Axl Rotten's Horror Movie Rants

Amityville Horror (1979)

2009-11-15T12:35:00.002-05:00

Amityville Horror (1979)

“For God’s Sake, Get out!” screams the tagline for 1979’s Amityville Horror. I haven’t seen this little gem since it was originally released. My memory of it had been skewed over the years to one of mundane. At the time, I had been a big fan of the book and was excited (perhaps too much so) to see the film adaptation. When it didn’t live up to the book by Jay Anson, I was left disappointed and underwhelmed. Now, thirty years later and thirty years distant from the source material, I have decided to revisit this classic; and, to my surprise, I really liked what I found.

Stuart Rosenberg, who was responsible for the Paul Newman classics Cool Hand Luke (1967) and The Drowning Pool (1975), directed The Amityville Horror for American International Pictures (AIP). The film stars James “The Car” Brolin, Margot “Sisters” Kidder, Rod “The Illustrated Man” Steiger, Don Stroud and Murray “Jaws” Hamilton. You could easily consider the house itself as one of the stars with its trademark twin top-story windows flanking the chimney along the house’s side. Sandor Stern wrote the screenplay from the original book by Jay Anson.

The plot is simple, and with the controversial book’s history, well known. Newlyweds, George and Kathy Lutz purchase a beautiful house in Amityville, New York. The house comes with a history; the previous owners, the Defeos, were murdered violently by their own son, Ronald. The Lutz family soon find themselves haunted by frightening sounds, terrifying visions and dreams and violent accidents – not to mention flies. George suffers the most, having his personality change and actions become both self deprecating and dangerous. Even with the involvement of a local priest, the family cannot exorcise the house and must flee for their lives.

I found the movie more professionally directed and well-crafted than I had remembered, building tension and fear slowly toward the over-the-top conclusion. The soundtrack supports the film and the mood necessary to carry the dread and foreboding the films needs. Rosenberg directs the film as a drama with horror elements found in its lining. When it focuses on the psychological elements and brief hints of terror and haunting is when he succeeds the most: eyes outside the windows, the babysitter trapped inside the closet, both Lutz’ awakening from nightmares screaming. When it comes time to address the out and out horror is when it falters slightly: the blood walls, the erupting floors and exploding doors.

James Brolin and Margot Kidder as George and Kathy Lutz shine in their performances. Brolin’s George Lutz is both sympathetic and frightening all at once as his psyche deteriorates with each passing day. Kidder’s Kathy Lutz is desperate to save her family and her husband and frightened of the outcome if she cannot. Rod Steiger however chews the scenery in most of his scenes, but is superb when he is in the house alone and has to face the horror first hand with the flies and the famous line “Get Out!”

It took thirty years, but I’ve changed my mind on The Amityville Horror. I can now see it as a classic and a truly frightening film. Seeing it again was a pleasant and rewarding surprise and I plan on visiting this masterpiece yet again in the future. Recommended.

7.5 out of 10

The Fourth Kind (2009)

2009-11-04T08:52:00.003-05:00

The Fourth Kind (2009)

“There are four kinds of alien encounters. The fourth kind is abduction.”

The Fourth Kind, by director Olantunde Osunsanmi, is an unusual beast – a bizarre blend of documentary, mockumentary, dramatization and out-and-out sci-fi/horror fiction. Spinning off the premise of alien encounters in an isolated Alaskan town, Osunsanmi presents us with twin views as the story unfolds: “actual” footage of Dr. Abigail Tyler and dramatization with Milla Jovovich portraying Dr. Abigail Tyler. At times this choice is extremely effective and, at other times, succeeds in pulling you out of the story.

At times the footage and the dramatization are presented side by side or even in grid format. It is a very interesting and original approach; however, for me, it served to remind me that it’s a story, a movie and I would suddenly find myself in the theater again, no longer immersed in the story. Thankfully, the director manages to pull you back in quickly, but the result is at times jarring. I also think this was on purpose, a cinematic trick to make you feel as if it were “real” and had indeed happened and to some degree it works. When the scene’s switch to focus on Dr. Tyler’s recorded footage and is combined with an excellent, amplified score, the result is pure horror. To my surprise, I felt my heart race and my hands and feet tense up. It can be quite chilling and effective, if you let yourself get caught up in it and I did.

The plot is fairly simple, recounting Dr. Abigail Tyler’s encounter with the Fourth Kind, first through her patients (she’s a psychologist) and then her own involvement as well. To say much more would be unfair.

The movie succeeds much more on the psychological and horror levels than any sci-fi level, there are no space ships (ala CE3K) and no aliens – at least in the traditional sense. The focus is on the human element and the affects of the encounters both to the mind and body. When the encounters happen, it can be truly terrifying and horrific. Let’s just say this isn’t a Spielberg happy ET experience. At these moments, the dramatization layer falls away and lets the “real” footage take over where the film is obscured and distorted. This is insanely effective as it allow you to fill in the blanks and imagine much more than is actually there – not many films can do that and not as well as you find here.

The performances are all top notch with Milla Jovovich really hitting it home. You feel her character’s loss, her desperation, her fear and her drive. This is her best performance. Elias Koteas and Hakeem Kae-Kazim support her character, grounding her findings and lend the believability the story needs. Will Patton, as the sheriff, serves as the skeptic exceptionally. The most haunting performance may be the Dr. Abigail Tyler character herself found mostly in an “interview” with the movie’s director framing the film and the key plot points throughout; she is a haunting visage, and she emotes a broken and haunted woman.

I’m not sure this film will appeal to everyone, to many at all, In fact. It takes a large leap of suspension of disbelief to succeed. If you get caught up in how hokey the story and premise can be (and the devices found within expose that from time to time), you won’t find yourself truly enjoying this film. However, if you can let yourself get into the story, you may find yourself genuinely frightened and affected.

7.5 out of 10

Vamp (1986)

2009-10-27T08:09:00.003-05:00

Vamp (1986)

"Grace Jones is looking for a few good men."

I remember seeing Vamp in the mid eighties and I remember enjoying it at the time. I haven't seen it since then. I'm left the impression that it was campy and fun and that Grace Jones made a good vampire. The leads were fun and the girl-in-distress was hot. I'm going to be putting this on my to-see list for a revisit.

IMDB provides the following: "Two fraternity pledges go to a sleazy bar looking for strippers to entertain their college friends. They have problems with transportation, Biker gangs, and worst of all, the staff of the bar, all of whom seem to be vampires, with Grace Jones playing the head vampire."

Vamp stars Chris "My Bodyguard" Makepeace, Robert "A Nightmare on Elm Street 2" Rusler and Gedde "Sixteen Candles - Long Duck Dong" Watanabe. DeDee Pfeiffer also stars along with, of course, Grace Jones.

See the trailer below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqSMYeNRGok

Teenage Exorcist (1991)

2009-10-25T09:42:00.003-05:00

Teenage Exorcist (1991)

Oh, the horror. Ugh. Yet another cheap direct to video horror flick from the early '90's. This one written by Fred Olen Ray and directed by Grant Austin Waldman. It stars Brinke Stevens and Michael Berryman.

IMDB describes the movie "Diane, a repressed, neurotic grad student, moves into a cursed mansion and is possessed by the house's demonic master.Transformed into a raven-haired, leather and lingerie-clad seductress, Diane seeks a virgin sacrifice for her master while her sister, brother-in-law, a priest, and a pizza boy try to rescue her and avoid his wrath." It's basically a lowball, cheezeball riff on the exorcist genre, trying desperately to be funny. Mileage may vary.

What brought this to my attention was the appearance of fan favorite actor from the 1970's, Robert Quarry, playing Father McFerrin.

Enjoy the trailer below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQo-8jHuGhg

12-24 (2009)

2009-04-16T05:46:00.001-05:00

12-24 (2009)

Holiday horrors.
View it here.

9 (2009)

2009-04-15T05:30:00.000-05:00

9 (2009)

Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhvSabqCLFE

Terminator Salvation (2009)

2009-04-14T05:37:00.000-05:00

Terminator Salvation (2009)

Nuff said. Watch it.

Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPrcF1tqNAE

2012 (2009)

2009-04-02T05:22:00.000-05:00

2012 (2009)

Ever the optimist, let's go with the future disaster, end-of-the-world flick 2012 from the makers of Independence Day, 10000BC and (US) Godzilla. Oh, boy. All the rumors about the Mayan calendar predicting the end of days on December 21, 2012 are on display. Have at it and have fun. Enjoy.

Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3C05jQUDYU

Dead Snow (2009)

2009-04-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Dod Sno – Dead Snow (2009)

Zombies. Zombie movies are universal. The idea of an undead corpse trying to eat you is globally frightening. Of course, the US is famous for them: “NOTLD,” “Dawn of the Dead,” “Return of the Living Dead.” Most other countries have their zombies too: UK “Shawn of the Dead”; Italy “Zombie”; Spain “Tomb of the Blind Dead”; France “The Living Dead Girl”; Japan “Versus”. Recently, Norway has spawned its entry into the mix: “Dod Sno” or Dead Snow (2009).

While I wouldn’t be surprised to find that Tommy Wirkola’s Dead Snow is not the first Norwegian zombie movie, it is the first one to receive the amount of hype and press it’s getting. The internet provides movie fans across the globe early access to posters, stills and trailers nowadays. Combine that and a spot a Sundance, Dead Snow garnered a early positive buzz. Recently, I was fortunate enough to see the film and was pleasantly surprised at what I found.

Dead Snow is a riot, a successful mix of gore and comedy with a likable cast and fun, if light, plot and beautifully realized zombies. The movie never takes itself too seriously and doesn’t try too hard to break any new ground. While never truly scary, the film is delightfully ghoulish and grand guignol, much like an early Raimi or Jackson joint.

