TFAV...1630...Pure Horror!

2012-01-18T21:12:00.004-05:00

Dark Shadows…

I remember as a child back in the late 60’s running home from school so that I could get there in time to watch Dark Shadows. My fascination with vampires started a few years before after watching the 1931 Dracula with Bela Lugosi. In Dark Shadows,
Jonathan Frid played Barnabas Collins. The Canadian born actor was planning to move to California when he got the call that he had won the role of Barnabas. He only accepted the role because he believed it to be short term and it would give him the extra money he needed to move. His desire was to be an acting teacher. The fans of Dark Shadows had other plans for him. Dark Shadows had been on for almost a year before the introduction of Barnabas. It was close to being canceled because of low ratings, but the introduction of Barnabas changed everything. Dan Curtis, the creator of Dark Shadows, had a vision to have something on TV that had never been seen before in the infancy of daytime television. Dark Shadows was a gothic twist of vampires, werewolves, witches, time travel, and parallel universes. Thanks to Netflix, I have been able to watch over 120 hours of the show. The Netflix collection begins with the introduction of Barnabas and goes through to the end of the series. It was a horror lover’s dream show.

So you can imagine my surprise and pleasure to hear that Johnny Depp was interested in bringing the old TV show to the big screen. Johnny Depp is a very eclectic actor. The roles he prefers are unusual and often interesting. To hear that he and Tim Burton were fans of the original show gave me hope that they would respect the concept of the original Dark Shadows. From everything I have read they are keeping in close touch with the style and feel of the original. The actors involved are top-notch… Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, and Jonny Lee Miller to name a few. I also read that original cast members Jonathan Frid, David Shelby, and Lara Parker are making cameos. An interesting side line is that Alice Cooper is also making an appearance as himself… how he’s going to play into the storyline is anyone’s guess. For more information, check out this link:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1077368/ . The movie will hit the big screen in May 11th, 2012.

If you are a fan of vampires, you will benefit greatly from watching the old Dark Shadows series. Truly, Barnabas was what I envision a “true” vampire to be. So many vampire movies over the past 30 years have gotten away from the traditional vampire because they must have thought the concept needed to be spiced up a bit. While I have liked a lot of those movies, the traditional vampire will always be the best to me. A vampire needs to have the sense of dread in his demeanor. Think about the very real effects of immortality. Everyone you have ever cared about or loved, your family, your friends will all die. Yes, you have the power and supernatural abilities, but you also dwell in the depths of loneliness. I think that is the attraction to me… it is a catch 22 in every aspect. The highs and lows of immortality are lived to the extreme by traditional vampires. The anger and hate they feel for their condition is only equaled by their love of the strength and power. Vampires are the most interesting horror character in my opinion. I have spent the last 6 years writing a vampire novel with a historical twist. If you’re interested, check out this link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=jonathan+hale%3A+the+first+american+vampire&x=0&y=0 . Jonathan dreams of starting a new life in the New World across the Atlantic. On board the Arabella, Jonathan sets sail from England in 1630 to begin his new life, only to succumb to sickness and die. Jonathan is buried on the shores of Salem. Awakening that evening, trapped in a grave, Jonathan breaks http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giffreehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif of his tomb and claws his way to the surface. Thus begins a dark and deadly journey through the streets of Salem that brings deadly consequences to the town’s residents. Jonathan touches the lives of many and influences our early American history. Check out Jonathan Hale: The First American Vampire.

Frank Godbey

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Horrorshow Radio: Links

2012-01-11T14:40:00.000-05:00

Horrorshow Radio: Links: Horrorshow Radio Official Facebook Horror Show Radio Podcast The Monster Channel Monster Madhouse Oh So Creature Feature Music Rev. Tom Fros...

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Stag Night (2008)

2011-02-24T13:27:00.003-05:00

I really had high hopes for this movie. The trailer was very interesting. I almost thought it was going to be something like Midnight Meat Train. However, it was NOT Midnight Meat Train. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all bad... it just wasn't as good as I had hoped it would be. There were two major problems with this movie. For one, it was way too dark. I realize it is filmed underground in a subway, but it was almost to dark to see at times. Second, during all the kill/fight scenes, they used the shaky camera technique. This made it very difficult to see what was really happening. The scenes were brutal, but you could really tell what was going on. The acting and the storyline were fine, but the photography direction sucked. I wanted to like this movie... I didn't hate it, but I really wanted to like it. Both Tina and I were very disappointed how dark it was. We really don't care for those type of movies, but they can be well done. The Descent and The Cave were dark type movies, but you could see and understand what was going on. I recommend both those movies. I'm not totally down on Stag Night, it had some good moments. There was an ample amount of tension and the story was interesting. However, if you can't see it well enough to know what is going on, then it really isn't all that great of a movie.

2009 R 83 minutes

Next time they'll take a taxi: This is the lesson learned by a group of New Yorkers who, fresh on the heels of a bachelor party, hop on the subway so that they can continue to celebrate in this thriller written and directed by Peter A. Dowling. The night quickly goes south, however, when the gang witnesses the murder of a transit cop in an abandoned subway station. Now, they must traverse the underground tunnels on foot to escape the killers.

Cast: Scott Adkins, Kip Pardue, Vinessa Shaw, Breckin Meyer, Karl Geary, Suzanna Urszuly, Luca Bercovici, Nikolai Sotirov, Sarah Barrand, Rachel Oliva
Director: Peter A. Dowling
Genres: Horror, Slashers and Serial Killers, Crime Thrillers, Suspense, Lionsgate Home Entertainment
This movie is: Violent, Suspenseful

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My Favorite Horror Characters...

2011-02-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

Re-posting this... Few characters in the horror genre have been as evil as Pinhead. The whole concept of his character makes him the total package. Enjoy and comment if you like!

I have to say without hesitation that Pinhead is the greatest horror character ever created. He is the embodiment of what Hell must be like. Thriving off the fear and pain that he creates, Pinhead stands alone as pure evil, with a touch of sarcasm that punctuates what little regard he has for human life. Clive Barker's creation of Pinhead set in motion some of the most unique and evil creatures in the horror genre. Pinhead was their leader... he was the king of pain! I have seen all 8 Hellraiser movies. Only the first 2 or 3 were quality movies, the rest have been attempts to make money off the Hellraiser name. Granted, they weren't terrible movies, but they all could have been much better if Clive Barker had been directing them. Either way, I watch because of my love of horror and my respect for the character of Pinhead. My only complaint about any of the Hellraiser movies is that Pinhead doesn't have enough screen time in any of them. This is one of my favorite scenes from any of the Hellraiser movies... to me, it shows the total disrespect that Pinhead has for God and anything defined as "Holy". This is a great clip and you really ought to check it out!

Another one of my favorites is The Wishmaster. The Wes Craven film was one that really grabbed my attention with the whole concept of granting wishes in trade for your soul. The Djinn were evil and the wishes they granted were never intended to hake the person receiving them happy. Definitely a be careful what you wish for scenario. Andrew Divoff played the evil Djinn perfectly. It should be obvious by now that I love my horror characters to be somewhat sarcastic, and Divoff's character was. The Djinn needed souls in order to bring his realm to this world to destroy and conquer it. The movie has all the elements in it that make horror a great genre... fear, greed, death, gore, tension, and good verses evil. This is an interesting look at the greed that makes us want something for nothing. Ask for a million dollars and the Djinn will comply... but at what cost? The first two were good, but 3 and 4 didn't have Divoff as the Djinn and were so inferior to the first two. I love these two horror characters, Pinhead and the Wishmaster. I find them to be so much more interesting than a Michael Myers or Jason for that matter... check out the trailer below!

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What is Horror???

2011-02-20T09:33:00.010-05:00

What really is horror??? The genre is full of "different" types of horror. Just go to the horror genre menu in NetFlix and you will see no fewer than 12 different varieties ranging from Slashers and Serial Killers, Vampires, Satanic Stories, to Teen Screams. With that kind of variety, it is not hard to find a favorite. Back to the question at hand... what is horror? Horror to me is all about fear. Everyone has an opinion, and I would never fault any one for theirs. However, the best horror movies are the ones where it is remotely possible for the event to happen. I'm not discounting the supernatural, monsters, alien, or zombie films, but they are not as likely to happen as say a Hannibal Lecter.

My wife is not a fan of unrealistic horror. I will watch just about any horror movie and enjoy it, but she doesn't care for the ones that are too out there. Give her a serial killer movie and she's on the edge of her seat so to speak. Watch Predator... not so much. We all have varying taste. Me, I loved Night of the Living Dead from the 60's, but I really don't care that much for zombie movies. Most are way too cheesy for me. I love comic relief in horror films, but I hate unintentional humor. I guess that is why I really don't care for "B" horror movies. I feel they do a terrible disservice to the genre. How can horror be taken seriously when treated in the manner so many of the "B" movies treat it. A film like The Shining has all the elements of great horror... fear, tension. a sick, disturbed mind, and a taste of bloodshed. If you're not afraid while watching a horror movie, then it is not doing it's job. Fear and tension are the primary elements that make great horror... not gore. I love the Saw movies, but there is fear and tension throughout. It is just filled with over the top gore. The movie I posted about the other day, Chain Letter, it was over the top gore. However, it had enough tension to satisfy me. I saw a site called "Best-Horror-Movies.com" and they list their top 100. Here's their top 10:
10. Friday the 13th (1980, Directed by Sean S. Cunningham)
9. The Evil Dead (1981, Directed by Sam Raimi)
8. Psycho (1960, Directed by Alfred Hitchcock)
7. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984, Directed by Wes Craven)
6. The Shining (1980, Directed by Stanley Kubrick)
5. Night of the Living Dead (1968, Directed by Dean Lachiusa & George Romero)
4. Halloween (1978, Directed by John Carpenter)
3. Dawn of the Dead (1978, Written and Directed by George A. Romero)
2. Alien (1979, Directed by Ridley Scott)
1. The Exorcist (1973, Directed by William Freidkin)

Can't say I really agree with their choices, but it is an interesting list. Demonic movies like The Exorcist really creep me out. I believe it can happen. so therefore, the movie was really in the fear factor. I could go on forever with this rant, but I would be beating a dead horse. To sum it up, The Shining, The Exorcist, Frailty, Silence of the Lambs, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre are some of the best horror movies ever made. I think I will discuss gory movies next time!

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Chain Letter (2010)

2011-02-18T09:17:00.003-05:00

I'm back!!! It has been so long since my last blog post. I've missed it and I hope to get back in the swing of things! Tina and I watched this movie a few days ago and I will tell you up front that it is not a Golden Globe nominee. However, it is one of the goriest movies we have seen in some time. The concept is pretty simple... receive a chain letter text/email and forward it to five of your friends. If you don't, you die. It will remind you somewhat of the Saw series in that the "victims" are chained up and killed in various vicious ways. There are some downsides to the movie. For one, the killer is a generic individual who is really not developed at all. We have no idea who he is or why he is doing these horrific crimes. We can assume that he hates technology because there are many references to the "evils" of technology. Despite these annoying political views, the movie moves well and has adequate actors. The story does keep your interest because you are anticipating how the next person will die... and die they do. A lot of the Netflix reviews are very negative... not really sure why most of these people were so harsh. I'm not sure what they were expecting. Tina and I were pleasantly surprised by this movie. Yes, there were some holes in the story and it could have been written much better, but for a violent, serial killer movie it was very entertaining. If you really enjoy a good serial killer movie, this one will fit the bill!

2010 UR 89 minutes

When a group of tech-savvy high school pals receives an electronic chain letter that demands they each forward the message or face consequences, they laugh it off as an online prank and delete the posts. But when the deranged sender of the message starts hunting them down one by one, they find themselves in a fight for their lives. This tense horror film from director Deon Taylor stars Nikki Reed and Keith David.

Cast: Nikki Reed, Keith David, Betsy Russell, Brad Dourif, Ling Bai, Brian Tee, Noah Segan, Clifton Powell, Matt Cohen, Cherilyn Wilson
Director: Deon Taylor
Genres: Horror, Slashers and Serial Killers, Teen Screams, Blu-ray
This movie is: Violent

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Daybreakers 2009

2010-05-13T01:23:00.004-04:00

Tuesday morning I was at the Red Box a little after 7am looking for this movie. I work overnights at WalMart and there's a Red Box machine at the door... very convenient. I love vampires... the greatest horror genre character ever created. I was pleased to see such quality actors stepping up to do this movie. Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Sam Neill are very believable in their roles. I thought the idea that most of population are now vampires was a nice twist. The movie was very well thought out... not enough blood to go around causes abnormalities. The vampires deprived of human blood after a short time feed on themselves and other vampires... these vampires are creepy and crazy. Hawke's character is trying to find a blood substitute to save his vampire race from starving to death. All his test have failed and that is when he meets up with the Dafoe character... a former vampire who found a cure. The cure in itself was quite interesting and believable to me. There were a few other interesting side bits that I liked... there was a coffee shop scene where a guy goes ballistic because the waitress didn't put enough blood in his coffee. Instead of milk or cream, they used blood to flavor their coffee... who know vampires even drank coffee??? I just thought it was a cool little spot in the film. I thought the movie was very good for several reasons... quality actors, a well thought out script that kept closer to the traditional vampire genre, and a few twists that kept you interested though out. Tina (my wife) thought it was the best vampire movie she has ever seen. I don't know about that... but it was good! Check out the trailer and see if it grabs you!

Daybreakers
2009 R 98 minutes
Earth's population is up against a vicious plague that's transforming everyone into vampires and draining the world of an increasingly precious resource: blood. Edward Dalton (Ethan Hawke) and "Elvis" Cormac (Willem Dafoe) must decide what happens next. As the human race count nears zero, will vampires feast on the few men and women who remain, or could science hold the key to a less destructive solution? Sam Neill and Claudia Karvan co-star.

Cast:Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, Claudia Karvan, Michael Dorman, Vince Colosimo, Isabel Lucas, Sam Neill, Jay Laga'aia, Christopher Kirby, Renai Caruso, Mungo McKay, Robyn Moore
Director:Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig

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The Collector... 2009

2010-04-10T08:27:00.003-04:00

When you hear some positive hype about a movie, or that people who wrote another movie you liked wrote this one, you go into it with high hopes. This is the case with The Collector (2009). It has the writers from the last three Saw movies. Love them or hate them, I have enjoyed the Saw series. I thought the last one (Saw VI) was very good. However, I was somewhat disappointed in The Collector. First, let me say, that when you introduce a “new” horror character to the world you want that character to be interesting. The character must have a purpose… NOT just the love of killing, but why the love… that is the question that needs to be answered. At some point near the end of a movie there has to be a moment where everything makes sense… questions are answered, and loose ends are tied up… except in the event of a cliffhanger. There were several plot holes that made no sense… the biggest is how the “Collector” booby-trapped the house in such a short time frame. For all the “Saw-like” tricks in the house, it would have taken days, not several hours. This was like a horror version of Home Alone. At the end of a movie, if you are sitting there talking about all the questions you have as to why something was done, well, the movie was poorly written. What you should be talking about is all the sick, twisted, and bloody scenes that explode in your face throughout this movie. At last, too many questions... This is not to say that the movie was not entertaining, it was a “good” movie. The problem was that it was not a great movie. Check out the trailer and if it grabs you… watch the movie. If you like tension and gory… this movie will satisfy that need.

