By Howie Nave
Let’s face it, Halloween up here in Lake Tahoe is truly on par with the remaining biggies we have the rest of this year. Who would have ever thought that a holiday (that’s right, I called it that) would have as many, if not more, movies associated with it than Christmas?
Call it my love of the scary, but I’ve been a fan of horror movies dating back when I was just a kid staying up late on a Saturday night watching “Creature Features” on KTVU Channel 2 growing up in the Bay Area before it became a Fox affiliate. Not only was the television my tutor at that hour, introducing me to the likes of a Lon Chaney Jr., Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and Vincent Price, but it also gave me ideas how I could scare my sisters on days other than Halloween.
There are so many good Halloween movies (and a few great ones, too) that you may be disappointed that yours wasn’t included here. Maybe it will get you to rent and remember some of those classics that made you scream and laugh too because I’ve included a couple of humorous horror flicks just to balance it out some.
Many of these I have on DVD and when the world gets weird I’ll go down into my man cave, close the curtains, pop in a disc and crank it up to cover my screams just in case somebody might be lurking nearby.
“Halloween”, R (1978)
What better way to kick off any Halloween Horror Fest than the namesake that would spawn over 20 sequels? “Halloween” is director/writer John Carpentaer’s horror masterpiece and introduced us to the new ‘Queen of Scream’ Jamie Lee Curtis long before she was regulated via Activia. “Halloween” set the sci-fi/horror standard in which other movies would soon copy. Starring the late, great Donald Pleasence as Dr. Sam Loomis, “Halloween” had it all didn’t it? A psychotic murderer, The Shape (later to be known as Michael Myers in subsequent sequels) who loved to slash his victims, a terrifying music that sticks to your soul and by far one of the most frightening experiences I have ever had in a theater. There were some equally scary sequels but nothing that captured that first scream as the original.
“The Conjuring”, R (2013)
Probably the best horror flick this year, “The Conjuring” was directed by James Wan (probably best known for “Saw”. The movie already captured my interest being an ensemble piece. First we’re introduced to Ed and Lorraine Warren (Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga) who believe in the occult but are quick to understand that most events are easily explained hoaxes. Then there’s the Perron family, Carolyn, Roger and their five daughters. This is my favorite couple played by the always reliable Ron Livingston and Lili Taylor. They call on the Warrens once they realize that the old house they invested in is, yes, haunted by nasty spirits. The Perrons have invested too much in an old house, which they gradually learn is haunted by spirits who mean to do them harm. Shot on a modest budget, director Wan knows all too well that his audience has probably seen every cliche out there so comes up with a mind-bending conclusion that will not only scare you silly but will leave you wanting more even though there isn’t anything left except the possibility of sequel.
“The Cabin in the Woods”, R (2012)
As a fan of horror movies and one who has pretty much, “seen it all” when it comes to predicting the storyline (I can usually tell you what’s going to happen within the first 15 minutes of the feature) it’s refreshing when a movie comes long like “The Cabin in the Woods” that isn’t as formulaic as one would expect. Let’s just say that you’re not going see this one coming. Oh sure, the movie starts out with the requisite college students, each with its own stereotypical character centered around a cabin where horrific things are happening. But wait, these undead wanting to kill the living (btw why do they always crave college-aged students?) don’t just show up randomly. They appear to be controlled by scientists. Say what? Yes, beneath the cabin is a basement, and beneath that basement is where Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford hash out their dastardly schemes. But what’s in it for them? I ain’t tellin’ but there is a surprise ending that reminded me a little of “The Hunger Games” meets John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” Survival of the fittest but when those controlling the outcome are themselves upstaged that’s when things get really interesting. “The Cabin in the Woods” was produced and co-written by Joss Whedon (creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel”) and directed by Drew Goddard (writer of “Cloverfield”).
“Carrie”, R (1976)
After seeing this year’s remake (which was horrid, but not in a good way) I couldn’t wait to dust off the original and see why the original was that good to begin with. Brian de Palma’s masterpiece had an incredible cast that included Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie and a very young John Travolta and Amy Irving. Carrie White is a shy girl who doesn’t make friends easily and is bullied a lot at school because her classmates think she’s a freak. Kids in high school can be so cruel, but what they don’t know is that Carrie has some pretty unusual powers making her the ultimate revenge on bullies candidate. A classmate does take pity on her and convinces one Tommy Ross (her boyfriend and class hunk played by William Katt) to invite Carrie to the senior prom. Carrie cleans up nicely (on the outside) until you get her mad and then watch out. Some fundamentalists were offended by this movie but hey, aren’t most of them anyway if there’s even a hint of a devilish angle?
