Death of the Day–Phillip Turns Puppet in “A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors”

Slasher Studios*Death of the Day

Are you ready for a brand new death of the day? Today we will be looking at a particularly disturbing death that freaked me out for years: Phillip’s death from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. The way that Freddy slices open Phillip’s veins to turn him into a human puppet is quite disturbing. It gave me nightmares when I was a kid and I couldn’t watch the scene until well into my teenage years. You know what? Even watching the scene now, I STILL have to look away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFl9rratOO0

Share:

Death of the Day—Drew Barrymore Gets Gutted in Wes Craven’s “Scream”

Slasher Studios*Death of the Day

Today we are back with a brand new death of the day, this time we are taking a look at the opening scene of Scream. We feel as though this scene could easily stand alone as a short film because it was so perfectly executed. The cinematography is amazing and the script is extremely well written with some fun references tucked inside for the true horror fans. We have suspense and horror and countless other emotions flowing through us as this scene develops. We have an introduction to a new and exciting character right for the start of the film and it’s able to set up the rest of the movie for the audience. The death alone is nothing over the top, but the elements surrounding it is what we find so thrilling.

Share:

Slasher Studios Presents: Top 5 Horror Villains

Slasher Studios*Slasher Studios Presents

We have a special treat for you slasher fans this weekend. We are premiering our very first episode of SLASHER STUDIOS PRESENTS. On this Youtube exclusive show we will be doing a special Top 5 countdown each any every week in the world of horror movies. On our premiere episode we discussed our Top 5 horror movie villains. So sit back, relax, and hopefully enjoy the show! We will be back next week counting down our favorite bad horror movies.

Share:

Death of the Day—Sarah Michelle Gellar Gets Hooked in “I Know What You Did Last Summer”

Slasher Studios*Death of the Day

Continuing our Death of the Day tribute here at Slasher Studios we have the wonderful Scream Queen Sarah Michelle Gellar in the underappreciated I Know What You Did Last Summer. Many have said her chase scene in this film is the “best of the best” when it comes to slasher films. Why does this death scene work so well? Well as Reece Glen Donnell puts it “this is the ultimate in slasher death scenes because of the eight minute long chase sequence that precedes it. The character puts up one hell of a good fight for her life and has the audience rooting for her until help is only feet away, but in typically cruel slasher style it’s too late. As an audience member I was willing Helen to survive more and more as the scene went on and could’ve cried when the slicker clad villain appeared behind her. I think purely because I wanted the character to survive SO badly and the fact she didn’t after such an epic struggle, is the reason the scene has stayed with me.” Are you hooked yet?

Share:

Argento’s Stylish “Suspiria” is a Cut Above the Rest

Slasher StudiosSuspiria

It was 2008 when I saw Dario Argento’s Suspiria for the first time. I went down in the basement/entertainment room to watch the film. It was already dark outside, and in the basement you had big windows where you can see out to the dark woods. I turned off the lights, started the movie, and it gave me chills because I had no idea what I was going to get myself into. I looked out the windows a couple times to see if those eyes ,like in Suspiria, would stare back at me.

By the end of the film, the film creeped me out. But it also became my favorite Dario Argento film, and it still is today. Suzy Bannion (Jessica Harper) has just been sent to ballet school,but once she arrives strange things start happening, and the people around her start getting killed off one by one. I know the story detail is short,but I would not want to give anything away if someone hasn’t seen it. But it’s one to check out first if you want to start getting into Dario Argento films.

In my opinion, Dario Argento’s Suspiria is a perfect film, and Argento’s best film by far. There have been great films by him,but nothing compares to Suspiria. Dario Argento is able to drawl an audience into this haunting, nightmare, and chilling of a film for many reasons. The colors throughout the film, the visuals, the camera work, over the top scenes, and music by Goblin is really what makes this film chilling,but also an awesome film. By far, the music in the film is the best part of this film. It’s very simple,but also very creepy. You also have some great acting in this film especially from Jessica Harper who plays a great final girl.

