tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60193426118580108602024-02-20T09:10:49.681-08:00Adventures of a Film MajorFollow me as I make my way through films of historical and cultural significance.Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-45787626021330752002013-03-01T21:36:00.001-08:002013-03-01T21:41:59.756-08:00Welcome Back! And Warm Bodies (2013)Hello film kids!<br />
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I know, right? It's been quite a while. I'll leave it up to film studies-related affairs that have kept me from you. As I look back on the blogs that I've written over the course of my awkward time on Blogger, it's easy to say that they revolved mainly around women in horror films. To be honest, I have no problem with this, as this is clearly a subject that I love. So, as it's 2013 now, I will be beginning my blogging once again.<br />
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I'll be starting things off with my brief reaction to the popular zombie-romance that is <i>Warm Bodies</i>. Equipped with a wonderful indie rock soundtrack, Jonathan Levine's take on Isaac Marion's novel (which I still have yet to read) is a film of sensitive moments that captures the awkwardness of young love, with brains, of course.<br />
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Nicholas Hoult's R is a young zombie, who lives in an airplane, and who happens to have an extensive vinyl collection. Attacking a research lab, R sees plucky Julia through the bloody carnage and experiences a moment of romantic yearning. He rescues Julie from the deadly clutches of his zombie peers, and brings her back to his airplane for protection.</div>
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Yes, this modern take on the classic Romeo and Juliet seems similar to the dreadful <i>Twilight</i> franchise, but that could not be further from the truth. Julia is actually a strong-willed individual capable of protecting herself, as seen in several instances. My favorite being the brief scene where she keeps a horde of zombies at bay with a weed wacker. Compared to the self-destructive Bella from Stephanie Meyer's poorly written saga, Julia serves as a great role model for you female viewers.<br />
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<i>Warm Bodies</i> excels in practically every area that said vampire saga fails. R and Julia have legitimate chemistry that leaves other modern romances envious. Hoult is wonderful as R, and captures the zombie gait perfectly, while still maintaining the awkward charm of teen romantic lead. Teresa Palmer is wonderful as survivalist Julia, who's father is the leader of the human resistance. </div>
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I know this review is a bit late, as Valentine's Day has been over for some time, but for those of you that have not seen this film yet, it is definitely worth checking out. </div>
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Also, the Academy Awards were last weekend. Yes, <i>Argo </i>won. Yes, <i>Silver Linings Playbook</i> should have won. But at least Jennifer Lawrence did win. So, there's always that. And I'll just end on this note: <i>Life of Pi</i> won a few more awards than it deserved. </div>
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Well, film kids, again I apologize for my absence. There will be more good things in the future.</div>
Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-19688388833025340282011-10-31T17:35:00.000-07:002011-10-31T18:00:56.894-07:00The Final Ultimate Woman of Horror!It's finally that time, film kids. It's Halloween! And to celebrate, here is the final Ultimate Woman of Horror!<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=JamieLeeCurtis3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/JamieLeeCurtis3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Along with her mother, Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis is horror genre royalty. With her legendary performance in <i>Halloween</i> (Carpenter, 1978), Curtis built her iconic status as the "scream queen." After the colossal success of <i>Halloween</i>, Curtis landed jobs in <i>The Fog, Prom Night, </i>and <i>Terror Train</i>. Laurie Strode is the ultimate final girl, in that she is one of the first young women to fight back against her slasher attacker. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=halloween2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/halloween2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In her classic take on the slasher genre, <i>Men, Women, and Chainsaws</i>, film scholar Carol Clover coined the term "final girl" and uses Strode as the main example. Strode's turn in <i>Halloween 2</i> (Rosenthal, 1980) is disappointed when paired with the original. Where once Laurie was resilient and stood up to killer Michael Myers, in the sequel she spends the entire narrative running from and never confronting her killer brother. The action is left up to Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasance).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=jamie-lee-curtis.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/jamie-lee-curtis.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It takes 20 years for Strode's character to get the renovation that she deserves in <i>Halloween: H20</i> (Miner, 1998). <i>H20</i> centers on the idea that <i>Halloween 4, 5, and 6 </i>never happened and that Myers has been lying dormant since his hospital attack on Laurie. Here we have a darker Laurie, one who has turned to alcohol led by constant paranoia that her killer brother will be back for her. Curtis' performance has never been stronger, and as she protects her son and his girlfriend from Michael's knife, she sheds the vulnerability from the second film to become Final Girl we all know and love. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=hpkj5pkea0au0aup.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/hpkj5pkea0au0aup.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I won't spoil the ending of this film, but I will say that <i>Halloween: Resurrection</i> truly ruins everything that <i>H20</i> worked for. <i>H20</i> is a contender for best <i>Halloween</i> film, in my book. Now, all of you horror fans out there are probably outraged at this notion, but the level of kickass-ness that Jamie Lee Curtis encapsulates on screen here speaks for itself. There is nothing like Laurie leaving the confines of the secure school, ax in hand, to confront Michael one last time. This is the stuff that horror legends are made of, and Miner executes the material perfectly.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Jamie Lee Curtis is the undisputed Queen of Horror, and as long as horror films are being made, the chances of her losing that title are quite slim indeed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy Halloween, everyone! I hope you enjoyed this month's countdown as much as I enjoyed making it!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-87205474089947400282011-10-30T18:23:00.001-07:002011-10-30T18:48:47.201-07:00Janet Leigh- Psycho (1960)There has always been a debate about whether it was <i>Psycho</i> (Hitchcock, 1960) or <i>Peeping Tom</i> (Powell, 1960) that gave birth to the slasher genre. For me, although I am a bit biased<i>, Psycho</i> has always been the stronger of the two. As the "penultimate" Ultimate Woman of Horror, Janet Leigh epitomizes the unlikely victim.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=psycho-image.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/psycho-image.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Leigh's career prior to working with Hitchcock was primarily sweet-hearted innocent roles that helped build her good girl image that defined her as an actress. It is with this irony, that screenwriter Joseph Stefano and Hitchcock built the entire first act of <i>Psycho</i> on. The audience assumes that they will be following Leigh's Marion Crane through the entire narrative. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=psycho19601.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/psycho19601.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As Marion goes from the somewhat innocent secretary to the woman on the run, the transition of her character is complemented by the change from her white undergarments to black.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=3658340186_0cf09882eb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/3658340186_0cf09882eb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Leigh may be considered innocent prior to her theft of the large sum of money from her place of employment, but she is in fact in an adulterous relationship with Sam Loomis (John Gavin). This entire plot line is abandoned once she checks into the Bates Motel. Here, after having an oddly casual conversation and meal with Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). The unexpected murder of a film's alleged star was something that had never been done before, and left an intense sense of uneasiness with the audience.