I remember Halloween... a film list!

Halloween is upon us and I noticed this may be the worst Halloween ever in terms of what is in the cinema this year (seriously).  You have Saw 48 and Paranormal Activity 2 (I would recommend seeing Buried if it is playing in your area, the solid Let Me In or the excellent looking Walking Dead series on AMC).  So, mostly a lot of nothing.  Because of this, I am going to list a handful of movies to see in the comfort of your home that you may not have seen.  I'll try to make recommendations that can fit anyone's taste.  A small category will be under the poster... that will be incredibly broad.

WAIT UNTIL DARK

Category: Plain scary.

Wait Until Dark is a terrifying movie.  Released in 1967 and starring Audrey Hepburn, you'd be forgiven for letting this slip by your scare meter.  But trust me, absolutely tense and terror driven.  My word not good enough?  Stephen King has said this is the scariest film of all time.  While that may be debatable, the quality and chill factor present here is not.  Absolutely worth seeing and completely devoid of gore. 

THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL

Category: Satan.

We watched this film a few weeks back and I really enjoyed it.  If you want a barn burner, this isn't it.  But if you like slow burns, then maybe give it a chance.  A lot of why a loved this flick was due to the fact that it feels like an undiscovered gem from the early 80s.  The techniques, look, sound... everything is pitch perfect early 80s.  It is really remarkable.  On top of this I found it to be tension filled and a film that would make a good Halloween treat.

BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON

Category: Slasher.

Any love for slasher films?  Then you must see Behind the Mask.  Hands down the best slasher film since Scream and one of the few to truly innovate.  An absolute blast... well made, very funny and scary.  The lead is great and all the cameos from horror legends make for a great time for any horror buff.  Above all, it is the writing, directing and performances that set this one apart and make it such a worthwhile watch.

GINGER SNAPS

Category: Werewolf.

Another film with a female lead.  A great werewolf film that uses the werewolf curse as an allegory for girls turning into women.  Yes, all parts.  I mean look at that tag line - "They don't call it the curse for nothing."  Great stuff and this film did what Jennifer's Body wanted to do, but better (Body is underrated, but not on Ginger Snaps' level).  Captures an awkward phase of a young woman's life in a great way.

MARTIN

Category: Vampire.

Felt I should add a vampire flick on the list and there were a few ways to go.  I decided to follow up Ginger Snaps with one of Romero's few worthwhile films, Martin.  Martin is also largely about social ineptitude and tells a great story where you are never sure what the proper reality is... this needs a wider audience and is a marvelous take on the vampire tale.  

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Category: Family.

Very surreal and bizarre, but with very clear moral guidelines which makes it great for kids.  One of many Disney productions from the early 80s that tailored to children's love of horror films and one of the more memorable.  Eerie, magnetic performances should make it watchable for anyone.

THE FRIGHTENERS

Category: Ghost. Funny ghosts.

Peter Jackson got his start with horror comedy and this is his last effort before going full time serious with Lord of the Rings on.  I hope he returns, as perhaps only Sam Raimi has a better grasp of blending the two genres.  This is sort of like Ghostbusters... but with Michael J Fox.  Well made with a lot of creativity on display, if you like Ghostbusters or early Robert Zemeckis, you should enjoy this.

THE THING

Category: Sci-Fi.

While I hope most have seen this... I am putting in on my list anyways.  It may be my favorite horror film and is certainly one of the most intense (without going to massive gore levels of some modern stuff at least.  I like my tension deft.).  If you don't know the story... this film was slaughtered at the box office.  This terrifying alien film was released two weeks after E.T. and audiences weren't having any bad aliens at the time.  Probably one of the worst release decisions around, but the quality of the film has allowed it to hang around and grow in prestige.  Definitely a great horror film and probably John Carpenter's masterstroke.  

ABOMINABLE

Category: Cheesy monster.

A lot of people revel in SyFy's cheesy monster trash... but the problem is they do it so poorly it isn't really watchable.  There are plenty of cheesy/bad monster films out there that are made with talent and love where you can still get your goofy monster fix.  Abominable is one of the best from the last 5 years or so.  Cheesy, but with some real laughs and scares.  Definitely worth checking out if you like B class monster fare.

MONSTER HOUSE

Category: Kids.

Is this one underseen?  I have no clue.  I do know that it is a great film for all ages that captures the art of being a scared child in a magic way.  I want this film to stick around and have a place along others that seem to get more attention.  So, here it is.  The poster also looks neat next to the second film on the list.  

That's my list.  Find something you like and have a fun Halloween.  

- D

More about the film... inspirations and thank yous...

Note - this is the last Kickstarter update.  Please continue to follow updates at http://adearlittlefriend.blogspot.com/ if you want to be in the loop!

First is a slightly impersonal thank you to all backers on the Refracted Kickstarter.  I won't forget your help and will appreciate it forever. A more personal thank you is coming to everyone soon.  I learned a lot about people by who donated and really offered assistance regardless of their lot.

As for rewards, I will try to exceed any expectation in terms of presentation, but just be patient.  Filming is hoped to conclude by the end of January.  I then expect a fairly painful post process that could drag on for a bit.  I always expect the worst as that is just part of this game.

To shed a bit more light on the film (which you deserve), it is essentially my take on...

MAIN PORTION ONLY ON KICKSTARTER.

Wish me luck and thanks again.

DF