Saturday, October 8, 2016

Weekend Open Thread

Seen anything scary lately?

Because we're trying to keep the comment count for the Scary Movie Challenge confined to just seven-word reviews, I still want to create a space where everyone can have side conversations about what you've been watching lately. There's tons of good stuff in the reviews. Tons of bad stuff, too (the movies, not the reviews). Also, you guys are CRUSHING it. Thank you.

You don't have to only talk about what you've been seeing lately! Talk about anything you want. Like the new Brahm album that's coming out!

76 comments:

  1. Today I have something amazing, I do not get much happening in horror in the UK near me but in a few hours from now I am going to see The Burning on the big screen for the first time ever
    The UK premier of the brand new 4k restoration presented by Arrow Video, I never thought I would ever get the chance to see this film at the cinema with a crowd
    I can't wait

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    1. That's awesome! I saw The Burning at a drive-in on 35mm this summer. It played great with a crowd. Enjoy.

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    2. Your right, it was so much fun, with the best most well behaved horror crowd, also Arrow had a stand and I could not help myself and picked up a load of films, highlights was a stunning steelbook of The Beyond, and Killer Klowns Steelbook plus loads more, it was an expensive day

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  2. I was about to put on a double bill of Swamp Thing and Xtro when I saw ^ Dennis' Xtro interview. Now I'm really really looking forward to it, and I'm particularly glad you say that it makes a good double bill with anything. Because from what I've heard about Swamp Thing, I'll need a good follow up.

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    1. This makes me happy, please tell us how your double bill goes?

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  3. First time in a month I think where I haven't watched a new movie in the theater (last time that happened was when Light Between Oceans and Morgan released). But hey, that's more time I can spend participating in Scary Movie Month since I won't have time later on.

    I do think I'll probably watch Shin Godzilla coming up though. I've never really tried getting into Godzilla movies before, but this feels like as good an opportunity as any.

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    1. In Jay Leno voice: "You hear about this? You hear about this Shin Godzilla? What's next Kneecap Godzilla?" (Blows head off Gene Shalit style)

      But seriously as a lifelong Godzilla fan I can't wait to see the movie this week. It will be good to get the taste of the atrocious Godzilla (2014) out of my mouth #FordBrody

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  4. Since I'm still working three jobs (two of them full time), there's precious little time for scary movie watching this year. I could go the 'sacrifice sleep' route Patrick is so fond of, but I need my ZZZZ's in-between works to get to the end of a work week alive and in one piece. So basically I've started downloading Amazon Prime movies to my Galaxy Note 7 S (exchanged battery-fixed model, not the one that explodes) and started watching them offline, both coming and going from work and during the 2AM lunch break at my overnight job.

    I know, it sucks, but it's either that or watch considerably less movies during the second happiest month of the year on FTM (Junesploitation now being my #1 favorite thing we do all year long). So you know how we all look disapprovingly and whisper to ourselves 'That's not how you watch a movie!' at whoever is sitting on a bus or subway car watching "Empire" or the latest movie on a phone or tablet? I've become that guy... #VICTIM. :'( :-P

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    1. For real man, your dedication is to be admired. Don't feel bad!

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    2. You are a champ! Hopefully you'll inadvertently inspire some commuters to watch more scary movies this month.

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    3. Thank you for trying to fit stuff in and participating!

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    4. So long as you use some noise-cancelling headphones and put a blanket over your head, I'll let it slide.

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  5. Haha, very kind of you, sir! The Brahm album is off at the pressing plant for a limited 300 copy run. We will be starting the promotion for the new record with a few surprises in a few weeks as well as releasing a collection of unreleased B-sides in anticipation of "Ratimis".

    "Ratimis", the new album title, is comprised of my love of film, film scores, synths and analog nostalgia with my background in old school hip hop sampling and beat making. The first single "Creature" is my take on an Italian Horror theme. Should be released sometime in November. If anyone is interested in joining in on the journey, follow me on FB https://www.facebook.com/brahmofficial on Twitter @brahmofficial and Instagram @brahm_official. Thanks for letting me get in a shameless plug.

    Watched Dean Koontz's Intensity last night and holy crap was it good which I did not expect cause when Koontz's name is on a film, it usually means disaster. A 1997 Made for TV, 2 Part Mini-series in which McGinley straight up kills in in his role. Interesting notes: The first hour of this film was completely jacked by Aja for High Tension. I couldn't believe it. A bit overlong at 3 hours but well worth the investment.

