Tag: Film

Haunt-Tober Day 26, 2023: Little Shop of Horrors (1986)

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

And now, an ode to my favorite carnivorous plant.

This horror musical is a delightful bit of mayhem and merriment.

It’s a love story, after all.

Directed by Frank Oz, as only he could, Little Shop of Horrors has catchy songs, charismatic performances, and fantastic effects. It is exactly what you want and may have never known you needed.

Passive Flower shop assistant Seymour Krelborn (Rick Moranis) has his life turned upside down when he discovers an unusual plant that feeds on human flesh.

He’s in love with Audrey (Ellen Greene) who is with someone else and can’t seem to get the appreciation he deserves from his boss, Mr. Mushnik (Vincent Gardenia).

Suddenly Seymour

He names it Audrey II, and as it grows it becomes an attraction at the fledgling shop. While it brings success, it also brings tragedy, and Seymour is stuck between two decisions, worlds apart.

This is such a bizarre treat that manages to efficiently marry multiple areas of horror along with romance and comedy, all with terrific musical numbers.

Moranis, as our soft hearted hero, is perfect. He’s lovable and fantastic casting alongside our green human eating machine.

The film is stocked with cameos too, hilarity ensues with the likes of Steve Martin and Bill Murray.

Little Shop of Horrors is a film that you can just fall into. It exercises muscles in your chest and stomach that you didn’t know you had and leaves you feeling aglow.

A hearty dose of camp and a campy bit of heart, there’s enough horror to satisfy genre fans and catchy tunes to sing you through the night.

Today’s winner:

Bestselling Blu-Rays and Dvds

Haunt- Tober Day 25, 2023 Pet Sematary (1989)

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Stephen King’s haunting story has been adapted a few times and with each one I’m more aware of just how good the original is. Why it works, and this could be because of the time and my childhood connection, is somewhat of a mystery.

Mary Lambert’s Pet Sematary is a movie that steeps, it’s eerie and ushers in a deep seeded horror.

“Sometimes Dead is Better.”

A happy family moves to a small town in Maine. It’s quaint, peaceful, but what’s brewing in the woods and in the ground is something malevolent, ancient.

Dr. Louis Creed (Dale Midkiff), his wife Rachel (Denise Crosby), and their two children have just relocated.

When their cat gets killed their new neighbor Jud (Fred Gwynne) tells Louis about a cemetery for pets. What comes back isn’t the animal they know and once this evil is fed, more accidents begin to occur. From there even more poor decisions are made and what spawns from the ground isn’t what went in. This Sematary might provide momentary solace in the height of grief, but the cost is much, much worse.

Sometimes even the best of intentions can have the worst of outcomes.

The direction by Mary Lambert is fantastic (handling some hard subjects with empathy) and she embodies the film with a tone that hits the nose on exactly what makes King’s story so effective. At times the dialogue and delivery feel off, but it’s part of the charm. There’s an underlying ambiance that can’t be understated and it is most definitely chilling.

Paramount recently released a “Paramount Scares” collection which included a 4k Ultra HD Blu ray copy (and a lot of other amazing goodies). The special features for the film includes behind the scenes galleries, a new interview with Mary Lambert and a look back at the classic with the cast of the newest remake from 2019. This movie alone is just one reason to grab up the set which features a special edition Fangoria issue and four other killer horrors.

Genuinely scary and uniquely odd, Pet Sematary shocks and awes with its no holds barred approach.

Today’s winners:

Bestselling Blu-Rays and Dvds

Haunt-Tober Day 24, 2023: Halloween H20: 20 Years Later

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

As far as Halloween films go, this is one that doesn’t get a lot of love. Why?

I don’t know, maybe it’s Josh Harnett’s hair, maybe it’s something else.

For me, I relish the entertainment factor. It’s got a singular location, a cast of great teen actors and a Jamie Lee Curtis who is fantastic again as her return to Laurie Strode.

She now lives in Northern California and is living under a fake name (she is Keri Tate), but the tragedies that have befallen the Strode’s continue to haunt. Her son John, the especially broody Josh Harnett, just wants to be a kid. He doesn’t want to live under the shadow of what happened like his mother.

John attends a private school (which Laurie is headmistress of) and has a girlfriend, Molly (Michelle Williams).

She’s got a love interest in Will Brennan (Adam Arkin) and otherwise things seem to be going well.

When Michael Myers escapes the facility he’s been in, there’s only one place, or rather, one person, he wants to see.

