October is the month of horror. With Halloween around the corner, horror films get released with increased frequency. Old horror movies are played non-stop on TV, and in a generation driven by mass media, it is nearly impossible to escape the reaches of ad campaigns, viral video promotions, and word of mouth about how horrifying Annabelle was supposed to be. October is certainly the best time of any to dive into the the vault, in order to remember and review the good, the bad, and the ugly of the horror film genre.

Starting with the worst of the worst, the ugly, we turn to director John Boorman’s 1977 film The Exorcist II: The Heretic. Receiving a 3.7 IMDB rating and a measly 22 percent, Rotten Tomato rating, The Exorcist II: The Heretic has been held by many to be the worst horror film of all time. Taking place four years after the original film, the story follows the plot of the first film’s focal character Regan MacNeil, as she is again taken ahold by the same demon that possessed her in the past. By the end of this film, you are left feeling as though you have just watched a strange generic brand, discount of the original. With very poor acting, bad practical effects, and more demon/exorcist vomit than any film could ever really need. This film deserves its poor scores and status as the worst horror film of all time. In no way, shape, or form is this film recommended by any means.

As for the good, Rotten Tomatoes lists The Cabin In The Woods, which was produced in 2012, among the best horror films of all time. From cult favorite Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard, The Cabin in the Woods finds itself with a 7.1 IMDB rating and a staggering 92 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Rooted around five friends who enter a seemingly abandoned cabin, the plot follows them as they fall victim to what at first glance appears to be the archetypal hack and slash horror film storyline. It does however manage to set itself apart from the likes of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Leprechaun with plot devices largely unheard of in new millennial horror films. The Cabin in the Woods, in my opinion does not deserve its status on the Web, but I can’t help but recommend it based on its creative and unique plot line, along with the skillful directing from the man behind the cult classic series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

    Finally, for the bad, we turn to Annabelle. This years horror release marked up to be the most terrifying of any film we have seen produced in the last decade. Rated R strictly for its intense sequences of disturbing violence and terror, which the MPAA seems to think it is more terrifying than your average horror flick. If you loved the Conjuring as much as I did, Annabelle is a must see. The audience was enticed with a ten minute preview of Annabelle, and director John R. Leonetti definitely delivered.  Annabelle takes place in suburbia California, where an expectant mother and her new husband live, while awaiting the arrival of their daughter. As the plot develops, a demonic cult breaks into the family home and almost kills the couple, but the cult ends up dying, which leads to a series of strange events.  For instance, an antique doll that the wife, Mia, received as a gift from her husband starts to raise suspicion. She changes her position, shuts doors, rocks chairs, and even lights things on fire. As more happens, the story behind the cult unfolds and the stakes get higher. Go with a group of friends, get some popcorn, and kick back with this great new horror movie. You won’t regret it.