This is sounding more and more like one of those "fool me once..." instances. Let's hope not.
So it seems there was enough of us that went to go see Paranormal activity 2 (I'm guilty) that people thought they'd make a third. I myself wasn't crazy about 2 (I thought that it took away from some of the mysteriousness of the first, and as well relied on some of the same gimmicks). But with all the explaining out of the way, maybe we can get back to scary. What will they have to offer when we already know how it all ends? I thought the trailer didn't offer much but remain somewhat hopeful. This is sounding more and more like one of those "fool me once..." instances. Let's hope not.
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From sophisticated and concrete to disturbing and abstract. Below are movies that I would recommend. All of which are considered to be, at least in part, horror. 1) Eyes Without a Face Or the French “Les Yeux sans visage” represents the Horror you may have missed that is somewhat more sophisticated and concrete. It is filled with moral dilemma and questions of how far one would go for someone they love. What is beauty? What does it mean to be disfigured? These thoughts and questions amongst others are likely to generate conversation from this movie’s followers, encouraging a meaningful afterthought not generally common to many entries in the genre. Be warned though, the tempo is different than that of modern day horror stories and this 1960 flick is in French. That aside it’s a classic that has influenced the horror genre. 2) House on Haunted Hill A personal favourite and a remake of the 1959 movie of the same name starring Vincent price. If you haven’t seen it already and are one for the concept of a horror story within the confines of an insane asylum then this one may be for you – there are few places scarier. It’s fairly straight forward in premise, where a birthday practical joke gets hijacked by… well… you’ll see. You’ll be sure to get a good eye full of bizarre imagery that has some likelihood to stay with you – at least a little. 3) The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original) This 1974 masterpiece spawned several follow ups people are usually much better acquainted with. While the original piece is older, it’s every bit as tense –especially a certain chase scene. While what was considered to be boundary pushing content of its time will be lost on the horror hardened viewer of today, it’s still an awesome flick to be watching late at night with the lights turned out. If you haven’t met the family or seen Leather face yet and are open to the look of an older movie, this one is a solid watch. 4) The Birds This 1963 piece is an Alfred Hitchcock movie and an excellent one at that. The atmosphere and tension is superb. The Concept is simple but interesting and leaves much to the imagination. As is with some of the other suggestions in this list, some might complain of the dated looks of this movie. While some may opt to wait and see if the rumoured re-make comes to be, I would urge you to at least visit with the original. The only unfortunate thing you will find is that a copy can be hard to obtain. Watching this piece might well ignite a curiosity about Hitchcock’s work. A curiosity I might suggest to pursue. “Vertigo”, “rear window” and “north by northwest” are great movies. As well, who can forget to name “psycho”. At the very least, this gem is a great piece of work and something that might make you think differently about the title creatures... Those shifty animals. 5) The Changeling Not the Angelina Jolie flick. This 1980 ghost story is something I don’t hear too many people talk about. Not because it wasn’t good but because many haven’t heard about it. I myself had reservations about this work but let me tell you, I was pretty impressed. If you’re in the mood for a story with a little uneasiness up front then full on vengefulness as pay out, then this may be the ticket. Watch for when the movie gets it’s “the ring” on. There is an interesting similarity. Watch this and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 6) Repulsion Repulsion, Roman Polanski’s first English movie and first entry into his unofficial apartment trilogy (including “Rosemary’s baby” and “the tenant”) marks the turn of this list into the area of horror that is more entangled with processes of the mind. The Tempo of this movie is slower, easing the viewer into a psychotic break. The lead role of bewildered but blunted Carole is played wonderfully by Catherine Deneuve. Watch for the scene where she hears noises outside the barricaded doors to her room – very tense. I’ve seen it in its beautiful black and white. While this may be an issue for some, it is definitely worth a watch. 7) A Tale of Two Sisters Here comes some confusion... And it only just begins with this entry to the list. While a more complex story may be a put off for some, I might suggest embracing this puzzle as entertaining and rewarding to try and solve. At the very least, it’s a spooky movie and a fine piece reminiscent of J-Horror (Japanese Horror). Fair warning: If you’re looking to watch it in English, only subtitles are available. That aside, prepare yourself for something you may have to watch over to catch all the important bits – it’s a good thing. Keep an eye out for the scene with the bloody bag. Unsettling to be sure, it does remind one of a similar bag in the Takashi Miike flick “audition” (also another good watch). 8) Jacob’s Ladder Now here is a great piece of psychological horror. Enter the lead, Tim Robbins into a confusing and disturbing nightmare. One that has influenced the subgenre of psychological horror, in particular an exercise in the video gaming world known as silent hill. Though there have been some fascinating entries into the psychological horror type before it (arguably The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (which is probably first and foremost an important piece of German Expressionism)), this piece is outstanding in embracing its uniqueness. This movie heralds a step into the darker and more abstract end of horror you may not have seen. If you enjoy this area (“a tale of two sisters” to “Jacob’s ladder) out in the periphery of the genre than it’s likely you might also enjoy “The machinist”. In Jacob’s ladder, watch out for the scene where he is being wheeled out on the gurney with the loose wheel... an excellent touch! 