It's Just Movies

— by SCOTT SWAN —

In no particular order …

Oct. 1: “Creepshow” — The words anthology and horror should almost never be said in the same sentence, particularly when in the context of making a movie. Frequently, when a genre filmmaker has a go at combining the two, even with the best of intentions, by and large the results are unspeakably terrible. It’s a rare trick to pull off, like a trapeze artist performing a stunt that’s killed his whole family. Many have tried, and almost all have fallen. Throw humor into the mix and you’ve got a surefire recipe for suck. But every so often, just once in a generation usually, someone comes along and gets it dead right. And not only do they get it right, but they make it look effortless. That’s George A. Romero’s “Creepshow.”

Oct. 2: “Killer’s Moon” — There is something really wrong with this movie. The idea of a few deranged, violent mental patients roaming the countryside with the belief that they are acting inside of a dream and free from consequences scares the living poop out of me. What if they are standing right outside my door or window? What if I forgot to lock the door or have left the window open for a nice breeze? And what if they decide to walk right in and slash my fucking throat? That’s the kind of nightmarish visions this movie has to offer up.

Oct. 3: “Friday the 13th Part 2” — Bag-head retard hillbilly Jason is by far my personal favorite Jason from the entire “Friday” series. And I’d even be willing to argue he’s the most effective, because he’s definitely the most human the character has ever been. Director Steve Minor builds some really effective suspense and terror sequences here. And the entire movie is really smart the way they completely reinterpret the legend to spin it off into the series we know today.

Oct. 4: “Bay of Blood” (aka: “Twitch of the Death Nerve”) — The original ‘spam in a cabin’ celluloid blood bath — the granddaddy of them all. Mario Bava, legendary Italian filmmaker and cinematographer, goes for the guts in this trail blazing 1971 shocker. The movie was evidently so shocking at the time of its release that even horror icon Christopher Lee, who starred in “The Whip and the Body” for Bavaa few years prior, reportedly left a screening at the AvoriazFilm Festival in disgust. Some seated close to the actor claim Lee uttered “F—- this” as he stood up and stormed out of the theater. But seriously, if you like “Friday the 13th Part 2,” as I do, you’ll really enjoy this one.

Oct. 5: “Frontier(s)” — I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Leave it to the French. I’m starting to think “the French are pussies” propaganda is just pure crap. These people are sick and deranged, and over here in The States, we’re the pussies. If you’re lookin’ for a real, no-BS NC-17 horror movie, look no further than “Frontier(s).” Although, I’m not sure what that unique version of the title means.

Oct. 6: “Gummo” and “Julien Donkey Boy” Double Feature — Harmony Korine is a freak. Put this on if you’re in the mood for something truly disturbing and weird. ‘Nuff said.

Oct. 7: “Otis” (UNCUT) — Actor Boston Christopher (awesome name) makes an impressive debut as the titular character in this ugly, brutal romp. Not since Peter O’Toole in “Lawrence of Arabia” has an actor distinguished himself quite so strongly with an inaugural role. Christopher plays Otis Broth, a lonely, overweight pizza delivery guy who lives out a deadly prom fantasy with various hot, young chicks he kidnaps, then keeps hostage in a basement bunker torture chamber and calls “Kim.” Obviously denied a satisfying prom experience in his youth, Otis is sympathetic and even vulnerable as he uses intimidation and the threat of brute violence to force his latest victim, Riley Lawson, played by the cute and very talented Ashley Johnson, to endure the nightmarish task of being his prom date in a series of frightening, grim tubules. As the dark fantasy finally reaches its climax (sex in Otis’ car), he has no idea what to do when Riley decides to capitulate and go all the way. There’s sufficient sexual tension and graphic violence offered up to satisfy even the most demanding viewer, and for all you Carrie Underwood stalkers out there, this movie might just be the fix you’ve been looking for.

Look for Week Two of 31 Days of Halloween on Oct. 8.

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Editor’s Note: Scott Swan is the writer/co-director of “MASKHEAD,” which currently is available for pre-order at www.toetagpictures.com. The first 150 people to purchase the DVD will receive an 11×17 poster signed by the cast and crew. The DVD will ship at the beginning of this month or can be picked up at the Cinema Wasteland Convention.

Follow Scott Swan on Twitter at http://twitter.com/scottobiswan.