these things called "scary movies"

scary movies… horror flicks… they are like mushrooms that keep on popping up. some well produced and star some of the greats in hollywood. some are low-budget and feature actors we have never heard of. most horror films are dissed by movie critics, labeled as lacking substance. horror movies are often given short-shrift by film reviewers. at best, many film reviewers treat the horror genre with disregard, and at worst, they treat the genre with disdain. most comedy movies also get, at some point, get the same disdain from movie critics.
but why are so many scary flicks create blockbuster market? why are so many people so interested in watching all these gory, creepy and sometimes downright disturbing films?

nobody would completely understand and explain why but i think, for one, is that horror movies portray one of human being’s make-up. fear, whether real or imagined. im not saying that fear is a healthy emotion. fear, in reality, paralyzes us and clouds whatever faith and determination we have. so people watch these dreaded films not to get more fearful but to remind themselves that what they’re watching isn’t real. it’s just a movie. and people get relieved with that.

which leads me to my second and more practical theory. horror movies are form of escapism. people enjoy the fact that when they are watching a horror flick they are completely detached from reality. when completely engrossed in a film and sitting on the edge of your seat, it is kinda easy to forget everyday stresses and problems and therefore is a great way to unwind for an hour and a half. this is something you are unlikely to achieve from a light - hearted film as you can probably get distracted very easily. horror movies can give some adrenaline rush that can keep you feeling more alive (for the lack of more apprpriate word)

the second theory actually works for me in many occassions...

and it’s a fact that during today’s crisis everywhere, horror flicks are actually getting in more cash from moviegoers than other more substancial flicks. watch the weekly top movies and you’ll see.

and i think, it’s because the horror movies have variety of sub-genre that people can choose from… from supernatural (ghosts) , to vampires and werewolves, to the mind-boggling psycho thriller, to the gory slasher flicks. just to name a few…