    Patrick, I started Terrortory and was like, "uh oh, I have a feeling this is going to be bad" so instead watched Fatal Pulse which was nuts. Boring, but somewhat crazy as hell.

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    1. Terrortory is super low budget and not all that great, but each segment would have one or two cool moments or ideas that would carry me into the next bit. Did you make it through the "Did you bring me meat?" segment? There were bits of that one I liked.

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    2. I did not. I bailed literally after the first 5 minutes after the credits. Just wasn't in the mood for it but I will go back to it this month, maybe tonight, as I love anthologies. Speaking of, what's the delay on "XX"?! Can't wait for that one!

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    3. Chaybee: Justin from Black Eyed Children is in Terrortory! I almost went up to Baltimore with him for the premiere.

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    4. Thanks for checking it out. It's super low budget, but I think if you go in knowing that you may have some fun with it. Of course, I'm biased because I directed four of the segments...(the "Did you bring me meat" is one, and features my son in his first starring role. :)

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  6. So far my #ScaryMovieMonth selections have been a three way split between re-watches, new-to-me flicks (Legend of Hell House, Waxwork), and familiar but first time proper viewings (Child's Play, Elm Street 3). I've got some ghost movies lined up for first time viewing (Changeling, The Entity) as well as some more B- & C- grade trash ripe for the season.

    I suppose it might be overdoing it to give my full thoughts on the movies as I watch them here in the Weekend Open Threads as I try to allow my 7-word reviews speak for themselves. As it stands Legend of Hell House was my biggest surprise and O.G. Child's Play was the biggest letdown. Fingers crossed for an Xtro-style wonder before the month is over (or I could just watch Xtro again, wouldn't hurt).

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    1. So nuts that Legend of Hell House was PG, right?!

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    2. It gets better on repeat viewings

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    3. There's only one thing that can give Xtro type wonder and the film is Xtro

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  7. Lots to choose from tonight for a theatrical midnight dose of horror goodness. Which would you choose if you traded places with me in Gotham and these were your choices?

    A.-Dario Argento's "Tenebre" in 35mm.
    B.-A Q&A screening of "The Room" with Tommy Wiseau in person.
    C.-A screening of Don Coscarelli's "Phantasm: Ravager" with Don in person for an introduction.


    Some other choice midnight screenings ("Silence of the Lambs," "Idiocracy: 10th Anniversary," Korean zombie flick "Train to Busan," etc.) had to be scrapped to narrow it down to brass tax.

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    1. Lucky. Skip Train to Busan, it's fine but overhyped and nothing special. Tenebre 35MM would be my go to.

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    2. Why would The Room even be in the competition? It's Scary Movie Month!

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    3. Agreed. Tenebrae is a no Tene-brainer.

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    4. My freaking luck. "Tenebre" sold out, so had to go with "Phantasm: Ravager" as plan 'B.' Other than the intro running over 35 min. (love you Don, but please STFU!) and the film stopping in the middle for 5-10 min., then replaying the 10 min. prior to where film stopped (lame!), it was the cheesy horror flick l expected. Wish I'd seen "Phantasm II-IV" to know what the hell was going on half the time (who the hell is Rocky?), but Peter Dinklage clone and a game Reggie (not to mention cool '71 'Cuda set of muscle wheels) made it all worthwhile. :-)

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    5. If it wasn't October, I'd opt for Idiocracy. Buy Tenebrae is a solid choice. Too bad it sold out.

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  8. The biggest thing for me this week was seeing the Exorcist sequels for the first time, and say what you will, I really liked both of them! II is just crazy bonkers, while III is a well made thriller with a great lead performance by George C. Scott.

    Then I listened to Patrick and JB's old "Best Horror Movies" and "Universal Monsters" podcasts, which inspired me to revisit Bride of Frankenstein. Such an amazing movie!

    V/H/S was a mixed bag, but then I listened to the podcast on that, which sent me down the horror anthology rabbit hole. Watched Trilogy of Terror (that Zuni doll!!) and Creepshow 2 (Chief Wood'nhead!!) so far, and Dead of Night and Tales from the Crypt are still on the to-watch pile.

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    1. There seems to be a pattern here, listening to the podcast always adds stuff to my to-watch list.

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    2. Yes! The Exorcist II is just insane and Exorcist III dare I say is creepier to me than the first.

