Bad Hair (2020)

October Challenge Day 28: 

I LOVE THIS FILM SO MUCH

Why are people not talking about:

Bad Hair

I LOVE THIS FILM SO MUCH

Let's go back to 1989, where VJ's reigned over music videos, art design consisted of colorful squares and triangles, and the clothes were certainly one of a kind. I was jolted right back to middle school as soon as the film started. And I loved it!

Here we have a career-focused woman who is asked to change her look to be a better fit for the position she wants. Particularly changing her hair... She makes her way to a famous hair saloon and obtains a weave - and the change worked! - but at what cost?

This tale tracks down and tackles A Lot in regards to sexism, racism, history, and takes a deep look into the culture surrounding hair - Specifically for women. 

I am completely ignorant about hair outside my own, which is a white girl's long straight hair that sits on my head like an idiot and does nothing. I am completely ignorant. So when I caught a very specific scene that involved a white girl's long straight hair - a light bulb suddenly turned on and I realized, once again, how much I don't know. How much I still really don't realize. I love learning though, particularly when that light bulb turns on and kicks me right in the head.

While this film tackles a lot and does it with a few disjointed scenes (that I had to rewind to catch up on), together it's pretty amazing and the dialogue is absolutely stellar. 

This film has a lot to say and I loved hearing every bit of it! I also had no idea how a weave worked (never seen it done before) and I was crawling right up under my blankets, cringing - at this story's portrayal, which was graphic. 

In all I loved this film, I love the nostalgia, I loved how loud - and funny - it's voice was. I thought it was great. 

I watched this film on Hulu or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this carefully crafted "creature" feature. 

Winchester (2018)

October Challenge Day 27

A couple years ago I got the great opportunity to visit the world famous Winchester Mystery House, and I lost my damn mind! It was just as mind-blowing as I was hoping for. What I didn't expect was how much of a *home* it actually felt like - it didn't feel scary, just fascinating and even a little sad. 

The more I walked through, the more it seemed Sarah Winchester was just a very misunderstood and perhaps lonely person. I got the impression she was so intensely misunderstood, people just starting making things up about her. 

After the tour we all thought we'd spend the evening watching this film, but that didn't happen - and in fact I hadn't actually thought much of this film until I browsed by it today. Seemed a good fit for an October Challenge, so let's check out:

Winchester (2018)

I honestly wasn't expecting much from this film - likely very pretty in a big budget little substance sort of way. I was correct, however I was surprised by how much I didn't mind and rather enjoyed myself. 

Sure sure, it's pretty and over-the-top but again, it was oddly captivating in a pulpy sort of way. It would have been an excellent film to see after spending the day at the mansion and I'm sorry that didn't work out, but hey, here we are.

Sarah Winchester was portrayed in an exaggerated (and likely untrue in may ways) fashion but it worked for the story. 

Here we have the Winchester company sending in a doctor to investigate the mental stability of their largest shareholder: Sarah Winchester. She believes *a little too much* in ghosts, you see. 

This doctor, a firm septic, is thrust into the nightmares of the house and all the ghosts it possesses. 

Fun, frank, and neat looking (they did a great job of recreating the interior!), this is a little spooker with occasional jolts. Decent. I was pleasantly surprised. 

*California houses another historic haunted house - The Whaley House - which is also incredibly sad and interesting rather (in my opinion) haunted. Eh, possibly a little more haunted than the Mystery House though ... I'll give it that ... still incredibly sad, strange place though.

*Now, if you want to visit a really, really spooky historical house - check out the House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts. That place (and The Witch House, there) was SPOOKY as all get out!! It even has a secret stairwell that boggles the mind. Straight up, the memory of this place still gives me the chills. 

I watched this film on Netflix, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this little ghost fest. 

Phantom Thread (2017)

October Challenge Day 26

Long time followers of Horror Habit know I add a lot of traditionally identified "Drama" films as "Horror Films". 

And I Will Never Stop!

Me telling you why this drama is a horror film

This film is no exception - my heart was racing the whole time, not because I was watching a "love" story. I was watching a horror film. Let me introduce you to:

Phantom Thread

Here we have a man, staunch in his ways, who begins to fall in love with a woman - who is also staunch in her ways. They battle over clothing and independence. 

LET THE NIGHTMARE BEGIN!

I stumbled upon this film quite accidently, and as soon as I saw the trailer I was *infatuated* with seeing it.  That's always a red flag for a "horror" film masquerading as a "drama" film. They suck me in every time. Every time. It's like I'm a magnet for this stuff. 

I became so infatuated with this film that I could not look away. I could not look away from a story that is about people falling in love and creating beautiful dresses! AHHHHGGG!

Or is it love ... really?

And here is where the horror comes in. 

The steady beat throughout the film is an all-consuming dread. For me anyway. Something very very bad is about to happen with this "love". Amazingly enough, I did not see how this dread would transform and turn into something so profoundly sinister I still don't have words. 

My words are limited to: how can you call this a love story??!? And why do I understand that it is?!?!?!

This is also such a remarkably beautiful film. Stunning in every way. The acting is breathtaking. Breathtaking. It's all - such a work of art.

That might be part of what scared me so much. It's so beautiful, it's so sinister, it's called a 'love' story. I traditionally hate romance films. I actually hate 99% of them because I find them dangerous and unhealthy. 

I'm taking a moment now to realize how absolutely hilarious this sounds coming from a horror film fanatic...

But no seriously, I do not like romance films unless they are Hallmark level absurd and then we can all have fun. 

This is the type of romance films that leave me with nightmares, and that's why I'm adding it to Horror Habit. That's all I got. This film is a beautiful, horrifying, experience and I will recommend seeing it every time. It's beautiful. 

Best watched alone, sitting in a room with very high ceilings and surrounded by everything perfectly in place. Pairs with an unusually large breakfast with mushrooms. 

I watched this film on Amazon or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this mentally crushing feature. 

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1980)

October Challenge Day 25

A friend of mine and I have a years *years* long inside joke about Jeff Goldblum. My shower curtain has a picture of him on it. 

So solid is our inside joke that she asked me to bring my shower curtain to her wedding so that it could be used as a background for photos. 

You know the level of love and laughing so hard is strong when you're asked to bring your shower curtain to a wedding ... for photos.

So when she alerted me to this made-for-TV gem, I knew what had to happen. This film needed to be seen:

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

And folks, it is exactly as expected!!! Bonus: Jeff Goldblum is all Jeff Goldblum.

I love this story, it's a particular favorite of mine in the realms of Americana legend and just a tickler of a tale. This is also a perfect cozy cuddler of a movie as Halloween approaches. 

Here we have Goldblum playing the classically awkward Ichabod Crane - of which he does a hilariously good job. Naturally, he makes enemies with the town bully and we just roll from there with a headless ghost on the loose. 

What I could not stop laughing about with this film, is how it seemed everyone was just shouting all the time. Just, that's how they spoke, by shouting. 

LOLOLOLOLOLOLO

Oddly enough, everyone seemed totally miscast for this film except for Goldblum, which is another thing I'll just continue to laugh at. All Of The Time. 

One last interesting feature about this film, that really leant it some curious credit, is that this story takes place with snow on the ground (rather than Autumn leaves, etc). I honestly can't put a finger on it but this really sticks out to me as a striking feature that makes this particular retelling quite interesting. 

In all this is a really great film for the whole family. Dated? Absolutely. Sometimes painfully, but still a quiet little classic that sits unnoticed on many shelves. 

Best watched with loved ones. Pairs with the most Autumn/oncoming Winter things you can think of. All of it. All of the snuggly things. 

I watched this film on YouTube or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this bizarre little gem. 

Chapelwaite (2021) vs. Midnight Mass (2021)

October Challenge Day 24

I'm mixing things up a bit and reviewing not just a movie, of two TV shows in one post! I live dangerously. No one can stop me. 

We're experiencing some pretty incredible - seems to also be record breaking - nasty weather in the Pacific Northwest lately, making it a PERFECT time to crawl under the blankets and binge watch some vampire drama. 

