This ends our Halloween Horror Month with Movie Tawk.
November will bring more movie tawk with family films in honor of Thanksgiving.
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| The Wagner Jack-O-Lantern |
Hope you all had a fantastic and spooky October!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Halloween - 1978
Movie Review by Liz Berry Wagner
"It's Halloween; everyone's entitled to a good scare." - quote by Sheriff Leigh Brackett, Halloween
What can I say? “Halloween” is in the best of the best group in the horror-film genre. It has all the right ingredients to scare the crap out of you. It’s campy enough to be almost laughable at times and scary enough to make you jump out of your seat. When it was first released in 1978 by a young John Carpenter (as a little Indie film with a budget of about $300,000), movie-goers were in for a real Halloween treat.
Following in her mother’s footsteps as a scream-queen, Jamie Lee Curtis (in her first movie role) was picture-perfect as Laurie Strode - the nerdy, goody-two-shoes babysitter who ends up in a tête-à-tête with the infamous, maniacal killer - Michael Myers.
It starts out on Halloween night (of course!) in 1963, in the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois, where trick-or-treaters are wandering the happy, suburban streets, clad in costumes and masks. Jack-O-Lanterns are on every porch. Young Michael Myers, in his plastic, child’s Halloween mask (and seemingly in some sort of trance), enters his house, climbs the stairs to a bedroom above and stabs his older sister to death for no apparent reason.
So, there’s a scary start. Love it!
The story jumps forward in time to fifteen years later in 1978 and once again it is… yes – you guessed it – Halloween - and the grown-up Michael Myers (played by Nick Castle and by far the best Michael Myers) is in a mental institution, apparently in a catatonic state, having been devoid of emotions for the past 15 years. Donald Pleasence is marvelous as the intense and driven Dr. Loomis, the psychiatrist in charge of Michael’s medical care and who has deemed him unfit for release into society – ever. To Dr. Loomis, Michael Myers is far more dangerous than a sociopath or a psychopath; Michael Myers is evil incarnate. He is a monster.
But, as is predictable in this story, Michael Myers escapes from the mental institution, steals a car and heads back to his home town of Haddonfield – the site of the grisly murder of his sister. How he has learned to drive a car and how he even knows how to get to Haddonfield after being locked up in an institution since he was a 6 year-old boy, is something we ignore.
Laurie Strode is unnerved when she first spots the very creepy Michael, who now dons a very creepy Halloween mask, standing outside her classroom window while she is at school. For some reason, he seems to be fixated on her. (There’s a back story here but we don’t find out all the details until the 1981 sequel, Halloween II, is released. But no matter, one does not need to know the back story to appreciate this film; on its own, this film is enough to make your heart jump out of your chest). Later, when she is walking home from school with her rather insensitive and obnoxious gal pals, she spots the masked-Michael once again, staring her down from behind a hedge. He disappears from sight before her girlfriends see him. Oh, geez, he is one terrifying dude.
Later, Laurie and her friend Annie are both babysitting some neighborhood kids. Annie is the local Sheriff’s daughter and she is a spoiled, wise-cracking bad girl who would rather spend time making out with her boyfriend than babysitting; so she unloads her babysitting responsibility on Laurie, who agrees to take care of little Lindsey in addition Tommy Doyle, for whom she is already babysitting.
There are some heart-thumping, skin-crawling scenes of Michael Myers’ ghost-like image appearing in the shadows, tilting his head to the side (just that gesture alone will make you wet your pants!) as he watches Annie in the laundry room, washing her blouse, and later, during her fatal encounter with him in her car.
Another teenage couple shows up at the house where Annie is supposed to be babysitting but no one is at home. They soon discover that Annie has dumped the kid with Laurie so they decide to stay and fool around. From here on in, there is non-stop terror while Michael Myers runs amok.
Meanwhile, Dr. Loomis is frantically trying to track down his patient, knowing for sure that Michael is on a quest to return to his hometown and get revenge. He joins forces with the local police to hunt for the deranged Michael Myers before he kills again.
In the end, Laurie Strode must protect herself and the children in her charge. She must take on the evil -and seemingly indestructible Michael Myers - all on her own. You go, girl!
"Was it the bogeyman?"
Thrills and chills and a good amount of gruesome gore abound in this “mother” of the modern slasher-flick. John Carpenter’s direction and his unforgettable, spine-chilling music score make this an all-time favorite for horror movie fans.
It just wouldn’t be Halloween without watching “Halloween”.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
MOVIE TRIVIA!
Did you know...?
