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)
When I was growing up I loved the Nanny State Public Information Films. They were akin to state produced horror shorts extolling the dangers of everything from playing near rivers to mixing different types of tyres on the same vehicle. Beware The Rapist is an American PIF (called Public Service Announcements or PSA's over there) …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 21- Beware The Rapist (1979)
A Hollywood production portraying the real-life murderous rampage of a serial killer dubbed The Boston Strangler. Great casting with Tony Curtis playing against type as the homicidal lead (and he does a great job- check out the chilling final scene), Henry Fonda and Murray Hamilton as detectives on his case. This looks great as a …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 20- The Boston Strangler (1968)
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)
This film is basically Jason in Space. This movie massively divided fans. Some loved the innovation but some hated it to such an extent that they viewed it as the worst in the series. Yes, they even hated it more than Part 5: A New Beginning. But I loved this movie. I even went to …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 18- Jason X (2001)
A killer stalks a high school. And thats the plot. This is a cookie cutter slasher film. The only interesting thing about this movie is it's historical value as an atypical sub-genre piece. You get to see the sheer rubbish that was made to generate ticket sales and box office. Movies with no artistic merit …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 17- Final Exam (1981)
I remember going to see this back in the day and walking out halfway through. Will I make it through this film this time? Will I feel the same as I did back in 2003? Well, yes I did (somehow) watch it all the way to the end. And yes, I feel the same as …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 16- Freddy Vs Jason (2003)
A movie directed by a young Francis (Ford) Coppola and produced by Roger Corman. A genius plot- One night, while out rowing in the middle of a lake, John Haloran, and his young wife Louise, argue about his rich mother's will. Louise is upset that everything is currently designated to go to charity in the …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 15- Dementia 13 (1963)
Meathook Cinema 