October Halloween Marathon 2019
Here it goes again! Although this time it's well-planed and supposed to be have way more than 31 entry. We'll see about that, but for now... Commence au festival!
If you want some more festive mood yourself feel free to join in or use that list to choose what to watch. I'd also very much appreciated if you check out my own Halloween Specials. A few new are coming this very month!
Counted:
80 (30 feature films, 18 webisodes, 16 TV episodes, 15 short films (including 2 music videos), 2 books)
Earlier installments: 2014-2017, 2018, Halloween Hangover 2018, 2019
Later installments: Halloween Hangover 2019
If you want some more festive mood yourself feel free to join in or use that list to choose what to watch. I'd also very much appreciated if you check out my own Halloween Specials. A few new are coming this very month!
Counted:
80 (30 feature films, 18 webisodes, 16 TV episodes, 15 short films (including 2 music videos), 2 books)
Earlier installments: 2014-2017, 2018, Halloween Hangover 2018, 2019
Later installments: Halloween Hangover 2019
List activity
206 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
80 titles
- StarsHal SmithA spooky jack-o'-lantern explains to Goofy the origin of various aspects of Halloween and also warns kids who go trick-or-treating of stranger danger. Very short clips from various Disney shorts are used to illustrate his narration.1 October: Well, since I'm in Ukraine, October started a tiny bit earlier for us than for western world (for example it was still 7:30 PM in New York when I wrote this, but solid 2:30 AM here). Searched high and low for something to kick off the marathon and this seemed like a nice choice. An interesting educational short, which I believe was put together on a short notice. Still, 1983 short notice is very similar to 2010's video essays, so it does the job of explaining Halloween and/or (in our case) setting the mood.
- DirectorMichael LehmannStarsWinona RyderChristian SlaterShannen DohertyAt Westerburg High where cliques rule, jocks dominate and all the popular girls are named Heather, it's going to take a Veronica and mysterious new kid to give teen angst a body count.1 October: At first I was hesitating to put the movie in that marathon, but I just went for it and in my humble opinion it fits nicely with the season. A well-deserved cult movie and rock solid directorial debut and I feel a bit sad about Michael Lehmann, as follow-ups Meet the Applegates (1990) and Hudson Hawk (1991) (both of which I really like, as well) were hardly that much adored. Not too sad, though as he's still successful on television and was involved with some of the most successful titles ever. For additional Halloween points: there is a scene with photographs seemingly taken on one and movie prominently uses "Que Sera Sera" from Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). Latter is not much of a Halloween point mind you, but fits since Hitchcock is 120 in 2019 and his presence and influence in this marathon is welcome and inevitable.
- DirectorMasamitsu HidakaToshiaki SuzukiStarsYôsuke AkimotoKae ArakiMegumi HayashibaraThe gang find out that in order to defeat Sabrina's psychic Pokemon, they need a ghost Pokemon. They travel to Lavender Town.1 October: Episode originally aired in September in Japan, but in October in USA. For all purposes is a Halloween special, dealing with a haunted mansion, three ghost Pokémon and a lot of stuff generally considered "spooky".
- DirectorMasamitsu HidakaStarsMegumi HayashibaraInuko InuyamaUnshô IshizukaThe ghost of a beautiful maiden bewitches both Brock and James. Will our heroes and Team Rocket be able to save them from a Gastly fate?1 October: This one originally aired in August in Japan but yet again was shifted to October in US and, again, I can see why: another surprisingly complex and interesting ghost story which serves well as a Halloween special.
- DirectorMark ZakharovStarsAleksandr AbdulovOleg YankovskiyEvgeniy LeonovDragon, a bloody dictator, is challenged by Lancelot, who comes to save the girl, and to liberate the people.2 October: A very pleasant rewatch. I actually first saw it practically two days before that on September 30th, but I decided to rewatch it immediately to account a bodycount and a main antagonist's screen time, something that was a surprising joy for me. It might not seem eligible for Halloween marathon but on second watch I noticed it reminds me a lot of classic Univeral Monsters movies (with unsettling make-up and atmosphere substituting for gore and violence) and earlier German expressionist movies which inspired them. In my humble opinion it has more than enough elements to be featured here.
- DirectorSteve DubinStarsRue McClanahanBurgess MeredithRaffi Di BlasioAvarissa is a witch so evil she has been banished to the underground kingdom of the Greevils. She discovers in order to be freed she must convince a human, pure of heart, to commit one despicable deed.2 October: I loved this little special from mostly the same creative team that brought us ALF (1986), one of my favorite TV shows of all time. It has oddball sense of humor, lots of charm and a bit of wit. Great thanks to Matt Caracappa for bringing this to my attention!
- CreatorMatt CaracappaStarsMatt CaracappaLeviathanKing Leopold IIAn audiovisual extension of a cult website has Matt Caracappa and his alter ego Madd Matt doing Halloween countdowns, reviews of assorted edible and non-edible objects of interest and other inspired trips of nostalgia and wholesomeness.[Note: Placeholder for a specific episode yet to be added]
4 October: Halloween and October are not the same without this cult website and its YouTube extension. In this particular case Madd Matt kicked off October strong with a... Christmas song and a blue pumpkin?.. - DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsJoaquin PhoenixRobert De NiroZazie BeetzDuring the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.4 October: A wonderful fit for both World Smile Day and Halloween Marathon and an overall great movie. Latter part is reinforced strongly by overall horror-like vibe and pacing. Reminded me a lot of Maniac (1980) and considering latter was really a 1980 movie, Joker did a great job of replicating, or rather reconstructing fictionalized 1981. Will likely go see it again. If so will expand further on rewatches in this entry with specific dates.
