The House with Laughing Windows (1976)

October Challenge Day 22

Oh this has been on my To Watch list for YEARS! In fact, I have been wanting to see this film for so long, I finally put down a $200 deposit to rent it! Lololololo. Let's check out this Giallo gem:

The House with Laughing Windows 

Putting animals in a coffin as a prank during a funeral

Refrigerator full of snails crawling everywhere

Solving an eel situation in the waters that is never discussed again

A cursed church fresco

Electric cords that start on fire

A mad painter

"Caught on fire, ran off, period."

Paralyzed woman locked away? No problem. She probably has a venereal disease

These are the good things a good Giallo film is made of! And this one blew it out of the water. Bonus! Spooky, scary house!

Here we find a young man who's been summoned to a small Italian village to fix a church fresco.  He starts getting strange phone calls to NOT fix the fresco and when he does it anyway, people start dying, disappearing, or deceiving.

I don't watch a lot of Giallo films and that's on me - there's no excuse for this level of lackadaisical. So expect more. 

This is a spooky one, a cripplingly sinister film in a dingy, forgotten part of a fever dream. Captivating and engaging in every way (make sure your eyes are glued at all times), with a masterpiece of set design: this one is for you, especially, cinephiles. 

I rented this film from Scarecrow Video (Wednesdays are rent one get one free day!) or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's to see where else you can find this absolutely stellar, skin crawling, feature.

Warlock (1989)

October Challenge Day 20

Lololololololoooooooooooooo. This is a fun movie for the right time. Let's talk about:

Warlock

This is such a silly film. I loved it. It's a perfect 1989 film too - just [chef's kiss] quintessential. 

I had a hard time keeping anything remotely like a straight face with this one. Also the woman's hair is so bad. 

Here we have the story of a warlock transported from 1600s Boston, just as he's about to be burned to death, only to tornado his way to 1980s LA area for some reason. But wait! A witch hunter is on his tail and also was transported in time. The witch hunter's use of old English confuses the woman who claims she's 20 and has really bad hair - nevertheless, they have to find the warlock together because the warlock blew through her living room window and killed her gay roommate. 

This picture is a hard one to hate because it's a hard one not to love. It's really bad and knows it, but leaned into its camp so hard that it circled back into a good time.

This film is to be shown in dive bars with a dedicated clientele. Sound optional. It should be re-watched several times before it becomes appreciated. I mean, it can easily be appreciated right away but this is a cult film for sure. 

I watched this while doing several project in the background - and had a good chuckle the entire time. 

This movie is a fun outfit. A drink your friends dare you to try. A story a bestie will share with strangers that will embarrass you a little bit but it was still bonding and you laugh because life is short. 

I do not recommend this film for folks new to horror films. This is not novice stuff - it's for the hardened camp/cult fans who know how to spot deep-seeded satire when they see it. That and appreciating the time it was created. It's a perfect 1980's horror film storm - or rather a Frankenstein monster. 

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

The Ninth Gate (1999)

October Challenge Day 14

Uh. This one tickled my '90s movie heart. Let's talk about:

The Ninth Gate

Now, as an archivist by nature, the amount of cigarette smoking and mishandling of the rare books this movie revolves around, horrified me. Absolutely appalled. 

As a cigarette smoker who's always hauling books among other things in a large bag that is always tossed over my shoulder, I roared with laughter. Just chucking and reminiscing of the old smoking indoors days.

This story follows a rare book dealer who's trying to authenticate the validity of a book apparently written "by Satan". Murderous satanists pursue. 

Now, at my securely middle age, I love '90s movies. Such fond memories, and it's a double delight to find one that I didn't even watch in the '90s until now! There is just such a taste and style to the environment that rockets me back in time where I smile but also think "Yeah, that was an interesting time..."

That is this movie. Ah yes, it does the job and it is nice on the eyes but .... in fact it's just a little weird. I'll shelve this next to The Devil's Advocate.

Best watched with bibliophiles on a late afternoon, preferably after book club with your friends who weren't raptured. Pairs with cigarettes and whiskey. 

I watched this film on Hoopla (which you can watch for free with your Library Card!!) or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this very '90s feature.

Trick or Treat (1986)

October Challenge Day 3

OH HELL YEAH!

I rented this film from Scarecrow Video as a double feature with The Wraith (also highly recommended) and what a GREAT Double Feature idea!!!

