Welcome to the new home of Creepercast.com. Where we let the fear creep in with all things horror genre. News, Reviews, and more! STAFF:
J.P.: Editor (EIC - Editor in Cheif), Writer (CC - Content Contributor);
Joel Kenyon: Editor (AE - Assistant Editor), Writer (CC - Content Contributor); William S Mayfield: Writer (CC - Content Contributor)
Jeff's dead raising edition of the Creepercast's Top 13 films of 2018 continues with...
#03 HALLOWEEN
"Laurie Strode confronts her long-time foe Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago."
HALLOWEEN is an American slasher film directed by David Gordon Green and written by Green, Jeff Fradley, and Danny McBride. Jamie Lee Curtis and Nick Castle reprise their respective roles as Strode and Myers, with stuntman James Jude Courtney also portraying Myers. The film also stars Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, and Virginia Gardner.
There is so much that can and has be said about the best Halloween "sequel". HALLOWEEN 2018 rewrites the Meyer's legacy and returns the cannon back to the original model. He was just a focused killer out for babysitters but has a specially affinity for the one who got away. I am all in, personally hating all the humanizing back story created by the franchise. I like my masked killers to remain blood thirsty killers and really don't care about their lives before I was introduced to the mask. The return of Jamie Lee and Nick Castle further cement the nostalgia. David Gordon Green and Danny McBride obviously love the original. The jabs at sequels are clever, and Carpenter's involvement a blessing like no other. The only thing lacking is I only wish that I had stock in Blumhouse.
"Sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters."
You should have seen THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, in one form or another, at least a dozen times by now, but if you haven't, we're sure its playing somewhere at least through the weekend. Bending genres and genders to a punk rock musical in ways that will twist your sensibilities, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW is a Halloween staple. It also introduced us to the man who would become an icon as our favorite wise cracking evil clown. We can't forget Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon in their break out roles or Meat Loaf. Of course, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW also provided us with one of the most important and quintessential dance tracks for our Halloween parties.
There's still a few days left in the week if you haven't gotten your dose of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW yet this year.
Interwoven stories demonstrate that some traditions are best not forgotten as the residents (Anna Paquin, Brian Cox, Dylan Baker) of a small town face real ghosts and goblins on Halloween. Tales of terror reveal the consequences of extinguishing a Jack-o-Lantern before midnight and a grumpy hermit's encounter with a sinister trick-or-treater.
Release date: October 4, 2009 (USA)
Director: Michael Dougherty
Budget: 12 million USD
Cinematography: Glen MacPherson
Production companies: Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment, Bad Hat Harry Productions
As with all of my reviews of films for The Creepercast, I fully recommend that you check each and every one of them out. I am one man and this is my opinion. I've seen plenty of movies that received reviews that were the complete opposite of how I saw the film. These writers, directors, producers and actors all put a lot of time and love into these projects. They deserve to be seen and appreciated for what they are. Everyone has a dream and I fully support the people that take the time to make theirs a reality. With that being said....
