Retrospectives
Jaws at 40: The Shark is Still Working
It was one of the biggest, most influential horror movies of all time. It was the first blockbuster. But more than that, it will always be remembered for being the film that made people stop going in ...
Why The Faculty Was One of the Last Great Sci-Fi Horrors
Horror and science fiction are not mutually exclusive genres. This is something that both casual and hardcore fans alike seem not to grasp, especially when it comes time to debate on of the oldest, mo...
It’s Only a Movie: Why Wes Craven’s Last House on the Left is a Brutal Take on the Post-Nuclear Family
It’s no coincidence that Wes Craven’s first feature film is also among his most brutal. Craven had a very repressed Christian upbringing. And there was no real way for him to take in too...
How Freddy’s Dead Became a Living Cartoon
In the late 1980’s, the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise was at the top of its game. While the original had to gain success through word of mouth, Freddy’s Revenge was the top grossing ...
Nuts and Bolts: Why Frankenhooker is a Much Better Movie Than it Should Be
Frankenhooker is a ridiculous B-Movie. It is pure late 1980’s camp and that’s probably the best thing it can be. It’s the only way this was ever going to work. Yet it’s sur...
Why it Took Decades for The Thing to Become a Classic
John Carpenter’s The Thing is often heralded as his masterpiece. It really is one of his best, in addition to being one of the best sci-fi horrors, one of the best body horrors, and just one of...
Why Hellraiser III is an Important Entry in the Franchise
The first two Hellraisers are widely regarded as quintessential horror movies. The first has earned its place as a classic. The second may still leave some people on the fence but it is generally...
Is It Just Me Or Is Paranormal Activity Way Overhyped?
In this monthly series, a Wicked Horror writer presents an unpopular opinion about a particular genre offering and asks the oft-repeated question, “Is it just me?” In this installment,&n...
Why Now is the Time to Revisit Clive Barker’s Lord of Illusions
Clive Barker is widely regarded as one of the all-time masters of horror. It may seem weird, considering that most of his novels have been some form of fantasy. But on screen, he has definitely earned...