The Horror Thread - Part 3

[66 Face]

My original idea was a sequel to The New Blood, ignoring the crapfest that was Jason Takes A Cruise. However, I do kinda like your idea of making it a new reboot, with human Jason showing up to continue the carnage. I guess it could work either way.

That's the best thing about that idea. It can work in a number of ways. I'm just a huge fan of baghead Jason. I know the hockey mask is iconic but that sack just creeps me out.

One thing that I would love to get back into the series is that "don't go to that side of the lake' or 'don't go in the woods' vibe that seemed lost after part 2 or 3. Those movies had that aura about it and it was much more than Ralph just saying it. I'm not big on a community around CCL but more of the towny types that live miles away.

 

[Thundarr]

Nice, and with Paramount reportedly wanting to go the found footage route, this could certainly work.

That was part of my inspiration for the story. There would be footage from the cameras set throughout the camp by the investigators. Then there's the footage shot by the film students. Then there could even be regularly shot scenes like in HR. If they were to go straight found footage like in Blair Witch Project or Paranormal Activity (two movies I really enjoy, BTW) it just wouldn't work.

This way, it MIGHT work. Just as long as Paramount doesn't screw things up by adding a couple dozen extra characters as machete fodder "because bigger body counts = better slasher films". No they don't. I might add a couple of characters to add to the body count, but no more than three or four. As seen in Parts 3 & 4, if you add too many extra bodies to the meat grinder, you get a less suspenseful movie. And that's what I would want to try and get back to, suspense.

 

[Thundarr]

That's the best thing about that idea. It can work in a number of ways. I'm just a huge fan of baghead Jason. I know the hockey mask is iconic but that sack just creeps me out.

One thing that I would love to get back into the series is that "don't go to that side of the lake' or 'don't go in the woods' vibe that seemed lost after part 2 or 3. Those movies had that aura about it and it was much more than Ralph just saying it. I'm not big on a community around CCL but more of the towny types that live miles away.

Same here. That was something that made very little sense about The Final Chapter. How could the Jarvis family live out in the woods, just a short walk away from Crystal Lake, and NOT know about the stories of Camp Blood? And why hadn't Jason ever gone after them before? They were in his woods, and he just left them alone? Really? Yet he'd hike twenty miles into town to kill Alice.

Anyway, I would totally stick with the townies not going near the lake. They either openly claim that it's cursed (like Ralph & Enos in Part 1), or they just quietly shun the place (like the others in the coffee shop/convenience store in Part 1, when Annie asked for directions). Whether rebooting the franchise (again) or continuing on with either existing franchise (Paramount or Platinum Dunes) that is the best way to go. Make it creepy, make it suspenseful, and the audience should be saying "For God sake, Dont go into the woods!"

 

[Heretic]

Finally saw The Purge...basically it's an awesome idea done very poorly.

The main villain was the same actor as the main hero in +1, and he makes a much more natural villain. He just comes off as a creepy dude.

The concept is so good that it kept me interested. The idea of the rich taking out the poor for fun, and the upper middle class jealousy, and how others just try to shelter themselves from the system had great potential. However, some stuff was just silly. The family kept getting separated in their own house, the boyfriend part, the almost religious fanaticism over the new founding fathers etc. The concept carries the film pretty far though, so I was able to overlook some of the nonsense.

 

[gwynplaine]

Finally saw The Purge...basically it's an awesome idea done very poorly.

The main villain was the same actor as the main hero in +1, and he makes a much more natural villain. He just comes off as a creepy dude.

The concept is so good that it kept me interested. The idea of the rich taking out the poor for fun, and the upper middle class jealousy, and how others just try to shelter themselves from the system had great potential. However, some stuff was just silly. The family kept getting separated in their own house, the boyfriend part, the almost religious fanaticism over the new founding fathers etc. The concept carries the film pretty far though, so I was able to overlook some of the nonsense.

Agreed, hopefully the next one will open up the world a little bit and explore better and further this very interesting concept.

 

[Ant-manic]

well, i just saw the Conjuring. why did people recommend this? just how many cheat scares were there in that flick? and could they have picked two more wooden actors? i kind of hate making completely negative reviews. but the Conjuring sort of included everything i hate about modern horror movies. and that doll wasn't scary. i'm a big fan of scary dolls; Dolls, Demonic Toys, the Puppet Master series, Dolly Dearest, Poltergeist, Trilogy of Terror, Tales from the Hood, Devil Doll, Twilight Zone, Pin, Child's Play, etc. i don't think this new one rates very high, on that list.

