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La maldición de la Llorona (1963)
"Everything Has A Price!"...
In Director Rafael Baledon's THE CURSE OF THE CRYING WOMAN, someone or something is brutally killing travelers along a lonely stretch of rural road. We know who / what is causing the mayhem right from the beginning, but the local authorities are bewildered by the case.
Enter Jaime and Amelia (Abel Salazar and Rosita Arenas), who arrive in the area to visit Amelia's Aunt Selma (Rita Macedo) at her mansion. We know that this is a bad idea, since Selma and her faithful servant, Juan (Carlos Lopez Moctezuma), have many dark secrets to keep.
Mr. Baledon has made a creepy, wonderfully macabre film, with a dismal, foreboding atmosphere, and an unforgettable central villain. No one does wicked like Ms. Macedo, and she's incredibly icy here. Drawing from the folklore tales of La Llorona, this movie is a classic of Mexican horror cinema.
There's an amazing finale too!...
El ataúd del vampiro (1958)
Back For More...
In Director Fernando Mendez' THE VAMPIRE'S COFFIN, a scientist steals the coffin of Count del Lavud (German Robles), in order to study the body. When the Count is inadvertently resurrected, a new spree of terror is unleashed. This time, he's out to exact his vengeance on those who killed him.
As sequels go, this is a good one. Abel Salazar and Ariadne Welter return in their roles from the first film. Once again, Mr. Robles is stellar as the Count. In probably the best scene of the entire movie, he stalks a woman down streets and alleys, casting some very creepy shadows. Another great scene takes place in a theater, where the Count and his thuggish henchman cause mayhem. This movie also makes use of a wax museum setting, where the finale takes place.
While not as impressive as the original, it's still a worthy follow-up...
El vampiro (1957)
Family Ties...
EL VAMPIRO is Director Fernando Mendez' atmosheric horror film about Count Karol de Lavud (German Robles), and his bloodsucking reign of terror. Two strangers (Ariadne Welter and Abel Salazar) meet at a train station, and venture together into a town where the locals do not leave their homes after dark. They wind up at the woman's crumbling, ancestral mansion, where an ally of de Lavud awaits.
It is soon revealed that the Count has a master plan that could make him invincible.
Those who have never seen this are missing out on one of the best, most macabre vampire films of all time. Mr. Robles is right up there with Bela Lugosi and Christopher Lee, playing Lavud as a monster displaying an elegance that barely holds back a bestial bloodlust. Carmen Montejo is fantastic as Eloisa, de Lavud's sinister servant / partner in crime.
A good story with a classic finale...
Shookum Hills (2021)
Colony...
In THE DEVIL BELOW (aka: SHOOKUM HILLS), a resourceful guide (Alicia Sanz) leads a group of explorers into an old, burned out mining town, where an entire population simply disappeared in the 1970s. The team faces a lot of resistence from those guarding the area, and soon find themselves up against the local humans, as well as something else entirely.
Once night falls, it all hits the fan.
This is a good old-fashioned monster movie, so it should be judged against others of its own subgenre. While it's not a masterpiece, it is good, and the creatures are bizarre and frightening. Yes, there are elements from other monster movies to be found here, but that's true of just about all movies from all genres.
Keep an open mind, and you just might enjoy yourself...
The Bay (2012)
"Can You Make Sure There Are No More Dead People?"...
THE BAY is Director Barry Levinson's "found footage" horror film about a catastrophic outbreak during July 4th festivities in the small town of Claridge Maryland. Using video from several sources, we go along with reporters, cops, oceanographers, doctors, the CDC, and everyday citizens as the tragedy unfolds.
As with all such films, two of the key ingredients are a sense of realism and spontaneity. If it appears fake, forced, or choreographed, it lessens the impact. It helps a lot that so many camera sources were used, and that the characters come across as natural, non-actors.
Mr. Levinson does an expert job of being non-cinematic, and keeping it all "unpolished". Everyone involved is to be commended.
One of the best examples of its subgenre...
