It’s a Horror to Know You: Tara of Blog ‘Scuse Me?

1. What is the first film that ever scared you?

The Dark Crystal – still one of my favorites. The first time I watched (at about four years old) I was paralyzed. I think this was the first time in my life that I was too terrified and fascinated to do anything but stare blankly.

2. What is the last film that scared you?

Hellraiser. I went in thinking it would be nothing more than fun 80s goth camp and ended up unnerved. Skinless Frank scuttling across the attic floor, the quick peek through the door of the hooks tearing him apart…this is one of those movies that reminded me of old nightmares.

3. Name three Horror movies that you believe are underrated.

1. Santa Sangre – An excellent joining of butchery, melancholy, and psychological horror. Sometimes almost unbearably depressing.

2. Pumpkinhead – I remember reading a scathing critic’s review of this movie and being pretty stunned when I later watched it. It’s a gorgeous, suspenseful Southern tragedy. The makeup and puppet effects are insane.

3. Abominable – Simple concept: A bunch of townsfolk and vacationers encounter a bloodthirsty sasquatch in the woods. It’s surprisingly funny and engaging – and, even though it was made in 2005, there are legit gore and makeup effects instead of that maddening CGI. Cool actors (Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace, Lance Henriksen, Paul Gleason) pop up in glorified cameos.

4. Name three horror movies that you enjoy against your better judgment.

1. Meet the Feebles – From reviews I’d read, I thought there was a good chance I’d claw my eyes out if I tried to sit through this movie. I ended up caring deeply about the fate of a heroin-addicted crusty frog puppet. Peter Jackson is good at bringing class to the grottiest situations.

2. Beyond Dream’s Door – I expected complete idiocy but thought this movie was almost hypnotic. I found the demonic blood-dinosaur hand puppet menacing. And the ending is fantastic – I could listen to that creepy recitation of poetry over the dial tone for hours.

3. Bride of Chucky – I don’t know why I don’t see this “comic re-imagining” of Chucky as lame and disruptive. It’s the perfect movie to stare at on a Saturday night. Chucky and Tiffany are a party and a half.

5. Send us to five places on the Internet! (Include the URLs!)

1. STFU, Parents Some of the best horror is of the unintentional, social networking variety…check out some deeply disturbing uploads and quotes from lunatic parents.

2. Regretsy – April Winchell keeps us informed about the ever-growing world of DIY disasters – hysterical.

That’s all I’ve got in the way of new recommendations (I saw Death to CGI and Badmovies.org on other questionnaires – love those.)