(HORROR) Movies You May Have Missed

Vamp (1986)
More of a comedy that runs a bit long. Come for the insane cinematography, stay for Billy Drago and Dedee Pfeiffer.

Bloody Moon (1981)
Jess Franco's journey into the mainstream Slasher genre - a predictable amount of boobs and a surprising amount of buzzsaw.

Evil Toons (1992)
Live-action sorority babes are terrorized by a demonic cartoon wolf. Not as perfect as it sounds, but the effort is charming.

Little Witches (1996)
A fan of The Craft but you wish it had an excessive amount of nudity? Boy, have we got a movie for you!

Needful Things (1993)
People typically seem to be satisfied with the campier King adaptations. But if you're ever in the mood for one of the very few better-made ones, here ya go.

Shock 'em Dead (1991)
A nerd sells his soul to Satan to become a Heavy Metal guitar god. You don't see that premise much anymore.

The Initiation (1984)
Kinda run-of-the-mill "guess who the killer is." But the entire third act takes place in an empty mall - and that's important Cinema.

Cheerleader Camp (1988)
A killer runs amok in a camp full of "teens." Yeah yeah, we know - but it's got cheerleaders. And Leif Garrett!
aka Bloody Pom Poms

It's Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987)
Parts 1 & 2 move about as fast as molasses, whereas this one speeds right along with the help of sharp dialogue and questionable (but fascinating) FX.

Beyond the Door (1974)
The strength of The Exorcist is that it's grounded in realism. Take that off, and you're in for some weird-scary fun.

Cutting Class (1989)
You can approach this as a novelty for the young Brad Pitt performance, but you'll still leave pleasantly surprised with the semi-serious/semi-hilarious mystery that unfolds before you. And Jill Schoelen.

Castle Freak (1995)
Stuart Gordon, Barbara Crampton, and Jeffrey Combs take us to a castle that is secretly inhabited by a freak. For whatever you're thinking, it gets darker and grosser than that.

Slugs (1988)
Director Juan Piquer Simón (Pod People) commands a race of mutant slugs for our viewing pleasure. For whatever you're thinking, it gets darker and grosser than that.

The Mangler (1995)
Most folks thought that a Hooper/King/Englund collab woulda resulted in a "different movie." Frankly, we got exactly what we wanted & needed.

Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (1974)
Zombie films are very rarely cohesive (or even coherent) enough to get involved in a "plot." Not the case with this one, which manages to be gross and engrossing.
aka The Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue

The Brain (1988)
A SciFi/Action/Horror/Comedy with a big enough script to actually give weight to all these attributes. Save this one for Christmas, though.

There's Nothing Out There (1991)
Competent "self-aware" exercise that predates Scream by several years, and is magnificently more effective and less irritating.

The Outing (1987)
There are big chunks of this movie that are pretty dry and silly - which only end up punctuating the surprisingly nasty gore FX that feel as though they're in another movie.
aka The Lamp

Breeders (1986)
This is easily the sleaziest and most barebones entry on this list; a 50s Drive-In Creature Feature updated for the 80s Home Video market, complete with nude aerobics, rubber monsters, and an alien hot tub filled with an indeterminate goo. You're welcome.

Party Line (1988)
More of a decent Police Procedural than Horror, it's an earlier exploration of the perils of "don't meet up with strangers." Still though, plenty of throat slashing, New Wave dancing, and incest. And Leif Garrett!

Movies You May Have Missed, Part 3

After a year of cinematic oatmeal (in a long series of many years of such blah) we thought it was a good time to revive an old series with endless content.
It is overwhelming sometimes to stand back and get an idea of just how many movies there are to digest -- and that's just considering the mainstream. And once you absorb these figures, it just seems easier and more fun to start going the other way on the timeline.
A lot of these you've probably seen, some maybe you've only heard of, and with any luck, some may be an entirely new trip for you. In any case, they're all Bennett Media-approved, and feel free to keep up the trend of leaving your own suggestions in the comments.


Amos and Andrew (1993)
In the sprawling filmography that is Cage-sploitation, this operetta of hijinks is pretty forgotten. But apart from having a mile-long cast of favorites, its post-Rodney King humor is even more relevant to today's sociopolitical climate.

Narc (2003)
Take away its film school editing and point-and-click cinematography and it could've been one of the greats. Strong performances and a visceral winter atmosphere give this French Connection wannabe some seasonal rewatchability.

