Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Top 10 Vampire Movies

Hello, Bloggers, I'm back and with a new Top 10 list in honor of Halloween. This list is what I consider to be the Top 10 Vampire Movies. Just as a heads up, the Twilight films will NOT make this list. Let's take a look:

10. Daybreakers: First up is the rather underrated 2010 gem Daybreakers. The film has a very intriguing premise involving a world where almost everybody is a vampire and it asks the question: What would happen if the blood started to run out? The film is pretty action-packed, features wonderful performances by Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Sam Neill, and brings a new twist to the vampire myth. Highly recommend you check it out.

9. 30 Days Of Night: Now, I have a feeling I am in the minority on my opinion of this one since it got a pretty mixed reception, but I loved this film. It makes vampires very terrifying because of how fast and relentless they are. Plus, the film is packed with blood. Seriously, this film has a lot of it and if that is your cup of tea, then definitely check this one out. I also thought the whole idea of vampires being able to walk around for a whole month of darkness is very unique.

8. Underworld: Next is the first in a series of films known as Underworld. Not only does this film makes vampires AND werewolves badass, but it even brings a Shakespearean twist to it because of how a the main heroine, a vampire, and a werewolf fall in love. This is one that, in my opinion, gets better which each viewing.

7. Interview With The Vampire: Next up is the adaptation of the Anne Rice novel Interview With The Vampire. While I haven't read the book, I can say that the film itself is outstanding. What makes this one rather unique is how is has homosexual or bisexual undertones due to the relationship between Lestat and Louis, who are both well-played by Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. But while they were excellent, I'll admit that Kirsten Dunst was a real scene-stealer as Claudia, an adult vampire trapped in a child's body.

6. Let The Right One In: Next is the only foreign language entry on this list, Let The Right One In. Even though it is another vampire romance, this one deals with the relationship of a human boy and vampire girl. The film even manages to touch on the hardships of adolescence while demonstrating outstanding direction and beautiful cinematography. A true gem that shouldn't be missed. Plus, the film's 2010 American remake ain't too shabby.

5. From Dusk Till Dawn: Now I'm on to slightly more comedic territory. From Dusk Till Dawn is a fun, gore-filled comedic action romp that thrills from beginning to end. I loved how there are different designs to each creature or vampire and I especially loved the lead performance by George Clooney that is a reminder of why he is a star in the first place. I especially loved the whole Night of the Living Dead-vibe the film has with the main characters fighting for their lives inside one place.

4. Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992): Next up is the Francis Ford Coppola flick Bram Stoker's Dracula. Despite this film having the same premise as the original, this one is done with plenty of flare. It really digs deep into the relationship between Dracula and Mina. Plus, the makeup effects on Dracula are amazing. I also liked the performances by Gary Oldman as Dracula and Winona Ryder as Mina, who undergoes a rather intense arc from a proper Englishwoman to a more sensual erotic being. This is How To Do A Vampire Love Story 101, in my opinion.

3. Nosferatu: What is a vampire movie list without the original one, right? I'll admit that I haven't seen this film all the way through just yet, but it just seems fitting to include this film on a Best Vampire Movie list. Once I see it all the way through, I'll probably do a review of it.

2. Dracula (1933): Next is the original 1933 Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi. While Gary Oldman really brought his own fresh take to the titular character, it is Bela Lugosi who defined him and made him the classic monster he is today. Not much more to really say other than if you love vampire movies, put this, along with my number one pick, at the very top of your watch list.

1. The Lost Boys: At number one is the 1987 classic The Lost Boys. This one, to me, is just a perfect mix. It's got horror, comedy, action, and even a bit of romance. The fangs are just lined up perfectly and even the soundtrack, with songs like "People Are Strange" by The Doors and the film's theme "Cry Little Sister" by Gerard McMann is pretty nifty. Plus, the film has wonderful performances, including the ones by Corey Haim and Jason Patric as the two main brothers and Kiefer Sutherland as the chilling main villain David. This one isn't just the best vampire movie, in my opinion, but it is also one of my favorite movies.

So, that was my list of what I consider to be the Top 10 Vampire Movies. Whether you agree or disagree, or would like to add your own honorable mentions, please feel free to write in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Trick 'r Treat (2007)

                                 

                     
                                    A Thrilling 'Treat' With Plenty Of 'Tricks' Up Its Sleeve

            Halloween is one of my top 3 favorite holidays and while I appreciate horror films that are set on Halloween, I feel that it is rare when we see a horror film that goes deep into the holiday itself. Trick 'r Treat does that and it is a film like this that makes me truly appreciate Halloween a little more than I already do.

           Story:
        Trick 'r Treat follows four interwoven stories set on Halloween night: A principal who moonlights as a serial killer (Dylan Baker), a girl (Anna Paquin) who is pursued by a mysterious stranger, an old hermit (Brian Cox) terrorized by a special trick-or-treat, and a bunch of teens who play a mean prank.

           Ups:
       One thing I liked was how the different stories were woven together. There are even a few twists and turns that take place, which I of course don't want to give away because I hate to do that. But I will say that my favorite story of the film is the one involving Anna Paquin as a girl dressed in a Red Riding Hood costume. There is a special twist involving her character but because I think you guys should see the movie, I'll let you figure it out for yourself. The more I go into this film, I worry I might end up spoiling it, so this review will be shorter, I'm afraid.

