3rd Annual Nic and Mitch's Halloween/Horror Film Bonanza!!! 2016
We're getting back to the roots of horror films this year by watching all the classics!
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- DirectorRobert WieneStarsWerner KraussConrad VeidtFriedrich FeherHypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders.10.1.16 NEW
We are kicking off our event with one of the first, and by critics suggestion, one of the best horror movies ever made. I will say that the German Expressionism displayed is absolutely amazing. The weird and sharp angles make this movie more like a dream than actual reality which plays into the somnambulist narrative.
It's got a Frankenstein quality to it. Conrad Veidt's expression when he first wakes up is absolutely brilliant. A lot of iris transition shots. Dr. Caligari's gloves remind me of Mickey Mouse. He's probably the creepiest character in this movie.
It's interesting to think that this plot has been recycled for 100 years and seems pretty flat, but at that point it was probably so knew and interesting it held audiences captive.
I'm shocked about the backstory to Caligari...this movie took a turn I wasn't suspecting and for that I'm grateful. I'm glad we watched this film. Why more people don't know about this movie, I will not know.
This twist is absolutely amazing... - DirectorRichard KellyStarsJake GyllenhaalJena MaloneMary McDonnellAfter narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.10.1.16
Mitchell wanted this movie really badly so we're fitting it in tonight. I forgot how integral Halloween was to this film. I see as more enigmatic than anything else.
Much like some of classics that wear the horror insignia, this movie, like them, it's more creepy and weird than actually horrifying.
I guess the remote chance of Donnie being a psycho is more scary than the actual plot itself which is about futuristic beings trying to save reality as we know it. - DirectorRupert JulianLon ChaneyErnst LaemmleStarsLon ChaneyMary PhilbinNorman KerryA mad, disfigured composer seeks love with a lovely young opera singer.10.3.16
One of the first forerunners of the horror genre, Lon Chaney certain deserves an Oscar for his make-up and performance. He almost has an ape-like face with the large mouth and grotesque teeth. If you didn't have to think about the musical, you can almost put the phantom up there with the scariest horror creatures of all time.
I forgot how long and drawn out the movie is. I also forgot how many devices and contraptions that the Phantom, who's oddly named Erik, has at his disposal to kill people with. The snorkel is a bit hilarious though.
I love the ending sequence where, finally trapped by the angry mob, he throws up his clutched hand as if he has something and the mob recoils. At the end, he opens it up to reveal nothing and then laughs as the mob rips him apart.
It almost validate the phantom in the end. He had been ostracized from society because they feared him, and even though they meant to kill him, his simple clutched hand still made them feel as small as their fear made them feel in charge. A beautiful moment. - DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsMax SchreckAlexander GranachGustav von WangenheimVampire Count Orlok expresses interest in a new residence and real estate agent Hutter's wife.10.5.16
To think someone hated this movie and wanted it destroyed like the Bram Stoker estate did simply because they didn't ask in almost horrendous. I would have embraced it. Its all directed in this dremy and effervescent quality as though someone is around a campfire telling a scary story. It's the quality I love about the film. One of the few from the '20s that are cohesive and scary.
Count Orlock is by far superior to Count Dracula, no matter how much of Legosi is remembered as the first vampire. It's just otherworldly, Max Schrek's portrayal of Count Orlock; the tall, hunched, no-necked body; the long, sallow, skeletal face with the gnarled vampire teeth and the crazy eyebrows yet no hair; the spider-like fingers and the demure clothing. It's all so perfect together that it makes the overly-dressed, pretentious Dracula look like the rookie on the street.
It's the earliest horror film that I still think can get some people, if not scared, than seriously perturbed. Orlock can make you uncomfortable with just his stance, or his shadow, not to mention his actual appearance. All and all it still maintains a subtle creepiness and eerie nature that lingers in the mind a little while after the film ends. - DirectorAlan RafkinStarsDon KnottsJoan StaleyLiam RedmondA timid typesetter hasn't a ghost of a chance of becoming a reporter - until he decides to solve a murder mystery and ends up spending a fright-filled night in a haunted house.10.5.16
Solo film
"Attaboy, Don Knotts!" I don't care if this isn't truly a supernatural tale, it's probably one of the funniest and the most endearing. Don Knotts as a high strung, spastic, and flighty typesetter wanting to become a reporter and finds himself in a "murder house" is apt for hilarity to ensue.
