It’s usually a bit of a mixed bag the opening week of Hooptober, but I managed to front-load some films I was genuinely interested and the results paid off: only one clinker (to my mind) in the mix.  We have to get the header image from last week’s post out of the way, so things kick off with the headtrip that is Frank Henenlotter’s 80s classic Brain Damage before moving on two indie gems: the dread-inducing Lovecraftian plague of The Beach House and the the super-fun DIY sensation of Host.  One of my favorite action directors Timo Tjahjanto revels in his horror roots with the wickedly fun Raimi homage May The Devil Take You…and then there’s Wrong Turn 2: Dead End, which despite being directed by Joe Lynch and starring Henry Rollins falls with a thud for me.  Great axe-splitting opening, though…

So wipe yer damn feet and enter the opening week’s wares for Hooptober 2020.  If you break out in a rash or feel any itching just remember we warned you about the water.  Continue reading →