       Another thing that I thought was very interesting was how this is very much a Halloween movie. While films like Halloween that are set on Halloween are about Halloween, this one digs deeper into the whole idea of Halloween, I think. In the opening sequence, one character even points out the dangers of blowing out a Jack-O-Lantern before midnight. So, while there have been horror films set on Halloween, this is one that is essentially about Halloween and I can't help but commend it for that.

         Downs:
        NIL.

        Consensus:
       Overall, Trick 'r Treat is a highly inventive ode to the celebrated holiday that the film is based on. It manages to stay true to Halloween while offering old-school horror conventions and I can't help but feel saddened by how underrated it is.

        Would I Recommend It?:
       ABSOLUTELY, and watch it on Halloween while grabbing some candy. You will be in for an absolute "treat"!

Grade: A
     

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Announcement

Hello, Bloggers, I just wanted to make a quick announcement involving my Another 31 Days Of Halloween segment. Originally, I said I would make a blog post every day, but I haven't put that to fruition since I started and I will go into detail about that.

Now, since I am going to college and taking 4 classes, there are days where I get slowly burnt out from doing work and I just don't have the energy to do much writing after a day of it. I am definitely not trying to do a simple cop out. It's just some of my days are long and if I worry that one day, when I am exhausted and writing, I would end up phoning it in which I don't want to do because I want to try to put in 100% to all my reviews for you folks.

Not only that, but before I started this, I actually haven't compiled a full list of films to review each day. I just think of whatever horror film that pops into my head and try to review it but I have had a bit of a rough time thinking of what films to discuss. So, what I'll do is I will continue to call this segment Another 31 Days Of Halloween and review horror films over the course of the remaining 15 days of the month. I won't be able to each day, but I will post more reviews, I know that.

So, that was my quick announcement regarding my Another 31 Days Of Halloween segment. I look forward to doing more reviewing in the near future and I hope you guys will check them out. Thanks for reading!

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Diabolique (1955)

                                             

                 
                 'Diabolique': A Well-Crafted Thriller Done With Great Hitchcockian Flare

 Hello, Bloggers, I have yet another review of a foreign horror/thriller film, but that is actually the trend I am doing for this year's Halloween segment. I am looking to try and focus on foreign or indie horror films that I feel should be recognized more and here is my next one: The French black-and-white thriller known as Diabolique.

         Story:
         Diabolique, or Les Diaboliques, follows the story of two women: Christina (Vera Clouzot), teacher at a boy's boarding school, and Nicole (Simone Signoret), Christina's husband's mistress. Both Christina and Nicole have made plans to kill Christina's abusive husband. When they go through with it and dump the body, the body becomes missing and things slowly take a turn for the worse.

        Ups:
       First off, I did really like the performances from the two female leads. Although I thought the true star of the film is without a doubt, Vera Clouzot. She is just astounding as the wife who is at first skeptic about the whole scheme yet after she goes through with it, she goes through a struggle to not slip. She didn't even have to utter a peep to demonstrate that. The magic is all in her facial expressions. But Simone Signoret is equally as astounding as the more feisty Nicole.

      Another thing I really liked was how the film manages to gear its focus mainly on the killers. For some reason, I find those types of thrillers interesting and this one was no different. It was interesting how we watch the two women slowly succumb to the madness that affected the big decision they made in the film. Apparently, this film was the inspiration for Psycho, but I see this as more along the lines of Hitchcock's own Rope, which is told from the point of view of the antagonists. Although, I can see where the comparisons between this and Psycho lie.

       Downs:
      I'm not going to lie, I did have one slightly minor complaint. I thought at times, the pacing was a little off and the film was a little longer than it really needed to be. If they had cut out a few bits of Christina acting all skeptic, then it would've been shorter. Plus, even though Christina's husband is abusive, I thought the filmmakers made it a little too "on the nose" in terms of demonstrating that the husband is a creep.

       Consensus:
      Overall, Les Diaboliques is a well-constructed Hitchcockian thriller that features stunning performances from its leading ladies. The film has its fair share of flaws, but it doesn't mean it isn't an inventive masterpiece.

       Would I Recommend It?:
      If you like Hitchcock or foreign films, I would definitely say go for it. But otherwise, maybe not. Although it is considered a film classic, so if you want to see any film placed under that category, then I would say "Yeah, sure".

Grade: B+

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Sisters (1973)

                                     

         
                                'Sisters': A Psychological Exercise In The Macabre Thriller
       
         Slasher films or violent thrillers that rarely have any violence are almost a rarity, in my opinion. Although films that focus on and show only one murder can be very successful, just like this film. Sisters is that kind of violent thriller yet it adds its own unique twist.


           Story:
       Sisters follows the story of a model named Danielle (Margot Kidder) who has a separated Siamese twin named Dominique that committed a murder witnessed by a reporter named Grace Collier (Jennifer Salt). The police don't believe Grace's story when she tries to tell them, so it is up to her to do some investigating on her own.

           Ups:
       I'll start off by saying I thought the idea was very intriguing. Not only is the premise intriguing, but it was neat that it was a female-centered horror film and those are a rarity these days, in my opinion. I also thought that director Brian DePalma's use of split screen was very nice. My favorite scene that he incorporated the split-screen technique in, and this might be the only time De Palma used it, is the murder sequence. That sequence has the point of view of Grace, who is watching the murder, and the point of view of the people involved in the murder taking place. I remember when I watched the murder sequence while watching this film, I was pretty shaken.

