A few thoughts on...

Once in a great while, I have a few Horror topics on my mind all at the same time, but not enough meat to really warrant a full blown blog entry. So I figured, "Screw it, just put it all there anyway." So, here a few little tidbits of Horror related thoughts I've had as of late:

The Nightmare on Elm Street remake:

I'm not swayed or put off in any way just yet, except for the fact that I am really hoping that things from the script that I absolutley loathed are nowhere to be found in the finished product. I can only be so hard on it as I can, namely because of the things that Platinum Dunes keep saying how this one is supposed to be more "dark and serious." Well, I hope they prove that, because the last time they said this shit...we got the Friday the 13th remake. I have yet to utter the words "I'm excited" or "I'm looking forward to it" with this. It's just been "yeah, I'll see it."

Remaking Classic Horror icons...and Rob Zombie:

Let's face it. The big Horror icons of the late 70's and mid 80's are pretty hard to revisit successfully for the hardcore Horror audience. Freddy may be an easier sell, given how well known the character is over Jason, Michael Myers, and Leatherface. Just look at their sequels...they didn't really age all that well to begin with. And with that, one of the big Horror characters...was put into the hands of Rob Zombie. There are a bunch of people who made a terrible fucking decision, but it all falls mostly into Mr. Cummings' lap. Scripts were HORRIBLE. Zombie was definitley trying too hard. The look of H2 was good, though. That's the only positive I can give it.

You'd think that being such a self proclaimed HUGE fan of the original Halloween, that he would have at least treated it with a bit more respect, instead of taking a nice juicey shit all over it. I think he let his art get in the way of a story, while still trying to BE Rob Zombie. While I understand that it's "Rob Zombie's Halloween," he still should have, in some way, showed his appreciation for it, while not throwing in 'trademark' Rob Zombie stuff. It didn't really need all that shit, to try and take a classic story and throw in all this apparent harsh and dark crap.

I feel that in the first one he did, the last half of the movie was pretty good. If he stretched that out to an hour and a half, that would have been a perfect remake. Instead we were forced with all of this Trailer trash upbringing horseshit, along with Rapey institution employees. AND FOR FUCK'S SAKE, H2 was a steaming pile of ass juice.

With his first Halloween outing, I think if he had started it off at Smiths Grove, with Michael already grown up, and only talk of murdering his sister when he was younger, then breaking out, it would have been perfect. And, they should have gone back to the original premise with the character, too: He's an escaped Mental patient who just so happens to go after Laurie because it was a random target.

The levels of Excitement for remakes...and how you can let yourself down:

With Friday the 13th, I thought it was going to turn out great. The trailers had me excited, hearing that it was a mixture of the first four got me pumped because those are my favorite...then....I saw it, and fucking hated it and myself. With The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, I was really looking forward to it. I loved the original, andwas a little apprehensive given how classic the first one is. Saw the remake, enjoyed it, but as time went on, I saw a lot that I hate in it. It's still enjoyable, but not so much anymore.

Horror-centric Television:

I think it's about time that we get some Horror-centric television shows back. Have Elvira come back and host a show. Hell, bring back good ol' Joe Bob Briggs! Give them a Friday night slot on either AMC or even better, IFC. I think what would be even better would be if there was a channel devoted 24/7 to Horror. FearNet is okay with it's OnDemand stuff, but doesn't fill my Horror needs as much as I'd like it too. A 24/7 Horror programming channel would be amazing. I want one with basic cable.

(I want to see the Drive in Totals make a Come back!)

A little update on the future of this blog... *UPDATED*

I have recently been on a really great streak as of late with this thing. Meeting great people, posting a lot more than I started off with, etc. But now, my life is taking a positive turn, and I felt the need to update my readers.

I went to a job interview, and well, things are finally starting to look up.

Interview went very well. So well in fact that I was offered the full time position right then and there, and I accepted. As I left, I got a call from another business asking if I would like to come in Monday morning for an interview for a full time position.

I am going to the interview Monday, and hope that one works out as well as the first...and if so, I am going with the second job, simply because they have benefits (certain insurances) and the positions are along the lines of dealing with experience I have had in the past.

Both jobs are full time positions, with pretty solid hours. I am hoping the second one works out, and if not, at least I have another job to fall back on.