Wirkola and his co-writer, Stig Frode Henriksen, wear their love for the horror genre on their sleeves, borrowing heavily from not only zombie films, but others such as Friday the 13th, Halloween and the Fog. Still it has its original moments: never have entrails been used so creatively. For example, one of our heroes dangles from a cliff holding on to the unraveled intestines of one zombie while fighting off another hanging along with him. Early on, the Nazi Zombies attack the local trapper (much like Crazy Ralph from Friday the 13th movies) in his tent a beautifully shot subtle and brutal scene. Later on, the big bad calls forth a barrage of undead soldiers with a howling cry; the ground shakes as they suddenly and violently erupt from the frozen tundra.

While the actors do their part well enough and are appropriately appealing , it’s the effects and set pieces that make this film work. The zombies themselves succeed wonderfully; the understated makeup allows the iconic costumes carry as much fear as dead rotting flesh should. Setting the carnage against the bright white of a snow covered landscape also emphasizes the absurdity and gore: bright, bright red blood and dark wartime clothing contrast sharply against brilliant white snow. There are also touches of promise in later scene, when Wirkola spends some time laying out a scene, placing his pieces on the movie board for optimal visual effect. My favorite scene has to be when the big bad and his minions corner our last-guy hero near a burnt-out pit.

For me, this movie was well balanced comedy horror film with great effects and gore. It is perfectly crafted for a world market too, setting up the plot in a familiar tone. This movie won’t overwhelm you with a dense plot and will deliver the goods. The last 30 minutes or so of Dead Snow continue to make me smile long after lights come back on and the popcorn is gone. Well done, Wirkola, well done.

Monsters Vs. Aliens (2009)

2009-03-31T05:25:00.000-05:00

Monsters Vs. Aliens (2009)

This movie came out this weekend and did VERY good box! While it technically isn't horror, it is steeped in Sci-Fi/Horror movie history - of the giant bug variety. And since this week's theme appears to be about "FUN," let's lighten up a bit today and play some toonage... AND 3D to boot. Enjoy!

Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmPvrTWbcFQ

Lesbian Vampire Killers (2009)

2009-03-30T05:18:00.000-05:00

Lesbian Vampire Killers (2009)

Let's go with this one today. Why? Because it will be fun! And, I'm in the mood for fun.

Check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR7cfefBlSk

Meat Grinder (2009)

2009-03-23T14:53:00.000-05:00

Meat Grinder (2009)

This is a gory fun trailer. Beware, be surprised and have at it!

So here it is...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llaO-qjfpR4

GeGeGe no Kitaro 2: 1,000 Year Old Cursed Song 2008

2009-03-20T05:58:00.000-05:00

GeGeGe no Kitaro 2: 1,000 Year Old Cursed Song 2008
Very odd Japanese fantasy film released in 2008. It's too fun to ignore. Let's just cut to the chase. Enjoy below.

View here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icFyFGwwsqo

Lights Camera Dead (2009)

2009-03-19T07:38:00.002-05:00

Lights Camera Dead (2009)
"Less Bore...More Gore"

One of my favorite horror sites (and podcasts) is Bloody Good Horror, found here: http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com/bgh/. Today (March 19, 2009), they reviewed a small low-budget flick called Lights Camera Dead from Aisthesis Productions. The boldly give it a 7 out of 10. Check out the review here, http://tinyurl.com/dk3f7w . In their review they praise it for having a 'solid plot', being 'funny' and containing 'decent gore' eventhough the acting may not be top par and the pacing may be off.

So, check out the trailer below and give the review a read.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwF-qKK53Ts

http://www.lightscameradead.com/

The Orphan (2009)

2009-03-18T04:07:00.001-05:00

The Orphan (2009)

"There's Something Wrong with Ester."
Can't tell if its the stare or the hair. Doh.

John and Kate adopt Ester and things go down hill from there. Ester seems sweet, but there is an evil side.

The Orphan is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra ( House of Wax 2005) and written by David Johnson and Alex Mace. The movie stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Jimmy Bennett and Lorry Ayers.

See it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn6IPEGnTXs

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

2009-03-17T05:01:00.001-05:00

Drag Me To Hell (2009)

Sam Raimi returns to horror after years of Spider-man with Drag Me To Hell. Raimi's story pits a young loan officer against an old woman and a supernatural curse. The trailer promises plenty of scary fun, including an old fashioned seance. Oh this just feels like great fun!

Directed by Sam Raimi, Drag Me To Hell was written by Sam and Ivan Raimi and stars Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Adriana Barraza, Chelcie Ross and David Paymer.

Check out the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoMxV22Bg9k

Blood The Last Vampire (2009)

2009-03-16T04:33:00.002-05:00

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)

First it was a successful Manga, then a successful Anime feature. Now, "Blood: The Last Vampire" is a feature length live action motion picture. This movie looks promising. Wondering if this will change the direction of J-Horror - maybe more action oriented story telling.

B:LV is directed by Chris Nahon, director of "Empire of the Wolves" and Jet Li's "Kiss of the Dragon" and is written by Kenji Kamiyama and Katsuya Terada. The cast includes Gianna Jun (Jun Ji-Hyun), Masiela, Liam Cunningham, JJ Feild, Koyuki and Michael Byrne. At one time, Ronny "Freddy Vs Jason" Yu was set to direct but is now a credited as a producer.

Check out the trailer here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk2L8Mgxd5Q

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

2009-02-20T05:41:00.000-05:00

The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRJA3lN0xCQ

Hybrid (2009)

2009-02-19T05:38:00.000-05:00

Hybrid (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHaCqzsvrKE

Descent 2 (200()

2009-02-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

Descent 2 (2009)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTKZo3y6gEs

Last House on the Left (2009)

2009-02-17T05:10:00.000-05:00

Last House on the Left (2009)

Remake of the classic Wes Craven 70's flick... watch out for that microwave!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl2lmFPBGN8

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)

2009-02-16T05:06:00.000-05:00

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)

Live action manga flick from Japan coming this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X6mowgw5YI

Pieces (1982)

2009-01-26T19:41:00.005-05:00

Bloody Good Horror's latest podcast, click here, covers Pieces from 1982. Listen to their podcast and then watch the movie here.

http://www.myflashfetish.com/video-playlist/497506

Descendents (2008)

2008-11-08T08:13:00.002-05:00

Descendents (2008)

Coming November 13th in Chile is a twist on the zombie genre called Solos or Descendents.

From the official site: "In an undefined future, the earth has been destroyed by man, and the air is polluted with a mysterious virus that turns humans into zombies. Only a few children are immune to the disease and have adapted to these extreme conditions and survived. Camille, a nine year old girl, wanders through these desolate wastelands, protecting herself from zombies and the armed military forces that roam the land killing anyone who might be infected. However, the little girl will find other kids like her that share a recurring dream: thay all have vision of the ocean as their destiny. Together they will try to survive the journey to the ocean in search of an escape."

The film is directed by Jorge Olguin and stars Camille Lynch, Carolina Andrade and Cristobal Barra.

So here it is ... Descendents
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOBbYD0Md8A
http://www.descendentsmovie.com/

Splintered (2009)

2008-11-07T01:28:00.001-05:00

Splintered (2009)

Friday's @ the Rant are for new, upcoming horror films. Short on time today, so here is Splintered which is receiving limited release this fall.

IMDB Synopsis: "Somewhere prowling in the darkest corner of a desolate, abandoned building on the edge of a wilderness is a dangerous animal. It's a human animal that lives by the rules of the wild, where survival is the only concern.

This creature of the night uses cunning and instinct to hunt and kill for pleasure. He has no qualms about his actions; he lives by his desires and he'll take what he wants.

SOPHIE, a teenager with a troubled past, strays into the abandoned building on a dare. She discovers what it's like to become the object of this animal's obsessive desire when she's locked in an isolated room, where no one can hear her screams.

In the night, sitting in the pitch black, waiting for the inevitable, Sophie is terrified by the the obsessive stare through the skylight of the impromptu jail.

Daylight brings GAVIN. He keeps the animal at bay as best he can. A protector of sorts, but a protector who also keeps her locked away. What bizarre relationship does this self appointed jailer have with the elusive prowling creature beyond the door?

Sophie's attempts at escape repeatedly end in failure, but she clings to the hope that she will be rescued by her friends, despite her fears of what might happen to them, if they come too close to the vicious animal? " more...

So here it is ... Splintered
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiCnAmMnpE4

The Devil's Rain (1975)

2008-11-05T03:58:00.001-05:00

The Devil's Rain (1975)

Today we return to revisit The Devil's Rain, a spectacular mess of a 70's movie - and one I enjoy seeing over and over. Ernest Borgnine chews the scenery like nobody's business and we also have William Shatner (Star Trek, Kingdom of the Spiders) and Tom Skerrit (Alien). If you look close you can see a cameo, early appearence by John Travolta (Carrie) before he was even a sweathog or disco king. The first three fourths of the film are all about build up and contains some interesting bits; however, the conclusion's melting rain is what you're waiting for. A fun movie.

So, thanks to My Flash Fetish and YouTube, here is the full movie ... The Devil's Rain

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

Demons (1985)

2008-11-04T02:54:00.000-05:00

Demons (1985)

Directed by Lamberto Bava and written by Dario Argento (along with Bava), Demons is a facinating and confusing (and delightfully gory) Italian horror flick.

IMDB: "A group of people are trapped in a large West Berlin movie theater infected by ravenous demons whom proceed to kill and posses the humans one-by-one thereby multiplying their numbers." Click here for more.

Below, thanks to My Flash Fetish and YouTube, is the full movie for you to enjoy!

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

The Brides of Dracula (1960)

2008-11-03T04:54:00.000-05:00

The Brides of Dracula (1960)

Hammer followed up their wildly successful Horror of Dracula with The Brides of Dracula in 1960. Peter Cushing is back as Van Helsing, but Christopher Lee did not return as Dracula. Instead, we follow up with the adventures of Cushing's Van Helsing as he chases down Baron Meinster. The result is a satifying vampire romp mostly due to Terence Fisher's confident direction and Peter Cushing's engaging performance.

So here it is ... The Brides of Dracula

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

Horror of Dracula (1958)

2008-11-02T05:34:00.002-05:00

Horror of Dracula (1958)

Today we present the entire feature length film Horror of Dracula thanks to My Flash Fetish and YouTube. Filmed in 1958 by Hammer Films after the successful remake of Frankenstein with The Curse of Frankenstein, this film resurrected the horror genre presenting the thrills and scares in technicolor. Curse and Horror also launched the horror careers of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee and forever stamped Hammer Films as the House of Horror on genre film fans.

