The 10 Best Horror Movies of 1980

Ah, the 1980's, perhaps the most beloved decade for horror movies ever and understandably so. While, I personally prefer the 70's (I LOVE the grittiness and boldness of that era!), the 80's is easily, and by far, my second favorite era. A long time ago, I actually did a list of the top of each decade (more or less), but I feel it's time to redo that. So, if you read those pieces (the 80s one, in particular) ignore those and think of this as the TRUE official list by me, Master Gio!

We begin with the first year, with many of these movies being produced or still influenced by the 70's, this is a much more gritty batch of movies that what was to come. You'll see a good amount of Italian horror here and beyond, because, let's face it, they were making the best genre flicks on the fucking planet. So let's get to this list!

Honorable Mentions: 
The Fog
Altered States

Don't Answer the Phone
The Shining 

10. Inferno- The second installment in Dario Argento's Three Mother's Trilogy is one of his most beautiful movies. It is also quite possibly his most incomprehensible. Plot and story are thrown out the fucking window. But, that is fine when the movie, itself, is this wild and over the top. A visually stunning tour-de-force, it also has some great gory kills, an amazing soundtrack, and beautiful women, in other words everything you have come to love and expect in an Argento flick.





9. Don't Go in the House- This mean little psycho slasher has some incredibly strong acting, especially from Dan Grimaldi as the whack-job with a thing for fire. Well, fire and immolating setting beautiful women  with his flame thrower in a steel room that he creates. Disturbing and dark, this one of those early "nasty slashers" that will get under your skin.






8. Doctor Butcher M.D. (AKA Zombie Holocaust)- This wild and fun Italian gorefest combines two of Italy's most popular horror sub-genres, zombies and cannibals. And, it does the later without any of the vile animal killing or more depressing aspects. As a matter of fact, it is an absolute blast to watch. Check out my retrospective on it here.







7. Mother's Day- This early release from Troma Films, from Lloyd Kaufman's own brother Charles Kaufman, is a dark as fuck black comedy mixed with a rape/ revenge and killer hill-billy movie. Three pretty city girls are kidnapped, humiliated, beaten, raped, and one even killed by two cretins and their psychotic mother. It is a very nasty flick with graphic violence and unsavory subject matter. But, it is all well done and worthy of its cult status. I mean, no less an expert than Eli Roth has sung its praises. It also inspired a very different and, in my humble opinion even better remake in 2010.

6. Maniac- William Lustig's controversial, disturbing, and extremely graphic slasher was once condemned as misogynistic crap. But, over time it got recognized as the classic it was meant to be. That never softened its image, though. Joe Spinell gives an amazing performance as the psycho killer who hunts down, brutally kills beautiful women, and scalps them for use with his mannequins. Tom Savini's gore effects are realistic and and along with its dark mood really set itself apart from the stalk and slash movies that were to come.

5. Dressed to Kill- Brain De Palma's mix of psycho horror and erotic thriller ranks among the master's best work in the genre. The exhilarating and violent elevator attack, which was one of the scenes that needed to be cut down to get an R-rating, is one of my favorite scenes in any De Palma flick. Well, acted, sexy, stylish, and bloody, he is at the top his game, before his several missteps to come.






4. City of the Living Dead (AKA The Gates of Hell)- Lucio Fulci's supernatural zombie flick is low on plot but high on style and splatter. A priest hangs himself and opens the gates of hell. The film drips with atmosphere and blood, with at least two scenes that rank among the best gore scenes by anyone (a hot girl barfing up her guts and some weird dude getting a power-drill inside one side of his out the other). Plus, cult favorites Christopher George and the beautiful Catriona MacCall make for very likable heroes. And, sure the ending doesn't make a lot of sense, but this time around you won't care. Trust me!


3. Humanoids from the Deep- This is a wild and bloody monster romp from Roger Corman's production company. In it, sea monsters kill men and rape women for mating purposes. Aside from the dog killings at the beginning, this one is always a blast to watch and something that would NEVER be made today. You can read more of my thought on it here.







2. Cannibal Holocaust- Ruggero Deodato's masterpiece is perhaps the single most controversial horror film in cinema history. And, while yes the real animal violence is utterly repellent and completely deplorable, there is nonetheless a great movie in here. One that haunts you days after you see it and exploits what it also seems to condemn. The definitive and greatest extreme horror movie ever made, I go into further detail about it here.





