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Steve Fearon (84 KP) rated Halloween (1978) in Movies

Sep 5, 2018 (Updated Sep 5, 2018)  
Halloween (1978)
Halloween (1978)
1978 | Horror
Well shot, intense, patient and the birth of a horror icon (0 more)
A little tame compared to the horrors that followed, at times the soundtrack can overwhelm the dialog to the detriment of the film. (0 more)
John Carpenter's Slasher still stands tallest
Contains spoilers, click to show
That theme song starts.

You feel it somewhere deep inside, that feeling that something special is going to happen.

Halloween is THE Slasher, with a silent antagonist, an over-the-top performance from Donald Pleasance, the introduction of Jamie Lee Curtis, and the establishment of John Carpenter as one of the foremost purveyors of horror.

Patiently paced, with little time given to explanation of exposition, we are taken on the slow build up of tension as we go from the legendary intro sequence, to a breakout at the asylum, through to the stalking of teenagers by the man in the William Shatner mask.

Lots of shots of Myers just watching, waiting, judging, which could be interpreted as boring on paper, but it is just the right side of unnerving, and it is this constant threat which means the viewer is constantly scanning the edges of the screen, looking for our antagonist.

It contrasts beautifully with the naivety and innocence of his victims, who are just trying to enjoy Halloween as most teenagers are wont to do.

Yes this film is relatively tame compared to the films that have come after, but few can touch the pure sinister feel and atmosphere that Carpenter creates, and it is a simply iconic entry in cinema history.

Watch it for what it is, a genre changing horror film, that changed all that followed it.

No Myers, No Friday 13th, No Scream, No Nightmare On Elm Street.

Its that important.
  
Batman: Resurrection
Batman: Resurrection
5
5.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Michael Keaton's version of The Caped Crusader seems to have undergone something of a renaissance in recent years, with the publication of the Batman '89 graphic novels, and with his reappearance in the otherwise-disappointing movie 'The Flash' from 2023.

So roughly 35 or so years after the original 'Batman' film - which reimagined him from the camp flamboyant character of the '60s TV series to something altogether more serious - we get this novel, set between the events of 'Batman' And 'Batman Returns' and so set in the very-gothic Tim Burton version of Gotham instead of the more-grounded Christopher Nolan version: a Gotham that is still reeling from the after-effects of The Jokers gas attack towards the end of that film.

With said Gas, and the chemical attack earlier in the film in the form of Smylex, kickstarting the plot here by providing the reason behind the creation of what, to me, is one of the lesser-known of Batman's Rogue Gallery - a character that, without giving too much away, I only really first became aware of through playing the Arkham Asylum series of videogames, where he has a larger role in one of the later entries (and who has yet, to my knowledge, make it to the movies - ironic, when you consider his profession).

Him, and the puppeteer pulling his strings - both of whom I have encountered in said video games; neither of which have played a larger role (any?) in any of the live-action Batman films.

As an 'in-between' novel, there's also hints of things to come with cameo's from certain characters who will later play a larger role in Batman Returns, and by one character in particular who the upcoming sequel to this is going to centre on.
  
The Fulbourn (Pitch & Sickle, #5)
The Fulbourn (Pitch & Sickle, #5)
D K Girl | 2022 | LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE FULBOURN is the fifth book in the Pitch & Sickle series and oh, man. Hold on to your seatbelt as you're in for a bumpy ride!!

I said in my review of The Greensward that it was the best one. Well, let me rephrase that. It was the best one up to that point! THE FULBOURN takes Pitch and Silas' story to another level and I loved every single word.

Pitch and Silas are now close to realising just how much the other one means and it is so well-written! Their relationship may seem gruff to some but that is only until they know them. The bonds between the two are there to see and I'm loving it. The slow burn that started them off is now moving to steamy - whenever their lives give them a moment's peace. And sometimes, you just have to make the time!

Not only is their relationship changing, but the overall story arc is moving along swiftly too. You honestly don't get a chance to catch your breath. Filled with characters from previous books, Pitch and Silas are on the hunt for Charlie and Edward. It takes them to London and Cambridgeshire. The descriptions of the asylum are horrific - exactly as they are supposed to be during that time.

Absolutely gripping, I am thoroughly loving every book in this series and have no hesitation in recommending any of them. Just make sure you start at the beginning or you will miss the full effect.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 17, 2023