Here I'm going to compare two of them - let's take a look at:

Chapelwaite:

and 

Midnight Mass

I actually watched Midnight Mass first, back in September, and as with all of Mike Flanagan's work - LOVED IT. I am a major fan.

Both Chapelwait and Midnight Mass actually look me a minute to really get invested. I just finished up Chapelwait today so here are some initial thoughts:

It took me watching Chapel to realize how poetic Midnight is - that's the first and most powerful word that comes to mind: Poetic. 

Chapel was fun, in a rather made-for-TV Stephen King story sort of way. I'm not complaining, I just found this difference striking when both stories follow religious zealously and night-stalking creatures....

Chapel: made-for-TV IDGAF fun. 

Midnight: brooding, calculated, and poetic. 

There's a scene in Midnight where there's a moving conversation about death. Folks - I was BAWLING my eyes out. Ugly crying. U.G.L.Y crying. Just the most snotty, giant giant bawling, tears. I was so glad I watched this on my own.

I did not have any ugly crying with Chapel - just a lot of "...where is this going...?" as I was hunkering down from the cyclone winds, lights flickering.  Further pointing to how different these shows are despite the similar plots. 

There was even a topic on Facebook with one of my friends about these two films. Opinions are divided and rightfully so. They are incredibly different and people have their preferences. 

For me, I'm siding more with Midnight mostly because of the poetry and how insanely moved I was by one specific conversation in the show. And I couldn't have asked for a better series than Chapel to help carry me through record-breaking nasty spooky season weather. 

In all - Watch Them Both!! I'm not even a fan of blood sucking stories, I normally find them rather boring and sad. These though are well worth a binge and are both full of some very shocking moments.

These shows pair best with blanket snuggle fests and existential dread. Probably best to watch alone or with one other person. 

I watched Chapelwaite on Epix and Midnight Mass on Netflix, or use the Find It! Watch It! links in Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find these 10 episodes a piece creeptastic creature features. 

The Undead (1957)

October Challenge Day 23:

OH YEAH! Give me some of that Roger Corman goodness!! Welcome to the weird and hilarious but oddly captivating world of:

The Undead

Don't let the dramatics of this absolutely fantastic poster fool you - this one is fun for the whole family. It also carries, much to my surprise, a heavy moral tale of the ethics of research. 

Here we have a couple of research scientists recruiting a sex worker for a little secret mental experiment (the internal review boards are SCREAMING). 

The research is on hypnotism and past lives. They take this woman back in time - to a past life where she was accused of being a witch and sentenced to die. 

More alarmingly, one of the scientists is able to "follow" her in this past life in attempts to save - her life.... Things essentially just Quantum Leap from there. 

While this is not my favorite Corman film, it certainly has it's charm and quirkiness. I was rolling - rolling - with the attempts at Medieval speech, but I also didn't care. It was Saturday afternoon and I was getting ready for a birthday dinner. 

There's a bonus real "witch" in this film who wanders around with her familiar, and I legit found their transformations and disappearances so utterly delightfully weird that I'm going to recommend watching this film *just* for this experience. 

In all, this is a great pick for a weekend afternoon or, if you're not into the real scary stuff, a cheeky and snuggly late night. 

While the storyline was going all over the place, I was honestly surprised at the weight of the tale. 

Corman's A Bucket of Blood still stands as one of my most favorite satirical horror stories, (It Is AMAZING) I also admire his attempts with this one at drawing attention to ethics and religious morals.

Best watched alone or in a very, very small group. Pairs with mead, bread, and soups. 

I watched this film on Amazon Prime or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to see where else you can find this charming feature. 

Darling (2015)

October Challenge Day 22

I had my eye on this one for a while, particularly because I found the poster image so captivating - but that was also my hesitation. This poster looked *too* good...

I was right. 

Let's check out:

Darling

I'm sad to report that I tried really hard to like this film. Really hard. I absolutely did not care for it. The blood bath scenes though - spot on, nicely done!

The rest of it - eeks. 

Now, I appreciate art house horror, especially in the 1950s and '60s style, such as Dementia and Repulsion. And this one tried, I can see that, but it missed the crispness, the actual edge. 

I'm also sad to report that I can't specify exactly what or where so much went wrong, but I know my eye started twitching during the opening scenes. 

Here we have a young woman who begins to unravel while house sitting in a supposedly haunted mansion. 

Oh, I think my eye began to twitch when it was said this home was the oldest in New York... and I'm a architectural history fanatic...

Good news! Some people will love this movie. While this review is not nice, I would encourage everyone to check out this experimental piece at least once. You might like it!

Additionally, the blood bath and detail to dismemberment was alarmingly good. In all, no, I did not like this film and found it an experiment in artistic realms, it is also for these reasons that I give it nod of appreciation.

Best seen on a grey weekend afternoon, alone, pairs with a few cigarettes and gin (I still cringe at the idea people just take shots of gin... I'm seriously alarmed at this specific detail of the film). 

I watched this film on Hoopla or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this art house horror. 

Alien Predator aka The Falling (1986)

October Challenge Day 21

The reviews for this film are atrocious. I simply do not understand why this film is so dumped upon. I thought it was Great! 

This is a plea for Alien Predator aka The Falling:

I'll admit the title is terrible. Awful. And sometimes it's plural and sometimes not. In fact this poster image is laughably ridiculous: 

I much prefer this poster - and (while still rather lame) this title:

I'm not entirely sure what this movie had planned for itself but it came out looking a lot like a conglobation of several different iconic films. I'll leave it at that. But the end result is a hilariously entertaining and alarmingly solid creature feature. 

Here we have three young folks traveling Spain, when a NASA experiment crumbles back to earth with dangerous *things* inside. 

Are you still with me? Because it's only going to get more logical from here. 

This experiment escapes from the crash landing and it starts invading a small, rural Spanish town - just the very place our three travelers are heading to. Let the adventures begin!!!

I read in IMDB that the comedy in this film is based on the comedy from American Werewolf in London and I absolutely, 100% can see that. Bonus, the screenplay is based on a screenplay previously titled: "Massacre at R.V. Park"

LOLOLOLOLOLOLO

The adventures never stop with this one. 

For some reason people (previous reviewers) don't understand what this film is about. They also don't understand the outrageous nuance and detail underlying this feature. I, personally, was impressed with the film. I was laughing of course, but also impressed. 

In all, this is not your typical '80s creature feature. It has a heart that beats a little differently, if you pay attention. 

Best watched alone or with a small group of cinephiles. Pairs with beers and favorite junk foods that go well with yeeting the haters. 

I watched this film on Paramount+ or use Horror Habit's Find It! Watch It! links to see where else you can find this diamond in the rough. 

Possum (2018)

October Challenge Day 20

Get that soap out and the hot water ready, you are going to need a Long Long shower after watching:

Possum

This movie is ROUGH. 

ROUGH!

Here we have a puppeteer returning to the family home, carrying a bag that holds: Possum. An outrageously scary puppet with a human face and spider legs. 

And here is where I alert horror film viewers that this film is absolutely not for everyone. It's heady, tedious, and slow. I love this stuff, especially when the existential loose ends are resolved in the end - which they are here in ALARMING fashion, but to truly appreciate the story you'll need to pay attention to every single detail. 

Every Single Detail.

I lost track with how many times I had to rewind because I missed a sliver of activity. I also had this English speaking film on Closed Caption because the voices are low and accents strong. 

While this is a heady horror film, it's also an intense tale on trauma. Trust me, it will make sense in the end. 

Brooding and dingy, cold and maddening, this story unveils the horrors of childhood trauma and the destruction it causes to a shattered middle-aged man. 

Oh goodness, some memories just came back and I'm going to need a hug folks. SHOWER AND HUGS.

I imagine this film could prompt many after viewing discussions, particular in the realms of the artistic style and their meanings, but also the psychological and emotional toll trauma can create. 

