2016 Horror Movie Marathon

Watched October 1st

I had actually made the choice to open this year's Horror Movie Marathon with Hellraiser a while ago. I wanted to start with a classic (check), a movie I've seen before (check), something with gore (check), and of course, an interesting story (check). I had been itching to re-watch Hellraiser for the past couple of months, but decided to save it for the marathon. So once October arrived I was super excited to pull out the Blu-Ray from a cardboard box I keep my disorganised collection of movies. It's a creepy tale about a woman who lures men into her home where she kills them and uses their corpses to bring back to life her lover who had been sent to hell after unlocking a mystical puzzle box which summon sadomasochistic demons. Its plot is horribly fascinating, with themes of seduction and cruelty, and it is artistic in its stylistic violence. An '80s classic which has stood the test of time, I really can revisit this movie every October.

Watched October 3rd

Okay, so no movie yesterday as it was the NRL Grand Final! It's one of the biggest sporting events in Australia and it's kind of like Christmas to me, so my sole attention was on the game. I had my cousin and his wife over for dinner, plus my parents, and it was a really incredible game, one of the best Grand Finals ever! Congratulations to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks on winning their first ever premiership... but anyway, let's get back to the Horror Movie Marathon...

After watching 'Hellraiser' two nights ago, I deemed it appropriate to move onto the sequel: 'Hellhound'! This is another movie I have seen before, I bought it on DVD to watch during last year's marathon, that was my first viewing. I really love this sequel, not quite as much as I do the original, but to me this is a fantastic follow up. It picks up shortly after the events of the first film where Kirsty is held in a mental asylum. She gets a message that her father is in hell and needs her help. In my description of 'Hellraiser' I didn't mention how much I love the Kirsty Cotton character, who is easily my favourite in these movies. Portrayed by the beautiful and talented Ashley Laurence, she is one of the all-time great horror movie heroines. In the first movie the plot focuses on her father and his wife Julia, and then shifts to Kirsty who is a young innocent woman who has this confronting situation thrust upon her. Here, Kirsty is now the experienced survivor, and protector of the younger, and mute, mental patient, Tiffany. Kirsty is even more confident, and more badass, than she was in the first film. Think Sarah Connor, or Ellen Ripley and their respective transformations in the 'Terminator' and 'Alien' films. The film ups the special effects and production values, although maybe lacks a bit in its narrative when compared to the original. Still, this is a spectacular sequel with exciting visuals including incredible stylistic gore.

Watched October 4th

Tonight I went with a movie I like but had not seen in a while; the 1986 version of 'The Fly'. It has been a few years since I last saw it, so the itch to revisit it was strong. Actually, I had intended to watch it during last year's marathon, I bought it on DVD, but I ran out of time. I made a point to include it this year, and so I've watched it early on in the marathon to make sure it doesn't miss out this time around!

Let me just say, I admit I have not yet seen the 1958 original version, directed by Kurt Neumann, so I can not compare this remake to it. However, this version stands on its own two feet and I've been able to enjoy it as its own movie. I don't normally like remakes, especially horror remakes, but this is different. It's just a really well-made film. The special effects are absolutely grotesque. I think the first time I saw this movie was my introduction to David Cronenberg, whose films usually feature creative special effects and makeup. The first time I watched it, it blew me away. As Brundle gradually transforms from human to fly his appearance morphs into a disgusting creature. His girlfriend still loves him and desperately wants to help him but feels powerless. It's quite tragic really.

Watched October 5th

Here we go, this is the very first time I watch Re-Animator, and wow... where have you been all my life? I can't believe it's taken me this long, but better late than never, right?

The story is kind of like a 1980's 'Frankenstein', with a mad scientist determined to perfect re-animation: bringing life to the dead. The scientist is Herbert West, a young sociopathic medical student who moves into the spare bedroom up for rent by his fellow classmate, Bruce. Herbert is brilliantly played by Jeffrey Combs as a menacing, unfriendly, and inconsiderate, roommate. His character is the best thing about the movie, but also admirable is the insane plot which sees Herbert and Jeffrey try to bring life to cadavers in the morgue which then leads to a chain of events which is not only horrifying, but darkly hilarious. I really enjoyed this movie, I had heard about it for years but never wanted to read too deep into detail of what it was about so I could go in fresh, and it worked like a charm. I never had the opportunity to see it until I stumbled upon in on YouTube. No sweat, I would have bought it on DVD, or watched it on Foxtel, but I could never find it anywhere, so YouTube was the only way to go, but I'll definitely be seeking this out on DVD because I have to own it!

Watched October 6th

Watched October 7th

Watched October 8th

Watched October 9th

Watched October 10th

Watched October 12th

Watched October 13th

Watched October 14th

Watched October 16th

Watched October 17th

Watched October 17th

Watched October 18th

Watched October 19th

Watched October 20th

Watched October 21st

Watched October 23rd

Watched October 23rd

Watched October 24th

Watched October 25th

Watched October 26th

Watched October 27th

Watched October 29th

Watched October 29th

Watched October 29th

October 29th

October 29th

October 30th

Watched October 30th

Watched Halloween