Cast:Josh Stewart, Michael Reilly Burke, Andrea Roth, Juan Fernandez, Karley Scott Collins, Madeline Zima, Robert Wisdom
Director:Marcus Dunstan

2009 R 88 minutes
Desperate to be free of his financial debt to his ex-wife, Arkin (Josh Stewart) breaks into his employer's house to snag a jewel he knows will buy him independence. Too bad for him, someone else has gotten there first in this Marcus Dunston-helmed horror fest. Now, Arkin just wants to survive the night when he finds the house's residents tied up, the house rigged with deadly traps and a masked madman engaged in a deadly game of cat and mouse

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Jonathan Hale: The First American Vampire... Update...

2010-02-27T12:19:00.005-05:00

Just wanted everyone to know that my book is now available on Amazon.com. I'm very excited about this and I'm trying to get it on Kindle Books. Kindle will get you the book at a cheaper price online. There are many opportunities out there, but the more exposure my book gets, the better. The story is so important to me. I feel that the entertainment value my book offers is what sets it apart from others in this genre. It is unique and original in so many ways. I have had so many positive comments from those that have read my book and I am so grateful. Copy and paste the link below and check out my book. I will keep the updates coming...

Copy and Paste...http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Jonathan+Hale%3A+The+first+American+Vampire

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Trueblood Season 1...

2010-02-20T09:50:00.003-05:00

We just finished watching the first season of Trueblood. After the first episode. I really wasn't hooked, but into the third episode I wanted to watch them all! Most of you know, I love vampires, but being a traditionalist, it is difficult to watch some shows/movies that allow vampires to do things I disagree with. However, Trueblood is so well written and acted, that I find myself understanding their actions. First and foremost, vampires can't have sex. They are dead and you need blood flowing through every organ of your body to be intimate. As the vampire Bill said, "We don't breath." No oxygen, their bodies are dead, and no blood in their dead organs... can't have sex. Enough of my ranting. The show has the best comic relief with a mixture of gore/blood on TV today. The characters are unique and capture your interest. Mind reading, shape shifters, murderer, vampires, and red necks... what more could you ask for. We were told about this show by a friend of Tina's who absolutely loves it. After watching the first season, I can't wait to see season 2. The writing of this show is outstanding. The stories are interesting, funny, and leave you begging for more. Trying to pick a favorite character is impossible because all of them bring so much to the show. Tina's is Tara, the black woman with so much anger and attitude. If I had to pick one, it would be the vampire Bill. He wants to mainstream into human society and drinks "Trueblood" Trueblood is a synthetic blood invented to keep humans safe from vampire attacks. Mainstream vampires are trying to coexist with humans and bring the vampire discrimination to an end. However, all vampires don't follow the "rules." Also, many humans don't believe the intentions of the mainstream vampires are honorable. Distrust, and bigotry exist among both groups. It is a social comment on the way we are today, just with a vampire twist. The show is so original in all aspects and I absolutely love it. If you have Netflix, you can get all of season 1's DVDs. Otherwise your local video store may have them. Season 2 has not been released yet, but when it is, we will be watching!

Mind-reading waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin, in a Golden Globe-winning role) dives into a complicated relationship when she falls for vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) in a world where the undead live openly and drink synthetic blood. Trying to improve their image and legitimize their finances, the out-of-the-coffin bloodsuckers hire PR firms and contribute to influential Republican politicians, among other tactics.

Trueblood Website...
http://www.hbo.com/true-blood/index.html#/true-blood

Mature Audience Only. This program is specifically designed to be viewed by adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17

Director:
Michael Lehmann
Scott Winant
John Dahl
Daniel Minahan
Alan Ball

Cast:
Anna Paquin
Stephen Moyer
Rutina Wesley
Ryan Kwanten
Alexander Skarsgård
Sam Trammell
Michael Raymond-James
Nelsan Ellis

Opening Credits...

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Saw VI

2010-01-27T14:47:00.006-05:00

We watched this movie last night with Aaron and Ashley. I have to say that I was so pleased with this film. The story flowed well and the acting was top-notch. Tobin Bell played another huge role in this installment through the avenue of flashbacks. There was a much better way of making sure we knew when the flashbacks took place then in other Saw movies. Jigsaw is an "awesome" serial killer. He brings to the genre a whole new side to the purpose of a serial killer. He never physically kills anyone, but he puts his victims in the position of choosing life or death. Is it revenge that makes Jigsaw do what he does? Yes. However, he does give them hope of living if they pass their test/game. Saw VI answered many questions from several of the other movies. Without giving any details, this movie was well done all the way around. The games were very interesting and the props were innovative. All in all, this was a great movie whether you are a Saw fan or not. You really would want to see all the Saw movies before watching this one. It is a series that ties loose ends with every new movie. It left itself open for another one, and I am very pleased about that. Check out the trailer below and give this movie a watch!

Saw VI
(2009) UR
Special Agent Strahm is long gone, and Det. Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) is now the heir to John Jigsaw's (Tobin Bell) terrifying legacy. FBI Agent Erickson (Mark Rolston) is now hot on his trail, but Hoffman is about to reveal Jigsaw's grand plot. Kevin Greutert directs this next installment of the smash horror dynasty, while Betsy Russell, Peter Outerbridge, Tanedra Howard and Shawnee Smith co-star.

Genre:Slashers and Serial Killers, Psychological Thrillers

Length:
92 minutes
Director:
Kevin Greutert
Darren Lynn Bousman

Cast:
Tobin Bell
Angus Macfadyen
Costas Mandylor
Betsy Russell
Mark Rolston
Peter Outerbridge
Shawnee Smith
Samantha Lemole
Caroline Cave
George Newbern
Tanedra Howard
Tobin Bell

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THE GRAVES

2010-01-16T21:29:00.006-05:00

Another look at the After Dark Horror Fest coming out at the end of this month. The Graves is an interesting look at two sisters trying to survive a bunch of lunitics in Skull City, AZ. I watched The Devil's Rejects last night and love that movie because it is out there and Bill Moseley is in it. Moseley is in The Graves and brings his craziness to this film. Also, Tony Todd has a role... I loved him in Candyman and also the Final Destination movies. He brings a creepiness to every role I've seen him play. There's always a chance that most of these Horror Fest movies will not be that good, but the few that are good will be really good. Check out the trailer and visit the Horror Fest web site for more information! Looks like good stuff!

THE GRAVES
Written & Directed by Brian Pulido

Synopsis:
On their last weekend together, Megan and Abby Graves are lost in a remote part of the Arizona desert where they are lured to Skull City Mine, an abandoned mine town. But they soon learn Skull City is anything but abandoned — and there’s no way out.

The sisters are now prey, forced to unleash their most primitive instincts in a desperate, all-out battle for survival against unspeakable horrors — both human and supernatural.

Can they unlock the terrifying secrets of Skull City in time to save themselves or will they become the latest in a long line of victims?

Stars:
Clare Grant, Jillian Murray, Bill Moseley, Lamb of God singer D. Randall Blythe and Tony Todd.

www.thegravesmovie.com

http://www.horrorfestonline.com/

Tony "Candyman" Todd

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Dread 2010...

2010-01-13T12:55:00.005-05:00

I have always enjoyed the anticipation of The After Dark Horrorfest release. I have seen so many of them and for the most part, many have been very good. The problem has been that several are nothing more than "B" horror. Autopsy, The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations, From Within, Borderland, The Deaths of Ian Stone, The Abandoned, The Gravedancers, Unrest, and Wicked Little Things, have been some of my favorites over the years. It's a viable series and worth taking note of... whether several are somewhat lame or not. Clive Barker is godlike to me in the horror genre. Hellraiser has my favorite horror charater in Pinhead. I have seen all 8 of the Hellraiser movies and the first 3 were the best. The other 5 were "OK", but not up to the standard of Clive Barker. Pinhead pulls all these movies together, but they should have given him more screen time.

The Books of Blood, by Clive Barker are interesting and highly entertaining. Midnight Meat Train was awesome! After seeing the trailer and reading the synopsis, I am very eager to see this film. Dread is based on our fears and that concept is exciting. Check out the trailer and look for this movie this month!

DREAD
Logline:
Dread, the second in the Book of Blood franchise is a stylish horror/thriller about three college students working on a documentary for school focusing on what others dread in life.

Synopsis:
Red-hot young star Jackson Rathbone, fresh from the smash film TWILIGHT SAGA and the upcoming THE LAST AIRBENDER, stars in the stylish horror/thriller DREAD. Stephen (RATHBONE) and Cheryl (Laura Donnelly, INSATIABLE) are college students making a documentary about what people dread in life. But they have no idea that their partner Quaid (Shaun Evans, BOY A, TELSTAR), witnessed his parents being murdered by an axe-wielding lunatic and wants to make others experience his own personal horror. The three set out to document people revealing their life’s most terrifying moments. But Quaid quickly grows bored with mere interviews and decides to take the study to a much more visceral level, causing all three to become vulnerable as they reveal their fears in front of the camera. Just as Stephen and Cheryl realize they have partnered with a madman, they also find themselves subjects of the hideous experiment they brought to life… learning more about fear and dread than any human mind can stand. Clive Barker, the Godfather of modern horror/fantasy and the creator of the Hellraiser and Candyman Series, produced DREAD. His protégé Anthony DiBlasi, co-producer of the upcoming HELLRAISER and executive producer on BOOK OF BLOOD and MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN, masterfully directs DREAD, the second film in the terrifying BOOK OF BLOOD franchise, with mind-blowing special effects from Artem (TROY, TOMB RAIDER 2). For millions of horror fans worldwide, there will be no greater dread than missing this landmark of terror.

Cast:
Jackson Rathbone, Shaun Evans, Laura Donnelly, Hanne Steen

Director:
Anthony DiBlasi

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Jonathan Hale: The First American Vampire...

2009-12-30T13:07:00.001-05:00

The whole reason I started this blog several years ago was because of this book. My love of horror also prompted me to do it as well. I started this book over 6 years ago and it has been a very interesting journey. TFAV...1630 stands for The First American Vampire and 1630 is the year Jonathan came to America. Jonathan is a traditional vampire, not unlike Dracula. It's not that I am against many of the new creations of vampires over the past 20 or 30 years... like "day walkers" for instance. I love Blade and many other vampire movies where the vampires don't fear the cross or sunlight, but I longed for a good traditional vampire that has a good storyline and interesting characters. Jonathan's twist is that he influences our early American history. I have at least 3 more books that will follow this one dealing with Jonathan’s role in certain important issues that are now a major part of our American history. The second book is complete in a rough draft form and I have been working on it to get it ready to publish. I truly believe that Jonathan is unique in the vampire genre. Not to say that there are not vampire books out there, that may have similarities, but as a whole, it is unique. I have a link below where you can purchase my book. In addition, there is a direct link on the right side column of this blog where you can click on and purchase my book. I’m very pleased with the book and I’m sure you will too… check out the link and see if it is something, you might be interested in!

http://www.publishamerica.net/product88332.html

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Ghost Ship (2002)

2009-12-15T23:11:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite areas in the horror genre is ghosts. I will have to say that ghosts may very well be my favorite... except for vampires. I like them because they have a certain creepiness to them that the slice and dice gore movies don't have. The movie Ghost Ship has a mixture of "good" ghost and "bad" ghost. Yes, there is some gore in this movie, but it doesn't rely on gore alone. The set up is usually tension and then a "jump" scene... by that, I mean a scene that leads up from a very tense situation and makes you jump and the end of the situation. I love these parts. Ghost stories need to make you feel the tension in order to come across as scary. Tension and fear are the major components to any good ghost story. Without them, you might as well have a "G" rated movie. For years I have loved being scared when watching a movie because of the almost adrenaline rush I get from it. I’ve told my wife many times after watching a really good, scary movie that I felt the movie in my chest. It was almost as if a weight was placed on my chest from the tension and fear I felt. Sadly, it doesn’t happen near enough these days. So many movies forego the tension and fear for the easy fix of gore. Many times, it’s because the story is weak to begin with and they need the gore in it to have any substance. That’s a shame. If you look through a list of any horror movies, you will find so many that are either badly acted or a crappy storyline. I really wish that were not the case. I think that is why Hollywood doesn’t really respect the genre. Well enough of that rant!

Ghost Ship is well acted and has an interesting storyline that keeps you in the movie. Basically, it’s a ship that has been lost at sea for many, many years and ends up “resurfacing.” A salvage crew tries to claim the ship and it’s cargo of gold… that is when the ghosts begin to “play” with the crew’s minds… and bodies. If you haven’t seen this movie, you really should give it a try… I think you will be quite surprised. Check out the trailer below!

R For strong violence, gore, language and sexuality
Length:
91 minutes
Director:
Steve Beck

Cast:
Julianna Margulies
Ron Eldard
Desmond Harrington
Isaiah Washington
Gabriel Byrne
Alex Dimitriades
Karl Urban
Emily Browning
Francesca Rettondini

Dispatched to recover a long-lost passenger ship found floating lifeless on the Bering Sea, the crew of the Arctic Warrior salvage tug soon becomes trapped inside the mysterious vessel -- which they quickly realize is far from abandoned. But just who -- or what -- is on board remains to be seen. Gabriel Byrne, Isaiah Washington and Julianna Margulies lead the cast in this high-seas horror film directed by Steve Beck.

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Jonathan Hale: The First American Vampire...

2009-12-11T19:31:00.004-05:00

Just a quick update... two days ago, I got the proof of my book from my publisher. It took me 5 hours, but I read every word and only found 8 errors. I sent the proof back to them yesterday and received an email from them today stating they received it. They will be getting a copy of the book cover design to me within a week or so. They are moving a lot quicker than I anticipated. I'm very excited and will keep you updated as soon as I hear it! I put a link to my publishers on the right side of my blog so that the book can be ordered from my blog when it is available... hopefully it will not be too much of a wait. I will post more when I hear more!

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Daybreakers...

2009-12-02T11:27:00.004-05:00

Daybreakers is an upcoming 2010 vampire film written and directed by Peter and Michael Spierig. The film stars Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe and Sam Neill. Filming took place in Australia from July to September 2007. Daybreakers is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom on January 6, 2010 and in North America on January 8, 2010

This movie has really captured my interest. I've seen two trailers for it so far and it does look quite interesting. The concept for the movie is that the world is turning into vampires and they need to come up with a blood substitute. With actors like Ethan Hawke, Willem Dafoe, and Sam Neill, you really can't go wrong. With all the hype over Twilight, it will be refreshing to see a movie where there is no sickly white teenagers falling in and out of love. I'm not a Twilight hater, it is just not my cup of tea. I really believe there will be a rebellion again those type of books and movies because people want a true, traditional vampire. I believe people are hunger for the old school vampire. That is why I believe my book will really take off once it's published. I saw Anne Rice on TV not that long ago talking about the Twilight phenomena and she feels that there is room for the innovation of all the "new" things that have been brought into the vampire genre over the past 30 years. Vampires walking in daylight, half vampire and half human, and so many more differences. She believes it is a "good" thing. Personally, I have issues with that. I feel as though there is so much more that can be done in the vampire genre that don't include getting away from the earlier traditions. Vampires can't cross water or look upon the cross. Of course, this won't be solved in a blog post, but it is worth mentioning. Daybreakers looks like a good movie from the trailer... doesn't mean it's a good one, but I have faith. Check out the trailer below and look for it in January...

