Scary Movie Mania

Stephen King's It DVD

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:35:00 +0000

Based on the King Of Horror's 1986 Best Seller, "It" is a jittery, jolting excursion into personal fear. "It" raises goosebumps-and brings out the stars. Harry Anderson, Dennis Christopher, Annette O'Toole, Tim Reid, John Ritter, Tim Curry and Richard Thomas star in this thriller about a malevolent force in a small New England town.

Price: $5.98

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Boogeymen - The Killer Compilation

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:36:00 +0000

Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/23/2005 Rating: Nr

Price: $9.99

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Horror Monster Movies

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:41:00 +0000

- just another reason for loving the horror movie

· Alien

Alien was truly not only frightening but it was undoubtedly one of the best horror monsters every put on film. After seeing it after it had grew to adulthood we the audience collectively said along with the character in the movie, "oh sh*t", which basically said it all.

· Predator

The monster in the Predator movie was like many other horror movie monsters, in that his only objective was to kill. Hunt and Kill I should say, which made the whole “intergalactic hunter” element that was added during script developement kind of unsettling. Its one thing to know that you are being relentlessly pursued by a monster who wants to kill you and something completely different to know that he wants your head on a spike as well. This movie is a proof that karma can be a real “bitch”.

· The Thing

The Thing, John Carpenter’s version like a few of his other movies was very creepy. The monster in the movie like the Predator monster was from outer space as well as having an element I’d like to think was taken from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, its ability to replace humans with a version of its own, killing the “poor sap” in the process.

An American Werewolf in London

Each of the werewolves in this horror monster movie were truly frightening due to the excellent job writer-director John Landis did with things like special effects and sound engineering. Both elements can be seen and truly felt in the initial sequence where the character Jack is mauled to death and his friend David, played by David Naughton is scratched.

· Jaws

The great white shark of Jaws, given birth to by director Steven Spielberg was a monster in the truest sense of the word. The shark was everything we are not just afraid of but absolutely petrified of. Just ask Sherrif Brody's son.

Like a few of the aforementioned horror movie monsters Jaws was relentless. Maybe because he was just always hungery, I'm not really sure. I wonder had someone just told him about the all you can eat special at the "bottom of the sea" restaraunt maybe that would have been enough. No? Well I tried.

· The Beast with in

This movie came out in the decade of the 80’s and when I saw it I was immediately affected by it, for one reason only, the monster. Well there were two of them. The first was a little “horny” and once he was able to escape from the cellar where he was locked up he decided do something about his condition and when he found a stranded motorist he dragged her from the vehicle and into the woods, raped and not so surprising impregnated her.

And so the “fruit” of this unholy union, a young man, and as he grew did so oblivious to what fate would bring his way, the day when the “beast” that was in him would not only emerge but would change him completely into one of the most disgustingly horrible and frightening horror movie monsters yet.

· Pinhead

Not a horror movie monster in the same sense as the others but he certainly was frightening none the less. Not only that but he was ugly and creepy like those other demons he hung with. What I remember most about Pinhead was this, the way he looked and when he spoke although he didn’t look like what most people envisioned Satan himself to look like, he at least made me think of that chief purveyor of evil. Not only that, it was just something about him that screams, he’s someone you really don’t want to F*ck with.

· The Descent

What’s worse than one truly frightening creature, an enumerable amount of course? Creatures with a predilection for human flesh, not cooked over an open flame either. We’re talking the raw kind. The kind found on those of us who are yet living and breathing. Those ugly f*ckers would not stop until your bones were absolutely stripped free of all the tasty meat every carnivorous monster needs in his diet.

· Jeepers Creepers

The monster in this movie was more of a hybrid monster. In other words, half man, half monster. I mean he did have a driver’s license right? What monster do you know has a set of “wheels” and likes to take it for a spin every once in a while, and in the process terrorize an unsuspecting couple or two. On second thought, he seemed to be a guy with a bad case of “road rage” if anything, he just happen to be ugly as f*ck, with a real f*cked "grill".

Legends of horror- and the birth of the scary horror movie genre

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:55:00 +0000

Some of the greatest scary horror movies or characters ever created and there were many, from Wes Craven’s wonderfully and frightening character, Freddie Krueger, in A Nightmare on Elm Street, as brought to life by the great Robert Englund, who by the way, in this movie, was the living, breathing incarnation of the “angel of death, the grim reaper himself, was only made possible by many of the great horror legends of the past and some of the rolls that they made famous.

One scary horror movie, a personal favorite of mine, An American Werewolf in London which is as good today as it was when John Landis wrote it many years ago. The story was pretty well written but what resonated most with people and therefore they remembered the most about the movie were the special effects. Great story, great special effects and what you have is a pretty good scary horror movie, timeless in fact, at least in my opinion, and made possible because of its forerunner…

Lon Chaney, Jr’s The Wolfman

Unfortunately, written and produced during a time when many full-length features were a little over 60 minutes of running time, The Wolfman was a classic from the day it hit the big screen. But what it lacked in story and length it more than made up for in great set designs, cinematography and of course, special effects, which I don’t think would be a stretch for me to say, with respect to the later, were before its time. Accentuated superbly by the acting performance of one of the original legends of horror Lon Chaney, Jr., who embodied the shape shifting lycanthrope like no one has since, been able to do, not only allowing the movie to make its mark in motion picture history, but also setting the standard for every subsequent “werewolf big screen story”.

The Howling

Made a few years before An American Werewolf in London, “The Howling” released at a time when the “drive in movie” was still en vogue. I still recall how the story played on a screen as large as what I saw it on, also owes much of its success to Chaney’s Werewolf.

Silver Bullet

Then there was “Silver Bullet”, written by the “King of the Macabre” Steven King, not particularly a good Werewolf movie, in fact the story was probably better on the written page than on the silver screen but like each of the aforementioned was only made possible, from the perspective of being “green lit” because of so many other Werewolf movies that had their roots in “the original werewolf” movie.

And then there was Dracula…

A role made most famously by Bela Lugosi, left an indelible mark in motion picture history, so much so, that others have tried to play the role but none did it like him.

I remember seeing the movie as a young child and from the first time I was able to see what this man was able to do with the role I became an immediate fan of not only Bela Lugosi but of the character Dracula.

It was something about how he spoke such as when he would say his name. “Hello, my name is”…well you know the rest. But the most notable element of Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Dracula and there fore the most memorable was the pure evil he was able to capture in his eyes and how he would use them to not only elicit fear in his victims but to also seduce them when needed.

As mentioned, other actors have taken a “bite” out of the role, most recently Gerard Butler. And sometime before him there was Frank Langella. When Dracula came out staring Frank Langella many people where very much impressed with his portrayal of the character and some have even went as far to say that what he brought to the role far exceeded anything that had been done prior.

Bela Lugosi I’m sure had he been alive during this time would have taken exception to such a statement. After all how can anyone improve upon perfection? Look, as good as Frank Langella’s performance was as well as the movie in general, Bela Lugosi to this day remains the singular figure synonymous with the role of Dracula.

Of course that is my opinion, but I believe that its more than just opinion, it’s a fact. Bela Lugosi was in fact Dracula and every actor who had the pleasure of also playing the role has only one man to thank for the privilege.

Dominating the box office is paranormal activity 3.