1. Friday the 13th- One of the most oft-ripped-off horror films in history, this excellent trendsetter is a classic of the genre. Unlike its brain-dead sequels and the wanna-bes it inspired, Sean Cunningham's splatter flick is actually scary and builds suspense excellently. Between its likable characters, good acting, graphic FX by Savini, classic score, excellent climax, and one of the greatest endings in genre history, there is no doubt about it: Friday the 13th is the best horror movie of 1980 and one of the greatest slashers ever fucking made.




What are your choices for the best horror movies of 1980? Let me know in the comments section below. And, keep your eyes open for 1981!

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"Z" (Review)

Director: Brandon Christensen
Writers: Brandon Christensen, Colin Minihan
Cast: Keegan Connor Tracy, Jett Klyne, Sean Rogerson, Sara Canning, Stephen McHattie
Year: 2019
Min: 83

The married couple of Elizabeth (Keegan Connor Tracy) and Kevin Parsons (Sean Rogerson) have an eight-year-old son named Joshua (Jett Klyne). He unfortunately has gained an imaginary friend simply named Z; who soon influences Joshua to develop rather antisocial and destructive behavior. It worries his mom, Elizabeth, of course, especially when the behavior begins to include violence. She will slowly discover the secret of Z.

This slow burn of a horror movie looked, at first, to be something that I had seen before. But, thanks to some solid talent behind and in front of the camera, ended up exceeding my expectations. Insuring my enjoyment of it is how the movie builds up and has a couple of moments that will chill you.

Perhaps the movie's strongest aspect is its acting. Everyone is great, but it's Keegan Connor (Final Destination 2, Bates Motel) Tracy that is truly incredible. She gives one of the year's best performances, as she is able to say so much with just her eyes. Her character of Elizabeth is the heart of the movie and is easy to like and cheer on. She also plays a good counterbalance to Sean Rogerson portrayal of her hubby Kevin. While, he shows strong acting, the role is the generic dad who doesn't believe in the supernatural shit that is going on. As such, he feels a bit like a fail, even if he means well. The supporting cast is strong as well, in particular the always great and underrated Stephen McHattie as the psychologist Beth calls to help her son.

I also really like the way the movie looks, as there are some really nicely framed shots within it. While, the flick is slow it builds and builds up rather well. The continuing sense of mounting terror so well thanks to director/ co-writer Brandon Christensen, who manages to make the movie creepier and creepier. There is, at least. one truly shocking and jaw-dropping moment. It comes from a truly shocking scene that works to perfection and comes out of nowhere. The score by Brittany Allen is great, as well, and adds to the scares. It helps to make you feel very uneasy.

The script by Christensen and Colin Minihan is strong. As I stated before, at first this film feels like it might be something we have seen before. But, then at about the 50 or so minute mark it goes in a decidedly crazy and increasingly dark direction that I really appreciated. It helps to give this one its own identity.

"Z" is a dark and somber mix of supernatural and psychological horror. Though it's a bit on the slow side, it builds up rather nicely. The film manages to have some frightening and creepy moments. And, it is highlighted by a superlative performance from the lovely and immensely talented Connor Tracy. Her role of a mom who will do anything to protect and save her son helps to make this one a great choice for Mother's Day viewing. Which is great cause Shudder will begin streaming the movie on May 7, 2020.

3 out of 4 

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Come Mother's Day, "Z" Will be Unleashed by Shudder!

April 16, 2020 — Shudder, AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller and the supernatural, announced today that it has acquired all rights in its territories to Z, the latest horror film from director Brandon Christensen (Still/Born). The film, which stars Keegan Connor Tracy (Bates Motel), Sean Rogerson (Grave Encounters), Jett Klyne (The Boy), Sara Canning (The Vampire Diaries) and Stephen McHattie (Pontypool), is the story of Elizabeth, a young mother who begins to fear her introverted son’s imaginary friend, Z, may be terrifyingly real. Shudder will release Z as a Shudder Original on May 7—just in time for Mother’s Day.

“Brandon’s Still/Born was a tense, frightening film grounded in a tragic story that Shudder members quickly embraced and turned into a hit. We jumped at the chance to work with him again on Z, which were excited to debut next month,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager.

“When Still/Born premiered on Shudder on Mother’s Day in 2018, it was clear that they understood what the film was going for and allowed it to shine,” said Christensen. “With Z, we once again have a film about a tortured mother and father, diving into the psyche of what it’s like to have a child with a mind of their own. I’m thrilled to be teaming with Shudder and once again releasing a film on Mother’s Day, where we can both celebrate and terrify mothers once again.”