30 October: I managed to squeeze the movie a second time in this busy October and i holds up great on a second viewing. Noticed quite a few interesting details I never noticed the first time around. Also movie actually takes place in October and begins on 15th - neat! - 1997–202322mTV-Y6.4 (74)TV EpisodeDirectorNorihiko SutôKunihiko YuyamaStarsJames Carter CathcartChristopher ColletMisato FukuenWhile taking cover from the rain, the adventurers encounter Team Rocket and some seemingly helpful Litwick.4 October: Another Pokémon Halloween special, a more modern one (at least from this decade). Animation was more on a low budget side compared to 90's episodes, but still a very pleasant watch with some surprising references to The Shining (1980), although even writers themselves seem to be fully aware that there is one too many haunted house stories in this series.
- DirectorWilliam LustigStarsJoe SpinellCaroline MunroAbigail ClaytonA psychopathic man goes on a killing and mutilation spree in New York City.5 October: As Joker (2019) reminded me of it I decided to introduce it to a friend and also give it a rewatch since I haven't seen it in years. Movie holds up well as a unique slasher which actually has message against domestic violence directed to kids: main prota/antagonist Frank Zito is as much of a victim in this movie as his own and Joe Spinell's performance elevates his own script a lot. It's interesting how movie completely subverts traditional plot structure of the genre while retaining most of the tropes, for example first act looks more like a traditional third act of a slasher, but retains visual cues such as killer not being seen fully (despite we know who it is), which was not done because of double, so it must be a conscious choice.
- DirectorBuddy GiovinazzoStarsJoe SpinellA children's television host plots murderous revenge against child abusers.5 October: Maniac Dilogy is haunting, thoughtful and it manages to do that in less of an overall running time then some standalone movies. It's sad that the movie was never finished due to Joe Spinell's untimely demise: surviving proof of concept footage makes it apparent that the movie had all chances to be an even better sequel to cult classic. The most interesting part is that it's not a sequel in a traditional sense of word: it shares a creator and a theme and Spinell most likely wanted for it to retain the title just to make it crystal clear this time what the whole franchise was about: domestic violence as a pivotal societal problem. Traumatized clown Mr. Robbie whose own childhood trauma is made all the more unbearable by witnessing the suffering of children every day is definitely much more sympathetic and relatable than Zito, who is sympathetic enough, but is too delusional to be understood fully.
- DirectorMaki KodairaDaiki TomiyasuStarsSarah NatochennyLaurie HymesRebecca SolerHarper and Sarah are excited to visit a haunted house, and they end up having a bit too much fun!5 October: Okay, NOW writers were fully aware that there is one too many haunted house Halloween episodes, so they gave this one a twist as it starts as a makeshfit haunted house attraction. Episode is a good time with A LOT of Halloween mood and stuff in it and is a big pleasure even to those who's relatively unfamiliar with some of the elements, such as myself.
- DirectorEdward D. Wood Jr.StarsGregory WalcottTom KeeneMona McKinnonEvil aliens attack Earth and set their terrible "Plan 9" into action. As the aliens resurrect the dead of the Earth, the lives of the living are in danger.6 October: Despite its legendary status as one of the worst movies ever it's far from the worst I've seen and has an undeniable charm, likely a result of Edward D. Wood Jr. putting in genuine effort, just not having a slightest understanding of continuity and basic production values. Movie would've even got away with Bela Lugosi's last film role, even (it already was more than I thought I'd see), if not for Tom Mason's lack of resemblance and no attempt whatsoever to hide it.
- DirectorMarcos SiegaStarsRuby RoseRachel SkarstenMeagan TandyKate Kane returns to Gotham when a gang targets her father and her ex-girlfriend Sophie Moore.7 October: Obviously, I watch some TV shows regularly and even some of the fitting never quite made the cut as Halloween Marathon entries. I decided I'm making exception for some shows and/or episodes just as I've accounted Gotham (2014) in 2016. There's something about Batman mythos in general that fits and this year since Joker (2019) is huge, DC kick is a bit inevitable. With that out of the way it's a promising pilot with an atmospheric Gotham and colorful villains. And Joker semi-appears driving a hijacked school bus, by the way, which is a horrible scenario if you think about it.
- DirectorCarol BankerStarsBrenton ThwaitesAnna DiopTeagan CroftThe Titans make their last stand against Trigon.7 October: another season premiere of a DC show, but this one definitely fits even more with the atmosphere: even one of the characters proclaims that situation main cast finds themselves here is "real life horror movie". Since this was originally a Season 1 finale and was partially reshot it's a bit of a mess with pacing and structure, but actors make it work. Joker gets mentioned here, as well. Big year for that character.
- DirectorJustin CopelandSam LiuStarsRosario DawsonJeffrey DonovanMarie AvgeropoulosWonder Woman tries to help a troubled young girl, Vanessa, who has fallen in with a deadly organization known as Villainy Inc. headed by Dr. Cyber.7-8 October: This one... I was not going to include in the marathon, but then vampires were mentioned as real in the universe and while it was not foreshadowing (which I half-expected with such a title), third act was a surprisingly horrific kaiju scenario with a rather famous mythological monster so I give it a pass and will retaliate by watching more "straight" horror and thematically relevant movies.
- DirectorTerrence O'HaraNico MastorakisStarsAarin TeichJill PierceJeff ArbaughLooking for revenge for past incestuous experiences, a slasher invades a lonely farmhouse.9 October: This forgotten slasher from the 1980's was a pleasant little watch. Seeing it with no expectations whatsoever certainly made an experience better: surprisingly impressive cinematography, editing and title sequence, really cool opening scenes and ending... And a lot of filler in-between, although some of the sequences have a lot of suspense. Actors are mostly less than enthusiastic (the level of hastily produced soap opera, I'd say: not the worst, but hardly convincing in most scenes), but some give decent performances.