So it's not scary by any means, but it covers a lot of ground...from small town movie, to haunted house movie, to courtroom movie, to vindication back to haunted house it does a lot with its plot. I love how small the home town of Rachel is. Makes me want to live there in that time. I love how the occult is just a kooky thing that the wives do in their spare time.
Don Knotts is the everyman and he created a character that even I can still to this day empathize with. He's just like me. - DirectorJimmy HustonStarsRobert Sean LeonardEvan MirandLeeAnne LockenAfter a sexual encounter with a beautiful client, a teenage delivery boy finds himself being turned into a vampire.10.5.16
Solo film
What can I say about this film other than I'm a sucker for cheesy '80s comedies and this just so happened to fit into the genre. There is so much teen-angst with this vampire comedy with the old guy from House.
DID YOU KNOW THAT KATHY BATES IS IN THIS MOVIE?!?! And the scientist from TMNT 2: Secret of the Ooze. The guy from House. The old vampire that I have no idea what else he's been in but totally recognize him from something vague.
I love that the butcher gets it and is okay with it all. Very accepting capitalist. Also, I love how the parents instant go to him being gay. He becomes a playboy of the night. - DirectorWerner HerzogStarsKlaus KinskiIsabelle AdjaniBruno GanzCount Dracula moves from Transylvania to Wismar, spreading the Black Plague across the land. Only a woman pure of heart can bring an end to his reign of horror.10.7.16
While it's hard to contemplate a remake to the original being anything nearly as brilliant, leave it to Werner Herzog to nearly beat it. The scenery drips with authenticity and richness. It needs feel as though we are in that time. The performances are deep and vibrant.
What can you say about Klaus Kinski? It's on par with that of Max Schreck. His mannerism, his distant and cold voice, his unrelenting and longing eyes, those hands and nails, even the protruding two front teeth. He inhabits that role and almost is the role itself. When he runs through the court is dreadful and ominous.
I like the way this film plays up the plague aspect and ties it in better to Count Dracula/Orlock's plan. He can see more now the toll he takes on the town. Renfield is more developed and hysterical, although I prefer to original. Lucy/Ellen is much more existential and in a state of constant dread.
Herzog seems to fill in the gaps and tighten up the plot which makes the film more believable. He completely rewrites the ending as only he can and I must say, it makes the film better for it. I love how she forces him to stay all night sucking his blood, how he goes to the window, how he doesn't vanish into thin air, how Johnathan begins turning into Nosferatu and Lucy/Ellen parishes with Count Dracula/Orlock. It's almost has if he fails to get his wish of death, as he lives on even after a stake is driven into his heart. A fitting and dreadful end to this story. - DirectorTod BrowningStarsWallace FordLeila HyamsOlga BaclanovaA circus' beautiful trapeze artist agrees to marry the leader of side-show performers, but his deformed friends discover she is only marrying him for his inheritance.10.7.16 NEW
I don't know how to even begin talking about this movie. Such tragedy. Such fiendish hilarity that makes you cry while also tingling the back of your neck. It's not just horror. It's romance. It's comedy. I found myself enthralled by the story of the little couple and how heartbreaking her pain was to watch her fiance fall in love with such a terrible person.
I will say the imagery is jarring and you don't expect a film from so long ago to really shake you like that. I found myself horrified and hysterical all at the same time. However, it's mostly heartbreaking. I thought it was supremely shot and well acted by those who weren't really used to making films. I thought the sarcastic wit came across very well.
All in all, the only freaks I saw in this movie were the Hercules figure and Cleopatra. They were the only freaks worth of that title. I still don't know what to say about this film. - DirectorJoe DanteStarsDee WallacePatrick MacneeDennis DuganAfter a bizarre and near deadly encounter with a serial killer, a television newswoman is sent to a remote mountain resort whose residents may not be what they seem.10.8.16 NEW
I will say that the film itself is completely 80's horror cheese at it most brilliant. From the synthesized soundtrack to the floodlights that light the forest supposedly naturally, to the flat performances of 80's horror actors, sorry E.T. mom.
That said, the werewolves are probably the best not only transitions from humans to werewolves, but just the actual werewolves themselves. They hearkened back to almost a Red Ridinghood kind of wolf, with the long ears and long snouts. It was an unbelievable transformation that for a somewhat low budget movie totally spent all its money on this.