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=perkinsleigh.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/perkinsleigh.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Leigh is the mother of Jamie Lee Curtis, the legendary final girl from <i>Halloween</i> (Carpenter, 1978) and the two appeared together in <i>The Fog</i> (Carpenter, 1980) and <i>Halloween: H20</i> (Miner, 1998). Leigh's legendary performance in <i>Psycho</i> is celluloid perfection and will live on in the film history books as one of the finest female characters in the horror genre. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Psycho_Marion_Sam.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Psycho_Marion_Sam.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The whole month has led up to this: there is just one final Ultimate Woman of Horror left. The suspense is probably killing all of you, so check back tomorrow, for the final revelation. And, a Happy Early Halloween!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-58956840306032510972011-10-29T22:35:00.000-07:002011-10-29T23:19:59.802-07:00Danielle Harris- The Halloween FranchiseHalloween Weekend has always involved a marathon of sorts of the original <i>Halloween </i>franchise, and where would that marathon be without the often-looked-down-upon <i>Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers </i>(Little, 1988) and <i>Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers</i> (Othenin-Girard, 1989)? These late sequels are generally hated by the public, but loved by a small group of hardcore <i>Halloween</i> enthusiasts. The main reason that these films succeed is the performances of Danielle Harris as Jamie Lloyd, alleged daughter of original <i>Halloween</i> survivor Laurie Strode, and the returning Donald Pleasance as the iconic Dr. Loomis. In honor of these fun films, the Ultimate Woman of Horror for the day is Danielle Harris.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=tumblr_l0gv0ahK7n1qal0cjo1_500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/tumblr_l0gv0ahK7n1qal0cjo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As Myers' mask changed and began to look a bit ridiculous, as seen in this pic, the introduction of his niece as his prey provides a surprising amount of suspense as the young girl runs from him. Harris' acting is very impressive for such a young age, and her roles in these films have made her a convention favorite with the fans. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Scream_Queen_Danielle_Harris.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Scream_Queen_Danielle_Harris.png" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, Harris was also involved in the repulsive Rob Zombie <i>Halloween </i>remakes. Thankfully, Harris' roles in the 4th and 5th <i>Halloween</i> films was strong and despite being such a young girl, Jamie proved to be a true adversary for Myers for two films. A favorite moment of mine is when Loomis willingly offers Jamie to Michael in an attempt to stop him. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=dharrisstore.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/dharrisstore.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Celebrate Halloween Weekend the right way with a mini-marathon of these worthwhile <i>Halloween </i>sequels, featuring decent performances from Harris and Pleasance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for another exciting addition to the Ultimate Women of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-16058874620762073892011-10-28T20:08:00.000-07:002011-10-28T20:26:21.990-07:00Lina Leandersson- Let The Right One In (2008)With <i>Let The Right One In</i> (Alfredson, 2008) and its American remake <i>Let Me In</i> (Reeves, 2010), the vampiric horror film has made its way to the top of the horror genre again, showing that vampires can still be scary despite Stephanie Meyer's attempt to strip them of all power. In honor of the resurrection of the epic vampire horror film, the Ultimate Woman of Terror of the day is the young Lina Leandersson from <i>Let The Right One In</i>.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=tumblr_lgr3ugxZ8s1qbldxzo1_500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/tumblr_lgr3ugxZ8s1qbldxzo1_500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Following in the steps of Kirsten Dunst from <i>Interview With The Vampire</i> (Jordan, 1994), Leandersson portrays a powerful vampire who still looks like a young child. Eli relies on her caretaker to supply her with blood from victims he kills, but ultimately takes the task into her own hands.</div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=let_the_right_one_in14.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/let_the_right_one_in14.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brought over from Sweden, this gritty horror film raises the bar for vampire horror, a genre that has been stale for over a decade. Leandersson's performance, along with her co-stae <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 16px; "><em style="font-style: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;">Kåre Hedebrant,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';font-size:100%;"> </span></em></span>is daring and very impressive for such young actors. She truly captures the role and makes it her own, adding a level of vulnerability and violent innocence that make Eli so effective.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=17358225_.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/17358225_.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At first, I was worried about the American remake of this soon-to-be horror classic, but after viewing it, I was surprised to see that it almost lives up to the original. The cast may not be as good, but the story is just as effective. There was one scene that I was glad did not translate to the American screen, and if you've seen the Swedish film, you'll clearly know the one I'm talking about. Without giving anything away, the original would have been pitch perfect if one single shot would have been left out. But, regardless, Leandersson is a promising talent to be sure, and I greatly look forward to seeing where her advanced acting abilities take her.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for more Ultimate Women of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-49591026565499154852011-10-27T21:06:00.000-07:002011-10-27T21:29:20.340-07:00Cathy Moriarty- Casper (1995)Now, most of you film kids are probably scoffing at today's Ultimate Woman of Horror, saying that <i>Casper </i>(Siberling, 1995) isn't exactly a horror movie, and you might be right to some degree. However, as a child of the 90's, I will go to my grave defending this film with everything I have. I remember, as May of 1995 was rolling around. Coming off a solid kick of <i>The Lion King</i> in 1994, <i>Casper </i>would prove to be a film that I saw a total of five times in the theatre with various kids from the neighborhood. So, in honor of this childhood favorite of mine, I am adding Cathy Moriarty to the list of Ultimate Horror Women.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=casper4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/casper4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a woman known for her classic performances in films like <i>Raging Bull</i> (Scorsese, 1980), adding a bit of credibility and class to this family horror comedy. Moriarty's Carrigan Crittenden is a down right bitch. She is vilified to such an extent that she has no interest in the death of her father other than the contents of his will. Moriarty gloriously personifies camp in such a gleeful manner that watching her onscreen is the highlight of the film for me. For most, the relationship between Casper and Kat (Christina Ricci) would be the focal point of the film. For me, even as a child, the role of Carrigan and her abusive relationship towards Dibbs (Eric Idle) took all of my attention. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=cathymoriartycasper.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/cathymoriartycasper.