Category: It's a Horror to Know You!

It's a Horror to Know You: krunt!

What was the first film that ever scared you?

This is actualy kinda tough to answer, I'm told that when E.T. was all drowned and looking like a sausage in the creek was the first thing that scared me, but I was two years old so I have no memory of this. The first movie that I remember being scared of was The Dark Crystal when the leader of the bird/turkey muppet men kinda melts or crumbles up. The first horror movie that I remember scaring me and I mean really freaked me out was Argento's Creepers; this was one of the first horror movies I've seen and definitely the first one that really actually scared me. When you get to see the little deformed kid's face, that did it for me. I couldn't sleep for weeks!

What was the last film that scared you?

It's been a while since a movie has scared me; I remember I jumped or was startled a few times watching Paranormal Activity. Oh yeah the movie S&Man that really got me, it totally tricked me. There's not too much I can say without spoiling it in case any readers haven't seen it, just that it's a documentary about underground horror and there are some cool interviews with Bill Zebub (unfortunately the questions center around his rape movies instead of his amazing horror and comedy movies). They also talk with the guys at Toe Tag Productions. The third guy interviewed that just goes by Eric who makes a series of stalking/fake snuff movies is a little more out there. If you haven't seen it, it's worth checking out.

What are 3 films you believe are underrated?

Shriek of the Mutilated. It's usually known as a "guilty pleasure" cheese-fest movie, but it's undeniable that it has a sleazy creepy feel to it and the plot is definitely interesting and original.

Brain Damage– Beneath all the splattery fun and goofiness, I find the underlying message about addiction and drug abuse to be fairly accurate and deep. Of course the last several times I've watched this movie I was coming down off an acid trip so maybe I read too deeply into it.

Nightmare City– Oh sure it is horrible; the acting is so wooden that the lead non-zombie roles come off seeming more zombie-like than the actual zombies. The violence and make-up is handled sloppily and unrealistically; for example, when a zombie is wiping the blood from his chin he wipes the zombie make up off as well. But there are gratuitous aerobics, and the zombies were needing to feed off humans to keep away the pain years before Return of the Living Dead. They were also running around and able to use weapons decades before 28 Days Later.

What are 3 films that you enjoy against your better judgement?

Oh there are so many of them out there it's really tough to narrow this down to 3, but here it goes

Blood Freak– Its tagline reads, "A Dracula on Drugs" but this is definitely so much more. The only turkey monster, anti-drug, pro-Jesus, gore movie that I've ever seen. The plot is ridicules but great. It starts off with Herschell, a tough ass biker guy who finds himself torn between a good girl and a bad girl. While one reads him the Bible, the other offers him weed. Herschell gets high and within a day becomes the world's first writhing, spastic marijuana addict! Next he gets a job at a turkey farm where he's fed experimental, drug-laced turkey, so naturally he becomes a man with a giant paper-mache turkey head. Well the bird's still hooked and now instead of smoking dope, he drinks the blood of other addicts to get his fix! The film also has a nonsense spewing, chain smoking narrator who chokes and gags from time to time. This is as good as it gets for so bad they're great cheapo movies. I don't know if Something Weird has this one still in print or not but regardless, it's worth seeking a copy out.

Next has got to be the Canadian oddity Things. Shot on super-8 with plenty of bad acting and worse post-sync dubbing. I would describe the plot except that there really isn't one. There are scenes of a devil-masked woman getting naked and a guy telling her he wants her to have his baby. A lot of scenes of two Canucks watching the strangest T.V. channel, some beer chugging , some skull drilling, chainsawing, eye ball ripping, a pregnant woman, the porn actress Amber Lynn reading news updates about the movie, and a whole bunch of sandwich making. Its definitely a strange one but in the best of ways.

Psychos in Love– I first saw this one when I was in elementary school and it's just as entertaining now as it was all those years ago. Basically you got a male serial killer who only kills women. A female serial killer who only kills guys. They meet up and bond over their mutual hobbies and their hatred of grapes and the wackiness ensues.

Send us to 5 places on the web:

100 years of Monster Movies. Great site that has 24-hr a day streams of new and old horror movies plus tons of horror hosts from present and past.

Freddy in Space. Just filled with good stuff. The site that got me hip to Kindertrauma.

Bleeding Skull. Reviews of good bad movies.

Sluggisha's Vault. Music site. The largest selection of Tardcore anywhere on the web.

Nardwuar– Strange Canadian interviews and music with Nardwuar, the human serviette.

Thanks a lot for the post about letting anyone answer these questions; I've been reading your site for some time now and always thought about what my answers would be.

Long-time reader, first time….er….responder. I usually read Kindertrauma at work (shhh don't tell) so I don't have much opportunity to post. However, that's not stopping me from replying to your invite for getting to know the horror community. Hope you like.