Let's check out:

Trick or Treat

Let's stroll down the lane of this goofy but adorable metal head kid as he navigates his high school bullies and his internal torment of his idol musician suddenly dying. But wait! He obtains this musician's last secret album ... plays it backwards ... and suddenly he has extra powers! And those bullies, well, they start realizing they shouldn't mess with him anymore.

Right off the bat this film kicks, is a big bag of bad ass, and just a hell of a lot of fun to watch. 

An absolute must watch for a lazy, cool, October day or a nice Friday night and a not miss for so many horror fans. Let's not forget the little bit of demon sex here. Head's up. 

Hilariously fun and excellent practical effects, with a plot line that grabs you immediately and never let's go - it's been a minute since I have been *this* excited about a teenage '80s slasher/demon drama.

Best watched with people who thought rock and roll would ruin the kids, Carrie fans, or a salty teenager. Pairs with soup or PB&J sandwiches and surrounded by your awesome music collection. Cannot recommend this enough, I can see why it's a cult classic.

Again, I rented this 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 metal slammer. 

MaXXXine (2024)

October Challenge Day 15

I was pretty excited to see this film - the third in the X series. I also wasn't expecting much aside from being entertained.

Let's talk about:

MaXXXine

I got what I asked for! 

Here we have the story of Maxine Minx making it big in Hollywood after surviving her Texas Chainsaw Massacre experience in the '70s. It's the '80's now, baby, and her work in the porn industry is rising her through the movie ranks. 

Unfortunately there is a serial killer loose in the city. AND someone stalking her, knows her dark history. 

While not as engaging as the earlier two films, this is still a fun one to watch. I appreciated the style and era references - the fine touches on this film are excellent. And as is the case for all these films, the desire and practical want or use of sex is the catalyst. And again with all these films, a woman is handling it all Just Fine. 

This is a casual horror film for casual watching. Best watched with friends who know EXACTLY how to handle you when you go out for a night. Pairs with very little food and maybe some coffee. 

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

The Demon Disorder (2024)

October Challenge Day 14

There is just something about generational trauma films that scares the piss out of me. 

Let's talk about:

The Demon Disorder

Here we have three brothers who regroup under the decaying family home, after the youngest brother starts developing symptoms of their dead father. 

This film is absolutely disgusting. I mean, The Thing levels of practical effects. There's something lurking in the family home and it's gross AF. 

I found myself reacting to the morbid '80s style of the house, the sibling connection (as I have several brothers) and the courage it takes for children to face their generational demons - bestowed to them against their will. 

This is a complex film and I wouldn't recommend it unless you've healed from a traumatizing religious background and/or from taking care of an aging parent. 

It's also oddly funny at times. Funny in the way you'll have a case of the giggles at the most inappropriate time, odd.

Again, profoundly graphic, gruesome, and shudder inducing. This is a film for HORROR fans and not light horror fans. 

Best watched with siblings or friends with parents in a nursing home, suffering from dementia.  Pairs with a bad looking cake and some soup.

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

Apartment 7A (2024)

October Challenge Day 3: 

When I started this film up, I legit - Legit - had no idea what I was getting into. 

I was somehow so oblivious about this film that I had no idea it was a prequel to Rosemary's Baby until about 20 minutes in. 

Let's take a moment to talk about: 

Apartment 7A

Here we have the story of Terry, who Rosemary met once and long ago in the basement laundry room. We only knew her for a minute...

And that's when I realized it's been a long time since I've seen Rosemary's Baby. We'll get back to that later...

I appreciate the originality. I really appreciated how an entire movie was made surrounding the backstory of a bit character in a Classic horror film. 

I'm sad to say that I felt a majority of the film was weak - and I have no real other term for this experience. The film felt forced and uninspired aside from depending on people who just love Rosemary's Baby. And still, I loved the idea. 

Here we have the story of down-on-her luck young woman in New York who is gifted the opportunity to move into a stellar apartment and start a new life. Who wouldn't turn that down. Unfortunately, if it's too good to be true, it usually is...

Made more spooky for me though, is that I just came back from a visit to New York City for the first time in my life and I realized I was right next to The Dakota as I was strolling Central Park...

In all, I wanted to like this film more than I did. I appreciated the work and creativity. I was disappointing by the final outcome with exception to the very end which packed a punch. 

This is worth at least one watch and I'll be curious to see how this one matures as time creeps on. 

Best watched in alone or with a small group. Pairs with soup and strange dishes that sound like they should be familiar but aren't.

I watched this film on Paramount+ or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to see where else you can watch this classic demon story.

