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Thursday, March 26, 2009

Zombies and other camp...

Rob Zombie... The only Zombie I'm really a fan of...

My Netflix buddy Jonathan from Chicago left these questions and comments on my post dealing with my aversion to Zombie movies. I was thinking about answering the questions on the original post, but thought it would be better to just do another post. When it comes to so many of the zombie movies of the past and present, they are trying to be pure horror and are not intended to be funny. The problem I have with zombie movies and other horror movies is the unintentional humor. Don't get me wrong, there is a place for well acted and well placed comic relief in most horror movies (can you imagine The Shining without the Jack Nicholson scene looking through the bathroom door and saying, "Here's Johnny!). What I hate is horror movies that try to be funny and scary at the same time. There is a genre in horror called "Dark" comedy that is presented as a comedy with sometimes outrageous gore. I had for many years avoided these type of movies because I felt they were an insult to true horror films and fans. However, after watching several, Otis, The Cottage, and Severance, I think they have their place. Would I take them over a well done horror film... no, but they are "fun" once in a while.

Now to Jonathan's questions... Shaun of the Dead was pretty good. I haven't seen Fido, but I have thought about watching it. I have seen the Fido trailer and thought "zombie" pets was an interesting twist. Shaun of the Dead had appeal in the Dark Comedy Genre because it was well written and the lead actor is really a funny British actor. Simon Pegg also starred in Hot Fuzz which looks like a very funny British comedy. I also saw that Pegg will be playing Scotty in the remake of Star Trek. I sometimes think British humor is an acquired taste and if you can stomach it, it is worth watching in my book. So all in all, I really don't have a problem with "dark" comedy...

As far as 28 Weeks Later goes, I liked it, but not as much as 28 Days Later. Not a lot to say about this one because it just didn't stand out to me. I think it didn't help putting the follow-up out because the first one was so much better.

I have stated MANY times that I hate MOST "B" horror and campy style horror movies. The simple answer is that I want to be scared when I watch horror. That's what drives me is the fear factor of a movie. As long as there is a ton of tension and fear in a movie, I don't have to have a lot of gore. To me, gore is like gravy to mashed potatoes... it's not the main part, but the satisfying topping. Land of the Dead was an interesting movie to me because it brought us "intelligent" zombies. Not the slow moving stupid zombies, but zombies that could think and take directions from their "leader". It was cheesy, but I appreciated Romero for taking the genre to a different level. It was not a bad movie in my mind. One thing I do is TRY to judge a movie by itself and on its entertainment value. This one I liked. 1985 - Reanimator, and Army of Darkness (and all that followed it) are examples of old school campy, cheesy horror that has no appeal to me. I've only seen the first Resident Evil... although I didn't have a problem with it... I didn't feel the need to see the others. I thought it was a pretty good, entertaining movie. Movies like Zombie Strippers are stupid and their only purpose is to bring more T&A to zombie movies. "Zombie" style movies that are well made and very entertaining were Outpost, Pet Sematary, and Quarantine (not REALLY a zombie movie, but has the feel of one). I hope I have answered your questions Jonathan... I did my best!

Questions and comments from Jonathan...
Frank could you give recent and older examples of zombies that you find to be campy and silly? I maybe a bit of a "snob" that only watches the better ones out there, but I'll try to chip in a thought or two. The only zombie that I find campy and silly recently was Romero's "Land of the Dead". It was too unnecessarily cheesy. Legiuzamo and Hopper doing their shticks made it even worse. Due to that, I still have to see his "Diary of the Dead" (eventually!).

Along with the two you mentioned, I'd add 28 Weeks Later. I might be one of the 20 people who saw it on the big screen that liked that one.

It might just be your taste in horror. I don't like B horror for the most part, but I thought that the B zombie comedies like "Fido" and "Shaun of the Dead" were very respectful to the genre. This might lead you take me off your NF buddy list, but I'll state it anyway, even the much vilified "Resident Evil" trilogy show a good balance of mass entertainment and respecting both the videogame and zombie sub genre.

What'd you think of "Fido" or "Shaun of the Dead"?

It makes me sad that among the ones I mentioned, it is from the original innovator that I found too campy. I'm burning in zombie hell for that. ;);)


How could I not like this movie??? It has Doug Bradley (Pinhead) in it!


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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The Haunting of Molly Hartley...

