budding sexuality turns her into a killer cat. Killer CAT! Sure, it sounds cheesy but it's beautiful executed and harbors some genuinely scary scenes (e.g., the swimming pool). Pairs with a quiet night in and alone or with a small, quiet group of people. You can read more in my review here.

Cemetery Man: How this film has continuously escaped Top 10 zombie lists is beyond me. Released in 1994, this movie was far ahead of its time for clever, shady comedy zombie films. Surreal, funny, graphic and sensual - let this cemetery caretaker take you on an adventure you'll never forget. Best watched late at night, alone. At least for the first viewing. Pairs with beer.

Conjoined: Speaking of clever, shady comedy films... this film had me bellowing in laughter. This is a perfect pick for a group movie night where not everyone is into 'horror' but everyone loves comedy. What is a man to do when the love of his life has a conjoined twin that also happens to be a serial killer? Laugh with the blood splatter, that's what you do. You can read more in my review here.


The Creeping Flesh: Turn you're evening with The Blood Beast Terror/Peter Cushing into a double feature with this fantastic film! Folks, the creature in this film is honestly quiet scary. Here a scientific discovery turns deadly when bones come back to life... I still stand by my review: "Remarkable performances by all, stunning effects, incredibly twisted story, and with an even more twisted end, this is one for the ages and Must Experience for anyone who thinks they've seen it all in the creature feature realm." Read more in my review here.

Dead Alive: Before Peter Jackson brought us the stories of Middle Earth, he made this marvel of the macabre. After one bite from a rat-monkey, this mad mama goes on a killing spree that ends in more blood, guts, laughs, and mayhem than you could possibly imagine. The gore here is over the top and all over the place. I cannot stress this enough. This
movie is great for a gathering. Plenty of booze encouraged.

Dead Snow: I hate nazis - so what's worse than real nazis? F*cking Zombie Nazis. Here a group of Norwegians, traveling on a seemingly normal vacation, suddenly finding them themselves battling the undead... and laughs, gore, and madness. I love that this film came out of Norway. I watched this with a group of my best friends and I highly recommend you do the same! Bring plenty of food, booze, and wear the PJs. F*ck nazis.

The Gift: I saw this film in the theater when it first came out, and for some reason I haven't seen it since - but I can't forget it!!! It honestly haunted me. I loved it. Not sure why I haven't see this one top any spooky movie lists, though. It's smart, slick, engrossing, endearing, and has a pretty intense ending.  Here a psychic is recruited to find a missing woman - and someone knows she *knows* what happened. Perfect for a those not into gore horror or simply prefer the thrill of a Thriller.


Ginger Snaps: So very few really good werewolf films out there, but thank goodness for this goodness! A werewolf is roaming the Canadian suburbs and one unfortunate young lady comes across it - making her high school years terribly interesting. Gore, guts, and glory abound in this devilishly humorous gem. Fans of May surely don't want to miss this one. Pairs with snack food.

Grabbers: Speaking of devilish humor... Here an Irish pub is overrun by giant alien creatures and the only thing keeping everyone out of its clutches is a good pint. Outstandingly funny and stock full of a great effects, creatures, and cast of characters, this is a great choice for a movie night with friends. Pairs with beer, lots and lots of beer. Read more in my review here.

Happy Death Day: Ignore the cheesy title, this movie is kick ass. Here a woman relives the day she dies until she can stop the killer - a murder mystery Groundhogs Day style. Funny thing, when I first started the film up I was like, "Wait, haven't I seen this film already?" I seriously thought I'd seen it but have no recollection where or when. In any case, I found it to be really fun, funny, and very clever. Pairs with cupcakes.

The Head: This is a bizarre and rather shocking 1959 film out of West Germany. Here a mad scientist has discovered a way to keep a head alive after the body has passed, and his theory is put to the true test when his own head is cut off... Surprisingly intriguing and eerily macabre, I highly recommend you check this one out if you're into classic/sometimes B-horror/foreign films.