Gokseong (2016)
"It's Started! You Better Brace Yourself!"...
In THE WAILING, a rash of bizarre deaths has the local police stumped, and believing that people are simply going insane. They've got their eyes on a Japanese visitor, after hearing stories about him. As the case becomes ever more odd, the police still think there must be a logical explanation. That is, until things take a sudden turn into occult territory, and become far darker than these small-town cops could ever imagine.
Writer-Director Na Hong-Jin has put together an impressive supernatural horror film that is truly terrifying, humorous, and sometimes shocking. The story is unique and fascinating. It draws on folklore to back up the increasingly ghoulish occurrences.
Kwak Do-Won is really good as Sergeant Jong-goo, who starts out as a bumbling slacker cop, only to have his attitude severely adjusted by the encroaching darkness. Kim Hwan-hee is incredible as Jong-goo's young daughter, Hyo-jin. She puts in a performance comparable to Linda Blair in THE EXORCIST, and that's not said lightly!
Packed with twists and outrageously unexpected surprises, this is one of the best movies of its subgenre in years. Na Hong-jin gives us, among other things: Black magic, white magic, demonic possession, and one of the most ominous zombie encounters since George A. Romero's original NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD!
Another fantastic offering from South Korea...
Misterios de ultratumba (1959)
Not So Simple After All...
Director Fernando Mendez's THE BLACK PIT OF DR. M is an atmospheric horror film about one man's desire to cheat death. When the man's friend and fellow scientist dies, he fulfills his promise to give his surviving colleague a way to come back from the grave. This results in a ghostly return, and supernatural intervention in the life of the survivor.
A series of serendipitous events lead to a fateful night for all involved.
Mr. Mendez builds a story that starts out as mostly mysterious and enchanting. The terror comes from the Dr.'s sanitarium, where a confluence of tragedies converge, forcing the earlier prophecy to come true.
There are some very effective scenes here, including those in the sanitarium, as well as the gallows / cemetery. The ending is macabre and satisfying.
Another classic of Mexican horror cinema...
Violenza in un carcere femminile (1982)
"Women Are So Cruel To Each Other Sometimes!"...
Director Bruno Matei's VIOLENCE IN A WOMEN'S PRISON has Laura Gemser starring once again as Emanuelle. This time she's an undercover reporter posing as an inmate, in order to get the story behind the gulag-like penitentiary of the title, complete with a fascistic Head Warden (Lorraine De Selle) and her army of sadistic, female guards.
There is, of course, the requisite sex and torture.
While not the best of its subgenre, it does have its moments. Ms. Gemser is her exotic, beautiful self. She's also a bit less lethargic than usual. She spends a lot of her time being beaten or otherwise tormented.
Highlights:
#1- The pale of human waste / catfight sequence!
#2- The red-eyed rat attack!
#3- The "bell" torture!
Special mention for: Franca Stoppi as the ultra-wicked Rescaut. Extra credit for her death-by-spoon scene!...
The Sacrament (2013)
"This Is Why I Don't Like The Media!"... "Mothers, Help Your Children!"...
Director Ti West's THE SACRAMENT starts off with a 3-man crew from Vice, venturing into the deep-jungle compound of a religious cult. They are there to make contact with a family member who has been absorbed into the group. The tension level rises immediately upon their arrival, never subsiding.
This is a "found footage / mockumentary" film, very loosely based on fragments of the all-too-real Jim Jones disaster, that occurred in 1978. As such, it's more inspired-by than based on, sort of in the same way that PSYCHO and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE were inspired by the life of Ed Gein.
At first, Mr. West takes us along for the ride, and after a tense siuation at the gate, takes us into the compound of a figure known as "Father" (Gene Jones). When the reporters interview the members of the "parish", they seem content and happy. Over time, the atmosphere begins to change, in subtle ways. Mr. West builds the suspense slowly.