A malicious plague has befallen the human race, transforming the majority of the Earth's population into vampires and draining the world of an increasingly precious resource: blood. Now, it's up to two brothers (Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe) to decide what happens next. As the human population nears zero, will the vampires be forced to feast on the few men and women who remain? Or could science hold the key to a less destructive solution?

CAST:
Willem Dafoe ... Elvis
Isabel Lucas ... Alison Bromley
Ethan Hawke ... Edward
Sam Neill ... Charles Bromley
Claudia Karvan ... Audrey Bennett
Jay Laga'aia ... Senator Turner
Michael Dorman ... Frankie Dalton
Vince Colosimo ... Christopher
Christopher Kirby ... Jarvis Bayom
Emma Randall ... Ellie Landon
Michelle Atkinson ... Mother
Robyn Moore ... Forensic Investigator
Mungo McKay ... Colin Briggs
Mark Finden ... Young Vampire Cadet
Selina Kadell ... Debate News Anchorwoman
Renai Caruso ... Coffee Shop Attendant
Joel Amos Byrnes ... Security Guard (as Joel Byrnes)
David Knijnenburg ... Vampire Commuter
Jack Bradford ... Security Guard
Paul Sonkkila ... General Williams
Gavin Coleman ... Vampire Chief
Joel Spreadborough ... Vampire Subject
Peter Welman ... Policeman #2

DAYBREAKERS:

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Jonathan Hale: The First American Vampire...

2009-11-08T17:19:00.004-05:00

My fascination with vampires has been since early childhood. Dracula has been the biggest influence in growing my love of the horror genre. Six years ago I started writing a vampire novel... after a lot of blood, sweat, (no tears yet), my book is at the publishers. We are in the pre-production stages and as yet, have no book cover or anything like that. Because of the contract, I am not allowed to print any of the book till it is out in print. But as soon as I can give you all more information, I will. This has been an interesting journey for me with many, MANY learning curves. English Professor, Arthur Deleault of Laconia Tech and St. Anselm's College has been helping every step of the way. I met him when Tina was taking an English class with him over six years ago. I had just had both hips replaced and was out of work for several months. I decided to go to class with her one day and Professor D was so compelling as a teacher that it began an interest in writing. He has taught me so much! I could never repay him for his help and generous gift of knowledge. My vampire will never have the status of Dracula, but I hope and pray that he will find his niche. Jonathan Hale is a traditional vampire with all the power and strength of Dracula as well as his weakness. I feel that my vampire is unique and special in many ways. For one thing, he is the first vampire to come to America in 1630. There are many twist and turns through his journey in Salem where he influences the history that we read about today. I have several books in mind for Jonathan. The second book is written and "completed" in rough draft form. The third book has about three chapters to it. I hope it catches on because I really feel like it is a great story that needs to be told. The second thing is that my vampire interacts with fictional and historical characters. Several major events that are in our history books were influenced by my vampire. It is a very interesting read... if I might be so bold. I have some old posts links about my book that were posted in '08. Give them a look if you like. My book should be ready within six months to a year from now. I hope to have more for you soon!

Dracula... The Greatest Vampire...
http://tfav1630frgodbeyjr.blogspot.com/2008/05/tfav1630.html
http://tfav1630frgodbeyjr.blogspot.com/2008/07/another-tfav-update.html

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Wrong Turn 3 - Left for Dead

2009-10-24T15:10:00.003-04:00

The Sy-Fy Channel had both Wrong Turn movies on this week. While I'm not a crazy fan for this series, I do find them entertaining. However, certain generalizations do give me quite the chuckle. First and foremost, I was born Charleston, WV and lived in St. Albans most of my youth. Having said that, I basically lived in a city all my life... granted, they were small towns, but towns non-the-less. West Virginia has been the butt of jokes all my life. Whether it's a hillbilly scenario or as in the case of these movies... incestuous mutants, West Virginians have heard them all. West Virginia is one of the most beautiful states in the USA. The mountains are tall and spectacular and the valleys are rolling, usually with a river or creek in the middle of them. I grew up in the Kanawha Valley which is a far cry from Greenbriar County featured in these movies. Actually, the movies have been filmed in Bulgaria and the first two in Canada. So while the scenes in these movies are eye catching... they are not WV. OK, enough of my ranting...

Wrong Turn 3 has a few things that are different from the first two. First, there are really two "evil" groups tormenting the "good" guys. The mutants and a group of escaped prisoners. I thought this was a really good twist to the storyline. Also, there were fewer mutants than in the previous two movies. Three Fingers has been the only survivor from the first two movies and he is back to feed on anyone that takes a "wrong turn" in his neighborhood. The story was interesting and entertaining, but the acting was weak. Granted, you are not going to get too many quality actors to play in a direct-to-DVD movie, but these were "B" actors for the most part. The leader of the convicts was a Mexican killer who brutalized both his own "partners" as well as the lone surviving cop and a girl that they found in the woods. The women had escaped while watching Three Fingers killing her friend. It's a survival movie for all characters in the movie. Everyone is truly fighting to get out of the woods alive. I went into this movie with low expectations and except for the weak acting (I have seen much worst), it was quite entertaining. All in all, it has been a fairly decent series. with the first movie being the best... so many times, that is the case. However, this is a good gore fest that will entertaining and keep your interest. Check out the trailer below and give this one a shot!

Cast:
Tom Frederic as Nate Wilson
Janet Montgomery as Alex
Gil Kolirin as Floyd Weathers
Tom McKay as Brandon
Christian Contreras as Willy
Jake Curran as Crawford
Chucky Venice as Walter
Louise Cliffe as Sophie
Tamer Hassan as Chavez
Emma Clifford as Deputy Ally Lane
Bill Moody as Sheriff Carver
Borislav Iliev as Three Finger

Synopsis:
College student Alex and her friends go to the woods on a rafting trip. Soon after, her friends are killed by the mutant cannibal, "Three Finger" that survived from the previous film. She is left to fend for herself, but not for long. Meanwhile some dangerous prisoners are being transferred by Nate Wilson, a prison guard, on his last day before leaving to become a lawyer. During transport their transport bus is attacked by Three Finger and the prisoners escape.[2] While being chased through the woods, the prisoners and Nate encounter Alex and an abandoned transport filled with money. The money becomes the prisoners sole motivation for escape and survival. However, One-by-one Three Finger hunts and kills all the prisoners except Brandon with Nate and Alex surviving. At the end, Nate returns to take the money that was left behind, but Brandon kills him and an unknown figure kills Brandon as he collects the money.

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13 Ghost (1960)...

2009-10-21T15:38:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry I have been so quiet over the past month and a half, but life can get in the way at times. I'm happy to be back at my blog and continue my passion for horror movies. Last night on Turner Classic Movies (TCM), The original 13 Ghost was on. Having seen the remake which was made in 2001, I really wanted to see the original. The remake was really good and it is a movie that I highly recommend. Technology today makes for some very good/gory movies. I never saw the original movie, for one thing... I was only one year old when it came out. I have said many times before that watching old movies from the past is a hit or miss situation. I have been so disappointed with many that I remember as a kid loving. One reason is that they aren't scary and many seem silly by today's standards. Maybe we are spoiled with all this new technology that gives us special effects that seem like science fiction to those born in the 30's, 40's, and 50's. The standards of today allow for so much more sex and gore than you will ever see in a movie from the 50's and 60's. One thing that struck me funny about the 60's version of 13 Ghost was that the husband and wife in this movie slept in separate beds. It was like watching the old Dick Van Dyke Show or I love Lucy Show. The special effects were cloudy, or frames within a frame shots that were shaky and didn't appear scary or real. The storyline was similar to the remake, but there were MANY differences. The father in the remake was single and the ghost were actually creepy! Also the remake was not about "money", but about the Uncle's design of the house to get all the ghost together for his own evil desires. The remake was so much better than the original. At last, it was another old school "horror" movie that was very silly and not scary at all. Check out the remake from 2001!

Plot:
When occultist uncle Dr. Plato Zorba wills a huge ramshackle house to his nephew Cyrus and his impoverished family, they are shocked to find the house is haunted. Their new furnished residence comes complete with a spooky housekeeper, Elaine, plus a fortune in buried treasure and 12 horrifying ghosts. His family soon discovers that these spirits include a decapitated man, a fully-grown lion, a wailing lady and a flaming skeleton, who are held captive in the eerie house and must find an unlucky thirteenth ghost to free them. Dr. Zorba leaves a set of special goggles, the only way of seeing the ghosts. However, there is someone in the house who is also looking for the money and is willing to kill for it.

Featured cast:
Charles Herbert as Buck Zorba
Jo Morrow as Medea Zorba
Rosemary DeCamp as Hilda Zorba
Martin Milner as Benjamen Rush
Donald Woods as Cyrus Zorba
Margaret Hamilton as Elaine Zacharides
John van Dreelen as Van Allen

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The Haunting 1963...

2009-09-03T11:40:00.003-04:00

In today's horror world we are bombarded with shock and gore. Every now and again I love to revisit the old classic horror movies and see what true fear was meant to be. The Haunting is a movie that relies on tension and great camera work to deliver a horror film that proves you don't have to see dismembered body parts to be scared. Granted, today's audience is a tough sell for this type of film because over the past 20 to 30 years gore has reigned supreme in the horror genre. However, to fully appreciate where the genre has gone in that time, you need to watch the classics. Hitchcock for one was a great innovator in camera work, silence, and bringing tension to the forefront. This movie does that as well. Along with superior acting, an interesting script, and solid directing, The Haunting is a well made horror film. I watched this movie on Turner Classic Movies the other night and really felt a sense of satisfaction after I turned the TV off. Watching the old films can at times be a "scary" thing. For one thing, things that scared you as a kid don't always have the same effect as an adult. Another problem, sometimes and old movie comes across "campy" or silly to today's viewer. The Haunting works because it draws you in and builds a story with interesting characters that you find yourself wanting to know what's going to happen next. It is no mistake that the writers and directors do this. Censorship in this days would not allow for graphic visuals or "strong" language, so a horror movie back then had to be "smart" to really get to it's audience. I highly recommend watching this movie with the thought, "What is the director trying to do with this work?" Check out the trailer below and give this movie a shot! Liam Neeson did a remake of the movie several years ago and it was very good as well. Watch the classic one first and then check out the remake!

Julie Harris, Ronald Adam, Claire Bloom, Lois Maxwell and Russ Tamblyn star in this 1963 classic horror flick based on The Haunting of Hill House, a novel by Shirley Jackson. Three people are recruited by a paranormal investigator to help uncover the secrets of Hill House, a mansion overwhelmed by spirits of its troubled former residents. As they delve deeper into this home's past, they're further seduced into its sinister web.

Rated G General audiences. All ages admitted.

Length:
112 minutes
Director:
Robert Wise

Cast:
Julie Harris
Claire Bloom
Richard Johnson
Russ Tamblyn
Fay Compton
Rosalie Crutchley
Lois Maxwell
Valentine Dyall
Diane Clare
Ronald Adam

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The Horsemen (2008)

2009-08-24T13:13:00.002-04:00

I have to admit that I really enjoy end of the world/biblical themed movies. I think it is interesting to see what Hollywood tries to do when they try and make a movie based on certain parts of the Bible. The movie Se7en with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman is one of my favorite serial killer films based on a biblical theme. The seven deadly sins makes for a very good premise for a great thriller. I've listed a few more end of the world movies near the end of this post. I've seen them all and can recommend them for your viewing. Jeff Fahey was in a movie several years ago called Revelation 1999, Movie, PG-13, 98 mins, This was a biblical themed movie about the Rapture and was quite well made. It deals with the Fahey character trying to find the truth after his wife and child are raptured. It is a very interesting movie that was quite good.

Now on to The Horsemen. This movie was very good and the quality of the acting was right on target. Dennis Quaid is a fine actor and I have enjoyed many of his movies. In this movie he plays a cop that is surrounding himself with his work in order to deal with the tragic death of his wife from cancer. He has two sons that are also trying to deal with their mom's death, but really need their dad. The movie is gruesome and bloody and has the appeal of Hellraiser because of the use of large fish hooks throughout. Basically a torture film with a whole lot of emotional drama. Quaid comes to the realization that the murders are a result of the four horsemen mentioned in the book of Revelations. While these horsemen have apocalyptic meaning, the movie really does not in my opinion. It does take the devastation aspect of the horsemen and makes for a very good serial killer movie. Quaid has many emotional issues to deal with, but can't seem to get a grip on them until the end. The movie is very bloody and can make you think of Hostel and Saw , but is not really a full-fledged torture film. There is torture, but that is not the main point of the plot. So in reality, the movie could fall into the horror genre, but is really a serial killer thriller. There are a few twist that make the movie more interesting, but the ending was really not a surprise... was it supposed to be??? I don't know, but I had my suspicions a little over half way through. Still, I enjoyed the movie very much, but the ending left me a little flat. Maybe it was because it wasn't a surprise... I don't know. Overall, it is a very entertaining movie that I can recommend. Check out the trailer below!

Already reeling from the shocking death of his wife, detective Aidan Breslin (Dennis Quaid) is destined for even darker days when he's tasked with investigating a series of grisly serial murders inspired by biblical prophecy. This chilling psychological thriller from director Jonas Åkerlund also stars Ziyi Zhang, Clifton Collins Jr., Peter Stormare, Patrick Fugit, Lou Taylor Pucci and Eric Balfour.

R For grisly and disturbing content, some sexual images and language
Length:
90 minutes
Director:
Jonas Åkerlund

Cast:
Dennis Quaid
Ziyi Zhang
Lou Taylor Pucci
Clifton Collins Jr.
Patrick Fugit
Eric Balfour
Peter Stormare
Chelcie Ross
Liam James
Onalee Ames

A few more apocalyptic/biblical themed movies:
12 Monkeys. Dir. Terry Gilliam. Perf. Bruce Willis, Madeline Stowe, Brad Pitt. Universal, 1995.
Armageddon. Dir. Michael Bay. Perf. Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, Billy Bob Thornton. Touchstone, 1997.
Dogma. Dir. Kevin Smith. Perf. Ben Affleck, Matt Damon. Lion's Gate Films, 1999.
Seventh Sign. Dir. Carl Shultz. Perf. Demi Moore, Jurgen Prochnow. 1988.
War of the Worlds. Dir. Byron Haskin. Perf. Gene Barry, Les Tremayne, Ann Robinson. 1953.

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Saw VI (2009)

2009-07-25T21:34:00.005-04:00

I've often wondered if the Saw franchise is going to turn into another Friday The 13th series with an astronomical number of sequels. I need to state first and foremost, I am a fan of the Saw franchise. While all the movies have not been great, most have been entertaining. The 4th has probably been the most disappointing to me. It was way to complicated to make much sense with all the same screen flashbacks and way too much information. I liked the 5th one fairly well, but none can compare to the original or even the 2nd one. It was the games and obviously the results of the games that made the movies interesting. However, there was a perverted sense of reason and judgment that Jigsaw threw in to almost make it morally acceptable... almost. Tobin Bell as Jigsaw is a refreshing serial killer. Not your typical killer who is only satisfying his own lust for blood, but claims he has never killed any one... the games do the killing.

