Horror Movie Reviews

I would not say this is a bad movie, but it definitely is a movie for little kids. If you have wee ones that you want to scare and entertain then by all means buy this, but if you want a scary movie for adults, stay away by any means possible. I was utterly bored and unimpressed with this childish ghost story. If you want something to scare an adult with above average intelligence then try "The Changeling" or "Stir of Echoes". You'll be much happier.

I cannot stress enough how this movie is ONLY good if you're watching it with some young kid or something. Having seen all these great reviews of it, I decided to rent it one night & watch it by myself. Had it been in the FAMILY section of the video store, as it should be, and not in the HORROR section, as it was, I likely wouldn't have. But I did, and upon watching it I was astounded at how bored I was. I'm sorry, but if you're a young adult such as myself (21 yrs old) this just isn't happening. I don't need excessive gore, I don't need nudity or swearing to enjoy a horror movie, but I do need it to be scary. This film just wasn't, at all. The ghost didn't look ghostly, the atmosphere wasn't really dark, just blue-ish, and the story built up no suspense or tension. No one's lives were in jeopardy at any point and to be fully honest, the reason why our ghost is in fact dead is, well, laughable. All that having been said, it's probably a decent family movie and had I watched it with my two nephews instead of by my lonesome it probably would've had a higher entertainment value. So I write this review as a warning to others like me that they not make the same mistake I made.

I think believe was a great movie! I have seen it abut a million times. The actor who plays ben Stiles, named Ricky Mabe is sooo cute! I recommend this movie I think people will like it! :)

First both these films are campy fun. I grew up watching both of these films pretty regularly on Creature Features. It was a natural transition for Bela Lugosi to play the monster in FMWM due to the ending of Ghost of Frankenstein. It's not a terrible film just not all that well written which is a surprise given that the scribe was Curt Sidomak (Donovan's Brain and a number of minor science fiction classics). Earle Kenton's direction is stylisth given the budget limitations. The problem in the film is more with the self pitying Larry Talbot. As written Lon Chaney, Jnr. is given little more to do than wallow in self pity. Sure, he's a wolf man at night and usually has to change clothes after every full moon (they rip apart as he changes) but come on!

Anyhow, Lugosi plays the Monster as a lumbering idiot (if the dialog hadn't been trimed his portrayal might have been a bit better). It's ironic that Lugosi ended up playing the role as his star was fading since he turned it down originally. It made Boris Karloff a star. The rest of the cast ranges from weak to competant. This isn't the best in the series but it has a number of entertaining moments. Reportedly, Glenn Strange actually played the Monster in many of the long shots as Lugosi wasn't up to the task.

House of Frankenstein promised much more than it delivered but still has a number of bright spots. First, there's Karloff. Although he doesn't play the Monster (he's an escaped criminal/scientist), he's given plenty of scenery to chew. His performance is one of the best in the picture. Lon Chaney, Jnr. returns and for good measure Dracula shows up as well. There is a law of dimishing returns when it comes to monsters or villians (we'll call it wtdk's Monster/villian law-- for an example look at the last two Batman films).

I have to agree that John Carradine doesn't do the part of Dracula justice. He just isn't convincing (nor was Lon Chaney, Jnr. when he played the role in Son of Dracula. His delivery was always stiff and deliberate but was exceedingly bad in that film). Carradine would reprise the role in House of Dracula the following year.

It's no surprise that the DVD doesn't have a lot of extras. While both films are solid and entertaining on their own, they're far from classics in the series. Due to the age of the film, it's unlikely that a lot survived in the way of outtakes or alternative endings (both films were shot on volatile nitrate stock). If you're looking for classics stick with Whale's Bride and Lee's Son of Frankenstein. If you're looking for a fun, inoffensive time by all means pick these up.

These are two of my favorite films from the second tier Universal Monsters pictures. Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman in particular was always a childhood creature feature favorite. The film finds Larry Talbot (Lon Chaney Jr) accidentally brought back to life (recall the Wolfman was killed in the end of the original film) by a couple of would be grave robbers. None to happy to be alive he begins a journey that would span a few more films to find a cure for his lycanthropy. His search brings him to the castle Frankenstein and a mad scientist who promises a cure for the wolfman, but soon becomes consumed with the Frankenstein monster. Frankenstein was played for the first time by Bela Lugosi in a role that he originally turned down. The quality of the film transfer is descent, though there are a few scratches and other minor imperfections. It would be nice to see the film given the deluxe treatment, but a few "imperfections" give these old movies character.