Hound of the Baskervilles: I haven't seen very many versions of this tale, so it's hard for me to say if this is the best version - but I can say it's really, really good! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Peter Cushing makes his third appearance on this list by staring as Sherlock Holmes - doing some of his best Sherlockness by trying to solve the mystery of a giant, killer, demon dog. This is a great classic that you don't want to miss. Pair with expensive whiskey. You can read more in my review here.

The House In Marsh Road: Here's a classic that many have probably missed, but if you're a fan of spooky little classics wrapped in delicious little stories to both cool and warm your evening then you don't want to miss this one. What could possibly go wrong when a cheating husband plots to murder his wife: In A Haunted House?! Well, revenge horror fans might know... Pairs with dirty martinis and anything that screams OH SNAAAAAAP.

The Innkeepers: Now, I have seen this film topping some You May Have Missed lists, but I thought I would add it too just in case - just to reiterate how good it is. I stumbled upon this one expecting a somewhat spooky but overall Alright film. I was wrong, it totally surprised me, was downright very spooky, and takes a haunted hotel story to a whole new level. Slow, creepy crawly, and pregnant with menacing dread, you don't want to miss this one on cold, dark night.


It Comes At Night: Speaking of slow, creepy crawly, and pregnant with menacing dread - if you're looking for all that three fold, then look no further. I straight up needed a hot shower after seeing this. A hot shower and a hug. You'll likely be left with more questions than answers, but I can almost assure you that it will mess you up. Although not a horror film for every horror fan, I still strongly suggest checking this one out for the suspense
experience alone. Watch alone, in a completely dark room.

Kill List: This one came heavily recommended to me, and I'm so glad I listened. Or rather, if you're into (more) films that require a hot shower and hug afterwards (like I am), then here's another top pick. What could possibly go wrong when a hitman goes on his 'one last hit'? Everything. Violent and threatening, cold and calculating, with an intense and shocking end on top of an overwhelming disturbing setting, this is a hard film to watch but great for horror aficionados.

The Killing of Satan aka Lumaban ka, Satanas: This was my introduction to Filipino horror. I am way, way, way behind in my knowledge here and I'm looking forward to seeing more. Although, I have a very strong feeling this is certainly not one of the best out there, it certainly is fun. Really fun. Here we have a jean-jacket wearing hero with powers bestowed upon him by God, ready to fight all sorts of evils. By all sorts, I mean all sorts of very entertaining creatures. Great for a movie night with family or friends. Beers encouraged.

Last Shift: I typically pass up films because I judge them by their cover. The more over-the-top the image, the more certain I am that it will be a waste of my time. I passed up this film up MANY times - until a little something in my gut told me to give it a try. Right as rain, the gut knows. I still really dislike this image though. Folks, this is a surprisingly - shockingly - scary film. I also really enjoyed the setting: lone cop, first day on the job, is set to manage the last night/shift of an old police station before it closes for good. Who came up with this? Why do I feel it is inspired by an actual experience. Watch alone, late at night, and pairs with coffee in a paper cup. You can read more in my review here.

Lisa: I watched this film religiously in the early 1990's, when when I was a very young teenager myself, such as our Lisa. I haven't really seen it since, so I can't exactly say how *good* it is, but it struck me and I still think of it to this day (with shivers). Here young, naive Lisa befriends - through phone calls - a much older, mysterious man. Obviously, things get ugly, quick. Although released in 1989, its horror story is still so relevant today. Uncomfortably so...

Little Evil: Let's shake off the all too common, real horrors for a moment and dive head first into a hilarious film about a devil-possessed child. Cheeky, cute, heart-warming, and just silly fun, this is a great pick for non-horror fans looking to zone out from a busy day. Here we have the story of a stepfather trying really hard to connect with his stepson, only to come face to face with the fact that this little tot is the devil's spawn. A natural belly buster, am I right? Trust me, it is.

Lyle: And now we're right back to the hot showers and hugs. This 65 minute film packs in an alarming amount of cringe binges and crawling in the corners. The story sounds familiar though: someone has some sinister plans for a pregnant woman's unborn child... Don't fret, you haven't seen anything quite like this and I can almost guarantee you haven't seen Gaby Hoffmann quite like this. Curl up in a blanket, hold tight, expect to experience some internal screaming.

