Month: May 2012

It's a Horror to Know You: Wayne Goodchild of This Sentence Is Haunted!

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

I saw (or rather tried to watch) IT when I was 13, but couldn't quite manage it. The bit that really got me was when Pennywise is in the drain. I thought "Nope, that's enough thank you" and didn't watch the full thing until a few years later. I also remember getting freaked out by the posters and boxes for Critters and Ghoulies in my local video store when I was 6/7 years old. I used to think Ghoulies really did live in my toilet. It also didn't help that my friend claimed to have seen Critters, and that they were "like Gremlins, but can turn invisible and eat through walls". That really wasn't the sort of thing I wanted to hear.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Probably The Last Exorcism. It manages to invoke a weirdly creepy vibe, despite being a 'documentary'.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

1. Xtro. Still one of the strangest sci-fi/horrors I've ever seen. Just when you think it can't get any weirder (woman gives birth to a full-grown man) it throws something else into the mix (living toys?!).

2. The Car. I think this is maybe overlooked because, when you talk about possessed cars, a certain red Plymouth Fury springs to mind. Not only is the titular 'Car' cool-looking, but it's suitably menacing – especially considering that I don't think there's an actual reason given for why it's terrorising a small town.

3. Necronomicon. I'm a sucker for anything Lovecraft related, and this anthology film from 1993 serves up not just three of his stories (even if they're loosely adapted) but has Jeffrey Combs playing him in the wraparound segment! I find the final part ('Whispers') really disturbing. And as an honourable mention: Night of the Creeps. I know it's not obscure or anything, but a lot of my friends who are into horror (to a satisfying degree) have simply never heard of it. I know: shocking!

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

1. Ghost Ship. One of those films where you can see how it could be good, but is still enjoyable for what it is.

2. Man-Thing. I suppose this is technically a superhero film, but Marvel's "Swamp Thing rip-off" does a lot of things right, like having people get killed by trees growing out of them.

3. The Relic. I understand this didn't do too well at either the box office or with critics, but I really like it. You can't go wrong with giant monsters, in my book!

5. Send us to five places on the Internet! (Include the URLs!)

Dread Central – the main place I like to go to for horror news and reviews.

Cafe Doom – a super friendly forum for genre writers.

Eschatology Journal – a zine/blog of Lovecraftian fiction.

Big American Night – nothing horror related, just a really interesting travelogue-style blog!

My First Dictionary – fantastically dark word definitions dressed up as excerpts from a 1970's kids' book. I think I found Kindertrauma via this site, somehow!

It's a Horror to Know You: A.L.L.Waller!

First of all I'd like to say that finding kindertrauma was a huge step in my recognition of myself as a horror fan. It's been kind of astounding. I went back and read every single entry (and that's A LOT) over a month or so and it's been a delightful education. I throw public shout-outs your way at every opportunity because I think everybody should know what a clever, interesting, funny and insightful blog kindertrauma is.

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

Any United Artists film opening. My older sister has recently confirmed that I wasn't scared by much as a child (except my own nightmares) but the sound… the sound! How could they have created this with any intention beyond mind-boggling terror. I still hate it…

2. What is the last film that scared you?

I just saw "Let's Scare Jessica To Death" for the first time (at Kindertrauma's recommendation, of course) and was astounded by what seemingly innocuous things I was utterly frightened by… like the close-up of the piston-like pendulum in the antique shop… I can't tell you why that was frightening but it has really stuck with me.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

I'm going to put a twist on this as I'm a "horror baby" still and not so savvy yet in the canon. Here are three movies that I loved long before I began to "come out" as a horror fan. They are supposed "art" films or "classic" films well-canonized by the mainstream but, once I began to think about it, I realized I had been watching and loving these "undercover" horror movies all along!

Peeping Tom. (canonized "classic") Sure, because it's a classic they call it a thriller but as far as I'm concerned it doesn't get more horror than this. ("M" goes in this category too.) I only saw it once, many years ago, but I'm still freaking out over the ending! *shudder* In many ways a horror film about horror films…

Little Otik. ("art" film) MONSTER MASH! I got to see this on the big screen at the insistence of a friend and it just speaks to me with its horrible living wooden baby-cannibal plot. Such a delight.

