The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special 2022

Hi everyone. Welcome to my Halloween Movie Special!

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

Let's begin!

HELLRAISER (2022)

Surprisingly released straight to Hulu, this reboot follows a young woman struggling with addiction. She soon finds herself in possession of the ancient puzzle box known as the Lament Configuration, unaware that its purpose is to summon the dreaded Cenobites.

Directed by David Bruckner (The Ritual, VHS), this new version of Hellraiser tries some new things and sets up some new rules. For example, solving the Lament Configuration alone isn't enough to be sent to Hell. The puzzle box now hides a blade which will doom whomever is cut regardless of who solved it. Unfortunately, this resulted in the movie devolving into a slasher flick at times but it was still an interesting change. There are other changes to the rules but I am not sure the film quite follows them all as it appears to break them at times.

Another change is the Cenobites no longer wear leather. Instead, they appear to wear their own mutilated flesh as clothes. The Cenobites are as scary as ever and Jamie Clayton is amazing as the new Pinhead. She did her own interpretation and knocked it out of the park.

Jamie Clayton kills it as Pinhead... Bad pun not intended.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this take on the Clive Barker classic despite its flaws. It felt like the story had a message. It shows what addiction can do to someone as they take down those around them, including loved ones. If you enjoyed the original film, I suggest giving this one a try.

X

Set in 1979, a small cast and crew set out to make an adult film on an elderly couple's property in rural Texas. But the filmmakers soon find themselves fighting for their lives.

I think I downloaded the wrong adult film.

Directed by Ti West (The Sacrament), this is a fun homage to 70's slasher flicks like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The film also features standout performances by Mia Goth and Jenna Ortega.

X was just released this year and a followup called Pearl was already released in theaters to great reviews. I have yet to see it but based on what I saw from X, I look forward to checking Pearl out as well.

THE BLACK PHONE

A 13-year-old boy is kidnapped and held prisoner in a soundproof basement by a sadistic masked killer. However, the boy soon finds out he can communicate with the murderer's previous victims through a disconnected phone on the wall. Will they be able to help the boy escape?

"Who wants to see the back of my van?"

Directed by Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange, Sinister), and based on a short story of the same name by Joe Hill, this was an intense thriller and one of my favorite horror films this year. Ethan Hawke is super creepy as the masked antagonist. The film will have you on the edge of your seat while you root for the protagonist to escape. Highly recommended.

NOPE

This sci-fi horror movie follows two horse-wrangling siblings as they attempt to capture evidence of an unidentified flying object. But what is it exactly they are trying to capture?

What exactly is going on here? An abduction? Do you really want to know?.... Nope.

This is another great horror film from director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us). What I enjoy about Peele's films is how layered they are. I can also tell he is a fan of The Twilight Zone since his films often feel like they were inspired by the old sci-fi show. If you liked his previous films then this is an easy one to recommend.

BARBARIAN

A young woman books a rental home but discovers it was somehow booked at the same time by a strange man. Against her better judgement, the young lady decides to stay anyway. But she soon learns things are not how they seem at this creepy house.

This might just be my favorite horror film this year. I do not want to give anything away but the film kind of changes genre in the middle of it, and yet it continues to throw twists at the viewer as the story moves along.

Justin Long plays one of the most detestable characters in the film but also has some of the funniest scenes.

Writer/director Zach Cregger clearly took a lot of risks with this film. It has some of the tropes you expect from a horror movie but also eschews the typical formulas audiences have come to expect. That might be polarizing to some but I think that it mostly works in this case. It is a surprising and entertaining film. A stand out among horror movies. It is also available on streaming platforms right now. I think this is one of those movies that is best watched knowing as little as possible, and even better when watching it with a group of people. So go find some friends and make this a priority.

WEREWOLF BY NIGHT

This Disney+ MCU special follows a group of deadly hunters who convene following the death of their leader. The attendees are then instructed to participate in a deadly competition to determine a new leader, and for possession of a powerful artifact.

The titular Werewolf by Night is just one of the new characters introduced to the MCU

I was really surprised by this special. You wouldn't think a good horror film would debut on Disney+ taking place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but here we are. The great thing is you do not need any knowledge of the MCU to enjoy it. This short film is under an hour but serves as an homage to classic Universal monster movies. It isn't scary but the film is surprisingly bloody and gory. It is all done in black and white, which may be why they can get away with it.

