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.
THE BABADOOK
This Australian gem focuses on a widow struggling to take care of her hyperactive son. Things take a turn for the worse when they discover a creepy children's book featuring a creature called The Babadook, a creature that soon seems all too real.
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| I hope your children don't like to sleep. You might want to forget about it too. |
The film stands out because it is genuinely creepy, does not rely on cheap jump scares, and features an amazing performance by Essie Davis. She really carries the movie, showing a wide range of emotions as she slowly loses her sanity. On the other hand, prepare to be annoyed by her son.
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| "Leave me alone!...... Maybe take my son? But then leave me alone!" |
The ending was a little over the top, and might be confusing to some. However, (this is a bit of a SPOILER) if you look at the film as a metaphor for the widow's struggles with her own dark thoughts, then it actually makes a lot of sense. The more I thought about it, the more I liked it. Either way, this is definitely a must-watch for horror fans.
TUCKER & DALE vs. EVIL
Now this is a fun one to watch. Tucker and Dale are just two good ol' boys on vacation in the backwoods when a group of college kids mistake them for murderous hillbillies.
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| This isn't what it looks like. It really isn't. |
Hilarity ensues, and often at the expense of the stupid college kids. You can't help but root for their demise as they hilariously kill themselves.
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| Oh, those silly college kids. Always throwing themselves into wood chippers. |
If you are looking for a great horror comedy, this is one to watch. Turning the killer hillbilly trope on its head, Tucker & Dale vs. Evil is a fun film throughout.
STARRY EYES
This is one disturbing film, with a star-making performance by Alexandra Essoe. The story revolves around a waitress/aspiring actress just trying to make it in Hollywood. But how far will she go to become a star? Very far.
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| "I'm ready for my close-up!" |
This is another great horror film that does not rely on cheap jump scares. It is a character study that builds slowly and does not pull punches. It can be hard to watch at times, but that is part of what makes it stand out. Give it a look if you think you can handle it.
IT FOLLOWS
This one has a very unique idea. The story revolves around a teenage girl who has sex with her boyfriend, but soon learns that in doing so, he passed a fatal curse to her. That's right... a sexually transmitted curse! Now she is being followed by a supernatural force that only she can see. It is an entity that can look like a friend, family member, or stranger. While it is slow-moving, it is relentless in its pursuit.
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| Is that a sweet old lady walking ever so sloooowly towards you? RUN!! |
This film also features one of the best soundtracks I have heard for a horror movie in a long time. It has an 80s feel to it, which might make you feel like you are watching an older film if not for the presence of some modern accoutrements.
This is an intense movie. Yet another terrific film on this list that does not rely on jump scares. Make this a priority on your horror movie to-do list.
DEAD SNOW: RED vs. DEAD
Another great horror comedy. This is the sequel to 2009's Dead Snow, a low-budget but fun Norwegian zombie flick.
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| "Do you know why I pulled you over?" |
The sequel begins where the last film left off. The sole survivor of the previous movie, Martin, is suspected of killing his friends, since the police don't buy the Nazi zombie army story. Things are looking bad for our hero, but at least the doctors were able to reattach the arm that he lost in the first film..... except that it's not his arm. It's the arm of the Nazi zombie leader, Herzog. This arm has a mind of its own, which leads to some hilariously dark comedy, but it also has some nice perks.
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| "This ought to even the odds!....." |
As funny as it is, the film is also full of gore and fast-paced action reminiscent of a Sam Raimi film. In fact, the movie feels like a love letter to Sam Raimi in all the best ways. There is also the presence of Daniel, a war museum employee who is definitely not gay, the Zombie Squad, a "professional" group of zombie hunters who make dead things.... deader, and a zombie sidekick who just can't seem to catch a break. There is just a lot to love.
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| "......maybe not." |
If you like Evil Dead and Army of Darkness, this one is a no-brainer. Even if you don't, this is one of the better horror comedies out there. Watch it now!
That's it for my Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun and be safe. Happy Halloween!