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:55:00 +0000

Been hit Halloweek, Japanese film genre of film in a few weeks, ranging from hard and look at it it an unfortunate trend that there is no or. Paranormal activity 3 box office hit until all of the changes.

Started looking from ago the early midnight screenings hit a major theatrical release. PA2 on brought midnight screenings in movie at $ 6300000 took improvement $ 8 million.

According to deadline, PA3 currently in $ 45 million increase in estimated pulled around, + $ 50 million mark debut at the number 1 slot. PA2 last I saw 3D but its box-office rival because higher numbers are expected to be still in the $ 40, this time pulling was rivals such as PA3.

Crab people obviously came higher PA2 opens world gross PA movie or that is not at the box office is the other option selection there is a cannot get enough not only.

Either way, I have these figures that another PA movie this time next year, I them was if you take money, thanks, and is remains the best.

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Come play the Exorcist

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:33:00 +0000

About William Peter blatty's novel , the Exorcist of running stage play in it is said that teller of Penn & teller.

Bleeding cool-on is a stage theatre work, currently written by author of London John Pielmeier, Agnes of God.

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"And is, unlike ( it anywhere, just in case near the best movie of all time is not) The Exorcist William Friedkin film is this play", focuses on the psychological aspects and faith questions. "At least novice County is MD New York Geffen is play 2012 will publish July theater according to. I movie is at least focus on the same, it works it can see. ?

Stage play's go hope film that is strong and does not rely on the Green pudding, head rotation, however, play some sort of effect if not reference this one.

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Want gore on The Exorcist? Be sure to check out the article: Top Horror Movies

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Poll: for the best Halloween movie safe family

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 07:44:00 +0000

You another edition of easily at the site of one of my favorite editorial vote time. More Halloween since part of the normal you can expect to see this one appears once per week. This we move is what your favorite horror movies is the safety of the entire family, we asked 14,000 on a strong community Facebook. We now have focused on what you can see the presence of children is of course follow up part after best Halloween horror movies in General.

Our society is this top 25 bets are sure to find a worthy film genre and definitely your children, your nieces and nephews, well behaved children next door to see some movies to various dates of the meaning is very varied.

Director Tim Burton, starring Alec Baldwin, Michael Keaton, Geena Davis Beetlejuice is bringing memories back from childhood I used it to monitor almost every Halloween movie for my family. In one everywhere you go is Hollywood remake whether negotiations with current sequel, and very excited.

Contract services "bio-Exorcist" of their recently deceased ghost couple movie House that remove the new owner. Beetle juice must watch!

This is from 2007, thinking this 1986 classic teen horror movie is a horror film. Star Ozzy Osbourne, Gene Simmons ' Rock N Roll, will be demonstrating the devil ' is your classic. Serious date part also recalls the hilarious fun. Obviously with this younger children, but older children are not safe.

Eddie Weinbauer is typical of all American teenagers he is charm of evil rock music until at least he was. Now he was killed by his heavy metal Super Star Idol, Sammy den hotel fire is crazy. Eddie, will receive the current unreleased albums only when you copy backward play outgoing message destruction Halloween approach as this isn't only rock and roll life and death and his draws you must to start to realize Eddie to thwart the mission line.

Hocus Pocus witch film, fun and engaging entertainment and is definitely in the three Stooges family safety. Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker star.

300 Years later, 3 sister witch Halloween night and Salem, Massachusetts the resurrection of 20 teenagers, young girls and immortal cat fear witches all at once, to put an end.

In 1966, TV shows are classic and one that I each Halloween regardless of to enjoy watching is to continue around small children. While waiting for big pumpkin, eggplant, celebrate the Peanuts gang Halloween.

You must book this one creep show child Tween. All twilight fans to try if the true fear in Creepshow conversion to know them.

1950 Inspired by e. c. comic for ages, George A.Romero and 5 Stephen King horror story to bring to screen.

When the bad guys to young people, adults forget Excalibur team is one of the many wonderful 'teen buddy' flick. Under gates, Excalibur, Goonies, stairs, people all fall into this category is a great movie. Excalibur and perfect for Halloween is the one selected in the list of all.

Is a 12-year-old Sean Crenshaw and his best friend Patrick die Monster fanatics. Their friend Horace (nicknamed fat kid ), junior high tough guy Rudy, Sean's sister Phoebe, little Eugene coming together, story of the monster. However, to get the amulet to controlling the world Mummy, Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolfman, Gill man is, when it comes to the small town, Sean to defend his friend Cho evil forces from action.

One of these days should I definitely buy them is all Ernest, movie and my love is. You must not find much love in 8 of the 10-year-old Ernest and fear stupid definitely dark and scary Ernest franchise I see it at the age of 4 is!

Free Halloween evil troll after misunderstanding, Ernest P. Worrell.

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Zombie Horror Movies

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:52:00 +0000

Ultimately, zombies are terrifying for a number of reasons. Unlike vampires, there is nothing romantic about them. Zombies are simply there to not only destroy humanity but to convert it. After all, the end result of a zombie apocalypse is that a population of people who were once alive are transformed into the bloodthirsty walking dead.

Zombies are apocalyptic, which also conjures up certain nightmares in our psyche. People are obsessed with the end of the world. Writers, religious scholars, scientists, etc., have all theorized since the early days of civilization about how the world will eventually end. Zombie horror movies represent one more theory that while obviously fictional still appeals to that certain yearning for apocalyptic fantasy that seems to exist in most people. While outlandish, the thought of a world in which the living return to consume the dead is both terrifying and wildly imaginative. And it really isn't any more fantastical than those believed by numerous societies and religious devotees.

As a fan of zombie movies, I particularly enjoy the claustrophobic feelings that a good zombie film can create. To watch as a group of survivors have to fend for themselves while fighting off hordes of the dead makes for excellent drama, which accounts for the success of the genre to begin with.

Of course, not all zombie films focus on the survival aspects of a potential epidemic. Some zombie movies are comedies. So what is the appeal there? Well, I think zombies are a way for us to shatter the taboo of death. After all, we're all going to die eventually. Those are the grim facts. By watching zombie movies, we can assuage our anxieties about the inevitable end. Perhaps some of use even wish to become zombies ourselves.

Fortunately, there is a wide range of zombie movies available for fans of the genre. First, there is the hardcore survivalist movies, followed by the action-comedy variety and then the offbeat comedy films. There is always something new on the horizon as well, since filmmakers are constantly trying to re-imagine the traditional zombie movie. Zombies have changed a lot since the release of Romero's 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead, and will probably continue to change well into the future. Our desire to see these lumbering, hungry dead folks on the big screen seems to have no end, as well. So we can all look forward to a brighter future with more undead entertainment coming our way.

Visit our zombie horror movies blog to learn more about zombie films in general and see our collection of zombie art.

What Makes A Horror Movie Scary?

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:19:00 +0000

Horror movies, we all love a good scare and to be quite frank, the world would be a different place without them. The movie industry would be somewhat different as well. Producers, writers and directors from around the globe frequently test their skills and divulge into one of cinema's oldest and most famous genres, but have horror flicks maintained their scare factor over time? 95% of horror films made today are still entertaining to some degree, but very rarely do these films really have the ability to frighten like the classics once did. A large percentage of horrors brought to the big screen in recent years annoyingly fit into the PG-13 horror thriller category, but are these really going to have the same effect as The Exorcist once produced? What does a successful horror flick consist of? Let's take a look..