It's a Horror to Know You: Mayday

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

The Incredible Shrinking Man – I have always been severely arachnophobic, yet as a child I watched this film several times on Saturday's Dr. Schlock Theater (or something like that) despite how horrific the spider battle scene was. Somewhere around that time I also saw Jaws, which gave me nightmares for about a week, as my mother predicted it would. Additionally, I watched Beware! The Blob around this period, which traumatized me, yet I viewed it till the end. Twice.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Insidious – At this stage of my life I consider myself mostly immune to the powers of 'scary movies'. But Insidious caught me off guard several times. James Wan and Leigh Whannel pulled out all the stops on this one, creating an atmospheric and deeply disturbing old-school horror flick. It had a nice mix of excellent jump scares paired with a creepy aura to challenge even the most stalwart of horror aficionados.

I do have to give a close runners-up shout out to the first two Paranormal Activity films. They proved that less can be more and re-established a true movie-going experience with these unsettling films. Hearing everyone else in the theater emit a collective gasp got my heart racing several times. PA3 had a couple of scenes that managed to equal its predecessors, but overall wasn't as effective.

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

The Ruins – While on vacation in Mexico, a bunch of (actually likeable) college-age kids go in search of an archaeological dig at some ancient Mayan ruins. They discover something far more sinister atop the temple than even the villagers who won't let them leave. The film is as creepy, dark and vicious as the book, both of which were penned by the amazing Scott Smith.

The Saw sequels – Unlike most horror series that continued past three entries, the Saw films always stayed true to the narrative and rules established in the original. The movies are clever and always move the story forward. Calling them mere torture porn with no redeeming value is wrongfully dismissive of them.

House (1986) – Though the effects are dated today, back in the '80s, this film was scary. And tense. And cool. And full of awesome 80s TV actors – William Katt (The Greatest American Hero), George Wendt (Norm from "Cheers") and Richard Moll (Bull from "Night Court").

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

The Devil Inside – I know everybody and their brother hated this film, mostly because everybody and their brother went to see it its opening weekend thanks to the hype, and were ultimately disappointed in it. I was prepared to find it to be utter dreck, but I actually discovered it to be effective and spooky. And I quite liked the "no definitive resolution" ending. Movies don't need to be wrapped up with a pretty bow.

April Fool's Day (1986) – The story plods along, the script is lame and the scares aren't all that and a bag of chips. It has subpar special effects, and a ludicrous plot. But for some reason I enjoyed the hell out of this when it first came out and still do to this day.

The Wicker Man (2006) – Nic Cage proves once again that he has no idea what a fitting role for him is. He over-emotes his way through a hodge-podge script that in no way compares to the original. But his inevitable fate in the movie alone makes it worth watching. Who wouldn't love the chance to break his legs and set him on fire?

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Final Girl – Stacie Ponder has some of the wittiest, snarkiest, most insightful commentary in the history of….ever!

Lost Highway – Some of the funniest write-ups of some of the crappiest B-films.

Quiet Earth – Reviews and sneak peaks of horror, sci-fi and indie films, many of which come from the UK or other interesting places outside the US.

Cracked – Be prepared to split your sides laughing at their endless supply of sarcastic, sardonic and evilly hilarious lists involving movies, TV shows and life.

Kindertrauma– I like getting people caught in an endless internet loop.

It's a Horror to Know You: Bleck!

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

I could make a lengthy list of films, TV shows, etc… that scared me as a kid since I was afraid of EVERYTHING! However, there are two things that scarred me for life that make the top of the list. First was an appearance by Shields and Yarnell on The Muppet Show. For those of you unfamiliar with them, they were a husband/wife mime team who did a routine where they were eating breakfast. This, for some reason, scared me s***less.

The next was a television movie based on the disappearance if Adam Walsh called, you guessed it, Adam. I saw just a few minutes of the movie where he is in Sears with his Mother and he is watching some older kids play a store-demo video game and he was never seen again. Most people know the story and that Adam's disappearance, and subsequent murder, prompted his Father, John, to create the long running TV show America's Most Wanted and countless other resources for missing children. My sadistic parents used this as a scare tactic whenever I would stray away from them while out shopping. Thanks, Mom and Dad…LOL

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Haters are going to hate, but I really enjoy the "found footage" sub-genre. All three of the Paranormal Activity films spooked me and more recently Grave Encounters and Apartment 143 did a great job of giving me a jolt.

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

1) Satan's Little Helper – I have no idea why I enjoy this movie, directed by Jeff Lieberman, there is just something very darkly menacing and funny about it.

2) Poltergeist II – One name says it all…Henry Kane. He is literally MY boogeyman. Of course it is a sequel to a classic so it was never going to live up to its predecessor, but it creeped me out and still does.

3) Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me – I was around 12 or 13 when Twin Peaks premiered on TV. I remember the hype and some disturbing images, but it wasn't until I was in high school that I watched the series. Sadly, I watched the "prequel" prior to that, so I knew who killed Laura Palmer. Nevertheless, Killer Bob, a disappearing David Bowie, a backwards talking dwarf, and a flat out haunting score makes this a favorite of mine but I know a LOT of people despise it.

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

1) Amityville II: The Possession – This one is corny as hell with some bad make-up and effects, but I watch it whenever I see it on TV. This was supposed to be sort of a "prequel" to the original Amityville Horror but it is just so over the top it is ridiculous. For instance, why and how does the sister take her top off for the "possessed" brother? Amazing!

2) Creepshow 2 – I saw this before I saw Creepshow and I have to tell you, I like it better. The hitchhiker and the wooden Indian coming to life? Classic canned corn!

3) Macabre – Jesus…what a whacky ass movie. The chick is banging the disembodied head of her lover. Sign me up. So very bad and wrong but I can't look away.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

1) Dread Central– An awesome horror site that many other horror sites get their news from.

2) Mutter Museum – This is a museum in Philadelphia (where I live) that has everything from deformed skeletons to a gigantic colon. Skip the liberty bell and head to this place if you plan to visit.

3) Shadowlands – I have spent many an hour on this site reading the real life ghost stories submitted by, well, anyone who wants to.

4) Sporcle – Need to waste time? Look no further. Games and quizzes that will keep you busy when you really aren't.

5) Laff in the Dark – This is a website dedicated to those haunted/fun houses that were, in their heyday, all over the country. Sitting in a cart, going along the track, surprises and frights abound. Fun stuff.

It's a Horror to Know You: Luki8701!

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

The Thing. My mom used to borrow VHS tapes from her friend at work and she had a thing for horror movies (thanks mom!) so I was exposed to them from an early age. To this day I remember when I was 5 or 6, sitting in our living room playing with toys while my mom watched this masterpiece. It sure was an experience and while I did not pay attention to the screen the music itself haunted me for days. One time I did manage to gather enough courage to take a look it was during the infamous resuscitation scene. The chest collapsed, mayhem ensued and I ran out of the living room scared out of my mind. I didn't sleep well that night though and my love for horror movies was born.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Eden Lake. Talk about punch in the guts. I wish I could say I knew what I was getting into, but I didn't expect it to have such a big inpact on my sleeping habits. I have a thing for Brittish horror and I imported my copy of Eden Lake as soon as possible. James Watkins wrote the underrated My Little Eye so my expectations were high…and they were met before Watkins punched me in the face repeatedly and kicked me in the groin. And I enjoyed every single moment of it. Eden Lake is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre of this century and, while a little bit contrived, the ending will propably stay with me for the rest of my life.

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

Only 3? That might be hard but fine…

Alien 3. I don't get the hate for this movie, I really don't. Be it the Theatrical version or the Assembly Cut, this movie is propably the best horror sequel I have ever seen. Sure, it has it's problems but what movie doesn't? It's a dark, depressing descent into nightmare and a perfect ending to the series (or it would have been if Resurection did not follow 5 years later). It's a movie about redemption and closure and it never fails to make me feel emotional and, yes, even a little bit scared.

Candyman 2: Farewell to the Flesh. The first Candyman, to me, represents one of the most perfect horror movies ever made. Every single thing in it just works and comes together to form one of my favourite movies of all time. But the sequel ain't bad either! While the story retcons quite a bit of the original, it is just as compelling and strangely haunting. The cast is excellent too (Veronica Cartwright!) and Phillip Glass returns with his amazing score.

Silent Hill. Silent Hill may not work all the time, but when it does it roars and screams and sends shivers down my spine. It suffers from uneven script filled with clumsy dialogue and overt symbolism but boy if there ever was a movie made in the last 22 years where it didn't really matter it was this one. An extremely atmospheric and cinematic video game adaptation that might sumble just as often as it jumps, but boy does it jump high! It also has horror friendly Radha Mitchell (Rogue, Pitch Black, The Crazies remake!) and Laurie Holden (The X Files, The Mist, The Walking Dead). The long overdue sequel will be out this October, directed by Michael J. Bassett, who directed a bunch of underrated horror movies of his own (Deathwatch and The Wilderness).

I would also like to mention The Skeleton Key, Session 9, Black Water, Lake Placid and several dozens of other movies that deserve to be mentioned!

