David E. Barber

I wasn’t really a fan of zombie movies until recently. In fact, I don’t think I’d ever seen a zombie movie per se (except for The Evil Dead which a friend insisted I watch when it first came out on VHS tape). It wasn’t until 2002 when 28 Days Later hit theaters that I really started to get interested. Even then, I didn’t seek out zombie movies as preferred entertainment, too entrenched was I in my love affair of classic monsters and tales of the supernatural. What finally got to me and made me a fan was The Walking Dead TV series on AMC.

As a comic book enthusiast, I’m embarrassed to admit I wasn’t even aware of The Walking Dead until it had already become a phenomenon and the book’s first issue was selling for thousands of dollars on eBay. By the time the show premiered in 2010 I was fairly ravenous to see it and, as of this writing, have watched the first eight seasons at least half a dozen times. In my mind the show should have ended after the eighth season but AMC had other ideas. The comic book, however, was brilliant right up until the end, thanks to the combined talents of writer Robert Kirkman and artists Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend that you do.

After The Walking Dead’s first season I started keeping an eye out for zombie movies, and there have been some good ones in the last two decades (as well as more than a few stinkers). I also decided to go back to the beginning, with George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead from 1968 and subsequent sequels. Around Halloween each year I will inevitably turn to my wife and in my best imitation of actor Russell Streiner’s voice say, “They’re coming to get you, Barbara.” I love that movie, and always watch it close to Halloween. It still gets my heart racing. And Zach Snyder’s 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead still creeps me out—and for that, he has my thanks.

Top 10 zombie movies of all time, in no particular order:

1. Night of the Living Dead (1968) – A disparate group of people take refuge in an abandoned house while corpses gather outside searching for human flesh to devour. Directed by George Romero, this black-and-white film laid the foundation for the zombie subgenre. Its social commentary, minimalist style, and the grim, claustrophobic atmosphere, make it one of the great films of all time.
2. 28 Days Later (2002) – A group of misguided animal rights activists free a caged chimp infected with the “rage” virus and kicks off a zombie apocalypse. Directed by Danny Boyle, and featuring a star studded cast that includes Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Naomie Harris, and Chris Eccleston, the film introduced fast-moving infected and revitalized the genre with its gritty realism and frenetic pace.
3. Shaun of the Dead (2004) – Simon Pegg and Nick Frost deliver a hilarious take on the zombie apocalypse. The film’s witty satire and affectionate nod to classic zombie tropes, along with Edgar Wright’s directorial style, result in a unique and endlessly rewatchable experience. A must-see for fans of both comedy and horror.
4. Zombieland (2009) – A rollicking horror-comedy that strikes the perfect balance between humor and mayhem, with Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, and Abigail Breslin forming an endearing and entertaining ensemble of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. The film’s fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and unique rules for surviving the undead combine to create a wildly enjoyable and quotable entry in the zombie subgenre.
5. Train to Busan (2016) – An emotionally charged South Korean film that takes place almost entirely on a speeding train, delivering intense action sequences, well-drawn characters, and a compelling examination of ordinary people under pressure. Director Yeon Sang-ho’s masterful storytelling combined with the film’s breakneck pace result in one amazing zombie movie.
6. World War Z (2013) – An intense, globe-trotting zombie apocalypse film that stands out for its large-scale action sequences and Brad Pitt’s compelling performance as a former UN investigator trying to save the world from a zombie pandemic. Based on the novel by Max Brooks, the movie delivers a thrilling, fast-paced take on the subgenre, with memorable characters and locations.
7. The Night Eats the World (2018) – After waking up in a Paris apartment building after a late-night party, a young man discovers the zombie apocalypse has begun and he is one of the lone survivors. Directed by Dominique Rocher, this French film offers a thought-provoking exploration of loneliness and despair in the face of the undead.
8. Dawn of the Dead (2004) – A high-octane remake of George Romero’s classic, delivering a terrifying, fast-paced experience as a group of survivors take refuge in a shopping mall during a zombie apocalypse. Directed by Zach Snyder from a screenplay written by Zack Snyder, George Romero, and James Gunn (talk about a dream team!).
9. The Girl with All the Gifts (2016) – An emotionally charged British film that reinvigorates the zombie subgenre with a thought-provoking twist on the infected, complemented by a standout performance from young actress Sennia Nanua. A gifted young girl escapes a special school run by the military and helps guide mankind’s survival in a post-apocalyptic world.
10. The Evil Dead (1981) – A low-budget horror classic that launched the careers of director Sam Raimi and actor Bruce Campbell. Although primarily a supernatural horror film, it introduced “Deadites” that can be likened to zombies. A cult favorite that redefined the cabin-in-the-woods horror subgenre. Raimi’s energetic direction and the film’s inventive camera work create a sense of frenetic horror that remains influential and beloved to this day.

