Blacker Than The Night (1975) aka Más Negro Que La Noche

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Carlos Enrique Taboada
Written by: Carlos Enrique Taboada
Actors include: Claudia Islas, Susana Dosamantes, Lucía Méndez
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Length: 100 minutes (approx)
Banned: Nope

Review:
I'm finding that I really do like Mexican horror lately, especially the films of Carlos Enrique Taboada, this being no exception. He has a rather unique stylish method to horror (often not showing the faces of who we are looking at), with elegant back drops and the stories often take a while to build up into something really horrific. The story is about Ofelia, a woman who's Aunt dies and leaves her a beautiful old house complete with strange housekeeper. Ofelia moves in her room mates: beautiful model Marta, average looking Pilar, and the also lovely Aurora. Aside from the fact that they don't seem to be getting along with the housekeeper very well the girls (minus Ofelia) seem to not like the black cat who comes with the house. Ghostly and strange things keep happening, but when the girls start dying suspicions turn to reality and even the housekeeper can't watch what happens next. It's not terrifying, and it's not extremely bloody but it is satisfying on a horror front and the characters are interesting and well shaped which makes this compelling. Very neato ghost story that seems to unfortunately be rather unknown, I found it to be a rewarding watch.

Availability:  On DVD

Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1931)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: Put yourself in her place! The dreaded night when her lover became a madman!
Directed by: Rouben Mamoulian
Written by: Samuel Hoffenstein, Percy Heath
Actors include: Fredric March, Miram Hopkins, Rose Hobart
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Length: 98 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is one creative adaptation of the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde tale, I mean it's pretty true to the story and everything, it's just visually a different beast. Sometimes the film is shot from Jekyll's eye view, other shots are from different perspectives, and the way they managed to make the transformation occur is with different colored lights, and it's pretty neat. Even if their version of Mr. Hyde looks rather like a character from Planet of the Apes. This one is also different in that we spend a fair bit of time getting to know the kind and generous Dr. Jekyll before he even gets into his evil debautcherous territory. Jekyll has a fiancee and gee whiz are they happy together, they are going to have a wonderful life...except that Jekyll is obsessed with the duality of man. Of course as the story goes he invents a potion to allow his dark side to roam about. It's not all that dark though his "bad" behavior is far more entertaining then when we are just watching the love story portion. It's even more fun when he can no longer control his transformations. Certainly this is a charming and elegant version of this tale, though I do prefer the version Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920).

Availability:  On DVD

Inside (2007) aka À l'intérieur

3.5 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Alexandre Bustillo, Julien Maury
Written by: Alexandre Bustillo
Actors include: Béatrice Dalle, Alysson Paradis, Nathalie Roussel
Genre: Horror
Length: 83 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Unfortunately the version of this I watched was dubbed, and I can only assume that the subtitled version has less idiotic dialogue. The reason I'm complaining is that I think it was a much better film then they way it was presented to me. It's as bloody as hell, I mean I'd heard there was a resurgence in excessive French horror films but this is one of the bloodiest films I've seen. It's about a pregnant Woman named Sarah who is in a car crash, her boyfriend (or is it husband?) dies in the crash and she's left alone. Though a bit banged up she seems to be okay and even goes back home to rest before her baby's due date on Christmas. Then Sarah gets a knock on the door on Christmas Eve, when she won't open up she's shocked to find this angry woman has nearly punched her window in. It's a story of home invasion of the worst sort, a cruel vicious woman who is after one thing and one thing only...Sarah's unborn baby. It has quite a body count, several gross scenes with scissors and many other disgusting things that happen here that were fun to watch. My major problem (aside from the dubbing) was the stupid cgi unborn baby shots (really was that necessary?), and the fact that out of nowhere one person acts like a zombie (huh?). You'll have to watch to find out what I mean, but if you like graphic violence and gore galore this is something you'll just have to see. I know I'll watch this again when I get a subtitled version, if you get the choice watch it that way.

Availability:  On DVD

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: It's a grand new Idea for FUN !
Directed by: Charles Barton
Written by: Robert Lees
Actors include: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bela Lugosi
Genre: Horror, Comedy
Length: 83 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Now this is one heck of a Halloween movie, and a great introduction to Universal's monsters through comedy for youngsters and it's my introduction to the comedy team of Abbott & Costello. While I'm not enamored with them, they worked for this sort of slapstick. They primarily operate on the one sees a monster, the other doesn't believe it scenario which is cute even time after time after time. Abbott & Costello play delivery men delivering two crates containing Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and Frankenstein (not played by Karloff but still an excellent likeness). The Wolfman (played by Lon Chaney Jr.) is trying to incercept to prevent danger as he knows that Dracula & Frankenstein aren't exactly dead. In the castle they run into trouble as the monsters vanish, and although they don't really want to find them let's just say they pop up here and there. Nothing here to really frighten anyone though it does seem a tad darker than expected. It also really nails the whole atmospheric mood thing, very shadowy and cool. Anyone who loves the classic monsters should want to see this very fun outing, and it's very successful on every level.