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

House of Wax. (The Paris hilton one!) I just love this movie. It should be a complete failure but somehow it works. Jaume Collet-Serra brings enough style and suspense to the proceedings and milks the sets and setpieces as much as possible. Even the deemed-to-be-annoying WB cast is perfectly capable of pulling their characters off (and hey the movie has almost an hour of some basic character development! There isn't even the studio required opening death scene to kick start the movie!), aside from Paris Hilton who makes up for it with her over the top deathscene.

Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows. I worship the original movie. It holds a very special place in my heart and caused quite a bit of uneasy discussions while camping in the woods. The sequel was heavily recut and reshot by the studio who also forced their ways on the director. The main cast is mostly annoying and strangely compelling at the same time. What makes this movie almost work is the twist and several sequences (mainly the hallucinations all the characters suffer from), but it could have been so much more.

Anaconda. Cheesy, unrealistic and with some truly terrible CGI. But I can watch this anytime and always have a good time. I wouldn't call it a bad movie though. It certainly doesn't take itself too seriously and the cast is fun (especially Jon Voight). I certainly enjoy this more than any of the "intentionaly" so-bad-it's-good animal amok flicks The Asylum/Syfy flood the world with. It ain't Jaws or Lake Placid, but it sure is fun.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

The Flesh Farm – Lots of enjoyable write ups about horror movies, both good and the bad.

Contamination – Not often updated, but lots of entertaining reading.

Retro Slashers – the name says it all.

Bleeding Skull – plenty of great reads about obscure/cult horror movies.

Cult Laboratories – great forums for fans of the cult cinema.

It's a Horror to Know You: Zack of Film Thoughts!

1. What is the first film to ever scare you?

I was a pretty meek kid. Advertising for horror films was enough to give me nightmares as a child. Drug awareness ads freaked me out. But no film affected me the way "Child's Play 3" did. Print ads were all over the comic books I read and I was exposed to more then a few commercials. As a little kid, I couldn't have been more then five, the idea of something as universal and innocent as a child's doll, a toy, not unlike any of the ones I had, becoming evil and murderous was more then I could handle. I had nightmares about that one literally for years afterwards.

Another one that had a profound effect on me was "Gremlins." I remember falling asleep in my older sister's car and having a nightmare about one of those little monsters standing outside the window, scratching on the glass.

I didn't actually start watching horror movies until I knew I was old enough to take it. I love "Gremlins" now. Still haven't brought myself to watch any of the Chucky movies.

2. What was the last film to scare you?

Originally, I had picked Michel Soavi's "Stagefright" for this slot. It's a super gory, surreal, lottsa-fun slasher film for the majority of its runtime. However, the cramped location quickly causes tension to build. The climax of the film involves the final girl crawling under the stage, trying to get a key to wiggle through the cracks above and fall into her hands. The killer sits above, quiet, unmoving. Because of how the mask is designed, you can't tell if he's watching her or not. It's one of the most intense horror sequence I've ever seen. That seemed like a pretty good choice for this category.

But then I remembered Lucky McKee's "The Woman." I'm a huge McKee fan and I was really digging this incredibly smart, expertly acted, truly twisted horror satire, but then the last act clicked in. As soon as it, I won't say what exactly for spoiler's sake, jumped out of the dog crate, I literally jumped up and yelled "WHAT THE FUCK?!" At that point the movie leaped from disturbing and calculated to just flat-out freakish and weird.

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

1. "The Car" (1977): I think this is a legitimately good movie. The "Jaws-in-the-desert-with-a-demonic-car" premise is pretty nutsy, but the execution works for me. I love the small town setting. I love everyman protagonist James Brolin. I love the scene where Kathleen Lloyd is standing in her kitchen, on the phone, getting increasingly freaked out when you see highlights in the window behind here and then hear that hellish honking. Plus the titular Car just looks cool. Goofy as hell maybe but I can dig it.

2."No Telling" (1991): Larry Fesseden is a seriously underrated horror auteur and I'd say that any of his films belong on this list. Yet none of them got to me quite the way "No Telling" did. Its slow deliberate pace leads up to a truly disturbing climax. If you're an animal lover, this movie is bound to get under your skin.

3. "Lisa" (1990): I have a bit of a soft spot for femme-centric horror, maybe because it's just so rare. This one is more of a thriller for most of its run time but Stacy Keanan is a really lovable main character and Cheryl Ladd, as her mom, is also very good. It's actually something of a fable about growing up but the climatic sequence with the serial killer is pretty intense. Director Gary Sherman also did the more well-known but still underloved "Dead and Buried" and "Death Line."

Honorable Mentions: "May" is pretty well known in the horror community which is why I excluded it from the list above. However, seeing as how it's one of my favorite movies of all time and my vote for best horror film of the 2000s, it still deserves to be more widely seen. Lucky McKee's friend Chris Siverston is also underrated. "The Lost" has a brutal, intense final act and "I Know Who Killed Me" is nowhere near as bad as you've heard, a lovably trashy homage to giallo.

