Thoughts for the evening

I'm pretty happy that I just updated the whole look of the blog. It was time. I wanted to address really quickly some elements that a horror film do make.
First there is the gore factor. This is often what draws the line between thrillers and horrors. Example: I had a friend that hates horror films ask if she could tag along if the Horror Whores went to see 'Wolfman'. If it's not bloody enough to scare off the usual crowd then it's just a thriller and should be skipped and scoffed at. Then you should point and laugh like you are cool because you enjoy seeing someone eviscerated.
Second there is a nudity factor. I can't tell you why but if there isn't a boob shot it probably isn't a horror movie. Is this a step back for feminism? Probably, but it's the law of the land. There are exceptions like one of my favorites 'The Decent' but they are few and far between.
Third the rating factor. If the film isn't rated 'R' then it's not really a horror. It may be scary and good but it's probably not really a horror film. Note: this doesn't mean it's not scary, take 'Paranormal Activity' for example.
Last (for now) is the ending. Horror films shouldn't end exactly happy. You can't put all of the body parts in a box and put a pretty little bow on it and try to sell that as an ending. People are dead, families pulled apart, teeth missing and probably some nasty infections...that's how horrors end.
A final thought...although I am a huge lover of all things horror I seriously struggle with scenes of rape. To me seeing arms hacked off or lips sewn to butts is so ridiculous that it's fun. But those graphic rape scenes (ie. 'The Hills Have Eyes II) are just not necessary.
Um, that's it for my late night rambling.

Human Centipede

Ok people, let's do this. Let's really get into a movie where you aren't sure whether to laugh, throw up, or simply marvel at human creativity. So let's just do this and be proud that we have seen something new in the world of horror.
It doesn't take much to guess from the name and the lovely poster we have here to get that the premise of this one is the whole crazy scientist guy. "Nothing new there Miss Whore." That's right, it's a common theme. Also the crazy scientist preys on American tourists that can't get cell phone reception out in the woods. "Still sounds pretty run of the mill Miss Whore." Yep, and he even drugs them and they wake up tied to creepy hospital beds in his basement. "Sounds like I've seen this one before." Then he explains that he's going to sew the victims together. "Duh, that's why I'm watching Human Centipede." He attaches them mouth to anus by pulling out their teeth, attaching the lips to the anus and sewing the butt skin onto the face. "Right he sews them togeth....wait wait what?" Yep, you heard me right. I know, you're trying to decide right now if that's the funniest effing thing you've ever heard or just disturbing. Trust me, when the first one finally has to go, um, #2 it's not pleasant. The three victims have to coordinate movement to get anywhere obviously. Fitting into a snug elevator is out of the question. Going through a rotating door, don't even think about it. I don't want to give away the end but suffice it to say that you are left thinking 'huh, I have never appreciated not having someone sewn to my butt until this moment.'
So, for the ratings...There is some gore obviously but not a ton. I've seen more when watching 'Life in the ER' on TLC. There are a couple shots of topless girls, but you have to get by the whole face sewn to someone's butt to notice. When I started it I was scoffing at the acting and by the end I didn't notice because everyone's face was sewn to a butt. The cinematography was forced but I stopped noticing that once I saw faces sewn to butts. I am at a loss to rate this one...um how about 'B' for butt! That works for me.