Halloweeny/Horror Movie Challenge...*~The 1st~*...

*~SPOILER ALERT~*

 The Scream Series is rumored to be one of the most popular slasher film franchises to date; therefore, it was with this series that I chose to begin my journey into my Halloweeny/Horror Movie Challenge!

Scream 1:

  First off, I would like to say how much I absolutely adore Neve Campbell's performances in every one of these movies. And I'm not being biased just because she voiced Kiara in Simba's Pride, she really did a fantastic job with these movies! I always love to watch actors grow and mature throughout the filming process of a series. So, Scream 1- for a film made in the 90s, it had same great murder scenes and effects! Ok, quick synopsis: Sidney Prescott, a high school student, is harassed by a psycho-killer who keeps phoning her and threatening to kill all of her friends, which he does. As the story progresses, the main characters are investigating who the killer is by comparing the real-life killings to the horror movie genre (which I personally thought was a clever story point). In the end, we find out that the man, Cotton, who Sidney had accused of murdering her mother the previous year is innocent and that the real murders were Sidney's psychotic boyfriend, Billy, and his best friend, Stu. The boys attempt to kill Sidney and to get away with all of their murders, but with the help of the annoying and nosy reporter, Gale Weathers, and her friends Randy and Dewey, Sidney is able to shoot them down. I really liked this movie! Although I knew from the beginning that the killer was Billy, I was surprised that Stu was apart of the plan. ((This was kind of upsetting kuz I liked him, also that he was played by Matthew Lillard, Shaggy from the Scooby-Doo movies!)) It's said that the Scream franchise revived the horror genre, and I'm not surprised. It was intense, suspenseful, and hilarious! It was also refreshing to see Sidney being a badass female hero, which is uncommon in American films, especially during this time-period.

Scream 2:

 It is common knowledge in the movie industry that sequels are never as good as the original, as discussed in the movie, but this movie was actually pretty good! The only major problem I had with it is the idea that it's still, basically, the same killer, "Ghostface." Here's a synopsis: 2years after the original film, Scream, the story takes off running after a couple is murdered during a screening of the new hit horror film, "Stab." The film is based on Gale Weather's book she wrote about Sidney Prescott and the Woodsboro murders. Meanwhile, Sidney has moved on and is attending college as a Theatre major along with her friend and fellow survivor, Randy. Naturally, people around Sidney's life (though none of any major importance) are killed in order to unsettle Sidney and her friends. Gale and Dewey arrive from their normal lives and work together- sort of- to solve the murder mysteries. Besides the random murders, this copycat murderer attempts to finish off the Woodsboro survivors and winds up succeeding in brutally killing Randy. Sidney and her roommate, Hallie, are taken by the police to a safety-house; however, mid-trip, the killer attacks them- both police are killed as well as Hallie. Sidney runs for help on campus and finds herself in the Theatre's auditorium where Sidney was planned to be playing the lead in the school play. Ghostface appears and attempts to kill Sidney behind-the-scenes. At the same time, Gale and Dewey are also being attacked by a second Ghostface in the Broadcasting department. Dewey protects Gale long enough for her to escape, but getting himself very close to death himself. Gale is brought to the auditorium, where the murderers reveal themselves: Mickey, a school friend of Sidney's, and the mastermind, Mrs.Loomis. Gale is knocked-out during the struggle, and Mrs. Loomis shoots down her psychotic partner, Mickey, and plans to kill Sidney for revenge of Billy's death. Suddenly, Cotton, who has been stalking Sidney all movie trying to get a double interview with her, appears and helps save Sidney by killing Mrs.Loomis. Gale follows Dewey to the hospital, and Sidney, who is tired of her publicity, pushes off reporter questions to the "real hero," Cotton. This sequel seems to follow the basic "rules" of movie sequels, which is of course the point! But there is also an emphasis of the character's love-lives: Dewey and Gale arguing back-and-forth, Randy's continued infatuation with Sidney, and Sidney slowly adjusting to the idea of opening herself up to her boyfriend, Derek. This movie also seems to have more comedic levels than the first. The effects and blood & gore are also as well done as the previous movie. All the acting was fantastic and very nice to watch, with the exception of the overly dramatic death of the girl at the very begging- I don't know if it was purposely done that way, or if it just happened, but I just couldn't stop laughing. There's also the point of the big reveal at the end: maybe I just wasn't paying attention, but Mickey's character just didn't stand out too much for me, so when he pulled off his mask, the effect wasn't there because I didn't know who he was, haha! And, of course the crazy news reporter that was stalking Gale the whole movie, I knew she was apart of it all, but, of course, no one knew her true identity until it was revealed, since it was the first time the character had appeared in the story. Still, one of my favorite points of the whole movie, was its continued references to the horror movie genre cliches and being sure to stick to them the whole way through the film!