I saw on FEARnet.com that Saw VII has already been approved before Saw VI has even been released. It does make you wonder what more they can do to make the series meaning and not just a bloody bunch of games. There has to be a purpose behind the games. Justice, no matter how perverted must be the reason someone dies in the Saw movies. We have gone to all the Saw movies at the theater and have watched most on DVD after they have been released. I'm sure we will continue the pattern because we are fans. Check out the trailer below... it does look promising.

Director:
Kevin Greutert

Cast:
Shawnee Smith
Tobin Bell
Costas Mandylor
Tanedra Howard

Jigsaw...

The evidence has been destroyed, the truth buried with the dead. And now, Detective Mark Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) has emerged as the heir to serial killer Jigsaw's bloody legacy. With the FBI closing in, Hoffman must set into motion one last grisly game. And in the end, Jigsaw's grand scheme will finally be revealed. Five-time Saw editor Kevin Greutert helms this shocking installment of the horror franchise.

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The Haunting in Connecticut (2009)

2009-07-22T14:26:00.003-04:00

As an avid Netflix member, I really appreciate those in my "Friend's List" who send out notes and reviews from a various range of movies. I tend to send notes more on horror related films because that's what interest me. However, Tina and I watch a wide range of movies, with horror being our favorite genre. The thing is, when you look at a movie in the "At A Glance" section on Netflix, you get a look at all the reviews of that movie from NF members. It really helps me understand just how many opinions and differences there are in the minds of the average movie watcher. Some love this movie and others hate it and yet others are somewhere in the middle.

In my opinion, this movie has a lot to offer in the ghost/haunted house genre. After we watched the movie, we watched all the interviews from the actual family members, neighbors, and paranormal investigator's who lived through this ordeal. Over all the movie was fairly close to the actual events. Of course Hollywood is going to sensationalize the events, but generally it seemed close to the "true" events. The acting in this movie was good with Virginia Madsen and Kyle Gallner doing quality work. The characters were believable even it you don't believe in the actual events. I for one do believe that there are forces (demonic) all around us and things like this could happen. The movie itself was very creepy and has a fair amount of tension in it (which I love). As the synopsis below states, the family moves to a house in Connecticut to be closer to the hospital their oldest son needs for his cancer treatments. It doesn't take long before bizarre things to begin to happen. Since the home was a former mortuary the dead's spirits have not left. The haunting of the family begins in earnest and all members of the family are touched by the spirits. Watching the interviews in the special features really showed just how freaked out these people really were. While there are skeptics (neighbors) interviewed who didn't believe, I tend to be a believer. There would be not point or anything to gain from making up such a story, at least not at the time. I don't know if the family received compensation from the books or movies. In the haunted house genre, this movie is well worth a watch. Check out the trailer below and give this movie a shot!

In this supernatural thriller, the Campbell family's move to Connecticut takes a mysteriously dark turn when a series of shocking paranormal events reveals that their inviting new home is a former mortuary with a sordid past. Based on a true story, this terrifying tale stars Virginia Madsen and Martin Donovan as the well-meaning Campbell parents, Kyle Gallner as their cancer-stricken son and Elias Koteas as the enigmatic Rev. Nicholas Popescu.

PG13: For some intense sequences of terror and disturbing images.

Length:
102 minutes
Director:
Peter Cornwell

Cast:
Elias Koteas
Virginia Madsen
Amanda Crew
Kyle Gallner
Martin Donovan
D.W. Brown
John B. Lowe
Sarah Constible
Ty Wood
Adriana O'Neil
Matt Kippen

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Friday The 13th (Remake)...

2009-07-10T10:28:00.002-04:00

I have never been a fan of the 80's style mindless teen slasher horror. This movie and the original fall into that category. There isn't a purpose behind it other than to kill all the "bad" kids and let the "good" kids survive. Some T&A and plenty of killing... that's about it. I have seen almost all of the Jason movies and they are all about the same in my mind. When we were watching this the other night, I kept thinking how campy and boring it was. My wife loved the original as a kid and saw it many times. However, after the movie she made the "campy" comment about watching it now as an adult. That leads me to my point of it being mindless. As a kid we are scared and excited about the "horror" of being chased by the likes of Jason, Freddy, and Michael Myers, but as an adult we need more thought behind the story. Something we can grab hold of and some substance. This remake featured mostly unknown actors and for the most part they will never have a career in film. Average acting and boring story line filled the screen. In most of these type of movies, the kids do and say things we as "normal" people would never do or say. Why do they always run upstairs or into places they can't get out of? Am I being to picky that I would want some smart... maybe common sense thinking in a horror film. I don't think that is too much to ask for. I have to say that I liked the Zombie remake of Halloween much better than this remake. I could rant longer concerning this trend of one remake after another, but what good would it do. I have said several times the Hollywood is lazy and can't seem to come up with an original thought for quite some time. It's just too easy to remake money makers in hopes of making more money. That's a shame. There are many talented people out there that are not afraid to imagine the unimaginable. Where's the Ray Bradbury's of our day??? Watch this if you liked it as a kid or young adult, but don't expect anything new from it.

Check out the trailer below...

Jared Padalecki, Danielle Panabaker and Aaron Yoo headline director Marcus Nispel's chilling remake of the classic 1980s slasher-thriller that spawned a legendary horror franchise. Ignoring the warnings of the locals, a group of teenage camp counselors takes on the job of reopening Camp Crystal Lake -- on Friday the 13th no less, and raise the ire of Jason Voorhees (Derek Mears), a masked, homicidal maniac.

R For strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual content, language and drug material

Length:
97 minutes
Director:
Marcus Nispel

Cast:
Jared Padalecki
Danielle Panabaker
Amanda Righetti
Travis Van Winkle
Derek Mears
Aaron Yoo
Julianna Guill
Arlen Escarpeta
Willa Ford
Ryan Hansen

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Vampire Movies... 100 Years In Film...

2009-07-05T15:20:00.004-04:00

To say that vampires in film are a critical part of our film heritage would be an understatement. As I was reading many sites on the history of vampires in movies, I was pleasantly surprised to see how important of an influence the genre really has been. I have printed several key points from Wikipedia concerning the subject just to prove a point... OK, probably several points. The first thing that caught my attention was that Dracula has been the subject of more films than any other fictional character... that is a huge statement. Considering there have been so many movies of all topics over the last 100 years, to realize that Dracula had that much influence over our film culture was quite surprising to me. There is also an interesting article by Morgan Bell where he develops "theories" as to the deviant, sexual, and immoral nature of the vampire. He tries to understand why we "fear" the vampire. Good article and if you're interested here's the link to copy and paste: http://www.helium.com/items/695177-exploring-the-vampire-in-cinema. I can see his point on many levels and maybe that is why the vampire still scares us today, because he is a character that we don't understand and we fear what we don't understand.

I have and always will be a traditionalist when it comes to the "undead". As a kid, I loved the old vampire movies. I didn't see Dracula as a sexual being. I was more impressed with his superhuman strength, turning into a bat and a cloud of smoke, and his ability to control his victims. It's not to say that I haven't enjoyed movies like Blade when the vampire is a daywalker. I do appreciate writers and directors adding a few twist to their work... the problem is that it's not possible for a vampire to go into daylight. It's also not possible for a vampire to have sex and children. They are dead. Therefore, a dead person cannot procreate. The Vampire survives off the drinking of the blood of his victims. That doesn't mean he has blood in his veins. Therefore it would be impossible to have sex. The only way to "create" more vampires is for a vampire to "change" a human into a vampire. There have been many ways this has taken place in film over the last 100 years, but my favorite is by bleeding the human of his or her blood and when they wake up as a member of the undead, they must drink the blood of their master to fully change.

Vampire of the Coast (1909) (the first silent Vampire film)
I saw that the first vampire movie was Vampire of the Coast (1909). I really haven't been able to find out much about it, but it was probably a silent short. More importantly, it means that we have had 100 years of vampire movies and have seen the evolution of the genre evolve into quite an interesting art form. Are there moral questions to be answered? Do we really fear or hate things and people we don't understand or are different then us? In many cases the answer is yes, but when it comes to vampires... I love them! Thanks for 100 years of fear and entertainment!

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
Vampire films have been a staple since the silent days, so much so that the depiction of vampires in popular culture is strongly based upon their depiction in movies throughout the years. The most popular cinematic adaptation of vampire fiction has been from Bram Stoker's Dracula, with over 170 versions to date. By 2005, Dracula had been the subject of more films than any other fictional character.

History
The earliest cinematic vampires in such films as The Vampire (1913), directed by Robert G. Vignola, were in reality 'vamps' or femme fatales deriving inspiration from a poem by Rudyard Kipling called "The Vampire", composed in 1897. This poem was written as kind of commentary on a painting of a female vampire by Philip Burne-Jones exhibited in the same year. Lyrics from Kipling's poem: A fool there was . . . , describing a seduced man, were used as the title of the film A Fool There Was (1915) starring Theda Bara as the 'vamp' in question and the poem was used in the publicity for the film.

A genuine supernatural vampire features in the landmark Nosferatu (1922 Germany, directed by Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau). This was an unlicensed version of Bram Stoker's Dracula, based so closely on the novel that the estate sued and won, with all copies ordered to be destroyed. It would be painstakingly restored in 1994 by a team of European scholars from the five surviving prints that had escaped destruction.

The next classic treatment of the vampire legend was in Universal's Dracula (1931) starring Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula. Five years after the release of the film, Universal released Dracula's Daughter (1936), a direct sequel that starts immediately after the end of the first film. A second sequel, Son of Dracula, starring Lon Chaney, Jr. followed in 1943. Despite his apparent death in the 1931 film, the Count returned to life in three more Universal films of the mid-1940s: House of Frankenstein (1944), House of Dracula (1945) both starring John Carradine and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948). While Lugosi had played a vampire in two other movies during the 1930s and 1940s, it was only in this final film that he played Count Dracula onscreen for the second (and last) time.

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The Killing Gene...

2009-07-04T13:54:00.004-04:00

This was a very well made psychological (gory at times) thriller. When a movie really interest me, I tend to watch all the special features on the DVD after the movie. There were several that I watched including the making of the torture scenes and comments from the directer, producers, and writer. I like to do this for the simple reason, I want to know if I took the movie the way they intended me too. I "got it" on this movie. Stellan Skarsgard plays the enigmatic character of Eddie Argo, a veteran police detective who has a few skeletons in his closet that make him difficult to completely figure out. The character is very complex, but yet seems to be so transparent. We think we know him, but do we really? Searching for a serial killer who takes two hostages at time and tortures one until that one succumbs to the pain and kills the other hostage. The reason... revenge. The serial killer is targeting a local gang who brought unbelievable harm to the now serial killer. The point of the killing is to see how much pain a person can endure before they will kill someone they truly love. This leads to all sorts of moral dilemmas. I truly believe I would die before being forced by pain to kill my wife. At least I would think I would be honorable enough to do that. The movie has an interesting story line and quality acting. It has elements of Saw, Hostel, and the like, but I thought it was darker, not only visually, but mentally as well. It made you think while entertaining you. Really good movie and I highly recommend it!

There are a couple of things that I should mention concerning the film... for one it is visually dark throughout. This can make it difficult to see at times. Also there are many twist to it that you may miss if you really don't pay attention. This movie will make you think... there is a moral overtone that cannot be ignored. The question seems to be, "Would you kill the one you love to save yourself from death"? Sorry to say that I could not find a trailer for this movie. however, it is still worth a watch!

Stellan Skarsgård
2006's Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (in which he plays the undead pirate Bootstrap Bill).

Synopsis:
Well worn by years of gangland brutality, veteran detective Eddie Argo prides himself on playing by the book. However, loyalties wane as he and his new rookie partner, Helen, find themselves entangled in a string of violent and horrific killings that are targeting a notorious local gang, forcing Argo to revisit a case he would rather forget. In the midst of mounting terror, the calculating killer stays focused on the ultimate goal--coerce Argo to pay for his previous mistakes and answer the ultimate question: would you kill the one you love to save yourself from death?

Length:
104 minutes
Director:
Tom Shankland

Cast:
Stellan Skarsgård
Melissa George... Played Josh Hartnett's wife in 30 Days Of Night.
Ashley Walters
Paul Kaye
Selma Blair
Peter Ballance
Lauren Hood
Tom Hardy
John Sharian
Sally Hawkins

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Daybreakers 2010...

2009-06-29T14:57:00.006-04:00

I have always felt there are not enough really good vampire movies out there. I'm hoping that all the vampire overload from Twilight doesn't make the general public sick of vampire movies. It happens so many times, especially with music that when you hear a song on the radio over and over again, you grow tired of it... even if it is a great song. It happened to Hootie and the Blowfish with their CD Cracked Rear View Mirror. So many songs on that CD were played to death by radio that it actually hurt the band on their following CD's... any one even remember any of their other CD'S? That's the point. If you visit this site often, you know my love for vampire movies. I'm not a fan of campy horror, but interesting vampire movies with good acting and a good story line are hard to find. Bela Lugosi's Dracula set the bar very high for the genre. I love traditional vampires, but I do appreciate writers and directors who are willing to explore the genre and bring us new and exciting twist to their vampires... as long as it is within reason. For one thing, there must be a way to kill the vampire... good must overcome the evil. That's why movies like From Dusk To Dawn, Blade, Underworld are such good movies to me. I've enjoyed both John Carpenter's Vampire movies, 30 Days of Night was great in my mind, and Bram Stocker's Dracula with Gary Oldham was a good remake of the original. However, there are so many out there in the vampire genre that are not quality. This leads me to Daybreakers...

This movie has some really quality actors in it with Sam Neill, Willem Defoe, and Ethan Hawke supporting a decent looking movie... at least from the trailer. A virus causes most of the general population to become vampires and that would cause there to be a shortage of human blood in that case. There seems to be battles raging between different vampire clams with the Sam Neill character being the "ruler" of a one of the clans. The trailer looks very promising. The movie comes to theaters Jan. 8th, 2010 and I plan to see it then. Check out the trailer as well as the link to the movies website... I think you will really find this trailer very interesting!

A malicious plague has befallen the human race, transforming the majority of the Earth's population into vampires and draining the world of an increasingly precious resource: blood. Now, it's up to two brothers (Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe) to decide what happens next. As the human population nears zero, will the vampires be forced to feast on the few men and women who remain? Or could science hold the key to a less destructive solution?

http://www.daybreakersmovie.com/

Director:
Michael Spierig
Peter Spierig

Cast:
Willem Dafoe
Isabel Lucas
Sam Neill
Vince Colosimo
Jay Laga'aia
Claudia Karvan
Christopher Kirby
Renai Caruso
Ethan Hawke
Mungo McKay
Robyn Moore

Picture From Daybreakers...

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Dark Shadows 1967...