I NEED A SHOWER AND A HUG

Remarkable acting, incredibly terrifying atmosphere, horrifying puppet, and a shell of a human trying to find a way out of hell. A film best appreciated when ready to face it.

Best watched alone, in a room with tattered and stained furniture, pairs with candy that you hated as a child (and still have a physical repulsion to it). 

I watched this film on Shudder or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this soul crushing - and breath taking - feature. 

Always Shine (2016)

 October Challenge Day 19

I take an annual trip to a remote cabin in the woods with some of my best ladies (sometimes up to 15 of us). It's always great, and the biggest drama we've ever really had is when one of them failed to notice the "World's Strongest Sativa" printed on on a package of pot after taking some hits, and had a most epic panic attack. It took a village to calm down that balls-to-the-wall trippin'. 

We all laugh SUPER HARD about it now, of course. 

That is not the case with:

Always Shine

This is a horrifying film - absolutely a psychological thriller - still horrifying. Here we have a two young women embarking on a trip to a cabin in the woods, where, ideally they are going to reconnect and bond. 

Of course that doesn't happen! The evil demon that is unchecked rage and jealousy rears its ugly head, and here's where things get VERY INTERESTING and not in the way I was expecting.

This film carry's, with alarming ease, the nightmares that women endure in nearly all aspects of life, in addition to highlighting the vindictiveness of competing actresses' (and the society the makes it possible). While the first part of the film did a great job of annoying me, and for good reason, it was the second part of the film that caught me off guard and kept me glued to the screen. 

Spectacular acting, and a fantastic unfolding of an uncertain ending. It's an "eeeegads!!!" kind of film, and I'm so glad these women are not in my life. DRAMA.

In all, a really well done film that will leave you with some questions at the end, but not for long - you just need to sit with the experience for a minute. 

Best watched with .... okay I'm debating on who exactly you should see this with. Maybe watch alone? In the woods? In the middle of the night? Pairs with fancy drinks or white wine (aka drama juice), and road trip food. 

I watched this film on Philo or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this creepy crawler of bitch fest. 

Decoys (2004)

October Challenge Day 18

Oh this poster cracks me up! Not only was it catching, and the reason I watched this film, it's also - in conjunction with the title - just vague and weird enough that you really have no idea what you're about to get into.

Let's explore:

Decoys

Here we have a couple of college bros, excited to be on their own and hopping to jump into a hot girl's pants. Boring. Except! It was actually entertaining - despite the bros.

It actually caught me off guard how hard I laughed at the opening scene. 

So we have a couple of best dudes loosing their mind over all the lovely college women, then one of these woman starts flirting with him. 

Uh oh. What will it lead to?!? IS IT SEX! It might be deadly, deadly SEX!

Men are going missing in the area and things seem to be tied to one particular flirty sorority...

This movie is my kind of trash, and by trash I mean it's actually pretty good but feeds my trash soul. This poster is also amazingly deceptive in what the story is really about. I can't stop laughing at its genius. 

This is an absurd but witty gem that is also a surprising sci-fi film. I'm not going to share much more than that because it's best to walk in blind. 

Best watched with your best movie watching people. Pairs with beers from a keg, spiked punch, and in your favorite mid-2000s outfit.

I watched this film on Film Rise Horror, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this late night/shower beer of a feature. 

Tales of the Dim (2015)

 October Challenge Day 17

I was browsing some of the more obscure channels on my Roku TV when I stumbled upon this animated gem: 

Tales of the Dim

It was difficult to find much history behind this series, but it was my introduction Frank Sudol's goretastic work. 

Here we have a collection of animated short stories, drenched in blood and guts, where everyone dies horribly. Simple, bloody, I loved it.

The very first episode was a little odd (mostly in the sound effects) but it seemed by episode two things are rolling and the director, actor, animator, and producer of the show - that is Sudol - had a rhythm that I was truly enjoying. 

Gross, gross, gross - funny - gross animation. 

It seems these cartoons started as an internet series but now it can be seen on at least a Roku TV! I love this little collection, and it's perfect for a weekend afternoon break. 

I watched this on the Midnight Pulp channel, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this nonsensically gory show. 

Kindred (2020)

October Challenge Day 16

Folks, this film disturbed me so much that I started watching Rick and Morty *immediately* after watching this film just to cleanse the palate and go to a funny f*cked up place. Let's take a closer look at:

Kindred

Oh gawd this film gave me such anxiety!!!

Here we have a couple, in love, and temporarily visiting the boyfriend's family estate, when suddenly she learns she's pregnant and he dies. Chaos ensues. 

This is a suffocating film. Suffocating! This pregnant woman is universally attacked with mental and emotional abuse by her boyfriend's family and then, still worse, they gaslight her the entire time. 

This movie poster - that was also my face during most of the movie. 

At every turn things just get worse for this woman, and I'm sitting there screaming for her the whole damn time. I started feeling stabby, folks! Stabby!

Brooding country estate, murderous dedication to family, lack of access to the outside world, ominous signs - I'm breaking into a cold sweat already!

It's difficult to share much more than this, as the process of walking in blind to this one is also part of the horror. 

Best watched alone, on a cool, crisp, grey day. Pairs with tea and a light lunch, that you will suddenly launch at gaslighters later. 

I watched this film on Hulu or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this blood-pressure-medication-needed feature. 

Lamb (2021)

October Challenge Day 15

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Where do I begin with:

Lamb

My brother, his girlfriend, and I took a trip to the movie theater to check out this chiller. We discussed the film for over an hour over beers afterwards and I'm going to be the first to tell you: this is a good idea. You need some space to talk about this bonkers tale. 

Here we have super rural Icelandic farmers and shepherds, living their humdrum and mourning (after the loss of their child) life until one day, one of there ewes gives birth to a .... a creature. 

And here is where you need to check your brain into a surreal and disbelief world, and just let the fairytale unfold. Nevermind the very terrifying the giant monster stalking the stark landscape!

So we're in Iceland, which is portrayed with such horror and isolation, you'll actually want one their sweaters halfway through the film to ward off the bone chill. You might want to add a blanket to just to ward off the dismal sadness that will crawl into your skin.

Some will not understand what in the world is going in this super slow burner - some might be a little traumatized. I'm pretty sure all will have a moment when the "WTF" stare will be glued to the screen. 

In all, this is a rough film and incorporates a great deal of the mind-fuckery that is grief. Bonus, very, very, very detailed sheep rearing experience. In fact, I couldn't believe how well these (now very scary to me) creatures "acted" in this film. 

I truly enjoyed this film, so much so that I'm not sure I need to see it again/experience those emotional reactions again. 

Best watched in sweaters, in silence, next to a fire, with just a few of your friends or family. Pairs with eggs and potatoes, wine, beer, and/or whiskey, or ..... LAMB.

I watched this film in the theater and I highly recommend this experience - you can almost *smell* the farm from the big screen. Or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this truly creepy feature. 

Ghostbusters (2016)

October Challenge Day 14: 

I was hanging out at home, when my brother - who lives up the street - called me to say "Have you seen the boat that's on fire!?!"

Living near the water I ran out onto my deck to check it out, only to find my brother standing on the street. No boat was on fire. A moment of silence and he said, "I can't believe it took a boat on fire to get you out of the apartment."

Another moment of silence, staring at each other, before we busted out in laughter. 

He asked what I was doing and I said, "Watching Ghostbusters. The new one." 

The anticipated stare down commenced - as we are wildly different in our love for this particular:

Ghostbusters

I've lost count of how many times I've watched this film. I LOVE IT. 

My brother hated it and I don't see the arguments ending anytime soon. 

Part of why I love it so much is the dialogue. Folks, ghosts or not, the back and forth here - and the reactions to them - is any given night at our local pub (or random adventure) with some of my best friends. At Any Given Night/Day. 

I forget the evening but I certainly had chip remnants on my chest, watching this film, completely out of f*cks, when I realized *I* am also everyone of these fine ladies. 