“Alien”, R (1979)
To this day when you witness that alien bursting out of John Hurt’s stomach you know that director Ridley Scott’s terrifying flick has you captivated. “Alien” and it’s sequel, “Aliens” (1986) are still two of the better sci-fi/horror flicks out there even though their version of high tech by today’s standards looks antiquated. The aliens are still some of the creepiest and scariest I have ever seen in a movie which by the way were based on the work of H.R. Giger (for which he received an Academy Award under Best Visual Effects category).
“The Exorcist”, R (1973)
It would forever typecast its little known actress, Linda Blair. After this flick it was tough for Blair to get any real serious roles forever typecast as that possessed girl who spit up pea soup. Of course it was supposed to be barf, but soon everyone found out it was pea soup and then people would always imitate her making a mess. One of the scariest and psychologically tinged movies ever, “The Exorcist” caused a sensation when it first premiered including religious protestors that of course only made me want to see it more. And yes, there were countless sequels and prequels but none of them holds up to the mother of all satanic movies.
“Hellraiser”, R (1987)
Clive Barker knows a thing or two when it comes to messing with people’s minds and this to me is one of his best in that department and one of the most original too. Originally titled, “Sadomasochists from Beyond the Grave,” Barker (who wrote, directed and produced) must have been on some sort of medication (or stopped taking it!) when he came up with this classic horror gem. The character of Pinhead, the lead Cenobite is truly one of the more original icons in horror. You’ll never play with a Rubik’s Cube again if you haven’t seen this classic that’s for sure. Go ahead I dare ya.
“Saw”, R (2004)
Also directed by James Wan (based on his story) “Saw” not only became a cult classic overnight but would eventually spawn four sequels. Shot primarily in one place, we’re introduced to Adam Stanheight (Leigh Whannell) who awakens in a water-filled bathtub in an industrial bathroom. Right across from his is Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elves). Both men are chained at the ankle to pipes, and a corpse is lying face down in a pool of blood between them holding a microcassette recorder and one revolver. They find tapes in their pockets, and Adam is able to retrieve the recorder. Adam’s tape instructs him to escape, while Lawrence’s tape instructs him to kill Adam before six o’clock, or his wife and daughter will be killed and he will be left to die. It’s mind-provoking and clues are slowly found that could assist in their escape including two hacksaws which are best used fir cutting off their feet in order to escape. There’s much more but suffice it to say not for the faint of heart.
“The Grudge”, R (2004)
Based on Takashi Shimizu’s Japanese movie, “Ju-On: The Grudge”) the American version is just as good. Why? Because someone out there in Hollywood was smart enough to let Takashi Shimizu do a remake from his own movie. How about that? The original creator gets to do his own work and — wow — the results are impressive. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as an American nurse living and working in Tokyo, she discovers (and is exposed) to a mysterious curse that causes a person to experience an uncontrollable rage before taking their life. The part that still creeps me out is that of images of zombied looking kids in this waterlogged black and white image with freaky noises that stay with you long after the movie has ended. You’ll never want to enter an uninhabited house again unless accompanied by an army of eye witnesses.
“Shaun of the Dead”, R (2004)
Got a have a funny horror flick and nothing says, funny better than a Simon Pegg movie especially when it involves zombies. The British horror comedy “Shaun of the Dead” makes scary sexy. By treating the genre as a joke Pegg gets plenty of mileage with his dry wit making this satire one of the best comedy/horror one of the funniest I’ve ever seen outside of “An American Werewolf in London.” When zombies start descending on London the media declare it “Z-Day” in the U.K. Pegg, who wrote the screenplay with director, Edgar Wright, plays the title character, a hapless 29-year-old clerk who, with his best friend Ed (Nick Frost) plot a plan to make a safe exit along with Shaun’s on-again, off-again sweetheart, Liz (Kate Ashfield). The movie also stars Bill Nighy and trust me one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen with regard to brain-eating zombies.