It takes a while for Father to make his first appearance, but it's definitely worth the wait. He enters the gathering like a President entering the congressional chamber to deliver his State of the Union address. He's agreed to be interviewed, and he does not disappoint. He's charismatic, personable, and absolutely adored by his followers. He's also persuasive, and makes a compelling case for what he and his people have created.
In other words, Mr. Jones plays Father as a character who goes contrary to what we might expect. He's not a raving lunatic, but is instead a leader who is convinced that what he's doing is right, and that his mission is existential.
From here, the overall vibe goes from uncomfortable to uneasy, to desperate in fairly quick succession.
One of the best of its subgenre, this movie is engrossing from start to finish. The characters are all believable, and the ending is as heart-breaking as it is horrific. This is because this part sticks pretty close to the last hours of the actual event upon which it is based...
War-Gods of the Deep (1965)
"Survival Down Here Depends On Usefulness!"...
In Director Jacques Tourneur's WAR-GODS OF THE DEEP, a dead man washes ashore, causing young Ben Harris (Tab Hunter) to look into the matter. When he goes to a nearby castle, a woman (Susan Hart) disappears, and Harris discovers hidden passages and enters a strange underwater world in order to find her.
Loosely based on a tale by Edgar Allan Poe, the addition of Vincent Price as The Captain seems a natural choice. His amazing voice is reason enough, but by the time this movie came out, Mr. Price had already established himself as the go-to for these genre movies. As The Captain, he rules over his cadre of humans and "gill men" with an iron fist.
While there's not a lot of action, and the story is somewhat lacking, the presence of Mr. Price makes it all quite watchable. The earthquakes and volcano give the movie a doomed, HOUSE OF USHER flavor...
Crocodile 2: Death Swamp (2002)
"This Is Absolutely Normal! Everything's Fine!"...
CROCODILE 2: DEATH ROLL (aka: DEATH SWAMP) opens with a group of masked men robbing a bank. Then it shifts to the airport, where said men enter in grand, slow-motion style. No, really, this is amazing! We know who their leader is immediately, due to his ultra-bada$$ demeanor. They board a plane filled with characters that can only be found in movies like this. When the plane flies into severe weather, we know right where this is going. We're off to the swamp.
Part crime-drama, and part airline disaster film, this movie follows the pattern of most sequels by making things "bigger and more exciting", at least that's the intention.
Enter Roland (Martin Kove). He's a tracker, and helps a man find his girlfriend (Heidi Lenhart) who was on the downed plane. Ms. Lenhart plays the only character with a functioning brain.
Oh, and there's a huge, hungry crocodile that runs amok, eventually.
Much has been said about the CGI, but it's actually a bit better than what was in the first film, that is, when the croc is shown at night, in the rain. Unfortunately, it's shown in broad daylight, which is... less effective. The non-CGI closeups of the creature's maw are far more convincing. It's too bad that subpar digital effects have to be used at all, since they take us right out of the movie.
Worth a watch with the proper level of inebriation...
Crocodile (2000)
"A Reckless Life Is The Only One Worth Living, My Friend!"...
In Director Tobe Hooper's CROCODILE, a group of horny, partying teens head out on the water for some fun and relaxation, only to have their vacation cut short by the reptilian terror of the title.
What sets this apart from other, similar "animal / nature's revenge" films is that it plays more like a slasher film, with the croc as the mad killer on the loose. There's also a creepy backstory. The teens are suitably expendable, and there's even a "good girl" character!
Mr. Hooper wisely keeps the rubber monster under wraps for most of the movie, showing it only briefly. Its lightning-fast attacks are a good way to keep us from getting a good look at it, at least until the final third of the film. Alas, some cartoonish CGI moments rob the film of a lot of its impact. One particular scene, where the croc jumps completely out of the water like a spiraling football, is absolutely ridiculous. You'll know it when you see it.
Still, it's a decent enough effort with a few thrills, chills, and kills...
Killer Crocodile 2 (1990)
"That City Has Perverts That Make You Look Like Bambi!"...