The plot was ridiculous per usual 80's horror which makes me love it all the more. I am entranced by the glossy sheen on 80's horror, the superficial plots, the huge holes in logic, and the cultural references are all apt for the 80's to inform the genre of horror. That said, this movie was basically just a platform to host a really awesome werewolf transformation. - DirectorDaniel MyrickEduardo SánchezStarsHeather DonahueMichael C. WilliamsJoshua LeonardThree film students vanish after traveling into a Maryland forest to film a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend, leaving only their footage behind.10.8..16
The mother of all found footage movies, really the godfather of them all, I forgot how slow of a build up this movie really has. The first 20 minutes does an excellent job of building up the initial journey, if not somewhat corny.
The three characters do a great job of making you feel as though you know them before the terror starts to hit. I like the fact that though this is a supernatural film, you don't see anything absolutely supernatural.
The ending is truly one of the best, and one that I was terrified of when I was younger. The image of the guy standing in the corner of the basement while she just keep screaming, and then the camera falls is probably one of the scarier scenes of my youth. - DirectorTod BrowningKarl FreundStarsBela LugosiHelen ChandlerDavid MannersTransylvanian vampire Count Dracula bends a naive real estate agent to his will, then takes up residence at a London estate where he sleeps in his coffin by day and searches for potential victims by night.10.11.26
So I might be tainted by the universally renowned Nosferatu (1922) and Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979), but I'm not in love with this picture. It's far too quick to jump through the plot. In less than 10 minutes we are basically in London and it sacrifices a lot of understanding. Also, in this one, Renfield is the one who goes to Castle Dracula.
Bela Lugosi is just okay as Dracula, I hate to admire it, but it's true. He seems too stiff and almost robotic. He's too upper class, mingling with the aristocracy at the symphony. I know this is counter culture. Everyone seems to know what vampires are. Also, the bats are nearly hilarious. It's just weird to see Dracula in a suit and tails with no cloak.
The scenery in this movie is far superior to both Nosferatus. Castle Dracula is purely out of some Victorian gothic horror novel. It's much more epic in nature which gives the film space to breathe.
The maid and Marvin add some humor. - DirectorJames WhaleStarsColin CliveMae ClarkeBoris KarloffDr Henry Frankenstein is obsessed with assembling a living being from parts of several exhumed corpses.10.12.16
I will say out of all the universal monster movies, I've seen this one the most. I didn't pay as much attention as I probably should have, but it's probably the most iconic out of all of them.
Again, the set design is absolutely amazing. I love the large, open spaces and attention to detail. I forgot the Igor's name is actually Fritz, and he's not even in the novel. It all started with this performance to put into the culture's mind of Igor's character.
Boris Karloff's performance is amazing, yet odd. He comes across sometimes as a monster, and sometimes as a pansy. He makes ape-like noises and is either robotic in nature, or frantic.
The ending is the most memorable moment, and much like the bats in Dracula, Dr. Frankenstein's body being thrown off the windmill is quite hilarious as you can clearly see it's a dummy. All in all though, I have to admit, not my most favorite of the universal monster movies. - DirectorKarl FreundStarsBoris KarloffZita JohannDavid MannersA resurrected Egyptian mummy searches Cairo for the girl he believes to be his long-lost princess.10.13.16 NEW
I've never seen this movie before.The terrible screaming coming from the assistance when the mummy wakes up is actually rather a frightening thing the way he wails and cackles.
I am surprised the lead actress isn't blonde. For some reason that note stuck out at me, but I'm instantly in love with her more than the first two. She has interesting eyes and way too much eye shade even for being in Egypt.
Already I can tell I like Boris Karloff better as the Mummy. His robotic nature that was disjointed in Frankenstein, I think, translates better in this film.
"Do you have to fall in graves in order to find a girl to fall in love with". I like that line. I like her. She's sassy. The mummy almost seems more like a virus, each person infecting others until they're under the mummy's control.
The brown face is displeasing. I do really like the plot and didn't realize how much of the 90s Mummy it actually took from. That, unfortunately is what I was accustom to before this. I'm shocked how much I appreciate this film. I think Boris Karloff does a stellar job. However, I'm a little disappointed with the sets. The spear through the slave is very convincing. - DirectorJames WhaleStarsClaude RainsGloria StuartWilliam HarriganA scientist finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane.10.14.16 NEW
I've never seen this monster movie before and honestly it's probably one of the lesser thought of universal monster films. It's directed by Jame Whale so I'm not sure why it gets buried the way it does. It's actually a great little thriller.
