Ty’s Top 5 Halloween Films

Ok, it’s time for you to remove all the perceptions that you have on modern motion pictures and take a dive into one of the most powerful foundations of the art form. In short, culture yourself. Of course it’s not typical for our generation to watch silent films, but this Halloween, take my advice and open up your mind, turn off the lights, close the doors, choose to be alone if you wish, pick your poison if you will, and watch it.

Finally released in 1929, far before any of us were thought about being thought about, Nosferatu is a timeless gem that should be watched, studied and above all enjoyed for what it is, and that is purely chilling and captivating.

The eerie soundtrack playing from the gate until the ending compliments the lighting and angles of the camera and also of the towering and downright creepiness the main character played by Max Schreck delivers to a T.

The acting from each character is intense and the direction is immaculate for what technology was provided in the 20’s. An overall classic that stands the test of time, I raise my beer and toast to this film.

.

.

For us 80’s babies, this might have been the most terrifying movie for us at that age. Especially with the way that completely random day-to-day events for a group of pre-teens and teenagers turned into opening hells gate releasing hundreds of mini-demons!

And these little creatures were mean. The scene when the telephone rings was enough to give anyone nightmares at that time.

The actual ritual, stemming from an old Vinyl album brought back by Terry’s father in a European vacation, the Dark Book provided answers for summoning these demons as well as getting them back through the gate by chanting the lyrics and playing the record backwards.

Frightening when young, this film may still send you some of the same feelings you had as a kid watching it, either that or you will have an overall great time checking it out again.

.

.

Ok, this is where I say Rob Zombie is one of the kings of the new school horror film business. Bottom line, this is the perfect motion picture to watch for Halloween 2010. The film filters he uses, the unsystematic music choices he places throughout the movie combined with the powerful and intense sounds that thump and echo each time Michael Myers mutilates his victims is incredibly convincing for any viewer. Keep an eye out on Richard Brake and when gets finished off…perfection.

Not only that but the characters, the locations, the costumes, the color of  blood splatters and smears along with the everyday clothing and conversations throughout the film make it even more disturbing and real. I mean you may begin to feel like this could happen in your own hometown.

Rob’s wife, Sheri Moon Zombie always delivers a great performance in each of his movies and Halloween 2 is no different. The way she communicates to the young Myers periodically ties in so much with what Rob Zombie is striving to do, and that is to construct a whole new series of films based Michael Myers character.

On a side note, Malcom McDowell is equivalent to the sixth man of the year in basketball terms, in that he arrives in the clutch and provides the whole team with powerful moves that are factored into a victory and that is just what this film is…a win.

.

.

Don’t let the holiday name, Valentine throw you off for a Halloween choice, this is still a great watch for the end of October. Both versions score highly all across the board. My Bloody Valentine remains intense from beginning to the end and with just a handful of Valentine references, you almost forget that name.

The storyline is appealing to most viewers and the conflicts between each party and group add an element of a spider web type drama to the story. Depending on if you have the capabilities to watch the ’09 version in 3D might or might not skew your perception of the movie, but if you can catch it in 3D, please do so. It’s fascinating and amazing at times. Jensen Ackles delivers a great performance in the ’09 3D version while the whole cast equally prevails in the ’81 version. My Bloody Valentine provides a thrilling plot to keep you on your toes for the majority of the movie, with a pretty awesome change up at the end.

.

.

Another one of the older motion pictures that you should break out of your shell, think outside the box and go for; The Vampire Bat, which holds an eerie and strangely peculiar tone throughout the entire film. This masterpiece has always been a top choice for myself Halloween after Halloween. The main reason being the top notch and completely believable performance from the slept on at the time horror superstar, Dwight Frye.

You might not recognize the name, but just a little background check on him will show that he starred in all the blockbuster hitting scary films of the 30’s and 40’s including world renowned classics like Frankenstien, The Invisible Man, Dracula and many more.

Frye, undoubtedly steals the show, with a close second going to the creepy character played by Melvyn Douglas. You will be doing yourself a favor if you take the time to watch this film and pay close attention, I also toast my beer to this film as well.

Saw 2

House Of  1,000 Corpses

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Pet Semetary

The Haunting