 

[Figs]

well, i just saw the Conjuring. why did people recommend this? just how many cheat scares were there in that flick? and could they have picked two more wooden actors? i kind of hate making completely negative reviews. but the Conjuring sort of included everything i hate about modern horror movies. and that doll wasn't scary. i'm a big fan of scary dolls; Dolls, Demonic Toys, the Puppet Master series, Dolly Dearest, Poltergeist, Trilogy of Terror, Tales from the Hood, Devil Doll, Twilight Zone, Pin, Child's Play, etc. i don't think this new one rates very high, on that list.

When you refer to wooden actors, I'm going to assume you're not including Vera Farmiga in that group.

Personally I don't complain about jump scares and I don't get why people still do. Two ways to scare people, jump scares or sound and atmosphere. A horror film with just sound and atmosphere would get old after awhile. I'm not saying I love jump scares and I'm not saying I want a horror film to be full of them, but a few sprinkled throughout the film isn't a bad thing.

 

[Tron Bonne]

I didn't feel like there was that many jump scares in The Conjuring? There were a few, but for the most part it seemed focused on the creep factor. And the Annabelle doll wasn't a major part, you made it seem like it was the focal point of the movie or something.

 

[Ant-manic]

I didn't feel like there was that many jump scares in The Conjuring? There were a few, but for the most part it seemed focused on the creep factor.

maybe i'm using the wrong term. whenever they attempt a scare, they accompany it with loud distracting music. and whenever they attempt to show something creepy, they quickly cut away from it. it's a cheat. and it does the exact opposite of what they intend.

And the Annabelle doll wasn't a major part, you made it seem like it was the focal point of the movie or something.

i did not.

 

[Ant-manic]

When you refer to wooden actors, I'm going to assume you're not including Vera Farmiga in that group.

partially. i'm more referring to her husband. i'm glad that they moved focus to the other family. and i think they actually directed Farmiga to under-emote. she was significantly better in The Departed.

 

[redhawk23]

well, i just saw the Conjuring. why did people recommend this? just how many cheat scares were there in that flick? and could they have picked two more wooden actors? i kind of hate making completely negative reviews. but the Conjuring sort of included everything i hate about modern horror movies. and that doll wasn't scary. i'm a big fan of scary dolls; Dolls, Demonic Toys, the Puppet Master series, Dolly Dearest, Poltergeist, Trilogy of Terror, Tales from the Hood, Devil Doll, Twilight Zone, Pin, Child's Play, etc. i don't think this new one rates very high, on that list.

Unfortunately they are making a film entirely about that doll.

 

[Rocketman]

Hey guys! Be on the lookout tonight for the debut of a podcast all about Horror movies.... hosted by yours truly!

ATMOM ("At The Movies of Madness") will focus on all Horror movies, past and present, and will feature a regular panel of three to four podcasters.

Tonight marks ATMOM: Episode 1 - Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) !!!

 

[Thundarr]

When you refer to wooden actors, I'm going to assume you're not including Vera Farmiga in that group.

Personally I don't complain about jump scares and I don't get why people still do. Two ways to scare people, jump scares or sound and atmosphere. A horror film with just sound and atmosphere would get old after awhile. I'm not saying I love jump scares and I'm not saying I want a horror film to be full of them, but a few sprinkled throughout the film isn't a bad thing.

I agree with this. A lot of horror movies these days use too much of one over the other (usually jump scares), although this is often due to studio interference. Most horror remakes make this mistake (RZ's Halloween & PD's Friday The 13th come to mind in particular). Older horror films had a good balance of these two effects (John Carpenter's Halloween & Sean Cunningham's Friday The 13th being two great examples).

I felt The Conjuring used a fairly good balance between the two styles. It wasn't groundbreaking horror, but it successfully achieved what it was trying to be, which was a good creepy movie. And when I went to see it, I was going in with a completely clean slate. I had not watched one single trailer for the film (which may be why I was able to enjoy it more than others, as often times the trailer gives away far too much).

 

[Figs]

I agree with this. A lot of horror movies these days use too much of one over the other (usually jump scares), although this is often due to studio interference. Most horror remakes make this mistake (RZ's Halloween & PD's Friday The 13th come to mind in particular). Older horror films had a good balance of these two effects (John Carpenter's Halloween & Sean Cunningham's Friday The 13th being two great examples).

I felt The Conjuring used a fairly good balance between the two styles. It wasn't groundbreaking horror, but it successfully achieved what it was trying to be, which was a good creepy movie. And when I went to see it, I was going in with a completely clean slate. I had not watched one single trailer for the film (which may be why I was able to enjoy it more than others, as often times the trailer gives away far too much).