In a day where remakes are rampant, some successful and some failures, it is interesting to note how successful and important Horror of Dracula and Curse of Frankenstein are to the history of the horror film. Each film is a remake (reinvisioning) of Universals Frankenstein and Dracula classics. Sure they had the novels to draw their inspiration from, still they made an agreement with Universal to make and distribute these films (and The Mummy as well) -- even though they could not use the famous Boris Karloff monster make up.

The Dracula franchise would be a successful one for Hammer Films throughout the 60's and into the 70's, finally killing of the Count with a Kung-fu mix called The Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires (The Seven Brothers meet Dracula in the States).

So here it is...enjoy!

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

2008-11-01T06:09:00.000-05:00

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Yesterday we spotlighted The Uninvited, which is remake of today's trailer spotlight - A Tale of Two Sisters. This Korean horror flick from 2003 is a successful suspenseful yarn about two sisters returning home to find a terrifying secret.

So here it is ... A Tale of Two Sisters
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDyWVOIY8Mg

The Uninvited (2009)

2008-10-31T08:05:00.001-05:00

The Uninvited (2009)

"Fear Moves In"

It's Halloween all week @the Rant and we celebrate by spotlighting new, upcoming horror trailers each day. Today is the flick The Univited, a remake of the scary Asian classic "A Tale of Two Sisters".

IMDB synopsis: "Anna Rydell returns home to her sister (and best friend) Alex after a stint in a mental hospital, though her recovery is jeopardized thanks to her cruel stepmother, aloof father, and the presence of a ghost in their home."
more

The movie is directed by Charles and Thomas Guard and written by Craig Rosenberg and Doug Miro. The Univited stars Elizabeth Banks, Arielle Kebbel and Emily Browning.

So here it is ... The Uninvited
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxuMLaKS4w8

Coming Soon (2008)

2008-10-30T05:10:00.000-05:00

Coming Soon (2008)

It's Halloween week @ the Rant and it's all about new, upcoming horror movies. Today is a Thai horror flick titled Coming Soon, which looks to be an interesting turn in the slasher genre.

Coming Soon official site

Synopsis from Enjoy Thai Movies : "What kind of scenes in a horror film scares you the most? When a ghost appears totally unexpectedly? When the main character does not see the ghost sneaking up behind him? When at the very end you find out that the main character was actually a ghost all along? But none of this compares to the feeling of arriving home alone and suddenly being stuck by a feeling of dj vu that you are reenacting the very same scenes in the horror movie you just saw! This movie will scare you from the second you step inside the movie theatre. It will get you wondering if Something or Someone might be waiting for you to let your guard down. The horror movie that you just saw is about to happen to you in real life! Coming Soon." read more

So here it is ... Coming Soon

Midnight Movie (2008)

2008-10-29T05:22:00.000-05:00

Midnight Movie (2008)

It's Halloween week and it's new, upcoming horror flicks every day @ the Rant. Today, is the trailer for a low budget slasher flick called Midnight Movie getting small release this fall and DVD in January.

Synopsis from IMDB: "A midnight showing of an early 1970's horror movie turns to chaos when the Killer from the movie comes out of the film to attack those in the theater."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0981224/

So here it is ... Midnight Movie
http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1875312865

Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans (2009)

2008-10-27T05:02:00.000-05:00

Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans (2009)

It's Halloween week! This week is full of preview trailers for upcoming horror films - it's Friday @ the Rant every day. Today we're looking at the second sequel to Underworld, The Rise of the Lycans.

I've enjoyed the previous two Underworld movies for their style and direction, but mostly for the star Kate Beckinsale. Vampires versus werewolves is an exciting concept and this series plays it well, even if it skews more toward the vampires.

Rhona Mitra replaces Beckinsale (Selene) as a character named Sonja for The Rise of the Lycans, playing it close to what is expected - at least visually. Bill Nighy returns as Viktor.

The movie is directed by Patrick Tatopoulos and written by Danny McBride and Dirk Black Man.

So here it is ... Underworld: The Rise of the Lycans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K9Qm6SSRJM

House (2008)

2008-10-26T07:39:00.000-05:00

House (2008)

It's Halloween week and we're celebrating by covering new, upcoming trailers all week! It's Fridays @ the Rant all week. Today is House, a small independent feature getting limited release this season.

"The Only Way Out ... Is In!"

Synopsis from IMDB: "In rural Alabama, two couples find themselves in a fight for survival. Running from a maniac (The Tin Man) bent on killing them, they flee deep into the woods and seek refuge in a house. They soon realize the killer has purposely lured them to this house and that they are now trapped. As they huddle around an old fireplace, a tin can falls through the chimney. Scrawled on its side is a message from the killer, establishing his House Rules. The rules call for their deaths unless they kill at least one of the four. They have less than 12 hours to find a way to survive. At sunrise the game is over and everyone dies if the killer's demands aren't met. What they quickly learn is that the only way out... is in. But going further into this house--where unknown challenges await them--is equally deadly. "
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0837796/

House is directed by Robby Henson and written by Ted Dekker and Rob Green. The movie starts Allana Bale, J.P.Davis, Jeffrey de Graft-Johnson and Pawel Delag.

So here it is ... House
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25e0xgdGZ3k

My Bloody Valentine (2009)

2008-10-25T06:24:00.001-05:00

My Bloody Valentine (2009)

It's Halloween week! This week is full of preview trailers for upcoming horror films - it's Friday @ the Rant every day. Today we're looking at the remake of My Bloody Valentine.

The remake is in 3-D and the trailer and poster celebrate that fact with amazing fervor. It's fantastic ... if you go for such things. We love 3-D @ the Rant, so this scores marks a-plenty for us. This looks like so much stupid fun it's rediculous. Yeah, this movie can't be good, but it does look fun - and the producers and/or marketing team seem to know that. Pushing the 'date movie' aspect looks to be a smart, smart move on getting more movies goers in the theater seats.

My Bloody Valentine is directed by Patrick Lussier and written by Todd Farmer and Zane Smith. The movies stars Jensen Ackles (Supernatural), Jaime King, Kerr Smith, Edi Gathegi and Andrew Larson.

Nothing says Date Movie like a 3-D ride to Hell...heh.

So here it is ... My Bloody Valentine (2009)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcTeZQwedBg

Friday the 13th (2009)

2008-10-24T02:55:00.005-05:00

Friday the 13th (2009)

Fridays @ The Rant are for new, upcoming horror films. This week we spotlight one of the most anticipated films in the next 6 months - the remake of Friday the 13th. Wahoo!

If any film is in need of a remake and rejuvination, it may be the Friday the 13th series -- why not? Stepping up to the challenge is the same production team and director behind the wildly successful Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake a few years back. Who better? Ah, this looks to be a fantastic and frightening time at the theater come next spring. Let's not waste any more time...

So here it is ... Friday the 13th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp276DOPQw0

Prince of Darkness (1987)

2008-10-23T06:45:00.000-05:00

Prince of Darkness (1987)

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1964)

2008-10-22T08:33:00.001-05:00

Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1964)

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

Dracula Has Risen From The Grave (1968)

2008-10-21T07:17:00.002-05:00

Dracula Has Risen From The Grave (1968)

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

Vampire Circus (1971)

2008-10-20T11:38:00.001-05:00

Vampire Circus (1971)

I made this video playlist at myflashfetish.com

The Unborn (2009)

2008-10-10T05:00:00.002-05:00

The Unborn (2009)

Fridays at the Rant are for new, upcoming horror films. Coming January 9th, 2009 from David S. Goyer (Blade Trinity) is The Unborn, a supernatural tale of a girl haunted/possessed by an Unborn soul and the exorcism that follows. The trailer promises scary good times.

This is a surprisingly effective trailer. It starts out slow, but builds into an engrossing and scary few minutes. Its a great tease on what this movie could be. Let's hope the movie can live up.

Written and Directed by David S. Goyer and starring Gary Oldman, Odette Yustman, Cam Gigandet, Meagan Good, Jane Alexander, Idris Elba, Rhys Coiro and Carla Gugino.

So here it is ... The Unborn
http://www.mtv.com/overdrive/?vid=287594

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

2008-10-08T13:58:00.003-05:00

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Okay, how can you talk about 1981 and NOT discuss An American Werewolf in London - what is (arguably) the most successful and enjoyable werewolf film ever created this side of The Wolfman (1941). John Landis expertly combines scares, mode, comedy, music and practical effects for an amazing film. This film stands along side John Carpenter's The Thing as a pinacle of achievement for eighties horror. A must see.

Directed by John Landis. Starring David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, Griffin Dunne and John Woodvine.

Below is more of a Cable TV promotion than a theatrical trailer, but it successfully demonstrates what is great about this film.

So here it is ... An American Werewolf in London
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARK8eei1gOY

The Howling (1981)

2008-10-06T08:28:00.002-05:00

The Howling (1981)

1981 was a great year for horror. One of the reasons is The Howling.

So here it is ... The Howling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU_rnrt4I8E

Dead Snow (2009)

2008-10-03T03:00:00.000-05:00

Dead Snow (2009)

Fridays at the Rant are for new, upcoming horror fims. This week is a European Zombie entry, complete with Nazis. Hah, can't beat that.

"A group of eight friends drives to a cabin in northern Norway where German troops where slaughtered by angry locals living there in 1945. Now the undead zombie Nazi soldiers feast on whoever comes there way."

Directed by Tommy Wirkola and written by Frode Henriksen and Tommy Wirkola. Starring Jenny Skavlan, Ane Dahl, Stig Frode Henriksen, Bjørn Sundquist, Charlotte Frogner, Jeppe Beck Laursen, Vegar Hoel, Evy Kasseth Røsten and Lasse Valdal.

