|
I'll back the following films:
Bram Stoker's Dracula- One of the most brilliant adaptations of Dracula and actually followed relatively closely to the book (with the major exception of the romance being added). It included some terrific performances by Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins and some really good special effects.
I Know What You Did Last Summer- An interesting mystery, which is also a slasher. It created the villain known as the Fisherman. As was common with the slashers created due to Scream, the killer was mortal, rather than immortal. Definitely a worthy addition to the list.
In the Mouth of Madness- One of the most underrated John Carpenter films. The film is about an individual whose horror books are causing people to commit violent actions, which may ultimately leading to the end of the world. This film was very effective at blurring the lines between real and non-real. Also a pretty excellent performance by Neil.
Wishmaster- This is an interesting film that largely went unnoticed in 1997. I actually greatly enjoy this film. It follows the myth of the Djinn relatively closely. What I like the most is that they throw this myth into a modern world. Although an unlikely villain (he can only grant wishes), it is very effective at using him. The way he grants the wishes is the most interesting part of this film. Plus, it includes cameos by Angus Scrimm (I heard he was in it, although I did not notice what part), Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, and Tony Todd.
From Dusk till Dawn- Another unique vampire film from the 1990s. What is interesting about this film is that it can be both serious and humor. In my opinion, it does to vampires what Zombieland will do to zombies. It also includes some terrific performances and a cameo by Tom Savini. The special effects are pretty good, especially for the time. Definitely an excellent film.
Cube- Cube is an intriguing psychological thriller. This film shares a number of similarities with a later film known as Saw. Both films include a group of people trapped somewhere that must try to survive a series of traps, in order to survive. Despite being similar and having similar set ups, this film more effectively explores humanity. It is interesting to see how the characters slowly descend into paranoia and even sacrifice their morals in order to survive (this is especially true of the supposed hero). Definitely one of the greatest films of the period.
Deep Blue Sea- One of the most interesting and unique shark films since Jaws. There have been literally dozens or more shark films that have been made since Jaws, but this is one of the only, if not only, films that is actually nearly as good as that film. It is very effective at exploring the nature of humanity and the dangers of science. Additionally, it includes some really good performances. Definitely a worthy film to add to the top 20.
Predator 2- A very good continuation of the story established in Predator (1987). Although this film is not essential to a top 20 list for the 1990s, I do believe that it is an excellent film, which is more realistic than its predecessor. The film also includes some really good performances, especially by Danny Glover. The special effects were really well done, as well. I also want to mention that this film, while still remaining serious, adds more humor than its predecessor. My favorite quote from the movie is: "It's alright I'm a cop.- Lieutenant Harrigan I don't think he gives a s***.- apartment tenant". Definitely an excellent film from this period.
Natural Born Killers- Yet another great psychological thriller from the 1990s. This film is very similar to the crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde, although in this film those two killers are eventually caught by the authorities. The primary theme behind this film is that the media glorifies violence and killers. Furthermore, the film includes some excellent performances by Harrelson and Lewis. Definitely a film that should make any top 20 horror list.
Bride of Chucky- Honestly, my favorite film from the Child's Play series. What I love the most about this film is that it makes reference to many other horror movies including, Friday the 13th, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Scream, Halloween, Hellraiser, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Omen. Additionally, I think it is quite hilarious. Many people have criticized that the series went from being serious to being self-parody. Honestly, how serious can a film with a killer doll be? I don't mean to be harsh, but I think there is a reason the series went in this direction.
Wes Craven's New Nightmare- This film is either my favorite or second favorite film in the Nightmare series. This film is one of the few, if not only, slasher movies that can actually scare me. Additionally, I thought the idea was very unique, especially how the people involved in the movie all played themselves. Additionally, the atmosphere and acting was really top-notch. Definitely an underrated film that is actually quite brilliant.
|