"Kolobos" is an obscurity that I like, a throwback to Italian gorefest that predicted and predated the extreme horror phase of the early 2000s.

"KatieBird: Certifiable Crazy Person" isn't the easiest movie to like, with its noise-rock soundtrack, multiple comic-book panel visual gimmick, and all that torture and weird sex stuff. But under the grime are two extraordinary performances from the female leads and an exceptional non-linear storyline that builds to a shocking conclusion.

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

1. "Repo! The Genetic Opera" (2008): This is one of those movie with a fandom that embarrasses even hardcore horror fans. I'm neither goth nor an industrial music fan but something about this gore-soaked rock opera is irresistible to me. The overstuffed lyrics and melodrama make me groan but I love the A+ cast and the bittersweet finale. Besides, it's hard to hate a musical about live organ transplants.

2. "Sssssss" (1973): Why not a bad film by any means, there really isn't a lot remarkable about this goofily entitled film. It's just one of those movies I saw over and over again on cable at the right age. I came to love it through pure repetition. It's enjoyably gonzo with some decent creature effects and an awfully attractive leading lady. Snake-lovers and fearers should check it out.

3. "House of Horrors" (1946): This forgettable late period Universal Monster entry is about as routine as you can get, some would even say contemptible for the way it exploits Rondo Hatton's real-life deformity. Yet this is pure horror comfort food for me. I love the atmospheric back lot setting. Rondo's, let's be kind, "naturalistic" acting skills are immediately endearing. Any story of an underappreciated artist striking out at the world is going to appeal to me. My inner-Monster Kid can't help but adore it.

Honorable Mentions: Eben McGarr's "Sick Girl" (unrelated to the Masters of Horror episode of the same name) isn't a great movie. It's extreme for extreme's sake. The miniscule budget shines through repeatedly and the ending is abrupt. I sort of love it anyway. I can't tell if Leslie Andrews gives a good performance or not but I'm hooked either way. The hitchhiking scene misleads the audience fantastically.

There are plenty of trashy slashers I adore. "The Toolbox Murders" for its opening cascade of misogynistic gore. "The Prey" for its unintentional hilarity and accidental dream-like tone. "Sleepaway Camp II" because it's completely brilliant, in every meaning of the word. I could go on and on.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

1. Six Weeks of Halloween: Though obviously only updated during the Halloween season, Kernurex is a friend and an always witty horror reviewer.

2. Horror Etc. Podcast: I eagerly await listening to Tony, Ted, and Sometimes Doug chatter about horror movies (And sometimes other stuff) every week. These guys are true horror fans who love the entire genre and are always worth listening too.

3. Andrew Barr's MONSTARS: Andrew Barr draws horror characters, beloved, derided, and completely obscure, in his quirky signature style. I'd love to have a few of these framed and on my walls.

4. Fantastic Movie Musing and Ramblings: Dave Sindelar has quietly been going at this for years, an endless quest to watch and review every "genre" (sci-fi, fantasy, or horror) movie ever made. Originally stationed on the beloved, long-gone Scifilm forums, he now has his own archive of hundreds of amusing, insightful movie reviews.

5. Trent Harris: Denying all financial sense, Utah based independent filmmaker Trent Harris has continued to pop out obscure, bizarre, and utterly unique tragi-comedies ever couple of years. Bootlegs, books, and artwork can all be read about and purchase here, his central online hub.

UNK SEZ: Howdy critters and happy Sunday! We have gotten a couple of emails from folks asking if they can take part in the "It's a Horror To Know You" festival. The answer is YES because everybody is invited to join in! It doesn't matter if you are the Queen of England or a Swamp Monster although we do secretly prefer swamp monsters! Just answer the five questions and send them on in to Kindertrauma@gmail.com! It's fun, easy and it helps repair the ozone layer! We've got a couple more IAHTKY's in the pipeline for this week so stay tuned and a big thanks to those who have taken part so far! You guys turned me on to a bunch of movies I would have missed otherwise and therefore I am indebted always and owe you a hoagie. In case you need them here are the questions once again…

It's a Horror to Know You: (Name) of (website/optional)!

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

2. What is the last film that scared you?

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

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

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

It's a Horror to Know You: Hud of Vegan Voorhees!

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

Poltergiest. I saw about ten minutes of it on TV when I was about 8 or 9 and had a nightmare I can still remember 25 years later. Ghost films are (usually) the only films that still creep me out.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

I'd lean towards Insidious as I went in blind and some parts of it just made my entire skeleton shiver, although I watched The Sleeper the other week, by myself, after midnight, and I had to watch an episode of Friends afterwards because I didn't want to go to bed and think about someone lurking in the corner brandishing a hammer.