The Tenant. (classic) Again, it's a "psychological thriller" & I saw it at a snobby time in my life when I would have said "I do not watch horror films." I also had absolutely no idea what I was getting into. Sure it's psychologically thrilling but it has a soul of HORROR with its bouncing decapitated heads, teeth in the walls and an ending that is one of my favorite and one of the most viscerally horrifying of all time as far as I'm concerned. I wonder, why is The Tenant considered a "thriller" and Rosemary's Baby "horror?" Rosemary's Baby didn't phase me a bit, not even a twinge of fear! You see how one could get confused about genre…

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

I love nothing *against* my better judgement. It's just that my better judgement can be a bit loony. Just one example:

HAUSU! I know it's completely lunatic and out of control but it's also one of my favorite films of all time and the movie that made me want to try to make movies! If you don't love it at first sight I can't justify its existence in any way but I also might not want to be your friend.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Well, I'm so new at this that I only know what kindertrauma and my few horror-happy friends tell me. That means I only have one place to send you that you haven't already sent me:

Brains Are Delicious: The VHS Era of Horror.

This is the first episode of a brand new podcast series called Brains Are Delicious & it features the Phantasm saga. It's their first one and they're still finding their sea legs but overall it's just hilarious and smart and true. They're going to be focussing on the VHS era of horror and I'm REALLY looking forward to the next one!

It's a Horror to Know You: Will of Too Much Horror Fiction!

1. What is the first book that ever scared you?

Some forgotten book on various supernatural creatures, and it convinced me that somewhere in Transylvania there really was a vampire named Count Dracula who lived in a crumbling castle… I didn't understand the difference between "nonfiction" and fiction yet. My parents had to talk me out of it. Alas. When I was 13, the actual Stoker novel gave me the shudders, when Harker sees Dracula climbing out of one of his castle windows, face down, with his cape spread out around him.

2. What is the last book that scared you?

There were a few scenes – one a Lovecraft reference, I'm sure – in HEADHUNTER (1984), Michael Slade's police procedural/serial killer horror novel, that got the hairs on the back of my neck up, as if someone were standing just behind me…

3. Name three Horror novels that you believe are underrated.

My god, only *three*?! That's true horror! I'll try. These are three masterpieces:

1. ALL HEADS TURN AS THE HUNT GOES BY by John Farris. Farris is a real writer, which you don't find enough in the genre.

2. FINISHING TOUCHES by Thomas Tessier. A literate and erotic nightmare.

3. FALLING ANGEL by William Hjortsberg. A hardboiled detective/horror novel.

Okay, one more:

4. THE HOUSE NEXT DOOR by Anne Rivers Siddons. A unique haunted house novel written by a genteel Southern lady.

4. Name three Horror novels that you enjoy against your better judgment.

I don't know if these go against my "better judgment" but they do push some real taste boundaries.

1. INCUBUS by Ray Russell. Sleazy trashy fun – sexy or sexist? You decide!

2. THE MANITOU by Graham Masterton. Ludicrous but oh so much fun.

3. PIN by Andrew Neiderman. Rather Cronenbergian, with a sort of VC Andrews thing going on.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

1. L'ARRIVEE D' SYLVIA KRISTEL – All Sylvia Kristel, all the time. Delightful.

2. ACTION FIGURE OF THE DAY – What can I say, I grew up in the '70s and early '80s, I love my STAR WARS toys.

3. LOVECRAFT'S WORLDS – Just discovered this guy, he's an HPL obsessive.

4. EXISTENTIAL ENNUI – Great blog name, features lots of vintage crime fiction and UK book covers.

5. CELLULOID HIGHWAY – One of the best-written movie blogs around.

It's a Horror to Know You: Christine of Fascination with Fear!

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

Besides Willy Wonka? With Gene Wilder in the psychedelic boat trip down the chocolate river? Okay..if not that then probably When A Stranger Calls (1979). Even Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees didn't scare me as much as that disembodied voice saying "Have you checked the children?" Ahhhh! If we're talking PRIMAL fear though, I'd have to go with Jaws. It's amazing that I even vacation every year at the shore after seeing that film.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Absentia. I can't stress enough how much I loved this indie film from 2011. Though Lake Mungo (2008) would have to run a close second. Both are slow burning spook-fests that get under your skin. And if I'm going for a recent scare trifecta, I'd pick The Strangers (2008). I watched it home, alone, with all the lights out. Highly recommended.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

Stir of Echoes – This film had the misfortune of coming out the same year as The Sixth Sense, but in many ways, this is the superior film. Far creepier than Bruce and Haley, Kevin Bacon takes hypnotism and the horrors of crossing into another plane to a new level.

The Machinist – Perhaps not straight-up horror, but terribly unnerving nonetheless. Just knowing Christian Bale lost over 60 pounds for the role…that should say a lot. It waivers sometimes with a convoluted plot, but it's a real mind-fuck of a film.

Joy Ride (2001) – Though more of a thriller, this one is equal parts wit and tension and is certainly every motorist's greatest fear. (And that's beside the fact that you see Paul Walker's naked ass…always a plus in my book.

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

Terror in the Aisles (1984)- Basically a compilation of scenes from horror films, it's a look back at many of the films that started my love of horror. Hosted by Donald Pleasance and Nancy Allen, it's hokey and dated (and not even available on DVD), but it's close to my heart.

