***Contains Spoilers***
 

HALLOWEEN

http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/4131/halloweensd6.jpg

Offers historical curiosity only to today’s horror fans, nothing more...

Among all the hypes there are two popular quotes that always tied with the highly overrated John Carpenter’s 1978 Horror slasher Halloween:
One of the best Slasher/Horror film ever made and The most successful Independent Horror film of all time

I like to agree with the 2nd one only, why?

Let’s start with the plot…Beginning on Halloween night 1968, a 6-year-old kid Michael commits the brutal murder of his 18 year old sister. Michael is committed to a mental institution and 15 years later escapes and returns to his hometown to murder again….
It may sound like somewhat funny, a derivative slasher movie fare when in fact it’s more accurate to say that everything of it since is basically a cheap imitator of Italian Gialli films. I have read in somewhere that it filmed on a tiny budget — less than $500,000 — so much so that the cast had to provide their own clothes. It’s completely lacking in special effects, uses makeshift sets and was filmed on a relatively rushed schedule. Despite all of that, I have to say it’s a good time passing slasher flick but nothing more than that.

First of all, the question is why the hell on earth a 6-year-old kid killed her sister? There was no explanation about that. I hate to compared it with the grand daddy of Slasher films… Sir Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960) but I’m going to do that now cause some of the ardent horror fans like to put Halloween before Psycho on their all time favorites list. Anyways the point is Norman Bates had a clear-cut background for his acts of crime but our beloved slasher master Mr. Michael Myers was nothing but a methodical, silent killing machine with no motivation, no root causes. While you may have theorized that he kills teens as some sort of vengeance (but what’s the story behind that?) or Michael Myers is nothing less than a force of nature, an enigma…blah! blah! blah! But to me that’s a brief response that cheapens the truth.

Carpenter didn't deliver much truck with finding a motivation or even a character for his killer - Michael Myers just puts on a mask (Hey! where he got the mask?!) and kills people, end of story. Micheal's doctor, Loomis occasionally mumbled a few well-chosen words about his "evil eyes". In the end, Michael is elevated beyond a mere serial killer when, despite having a gun emptied into him, being stabbed in the eye and falling from a balcony, he simply gets up and vanishes into the night. How comes he doesn't die? So was he some sort of devil in the flesh? Through the whole movie it seemed that he may be a maniac but bloody human being also. A mere boy killed his sister 15 years ago. Then what? His stay on a psychiatric hospital made him immortal? Definitely sounds quite silliness. Moreover, after fifteen years in a mental hospital, how can Myers drive a car so nicely? He's been institutionalized since he was a child. Did the institution also offered special driving classes for the patients so that when they goes back to normal life then they can drive properly?!

In most of the Slasher films we see that the killer always hold an advantage in terms of strength…but here in a particular scene how the knife (logically must have turned into a sword to be able to) hold a grown man stabbed, hanging from the wall?
The movie wasn’t so much about the murders (indeed, there was very little gore!), it's about the waiting in between: 'who will Michael Myers kill next? And when?' that, made "Halloween" an interesting would-be thrill-ride only.

A positive for the film is its unforgettable haunting background music, lingering camera shots and dark lighting, which able to create a frightening atmosphere. A second positive would be the character of Michael's doctor, played by Donald Pleasence was the best part, and his describing of the murderer is quite thrilling.

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8929/drloomisfk8.png http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/7932/looriku2.png

The three most influential teen slasher movies had one rising star. A Nightmare on Elm Street had Johnny Depp, Friday the 13th had Kevin Bacon, and Halloween had Jamie Lee Curtis. While the former two were just side characters, undeveloped and there for massacre, Curtis was given the lead role (her first movie role, too) of Laurie Strode and, surprisingly enough, she performs quite well, that even labeled her as the Scream Queen!

Technically, however, Halloween was good, considering its small budget. Its cinematography was almost too good for the movie itself. The importance of the movie in displaying certain exciting movements which later moviemakers used without using them up the way Carpenter did with this one. This as a result, produced a seemingly endless supply of terrible, empty, gory films throughout the Eighties. Though the premise of this movie was quite original and it breaks lots of new ground, but still- today in compare to any great horror film it's not that much scary. It has a quite dull supporting cast you don't really care about, so when they get killed you just don't care. Fans of modern horror may find it too slow and annoying at times. The movie is now a historical curiosity only. Nothing more.