So here it is ... Dead Snow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb3t1rvibas

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

2008-10-02T04:44:00.000-05:00

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Another 80's flick on the remake trail is My Bloody Valentine, an entertaining (if flawed) early entry into the slasher genre. The remake, coming next year, promises to be a fun exercise being filmed in 3-D - ironically another odd trend in the early 80's. What comes around, goes around. Heh.

Directed by George Mihalka and written by Stephen A. Miller and John Beaird. Starring Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier, Neil Affleck, Keith Knight, Alf Humphreys, Cynthia Dale, Helene Udy and Rob Stein.

So here it is ... My Bloody Valentine
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR9__vPCy3Y

Hell Night (1981)

2008-10-01T12:32:00.000-05:00

Hell Night (1981)

Ah, Linda Blair -- too bad she didn't make more serious horror films.

Directed by Tom DeSimone and written by Randy Feldman. Starring Linda Blair, Vincent Van Patten, Peter Barton, Kevin Brophy, Jenny Neumann, Suki Goodwin and Jimmy Sturtevant.

So here it is ... Hell Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKX_-u_dI04

Dead And Buried (1981)

2008-09-30T12:40:00.000-05:00

Dead And Buried (1981)

From the creators of Alien - hah - the tag lines for this trailer try very hard to convince you it is much better than it actually is.

Directed by Gary Sherman and written by Jeff Millar and Dan O'Bannon. Starring James Farentino, Melody Anderson, Jack Albertson, Dennis Redfield, Nancy Locke, Lisa Blount and Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street).

So here it is ... Dead & Buried

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZmlEh34unM

Friday the 13th Part II (1981)

2008-09-29T12:26:00.000-05:00

Friday the 13th Part II (1981)

1981 Continues with the second in the Friday the 13th franchise. This is still pre-hockey-mask-Jason. While Jason does return in this release, he's wearing a potato-sack hoodie - heh. It struggles conjure up some fear, but it nowhere near as iconic as the forthcoming hockey mask will become.

The poster and the trailer both indicate the marketing on the sequel was perhaps a bit rushed and/or perhaps they didn't know what to do with it ... just yet. The poster is simply the logo and a tag line: "The body count continues..." and the trailer is mostly about the previous film.

The film itself lives up to expectation and continues the mythology (or even establishes it -- a bit) successfully. Still more about the killings than the killer. Jason Voorhees in the first film is suspected as the killer (as we know he wasn't); while, here, he is established definitively as the killer.

So here it is ... Friday the 13th Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjZDgcfDgLE

Saw V (2008)

2008-09-26T04:04:00.000-05:00

Saw V (2008)

Fridays at the Rant are for new, upcoming horror films. This Friday spotlights the annual Halloween tradition of Saw. This years brings us the 5th installment. Just like Friday the 13th twenty years ago, the Saw franchise revisits its themes and terrifies the audience.

Saw V is written by Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan, the writing team behind Feast, and directed by David Hackl, the production designer and assistant director of Saw III and IV. The movie stars Julie Benz ,Tobin Bell, Scott Patterson, Costas Mandylor, Mark Rolston, Betsy Russell, Samantha Lemole, Meagan Good, Laura Gordon, Greg Bryk and Carlo Rota.

So here it is ... Saw V
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v92xHYIFHy4

Evil Dead (1981)

2008-09-25T07:07:00.003-05:00

Evil Dead (1981)

This week has been B U S Y, so I missed many an entry to the Rant. Since we were covering the movies of 1981, let's take a look at the entire Evil Dead feature.

View below...
http://www.myflashfetish.com/video-playlist/129800

Invitation Only (2008)

2008-09-19T06:54:00.003-05:00

Invitation Only (2008)

Fridays at the Rant are for new, upcoming horror flicks: this weeks is a November Taiwan release. Invitation Only is Taiwan's first slasher horror film. Check out the trailer to see if the rest of the world gets how to make an American standard.

So here it is ... Invitation Only
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wYpGIjbWPw

Evil Dead (1981)

2008-09-17T18:40:00.005-05:00

Evil Dead (1981)

Written and Directed by Sam Raimi and starring Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Richard DeManincor, Betsy Baker, Theresa Tilly, Evil Dead is a highly successful and influencial low-budget horror film described by IMDB as "Five friends are spending the weekend in a remote cabin in the woods. Whilst investigating the cellar they discover a tape and a decaying old book full of strange incantations. The tape is played and it unleashes powerful evil force from the forrest, determined to destory every last one of them."

Evil Dead is a different kind of horror film, completely a genre in and of itself. Really, there is nothing like Evil Dead (and its sequels: Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness) and it is due to the combination of Sam Raimi's kinetic direction and Bruce Campbell's unique comic flair. And then there's the effects.

In the age where special effect were gain glory for how impressive, imaginative and realistic they could be, Evil Dead's effects are cheesy, amatuerish and low-grade ... and delightfully so. It's part of it's charm and appeal really. The whole thing is so over the top, the state of the effects only enhance the overall effect. It's remarkable and pure spectacle.

Luckily the trailer is allowed to show off what makes this movie so special without giving it all away ... which may be hard to believe. The sequel, Evil Dead 2, would allow Bruce Campbell to shine and steal the spotlight from the effects; and, Army of the Dead would balance the effects and the star to perfection.

So here it is ... Evil Dead
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5s1Cd3SNRgg

The Beyond (1981)

2008-09-16T09:54:00.002-05:00

The Beyond (1981)

Italian horror is known for its gore and by 1981 had cemented that reputation. Not many directors can best the over-the-top graphics that director Lucio Fulci spewed out onto the screen. For the most part, his films spotlight the gore with the script servicing that intention.

The Beyond, A.K.A The Seven Doors of Death, is prime example of Lucio Fulci talents and is a fan favorite, along with films like Zombie and The Gates of Hell. Prepare yourself for some of the most gruesome visuals ever presented ... and some of the most confusing, convoluted plotting you'll ever follow.

Directed by Lucio Fulci and written by Dardano Sacchetti. The Beyond stars Catriona MacColl, David Warbeck, Cinzia Monreale, Antoine Saint-John, Veronica Lazar, Anthony Flees.

So here it is ... The Beyond
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwVz2lD00xY

Scanners (1981)

2008-09-14T17:29:00.005-05:00

Scanners (1981)

As the 80's continue, the movies become more and more graphic. Some become simple gorefests, focusing on pure shock factor; while others are more creative in how they integrate the effects into the story.

David Cronenberg crafts his films with both graphic displays of horror and intelligence. Scanners, released in 1981, is a fantastic example of how this works. At the beginning of the film, a "Scanner" is attempting to scan a perfect stranger, not knowing that he is going to scan the villian of the film, Darryl Revok (Michael Ironside). The result of which is explosive ... literally. In many films this would be handle as a simple grotesque display; here, however, Cronenberg not only shocks the audience but effectively illustrates the pure horror scanners are capable of. The results of this shock resonate throughout the rest of the film.

Directed and written by David Cronenberg. Starring Jennifer O'Neill, Stephen Lack, Patrick McGoohan, Lawrence Dane, and the fantastic Michael Ironside.

So here it is ... Scanners
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQYhURQoDI0

Vij (2008)

2008-09-14T17:29:00.004-05:00

Vij (2008)

Fridays at the Rant are for new, upcoming horror films ... well, we were on vacation this weekend, so we missed this Friday. Sorry about that. But here's our edition, just a tad late.

This week, the Russion horror film Vij released a new trailer for their upcoming December release. If you've been following us, you may recall we spotlighted the first trailer a long, long time ago AND we've even featured the original 1967 release as a FULL FEATURE!

First Trailer
Full 1967 Feature

The new trailer makes it look alot like the Brotherhood of Wolves with more action and conflict than the original, which may not be a bad thing, then it builds to the witch/ghost and demons ... and perhaps the Vij itself.

This could be a blast.

So, here it is Vij.

Friday The 13th (1980)

2008-09-11T11:47:00.004-05:00

Friday The 13th (1980)

Okay, so this week so far, we've been spotlighting trailers from 1980. Today, we've got the whole film for Friday the 13th.

So enjoy...
http://www.myflashfetish.com/video-playlist/129360

The Changeling (1980)

2008-09-10T06:33:00.004-05:00

The Changeling (1980)

This week is 1980's week - the beginning of a decided fixation of special effects and start of the slasher phase of horror. As Friday the 13 and other gorefest flicks dominated, smaller more traditional films floundered and were ignored, forgotten or overlooked.

One of my favorite films gravely overlooked due to the shift in focus to special effects in horror films is Peter Medak's The Changeling from 1980. This movie is an effective and frightening haunted house/ghost story. It is a movie that was made and released at the wrong time. If it were made five or ten years earlier, it would surely be a well known classic. As it is, it's a little known brilliant gem.

George C. Scott leads a top notch cast as John Russel, a composer who rents a century old mansion after suffering a personal tragedy. Soon, he finds himself not quite alone in the house ... someone, some unseen entity, is there with him.

The Changeling is directed by Peter Medak (Species II, Masters of Horror) and written by Russell Hunter and William Gray. It stars George C. Scott (The Exorcist 3), Trish Van Devere (The Hearse), Melvyn Douglas (Ghost Story), Jean Marsh, John Colicos, Barry Morse (Space: 1999).

So here it is ... The Changeling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_HtMqCHaV8

The Fog (1980)

2008-09-09T06:53:00.002-05:00

The Fog (1980)

As we've been discussing, horror in the eighties would become more and more about the special effects: Baker, Bottin, Savini and others would rise to fame for their mastering of the magical arts. Popular directors would employ them to create wonderous visions of gore and gruesome madness. 1980 was at the beginning of that transition as directors began to feel this shift.

John Carpenter would hire Rob Bottin to create his monster(s) for The Fog. While this film isn't about the gore, that would come with Carpenter's The Thing a few years later, it does illustrate the rise of the effects artist and how they would come to shape the face of horror. Here, however, the influence is subtle.

The Fog stars Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janet Leigh, John Houseman, Tom Atkins and Hal Holbrook.