Fright House (1989)

October Challenge Day 27

Okay, so it's Friday night and you're all settled in for the evening. What do you watch? Trash sometimes. Sometimes it's trash. Let's take a look at:

Fright House

So the description of this film hinted at some sort of anthology but I didn't see anything that resembled that. In fact, I still have No Idea what I watched?!

At the beginning there was something about a monster killing people, making it look like a suicide? Then there is a bare-chested witch posing as a therapist? There's a cop being mean to his fiance? There is a fraternity that inherited an abandoned house?? There is apparently the devil lurking around campus but I couldn't tell if the house was on campus or was the house the same one that was half demolished - what's going on here!?!

And then I see this film has both Duane Jones and Al Lewis in it. Not Ben from Night of the Living Dead, and Grandpa from The Munsters! What is going on here?!

This film is ... not good. 

I could not keep track of what was going on so I started shopping online.

Did it give me the comfort background noise to make for a perfect snuggle night in on a cold October night? Most certainly. 

My favorite review of this film comes from Tony the Halloween Terror, on Letterbox, who said: "I didn't understand at least half of the eyebrows in this movie". Same, Tony, same.

I watched this film on Tubi, because of course I did, or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this .... feature...

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. 

Anything for Jackson (2020)

October Challenge Day 19

I forget now what I was looking for when I stumbled upon this stellar feature, but I'm so glad I stopped to check it out!

Anything for Jackson

SOLID SOLID SOLID! Loved it.

Here we have the sweet, heartbreaking story of a pair of grandparents grieving over the loss of their very young grandson. Terribly sad. 

Until it turns out they are Satanists looking to kidnap a pregnant woman and sacrifice her body so that they can transfer the spirit of their grandson into her child. 

That escalated quickly!

This film is quite clever. Whip-smart and gory. A delightfully fun and striking blood bath. Oh, did I mention there are creatures they accidentally conjure? Fun Times!!

You really can't go wrong when turning religion into a horror story. Same with pregnancy horror shows. These things easily go hand-in-hand. And when you put religion, pregnancy, and horror all in one!? You get the repeal of Roe v. Wade in the United States, and just, generally, the American healthcare system. Fun Times!! ...

This is a simple but beautifully made horror show. Outrageously entertaining and PERFECT for a Halloween movie binge.

I'm going to argue this is best watched alone on a spooky night. Pairs with tea, soup, and love in your heart.

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 find this refreshing feature.  

To the Moon (2021)

October Challenge Day 18

Oh goodness, this one hit me a little funny. Let's just git right to it. Let's check out:

To The Moon

There's a lot going on with this little independent feature. Oh goodness.

Okay, so here we have the story of a husband and wife who retreat from the city into their family's cabin in the woods. We soon discover they are embarking on this adventure so that the husband can withdraw from his addiction, when all of a sudden his estranged and spiritual brother shows up out of nowhere and things get weird. 

So this is a solid story, a really neat premise. I was surprised at the immense and angry sigh that came out of my mouth though - for personal reasons. When my husband was first hospitalized for his addiction (that got him in the end), his immediate response to my trauma was "Let's go camping, and work this out".

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! 

You very nearly died and you want to go camping?! WTF. Get your ass to rehab.

Anyway, my counselor will probably have some thoughts on my reaction to this film ...

Back to the film.

Yes, the brother is different - seeking a spiritual experience, while his LA actor brother is still hesitant about his company. There's a long history with these two that didn't seem to make much of an appearance, but it's clear there is tension. 

The wife is just holding her own and her brother-in-law is showing her a little more attention than is comfortable for everyone. Bonus, there may be a cult lurking out in them woods. 

While this film is a little bit all over the place, and I spent a significant amount of time screaming internally because several scenarios and reactions in this film felt TOO CLOSE to my memory - so this review is a little skewed, overall it's a descent film. 

The acting is alright but something felt a little off. The brother-in-law was quite excellent, though! Rightfully giving the eeks. The writing and setting was also pretty descent but I couldn't quite figure out if the film was trying to be a '60/'70s vibe film or reflecting that it was inspired by said films. 

Again, in all, not a bad film at all, and yet something felt off quite a few times. Was it me though? Was I off? (quite possibly). Just check it out, all the same!

Pairs with herbal tea and body cleansing meals. Best watched in a cabin in the woods. 

I watched this on my Philo account or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can find this curious independent feature. 