Every once in a while you get excited about something that's coming out. I'm not talking about general excitement, but honest to goodness, kid on Christmas, excitement. That's how it was when I went to the theater to see the newest installment in the 'Halloween' legacy. Way back when I first heard about a pitch that had happened by David Gordon Green and, none other than, Danny McBride for a new 'Halloween' film.... needless to say, I was confused. What on earth does this comedic actor and (primarily) television writer/director, know about horror? But the more I read about it and saw the legitimate passion they had for the project, the more interested I became. Then they dropped the bombshell. This was going to be a direct sequel to the original 1978 John Carpenter film. Once again, I was a little bit gobsmacked. Why on earth would you retcon everything from the past 6 sequels (not counting part 3) and/or not continue what Rob Zombie had started? It seemed a rather bold decision. Once again, I read all of the articles and saw that they had a vision. They saw something fresh and new that the rest of us did not and genuinely wanted to make the 'Halloween' film that we'd all been waiting for. I mean, the original part 2 was written in a drunken stupor and John Carpenter himself, wasn't really keen on how it turned out. Part 3 was it's own thing. Parts 4-8 created an almost impossible timeline of events and confusing back story that watered down the original material to an almost unwatchable place. Even part 8, that really could have been something good, turned into one of the biggest farces ever committed to the screen. Rob's films, essentially, could stand on their own and didn't leave much room for a continuation of the story. So, when I looked at it as a whole, what other direction could you go? Then, Jamie Lee Curtis signed on and all was well in the world. At that point, we all knew that this may be something special. Here we are, a couple of years later and the film has been unleashed to the world and it is doing some crazy box office. This just proves that Michael Myers has a staying power that can't be underestimated and that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
The film begins in Smith's Grove Sanitarium, the home of Michael Myers for the past 40 years. Now, an old man, he's never spoken a word and lives his days out as a bit of a modern day boogeyman; retired. Two podcasters come to visit him, in the hopes of getting some kind of an interview and a story for their latest episode. Upon meeting with Michael, one of them shows him the mask and we get the idea that perhaps there is something still a bit supernatural about 'The Shape'. They then head to the home Laurie Strode. The survivor of that single murderous night, in which Michael killed five other people and left her alive to tell the tale. She now lives in, basically, a compound that's compete with a shooting range, floodlights, all kinds of security and no one else but herself. The two podcasters once again attempt to get a story, in the hopes of possibly having her and Micheal sit down together to hash out their differences. We see Laurie is now a PTSD sufferer and has had a life full of sadness and struggle. All because of the actions of one man. She turns down the offer and escorts the two off her property. We then meet her daughter and granddaughter, who rarely see her, but are soon joined together for a meal. This turns out to be a bit of a good bye dinner, as Laurie plans to murder Michael as he's being moved to another location. She realizes that she can't go through with it and while Michael is on his way to his new home, he escapes. From there, it's back to Haddonfield, to once again pick up where he left off and possibly finish what he started.
I really don't want to divulge much more than that, because this is such a new film and part of the joy in seeing it is the ability to watch the events unfold naturally. While this might not be a perfect film and may have been a bit to over hyped by the press, it does pay off on the majority of what it promised. A return to form and a story that's worthy to be included in the canon that is 'Halloween'. One of the big things that immediately jumps out at you, with this film, is the score. John Carpenter returns to take what he originally wrote and expands on it in ways that punctuate the film beautifully. There are some intense moments that are only amplified by the musical score. What he's done with the music is perfect and fits tonally with what David was going for with the film itself. They really work quite well together and it lends some credence to the entire affair. Another aspect of this film that really spoke to me was the erasing of all that came after part 1. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy 2 and 3 quite a bit, but never really could appreciate the later outings like the rest of the fandom does. It wasn't until Rob Zombie's films, that I really got into the Michael mythos. I always felt like they were continually diluting what made the main character scary in the first place and making him more of a puppet that a monster. Whereas Jason was an undead killing machine and Freddy was a murdering mirth maker, Micheal became confusing. This wipes that slate clean and leaves you with the impression he may be more than just a man, but maybe not? It seems as though they were taking aspects of the other ten films and incorporating them into this one, in bits and pieces, but never really giving the audience more than a nod that they even existed. All in all, this film just felt 'right'. Like it fit perfectly in the world that John created and gave us some much needed closure on the story. Not that it's necessarily over....