So here it is ... The Fog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2G4H9OKcyw

The Hearse (1980)

2008-09-08T07:08:00.005-05:00

The Hearse (1980)

As the eighties came around, horror began focusing on special effects, monsters and slashers. During this transition, more traditional films would be generally overlooked. One such film is The Hearse starring Trish Van Devere.

The Hearse is a haunted house film with the titular hearse and its driver as the 'monster.' Van Devere inherits an old house with a tramatic history and soon finds herself wrapped up in a terrifying mystery. Full of atmosphere and traditional scare tactics, The Hearse successfully builds suspense to the jump scare. Its great stuff for its time; but, at that time, the horror community was craving a different beast.

Directed by George Bowers and written by William Bleich and Mark Tenser, the Hearse stars Trish Van Devere, Joseph Cotten, David Gautreaux, Donald Hotton, Med Flory.

So here it is ... The Hearse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgtYZzMcAbU

Friday the 13th (1980)

2008-09-07T18:26:00.004-05:00

Friday the 13th (1980)

In the past months, we have spotlighted a variety of 70's horror films. At the rant, we love the 70's; however, the next decade would be a decade of transition. In the eighties, horror movies would be more and more about the special effects, monsters, ... and slashers. Landis would bring us An American Werewolf in London, Carpenter would deliver The Thing, Sam Raimi would spew his Evil Dead, Clive Barker would introduce us to Pinhead in Hellraiser and Wes Craven would unleash Freddy Kruger in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Terror fans would now have their Modern Horror: icons, directors and special effects artists.

One special effects artist, Tom Savini, would give us some of the most gruesome and disturbing American visual treats. Following his ground breaking display in Romero's Dawn of the Dead, Savini would define the slasher flick, beginning with Friday the 13th and introduce us to Jason Vorhees. Years before CGI would take over, Savini's practical effects would shock and terrify audiences with arrows and hatchets and ... machetes.

Friday the 13th, while crude at times and simple in its structure, would strike a nerve with the horror community and be a huge hit, spawning decades of sequels and a forthcoming remake next year in 2009. This movie is frightening and fun. Great stuff.

Friday is directed by Sean S. Cunningham (Deep Star Six), written by Victor Miller and stars
Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Harry Crosby, Laurie Bartram, Jeannine Taylor and the incredible Kevin Bacon.

So here it is ... Friday the 13th
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dUDJJrYW6U

Orphaned (2008)

2008-09-05T08:03:00.003-05:00

Orphaned (2008)

Back from hell-week...eh, trying to find time to breathe, just breathe...

Ok, so...

Fridays at the Rant are for new, upcoming horror flicks - this week we take a look at a new Korean horror called Orphaned starring Min-seo Chae (The Wig), Eun-ah Ko and Yu-seok Jeong.

Here's the trailer...Orphaned (2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqarspJ-iFg

The Gorgon (1964)

2008-08-30T08:23:00.006-05:00

The Gorgon (1964)

A fun Hammer horror film from 1964 starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing and directed by the legendary Terence Fisher.

IMDB: "In early-twentieth-century middle-Europe, villagers are literally becoming petrified. Although the authorities try to hush the matter up it is apparent that at the full moon, Medusa leaves her castle lair and anyone looking on her face is turned to stone. When this fate befalls a visitor, experts from the University of Leipzig arrive to try and get to the bottom of it all."

View the movie below
http://www.myflashfetish.com/video-playlist/94925

Eden Lake (2008)

2008-08-29T18:25:00.003-05:00

Eden Lake (2008)

Fridays at the Rant are for new and upcoming horror films.

A brit revenge horror flick being released in the UK this September is Eden Lake. The movie is directed by James Watkins and stars Finn Atkins, Alyssa Cooper, Shaun Dooley, Eliza Elkington, Michael Fassbender, James Gandhi, Thomas Gill, Jack O'Connell.

IMDB supplies the following information: "Nursery teacher Jenny and her boyfriend Steve, escape for a romantic weekend away. Steve, planning to propose, has found an idyllic setting: a remote lake enclosed by woodlands and seemingly deserted. The couple's peace is shattered when a gang of obnoxious kids encircles their campsite. Reveling in provoking the adults, the gang steals the couple's belongings and vandalizes their car leaving them completely stranded. When Steve confronts them, tempers flare and he suffers a shocking and violent attack. Fleeing for help, Jenny is subject to a brutal and relentless game of cat-and-mouse as she desperately tries to evade her young pursuers and find her way out of the woods. Exhausted and distraught, she finally arrives back to the safety of the town. And meets the parents..."

So here it is ... Eden Lake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykKod3kqZx0

Battle Royale (2000)

2008-08-28T06:29:00.004-05:00

Battle Royale (2000)

Perhaps my favorite movie of the modern age is Japan's Battle Royale. While technically not a horror film in and of itself, it certainly has elements of horror in it and the survivalist nature of the film parallels with the slasher genre. The film basically pits an entire high school class against each other on a remote island forcing them to eliminate each other in order to survive ... and there can only be one survivor!

Based on a popular Manga comic, Battle Royale is expertly directed by Kinji Fukasaku and stars Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoto, Chiaki Kuriyama, and Takeshi Kitano. All the actors handle their parts magnificently bringing the right mix of innocence, pathos and terror into their part. Takeshi Kitano is especially brilliant in his part as the teacher that sends the kids into battle. This is an amazing film and should be on your must see list.

So here it is ... Battle Royale
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-T7yPJVvXw

Beyond Re-animator (2003)

2008-08-23T07:35:00.006-05:00

Beyond Re-animator (2003)

By the time this movie was released, I had written off the Re-animator series and gave this flick a big old pass. So, up until this week, I never saw this very enjoyable romp of a horror flick. I caught this on Time Warner's FearNet VOD options. I was surprised how much fun it was and how well it was made and acted. While still not a great film nor a classic, this was better than many films I've seen lately.

At this time of its release, I think this film may have been a victim of the market place. Horror fans were kneedeep in exploring the J-Horror explosion, even the Freddy vs. Jason film was being directed by an Asian director. Even though this film was being produced by the Spanish production compay Filmax, by the time it made it to the States, it had missed it's opportunity to capitalize on the success and following of the previous two movies, Re-Animator and Bride of the Re-Animator.

So, after seeing it some 5 years later, I think this movie may need a revisit. The cast hams it up wonderfully from Jeffrey Combs to Simón Andreu as Warden Brando, especially in his later Rat-Zombie incarnation. Heh, too much fun.

The movie is set in a prison, but it really doesn't play out a prison film. The prisoners really don't spend that much time behind bars -- in fact, West is shown in his cell only in one scene. Every other scene, he's either in the courtyard or the operating room/laboratory or somewhere in between. This could have just as easily been set in an asylum or a bording school.

The effects by Screaming Mad George are chessy but in a magnificently fun way. One cell mate spends the later part of the film as a zombie from the waist up in what may be the highlight of the film. Another injects himself with West's syrum as if it were a street drug and explodes into zombie-dom -- continuing to persue his junky ways.

Brian Yuzna directs with his almost-there flair. He has a few shining moments of atmosphere, such as West's final moments on film, but most of the film is about getting from one scene to another. At times the movie is top notch and at other times it appears made-for-tv. It almost appears as if they were running out of money at the end of filmmaking and had to make cuts. Even at it worst, it's still highly watchable and a better-than-usual effort from Yuzna.

In the end, I enjoyed Beyond Reanimator and that's what counts the most. I had a great time watching it even with its flaws. It held my attention throughout and left me with a smile on my face. I can't think of a better complement for a film.

So, here's the trailer ... Beyond Re-animator
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WMpKfkm9S0

Viy (1967)

2008-08-22T12:37:00.006-05:00

Viy (1967)

Okay, I'm having to research making Flash Widgets and I came across this awesome beast. So, I'm testing it out here. I've loaded the Russian movie Viy. Check it out.

http://www.myflashfetish.com/video-playlist/94188

It's Alive (2009)

2008-08-22T08:18:00.002-05:00

It's Alive (2009)

Friday's @ the Rant are for new upcoming horror flicks. This week there has been some buzz about a 3minute extended trailer for the remake of 1974's It's Alive to be released sometime soon. Maybe this year, maybe 2009... no one is sure just yet. Keep your eyes open to see if you can catch the new monster baby. Will it be cheesy or will it be frightening?

Larry Cohen is back as the writer while Jeff Rusnak (Second Unit Director on 1998's US Godzilla) takes the director reins. The movie stars Bijou Phillips (The Wizard of Gore, Hostel Part II), James Murray (BBC's Primevil), Skye Bennett (BBC's Torchwood), Raphaël Coleman, Jack Ellis.

So here it is ... It's Alive

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DvVogTEoEs

It Lives Again (1978)

2008-08-21T08:14:00.004-05:00

It Lives Again (1978)

With It's Alive being fairly successful in its initial run, a sequel was produced and released in 1978 called It Lives Again. It is also known as It's Alive 2. The sequel, while better in many ways, suffers from a lack of originality. It is still worth a viewing if you get the chance. With a remake of the original on the way, now is the time.

The movie is again written and directed by Larry Cohen and John P. Ryan returns as Frank Davis, the baby's father from It's Alive. Frederic Forrest and Kathleen Lloyd (The Car) are the proud parents this time around.

So here it is ... It Lives Again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9hkL6qnjNY

It's Alive (1974)

2008-08-20T07:46:00.004-05:00

It's Alive (1974)

Another movie on the remake fast track is the classic seventies creepfest It's Alive about a killer ... baby. Heh, yeah ... but the movie is actually alot of fun.

Directed and written by Larry Cohen (God Told Me To, Q, The Stuff) and starring John P. Ryan, Sharon Farrell, James Dixon, William Wellman Jr., Shamus Locke, Andrew Duggan, Guy Stockwell. Early special effects by Rick Baker!

So here it is It's Alive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZUGQ32I03Y

Piranha (1978)

2008-08-18T07:58:00.002-05:00

Piranha (1978)

This past week end Alex Aja's Mirrors was released and crept to the fourth spot and mixed reviews. Next on Aja's plate is a 3-D remake of Piranha.