With that, I am probably moving sometime next week, possibly even this Sunday. And, because of that, my time online might not be as much as it currently is. Blog updates will be rare, time on here also rare.

I will try my best to still be in contact with those of you who have been in great contact with me, as well as attempts to keep this blog still going. I love doing this, and all the people I have gotten to know in the past few weeks, so there is no way I would just up and leave you all.

UPDATE: For any of you who may be interested, I was interviewed yet again, this time by Rhonny Reaper over at "Dollar Bin Horror." You can check out the interview here

Frankenstein (1931)

Not too long ago, I went ahead and reviewed the old school Horror film 'Nosferatu.' With that, I think it's about time I review yet another classically well known Horror flick, perhaps known by everyone around the world.

While inevitably dated and primitive when comparing it to the standards of modern cinema, Frankenstein remains an impressive film to this day. While at the time of it's release, there were many other "talkies" that just seemed so hollow and forced, this film omits all of that, and prides itself in it's plot and how it's executed...something that many Horror films of today cannot make claim of. James Whale's work as a director shouldn't go unnoticed, either. At the time, his craft was very different than anything of that time in Cinema. He was always moving the camera, close-up's on the actors, it all almost lent itself to a very admirable form of Expressionist Photography.

And then...there is Boris Karloff. Known quintessentially for this role, along with other Universal Monsters, (oh, and the narrator/voice for The Grinch cartoon) while still only having very few scenes as well as no dialogue, he still manages to work his way through the wonderful makeup (done by Jack Pierce) and produces an intimidating and complex character, while still making the creature very sympathetic.

To many young and new viewers of the genre, I can see this film as getting passed by, or even given the wrong idea, simply because they're not willing to give it or chance or open their mind as to what it would have been like to see such a film like this around the time of it's release. And that's really sad, because this one will forever go down as a classic of the genre, and will forever leave a lasting impression.

(I had to include a picture of 'the little flower girl.' The scene with her and Frankensteins monster is so memorable, and for it's time, down right frightening.)

The Horror Blogosphere

I started this blog near the beginning of January. I had no preconceived notions that it would become anything big, special, or that it would garner any attention. I did it all simply for the sheer value of being another voice in the world of Horror voicing their opinions and ranting about what greatly interests me.

But, as of late, it's slowly becoming something more than that. I went out of my to way to try and get to know several other Horror Bloggers whose work I greatly enjoy, and to be welcomed into this world with open arms definitely took me by surprise. Every one has been very nice and welcoming, it feels like I have finally found that one group of friends that I have been searching for some kind of connection of interests in a long time. The Horror Blogosphere is definitely where it's at for me.

Everyone's opinion may vary, each blog a different voice and stance on things...but we all meet in the middle with one common bond: The love of Horror. It is that which keeps us together as a tightly knit 'family,' if you will. We'll all have each other's back, and expect others to do the same. No reason for backstabbing or betrayal in this little cult, as everyone seems genuinely happy with what they do.

I have gotten to know quite a bit of amazing people as of late. BJ-C (of 'Day of the Woman') has been one of them. She has been there to introduce me to a lot of other workings in this world, as well as very supportive of the work I am going for. She's a great friend, one I hope to always be in touch with as time progresses. Other notable mentions are Rhonny Reaper of 'Dollar Bin Horror,' Patrick from 'Stabbing Stabbing Stabbing,' and Emily of 'The Deadly Doll's House of Horror Nonsense.' There are many more to mention in that list, as they all have welcomed me greatly into this world of Horror Blogging.

I can only hope that this all continues as time goes on. More friendships to be made, and current ones to become more close in terms of bonding. We're all here for the same reasons, and whatever happens between us, I'm sure it's going to be one hell of a ride.

Interviewed by Patrick of "Stabbing Stabbing Stabbing!"

Hey everybody, quick post here.

I was recently asked to be part of a quick interview with 'Dollar Bin Horror's' brother blog 'Stabbing Stabbing Stabbing,' and I figured my readers would be interested in checking it out!

"Sean Springett is a talented writer with a diverse taste in movies and music. His blog,Running over Cujo with Christine, is awesome and should get bigger and bigger..."

Check out the rest of the interview HERE.

I'd like to take this time to thank Patrick for giving me quite the welcome to the Horror Blogosphere with this interview, as has BJ-C of 'Day of the Woman' and Rhonny Reaper of Dollar Bin Horror.' Not going to lie...being interviewed...made me giddy.