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">True, this film is not the best made film of the 90's, but it is one of the classic staples of my childhood, and I am letting that emotional attachment earn Moriarty a place on this list. The presence of ghostly Carrigan is also incredibly entertaining. <i>Casper</i> is airing on pretty much every network at least once a week as Halloween is so close, so be sure to sit down with your Halloween candy and bask in all of its campy glory. Some of it is a bit sad, but what film from our childhoods doesn't at least one character dealing with the death of a family member. This, along with <i>Hocus Pocus </i>(Ortega, 1993) are always at the top of my list at the end of October. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=tmb_4220_480.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/tmb_4220_480.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for another exciting Ultimate Woman of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-26802846217189730292011-10-26T18:25:00.000-07:002011-10-26T18:57:22.142-07:00Natalie Portman- Black Swan (2010)This gloriously shot, spectacularly acted, and wonderfully scored psycho-sexual thriller places Natalie Portman at the head of contemporary actors. With films like <i>Hesher</i> (Susser, 2010), <i>V For Vendetta</i> (McTeigue, 2006), and <i>Garden State</i> (Braff, 2004), Portman has developed her skills as an actress and her characterization of troubled ballerina Nina Sayers in <i>Black Swan</i> (Aronofsky, 2010) earns her the honor of Ultimate Woman of Horror.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=BLACK-articleLarge.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/BLACK-articleLarge.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the classic ballet <i>Swan Lake</i> at its core, <i> Black Swan</i> features Portman at her finest as the young ballerina given the role of the Swan Queen. As the pressure of the lead role begins to get to her, Nina slowly begins to question her sanity. With a rival dancer gunning for the position and a mother regulating her life, Nina has a lot to deal with. Portman's performance is a prime example of the vulnerable dancer, willing to do anything to succeed in her first lead role. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Natalie-Portman-Black-Swan-TV-spot.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Natalie-Portman-Black-Swan-TV-spot.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The perfectly executed dancing sequences set the film apart from other pictures that live in the world of ballet. This on its own would provide the viewer with enough reason to watch the film. The eerie and ethereal nature of the plot push the film into even darker territory as Nina's internal struggle fills the screen and crawls under your skin. Portman clearly deserved the Academy Award given to her, and proved that the art of legendary performance is not dead. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=NATALIE-PORTMAN-BLACK-SWAN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/NATALIE-PORTMAN-BLACK-SWAN.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While not the traditional choice when debating the possibility of a scary movie night, <i>Black Swan </i>proves that horror can also double as Oscar-bait. Aronofsky's film, which I have no doubt will become a classic, raised the bar for cinema in 2010. Portman, along with the supporting roles of Vincent Cassel, Mila Kunis, Barbara Hershey, and Winona Ryder brings the characters the life in a way that is rarely experienced on screen. I would love to say that one of these supporting actors enhanced the film with their performances and gave Portman great material to bounce off of, but they all did. Every single minor role in this film was casted perfectly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=natalie-portman-black-swan1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/natalie-portman-black-swan1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The final execution of <i>Swan Lake</i> at the end of the film is truly one of the greatest moments in contemporary cinematic history. Every step was captured perfectly, and as the score swells dramatically, one cannot help to be attacked emotionally as Nina performs on screen. So, to add a bit of cinematic credibility to your horror film screenings, pop in <i>Black Swan</i> and marvel at Portman's spectacular performance.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for another exciting Ultimate Woman of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-35584743475895624902011-10-25T20:41:00.000-07:002011-10-25T21:25:22.891-07:00Samantha Eggar- The Brood (1979)Horror and Cronenberg. The two were synonymous in the late 70's and 80's. With disturbing hits like <i>The Fly</i> (Cronenberg, 1986), <i>Videodrome </i>(1983), <i>The Dead Zone</i> (1983), and <i>The Brood</i> (1979), Cronenberg placed himself alongside the elite horror auteur directors. In <i>The Brood</i>, the primary villain is Nola Carveth, wife and mother and today's Ultimate Woman of Horror.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=11204562_gal.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/11204562_gal.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Known for his visual style and unique gore effects, David Cronenberg is responsible for modernizing the horror genre with gritty films that challenged the a genre that was staying alive with mindless sequels. Paving the way for his later works, <i>The Brood</i> is an interesting take on the mother in the horror genre. In a paper I wrote as an undergrad, I defined the two forms of mothers in horror films as either the killer or the creator. It is how these two categories interestingly combine that makes the films so intriguing. </div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=brood_nola.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/brood_nola.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nola Carveth is the epitome of the terrifying horror mother, ranking up there with the likes of Mrs. White in <i>Carrie</i> (DePalma, 1976). With a "brood" of demonic offspring, Nola sets out to attack the members of her family. Eggar's performance is edgy and proves that she is an actress willing to take risks in her roles. This risks pay off here, and showcase a character that transforms physically and mentally. (No spoilers given here!)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=the_brood_02_stor.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/the_brood_02_stor.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>The Brood</i> is at the top of the heap for gritty horror films of the 70's and Eggar is a prime example of a terrifying horror film mother. I'm sure the suspense is just killing you all, as the Ultimate Horror Women list is coming to a close. Who is going to be the #1 Woman of Horror? You'll just have to wait and find out! Be sure to check back tomorrow as the next woman is revealed!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-91351342022743847902011-10-24T19:25:00.001-07:002011-10-24T19:41:19.060-07:00Catherine O'Hara- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)In the beginning of his career, Tim Burton wrote a book entitled <i>The Nightmare Before Christmas </i>based on sketches he had been working on since his time at Disney. These wonderfully gothic illustrations became the classic Halloween/Christmas film <i>The Nightmare Before Christmas</i> (Selick, 1993). Today, the Ultimate Woman of Horror is Catherine O'Hara, who voiced the character of Sally.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=the-nightmare-before-christmas-jack-sally.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/the-nightmare-before-christmas-jack-sally.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Whenever one thinks of this film that breathed fresh life into the stop-motion technique, one assumes that Tim Burton directed it, but it was in fact directed by Henry Selick, who later went on to direct <i>James and the Giant Peach</i> (1996) and <i>Coraline</i> (2009), both revolutionary in their own right. In this dark fable, Jack Skellington is aided by the strong-willed rag doll, Sally. O'Hara's soft vocals give an instant vulnerability that makes her the most relatable character in the film. While Jack is out to take over Christmas, Sally is at his side, loyal and determined to protect him. She even puts herself in the hands of Oogie Boogie to save Jack and Santa Claus. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=nx_001SallyHair.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/nx_001SallyHair.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sally was created by Dr. Finklestein, a clear nod to the classic Frankenstein story, and as Burton's take on the "monster," she rebels against her creator to try to gain her own independence. She tires of being his servant and wishes nothing more than to be with Jack. Sally is a lovely character, and O'Hara's rendition of "Sally's Song" is heartbreaking and beautifully poetic. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=2006_nightmare_before_christmas_in_disney_010.