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Petrifying Pritch's Top 10 Halloween Movies
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October 23, 2001 - Brian "Jason" Pritchard (Columnist)
Ah, Halloween. The smell of the October air, the stupid hay rides, and the ridiculously sweet candy corn. Where would we be without it? Likewise, where would Halloween be without scary movies? Last year, Tim gave his personal picks for the best Halloween films... and while you won't see any of those films duplicated on this list, I heartily recommend them all (a personal fav: The Crow). But it's my turn now, boys and ghouls. So, think of this as a list of alternates – though I will say, some of them are just WAY better than Tim's. Oh, no... here he comes to beat my disrespectful ass. Better make this quick...
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10. A Nightmare on Elm Street
OK, OK. I know what you're thinking. This is a cheesy and typical choice. Well first of all, it's only #10, so don't freak just yet. Second, have you watched this movie recently? In addition to a really cool premise (that eventually got milked to death), it’s also got some decent scares along the way. Besides, who can resist the opening title "And introducing Johnny Depp"?? Anyway, if you just want a movie that'll keep you rock-steady as your girlfriend climbs into your lap with fear, this one should do the trick. Now, onto other reasons why I'll have no need to watch this one... Available on DVD and [sigh] VHS.
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9. April Fools Day
I heard you all let out a collective HUH??? This movie came out right around the time the Friday The 13th franchise was booming, and it seemed to be nothing more than a complete knock-off, which caused it to immediately fall between the cracks. But don’t be fooled (pun completely intended, by the way): this is a really great horror movie, and for one reason only – it's a completely typical horror movie... or IS it? Ah, there's a clever little twist to the proceedings, which I won’t give away here. But take my word – this is a rare example of inspiration hidden in the typically inspiration-less horror genre. To my knowledge, it doesn’t exist on DVD, and it may be hard to find on VHS, but it’s well worth the search either way.
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8. Tales from the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight
Fun, fun, fun. One of the most fun times I’ve ever had going to the movies, and it still holds up. "Demon Knight" revolves around seven people, locked in a church with the guardian of an ancient key, who must protect it - and them - from hundreds of demons, who need the key to unlock Hell on Earth. It’s gory, loud, and pretty darn funny too. Billy Zane, as the title bad guy, is hilariously subdued. This was the first in a failed attempt at a "Crypt" movie series, but don’t let that sway you. It’s still a lot of...well, you know, FUN. The DVD exists, but is quite rare. Go for VHS, which should be easy to find.
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7. Candyman
Look in the mirror...Say his name five times...and something really bad will happen (and I’m not talking about an ABBA reunion). I was 15 when I first saw Candyman, which would have put me at about the scared-level of a 30 year-old woman. And boy, did this movie scare the HELL out of me. Simple, and yet totally unnerving, this is the absolute goods when it comes to freaky slasher flicks. It starts out relatively normal, and then turns very spooky, very quick. Not only that, but the music is really haunting. (Decide for yourself whether or not the cheesy ending was tacked on or not.) DVD and VHS.
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6. Beetlejuice
Forget Candyman - you say THIS guy's name 3 times, and you're in for a whole different kind of trouble. Obviously there are no scares here, but man is this movie great. With those oddball characters, that bizarre plot, and a fantastic score by (who else?) Danny Elfman, Beetlejuice is a classic in every right - and certainly Tim Burton's funniest film to date. Trying to forget that calypso-led dinner scene is nearly impossible. And it speaks in volumes about Michael Keaton's hilarious performance when you realize that he is only in 17 minutes of the film's entire 92-minute running time. WOW. Lighten up your scary-movie marathon by finishing off with this one. DVD and VHS.
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5. In the Mouth of Madness
The whole world seems to be going insane over the writings of horror novelist Sutter Cane, and it's up to insurance investigator Jack Trent to find the author once he goes missing. But what he finds is far more surreal than he expects, and Trent must figure out if he's the one going crazy – or if it's the rest of the world that is. Ignored in its initial release (and pretty much every day since), In The Mouth Of Madness is a very trippy film that has a lot of really good, spine-tingling jolts. It knows when to play it subtle, and when to hit you over the head – a rare quality in films these days. DVD and VHS availability, but see it on DVD for the widescreen transfer, or else you'll miss a lot of the scares.
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4. The Shining
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. You know, this movie would be a lot less scary if it were made today - all Jack would need would be a laptop and handy use of the "cut and paste" features. As is, The Shining is a chilling portrait of the psychotic side to cabin fever. Based on a novel by Stephen King, this is one film where Stanley Kubrick's unrelentingly slow pace actually works for the film, not against it. From mundane beginning to twisted end, this is masterful work. You'll never look at a boy and his talking finger the same way again. In both formats - though the DVD version is gorgeous.
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3. Exorcist III
Lets not even bother going into what an abomination Exorcist II was. This third and final installment is a lot scarier than the original, and far more involving. Viewing The Exorcist wouldnt hurt, as certain elements of this films story revolve around incidents in that film – but you wont be lost either way. Written and directed by William Peter Blatty (author of the original novel and first film), Exorcist III begins with a simple set up: Police link several recent murders to a sadistic serial killer known as the Gemini Killer, as the murders were committed in a fashion only he knew. Theres only one problem - the Gemini Killer has been dead for twenty years. It gets more complicated from there... and A LOT more frightening. Oh yeah, and it includes one of the best scares you’ll ever, EVER experience. DVD and VHS
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2. Jacob's Ladder
One of the most disturbing and unsettling movies ever made, Jacob's Ladder is a pure, psychological mindfuck. Jacob Singer wakes up one day to find he is being watched and hunted by demons. Is he crazy, sick, or worst of all - neither? Through flashbacks and flash-forwards, we see Jacob's life before, during, and after his days in Vietnam - only we're never really sure if what we're seeing is real, or all in Jacob's head. No matter what your theory is by film's end, one thing's for sure - you won't be able to get this film out of your head. It's absolutely unforgettable. Available in both formats - but your best bet is the DVD, as it includes two deleted scenes that help explain the story and should've never been cut from the movie.
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1. Halloween
For just a minute, forget all about the sad imitations and mediocre sequels that followed. Forget the fact that slasher movies (attempting to duplicate this picture’s success) eventually became the most ridiculed genre in film. Do that, and you may just see this film for what it truly is – one of the greatest horror films of all time. A thriller in every sense of the word, Halloween was one of a kind when it was released in 1978, and it has yet to be topped. Credit writer/director John Carpenter, who knew that A) atmosphere and suspense are a lot more unsettling than gore, B) things can be just as scary in broad daylight as they are in shadow, and C) music is EVERYTHING. Carpenter's score ranks up there with the likes of Star Wars and Psycho – films inseparable from their music. OK, so it lacks the flash and fast pace of current movies, but so what? Give it a shot anyway. Trust me on this – turn off all the lights, take the phone off the hook, and just TRY to not be completely terrified. Besides, could there be a more appropriate movie for Halloween night? DVD and VHS
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Opinions, we all have them. Our's is not the same as yours. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. The point is, if you don't agree fine. If you do agree, even better. Just realize this: everything said on these pages, is an opinion, and should be taken as such. If you are offended by what is said, just don't come back. Please do not resort to childish flaming or spamming of our message board or monk.e.mail address below, but do feel free to drop us a line with any intelligent comments you may have.
Thanks,
Brad & Tim. |
DMLives@gmail.com
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