      I also liked how the film isn't a straight-up slasher flick. It relies more on mystery and as we watch Grace try to find the truth and dig deeper, we are slowly shaken to the core once she finds out more about the horrors behind the murder, which is the film's centerpiece. In the midst of sex and gore-driven horror films that came out around the time this one did, this one is more based on plot, atmosphere, and as I just mentioned, mystery. It certainly doesn't surprise me that this film became a part of the Criterion Collection.

          Downs:
        NIL.

         Consensus:
       Overall, Sisters is a mind-numbing mystery that may leave you shaken up until the film's climax. The direction by auteur Brian De Palma is simply spectacular and something to study in film class and is a standout amongst splatter-soaked slasher films.

         Would I Recommend It?:
       Yes. If you are in the mood for an old-fashioned murder mystery, I would definitely recommend it. Plus, if you like mystery or violent thrillers, but don't want a lot of the bloody violence that comes with them, then I would still say give it a watch.

Grade: B+

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: The Hunt (2012)

                                             

             
                      A Cold And Ambiguous Thriller About 'The Hunt' For The Truth
      In most horror or thriller films, there tends to be a more human villain or boogeyman that can literally be a killer. But The Hunt manages to gear its focus towards a different kind of villain that doesn't have face yet figuratively can kill: Rumors. One small rumor can grow to a web of lies and can take a physical or mental toll on the rumor's subject. Yet this film never tells us whether the people behind the rumor are right or not, yet it never aims to give us those answers.


         Story:
         The Hunt follows the story of a schoolteacher named Lucas (Mads Mikkelsen) who is adored by everyone in his community. But that is until a girl named Karla (Annika Wedderkopp) tells a small lie that Lucas assaulted him and mistakenly (or not) makes him a pariah to everybody around him. forcing his community to create a modern-day witch hunt.

         Ups:
       I'll start off with the performances, or in particular, the lead performance. Mads Mikkelsen is just astounding as Lucas. As his character undergoes such turmoil and is cast out by everybody around him, Mikkelsen showcases his inner turmoil with a rather quiet dignity. He does it without going deep into "I'm mad at the world" or "woe-is-me" territory. Another actor, or actress, I'd love to acknowledge is Annika Wedderkopp as Karla. For such a young child actress, she is very complex as the misunderstood child who is yet isn't the film's biggest villain. One of the film's best scenes has to be the scene where she first explains her lie to one of the schoolteachers, who immediately starts to believe it. That actually brings me to my next point.

       Since the film deals with how one small lie can grow into massive hysteria, I loved how director Thomas Vinterberg isn't very judgmental with his vision. This film has no real hero or villain and nothing is black or white. We just watch the characters become consumed by their biased beliefs as they cast out this kind man who may or not be guilty. This film certainly shows how adults can be really biased when it comes to children, especially when it is their own parents. If a child were to say that he or she was hit by their gym teacher, then the adults would rile up against the gym teacher because they believe the child. Like I said, this film has no right or wrong answers, but Vinterberg doesn't aim to find any and I find that incredibly admirable.

     I also liked the way the film was shot. The way we are given sequences in the deserted, cloudy forest or the small secluded town and the shots of the character being hidden in the dark brought a great chill to the film and left me shaken by the end of the film. Even the very last 2 minutes had me on edge.

       Downs:
      NIL.

       Consensus:
      Overall, The Hunt is a very cold and chilling yet masterful execution of a small lie growing from a seed to a poisonous plant. Its lead performance by Mikkelsen is phenomenal, the cinematography is beautiful yet the way it is shot is very tense, and the direction by Thomas Vinterberg is ambiguous yet challenging. The film doesn't give us the right answers. It is up to us to find out or discuss who the real villain is.

       Would I Recommend It?:
      Absolutely. If you love foreign films, I would put this high on your watch list. But if you can't stand reading subtitles, then you'll be tempted to steer clear since this film is in Danish. Although, there is a wee bit of people speaking English.

Grade: A+

     

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: The Devil's Backbone (2001)

                                                           

An Artistic Descent Into The Horrific Effects Of War That Has A Lot Of 'Backbone' When It Comes To Scares

            War is Hell. Not only that, but dealing with the aftermath of war can be like the eighth circle of Hell. They even talk about ghosts of war, which is definitely what The Devil's Backbone is about but it demonstrates the "ghosts of war" trapped in a harsh and frozen memory in such a nuanced and hauntingly beautiful way.

            Story:
        The Devil's Backbone follows the story of a boy named Carlos (Fernando Tielve) who is sent to live in a stranded orphanage after his father died in the Spanish Civil War. While he stays there, he realizes that the orphanage is haunted by the ghost of a boy named Santi (Junio Valverde) and is filled with ominous, dark secrets.

