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The Carolina Theatre of Durham debuted its first annual Spaltterflix in September 2016. Featuring a lineup of cult classics and under-the-radar horror flicks, Splatterflix 2016 was a massive success. Returning for its sophomore season, Splatterflix 2017 slices its way into the Carolina Theatre of Durham from Friday, September 22 2017 to Sunday, September 24.
While October typically brings with it a slew of horror movies back on the big screen, Splatterflix takes a different approach. Rather than showcasing the usual A-list suspects, Splatterflix 2017 instead highlights underappreciated horror gems. That’s not to say Splatterflix 2017 lacks well-known entries however. Like Splatterflix 2016 which featured “Halloween,” “An American Werewolf in London,” and “Fright Night,” Splatterflix 2017 also boasts beloved movies such as “Prom Night,” “My Bloody Valentine: Director’s Cut,” and “Halloween II.”
But with Splatterflix 2016, for each “Fright Night,” there was a “Hausu,” “Exorcist II,” or “The Serpant and the Rainbow.” Similarly, Splatterflix 2017 offers a unique opportunity to catch films such as “The Medusa Touch,” “Motel Hell,” and “He Knows You’re Alone.” It’s a varied lineup, sure to satiate seasoned horror fans and budding horror buffs alike.
Notably, Splatterflix 2o17 further diversifies its programming with a free showing of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken.” It’s a family-friendly flick, proving that you can get the kiddos started on the horror genre with funny, not frightening, content. “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” is one of my top ummer movies for kids picks, though it’s perfectly enjoyable for adults as well.
Best picks: If you only watch one movie at Splatterflix 2017, catch “The Mutilator.” It might not be the best of the lot, or the most technically well made. But it’s one of my favorite films screening, and should be tons of fun to watch at the Carolina Theatre of Durham considering that “The Mutilator” was shot in NC’s Atlantic Beach. “The Medusa Touch” is a total gem, and one of the best movies screening for Splatterflix 2017. “The Sentinel” is another excellent flick I’d recommend. “Chopping Mall” ranks among the best Splatterflix 2017 inclusions you should catch. “Halloween II” is a solid choice as well, and almost feels as though it’s an extension of the first film.
Check out the full lineup below!
“The Funhouse“
“On her first date with Buzz (Cooper Huckabee, True Blood), Amy (Elizabeth Berridge, Amadeus) disobeys her father and goes to the carnival with Richie (Miles Chapin, Hair) and Liz (Largo Woodruff), but their first date may end up as their last. After witnessing a murder, the four terrified teens are trapped in the maze of the funhouse and stalked by a real monster, a horribly deformed killer who lurks among the freakish exhibits to butcher them one by one.
Also stars Sylvia Miles (Midnight Cowboy) and Kevin Conway (in three roles). Featuring special makeup designs by Academy Award®-winner Rick Baker (An American Werewolf In London, Ed Wood).” — Shout Factory
“He Knows You’re Alone“
“A reluctant bride to be is stalked by a serial killer who only kills brides and the people around them. While her friends get whacked one by one, a hard boiled renegade cop whose bride had been killed years before tries to hunt him down before it is too late. Meanwhile, the bride has to figure out if it is all in her imagination or not, aided by her ex-boyfriend…” — IMDB
“Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives“
“The pinnacle of the ‘Friday the 13th’ series is wonderfully cartoonish from the get-go, with an opening scene in which Jason is revived by a bolt of lightning that segues into a title sequence that parodies James Bond. ‘Part VI,’ which had to come on strong to make up for the betrayal that fans felt from ‘Part V,’ infuses a great dark sense of humor without sacrificing the scares or the gore. Although the first seven films in the series are remarkably solid, if you have to see only one ‘Friday the 13th,’ make it this one.” — Thought Co
“The Medusa Touch“
“Motel Hell“
