31 on 31 for Halloween Day 15: House of 1000 Corpses

Back in the early 2000s, I remember hearing that Rob Zombie was going to be making a movie. It was going to be a horror film. At one point, I remember hearing it was to be released by Universal. Then word about it went dark. Then time began to move on with no word. I was a little worried that it would get lost to time or never even see a release. Then Lionsgate Films released into the world that film - House of 1000 Corpses. 

By that point in my life, I was just gearing up to be entering freshman year of high school. I had seen some horror films, but wasn't necessarily a horror junkie. Well, not like I am today. It was though round that time that I started hoping that one day I could start writing about horror films. But just didn't know how to go about doing it. I think I even had tried reaching out to Bloody-Disgusting for advice. And they were just starting out back then. 

I remember asking my Dad if I could rent it on pay-per-view. His response, "Are you sure? If you are, then go ahead and get it.". Looking back at those moments with my Dad, those are some of our best moments. He was really trying to just let me be me and helping figure that out. As much as the woman that birthed me (don't call her Mom and that's a story unto itself) and my sister had a hand in introducing me to horror, it was my Dad that really helped with my love for horror. Thank you, Dad.

I still remember that initial first watch. I had no idea what to expect going in. I had no idea what the film was going for. I just knew that this was a film that was shot in 2000 and then sat on the shelf for three years. So there was a bit of a hype for the film. And at first, I didn't like it. It felt too disjointed. I didn't understand the strong opening with Spaulding and the robbery gone wrong. I didn't understand who these characters were. It felt like random things were happening for the sake of happening. It just wasn't my thing. So I set it aside and didn't give much thought. It sat on a VHS tape to revisit some point. Well, ended up purchasing it on DVD later on. 

Now, remember I hadn't seen many 70s horror films nor the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre at that point. This kind of film just was unheard of for me. I knew some point that I'd revisit it. And a few years later I did around the time The Devil's Rejects was coming out. 

The difference was that I had seen more horror films. I had a much bigger appreciation for them too. I had seen some films with Bill Moseley and really dug him as an actor. I had seen a film or two pop up with the wonderful Sid Haig. Had heard about Hills Have Eyes so a certain actor - Michael Berryman had me interested. I had also begun hearing that Devil's Rejects was the next chapter and was serving as a different kind of film than House did. 

Boy, I am glad that I took the time to revisit it. I had begun to like it. It was still different than anything that I had seen before. It was a different approach and a bit of a love letter to the 70s horror. It had me excited for Devil's Rejects. Later on, I did see Devil's Rejects and that's a whole nother story for another time.

Now, one of the big things that sold me with House of 1000 Corpses is Sid Haig's performance as Captain Spaulding. It is so good. Here is a guy that just doesn't give a flying flamingo what anyone has to say. He just oozed humor along with a darker undertone of menace. He will not hesitate to just spout a slew of jokes in front of you if you were trying to rob him. This actually happens to two robbers that make the mistake of attempting to rob from him. You could tell that Haig enjoyed this role. And that's why it helped become very memorable when Spaulding isn't in the film for very long. Thank you, Sid. We miss you. 

Now, group of kids stop at Spaulding's Chicken and Gas. Chris Hardwick and Rainn Wilson were definitely the notables of this group. This was before both of them would become the big names they are today. So, it's kinda cool to see where they started out. Spaulding ends up telling the group bout Doctor Satan. Hardwick wants to find out more about this as they are writing a travel book. Guess it's like notable stops when traveling across the country. (Probably a better way to phrase it, but it's super early (3:30) and can't sleep.) 

Then we have Sheri Moon Zombie as Baby. At first, she's our hitchhiker that the group picks up. She lures our group of kids to further go out of their way. First seeing her, she doesn't seem to be very out there and is really friendly. However, it's not long before we see Baby enjoying delightfully killing anyone she can. Her performance is a bit of a fun one. She goes from zero to I'm gonna stab you pretty quickly. It definitely lays the foundation that would be more fleshed out in the next film. 

After our group gets to the Firefly house, we are introduced to more of the family. There is Otis played by Bill Moseley. This performance is fantastic. Unlike any of the other members of the Firefly clan, Otis has a sinister dark attitude. He takes so much glee in his savage humor. His actions are a whole nother level in the film as they move towards Manson-like levels. There is definitely a reason that people enjoy this performance so much. 

