Snobbin: Beautiful Trash in the Pop Culture Gutter

David Bruckner's  The Ritual builds suspense through the familiar narrative trope of difficult friendships and decisions but takes its protagonist to unexpected places that rework many folk horror tropes, such as the outsider coming to unfamiliar areas and finding horrific occult practices and villagers that are compelled to commit them. The premise which could be a feel good buddy comedy turns horrific quickly, and the legacy of the characters comes into question. Add in a really interesting folk horror monster with antlers, hoofs, and human-like body parts, and you have all the ingredients for an interesting genre excursion. 

  The updated Rube Goldberg devices in this loose remake of William Castle's 1960 haunted house flick along with the exaggeratedly designed ghosts make this one fun to watch if predictable. Tony Shalhoub, Shannon Elizabeth, and Matthew Lillard each give their all in a film that needs more scares. 

 Bees barely buzzes. Even John Saxon cannot save this snoozefest. 

One of the best voodoo films due to strong performances, atmosphere, and special effects. Wes Craven tells a complex political story in a way that never feels dull and generally surprises. The film generally authentically covers Haitian voodoo honestly without attempting cheap scares. Dr. Dennis Allen (Bill Pullman) and Dr. Marielle Duchamp (Cathy Tyson) also somehow maintain realistic chemistry while combatting the evil Dargent Peytraud (Zakes Mokae) in a thriller that actually thrills.

George Romero like you've seldom seen him. This arty vampire film manages to bring the New Hollywood to the Arthouse vampire. Most of the film meanders, despite having interesting characters and dialogue, but the conclusion still surprises and makes Martin must viewing. 

Daniel Radcliffe's believable performance elevates this update on the Hammer Gothic horror film. What it lacks in gore, it makes up in character development. While not as over the top as classic Hammer flicks, The Woman in Black still finds ways to surprise.

A stylish, erotic vampire thriller that makes up for its lack of plot with good music and interesting performances by Susan Sarandon and David Bowie. Bauhaus's performance was a welcome addition. 

A horror comedy that does not take itself too seriously as it lampoons high school social groups and mainstream emo bands to comment on the absurdity of modern life.  

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

  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.