“You really are what you eat with Farmer Vincent’s smoked meat in this creepy horror yarn that ‘packs a punch that goes way beyond mere terror’ (Boxoffice). Vincent’s popular products contain a special ingredient that the psychotic farmer and his sister would literally kill to keep a secret! Starring Rory Calhoun (Angel), Nancy Parsons (Porky’s), Nina Axelrod (Time Walker, Cobra) and John Ratzenberger (Cheers), and directed by Kevin Connor (From Beyond The Grave, At The Earth’s Core), this darkly funny flick ‘just might be your cup of meat”‘ (L.A. Herald Examiner)!” — Shout Factory
“Chopping Mall“
“Teenagers working at the local shopping mall sneak into supplies and Wait Until the mall locks up for an intimate party night. The mall has a sophisticated robotic security systems That goes into attack mode after a Malfunction and kills the human security guards. Now the teens must run for Their lives and try to find a way out…” — DVD Shoppen
“Slumber Party Massacre“
“Prom Night“
“Four Hamilton High seniors are hiding a terrible secret. What happened to Robin Hammond six years ago was a game that turned into a horrible tragedy, and someone saw what they did… someone waiting for gruesome revenge! Wearing a black hood and wielding an axe, a killer brutally slaughters the teenagers one by one at their high school prom. As the spotlight falls on the newly crowned prom king and queen, the psychopath will show everyone his new favorite game to play…” — Synapse Films
“My Bloody Valentine: Director’s Cut“
“Twenty years after a Valentine’s Day tragedy, a small town prepares for its annual holiday dance. When a box of candy arrives containing an eerie warning and a blood-soaked heart, the townsfolk realize that this Valentine’s Day romance is as good as dead…and so are they!” — Amazon
“The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part 2“
“Halloween II“
“Picking up exactly where the first film left off, Halloween II follows the same ill-fated characters as they once again encounter the knife-wielding maniac they thought they had left for dead. It seems the inhuman Michael Myers is still very much alive and out for more revenge as he stalks the deserted halls of the Haddonfield Memorial Hospital. As he gets closer to his main target, Dr. Loomis (Donald Pleasence) discovers the chilling mystery behind the crazed psychopath’s actions.
Written by John Carpenter and Debra Hill, Halloween II is a spine-tingling dark ride into the scariest night of the year.” — Shout Factory
“The Sentinel“
“When a beautiful model, Alison Parker (Cristina Raines, Nashville, The Duellists), rents an apartment in a gloomy New York brownstone, little does she realize that an unspeakable horror awaits her behind its doors…a mysterious gateway to hell. Alison likes her eccentric new neighbors, so it comes as a shock when she’s told that, except for a strange old priest, she’s the only tenant.
Based on Jeffrey Konvitz’s best-selling novel, this contemporary gothic chiller features amazing special makeup effects by the legendary Dick Smith (The Exorcist, Little Big Man) and an incredible assemblage of stars including Chris Sarandon, Ava Gardner, José Ferrer, John Carradine, Burgess Meredith, Beverly D’Angelo, Jerry Orbach, Jeff Goldblum, Tom Berenger and Christopher Walken. Director Michael Winner (Death Wish) comes up with something to terrify everyone in this spine-tingling exercise in supernatural horror.” — Shout Factory
“Lucio Fulci’s Zombie“
“The Mutilator“
“When Ed receives a message from his father asking him to go and lock up the family’s beach condo for the winter, it seems like the perfect excuse for an alcohol-fueled few days away with his friends. But no sooner are the teens on the isalnd than they find themselves stalked by a figure with an axe (and a hook, and an onboard motor) to grind.” — Arrow Video
“The Ghost and Mr. Chicken“
Don Knotts stars in The Ghost and Mr. Chicken as a timid typesetter who hasn’t a ghost of a chance of becoming a reporter – until he decides to solve a murder mystery and ends up spending a fright-filled night in a haunted house! Figuring the answers to the mystery lie in the old Simmons mansion, Luther Heggs (Knotts) visits the estate at the witching hour of midnight. Certain he’s seen a ghost, Luther writes a story which makes front page news – and brings on a libel suit from the mansion’s owner. When the trial judge orders an investigation – and no apparition appears – Luther is branded a fraud. That is, until he and his devoted girlfriend team up to uncover the mystery of the hauntings – and the true murderer – in this timeless comedy classic.
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