KILLER CROCODILE 2 picks up right where part one ended, which isn't surprising since the sequel was made immediately after the first one was finished. It opens with another hopeless imbecile being consumed by the rubber behemoth. It then switches to the nefarious activities of the polluters from part one, and their love of toxic waste.
Enter tough-as-nails, ace reporter, Liza Post (Debra Karr). She's dispatched to the very area where the croc troubles were / are, in order to track down clues on the polluting criminals.
Meanwhile, the monster lizard is busy eating students from a religious school, along with a nun!
As all sequels seem to do, this one attempts to be bigger and more exciting than its predecessor. In this, it somewhat succeeds by having even more idiot human snacks for the monster to chew on, though it might get indigestion from some of them. They're pretty nasty people! Also, we're shown far more of the creature, leading to several laugh-out-loud moments of pure schlock perfection!
Do Not Miss The Explosive, Utterly Absurd Finale!
Watch for Richard Anthony Crenna who returns as Kevin, as well as Ennio Girolami, reprising his role as Joe the crocodile hunter.
Gather your friends and prepare the intoxicants! This is one for the ages!...
Killer Crocodile (1989)
"We're Against Killing Of Any Kind!"...
After an opening with action and music suspiciously similar to a certain shark movie, KILLER CROCODILE begins.
A team of young and beautiful environmental investigators enter the waters where the giant reptile resides, hoping to track down evidence against polluters. When one of their number goes missing, and literally pops up in a cadaverous condition, they must face off against a professional crocodile hunter named Joe (Ennio Girolami). The peaceniks want the croc preserved at all costs.
Meanwhile, crocodilus rubberus starts eating its way through the local villagers. This is one of those movies where we're pulling for the monster, hoping it will eat everyone involved. They're utterly annoying and make one idiotic decision after another.
Nothing can prepare you for the explosive crocodile tonsillectomy ending! Nothing!
Watch for Van Johnson as "The Judge", a role that gives him the opportunity to chew up the scenery like a rabid beaver!
Highly recommended for those who are looking for fodder for their next intoxicated movie night, and don't forget your waders...
El espejo de la bruja (1962)
"Death Prowls The Rooms Of This House!"...
We know right from the beginning what's going on in Director Chano Urueta's THE WITCH'S MIRROR. This is a tale of supernatural revenge, using black magic and the object of the title to exact it.
When Eduardo (Armando Calvo) plots the murder of his wife, he has no idea that she and her godmother (Dina de Marco and Isabela Corona) are onto him. Unable to prevent the deed, the godmother swears vengeance by all that is unholy.
Mr. Urueta packs his film with loads of ominous moments and ghostly goings-on: The wilting flowers, the piano, the violent wind, etcetera, turning the mansion into a spook house. The black and white used for the film adds to the atmospherics. There are also some unexpected twists that make this more interesting than many such movies. The addition of a mad science angle is intriguing, taking a turn into EYES WITHOUT A FACE territory.
Special mention must go to Ms. Corona, who plays Sara with icy wickedness, matching Calvo's Eduardo every step of the way.
Another classic of Mexican cinema with a fantastic finale...
Hasta el viento tiene miedo (1968)
"Do You Believe In Ghosts?"...
When a girl's nightmare stirs up old memories, the overbearing headmistress (Marga Lopez) of a posh boarding school and her assistant (Maricruz Olivier) are forced to face some forgotten ghosts, both figurative and literal.
Director Carlos Enrique Taboada is adept at spinning suspenseful mystery into his horror yarns. The girls are stuck in the school for vacation, due to rules violations, and this gives them a chance to be terrified and to do some sleuthing around. He also throws in a bit of humorous relief, in the form of an impromptu dance party. It gets interrupted abruptly, jolting us right back into the chills!
A classic of Mexican horror cinema with a perfect finale and epilogue...
El libro de piedra (1969)
Secret In The Garden...
THE BOOK OF STONE opens with the new governess, Julia (Marga Lopez), getting acquainted with the family. She meets Sylvia (Lucy Buj), the little girl she'll be teaching, and is intrigued by her imagination. As Julia asks questions of family members and other staff, her curiosity only deepens, along with the mystery around Sylvia's strange behavior, and her obsession with a boy named Hugo.