Motel Hell: Where do I begin with this comedic gem of 1980's horror? Let's start with comedic gem of 1980's horror. This wild and wacky ride through the countryside is stupidly fun. Here a quirky farm down the road has some curious ideas about crops and recipes... The tag line also never gets old for me: "It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent's Fritters". An absolute must watch for movie night with friends. You can read more in my review here.

The Night of the Hunter: Okay, again - so this isn't "horror" but it should be. A terrible man is hunting and terrorizing children. How is this not categorized as Horror, or at the very least a Thriller. It is in the Film-Noir category though and rightly so. This classic (sometimes seen on some top 10 lists), will make your skin crawl. Prep the hot shower.

Nomads: I think it took me a good couple of years to really appreciate this quiet, haunting gem. There is just something about this film that felt like a bad taste in my mouth, something was off, or an annoyingly tilted picture on the wall, a pebble in the shoe, etc. This is a horror story that is mixed with all sorts of horror stories and it feels WEIRD. Here we have a man that is tracking a group of strange teens that seem to be following him. Sounds 'innocent' enough, but then rabbit holes begin to appear. You can read more in my review here.

Not Wanted: Drama rama! You're welcome, horror fans! Welcome to the 1940's where having a child out of wedlock equaled Total Damnation! Shunned from society! Isolated! The shame!! And that's just a few reasons this is on the horror list, because society is f*ing horrible and horrifying sometimes. Things get worse in this story though. Our poor soul here is so traumatized by the shaming experience that she begins looking for the child ripped from her hands, only to end up wandering aimlessly ... eyeing other people's children...

Onibaba: Nightmares abound in this Japanese classic. Here a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law do what they can to survive during a civil war. They will do what ever they can... This is a sensual and moralistic tale that will take you to a dark place among the wind and reeds. You can read more in my review here.

Pieces: I really don't have a lot of slashics on this list it seems - so here you go! Here a familiar story plays out: a killer is on the loose on campus and taking out the ladies (as well as some of their parts...). This movie is insane and probably best watched with friends and cold cans of beer. Get into your jim jams, grab a blanket, snag the best seat on the couch, and prepare for a stupidly fun blood bath.

Pitch Black: How do I love thee, let me count the ways. Folks, I absolutely love this film. It scares the bejesus out of me every time. Sci-fi all the way but with all the nightmares of earth-bound monsters, here we have a ship that crashes into a planet with terribly frightening creatures hiding in the dark. Oh and that very long eclipse is coming. Best as a late night movie, slather the butter on that popcorn, and strap on for a ride through creaturefeatureville.

Red State: I still stand by my statement, in my review of this film: "Wow wow wow. This film is kinda of amazing. Wholeheartedly amazed, shocked, surprised, entertained and appalled." I approached this film with all the wrong ideas and was blown away (pun intended/not intended) by the entire watching experience. I really don't understand why some people do not like this film, or rather I don't understand the reasons why some people don't like this film (boring, slow, lame story, etc). Those reviewers doth protest too much, methinks. Watch it at least once. You can read more in my review here.

Repulsion: I'm going to go ahead and call this an art house horror film about sexual repression. There, make your decision from that statement if it's one you want to see. This film's entire experience is raw, unconventional and very uncomfortable. In a word: Psychotic, if you will, but I can't possibly prepare you for how psychotic. Also, rather than a hot shower and hug afterwards, perhaps go for along walk alone in the cold and the wind. Pairs with water and a small dish of rotting vegetables, a side of rabbit.

Roar: Oh lord, howdy - where can I even begin with this one. It's a movie about giant cats doing giant cat things... Here a father brings his family into his remote village home that he shares with hundreds of wild giant cats. Insanity ensues. Someone called this film the most expensive home movie ever made, and the tag line states: "No animals were harmed in the making of this film. 70 cast and crew members were." These statements are both true. You can read more in my review here.

The Sadist: I'm still surprised how little I hear about this film in the horror/thriller world. I'm also still surprised that it was made in 1963, with teenage darling Arch Hall Jr. staring as the sadist. Based on actual events (about serial killers Charles Starkweather and Caril Fugate), this nightmare focuses on what happens when a seemingly normal drive to to see a ballgame ends in a hostage situation. This is a really intense film and should not be approached lightly.