The school is going on a trip, but when some of his friends can’t go, John, Molly and friends Sarah (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe) and Charlie (Adam Hann-Byrd) decide to stay behind and have a party of their own. With the exception of the security guard played by LL Cool J, they are alone.

source: Miramax

Steve Miner directs and he wields a stylish and succinct Halloween entry that doesn’t overstay its welcome and never feels forced. It’s a admirable slice of angry pumpkin pie and it’s as brutal as it is compelling.

Look, Halloween H20 isn’t winning awards and while it may strike some as veering away from some elements in the franchise it’s a killer sequel, especially amid less stellar ones.

It is also an efficiently crafted thriller that wastes no time jumping into the action and keeping your pulse elevated. It also features an epic showdown and some fantastic and creative slaughters. It also may be Jamie Lee Curtis’ best performance as the character.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary, a recent 4k Ultra HD Blu Ray steelbook was released and the kills and thrills never looked so good. Seek it out if you can!

A more claustrophobic take on Halloween fare, H20 features a stunning performance from Curtis who keeps this fast-paced feature from perishing.

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober Day 23, 2023: HORRORFEST International Film Festival: Glue Trap

Posted on by Kstrouse

A couple gets away to a friend’s cabin for the weekend to reconnect and spend some quality time together. Dan (Isaac Jay) and KJ (Brittany Bradford) have been having a rough time lately and they feel this may rekindle their relationship.

Not long after they arrive an uninvited guest Eliza (Gloria Bangiola) does too, putting a big crutch in their plans. She says that she was unaware it was inhabited and that she was also given the place for the weekend. Their initial skepticism is slowly put on hold as they are forced to be cordial and deal with the unexpected.

Out of kindness, and her general pushiness, they let her in, but for KJ it is especially difficult to hide her unease. Their new arrival has the kind of saccharine personality that grates but can’t really be faulted, putting them in a state of unnecessary and delicate dislocation.

source: HorrorFest International Film Festival

While never uproariously funny, Glue Trap does something even more impressive: it shows a steady hand of clever lines and subtle nods of hilarity. Justin Geldzahler’s writing is wry and engaging, and his dialogue is believable but not without a wink of cheeky goodness.

Much like Speak No Evil did previously, Glue Trap drives with discomfort first, getting under your skin with the fear of social graces and awkward conversations. Lingering, though, is another presence, that gut impression that something is not quite right here.

When it comes to the surface and motives are disclosed, there’s little time to escape.

Justin Geldzahler’s direction is confident and shows immense detail in little things, making this mostly one-location film feel bigger in scope.

I was surprised by the doses of heart that came, especially in the final act, amid horrifying circumstances and humorous musings. Some heady themes beneath the initial conceit and lovely moments of reflection made me choke up. It also captures the difficulties and dynamics in relationships, taking something familiar and placing it within an unfamiliar and horrifying premise.

To say this film grew on me as I watched it and showcased Justin Geldzahler’s excellent feature writing/directing debut would be an understatement. This doesn’t feel like a debut; it’s skillfully done with just the right pacing to make you feel the potential for survival as it slips away.

It is also a lot of fun, what you’d want and hope for when it comes to a horror/comedy. There’s an entertaining feel heightened by a wicked third-act turn.

Glue Trap is a masterful debut feature, showcasing a new and talented voice in horror.

It premiered at HorrorFest International Film Festival and will have its NYC premiere at the Big Apple Film Festival (Saturday Nov 4 at 5:30pm).

Today’s winner:

Haunt- Tober Day 22, 2023: Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

There is a substantial amount of glee that I feel every time I see Billy Zane punch through a guys head and then have his arm get stuck. It’s a ludicrous scene that is riotously funny. A common turn you’ll find in Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight right beside a horror based narrative and some unexpected twists and turns that tend to live within the realm of a preposterous nature.

Frank Brayker (William Sadler) – the knight/ is the guardian of an ancient key that can unlock an enormous evil, who is being outsider by the charmingly heinous Collector (Billy Zane).

Collector is a demon that wishes to set an apocalypse onto the world. When Frank takes refuge at a hotel in a small town, with a mix of characters including Jada Pinkett Smith, CCH Pounder and Thomas Hayden Church, he’s forced to hold up there and they all come together to try and stop Collector.

source: Universal Pictures

By all accounts Demon Knight is silly b-movie fodder, but its immensely entertaining all the same. Directed by Ernest Dickerson, there are some scary moments and definitely plenty of suspense, but where the film really thrives is within its openness to the strange and campy demeanor synonymous with the series.