            Ups:
        First off, one thing I thought was interesting was how it isn't really the ghost that is the true villain of the film. It is mainly the humans as well as the effects of the war. Director Guillermo Del Toro once said he wanted the ghost story to be a metaphor for the war and vice versa and it really shows. Since ghosts are essentially a memory trapped in time, Santi is a symbol for the war, which itself is a frozen memory. There is even the use of a bomb buried in the ground as a symbol for the war as well, which almost represents how Santi is trapped in the realm between the living and the dead, like how the bomb is trapped in between the surface and the bottom of the Earth. So, it is very interesting how Del Toro weaves together the war and the ghost story elements in such a unique and rather subtle way.

        Speaking of the ghost, I thought the makeup job they did for the character of Santi was astounding. They didn't make him CG and just had an actor portray him while incorporating CG when necessary, in particular with the blood floating from his head. Santi certainly made for a haunting yet ultimately tragic character. While the film is a demonstration of the horrors of war, make no mistake, this film is terrifying. There were scenes that just had me cringing, thanks to the music and use of simple tactics like water kettles tipping.

       Plus, there are the blue tints on the camera, thanks to the outstanding cinematography work by Guillermo Navarro (Pan's Labyrinth). I also liked the scenes Del Toro and Navarro shot during the day where they use a more yellowish tint to contrast with the blue shot in the night time scenes. I feel that the blue is a representation for Santi and the yellow, and eventually red, during the day represents the hellish war.

          Downs:
         NIL.

          Consensus:
         Overall, The Devil's Backbone is a magnificent and artistic ghost story that deals with the harsh horrors of war. The film is shot beautifully, the metaphors are demonstrated in a not too obvious way, and the cringe-inducing atmosphere is just heart-pounding.

          Would I Recommend It?:
         Absolutely. The film may be in Spanish so those of you who hate to read subtitles may be tempted to steer clear, but if that isn't a problem for you, then I highly recommend you check it out. I don't just recommend it for those that love horror films but those that love to study and analyze films in general.

Grade: A+

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Black Sheep (2006)

                                       

                                 
                                              'Black Sheep': So Baa-aa-d, It's Good
                 Not only are horror and comedy the two most subjective genres out there, but they are the two most difficult to pull off. So, I would imagine that making a horror-comedy is no easy task. But the makers of Black Sheep make it look so effortless since the film offers quite a bit of chills while still not taking itself too seriously, thus making such a fun ride.

              Story:
          Black Sheep follows the story about an experiment gone horribly wrong once a mutant lamb is set free and infects a huge flock of sheep. Eventually, a man with a phobia of sheep named Henry (Nathan Meister) and his brother Angus (Peter Feeney) find themselves fighting for their lives in the midst of the violence of the lambs.

           Ups:
         First off, I loved the film's premise. The whole concept of a movie with killer sheep seems pretty out there, but the film doesn't mean to take itself too seriously. Although, there is the whole plot point of Henry trying to overcome his fear of sheep after a fatal accident that occurred in his childhood, so the script does have some humanistic touches. Plus, there are even a special kind of werewolves called "were-sheep" thrown into the mix. So, the film works with many different elements. It is a killer animal movie with werecreatures and is even a horror film with the main characters help up in a remote locale a la Night of the Living Dead. The whole story is just fascinating.

       Even though the film is a horror-comedy, I'll admit that the scenes where the sheep start attacking were pretty terrifying. It must've been the way the sheep in the film look. But watching the scenes where the sheep start aggressively lunging at the characters just almost made my skin crawl.

          Downs:
          NIL.

          Consensus:
         Overall, Black Sheep is an inventive "splatstick" gem that is so baa-aaa-aa-d, it's good. It is like an homage to the old greats back then while it still manages to have its own story to tell.

          Would I Recommend It?:
         For certain people. If you like horror films and don't mind the disgustingness of them, then I would say absolutely. The film is quite graphic so I wouldn't say it is for everybody, but if that doesn't bother you, then I would say give it a watch. "Flock" to your nearest DVD store and grab it. You'll be in for a treat.

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: The Faculty (1998)

                     

         
                      'The Faculty': A Lesson On How To Make A Classic  For The Modern Age

        I have slowly admitted that the types of horror films that terrify me to the point that I won't watch them are films about creepy dolls and clowns. But there is also another type of horror film that kind of creeps under my skin. The kind where the main character tries to convince those around them that the world is being taken over and they are slowly screwed. The Faculty is that type of film, yet has the right amount of humor thrown in to make it watchable.

       Story:
    The Faculty follows the story of a high school where the teachers slowly become taken over by aliens. A group of teenagers then come together as the rest of the student body starts to become infected and they try to fight off this alien force.

       Ups:
    One thing about this film that I really liked has to be the development of the main characters. I loved how all the main characters each had their own distinct personality and can easily be somebody that viewers could relate to. You have Stokely, the outcast who makes up an identity for herself, Casey, the outsider who is constantly harassed, Delilah, the goody-two-shoes head cheerleader, Stan, the quarterback who quits to exceed in his academics, Marybeth, the perky new girl, and Zeke, the slacker who is held back in his senior year. Plus, I loved how the different characters play off of each other.

    I even thought that, since this was done by Kevin Williamson, who gave us the first two Scream films, it was neat how he managed to create Invasion of the Body Snatchers and make it for the Scream generation. He even includes interesting ways to figure out whether the characters are infected or not. For example, there is a scene where the main characters sniff coke since that kills the parasite that is infecting everyone else. Also, like Scream, this film manages to weave a potent blend of both horror and humor. But there was one scene that did terrify me. The one in the football game where the high school football players keep infecting their opponents and the cover of the song "Another Brick In The Wall" by Pink Floyd is playing in the background. I thought the inclusion of that cover was not only fitting since the film is about high school, but it brought quite a chill to the film that was already pretty chilling to begin with. I guess I find myself pretty freaked out by horror films that deal with people turning evil and when you try to tell people, they all think you're crazy.