With all of that being said, there were some things here that didn't work. There are some logic jumps, which kind of come with the territory. I mean, you can't make a horror film without it. At least not with a modern day boogeyman. There was one scene in particular that seemed a bit out of left field. I don't want to provide any spoilers, but it involves the doctor and.... well, you'll know it when you see it. However, the moment that part has ended, what happens next raises a lot of very interesting questions that make me look forward to the commentary on the DVD/Blu-ray release. I've also got a few minor issues with the mask itself, as I think I got a little bit spoiled with the quality of the one that Rob had created for his films. Not too mention, that if this is supposed to be the one that was used back in 1978, I would think that it wouldn't have been wearable by 2018. Based on what I know about latex masks. (Which isn't much). Finally, the ending. I'm a little puzzled by the decisions that were made with how to close out the third act. The final two shots and the (sort of) cut scene after the credits. They leave us with more questions than answers and it felt just a bit confusing. I don't know what the plan was with the franchise, when they were writing it, or if there was a plan, but it leaves me wondering if/and or what would happened next? Maybe that was the goal? All in all, this is a solid entry into the series and bookends nicely with the original films and even the remakes. Sadly, the majority of the other big names have fallen on hard times. The 'Friday the 13th' films have all but petered out, unless they do another reboot or find a fresh way to pick up where the left off. The 'Nightmare on Elm Street' films left us on a high note, only to kill that with a horrific remake. With 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre', it's become one of the most absurd timelines in cinema history. Although, I really enjoyed the most recent installment, it didn't really leave them room to grow. It's like each films is almost it's own separate entity with only Leatherface tying it all together. The 'Child's Play' films have held things together really well, in my opinion, and may finally be making a mistake with a reboot, but time will tell. Finally, 'Hellraiser'... well, that's just a mess. For the newest 'Halloween' (2018) I'm giving it a 4 out of 5 star ranking and have added it to my list of the 'Top 13 Horror Films of 2018' and justifiably so. It's a love letter to the first films, while breaking its own new ground. If you get a chance, go see this one in the theater with a room full of people and I think you'll walk away feeling satisfied. Also, thank you to Danny McBride and David Gordon Green for not making Laurie without the flaws and scars of someone who's endured a traumatic experience. Far too many films shy away from this for their 'final girl' and sadly, it ends up cheapening the story line and the characters that have been created. Bring on the next film!
If you like this film, please revisit: 'Halloween' (1978), 'Halloween' (2007) and consider the rest of them too. We all have our favorites, eh?
"After moving to Salem, Mass., Max and his friends accidentally free a coven of evil witches who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal."
It's extremely important to hook your children on horror as early as possible and believe it or not Disney was once acutely ware of this. Thus ole Walt gave us Fantasia, Snow White, and a slew of iconic villains to tempt our kids to the darkside. To further establish the witch as an important element of Halloween (which of course they have always been) the Disney machine went to Salem and resurrected three hilarious crones to help us celebrate the holiday. Brilliantly caste Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker steal the show with the obligatory song and dance routine while still keeping both adults and children involved.
HOCUS POCUS is usually available on half your TV stations during this time period so instead of avoiding it because you hate commercials just mix a drink and enjoy.
"Interwoven stories demonstrate that some traditions are best not forgotten as the residents of a small town face real ghosts and goblins on Halloween.
As you can tell we really do love a good anthology. A good anthology, by definition, would have multiple stories that seem to not be related but maintain a common thread through an over-arching theme and an iconic character that brings them all together in the end. TRICK 'R TREAT introduces us to the now iconic Sam, a mysterious child trick-or-treater wearing shabby orange footie pajamas with a burlap sack over his head. He is the personification (perhaps "monsterfication") of Halloween (aka Samhain) that makes an appearance in each of the stories whenever a character breaks Halloween traditions. He's cure and deadly, and likely one of the youngest members of the horror icons list. TRICK 'R TREAT also has a list of iconic actors like Dylan Baker, Anna Paquin and Brian Cox. You can never go wrong with faces you recognize.
TRICK 'R TREAT is a tradition you shouldn't be breaking, so be sure to watch it soon before Sam shows up at your doorstep to correct your belligerence.
We continue to look back in retrospect at the Halloween franchise films that we have loved, or at least found entertaining, before they cease to exist with the release of the new Halloween II on October 19th. We continue our fond remembrance of the Halloween franchise with the worst of the Halloween franchise, HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION and pretty much sunk the franchise to nothing but constant remakes.
"Evil find its way home."
Wikipedia Synopsis: HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION is the eighth installment in the Halloween series. It continues with Michael Myers continuing his murderous rampage in his hometown of Haddonfield. Yet, this time, the killer's old, derelict childhood home is being used for a live internet horror show.
HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION is directed by Rick Rosenthal, who had also directed Halloween II in 1981. The film builds upon the continuity of Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, and that is only the first mistake. Writers Larry Brand and Sean Hood apparently wanted Michael Myers to compete with Jason X, and thereby created something just as bad if not worse. Jamie Lee Curtis had agreed to H2O believing they would be ending Michael once and for all. Instead the writers found a way to bait and switch the ending and mistaken identity allows RESURRECTION to happen. It is reported that Jamie Lee only agreed to reprise her role as Laurie yet again because this time, at least one of them, would be killed once and for all. It seems only right and fair that the man who introduced the relationship between Laurie and Michael be at the helm. What makes it confusing is RESURRECTION is literally two movies in one. The first part representing the culmination of the brother and sister storyline and serving as an excuse as to how it is possible that Michael can continue his reign of stabbings. It also appears that Jamie is there just to lend credibility to the film. After that, in the guise of nostalgia, Michael returns to his childhood home to find it has been invaded by modern day ghost hunters seeking a living spirit, which he is obliged to provide, while returning to his original roots of being a hulking killer.