Next up, we are introduced to Mother Firefly (Karen Black), Grampa (Dennis Dimple), Rufus (Robert Miles) and Tiny (Matthew McGrory). This makes up the Firefly clan. It's interesting seeing the interactions between the whole family as there is a solid chemistry between them all. Mama Firefly is interesting because she seems to want to come off a bit youthful. So there's a bit of a weird motherly/sisterly feeling that comes off. Grampa is well Grampa. He fits in perfectly with this group of characters. He is a bit crass while a bit simple. Rufus is a bit of a blank slate. Yeah, he could be considered a huntsman type of the clan. But we don't get to spend a lot of time with him. And then there's Tiny. Tiny is a bit of a small character in the film. However whenever he's on screen, he steals the show. He is such a fantastic character that would have loved to have seen more of him. 

Now, the film oozes the Halloween atmosphere. Yeah, it takes place round Halloween time. But there's a difference between a film taking place and a film actually having that fall atmosphere in it. Another few good examples of films that oozes the Halloween atmosphere are Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers and Trick 'R Treat. It definitely makes it easy to recommend these for the spooky season. 

While the film moves at a decent pace, there are some moments where it feels like could have been tightened up just a little more. But I get why the film is the way it is. It's a callback to 70s horror. It's very distinct type of horror. And comes across as a nice double feature contender with Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1 or even 2. 

Ultimately the performances are great. The film is a bit of a fun horror ride. It definitely doesn't take itself seriously. And helped establish what Rob Zombie could do.

Rating: 3 out of 5. 

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Family is Forever: Halloween II

When Halloween '07 was released, it ended with a bang and had me wanting to see where the story could go next. I wasn't too sure as they literally ended with shooting Michael in the head (yeah, it's off screen but still). That's a pretty ballsy way to end a film. 

So when news began to trickle out that there would be a follow-up, I was ecstatic. Rob had already laid a solid foundation with his first film. He had resurrected (no pun intended) Michael and Haddonfield and introduced them to a whole new audience. I was ready to see just exactly how they were going to say Michael had survived a shot to the face. 

Ultimately the film was released in 2009. It received a lot of mixed reviews. It also received some decent ones as well as some really terrible ones. 

When I had the time to sit down with the film, I remember not enjoying it. I was flabbergasted. I was bamboozled. It didn't click with me whatsoever. Over time, I spent more time with it. And it slowly began to win me over. 

The first thing that struck me was the opening of the film. Immediately with a bang, we were thrown back into Haddonfield at the end of the 2007 film. Laurie had just shot Michael then we cut to her walking and Sheriff Bracket finding her. I was on board for this. I really love it when films take the time to respect the continuity that they build with their franchises. It shows that they also respect their fans. 

Then we were thrown to the hospital. Laurie going through surgery. Then having Annie at Laurie's bedside watching over her. This whole thing was gnarly. The consequences of running in with Michael were very evident. I think the part that gets me every time is when they remove the finger nails. It's so gross to the point where makes me squirm every time. 

I had also seen the original Halloween II. I was having some serious concerns on whether they would have the whole film in the hospital. I mean it could be done. But it had been done. Part of me was a bit skeptical as we progressed further into this sequence. By now, the White Horse imagery was full blown and everywhere. Then quickly Michael struck...

This was a more brutal Michael. He quickly took down the head nurse with precision. And deep stabbings. He is unrelenting in his pursuit of Laurie. Just when I expected something to happen, Rob pulls the rug out from underneath me and shows that it's been a year later and the whole opening of the film has been a dream sequence. 

I'll admit at first I was fuming that it was a dream sequence. It felt cheap. It felt like was wasting time. Over time, I've come to love it. It purely encapsulates how much it channels the feel of the old Halloween films. Well except that Michael has stepped up his brutality. It honestly feels like a solid homage to the original Halloween II. 

Once this was taken care of, Rob takes the rest of the time to do the unexpected. He tells his own story. He takes the characters and the world and does what he wants to do. And it's absolutely fantastic to see him unleashed.

She's been staying with Annie and her father. This is an aspect that I do love. It makes sense that Sheriff Bracket would take Laurie in after the death of her parents in the previous film. It's a bit like a family now as Bracket has two daughters. Plus he does have a scene where he gets to be the goofy dad. 

In this film, we are able to see the PTSD that happens when dealing with the aftermath. Laurie already is a mess. She's extremely on edge. It's at the point where she's severely lacking sleep cause of nightmares. She has been seeing a therapist. But apparently that hasnt been helping. Things are bad to the point where Laurie and Annie argue. The arguing happens a lot. It's a bit tragic as they finally seem like they on decent terms that a darkness happens. Laurie just seems to be lost, unsure of who she is. Just that she works at the record store in town with her two friends.

That all changes when money grubbing Dr. Loomis reappears in their lives as he releases a book. This book details the history of Michael. So much of it would be considered blood money as Lynda's Dad tries to attack Loomis. 

The bomb gets dropped in the new book - Laurie is Michael's sister. It shakes everything to the core. Laurie's whole world and life turned upside down. Suddenly it's becomes a little clear as to why Michael was targeting her.

During all these events, we witness Michael on the mend. He has been biding his time for the past year, slowly making his way home. He's also been having visions of his mother and her white horse. The goal to reunite the family. He ends up coming across a pack of hillbillies and shows them who he is. They don't stand a chance. 

The closer Michael gets, the more Laurie's visions become frequent. Almost a family bond mental link going. This is an aspect that I don't necessarily click with. I get it, but doesn't really jive. But again it's important to the story.

Laurie becomes unhinged upon discovering that she's Angel Myers. It's to the point where she consults her therapist and loses her sh--. Like one hundred percent bonkers to the wall ape sh--. She also loses it with Annie. And then bails on everything to go with her two friends to a Halloween party, cause that's safe. 

Michael returns to town and ends up at the Rabbit in Red. That was the club his mom worked at in the first film. The bouncer tries to be tough and Michael is quick to put an end to that. Literally crushing his face in with his foot. Michael then visits the owner and his girlfriend (?). Yeah, that goes about well as expected. 

Michael then sweeps across the Halloween party. The first of Laurie's friends murdered. Laurie and her second friend return to the Brackett's. Michael is quick and had already beat them there. Poor Annie finally taken off the board by Michael. Laurie's other friend is also dispatched and kidnaps Laurie.

It's quickly known that Michael has Laurie. Loomis sees this development on the news. It's a standoff as Michael and Laurie are held up in a shack with police outside. 

On the case of Loomis, he's a douchebag. He has taken everything that he could to make a name for himself. He doesn't give a damn about anybody really. He just all about the money. So he's Moneybags Loomis. 

He has a bit of a change of heart. Well at the very least, he wants to attempt to help. Whether or not it's for personal gain, that can be up to the viewer. I personally figure it was still an attempt to have something to write about. 

Michael finally has had enough of Loomis trying to stop him from reuniting family. He stabs Loomis to death. Laurie was having visions during this exchange. To the point where she was believing she was being held down by young Michael. But upon being released from these visions, she takes the knife and stabs Michael to death. 

Laurie exits the shed wearing Michael's mask. She's taken into custody and finds herself locked up in an asylum. 

At this point, I love the ending. This whole aspect is just astounding. Rob took everything and made it his own. He got to do whatever he wanted to in the wonderful sandbox. And he told such a grand scale. Even more considering it's a story told over two films. 

Having Laurie in an asylum is brilliant. It brings things full circle as Laurie has now been infected with the mental sickness that Michael had. In a sense, Michael did accomplish his goal. I know it's all left up to the viewer to interpret things. Personally, that's the way I take it. And I would have loved to seen Halloween 3 that picked up that storyline. It allows a wealth of potential. But alas, twas not to be. 

This is a film that many have overlooked. It's Rob Zombie leaving his mark on the Halloween franchise. He was able to take the kids gloves, that were present in the first film, off. Personally, I do enjoy the first one. But I have grown to love it so much. 

Happy 12 Years, Halloween II.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

(Give the flick a rewatch with an open mind.)

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Happy Halloween Michael: Rob Zombie's Halloween

Fourteen years. It's been fourteen years since Rob Zombie's Halloween hit theaters. I sit here thinking about it and not sure how to feel about it. 

The first thing is that I feel a bit old. I remember getting up and then driving down to my local theater. I was early and had to wait five minutes for it to open. It was the first screening as they didn't have a midnight release for it. 

I sat in my seat in the theater. I was probably five rows back. It was a good spot because could see the whole screen. I was the only one there. Within another minute, a mother and her son showed up. He didn't look to be more than eight years old. He sounded excited like his mom had let him watch the earlier films. 

Boy were they in for a surprise. The lights came down and the previews started. I forget what they even were. I just know the mom and her son were sitting two aisles ahead of me. Then the movie started...

The family breakfast moment immediately set the tone. It was nothing but pure Rob Zombie. The way the characters acted and talked to one another, it was very in the style of The Devil's Rejects. I sat back and laughed. Immediately I knew this was going to be different. 

