Let's face facts shall we. Any hour of 'The Walking Dead' is worth more than most single years worth of horror entertainment. Having always loved the living dead dynamic, a judgement call on this epic comic turned television phenomenon was a no-brainer. Thank you Robert Kirkman, Frank Darabont, and AMC for giving our zombie lust a home. On October 31, 2010 our twisted dreams came true. Four years and a butt-load of blood later the Fifth season awaits us.
As a latecomer to 'The Walking Dead' it was a real eyeopener. This story of survival, human conflict, and monstrous undead hoards is television fear at its greatest. The tension is thick as is the pathos. A combination rarely achieved without tragically laughable results. Even the living dead world of the one and only George A. Romero fell victim to the cornball from time to time, but in the 'The Walking Dead' world, not so much.
A Netflix marathon began my love affair with this post apocalyptic soap opera. The Darabont touch was all over the first moments of the series giving us initial pangs of both fright, familiarity, and love for all the characters in this flesh torn universe. It's a home spun comfort level that he and one Mister King deliver to audiences so very well. Another pleasing touch woven throughout the series is one of artist Greg Nicotero. His skills in creature creation are the best and certainly match if not surpass his mentor the great Tom Savini. With Kirkman's brain, Darabont's heart, and Nicotero's dark passion, this terror novella simply could not miss. It is weekly serial as breathing nightmare. A vision 1960's/1970's spooky television legend Dan Curtis could not have ever dreamed of, not even when peering out of his Gothic Dark Shadowed Collinwood window.
Do yourself a favor this October 12th. Tune out the world, turn on the tube, and fall in love with the wonderful world of reanimated corpses, savaged survivors,and all manor of anxiety in between. 'The Walking Dead' truly is a gem in a frightening sea of entertainment mediocrity.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
'The Battery' Blu-ray Review: Ben & Mickey vs. The Dead
What do you get when you combine $6000 with the raw love of film making and genre geekdom? A really enjoyable post apocalyptic road to Zombie picture. Writer, Directer, Producer, Actor Jeremy Gardner has scored a solid home run with his tag team tale of baseball player buddies wandering onward to no where fighting flesh eaters along the way.
Ben (Jeremy Gardner) and Mickey (Adam Cronheim) are an unlikely pair. In this walking dead world baseball catcher Ben does all the dirty work while Mickey mopes around headphone music blaring, longing for female companionship. Never wanting to linger in one place to long Ben works hard to keep things safe while Mickey complains and longs for a comfortable stop along the way. They try but we all know that safety is fleeting especially when the dead want there pound of flesh, literally. Sainthood will certainly be awaiting Ben on the other side of the pearly gates after pampering the highly annoying lump that is our pitcher Mickey. Add in a disembodied lovely voice on a walky talky air wave and the plot twists to a clever turn.
'The Battery' is more angst than gore ridden, but in a sea of zombie flicks that have nearly drowned us all since the living dead 1960's through the modern masterwork that is 'The Walking Dead' this film is a cool ride of non nightmarish fun.
Scream Factory has once again gone above and beyond in honoring independent horror film. 'The Battery' Blu-ray edition is presented in a wonderful 2.35:1/1080p/AVC-encoded image and an equally great 5.1 DTS-HD Master and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. There are English subtitles and the special features include Audio Commentary with Writer, Director and Producer Jeremy Gardner as well as Producer and Actor Adam Cronheim and Director of Photography Christian Stella, Tools of Ignorance: The Making of The Battery, Outtakes, Trailers, and a soundtrack piece called Rock Plaza Central at the Parlor.
When the world as we have known it ends and the dead come calling we could do worse
than to have a couple of ball players lead us out of the chaos. Gore covered baseball bats and catchers masks work in a pinch. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game.
Ben (Jeremy Gardner) and Mickey (Adam Cronheim) are an unlikely pair. In this walking dead world baseball catcher Ben does all the dirty work while Mickey mopes around headphone music blaring, longing for female companionship. Never wanting to linger in one place to long Ben works hard to keep things safe while Mickey complains and longs for a comfortable stop along the way. They try but we all know that safety is fleeting especially when the dead want there pound of flesh, literally. Sainthood will certainly be awaiting Ben on the other side of the pearly gates after pampering the highly annoying lump that is our pitcher Mickey. Add in a disembodied lovely voice on a walky talky air wave and the plot twists to a clever turn.
'The Battery' is more angst than gore ridden, but in a sea of zombie flicks that have nearly drowned us all since the living dead 1960's through the modern masterwork that is 'The Walking Dead' this film is a cool ride of non nightmarish fun.
Scream Factory has once again gone above and beyond in honoring independent horror film. 'The Battery' Blu-ray edition is presented in a wonderful 2.35:1/1080p/AVC-encoded image and an equally great 5.1 DTS-HD Master and 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio mix. There are English subtitles and the special features include Audio Commentary with Writer, Director and Producer Jeremy Gardner as well as Producer and Actor Adam Cronheim and Director of Photography Christian Stella, Tools of Ignorance: The Making of The Battery, Outtakes, Trailers, and a soundtrack piece called Rock Plaza Central at the Parlor.
When the world as we have known it ends and the dead come calling we could do worse
than to have a couple of ball players lead us out of the chaos. Gore covered baseball bats and catchers masks work in a pinch. For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out, At the old ball game.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
'Pumpkinhead' Blu-ray Review: The hills are alive with the sound of vengeance
'Pumpkinhead' is a wonderful film. With special effects genius Stan Winston as the director it's atmosphere is thick and visceral. It took to the big screen in 1988 and was welcomed with less than glowing praise. Seeming a bit before it's time 'Pumpkinhead' has since become a favorite of many clearer thinking horror fans.
It's 1957 and little Ed Harley witnesses a horrible sight. One he won't soon forget and perhaps a mere glimpse into his sad future. Time passes and Ed (Lance Henriksen) grows into a simple man who loves his small son with all his heart. His peaceful life is soon undone by a group of less than compassionate outsiders with more money than brains or heart. Tragedy strikes and all hell is soon literally let loose. All moral dilemmas aside we can surely side with poor Ed Harley. Some folks deserve to die. Legends run wild through the darkness of the mountain top. Portents of mystical justice have deep roots and a monumental myth is about to be born from blood. Lance Henriksen is a superb and disturbingly underrated actor. His angst is palpable in this role and it makes the film a true supernatural gem. If you haven't ridden this wild ride before, do yourself a favor an climb aboard this classic tale of wrongs righted and souls sold.
Scream Factory is brilliant in giving due respect to all their horror film presentations and their 'Pumpkinhead' Blu-ray Collectors Edition is no exception. The 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 image is lovely as is the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack offered. The special features include the new "REMEMBERING THE MONSTER KID: A TRIBUTE TO STAN WINSTON" featuring new interviews with actors Lance Henriksen and Brian Bremer, special effects artists Alec Gillis, Tom Woodruff Jr. and Shannon Shea. Also included are new interviews with producer Richard Weinman and actors John D'Aquino and Matthew Hurley. PUMPKINHEAD UNEARTHED (now in HD) – a documentary on the making of PUMPKINHEAD featuring Evolution of a Demon, The Cursed and the Damned, The Torture Soul of Ed Harley, Constructing Vengeance, Razorback Holler. Audio Commentary by Co-screenwriter Gary Gerani and Creature & FX Creators Tom Woodruff, Jr. and Alec Gillis. Completing the package is a Featurette: Demonic Toys, as well as Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Still Gallery, and Theatrical Trailer. If you love the film you will love this wonderful DVD.
The unspoken code of life and death while rarely paid heed to is scarily real non the less. Call it karma or simple Gypsy curse but mess with the simple salt of the earth type folk and most times Satan comes a calling. Que Sara Sara my ass.
It's 1957 and little Ed Harley witnesses a horrible sight. One he won't soon forget and perhaps a mere glimpse into his sad future. Time passes and Ed (Lance Henriksen) grows into a simple man who loves his small son with all his heart. His peaceful life is soon undone by a group of less than compassionate outsiders with more money than brains or heart. Tragedy strikes and all hell is soon literally let loose. All moral dilemmas aside we can surely side with poor Ed Harley. Some folks deserve to die. Legends run wild through the darkness of the mountain top. Portents of mystical justice have deep roots and a monumental myth is about to be born from blood. Lance Henriksen is a superb and disturbingly underrated actor. His angst is palpable in this role and it makes the film a true supernatural gem. If you haven't ridden this wild ride before, do yourself a favor an climb aboard this classic tale of wrongs righted and souls sold.
Scream Factory is brilliant in giving due respect to all their horror film presentations and their 'Pumpkinhead' Blu-ray Collectors Edition is no exception. The 1080p transfer in 1.85:1 image is lovely as is the DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 soundtrack offered. The special features include the new "REMEMBERING THE MONSTER KID: A TRIBUTE TO STAN WINSTON" featuring new interviews with actors Lance Henriksen and Brian Bremer, special effects artists Alec Gillis, Tom Woodruff Jr. and Shannon Shea. Also included are new interviews with producer Richard Weinman and actors John D'Aquino and Matthew Hurley. PUMPKINHEAD UNEARTHED (now in HD) – a documentary on the making of PUMPKINHEAD featuring Evolution of a Demon, The Cursed and the Damned, The Torture Soul of Ed Harley, Constructing Vengeance, Razorback Holler. Audio Commentary by Co-screenwriter Gary Gerani and Creature & FX Creators Tom Woodruff, Jr. and Alec Gillis. Completing the package is a Featurette: Demonic Toys, as well as Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Still Gallery, and Theatrical Trailer. If you love the film you will love this wonderful DVD.