• Erin (Kristen Wigg): Who I *think* I am - the professional, working in science, focused on a serious future. I pull it off on TV but deep down, I have chip remnants on my chest...
• Jillian (Kate McKinnon): 100% who I am when I get a few drinks in me. Complete with hair styles (when friends start to style it), dance moves, and scientific theories. 
• Patty (Leslie Jones):  Ever the historian, people will remark on that nice park and I will add: "That's the city's first cemetery. Pretty sure they moved all the bodies." I'm a proud lover of fun and necessary historical facts. Also, as a public transit rider for 20+ years - I Have Stories and got some grit. 
• Abby (Melissa McCarthy): It always comes back to Abby. I am her, all the way. Complete with getting a little mad about soups. 

I love absolutely love this movie. Love it. I laugh out loud every time and I smile because I know these women. I mean, I don't *know* *these* women, but I know their counterparts. And I love them. 

My brother doesn't get the humor of this film, and there I am laughing my ass off. I'm loving every joke and every tribute to the original. 

Two men recently told me that some men don't like funny women. I was shocked, and then made a joke about it. But this rattles around in my head as I remember the reception of this film.  This is a very sharp, smart funny film, full of funny women...

I give my brother a super hard time all time time and he finds my jokes painful. So it seems the fight continues but I will not stop being funny AF (I'm a lot funnier in person). 

To you weird men who don't like funny women, know I am laughing. At you.

I love this film. Best watched with your best ladies. Pairs with wanton soup. If someone randomly says "You'll die in there" bonus points.

I own this movie, or use the Find It! Watch It! or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this Horror Habit favorite. 

Demon Seed (1977)

October Challenge Day 13

Ah yes, this film asks the big questions that have plagued humanity since the beginning:

What would happen if an incel douche canoe was turned into a smart home device? Let's take a dive into:

Demon Seed

My, my, my - this one suprised me. And disgusted me. And was weird. 

Here we have a scientist building a super computer, and lives in the world's first smart house. Complete with a "camera doorbell", an "Alexa" that answers questions, plays music on command AND make drinks, along with a slew of other "smart" things that make life at home a tech marvel. 

Husband and wife are seperating though, and he is leaving the house to her despite her reservations. 

She was right to be cautious, as the house and all it's devices have been taken over by the super computer, and it wants her to have it's child...

This this an alarmingly claustrophobic film, and I found myself irate at the machine's "logic". 

This gaslighting, narcissistic, abusive, and irrational thing had my blood boiling. So, the movie is effective in getting my heart racing! 

Disturbing - despite the totally outrageous plot - this film is legit disturbing. Also, while you'll have a good chuckle at the dated technology, it's also pretty impressive the level of similarities with what is available now. 

You will probably laugh at the psychedelic imagery, intended to give a "tech" experience.  I did, but it comes with the edgy 1970's territory.  

In all, this film is upsetting. Particularly by the end. 

Best watched alone, with all your smart devices listening. Pairs with tea and an Extremely healthy breakfast.  

I 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 science gone bad feature. 

Creepy (2016)

October Challenge Day 12

It was a cold, dark, and blustery night - which made for a perfect time to watch something:

Creepy

This title is not lying - not at all. It's pretty damn creepy!

Here we have an ex-detective who was nearly killed by a psychopath, relocate and start a new life with this wife and dog in a new neighborhood. They're friendly folk and go around the neighborhood introducing themselves to their new neighbors.

Everyone is weird and not friendly, except for one man who is acting a bit ... creepy.

It took me a while to really get into this film. I was trying to wrap my head around where the story could possibly be going and then BAM - I was suddenly packed up and shipped off to Destination Facked. 

The movie quickly takes a turn from being creepy and drags you into a Japanese horror landscape that seems just Japanese horror can do. I will never look at vacuum storage bags the same again...

While creepy and deranged, it's also a creeper of a film that will require your full attention to all the small details. I'm sure on a second viewing I'll be seeing a lot more that was originally missed. You'll also need to pay close attention because the plot wanders around in strange directions sometimes.

That's about all I want to share regarding this film, the devil is in the details and probably best appreciated walking in blind. 

Best watched alone, on a cold, dark, and blustery night. Pairs with hearty homemade soups, and chocolates (best if they are also homemade). 

I watched this film on Kanopy, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this hair-raising feature. 

Vampire in Vegas (2009)

October Challenge Day 11:

I'm back from a trip to Vegas and to decompress from spending days in one of the most insane places I've ever been to, I decided to give this one a whirl. 

Oh lordy. Prepare yourself for:

Vampire in Vegas:

This film felt like my morning after staying at the casino bar until 3:00 AM. Anyone who's hung out at a Vegas bar until 3:00 AM knows what I'm talking about and it's not pretty. Pretty great stories! But not pretty.

This is a terrible film, which made me sad for a minute but then my brain went to that same place it went to after staying at the casino bar until 3:00 AM - and that place is drinking a huge glass of Miller Lite at the Dunkin' Donuts at 10:00 AM. 

Again, it's not pretty - but it has its stories!

Here we have a vampire who wants to get back into the sunlight and take over the world. Starting with Vegas and unsuspecting tourists who became a part of his scientific experiment. 

It's [slowly drags my hands down my face] is a Terrible film, but it has tits. So Many Tiddies! It's almost like this film didn't know what to do, form a coherent plot, or film it properly, so they just threw some breasts in and - admittedly - it actually helped. 

While in Vegas my friends and I got super glammed up before heading out for the evening and the inspirational quote for the night was "Tits Out! Masks On!" We Were All About Our Magical Breasts. And like the film, we even went to a speakeasy and all jumped when the little sliding peek door was shot open so we could say our password. 

So I'm actually going to tip my hat to this film, and it's "Tits Out! Plot Gone!" mantra, because, in the end, who doesn't love a great rack and a day drinking kind of movie. 

I watched this film on Peacock, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can catch this pool side day drunk film. 

PS: In celebration of tiddies and Vegas. Here's your girl in a speakeasy bathroom as my friends and I were starting out on a very adventurous Friday night on Fremont St:

Tits out! Masks On!

Saint Maud (2019)

October Challenge Day 10:

OMG. This film, folks. 

Do not listen to this woman, she is not a saint. Stay far, far, far away from:

Saint Maud

There's a very particular horror that surrounds very real situations. In this case, mental illness. Here we have a very young nurse, Maud, who is tasked with end of life care for a real and raw woman who wants nothing to do with religion. Maud, on the other hand, has other plans. She is going to *save* the soul of this dying woman

All hell breaks loose. 

This film exudes the smell of rot, mold, decay, and salt water. Dingy surroundings, small town drama, and the dying world of a once celebrated woman crawls across your skin like a thick salve. This salve suffocates though, instead of healing. 

I have a behavioral science degree - work in the field of health science - I rather enjoy arm chair diagnosing people on the TV for fun. This one screamed schizophrenia so loudly I was beginning to question my own reality. 

Again, there is a very particular horror that surrounds very real situations. While this is a horror film, it could also be a headline pulled from any town in the world. And that's f*cking scary.

I absolutely agree with some of the reviews calling this film mesmerizing. It most certainly is! Horrifyingly so! While captivating, this film is a slow burn and I know some horror fans will not have the patience to see the bitter end. Keep that in mind. 

In all, I loved this film. Loved this horrifying beauty. Best watched either alone or with one or two people. Keep quiet, and keep an eye on Maud. Pairs with soups.

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

Falling for You (1995)

October Challenge Day 9: 

I am a sucker for made-for-TV thriller/horror films, particularly ones from the '90s. I was in my teens then and ATE THIS SH*T UP! I'm still eating. Sometimes too much.

This one, while finally watching it now, is no exception. Let me introduce you to the classic, and my kind of murder trash:

Falling For You

While I'll listen to murder podcasts all day - spicing things up sometimes with a little Snapped or Unsolved Mysteries, I also truly enjoy these stories in made-for-TV version. Don't ask why, just let me lounge in my PJs with my cheese plate and give me the Lifetime Movies!!!!

