Entertainment Earth

7/12/2020

The 25 Most Underrated/ Overlooked Horror Sequels

Last time I presented you guys with The 30 Best Horror Sequels Ever. Now, I wanted to give you some sequels that are underrated and/ or overlooked. A bunch of these don't get talked about enough (some are outright forgotten) or get way more hate than they deserve. What should be getting, instead, is another shot.

25. The Howling VI: The Freaks (1991)- The first Howling is, in my humble opinion, the greatest werewolf movie. Its sequel suck wolf dick, though. Then low and behold, we got to the sixth one, and it is actually good! Wait, what?! Yup, it is. Featuring an awesome vampire vs. werewolf story, a kick ass climax, and awesome FX, this is one that is unexpected in its quality, unlike the crap that comes before and follows it...



24. Alien: Resurrection (1997)- Alien 3 tends to split the audience (count me in as not a fan...), however, this fourth entry feels like it gets more hate. Which is a shame since it is a fun and, I think, more enjoyable installment. It has an amazing cast, some really cool practical effects, and great gore. Plus, the underwater scene is pretty fucking awesome!


23. Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 (2000)- Unjustly maligned second entry is way better than its reputation. Also, it has aged a lot better than its preceding movie, which, in my humble opionion does not hold up today. If you wanna read more of my thoughts on it, go here.


22. The First Purge (2018)- This prequel to The Purge franchise is an entertaining and interesting one. It fills in the early story quite well, with a politically charged script, strong acting, and rousing and violent action.

21. See No Evil 2 (2014)- The first movie is a decent enough slasher movie, but this is one is much better But, then again it is made by the always awesome Soska sister, who elevate this slasher flick thanks to some stylish directing and great gore. It's a fun flick too, with Kane returning as Jacob Goodnight, and some pretty good acting. Also, the three ladies (Danielle Harris, Katharine Isabelle, and Chelan Simmons) are insanely gorgeous.


20. Species II (1998)- Admit ably I am not a big fan of the first film, although it has some good things (mostly Natasha Henstridge). But, I do enjoy this sequel quite a bit more. It is gloriously sleazy, especially for a big budget studio horror franchise flick. The practical effects are awesome, and there is some really good gore. It's great to see Michael Madsen, the gorgeous Marg Helgenberger, and, of course, the absolutely stunning Henstridge come back . In the later's case, it is even more fun to cheer for her this time around. In all, this superior sequel is a bloody and sexy good time.
19. Amityville: The Awakening (2017)- This one definitely falls under it has no right to be this good category. Especially when you realize that so many of the movies in this series are crappy, how often it was delayed (and eventually sent direct to VOD), and that is seemingly was cut from an R to a PG-13. Yet, despite a slow pace, it tells a good and involving (albeit unoriginal) story and has some solid acting from the cast, including the gorgeous Bella Thorne. Who, may I say, looks hot as fucking hell as a goth chick!



18. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)- Often forgotten, this prequel tells of the early years of the lycan/ vampire battle. It's exciting, fast paced, and gory. I believe it to be the second best sequel (after the second flick). And, it is really helped by the underrated Rhona Mitra, who is among the most naturally sexy actresses ever.
17. Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995)- This one gets some hate sometimes, but those who love it know how good it is. OK, so you could say that explaining so much about Michael isn't the right choice. But, you know what? I think it works much better than the story of 2018's Halloween. There are two versions of this film, as most of you know. The theatrical cut is the shorter and faster flick, with some cool gore (including an awesome exploding head). And, while that ending is bad, it's better than the producer's cut. But, that cut tells a better and more fleshed out story. Either cut is entertaining and has some likable performances. I enjoy watching it quite a bit more than some other more popular entries (including the aforementioned latest installment). It's nicely shot too and has some pretty ladies, adding to its appeal. Oh, and before you say Halloween III: Season of the Witch, that movie hasn't been underrated in a very long time.


16. Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem (2007)- The first AVP is OK, just OK. It is marred by a stupid PG-13 rating and terrible human characters that you won't give a flying fuck about. But, the monster action was cool. This sequel is often crapped on, and I don't get why. It is a much better movie than that aforementioned flick. The gore here is graphic, and the movie has a real mean spirit to it. The pacing is fast, and it tells an enjoyable if empty headed story. About, my only real complaint is that the flick is too darkly lit. The Blu-ray does help out, in this department, though.
15. Amityville: It's About Time (1992)- By fucking FAR the best of the cursed items Amityville films, this one is a total delight. It has some solid acting (including a very sexy performance by the gorgeous Megan Ward) and some of the best gore of the entire franchise. I've long been a fan of this flick, and it actually has aged really well. As a matter of fact, I think I like it even more nowadays!



14. Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992)- Let's cut straight to the point here. This is the last good Hellraiser movie, as the rest that follow can honestly rot in hell for I fucking care. It isn't as great, as the first two, but that is OK. The flick is a ton of fun. It moves at a fast pace, has some great gore, a good cast, hot babes (including Terry Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Farrell and Paula Marshall), and an absolutely killer rock/ heavy metal soundtrack.


13. The Fly II (1989)- First and foremost, this movie is nowhere near as great as David Cronenberg's superlative and preceding masterpiece. But, it works wonderfully as a rousing and fun monster sci-fi/ horror movie. It is elevated by the amazing FX work by Chris Walas (who also directed), including some great gore. The later of which includes a face melting and head crushing that push the limits of the R-rating. There is also some great acting, especially from Eric Stoltz, who like in Mask, shows that how good an actor he is even under latex, the beautiful Daphne Zuniga, and the villainous character played by Lee Richardson. It is also not above adding a lot of heart, too, including an utter heartbreaking moment involving a doggie, that all these years and viewings later I cannot watch. Cause if I do, I fucking break and cry my eyes out.

12. Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)- Taking place in a ruined La Vegas, this fast past and action packed sequel is honest to God my favorite entry in this silly series. The lovely Mila Jovovich kicks some major ass and there is lots of wonderful bits of splattery violence. Plus, it bought it in the addition of the absolutely gorgeous Ali Larter, making it even more awesome! The less said of two piece of shit movies that followed it the better, though...



11. Freddy Vs. Jason (2003)- It took forever for this crossover to be made. And, yes it has its issues (some humor doesn't work, Jason's fear of water makes no sense within the context of the franchise, Kane Hodder is missed), but it is still a shit load of fun. There some killer gore and a really nice stylish look to it. Plus, the metal soundtrack is pretty fucking cool. I truly think that it ranks with the best entries in both franchises.


10. Jigsaw (2010)- I honestly didn't think that this movie would tie into the preceding movies and do it so well. But, thanks to a solid script it really does! The gore and traps are cool, including a wicked and bloody laser gag. The girls are pretty, and the acting is really good. I honest to God, wish they had continued from here. But, I guess we shall see where it all goes when Spiral comes out next year, or whenever the fuck this damn virus lets come out.


9. Wishmaster: The Prophecy Fulfilled (2002)- People love to shit on the non-Andrew Divoff Wishmaster movies. And, well they should totally take a dump on the third one. However, this is a good fucking entry. I love that the three wishes are actually made. It makes for a good story, which in turn is further lifted by strong acting especially from the absolutely stunning Tara Spencer-Nairn (who wins extra points as one of the few final girls to get naked). And, you know what? I am gonna take this chance to say this is is my favorite entry in the franchise. So how is that for praise?



8. Dracula's Daughter (1936)- Todd Browning's classic Dracula is one of the seminal horror movies of all time. But, it is objectively only a decent movie. It feels staged and suffers from bad pacing. This all makes it a movie I respect but don't love. This one, its first sequel in the franchise, is a superior movie. It tells a good story and is much better paced. The beautiful Gloria Holden plays the title character wonderfully. She is seductive, deadly, and, at times, sympathetic. It also has a scene with very strong lesbian undertones that somehow made it past the Hayes codes.


7. Scre4m (2011)- I never expected this movie to be as good as it is. At this point in his career Wes Craven had been making movies that ranged from OK (Red Eye) to utter garbage (Curse, My Soul to Take) and his own third Scream flick was total shit itself. Well, low and behold, this one blew me away! It's fun and easily has the best gore in the series. Also, can I mention how much I love Hayden Panettiere's character? I mean she's a hottie who loves Argento, if that isn't wifey material, then I don't fucking know what is!


6. Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)- This franchise is a little uneven in quality, with the odd numbered entries being the best. And, this third entry is the best one, period. It is a great prequel, with one of fuck an ending and some really solid and creepy moments. And, yes by saying it is the best entry, I mean it is even better than the first flick!


5. Taste the Blood of Dracula (1970)- Brides of Dracula maybe the best of all Hammer's Dracula sequels, but this one is the best sequel actually featuring Christopher Lee as Dracula. Wonderfully evil and highly entertaining, this is a fucking killer entry in the series.


