This the season to be merry – la-la la-la la-la-la or no, wait, it’s still October! Well that just means holiday horror movies it is. This week I’ve watched three new to me horror movies (I know, who am I?) and all of them were actually quite okay. The first one was a bit of a miss but the second two were fun. All of these fall into the horror comedy genre which means they are great also for actual holidays. Cause nothing brings joy more than a holiday horror movie where everyone dies.
3. BETTER WATCH OUT (2016)
This strange Christmas movie puts a twist on everything. One minute you think you have it all figured out and the next you’re thrown into a new twist. It follows a teen girl who has to babysit a 12yo boy. Suddenly a brick is thrown through a window and things get a little crazy from there. I think I enjoyed this one but there’s not a lot of gore here. It’s not necessarily a deal breaker but I sort of wanted more. To be fair it might be a rating thing which is fine. So if you want something that is completely bonkers but not too bloody Before Watch Out is just for you. The acting was great and the kid who played the 12yo boy was very good. I was rooting for him and I had no reason to do so.
2. KRAMPUS (2015)
Hadn’t seen this one but man, do I wish I had! Krampus is a fun take on Santa and his dark side. Focusing on a bit of a dysfunctional family trying to enjoy Christmas until Krampus comes to hunt them down. Krampus has minions, for instance gingerbread men and a scary angel. It’s dark, sinister and pure fun throughout. Adam Scott and Toni Collette are wonderful here but Krampus himself wins the show here. He oozes terror and would ruin everyone’s Christmas if he could. The ending was perfect and I definitely need to watch this one during the holiday season.
1. GREMLINS (1984)
Growing up in the 90’s and in Estonia, Gremlins were never the go to Christmas adventure. We had Home Alone (we still show it) but I don’t recall Gremlins ever being a thing here. So I for some reason had no idea what this movie was really about when I sat down to watch it! This is kind of like a kids horror movie for those edgy children who aren’t afraid of anything. The Mask scared me so I’m not sure what Gremlins would have done to my child brain but the adult me loved it. I especially loved Gizmo, he was like the Furby I never had. So of course I’m really glad I decided to finally watch this because it’s definitely will be one my Holiday staples from now on.
THIS SERIES IS CREATED BY WANDERING THROUGH THE SHELVES
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We match with Gremlins and Krampus! 😀
I still have to see Better Watch Out.
Wooo!
Ohhh Gremlins is an amazing pick! I love horror comedies and haven’t seen Better Watch Out so that’s going straight onto the watch list 🙂
Yes, horror comedies are the best thing in 2020 I feel like. Scary but still light enough for enjoyment. 😛
We share a match with Gremlins. How can anyone hate those Gremlins? They did that town a favor by killing off that evil old bitch.
I cannot remember a single death in the movie… how is that possible!? 😀
We match on Gremlins! Now I seriously want to watch Krampus!
Gremlins was a super popular choice this week it seems. 😀
I’ve only seen Gremlins which for a horror film has a lot of humor and its own particular charm. I’ve heard of the others but doubt I’ll ever see them.
I surprised even myself this week by having my three come to me right away.
Hellbent (2004)-Police tech Eddie and his group of gay friends are celebrating the holiday at the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival and wander off to the nearby woods to see the site of a recent murder where two lovers were decapitated with a sickle by a maniac. With the woods full of revelers they don’t think a thing about the bare-chested guy in a devil’s mask carrying a scythe who seems to be following them……but they should!!
Trick or Treat (1986)-Eddie Weinbauer (Marc Price) is a typical all-American teenager until he falls under the evil spell of ROCK MUSIC! Now he’s obsessed with the recently deceased Heavy Metal superstar Sammi Curr who perished in an inferno of fire. As Halloween approaches Eddie is gifted with an unreleased demo of Sammi’s last album “Songs in the Key of Death” by his DJ friend Nuke (Kiss frontman Gene Simmons). He discovers by playing the demo backward he can summon Sammi’s malign spirit who instructs him on how to settle the score with the bullies who torment him leading to all hell breaking loose! On top of all that you get Ozzy Osbourne as rock-hating TV evangelist!!
Who Slew Auntie Roo? (1971)-Mrs. Forrest (Shelley Winters) is affectionately called Auntie Roo by the staff and kids of the nearby orphanage who see her as a kindly eccentric who throws a lavish Christmas party for them every year. However she’s really a deeply disturbed whack job who keeps her dead daughter in the attic nursery. At this year’s party Auntie Roo spies Katy (Chloe Franks) who reminds her of her late little girl and who she imprisons in the nursery. When nobody believes him it’s up to Katy’s brother Christopher (Mark Lester) to go head to head with the demented lady and bust his sister outta there! Shelley frequently chews the scenery but good in this reworking of Hansel & Gretel.
Sounds good. Krampus surprised me a lot but I can see why you wouldn’t watch that one.
Better Watch Out is one I want to watch.
I think Gremlins was quite popular where I’m from, I vaguely remember it being shown on TV in the 90s. But of course, nothing can top Home Alone as the movie to air during the Christmas holidays.
I know right!? Home Alone is my childhood Christmas movie and I will forever watch it. 😀