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    3. Do I hear some love and push for "Exorcist II: The Heretic" being made into an 'FTM' commentary track? Come on now. "Pieces" is great and all, but 'Pazuzu' coming to 'Kokumo'? That shit's gold, come on! :-P

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    4. I'd definitely be down for a Heretic commentary!

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    5. I know JB reallys wants to talk about Pazuzu leading to Pachuko

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  9. I went to a drive in last night for a triple feature of The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Sounds great, right? Wrong. I discovered drive ins are a terrible way to watch movies. There was no way to get comfortable, the sounds wasn't good, and people's car alarms would go off. I missed the beginning of The Exorcist, and towards the end of Poltergeist my girlfriend and buddy I came with were alseep and I was uncomfortable so we just left.

    On a brighter note, I got a Hammer Horror boxset and plan on working through that this month! I love Hammer so much, and there's still tons of theirs I haven't seen. I almost don't even care how good their movies are, I just love living in Hammer world. Peter Cushing is at least in my top 3 favorite horror actors. He makes everything better. I even started out this month by rewatching Dracula Has Risen From the Grave. I watched it twice last SMM. Everytime I see that movie it climbs higher on my mental list of favorite horror flicks.

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  10. Between work and classes I'm surprised I've squeezed in as much as I have.

    Had a great start to the month with a triple feature of Pieces, Sleepaway Camp, and the Burning. Some of my favorite horror flicks paired nicely with their Ftm commentarys.

    Over the week I saw some other great stuff. Loved Manhunter, and Theatre of Blood. Enjoyed Coraline and the VVitch, but Creep was my only low point of the week.

    Started the month with a definite list, but with my crazy schedule I've ended up just picking whatever I have time for. Feels a little more adventurous than a pick for each day.

    Really enjoyed the podcast, articles, and 7 word reviews so far. Great month so far.

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  11. Patrick, after writing my seven word review for The Midnight Hour I thought I would be an idea guy and throw out a possible topic for a podcast - what are the best Halloween themed Horror films? I checked the 2016 Primer post and unless I overlooked something, it doesn't look like it's ever been a topic. Just a thought!

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    1. Cool idea! Can they all be Halloween 4?

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    2. Haha! Yes, I will listen to a whole podcast where to try to convince me that Halloween 4 is the #1 best Halloween themed film. I think there are some good arguments and you guys could break down a top 10 or something. Dunno. For example, I think Hellions is an all timer, perfect Halloween film and I know you totally disagree. On the flip side you see Tales of Halloween as a new staple of the genre if I remember correctly, and I don't feel the same. There's a lot tot debate and discuss regarding actual specific Halloween Horror films and would love to hear the thoughts from you guys.

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    3. Sorry for the misspellings. Typing fast while watching a film.

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    4. I so wish I loved the entirety of Hellions as much as that first half hour. Perfectly captures the spirit of October.

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    5. I wish you did too! You never know :) (see http://www.fthismovie.net/2012/10/our-least-favorite-horror-movies_29.html)

      We'll be watching it again this October but my wife and I really responded to it. Plus, I'm biased to Bruce McD cause I think the guy is amazing and is giving much more than you see at face value. I think if you re-watch Hellions with that in mind, you'll see that he's playing with the genre BIG time.

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    6. No, no, not a shot at all, my man! Just saying what you always say - you can come around on stuff that you initially didn't respond too. Happened to you with Italian Horror, maybe it'll happen to me with Horror Comedies :)

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    7. No, I know. And you're absolutely right! That's why I'm always willing to give things multiple chances. I literally just added Hellions to my Netflix queue so I can revisit it this month.

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    8. Awesome! Please give an update if warranted.

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    9. Hellions (2015) is now on the SMM list. Thanks gents. This is the one available on Netflix streaming (US)?

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    10. I would be really interested in a Halloween themed movie podcast. Bought the TOH Blu despite owning the digital copy in hopes that it will fund further iterations! (plus the extra shorts).

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    11. The Midnight Hour holds up? I used to love it as a kid, but haven't revisited it in ages out of the notion that it might not be anywhere near as good as I remembered.

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    12. The Midnight Hour is about as good as it gets for Halloween themed films. I love it.

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  12. I have been trying to watch things I haven't seen this month. I have a lot to catch up on. I have pretty much liked everything I have seen, but I have been picking things out of my movie shame list, not scrolling Netflix and such. Though I did re-watch Dracula 31, which is quickly becoming an October staple. It is a warm Lugosi blanket.

