Horror in 2003: An Overview.
Jan 02 '04 (Updated Jan 14 '04)
The Bottom Line Another worthy year for horror.
2003 was a fantastic year for the horror genre. Gore was back in style with shock, gross-out horror making its comeback in films like Cabin Fever, Final Destination 2, and Wrong Turn. Yet psychological horror wasn’t totally forgotten as 28 Days Later…, Willard and Identity all allowed those craving intelligence to be satisfied.
This year also marked the end of anticipation for genre fans, with two often postponed and highly awaited horror masterpieces hitting the screen: House of 1000 Corpses and even more so Freddy Vs Jason. Zombie’s feature film directorial debut is known for it’s problems with the MPAA and finding a distributor, but horror’s savior, Lion’s Gate grew some balls and put the thing to screen, and us horror fans couldn’t have been more happy. Actually, we could have, as Freddy Vs Jason finally found itself a worthy script, and fit director, Ronny Yu. Since the finale of Jason Goes to Hell, featuring Freddy’s glove pulling Jason’s mask underground, this project has been on everyone’s mind, and thankfully, it was greeted with massive success, taking in over 80 million at the box-office, and already sprouting talks of a sequel.
Speaking of the box-office, people were flocking to see horror like never before, with 28 Days Later… proving to be one of the biggest surprises of the summer, earning over 40 million, and making near five times it’s budget. And then there was the dreaded Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, grossing around 80 million, and surprising mass amounts of horror fans by actually being decent. Of course it can’t even come within a mile of the original, but it was one of the most pleasant shocks of the year, by being genuinely entertaining. The fact that it got some of the most stubborn horror fans to admit “it was alright” is enough to call it a success, if even an unnecessary one.
There was, of course, a slew of crap also, with films like Darkness Falls, Jeepers Creepers II, House of the Dead and Cold Creek Manor p-ssing of those who shelled out 10 bucks to see it. But luckily, the box-office totals reflected their quality, with none grossing enough to be considered a true success, and many not even able to match their budget (House of the Dead). But hey, who gives a sh-t about them. Following is my personal list of the ten best horror films of the year. The genre was in top form this year and this list reflects that, hopefully having some choices that will please you, and some that will do just the opposite. But first, enjoy my picks for favorite villain, performance, director and writer of the year, and remember, I said favorite.
VILLAIN OF THE YEAR: Robert Englund as Freddy Krueger in Ronny Yu’s Freddy Vs Jason
Although the family in House of 1000 Corpses comes close, Freddy is the true representation of what a villain should be. He’s the legend, and he remains the best. Jason may have done all the killing, but I'm a biased Freddy fan.
PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Sheri Moon as Baby in Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses
Whoa, Sherri Moon was horror genius. Feeling like a performance extracted form the 70s or 80s, Moon fulfilled every obligation of acting in a horror film. Enjoyable and charismatic, Baby is one of the most memorable characters of the year. Any room for me in that house?
DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR: Rob Zombie for House of 1000 Corpses
Oozing with style, this film bleeds horror. The blood drips out of the screen, the colors are brilliant and the trippy effects work with the images flawlessly. Zombie has one disturbed eye, and it shines through with his perfectly directed debut. More, more, more!
SCREENPLAY OF THE YEAR: Lucky McKee for May
Featuring one of the most developed and interesting characters of May, McKee’s script featured everything needed for a horror film. His characters are all enjoyable, and the climax unfolds like the best literature. Lucky McKee is a newcomer to keep an eye on.
THE TEN BEST HORROR FILMS OF 2003
10 Wrong Turn directed by Rob Schmidt (7/10)
A ridiculously entertaining horror film, this nods to all the classics that left their brains behind, and instead provided thick layers of gore, humor and downright fun. What horror fan can't feast on inbred West Virginian cannibals, one of the coolest decapitations in recent memory and nods to films like The Hills Have Eyes, The Evil Dead and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Plus Rob Schmidt knows to not to overstay his welcome, keeping the film to a swift 84 minutes that rushes by in no time. Technically, very flawed, but as an entry in the horror genre it shines for being a damn fine time at the theater. Wrong Turn oozes horror, providing enough scares to please and throwing in some humor, to make it the classic horror double-threat. Seconds anyone? Cannibals Are Fun!: Rob Schmidt's Good Time At the Cinema.