This was a fun special and my only criticism is that I want to see more of these characters. Here's hoping we'll see them in future MCU releases.

PREY

This is another film I am surprised went straight to Hulu as it could have made a lot of money in theaters. The story follows a Comanche warrior who finds herself having to protect her people from a highly evolved alien predator.

Taking place in 1719, Prey is the fifth entry in the Predator film franchise and a prequel to the previous four films. This movie features the Feral Predator with a much more primitive look.

He's ugly even for the Yautja (the name of the Predator race).

This is the best Predator film in a long time. It does follow somewhat of a slasher flick formula but it is so well done and unique with the setting and characters. My only small gripe is that it was filmed mostly in English but I can understand why they did that. I recommend watching this film with the Comanche dub. It's just more immersive that way. Big thumbs up for this one.

ANNIHILATION

A biologist and former soldier joins a dangerous expedition into a mysterious zone where the normal laws of nature do not apply.

Directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Men) and based on the novel of the same name, this sci-fi horror story has some Lovecraftian elements similar to the film Color Out of Space (which is an adaptation of a Lovecraft story). Both films focus on a mysterious, extraterrestrial force that lands on Earth and begins to warp reality around it. It is like a horrific infection that cannot be contained.

Annihilation features imagery that is both beautiful and horrific.

I think this film is a little more cerebral than most horror movies as it explores challenging themes but that is why I love it. This is a film that makes you think and you may be wondering what exactly you experienced by the film's end. This film also has a great cast featuring Natalie Portman (Black Swan, Leon: The Professional) and Oscar Isaac (Ex Machina, Inside Llewyn Davis) so check this film out now.

THE MIDNIGHT CLUB

The latest Netflix offering from Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush) centers on a group of eight terminally ill young adults who live in at a mysterious manor and gather at midnight to tell scary stories.

Based on the Christopher Pike novel of the same name, despite the setting lending itself to an anthology series, this is not that kind of show. There are central mysteries the characters explore within the manor, and the stories they tell mainly serve as a form of character development. The club members often put themselves into the stories they tell, making the stories more of an extension of who they really are and what they have experienced.

The Midnight Club getting ready to "make ghosts" by telling their stories.

I went into this show thinking it was a limited series like all of Flanagan's previous Netflix shows like Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Bly Manor. However, the story ends with some story threads left unfinished and some mysteries unexplained. I was disappointed at first but then I found out that Flanagan meant for this to have multiple seasons. I am hoping that happens but a second season has not yet been announced.

Ultimately, this show was not very scary but features strong characters like most of Flanagan's previous efforts. This first season (and maybe last) offers an emotional journey that happens to have a lot of jump scares. Give this show a chance and maybe we will get that second season. The Midnight Club is streaming on Netflix now.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just don't solve any puzzle boxes if you don't know where they came from. Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to my annual Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween (and with covid-19 still around, that may be a good idea), here are some films and TV series you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

SQUID GAME

This super popular Netflix Korean drama series features hundreds of contestants competing in children's games for a large sum of cash. But they have to stake their lives to win.

Don't play games with this guy.

This 9-episode show is popular for a reason. It features a layered story with superb acting, memorable characters, and class themes such as those found in movies like Parasite and Snowpiercer. Even the titular squid game can be dissected to represent class struggle. The story leaves enough open for a second season but I honestly feel like the show would still feel complete if that never happens. There are spoilers everywhere online so definitely make this one a priority if you somehow have not yet seen it.

MALIGNANT

A woman named Madison has terrifying visions of grisly murders, but she soon learns that these visions are all too real.

"Hello, police? I'd like to report a murder only I can see in my head.... Hello?"

Directed by one of my favorite horror directors, James Wan (Saw, The Conjuring, Insidious), Malignant is something very different from Wan's previous horror films. It feels more like an homage to B-movies with the frantic violence of a Sam Raimi film like Evil Dead, and this movie gets incredibly violent. There is a big twist that I will not spoil but once you get there, the gory action turns up several notches. The twist is ridiculous, and the movie feels like it was made as a bad movie on purpose, but somehow it still works. My only critique is that since the premise is so bizarre that Wan should have made this more of a horror comedy. It takes itself maybe a little too seriously but Wan is so good that this movie still ends up very entertaining. Give this one a chance.