Availability:  On DVD

The Tomb Of Ligeia (1964)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: Even on her wedding night she must share the man she loved with the "female thing" that lived in the Tomb of the Cat!
Directed by: Roger Corman
Written by: Edgar Allan Poe
Actors include: Vincent Price, Elizabeth Shepherd, John Westbrook
Genre: Horror
Length: 81 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Another fun Poe/Vincent Price/Roger Corman film and in fact it was the last in this series with Corman & Poe. Verden Fell (Price who seems too old to be in the role but who cares) plays a reclusive man who meets and falls in love with and marries Lady Rowena (Elizabeth Shepherd). The only problem is that Verden was married before to a Lady Ligea who tragically died, and he's still obsessed with her. There is also a black cat who lingers about and seems less than welcoming, especially to Lady Rowena. After a while of this environment some strange changes start taking place with Lady Rowena's behavior as well, but what could be going on? It's very stylish and the scenery and ruins are superb to watch, the actors really make this easy to enjoy as well. It's not the best film in their series of collaborations but it's still quite good and worthy of a viewing.

Availability:  On DVD

A History Of Horror With Mark Gatiss (2010) BBC4

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: N/A
Written by: N/A
Actors include: Mark Gatiss, John Carpenter, Barbara Steele
Genre: Horror Documentary
Length: 3 hours (3 one hour episodes)
Banned: Nope

Review:
Well this Mark Gatiss is someone who shares many of the same horror opinions I do, so I found this particular series quite a bit of fun to watch though it didn't have much that I didn't already know to offer. The first episode focuses mainly on the '30s to the '50s, really the beginnings of American and British horror (it completely avoids most other films for some reason, the gaping hole being the German films of the time). It goes into Val Lewton (who for some reason Carpenter disses big time...I like Lewton), Lon Chaney and a brief summery of his horror works, James Whale and of course the Universal Monster films. The second episode focuses on the Hammer Horror age with close attention to that studio, Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing and even into some Amicus anthologies that I love and even a Tigon production (The Blood on Satan's Claw). It definitely mainly focuses in on the UK but that is where most of the action was at that time. The third portion goes into slashers like Psycho, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and the like, but it stops right after Halloween. Also since this set of episodes is so British centric I was surprised there was no mention of Pete Walker. At least they tried to talk to several people involved, and Mark takes us to several of the locations and throws in little tidbits here and there too. It's not comprehensive...it is just his favorite films and some of the details within so yes many areas are completely untouched but what it does cover is interesting and informative. Mark is a likeable host though where he and I disagree is that I think there is merit in the '80s slashers and so forth but heck I at least like every film I've seen mentioned on the list (and I'd seen most of them). Worthy of a viewing for fans of the genre, but if you like the new stuff this might have nothing to offer you.

Availability:  Airs on BBC4 from time to time

Forbidden Photos Of A Lady Above Suspicion (1970) aka Le Foto Proibite Di Una Signora Per Bene

3.5 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: N//A
Directed by: Luciano Ercoli
Written by: Ernesto Gastaldi
Actors include: Nieves Navarro, Dagmar Lassander, Pier Paolo Capponi
Genre: Giallo, Horror, Thriller
Length: 93 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Well this is a sleazy little giallo from Luciano Ercoli and probably my least favorite of his but still a fun flick. Let's see what I can explain here, Minou wears crazy wigs, she is newly married to a fellow named Peter who her sex obsessed friend Dominique (Nieves Navarro) set her up with. Dominique (who also wears a weird wig occasionally) thinks being raped would be splendid, she seems to be into fetish stuff and well having sex with anyone who is nearby. She also might have had a prior relationship with Peter before setting Minou up with him. Minou is being harassed by a Man who claims he has evidence against Peter that could put him away in jail, and they only thing he'll take in exchange for his silence is extreme sex with Minou. Weirdo still, Minou seems to kind of like it in way... Oh it's very bizarre and irresponsible in many ways, it's also groovy and has some hilarious disco sequences and memorable dialog and the actors are superb. This won't be for everyone, but fans of this style of Eurosleaze should be entertained.

Availability:  On DVD

Curse Of The Doll People (1961) aka Muñecos Infernales aka Devil Doll Men

3.5 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: Benito Alazraki
Written by: Alfredo Salazar
Actors include: Elvira Quintana, Ramón Gay, Roberto G. Rivera
Genre: Horror
Length: 81 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is a rather enjoyable case of making the most with very little. This Mexican horror film seems cheap but considering they did wonders with the effects and it oozes charm galore. It's very shadowy and atmospheric, and rather engaging. It does go into a ton of talking in places which gets a little tedious but when it pays off it is most definitely worth it. The plot revolves around four men who are cursed when they steal a sacred voodoo idol (bad move). Soon some murderous dolls who come to life (or rather midgets with spooky masks) are coming after the four Men plus everyone in their family! The stab with large sharp looking needles, and the attack many times making it very fun to watch. It's not the most original nor is it the best creepy doll film but it's one worth investigating for fans.

