We kept the Roulette Wheel spinning. Like last year, we did not make it through all the categories. Also, we made some modifications to some of the categories to broaden our choices. In addition, we realized that Cabin in the Woods did not have a category for “fatal fauna”, i.e., movies featuring ravenous, murderous animals. So, we made the following additions/modifications to the remaining categories: (1) we added “fatal fauna” to represent animals going on murderous sprees. Movies that would fall into this new genre are Cujo, Night of the Lepus, Them!, and Birdemic: Shock and Terror. We also decided to reclassify the Unicorn category to include any mythological beast. Finally, we decided that Snowman should include all “holiday horror”, i.e., horror movies that take place either on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

17. Mummy — The Mummy (1999)

The Mummy is a classic horror villain. We decided to watch the 1999 classic adventure movie, The Mummy. The Mummy could have easily been a supernature, adventure movie starring Indiana Jones. Instead, we have Brendan Fraser leading, and ultimately saving, a group of archeologists after mistakenly awaking a hidden horror. The movie’s CGI struggles in parts, while shines at other times. Ultimately, this is a great adventure movie with very little in the way of horror and enjoyable as a “popcorn movie” with a high rewatch value. The movie is rated PG-13.

Sexual Conduct: 2/5	Violence/Gore: 3/5	Profanity: 2/5
Alcohol/Drugs: 1/5	Frightening/Intense Scenes: 3/5	Category: 2a

18. Vampires — Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)

Vampires are another classic horror villain based on an actual historical figure. Vampires have lurked in the shadows for centuries and have captured the imaginations of so many. This year, we watched an oft forgotten teen classic, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The movie has largely been eclipsed by the more popular television series based upon the movie’s concept. However, Kristy Swanson will always be my Buffy. She set forth a quiet awaken in me, which actually compelled me to purchase my first (and only) Playboy magazine in 2002. Buffy follows a teenage cheerleader that is a “slayer”, who must awaken her “slayer heritage” and put an end to vampires. The movie has strong lore, great action, and the dash of campiness that makes this movie one of the best teenage horror comedies of all time. Additionally, the movie features a powerhouse cast with Luke Perry, Hilary Swank, Donald Sutherland, Paul Reubens, and Rutger Hauer. Though the television show will go on to become a pop culture powerhouse, this movie will always be my preference and gateway into the Buffy-verse. The movie is rated PG-13.

Sexual Content: 2/5	Violence/Gore: 2/5	Profanity: 1/5
Alcohol/Drugs: 2/5	Frightening/Intense Scenes: 2/5	Category: 2a

19. Demons — The VVitch (2015)

Demons are inspired by various religious fodder and popular Halloween horrors. This year, we watched the A24 classic, The VVitch. The VVith features an excommunicated Puritan family, exiled to live in the wilds. Their beliefs ran contra to the church as a whole. The family is soon bewitched, with the family suspecting their eldest daughter as being in league with the devil. Though about “witches”, there is a jet-black goat that serves as a demonic force. This movie is dark, serious, and is truly a horrific movie. The movie is rated R.

Sexual Conduct: 3/5	Violence/Gore: 5/5	Profanity: 1/5
Alcohol/Drugs: 0/5	Frightening/Intense Scenes: 4/5	Category: 2a

20. Fatal Fauna — The Birds (1963)

Surprisingly, Cabin in the Woods does not account for the fatal fauna movies. So, we added this category. My mom, my children’s Mimi, expressed that The Birds is her favorite Alfred Hitchcock horror movie. So, we invited her over and made a special selection. The Birds is about a woman who begins courting a man she met in a pet store. Eventually, birds begin attacking the residence. The explanation is never fully explained but largely implied it is due to how humans interact with the environment. The Birds is a classic. It is part of pop culture even after 60 years. The movie is PG-13.

Sexual Conduct: 0/5	Violence/Gore: 3/5	Profanity: 0/5
Alcohol/Drugs: 2/5	Frightening/Intense Scenes: 3/5	Category: 1

21.Dolls — Tales from the Crypt: The Ventriloquist Dummy (1990)

Dolls are another classic villain. Chucky or Annabelle are two very popular horror villains fitting this category. This year, we watched an entry from Tales from the Crypt, a 1990 episode called “The Ventriloquist Dummy.” As a child, the Cryptkeeper’s tales enchanted and terrified me. Several episodes form a “core memory” from my youth. One episode that strongly imprinted me was The Ventriloquist Dummy. So, this year, to celebrate “Dolls”, we watched this short, but terrifying, episode. The episode is rated R.

Sexual Conduct: 1/5	Violence/Gore: 4/5	Profanity: 4/5
Alcohol/Drugs: 1/5	Frightening/Intense Scenes: 4/5	Category: 2a

22. Mutants — Barbarian (2022)

Mutants are a very broad category. Mutants can be animals, humanoid creatures, or even just mutated humans. This year, we watched the 2022 instant horror classic, Barbarian. Barbarian is one of the most terrifying movies ever made. It smartly subverts expectations, sending the viewer on constant disorienting paths. Tension builds, jump scares are earned, and you will avert your eyes. The movie is rated R. Again, this is likely the best horror movie ever made. Watch with caution because this is one of the few movies that is actually scary.

Sexual Conduct: 2/5	Violence/Gore: 5/5	Profanity: 3/5
Alcohol/Drugs: 1/5	Frightening/Intense Scenes: 5/5	Category: 2a

BONUS: Terrifier 2

On Halloween, we watched one bonus movie. Normally, our Halloween movie watching has to do with a singular theme. However, due to Halloween falling on a very busy weekday, we chose only one move. This year, we watched Terrifier 2. It was definitely a cringy, grotesque horror piece. In fact, the movie has the distinct (dis)honor to actually cause moviegoers to vomit, faint, become ill, and storm out of the theater early due to it pushing the horror into snuff territory. This movie is really for a very small audience that does not mind realistic gore mixed with an unhealth dose of sadism.

Sexual Conduct: 2/5	Violence/Gore: 5/5	Profanity: 5/5
Alcohol/Drugs: 3/5	Frightening/Intense Scenes: 5/5	Category: 1

This concluded our Second Annual “Ancient One” Halloween Roulette Ritual. We are putting the cauldron of movies away for a year. As October ends and November begins, we are transitioning to our November themes of “Holiday Horrors” and “Be Careful what you vote for.”