...that Stanley Kubrick considered both Robert De Niro and Robin Williams for the role of Jack Torrence in "The Shining"? He decided against them because after watching “Taxi Driver”, he did not think Robert De Niro was psychotic enough for the role and after seeing “Mork & Mindy”, he thought that Robin Williams was too psychotic!
Stephen King, who wrote “The Shining”, tried to talk Kubrick out of casting Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrence. Instead, he suggested that Michael Moriarity or Jon Voight play the lead because he felt that watching either of these normal-looking men gradually descend into madness would have immensely improved the dramatic thrust of the story line.
Hmmmm…..what do you think? Can you imagine “The Shining” without the infamous Jack Nicholson in the lead role?
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| Heeere's Johnny! |
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Other - 1972
Movie review by Liz Berry Wagner
“It is best to avoid the beginnings of evil.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
I watched this 1972 gem of a movie tonight. I had forgotten about this brilliant psychological thriller until I saw it was on TCM tonight. I immediately turned it on.
The story takes place on a Connecticut farm that actually looks like it is in California; but who cares; this film has so much to offer. It is an intriguing and extremely disturbing story of good and evil twins-Niles and Holland Perry - and it is one bone-chilling movie. There is no blood and gore but the images in this film are eerie and scary and downright wicked.
The twins have an unusual relationship with their grandmother who teaches them how to play the “game”. In this game, they are taught to have out-of-body experiences and transport themselves where they can “see” and “feel” things that no one else can see or feel. There are quite a few unexplained horrible deaths in this story and we are led to believe that the "evil" twin, Holland, is causing people to die. Meanwhile, Niles, the "good" twin is trying to figure it all out. Things get out of hand and the grandmother feels responsible for the twins’ behavior.
There are some unexpected twists and turns in this film and the ending is a pure shocker that leaves your blood cold. The acting in this film is outstanding and it is skillfully directed by Robert Mulligan of “To Kill a Mockingbird” fame. The story is based on the book by Tom Tyron, who also happened to write the screenplay. There is a nod to “The Bad Seed” (1956), another terrific evil-child story.
This may not be a well-known film in the horror genre but it should be. It is incredibly terrifying. A absolute must-see if you get the chance!
Lizzie's Rating: 5 bowls of popcorn
Lizzie's Rating: 5 bowls of popcorn
Thursday, October 27, 2011
MOVIE TRIVIA!
THEN and NOW
Did you know that these now-famous actors had their movie star beginnings in HORROR?
CAN YOU MATCH THE ACTOR TO THE MOVIE?
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| Brad Pitt |
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| Johnny Depp |
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| Jamie Lee Curtis |
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| Rene Zellweger |
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| Demi Moore |
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| Kevin Bacon |
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| Drew Barrymore |
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| Jennifer Anniston |
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| Sissy Spacek |
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| Ben Affleck CAN YOU MATCH THE MOVIE TO THE ACTOR?
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011
The Hills Have Eyes - 2006
Movie Review written by Lynne Campisi-Thomas
"The Lucky Ones Die First." ~ tagline for "The Hills Have Eyes"
It was like a bad train wreck - I couldn't bring myself to look away; I could not change the channel! Yes, I watched the gratuitously violent, cannibalistic remake of "The Hills Have Eyes". This gory horror-fest was remade in 2006 (original was in 1977) and I honestly don't know why they bothered - once was surely enough. Still, I watched the whole movie.
It begins with the entire Carter family setting out on vacation, with their big, Gulfstream trailer in tow. The cast includes the mom, Ethel, (played by veteran Kathleen Quinlan), the dad, Bob (Tim Levine), their eldest daughter, Lynne (Vanessa Shaw), her husband Doug (Aaron Stranford) and their baby. Also along for the ride are two teenagers, Bobby (Dan Bradford) and sister Brenda (Emile de Ravin) and last but not least, the family's two trusty German Shepherds, Beauty and Beast.
All seems right in the world until the family stops for gas at a lonely, decrepit old gas station where they are met by a bizarre gas station attendant, who seems intent on terrorizing the unsuspecting family. They fill up their gas tank and head off in seemingly the right direction......when something goes terribly wrong.
Bob (Dad) has followed the directions given by the gas station attendant so how could they now be stuck out in the middle of a vast New Mexico desert with nothing and no one in sight for miles on end? Of course, their cell phones are dead and they are not able to call for help. So, the confident dad and son-in-law head out in opposite directions in search of some assistance. The two German Shepherds have also run off, exploring the desert and appear to be in pursuit of something unseen and unknown. OH NO! That's a bad sign right there!
