Primate (2025) or How I Said Goodbye to An Old Friend

Happy new year my little buckets of blood!

While things are off to a rocky start for the new year, politically, economically - well, in general, I wanted to take a moment in my disconnection (for my health) to talk about: 

The Varsity Theater

Friends and family know I am a history fan, an architectural fan  - even wrote a book about it! So when I heard on a Tuesday that the last movie theater in the University District of Seattle was closing on Thursday, I asked my brother "want to see a movie?"

We saw the second to last film shown in this 80+ year old gem of Americana. And it was:

Primate

*I would post a photo of the poster but IMDB and Blogger no longer allows it. I .... have thoughts*

Was it the best film to say goodbye to? No. 

Was it hilariously appropriate for this theater?

Yes. 

I fell in love with this theater when I walked in, over 20 years ago, and realized it's more than a little messed up - in all the best ways. It's grungy, grimy, crooked, sloppy, and totally overrun by locals and cinephiles.  

It takes an alarmingly long time to take the stairs up to the two other smaller theaters that were created in the 70s (??). The bathrooms are wildly haunted. Haunted by ghosts or something else is debatable - they were always scary places. 

But my fondest memory is when I had a laughing attack (in the same theater I was sitting in on Thursday) during a film festival. It was a very serious film, theater was packed, and I just lost it in a laughing fit. 

I escorted myself out of the theater and laughed until I couldn't breathe and had tears running down my face. The feeling of the carpeted walls that I desperately clung to, remains in my veins.

That's how I'm going to remember this place - which is likely going to be torn down, to rest its tired bones. This is one building where I am okay to see it go. It carried too much and couldn't let things go. The place felt like a trap and that's what I gathered from the one and only person running the entire theater on that Thursday.

Which brings me to all the fun I had, watching Primate, as one of three people in the entire theater. 

This film is ridiculous. Silly. And the effects are rather spectacular.

While money was not spent in more solid character development, it was certainly spent on the practical effects and pure brutality. 

I let loose with this film - and this theater. I reacted to the jump scares with vigor, I screamed, jumped, my friends kept texting me and I didn't turn the sound down on my phone, I ate nearly the whole bag of popcorn and drank the large soda, threw my hands up in the air and talked aloud. I sat in discomfort a few rows in front of the seats that were ACTIVELY DECAYING - roped off for security reasons - in front of me.

This was MY theater and I was sending it out with a salute to its decades of entertainment and communal connection. 

Little sad it was Primate as the film but I also laughed about it. This film, while not good, was excellent entertainment for entertainment purposes. 

The story follows a family who lived with a chimpanzee for most of their lives. And then the chimpanzee gets bit, gets rabies, and their entire privileged life falls apart. 

The film is absurd in many ways - my brother and I laughed through most of it - but a serious acknowledgement to the work that went in to to the gore, the chimpanzees' decline, and general malice. 

This film is excellent entertainment if you just want to loose yourself for a little while.; just.... just to be in this rich, liminal space and recline to the chaos that is created from chance. 

While tragic, this film also gives CEOs dying in the ocean vibes. So. Take that for what it's worth. 

RIP Varsity! You were a noble dame who saw 80+ years of people through heart ache, hope, fear, and empathy. Rest now.

You will be missed. 

28 Years Later (2025)

October Challenge Day 17

OH MY Sh*t! This film was a wild ride! It's Friday night, let's talk about: 

28 Years Later

Right away you're going to notice the soundtrack. Who ever came up with the soundtrack: I can't tell if you're insane or brilliant. Good job!

Next you're going to notice the unique filming style. My brain couldn't process it at first but I soon caught on and squealed with glee. 

Then you're going to notice the gore, the glory, the graphic adventures of it all. 

Finally, you'll notice the shlongs.

Here we have the story of a small, isolated community just trying to survive life a full generation after the original outbreak. They are protected on this island but every once in a while they have to go to the main land to obtain supplies, train to kill, etc. 

That's when pops and is young son embark on his first trip to the mainland - and that kid sure does learn a lot on this adventure! There's plenty to discuss here, in a group, about the parallels of adolescence. 

I had so much fun watching this film. It's a little all over the place and traverses a lot of different emotions. One minute I'm checking my heart rate because fast zombies, next I'm crying because: very sad.