Z is written by Christensen and Colin Minihan and produced by Chris Ball, Kurtis David Harder, Christensen and Minihan. The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto on behalf of Shudder and by ICM on behalf of the filmmakers. 

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ABOUT SHUDDER

AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and originals is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Germany. New members can enjoy 30-days free with the promo code SHUTIN when signing up at Shudder.com.

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The Top 10 Movies of 2012

2012 has passed us by, and as far as movies are concerned it was a great year. In particular for horror movies, as there were some of the finest genre films I've seen in sometime. In fact, this might be the year with the most amount of horror movies to ever make this list. I do want to say that the best horror movie I saw this year, the magnificent American Mary, is not ranked, only because it's official release is this year. I'm sure that when I make the list for this year it will rank among the very best, as it is as amazing a movie, as I have seen the genre produce in a very long time. As always, my list is probably not like other lists out there, but then again this blog isn't like most blogs out there. Anyway, no more wasting time here is my list:

10. The Expendables 2- Opening the list is this fun and badass, and to me, superior sequel to the original star-studded action-fest. It's a solid shoot-em up, with great ones liners, lots of kick ass, bloody action (and to think there were rumors of this getting a PG-13!!), allusions to the AWESOME cast's past action films, and a hot Asian chick. Lundgren was probably my favorite in the film, but Van Damme made for a damn (pun not intended) good villain. Bring on part 3!!





9. Mother's Day- Though it took two years (in fact I reviewed it last year) to finally get an official release, this superior sort of remake to the good Troma released movie of the same name, ranks as one of last year's most vicious horror flicks. The acting is great, in particular from Rebecca DeMornay and the reigning queen of quality horror remakes: the lovely Jamie King. It also features very tense directing. The moments of strong, graphic violence give the film a nice gut punch that you will surely feel.



 
8. The Raid: Redemption- Here's a kick ass, break-necked paced, and brutally violent action flick from Indonesia that got a wide-release in the US, and it totally deserved it. It also deserves all the praise that you've heard it get. It is the best martial arts film since The Protector. The action never stops, nor does the insane splattery violence. The fight scenes will leave your jaw dropping to the floor and the stunts are just insane!! If you have yet to see this one you're doing yourself a diservce. Of note: this movie's success probably hurt Dredd, which had a very similar plot (IE go up a building to battle the main baddie in a building filled with baddies). And, you should definitely see that one as well, though this is definitely the superior movie.

7. The Cabin the Woods- Co-writer Joss Whedon's flick is a loving tribute to the horror genre. There are so many cool moments and so many cool creatures, that you can watch this a million times over. In fact, i liked this one even more the second time around, enough so that I changed the position that it ranked in originally. Throw in the babes, nudity, gore, and, what is probably the best climax of the year, and you have the first of two big hits Mr. Whedon has on this list. For more on my thoughts, but not enough to ruin it, check out my review here: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2012/04/cabin-in-woods.html
 

6. Skyfall- The best Bond film since my personal favorite in the series, For Your Eyes Only, this one even manages to trump the greatness that was Casino Royale. The action is the most suspenseful the series has had in countless of ages. The acting is on spot from the whole cast, with a riveting Javier Bardem, who ranks amongst the best of the Bond villains. Craig continues to prove that he is THE best Bond, since Connery. The emotional story, riveting climax, and perfect ending make this one a loving tribute to the series as well as a must see (and, when it hits DVD/ blu-ray: a must own) for Bond fans.


 
5. The Loved Ones- It's a shame that it took three fucking years for US fans to see this masterpiece of modern horror, and then that it got a somewhat underwhelming DVD release, and no blu-ray!! Regardless this is one that is so well written and features what is some of the finest acting in the genre in the entire year. This smart, attention holding, tough as nails survival horror flick, is one that should be seen by all lovers of terror. For more on my thoughts on this masterpiece read my review here: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2012/06/loved-ones.html




4. Django Unchained- This tribute to the bloody spaghetti Django westerns, is Tarantino's best movie since Pulp Fiction. It is also his best looking movie, ever. It benifits from an amazing cast, including Jamie Foxx at his very best. DiCaprio makes for a dispicable villain, as does Samuel Jackson. Meanwhile, with this film Christopher Waltz cements himself as one of my favorite actors. Though long, Tarantino keeps the pace moving nicely, so you won't be feeling it (a problem with the director's lesser work like Death Proof). The gory shoot-outs will make you remember the type of films this is a love letter, to, as will the great music, some taken from the original Italian series, itself, as will the great cameo by Franco Nero. Horror fans should keep their open for cameos by Tom Savini, the lovely Amber Tamblyn, and her dad, Russ Tamblyn (who, of course, starred in the classic The Haunting).

