New Horror Films: Not so Innocent Anymore – Kids Beware
The movie industry is known for running in waves of popularity and “what’s hot” in regards to genre films. Right now horror is definitely hot. The popular genre has been around since the beginning of cinema; Germany’s “Nosferatu”, produced in 1922, was one of (if not the) first vampire films produced for widespread international release.
“Nosferatu,” remains a classic of the genre now, and even though it’s tame by today’s standards, the makeup, camera effects and performance by it’s star – the mysterious Max Shreck – never fail to frighten and alarm first time viewers. Lately, there has been a lot of discussion regarding the new crop of horror films. Have they finally crossed the line? Depends on who you ask. I am a horror fan and have been since I was a kid. I first saw “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” way back when. It left a last scar.
On opening weekend I went to see the new Eli Roth film “Hostel,” (produced by Quentin Tarantino – that should be your first clue it’s not going to be “Mary Poppins”). Marketed as one of the goriest films ever made, it lived up to my expectation. Special effects departments for this genre have made the modern day horror film into an art form. It’s amazing what you can do with fake blood and a piece of latex.
The unimaginable has come to light in more ways than one. It was however not a 2 hour blood bath aka ‘Slasher’ film (Friday The 13th, Halloween). The first 1/2 was spent building the story, the next 20 to 25 minutes was the ‘blood and guts’ (meat and potato of the film) and the ending had elements of both. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, which got me some rather odd looks by other movie goers. \
Obviously it was R-rated, but what I didn’t expect was to be sitting three rows in front of Mr. and Mrs. America and little Johnny (who must have been 9 or 10 years old). Hold The Phone! Hence, one of my pet peeves. What is the child doing in the theater to see this movie in the first place? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been sitting in an R-rated horror/slasher film and there were kids running up and down the aisles (must be a shortage of babysitters, huh?). I wasn’t allowed to see a horror film until I was 12. And when I did, my parents read about the movie, knew what to expect, and made the decision to go with me.
Why bother with a ratings board and all the effort to mention specific “flag” alerts (nudity, blood, language)? Obviously no one is paying attention to them if 9 and 10 year olds are allowed in to see movies that practically scream warnings of a graphic nature. But have a television program be a little racy, either in regards to some mild sexuality or realistically strong language, and mom and dad are all up in arms. Can show a bare breast but you can blow one up. I guess that’s what the television rating “TVMA ” is for.
Horror films are not going to go away. There is a specific and loyal market (those movie-goers who appreciate the fun in being scared) for this type of entertainment. Besides, they bring in far too much money – not only at the box office but in DVD sales. When it was first released to the home video market, SAW was #1 for weeks! The same can be said for “The Devil’s Rejects,” and “Underworld.”
With the theatrical release of “Wolf Creek,” “Underworld 2: Evolution,” and “Final Destination 3,” 2006 is already off to a “scary” start. Looking ahead, “Saw 3,” will be released in theaters this coming Halloween weekend (2006) and “Hostel 2,” will be released sometime early next year, as well as a few more little tasty little ditties. Be responsible parents. Leave the kids at home.
