The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!


MIDSOMMAR

This horror film follows a couple who travel to Sweden to visit a friend's rural hometown during a rare midsummer festival. What begins as an idyllic summer retreat soon takes a disturbing turn.

When I found out Popeyes ran out of their chicken sandwich.

This film was written and directed by Ari Aster who also wrote and directed last year's critically acclaimed Hereditary. While not as scary, this film definitely still stands out thanks to great acting and a layered story. Where Hereditary was all about loss and grief, Midsommar is all about relationships. Aster takes this theme to an unnerving place but it is a journey worth taking. I highly recommend this film. I will have to keep my eye out for more from this writer/director.


US

This film centers on a family of four as they arrive at their summer home in Santa Cruz. However, the family is soon attacked by four strangers who shortly reveal themselves to be the family's dopplegangers.

"I said I don't want your scout cookies!"

Written and directed by Jordan Peele (Get Out), this film starts out as a simple home invasion but quickly becomes much more. Peele introduces a new kind of monster with its own mythology and meaning behind it. The acting is also top notch with Lupita Nyong'o (Black Panther, 12 Years a Slave) starring. This is definitely a must-watch for horror fans.


OUIJA: ORIGIN OF EVIL

The prequel to the 2014 horror movie Ouija, this film is centered on a family that runs a seance business. The widowed mother decides to bring in a Ouija board as a new prop but she soon regrets that mistake. Things take a turn for the worse when the youngest daughter builds an especially close bond with the board.

I know... I'm shocked a Ouija movie ended up good too.

Directed by Mike Flanagan (Hush, Oculus, The Haunting of Hill House), whose praises I have sung on previous blog entries, this prequel is way better than the original movie. The youngest daughter shows she has acting chops and this film is genuinely creepy throughout. I admittedly got chills a few times. Maybe don't watch it if you plan on going to sleep soon after but this is another must-see for horror fans.


BRIGHTBURN

This horror movie follows familiar comic book style tropes, focusing on a young alien boy adopted by a couple in a small town. As the boy nears puberty, a power begins to manifest within him as well as a darkness. Can anyone stop a super boy gone wrong?

You're pretty much done if you see this little guy.

Directed by David Yarovesky (The Hive), this film does not quite live up to the premise. More could have been done on the horror side of things but this is an interesting take on the Superman set up, and one fans of both horror and comics may enjoy. Give this one a look.


PET SEMATARY

A remake of the 1989 classic, and based on a Stephen King novel, this film follows a family that just moved into a small rural town in Maine from the big city. The family soon discovers a mysterious burial ground where the dead come back to life but sometimes... dead is better.

"Sometimes the original is better."

Directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer (Starry Eyes), I was disappointed with how flat this movie came off at times. The film definitely has its good points though and there are some creepy moments. The story also takes a different direction than the original. If you are curious, it may be worth a watch. However, I cannot help but feel that would be time better spent just watching the original movie or reading the book.


SWAMP THING

I often plug TV series on here and this is a really cool one for comic book and horror fans. The 10-episode first season follows CDC researcher Abby Arcane as she investigates a bizarre and deadly swamp-borne virus in her childhood home of Marais, Louisiana. Abby develops a bond with scientist Alec Holland but tragedy strikes. Alec seemingly dies but is soon transformed into the Swamp Thing.

Swamp Thing himself is simultaneously both scary and badass.

Based on the comic book of the same name, and executive produced by James Wan (Insidious, The Conjuring, Aquaman), this series thankfully leans heavy into its horror roots with gory special effects. This gives the show something to make it stand out. In addition, the characters are likable and the story is intriguing. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled before the first season even finished due to cost issues. Hopefully someone can pick it up but the first season is worth watching if you like comic books and horror. The series is currently available only on the DC Universe app.


That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!


THE CONJURING 2

This is the sequel to the film that introduced us to the possessed doll Annabelle, which got its own spinoff. Like the first film, the story revolves around real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren. This time they try to help a family in London who believe they are haunted by malicious spirits.

Hey, I didn't know Marilyn Manson was in this!

The film is masterfully directed by James Wan, who also directed The Conjuring, Saw, and Insidious. Wan has a way of building up tension and scaring his audience even when it is obvious something is going to happen. Basically, if James Wan is attached to direct a horror movie, I would make it a point to watch it. This is a must-see for horror fans.


THE WITCH

This gem is a period piece based in 1630 New England. The story follows a family that is plagued by witchcraft, causing a rift within the family as the members begin to blame each other.

"That'll learn 'em to bust my tomater."

This one is a slow burn, so some people may not have the patience to sit through this to get to the payoff. But if you do, you will be treated to some amazing acting and some standout cinematography. This is a thought-provoking film and well worth a shot. Writer/director Robert Eggers made an impressive debut with this one. Give it a watch.


HUSH

This is a home invasion film with the twist that the protagonist is a deaf mute. This adds an extra challenge to the heroine since she can't hear the masked man stalking her. It also shows how great the film is to be able to be so engaging with so little dialogue throughout.

"Oh, a guest? He looks nice!"