9) Eraserhead David Lynch. While I’ve only just included this piece in my list, I would also recommend many other works of his. This includes the acclaimed “Mulholland drive”, the awesome but frustrating “lost highways”, the fascinating “blue velvet” and the great “twin peaks” series. To be sure, David lynch has a style all of his own. Eraserhead is more in the extreme in his bizarre works. If you’re not thinking you’ll head much farther down this list then past repulsion then it’s probably a better idea that you start with “twin peaks” as a subtle introduction to lynch’s flavour. If doing it that way would be the equivalent of dipping your feet into the waters of a pool and slowly going in, then starting at Eraserhead would be the clean dive into the deep end. If you love concrete. This piece will frustrate you. If the thought of bizarre and even disgusting imagery bothers you, then don’t bother watching this movie. That aside, if you’re into something different and want to have your mind rocked, then pop this movie in and take a look. Make sure to also subject your friends to it! 10) Begotten
This is the end of the line. Here is a flick that some would find so repulsive that they might wonder why I would even want to put it on a list for others to know about. Well here’s the reason. I watched it, not knowing what I was getting into and feel like I have to share some of the trauma. I generally would not advise anyone to watch this movie before first having watched Eraser head (if they even dare), just to make sure they could handle the images portrayed in this movie. That aside, this piece is more than just extremely off-putting; it’s a metaphor and a vehicle that can ignite discussion. It can be seen as artsy, some might even call it important (though you might have to research more on movie insight because I dare say its intricateness is not entirely evident on the first sit through). If anything else, you won’t be able to shake the experience for some time. If any of the above interest you, you can click on the pictures for a link to amazon for more information. What are other horror movies that are worth a watch that others may have missed? Enjoy So here it is: It looks good but seems all too familiar. I suppose though that it has been near 10 years since the spider man with Tobey Maquire came out. n really, these days the gap between an original blockbuster (or really any movie) and a remake seem smaller and smaller.
The cast has some promise, but will the movie offer up enough freshness to engage audiences in a new spider man experience? At the very least, it looks like something to keep an eye out for. No plans this week end? Want to curl up to a good movie but don’t know what to watch? Let me suggest something for you... This week end, pick up: “Back to the Future” Haven’t seen it? Great Scott! This gem from 1985 was and still is something of a big deal. Michael J. Fox plays the lead, Marty Mcfly perfectly. Add to that a zany Christopher Lloyd performance and the technical genius of director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, The Polar Express and A Christmas Carol) and you’ve got a spiffy and fast time traveling DeLorean type movie that’ll leave flaming wheel marks in your movie room by the flicks end.
Embark, even if unsure into the adventure and discover as Marty does how interesting time travel can be and what implications there are for a traveller in interacting with people of the past. Ever wonder how things were well... way back when? Like maybe how dear ol mom and dad were? No? Maybe Marty neither; that is until he actually meets up with his young parents in situations that are not only funny, odd and even unsettling, but also somewhat deep and fascinating. Add to that trying to get back home all the while worrying about the fate of an old friend. It’s an excellent exercise in time travel. Seen it before? Well, maybe it’s time you go back – back to back to the future that is! I recently saw the Trilogy on Blue ray at Wall Mart – 15$ (Canada, N.B.).It looks magnificent on the BD (that’s how I’d recommend you watch it). It’s likely too that you’ll find this at your local movie rental store. Best part is, as I mentioned, it’s a trilogy – 2 and 3 are both a great watch too. Just remember: “Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one” Cry Baby gets a 7/10. It’s a fun time, but it may not be for everyone. This offbeat parody of high school movies and social division may be most suitable for those looking for a light hearted and different type musical. It’s the type of movie I think might have a cult following somewhere. If nothing else, it’s a decent watch when it comes on on T.V.
It has some moments of funny. Mostly because it’s absurd. I mean... come on...you see Johny Depp (cry baby), in a full on face shot with a single cried tear multiple times during the movie. Revisit the struggle of two lovers from different sides of the tracks (in this case a “drape” and a “square”) and you’re in for some entertainment. While some may say it’s kinda lame, it also has some appeal and even something about it that some will love. Oh and watch out for the somewhat offputting French kissing scene at the dance.Yum. -Josh Animal house gets a 7/10. Both fun and funny it’s a classic college movie, but one I’d say has lost some of its humour because of newer movies that share (and/or steal) the same type jokes. You won’t have to worry about thinking “this is something I’ve seen before” too hard or for too long though cause the flick has a pretty solid set up with its own unique and even at times goofball flavour.