This is a gritty blood bath that is splattered in humor, heart, and striking settings. Best watched in a small group - preferably fans of the first two films but not necessarily! This film almost stands alone. Pairs with apples, mead, and scrambled eggs. 

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 absolute knockout!

Psycho (1960), Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

October Challenge Day 13

So, I watched all the Psycho films in one day.... here are some thoughts on:

Psycho (1960), Psycho II (1983), Psycho III (1986), Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)

So, I don't have much to add about the first film. It's a classic. A study. A brilliant use of all forms of art. More importantly (in my opinion) a perfect example of: if the movie scares you, cover your ears - not your eyes. 

I was hesitant diving into this one, and at first I wasn't really hooked. It felt forced at times ... and yet, things began to change for me when I realized I'm building sympathy for this man, this lost soul. He's just trying to get by, guys, start anew! He did his time. Leave him alone. 

But people are not leaving him alone, some are out for revenge.

The ending sold it for me. Slam dunk! In all, this was a solid return to our weirdo buddy and his "mother".  

Settle in with takeout from a dingy diner with this one.

Now [takes glasses off the face, rubs face], this took a turn for the wild and I LOVED IT. I saw a review refer to this film as the "slutty sister" of the franchise and I have to totally agree. I also agree that it's the slutty sister who is typically having the most fun - this film certainly did. 

This movie starts out with a woman shouting "God isn't real!" and everything went insane after that - like watching dominoes fall in a cinematic display - and they just keep falling. Here we have Norman  chilling at the Motel when a disgraced nun and a male drifter show up. Oh my, I think this might be my favorite of the franchise (I appreciate them all but for different reasons).

This is such a roller coaster watch,  a state fair fun house experience. Gory, very '80s slasher, wild and wacky while also being a gem of a story. Overall, I found this one thoroughly entertaining - straight up entertaining. 

Now, I love a good origins story, but I was sad to see this origin story didn't align with the origin story presented in the 3rd film! Just went in a different direction, particularly related to Norman's father. 

Different so much in that this is a serious feeling film. Disturbing in a different way.

Here we have Norman calling into a late night talk show (calling himself Ed, lolololo), while cooking a nice meal and birds sitting in their cage on the kitchen counter for some reason (chirping in the background), sharing his childhood. 

I love the premise, in fact, I love how he's presented in this film. And yet, and yet, this is by far the most boring of the four films. It's also just odd - I had a hard time picturing his mother in this presentation. It was disappointing, actually.  It's still a worthy watch.

This was a solid adventure for a day free of plans!

I own the first film and rented the rest. Use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find these features!

Skinner (1993)

October Challenge Day 10

It's Friday! And what in the David Lynchian fever dream is this ....? Let's talk about:

Skinner

This is a wild, wild story about a man who skins women and wears them. Now, we're horror fans so we all know the usual suspects for this behavior, but believe me when I tell you that no one is prepared for Traci Lords hunting down Ted Raimi, all while Ricki Lake is playing a trad wife - in this skinning scenario.

I call this David Lynchian because there's something else so weird and wrong with this film. Something that tickles the brain.  Something that makes your brain itch and scream. Sends you into a Blue Velvet meets Eraserhead world from which you can't escape.

Is this film worth your time? Yes. 

Do you know how to plan your time to watch this film? No.

However, there's just something about watching a Raimi running down a VERY '90s street in a flesh suite while shouting wildly inappropriate things that just seems to make sense during these trying times. 

Gory, detailed, violent, abuse at every level, and filled with mocking behavior in every corner, this is for the dedicated horror fans who appreciate the abstract and, also a study for actors and artists who like to take their works to the limits. 

Pairs with a giant, uncooked chicken and a glass of dirty water. Best watched with weirdos in a poorly furnished home - OR in an overly furnished house.

I rented this film from Scarecrow Video or use the Find It! Watch It! links to see where else you can find this wild adventure. 

Satan's Little Helper (2004)

October Challenge Day 25

So, I ... I went through a weird period in my life, during the early 2000's, where I thought I saw this film - among so many others. 

I'm just now realizing that that must have just been some weird fever dream because nearly all the films I thought I saw in the early 2000's - I didn't. This one included. 

Let's talk about: 

Satan's Little Helper

I .... do not like this film. I appreciate this film! Just don't really like it.... 

Here we have the story of a child who is really into video games and mistakes a serial killer as "Satan" from the video game. He's delighted. So is the serial killer. 