This is one of those movies where the trailer looks absolutely awesome, but the movie really isn't. It starts off with a look back to a girl who seems to have been "haunted" about 12 years earlier. It ends badly for her. We are then brought up to the present and are introduced to Molly Hartley. She is starting over with her dad in a new town and school because of a tragic event where her mom tried to kill her. Her mom is now in an institution, but Molly continues to have visions and dreams of the attack. This movie is filled with tension and because it is PG-13, there is really very little in the way of violence. The movie does hold your attention and for the most part all your questions, as well as Molly's are answered. The problem is the ending. It truly is one of the lamest, unsatisfying endings I have seen. It almost felt like the director didn't really know how to end it. It was anti-climatic... which is a killer in a "horror" movie. I just didn't care for it. So check out the trailer if you want, but I would avoid the movie.

The Haunting of Molly Hartley
(2008) PG-13
Troubled by her mother's recent psychotic break, Molly (Haley Bennett) hopes to start fresh at a new school. She befriends fellow senior Joseph (Chace Crawford) and is happy to be a regular kid again. But the horrifying truth about her mother is destined to catch up with her. When Molly turns 18, she'll be held accountable for a supernatural bargain made long ago, one that she cannot escape. Jake Weber co-stars in this sinister yarn.




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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Twilight...

Molli (step-daughter)went to Borders at midnight this past Friday with a few of her friends to buy a copy of this movie. She read the first book and loved it, so she wanted to see the movie. So Saturday night after I got home from work, Elise, Tina, Molli, Chelsey (friend of Molii's), and I watched Twilight... it felt like "girls-night-out"! As I have said so many times before, I'm a traditionalist when it comes to my vampires. I had heard that in Twilight that these vampires were able to be out in daylight... albeit, not direct sunlight because it lets us humans see them for what they really are. Interesting twist, I guess.

I'm sitting there watching the movie and I realized that I am being sucked in to the whole Twilight phenomenon... I was stunned! I could not believe that I had succumbed to its power. I have to admit that the character of Edward Cullen was the most intriguing character in the movie to me. He reminded me so much of Barnabas Collins from Dark Shadows fame. It is no secret that I love the show Dark Shadows and that Barnabas is my favorite vampire. I love the whole reluctant vampire theme. It is almost like a "good guy/bad guy" theme where the character is basically an evil person but tries to do good. I felt that Edward was that type of character. He wanted Bella, but he was afraid he couldn't control his desire for her blood. The Cullen clan did not feed on humans, they got their blood from animals. There is a fair amount of tension in the movie and because it is PG-13 there is very little violence shown. All in all, it was a very good movie... I look forward to the follow-up.
Twilight

(2008) PG-13
Based on Stephenie Meyer's best-selling novel, Twilight follows the saga of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart), who moves to a small town to live with her father. At school, she meets Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), a mysterious classmate who reveals himself to be a 108-year-old vampire. Despite his cautions, Bella falls in love with Edward, which endangers her life when a coven of bloodsuckers arrives to challenge Edward and his family.


Director:
Catherine Hardwicke

Cast:
Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson
Michael Welch, Justin Chon
Peter Facinelli, Kellan Lutz
Christian Serratos, Elizabeth Reaser
Nikki Reed, Ashley Greene




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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Quarantine 2008...

This movie starts off a little slow, but once they get to the apartment building, it really picks up speed. Elise got this movie from Netflix before I did... I still had "Long Wait" on it and didn't want to wait to see it. So Elise brought it over Sunday night and Elise, Tina and I watched a very well made horror/thriller. This is one of the shaky film movies like Blair Witch and Cloverfield, so if you get dizzy watching this type of film you will not want to see it. I do have some problems watching these type of movies, but I was able to watch it without too much of a problem. This is NOT a zombie as it seemed to appear to be on the trailer. I hate most zombie movies and was thrilled that the "problem" in this movie is more diseased related. There is a very solid storyline to this film and it was developed very well on screen. I liked the writing and direction the movie took. The beginning introduces us to several firemen and a female reporter who is spending the night with the fire department to cover all their calls. This part of the movie was a little too long in developing and could have been shorter. However, once they reach the apartment building, all hell breaks loose and you have a very fast paced thriller with a ton of tension. The characters with the "disease" are creepy and have a hunger for human flesh. Visually dark and at times completely dark. This is a very good movie that I highly recommend. Check out the trailer and see this film.

While on assignment, an L.A. news reporter (Jennifer Carpenter) and her cameraman (Steve Harris) find themselves trapped in a quarantined apartment complex along with a vicious unknown killer. With all forms of communications cut, the news crew keeps the cameras rolling as they search for a way out. The building is locked down, a killer is on the loose, and panic sets in as those trapped inside make a desperate attempt to escape with their lives.



