Sleepwalkers (1992) #463

 

"Sleepwalkers" is an often overlooked and forgotten horror film from the early 1990's, directed by Mick Garris and a written by Stephen King. This was in fact the first time Mr. King wrote an original script for a full length film that wasn't adapted from one of his of his own stories. The story revolves around the last two survivors of a vampiric species of shape shifters that can only survive on the blood of virgins. The movie itself has it's strengths and weaknesses but is still a pretty fair movie for the time.

Alice Krige ("Gretel & Hansel") and Brian Krause star as Mary Brady and her son Charles, two shape shifters that feed on the psychic essence of human female virgins. Their powers include strength and the ability to turn themselves as well as their car invisible. They can change the appearance of the car as well. They differ from standard vampires in most aspects; the sun doesn't hurt them being the first and foremost. The odd thing about these two, and perhaps one the more problematic aspects of this film is their incestral relationship between mother and son. This is how the two are able to pass the psychic energy that Charles consumes from his victims. It's awkward and unsettling to say the least. 

The Brady's intended victim is Tanya Robertson, played by Madchen Amick, who was best known at the time for her work on "Twin Peaks". She is a delight to watch and is one of the bright spots in the film, coming across as a genuine teenager (although she wasn't anymore). Her emotions as a girl with a new crush to being the final girl come across sincerely. 

My favorite, as well as many others I bet, thing about this movie is how it is packed with cameos of several masters of horror that include Stephen King, Clive Barker, Tobe Hooper, John Landis, and Joe Dante. I'm pretty sure this was how Mick Garris was able to forge the foundations for his series Masters of Horror, which would showcase work from three of the four artists. Mark Hamill and Ron Perlman as have small roles as well, both in law enforcement. 

Besides the cameos, I love the shape shifters unique weakness which is a mortal fear of cats. It seems that cats are their natural enemies and gather in large numbers wherever the Brady's live. When they get close enough, the cats would pounce and attack Charles and Mary. I love when cats are used in movies and are more than just a jump scare....which they are really good at. 

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

And another take on the famed story of Dracula, "Bram Stoker's Dracula" is the vampire film that follows the novel the most. I have yet to see any filmed version of Dracula where the old Dracula is walking around with a long white mustache like he does in the book. Besides this oversight, and a few additions made by Coppola, this version most resembles the novel about the vampire and his adventures in London. The casting choices are all over the place for this film with some poor choices (Keanu Reeves?) to proper (Carly Elwes and Tom Waits) to outstanding (Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins). The musical score is one to remember as well and it's not like don't have much choice as it's still used in other movies' previews still to this day.


There's no need for a synopsis, you know what the story is about by now! But I will go over some of the small details that were added for the film

1. The opening where Dracula goes off to fight the Turks and his wife kills herself when she hears that he has been killed in battle. Upon his return and finding her dead body, he curses God and stabs the stone statue, drinking it's blood. Not in the book but it's a super cool scene.

2. It's revealed that Renfield was originally working as the solicitor for Dracula before going crazy. In the book when never hear of any past dealings with the Count.

3. The entire section where Dracula meets Mina in London and takes her to the cinema, where they encounter the white wolf. This is added to make the this version more of a love story.

There are other minor bits missing from the novel but this version is the truest that I've seen and is still fun to watch twenty two years later!

Candyman (1992) (edited)

“Candyman” is a 1992 horror film based off of Clive Barker’s short story “The Forbidden”. Like the novella “The Hellbound Heart”, certain changes were made to the story and characters so the narrative could be transferred into a full length feature film. “Candyman” has two sequels and a reboot/spiritual sequel is coming out June 2020.

Many people consider “Candyman” as a classic horror movie and it’s easy to understand why. Besides having a very memorable villain, performed perfectly by Tony Todd, the narrative of the film is taunt is chilling. There is very little violence on screen; “Candyman” is not about senseless killing. Instead, it is a smart movie that builds tension and unease throughout. When the violence is seen, or at least alluded to, it’s effectively shocking. I recently watched the film for the first time in many years and it’s more satisfying than ever.

The Candyman is nothing more than a conglomeration of different urban legends, or so grad student Helen believes. While doing research for her thesis, Helen begins hearing tales of a local legend which has several of the common themes that the most notorious legends have. These include spirits in mirrors, deranged killers, and babysitters in trouble. The one thing that everyone who is telling her about the Candyman is the same; say his name five times and he’ll appear.  As Helen continues her research, her sense of reality and legend blurs as Candyman begins to convince her that he is indeed real

Favorite moment – Whenever Candyman talks! Just how Doug Bradley is the only person worthy of playing Pinhead, Tony Todd is the only man I will ever accept at Candyman. Their voices are perfect for their respective roles and bring so much to the movies.