Just in Time for Halloween... Right?

So, I thought long and hard about wanting to contribute something worthwhile to the internet. About creating something original and new that would stand out from the mass of film review and news sites out there. I spent a very long time contemplating this issue.

Then I got bored and made a countdown of the 20 best monster movies.

First, before I start counting down, I have a disclaimer: This is a list of only films I have seen. Chances are, if you think a movie is missing, it's because I haven't seen it (ex. Alien, The Thing, Predator). Reviewing movies I have yet to watch would take psychic abilities I do not possess. However, there are a few obvious exceptions. Movies I refuse to include in this list due to their supreme awfulness are:

I'll eat your children and lay eggs in them.

The Mummy (1999)

(For paying Brendan Fraser to act)

 The Mummy Returns

(For continuing to support Brendan Fraser's film Career)

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

(I hate Brendan Fraser)

He knows what he did. Now, this is not strictly which movies are best, but which exemplify the best that the monster movie genre has to offer, either by breaking new ground or by showing us just how good the classic formula can be in the right hands. And keep in mind that I love every single one of these movies to death, I just like some of them more than others in a sort of creepy, mutant, Animal Farm fashion.

So grab a pen and start making a list for your next movie marathon. Hit the jump to start the countdown.

Testing, Testing...

Hello world (or whatever 2 people are actually reading this), my name is Doug. Yes, just Doug. I'm uncomfortable with the series of tubes that is the internet, so let's leave it at first names. Yours can be Shirley. Yes, that sounds about right. Shirley.

"LIBERTAAAAAAD!"

Anyways, Shirley, this is my first attempt at a blog so who knows what kind of shenanigans may end up taking place here. As far as I know, there are no limits. Feel welcome to yell "Freedom!" in your best Scottish accent.

No, that was Irish.

Spanish.

Close enough.

"Together We Stand (Up)", my nearly finished documentary short

Since you seem just a tad verbally challenged, let's talk a little more about me. I am a film student in Chicago, I love dark drama and thrillers, and I enjoy moonlit walks along the beach. I am in post production on a documentary short about two beginner stand-up comedians, production on a short about a repentant thief, and pre-production on two other future projects. Here are some of my current favorite movies, in no particular, but very specific order:

"In Bruges"

"Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade"

"Frankenstein"

"Moon"

"The Dark Knight"

I'm also a gigantic comic book nerd, so if that bleeds into this blog and you have a problem with that then please change your mind. In any case, this is a site I maintain for fun and would like to keep it that way, so keep comments positive or at least in line with my own opinions. I like my followers mindless and obedient, with only the occasional human sacrifice.

Are "Braveheart" references still funny? Mel cop says yes.

So that's about it, Shirley. If you want any more information from me you'll have to try some more impressive interrogation techniques, like good cop/bad cop. Or maybe good cop/sad cop. Or, God forbid, the dreaded good cop/Mel cop. Giving new meaning to "boys in blue".

I know what you're thinking. "Surely, you can't be serious. This blog seems too good to be true." But I am serious, and your name is Shirley, so be sure to check back here every once in a while to hear my latest rants and ramblings about movies. And I will try to avoid any more "Braveheart" jokes... but no guarantees.