Space is a big, wonderous place. Unless you're in a horror movie that is... Unknown to the world, the cancelled Apollo 18 mission of 1974 did occur.  Three astronauts went to the moon on a secret military mission, only for things to go horribly wrong.  This is their footage... and their terrifying story ... I wanted to see this movie because of the premise: Astronauts go to the moon, and discover we are NOT alone. The story was blah.  The story was dull.  The story was boring. The characters were blah.  The characters were dull.  The characters were boring. The actors were blah.  The actors were dull.  The actors were boring. The aliens were blah.  The aliens were dull.  The aliens were boring. The movie was blah.  The movie was dull.  The movie was boring. I think you can guess where this movie's going... Yep.  Right into " The Ugly "

Abandoned facilities such as mental institutions are an often used location in horror films .  It wasn't much different with the recent " What Movie Wednesday " winner, " Room 33 ". When their vehicle runs out of gas, a female roller derby team, and the couple they offered a ride to are forced to take shelter for the night in an abandoned mental institution .  They soon meet Roxy - a scared teenager with a mysterious connection to the facility... and the killer that is now stalking them from the shadows ... The premise, while not what one could call "original" these days is still one that promises potential.  The actual story used, however is pretty shallow and amounts to tedious repetition of characters being scared, concerned for Roxy, being bitchy and being killed.  There is very little in the way of emotionally engaging moments... or scares even.  The opportunities to explore the reasons for what was happening were wasted- rather than clear t...

Sometimes, I wish I had a twin to take my place at things I don't want to attend- like meetings, lectures, work, etc.  But sometimes, I'm rather glad that I don't have a twin... Jennifer has a great life: a boyfriend who loves her, a good job, a nice home, and a baby on the way... and she recently discovered that she has an identical twin sister.  Too bad her twin wants to steal Jennifer's identity and life ... " Twisted Sisters " is one of those films that has moments of interest, but is seriously flawed in pretty much everything else.  The premise is okay, but the actual plot has some serious holes in its logic... and characters. Mostly the characters... especially the cops. I really did not like the cops.  For one thing, considering that Jennifer's boyfriend's dad is a well known Barrister, you'd think the cops would do everything they could to operate within the law.  Unfortunately, these cops don't.  They barge into her apartment w...

When I do my " What Movie Wednesday ," I find myself struggling to find witty, funny, or informative things to tweet as I'm watching the winner.  Other times... the movie provides fuel for tweets that have people crying from laughter... A serum that could help transplant patients has been stolen and beautiful women are being murdered- with their organs removed.  An investigative reporter becomes involved in the case and finds that a respected doctor has a dark secret to hide ... This was a fun movie to tweet along to- but mostly because there was so much to poke fun at.  This reworking of the classic " Frankenstein " story does a decent job storywise, but does suffer from some serious holes in its logic.  For instance, if the serum is so important, why is it kept in a beaker in an unlocked fridge in  its creator's office?  How did Frankenstein manage to construct a secret lab in the hospital where he works? How was he able to get the body parts witho...

During my life, I've only come across ONE movie that enraged me, and made me so angry that I literally growl and mutter profanities at the mere mention of " Mulholland Drive " (2001).  Well, I recently found another movie to add to the "Rage List".. A nightclub singer has been having nightmares about beautiful women he knows being killed.  Soon, however, he discovers that they may be more than nightmares ... " Point of Terror "- one of this week's " What Movie Wednesday " winners, is a crap film.  That's right, a crap film.  Other than two of the women- the redheaded lady friend with the nice butt and the music exec's wife's daughter, I didn't really give a rat fart about the characters.  They were shallow, callous, and melodramatic.  I wanted them all to die, pretty much. The acting was melodramatic and soap operatic.  Dyanne Thorne (the music exec's wife), Lory Hansen (the daughter), Paula Mitchell (the redh...

