Retro Reviews

Reviews of older horror films, shorts, or general creepiness.

It Never Forgives, It Never Forgets: ‘THE GRUDGE’ (2004) Revisited – Retro Review

The Grudge

I remember seeing the trailer and TV spots for The Grudge when it was released and told my girlfriend (who is now my wife) that it just looked OK. I told her that it was probably just another crappy PG-13 rated remake of a superior Japanese film and that I …

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Through ‘THE TWILIGHT ZONE’ (1959): A Journey into Sci-Fi, Horror, and Social Critique

The Twilight Zone is a groundbreaking American sci-fi/horror anthology television series created by Rod Serling that ran from 1959 to 1964. It is widely, and correctly, regarded as one of the most influential TV shows of all time, blending science fiction, fantasy, and horror with social commentary. In fact, it’s …

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‘[Rec]’ (2007): A Claustrophobic Nightmare in Found Footage – Retro Review

[Rec] (2007) is a kick-ass Spanish found footage horror film directed by Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza. It’s widely regarded as one of the most effective and terrifying examples of the found-footage subgenre, blending elements of horror, mystery, and suspense in a gripping, claustrophobic setting. What the Heck is [Rec] …

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Tim Burton’s ‘Ed Wood’ (1994) – Retro Review

There are two names in the horror genre that I would stick to: David Howard Thornton and Bela Lugosi. I watched Lugosi’s movies repeatedly because he reminds me of my grandpa, who spoke English with a heavy Hungarian accent. After years of living with him and my grandma, I learned …

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Screen Gem Or Silly Scapegoat? The Lasting Debate Surrounding ‘Natural Born Killers’

Natural Born Killers is a controversial and provocative film directed by Oliver Stone that’s known for its intense exploration of violence, media, and the American psyche. It’s also known for spurring debates on movies and “copycat” crimes. The movie, released 30 years ago this month, is based on a story …

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