The second part of HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION stars a crazy mix of actors and non-actors like Busta Rhymes, Bianca Kajlich, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Ryan Merriman, Sean Patrick Thomas, Katee Sackhoff, Daisy McCrackin, Luke Kirby and Tyra Banks. With such an ensemble its obvious the film makers were hoping to create a more 00's type slasher film that borrowed from films like Scream. The character of Michael became more of an anguished killer, miles away from the hulking figure we grew to love. As a whole the idea behind HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION implies Michael has returned from the dead to pay vengeance upon the TV crew that has invaded his childhood home. Then things get ridiculous. Tyra Banks plays herself, at least so it seems, and rapper Busta Rhymes tries desperately to be LL Cool J (in a worse way then LL). As you watch you can't help but feel bad for Katee Sackhoff stuck in a stereotypical role that, thankfully, did not define her career, like it did Busta. Finally, the last thing I'll question... is it just me or does Michael's mask look more like a tired Ray Liotta?
HALLOWEEN: RESURRECTION is one of the Halloween franchise films we wish we could say we would miss now that the timeline has been rewritten. But, in the end, there is still entertainment value, even though it did kill the continuing saga that was once the Halloween franchise.
We continue to look back in retrospect at the Halloween franchise films that we have loved, or at least found entertaining, before they cease to exist with the release of the new Halloween II on October 19th. We continue our fond remembrance of the Halloween franchise with Halloween H2O...
Its been 20 years since the events that happened in the original Halloween. In this installment of the franchise Michael Myers has been on the run or just in hiding but he is returning. Jamie Lee Curtis is back as Laurie. She has moved far from Haddenfield. She is in constant fear that Myers will return. Now the headmistress of a boarding school in northern California with here 17 year old son who has no interest in the legend of Michael Myers. The school is on the verge of a annual camping trip and Laurie will not let her son go due to her fears, but of course, he has a girlfriend... well, we were all that age. Michael finds his way to Northern California and once again the hunt begins.
Josh Hartnett plays Lauries son, and even though his mom says he can go camping, he decides to stay and not tell her. Him, his girl and a few others want to have a Halloween party since Laurie has never let her son. L. L. Cool J plays the schools security officer, but I was really not sure if he was playing the cook from Deep Blue Sea. I'm not wanting to say this movie is the worst movie in the franchise, but it the worst one I can remember. I know its a slasher flick but when you go from a small low budget to the big Hollywood treatment most of the time it winds up hurting the production more than helping, especially with horror movies. Myers systematically goes on a killing spree and there is a decent kill count but it still falls very short of the original. The third act feels like it was an after thought and the final confrontation was one of the biggest WTF moments I have ever seen on camera. I would like to give this a recommendation because its a good film, but all I will say is if you want a laugh or two this might be the sequel for you. As always please check out all the films I review and make up your own mind.
We continue to look back in retrospect at the Halloween franchise films that we have loved, or at least found entertaining, before they cease to exist with the release of the new Halloween II on October 19th. We continue our fond remembrance of the Halloween franchise with HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH (1982), not to be confused with another horror masters witch classic (George Romero's Season of the Witch).
"Kids all over America want Silver Shamrock masks for Halloween. Doctor Daniel Challis seeks to uncover a plot by Silver Shamrock owner Conal Cochran."
Wikipedia Synopsis: HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH follows the story of Dr. Dan Challis as he tries to solve the mysterious murder of a patient in his hospital. He, along with the patient's daughter Ellie Grimbride, travels to the small town of Santa Mira, California. The pair discover that Silver Shamrock Novelties, a company run by Conal Cochran, is attempting to use the mystic powers of the Stonehenge rocks to resurrect the ancient aspects of the Celtic festival, Samhain, which Cochran connects to witchcraft. Cochran is using his Silver Shamrock Halloween masks to achieve his goal, which will be achieved when all the children wearing his masks watch the Silver Shamrock commercial airing Halloween night.