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Sunday, March 15, 2009

TFAV Update...

Count Dracula... Bela Lugosi...
Two of my very favorite vampires of all time. Both are unique characters and both are original in their roles in TV and movie history. Count Dracula and Barnabas Collins are classic vampires in every way. Breaking new ground in their respective eras. I can only hope that my vampire will be spoken of as highly in years to come. As I have stated before, my book is complete and I have signed a 6 month contract with an agent and only time will tell if my dream comes true. I had a critique of my book done by an outside company and it was very positive. I have some technical issues to deal with as well as some verbiage issues to fix. I'm on vacation the week of March 22 and plan to get my book up to speed so that it will be ready to present to publishers.

Five years ago, I began this journey and really never thought I would finally be where I am with it. I'm excited and somewhat scared at the same time. To have someone else in control of my book and destiny is very unnerving. However, I don't have a choice because I don't know anything about getting a book published. Professor D., said I should get an agent and let them deal with the publishers and that would be my best option. So that is what I did. I'm so thankful that Professor D., has been right with me from the beginning. He took an interest in my idea for the book and has helped me for the past five years. He is a very generous and thoughtful person, who I have the utmost respect for. I want him to help me with all the books I've got in my head... I want him to be a part of my vampires life. The second book is completed in a rough draft form and the third book has a few chapters to it. So maybe someday I will see them all in print!

Barnabas Collins...


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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Dorothy Mills (2008)

I have to say that this was a very interesting movie to me. I enjoyed the movies ability to entertain as well as keep me guessing. This film is more a thinking man's "horror/thriller." The acting is superb, especially the young girl who plays Dorothy. Is it demonic possession or multiple personalities? The answer is watch the movie... it may not be either. Check out the trailer below... excuse the french subtitle. Also my Netflix review is below. This is a very well made entertaining movie that I can highly recommend.

Netflix Review...
This was a very well made movie with quality acting by all. The description of the movie does not tell the whole story. There is much more to the story line that is very interesting. There's a lot of tension and a few bloody scenes, mainly dead sheep. Dorothy is a "gifted" young girl who many believe is under demonic control. A doctor comes to comes to her home after a disturbing incident Dorothy has while babysitting. The doctor believes Dorothy has multiple personalities. This is when the story really takes shape and draws you in. What is really Dorothy's gift??? You will have to watch the movie to find out. Very entertaining story and well worth a watch. 3.5 stars. 3/10/09

Starring: Carice Van Houten, Jenn Murray, David Wilmot, Ger Ryan, David Ganly, Gary Lewis, Gavin O'Connor Directors: Agnes Merlet

Shortly after the tragic death of her husband and young son, psychiatrist Jane Morton (Carice van Houten) is summoned to a small island to look into the case surrounding Dorothy Mills (Jenn Murray), a teenage girl accused of strangling a small child. After surmising that Dorothy is suffering from multiple personality disorder, Jane is forced to square off against the community pastor (Gary Lewis), who's convinced that Dorothy is possessed.



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Monday, March 9, 2009

Hellraiser Update...

I found this story on a website when I was putting a story on Movieblips. In a way, I'm warming up to this "remake" idea after reading this article. As long as Doug Bradley plays Pinhead, I am willing to give this thing a chance. The article gives me hope that it maybe similar to the Zombie version of Halloween... one can only hope. Check out the article and view the website for much more movie updates...


Website where I found this article...

'Hellraiser' Remake Being Remade as Reboot
Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 10:28PM
I'm not entirely sure what difference this is going to make, but we're hearing that the new Hellraiser movie won't be a remake of the first film so much as it will be a reboot of the series, perhaps in the same way Friday the 13th handled Jason Voorhees last month. I say I'm not sure what difference it makes not because I'm not interested, but rather because it's like wearing a suit twice but "rebooting" it by changing your cuff links.

Dark Horizons got a hold of a French interview with director Pascal Laugier in which he says that the new film will cull from Clive Barker's original film and Barker's The Hellbound Heart novella, which contains the Frank and Julia characters, our launching pad into the universe of Pinhead. Because it's still using the first film as a source, perhaps calling it a reboot isn't exactly right, either. It's more like a Remake Plus. It's like Hellraiser Max - the same great taste, but loaded with guarana.

Of all the franchise starters in horror, I've always felt that Hellraiser had the most potential. I'm not sure why it wasn't as extreme as it could have and should have been 20-odd years ago, but that would've made a difference. So maybe Laugier will go full-tilt here and we'll finally get a Hellraiser that's worthy of the story and villain.