Availability:  On DVD

Mad Monster Party? (1967)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: At long last, a Motion Picture with absolutely no cultural value!!
Directed by: Jules Bass
Written by: Len Korobkin, Harvey Kurtzman
Actors include: Boris Karloff, Allen Swift, Gale Garnett
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Animation
Length: 94 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I can't believe I went my entire childhood without ever having watched this, I'd have loved it! Definitely a film for the whole family with musical numbers, many clever little nods to the Universal monsters and an insanely creative production. The concept is that Dr. Frankenstein has invented a new potion that will cause destruction. He's also the head of organization of monsters, so he rounds up all of his monster friends for a mad monster party. He also wants to announce his retirement and his successor! Be prepared to meet adorable versions of The Mummy, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, The Hunchback, The Invisible Man, King Kong, The Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, The Creature (from the Black Lagoon), Boris Karloff and Phyllis Diller. It's all made with the same style as the old Rudolph and Frosty christmas films (which I love) and even by the same people, this is just spooky instead! Even though it is very entertaining there are several jokes that are just too corny to laugh at and a few song and dance numbers that really could have been left out. Still a very visionary and enjoyable Halloween treat that any child should love (and many adults should like it too).

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

30 Days Of Night (2007)

3 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: They're Coming!
Directed by: David Slade
Written by: Steve Niles
Actors include: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston
Genre:  Horror
Length: 113 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Well, conceptually this is an interesting take on vampires, the idea is that in Alaska they have a month (or 30 days of night) of darkness. The group of people who decide to remain behind and to not go on vacation are in for a real nightmare. See vampires have chosen to hide out in their little town because of it's darkness they have an all you can eat buffet. Now it's based upon a comic book that I've never heard of or read but I can't help but think that is the reason for the stupidly speedy vampires (it's laughable). The other issue I have is that the CGI adjusted vampire faces look positively silly, it's like they are dueling with video game characters instead of vampires. If they hadn't done those things it could have actually been a really good movie I think. Keeping them mainly in the shadows was wise (because of the awful effects), and having them mutter their own dialogue was creative, I'll give them that. It is bloody, it does have excitement, and it does go on a little longer than it should have but it is mostly enjoyable.

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Castle Of Blood (1964) aka Danza Macabre aka The Castle Of Terror

3.5 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: The living and the dead change places in an orgy of terror!
Directed by: Sergio Corbucci, Antonio Margheriti
Written by: Sergio Corbucci, Giovanni Grimaldi
Actors include: Barbara Steele, Georges Rivière, Margarete Robsahm
Genre:  Horror
Length: 87 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Although this film is extremely elegant and beautifully filmed in atmospheric black and white it wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped. The story is a rather familiar one, Writer takes a bet that he can't last the night in a spooky castle on Halloween. This spooky castle happens to be in habited by the spirits of several murdered people who relive their final moments. They want to steal the Writer's blood in order to stay alive one more night. They aren't all extremely evil, one of the sexy ghosts (played by scream queen Barbara Steele) is trying to help him. The story is fine though it could have used a little punch and some scares might have been nice but that really describes my overall reluctance to watch many gothic horror stories. Still considering I did enjoy this, it was engaging even if most of it was because of the visuals. I would say it's one of the better of it's kind, I would just say that maybe it's not as wonderful as it's reputation had me believe.

Availability:  On DVD

Bloody Birthday (1981)

4 / 5 Oct '10
Tagline: Have a bloody good time!!
Directed by: Ed Hunt
Written by: Ed Hunt, Barry Pearson
Actors include: Lori Lethin, Billy Jayne, Elizabeth Hoy
Genre: Horror
Length: 85 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I'd watched this somewhere around my 10th birthday and couldn't remember it all that well, so yesterday for my 30th it seemed to be the right choice to watch again. I really did enjoy it but then again murderous children are pretty frickin' entertaining, especially Elizabeth Hoy as little Debbie and Billy Jayne (Scott Jacoby from Bad Ronald's step-brother) as little Curtis. The story revolves around three children who were born on some sort of solar eclipse but for their 10th birthday they seem to go on a sadistic killing spree. This is wildly entertaining and the killings are often quite fun and in the spirit of slashers like Friday the 13th, so horror fans should be quite amused. Particularly because of the style and emotion the children show....very memorably evil and over-the-top in a really great way. This one is also noteable for having comedienne Julie Brown in a smaller role but she repeatedly strips if that is your type of thing. Well worthy of a birthday viewing for any horror fan, I seriously doubt I'll ever forget this one again, charming!

Availability:  On DVD