    Am trying to decide if I should go to a horror Marathon at the end of the month. It just depends on how if I can rejig work, and if I can sit in a theater seat for up to 13 hours that hasn't changed since the 1950s. But they are playing Creepshow and Childsplay.

    But I am just happy to be here and the 7 word reviews so far have been epic. All of you are way to smart!

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  13. I was just checking off Devil's Rain and realized it's rated PG!! That is insanity! With watching the made for TV movie Intensity last night and now this, the MPAA is certainly a different animal within the past decade.

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  14. Has anyone been watching Westworld? I've wanted to start it but I feel guilty watching anything that isn't horror during October. Should I just wait until next month?

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    1. I watched it, it was pretty great, I'd do it again. As expected it leaves you wanting more so there is an argument for saving up and binging.

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    2. I think there are elements of it that could be considered horror, and would expect that to continue to build as the season goes on.

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  15. Lights Out is "Jump Scare: The Movie pt. 2000". Terrible, BUT, I love that the director got a feature deal off of a really good 2 and half minute short that did well at the box office and the sound design is fantastic.

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    1. Something else I kinda dug about Lights Out was the idea that this ghost was a creature of the id, like in Forbidden Planet.

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    2. Nice! Never thought about it that way but I dig that Mike G.

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  16. I watched Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 over the weekend, mostly because of Patrick's championing as a great film. I hadn’t seen it since the late 80’s when it probably played on cable and I was too young to appreciate it. As a big fan of the original I remember liking the sequel vaguely but but not loving it. Upon rewatching, I truly see why Patrick loves this film, and I am totally on board with it. TCM2 has everything I love about horror films especially horror films from the 80’s. It is batshit crazy! Firing on all Cylinders, blending everything so well and creating something completely different from the original but equally as good. Infinitely more rewatchable than the original. As a kid this is what I wanted from horror films and I felt like a kid again watching it.

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    1. "Lick my plate you dog dick". Would be my tattoo if I was man enough to have one, Choptop meeting Strech is possibility my favourite scene of all time

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    2. For sure, the whole sequence in the radio station is great. especially the beginning with Chop Top, "dog will hunt!" That's really where the film takes a hard left turn into the absurd and goes for it.

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  17. Fthismovie is the Fizziest drink!

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  18. Not sure what's drawn me to this, but I've been watching as many Exorcist rip-offs as I can find. They're... not good.

    Okay, Exorcismus had some strong performances, and Final Exorcism 2 was surprisingly good, being its own movie by emphasizing the consequences and PTSD of possession/exorcism, rather than the act itself.

    The rest, though? The Exorcism of Molly Hartley, The Exorcism of Anna Ecklund, The Rite, The Devil Inside, The Cloth, The Chosen, Ouija Exorcism, Vatican Exorcism, The Vatican Tapes, Legion: The Final Exorcism, Exorcism: House of Evil, House of Exorcism, Infernal, Scream at the Devil, the Forbidden Girl, The Grotto... These are all the same movie. They're just remaking the Friedkin/Blatty classic, but as cheaply and lazily as possible. Oh, and a bunch of these come with a BS claim about being based on a true story.

    Last year's #ScaryMovieMonth yielded a lot of pleasant surprises I'd never seen before (Housebound, Prom Night 2, Xtro) but no such discoveries so far this year.

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    1. Xtro made you peak too soon,

      I like your theme, good work, you got some bad ones to get through there, not easy

      How about Abby 1974 aka The Black Exorcist, you gotta put that on your list with that theme, its a Blacksplotation Exorcist rip off, its perfect for your choices

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    2. Wow. That's a lot of exorcism. Maybe you should cap it off with Repossessed, the Leslie Nielsen and Linda Blair-starring parody.

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    3. Thanks! I saw Abby during #Junesploitation and I liked it a lot. I'd put it in the same category as Exorcismus, in that it doesn't do anything new, but it has great energy and an excellent cast.

      I also recommend Ava's Possessions, which I saw a few months ago. It takes place in this alternate world where demonic possession is a commonplace thing. It's weird and quirky in the best way. I'd love to see it become a series to further explore the mythology they've created.

      I totally forgot all about Repossessed, which I saw back in high school. I'll see if it's streaming anywhere.

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    4. If nowhere else, it's on YouTube.

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    5. Sometimes you just gotta dive in, eh?

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  19. Btw, after day 8 we're at 1042 reviews. Going strong!

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    1. Good job everyone! Between work, too many Hellraiser, and more drinking than I'm comfortable with, not sure where I'm at, but should keep an even keel from here on.

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