Directed by Tommy Lee Wallace; Written by John Carpenter, Tommy Lee Wallace, and Nigel Kneale; Produced by John Carpenter and Debra Hill; Starring Tom Atkins, Dan O'Herlihy, and Stacey Nelkin. Tommy Lee Wallace, is a long-time friend and collaborator of John Carpenter, began as an art director for Carpenter's Dark Star and was one of the editors on the original Halloween and The Fog. His other directing credits includes Fright Night Part 2, Vampires: Los Muertos (2002), and the miniseries It (1990). Carpenter initially offered directorial responsibilities for Halloween II to Wallace but Wallace declined, citing disappointment with the script. The fact he agreed to direct HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH is testament to their belief in the over-arching project.
On the lead actors front, Tom Atkins (Dr. Daniel Challis) had appeared in several John Carpenter films prior to Halloween III. Atkins played Nick Castle in The Fog (1980) and Rehme in Escape from New York (1981). As the doctor investigating into the strangeness of the Silver Shamrock he is the perfect protagonist and has expressed how much he loves vanquishing evil. Atkins has been quoted by Fangoria as saying "I wouldn't mind making a whole career out of being in just horror movies." On the opposite side of the spectrum, as much as the acting cred of Donald Pleasence as Dr. Loomis added to Halloween, Dan O'Herlihy as Conal Cochran (The Cabinet of Caligari, The Dead) does the same for HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH. Of course his Irish heritage helps in relation to the story being told about a 3000 year old Celtic witch wanting to replace all the children with robots. Atkins' protagonism as a stereotypical, mans man, modern American starkly contrasts with O'Herlihy's ancient European royalty mask over barbarian intentions antagonism.
Speaking of masks, the purpose of the mask story line in the film has been explained as a commentary on the fixation children have on Halloween masks and the desire to be seen for something other than who they are. This is a running theme in Carpenters Halloween franchise and especially Zombie's retelling as well. In Michael Myers case it is truly a way for him to hide behind a face that doesn't look anything like him (which is why his eyes, the windows do the dark soul, became so important to the character). In HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH the mask is a many layered tool. In Samhain celebrations the mask is a way to hide among the spirits that return to the living for the night. Cochran is wearing a mask that makes it possible for him to hide among us. The masks are also the tools by which the evil will control the living, and eventually destroying them. Thus, the method by which the living traditionally uses to hide from evil will lead to their destruction. But I digress...
Writer Nigel Kneale (BBC, Hammer Film Productions) may be the main writer of HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, or at least idea man behind the Celtic rooted story. Which perhaps even explains the Hammer like appearance of the entire movie. Unfortunately some producers managed to bastardize the script trading cerebral horror in favor of more kills. So much so that Kneale was ready to have his name removed from the credits. This is one of the real reasons the film failed on most fronts and our first lesson on how the wrong people involved in the creative decisions can destroy a good idea. A lesson Carpenter and Hill always refer back on when they are asked to give advice to young film makers. Hill told Fangoria that the film was supposed to be "a 'pod' movie, not a 'knife' movie." As such, director Wallace drew inspiration from Don Siegel's Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956). The fictional town of Santa Mira was originally the setting of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The plot was also similar in that children were to be replaced by robots (rather than emotionless aliens) and the timing and build up were comparative. As for the rest of the plot it begins to fall apart about the time we realize the witches plans of creating little Stepford children makes title to no sense.
Though the idea behind HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH is admirable, putting it under the Halloween franchise banner was not the best move. Unfortunately, Carpenter had created a conundrum when he brilliantly agreed to name his babysitter killer movie after the pagan holiday. On one hand he had invented an icon in Michael Myers that grew more popular with every Halloween that passed, cemented in history once the sequel hit. But, it was also a good idea to have a Halloween franchise that was actually an anthology of full length films, perhaps even drawing the stories from pagan beliefs that brought us the holiday. As a stand alone film, HALLOWEEN: SEASON OF THE WITCH would be the perfect introduction to that kind of anthology. Despite the attempts at tying it to the first two films like same music, opening pumpkin, and the appearance of Dick Warlock (who donned the mask in Halloween II) as an Assassin Android and Jamie Lee Curtis' uncredited Curfew Announcer/Telephone Operator, it comes off more as an homage or even real world counterpart rather than fictionalizing everything from the first two films as intended.
