Last week I had the pleasure of watching two olden horror movies that I somehow missed during my quest to scare the daylights out of my…
They possessed this genuine feel of reality to them. Both movies were made in the 70's. In those days horror movies either focused on plot/story or boobs. Luckily both fit the former category.
I was familiar with Tales from the Crypt as a TV show, but I haven't seen this movie released in 1972.
TheVault of Horror was made in 1973 initially referred to as part two of Tales from the Crypt. The stories in The Vault of Horror stayed with me more. Perhaps because I connected very strongly with one of them!!!
Each movie tells the stories of 5 people, total strangers to each other, yet they had "guilt" in common.
Discussing the stories without giving away part of the charm of these two is impossible, and I would hate to spoil them for you. Needless to say, they're worth watching if you don't mind the absence of computer generated special effects we are swarmed with nowadays.
Can you think of any other Golden Oldies in the horror genre that focused on plot more than gore or effects?
Recently, I watched The A-Team movie with my sister in the cinema. As we drove, I had serious trepidations because remakes didn’t live up to the original in my opinion. Some even ruined a good memory of a favorite show or movie.
Not in this case. TheA-Team’s plot was substantially thought of, the characters were well rounded, giving Templeton "Faceman" Peckt the chance to show more than just a pretty face, while John "Hannibal" Smith displayed emotions beyond the need for scheming and planning. B.A. Baracus wasn’t all about muscles, he had an issue to deal with, and he did, successfully and convincingly. H.M. "Howling Mad" Murdock's insanity was hilarious more than usual, in a good way.
I had no doubt in Liam Neeson’s ability to pull a convincing Hannibal, the veteran actor hasn’t disappointed in any role he took on. The power, confidence, and shrewdness he gave forth were supported magnificently by his looming height. Boy, he’s tall! I can’t resist tall men :-)
Bradley Cooper as Faceman was a treat that shouldn’t be missed. I’ve watched Cooper since his role in the TV series Alias, and had a feeling he would grow into an outstanding actor. As Faceman, Cooper united the playboy, the schemer, and the action hero into one three-dimensional character. It didn’t hurt that he also had a heart. Man, those eyes!
To be frank, I’m not familiar with Quinton Jackson (Rampage Jackson,) haven’t seen him in action before, but he did a brilliant job portraying B.A. Baracus. He’d displayed the kind of loyalty that couldn’t be questioned, leaving no doubt in his inherent good nature, despite his show of power. And the issue I mentioned above, was dealt with swiftly, just like the A-Team would.
Now, the wild card, Sharlto Copley! I had a bit of a problem picturing him as Murdock, my favorite character in the TV show providing the insane relief from all the action. I’ve seen him before only in District 9, which though original in concept, felt too long for my taste. Copley owned the role in The A-Team, his insanity was logical. Does that make sense? Didn’t think so, yet, if you watch the movie you’ll know what I mean. It didn’t hurt to add his good looks to the mix.
The movie is full of action to satisfy the diehards. Rib-tickling comebacks and scenes that elicit laughter appear at the right time unexpectedly.
I blogged today at Damnation Books’ blog about writing and horror in movies.
The driving force behind what I noticed could be inner demons or a subconscious self-medication technique, not sure what exactly causes this phenomenon or theme to take place, but something does. http://damnationbooks.wordpress.com/2010/07/11/horror-and-authors-in-movies/
Check it out, you might come across a movie you know!
Catch you later,
Today is my sister's birthday, and as a treat I took her out to watch Blackout (We're both horror buffs, so it's not so weird.) What I haven't considered is her inherent fear of elevators, to be specific, what happens when or if an elevator stopped working while she's in it.
After a quick lunch at Chili's and a short shopping trip to the mall, we went home. I was smiling all the way from the cinema until we reached my house. You see, my apartment is on the 24th floor. Just as we stepped out of the car, she turned to me, her face all grim and full of foreboding, "You do know that from now on, every time I visit, you'll have to come downstairs to accompany me into the elevator and all the way to your apartment?" She was serious.
They possessed this genuine feel of reality to them. Both movies were made in the 70's. In those days horror movies either focused on plot/story or boobs. Luckily both fit the former category. 