She was actually a character that you rooted for because you never wanted anything to happen to her. The film is also known for a lot of awesome, chilling, and classic scenes including the ending, when one of the lead characters get captured in some type of barbwire, and the best scene by far which involves the first vicitim who is killed, falls through a glass ceiling, and then hangs from that glass ceiling. Again with all those elements I mentioned, Dario Argento’s Suspiria is a perfect film. Dario Argento has made a lot of great films including Inferno and Mother of Tears, which are sequels to Suspiria in the Three Mother’s Trilogy. But none of those films compare to Suspiria. Like I mentioned, if you want to start watching Dario Argento films then start with Suspiria.

–Justin Rhine

Share:

IFC Midnight’s “Rites Of Spring” Delivers Twisty, Spine-Tingling Tale

Slasher StudiosRites of Spring

If you are on the hunt for a new thrilling and suspenceful horror flick, then IFC Midnight’s latest release, Rites Of Spring, is the one for you. Written and directed by Padraig Reynolds, Rites Of Spring brings the thriller and horror genres together in perfect harmony. This film delivers on all cylinders with an exciting story line, a believable cast and tons-o-gore.

While two stories are being intercut during this film, one being more of a thriller and the other a straight-up horror piece, Rites Of Spring delivers a perfect marrige between the two. With a creepy old farmer preying on young women in one, and a kidnapping that doesn’t go as planned in the parallel tale, a great deal of mystery plays out in both.

The cast found within this film are all lesser known/unknown actors who obviously have a passion for film. Anessa Ramsey delivers a spine-tingling performance as the character Rachel and after this film, she is destined to be called upon for many more horror roles in the future. From her line delivery to her trembling hands, Ramsey’s screen presence is remarkable to say the least.

As the film progresses, the blood begins to spill more and more. There are a few effects, that looked to be done with After Effects, that can be done without, but overall the look and realism of the gore is well above average. A round of applause must be give to the practical effects crew as well as the members of this production who came up with the look of the mysterious monster-like killer. This very scary and realistc looking crazy killer dons old rags and maggots as he brutally murders his victims. Rites Of Spring was a surprisingly fun and blood filled ride from begining to end.

To order the film on demand through Amazon: Rites of Spring (Theatrical Rental)

Share:

Tim’s Horror Tweet Reviews: “Storm of the Century” (1999)

Slasher Studios*Slasher Tweet Review

Stephen King has definitely had his share of hits and misses when it comes to film adaptations of his work. In the 90’s during King’s peak, you could expect a brand new made-for-tv miniseries based on one of his books at least once a year. Today our Twitter reviewer Tim Schilling is back with another tweet by tweet review of “Storm of the Century.” The miniseries received mixed reviews from critics but was an audience favorite. The real question…how well does it hold up 15 years later?

Thoughts before the film:
When I saw this movie as a kid, I wanted to hide in my bedroom for the rest of my life.

Thoughts while watching:

DISC ONE
0:02 Just remembered I bought that screenplay book thing they released for this movie, I could totally follow along.
0:07 Born in sin, come on in!
0:12 Haha what! I didn’t know spencer Breslin (or whatever it is) is in this movie.
0:20 I’ve always wanted to live on a little island like this, not many people, one small road of where everything is.
0:30 They need to name this killer guy already so you can understand who I’m talking about and not sound stupid.
0:33 His name’s Andre… Alright.
0:40 This movie reminds me a lot of 30 Days of Night. Anyone else ever got that feeling?
0:48 This movie makes so much more sense now that im older….
0:50 So what Andre is saying, is that this island is full of sluts and potheads!
1:00 I love the exterior shots in this movie, the snow is so menacing!
1:07 Give me what I want, and I’ll go away.
1:18 I hate when Andre’s eyes go all black, it’s so creepy.
1:39 Tell us what you want already so you can go away!
1:43 I think the reason my parents let me watch this when I was younger is cause I wouldn’t understand any of it.
1:49 Oh crap, when Andre was talking to this girl I didnt know it was about an abortion, I thought she got a boob job..
1:58 No old lady you didn’t hear anything, you probably need to go to Walgreens and get new hearing aid batteries.
2:05 Is there a reason why she’s singing the little teapot song or are they doing it just to try to be creepy?
2:11 Oh I get it, the little teapot song is the song of… DEATH!