4. Final Destination 5 (2011)- To me this is the third best entry in the series, after the first two. The kills are gory, including a truly harrowing lasik surgery scene that will have anyone who uses glasses and/ or contacts squirming in their seats. And, the ending is fucking AWESOME!! For more of my thoughts, check out my review.



3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)- This is gonna piss some off, but to me this is the second best entry in the entire franchise (after the Hooper original). This killer prequel to the exceptionally mediocre remake (an exercise in style over substance) is vastly superior. The characters are actually likable (imagine that in a slasher movie!) and the actors portraying them are good. Especially the beautiful Jordana Brewster, who is a great "final" girl. R. Lee Ermey is awesome once again as Hoyt, stealing some scenes outright! The gore is nasty and graphic, and the girls are really hot. Basically, this one does what it needs to do and then some!

2. I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013)- This flick is a separate story from the previous remake, but it is connected by theme. It is a brutal and violently graphic entry in this splatter filled franchise. The flick has some harrowing rape and sexual torture scenes, but they pay off is once the revenge part starts. The absolutely stunning Jemma Dallender gives an amazing performance as our heroine. She is clearly sympathetic, and we cheer her on. Her vengeance scenes are bloody and violent involving, electrocution, shit, the series favorite of male genital violence, and more. It is a rough and uncompromising flick that deserves a lot more love and now!




1. Frankenstein Created Woman (1967)- How this one isn't more of a classic, I just don't know. First and foremost Peter Cushing gives his Dr. Frankenstein one of his most complex and interesting takes. Also, excellent is the beautiful Susan Denberg as the titular woman. She is one of Hammer's most fascinating female characters. Another of the best in Hammer is the story which tackles sexual identity, revenge, the human soul, and bullying. There is some gore, too, and an ending that is perfect to the story. In all, this one of Hammer's very best movie, and no less an expert than Martin Scorsese says it is his favorite. Scream Factory put out a superlative Blu-ray of it, so now is the best time to rediscover this great flick.

I would love to know what are some of your favorite underrated or overlooked horror sequels. Let me know in the comments section. Also, be sure to stayed tuned for the final part of my sequel series as I pick the worst horror sequels!

10/28/2017

The 10 Greatest Horror FIlm Franchises of All Time


Horror franchises, like their villains, never die. This is an undeniable fact. This year alone, we have had entries, of various degrees of quality and success, to The Ring, The Conjuring/ Annabelle, Alien, Chucky, and more. This past Friday marked the return of one of the most profitable, popular, and bloody of them all: Saw, in the form Jigsaw (which has done good at the box office!).

As such, now is the perfect time to ask and answer, which are the very best horror film franchises ever. I have taken into account, the quality of each series and the films there in. The better the movies and the higher amount of actually good films contained therein, the higher the ranking. Longevity, success, and influence are also weighed in. So, sit back and enjoy, and who knows, maybe you will wanna binge on some of these after reading this (it is Halloween on Tues, so now would be the perfect time!).

But first, here are some honorable mentions, in no particular order:
Psycho
I Spit on Your Grave
Predator
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
The Slumber Party Massacre
Re-Animator

10. Final Destination- One of the most outright fun horror franchises ever made, the Final Destination movies are gleefully gory and imaginative in their creative kills. They don't always have the best characters, and not even the best film (that would be the first one, of course) in the series is great. But, none of the movies are bad. And, that is certainly more than I can say for most of the franchises here.

9. The Conjuring- The youngest franchise on this list, The Conjuring Universe is made up of two connected series: The Conjuring, itself, and its spin-off series, Annabelle. While, both Conjuring films are excellent, with the first one being one of the finest ghost films ever, the first Annabelle movie is a load of fucking shit. Thankfully, its sequel, Annabelle: Creation, released earlier this year, is a solid film.

8. Friday the 13th- The franchise with the most entries on this list, Friday the 13th, for better or worse, was synonymous with the genre in the 80s. The original remains one of the finest slasher movies ever made and a prime example of quality 80's horror. It's sequels, crossover, and remake range in quality from the solid (Friday the 13th part VI: Jason Lives and Freddy Vs. Jason) to a piece of cinematic excrement (Friday the 13th part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan). But, the majority of it is dumb fun, filled with some cool kills and hot, and many times naked, babes. And, for anyone who grew up in its era, is one that surely played a big part in their lives as horror fans.

7. Alien- The Alien franchise starts off amazingly with its first two entries. The original is a classic, but then along comes Aliens, the rare superior sequel and even rarer perfect movie, and blows it away! Perhaps the bar was set too high by these two movies, since the franchise could never reach those levels again. It's movies, which also included a semi-prequel, a sequel to that semi-prequel, and two crossover movies, range from the dumb and entertaining: AVPR, to the barely mediocre, mostly shitty: Alien Covenant and Alien 3.

