House on Haunted Hill (1959)

As far back as I can remember, I think this was one of my first ever horror experiences, if not my first. Of course, it’s made in 1959, so it’s definitely not as scary as modern horror. But classic horror is pure art, as is this. You’re literally trapped in a haunted house with Vincent Price, what more could you ask for? Despite it not being scary, it’s definitely spooky and creepy, and one of the most perfect Halloween experiences you could ask for. The suspense is great, and what helps carry the movie. There’s so many twists and turns and you never know who to trust. All of that while suffering from heart thumping dread. I love the pacing, which is perfect for this kind of movie. You’re immediately introduced to the characters and thrown right into the setting, so you don’t have to spend too much time trying to get familiar with everything. The suspense slowly builds and the tension grows as you try to figure out what exactly is going on. It’s such a fun story, and doesn’t take long to get to the point. The characters are diverse, though the acting is *just* corny enough to give this a 99% instead of a 100%. It’s charming, but sometimes a little silly. Vincent Price is great as always, and he’s the soul of the movie. I also love the practical effects for everything. It gives the obviously fake but still realistic feel. Similar to what a lot of 30’s horror does. Overall, this movie is pretty much perfect, except for a slight setback by the acting. But still just about perfect. It’s such a personal movie to me, and everyone should watch it for a fun little scarefest. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!