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/2006_nightmare_before_christmas_in_disney_010.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing says fall quite like a screening of <i>The Nightmare Before Christmas</i>. I was lucky enough to see this film on the big screen when it was re-released in 3D about 5 years ago. The 3D was nothing spectacular, but seeing the characters that I had grown up loving on the screen, larger than life, was a spectacle in itself. As Halloween is a week away, dust off your copy of this classic and relive the magic that is <i>The Nightmare Before Christmas</i>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Sally_Costume_nightmare_before_christmas.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Sally_Costume_nightmare_before_christmas.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for more glorious Ultimate Women of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-80125142047015323962011-10-23T19:25:00.000-07:002011-10-23T19:50:50.750-07:00Gloria Holden- Dracula's Daughter (1936)The Universal Monster films rank at the absolute top of the horror genre for me. There is nothing quite like sitting down with one of these classics and being transported to the early days of the film industry when horror was still heavily influenced by German Expressionism, and not ruled by the values of trashy films like <i>Hostel</i> (Roth, 2005). Today, the Ultimate Woman of Horror is Gloria Holden from the classic sequel <i>Dracula's Daughter</i> (Hillyer, 1936). <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=10772084_gal.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/10772084_gal.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With its subtle use of shadow, score, and suggestion, <i>Dracula's Daughter</i> tells the tale of Countess Marya Zaleska, a young Hungarian woman who steals the corpse of Dracula and cremates it. Afterwards, bodies turn up in London, and suspicion finally turns to Marya. The Countess is not, in fact, Dracula's daughter, but she is a vampire and goes on a bit of a rampage herself. Holden's performance is able to save a film that otherwise would be mediocre. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=draculas_daughter_05.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/draculas_daughter_05.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In a time when monsters were always men, <i>Dracula's Daughter</i> breaks the mold and paves the way for films such as <i>Cat People</i> (Tourneur, 1942) where the narrative revolves around the female protagonist. Up to this point, women in Universal Monster films were reduced to the victim in the boudoir while Dracula or Frankenstein slowly approach. This particular film even goes so far as to push the envelope in regards to sexual representation, as the Countess is a sexually expressive woman.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=still-from-draculas-daughter-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/still-from-draculas-daughter-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While <i>Dracula's Daughter</i> may not be the best film of the Universal canon, it still is incredibly entertaining and provides and interesting look at the woman of the early horror film industry. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for more exciting Women of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-23969137622953889712011-10-22T20:20:00.000-07:002011-10-22T20:48:38.546-07:00Aaliyah- Queen of the Damned (2002)August 25th of this year marked the 10 year anniversary of the tragic death of 22-year-old R&B singer and actress, Aaliyah. The talented young woman was most known for her music career, but she was also in a few feature films, as well. So, today, she is given the honor of Ultimate Woman of Horror for her role as Queen Akasha in <i>Queen of the Damned</i> (Rymer, 2002).<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=aaliyahqueen.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/aaliyahqueen.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Anne Rice's <i>Vampire</i> <i>Chronicles</i> reinvigorated the literary horror genre, and created a new vampire to frighten and entertain readers. With <i>Interview With The Vampire </i>(Jordan, 1994), viewers were able to relate to the likable and distraught self-hating vampire Louis, the character responsible for figures like Angel from <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer </i>and <i>Angel</i>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Aaliyah-Queen-of-the-Damned.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Aaliyah-Queen-of-the-Damned.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While <i>Queen of the Damned</i> is a flawed film in many regards, it is a film full of sexual tension and quality vampirism. This is how vampires should be shown. We all know that Stephanie Meyer set vampires (not to mention women) back several decades with her creation of the <i>Twilight</i> saga. It is with strong female vampires like Akasha and Claudia (Kirsten Dunst) in <i>Interview</i> and vampire hunters like Buffy and Faith that viewers and readers need to turn when faced with weak female protagonists such as Bella Swan. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Queen_Of_The_Damned_43208_Medium.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Queen_Of_The_Damned_43208_Medium.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As she is only in the last third of the film, Aaliyah was faced with quite a difficult task, to change our loyalties from Lestat to her. This is easily done as Stuart Townsend's performance is mediocre at best, but with her commanding performance, Aaliyah makes the audience forget all about the awkward gothic music scene that fills the first portion of the film and makes you believe that she has in fact been there all along. This film may not be the most critically acclaimed of vampire films, but it is gothic eye candy at its finest. Townsend and Aaliyah have an intense sexual chemistry that would make Edward Cullen blush and helps prove that vampires can be sexy without giving in to male dominance. Akasha runs the show here, and there is no question about that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=akasha2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/akasha2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is with a heavy heart that we remember Aaliyah ten years after the tragic accident that resulted in her death. We will never know how far her career would have gone, but we do know that in the short life she led, she made a huge impact on the music and film industries. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">R.I.P. Aaliyah (1979-2001)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for more awesome women of horror.</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-57421379075376143442011-10-21T20:10:00.000-07:002011-10-21T20:38:37.977-07:00Miranda Richardson- Sleepy Hollow (1999)Now some of you are probably thinking that this choice may be a bit hypocritical, seeing as I placed a good bit of doubt in the Burton adaptation of <i>Dark Shadows </i>yesterday. And there may be a bit of truth in that, but regardless, today the Ultimate Woman of Horror is Miranda Richardson from <i>Sleepy Hollow</i> (Burton, 1999). <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=500full-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/500full-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Sleepy Hollow </i>may not be the best horror film of all time, but it is one that contains a decent enough plot, likable characters, interesting villains, and cinematography that is to die for. The visuals alone are worth the respect of the viewer. In fact, an entire chapter of my undergrad Intro. to Film course text book analyzed this film. Richardson's Lady Van Tassel steals the show here, and even outdoes the horseman himself. That is a true feat, seeing as the horseman is played by the excellent Christopher Walken. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Miranda-Richardson-002.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Miranda-Richardson-002.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here is a woman so villainous, that her calling of the horseman endangers, and ultimately kills, the majority of the Sleepy Hollow townspeople. It's always fun when the most glamourous women on screen turn out to be the villain. With her intricate and ornate costumes, Richardson outshines Christina Ricci and adds a level of class to the film. Richardson is one of my favorite actresses, and truly shines in every performance she is given. Even in her few minutes on screen in <i>Paris je t'aime</i> (2006), Richardson is able to embody such intense emotion that it is heartbreaking to watch. It is wonderful to see her in such a fun role as Lady Van Tassel, where she gets to prove that she can be as campy and glorious as we expected.