Underrated Horror

From time to time horror movies come along and they don't get the respect they deserve.  Sometimes this get remedied years later, but a few always take longer.  Here are two that I think deserve a second look from the horror community.

House of Wax.  Released in 2005 and although it shares a title with the 1953 Vincent Price film, that's all they have in common.  The biggest reason this movie got a bad rap was one of its stars.  Paris Hilton, while widely hated at the time, did a good job in the movie.  The films plot was actually more reminiscent of another underrated film Tourist Trap. While the movie doesn't really break any new ground, it's a well made and an effective horror film. 

 Dead Silence Under studio pressure to produce another horror film after SAW, James Wan and Leigh Whannell delivered this film.  This movie has several very creepy scenes. 

"Soon you'll be in more successful things"

Let's be honest, it's hard not to make a ventriloquist dummy creepy.  Not everything in it makes 100% sense, but it still works.  The ending is definitely a memorable one!

So take a second look at these and have an open mind when you do.  I think you'll be surprised.  

The Conjuring

One look at that doll and I'm out. 

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga play paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren who try to cleanse a haunted farmhouse.

This is a movie that succeeds based on simplicity.  It's the classic haunted house story, and nothing more.  They don't try to put any kind of new spin on the ghosts or make them sympathetic.  They're evil spirits and they need to be exorcised. 

The movie starts with an opening scene scarier than some entire movies, and it doesn't let up from there.

My only complaint about the movie is one scene where the dialogue seemed forced.  Other than that it's a great film.