MIDNIGHT MASS

This Netflix limited series takes place in an isolated town on a small island where a mysterious, charismatic priest arrives, bringing miracles and hope with him. As expected, not all is as it seems.

The priest means well but you know what they say about good intentions.

This show is the latest offering from creator/director Mike Flanagan (Oculus, Gerald's Game, Hush). While not as scary as Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House, or as emotional as his follow-up The Haunting of Bly Manor, Midnight Mass instead offers a slow burn that builds up to a horrific climax. It features strong acting and a topical, layered story showing the potential terror resulting from misplaced faith. Another great show from Mike Flanagan.

ALICE IN BORDERLAND

This Netflix series follows an aimless gamer and his friends as they are transported to a strange, empty version of Tokyo, Japan where they are forced to play sadistic games just to survive.

"Does Tokyo sound a little quiet to you guys?"

Based on the manga of the same name, Alice in Borderland is yet another show featuring games with lives on the line but it also stands out for its creativity. It kind of feels like Saw meets Squid Game. Part of the fun is the characters figuring out the rules of the games because they are not always straightforward. Another thing I enjoyed about this show is that it feels like a live acton manga with the kind of tropes and story beats you would expect, especially once the story arc reaches its climax. A second season has been confirmed and I hope they are able to keep the quality of the show up. This might be one of the better manga adaptations around so definitely check this one out.

PSYCHO GOREMAN

Two siblings inadvertently resurrect an ancient alien overlord but then force him to do their childish biddings by using a magical amulet. However, this soon draws the attention of intergalactic assassins from around the universe.

This little girl is almost as big a psycho as Psycho Goreman himself.

Directed by Steven Kostanski (The Void), this film is a campy, gory love letter to 80s horror movies. It feels like a cross between E.T. and The Toxic Avenger. It's cheesy, it's violent, it's absurd, and it's very funny at times. I also love how the film uses so many practical effects. The downside is the little girl is incredibly annoying, and some of the jokes fall flat, but overall this is an entertaining, over-the-top movie that does not take itself seriously at all. This will not be for everyone but if my description caught your attention then this may be for you.

AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

A family wakes up on Christmas Day to find their house surrounded by a mysterious substance, followed by the TV set displaying a simple message: "Stay Indoors and Await Further Instructions". As the TV begins to give orders, the situation escalates. How far will this family go to follow these orders?

Sick nose ring, bro.

This is a great sci-fi horror film reminiscent of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. It takes a dark satirical look at topical themes such as xenophobia and media-driven paranoia. Some of these themes may be too on the nose but that does not detract too much from the film. Give this a watch if you are a fan of science fiction style parables.

CANDYMAN (2021)

An artist looking for inspiration explores the history of the Candyman, but his sanity soon begins to unravel as he unwittingly unleashes a deluge of violence.

Be his victim.... Wait, who the hell is that?!

Directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and DaCosta, this reboot/sequel is a followup to the old movies but also expands on the mythos with some mixed results that I think mostly works. It is difficult to outdo the original film's slow burn and psychological terror, so they went in a different direction. For example, the racial undertones of the original film are replaced with overt racial themes. Moreover, the Candyman's motivations in the original film are more mysterious, which is part of what makes it so scary. Without giving anything away, Candyman's purpose is much clearer in this film, although the film contradicts this purpose at least once. This clearer purpose also makes this sequel less scary. Despite that, I still enjoyed this film and it has an important message to tell. Some may not like the new direction but overall the new film is a worthy sequel.

BATTLE ROYALE

In near-future Japan, the government passes the BR Act to curb rising juvenile delinquency. A class of 9th graders learns what that means when they are captured and forced to fight to the death on an island in the annual Battle Royale.

There are no winners in the Battle Royale. Only survivors.

I would be remiss if I talked about Squid Game and Alice in Borderland without also talking about their source of inspiration. Battle Royale is a highly influential film based on the novel of the same name. It has been a while since I had seen this film but it still holds up incredibly well. In fact, I think my appreciation for it has only grown over time. The interesting characters, the horrors of the situation, and the question of "What would you do?" really pull the viewer in. This is a film that has often been imitated but it is still one of the best around. Definitely give new shows like Squid Game a watch but go out of your way to watch this classic.

That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. Thank you for reading! I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Just maybe don't play any games with strangers in the subways, OK? Happy Halloween!