The world of...Horror Conventions.

Believe it or not, I have never been to a Horror convention. Yes, I, a lover of all things Horror, has never once step foot into a Horror convention.

Horror conventions attract a pretty signature array of people. Those who have been loyal to the genre their whole life, those people who know the in's and outs, collectors, Cosplayers, etc. But, without a doubt, they're all there for one thing and one thing only: HORROR. They love it. Now, seeing as I have never had the glorious opportunity to be graced with the ability to attend such lavish events, I'm sure that each one is nothing but a fun atmosphere with tons of fans scurrying around the locations from the wee hours of the morning, until under the cover of the night darkness.

Now, if I were to attend such an event, I know for a fact that I would inevitably stock up on some collectibles. Whether they be Figures, posters, old magazines, shirts, etc...I'm there. Gotta display my love for Horror loud and proud, people. Taking pictures is a must as well, so you can document all of the crazy things you've seen such as the costumes people wear, booths, Q&A's, etc. This is a once in a lifetime event, best be making some sort of visual documentation to look fondly back upon.

Then...it comes to the celebrities who are kind enough to grace you with their presence. They've taken the time out of their lives to greet you, the fan, who has come to show their undying appreciation for their work, craft, and everything they've done for you. Many celebrities of 80's Horror once swore of their fans, but as time passed, they were more open to it, as they discovered the underground world of Horror fans and how much they truly love the genre and everything it has done for them. In turn, Actors and Actresses grew to have a great deal of respect towards their fans, and if an Autographed picture, a handshake, and being able to stand next to them for a snapshot is enough to brighten their lives a little bit more...then they'd be more than happy to do so.

And everything I have just made mention of...I have never experienced. From all the stories I've read, pictures I've seen, and missed opportunities due to finances and things of the sort...It truly sounds like a remarkable time, one I hope that one day I am able to live out.

(I MUST meet Bruce Campell)


(Robert Englund would be Killer.)


(Clive Barker:To get his Autograph, along with picture taken...it'd be the highlight of my life.)

(Elvira: Obviously...)
And too many more to name...

Fright Night (1985)

"You're so COOL, Brewster!"

First off, let me start off by saying this: Fright Night and The Lost Boys were the top two Vampire films I would watch ALL the time when I was a kid, so needless to say, this review is pretty near and dear to me.

This film is by far the definition of a perfect eighties Horror film. It has original characters, setting, and when you get down to it, the story. It also shows a great deal of hard work that must have been put to create those undoubtedly scarier then shit transformations for the characters of Jerry Dandridge, Evil Ed, Amy, and Billy Coal. It's effects like that which have always cemented my backing to practical effects over CGI. There is more work as it's all hands on...and alot of that, and more, went into movies like Fright Night.

The character of Peter Vincent said to Charlie that his, "generation prefers movies where a masked looney kills virgin innocents". Which, looking back on it now, plays alot on the fact that this movie was released in 1985, when the Slasher genre has reached a pretty high peak, practically nobody cared about Vampires. But, this film came out with so much potential with it's story, make up, setting, and it's actors; basic elements that a Slasher movie needs. The result: A very entertaining, sometimes chilling, and very well done horror movie.

Chris Sarandon does a superb job throughout the entire flick with his performance as Jerry Dandridge. Without a doubt, he completely steals the show. Roddy McDowall as Peter Vincent is quite a pleasure to watch. William Ragsdale did a pretty good job as Charlie Brewster, the main teen character in the movie. Worked fairly well with what he could. Many other actors brought their A-Game to this film, and it all works incredibly well. Perfect casting.

It has aged fairly well. There is something here for everyone, so I think many will likely be satisfied. The strengths of 'Fright Night' though are all of it's performances... and the great sense of fun that it has. Still rewarding, fun, and always worth a view.

May (2002)

At first maybe it's a romance, then again maybe it's a thriller. Maybe it's some kind of light or dark hearted comedy. At first glance you might just think it's a horror film. But, MAY doesn't aspire to go towards any certain film label, and I feel that's what makes this film work. There are many moment's in the film that will either grab you and pull you in, or turn you off and result in nothing but loathing.