Strangers In The Night: Is it a dark stormy night outside? Are you in the mood to curl up to a cozy black and white spooky classic? Just have an hour to spare? Then let me gladly introduce you to this beauty! Typical of 1940's film-noir, this one has the 'good guy', the 'mystery person', and 'the girl'. But this one is unusual in story line and it has a lady medical doctor, who is, naturally, shunned by polite society - creating an unusual twist of characters for the era. Highly recommended for horror fans looking for more mystery than gore. Pairs with tea and cozy blankets.


Stung: What happens when genetically mutated wasps descend upon an elite garden party? Hilarity and mega kill scenes, that's what! Set your seriousness aside but still tune in to the message with this side-splitting splatter fest. Although there is still a lot being said about science, money, power, and responsibility, there is also a bounty of witty dialog, great acting, and good fun. This is a good pick for a movie night with your smart ass best friend.

Suck: Speaking of movies with a message! Bonus: this has a killer soundtrack! Here we have a super fun film that follows a mediocre traveling band who come across another traveling band ... of vampires! What's the message with this film? Well, some might argue there is none - it's just a fun and funny film. I say there is a strong undercurrent warning of the dangers of drug use and addiction. Take it or leave it, the film is just simply, positively enjoyable. You can read more in my review here.

Unearthed and Untold: The Path to Pet Sematary: Attention fans of Pet Sematary, you absolutely don't want to miss this labor of love. This documentary is simply fantastic! Done, that's all you need to know. Lighthearted, eye opening, endearing, and bursting with love for the film and the making of it, if you're looking for a documentary that won't point out how much the world is a terrible place sometimes, then this is what your heart needs. You'll also be pumped to watch the movie again.

The Watcher In The Woods: It's been way too long since I've seen this film, but I still can't forget certain scenes of it from when I first saw it in the late 1980's. I have put this film on this list for that specific reason. I've only seen it once, nearly 30 years ago, and still certain scenes haunt me. Sure, this film is catered to children, and sure it's a Disney film, but some might argue it's one of the scariest Disney/children's films out there.

What Lies Beneath: Everyone has films they love for some unexplainable reason, or they have a reason and just delight in it all regardless. The comfort food, the ugly favorite pajamas, etc., it just makes you happy, other opinions be damned. That is this film for me. It's not an *excellent* film but damnit I love it. I love the settings, the mood, the story, the ending - all of it. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way about this little ghost story, and that's pretty much why this movie is on this list. It's a good film, it's a good film for your comfort food soul, and it's a solid ghost story. You can read more in my review here.

Whistle and I'll Come to You: Make your M.R. James night with A View From A Hill a double feature night with yet another one hour spooky story written by Mr. James himself. Although this movie version is slightly different from the James story, it's still excellent and, well, sad. This is a bone-chilling, heart-breaking love story. If you love the Gothic/Victorian ghost story style, then this is a must for you.

The Wraith: Oh yeah! Fast cars, bad guys, good guys, and pure 1980's entertainment! Here a mysterious, handsome, young man strolls into a dusty rural town and takes his aim at destroying the town bullies. It's good, it's bad, it's fun, it's funny (unintentionally, I think) and overall, this is a great pick for a tubular movie night with friends. Pairs with favorite foods, favorite drinks, and favorite people. You can read more in my review here.


Zombi 2 aka Zombie: Turn your Lucio Fulci movie night with The Beyond into a fantastic double feature night with this outrageous film! I can guarantee you that you'll never see a zombie film quite like what Fulci pulls off. Stamp and sealed: guarantee. Here we have a remote island that is overrun with zombies, hungry, hungry, maggot riddled, zombies. Do you need to know more? Pairs with an overindulgence of your favorite crap food.

Zoombies: What happens when a strange virus strikes down a bunch of zoo animals - turning them into ... ZOMBIES?! Oh yeah, sh*t hits the fan, that's what. Set aside those serious faces and buckle up for a hilariously entertaining ride through a safari blood bath. You can read much, much more in my review here.