Retro Reviews

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

Nosferatu Reborn: ‘Shadow Of The Vampire’ (2000) – Retro Review

When it comes to vampire movies, there are none better than Nosferatu (1922). In fact, Nosferatu is my favorite vampire film. It’s dark and gothic, and Max Schreck (The Street 1923) is absolutely fantastic. But not much was known about the production of the film. Rumors circulated about Schreck really …

Read More »

Looking Back At The Significance Of ‘Scanners’ (1981) – Retro Review

In the late 1970s, fledgling Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg introduced the world to his unique brand of horror. After completing three features—the first, which focused on parasitic psychosexual mania in Shivers (1975), then on to the uncommon, aggressive outbreak of Rabid (1977), and eventually, to mutant offspring in The Brood …

Read More »

Punchline’s ‘Rule Of Rose’: The Most Disturbing, Captivating Video Game Ever – 15 Years Later

One of my favorite pastimes is to play video games. I grew up with a wide array of survival horror games, and to this very day, I love immersing myself in the gameplay that can be uncomfortable, nerve-wracking, terrifying, and fascinating all at the same time. One of the most …

Read More »

Rod Serling’s ‘Night Gallery’ Turns 50

There hasn’t been anyone like Rod Serling, who passed away in 1975. He was a visionary maverick who bent the ear of the network, and they in turn bent a knee to him regarding the brilliantly progressive yet timeless television he gave them, offering them science fiction and horror laced …

Read More »

‘Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000’ (2000) 20 Years Later Retro Review

Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000 is a nostalgic film for me. Sure, it’s not exactly the best acting, but not exactly the worst. And maybe not exactly the best vampire, but not exactly the worst, either. It is the light, fun sexiness to the movie that creates that nostalgic feeling. …

Read More »

How Much Do You Know About ‘Wolf Creek’ (2005)?

Wolf Creek turns 15 on December 25, 2020… because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like some crazy guy trying to kill you in the outback of Australia. Wolf Creek follows backpacking friends Liz (Cassandra Magrath: Shock Jock 2002, Blue Heelers 2002). Kristy (Kestie Morassi: Wilfred 2010, Darkness Falls 2003), and Ben …

Read More »

Spider, Man: 65 Years of ‘Tarantula!’ (1955) – Retro Review

I am absolutely terrified of spiders. But, I absolutely love Tarantula! (1955), which initially premiered in Philadelphia on November 4, 1955. This classic sci-fi film was directed by, Jack Arnold (The Creature From the Black Lagoon 1954) and starred John Agar (Revenge of the Creature 1955). Although the film was released by …

Read More »

“This Is Absolutely Fascinating…” A Look At Tony Zarrindast’s ‘Werewolf’ (1996)

Werewolf

With the name Werewolf, you’d think Tony Zarrindast’s 1996 film would be the mother of all werewolf stories. Well, it did make quite a litter for itself. How I Met The Beast and Why You Should Meet It, Too Like the vast majority of folks, I first experienced Werewolf through Mystery …

Read More »

Are We Floating Yet? Stephen King’s Original Miniseries ‘IT’ (1990) – Retro Review

One clown to rule them all. No, I don’t mean Ronald McDonald. I’m talking about the other red-nosed, pale-faced demonic space goofball with an unhealthy appetite for all things children. That’s right folks… this month marks the 30 year anniversary of the first onscreen adaption of Stephen King’s classic, IT. …

Read More »