The unspoken code of life and death while rarely paid heed to is scarily real non the less. Call it karma or simple Gypsy curse but mess with the simple salt of the earth type folk and most times Satan comes a calling. Que Sara Sara my ass.
Monday, September 15, 2014
'Prom Night' Blu-ray Review
The killers are coming? What ever happened to tag you're it? That's the first thought one has when a crazed hide and seek game goes horribly wrong during the opening moments of the 1980 horror film 'Prom Night'.
Ah the slasher film, the seventies birthed them and the the eighties milked them to within an inch of their ever loving lives. But really what's not to love? Angst ridden teens all hoped up on hormones with deep dark hidden secrets, masked killers armed with all manner of weaponry with revenge filled obsessive mutilation on their minds. In the lexicon of these gore laced babies 'Prom Night' is still a top ten contender in this particular horror genre.
It's six years after the tragic death of an eleven year old girl at the hands of a known child molester. Kim (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Nick (Casey Stevens) Hammond are still mourning their sister. So are their parents Mother Hammond (Antoinette Bower) and Father Hammond (Leslie Nielsen) who happens to be their high school principle. You see the night is all a bustle with prom preparations, but crape paper and glitter are taking a back seat to morbid threatening phone calls and vengeance on the cusp. Red herrings abound what with creepy janitors, escaped child killers, and dateless old maids running a muck in the neighborhood. Michael Myers would be proud. Before the night is over blood will shed, cherries will pop, heads will roll, and all to the pump of the disco beat. Canadian film director Paul Lynch gets a lot right in this cliched tale of juvenile mayhem. It's corny and campy but with enough scares to keep you jumping. Popcorn horror to it's silly core.
Synapse Films respects the horror fan and with 'Prom Night' once again delivers a near perfect package. The Blu-ray image is fantastic in it's HD 1080p widescreen specifications, as is the audio featuring DTS-HD 5.1 Surround/Original 2.0 Mono. English subtitles for the deaf are also available.
The special features include audio commentary with Director Paul Lynch and screenwriter William Grey, a making of featurette, a collection of additional scenes added for TV broadcasts, never before seen outtakes that are exclusive to Blu-ray, and finally the usual trailers and still gallery.
Nearly 35 years later 'Prom Night' like all it's 1980 hack and slash film companions seems almost 70's porn like in it's delivery. Sexy slim babes, weak effeminate boys, and hideous get up and boogy soundtracks all swirl us up into a way-back machine vortex of fun and feeling slightly groovy. High-wasted jeans and perms for all.
Ah the slasher film, the seventies birthed them and the the eighties milked them to within an inch of their ever loving lives. But really what's not to love? Angst ridden teens all hoped up on hormones with deep dark hidden secrets, masked killers armed with all manner of weaponry with revenge filled obsessive mutilation on their minds. In the lexicon of these gore laced babies 'Prom Night' is still a top ten contender in this particular horror genre.
It's six years after the tragic death of an eleven year old girl at the hands of a known child molester. Kim (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Nick (Casey Stevens) Hammond are still mourning their sister. So are their parents Mother Hammond (Antoinette Bower) and Father Hammond (Leslie Nielsen) who happens to be their high school principle. You see the night is all a bustle with prom preparations, but crape paper and glitter are taking a back seat to morbid threatening phone calls and vengeance on the cusp. Red herrings abound what with creepy janitors, escaped child killers, and dateless old maids running a muck in the neighborhood. Michael Myers would be proud. Before the night is over blood will shed, cherries will pop, heads will roll, and all to the pump of the disco beat. Canadian film director Paul Lynch gets a lot right in this cliched tale of juvenile mayhem. It's corny and campy but with enough scares to keep you jumping. Popcorn horror to it's silly core.
Synapse Films respects the horror fan and with 'Prom Night' once again delivers a near perfect package. The Blu-ray image is fantastic in it's HD 1080p widescreen specifications, as is the audio featuring DTS-HD 5.1 Surround/Original 2.0 Mono. English subtitles for the deaf are also available.
The special features include audio commentary with Director Paul Lynch and screenwriter William Grey, a making of featurette, a collection of additional scenes added for TV broadcasts, never before seen outtakes that are exclusive to Blu-ray, and finally the usual trailers and still gallery.
Nearly 35 years later 'Prom Night' like all it's 1980 hack and slash film companions seems almost 70's porn like in it's delivery. Sexy slim babes, weak effeminate boys, and hideous get up and boogy soundtracks all swirl us up into a way-back machine vortex of fun and feeling slightly groovy. High-wasted jeans and perms for all.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
'Blood Glacier' DVD Review
"Is this gonna be a stand-up fight or another bug hunt?" Pvt. Hudson - 'Aliens'
When dealing with 'Blood Glacier' it really doesn't matter, it's the fun that counts. This independent German horror film from director Marvin Kren is one part 1982's 'The Thing', one part 1979's 'Prophecy' with a little Hiedi's grandfather crazy thrown in for good measure.
Janek (Gerhard Liebmann) is studying global warming in an isolated science station in the Swiss Alps. The rest of the team comes and goes but Janek has been there for five years strait. One day he and the rest of the research team find a glacier that is covered in an organic red material. They also find mutated animals running a muck. Janek's dog is attacked, more researchers arrive, and all hell breaks loose. Beatles combine with foxes, birds with spiders, and soon we have giant critters terrorizing the tundra. The mutations start getting larger and in the end one seems a little too human for comfort.
'Blood Glacier' is truly a crazy suspense filled ride. IFC Midnight has brought us a feature free DVD but the image and sound are good and the movie itself is worth the price of admission. There is a choice of the original German soundtrack or an English dub version. My advice as always is to watch this or any film in its native language, but in this case why not do both. The German is cool but the English version is just hilarious.
From 'Pod People' to 'Godmonster of Indian Flats' cornball scifi/horror flicks are always good for a belly laugh or two. This little entry is no exception to that rule. So pop up some corn, pour out a cold one, and let your mutated freak flag fly.
When dealing with 'Blood Glacier' it really doesn't matter, it's the fun that counts. This independent German horror film from director Marvin Kren is one part 1982's 'The Thing', one part 1979's 'Prophecy' with a little Hiedi's grandfather crazy thrown in for good measure.
Janek (Gerhard Liebmann) is studying global warming in an isolated science station in the Swiss Alps. The rest of the team comes and goes but Janek has been there for five years strait. One day he and the rest of the research team find a glacier that is covered in an organic red material. They also find mutated animals running a muck. Janek's dog is attacked, more researchers arrive, and all hell breaks loose. Beatles combine with foxes, birds with spiders, and soon we have giant critters terrorizing the tundra. The mutations start getting larger and in the end one seems a little too human for comfort.
'Blood Glacier' is truly a crazy suspense filled ride. IFC Midnight has brought us a feature free DVD but the image and sound are good and the movie itself is worth the price of admission. There is a choice of the original German soundtrack or an English dub version. My advice as always is to watch this or any film in its native language, but in this case why not do both. The German is cool but the English version is just hilarious.
From 'Pod People' to 'Godmonster of Indian Flats' cornball scifi/horror flicks are always good for a belly laugh or two. This little entry is no exception to that rule. So pop up some corn, pour out a cold one, and let your mutated freak flag fly.
'The Legend of Hell House' Blu-ray Review
In the 1970's descriptive jargon like the metaphysical, psychic phenomena, and clairvoyance, became novel buzz words that opened the door to what now has become basic cable pay dirt. Ghost hunters are a dime a dozen and paranormal states frequently visited. In the seventies a haunted house was just that. A curiosity, a place were good as well as evil dwelt. The spirit world was a mystical hope in the minds of ones who believed. In 2014 anyone with a flashlight, a dark corner, and a REM sleep memory can claim their own spook filled reality. 1973s 'The Legend of Hell House' delivers the scares beyond the more modern hype.
The Belasco House is wicked. It was the unholy home of Emeric Belasco (Michael Gough). Two paranormal investigation teams have been undone by this place of evil. Now, a third group has been chosen to finally uncover the truth about life after death and the infamous realities and hidden atrocities this horror holds. Physicist Lionel Barrett (Clive Revill), his wife Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), young medium Florence Tanner (Pamela Franklin), and Benjamin Franklin Fischer (Roddy McDowall) a medium who is the sole survivor of the previous investigations arrive and are immediately overwhelmed this mansion's hideous nature. The team goes on a wild ride from the moment they enter their week long investigation. They face invisible forces, physical possession and assault, lapses of reality, and all manner of vice ridden discomfort. The house has killed before and it seems to want more.The ending is wonderfully satisfying and a palpable sense of dread keeps this atmospheric classic's grip on you beyond the closing frame.
Directed by British film maker John Hough from a screen play written by Richard Matheson based on his own novel "Hell House, 'The Legend of Hell House' is pure sweetness for any horror lover. Scream Factory has done a glorious job with this Blu-ray edition. The picture brings you all the scary details just as they first frightened audiences on the big screen, and the soundtrack is equally wonderful and atmospheric. Special features include a commentary by Pamela Franklin, an interview with Director John Hough, theatrical trailers, photo gallery, and radio spots.
In the lexicon of horror film spook-shows this little beauty stands the test of time. 'The Legend of Hell House' is a visceral manifestation on every haunted house fear. A waking nightmare with a degenerate twist that we all secretly want to ride.