Here we have a young woman living her best life when she encounters a douche canoe who sweeps her off her feet despite his first words being "I know all about you, I can just tell". Okay those weren't the exact words but, speaking from experience, when a dude comes up to me and starts telling me all the things he *knows* about me, by just looking at me, I just walk away.  Gurrrlll, you should have walked away. 

While a thriller it's also adorably predicable and that's just the way I like'em. Serial killer is on the loose, woman fresh out of a relationship falls for a sketchy man, there's a bunch of who-dun-its, and a survivor who turns the tables. Cheese and cracker crumbs are already falling on my lazy ass chest just talking about.

Obviously not for every horror fan but those who know, know what I'm talking about here. 

Best watched in small group of your favorite friends who love to spill the tea and live in their PJs. Pairs with bottomless mimosas and nothing to do for the rest of the day. 

I watched this film on Peacock, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this soothing slave of sultryness. 

Alleluia (2014)

October Challenge Day 8: 

When I started this film, which has been on my To-Watch list for many years, I wasn't sure what to expect or what the film was even remotely about - but I certainly wasn't expecting to get sucked down the rabbit hole that is the real life murderous couple: Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck.

But I'm skipping ahead a bit - let me introduce you to the horrifying and harrowing: 

Alleluia

This film kicks off in a cold, lonely morgue, with a sad, cold, and lonely woman preparing a body for burial. Life is mundane, even as a single parent, until a friend introduces our tormented Gloria, to online dating. 

... and this is when SH*T BEGINS TO HIT THE FAN!

Folks, this film is a nightmare view into 100% - no question - absolutely - soul crushing look into a wild and dangerous world of an outrageously unhealthy relationship. 

This is when I flew down the rabbit hole, because I couldn't believe this could possibly be based on actual events - or that a "romance" like this one could have possibly existed. Well, the madness is true and not only that, there were four films, including this one, made about this couple - this just happens to be the most recent one. 

And it's great! This film is beautiful! Horrifyingly beautiful! A slow but calculated walk into the rotting stench of obsessive madness and mental illness. 

Like I said, it's beautiful but horrifying and - well - disgusting. It's well worth a look, even if you've seen the other three films (I haven't yet but they are also now on my To-Watch list). If you're familiar with Fabrice du Welz's work, particularly with the mind crushing works such as Vinyan and Calvaire, then you have a good idea of what you're getting involved with, with this feature. 

Probably best watched alone. Not Recommended for first dates with someone you swiped right with... Pairs with farm to table food, Italian wine, and practical clothes. 

I watched this film on Kanopy or use Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this extremely distressing Belgian feature. 

The War of the Gargantuas (1966)

October Challenge Day 7:

Folks, I love love love love love these Japanese swinging '60s creature features!!! 

The War of the Gargantuas

Be still my heart.

I'm getting ready for a trip to Vegas with some of my best ladies, and this film is perfect for background packing. Of course not a whole lot of packing is happening as soon as these monsters are loose in the city. 

Here we have a lab grown monster that scientists affectionally call: Frankenstein. He's sweet, cute, and little. But then they think he died for some reason and everyone forgets about him *until* he's somehow alive, grows enormous, comes out of the sea, and battles a giant sea creature. 

The plot thickens though, when a mutated evil double version of Frankenstein is found living in the mountains. They battle it out across Japan like sibling children. It's epic. It's wonderful.

That's about I can share about this film - and about all I have time to write about because I'm heading off!

Best watched anytime, with anyone. Just have fun!

I watched this film on HBO, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this monster smash feature. 

The Voices (2014)

October Challenge Day 6:

Oh dear. This ...  this film is a doozy. 

The Voices

I enjoy horror comedies - a lot - but this one ran a fine line between humor and horror. I don't know how else to explain it. 

As I've said before, my degree is in behavioral science, and when I noticed what started out as an adorkable shalsher film was quickly becoming sad and scary, I actually was pretty unnerved watching the spectical before me. 

This is a frightening film because of the realism of mental illness. This one takes viewers on a terrifying trip through the mind of someone suffering. 

It's a classic tale about a young man, just trying to get by in life, talking to his dog and cat ... who talk back ...

He tries to do a good job at work, move on from his past, and looking for love and purpose, but those pesky voices start to get in the way - to a brutal and bloody degree. 

Loaded with symbolism and laughs when you don't want to, this film, in the end, is rough. The ending credits making it more mendbending and uncomfortable.  

It's a really decent film that can be incredibly difficult to watch when you look deeper into the story. 

You might even cry a little bit. For the sadness and horror of it all. 

The mental and physical suffering of people REALLY upsets me. Long time followers of Horror Habit will likely take note of the suffering I watched my now deceased husband go through. 

F*CKING ROUGH! 

My degree and experience doesn't shield me from being deeply moved by what I can now observe with better calculation and profound empathy - which could be a part of the reason I was pretty shook by this film. Particularly when medication and therapy was there to help but he didn't want it. He didn't like who he was on it. I know that *voice* and logic well. 

In all, this film was disturbing to me, and I enjoyed the story it shared and how it was shared. 

Best watched alone but with the knowledge you can watch it with others. Pairs with cereal and Chinese food. 

I watched this film on HBO or use the Find! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this soul crushing feature. 

Willy's Wonderland (2021)

October Challenge Day 5:

I am a huge fan of the Five Nights At Freddy's video game series. I  never made it through the nights. Ever. Although I don't play a lot of video games, it stands as one of the scariest I've ever played - outdoing the previously held record by Fatal Frame. Oh what the hell, they're tied in my book. 

So when I heard a film was being created about killer animatronics, and staring the ever delightfully weird Nicolas Cage, I was all: SIGN ME UP for: 

Willy's Wonderland

Killer animatronics - HELL YEAH!

And then I was informed this film isn't based on FNaF, in fact an actual movie about the game is currently in the works!

At first I just stared blankly - I mean, this film is about surviving a night from killer machines in a Chucky-E-Cheese like place .... this, you mean to say this is *not* based on FNaF....?

But then I was all, f*ck it! I'll watch both - take my money you twos.

Cage steals the show, by far, and he never says a word. It's a Cage vs demonic resurrected serial killers in machine form BATTLE TO THE DEATH show!

I loved it. It's sunburned and dingy, clinging to your '70s, '80s, and '90s youth in a brown and gaudy smoked-stenched hell hole - also known as either your living room or the rare family dinner out. 

I might have just revealed too much about my own rearing.....

While it's not clearly understood why Cage is just rolling into this deserted town or why he knows exactly what to do to battle these machines, it is super fun to watch and and hilariously over-the-top. 

My first experience with an animatronic family dinner was at a tourist stop somewhere in Montana, around age 9.  I stood in horror at the machines on stage. 

Even at 9 I was all: What In The Actual F Is This Demon Sh*t? Family asking if I'm having fun, no. No I am NOT having fun [pointing with alarm at the stage]. 

This could be why I totally understood why this film's premise is so relatable - as is the FNaF game. Who thought these musical *creatures* were a good idea?!?!?!

I tried to turn memories around when I turned 23 years old and hosted my own birthday party at an actual Chuck-E-Cheese. I'm not sure if I made things better or (likely worse) for myself, for everyone. 

This film is ridiculous and that's what it's exactly suppose to be. Have fun ... if you can!!!!

Best watched in a small group, pairs with pizza and LOTS of soda. Be sure to keep your string of tickets in a safe place - spend them all at once on a really really stupid item. 

I watched this movie on Hulu, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to locate where else you can find this terribly great idea. 

In the Spider’s Web (2007)

October Challenge Day 4: 

Saints preserve us - this is not a good film, but sometimes you need a little bit of that dirty, rotten, no good, made-for-TV good stuff. 

And I'm also going to watch pretty much anything Lance Henriksen is in, so - let me introduce you to:

In the Spider's Web

It's spider season in Seattle right now - a well recognized, and some could argue, official season if you live in the area. There's a few spiders that make a very big appearance at this time, but it's the Giant House Spider that will taken even a hardened lifer of the area back a bit. 

