dario argento | Camera Viscera

Alexa is a funny gal living in Los Angeles, doing comedy most nights and acting (“acting”) like a witch every so often on her podcast Witch Show, so it makes total sense that she would choose a couple fun, witchy flicks for her Drive-In Double Feature! Her reviews are succinct and to the point, but are still surprisingly spoiler-heavy so YOU’VE BEEN WARNED. Take it away, Alexa!

I seriously haven’t seen Practical Magic since ’98 and maybe it’s better that way. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are WITCH SISTERS who MURDER Nicole Kidman’s boyfriend and then BRING HIM BACK TO FUCKING LIFE, but of course he comes back as a DEMON ZOMBIE MAN because they clearly never watched PET SEMATARY and then Sandra Bullock falls in love with the POLICEMAN who is investigating their case! THIS IS LABELED AS A ROMANTIC COMEDY! THIS SHIT IS BONKERS!

Suspiria; ’nuff said. Take the feel good vibes you picked up from the first film and THROW THEM OUT THE FUCKING WINDOW CAUSE THESE BITCHES CRAY. This film has everything: Ominous arrivals! Questionable intentions! An epic soundtrack! Color! Fashion! Blood!

Classic Italian horror, Classic Sandy B. Witches being witches.

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Alexa can currently be seen performing in several different shows on various comedy stages around L.A. She is also co-host of the podcast, Witch Show, which (witch?) can be found here on iTunes.

I may lose some friends over this, but I was never huge Argento fan. In fact, I think Suspiria is a tad overrated. The only movie of his that really did it for me was Tenebrae. And while, perhaps not as well-known or prolific, I much preferred stuff by his Italian peers such as Lucio Fulci, and Ruggero Deodato, and Lamberto Bava. Demons was actually written by Argento and Bava with great results. Another 80s punk rock horror film, this one combines some of my favorite things: punk rock fashion, cinema, and zombies.

A group of strangers are invited to see a mysterious movie at a theater. While the movie is playing, one of the patrons goes to the lobby and sees a mask on display — a mask that is featured in the film everyone is watching. She scratches her face on it and soon becomes a bloodthirsty demon. She attacks the filmgoers, who then turn into demons themselves one by one. All hell breaks loose — and it’s awesome.

The movie is super enjoyable, with goopy, gory effects. The soundtrack is chock full of heavy metal, and even features Billy Idol and Accept! This was followed by an equally enjoyable sequel, this one opting to go with a new wave soundtrack (rather than metal), featuring The Smiths, The Cult, Peter Murphy, and Love and Rockets. Don’t be a dummy — see these movies!