This is a cheeky film. It's as if John Waters and Troma had a love child. It's wildly inappropriate and a blood bath - all to say it's fun and entertaining. Just not my go-to fun and entertaining.

But here's where this film was a super win for me. I curled up on the couch on a Friday night, had all my snacks, turned on Joe Bob Brigg's Last Drive-In and he had this playing. Win win win all the way. 

There really is nothing like a late night TV host, sheparding you through horror films on a weekend night. I was in heaven. Just drift away in the comfort of absurdity, humor, gore, and the community of horror.

This is a good film for those weekend nights. This is a great film for those nights. 

I watched this film on Shudder or use Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this cheeky, cheeky feature. 

The Substance (2024)

October Challenge Day 6:

My friends and family were so excited to see this film. So the group of us headed over to the movie theater I once worked at and piled into the seats. 

Let's talk about:

The Substance

So all I knew about this film, walking in, was it was about women aging. That's about it. 

I love walking into films blind!

Here we have a starlet who's feeling time taking a toll on her mind, body, career, and soul.  Much of chaos that ensues could have been avoided if it weren't for toxic patriarchy and self esteem battles. But that wouldn't make for a great horror film. 

Throughout the film I kept chuckling about my own aging process. How wild it was that in my stupid youth (because youth is wasted on the young) I was free in my not fully developed frontal lobe, loving the world and making it through life on my own, working as a ticket taker at a movie theater. 

I had to hold back a chuckle when I ordered a drink at the concession stand when I told the staff, excitedly, "I used to work here, 27 years ago!?". Guess what, no body cared. No Body Cared lolololololololololo

Funny how those 27 years went by so quickly though. In the bathroom there I took a good look at my face in the mirrors I used to once wash while wearing my little theater uniform and bowtie.... I'm pretty alright with how things turned out. 

I think that's the point of the film, to a significant degree. Being okay with saying goodbye to who you were, appreciating where you're at, and having a good laugh and cry at all the time that was wasted (and not wasted). It goes much deeper than that but this is a conversation starter. 

This film is also a spectacular gory blood bath. Even this hardened horror fan had to look a way for a minute to two. Body horror all the way! And by the end, there was such a blood fiasco that I just ended up laughing out loud. Nearly all of us did.

Something my brother and I noticed were all the tributes to classic horror films and the art of practical effects throughout this film.  Let me know how many tributes you found! 

With this film floating between eras and ages, I couldn't stop thinking about how disgusting and beautiful it all was. Almost as if it was a heartache. A woman's heartache.

So I personally loved this film and looking forward to seeing it again. Chef's kiss.

I watched this film in the theater. Use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you might be able to find this GORY feature.

Terror Firmer (1999)

[takes a deep breath]

You smell that? There's nothing quite like Troma in the morning! Let's check out the delightfully disgusting:

Terror Firmer

I love Troma films. Absolutely love them!

What is it about starting my weekend mornings off with blood baths, breasts, guts, sex everywhere, flying limbs, scathing and witty social commentary, body juices all over the place, fire, exploding body parts, and  just general chaos.

Who knows! That's between me and my therapist, I guess. 

Here we have the classic tale of a small budget film crew and a serial killer on the loose. Everything goes bad. That's all you need to know, it's just nonstop bedlam, roll with it. 

It's disgusting, it's so wildly disgusting and so wildly whip-smart - I found myself in laugh attacks while simultaneously recognizing the very real social commentary as body parts are flying around. In IMDB, there is a Trivia statement: 

"This movie is also known as "One giant Tribute to all Troma films" as this film has many similarities to other Troma movies. Some actors with small parts in this movie were the leading characters in other Troma movies."

I couldn't agree more. It's a love letter to Troma films. It's a love letter to society misfits, outcasts, artists, the chaos of independent film making, and how we're all bonded in our love for the unusual, absurd, and calling out the hypocritical. 

This film somehow reminded me of my days as a stage manager for a small independent theater company and I had to shout to the actors, "Could you please put some clothes on!" as I'm trying to wrangle them up for rehearsal and they're just running around half naked. Fond memories <3

That's all I'm going to say about this film. Walk into it blind, first thing on a weekend morning, like I did. If you are new to Troma films then there is absolutely nothing I can do to prepare you. It's a horror right of passage that must be done on your own.

