Arnold Masters is in prison for a crime he didn't commit. His mother who had a tumour was due to be operated on but wasn't. The doctor due to undertake the procedure was then found dead in his office by Arnold, who was then framed for his murder. He tells his backstory to a fellow …
Continue reading Day 24- 31 Days of Halloween- Psychic Killer (1974)
This Steven Spielberg-directed movie made for TV and adapted from Richard Matheson's short story still packs a punch. David Mann is a travelling businessman venturing to an appointment across California but is slowed down considerably by an ominous truck that at first inconveniences him until things suddenly take a much darker tone. This film could …
It's extremely brave to decide to make a sequel to a beloved horror classic. It can almost feel like some kind of suicide mission as critics and the general public alike will trot out the hackneyed old cliche of 'It's not as good as the first film!' as if this is an extremely original and …
Continue reading Day 22- 31 Days of Halloween- Look What’s Happened To Rosemary’s Baby (1976)
Adapted from Stephen King's best-selling novel, Cujo tells the story of a rabid St Bernard dog terrorising and besieging a mother and her son in their broken down car. This is a wonderful film, not just because of the car/dog storyline but also because of the rich characterisation (a trademark of King's) which builds up …
A madman escapes from an asylum. A group of female friends have a slumber party. Join the dots. Mary Holden Jones brings to the screen a screenplay by Rita Mae Brown. This was supposed to be a 'feminist' slasher movie in what is considered to be a deeply misogynistic genre. Hence we have young women …
Continue reading Day 20- 31 Days of Halloween- Slumber Party Massacre (1982)
When I learnt that there was a documentary all about Heather Langenkamp (Nancy from the first Nightmare on Elm Street film) and the whole fan phenomenon that surrounded the film and specifically her character I thought it sounded a very interesting concept. But, alas, the reality is very different. Theres a reason I don't go …
Continue reading Day 19- 31 Days of Halloween- I Am Nancy (2010)
Two couples decide to go camping in the woods. Arriving separately (darn that wonky radiator!), they soon realise that the woods aren't as peaceful and reinvigorating as they first thought. It is in fact a killing ground for a father who mudered his philandering wife, went mad and took his two young children to live …
Continue reading Day 18- 31 Days of Halloween- The Forest (1982)
Duane books into the sleazy flophouse Hotel Broslin with a large basket. It's contents consist of his deformed twin brother who he used to be conjoined with. Both Duane and his twin are hellbent on enacting revenge on the surgeons who separated them against their wishes. Basket Case will always occupy a special place in …
Continue reading Day 17- 31 Days of Halloween- Basket Case (1982)
A boat sails into New York containing what appears to be innocuous boxes of coffee. However they actually contain alien eggs that cause people to explode when a change in heat cause the eggs to emit their contents. Yes, this is a cheap Italian Alien rip-off but it's darn entertaining nonetheless. There might be considerable …
Continue reading Day 16- 31 Days of Halloween- Contamination (1980)
Three women are travelling to a music festival but crash their car. They awake in the isolated mansion of an elderly matriarch and her daughter. I love this film and not just because I found it in Poundland of all places. This is a chiller that keeps you guessing until the shocking and completely nutty …
Continue reading Day 15- 31 Days of Halloween- Unhinged (1982)
Meathook Cinema 