Tonight, October 19, on the halloween Youtube Countdown, were going to do a little compare and contrast; a little then and now look at two movies with the same general plotline. While there is a time gap of almost forty years between the two, the story itself could be considered timeless, as you will soon see and judge for yourself. 1959s House on Haunted Hill, directed by William Castle, was a gimmicky, but fun, little B-movie about people agreeing to spend the night in a haunted house for money. While the acting was somewhat hokey and silly, and the props simple and cheesy, it was a great, fun little popcorn type of film that tried to entertain all audiences that watched it. The main draws were the usual Castle gimmick stunt (glow in the dark skeleton that flew over the audience on a wire), at least one big name star (Vincent Price), and an engaging script. This is probably one of Castles, and, in fact, Prices best known films during their respective careers, and its easy to see why. Theres just a sense of relaxed (but suspenseful) enjoyment contained throughout the film from beginning to end, and is a definite must watch, if not at least once. youtube/watch?v=GZ5paTwRA_k In 1999, House on Haunted Hill was remade for modern audiences. Usually, the word remake is a, pardon the slight irony, kiss of death for any movie in the theater, almost guaranteeing that audiences will go in and watch it with their minds already made up about its quality. While the 1959 version was more light horror/more action and had two majorly recognizable names attached as stars, the remake went in for nostalgia and a homage effect, major acting names attached, and light humor and puns, not to mention more of a horror slant...with more gore. You would think that this would be a major turnoff and not worth the time or effort of viewing, but...it actually is very entertaining, blood and grimy moments notwithstanding. The remakes plot is actually well thought out and the acting very well done. There are many genuine scares throughout, and the props, effects, and makeup incredible. I thought that Id be disappointed and yes, even a little disgusted, with the remakes attempt to capture the originals flavor and cash in on its fortieth anniversary, but I was pleasantly surprised. However, the 1999 version also warranted a sequel. THAT one is, if I may be somewhat crude and uncharitable, a crappenfest; a cheap attempt to get a franchise rolling, without major (theres a little evident) regard to script or acting quality, focusing more on the gore and effects to bring in viewers. People should avoid watching that one unless, truthfully, youre bored and theres nothing better to watch. Below are two Youtube links to video segments for the 1999 version, respectively containing the trailer and the opening. Watch both these two and the above link to the full video of the 1959 version, and see what a similarity or difference forty years makes in filmmaking. youtube/watch?v=cRPVgujgaw4 youtube/watch?v=2l_b2DvTGzM
Posted on: Sun, 20 Oct 2013 01:19:42 +0000