Thursday, October 4, 2018

Reserved Seating: Adam and Rob's First Time Watches for Scary Movie Month

by Adam Riske and Rob DiCristino
We each picked ten movies we plan to visit this month for the first time (and recapped our picks from last year). What are yours?

Adam’s Ratings of Last Year’s Picks

1. Abby - Mark Off. The idea of it is better than the viewing experience.

2. Dead Ringers - Mark Ahn. Not a fun watch, but very sad and uncomfortable in a good way.

3. Land of the Dead - Mark Ahn. My expectations were low and I ended up being pleasantly surprised.

4. Lord of Illusions - Mark Off. I was disappointed with this one. It starts well and then didn’t keep up the initial momentum.

5. The Night Flier/Graveyard Shift - Mark Ahn (Night)/Mark Off (Graveyard) - The Night Flier was my favorite new discovery last October. Graveyard Shift was sleazy fun, but also not very good.

6. The Others - Mark Ahn. Even though I knew the ending, I still found it involving.

7. Paperhouse - Did not see it, but will this month

8. The Phantom of the Opera (1989) - Did not see it, but will this month
9. Salem’s Lot - Did not see it, but will this month

10. Wrong Turn - Mark Off. Not my tempo.

Rob’s Ratings of Last Year’s Picks

1. The Nightmare on Elm Street sequels - Made it through these. Dream Warriors was my favorite, obvious though that might be, and now I can’t hear the words “dream” or “warriors” without shouting “DREAM WARRRIORRRSS!” I also enjoyed The Dream Child for its goofy audacity.

2. The Halloween sequels - Made it through these, too, and I think Halloween is my favorite of the Big Three horror franchises. I actually picked up the Scream Factory box set for Scary Movie Month this year so I could revisit a few.

3. Creepshow, Cujo, and Pet Sematary - Only got to Creepshow, which I would have loved if I’d seen it when I was ten. Still a fun watch, though.

4. Let the Right One In and The Devil’s Backbone - Didn’t get to these.

5. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Or this one.

6. Inland Empire - Or this one, but now I’m saving it for when Alejandra and I cover it for Weird on Top.

7. House on Haunted Hill - Didn’t get to this one.

8. The Funhouse - Loved it!
9. Society - Loved it! Butts and mouths where they don’t belong!

10. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer - Didn’t get to this one. Probably won’t ever.

Adam’s 2018 Picks

Don’t Look Now

Adam: The only thing that’s prevented me from seeing Don’t Look Now is I know the ending. I’m hoping that doesn’t ruin the movie entirely for me. I guess we’ll see.

Rob: I’ve never seen it. It’s been on my Pure Cinema list for a while, but I had no idea it was #SMM worthy. That’s as good an excuse as any.

Firestarter

Adam: I own the Blu-ray but for some reason never felt like putting this on. Patrick is a big fan, so that’s enough for me to give it a try. Plus, George C. Scott, fire, and Martin Sheen!

Rob: I’ve never seen this one, either. I find I’m very hot and cold on King adaptations. Hopefully this one...lights my fire. Sorry.

The House that Dripped Blood

Adam: I’m starting to get precious watching horror anthologies because I’ve seen just about all of the classics already and want to save some for later. This one is a deeper cut I’ve put off. Now’s the time to dive in. It’s hard to go wrong with Amicus.

Rob: Now that I’ve filled in a lot of my classic Universal horror blind spots, British horror is next. Amicus and Hammer are going to be big for me this year.

Innocent Blood

Adam: I picked this up for a few bucks at the used bookstore and can’t wait to watch it. I love John Landis movies. I love horror movies. I love An American Werewolf in London. If Innocent Blood is half as good, I’ll be happy.

Rob: It will shock you to learn I’ve never seen it! But Landis is da bomb.

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Adam: Maybe I’ll double bill it with Don’t Look Now for a Donald Sutherland night. I love the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers, so I’m curious how I’ll feel about this remake. I’ve heard nothing but good things.

Rob: I’ve seen this one, but not the original. Wait. I’ve seen the Daniel Craig one, too. Now I just feel like a bad person. Anyway, I think you’ll be into this one.

Just Before Dawn

Adam: I’ve heard recently that this is a top-notch, underrated slasher movie. Plus, it’s from Satan’s Little Helper’s Jeff Lieberman and has Chris Lemmon (Wishmaster) in the cast.

Rob: I’ve heard the same. Let me know!

