Whilst it's widely thought that it was John Carpenter's Halloween that initiated the slasher genre those who actually know anything about horror know that it was actually Bob Clark's Black Christmas made in 1974. In fact, Clark and Carpenter worked together on a project after Black Christmas was made. Clark said to Carpenter that he …
I learnt about When A Stranger Calls after seeing the excellent horror film compilation Terror in the Aisles. I then saw the full film and was blown away. I bought the bare bones American DVD release years later and thought that was the best cineastes would get regarding this film. So I was thrilled when …
Continue reading Blu Ray Review- When A Stranger Calls (1979)
Poor Billy. Not only does he have a frankly terrifying visit with his grandfather in a mental institution, he then sees his parents slaughtered by a psychopath dressed as Santa who flags them down whilst on their way home. He is then sent to a Catholic run orphanage where the Mother Superior loves to run …
The sequel to George A Romero's Night of the Living Dead shows that the zombie epidemic has gotten much worse and society is on it's knees. Two television workers plan to escape with two SWAT team members in the TV station traffic helicopter in search of...whatever they can find that's better than their current situation. …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 31- Dawn of the Dead (1978)
I love a sequel that not only ups the ante regarding the original film but decides to be as extreme as possible and really 'go for it'. In this film theres a new family who move into Amityville. You know that any family that includes Burt Young and Rutanya Alda as members is going to …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 29- The Amityville Horror Part 2- The Possession (1982)
Katharine Ross plays a woman going to London with her partner (played by Sam Elliott at his homoerotic best) for a job interview. Whilst riding on a motorbike in the countryside surrounding London they are almost crashed into by a Rolls Royce. The owner apologises and, as their bike has been damaged, they are put …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 28- The Legacy (1978)
William Lustig's depraved classic was massively controversial when first released. It garnered the ultimate accolades for an exploitation film- it was HATED by Siskel and Ebert (Gene Siskel said he made it to the shotgun murder then had to leave the preview screening as he couldn't stomach anymore!) and it was picketed by feminist groups. …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 24- Maniac (1980)
An eccentric millionaire invites five strangers to a haunted house with each receiving $10,000 if they last the night. This is a William Castle film so you know it's going to be genius. And it doesn't disappoint. I love the house with it's sliding doors, acid bath and shadow play. Vincent Price in the lead …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 23- The House on Haunted Hill (1959)
A group of teens find themselves the victims of urban legends that come true. These legends range from 'The Stranger in the Backseat' to 'Eating Pop Rocks and Drinking Soda' (never heard of this but I'm keen to try it). In the late 90's there were a slew of teen horror movies made in the …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 22- Urban Legend (1998)
So, the day has finally arrived. Fanboys have been counting down to this release since the start of the year. Yes, even though the film was due to drop in October. This film is a direct sequel to the first film, the filmmakers told us. We must pretend Parts 2-8 didn't happen. So, whats it …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 19- Halloween (2018)
Meathook Cinema 