“An American Werewolf in London” (R)
Dir. John Landis. 97 minutes.
What it’s about
Backpacker David (David Naughton) is enjoying a relaxed hiking trip across the UK when he is maimed by a werewolf. Now a lycanthrope himself, David ravens with bloodlust at each full moon. Additionally, he’s tormented by the kvetching of the ghost of his pal Jack, himself a victim of the werewolf.
Why it stands out
An edgy sense of humor and certainly the most superb werewolf transformation sequence ever put to film.
“An American Werewolf in London” is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu and YouTube.
“Creepshow” (R)
Dir. George A. Romero. 120 minutes.
What it’s about
“Creepshow” is an anthology film following a madman (Leslie Nielsen) who buries his victims up to their necks on the seashore, a sasquatch-like creature who emerges from an antique crate, and a Howard Hughes-like germaphobe billionaire who is tormented by swarms of cockroaches.
Why it stands out
Author Stephen King’s memorable, if less than subtle, performance as a bucktoothed, overalls-clad hillbilly.
“Creepshow” is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Philo, Vudu and YouTube.
“Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood” (R)
Dir. John Carl Buechler. 88 minutes.
What it’s about
What else? A group of broadly written teenagers — the prep, the jock, the stoner, and so forth — have their visit to Crystal Lake intruded upon by undead murderer Jason Voorhees (Kane Hodder). Perhaps more than any other “Friday the 13th” sequel, “The New Blood” refines the formula to perfection.
Why it stands out
The climactic scene in which Jason picks up a sleeping bag and pummels its occupant against a tree trunk.
“Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood” is available to stream from Amazon Prime, AMC, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu and YouTube.
“The Lost Boys” (R)
Dir. Joel Schumacher. 97 minutes.
What it’s about
Recently divorced mother Lucy (Dianne Wiest) relocates to urban California with her two sons. As if settling into a new town weren’t enough of a challenge, the family must also contend with a gang of motorcycle-riding vampires
Why it stands out
A mischievous sense of humor and a suitably sinister performance by Kiefer Sutherland as the vampire gang leader.
“The Lost Boys” is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Google Play, HBO Now, iTunes, Vudu and YouTube.
“Pumpkinhead” (R)
Dir. Stan Winston. 86 minutes.
What it’s about
When an Appalachian rustic (Lance Henriksen) finds his son accidentally run over by city-slicking teenagers, he summons a lumbering demon to take vengeance.
Why it stands out
The marvelous design and execution of the Pumpkinhead monster, masterminded by Stan Winston. Winston did effects work on “Aliens,” “The Terminator” and “Jurassic Park.”
“Pumpkinhead” is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Google Play, Hulu, iTunes, Vudu and YouTube.
“Scanners” (R)
Dir. David Cronenberg. 103 minutes.
What it’s about
Cameron (Stephen Lack) is a down-and-outer who hears voices in his head. When he’s abducted and taken to a secret government lab, Cameron finds that he’s been nursing an unrealized psychic ability.
Why it stands out
A shockingly convincing scene in which a character’s head explodes from within.
“Scanners” is available to stream from Amazon Prime and iTunes.
“Sleepaway Camp” (R)
Dir. Robert Hiltzik. 85 minutes.
What it’s about
A summer camp populated by crass, obnoxious teenagers is stalked by an unseen killer, who dispatches his victims by such unlikely means as throwing a beehive through an outhouse window. “Sleepaway Camp” is the low-budget little brother of “Friday the 13th.”
Why it stands out
An audacious twist ending that easily one-ups “The Sixth Sense.”
“Sleepaway Camp” is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Tubi, Vudu and YouTube.
“The Thing” (R)
Dir. John Carpenter. 109 minutes.
What it’s about
An arctic research base, isolated by snowstorms, is invaded by an alien that can disguise itself as a human. Tormented by loneliness and paranoia, hard-bitten helicopter pilot MacReady (Kurt Russell) must find a way to sort the real people from the counterfeit ones.
Why it stands out
Nauseating special effects and a stifling, bleak atmosphere that makes “The Shining” look cheerful by comparison.
“The Thing” is available to stream from Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Starz, Vudu and YouTube.
