Upgrade (2018)

Upgrade (2018) was fantastic! Really a sci-fi action thriller rather than horror, but of my favorite kind, CYBERPUNK! Revenge porn via cybernetic implants, starring Logan Marshall-Green, of The Invitation (2015). 

I put off watching this one because I've seen it flagged for violence, but it was not the "bad kind,"* more like action movie violence where people (mostly bad guys) get knocked around.

As you all know by now, I'm really not big on CGI at all, but I thought these effects were excellent, very tastefully done. 

The plot was pretty standard stuff for the genre, but it was well executed and enjoyable, so no complaints here. Definitely recommended!

* Most kinds of film violence are the "bad kind" in my humble opinion, but I hate and basically won't watch:

- sexual violence

- violence against children or animals 

- torture porn, where someone is suffering and you are supposed to watch it happen

Arguably there could be exceptions, but in general, I think films that rely on cringey violence are the lowest form of horror -- there's nothing impressive about generating that kind of instinctual discomfort and revulsion, it's like tapping a knee for the patellar reflex. Cheap tricks. Anyway, end rant.

Exte (2007)

Nicole and I watched Exte (2007), which was frickin wild. It was not nearly as cheesy as we expected it to be, for a movie about haunted hair extensions! Yes, some stuff was OTT, but many of the effects were really awesome, creepy, body horror stuff. There was also some super dark stuff (CW: child abuse) which made the weird silly moments even weirder. A strange exploration of trauma which leads to murderous rage, versus trauma that can be healed through love and affection... all wrapped up in long black hair. Also, I think this goes without saying for fans of Asian horror, but this film is clever and amusing in that it treats the "creepy long black hair" trope so literally. Another strange but gripping Sion Sono film (creator of Suicide Circle).

The Boneyard (1991)

The Boneyard (1991) was quite awful. 🤣 It starts off incredibly slow and takes forever to pick up, and the dialogue (filled with gratuitous confessional-style oversharing) is ridiculous. Notttt quality cinema. Despite all that, the sfx makeup was awesome. Well, in some scenes it was crap, but the zombie children were really freaky and awesome looking!! In many horror movies, the creatures sort of lurk in the shadows, so you are always more afraid of your imagination than of whatever's on the screen. Not so here, the undead kiddos hold up to scrutiny in full view. (Perhaps unsurprising, considering James Cummins started his career in special effects and only later dabbled in directing.) This movie maybe gets some points for pure absurdity, but this is surely one to drunkenly heckle with your mates.

Dellamorte Dellamore (1994)

Dellamorte Dellamore (lit. "of the death of love," English title Cemetery Man) was amazing!! Creative plot, very funny dark humor, smart dialogue, great practical effects, and plenty of sex appeal (starring hotties Rupert Everett and Anna Falchi) -- the whole package. 

Also, I was struck while watching this film by the similarities to my boy Dario Argento... come to find out, Michele Soavi was his protégé! Definitely worth a watch.

Body Bags (1993)

Tonight Mark and I watched Body Bags (1993), which was amazing!! Cool creepy stories, great effects, classic Carpenter soundtrack (and direction), and chock full of cameos, a veritable "who's who" of horror. (More appreciated by Mark than me, I'm not very good with recognizing celebrities or knowing actors, idk, that part of my brain is missing, I guess -- tho I did love seeing my boy David Noughton, from my all-time fav American Werewolf in London!) I really loved all 3 stories, tho content warning, the third had upsetting sexual violence. I do think the transplanted-body-part trope is a cool one, Heart of a Dog vibes. 👍👍

Phantasm (1979)

Wow, can't believe I'd never seen Phantasm (1979)! 🤣 There was a lot going on in this movie, to say the least. Lots of jump scares, which I normally find very tacky, but this was old school and effective. Loved the 70s aesthetic, and the fact that the 13-year-old kid is driving around town and using a shotgun. Some fun practical effects too. Awesome. Also, the soundtrack was crazy good! I thought it was Goblin (sounded so much like Suspiria), but it was apparently Fred Myrow and Malcolm Seagrave.

From Beyond (1986)

Put a little Lovecraft in your life, with From Beyond (1986)! This Cronenberg-esque body horror thriller was just what the doctor ordered. 👍👍👍 gnarly practical effects ftw!!

Ginger Snaps (2001)

Ginger Snaps (2001) was amazing - WOW!! Really powerful stuff. And in the vein of some of my other favorite horror movies, Låt den rätte komma in (2008) and Når dyrene drømmer (2014). Quite possibly inspired the later films?

Slither (2006)

Slither (2006) was great!! Can't believe I hadn't seen it before, actually. I love Michael Rooker, and I love creature features, I love body horror, and I love practical effects, so this was what we call a "win, win, win, win." Thanks for watching with me, Mark!

Cronos (1993)

Cronos (1993) was soooo good!! Really inventive and visually arresting. Another gem from Guillermo del Toro, with Ron Perlman convincingly portraying a brutal thug. Surprising moments of comedy and poignant emotion, too. Fabulous!

Drag Me to Hell (2009)

Some of the special effects were very cool, but the overt sexism was disappointing.  I also just found it impossible to care about the dishrag protagonist. Would not recommend.

Dead Ringers (1988)

Dead Ringers was incredibly disturbing. Incredibly good, but wow. Incredibly disturbing. As though we weren't already scared of twins and gynecologists.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

An American Werewolf in London is hands down my favorite horror movie of all time. Everything about it is so rad... The super badass special effects makeup, adorable protagonist, great sense of humor, etc., etc. A gem!

Carrie (1976)

Still just as powerful 40 years later!!

Tales from the Darkside (1990)

Tales from the Darkside (1990): delightful collection of 3 tales in a ghoulish, Hansel and Gretel-esque frame. Love the SFX and young Christian Slater.