The Invisible Man is quite a short tempered psychotic. Clearly the medicine made him crazy and a killer. He seems to take pleasure in murder and has sort of a perverted sense of humor, like when he skips down the lane with only his pants, or he's singing a tune while he throws around the bank's money. He clearly is an agent of chaos, and he even talks about upending whole governments.
I'm quite impressed with the special effects, if only for the 1930s. It must have been quite a sight to see in the theater. I think the village people are quite humorous, especially the peacock that is the innkeeper's wife.
There is a certain hysteria the grips Dr. Kemps and indeed the entire countryside with the thought of the Invisible Man on the loose. I can see why this would make people frightened with the absence of a killer being the same as the killer right there with you. - DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffElsa LanchesterColin CliveMary Shelley reveals the main characters of her novel survived: Baron Henry Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.10.14.16
This one is definitely all Whale's. The meta opening is a very interesting touch by opening up a way for a sequel by using the author who created it. Barely leaving off after the moment the windmill burns to the ground, I think its bizarre that the little drowned girl's father dies from the same fate. It's very ironic. You can tell the budget's bigger this go around. I can't believe the innkeeper's wife from The Invisible Man made her shrieking way to this picture.
Already this has got to be my favorite thus far. There is camp, humor, some thrills. It's commentary on the monster I feel is given more weight and more layered. The juxtaposition between the monster who cannot talk and the blind man who cannot see. There breakdown at finding one another. I'm glad they left that out of the first one because it feels like it was meant for this movie.
The evil new doctor is so much better than Henry Frankenstein. The way he nonchalantly greets the monster in the crypt, you can tell he serves as the homosexual undertones to the film. You could write whole books on the monsters rejecting one another and the significance of the male deciding to end lives. - DirectorGeorge WaggnerStarsClaude RainsWarren WilliamLon Chaney Jr.Larry Talbot returns to his father's castle in Wales and meets a beautiful woman. One fateful night, Talbot escorts her to a local carnival where they meet a mysterious gypsy fortune teller.10.14.16
This one really didn't do much for me. As a horror movie I felt it was often misplaced. The lead, Lon Chaney Jr. seems as though he's only in this film because of his namesake. He's not a very attractive, or even thin male lead. This translates into a rather pudgy Wolf Man.
The Wolf Man make-up itself is nothing to write home about. He just looks like an overweight, very hairy man is an under bite and a bad haircut.
These Wolf Men are pretty easy to kill as most of them seem be killed by simply hitting them repeatedly with a cane. That's about it.
All in all, not very impressed with this film. - DirectorJack ArnoldStarsRichard CarlsonJulie AdamsRichard DenningA strange prehistoric beast lurks in the depths of the Amazonian jungle. A group of scientists try to capture the animal and bring it back to civilization for study.10.15.16
It has a very interesting opening, using the evolution of the planet to segue into the creatures existence. I do love the creature's hands, those long webbed claws are reminiscent of Nosferatu. And let's face it, at least this film has shirtless men.
I love the isolationist feel the this film, going out in the amazon, uncharted territory. I did appreciate the relationships the three main characters had, I just wish they would have fleshed out the relationship between Carl and Mark. I thought there could have been cause for more suspicion and thrill from Mark attempting to move on Kay.
The Creature, honestly is probably one of my favorite of the universal monsters. I will say his face is very mask-like and there isn't much movement. However, his hands more than make up for it. I love the images of him swimming right under her. He isn't very aquatically inclined as far as swimming goes, but I would blame that more on the time period and crude special effects than anything else.
There is something to be said about science going into nature and causing its own destruction. If you think about it the Creature is just trying to make a living in the deep Amazon. It's the greedy scientists that go in search of more and attempt to go farther than necessary in trying to catch the Creature. Even the noblest of scientists twist nature back on themselves. Dracula and the Invisible Man had it coming to them, but the Creature falls more in line with Frankenstein and the Wolf Man. They didn't wish it on themselves and they react to man's desire for knowledge. - DirectorPaul FeigStarsMelissa McCarthyKristen WiigKate McKinnonFollowing a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.10.15.16 NEW
I have no clue what to say about this film. I came into really wanted to prove the critics wrong and love this film. I was more than open to an all female cast. The billing was top notch with Paul Feige directing and Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, and Leslie Jones. I really, really wanted to like it. The verdict: I couldn't care less. It was just "meh".