- DirectorGraeme CliffordStarsAmy IrvingDavid HemmingsBalthazar GettyA governess is hired to look after two neglected children, who show signs of having been corrupted by the insidious influence of the groom Peter Quint. Quint, although hanged for murder, still makes an appearance among the shadows of the manor house along with Miss Jessel, a previous governess who took her own life.10 October: Nightmare Classics (1989) is on an obscure side of horror anthology TV series, unlike a certain other show 1989 season of which I'm planning to see entirely as a part of this very marathon. Adaptation of a celebrated Henry James' novella has a few chills, but who really shines in it is young Balthazar Getty in his very first screen appearance.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsHerbert MarshallNorah BaringPhyllis KonstamA juror in a murder trial, after voting to convict, has second thoughts and begins to investigate on his own before the execution.10 October: Might not seem that fitting for Halloween Mood, but it's Alfred Hitchcock, he has a special pass in my case and more so considering he turned 120 this year in August. Interesting mix of drama, procedural and murder mystery. Some very inventive scenes as you might expect from Hitchcock. The circus climax and ending are especially great in my opinion. Also was not expecting this quick cutaway shot of the clown.
- DirectorAlek KeshishianStarsBobby BrownBig Daddy KaneJane CurtinIn the official music video for his song "On Our Own", Bobby Brown performs the song while surrounded by images and celebrities from New York, with clips from the film "Ghostbusters II" mixed in.10 October: I don't believe I saw (or heard!) this until Matt Caracappa brought this up, so great thanks to him. Not especially spooky, but given the context still a perfect fit for season. A lot of random unexpected cameos (of which most of modern audience will likely recognize one particular person) and the song is rather catchy, as well.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsAlfred AbelOlga TschechowaPaul GraetzA juror in a murder trial, after voting to convict, has second thoughts and begins to investigate on his own before the execution.10 October: Filmed back-to-back with original version of Murder! (1930), but still directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this German version is, interestingly enough, condensed in a much shorter runtime. Apart from that, performances are surprisingly different in their approaches so it was more than worth the watch. Even if ending is far from being as neat as original and that more or less could be said for many inventive edits and moments. Main titles are much more interesting in this one, though. Also reaction shot of a clown seems to be even more drastic in this one, as it is more abrupt.
- 2007–202323mTV-MA7.5 (19)TV EpisodeDirectorJames RolfeStarsAntonio PilusoJames RolfeWelcome to Monster Madness 2019. Tony and James review one of the most iconic series in horror: Evil Dead. It's an American supernatural horror comedy film franchise ( even though the word "franchise" was not in use when these films were made) created by Sam Raimi consisting of four feature films and a television series starring Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams.11 October: I mentioned in my list for previous Halloween Marathons that 2016 season of Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007) was the last to have practically daily episodes throughout October, but it turned out that I was semi-wrong, as in 2019 they practically went nearly full-on daily. "Nearly" because on some days Cinemassacre still uploads very much October-eligible episodes of their other great web-series. I was holding out a bit on these specials but then it just caught up with me and I inhaled a near-week worth. Loved this one as an introduction as I am a fan of franchise and still was not only entertained: learned a lot of new facts I was not aware of.
- DirectorJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeMike MateiWelcome to Monster Madness 2019. Mike and James review one of the worst movies in William Shatner's career. Incubus is a 1966 black-and-white American horror film filmed entirely in the constructed language Esperanto.11 October: Second episode demonstrates it clearly that this year Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007) they're going for deep and interesting cuts with review choices, introducing people to some obscure movies. Incubus (1966) is one of five movies on IMDb which uses Esperanto as a language and was in fact filmed in it... And then lost for like 30 years. Probably I'll see this in a year or two, but I'm definitely putting it into some list.
- 2007–202316mTV-MA7.8 (16)TV EpisodeDirectorJames RolfeStarsKieran FallonJames RolfeWelcome to Monster Madness 2019. Kieran and James review one of the best Ernest movies of all time. Ernest Scared Stupid is a 1991 American comedy horror film directed by John R. Cherry III and starring Jim Varney. It is the fifth film to feature the character Ernest P. Worrell.11 October: Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007). Again, I feel like I'm going to postpone this movie until next year, but I loved this review/episode neverthless.
- 2007–202312mTV-MA8.1 (15)TV EpisodeDirectorJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeJustin SilvermanWelcome to Monster Madness 2019. Justin and James review one of Robin Williams' best performances. One Hour Photo is a 2002 American psychological drama film written and directed by Mark Romanek and starring Robin Williams. In the film a mentally unstable photo developer targets a middle-class family after his obsession with them becomes more sick and disturbing than any of them could imagine.11 October: Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007).
- 2007–202313mTV-MA7.7 (13)TV EpisodeDirectorJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeAntonio PilusoWelcome to Monster Madness 2019. Tony and James review a movie about man's worst friend: this film. Man's Best Friend is a 1993 American horror comedy film, directed and written by John Lafia. It stars Ally Sheedy and Lance Henriksen. It's messy when a genetically engineered dog escapes from the science facility where it was created. A family takes it in unaware of its deadly instincts which soon emerge. The scientist who created the dog tries to find it before its too late.11 October: Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007).