Through its success and failings HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH is quintessential Halloween fodder. Putting aside the failures of having no Michael, a massacred original script, and a poorly orchestrated attempt at reinventing the Halloween franchise, HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH is a Halloween holiday film that deserves its cult following. Be fairly warned, it is not the most brilliant film you'll find. But it is entertaining and, if nothing else, infected us with the Silver Shamrock jingle that will never leave your mind. just when you think you forgot it, it will creep its way into your dreams.
I have to admit that when Halloween came out I was 8 years old and had no interest in horror films. The trailer for The Amityville Horror had the scene with the red eyes in the window and every time our neighbor backed out of his drive way the brake lights would reflect off the glass and provide an instant nightmare. Now flash forward 5 or 6 years we had moved and I was a teenager that now had a video store within walking distance. The rest is history. I watched every movie in that store, probably twice if not three times. Now one day I was cruising the isles and I saw this black and orange box staring out at me. Upon closer inspection I saw that the orange was a pumpkin and the name of this gem I had just uncovered was Halloween. I don't even think I read the back of the box but like most films back then I went with my gut and my love of the art work. So after viewing this I was of course amazed but also I wanted more, for I believe this was my first steps into the sub genre of slasher films. Halloween holds a lot of firsts for me. My first slasher film, my first Carpenter film, and my first Jamie Lee Curtis film.
Halloween is the story of Michael Myers, a young boy that one night either has a psychotic break or as some say his true evil came to life and murdered a young girl. He is only 8 at the time of the killing and then is thrown in a mental hospital for 15 years where he escapes and returns to the town of Haddenfield to finish what he started all those years ago. John Carpenter thought he was making just a horror film but what he did not know what he was unleashing a classic on the world. The very idea of someone like Myers is terrifying by itself. A man that is unstoppable, a force of nature but in human form. There has been many slasher films since and there will many more, but Halloween is my first and the best. I give Halloween 9 out of 10
Be sure to join us daily between October 13th and the 18th as we look back in retrospective of the Halloween franchise films that we have loved, or at least found entertaining, before they cease to exist following the release of the new Halloween II on October 19th.
"Five youngsters find themselves up against the combined might of Dracula, the Mummy, the Gill Man and Frankenstein's Monster who arrive in town in search of a magic amulet."
THE MONSTER SQUAD is a film that helped define a generation and the perfect film to share with your next of kin. Films like this make it possible to create future monsters that will learn to love the horror genre as much as you do. Who doesn't want to be a part of the monster squad? THE MONSTER SQUAD brings us all the classic favorites in battle with the impetious youth of the 80's. It also brought us the famous line from the clip below.
Be sure to gather the little monsters around the TV for THE MONSTER SQUAD this Halloween season.
"Ten short stories revolve around ghosts, ghouls, monsters, the devil, aliens, and axe murderers who terrorize a suburb on Halloween night."
We at the Creepercast love ourselves an anthology. Maybe its becasue of years of growing up with Tales from the Crypt and Twilight Zone, but a good anthology is hard to turn down. Especially those coming from established horror story tellers. TALES OF HALLOWEEN is directed by Neil Marshall, Darren Lynn Bousman, Axelle Carolyn, Lucky McKee, Andrew Kasch, Paul Solet, John Skipp, Adam Gierasch, Jace Anderson, Mike Mendez, Ryan Schifrin, and Dave Parker and most are written by same. The film stars a slew of icons from Adrienne Barbeau's soothing narrative DJ voice to the ever brilliant and devilish Barry Bostwick. What makes TALES OF HALLOWEEN stand far above the usual anthology is the clever way in which every short ties together into an over-arching tale that weaves all participants together. There is no iconic egos here as all writers and directors had to work together to pull this off, including the cameo from John Landis.
TALES OF HALLOWEEN is an oft time funny and entertaining homage to classic horror so be sure to add it to your required viewing this Halloween season.