Angela Bettis is excellent in the role of May. She's really beautiful, vulnerable, as well as expressive without even having to doing much. She gives May a certain quality that can only be described as understated... yet still intense. She has a great ability to say more with a look rather than endless nutty dialog. She is longing for something she can not have, and deals with it the only way she knows how. It basically comes down to being a strangely beautiful character study about a lonely girl who really just wants a friend.

Lucky McKee (Director) really crafted a fascinating look into the eyes of someone with mental problems, by being able to do what few films can anymore. He is able to allow us, the viewer, to see a part of ourselves that is manifested in May. I'm sure that at one point or another in our lives we've all been treated like crap, made fun of, been ridiculed, and maybe to the point where we were mentally near the deep end. Because of this, I felt pity for May even if I shouldn't have.

It's a wonderfully original twisted film that will leave the viewer stunned in some capacity. I feel that the less you know about MAY going in, the more shocking the series of events that follow the climax is. Even if you have heard some things about it, please don't be so quick to make assumptions. The film goes in a direction that most films of the genre only rarely hint at... but never really commit to anymore. Thus, resulting in a story which alternates between a different form of tenderness, with a certain sense of terror.

You will not walk away from it unaffected. Lucky McKee has seen to that. There are probably many people out there who will find some faults with MAY, but it's that kind of movie. You either love it, or you hate it. I love the film, beginning to end. Not much middle ground for me.

But do yourself a favor... see this movie.

The Fly (1986)

Body Horror. It's what David Cronenberg is best known for when it comes to the genre. He knows how to work with a basic idea of "Would you still love me if I was horribly disfigured" and go off in whatever direction he see's fit. He has the ability to tell an amazing story, while still grossing you out in the process. But still...you can't look away, as you're fully enamored in the story which is unfolding, regardless of the graphic nature.

'The Fly' takes an idea, develops it quite well, and has genuinely terrifying special effects until the horrific climax. The film does something that not a lot of Horror films do anymore... which is pay attention to the personalities of its protagonists (Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis), it actually makes you care about them. Because of this, there is a great level of serious reflection on the very nature of human mortality when faced with such an ordeal.

Like the great director that he is, Cronenberg overwhelms the viewer with a mixture of drama, misery and repulsiveness. You feel just as helpless as the characters are as you painfully wait for the unhappy ending. The screenplay is filled with metaphors and the romance between Goldblum and Davis is beautiful. The special effects are definitely still jarring to the senses and they don't look the least bit dated by today's standards.

Things get really disgusting as Jeff Goldblum slowly turns into a huge fly. The transformation is very gross in certain spots, and certainly gut-wrenching to witness. You can just feel his girlfriend's anguish and horror as she witnesses Goldblums' incredible physical and mental change. Geena Davis gives a convincing performance in the role, harboring a great sense of love, and the pain and confusion that comes with the task she must face. To see a man, who loved life so much, and finally making it in life by meeting the woman of his dreams, succeed in his six year goal in inventing Teleportation, then losing it all by transforming into a monster, is enough to put a tear into your eye.

Without a doubt, to get a good grasp on what 'Body Horror' is...give this film a view.

Nosferatu (1922)

They definitely don't make films like this anymore. This is, without a doubt, a faded and haunting masterpiece of silent cinema.

What sets 'Nosferatu' aside from many of the other films of the time was that most of the film was shot on actual locations around Eastern Europe, and the fact that through out production they hardly used any studio sets. Though, what makes this film so haunting is the sense of realism and the expressionism, which is quite evident in the interiors of Orlok's Castle that gives the film quite the Hypnotically visual power.

If there is anyone out there who has the dream to become a filmmaker, or they're currently a film student, then this is one film you must own if you don't already... although it's quite hard to find any surviving copies. Give the internet a look, as I'm sure you can find it somewhere.

No vampire film before, or since then, has been either as Artful or disturbing as this. Yes, it's less overtly "expressionistic" than other German films of the day, but no less, it's very visually impressive. Max Schreck (Count Orlok) is truly the vilest villain in the history of cinema. His mannerisms and overall look is astounding. The scene where he rises suddenly erect from his coffin aboard ship is one that horror directors everywhere should study very carefully.

It is one of the few silent movies with any significant following today. But... It deserves a following. The film is a one hell of a suspense piece. Still, it is paced perfectly so that it feels tense in the right places, but never drags on without something happening, turning it into a snooze fest. It is a bit of a cult film, but this does not hinder it from actually being good.

