MOVIES 6 – 10
REC 2 (2009), which deploys the found-footage technique and continues the story of the demon/zombie virus outbreak in the quarantined apartment building in Barcelona. On paper, mixing zombie-like viruses with demon occult and found footage style seems like it would feel forced. But in the [REC] series, it all comes together seamlessly. And it might be the first of its kind. [REC] 2 offers more fast-paced gorey (and often combat-heavy) fatalities, deeper religious history of the virus and more intense high-stakes, claustrophobic mayhem.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Dawn of the Dead (1978), the sequel to “Night of the Living Dead.” Romero uses the film to present some unconventional commentary about American consumerism– without growing pretentious or preachy. The parallels between mindless mall patrons and slow-walking zombies were way ahead of its time. Even today, Romero’s zombie classic continues to be recognized as one of the most compelling horror flicks ever crafted. This zombie classic helped shape the genre with its brutal, insightful and colorful inventiveness.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Hannibal (2001), which remains in the shadow of its Oscar-winning predecessor, “Silence of the Lambs.” Anthony Hopkin’s first portrayal of Hannibal was thrilling and nightmare inducing. So the second time he donned the iconic bite mask came with some unfairly high (possibly unreachable) expectations. Nevertheless, the bite mask-wearing killer’s sophomore outing is still a deeply engaging horror-thriller thanks to its psychologically-layered narrative and a typically exquisite performance by Anthony Hopkins.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Bride of Frankenstein (1935), which lives up to its reputation as Universal’s greatest monster movie with its elegantly Gothic set design, grotesque narrative and deeply captivating Monster. Based on a subplot in the original Mary Shelley novel, “Bride of Frankenstein” takes place immediately after the original. “Bride of Frankenstein” introduced many of the genuine scares that we now associate with the horror genre.
*Full review here; buy it here.
Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead (2014), which shows what happens when a clever idea is elevated to its full potential. Released five years after the original, “Dead Snow 2” is vastly more exciting and inventive. Much credit is due to the more focused narrative. No longer relying on the simple absurdity of Nazi zombies, “Dead Snow 2” is a rare classic that provides more blood and scares than most horror movies and more laughs than most comedies.
*Full review here; buy it here.