So let's take a look at the originial from 1978 directed by Joe Dante and starring Bradford Dillman, Heather Menzies, Kevin McCarthy, Keenan Wynn, Dick Miller.

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

2008-08-15T07:02:00.003-05:00

Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)

Friday at the rant is for new, upcoming horror movies and today's is the strangest yet. Repo! The Genetic Opera, brought to us by the makers of SAW is a Horror Rock Opera on the lines of Rocky Horror Picture Show or Phantom of the Opera ... and it looks fantastic.

So here it is ... Repo! The Genetic Opera

Squirm (1976)

2008-08-14T08:01:00.003-05:00

Squirm (1976)

"A new experience in pure fright"

Yeah, ... maybe. I'm back from my business trip in South Carolina. So, in the spirit of things I thought I would cover a seventies southern classic from 1976 - Squirm. Really, how many worms run amok films do we have?

The movie is written and directed by Jeff Lieberman (Just Before Dawn, Satan's Little Helper) and stars Don Scardino, Patricia Pearcy, R.A. Dow and Jean Sullivan.

While it is a bit slow, it delivers (at times) when the worms attach. The images of Roger Grimes being swallowed up by the worms and, later, with the worms crawling into his skin are classic. The house being full of worms is pretty impressive. More of an 'ick' factor than scare factor, this movie deserves a viewing.

So here it is ... Squirm

Tamami: The Baby's Curse (2008)

2008-08-12T06:44:00.002-05:00

Tamami: The Baby's Curse (2008)

As you may know, the Rant favors horror movies of the seventies and one of our favorite '70's horror films is It's Alive. We also love the Omen. Now, fast forward thirty years ahead and we've grown to love movies world wide, including j-horror. A recent release in Japan and a hit a last springs festivals is Tamami: The Baby's Curse based on a manga story and mixing elements from these classics.

Also known as Akanbo Shojo, Tamami is directed by Yudai Yamaguchi and stars Nako Mizusawa, Goro Noguchi, Takumi Saito, Itsuji Itao and is based on the Manga Akanbo Shojo.

"Birthed in trauma, Yoko (Nako Mizusawa) is a fifteen-year-old orphan who suddenly discovers that she isn’t an abandoned child after all: her birth family are still alive and they want her back. She arrives at the family mansion to discover that her mother is insane, the housekeeper is a creepy old ghoul and her dad is a kindly, but distracted, professor of...we’re never quite sure. Oh, and there’s a crazed mutant baby in the attic that has the mind of an adult but the body of a killer infant with claws and fangs. And it’s not happy to have a big sister"

So here it is ... Tamami: The Baby's Curse

The Werewolf vs. The Vampire Woman (1971)

2008-08-11T21:39:00.002-05:00

The Werewolf vs. The Vampire Woman (1971)

Troughout the seventies, Paul Naschy would star as Waldimar Daninsky a poor sap cursed as a werewolf. In 1971 he would face off against 'The Vampire Woman' in this campy classic also known as Werewolf Shadow ... among others.

If you've never caught a Paul Naschy werewolf flick, you should check this one out. It's slow, sure, but great campy fun with chilling visuals and stylistic Spanish slo-mo camera work.

Here it is ... The Werewolf vs. The Vampire Woman

Last of the Living (2008)

2008-08-10T23:24:00.002-05:00

Last of the Living (2008)

Here comes a horror comedy from New Zealand, Last of the Living. In a world overrun by zombies only these three bumbling bumbleheads can save the day and the world. Heh, yeah right.

This looks like another Shaun of the Dead with a slight twist. Ah, there's always room for another Shaun of the Dead.

Here ya go ... Last of the Living

Tokyo Gore Police (2008)

2008-08-10T13:21:00.005-05:00

Tokyo Gore Police (2008)

Every once in a while, a trailer will come along that completely baffles and intrigues me all at the same time. Tokyo Gore Police is one of those trailers. With showers of blood and flying gory bits of flesh and body parts, this film goes completely over the top -- way over the top. It looks insane. I can't decide if it will be pure shite or pure brilliance. Color me curious. I don't know what else to say...I've got two different trailers below for you to see for yourself.

'In the near future...The Tokyo Police force has been privatized and incorporated. The new force has their hands full with a new type of genetically engineered mutant stalking the streets and brutally taking human lives. Luca, the top level officer at Tokyo Police has special law enforcement skills but her dark past makes her vulnerable. She is determined to hunt the mutant known as “Engineer” until the day she can find and destroy the mysterious “Key-Man”.'

Tokyo Gore Police is directed by Japanese special effect and make up artist Yoshihiro Nishimura and is written by Kengo Kaji (Spiral, Uzamaki) and Sayako Nakoshi. The film stars Itsuji Itao, Camille LaBry and Eihi Shiina (Audtion).

So here it is ... Tokyo Gore Police

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy9TyMZvF3g

http://twitchfilm.net/site/view/second-tokyo-gore-police-trailer/

Dance of the Dead (2008)

2008-08-09T09:18:00.003-05:00

Dance of the Dead (2008)

Yesterday @ the Rant, I had the upcoming flick The Haunting of Molly Hartley which I compared to an updated Carrie. Today I thought I would cover my first upcoming DVD release which also happens to be compared to Carrie (at least according to the trailer): Dance of the Dead.

Being released this October by Lions Gate and Ghost House Underground, Dance of the Dead is a horror comedy on the lines of Shaun of the Dead and has been garnering great reviews from sites like http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/ and http://www.aintitcool.com/. The tag line is "It's their night to come alive" and it is described as "On the night of the big High-School Prom, the dead rise to eat the living, and the only people who can stop them are the losers who couldn't get dates to the dance." Wait a minute: horror/comedy, teens, prom, zombies -- hey, Night of the Creeps anyone?

Anyhoo, this looks to be a blast. I trust the reviews and reviewers I've read, so I'm on the lookout for this one.

The movie was directed by Gregg Bishop and written by Joe Ballarini. It stars Jared Kusnitz, Greyson Chadwick, Chandler Darby, Carissa Capobianco, Randy McDowell, Michael V. Mammoliti.

So here it is ... Dance of the Dead

The Haunting of Molly Hartley (2008)

2008-08-08T07:01:00.003-05:00

The Haunting of Molly Hartley (2008)

As usual, Friday's at the Rant are for new, upcoming horror flicks. This week we take a peek at an upcoming USA October release...

This halloween season will bring us Quarantine and Saw V ... and the following film, The Haunting of Molly Hartley. It looks to be a busy spooky season, with Quarantine coming in early and Saw V and Molly Hartley fighting it out halloween week.

From the trailer, it appears the Molly Hartley will play like a modern day version of Carrie as the lead character discovers frightening events that bind her past and her future. This teen horror flick mixes Carrie with equal parts Omen and Rosemary's Baby as Molly's soul may have been promised to the devil (or worse) and her mother is out to kill her. Add to all this, she may be going mad in the process. Wouldn't you?

Molly Hartley is directed by Mickey Liddell and written by John Travis and Rebecca Sonnonshine. The movie stars Shannon Marie Woodward, Chance Crawford (The Covenant, Gossip Girl), AnnaLynne McCord, Haley Bennet and Nina Siemaszko.

So here it is ... The Haunting of Molly Hartley

Nightbreed (1990)

2008-08-07T06:31:00.007-05:00

Nightbreed (1990)

Listening to one of my favorite podcasts, The Bloody Good Horror Podcast ep37, I found myself enjoying their coverage of the 1990 Clive Barker flick Nightbreed. I recommend your downloading and listening to the cast when you can, it is lively, entertaining and thoughtful -- and silly, but heh, that's what makes it fun. http://www.bloodygoodhorror.com

Now, Nightbreed isn't a movie that I remember fondly nor did it make a great impression on me. I've had the opportunity to catch again from time to time and find myself not really interested in doing so. With that said, I wasn't really interesting in listening to guys from BGH chat about it for a half hour or so -- meh. However, it turned out to be a good listen and I found myself intrigued with the movie, if just ever so slightly.

Trying to remember what I didn't care for when I first saw this film, I recall that it was all over the place and lacked a solid focus. I remember being confused by the variety of monster, none of which had much pathos to them - say like a Frankenstein. I also remember being confused by the mad Dr. Decker character played by David Cronenburg. I also remember that the lead Craig Sheffer (Boone) didn't do much for me either - I wasn't drawn into his plight. While I enjoyed the character effects and design work, the direction and story left me cold and distant.

The podcast brings this up as a common reaction to the movie at that time. Could it have been that the movie was just made at the wrong time for the audience to relate - could it have been the social climate, the state of horror or just different trends? Hmmm. Interesting.
Okay, so now I have to give it another try sometime. Yet another film to add to my TiVo wishlist. Even though the guys at Bloody Good Horror made a good case for taking another chance on this film, I would wager that it won't live up still. Benefit of the doubt however. I'll give it another try and with my mind as open as possible.

So here it is ... Nightbreed: http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/nightbreed/trailer

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

2008-08-06T06:58:00.006-05:00

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

We interrupt the regularly scheduled program for jaunt to a more recently released horror movie trailer - recent as in 5 years old instead of 30 - heh. Today, let's take a look back at the 2003 release and remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Last night I was talking to my son about some of the classic horror movies that have changed or inspired cinema in profound ways: Alien, Jaws, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and Exorcist. As conversation continued we talked about remakes and the thought that they suck but then sometimes don't -- Dawn of the Dead, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Ring -- and that we are looking forward to the upcoming remake of Friday the 13th.

Then I remembered how the trailer alone for the Texas Chainsaw remake was so successful converting many doubters in about 2 minutes 10 seconds. This trailer is brilliant in its execution. It sets you up quickly with a series of introductions and events and leads you into a collection of increasingly tense moments each cut with a freeze frame, camera flash and sound. Then, the selling moment of the clip, the screen goes black and you hear Jessica Beal wimpering and then footsteps surrounding her. As you feel yourself lean into the screen itself you hear a sudden roar, the unmistakable sound of the chainsaw firing up and grinding for something to tear and rip into .... then it appears, violently, out of the darkness and the trailer picks up.