Best watched on Sunday mornings. Pairs with friend eggs and hair of the dog of your choice. 

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 catch this beautiful disruption of normality. 

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines (2023)

October Challenge Day 26

My siblings and I, we're a Pet Sematary household. We grew up with - and would routinely watch - the original. This was made more horrifying because Gage looked just like our youngest brother. So it was a lot of fun when one of my brothers came over to my place to watch this film while we were on a text thread with the other brothers.  

Let's take a look at:

Pet Sematary: Bloodlines

Now this is a fun premise! It's the origin story of Jud Crandall (Jud from the 2019 Pet Sematary, not the original Jud (1989) - and how the cursed, stony ground began (in a sense)... It starts with the burial of Timmy Baterman by none other than David Duchovny himself!

Hahaha!

Okay, okay, so I was really having a good time with this one. Especially when Pam Grier showed up. I could laugh, honestly entertained, at the silliness, the quirks, the head-tilts. But folks, things just kept taking more and more wrong turns that by the end - my brother and I Could Not Keep It Together! 

Hahahahahahaha!

We could not stop talking through the film, questioning our sanity regarding what we were seeing and hearing. Also, WHY did Jud continuously park in the middle of that damn, dangerous road!? Why? It made my brain itch.

I started convincing myself that maybe this film was created like it was specifically to develop some sort of cult following. We were at our wits end with the total lack of logic by the conclusion of the film.

Was it still entertaining? Yes it was. 

Did it make sense? No. 

Why was the casting this way? Not sure.

How did Jude's girlfriend end up tied up in a hole in the ground? Not a clue.

How did everyone know to meet in the exact same spot of the swamp? ..... 

What Is It With These Tunnels????

Uh, the struggle was real with this one - but if you just sit back and let the Calgon, take me away adventure unfold then you'll have a good time.   

We were pretty flabbergasted by the entire experience, though. 

Give this one a shot. At least once. It was: an experience. 

Best watched in a group. I personally made two pizzas for the movie watching event - that worked out well. Beer and blankets a must. Turn off all the nights and great ready for a lot of WTFs (but they're entertaining WTFs).

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

Glorious (2022)

October Challenge Day 24

Oh goodness - yeah, this one begs the question: when the universe talks to you, do you *really* want to listen. Let's take a look at:

Glorious

Here we have the story of lonely o'l Wes. He's struggling at the loss at his last relationship and appears to be on the run from himself and his memories. So what does he do? He high tails to a remote rest stop and proceeds to lose it. 

Drinking, burning memories, loosing his pants and passing out in the woods. We've all been there once or twice. I get it. 

But it's when he enters to derelict bathroom that things take a turn, and someone or some thing is hiding in one of the stalls - testing his sanity.

This is a blood bath and cringe binge party. And it's also a little all over the place but the brilliantly timed morbid humor really ties it all together.

Oh, did I mention there is a glory hole in this stall?

In all, is this pretty concrete horror story about a monster, an unraveling mind, and your past coming back to collect your toll...

Disgusting, creepy, with a science fiction flare, this is a good one to check out at least once. You may have some questions by the end ... you may not ....

Best watched in a nasty home, with flies buzzing in the kitchen and a dripping sink. Where colorful pajamas. Pairs with bourbon and regret.

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

Berserker (1987)

October Challenge Day 21

Do I really need to review this film? Really? You can just look at the title and the poster and *KNOW* what's happening here. 

Let's take a look at:

Berserker

Here we have the story of a car full of young folks going out into the woods and - just like that - danger arrives. This time, as a Nordic berserker in bear form. 

Folks, I could not hold it together when the song "Cool Dude" - and two dudes were spraying beer on each other, shirtless - made it's debut appearance. I could not. Hold. It. Together.

So I'm of Nordic descent, on both sides of my family. The geneology results were absolutely unsurprising at 98% Scandinavian. What makes me laugh though, is that I have routinely referred to going into berserker mode when threatened. It's true. I have witlessness. I've scared my friends (in a good way). 

This though ... is .... it's own delightful and charming chaos. 

Folks, this is exactly what you think it will be and that's just fine. I love this stuff - I mean I love all types of horror - but obviously the trash horror is going to be my comfort food. 

Things turn out bad for most of these kids, as expected. But what's not expected is who makes it out of the clutches of this berserker spirit. Sit back, grab a drink and your favorite food and just let the brain melt away for a little while. 