The Belasco House is wicked. It was the unholy home of Emeric Belasco (Michael Gough). Two paranormal investigation teams have been undone by this place of evil. Now, a third group has been chosen to finally uncover the truth about life after death and the infamous realities and hidden atrocities this horror holds. Physicist Lionel Barrett (Clive Revill), his wife Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), young medium Florence Tanner (Pamela Franklin), and Benjamin Franklin Fischer (Roddy McDowall) a medium who is the sole survivor of the previous investigations arrive and are immediately overwhelmed this mansion's hideous nature. The team goes on a wild ride from the moment they enter their week long investigation. They face invisible forces, physical possession and assault, lapses of reality, and all manner of vice ridden discomfort. The house has killed before and it seems to want more.The ending is wonderfully satisfying and a palpable sense of dread keeps this atmospheric classic's grip on you beyond the closing frame.
In the lexicon of horror film spook-shows this little beauty stands the test of time. 'The Legend of Hell House' is a visceral manifestation on every haunted house fear. A waking nightmare with a degenerate twist that we all secretly want to ride.
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
'Motel Hell' Blu-ray Review
Horror is by it's very nature fun. Laughter often emerges out of make believe fear. That's just natural.
The dark comedy is the direct result of this phenomenon. Films like 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'A Bucket of Blood', 'Theatre of Blood', 'Fright Night', and many, many more combine gruesome motifs with tongue in cheek foolishness to make one crazy time at the movies. 1980's own 'Motel Hell' may be at the top of that list.
Everyone knows the tale, Farmer Vincent (Rory Calhoun) lives the quiet farming life. Beautiful land, happy livestock, a quaint roadside motel, and a profitable cured meat business. His sister Ida (Nancy Parsons) loves the Lord, and their brother Sheriff Bruce (Paul Linke) seems a good old boy at heart. Together they work the land and cultivate a very secret garden indeed. With the use of a booby trap or two Vincent cultivates only the finest meat the highway has to offer. Planting his victims up to their necks, vocal cords cut, he feeds and primes his human specimens until they are choice enough to become delectable jerky for the ages. Like The Sawyers before them the saw is family only this time it's the band saw.
This Drive-in classic is being lovingly brought to you by Scream Factory in a Blu-ray Collectors Edition. The package offers a new Audio Commentary with director Kevin Connor and moderated by filmmaker Dave Parker, 'It Takes All Kinds: The Making of MOTEL HELL' featuring interviews with director Kevin Connor, producers/writers Robert Jaffe and Steven Charles Jaffe and actor Marc Silver, 'Shooting Old School' with cinematographer Thomas Del Ruth, 'Another Head on the Chopping Block: An interview with actor Paul Linke', 'From Glamour to Gore: An interview with actress Rosanne Katon', and 'Ida, Be Thy Name': A look back at MOTEL HELL's frightful female protagonist Ida Smith. There are also the usual Theatrical Trailer and Photo Galleries. The picture and sound quality satisfies making this a must have for any horror collector.
In life it's always a good idea to look back and fondly remember. Why not start off that trip down memory lane by checking into the 'Motel Hell'. They'll do much more than leave the light on for ya!
The dark comedy is the direct result of this phenomenon. Films like 'Little Shop of Horrors', 'A Bucket of Blood', 'Theatre of Blood', 'Fright Night', and many, many more combine gruesome motifs with tongue in cheek foolishness to make one crazy time at the movies. 1980's own 'Motel Hell' may be at the top of that list.
Everyone knows the tale, Farmer Vincent (Rory Calhoun) lives the quiet farming life. Beautiful land, happy livestock, a quaint roadside motel, and a profitable cured meat business. His sister Ida (Nancy Parsons) loves the Lord, and their brother Sheriff Bruce (Paul Linke) seems a good old boy at heart. Together they work the land and cultivate a very secret garden indeed. With the use of a booby trap or two Vincent cultivates only the finest meat the highway has to offer. Planting his victims up to their necks, vocal cords cut, he feeds and primes his human specimens until they are choice enough to become delectable jerky for the ages. Like The Sawyers before them the saw is family only this time it's the band saw.
This Drive-in classic is being lovingly brought to you by Scream Factory in a Blu-ray Collectors Edition. The package offers a new Audio Commentary with director Kevin Connor and moderated by filmmaker Dave Parker, 'It Takes All Kinds: The Making of MOTEL HELL' featuring interviews with director Kevin Connor, producers/writers Robert Jaffe and Steven Charles Jaffe and actor Marc Silver, 'Shooting Old School' with cinematographer Thomas Del Ruth, 'Another Head on the Chopping Block: An interview with actor Paul Linke', 'From Glamour to Gore: An interview with actress Rosanne Katon', and 'Ida, Be Thy Name': A look back at MOTEL HELL's frightful female protagonist Ida Smith. There are also the usual Theatrical Trailer and Photo Galleries. The picture and sound quality satisfies making this a must have for any horror collector.
In life it's always a good idea to look back and fondly remember. Why not start off that trip down memory lane by checking into the 'Motel Hell'. They'll do much more than leave the light on for ya!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
'Proxy' Blu-ray Review
Proxy is defined as: authorized capacity of substitute: the function or power of somebody authorized to act for another person.
Esther Woodhouse (Alexia Rasmussen) is in her last month of pregnancy. She should be happy but she is instead sullen and distant. While walking to catch the bus she and her unborn child are attacked. Beaten savagely in the abdomen, she lives but her child does not. She is alone. Going through the motions she attends a grief support meeting. There she meets Melanie Michaels (Alexa Havins). The two women begin an awkward bonding, but things are not what they seem.
'Proxy' is a film about desperate need. It is a slice of psychological horror that evokes feelings of both frustration and pity for the women involved. Craving attention at all costs these women should be put out of there misery before there overwhelming need siphons the life out of all around them, literally. Director and writer Zack Parker does a good job at delivering unsettling moments. The viewer will find shades of Lynch and De Palma in the film making while shadows of other better films aka 'Inside' and 'Bound' lurk familiarly just out of frame. There is a true love of suspense thread through out 'Proxy' and look no further than the Woodhouse name to know Mr. Parker's respect for the macabre.
IFC's Blu-ray treatment of this film is wonderful. The1080p original aspect ratio: 2.39:1 image is well done and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1/Dolby Digital 2.0 is as well. Bonus features include behind the scenes footage, featurettes, extended interviews, and trailers.
The life of a female on this earth is perplexing indeed. The mind of a female on this earth is sometimes the stuff of nightmares. 'Proxy' dares to scratch the emotionally sticky surface that helped that spider catch that fly.
Esther Woodhouse (Alexia Rasmussen) is in her last month of pregnancy. She should be happy but she is instead sullen and distant. While walking to catch the bus she and her unborn child are attacked. Beaten savagely in the abdomen, she lives but her child does not. She is alone. Going through the motions she attends a grief support meeting. There she meets Melanie Michaels (Alexa Havins). The two women begin an awkward bonding, but things are not what they seem.
'Proxy' is a film about desperate need. It is a slice of psychological horror that evokes feelings of both frustration and pity for the women involved. Craving attention at all costs these women should be put out of there misery before there overwhelming need siphons the life out of all around them, literally. Director and writer Zack Parker does a good job at delivering unsettling moments. The viewer will find shades of Lynch and De Palma in the film making while shadows of other better films aka 'Inside' and 'Bound' lurk familiarly just out of frame. There is a true love of suspense thread through out 'Proxy' and look no further than the Woodhouse name to know Mr. Parker's respect for the macabre.
IFC's Blu-ray treatment of this film is wonderful. The1080p original aspect ratio: 2.39:1 image is well done and the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1/Dolby Digital 2.0 is as well. Bonus features include behind the scenes footage, featurettes, extended interviews, and trailers.
The life of a female on this earth is perplexing indeed. The mind of a female on this earth is sometimes the stuff of nightmares. 'Proxy' dares to scratch the emotionally sticky surface that helped that spider catch that fly.
'Without Warning' Blu-ray/DVD Review
Picture this: A quiet, peaceful woods with a lovely stream running through it. The torment of the big city far behind, and fresh, pure air rejuvenating the soul. Who wouldn't love it? Well, one towering Alien complete with an arsenal of fleshy, living ninja stars later and you that's who! Director Greydon Clark's 1980 extraterrestrial horror show 'Without Warning' is one big mess of a misfire that just might work if one puts the film itself aside and focuses on the cast instead.
'Without Warning' is a typical creature feature us verses them adventure that should just as well have been left in the can until the true 'Predator' came out to play some seven years later. No, it is the cast that saves this beast. We get appearances from television, film, and stage star Cameron Mitchell, Oscar winning character actor Martin Landau, Hollywood heavy Neville Brand, television staple Larry Storch, a very young David Caruso, and saving the best for last, movie legend Jack Palance. Watching them all try to survive this tedious tale of humans being hunted is a laugh riot especial Mr. Palence who at one point seems to be trying to overcome a stroke rather than an alien attacker. Mr. Landau is not far behind in his crazed army veteran paranoia dance performance.
Scream Factory has once again given us the very best they can in this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. This low budget forgotten gem looks and sounds better than it even has. The special features include Audio Commentary with producer/director Greydon Clark, New Interviews with Cinematographer Dean Cundey, Co-Writer/Co-Producer Daniel Grodnik, Special Make-Up Effects Creator Greg Cannom and Actors Christopher S. Nelson and Tarah Nutter, as well as the typical theatrical trailer and still gallery. These bonuses round out the package adequately.
Horror comes in all shapes and sizes and there is enough mayhem and gore here to satisfy most scare junkies. If ever the outer space invasions actually begin we know who to call. Thank you has-been Hollywood one and all.