2009-06-20T15:33:00.002-04:00

I guess I need to wrap up my favorite horror movies with a TV show from the late 60's and early 70's. I remember running home from elementary school so that I would not miss an episode of my favorite "soap opera" of all time... Dark Shadows. The Dan Curtis production was NOT your typical soap opera. After all, it had vampires, ghosts, werewolves, and witches. The most popular character without a doubt was Barnabas Collins, played by Jonathan Frid. Barnabas was a very interesting character. He was conflicted with his immortality. He was a vampire through and though, but he longed to be back in the sunlight. He wanted nothing more than to be human again. However, he was cursed. He was a reluctant vampire. He could be very evil, but he mostly wanted his privacy. If left alone, he would not trouble you... but if threatened, he would kill. There were so many twist and great story lines to this show that you were always waiting with high anticipation for the next half hour show. The weekends were a pain because on Friday you were left with a cliffhanger and had to wait till Monday to see what happened! Thanks to Netflix, I have seen over 85 hours of the show. I began with the introduction to Barnabas... in the video below. It has been a great journey down memory lane for me to see the old shows with all its flaws (it was taped live with NO edits!). Starting with the old black and white shows and the introduction of color to TV. Man, I'm old! This show was unique in so many ways and it was a first for its time. That's the great thing about old shows... they were original, interesting, and the story was everything. Nothing like the 200 channels of crap that is on today. Give the video a watch and check out the collection of Dark Shadows on DVD... it is so worth it!

Jonathan Frid AKA, Barnabas Collins!

Filled with Gothic mystery and supernatural intrigue, the daytime series "Dark Shadows" became wildly popular after its 1966 premiere on ABC and has earned a reputation as one of the most unusual and enduring programs in TV history. The show revolves around Barnabas Collins (Jonathan Frid), a guilt-ridden 175-year-old vampire who longs to be human again and returns to his estate after being chained inside a coffin for nearly 200 years.

Director:
Lela Swift
John Sedwick

Cast:
Jonathan Frid
Joan Bennett
Alexandra Isles
Kathryn Leigh Scott
Nancy Barrett
John Karlen
Mitch Ryan
David Henesy
Dana Elcar
David Ford
Louis Edmonds
Joel Crothers
Clarice Blackburn
Robert Gerringer
Dennis Patrick

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My Favorite Horror Movies Part 3...

2009-06-11T08:55:00.005-04:00

Now we're going to take a look at two of my favorite genres in the horror genre... Werewolves and Vampires. It is no surprise to those that visit my blog often, that I love vampires. After all, I've been writing a vampire book for the past six years. I think vampires are creatures that we all secretly would be... power, strength, abilities beyond belief, and a world of darkness. I love traditional vampires, but I can appreciate movies that allow their vampires a little more freedom... Blade for instance. However, as in all the evil creatures of horror, there has to be a way to kill them. Someone has to survive, good overcomes evil, and there must be a slim chance of hope. In Underworld we have the best of both worlds... vampires and werewolves. A battle that has been hundreds of years in the making is played out between the two rivals right before our eyes. This is a great movie. I have seen all three and have to say that I love the first and third ones... the second one was good, but doesn't live up to the other two. I think Bill Nighy plays the king vampire, Victor perfectly. He is brilliant in all three, but in The Rise Of The Lycans, he is GREAT! There are many interesting stories within the story of Underworld. We do get to see how vampires truly want to be private individuals which I contribute to their vulnerability during the daylight hours. It's a war that has been raging for hundreds of years and it is played out so well in the first Underworld. It is a great movie and I recommend seeing all three! Check out the trailer below!

Underworld
(2003) R
Vampires and werewolves have waged a nocturnal war against each other for centuries. But all bets are off when a female vampire warrior named Selene (Kate Beckinsale), who's famous for her strength and werewolf-hunting prowess, becomes smitten with a peace-loving male werewolf, Michael (Scott Speedman), who wants to end the war. Think Romeo and Juliet with a big hickey!

Dog Soldiers is my favorite werewolf movie of all time. I have seen it probably four or five times. I was on an Irish/British movie kick for a while and saw the actor Sean Pertwee in a few other movies... Wilderness and Seven Days To Live, and became a fan. He leads of group of soldiers on a training mission, only to learn that it is not training... it's a battle to survive. There is so much action and attitude in this movie. Several twist that keep the movie fresh and interesting. The werewolves look similar to the ones in Underworld, but are actually more believable in my mind. The struggles to believe what is actually happening to these soldiers is key to how this movie works and as soldiers, once they realize the danger, they go to work to "fix" the problem. Trapped in a house with a young woman they don't know, leads to the fight of their lives against a monster outside and inside the house... I love this movie! Check out the trailer below and give this movie a watch!
Dog Soldiers
(2002) R
In Neil Marshal's directorial debut, a squad of soldiers is sent out on what should have been a routine military exercise in the wilds of Scotland. But the excursion turns into a waking nightmare when Sgt. Harry Wells (Sean Pertwee) and his men discover the bloody corpses of Capt. Richard Ryan's (Liam Cunningham) battalion. As the sun goes down, the soldiers are tracked by a pack of werewolves determined to feast on their flesh.

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My Favorite Horror Characters...

2009-06-07T21:35:00.006-04:00

My Favorite Horror Movies...

2009-06-06T17:28:00.009-04:00

Everyone seems to have a list of their favorite movies, so I thought I would put up my own list. The movies listed below are in no particular order, however, I will tell you up front that The Shining is my favorite "horror" movie of all time. I was reading a post on The Vault Of Horror the other day that dealt with this movie and found the post to be very well done. Brian made some very good points as to why the movie is such a classic even though Stephen King and many fans of the book don't like the movie because it deviates from the book. I find that "book readers" tend to be a very passionate group when it comes to books they love. When a movie is made from that book, they come out of the woodwork and scream about how much the movie is so inferior to the book. My opinion has always been that they are two vastly different mediums and cannot be compared. I find it a little arrogant on the part of "bookies" to be so judgemental. You should check out the post on The Vault Of Horror blog. Copy and paste this link: http://thevaultofhorror.blogspot.com/

Back to the list... The list has one TV show as well as a movie that is really a psychological thriller in Identity. The John Cusack and Ray Liotta movie has so many elements that keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing throughout the movie. EVERYONE should watch this movie... it is so good!

The TV show is Dark Shadows. As a kid, I would run home from school so that I wouldn't miss my favorite vampire Barnabas Collins. This show had it all... vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and witches. All wrapped up in a stylish Gothic set. A horror soap opera... what a brilliant idea! I loved the show as a kid and thanks to Netflix, I have watched over 84 hours of the show on DVD. Great stuff!!!

This Movie is in the thriller/sci-fi genre, but it is awesome! The Predator is one of the best "horrorish" creatures I've ever seen on film. When he takes his helmet off and opens up those claws... it is frigging cool! The whole concept of a predator, alien hunter makes for a very interesting story line. The fact that Arnold is in it and fits his role well is a bonus. Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, Bill Duke, and Sonny Landham pull this whole "special forces" against an alien that only hunts/kills those that are armed idea together to make one butt kickin' movie. It's a competition for "him" and he keeps parts of the bodies as a trophy. I have seen this movie so many times and enjoy it every time.

I will discuss more about my list tomorrow!

Wishmaster (1999)
Underworld (2003)
The Shining (1980)
Saw II
The Ring (2002)
Predator (1987)
Identity (2003)
House on Haunted Hill (1999)
The Hitcher (2007)
Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988)
Hellraiser (1987)
Dog Soldiers (2002)
Dark Shadows: Collection (1967)

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Vacancy 2: The First Cut (2008)

2009-06-04T11:19:00.003-04:00

I had seen the trailer for this movie several months ago and thought it looked very interesting. I like prequels... I want to know why certain things happened in a movie or how it all got started. This movie really could stand alone and doesn't necessarily deal with the first movie. The thing I liked about the movie most was the conflict between the "killers" that ran the motel. The way they began their journey from selling porn secretly filmed in the motel to the selling of murder and torture. Nothing seems to good smoothly for the criminals early on and more people die than actually had to. There were some growing pains... literally for this bunch. Once the main characters arrive at the motel the pace of the movie moves quickly. Because there are three friends (one sneaks in so he won't have to pay), this complicates the murders plan. The chase scenes where the friends are fleeing for their lives is tension filled. I felt the movie over all was entertaining and did a good job with the story line. It was good, but not great. The filming was often at night and many of the scenes were too dark. I know that adds to the creepiness, but you really need to be able to see fully what is going on. The acting was fine for a bunch of no name actors. Runs a long the same lines as Rest Stop and all the others where some one is running for their lives. Not bad... worth a watch in my book. Check out the trailer below!

After checking into a dingy room at the remote Meadow View Inn, a newly engaged couple (Trevor Wright and Agnes Bruckner) and their mutual best friend (Arjay Smith) begin to suspect they're being watched. Little do they know they're also being hunted -- and their deaths will be caught on camera. Scott G. Anderson reprises his role as the murderous Mr. Smith in this grisly prequel to Nimród Antal's original thriller.

R For strong violence and terror, language and some sexual content.
Length:
86 minutes
Director:
Eric Bross

Cast:
Trevor Wright
David Moscow
Agnes Bruckner
Gwendoline Yeo
Beau Billingslea Gwendoline Yeo
Gwendoline Yeo
Arjay Smith
Christopher Allen Nelson
Angel Oquendo
Lola Davidson
Scott G. Anderson

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The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

2009-05-29T09:08:00.003-04:00

I remember as a kid watching Chiller Theater in the basement of my grandparents house. It came on at 11:30 pm on Saturday nights. It was a very memorable time in my life because it developed a love of horror movies that I have not lost. There were also many sci-fi original movies played on the show as well. I was probably around 12 years old the first time I saw the original '51 version of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Comparing movies from that era to now is rather foolish in my mind because the technology back then was so young. I have often re watched movies from the past and while they were good movies I would think how much better they could be today. Some people get so wrapped up in the originals that they hate the remakes... like it is some kind of blasphemy to remake them. I don't hold that same thought. I judge each and every movie on its own merits. Basically, did it entertain me. This remake was very good in my opinion. I'm not a fan of Keanu Reeves, nor am I a hater of him. I think he is an average actor at best. However, I thought he was perfect for this role... why? Because he is normally stiff and lacks personality. There is a great supporting cast in this movie that do well with their roles. I like Kathy Bates, but her role did not do anything for me. Shes a great actress, but her role in general didn't do it for me. Also, the little kid was quite obnoxious. Other than those mild grips, the movie was a worthy remake. I recommend watching both. Check out the trailer below and give this one a shot!

PG-13 For some sci-fi disaster images and violence

Length:
104 minutes
Director:
Scott Derrickson

Cast:
Keanu Reeves
Jennifer Connelly
Kathy Bates
John Cleese
Aaron Douglas
Jon Hamm
Kyle Chandler
Robert Knepper
James Hong
Sunita Prasad

In this updated version of the 1951 classic sci-fi thriller, Keanu Reeves stars as an alien named Klaatu who's sent to Earth to warn the leaders of the world about the consequences of their dangerous ways. Joined by a heavily armed robot companion, Klaatu informs the people of Earth that the constant aggression carried out against one another has raised the ire of an alien species, which is now threatening to exterminate all of mankind.

Picture from the '51 original...

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Walled In...

2009-05-26T20:41:00.005-04:00

I get really annoyed when a movie is put in the horror genre when the movie really isn't horror. I try not to take out my anger on the film, but sometimes you just can't help it. However, I was able to refrain from such condemnation on this movie. Aaron, Ashely, Matt, Chris, Tina, and I watched this movie last night and all in all, it was an interesting movie. The story centers around a young demolition engineer who is chosen by her father (Owner of a demolition firm) to go to this remote "apartment" building to prepare it for demolition by marking all the spots for the demolition crew to put the dynamite in. The building was designed by an eccentric architect who supposedly murdered several people and placed them in the inner walls of the building and encased them in concrete. The whole concept was interesting, the problem though, it didn't come across on film as well as I had hoped. This "thriller" could have been so much better if they would have explored into the architect and his belief in the occult of ancient Egypt more. There was some tension in the movie, but it was not all that "scary". I must admit though, it was not all that bad either. It did have some entertainment value and it did keep me interested throughout. The bottom line is that it is a good movie, but not great. It could have been great, but it just didn't bring it all together in my mind. There are also some eccentric residents still living in the building who make the young engineers time there very difficult. Check out the trailer below and see if this movie is one you might like to see. Not a bad movie night... just have plenty of popcorn!

Young engineer Sam (Mischa Barton) is hired to oversee the demolition of a remote building. However, she learns that the architect, in a perversion of Egyptian mythology, buried people alive in the walls. As Sam works to unravel the mystery behind this awful place, she is haunted by the spirits of the victims -- and the discovery that she may be next to die. Cameron Bright and Deborah Kara Unger co-star in this eerie thriller.

R For some violence
Length:
92 minutes
Director:
Gilles Paquet-Brenner

Cast:
Mischa Barton
Deborah Kara Unger
Cameron Bright
Noam Jenkins
Shannon Jardine
Darla Biccum
Sophi Knight
Rob Roy
Josh Strait
Rob van Meenen

Film adaptation
A film adaptation of his best-seller French-language novel Les Emmurés has recently been adapted into a film, Walled In.

This is the bestselling book that Serge Brussolo wrote that the film was based on. Brussolo is a French writer whose works range from science fiction, fantasy, to thriller.

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My Bloody Valentine (2009)

2009-05-24T13:19:00.008-04:00

We watched this movie last night. It is a remake of the '81 film with the same name. I thought it was an OK movie, but Tina liked it more than I did. The funny thing is, it seemed to have that typical 80's feel to it which I really don't care for. The 80's did bring us some good horror... Hellraiser for one, but it also brought us a load of campy crap. I was hoping for a little more updated feel. Kind of like the Rob Zombie Halloween. I don't remember seeing the original, but from everything I've read it follows the original to a tee. The movie has some of the goriest scenes with a pic axe and shovel that I have seen in some time. The story revolves around a mining town where on Valentine's Day one of the miners goes nuts and starts killing teens who were having a party at the mine that night. There's a fair amount of tension and fear in this film. The Ackles character (Tom) is the son of the mine owner and witness' the massacre and only survives because the sheriff got there in time. Tom leaves town for 10 years and only comes back to sell the mine after his father's death. That's when the killings begin all over again. There's a few interesting twist to the story and it does have entertainment value. It is an 80's gore fest! Check out the trailer below and I think you will enjoy it as well.

Haunted by the mining-related massacre that took place there on Valentine's Day a decade ago, Tom (Jensen Ackles) returns to his hometown to find some closure. But no sooner does he arrive than a pickax-wielding madman begins a new bloody killing spree. Now, many suspect that the murderous miner has returned to claim his final victims -- including Tom. Patrick Lussier directs this remake of the 1981 horror classic.

R For graphic brutal horror violence and grisly images throughout, some strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language

Length:
101 minutes
Director:
Patrick Lussier

Jensen Ackles
A friend of mine loves this guy... mainly because she loves the show Supernatural.