Prey (2007) – A family on vacation in Africa gets stranded in a game preserve when they go off-roading. They find out just how insanely stupid that is when they realize they are being stalked by a pride of lions. Like the (admittedly better) Rogue, but with lions instead of a giant crocodile. Superb in HD.

The Locals (2003) – A little horror film from New Zealand that no one saw, The Locals has a somewhat murky plot, fairly lame acting in parts, and low-budget effects. But it's loaded with potential, has some disturbing visuals, and is quite atmospheric. Check it out.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Behind the Couch – Intelligent and perceptive reviews for the discerning horror fan.

Deadly Dolls House of Horror Nonsense – Wit and sass seep from each and every entry of this clever and entertaining blog.

The Girl Who Loves Horror – She not only loves it, she lives and breathes it. Then writes about it.

Italian Film Review – Nigel and Co. have such incredible passion for Italian horror, it makes me weep.

Paracinema – Not just a fascinating independent magazine – this excellent blog continues their astute observations of genre film.

It's a Horror to Know You: Ryne of The Moon is a Dead World!

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

It's really a toss-up, simply because I can't remember which came first. One of the first that I remember was Tales from the Darkside: The Movie, probably when I was 5 or 6. My dad had it playing in a video store he used to own, and the only thing I know was that there was a kid locked in a jail cell and I was really, really scared of the monsters at that time. I refused to watch.

The second was Pumpkinhead 2. I was fascinated with the cover of it in the video store, since I was generally attracted to the horror genre right from the start. I begged my dad to bring it home for me so I could watch it, but when he did, my bravado faltered and I made up an excuse so I didn't have to watch.

Still haven't seen either of those movies since.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

If I'm being completely honest with myself, and not including those random jump scare moments, I'd have to say that it was Funny Games. Moreso than any other home invasion movie, that flick really got to my core because of the way Haneke is able to characterize the demented individuals who think it's fun to terrorize people. The slow, lingering shots, disturbing music, and creepy dudes have stuck with me since I first saw the movie.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

1. Le notte che Evelyn usci dalla tomba (The Night Evelyn Came Out of the Grave) (1971). It's an often overlooked giallo film that's both heavy on atmosphere and melodrama. Perfect!

2. The Funhouse (1981). Tobe Hooper's masterpiece is considered to be The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, but The Funhouse is my favorite film of his thanks to the lovable monster that inhabits the amusement park's ride.

3. The Slumber Party Massacre (1982). This could just as easily fit on the list below of the worst movies I enjoy, but The Slumber Party Massacre is a really bad slasher that does everything right – tons of boobs, blood, and ridiculous killings.

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

1. The Langoliers This movie should never be on anyone's favorite list, but I love it despite its four hour length and really cheesy acting. I've seen it more times than I can count.

2. Dolls. I caught this film on Sci-Fi channel when I was a kid, and it was the first film that I reviewed – although it wasn't much of a review, more of a summary of the film and a couple of stray thoughts about it.

3. Halloween 4 & 5. Right after Halloween 1 & 2, these terrible entries into the series are right up there on my list of most-seen favorite flicks – I love them for no reason at all, the only way you can love them.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Strange Kids Club. A great place collecting news and essays on all of your favorite toys, games, and television.

L-G-B-Terror. Evan's helped me out a ton with my Viewer Vomit posts on The Moon, and his reviews focusing on gay and lesbian themes are both funny and spot-on.

The Death Rattle. Intensely in-depth reviews, and I love the new Framewhore column.

Taliesin Meets the Vampires. Ever wondered what random movies have vampire themes in them? Check out Taliesin's Vamp or Not series.

Back Online, Back On Duty. Witty reviews and a Robocop theme? Yes, please!

It's a Horror to Know You: Turnidoff of Death to CGI!

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

I think it would have to be Trilogy of Terror (1975). I was probably 3 or 4 and I walked past the old wood paneled Curtis Mathis floor model television and caught a glimpse of Karen Black getting assaulted by this spastic little toothy demon. It is still burned in my memory of where I was, what I heard and what I saw. It was that traumatic for me. Now of course, I love little Zuni. (Note to self, sitcom idea: "Lil' Zuni")

2. What is the last film that scared you?

This is tough. I haven't really been scared of anything recent. (I haven't seen Cabin in the Woods yet) I tend to go back to the classics. I prefer my horror on VHS because for me, the format ads to the creepiness factor. Nothing beats a grainy copy of Galaxy of Terror. However, I did see Devil (2010) and was very scared of what horror films today have become… or maybe that was depression.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

Ravenous (1999): a victim of a confused marketing campaign. It made no noise when it came out. Everything about this film is fantastic. It's a brilliant take on the cannibal/vampire genre. Oh, and the music… Best scored film of the 90's.