The Source Family (2012)

October Challenge Day 29

I debated heavily about putting this out as a horror film review, but it came up in conversation with friends so much - because CULTS ARE TERRIFYING - that I was all, what the hell. Let's check out:

The Source Family

I hate cults so much. 

SO MUCH. 

I didn't even look up from my computer when major events happened in this documentary. I just pointed at the TV, and on queue, when this documentary was trying to be dramatic, I continued typing when these  happened:

He thinks he's speaking to God. 

He says he loves you.

He starts having fancy cars/things.

Drugs come into the picture.

Give up your finances.

Give up your support system.

Give up your identity.

Young women/girls become a part of the scene. 

You can marry multiple people. 

Oh look, now we have 15 year old wives.

I'm shocked.

:|

So this sorry excuse of a human not only started a cult based on wholesome food, but killed multiple people with his own hands, left multiple marriages, children, AND people still followed him as if he was a god. 

Go to hell, brah. I'll see you there (according to the multiple men who told me that is where I'll be going).

This documentary came up in conversation multiple times with my people - and I even have a beloved friend who fully admits she wanted to learn more. She's already been a part of at least one famous cult. A cigarette is hanging out of my mouth, I'm taking a sip from my beer, and my big, sleepy eyes are all judgy at her. She rolls with it.

She rolls with it because she knows she has an escape plan. She has people who will knock others out to get to her.  I hate cults so much, but I appreciate that I know folks who are going to dive into this madness to understand it, and her folks will f*ck shit up if needed.

I wanted to vomit though when, by the end of the film, I saw people were still trying to keep this cult message alive - and didn't see this 'leader' as the monster he was. 

In all, I hate, hate, hate, hate cults.  And MAGAs - you're top on my vomit list. I do take a deep breath though, to realize my rage is at the manipulator, not the victims. 

This was a gross documentary because an alarming amount of people saw no problem with what was happening with this guy and still try to keep his image alive. Nah. Going to file this one in my horror selection. Also going to see my way out.

I watched this film on my Philo or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see were else you can find this real life nightmare. 

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. 

Waxwork (1988)

October Challenge Day 24

I had documented - years ago - that I've seen this film ... but I had no memory of it so I decided to watch it again (apparently). 

Well, I can say for certain, I have never seen this film before because I absolutely would have remembered: 

Waxwork

Quick clarification - this is not a remake of the silent film I reviewed earlier: Waxworks. Very different!

Oh My Goodness, folks! This film is so much fun! Sure, sure, we have some classic 1980's trash here, but it's the fancy stuff. 

Extraordinarily clever and executed with an excellent cast and deliberate charm, humor, and just a solid story, this is one I'll be rewatching again and again because it's just that kind of fun.

Here we have some college students who receive a strange invite to a midnight show at the new (where in the world *did* it come from anyway) wax museum. 

As they examine and get *drawn in* to the exhibits, people begin to go missing... Uh oh!

This is a slasher - a slashic, if you will - like none other. I also just can't get over how much I laughed, on purpose, the laughs this film generates is on purpose. Also the kill scenes are wild! But's the war with the dead and demons that really takes the cake.  

Folks, gather your friends or watch alone, either way, you're going to have a good time. A traditional pizza and beer movie night with this one! An excellent, excellent pick for a Halloween night movie with most horror fans.

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 catch this flashy feature. 

The Last Thing Mary Saw (2021)

October Challenge Day 20

I was drawn to this film by its poster image. I rather like it.  So, I said "Why not" and I walked into this one blind.

*See what I did there? lololol

No seriously, I was intrigued by this film because of the poster image but had no idea what I was getting myself into. It's a lot. Let's take a dive into: 

The Last Thing Mary Saw

Here we have a very religious family in the 1840s, living in a large house in a remote and isolated area. 

What could possibly go wrong????

Uh oh. Let's tack on a lesbian romance between the maid and the daughter of the family....

I repeat, what could possible go wrong????

Oh, just about everything. 

This is a chilling and foreboding film that will require your full attention the entire time. I had to rewind several times because I looked away for a second. I also spent a majority of the film just raging. Rage, rage, rage. That feeling of being targeted for just being born a certain way - and the judgement and punishment inflicted by religious leaders and family members was physically enraging. SEE ALSO THE ROE v WADE TURNOVER RAGE THAT STILL SEEPS FROM MY PORES. Oh Oh Oh! SEE ALSO IRANIAN WOMAN RAGE RIGHT NOW.

Fuck off misogynists, bigots, homophobics, so-called Christians that don't demonstrate one Christ-like quality.