- 2007–202311mTV-MA7.1 (13)TV EpisodeDirectorJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeKieran FallonWelcome to Monster Madness. Kieran and James review one of James' horror films made 20 years ago. This old-school Cinemassacre horror classic, shot on VHS, edited with two-VCR's. A psychologically disturbed man is haunted by a disembodied dummy head and a mysterious man completely shrouded in black.11 October: This episode of Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007) is unusual because it is a review of James Rolfe's own movie... And THIS movie I will most certainly try to watch this year to retaliate of my mistake of forgetting about it and accidentally postponing it for years. It holds a special significance of being Rolfe's de facto first feature film (although more of a blueprint since with runtime of 51 minute and no wide releases it won't fly as a "true" feature with most people).
- DirectorJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeJames Rolfe of cinnemassacre does a top 10 list on lost silent films.11-12 October: An interesting list, also from James Rolfe, out of which all 10 are still lost now, 9 years later. As they say in such cases "check your attic".
- 2007–202312mTV-MA7.4 (12)TV EpisodeDirectorJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeAntonio PilusoWelcome to Monster Madness 2019. Tony and James review Brazil's first horror film, "At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul," (Portuguese: À Meia-Noite Levarei Sua Alma). It features the first appearance of Coffin Joe (José Mojica Marins) of the Coffin Joe Trilogy. A wicked undertaker whose wife cannot bear children, Joe conspires to impregnate Terezinha (Magda Mei) in her stead. When several people in the small town are found murdered, Dr. Rodolfo suspects Joe's involvement. A gypsy warns Joe of tragedy, but he dismisses her as a fraud -- only to discover that revenge may live beyond the grave.12 October: Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007).
- DirectorJames RolfeStarsJames RolfeWilliam HarriganUna O'Connor12 October: I became suddenly excited for The Invisible Man (2020) on top of growing obsession with Universal Monsters movies, so this episode of Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007) came in hand. James Rolfe manages to review 6 movies in 7 minutes, effortlessly and with lots of great insight. Now to decide whether I want to see the first one before remake, or all six of those...
- DirectorSergey A.StarsSergey A.Daria OrfaTsaritsyno. The legendary place in which the high society lived for several centuries, and which keeps its secrets of bygone days.12 October: Rather atmospheric new short from Sergey A.. Not much of a plot (basically a few urban legends strung together in a semi-narrative), but compensates for it with rich, picturesque visuals. Reminded me of Mirror (1975) which is a high praise in itself.
- DirectorWilliam LustigStarsJudd NelsonRobert LoggiaLeo RossiTwo Los Angeles police detectives, cynical veteran Malloy and cocky rookie Dietz, hunt for a serial killer, an ex-cop named Taylor, who randomly chooses his victims from a phone directory.13 October: A masterful movie by William Lustig which continues some of the themes of Maniac (1980), but takes them into a whole different direction. Still, apart from police procedural aspect, movie has more than enough horror/slasher elements. Judd Nelson is terrific as main antagonist and overall ensemble of character actors is very strong.
- DirectorGabrielle BeaumontStarsIone SkyeMeg TillyArmelia McQueenLonely young Marie and her father live on a plantation just before the Civil War. Their placid lives are invaded when they rescue a mysterious woman from a carriage wreck, and soon bodies start turning up with holes in their necks...14 October: Nightmare Classics (1989) continues with another decent adaptation of a classic piece of Gothic literature. I really wonder whether "Carmilla" and "Dracula" are just that similar from the get go (that was pointed out before), or adaptations of the former inevitably borrow from the latter. I've read a sizable amount of vampire literature, but still yet to tackle Sheridan Le Fanu. Gotta retaliate the next year, I guess.
- 2018–202020mTV-MA7.5 (9)TV EpisodeStarsKieran FallonAntonio PilusoJames Rolfe14 October: Everything on Cinemassacre is Halloween-themed this month, which is awesome.
- DirectorJ. Searle DawleyStarsMary FullerCharles OgleAugustus PhillipsThe first filmed version of Frankenstein. The young doctor discovers the secret of life, which he uses to create a perfect human. Things do not go according to plan.15 October: One of the interesting schemes I wanted to try out in this marathon is to watch classic silent/early horror movies and then compare with variations from much later, mostly 1980-1990. So I started with the first ever adaptation of Mary Shelley and it's rather impressive for its time, actually having a lot of creepy, unsettling vibe and condensing the story in 14 minutes and using some neat techniques. One of the movies I wanted to compare it with was Edison's Frankenstein (1990) but the irony is that a remake made to be a replacement for the 1910 movie when it was considered lost is much more hard to find now than original short, which was since found and, much later, restored amazingly in 2017 by Library of Congress (which made it free to download).
- DirectorRoger CormanStarsJohn HurtRaul JuliaNick BrimbleThe ultimate weapon which was meant to be safe for the mankind produces global side effects including time slides and disappearances.The scientist behind the project and his car are zapped from the year 2031 to 1817's Switzerland.15 October: Despite I am a huge fan of Roger Corman, I hardly expected this movie to be THIS good. It used moderate budget to the max, effects still holds up well, cast is amazing and plot from a novel by Brian Aldiss puts an interesting spin on original Mary Shelley classic, adding both sci-fi and philosophical elements to the mix. It also rhymes with other things on the marathon, The Monster looking similarly to one in Frankenstein (1910) and some moments being eerily similar to Ubit drakona (1988).