Scream 3:

  The greatest part about this movie, as is stated within the film, is the fact that it is revealed that we although we believed to be done with the story, it is brought to our attention that we are dealing with the rare horror film trilogy! A quick synopsis: In order to escape her fate of forever being followed by crazed killers, and stalkers following her life from the Stab movie series, Sidney Prescott is now living in hiding away from the world. However, the new killer won't stop until he finds her and is willing to kill as many people necessary for her to come out into the open. Cotton, now a famous spokesperson, is killed along with his girlfriend during the movie's opening. Throughout the rest of the film, actors portraying characters in the new "Stab 3" movie are being murdered in the same order that their characters are killed onscreen. Of course, Gale and Dewey join the hunt for the mysterious killer along with the help of local Hollywood police. We learn that their relationship has hit a rocky point, and they spent most of this movie arguing. An old movie is found of Randy giving a 101 about movie sequels and explains the new rules for the trilogy our characters have found themselves in: Ghosts from the past start appearing and what we thought was true in the past no longer matters. It is revealed that Sidney's mother, Maureen Prescott, about 20years previously, had come to Hollywood to work as an actress in horror movies; however, while at a party, she was brutally raped and never mentally recovered. The killer, this time, Maureen's bastard son of that night, Sidney's abandoned half-brother, Roman- Stab 3's director. There's an intense struggle between Roman and Sidney, but of course, Sidney comes out on top. In the movie's conclusion, Dewey proposes to Gale, and we see that they are now living with Sidney and her ?boyfriend? Detective Mark. Ok, so my main problem with this film was that it was never officially stated that the Detective (whom I really liked) and Sidney actually started dating! Also, the fact that this movie seemed to have an increased emphasis on comedic elements. However, oddly enough, this movie seemed to be one of my favorites because it made me laugh so much! All of the actor characters were hilariously dumb, and Randy's short video commentating on the rules of a horror trilogy was fantastic! Another favorite part was the makeup, blood & gore, and settings- it was interesting to watch a film within a film and how each killing was much more elaborate than in the past. However, my absolute favorite parts of the movie was seeing that billboard: "100% COTTON!" Haha! I just couldn't stop laughing!!

Scream 4:

