Final Exam (1981)
“Final Exam” is a relatively bloodless slasher that is clearly very influenced by “Halloween” (1978) in that it honestly goes for scares and tries to build up a brooding atmosphere.
Thriller
Haunted House of Horror (1969)
A classic British horror film not necessarily in terms of quality but rather as a fun time capsule of an era long gone and a mood that was only attainable for a short period of time.
Tightrope (1984)
It’s a stretch to coin any of Eastwood’s movies as genuine cult items but some of them stray fairly from the mainstream. The legendary actor/director is a favourite of mine and I wanted to cover at least one of his movies and “Tightrope” fits the bill perfectly as something slightly different.
Detox (1999)
Less than a year ago (27th June to be exact) I posted a review on “D-Tox” In conclusion of my earlier review I mentioned that the film was in serious need of some loving from niche labels (Arrow Video, Scream Factory etc.) and, in a small way, that has happened with MVD Marquee Collection’s Blu-ray release that came out on April 14th…
Five Dolls for an August Moon (1970)
“Five Dolls for an August Moon” is a wonderfully entertaining example of massive style over substance. The gleeful Bava was peeved at not getting what he asked for so he delivered something entirely different than anyone expected.
Pieces (1982)
“Pieces” is an unapologetically sleazy and gory slasher film without any socially redeeming qualities to hide behind. It’s misogynistic, overall in bad taste and, in the end, completely gonzo so there’s no way of taking it seriously. It’s there for the bloody set-pieces and the gratuitous nudity and so it goes all out in delivering those.
Boogens (1981)
Two young men, Mark and Roger, are hired as assistants to foremen Brian and Dan to explore a long abandoned silver mine and determine whether it’s fit to reopen. During a blast something is let loose and starts wreaking havoc at a nearby guesthouse …
Witchboard (1986)
Linda becomes obsessed with a Ouija board trying to contact the spirit of a 10 year old boy who died many years ago. Her former lover becomes worried that the spirit is in fact an evil one who intends on possessing her and convinces Linda’s boyfriend to help find out the truth.
Night School (1981)
Give “Night School” the benefit of the doubt is you’re a slasher fan. It’s very competently made, has some inventive kill scenes, a killer looking head chopping villain, some good dialogue, overall solid acting performances and a polished look. The meanness of the villain and some sleaze compensate for the lack grisly gore on display.
Prom Night (1980)
“Prom Night” is one of my personal favourites and this flick can stand up to multiple viewings. The plot is as simple as they come but that doesn’t prevent director Lynch from trying his best to serve up red herrings as to who’s doing the killing. It takes it’s time in the build-up and firmly establishes it’s characters and the film is all the richer for it.