3. God Bless American- This awesome jet-black, but hilarious comedy from Bobcat Goldthwait, is the single best comedy of the year. Playing like the ultimate liberal fantasy, this one that has our hero and his teen accomplice killing reality TV stars, assholes, and right-wing fascists. It's a fun, bloody movie, that will have you cheering them on, as they rack up the bodycount of the idiots and jackasses. The acting and the dialouge is priceless, with the whole scene where they talk about Alice Cooper ranking as what might be my favorite dailouge moment of the year.



2. Excision- Unquestionably the best image change of the year came from the lovely AnnaLynne McCord, who plays the misfit teen lead in this, the finest horror movie, to get an official release this year. McCord is amazing on very level, as is Traci Lords as her mom. I must say I'm one of those who thought it wasn't possible to get a great performance out of her, perhaps due to the earlier horrible roles, that she got. Alas, Lords proved me wrong, here. This film, a twisted coming of age movie, is alternately disturbing, hilarious, moving, touching, and gory. It is even that much better, the second time around. A true accomplishment for the genre this one will resonate with not just those of who always felt like the weird kid, but anyone, at all who views it. A new classic for the genre, without a shadow of a doubt!

1. Marvels The Avengers- When it came to pick the year's best, only one film remained at the top of this list, from the second that I finished watching it, and that's Joss Whedon's second movie to make this list: Marvel's The Avengers. This movie is perfect and a true geekgasm. One that I could worship and praise all day long, but I don't need to cause I wrote that praising review back in the summer of 2012: http://themastergio.blogspot.com/2012/05/marvels-avengers.html

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Mother's Day (2010)

Title: Mother's Day
Director: Darren Lynn Bousman
Writer: Scott Milam
Cast: Rebecca De Mornay, Jaime King, Shawn Ashmore, Warren Kole, Patrick Flueger
Min: 112

A couple throw a get together and invite some friends over. Good times are had until three brothers, one of them mortally wounded, enter the house. They are extremely dangerous criminals, and this was there house, until a mere two months ago. They hold the people in the house hostage, as they have one of a hostages, a doctor, help their brother before he bleeds out. Meanwhile, they await their psychotic mother (Rebecca De Mornay) who is accompanied by her beautiful daughter (True Blood's Deborah Ann Woll) arrive. When, she gets there, they demand that the money they been sending her to that house be returned to them. And, if they don't get what they want the body count will start to rise...

Right off the bat, I should start by saying that this film is very different from Charles' Kaufman's original movie of the same name. Aside, from keeping the idea of a whacked out mom and her kids, it's a completely different movie. This is a home invasion horror/ crime-thriller, unlike the rape-revenge 80s favorite (which I think is one of the best movies Troma has ever released). Fans of that film will love the in-jokes and allusions to it, including one awesome death scene.

What this movie also is one of the year's best horror films, and I hope it gets an official release soon, cause it is one hell of a ride. The movie is dark and intense and marks Bousman's best movie yet, far surpassing his work even on quality movies like Repo: The Genetic Opera or the Saw sequels, including the second one, which is actually my favorite in the series. He builds up suspense and nail-biting intensity and always keeps you on the edge of your seat. The editing is tight and furthers the feeling of the movie that will have your nerves completely spent by the time it is over.

There is are two predominate themes that run in this film: one is family. Both Jamie King, who plays the wife of the lead couple and whose character recently lost a child, and De Mornay care and love their family. This adds a level of depth to De Mornay's character that makes her that much more interesting and, in the end, perhaps THE finest female villain in the history of the horror film. Another, one, I find is one bought up by one of De Mornay's sons, who pretty much says that all humans are capable of killing in the right circumstance. This becomes increasingly evident as the movie moves along.

For this to work the acting must be excellent, and it most certainly is. De Mornay gives the performance of her career. You really want this bitch to die! And, that is all a credit to her. King is also quite good and makes for a strong heroine, you can cheer on. King looks great of course, as does the rest of the exceptionally beautiful, female cast. As, a huge fan of Ms. Woll, I was happy to see her in this film, where she plays the most sympathetic of De Mornay's family. The rest of the cast is excellent as well, with everyone giving it their all.