Director Carlos Enrique Taboada does a superb job of creating a building atmosphere of supernatural dread. There are some effective images / locations, like the enormous, abandoned church building. The story is creepy, and Lucy Buj plays her role with an odd sort of menace. Ms. Lopez plays Julia as a strong character, rather than someone who is hysterically superstitious. She really has to be convinced that something spooky is going on.
This movie has been compared to THE INNOCENTS, and that's appropriate. Mostly due to the governess / child relationship, mixed with paranormal occurrences. However, this movie stands on its own as a terrifying piece of horror cinema with an unforgettable finale...
Rolling Thunder (1977)
"I Wish We Had Something More Exciting To Shoot At!"...
Maj. Charles Rane (William Devane) returns home after spending seven years in a P. O. W. Camp, where he was subjected to unthinkable acts of torture, both mental and physical. Upon his return, he finds himself at the end of his marriage, and at odds with his young son whom he has never known.
If that's not bad enough, a group of thugs invade Rane's home demanding money. The group isn't successful, even after inflicting bodily mutilation. Unfortunately, Rane's wife and son walk in, resulting in the ultimate tragedy.
After rehab, Rane puts a plan together for delivering some desperately needed retribution.
As revenge films go, ROLLING THUNDER is one of the better ones, becoming a true adventure after its heart-wrenching beginning. Mr. Devane plays Rane as a driven man with a singular purpose. No nonsense. No distractions. One mission.
Linda Haynes plays the role of her career as Linda, a woman in love with Rane, who does her best to stick with him. Tommy Lee Jones is Johnny, a soldier who, like Rane, came back to a world he can no longer relate to. Together, Rane and Johnny enter into the final showdown.
Don't be fooled by the "slow-building" story. The last 18 minutes are absolutely worth it...
Nude per l'assassino (1975)
"Let's Turn This Into An In-Depth Interview!"...
Alright, any movie that opens with a botched abortion gets our attention right away. When the woman dies, her doctor tries to cover it all up, and the mysterious, brutal killings begin.
STRIP NUDE FOR YOUR KILLER is one of the more carnal offerings in the giallo subgenre. The action takes place amid the high-fashion world of the early to mid-1970s, which adds a great deal of mirth. There's rampant nudity throughout the film, making it a "clothing optional" murder mystery. Thankfully, it stars the utterly gorgeous Edwige Fenech in a pivitol role. Have no fear, her clothes fly off at the first opportunity.
As for the crime-drama portion of the movie, it's actually pretty good. The police are suitably stumped. The black leather-clad, motorcycle helmet-wearing maniac is an enigma. The deaths are bloody and vicious.
A classic, trashy extravaganza...
Buried Alive (1989)
"You're Messin' With My Head, Man!"...
When Janet (Karen Lorre) starts her new job, teaching at the Ravenscroft reformatory for girls, she has no idea what sort of place she's gotten mixed up in. It's clear to the viewer almost immediately that something is terribly awry. The girls are mostly bada$$es, but they're the least of Janet's worries.
BURIED ALIVE centers around Janet's attempts to uncover what is behind the mysterious disappearances of some of her students. Robert Vaughn plays Gary Julian, who runs the facility with a seemingly carefree, more open-minded approach. Even so, it's evident that something is up with this guy. Donald Pleasence also stars, playing a teacher who definitely has some issues.
The movie draws from several stories by Edgar Allan Poe, mixing them together, and rolling the dice. It works for the most part, especially if you're a fan of Mr. Poe. It's fun to spot the tributes to the author's terror tales. Otherwise, it can get a bit confusing.
This movie is best viewed with like-minded friends. Inebriation is advised...
La sorella di Ursula (1978)
Deadly Weapon...
Two sisters (Barbara Magnolfi and Stefania D'Amario) check into a sea-side resort hotel, hoping for some peace and quiet. Ursula (Magnolfi) seems unable to relax, feeling as though something terrible is going to happen. Meanwhile, a mad killer is on the prowl, preying on unwary lovers.