6. Halloween- Perhaps the franchise with the most wildly all over the place continuity, this long, running series has, one sequel that has nothing to do with anything else before or after (Halloween III: Season of the Witch), as well as a remake and it's own sequel. A new sequel has been promised (threatened?), which will ignore everything expect the first one! The original, itself, is a masterpiece of horror and fear, a scary and extremely influential piece of genre cinema. It is arguably John Carpenter's best film. The following movies have ranged in quality from great, like the Rob Zombie remake, which at least attempted something new instead going through the same old motions, to the piss poor: Halloween: Resurrection. That movie is one of the absolute fucking worst entries in a major horror franchise ever! While most comparable to the Friday the 13th movies, I have gone on to appreciate the attempt of these movies at being more serious, especially in the stronger sequels. 

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street- The best of the big three slasher franchise, ANOES always had the advantage over Halloween and Friday the 13th because of characters. Freddy is an innately more interesting villain than Michael or Jason because, he has a personality. The other characters are usually fleshed out better, too, with more of an attempt at making them likable than the cardboard knife fodder of its competition. The series was extremely successful, enough so that it made New Line Cinema (AKA the House that Freddy built!). The first movie might very well be the greatest slasher movie ever. Aside from the sequels, it also had a crossover with Jason and a less than desirable remake. The quality of the movies that followed the first one range from one of the greatest horror sequels ever made (Dream Warriors) to one of the most imaginative meta-horror movies (A New Nightmare) to one of the biggest balls of fucking shit ever (Freddy's Dead).

4. Romero's Living Dead Films- I have to be honest, if not for the last two movies, this franchise would be number one. Sadly, those bring down the franchise to this position. That being said, the first three movies (Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead) are perfect. The fourth movie, Land of the Dead, is not on that level, but it still an excellent movie, one of the finest of its kind. That movie was a great way to end the franchise. Sadly, Romero decided to reboot it with the godawful Diary of the Dead. I hated that  movie, and must admit to never bothering with Survival of the Dead. Regardless, of the later entries, this series has three, possibly four, legitimate classics in its series. Most franchises are lucky if they have one, let alone two, legitimate classic films in its roster.  Also, it should be mentioned that at the best of these films, they are smart and profound (not words I associate with most horror franchises), and the gore is fucking phenomenal putting to shame most of the movies splatter content on here.

3. Saw- Perhaps the bloodiest big studio horror franchise, the Saw movies is one of only four film series on this list where I like, to some degree or another, all the entries. I love the plot and writing, and the honest-to-god attempt, and success there of, of keeping continuity. They took the care that Friday the 13th admit ably didn't seem to give a flying fuck about. The acting was also mostly, if not always, solid. The best sequel, the incredibly awesome Saw II, is my personal favorite entry, though, technically speaking the first movie is the best in the series. Yet, even its weakest entry, Saw IV, is still a pretty decent movie, which more than I can say about most of the worst of the aforementioned movies. Even more awesome, the latest film, the damn good Jigsaw, continues the story, and is not a motherfucking remake.

2. Evil Dead- Like Alien, the first two movies are masterpieces. Also, like Alien, its second installment tops its first. Though, the range of just how much better Evil Dead 2 is better than Evil Dead is much smaller than how much Aliens blows away Alien. Anyway, its next installment, Army of Darkness is easily the weakest in the franchise, but it has a huge amount of love, especially among more mainstream fans. That being said, it is still an very fun movie, one that easily tops the worst entry in most, if not all of the aforementioned movies. The remake easily tops it, though, and is one of the best modern remakes around, as well, as one of the bloodiest big, studio horror movies, ever!

1. Chucky- Coming to this conclusion took a lot of thought, on my behalf. But, for as many years as this series has gone on, it is amazing that it is still this damn good, and that it always was. It is the only major slasher franchise, and one of the few overall franchises, where I like every film. Even its weakest movie, Seed of Chucky, is still a very interesting movie, something that cannot be said about the worst stalk and slash sequels. It also, always cared for continuity and had continuously returning characters and actors. Plus, its creator, Don Mancini has been involved with every single movie, and still  is. Other than Evil Dead and the Living Dead films, none of the other franchises can attest to that. The finest movie is the great first film (the classic Child's Play), but its best sequel the fun, wild, and stylish Bride of Chucky is one of the most easy to love slasher sequels ever. Plus, it managed to add a female counter part villain to its lead villain in the form of Tiffany. She is embodied by, what a body it is is(!), and voiced by the gorgeous Jennifer Tilly. No other slasher series can admit to that. The fact that the latest movie, the fucking solid Cult of Chucky, still adds new twists and intrigue (and, even ups the gore!!!) is a testament to the greatness of these movies. And, so it is without question in my mind that Chucky is the king of horror franchises!