Cast:
Jensen Ackles
Jaime King
Kerr Smith
Kevin Tighe
Tom Atkins
Marc Macaulay
Betsy Rue
Megan Boone
William Kania
Brandi Engel
Chris Carnel
Jillian O'Neil

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Eden Lake (2008)

2009-05-18T13:16:00.005-04:00

I have been waiting to watch this movie for quite some time. I had read a lot about it on Bloody-Disgusting.com and had seen the trailer and many pictures from the gallery. There is some apprehension when you have so much anticipation before viewing a movie. Some times you build it up to the point that the movie could never live up to your hopes. However, this movie did not disappoint at all. It is one of the most twisted/sick movies I have seen in a while. The difference between being "sick/twisted" bad and "sick/twisted" good is the story and the acting. This movie had a ton of tension and the scenery around the lake was spectacular. The movie begins with a loving couple going to a lake for a romantic weekend. While lounging on the lake beach, a group of loud and obnoxious teens come to the shoreline a few hundred feet from the couple. With their music blaring and arrogant attitude, trouble begins between the teens and the couple. That is just the beginning. What happens next is like a snow ball rolling down a mountain and getting bigger and picking up steam till it hits the bottom. This is a very well made movie and the entertainment value is quite high. The ending is a surprise and a little difficult to take, but it fits the the rest of the story. This movie is well worth a watch. Check out the trailer below and run to the video store to get this one!

R For strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some nudity and brief drug use
Length:
91 minutes
Director:
James Watkins

Cast:
Kelly Reilly
Michael Fassbender
Finn Atkins
James Burrows
James Gandhi
Thomas Gill
Thomas Gilleran
Jack O'Connell
Thomas Turgoose
Bronson Webb

Jenny (Kelly Reilly) and Steve (Michael Fassbender) are in love and about to get engaged during a calm lake getaway -- but they'll first have to survive a pillaging and murderous gang of kids, led by the psychotic Brett (Jack O'Connell), who suddenly arrives on their front lawn. When Steve tries to quell the violence, matters turn from scary to gruesomely deadly. James Gandhi, Bronson Webb, Thomas Gill and Thomas Turgoose co-star.

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Against the Dark (2008)

2009-05-15T10:08:00.003-04:00

Seagal's venture into the horror genre is little more than a little better than average zombie movie. While these creatures "drink" blood, they also ravage their victims bodies like zombies. The story is somewhat interesting and the acting is well above the "B" status, but Seagal has about as much more screen time as an extended cameo. The movie tries very hard to be an action packed/gorefest, but it falls a little short in several areas. For one thing, Seagal is NOT the main character. Unlike most of his other movies, where there is some environmental issue or "sinister" corporation, in Against The Dark, we have crazy zombies. Love him or hate him, Steven Seagal has had some very entertaining action films. Under Siege (1992) R, Out for Justice (1991) R, Marked for Death (1990) R,The Glimmer Man (1996) R, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995) R, On Deadly Ground (1994) R, and Fire Down Below (1997). Mostly, these are his early work. I like Seagal because his movies have action, heart, and are for the most part very entertaining. Definitely, not his acting ability. I have him in that category one notch above Chuck Norris... same type of movies. So... as far as horror movies go, this one was just average for me. I appreciate he wanted to branch out, but he needs to stay within his action genre. So check out the trailer below and see if this movie interests you!

After the face of the planet is overrun by bloodthirsty vampires, special ops squad leader Commander Tao (Steven Seagal) must extinguish the menacing bloodsuckers and save the future of the human race. But for those who have survived and taken refuge in an abandoned hospital, hope is running out -- as well as supplies and food. Jeff Chase, Emma Catherwood and Skye Bennett co-star in this action thriller.

Steven Seagal
Born in Lansing, Mich., on April 10, 1951, action star Steven Seagal moved to California with his family at age 5. He developed his interest in martial arts a few years later and began studying Aikido at a Japanese dojo near his home.
At age 19, Seagal left for Japan to study Buddhism and Aikido. When he returned to the U.S. in 1982, he opened martial arts schools and trained many Hollywood elite, including Michael Ovitz, who got Seagal a role in his first film, Above the Law (1988). This success was followed by a series of vigilante/renegade cop roles in Hard to Kill, Marked for Death and Out for Justice.

It was his role as Navy cook Casey Ryback in Under Siege (1992) that got him his first critical acclaim. Since then, Seagal has tried his hand in key supporting roles (Executive Decision), comedies (The Glimmer Man) and environmental awareness efforts (Fire Down Below).

R For bloody violence/gore, some language and brief nudity
Length:
94 minutes
Director:
Richard Crudo

Cast:
Steven Seagal
Linden Ashby
Skye Bennett
Jeff Chase
Tanoai Reed
Emma Catherwood
Jenna Harrison
Emma Catherwood
Daniel Percival
Danny Midwinter
Joel Shock

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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

2009-05-14T09:50:00.003-04:00

I know that prequels are the rage in Hollywood, but they don't always live up to expectations... this one did! I loved the storyline in this movie and thought it told the beginnings of the war between Lycans and vampires well. If I had to say a negative thing about the movie it would be that it was visually too dark at times and also vampires can fly... so why didn't they??? OK, that was two things. The acting was superb, especially Bill Nighy as Victor, the leader of the vampires. His intensity was fantastic and he was visually dominate in his role. Michael Sheen as Lucian, the leader of the Lycans was equally as passionate in his role. I have to say that I didn't miss Kate Beckinsale at all. The character of Sonja, played by Rhonda Mitra was as strong a character as Beckensales. The story begins with the Lycans being slaves to the vampires and Lucian being a favorite of Victors. There are struggles outside the walls of the castle between "wild" werewolves and the Nobles who depend on the vampires for protection and the vampires in turn are paid for this protection. Sonja is rebellious and disobeys her father (Victor) on many occasions. As Lucian and Sonja's relations is kept hidden, it is just as quickly revealed and that is when the battle truly begins. This movie is full of all the elements of a great movie... good storyline, good acting, interesting characters, and well played action. The only concern for me is that the CGI was a little over done. I've never been a fan of so much CGI, but I overlook it when the movie has so many other great attributes. This movie is so worth a watch! Check out the trailer below!

A prequel to the first two Underworld films, this fantasy explains the origins of the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. Aided by his secret love, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), courageous Lucian (Michael Sheen) leads the Lycans in battle against brutal Vampire king Viktor (Bill Nighy). Determined to break the king's enslavement of his people, Lucian faces off against the Death Dealer army in a bid for Lycan independence.

Rated R
For bloody violence and some sexuality

Length:
92 minutes
Director:
Patrick Tatopoulos

Cast:
Rhona Mitra
Bill Nighy
Michael Sheen
Shane Brolly
Steven Mackintosh
Kevin Grevioux

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Boogeyman 3...

2009-05-10T18:36:00.004-04:00

We've seen all three Boogeyman movies now, and I can't say I'm all that impressed. The first movie was very good, but the last two have been average at best. I guess the real problem is that the whole concept of the "Boogeyman" is silly and campy to me. A lot like Pumpkinhead and the like where the "evil" character just doesn't scare me or thrill me as a horror character. Just the name alone... "Boogeyman", is enough to make me think "camp." OK, enough of that... the movie is just your typical teenish slasher movie. Albeit, these are collage students, it still has that teen slasher feel. Another issue I have is the film tries to be to smart. You have a college student who is a psychology major and an "advice" radio announcer for the college radio station. Along with her college professor, they do a talk radio show for the college students. In my mind this feels like a film that is screaming to be taken seriously in spite of itself. The character of the Boogeyman is inconsistent in his "terror." At times all you have to do is shut the closet door and you will be safe. Other times, he will pull you under the bed or move effortlessly through a room. I guess my just not a fan of the character. So all in all this is just an average horror movie. So check out the trailer below and see if this movie interest you.

Although her best friend supposedly committed suicide, college student Sarah Morris (Erin Cahill) knows the girl's wounds weren't self-inflicted. But her insistence that the Boogeyman was to blame only prompts her roommates to think she's losing her mind. Now, Sarah's splitting her time between trying to convince her campus friends that their lives are in serious danger -- and trying to save her own.

Director:
Gary Jones

Cast:
W.B. Alexander
Erin Cahill
Elyes Gabel
Chuck Hittinger
Kate Maberly
George Maguire
Mimi Michaels
Matt Rippy
Nikki Sanderson
Matt Rippy

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From Within (2008)

2009-05-07T10:01:00.005-04:00

We've seen 6 of the 8 Movies To Die For so far. I have been pleasantly surprise how good several of these movies have been. The After Dark Horror Fest has been going on for three years now, and usually there are only a few movies that are really good and the rest are average or worst. However, this year at least four of them have been good or really good. From Within is your typical "Good Vs Evil", God vs Satan movie... but that's where it starts... that is not the whole story. Usually there is a distinctive line between good and evil, but in this movie, the lines are blurred. Is there anyone good in this movie? The religious fanatics in this movie truly believe and trust in their faith. It reminded me of the fanaticism of the Salem Witch Trails. The "good" people of Grovetown need to blame someone for the mysterious suicides that are taking place in their town. They blame a family that they believe practice witch craft. It really is a struggle to like these fanatics. They don't have many redeeming qualities other than their strong faith in God... no matter how misguided it was. With out giving to much of the movie away, there is a true battle to get to the bottom of this suicide curse. Elizabeth Rice plays Lindsay, a young high school girl who believes in God, but doesn't have the same religious fervor that most of the town has. She befriends Aidan played by Thomas Dekker. Aidan is a family member to the first victim and is believed to be responsible for all the suicides. The movie moves well and there are many interesting "twist" to make the storyline more interesting. This movie is well worth a watch! Check out the trailer below!

(R)For violence, disturbing images and some language.
Length:
95 minutes
Director:
Phedon Papamichael

Cast:
Elizabeth Rice
Thomas Dekker
Kelly Blatz
Laura Allen
Adam Goldberg
Rumer Willis
Margo Harshman
Brittany Robertson
Jared Harris
Steven Culp
Amanda Babin

When a rash of mysterious suicides strikes the idyllic burg of Grovetown, it galvanizes the faith of the largely Christian community, which staunchly clings to its evangelical beliefs. Convinced that the deaths are the work of something far more sinister than sheer fate, teenagers Lindsay (Elizabeth Rice) and Aidan (Thomas Dekker) band together to unearth the real culprits … and uncover a shocking revelation.

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The Uninvited...

2009-05-05T15:57:00.003-04:00

This is a very well made, creepy thriller. All the while I'm watching it, I'm trying to figure out who is the "guilty" party in this movie. Every conversation, action, and scene in the movie seems to have a couple of different meanings so that you are really struggling to figure out who is the "bad guy" in the movie. The acting was good and the story itself was very interesting and kept you guessing throughout. Having said that, I never saw the ending coming. I was completely surprised by it. This movie kept you enthralled all the way through. You sit there completely pulling for the Anna character to get to the truth and solve this serious problem that she is facing... mainly an "evil" step mom to be. The movie moves quickly and is very entertaining. I highly recommend watching this movie if you like twisted, creepy thrillers.

It is a remake of a Korean film titled A Tale Of Two Sisters. I don't like subtitles at all and have no interesting in seeing this film, but the American version is awesome. Emily Browning plays Anna who has been hospitalized since her mothers tragic death. As the synopsis below states, she is released from the hospital and goes home to find that her dad and her mother's former nurse are getting married. She is not at all happy about that. Anna has visions and dreams that seem to point to the fact that her mothers death was no accident. Ghosts, and dark, creepy settings make this movie very tense. I love tension in a movie... it seems to suck me into it so much more that just gore alone. Check out the trailer below and give this movie a shot!

Committed to a mental hospital after her mother's tragic death, teenager Anna (Emily Browning) discovers upon her release that her father (David Strathairn) plans to marry his deceased wife's former nurse, Rachael (Elizabeth Banks), a woman who may not have the best intentions. Foreboding warnings from her mother's ghost only cement Anna's suspicions in this remake of the 2003 Korean chiller Janghwa, Hongryeon.

Cast
Emily Browning as Anna Rydell
Arielle Kebbel as Alex Rydell
Elizabeth Banks as Rachel Summers (Stepmother)
David Strathairn as Steven Rydell (Father)
Maya Massar as Lilian Rydell (Mother)
Kevin McNulty as Sheriff Emery
Jesse Moss as Matt
Lex Burnham as Iris Wright
Danny Bristol as Samuel Wright
Mathhew Bristol as David Wright
Don S. Davis as Mr. Henson
Heather Doerksen as Mildred
Dean Paul Gibson as Dr. bopp

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Seven Days to Live (2000) R...

2009-04-30T21:31:00.004-04:00

I was looking through Fearnet.com and saw that they were playing this movie. It made me remember how much I liked it. I went through a stage where I was watching a lot of English/Irish films. Dog Soldiers and Wilderness were a few others. As I have stated before, Dog Soldiers is my very favorite Werewolf movie. Seven Days To Live is like an English version of The Shining. Is it as good as The Shining, no... not really, but it is very entertaining. The theme is different, but the overall sense of the movie is the same. The funny thing is that the woman who plays the wife looks a lot like Shelley Duvall from The Shining. You should check out the trailer below and give this movie a shot... I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

In an old house on the edge of a secluded swampland somewhere in Northern Europe a young woman and her husband try to start a new life after the tragic death of their son. Before they have even settled in, the woman begins receiving eerie messages counting down the days until her death.

Sean Pertwee
Having watched Sean Pertwee in Dog Soldiers, I really became a fan of his work. I've seen four of his movies and all have been well done and highly entertaining. In Seven Days To Live, Pertwee plays the husband who decides to make a move to an old house out in the country after the tragic death of his son. After a few days the wife begins to get "messages" that she only has seven days to live. At first, she doesn't think anything of it, but after a few days, she begins to get scared. Pertwee plays a role very similar to Jack Nicholson in The Shining. He just thinks shes still suffering from the loss of their child, but then he begins to change and act more angry and hateful. This is a good movie and one I can recommend. Give it a try!

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Splinter...

2009-04-29T08:36:00.003-04:00

WE have been on a role the past few weeks with our horror selections. It didn't start off that well with the disappointment of The Broken, but other than that... we have seen 7 decent horror movies with Perkin's 14 and The Butterfly Effect 3:Revelations being the best of the bunch so far.

Which brings us to our latest movie, Splinter. I have to admit that the beginning had a hillbilly, Wrong Turn feel within the first few minutes of the movie. Couple that with the geeky/nerd boyfriend, I thought this movie is going to be a waste of time. However, when we are introduced to the escaped convict, that is when it gets interesting. To be fair, the film kicks into high gear within the first 10 to 15 minutes and really is quite good. The convict character played by Shea Whigham was an interesting study as you move through the film. Not just your average hoodlum. The movie turned out to be very well done and the "creature" that has them trapped in the gas station is an interesting mix of parasite/zombieish, blood sucking, body consuming monster. We get quick flashes of the creature throughout, but not too overdone in my opinion. We learn that the parasite is transmitted through the creatures splinters and it takes over the body. Check out the trailer below and give this one a try!

Director:
Toby Wilkins

Cast:
Shea Whigham
Paulo Costanzo
Jill Wagner
Charles Baker
Rachel Kerbs
Laurel Whitsett

Kidnapped by an escaped convict (Shea Whigham) and his young accomplice (Rachel Kerbs), Seth Belzer (Paulo Costanzo) and Polly Watt (Jill Wagner) are thrust into the fight of their lives when the four of them become the prey of a bloodthirsty splinter parasite. Trapped inside an abandoned gas station, the foursome is forced to band together to thwart the monster's vicious attacks and make it out alive.

