My Favorite Episodes...Tales From The Crypt

Ahh, Tales from the Crypt... a staple of my youth. I didn't get to see every episode when I was young, but there are several that I remember vividly. Upon a more recent viewing, it turns out they are as great as I remember them to be...

This series is, of course, based on the EC horror comics of the 1950's. The episodes were updated for the times, but always held that comic book feel. Hosted by The Crypt Keeper, a lot of the stories were about bad people, and how they got their comeuppance. There was typically a twist at the end of the episode, and the audience would be able to laugh at the turn of events.

Following are 10 episodes that I loved watching as I was younger, and still love watching even today, for the twists, the fun, and The Crypt Keeper...

...And All Through The House

This story was in the 1972 Tales from the Crypt anthology movie. An escape mental patient dressed as Santa terrorizes a woman who has just killed her husband on Christmas Eve. I've always had a soft spot for Christmas Horror, and this is just one of the reasons why. It's fast paced, funny and perfectly encapsulates The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year!

Dig That Cat... He's Real Gone

A mad scientist uses a hobo as his test subject to see if he can transplant a cat's 9 lives into a human, and he can! There are plenty of laughs to be had here, particularly Robert Wuhl as The Barker. The twist is something that will stay with you.

Revenge Is The Nuts

This also was part of the 1972 Tales from the Crypt movie. Sheila is brought to a state funded home for the blind. The cruel owner, Mr. Grunwald, has pushed the residents far enough with his sadistic games and mean spirit. Once the tables are turned, Mr. Grunwald doesn't think things seems quite so funny anymore.

Three's A Crowd

A jealous husband suspects his wife is having an affair with a successful friend. This is the darkest episode I can remember. There's nothing funny about this one, and you'll feel dirty by the end of it. Definitely a shocker...

Comes The Dawn

Colonel Parker and Sergeant Burrows are in the Alaskan wilderness hunting grizzly bears. It's illegal, but it will fetch them a pretty penny on the black market. They hire Jeri Drumbeater as a guide, but it seems Jeri has something different in store for the two men. This is a great episode with lots of atmosphere, and a twist that was unexpected until a recent horror hit made it obvious.

Four-Sided Triangle

A girl is being held against her will as a slave to a farmer and his wife. Does she have a well developed plan, or is the girl really crazy? This one you'll really enjoy watching how it unfolds.

The Secret

Theodore is a young man who is adopted by the Colberts. The couple seem very excited and, at the same time, very odd. The sense of urgency this episode creates is great. Should Theodore fear for his life? You decide.

About Face

Set in Victorian England, this tale centers on a prominent priest named Jonathan. He's not a very likable guy at home, but he is a well respected leader in society. A pair of twins come to him for help. They have no parents, and the woman who takes care of them recently died. Jonathan sees this as an inconvenience, but it would make him look even better in the eyes of the townsfolk, to take in these two unfortunate youths. Will Jonathan live to regret his decision?

Forever Ambergris

Two war photographers meet up again after some time apart. Ike used to be Dalton's apprentice, but now it seems Dalton has lost his edge. He becomes extremely jealous of Ike's talents. Dalton learns of a nearby village that has been decimated by germ warfare. He tricks Ike into going to take some pictures of the village. As it was planned, Ike contracts the deadly virus. Dalton steals Ike's pictures, and wins the day! Or will he?

Split Second

Steve Dixon is a lumberjack. A lumberjack with a super-hot wife. So, it is expected that Dixon would get jealous when his lumberjack employees stare at his wife, or when his wife talks to any of the men. When Ted comes to town, Mrs. Dixon shows an interest. He is immediately targeted by Dixon as a threat. Ted is beaten within an inch of his life, and is left blind. How would a lumberjack cope with being blind? What a great twist.

So, there they are, my 10 favorite Tales From The Crypt episodes. If you get a chance, check them out. You will NOT be disappointed.

Which of your favorite episodes did I miss? Let me know.

Screaming Like Banshees...

Horror movies are known for their Scream Queens. These are the ladies that have shown us that they can hit the appropriate decibel levels to create a great reaction to the on-screen scares. But don't forget the horror movie gentlemen who scream. "Screaming Like Banshees" is a new segment that highlights male screamers. And believe me, these are some of the best screams on the silver screen!

Jon-Jon, Hell High

You get no warning that this scream is coming. It's kind of unsettling, but in an awkward way.

Jesse, A Nightmare On Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge

Freddy always gets SOME reaction from his victims, but this was a little over the top.

Guys who scream always seemed a little silly to me. Maybe it's years of conditioning through Hollywood films that guys are the heroes of the story. Maybe it's the fact that I would like to think I wouldn't scream if put into a similar situation. Whatever it is, they always make for entertaining scenes.

The Life and Death of a Pumpkin

I saw this in October on another horror blog. I'm totally embarrassed that I don't remember which blog it was, but it's worth passing on. Enjoy...

The Exorcist (1973) Entered As Part Of The Horror Canon

I toyed with the idea of making the first entry into The Horror Canon a lesser known or less popular title, just to shake things up. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that the true horror classics were going to prove their belonging no matter what I tried to do. So, I just got out of the way and let the films speak for themselves. The first to stand up to the test...

