February is Women in Horror Month

In celebration of Women in Horror Month, I’d like to share a few of my faves.  I’m not bothering with the damsels in distress, of which there are too many in the genre.  No, I’m talking the baddest of the bad girls, the chicks who serve up the screams.  Take a bow, ladies.  You are awesome.

Samara Morgan from ‘The Ring’

 

Played by Daveigh Elizabeth Chase (who also voiced ‘Lilo’ in the Disney classic Lilo and Stitch), Samara didn’t have to do much to freak me out.  Just the image of her sitting there with her hair in her face or crawling through the television screen was enough to give me the willies.  Eek.

 Carrie White from ‘Carrie’

 

I didn’t bother to watch the re-make.  Sissy Spacek could not have been improved upon as the lonely teenager with telekinetic powers.  She was equally sympathetic and awful.

‘The Bride of Frankenstein’

 

Unfortunately, more people think about the hair than the wonderful performance in the sequel to ‘Frankenstein’.  Can you even name the actress?  It was Elsa Lanchester, folks.  Show her the love and re-visit this classic as soon as possible.

Annie Wilkes from ‘Misery’

 

When I read Stephen King’s book, I was sure there was no way anyone could bring the crazy-fan menace to life nearly well enough on the big screen.  I love it when I’m proved wrong about such things.  Kathy Bates amazed everyone to the tune of an Academy Award for her portrayal.

Regan from ‘The Exorcist’

 

Just look at that picture.  Linda Blair’s performance and makeup gave me nightmares for weeks.  She was the freakiest of them all for me.

My Fave Five Horror Movies

Last week I posted my favorite horror villains.  Apparently you like horror too, because that was a very popular post.  So continuing on that theme...

I just love horror movies, and to keep it to five is an exercise in restraint.  But these are my ultimate favorites when it comes to scares:

5.  The Omen (1976)

This movie was just so suspenseful with twists and turns you rarely see in today’s horror offerings.  Smart and chilling all at once.  How often do you root for the guy trying to kill an adorable little child?

4.  The Ring (2002)

This one was just freaky, and I loved every second of it.  I’m not one for the chop-chop gore you see so often, and The Ring was the psychological scare I prefer.

3.  The Shining  (1980)

Jack Nicholson with an axe.  The creepiest little girls ever.  Pages upon pages of ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’  And so much suspense I was ready to jump out of my skin at the least little thing.  Every Halloween I’m screaming at Shelley Duvall to hurry the hell up and get him in the pantry before he wakes!

2.  Psycho  (1960)

Talk about your mommy issues.  Norman Bates was truly frightening in his madness.  And that shower scene…yeah, that will make you lock the bathroom door. 

1.  The Exorcist

For me, this one is the ultimate in horror.   There are just too many terrifying, chilling moments to count.  And if you get to see the freaky scene cut from the original where the girl comes down the staircase … nightmares for weeks!