The Frighteners (1996): Peta Jicksen's big US breakthrough wasn't as well received as his following films, but it made Michael J. Fox kick some ass one last time, and although it was a bit cartoony, it still packed some good chills. True Story: a friend and I went to see this opening day, we were the only ones in the theater… flash forward to his next film, and we could barely find a seat. The great Jackson jump of the late 90's.

Terror in the Aisles (1984): For me, this film was my introduction to many great horror flicks of the video store age. Donald Pleasance hamming it up hardcore. Nancy Allen in all her full permness, and it made Wings Hauser in Vice Squad (1982) look creepier than he was. Neon Slime!

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

The Crazies (2010): I'm very leery of most remakes. I dismissed this one as another one for the fire, but I actually enjoyed it. In a time oversaturated with zombie flicks, seeing government and military killing everyone off was more terrifying than the undead. Plus Timothy Olyphant is this generation's Clint! (Eastwood, not Howard)

Night of the Living Dead (1990): The original NOTLD is about as close to a perfect horror film as you can possibly get. At first I thought the remake was going to be crap. I was so wrong. NOTLD1990 is EXACTLY how you make a faithful remake. It doesn't try to re-do the story for a new generation. It assumes you are familiar and even comfortable with the original and that's where its power lies. Once you think you know what's going to happen, BOOM, they playfully trick you. They work really well back to back.

Ginger Snaps (2000): Teen goth sister werewolf film? No thanks. I sat through this with annoyance, but it quickly turned to enjoyment. I refuse to believe that anything Twilighty could have been inspired from this film. For a female teen horror film, Ginger Snaps had balls.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Trailers From Hell. Joe Dante's brainchild of great trailers with tons of filmmaker commentary.

The Star Wars Soundboard. Seriously addicting. You can even make mixes of the sound clips. You'll never need to speak again!

The Beard Knows. Kenny Rogers Spreadin' his wisdom. Go on, ask him anything!

Death To CGI. My rant blog. I haven't posted on there for a while. I better get on that.

John Mapes. My music page. You could call it horror considering some of the songs I do.

It's a Horror to Know You: Stevil1981

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

I'd have to say Spookies from 1986. I'm almost ashamed to say it as it's such a goofy movie but man, that birthday scene at the start (shudder)

2. What is the last film that scared you?

I think someone else said this but Insidious had me pretty freaked for days after watching it.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

The Feast trilogy. It's almost unknown (at least it seems that way to me, nobody I know has seen any of them). For the most part I prefer psychological horror and anything with dense atmosphere over blood and guts but there's a part of me that's a total gorehound especially when it's got it's tongue lodged in it's cheek, oh and cats getting raped by monsters, yeah cats getting raped by giant monsters that's always good.

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

The above mentioned Spookies (really can't help myself)

Basket Case. I love this movie but when I tried to watch it with my girlfriend there was continual eye rolling and total bafflement as to why anyone would spend any money on it.

The Bronx Warriors. I mean… WOW! just WOW! It's terrible but….no, no, no, I don't even know where to begin with this one, just watch it and be careful you don't break your jaw when it hits the floor.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet

Hysteria Lives. Extremely thorough slasher site from the UK.

BadMovies.Org. Really funny reviews from a guy who clearly knows his stuff.

Inferno Music Vault. This guy has extensively compiled soundtracks to some really awesome movies sometimes they're rips from official soundtracks sometimes VHS rips (Looker soundtrack by Barry Devorzon!) always great.

Cinemassacre. I'm sure most readers know of James's work but for anyone who hasn't been here before it's well worth getting initiated.

Urban Legends Demos. Sorry I'm not normally one for shameless self promotion but this is the bandcamp for a musical collaboration I make up 50% of. We write songs based on urban legends. Right now only our rough demos are up but we'll be starting work on our first proper record in a month or so.

It's a Horror to Know You: WIL of Horror Yearbook!

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

The Elephant Man. this movie was on cable all the time when I was young. I always had to zip by it on those old cable box controllers with the slide dial thingys. I was really young and the elephant man scared the poop out of me.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Jesus Camp. I saw a double feature of Jesus Camp and Texas Chainsaw: The Beginning. Jesus Camp scared me more.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

Seed of Chucky. I still believe this will be considered a classic some day.

Splice. Best horror movie since Orphan.

Anything by Chris Smith (Black Death) Smith should have the horror fans attention not Eli Roth and Rob Zombie.

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

Congo. Im obsessed with Congo. It is one of the few movies I can watch over and over.

Anaconda. The first movie where Ice Cube wasn't a ghetto thug.

Trancers. My favorite Full Moon franchise after Puppet Master.