Category: Geek Opera Stories | Page 5

31 Days of Halloween: Myth Meets Monster

Gargoyles (1972) ******* (7 out of 10 stars)Starring: Cornel Wilde, Jennifer Salt, Grayson Hall, Bernie Casey.“Oh. Don’t worry, dear. It gets worse.”—Dr. Mercer Boley Gargoyles is a unique 70s offering into the horror genre, blending legend and mythology with a traditional monster movie setup. An isolated desert, where an anthropologist and his daughter must face…

31 Days of Halloween: Enter the Haunted Asylum

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018)******* (7 out of 10 stars)Starring: Wi Ha-joon, Park Ji-hyun, Oh Ah-yeon, Moon Ye-won, Park Sung-hoon, Yoo Je-yoon, and Lee Seung-wook. Embarking on this film journey without any preconceptions, I dove in blind—no previews, no spoilers. My initial reaction was a raised eyebrow as it quickly began echoing the vibes of “The…

31 Days ofHalloween: Eastwick’s Bewitching Tale

Witches of Eastwick (1987)****** (6 out of 10 stars)Starring: Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Having watched this film last night, I find myself reflecting on it today. It’s a step away from my usual horror favorites, as the 1980s were rife with films serving primarily as celebrity showcases. This film falls into…

31 Days of Halloween: Vault of Chilling Tales

Tales from the Crypt (1972)******* (7 out of 10 stars)Starring: Joan Collins, Peter Cushing, Roy Dotrice, Richard Greene, Ian Hendry, and Patrick Magee. The film opens with an ominous manor, standing alone with a heavy, menacing air against a lush countryside. Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor plays with a sinister grin over this…

31 Days of Halloween: Lure of the Black Lagoon

Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954)******** (8 out of 10 stars)Starring: Richard Carlson, Julie Adams, Richard Denning. As a lifelong aficionado of monster movies, my fascination with the genre is deeply intertwined with a love for isolated, exotic locales that serve as their haunting backdrops. “Creature From the Black Lagoon” offers both in spades, and…

31 Days of Halloween: Monsters and Mayhem

Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948)****** (6 out of 10 stars)Starring: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Bela Lugosi, Lon Chaney Jr. “I’ll bet you’re surprised to see me!” – Wilbur Grey In my quest for classic horror flicks, I unearthed “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” a delightful horror-comedy gem perfect for adding some nostalgic flair to…

31 Days of Halloween: Iconic Monster Unleashed

Frankenstein (1931)******** (8 out of 10 stars)Starring: Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, and Mae Clarke. “It’s alive! It’s alive!” – Dr. Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) Boris Karloff delivers an unforgettable performance in “Frankenstein,” embodying the Creature with a poignant blend of pathos and monstrous presence. His portrayal transcends mere terror, infusing the character with a tragic…

31 Days of Halloween: Silent Shadows-Nosferatu

Nosferatu (1922)********* (9 out of 10 stars)Starring: Max Schreck, Gustav von Wangenheim, and Greta Schröder as Ellen Hutter. Let’s address the Vampyre in the room: it’s a silent film. This might be a challenge for some audiences, as silent films demand the viewer’s full attention and emotional acuity. Unprepared viewers might find slower segments dragging.…

31 Days of Halloween: Pendulum’s Dark Swing

The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)******* (8 out of 10 stars)Starring: Vincent Price, Barbara Steele, John Kerr, and Luana Anders. “I will tell you where you are. You are about to enter hell, Bartholomew. Hell! The Netherworld. The infernal region. The abode of the damned. The place of torment. Pandemonium.” – Don Nicholas Medina (Vincent…

31 Days of Halloween: Retro Scares, Real Laughs

House (1985)******* (7 out of 10 stars)Starring: William Katt, George Wendt, Richard Moll, and Kay Lenz.“The house knows everything about you. Leave while you can.” (Aunt Elizabeth) Back in 1985, as a teenager, the horror scene was thriving with new releases every month. “House” might not have been the peak of terror, but its entertainment…