Synopsis: When a mysterious creature violently kills a man in a Maine lake, Jack Wells (Bill Pullman), the local game warden, looks into the bizarre case, along with Sheriff Hank Keough (Brendan Gleeson) and visiting paleontologist Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda). Looking for clues in a tooth that the beast left behind, Kelly and the others eventually locate the monster, a massive and vicious reptile eager to devour anything in its path. Can the crocodile-like creature be stopped? (Google)
There are a ton of killer animal films I could have went with here because I love so many of them. I had to go with this one because 1) the crocodile is horrifying and 2) it's also very funny. The banter between the characters portrayed by Brendan Gleeson, Oliver Platt, Bridgett Fonda, and Bill Pullman is a laugh a minute. Add Betty White to the mix and it's definitely a winner. Another great thing about this one is the effects are so good. The crocodile looks very real which makes it even more scary. Honestly, I have seen this one many, many times and I'm sure I will watch it many more.
Side Note: I would have went with a Bigfoot movie here because frankly, I'm obsessed with Bigfoot movies, and I've seen some really good ones. I just wasn't sure if Bigfoot is technically an animal...???
Synopsis: A young wife comes to believe that her offspring is not of this world. Waifish Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow) and her struggling actor husband Guy (John Cassavetes) move to a New York City apartment building with an ominous reputation and odd neighbors Roman and Minnie Castavet (Sidney Blackmer, Ruth Gordon). When Rosemary becomes pregnant she becomes increasingly isolated, and the diabolical truth is revealed only after Rosemary gives birth. (Google)
Movies of this subject matter don't really bother me as much as they used to. Since I renounced Christianity several years ago, and became an Agnostic Atheist, I just don't believe there's a hell, nor an entity named Satan. However, I will concede there are some really good films centering on the subject. One of those is the classic, Rosemary's Baby. I can't count how many times I've seen this movie, but each time I watch it, it amazes me anew. It is kind of a slow burner, and there aren't any big scares, or truly horrific moments. Well, maybe how women acted back then, she constantly dotes on the husband, and he's kind of a jerk...and then we really find out just how much of a jerk, but I digress... Roman Polanski created a film that's not just about the devil. I also see it as a slanted take on domestic violence. SPOILER! Husband makes a deal with you-know-who for fame and fortune (he's an actor). Said deal involves his wife, and because of the deal, she suffers more and more each day...until the ultimate betrayal. Definitely a film with many layers and some outstanding performances. Mia Farrow was so great in this. Vulnerability with a vein of strength which becomes more fierce the closer she comes to being a mother.
I know this is based on Ira Levin's novel, but I haven't read it. I need to read it. I'm interested to find out if the story differs.
What is your favorite film about the powers of Hell or Satanism?
Synopsis: Laura (Belén Rueda) has happy memories of her childhood in an orphanage. She convinces her husband to buy the place and help her convert it into a home for sick children. One day, her own adopted son, Simón (Roger Príncep), disappears. Simon is critically ill, and when he is still missing several months later, he is presumed dead. Grief-stricken Laura believes she hears spirits, who may or may not be trying to help her find the boy. (Google)
I debated over this category because there were so many contenders (Let the Right One In, The Ritual), but I recently watched this one again after many years and it's just so good. Plus, produced by Guillermo del Toro. Pretty much any film he's involved with is going to be good. The creepiness factor on this one is off the charts, but what makes the story even better is its poignancy. This film has layers, something many horror films lack.
Synopsis: It sounds like just another urban legend -- a videotape filled with nightmarish images leads to a phone call foretelling the viewer's death in exactly seven days. Newspaper reporter Rachel Keller (Naomi Watts) is skeptical of the story until four teenagers all die mysteriously exactly one week after watching just such a tape. Allowing her investigative curiosity to get the better of her, Rachel tracks down the video and watches it. Now she has just seven days to unravel the mystery. (Google)
Yeah, this movie scared the shit out of me. The faces...I could not forget the faces (if you've seen it, you'll know what I mean). Urban legends are a dime a dozen, but this movie turned the notion on its ear. I don't think anyone who has seen this movie has ever looked at a VCR, or video tape the same again. What if that tape you don't have labeled...well, you know. Yikes! Beyond the scares and the shocking moments, this one just has a great story. Of course, it's a remake of the the 1996 Japanese film of the same name, and that film was based on a book. I read it. It was really good. I bought a copy recently and I plan to read it again. Like I said, the story...the core of this story is just brilliant.