Stakeout (1987)
Murkier than Part 2, but the undeniable (and inexplicable) chemistry between Dreyfuss and Estevez simply doesn't get old. It has a spectacular 80s soundtrack that comes outta nowhere, and for a mild Comedy-Thriller, it has an intense cat-and-mouse climax that elevates the whole damn show.

Day of Anger (1967)
Not a fan of Westerns but you like what Quentin's been doing lately? Do yourself a favor and experience this obvious point of reference; influential not just for its subject matter and Riz Ortolani score, but also its wildly engrossing plot turns and attention to detail.

Howling III: The Marsupials (1987)
Even as a coupla Joe Dante admirers, we can't seem to give a shit about The Howling.
Nevertheless! The third installment (there are eight of 'em), born out of the blood and diesel fuel of Australia, is louder and sillier than all the others - making it the leader of the pack.

Trial & Error (1997)
At the height of Seinfeld/Kramer-mania, this failed to make any waves in the wide world of 90s comedy. After 20+ years, it feels smarter and funnier than a lot of the "classics" of that era.

Timebomb (1991)
For whatever amount of effort that was put into trying to fashion Michael Biehn into an action superstar, it could've been more. This scifi/action/mystery/thriller is in some kinda weird room by itself.
Also, Patsy Kensit.

Late Phases (2014)
Neat premise executed on a flimsy budget with mild thrills. But the real reason to watch is the remarkably awesome screen presence of its lead, Nick Damici. For the long list of whatever the movie lacks, it's all forgiven to bear witness to a career-defining performance.

Shaft (2000)
Here's an example of a remake far exceeding the quality of the original. It's packed with some of the greatest actors of a generation -- but this was right around the time when everyone took extra notice of Christian Bale in American Psycho. I always considered that only half of his one-two punch. Shaft is definitely the other half.

Evils of the Night (1985)
Few genre pictures manage to deliver this amount of blood, boobs, and honest-to-god suspense. Lo fi scifi and a gore-driven slasher story pair surprisingly nicely together.

Requiem For a Vampire (1971)
What could've been a nudie-vampire drive-in flick (which it mostly is) has enough shades of French New Wave, Avantgarde, and gothic ambience to make it really kinda great.
aka Caged Virgins

Innocent Blood (1992)
When it came out, all anyone cared about was how it wasn't as good as American Werewolf in London... Now that we've gotten that out of our system, it's worthy of a fresh take; it's the bittersweet imbalance of brutal carnage and mediocre slapstick that only John Landis seems to know how to do.

The Godsend (1980)
Strip away all the sensationalism and/or religious dogma of other evil kid movies and you're stuck with intense performances, beautiful shooting locations, and a villain worth rooting against.

Almost an Angel (1990)
'Crocodile' Paul Hogan is a thief who mistakingly believes he's become an angel following a near-death experience. With a new outlook, he sets out to do good - befriending paraplegic Elias Koteas and courting real-life wife Linda Kozlowski.
There's your synopsis - take it or leave it.

Deathtrap (1982)
Michael Caine, Dyan Cannon, and Christopher Reeve expertly act their way out of double-crosses, plot twists, and best-laid-plans in this Sidney Lumet potboiler of a movie of a play-within-a-play about plays.

Radio Flyer (1992)
I think people were bummed on the too-heavy subject matter wrapped around this kids' nostalgia ballet, but the hell with them - that formula never hindered To Kill a Mockingbird.
Trust us, you'll be immediately intrigued by the first frame of the movie.

The Entity (1982)
Imagine Poltergeist with more adult themes and a bigger focus on the scientific stuff, and you're left with a much more serious/consuming/realistic tale of how to confront an aggressive paranormal threat.

Pulse (1988)
Speaking of domestic spooks, specters, and ghosts, this suburban 'ghost in the machine' story pits a home's plumbing and electrical systems against its inhabitants. If that sounds too silly to be scary, you'd be skin-peelingly wrong!

Forget Paris (1995)
One way for the Romantic Comedy genre to stay relevant is to embrace cynicism, realism, and self-awareness. Writer and costar Billy Crystal has always been damn good at this, and this movie may be his best example of it.

Prelude to a Kiss (1992)
Body/soul-switiching stories are usually set up for laughs -- this is very much not the situation in this adaptation of the scifi/melodrama/romantic play about the desire for youth and the validity of 'soul mates.'

