Post Christmas Bliss

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I got LOTS of made for TV movies to keep me going well into the New Year. You will find the list below, but first some linkage…

Horror Yearbook did a look at the Top Ten Horror Films of 2008. They asked us all to write a little bit about some of the films. I had something to say about The Strangers (which did not make the cut and I argue that logic) as well as a little thing on Rambo (OK, not a horror movie but it’s there!). I was pleased to be a part of it!

Also on HYB, please look at my latest review for my Not So Basic Instincts column. I watched the tawdry Night Rhythms recently. It’s sure to warm you up on a cold night – if you know what I mean! Anyway, stop by and check it out!

And finally, my good friend Paula Haifley who had me write a review of This House Possessed for CC2K earlier this year, gave me a shout out in her look at the best (and worst) Christmas Horror Films. I admit, she’s correct that I know a bad movie when I see one! Thanks for the props Paula!

Not sure what’s up for me in the near future. I hope to get some more reviews going and I have another list I’d like to post soon. It’s not really of the TV movie persuasion, but does involve some machismo, so keep your eyes peeled folks!



OK, here’s a list of the movies I got (all courtesy of my boyfriend David who is the swellest gent a woman ever saw!):

Weekend of Terror (1970) – Oh man! This one has to be a classic! According to IMDb here’s the plot: Three nuns on a weekend trip are held hostage by escaped convicts. I think that’s all I need to say about that one! It’s going to be awesome!!!

The Invasion of Carol Enders (1973) - This is a nifty shot-on-video thriller that I saw a few years ago and have wanted to see again. Take it away IMDb: After her murder, Diana Bernard's spirit becomes trapped in Carol Enders, so she can expose her murderer.

Cry in the Wilderness (1974) – Gawd, do I remember watching this as a kid! I haven’t seen it since I was about six years old. Here is the plot synopsis, courtesy of IMDb of course: The father of a wilderness family gets bitten by a skunk, and fearing rabies, chains himself to a barn to protect his family should he go mad. He orders his son not to come near him no matter how persuasive or rational his appearance or argument. However, the creek dries up, indicating an upstream blockage and an imminent flood. Several trips upstream by the son have failed to locate the blockage and now Dad wants to be released... I’m sorry – George Kennedy goes rabid? So. Good.

Nightmare at 43 Hillcrest (1974) – This was an episode from the movie series Wide World of Mystery. Plot synopsis courtesy of IMDb: Police looking for drug dealers mistakenly raid the house of a typical suburban family. However, rather than admit their mistake and jeopardize their careers, several of the police officers decide to plant heroin in the family's house, and change the records of the raid to make it look like the family was the target of their investigation all along. Based on a true story. This movie was released on vhs some time ago and I had thought about buying it from time to time, so now I don’t have to worry about that little plight!

Winter Kill (1974) – I’ve been dying to see this one! IMDb: Someone is shooting the residents of a mountain resort town. Sheriff McNeill (Andy Griffith) must figure out the connection that links the victims and find the sniper before he (or she) kills again, and before the town council relieves him of duty. This is sure to be one of the first films I watch.



The Deadly Tower (1975) – IMDb synopsis: Charles Whitman is student at the University of Texas in Austin. He often suffers from headaches, during which he tends to violence. One night, he kills wife and mother, buys a number of rifles and loads of ammunition and takes them to the top of the tower of the university, where he barricades himself. With his long-range weapons his starts to shoot at everything that moves. Already until the police arrive, there are numerous people wounded or dead. OK, I don’t mean to be critical, but this synopsis is horrible. I wouldn’t have even used it but that last sentence needs to be seen. What exactly does it mean? Anyway, this is based on a true story and is supposed to be quite good. Unlike this synopsis.

Fire! (1977) – Made for TV disaster! IMDb: A convict starts a fire in a forest to cover his escape, but the fire goes out of control and threatens to destroy a small mountain community. Let’s hope it’s better than Terror on the 40th Floor!

Rage (1980) – There’s no synopsis for this one! Can you believe it?!? Oh, IMDb, how you’ve let me down. Anyway, Rage is about a rapist (David Soul) working out why he commits such violent acts while serving time in prison. This one looks pretty great. I have to admit I have never been a huge David Soul fan but have been enjoying revisiting of Starsky and Hutch and of course, watching Salem’s Lot helped too! He’s alright, that kid.

A Long Way Home (1981) -IMDb: Many years after being abandoned by his parents, Donald sets out in search of his siblings. His biggest challenge is cutting through layers of bureaucratic red tape. He happens upon a helpful counselor who offers her assistance in locating his missing brother and sister. This is a movie I used to look at all the time when I worked at a video store, but never rented it. It’s got Timothy Hutton in his prime and is sure to make for a night of great drama. I just feel it in my heart is all.

The Las Vegas Strip Wars (1984) – IMDb: Rock Hudson (in his last made-for-TV-movie role) plays Neil Chaine, a charming Las Vegas hotel/casino owner who tries to turn his decaying building into The Strip's top attraction to avenge his outing by his former partners who run a more fancy hotel/casino just across the street. How I love movies set in Vegas. This is one I probably should have seen some time ago (it has been available on vhs), but never got around to. Sure it won’t be as good as Las Vegas Bloodbath, but then again, what is?

Silent Witness (1985) – IMDb: Michael, son of a prestigious family, and his friends rape the young alcoholic Patty in a bar in front of lots of witnesses, but everyone looks away or leaves. The only usable witnesses the prosecutors find are Michael's brother Kevin and his wife Anna. Anna is set under severe pressure from both her husband's family and the prosecution before, and even more after, her decision to testify. Hmmm, an early take on The Accused? This one might be pretty good. It’s got an R rating on the box, so I am assuming I have the foreign theatrical release, but don’t quote me on that one…

Daughter of Darkness (1990) – The only proof I have that this is a made for TV movie is because IMDb lists it as so. But the version I have has a bit of nudity. So maybe it was made for cable? I didn’t get the synopsis off IMDb because like The Deadly Tower, it’s pretty bad. I have seen this movie though and can tell you it’s an interesting take on a young woman’s search for her father who turns out to be a vampire. Directed by Stuart Gordon. That’s just cool.



I also got a Justine Bateman TV flick called Deadbolt from my friend Heidi! One last IMDb synopsis: When medical student Marty places an ad for a roommate, her ad is answered by handsome, clean-cut Alec. At first Alec seems to be a wonderful roommate; supportive, considerate and a real friend. However, Alec's affection turns to obsession as he plots to manipulate and control all aspects of Marty's life, imprison her in her own apartment and make her his.

I’m so in TV Movie Heaven! Don’t ever make me leave!