Ok Fright Fans here is the final installment of Uncle Tanker’s Tricks ‘r Treats.
It’s been a long month but in the end I was able to watch 31 films in 31 days.
It was one of the more difficult attempts but I was able to share a lot of these movies with my son, which made the journey much more enjoyable.
Without further ado here are the final 6 films to make 31:
Movie #26 – Halloween 666 : The Origin of Michael Myers
Wait, didn’t you already review this? What are you some glutton for punishment? Well, yes I reviewed Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers but this is the producers cut. Copies of the original version of the film (known as the “Producer’s Cut”), have long been floating around in bootleg/collectors’ circles. In addition to featuring a different ending which was intended to keep Donald Pleasence’s character in the films, it also features longer scenes in several parts of the movie, as well as different music at times.
Major plot points differ between the two cuts. For example, in the Producer’s Cut, Jamie Lloyd is not killed by Michael’s attack in the barn; she is wounded only to be killed later on in the film by the “Man in Black” after having a dream about how she was imprisoned in Smith’s Grove and impregnated with Michael’s child. There is also a flashback to Halloween 5 that shows Jamie and Michael kidnapped by the “Man in Black”. If this was the version we had gotten I honestly think I wouldn’t have hated it as much. It’s still a flawed film that puts Michael into a 88 min. 1990 MTV music video but it was a little bit more understandable of a narrative. Its still shit but I think officially part 8 is now the worst of the franchise. Main factor, NO LOOMIS. His character is so integral to the story. H20 works because of LL Coo.. Jamie Lee Curtis. And I am sick of talking about my least favorite Halloween movies. Moving on… (oh and it’s still a Trick)
Movie #27 – The Frighteners
Before Peter Jackson made his way to the shire, he was an fun director of horror films. Bad Taste and Dead Alive are horror classic that needs to be seen to believed. This review is for his first attempt into the studio system. The Frighteners is a fun gothic ghost story with some fun performances from its cast. Namely Michael J. Fox who shines as “con man” paranormal expert Frank Bannister. I just remember having a real blast with this film and wishing and hoping it would find an audience upon its release.
Movie #28 – The American Scream
The American Scream is a 2012 documentary film that highlights three American households extravagant Halloween decorating. Produced and directed by Michael Stephenson who is known for producing and directing the documentary Best Worst Movie. (another great documentary) This film was an interesting look into the lengths people will go to celebrate Halloween.
The struggles with time and expense are what highlight these three dreamers (or is it nightmarers?). All they want to do is scare the neighborhood. We see the process and wonder to ourselves, can I do it myself. If you are a fan of haunts this is a great exploration into this segment of American culture. Right now it was only available on the Chiller channel so keep an eye for this gem on Netflix or Amazon. Its worth a look. Treat!
Movie #29 – Pumpkinhead
Pumpkinhead was inspired by the following poem by Ed Justin:
Keep away from Pumpkinhead,
Unless you’re tired of living,
His enemies are mostly dead,
He’s mean and unforgiving,
Laugh at him and you’re undone,
But in some dreadful fashion,
Vengeance, he considers fun,
And plans it with a passion,
Time will not erase or blot,
A plot that he has brewing,
It’s when you think that he’s forgot,
He’ll conjure your undoing,
Bolted doors and windows barred,
Guard dogs prowling in the yard,
Won’t protect you in your bed,
Nothing will, from Pumpkinhead.
I just remember seeing this film month after month in Fangoria. It took for ever to get released. It even went through some title changes. Was it worth the wait? You betcha, this creature design is one of my all time favorites. Director and creature creator Stan Winston hit out of the park. The story is your basic revenge flick with some scary consequences. Another one of those great under the radar horror films that deserve your attention. Scoop up this treat.
Movies #30 and 31 – John Carpenter’s Halloween and Trick r Treat
These two treats are the epitome of the holiday and the two movie I must see before October 31st. Halloween goes without saying. It was ranked as our number one horror film of all time from our panel of esteemed list makers over on (title pending) and for me personally it is my all time favorite horror film. I have seen every year and it still holds up. I just saw on the big screen and I was still picking up stuff I had never noticed. Just a classic in every sense of the word.
Trick r Treat takes two of my favorite things, anthology horror movies and Halloween. I call it the Pulp Ficition of horror films where intertwining stories taking place on Halloween culminate in murder and mayhem. Plus we are given a new horror icon in Sam.
I love this holiday and I love this time of year. It’s time to put Halloween to bed until next time. Happy Halloween for all and to all a good fright.
Chris Tanski (@P0LISHPHEN0M) (the Os are zeroes) lives in Rochester, NY & manages a movie theater. During his free time he wines & dines on pop culture. Being a child of the 80s, nothing gets him going more than a daily dose of movies from his childhood. They are his muse & inspire him to be a better human.
