John’s Horror Corner: Spookies (1986), the cheap but really fun B-movie with a variety of different monsters.
MY CALL: This is one of those B-movies with a lot of low budget yet ambitiously diverse special effects and monsters. The writing may be awful, the acting may be worse, but this remains a really fun B-movie with a lot of fun creatures and gooey silly gore. MORE MOVIES LIKE Spookies: The Vineyard (1989) and Cthulhu Mansion (1992) comes to mind.
A 13-year old runaway, some lost adult couples and a group of twentysomethings looking for a party happen to converge on an old mansion inhabited by a weird occult practitioner and his oddly young nearly dead wife. To fully resurrect his wife, the sorcerous occultist must sacrifice the unlucky houseguests.
Using a Ouija board, the occultist creates a pig-faced Night of the Demons (1988) deadite, raises gooey slimy zombies, summons farting septic zombies, the sorcerer’s apparently undead ghoulish sons, baby merman-gremlins, an Xtro (1983) xenomorph creature that melts someone’s face, a zany latex goblin-witch thing, an animated grim reaper statue, and an awesome spider-woman (with a cool transformation scene) that vac-drains her victim.
The special effects are ambitiously diverse, even if weak in execution. But the only true disappointment among the effects was the big zombie finale—which was boring at best. But most of the effects and gags of the movie were entertaining.
The mer-goblins and the spider-woman were the true highlights of the movie. I wish everything revolved around them as the monsters (i.e., more like Spider Labyrinth) and we could have minimized the four different versions of zombies we encountered. And what even was that goblin witch? And why, WHY were those zombies farting?
This is a fun cheesy horror that should be prioritized highly in that category. I strongly recommend it to fans of such ilk.
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast #243: The Sunset Shark Club
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The MFF podcast is back, and this week we’re talking about a totally fictional (but incredibly awesome) film called The Sunset Shark Club. We had a great time discussing Sharks in Sweden (also fictional and awesome), so, we came up with a movie about Patrick Swayze surfing in areas populated by sharks. In this episode, we discuss lyrical dialogue, shark punches and an incredibly odd musical score.
If you are a fan of the podcast make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean,or Spreaker.
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John’s Horror Corner: There’s Nothing Out There (1991), the silly raunchy horror meta-movie that came before Scream (1996).
MY CALL: Fun and dumb… and ahead of its time in its self-awareness of the genre. I’d recommend this to all fans of raunchy horror, horror meta-movies, and dated horror comedy B-movies. It’s more versatile than you’d expect. MORE MOVIES LIKE There’s Nothing Out There: For more meta-movies enjoying a lonely vacation cabin, try The Cabin in the Woods (2012), American Horror Story: 84 (2019), Tucker and Dale versus Evil (2010) and The Final Girls (2015). And don’t forget Scream (1996)—likely inspired by There’s Nothing Out There (1991) for Jamie Kennedy’s iconic character.
A group of high schoolers head out to a cabin in the woods for Spring Break. The horror fan of the group likens their remote cabin to a typical horror setting, and jokes about ways to get killed, investigating strange sounds in the woods, and that they’re hours away from help. Analyzing all the tropes and warning signs, he’s basically the progenitor character for Jamie Kennedy in Scream (1996). Really, this low budget 1991 movie was ahead of its time complete with in-dialogue references to The Thing (1982), Alien (1979), Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and It’s Alive (1974).
The first signs that something weird is going on is the discovery of green slime in the kitchen. So naturally, ignoring all vocalized warning signs from their annoying yet horror-savvy friend, they split up to go on romantic walks in the woods in the dark or nocturnal swimming in the lake.
The special effects aren’t high quality, but they are confidently showcased as we see plenty of our amphibious tentacle monster. Appearing much like a monstrous tadpole with tentacle arms, the creature reminded me of The Boogens (1981) which, along with The Kindred (1987), offers better tentacle monster fare. Additionally, the melting face effect was weak, but… well, aren’t all melty faces still fun effects?
Showcasing his love of the oft-raunchy genre, writer and director Rolfe Kanefsky (The Hazing, Nightmare Man) opens this movie in a video rental store loaded with B-movie horror titles on the shelves (e.g., The Mutilator, Grizzly) and campy camera angles. From skinny-dipping to shower scenes, bouncing boobs abound. The women in this movie spend most of the running time in underwear, bikinis, or less. Oh, and the monster pulls an Xtro (1983), apparently trying to impregnate the women! The creature full-on pulls a girl’s top off while going for her crotch—although, with its anatomy I’m not so sure what it was going to do.