“The Thing”, R (1982)
Hands down one of the best remakes ever/ How good? Well, there was a prequel that came out earlier this year that takes you up to the 1982 remake that’s how good. I first saw this as a double feature in the theater (yes kids, they used to let you see two movies sometimes for the price of one) not knowing what to expect but was literally blown out of my seat when I did see it. It was that good. Starring a bearded Kurt Russell as the head of an American Antarctic expedition “The Thing” still boasts some of the best special effects ever and has an all-star stellar cast that includes Wilford Brimley, T. K. Carter, David Clennon, Keith David, Richard A. Dysart and Charles Hallahan. Directed by the master himself, John Carpenter, you’ll be grabbing anything when you see what happens when an alien being replicates itself into anything starting with huskies and moving on up from there. Every movie mentioned so far has had a sequel or two and yet this one is the one that I wanted to see a sequel but alas-Carpenter felt otherwise.
“Paranormal Activity”, R (2007)
The original was good and I could see having a sequel was inevitable but three sequels? Someone went to the horror well a little too often and that’s why global warming is not a myth. The original was good because of its low-budget quality that made it appear so real with its single-camera, rapid-movement-shot in the first-person style. With each subsequent sequel the budget got bigger as the quality depreciated. “Paranormal Activity” works in much the same way another very low-budget flick, “The Blair Witch Project.” The tension is just as shaky as those hand-held cameras are. You know the story is good when you don’t require any big names to carry your picture. Of course that makes it easier for the filmmakers to control their young actors lest they want to be killed off and not be in another sequel.
“Poltergeist”, PG-13 (1982)
Would you believe that back then executive producer (and writer) Steven Spielberg had to lobby to give this movie a PG rating? The film was originally given an R rating so he (along with the filmmakers) protested successfully and got a PG rating (the PG-13 rating did not exist at the time). This was the movie that gave us the immortal line, “They’re baaaaaack” that was uttered by Heather O’Rourke, the cute little blonde who played Carol Anne, daughter of Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams in the movie. The movie is a stark reminder of what happens when developers, in their zeal to construct urban sprawl forget to move bodies from a cemetery they are building on. The movie took on a life of its own with real life actors dying in each production. The eldest daughter in the movie (played by Dominique Dunne) was killed in real life by her boyfriend upon completion of the first film. Actor Julian Beck died of stomach cancer after shooting the second film and actress Heather O’ Rourke died of a mystery case of intestinal stenosis shortly before completion of the third film. Also, many cast members’ careers have suffered after appearing in the films. The ghosts at first appear friendly moving moving objects around the house to the amusement of everyone but then they turn nasty and start to terrorize the family before they “kidnap” Carol Anne. Still a great scare factor to this day, “Poltergeist” has a great story and great effects that rival only that of “The Thing.”
“28 Days Later”, R (2003)
Who would have guessed that the same guy who directed last year’s Summer Olympic Games in London would also be the same chap who brought us “28 Days Later” revolving around a deadly virus? Is it airborne? Can I get it from shaking somebody’s hand? Will it kill me slowly and is there a host to help find me a cure? Only Boyle has the answer an he plays on this common fear combining the terror of its after effects turning one into a zombie. The movie also takes a look at what might happen if we experiment on things that go unchecked. It’s that unknown element that can be the scariest psychologically playing off our minds. We’re introduced to Londoner Jim (Cillian Murphy) who wakes up in a hospital room all alone and no one else is in the entire hospital either. He puts his clothes on, walks out into the empty streets and does see other survivors, but how long will they last? Are they exposed as well? It’s not pleasant and I can now see why people become germaphobes after seeing this movie.
“Psycho”, PG (1960)
“Psycho” is that one movie that would forever make showers a scary experience (if you’re a woman) and brand those of the male species a “momma’s boy” forever, but taking to the next creepiest level. Leave it to Alfred Hitchcock to deliver one of the truly frightening masterpieces of all time. Phoenix office worker Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is fed up with the way life has treated her. She has to meet her lover Sam (John Gavin) at lunch breaks and they cannot get married because Sam has to give most of his money away in alimony payments. One Friday afternoon Marion is entrusted to bank $40,000 by her employer. Seeing the opportunity to take the money and run, Marion leaves town and heads toward Sam’s California store. Tired after the long drive and caught in a storm, she gets off the main highway and pulls into The Bates Motel. The motel is managed by a quiet young man called Norman (Anthony Perkins) who seems to be dominated by his mother. An interesting piece of trivia: After the film’s release Hitchcock received an angry letter from the father of a girl who refused to have a bath after seeing “Les Diaboliques” (also on this list), and now refused to shower after seeing “Psycho.” Hitchcock sent a note back to the father simply saying “Send her to the dry cleaners.”
