Snobbin: Beautiful Trash in the Pop Culture Gutter

An unconventional vampire love story, focusing more on the sensual than the gory aspects of the vampire mythos. As with many Rollin films, the limited dialogue adds to the ambiguous nature of the vampire protagonists.

This sequel makes two look tame. An exorcist fights bandits with the help of his ghost companions. Nonstop action obscures the lack of plot. The scene where the boy ghost is folded and trapped in a wine jug has to be seen to be believed.

This gory Jaws copycat has far more character development than I expected. Richard Jaeckl is underrated. The Neal Adams poster artwork is pretty phenomenal as well.

I need more Ernest Thesiger in my life. His performance stands out from the rest of a stacked ensemble cast in this over-the-top gothic look into the life of the dysfunctional Femm family. While lesser known than other films in James Whales' filmography, particularly Bride of Frankenstein , The Old Dark House with its elements of camp and social commentary still surprises today. I showed it in my film class, and the students were entranced. 

The films that Vincent Price made for American International Pictures (AIP) vary in quality, generally due to narrative and budgetary inconsistencies. Great casting and performances, along with comedic elements, make this one an interesting watch; however, the premise of reusing the same coffin wears thin after a while. Peter Lorre, Basil Rathbone, and Boris Karloff all put in interesting performances, but Rhubarb the Cat almost steals the show. 

Dario Argento's cut of the classic zombie film feels more action packed and propulsive because of pacing. However, sometimes the music is too loud, obscuring dialogue, even thought it makes the zombie attacks appear more menacing. An interesting take on one of the best. 

Stylish but ultimately a rehash of vampire tropes that felt unfinished. I wanted something more because of the hype. 

Jean Rollin's movies are always beautifully shot and, while generally lacking a traditional narrative, present interesting protagonists and little dialogue. Overall, this is a complex story about friendship in the guise of a vampire movie.

 I'm generally not a big fan of Haunted House movies that were released after 2010, particularly the Conjuring series, or, honestly, any haunted house movies that deal with possession, poltergeist activity, or exorcisms. Don't get me started on Ed and Lorraine Warren or other woo peddlers. However, The Other s is very different. Nicole Kidman's spectacular performance brings realistic gravitas to an interesting historical, supernatural drama by adding an element of believability missing from most. The shocking third act reveal additionally sets this one apart. 

Ricky Lau's Hong Kong Comedy Horror film Mr. Vampire II is sillier than the first but ultimately fun. More movies should reference hopping vampire lore. 

Atmospheric, beautifully shot, and ultimately mysterious, Hiroshi Matsuno's ghost ship pirate tale remains one of the more visually stunning horror films in Japanese cinema. 

Possibly, one of the most quotable horror films ever released. Roddy Piper's performance as everyman action hero Nada and the irresistible b-movie plot that incorporates sun glasses that allow common people to see the alien overlords in their midst, makes this one truly unforgettable and must watch. A cult film that deserves its acclaim. 

Yikes. I'm not a fan of this generic slasher. Besides the over-the-top gore and nominally interesting killer in Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton) that add to its hype, nothing really stands out. I'm actually at a loss as to why this series is so popular. 

While not a return to the form of his classic gialli days, this fairly straightforward thriller shows that Argento can still make a suspenseful, cinematically interesting picture. 

The documentary style effectively grounds this one as a realistic crime story, but the horror elements continually surprise, sewing elements of supernatural doubt. 

A silly premise concerning a police chase on a ghost-infested Mars that often feels like it wants to be a Mad Max or Snake Pliskin sequel is not one of John Carpenter's better offerings. However, if you just want a fun movie with a visually distinctive villain and many laudable action sequences.

More Lovecraftian madness from John Carpenter that takes the generic horror plot of a fish out of water character visiting a small town and discovering horrific happenings. John Trent (Sam Neill) morphs between sensible and insane as he investigates the disappearance of horror writer, Sutter Cane. The nonlinear plot and typical Carpenter flourishes make this one so much fun. 

Another John Carpenter film with interesting practical effects, significant performances by Donald Pleasance, Victor Wong, Lisa Blount, along with a scene-stealing cameo by Alice Cooper. A welcome addition to fun films with Lovecraftian themes. 

  How did I miss this one? Ken Russell brings his sacrilegious fascination with religion to an exploration of the psychoactive drugs and the human psyche. If you like 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), Altered States captures a similar feeling of the human in transition. The scenes where Edward Jessup (William Hurt) transforms into other forms are worth the trip alone. 

Grace Passô and Ricardo Alves Jr.'s Dazed Flesh  is a short experimental film that confrontationally explores what it means to be human. A wandering, disembodied voice takes over a woman's body and gives a monologue on what a body means as a vehicle for movement and a social construction. 

Stuart Gordon's Stuck is a chilling cautionary tale about how not to act if you run someone over with your vehicle. Mena Suvari and Stephen Rea's down-to-earth, pragmatic performances make this terse ripped from the headlines horror shocker surprisingly affecting.