Guest Author - Florence Cardinal

The horror movie that really got me hooked was Carrie by Stephen King. I was already a fan of King's novels, and this movie with all the destruction and mayhem caused by this teenage girl and her telekinetic powers absolutely blew me away.

I've been a fan of horror movies ever since. I have to confess I prefer the paranormal type of horror - Amytyville Horror, Interview with the Vampire - but I've watched my share of slasher movies as well, from Psycho to the umpteen Friday he 13th flicks.

What is the appeal of horror movies? They get your adrenaline flowing. They're a safe way to get a thrill, a scare, without facing actual danger. And they make you think. Do such monsters really exist? Well, with the paranormal novels, probably not. But again, who knows for sure if these frightening powers and demons do or don't exist?

With the stalker/psycho/Hannibal monsters? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Such deranged characters do exist.

Some people might argue that these movies promote violence. I don't think so. I've been watching them for years and never felt the urge to chase my neighbor down the street waving a knife, or slam a bill collector with a burst of psychic energy.

Rather, I think, as well as being excellent entertainment, they may serve as a warning to be cautious, a reminder that evil does exist. And they get the blood rushing through your veins, the old heart pumping faster, the mind churning up questions and maybe a few answers. And they do all that from a seat in the movie theater or, in the case of DVDs, the safety of your own living room.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I hear the siren call of yet another horror movie. Watch for more "horror" soon.