Happy Halloween!

Happy Fright Day! I hope everyone is nestled in, cozy and ready for some cinematic scares accompanied by a rush of popcorn, candy and whichever other goodies you may covet. 

For your viewing pleasure, here is another quick recommendation overview of some good genre pieces that I have had a chance to enjoy over the past few years:

Session 9 (2001), dir. Brad Anderson -- A moody piece about haunted minds and haunting places, this offering creates the principal character out of its principal setting, an abandoned asylum. Simon says... psychological horror has never been better.

The Strangers (2008), dir. Bryan Bertino -- The most frightening film I have ever seen, this home invasion shocker is a reality for too many crime victims. It is primal, brutal, relentless. Do not let these strangers in, but do let them invade your DVD or BluRay player.

The Last House on the Left (2009), dir. Dennis Iliadis -- One of the top three remakes I have ever seen, this is a film that pays attention to every relationship, every line of dialogue, every glance. One does not expect such subtleties in a story that happened to be an exploitation flick in an earlier incarnation. The acting, directing and writing is top notch and its themes will stay with you for a long time. Simply put, I cannot recommend it enough.

The Crazies (2010), dir. Breck Eisner -- Another remake with a message, this disaster/zombie hybrid plays upon our fears of omnipresent authority and corporate greed. It is a timeless and timely story. Who are the real Crazies? Watch and find out.

1408 (2007), dir. Mikael Håfström -- "It's an evil fucking room." Really all we needed to know. When Samuel L. Jackson warns you, you listen.

Event Horizon (1997), dir. Paul W.S. Anderson -- A unique take on humanity and Hell, this science-fiction piece does not draw its chills and thrills from cheap scares. Rather, it draws them from a possibility that there truly is a fate worse than death.  

The Entity (1982), dir. Sidney J. Furie -- Based on an allegedly true story that took place in the 1970s, this film tells the tale of an ordinary woman facing an extraordinary affliction. The film contrasts the known world with the supernatural realm in an organic manner, its scares so intrusive and terrifying that it may, just may challenge your belief system.

When a Stranger Calls Back (TV 1993), dir. Fred Walton -- Do not be deterred by the fact that this is a low-budget TV sequel to a more successful cinema entry. Do not be deterred by the fact that you practically need to be a sleuth to locate a copy. Instead, enjoy this gem when you do manage to find it. Trust me, the suspense and some other nifty additions make this film worth your while.

Nightmares (1983), dir. Joseph Sargent -- If you enjoy horror anthologies, you are going to enjoy having these bad dreams. Of particular note are the first and third story, "Terror in Topanga" and "The Benediction".

Play Misty for Me (1971), dir. Clint Eastwood -- As powerful and thrilling as Fatal Attraction was, it all started with this Eastwood tale of a one night stand gone wrong. Boasting a truly demented antagonist and gorgeous locations, this underrated film makes us jump at every turn.   

The Ward (2010), dir. John Carpenter -- All right, so its resolution is not EXACTLY original, but who are we kidding? Its element of surprise is spot-on, its setting is creepy and that ghoul is eerie enough to provoke nightmares for weeks to come. Do I have to stress that it is directed by John Carpenter? Give it a chance.

As a special mention and being that this is -- unfortunately -- the only horror film that this director had ever made, my top recommendation this Halloween is:




 


The Hunger (1983), dir. Tony Scott -- A gorgeous tale of eternal youth and eternal woe, this neo-Gothic horror stands out from the 1980s pool of slashers. Sure, it is occasionally bigger on style than it is on substance, but it is the central love story and love triangle that drives this film into cult territory.

Enjoy!