The film is directed by Mike Flanagan who also worked on Oculus, a great psychological horror film I recommended in the past. He also directed Ouija: Origin of Evil, a film I have yet to see but is getting a lot of great buzz. Mike Flanagan is clearly leaving his mark in the horror genre. Give this one a look.


HELLRAISER III: HELL ON EARTH

I am a big fan of the original Hellraiser, and the sequel was a worthy but flawed followup. This film is not quite as good those two films.

Could be worse. You could...... nah this is as bad as it gets. Enjoy eternal suffering!

This sequel sees Pinhead released on Earth to cause havoc. It's up to an investigative reporter to send Pinhead and his minions back to Hell. Unfortunately, some of the new Cenobites are a little lame.

Meet Camerahead!..... Let's just pretend he never existed.

There is a scene where Pinhead lets loose and kills a bunch of people in a bar. It is kind of cool if you like wanton destruction. But it does feel a little small-scale considering the film is called Hell on Earth. The movie should feel bigger, but never gets there.

If you really want more Pinhead, this is harmless enough. Otherwise, it's pretty skippable.


THE ABCs of DEATH

This is a horror comedy anthology that takes us through the alphabet. There are 26 tales all shown in alphabetical order including A is for Apocalypse, B is for Bigfoot, and so on and so forth. Unfortunately the quality of these shorts are very uneven. There are some truly bad shorts such as F is for Fart.

I'm not.

The film is made up of shorts from directors all over the world who were given complete creative control. Maybe too much creative control because the good is far outweighed by the tasteless and disgusting. Some shorts will leave you wondering what the director was thinking.

What am I even watching?!

If you like movies made in bad taste, maybe you will enjoy this. A lot of it is difficult to watch, and downright embarrassing at times. For most of you, I cannot recommend this. There are far better anthology films to watch.


TRICK 'r TREAT

Now this is a horror comedy anthology I can get behind. Unlike most anthologies, this film follows several characters in a little town whose lives are all intertwined. The film also introduces us to my favorite new horror mascot, Sam.

"I just want some candy..... honest!"

Written and directed by Michael Dougherty, the film excels mostly because it is the focused creative vision of one person. The stories are interwoven and play off each other in a smart manner. This is a fun film for sure. Make this a priority if you want to watch a good horror flick.


THE INVITATION

This is another slow build but it is an easier watch for most people compared to The Witch. The story follows a man who is invited to attend a dinner party by his ex-wife and her new husband. Soon, he begins to suspect that everyone in attendance is in grave danger.

"I'm not worried... I just suffer from resting suspicious face."

I won't spoil the ending, but the film gets incredibly intense once it reaches its climax. The payoff is well worth the buildup. Definitely put this on your to-do list.


HOUSEBOUND

This is a New Zealand horror comedy that revolves around a woman under house arrest at her estranged mother's house. Hilarity and spiritual hijinks ensue. One of the funnier elements in the film is Amos the security guard who is also an amateur parapsychologist.

"Let me handle this. I've read some books!"

The best thing about this film is that it somehow manages to balance the comedy and horror elements so well, which is very difficult to do. The film is tense when it needs to be, but somehow manages to make you laugh the next moment, and vice versa. It is masterfully done. This is one to watch if you want some levity with your horror.


GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)

I decided to give this one a chance since I love the original movie so much. How does it stack up? I was pleasantly surprised how entertaining this film is. The dialogue is incredibly funny at times.

I was crying from laughter at this scene.

However, as funny as it is, I couldn't help but feel this didn't have to be a Ghostbusters movie. The best comedy almost always came from scenes that had nothing to do with busting ghosts. The fight scenes near the climax were silly and, unlike the original, the film never feels scary.

Furthermore, the main villain is lame. And while the ghosts are well designed, they look too cartoony. This is partly because all the ghosts have so much bright, colorful halos surrounding their bodies.

Cool ghost design. Maybe just dial back the bright blue a little bit.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining film. It might not be as good as the original, but it is better than the sequel and worth a look if you can get past any preconceived notions. Give it a chance when you're ready.


That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and stay safe. Happy Halloween!

Annabelle - First Full Trailer

Everyone's favorite creepy doll stars in the first full trailer for Annabelle!

That last part was quite chilling. Here is a story summary courtesy of IMDb:

"John Form has found the perfect gift for his expectant wife, Mia - a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a pure white wedding dress. But Mia's delight with Annabelle doesn't last long. On one horrific night, their home is invaded by members of a satanic cult, who violently attack the couple. Spilled blood and terror are not all they leave behind. The cultists have conjured an entity so malevolent that nothing they did will compare to the sinister conduit to the damned that is now... Annabelle."

Annabelle will arrive in US theaters on October 3rd.

Annabelle - First Teaser Trailer

The creepy doll from The Conjuring returns in the first teaser trailer for Annabelle! Who needs sleep anymore?

James Wan, the director of the original film, is producing this spinoff, which is based on a true story and takes place before the events of The Conjuring. The film will be directed by John R. Leonetti, who served as cinematographer on some of Wan's films.

The movie stars Annabelle Wallis, Alfre Woodard, Tony Amendola, Eric Ladin, Brian Howe, and Ward Horton.

Annabelle will be released in US theaters on October 3rd.