“A Nightmare on Elm Street”, R (1984)
Outside of John Carpenter, Clive Barker and George Romero, I kind of know I’m going to pretty much enjoy my scare factor when I see horror master Wes Craven’s name attached to it. And with “A Nightmare on Elm Street” I wasn’t disappointed. One could argue that many a subsequent horror flick borrowed their chops (no pun intended) from Craven’s original “Elm Street”. High school kids being killed off in a small town and nobody knows why. Enter Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp) playing detective who traces the cause to Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund), a disfigured bum in a slouch hat who sporting knives for fingernails long before Wolverine made it sexy. Still holds up as classic slasher that I think horror fans continue to hold in high esteem in part because it comes across as low-budget and with an intelligent (and original) script featuring some pretty impressive newcomers such as Johnny Depp, Ronee Blakley and Amanda Wyss with Craven himself directing.
“The Shining”, R (1980)
The pairing of director Stanley Kubrick with Jack Nicholson’s cold and frightening character (also named Jack) defined this movie and the career of both. “The Shining” introduces the viewer to Jack Torrance (Nicholson), a man who plans to spend the winter in solitude with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son, Danny (Danny Lloyd) as Jack becomes the caretaker of the Overlook Hotel just as workers are shutting it down for the winter. Chef Dick Hallorann (the classic Scatman Crothers) is one of the crew but the movie centers almost entirely around Jack and his slow, deterioration into madness writing the novel that is page after page of the same line. For me it’s a psychological mind —- at its best and a movie that would label Shelley Duvall as the Queen of Scream and one that every young actress would have to emulate in order to be considered as the leading lady for any horror flick.
“Night Of The Living Dead”, R (1968)
If this movie were made today, it would be considered tame compared to the current crop of gore flicks out there. “Night of the Living Dead” is a true classic (and always will be) that definitely deserves its place in the Smithsonian Institute of Horror. The movie is still quite effective shot in glorious black and white. I had the rare privilege of seeing this film in a theater at a midnight screening. The audience found themselves screaming and jumping as I did in certain parts of the film. It’s raining weird rays from outer space that causes the dead to awaken from their graves to feed on human flesh for sustenance. After seeing this movie originally on television, I never slept near my sister again when camping with the family.
“Jaws”, PG (1975)
The was the movie that literally put a young Steven Spielberg on the cinematic map and if you think the PG rating is too tame, you’re correct, but back then they hadn’t come up with the PG-13 rating which is what this should be if seen today. This is one of the best psychological horror-adventure flicks I’ve seen in a while. The idea of a lone, killer shark bent on eating people in a vacation resort community just begs buffet specials. That coupled with the signature shark music of John Williams makes this an all time fav of mine and even to this day I ask myself, “Is it safe to go into the water?”
“Diabolique”, R (1955)
This movie (original French title “Les Diaboliques”) centers around a nasty headmaster having an affair on his wife who, as it turns out treats his mistress just as badly as he treats his wife. In a twisted three-way the two women conspire to do in he headmaster Robert Bloch, author of “Psycho,” called this his favorite horror movie.
Honorable mentions:
There are so many other flicks that make Halloween worth celebrating including “Basket Case” (1982), “The Omen” (1976), “House of Wax” (not the Paris Hilton version but the original 1953 rendition with Vincent Price), “The Haunting” (1963), “The Blair Witch Project” (1999), “Dracula” (1931), “The Birds” (1963), “Scanners,” “The Fly” (1958), “Seven” (1995). For campy horror fun you must see “An American Werewolf in London” (1981), “Scream” (1996), “Zombieland” (2009).
Howie Nave is host/emcee/manager of The Improv at Harveys. You can hear him Monday-Friday 6 to 10am on KRLT FM-93.9.