The movie is not the goriest you will ever see, but it always feels tense and the strong violence that there is, is made that much more racketed up. The torture scenes are nasty stuff, that will have you wincing. And, the kill I mentioned some paragraphs back ranks as one of the year's very best.

The only flaw in the movie is the ending which while not bad, and does make sense, feels a little forced and somewhat out of place. Regardless, of that I give Mother's Day my fullest support and my highest possible recommendation. Don't let your preconceived concepts of remakes stop you from seeing this. Afterall, just last year after leaving a comic book convention I was discussing my doubts about this one with a friend. Fuck those doubts and see this one as soon, as it gets released.

**** out of ****

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The 10 Hottest MILFs

Well, this Sunday is Mother's Day, so I wanted to take the time out to wish all the moms out there a wonderful day. And, I hope you all take this day to tell and show your moms how much you love them. Do something special for them. You know they deserve it!
Anyways, enough with the sweet, nice stuff. I also felt it was time to pay some love for MILFs! The following is a list, in ascending order, of the 10 most uber-hot mature babes around. While not all of them are actual moms, they are all 40 or over. Enjoy the beauty of these women, who only get finer with time.

10. Lucy Lawless- I truly think this New Zealand 42 year old babe is more stunning than ever. Want proof? Then you clearly have not been watching Spartacus: Blood and Sand, as I have been tell you to do. Shame on you for not seeing her amazing, naked boobs!








9. Ming Na- She has the ability with her exquisite beauty to make even the crappiest of films (Street Fighter [Van Damme version], Prom Night [remake]) shine. Well, at least while she is on screen. At 46 years of age this babe is just draw dropping in her breathtaking looks.








8. Demi Moore- I have had a crush on Demi Moore ever since I was a kid, and you know what? I still love her! At 47 she still looks AMAZING! That body is wow, just wow!!! She is a complete and utter heartbreaker with killer legs, a beautiful face, and stunning eyes. That Ashton Kutcher is one lucky fuck! I mean did you see her when she was on Chlesea Handler's recent special?! I mean my jaw dropped! And, between both those babes, so did the drool!





7. Doro Pesch- The German metal goddess herself is rocking hard, kicking ass, and looking delicious at 45! It's amazing in how good shape she keeps herself. I am a huge fan of her and her music and with good reason, I must add!








6. Lauren Graham- She played one of the hottest and most beautiful moms in the history of TV on The Gilmore Girls, and on the new show, Parenthood, she is keeping that title alive and well. OK, neither show are my cup of blood, but she more than made up for that with her role in my all time fav comedy, Bad Santa, as a sexy bartender with a thing for Santa. Quick where's a spare Santa suit? Need to wear one for this 43 year old goddess!





5. Marisa Tomei- I have always liked this Italian goddess, but it's her role in The Wrestler, as a stripper mom, two years ago, that cemented her as one of the all time great MILFs. Her body looked smoking hot as she was topless and giving lap dances! I wish she really did work at a strip club! Preferably one close to me!







4. Lucy Liu- One of the most flawless and beautiful complexions ever belong to this 41 year old hailing from my home town of Queens, NY. Lucy is always captivating and stunning to look at. She also happens to be a damn good actress and even more awesome when she is kicking someone's ass.








3. Vicky Vette- Let's be honest here, MILF porn fucking rulz. And, one of the best performers in them, has to be the beautiful Ms. Vette. I simply cannot believe that this beauty is actually 44 years old! A Norwegian vision of optimum beauty!








2. Ginger Lynn Allen- Perhaps one of my longest lasting crushes, I truly believe Ginger Lynn to be one of the most beautiful women, ever, MILF or not. Having had the pleasure of meeting her last year at Exxxotica NY, I can assure you that she is even more sexy in person. This 47 year old lovely just exudes sex! Plus, she is one of the very few women who have done X-rated, B-movies, big budget movies, and TV. Ginger Lynn rules!






1. Kelly Hu- A long time admirer and fan of the gorgeous Ms. Hu, it is hard to believe that she is actually 42 years old! Look at her! She just keeps getting more and more impossibly beautiful. Plus, she's another honey that looks so good when she is kicking someone's ass! Kelly's involvement in various causes also prove that this babe is as beautiful on the inside, as she is on the outside. Kelly Hu more than surely deserves her top spot on this list.






And, so remember, I love MILFs, you love them, we all love them!

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Now playing: Dark Angel - Darkness Descends
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