Comments, Suggestions & Feedback for the 2009 "October Horror Movie Challenge"...

[SethDLH]

While I didn't participate this year, I definatly plan to do so next year. Specific genre days would be awesome. It would be like a mini-marathon once or twice a week (depending on how many sub-genres were chosen). And that is always a blast.

[cinemaphile]

Originally Posted by clckworang

OK, the problems I have with some of the suggestions for changing the 31 Films subset.

The genre idea is too similar to the other checklist that many people are already doing...

I couldn't DISagree more.

The 31 films subset is a good idea (especially for those who know we won't come close to 100), but genres add flexibility, rather than a rigid "watch this film whether you like it or not."

and in case you missed it, there would still be a film for each day that you could discuss, BUT... as an alternative, participants could choose instead to go with the genre.

Discussion-wise, it would increase discussion, because in addition to people discussing the featured film, we can get/give recommendations and people could get great ideas for other films to watch for the main challenge.

As for the checklist, just because they both involve genres doesn't mean they can't coexist. That's like saying "why have a 31 horror film challenge? - we already have a horror film challenge!"
Besides, that is just a LIST, this is a DISCUSSION thread.

[clckworang]

^^ Yeah, I read that there would be a suggestion for that genre. But if you have a zombie day, there are so, so many films that you can watch. And the discussion would have to veer into very vague terrritory. You couldn't go into deep plot details because there would have to be the presumption that people haven't seen the film. Hell, there would have to be the presumption that people didn't even see the featured film.

And as for gaining recommendations, that's also how the general thread is used. That's where I went to find out some Hammer films I should watch. That's where people recommended a lot of different movies, like the killer bed one that a lot of people ended up watching.

The genre idea is just too vague. That's why the checklist is just a list and not a discussion thread. There's so many different ways to complete the checklist that it wouldn't lend itself well to discussion, and I think that's the same for a genre a day thing.

[Numes]

Originally Posted by clckworang

^^ Yeah, I read that there would be a suggestion for that genre. But if you have a zombie day, there are so, so many films that you can watch. And the discussion would have to veer into very vague terrritory. You couldn't go into deep plot details because there would have to be the presumption that people haven't seen the film. Hell, there would have to be the presumption that people didn't even see the featured film.

And as for gaining recommendations, that's also how the general thread is used. That's where I went to find out some Hammer films I should watch. That's where people recommended a lot of different movies, like the killer bed one that a lot of people ended up watching.

The genre idea is just too vague. That's why the checklist is just a list and not a discussion thread. There's so many different ways to complete the checklist that it wouldn't lend itself well to discussion, and I think that's the same for a genre a day thing.

I'm 100% with clckworang (and others) on this one. The whole genre idea would defeat the purpose of the 31 specific movies. The zombie genre is the perfect example. There are so many zombie movies, if you want to discuss a random one, that is what the general thread (and the checklist) is for. The 31 movies is so that a more detailed discussion can spawn about a specific movie.

[cinemaphile]

well if it's specific days and not category/featured, then I don't think I'll be participating.

Now please understand, I am NOT trying to be like "do it my way or I'll take my ball and go home!" - I'm just saying that I think I'll personally probably choose to pass on it if it's 31 specific films. You guys have fun, though!

[Numes]

Originally Posted by cinemaphile

well if it's specific days and not category/featured, then I don't think I'll be participating.

Now please understand, I am NOT trying to be like "do it my way or I'll take my ball and go home!" - I'm just saying that I think I'll personally probably choose to pass on it if it's 31 specific films. You guys have fun, though!

I think it's a bit shortsighted to just arbitrarily not participate. I only viewed 6-8 of the 31 titles this year, but that doesn't mean I'm going to just ignore the sub-challenge all-together. I enjoyed the discussions that ensued for the titles I did watch and I have already put some titles from this years 31 movies on my wishlist for next year. I am anticipating next year that I will make a more concerted effort to purchase/obtain the titles in the 31 movies thread. This year was my first year in this challenge, so I had probably 50+ unwatched titles at my disposal, therefore I wasn't bold enough to seek out new titles until I realized that I enjoy horror movies a lot more than I thought I did. As I said before, if you want to focus on sub-genres, feel free to comment on your sub-genre choice in the general thread, but there is no reason to ignore the 31 movies thread if you have viewed one of the movies.