As I was watching " The Bat " (1926) last wednesday, I decided that I would also watch the 1959 remake starring Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead.  I wanted to compare how it would translate from a silent film to one with sound... While renting a mansion belonging to a small town's bank manager, mystery writer Cornelia Van Gorder finds herself the target of a mysterious killer called, The Bat.  He's seeking a million dollars in stolen bank money... money he believes is hidden in the mansion. .. This film is notable for three of its stars: Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead (Endora on the TV series " Bewitched "), and Darla Hood (from The Little Rascal films).   This movie marked Hood's last appearance in a movie. The story doesn't deviate too much from the original 1926 film, but there are some rather drastic changes in regards to characters.  Cornelia's maid is a lot more level headed than in the silent film; the niece is now just a friend,...

This past " What Movie Wednesday " saw the first time that a silent film was chosen for me to watch and tweet along to... While staying at the mansion of the local bank manager, a group of people are searching for the money that had been recently stolen from the bank.  Soon, their lives are at stake as well as The Bat searches for the hidden loot... and kills anyone who gets in their way... " The Bat " was originally based on a hit Broadway play written by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood.  Until recently, this silent film was thought to have been a lost film- as are many films from the silent era of cinema.  Roland West went on to remake this film in 1930 as " The Bat Whispers "- which Bob Kane credited as the inspiration for the creation of Batman . I always enjoy the opportunity to watch silent films.  Some are masterpieces of cinematic magic and creativity, while others are interesting as a reminder of how far we have come in regards to...

The 1980's saw a surge of slasher films rising to prominence.  Some were effective, while others, though entertaining, were not so effective. During the annual carnival in a small town, a couple are killed and dumped in the river.  As the Sheriff investigates, a group of teens decide to have a private party near the river... only to have the killer being to take them out one by one... Some people will know, "Death Screams" under the titles, "House of Death" or "Night Screams".  Under any title, this film has some entertainment value- but some serious flaws as well. The acting isn't too bad, and is entertaining.  There weren't any stand out performances, though Hanns Manship- who plays the child-like Casey, did give a good performance in his role.  The characters are a little stereotypical of the 1980's, but still likable. The kills are decent, and fairly well done- though the one with the girl being shot with an arrow during broad d...

In 1968, George A. Romero gave the world a whole new look at an old and underestimated fear:  zombies. After her brother and her are attacked in a cemetery by a strange man, Barbara flees to an isolated farmhouse.  There she is joined by six others as they try to survive a night long siege from crazed flesh eating people who turn out to be more than mere humans... they're zombies... George A. Romero was inspired by the novel, " I Am Legend " by Richard Matheson to write " Night of the Living Dead ."  He wanted to explore how such an apocolyptic "revolution" might start, and how humans might react in a situation where something that's supposed to be "forever" stopped being... well, permanent.  That "forever" was Death, and thus the Romero zombies were born.  Matheson, himself described Romero's interpretation as, "kinda of cornball".  Little did he know the sort of grip it would have on the world. The charact...

  After all the black and white films I've watched over the past month or so as I worked my way through horror films from the 1920 to the present, I finally hit 1968- and a colour film.  It was a welcome change of pace- as was the story. Seperated from his regiment in 1806, Andre Duvalier stumbles across the castle of Baron von Leppe, and a mysterious woman whom the Baron claims has been dead for the past 20 years- because he killed her and her lover.  Determined to discover the truth behind the dark past of the castle, Duvalier soon finds himself confronting a deadly mix of guilt, revenge, and madness... " The Terror " was filmed on sets used in two other Roger Corman films- " The Raven ," and " The Haunted Palace ".  The tree in the final scene is from " The Haunted Palace " where it was the sight of Vincent Price being tied up and burnt.  In addition to re-using sets, this movie is notable for the number of directors it had: Roger Corma...

