By Glenn Ferrara
If you’re looking to your local Cineplex for a Halloween scare, you might be disappointed. This year there are three, only three, horror films scheduled for release before the holiday:
“Bones.” Snoop Dogg stars as a pimp back from the grave for revenge. Looks like “Nightmare on Elm Street” without the spiked glove.
October 19 will see the release of “From Hell.” Not 100 percent horror, but it does tell the story of the hunt for Jack The Ripper, so it’s bound to be scary.
On the 26th, “13 Ghosts” opens. This is a remake of an old William Castle classic. This time Shannon Elizabeth (“American Pie”) and Matthew Lillard (“Wing Commander”) are the leads.
Not an overwhelming slate, so, a trip to the video store may be the only way to satisfy your blood lust.
Here’s a list of a few horror classics:
The Thing (1982)
Director: John Carpenter
Stay away from the old Howard Hawks version; look for the one with Kurt Russell. A group of scientists in Antarctica finds something mysterious in the ice, which thaws out and runs amok. A highly under-rated thriller with spectacular creature effects.
The Exorcist (1973)
Director: William Friedkin
One of the all-time horror kings — 28 years later it’s still terrifying. DVD owners should keep and eye out for the disc, which has loads of bonus material including documentaries and deleted scenes. If you haven’t seen it for a while, it’s worth revisiting — if you’re brave enough.
The Beyond (1980)
Director: Lucio Fulci
This is defiantly not for the kids. In fact,. some grown-ups may not be able to handle it. This grade Z Italian production may be difficult to hunt down, but it will be worth the effort. Senseless violence and gore like you’ve never seen. And, as usual with the Italians, a plot that Stephen Hawking and Mr. Spock couldn’t comprehend. Great fun, but make sure your stomach’s empty.
An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Director: John Landis
This rare horror film from director Landis (“Animal House” and “Trading Places”) has everything — monsters, frights, and a wicked sense of humor. Griffin Dunne steals the show as the corpse that wouldn’t go away.
Evil Dead 2 (1987)
Director: Sam Raimi
Like “American Werewolf,” this one has a heavy dose of comedy. Star Bruce Campbell battles zombies, demons and at one point, his own possessed hand in this slapstick cult favorite.
If you’re looking for more horror, the prequel (“Evil Dead” 1982) is better. If you crave more laughs, then check out the sequel (“Army of Darkness” 1993).
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Director: Tobe Hooper
Like “The Exorcist,” don’t be put off by its age, this one defiantly holds up. Though it’s not as gory as you might think, “Chainsaw” remains one of the creepiest and most uncomfortable movies ever made. Not a film to be seen in the dark.
The list is not complete, of course — there are dozens of other great horror films ( “The Shining,” “Halloween” come to mind) preserved forever on video tape.
Happy Halloween!