[Trevor]

Good points Numes. And remember everyone, the main point is discussion. So even if you don't watch that film on that day, but have watched it in the past (or not), you can still join the discussion.

[edwardnortonfan]

Originally Posted by Trevor

Good points Numes. And remember everyone, the main point is discussion. So even if you don't watch that film on that day, but have watched it in the past (or not), you can still join the discussion.

I think that bit me this time around, I kept forgetting we could participate even if we didn't watch the movie this specific year. There were a lot of movies on the list that I've seen, just not during the challenge. But a lot of the time, other people would get there first and I'd be like..."Yeah, what he said" and not have much to add. I liked reading your take on "Horror of Dracula." When I was a kid, it was my favorite vampire movie, so I'm terrified to watch it now and find out it's really horrible when viewed through adult eyes.

[edwardnortonfan]

Originally Posted by cinemaphile

well if it's specific days and not category/featured, then I don't think I'll be participating.

Now please understand, I am NOT trying to be like "do it my way or I'll take my ball and go home!" - I'm just saying that I think I'll personally probably choose to pass on it if it's 31 specific films. You guys have fun, though!

I don't understand this statement. How can you know in advance you won't want to discuss a particular film in depth on a certain day next year? I mean, if you've seen the film and you have an opinion about it, why not discuss it when there's a day set aside specifically to discuss that particular film? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, I just really don't get why it's such a drag to have an opportunity to discuss a specific film in depth. The regular discussion thread can be a good place to go off about how you love zombie movies or slashers or any other subgenre. People did a lot of that this year (which is why we got the discussion thread closed and Chad had to open part 2, we ramble a lot around here). But to have a thread where you take a specific film and go to town talking about that film, I really don't see how that can be a bad thing, even if you don't watch all the films and just chime in on the ones you've seen.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by edwardnortonfan

I liked reading your take on "Horror of Dracula." When I was a kid, it was my favorite vampire movie, so I'm terrified to watch it now and find out it's really horrible when viewed through adult eyes.

I wouldn't say it's anywhere near horrible, I really like it. But those little "errors" just really bothered me. Maybe some days I'd let them slide, heck, we could probably all pick out stupid illogical moments or flaws in almost any film. Perhaps I was overly critical because it had the potential to be so much better. Some really nice performances.

I'm still curious as to others' takes on that.

[cinemaphile]

Originally Posted by edwardnortonfan

I don't understand this statement. How can you know in advance you won't want to discuss a particular film in depth on a certain day next year? I mean, if you've seen the film and you have an opinion about it, why not discuss it when there's a day set aside specifically to discuss that particular film?
....I really don't see how that can be a bad thing, even if you don't watch all the films and just chime in on the ones you've seen.

well these last couple posts have clued me in to something I hadnt thought of. I thought we had to rewatch it on that day to participate. If we can simply discuss it if we've EVER seen it, then that's flexible enough for me to jump in here and there, even if I don't technically do the 31-days thing.

Again, I wasn't trying to be a self-centered jerk or anything, I just knew I would not have access to all the films on specific days, as my collection is relatively small, i can't afford blind buys, the rental stores around me suck, and my library's selection is limited.

[Pizza]

I greatly enjoyed reading the 31 days subset but I must admit that I didn't watch many of the films on the day they were scheduled. Maybe next year, and I'm just brainstorming here, make it say 10 movies. That might make it easier for people to plan the movies into their schedule and leave a couple of day to debate it. I watched 65 flicks this time out and if I had watched the entire subset list that would have been half my movie watching. Again, I loved reading the comments and made a point to read the list almost daily. Great Job Tremor!

[Chad]

Hey, I've noticed it's relatively quiet for this late in the year! I'm hoping the resounding silence is a sign that people are pretty much content with the way things are and hopefully not because of waning interest.

I'll obviously post the discussion thread on 9/1 and we'll have the usual month to decide whatever, but there are certain matters I'd like to gauge interest in and possibly even get out of the way now:

-Commentaries. Usually a poll is held and the "With or Without" option always reigns supreme. With last year's very few voted and it's continued to remain unchanged. Would anyone be terribly offended if I didn't bother with one this year?

-31 Days Subset. Trevor, I know you were contemplating not continuing with this -- current thoughts?

Initially I wasn't big on having a separate thread, but I eventually warmed up to the idea and really enjoyed reading it, despite not participating much in the conversation itself. I guess, like others, I thought some of the choices were a little too much on the "mainstream" side. Anyway, whatever decision is made I'd like to see this continued regardless of whether or not there's a separate thread (separate is my preference), and even if that means containing it within the discussion thread I think it'll still garner enough interest. Besides, it's a blast coming up with the list and anything that helps assist with the decision of what to watch is alright in my book. My two cents.

[Trevor]

Getting antsy Chad?

Not a lot of time right now, but quickly, yep, I'm game and think with fine tuning the subset is a great idea. I'm thinking maybe just two films as set in stone, on the 13th and 31st, but then maybe allowing the other 29 to be chosen by vote, or the top 29 finishers of last year, or something.

I was thinking that the more inclusive the better has worked well on other challenges, and maybe arguing for commentaries and even TV (gasp!). But the more I think about it, I like the purity of the Horror Challenge being about watching scary movies straight up, and would even be fine with losing the wild cards (gasp). But then, I'm easily swayed and could change my mind about anything besides my sexuality and my faith.

[Chad]

Giles? Porn! What?!

Originally Posted by Trevor

Getting antsy Chad?

I tend to get a little paranoid when things get quiet for too long.

Originally Posted by Trevor

Not a lot of time right now, but quickly, yep, I'm game and think with fine tuning the subset is a great idea. I'm thinking maybe just two films as set in stone, on the 13th and 31st, but then maybe allowing the other 29 to be chosen by vote, or the top 29 finishers of last year, or something.

I was thinking that the more inclusive the better has worked well on other challenges, and maybe arguing for commentaries and even TV (gasp!). But the more I think about it, I like the purity of the Horror Challenge being about watching scary movies straight up, and would even be fine with losing the wild cards (gasp). But then, I'm easily swayed and could change my mind about anything besides my sexuality and my faith.

Sounds good. And you've just reminded me of another topic that eventually needs to be dealt with. Much later.

[Chad]

Oh yeah, here's the obligatory sneak peak of TCM's qualifying titles for those who prefer to plan their schedule in advance:

ALL TIMES EASTERN
October 3
6:00 AM - White Zombie (1932) BW-67 mins
7:30 AM - I Walked With A Zombie (1943) BW-69 mins

October 4
7:45 AM - Mad Love (1935) BW-68 mins

October 8
3:30 AM - Black Moon (1934) BW-69 mins 

October 9
2:15 AM - Evil Dead 2: Dead By Dawn (1987) C-84 mins
3:45 AM - Horror House (1969) C-92 mins

October 10
6:00 AM - Tales Of Terror (1962) BW-89 mins
7:30 AM - The Pit And The Pendulum (1961) C-80 mins

October 11
6:30 AM - The Body Snatcher (1945) BW-78 mins
7:45 AM - Isle Of The Dead (1945) BW-72 mins

October 15
5:00 AM - Son Of Kong (1933) BW-70 mins
1:00 PM - I Married A Monster From Outer Space (1958) BW-78 mins
2:30 PM - The War of the Worlds (1953) C-85 mins

October 16
9:00 AM - The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) BW-110 mins
12:30 AM - The Lodger (1944) BW-84 mins
2:00 AM - Videodrome (1982) C-88 mins

October 17
6:00 AM - Freaks (1932) BW-62 mins
7:30 AM - The Devil Doll (1936) BW-78 mins
4:30 PM - 20 Million Miles To Earth (1957) BW-83 mins

October 18
4:30 AM - The Ghost Ship (1943) BW-69 mins
6:00 AM - The Walking Dead (1936) BW-65 mins
7:30 AM - Bedlam (1946) BW-79 mins 
12:00 AM - The Phantom of the Opera (1925) BW-90 mins
2:00 AM - Vampyr - Der Traum des Allan Grey (1932) BW-72 mins
3:30 AM - The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967) C-108 mins

October 20
8:00 PM - Mr. Sardonicus (1961) BW-90 mins
9:45 PM - Strait-Jacket (1964) BW-93 mins
11:30 PM - The Tingler (1959) BW-82 mins
1:00 AM - 13 Ghosts (1960) BW-82 mins
2:30 AM - The Old Dark House (1963) BW-86 mins 
4:00 AM - The Old Dark House (1932) BW-72 mins

October 23
10:00 PM - Dragonwyck (1946) BW-103 mins

October 24
6:00 AM - The Corpse Vanishes (1942) BW-63 mins
7:30 AM - Mark Of The Vampire (1935) BW-61 mins
9:30 AM - The Twonky (1953) BW-73 mins
11:00 AM - Son Of Kong (1933) BW-70 mins
2:15 PM - Poltergeist (1982) C-115 mins
4:15 PM - The Hound Of The Baskervilles (1959) C-87 mins

October 25
6:00 AM - Doctor X (1932) C-76 mins
7:30 AM - The Mystery Of The Wax Museum (1933) C-77 mins
8:00 PM - The Blob (1958) C-82 mins
9:30 PM - Die, Monster, Die! (1965) C-79 mins
12:30 AM - Nosferatu (1922) BW-89 mins
2:15 AM - Diabolique (1955) BW-116 mins

October 27
8:00 PM - Poltergeist (1982) C-115 mins
10:00 PM - The Power (1968) C-109 mins
12:00 PM - The Haunting (1963) BW-112 mins
2:00 AM - Village Of The Damned (1960) BW-77 mins

October 30
7:15 AM - The Mask Of Fu Manchu (1932) BW-68 mins
8:30 AM - The Ghoul (1933) BW-81 mins
10:00 AM - The Black Room (1935) BW-68 mins
11:15 AM - The Walking Dead (1936) BW-65 mins
12:30 PM - The Man They Could Not Hang (1939) BW-70 mins
1:45 PM - The Man With Nine Lives (1940) BW-74 mins
3:00 PM - Before I Hang (1940) BW-62 mins
4:15 PM - The Ape (1940) BW-62 mins
5:30 PM - The Devil Commands (1941) BW-64 mins
6:45 PM - Isle Of The Dead (1945) BW-72 mins
12:00 AM - Psycho (1960) BW-109 mins
2:00 AM - Zaat (1972) C-100 mins
3:45 AM - Swamp Thing (1982) C-90 mins

October 31
6:00 AM - The Woman In White (1948) BW-109 mins
8:00 AM - Dead of Night (1945) BW-103 mins
10:00 AM - The Haunting (1963) BW-112 mins
12:00 PM - The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971) C-95 mins
1:45 PM - Diary of a Madman (1963) C-97 mins
5:00 PM - Cat People (1942) BW-73 mins 
6:30 PM - The Curse of the Cat People (1944) BW-70 mins
8:00 PM - Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1941) BW-113 mins
10:00 PM - Murders in the Zoo (1933) BW-66 mins
11:15 PM - The Body Snatcher (1945) BW-78 mins 
12:45 AM - Circus of Horrors (1960) C-87 mins
2:00 AM - Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde (1932) BW-96 mins 
3:45 AM - The Son of Dr. Jekyll (1951) BW-78 mins

Not too shabby. As usual, even though it was quadruple-checked there's always the possibility something was overlooked.

