Tag: horror movies

Film, History

It’s Horror Galore Inside the Halloween: Dungeon of Doom at The Hollywood Museum

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on It’s Horror Galore Inside the Halloween: Dungeon of Doom at The Hollywood Museum
Vamp Jenn entering The Hollywood Museum's Halloween: Dungeon of Doom
Vamp Jenn entering The Hollywood Museum’s Halloween: Dungeon of Doom

The Hollywood Museum in Los Angeles is a great place to explore if you want to immerse yourself in the city’s cinematic history. It’s located inside the iconic Max Factor Building. Max Factor was a renowned makeup artist to the stars during Hollywood’s Golden Era. His clientele included silver screen goddesses such as Joan Crawford, Marilyn Monroe, Jean Harlow and many others.

My first time here was around 2012 when I checked out the Marilyn Monroe exhibit. The structure has multiple stories, each featuring a different exhibition. It has been years since my last visit, and this time I descended to its lowest depths into Halloween: Dungeon of Doom.

Continue reading “It’s Horror Galore Inside the Halloween: Dungeon of Doom at The Hollywood Museum” →
Film

Horror Film ‘28 Years Later’ Delivers Zombies & a Tale of Humanity

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on Horror Film ‘28 Years Later’ Delivers Zombies & a Tale of Humanity
Vamp Jenn attending special screening of 28 Years Later
Vamp Jenn attending special screening of 28 Years Later

Who recalls when they first watched 28 Days Later? The 2002 film played such a pivotal role in reimagining zombies and presented them in a disturbing yet captivating way that has stuck with audiences. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have teamed up again to create 28 Years Later, a narrative that is set nearly 30 years after the rage virus has spread. It’s a fascinating storyline that shows how survivors are managing to exist alongside the infected. I had the pleasure of attending a special screening before the official release. Don’t worry, no spoilers will be included in this review.

Continue reading “Horror Film ‘28 Years Later’ Delivers Zombies & a Tale of Humanity” →
Film

Short Body Horror Film ‘Unravelling’ Explores the Complexity of Chronic Illness

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Short Body Horror Film ‘Unravelling’ Explores the Complexity of Chronic Illness
Shona McHugh as Fiona in Unravelling 
Shona McHugh as Fiona in Unravelling 

Receiving a diagnosis of relapse remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) would feel like a real-life horror story to many, and this disease is at the center of the short body horror film Unravelling. Writer, director and award-winning Scottish filmmaker Aimie Willemse is the mastermind behind the project and was inspired to make the film after being diagnosed with RRMS in 2020 at the age of 30. The short film is not widely released but has started making its rounds at various film festivals, premiering recently at London’s FrightFest. I had the wonderful opportunity to see it in advance and am here to share some enticing tidbits.  

Continue reading “Short Body Horror Film ‘Unravelling’ Explores the Complexity of Chronic Illness” →
Culture, Film, Lifestyle

Spotlight Feature: Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies & Beyond

by Jennifer Vasquez3 Comments on Spotlight Feature: Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies & Beyond
Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies and Beyond
Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies and Beyond

“Do you like scary movies?” -Ghostface from Scream (1996)

This is the question Ivotres Littles explores through her platform, Horror Movies and Beyond. Her YouTube channel is a treasure trove of horror content, from scary movie reviews to celebrity interviews to explorations into the unknown. Through her features, she analyzes, in an entertaining way, what makes horror so enticing.  

Continue reading “Spotlight Feature: Ivotres Littles of Horror Movies & Beyond” →
Film

‘Talk to Me’ Horror Movie Review

by Jennifer Vasquez4 Comments on ‘Talk to Me’ Horror Movie Review
Sophie Wilde as Mia in Talk to Me (Photo credit: © A24)
Sophie Wilde as Mia in Talk to Me (Photo credit: © A24)

Imagine having access to an embalmed hand that allows you to contact spirits when you touch it. That plot is at the core of the Australian horror film Talk to Me, which marks the directorial debut of brothers Danny and Michael Philippou. I had the opportunity to attend an advanced screening at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica, CA. The event was sold out and the space was bustling with excited viewers. When the lights turned down, we were all in for quite a supernatural thrill ride. Don’t worry, there won’t be any major spoilers, but there may be some scares.

