Showing posts with label horror movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label horror movies. Show all posts
9/26/08
9/19/08
9/16/08
Whorror Favorite: Alien and Aliens
Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986)Wow, what more do I have to say? Well, ok... These 2 movies came way before their time—space movies remained a subgenre, not mainstream fare, before the first movie. In fact, Alien only got the greenlight because of the success of Star Wars. Sophistcated and beautiful, with the help of H. R. Giger and old school f/x (pre computer) these movies remain examples of timeless horror and exceptional movie making.
If you haven't seen either since the time of their release, you must watch them again.
Just got the Alien Quadriolgy, loving every minute of it.
9/12/08
102 Minutes That Changed America
I watched the above documentary last night on the History Channel and it was incredible. Entirely and seamlessly comprised of eyewitness footage, it was so powerful, frightful, and haunting. I guess since it's been 7 years, now previously unseen footage, deemed too upsetting before, has been released. The result is 911 as never seen before. The scariest horror movie I've ever seen. Sneak preview here.
9/11/08
Loves it! American Zombie
American Zombie is a ficticious documentary about the zombie community living in America. Turns out, they are just like us in many ways! A hilarious and curious look at the undead subculture. Recommend highly for zombie fans and/or anyone who ever felt like an outsider.
9/10/08
The Case of the Zodiac Killer... Solved?
This bizarro serial killer caused mass terror and numerous scary movies. Turns out the identity of this mysterious letter-writing, cipher-making man is a mystery no longer. Imagine finding a black hood with a zodiac on it!
9/9/08
Creepy Product... the Hand Glove
Complete with fingerprints, cast from a real live human! John Doe could have used these in Seven (a Whorror fav).
9/3/08
Whorror Favorite... Bug
I saw Bug (2006) last night… wow!
Same director as The Exorcist: William Friedkin. I thought it was some silly horror movie with insects in it, but no…It is based on the play Bug, (did not know that and had never heard of it). A psychological thriller and complete trip, it was a provocative and bizarre ode to paranoia and perception. Perhaps it's meth personified. Highly recommend. Incredible script and acting! Harry Connick Jr. is in it and, to my surprise, he blew me away. This film also, apparently, drove a millionaire exec to murder his 2 y.o. daughter, go figure.
8/28/08
I'm off to the woods for a few days...
guilty pleasure:
Cabin Fever (2002), a personal favorite.
Have a great Labor Day weekend, avoid the tap water.
We will be back next week.
Whorror Favorite: Apocalypto
I took a couple Mayan History classes in college, I was excited to see this one. Now, I know, it’s not really a horror genre movie, but I don’t think anyone who has seen it and it’s 114 body count would argue. It’s gorgeous and thrilling. So exciting to see this empire recreated, living and breathing. On the DVD the special behind the scenes stuff, while well marinated in Mel Gibson, are fascinating if you enjoyed the history or the production design.
8/26/08
8/24/08
Whorror Favorite... Hostel 1 and 2
Hostel (2005): I know, I know. I’m not usually very fond of torture movies but I thought the concepts were great. Premise: there is a place where you can pay to torture/kill a stranger for entertainment. The movie is full of bursts of slasher movie gore, but after squirming and wincing through the first half of the movie at the monsters who murder for blood lust… by the end of the movie you are yelling for blood and equally brutal payback.
Hostel: Part 2 (2007): In the first movie, most of the victims were male. The sequel tackles the even more terrifying female victim perspective, but pays off in an epic feminist hero conclusion. Also the “customers” and business side of murder are explored.
Both were very scary. However unpopular, I kinda like this director’s movies because the does a fun 1980's combination of teens and disgustingly gory special effects, comedy and horror. On a snootier level: the Hostels movies are about the price of life and blatantly exposes the viewer's own guilt for being entertained by violence and terror.
Psychology and Movie Monsters
"What a Wonderful World": a Tool of Terror!
Just like 'Clockwork Orange' and 'Singing in the Rain', movie directors can turn our favorite songs into tools of terror! The juxtaposition of sweet songs and violence is always an unnerving one, making already horrible images or events that much more tragic. I noticed it today while watching 'Good Morning Vietnam'. Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" is laid out over a montage of war in Vietnam with haunting and almost requiem like effect. The same song and contrast is also used in Michael Moore's 'Bowling for Columbine' (great movie) over an incredible history of violent American policy.
8/23/08
Whorror Favorite... Ju-On
The first Japanese horror movie I ever saw, it scared the crap out of me. It's exotic, beautiful, and haunting. I have seen many Japanese horror movies since, but none compare to Ju-On, in my opinion.
I do not recommend the American version, even if it is the same director. Also, make sure to watch the deleted/alternate scenes and do subtitles... not english dub!
Blame the Movies!
Scream makes this list, which I guess I was surprised by.
It is one of my favorites because it was the first scary movie I saw as an adult (since the whole Jaws trauma) and started my "hobby" of watching horror films... for fun!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
