Blockbusters vs. B-Movie Favs
Have you ever noticed how when a blockbuster movie is released and raved, several B movies start popping up that mimic the blockbuster? The 70's is a prime example of this. Especially since this was a time when B movies were still so popular and at the height of their popularity.
Throughout the 70's record setting box office hits were released, one by one. This was the decade that set the stage for the blockbuster movie, with big ideas and big special effects; effects by todays standards would be classified sub-par but in their day, were simply amazing.
Riddled with unknown directors, Hollywood tried to capitalize on the popularity of these blockbusters by releasing copycats - movies that entertained us, me anyway, with their exaggerated special effects and mirrored story lines.
The Blockbuster
1973 - The Exorcist - this movie is a horror classic that ranks high on any fans list. If I had the cajones to watch it I am sure it would be on my list of favs as well. For some reason though, the closest I can get to watching the whole thing was during the commercials of another movie I was watching. It's a hang up of mine. Some people hate love stories; some hate comedies; me? I hate movies of demonic possession. Must be my catholic upbringing but they freak the hell out of me and I simply can't watch from start to finish.
.
The Copycat
1974 - Abby/Possess My Soul - this one takes possession and adds a sexual twist. It's about Abby, a marriage counselor who becomes possessed by a demon of sexuality that her new father in law, who just happens to be an Exorcist, freed while in Africa. And of course this same demon ends up possessing Abby and naturally her father in law then returns and must perform the same exorcism to free her. I'm guessing the director felt as long as sex was present the viewers would come. And they did. Surprisingly more than 2 of them.
The Blockbuster
1976 - Carrie - Anyone who has not seen this classic surely lives under a rock or has absolutely no taste in movies. This movie is loaded with then upcoming actors such as Sissy Spacek, John Travolta, and Amy Irving. Carrie is the story of a shy high schooler who is picked on and ridiculed relentlessly. Her mother being a religious fanatic does nothing to help her situation. What they don't realize about Carrie though is that she has telekinetic abilities and an apparent taste for revenge. Life ending, non-discriminate revenge, even to those she loves. Remind me not to piss her off, ok?
.
The Copycat
1978 - Jennifer - Set with much of the same framework as Carrie, Jennifer is the story of a poor girl awarded a scholarship to a private school full of rich bitches who torment her to the point where she too feels the need for revenge much in the same manner as Carrie. Her powers however are that she has mind control over snakes. What I found most amusing about this movie what that the snakes were manifested from her thoughts, rather than "summoned," and some were giant - comically so. I was at an age, though, where this sort of cinematography was very effective, and I remember thinking as I left the theater "what an awesome movie!"
........ wow. Times certainly have changed........
The Blockbuster
1975 - Jaws - Who doesn't remember Jaws and how it scared the crap out of us to even think about going into the ocean? To this day I still get freaked out if something unknown taps my foot underwater. Set in New England, Jaws is the story of a 25foot (yikes!) shark that has a insatiable fetish for human flesh (he was probably a zombie in a former life.) 3 fishermen intent on ending his mad bloodbath venture out to the open waters aboard a rickety boat known as "ORCA" to face the beast head on. Though this movie wasn't horror in the sense that we have come to love, it certainly offers the same bloodshed and intense suspense that makes this movie worthy of any horror blog.
The Copycat
1977 - Orca - Notice above how I have the boat name in yellow? That was my way of foreshadowing things to come. While it may not be as creative of others much more worthy of I, it did prepare you for this copycat movie. Orca takes a twist on Jaws by giving us a killer whale who seeks revenge on man because they "messed with his woman." What's cool about this movie is not that 3 regular guys on a rickety boat save the day, but rather 2 really cool dolphins that think people are a-ok. I myself loved this movie. Not so sure if I should admit that though..........
More Copycats
Jaws seemed to awaken a whole new world to Hollywood by opening the door for movies offering horrors from the deep sea. Movie upon movie popped up with hidden enemies reeking havoc on the unsuspecting swimmer or diver or young couple just trying to get a little "alone" time while rafting in a cove. Movies that may not have been great by an standard, but definitely left an impression:
1978 - Piranha - Yup. Seen it. A summer resort's swimming hole is accidentally introduced to flesh-eating piranhas, as one by one guests become their next meal. And yeh, it scared me. But I was 10 - it should have scared me.
1977 - Tentacles - I have to say, growing up an army brat in Germany was great because getting tickets to see R movies, or even sneaking in for free, was soooooo easy. I would have hated to miss this B classic. One day I'm going to have to see if I can rent these flicks via NetFlix or something similar to see if these are still scary (I tried that with Susperia that I saw when I was a kid - even in my 30's it scared the crap out of me.) I can't imagine I wouldn't still love a movie about a giant octopus seeking revenge on the people who destroyed his home. And to make the appeal just a little sweeter, this movie stars Henry Fonda, Shelly Winters, and John Houston.
I am pretty sure I have left a slew of copycats off this list - many are running through my mind as I type, but I want to hear the ones you guys liked. I need new movies to watch instead of the same ol' B favorites I have tucked away in my movie collection or memory. Help me out???
I remember a Jaws knockoff that was cleverly named Great White. This was long before the equally crap rock band. I saw it in theaters, but am pretty sure they got sued and it has been unavailable for viewing ever since. Neither of these last statements may be true, but I’m too lazy to bother checking.
BTW, I kind of miss the secret text here I would have to highlight to read. haha.
.45’s last blog post..Mötley Crüe 4-Eva
.45 – I am so blog-challenged. I can’t believe it took me weeks to figure out my comment text was the same color as my background. I stupidly thought you were supposed to link to the comment. Maybe I should dye my hair blond???
Great White is triggering bells but imdb is not being forthcoming in helping clear the haze. Sadly I too am too lazy to search any harder. 4 dogs vying for my attentions keeps my attention span short………
“Maybe I should dye my hair blond???”
I wouldn’t. They may have more fun, but always get killed first.
I thought it was a mystery game, like invisible ink.
.45’s last blog post..Mötley Crüe 4-Eva
Awesome list.
Bens last blog post..Seasons Greetings from the Staff at EPHI