'Without Warning' is a typical creature feature us verses them adventure that should just as well have been left in the can until the true 'Predator' came out to play some seven years later. No, it is the cast that saves this beast. We get appearances from television, film, and stage star Cameron Mitchell, Oscar winning character actor Martin Landau, Hollywood heavy Neville Brand, television staple Larry Storch, a very young David Caruso, and saving the best for last, movie legend Jack Palance. Watching them all try to survive this tedious tale of humans being hunted is a laugh riot especial Mr. Palence who at one point seems to be trying to overcome a stroke rather than an alien attacker. Mr. Landau is not far behind in his crazed army veteran paranoia dance performance.
Scream Factory has once again given us the very best they can in this Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. This low budget forgotten gem looks and sounds better than it even has. The special features include Audio Commentary with producer/director Greydon Clark, New Interviews with Cinematographer Dean Cundey, Co-Writer/Co-Producer Daniel Grodnik, Special Make-Up Effects Creator Greg Cannom and Actors Christopher S. Nelson and Tarah Nutter, as well as the typical theatrical trailer and still gallery. These bonuses round out the package adequately.
Horror comes in all shapes and sizes and there is enough mayhem and gore here to satisfy most scare junkies. If ever the outer space invasions actually begin we know who to call. Thank you has-been Hollywood one and all.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Hell of The Living Dead / RATS: Night of Terror Blu-ray Review
Director Bruno Mattei hung
with them all. An editor of Italian cinema during the 60's and early
70's he had a great love and respect for film. It was finally in
exploitation's loving lap that he comfortably fell. Influenced by many
that went before him Senor Mattei sincerely flattered them each and
everyone by making many wonderfully campy low budget set pieces that go
down much sweeter today than when they first graced the big screen. Blue
Underground has given us a double feature chance to check out this for
ourselves.
The Zombies are at it once again moving slowly through 'Hell of The Living Dead'. This time it's hush hush chemical craziness that sets the corpses raging. We follow along side a reporter Lia Rousseau (Margit Evelyn Newton) and her crew wandering through some jungle somewhere that seems part Lion Country Safari part stock footage nastiness that any Mondo film crew could have left behind. We get tribesmen munching maggots fresh off the rotting flesh mixed in with standard karo syrup meat-soaked gore. Lt. Mike London (José Gras) is also along for the ride. He and his special opps jokers are trying to stop the flesh-eaters from taking over the world while keeping government headquarters dirty little secret. It is a mixed bag this little film, mixing borrowed ideas and music from better living dead pictures to create a slightly depressing if blood covered horror story.
'Rats: Night of Terror' is a different animal completely. If you like your apocalyptic survival stories ripe with cheesy goodness then look no further. This film is the mother load of drive-in fun. It tells the tale of the world after a nuclear disaster. The haves live underground and the rough have nots above ground. Kurt (Ottaviano Dell'Acqua) leads a group of scavengers across a barren land. They find what they think could be home. Sadly other residents occupy this little oasis. 'Rats: Night of Terror' is fun. Complete with laugh a minute dialogue, bad actor enthusiasm, and hoards of mangy rodents featured prominently munching gory victims dropping and rat wranglers in plain sight.
Blue Underground did us well with image and sound keeping in mind that these are exploitation gems that even in there original incarnations were not objects of perfection. Special features include Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni Hell, and Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei, as well as the usual theatrical trailers.
If tales of horror and survival are your cup of crazy tea then these two 1980's offerings will quench that high time thirst. Bruno Mattei knew a good thing when he saw it. Let's forgive his five fingered cinematic discounts for all the fun he has left us behind.
The Zombies are at it once again moving slowly through 'Hell of The Living Dead'. This time it's hush hush chemical craziness that sets the corpses raging. We follow along side a reporter Lia Rousseau (Margit Evelyn Newton) and her crew wandering through some jungle somewhere that seems part Lion Country Safari part stock footage nastiness that any Mondo film crew could have left behind. We get tribesmen munching maggots fresh off the rotting flesh mixed in with standard karo syrup meat-soaked gore. Lt. Mike London (José Gras) is also along for the ride. He and his special opps jokers are trying to stop the flesh-eaters from taking over the world while keeping government headquarters dirty little secret. It is a mixed bag this little film, mixing borrowed ideas and music from better living dead pictures to create a slightly depressing if blood covered horror story.
'Rats: Night of Terror' is a different animal completely. If you like your apocalyptic survival stories ripe with cheesy goodness then look no further. This film is the mother load of drive-in fun. It tells the tale of the world after a nuclear disaster. The haves live underground and the rough have nots above ground. Kurt (Ottaviano Dell'Acqua) leads a group of scavengers across a barren land. They find what they think could be home. Sadly other residents occupy this little oasis. 'Rats: Night of Terror' is fun. Complete with laugh a minute dialogue, bad actor enthusiasm, and hoards of mangy rodents featured prominently munching gory victims dropping and rat wranglers in plain sight.
Blue Underground did us well with image and sound keeping in mind that these are exploitation gems that even in there original incarnations were not objects of perfection. Special features include Bonded By Blood - Interviews with Co-Writer/Co-Director Claudio Fragasso and Stars Margit Evelyn Newton, Franco Garofalo, Ottaviano Dell'Acqua & Massimo Vanni Hell, and Rats Of The Living Dead - Interview with Director Bruno Mattei, as well as the usual theatrical trailers.
If tales of horror and survival are your cup of crazy tea then these two 1980's offerings will quench that high time thirst. Bruno Mattei knew a good thing when he saw it. Let's forgive his five fingered cinematic discounts for all the fun he has left us behind.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
'Curtains' Blu-ray Review
The stage is a magical place. You are in a world all your own even when others surround you. Performers are fed by its spell and walk a little above the rest even when waltzing down the real world streets. In the 1983 film 'Curtains' the world of theater is this gory Canadian made films casting call.
Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) is a veteran actress with a wide diva streak. Her life long director Jonathon Stryker (John Vernon) is a controlling egotist. They both decide a little method is in order in preparation for there latest stage collaboration. So Samantha decides to put on the nutcase and have herself committed to the local straitjacket Hilton. Johnathon free at last decides live it up on the casting couch and abandons Sam and opens up the cattle call to some new divettes in the making.
Not to count Miss Sherwood out she escapes and intends to keep her star status at any cost. Raise the curtain and away we go.
Director Richard Ciupka did the best he could with this highly plagued film production. Many unfortunate turns of events caused production of this film to run from 1980 until final theatrical release in 1983. The cast is good and the gore is tame at best, but the scenery chewing keeps you laughing while the lure of the reason why finally keeps you watching. Considered a cult favorite by many it is a slice of forgotten horror history worth a look.
Synapse Films brings us a wonderful package for a film that has been sorely represented before for the home theater gang. Presented in a brand-New 2K High-Definition Transfer from Original Vault Materials and sporting a 5.1 Surround Remix the sight and sound are worth the purchase. Special features include a lovely making of sporting interviews with director, cast, special effects artists and soundtrack composers. A vintage documentary on Director Ciupka and the usual audio commentary, interviews, and trailers. Simply a wonderful presentation.
In the savage realm of theater they say all is fair in love and war. In the case of 'Curtains' to the least empty headed booby goes the prize. Break a leg indeed.
Samantha Sherwood (Samantha Eggar) is a veteran actress with a wide diva streak. Her life long director Jonathon Stryker (John Vernon) is a controlling egotist. They both decide a little method is in order in preparation for there latest stage collaboration. So Samantha decides to put on the nutcase and have herself committed to the local straitjacket Hilton. Johnathon free at last decides live it up on the casting couch and abandons Sam and opens up the cattle call to some new divettes in the making.
Not to count Miss Sherwood out she escapes and intends to keep her star status at any cost. Raise the curtain and away we go.
Director Richard Ciupka did the best he could with this highly plagued film production. Many unfortunate turns of events caused production of this film to run from 1980 until final theatrical release in 1983. The cast is good and the gore is tame at best, but the scenery chewing keeps you laughing while the lure of the reason why finally keeps you watching. Considered a cult favorite by many it is a slice of forgotten horror history worth a look.
Synapse Films brings us a wonderful package for a film that has been sorely represented before for the home theater gang. Presented in a brand-New 2K High-Definition Transfer from Original Vault Materials and sporting a 5.1 Surround Remix the sight and sound are worth the purchase. Special features include a lovely making of sporting interviews with director, cast, special effects artists and soundtrack composers. A vintage documentary on Director Ciupka and the usual audio commentary, interviews, and trailers. Simply a wonderful presentation.
In the savage realm of theater they say all is fair in love and war. In the case of 'Curtains' to the least empty headed booby goes the prize. Break a leg indeed.
Friday, July 25, 2014
'I Escaped From Devil's Island/The Final Option' Double Feature Blu-Ray Review
It's double feature time and this one makes us wonder why. Two movies for the price of one are always a cool proposition. They are usually paired for fit and fun, but in this case I think they got it wrong.
Our first film find is Roger Corman's 1973 exploration rip off 'I Escaped from Devil's Island'. It stars football legend Jim Brown and television and film star Christopher George. They play Le Bras and Davert, two prisoners attempting freedom from the terrible injustice that French Guiana's Devil's Island holds for them. Seeming to try and ride the coattails of another 1973 prison escape film, 'Papillon', this sweaty bit of cheese just can't hold a candle to that Dustin Hoffman/Steve McQueen epic prison piece. It is however a fantastic fun ride. Our frantic escapees have to fight off corrupt prison guards, shark infested waters, a helpful but obviously problematic Leper colony, not to mention primitive native tribesmen and there hopped up women. From its highly borrowed soundtrack to Mr. Brown's sexy naked ass we are in grade Z movie bliss and laugh filled you have got to kidding awe. A nice piece of exploitation indeed.
