Happy Halloween: Films to Make You Crap Your Pants
In honor of Halloween, All Souls Day, Dia de la Muerta, and all those good holidays that are generally good for a scare, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite spine tingling movies that freaked me out. Some might spend the hour of the witch in sexy costumes imbibing gruesome cocktails with all the ghouls and gals, but for those of you who want a good ole fright night, these films might be so terrifying you will have trouble waiting for the dawn.
1. Pan’s Labyrinth
This is a great sci-fi/horror cross-over. Mind-bendingly strange and frightening, it’s sure to mess with your mind and inhabit your dreams. Great for when you’re feeling like you want something that works on so many levels. Moral of the story: Monsters of the imagination cannot compete with the monsters cloaked in the guise of humanity.
2. The Ring (or the original Japanese Ringu)
My first encounter with these films was when I was out in London. I spent the day gallery hopping and found myself at the Serpentine Gallery in the late afternoon needing a bit of a break. I thought I’d sit and take in an easy movie in one of their galleries. I went with the one that was touted as a “traditional Japanese folk-tale.” I went for Ringu and had problems sleeping for two days. If your friends haven’t heard of it, even better! Sneak out for a bathroom break or for popcorn and call their cell phones! Instant fun.
3. The Shining
The Granddaddy. I’ve watched this film numerous times through my fingers. Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall rock! It’s the ultimate freak-out that’s still sooooo good. I get scared at the good parts even though I know what’s going to happen next. That’s the test of a great horror film.
This was a big deal when it came out in 1974. It was re-made in 2003 with Jessica Biel. There’s also a sequel of sorts in 2006 with Matt Bomer. Interestingly, the original of this film doesn’t actually have explicit bloody torture scenes like what we’re used to. It relied on the imagination of the viewers and suggestion. Does it scare so much now? See for yourself. Bwwwahhahaahaa!!
Zombies! From 10 years ago! Still damn scary! Viruses and creepiness. Fun times. WoooOOO!!
Have an excellent Halloween, everyone! And if you’ve got a favorite scary movie, share your favorite ones so other people might have other suggestions to watch. Everyone wants to crap their pants on Halloween!