  Just when we thought the "trilogy" was over! But, of course, this is the movie industry, so there just had to be a a final fourth movie! Here's a quick synopsis: It's the 15th anniversary of the the legendary Woodsboro murders when Sidney Prescott returns home. She is promoting the release of her book that tells of her journey out of darkness; however, on the day of her homecoming, the murders begin again. First it's just a couple of local girls, then it comes a little closer to home. Sidney is staying with her aunt and cousin, Jill. Just after Jill's friend, Olivia, calls Sidney the "Angel of Death," she and two cops are brutally murdered, as well as Sidney's publicist. Gale and Dewey, happily married for 10years, reach a rocky patch when Gale claims to being going rogue, desperate for a good story. Gale is attacked and hospitalized. The same night, Jill leaves home to spend time with her friends and her mother, Kate, is killed in their home. Sidney finds Jill at her friend's, Kirby's home where they are attacked. Robbie, amateur blogger, is the first killed in his drunken-state. Kirby, who is the first to win Ghostface's phone challenge, is killed by Charlie, president of the school movie-enthusiasts club, when she tries to save him. In the grand reveal, we learn that Charlie has teamed up with Jill to commit these murders and compile them together to put on the internet for the world to see. However, after Jill shoots her ex-boyfriend, Trevor, she turns on her partner, claiming that only a "sole survivor" is necessary. Everyone presumably dead, Jill throws against the furniture, glass tables and stabs herself, all to stage her crime scene. Dewey and the rest of the police force arrive on-scene and Jill and Sidney are rushed to the hospital. Jill is delighted to hear reporters calling her a hero, but when Dewey tells her that Sidney is still alive, Jill leaves her room to finish the job. In the midst of their struggle, Dewey comes to the realization of Jill's guilt and rushes to Sidney's aid. His Deputy, Judy Hicks, attempts to help, but it's Gale's distraction that gives Sidney time to activate the nearby defibrillator and on Gale's signal, "Clear," Sidney shocks Jill's brain. However, like all the past films, the bad guy always come back! Judy sends one last bullet and kills her. The movie ends with reporters relaying to the world that Jill Roberts is the new "hero of Woodsboro for being the sole survivor of these killings." Another good movie, but it was obvious that this one was not in the original plans of the "Scream Trilogy." This movie's opening was the most clever of all: a movie within a movie within a movie! We start off with Lucy Hale playing a girl who is home alone with her sister and both are killed by Ghostface, and then, "Stab 6" appears on-screen. Apparently, these two friends were just watching a movie, right? Wrong. One of the girls stabs the other and suddenly, "Stab 7" jumps on-screen, and the movie officially, officially starts! Very well done. One of the worst parts of their movie, personally, was the fact that it seemed like Detective Mark had never existed! Uhm, hello! What happened to him?? The best part of this film, alongside all of the effects, blood & gore, and brilliantly dramatic acting, was the final twist! Not until just before the reveal did I think that it was possible that Jill was the murderer. Charlie, however, was an off-and-on suspect from the moment we met him. But, beyond everything else about these movies, my absolute FAVORITE part was watching the technological development! We went from having home units only and giant cellphones only on those who could afford it, to more phone availability, then flip-phones, and finally to modern-day cellphones! It was just so funny to watch.

Rosemary's Baby: 

  My first horror movie choice was quite a change from the past Scream movies! Even though Rosemary's Baby is a classic of the horror movie genre, here's a quick synopsis: We're in New York City, in the late 60s. Rosemary Woodhouse and her husband, Guy, are just moving into a beautiful old apartment. Immediately after they move-in, their nosy neighbors, Minnie and Roman Castevet, an elderly couple, become very close to Guy. The day after Rosemary meets the Castevet's house-guest, Terry, in the laundry room, she is found dead on the side-walk. Minnie uses Terry's death to become closer to Rosemary, seemingly using her as a daughter replacement. Soon after they have moved-in, Guy receives the lead role in a play after the man originally cast suddenly becomes blind. A few months have passed and Rosemary finds out she is pregnant. Guy insists on using the Castevet's personal friend as her doctor. After Rosemary's first meeting with Dr. Sapirstein, Minnie is instructed to make Rosemary daily "health drinks," and a pain develops in her stomach. It's been months into the pregnancy and Rosemary is thinner than before and looks deathly ill. After a visit from an old friend, Hutch, Rosemary stops taking her drinks and tries to return to her original choice of doctor, Dr. Hill, but after a heated argument with Guy the pains go away and Rosemary returns to her daily routines. It's nearing her due date and Rosemary looks healthy and very pregnant. She receives news that Hutch has passed away after a long-term coma; however, his final wish is granted and Rosemary receives his book on witchcraft that, inside, he has left clues and messages for her. Rosemary pieces everything together: she begins suspecting that Minnie and Roman are apart of coven and that Guy has promised them their baby for some ritual. Rosemary seeks help from Dr. Hill, but he doesn't believe her and he phones Guy and Dr. Sapirstein who drag her back home where she goes into labor. When she awakes, Guy tells her that the baby was delivered dead; however, as the days pass, Rosemary insists she can hear a baby's cries from next door. After secretly refusing her medication, Rosemary sneaks into the next room where her suspicions are proved to be true. It revealed that Satan had chosen Rosemary to be the mother to his son and that the coven was to protect the baby and raise him for their lord. At first, Rosemary is horrified of the news, but when the baby starts crying hr motherly instincts kick in, and she agrees to be a proper mother for her son, Adrian. This movie was beautiful to watch with its stunning setting, story, and amazing acting. Mia Farrow was gorgeous throughout the whole film and she did a fantastic job as the sweet and naive Rosemary. There were, of course, those moments of realization that this film was made in the late 60s, but most of the time, I was drawn into Rosemary's world and into the story unfolding before me. I am going to have to assume, however, that the reason this film is classified as a horror is because it was one of the first of its kind, because nothing about it was scary in the slightest. Again, looking at the time-period, this film must have been terrifying. But it is still proclaimed as a classic horror even in today; therefore, I must make the assumption that it is such because it was the forerunner of the satanic films to come.