In House of Frankenstein we are treated to Boris Karloff in the role of a mad doctor bent on the revenge of those who sent him to prison. Obsessed with the secrets of life and death, his journey takes him to the ruins of the Frankenstein castle. Here he will find the bodies of the Frankenstein monster and the wolfman, frozen by the dam waters released by the villagers in FMTW. Lon Chaney Jr reprises his role as the tortured Larry Talbot. Glenn Strange plays the Frankenstein monster. I always thought Frank looked a little goofy in this film. John Carradine rounds out the monster cast as Dracula. It's fun to have all of these monsters in the same film, but the real gem here is Karloff. As above, the film transfer is descent with a few scratches and imperfections. Sound quality is very good though.

These films are far from perfect, but are great fun. They are must haves in any classic monster DVD library. It's too bad they are out of print. I've heard rumors that Universal will re-release many of these later in the year along with some of the previously unreleased (at least on DVD) monster flicks. Still, I recommend finding a copy if you can.

I finally got a copy of "Frankenstein meets the Wolfman/"House of Frankenstein" on DVD, (Frankenstein may have stepped on the box for good measure, but I digress) the image quality was better than expected after reading some of the other reviews and the sound was strong. A close comparison to the 1987 Laserdisc release of "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man" shows an improved overall picture quality. While there may be an additional scratch here or there, considering that another 14 years had passed, between 1987 and 2001 when this DVD was released and that the film is now nearly 60 years old I thought it was very well preserved. I also compared "House of Frankenstein" on this DVD to the 1994 Laserdisc release and found the two prints actually very close in quality and the image again improved by the DVD format. I am amazed that people are gripping about extras for the prices these are going for considering that the laserdisc for "Frankenstein meets the Wolfman" alone was more and as "House of Frankenstein" was released on a two movie-two laserdisc set for considerably more I think the DVD is a bargain. Also, I found the DVD menu was easy to use and I had no problem pulling up the top menu and going back and forth between the two features after one had finished. Yes, some music on the menu screens would be nice and a running commentary is always a wonderful addition, but considering this DVD package does not cost anymore than the two movies do on VHS, it's a fair price. So get busy, make some popcorn and enjoy the show.

The Bat:A mystery Writer (Angus Moorehead) and her housemates(Darla Hood & Lenita Lane) rents a creppy old manison. Where a Serial Killer knows as the Bat is stalking them.

House on Haunted Hill:When five strangers (Richard Long, Alan Marshal, Carolyn Craig, Elisha Cook Jr. & Julie Mithchum) are Invivted by a Millionaire (Vincent Price) and his mean-spirited wife (Carol Ohmart) to the rule of the deal is:If the five stay for the night, they will get $10,000, if they survived the night in this Haunted House.

Directed by Crane Wilbur made a watchable Suspense Thriller. Price plays a Doctor here, not as Sound as House on Haunted Hill, that one was much more Better. DVD`s has a good non-anamorphic Widescreen (1.66:1) transfer and a fine Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono Sound. Grade:B. Directed by William Castle (The Tinger), Well the Best is House on Haunted Hill, the format of the film is a non-anamorphic Widescreen (1.66:1) transfer (Not the Original 1.85:1 Transfer) and a clear Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono Sound. Grade:B+.

Roan Archival Entertainment has presented a series of consistently high-quality double featured DVDs. This one in particular is just one of those. THE BAT and HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL are presented on opposite sides of the disc. Contrary to the description on this site, neither are (or ever were) in color. The sound qulaity for both pictures are exceptional. The widescreen framing is well rendered. The film elements for both are good, except for quite a bit of flecks on HOUSE and some film jumps on BAT. These flaws are not distracting, however. THE BAT has an exceptionally clear picture quality, with pleasant contrasts.

