Get into the Spirit of things with these fun and scary flicks
It’s Halloween time and for those of you that know my rants, it’s not particularly one of my favorite times of the year. This is the time of year when many try to be festive and attempt to decorate their yards to look “scary”, but usually the choice decor tends to be less scary and more messy; leaving their home to resemble a drunk hobo’s idea of resort living.
Setting aside the hyperbole for a moment, there are things I love about the season. For one, I love seeing the love of horror films resurface every season, when many of us search with avidity for that one movie (or 10) that will deliver that seasonal scare. A movie that is both exhilarating and scary.
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Below is a list of a few of my favorites, some you’ve probably already seen but I’m sure there’s a few that you have not. Regardless, do yourself a favor and watch one of these every day until Halloween.
1. HALLOWEEN (1978) – There’s nothing like revisiting the classic that started a trend and formally launched the career of John Carpenter into super stardom.
2. SUSPIRIA (1977) – Dario Argento, the master of the giallo horror genre, delivers a gorgeous foray into witchy perfection.
3. SLITHER – Before James Gunn gained international fame for his 2014 Marvel movie Guardians of the Galaxy, he directed a fun little throw back film that reminded us all how much we missed an era of horror that had long been forgotten by the mainstream.
4. OCULUS – Director Mike Flanagan took a 5 million dollar budget and crafted an amazing psychological horror film that made us fear mirrors the way Jaws made us afraid of the water.
5. The Devil’s Rejects – Very few directors have the ability to create fear, disgust and awe the way director Rob Zombie does. Shot on Super 16mm film stock, this horror film was created by a director that truly loves the cinema. Arguably one of Zombie’s greatest films.
6. Deep Red – Directed by Dario Argento, this giallo horror film will leave terrifying imagery seared into your mind for days. This film currently holds a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and is possibly Argento’s greatest work.
7. Hereditary – Every once in a while a horror film comes along that makes you want to cry; this is one of them. Director Ari Aster delivers a horror masterpiece that is truly terrifying. Don’t watch this movie unless you can afford the extra charges to your electric bill, because you will leave every light on in your home after watching this.
8. The Wailing – A ghost, a demon and a shaman walk into a bar…yeah, sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. Hailed as one of the most unsettling Korean horror films to come along in years, director Na Hong-jin gives the audience a tense blend of genres, combining deep unease and gore with the a buddy cop vibe.
9. Get Out – Jordan Peele leaves behind the comedy and delivers horrific absurdity instead. This movie is a psychological and body horror mashup that will leave you afraid and terrified to meet your potential in-laws. Words can not describe the excellence of the film.
10. Ash vs Evil Dead (TV Series) – Bruce Campbell wielding a chainsaw is all that needs to be said. Funny, scary and stylistic as fuck. You can binge watch the series on Netflix.
Well, that’s my list for Halloween 2018. Grab your favorite cuddle buddy, turn down the lights and enjoy.
