Mini-review: The Curse Of Frankenstein (1957)

The Curse Of Frankenstein
Directed by Terence Fisher

The movie that kickstarted Hammer Films as a horror powerhouse, and from what I've seen, my favorite of the bunch. Peter Cushing gives his best performance as a very evil, menacing Dr. Frankenstein, and while the movie isn't faithful to the novel, it doesn't follow the story of the 1931 James Whale adaptation either. It's its own creation, and though the monster isn't nearly as fleshed out and interesting as others, as for a depiction of the mad scientist himself, this easily my favorite. Cold, creative, and even sometimes creepy, this is one of the best Frankenstein movies I've seen, and a great re-imagining of the source material.

Mini-review: The Hound Of The Baskervilles (1959)

The Hound Of The Baskervilles
Directed by Terence Fisher

A great vehicle for Peter Cushing to show off just how great of an actor he really is, this popular adaptation is one of the very best I've seen from the Sherlock Holmes catalog and features my favorite Holmes performance. An interesting story presented in a way that works far better as a film than as a novel, this movie has tension, twists, and some really great visuals to match the mysterious tone. Another solid effort from Hammer Films.

Mini-review: The Mummy (1959)

The Mummy
Directed by Terence Fisher

Of all the landmark Hammer horror films I've seen, this one has to be my least favorite. And even still, it isn't a bad movie. With Peter Cushing delivering one of his many strong performances and poor Christopher Lee playing a monster (as usual), this movie is all style and little substance. Not even remotely creepy or tense, this film focuses more on storytelling. And while the story it tells is enough to keep your attention, it isn't enough to keep you interested in what might happen next. Not bad, but not good. Worth a watch only if you're in the mood for a small dose of ancient Egypt.

Mini-review: Horror Of Dracula (1958)

Horror Of Dracula
Directed by Terence Fisher

One of the earliest and (from what I've seen) one of the best of the Hammer horror films, this odd take on the Dracula story is filled to the brim with lively performances, beautiful scenery and practically dripping in atmosphere (get it? "Dripping"? Like blood? Because vampires?). Though not as elegant as the 1931 version, this movie takes the story and puts a few twists on it that help keep it from being a simple knock-off, while still being an interesting adaptation of the source material.