Movies You May Have Missed, Part 2

Carnival Magic (1981)
Way-too melodramatic 'kids movie' features a talking monkey, busty performers, and yes, carnival magic.

Vibes (1988)
Cyndi Lauper and Jeff Goldblum are psychics hired to help Peter Falk find a lost city of gold. It's a sci/fi action/adventure romantic comedy.

Strip Nude For Your Killer (1975)
See title.

FX (1986), FX2 (1991)
They differ from each other in plot and tone, but it's best to watch them together. For fans of espionage, movie magic, and Brian Dennehy.

Cube (1997)
It plays silly at times, but is somehow inexplicably engrossing. P.S. It has sequels that are worth missing.

Blown Away (1994)
Overshadowed by Speed and a bit underrated, it totally excels in the 'red wire/blue wire/bomb-diffusing' sub genre.

Poor Pretty Eddie (1975)
The near-definition of exploitation and grindhouse to the bone. This is likely in Quentin's library.
aka Black Vengeance

Night Visitor (1989)
A who's who of character actors populate this Rear Window reboot.

Brotherhood of Justice (1986)
Feels kind of like a John Hughes Death Wish. It's goofy, but it actually has some strong performances from some before-they-were-stars.

Hider in the House (1989)
Ever lie awake at night and worry that Gary Busey is living in your attic? This movie will play on that fear.

Teen Witch (1986)
Harry Potter for girls? Maybe. Well, not really. But it works as a great musical! Maybe.

Spacecamp (1986)
Made for those of us who were NASA geeks as kids. Music by John Williams and lots of name actors, including young Leaf Phoenix before he changed to Joaquin.

The Contract (1999)
Ultra low budget Pulp Fiction wannabe from Canada. If that sounds not-so-great, that's its undisputable charm.

At Close Range (1985)
Somehow never as popular as it should have been. Also, if you need a movie to help with your Chris Walken impression, this is The One.

Troll (1986)
The second one gets all the attention, but the first is just as grotesque, inept, and confusing. In other words, just as good.

South Bronx Heroes (1985)
In the mood for feeling upset and grossed out? Then try to find this morally vacuous adventure tale of two kids' journey through hell. And it has an excellent music score.

Seeking a Friend For the End of the World (2011)
Another case of a movie being sold all wrong. Sure it has some laughs, but it also stands alone in the long, long line of apocalypse movies that deals with the obvious dread and the pain of loss.

Hesher (2010)
Kind of a heavy metal Mary Poppins. If you've been on the fence about Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this should sway you one way or the other.

Nightmare at Bittercreek (1987)
Made for TV Deliverance, but with women. That's a synopsis, but the review is in there.

The Legend of Billie Jean (1985)
This is back when kids' movies were full of peril and rebellion - role models not created by Marvel. Good soundtrack.

Searching For Bobby Fischer (1993)
Watch this and ask yourself, "Why won't Steve Zaillian do the directing thing more often?"

Krull (1983)
The pitch is "Excalibur meets Star Wars!" Not quite, but the attempt will charm your pants off.

Private Resort (1985)
Johnny Depp stars in an inane 80s sex romp! No, really.

Fast Forward (1985)
Sidney Poitier directed this Breakin'-esque dance-off musical. If you're into that sorta thing, you'll be into this thing.

Some Other Christmas Movies

Santa Claus the Movie (1985)
The title makes good on its promise. The entire first act depicts the creation of Santa like it's biblical folklore - spiritually moving and almost believable. The rest plays out like a typical kids' adventure movie, but it's wrapped in enough nostalgia that it feels like a toy commercial from the 1980s.

The Ref (1994)
On the surface, it's a Christmas Eve hijinx comedy (cause that's new), but here and there, it tip-toes into dark, brawling melodrama that, apart from classing up the joint, is incredibly engrossing. It helps if you're a fan of Denis Leary and/or Kevin Spacey.

Scrooge (1970)
It should top the long list of "Christmas Carol" film adaptations, but it never does. The sets, the casting, and, yes, the music all work together to create the best overall Dickensian tone. No doubt Chuck would prefer this version.

The Snowman (1982)
If you only have half an hour this season, take a break from Rudolph and The Grinch and instead look at this Oscar-nominated short that will remind you how Winter and Christmas made you feel as a child.

