#24 - A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987) & #25 THe invisible man returns (1940)

Alright, let’s talk about A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors, the best sequel in the franchise. Now, this one was a tough call because I’m always torn between Dream Warriors and New Nightmare as the best sequel in the series, but honestly, Dream Warriors might just edge it out because it’s the perfect mix of what this series should be. It’s scary, it’s fun, and it finally leans into how ridiculous Freddy can be while still keeping him a terrifying threat.

So, the first thing you need to know about Dream Warriors is that it’s basically where the franchise finds its footing. The original Nightmare on Elm Street is iconic for being a straight-up horror movie, but Dream Warriors is where they realize, “Hey, Freddy can be both terrifying and a wisecracking nightmare demon.” And that’s exactly what makes this movie so good. It’s the sweet spot before Freddy becomes a full-on cartoon, but still gives him some personality. He’s scary again, but he’s also having a blast messing with these kids. Like, the guy literally turns into a giant snake in this movie. How can you not love that?

Plus, the concept here is awesome. The whole idea of a group of teens fighting back against Freddy by learning to control their dreams? That’s such a cool evolution of the premise. Instead of just being helpless victims, they’re fighting back with their own dream powers. It’s basically a superhero movie, but in Freddy’s twisted nightmare world. You’ve got one kid who’s a wizard, one who’s got super strength, and one girl who’s got a mohawk and knows kung fu. It’s so ridiculous, but in the best way. They’re not just running from Freddy—they’re standing up to him, and it makes the movie way more exciting.

And we have to talk about the characters because, let’s be real, most slasher movies don’t give you much to care about in terms of victims. But Dream Warriors actually has a pretty likable cast. The kids in the psych ward all have distinct personalities, and you actually feel for them because they’re dealing with some real trauma. Like, these aren’t just dumb teenagers getting slashed up—they’re dealing with stuff like addiction, self-harm, and mental illness, and the movie treats that with a surprising amount of respect. And of course, Nancy is back! Bringing her in as a mentor to these kids gives the movie some continuity with the first one, and it’s great to see her take on a more mature role in the fight against Freddy.

Now, the kills. Dream Warriors has some of the most creative and iconic kills in the entire series. I mean, this is the movie with the “Welcome to prime time, b****!” scene, where Freddy shoves a girl’s head into a TV. It’s classic Freddy—darkly comedic but still brutal. And the scene where he turns a kid into a puppet using his veins? That is some gnarly stuff. The kills in this movie are just so inventive, and it really leans into the dream logic where anything can happen, which is what makes Freddy so unique as a villain. He’s not just a guy with a knife—he can turn your worst fears and insecurities into your doom, and that’s way more terrifying.

Another thing I love about this movie is the special effects. For an 80s horror movie, Dream Warriors goes all out with the practical effects, and most of them still hold up today. The Freddy snake? The creepy puppet kill? The fiery dream sequences? It’s all done with so much creativity and care, and it gives the movie this unique, nightmarish vibe that really sets it apart from other slasher sequels.

Now, I will give a shoutout to New Nightmare because that movie is also fantastic, and it does something really cool with Freddy by making him scary again in a more meta, self-aware way. But Dream Warriors is just so much fun in that classic Freddy way. It strikes the perfect balance between horror and camp without losing sight of what makes Freddy terrifying. It’s basically the blueprint for what the Nightmare series should have been going forward—creative, character-driven, and just the right amount of ridiculous.

So yeah, Dream Warriors is a blast. It’s easily one of the best sequels in the franchise, and depending on the day, I might even say it’s the best. It’s got everything you want from a Nightmare on Elm Street movie—scary Freddy, fun Freddy, creative kills, a cool concept, and characters you actually care about. It’s the peak of 80s horror fun, and if you’re only gonna watch one Freddy sequel, Dream Warriors is the one to go with.

SURPRISE! A DOUBLE FEATURE FOR HALLOWEEN!!!

So ok, for our finale this year, let’s dive into The Invisible Man Returns, a sequel to the classic 1933 film that somehow manages to capture the same spirit while carving out its own identity. Now, you might be thinking, “A sequel to a nearly century-old film? How good can it be?” But let me tell you, this movie is a surprisingly fun ride that brings a fresh twist to the whole invisibility concept.

First off, let’s talk about the premise. This time around, we’re not following the original invisible man, but rather a friend of his brother, who is framed for a murder he didn’t commit. So right off the bat, we’re introduced to a sense of urgency and tension. The stakes are high, and we’re pulled into this mystery as the new invisible man, played by the one and only Vincent Price, races against time to clear his name. I love that the plot gives us a new angle on invisibility. It’s not just about being a creepy dude who can’t be seen; it’s about using that power to fight injustice, and that gives it a nice moral compass that you don’t always see in classic monster movies.

The film does an excellent job of mixing suspense with some genuine humor. The dialogue sparkles with wit, and there are moments where the characters play off each other in a way that feels really natural. It’s clear that this movie isn’t taking itself too seriously, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Plus, there's a surprisingly charming love story woven in, adding a touch of warmth that contrasts nicely with the darker elements of the plot.

Visually, The Invisible Man Returns does a fantastic job of utilizing practical effects to depict invisibility. It’s not groundbreaking by today’s standards, but for the time, it’s impressive how they manage to create the illusion of an invisible character. The effects team employed clever camera techniques and some creative staging that keep you engaged, wondering how they’ll pull off the next disappearing act. The movie strikes a solid balance between the thrilling aspects of invisibility and the more human side of the characters’ struggles.

And can we talk about the tension? There are some genuinely suspenseful moments that keep you on the edge of your seat. The stakes are raised when the protagonist must evade the police while uncovering the truth about the real killer. The film knows how to build tension and keep you guessing, which is something that many sequels struggle with. You feel the weight of his predicament, and you want him to succeed not just because he’s the lead, but because the story has done a great job of making you care about his fate.

Also, the pacing is spot-on. It never feels too slow or rushed; every moment feels earned, and the film does a good job of developing both the plot and the characters. By the time you reach the climax, you’re fully invested in the outcome. The resolution is satisfying, tying up the story in a way that feels both rewarding and coherent.

Overall, The Invisible Man Returns is a delightful surprise. It takes the core concepts of the original and breathes new life into them, combining mystery, humor, and a bit of romance into a cohesive package that’s just plain entertaining. If you’re a fan of classic horror, this sequel deserves a spot on your watchlist. It’s charming, clever, and a testament to how sequels can stand on their own while still paying homage to the originals. So if you haven’t seen it yet, grab some popcorn and prepare to be entertained—you won’t regret it!

Thanks for joining me this year for this years 13 films of Halloween! Make sure to double check your bass guitars for toads! Hope you had a nice spooky time. Maybe i’ll do something for Christmas…