As for the quality of the films, they both are enjoyable for what they have to offer. THE BAT is a remake of the classic 1930 film THE BAT WHISPERS. This version stars Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead (who 6 years later would get an Oscar nomination for HUSH..HUSH SWEET CHARLOTTE). The film also has the final film performance of Darla Hood ("Darla" of the OUR GANG comedies of the 1930s). Contrary to the cover art, this is not a horror film. its actually more likened to an episode of "Murder, She Wrote" with Moorhead p[laying a mystery writer involved in a little murder mystery of her own. Vincent Price is pretty much wasted in this film. His role ends up being a thankless one, as one will observe. This film is nothing like the spook fest on the other side HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL. This minor film has developed quite a following. Its not difficult to see why with its cooky special effects and equally cooky script. This is full of surprises and unintentional dated laughs as the visitors to the house become pawns to Vincent Price's wicked games. William Castle directs in his usually manipulative style. This film will not be forgotton!

Please note: These films are available for purchase separately through Warner and Anchor Bay. If you are willing to give up extras, this edition will suit you just fine.

Two fun "Creepy old house" flicks, from that old paragon of cheaply produced films, Allied Artists, (formerly Monogram),have been released on one DVD. "House on Haunted Hill", the better-known of the two, is a now-legendary William Castle opus, full of cheap shocks, including the infamous vat of acid in a wine cellar, an unsuccessful murder plot (with a twist), campy performances, little credibility, and is a real "party" film. "The Bat", while a little on the slow side, does have Vincent Price and the wonderful Agnes Moorehead. The woman did EVERYTHING well! The story line creaks, and is a little slow-going, but I always enjoyed it-mainly due to Agnes' performance. This was another childhood favorite of mine, along with "Haunted Hill", which used to run on "Million Dollar Movie" about 100 times in one week! The picture quality is excellent on both films (you can REALLY see how cheap the sets are), and if you're 40-something like myself, it will bring back memories of a mug of hot cocoa, "Melody" cookies, and an old black-and-white TV set with rabbit ears. My favorite part in "Haunted Hill"-Carolyn Craig runs shrieking through the house (her screams could wake the dead)-Alan Marshal knocks on Vincent Price's door, and asks, "Did you hear anything?" to which Vincent replies, "Organ music?"

The House by the Cemetery:An unsuspecting family (Katherine Mac Coll, Paolo Malco & Giovanni Frezza), who move into a new house but something lurks under thier house from the basement holds a horrifoc secert that could destroy team.

The Beyond:In the early 1920's, a man-who is a Warlock (Antoine-Saint-John) has been tortued and murder by the Clan from the Townspeople of New Orleans. Then 60 years later-a woman (Katherine Mac Coll) recieve a Hotel from her deceased Uncle and then strange things starts to happen to the very depths of Hell Itself.

T.H.B.T.C.-Directed by Lucio Fulci (The Black Cat, Gates of Hell, Zombie) made a clever but uneven bizarre horror film, which is well directed. The Screenplay by Fulci, Giorgio Mariuzzo & Dardano Sacchetti, from a Story by Elisa Briganti. has some genuine suspense and thrills but it's hurted by a far-fecthed ending that makes the film a unsatisfying factory. DVD's has an clean anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an fine Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD Etxras are:Theatrical Trailers, T.V. Spot, Still Gallery & Talent Bios. It's definitely worth seeing (Lulci's fans will love this). Techniscope. Grade:B+.

T.B.-Directed by Lucio Fulci (Manhatten Baby, The Psychic, Lizard in a Woman's skin) made a clever, horrific, supernatural horror story with a Knockout Ending. Many Critics & Fans considered to be Fulci's Masterpiece. There's good performances by Mac Coll, David Warbeck and Cinzia Monreale. Excellent Make-Up Effects by Gianetto De Rossi, Creppy Score by Fabio Frizzi and Terrific Cinematography by Sergio Salvati highlights this flick. From a Screenplay by Fulci, Dardano Sacchetti & Giorgio Mariuzzo, from a Story by Sacchetti. DVD's has an good anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer & an strong Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD's extras are:An good entertaining and funny commentary track by Actors:Warbeck & Mac Coll, Trailers, Music Video and More. Do not miss this one. Not for the Squeamish. Techniscope. Grade:A-.