Honestly, more screen time is dedicated to scantily-clad women than to the monster itself. But for all the attention dedicated to raunchiness, the writing is readily funny and highly self-aware. So self-aware, in fact, that at one point a character sees a boom-mic and uses it to swing across the room like Indiana Jones escaping the creature. It may not be “good” writing, but you can tell the writing mattered and I’m grateful for it. Really, the steady stream of comedy kept me from feeling guilty for watching this fun flick.
I’d recommend this to all fans of raunchy horror, horror meta-movies, and dated horror comedy B-movies. It’s more versatile than you’d expect.
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast #242: Tremors, Gooey Practical Effects and Original Monsters
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker. (or wherever you listen to podcasts…..we’re everywhere)
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The MFF podcast is back, and this week we’re joined by Todd Liebenow of The Forgotten Filmcast to discuss the creature feature classic Tremors. Released in 1990, Tremors has aged beautifully with its fantastic practical effects, likable characters, and unique/mysterious monsters. In this episode, we discuss the Tremors franchise, gooey practical effects, and the origins of the “graboids.” Enjoy!
If you are a fan of the podcast make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean,or Spreaker.
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
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The MFF podcast is back, and this week we’re talking about the weird and wonderful Tusk. Directed by Kevin Smith (Clerks, Mallrats, Dogma), this weird little movie focuses on a man turning another man into a walrus. It’s a simple setup, that features gnarly body modification, “walrus” fights and some oddball performances. In this episode, we discuss podcasting, Michael Parks and the documentary Walrus Yes: The Making of Tusk.
If you are a fan of the podcast make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, Podbean,or Spreaker.
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The 12 Best Horror Films of 2019
2019 has been a fantastic year for horror as movies like Crawl, Ready or Not, Us, Climax, Perfection and Doctor Sleep have blown away expectations and given the world some excellent horror films. Since, the list I put together with MFF contributor Zachary Beckler was so popular last year, we teamed up again to form a list of 12 horror movies that we consider to be the best (if you disagree with anything on the list….it’s Zach’s fault).
Make sure to check out the 2018, 2019, and 2010-2019 horror podcast episodes we recorded (you will love them)!
Enjoy!
12. The Perfection
The Perfection is a fun horror movie that goes for broke with its gore and twists that are simultaneously unpredictable and predictable (trust me). Director/writer Richard Shepard (Girls, The Matador – watch it now, it’s fun) recruited Allison Williams (Get Out), whom he directed in HBO’s Girls, and together they went for broke, and made a film that is getting lots of buzz for making people vomit. What I like most about The Perfection is how you never really care about where it’s going, because the journey is so bonkers. Writers Nicole Snyder and Eric C. Charmelo (both have written episodes for Supernatural and Ringer), should be appaluded for devsing this weird story, and juggling twists-and-turns featuring femme fatales, sex, vomit, flashbacks and horrible bus rides.
11. Bliss
Bliss is a gnarly film about a painter who gets involved in some truly bloody shenanigans. Once you watch Bliss, you will never be able to forget Bliss. Why? It’s filled to the brim with excellent gore, memorable visuals, and fantastic cinematography that showcases the excellent gore. Did I mention how gnarly it is?
10. The Dead Don’t Die
I love The Dead Don’t Die. It’s weird, very funny and features the greatest pronunciation of the word “ghouls” ever. It’s a shame that audiences and critics weren’t able to get on board with director Jim Jarmusch’s eclectic zombie movie – that is in no way a zombie movie. Watch it, embrace the weird, and appreciate Tilda Swinton with a samurai sword.
9. Us
Jordan Peele’s follow-up to Get Out is a wonderfully original horror film that features some of the best performances of the year and made a ton of money at the box office ($225 million worldwide). If you are looking for a beautiful looking film that features villains who eat rabbits and use scissors as weapons, you will love Us. Also, It’s a big reason why 2019 is one of the best horror years in recent memory.
8. Ready or Not
Ready or Not is an incredibly fun film to watch, and I can’t think of the last time I smiled so much during a horror film that features body explosions, decapitations and crossbow death. Samara Weaving (The Babysitter) is the best, and it makes me happy that this film was critically adored, and somewhat successful at the box office. If you are looking for laughs and blood, you need to watch Ready or Not.
7. Crawl
Crawl is the best angry alligator/crocodile film since Rogue, and I love how Florida alligators have finally become cinematic villains. On a recent MFF Facebook poll (follow our page!), the alligators were voted the best villains of 2019. The people who voted were right, the alligators are badass.