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entertainment, Film, holidays

9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day

by Jennifer Vasquez24 Comments on 9 Horror Films to Watch on Valentine’s Day
Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)
Samantha Robinson as Elaine Parks in The Love Witch (© Anna Biller Productions)

Blood, death and love are in the air this Valentine’s Day. For those who prefer to keep things spooky when February 14th rolls around, I’ve curated just the list for your viewing pleasure. If your plans are to stay in and watch a movie, why not make it a horror movie? As the holiday of romance draws nearer, I got to thinking about creepy and tragic love stories. Of course my incessant need to give every holiday a macabre makeover is part of it too. So, following is a selection of films I’ve personally handpicked and seen that I find appropriate for Valoween. They’re a delightful mix of dark comedy, gothic and scary, and I present them here in chronological order. Enjoy!

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Film

7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on 7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Wondering how you can celebrate Goth Day on May 22nd? Set the mood with a list of binge-worthy, macabre films. Following are a few of my favorite flicks that either feature goth characters or exude a dark vibe. By no means an exhaustive compilation, this should at least give you a good start. So, drape yourself in black, dim the lights and enjoy the feature presentation. Continue reading “7 Films to Watch on Goth Day” →

Events, Film

House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum

by Jennifer Vasquez11 Comments on House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum

The House of Salem's The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts
House of Salem’s The Texas Chainsaw Museum at Lethal Amounts

It’s gone down in history as one of the most controversial films of the 20th century and set the bar for the slasher genre. Upon release, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was not only met with polarizing critical reviews but was also banned in more than six countries. From being described as “despicable” by one Los Angeles Times reporter to being said to possess “redeeming social merit” by Stephen King, there’s no doubt this horror movie elicits strong reactions from audiences, down to the present day.

To commemorate the 45th anniversary of the motion picture, House of Salem, in collaboration with Lethal Amounts in Los Angeles, California, debuted The Texas Chainsaw Museum this past weekend. The pop-up features hundreds of memorabilia and artifacts from the 1974 film, including many never-before-seen items—until now. Continue reading “House of Salem & Lethal Amounts Present The Texas Chainsaw Museum” →

Events, music, Performing Arts

LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

by Jennifer Vasquez13 Comments on LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra

Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel
Inside The Theatre at Ace Hotel

The notorious shower scene—a pivotal moment in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” where Marion Crane is stabbed to death by a shadowed figure. The only thing more terrifying than the blood-splattered bathtub and close-up of the victim’s lifeless stare is the screeching of the strings as the knife repeatedly pierces her flesh. It’s “The Murder” by composer Bernard Herrmann and one of the most unforgettable instrumental scores to grace a horror film.

For 2019, as part of its annual Halloween tradition, LA Opera’s Off Grand presents “Psycho” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel. Off Grand is an extension of the opera company that showcases more experimental performances across the city. Making this event extra special is the live orchestra, conducted by Louis Lohraseb, that provides the soundtrack as the film plays on the silver screen. Continue reading “LA Opera’s Hitchcock Halloween with “Psycho” & Live Orchestra” →

Dining & Drink, Nightlife

Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge

Sinister Pointe Spirit Lounge reserved seating
Sinister Pointe Spirit Lounge reserved seating

Sinister Pointe is renowned for bringing terrifying haunts to Orange County, and for the first time this year, the production company has introduced a horror-themed pop-up bar that is absolutely chilling in all the right ways. Welcome to the Spirit Lounge! Continue reading “Sinister Pointe’s Spooky Spirit Lounge” →