Going To The Extreme

Remember "Friday the 13th" and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (Original)? Both timeless classics, extremely successful AND very scary. The reason why these movies were so terrifying in the 1980's is because they showcased what can only be described as extreme elements never before seen. Both films featured violent, murderous villains intent on causing as much pain and suffering as possible. The extreme nature of such films is what essentially kept the viewers' eyes glued to the screen. Murder is unfortunately an everyday occurrence in today's society, it's a fact of life.. but seeing someone getting split in two with a chainsaw is much more disturbing than hearing about a stranger who's been killed in a random stabbing or drive-by shooting.

The team behind the more recent "Saw" Trilogy adopted the effective 'extreme element' rule, the villains twisted and bloody survival games in the films tested the limits of the average viewer's imagination, viewers couldn't help but put themselves in the horrific situations displayed withing the Trilogy, this resulted in countless toe curling moments, cringing left, right and center and of course viewers wanting to see more - the perfect horror!

The Soundtrack

A major MUST and one of the most important rules in creating a successful horror is optimizing the use of sound. The more traditional horrors have fairly predicatable soundtracks, viewers can usually predict when a scare is going to take place by taking note of the forboding tunes played immediately beforehand, it's all part of the fun! Another common trick that producers and directors like to employ in their films, is placing the music directly before the scary scene itself, only to end it suddenly, (providing the audience a false sense of relief), and then resuming immediately just as the next "shock" appears.

These tactics have worked for many years, and it continues to be a staple of the horror genre. Unfortunately after a period of time, much like a magic trick that has been used multiple times, it loses it's appeal.

More recent films are now implementing new formulas into the mix, attempting to heighten the scare factor. A trick that is becoming more common is omitting sound completely. Using music as a "cue" for the scary scenes can be somewhat distracting in some films. For example, if you were alone in a house and saw a ghost, you obviously wouldn't have a musical warning. Therefore, when directors opt for no sound in introducing their frightening material, the scares often seem and feel more authentic.

The Unexplained

It is no secret that humans are most afraid of what they don't understand, something we can't comprehend can easily become frightening. Think of it this way, the fact that whilst most people are not afraid of death, they ARE afraid of the manner in which they will die. Fear of unknown, the unexplained phenomena in life that causes a huge sense of discomfort too us all, film directors simply love to exploit this and it's extremely effective.

More and more horrors are employing examples of the unexplained, stories about ghosts, the occult, and human possession are fascinating because to this day, these subjects are still ultimately a mystery to us. The "what if's" start kicking around your head, conveniently complimented with the uneasy feeling in your stomach - could this really happen?

"Based On A True Story"

The bold "based on a true story" claim, often displayed shortly before the film begins. This trick is something that isn't widely used, but can certainly pile on the suspense before, during AND after the film has ended. "The Exorcist" for example was released during the early 1970's, nothing had been produced like this before, it was truly unique. An average, innocent young girl is targeted by a demon, a demon with otherworldly powers that is intent on pain and suffering. The scenes that were featured within "The Exorcist" were for it's time period, nothing short of shocking. This combined with the fact that the film is actually based on a true story only fueled the fear within the viewers. Could this happen to me!?

Dave Wint
http://www.screagle.com - The latest torrents, media streams and up-to-date file sharing news.

Three of the Bloodiest and Most Disgusting Horror Movies Ever Made

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:14:00 +0000

Are you tired of having a good night's sleep every night? Do you want a little more excitement in your dreams? Nothing sends me off into nightmare land like watching blood and guts spew all over the television screen. Thank God for DVD's. Here are a few of the bloodiest.

Blood Sucking Freaks

If you ever want to see the sickest, most disgusting movies ever made, then Blood Sucking Freaks might just be the one for you. This 1976 horror flick sends women to their deaths in a S&M Torture Chamber and theater, run by a nut case named Sardu and his little midget cohort Ralphus. This film even includes a twisted early appearance of Jim Carey, or a reasonable facsimile. With drills, saws, guillotines and naked ladies kept in a cage, I have yet to see a woman who can sit through the whole thing. That's an automatic 4 Stars in my book.

Saw

This frightfully delightful bloodbath features Jigsaw, a serial killer with a knack for getting others to do themselves in. I would highly recommend any movie in the first series that makes Freddy, Jason and Michael Myers look like Sesame Street characters. Full of twists, engineering marvels that rip people to shreds, chunks of raw human meat flying through the air, and puddles of blood that could fill Lake Erie, Saw might just be the movie for you.

From Dusk Till Dawn

A vampire flick starring legendary Quentin Tarantino, features a couple crooks who hijack an RV only to end up in a strip club for vampires with an old Minister and a couple of teenagers. Body parts fly through the air as vampires explode one right after the other. The perfect movie to watch while dining with the ladies.

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The Secret Origin of the Horror Movie Franchise

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:26:00 +0000

It has been said that the 1933 movie Frankenstein, with Boris Karloff, was the most important horror movie ever made. It might not have been the first ever horror movie, but it was so popular that it enabled Universal to continue with their series of monster movies, and it inspired other movie studios to jump on the bandwagon. What I would add to that, is that Frankenstein led the way not just for horror movies, but also for the horror movie franchise. The way the series of movies developed set the blueprint for future horror franchises like Halloween, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Alien.

There were three sequels to Frankenstein (Bride, Son, and Ghost of Frankenstein) before the crossovers started - Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man, House of Frankenstein, and House of Dracula - then a spoof movie with Abbott and Costello. The first Frankenstein movie was great, and the second one was also good with some interesting new ideas. However, the director and main actors jump ship around episodes 3 - 4, and then the downwards spiral began. Later sequels ignored the plot developments from earlier episodes if they were inconvenient, hoping audiences would not notice. Then, the most celebrated actor from first film (Boris Karloff, who had not had a hit for a while) returned to the franchise in episode 6 after a gap of a few movies. Eventually the series descended into team ups / face-offs with characters from other franchises. If you are a fan of more modern horror movies, does any of that sound familiar?

Other features I would point out is that the monster was killed at end of every episode, forcing the next movie to start with a far-fetched resurrection. Also the monster becomes more powerful in each episode, so that after a few movies it seems to be indestructible (although that doesn't stop it form being killed each time). Also, episode 3 was in 3D - well, okay, maybe not, but it would have been if the technology had existed. Finally, the franchise rebooted a decade or two later.

http://www.black-and-white-movies.com/frankenstein-1931.html

Trilogy of Terror (Special Edition)

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:22:00 +0000

Legendary producer / director Dan Curtis (DARK SHADOWS, THE NIGHT STALKER) teams up with writers Richard Matheson (I AM LEGEND, THE TWILIGHT ZONE) and William F. Nolan (LOGAN’S RUN, BURNT OFFERINGS) to present three tales of horrific suspense in this made-for-television anthology that also showcases the tremendous acting talent of Karen Black (FIVE EASY PIECES, THE DAY OF THE LOCUST), who plays no less than four distinct roles. In "Julie," an aggressive college student seduces and ultimately blackmails his seemingly shy English professor. In "Millicent and Therese," two polar-opposite sisters become increasingly hell-bent on the undoing of one another. And in "Amelia," a woman falls prey to a murderous Zuni fetish doll.