One Magic Christmas(1985)
A somber, sometimes morbid Wonderful Life story that really confuses in the moral department, but does succeed in combining the Christian elements of Christmas with the Pagan rituals in a sneaky, clever climax, making for a super-Christmasy movie.

Movies You May Have Missed

Lake Mungo (2008)
This genre-bending horror/sci-fi/thriller/drama will leave you asking, “What the hell did I just see?”

Last of the Finest (1990)
All-star rogue do-gooders tale, not as good as Untouchables, better than Expendables.

She (1983)
If Alejandro Jodorowsky wrote the script for Mad Max and gave it to Terry Gilliam to direct, it would be kinda like this.

Nighthawks (1981)
If you’ve never considered Sly Stallone as much of a thespian, dig this cat-and-mouse thriller gem.

Clean Slate (1994)
Memento as a comedy – wackiness ensues.

Malibu Express (1985)
Lots of big guns and bouncing boobs from the last great exploitation auteur, Andy Sidaris.

Desperate Hours (1990)
Updated version of the original ‘home invasion’ story, featuring a cast of some of the finest actors in the prime of their careers.

Three O’Clock High (1987)
The best and most simple movie about a high school bully ever made.

Executive Decision (1996)
Very, very few action movies perfect the suspense formula as well as this one.

Narrow Margin (1990)
Another thriller remake, starring Gene Hackman in a claustrophobic ‘John McClane’ situation.

Little Fauss and Big Halsey (1970)
Early exploitation comedy with the very unlikely buddy-duo of Robert Redford and Michael J. Pollard.

Greedy (1994)
Breezy situation comedy with several belly laughs and a great surprise ending.

The Frisco Kid (1979)
Willy Wonka and Han Solo hit the road in a Western Buddy comedy. How much more do you want from a movie?

Thunderbolt and Lightfoot (1974)
Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges as a sort of modern day 'Butch and Sundance,' complete with snappy dialogue and plenty of action.

The Spirit of St. Louis (1957)
This film is rarely mentioned in the same breath as Jimmy Stewart or Billy Wilder, yet it's one of their finest, respectively.
Watch with a sandwich. 

Hell House (2001)
A stomach-churning glimpse at the sheer insanity of Evangelical Christians. 

Primer (2004)
The most realistic exploration of the invention of Time Travel.

Happy-Go-Lucky (2009)
A terrific pick-me-up film about the most darling person that never lived.

The Snowman (1982)
It will make you smile and weep with its beauty and simplicity. The score is Christmas morning. 

Paris, Texas (1984)
A film so gorgeous to look at that the plot doesn't even matter.

Crash Course (1988)
A side-splitting teen movie that shows Alyssa Milano hip hop dancing. 'Nuff said.

Burden of Dreams (1982)
A well documented exhibition into the madness and exhaustion of a good director.

Observe and Report (2009)
Imagine if Taxi Driver was hilarious from beginning to end.

Images (1972)
Schizophrenia and demons shown through the eyes of Robert Altman.

Something Else : Great Horror Movies You Might Have Missed

Paul's List

Zombie Holocaust (aka Dr. Butcher M.D.) Marino Girolami 1980
   One of the greatest standoffs ever realized : zombies vs. cannibals. Who wins? The Audience!

Flesh Eater Bill Hinzman 1988
   Though laughably incompetent and often misogynistic, few other films capture the flavor of the Fall season as well as this.

Don't Look In the Basement (aka The Forgotten) S.F Brownrigg 1973
   Eerie atmosphere that builds to a punchy climax.

City of the Living Dead Lucio Fulci 1980
   Zombies + demonic powers = some of the goriest stuff ever done by Fulci (or anyone).

The Unholy Camilo Vila 1988
   Crazy cast, striking imagery. Sexy and gross. Think "Diet Hellraiser."


Babes' List

Don't Look Now Nicolas Roeg 1973
   A very important lesson is learned from this film - don't ever chase your past into darkness.

Ginger Snaps John Fawcett 2000
  My absolute favorite coming-of-age tale and the most interesting example of equating the transformation to werewolf with the turmoil of adolescent bodily changes.

The Brood David Cronenberg 1979
   Emotional trauma is your greatest enemy.

Prince of Darkness John Carpenter 1987
   Carpenter's most underrated work. An ambient and nihilistic approach to a biblical apocalypse.

Lords of Salem Rob Zombie 2013
   A terrifying modern look at how fucking cool Massachusetts history is.