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=sh_053RichardsonRicciAndie.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/sh_053RichardsonRicciAndie.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With the exception of <i>Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street</i> (2007), <i>Sleepy Hollow</i> marks the peak of Tim Burton's creative legacy. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</i> (2005), but with the release of <i>Planet of the Apes</i> (2001), Burton as we know it started to slowly wane as the creative genius we had come to know and love leading to the travesty that was <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> (2010). Hopefully with <i>Dark Shadows,</i> Burton will be able to reinvigorate his career. If <i>Sweeney Todd </i>is any proof, there is still hope and a great deal of it. So, Tim Burton, here's to you. Over the past 20 years, you have given us one incredible filmography, filled with honorable heroines played by wonderful actresses. Winona Ryder, Christina Ricci, Helena Bonham Carter, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Jessica Lange all delivered exceptional performances and truly enhanced your films to their potential. With <i>Big Fish</i> (2003), <i>Edward Scissorhands</i> (1990), and <i>Batman</i> (1989) in mind, let's hope that Burton will be able to return to his roots and give us the <i>Dark Shadows</i> film that we have been waiting for.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And just for the heck of it, here's another wonderful picture of Miranda Richardson in all of her glory as Lady Van Tassel.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=sh_045RichardsonWebDress.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/sh_045RichardsonWebDress.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for another exciting addition to the Ultimate Women of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-9709622851693888802011-10-20T20:24:00.000-07:002011-10-20T21:08:36.626-07:00The Women of Dark Shadows (1966-1971)Hey there, film kids! Today, we're taking a step back from the film industry and taking a look at horror television, again. We're taking a trip back to 1966, when the first gothic soap opera began gracing the TV screen, and beaming some of the most memorable characters into American households. The honor of Ultimate Horror Woman is given to all of the women of <i>Dark Shadows</i>.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=VictoriaWintersDarkShadows.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/VictoriaWintersDarkShadows.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Prior to the creation of Barnabas Collins, legendarily played by Jonathan Frid, <i>Dark Shadows</i> featured plots that dealt with mysteries instead of the supernatural, where the later episodes thrived. In the beginning, there was just Victoria Winters, the lovely Alexandra Moltke, trying to uncover the mystery surrounding her birth parents while tutoring young David Collins. Moltke, even after the introduction of vampire Barnabas, was the star of the show. To be honest, unlike most of the show's fans, I prefer the episodes that focused solely on Vicky. Winters was an independent and strong woman who is capable of investigating any mysterious situation that comes up while staying at Collinwood, the Collins' palatial estate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=5332743695_e809430bcb.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/5332743695_e809430bcb.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to the show, Joan Bennett portrays the head of the Collins family, Elizabeth Collins-Stoddard. The mystery surround Liz's husbands disappearance is one that is the subject of many an episode.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Julia-Hoffman-and-Dave-Woodard-dark-shadows-23402839-400-297.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Julia-Hoffman-and-Dave-Woodard-dark-shadows-23402839-400-297.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is a well-known fact that many of the actors involved with the show portrayed multiple characters over the five year run. Grayson Hall is a great example of this. Hall's Dr. Julia Hoffman is friend and confidante to Barnabas and is determined to develop a cure for his vampirism. A personal favorite of Hall's roles is gypsy Magda. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Joe-Haskell-and-Maggie-Evans-dark-shadows-22123592-474-364.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Joe-Haskell-and-Maggie-Evans-dark-shadows-22123592-474-364.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maggie Evans, played by Kathryn Leigh Scott, is friend to Vicky, hostage of Barnabas, and girlfriend to Joe Haskell. Scott's Maggie is an honorable character that is first in line to give advice or support to Vicky as she struggles with life in Collinsport. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=angelique1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/angelique1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, there is Angelique, played to campy perfection by Lara Parker. Barnabas found his match/love interest in Parker's Angelique, the ultimate portrayal of a witch in pop culture history. Angelique was a fascinating character and proved that female villains can be the most interesting. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Dark Shadows</i> has featured some of the most unique women in the horror genre to date. This show set the stage for later genre favorites like <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i>, <i>Charmed</i>, and <i>Angel</i>. Without it, the horror genre would not be nearly as popular on television as it is today. This gothic soap opera produced more than 1,000 episodes, and the low-budget and fast-paced production give the show a charm that I have yet to experience in any other horror production. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tim Burton's movie remake of this show is scheduled for a May 2012 release. While normally, I would say that Burton's gothic sensibilities are a perfect fit for the film, some early production photos featuring Johnny Depp as a translucently pale (as in a skin tone that would make Edward Cullen look tan) Barnabas, I am a bit skeptical and nervous that the film will achieve its full potential. That being said, I am incredibly excited to see Eva Green's portrayal of Angelique, Helena Bonham-Carter's Julia, and Michelle Pfeiffer's Elizabeth. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But, we will always have this classic show to turn to when we need that dose of campy gothic horror at its finest. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Be sure to check back tomorrow for another exciting addition to the Ultimate Women of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-30405237541541285372011-10-19T20:07:00.000-07:002011-10-19T20:29:50.259-07:00Rose McGowan- Planet Terror (2007)<i>Grindhouse</i> (Rodriguez and Tarantino, 2007) is one of my favorite movie theatre experiences ever. <i>Planet Terror</i> (Rodriguez) is my favorite of the two portions, and this is mainly due to Rose McGowan's performance as Cherry Darling. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=rose-mcgowan-grindhouse.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/rose-mcgowan-grindhouse.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is this go-go dancer turned gun-legged warrior that is the driving force behind the film. While every minor role is performed incredibly well, McGowan's Cherry steals the show as she goes head-to-head with the zombie mutants that are devouring the town. Cherry may be a go-go dancer, but she is an incredibly strong woman, willing to put her life at risk to end the zombie apocalypse. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=75_xl.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/75_xl.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">McGowan, famous for her role in <i>Scream</i> (Craven, 1996)<i> </i>and <i>Charmed</i> has made a career out of roles within the genre. In <i>Planet Terror</i>, she pays tribute to the women of the infamous grindhouse films of the 70's. By combining the horror elements with the trashy female exploitation films, the film is able to provide an incredibly entertaining experience for the viewer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=500full.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/500full.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only is McGowan the star of the <i>Planet Terror</i> portion of <i>Grindhouse</i>, she also plays the first victim of Stuntman Mike in the <i>Death Proof</i> (Tarantino) portion. In both roles, McGowan gives it her all and proves that women in these films can be strong and not be controlled by the men in their lives.