    Downs:
    NIL.

    Consensus:
   Overall, The Faculty is a fun sci-fi romp that feels like a modern-day Invasion of the Body Snatchers, yet it works. It has fun and colorful characters and a hefty amount and balance of both chills and humor.

    Would I Recommend It?:
   Absolutely. I consider this to be an underrated gem in the horror genre, so I would say give this one a watch. You'll be in for a treat. It may not be the next Thing, but it doesn't aim to be. It's a fun horror flick that serves its purpose.

Grade: B+

 

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Gone Girl (2014)

                               

                   
                         A Film-Going Experience That I Just Wanted To Be 'Gone' In
              When I was watching this film, I felt quite a chill running through my veins at first because of how the opening sequence showed that horrific events can happen anywhere. Yet as the film progressed, it had a sudden switch and took on a completely different mood and direction. But I still found myself absorbing the experience of watching the mysterious odyssey that is Gone Girl.
           
        Story:
     Gone Girl follows the story of a man named Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) who is about to celebrate his fifth anniversary with his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike). But that intended celebration comes to a halt when Amy suddenly goes missing. Nick then finds himself in hot water once he tries to find Amy and the media slowly become on his tail as they ask the burning question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?

        Ups:
     First off, I will discuss the performances. All of whom are incredible. Ben Affleck gives the performance of his career as Nick. Affleck is very multi-faceted as a man who showcases a rather animalistic rage yet is unsure of his own enigma once people start questioning him and he is an anti-hero without going into too much ugliness. But now onto Rosamund Pike. Pike was so freakin' good as Amy and is so transcendent that you wouldn't even notice it. She disappears into the different facets of her character without having to physically disappear into them. Another actress I'd like to discuss is Carrie Coon, who plays Nick's sister Margo, or "Go". Coon is just astounding as the film's "voice of reason" who tends to tell the truth without being too judgmental and she even has some of the film's best lines (Ex. "I've been with you since we both came out of the womb"). Patrick Fugit, who you may remember as William Miller from Almost Famous, is also in this as Jim Gilpin, a cop trying to solve the film's case and even he is amazing despite having a smaller role. So, every actor in this film really brings in their A-game, just like the director, who I will get to next.

     When it comes to David Fincher's direction, what else can I say? The man is a visual artiste. This film may have the same look as his other works, but this has a more different story. I especially liked the angle that he and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth went in terms of the character of Amy. In about the first act of the film, Amy is surrounded by a very bright light and given Pike's pale figure, it gives the character a luminous yet haunting ghost-like quality that surrounds her. I also thought the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross was very haunting and had my nerves running like crazy.

      Lastly, I will get into the story. What surprised me about it was how it starts off as one story, then, not to try and spoil the film, but it becomes something else then it becomes something else. It takes different twists and turns as it goes from being a missing person thriller and a film about marriage to a film about the media and celebrity culture. It tackles different themes and I just found myself wanting to tangled in the film's crazy web. Plus, a good chunk of the film has Amy's voice over narration that carries over flashback scenes involving Amy and Nick's marriage, The narration slowly takes us from a lighter place to a more dark place as the film progresses.

      Downs:
      NIL.

      Consensus:
      Overall, Gone Girl is an entangling dark thrill ride that is crafted to perfection. The performances are phenomenal, the score has you on edge, the direction by Fincher is astounding, and the film as a whole is quite a trip.

      Would I Recommend It?:
      Yes, but with a warning. This film is pretty violent with a good amount of sex scenes. If you are a huge Fincher fan or a Ben Affleck fan though, or even both, then I would say this film is a must.

Grade: A

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

                 

         
                  A Viewing Experience That Makes You Want To Get Lost In The 'Labyrinth'
          Fairy tales are usually something that is a part of our childhood. But Guillermo Del Toro manages to successfully accomplish what I consider to be a rare feat: Make a fairy tale that is mostly for adults. Pan's Labyrinth is just that and is a marvelous, multi-faceted story that serves as the feast for the eyes of the imagination.
             
       Story:
        Pan's Labyrinth follows the story of a young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who is sent to live with her pregnant mother and sadistic stepfather Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez). Eventually, Ofelia meets a faun who says to her that she must perform three certain tasks in order to prove she is the princess that he thinks she is and so that she can see her real father, who is the king of his palace.

         Ups:
       Where do I begin? First off, I thought the creatures looked amazing. Director Guillermo Del Toro has an amazing visual eye and here, it really shows. Each creature has its own unique design and I loved how it makes each one stand out from the other. Plus, the film uses makeup effects for the actors playing the creatures, thankfully. If I had to choose my favorite creature, it might be the Pale Man, who is the one that puts his eyes in his hands and sits at the dinner table before Ofelia eats fruit from it.