My second favorite subgenre of horror has to be the werewolf movie. There’s something about the mythos of a person being transformed into a beast that honestly, I find a little compelling. Who among us has not wanted to give up control on occasion and let our inner beast run amok? There is an old Arabian proverb that says, “within each of us, ofttimes, there dwells a mighty and raging fury”. This line was made popular by The Incredible Hulk television series back in the 1970s. While it certainly applies to the Hulk, I think it also applies to the curse of lycanthropy.

The Wolfman from 1941 was probably the first werewolf movie I ever saw—and I still love that movie to this day—but the one that really hooked me was the Hammer Horror film Curse of the Werewolf from 1961. Oliver Reed did an amazing job of portraying a young man cursed by the mark of the beast (although his efforts at portraying the actual werewolf were a little clunky—not that my 10 year old self even noticed). The savagery and tragedy of that role got to me and the furry monster with blood dripping from his fanged maw in vivid technicolor didn’t hurt either.

Unfortunately, good werewolf movies have been few and far between (although there have been some pretty good ones produced in recent years). A lot of werewolf movies seem to have been filmed under tight budgetary restrictions and suffer from a lack of believable practical effects. That said, there are still quite a few film makers who managed to pull it off and they deserve every accolade for their efforts.

Top 10 werewolf movies of all time, in no particular order:

1. An American Werewolf in London (1981) – A horror classic that stands the test of time with its groundbreaking special effects, iconic transformation sequences, and perfect blend of horror and humor, as it follows two American tourists who encounter a werewolf while backpacking through England. 
2. Dog Soldiers (2002) – This dark, action-packed thriller pits a group of British soldiers against a pack of werewolves living in the Scottish Highlands. Directed by Neil Marshall in his feature directorial debut and starring Sean Pertwee, Kevin McKidd, Emma Cleasby and Liam Cunningham.
3. The Wolfman (2010) – A remake of the classic 1941 Universal horror film with Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins, and Benicio Del Toro taking a turn as the tragically haunted Larry Talbot who becomes afflicted with the curse of the werewolf on his way to discovering the truth behind a horrifying family legacy.
4. The Howling (1981) – Directed by Joe Dante and based on the novel by Gary Brandner, this film follows a news anchor who, following a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, visits a remote resort recommended by her therapist. The movie is celebrated for its transformation sequences and the darkly humorous portrayal of a werewolf colony.
5. Howl (2015) – A British horror film about a late-night commuter train that becomes stranded in the English countryside. As the full moon rises, the travelers find themselves in a harrowing life and death struggle against a pack of werewolves.
6. Ginger Snaps (2000) – Directed by John Fawcett and written by Karen Walton, from a story they jointly developed, this Canadian horror film offers a fresh take on the genre and explores lycanthropy as a metaphor for puberty. 
7. Silver Bullet (1985) – Based on a Stephen King novella, this film follows a paraplegic boy who discovers a werewolf is terrorizing his town. A suspenseful, character-driven story with Gary Busey and Corey Haim providing solid performances as a dynamic uncle-nephew duo.
8. Wer (2013) – A found footage-style horror film that follows a defense attorney as she investigates a gruesome murder case and uncovers a horrifying secret involving a man who may or may not be a werewolf.
9. Werewolves Within (2021) – A smart and witty horror-comedy that cleverly blends humor and suspense while showcasing the quirky inhabitants of a small town facing a mysterious threat. Directed by Josh Ruben from a screenplay by Mishna Wolff (not kidding) and based on the video game of the same name.
10. Wolf (1994) – A unique blend of drama and horror starring Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer. Nicholson’s charismatic performance as a man who undergoes a life-altering transformation and the film’s exploration of primal desires and corporate politics make it a refreshing take on the traditional werewolf tale.

