DuracellEnergizer said:

Night of the Demon (1957)

Great movie. The only downside were the close-up shots of the demon - it almost turns an otherwise perfectly sublime film into some goofy kaiju film. It's a minor flaw, though, and not enough to bring the rest of the movie down.

8/10

I also just saw this for the first time.

And despite being a major proponent of less is more, and a huge fan of Tourneur's Cat People which essentially created the principle of suggested horrors...the film may actually work better with the shots because the amount of tensioned suspense is beyond palpable. Additionally you don't quite know for certain whether or not the Demon itself is imagined, just as the final shot leaves a question mark in the viewer's mind.

A staggeringly original picture that ranks amongst the best horror films I've ever seen.

Rarely do I say this but Night of the Demon gets my full 4 alcoholic has-been American former matinee idols out of 4 balls.

Cat People (1942)

One of the best horror films ever. More of a poetic triumph than a straight narrative, which is where the film's strength comes from. Paved the way for all the Val Lewton classics to follow.

4 balls out of 4 complete dumb schmucks who immediately marry a girl who is obviously mentally disturbed.

Curse of the Cat People

Designed as a sequel, this film goes way off the deep end and is really another story entirely with some of the same supporting cast. If you let the story go on its own and try not to question some things, it works as a childhood allegorical fantasy--something that is never really done in media in such a fashion. I'm still perplexed to be honest because it's not exactly a picture to recommend, nor is it a true sequel, nor is it great...but ultimately has a certain timeless beauty that cannot be denied.

3.5 balls out of 4 complete dumb schmucks who immediately marry a girl who is obviously mentally disturbed, later remarry and become a beyond godawful parent who should by no means be in a parental role.