On Facebook?

It's pretty well known that just about everyone has a Facebook these days, so it's no surprise that I recently went ahead and created a Facebook fan page for 'Running over Cujo with Christine.'

Now, It's not being used just for updates as to when I post a new entry here...although that's a good portion of it. What I also post there is classic Horror trailers, opening up people into a few films they may or may not have seen, which could also open up the potential for future reviews.

I also use that as a tool to voice my random Horror Opinions in a short character limit as possible.

So, if you feel like getting a little more 'R.O.C.W.C,' feel free to 'Become a Fan' on Facebook by clicking the logo below!

A few quick thoughts on True Blood

(Taken from an old Blog I posted on my Facebook)

Why does everyone like this show?

I've honestly given it a shot. A couple of shots, actually. It's just revolting. The show lacks quality storyline, and quality acting. It's really popular with the "general" population.

It's basically Twilight with horny rednecks. No one in their right mind can sit there and tell me that they watch it for the storyline and characters. Give me a break, you watch it for THE TITS. I don't care who you are, male or female...that seems to be the only thing the show's got going for it.

With the exception of a few of its cast, the acting is terrible, the directing haphazard at best, plot content weak and uninspired, continuity Skippy and sub par, in short, a slow visual and intelectual trainwreck of a show.

I really would enjoy an intelligent tv drama about vampires with a much greater level of "plausibility," than the ridiculous leaps of faith and suspended disbelief that this series requires of me.

True Blood relies way too much on gratuitous sexual content to capture the interest of a viewer demographic.

Again, I would very much like to one day see the cultural phenomenon of vampire lore truly well represented in a trascendent manner, not one that caters specifically to current trends and lack of imagination. The character of the vampire deserves far better representation than its current parody of new age, and overly cliched exposure.

The acting is bad. The writing is bad to the point where it's practically high school level shit. Shit like this you can usually find on WB (The CW)—no it’s HBO, the same channel that once brought me Six Feet Under, Deadwood, and The Sopranos, is now churning out this excuse for a show. Gratuitous sex scenes here and there and everywhere, it's mind numbingly ridiculous. I feel that the people that watch this show are really grasping straws when it comes to excuses as to why they enjoy it. Because of all the things I've pointed out, I can't find one single solitary thing that is good about this show.

The viewers this show takes in are ridiculous. They eat up this new wave of Vampire propaganda like Hot Cakes. Yay, tonight I get to see more terrible acting, blood and tits everywhere (for no apparent fucking reason whatsoever other than to stimulate what male audience this gathers!)

And I really wonder why this show attracts female viewers also. Oh yeah, that's right...It's a little thing called taste. Something that the viewers of True Blood have zero of, and that's a proven fact given that they watch this show.

This is obviously a cult phenomenon, and will continue to be one, much to my chagrin. The audience will always be there, stupid as always, and horned up as all hell. Damn Fang bangers.

No thank you.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

A group of teenagers on a road trip, wait what? You've heard of plots starting off like this before? The typical Horror movie set up, yes, I know. But wait, before you get in an emotional tizzy, or decide to look on something else on the internet, let me continue. Something sets this one apart from all of the rest. This one is something to be remembered. It's insanely surreal, uncomfortable, it comes across as something you know you shouldn't really be watching, but you can't help but see where it goes.

And no, I'm not talking about the 70's clothing and hairstyles.

This film has almost a gritty, underground documentary feel and look to it. As if the events which are taking place throughout the film actually transpired, and it's unfolding it's glory right in front of our eyes. Intense and terrifying for it's time, this film is probably the most horrifying film ever made, given the time it was released. It's Breathtakingly intense, grim, uncomfortably amusing. It is genuinely and quite unapologetically frightening.

Despite its reputation, it is a remarkably bloodless film where anything visceral is either implied or delivered off screen. The movie has this way of almost convincing you that you just sat through the most sickeningly gory 87 minutes of your life, when in fact you have simply been letting your imagination do the work from behind your closed, terrified eyes. The entire atmosphere of the film can all be chalked up to the art direction, sound effects, editing, musical score (which mostly consists of clunking and clanking sounds).