Our second film not so much. 'The Final Option' is no option at all. This should never have been made British trash is low end television clap trap. It stars Lewis Collins as a former British Military Capt. Peter Skellen. He goes undercover to infiltrate a antinuclear terrorist group lead by Frankie Leith (Judy Davis). Claiming to be inspired by the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 and sporting a cast of blink and you'll miss them stars such as Richard Widmark and Edward Woodward, this movie is just plain deadly dull. It is not exploitation but movie of the week instead.
This disjointed package offers no extras and is offered in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen image and DTS-HD Master Audio. The picture and sound is fine if nothing special. Shout Factory is wonderful with their product as a whole and this is no exception. The problem can by found in the pairing of the drive-in picture show. One is passion pit pleasure the other should have left the kids at home aggravation.
Our first film find is Roger Corman's 1973 exploration rip off 'I Escaped from Devil's Island'. It stars football legend Jim Brown and television and film star Christopher George. They play Le Bras and Davert, two prisoners attempting freedom from the terrible injustice that French Guiana's Devil's Island holds for them. Seeming to try and ride the coattails of another 1973 prison escape film, 'Papillon', this sweaty bit of cheese just can't hold a candle to that Dustin Hoffman/Steve McQueen epic prison piece. It is however a fantastic fun ride. Our frantic escapees have to fight off corrupt prison guards, shark infested waters, a helpful but obviously problematic Leper colony, not to mention primitive native tribesmen and there hopped up women. From its highly borrowed soundtrack to Mr. Brown's sexy naked ass we are in grade Z movie bliss and laugh filled you have got to kidding awe. A nice piece of exploitation indeed.
Our second film not so much. 'The Final Option' is no option at all. This should never have been made British trash is low end television clap trap. It stars Lewis Collins as a former British Military Capt. Peter Skellen. He goes undercover to infiltrate a antinuclear terrorist group lead by Frankie Leith (Judy Davis). Claiming to be inspired by the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980 and sporting a cast of blink and you'll miss them stars such as Richard Widmark and Edward Woodward, this movie is just plain deadly dull. It is not exploitation but movie of the week instead.
This disjointed package offers no extras and is offered in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen image and DTS-HD Master Audio. The picture and sound is fine if nothing special. Shout Factory is wonderful with their product as a whole and this is no exception. The problem can by found in the pairing of the drive-in picture show. One is passion pit pleasure the other should have left the kids at home aggravation.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
'Ginger Snaps' Blu-Ray Review
In a world where mythic monsters dwell the 2000 film 'Ginger Snaps' stands alone. A twist cone mix that's one part 'The Trouble with Angels' one part 'I Was a Teenage Werewolf' and pure blood at its core. This tale of two sisters earned a cult following for its coming of age wickedness and truthfully stands the test of time nearly fifteen years later.
Brigitte (Emily Perkins) and Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) are sisters. Gothic threads hold them close while keeping at bay the rest of the local adolescent rabble. They have sworn a death pack and would rather disappear from this world than suffer the pains of young womanhood. Sadly Mother Nature calls and with her a lycanthropes wrath. After being bitten Ginger snaps in more ways than one. Soon classmates are dying and the town is closing in on our full moon siblings. Brigitte is left alone to save her sister from her changing nature. Both well done and cliched this is a classic in the horror genre. A slightly different take on werewolf legend that both scares and brings a tear. If you haven't seen it, please take a chance on this thoughtful terror tale.
Scream Factory has given us a superb package for this film. This two disc set contains both Blu-Ray 1080p High Definition Widescreen and Anamorphic Widescreen images. Both are lovely and the DTS and Dolby Digital sound choices are equally well done. The special features are also a real treat, containing new interviews with actors Emily Perkins and Jesse Moss, as well as make-up artist Paul Jones and composer Mike Shields. There are deleted scenes, cast rehearsals, and the usual trailers. A New Women in Horror panel discussing 'Ginger Snaps' combined with wonderful commentary track by Director John Fawcette is the icing on this horror set cake.
The classic legends of monster lore have many adventures to tell. Frankenstein's Monster has gone from country side to outer space. Dracula's myth has worn so thin that he's nearly unrecognizable. With 'Ginger Snaps' our tired Werewolf becomes once again renewed. A pup as menstruating menace counting calender days toward both fertility and the madness of the moon.
Brigitte (Emily Perkins) and Ginger (Katharine Isabelle) are sisters. Gothic threads hold them close while keeping at bay the rest of the local adolescent rabble. They have sworn a death pack and would rather disappear from this world than suffer the pains of young womanhood. Sadly Mother Nature calls and with her a lycanthropes wrath. After being bitten Ginger snaps in more ways than one. Soon classmates are dying and the town is closing in on our full moon siblings. Brigitte is left alone to save her sister from her changing nature. Both well done and cliched this is a classic in the horror genre. A slightly different take on werewolf legend that both scares and brings a tear. If you haven't seen it, please take a chance on this thoughtful terror tale.
Scream Factory has given us a superb package for this film. This two disc set contains both Blu-Ray 1080p High Definition Widescreen and Anamorphic Widescreen images. Both are lovely and the DTS and Dolby Digital sound choices are equally well done. The special features are also a real treat, containing new interviews with actors Emily Perkins and Jesse Moss, as well as make-up artist Paul Jones and composer Mike Shields. There are deleted scenes, cast rehearsals, and the usual trailers. A New Women in Horror panel discussing 'Ginger Snaps' combined with wonderful commentary track by Director John Fawcette is the icing on this horror set cake.
The classic legends of monster lore have many adventures to tell. Frankenstein's Monster has gone from country side to outer space. Dracula's myth has worn so thin that he's nearly unrecognizable. With 'Ginger Snaps' our tired Werewolf becomes once again renewed. A pup as menstruating menace counting calender days toward both fertility and the madness of the moon.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
'The Perfect House' Movie Review: One tale too many
Horror, as defined by Webster's, is a very strong feeling of fear, dread, and shock. When one enters into a viewing of the latest horror production their hope is to be served up all three. Sadly most times one if not all of those feelings are missing. 'The Perfect House' offers no exception to that rule. Fear is totally absent, dread is only present as one counts the minutes till the end, and shock is dished out in predictable gory moments. Very disappointing indeed.
We are brought to the perfect house via a neighborly dinner party that takes a turn for the worse. This is an anthology so we are shown a historic tour through this homes evil ways. There is mayhem in a storm cellar, caged victims for the torture, and that original dinner parties ultimate ending.We are led on this journey by a sexy real estate agent (Monique Parent) and her potential buyers.
There is lots of gore to go around but in a market that has seen the likes of mainstream torture porn like the 'Hostel' and 'Saw' franchises this low budget 2012 entry pales in comparison. Truthfully there are many low budget gorefests that simply get it much more right than this. Some of the acting is well done especially by 'Sleepaway Camp' stars Felissa Rose as one terrorized Mother and Jonathan Tiersten in serial killer mode. Directors Kris Hulbert and Randy Kent certainly show a great love for the genre of terror as mutilation but the lack of true fright just can't save the show.
In the horror film market today fear is to frequently confused with all things disgusting or disturbing. Gore is not fear. Dissonance is not fear. Chaos is not fear. Making the audience uncomfortable is fine but none of that beats a good scare. The theater seat is painful enough. What we horror fans long for is a terrifying close call with what truly awaits us in the dark.
We are brought to the perfect house via a neighborly dinner party that takes a turn for the worse. This is an anthology so we are shown a historic tour through this homes evil ways. There is mayhem in a storm cellar, caged victims for the torture, and that original dinner parties ultimate ending.We are led on this journey by a sexy real estate agent (Monique Parent) and her potential buyers.
There is lots of gore to go around but in a market that has seen the likes of mainstream torture porn like the 'Hostel' and 'Saw' franchises this low budget 2012 entry pales in comparison. Truthfully there are many low budget gorefests that simply get it much more right than this. Some of the acting is well done especially by 'Sleepaway Camp' stars Felissa Rose as one terrorized Mother and Jonathan Tiersten in serial killer mode. Directors Kris Hulbert and Randy Kent certainly show a great love for the genre of terror as mutilation but the lack of true fright just can't save the show.
In the horror film market today fear is to frequently confused with all things disgusting or disturbing. Gore is not fear. Dissonance is not fear. Chaos is not fear. Making the audience uncomfortable is fine but none of that beats a good scare. The theater seat is painful enough. What we horror fans long for is a terrifying close call with what truly awaits us in the dark.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
'The Den' DVD Review
Illusion, perception, the minds eye, all are real and all highly influenced by manipulative forces. The visual medium has been used to lure us since our imaginations dawned. From shadow puppets to Polaroid's instant scratchy intrigue, the image and more importantly what lies in the darkness within yet just beyond the image has compelled us. Enter our world today filled with internet webcams, phone cameras, and all manners of surveillance, and what you find yourself living in is a jumbled mix of absolute reality and social media bullshit. Deciphering between the two can be a stressful endeavor that can spread the fragile mind just a little to thin. 'The Den' takes it one step further.
Grad student Elizabeth Benton (Melanie Papalia) has been given a grant to study the online social media site called The Den. Linking up with various types of people across the globe seems like a tame task, but one random connection turns our students world upside down. After witnessing a maybe murder her life and the lives of her closest friends and family are invaded and not their own.
