13 Nights of Halloween: Night #13: Wrong Turn

It's Halloween! Yay! Tonight's movie is "Wrong Turn" starring Eliza
Dushku. Don't be confused by the other movie of the same name that came out a couple of years later. There is a Wrong Turn II also, which is the sequel to this one. As long as you have Eliza you've got the right one, she's on the cover of the DVD box. Also of note is horror veteran Julian Richings who was in "Urban Legends" and Stephen King's "Kingdom Hospital". Speaking of King, note that Eliza's character is named Jessie Burlingame. Cute eh? Also in the cast we have both Lindy Booth and Kevin Zegers who were in the "Dawn of the Dead" remake.

Once again we are graced with a movie bearing special effects by Stan Winston. The three characters he visually created with his designs and makeup effects are spectacular. Now I'm going to tell you my biggest impression of this move. This movie is in many ways what the "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" remake should have been like (I like the remake, don't get me wrong), particularly up until the movie's turning point. In particular is the absolutely stunning scene that is exactly right straight out of your worst nightmare ever. That's right, this has one of the "nightmare moments" I was talking about the other night, and wow, is it nightmarish. You've got to see it! Happy Halloween everyone!

Mood: thrilled.
Music: Halloween by Helloween.

13 Nights of Halloween: Night #11: Dead & Buried

Tonight I have a movie for you that I had never heard of until I
tripped across it looking around online for new and different horror movies. It's called " Dead & Buried". As the tagline and PR materials point out it is from the writers of "Alien", in particular Dan O'Bannon. What's nice to see, and he's the only nameable actor in it I'm aware of, is a small part played by Robert Englund. The DVD edition I bought was the two disc uncut widescreen from Blue Underground. I haven't listened to them yet but the DVD comes with three commentary tracks. There are also a lot of extras on the second disc. The featurettes all contain bits of one particular scene that had an impact on everyone cast and audience.

This scene involved a special effect by Stan Winston, who did most of the special effects for this movie, with notable exception of the one that no one likes the looks of. Stan's effects are pretty spectacular even aside this haunting one that just grips everyone. You'll know it when you see it, and I won't mention the nickname I've given it for fear of tainting your impression of it. There is also one scene where it turns out the Oscar for acting should go to a dummy, but I doubt anyone can spot it, nor should they try. Besides the cool effects we have an even cooler story in this movie. I've likely said too much already, so go watch and ignore what I've said until the credits roll.

Mood: hurried.
Music: Halloween Theme 2007 by Tyler Bates.