Another one bites the dust...and some movies you should see

I've found myself single again. Luckily, I think I've gained a pretty cool friend out of the deal-- but we weren't so compatible in the relationship category. I think I like this new "method" I'm trying. Give things a little time getting to know someone...and ending it when it needs to end instead of waiting too long... I think it'll work. We'll see...

Anyway, I spent most of my weekend watching a fair amount of excellent horror flicks and decided I wanted to share my recommendations.

Funny Games (2007) is a remake of the 1997 Spanish original, by the original director. I haven't ventured into looking at the 1997 original, because I'm told there's no need to-- it's a shot for shot remake and you don't have to read subtitles. The basic premise is that two young men take a family hostage in their own house. I must say I don't think I have been that uncomfortable since Last House On The Left (1972). Or maybe since the last time I decided to watch like four Dario Argento movies in a row... Anyway, it was fantastic. The use of color and contrast was really interesting. The emotional rollercoaster he guides you along was brilliant. There were a couple "WTF?" moments, but they make sense in the emotional manipulation scheme of things.

Dead Snow (2009) was way better than expected. I saw it pop up on Netflix Watch-It-Now and thought "Hmmm...zombies? nazis? How could it go wrong?" I expected a campy mess, quite honestly. However, I was pleasantly surprised. This Norwegian zombie/slasher (for lack of a better description) was actually pretty great with some excellent special effects, some great usage of lighting, and some fantastically done Nazi zombies leftover from WWII. There were a couple shout outs to classics Evil Dead and Dead Alive, which made me pretty happy.

I honestly don't know how I didn't see The Burning (1981) sooner. I think I actually did see it once upon a time...but it was awhile ago and I'd clearly forgotten. With effects by Tom Savini, this classic camp slasher flick is an excellent example of the camp/slasher genre. It did what it did rather well and included very young actors Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens (yep, the guy from Short Circuit), and even a quick appearance from a young Holly Hunter. However, I think the most exciting part for me was Leah Ayres as one of the main roles. Who the heck is Leah Ayres? Why she's "the chick" from Bloodsport! Woohoo! Anyway, excellent film.

The Prowler (1981) is another film that Savini did the effects on around the same time. Another teen scream slasher (only this time focusing on college kids), the plot line was actually bearable and fairly reasonable. Again, I'd have to say Savini's effects saved the film...but definitely interesting.