1981 was a terrific year for Lucio Fulci. In that year, between the releases of Argento's INFERNO in 1980 (the same year Fulci made CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD/THE GATES OF HELL) and TENEBRE in 1982 (the same year Fulci made THE NEW YORK RIPPER and MANHATTAN BABY), Fulci ruled Italian horror with back-to-back masterpieces. Of course, I'm talking about THE BEYOND and THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY, two of Fulci's most popular horror films that only get better with age!
THE BEYOND, in my humble opinion, is an extremely close second to SUSPIRIA as the greatest Italian horror movie of all time! In it, Catriona/Katherine MacColl renovates a Louisiana hotel she inherited only to discover that it rests on one of the seven gateways to Hell! Throughout the ensuing hour-and-a-half, pun intended, all Hell breaks loose, with the most gruesome imagery Fulci has ever committed to celluloid (e.g., crucifixion, acid bath, tarantulas, a head explosion, and Fulci's trademark eyeball violence), and it all looks totally realistic and awesome, right up there with any of Tom Savini's work! I really loved MacColl's prescence in THE BEYOND, as she's just so lovely to look at; John Saxon-lookalike David Warbeck is also really cool here as well (he was in Fulci's previous Edgar Allen Poe offshoot THE BLACK CAT, also in 1981), especially when dropping bullets through the barrel of his gun. I got the totally awesome soundtrack at my first horror convention a few months ago.
THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY also has MacColl, this time as a mother who, along with her doctor husband and son, move into the titular residence in Boston. The doctor is continuing the research conducted by a colleague who offed himself; the research is on one Dr. Freudstein, whose unorthodox methods involved killing people to keep himself alive. More Fulci mayhem such as a knife through the head (with the blade sticking out of the mouth), decapitation, and a neck-ripping. I got a HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY t-shirt featuring the 1984 poster artwork (on the Diamond release) at my first horror convention a few months ago, the safest representation of Fulci that you can get!
You must get this 2-pack if you want definitive Fulci. THE BEYOND has a terrific audio commentary by MacColl and Warbeck (a few weeks before Warbeck died) which is amusing and informative, among a slew of awesome extras. THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY has a photo and still gallery set to one of the creepy compositions in the score. This is a double-dose of Fulci mayhem at its greatest, most Argento-like; a definite must-watch!

When it comes to Fulci, it's very very hard to find a movie that's not 100% brutal horror mayhem. With this very excellent package, we get two of these very gnarly films. Both of which are a gorehound's best dream, or nightmare in this case.

The Beyond - This is probably one of the greatest examples of the horror genre. It embodies so many different elements of horror in one very twisted way. It's got loads of gore, eye gouges, exploding heads, zombies, hell, evil house, and a beautiful female hero. There's nothing to not like about this movie (double negative). This movie is probably one of the goriest movies ever made. From the first 3 minutes it grabs you and doesn't let go until the rather ambiguous ending. It's a great piece of splatter cinema that every self-respecting horror fan should see.

House By The Cemetery - Classic haunted house movie with a lot of gore. I wouldn't say it had as much gore as Zombi 2 or The Beyond, but it had more than the average haunted house story. I saw some similarities with Amityville Horror, but there aren't many. It's very original and the whole plot kind of confused me. I'm probably gonna try to watch it again soon. It's a very good movie, though.

And believe me, that's about all this movie has going for it. It's your typical low-budget freak/monster B-movie. There is little to nothing in the way of originality in this film and should be avoided by anyone who doesn't love B-movies. It lacks the humor and imagination of many other movies of this genre.

Having said that, though, it does star Bruce Campbell (star of the Evil Dead trilogy) as the hero and just about any movie starring BC is worth watching at least once. There's nothing terribly exciting about his performance here, but... it's Bruce Campbell.

It should also be said that this DVD comes with some excellent extras, considering that it's such a low-budget, relatively unknown, cult film. With many DVDs of this genre, you're lucky if you have any special features at all. Deleted scenes, trailers, commentary, etc. A very nice surprise.

If you loved EVIL DEAD you will like this movie. The DVD has a better quality than the old VHS, but it still could have been better. It also has a trailer. But it says on my DVD comentaries but there isn't any-that is a bummer. Overall good DVD buy it now.