Rating: 5/10

Given the fact that most critics review a movie as soon as they see it, and they usually see it before the general public, I'm writing this review in November 1984...I hope that's not against the rules for this test...Anyway, here goes:


I suppose I shouldn't have expected much from Wes Craven, the guy who created such drivel as The Last House On The Left, Swamp Thing, and The Hills Have Eyes...But it seems that he was actually ATTEMPTING to fail with this newest creation.

His 'stars' in this film consist of a virtuallly unknown B movie actor, who has appeared in films that almost no one has seen, such as Eaten Alive, Dead and Buried and Galaxy Of Terror...as well as a few tiny bit parts in some random television shows...I mean seriously, who has heard of Robert Englund?...And where did they dig up this Johnny Depp and Heather Langenkamp?...Maybe these people were 'friends of a friend' types, and someone owed someone a favor...Are these people even actors?

Okay, lets move past the fact that this movie has no real actors, and onto the storyline...Or should I say "stolen plot"?...A guy who kills people in their dreams, umm, excuse me, but didn't we just see this in DREAMSCAPE, and wasn't it bad enough the first time?

And to top it all off, the ending wasn't even an ENDING.

So, what was the motivation behind this movie?...Was this an attempt to jump onto the current 'teen slasher' bandwagon?...Prom Night, Sleepaway Camp and Friday The Thirteenth were bad enough, why would someone want to perpetuate this type of nonsense?...Oh well, I suppose this is what can be expected from a hack like Wes Craven.

If someone wants to make a GOOD film with a bunch of teenagers in it, that really captures the attention (and the box office receipts) of that target group, they should take a few pointers from some GOOD movies like Fast Times At Ridgemont High and Sixteen Candles

I can't even give this movie a 1/10...It has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever, not even a popular actor or an original plot...This was just bad all the way around

The Night of the Living Dead. If you watch this film, you'll become one of them.... Bored to death! What a slow paced, poorly acted, scored and written pile of crap this was! I'm tempted to track this George Romero fella down and demand a refund on the past 90 minutes of my life!

This film was so atrocious that I don't even know where to begin... Each and every one of these characters was so unlikable that I was crossing my fingers and hoping for them to become zombie chow. , Ben (Duane Jones. If you said "Who?" don't feel bad, so did I.), the "hero" actually kills a human in cold blood. Barbra is played by Judith O'Dey. (I hear she's making a comeback.... Talk about Night of the Living Dead!) She spends the majority of the film whining about her brother or screaming hysterically. Annoying and idiotic , we're stuck viewing hateable characters that make nothing but foolish decisions leading to their inevitable demise. One female character is even dumb enough to run foolishly from a secured house out in to the middle of a zombie vs. human brawl that happens to be taking place next to a gas pump and seek refuge in the truck. (How does she think that'll turn out well?)

Truthfully, I was rooting for the zombies in this one, which wasn't easy because due to their pitiful makeup jobs, it was difficult to tell them from the humans. Black and white may have been used to enhance the scariness factor, but my belief is that it was used to conceal the lousy special FX that seem to abound in this pile of rubbish.

The score is uninspired and cliche right from the start, which is probably why the entire Music Department chose to go uncredited. (Or maybe the film budget just couldn't afford 5 more credits.)

The story... What story? The plot is very thinly explained but evidently an asteroid has landed on Earth and the dead have risen from their grave to feast on humans. Barbra makes her way to an 'abandoned' farmhouse that actually already has 5 inhabitants hiding out in the basement. Then our hero, Ben, shows up out of nowhere to make 7 residents in a house that was supposedly abandoned to begin with. Then the humans must fend off the approaching zombie menace until the military arrives to "save" the day. Not much story there if you ask me. I got the sense that this was a film made by a bunch of college buddies that were clowning around with a camera than I did the sense that this was a major motion picture, but then I realize that, given a whole weekend, a the average joe clowning around with a camera could probably churn out something far more enjoyable than this.

I can only bring myself to recommend this to people that are allergic to NyQuil because the only thing this yawner is good for is putting the people to sleep.