Bobby, the teenage boy, frantically runs after the two dogs, sensing that something is not right and worries there is some hidden danger awaiting them. Boy, is he right! He follows the dogs up into the stark and barren hills and lo and behold (big surprise!) he finds one of his beloved Shepherds ripped to shreds and what looks like its insides eaten out! Yikes! Something is terribly wrong in this desert.
And then we see it: a deformed, human-like creature peering out from behind the hills (thus the title of the movie...) at Bobby and his surviving Shepherd. Meanwhile, the women and baby remain inside the trailer and decide to get some rest. Oh, yes, good idea; with the two big, strong men off in the middle of nowhere searching for help and teenage Bobby off in the creepy hills with the dogs, who were obviously chasing some unknown danger - it's a great time to catch a few zees....don'tcha think?
As Bob heads back to the creepy gas station with the bizarre attendant who sent them in the wrong direction to begin with (another great idea!), Doug heads up into the hills (the one with the 'eyes', remember ? Uh-oh!) to see if he can find some help there. First, we see Bob enter the gas station, which now appears to be abandoned. He hears music playing and there is an eerie feeling of something sinister in the air. Tacked on the walls are old newspaper articles about nuclear test sites, deformed children and total horror. Suddenly, out of the darkness, comes some kind of creature that grabs Bob, brutally beats him and then drags him out the door.....
Cut to the next scene and Doug stumbles upon a vast dumping ground of abandoned cars filled with fishing poles, coolers, children's toys ....what appear to be people's vacation items. "Oh, here's a brand, new stuffed teddy bear," thinks Doug; "I think I will take this back to my baby!" Hmmmm.....does Doug really think this is a good time to do a little toy shopping?
While the men are still out trying to find rescue help, all hell breaks loose back at the trailer. Two of the grotesque creatures have decided to terrorize the rest of the family and total mayhem ensues. BEWARE! This is a a graphically violent scene and Director Alexandre Aja spares the audience nothing. He does, however, do a masterful job of conveying the fight between good and evil. The trailer rocks with violence and screams and blood is everywhere! Ultimately, the ghoulish creatures manage to grab the baby and run off into the hills with the frantic family in pursuit. I won't go any further and spoil the rest of the movie for you....
Alexandre Aja (with the help of horror guru Wes Craven, who produces this film) seems to accomplish what slasher-horror film directors set out to do: freak out their audience.
Although the hills have eyes....you may need blinders to watch!
Lynnie's Rating: 1 bowl of popcorn
Lizzie's Rating: 1 bowl of popcorn
"The Lucky Ones Die First." ~ tagline for "The Hills Have Eyes"
It was like a bad train wreck - I couldn't bring myself to look away; I could not change the channel! Yes, I watched the gratuitously violent, cannibalistic remake of "The Hills Have Eyes". This gory horror-fest was remade in 2006 (original was in 1977) and I honestly don't know why they bothered - once was surely enough. Still, I watched the whole movie.
It begins with the entire Carter family setting out on vacation, with their big, Gulfstream trailer in tow. The cast includes the mom, Ethel, (played by veteran Kathleen Quinlan), the dad, Bob (Tim Levine), their eldest daughter, Lynne (Vanessa Shaw), her husband Doug (Aaron Stranford) and their baby. Also along for the ride are two teenagers, Bobby (Dan Bradford) and sister Brenda (Emile de Ravin) and last but not least, the family's two trusty German Shepherds, Beauty and Beast.
All seems right in the world until the family stops for gas at a lonely, decrepit old gas station where they are met by a bizarre gas station attendant, who seems intent on terrorizing the unsuspecting family. They fill up their gas tank and head off in seemingly the right direction......when something goes terribly wrong.
Bob (Dad) has followed the directions given by the gas station attendant so how could they now be stuck out in the middle of a vast New Mexico desert with nothing and no one in sight for miles on end? Of course, their cell phones are dead and they are not able to call for help. So, the confident dad and son-in-law head out in opposite directions in search of some assistance. The two German Shepherds have also run off, exploring the desert and appear to be in pursuit of something unseen and unknown. OH NO! That's a bad sign right there!
Bobby, the teenage boy, frantically runs after the two dogs, sensing that something is not right and worries there is some hidden danger awaiting them. Boy, is he right! He follows the dogs up into the stark and barren hills and lo and behold (big surprise!) he finds one of his beloved Shepherds ripped to shreds and what looks like its insides eaten out! Yikes! Something is terribly wrong in this desert.
And then we see it: a deformed, human-like creature peering out from behind the hills (thus the title of the movie...) at Bobby and his surviving Shepherd. Meanwhile, the women and baby remain inside the trailer and decide to get some rest. Oh, yes, good idea; with the two big, strong men off in the middle of nowhere searching for help and teenage Bobby off in the creepy hills with the dogs, who were obviously chasing some unknown danger - it's a great time to catch a few zees....don'tcha think?