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The Burrowers (2008)

2009-04-28T09:14:00.004-04:00

A horror western... I always find unusual pairings of genres rather interesting. I really do appreciate writers and directors thinking "out of the box". I do hate that business style saying, but it does get the point across. The Burrowers is a western set in 1879 in the Dakotas. A family goes missing and it presumed to be an Indian attack. A posse is set up that includes some area men and the military. The military captain is dead set on finding the Indians responsible and getting the family back. Along the way the towns men are not so sure that Indians are really to blame. The towns men end up separating from the military and going off on their own to find the family. What I really liked about the movie is that you do not see exactly what the burrowers look like till the end of the movie. You are shown quick flashes of them, but nothing definitive. The story moves well and the acting is good. Plenty of tension and gory to satisfy the horror fan.

Clancy Brown
Clancy Brown is an actor who I have really grown to appreciate his work. I first saw him in Shawshank Redemption (one of my all-time favorite movies!)as the "mean" prison guard Captain Hadley. His work spans movie, TV, and animation voice overs. He does a very good job in this movie as one of the towns men in search of the missing family. Because of his deep voice and 6'3" frame, he is usually cast as a villain, but in this movie he is one of the good guys. The Burrowers is a good, entertaining movie and well worth a watch in my book. Check out the trailer below!

When the men on a pioneer homestead are brutally murdered and the women and children go missing, a posse sets out to find them, assuming they've been abducted by Indians. But the truth turns out to be much more horrific. As they find more bodies, it soon becomes clear that something from beneath the ground is brutally attacking humans. Clancy Brown, William Mapother and Sean Patrick Thomas star in this horror film set in the Wild West.

Director:
J.T. Petty

Cast:
Doug Hutchison
William Mapother
Karl Geary
Laura Leighton
Seri DeYoung
Clancy Brown
Sean Patrick Thomas
Jocelin Donahue
David Busse
Brighid Fleming

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The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations

2009-04-25T09:55:00.003-04:00

The "Butterfly Effect" is an interesting concept in the horror/Sci-Fi genre. I liked the first one with Aston Kutcher a lot. The whole idea that someone has the ability to go back in time and "fix" something is really fascinating. The only catch to that gift is you usually make things worse. That is the case in Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations. These movies require you to really think and follow the storyline carefully, because everything ties together at the end. The story revolves around a young man who is trying to figure out who killed his girlfriend and try and catch the killer. However, every time he goes back, someone else dies and the police believe he is responsible... a serial killer. This was a very entertaining movie and well thought out. Once you "learn" the truth, the ending is no secret. However, you do not learn the truth till the last few minutes of the movie. I thought the ending (last scene in the movie) was very cool. It let you know that all is not peaceful and harmonious. I didn't see the second Butterfly Effect because it didn't get good reviews on Netflix. This movie, I can highly recommend... especially if you liked the first one. Check out the trailer below and give this one a shot!

When he discovers that he has the ability to travel through time, teenager Sam Reed (Chris Carmack) uses his newfound power to unravel the mystery surrounding his girlfriend's (Rachel Miner) untimely death. Despite his noble intentions, Chris inadvertently disrupts the space-time continuum and unleashes the wrath of a psychopathic serial killer. Directed by Seth Grossman, this sci-fi thriller also stars Daniel Spink and Richard Wilkinson

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Dying Breed...

2009-04-20T12:40:00.005-04:00

We are in the middle of an 8 Movies To Die For mini marathon. This is the fourth movie we've watched and it was pretty creepy, twisted, gory, and sick... so yes, we liked it! Perkin's 14 and Dying Breed are to good movies, and considering the entire series over the past three years has not been all that great... these two were pleasant surprises. It is so much like Wrong Turn and the other cannibalistic hillbilly movies that have been around for a while. I wouldn't say it is as good as Wrong Turn, but it was entertaining. Typical theme and storyline... nothing great or original here. The problem with this series is that we have come to expect the majority of these movies to be crap, that when a few are actually "pretty" good, we are pleased... low expectations, is a sad reality with this series. There is a fair amount of tension and a large amount of gore. The beginning sets up the true reason for this secret "society" that lives in the jungle of Australia. For so many years this society lived off tourist that wandering in the jungle. Will the light finally come to this deep woods cannibalistic "tribe"? You will have to see the movie. Check out the trailer below and see if it interests you! I think it will.

Eight years ago, Nina's (Mirrah Foulkes) sister disappeared in the Australian backcountry while searching for the mythical Tasmanian tiger. With only one clue -- a photograph of a mysterious paw print -- in hand, Nina sets out to continue her sister's work. But something else awaits Nina and her team: cannibalistic descendents of a 19th-century psycho known as "the Pieman." Leigh Whannell (Saw) and Nathan Phillips co-star in this savage thriller.

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Perkins' 14 (2009)

2009-04-18T10:04:00.004-04:00

This movie actually had a good storyline. Tension and gore made for an entertaining movie. It was a little slow at times, but that seemed to add to the tension and suspense. Another of the 8 Movies To Die For and this one did not disappoint. It was visually dark and creepy. The acting was very good for the most part for relatively unknown actors. We have seen 3 of this series so far and this one was actually worth watching. There's a lot of tragedy in this story because of the kidnapping of young children. The main character has had his young son kidnapped 10 years earlier and this has effected his marriage and his job. As a police officer, he tried to find his son with no luck. The 14 children who were kidnapped were presumed dead. However, there was a more sinister plot to the kidnappings. Check out the trailer below and give this one a shot.

Unbalanced by the brutal murder of his parents, Robert Perkins (Richard Brake) kidnaps 14 people from a nearby town and brainwashes them into serving as his band of psychotic bodyguards -- who'll stop at nothing to protect their master. When Perkins's antics land him behind bars, the "Perkins 14" snap and unleash a horrifying reign of terror on the people of Stone Cove.

Cast
Patrick O'Kane as Dwayne Hopper
Shayla Beesley as Daisy Hopper
Mihaela Mihut as Janine Hopper
Michale Graves as Eric Ross
Gregory O'Connor as Grodsky
Katherine Pawlak as Felicity
Richard Brake as Robert Perkins
Craig Robert Young as Mitch James
Trey Farley as Scott
CJ Singer as Kyle Hopper
Sean Farragher as Pete
Josh Davidson as The Stranger

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Autopsy (2008)

2009-04-14T18:24:00.004-04:00

We watched this movie the other night. I had been looking forward to seeing it after looking at the trailer. The trailer looked awesome! However, the movie was just OK for me. There are a few other movies that it reminded me of, Room 6 being one. The movie was graphic and bloody, but it just didn't stand out in my mind. While it was an entertaining movie, it seemed like so many other "crazy" hospital movies that have come down the pike over the years. Robert Patrick plays the "mad" doctor of the hospital and is doing surgery on the victims so that he can save his dying wife's life. The hospital we find out has been closed for several years and being used by Patrick for his madness. The movie had some tension and definitely gore. It was entertaining and I would recommend giving it a watch if you have lower expectations. Check out the trailer below and see what you think!

Plot:
The film is about a group of friends that go to a punk concert. One of them is hit over the head with a bottle. Before his girlfriend can call for help, a 1950's ambulance arrives. They are taken to a strange hospital where the injured friend is. The plot centers on their search for their friend in the old hospital where inhumane experiments are being done on the living patients. The tag line, "Autopsy; Not just for the dead anymore" pretty much sums it up.
Cast:
Robert Patrick
Jenette Goldstein
Michael Bowen
Robert LaSardo
Ross McCall
Jessica Lowndes
Ashley Schneider
Joe Reegan
Ross Kohn
Eric F. Adams

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House (2008)

2009-04-09T10:56:00.003-04:00

We watched this movie last night. I had seen the trailer and thought the movie looked very intense. It's based on a "Christan" novel by Ted Dekker. Why it is considered a "Christan" novel? I don't know, except for the "good verses evil" theme and a brief mention of "light conquering darkness", other than that, who knows. I would imagine the book is much more involved and therefore the "Christan" theme is more obvious. Anyway... The "House" is supposed attract the "guilty", for them to confront their guilt. As the synopsis below states, a troubled married couple gets in a car accident and walks to an old looking inn. There's another couple there who also had car problems. After several minutes, the proprietors of the inn show up and they are creepy. The movie moves very quickly and smoothly. Every character gets an ample amount of screen time to develop their character and give us insight on their "guilt". Michael Madsen is in this movie and plays a major character, but does not have a lot of screen time compared to the others. The "evil" wants to two couples to suffer for their sins and is trying to get them to kill each other as they roam through the house trying to escape. Some of the CGI elements in the film are a little campy, but overall effective. The tension and darkness of the movie kept me in to it throughout, but I thoroughly enjoyed the ending. Not really the most original movie... many elements I have seen before... even the ending. However, it was very entertaining and a well made movie. Check out the trailer below. Also, if you click on the title, it will send you to the movies website. Check it out!

Trying to recover from the nearly marriage-breaking stress following the death of their child, Jack (Reynaldo Rosales) and Stephanie (Heidi Dippold) spontaneously take off on a road trip. But when their car breaks down in a remote area, they find themselves in a horrific nightmare. Seeking shelter in a house, they soon realize that more danger lurks inside than outside in this spine-chiller based on Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti's best-seller.

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The Brøken (2008)

2009-04-06T18:13:00.002-04:00

Movies that try to be too "smart" really annoy me. This movie had so much promise. It actually kept your interest and all the way through you thought your questions would be answered at the end... did not happen! It's one thing for a movie to leave you guessing a little at the end because there may be a sequel, but this one left you wondering what EVERYTHING was about. The concept is interesting... a woman sees someone riding in a vehicle similar to hers and the woman looks just like her. Strange events begin to happen after that to make the woman question everything. She's in a very bad car accident and can't remember much about it except for a few short nightmares she has. This is where the movie has many bazaar events that are very creepy. Without giving too much information, she thinks her boyfriend is NOT her boyfriend because he has begun to act strangely. There's a fair amount of tension and a little gore to add to the mix, but the ending leaves you very flat. I wanted to like this movie, but I just couldn't. I needed answers as to the why and how of it and they were not given. I would stay away from this one. It is part of this years 8 Movies To Die For and I hope the others are better. This was the first one I've watched... and I feel "Broken".

From the very first moment Gina (Lena Headey) spots a woman who looks exactly like her driving down a busy London street, reality ceases to exist as she knows it. Tailing her doppelganger, Gina finds herself immersed in a surreal landscape of mind-bending nightmares and inexplicable events. Written and directed by Sean Ellis, this disturbing tale also stars Richard Jenkins and Asier Newman.

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Zombies and other camp...

2009-03-26T09:32:00.004-04:00

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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The Haunting of Molly Hartley...

2009-03-24T11:06:00.003-04:00

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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Twilight...

2009-03-22T17:05:00.005-04:00

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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Quarantine 2008...

2009-03-17T10:58:00.005-04:00

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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TFAV Update...

2009-03-15T18:41:00.004-04:00

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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Dorothy Mills (2008)

2009-03-11T21:23:00.003-04:00

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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Hellraiser Update...

2009-03-09T13:08:00.004-04:00

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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Mirrors...

2009-03-08T21:23:00.005-04:00

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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Salem Witch Trials 1692...

2009-03-02T13:13:00.003-05:00

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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The Lodger...

2009-02-28T12:03:00.003-05:00

Tina and I watched this the other night and found this movie to be very interesting. Tina liked it a lot more than I did, but I did think it was quite entertaining. As a remake, it is hard to judge this movie compared to the Hitchcock original since I haven't seen the 1927 silent version. I have to say that I'm interested in seeing it now. The remake has a style about it that adds to the tension and creepiness of the film. It makes you think and wonder what is real and what is imaginary. The "landlady" of the lodger is by far the most interesting character and she is also the best actor. The rest of the actors are fine, but not "A" list quality. The whole Jack the Ripper theme is very good. There has always been a fascination about the Ripper for me. I hope one day to do a book that includes the Ripper and his exploits... should be awesome! I have two trailers below... The first id from the '27 version and the other is the remake. Check them both out!

Cast:
Alfred Molina, Hope Davis,
Simon Baker, Donal Logue,
Roy Werner, Shane West,
Rebecca Pidgeon, Rachael Leigh Cook,
Philip Baker Hall, Kirk Fox,
Daphne Ashbrook

When a serial killer starts knocking off West Hollywood working girls in grisly ways, a mentally unbalanced landlady becomes convinced that one of her tenants is involved in the killings. Meanwhile, a detective who is under suspicion discovers clues to the murders that lead him to several disturbing revelations. David Ondaatje directs this remake of Alfred Hitchcock's 1927 film of the same name. Simon Baker and Hope Davis star.

My Netflix Review...
The Lodger:
We love serial killer movies and this one was pretty entertaining. A lot of the acting was just average and no one other than the "landlady" stands out. A remake from a 1927 movie which I have not seen... but it does make me want too now. The landlady thinks that her lodger may be a serial killer whose murders resemble Jack the Ripper's. The story keeps you interested throughout and never drags. A few twist make it a movie I think is worth a watch. 3 stars. 2/26/09

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So Many Horror Remakes...

2009-02-24T21:41:00.006-05:00

The Haunting...
Director: Jan DeBont
Actors: Liam Neeson
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Owen Wilson
Virginia Madsen

In director Jan De Bont's remake of the original spine-tingling haunted house adventure, Dr. David Marrow (Liam Neeson) invites Nell Vance (Lili Taylor), Theo (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Luke Sanderson (Owen Wilson) to the famous Hill House for a study in sleep disorders. The unfortunate guests discover that Marrow is far more interested in the sinister mansion itself -- and, soon, they see the true nature of its horror.

A remake of any successful movie always tends to heighten our interest, but it may also anger us. The upcoming Hellraiser remake is one that I don't want to happen. I have to say I'm a little nervous about that one. I've often wondered if Hollywood remakes a movie because they can't come up with anything original or that it is easy to gain more wealth off a known commodity. The list below is a lit of the top 25 grossing horror remakes of all time. The actual list I found had over 40 movies in it. Out of the lit of 25, I have seen all but a couple. I have to say that for the most part, I have enjoyed all of them. But why remake a movie??? I really don't have an answer to that question. I still tend to think it's a lazy way for Hollywood to make money. However, two of these movies have been really good to me, The Haunting and The House of Wax.
House of Wax...
A group of friends on their way to a college football game fall prey to two murderous brothers in an abandoned small town. They discover that the brothers have expanded upon the area's main attraction -- the House of Wax -- and created an entire town filled with the wax-coated corpses of unlucky visitors. Now, the group must escape before they, too, become permanent exhibits. Stars Elisha Cuthbert, Chad Michael Murray and, yes, Paris Hilton!

