Horror Bites - Mystery of the Druids

HALLOWEEN SEQUELS (1989 - 1998)

Previously I took a brief look at the first few sequels in this series, with parts two and four respectively. Also known as the instalments that work in their on ways, even if they're not the most gripping stories ever told. Part two in particular was pretty sedated, just like Laurie Strode herself. However whichever camp you're in I'd imagine that those films are the highlights of a quickly diminishing franchise. Which is odd when there are some interesting elements to work with. Family ties in particular would have worked as a foundation. One of the recurring characters is a psychiatrist too, which is a unique idea. However the writers instead decided to focus on magic rocks and psychic visions.

HCF Review - Ghost Fights Ghost

ENCOUNTERS OF THE SPOOKY KIND

I don’t need much of a reason to talk about an old-school Golden Harvest classic, but one with a touch of the supernatural is a good excuse. Sometimes simply called Spooky Encounters depending which version you come across, the Western release title feels like a better fit for what’s in store. At first the plot concerns a series of mishaps which befall an everyday guy, while his employer and his wife have an affair behind his back. But soon he comes across a few ghosts and more than one reanimated corpse, as well as other kinds of ghoulish shenanigans. It’s also an example of Hong Kong ‘hopping dead’ movies in which corpses (or sometimes vampires) are revived, but they’re still stiff from rigour and have to jump around to attack. It’s weird, it’s creative and there’s nothing else quite like it.

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HCF Review - Axe to Grind

SHOT IN THE DARK (2021)

Trauma and catharsis are a staple element in the thriller genre, amongst others. After all, a good character arc is tough to be beat. However, sticking to that chosen style is probably a wise choice for a first time director. While there are exceptions to that rule out there to choose from, Keene McRae has two other writers and two editors on board, making this less a single vision and more of a series of ideas thrown together. Is this a chilling horror story inspired by true events, as the title cards suggest, or is it someone’s attempt to make an indie romance? There’s a lack of focus in all departments which means that the final product is less than compelling. But there are a lot of ingredients here, so let’s take a look at which ones work.

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Scorecard

SEPTEMBER

FILM OF THE MONTH: The Horse's Mouth ☆☆☆☆