My Favorite 20 Horror Films Pt. 5

12) "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" - This is probably the ultimate comedy/horror film. Unlike most of the subgenre, it really succeeds on delivering the goods on all levels. There are several scenes of gutbusting humor, none of which dilute or eliminate the scares. The acting was quite good and the special effects actually well done for the times. I've seen this film at least 30 times in my life and I've laughed and enjoyed myself every time. No one portrays abject fear like Lou Costello, and even though he was reportedly unhappy with the script, his natural likeability and charm shine through every scene. Lon Chaney plays it straight and never lets the jokes change his sad, doomed demeanor and Bela Lugosi plays Dracula for the final time with great flourish and obvious joy.

Favorite scenes...the candle on the coffin and the "SLIIIIIIIICK!!!!!...'junior..?" sequences. :)]

13) "Creature from the Black Lagoon" - It occurred to me that I hadn't included any films from the 1950s in my list. By this time, most of the Universal monsters had all faded from view, showing up only in Abbott and Costello movies. Unfortunately, there weren't many successors to their roles as the reigning kings of cinematic horror, at least not until 1953 when the Gillman came along.

The Gillman was an original creature, born not from the supernatural like most of the 40s monsters, but from pseudo science. Nature, evolution, the atomic bomb and radiation were all predominant themes 1950s horror flicks, and the Gillman fit right in. Living in the Amazon River, this creature was perfectly content to live out his days in obscurity until man happened upon his home. In this, he harkens back to the Frankenstein monster; a relative innocent who was thrust into conflict with man only because of man's lust for knowledge. Like the monster, the Gillman had a certain tragic air about him, as we come to realize that for all his savagery and power, he's ultimately doomed to fall when confronted with the inevitable march of human progress.

Needless to say, the creature's costume was, like the Wolfman's, groundbreaking and still easily identifiable and effective. The underwater sequences were really awesome to behold, mesmerizing, haunting, and fraught with danger all at once.

Two less successful sequels followed, but the original "Creature" remains indelible and classic.

14) "Jeepers Creepers" - Another rather odd entry, I admit, but I was so grateful to see a truly original creature with a unique origin and powers that this film really stuck with me. In this age of murderous masterminds and unstoppable serial killers, most of whom I find very boring, it's so refreshing to see someone take the time to create a new and chilling mythos for a movie monster. This creature is equal parts demon, gargoyle and cicada, and it keeps you riveted to the screen throughout

I also liked the way it eschewed the traditional romantic angle in favor of a brother/sister relationship, one that seemed realistic.