31 Days of Halloween: Day 2

Se7en (1995)

If you've never seen Se7en, you are missing out. I've always enjoyed this movie. The psychological nature of this movie gets me every time and I love watching it anytime of the year, not just in October.

Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are detectives investigating a series of homicides based on the seven deadly sins: gluttony, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy and wrath. The detail in this movie can be a bit intense, but it works and honestly, the movie wouldn't work without it. The creative ways these people get killed is incredible and of course, the murderer is fantastic.

Its not a secret that its Kevin Spacey and his portrayal is subtle and chilling. His creepy demeanor is awesome and makes this part one of his best I feel, even though his on screen time is minimal.

The best sequence is of course the final stand off. His very natural delivery is reminiscent of HAL in 2001, A Space Odyssey. You know, that voice saying "I'm sorry, Dave. I can't do that," is slightly monotone and possessed. It works so well and Spacey's way of doing that is great. It also leads to one of the great twists in movie endings. Love it.

Random piece of info: Brad Pitt took this movie barring one change in the script, concerning the stand off and the box. If you think you know what it is, take a guess in the comment section. I'll let you know!

Overall, Se7en is one of my favorite 'who-dunnits' not for the mystery factor, but for the way it makes you asks the question 'why'.

Other Psychological Movies:
Se7en (1995) - see it if you haven't
Silence of the Lambs (1991) (coming soon - one of the series)
The Innocents (1961) (coming soon)

UP NEXT:

Paranormal Activity (2007)

31 Days of Halloween: Day 1

Friday the 13th (uncut) (2009)

This is not a remake of the 1980 original. If you have seen the original (or the first 10 minutes of Scream) you would find that this is a continuation after watching the opening credits. The reason I say that, without giving too much away, is because the credits take place during the original 80's time frame, followed by a present day section and then remainder majority of the movie 6 weeks later.

So...basically, its more of the a remake of the sequels.

Now, having never seen the sequels (only the original), I can't say if the story lines stayed the same, but I can almost guarantee that the idea is the same. A group of teens/college students, head out to spend time near Crystal Lake (the scene of the original). And then...someone starts hunting them.

Of course, this is Jason Voorhees, one of the three original slasher killers (the others being Freddie Kruger and Michael Myers...more from them later this month). His affection for his mother (and hers for him...as seen in the original) is endearing...but creepy.

The gore factor in this movie was very low...at least for me. Many of the ways people were killed were fanciful, in my opinion. Most of which I don't think could actually happen...which is less frightening, being less believable. It takes you out of the moment. Honestly, so does the sex/nudity. The original had its fair share...but honestly, in the uncut version...its a bit much.

Overall...the movie is predictable, but enjoyable for the slash factor.

I will say this: if you enjoyed the final lake scene in the original (you know, the next morning)...then pay attention in the final lake scene in this version.

Similar movies:

Friday the 13th (1980)

Nightmare on Elm Street (1984/2010) (coming soon)

Halloween (1978/2007) (coming soon)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974/2003) (coming soon)

Up next:

Se7en (1995)