Bloodtype Online

    If you are a hardcore horror fan and you read the introduction to "Horror 101" by Dr. AC himself Aaron Christensen I guarantee you that you'll be reeled in.   He explains that the main objective of the book, which would pretty much put a smile on anyone's face who's been into horror films since childhood.  He brings up his "horror mentor" and how they could possibly steer you toward stuff that only they like.  Although this is certainly true and while reading this part of the book I couldn't help to reflect to my childhood and my uncle that was my "horror mentor" so to speak.   But this book is clearly for the fans by the fans which is an interesting concept that seems to be happening more and more each day.  I mean at the core of it, isn't that what most people (myself included) are doing when they are reviewing movies?   But this book chalk full of 101 write ups of different genre films from people that have genuine love for each film chronicled throughout this 320 page affair.  

    The films are a virtual A-Z as far as must see horror films go.  From movies like Alien, Dawn of the Dead, Re-Animator, and The Exorcist "Horror 101" covers the majority of films that need to be talked about in the same breath as those.   Not only that but even films in the book that aren't considered "classics" by most have a reason for their mention.  Also if you tire of completely pretentious reviews by people that sound like they are better suited at writing college textbooks than reviewing horror films this is for you.   Not that it's poorly written in the least, it's just that these people would rather get across what's special about the films an not so much that they are masters of literature.   As a person that reviews films I found this rather refreshing. 

    Each film is extensively covered and some of their reviews are compiled together for the maximum coverage (much like Evil Dead and Evil Dead II are together in the book).   This adds a lot more information to how the films are examined and was also something that I really enjoyed with the book. 

    But reading the book will give you an understanding that this is supposed to be a guide of horror films for anyone who is new to the genre and wants to know what they need to track down and see.   This being the main purpose of the book is very effective.  There is a nice eclectic assortment of films here that cover everything from movies released in the 1920's all the way up until 2000.   Christensen also makes it a point to not include anything since the year 2000 since their historical significance could not be accurately be accounted for since they haven't aged enough as of the printing of the book.

    Overall though Horror 101 is a fantastic read even if you've already seen every movie in the book.  It's an interesting look at film by people who enjoy movies first and writing about them second.   That's definitely something that needs to be commended and it brings something different to the table especially since the book is made up of so many contributors.   Most of the writers in the book are in fact writers themselves from places ranging to magazines, internet, and even authors.  But even then there are people that are just honest to goodness fans writing about some of these films making it quite the unique read.   Not only that but a very cool foreword written by one of the most recognizable people to horror fans, the F/X master himself Tom Savini.  So if you are looking for a book to give to that annoying newbie horror fan always asking you what they should watch, or even if you want to have a nostalgic trip down memory lane with some great horror films this book is perfect.

Rating - ***1/2

-Ed Demko