Honorable mentions:

1. The Wolf Man (1941) – The seminal Universal Pictures horror film that laid the foundation for the werewolf genre, featuring Lon Chaney Jr.’s sympathetic portrayal of Larry Talbot, whose transformation into a werewolf becomes a tragic and iconic tale of the curse of lycanthropy.
2. Curse of the Werewolf (1961) – A Hammer Horror classic starring Oliver Reed in a compelling performance as a tormented young man afflicted by the curse of the werewolf. This film offers a solid blend of gothic atmosphere and horror.
3. The Company of Wolves (1984) – A surreal and darkly poetic take on the Little Red Riding Hood story, blending werewolf mythology with fairy tales.
4. Late Phases (2014) – A lesser-known gem, this film focuses on a blind war veteran who must defend his retirement community from a werewolf.
5. Bad Moon (1996) – A straightforward horror film that offers a satisfying dose of suspense and gore. The film’s portrayal of a family’s struggle against a menacing werewolf, along with some effective practical effects, provides solid entertainment for werewolf fans.
6. Blood Moon (2021) – This film was part of Hulu’s exceptional Into the Dark series and, while filmed on a limited budget, is still a very effective werewolf story. When Esme and her 10-year-old son, Luna, move to a small desert town hoping to make a new start things quickly go awry as the locals begin to suspect there is something unnatural about the young boy.
7. Werewolf by Night (2022) – Following the death of their leader, a secret cabal of monster hunters gather at the to compete in a deadly competition for a powerful relic. Based on the Marvel comic book series from the 1970s this is more of a TV special for Disney+ than an actual movie, but it was brilliantly done and definitely worth watching. The film was first aired in black and white, but a full color version premiered on the streaming channel October 20, 2023.

Halloween is almost here, but I think I have time for one more. Next time we’ll look at zombie movies!

Without a doubt, my favorite subgenre of horror is the vampire. I’ve seen a million vampire movies (not literally, but almost) in my lifetime. There’s something about these tragic immortal beings forever stalking the night in search of human blood that I find immensely compelling. When I was a wee ghoul 1931’s Dracula was probably one of the earliest films I watched. When I started collecting comic books in 1973 one of my very first purchases was The Tomb of Dracula #10, featuring both the legendary Count and none other than Blade the vampire hunter.

The vampire has been a staple of film makers for a long time, beginning with the German film, Nosferatu from 1922, an unauthorized and unofficial adaptation of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel that resulted in a lawsuit with the court ordering all copies of the film to be destroyed. Fortunately for us, a few copies survived. Since then, there have been a legion of films made featuring the blood thirsty vampire prince and others of his ilk. And here we are a century later, and another film, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, based on a portion of Bram Stoker’s book, is now playing on a streaming service near you (and might have been on this list, but I haven’t managed to see it yet!). Like Dracula himself, vampire movies are tough to destroy.

I have to admit, I had a hard time narrowing this list down to just ten movies. There are just too many good ones out there! So, I included a list of ten “honorable mentions” (mostly ‘because I couldn’t help myself). Some of the films didn’t make the main list because they’re older, a little dated (okay, a lot dated) and by today’s standards  not all that scary. Still, if you’re a fan of vampire flicks, they are definitely worth checking out.

Top 10 vampire movies, in no particular order:

1. Let the Right One In (2008) – Swedish horror film directed by Tomas Alfredson that focuses on the unique relationship between a bullied young boy and his friendship with a mysterious girl who moves in next door (although she only comes out at night). Based on the best-selling novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist.
2. Interview with the Vampire (1994) – A lush and Gothic adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel, featuring compelling performances by Tom Cruise as the charismatic vampire Lestat and Brad Pitt as the tormented Louis. Director Neil Jordan successfully captures the romantic and horrific aspects of the vampire mythos. (A note here: The AMC series adaptation of Interview with the Vampire is even better and, if it had been a movie, it would have been on this list!)
3. Near Dark (1987) – A gritty and unique vampire film that blends elements of horror and western genres with intense action and atmospheric storytelling. Standout performances by an ensemble cast that including Bill Paxton, Lance Henriksen, and Jenette Goldstein (who had just worked together on the movie Aliens). Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, the film explores a young man’s transformation into a vampire as he becomes entangled with a roving group of bloodsuckers.
4. The Lost Boys (1987) – Directed by Joel Schumacher, this classic vampire film is a perfect blend of horror and humor, featuring a killer soundtrack (pun intended), charismatic performances, and a timeless appeal for fans of ‘80s horror. A recently divorced mom and her two teenage sons move to a small town in northern California. The town has a bit of a gang problem. Only these young thugs have an unquenchable thirst for human blood.
5. Blade (1998) – A groundbreaking vampire action film that kick-started the modern superhero genre, blending stylish action sequences with Wesley Snipes’ charismatic performance as the vampire hunter, Blade, who first appeared in the 70s Marvel comic book, The Tomb of Dracula.
6. 30 Days of Night (2007) – Based on the comic book series of the same name, this chilling vampire film stands out for its unique setting and compelling story of survival against impossible odds. The residents of Barrow, Alaska have just seen their last sunset for a month. As darkness falls, a group of vicious bloodsuckers descend upon the town. With its innovative take on vampire lore and compelling mix of horror and action, the movie offers an intense cinematic experience.
7. Fright Night (1985) – This film is a delightful blend of horror and humor, with charismatic performances and inventive special effects, making it a beloved cult classic. Roddy McDowall is brilliant as the late-night movie host, turned vampire hunter, Peter Vincent, and Chris Sarandon is truly terrifying as the vampire who moves in next door to a single mom and her horror movie obsessed teenage son.
8. From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) – A raucous genre-blender that begins as a crime thriller before taking a sharp turn into vampire horror, showcasing Quentin Tarantino and George Clooney’s performances and Robert Rodriguez’s kinetic direction. The film’s wild tonal shifts and memorable characters, along with its mix of gore and humor, make it a cult classic.
9. Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) – Count Dracula is arguably the prototypical and archetypal vampire of all time and has been featured in numerous films. This version, while not completely accurate, probably does the best job of translating the classic novel into film. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, it features Gary Oldman as the immortal vampire and Winona Ryder as Mina Harker.
10. Underworld (2003) – A stylish and darkly atmospheric take on vampires and werewolves locked in a centuries long struggle for dominance. The film’s blending of gothic aesthetics and action-packed sequences creates a compelling and visually engaging world, and Kate Beckinsale delivers a strong performance as the leather-clad vampire warrior, Selene.

Honorable mentions:

1. Nosferatu (1922) – Directed by F.W. Murnau, this silent classic was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and introduced Count Orlok, one of cinema’s earliest iconic vampires.
2. Dracula (1931) – The Universal Pictures adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel, starring Bela Lugosi, is a landmark film that helped define the vampire genre.
3. What We Do in the Shadows (2014) – A mockumentary-style comedy film from New Zealand that hilariously portrays the lives of modern-day vampire roommates.
4. Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) – A visually striking and intellectually engaging film that explores the enduring love and existential dilemmas of immortal beings. Directed by Jim Jarmusch, the film follows a centuries-old vampire couple, played by Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston, as they attempt to navigate through modern society.
5. The Hunger (1983) – A stylish and erotic vampire film that stands out for its unconventional take on immortality, anchored by the magnetic presence of Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie, and featuring striking visuals and a haunting atmosphere.
6. Brides of Dracula (1960) – A captivating addition to the Hammer Horror series, with Peter Cushing reprising his role as Van Helsing and a memorable performance by David Peel as the charming and sinister Baron Meinster, offering a compelling twist on the Dracula mythos without the Count even being present.
7. The Horror of Dracula (1958) ­– A classic Hammer Horror film that introduces the iconic vampire, delivering a gothic atmosphere and Christopher Lee’s imposing performance as the titular Count.
8. The Night Stalker (1972) ­– A made for TV movie that spawned the popular series Kolchak: The Night Stalker, featuring Darren McGavin as a tenacious reporter investigating a series of grisly murders attributed to a vampire. Based on the then-unpublished novel by Jeff Rice titled The Kolchak Papers, adapted by Richard Matheson, and produced by Dan Curtis (best known at the time for Dark Shadows) this vampire film is a classic of 70s horror.
9. John Carpenter’s Vampires (1998) – A fast-paced and action-packed vampire film that serves as a darkly entertaining addition to the genre. Based on the book by John Steakley, the story follows Jack Crow, a church sponsored vampire hunter on a mission to destroy an ancient vampire.
10. A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) – This Iranian American vampire film, directed by Ana Lily Amirpour, blends genres and features a skateboard-riding female vampire who is strangely alluring.