Check out the frat houses and college hijinks in “animal house” and you’ll be pleased you did. Definitely watch it for John Belushi’s performance. Also, the soundtrack was pretty good for its time. -Josh For those interested in an older black and white movie, "make way for tomorow" is a pretty good romantic movie about love in the later years of life. Apparently, Orson Welles was quoted as having said of the movie that "It would make a stone cry". If you can't find it on netflix, for rent or at a store, you can pick it up on youtube! If you watch it, tell me what you think.
-Josh I remember my first DVD, Resident Evil, which I obtained with saved money for a good while before we even owned a DVD player.
While I admit my reasons for movie collecting was more for competitive reasons at the time, I can now say that my reasons have evolved with time. In general, reasons can vary from collector to collector, whether it’s pride in owning a tight collection of nostalgic movies, to gathering a library for friends and family, to the simple pleasure in the pursuit of movie discovery and ownership. As well, you might collect for the thrill of the hunt and excitement in striking a good bargain. Whatever the reason, the collector is often times looking for ways to expand their collection, to rearrange, catalogue or showcase it. Come back to this blog every now and again for some suggestions On expanding your collections. Damn, is it hard to find a great movie these days or what? It feels like maybe 1 out of every 20 movies I check out is an 8.5/10 or higher and that’s with being pretty selective with movie viewing. And Ah! The feeling of experiencing an excellent movie... There’s something simply in the search for one. Here are some of the resources I’ve used in trying to find excellent movies. 1) Google Rotten tomatoes or Metacritic and navigate the website to find their list of all time top movies. 2) Take a look at the American film institute’s list of top movies. 3) Search Amazon.com/.ca for movies you like to find out what other’s bought and liked. Have Amazon generate suggestions to follow up on. 4) Visit your local bookstore or library for books on movies. A particularly helpful book I recommend is the “1001 movies you must see before you die” book. 5) Google “movies like [insert your favourite movie name]” for suggestions on other movies that might be of interest. 6) Google top 100, 25 or 10 list for suggestions of other people’s “top” lists. 7) Ask what peoples favourites are on a social networking site (like facebook). Friends that are into movies might have excellent suggestions or might be able to provide you a more personalised suggestion. 8) Chat up the local movie store clerk to see if they might have some suggestions 9) Visit your local movie sale stores like HMV or Future shop. They sometimes have sales on popular and must watch movies. At HMV they have “best of the best” markers on particularly great movies. 10) Consider expanding your collection by getting movies with the same great actors and directors or by interesting themes. Search for their work and for lists on IMDB. Also Google their best works. 11) Consider the awards a movie has received like Oscars or the accolades from the Sundance festival for example. Also note, there are some great movies in award runner ups. 12) Visit “Studio Canal” or the “criterion collection” on the internet. Though pricey, their collections generally comprise solid movies. The packaging and presentation is excellent. The websites are informative. 13) Visit YouTube for suggestions from other collectors. 14) Check out Trailers online, on DVD’s, blue rays or VHS’s for ideas for potentially great movies. 15) Consider movies that have a cult following. 16) Keep an open mind and consider movies you might not normally watch. 17) Explore older movies from recent old releases straight through to silent movies. 18) Keep an eye out for movies some consider to be hidden gems. Don’t be afraid to at least try a no-namer from time to time. 19) Talk and share your experiences with the movies. Explore movie supplements. This can add depth to a movie and transform one into an excellent movie. As well, it might bring on suggestions from someone about a movie you might really enjoy. 20) Visit your local pawn shops for classics you might have difficulty finding elsewhere. 21) Cross verify your findings with information you’ve gathered, or cross verified that others have enjoyed a certain movie using the internet or asking friends 22) Consider reviews but remember that they might not always be in keeping with your tastes. Roger Ebert has a section on “great movies” on his websites. 23) Visit eBay for other classics you may have a hard time trying to find. 24) Keep an eye out for movie sales, sometimes the weirdest places will have them and because people seldom check those places, sometimes you can get great deals 25) Take a look for Classic and great movies at garage sales or on Kijiji. Any other suggestions? Annie Hall, in my opinion, gets a 7/10. Diane keaton was very charming while Woody Allen was hilarious! I thought though that there was some spark missing on the level of their relationship together. pretty good movie. Am sure to watch some more woody allen to see what else he has in store.
-Josh |
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