There's no word on when it will be released, but you've got to think we're a couple years away or less.


Copy this link to view the website...
http://www.getthebigpicture.net/blog/2009/3/8/hellraiser-remake-being-remade-as-reboot.html

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Sunday, March 8, 2009

Mirrors...

It has been a hectic past week and therefore, not a lot of blog activity... sorry about that! A few nights ago, Tina and I watched Mirrors. I had been wanting to see this movie for quite some time and really had high expectations for it. For one time, Kiefer Sutherland played the lead and he is one intense actor. He really brings so much to a movie with his commitment to the character. I had a "long wait" for this movie on my Netflix Q and decided to get it from The Red Box at out local Hannaford Supermarket. The movie starts off with a former security guard who is the night watchman at an abandoned burned out, huge department store in New York City. He's running in fear trying to "escape" the building, but the mirrors (which are many) won't allow it. This movie is intense, somewhat graphic, and very creepy. We watched the unrated version on the DVD instead of the theatrical version. Usually there is more content in the unrated version and it tends to be more graphic. Sutherland plays an ex-cop who is separated from his wife because of issues dealing with him taking the life of someone when he was a cop. He's unable to deal with that and therefore hits the bottle. He's basically kicked off the police force and ends up as the overnight security guard at the before mentioned burned out department store. Strange visions or reflections began to appear to him in the many mirrors in the store. This happens early and begins an intense search for Sutherland to find out what it all means. As I said before, Sutherland is awesome in this movie. He is one of the finest American actors today. His intensity through his career is well documented and he is almost a master of his craft. He is one of my favorite actors. In so many of his movies he plays a bad guy, but in this one we really pull for him to find the truth. This is a great horror movie for it's acting, storyline, direction, and editing. You really need to see it! Check out the trailer below!

This creepy supernatural thriller from director Alexandre Aja stars Kiefer Sutherland as troubled security guard Ben Carson, who discovers malevolent spirits living within the mirrors of a fire-ravaged department store. When their murderous nature comes to light, Ben turns to his estranged wife (Paula Patton) to help him save their family -- and himself. The supporting cast includes Amy Smart and Jason Flemyng.


Cast:
Kiefer Sutherland as Ben Carson
Paula Patton as Amy Carson
Cameron Boyce as Michael Carson
Erica Gluck as Daisy Carson
Amy Smart as Angela Carson
Mary Beth Peil as Anna Esseker
John Shrapnel as Lorenzo Sapelli
Jason Flemyng as Larry Byrne
Tim Ahern as Dr. Morris
Christine Thompson as the Mirror




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Monday, March 2, 2009

Salem Witch Trials 1692...

Yesterday a blog I follow Dark Destinations did a post on the beginnings of the Salem Witch Trials. I read the post and thought it was very well done and an interesting twist about the irony of the city of Salem. I have never been to Salem, but I really want to go there and see everything surrounding the Witch Trials. Tina and I are really thinking about going to Salem next Halloween. This past Halloween we went to Nightmare New England (URL is below) with several friends. It was a blast as you can read in my 11/2/08 post. This year we have talked about going to several haunted houses with several of our friends and I'm hoping we can go to Salem, Ma on Halloween. It is supposed to be crazy there then and I really want to see the Witch Trials museum. About 5 years ago I began a serious study on the Witch Trials because I began to write my vampire book. Without divulging too much, the Witch Trials play a major role in the second book that is nearly complete in a rough draft form. My first book is done and I've signed a contract with an agency to help me get my book published. Hopefully, I will see this happen this year. It has been a long 5 year journey for me, but I have loved each and every step. At times, it has been difficult, but it has been a great learning experience. I know I have a very vivid imagination, but I've learned that there is a lot more to writing a book than just an interesting story.

http://darkdestinations.blogspot.com/
You should check out Tom's blog and read the story concerning the Witch Trials. Yesterday, 3/1/1692 began with the interrogation of Sarah Osborne, Sarah Good and the slave Tituba, by Judge Hawthorne and Judge Corwin. It's a fascinating piece of history and for whatever reason or reasons the fiasco began, Salem has found a way to embrace this tragedy and not hide from it. Tom does a good job of sharing this history... check it out!

http://www.nightmarenewengland.com/images/gallery/album0.html

My 11/2/08 post deals with our trip to a great haunted house theme park. Great place for some really cool scares and it is well worth the money to spend several hours of fun haunts. Check out the website and if you are in New Hampshire next Halloween, then check it out!

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