I rented this film from Scarecrow Video or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this slightly unusual creature feature. 

Planet Terror (2007)

October Challenge Day 12

I sometimes still kick myself for not making it to the theater to see the Death Proof and Planet Terror double feature. Dang it! 

Alas, my bad. 

I also have no idea why it took me 16 years to see this amazing film! Hell, it took me 11 years to see Death Proof. Well, in any case, I've finally seen: 

Planet Terror

Sweet baby jesus, this gore fest is FANTASTIC! I shouldn't be surprised, particularly when Tom Savini is involved ... 

Fast and ferocious, this absolute mess of blood, guts, monsters, and humor is some of my favorite things! Oh my goodness this one is so gross! Hahahaha! Love IT!

Here we have the classic story of when sketchy science combined with sketchy people is let loose in the world and a pandemic - some of the nastiest zombie-like creatures I've ever seen - takes over the world.

This isn't your typical creature feature, it's rock and roll, it's wild, it's hot, it's ruthless and completely unapologetic in every shape and form. Aghahaha! I want to watch it again!

Everyone is so great in this film. The effects are TOP TIER! How is Cherry Darling here, able to shoot directly from her gun leg? Who knows! Who cares! I sure didn't. 

I laughed so hard when the film cuts, half way through, and apologizes to the audience for missing a reel of the film - and then cuts back to the movie (clearly jumping far ahead) without explanation for why everyone is now gathered in a building. Lolololololololololo

Oh it brought back memories of when I worked in a movie theater, in the late '90s, and I had to haul film reals around, and to and from other theaters. Those containers are heavy as hell! I won't be surprised if I ever learn how often one of those containers would get lost. 

Fantastic film. 

Best watched on a lazy ass movie night. Alone works but probably best with company. See if you can find yourself a bar with a big screen and enjoy with strangers! Of course highly recommended to watch it as the intended double feature with Death Proof. Pairs with a ton of booze. 

I watched this film on the Roku channel or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this balls to the wall wild ride. 

The Lair (2022)

October Challenge Day 6

I'm a sucker for military horror films. Or even military-esk horror films (e.g. John Carpenter's The Thing, etc).

Now, Dog Soldiers is - hand's down - one of my favorites and probably kick-started my love of this horror story style. I've tried understanding why but I'm guessing I just really like the fast-paced action, the witty banter right before something terrible happens, and the teamwork-oriented kickassery. 

Could be that or perhaps it's just me coming from three generations of military families and I'm just trying to get through some generational trauma. Either way! Military horror films are some of my favorites. 

So when I saw a trailer for this film, I was all "...hell yeah. Doesn't even look great but now I have to see it". Let's check out:

The Lair

Yeah, this one starts off strong with a military plane being shot down and some big tiddies. And that's when I knew exactly where this film was going. So, with an unsurprising sigh, I cracked open a beer and waited for the monsters to arrive. 

This film follows some troops in Afghanistan who stumble upon a Soviet bunker that is filled with evil scientific, and forgotten experiments.... Uh Oh!

Yes, this film is exciting, visually, fast-paced, filled with quite the cast of characters, and loaded with epic fight and kill scenes. The dialogue though is lacking... but in a fun way, if you're prepared for it. The monsters on the other hand are Excellent! Super stellar fun monsters!

Overall, rather ridiculous but fun if you're looking for a fling-style movie night. Best watched in a bunker, or a living room blanket fort will also work well. Keep lights low and load up on comfy, cozy, blankets and pillows. Pairs with chicken nugget dinners (or chicken curry), beer, seltzers, or another drink that no one else really likes or understands but brings you joy. 

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 military monster feature. 

The Runner (2022)

Chaos. Compulsion. Carnal Impulse. 

I really don't know what I just watched but the music was great. Let's take a quick look at:

The Runner

This is possibly a 40 minute music video. Or it could be a sharp art house film that not everyone will understand. Or, still, it could be just a very creative look into madness, monsters, and music. 

Actually, it's all of these things I think.

And I Love it!

Here we have the story of a woman - feral, hungry, and out looking for blood - just wandering around in the woods. She finds herself in a small town that is still stuck somewhere in a fever dream. Watch out for this one, folks. She's messy. 