As Bob heads back to the creepy gas station with the bizarre attendant who sent them in the wrong direction to begin with (another great idea!), Doug heads up into the hills (the one with the 'eyes', remember ? Uh-oh!) to see if he can find some help there. First, we see Bob enter the gas station, which now appears to be abandoned. He hears music playing and there is an eerie feeling of something sinister in the air. Tacked on the walls are old newspaper articles about nuclear test sites, deformed children and total horror. Suddenly, out of the darkness, comes some kind of creature that grabs Bob, brutally beats him and then drags him out the door.....
Cut to the next scene and Doug stumbles upon a vast dumping ground of abandoned cars filled with fishing poles, coolers, children's toys ....what appear to be people's vacation items. "Oh, here's a brand, new stuffed teddy bear," thinks Doug; "I think I will take this back to my baby!" Hmmmm.....does Doug really think this is a good time to do a little toy shopping?
While the men are still out trying to find rescue help, all hell breaks loose back at the trailer. Two of the grotesque creatures have decided to terrorize the rest of the family and total mayhem ensues. BEWARE! This is a a graphically violent scene and Director Alexandre Aja spares the audience nothing. He does, however, do a masterful job of conveying the fight between good and evil. The trailer rocks with violence and screams and blood is everywhere! Ultimately, the ghoulish creatures manage to grab the baby and run off into the hills with the frantic family in pursuit. I won't go any further and spoil the rest of the movie for you....
Alexandre Aja (with the help of horror guru Wes Craven, who produces this film) seems to accomplish what slasher-horror film directors set out to do: freak out their audience.
Although the hills have eyes....you may need blinders to watch!
Lynnie's Rating: 1 bowl of popcorn
Lizzie's Rating: 1 bowl of popcorn
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Masked Monsters
Which one is your favorite scary, horror movie monster mask?
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| Michael Myers - "Halloween" |
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| Jason - "Friday the 13th" |
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| Hannibal Lecter - "Silence of the Lambs" |
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| Ghost Face - "Scream" |
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| Leatherface - "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" |
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| Baby Face - "The Hills Run Red" |
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Strangers -2008 (French Version "Ils" - 2006)
Movie review by Liz Berry Wagner
"I'm going to open the door, and I just want you to run. Okay?" ~ James, from the movie "The Strangers"
Yes yes...I did see the French version of the American movie "Strangers'. It was titled "Ils" or "Them" in English. Same story about a young couple, alone in an isolated house where masked strangers invade their home one night and terrorize them for hours on end. And we have no idea why.
What is so creepy about it is that you can imagine that this can really happen. What makes it a "movie" is that these home invaders seem to have supernatural powers - appearing and disappearing as if they are ghosts instead of real life flesh and blood. These masked strangers show up out of nowhere, move about the house unseen and terrorize these poor unsuspecting people from all angles for some unknown reason. We keep waiting to find out why this couple has been targeted......well, don't want to spoil it for you.
This is not a top of the line horror movie but it will drag you to the edge of your seat and make your heart do a few flips. It has a lot of suspenseful moments and will make you hold your breath. It is pretty scary.
Don't watch this flick if you are home alone - it will freak you out.
And if you hear a knock at the door and are not expecting anyone, think twice before you open it.
Lizzie's Rating: 3 bowls of popcorn
Lynnie's Rating: 4 (and a half) bowls of popcorn
"I'm going to open the door, and I just want you to run. Okay?" ~ James, from the movie "The Strangers"
Yes yes...I did see the French version of the American movie "Strangers'. It was titled "Ils" or "Them" in English. Same story about a young couple, alone in an isolated house where masked strangers invade their home one night and terrorize them for hours on end. And we have no idea why.
What is so creepy about it is that you can imagine that this can really happen. What makes it a "movie" is that these home invaders seem to have supernatural powers - appearing and disappearing as if they are ghosts instead of real life flesh and blood. These masked strangers show up out of nowhere, move about the house unseen and terrorize these poor unsuspecting people from all angles for some unknown reason. We keep waiting to find out why this couple has been targeted......well, don't want to spoil it for you.
This is not a top of the line horror movie but it will drag you to the edge of your seat and make your heart do a few flips. It has a lot of suspenseful moments and will make you hold your breath. It is pretty scary.
Don't watch this flick if you are home alone - it will freak you out.
And if you hear a knock at the door and are not expecting anyone, think twice before you open it.
