JUNKFILM

October is the funny time of year when the air becomes a little crisper, the light dwindles to set earlier in the day, the leaves turn beautiful shades of all nature’s hues and fall to the earth to make the ground look like a patched-together blanket, and people who thrive on horror films year round scoff at those walking into video stores to watch the latest schlock Hollywood has to offer for the scare-me season.

Horror films have been around since the early days of film.  Tastes, preferences and tolerance have been altered greatly.  Films like “Dracula” or “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” once terrified audiences breathless.  Later, films like “They” or “Godzilla” made people clutch their popcorn in fear.  Later still, films like “Friday the 13th” or “Silent Night” instilled fear into the hearts of millions.  Now, films like “Prom Night” or “The Grudge” are not longer scaring people as much as they are making them laugh.  Where have the good horror films gone?

Turns out, they are still around, just few and far between.  I will be writing this month periodically about films that will snatch you from reality and cause a little stir, hopefully, in your every day life.  I am an avid lover of horror films, ever since I was a little kid.  They terrified me, but not in the “grab-a-bat-from-the-garage-and-clutch-it-tight-to-go-to-sleep” kinda fear.  They made me addicted to knowing more and more about the world of horror.

I have watched my fair share of horror films.  I have watched my share, and his share, and her share, and your share, and your mom’s share, and your neighborhood’s share, and then some.  Along with the multitude of horror films I have watched, I have seen some really tremendous films in my time and some really tremendously fucking awful films as well.  I plan in this month’s short series of posts to examine  films that are worthy of being watched and hopefully instill some desire in you, the reader, to go and check some out.

I’ll give you some titles, some pictures, if I can find them, a very brief description of the plot and why I think you should give a shit about it. I’ll try to name one that we all love and respect and one that you might have missed along the way. And maybe, if I’m feeling randy, one that should only be watched among friends.

Movie - EVIL DEAD II

If you’re not familiar with the trilogy, you might be asking yourself, “Why part 2 if I haven’t seen part 1?” Well, I hate to say it, because I usually argue against it, but “Evil Dead 2″ is essentially a remake of “Evil Dead.” But don’t let that discourage you in any means. This is the greatest remake ever.

Bruce Campbell plays Ash, the reluctant hero who has to face off against the forces of evil brought into the world by The Book of the Dead. Tons of scares, laughs and some pretty amazing stuff for such a low budget.

Why I think you should give a shit -
The movie is fun. Period. For the non-film buffs, it’s a fun, fast paced story with characters highly likable and engaging. For the film buffs, see some truly magnificent special effects and film making with a low budget. This movie is quintessential Halloween-time film watching material. It’s gory, it’s funny as hell, and there are enough jumps to keep you on your edged seat up til the credits.

Why you might not like it -
You’re a fucking tool. This movie has something for everyone. So, if in fact, you find yourself watching this movie and suddenly you find the urge to turn it off and watch some “more entertaining” just do us a favor and video tape yourself jumping off the roof.

Similar movies to check out -
Evil Dead 1, Army of Darkness, The Dead Next Door, Shaun of the Dead, Day of the Dead

Watching Priority?
High

Movie - HIGH TENSION

Those pesky French are at it again. This is without a doubt, one of the better horror films to be made in the past decade. It’s gritty, it’s real,. and it’s gruesome. Every second you are clutching at something. from the opening shot of the psychopath to the final show down. The story revolves around two girls home from college for spring break, the main girl is tagging along with her friend who lives out in the country. The house is quiet until a rampaging psycho comes along and messing up what might have been a fine, just dandy vacation out in the sticks.

Why I think you should give a shit -
With the stock of quality horror films plummeting at a rate of respect and dignity faster than OJ’s credibility and innocence, a gem in the rough finds it’s way to the surface for some good ol’ fashioned horror. It’s creepy. It’s engaging. And it’s raw.

Why you might not like it -
It’s in French with English subtitles. I know there are people out there that can’t stand reading movies, so good news for you troglodites, there is an English dub track that is so bad it rivals the 1970s ninja movies for awful.
A key element that kills this movie is the ending…don’t try to question it, don’t try to think it through, once you get to the end, figure it out, walk away, otherwise with the many plot holes the film unravels.

Similar movies to check out -
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974), House of 1000 Corpses, Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Watching Priority - Medium