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

Urban Legend: It just has everything I want in a slasher movie – ludicrous premise, completely unconvincing killer with apparent psychic abilities, enough bitchy dialogue to make the cast of Mean Girls blush, and Alicia Witt.

Children of the Corn: I can't explain what I like about this movie, as not that much happens but something draws me back to it repeatedly. I once knew someone who looked the spit of evil child preacher Isaac – maybe that gives it an extra boost of eerieness. And Malichai rocks too.

Jaws 2: For a while, I preferred this to the original due to a bizarre fascination with the waterskiing scene, but it's still way better than almost every other killer fish film around. All those gorky teenagers on boats, the 'sympathy death' of the girl who saves Sean Brody, and a Phantom of the Opera shark.

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

The Hills Have Eyes Part II (1983): Even Wes Craven hates this one, but for reasons to be explored with my psychotherapist in a future session, it's like disco fabness. And a dog has a flashback. And Kevin Blair is in it. And the final girl is blind and 'senses' things. And Sherry Palmer from 24 rocks a headband in it.

A Nightmare on Elm Street Part 2: We all know it's the gayest film ever, but that doesn't mean much of this film is anything but awesome 80s nutrition. The bus nightmare IS creepy and Kim Myers' Tiffany-meets-Meryl Streep schtick only cranks the camp-o-meter even more. More films should embrace their inner diva.

The Car: is it wrong to like this one? That opening scene is incredibly good and the film had the balls to off the nominal heroine halfway through.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Anchorwoman in Peril – when Ross writes, 'tis poetry. About horror.

A Slash Above… – a place to learn about all the slasher movies you've never heard of.

A Nightmare on Samityville Street – nightmares from Oz.

Sticky Red – this guy has seen everything.

Hysteria Lives! – where would we all be without Hysteria?

It's a Horror to Know You: Pax Romano of Billy Loves Stu!

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

"The Blob". Watched it with my dad when I was, maybe, six years old, and then asked him to move my bed that night (as it was right under a heat vent, and I was sure that damn mass of grape jam was going to get me).

2. What is the last film that scared you?

"Paranormal Activity". Sorry haters, but that movie scared the Bejesus out of me. I did not see it at the theaters, but I got a copy of the DVD and watched it alone one night and pretty much jumped out of my skin several times.

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

"What Lies Beneath" – such a great combo of Hitchcock and horror. I love that movie.

"The Exorcism of Emily Rose" – First off, Laura Linney can do NO wrong. Secondly it was such a compelling and engrossing film. I have a soft spot for legal dramas, and since this one included demonic possession – it was the best of two genres.

"The Mothman Prophecies" – Laura Linney (again) and Richard Gere in one terribly odd and disturbing movie that, for some reason, got under my skin.

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

"Friday the 13th" – Yes, it was only made because of "Halloween", that said, it was a great movie that sort of reminded me of a low budget version of "Ten Little Indians" . As for the rest of the series – pure unadulterated shit.

"Bride of the Monster" – Ed Wood's masterpiece (in my humble opinion). I love this movie with every fiber of my being! Bela alone is worth watching it (as well as all of the stock footage) – and yet, it's much more coherent than "Plan 9 From Outer Space". Plus I love Tor Johnson as Lobo, "…he's as gentle as a kitten"

"Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things" – A dreadful film, but, if memory serves, this was probably the first film that borrowed Romero's version of a zombie and ran (or shambled) with it. I do think that the last ten minutes of this one are pretty good (all things considered).

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

Ob.Scene in South Jersey (my photo blog celebrating everything that is South Jersey)

My New Plaid Pants (been reading Jason's blog for ever!)

The Daily Beast (how I stay "in the know")

The Church of Ed Wood (my kind of religion)

Fascination with Fear (I love Christine, and I lover her blog – you will as well)

It's a Horror to Know You: Justin Kerswell of Hysteria Lives and Author of The Slasher Movie Book!

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

The first film I remember scaring the crap out of me was the 1982 TV-movie DON'T GO TO SLEEP. Despite looking at movie posters for THE FOG, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, FRIDAY THE 13TH et al, like some lovesick teenager mooning over the latest pin up, I was born too damn young to see them at the cinema. I think just before I popped my cherry with HALLOWEEN II on Betamax I was allowed to stay up and watch DON'T GO TO SLEEP. These days 13 year olds are having gap years and running mining corps in South America, but back then was a more innocent time. The story of the girl returning from beyond the grave to claim her family one-by-one had me on the edge of my seat. The image of her rolling the pizza cutter up the staircase was indelibly burnt into my brain. For some reason Of course, it's all delightfully cheesy now when you see it, but is still good spooky fun.