- DirectorAdam RifkinStarsClaudia ChristianAndy LauerPeter BergAfter their cars collide on a desert highway in the middle of nowhere, two friends and a woman they both like must wait for someone to pass by and help them. Unfortunately, those who do stop turn out to be criminals, eccentrics or wackos.15-16 October: Stumbled upon this in Judd Nelson's filmography and was intrigued. Also guessed from the get go that it has mild eligibility for Halloween Marathon and there was, indeed, an unexpected horror scene in the middle of the film, plus a few suspenseful moments. Although overall it's a road movie out of gas, where characters are actually stuck, but still have random encounters and are, you know, on the road. You can honestly get this kind of plot anywhere: it could have been a drama, a comedy, a thriller, horror or an art film... And it actually has elements of all of that. I guess it's just natural for directorial debut to try and overachieve, and even though it's uneven, Adam Rifkin really did something interesting here on a fraction of a budget. It also has an overall weird atmosphere and abundance of cool uncredited cameos, including Nelson. P.S. Being a rebel I am I started to watch the movie on Tuesday.
- 2007–202314mTV-MA7.3 (16)TV EpisodeDirectorJames RolfeStarsMike MateiJames RolfeWelcome to Monster Madness 2019. Mike and James review both Gremlins films. The Halloween/Christmas/Office classic. The first film is about a boy who inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town. The sequel is about the Gremlins coming back, and this time, they've taken control of a New York City media mogul's high-tech skyscraper.17-18 October: 17th was a busy and nervous day. Really wanted to watch something big, but sometimes all you need is a little bit of Cinemassacre's Monster Madness (2007) before going to sleep.
- DirectorIda LupinoStarsEdmond O'BrienFrank LovejoyWilliam TalmanTwo fishermen pick up a psychopathic escaped convict who tells them that he intends to murder them when the ride is over.18 October: Terrific classic film-noir. Holds up much better than the other 1953 movie I saw this year, The Wild One (1953) (not that the latter is bad, it's actually really good as well, just that some of the filmmaking aged less gracefully). All three leads are terrific, really, but William Talman as a serial killer Emmett Myers is magnificent.
- DirectorJean YarbroughStarsDick PurcellJoan WoodburyMantan MorelandOn a spooky island, three stranded travelers find an evil doctor working with foreign spies and in control of zombies.19 October: In keeping with the theme of older and newer connected I stumbled upon this movie due to the fact that it is shown in the next movie I'm going to watch as a part of the marathon, so I included it as well. This one reminded me how much I love old Universal-style horrors from 30's and 40's, even though this one is from Monogram Pictures (director Jean Yarbrough and many actors worked for Universal as well, though). A really cool little horror comedy which is a rare zombie/horror movie nominated for Oscar. Zombies here are a mixture of traditional voodoo concept and latter "living dead", it feels as though filmmakers were not sure themselves. Mantan Moreland is clearly having a blast being one of three leads, which was not that common for African American in 1940's.
- DirectorAnn TurnerStarsRebecca SmartNicholas EadieVictoria LongleyAn imaginative and somewhat disturbed young girl fantasizes about evil creatures and other oddities to mask her insecurities while growing up in rural Australia.19 October: A chilling, captivating movie, especially incredible for a directorial debut. Not an easy watch, nor it is easily classifiable as any genre: it has elements of psychological horror, fantasy and thriller on top of drama. Leaves you with a lot of thoughts afterwards and I'd say that drama elements are way scarier than the horror once: to see 9-year's old sanity gradually stripped away from her via assorted unsuspecting circumstantial deeds by everyone around her is not something you'd want to see everyday, but it's a really good and solid movie nonetheless, worthy of way more attention than it receives. King of the Zombies (1941) connection actually plays out more than I've expected, so it fits in my algorithm of watching earlier and later variations, I guess.
- DirectorAlbert PyunStarsMaría AlchéSoledad ArocenaAndrés BaggA desperate criminal and a merciless posse become trapped in a remote Mexican ghost town by a vengeful demon.19 October: Even being a fan of director Albert Pyun I'll be the first one to admit that due to lowest possible budgets and circumstances he is a hit-and-miss. This one is definitely from the "miss" territory and could be described as "watchable". Even that would've been a stretch if not for Pyun bringing his frequent collaborators, editor Ken Morrisey and composer Anthony Riparetti. Morrisey's editing is like watching cardistry to me: it gives the movie pace, manages to distract you from very weak visual effects at times and makes great use of subtle transitions. Film's bilingualism and use of subtitles were also rather interesting. But that's me being a filmmaker and admiring and learning some of the techniques. Otherwise I can't imagine this micro-budget movie being of any interest to anyone, other than hardcore Pyun fans, I guess, and those people who saw every other weird western/horror hybrid.
- DirectorWilliam Peter BlattyStarsGeorge C. ScottEd FlandersBrad DourifA police lieutenant uncovers more than he bargained for as his investigation of a series of murders, which have all the hallmarks of the deceased Gemini serial killer, leads him to question the patients of a psychiatric ward.19-20 October: A really impressive movie, especially considering that executive meddling hardly impacted it in terms of greatness. In fact, it's hard for me to perceive addition of Jason Miller and Nicol Williamson to the cast later in the production as a minus, because both give us grade-A work. In case of Miller it resonates well with another superb performance in the movie: Brad Dourif's, which might be one of his best, especially considering rather limited (and even more reduced with addition of Miller) screentime. I'm interested in checking out director's cut, as well, a some point. Perhaps the weirdest thing about this movie is an easter egg of saint statue clearly being The Joker, the same one from DC comics, who rules this month due to his own movie. Never knew about it when I chose to see this movie this month, interesting coincidence.
- DirectorCyriak HarrisAnimation of 7 billions of rabbits forming rabbits.20 October: From time to time I just need to rewatch this masterpiece of a short film and since Celia (1989) reminded me of rabbits, I decided to do just that.
