The Top 5 Underappreciated Horror Films
HW Reynolds
Most bad horror movies are akin to the new Bond theme; they think they’re superb because they go over the top and think that hitting a few right tones, or right notes in the case of Writing’s On The Wall, is good enough. Nevertheless, they’re really just plodding, meandering and dull, and are an insult to their genre. They are hiding their mediocrity behind a smoke screen of cheap gore, or in some cases being part of a successful series (see franchise killers such as Jason Goes to Hell, Freddy’s Dead and the horrendous Hellraiser: Revelations) and often fail to succeed because of this. However, unlike the completely forgettable new Bond theme, some bad horror films leave a terrible blood stain, destined for the bargain bin or a franchise reboot. On the other end of the spectrum, are the underappreciated gems of the horror genre: those films that don’t get enough attention. Instead, they are overshadowed by films such as The Exorcist, Halloween or Psycho which have gained status as “classics”. The five films I’ve chosen to discuss below were once sadly overlooked, but thankfully have gained cult status. Since it’s the month of Halloween, I’ll be showing off five of my favourite horror films that didn’t get the attention they deserved.
5. Motel Hell (1980, Kevin Conner)
The plot is simple. Motel Hell (the second "o" on the neon sign has gone out) is a run down side stop that seems to be set in the same hillbilly central that the Sawyer family would skulk around in. It is operated by friendly Farmer Vincent (Rory Calhoun) and his sister (Nancy Parsons). The law around these parts is a relative (Paul Linke), who is the sheriff, albeit a corrupt one who has little issue with the victims of a motorcycle crash being buried by the farmer. But if you think that's the end of it, Farmer Vincent makes a living from burying people, but keeps them alive, not in a Ryan Reynolds kind of scenario, but worse, as he doesn't wait until they're dead. He knocks them unconscious, buries them up to their necks in his secret garden, fattens them up and then slaughters them, smokes them in his smokehouse, and sells them as sausages at his roadside stand. His cheerful motto, "It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent's fritters" is cold but also darkly hilarious. It sounds like a depressing plot, but the dark humour pulls it through. It isn’t quite as good as others, but I still recommend the weirdness. It does have a chainsaw duel after all!
The plot is simple. Motel Hell (the second "o" on the neon sign has gone out) is a run down side stop that seems to be set in the same hillbilly central that the Sawyer family would skulk around in. It is operated by friendly Farmer Vincent (Rory Calhoun) and his sister (Nancy Parsons). The law around these parts is a relative (Paul Linke), who is the sheriff, albeit a corrupt one who has little issue with the victims of a motorcycle crash being buried by the farmer. But if you think that's the end of it, Farmer Vincent makes a living from burying people, but keeps them alive, not in a Ryan Reynolds kind of scenario, but worse, as he doesn't wait until they're dead. He knocks them unconscious, buries them up to their necks in his secret garden, fattens them up and then slaughters them, smokes them in his smokehouse, and sells them as sausages at his roadside stand. His cheerful motto, "It takes all kinds of critters to make Farmer Vincent's fritters" is cold but also darkly hilarious. It sounds like a depressing plot, but the dark humour pulls it through. It isn’t quite as good as others, but I still recommend the weirdness. It does have a chainsaw duel after all!
4. Society (1989, Brian Zuzna)
Society is what would happen if you combined typical teen dramas with the rich and gory climax, which leaves you with a combination of confusion, disgust, admiration and relief. The plot is basic enough, with a typical outcast teenager who doesn't fit in with his upper class family. He does have a few friends; one of them spies on the rich, uncovering disturbing truths before being subject to the gooey climax. Left to obscurity for years, the film finally saw a fruitful release from Arrow in 2015, and also spawned a comic book sequel, which also found success. I recommend this film because of its build up and tension, and because the payoff at the end is superbly done, and is something quite unforgettable.
Society is what would happen if you combined typical teen dramas with the rich and gory climax, which leaves you with a combination of confusion, disgust, admiration and relief. The plot is basic enough, with a typical outcast teenager who doesn't fit in with his upper class family. He does have a few friends; one of them spies on the rich, uncovering disturbing truths before being subject to the gooey climax. Left to obscurity for years, the film finally saw a fruitful release from Arrow in 2015, and also spawned a comic book sequel, which also found success. I recommend this film because of its build up and tension, and because the payoff at the end is superbly done, and is something quite unforgettable.