Do yourself a favor, stay away from this like it's carrying some kind of flesh eating zombie boredom virus that you don't want to catch!

I give it an F-

Which stands for F-CK THIS MOVIE!

;)

Glad to see only 3 Ogres completed the mission. That ought to bump me up the leaderboard a little. :D

THE FOURTH TEST OF HDC IDOL 2008-09


I am here to address the Ogres.

For your Second Test, the common theme chosen is - SHARP CRITICS.

All of you are strong critics, and particular haters of horror flicks. You cannot wait to bash a horror movie when you see one, even when it might be one of the best in the genre. For this particular Test, you have to point out the flaws of the movies you choose, and put forth reasons why you might hate the chosen one.

In other words, you have to give a very critical and bashing review of the movie of your choice.

Ready? Here we go...

Choose from - Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Halloween, Psycho, The Exorcist, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. (All movies mentioned are the originals)

Two contestants may pick the same movie, but their scathing reviews should not be too similar with each other, or both of them stand to lose points.




(Contd.)

3 entries by the Ogres have been submitted.

I request all Judges to evaluate them and send me their grades. And also, please post your criticisms, if you have any.

The Second Test for the Goblins will be up once I receive all the grades from the Judges.

Roshiq: Looks the most like the work of a real film critic. Good job on that count. I think you held back on the criticism though. Nice work, but not quite in the spirit of the challenge.
Bloodrayne: You've dusted yourself off and put in an admirable showing. Creative and very like something that doucheface Leonard Maltin might say about Nightmare in 1984. The movie is fraught with weaknesses and you go for the juggular. Spot on.
Bwind: You've shown the most improvement. You've turned canon into cannon fodder, which is what this was all about. Between the three players, you've chosen the most sacred cow. My critique might be this is more alt culture fanzine rage than horror hating critic rage. Still, humorous and conscious of the film's vulnerabilities. You've redeemed yourself in my eyes at least and your score will show it.

So that is what a positive critique feels like to receive. Thanks!


Just curious. Will we just get the scores from this round? Or will we see cumulative scores for both rounds?

Though I'm not a judge, I think Bwind had the best answer. It did come across that he truly hated the film and he grounded it well. If I had got that test I probably would have just used the words "crap" and "hate" a lot.

If I had read Roshiq's review in a paper, I might have gone to see Halloween anyway. If I had read Rayne's I probably wouldn't have seen Nightmare on Elm Street. If I had read Bwind's, I definitely wouldn't have seen Night of the Living Dead.

For this round.

All the grades will be tallied in the end for an overall cumulative grade, which will determine the contestants who advance to the Finals.


LEADERBOARD FOR THE OGRES FOR SECOND TEST


Bloodrayne - C+,

Bwind22 - B-,

Roshiq - B-.


All the other Ogres have been marked "Absent".



Second Test for the Goblins up next...

THE FIFTH TEST OF HDC IDOL 2008-09


I am here to address the Goblins. Each one of you is given a task which you have to perform to the best of your ability, wit and innovation, based upon the knowledge you have of the genre.

For your Second Test, the common theme chosen is - GENEROUS CRITICS.

All of you are very generous and magnanimous critics of horror flicks. You are well known for your love of horror movies of any type, even trashy, cheesy and downright awful ones. For this particular Test, you have to point out the highlights of the movies you choose, and praise them wholesomely to no end.

In other words, you have to give a very open-hearted and loving review of the movie of your choice.

Ready? Here we go...


Choose from - The Village, Alien vs Predator, Boo!, Killjoy, Boogeyman, The Exorcist II, Jaws The Revenge.

Two contestants may pick the same movie, but their loving and doting reviews should not be too similar with each other, or both of them stand to lose points.


All of you have 48 hours to do your researches, write down your reviews, and pitch them in front of the Judges. The Judges will be your peers for each review, and if you manage to win them over, you stand to score the maximum. When you are ready, send me a PM or post your entry in this thread (WITHOUT EDITING), and the Judges will read em and post their criticisms and praise, if any.

If any of you dont post your entry within the next 48 hours, you stand DQed off this Test, and dont gain any scores (or favors) from your Judges!

You have a hard task ahead of you, so all the best!!

