Illustration by David McKenzie
Here are my top ten scary films to watch in the days leading up to Halloween. I hope you can view a few of them over the next few weeks.
#10 Insidious
Directed by James Wan. A married couple seeks to help their teenage son after he mysteriously falls into a coma in their attic and conventional medicine does not help. Supernatural and demonic events occur. The depictions of the supernatural entities will give you the creeps and the jumps. Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye.
#9 Sinister
Directed by Scott Derrickson. A down and out true crime writer finds a box of super 8 home movies in his new home, and discovers that the murder he is currently researching for his new book also points to serial killer whose history dates back decades. He also discovers a supernatural element to these murders. The film effectively creates a very real feeling of terror and dread that will have you often jumping out of your seat, and shielding your eyes. Stars: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, James Ransone, Fred Thompson.
#8 The Empty Man
Directed by David Prior. An ex-police officer searches for a missing girl, and encounters an occult organization that seeks to summon a demonic entity with horrendous implications for Humanity. Based on the graphic novels. This film contains psychologically disturbing scenes that may cause the viewer to question their reality. I am not kidding. Stars: James Badge Dale, Marin Ireland, Robert Aramayo, Jessica Matten, Stephen Root, Ron Canada.
#7 The Descent
Directed by Neil Marshall. A group of women go on a spelunking expedition in a cave system that they have never explored before, and encounter strange and terrifying hunters underground. A very visceral and taut horror/action/thriller that does not rely on any men to save the day. Amazingly well shot scenes in the caves. The sequel is not nearly as good (likely, because it wasn’t directed by Neil Marshall), but still worth viewing. Stars: Shauna Macdonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, MyAnna Buring, Nora-Jane Noone.
#6 The Wolfman
Directed by Joe Johnston. A man returns from America to his homeland in England in order to attend to his ailing father. At the same time there are reports of a beast attacking and eating people in the surrounding area. A Police Inspector is dispatched to investigate. This film contains the best special effects of a werewolf that I have seen to date, and the scene of the beast’s first transformation is brilliant. Atmosphere, thrills, acting, action, cinematography are also excellent. Stars: Benicio del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt and Hugo Weaving.
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