It's a Horror to Know You: Tara of Blog 'Scuse Me?
1. What is the first film that ever scared you?
The Dark Crystal – still one of my favorites. The first time I watched (at about four years old) I was paralyzed. I think this was the first time in my life that I was too terrified and fascinated to do anything but stare blankly.
2. What is the last film that scared you?
Hellraiser. I went in thinking it would be nothing more than fun 80s goth camp and ended up unnerved. Skinless Frank scuttling across the attic floor, the quick peek through the door of the hooks tearing him apart…this is one of those movies that reminded me of old nightmares.
3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.
1. Santa Sangre – An excellent joining of butchery, melancholy, and psychological horror. Sometimes almost unbearably depressing.
2. Pumpkinhead – I remember reading a scathing critic's review of this movie and being pretty stunned when I later watched it. It's a gorgeous, suspenseful Southern tragedy. The makeup and puppet effects are insane.
3. Abominable – Simple concept: A bunch of townsfolk and vacationers encounter a bloodthirsty sasquatch in the woods. It's surprisingly funny and engaging – and, even though it was made in 2005, there are legit gore and makeup effects instead of that maddening CGI. Cool actors (Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace, Lance Henriksen, Paul Gleason) pop up in glorified cameos.
4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.
1. Meet the Feebles – From reviews I'd read, I thought there was a good chance I'd claw my eyes out if I tried to sit through this movie. I ended up caring deeply about the fate of a heroin-addicted crusty frog puppet. Peter Jackson is good at bringing class to the grottiest situations.
2. Beyond Dream's Door – I expected complete idiocy but thought this movie was almost hypnotic. I found the demonic blood-dinosaur hand puppet menacing. And the ending is fantastic – I could listen to that creepy recitation of poetry over the dial tone for hours.
3. Bride of Chucky – I don't know why I don't see this "comic re-imagining" of Chucky as lame and disruptive. It's the perfect movie to stare at on a Saturday night. Chucky and Tiffany are a party and a half.
5. Send us to five places on the Internet! (Include the URLs!)
1. STFU, Parents Some of the best horror is of the unintentional, social networking variety…check out some deeply disturbing uploads and quotes from lunatic parents.
2. Regretsy – April Winchell keeps us informed about the ever-growing world of DIY disasters – hysterical.
That's all I've got in the way of new recommendations (I saw Death to CGI and Badmovies.org on other questionnaires – love those.)
Seeing the Skeksis at the top makes me want to go, "Hmmmmmmmmmmm!"
I guess I'm going to have to watch Abominable now.
I'm totally amazed by The Dark Crystal. What other movie looks anything like that? I tried to get JP to watch it but he could not take the screeching. Turns out DC was the all time box office champ in Japan for many years, it was a bigger hit than E.T and it was the highest grossing movie until Titanic came along. (At least that is what I read on the internets.)
HELLRAISER is another one of those movies that gets shortchanged thanks to all the stinky sequels but the original really is a great, scary film. I'll never forget seeing it the first time. It seemed way more adult than what was popular at the time. It's too bad they kept expanding it because I loved how the first one was so insular. I always thought it would be a cool one set stage play.
Santa Sangre is a great pick too. That's certainly a one of a kind film. I always want to watch it again but I can't take the dead elephant! Thanks for these picks Tara and your blog has made me hungry!
the dark crystal is completely it's own world. almost nothing recognizable.
hellraiser rules. the melting in reverse effects are unreal.
Pumpkinhead is brilliant. The witch (Haggis) and her lair are worth the price of admission alone.
Haggis: "What yo' askin' got a powa'ful price."
Scared by the Skeksis eh?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOdR40Df2rc&feature=relmfu
This guy has a couple of great Youtube vids featuring his great costume and some unsuspecting kids on Halloween.
this guy is my hero. you need to feature him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfEUK-PbKEw&feature=context-chv
Thanks guys! That is some costume (how many months of work did he put in?!). I love how the little girl at the candy bucket was like, "Must flee from evil…right after I grab a few Twix."
Unkle Lancifer, so glad you liked the food shots on Blog 'Scuse Me! I loooove myself some Kindertrauma…time to order a mug!