I shared on Facebook with friends how I woke up one morning several years ago with one of these spiders, dead, in MY MOUTH! Everyone was horrified and friends outside of Seattle were fascinated by tales of these creatures. Just the other night, one of these giant but harmless monsters ran from beneath my chair, in-between my feet, and TOP SPEED raced across the apartment. Not even my cats could cope with what they were seeing. 

...it's still here, in the apartment somewhere...

So I thought it would be a bit of fun to watch some fresh trashness in celebration of our monster creatures that new comers are never warned about before arrival. 

Like I said earlier, this film is not good. The first few minutes will make that clear right away. Here we have a collection of young world travelers hiking through a jungle. There's no back story, there is no lead up. We're just suddenly in the jungle with strangers with strange accents for no clear reason.

Someone gets a spider bite and that leads the splintered group to either go to a legendary remote village or to the not legendary remote village. Both groups are facked. 

Enter bizarre doctor and "priest" from the legendary village and the somewhat bumbling police force from the not legendary village. Together they battle a spider cult, all fighting for survival. 

I know I'm not really selling this one but fans of these types of films understand how fun they honestly can be. This one is no exception. Get ready to be covered in some spiders though...

Best watched while day drinking or have on in the background, pairs with beers and rotting fruit in an unusually humid area. 

I watched this film on Paramount+ (formally CBS All Access), or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this very much mid 2000s CGIed film. 

Vicious Fun (2020)

October Challenge Day 3:

I absolutely splurged on some decadence this morning. Slept in, had my two cats snuggled up with me as I read - essentially I lounged in bed in my robe for hours, even served myself up some breakfast in bed! 

At the recommendation of a friend and before I was ready to really get *out* of bed, I decided to fit in a horror movie. 

This Sunday morning decadence festival introduced me to:

Vicious Fun

It's hard to describe how a horror film can be a great Sunday movie pick - but this one is most certainly a perfect example for me. 

Here we have an adorably derpy horror movie reviewer who accidently get's wrapped up in a talk session group with some serial killers. 

As a derpy horror movie reviewer, from South Dakota, I had an exceptionally hard laugh at when one of the serial killers were questioned about their background and it was stated "Oh she's from the South Dakota chapter". LOLOLOLOLO - still laughing.

Things go Full On Slasher as soon it's discovered that the derpy horror movie reviewer is not actually a serial killer. Just embrace the antics from there. 

Light hearted and super fun, with your casual strangulation by intestine, An Alarming amount of items going through the head and neck, and mutilated bodies littering the place, this was an EXCELLENT, lazy Sunday morning pick. I know I'm not alone in this understanding ... you know... just sitting in your robe and shouting excitedly at the TV, "Yeah! Right through the eye!!" You get it right?

Solid, fun, gory, and very funny (I laughed out loud so many times), I would recommend this film for not just Sunday mornings - but anytime and for pretty much all horror fans - even the queasy ones. 

Best watched on the laziest days - pairs with whatever you can eat in bed, while in your robe, and so not to disturbed the cats. 

I watched this film on Shudder or use the Find It! Watch It! links to see where else you can find this road trip down 1980's slasher lane.

Ms .45 (1981)

 October Challenge Day 2: 

This cult classic roamed around in the background of my To-Watch list for quite some time. I didn't know a *whole* lot about it, but I knew it involved rape and that, well, that is just a big nope in my case most of the time. Most. 

But this one came up in my Shudder account and decided to finally give it a try. I think it might have been the revenge aspect that really caught my eye. 

Let me introduce you to the cringe binge fest that is:

Ms. 45

Here we have a young, mute woman who it attacked not once, but twice in one day as she's just going about her world, living her best life.

She SNAPS.

This film is full of social commentary and can lead to long discussions after viewing. Particularly in regards to the approach and evolution of the revenge she inflicts on the patriarchy - which, yeah, at first I'm not even going to stop her. 

Her being mute is a VERY interesting aspect and you'll have to watch until the itty bitty end to see how much of an impact her not being able to speak, actually speaks to the focus of the story and the film's message. 

In all I was blown away by this film. As usual, I came across a film that I avoided for vague reasons only to have it blow my f*cking mind. I love when this happens and I am proven wrong on my initial reactions to a movie description. 

This film is gritty, raw, absolutely beautiful, stunning, and f*cking bad ass. Again, I want to stress - although bad ass - it's the evolution of the bad assery that is absolutely fascinating. 

Best watched with your best ladies - particularly a small group. Pairs with dishes made from a deteriorating cook book. Fans of cult films: Do Not Miss This One.

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

50 Horror Movies You May Have Missed (vol. 7)

Welcome to the seventh 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. 7)
Because there will be more. Oh yes, there will be more.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987): A Nightmare on Elm Street is my youth! Wearing over-sized cat imaged shirts, sitting on shag carpet in front of a large television that guarded pretty much the entire floor, late night Saturday nights when the parents were asleep - MY JAM! That was not my experience with this film, however. I saw this one recently. Now I'm in my 40s and cynical of franchise films, I approached this one with apprehension and low expectations - imagine my surprise when I found this film *dare I say* better than the first? At the very least, a close second! Bonus: One of the first films where we see Patricia Arquette (Love You So Much Gurl!). Call me. Read more in my review here. 

 American Mary (2012): I avoided this film for a LONG TIME because I'm a mega movie poster b*tch and I kept thinking, every time I saw it: "What fresh new hell of an Audition knock-off is this?" So, while I still don't like the poster (again, mega movie poster b*tch - I'll never change), the movie is most certainly a cult classic that everyone should see once. Here we have a vengeful surgeon on a mission to right some wrongs and slice and dice some social norms. The sound quality and editing is weird sometimes but that's also part of its charm. Pairs with blood red wine and questionable shrimp. 

Angel (1984): Okay, so not quiet a 'horror film' but certainly a fun thriller! It's also delightfully (and disturbingly) wrong/right. Here we have a nerdy high schooler who is also a sex worker by night, working the dingy streets of 1980's LA. Her and her adorably quirky group of street misfits get entangled in some crime and now they gotta figure it out and save each other. This film is charming and alarming (also at how charming it is) and it fits perfectly in that 1980's VHS shelf of all that is weird. 

Bad Taste (1987): 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! 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. Read more in my review here. 

Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006): This quirky, mockumentary follows an aspiring serial slasher as he's about to embark on his madness. The documentary crew follows him around and interject their own thoughts and observations as the story progresses. It's cheeky, it's fun, and rather witty. While this one is full of laughs and snark, there are moments of real thrills. In all, a fine choice for a lazy fun evening. 

Black Holler (2017): It's the 1980s and a bunch of college students head out into the (haunted!) woods for a class assignment. Badass newbie, LaQuita Johnson, is forced to join this astoundingly ridiculous ragtag team of incredibly stupid white folks. I was ROLLING within minutes! Folks, I don't want to share much more, it's best experienced walking in blindly. Just know it's fun and delightfully weird. Read more in my review here.

Blood Beat (1983): You know what - sometimes you just need to watch a Christmas paranormal slasher film about a samurai ghost on a killing spree in Wisconsin. Why? No time to explain, just grab that bag of chips, the six pack, and let's go!

Blood Games (1990): Arguably not a horror film - more of a thriller on a bizarre drama/action film level. Here we have a traveling professional woman's baseball team who just beat the local "good ol' boys" in a game. These men, charged with jealously, sexism, and just being stupid, unfortunately send the woman literally running into the woods to escape. Madness ensues. Pairs with warm beer and picnic supplies. 

Brand New Cherry Flavor (2021): WHOA! Hold on to your hats, folks. This one is a TRIP. In fact, what doesn't this mini series have? Puking up live kittens, drugs, magic, demons, a budding director, belly vagina sex, magic giant leopard, excellent soundtrack, curses - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. This one is weird and wild, and the end might either have you begging for more or thankful the colorful and atmospheric insane is over. Pairs with ... uh ... perhaps something cherry flavored that shouldn't be cherry favored. 