This is one of the best trailers in the past few years. With the same production team and director handling the Friday the 13th remake early next year, one can only hope, beyond hope, that it too will live up. Recently released footage from San Diego Comic Con gives all horror fans hope.

TCM 2003 was directed by Marcus Nispel and stars Jessica Beal, Jonathan Tucker, Eric Balfour and the great R. Lee Ermey.

So here it is ... Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

Tales From The Crypt (1972)

2008-08-05T06:44:00.006-05:00

Tales From The Crypt (1972)

In 1972, Amicus Productions released Tales from the Crypt directed by Freddie Francis from a screenplay by Milton Subotsky. The tag line reads "Death Lives in the Vault of Horror" which is ironic since the next film from Amicus was titled Vault of Horror.

The story follows five strangers who get lost in a crypt together and meet the Crypt Keeper. The Crypt Keeper weave tales of terror in which each stranger discovers how they will die.

The film has a wonderful cast including Joan Collins, Peter Cushing, Roy Dotrice, Richard Greene, Patrick Magee and Ralph Richardson. The movie has some classic images including Peter Cushing's character rising from the grave and, of course, Joan Collins being chased around by a sadistic evil Santa Claus. The poster also has an astounding image of a skull with an eye remaining it one of its sockets -- even if the image doesn't appear in the movie. Great stuff.

So here it is ... Tales from the Crypt

Vault of Horror (1973)

2008-08-04T06:52:00.004-05:00

Vault of Horror (1973)

Seventies horror anthology week continues with Vault of Horror. Milton Subotsky produces again for Amicus Productions and provides the screenplay and brings in Roy Ward Baker to direct. The story has five strangers trapped in a sub-basement to discuss their recurring nightmares. These nightmares present the stories we get: Midnight Mess, vampires; The Neat Job, dismemberment; This Trick'll Kill you, mysticism; Bargain in Death, gravedigging scam; and Drawn and Quartered, voodoo powered paintings of death.

The film brings in an interesting cast: Terry Thomas, Dawn Addams, Denholm Elliot, Curt Jurgens, Tom Baker, Michael Craig, Terence Alexander, Glynis Johns, Mike Pratt and Robin Nedwell.

To here it is ... Vault of Horror

Midnight Meat Train (2008)

2008-08-03T22:58:00.003-05:00

Midnight Meat Train (2008)

With this week’s extremely limited release of Midnight Meat Train comes some controversy with the idea that serious mainstream horror is getting ignored by the distributors. As more and more horror films are being released with PG-13 ratings, the R rated American Horror film is getting the shaft. On the internet and in the press, Midnight Meat Train has recently been getting the spotlight for a film falling into this absent-minded mindset.

So, imagine how shocked I was when I found out that this flick was playing in a local (Raleigh, NC) theater and at $1.50 no less. What? Were my eyes deceiving me? No, there it was at the local second run theater on its opening night. While I thought I was going to have to decide whether or not I was going to pluck down the bucks to see the third Mummy movie or not, I found myself scrambling to get to the theater to see Midnight Meat Train.

So going into this movie, I knew very little about it. I knew it was based on a Clive Barker book of blood and that Vinnie (Juggernaut) Jones starred as the butcher. I discovered I’d been caught up in the ‘press’ of it all instead of the movie itself. How fascinating. I was going to go see a horror film, in the theater, with little to no expectation of the movie itself – besides the bare basics on the plot and stars.

I sat in the theater around 4:30 in the afternoon with about a dozen or so fellow North Carolinians. I wondered if it was going to be subpar or just gross or just silly. Why wouldn’t they wide release the film I was about to see. I hadn’t seen the first ad on television, only the online trailer – and that was some time ago.

The film itself is shot, directed and photographed very professionally. The actors are fine, better than usual in fact. Hey, is that Brook Shields and is that the guy from Desperate Housewives? Hey, there’s Sam Raimi’s brother – again. Bradley Cooper stars as Leon a photographer who stumbles onto the mystery of missing persons cases after he shoots a Model the night she goes missing. Later he pieces together that a mysterious Butcher (Vinnie Jones) was with the Model (on the train) that night as well. From there, things go downhill for Leon as he delves deeper into solving the puzzle. His girlfriend Maya (Leslie Gibb) and best friend Jurgis (Roger Bart) get drawn in as well trying to save Leon from his self-destructive obsession. Then it gets weird – in a good way.

Vinnie Jones makes a striking figure giving this film a much needed center; he’s quiet and imposing. The director, Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus, The Messenger, Godzilla: Final Wars), guides the movie with a steady and focused pace very unlike his other films. Only a few times during the film would I recognize his trademark kinetic style such as the climatic fight scenes on the train and some of the more graphic killings – watch out Ted! For the most part the film is a surprising success.

The film is not without its flaws however. To its credit it takes it time setting up the story, giving us some glimpses into the horror we’re bound for – sometimes these glimpses are too jarring for the narrative and upset the balance. The tension that should be surrounding the Butcher isn’t quite all there either. As we’re aware he kills on the train, he is not as imposing when the film spends time following him around when he’s not on the train. Also, the last act of the film builds to what should be a fantastic reveal to the mystery of the Butcher and his train, but it stutters and only gives us a brief unrewarding look into the bigger picture. That and the fact the ending is predictable make the film fall just short of being what it really wants to be – a classic. While I certainly enjoyed the film (especially for $1.50), I fear it will be known more for the film that got the shaft on its release than a film that known for its own merits.

6 out of 10

Asylum (1972)

2008-08-03T07:11:00.006-05:00

Asylum (1972)

This week we continue our trip through the trailers of the seventies. For me, this was a great time for horror, full of experimentation and transition. Some of my favorite sub genres of horror unfortunately were transitioning out, such as the anthology. Amicus discovered their own formula for creating a long string of hit horror anthologies begininng with Dr. Terror's House of Horrors in 1965.

Today's focus is Asylum released in 1972. This pic has a great threading plot with a young psychiatrist's first day on the job where he interviews four inmates. Those interviews give us our tales of terror. Surrounding all they flashback mayhem is the mystery of what happened to the last psychiatrist.

I remember seeing this film when it was released in the States as House of Crazies, one of the rare horror films I was able to see in the theater (it was rated PG). The idea of the disembodied creeping arm coming after its victim and the frightening (at the time) visage of the wrapped head drew me in. And it delivered.

The movie was directed by Roy Ward Baker (The Vampire Lovers, The Vault of Horror) and written by Robert Bloch (Psycho, Twighlight Zone, Night Gallery). The film stars Peter Cushing, Britt Ekland, Herbert Lom, Patrick Magee and Barry Morse.

So here it is ... Asylum

Event Horizon (1997)

2008-08-02T07:18:00.007-05:00

Event Horizon (1997)

This week I was listening to the 42nd episode of the HorrorEtc Podcast featuring SciFi Horror. Initially, I was thinking "I don't like SciFi Horror" prefering the supernatural to the spacebound fare. However, I found myself surprised on how many SciFi Horror films I really truly love: Alien (the entire series), The Thing, The Blob (both original and remake), and all the great giant bug films of the 50's. Oh man, give me Them! any day.

One movie they focused on was Event Horizon, a movie I have seen but dismissed. I don't remember this movie making any kind of impression on me. So in the spirit of things, I thought I would revisit it, beginning here with the trailer. So give the HorrorEtc podcast a try here: http://www.horroretc.com. In the meantime, I'm going to put Event Horizon on my TiVo search list and I will get back to you with a review once I get a chance to see it.

The movie was directed by Paul W. S. Anderson (Alien Vs Predator) and written by Phillip Eisner. The movie has an impressive case featuring Laurence Fishburne (A Nightmare on Elm St. 3: Dream Warriors), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), Kathleen Quinlan (The Hills Have Eyes 2006), Joely Richardson and Jason Isaacs.

So here it is ... Event Horizon

Gosa: Bloody Mid-Term Exam (2008)

2008-08-01T06:30:00.004-05:00

Gosa: Bloody Mid-Term Exam (2008)

As always, Fridays at the rant are for spotlighting new and upcoming horror films. Today, we're taking a decidedly left turn from what we've covered in the past, usually USA films. Opening in early August in Korea is Gosa: Bloody Mid-Term Exam with the enticing tag line, "For every wrong answer, one student dies. Let the test begin."

With this film, the Korean summer horror market moves from the eerie teenage ghost stroy into slasher territory. The top 20 students of a high-class high school gathered for a special summer class with highly respected teacher. The test however is much different than they've ever encountered before. With each question a student's life hangs in the balance; if they answer wrong, the student dies!

So here it is ... Gosa: Bloody Mid-Term Exam

Madhouse (1974)

2008-07-31T06:33:00.006-05:00

Madhouse (1974)

As we wrap up Vincent Price in the 70's week at the the rant we come to Madhouse where Price plays horror actor Paul Toombs famous for playing "Dr Death," where Peter Cushing is his scriptwriter and Robert Quarry is his producer. This is the last of Price's starring horror roles and the last film he made for AIP. Soon the horror market would have little to do with its horror icon stars due to blockbuster horror flicks like Exorcist, Jaws and The Omen.

My first memory of this film was the painted cover of Famous Monsters of Filmland by Basil Gogos. This image would facinate me as much as Dr. Phibes or Theater of Blood. Along with catching The Tingler and The House on Haunted Hill on TV, the image alone would catapult Vincent Price to the top of my favorite actor's list (right next the Peter Cushing).

The movie itself would illude me for quite some time and I would see it for almost two decades. When finally seen, the movie would disappoint slightly while still retaining a sentimental quality. While the movie is entertaining, it doesn't deliver real scares or tension and feels like a swan song. The stars make this movie work. Vincent Price would only make a few movies with Peter Cushing and this would be where they would share the most screen time together. In Dr. Phibes Rises Again and Scream and Scream Again, they wouldn't even share a scene. Robert Quarry, also in Dr. Phibes Rises Again, would again share screen time with Price.

The movie was directed by Jim Clark and written by Angus Hall and Ken Levinson. The film also stars Adrienne Corri, Linda Hayden, Natasha Pyne and Barry Dennen.