Lizzie's Rating: 3 bowls of popcorn
Lynnie's Rating: 4 (and a half) bowls of popcorn
The Strangers - 2008 (Preview)
Okay - I am sort of "tweeting" now... As we wait for our stuffed chicken to be done roasting in the oven, Brian and I are watching "The Strangers" right now (with Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman) as I write this. So far it is horrifying.........I will write a review on this incredibly scary movie after we watch the whole thing.
I remember seeing something similar to this story in a French movie I saw quite awhile ago and I think it is the same story...only now happening in America. It revolves around a home invasion - which always freaks me out. Oh, my, it is so creepy. I am on the edge of my seat.......
Stay tuned.......
I remember seeing something similar to this story in a French movie I saw quite awhile ago and I think it is the same story...only now happening in America. It revolves around a home invasion - which always freaks me out. Oh, my, it is so creepy. I am on the edge of my seat.......
Stay tuned.......
~ Who are these two recognizable actors who played the ill-fated George and Kathy Lutz in this scary 1979 movie about a haunted house on the South Shore of Long Island?
~ What was the name of the movie?
These memorable lines from the movie were submitted by Brian Hugh Wagner 10/24/2011:
Kathy Lutz: "I just wish that...all those people hadn't died here. I mean...ugh! A guy kills his whole family. Doesn't that bother you?"
George Lutz: "Well, sure, but...houses don't have memories."
OR DO THEY?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
MOVIE TRIVIA!
This memorable movie line came from this 1968 campy, low-budget horror movie. Can you name it?
"They're coming to get you, Barbara!"
Who was the famous director of this cult-classic?
"They're coming to get you, Barbara!"
Who was the famous director of this cult-classic?
Memorable movie quote submitted by Liz Berry Wagner 10/23/2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
The Uninvited - 1944
Movie Review by Lynne Campisi-Thomas
"They call them the haunted shores, these stretches of Devonshire and Cornwall and Ireland which rear up against the westward ocean. Mists gather here...and sea fog...and eerie stories..." ~ quote by Roderick Fitzgerald, The Uninvited
There is an old classic and scary movie that I watch every Halloween. It is called "The Uninvited".
It is done in black and white and is set in the old seacoast town of Devonshire, England. A brother and sister - Roderick and Pamela Fitzgerald - are vacationing and while walking their dog one day, they stumble upon an old mansion situated on the cliffs by the sea. It is a beautiful, yet eerie house. As they approach the mysterious and intriguing dwelling, their dog chases a squirrel through an open window of the house.
Roderick (played by the dignified Ray Milland) and Pamela (played by Ruth Hussey) enter through the front door, albeit a bit reluctantly, in pursuit of their dog. The house seems to be empty and abandoned but Pamela is intrigued and wants to further explore this captivating old house. She is already plotting a way to live there.
In a spooky moment, the dog starts barking at the foot of the large, winding staircase - where it appears there is nothing there to bark at... The brother and sister dismiss it; however, it the foreshadowing of what is yet to come.
Pamela convinces Roderick to look into the possibility of buying the house and moving from their London flat to live there permanently. She sees it as the perfect setting for her brother to compose his music.
When the pair discover the house (called Windward) is for sale, they make an appointment to meet the owner. The owner is an elderly gentleman named Commander Beech (played by Donald Crisp) who seems quite reluctant to sell the house because of the unsettling history of this old house by the sea. Pamela, who is so enchanted with Winward, is adamant and persistent about buying it. They finally agree on a very attractive price and the house is theirs.
Commander Beech's granddaughter Stella (played by Gail Russell) is very upset when she finds out that Windward has been sold as she is unmistakably and emotionally attached to the house. Stella is a beautiful, young woman who had been raised at Windward until the age of three, at which time her mother, Mary, committed suicide. It is clear that Stella's grandfather does not want Stella to be around the house because of the disturbing events of her mother's death. But something keeps drawing her there time and time again. Even at night, she is inexplicably compelled to go to the house with its haunting and alluring mystery.
At first, Pamela settles into the house on her own. Roderick joins her later, accompanied by Stella, with whom he has now become infatuated. That evening, as they are getting ready to retire to bed, Pamela is about to confide something in her brother but then hesitates and tells him it can wait until morning.
As darkness envelops the house. suddenly the sorrowful sound of a crying woman can be heard throughout the mansion halls. Roderick hurries out into the hallway to investigate, where he meets his sister. She tells him that she has heard this sound before and that it happens every night just around the same time. Pamela tells him there is no use trying to find the source - there is nothing there - and assures him that the mournful cries will end by dawn.
The stage is now set for the perfect haunted house movie!