The Doctor's Deluxe Halloween Movie Special

Welcome to the deluxe edition of my annual Halloween Movie Special!

Every year in October, I enjoy spending some of my free time watching horror movies and sometimes TV series. So if you are planning on staying in for Halloween (and with covid-19, a lot of us don't have much of a choice), here are some films and TV series you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK

This horror film follows a group of kids in a small town who make the erroneous decision to enter a local derelict mansion. They soon stumble onto a book of scary stories written by a tortured young woman who lived there. But these stories soon become all too real.

Produced by Guillermo del Toro and based on the popular anthology book of the same name, this movie does a decent job of weaving in some of the well known stories and monsters from the book within the main story of the film. The best thing about the movie is that the monsters actually look like they do in the book, which is no small feet considering the creepy art.

It's ok... I'm sure she just wants a hug.

This is still a kids movie (PG-13) but manages to be genuinely scary throughout while never taking it too far. It is not a bloody or gory movie though there is a little body horror. If you are a fan of the old books, you should find this enjoyable.

ONE CUT OF THE DEAD

A hack director and his small crew set out to shoot a low budget zombie flick in an abandoned WWII Japanese facility. But the crew is soon attacked by real zombies, and it's all captured in one take.

Little do they know what awaits them...

This horror comedy really surprised me in the best way possible. The movie is not exactly what it purports to be but I won't spoil it for you here. It ruins the film knowing the twist. Just know that the movie is not over when you see the first credits roll, which happens after a 40 minute take. Keep watching the rest of the movie and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. This film has instantly become one of my favorite horror movies of all time, and it only becomes more enjoyable when I share it with others who end up loving the film. It's funny, inspiring, and it just makes you feel good. If you only watch one movie this Halloween, make it this one.

TURBO KID

A teenage comic book fan takes up the guise of his favorite super hero in order to save his new friend from a brutal overlord in the post-apocalyptic wasteland of... 1997?

This is how we dress after covid-19 is finally over in the far-flung future of... 1997.

Dripping with an 80s aesthetic, Turbo Kid feels like a cross between a Saturday morning cartoon and Mad Max except everyone rides around on bikes. It's absurd but it's highly entertaining. It's also surprisingly gory, which is sometimes used for comedic effect. I would love to see more movies like this. If this sounds like your kind of flick, I highly recommend you check it out.

There is also a really cool short video prequel to the movie. It does give you an idea on what to expect from the film but I think it makes more sense if you watch the movie first so maybe wait to watch it.

THE INVISIBLE MAN

A woman escapes an abusive relationship with a wealthy optics engineer who later commits suicide. However, the woman soon finds herself stalked by a dangerous invisible figure.

"Please! You can't make me watch The Mummy!"

Produced by Blumhouse, this is a reboot of the classic Universal monster and the results are much better than I could have hoped. This is a surprisingly scary movie with great acting and cool special effects. Despite being a reboot of a classic, the story feels fresh. I would love to see Universal do something similar with their other classic monsters. This is one of the best new horror movies of 2020. Check this one out.

READY OR NOT

A woman marries the man of her dreams at his family's luxurious mansion but her wedding day takes a turn for the worse when she is forced to take part in a deadly game of hide and seek.

Not a family I would want to marry into.

Starring Samara Weaving as the newlywed bride, this is a fun horror comedy with a great premise, funny characters, and a satisfying ending. I can't help but feel like I would like to see a sequel or even a prequel. There are a lot of interesting directions the story could take from here and the background to the story is intriguing. The characters especially stand out so I would love to see them featured again. More movies in this universe please.

HOST

Six friends decide they want to contact the dead during lockdown so they attempt a seance over Zoom. Unfortunately, the girls do not get the results they desire.

When someone goes to the restroom and forgets to turn off their camera.

Filmed entirely during quarantine, this is a short but clever horror film that is also very topical. The acting is great and there are plenty of scares. This is also one of the best horror films to come out this year. With a runtime of only 57 minutes, I think you can squeeze this one into your schedule. It is a Shudder exclusive but you can get a free trial on Prime Video right now so check it out if you can.

THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR

A young woman takes the job of an au pair for two orphaned children at Bly Manor but she soon begins to see apparitions that haunt the premises.

You could not pay me to step foot in this creepy room.

