Top 10 Horror Movies

Today is Halloween, so what better time than the present to rank my Top 10 favorite horror films! In general, the horror genre is not one of my favorites. All too often they are mindless gore fests or filled with cheap thrills; however, there are some horror films that rise above the rest. Due to not having seen all that many horror films, horror comedies that feature zombies and the like will be included on the list. Also, at the end I will have honorable mentions for a couple of television series in the horror genre. 

10: Zombieland

Much more a comedy than a horror film, Zombieland is a fun zombie slaying romp! Taking advantage of its quirky cast, including perfectly cast Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, and Emma Stone, Zombieland has just as many laughs as it does entertaining zombie slaying. Plus, it has one of the best cameos of all-time.

9: Scream

More of a satire of the horror genre than a pure horror, Scream follows high school student Sidney Prescott in a small town where a murder in a mask terrorizes the town. While often more humorous than scary, Scream both parodies the tropes of the horror genre, as well as crafting a surprisingly competent mystery.

8: Perfect Blue

Do you think animation is only for children? Watch Perfect Blue and your perspective will be changed entirely. The film follows Mima, a pop-idol turned TV star, as her she slowly loses her sanity after a stalker continues to threaten her live. While more of a psychological horror mystery than straight horror, Perfect Blue is Satoshi Kon’s first feature film in what would become a prolific career as one of Japan’s best directors. In fact, Kon’s work has influenced famous director, Darren Aronofsky. Aronofsky even copied a scene from Perfect Blue in Requiem for a Dream, and even though he denies it, the similarities between Black Swam and Perfect Blue are uncanny!

7: Alien

Ridley Scott's classic horror thriller, Alien, introduced the world to who would become one of the sci-fi's most famous heroines, Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver. Even though the thrills were diminished by my knowledge of future films, Alien's sci-fi setting and atmosphere revolutionized the genre.

6: The Cabin in the Woods

Written by the legend himself, Joss Whedon, and directed by frequent Whedon collaborator, Drew Goddard, The Cabin in the Woods is an ingenious deconstruction of the horror genre that shows how utterly ridiculous it has become in recent years. From the superb black comedy to the classic film references, The Cabin in the Woods is just the type of bodacious film that you would expect from Whedon.

5: Shaun of the Dead

With a sharp British wit and stylistic directing from Edgar Wright, Shaun of the Dead is a hilarious satire of the zombie genre. From beginning to end, Edgar Wright fills the film with his unique brand of clever humor, while still delivering likable characters and surprisingly effective zombie drama and action.

4: The Host

Not to be confused by the film based on Stephenie Meyer's novel of the same name, The Host is Korea's refreshing take on the monster horror genre. Thanks to director Bong Joon-ho for focusing more on the family drama, The Host is a cleverly comedic and thrilling film that still has more heart than just about any other monster flick ever made.

3: Silence of the Lambs

While almost more of a psychological thriller than a pure horror film, Silence of the Lambs is often listed among the best of the horror genre, and thus it deserves a spot on my list. Even though the film can be incredibly disturbing at times, it most definitely succeeds in creating plenty of nail-biting suspense, thrills, and many utterly horrific scenes. 

2: Jaws

Steven Spielberg's undeniable classic that took moviegoers by storm in 1975, Jaws is a masterpiece of film direction. Thanks to technical difficulties with the special effects, Spielberg had to resort to not showing the shark for the majority of the film, which obviously turned for the best. Jaws is the type of film that everyone needs to see at least once in their life, especially if you consider yourself a film buff.

1: Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock's original horror film that virtually launched the slasher genre, remains the pentacle of the horror genre in my eyes. From Anthony Perkins’ terrifyingly creepy performance to the infamous shower scene, Psycho is every bit as suspenseful today as it was 50 years ago. 

Honorable Mentions from Television

Doctor Who: "Blink"

If I had to chose my favorite Doctor Who episode, "Blink" would have to be my choice due to its perfectly crafted standalone story, inventive creature, and originality. As a standalone gothic horror story, "Blink" is a virtually flawless piece of fiction and the highlight of Steven Moffat’s writing career. In fact, I would almost go as far to say that Blink is my favorite episode of any television series.