Everybody has an opinion on this film. No matter if you love it or hate it, there's no denying the stamp this film has put on our culture. The Catholic Church has pronounced the actual film negative itself evil. Pea soup makes people think of only one thing. "The Power of Christ compels you!" has become a punchline. Everybody knows the reputation of the film, but do people realize that this is one of the scariest movies EVER?! Still today it is unsettling, uncomfortable, and exhausting to watch.

Directed by William Friedkin, and starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Jason Miller, and of course Linda Blair, The Exorcist won 2 Oscars (Best Sound and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium) and was nominated for 7 more. The script was written by William Peter Blatty, who adapted it from his own novel.

The film opens in Northern Iraq with some unsettling imagery, a palpable feeling of dread, and a creepy statue that we see again near the end of the film.

Throughout the film we have a great side story that comes into play later concerning Father Karras (Jason Miller) and his mother. The screen below is from Father Karras' dream. It's tense and leaves you with an eerie feeling.

Lt. Kinderman (Lee J. Cobb) checks out the staircase where Burke met his demise. It's all at once ordinary, sinister, and foreboding.

This abomination in the church is one of the more tame acts witnessed by the audience. The level of offensive verbal and physical battery dished out by young Reagan is still harsh, even by today's standards.

The pea soup... It's what most people first mention when this film comes up in conversation. It's abrupt, unexpected, and shocking.

This iconic scene marks the beginning of one of cinema's most well known battles between Good and Evil. We see Father Merrin arrive by cab...

...and then we see The Devil waiting to meet him. Reagan truly looks like a monster all through the second part of this film. The voice makes things all the more awful.

As the confrontation crescendos, the creepy statue from the beginning of the film shows itself once again. It's almost over, but the price to be paid is steep.

The aftermath...

Two dead priests. Despite all the demonic taunting and uncomfortable imagery, the audience is finally given peace, but at the cost of two good men's lives.

People believe this film is evil. I believe that this film has the power to scare, and get people thinking about what they believe...

And with that I give you The Exorcist, officially canonized in the world of horror cinema.

Camp Superlatives!

The Friday the 13th films... I am unable to view them subjectively anymore. I've seen them too many times to know if they suck, or are works of art. Regardless, here I pick some of my favorite moments and characters to award superlatives to.

Worst "Cool Guy" Who Totally Misses the Mark: Andy (Friday The 13th Part 3)

Andy is dopey, annoying, and has the dumbest haircut ever. We're supposed to like this guy?

Best Original Story Element: The Jason Hunter

(Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter)

He's the big brother of Sandy (Friday the 13th Part 2) and he's planning revenge.

Best Jason: Friday The 13th - The Final Chapter

Jason is relentless in this movie. He shows up where he's not expected, he plays dead, and he runs!

Weirdest Character: This Guy

(Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning)

This guy has no reason to be in the film other than to hike up the body count...and be a perv.

Cutest Camp Couple: Jeff & Sandy

(Friday The 13th Part 2)

These two can't seem to stay out of trouble, but we love 'em anyway. Their truck gets towed, they almost get arrested, they get dead.

Best Law Enforcement Official: Sheriff Tucker

(Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning)

It's awesome that this film FINALLY features a sheriff that ACTUALLY believes that Jason IS the killer...except that Jason is NOT the killer.

Worst Impression of a Teenager: Victor J. Faden

(Friday The 13th Part V: A New Beginning)

How was this guy cast as a teenager?! It just doesn't make any sense...

Most Uncomfortable Moment: Tie "I've got something real neat to show you up in my bedroom!" and "C'mon, climb up Miss."

Mrs. Jarvis is okay with Tommy taking strangers up to his bedroom. Maybe that is the root of all his emotional problems later on, and not Jason...

And Enos, the Dirty Old Man with the roamin' hands.

Scariest Moment: "He's Killing Me!"

(Friday The 13th: The Final Chapter)

It's dark. Trish can't see what's going on except that the Jason Hunter has bitten off more than he can chew. The way he screams makes the whole scene.

Best Red Herring: Steve Christy

(Friday The 13th)

Before anyone knew about Jason Voorhees and the 10 sequels and 1 remake, I bet everyone in the theater totally thought this guy was the killer.

Best Campfire: Friday The 13th Part 2

This is the best version of the Camp Crystal Lake back story I've ever heard. It's suitably creepy, totally effective, and ends with a laugh.

Best Town Crazy: Ralph, the original "Prophet of Doom"

(Friday The 13th & Friday The 13th Part 2)

Who else could it be? There are a few more characters like this in the series, but no one else get's to yell "Its got a death curse!"

Best Kill: Tie: Marcie (Friday The 13th) and Fox (Friday The 13th Part 3)

These are both brutal murders. Marcie's because you get to watch it as it happens, and see her character reacting to the situation. Fox's because you see the aftermath and think "How the crap did that happen?!"

Biggest Douche: Tie: Ned (Friday The 13th) and Scott (Friday The 13th Part 2)

It's so painful to watch every other character in the movie become increasingly annoyed with Ned. And Scott is so confident, but for seemingly no reason. I can't be alone in my dislike of these characters, can I?

Best Final Girl: Ginny Fields

(Friday The 13th Part 2)

Smart, funny, beautiful. Ginny is the best Final Girl of any slasher movie...ever.