A body horror with ample blood and gory atrocities. The humor is wildly generated from the scenes as they unfold and Billy Zane proves himself to be a hilariously menacing villain.

Sleaze, blood, and lots of severed body parts, Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight has some scenes that feel like placeholders, but overall works cohesively with its madcap narrative.

It is a campy homage that doesn’t promise any thought-provoking resonance, but will provide some easy thrills and stellar kills. Demon Knight knows what it is and doesn’t hide from it.

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober Day 21, 2023: Prince of Darkness

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

Another horror entry from the King.

Thanks to our day one winner of the 31 days of Haunt- Tober giveaways, I was pushed to scratch off a blindspot I had been meaning to do for a while.

As a big Carpenter fan (obviously) this seemed like a no brainer. In comparison to his wide range of work (including the connected In the Mouth of Madness) it isn’t a favorite but it still boasts enough scares and wildly intriguing concepts to warrant discovery.

A priest (Donald Pleasence) finds a vial in an church cellar that seems to be the essence of Satan.

When it spreads, claiming various collegiate, a student, Kelly (Susan Blanchard), becomes the main victim as it threatens to take her over completely.

It has a beautifully atmospheric score that matches a claustrophobic vibe. The film really finds its voice in the second half, paced well and haunting in aesthetic. It has an interesting and creative bit of world building and some terrific individual scenes.

Written and directed by John Carpenter, we are treated to the usual oddity with a sense of foreboding tension.

source: Universal Pictures

Prince of Darkness asks intriguing and controversial questions, creates dread early on, and builds a collective sense of curiosity from its audience. This master of horror knows his stuff, so with any film I start I am automatically trusting in his direction. I’ve seen more confident pieces and execution of compelling narratives in other projects, but his usual sensibilities are on full display.

There are a lot of great ideas that don’t always pay off, but, it possesses a haunting sensibility that makes for a terrific choice for an autumn night watch.

The performances outdo the script, but they are still iconic, especially Donald Pleasence. It meanders on silly with a touch of psychotic, and if nothing else Prince of Darkness is an interesting experience to live in for a time.

This take on demonic horror is truly a strange bit of cinema, but a welcoming addition to a long list of talented work. Come for Carpenter stay for the weird.

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober Day 20, 2023: Kalimba

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

This was originally published on Film Inquiry.

Kalimba, the horror short written by Robbie J. Atkinson and J.E. Atkinson and directed by Robbie J. Atkinson, is an exercise in nightmare fuel.

It opens to an ominous voice and a young woman in bed. Some… thing is leering over her and we catch a quick glimpse of the creature before she wakes.

Cassidy (Raiany Silva), is quite haunted. Her nighttime disruptions are wearing on her, accumulating in various ways, from nightmares to sleep paralysis. Her relationship with her mother is shown to be estranged early on, and she doesn’t give much credence to Cassidy’s concern that something more, supernatural, may be afoot. 

It’s mentioned that her grandma may be able to help, but in this well-paced twenty minute short, we don’t yet uncover what that will entail. It spikes an intrigue that doesn’t dissipate, making the squirming discomfort last until the final shot.

KALIMBA: Effectively Alluring & Eerie
source: RPX Media Productions

The only part that doesn’t quite click is a scene between her and her friend. A welcoming bit of levity, mind you, but some of the dialogue doesn’t hit as well as the rest. 

Overall, the film is a delightfully eerie bit of filmmaking that is quite polished and formidable. It shows a keen sense of creativity and curates some lingering horror imagery. The script flows with measured intent and crafts a lot of thought-provoking elements in its small runtime. 

Terrific sound design ensures we hear every gasp, creak and groan. This adds to an already amazing atmosphere that sweeps you up. Atkinson has a unique vision, and the direction speaks to detail and unique skill. Silva is quite good as our lead, convincingly tortured and she makes for an engaging north for us to follow in the night. 

Kalimba works because it utilizes the embedded fear of the unknown mixed with the psychological thrills that keep us glued to the screen.

The short is referenced as a proof of concept for a feature and I sure hope it gets one, I’d love to see what else lurks in the dark.

Conclusion:

Kalimba is a tightly wound wonder, enigmatic and enticing. There’s a lot to love here, and I look forward to seeing what comes next from this talented group.

Today’s winners of the Haunt-Tober Giveaway:

Haunt-Tober Day 19, 2023: New Project! Horror: A Journey Through the Decades

Posted on by Kstrouse

As the month sadly begins to near its end and we have but 11 days left of the giveaway, I thought it the right time to dive into Wonderfully Weird’s next project.

