One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
150. Terrifier (Directed by Damien Leone)
The Movie: It’s Halloween night. Two friends Tara (Jenna Kanell) and Dawn (Catherine Corcoran) leave a party and stop by a pizza shop. Sitting in the shop is Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton). He sits and stares at the women, and they even take their picture with him. The owner of the restaurant soon appears, kicking Art out the pizzeria for smearing poop all over the bathroom.
Art leaves. The women find that their car’s tires have been slashed and are now stuck. They take refuge in a near by apartment complex, and soon are victims of Art’s reign of terror.
Why I Love Terrifier: It is no secret that I love horror films. My favorite series is Friday the 13th. So anytime a new slasher movie comes out and is the talk of the horror world I must watch it.
I actually saw Art the Clown for the first time at Telluride Horror Show in the anthology All Hallows’ Eve, that film is fun and I could see the potential of Art the Clown as a villain, Terrifier turns everything up to 11.
The idea of a killer clown that doesn’t speak, kills (brutally) without remorse is the stuff of nightmares. Credit must be given to David Howard Thornton’s performance. He is terrifying. And sometimes funny. And sometimes disgusting. Art’s design too is spot on. The pointed nose, black and white costume and make-up make the red blood stand out all that more.
Writer/Director Damien Leone gets a lot of mileage out of his shoestring budget. Pouring energy and gore into every frame of the film.
Terrifier is not for everyone. And I think that’s another reason why I love it. The highlight is the sawing in half of Dawn. It’s gruesome and unsettling and a triumph of practical effects.
If you do watch Terrifier, I whole heartedly recommend the blu-ray. It is packed with cool behind the scenes footage, audio commentary and more.
Art the Clown’s murder spree doesn’t end here, it goes even further with this years, Terrifier 2, which is more insane and brutal.