I guess I'm gonna have to be disqualified. I've not had time to do it today and tomorrow I'm going out with friends and they're staying round. Such is life, I suppose. Good luck to everyone else.

Oh, poo. :(

Alien Vs. Predator: Modern Horror for the Intellectual

With the failure of 2000’s Alien: Resurrection, it was clear that the horror audience needed more in their franchise than just another scary monster movie. And perhaps with the advent of this addition to the franchise, those same viewers will be reticent to spend their money on “Just another Alien flick.” But this is where I must stop you and appeal: Alien Vs. Predator is not just another horror/scifi crossover franchise flick.

Veteran horror/scifi director of Event Horizon and Resident Evil, Paul W.S. Anderson is back again to frighten and entertain his fans with the latest installment of the Alien and Predator franchises. Coupled with his experienced eye is Special Effects company Amalgamated Dynamics Incorporated (ADI), whose previous work includes both Alien 3 and Alien: Resurrection. The result of this cinematic pairing is two truly gruesome and believable monsters within a literal Pandora’s box of horror.

Set in a pitch black Bouvetøya, an island about one thousand miles north of Antarctica, AVP follows the story of a hapless team of scientists following a mysterious heat signal under the watchful eye (and finance) of Billionaire Charles Bishop Weyland (Lance Henriksen). The setting, a clever nod to previous scifi greats like The Thing From Another World, immediately alienates our heroes while, unbeknownst to them, a Predator ship enters the Earth’s atmosphere. The action unfolds without delay: Geiger’s iconic Alien is paired up against the galaxy’s most feared Predator within a phantasmagorical maze that would make Escher drool and will strike fear in even the most jaded film-goer.

But what really separates AVP from other films in its genre is, surprisingly, its intelligence. Where the average horror movie strives simply to shock and awe with pedestrian antagonists, cheap scares, and pitifully scantily clad coeds, AVP challenges the intelligent viewer by creating a completely original pourquoi story that reimagines one of the most debated mysteries in the history of the World: the building of the Great Pyramids. Just as the founders of ancient Egyptian society invented their pantheon, so does Paul W.S. Anderson apotheosize the canonical Predator: In this alternate history, the Predators are considered Gods, with the great structures of the ancient world being built in their honor. Never before has a horror movie created an origin story that is so fascinating and all-encompassing, touching upon the history of not only Egyptian, but also Cambodian and Aztec civilizations.

Alien Vs. Predator is not just another Alien movie. Nor is it just another Predator movie. AVP is a clever re-visioning of Origin that shows that horror doesn’t always have to be about shock and awe.

5/5

"Writing negative reviews for any of your most favorite films"...It was fairly an easy(?) but quite a 'weird' task also.
Though still leading but disappointed with my own performance.:o


oh..I was expecting you for The Village!:D

Jaws: The Revenge

An Exciting New Direction for the Series

After the tragedy that was Jaws 3, I went into the theatre to see this with low expectations, but boy was I wrong! Jaws: The Revenge excels everywhere Jaws 3 fails! But where do I begin?

I'll start with the most prominent change: The Shark. In all of the previous films, the shark has been a rather stupid brute ending up dead by it's own foolish mistakes. This film, however, decides to show the shark in a whole new light, as an intelligent, malevolent killer hellbent on torturing the Brody family. Afterall, there have been four sharks previously that simply happened to end up facing off against the Brodys for no other reason than to please fanboys who would scream their little socks off if, heaven forbid, a new set of characters met the incredibly rare beast. This shark concsiously seeks out the Brodys to kill them, possibly avenging it's murdered buddies.

But that is only the tip of the iceburg compared to what's to come. Lorraine Gary too serves as a brilliant force in the film, creating a familiarity with the viewer. Not to mention Michael Caine as an aeroplane Pilot and Lance Guest (Halloween II) as Michael Brody. These three characters have clear chemistry, seeming like a true family.

On top of this, there is the cruel reminder that death isn't picky, and two previously invincible characters are both pronounced dead in the first few scenes! Though I wont name them, you have to find that one out for yourself!

All of the scenes flowed together, with the help of a brilliant score and flawless directing. This film will surely go down as one of the best sequels in history. I totally recommend this, I've already seen it three times! I can't think of anything I don't love about this, being easily as good as the original, putting the others to shame. If I could give this a 6 out of five, I would.