Their are some great performances, too. Edwin Neil (the Hitch-Hiker), Jim Seidow (The Old Man), and Gunnar Hansen (Leatherface) as the Psychotic-Cannibalistic Family members. In a film this low budget and grainy, performances this real feel all the more scary. Marilyn Burns (Sally) truly gave her all, and more, to the role, as you can practically feel her decent into madness at the hands of the family.

The first time I saw it as a pretty young child on VHS, I had no idea what the hell I was watching. Things just kept happening, and happening, but in the way that this was one of those forbidden movies that most kids that age really shouldn't have seen, if anything for it's Insane ending, and all of it's implied carnage. Given the fact that it was on an almost worn out VHS tape added more effect to the whole thing too, as it almost felt like I was watching an Secret Underground film that gets passed around time to time, and you're not "in" unless you sit through this. It left an impression on me for sure.

It's a powerful film, delving into your psyche. It's a macabre, harrowing and suspenseful superbly crafted Horror film that will last a lifetime.

What really interests me...

Second Blog in a row deviating from the usual reviews I post here. I figured, for those of you who actually read the stuff I put up here, or those who may be mildly interested, I would let you in on a little more of the wild and crazy workings on all the screws loose in this fantastical wonder of a noggin' of mine....yeah, I kind of dragged that one out a bit, didn't I?

Anyway, No, I don't staple kittens to walls while wearing women's undergarments, but what I do Is that I have a fascination with the unknown. Such as Ghosts, Urban Legends, myths, and the macabre.

I have always been fascinated with the world of the Paranormal, mostly given the inevitability of so many questions which surround it. Such as the most well known of "What are ghosts? Do they exist? What are they exactly,etc?" Because, the truth is, no one really has a definite answer for that one. One can instantly say that it's the soul of a person that has passed, but they are still in the living world, in some form such as a full apparition or manifesting itself through energy. I tend to lean more towards the aspect of, yes, they are indeed the souls of those that have passed, but they exist almost on a totally different plane of existence. Their surroundings probably look exactly the same to them as they did when they passed, so we ourselves probably look like ghosts to them. So, if you think about it, both sides in the equation are equally confused...and more than likely a little freaked out, too.

Urban Legends have always been a big fascination with me. Those certain stories you hear about incidents happening in towns all across America, in which the validity of the cases can either be 100% truth, or total fabrication congered up solely to produce one hell of an interesting story to get quite the rise out of people. Whatever the case may be, it's always been interesting to me, and I love hearing them.

The Macabre is best described as "... a quality of certain artistic or literary works, characterized by a grim or ghastly atmosphere. In these works, there is an emphasis on the details and symbols of death. Macabre themes are often preoccupations in the Goth subculture." That may not really sound of much interest to you, but it is to me. Granted, you're also reading a Horror blog, so maybe that does interest you. If so... I like you.

Something else I have always been fascinated with was the mysterious world of Criminal Psychology, based mainly in the world of Serial Killers. To get a little more into it I'd say it all comes down to the aspects which really make you question how their minds work, what makes them tick, and how can someone go about life, living in society coming off as a completely normal individual...while still being able to live this other life? Ever since I could remember I have been fascinated with this, even recalling watching shows on A&E and CourtTV such as Cold Case Files, American Justice, Forensic Files, City Confidential, etc. It has always been of high interest to me, and is actually #3 on my list for Dream jobs (#1 being a film maker, while #2 is an Art teacher.)

Well, anyway, I hope you found this entry a little insightful in some way. I hope this doesn't make me seem like some crazy Horror crazed whackadoodle, because...I'm not.

Everything I learned in life, I learned from watching horror films...

I have learned a great deal from watching Horror films ever since I was a young child, and it is in the interest of public service that I, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, present the following...

WHAT I LEARNED FROM WATCHING HORROR MOVIES

1. Never ever EVER have sex. According to horror films? 90% of most fatalities happen when engaged in coitus. I guess what it is, is you piss off big disfigured undead goons who figure the chances of them getting laid are nil, so they take it out on you and your fuck buddy with their pet butcher knife 'Matilda'.

2. Never give up. Look how many times Jason Voorhees finds a victim who can run faster than him. Does he give up and let that person run away? No! Even though the victim maybe miles ahead of him, Jason manages to catch up to them somehow and plant a machete right between their eyes. How does he do that? Determination!

3. Try not to be black. A black survivor at the end of a horror film is more rare than finding a condom machine at the vatican. Wait, on second thought? That's a horribly inaccurate analogy...