One picture alone tells a story and a horror film is full of still frames that stand out as works of art. A Terror Time out is when we feature a still from one of those films. Here is this weeks frame of horror fame.
In the Halloween reboot Rob Zombie introduces us to hulking Michael Myers with a penchant for blood and gore. He also provided a previously bits and pieces back story that includes Michael's love creating and wearing his own masks. It is this reviewers opinion that the attempt to humanize Michael took a lot of the evil out of him, but the mask making is definitely a newly developed creep factor.
One picture alone tells a story and a horror film is full of still frames that stand out as works of art. A Terror Time out is when we feature a still from one of those films. Here is this weeks frame of horror fame.
H20 was supposed to be the last Michael Myers film in the continuous franchise, at least that's what they told Jamie Lee Curtis. A mirror motif has appeared in ever film from the first where Michael examines himself in the mirror and Danielle Harris doing the same many films later. Finally, with the reunion of Laurie and Michael, the motif reaches a climax as the mirror becomes a window.
"Phil, Melissa, Mitch, Mary, and Vinnie are high school friends, who unwittingly raise the dead on Halloween night. Once the dead have returned, Pitchford Cove will never be the same again....or will it?"
Nostalgic for 80's horror like we are? Need a family friendly Halloween movie you might have forgotten exists to share with your kids? How about a film full of familiar faces to help you remember life in the old days? Oh, and don't forget the the obligatory song and dance scene featuring an 80's icon. Well then 'The Midnight Hour' is just what Doctor Jeckyl ordered. We have familiar faces like LeVar Burton, Peter DeLuise, Kevin McCarthy, and Dick Van Patten. The flash mob Thriller like sequence features a performance by Shari Belafonte. Made for TV by ABC Video Enterprises, 'The Midnight Hour' is great, silly, family fun full of a vampires, raised dead, a werewolf, and occassional radio cut ins by the great Wolfman Jack.
Another film currently streaming on the YouTube's, check it out here...
On this day in horror history.... John Carpenter changed the face of horror with his release of 'Halloween'. A film the altered the landscape of modern horror and ushered in the era of the slasher film. Michael Myers was the modern day Boogyman and has continued to live on in film after film for nearly 4 decades. That's a true testament to a classic, in every since of the word.
"A baby sitter is stuck watching over a young brat on Halloween night who keeps playing vicious pranks on her. To add to her trouble the boy's deranged father has escaped from an asylum and is planning on making a visit."
Ah the 80's horrors! Here's one for your Halloween I bet you haven't seen, if you're going to be forced to watch a B slasher full of 80's goodness it might as well free, yeah?
Trick or Treats is a fun little pile of schlock guaranteed to make me nostalgic for the good old days. Starring a man whose been in everything, Peter Jason, as the husband done wrong, and you can't help but appreciate Kung Fu's David Carradine as the creepy new boyfriend. Ultimately this is a slasher/revenge film that takes place on Halloween. The poor babysitter didn't know what she was in for when she agreed to sit for this practical joking magician of a kid, she definitely didn't expect to be hunted down under a case of mistaken identity by the kids father. Now I have just a few comments to make as far as a real review goes.
Trick or Treats is surprisingly more funny than scary, maybe its the antiquity of the film, but the practical jokes the kid plays on the babysitter are over done by today's standards and rarely work even as jump scares. But it is funny as hell. Also, most reviewers talk about how annoying the little brat kid is throughout the entire movie but I have to devil's advocate this one. That babysitter started right off as a bitch and pretty much deserved everything she got. Maybe I have babysitter issues I need to talk about. Speaking of babysitter issues, not sure what the point of the of the babysitters side story is to the film since it sure doesn't lend anything to the already convoluted plot. I guess it was to get another body into the house.
Despite, and maybe even because of, the convoluted story, Trick or Treats is actually fun trip down slasher memory lane. And like I mentioned above, you can't beat the price. For this Halloween you can see Trick or Treats on YouTube right here...
Ever since Michael Myers first stalked the babysitter in 1978's horror defining classic, 'Halloween', we've longed for a return to form and a decent follow up in that original franchise. 'Halloween 2' is about the closest they ever came to a proper follow up to the original, with sequel after sequel continuing to further take the story away from it's roots. To make Michael less and less frightening and more about how messed up his mask can get. However, I'm going to leave Rob Zombie's take on the series, out of this conversation. To me, they are 2 films unto themselves. Neither carrying on the story that started so many years ago, but rather to tell the story from another perspective. Granted, I'm a huge fan of Rob's work and feel that those 2 films are great examples of how to take something and make it your own. Love them or hate them, they are what Rob wanted them to be. A boogeyman built for a new generation.