The next day the siblings visit Commander Beech and tell him of the strange happenings at night in Windward and he asks them if they want their money back. They do not; they simply want to understand the history of the house and what took place there. They are told that Windward was a gift he gave to his daughter, Mary Meredith, after she married. Mary lived there with her husband, who was a painter. Everything was wonderful for the couple until a young woman by the name of Carmel arrived to model for Mr. Meredith.
Roderick and Pamela soon come to believe that the house is haunted by the malevolent spirit of Mary Meredith and that she is looking for her daughter, Stella. They discover that Mary's death may not have been by suicide, but by murder - all part of a dark and scandalous love triangle.
Enter the creepy and frightening Miss Holloway (played to a tee by Cornelia Otis Skinner) to the story and the plot thickens. Does Ms. Holloway hold the answers to all the puzzles of Windward's ghostly past? Can Roderick and Pamela solve the mystery and keep Stella safe from harm, while ridding Windward of the evil that seems to lurk there?
"The Uninvited" is a classic horror movie complete with haunting music, subtle lighting and things that go bump in the night...bringing an eerie chill to every scene. There is a refined beauty to the genre of the classic horror film and I highly recommend you rent this one to see for yourself.
Turn down the lamps, light some candles, grab your popcorn and settle in for a spooky and gratifying night at the movies with "The Uninvited".
Lynnie's rating: 5 bowls of popcorn
Lizzie's Rating: 5 bowls of popcorn
"They call them the haunted shores, these stretches of Devonshire and Cornwall and Ireland which rear up against the westward ocean. Mists gather here...and sea fog...and eerie stories..." ~ quote by Roderick Fitzgerald, The Uninvited
There is an old classic and scary movie that I watch every Halloween. It is called "The Uninvited".
It is done in black and white and is set in the old seacoast town of Devonshire, England. A brother and sister - Roderick and Pamela Fitzgerald - are vacationing and while walking their dog one day, they stumble upon an old mansion situated on the cliffs by the sea. It is a beautiful, yet eerie house. As they approach the mysterious and intriguing dwelling, their dog chases a squirrel through an open window of the house.
Roderick (played by the dignified Ray Milland) and Pamela (played by Ruth Hussey) enter through the front door, albeit a bit reluctantly, in pursuit of their dog. The house seems to be empty and abandoned but Pamela is intrigued and wants to further explore this captivating old house. She is already plotting a way to live there.
In a spooky moment, the dog starts barking at the foot of the large, winding staircase - where it appears there is nothing there to bark at... The brother and sister dismiss it; however, it the foreshadowing of what is yet to come.
Pamela convinces Roderick to look into the possibility of buying the house and moving from their London flat to live there permanently. She sees it as the perfect setting for her brother to compose his music.
When the pair discover the house (called Windward) is for sale, they make an appointment to meet the owner. The owner is an elderly gentleman named Commander Beech (played by Donald Crisp) who seems quite reluctant to sell the house because of the unsettling history of this old house by the sea. Pamela, who is so enchanted with Winward, is adamant and persistent about buying it. They finally agree on a very attractive price and the house is theirs.
Commander Beech's granddaughter Stella (played by Gail Russell) is very upset when she finds out that Windward has been sold as she is unmistakably and emotionally attached to the house. Stella is a beautiful, young woman who had been raised at Windward until the age of three, at which time her mother, Mary, committed suicide. It is clear that Stella's grandfather does not want Stella to be around the house because of the disturbing events of her mother's death. But something keeps drawing her there time and time again. Even at night, she is inexplicably compelled to go to the house with its haunting and alluring mystery.
At first, Pamela settles into the house on her own. Roderick joins her later, accompanied by Stella, with whom he has now become infatuated. That evening, as they are getting ready to retire to bed, Pamela is about to confide something in her brother but then hesitates and tells him it can wait until morning.
As darkness envelops the house. suddenly the sorrowful sound of a crying woman can be heard throughout the mansion halls. Roderick hurries out into the hallway to investigate, where he meets his sister. She tells him that she has heard this sound before and that it happens every night just around the same time. Pamela tells him there is no use trying to find the source - there is nothing there - and assures him that the mournful cries will end by dawn.
The stage is now set for the perfect haunted house movie!
The next day the siblings visit Commander Beech and tell him of the strange happenings at night in Windward and he asks them if they want their money back. They do not; they simply want to understand the history of the house and what took place there. They are told that Windward was a gift he gave to his daughter, Mary Meredith, after she married. Mary lived there with her husband, who was a painter. Everything was wonderful for the couple until a young woman by the name of Carmel arrived to model for Mr. Meredith.