        I also really liked the performance by Sergi Lopez as the stepfather. Ivana Baquero does a very nice job as Ofelia and even Doug Jones is brilliant as the Faun, but Lopez was the true scene-stealer. He is in a way like Ralph Fiennes in Schindler's List, whereas he is evil and humanistic yet doesn't make you feel pity for him. Lopez is phenomenal yet despicable as the stepfather from hell. Another thing I loved was the film's beautiful cinematography. When I first watched this movie, I found my eyes glued to the screen because it is just so mesmerizing to watch. Guillermo Navarro, the film's cinematographer, won an Oscar for his work and it is hard to argue with that, in my opinion.

       It was even neat how the film is a fantasy fable used as a metaphor for the protagonist's own life, like Wizard of Oz or Alice in Wonderland, yet it manages to stand on its own and even incorporate themes involving the Post-Spanish Civil war setting of the film. Since Captain Vidal is a falangist, or fascist leader, some of the creatures are like symbols of him. For example, the Pale Man is a creature who has his own dinner table of food yet is cannibalistic, like how Vidal figuratively "preys on the weak and the innocent". Plus, the extravagant dinner table the Pale Man is like a symbol of class difference.

        Downs:
        NIL.

        Consensus:
       Overall, Pan's Labyrinth is a beautiful feast for the eyes of the imagination that is worthy of being ranked among the likes of Wizard of Oz and the original Alice in Wonderland. It has colorful-looking creatures, beautiful cinematography, and is bound to suck you right in up until the end credits.

        Would I Recommend It?:
        Absolutely, but with a small warning. Even though it is a fairy tale, it is a more adult fairy tale with scenes of blood and violence. So this isn't exactly a family fairy tale, but it is worth checking out for those that aren't too young.

Grade: A+

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: Creep (2004)

         

         
                 An Atmospheric And 'Creepy' Piece Of Horror That Takes To A Rather Isolated Place

            I believe it was Stephen King who once said that the key to great scares is to keep the monster in the dark and never show us the face of the devil. Creep does this to some degree. However, is takes that concept and takes it to almost incredibly new and terrifying heights.

           Story:
         Creep follows the story of a woman named Kate (Franka Potente) who is out and about in London, but falls asleep in a subway station. She is then trapped in the station, but it turns out that she is not alone as she finds herself fighting for her life against the mysterious hermit she is trapped with.

           Ups:
         First off, what makes this film so terrifying is the fact that it deals with a woman trapped all alone in the subway station. That whole idea of being alone and having to fend for yourself while facing this man who we rarely ever see on screen is simply just unnerving. When watching this movie, I was imagining how I would feel if I were in the main character's position and what I was thinking just left my skin crawling.

         I also really liked how we rarely ever see the face of the killer. Most of the film has him literally hiding in the shadows and it is left to our imaginations to wonder what he looks like up until the final resolution where we do find out what he looks like. But until then, he hides in the shadows and whenever we do see him dispatch his victims, we still don't see his face until the end. I don't want to give too much away, but just know that during that big reveal, it might get stuck into your head after the movie is over. Trust me, I almost had nightmares after watching this film. Just the whole thing with the main hero trapped in a locked train station with a villain we rarely see really makes for some inventive horror.

          Downs:
          NIL.

          Consensus:
        Overall, Creep is an incredibly nightmarish venture into a rather realistic hell. The chills are just unnerving and after the film is over, it may leave you almost having or having nightmares. Once the film takes us into darkness, the lights don't flicker on until the film's actual end.

          Would I Recommend It?:
          Absolutely. If you are a die-hard horror fan, I would say put this HIGH on your watch list. This is a wonderful little foreign gem that I think deserves more viewership.

Rating: A

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: May (2002)

               

         
                'May': A Potent Horror Gem With Its Own Originality And A Feeling Of Nostalgia
             I may have mentioned this before on previous reviews, but I am a major lover of independent cinema. Plenty of independent films have more original ideas and plenty of soul as well. May is definitely one of those films and is even a horror film worthy enough to be among the ranks of other modern-day classics.

          Story:
      May follows the story of a veterinary assistant named May Canady (Angela Bettis) who was born with a lazy eye and has has trouble making friends. May's only friend has always been a doll named "Suzy", but that is until she meets a mechanic named Adam (Jeremy Sisto), who she loves for his hands. Eventually, as she has trouble bonding with him, she starts to believe that if you can't ever find a friend, you can make one, but with human body parts.

         Ups:
     First off, I have to give major praise to writer/director Lucky McKee for his original story. I thought the idea of a woman literally wanting to "make" her own friend was very interesting. It makes the film in general seem like a generous homage to Frankenstein and even Carrie since the main character is an outcast. It feels like an homage to those two without ripping from them wholesale.

     I also thought the performances were spectacular. Angela Bettis really shines as the titular character, who yearns to be loved yet is seemingly clueless as to why she has trouble making friends. Anna Faris is also in this film as a lesbian receptionist at May's vet hospital named Polly and she provides quite a bit of comic relief. It was very neat seeing her do a film like this since she is known for her comedic work, like in the Scary Movie franchise. I also thought Jeremy Sisto was endearing as Adam and he and Bettis have quite a bit of good chemistry. Normally, when reviewing a horror film, plenty of people never discuss the performances but here, the performances from the three leads are astounding and help drive the film as well as the story.

        Downs:
      NIL.

        Consensus:
       Overall, May is an extremely unique gem in the horror genre that I believe should be more widely seen. Its story is a potent homage to films like Carrie and Frankenstein yet still stands on its own and the performances are the film's driving force as well.