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsWilliam CampbellLuana AndersBart PattonA scheming widow hatches a bold plan to acquire her late husband's inheritance, unaware that she is being targeted by an ax murderer who lurks in the family's estate.20-21 October: I loved this movie way more than I've expected and I expected to like it! Francis Ford Coppola has six movies you might consider his true directorial debut, this one being latest of them. It's important to remember that he went a long way already before making this movie and it shows: while a tiny bit derivative of Psycho (1960) movie shines with great use of both cinematography and editing. Considering it was filmed in just 9 days on $40,000, results are astonishing. A stylish and well-executed proto-slasher full of elements which predict the genre tropes to a "T" - Patrick Magee's Dr. Caleb is a precursor to Dr. Loomis from Halloween (1978), while overall plot elements are similar to A Bay of Blood (1971), a first "true" slasher in eyes of many people.
- DirectorChris StuckmannStarsChris StuckmannMichael ParkinsonChris Stuckmann reviews Ghostwatch (1992) as a part of his multi-episode 7th Halloween special.22-23 October: Chris Stuckmann's Halloween specials provide for some deep cuts as well. Really interested in Ghostwatch (1992) now and hope to see it in 2020.
- DirectorBrad JonesStarsBrad JonesThe Snob held a poll on Patreon to determine the title of his next review, and the result was mind-blowing.23 October: Brad Jones reviews a film by David Cronenberg, what's not to love in this scenario? Some of the most unexpected references to other movies there: Highlander II: The Quickening (1991), The Terminator (1984) and... Joker (2019). Latter is everywhere and... I'm okay with that.
- DirectorRostoStarsThe ResidentsThe Residents find themselves in the closed room. When the door opens they try to walk away which proves to be more difficult than expected.23 October: Just having one minute of running time, this music video by a cult band The Residents: Phantom (2004) is an impressive achievement in uneasy surrealism.
- DirectorKevin BrownlowStarsKenneth BranaghChristopher AdamsonJohn AugurA documentary examining the early days of horror films, particularly those crafted at Universal Studios during the 1930s.[24-]25 October: First I listened to "Purple Stuff Podcast" episode on the same subject. It delivered. Then on 25 October I finally saw this documentary and it was a really solid and nice piece on the subject of classic Universal Monsters. Nothing too mind blowing for someone already versed in subject, but still really cool.
- DirectorGary WinickStarsKyle RichardsWendell WellmanJohn PutchTwo escaped brothers track down the people who sentenced them to death row, including a doctor and the judge. But when they get to the D.A. and his family they have an especially lengthy revenge plot in mind for them.25 October: Mediocre at best with fewer redeeming features being a Halloween-set scene near the end (which makes little sense but looks nice) and Kyle Richards. Gary Winick likely tried his best at horror material, but further filmography solidified that he's just not that interested in that genre, nor was he able to say anything new with his directorial debut. Movie tried to take itself seriously, but failed all the more for it, especially with Curfew (1989)'s equally uninspired cheesy music.
- DirectorKendal FlanaganOllie MartinStarsAlan DaleChristine JestonCraig AlexanderA rowdy rock group are accompanied by a film crew to desolate Lake Infinity to produce a music video. One night the musicians visit the local pub while the various members of the film crew satisfy their carnal desires with one another aboard the luxurious houseboat they are all staying in. They are so busy they fail to notice that a rampaging lunatic has snuck aboard the boat, and one by one the various characters are brutally slaughtered in a variety of grisly ways.25 October: Well... Notorious movie, considered one of the all-time worst for at least Australian cinema, but I still enjoyed it more than Curfew (1989). It's far from being even remotely good, but it basically looks like a mix between someone's pleasant amateur music video, a home video and a slasher movie with decent effects. In other words, it has some charm, atmosphere and bad movie chic to it to enjoy at least in part.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonMichael BiehnA human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation.26 October: Um... I watched this movie last year as well, but this year I have a better excuse, I guess: it turns 35 this very day. Plus I supplied it with interesting additional things to watch, vaguely Halloween-appropriate, as well.
- StarsAlex Cox26 October: An interesting introduction to a cult film. I'm pretty sure that overall series was a staple of someone's youth and an integral part of one's first experiences with some of their favorite movies. Nice trivia facts and critical observations from Alex Cox, even though I'm not entirely on-board with the Harlan Ellison fact. Reminds me that I should finally see some of Cox's movies next year. Or maybe even this year.
- DirectorJames WiddoesStarsMatt FrewerJulius CarryBeau GravitteLeona hires Charles to manage the clinic. None of the partners like him. Leona loathes to fire people and gives Mike the job. Richard falls for the guy and Mike cannot fire him. Also he's rumored to be a psycho.26 October: Never heard of this show before and discovered it by chance. I rather liked it! It's a sitcom with some great acting and relatable situations. Aired in October (in fact it turned 29 just yesterday) so it is a bit of a Halloween Special/tie-in. It also has a nice Phantom of the Opera reference. It beats me a bit why they named the episode that way (I have a few guesses but I feel like I'm missing something).
- DirectorAdrian PanekStarsKamil PolnisiakNicolas PrzygodaSonia MietielicaChildren liberated from a Nazi concentration camp have to overcome hunger, thirst and vicious dogs in an abandoned mansion surrounded by the forest.26 October: There were Days of Polish Cinema in a local theater, so when I heard that there will be a horror movie (which is a rarity for Polish cinema in general) I was very much interested and planned to see it as a part of Halloween Marathon. A really interesting and well-made movie with strong horror elements and atmosphere seamlessly used in a World War II setting.