Anyway, so yeah, this film can tap into some justifiable rage that is present today. In this film, however, the prices paid by all are steep and violent. 

Poetic, menacing, passionate, and raw - this is not a film for all horror fans but it certainly is a horror film that speaks loudly on religious zealots and hypocrisy and the monsters created therein. 

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 slow burn, heady film. 

No One Gets Out Alive (2021)

October Challenge Day 17

I was pretty surprised that I had never heard of this movie earlier OR the book the film is based on. Admittedly, I'm really behind on my horror novels.... but! I loved the trailer - so let's check out: 

No One Gets Out Alive

Oh goodness, this one dives right into the complicated and heartbreaking world of immigration - and the very, very, very vulnerable place some immigrants (particularly if they arrive without all the proper documentation) experience. 

Here we have a young woman who is just trying to start a new life after her mother passes. She has a chance with a distant cousin to secure a great job but she's low on funds, the sweat shop just fired her, and worse still, she's living a very precarious house that she shares with two unnerving men.

This one takes turns I never saw coming - and it straight up startled me. In fact, now I want to read the book!

A deep-seeded menace is lurking in every corner of this haunting Victorian home. I found myself sitting with an anxious heart for our young woman who is getting so close to her goals.... and by the very end I was all "WTFFFFFFFF? Was That!?" I'm sure you will too. 

In all, a solid creeper that calls on some folk horror themes. Folk horror, damn stuff gets me every time... So Unsettling!

Best watched on a dark night, alone. Pairs with a bottle of warm beer and sad snacks. 

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 see this Religions Gone Wild of a show. 

God Told Me To (1976)

October Challenge Day 9

Oh yeah! From the genius that brought us  Q: The Winged Serpent and The Stuff  (BOTH EXCELLENT FILMS, BY THE WAY), we have another one I was pretty excited about. 

Let's talk about:

God Told Me To

Folks, it should come as no surprise that this one is going to rip into organized religion. The surprise though, will be in it's execution and reveal! It's a Larry Cohen film though, so it should also come as no surprise that this film is going to get WEIRD. Like very, very weird. 

A word of warning, this film kicks off - right away - with a very dramatic and unsettling mass shooting in the middle of a public place. An all too often real life occurrence that pisses me right the f off.

The reason for these shootings and mass killings? The murderers were happy, elated even, to share that it was God that told them to commit the acts. It actually felt like I was listening to some QAnon or MAGA folks trying to passionately reason their insane logic....

Now this New York City cop needs to understand why and where all this madness is coming from. 

This is a rough film for a wide variety of reasons - not only is the subject tough, it's complicated and wayward and I had to continuously rewind the film because I missed a small crucial second. This one will will require your full, quiet attention at all times. 

In all it's a descent, wild ride, but not everyone's flavor. Be prepared to have more questions after the film than when you started. 

Pairs with communion and existential dread. 

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 mind-melter. 

The Stoning of Soraya M. (2008)

October Challenge Day 6

Folks, I've been watching the protests in Iran. I've been watching the girls and women fighting back the suppression they've suffered under for the last 43 years.  

AND I WANT THEM TO BURN IT ALL DOWN TO THE GROUND. BURN THAT REGIME TO THE GROUND YOU BAD BITCHES!

In 2008, and with very little knowledge of what exactly life was like for women in Iran, I took myself out to a movie, this movie, and I still have not forgotten the horror I saw here - knowing that this is the life woman face in Iran. 

Want to know why these protests are occurring and why these bad bitches are burning their hijabs and shouting all sorts of curse words and chants? Let's check out:

The Stoning of Soraya M. 

I was in jaw-dropped horror in the theater, as I watched and understood that people Actually Think Killing A Woman in Public is Socially Acceptable! Not just acceptable - required! Because some dude said so. 

The dude in question here is her abusive husband.

Want to know why? Because he could. That's it. That's it. Oh and he wanted to marry a teen girl.

[Screaming, so much screaming, just outright rage - the walls are shaking]

Folks, I'm still mad as hell about the Roe v Wade overturn!!!

[Things are being thrown, items crashing on the wall, shelves are cleared in one swoop of a rage-fueled tattooed arm]

In this story, a caring aunt tries to get the story out about her niece's stoning to a passing journalist - even much at her own - and the journalist's - peril. And of course this is based on a true story. Because of course it is. It's Iran. It's the world. It's just being a woman and this is the shit we face.

I stand with you, woman of Iran. 

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.