3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986, Tobe Hooper)
An unlikely follow up to the now classic 1974 horror, the sequel couldn't be more different. Possibly one of the blackest comedies ever put to film, Texas 2 is full of memorable set pieces, such as Leatherface and his brother chop-top (Bill Mosely of the Devils rejects) invading a local radio station and harassing radio DJ, or a chainsaw duel between Leatherface and Dennis Hopper's Sheriff (a second on this list) and the film's ending, which echoes the original, but is just as chilling. Despite being a dark comedy, plenty of the film's qualities still come from its unnerving atmosphere and the desolate hellhole that is the Sawyer home. The film is available from Arrow coupled with some of Tobe Hooper's short films, and is thoroughly worth watching, regardless of the original or its sequels (except part III they're terrible so don't bother)
An unlikely follow up to the now classic 1974 horror, the sequel couldn't be more different. Possibly one of the blackest comedies ever put to film, Texas 2 is full of memorable set pieces, such as Leatherface and his brother chop-top (Bill Mosely of the Devils rejects) invading a local radio station and harassing radio DJ, or a chainsaw duel between Leatherface and Dennis Hopper's Sheriff (a second on this list) and the film's ending, which echoes the original, but is just as chilling. Despite being a dark comedy, plenty of the film's qualities still come from its unnerving atmosphere and the desolate hellhole that is the Sawyer home. The film is available from Arrow coupled with some of Tobe Hooper's short films, and is thoroughly worth watching, regardless of the original or its sequels (except part III they're terrible so don't bother)
2. Dead Ringers (1988, David Cronenberg)
My choice for the most psychological on the list, Dead Ringers, combines an eerie paranoia with suspense twin gynaecologists played by Jeremy Irons as both characters who share everything together: their patients, their hobbies and their women. Throughout the film, you’ll be amazed how differently each of the twins are conveyed, as Irons balances the unhinged Elliot and the commanding Hillary with expertise (move over Tom Hardy). Cronenberg takes us through the mental breakdown of both brothers as they become addicted to drugs and ruin their lives. Its moments of horror come from the signature Cronenberg tropes, though on a less graphic scale, but are still disturbing, such as the bizarre surgery tools used on a patient or a nightmare had by one of the brothers. After finishing the film, you’ll feel like you’ve been on a very strange journey that’s both a psychological masterpiece and a superb character study. The film is available on DVD and will likely see a newer release soon.
My choice for the most psychological on the list, Dead Ringers, combines an eerie paranoia with suspense twin gynaecologists played by Jeremy Irons as both characters who share everything together: their patients, their hobbies and their women. Throughout the film, you’ll be amazed how differently each of the twins are conveyed, as Irons balances the unhinged Elliot and the commanding Hillary with expertise (move over Tom Hardy). Cronenberg takes us through the mental breakdown of both brothers as they become addicted to drugs and ruin their lives. Its moments of horror come from the signature Cronenberg tropes, though on a less graphic scale, but are still disturbing, such as the bizarre surgery tools used on a patient or a nightmare had by one of the brothers. After finishing the film, you’ll feel like you’ve been on a very strange journey that’s both a psychological masterpiece and a superb character study. The film is available on DVD and will likely see a newer release soon.
1. The Exorcist III (Legion) (1990, William Peter Blatty)
Arguably the best film on this list, Legion is a superb film which can try the patience with its long shots and slower feeling, but it's worth it. The director, Peter Blatty, who had written the original novel, took the helm and as a result the film feels much more eerie than the original, which hasn't aged well but still holds a legacy in its 40 odd years. The actors here all done an incredible job, with Best Actor winner (and rejecter) George C Scott taking the lead, and Jason Miller and Brad Dourif (Chucky) taking the place of Reagan as the demonic threat. The scenes between Scott and Miller/Dourif are genuinely thrilling, and are rare in that they still bring chills to my spine. If you can, then do seek this one out, as it'll make a perfect Halloween flick, and is one of the greats that needs more love. Warner Bros are releasing the entire Exorcist series in a box set to be released October 28th, just in time for Halloween.
Arguably the best film on this list, Legion is a superb film which can try the patience with its long shots and slower feeling, but it's worth it. The director, Peter Blatty, who had written the original novel, took the helm and as a result the film feels much more eerie than the original, which hasn't aged well but still holds a legacy in its 40 odd years. The actors here all done an incredible job, with Best Actor winner (and rejecter) George C Scott taking the lead, and Jason Miller and Brad Dourif (Chucky) taking the place of Reagan as the demonic threat. The scenes between Scott and Miller/Dourif are genuinely thrilling, and are rare in that they still bring chills to my spine. If you can, then do seek this one out, as it'll make a perfect Halloween flick, and is one of the greats that needs more love. Warner Bros are releasing the entire Exorcist series in a box set to be released October 28th, just in time for Halloween.