DISC TWO
0:02 I know this is a miniseries and all, but a lot of this stuff is very repetitive.
0:21 Wait, so people actually watch those tv channels where people just preach to you?
0:35 The scariest part of this movie is when Andre is calling Ralphie or whatever over to the closet.
0:36 I guess it wasn’t as scary as I remember…. I was a wimp when I was younger apparently.
0:40 Okay. We get it. Give him what he wants and he’ll go away.
0:46 There’s something about you that pisses me off!
0:57 Pippa’s got some sass!
1:07 I’d never wanna live on an island with these people, they’re all so messed up!
1:13 This demon guy is the worst, telling everyones’ deepest secret in front of the whole town.
1:16 I have a feeling Stephen King has read Dante’s Inferno quite a few times.
1:30 I lied about wanting to live on a small island like this, these people are fucked up.
1:52 I don’t blame mike for leaving Molly and the island, I wouldn’t stay there with those messed up people either.
2:01 Oh man that ending…

Final Verdict:
#StormOfTheCentury is still one of my favorite Stephen King films. I LOVE the story, even though it got repetitive after a while. The last half hour of it is the best, it’s so sad, creepy, and satisfying at the same time.

To follow Tim on twitter: https://twitter.com/schillingt
To follow Slasher Studios on twitter: https://twitter.com/slasherstudios

Share:

Argento’s “Phenomena” is a Dreamy and Addictively Unconventional Delight

Slasher StudiosPhenomena

Much too many people’s dismay at my opinion on Nolan’s Dark Knight Opuses, I decided to choose this as one of my favorite Dario Argento flicks just so I could relate to all these fanatics who don’t “get” that I find those Dark Knight movies bloated and overlong with not a shred of excitement while watching it. Many times in the past I’ve read that the main flaw of “Phenomena” is that it’s boring, too long, and filled with plot inconsistencies. I always have trouble understanding that and now at least I know where these Dark Knight fans are coming from [only I don’t feel the need for hostile name calling and hate filled retaliation on message boards] as I don’t understand who could find this boring. It’s filled to the brim with imagination, gore, surprises, and great passion. This isn’t my favorite Argento exactly, I think Suspiria and Inferno are superior, but this is one of the greats.

The plot of Phenomena is sort of similar to Suspiria, only if that it involves an American student Jennifer Corvino [a young and able Jennifer Connelly] attending a private school abroad [the mesmerizing Switzerland] only to get involved with some sinister happenings involving a serial killer with a penchant for beheading school girls, most whom have proven to be utter nasty bitches to Jennifer. The twist this time around is that our heroine has a telepathic connection with insects, instructing them to do her will and to help her find and stop the psychopathic killer, especially after killing the only girl who was kind to her. She gets the help with local entomologist John Mcgregor [effortlessly played by Donald Pleasance] and his faithful and helpful Chimpanzee, who has a liking for sharp stabbing objects.

A back story for this is that I discovered Argento and checked out all of his work [this was in 2003] and saw everything he made up until that point except for this. I finally found a horrible copy of “Creepers” the 82 minute version that excludes about 25 minutes. I thought the movie suffered by the extensive cuts and was disappointed. One random day at CD plus sometime in 2006 I saw the title PHENOMENA and grabbed and bought it no questions asked and have had this great love affair ever since. At one point it was one of my favorite movies to show my friends after a night of raving/partying. The maestro would usually lead them on from scene to the next, occasionally shocking and disgusting them in great zeal. Ah those were the days.

This film is all in the details and has ATMOSPHERE to spare. Dario Argento and his hard working huge wind fans create a hypnotic fairy tale brought to life. Every Argento lover will see all the usual trademarks in the house. Black Gloved Killer, Goblin soundtrack, kinetic camera moves, children, insects, animals, and all the gore and heads crashing through windows you can take. It’s his, perhaps, most self-indulgent opus yet and it’s defiantly made and will be appreciated by those who are true aficionados of his work. All though not as colorful and luxurious as Suspiria or Inferno, it still has a purple hue that is very appealing, especially at night time. The dream sequences are nothing short of amazing, with the washed out whites and tracking shot in the hallway of doors inducing a rush from your truly. The quick cut of the full moon with clouds passing it with the Goblin score blasting away? WOW. Inspiring. Like a grim, morbid beautiful fairy tale brought to life. Just look at the artwork! Right out of a fairy tale and which, by the way, is my fav Argento artwork. The camera work and visuals are nothing but high style, and for me it’s a visual feast on the eyes.