9 Identity directed by James Mangold (7/10)
A twisty mix of Lynch, Hitchcock and the classic slashers in the vein of Friday the 13th, this film is a fascinating mystery that ends with a (fairly clichéd) bang. Featuring strong acting and a well written screenplay, Identity allows its character’s to shine, all developed and thoroughly interesting, while also boasting strong direction and a well written screenplay. The final twist is certainly unpredictable, and does indeed steer the film away from the horror genre, and although this was indeed a slight disappointment, it's final frame is classic fright film stuff. Unexpected, ironic and shocking, it is a clichéd nod to so many classic horror films and I left with a smile on my face. If you are human, there should undoubtedly something for you to like in this hybrid of genres, styles and themes.
8 Freddy Vs Jason directed by Ronny Yu (8/10)
After years of waiting, this movie delivers dumb teenagers who get sliced and diced, loads of gore, slick atmosphere, and an absolutely unforgettable battle between the two title characters. The "teens" all give uninspired performances, thankfully, as they allow the title character's much room to shine, and shine they do. Robert Englund's his usual brilliance, creating a Freddy not as scary and dreadful as New Nightmare's but not as comic and, well, stupid as Freddy's Dead's. Bravely Ken Kirzinger steps into Kane Hodder's shoes and delivers a decent performance as the silent killer: tall, strong and brooding. The kills are fantastic, if not overdone as the gore flows like a river and the camp level is set high. Plus, Yu executes little bias, as Freddy Vs Jason smartly avoids a clear-cut winner and in typical series' fashion, setts up a sequel. It seems impossible for fans of both series to not dig in and wish for seconds. Bring on Round 2... (I'll be rooting for Fred once again.)
7 Willard directed by Glen Morgan (8/10)
Boasting an unforgettable performance by Crispin Glover, and an array of fully developed rat characters, Willard is a worthy remake and often brilliant film. Echoing Hitchcock, and other films of the 50s, 60s and 70s, this is a fully enjoyable and realized horror picture that relies on story rather than gore. You can't help but side with and feel for Willard, who all to often is mistreated, made-fun of or taken advantage of. And once the revenge comes into the picture, this film does its genre well, setting up episodes that are sure to please. Together with a memorable score, Williard ends up yet another successful horror retread. And who can forget one of the most enjoyable sequences of the year involving Michael Jackson's "Ben," a cat and a rat. Rodents have never looked so good.
6 The Eye directed by the Pang brothers (8/10)
More proof of the far-east's status as the new home of horror, The Eye is an often frightening ghost masterpiece with many fantastic twists and turns. In fact it's easily the scariest film of the year, with apparitions that are sure to send a shiver down your spine (I mentioned in my review the sounds these ghosts make are themselves scarier than every American slasher of late.) That's certainly a feat, as creating an actual scary horror flick is probably just like creating an actual hilarious comedy; rare and getting less common as years pass. It's plot is a clever retread to other brilliant haunt flicks, and what it lacks in originality is made up for in style, heart and Angelica Lee's strong, charismatic performance. Plus it's got a strong dramatic edge to boot, notably in the uplifting opening sequences. Missing this and other Asian horror films is missing horror's new heart. The Far-East Can Do No Wrong: The Pang Brother's Fright Fest.
5 May directed by Lucky McKee (8/10)
Carrie minus the telekenisis, this is enjoyable as both a psychologically complex masterpiece and twisted horror gem. May is a slickly directed and brilliantly acted stroke of genius, as Angela Bettis delivers an absolutely fantastic performance, slipping into the title role and never ceasing to amaze. McKee keeps a strong hold on the film, and wisely keeps the pace fairly slow, causing for the finale to possess all the more shocks it would have otherwise. And the finale is incredible, touching on the women who kick a-s theme and putting a smile on my face, all before returning to a sympathetic and bizarre final frame. It's a mixing pot of emotion, shifting from a comedy to a drama to a horror film and rarely slipping, instead making it's transitions with confidence and spirit. Original and fantastic, May is the onscreen representation of all the horror fans out there. Wait, maybe not... Social Disorders and Body Parts: Lucky McKee's Soon-To-Be Cult Classic.
4 28 Days Later... directed by Danny Boyle (8/10)
A frightening end-of-the-world horror flick, as well as an effective human study, this film effectively injected both emotion and scares. One of the strongest zombie films since the sub genre's height, Later is a classy experience that possesses the true soul of what horror should be. At times it feels a little too much like Dawn of the Dead, but its kick a-s score, and fast paced zombies made up for it all. These zombies are creepy bastards, coughing up blood, running quickly and usually in masses. But it's not all about scares in this baby, as 28 Days Later... presents developed characters you want to see survive. And when out little friends visit a survivors camp for safety, all hell breaks loose and the zombies almost become the least of their worries. A brave and often completely original gem. When I die, I want to be a zombie!