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Stereotypes in Teen Horror Movies

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:29:00 +0000

If you enjoy watching teen horror movies, you must have heard things like, "the African-American guy always die" or "couples who have sex ended up murdered." Movies like Scream (1996), Urban Legend (1998), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), or The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) strengthen these ideas with their formulaic storyline and negative character depiction. Most teen horror movies comply to a certain pattern. Some of these patterns are rooted from stereotypes.

Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. We use stereotypes to try to understand our world in an instant way. Most people don't have the time to intimately socialize with all members of the society. To bridge this knowledge gap, we use stereotypes to fill the blanks in our heads. Although a lot of stereotypes are used in a pejorative manner, some stereotypes depict groups of society in a positive light. In example, French people are considered romantic, women are better at listening, and gay men have better sense of fashion.

Although stereotypes can be used as a way to communicate with the audience, when used in improper context, the result may be negative. The primary harm that arise from stereotyping is that it leads to discrimination and prejudice. The rule of survival in teen horror movies is to understand the stereotype, and conform with the formula. By instilling this idea, the audience may accept that the reality in these movies may apply to reality in everyday life. Stereotypes in teen horror movies are usually negative. Common stereotypes that appeared on movies are mostly about racial and ethnic minorities, female, sex and sexual orientation, the elderly, and the disabled.

For example, women who wear revealing clothes in horror movies are usually an easy target for the killer. Women who boldly outlined their sexuality are considered cheap. These movies drive the audience's opinion, making them think of these women as second class citizen. The women did not conform with the movie's formula, hence, the audience feel less respect towards them. Without the audience's empathy, it is easy for the movie makers to eliminate the characters. When applied to a real world scenario, these stereotypes could turn into prejudice. Woman who chose to wear minimum clothing will be considered dispensable, and may will receive unpleasant reaction from the society. Wearing these clothes are no longer a fashion preference, but rather a statement of a character.

Other stereotypes that is seen in these movies are, jocks and cheerleaders usually have bad behavior, and they are often the first one to die. African-American, Asian, and Hispanics are also on the list to die next. Gay people and those with obesity can't avoid being taken out too. Those who survived are usually Caucasian male or female who are nice, not promiscuous, and strong enough to take challenge after challenge. Surviving in teen horror movies are never an easy task.

Although teen horror movies are plagued with negative stereotypes, some actually had a positive one in it. Positive stereotypes, like, the heroine in the story is always so strong and resilient to attacks and the leading Caucasian male served as a knight that will do just about anything to save his friends and the heroine.

Stereotypes is inevitable in movies, but there are always something we can do about it. The key is to maintain balance in portraying characters in teen horror movies to achieve more realistic feel. Innovation and fair depiction are rare in the movie industry, but it doesn't mean that the audience will reject any kind of efforts to tip the scale in the right direction. The film makers should take this into consideration, to prevent further degeneration of certain groups in our society.

Some well known stereotypes in teen horror movies are easy to find. These stereotypes are closely linked to the movie's plot, so it has become a tool for film makers to convey their message. To search for more information regarding movies in general, go to Five Things and join the conversation.

Three Common Plot Points in Bollywood Horror Movies

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:34:00 +0000

If you have heard about those cliched Bollywood action movies where the villain has killed the protagonist's parents and he/she is baying for revenge, you would not be too surprised to find out that even Bollywood horror movies have some statutory plot points around which a movie can be made. These plot points were generously used by the Ramsay Brothers, who literally held the torch in the '80s and the '90s to a dwindling horror film market. Here are the three common plots found in a Bollywood horror movie.

Youth in an Old Mansion:

Old mansions and farmhouses in Lonavla and other far flung places in India made a killing when they were hired for the shooting of a horror movie. The plot basically had a couple of college kids go out either for a picnic and be stranded in an old mansion, or actually plan a picnic in an old mansion which is supposed to be haunted - yes, there were those kind of movies.

A few risque scenes, a little song and dance, and then the killing spree would start, and the main characters would find out that the mansion was haunted by someone because of some kind of injustice meted out to them - it would normally be a poor girl who was killed off for some particular reason.

The movie would finally end when the spirit would either be exposed to sunlight or would be locked in some temple or church.

Reincarnation:

Reincarnation has been a plot point for many horror movies based in urban India, but is nevertheless a very integral part of the Bollywood horror industry as well as the Bollywood industry as a whole. Reincarnation movies have been made into out and out actioners, thrilling horror and even love stories. The plot would revolve around one, or sometimes even two people who were killed off in their previous birth by the evil people, and they would take a rebirth to avenge themselves - those were fun times.

The movie would finally end when the reincarnated person would take the revenge in lieu of their previous birth. There have been several superhit movies based on this concept.

The Possessed:

Exorcist is not the only movie that has played about with the concept of being possessed. There are several Bollywood horror movies which have revolved around a young child or a woman being possessed by an aatma (spirit) and how doctors and even seers and saints try to exorcise the demons from their body.

This concept was mainly used by film makers to debate about science and God, and there were many sequences where a priest and a doctor would argue hammer and tongs about who would be the right person to exorcise the ghost.

Roy S writes for Friday Freak, where he offers first hand and unique Bollywood movie reviews. Visit the site today to buy the best Bollywood Horror Movies today.

The History Of Horror Movies - Tribute to Horror in Cinemas

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:32:00 +0000

From time to time, we see so many horror movies come and go. Spooky, haunted houses, serial killers, slashers, maniacs, mentals, satanic and many others have been pictured in the movie. A lot of sub genres, a lot of remakes, a lot of variations, twist and all that can easily be found through the ages. Yeah, it's all true. But have we ever thought where it all came from?

Or how does the horror movies genre change from time to time?

For you who share the same passion about horror movies, and want to know the road that have been travelled by Horror movies, allow me to have the honor to be your guide. Buckle up, here we go.

Where It All Began

The year was 1922, place: German. I can say that it was the birth of horror movies. W Murnau started the terror and fear thru Nosferatu, nosferatuthe

story about bloodsucking vampire. It wasn't the first vampire movie, as in 1896 Georges Melies made Le Castle Du Diable, but Nosferatu was the first movie where we saw vampire destroyed by sunlight. This one boasted remarkable animalistic makeup that has not been replicated, even with modern

technology. Dozens of vampire movies followed after that. In 1931 Universal Studio launched 2 legendary horror movies, Dracula with Bela Lugosi and Frankenstein with Boris Karloff. Both of the movie became a classic and very successful. Boris Karloff even became a legendary name in horror movies history. The Mummy (1932) a silent picture with horror icon Boris Karloff in the title role, remains a classic, with unforgettable make-up and atmosphere. In 1935, the sequel of Frankenstein,

The Bride Of Frankenstein was made.This isn't silent anymore.

Psycho

During 40's the world's on war, and it has changed the genre. Horror was almost forgotten as patriotic movies and war has taken the place. It slowly raised again around 50's, where comedy and musical movies ruled. There were good ones took place at this time, House of Wax is one of the example. 1960 was the time for Hitchcock to make a memorable movie: Psycho. Too bad, this is the only horror movie by Hitchcock, cuz then he made lots of suspence thriller goodies like Rear Window, Vertigo,North by Northwest,Dial M For Murder that kinda changed the genre again. And remember, spaghetti western Movies in the late 60's also had its moment.

