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02.03.2008 |
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As the whole purpose of this website is to get my writing material out there as quickly as possible, I’m going to make this section very short (initially – I do intend to add to it / flush it out over time).
Listed below are ten of my favourite films and a few of the films I cannot abide. Along with each one is an opinion as to why I like them – but I wish to stress, this is not a review (but ah, I hear you cry, surely an opinion is a review; well more of that in a mo). You might agree with what I say, you might disagree, which is why I reiterate, this is an opinion, not a review – a review is done by someone who wishes they could do the job they’re reviewing, an opinion is exactly that: an opinion.
So, if you’re still interested, have a gander at what I’ve written. And if you want to congratulate me on such excellent taste or argue with me that I’m full of bullshit, then please, click on the contact page and go for broke.
Enjoy
SH |
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| Favourite Films (in no particular order) |
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The Exorcist
Even after all this time, this film still scares the beejesus out of me. For reasons I cannot understand, I find it difficult to watch this film all in one go – the discomfort that fills me is really rather upsetting – and I often have to take tea breaks during certain points. I know, I’m a wimp. But it has to be said, there must be something remarkable in this film if it can retain its impact, despite such awful sequels / prequels.
Halloween
John Carpenter’s classic and worthy of being given the honour of starting the whole slasher franchise (a shame about some of the follow-ups). The ending still freaks me out, and congratulations to Donald Pleasance (RIP) for helping Mr. Carpenter for coming up with such a masterpiece in dialogue delivery (spot the sarcasm). |
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Wicker Man
How dare Hollywood think they could make a remake of this magical piece of cinema. The perfect horror film that deals more with of the issues discussed in The Exorcist than Halloween. It has everything: paganism, sacrifice and nudity – a perfect Saturday night.
Ringu
I watched this when it first came out, on video, in the dark, with my future wife asleep by my side. I think the fact I was watching a story about a haunted video on that particular form of media made all the difference – because when Sada made her memorable transition from celluloid to the real world, I jumped so high, my head got jammed between the ceiling joists. It took a few nights for my sleeping routine to return to normal. |
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Horror of Dracula
My first Hammer Horror. I watched this with my dad as a kid late on a Friday night when the air was heavy with a claustrophobic July warmth – it was so disturbing, it managed to dictate me future career path.
Battle Royale
An outstanding piece of Japanese film making. Such a simple premise – the original novel obviously based on Lord of The Flies - it is probably its simplicity that creates such awful shocks. When the teacher kills the student for talking in class by throwing a knife into her head, you know you’re in for a good time. But a word of advice: avoid the sequel. It starts off brilliantly, but veers off halfway through – at roughly the same time the original director died and his son took over. Shameful. |
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Bubba Ho-Tep
A little known film based on a Joe R Lansdale story in which Elvis and a black JFK fight a mummy haunting the corridors of their nursing home. Bruce Campbell is brilliant as Elvis, but I think a special mention needs to go out to Ossie Davies who is sublime as a wheelchair-bound JFK. Original and moving
The Haunting
Another one Hollywood should have stayed away from. There are many moments in this film that have stayed with me over time, but I think the one that gets me most is when they discover Elena’s name written on the wall. Put there by nobody, it was the perfect catalyst for sending her into the house’s madness. |
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Creature From The Black Lagoon
It mind sound a strange thing (oh the shock) but I’ve put this one in over Jaws. The reason? The sea scares me rigid (never mess with wind or water) and whilst Jaws ensured I would never go into the water beyond my knees, the scene in Creature… where the thing is swimming beneath the heroine and watching her, obsessing over her, well, let’s put it this way, even in a swimming pool, I don’t feel safe.
The Devil Rides Out
Hammer Horror, Christopher Lee and Terence Fisher, all dancing along to the tune of a Dennis Wheatley novel. So disturbing at times that you find yourself scratching as if trying to get the film out from under your skin.
Them
A classic monster movie that manages to scare. Giant ants are tearing up the landscape, and whilst the synopsis might seem silly, it’s played so seriously, you could easily believe it’s truly happening. (And the modern French film about psycho kids is just as brilliant - and certainly a lot scarier - in truth, you need to buy, borrow or steel a copy of this movie. It’ll stain your underwear.) |
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A few films I hate (again, in no particular order) |
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- Hostel - can I have those 90 minutes back, please?
- Saw - maybe it’s me, but I just didn’t get it
- Anything with Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts or Jude Law in
- Kill Bill - sweet Mary, what a travesty
- Candyman - one of the few films I’ve walked out the cinema on.
- Charlie’s Angels - dear God!!
- Legends of the Fall - or any of that kind of bollocks
- Alien Vs Predator – tearful
- Re-makes of classics such as ‘Halloween’, ‘The Hills Have Eyes’, ‘The Amityville Horror’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre’. If you can’t do anything original, don’t do it at all.
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There are many more to add to the list, and this will no doubt be done over time. If you think I’m right – or to be more likely, if you think I’m wrong – write to me and let me know. A chat about films is always a good chat.
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