'The Den' is a creepy cautionary tale that has some genuine scares but whose gimmick heavy storytelling can grow tiresome. It's what might happen if Hitchcock's classic 'Rear Window' exited out of boredom leaving 2007's pale yet enjoyable imitation 'Disturbia' to take over and then swirling it all together with a ribbon of 'Hostel' just for kicks. A lazy evening viewing is cool but nothing overwhelmingly special overall.
IFC Midnight has given us a very nice DVD package. The image and sound are quite decent. The special features include an interesting Behind the Scenes look at the production and its players, the trailer, and a commentary featuring writer/director Zachary Donohue and producers Dan Clifton and David Brooks. Mr Donohue in particular is very interesting to listen to and equally proud of his first feature film.
The internet and social media in general is a vast desert of who knows what is truly lurking out there. 'The Den' takes us on a journey that is filled with unanswered questions and a general reassurance that perhaps accepting every friend request may not be the best idea.
Grad student Elizabeth Benton (Melanie Papalia) has been given a grant to study the online social media site called The Den. Linking up with various types of people across the globe seems like a tame task, but one random connection turns our students world upside down. After witnessing a maybe murder her life and the lives of her closest friends and family are invaded and not their own.
'The Den' is a creepy cautionary tale that has some genuine scares but whose gimmick heavy storytelling can grow tiresome. It's what might happen if Hitchcock's classic 'Rear Window' exited out of boredom leaving 2007's pale yet enjoyable imitation 'Disturbia' to take over and then swirling it all together with a ribbon of 'Hostel' just for kicks. A lazy evening viewing is cool but nothing overwhelmingly special overall.
IFC Midnight has given us a very nice DVD package. The image and sound are quite decent. The special features include an interesting Behind the Scenes look at the production and its players, the trailer, and a commentary featuring writer/director Zachary Donohue and producers Dan Clifton and David Brooks. Mr Donohue in particular is very interesting to listen to and equally proud of his first feature film.
The internet and social media in general is a vast desert of who knows what is truly lurking out there. 'The Den' takes us on a journey that is filled with unanswered questions and a general reassurance that perhaps accepting every friend request may not be the best idea.
'Deadly Eyes' Blu-ray Review
Be it bats in the belfry, squirrels in the attic, or just plain ants in the sugar bowl, vermin by their very nature are a bloody nuisance. Sadly though, the inconvenience gets amped up by about a million when you add a little steroids to a rat infested grain silo, let them feast and mutate and then burn down their home down setting them free and headed toward your front door. This is the tail of 'Deadly Eyes' a 1982 Canadian horror flick that is pure grade B terror filled fun.
Paul Harris (Sam Groom) is a single high school teacher and father of little Timmy (Lee-Max Walton). He already has his hands full with over sexed coeds when our above mentioned rodents come a knocking. Health department inspector Elly Leonard (Sara Botsford) is trying desperately to undo what she has wrought, but one fumigated sewer system later and all hell brakes loose. Babies are pulled bloody from their high chairs, theater goers are made mush, and a subway grand reopening is crashed by our razor teethed riff raff hoard. Can anyone build a better mouse trap? Lets hope so because one Black Plague is more than any planet can handle.
Director Robert Clouse of 'Enter the Dragon' fame has given us a cheesy good time with this tale of nature gone a foul. With its casting of Scatman Crothers as a field inspector to its dogs in rat suit villains, this is "bad" movie making at its ever loving best. 'Deadly Eyes' has a little bit of sex, a whole lot of gore, and just the right amount of drive-in quality film nostalgia to make this a Friday night curl up on the couch favorite for all lovers of the cornball to enjoy.
Scream Factory has given us a wonderful package. You get a Blue-ray/DVD combo pack with lovely 1080p High-Definition Widescreen image to enjoy. The audio is good in its DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. The special features include new interviews with the films actors, writer, art director, and special effects artists.
In 2014 it sometimes seems next to impossible to keep the campy fires burning in the hearts of a nation born and bred in reality based mediocrity and over blown billion dollar blockbusters. There used to be a ridiculously fun middle ground of low budget goodness that didn't involve dreary, dull nerd serial killers tormenting waif like junior college high school bully victims. 'Deadly Eyes' is an example of such fun. So grab a carving knife and get a kick out of what the farmer's wife saw.
Paul Harris (Sam Groom) is a single high school teacher and father of little Timmy (Lee-Max Walton). He already has his hands full with over sexed coeds when our above mentioned rodents come a knocking. Health department inspector Elly Leonard (Sara Botsford) is trying desperately to undo what she has wrought, but one fumigated sewer system later and all hell brakes loose. Babies are pulled bloody from their high chairs, theater goers are made mush, and a subway grand reopening is crashed by our razor teethed riff raff hoard. Can anyone build a better mouse trap? Lets hope so because one Black Plague is more than any planet can handle.
Director Robert Clouse of 'Enter the Dragon' fame has given us a cheesy good time with this tale of nature gone a foul. With its casting of Scatman Crothers as a field inspector to its dogs in rat suit villains, this is "bad" movie making at its ever loving best. 'Deadly Eyes' has a little bit of sex, a whole lot of gore, and just the right amount of drive-in quality film nostalgia to make this a Friday night curl up on the couch favorite for all lovers of the cornball to enjoy.
Scream Factory has given us a wonderful package. You get a Blue-ray/DVD combo pack with lovely 1080p High-Definition Widescreen image to enjoy. The audio is good in its DTS-HD Master Audio Mono. The special features include new interviews with the films actors, writer, art director, and special effects artists.
In 2014 it sometimes seems next to impossible to keep the campy fires burning in the hearts of a nation born and bred in reality based mediocrity and over blown billion dollar blockbusters. There used to be a ridiculously fun middle ground of low budget goodness that didn't involve dreary, dull nerd serial killers tormenting waif like junior college high school bully victims. 'Deadly Eyes' is an example of such fun. So grab a carving knife and get a kick out of what the farmer's wife saw.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
'Lake Placid' Blu-ray Review
Nature gone a muck has always been the stuff of horror makings. Radio active insects, mutated houseplants, alien infected live stock, or the ever popular reptile tossed down the toilet bowl were Saturday matinee gold causing fun to be had by one and all. 1999's 'Lake Placid' is really no exception to this rule.
Sheriff Hank Keough (Brendan Gleeson) is a Twinkie eating good old boy Sheriff watching over a sleepy Maine town when all hell breaks loose. Reminiscent of 'Jaws' with its first victim torn asunder extremeness we are hooked from the beginning moments of this gory/funny little film. Finding the lake not safe for the locals the big city experts come a calling. Enter Fish and Game officer Jack Wells (Bill Pullman), paleontologist Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda), and professor Hector Cyr (Oliver Platt) and the search for who knows what begins. A few chomped body parts later, and a 30 plus foot crocodile becomes public enemy number one.
This really is a fun movie. Filled with enough cornball slapstick to take ones mind off life's stress filled reality while giving scare lovers a couple of tense moments to enjoy. Betty White is a hoot as crazy local Delores Bickerman who has more than a few skeletons in the closet. The cast works well off each other in a wink and a nod sort of way, and its enjoyable to take a look at this film some fifteen years removed from its theatrical debut.
Scream Factory has given us one beautiful image with its 1080p High-Definition widescreen. The Audio 5.1is also very good. For added enjoyment this Blu-ray package includes new interviews with director Steve Miner, actor Bill Pullman, and director of photography Daryn Okada. There are also new interviews with the special effects team, a vintage featurette, and the typical TV spots and trailers. The movie really does look quite nice with its underwater lake scenes and wooded campy goodness.
Writer David E. Kelly of Ally McBeal fame delivered a silly trip down horror host nostalgia lane that everyone can enjoy. If Moe, Larry, and Curly decided that their Three Stooges hearts longed for the great outdoors it would be on 'Lake Placid' that a hiking they would go. Now that's enough recommendation for anyone!
Sheriff Hank Keough (Brendan Gleeson) is a Twinkie eating good old boy Sheriff watching over a sleepy Maine town when all hell breaks loose. Reminiscent of 'Jaws' with its first victim torn asunder extremeness we are hooked from the beginning moments of this gory/funny little film. Finding the lake not safe for the locals the big city experts come a calling. Enter Fish and Game officer Jack Wells (Bill Pullman), paleontologist Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda), and professor Hector Cyr (Oliver Platt) and the search for who knows what begins. A few chomped body parts later, and a 30 plus foot crocodile becomes public enemy number one.
This really is a fun movie. Filled with enough cornball slapstick to take ones mind off life's stress filled reality while giving scare lovers a couple of tense moments to enjoy. Betty White is a hoot as crazy local Delores Bickerman who has more than a few skeletons in the closet. The cast works well off each other in a wink and a nod sort of way, and its enjoyable to take a look at this film some fifteen years removed from its theatrical debut.
Scream Factory has given us one beautiful image with its 1080p High-Definition widescreen. The Audio 5.1is also very good. For added enjoyment this Blu-ray package includes new interviews with director Steve Miner, actor Bill Pullman, and director of photography Daryn Okada. There are also new interviews with the special effects team, a vintage featurette, and the typical TV spots and trailers. The movie really does look quite nice with its underwater lake scenes and wooded campy goodness.
Writer David E. Kelly of Ally McBeal fame delivered a silly trip down horror host nostalgia lane that everyone can enjoy. If Moe, Larry, and Curly decided that their Three Stooges hearts longed for the great outdoors it would be on 'Lake Placid' that a hiking they would go. Now that's enough recommendation for anyone!
Monday, June 16, 2014
'Game of Thrones' It was the dragons made me cry
I came to 'Game of Thrones' late in the game. I read the hype. I bought the books. I began to read. Then I began to watch.