Honourable mentions also go to the Scottish set BBC two-parter NIGHTMARE MAN (1981), which was a curiously low key attempt at a British slasher/monster movie – except with more tartan and chatting about the weather. I also found the 1978 comet-destroys-Pheonix TV movie A FIRE IN THE SKY absolutely scary. Not sure why now, though!

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Easy. That would be the Australian pseudo-documentary LAKE MUNGO (2008). The central concept is quite terrifying, but the whole film has a mournful and ultra creepy vibe. It also has an outstanding scare using brief mobile phone footage. It is a film that stayed with me long after watching it.

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

It's difficult to keep to just three! A varied bag starts off with the 2001 Hong Kong movie HORROR HOTLINE BIG HEAD MONSTER. Horror films from Hong Kong are not usually my cup-of-tea. That kind of zany, slapstick does little for me – but I remember this being a genuinely creepy and strange little movie – and one that deserves more recognition.

SUPERSTITION (1982) is a film that I love because I first saw it at an impressionable age. Recommended partly for having the chutzpah to try and stitch the slasher and AMITYVILLE HORROR-style movies together in such a low rent, but endlessly entertaining way. The head-in-the-microwave opener is a show stopper, but I also love the dialogue ("Shut your bitchy mouth!") and the fact that they had the balls to end on a downer. To me it's the epitome of 80's video store horror movie gem.

One I watched again funnily enough last night was the British proto-slasher FRIGHT from 1971. I forgot quite how influential it must have been. Babysitter menaced by escapee from an asylum (check). Psychiatrist hot of the tails of said psycho (check). John Carpenter and Debra Hill must have had a triple bill with this, BLOOD AND LACE (1971) and BLACK CHRISTMAS (1974) when they came up with the idea for HALLOWEEN (1978). Of course, that film didn't have a conversation about Susan George's "lovely bristols", but it has a still shocking today showdown with a toddler with a very large shard of broken mirror to his throat. It's funny how these proto-slashers can throw you for a loop sometimes. Interestingly – and somewhat ironically – it got a post-HALLOWEEN re-release onto American screens as I'M ALONE AND I'M SCARED to capitalise of the success of Carpenter's movie.

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

I've done a 180 degree turn on PIECES (1982). To my shame, when I first reviewed it I called it FAECES. What was I thinking? It is actually 100 per cent distilled fun – and I love it and its cheesy rollerskating chain saw massacre more than life itself. … The most beautiful thing in the world is … smoking pot and fucking on a waterbed and watching PIECES at the same time. Allegedly.

Another film that I've grown to like against my better judgment is GIRLS NITE OUT (which was originally released to US screens briefly as THE SCAREMAKER in 1982 before getting a second chance at, ahem, stardom in 1984). Really, the frat boy stuff is stupid fun – and the lack of a central character hurts it – but it's hard to hate a slasher flick that has a giant bear mascot with proto-Freddy gloves as the killer. It also has a WTF creepy ending that is totally at odds with the previous 90 minutes and creates a genuinely disorientating close.

Finally, pure bad movie fun doesn't get any more perfect than the 1980 Bigfoot bloodbath NIGHT OF THE DEMON. If you ever wanted to see a biker get his penis ripped off by what looks like Mick Jagger in a full body ginger toupee then this movie is for you.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet!

The Bodycount Continues – fun and friendly slasher movie forum run by my good friend Joseph Henson.

Scream Queenz – Hands down my favourite horror podcast (well, apart from maybe The Hysteria Continues). A deliciously camp and effortlessly entertaining joyride to horror's glittery back passage.

Mrs Slocombe's pussy vs. Black Christmas – Last Christmas I had too much good cheer, woke up in the morning to find out that I'd created this.

Hysteria Lives Facebook page – I know I'm a total attention whore, but I'm posting loads of old slasher movie reviews and artwork on this page.

Dina Martina – Medical College Commercial – I saw Dina a couple of summers ago performing live. Thrilling, fascinating and the only drag queen with a hairy back I've ever seen (so far).

It's A Horror To Know You: Michael of Cinema Du Meep!

1. What is the first film that scared you?

Halloween (1978) – It's also the first Film I remember period. Thankfully my Movie-obsessed parents didn't mind taking a little kid to such a legitimately scary Movie. It also really resonated with me because it's killer and I share the same name. It was the night WE came home.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

The Loved Ones (2009/12) – I'm not easily frightened by Horror Movies these days, but I did find this Australian Horror Film to be quite full of suspense. It's a roller coaster of a Movie, with a villain you really want to see put down. Since it only made it here to the states this year (It's also getting a very limited theatrical release this month by Paramount) It might end up in my top 10 of the year. I was pretty surprised by this Movie, and that's rare for me.

