Happy Halloween everyone! I know it's November 1st in the Philippines, but the clock hasn't struck midnight yet on All Hallow's Eve over here. In commemoration of this Western holiday, here are my top 5 horror flicks, in order of their release date. You've probably seen them already, but humor me!
28 Days Later (2002)
An English post-apocalyptic horror film that depicts the breakdown of society following the accidental release of a highly contagious virus.This may have been the first film to show fast-moving zombies. It's a great thrill of a ride, with a socio-political message and an engaging soundtrack to boot. Several scenes look like they were shot as a music video. I will forever know Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris for their roles in this film. Watch out for the alternative endings after the credits.
Shaun of the Dead (2004)
A British comedy about a man attempting to get some kind of focus in his life as he deals with his girlfriend, his mother, and his stepfather while dealing with the zombie apocalypse.Horror comedy is a tough sell, and this is the movie to beat. It's witty, it's irreverent, and I've watched it about 5 times. You've got red on you.
El Orfanato (The Orphanage) (2007)
A Spanish ghost story about a woman who brings her family back to her childhood home, where she opens an orphanage for handicapped children. Before long, her son starts to communicate with an invisible new friend.In true Guillermo del Toro-style, the haunted house mood is excellently set, without pushing everything into your face. Graphic horror is kept to a minimum, yet I spent most of my time cowering behind pillows. It's the ideas presented that are truly horrific, transcending the language barrier. A masterpiece, really.
REC (2007)
A Spanish film in which young TV reporter and her cameraman who cover the night shift at the local fire station. Receiving a call from an old lady trapped in her house, they reach her building to hear horrifying screams -- which begin a long nightmare and a uniquely dramatic TV report.This movie is less funny than it is really, really tense. The documentary-style filmmaking sets it apart from your usual slick Hollywood zombie flicks of its time. Also the star looks like a young Heidi Klum, HEL-lo! It's since spawned 3 sequels and a Hollywood remake (Quarantine), none of which I've watched.
Zombieland (2009)
An American post-apocalyptic zombie comedy in which four survivors take an extended road trip across the Southwestern United States in an attempt to find a sanctuary free from zombies.I watched the film not knowing anything about it, and I think it's more fun this way. It's laugh-out-loud funny with seriously gory special effects and gracefully poetic montages of death and destruction. Zombieland is feel-good movie at heart. It's fun, it's gross, and it's great to watch with friends. Plus, it has an awesome soundtrack -- Metallica and Sea Wolf in the first 20 minutes, plus Blue Öyster Cult, The Raconteurs, even a song from Wicked. COME ON.
Okay so 4 of my 5 favorites are zombie flicks. I just find them more entertaining than stories haunting. But I'd love to see something that changes my mind! Any recommendations?