If you are a big fan of action/horror then you should really check this movie out! It's got great acting, awesome action scenes and sometimes very subtle humorous actions by the "Maniac Cop" (Robert Z'dar). This movie is definitly a good one! The two sequels that follow are really good as well!

Urban is my favorite actor, and I only gave this a 4 because it wasn't quite as good as The Price of Milk. Still, considering budget problems and time constraints (it was filmed in 6 weeks, all at night, in Wellington), it was quite an excellent film. You have to suspend disbelief, but it is geared more toward messing with your mind than shocking you with scary looking images and creatures. Is Harry being stalked, or is he going crazy? I have to say, I was looking over my shoulder for days after I watched, and Karl is an absolute delight when he works. You should definately watch this movie

but even if you don't, this dark thriller will keep you guessing. The computer animation for the actual demons is a little cheesy but it isn't so bad that it ruins the suspension of disbelief. I liked the cinematography and make-up was pure artistry. The fact that most of it was shot at night lends to the eerie quality of the picture. The story was exciting. The main character, Harry, played by Karl Urban, was very well acted. You felt for the poor guy who has this normal life and then is thrown into a situation where he questions reality. I am now a big Karl Urban fan. This movie is definitely worth a look. If you like horror, suspense, or just a walk on the weird side...this movie is for you.

...I wasn't much of a fan of Karl Urban's, my mother was, so when I got this movie for her, I saw it with her. Now I can say I'm a pretty big fan of Karl Urban's...
I love strange and bizar movies, and this is one of'em!
5 stars from me, I'd give it more if I could. And although it's great on vhs, I find the sound is a little more thrilling on dvd.

This film deserves at least one star for one reason and one reason only: the cameraman did manage to keep it in focus. I don't believe I've ever seen a concept with such strong potential so completely bungled. Ex-hippies turned yuppies turned crazed baldheaded killing machines who don't like disco? Who wouldn't want to see this story told? It's no mystery why Zalman King gave up his acting career to become a softcore director. What is a mystery is how Robert Walden managed to be in this atrocity and "All the President's Men" in the same year!

I bought this movie sight unseen based soley on its concept and reputation. My bad.

This movie takes an interesting concept and sinks it with pedestrian direction and a reluctance to see its story through. It is a shame because they could have made a truly interesting film without maxing out the budget.

The director, Lieberman, seems reluctant and unwilling to truly deal with the dark/silly idea at the core of his story. 60's college radicals drop some acid called Blue Sunshine. Ten years later it catches up with them-their hair falls out and they become kill crazy lunatics. This is a great jumping off point for either incisive social satire and/or over the top horror thrills. This film provides neither. It is much too timid to deliver on the horror(the kids survive the attack by their babysitter?!) and it does not follow through on the satire either(so yesterday's drug dealers can become tomorrow's politician...And?...). Oh, and its true, Zalman King is godawful in the lead.

Somewhere on the disk they make mention of the fact that a network TV station wanted to buy this film and air it as a TV movie of the week. It makes sense. In fact, if it were a TV movie of the week I would have been more impressed. But no, this is supposed to be a lost gem of an exploitation film and let me tell you it is not. It takes a great concept and renders it impotent by running it through the hack-Hitchcock treadmill. Boring.

Worth a rental maybe but do not buy it unless you are a Fan.

Terrific film from Jeff (Squirm & Just Before Dawn) Lieberman. Very relaxing and engaging quality to this film. Fantastic performance from Zalman (Red Shoe Diaries) King & Alice (New Faces) Ghostley. The company that produces this DVD really went all out to make it the best possible--great picture, wonderful sound, lots of extras, metallic packaging that really, truly goes the extra mile. Try other Lieberman films, he's every made a bad one. Glad to see this one back, and on a really awesome DVD!

I really enjoyed Dracula's daughter. The story revolves around the female lead trying to free herself of the vampire curse and it flowed really well. It was nice to see a somewhat original story line tied in with Universal Dracula mythos rather than a rehashing of the same old story. The female lead played her role quite well, and it was interesting to see a powerful female character in the time when most females leads were basically victims. That's not to say that she wasn't a victim herself, as I did feel sorry for her at some points, but then her true nature would rise and show itself.