So here it is ... Madhouse

Theater of Blood (1973)

2008-07-30T06:36:00.004-05:00

Theater of Blood (1973)

As we continue out look at Vincent Price horror movie trailers of the seventies, today we come across a gem: Theater of Blood.

Similiar to the Dr. Phibes movies, Price stars as Edward Lionheart a Shakespearean actor spurned by critics and thought dead when he took his own life. When those same critics start showing up dead, murdered by the most grizzly methods, the police begin to suspect that Lionheart has survived.

Where The Abominable Dr. Phibes used the Biblical plagues as a theme, Theater of Blood uses deaths found in the works of Shakespear as Lionheart's inspiration.

The film was directed by Douglas Hickox and written by Anthony Greville-Bell. The movie also stars Diana Rigg, Ian Hendry, Harry Andrews, Coral Browne and Robert Morely.

So here it is ... Theater of Blood

Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972)

2008-07-29T06:48:00.004-05:00

Dr. Phibes Rises Again (1972)

Dr. Phibes would return again in 1972 again directed by Robert Fuest and starring Vincent Price. The sequel would pit Phibes against Darius Biederbeck played by Robert Quarry (Count Yorga Vampire). The mad doctor races to Egypt seeking the Scroll of Life to resurrect his deceased wife and disposes of his opposition with Egyptian theme: sand storms, scorpions, eagles.

Losing some of its appeal from the original, the film still manages to hold up and entertain. Price is, as always, fantastic in the starring role and the rest of the cast hold their own, especially the much needed addition of Robert Quarry.

The one strange thing about the two Phibes movies is the odd use of its star's most startling quality -- his voice, which is hidden behind a plot device that distorts it.

So here it is -- Dr. Phibes Rises Again

The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)

2008-07-28T06:43:00.003-05:00

Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971)

In 1972 Vincint Price gave us perhaps his most original and iconic Horror Villain: Dr. Anton Phibes. A well crafted revenge film where the villain offs the doctors and persons responsible for the death of his wife. Thought dead himself, Phibes survives but with hideous scars where his face is nearly skull like uses the nine Biblical plagues as inspiration murdering using bats, bees, killer frog masks as weapons.

My first memory of seeing Phibes would be in a book called A Pictorial History of Horror Movies where Phibes is kissing Vulnavia. The idea of this chick kissing the skull faced monsters instantly seared my brain, the image would haunt me.

It would be years later until I would finally see the film and instantly fall in love with it. A minor masterpiece of its time, the film was directed by Robert Fuest (Dr. Phibes Rises Again, Devil's Rain) and written by James Whiton and William Goldstein. The movies also stars Joseph Cotten (Lady Frankenstein, Baron Blood), Virginia North, Terry-Thomas (Vault of Horror), Sean Bury, Susan Travers and David Hutchenson.

So here it is ... The Abominable Dr. Phibes

Trailer of the Day: Scream and Scream Again (1970)

2008-07-27T08:47:00.004-05:00

Scream and Scream Again (1970)

As we continue our trip through the horror movie trailers of the seventies, this week's theme will be the films of Vincent Price.

In the late 50's and through the 60's, Vincent Prince became a horror icon starring in such films as House of Wax, House on Haunted Hill and the Poe/Corman films. In the early 70's he would continue his extraordinary output of horror starring roles creating one of his most iconic roles: Dr. Phibes.

In 1970, he would take a role in Scream and Scream Again, a bizarre cross between Frankenstein and James Bond. This film also has guest appearances by Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.

So here is it: Scream and Scream Again (1970)

Trailer of the Day: Into the Mirror (2003)

2008-07-26T07:40:00.005-05:00

Into the Mirror (2003)

Friday's preview trailer was for Mirrors and, for the second week in a row, the feature movie is a remake. Keeping to tradition, here's the trailer for the source material for that remake: Into the Mirror.

Released in Korea in 2003, Into the Mirror is directed by Kim Seong-Ho and stars Yu Ji-tae, Kim Myung-min, Kim Hye-na.

The story is about an ex-police officer forced to work as head of security of an immense shopping center. The re-opening of the mall is stalled with the mysterious deaths of a number of the employees. Rules as suicides, the detective thinks something else is responsible and is unprepared to discover a ghost may be the cause.

So here it is: Into the Mirror (2003)

Trailer of the Day: Mirrors (2008)

2008-07-25T06:47:00.005-05:00

Mirrors (2008)

Fridays here at the rant are for new, upcoming horror film trailers. This week's spotlight is on Mirrors directed by Alexandre Aja (High Tension, The Hills Have Eyes), written by Aja and Gregory Levasseur and Starring Frank Mayers, Kiefer Sutherland, Matt Neufeld, Paula Patton and Cameron Boyce.

Opening in the US on August 15, 2008, Mirrors is about evil spirits that haunt an ex-cop's house through its mirrors.

Check out Mirrors here:

Trailer of the Day: Sugar Hill (1974)

2008-07-24T06:53:00.004-05:00

Sugar Hill (1974)

Every now and then a movie will come along that I completely overlooked or didn't even know about. Being a fan of horror films for over 30 years, finding these undiscovered gems is a rare and delightful event. Sugar Hill was one of those such films.

Caught in the past few years, Sugar Hill is a fun if slightly silly Voodoo/Zombie film from 1974. The zombies in this film are not the flesh eating George Romero variety, but more a call back to the White Zombie or Plague of the Zombies films.

This film succeeds because of its stars: Marki Bell, Robert Quarry (Count Yorga Vampire), Don Pedro Colley and Richard Lawson (Scream Blacula Scream). They basically execute a revenge film fueled by voodoo wielding zombies are their weapons. Fun stuff.

So here it is ... Sugar Hill (1974)

Trailer of the Day: The Return of Count Yorga (1971)

2008-07-23T06:21:00.005-05:00

The Return of Count Yorga (1971)

Robert Quarry returns as Count Yorga with this 1971 sequel. Again, he brings a much needed weight to the project obviously taking the role seriously and injecting the character with authority. Between 1970 and 1974, Quarry would star in no less than 6 horror films and should have become a horror icon. Sadly, as the 70's came to the latter half, horror icons would fade and graphic effects and violence would take center stage. Horror movies change drastically throughout this time and, perhaps, he came just a tad too late. In addition to Count Yorga and The Return of Count Yorga, Quarry would bill in Dr. Phibes Rises Again, Deathmaster, Sugar Hill and Madhouse.

The films also features Mariette Hartley, Roger Perry, Yvonne Wilder and Craig T. Nelson (in his first role?). Directed and written by Bob Kelljan and co-written by Yvonne Wilder.

So here it is ... The Return of Count Yorga

Trailer of the Day: Count Yorga, Vampire (1970)

2008-07-22T06:11:00.003-05:00

Count Yorga, Vampire (1970)

As a kid, vampires were primarily associated with Dracula. If it wasn't Bela Lugosi (and then later, Christopher Lee) then it wasn't a vampire. But reading through Famous Monsters, I would run across Count Yorga, Vampire. Who was this? What was this? Hmmm...

Star Robert Quarry (Deathmaster, Dr. Phibes Rises Again, Madhouse) brings a unique quality to the vampire legend, less regal and more authorative. Directed and written by Bob Kelljan (Scream Blacula Scream). Also starring Roger Perry, Michael Murphy, Michael Macready and D.J. Anderson.

Check out the trailer for Count Yorga, Vampire:

Trailer of the Day: Scream, Blacula, Scream (1973)

2008-07-21T06:04:00.004-05:00

Scream, Blacula, Scream (1973)

The 70's were a special time in cinema and cultures and themes began to merge and redefine themselves. This time also bred some of the most unusual horror movie icons and subgenres of any time: Dr. Phibes, Count Yorga, killer mutant babies, melting people, giant killer sharks, possessed children left and right.

In 1972, Blacula was introduced to the horror loving public and was a minor hit: it won the first ever Horror Movie of the Year award at the Saturn Awards. In 1973, Blacula would return with Scream, Blacula, Scream. William Marshall would return as the title character and he would bring with him the always fantastic Pam Grier.

The story would mix in Voodoo with Blacula thinking that Lisa, a local Voodoo Princess (Grier), can reverse the curse of vampirism. Lisa, falling for Blacula's charm, would race to cure the vampire king before the local cops or Blacula's vampire deciples can stop her.

So here it is ... Scream, Blacula, Scream

Trailer of the Day: Blacula (1972)

2008-07-20T07:00:00.012-05:00

Blacula (1972)

As I continue my daily trek thru horror movies of the 70's, I look back to my youth reading Famous Monsters of Filmland and watching Creature Features on channel 20 in Washington DC feature Count Gore De Vol. I remember seeing images and reading articles about this little film called Blacula. It had even won best horror film at the 1972 Saturn Awards.

William Marshall's vampire visage would haunt me and, for years, I would place this film high on my 'to see' list.

I would eventually see it and love it. Blacula turned out to be a fantastic and iconic horror film for the 70's. William Marshall was a charming and frightening vampire and his vampire minions were creepy as well. Great stuff.

So here it is... Blacula (1972)

Directed by William Crain. Written by Raymond Koenig and Joan Torres. Starring William Marshall, Vonetta McGee, Denise Nicholas, Thalmus Rasulala, Gordon Pinsent and Elisha Cook Jr.

"Blacula is the story of Manuwalde, an African Prince. This movie presents a modern version of the classic Dracula story in a very chilling and inventive way. In 1780, after visiting Count Dracula, Manuwalde is turned into a vampire and locked in a coffin.. The scene shifts to 1972, when two antique collectors transport the coffin to Los Angeles. The two men open the coffin and unleash Blacula on the city of Los Angeles. Blacula soon finds Tina, who is his wife, Luva, reincarnated, and gains her love. Tina's friend, Dr. Gordon, discovers Blacula is a vampire and hunts him down."

Trailer of the Day: [REC] (2007)

2008-07-19T07:37:00.005-05:00

[REC]

Yesterday, it was the upcoming October release of Quarantine. Today, I present a special feature: the original [REC] from which Quarantine is based. Check it out, even the trailer is similar.