I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)

October Challenge Day 14

Well this film f*cked me up.

I remember adding this book to my To Read list on Goodreads, when it first came out, and I felt a chill run through me even then. 

I still haven't read the book but I decided to dive into the movie version. Oh goodness. Let's take a look at:

I’m Thinking of Ending Things 

This is a profoundly difficult and emotional film. While I was trying to figure out if this was a "horror" story, even when the book came out, I quickly discovered this is a nightmare, a heartbreaking nightmare of a story.

Heads up, when you type this title in a search engine, you are immediately directed to a crisis clinic. 

So I immediately fell in love with this film with the opening credits. The Yellow Wallpaper vibes was so felt and I was all: Oh yes, I'm going to understand this film. 

And I did - but not in the way I was expecting. 

This is the story about a woman who is contemplating ending a roughly 7 week relationship with her boyfriend. 

Harmless enough, right? We've all had those thoughts and the thoughts she shares are alarmingly close to everything I've experienced (and thought). I felt attacked. Her thoughts are loud.

Not everything is as it seems, though, and the story unveils nightmares of the soul for both her and her boyfriend. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from this film but I was scared, crying, and heartbroken by the end. Know that. 

100% not a film for everyone. This is a surreal film that dives into the heart of people, particularly lonely people, and not everyone wants to look there. I get it. This is a film for when you are ready to hear hard truths and, as the film stated "...if you look close enough, everything is the same."

Pairs with wine, cake, a roast, and difficult conversations with yourself. Have icecream on reserve. Best watched alone. 

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 soul crusher (release?).

Invaders from Mars (1986)

October Challenge Day 13

Happy Friday the 13th, everyone! I have to make this one quick because I'm running to a show - a friend got us tickets to see Tim Cappello (the Sax Man of The Lost Boys fame) and I'm really excited about it!

In that same The Lost Boys light, I thought I would find something that felt a little '80s nostalgic, and I found this! Surprised I'd never actually seen it before so let's check out:

Invaders from Mars

Yes, of course this is intended to be a bit campy - yes it's supposed to be a little goofy, but my goodness! It's done so well!

Tobe Hooper and the wonderful Karen Black bring us a quite a show, here, folks. In this story a little boy witnesses a UFO crashing into the property behind this house. Within a very short time people are acting VERY WEIRD, controlled, etc and it all stems from the landing site. Is the world doomed?

Yes, yes it is. 

The practical effects here - particularly the aliens, are Exquisite! Can honestly say I've never seen aliens quite like this. Jarring, is the first word that comes to mind ... 

As the film continues of course the military gets involved, no one is listening to the kid, wise cracks are cracked, and there are explosions. In all, this is a charming and cheeky horror story for almost the whole family...?

Don't miss these aliens, folks! Come for the cheekiness, stay for the alarming aliens. 

Okay! Gotta run!

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

An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe (1970)

October Challenge Day 11

OH MY!

I never knew I NEEDED to see Vincent Price perform four Edgar Allen Poe stories in theatrical form, but I know now. I'm better for this experience. Let's take a look at:

An Evening of Edgar Allan Poe

Okay, so some people are Shakespeare folks. Some are Gilbert and Sullivan folks. Some others are opera, ballet, etc. folks. As a theater kid - I Am All These Folks. I love the theater, was pretty good in theater - went to state for some performances, made people laugh wildly for others, sang for a few, went pretty much naked for a few others, and even wrote a short play and had it performed. 

I love The Theater!

What I was not expecting when I popped in this film was how I lost my breath watching Vincent Price perform on what felt like my personal stage. Melted. What a talent. Marvelous man.

This is not your typical film and it's not your typical play. It's a one man show, speaking on behalf of Edgar Allen Poe.

I am a Poe fan, by the way. Big time. Don't care much for H.P. Lovecraft. His works feel more narcissistic while Poe's feel's more sympathetic - additionally, I trust Lovecraft's horrible history more, and distrust the light Poe has historically been painted in. 

I can't help but shake the thought that Price felt the same when he portrayed his characters here. Passionate, heartbroken, mad, and lost, there is heart here in the relaying of these stories - all on a stage platform. 

Overall, love it! Love this. If you also love the theater then don't miss this! 

Best watched in your best theater attire. Alone or with a best theater friend, on a dark, late, night. Pairs with wine, drama, and decay. 

I rented this film from Scarecrow Video. Or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to see where else you can find this absolutely stunning feature.  

Reptile (2023)

October Challenge Day 10

I've been pretty uninspired by the horror films on Netflix lately, but for some reason this film caught my attention almost instantly. Long time followers know that I list a lot of "Drama" and "Thrillers" on my blog. That's because sometimes drama films, especially, scare the absolute living SH*T Out of Me!

Let's take a look at: 

Reptile

What in the L.A. Confidential No Country for Old Men Sharp Objects True Detective Season 1 is this beauty!?

Wow! I can see why it's skyrocketing to the top of the popularity lists.

I imaging many people initially thought the same thing I did: is this about the murder of Lindsay Buziak?  It certainly seems inspired ... [shivers] that is an absolutely chilling case that lives rent free in my head, A Lot. 

This stone-cold crime thriller had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Note, this is one where you must pay attention at every second. I looked away a few times and I just had to rewind and start from the beginning again. TWICE

Here we have the story of a gritty detective trying to solve a murder in a small town. Classic tag line but it's the experience of this film that needs to be felt. Viewers will move through in an almost a dream-like state, growing increasingly more paranoid as we embark further through the maze. 

I'm sure we're going to be hearing a lot more about this film, seeing as it was just recently released as of the time of this post, so I'll keep this brief. 

With a stellar cast and haunting atmosphere slapping you in the face right off the bat, strap in for a wild two hour ride. Well done!

Best watched in a very still, silent, and empty room. 

My thoughts are with Lindsay Buziak's friends and family. I look forward to her killer being found, and soon. 

As right now this film is only available on Netflix. Down the road use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's sidebar to see where else you might be able to find this expressive and powerful feature.