When I first began to read R.R. Martin's 'Game of Thrones' it hooked me and since I knew that HBO had always been faithful to most of their television productions, I decided to watch. Thanks to a knee injury that gave me countless hours of recovery time and the wonderful invention of HBO GO, I quickly caught up. It is superb. It was the end of my journeys viewing and the fourth season finale that gave me pause to pen my emotion.
Last night with the entrance of "The Children" the series passed into an even more mythic realm.
A place where Tolkin as well as King Arthur dwell. The army of the dead was a sight to my 52 year old fan girl eyes. Master Harryhausen would be proud. Bran and company have been lead to a rooted place of legend.
Arya Stark has her iron coin, Cersei Lannister her blind, incestuous glory, Jon Snow his bittersweet sense of duty, Stannis Baratheon an occult flamed path to his one true throne, and Tyrion Lannister his hardened heart justice afloat to who knows where. It is this and much much more that made the final act of this four season creation a heart skipping sight to behold. But as the title of this slight article states it was the sight of Daenerys Targaryen, heart broken, chaining her children in the darkness that touched me most. Yes the dragons made me cry.
When I first began to read R.R. Martin's 'Game of Thrones' it hooked me and since I knew that HBO had always been faithful to most of their television productions, I decided to watch. Thanks to a knee injury that gave me countless hours of recovery time and the wonderful invention of HBO GO, I quickly caught up. It is superb. It was the end of my journeys viewing and the fourth season finale that gave me pause to pen my emotion.
Last night with the entrance of "The Children" the series passed into an even more mythic realm.
A place where Tolkin as well as King Arthur dwell. The army of the dead was a sight to my 52 year old fan girl eyes. Master Harryhausen would be proud. Bran and company have been lead to a rooted place of legend.
Arya Stark has her iron coin, Cersei Lannister her blind, incestuous glory, Jon Snow his bittersweet sense of duty, Stannis Baratheon an occult flamed path to his one true throne, and Tyrion Lannister his hardened heart justice afloat to who knows where. It is this and much much more that made the final act of this four season creation a heart skipping sight to behold. But as the title of this slight article states it was the sight of Daenerys Targaryen, heart broken, chaining her children in the darkness that touched me most. Yes the dragons made me cry.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
'Bloody Birthday' DVD Review: A total eclipse of the heart
It's the Summer of 1970. An eclipse is doing its thing while three babies are a birthing. These wee ones enter the world the same as most any other, but that sun and moon thing seems to have warped their brain pans just a bit. You see these kids grow up bad. By the age of Ten their psychosis is a raging.
The whole town is at the mercy of little Curtis (Billy Jayne), Debbie (Elizabeth Hoy), and Steven's (Andy Freeman) whims. High School senior Joyce (Lori Lethin) is an astrology nerd but its her investigative reporter nature that get our kiddos to turn their homicidal tendencies towards her and her kid brother Timmy (K.C. Martel). One junkyard icebox trap and car chase later and it looks like our maniacal trio may be done for, but then again never underestimate the power of a twisted brain.
'Bloody Birthday' is a low on the curve grade B slasher flick from 1981. It plays a bit upon some far better horror predecessors like 1978's 'Halloween' specifically. Laying a similar small town neighborhood in trouble backdrop for its anemic madness. Director Ed Hunt does a decent job of peppering this simple tale with some odd choices in plot and casting. We get cameos from American Stage great Susan Strasberg as school teacher Miss Viola Davis and comedian Julie Brown as Debbie's sexed up stripteasing big sister. Overall this is a fun if vapid bit of 1980's cinematic nostalgia if nothing more.
Severin Films has brought us a lovely Blu-ray package with great image and sound, and featuring interesting if minimal bonus material - "Audio Interview with Director Ed Hunt Don't Eat The Cake!" "Interview With Star Lori Lethin" and "A Brief History Of Slasher Films Featurette". It streets on July 8th, 2014 and will probably interest many a cult film buff fitting nicely on their shelf somewhere between that worn out 'Evilspeak' doll and those sad dogeared "Galaxy of Terror" trading cards.
The whole town is at the mercy of little Curtis (Billy Jayne), Debbie (Elizabeth Hoy), and Steven's (Andy Freeman) whims. High School senior Joyce (Lori Lethin) is an astrology nerd but its her investigative reporter nature that get our kiddos to turn their homicidal tendencies towards her and her kid brother Timmy (K.C. Martel). One junkyard icebox trap and car chase later and it looks like our maniacal trio may be done for, but then again never underestimate the power of a twisted brain.
'Bloody Birthday' is a low on the curve grade B slasher flick from 1981. It plays a bit upon some far better horror predecessors like 1978's 'Halloween' specifically. Laying a similar small town neighborhood in trouble backdrop for its anemic madness. Director Ed Hunt does a decent job of peppering this simple tale with some odd choices in plot and casting. We get cameos from American Stage great Susan Strasberg as school teacher Miss Viola Davis and comedian Julie Brown as Debbie's sexed up stripteasing big sister. Overall this is a fun if vapid bit of 1980's cinematic nostalgia if nothing more.
Severin Films has brought us a lovely Blu-ray package with great image and sound, and featuring interesting if minimal bonus material - "Audio Interview with Director Ed Hunt Don't Eat The Cake!" "Interview With Star Lori Lethin" and "A Brief History Of Slasher Films Featurette". It streets on July 8th, 2014 and will probably interest many a cult film buff fitting nicely on their shelf somewhere between that worn out 'Evilspeak' doll and those sad dogeared "Galaxy of Terror" trading cards.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
It Must Be A Horror Thing
From the time I was a little tyke I loved the bizarre. Darkness scared me because of what I imagined could lurk in it, yet the very thing that I feared compelled me to no end. I craved the strange.
I had a set of Time-Life books circa 1968 that dealt with the mind, matter, health and disease, the cell, and all manner of science. They were filled with images of the human body and its inner workings. They contained artist rendering that both attracted and repelled. I loved those books and poured over them for years being fascinated by there combination of beauty with the grotesque.
Cartoonists like Charles Addams of "The Addams Family" fame terrified me. His drawings were hypnotic. I found myself examining there intricate Grand Guignol leanings for hours on end. In the same vein I found the humorously exaggerated animation of Terry Gilliam both frightening and funny. His contributions to the Monty Python legend were strangely unsettling indeed.
I suppose I found the creepy everywhere in my youth. The public library held untold visions of thrilling terror not only within the likely pages of Poe or Wells, but also in the tales of simple children's literature. "The Runaway Pancake" would eventually be devoured and "The Gingerbread Man" always left this Earth a quarter at a time.
The intriguing darkness only grew when EC Comics entered the picture. "Tales from the Crypt", "The Haunt of Fear", and "The Vault of Horror" cast no veil over the blood and gore they wielded. Add to these fantasy funny book nightmares my access to my Grandfather's Boxing magazines and my minds eye was fright-mare bound.
Television and the movies fed the horror beast in me. It was the sixties and seventies after all. Every local hometown TV station had there own horror host and every drive-in blazed dusk to dawn terror into the star covered night.
So, yes I love the bizarre, the grotesque, the things that go bump in the night. I soon hope to examine the choicest bits from my warped memory so that all of you can get my 52 years honed perspective on horror. Just one little girls daydreams of blood.
I had a set of Time-Life books circa 1968 that dealt with the mind, matter, health and disease, the cell, and all manner of science. They were filled with images of the human body and its inner workings. They contained artist rendering that both attracted and repelled. I loved those books and poured over them for years being fascinated by there combination of beauty with the grotesque.
Cartoonists like Charles Addams of "The Addams Family" fame terrified me. His drawings were hypnotic. I found myself examining there intricate Grand Guignol leanings for hours on end. In the same vein I found the humorously exaggerated animation of Terry Gilliam both frightening and funny. His contributions to the Monty Python legend were strangely unsettling indeed.
I suppose I found the creepy everywhere in my youth. The public library held untold visions of thrilling terror not only within the likely pages of Poe or Wells, but also in the tales of simple children's literature. "The Runaway Pancake" would eventually be devoured and "The Gingerbread Man" always left this Earth a quarter at a time.
The intriguing darkness only grew when EC Comics entered the picture. "Tales from the Crypt", "The Haunt of Fear", and "The Vault of Horror" cast no veil over the blood and gore they wielded. Add to these fantasy funny book nightmares my access to my Grandfather's Boxing magazines and my minds eye was fright-mare bound.
Television and the movies fed the horror beast in me. It was the sixties and seventies after all. Every local hometown TV station had there own horror host and every drive-in blazed dusk to dawn terror into the star covered night.
So, yes I love the bizarre, the grotesque, the things that go bump in the night. I soon hope to examine the choicest bits from my warped memory so that all of you can get my 52 years honed perspective on horror. Just one little girls daydreams of blood.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
It's Always Friday The 13th In A Voorhees' Universe
It was 1980 when Paramount Pictures graced us with the story of the boy. The boy Jason. Mama Voorhees was actually at the reins at the beginning of all the mayhem, but by now the legacy lies clearly with the boy. There has been much written about this sad saga of slightly disabled child carelessly forgotten by summer camp counselors
ultimately leading to death by drowning. Poor Jason, life cut short by
hormonally driven callous teens who should have known better. Mother
will weave a vengeful trail in our boy's name, but it is the never dead Master V. who cuts the ultimate victims revenge after Mommy looses her head literally. Machete in hand the legacy continues.
So let's address the mythology just a little.
After little Jason drowns he survives, roams aimlessly throughout the Crystal lake grounds waiting and watching his grief crazed Mom hack horny, stoned, morons to pieces. Now Mother isn't satisfied with the original blood but has to target anyone who dares to promiscuously darken her woods. Death comes to nearly all, but in the end the camp hands emerge victorious decapitating Mama and saving what's left of the day.