- DirectorSergey A.StarsSergey A.Yuriy AndreevSilvia de Satkliff5th horror anthology of short movies filmed by Terrace studio Russia.27 October: I believe I saw 9 segments out of 10 when they were still short films and that affected affected my perception of them as an anthology: Sergey A. came a long way since 2016 (when all the segments/shorts were filmed) so not all of those hold up well... Still, interesting to see him progress with each short, putting more effort, ideas etc. Just a bit tiring in the format of anthology.
- DirectorSergey A.StarsSergey A.Georgy RashoevAleksandr Schepochkin2 guys go to the rail station into the woods. They don't know, that evil of this forest awakened.27 October: Exact illustration of Sergey A.'s progress: moody, atmospheric, captivating.
- DirectorSergey A.StarsSergey A.A huge residential complex has been abandoned for many years. Nobody wants to live in it. Why?27 October: This short has a pleasant, Candyman (1992)-esque urban legend vibe to it. Not much else, but for running time of four minutes that could be forgiven.
- 2018–202028mTV-MA8.4 (8)TV EpisodeStarsMike MateiAntonio PilusoJames Rolfe28 October: Haven't seen the movie yet, but two of the three hosts here, James Rolfe and Justin Silverman admitted they were late on this one as well, so now I'm slightly more okay with that. A great in-depth discussion of the film, which tells you straight away what holds up in it and what's not.
- 2018–202029mTV-MA7.0 (9)TV EpisodeStarsMister LoboAntonio PilusoJames Rolfe28 October: Another great one from Cinemassacre Video (2014)! Full of great Halloween mood.
- DirectorGeorge WaggnerStarsLionel AtwillLon Chaney Jr.Anne NagelA mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding.28 October: This lesser-known Universal Monster movie deserves to be at least a minor classic. Not all the parts hold up as well today as some of the other movies in the series, but Lon Chaney Jr. alone makes it worth the watch. It's a great performance of his and psychiatric examination is an especially great scene which demonstrates the scope of his talent. I've seen a few movies which have strangely similar plot elements to this: it has a lot of similarities with Unbreakable (2000) and even more with another movie that will likely be next on the list... But only after three regular television episodes, one of which is curiously similar, as well.
- DirectorGregory SmithStarsGrant GustinCandice PattonDanielle PanabakerWhen Barry and Iris deal with the loss of their daughter, the team faces their greatest threat yet - one that threatens to destroy all of Central City; Killer Frost has a brush with death that will change her relationship with Caitlin.28 October: Regular episodes of The Flash (2014) might seem not that eligible for Halloween Marathon, but I'm glad I caught up with them, they were not entirely out of vibe with the season. This one, for example, had a nice little snippet of body horror, as well as apocalyptic message at the end...
- DirectorChris PeppeStarsGrant GustinCandice PattonDanielle PanabakerFaced with the news of his impending death, Barry's resiliency suffers as he struggles to fight fate; Cecile's career as a D.A. conflicts with her identity when she crosses paths with a villainous meta-human.28 October: This one is also eligible for vision of The Flash perishing in Crisis disintegrating into a skeleton. Never thought they would adapt that as literally and that early.
- DirectorSarah BoydStarsGrant GustinCandice PattonDanielle PanabakerBarry prepares a member of Team Flash for life without him while hunting a terrifying meta-human with an unquenchable thirst; Ralph uncovers a family secret.28-29 October: Now, this one is really eligible for Halloween with basic plot being, quote unquote a "monster" on the loose - a meta-human which turns out to be fewer things more than a corpse. Rather pleasant horror-ish atmosphere, some creepy visuals and... Lots of very surprising similarities to both Man Made Monster (1941) and King of the Zombies (1941) in the plot, which I find odd.
- DirectorJohn R. Cherry IIIStarsJim VarneyGailard SartainBill ByrgeErnest P. Worrell is a bank janitor sent to jail when people mistake his identity for a look-alike.29 October: Might seem like a wrong Ernest movie to choose for last days of the Halloween season, but it uses whole very specific chunks of plot from Man Made Monster (1941), so it fits right in with the scheme of mine of watching original movie and then reinterpretations from 1989/1990. I must admit that Jim Varney's acting makes it all worth it as well, just as with Lon Chaney Jr. in the 1941 semi-prototype.
- DirectorMike MateiStarsMike MateiJames Rolfe29 October: A nice October episode of James & Mike Mondays (2012). Never heard of that game and would love to play it one day.
- DirectorMike MateiStarsMike MateiJames Rolfe29 October: James & Mike Mondays (2012).
- DirectorGeorge WaggnerStarsDick ForanLeo CarrilloPeggy MoranA down-on-his-luck businessman organizes an excursion to Sir Henry Morgan's Island for a treasure hunt only to encounter a mysterious phantom and murder.29 October: Positively in awe of this lesser-known Universal Monster movie, it's nothing short of IMPRESSIVE. Firstly plot is a bizarre piecemeal contraption of Twelve Chairs, The Cat and the Canary, And Then There Were None, The Phantom of the Opera and Treasure Island... but it somehow works as its own thing with these totally unlikely components. Secondly it uses a piece of stock music which Universal used a lot in the 1940's and which is, quite basically, what Danny Elfman derived as his Batman theme. Thirdly movie in general holds up really well, but it turns simply jaw-dropping if you know that somehow it was made in 25 days and by "made" I mean that they fully filmed, edited AND premiered movie in 25 days, which is something relatively amazing for feature film, even if sets and music are recycled (which makes for an entertaining guessing/easter egg game, as well). Perhaps the coolest discovery of this marathon and it had some great ones!
- DirectorJames BamfordStarsStephen AmellDavid RamseyRick GonzalezIn the wake of discovering what his future holds, Oliver will find himself pit against his most challenging battle yet, one that will leave the multiverse hanging in the balance.29 October: Finally catching up with freshly started new season of Arrow (2012) and it was just a really great episode. Also rhymed with Horror Island (1941) due to several plot similarities.
