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. 

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.

This anthology film delivers a few cool twists on typical horror tropes and leaves you wanting more from each vignette. I asked myself what else this world had in store for its protagonists. The sense of the unknown is palpable in ways that few horror movies have conveyed after 2000. 

Angela Bettis's offbeat and vulnerable performance as the titular character trying to understand the world around her makes this one a worthwhile watch. Her childhood trauma and fragile mental state lead to an unsettling conclusion. 

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.  

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.

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.