The 70's

This is the most creative year of Horror movies.Unlike before, horror movies got big exploration, where so many variation of story and evil came in. Note there were lots of controversy and protest happened here.The Exorcist (1973) for example showed disgusting scenes that never been imagined before, like the green puke to the face transformed to evil. This movie was controversial when Catholic Church protested that the demon cast-out in the movie was against the code of conduct. The shining, that based on Stephen King's novel was one of the best one during 70's. Later on from this decade to 80s and 90s, lots of movies was made based on his scary novel such as Carrie, Christine, Cujo, It, , Cat's Eye, Dream Catcher, are the example. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) was a low budget movie that reached a great result. This one introduced "the slasher movie" to the world that later followed by Halloween (say hi to Michael Myers) , Friday the 13th, Scream in the 80's and 90's and so on. Omen is a bonechillin' movie that can still give

you nightmare even with today's technology of making movie.Simply unforgettable. Amityville Horror, based on the true story was the first movie that took place in the actual location. The report said a lot of bizzare and dreadful things were experienced by cast and crew in location.

The 80's

Freddie Kruger

This is the decade of madness. All gory stuff were shown sadistically for viewing. cutted off body parts were seen everywhere. Nightmare on Elm Street that launched Freddy Krueger to horror hall of fame, and Jason Voorheyes slashing games in Friday the 13th are one of the example. These two had some of their sequels during 80s, together with 3 of Halloweens. And remember how Italian horror movies that have a very sick super bloody vision? Count Romero and Argento for this category. This is also the era where horror expanded to tv.

The 90's

Funny thing happened in 90s. There's a tendency of self defense and self actualization by horror character on terror they have made to people. For example Ghost, Bram Stocker's Dracula that told the story about Count

Dracula's painful love to Mina, or Interview With Vampires that unlocked the mystery of vampire lives. Scream started a new genre, teen horror movies, slashing-serial-killer-who-did-it,which soon followed by I Know What You Did Last Summer, Urban Legend, and some more. A note in 1999, an independent movie Blair Witch Project became a big phenomena,using a documentation technique to give us fear,tense and mental disturbance. This one inspired some other movies like St.Francisville Experiment, The Lamarie Project and

tv series Freaky Links.

2000's

Ringu

Still too early maybe to talk about horror movies in 2000s, but looks like Hollywood has running out of ideas. They are trying to widen up their view to see new ideas outside that can give new vision on the term of horror. The Ring, remake from Japanese movie was their first success. Followed by The eye, and some other remakes from Asian cinemas.

This decade seems being led by Japan and Korea, by making so many horror movies with lack of effects or gory blood but still successfully tortured our feeling. They don't go with the Hollywood pattern, they just dig everything else that hasn't been touched yet. Thailand is also emerging as a good horror maker. Indonesian movies too, with amusing number of horror movies every year. We also mark the decade 2000 for the decade of sequels and remakes too, such as Halloween H2O, Freddy vs Jason, modern version of Bram Stocker's Dracula, Dracula 2001,

Halloween Resurrection, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre , House of The Dead, The Amityville Horror and so on.

While the effort to combine some genres and produce something new has still been going on. Saw for example, combine the psycho thriller ala Hitchkock with slasher, sadistic, bloody and graphic scenes.

My prediction? I think this decade will continue to do so. Hopefully in the next decade we will see some new approach, style and way to present horror movies. Let's wait and see where the horror movies continue their path.

By: Riandy Kurniawan
A Movie freak
Website: http://www.vrjunkyard.com

A Brief History Of Horror Movies

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 12:22:00 +0000

Horror movies has been around for almost as long as movies have been made. Before looking at the horror movie it may be best to look into horror in literature. Knowing this can help our understanding of horror films and where they come from.

Horror in literature left a legacy that helped to propel this genre into films. If there had not been such a legacy of literary works then we may not have the same movies we do now. The term horror was first coined in 1764 in a book by Horace Walpole's called The Castle of Otranto which was full of the supernatural. In the following centuries literary giants like Edgar Allan Poe championed this genre with great works like The Raven. Some of the great horror movies of today are based on old horror stories like Frankenstein and Dracula which were both written in the 1800's.

At the beginning of horror movie history these movies were often ones that had the supernatural in there. In the late 1890's short silent films was where these movies start. The Frenchman Georges Melies is thought to be the creator of the first horror film with his 1896 short silent Le Manior du diable. Around this time the Japanese also tried their hand at this genre with Bake Jizo and Shinin no Sosei.

The first full horror film was an adaptation of the hunchback of Notre-Dame. Many of these first horror films were created by German film makers as the early 1900's were the time of the German expressionist films. These films have influenced horror film makers for decades to Tim Burton. During the 1920's Hollywood started dabbling in the horror genre with Lon Chaney Sr. Becoming the first American horror star.

It was in the 1930's that the horror film was first popularized by Hollywood. Along with the classic Gothic films Frankenstein and Dracula there were also films made with a mix of Gothic horror and the supernatural. In 1941 The Wolf Man was an iconic werewolf movie created by Universal studios. This was not the first werewolf movie made but is known as the most influential. During this era other B pictures were created like the 1945 version of The Body Snatcher.

In the 1950's there had been many innovations in the technology used to make films. Additionally in this time the horror film was divided into two categories being Armageddon films and demonic films. During this time social ideas and fears were placed into movies but in such a way that it was not direct exploitation.

The 1960's were the time when many iconic movies came about. Hitchcock's movie The Birds was against a modern backdrop and was one of the first American Armageddon films. Perhaps one of the most influential films of this time was Night of the Living Dead. This movie brought zombies into the mainstream and it also moved these movies from the Gothic horror to what we know today.

The history of horror movies goes back to the beginning of movies. The long history shows how they changed from Gothic classics to what we know today.

When searching online for the largest selection of horror movies online be sure to visit Frightflicks.com - providing a massive selection of the most popular horror movies, zombie movies and vampire movies.

The Horrible Horror of Those Hideous Horror Movies

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 05:44:00 +0000

It's time for those hideous Halloween Horrors, folks!

So let's ask, why are today's Horror movies so horrific now?

Have they finally reached the hideous pinnacle of horrific perfection they sought for all those decades? And whatever happened to those nostalgic horror classics of old that were quite benign in comparison? And are people glad, mad, or sad that high-tech special effects enhanced graphic scenes of horror are so freaking uber-realistic now?

Over the past seventy years or more, horror movies have changed drastically - and horrifically. This eerie genre has literally evolved from low-budget, cheesy special effects driven B movies (although they're considered memorable classics) to gorily graphic, hideous CGI enhanced masterpieces of horrific proportions. If you have ever seen the old classical movies about the Frankenstein monster, Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, even the Invisible Man, so on and so forth, they were indeed suspenseful thrillers, but I would not classify them as what we now know as Horror, considering the extreme changes that have evolved.

Today's horror movies involve enough blood to fill several bathtubs, enough carnage and gore to make a weak man vomit his entire entrails out, and truly realistic CGI special effects to make you think what you're seeing is really happening, and such graphic scenes may induce hideous nightmares in your sleeping hours.

We've got a slew of bloody slasher and serial killer flicks, armies of flesh and brain eating zombies, bloodsucking vampires, gruesome cannibals, and other grotesque creatures beyond your imagination, which are all just the tip of the iceberg.

