Fright Club - Halloween
Written
on 29/10/07
In case you're new to this, "Fright Club" is our way of pitting an original horror film against its remake in a battle to the death. And by "battle to the death" I really mean "a way for us to use wrestling terms with horror movies that really goes nowhere." In any case, it's all for fun's sake. To celebrate the upcoming holiday of Halloween (perhaps the best holiday EVER), I thought it would only be apropos to pit John Carpenter's 1978 classic "Halloween" with Rob Zombie's 2007 remake.
Ladies and Gentlemen...let's get ready to rumble.
FRIGHT!
Trick or Treat:
John Carpenter’s classic still remains one of the most memorable horror films to this day. With a low budget, he managed to create an atmospheric and genuinely scary film that still haunts us to this day. Rob Zombie’s remake was slightly entertaining but in no way will live in the minds of anyone over the age of 12. Though Carpenter’s film looks like a luchador in comparison to Zombie’s heavy weight budget, the original still has enough fast moves and power to take down the titan (Weinstein)-powered remake.
Publicity Kills:
Poster art is one of the most important aspects of a film. Though John Carpenter’s poster for “Halloween” isn’t necessarily scary by any means, the simple image from it has become a staple of horror in our minds. When we see that pumpkin, we know we’re thinking of “Halloween” and everything that cover represents. Zombie’s poster was sort of a messy mash-up of those pictures that make a picture deal. Thanks, but no thanks, Rob. The fans are holding up signs with the original.
Dude, We’re Gonna Score:
Face it; the remake wouldn’t have survived without Carpenter’s original theme which he wrote himself. Zombie’s version drafts most of Carpenter’s original score mixed with a touch of Zombie’s musical tastes. In any case, the original theme still haunts us in the best of ways just as it did audiences in 1978. When Myers is walking down the aisle to the ring, this theme song drives the audience wild.
Shape Shifting:
Carpenter’s Myers is a work of art. Looks like an average guy with a very simple but effective mask. Zombie’s Myers is a tall and bulking monster with a pretty sweet mask himself. Though Zombie’s “Shape” is a lot more aggressive and violent, Carpenter’s elusive and subtle villain remains a lot creepier, utilizing the now-way-too-popular “now you see him, now you don’t” technique. Zombie’s villain wouldn’t even see an attack coming by the original Myers. He’d be on the mat with a 1, 2, 3, before he could even cock his head to the side in curiosity.
The Virgin Laurie:
Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode has everything it takes to be a leading lady in a slasher film. Innocent, cautious, and a hell of a good screamer. Though Scout Taylor-Compton scores major points on the hotness scale, Curtis’ lungs and innocent appeal overpower the shy but foul-mouthed and not-so-innocent Laurie. Though Taylor-Compton has spunk, her hair pulling isn’t enough to take down the strong-willed Curtis who goes for the ole “coat hanger to the eye” trick.
Psych!:
Dr. Loomis was definitely played well by Malcolm McDowell in Rob Zombie’s “Halloween.” Unfortunately he was a bit of a pussy. Every time he encounters Myers, he feels the need to nearly cry and blame himself for Michael’s violent outcome. Donald Pleasance may have been a bit loony, but he was damn sure convincing as the psychiatrist who wanted to stop the evil that was Michael Myers. Hell, he came back four times to prove it. Defending his title against McDowell, Pleasance still emerges victoriously from the ring, Terry Funk style – he may be old, but he’s still got it. McDowell cries and apologizes his way back to the locker room.
Vixens of Violence:
Though Carpenter had P.J. Soles and her set of twins, Zombie’s film raised the bar with endless nudity provided by the beautiful Danielle Harris amongst others. These gals have a bit more youth to them and they aren’t afraid to show it. I don’t think there are too many of us who really wanted to see Jamie Lee Curtis or Nancy Kyes buck naked. I mean, sure I wouldn’t mind, but it still wouldn’t change my vote. When it comes to this femme battle royale, the crowd definitely cheers for Zombie’s vixens, especially when they go “pay per view” mode and shed some layers for the crowd.