Lady in White

Adam: This is one of the rare movies where I have listened to the podcast we have on it, but have never seen the movie. I don’t know why I put it off for so long. It will be cool to finally give it a spin. The trailer is awesome.

Rob: Woah! You’re right about the trailer. I loved The Neverending Story and The Pagemaster as a kid, and for some reason, I’m getting similar (horror-tinted) vibes from this. Nice!

Raising Cain

Adam: I’ve been playing catch-up as an adult with most of Brian De Palma’s work and this is next on the list. I’m not sure if I should watch the theatrical cut or director’s cut. Any suggestions, readers?

Rob: Let’s each watch one and compare notes later. This was also on my list, but for the sake of variety, I’ll come up with another.

Tremors

Adam: I’ve had many opportunities to watch this movie, but I always stop because I’m feeling enormous pressure to like it since it’s so beloved. This October is time for me to get over that.

Rob: I’m very curious to hear what you think of it. I totally understand the pressure, but I think it’s charming enough that you’ll find a lot to appreciate.

Vampire’s Kiss
Adam: I’ve owned the Scream Factory Blu-ray for a while, but for whatever reason have never gotten around to watching it. That’s nuts because the trailer is terrific. The voice Nicolas Cage chose for this role makes me happy.

Rob: I forgot all about this! Can we watch it together?

Rob’s 2018 Picks

Mandy

Rob: Speaking of Cage. I know a lot of people have already seen and raved about this one, but I saved it for Scary Movie Month on purpose. I’m really excited to see it.

Adam: I thought it was pretty good. #CheddarGoblin

Pet Sematary and The Devil’s Backbone

Rob: Is it okay to copy from last year? I need to get these blind spots filled in. Even my mom yelled at me for not having seen Pet Sematary yet.

Adam: Pet Sematary is fucked up and that’s from someone who has seen a lot of horror movies. The Devil’s Backbone is a movie I’ve maybe seen (?). If I have, it didn’t leave much of an impression. I hope you like it.

The Lords of Salem
Rob: Patrick recently wrote a great piece on this one over at Bloody Disgusting that reminded me that I haven’t seen it. I’m going to revisit Zombie’s Halloween II now that I have the box set, as well. I’m a big fan of that movie.

Adam: Lords of Salem is terrific. I’m excited for you to see it. If you’re willing to go along with Halloween II, I can’t imagine you not liking Lords of Salem.

Dracula (1958)

Rob: As I said, I need to get my Hammer on, and since JB was kind enough to give me his Blu-ray of Dracula, I’m going to start there.

Adam: I’m equally deficient in Hammer (I’ve seen maybe five), but this isn’t the year for me to go for it. Let me know how it goes.

A Bay of Blood

Rob: My dive into giallo has been relatively shallow so far, but my current favorite is Bava’s Blood and Black Lace. I’d like to see more of his work, and this feels like an obvious choice.

Adam: Cool! I still need to watch this one too. My favorite Bava is Black Sabbath. That movie is dope.

The Tingler

Rob: No one tell JB I haven’t seen it! Wait. Dammit!

Adam: This is good Price. It’s not on my A-list, but you can’t go wrong with The Tingler.

Nina Forever

Rob: Patrick and Rob G. discussed this one in passing recently, and the concept seems like weird, sexy fun. Just like me.

Adam: I saw this during its initial VOD run. It’s really good. I think you’ll like this one too. If I remember correctly, it is like a horror version of Chasing Amy in some ways.

Repulsion

Rob: This movie has a Polanski problem and feels like homework, so I’m putting this on here knowing full well that I might not get to it. Just in case, I’ll throw in an extra pick.

Adam: I saw this years ago and remember liking but not loving it. I think the problem for me is other movies have done a similar thing better since Repulsion, imho.

The Strangers and The Strangers: Prey at Night

Rob: I know these both have a reputation, but I’ve never even seen a trailer.

Adam: I can’t wait to hear what you think of these. The original is punishing and I had a bad reaction to it. The sequel is much more audience-friendly and cinematic. I loved it.

Thirst

Rob: My list needs more international variety, and given that I’m a huge Park Chan-wook fan, this feels right.

Adam: This is one of the few Park Chan-wook movies I haven’t seen. Do for it!

The Hidden

Rob: My boy Kyle MacLachlan starring in a New Line body-snatcher film directed by Jack Sholder? Where do I sign?

Adam: Haha. I’ve heard this is great. Let me know what you think.