Loosely based on the Henry James novel The Turn of the Screw, this Netflix series is creator Mike Flanagan's followup to The Haunting of Hill House, though there is no connection between the stories. The acting is superb, the characters are all very deep, and the atmosphere is creepy. However, this new story is not terrifying like Hill House was. But do not let that stop you from watching this 9-episode series. The finale is gut-wrenching and it earns the emotional ending. Well worth it watching through this series. I highly recommend it.

WHO'S WATCHING OLIVER

A mentally unstable loner is pushed by his overbearing mum to go on a killing spree while on vacation. Desperate to escape a life thrust onto him, things turn for the better when he meets the beautiful Sophia.

Just the usual story of serial killer meets girl.

This indie film was a surprise. It's gory and hard to watch at times but it's ultimately a love story following survivors of abuse. Russell Geoffrey Bank does a great job as the titular character. Oliver does horrifying things to the women he rapes and murders but you can't help but want to root for him to escape. It is worth a watch if you can get past some of the subject matter.

COLOR OUT OF SPACE

When a strange meteorite lands near their home, the Gardner Family soon find themselves contending with a terrifying organism that begins to infect the land they live on as well as their bodies and minds.

Sick look for a rave.

Loosely based on the H.P. Lovecraft story of the same name, this film is filled with the kinds of imagery and themes you expect: body horror, strange amorphous creatures, and people going insane. The film also stars Nicolas Cage who hams it up but it works for this crazy movie. This film is a bizarre technicolor trip and it builds to an insane finale, and I loved it. For the uninitiated, Lovecraft stories have inspired some of the best horror films such as The Thing, Evil Dead, and Event Horizon. This has become one of my favorite new horror movies.

IT CHAPTER 2

The Losers Club comes back to Derry, Maine 27 years later when they learn the terrifying Pennywise has returned.

Aw... he just wants to play.

While the first film was a coming of age story, the sequel is about coming back home to face your demons. This film also has a great cast including James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain but Bill Hader really steals the movie with his lines and entertaining delivery. Unfortunately, this movie is not as scary as its predecessor. However, Bill Skarsgård is still amazing as Pennywise and it is still entertaining to see such a great monster on screen even if not as scary this time around. This is ultimately a disappointing follow up to the first film but still worth a watch for the great characters.

MANDY

A loving couple lead a peaceful life in the Pacific Northwest. That peace is soon shattered by a satanic cult, leaving only a man filled with vengeance in his heart.

You got a little something on yo... you know what? Never mind.

Starring Nicolas Cage, this film was produced by the same people who made Color Out of Space. It was also inspired by the works of Lovecraft and shares the same bizarre technicolor aesthetic as the other film. The difference is this is a revenge movie where the protagonist must battle a hellish cult. The film is trippy and gory, and Nicolas Cage really hams it up again but it really works well for these films. I highly recommend giving this a watch.

DOCTOR SLEEP

Struggling with alcoholism, Dan Torrance is all grown up and still traumatized by the sinister events that took place at the Overlook Hotel so long ago. Dan meets a young girl named Abra who is also gifted with the "shining". But they soon find themselves having to battle a mysterious group of psychic vampires called the True Knot.

The twins at the Overlook Hotel are still super creepy.

Based on the Stephen King book of the same name and directed by Mike Flanagan, this is the sequel to The Shining. The True Knot are an interesting group of villains and I appreciate someone finally doing a movie with psychic vampires. However, this film is not really scary at all, which is disappointing since the director is known for making such great horror films like Hush, Oculus, and Ouija: Origin of Evil. That said, it is still creepy at times and I enjoyed the movie overall. I still recommend watching it just don't expect it to be scary.

MAYHEM

Attorney Derek Cho is unjustly fired from his job but his day gets worse when a dangerous virus that brings out people's worst impulses breaks out in his corporate law office complex, resulting in violence and chaos. Infected and trapped in the quarantined building, Derek must now fight for his job and his life.

Surviving in this office requires a new skillset.

Starring Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead) and Samara Weaving (Ready or Not), this is a bloody but cathartic movie that is a mix of action, comedy, and horror. Derek teams up with a former client named Melanie Cross (Weaving) so they can work their way up the building and settle their scores with the executives at the top. My main critique is that it could have played up the titular mayhem more. It doesn't feel quite as chaotic as I thought it would but it is still an enjoyable film with a bit of a message to go with it.