I've started to like director James Wan more as time goes by, so I just bought The Conjuring on Blu-ray without seeing it in the theaters. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Still trying to decide if I like it better than Insidious, I think it's a little better but I like both. I agree with you that The Conjuring had a good balance with the scares.

 

[redhawk23]

I don't think jump scares are inherently bad but when they are poorly done and poorly employed and aren't backed up with more quality from the rest of the aspects of the film they just come off as cheap. As part of a larger tool box though they are fine.

 

[Ant-manic]

I've started to like director James Wan more as time goes by, so I just bought The Conjuring on Blu-ray without seeing it in the theaters. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Still trying to decide if I like it better than Insidious, I think it's a little better but I like both. I agree with you that The Conjuring had a good balance with the scares.

that reminds me of something else. i'm glad that you liked the movie. but i actually just don't like James Wan's style. i don't know why. but his vision is the anti-vision for me. i guessed partway through that i was watching one of his movies. i mention that because i feel it's important to know that i didn't go into it with any bias, either. i just think Wan and i enjoy a different type of horror.

 

[66 Face]

I've started to like director James Wan more as time goes by, so I just bought The Conjuring on Blu-ray without seeing it in the theaters. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Still trying to decide if I like it better than Insidious, I think it's a little better but I like both. I agree with you that The Conjuring had a good balance with the scares.

I can't stand Wan but I do think The Conjuring is his best film to date. To be honest I think his haunt movies are three cracks at the same idea.

 

[Figs]

I can't stand Wan but I do think The Conjuring is his best film to date. To be honest I think his haunt movies are three cracks at the same idea.

I do agree with this. He does need to move on from posession and haunting type movies. Try something a bit different. Kind of like the first Saw film. That was the only good one in my eyes. Instead of focusing on new ways to kill people in all of the sequels, it was actually a bit more on the psychological side.

 

[redhawk23]

Well he's pretty much done with horror in general for a while, and on to making a Fast and Furious movie.

 

[Ant-manic]

from CNN's page...

The CW's rebooting 'Tales from the Darkside'

The CW's next project might be scary for all the wrong reasons.
The network is currently developing a reboot of the fan favorite horror anthology, "Tales from the Darkside," which ran from 1983 to 1988.

Created by George A. Romero, the original "Tales" was eerie, unnerving and popular enough to spawn a 1990 movie.
Now, The CW is hoping to "reinvent" Romero's series with Joe Hill - a.k.a., the son of Stephen King - on board as the project's writer.
According to Variety, the idea is to craft a half-hour series that could debut in the summer of 2014. Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, the producing pair from the "Star Trek" films and this year's freshman series hit, "Sleepy Hollow," are going to EP the new "Tales from the Darkside" along with Mitch Galin, Heather Kadin and Jerry Golod.


---

i'll take anything, at this point. but i'm also pretty cynical; expectations-wise.

 

[the last son]

Jump scares are all you really have today. I prefer a interesting story, something like Sinister, so if the story sucks the movie goes with it, why I hated Insidious, Paranormal, all that other stuff. Speaking of Paranormal, was that not the worst movie ever. I watched 50 minutes and nothing happened. I had to turn it off after that. I'm not waiting around that long.

 

[Teelie]

from CNN's page...

i'll take anything, at this point. but i'm also pretty cynical; expectations-wise.

I saw that earlier today but it doesn't impress me much. TV is full of failed or killed-too-early anthology series.

 

[Heretic]

I'm stunned and disappointed that SyFy can't get behind an update of one of the classic anthology series...and CW doesn't seem like a great fit for this sort of thing...but I'll give it a shot.

 

[Ant-manic]

Jump scares are all you really have today. I prefer a interesting story, something like Sinister, so if the story sucks the movie goes with it, why I hated Insidious, Paranormal, all that other stuff. Speaking of Paranormal, was that not the worst movie ever. I watched 50 minutes and nothing happened. I had to turn it off after that. I'm not waiting around that long.

yes, i had to be woken up. even the wayans brothers spoof of this movie was long and boring (and unfunny).

 

[Ant-manic]

I'm stunned and disappointed that SyFy can't get behind an update of one of the classic anthology series...and CW doesn't seem like a great fit for this sort of thing...but I'll give it a shot.

i kept hearing rumors about Jamie Foxx doing an anthology series for Syfy. i wonder if that's still going to happen. i'll need something since they are going another route with Tales from the Crypt.