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!
OK, I'm jealous of this post! So many great choices and so many cool monsters! Any friend of THE FUNHOUSE is a friend of mine! I also think it is so cool that your dad had a video store, ypu lucky dog! DOLLS is one of all all time favorites. My only disagreement is that I think Halloween 4 is a great movie (5 not so much)! Excellent picks Ryne and thanks for TMIADW!!
Great article and thanks so much for the plug Ryne!
Evelyn! That definitely is high on my underrated list. Awesome choice! The questionable actions of the protagonist I think makes it quite unique.
Nice use of the DRESSED TO KILL score in the DOLLS trailer! I wish that trailers still recycled the score to DRESSED TO KILL.
Ryne, TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE: THE MOVIE was also slightly kindertraumatic for me. I beggggged my aunt to take me to see it in the theater. Then as soon as Debbie Harry described how she was going to cut the kid open like a fish, I insisted that we live. I was afraid that his vivisection was actually going to be shown (so naive!)
*I meant I insisted that we *leave*. I enjoy that Freudian slip, though.