I really don't have much else to add. You have to walk in blind like I did. In fact, I watched this film twice! First time I was making meatballs and red sauce, trying to get glances from the kitchen. Then I sat down, with my meatballs and red sauce, and watched it watched it. Oddly, this was a VERY fitting meal for this short. 

A lovely exploration into our inner monsters and the ways in which we release them - with music being the back drop for those complicated inner selves. 

Best watched in a weird head space. Pairs - obviously - with meatballs and red sauce.

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 intoxicating drunk dream of a film. 

Cocaine Bear (2023)

Oh I've been excited to see this film! The trailers alone promised a clever gore fest and it did not disappoint! Let's just dive into the delight that is:

Cocaine Bear

So my brother and I love going to the theater to watch films. A particular favorite (although it's not good for business) is when it's just us in the theater! Such as the case with this film - which was a surprise to me because the movie is titled "Cocaine Bear"! Who doesn't want to see this?!?!?

Anyway, so yeah, in these cases we treat the theater like our own lavish entertainment room. Complete with just shouting at each other from across the room. Using the plug-ins to charge our phones, and absolutely MST3K-ing it up! And I got to say, based on personal experience, to truly enjoy this movie you best be in a place where you can be loud, hoot, holler, and cringe all over the place at the kill scenes.

Okay, so this film is a goretastic thrill binge of a feature. It cuts right to the chase with the chaos - and the humor. It's a little ol' story about a bear that stumbles upon a whole lot of cocaine dropped from the sky. Pretty straight forward, pretty much instant insanity. 

The amount of 1980's detail that went into creating this film absolutely slays me, though. It was like my brother and I were back home, single parent household, with Mom in the hot pink windbreaker outfit. 

I actually can't remember if Mom had that specific outfit ... but it was close!

We both laughed out lout at the kids-just-roaming-free wildness of the era. We were them. So much so that Mom put up a bell on the back porch and rang it 1880's farm house style to signal when we could come back inside or it was time to eat. We could hear it from quite a distance away, which were usually were. 

So yeah, again, the details that went into creating the mid-'80s here is STELLAR. We were knocked right back into our childhood and thank goodness it didn't have a bear hopped up on cocaine in it. 

The kills scenes are some of the grossest I've seen in a long time. Long Time! I looked away at some points, cringed every time, and marveled at the creativity. So well done, so .... dare I say ... funny at times? 

There's not much else you need to know, really - I mean, the film is called Cocaine Bear! Hahahahaha!

So yeah, this thrill ride of blood and guts tested all the right limits with exceptional skill, it's a hell of a good time. If you get the chance to see it in the theater then please do!

Best watched with friends and trashy but delicious food and beer, (don't do drugs, kids). 

I watched this film in the theater, drinking beer and shoveling a hot dog in my mouth. Again, if you don't catch this one in the theater, check out the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find exceptional creature feature. 

The Deeper You Dig (2019)

October Challenge Day 26

So I started up this film, not sure what to expect, and lo and behold, who should I see but my favorite Mother, Father, Daughter movie producers, actors, score writers, movie making tag team! Hell yeah, Adams family! Let's dive into:

The Deeper You Dig

I love these three. You can't help but feel the love they have for each other in real life AND THEN their creative energy working together to make some seriously f*ucked up shit! 

Hi, hello. I know I'm a 43 year old widow but can you adopt me? Can I be a part of this family??

Smart, succinct, and moody as hell, here we have the story of a late night road accident turned maddening when Mom goes out looking for her missing daughter. She's got her eye on you, sir. 

This film reminded me a lot of the Greenbrier Ghost story. Where a ghost was legally allowed as evidence to prove a murder because mama didn't back down! Fascinating story, actually. 

This film is going to lean on the artsy side - as an FYI for you folks who don't care for that. I think everyone should check it out though. Again, I love this family and what they are able to create together. Bonus! Their band Hellbender (H6LLB6ND6R) is KICK ASS *and* their film, Hellbender is pretty rocking too!

In all, this one has all the witchy bitch bad ass Moms vibes and I'm here for it. Hell, I was raised by a witch and [kiss to the universe] Happy Birthday, Mom. Continue keeping an eye from the other side of the veil. <3

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

The Field Guide to Evil (2018)

October Challenge Day 13

This one came recommended to me when it was first released - and I will admit, immediately, I thought it was going to be a bit heady and artsy, but I wasn't expecting it to be *this* heady and artsy! (which I don't mind at all!)