What do you think is/ are the best horror franchises? Do you agree with my choice as Chucky as king? Comment below and discuss!

12/06/2008

The Punisher



The Punisher is, without a shadow of a doubt, my absolute fav superhero, or comic-book hero for those who say he is not a superhero. I been reading Punisher comics since I was kid, along with Spider-Man, they pretty much rule in my humble opinion.

Frank Castle, had his family killed by the mob, after witnessing a mob rub out. He was left for dead, but when he returned he came back as the Punisher! Unlike, other heroes in the Marvel Universe, meeting up with him, means you will more than likely die! Justice is permanent with him.

His first appearance was in Amazing Spider-Man #129. He was set up by the Jackal into thinking Spidey was a bad guy, but he soon saw that that was not the case. The character was an immediate success. Along with Wolverine he helped usher in a new breed of costumed hero, the one that kills his foes.

He would clash with Spider-Man many times , and they formed uneasy alliances. These encounters with heroes would be something Punny would have to endure over his career. Anywho, he eventually got his own mini-series, then his own series. That would, at one point in time, lead to a total of three books being published, the other two being: Punisher War Journel and Punisher War Zone.

Plus, he guest starred in just about every superhero book. Shit he was even in the awesome 90s Spider-Man toon . Unfortunately he and other dark characters, like Morbuis, Ghost Rider, and Blade, had to be dumbed down for toon land. Overexposure eventually hurt the character, and an ill fitted attempt to make him a supernatural hero did even worse. He came back, eventually, thanks to Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon's amazing Welcome Back Frank, which led another series, and eventually an adult MAX series.

Marvel would bring him back to normal Marvel Universe in Punisher War Journal, where he killed various useless villains like the Stilt-Man. really fun stuff!

Now he is back on the big screen. This is the third attempt. The first was a crappy low budget film that had Dolph Lundgren. While, violent and Lundgren was OK in the role, it is marred by a bad script, laughable villains, a travesty of his origin, and WORST of all no Punisher skull on his clothing. Lame. But, hey that Japanese chick and her blonde daughter who play the villains are hot... That one scores a *and 1/2 out of **** in my book.

The next version was in 2004. This is one of my fav superhero films, but I just wish that it had been in New York, as opposed to Florida. That said, Thomas Jane remains the best actor to take on the role. I've discussed this film before here, so I will just give you my rating: ****

So, yesterday, I saw the latest version of the Punisher on film: Punisher War Zone . I know some stuff has been said on the net regarding preproduction of this film, but ignore that. This is a great, truly fun film! In fact, the ONLY complaint is that Jane is not in it. That said Ray Stevenson does a good role as Frank Castle.

First and foremost, this is the first time anyone has EVER gotten his origin right in a movie. He is in New York, too! Also, comic-book characters Soap and fucking Microchip are in it! Microchip, bro! But, the best part? Jigsaw is in it! Jigsaw was one of the only returning villains Punny has, mostly cause the rest end up dead. He is done perfectly in the film. And, looks fucking cool, too!

You cannot imagine my joy of seeing one of my fav villains step out of the comics and collectibles and into the big screen. Jigsaw kick ass!

This is also the single most violent American made action since this year's excellent Rambo. Heads and bodies explode, decapitation, impaling, neck breaking, cannibalism, head shots, gory squibs, fist through the head, and other acts of mayhem splatter across the screen. The use of colors and over-the-top violence makes the movie look like a comic-book, which I loved! The action is fast and furious and the film is never boring or overlong, a problem with some comic-book films. The acting is solid from all involved. And, may I add, that Julie (Dexter) Benz looks EVEN hotter as brunette?

Critics, who are lame and pussies, will bitch about the gore, but fuck 'em. They don't know shit about comics or the Punisher. This is one of the year's most outrageous and fun movies. In a year full of excellent comic-book films, this one does not have the depth of The Dark Knight or the wonderment of Iron Man, but it is so enjoyable, that you can help but have a GREAT time with it. Go get your ass to the movies, NOW! Or at least after you leave work or whatever the fuck it is you are doing right now. **** out of ****

I really hope we finally get a Punisher film series. I leave you with some cool Punisher art, to make you all happy and whatnot.