Tag: 31 Scary Movies

31 Scary Movies: ‘The Thing’

Jeff Mitchell

“The Thing” (1982) – In the ferociously cold, barren landscape of Antarctica, a small group of men run the United States National Science Institute Station 4, and although they currently live in isolation from the outside world, life seems pleasant. They play ping-pong and computer chess, watch VHS tapes of “Let’s Make a Deal” and listen to music. Actually, what work is really getting accomplished? Alas, when a Norwegian helicopter pilot – who desperately tries to shoot and kill a lone dog – enters their camp, tranquility changes to immediate…

31 Scary Movies: ‘An American Werewolf in London’

Jeff Mitchell

“American Werewolf in London” (1981) – David (David Naughton) and Jack (Griffin Dunne), two 20-something best buddies, just started their 3-month backpacking trip of Europe.  While telling knock-knock jokes and arguing over the attributes of Jack’s unrequited love (Debbie Klein), they wander through some desolate stretches of countryside in Northern England and stop at the tiny community of East Proctor.  It’s here where they, most unfortunately, run into a murderous wolf-like thing, and without much warning. Perhaps, East Proctor needs more safety signs, like “Children at Play”, “Sharp Turns Ahead” and “Wolf-like…

31 Scary Movies: ‘Phantasm’

Jeff Mitchell

“Phantasm” (1979) – After watching Don Coscarelli’s film about a strange mausoleum executive – unofficially named The Tall Man (Angus Scrimm) – and his best practices that don’t end in the best results for his customers, one can only conclude the writer/director marches to the beat of his own drum.  Well, you know what they say about geniuses?   Not that “Phantasm” is a genius film, because it’s not. No one in this movie behaves like an actual person would in real life. Many of the scenes seem thrown together, accompanied…