6. In Fabric
In Fabric is a beautifully weird horror film that tells the story of consumerism, washing machine repair and a killer dress. Director Peter Strickland (Berberian Sound Studio, The Duke of Burgundy) has created an almost dream-like experience that features visuals you will never forget (seriously, it gets weird). If you are looking for a truly different and occasionally hilarious horror film, you need to watch In Fabric.
5. Midsommar
Zach Beckler (who helped put this list together) summed up the movie perfectly on Letterboxd (follow him).
A glorious, epic horror film dealing in the same kind of eerie inexplicability that makes something like The Shining a continually giving gift.
There are things about this narrative that hit so true and personally that I hesitate to delve into its ending, lest I break my own heart again. It’s not the immediate shock of Hereditary (though there are some), but a slow awakening realization. It’s as surprising as a haunted house film: we know what is happening, just not why it’s happening to THESE characters.
In the end, it would always lead to this, with or without the cult; the horror is merely the amplifier.
4. The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is the funniest movie of 2019, is that weird? I love how director Robert Eggers took the “misery is hilarious” approach and put Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson through a lot of misery. You need to watch this movie. Also, never drink turpentine.
3. One Cut of the Dead
One Cut of the Dead put a massive smile on my face, and I can’t think of another movie that made me happier. If you are looking for a “zombie” movie that tells the story of how people made a zombie movie, you need to watch One Cut of the Dead.
2. Doctor Sleep
It hurt my soul that Doctor Sleep didn’t do well at the box office. It’s a fantastic film that does an excellent (and very difficult) job of combining Stephen King’s follow-up to The Shining with Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic take on The Shining, which Stephen King hated (long story). Director Mike Flanagan (Gerald’s Game, Oculus, Hush, The Haunting of Hill House) made an epic film that is too good to ignore, and I’m certain it will gain a large and loyal following. Also, Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson) is the best villain of 2019.
1. Climax
Climax is a glorious descent into madness and I love every second of it. Both Zach and I put it at #1, and I’ll once again refer to his Letterbox review (seriously follow him).
Bodies in community destroyed by minds in disunity. The harmony established in the astonishing opening dance number devolves piece by piece as individuals segregate themselves from the group (in two-shot discussions, or singular framing that follows characters moving in and out of hellscapes). After a signature Noe credit sequence 45 min in, the rest of the film is essentially an after-credits scene that may be the worst trip ever committed to film, constructed as an hour-long unbroken shot. The horrors on display may not be the most graphic in his filmography, but they are the most potent, even on repeat viewings.
Climax establishes and shows the disintegration of a culture in seemingly real time. No one on screen is sharing the same perception of reality, lost in the abyss of their own personal hell. The revelatory final shot brings into focus Noe’s intent, as a fade to white illuminates the audience. There is salve, but no salvation.
What 2019 horror movies do you love?
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You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker.
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The MFF podcast is back, and this week we’re talking about the best horror films of 2019. We brought back award-winning director Zachary Beckler (watch Interior now!), and we put together a strong (and eclectic) list of movies such as Ready or Not, Us, and Climax. In this episode we talk about burning heads, angry alligators and exploding bodies. Enjoy!
If you are a fan of the podcast make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, Podbean,or Spreaker.
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast #239: The 2019 Random Movie Awards
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The MFF podcast is back, and this week we’re handing out random awards to the movies of 2019. We’ve been handing out random awards since 2010, and it’s always a highlight of our year (because they’re so random). In this episode, we award Last Christmas, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged, Avengers: Endgame and Portrait of a Lady on Fire with unique awards that are probably more meaningful than Academy Awards. Enjoy!
If you are a fan of the podcast make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, Podbean,or Spreaker.
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
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The 2019 Random Movie Awards: A Celebration of Fermented Cabbage, Whiskey Chugging and Puke
The Random Awards are back, and better than ever! 2019 has given us some truly random moments, and I had a great time combing through the 2019 releases to find some unique awards you won’t find anywhere else. Sit back, relax and enjoy the randomness!
Best Errant Rocket Award
Jojo Rabbit is a lot of fun, and I love the errant rocket launcher gag. Yorki (Archie Yates) is one of my favorite 2019 movie characters.
Best John Wick Super Fan Award – I was so happy to see Mark Dacascos in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. I’ve been a fan of his work for a long time (Viva la Only the Strong!), and it was cool seeing him get a showcase in the film.
Best Led Zeppelin Song Award
I love hearing Peter Parker (Tom Holland) talking about old movies and mixing up AC/DC for Led Zeppelin. Spider-Man: Far From Home is a blast.