Parastye

Parasyte, aka Kiseijuu, is a currently airing science fiction horror thriller about alien parasites that infect people’s brains and turn them into powerful killers. However, the parasite that infects main protagonist, Izumi, is not able to reach the brain, and thus only replaces his hand. With the assistance of his sentient hand, Migi, Izumi must survive as other parasites attempt kill him as well, while also keeping his alien hand a secret. Four episodes in, Parasyte is already a top contender for best series of the year with its superb concept and horror thrills. Apparently, there is a live-action adaptation, although I have yet to see it.

What are your favorite horror films? Please comment below and let me know!

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Best Halloween Movies

Happy Halloween everyone! Since today is Halloween here are some great movies to watch today. Earlier this week I posted some Halloween related movie reviews, which I will have links to below. This is not really a "Best Of" list, it is more just good movies to watch if you are like myself and just do not understand why so many people like supposed "Horror Classics". Also I have just read that there will be another Star Wars film made! And it is a official statement, and I still cannot believe that is happening. As Han Solo said "I'm out of it for a little while, everybody gets delusions of grandeur." Be sure to check back tomorrow for the Two Towers Book Vs. Movie post tomorrow. One more thing, sorry if I have not replied to comments recently, my flu has gotten worse and I have not been on the computer much. But thank you everyone for your comments and best wishes.





Psycho

Alfred Hitchcock's horror, suspense, mystery thriller, classic Psycho. Hitchcock virtually invented the "Slasher" genre with Psycho and I have yet to see a better "Horror" movie than Psycho. As I said in my review yesterday, it is suspenseful, and full of shocking plot twists. Definitely a must see if you are a classic film fan. I wonder what Hitchcock would think today of all the terrible rip-offs of his classic film. Also there is a movie coming out named "Hitchcock", which a bio-pic of him making the classic Psycho, however the trailer completely spoils the major plot twist of the movie, I would not recommend watching the trailer until after watching the movie.

Psycho (1960) Review.

Jaws

One of Steve Speilberg best, Jaws revolutionized the film making with the "Jaws Effect". Were the camera only shows some of the creature to create mystery and terror, which at the time it was considered a very scary movie. Although it loses suspense upon multiple viewings, and is much more of an adventure thriller than anything else, Jaws is still a fantastic movie that is another must see for film fans. If you have yet to see Jaws you are missing out on a classic. And how can we forget John Willaims' iconic soundtrack, which is what makes Jaws truly suspenseful.



Ghostbusters

While Ghostbusters is not in anyway a "Horror" movie, it is about capturing ghosts. Ghostbusters is just a really fun movie, easily one of the best comedies I have seen. It is packed with so many quotable lines and clever dialogue it is hard not to recommend.
Ghostbusters Review.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

Invasion of the Body Snatchers, more specifically the 1978 version with Donald Sutherland. Although I have not the seen the original, this version is smart, thrilling and a little creepy. While Invasion of the Body Snatchers is not quite in the same caliber of film as the movies listed above, if you like sci-fi thrillers it is definitely recommended. Note: This is not for the younger audience, although at the time was rated "PG" it would definitely earn an "R" rating today.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) Review.

Harry Potter Saga

While it is far from anything that resembles horror, there are some Halloween type elements in the series. As a whole the Harry Potter series is one of the best. Although I was not really fan until the last four, they were awesome. The final installment "The Deathly Hallows Part 2" is one of my all-time favorite movies. Definitely check out the series if you do not have any problem with the "magic".

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's (Philosopher's) Stone Review

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Review.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Review.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Review.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Review.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 Review
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Review

Do you like any of these movies? What are your favorite Halloween films? Please comment below. 

If you want to contact us or have any question please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) Review.

To continue with the Halloween countdown, here is the review for Invasion of the Body Snatchers, also be sure to check back tomorrow for my review of The Avengers DVD.
Thoughts: Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a remake of the 1956 with the same name, which is based on a book named "The Body Snatchers". I have not seen the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers and had little to no knowledge of either film prior to watching it. However, the remake is considered by many to be just as good, if not better than the original.
The basic premise is that some form of space parasite lands on earth of replaces people with emotionless clones of themselves. While I very much dislike horror films in general with the exception of Psycho and Jaws, Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a horror film in some respects. Yet it more like a combination of sci-fi, suspense, conspiracy, and horror, creating a unique and creepy hybrid. I have not seen a movie like Invasion of the Body Snatchers before, it is one of the most original sci-fi movies I have seen. While the film starts slowly it builds an eerie sense of suspense and eventually leading to a creepy final act. Invasion of the Body Snatchers is a very intelligent with a almost realistic take on an alien invasion. Also this is not a "fun" movie, it is almost depressing but it works in making the movie better.