Let's dive into - 

The Field Guide to Evil

Here with have an anthology film, filled with myths and legends collected from around the world.  Folks, this film is BEAUTIFUL. Lovely, gorgeous, totally disturbing and very beautiful. 

However! This is a hard one to watch in one sitting. It was difficult for me and I love, love, love art house films. 

All of the stories here are vastly different - and not in just the stories presented. They each have their own style, director, and feel. It's a little difficult to mentally and emotionally transition between each of them (although the transitions are brilliant!). I was trying to understand why there were quite a few low ratings for this film until I noticed a lot of the complaints were about the difficulty of paying attention/keeping the audience engaged. 

I actually don't disagree. I think this one would best be appreciated in small bites. Think of it as a huge, expensive coffee table book, filled with stories about abandoned places around the world. You wouldn't necessarily sit down one day and read the whole thing - you would peruse it, appreciate the lovely photos, and read about one abandoned place while having an afternoon tea. 

That's how I recommend watching this beauty. 

In all, take your time with this one. Sit back, enjoy the art, enjoy the passionate retelling of cultural horrors, embrace the folk horror. 

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 morbid curiosity.

Raw (2016)

October Challenge Day 2:

I have a love/hate relationship with French Extremism horror. More often than not, I end up totally traumatized and vowing never to watch another one of these films again. Which is why this one sat on my To Watch list for years.

I am happy to report that this film and I jived most excellently. Let's take a look at:

Raw

Here we have a promising young woman going off to veterinary school. She joins her older sister there and the party begins. Oh, and they are vegetarians. Oh, and hazing involves eating meat.

Uh Oh.

She experiences a transformation....

This film is chaos - complete and utter chaos, but rolled out so well, smoothly, and drenched in blood. Literally. 

Apparently people passed out in theaters when watching this film, which I totally expect from French extremism horror, but I did not.  I have a complicated relationship with food and in fact threw up my soup when watching Inside. To be fair, I did not like my soup and it was sitting poorly. 

This is a beautifully disgusting blood bath of sexuality, coming-of-age, mental transformations and addictions. It feels like a fever dream wrapped up in vague memories you can't trust. I also can't stop laughing at this review from Letterboxd:

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

Evil Dead 2 by Hourglass Escapes AND Evil Dead II (1987)

My family are puzzle people. We LOVE Puzzles! Almost any kind - with the exception of 99% of word puzzles... 

But back to FUN puzzles! 

So we love puzzles, particularly jigsaw puzzles and hours long board games. With that, a brother and I are particularly fond of escape rooms! So, when I asked what he wanted to do for his birthday he said he wanted to do an escape room and would look for one that looked like fun. 

A few days later I get a call: 

Him: "Hey, Jolie. I found an escape room. Can you guess which one?"

Me: "Is it scary?"

Him: "Yes ... it's a movie..."

Me: "Is it Evil Dead!?"

Him: "Yes! How did you know?"

Because I'm good, that's how. No really, I had heard that something like this exists and I was certain he was going to find it and would want to check it out. Siblings. 

So this particular post is going to be a little different because it's both a shout out to an EXCELLENT escape room experience - my favorite so far! AND and little review/reminder of the amazing Evil Dead II.

First, the Shout Out:

If you're like some of my co-workers and friends who just gave me a blank look when I excitedly shared that I went to an escape room over the weekend, let me summarize the experience:

An escape room is where you get locked into a room and you have to solve a series of hidden physical clues within the room to get to additional rooms and or simply get out. Now, this can be a rather claustrophobic experience for some because some of the rooms can be rather small. I actually went to a 'mad scientist horror show' escape room and actually had a bit of a panic because it was #1: felt too small #2: I was getting frustrated at not finding clues.  Sometimes booze helps before these adventures, sometimes it doesn't. 

In all, these rooms require a lot of fun team work and collective critical, analytical thinking. You know, a utopia and what I envision as world peace. 

So that's a summary of an escape room. There are rooms all over the country and they all have fun, exciting, themes that come in all shapes, sizes, and - if it's your flavor like mine - scares. 

