Say Your Prayers! Movieline's Halloween 25 Takes On the Devil

Judging from the recent influx of Exorcist rip-offs, it seems that America is afraid of the devil again. So what better time than now for Movieline's Halloween 25 to take a look at film's featuring Satan and the occult? Today's edition includes moon-worshiping zombies, Clint Howard wielding a giant sword, real-life human oddities and more! Say a prayer, cross yourself and chime in if I missed your favorite.

· Messiah of Evil AKA Dead People (1973)

A young woman goes to visit her father in a coastal town after receiving a disturbing letter, only to find that he's vanished... and also that the entire town has turned into a zombie cult that worships the moon. That last bit really isn't a spoiler because the story to this one really doesn't matter. It doesn't even really make sense. But visually and viscerally, Willard Huyck's film is one of the most stylish, atmospheric and surreal horror movies this side of Suspiria. Nightmares are almost guaranteed, even if you don't know what the hell is going on.

· Race with the Devil (1975)

While on vacation with their wives, Warren Oates and Peter Fonda witness a cult sacrifice. Once the cult realizes, the couples find themselves trying to escape a murderous group of devil worshipers in their RV. Honestly, if a road movie with Oates and Fonda squaring off against a Satanic cult didn't pique your interest, I don't know what to do for you. The movie is every bit as much fun as it sounds, although the ending is a bit abrupt. But if that leaves you wanting more, I beg you, please watch the hilarious, inscrutable, totally insane interview with Peter Fonda on the DVD. Then you're set for the night.

Pages: 1 2