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)
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)
A Hammer film that looks to Greek mythology for the basis of it's plot with the mythical creature known as The Gorgon (a woman with snakes for hair and the ability to turn anyone who looks her in the eye to stone) being adapted and shone through the Hammer Films' prism. This film features the …
Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween- Day 26- The Gorgon (1964)
An earthquake uproots cockroach-like bugs that can set fire to things and, more importantly for a horror film, also to animals and humans. But never fear, a biology professor played by Bradford Dillman is on the case. This great little 70's B movie is directed by Jeannot Szwarc (who would go on to make the …
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)
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)
Meathook Cinema 