I have come to realize that the 1950's had quite a few B-movie.  Many of them were pretty cheesy, but fun to watch.  Some even showed a lot of potential and had some things that I really liked.  " The Screaming Skull " is one of those films. Jenni has just moved into her new husband's large mansion.  Soon, however, her and Eric's happiness is marred by strange sounds and the appearance of skulls around the house.  Is Eric trying to drive his wife insane?  Is Mickey, the gardener, trying to scare Jenni away?  Or is Eric's former wife coming back... from beyond the grave? " The Screaming Skull " is NOT a great movie- but it did have some promise and potential to it.  I had to smile at the William Castle-like opening, where a voice informs the audience that if they were to die of fright during the movie, the studio would pay for their funeral.  Cheesy, and unnecessary, but I still liked it. While most of the camera work was pretty basic, ...

In the horror genre, there are some stellar movies... and plenty of not-so-stellar ones.  But sometimes, even the less than great horror movies have good things in them. Charles "The Butcher" Benton vows revenge on his lawyer, Paul Lowrie for sending him to his death in the gas chamber.  After his execution, Benton's body is used for a secret experiment that revives him.  Taking this opportunity, Benton cuts a swathe of death as he heads ever closer to Lowrie and his cronies.  The police are hot on his trail, but something about "The Butcher" is different... bullets just bounce off him.  What can stop the "Indestructible Man"? This movie stars Lon Chaney, Jr- whose father is famous for roles in " The Phantom of the Opera ", and " The Hunchback of Notre Dame ," and is a real B-movie.  So much so that it was actually featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000. I have to admit that this movie is far from being great.  In fact, it...

  Yesterday marked the 91st birthday of Ray Harryhausen- who is famous for being a master in the field of stop motion animation.  He pioneered techniques that allowed models to seemingly interact with live action scenery and people.  His work can be seen in such classics as, " It Came From Beneath the Sea " (1955), " Earth vs The Flying Saucers " (1956), " The 7th Voyage of Sinbad " (1958), " One Million Years B.C. " (1966), and " Clash of the Titans " (1981).  To celebrate this great man, I'll be reviewing, " The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms " from 1953. Happy 91st Birthday Ray Harryhausen! After a nuclear bomb test in the frigid ice near Baffin Bay, Professor Thomas Nesbitt discovers that they've released a prehistoric beast that follows the currents to New York City.  Soon, Nesbitt and his friend, Colonel Jack Evans are in a fight to save the city from the beast's rampage... " The Beast From...

1951 brought the world- and horror fans, one of the greatest sci-fi/horror classics of all time, even influencing one of the greatest horror film makers of all time.  I'm talking about, "T he Thing From Another World "... After an unidentified flying object crash lands near an Arctic research centre, the military and scientists recover what may very well be the body of an extraterrestrial.  Soon, however, the small group is besieged by an almost unstoppable alien... and alien that needs their blood... " The Thing From Another World " is actually based on John W. Campbell, Jr's short novel, " Who Goes There? ", and took advantage of the American public's distrust of science after the horrors of the A-bomb dropped on Hiroshima.  It sets the stage for future movies featuring the conflict between scientists and the military- though later films would depict the military as being the sinister party. When it was released, it actually made more ...

I'm always interested in watching movies based on folktales and books... which is why " Bluebeard " caught my eye... During a rash of killings in 19th century Paris, puppeteer Gaston Morrell, and dress maker Modiste Lucille begin a romantic relationship.  Soon dark secrets and death begin to swirl around the couple until death hits their immediate circle of friends and family... We all know the story of " Bluebeard " from our childhoods, right?  A man by the name of Bluebeard (in many versions of the story it's because he literally has a blue beard), has a violent reputation- and is suspected of killing many of his wives... though no bodies could ever be found.  Bluebeard marries again, and shortly afterwards tells his wife that he must leave on business.  He gives her the keys to all the rooms of the castle- and tells her that she is forbidden to enter a specific room.  After she promises to stay out of that room, Bluebeard leaves.  Soon, however, cur...