Next time, we’ll take a look at werewolf movies. Stay tuned…

I have always loved horror movies. I grew up watching Chuck Acri’s Creature Feature every Friday on late night television. In this way I probably consumed most of the Universal monster movie library, numerous Hammer horror films, and a vast number of atomic monster movies popularized by Toho Co., Ltd and others  before I reached middle school. When I started expanding my vocabulary in grade school, some of the earliest words in my toolbox included lycanthrope, exsanguination, gothic, and macabre. When I was 10 I talked my Aunt Shirley into taking me to see The Exorcist at a nearby cinema. To this day it is one of the scariest movies I have ever seen and gave me nightmares for a month. When I was 12 my parents took me to see Jaws for the first time, after which I avoided any body of water, including the local swimming pool, for the remainder of the summer. 

You might think that all this early trauma and gut-wrenching fear would have turned me off to this particular genre of film forever, but it had quite the opposite effect. Once I managed to shake off the initial shock and terror, I couldn’t wait to see the next one. And, after all these years, that still hasn’t changed.

In honor of Halloween, which is just around the corner, I thought I’d put together a list of the greatest horror movies of all time, but there’s just too many of them! So, instead I broke my list up into subcategories. Instead of just one list, I thought I’d do a series of them, like “best vampire movies”, “best zombie movies”, and so on, and what better day to get started on than Friday the 13th (not included in this list).

Disclaimer: Any “best of” list is bound to be arbitrary. Your picks may be different than mine (and if so, I’d love to hear what they are). I only included films I have actually seen (in most cases, many, many times) and only included movies that I really love (and that totally gave me the heebie-jeebies). Without further ado, here is the first list.

Top 10 horror movies of the 21st-century (2000s and beyond), in no particular order:

1. No One Will Save You (2023) – this film starts with a truly terrifying home invasion, and things just get worse from there. It is a clever psychological thriller about a young woman trapped in a nightmarish game of cat and mouse that comes to a very surprising conclusion.
2. The Boogeyman (2023) – See my earlier review for more details on this one. The Boogeyman is a supernatural horror film that centers on a family’s harrowing experiences with a malevolent entity that forces them to confront their deepest fears. Based on the short story by Stephen King in his collection, Night Shift.
3. The Black Phone (2021) – A clever 13-year-old boy is being held in a soundproof basement by a sadistic, masked killer. When a disconnected phone on the wall starts to ring, he discovers he can hear the voices of past victims and begins to unravel the mystery behind his and others abductions. Based on a short story by Joe Hill in his collection, 20th Century Ghosts.
4. A Quiet Place (2018) – Directed by John Krasinski, this film explores a world where creatures hunt humans by sound, forcing a family to live in silence in order to survive. Unnerving to say the least, with great performances by John Krasinski and Emily Blunt.
5. Hereditary (2018) – When the family matriarch passes away, her daughter and grandchildren begin to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry and the sinister fate they have inherited. Ari Aster is one of a new breed of film directors who possess a rare talent for creating disturbing imagery and inspiring intense performances. Hereditary is one of his best.
6. The Babadook (2014) – Directed by Jennifer Kent, this Australian horror film tells the story of a mother and son haunted by a sinister presence from a mysterious pop-up book. One of the best horror films I’ve ever seen, dark, and deeply disturbing.
7. The Conjuring (2013) – This film, directed by James Wan, is based on the case files of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, as they face malevolent spirits in a haunted house. There have been several sequels made at this point, but the first film is still the best.
8. Get Out (2017) – The directorial debut of actor and comedian, Jordan Peele, this film does an excellent job of combining social commentary with horror. A young African American man visits his white girlfriend’s family, leading to a series of unsettling discoveries. Brilliantly written with excellent performances by everyone involved. This is the stuff of nightmares.
9. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016) – A chilling tale that explores the mystery surrounding the unidentified body of a young woman, with Brian Cox and Emile Hirsch delivering strong performances as the father-son coroner team who uncover disturbing secrets during the autopsy. The film’s clever narrative, atmospheric tension, and growing sense of unease make it truly extraordinary in the realm of psychological horror.
10. The Invisible Man (2020) – A gripping adaptation of the classic H.G. Wells story, featuring Elisabeth Moss as a woman tormented by an unseen, abusive presence. The film offers a fresh take on the horror genre with its exploration of domestic abuse and psychological torment, and Moss’s exceptional performance keeps viewers guessing and on the edge of their seats.