3 House of 1000 Corpses directed by Rob Zombie (8/10)
Proving the wait well worth it, Zombie crafted a welcome portal back to the height of horror, complete with disturbing imagery, sexy women and brilliantly memorable characters. The gores perfect, the homages are heavy, and the acting is genre perfection - cheesy and often over dramatic, but oh so enjoyable. Zombie goes crazy behind the camera, directing with fountains of style and little pretensions. Corpses works so well because Rob Zombie respects the genre and understands what makes horror tick. He fuels this film to soar into horror heaven and proves that even mountains of cuts can't stop his film from shocking and entertaining. Hell, it's worth it just for Captain Spaulding's amazing horror ride, which showcases the sickest serial killers to ever live, from Lizzie Borden to Ed Gein. This man is shock horror's savior. Zombie's Homage: 1000 Corpses Works.
2 Cabin Fever directed by Eli Roth (9/10)
Already gaining considerable cult status, this horror masterpiece has everything that's been missing in the slew of recent horror films, from lots of blood to lots of humor, to offbeat characters that often make little sense, but only add to the enjoyment level. (The old man anyone ("What's the gun for")) I left the theater feeling like I'd just witnessed a revival of some rare 70s flick I'd never seen before, and left very pleased. Homages? Of course! There's the blatant nod to The Last House on the Left via music featured in Craven's masterpiece; the Texas Chainsaw Massacre shot revealing an unknown house. But it would survive even without them, with a relentless pace, a mean spirit and genuine ol' fashioned shocks. Oh yeah, and there are some nasty sex scenes that will test everyone's stomach lucky enough to be watching this film. Vacation anyone?
1 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King directed by Peter Jackson (10/10)
Disputable is its classification as a horror film, but part three of Jackson's brilliant trilogy is simply one of the strongest films ever made, and the most horrific of the trilogy, screaming horror more than once, and showing where Peter Jackson's true heart lies. Sure it's not likely to make you need to use the bathroom, and you definitley won't be screaming, but the giant spider, Shelob, the ghost-like men and the witch king all felt like great representation's of our genre, not to mention the schizophrenic little monster Gollum, oh, and the Ring possessing it's bearer (Reagan may have fell in love). Ending the story with a bang, The Return of the King beautifully mixes the emotion of the first with the grandeur of the second, and ends up the best of the three. The characters grow, the acting advances (the hobbits are all fantastic here, Elijah Wood and Sean Astin especially), the action broadens. Plus, the finale we've been waiting for for three years is absolutely brilliant; suspensful, poignant and downright flawless. After three and a half hours, all I could utter was more, more, more, more. It's an epic against which every other, fantasy or not, should be judged.
NOT SATISFIED WITH NUMBER 1?
Fine....
1b Suicide Circle directed by Shion Sono (9/10)
Finally making it's way to the US via DVD in the year 2003, this is one of the most brilliant, bizarre and fascinating films I've witnessed in years. Featuring some of the most disturbing blood-drenched sequences ever put to film (that opening!, that hand!, those jumps!), Circle works as both a collage of brilliantly gruesome images, and a darkly hilarious satire on media's ability to manipulate youth (It's like Josie and the Pussycats without all the crap). There's no clear-cut answer to all the madness, and that's the way it should me, but I was shocked (in a good way - sort of) to see Dr. Frank-N-Furter (not really) show up for a little song, but Sono makes it all work, as bizarre as it is. It's final few scenes are hypnotic, captivating and beautiful, the perfect and most unexpected way to end such a brilliant work. Suicide Circle is an absolutely mind blowing experience that will leave you captivated throughout, and thinking for days. Excuse me while I jump out of my window.
So, it seems this year has produced future horror classics; films undoubtedly ready to go down in horror history as breakthrough genre films that defied the rules and shocked audiences. Plus, many films have already gained a cult following, and will likely stay that way just as films like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original), Re-Animator and The Evil Dead have. 2003 should be known as the year of homage as practically every movie on the list nods to a classic of some sort. And luckily, this year the choice film to homage wasn't Scream.
Here’s to 2004, and hoping it’s just as memorable as 2003.
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