- DirectorAntonio NegretStarsStephen AmellDavid RamseyRick GonzalezOliver, John, Laurel, and Tatsu seek out an important person within The Monitor's plan. Connor has a heart to heart with his brother.29-30 October: Arrow (2012), again.
- DirectorMarcus StokesStarsGrant GustinCandice PattonDanielle PanabakerBarry's efforts to prepare Cisco for Crisis are derailed when Cisco schemes to save Barry's life instead; Ramsey Rosso uses his deadly new abilities to save his own life, while sacrificing his humanity in the process.30 October: This episode of The Flash (2014) is even more eligible than the others as it is a genuine Halloween Special. Albeit... Not exactly a stellar or particularly interesting one. "Meh" episodes happen and "Meh" Halloween Specials happen too, even with the best. Sendhil Ramamurthy's mad scientist antics and assorted Halloween decorations make it worth the watch, though.
- DirectorAlbert CapellaniStarsHenry KraussStacia NapierkowskaRené Alexandre1911 adaption of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in which three men around the Notre Dame Cathedral are romantically interested in Esmeralda, a Romani girl: Commander Phöebus, Quasimodo the bell ringer and archdeacon Claude Frollo.24 October: Just a few words on the original novel: loved it, even if Victor Hugo's writing is never an easy read, per se. Hugo was called a "horrorist" by contemporaries and this book can be viewed as horror, as well, but it has multitude of genres in it and really could be adapted into anything, which is of special fascination with me when it comes to literary classics.
26-31 October: You know movie is not holding up well, when it's few minutes shy of minimal feature length (45 minutes, this two-parter is 38) and yet it takes you days to watch. For some reason I found it hard to concentrate on this one. Some of the shots are interesting (and there is some camera work, if not anything out of the ordinary for 1910's) and actors do their best for that type of early production, but distilled and truncated plot of the original novel never shines in that attempt, which is, so far, the earliest surviving one. Oddly enough for 2011 horror elements are there, by the way. Stunts and sets are somewhat impressive for their time, as well. - DirectorWallace WorsleyStarsLon ChaneyPatsy Ruth MillerNorman KerryIn 15th-century Paris, the brother of the archdeacon plots with the gypsy king to foment a peasant revolt. Meanwhile, a freakish hunchback falls in love with a gypsy dancer.29-30, 31 October: Here's where it all started: the very first Universal Monsters movie. Technically it's more of a costume drama than a horror, but by accident Universal struck gold with some moments that later you might see become staples of their horror movies. Lon Chaney is great as Quasimodo and his self-applied make-up is really impressive, as well, not to mention some of the physically demanding scenes he endures throughout the movie. He is really your typical misguided monster here, trying to help, but further screwing things up and being tragic. Main antagonist functions from the novel were transplanted from Claude Frollo to his brother Jehan thanks to Hays code, but overall plot makes sense and both Nigel De Brulier and Nigel De Brulier are excellent in their respective roles, with latter making a cape gesture in one scene when he visits Clopin which is virtually identical to that in Dracula (1931). I believe it might be the rare time when I like the tinted version of the movie more than a pure black-and-white one.
- DirectorJeremy KaganStarsAllan KatzCorey ParkerCindy WilliamsIn this version of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", a hunchback is found living in the bell tower of UCLA. He is put on trial and made to go through tests. One of the research doctors falls for him, and he falls for her in the end.31 October: My expectations were rather low on this one, but I was intrigued on the concept of the movie: I love when classics get re-imagined in unusual ways. This one is certainly a pleasant comedy and a bit on a weird side, but it has some interesting tie-ins to Hugo's original novel and Jessica Harper makes for an interesting villain: never seen her in that type of role before. She's basically a Frollo of that movie, I'd say. Although some of the functions are on Gerrit Graham, who does a lot with a very little screentime. Also a few interesting and unexpected parallels with Joker (2019).
- DirectorDiane Paloma EskenaziThe classic tale of a loveable, outcast hunchback and the gypsy girl he adores is transformed into a musical, warmhearted animated classic in this delightfully updated version of a stirring masterpiece. Produced by Golden Film. Directed by Diane Eskenazi. Endorsed by the Dove Foundation and Kids First for Quality Family Programming.31 October: It's one thing that this barely feature film (minimal 45 minutes) is the very definition of "loosely based" and is very dissonant with the tone of the original... And entirely another is how shoddy and hastily produced the overall production is. Continuity is broken, animation gets recycled endlessly... Almost so bad it's good, but mostly just so bad it's baffling.
- DirectorSergey A.Ivan LachanceMike LachanceStarsSergey A.Ivan LachanceMike LachanceThe manager of an apartment building cannot get out the rents of some tenants. Then he decides to call on the brownie to free up space for new people.31 October: Sergey A.'s Halloween special of this year with me as a co-director of my supporting role. Actually kinda proud of what we achieved there: it has cool tongue-in-cheek German expressionist vibes.
- StarsCecil Trachenburg31 October: A very Halloween and pumpkin little thing, loved it. Basically it's just Cecil Trachenburg promoting a little comic book (that I'm now really interested in), but it's still cool.
- DirectorManny CotoStarsLarry DrakeHolly Marie CombsCliff De YoungA madman who believes he's a doctor comes to the town where his crazy father was killed, and soon begins murdering people and becoming infatuated with a teenage girl who has a heart condition.31 October-12 November: This one is actually in both this Marathon and following Halloween Hangover, but since most of it I saw in November and much later than 1st of November, read about it in Hangover under Number 20.