With John Carpenter's masterwork slowly losing it's credibility over the years, fans have clamored for someone new to take the helm and bring us all back to basics. A streamlined piece of horror cinema that relies as much on music and mood, as it does murder and mayhem. There have been many rumors and whispers amongst horror fans for years. There have been fan films and comics and merchandising galore. There is no doubt that Michael has just as much power over the public now, as he did back in the late 70's and early 80's. People love him. In the past year or so, there were talks of John Carpenter traveling back to Haddonfield for role as producer in a new 'Halloween' installment. The buzz around this was insane. Fans were ready for him to resurrect the monster he created and to bring him back to form. Over time though, things kind of quieted, until this week. The new word on the street is something a bit unexpected. It was just announced on February 10th, that David Gordon Green (Stronger, Our Brand Is Crisis, Joe, Pineapple Express) and Danny McBride (Alien: Covenant, Eastbound & Down, Vice Principals) were in talks to bring 'Halloween' back, but they're not alone.
Now, unless you've been under a rock for the past decade, this is kind of an unusual pairing of ideas. Taking a couple of guys who don't have any real experience in the genre and handing them the keys to the kingdom. But wait, is that a bad thing? Another unlikely horror hero came out of the woodwork a while back and has been breathing life into the genre. None other than Elijah Wood. Yes, THAT Elijah Wood. It turns out, that the man is a horror fiend and ever since dipping his toe in the pond, he's been creating some pretty amazing stuff. For example, 2013's remake of 'Maniac' or 2014's 'Cooties', just to name a couple. He's also created his own production company and has been championing scary movies left and right. If this doesn't give you a little bit of hope, that two other non-fright films kind of guys, might be able to create something good.... I don't know what will. It's been proven time and time again that some of the most unsuspecting people will surprise you with how truly terrifying they can be. Maybe it's time we got a fresh set of hands on this franchise?
Danny McBride, when talking about what their 'Halloween' would be, had this to say: “You know, it’s not a remake. It’s actually, it’s gonna continue the story of Michael Myers in a really grounded way. And for our mythology, we’re focusing mainly in the first two movies and what that sets up and then where the story can go from there. Green and I are definitely going to [do] a straight-up horror. Halloween has always been one of my favorite movies of all time. There’s a simplicity and an efficiency to that first one that I think allows the movies just to be scary as hell. And so Green and I, our approach is to get back to that.” He continued on to say, “David and I are thrilled to step outside of our comedic collaborations and dive into a dark and vicious horror. Nobody will be laughing.” Right there, I get a little bit of goosebumps thinking about the prospects. Granted, 'Texas Chainsaw 3D' was the wrong way to continue a story from a fixed point in time, but if it's done right, it could be pretty amazing. Malek Akkad was even quoted, talking about the project: “It’s been a long journey with many starts and stops, but I can honestly say that I’ve never been more excited than by the team that we have assembled for the new ‘Halloween’. I truly feel this film will thrill fans, old and new, as well as being a high point in this legendary franchise.” I'm ready to see what this team might come up with. With John Carpenter still in the executive producers chair and possibly even heading up the music, and Malek Akkad behind it all, then I say let's give someone else a chance to play in this iconic sandbox. I'm ready for Michael to get back to his roots. What say you, Creeps?
What's a 'Final Girl' you might ask? She's the last woman standing at the end of a horror film. Usually the one who defeats the killer. In this list, I'll give you my top 13 'Final Girls' in horror of all time. Without furtur ado....
#2: Laurie Strode from 'Halloween' played by both Jamie Lee Curtis and Scout Taylor Compton
Our final character played by multiple actresses, Laurie Strode was cursed with the worst brother in horror film history. Pursued by Michael Myers for most of her life, Laurie defeated him over and over again, but eventually met her fate.... in the original franchise only.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61260331/AA68_D023_00164RV4.jpg_cmyk_2040.0.jpg)