Over the course of the past few weeks of watching various horror films from the 1930's and 1940's, I have come to appreciate the films of Bela Lugosi.  I have also come to appreciate the fact that he's often the best part of the film. Brides have been dying at the altar... only to have their bodies stolen shortly afterwards.  Patricia Hunter- the society columnist for a small newspaper believes that a rare orchid worn by the victims can lead her to the killer.  The orchids lead her to Dr. Lorenz and his beautiful, but spiteful wife.  Soon Hunter and the local physician, Dr. Foster find themselves nearing the dark and deadly secret of the Lorenz household... This may not be one of Bela Lugosi's better films... but it's still enjoyable to watch simple because of him. Luana Walters wasn't bad as the society columnist.  She was witty, confident with a bit of sass, and beautiful.  But all that was kinda ruined by her ultimately winding up as the sexist "da...

This is one of those films that I reviewed on Facebook a couple of years ago- and gave it a harsher review than it deserved on first viewing.  For it's flaws, this early zombie film isn't all THAT bad. While searching for a missing Admiral during World War II, Bill Summers, his pilot, and his valet are caught in a storm and are low on fuel.  Their only chance of survival is to follow a weak radio signal and crash land on a s small island in the Caribbean.  What they will discover there is beyond their belief as they confront, the King of the Zombies ...  Originally, Monogram Pictures tried to get Bela Lugosi to  star in this movie as Dr. Miklos Sangre (sangre is Spanish for "blood" just so you know), but he was unable.  Since they weren't able to get Peter Lorre as their second choice, the role went to Henry Victor- who signed just before filming began.  " King of the Zombies " was released just before the US entered World War II on the side of th...

  I reviewed this movie a couple of years ago on Facebook, and gave it a two star (out of five) rating.  Revisiting this film again for this review, I feel I was a little harsh- and found more to enjoy about it.   The members of the wealthy Heath and Morton families are being killed.  The only clues are bite and claw marks... and a strange scent.  Henry Laden- a reporter, and his photographer "One Shot" McGuire must figure this case out before "The Devil Bat" claims another victim... " The Devil Bat " is a horror/comedy produced by Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC)- which was considered to be part of the "poverty row studios" of the time.  PRC was well known for quickly filmed movies that cost little, and had plenty of humour.  This movie was actually their first venture into the horror genre. Even though it's classified as a horror/comedy, the comedy isn't as overwhelming as in others- such as the rather disappointing, " The ...

  I recently finished an excursion through the horror films of the 1930's.  I ended that trip with a deplorable comedy/horror movie called, " The Gorilla ".  When I saw that the first movie on my list for the 1940's was called, " The Ape ," I wasn't exactly enthused. Suffering from the loss of his own family due to polio, Dr. Adrian is determined to cure a young woman... but to do this, he requires human spinal fluid.  The escape of a circus ape gives him the opportunity to get what he needs... while the towns people blame the ape... As I said, after my experience watching, " The Gorilla ," I wasn't exactly holding out much hope for " The Ape ".  The fact that it starred Boris Karloff helped to raise my enthusiasm. There is some decent camera work in this film that allow for interesting plays of shadow.  The angles aren't exactly innovative, but they're still effective at framing the action.  The opening- announcing the...

Horror and comedy often go together- sometimes successfully... and sometimes not so much. During a rash of killings by someone calling themselves, "The Gorilla," Walter Stevens receives a death threat from the killer.  For protection, he hires a group of three bumbling detectives to protect himself.  Secret passage ways, an escaped gorilla, and a strange butler soon complicate the case... and put their client at risk. .. Not only am I a fan of older horror films, but I'm also a fan of old comedies.  Laurel and Hardy, The Three Stooges, The Marx Brothers,  and Abbot and Costello especially.  This film is the first time I'd heard of The Ritz Brothers (who play the three bumbling detectives), and I was hoping for the same type of charm and lightness of humour that I enjoyed from the other groups. Unfortunately, even though I smiled once or twice at their antics, I didn't really laugh, or feel entertained by them.  Instead, I just felt like I'd seen the s...