Honorable mentions:

1. Midsommar (2019) – A couple travels to Sweden to visit their friend’s rural hometown for its fabled midsummer festival, but what begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.
2. The Descent (2005) – Directed by Neil Marshall, this claustrophobic horror film follows a group of female friends as they descend into a system of unexplored caves and encounter nightmarish creatures with a taste for human flesh. Probably best if you watch this one with the lights on.
3. The Cabin in the Woods (2012) – Directed by Drew Goddard and co-written by Joss Whedon, this film deconstructs the horror genre while telling the story of a group of friends trapped in a deadly scenario at a remote cabin. This is a fun roller-coaster of a movie with more twists and turns than a cheap garden hose.
4. The Witch (2015) – A haunting and visually striking period horror film that delves into the paranoia and religious fervor of a 17th-century New England family as they encounter supernatural forces in the wilderness. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a standout performance as the family’s eldest daughter, Thomasin.
5. It Follows (2014) – Directed by David Robert Mitchell, this film features a relentless, shape-shifting entity that passes from person to person through sexual contact, creating a sense of dread and unease.

That’s it for this round. More to come…

Movie review of The Boogeyman, streaming now on Hulu

I’ve come to think of Halloween as a season, rather than just a single day, and it’s the perfect time to check out the latest crop of horror movies. I’ve seen a lot of really bad horror films in my life but I have to say that some of the more recent additions to the genre have been quite exceptional. One of the best movies I’ve seen this season is The Boogeyman, based on the short story by Stephen King (from his collection, Night Shift, if you have a hankering to read it). 

The movie is directed by Rob Savage and features an ensemble cast including Sophie Thatcher, David Dastmalchian, Vivien Lyra Blair, Chris Messina, Madison Hu, and Marin Ireland. It is a chilling and masterful exploration of fear and paranoia. You know that hair-raising, tingling sensation you get when confronted with something unknown and terrifying? That’s pretty much how I felt the entire time I was watching this movie.

The story centers around high school student Sadie Harper, played with magnificent intensity by Sophie Thatcher, and her young sister, Sawyer, played by diminutive and incredibly talented Vivien Lyra Blair, both of whom are reeling after the death of their mother. Their father, Will, played by a bearded Chris Messina, is a therapist who is struggling with his own intense pain while trying to put on a brave face for his family and instead distancing himself from his girls just when they need him the most.

When Lester Billings, a desperate young father who has recently lost his own children—portrayed with immense creepiness by David Dastmalchian—unexpectedly shows up at their house seeking Will’s help, he inadvertently brings with him a malevolent entity that preys on human suffering. This creature soon begins targeting Will’s daughters, stalking them, and fulfilling their darkest nightmares. Madison Hu delivers a great performance as Sadie’s well-intentioned but somewhat clueless best friend, and Marin Ireland is absolutely brilliant as the gun-toting, driven, and fiercely angry Rita, Lester Billings’ unhinged wife. 

The film’s success largely rests on Rob Savage’s masterful direction. He skillfully crafts a dark and unsettling atmosphere from the very beginning, using meticulous attention to detail and a slow-burning pace that builds tension to excruciating levels. The cinematography, by a talented crew led by Director of Photography, Eli Born, is nothing short of exceptional. Dark corners and shadowy doorways filled with hidden menace are everywhere and the camera creates a disturbing visual experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the film.

The Boogeyman pays homage to Stephen King’s storytelling by maintaining the unsettling ambiguity that permeates much of his work. It doesn’t provide any easy answers and leaves room for interpretation and lingering unease long after the credits roll. Rob Savage’s direction, coupled with outstanding performances by the cast, creates an atmosphere of dread that is both visceral and psychologically unnerving. This film is a chilling exploration of grief, paranoia, and the monsters we all imagine are hiding in the darkness, just out of sight.