Rob: Let us know what you’ve got cooking for October in the comments.

Adam: We miss comments. For the rest of October, we’re going to be reviewing four 80s movies that neither of us have seen, starting with George A. Romero’s Monkey Shines. Until next time...

Rob: These seats are reserved.

Both: Happy Scary Movie Month!

11 comments:

  1. That feeling when you've seen every movie mentioned in this post already.

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    1. That's impressive. What "new to me" are you planning on watching this month?

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    2. Thanks! I only do rewatches during the last week of the month, and all the rest will be new to me. There's a Top 1000 horror list compiled from several hundred critic's list at the site http://theyshootzombies.com/ , and I've only got about 25 to go til I've finished it, so that'll be what I focus on; mostly pre-1970s stuff.

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    3. Here's what I've ended up watching so far; except for a theatrical showing of Phantasm I went to, it's all been new to me:

      10/01: The Brotherhood of Satan (1971), Corridors of Blood (1958)

      10/02: Before I Hang (1940), House of Horrors (1946), Strangler of the Swamp (1946), La llorona (1933), Cannibal Terror (1980)

      10/03: Voodoo Man (1944), The Man They Could Not Hang (1939), The Horrible Dr. Hichcock (1962), The Return of the Vampire (1943)

      10/04: Murders in the Zoo (1933), The Man Who Changed His Mind (1936), The Joy of Torture (1968), X: The Unknown (1956), Not of This Earth (1957), Night Monster (1942)

      10/05: Blood Paradise (2018), Mandy (2018)

      10/06: Scary Stories (2018), Luz (2018), The Ranger (2018), You Might Be the Killer (2018), The Field Guide to Evil (2018), Lords of Chaos (2018)

      10/07: Halloween: The Inside Story (2010)

      10/10: The Pit and the Pendulum (1991), Macabre (1958), The Invisible Ray (1936)

      10/11: The Mask (1961), The Return of Dracula (1958), Dark Waters (1993), Devil Doll (1964)

      10/12: Rape of the Vampire (1968), The Werewolf (1956), Count Dracula (1970), Twisted Nerve (1968)

      10/13: Nadja (1994)

      10/14: Paranoiac (1963), Panic in Year Zero! (1962),

      10/15: Delirium (1979), Drop Dead, Dearest (1978), Apostle (2018), The Ghost Ship (1943)

      10/16: Ghost Ship (1952), Frozen Scream (1975), Mom (1991), The She Beast (1966)

      10/17: The Headless Eyes (1971), The Possessed (1977), Creepshow 3 (2006), Terror at Red Wolf Inn (1972)

      10/18: Vinyan (2008)

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  2. Regarding Raising Cain and which cut to watch... I think you'd be a-ok with either as the re-edit isn't too radical a difference BUT I do personally prefer it though I'd happily watch either version! Ahh heck watch the director's edit as it is what De Palma would want! :)

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  3. Looking forward to your reactions to SALEM'S LOT & INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (both of which knocked me on my ass as a kid of the 70's.)

    Having just watched FLESH AND BONE: THE HAMMER HERITAGE OF HORROR on Amazon, 1958's (HORROR OF) DRACULA is ar the very top of my 1st time watchlist.
    Thanks for all the F-ing.

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  4. Totally agree with Adam on The Strangers. I really dislike the first one, but Prey at Night is one of my favorite horror movies of the year.

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  5. Sweet picks! Dracula (1958) is definitely one of my favorite movies. Very excited for you to check it out.

    A few movies I’m planning to get to are the Texas Chainsaw movies I haven’t seen (2003-Leatherface), Hellraiser 3 & 4, Candyman 2, Lord of Illusions, Hell House LLC, Exorcist III, Extremity, and Blood Fest (gotta see another Fest movie). And of course there’s some spooky movies coming out in theaters I’m so pumped for.

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  6. I’m watching Salem’s Lot right now... all three hours. I’ll just say I’m glad I’m past the first hour now. It’s picking up and is very good. Especially for tv.

    Raising Cain - Watch the Directors Cut, you’ll have less “wait, what now?” moments. But it’s good either way.

    I’m probably going to watch THE NITE FLIER again this year bc it’s truly haunting and great and has a great ending


    VAMPIRES KISS is awesome and you would think Cage being very looney would get old, but it does not. I actually think this a very good movie about mental illness and/or a metaphor for the AIDS crisis.

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    1. Watched Vampire's Kiss the other night. It's...something else.

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