As if that's not enough, the element of gruesome torture and violence has been brought into the spectrum, especially with the SAW franchise of movies. Forcing victims to inflict psychological or physical torture to free themselves (like sawing off your shackled leg to escape) has become very popular. Let's not forget Strangeland, and the three Hostel movies. Then we have cannibalism flicks, such as Silence of the Lambs, The Hills Have Eyes, Ravenous, Cannibal Holocaust, etc.

The Frankenstein monster, Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and all the rest, have been replaced by the likes of Michael Myers, Jason, Freddy Krueger, Leatherface, Pinhead, Hannibal Lecter, and others. And of course legions of hideous zombies walk the Earth. There are so many zombie movies, dating back to the 1930s, that you'd go insane trying to count them all! I almost did! (I found them all on Wikipedia) And they've gotten so graphically horrific, I suspect they're actually real! In fact, I've heard people (mostly conspiracy theorists and nut-jobs) declare that a zombie-type virus could in fact become a reality (perhaps due to diabolical genetic engineers playing God -- or the Devil!) and a large-scale zombie pandemic now seems realistic and possible in our world! Yikes!

We must ask the psychological questions: why do people want to be scared? Why do we wish to be exposed to violence and scenes of graphic horror? Being your typical carnival ride wimp, I was always leery of roller coasters and such gut-wrenching thrill rides, thinking I was going to fall out and plummet to my death -- even though I was securely strapped in. On such insane rides sometimes I would see loose change or wallets or purses and other stuff flying from secured people in their seats. If I lost anything it would usually be my lunch. Although many people have stronger stomachs than I, who can more easily enjoy the thrills and chills, I admit I was not one of them. At first I even avoided horror movies, although as a child I did like the old classics, I suppose because they were usually void of great amounts of blood and gore and other gruesome scenes, which has become the hallmark of today's horror movies. But in the last several years I've become desensitized and don't mind seeing such hideous crap. I even learned to like those adorable zombies as they stumble about mindlessly and groan and moan all the time and tend to fancy eating brains, which are actually putrid disgusting creatures I would be repulsed by as a child.

But do we want to be scared because we hope we will become desensitized to horror? Are we hiding from our own inner horrors by facing outer fabricated horrors? Or because we think we deserve to be victimized by some kind of element of horror in our lives? Do we think we deserve bad karma and therefore exposing ourselves to tons of horror movies will help us achieve self-inflicted retribution? Or is it just a way of getting away from our otherwise boring lives? I don't know, but I'm still looking for the answer - or answers. So far, all I know is, I find certain kinds of horror movies are just fascinating -- like those stumbling stupid goofy zombies. I particularly like the comedic versions, as portrayed in Shawn of the Dead, Fido, Zombieland, and Aaah! Zombies! and others.

Alright, why are zombies in fashion now? Vampires have been in fashion for a long time, and less so to the Frankenstein monster, and although a few werewolves still run around, the comeback of the latest Wolf Man movie is making a vain attempt to bring werewolves further out of the closet. We've seen a few Mummy flicks, starring Brendan Fraser, but these would fall more in the Adventure genre. But most of today's horrors are extremely intense in the blood and gore and violence and torture and such nightmare elements that is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. Some watchers may consider these movies as visual pollution, the stuff or hideous nightmares, whereas others see them as emotionally and psychologically stimulating. As if they deserved to be scared out of their freaking skulls!

I wonder if anybody will resort to creating horror movies that revisits the style and melodrama of the old classics, where much is left to your imagination. Or are those days gone for good?

We'll see...

* * *

The preceding article is from "Strange Reports from Zones Unknown," a collection of accounts involving the paranormal, Ufology, conspiracy theories, cover-ups, and other intriguing topics of the weird and unusual.

Strange Reports from Zones Unknown and other writings of R. R. Stark can be found at: http://outeredgeofreality.com

R. R. Stark now has an e-book at Amazon.com. Please check it out: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Edge-Infinity-ebook/dp/B005JPZ3ZI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1314916615&sr=1-1

Legends of Horror 50 Movie Pack

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 21:10:00 +0000

Get an instant library of some of the greatest horror classics and stars ever to come out of Hollywood on twelve DVDs. View chilling performances from the great horror legends including Charles Laughton, Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney Jr., Alfred Hitchcock, Margaret Lockwood, Peter Lorre, Barbara Steele, Tod Slaughter, Vincent Price... and more! The Legends of Horror 50-MoviePack has something for everyone. This comprehensive collection of great classic horror films has been assembled in one exciting package, all for an amazingly low price!

Price: $29.98

Click here to buy from Amazon

The Amityville Horror Collection (The Amityville Horror/ The Amityville Horror II: The Possession/ The Amityville Horror III: The Demon/ Bonus Disc - Amityville Confidential)

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 14:51:00 +0000

Price: $19.98

Click here to buy from Amazon

The Midnight Horror Collection: Road Trip to Hell

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 06:37:00 +0000

THE CRAVING
On a road trip across the country, a group of college friends become stranded in the desert. Miles from anywhere and with limited supplies, they discover that when the sun goes down, a deadly killer comes out. Something that will not go into the night quietly...or without a meal. The group must battle the creature for their lives in a desolate, harsh land that few have survived.

SHELTERED
On the eve of a massive storm, Joey, an awkward but straight-laced bartender, offers a group of vacationers refuge at his house. As the storm wreaks havoc outside, the group slowly discovers why they've been invited to the house, just how disturbed their host is, and that they'll have to fight a crazed killer if they're to see the light of dawn.

HELL'S HIGHWAY
A road trip for four college friends turns into a twisted, bloody nightmare when they pick up Lucinda, a hot, young hitchhiker who lusts for the kill. After she terrorizes them, the group kills her. But around the next bend--and every bend--she appears like a mirage, ready to slaughter again...

FEEDING GROUNDS
En route to a weekend at a desert cabin, four young couples find themselves in a dangerous situation that will push them to their breaking points. After a glitch in plans forces them to pull over, they burn time by getting the party started amid the gorgeous desert scenery until a grisly discovery sets them running. But there's nowhere to run, and nowhere to hide...

Price: $9.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

WORST HORROR MOVIE EVER MADE:THE RE-MAKE

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Horror spoofs are rather tame, so Bill Zebub has created one that pushes the boundaries so far that you will wonder how the hell he got the cast to do those things on film. In these days, even offensiveness has become politically-correct. Watch The Worst Horror Move Ever Made and know what it's like to cringe. This movie is a re-make, with a new cast, plenty of gore and boobs, and superbly filmed.

Price: $9.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

Hatchet Movie Review: Is Victor Crowley the Next Icon of Horror?

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:41:00 +0000

Written by the "MonsterMan"

Hatchet Movie Review: Is Victor Crowley the Next Icon of Horror?

The movie Hatchet, written and directed by Adam Green and set in Louisiana’s bayou (during Mardi Gras) is about a GROTESQUE LOOKING homicidal maniac named Victor Crowley, portrayed by Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th) who goes on a killing spree for reasons I thought, from a story development standpoint were implausible. After all we’re talking Hollywood here, so who needs a reason (a plausible one that is, or at least one that we the audience is willing to accept as plausible) to rip a man’s spine from his body while he lies on his stomach screaming in agony?

Not a bad way to start a movie though. Evidently, that’s what Adam Green thought. As our story begins a man and his father are in a fishing boat in what looked like a secluded area when the man stands up and begins relieving himself into the water. His father, played by the great Robert Englund takes issue with his son’s sudden “call to nature”. The son then asks if they can pull the boat over so he could finish. Upon doing so the son goes off to finish ”his business”, leaving his father alone.