The camp grounds remain dormant as Jason, burlap sack over deformed mug and aforementioned decapitated head in hand, deepens in his lust and lunacy while all the time policing Crystal Lake for young adult fodder for his revenge. Ain't life grand.
Enter another bunch of hopeful entrepreneurs toking, drinking, and screwing their hearts out and before you can scream duck and cover, our boy J.V. is severing arteries. This continues through 10 sequels and one remake until the reanimated corpse of the reanimated corpse is literally holding on by one sinewy thread.
The monster-man Jason matches wits with a psychic beauty, a pack of mental delinquents, The Big Apple, a monster loving wiz kid, outer-space, 3d mayhem, and elm streets dream warrior himself Freddy Krueger. He has pierced, flayed, torn, impaled, stabbed, boiled, broiled, and even corkscrewed what seems like and endless number of simpletons who just can't remember to stay out of his forest. The man with the mask, hockey mask that is does not come out unscathed from these battles. Jason has been more than a little nicked in his lust for revenge. He, like his victims, has been blown apart and put back together again like some charmed, rejuvenating messiah. He takes a licking put keeps on hacking away.
So as the title says - It's always Friday the 13th in a Voorhees' universe. It's got a death curse. Crystal Lake local Crazy Ralph always knew it and shouted it loud. "We're all doomed"!
So let's address the mythology just a little.
After little Jason drowns he survives, roams aimlessly throughout the Crystal lake grounds waiting and watching his grief crazed Mom hack horny, stoned, morons to pieces. Now Mother isn't satisfied with the original blood but has to target anyone who dares to promiscuously darken her woods. Death comes to nearly all, but in the end the camp hands emerge victorious decapitating Mama and saving what's left of the day.
The camp grounds remain dormant as Jason, burlap sack over deformed mug and aforementioned decapitated head in hand, deepens in his lust and lunacy while all the time policing Crystal Lake for young adult fodder for his revenge. Ain't life grand.
Enter another bunch of hopeful entrepreneurs toking, drinking, and screwing their hearts out and before you can scream duck and cover, our boy J.V. is severing arteries. This continues through 10 sequels and one remake until the reanimated corpse of the reanimated corpse is literally holding on by one sinewy thread.
The monster-man Jason matches wits with a psychic beauty, a pack of mental delinquents, The Big Apple, a monster loving wiz kid, outer-space, 3d mayhem, and elm streets dream warrior himself Freddy Krueger. He has pierced, flayed, torn, impaled, stabbed, boiled, broiled, and even corkscrewed what seems like and endless number of simpletons who just can't remember to stay out of his forest. The man with the mask, hockey mask that is does not come out unscathed from these battles. Jason has been more than a little nicked in his lust for revenge. He, like his victims, has been blown apart and put back together again like some charmed, rejuvenating messiah. He takes a licking put keeps on hacking away.
So as the title says - It's always Friday the 13th in a Voorhees' universe. It's got a death curse. Crystal Lake local Crazy Ralph always knew it and shouted it loud. "We're all doomed"!
Of Blind Mice and Gingerbread Men
Around the globe all children's hearts turn on a tale. Some sweet and some not, but all a hypnotizing journey. From Grimm works to nursery rhymes our imagination boggles as pleasant calm turns to dread. Anyway you slice it horror has firm roots within the folkloric.
With Disney giving us yet another tale of evil at the box office, the scares are ripe on this Summer's wind. 'Maleficent' is just the latest in the long line of cinematic stories that owe there wickedness to fantasy tomes of old. In truth the house of mouse literally cut it's teeth on fear.
Tales of escaping doom are common place in Walt's borrowed yarns. Take our little friend Red Riding Hood produced by Laugh-O-Gram Studio. The tragic childhood our girl must have faced with a grandmother eaten by a wolf and the prospect of the same fate in store for her. A straitjacket would a awaited most of us if we had survived. The Three Little Pigs, from the Silly Symphony series, lived lives equally terrorized and spent building shelters that per capita guaranteed their devoured fate. And what of Jack and his Giant grinding bones to make his bread, again done for Disney by Laugh-O-Gram.
In later years we get Snow White vs her Evil Queen, Pinocchio and his Monstrous Whale, and Peter Pan longing to keep his youth while being chased by a hooked Captain and his trusty Mr. Smee. When a crocodile is your savior how frightening must your existence be?
As the above title reminds us even the 1805 English Nursery Rhyme bares true the heinous truth:
With Disney giving us yet another tale of evil at the box office, the scares are ripe on this Summer's wind. 'Maleficent' is just the latest in the long line of cinematic stories that owe there wickedness to fantasy tomes of old. In truth the house of mouse literally cut it's teeth on fear.
Tales of escaping doom are common place in Walt's borrowed yarns. Take our little friend Red Riding Hood produced by Laugh-O-Gram Studio. The tragic childhood our girl must have faced with a grandmother eaten by a wolf and the prospect of the same fate in store for her. A straitjacket would a awaited most of us if we had survived. The Three Little Pigs, from the Silly Symphony series, lived lives equally terrorized and spent building shelters that per capita guaranteed their devoured fate. And what of Jack and his Giant grinding bones to make his bread, again done for Disney by Laugh-O-Gram.
In later years we get Snow White vs her Evil Queen, Pinocchio and his Monstrous Whale, and Peter Pan longing to keep his youth while being chased by a hooked Captain and his trusty Mr. Smee. When a crocodile is your savior how frightening must your existence be?
As the above title reminds us even the 1805 English Nursery Rhyme bares true the heinous truth:
- Three blind mice. Three blind mice.
- See how they run. See how they run.
- They all ran after the farmer's wife,
- Who cut off their tails with a carving knife,
- Did you ever see such a sight in your life,
- As three blind mice?
Friday, February 28, 2014
The Begining Darkness
Horror is a visceral thing. You first glimpse it from the corner of your eye, in the shadowed darkness from a cozy beds slumber. Imagination breeds terror and nightmares are born. The dark recesses of your closet will never be the same and light no matter how small becomes salvation. It is from these early, basic beginnings that our leanings toward fear are firmly rooted, growing ever more toward curiosity or repulsion.
Literature is the next open window to fear. Fairy tales open a perverse door and the likes of Poe, Bierce, Lovecraft, and King all push the minds eye even further into free forming thoughts of the macabre. So at a very early age one can become quite bewitched by horror. Even cartoonists like Charles Addams or Terry Gilliam can give the child fodder for one hellasious dark dream.
Then enter cinema. It is the ultimate medium for the darkness of the mind. Since most of us sadly do not have the availability of the Grand Guignol stage, it is the small and big screen that will get our blood pumping. The horror hosts on nostalgic Saturday afternoons, the convenience of video rentals, turned our living room into an instant fright factory with just the push of a button. Lights dimmed and curtains drawn. It is there that we discovered the obscure nastiness of 'The Stranglers of Bombay', the pure frightening terror of 'The Fiend Without a Face', and the lovely dark cheesiness of 'Teenagers from Outer Space'. We learned about space travel, communism, and the fate of unrequited love in those first moments of watching horror in the dark. Not to mention all the classics of fear prose come to life ala Dracula, Frankenstein, and even a Grimm tale or too.
At the cinema we found even more lovely shivers. Buy a ticket and walk from the brightness of day into the mysterious darkness of stale atmosphere all just a bike ride away from home. Within this top row dwelling obscurity you find evil entities, blood and guts, and distorted visions of reality. It's no wonder that 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' villain Fred Kruger scares us so. Our dreams are born in that theater darkness and come alive each night back in that cozy bed where it all began.
Literature is the next open window to fear. Fairy tales open a perverse door and the likes of Poe, Bierce, Lovecraft, and King all push the minds eye even further into free forming thoughts of the macabre. So at a very early age one can become quite bewitched by horror. Even cartoonists like Charles Addams or Terry Gilliam can give the child fodder for one hellasious dark dream.
Then enter cinema. It is the ultimate medium for the darkness of the mind. Since most of us sadly do not have the availability of the Grand Guignol stage, it is the small and big screen that will get our blood pumping. The horror hosts on nostalgic Saturday afternoons, the convenience of video rentals, turned our living room into an instant fright factory with just the push of a button. Lights dimmed and curtains drawn. It is there that we discovered the obscure nastiness of 'The Stranglers of Bombay', the pure frightening terror of 'The Fiend Without a Face', and the lovely dark cheesiness of 'Teenagers from Outer Space'. We learned about space travel, communism, and the fate of unrequited love in those first moments of watching horror in the dark. Not to mention all the classics of fear prose come to life ala Dracula, Frankenstein, and even a Grimm tale or too.
At the cinema we found even more lovely shivers. Buy a ticket and walk from the brightness of day into the mysterious darkness of stale atmosphere all just a bike ride away from home. Within this top row dwelling obscurity you find evil entities, blood and guts, and distorted visions of reality. It's no wonder that 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' villain Fred Kruger scares us so. Our dreams are born in that theater darkness and come alive each night back in that cozy bed where it all began.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Where, What, When, How?
This is a blog about starting a life at the age of 51plus nine months years. Loosely translated into - where the fuck has my life gone and who the hell was I kidding! Basically I find my self at the bitter end of one hell of a self indulgent journey and I don't want to go up in flames but rather want to find a path to self sufficiency through the one thing I have barley ever had - gainful employment.
Wish me well you people of the internet ephemera. God knows I need it!
Wish me well you people of the internet ephemera. God knows I need it!
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