        Would I Recommend It?:
       Absolutely. I've sung my praises for this film on a few lists I have made and I am singing my praises here. Try and find it online or rent it if there is a video store near you. Horror fans will be in for a treat.

Grade: A+

Another 31 Days of Halloween: Top 10 Oscar-Worthy Performances in Horror Films

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to another episode of Another 31 Days Of Halloween. This will be my first post today to make up for what I missed Thursday and for not doing a second post yesterday. My apologies. Anyways, on this post, I will do a special list. They always talk about how the Oscars never recognize comedies or fanboy fare. But, there is yet another genre that doesn't seem to get along with the Academy: Horror. But for this list, I will discuss ten performances that I thought were worthy of Oscar recognition. Here we go:

10. Christian Bale in American Psycho (2000): Before Christian Bale became Batman, he became a psychotic yuppie named Patrick Bateman. Bale brilliantly portrays this complex and charming madman who slowly becomes unsure of his own urges. Fortunately, Bale would still go on to win an Oscar for The Fighter and he has his fare of green thanks to his part in the Batman franchise. So, things would still turn out fine for Bale even though this is one performance that I thought got sadly overlooked.

9. Sergi Lopez in Pan's Labyrinth (2006): While Pan's Labyrinth managed to nab 3 Oscars (Makeup, Cinematography, Art Direction), one performance from that film that I thought was worthy of recognition was Sergi Lopez as the stepfather from hell Captain Vidal. Whenever he is on screen, he leaves you shaking without trying to. It is a rather refined yet powerful villainous role and definitely would've made my Best Supporting Actor lineup from the year it came out.

8. Marcia Gay Harden in The Mist (2007): From one villainous role to another, Marcia Gay Harden is just a tour-de-force in this. Harden is so amazing in her role as religious zealot Mrs. Carmody, that every time she is on screen, you just want to punch her in the face. Not to mention, this is a complete 180 from her Oscar-nominated turn as the confused housewife Celeste Boyle in Mystic River. Harden is very much an actor's actor and even though she didn't get much Oscar love for this performance, she still managed to nab a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her troubles.

7. Vera Farmiga in Orphan (2009): Now I am getting into more heroic territory. The first protagonist on my list is Vera Farmiga for her rather complex work in Orphan. Isabelle Fuhrman may have had people talking after they saw the film for her portrayal the titular orphan, but I thought Farmiga also really shines as the troubled adoptive mother trying to recover from alcoholism. Even though her character is very troubled, Farmiga manages to make us sympathetically watch her character arc.

6. Anthony Perkins in Psycho (1960): The next villainous role on this list, Anthony Perkins really shines as the seemingly harmless boy-next-door in Alfred Hitchcock's classic Psycho. Perkins showcases his boyish charm while fuming with a small volcanic rage, hinting that he may not be what he appears to be. Psycho may have landed nominations for Best Director (Hitchcock), Best Supporting Actress (Janet Leigh), Cinematography, and Art Direction, but why not recognize the Psycho himself, right?

5. Charlotte Gainsbourg/Willem Dafoe in Antichrist (2009): The only pair on this list, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe are the only actors in the film and are a dynamic pair that plays off each other. So, I feel that to recognize one is to recognize the other. Gainsbourg is brilliant as the woman She and consistently blurs the line between victim and aggressor while demonstrating her character's own self-loathing. Dafoe equally shines as the husband who tries to make sense of his wife's decline while still making the audience unsure of his intentions. The film itself is hard to watch, but the brilliance of these performances cannot be denied, in my opinion. While Gainsbourg and Dafoe may not have nabbed Oscar nominations, Gainsbourg still managed to win Best Actress at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, so her performance went far from unnoticed.

4. Angela Bettis in May (2002): Next on my list is Angela Bettis as the titular character in the underrated gem May. Bettis brilliantly portrays an isolated woman who is just yearning to be accepted while being unsure of why she herself is having trouble making friends. She is not an outcast in the vein of Carrie White, who is just more withdrawn. They both succumb to homicidal urges but May's slow descent involves a silent arc. It is a subtle yet strong performance. If you haven't seen this film, I would say try and find it. It is a small gem.

3. Catherine Deneuve in Repulsion (1965): While I watched Repulsion for the first time, the first thing that stayed in my mind after it ended was the brilliance of Catherine Deneuve. Most of her performance comes from the use of her eyes and I feel that she did more acting with her eyes than what plenty of actors can do with their faces. It is the kind of performance that you have to let come to you, but definitely an amazing one at that.

2. Jack Nicholson in The Shining (1980): One of the more iconic performances on this list, Jack Nicholson is quite incredible as Jack Torrance, the loving family man who undergoes a slow descent into madness in the Overlook Hotel. What I like about this performance is just how Nicholson undergoes a subtle transformation while still showcasing his typical Nicholson quirks (cackle, sudden bursts of anger, etc.). It is a performance within a performance that is a blend of both mainstream and artistic credibility.

1. Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby (1968): Mia Farrow is the one performance on this list that has gotten the closest to Oscar gold, with a Golden Globe and BAFTA nomination, yet was left empty-handed on Nomination Day, sadly. I loved that her co-star Ruth Gordon won Best Supporting Actress that year, it just would've been nice for them to recognize the person Gordon was supporting, in my opinion. But onto the performance. Like how Jack Nicholson's performance was a blend of mainstream and artistic cred, Farrow's is a blend of both physically and internally becoming the character. Farrow's performance involved plenty of weight loss yet she still emotionally became Rosemary. I think if any actor wants to learn how to tackle a role that is physically demanding while still emotionally becoming their character, they could easily take notes from Farrow's iconic portrayal in this.


Now onto a few honorable mentions that almost made this list:

Neve Campbell in Scream: A "final girl" that is given more depth and grows emotionally as the film progresses.

Barbara Hershey in Black Swan: A "monster mommy" role that Hershey plays brilliantly, as she is chilling without trying to be.

Nicole Kidman in The Others: A brilliant performance of a mother trying to protect her children yet is still shrouded in mystery.

Ted Levine in Silence of the Lambs: Even though Anthony Hopkins won the Oscar, Levine is equally astounding as the more unhinged psychotic killer Buffalo Bill.

Gary Oldman in Bram Stoker's Dracula: Another example of an actor becoming the character in body and in mind.

So, that was my list of the Top 10 Most Oscar-Worthy Performances in Horror Films. Whether you agree or disagree, please feel free to write your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks for reading!

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: [REC]

                 
                           

         
             The Terror Never Backs Down The Minute The 'REC' Button Is Turned On

          If there is any type of "sub-genre" in the horror genre that I have not become overly fond of recently, it might be the "found footage" genre. That is in large part thanks to the first Paranormal Activity, which I still detest. But thank goodness for the European film [REC], which proves that if done right, the "found footage" film can make for an unflinching movie-watching experience.

            Story:

            [REC] follows the story of a news reporter named Angela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) who, along with her cameraman, become trapped in an apartment complex alongside its residents. Slowly, they all succumb to a horrific virus while it is being filmed on a camcorder for a long night.

            Ups:
           Where should I begin here? Well, I loved how once the horror starts, it just keeps going. Once we are trapped in the apartment, it doesn't cut back and forth between the terrorized apartments and the police outside trying to get them out. Once the film goes to the apartment, it stays there. To me, it gives the film a rather claustrophobic feel.

           I was even shaking in my boots towards the ending. I don't want to give anything away because I think this should be widely seen, but when watching the ending and how the cause of the whole events in the film is revealed, I remember shivers were running down my spine. Plus, the film is about 80 minutes long, yet it definitely has the pace of a film of that length. So, if you are looking for a horror film to give you a quick fix, I would definitely recommend trying to hunt this one down. Also, the film was shot at a budget at about $2,000,000 and much like the last horror film I reviewed, The Fog, shows that you can create such powerful scares with such little resources.

          Downs:
          NIL.

          Consensus:
         Overall, [REC] is a fast-paced and tense film that is one of the best "found footage" movies to come out in recent memory. Much like how Gravity keeps you in space, this film goes to its main setting and never once takes you out, thus creating a mind-numbingly terrifying experience.

          Would I Recommend It?:
         If you like horror films, absolutely. But because this is a "found footage" film, there is a little shaky cam involved. That is just a heads up for anybody who has motion sickness. But if you don't have that problem, you of course should be fine.

Grade: A+

Another 31 Days Of Halloween: The Fog (1980)

                                 

                 
                                             This 'Fog' Causes A Deadly Weather Forecast

Hello, Bloggers, welcome to Another 31 Days Of Halloween, where each day, I try to do one blog post pertaining to all things horror in the spirit of Halloween, of course. For my first review, I will discuss the bone-chilling masterpiece that is 1980's The Fog. 

*Note: Some of my reviews, like this one, may be shorter than others, depending on my load of schoolwork and whatever else may keep me busy.

             Story:
         The Fog deals with a small California town that is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. However, the celebration slowly comes to a close once a bunch of lepers, who got cast out from that town into their own colony, rise from their watery graves to seek revenge for their deaths.

           Ups:
         The thing that I loved the most about this film has to be its simplicity. When they filmed the movie and the scenes with the fog, they used old fog machines to hide the monsters yet because we never see the monsters, it just makes the film more terrifying. It gives the viewer a feeling of helplessness and literally being lost in the fog. The fog is even in indication of the danger that will come, which enhances the film-watching experience in a way because once you see the fog and the characters get near it, you're like "No, don't go there". It's part of the joy of watching a horror film and brings for some thrilling suspense scenes.

         Another thing I liked and this is probably a potential spoiler, was how we almost never see the faces of the dead lepers. Just like with plenty other horror films back then, our mind would create what happens. We could create our picture of what these ghosts looks like. It is movies like this that are the reason why I love low-budget horror. Those films prove that you don't need a higher budget with cheap CGI to provide quality scares.

           Downs:
           NIL.

           Consensus:
          Overall, The Fog is an atmospheric, chilling exercise on horror that succeeds thanks to its sheer simplicity. It is packed with suspense and traps you in the fog from the minute the horror starts to the minute it is over.

          Would I Recommend It?:
          To the horror fans, ABSOLUTELY. If you are a fan of ghost stories, or all horror films in general, put this high on your watch list. Plus, it is a John Carpenter film, and for those of you that are familiar with his work, that is very telling.

Grade: A