He then returns to discover his father lying of the ground literally beside himself. The man had been SAVAGELY mutilated including decapitation. The son as you would imagine screams in absolute horror. The killer then appears, knocks the son to the ground and proceeds to FILLET him (tearing his spine from his body) after which he SEVERS the man’s lower body from his upper torso, using nothing but his bare hands, all while the man SCREAMS in absolute agony. My mouth literally was agape when I saw this.

When a horror movie begins with such a SAVAGE display of stomach churning HOMICIDAL MANIA, one thing is certain, each subsequent killing (if there is to be any more) must be worse than those previously shown and that is exactly what happens in this movie. So knowing this I on one hand, knew I was in for a hell of a ride. But on the other hand what I wasn’t able to gather from the opening was whether that ride would be a good one.

In my opinion, I would have to say that Hatchet is not very good movie. But honestly how many horror movies have that distinction? Adam Green does however try to give it his best shot, for one he chooses a great title for the movie, and a good location that together (for whatever its worth) make for a great movie poster. He then looks to firmly affix his leading character Victor Crowley in our collective consciousness in the same way some of the other horror movie icons have come to reside.

What I did however like about this movie was the director’s decision to cast three of the genre’s great actors in various roles, paying homage not only to the actors themselves, but also some of the roles to which they made famous. As we mentioned Kane Hodder plays the “GENETICALLY CHALLEGED” Victory Crowley. Tony Todd (of Candy Man fame) had a very small cameo appearance along with the aforementioned Robert Englund who consistently amazes me with the depth and breath of his acting ability.
And now for the reasons I didn’t care for this movie.

Even though Victor Crowley was said (in the movie) to be born severely disfigured he was way too ugly, at least for my taste. I know what you’re thinking. Where is it written that the killer in any movie, horror movie or otherwise should be pleasing to the eye? And you’re right. But have you seen this guy? He looks like a lab experiment gone wrong. If there was any truth to the saying “if looks could kill”, even in a horror flick where there is no shortage of killing (at least not in this one), one look from this guy would be all it would take.

One mistake (in judgment) I believe that the director made was his decision to include a specific character in the movie that we’ve all seen in many dramatic situations before, regardless of the type of movie. You know the character that has become a cliché? The character to which I make reference to in Hatchet is a female character that happens to be blond, and oh by the way is DUMB as dishwater, which is no exaggeration. Its no way you can watch this movie and not be absolutely dumbfounded by what comes out of this woman’s mouth.

I also didn’t care too much for any of the other central characters or their dialogue as well. One character played by Dione Richmond, apparently cast to provide a comedic element, was at times comical and at most irritating. Richmond clearly inserted, as the “token black”, in my opinion, was not needed in this movie.

If I were to compare Hatchet with some other horror movies that I’ve seen, I would have to give it an average rating. But as for you, if you like seeing BLOOD and when I say blood I mean COPIOUS amounts of it together with a heaping helping of T-N-A thrown in for good measure, and aren’t too terribly turned off at the sight of the occasional poor attempt by the director in portraying blood splatter that looked as if the blood was thrown up against a tree then this movie is for you.

Hatchet is without a doubt one of the most bloodiest “Slasher” films to date. And from what I hear the body bag count will only grow in the next installment.

Hatchet on Wikipedia

Boris Karloff: A Modern Actor in a Classic Period

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:40:00 +0000

When one thinks of films before 1970, there’s a certain stigma that comes with them; stilted and theatrical acting, an old fashion way of speaking, and for whatever reason everything seems void of color. But if you give these films a chance, you’ll often find films that deal with modern themes, modern direction, and even modern acting that would easily fit in with films of the 2000s.

There were a handful of actors who bridged the gap between classical acting and modern acting; namely Marlon Brando, Montgomery Cliff, and James Dean. But even before those talented actors came on the scene, there was a whole preexisting generation: Claude Rains, Lon Chaney Sr., and, of course, Boris Karloff. These actors were the equivalent of our generation’s Gary Oldman, Daniel Day Lewis, and Johnny Dep.

It’s not unlikely for an actor these days to gain or lose weight, undergo some sort of procedure, or rely heavily on make-up and costuming for a role. In fact, it seems to be rewarded by the Academy. And why not? It’s exciting, and often times inspiring to see the amount of talent and devotion involved in creating such a character. Someone had to lay the groundwork, set the standards, raise the bar for these modern actors to reach. Enter Boris Karloff

Mr. Karloff, much like Chaney, was known for his total emersion into a wide variety of physically different characters. Whether a simple trick with make-up, or slightly changing the way he carried himself, the change between characters was completely defining.

Boris Karloff His most famous role as the Monster in Frankenstein has become more than a pop culture icon, but rather an image that is transferred from generation through generation through birth. Karloff was so convincing as the Monster that it’s hard to believe that he was a very sophisticated London born gentleman. Coming in at a slightly above average 5’11”, with only the help of some shoe lifts and a masterful carriage, he managed to convince movie watchers that he was the eight-foot tall savage creature.

Obviously there is more to acting than changing your physicality. I turn your attention to the sequel to Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein. It isn’t so much a horror film (which it is,) or a horror-comedy (which it also is,) but a coming-of-age tale. In the first film the Monster was born, in the second one, the Monster develops an understanding of the world around him. What Karloff does with a character with such a limited vocabulary and restricted comprehension of his environment is astounding.

Frankenstein

Unfortunately Karloff was so great as the Monster that he was pigeonholed for the rest of his career, despite his endless talent. Even so, he made due with what was given to him, proving again and again that his skill was ahead of its time. One can point to almost any of his films to see such a diverse body of work, despite most of it being within the horror genre.

Compare his otherworldly performance as Hjalmar Poelzig in The Black Cat against his Jekyll and Hyde type character in The Haunted Strangler. Compare his militant and intelligent General Nikolas Pherides in Isle of the Dead to his mute brute in The Old Dark House. Compare his other iconic performance as Im-Ho-Tep in The Mummy versus his thieving pauper in Val Lewton’s Body Snatchers. Karloff was capable of playing all walks of life, and I would argue in some ways even more so than the best actors of today.

What his biggest talent was as an actor though, wasn’t his physical transformation, which is absolutely something to behold, but the sincerity of the depths he reached within his characters. Unlike some actors today, Karloff’s make-up wasn’t just a mask to conceal the actor, but key to unlock a different human. Each of his roles brought out a different perspective of darkness, and Karloff rarely repeated himself.

Nearly seventy years since the beginning of his career, Karloff’s talent and iconic status hasn’t faded. It still feels relevant, and untouchable. Even a brilliant actor like DeNiro couldn’t dislodge Karloff’s association with the word Frankenstein. Certainly if Karloff lived in this era, he would be hailed as one of the best actors around, probably showered with more Oscar nominations than Meryl Streep.

For movie lovers who haven’t found their way into classical Hollywood films yet, I suggest starting with any Karloff movie. It will act as a unique, entertaining, and easy transition from modern cinema into the walls of cinema history.