With that, since I have been to so many escape rooms, and enjoyed them all, Evil Dead 2tm by Hourglass Escapes has by far been my favorite! My very favorite! This room was exceptionally and lovingly detailed with very clever clues. It was fun the entire time (instead of frustrating) and if you're an Evil Dead fan, all the more the bonus. It will blow your mind with the amount of Easter eggs and tributes - you can tell some love and fandom went into building these rooms.

So yay you, Evil Dead 2 by Hourglass Escapes! IT WAS A BLAST! And great job!

Second, the Movie:

I can't tell you how many times I've seen this film, but I can say it's an utter delight every time I do watch it. It's also a bit of a shock to me when I reference this film (or film series), fully expecting something like "Shop smart, shop S-Mart" as a response, when all I get is a blank stare. I really don't know what to do with myself in those situations and I usually make it worse by trying to share *more* quotes, which, naturally, just digs me deeper into the awkward hole. So, if this film is new to you, let me introduce you to:

Evil Dead II

There is a wild madness to this film. A wild madness that I can never stop looking at, and was honed in on after the making of the first Evil Dead (also an excellent, excellent film, but I think horror fans from all walks will agree that Evil Dead II is better than the original. I mean, hell - there's an entire escape room dedicated to film #2). 

The wild madness is about the first thing viewers will notice - the erratic monster vision, the nonsensical plot line beginnings, and the BRILLIANCE of Bruce mf Campbell (love you). 

Here we have a story about a couple that plan a stay in a remote cabin in the woods. A book of the dead is discovered and demons are unleashed on an epic, gory, hilarious, and outrageous level. I mean, on levels not ever quite seen before or since. 

I was re-watching this film after the escape room and I [insert the Leonardo DiCaprio pointing at the TV with a beer in his hand meme] was delighted af to see all the very, very sharp attention to detail with both this film and the escape room fan room. I could even point to certain scenes in this film where I was able solve parts of the Evil Dead escape room - and didn't realize it at the time. Clever, clever, clever. 

This film is madness in all forms and it's super fun, super gross, super brilliant. It's one-of-kind for sure. A must not miss if you're a horror fan and quite likely a film that will come up in conversation if you're new to horror films. It's a classic and must see. Again. And again. And again. And again. 

This particular escape room is best experienced in a small (around 3, probably no more than 4 person) group. You have 70 minutes to solve the clues and get out or you're dragged straight to hell by a gaggle of demons. Good Luck!

The film is best watched in a much larger group, probably after you just escaped the grasp of being dragged to hell. Pairs best with laughter, booze, pot (probably a lot of pot) and insane snacks that don't sound like they should work or taste good but actually do both and it blows everyone's mind. 

Again, shout out to Hourglass Escapes! If you're in the Seattle area, be sure to check them out. If you're not in the Seattle area please check out your local escape rooms if puzzle rooms are your thing!

I own Evil Dead II or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this MUST SEE and can NEVER FORGET film.

Fresh (2022)

I recently got back into the dating scene. It's an ... interesting place. A wild west, lawless sort of place, complete with a vast and nearly incomprehensible array of profiles, pictures, and people. I'm speaking particularly with online dating, of course. 

Online dating doesn't have the same feeling and allure as the classic meet-cute story, however. Those are always fun or ... disastrous, as evident in: 

Fresh

Here we have a young woman who is trying the online dating thing, not liking it much, when she meets a handsome man in the produce section of a grocery store. Things escalate quickly, sweetly, and she decides to go on a trip out of town with this promising man. 

Folks, as someone who sends my friends photos of my date, time of date, location of said date, and expected time to return home from date: NEVER EVER GO TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION WITH A STRANGER. I DON'T CARE HOW CUTE HE IS.

It's a scary and dangerous world out there, and this film both highlighted that AND made fun of it, in a satirical yet gruesomely real way. 

While the plot becomes somewhat predictable at points, it comes around with some pretty epic unexpected punches and alarmingly real moments. In particular, the very, very end scenes - which, after the earlier blood bath of the film (also epic), had me laugh out loud. So help me, I just watched carnage and mayhem and I laughed out loud at some pretty typical dating topics. 

In short, this is a fun, brutally gory, and very telling story about the dangers of getting to know someone/making yourself vulnerable. 

Best watched with a best friend over wine, brunch, or after a disastrous date the night before. Pairs with vegetarian dishes. Suggestion: text someone "U up" at an ungodly hour. 

This movie came recommended to me by a Tinder match. I watched it on Hulu, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find gory "love" story. 

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.