The Car (1977): Gaudy and bizarre, this is a horror film for fans of the good, the bad, and the weird. Folks, this one is just so ... weird. The acting is weird, the dialogue is very weird (and very fun), and the premise alone is weird. The kill scenes though - the kill scenes are epic. Overall this is a grindhouse worthy feature with cheeky but also serious moments. This film doesn't really know what it is and it doesn't care. Especially the car, it's all: IDGAF. Best watched while raking your shag carpet. Pairs with horrifying 1970's jello dinner or appetizer recipes and jello shots. Read more in my review here.

Def by Temptation (1990): Hell yeah, this one is fun! Wrapped up nicely in a late '80s/early '90s nostalgic package, here we have a succubus running loose in New York, preying on young men blinded by her sexuality. An aspiring minister comes along and things start to get really interesting. This film, stars the writer and director, James Bond III, who is thoroughly entertaining! Bring your most '90s attire, favorite '90s snacks, and just sit back and enjoy.

Demon Wind (1990): 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! 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. Read more in my review here.

The Devils (1971): Ugh this one! In two words: F*cked up. The film holds your face to the horrors of religion - particularly in 1600s Europe, rubs your face in its filth, and then leaves you to walk around with the taste of it in your mouth for ... years. Everyone here is terrible and suffers their own hell with abandon. Best watched alone, with sad, self mutilating food. 

Disturbing Behavior (1998): Here we have a grieving family. They are taking the big step to move to a small town in the woods so as to escape the heartbreak of loosing a son.  Everyone is excited for the fresh start except their high school student son - reluctant and in need of counseling. He falls into, of course, the interesting crowd who school him on the cliques of the school. There's one clique in particular that is a little *too perfect* and alarmingly *too violent*. Let the madness and mass violence begin! Read more in my review here.

The Exorcist III (1990): I don't have much of a memory of the second Exorcist but this one stuck around in my head - and there's a particular scene during an "interview" that might just stick with you. While following it's own path of tormented religious figures battling evil, this particular film takes on a new - dare I say - '90s refined road. As with most religious horror films, pairs best with wine and crackers. 

Frankenhooker (1990): OMG. This. Film. Is. Amazing. Just your typical love story where a fiancé is chopped to bits by a rogue lawnmower and her would be husband pieces her back together with sex workers he accidentally exploded. Loaded with social commentary on sex, drugs, and social norms, this is a must see! Best watched with an unusually large group of people and cheese sandwiches. 

Freeway (1996): I saw this film originally in the late '90s but for some reason it was re-watching it decades later where I think I finally comprehended how Horrifying this film is, on multiple levels. The tale of Little Red Riding hood goes on a new,  nightmarish adventure. Bonus: this one also doubles as a vengeance horror film. Best watched with a smorgasbord made entirely of gas station and dollar store food. 

Ghost Stories (2017): This one left me with goosebumps for years - even just re-watching it recently I was reminded of how soul-crushingly SPOOKY this film is capable of being. Here we have a die hard anti-supernatural investigator who is tasked with discovering the truth behind three paranormal cases. As each case is unveiled the investigator is forced to see things he never could *see* before. As much as I hate the title of this film - boring and unoriginal - it is at least apt! Best watched alone on a dark, cold night. Brace yourself.

Graverobbers (1988): Necrophilia, necrophilia, necrophilia. It's what unites this community and that's pretty much all you need to know about this rare '80s feature. It kicks off with a waitress accepting a wedding proposal from a total stranger at the café counter and things only get hilariously ridiculous from there. Best watched with a trusted friend and pairs with coffee or a bizarre cocktail. Read more in my review here.

Gretel & Hansel (2020): A spooky story that follows somewhat in The Witch footsteps, the title alone should give you a good idea of what this film is about. Dark,  menacing, and slowly twisty, this is not a film for all horror fans but should be seen by all at least once. Those passionate about No Slow Burners should pass though. Pairs with sweets and best watched alone or with one other person. 

Grizzly (1976): Ah yes, here we have a rugged 1970's good time with just your friendly neighborhood gigantic killer grizzly bear. Nature bites back as people try escape, tackle, and control the beast. Essentially: Jaws on land. Don't let the rather gritty film's premise fool you - like Jaws it's also alarmingly good at showcasing how the fresh outdoor air can kill you. Best watched from tents, with food and drink from the cooler.

Hard Candy (2005): Well, let's just start with a predatory older man who asks a unknown tweenish girl to join him in a coffee shop. [Files nails] and he shouldn't have done that! Screams my growing love for revenge films. Things begin to take all sorts of turns, however, much to my surprise. Brutal, sharp edged turns. Best watched when feeling fighty. Pairs with coffee shop muffins. 

The Hearse (1980): I turned this film on one night expecting a little entertaining background noise, but instead was totally drawn into the story. It's a classic tale of a woman taking refuge in a distant and deceased family member's home. Witchery is afoot though in this small, sleepy town - where this new comer is not welcomed and her family legacy is not forgotten... Best watched on a cold, rainy night (or afternoon) alone. Pairs with cozy clothes and TV dinners.

Hell Comes to Frogtown (1988): As you can probably guess based on this outrageous title, this film requires you check your brain at the door and just enjoy the fun. Here we have a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with frog people, a whole lot of fertile women looking to escape the frog people and very, very few virile human men - that is until one of them showed up to Frogtown. Hijinks ensue. Excellent choice for a whimsical movie night with friends. Pairs with the obvious beer and pizza. 

Hider in the House (1989): Gimmie gimmie gimmie this straight to TV/ VHS '80s good stuff! Here we have a very disturbed man taking shelter in the attic of an empty house, and then doesn't leave when a family moves in. Frighteningly real things to be worried about, particularly when he befriends the family without them knowing here's living in their attic! OH SH******T. Best watched in a small group of people who enjoys yelling at the dangers on the TV. Pairs with cheap cans of beers. 

High Lane (2009): I avoided this one for a while because I thought it was about some sort calamity on a highway and never found myself in the mood. I was wrong, it's about a calamity with hiking and rock climbing.  It smells of The Descent, but up, not down and things get super wild even without a lurking creature. Heart racing and exciting, if you were afraid of the great outdoors already - watch this to solidify that fear. 

In Fabric (2018): This is most certainly an art house horror film. I love art house horror but this one won't be for everyone (although I still encourage everyone to see it at least once). I mean, it's a story about killer fabric. More specifically a dress that always seems to fit everybody just right, morphs minds, and changes you in more ways than just appearance. This one feels like a dream that skirts the realms of nightmare land. Stunning and flowing, this film is one you'll need to pay close attention to  - just forget yourself and get immersed. 

The Manitou (1978): Tony Curtis stars in a film about a woman who discovers the lump on her back is not a cyst or a tumor. It's a 400 year old medicine man (in fetus form) that's trying to be reborn. Here's about the time that I take my glasses off and rub my eyes and face in exhaustion. This absolutely ridiculous premise is also the only reason I wanted to check the film out. Is the film insane? Yes. Is it interesting and engaging? Yes. Is it good or bad? Yes. Read more in my review here.

Mikey (1992): Here we have a loner child being shuffled between home after home - after "accident" after "accident" to foster families. On a headier level this is obviously a study on the very real perils of how society can fail children and families, but we're talking a lower budget beautiful trash film from the early '90s so we can also just enjoy the chaos of it all. Our little Mikey also is getting older and falling for a girl next door ... things are about to escalate. Best watched in a small group and pairs best with a family style meal. 

Mind Games (1989): As the title suggests, this one is going to mess with: your mind. Well, if not your mind then the minds of the unsuspecting family, who while on a road trip, picks up a stranger that REALLY likes to f*ck with heads. Folks, don't pick up strange people from camping sites. Just... just don't do it. Best watched in a camper. Pairs with wet and soiled picnic food.