3. Name 3 Horror Movies that you believe are underrated.

One Dark Night (1983) – Meg Tilly is locked inside of a creepy mausoleum (is there any other kind?) overnight as part of a pledge to get into a high school club. Things go bump in the night courtesy of the bitchy blonde who put her there, and her toothbrush loving cohort. In that very same mausoleum, the dead are raised by a russian psychic zombie vampire with the power of telekinesis (he's got a lot on his mind), and they don't seem too happy to be there. Atmospheric, creepy and a hell of a lot of fun, Director Tom McLoughlin (of the fun Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives) makes the most of a tiny budget. Co-stars E.G. Daily (Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Valley Girl) & Adam West (TV's Batman) as a dude who can't find his depositions.

Stephen King's Sleepwalkers (1992) – When Sleepwalkers came out, Stephen King fans revolted. He had written this one himself, but somehow they didn't get it. I think it's a lot of fun. This Movie has: Ancient creatures who indulge in incest, fear of pussycats, cops killed with a corn on a cob, Glenn Shadix molestation, the parents from Ferris Bueller's day off, dancing in the lobby of a Movie Theater while vacuuming, a deputy who's partner is a cat, gravestone rubbings as a hobby and a way to impress your date's mom, the power of invisibility and more importantly being able to change the color and model of your car at will, horror icon cameos and so much more. It's a keeper!

Suspended Animation (2001) – Director John D. Hancock made my second favorite Horror Film of all time (Let's Scare Jessica To Death from 1971). He spent the next 30 odd years away from the genre helming an assortment of Dramas (Bang The Drum Slowly, California Dreaming, 1987's Weeds) and even a Family Film (Prancer). Thankfully he returned to Horror in the early noughts with the shot-on-HD Suspended Animation. This is one of those Movies that is surprisingly complex, so I won't go into too many details here, but I will say it is one of the most overlooked Movies of the last 10-15 years. I found it fairly creepy and well made (love the great snowy atmosphere) with a story that got me totally involved. Hopefully Hancock returns to the genre once again. Suspended Animation is currently available on DVD and it's also available on Netflix Streaming right now as of June 2012.

4. Name 3 Horror Movies that you enjoy against your better judgement.

I Spit On Your Grave (1978) – My grandmother was a huge fan of this Movie. I had watched that big boxed VHS from Wizard Video countless times growing up. I probably should hate it by now, but somehow, I don't. It's a Movie that's both hard to watch and also pretty compelling. I'd call it a contradiction in the world of exploitation perhaps because it's a Movie that's smarter than the Filmmakers actually realized it would be. Hold on to your penis before you lose it and enjoy.

Mardi Gras Massacre (1978) – A late 70's Movie about a killer in New Orleans that rips out the hearts of sluts in the name of some Aztec ritual. Other body part dismemberment zaniness follows. If you this doesn't sound all that interesting, well, it's the kind of Movie you should probably just experience instead of reading some synopsis. I enjoy the occasional weirdo Movie, and this one, which also features mustachioed cops who are hot on the killer's trail, is both weird and groovy. I really dig the Disco music, so much so that I play it on the ipod once and awhile, allowing it to whisk me away to it's magical world. Play close attention to the title card in the beginning. There's something that lives behind it!

Murder By Phone (1982) – I'm going to be honest with you, Murder By Phone is a terrible Movie. But, if you want to see people murdered by a Phone (landlines only, bitches. This was 1982) look no further. Watch bearded Richard Chamberlain ham it up and a slew of character actors like John Houseman embarrass themselves. This dull but somehow watchable Canadian tax shelter production was released in the U.S. by Warner Brothers and was directed by Michael Anderson (Logan's Run, Around The World in 80 Days, Orca). After some research, I noticed that this Film was initially released as "Bells" in Canada, and was 20 minutes longer. Against my better judgement once again, I really need to track down that version and then reach out and touch someone… until they die.

5. Send us 5 places on the internet!

Besides this wonderful site here, I love to check out…

House Of Self Indulgence – Wacky and wild reviews of Cult & Retro Cinema. House Of Self Indulgence is like no other!

The Axe To Grind Show – Axe loves Horror Films so much, he just started his own little radio show. It's off to a really good start.

Hysteria Lives! – If you love Horror, in particular Slasher Films, no one does it better than Justin of Hysteria Lives. Also check out his recently published in the U.S. "Slasher Movie Book" and "The Hysteria Continues" Podcast he heads up as well.

Uncle TNUC – Uncle TNUC captures a cool 80's vibe that never fails to bring me back to that neon-spandex, cuff rolling, sock-less decade.

The Terror Trap – The Terror Trap has been doing Horror right for many years now. Love all the interviews, profiles and reviews.

And whilst you're on the inter-web, why not join Cinema Du Meep on Facebook…