DEVIL

A group of five strangers get stuck on an elevator but a mysterious force soon begins to terrorize them.

The horror... no masks or social distancing.

Written and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, I braced for the worst but this was actually a decent horror movie. There are some parts that just felt like the writers were holding the audience's hands to explain things in a rather heavy-handed way but the premise is an interesting idea, and I enjoyed the movie overall. I think the pros outweigh the cons in this one.

Z

An eight-year-old boy's imaginary friend "Z" begins to terrorize his family.

He's just expressing himself through art.

This is a small film with a very simple premise and an effective one at that. Imaginary friends are supposed to be normal but what happens when it manifests into something terrifying? This movie has some interesting twists, a creepy soundtrack, and it is genuinely scary. Sometimes simple stories are better.

ASH VS EVIL DEAD

Bruce Campbell is back as Ash Williams who has spent nearly 30 years avoiding responsibility, maturity, and the horrors born of the Necronomicon. However, the Deadites are back and now the prophesied hero Ash must team up with new friends to stand a chance against the Evil Dead.

Groovy.

If you are a fan of the Evil Dead movies then this show is for you. It features the bloody action and slapstick gore you remember. Meet new friends like Pablo and Kelly who help Ash fight off the Deadites. There are new types of enemies for Ash to contend with too as the series expands the mythology introduced in the movies. Unfortunately, the series was canceled after three seasons but what you have in those seasons is satisfying for fans.

That's it for the deluxe edition of my annual Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all have fun this year and stay safe. Maybe next year we can just watch horror movies instead of also living in one. 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!


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. I am a little late this year but if you would like to keep Halloween going in November, here are some films you might want to check out.

Let's begin!

RAW

This French-Belgian horror film follows a young vegetarian named Justine who begins her first semester at veterinary school. During a hazing ritual, Justine reluctantly eats raw meat for the first time. The former vegetarian soon finds herself craving not just meat, but human flesh.

I may have to go vegetarian for a while after watching this.

At its core, the film is a coming of age story about a young woman who also happens to have an insatiable hunger for flesh. It is a unique and stand out horror film, which is not easy to pull off nowadays. The film also received critical acclaim for Julia Ducournau's direction and screenplay. This is one to watch.


THE VOID

This film follows a police officer and a small group of people who are trapped in a hospital when they are surrounded by mysterious hooded figures. Events turn for the worse when the group is attacked by grotesque monsters. They soon discover the hospital may house something far more sinister than they could have ever imagined.

"You might want to get that checked."

Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, this movie is a love letter to 80s horror films like The Thing. It has body horror and some great practical effects. If you are a fan of these things, check this movie out. It is not perfect, but it has quickly become one of my favorite horror movies to rewatch during Halloween time.


HEREDITARY

This film follows the Graham family as they deal with the death of their matriarch. The family soon find themselves haunted. But with mental illness running in the family, how can they tell what is real? The truth is the family may have inherited a far more sinister fate.

Same.

Written and directed by Ari Aster, this film received critical acclaim, with an exceptional performance by actress Toni Collette. The story is incredibly layered and slowly builds to a crescendo. I highly recommend this film.


A DARK SONG

This psychological gem follows a grieving mother and an occultist as they perform a ritual to contact the dead. Unfortunately, things do not quite go as planned.

What could go wrong?

Like Hereditary, this film is a slow burn but also a rewarding experience. A Dark Song offers an unsettling atmosphere that digs into your mind and stays with you even after the credits have rolled. The film also has some surprisingly beautiful scenes and a positive message amidst the horror.

Enjoy it while it lasts.

Written and directed by Liam Gavin, check this movie out for something different.


THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE

OK this is a Netflix series and not a movie, but this is a must watch for fans of horror. The 10-episode first season follows the Crain family as they recall their time as children at the haunted Hill House. Now adults, the family is forced to face the ghosts of their past.

Just a typical day for the Crain family.

Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name, the series was created and directed by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Oculus, Hush, and Gerald's Game. All films I have recommended in my blog in the past. Basically, if Flanagan directed it, give it a look.

"So... whose turn is it to sleep on the couch?"

This series features a genuinely scary and layered story with some standout acting as well. It really delves into who these people are and has some strong characterizations. The best way to describe it is a horror version of This Is Us. Go binge it... now.


