The Worst Mistakes in Horror Films: A Review of Cinematic Clangers

Haven't you ever been watching a horror movie only to pause in confusion when something on screen doesn't quite make sense? From mismatched props to noticeable continuity errors, horror films are not immune to these mix-ups. Here, we delve into some of the most glaring cinematic blunders from movies you might have enjoyed, and perhaps why you should rewatch them knowing what you now know.

Technological Disasters in Horror Movies

One of the most shocking scenes in Massacre in Central High (1976) is not the bloody action but the glaring visual errors in the final shot. The boom microphone, visible and in the foreground, is perhaps the most notable for its presence, serving as a stark contrast to the high-stakes tension of the scene. This is a classic example of how a filmmaker can let their technical equipment intrude on the narrative.

Factual Inconsistencies

When characters in Basic Instinct (1992) are interrogated about a gun brand, the discrepancy between the supposed firearm and the actual weapon used reveals a profound oversight. The neat workaround is easily spotted by even the most novice firearms enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of consistency in film prop choices and descriptions.

Misidentifying Armaments in Action Films

Another major misstep in the Die Hard franchise, particularly Die Hard 2 (1990), where character Kevin Bacon identifies a more luxurious and modern firearm, the Glock, as a porcelain gun that's supposed to be invisible to X-Ray machines, incorrect knowledge about weapon systems can alter the believability of a scene and potentially detract from the audience's experience.

Plenty of Disasters and Inconsistencies in Horror Rentals

WarGames (1985) provides another example of how details can be overlooked, with the mention of aircraft types conflicting with the footage shown on screen. The F-16s are claimed to be taking off, while the film instead displays aircraft of a different model, the F-15. Such discrepancies are particularly damning when an audience expects more from a film set in the world of high-tech warfare.

Unconvincing Makeup and Stop-Motion Errors

The horror film Escape 2000 (1981) presents one of the most bizarre scenes where a character's hands are decapitated. While the makeup for the aftermath is notable, the way the hands are severed and the way they look after being chopped off are exceptionally unsatisfying. This example shows how groundbreaking makeup techniques can be undermined by poor editing and presentation.

Bestiary Blunders in Aliens vs. Predator

The Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007) showcases issues with creature design. While the Alien in the pool (an anonymous actor in a rubber head) and the predictable reveal of the Predator's true form are consistent with typical horror movie tropes, the overall execution and consistency of the alien species are underwhelming.

Prop Repurposing and Outdated Mechanics

RoboCop (1987) features the infamous "Mr. Stretchy Arms" sequence, where a seemingly lifeless metal character reconfigures itself to kill the protagonist. While visually striking, the scene is made less impactful by the use of poor-quality props and a cheaply servicable mechanism. Similarly, in Predator (1987), the villain's additional limb and weaponry are clearly alienating to the audience, breaking a critical immersion for those invested in the alien plotline.

Costume and Prop Miscalculations

Forbiddan World (1982) and Deepstar Six (1989) are riddled with issues where characters, props, and creatures appear to defy logic and common sense. In the former, a robot proves to be more of a danger to itself than the monsters it is designed to combat, while in the latter, the giant crustacean’s failed attempts at hunting belie a more comedic than terrifying narrative error.

Platooning with Unconvincing Beasts

The Tentacles (1977) and Berserker (1986) show the limitations of special effects when depicting marine life, particularly tentacles and sea creatures, with the former failing to animate the octopus and the latter's Viking killer summoning more laughter than terror. These films illustrate the challenges of simulating the natural movements and behavior of underwater life, which can easily look staged and unconvincing.

Graphic Gelatine Grotesqueness and Bad Logic

If you’ve ever watched Zombie 3 (1988), you've experienced the chilling joy of a flying zombie head. While a testament to the movie’s bad happenstance, it's also a glaring example of how special effects, despite being spectacular in their own way, can be grossly misused. Conversely, horror classics like The Evil Dead (1981) face digital cleanup issues, like the stark matte moon, that detract from their otherwise gritty and riveting impact.

Bad In-Betweens and Outdated Design

A lesser-known gem in the horror genre, Phantasm (1979), features hideous creature makeup that, despite being imaginative, falls short in its execution. The little critters the Tall Man's severed fingers transform into are particularly disappointing, resembling a cheap toy rather than a terrifying transformation.

Futuristic Failures and Anachronistic Plot Devices

Certain TV series and films, such as Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979), Knight Rider (1982), and Airwolf (1982-1987), include technical anachronisms and out-of-touch shortcuts that undermine the authenticity of the settings. The futuristic dancing in Buck Rogers and the questionable helicopter and vehicle explosions in Airwolf highlight how such details can shatter the suspension of disbelief.

Conclusion

Beyond mere in-jokes for film aficionados, these technical blunders often serve as cautionary tales for filmmakers, underlining the obsessive attention to detail necessary for a smoother and more believable experience. While some discrepancies may enhance a movie's unique charm, others can detract from the overall quality of the production. As viewers, understanding these mistakes can enrich our experience and deepen our appreciation for the art of filmmaking.