A new breed of horror villains

We all know the classic icons: Freddy Kruger, Jason, Michael Myers, Frankenstein, Count Dracula and others. For many years, they have brought us fear and at the same time, entertainment. However, it is inevitable that new ones come along. This doesn’t mean that the old ones are forgotten; actually, most of the time, they serve as “role models.” Let’s welcome the horror villains of the new millennium. 

The Ring (Sadako). A memorable scene from this movie is when Sadako crawls out from the well and the TV. It just brings that spine-chilling feel to the viewers. The film is about a curse on a videotape which would end the life of anyone who watches it. Inside the video is of a creepy long-haired girl named Sadako. She was deliberately pushed down the well and is now out for revenge.   

Jeepers Creepers (The Creeper). Remember this: Every 23rd spring for 23 days it gets to eat — no, not ordinary food but humans. The Creeper may look like just an ordinary monster but a closer view would definitely be terrifying. Oh, be careful for it’s attracted to the smell of fear.

Final Destination (“Death”). For four sequels now, the Final Destination series never fails to make viewers curious about death’s design — who’s next and how. The film is unique in a way because its villain is unseen because it is “death,” the one who says to be in control of people’s lives. Many said that the tall, dark man who always laughs sarcastically is actually “death”, but still others think otherwise.  

Saw (John Kramer a.k.a Jigsaw). John Kramer has one mission: To let people appreciate their lives. Although his motive is good, his way is just too much. He would put someone into a life and death situation and see how that person would fight for his life. If the person survives, he gets out loving his life even more; if not, then he dies because he doesn’t treasure his life that much anyway. Kramer is truly a unique villain that would always be remembered for many years.   

The Grudge (Kayako Saeki). With a little resemblance to Sadako, Kayako is actually even scarier: The way she crawls, cracks her neck, not to mention the way she stares — she does know how to scare someone. She’s filled with grudge that it becomes a curse to anyone who lives in the house where she died. Word of advice: Never enter the Saeki house.   

Hannibal Rising (Young Hannibal Lecter). We all know Dr. Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs. Ever wonder how it all started? The movie shows how young Hannibal Lecter became the brilliant Dr. Lecter. There’s something wrong though, he eats his fellow men — not the whole body but certain parts of it. If Dr. Lecter is a classic horror villain, then Young Lecter shouldn’t miss being in the list, too.  

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Leatherface). Many might say this is just another slasher film, but its villain, Leatherface, is a must to be included in the list. Carrying his chainsaw and wearing that mask never fail to bring viewers that “run for your life” feeling. Wonder if he’s good friends with Jason and Michael Myers? There seems to be some similarities.  

Insidious (The Old Lady). What do you see when you look at a photograph? Most people would look at the main subject of the picture, thus missing the background. In the film, you shouldn’t miss looking at the background for it is there where the answer is. That old creepy lady has something to do with what’s happening to Dalton Lambert.

The Strangers (murderers in masks). While the plot of the film is just simple, it is how the murderers look like that makes it really frightening. Wearing a white mask, almost not talking, and just keep on chasing their victims — this is their game. It is crazy. Poor James and Kristen for they’re the choice of the night to play their game.  

Devil (The old woman). Based from the story of M. Night Shyamalan, the movie is about a group of people stuck in an elevator. One of them is the devil, but no one knows who it is. One by one, they start dying mysteriously. Only few survivors left. They need to face some ugly truths about their lives. In the end, the devil reveals itself — scary, of course. What’s nice in the movie is that when the guy repents of his sin, he was forgiven.