by Richard Thrift

Created on: January 30, 2009

This is actually a subject that I have debated numerous times amongst friends and family. The fact is that I, personally, am not a fan of most modern day horror movies. Though I am only 19 years old, I more enjoy classic horror, such as House on Haunted Hill starring Vincent Price. Horror movies today have the exact same plot. Nothing is truly original anymore. Let me give you an example of what I'm talking about. How many of you have seen this movie a countless number of times? A group Of kids, between the ages of 18 and 25 decide to take a road trip for spring break, and somewhere along the lines they either get lost or break down in the woods or a dark desolate road and end up having to run for their lives from a ruthless killer, that no matter what happens to them, just will not die, and in the end, only one person is left through the whole mess. To me, this is the basis of most modern day horror movies and I don't know if I am alone when I say this, but it is honestly getting old. Don't get me wrong, there are a few exceptions to this, such as House of 1000 Corpses or Saw...even though I believe Saw has only started a new genre of horror sparking the creation of movies such as Captivity. Horror movies should, in no way, be about making as much money as possible. When horror movies first originated, they were considered controversial, whether it be the blood and gore or the relation with "Satan," (ie. The Exorcist Trilogy and The Omen.) But to me, thats what made a great movie. Movies that cross the line between good and evil, right and wrong. Horror movies today seem to fear the thought of being different because of the lack of sales that may persist afterwards. But you'll never see a good horror movie again until Hollywood is able to cross the line once more...but I don't see that happening for a long time. We need to bring back "shock and terror" and creature features. I don't know about you, but if I see another movie like The Grudge or Wrong Turn I will literally go insane. I go to a theater to watch a horror movie and be scared...not predict the entire movie within the first five minutes. That's the problem with modern day horror movies. If I could sum it up in just one word, it would be predictable. I want to actually be surprised or even kept in suspense. I can not remember the last time I have walked out of a theater and said, "Wow, I didn't see that coming," or "that was honestly scary." Maybe I have just been desensitized. Feel free to write me if you have any comments or want to discuss this subject further.

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