Directed by: Philip Kaufman
Genre: Sci-Fi, Suspense, Horror, Conspiracy Thriller,
Release Date: December 20, 1978
Running Time: 115 minutes
MMPA rating: PG (would be PG-13 or R today)


The Good: Genuinely creepy, Many plot twists and turns, Suspenseful,

The Bad:

Note: Although it was rated "PG" at the time of its release, it would definitely be rated PG-13 or even R today.




Plot: The following plot summary is copied from Wikipedia.com.
The film opens out in deep space, where a race of gelatinous creatures abandon their dying world. Pushed through the universe by the solar winds, they make their way to Earth and land in San Francisco. Some fall on plant leaves, assimilating them and forming small pods with pink flowers. Elizabeth Driscoll (Brooke Adams), an employee at the San Francisco health department, is one of several people who brings a flower home. The next morning, Elizabeth's partner, Geoffrey Howell (Art Hindle), suddenly becomes distant, and she senses that something is wrong. Her colleague, health inspector Matthew Bennell (Donald Sutherland), suggests that she see his friend, psychiatrist Dr. David Kibner (Leonard Nimoy). Kibner suggests that Elizabeth wants to believe that Geoffrey has changed because she is looking for an excuse to get out of their relationship.
Meanwhile, Matthew's friend Jack Bellicec (Jeff Goldblum), a struggling writer who owns a mud bath with his wife Nancy (Veronica Cartwright), discovers a deformed body on one of the beds and calls Matthew to investigate. Noticing that the body (which has adult features but lacks distinguishing characteristics) bears a slight resemblance to Jack, Matthew breaks into Elizabeth's home and finds a nearly complete double of her in the bedroom garden. He is able to get Elizabeth to safety, but the duplicate body has disappeared by the time he returns with the police.
Matthew realizes that what is happening is extraterrestrial, not realizing that Dr. Kibner has also been changed. He calls several state and federal agencies, but they all tell him not to worry. In addition, people who had earlier claimed that their loved ones had changed seem to have been converted as well. Watch the movie to see what happens next.


Plot: 8.2/10- Although Invasion of the Body Snatchers has a slow building plot, the third act is "nail-bitingly" suspenseful. There are some unexpected plot twists thrown in to keep the audience on their toes and there are a few moments were I was actually startled to a point.

Action: N/A- While there some running and people being chased, it is not an action movie.

Acting: 7.7/10- Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Leonard Nimoy and Veronica Cartwright all gave good solid performances, there was no noticeably weak actor at any point.

Special effects: 8.0/10- Although Invasion of the Body Snatchers never uses anything too difficult to achieve, what is used works effectively.

Soundtrack: 7.3/10- The soundtrack an eerie feeling to the film, which added tension and a state of paranoia.

Comedy: N/A-

Would I Watch This Again: Because the movie relies on suspense and plot twists, it would not be near as effective on a second viewing, but I will definitely watch the original version of the film.

Overall: 7.9/10- Overall Invasion of the Body Snatchers is intruging, sometimes suspenseful and creepy, sci-fi thriller.

Closing comments: If you like classic sci-fi and want to see a intelligent thriller you would probably enjoy Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

Recommended for: Sci-Fi fans, Suspense fans, Horror fans, Conspiracy Thriller fans,
Warning This is Not for the Younger Audience.

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If you want to contact us or have any question please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Halloween Countdown and Star Wars Update!

First let’s start with the Star Wars update. If everything goes as planned I will be making a list of the Top 25 Lightsaber Battles throughout all of Star Wars, including battles from the movies, TV shows and even a few video games.
Now on to the Halloween countdown! I am not really a fan of Halloween. While I did dress-up and go trick-or-treating when I was 13, I have never cared much for it. However, it seemed like the perfect time for Halloween time movie reviews! Horror is one of my least favorite genres, it has never appealed to me, although there are some movies that can be considered "Horror" that I do enjoy or movies with the theme of ghosts, monsters ect. And on Halloween, I make a list of good movies to watch that might just give you the chills, yet are intelligent or just fun to watch. As for the movies I will be reviewing this week and the next: Ghostbusters, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, and Psycho. While I am not exactly sure when I will post the reviews for Ghostbusters and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) it will be this week this week, I will be posting my review for Psycho Monday before Halloween. What do you think of my Halloween plans? Please comment below.

 

 

 

 

If you want to contact us or have any question please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.