Misery Loves Company Award
The Lighthouse is one of my favorite 2019 films and I think Willem Dafoe should win every acting award this year. It makes me happy that director Robert Eggers took the “Misery is funny” concept and ran with it by showcasing the misery that Robert Pattinson and Dafoe endure – it’s hilarious!
Where Were You Hiding the Footage Award?
Kudos to Apollo 11 director/editor Todd Douglas Miller for editing together an insane amount of previously unreleased 70mm archival footage. Apollo 11 is the best thing I’ve watched this year.
They Need a Buddy Cop Movie Award
I love the relationship between Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Goose the badass cat in Captain Marvel. They need a spinoff movie involving intergalactic shenanigans.
Best Fermented Cabbage Christmas Tree Award
Last Christmas is an underrated gem and I hope it finds an eventual audience. I love the bit about Santa (Michelle Yeoh) meeting a nice German man who loves cabbage. It’s an oddball subplot, that pays off with Santa receiving an actual fermented cabbage Christmas tree. The GIF has nothing to do with cabbage, I just like it.
Most Versatile Wedding Dress Award
The costume design in Ready or Not is super inventive, and I appreciate how the wedding dress that Grace (Samara Weaving) wears becomes a character. Costume Designer Avery Plewes should be applauded for creating a really cool dress based on the script. Watch the movie, you’ll see.
Best Whiskey Chugging Award
Hattie Shaw (Vanessa Kirby) pours the best glass of whisky (or maybe whiskey) of 2019. I love cinematic chugging because the amount of booze consumed would floor a normal person.
Best Usage of an Actor From Legion Award
Navid Negahbon is the best, and I’m glad he popped up in Aladdin as Jasmine’s father.
Best Sabotage Subplot Award
The Downton Abbey movie is an absolute blast that features low stakes and an insane amount of subplots. My favorite subplot involves a guy sabotaging a furnace because he is annoyed at his girlfriend. It’s awesome.
Best Hat Award
Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson) is the best villain of 2019, and I love how she rocks a large hat with extreme confidence. I really hope Doctor Sleep finds an eventual audience.
Best Puke Award
Many movie characters puked in 2019. However, One Cut of the Dead features the best puking of the year.
Best Money Throwing Award
Triple Frontier is an fantastic film that focuses on greed consuming several soldiers who steal from a South American drug dealer. They steal a lot of money, and then have to transport the bags of cash hundreds of miles through incredibly rocky terrain.
Best Taco Donation Award
The best moment in Avengers: Endgame doesn’t happen during a massive battle or tear-jerking scene. The best moment happens when Banner Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) hands Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) a taco. It’s a weird scene in a $300 million dollar budgeted movie, and I love it.
Best Dog Survival Award
The alligators in Crawl eat a lot of unlucky people. However, the dog lives, and that makes me happy. Watch Crawl now, it’s a lot of fun.
Best Whiskey Sour Award
Hearing Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio – so good) yell at himself for drinking too many whiskey sours the night before he has a guest spot on a TV show – made me happy.
Best Dental Work Award
Avengement is the most underrated 2019 action film. Check it out on Netflix to see how Cain Burgess (Scott Adkins) gets his crazy looking teeth.
Best Coffee Zombies Award
Zombie movies need more zombies who love coffee. The Dead Don’t Die is a weird little thing. I think Jim Jarmusch needs to direct more “horror” movies.
Best Celebrity Punching Song Award
Always Be My Maybe features Keanu Reeves getting punched by a guy named Marcus (Randall Park). Following the punch, Marcus writes a song about it, and it’s great.
Best Chocolate Made By the Director Award
Director Robert Rodriguez made the chocolate featured in Alita: Battle Angel. The guy is seriously talented.
Best Cave Sharks Award
47 Meters Down: Uncaged is a fun horror flick that features badass sharks. I love the massive sharks that have been living inside a massive cave system for a very long time. They are big, mean and hungry. It makes me happy.
Best Cinematography Award
This award really isn’t random. However, I had to promote the cinematography of Portrait of a Lady on Fire. It’s a beautiful film.
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast #238: Dog Soldiers
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker.
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The MFF podcast is back, and this week we’re discussing the 2002 werewolf film Dog Soldiers. We love the Neil Marshall (The Descent, Centurion) directed horror movie, and think it’s an ingenious blend of likable characters, realistic looking werewolves, and lots of excellent macho dialogue. In this episode, we discuss werewolf lore, decapitated heads and weekend excursions.
If you are a fan of the podcast make sure to send in some random listener questions so we can do our best to not answer them correctly. We thank you for listening and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Tune In, Podbean,or Spreaker.
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
Movies, Films & Flix 