4. Cops are entirely ineffective. They never believe you, insist on going in without back-up, their guns are useless, and are easily dispatched by whatever ghoul is laying in wait for them.

5. It's never ends. I don't care if you managed to chop it's head off, remove it's heart, crush it under a pneumatic press, ground it into hamburger, cook it, eat it, shit it out, burn it to ashes, lock the ashes in a safe, and drop the safe into the bottom of the ocean - whatever undead mofo you pissed off is coming back to get you no matter what.

6. When the bodies start dropping like flies? Try to be the 'nice' one. Sluts, jocks, stoners, nerds, preps, and airheads always die. Always. However? If you're the nice, white bread eating, milk drinking, Barry Manilow listening goody two shoes virgin? Your chances of survival increase by 70%

7. When the zombies start attacking? Head to the mall! Not necessarily because it's an easily defensible position with strong fortifications, but now's your chance to loot the place! Always wanted that iPhone but couldn't afford one? Go get one! It's not like anyone is going to be there to give a fuck. Chances are they're either bits of food stuck between a zombies teeth, or did the sensible thing and made their way to a military base. No matter what the catastrophe, always find time to shop!

8. No matter if aliens land in a near-by town, or if you're trapped in a zombie infested apartment, or lost in a patch of spooky woods, or if a gigantic monster is wrecking the town; never ever ever drop your video camera no matter what and keep filming. Don't mind giving your viewers motion sickness due to your jerking and whipping the camera around every 3 minutes, us survivors got to see this shit so we can 'know what really went down' by watching it off of YouTube. That is if we're not to busy watching lesbian porn.

9. If cornered by a monster? The correct thing to do is to fall down, scream, and beg for mercy. Forget trying to fight your way pass, or maneuver around them, instead? Try to appeal to their sense of compassion even though they have disemboweled most of the people you know and are literally skull fucking your best friend.

10. If you wake up from being drugged, find yourself tied to a table, and hear a gravelly voice asking you if you would like to play a game? Assume they don't mean on X-Box Live.

11. Even though you might find yourself in a world where it's possible that the ghost of a child molester can haunt your dreams and kill you in your nightmares, go ahead and assume that Batman probably won't be there to save you.

12. Anyone can be a vampire through the miracle of body glitter.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Silence of the Lambs can best be described as a classic contemporary Horror film, regardless as to what others may say. Some may call it a Thriller, some will say Suspense, whatever. It all boils down to it's subject matter, and at it's core, it's a Horror film.

There are a lot of affective scenes that manage to get under your skin. The way Hannibal Lecter speaks, being a Psychologist...but also Psychotic. Managing to affectively get under a persons skin, right into their psyche...because he knows exactly how to do it. Any scene involving Buffalo Bill is truly something to be genuinely turned off by, but also you can't help but be interested in the mind of the character.

Their is clearly an American fascination with Serial Killers. The darkest depths of the human mind has always been of interest, especially film makers. It's a pity though that a lot of them can't seem to grasp that side of the world, but I feel that in many aspects, this film does.

Thomas Harris (author of the book the film is based on) got a lot of inspiration for the character of Buffalo Bill from very prolific Serial Killers the likes of Ted Bundy, Ed Gein, and Gary Heidnik. While in the film his past isn't really heavily delved into, you get a good grasp on the man, as he wasn't always this way. Lecter said it best: "Billy was not born a criminal, but made one by year of systematic abuse."

Ted Tally wrote an amazing script, given what he was working from with Thomas Harris' novel. And Jonathan Demme filmed a really great and tight thriller.

Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling is nothing short of an amazing performance. A woman cop, with a lot of psychological depth and baggage, being the main character in a Horror-Thriller is so rare, but it works wonderfully here. It's a hybrid: Cop thriller, Horror, Psychological Noir piece. By making the hero a woman is a plus, as you've definitely stepped away from the basic well known formula, bust she's also a heroic figure trying to figure out the riddle.

Hannibal Lecter is the most popular villain known to the Horror realm. A good man, locked inside this insane mind. If we deny the dark side of our minds, we live an often bland existence, and they'll end up showing themselves at the most inopportune moments. Anthony Hopkins played the part perfectly and wonderfully. He understood it to a great degree and every scene involving him you're drawn into everything he says, his mannerisms, ticks, etc.