It's a Horror to Know You: Brian Katcher!
1. What is the first film that ever scared you?
First film that ever scared me: 'The Halloween that Almost Wasn't.' (1979). This was a comedy, but when you're four years old, a scary Dracula and a zany Dracula look an awful lot alike. My mother discovered me hiding behind a chair, but unable to turn off the movie, even when she suggested I watch something else.
2. What is the last film that scared you?
Last film that scared me: 'The Grudge' (2004). Kind of hokey, but that scene where we see the woman's back and you know when she turns around we'll see that her jaw has been ripped off…yeah, I covered my eyes. Shortly after I became a father and had to stop watching horror movies.
3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.
Underrated: 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes.' (1971) I first read about this in a back issue of Fangoria when I was about eight, but never got to see it until I was in college. My girlfriend at the time wasn't impressed, but 'Nine killed you, nine will die,' always gives me the shivers.
'Signs,' (2002): I had just started dating my future wife at the time. She lived way out in the country. Out in the corn fields. I'm lucky she didn't dump me after the tenth or eleventh time I said 'Did you hear that?'
'Alien 3' (1992): I think this one got bad reviews just because it was compared to the earlier, much better films. I rate it third in the series, but it was still pretty good.
4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.
In spite of myself: 'Tales That Witness Madness' (1973): If they'd had a bigger budget, this could have been a classic. The cover art IS a classic, as far as I'm concerned.
'Twilight Zone: the Movie' (1983): Everyone hated it, and maybe it's because I saw this film before I really saw the TV show episodes, but I liked it.
'Faces of Death' (1978): Once you realize the footage is all faked, it's good, gruesome fun.
5. Send us to five places on the Internet!
Forever Young Adult. Reviews of what's new in young adult literature…zzzzz Only it's hilarious! The Sweet Valley High drinking game alone is worth checking out.
Good Girls Gone Geek. Horror, sci fi and fantasy reviews, by a friend of mine.
Danny Isn't Here, Mrs. Torrence. Same as above
Snopes. The urban legends website. I've ruined more people's good stories with this one.
Brian Katcher's website. Yeah, that's me. I got books to pimp.