First and foremost, I couldn't escape the feeling this was just a ghost driven Bridesmaids. It really did get in the way of my being able to fully enjoy the film as a Ghostbuster's movie. Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy are just okay. They seem unsure of what to do in this movie. Leslie Jones plays a more stereotypical black characters as the working class, rough around the edge character much like the original Winston. Kate McKinnon is the only breakout of them all, and even that felt pushed onto the audience. I will say, even knowing that, she was the only one to make me laugh.
The plot felt inconsequential. It was yet another rehashed original story in the vain of The Amazing Spider-man. It didn't feel necessary. The villain was perhaps the biggest letdown as he was largely forgettable and I really didn't even get his motivations. Obviously this was felt by the director because half way through the movie they ditch him for Liam Hemsworth. This portrayal of Janine was way off base. She was snarky and sassy. He's just a blithering idiot than a poor substitute for a villain.
In the end I didn't mind it, but that's not saying much. I liked the art direction of the movie as a whole, especially in regards to the ghosts. I would have preferred more traditional ghosts in the vain of the original Ghostbusters. Also, as a nostalgic person I did really love the nods to the original movie, even if it confused a timeline. However, I thought the cameos were absolutely terrible. They made me wince. - DirectorIrvin S. Yeaworth Jr.Russell S. Doughten Jr.StarsSteve McQueenAneta CorsautEarl RoweAn alien lifeform consumes everything in its path as it grows and grows.10.19.16 NEW
We're in color! And boy, are we! It's almost hypercolorful. Everything is a solid primary color through and through. The opening is rather cheesy with hints of the 60s already approaching. The Criterion edition is rather stunning in its rendering. We really didn't pay much attention to the remake last year so it will be interesting to have this in mind before rewatching the remake.
I do love Steve McQueen. It definitely gives me a Grease feel. Of course it's the 50s so there has to be a car race, but oh! it's backwards! A typical run in with the police.
It's a pretty typical teenage horror movie of the 50s where a bizarre, extraterrestrial/supernatural slinks around town unseen by the adults, killing people, and those in authority don't believe them until it's too late.
I love how small this town feels and how everyone comes to help out their fellow townies instead of running for their lives. The special effects are nothing to write home to. They use miniatures, reverse film, and 2D animation. I didn't real feel threatened by it.
The end was quite a chuckle. Freezing it with fire extinguishers and then dropping it in the Arctic. I couldn't help but laugh when Steve McQueen says it'll be contained as long as the Arctic stays cold. Oh Steve...it's called Global Warming. - DirectorKurt NeumannStarsDavid HedisonPatricia OwensVincent PriceA scientist has a horrific accident when he tries to use his newly invented teleportation device.10.21.16 NEW
I didn't find this film to be the in vain of the horror genre. In the first images it's deceiving. The blood on the press seemed almost too graphic for this era and I wondered what I was in for. However, it slowly settled down into a family drama set in the science fiction genre.
The performances were all adequate and I even felt an odd sense of sadness for Vincent Price which was odd. I think of him as more of a villain and a horror star, and in this film I feel terrible for him. His brother dies by his sister-in-law's hands supposedly. He's still attentive to her due to his nephew and just generally wants the best for his family.
The tragic nature of the main scientist was oddly heartfelt. I did love his lab with the very retro nature of the computers and lights. All he was trying to do was to put millions of people in the transportation business out of work (lol) by making things easier to transport. His intentions are good by wanting to help poor peoples around the world.
His dutiful wife is a charmer I will say that. I felt she kept calm under pressure, trying to help her husband as much as she can. I felt that his decision to destroy himself was a noble one, but one that didn't get fleshed out as much as it should. I thought that they should have played up his mind being taken over control more and being a killer. It would have fallen in line with more traditional monsters, in the vain of the Wolf Man.
All in all it was more of a science fiction family drama than an actual horror movie. - DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsBette MidlerSarah Jessica ParkerKathy NajimyA teenage boy named Max and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.10.22.16
Nothing needs to be said about this movie.
Mitchell is in Chicago with Janet this evening so I'm having a "Me Party". This is by far one of my most favorite Halloween movies and a staple, a tradition. It oozes 90's Disney nostalgic that I can't withstand.
The Sanderson Sisters are by far the best witches ever. Couldn't have better actresses to play them.
It's the first time that I recognized the dirtiness of when they tell the bus driver they desire children and he says it might take him a few tries.
Also, I want to know more about the repercussions of the children flying away on the Sister's brooms.
I will say, even though Winnie uses her sisters for her own end, she does have a very protective nature to her. When the bus comes up, she still intervenes and pushes them back behind her. I never realized that before.