Roderick and Pamela soon come to believe that the house is haunted by the malevolent spirit of Mary Meredith and that she is looking for her daughter, Stella. They discover that Mary's death may not have been by suicide, but by murder - all part of a dark and scandalous love triangle.
Enter the creepy and frightening Miss Holloway (played to a tee by Cornelia Otis Skinner) to the story and the plot thickens. Does Ms. Holloway hold the answers to all the puzzles of Windward's ghostly past? Can Roderick and Pamela solve the mystery and keep Stella safe from harm, while ridding Windward of the evil that seems to lurk there?
"The Uninvited" is a classic horror movie complete with haunting music, subtle lighting and things that go bump in the night...bringing an eerie chill to every scene. There is a refined beauty to the genre of the classic horror film and I highly recommend you rent this one to see for yourself.
Turn down the lamps, light some candles, grab your popcorn and settle in for a spooky and gratifying night at the movies with "The Uninvited".
Lynnie's rating: 5 bowls of popcorn
Lizzie's Rating: 5 bowls of popcorn
MOVIE TRIVIA!
From which famous 1984 horror movie is this chilling line uttered?
"Whatever you do, don't fall asleep."
Memorable quote submitted by Lynne Campisi-Thomas 10/22/2011
GHOST STORY - 1981
Movie Review by Liz Berry Wagner
"I will take you places you've never been. I will show you things you have never seen and I will see the life run out of you." ~ quote by Eva in the movie Ghost Story
This frightening ghost story centers on a group of elderly men who have formed an exclusive story-telling group called The Chowder Society. The men meet regularly, sit around a fire in a dark room and share their best ghost stories. Under the surface, however, lies a dark and ghastly secret they all share - a real-life, true ghost story of their own that they dare not speak of.
When one of the Chowder Society member's twin sons dies in a strange and inexplicable accident, the other twin returns home to mourn with his father. That is when a series of horrifying events begin to unfold, forcing the men to come to terms with the shocking and dreadful event that has haunted them for the past 50 years.
I personally love these types of stories. They do not feature masked-maniacs hunting down unsuspecting teenagers and hacking them to death. (Although there are a few really good ones out there in that category!) What this story does provide is a genuine chill-running-down-your-spine sensation that brings you to a terrifying place without ever forcing you to close you eyes. (Well, maybe not for you real scaredy-cats).
A star-studded cast includes Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., John Houseman, Patrica Neal, Jacqueline Brookes, Craig Wasson and Alice Krige. Having a cast with such experienced and talented actors creates a believable and authentic story - making it a worthwhile, scary little gem of a movie!
If you like genuine ghost stories, watch this movie. Based on the novel by the gifted Peter Straub and skillfully directed by John Irvin, this film is one of my top picks in the horror genre.
Lizzie's Rating: 4 bowls of popcorn
Lynnie's Rating: 4 bowls of popcorn
"I will take you places you've never been. I will show you things you have never seen and I will see the life run out of you." ~ quote by Eva in the movie Ghost Story
This frightening ghost story centers on a group of elderly men who have formed an exclusive story-telling group called The Chowder Society. The men meet regularly, sit around a fire in a dark room and share their best ghost stories. Under the surface, however, lies a dark and ghastly secret they all share - a real-life, true ghost story of their own that they dare not speak of.
When one of the Chowder Society member's twin sons dies in a strange and inexplicable accident, the other twin returns home to mourn with his father. That is when a series of horrifying events begin to unfold, forcing the men to come to terms with the shocking and dreadful event that has haunted them for the past 50 years.
I personally love these types of stories. They do not feature masked-maniacs hunting down unsuspecting teenagers and hacking them to death. (Although there are a few really good ones out there in that category!) What this story does provide is a genuine chill-running-down-your-spine sensation that brings you to a terrifying place without ever forcing you to close you eyes. (Well, maybe not for you real scaredy-cats).
A star-studded cast includes Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., John Houseman, Patrica Neal, Jacqueline Brookes, Craig Wasson and Alice Krige. Having a cast with such experienced and talented actors creates a believable and authentic story - making it a worthwhile, scary little gem of a movie!
If you like genuine ghost stories, watch this movie. Based on the novel by the gifted Peter Straub and skillfully directed by John Irvin, this film is one of my top picks in the horror genre.
Lizzie's Rating: 4 bowls of popcorn
Lynnie's Rating: 4 bowls of popcorn
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Audition - 1999 (original Japanese title Ôdishon)
Movie review by Liz Berry Wagner
A particularly beautiful woman is a source of terror. As a rule, a beautiful woman is a terrible disappointment ~ Carl Jung
This is one of the creepiest films I have ever seen. It begins with this man - Shigeharu Aoyama (played by Ryo Ishibashi) - weeping by his dying wife’s bedside. After she dies, he becomes a reclusive, lonely widower with a small son.
