HDC Presents: 100 Years of Horror

[realdealblues]

Originally Posted by _____V_____

If everyone is in agreement, we can toss in all films which have scored 6 votes and 5 votes (SEVEN in total), and pick 3 films from the 4-votes section, and thus we get our chosen top 20.

Sounds fine to me V, except maybe make last 3 entries from the remaining films, not just those with 4 votes so that everyone can make their arguments.

[metternich1815]

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.

[The Villain]

I'll back:

Leprechaun
Cube
Sleepy Hollow
Audition
Halloween H20
Wishmaster
Deep Blue Sea
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Tremors
The Faculty

[Straker]

Cronos
The Exorcist III
Dracula
In the Mouth of Madness
Cemetary Man
Man Bites Dog
Stir of Echos (just missed out on my list, but I'd rather give a vote to this than see some of the other crap that is circling around the cut make it).

I so want to take a vote off Deep Blue Sea, its such an awful movie, bad acting, weak ass plot, convoluted story, some of the worst editing you will see from a movie with a budget, just all around piss poor production....Same goes for Anaconda.

[Giganticface]

@neverending: I haven't seen Fear, but I'll take that recommendation.

@V: No doubt, Leprechaun?? Yikes.

I'll back:

Cronos
The Exorcist III
Ravenous

(Edit) Yep, I'll back Stir of Echoes too.

[_____V_____]

Thanks, guys. We have nailed our 11th chosen one.

Still need NINE more. Keep the debates going!

EDIT - make that 12 chosen ones. EIGHT more to go.

[neverending]

In the Mouth of Madness
Ringu
Fear
Stir of Echoes
Sleepy Hollow


That's all for now.

[realdealblues]

Well, I guess I'll start backing a few.

Leprechaun (1993) - Leprechaun is a perfect glimpse of what horror became in the early 90's. It's ability to spawn so many sequels and still rake in cash is a testament to that. If someone wanted to know what horror was like in the early 90's I would easily point them at this film.

Dracula (1992) - Definitely one of the best Dracula stories with some great performances from Oldman and Hopkins.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) - Again completely represents late 90's Horror, not to mention our new scream queen of the time Sarah Michelle Gellar.

Wishmaster (1997) - Another in the realm of Leprechaun. A fun horror movie with the ability to spawn 3 sequels.

Halloween H20: 20 Years Later (1998) - An important moment in 90's horror and the franchise. Bringing back Jamie Lee Curtis was such a buzz. While the movie itself may have been a let down to many fans it's importance at the time made it a must see.

The Exorcist III (1990) - After the disaster that was Exorcist II, to bring back the storyline with a far darker tone was a welcomed edition.

Tremors (1990) - Another significant entry for the 90's showing that giant monster movies could still rake in the bucks.

[_____V_____]

Up to 16 now. Need FOUR more.

[Kandarian Demon]

I'm not sure if I understand this backing thing correctly, so just ignore me if I did something wrong :D

Wishmaster (1997)
Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Nightbreed (1990)
House on Haunted Hill (1999)
Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)
Warlock: The Armageddon (1993)