The Burning, Ghosthouse, Let Me In.

Jan 21, 2011

The Burning (aka Cropsey) (1981)

What can I say about a movie that features a young George Costanza apparently playing himself? Well lots I guess. I love these 80's summer camp slashers. They are gross and funny. Tom Savini did the effects so the gross is a given. I'm always pleasantly surprised by the amount of sheer fuckery that goes on in these movies. Buying illicit porno mags, sex, really young kids smoking, adults not having a clue. Ah the 80's! This was also a really early Weinstein bros outing. If you have a chance I'd say watch this, it's pretty awesome. 

Jan 22, 2011

Ghosthouse (1988)

Clearly an Italian co-production, this is one of those movies that barely makes sense. But it's not really a bad thing, in fact it can be pretty entertaining. There is the obligatory set up which is weird and features an exploding light bulb. Yeah, I said it, exploding light bulb. Someone must have liked that effect (and it is pretty cool) cause they use it again in the basement with jars! Cut to the present day and meet our hero. A ham radio operator. Yeah. It's just gets better and batshittier crazy. Some good gags, some yelling at the TV, its all in good fun. And it has a creepy clown doll and wacky carnival music. Oh go on, you know you wanna watch this, you totally do.

Jan 22, 2011

Let Me In (2010)

I was apprehensive about watching this. I really was. The original is just such a gem I was worried that the remake would try to polish a turd and sell it as a diamond. But I was actually really pleased with it. Chloe Grace Moretz has a real future. She is quite wonderful to watch. Anyways, back to the movie.. The pacing was definitely faster than the original, and they did add some *scary* effects to Abby when she changes. I think a lot of the subtlety of the original is lost here, and the sense of stillness and isolation isn't as amped. I for sure know having seen the original added layers to my experience, I'd hope that anyone who watched one, would watch the other to get the full story. It is missing some crucial elements that add dimension to the story but in essence doesn't change it. I don't want to go on and on about this, just watch them both ok? The fundamental difference in the two movies can be explained by the way they utilise Morse code. The Swedes tap with one finger, the Americans knock with a fist.