Son of Dracula wasn't as good for me. I just had a hard time with Lon Chaney Jr. playing the role of Dracula with that pencil thin mustache. He kept reminding me of a used car salesman. I know he played almost all of the Universal monsters at some point, but he'll always be the Wolfman to me. I like how the characters involved actually plotted to use Dracula's power against him. I didn't really see how the title of the movie tied in the actual movie. The story seemed kinda screwy, but it seemed to pick up more in the last half as the plot started to unfold.

Well, Universal released these two great classic horror films, Dracula's Daughter and Son of Dracula together on DVD. On Laserdisc, Dracula's Daughter was released with "Ghost of Frankenstein". "Son of Dracula" and "Son of Frankenstein" were released individually on Laserdisc. The pairing of the films for DVD makes much more sense, with Ghost of Frankenstein being released with Son of Frankenstein and the Dracula films being released together. It is also more economical for the buyer to make two purchases instead of three and still get all four films. Both vampire films are quite good and a must for any classic horror collection. If only to hear Gloria Holden say that she "does not drink...wine! What does not make sense, however, is why all these Universal films have gone out of print on DVD less than a year after they were released. The same goes for the Universal 1940's "Mummy films" on DVD. The Laserdiscs were available for years! Ditto for the VHS tapes which have had multiple releases. Many people are just now buying DVD players as I speak and are going to be very dissapointed not to be able to buy the entire Universal Monster Classic collection on DVD! If anyone has more information please pass it on and let Universal know we want these movies made available on DVD.

bottom line-draculas daughter stinks....son of dracula brings back late sat. nite 60's fright shows. if you love universal horror buy it-if not that big a fan...buy the wolfman, its the best

The lead actress in "Antichrist" looks a little bit like Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby. The film is slow at first, until the erotic dream/incubus sequence, which is rather weak, and not particularly erotic. A body double was obviously used for the nude scenes, and it cheapens the film. The film had good potential, and manages to be creepy in scenes, but towards the end, you can tell where entire scenes were stolen from the American blockbuster. Too much cussing,levitating and green pea soup, not enough actual originality, like "Alucarda" had. All in all, a good piece of Italian Giallo to own if you love the genre, but just another in a long line of rip offs.

THE ANTICHRIST RUNS CIRCLES AROUND THE EXORCIST AND THIS FILM IS A LOT SCARIER THAN THAT LAUGH-FEST!!
THE MAIN CHARACTER OF THIS MOVIE(PORTRAYED BY CARLA GRAVINA) FITS THIS ROLE ENTIRELY AND DID A FANTASTIC JOB MAKING US BELIEVE THAT SHE WAS MOST DEFINETELY POSSESED.
THERE'S BLOOD, VIOLENCE, PROFANITY AND ALL THESE VARIOUS ASPECTS THAT MAKE FOR A GREAT SCARY MOVIE!!
IT IS A HARD MOVIE TO STOMACH AND HAS A LOT OF GROSS GOINGS-ON, BUT THE ONLY DISADVANTAGE TO THIS FILM IS THE FACT THAT IT IS AN ITALIAN FILM AND IT WAS DUBBED TO ENGLISH!!!
THERE IS NO THEATRICAL TRAILER ON THIS DVD, BUT IT DOES FEATURE A 10 MIN. SPECIAL LOOK AT THE FILM BY IT'S DIRECTOR!!
THIS HELPS US TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE MOVIE AND APPRECIATE IT!!
THIS FILM ALSO INCLUDES THE FAMOUS GOAT ORGY SCENE- AND IT IS OUT-THE-BOX!! ENJOY!!!
-JOHN SENECA

this is still a very scary movie and I'd recomend it to fans of The Exorcist, Prince of Darkness, The Seventh Sign, The Omen, and Rosemary's Baby. If you happen to see at a Blockbuster or Best Buy, I'd suggest buting it. It is very good, and criminally underated.