5/5 - AWESOME.






Sorry if this is a bit crappy, but I had to write it in a hurry, guests are arriving!

THE FIFTH TEST OF HDC IDOL 2008-09


I am here to address the Goblins.

For your Second Test, the common theme chosen is - GENEROUS CRITICS.

Here we go...


Choose from - The Village, Alien vs Predator, Boo!, Killjoy, Boogeyman, The Exorcist II, Jaws The Revenge.

Two contestants may pick the same movie, but their loving and doting reviews should not be too similar with each other, or both of them stand to lose points.





3 entries by the Goblins. I ll request all Judges to evaluate them and send me their Grades, and post their criticisms and appreciation, if any.

GRADES OF THE GOBLINS AFTER THE SECOND TEST



Alkytrio666 - C+,

ChronoGrl - B,

FerretChucker - C+.


All others have been deemed as "Absent".



Now onto the Second Test for the Elves...

THE SIXTH TEST OF HDC IDOL 2008-09


I am here to address the Elves. Each one of you is given a task which you have to perform to the best of your ability, wit and innovation, based upon the knowledge you have of the genre.

For your Second Test, the common theme chosen is - MODERN CRITICS.

All of you pen the critics columns of some very influential trade magazines which influence the movie-going public and the performances at the BO. All of you are attendees of first screenings of some hugely popular movies of the 2000s. Without taking any sides or being biased, you have to submit a short review of the movies in question, as to how you value the movie.

In other words, be frank about your criticism/praise of the movie you choose, and make it sound as honest and influencing on the Judges as you can at the same time. Pick what you liked, and what you didnt like...be honest with yourself, and with the review you put forward.

Ready?

Choose from - House of 1000 Corpses, Grindhouse, The Mist, Cloverfield, [Rec], The Descent, Saw.

Two contestants may pick the same movie, but their honest reviews should not be too similar with each other, or both of them stand to lose points. ALSO, you might lose points if you show TOO much favoritism or bias towards the movie you choose, so be very careful.


All of you have 48 hours to do your researches, write down your reviews, and pitch them in front of the Judges. The Judges will be your peers for each review, and if you manage to win them over, you stand to score the maximum. When you are ready, send me a PM or post your entry in this thread (WITHOUT EDITING), and the Judges will read em and post their criticisms and praise, if any.

If any of you dont post your entry within the next 48 hours, you stand DQed off this Test, and dont gain any scores (or favors) from your Judges!

You have a hard task ahead of you, so all the best!!

Thanks, Judges!

Also - Is this a combined grade for the first two contests, or is this a grade for contest #2 only?

For the Second Test only. And it is an average grade of the 3 grades received from 3 Judges.

The final, overall grade will be finalised after the Third Test is over. That will stand final and binding for the Qualifying Round.

Kewl. Thanks, V! :)

Since there arent any replies yet, we will have Christmas break for three days.

HDC Idol will return on the morning of 27th December.

So that's today, I only just got here, how long is left till the deadline friend?

Yes HDC Idol is back on track!

And since the Test was up for the entire 48 hours before the Christmas break, I ll keep it open for the next 24 hours.

Attention, Elves - Dante's Inferno, Disease, Illdojo, Miss Macabre, Novakru, Papillon Noir, Posher778 - you are up for your second, and Idol's Sixth Test above.

You have a further 24 hours to do your researches and submit your entries. I am sure all Judges are back and waiting patiently for your submissions.

My Entry


House of 1000 corpses by Disease


After breaking free from my office on a Saturday afternoon I sat and waited on the steps at the entrance to the cinema complex. I waited long enough to drink a beer and pass a couple of movie tickets of to a beggar to sell.

I got some popcorn and walked in, it was the weekend and the illiterate youth had taken over the cinema.

By the time the feature came along the place was nearly turned upside down, chairs turned over into the aisles, boyfriends and girlfriends giving mutual handjobs.

I was in an MTV nightmare. The funhouse horror philosophy of the script was purposely overdone and the horror non existent upon the screen. I thought any minute now a dominos pizza would be delivered to one of the victims.