It’s been a bloody match, and though the crowd got to see some great nudity, Carpenter’s “Halloween” emerges nearly unscathed. With their title intact, it appears that it was never a doubt that it was in jeopardy. Regardless, we all had a good time watching them go at it.
Until next time!
-andrewout.
Ladies and Gentlemen...let's get ready to rumble.
FRIGHT!
Trick or Treat:
John Carpenter’s classic still remains one of the most memorable horror films to this day. With a low budget, he managed to create an atmospheric and genuinely scary film that still haunts us to this day. Rob Zombie’s remake was slightly entertaining but in no way will live in the minds of anyone over the age of 12. Though Carpenter’s film looks like a luchador in comparison to Zombie’s heavy weight budget, the original still has enough fast moves and power to take down the titan (Weinstein)-powered remake.
Publicity Kills:
Poster art is one of the most important aspects of a film. Though John Carpenter’s poster for “Halloween” isn’t necessarily scary by any means, the simple image from it has become a staple of horror in our minds. When we see that pumpkin, we know we’re thinking of “Halloween” and everything that cover represents. Zombie’s poster was sort of a messy mash-up of those pictures that make a picture deal. Thanks, but no thanks, Rob. The fans are holding up signs with the original.
Dude, We’re Gonna Score:
Face it; the remake wouldn’t have survived without Carpenter’s original theme which he wrote himself. Zombie’s version drafts most of Carpenter’s original score mixed with a touch of Zombie’s musical tastes. In any case, the original theme still haunts us in the best of ways just as it did audiences in 1978. When Myers is walking down the aisle to the ring, this theme song drives the audience wild.
Shape Shifting:
Carpenter’s Myers is a work of art. Looks like an average guy with a very simple but effective mask. Zombie’s Myers is a tall and bulking monster with a pretty sweet mask himself. Though Zombie’s “Shape” is a lot more aggressive and violent, Carpenter’s elusive and subtle villain remains a lot creepier, utilizing the now-way-too-popular “now you see him, now you don’t” technique. Zombie’s villain wouldn’t even see an attack coming by the original Myers. He’d be on the mat with a 1, 2, 3, before he could even cock his head to the side in curiosity.
The Virgin Laurie:
Jamie Lee Curtis’ Laurie Strode has everything it takes to be a leading lady in a slasher film. Innocent, cautious, and a hell of a good screamer. Though Scout Taylor-Compton scores major points on the hotness scale, Curtis’ lungs and innocent appeal overpower the shy but foul-mouthed and not-so-innocent Laurie. Though Taylor-Compton has spunk, her hair pulling isn’t enough to take down the strong-willed Curtis who goes for the ole “coat hanger to the eye” trick.
Psych!:
Dr. Loomis was definitely played well by Malcolm McDowell in Rob Zombie’s “Halloween.” Unfortunately he was a bit of a pussy. Every time he encounters Myers, he feels the need to nearly cry and blame himself for Michael’s violent outcome. Donald Pleasance may have been a bit loony, but he was damn sure convincing as the psychiatrist who wanted to stop the evil that was Michael Myers. Hell, he came back four times to prove it. Defending his title against McDowell, Pleasance still emerges victoriously from the ring, Terry Funk style – he may be old, but he’s still got it. McDowell cries and apologizes his way back to the locker room.
Vixens of Violence:
Though Carpenter had P.J. Soles and her set of twins, Zombie’s film raised the bar with endless nudity provided by the beautiful Danielle Harris amongst others. These gals have a bit more youth to them and they aren’t afraid to show it. I don’t think there are too many of us who really wanted to see Jamie Lee Curtis or Nancy Kyes buck naked. I mean, sure I wouldn’t mind, but it still wouldn’t change my vote. When it comes to this femme battle royale, the crowd definitely cheers for Zombie’s vixens, especially when they go “pay per view” mode and shed some layers for the crowd.
It’s been a bloody match, and though the crowd got to see some great nudity, Carpenter’s “Halloween” emerges nearly unscathed. With their title intact, it appears that it was never a doubt that it was in jeopardy. Regardless, we all had a good time watching them go at it.
Until next time!
-andrewout.