It's hard to believe this film was made in 1980 - that's after the exorcist, after texas chainsaw massacre, after many of the gory italian horrors - yet here the monster club is made in the authentic style of the amicus horror films of the 60's.
it's no surprise it wasn't a big success.
but looking back now, it's great fun - and a great tribute to those films.
there are problems, the monsters in the club itself look awful.
in an interview vincent price revealed that they were actually made for a pittance by a milkman - really!
the songs date it also, yet at the same time provide part of the charm.
as ever the main attraction is the stories themselves. surprisingly only one story (the ghostly village) is from the original book of the monster club. all the others are either totally different, or altered a fair bit - i've no idea why they didn't adapt the stories from the book - such as the story of the boy who becomes a werewolf without knowing it, and falls in love with a vampire girl - without knowing that either.
having said that the stories here are still very good.
so it's reccomended for fans of similar films - just don't expect a bloodbath!

first off, i give this movie four stars because of the unnecessary musical interruptions. there's an '80s rock group; a disturbing performance from a blue vampire-type who looks like a cross between Jay Leno and Gene Simmons singing "I'm Just a Sucker for Your Love"; and a Janis Joplin freak who looks like Marilu Henner. aside from this, i loved the movie as i suspected i would before viewing it. Vincent plays a dracula named Eramus and John Carradine plays a reporter. the two have lunch at The Monster Club where Eramus talks of monster geneology and tells three tales: the first involves a shadmock, a cross bewteen two sets of monsters: a "shaddie" and a "maddie", and the result is a "mock" which is polite for "mongrel", Eramus gleefully tells us. we hear the lineage of monsters and how tormented a shadmock is. he uses a deadly whistle to kil his victims. in the story, a gold-digger and her yuppie boyfriend plan to ruin the eccentric millionaire but have no clue that when annoyed, the millionaire "shadmock" lets loose with a killer whistle. the shadmock looks similar to Lon Chany's appearance on Phantom of the Opera. in the second story, we're told about a vampire and his wife and son who are being chased by an organization known as "The Bleeny", who travel with violin cases. you can guess what's really in the cases. the story has a twist ending that plays against the stereotypical 'bad guy' vampire image. in the third story, we're told about a foggy village known as Loughville that a horror movie director stumbles to. it's a surreal world where the dead roam and feed off the living. a zombie story in other words. this director meets a "humgoo", a cross between a human and a ghoul. the director and the humgoo escape the foggy fortress of a town but upon arriving in the "real world", the girl can't live since she's been dead for years...Loughville is very loyal to it's inhabitants and visitors and when the director flags down the police to go get help, well, things aren't that simple...i won't give the twist ending to this story away. when the three stories are over, Eramus gives the club a morale to live up to by explaining that the "real" monsters are humans...we're the ones with guns, airships, murder, the death penalty, the power to use chemicals to wipe out masses of people, we have humans that decapitate, strangulate, etc. he makes a strong case against us humans for our monsterly deeds before hitting the dance floor with John Carradine. John dances with a monster while Vincent dances with a fat woman, much to his delight. this film was only shown in the U.K. when it arrived in 1980, it was Vincent's first horror movie since 1974's "Madhouse" it arrived in the United States in 1985 as a video movie under the banner "ThrillerVideo", hosted by Elvira-Mistress of the Dark. i don't think it was ever shown in theatres in the U.S.? anyway, this was Vincent at his best and aside from 1983's "House of the Long Shadows", this "Monster Club" would be one of his last major film roles as he would spend the rest of his career in minor, cameo roles usually playing a narrator of horror videos, a guest star on TV shows spoofing his image, or play two or three short scenes in contemporary horror films like "Dead Heat", "The Offspring", "Edward Scissorhands", or the mafia thriller "Backtrack". he continued to host "Mystery!" and appear on hilarious TV commercials but "The Monster Club" and the 1983 film were his last starring roles. buy "The Monster Club", it's a cute little film that all Price fans should seek out.

I love all types of horror movies, but for some reason this is one of my all-time favorites, and it is not even scary. Each of the stories set a great spooky mood, and each story holds your interest. It's like walking through the scary rooms of your local haunted house on halloween. If you like doing that, you will love this movie too. The club scenes with the various singing groups is what makes this movie really special. The music is a fright, but that's what makes it fun. My young niece loves this movie's songs- she fast forwards/rewinds to play them over and over and sing along. Her favorite is "I'm just a sucker for your love" (vampire, get it?) I'm so glad it is being released on DVD !!!