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When the scent of fallen leaves arrives on autumn-chilled gusts, I know that Halloweentime is just around the corner. It's the absolute best time of the year with my favorite holiday anchored right in the middle. But, I'm not content with a mere single night of horror. That just doesn't seem like enough time to confront and laugh away the demons that haunt this troubled world. As such, I've decided to expand Halloween into a six-week feast of horror movies, apple cider, candy and pumpkin carving, all leading up to the big day at the end of October.
Here, you'll find my ramblings about the horror movies and TV episodes I watch during my 42-day celebration. Feel free to drop a comment or two if the desire strikes. I'm always up for some good horror movie recommendations.
My watchin' plans for this year include all eight of this year's Horrorfest movies (seeing's how I finally got caught up with them last year), catching up with the entire Saw series (the idea of Saw 3D seems so ridiculously cheezy, I feel like I shouldn't miss it in the theater) and getting through as many Argento films as possible (I've long been embarrassed to admit I've not seen most of his work). Martyrs and The Human Centipede are definitely on this year's docket as well. So, too, are [REC] and Survival of the Dead. And, I must watch Trick 'r Treat again; I have a feeling it's going to become a yearly tradition.
Finally, as I've done for the past 12 years now, I will close out the six weeks by watching John Carpenter's Halloween on Halloween night. Battling inevitable sleep in the wee hours of November 1st as I watch Sam Loomis chase Michael Myers is my favorite way to cap off the season.
Six Weeks of Halloween VIII is a go!
Hoo-ray! It's finally here!
ReplyDeleteAs I read this, I'm actually watching Argento's "Tenebre." So I'm extremely excited to hear that you're taking him on. His stuff isn't for everybody and actually seems to split audience down the middle. Having said that, his stuff is essential. If I remember, you didn't care for "Suspira" so I suggest you try his giallo: "Profondo rosso," "Tenebre," "Bird with the Crystal Plumage." If you can handle something a little crazier, give "Phenomena" a look as well. These are his best films, IMO. (Naturally, always watch the uncut version.)
I really consider the "Saw" films trashy fun. They are all about the gore and ridiculous plot twists but take themselves far too seriously. The upcoming 3D one, if the trailer is any indication, seems to finally have recognized how goofy this series has become.
I thought "Martyrs" was fantastic, but it seems to divide audiences. I can't remember if you're a fan of the extreme French horror movement or not. "[REC]" is very good, one of the most fun, jump filled horror flicks I've seen recently. "The Human Centipede" is mostly recommendable because of the outrageous lead performance. Beyond that, it doesn't have much going for it and seems to want to coax by on its premise.
I'm planning some Halloween stuff for my blog this year. I want to be a complete Report Card for Romero and Mario Bava.
Hey, and Mark's doing giallo films over at his place, too. It's an Italian Halloween! I like Suspiria well enough. I need to watch it more awake next time, though. Gonna start with Crystal Plumage and go chronologically from there (naturally!).
ReplyDeleteInside was interesting, but I had problems seeing what the point of all was. I've kept my self religiously spoiler-free for Matrys, so I'm eager to have it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Heh, if you need a copy of "Juice on the Loose" for your Romero-thon, let me know (it's really only amusing due to the title in light of later events, else it's just a boring sports doc).
I'm certainly not an expert on Argento, but as I mention in my post, I would certainly recommend Deep Red, which I think is excellent. Argento somethings goes a little too far off the deep end, but he's one of the more visually interesting directors out there. In any case, I look forward to the Argento Chronocinethon!
ReplyDeleteI've been toying with catching up with the rest of the Saw series. They're this century's slasher series, I guess. One movie a year, like clockwork. Can't think of any other series that's managed that recently... And once a series recognizes that it's gotten totally ridiculous and embraces that, it tends to improve things (See Friday the 13th Part VI).
Inside bothered me because it had a cheap shot premise, and about halfway through the movie, everyone started acting soooo stupidly. But it's reasonably well done, and I believe Martyrs is in my netflix queue somewhere, so I might get to it this year.
Anyway, woo hoo, 6WH! Let's do this thing.
Yep, completely agree on Saw being our modern slasher series. They churn out the sequels and count them with roman numerals. Awesome. Still, I've only seen part one. Have no idea where they take the series from there for 6 more of 'em...
ReplyDeleteMan, now I feel like watching a Friday the 13th again. Always been partial to zombie Jason, myself ("But how do we bring him back?" "I dunno... how about a lighting bolt like Frankenstein?")
YOU ARE THE LIVING END
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome back.