The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)

October Challenge Day 16

You know what is one of the best things and can never be taken from me? The experience of taking my eldest nephew to see this film, for the first time, in the theater. 

Let's talk about the EVER classic:

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Happy to report my nephew enjoyed it - even though horror is not totally his thing. But he's young - I'll give it time.

This isn't really a review of the film itself as it is a review about the wonderful experience of seeing this film in a packed theater. Which was FANTASTIC!

I love theaters - I worked in one lifetimes ago but I still love going to see films in the theater. I'm a big supporter of independent film and independent theater, which is why I support the Seattle Independent Film Festival (SIFF), which now owns and operates several theaters in Seattle. 

SIFF was showing this film one night while my nephew was visiting from out-of-town so of course my brother and I knew what we needed to do as a stellar aunt and uncle. I was totally delighted to see the theater was filled with so many like-minded folks, where we all jumped at the same time and clapped at the credits. Even though I'm sure nearly everyone has seen this film several times before. Great bonding experience with strangers.  

Something I forgot about this film is the constant screaming for the last 30 minutes. It's .... a lot. So I went and grabbed another beer to just have a break for a minute. Still, this film is a master class in just general chaos and mayhem. 

The film is a right of passage and a must see for ANY horror fan. But if you're reading this, you already know that. 

In all, support independent theater and movies. Enjoy the experience with others.

I watched this film (again) at the Egyptian Theater in Seattle. Or use the Find It! Watch It! links on Horror Habit's side bar to see where else you can experience this film with someone. 

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.

The Stranger Within (1974)

October Challenge Day 13

It's been a while since a movie has blindsided me. You think you have it all figured out and then bam! Let's talk about: 

The Stranger Within

This is a story about a woman who somehow got pregnant by someone other than her husband. She's always been faithful and he's snipped. Worse still, a pregnancy could kill her. 

What's going on here? 

I know what you're already thinking - Satan. Because almost all supernatural pregnancy movies involve religion because religion just can't help themselves. They MUST have control over a woman, and if they don't either the devil did it or the woman is somehow connected to the devil.

Yawn (most of the time).

I'm happy to report this made-for-TV movie surprised me on multiple occasions with their clever little take on this tired trope. I can't say more without giving the story away.

In this current climate of post Roe v Wade madness, I thought this was a fine take on the power of women, particularly pregnant woman. Also, give us our f*cking bodily autonomy rights back you sons of b*tches.

Best watched in a small group or alone. Pairs with coffee and raw meat.

I rented this movie 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 unique feature. 

Cabin in the Woods (Television Show, 2024)

October Challenge Day 12

I was hesitant about this true crime show at first - seemed like it might be a bit cheeky. Nope. 

Let's talk about:

Cabin in the Woods

Not to be confused with the cheeky Cabin in the Woods movie, this television show goes into the grisly details of people who have been murdered in: A cabin in the woods. 

I'm still not entirely sold on this title but this show does a good job of humanizing the victims of these terrible, terrible crimes. And they are wildly horrifying crimes!

Fellow true crime junkies will certainly enjoy this show, and probably will be shocked that these people's stories have never been heard before (at least I never heard of these crimes before). 

At the time of my writing this there have only been 5 episodes so far (so note that), and I'm looking forward to seeing more episodes. 

As with all true crime, these stories make me simultaneously sad and horrified. Why are people so awful? There's an extra shudder at the remoteness of these crimes. The fear, the isolation, the harm.

Rest in peace, victims, the families, and loved ones. I take these viewings seriously and take the caution and advice.

I watched this show 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 soul shuddering series.