That's it for my annual Halloween Movie Special. I hope you all had fun this year. Happy Belated 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!


GERALD'S GAME

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, this is a psychological horror film that follows a woman that gets a little kinky with her husband in a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Her husband decides he wants to handcuff her to the bedpost. However, he soon suffers a heart attack, leaving his wife to fend for herself while she begins hearing voices and having strange visions.

Finally.... Someone is here to help.

This movie stands out thanks to the great acting by Carla Gugino (Watchmen, Sin City), who has to carry an entire movie about a woman handcuffed to a bed. This is also thanks to the masterful directing by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Hush and Oculus, two horror films I have praised in the past. Flanagan has definitely made me take notice with his quality of films. I will definitely keep an eye out for more from this director.


THE SACRAMENT

This found footage horror film follows two journalists who document their friend's journey to find his missing sister at Eden Parish, a utopian religious community. Of course, all is not what it seems.

"Behave and I'll let you have some punch."

It takes some time to build to it, but the climax goes all out with the protagonists in a race to escape with their lives. Part of what makes this film so effective is that it is based on the real events of the Jonestown Massacre of 1978. It is a reminder that some of the biggest monsters are just regular people like you and me.


ILL - THE RITUAL

This little gem is a foreign film entirely in Russian, but do not let that stop you from checking it out. The story revolves around two sisters. After their mother passes away from an illness, the younger sister becomes gravely ill. The older sister seeks help from a parish priest and soon finds a way to combat the illness by diving into her sister's subconscious in order to find what is really making her sick.

That thing crawling from the tree is a whole lot of NOPE.

Unfortunately, this film did not come off as very scary, but it has other strengths. In particular, the visuals are stunning. Every time the film delved into the subconscious mind, I could not pull my eyes away. It is best described as a surreal landscape that is both grotesque yet beautiful in its own way. Definitely give this one a shot. Films like this need more love.


CREEP

This is a found footage film that follows a videographer who answers a Craigslist ad for a one-day shoot in a remote town. As you can expect, the guy who ran the ad is not exactly as he appears.

Nope... Nothing creepy to see here. Just keep moving right al-*runs away*

This might not sound like the most original film, but it is very well executed. The acting is good, and the director does a great job at building tension throughout until the climax. This is worth a view for sure.


IT

Another film based on a Stephen King novel, this is a newer take on an old favorite. And I was pleasantly surprised how good this new iteration was. The story revolves around a group of kids who band together to fight a shape-shifting monster who emerges every 27 years to prey on children.

As if you needed another reason to hate clowns.

The child actors are really talented and the movie does not pull any punches when it comes to the scares. This is a genuinely frightening film with Bill Skarsgård excelling as the terrifying Pennywise. The story really pulls you in and makes you root for the children. You always feel like they are in real danger that could come at any minute. This is a must watch for horror fans.


WES CRAVEN'S NEW NIGHTMARE

After they decided to kill off Freddy, where could the studios go? They decided to go a little "meta" with this film. Actress Heather Langenkamp (A Nightmare on Elm Street, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors) plays herself in this film, which takes place in the "real world" where the horror franchise is still popular despite Freddy dying in the last flick. But Heather has been receiving some weird prank calls, and she soon begins experiencing some odd dreams as well. But are they really dreams?

Freddy looks decidedly more demonic, and somehow more frightening than ever.

I was really surprised with this film. There is less gore than the average Freddy movie, but it is a lot more psychological, and in some ways more frightening. It does get a little silly at times but it is done tongue-in-cheek. This film really smart, and almost feels like a cross between Candyman and a regular Nightmare movie. This film comes highly recommended. Especially if you have already watched all the other films in the series. This might just be the best Nightmare.


GET OUT

Written and directed by Jordan Peele, this film revolves around an African American man who decides it is time to go meet his white girlfriend's parents out in their secluded estate in the woods. Thankfully, his girlfriend's parents are quite accommodating. Almost too accommodating. At first, the young man thinks the parents are just overcompensating because he is black and they want to be accepting. However, say it with me now.... all is not how it seems.

When you accidentally delete a song on your playlist and can't remember which one.

This film is another standout this year with superb acting by Daniel Kaluuya (Broken Mirror) and sharp writing and directing from Peele. The film is quite funny, but still scary when it needs to be, and also quite thought-provoking. This is another must-watch for horror fans.


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