Pet Sematary:

  This movie was fucking horrible for me to watch! It was the worst out of all of the others, which is also fantastic, since it's actually the second oldest out of them all! Based off of Stephen King's book, naturally the Pet Sematary was going to be a thrilling horror film with all the right twists and turns! A quick synopsis: A doctor, Louis, and his family move into a new home- his wife, Rachel; his young tomboyish daughter, Ellie; her cat, Winston Churchill; and toddler son, Gage. Their older and kindly neighbor, Jud, walks with them down a hidden path behind their house and down into a "Pet Sematary." Past children of the area built it up on their own over the years, burying their pets that had died. One day, while the family is away, the cat, Church, is run over by a speeding truck; however, feeling that it was too early for Ellie to have to learn about death, Jud shows Louis a secret Indian burial ground hidden beyond the "Pet Sematary." Dead bodies buried here are brought back to life, but their spirits are changed, or damaged. Months later, while the family is outside playing, Gage wanders near the road and is killed by a speeding truck. After his family leaves for a weekend, Louis sneaks away to the burial grounds to bring his son back to life. Jud tries to persuade him against the idea, retelling a story of a father who made the same mistake before; Ellie tries to warn him and her mother about dreams she'd been having; and the spirit of a boy who had died earlier in the movie, also tries to warn Louis against going to the grounds. Gage comes back to life and kills Jud and Rachel. Louis takes matters into his own hands and is forced to bring his son back to death- but he didn't learn his lesson. The movie ends with Louis burning down Jud's home, and taking Rachel's body to the burial grounds. She comes back in the end, and the movie closes with her reaching for a knife. Soooo, yaaaaa.... I did NOT like this movie! ( ; ; ) I was crying and screaming the whole time! They can't kill off the animals &&& the babies!! That's just the movie rules! Well, it didn't help that I kinda already knew parts of the movie, so even before Gage was hit by the truck, anytime he went near the street, I freaked out... And when he came back???? That freaking Chucky-like Gage giggling and killing everyone??? Just. No. And then Louis doesn't learn his fucking lesson and revives Rachel & they MAKE-OUT??? That was just.... EEEEEEWWWWW!! Well, besides all that, it was a great movie! That ghost-kid freaked me out a bit, but he was very much the comedy relief by the end of the movie. The make-up, setting, and music was all so well done! My favorite actor was definitely the little girl, Ellie. Every time she was crying or hurting, I believed it. I loved that little girl and was so pissed at how the movie ended!! Her dad didn't even stop to think about her when we buried Rachel's body! Jeeze, that movie really got me, and now I know why people still talk about how great it was, or is...

  I've realized something about myself: blood & gore and gruesome murders don't bother me in the slightest, actually, the more dramatic the better, I think! But when it comes to paranormal, I will be hiding under my covers, watching behind my fingers... I also continue to be impressed by these classics. I mean, they basically created the genre, but I was prepared to be laughing due to bad CG attempts (like the first Exorcist) but that hasn't really been the case. Only a couple times with these stories have I had to remind myself the time-period that these movies existed; otherwise, the story is just so well written, or the movie so well directed, that I become engrossed in the whole world of the story! And that's how a good horror movie is supposed to be!
 And so, this was only the first installment of my October Halloweeny/Horror Movie Challenge!! I'm so excited to get my wits scared out of me the rest of the month! I haven't a clue what I'm going to watch next! Maybe the Halloween series?? The Grudge?? The Omen?? It all depends on what I can find!

Sincerely Yours,
Lisette Monique Diaz

ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭ ~Sweet Dreams~ ৎ꒰ ¯ิ̑﹃ ¯ิ̑๑꒱ુ ୭