TITLE’s TALES OF TERROR (PART2)
The month of Samhain continues to reign supreme over every other month, and it seems we need some new movies to set the right mood, don’t we?
Last week, we indulged in a history lesson on zombie movies, and today we’re diving straight into the 90s, taking a look at the resurfacing slasher genre and a movie about a boy and his possessed hand.
Without further ado, here are our top picks for this week’s Halloween movie marathon:
1. SCREAM (1996)
Wes Craven is hailed as one of the greatest in the horror genre, with a reputation that includes “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “The Hills Have Eyes,” and “The Last House on the Left,” among others (let’s save the discussion on vampires for next week when we talk about Eddie Murphy’s vampire flick, “Vampires in Brooklyn”). Craven undoubtedly deserves the praise he receives.
Having birthed the nightmarish Freddy Krueger character, he solidified his status as one of the founding fathers of the slasher genre. In 1996, he returned to his roots by directing “Scream.” This satirical slasher movie stars Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, Rose McGowan, and Drew Barrymore.
The plot follows Sidney, played by Campbell, as she becomes the target of a serial killer, with her friends falling victim one by one. Being teenagers, they are fully aware of how horror movies unfold and cleverly use this knowledge to satirize the clichés that have become staples in the genre.
“Scream” is a thrilling and amusing movie (you might have already guessed that it inspired the parodic franchise, “Scary Movie”). It will undoubtedly make you think twice before answering the phone while home alone late at night.
2. I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER (1997)
Just a year later, another slasher flick featuring a talented ensemble cast of young and attractive movie stars hit the cinemas. Based on a book from the 1970s, this production was rushed to ride the coattails of Wes Craven’s “Scream,” which debuted the previous year.
This movie introduces us to Jennifer Love Hewitt from “Party of Five” fame, Sarah Michelle Gellar, who would go on to portray “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Freddie Prinze Jr. (“She’s All That”), and Ryan Phillippe, who later teamed up with Gellar in 1999 to bring us “Cruel Intentions.”
After accidentally hitting a pedestrian, four friends decide to dispose of the lifeless body in the ocean, hoping to safeguard their future. But as we all know, that’s never a good idea…
They believe they’ve gotten away with it until, one year later, they start receiving letters from an anonymous sender who seems to know “what they did last summer.” Soon enough, the killing spree begins. It’s evident how “Scream” influenced this movie, but with a cast like this, it’s truly a pleasure to eagerly follow this chilling tale.
On to the next one.
3. IDLE HANDS (1999)
“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop”. “Idle Hands” is forever one of my favorite Halloween movies.
The film introduces Jennifer Love Hewitt from “Party of Five,” Sarah Michelle Gellar, who would go on to portray “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Freddie Prinze Jr. (“She’s All That”), and Ryan Phillippe, who joined forces with Gellar in 1999 for “Cruel Intentions.”
In “Idle Hands,” after accidentally hitting a pedestrian, four friends make the ill-fated decision to dispose of the lifeless body in the ocean, hoping to secure their future. But as expected, that choice comes back to haunt them…
A year later, they begin receiving ominous letters from an unknown sender who seems to be aware of their past actions. Soon enough, a killing spree ensues. While it’s clear that “Scream” had an influence on this movie, the presence of such a talented cast makes it an absolute pleasure to delve into this bone-chilling story.
There is also a cameo by the band The Offspring as the school band. So, if you ever wanted to see band member Dexter Holland getting scalped by a cut-off hand, don’t miss this movie!
So guys, here are another three ghoulishly great movies that not only ooze pure excitement and fear, but also scream pure “90s!” from the top of their lungs.
Next week we will have a look at some vampire flicks!
Happy Halloween month, ya’ll!
