28 Days Later

Low- budget UK import about an epidemic that has turned most of the world's population into flesh-hungry zombies. There are only a few survivors trying to out-run the monsters, attempting to seek refuge at an army base. Better than any Living Dead film! What I especially liked about this movie was the speed and aggression of the zombies. They're not the usual braindead sulkers. They're just as fast as you are and outnumber by the 100's. Also, a great soundtrack, high quality acting, and the empty London scene make this the best zombie film I have ever seen. (**** oout of ****)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Very few films have been able to duplicate the claustrophobic intensity and dark humor of this horror masterpiece. One of the things I love most about this movie is how Tobe Hooper plays with your mind. It has the reputation for being one of the most graphically violent movies you could see, yet is virtually bloodless. Alot like Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho". It's low budget adds to the realism, making you think you're watching a documentary other than a movie. Try, if you can, to get it on VHS. The quality isn't as good as a DVD, which makes it creepier! (**** out of ****)

George A. Romero's Land of the Dead

George Romero's fourth installment in his blockbuster horror cult series disappoints on so many levels. What started out as campy, tongue-in-cheek, rainy Friday night flick has turned into an over-budgeted, over-stylized, oversexed mess. The survivors of the attacks by living dead have contained themselves in a half poverty-stricken, half utopian new city. They've employed defense teams to keep the zombies out of their new wonderland. They've even got a mile-long tank/train doohickey equipped with missiles, machine guns, grenades, and, yes you guessed it, fireworks. But now the zombies are ticked. Why should they be shunned from the Marx-inspired paradise just because they get some cravings for flesh every now and then? It's not fair. So they decide to invade the city and show the humans who's boss. Although a humorous performance form Dennis Hopper and marvolous make-up effects from the legendary effects god Tom Savini, this falls far short of what it could have been. (*1/2 out of ****)

Recommendations- Night of the Living Dead, 28 Days Later, Zombie (Italian film, aka Zombi 2).

The Amityville Horror

The only mystery in this bomb is trying to figure out if Stuart Rosenberg was trying to make a quality horror film or an alternative for a sleeping pill. The story centers around the infamous haunted house and a family trying to figure out what the evil forces in their house want from them. James Brolin plays the sweaty, hairy Brawny man wannabe husband and Margot Kidder is the nerve-gratting , lipless wife. The only scary part of the film is a 70's, acid induced love scene between the two. Corney effects, cheesey blood floods, and horrific acting and directing make this one to avoid. Or like I said, if you can't sleep...... (* out of ****)

Recomendations- The Haunting, House on Haunted Hill, Poltergeist.

Hellraiser

Clive Barker's highly overrated flick about a pandora's box that opens the gateway of Hell falls far short of it's reputation of being one of the most innovative horror films ever made. Zero scares, repulsive acting, pitiful screenplay and cheesey effects add to the sheer stupidity of the film. The one creepy part of the film is the "main man" Pinhead, who has very little screentime. You'd think a movie about a dude with pins in his head that signify eternal suffering and has sadomasochistic themes would be terrifying. Well guess again. (* out of ****)

The Funhouse

One of Tobe Hooper's best Friday-night slasher flicks. Four teens attend a local fair and decide to stay the night in the main attraction- the funhouse. They come to find they made a VERY big mistake. Hooper generates some good quality suspense and scares in the claustrophobic setting, although highly disapointing monster make-up leaves you unsatisfied after waiting so long to see the killer's real face. Alas, it's a must-watch for the Halloween season.

Maniac

Frank Zito is not the kind of guy you want to take home to your father, girls. Besides having a house full of mannequins and a hurt soul from his cruel mother, he'll likely scalp you on the first date. No matter how charming or good-looking he may seem to you, DO NOT fall for his tricks! The puppy-love will likely turn to bloodshed. Joe Spinell, who also wrote and produced the film, does a semi-respectable job as the cold-blooded stalker, also giving a delightful Christopher Walken-style voice. Good make-up and camera angles give us a nice subway scene. But unfortunately, the films many clichés (predictable jump-scenes, familiar conflicts etc....) make this nothing more than your average drive-in fare. I would much rather recommend Deranged. 1980 (** out of ****)