THE SISTER OF URSULA is a solid giallo with strong horror elements. Ursula appears to have a psychic ability / clairvoyance, as well as an empathic sense. She's a very interesting character. Her sister, Dagmar (D'Amario) is generally annoyed by her episodes.
As with many of the later giallos, there's a lot of sexual content, in the form of simulation. So, if you're a fan of the female form, this movie certainly has its share of full-on, heavenly bodies on display! Yep, there's a rich vein of sensuality running through this one. As a matter of fact, the killer has quite an unusual trademark, er... weapon. Let's call it the "torpedo of death".
There are some nice twists toward the end, leading up to a terrific finale...
Giallo a Venezia (1979)
"Medically Speaking, Drugs Don't Necessarily Make Someone A Pervert!"...
The dapper, shaggy-haired, hard-boiled-egg-loving Inspector De Pol (Jeff Blynn) is on the trail of a murdering maniac. This takes him into the dark world of "kinky" people, who are driven by sex and drugs.
This is a rather lurid example of its subgenre, at least for its era. Especially when it comes to the character Fabio (Gianni Dei), who is always trying to get his wife (Leonora Fani) to do things she clearly doesn't want to do. At all. He's definitely a creep. Unfortunately, more time is spent on his depravity than on the actual murder mystery. On the bright side, Director Mario Landi does make excellent use of the Venetian canals.
To be fair, it does get better in the last third or so.
Bottom line: If you enjoy scene after scene of soft core, simulated sexual encounters, then this will be a thrill. If instead, you're hoping for a good, old fashioned giallo, wellll...
Miss Muerte (1966)
"You Have Such Extraordinary Nails!"...
When a notorious escaped convict stumbles upon the home / laboratory of Dr. Zimmer (Antonio Jimenez Escribano), his daughter, Irma (Mabel Karr), and their assistant, Barbara (Lucia Prado), he has no idea what he's gotten himself into. He was better off in prison!
Dr. Zimmer is the protege of the infamous Dr. Orloff, whose work was controversial to say the least. He believed that the "evil" brain could be altered, and made "good". He also created human robots. When Dr. Zimmer dies suddenly, it's up to Irma to continue his experiments, after dealing harshly with his detractors.
This is arguably Director Jess Franco's best horror film, a very bleak take on the mad scientist idea. Ms. Karr's Irma is intense, ruthless, and cruel, all in the name of fulfilling her father's dream. Estella Blain is Nadia, Irma's seductive weapon of vengeance. Howard Vernon is in a memorable scene with her aboard a train.
Classic Franco-ness...
ADAM: Episode 3 (2017)
Sanctuary...
ADAM: THE PROPHET is the third in the series, taking us further into the hellish aftermath of man's self-annihilation. Marian, a surviving woman, arrives at the outpost of the enigmatic figure of the title. Almost immediately, Marian is made to perform a soul-shattering task, proving that she will be loyal to the cause.
Another wonderful slice of the story from Director Neill Blomkamp. It takes us in one direction, allowing us to see the true brutality of this future world, then, it turns it all inside out, leaving us dumbfounded. This is a tale with many shifts. Again, we're left wanting more, which is the whole idea. Mr. Blomkamp really gets the idea of the "serial" with its "cliffhangers".
Great stuff indeed...
Adam: Episode 2 (2017)
Revelations...
In ADAM: THE MIRROR, Director Neill Blomkamp picks up after the events of Veselin Efremov's original short film, ADAM. The former inmates learn about their situation, and how it relates to something known as "The Consortium". Adam is singled out by.an oracle called The Mirror, who tells him of his past.
Mr. Blomkamp keeps it all dark and cold, as in the first film. He also sticks to the "real time" formula that helped to make Efremov's vision so immediate. This sequel also makes us long for the third installment. It's easy to see that this could be made into a full-length feature, or mini-series.
An excellent follow-up...