This article is part of the Boris Karloff Blogathon. To see a complete list of entries, please visit http://frankensteinia.blogspot.com/

Child’s Play: The use of dolls in horror movies

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Written by "MonsterMan"

Child’s Play—the use of dolls in horror movies

“Child’s play” was a horror movie that came out in the 80’s at a time when most of the movies that were being produced in Hollywood were not just horror movies but “slasher films” most of which were nothing more than low-budget “GrindHouse” fare. And like many of its contemporaries, although not a “slasher film” Child’s play in retrospect was an average film at best.

The movie is about a doll named “Chucky” that comes to life after it is possessed with the spirit of a harden criminal named Charles Lee Ray the infamous "Lakeshore Strangler" as he is so named in the movie. The doll later goes on to become, should I say, quite the “little terror”.

Despite its flawed story the producers of Child’s Play tried to capitalize on the brilliant use of “dolls” in other horror movies in order to make the story work. The most recent example of this was the sinister looking doll used to inspire fear in the “Saw” franchise. Fortunately that’s where the similarities between the two movies end.

“Saw”

The doll in the movie, as you remember doesn’t do any of Jigsaw’s bidding as far as killing or torturing and although inanimate except for when starring in many of his “home movies” which he leaves for the “viewing pleasure” of his victims, the doll is quite disturbing nonetheless. Its something about seeing that doll sitting in a chair, its mouth seemingly moving on its own, to the voice of one very creepy sounding Tobin Bell who plays the homicidal maniac Jigsaw, along with the movie’s music playing in the background, the combination of the various elements leaves you chilled to the bone.

I’m not sure if there were too many other instances in motion picture history where a message is delivered on screen with as much unsettling and horrific impact as it was the first time the writers of Saw initiated the clever use of a doll in this movie.

“The Trilogy of Terror”

Another example of the effective use of a doll on screen was in a movie I saw when I was all of 9 or 10 years old. The movie was called The Trilogy of Terror. Although the premise of the first two stories escapes me, the final installment, I won’t easily forget.

Karen black plays a woman who while out shopping comes across this little “warrior” doll that she apparently decides will go quite nicely in her home. Although as UGLY as this little guy was (and boy was he ugly you should have seen his teeth) I’m not sure how she could possibly want it or think that it could some how compliment her home’s decor.

Nevertheless at some point in the story the doll seemingly comes alive and begins to terrorize the woman moving about her home with the precision of a highly skilled hunter stalking his prey.

Imagine the absolute terror she must have experienced after hearing the pitter-patter of little feet piercing the quietness with in her home only to later DISCOVER the sound was from the doll that is suddenly not where she originally placed it.

In hindsight, not only was the sight of that little ugly black doll with ENORMOUS razor sharp teeth scurrying about quite disturbing to me as a child but the clever way in which the director animated and contorted its already ugly face to look genuinely angry and more terrifying than how it previously looked before its sudden animated state.

“Peek a boo...I see you”

Another truly awesome use of a doll on the big screen was in the movie Poltergeist. The classic horror film by Steven Spielberg remains a personal favorite of mine since the day I saw it in the theater some years ago.

The movie was about a family of 5, a couple and their 3 children whose home experiences arguably the most terrorizing poltergeist activity ever put on film. Of all the rooms that were experiencing the paranormal activity in the family’s home the one with the most belonged to the two youngest children. As if they didn’t have enough already to be afraid of, you know with the “monsters” in their closet and the “boogie man” lurking in the shadows?

The room was typical of most kids rooms, there was a large number of toys and of course a number of dolls. But there was one doll in particular that their son Tommy didn’t care for much, a clown that sat in a chair across from his bed that appeared as if it was staring. Because the doll was a clown it had this “silly looking” smile on its face and although not disturbing, it was unforgettable nonetheless.

So much so that each night as the young boy attempted to go to sleep before he could put his head down he would cover the clown with something to prevent it from seemingly watching him. One night after the frighten child gingerly approaches the doll to that end he returns to his bed where he would struggle to fall asleep, periodically looking over his shoulder, in the dolls direction, to make sure it was still in the chair. Moments later the child repeats the process but this time he finds the doll gone, the boy’s fear heightens, now more evident as the shear look of terror extends the whole of his face.

Electing not to leave the somewhat secure confines of his bed he does the only other thing that he could think of doing at this point which is…

Look under the bed.

Just the act of looking under the bed, for a child is like peering into “the abyss of hell” as it is symbolic of the place where their worst fears are realized and so the only other thing, at this point, worst than having to look under his bed would be finding the dolls two eyes peering back at him from out of the darkness.

But that’s not what happened is it?

After Tommy discovers the doll isn’t under his bed he lifts his head back up and suddenly notices over his shoulder the doll behind him. And now with his fear at a crescendo the doll grabs the terror stricken little boy about the neck, takes him to the floor and not so coincidentally, drags him under his bed.

Again another demonstration of the effective use of a doll in a horror movie and although it wasn’t scary in the same sense as some of the other dolls I’ve seen “running amok” on screen, the scene nonetheless worked quite nicely within the context of the overall story.

The doll a symbol of innocence

Of course there are many other excellent examples of how dolls have been used for dramatic impact in motion picture history but the reason it works so well in horror movies is due to what dolls symbolize. For the most part dolls are synonymous with the innocence of a child but when they are utilized on screen in the many threatening ways they have been, mainly in horror films, the symbolism tends to get lost in a world where absolutely all things are possible and for the moviegoer perception becomes reality, at least for 90 minutes it does.

Read my other article about Scary Doll Movies

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Scary Doll Movies - Sci-Fi and Horror about Cute Little Threats

noreply@blogger.com (J.P. Spencer) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Written and or Posted by the "MonsterMan"

The movie industry tapped into the fear of dolls when the industry was in its adolescence. In the movies, dolls almost always become fully animated and begin their killing sprees before the movie is thirty minutes into the plot.

We have to applaud the movie makers for being in tuned with their spiritual senses to make the film in the first place, but the concept is vastly distorted from that point on.

Not all cute little threats are actually capable of doing any sort of harm to humans, muchless the mass devastation that movie dolls such as Chucky wreak overnight. Most are just dormant portals that a ghost might "poke its head through" from time to time. Even then, not every human would even know that something had happened because it's not as if the doll would be dancing around and talking. Many possessed dolls are passive portals that simply want to experience the world of the living again, but don't have the strength of will to interact with the living realm.

Some of us can instinctively sense the closeness of the realm of the dead when we're around dolls. We experience this closeness in a feeling of panic or fear. In the movies, they do a pretty good job of giving one of the characters a sensitivity to cute little threats, and the rest of the cast has no idea (until the doll starts wielding a chainsaw).

In terms of violence, we're not saying that dolls can't be violent. Take Illyia or the Porcelain Terror Doll for example. These dolls did kill people, but they're really the exception, not the rule. They have special places on this website as a precautionary measure more than anything. We want people to know about the potential danger, but more than that, we want people to understand their fear.

Some films have actually done very well at capturing the magic that comes with becoming acquainted with a strongly willed, but gently spirited cute little "threat". Pinocchio is a classic tale of a man who finds a son in a puppet that he has created. The plot deviated from ghost/doll portal interaction, but the relationship is the important part, and it illustrates the humanity that a doll can have. The movie, Small Soldiers, showed an unusual, although not wholly inconceivable situation where many possessed action figures, some good, and some bad, were fighting each other. Here again, the actual activity of the dolls is unrealistic, but the motivations and emotions are human and therefor feasible in terms of being exhibited by a possessed doll.

Read the other article about The use of dolls in horror movies.

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