I love the witches ignorance to technology. I think it's a great avenue for hilarity to ensue and when you use 90's technology it only makes it better over the years. - DirectorFred DekkerStarsAndre GowerRobby KigerStephen MachtA group of young monster fanatics attempts to save their hometown from Count Dracula and his monsters.10.22.16
Nothing needs to be said about this movie.
Again, the foul language about homosexuality is rather abrasive, but most likely indicative to school, don't get me wrong.
I love the monsters in this, bar Dracula. I wish they would have given him an update like the Creature instead of going with the stereotypical look at is so associated with the character.
I would have liked to see more of a partnership between the monsters, instead of the easy way out and Dracula just controlling them all. In their first meeting the cane has more resonance now that I've seen the Wolf Man again. I will say even though the Creature gets terrible treatment in this movie, he upstages all the other monsters in their meeting by throwing out Frankenstein's coffin.
I love how this movie incorporates an 80's slasher movie in this film. Ground Hogs Day 12, in the drive-in. I think it might be a commentary.
I love the duo of Frankenstein and the protagonist's little sister. It's a great play on the original movie. And this movie makes the monster that much more sympathetic.
Love the music montage of them getting prepared!!!
Van Helsing giving a thumbs up...now that's awesome!!! - DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsMia FarrowJohn CassavetesRuth GordonA young couple trying for a baby moves into an aging, ornate apartment building on Central Park West, where they find themselves surrounded by peculiar neighbors.10.26.16
Didn't really pay attention, was playing Civ 6 that just came out. However, that said, I've seen this film lots of times. I do really appreciate the slow build that this movie provides. As it crescendos you start to think that maybe she's just crazy with pre-partum delirium. I wish they would have kept that going more until the very end. The last 30 or 45 minutes or so you totally get that it's a devil worshiping cult.
Mia Farrow is absolutely positively amazing in this film and her hair is almost as prominent in the culture of the movie as much as she herself is. Her frenzied acting toward the end of the film makes the audience just as frenzied. We feel her crazy come out and we empathize with it.
Minnie and Roman are by far the cutest horror movie villains of all time and it's clear why she won an oscar. She's all New York and a little old woman who is the most unassuming devil cultist you ever did see. Even in the end, she's simply pleading for Rosemary to be a mother to her child, even though her child is the devil incarnate. - DirectorGeorge A. RomeroStarsDuane JonesJudith O'DeaKarl HardmanA ragtag group of Pennsylvanians barricade themselves in an old farmhouse to remain safe from a horde of flesh-eating ghouls that are ravaging the Northeast of the United States.10.27.16
Didn't really pay attention, was playing Civ 6 that just came out. That said, this movie is shot like it's life depended on it. It's very guerrilla shooting by nature and you can tell it's a first film. The acting is terrible, the lighting is terrible, but within these harsh criticism is a story that is quite mature and well thought out.
As the story centers around these individuals hold up in a house in the country you begin to see what makes people tick. I did love the black guy who very clearly is the only one who has any sense. This probably comes off the heels of blacksploitation movies, but he didn't fit the usual mold of a hulking black man with a huge afro. He seemed more real in that way. I think it speaks a lot that he gets through the night by fending off the dead only to become dead by the living. It definitely has some racial tensions and undertones that Romero was not afraid to instill.
Barbara needed to die and I'm glad she did. I forgot how quickly her brother dies. This was the start of the slow moving, brains hungry zombies that we've moved away from (albeit TWD). - DirectorDan O'BannonStarsClu GulagerJames KarenDon CalfaWhen two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to rise again as zombies.10.28.16 NEW
This is slowly becoming one of my favorite 80's horror films. From the meta quality, to the group of terrible 80's cliches that are some kind of weird punks, to the design of the zombies, this movie just clicks. It knows its heritage and it plays beautifully off the tropes already established, but with humorous glee and through the campy, super odd lens of the 1980's.
The acting is terrible which only makes this film so much more better. They almost know it's terrible and it just works so well. I laugh as the zombie's keeping radioing for more cops and paramedics to eat. At least in this one the zombies seem to be much faster and much smarter.
The old lady zombie on the table telling them about what it's like to be a zombie and their rational for eating brains in hilarious. I love how she can easily pronunciate easily even though she doesn't have any lips. And the terrible acting, oh the terrible acting. She wants to be barred in with her boyfriend. Jesus.