Currently it’s named Horror: A Journey Through the Decades (but it is possible to change in the coming days). It’s sort of a love letter to the genre going all the way back to its roots. It has come a long way and there is so much to reflect on that I can’t imagine doing it alone.

Since inquiring about how you all fell in love with horror, it made me think about how we all have our stories and our own experiences with the movies that shaped us. Those deserve to be heard!

This is an opportunity to gush about a film you adore or maybe, just respect. Regardless, you have the urge to write about it and so here we are. This will be published individually on the site as well as an eventual publishing in book form. This is unpaid unfortunately, but I will send you a copy of the book when it is released!

I am also open to feature ideas!

Horror is one of the best communities and it truly feels like a family. I’m excited to begin this new journey and create something truly unique with all of you!

To apply please go here.

And as always, thank you all.

-Kristy

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober Day 17, 2023: Vax (Barak Shpiez)

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

What does the scariest concept look like? Is it something that touches on familiar fears while also pushing the scope? Or is it the unimaginable?

In Barak Shpiez’s Vax, it does the former, with a conceit that feels eerie and effectively perpetuates our already dormant (or not so much) concerns in a succinct package.

It’s 2003, and researcher Geoff (Cade Carradine) begins his shift at his lab where he has been working on a malaria vaccine. However, today, he notices that in one of his samples, the virus is missing.

He goes to his supervisor, Eric (Ricco Ross), and the two figure discover that they may have finally found the cure. But what about the lost sample?

Their discussion shifts to the decision to hide what’s happened and move forward with the win, keeping the potential disaster a secret, and cashing in on their findings.

Worst Case Scenario

When you have a position of power such as this and handle such important samples, there’s really no opportunity for a mess-up. Geoff knows the dangers, and he’s sweating. But the film poses an intriguing question of morality.

source: Barak Shpiez

Vax utilizes the tension it builds early on as the clock ticks down, uncertain of the full consequences that may have occurred.

This 12-minute short manages to create ample suspense, in some ways more effectively than other full-length features.

The idea has a lot of avenues it could take as a feature, but for now, this short leaves us on an intriguing open note. What will they do? It focuses on greed, power, and the inevitable morality of having such a grand decision in one’s hands.

It is a very impressive short and a taut example of a medical thriller done right. I wanted more!

Vax is a riveting bit of horror that proves to be effectively posing valid questions and boasts excellent direction from Barak Shpiez.

Today’s winner:

Haunt-Tober Day 15, 2023: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Posted on by Kstrouse

While horror movie watching is a year-round event, this is that time of year when all of us can flourish, embracing the weird.

So, come one, come all, beasties unite! It’s Haunt-Tober time!

I can’t think of October- December without this Henry Selick directed and Tim Burton born, classic. Even now after rewatching (many times) I am left in awe of the artistry and the wonderful stop motion work. It conjures quite a spell and still continues to be a favorite among the masses.

Jack (Chris Sarandon) the pumpkin king’s, (lover of the macabre and ruler of Halloweentown) life is about to change as he finds out about the existence of Christmas. He’s filled with the unexpected desire to give and become his own version of Santa Claus, which, while well intended, brings disastrous results.

One of the most beautifully crafted of Danny Elfman‘s creations, The Nightmare Before Christmas dances on in your psyche, singing a song that’ll never leave you and will always give you a routinely coherent combination of eerie and emotional, Christmas and Halloween, that is endlessly satisfying.

source: Buena Vista Entertainment

The writing and story at the center is wonderfully weird (yeah, I did it) and truly genius, especially when combined with the art form they chose. The animation is flawless and smooth and has a lot of detail that makes this a masterpiece of craft.

“It’s a world unlike anything I have ever seen.”

This isn’t the first Burton project I have written about and it certainly won’t be the last. While this isn’t my favorite this does have a special place in my heart and it really speaks to me. The animation and story have a child like wonder but the themes and aesthetics are hauntingly emotional. It is also a fun story that reminds you why this time of year is so special.

It’s a testament to its staying power and importance to the holiday season.

Along with the incredible original songs and a vibe that truly speaks to film fans and outcasts alike, there is also a lovely central romance. Sally (Catherine O’Hara) and Jack’s connection is that kind of fateful love story you yearn to see, and it’s the soul of the picture.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is unique and timeless, a magical adventure that’ll delight the senses and steal your heart.

Today’s winners:

More to come!