Lynnie's Rating: 3 bowls of popcorn
This is one of the creepiest films I have ever seen. It begins with this man - Shigeharu Aoyama (played by Ryo Ishibashi) - weeping by his dying wife’s bedside. After she dies, he becomes a reclusive, lonely widower with a small son.
Fast forward to the future, and his son, Shighiko, (played by Tetsu Sawaki) is all grown up and ready to leave the nest but worries that his dad will be alone for the rest of his life. With the son’s influence, his dad's best friend decides to help him find a new wife. The two hold “auditions” to find the right bride for Shigeharu, bringing the women in under false pretenses, promising them a movie role if they pass the audition.
One woman after another auditions and Shigeharu is not interested in any of them. But then, one audition stands out from the rest. Asami Yamazaki (played beautifully by Eihi Shiina) is a quiet, reserved beauty. Shigeharu is not only intrigued, he eventually becomes obsessed with her. They begin an intimate relationship and it becomes very intense – and very strange.
We, the audience know that something is very odd about this woman although we cannot be sure what it is. She is definitely not who she appears to be. Suspense builds. Little by little we find out some very unnerving things about her but still, we are not sure what she is all about and what she is about to do.
The story may move a little slow for those looking for a lot of action and thrills throughout the film. It is not your run-of-mill American slasher-horror film with a bunch of meaningless gore, but is an intelligent, subtle and stunningly eerie story. It pulls you in because you want to find out what this woman is hiding – what she is all about. When you finally realize what she is up to, well…. be prepared for a very shocking and disturbing finale. It is pure, raw terror at its best.
Japanese director, Takashi Miike, does an excellent job of building uncertainty and anticipation slowly and masterfully in this evocative, intellectual thriller. His staggering images will haunt you long after the closing credits.
A must-see for serious horror fans!
Lizzie's Rating: 4 bowls of popcorn
Lynnie's Rating: 3 bowls of popcorn
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
MOVIE TRIVIA!
Here's another eerie movie line from this late 1970's thriller.....
"Have you checked the children?"
- Can you name the movie?
- Can you name the leading female star in this scary horror flick?
- Can you name the character actor who played the private investigator?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
MOVIE TRIVIA!
What character uttered this memorable, creepy movie line?:
"We all go a little mad sometimes."
- In what movie?
- Which actor played this character?
Monday, October 17, 2011
HORROR MOVIE MONTH
October is the best month to watch all your favorite scary movies!
TV channels such as TCM or AMC and other Cable channels show horror movies all month long.
Here are 25 of our favorite horror flicks:
- Frankenstein (1931)
- Bride of Frankenstein (1935)
- The Uninvited (1944)
- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
- House on Haunted Hill (1959)
- Psycho (1960)
- Night of the Living Dead (1968)
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
- The Other (1972)
- The Exorcist (1973)
- Black Christmas (1974)
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
- The Omen (1976)
- Suspiria (1977)
- Halloween (1978)
- When a Stranger Calls (1979)
- Friday the 13th (1980)
- The Shining (1980)
- Ghost Story (1981)
- Poltergeist (1982)
- Silence of the Lambs (1991)
- Scream (1996)
- Audition (1999)
- The Sixth Sense (1999)
- Saw (2004)
I guess we like the oldies but goodies.
Tell us your favorites!
Tell us your favorites!
You can also check out some of the favorite horror movies of all time onIMDb and have a horror fest of your own!
MOVIE TRIVIA!
Can you guess the movie?
Memorable Quote:
"Were you watching Spanktravision? Maybe you were watching a movie with that funny comedian. Oh, what's his name? Buddy...Whack-it?
Submitted by Brian Wagner
Memorable Quote:
"Were you watching Spanktravision? Maybe you were watching a movie with that funny comedian. Oh, what's his name? Buddy...Whack-it?
Submitted by Brian Wagner
Join us for Some Movie Tawk
Hello! We are Lizzie and Lynnie, the groovie movie girls from San Francisco and New York, respectively. We love movies and we love to tawk about movies.
We invite you to join us for a little movie tawk any time you have anything to say about movies. This is just for fun and we welcome comments from everyone. Click on Comments or if you would like to post a movie review or any other movie material, just email us at movietawk@gmail.com and we will post it.
Let's tawk movies!
We invite you to join us for a little movie tawk any time you have anything to say about movies. This is just for fun and we welcome comments from everyone. Click on Comments or if you would like to post a movie review or any other movie material, just email us at movietawk@gmail.com and we will post it.
Let's tawk movies!
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