The Moose Head Over the Mantel (2017): This title feels like it's part of a therapy question. Like: how does this title make you feel? I'll tell you! Nightmares! This film follows over a hundred years of one family living in the same house - with that damned moose head looming over the living room the whole time, 'watching' the generations come and go. Watching the murder, violence, and mayhem coursing through the bloodline. Overall - it's a memorable and very original film. You'll need to pay attention at all times though. Not one for the background. Best watched alone, late at night. Pairs with drinks that you should avoid because, historically, they make you crazy. Read more in my review here.

My Bloody Valentine (1981): This is a slasher that I often don't see come up in popular slasher lists and I really don't understand why. It will be no surprise me in the slightest that hardened horror fans will have certainly heard of this film - but the lists I'm referring to are usually catered to casual horror fans. So here we are, I'm adding it to this list. Here we have a mining accident, a small town legend around Valentines Day, and a whole lot of horney teens turning up dead. You know the routine - but you haven't seen it quite like this. Well worth a watch if this one has been eluding your watch lists. 

Next of Kin (1982): Draw the blinds, close the windows - don't let the damp crawl in because this one has plenty of things to chill you with, in addition to the constant rain. Here we have a young woman returning home who has taken over the family business of running a small and rather exotic (gothic mansion) retirement home. But something is not right, of course. It's... it's almost as if someone is after her... but who could it be when she has no friends and all her family is dead? This is creeper of a film and I would recommend making it a double feature night with the wonderful The Changeling from 1980 if you want more of this style. 

The Night Strangler (1973): Kolchak is back! And in Seattle (woot! holla!) trying to find who's hunting down women in our fine, wet, city. Kolchak is full Kolchak - and this city and the crimes are providing to be a fine match. Excellent soundtrack, saucing dialogue, and just overall a fun way to spending an evening, this is one you don't want to miss, especially if you're a Night Stalker fan. Dare I say this might be a good one for nearly the whole family to enjoy. 

Omen III: The Final Conflict (1981): I really wasn't expecting much from this one but lawdy, did it throw some great punches. Here demon child is back, grown, and a 'successful' business man who won't let anyone stop him from earning his inheritance from Hell. With plenty of Easter eggs from the original, and even some near play-for-play reenactments, this one is brutal, unforgiving and performed really well. Best watched on a late weekend night alone, pairs with birthday cake eaten just with your hands.

Piranha (1978): 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. Read more in my review here.

Prime Time aka American Raspberry (1977): Living through the era where people take tabloids seriously, let me introduce you to this bizarre feature where TVs world-wide are suddenly infiltrated by parallel universe nonsense ads and programs meant to be "reality". I really can't explain this one any other way. It's totally weird and totally worth at least one looksee. Best watched alone and eating absolutely insane food in the most disgusting way possible.

Rawhead Rex (1986): Uh oh. A farmer, while digging in his property, accidently unearths a GIANT DEMON. Chaos ensues. I want to talk about this monster for a second: it's alarmingly disturbing while the movie is also alarmingly cheeky and weird. As you can imagine, things don't go well for the Irish small town folks once this monster beast is roaming about, particularly for the American family touring the area for genealogy information. I've watched this film twice now and I honestly can't put a finger on it's quirkiness. Absolutely one for beer, pizza, and friends. 

Sharp Objects (2018): I am going to say, I'm doing it: I liked this series more than the book. There. Done. Don't hate me. I legit got a better textural and tangible picture of the super awful and menacing backdrop and characters than in the book. [shrugs] And damnit, even the very ending was far more terrifying, visually, than in the book. So there. That's my review. I liked it more than the book. Everything in this show is putrid and dangerous. Prepare yourself for a gut wrenching, nauseous ride. 

Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama (1988): If you read this title and are not immediately excited to see it then I ... I just don't know what. I'm sad. But if you read this title and are excited then you're in for a super fun treat. What could go wrong when a sorority pledge prank goes terribly wrong and unleashes a little demon imp thing? Everything goes wrong. Everything, much to the delight of all viewers. This one is all camp, fun, and cheese. Saturate yourself, and others, in this beautiful nonsense. Pairs with all sorts of delicious, terrible food. 

Sorry, Wrong Number (1948): First and foremost, you'll almost always find this film in either the Drama or Thriller section. It's on my horror list because it's strikingly nerve-wracking and - really disturbing ANYWAY! The story revolves around a difficult ... disturbed (?) woman who is waiting for her husband. It's late, he's not called, and she's on the phone trying to find him. She's in bed, late at night, and that's when she overhears through a mixed line, a plot to kill a woman. Things spiral into an insane story from there. Read more in my review here. 

Spring (2014): This haunting film is beautiful and frightfully mindmelty. It has the feel of sitting in the sun too long, or perhaps wandering strange city streets for days and you just want to sit down in a safe place for a second. There is no safe place here. It seems safe at first though when two young travelers turned lovers meet each other in an Italian village, but someone has plans for the other. Ruin your night by making it a double feature night with The Endless. read more in my review of that film here. 

The Stuff (1985): What is it? The question you should be asking yourself is: What can't the stuff do! It solves life's problems, makes you feel great, you don't need anything else in the world, and you can use it for everything! Just take a bite - just a little bite [shoves this down your throat] JUST HAVE A LITTLE - YOU'LL LOVE IT GADDAMIT!

Supernatural (1933): If you're looking for a little known spooky black and white classic, then look no further! This story revolves around a sadistic woman, who, after killing several men, is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. A light opening for a film from 1933. Welcome now a somewhat sketchy scientist who want's her dead body for research purposes - to perform a sort of paranormal experiment. Totally normal stuff, and it just gets more bizarre from there. Read more in my review here.

Things Heard & Seen (2021): Moody and frustrating at times, this film will take you down a dark path of psychological abuse and a little surrealism. I shuddered towards the end and was also a little disappointed - frustrated but oddly satisfied. I should have seen this coming, considering it's a story about a dysfunctional family moving from the city into a notorious old house in a small rural town...

Toys of Terror (2020): Full disclosure, this is not a *great* film, but its low budget honesty and active displays of everyone having fun and getting into making this film, is delightful - dare I say it has texture. I mean, what else can you expect from cursed toys out to kill? Pairs with Winter feel good foods and drink. Best watched with friends in a mood for the fun-loving absurd. 

Tragedy Girls (2017): This film is quite original - it's an extremely macabre story about the addictions of social media (in a way). Not sure where to file that one, but I can say that in the era of true crime podcast galore and murder porn everywhere, this film was birthed at just the right time. It is in its element and knows exactly what it's doing. Here we have high school best friends who run social media accounts about a murder spree in the area. But you gotta get those 'likes', you all!! So what are you going to do ... or rather, how far will you go for them? Read more in my review here. 

Victor Crowley (2017): Admittedly, I am not a fan of the Hatchet films. Never could get into or actually understand their allure. This one though, this one I found fun! The monster from the Hatchet films is back and fighting a (mostly) whole new team - chaos, blood bath, mayhem, it's all here in all it's glorious slaughter beauty. Great late night goodness. 

The Wind (1986): This gothic little tale follows an author as she escapes to a rural and near empty Greek village, hiding out in a drafty cottage to finish writing her book. This actually sounds like a great idea and perfect place to focus on finishing a project - that is until she realized her only neighbor is Major Mr. McCreep Pants. Things get wildly out of control from there. Let's throw in a very spooky, paranormal and powerful wind blasting the coastal shore to fan the madness flames...

Wisconsin Death Trip (1999): I Do Not Have Enough Words To Describe How Much I Love This Movie - well, I love the book far, far more of course, but I will always marvel at how well the bizarre cult book was translated into moving pictures. This is a terrifying tale(s), relaying very true newspaper clippings and photos from Black River Falls, Wisconsin during the late 1800's and early 1900's. It's grizzly and unnerving, and will leave you haunted by something you'll never be able to pinpoint, for a very long time. 

Want to check out anything you see here? Then just click on the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar.