Chad

Cardsfan111

Since everyone is mentioning their goals, I'll throw mine out there.

I doubted I would make 100. More realistically, I wanted to clear out my unwatched horror pile of BDs. I'm just about there. Saving Gremlins/Gremlins 2 for the "crossover" period. The only ones left after that will be a 3-pack of BDs with the 90's versions of Dracula/Frankenstein/Wolf. I won't get to those since they're nearly 2 hours long each. But a couple of those qualify for the Academy Award challenge in early '15 so I'll get to them in the near future. I'm satisfied. And a little sleepy from the many late nights.

wishbone

After helping my parents with trick-or-treaters tonight I don't know if I will watch a few movies tonight or keep going until dawn -- I guess it will be a gameghoul-time decision.

rbrown498

I had to abandon all hope of completing the checklist last weekend, when I decided to do the math and figured out that it was quite impossible for me to pull off the feat with the amount of extra stuff that I had to do this week.

I also had to bail on the theme nights and subset picks Wednesday, when the test I had to make out to give last night took WAAAAAY longer than I expected it to take to write.

This has been my second-worst OHMC performance so far...and yet I'm not bummed out about it. I guess that a) I've been too busy to really be bummed about it, and b) my university's football team has been number one (for the first time ever) for the last three weeks, so following everything that's been happening with Mississippi State football has taken up a lot of my time.

Overall, though, it's been a GREAT October.

Cardsfan111

Here's a Redbox DVD code should someone want to check out a horror film at the last minute: NN9933DF

It should work up to 5 times I would think. I've already reserved 3 films with it. Though I chose some comedies and I'll plan to pick them up tomorrow.

indiephantom

Will be starting my 52nd film of the challenge in about an hour. Not as many as recent years, but I enjoyed everything a bit more. Fantastic challenge and THEME NIGHTS with a minimum of one per day is my going to be my goal for all future October Challenges. Had the best time.

SterlingBen

My next movie will be the final check on the checklist! I am still behind on my list due to my computer failure. Hope to be caught up in the next few days though.

Also did I waste a wildcard watching Sherlock Holmes Faces Death for nothing? I could have sworn it hit someone on the checklist?

Mondo Kane

Since I'm in Northern California, I've been doing that Woodstock "NO RAIN" chant for the trick-treaters all day. This most certainly is a bummer because, as I said earlier in the month, this is the most indoor/outdoor decorations I've ever put up for Halloween (Got a sh*t load of candy to give too) but there's still some hope that the showers will die down during prime time.

As for goals, it looks like I'll make it to 150 with just 2 remaining. First up is that zombie documentary on Netflix-streaming (Forgot the name of it, but it's not the Romero-NOTLD one) and the last will by my blind buy, Night of the Devils. After that, I'll probably do a bonus with the Texas Chainsaw cast-commentary. Still haven't listened to that track yet (And to honor Marilyn Burns)

I only need one more clip to finish out my compilation video which was a lot of fun to do (Thanks for the inspiration, DaveyJoe) Might have to wait til Sunday for it to show up because I'm damn sure gonna be hung over tomorrow.

shadokitty

Doc of the Dead?

Mondo Kane

Yup. Watching it right now.

mightysparks

Only ended up getting in one film yesterday and that was the awful Halloween II (2009). Last week a friend of my mum's was looking for someone to temp and do data entry for them for a day and I volunteered and they loved me so much they asked me to come in again yesterday. Not going to say no to $25/hr cash to type stuff! Anyway, I was so tired afterwards and kept getting interrupted that it look me all day to finish off that one film.

Got to 158 including all the shorts and stuff I watched. Happy enough with that. Didn't quite finish off my watchlist though (had 8 left). Disappointing lot of films over all, I only saw 1 that I loved and 5 others that I really liked. But the best and the worst...

Top 10:
1. The Signal (2007)
2. Oculus (2013)
3. Geung si sin sang (1985)
4. Fanatic (1965)
5. Sexykiller, morirás por ella (2008)
6. Cat People (1982)
7. Living Doll (1990)
8. Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers (1988)
9. Paranoiac (1963)
10. Mais ne nous délivrez pas du mal (1971)

Bottom 10:
1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
2. The Pact (2012)
3. "Omnibus" Whistle and I’ll Come to You (1968)
4. The Gingerdead Man (2005)
5. Vinyan (2008)
6. Ganja & Hess (1973)
7. Sette orchidee macchiate di rosso (1972)
8. Graduation Day (1981)
9. Shark Night 3D (2011)
10. La bête (1975)

Oh! And my video montage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fogFedRDedE Unfortunately I had to go with crappy quality because otherwise it would've taken days to upload. And annoyingly all the different aspect ratios make it look a bit of a mess, but oh well.

wd40cloud

With the challenge winding down, I felt that this was a good time to discuss my thoughts regarding my first time viewing selections this year. My goal for the challenge this year was 100 films and 15 first time viewing. Well, after three years I finally cracked into the triple digits Wednesday afternoon with The Curse of Frankenstein.

I also far surpassed my goal of first time viewing by having 44 first time viewing. I usually try to watch tried and true favorites for the challenge but as the challenge progressed I found myself working through my unwatched horror pile, and outside of Scream Factory’s new Vincent Price collection, I got through all of them. As a big horror fan who watches year-round I was alarmed at the ratio of films I enjoyed to those I didn’t.

What follows are my surprises, disappointments and some re-evaluations of this year’s challenge.

Disappointments:
The Blob (1988) – I picked up the DVD used for $2.00 as a test run to see if I wanted to pick up the TT Blu. Well it was a good $2.00 spent. Considering the talent involved behind the camera as I was amazed at how much I just didn't enjoy myself. As a fan of 80s horror and the talent behind the camera, the film just didn't click with me.

The Collector/The Collection – The first film started off good, but it became easy to telegraph too early on. By the time the sequel came around I was struggling to make it through its lean 81 minute run time.

Dead & Breakfast – Never before have I seen a horror film that can’t make up its’ mind on what it wants to be. Is it a horror/comedy, a musical, or a satire? Unfortunately it tries to be all three and becomes jumbled.

Desperation – I usually enjoy Mick Garris’ adaptations of King’s work but tonally it’s a mess. I don’t blame Garris as I believe the key issues with the film are King’s story and writing. If the story had continued in the same vein as its first 40 minutes it would have been a great western horror especially with the talent involved.

Lady in White – Simply did not lead up to the hype I have been reading about on the internet for years.

Return to Sleepaway Camp – Porn production value and acting minus the penetration. A missed opportunity considering so many from the original returned.

Scanners – A film with a large fan-base, which I simply didn’t enjoy. Considering its reputation and alluring premise I think I will give it a re-watch in the near future.

Rose Red – Possibly a contender for the most over-padded, convoluted, non-scary haunted house film of all time.

Salem’s Lot (2004) – This film is a prime example why classic horror, even on the small screen should be left alone, especially if done right the first time.

Saw Films – The Saw series started when I was a sophomore in high school and carried throughout my time in college. I love the original had seen the first two sequels, and then lost interest in the series. Well, I figured maybe it was time to go back and see if I was missing anything, especially with the release of the sub $20 collection. Well it’s nice to know I didn’t miss much. The plots get more complicated as the series progresses and after finishing the fifth entry I couldn’t even bring myself to spend three hours to see the final two entries. Good thing I held on to my Blu-Ray of the original because the collection has gone into my sell pile.

Godzilla (2014) – Considering its box-office take and claims of revitalizing the franchise, I was bored and secretly hoping to see a man in a foam rubber suit. The film followed the same ill-fated formula as the Transformers films; too much focus on the human story with a third act dedicated to the title character.

A Bay of Blood – Didn't live up to its hype as the godfather of slasher films.

Wishmaster – Felt like a Syfy movie of the week.

Surprises and Reevaluations:
Candyman – Watched several years ago as background noise. After giving it my full attention, I know consider it to be one of the best early 90s horror films. Can’t wait for a Blu-ray release.

Deathdream – A great little gem from the Vietnam era. Bob Clark’s best horror after the original Black Christmas.

Dead Silence – James Wan’s underappreciated follow-up to Saw takes his obsession with dolls to a new level.

The Changeling – One of the best haunted house films I've ever seen. George C. Scott is phenomenal as a recent widow in a new house with a shady past connected to a well-known family. Very upset at myself for picking the DVD up so many times only to put it back down. A new seasonal staple.

Innocent Blood – A mashup of horror, comedy and the mafia that failed at the box-office is an early 90s film that has never really got the attention it deserves or has any real type of cult following. Unfortunately the only way to view the film stateside is on a fullscreen DVD from the earliest days of the format.

Night Visitor – A film I had never even heard of before, but grabbed on a recent Go Hastings sale turned out to be one of my favorites from this season. Just some great 80s horror, plus Elliot Gould as a former police officer who has never even carried a gun.

The Little Girl who Lives Down the Lane – A film built on atmosphere and mystery that Jodie Foster would rather soon forget. Martin Sheen plays the local pedophile that is determined to expose the title character’s past.

The Conjuring – A film I watched once and tossed off as nothing more than mainstream fluff. With the release of Annabelle I figured it was high-time I give The Conjuring a second chance and I’m glad I did. Great acting and storytelling from James Wan makes for one of the best horror films of the last five years.

Storm of the Century – Far better than anything Stephen King has written in the last twenty years. A great story that shows the paranoia of New England life during a winter storm and the very evil that lurks in our own backyard. Never before have I seen miniseries that feels like a two hour movie.

Wolf – A big surprise for me as I never hear too many positive things about it. Seeing Nicholson transform into a wolf as a businessman then a literal wolf was a great. James Spader was also fantastic as Nicholson’s backstabbing protégé.

Lord of Illusions – Were it not for Scream Factory’s recent plan to release Clive Barker’s follow up to Nightbreed, I might have never sought it out. I love the combination of film noir detective, magicians and horror. I rented the director’s cut through Netflix and was extremely impressed. Will definitely be picking up the Blu-Ray.

BobO'Link

My daughter picked up the grandkids to take 'em trick or treating and I attempted to head to the den for some horror when my wife hit me with "If you go downstairs I'm turning off the lights and closing up shop!" Not wanting to disappoint any kids I retaliated with "OK... but I'm getting a horror movie for us to watch while handing out candy!" She actually agreed! I was nice and selected Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) which worked great! She stayed on her computer and talked while I was able to watch the film. We alternated with the door. Had about 40-50 kids and I don't think there was a single teenager or parent trick or treating with only a baby! It was a good night! Now back to full-time horror/comedy (double credits, baby!) until I fall asleep!

Trevor

Saved my most anticipated viewing of the month for #200. Very psyched to start the 3D version of Creature From the Black Lagoon.

Dick Laurent

Happy Halloween, all!

I'm sitting at 95 and managed to go this entire way with keeping to only watching themes each day, plus only full-films (no TV shows, shorts), and no wild cards. I've wanted to do something different being my 7th year, so here it is.

Now whether I can make it to 100, not sure. I might give in to Halloween TV additions just for today, I'll see how late I can go. Those one-film days really kicked me in the butt. But I do feel accomplished, except my list format and the checklist has suffered.

Undeadcow

Monster House is a personal favorite in my house, we watch it every October. I think it captures a childlike sense of wonderment about the creepy run down house on the block.

My wife has started making me watch The Strangers every year, it's a good film but not nearly as timeless.

I'm at 172 - stretching out for 175. Dawn isn't until 7:10am here so that's 10 more hours.I've trick or treated with only a baby, not for the candy but as part of the process of forming tradition and family. One of the coolest costumes I saw tonight was a dad dressed up as The County from Sesame Street holding his near infant Elmo son.

My biggest peeve is the jerks who keep their front porch light on even though no one answers the door.

PhantomStranger

The 1988 Blob does nothing for me as well, and that has been my opinion since I first watched it in the 1980s. I'm stunned you don't like The Collector (I assume we are talking about the new one and not the 1965 film). While I don't think it's technically horror, it has one of the most clever premises I've seen in the past twenty years for a thriller.

The Salem's Lot remake fails because Rob Lowe isn't a good enough actor to pull off a lead role. He keeps getting gigs because middle-aged women love him. The Conjuring has to be seen on a good surround system, preferably on Blu-ray. The audio mix adds a ton of enjoyment.

Storm of the Century is one of my favorite TV mini-series of all time. I think it's even better than The Langoliers, which is pretty good in its own right.

Lord of Illusions is one of my favorite horror films, ever. I hope Scream Factory does it justice on Blu-ray.

SterlingBen

I disagree, he nailed Super Creepy Rob Lowe.

JOE29

November 1st- And then depression set in.

malazar

It took a lot of effort over the last week and a half or so due to a major speedbump in the middle of the challenge, but I managed to finish with 102 entries (100 films and 2 tv entries). I'll post some highlights and lowlights later, but it was another really fun Horror Challenge. Each year, my list of shame gets a little bit less pitiful so that is a good thing.

Julie Walker

I made it to 14 films for the months with tonight's viewing of Halloween 5 on blu-ray. I was hoping to get a few more in this month, but just ran out of time and energy with work taking up most of my time. Then in the free time I had; I wound up working on my writing and movie ideas, and also reading some books, and going on an 18 mile bike ride on the last warm day this October.

I pondered whether to watch Halloween 5,6 and 7 or just skip to 7. But since I hadn't seen the films in years. I figured I should run through the box set in chronological order(except for part 3 which I viewed last year for the first time). And I planned to skip the Rob Zombie films for now since they're grim and not 'fun' films and I have not seen the directors cuts of either film yet.

So back to Halloween 5. Despite all the problems with the film from a plot stand point and continuity. It is not that bad of a film on it's own terms, and has some good things going for it. Namely the opening credits are ominous and really creepy and stylishly done. The barn scene and last half of the film are extremely scary with good use of shadow and terror. The Myers mansion while a huge plot hole does offer great Gothic atmosphere and if they used the real Myers house. It'd be less effective from a visual standpoint.

So yeah, the film did give me the heebie jeebies. So much so, I was too scared to view part 6 in the producers cut despite having enough time before having to get to bed since I work early tomorrow. Watching the film alone in the dark in the basement is just creepy, and my nerves were rattled and I jumped at various spots in the film. Myers scares the crap out of me. At least in the original series. The Zombie films didn't get that fear running despite their brutality.

Oh and I did get interrupted throughout the film including having to walk my sister to work at 9PM since she's working an overnight shift. And on the way home with my dog. I noticed a suspicious car at the stop light on my street. It was driving very slowly nearly in sync with us and then drove past, then happened to pull in front of my house, and after a minute, the driver turned off the engine and the lights, and just sat there! And funnily enough, I told my dog we're walking through the front of the block and not cutting through the alley(as she originally tried to do when we passed the alley), since it's dark out and not safe to do so, especially on Halloween!

So I kept my eye on the car, and made sure to stay on the sidewalk and not get near the car, since my dog kept wanting to walk along the boulevard since she smelled something. But I directed her to the sidewalk, since I didn't want to risk walking so close to the mysterious car. No one got out, which was strange, and obviously they were not heading to one of the neighbors house.

I then hurried up into the house, and while walking up to the porch. The car started up, the brake lights glowed red, then the headlights turned on. And then after a moment, the car did a U-turn and drove down the street very slowly. Thankfully nothing happened, and being alert is always a good thing.

And for a shamelss plug. Please check out the short films I've made and worked on. One could even count for the challenge as a short since it involves a werewolf.

SterlingBen

Last beers of the challenge

Mondo Kane

Gah. I'm so pissed (Both UK version & American version of that phrase)

To begin with, Waaay too many trick/treaters showed up unexpectedly to beat the storm. It's currently past 10:30pm (Pacific time) but it seemed liked all of the kids in this vicinity wanted to trick-treat around 6:45pm, So I was rushing to see if my electrical decorations could handle the wet weather--While at the same time--give out the candies while my 6-month year old pup was barking loudly in my ear. I just told the trick-treaters "TAKE AS MUCH CANDY BEFORE HE MAKES IT TO THE DOOR!" Which was a horror movie by itself!!!

Jeezus christ. Well it's now 10:35 (pACIFIC time) and I've had a few malt liquors to calm these multiple storms down. It looks it's all done for the night.
One big highlight (Which I wish I had filmed) was that there was this one particular little girl who was completely mesmerized by the effects of my house. And while her mom held the bag for the candies, her little girl decided to venture into my house to see if it was actually haunted. The little girl had no problem walking several feet within my house to see if more spooks were abound. I, myself, was at a loss to acknowledge what was happening before the mother quickly apoligized and whipped her up while they were both well past my living room! That pretty much made my night!

It's a crummy video (Because I'm using a primitive cam) but you can get an idea of how spooky my front yard can be for a 5-year-old.

And this was the face some of them noticed (Only a few did)

shadokitty

Super Creepy Rob Lowe is my favorite one of the new Direct TV commercials. Surprised to see it on Dish Network.