The opening with the lost Dutch girl [Argentos daughter Fiore, who proves that nepotism is always a bad idea] finding the killers house in the wind filled mountain side while “The Valley” played was mesmerizing and haunting and it sets the tone for the rest of the movie. This could be a travelogue for Switzerland as thanks to this movie I now know where I want to vacation sometime soon. The use of insects in all the scenes were masterful and well shot and the pool of maggots in the end are truly horrifying. I love the beautiful and touching scene where a Fire-fly leads Jennifer to a clue, so cute and well done!

The last 20 minutes are insane and shocking. One surprise after another and it’s all blood drenched to the core. Breaking off your own thumb to escape hand cuffs or a pissed off chimp going ape-shit on a face with a razor are just some of the delicious details. One surprise with sheet-metal is one for the bloody memorable kill list!

The soundtrack is dreamy and addictive. Suits the images to a T, especially the opening and the dream sequences. Even Iron Maiden was used effectively, in my opinion. For those label whores out there [myself included] Giorgio Armani is the costume designer and Michele Soavi, director of Stagefright and The Church, has a cameo as a useless detective.

The movie is very unconventional, doing its own thing at all times never trying to explain or make sense of the bizarre narrative. For those who love mood pieces with high style. You just have to go with it, but trust me, it leads you down a path worth straying. It is in my top 20 of greatest films ever made!

–Vince Fontaine

Share:

Death of the Day: Kids on Raft—“The Burning” (1981)

Slasher Studios*Death of the Day

We are starting a new segment at Slasher Studios entitled “Gore Galore.” In this new segment we will be covering our favorite death scenes. What better death scene to start with that the wonderfully grisly raft scene from “The Burning.” As our fellow horror correspondant Jeffrey Lee states “Tom Savini is THE maestro of special effects! His work is so brilliant that it becomes a character in the movie that he’s working on. In this scene there are 5 over-the-top deaths in 30 seconds! It’s in your face, super gory, and makes no apologies. This scene proved Cropsy to be one of the most brutal killing machines in slasher history!”

Share:

Great Giallo: Dario Argento’s “The Bird with the Crystal Plumage” (1970) Review

Slasher Studios*Giallo

Dario Argento is one of my favorite directors. He may not be great with plot and characterization but he makes up for that in adding to his films everything that makes a horror or thriller film entertaining, suspenseful, beautiful, and scary. His directorial debut is no exception.

He takes the basic premise we see in most of his films – an American hero, an artist, witnessing a crime scene and investigating. We have the black gloved killer, the amazingly executed death sequences, the absorbing and surprising mystery, setting it all in beautiful locations and including his stylish directing.

Contrary to what most people say, I don’t think all the actors in Argento’s films are terrible, they just usually have terrible dubbing which makes the actors look very bad. But in this film, actors such as Tony Musante and the gorgeous Suzy Kendall are great at showing their many emotions. I was with Sam all the way in his difficult and dangerous investigation. I too was obsessed with finding out what was behind it all, and every time he came to an obstacle, I felt just as frustrated and scared as he did.

We also have a pretty menacing villain. The trench-coat wearing, black gloved killer was very creepy, even if by now pretty clichéd. In the death scenes, it showed that this psychopath was a perverted, violent freak that loved toying with his victims. The creepy voices during those phone calls also helped a lot in making me fear the killer. Every death and/or stalk scene had me feeling exactly what the victim felt. Argento is amazing at this kind of thing. And yes, throughout the whole film you will be puzzled as to who is behind this trench-coat and why. When you find out, you will not be disappointed.

I’d also like to give special mention to Ennio Morricone’s haunting score. We all know that rock band Goblin usually score Argento’s films, and we love that. But we can’t forget that Morricone was responsible for the haunting scores of this, CAT O’ NINE TAILS, FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET, THE STENDHAL SYNDROME, and the very disappointing PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

In conclusion, if you are an Argento fan, or a potential fan, this is definitely a film to seek out so you can see Argento’s directorial debut and see how he was on top of the thriller genre from the get-go.

–Brian C Tyler

Share: