The Screaming Skull (1958)

I'm back today with the second of my "Terrorpolooza 2012" reviews. This time, it's "The Screaming Skull" .

Jenni and Eric are a happy couple who have recently gotten married. Upon moving into Eric's mansion, Jenni learns of the tragic death of Eric's first wife. Soon, Jenni will question her own sanity as strange sounds and skulls begin to haunt her. Is it the ghost of Eric's first wife... or something more sinister?

I quite enjoyed this movie. The premise is solid, as are the events that occur. There are one or two small holes in the plot, but they're pretty minor and don't take away from the overall story. I did feel though that the opening "disclaimer" was unnecessary, though it did make me smile as I remembered some of the William Castle movies I'd seen.

The characters, while they could be seen as somewhat stereotypical, are still interesting and engaging- especially the characters Jenni, and Mickey the Gardener. I didn't mind the Reverend and his wife, but felt they were kinda just there as plot points, and Eric was a decently crafted character as well.

The acting is about what can be expected for a low budget film from the 1950's. Some of it is a little cheesy, some of it right over the top, and some of it quite good. It was cheesy for the most part, with the final chase scene being rather over the top on the part of John Hudson as Eric. His facial expressions and movements are more giggle inducing than scary. I will say that I thought Alex Nicol (who also directed this movie) did a pretty good job as the child-like Mickey. I actually came to care quite abit for that character.

The camera offers the average fare to the viewer, with very little in the way of interesting or creative camera angles or movements. There are some decent shots, and the use of shadows was good. I really liked the way it looked when the ghost chases Jenni, but was disappointed by how they did the final chase scene with Eric. It was a visual drop in quality from the chase scene with Jenni, I felt.

While I'd have very little problem with re-watching "The Screaming Skull" as part of a B-Movie Night with friends, I doubt that I would pull of the shelf and put it in the machine otherwise. I'm putting it in "The Bad".

Comments

Meridian: Kiss of the Beast (1990)

Sometimes, a director/producer will surprise you- such was the case during " Terrorpolooza 2012 " when I watched Charles Band's " Meridian: Kiss of the Beast " Catherine Bomarzini has come home after her father's death. Needing company, she asks Gina to stay with her. Soon, the two meet a wondering troupe of performers that Catherine invites to dinner at her castle. Catherine find herself pulled into a love triangle and an ancient curse that only she can break. After watching movies like " Evil Bong ", and " Demonic Toys ", I really wasn't expecting too much from this Charles Band movie- but I was pleasantly surprised by it. The story is actually quite interesting with lots of potential for eerie scenes, and character development. It's a nice twist on the classic " Beauty and the Beast " story. It's a bit slower than most of Band's other works, but moves smoothly and draws you with it. I have to ad...

Grave Questions: Jessica Cameron

February is " Women in Horror Month "- a month in which to celebrate the impact that women have had on the genre and the industry- from writing, to acting, to directing and producing. Jessica Cameron has experienced the industry in all those capacity- making her a perfect choice for me to ask some " Grave Questions " of in order to raise awareness of the great women in Horror. Please not that this article SHOULD'VE been posted in February, but due to technical difficulties, we're putting it up now. Thank you. TCoT : Which female horror stars helped to inspire you to not only enjoy the genre- but to get involved in bringing scary movies to the world? Jessica : I literally said to my " Truth or Dare " producer, "If the Soska sisters can make " Dead Hooker in a Trunk " with nothing, then I can make " Truth or Dare ". So needless to say that those girls have been a huge inspiration in everything I do behind the ...

Zombie Bikers From Detroit (2001)

Over the years, it has been shown that with very little money, a skillful director can put together a high quality horror movie (John Carpenter's " Halloween ", " The Blair Witch Project ", and " Paranormal Activity " being a few of them). So, when it comes to determining a movie's quality, budget is no longer a negative... Ken and his mother have moved from Hell, Michigan to Grosse Pointe near Detroit. Upon his arrival, he meets the lovely Courtney, and her jealous suitor Chad. While Ken and Chad square off, an evil is growing within Detroit and slowly spreading towards Grosse Point... where Ken will meet his destiny ... This week's " What Movie Wednesday " winner was " Zombie Bikers From Detroit "- a low budget horror movie that feels like it was put together as a school project. High School, or College... I can't really tell. The premise- as stated in my little synopsis is interesting- as was the title. ...

Search This Blog