This is silent film at its best. Granted, I haven't seen a lot, but this movie is incredible. So we'll say silent film at its best according to Nathan. The effects of the transformation between the two title characters is fantastic. The creature of Mr. Hyde is amazingly creepy. But these great elements take second stage to the moral dilemma of the virtuous doctor and how this story is told with the moving picture. This was by far the biggest and best surprise of the entire horror movie marathon.
"Arsenic and Old Lace"
This is an all-time great movie and one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Anything else I say would just diminish that fact.
"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956)
This is a solid movie all the way around. Great story and great acting. You have well developed escalation and progression that lead masterfully to the final, climatic cliffhanger like ending. This is one movie that I remember enjoying as a kid thanks to my dad, but it's not until now that I realize just how great a film it is.
"Psycho"
This is the quintessential horror/thriller movie, a movie that holds up even today. The true greatness of "Psycho" lies in its defiance of the principle of horror movies. Horror movies are looked upon as cheap investments seeking high return, no care for quality of filmmaking. All of the sudden you pair that same beginning principle of cheap investment with a top-tier director, and you get a cinematic masterpiece. This truly goes to show the brilliance of Alfred Hitchcock. You don't need a large budget, an artful story, or mind-blowing effects. A talented director can make a movie great, and that's what Hitchcock did with "Psycho."
"The Omen"
I was surprised how much I loved this movie. You have this religious themed story, a creepy boy, cinema's first on-screen decapitation, and delightfully dramatic music that fit so well together. Gregory Peck gives a great performance, despite seeming too old, and the hired nanny may be even creepier than the little boy. Richard Donner further displays his ability to direct, and direct well, diverse genres.
"Shaun of the Dead"
This movie is the ultimate, best tribute to horror films. If you do not like this movie, then we are not friends.
"The Strangers"
I sometimes feel like I'm the only one who loves this movie, and I don't know exactly what it is about this movie, but it just does it for me. From beginning to end I feel tense and ready to jump at any moment. I love the masks and burlap sack worn by the Strangers, I love the realistic setting and circumstances, I love the long tension building cinematography, and I love the ending. I just love it. It gets me every time.
"Drag Me To Hell"
Guilty pleasure? Definitely this movie. This movie is gross, over-the-top, weird, and ridiculous. And I love every minute of it! Sam Raimi fantastically directs this shock value horror and expertly makes anyone who watches this movie want to throw up. The only thing more ridiculous than this movie is the ridiculous amount of love I have for it.
"Cabin in the Woods"
This movie is so unbelievably unexpected. It builds on the stereotype of teenagers going to a cabin or lake or whatnot for the weekend and they unknowingly release or stumble across this danger that starts to kill them off one by one. But this cliche is surrounded by this unexplained yet connected story line that pretty much leaves you confused as to what's going on. These two stories finally accumulate in the most unexpected ending that I don't want to say too much about, but that I will say I absolutely loved for its unexpected and ridiculous nature.
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