An Outposter’s odyssey through some spooky chills continues as All Hallows Eve approaches. So what else has BlastofsilenceJJ been watching, and in this case reading, to give himself goosebumps on his lead in to Halloween? Let’s find out…
11. Apostle (2018) – Director: Gareth Evans
Action director Gareth “The Raid” Evans accounts for himself pretty well in the folk horror genre. Thomas, played by Dan Stevens, sets sail to an island inhabited by a cult to find his sister. Not exactly clear-headed himself, Thomas is battling demons of his own.
Thinking on his feet, he goes to the island to investigate. Michael Sheen is the cult leader. He’s an excellent actor who brings a certain levity to his roles, even this one. Kudos.
Mysteries are revealed with decent twists and turns that give way to good action set pieces. Some gore and torture ensue. I really like folk horror and this one somewhat delivers, although it probably will never be mentioned with the classics. Watch it on Netflix
12. Eden Lake (2008) – Director: James Watkins
3 Word review:
Pissed Me Off.
Stars Michael Fassbender and Kelly Reilly, her of True Detective season 2 and Yellowstone fame. I don’t want to talk about it. Streaming on Prime. Now leave me be.
13. Halloween Havoc (1991) – Wrestling
I challenge any of you to find a more ridiculous spectacle than this. And yet, it’s one of my fondest childhood memories. Especially the first match on the card. The Chamber of Horrors match had a very unique premise.
It was two teams locked in a cage. Team “A” had the 7’72 giant El Gigante, Rick and Scott Steiner, and Sting. Team “B” Big Van Vader (complete with smoke-spraying headgear), The Diamond Stud (Scott Hall) working a terrible gimmick, Cactus Jack, and lastly Abdullah the Butcher.
To win this match you must put an opponent in an electric chair that was lowered mid-match on a platform that almost killed Cactus Jack when it came down, pull a lever, and “render an opponent helpless” they said. It’s ugly and chaotic.
There are weapons galore and wooden caskets in every corner with masked men jumping out of them. It has to be seen to be believed. Abdullah and Cactus bleed buckets of blood, of course. The lever keeps screwing up and falling as they fight. It all culminates in an electrifying finale. Sparks fly as an unfortunate wrestler gets cooked and the ring catches on fire. Pure 90’s awesomeness. Watch it again on Peacock.
14. Deep Red (1975) – Director: Dario Argento
Considered by many to be a genre best, Italian horror icon Dario Argento delivers Deep Red. This Giallo has everything a fan could ask for. In the tradition of many entries of this particular style, we have a mysterious black-gloved killer on a murder spree leaving mutilated bodies in his wake. It’s up to pianist Marcus Daily and reporter Gianna to find out who it is.
Twists, turns, and red herrings abound. Beautifully made, Argento is an innovative director with the lighting and camera work setting this film apart. The score, performed by Prog rock band Goblin, is incredible and adds a frenetic energy to the proceedings. Look out for the creepy dolls. Arrow video has a 4k box set that may be this film’s definitive release. Streaming on Pluto TV for you this Halloween.
15. Grindhouse Purgatory Magazine
Another Last Movie Outpost favorite, this gone-too-soon DiY ‘zine is dedicated to all the sleaze the streets of New York city can muster. It is also written by a guy with an encyclopedia’s worth of horror knowledge. 42nd Street Pete lived it all and it’s seeped into his veins.
Inside are informative articles, black and white photos of movie stills, and pictures of the infamous dredges of society that frequented those old Grindhouse movie theaters. First-hand accounts of drunken adventures give way to near-death experiences, then to seedy hookups in even seedier places.
It’s all here to be enjoyed in the sanctity of your own home. You won’t even need a whore bath afterward. Amazon still has almost all of the issues at a good price for those of you written word purists out there.
Halloween approaches. As does another installment of this Outposter’s 31 Chills Of Halloween. Stay tuned…