WARNING: This blog post contains spoilers.

It will come as no surprise to most of you that I am a huge Star Trek fan. The original Star Trek series which aired in 1966 is one of the first TV shows I remember watching as a kid (reruns, people… I’m not quite THAT old) and I have rewatched the entire series many, many times since. I was in the front row for the opening Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979 and, while it was not a great movie, it did launch a hugely successful movie franchise, most of which I adore (except for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, of course, which I have seen once and will never see again!)

When Star Trek: The Next Generation aired in 1987, I went out and bought the biggest TV I could, a 32-inch monstrosity that weighed in excess of 200 pounds, so I could watch the new adventures of the starship Enterprise in all its glory. In the 90s I attended numerous Star Trek conventions, paying homage to celebrity guests like Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner. I even managed to corner late Nichelle Nichols at a cast party one evening and spent a glorious half-hour talking about her experiences in theater and television. She was a truly remarkable woman and very gracious.

Throughout the 90s and 00s I watched the various incarnations of Star Trek with varying degrees of amusement and horror. Some of it was very good; some of it was not. Like many movie and TV series franchises, Star Trek has suffered under the weight of its own success. I like to think the people behind these endeavors had the best of intentions, but unfortunately they don’t always succeed.

This year I treated myself to a one-year subscription to Paramount Plus. I was aware that Paramount launched their new streaming service using Star Trek as a launching pad, but I decided to wait until they had enough content built up to keep me entertained for a while. 

I started my viewing adventure with Star Trek: Discovery and, while I really enjoy the show, it doesn’t quite have the same flavor as the original, but then, I don’t think it’s supposed to. It’s its own thing, its own unique milieu. It’s more interested in exploring themes of friendship and family, dealing with issues of loss and sacrifice, and exploring the future of the United Federation of Planets well beyond the 23rd and 24th centuries. That said, I was hugely excited when, in the final episode of the first season the original starship Enterprise appears on screen.

For those who may not know, the first Star Trek pilot episode Gene Roddenberry wrote for NBC back in 1965, entitled The Cage, featured a much different Enterprise crew. Most notably, the captain was not James T. Kirk, but Christopher Pike, played by the handsome, startlingly blue-eyed Jeffrey Hunter. Spock was still there, although with a much different haircut and a bit more emotion, and Majel Barrett, who would go on to play Nurse Chapel in the original series, as well as other roles, was there as Captain Pike’s Number One. Otherwise, it was a completely different crew.

In season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery we are once more introduced to Captain Christopher Pike, played this time by the enigmatic Anson Mount, Mr. Spock, played by Ethan Peck, and Number One—she actually has a name now—played smartly by Rebecca Romijn, along with a diverse crew of intriguing and likeable characters that includes a blind chief engineer with a sour disposition, played by Bruce Horak, and an eager young Cadet Uhura, played by Celia Rose Gooding. After season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery, Captain Pike and crew wander off to begin their own bold new adventures on the series, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Season 1 wrapped in 2022 and Season 2 is due out sometime in 2023.

I love this show, and I can’t say enough good things about it. While not exactly the original—fortunately for us, times have changed—the series does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the original series and portraying some of the same kinds of sensibilities and moral dilemmas. Captain Pike is a kinder, gentler ship’s captain, less likely to throw a punch or fire a photon torpedo than Captain Kirk, but just as quick to sidestep the Prime Directive if he thinks it’s for the greater good. Ethan Peck does a remarkable job of portraying Mr. Spock, and even manages to make him a bit more likeable and relatable. Although, I must say, I prefer my Spocks beardless. Rebecca Romijn’s Una Chin-Riley (see, real name, sort of) is a creature of depth and mystery, and she’s the one who usually throw the first punch. Every captain needs a first officer who can hold their own in a bar fight.

I feel like I’ve been waiting for this series for 50 years and I’m giddy that it is finally here. Hats off to CBS Studios and Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as all the other producers, writers, and talent who make this show possible. If you enjoy Star Trek, this one is definitely worth watching. In the immortal words of Captain Christopher Pike… hit it.