The movie did nothing to impress me, it patronized me with it's cleshays and self indulgence.

I waited as the credits rolled and prepared my self a cigarette for the walk down George street. The filth the animals had left behind in the theater was harder to digest than that movie.

THE SIXTH TEST OF HDC IDOL 2008-09


I am here to address the Elves. Each one of you is given a task which you have to perform to the best of your ability, wit and innovation, based upon the knowledge you have of the genre.

For your Second Test, the common theme chosen is - MODERN CRITICS.

All of you pen the critics columns of some very influential trade magazines which influence the movie-going public and the performances at the BO. All of you are attendees of first screenings of some hugely popular movies of the 2000s. Without taking any sides or being biased, you have to submit a short review of the movies in question, as to how you value the movie.

In other words, be frank about your criticism/praise of the movie you choose, and make it sound as honest and influencing on the Judges as you can at the same time. Pick what you liked, and what you didnt like...be honest with yourself, and with the review you put forward.

Ready?

Choose from - House of 1000 Corpses, Grindhouse, The Mist, Cloverfield, [Rec], The Descent, Saw.

Two contestants may pick the same movie, but their honest reviews should not be too similar with each other, or both of them stand to lose points. ALSO, you might lose points if you show TOO much favoritism or bias towards the movie you choose, so be very careful.

1 Entry by the Elves.

I ll keep it open for a further 12 hours, but this extension of time is Final.

We will move to the Judges' verdict, and the next Test, after 12 hours.

You spend barely 3 sentences in your entire review on the movie itself. While some critics do indeed expand their critiques to include other matters, it needs to be more balanced. The review of the film itself seems almost an afterthought.

It will get low marks from me.

Nice set up. It would be a great way to point out that the movie you were watching was filthy, stupid or crass. I have heard all these accusations leveled against Rob Zombie and having them leveled again would not surprise or annoy me. But, you went nowhere. Another few minutes of effort and thought would have done wonders. Shrug.

I apreciate both your input, it shows my dissapointment with the movie. you can filter my thoughts how ever you wish.

It's my true experience of the movie.

Received grades from two Judges...waiting for at least 1 more Judge to send me theirs.

After that, we will go back to the Ogres for their Final Preliminary Test.

I would hope filth would be harder to digest than any movie...

Nice review though, I'm digging reading (when I can) this Idol contest.

I have to agree with neverending. You spent very little time discussing the actual movie. Most critics expend a lot more dialogue on the movie - which is what they get paid for. You're also getting a low grade from me.

THE SCOREBOARD OF THE ELVES AFTER THE SECOND TEST


Since only Disease sent in his entry, he has been awarded D+ by the Judges.

All others have been marked as "Absent".


Now we move to the third Test for the Ogres...

THE SEVENTH TEST OF HDC IDOL 2008-09


I am here to address the Ogres. Each one of you is given a task which you have to perform to the best of your ability, wit and innovation, based upon the knowledge you have of the genre.

For your Third Test, the common theme chosen is - JUDGE'S TORTURE.

All of you need to pick a Judge out of our four esteemed Judges - Austin316426808, Doc Faustus, Neverending and Hammerfan - and post your selection of Judge in this thread. Then I will proceed to give you the question/task the Judge has selected for you to complete.

Two or more contestants may pick the same Judge, but remember, judging on your entries will be done by all 4 Judges.

All of you will have 48 hours to do your researches, write down your reviews, and pitch them in front of the Judges. The Judges will be your peers for each of your entries, and if you manage to win them over, you stand to score the maximum. When you are ready, send me a PM or post your entry in this thread (WITHOUT EDITING), and the Judges will read em and post their criticisms and praise, if any.

If any of you dont post your entry within the stipulated 48 hours, you stand DQed off this Test, and dont gain any scores (or favors) from your Judges!

You have a hard task ahead of you, so all the best!!

Oooh, this task will be hard. Very hard. Good luck to all of the Ogres!

Sounds bit horrifying! :confused:


Anyway, my chosen one: Neverending

Come on...shoot me! (but....with a paintball sniper gun!:o )

Ill take Austins question.

Seeing as there are only 2 Ogres in line till now and we had New Years in-between, I ll keep this open for the next 24 hours.

The tasks of the Judges will be posted then.