[Trevor]

^^ Hmmm. Suspense!

[Mister Peepers]

Fox Movie channel was also a good one to check during October.

[Dimension X]

1:45 PM - Diary of a Madman (1963) C-97 mins

[SanityRemoved]

I prefer more inclusive rules. Commentaries, TV, documentaries etc. if it's horror it's fine, besides, Charlie Brown gets a free ride every year. October only comes once a year and I actually try to stay away from horror movies that I have previously viewed for the remainder of the year. So that gives me(and others) thirty days to knock it all out. I value the Challenge for the introduction to horror films that I haven't seen. I would like to see a thumbs up/down or a plus(+)/minus(-) rating on films watched. Something to help identify worthwhile flicks.

[Giles]

Originally Posted by Chad

Giles? Porn! What?!.

you weren't supposed to see that comment

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by Giles

you weren't supposed to see that comment

I was more surprised to see that he was still on the newbie page settings.

[JOE29]

Originally Posted by Trevor

.

Another idea would be to have genre nights instead of specific film nights. Each of the following could be a night: a vampire film, zombie, Frankenstein, Giallo, silent, holiday, outer space, Stephen King, Bava, Fulci, werewolf, aliens, killer animals, serial killer, etc.
.

I would like this more. It gives you more options on a movie to watch that would be acceptable in the forum on any given day.

[caligulathegod]

I prefer the purity of this challenge. It's about Horror Movies, my first love, and not a bunch of other stuff. Sci-Fi and Holiday needs TV, but Horror doesn't Wild Cards are there for the half dozen exceptions, like Charlie Brown. I don't want to vote on the commentaries issue, either, as that has been played out and it's a dead issue. The people have spoken and it's easier to follow my own conscience and abstain than it is to convince everyone else to follow my lead. I didn't even ban commentaries on my own challenge (although with a tweak, since I consider it an intrinsic part of the b-movie challenge to actually subject yourself to the awfulness). So please consider the commentary issue settled.

I love Trevor's idea of a genre night rather than a specific movie night. A genre night allows more interactivity and creativity on the participant's part while maintaining individuality.

MGMhd has been showing some good high def horror movies. I just watched the Monster that Challenged the World and Blood On Satan's Claw and taped It the Terror From Beyond Space. Unfortunately, they only have their schedule 2 weeks in advance.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by JOE29

I would like this more. It gives you more options on a movie to watch that would be acceptable in the forum on any given day.

Originally Posted by caligulathegod

I love Trevor's idea of a genre night rather than a specific movie night. A genre night allows more interactivity and creativity on the participant's part while maintaining individuality.

First, I'm not sure it was originally my idea. Like most of the things that are "mine" here (the checklists, the exclusives threads, the 31 films in 31 days), I think I mainly just adapt and champion other's ideas. I had an original idea once, but that bastard Gore took credit for this internets thing.

And actually, the more I think about the "genre night" possibility, the more I'm not so sure. One nice thing about the specific film discussion was that we didn't need to worry about spoilers. If you were in that thread, you knew that we were planning to discuss movie x in detail. But with a genre night, there may be 30 different movies being discussed. What are the chances that I've seen even half the films being discussed? Just thinking out loud, maybe I'm exaggerating the possible spoiler problems.

Also, we had very limited discussion last year as it was, with 31 specific films. If people were free to choose any film from a genre, I'm thinking the thread would be full of people talking about what they watched, and very little back and forth discourse.

Related to this, one thing I plan on changing for the 31 Film subset was to keep it's master thread for general talk of the idea and the schedule, but move specific film discussion to separate threads (with post bump reminders in the main threads, with direct links). That way, people who only watch selected films in the list (did anyone besides me watch all 31?) don't have to worry about spoilers. This was brought up as a complaint by some iirc. It will also make things much more organized, and not have the clutter of several movies being discussed simultaneously.