For the mother and her son, however, it took them a little longer. After all the Michelle jokes, we had Michael being bullied in the bathroom. I kept thinking no wonder he turned out the way he did - he kept getting crapped on. I had to give some credit that when Michael finally starts pushing back, it was something to behold. And then we were introduced to Michael McDowell's Loomis. Entering stage right, full of himself with his long hippy dippy hair. Donald Pleasance Loomis this was not going to be. 

By this point, I was sold on the film. I was enjoying all the performances. Sheri Moon was doing a really fantastic job as Michael's mom. Her arc was a bit tragic to me. Because she was doing the best she could to keep things together for her family. Literally, Michael was her whole world. I didn't mind Daeg Faerch as young Michael. My only thing was that I felt he talked a little too much. If they would have him say one or two things, maybe just even to mom - it would have made things more powerful. William Forsythe was a whole nother level. The way he was just shouting and acting anyway he well pleased. It was an interesting take. 

Then the big moment happened. Michael blind sided the bully after school. It took me a few minutes before I realized that this was Daryl Sahara from Spy Kids. This was a whole new performance from him. Michael just beats the bully to death with the tree branch. 

It was at this point where I watched the mother and son get up and leave the theater. I'm guessing they were going to get their refund. I sat back in my chair and laughed. I was left watching the remainder of the film by myself. 

The film actually flew by after this. Michael's attack on Judith, Steve and Ronnie were all very powerful. Michael had finally had enough of Ronnie's crap and tied him to the chair before slitting throat. That is very brutal. The way the camera also tends to look right up into Michael's mask so creepy and unnerving. This was Michael in action. I felt a little bad for Steve. He was really in the wrong place in the wrong time. If only he hadn't came over, what would have happened to him. Plus he just really wanted a sandwich. Michael's assault on Judith was a whole nother thing. This is one part where I'd say it hurt the film. 

I understand that these scenes were a good chunk of the first half of the film. But if they would had have Michael shut the front door then we cut to Michael's mom arriving home, I don't think we wouldnt have lost anything. It may have made this whole portion stronger. 

Typically, we are then treated to scenes with Loomis and Michael. The interplay between these two in the beginning was great. We then see Michael just retreating into himself as the years go by. Thus leaving a lasting effect on Loomis. 

Loomis in this film was good. It was different from Donald Pleasance and did its own thing. It never felt like it was overstepping. Plus McDowell gets to show exactly how much of an effect everything had on him - leaving him a little jaded. 

The breakout scene. This was something that was outstanding. Yes, we got to see Bill Moseley as one of the guards transporting Michael. But we got to see Michael's brute strength as he snaps the chains off him. The jack o lantern mask that he wears is my favorite as well. It's a very iconic look. But Michael quickly makes work of the guards as the blood flies. This was everything I was hoping for. 

(Later on, I'd see the Unrated cut. I was expecting to really dig this version of the film. Previously I had kept unrated cuts as my go to versions of films. This one was a pass. I had loved the theatrical cut so much that seeing the unrated cut left a bad feeling. It was all due to a change being the omission of the asylum breakout with the guards to Michael stopping one of the workers from taking advantage of another inmate. It was the one thing that still is just too much. )

After this, then we enter familiar territory. It's a shortened version of the Carpenter film through the Rob Zombie lens. It's definitely a nice modern take. Even if some of the characters were a bit excessive. They took things a little farther. I enjoyed this second half of the film. But it partially plays things safe as events happen how we expect them to. 

Scout Taylor Compton delivers a terrific performance as Laurie Strode. It was more believable. It was less of a goody too shoes. She had a small amount of edge to her. Danielle Harris had an outstanding performance as Annie. Yeah, she was a bit similar to the previous incarnation. However, Harris has such a likeability that you can't help but care about her. Kristina Klebe rounds the three girls as Lynda. This is definitely an improvement. She feels less ditzy. She's more believable as well. Another great inclusion to the cast is Brad Dourif as Sheriff Bracket. Seeing the care that he has for Annie, it makes a more relatable performance. He doesn't want to deal with Michael being round, he just wants things to go according to plan. To the point, it's fun seeing him butt heads with McDowell. 

Overall, I love this film. This was a take that felt familiar yet modernized. Michael was a brute force. Nothing would get in his way once he set his sights on something. Plus the showdown with Laurie at the end in the old house. It was tense and memorable. Another of my favorite moments. The way the film ends with a literal bang. It left me wanting to see where the story would go next. I was excited. It was to the point where I saw the film three times that opening weekend.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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