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=death-proof-kurt-russell-and-rose-mcgowan.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/death-proof-kurt-russell-and-rose-mcgowan.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Keep checking back for more Ultimate Women of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-56868010944536892372011-10-18T18:53:00.000-07:002011-10-18T19:08:46.790-07:00Sigourney Weaver- Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997)When I started this project last year, I never thought of including fun performances in awful movies. So, appropriately, this year, I have included a few of my favorite actresses from horror films that provide more laughs than scares. Today is no different. Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Lady Claudia Hoffman in <i>Snow White: A Tale of Terror</i> (Cohn, 1997) is very entertaining and gives a sense of horror royalty to the film.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=images-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/images-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Released a few months before the critically panned <i>Alien: Resurrection</i> (Jeunet, 1997), another favorite of mine, <i>Snow White</i> created a world in which the evil queen was even more villainous and evil than we remember from the Walt Disney classic. Cohn's film may amount to little more than a late night fun viewing, but what more can you ask for? The scene in which Lady Hoffman sings in front of a large hall of guests, voice dubbed by some unknown operatic singer, is one of the highlights of this little gem of a film.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=snow-white-a-tale-of-terror-poster.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/snow-white-a-tale-of-terror-poster.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Weaver has always been one of my favorite actors, and I am almost to the point where I can forgive her for being involved in <i>Avatar</i> (Cameron, 2009). As she is usually the heroine in her films, it is fun to see her as the vile step-mother here, make-up, fake teeth and all. I remember passing this one on the rack at Hollywood Video for years and always wanting to give it a go, and finally a few summers ago a group of friends and I did. And we were not disappointed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=tumblr_l5zrxhdnb61qbmt20.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/tumblr_l5zrxhdnb61qbmt20.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you're looking for a fun horror film, cast aside the traditional choices of the field and give this one a try. It's truly strange, badly written, not scary in the least, but I wouldn't have it any other way!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back again tomorrow for another Ultimate Woman of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-82295269455349207392011-10-17T20:25:00.000-07:002011-10-17T20:39:47.682-07:00Elsa Lanchester- The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)As Halloween gets closer, there is nothing I love more than having a Universal Monster Movie night. These iconic films set the stage for the horror genre that we know and love. Without them, it would certainly not be where it is today. While these films take many elements from the classic horrific films of the German Expressionism period, they added to these techniques and made them their own. Today, Elsa Lanchester, who played Frankenstein's Bride, is the Horror Woman of the Day.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=elsa-lanchester01.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/elsa-lanchester01.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lanchester, while on screen for less than 10 minutes, creates an everlasting impression that will never leave you. When you think of women in horror films, Lanchester's legendary performance should be one of the first that comes to mind. While a monster made by the doctor herself, the Bride is incapable of loving the original monster. Lanchester's famous scream and hiss combination is one of my favorite horror film moments, and is still just as effective today.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Copy_of_bridef3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Copy_of_bridef3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Lanchester portraying <i>Frankenstein</i> author Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley as the film opens is a nice addition and gives the audience a bit of historical context about the actual publishing of her original novel. Lanchester turns in a performance of the ages, one that has stood the test of time, and one that will continue to entertain horror fans for another 80 years.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=sjff_01_img0077.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/sjff_01_img0077.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back again tomorrow for another exciting addition to the Ultimate Women of Horror! </div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-86533082174410014022011-10-16T17:02:00.000-07:002011-10-16T17:23:33.084-07:00Connie Britton- American Horror StoryNow, as you're reading this, you're probably saying, "Hey! That show's only been on for two episodes! How can it have made that much of an impression already?" And usually, you would be correct. It is incredibly rare for a TV show to work so well after being on for so short a time. <i>American Horror Story</i> proves to be a fascinating take on the haunted house mythology that has been used time and time again in the horror genre. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=american-horror-story.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/american-horror-story.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While it may owe much of its form to films like <i>Amityville</i> and <i>The Shining</i> (Kubrick, 1980), <i>American Horror Story</i> is incredibly original, and through its unique performances is able to instill a great sense of suspense and dread. By far, my favorite actor in the show is Connie Britton. I was rather unaware of her career until I saw her work in <i>Women in Trouble</i> (Gutierrez, 2009), an interesting independent film with rich performances by Britton and Carla Gugino. Here, Britton is the mother of a family that moves into a large house where countless murders have been committed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=american-horror-story-connie-britton-dylan-mcdermott-2011.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/american-horror-story-connie-britton-dylan-mcdermott-2011.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Britton brings a level of class and grace to the show, which greatly complements the strange and creepy performance of Jessica Lange. The relationship between Britton and Dylan McDermott is particularly interesting. The creators have built an incredibly capable ensemble here, with everyone turning in excellent performances. Additionally, the set design of the house fits the dark and horrific tone of the series perfectly. It's great to see creator Ryan Murphy return to his mature FX home. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=AHShomeinvasion.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/AHShomeinvasion.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Britton's Vivien Harmon is a very strong woman who is able to protect her family when their safety is threatened. <i>American Horror Story</i> is an incredibly riveting and involving series, and I greatly look forward to see how it develops. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for another Ultimate Woman of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-13027072225589476772011-10-15T17:08:00.000-07:002011-10-15T17:37:25.066-07:00Margot Kidder- The Amityville Horror (1979)Feeling a bit bad about favoring Olivia Hussey over Margot Kidder in<i> </i>my <i>Black Christmas</i> post, I am honoring her today in <i>The Amityville Horror </i>(Rosenberg, 1979). <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=the-amityville-horror-margot-kidder1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/the-amityville-horror-margot-kidder1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recently, I have been watching <i>American Horror Story</i> on FX. It's a pretty intense show by the creator of <i>Nip/Tuck </i>and <i>Glee</i>. Sharing countless similarities with <i>Amityville</i>, the show also features a family moving into a house where evil and murderous acts have been committed. But this post is not about <i>American Horror Story</i> (which you should all be watching, by the way), it is about Kathy Lutz, the female protagonist in <i>The Amityville Horror</i>. No longer is Kidder cast as the fun sorority sister co-star. Here, she is given the lead role. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=brolin_1643039c.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/brolin_1643039c.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kidder plays Kathy Lutz, the wife and mother of the Lutz family. While all of the madness is going down around her, Kathy remains cool-headed, for the most part, and does everything she can to protect her children. Further cementing her as a horror film actress, Kidder plays the role with grace and proves that she is one of the finest actresses of the 70's. With it's great special effects and dark plot, <i>The Amityville</i> <i>Horror</i> is still incredibly effective.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=amity10.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/amity10.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tomorrow, there will be another exciting addition to the Ultimate Women of Horror, so stop on by.</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-19708973252357268532011-10-14T12:26:00.000-07:002011-10-14T12:43:30.339-07:00Adrienne Barbeau- The Fog (1980)And we're back. Today, we take a trip back to the early horror reign of John Carpenter. We're taking a look at <i>The Fog</i> (Carpenter, 1980), which features classic performances from several key horror genre figures, including Stevie Wayne, played by Adrienne Barbeau. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=adriennebarbeauthefog.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/adriennebarbeauthefog.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Rather than viewing that incredibly unnecessary and poorly executed remake, pop in this horror classic as you're counting down to Halloween. Carpenter's original features legitimate scares that recall his masterpiece, <i>Halloween</i> (Carpenter, 1978). Jamie Lee Curtis returns in a decent performance, but it is Barbeau's Stevie that takes the center stage. Stevie is a strong-willed single mother that puts herself in great danger so she can warn the town about the movement of the fog.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=WIHTheFog.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/WIHTheFog.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Barbeau's strong performance is very effective and proves to be the strongest character in the film. It was great to see Nancy Loomis in another Carpenter film, and Janet Leigh is great as always. So, when you're making a rental decision this month, return to 1980 for this original horror class. It's on the Netflix Instant Watch, as well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for another Ultimate Woman of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-39058730549960852382011-10-13T21:05:00.000-07:002011-10-13T21:14:05.315-07:00Pure Epicness...Now, as October moves along, I am watching more and more horror films. While <i>Alien</i> (Scott, 1979) is technically utilizes the conventions of the horror genre to a higher degree than it's popular sequel, <i>Aliens</i> (Cameron, 1986) is an incredibly entertaining spectacle. The engaging battle that is waged leads up to the ultimate confrontation with the alien queen, and Ripley echoes a line that has become truly legendary as it has been referenced in the realm of popular culture. So, in honor of the Ultimate Women of Horror, here is a clip of Ripley exuding awesomeness!<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DnOIvn8hMS4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-76531016199217691992011-10-13T20:14:00.000-07:002011-10-13T20:46:15.405-07:00Clare Higgins- Hellraiser (1987)Hello film kids! I apologize this entry being so late in the day. Sitting down to write a blog entry while watching Hoarders. Sitting, mouth agape, you become incapable of doing anything else, as you watch these individuals attempt to fix their horrific living situations. Anyway, back to the real subject here. Today's Woman of Horror is Clare Higgins from the classic <i>Hellraiser</i> (Barker, 1987). <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=hellraiser.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/hellraiser.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This little gem of a horror picture introduced to world to hellish legion of Cenobites that are led by Pinhead. When I first saw this film, I remember being very disappointed that Pinhead was only in the film for around 10 minutes. To many, this may be a drawback, but I have come to greatly appreciate this film. The main reason for that is the role of Julia, played by Clare Higgins. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=hellraiser04a6kd.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/hellraiser04a6kd.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Julia is cheating on her husband with Frank. When Frank gets sucked into Hell, he escapes and returns to Julia as a creature that must kill to regain human flesh. The relationship between Julia and Frank prior to his brief stay in Hell, is hot and heavy to the extreme. The tie is so close that when he returns, Julia brings victims to his attic for him to kill. You have to respect a woman that is that dedicated to her adulterous relationship. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=7952.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/7952.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clare Higgins adds a level of sensuality and class to the field of brutal murder that is very rarely captured on screen. With countless terrible sequels, Pinhead has been dragged through the dirt, but it is heartening to know that the original <i>Hellraiser</i> is still incredibly effective, Higgins' performance in particular.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for another exciting Woman of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-1298293896402450782011-10-12T17:48:00.000-07:002011-10-12T18:10:41.389-07:00Jennifer Tilly- Bride of Chucky (1998)Few women have been given the chance to portray killer doll brides on the big screen. In honor of the most memorable, today's Ultimate Woman of Horror is Jennifer Tilly, who embodied Tiffany in <i>Bride of Chucky</i> (Yu, 1998). <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=cpimg12.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/cpimg12.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When <i>Child's Play</i> (Holland, 1988) was released, humor was not included in the script, and the main goal was terror and scares. I am a huge fan of this franchise, and have enjoyed all five of the films, <i>Child's Play 3</i> the least, but it was still very watchable. Ten years after the first film, a reboot of sorts was given to the franchise, by introducing both a bride and dark humor into the mix. While for most series, adding humor is a death sentence, it fit Chucky incredibly well. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=10893256_gal.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/10893256_gal.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The transformation of human Tiffany into doll Tiffany is the main plot of the <i>Bride of Chucky</i>. Here is a woman who has been in love with murderer Charles Lee Ray, later known as the doll Chucky, and gets her wish to be with him in doll marital bliss. Tilly is pitch perfect for the part, and her voice gives a great humanity to doll Tiffany. Without Tilly, this franchise would have been dead after the original three films, and we would never have gotten <i>Bride</i> or <i>Seed of Chucky</i> (Mancini, 2004). Now, some may think that that might have been for the best, but I find these films to be much more enjoyable than many of the horror films released today. The dark humor certainly helped to breathe new life into a dying franchise.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=bride-of-chucky.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/bride-of-chucky.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This film also features an early performance by Katherine Heigl and a surprising villainous turn by John Ritter. It is definitely not necessary to watch the original three before enjoying this one, but like I said, I enjoy them and will be watching them this month. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Runner-Up:</div><div style="text-align: left;">Another fun woman in the Chucky franchise is Christine Elise from <i>Child's Play 2</i> (Lafia, 1990). While she portrays the teenaged savior of Andy Barclay, Elise is none other than Emily Valentine, the psychotic stalker-girlfriend of Brandon Walsh on <i>Beverly Hills: 90210</i>. So, here's to you, Emily Valentine. Yeah, you baked that cake and left it on Brandon's doorstep. Shannon Doherty sure didn't let him eat it though. No, she didn't. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=Emily_valentine_90210.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/Emily_valentine_90210.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Come back again tomorrow for another exciting addition to the list!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-6917343223339665232011-10-11T18:11:00.000-07:002011-10-11T18:31:46.978-07:00Milla Jovovich- The Resident Evil films (2002-2010)Taking a turn from the likes of the slasher film and the suspenseful thriller, the Horror Woman today inhabits the action horror genre. Milla Jovovich has made a career from playing the incredibly powerful Alice over the course of four films, with another sequel in the works.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=milla-jovovich.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/milla-jovovich.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The <i>Resident Evil </i>films are based on the incredibly popular video game franchise. Most video game adaptations are thoughtless vehicles for visual effects and terrible performances from the actors. While <i>Resident Evil</i> (Anderson, 2002) and it's three sequels may follow a very specific formula in each film, I would place them over any other video game adaptation to date. The main reason that these films succeed is the character of Alice, who ironically enough is not in any of the video fames. Jovovich's performance is commanding and exciting to watch. In the first film, Jovovich proves that she is an even greater action star than Michelle Rodriguez.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=milla-jovovich_resident-evil-007.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/milla-jovovich_resident-evil-007.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One must remember that these films were not created as Oscar bait. These are made purely to entertain the fans, and that is what they do. With the great success of the <i>Resident Evil: Afterlife</i> (Anderson, 2010), which utilized the same camera technology that was used for <i>Avatar</i> (Cameron, 2009), the fans have shown that they have not yet tired of Alice's zombie slaying. The action sequences in this franchise have developed and advanced to such a high degree that they are truly exception in <i>Afterlife</i>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=milla_jovovich_resident_evil_afterlife_movie-337x500.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/milla_jovovich_resident_evil_afterlife_movie-337x500.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you think of Milla Jovovich, the first thing that comes to mind is the <i>Resident Evil</i> franchise. She starred in several films such as <i>Chaplin </i>(Attenborough, 1992) and <i>The Fifth Element</i> (Besson, 1997) before fighting the T Virus and the monsters that it spawned. It is through her work as Alice, however, that has gained her fan base and her action heroine persona. Needless to say, I greatly look forward to seeing Alice killing some vicious zombies on the big screen again next year!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check back tomorrow for some more Epic Ladies of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-3526646663701292392011-10-10T17:50:00.000-07:002011-10-10T18:05:59.118-07:00Rachel Nichols- P2 (2007)Today, film kids, we're visiting a little known horror film from 2007. While most were visiting the abysmal Rob Zombie <i>Halloween</i> remake, a few horror buffs enjoyed this hidden gem. Unfortunately, I was not introduced to <i>P2</i> (Khalfoun, 2007) until it's DVD release. In honor of it, today's Woman of Horror is Rachel Nichols.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=p2-rachel-nichols.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/p2-rachel-nichols.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We all know that parking garages are regularly featured in the horror genre. For the most part, however, one a few short scenes are included, whether someone is being abducted or killed. That is where <i>P2</i> differs from the rest. The entirety of it is set in this terrifying parking garage. While that may not sound like the most engaging of plots, <i>P2</i> delivers the goods and more. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=p2_movie_image_rachel_nichols_and_wes_bentley.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/p2_movie_image_rachel_nichols_and_wes_bentley.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This minimalist approach to horror works very well, and is far more effective than the special-effect-driven garbage we are given time after time. Nichols' Angela is a strong-willed woman that goes head to head with a very creepy Wes Bentley. Bentley's Thomas is a fantastic villain, and made this film stick out even more. Nichols proves that the days of the intelligent and determined female horror protagonist are not gone, and that they are here to stay (as long as Paris Hilton never acts in a horror film again!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=p2_movie_image_rachel_nichols__3_.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/p2_movie_image_rachel_nichols__3_.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While this film may be set at Christmas time, there is no better time to enjoy it than in October! This is probably one that most missed out on originally, but is definitely worth a look!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Come on back tomorrow for the next awesome Woman of Horror!</div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6019342611858010860.post-83664189841418041902011-10-09T16:15:00.000-07:002011-10-09T16:42:32.115-07:00Julianne Margulies- Ghost Ship (2002)Today's entry features a trip back to the mediocre horror films produced by Dark Castle in the at the beginning of the new millennium. <i>Ghost Ship</i> (Beck, 2002), along with <i>Thir13en Ghosts </i>(Beck, 2001), and <i>House on Haunted Hill</i> (Malone, 1999) gave way to the newest wave of horror remakes. <i>Ghost Ship</i> features a solid performance by Julianne Margulies as Maureen Epps. <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=julianna_margulies_001.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/julianna_margulies_001.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While working with a team made entirely of men, Epps finds herself on a haunted ship. In 1962, every passenger and crew member was gruesomely murdered on board, and it has been floating around the ocean, haunted, ever since. This type of fair, while not a remake, is a standard by-the-numbers addition to the horror genre. That does not mean, however, that it is incapable of providing a good time to the viewer. <i>T</i>hrough bad performance, stereotypical plot, and over-the-top visual effects. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=JulianneMargulies-GhostShip-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/JulianneMargulies-GhostShip-2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While most actresses would crank out a dull performance, as with all of the actors in <i>House on Haunted Hill</i>, Margulies brings her A game, and delivers a role that is convincing and commanding. Epps takes charge of the situation and is not fooled by the ghost ship for a moment. She instantly is haunted by the ghost of a young girl that was on the ship when the mass murder occured, played eerily by a young Emily Browning. Margulies' take charge performance set a standard in the film that none of the other actors ever live up to. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/?action=view&current=JulianneMargulies-GhostShip-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m150/killbillfanatic2005/JulianneMargulies-GhostShip-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As October unfolds, friends are getting together for scary movie nights, and there is nothing that I find more entertaining than sitting around and watching a film by Dark Castle. The films combine an unintentional humor with their failed attempt at horror. While not the most successful horror film, judging on the level of scares provided, <i>Ghost Ship</i> proves to be a good time overall, and is worth watching just for a good laugh. Margulies is clearly the strongest woman, with perhaps the exception of Halle Berry in <i>Gothika</i> (Kassovitz, 2003), that is included in the production company's features. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Stop on by tomorrow for the latest entry...</div></div>Erichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12059490287520113984noreply@blogger.com0