Many of the originals I have seen. In some ways, I like the remake better. Mainly because the special effects are better, but also because they seem fresher. I don't know if there will ever be an answer to the reason for so many remakes, but as long as they are well made and respect the original, I will watch them.
Top Grossing Horror Remakes...
1 The Ring DW $129,128,133 2,927 $15,015,393 1,981 10/18/02
2 The Grudge Sony $110,359,362 3,348 $39,128,715 3,245 10/22/04
3 The Haunting DW $91,411,151 2,881 $33,435,140 2,808 7/23/99
4 The Texas Chainsaw Massacre NL $80,571,655 3,018 $28,094,014 3,016 10/17/03
5 The Ring Two DW $76,231,249 3,341 $35,065,237 3,332 3/18/05
6 The Amityville Horror (2005) MGM $65,233,369 3,323 $23,507,007 3,323 4/15/05
7 The Stepford Wives Par. $59,484,742 3,057 $21,406,781 3,057 6/11/04
8 Dawn of the Dead Uni. $59,020,957 2,748 $26,722,575 2,745 3/19/04
9 Halloween (2007) MGM/W $58,272,029 3,475 $26,362,367 3,472 8/31/07
10 Friday the 13th (2009) WB (NL) $55,651,924 3,105 $40,570,365 3,105 2/13/09
11 The Omen (2006) Fox $54,607,383 2,723 $16,026,496 2,723 6/6/06
12 My Bloody Valentine 3-D LGF $51,323,492 2,534 $21,241,456 2,534 1/16/09
13 When a Stranger Calls SGem $47,860,214 3,004 $21,607,203 2,999 2/3/06
14 Prom Night (2008) SGem $43,869,350 2,821 $20,804,941 2,700 4/11/08
15 Thirteen Ghosts WB $41,867,960 2,781 $15,165,355 2,781 10/26/01
16 The Hills Have Eyes FoxS $41,778,863 2,621 $15,708,512 2,620 3/10/06
17 House on Haunted Hill WB $40,846,082 2,710 $15,946,032 2,710 10/29/99
18 The Fly Fox $40,456,565 1,201 $7,007,423 1,195 8/15/86
19 The Grudge 2 Sony $39,143,839 3,214 $20,825,300 3,211 10/13/06
20 House of Wax WB $32,064,800 3,111 $12,077,236 3,111 5/6/05
21 The Eye LGF $31,418,697 2,470 $12,425,776 2,436 2/1/08
22 Mirrors Fox $30,691,439 2,664 $11,161,074 2,664 8/15/08
23 The Fog (2005) SonR $29,550,869 2,972 $11,752,917 2,972 10/14/05
24 One Missed Call WB $26,890,041 2,240 $12,511,473 2,240 1/4/08
25 Shutter Fox $25,928,550 2,756 $10,447,559 2,753 3/21/08

UPCOMING RELEASES:
Motel Hell (2008) MGM N/A
Scanners (2008) MGM N/A
Clive Barker Presents: Hellraiser MGM/W 2009
The Last House on the Left (2009) Uni. 3/13/09
Halloween 2 (2009) W/Dim. 8/28/09
The Crazies Over. 9/25/09
Sorority Row Sum. 10/2/09
Step Father (2009) SGem 10/16/09

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Blood River...

2009-02-21T13:39:00.004-05:00

I saw this movie trailer on Bloody-Disgusting.com and on Twitch.com and I have to say, it looks intense. Not quite horror, but definitely horrific. There seems to be enough blood and tension in this movie trailer to satisfy the horror buff in all of us. It's from director Adam Mason who gave us Broken, The 13th Sign, Prey, and The Devil's Chair. I have only seen The Devil's Chair, and while I wasn't a fan of that movie, it's wasn't all that bad. I really want to see Broken, that movie looks very good. You can check out what this movie is about below and see the trailer as well... we will have to wait and see just how good the actual movie is...

Plot Synopsis:
A psychological thriller, which explores the destruction of a young couple's seemingly perfect marriage. It’s 1969 and Clark and Summer are happily married and she’s pregnant. We first meet Summer and Clark as they are driving across California on their way to Arizona to tell Summer’s parents the good news about the pregnancy. They drive across the seemingly never ending and desolate desert landscape - they have a blow out. It’s a nasty one that sends the car into a massive, near fatal crash. They crawl out of it, hurt but alive, Summer terrified for the well being of her unborn child. The nearest place on the map is the uninviting sounding town of Blood River where they meet a mysterious stranger, Joseph. The clash between Joseph and Clark reaches fever pitch and drives our characters ever closer to a violent, destructive and shocking conclusion that will chill you to the bone.

Blood River is a twisted, manipulative trip into a world of extremes where people are rarely who they seem, where everyone has a secret and where few, if any, will survive.

Blood River - Final Trailer
Uploaded by dreadcentral

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The Midnight Meat Train (2008)

2009-02-18T09:37:00.003-05:00

I don't even know where to begin with this movie... more tension and gore than I've seen in quite some time! This movie came from the mind of my FAVORITE director, Clive Barker! What a great movie. The movie starts of with a gory train scene and never really lets up. The premise of the movie seems to be about a serial killer who does his work on a subway train after midnight. Vinnie Jones plays the killer and is awesome in this movie. His presence is powerful and very creepy. We are shown a photographer who is struggling to make ends meet while his girlfriend works as a waitress in a diner. You feel for the two of them and find yourself pulling for them to succeed. The photographer ends up following the killer and captures his killing on film. There is a great twist at the end that puts everything in perspective. I highly recommend watching this movie for all horror/gore fans. It isn't killing for the sake of killing... there is a purpose. Great movie! Check out the trailer below and rent this movie!

The Midnight Meat Train is a 2008 horror film based on Clive Barker's 1984 short story of the same name, which can be found in Volume One of Barker's collection Books of Blood. The film follows a photographer who attempts to track down a serial killer dubbed the "Subway Butcher" and discovers more than he bargained for under the city streets.

Books of Blood are a series of horror fiction collections written by the British author Clive Barker.

Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers) stars as Leon Kauffman, an ambitious New York photographer whose reckless search for a serial killer (Vinnie Jones) known as "the Subway Butcher" leads him down a dark and dangerous path. Based on a short story by horror giant Clive Barker, this spine-tingling thriller from director Ryuhei Kitamura also stars Leslie Bibb, Brooke Shields and Tony Curran.

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Help Me Understand... Zombies???

2009-02-15T10:31:00.005-05:00

Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Flesh-devouring corpses roam the land and become fixated on having their way with seven terrified people who have sequestered themselves in a Pennsylvania farmhouse. Infighting and exhaustion add to the gory mayhem of this one night of hell on earth. George Romero writes and directs this late-1960s, black-and-white classic, which stars Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Keith Wayne, Judith Reilly, Russell Streiner and Marilyn Eastman.

I know there is someone out there who can help me... I have been thinking about this the past several days and I really would like a little help. Zombie movies... why and what's the point of them? I have seen a few of the over my 49 years of life, and I can't say I have liked very many. I remember as a kid watching Night of the Living Dead and thinking it was scary... I was a kid. I've seen the movie as an adult and thought it was well made, but I can't say it was great or anything. From what I've seen, there is usually not much of a reason why the "Zombies" appear or how they became the flesh-eating monsters they are. I guess I find them to be silly and funny, when I don't think they were intended to be funny. It's one thing to have a "Black" or "Dark" comedy that is scary, gory, and at times funny as well. I can think of two that I really liked, Otis and The Cottage. The difference being is that these two movies were supposed to be funny! I find most Zombie type movies to be nothing more than silly, campy "B" horror at best. I really don't know what the attraction is...

Dawn of the Dead (2004)
Zack Snyder's Dawn of the Dead
Based on the George Romero 1979 gore classic, this remake takes place as the United States is overrun (after a plague) by millions of corpses who walk the earth as cannibalistic zombies. A small group of survivors, including a nurse (Sarah Polley) and a police officer (Ving Rhames), try to find shelter within a massive shopping mall. But the zombies have a kind of sense memory and start arriving -- in droves -- for a shopping spree.

These two movies, Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later were actually good movies. Interesting story lines and well made with solid acting for the most part. I was entertained by them and liked them. There was comic relief in them to a certain degree, but they were not campy. I guess I just hate campy, "B" horror. I find it insulting to the genre. It's like having something your really love or believe in and having someone make fun of it. Now, before you get your panties in a wad, I don't take a lot of things too seriously... myself or anything much else for that matter, but I do take offense to campy horror. Maybe it's just me... I don't know. I just hope there is someone out there who can help me understand the need for Zombie movies and campy horror...

28 Days Later (2002)
A killer virus (it turns those it infects into homicidal maniacs) is accidentally released from a British research facility. Carried by animals and humans, the virus is impossible to contain and spreads across the entire planet. Twenty-eight days later, a small group of London survivors are caught in a desperate struggle to protect themselves from the infected.

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History Behind The Unlucky Day... Friday the 13Th...

2009-02-13T14:14:00.004-05:00

Thought this was an interesting study, considering Friday the 13Th will happen 3 times this year... today, in March, and in November. Just some interesting tidbits on how this actually came about... at least as best we can tell...

History of Friday the 13Th
Source: The Book of Thoth

Friday, the 13Th of October, 1307 - was the date on which the Templar Order was routed in France, its members arrested and later executed. According to many researchers, that is what led to this date conjunction to be considered unlucky (or horrible.)

For nearly two hundred years before that, The Templar Order was the most prominent force in Europe, whose wealth and power easily rivaled and even surpassed that of the Vatican itself. But after having been rounded up in France on that day, the Order basically ceased to exist in its original form.

The "timely" conjunction this year will celebrate no less than the 699Th anniversary of that original fatal date. And "699" is in fact a most significant figure in Templar lore.

WikiAnswers.com
What is the origin of the Friday the 13th superstition?

Answer:
While there are many theories about the origin, there is no written evidence of the term "Friday the 13Th" prior to the 19Th Century. Some theories believe it to be connected to certain superstitions that sitting 13 people at a table will result in the death of one member, or that it is in fact a combination of superstitions about the number 13 and Friday.

The recent Dan Brown novel "The Da Vinci Code" popularized the myth that the superstition is tied to the mass arrest of the Knights Templar ordered by King Philip IV of France, but most scholars believe that theory is a relatively modern day invention.

Another theory notes that references to the superstition are nonexistent prior to 1907, and argues that the Thomas Lawson novel "Friday the 13Th" is what has given rise to the superstition's popularity.

The earliest known reference to the term is from the biography of Italian composer
Gioachino Rossini:

[Rossini] was surrounded to the last by admiring and affectionate friends; and if it be true that, like so many other Italians, he regarded Friday as an unlucky day, and thirteen as an unlucky number, it is remarkable that on Friday, the 13Th of November, he died. 1

1 Henry Sutherland Edwards, The Life of Rossini, 1869, p. 340.

In the end, it would appear that the superstition is a combination of other superstitions concerning Friday and the number 13, being further compounded by popular culture, myth and folklore. Supporting this is the fact that Friday the 13Th is actually considered lucky in some cultures. So it depends on where you are as to whether or not it's an unlucky superstition or a lucky day.

Fear of Friday the 13Th — one of the most popular myths in science — is called paraskavedekatriaphobia as well as friggatriskaidekaphobia. Triskaidekaphobia is fear of the number 13.

The number 13 suffers from its position after 12, according to numerologists who consider the latter to be a complete number — 12 months in a year, 12 signs of the zodiac, 12 gods of Olympus, 12 labors of Hercules, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles of Jesus, 12 days of Christmas and 12 eggs in a dozen.

Many hospitals have no room 13, while some tall buildings skip the 13Th floor.

The following months have a Friday the 13Th:

Month Years Dominical Letter
January 2006, 2012, 2017, 2023 A, AG
February 2004, 2009, 2015, 2026 D, DC
March 2009, 2015, 2020, 2026 D, ED
April 2001, 2007, 2012, 2018 G, AG
May 2005, 2011, 2016, 2022 B, CB
June 2003, 2008, 2014, 2025 E, FE
July 2001, 2007, 2012, 2018 G, AG
August 2004, 2010, 2021, 2027 C, DC
September 2002, 2013, 2019, 2024 F, GF
October 2006, 2017, 2023, 2028 A, BA
November 2009, 2015, 2020, 2026 D, ED
December 2002, 2013, 2019, 2024 F, GF

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Conjurer (2008)

2009-02-13T00:52:00.002-05:00

This is another movie that I went into with low expectations. For one thing, it's a PG 13 horror movie. I have mentioned before how I really don't care for them. Not just for the lack of gore, but the intensity isn't in a PG 13 movie either. Basically this movie is not unique or imaginative at all. It is an average, somewhat "scary", tense, Lifetime style movie. Is it really more of a psychological thriller... using the term "thriller" loosely, or is it a tension based ghost story??? Well, you will have to watch it to find out. Do I recommend this movie... sure, it's not all that bad. It does have a few chilling moments and it does have a fair amount of tension in it. It's an OK movie if you like this style and type of movie. Check out the trailer below and make up your own mind...

Description:
After moving to the country to start life anew after their child's death, photographer Shawn Burnett (Andrew Bowen) and his wife, Helen (Maxine Bahns), begin to suspect that a ramshackle cabin on their property is haunted. Is the malevolent spirit a long-dead witch who once lived there, as local legend says, or has Shawn's past come back to haunt him? John Schneider plays Helen's brother in this chilling indie from director Clint Hutchison.

Cast (Credited cast)
Andrew Bowen ... Shawn Burnett
Maxine Bahns ... Helen Burnett
John Schneider ... Frank Higgins
Tom Nowicki ... Marlin Dryer
Brett Rice ... Fulton Moss
Edith Ivey ... Mrs. Dreyer
Terrence Gibney
Dolan Wilson ... Sheriff Clayton
Liz McGeever ... Hattie
Nicholaus Teall
James Donadio
Donna Biscoe
Ryan Puszewski ... Young Shawn

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The Last Winter (2006)

2009-02-09T13:53:00.006-05:00

When strange things start happening at an Arctic oil-drilling outpost, workers fear their cabin is haunted by ancient spirits, and the unexplained events spark a feud between an oil company representative (Ron Perlman) and an eco-activist (James LeGros). Larry Fessenden's supernatural thriller adds a terrifying new layer to global warming and the perils of oil production. Connie Britton, Kevin Corrigan, Zach Gilford and Jamie Harrold co-star.

We watched this movie last night. I saw the trailer a while back and it looked really creepy and interesting. I have said it before and I will probably say it again... you can't judge a movie solely based on the trailer. So many times, Tina and I see a really good trailer and when we watch the movie, we are disappointed. This is the case with The Last Winter. The problem with this movie is that it just wasn't that interesting. It comes across as a "thriller", when in reality, it is rather boring for the first half of the movie. I admit, the second half picks up a lot, but by that time... who cares! To be honest, I don't know that I'm convinced about this global warming "terror." Real or not, this movie was just poorly made. If you are looking for an end of the world movie, I would recommend The Day After Tomorrow and Armageddon. Below are the descriptions of each movie. The acting and story lines in both movies is so much better than The Last Winter. I also have the trailer for The Last Winter below... check it out if you like, but avoid the movie!.

After years of unabated global warming, the greenhouse effect is wreaking havoc all over the globe in the form of catastrophic hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves, floods and, most ominously, the beginning of the next Ice Age. Paleoclimatologist Adrian Hall (Dennis Quaid) tries to save the world while also shepherding to safety his son Sam (Jake Gyllenhaal), who was in New York when the city was overwhelmed by the beginnings of the new big freeze.

As an asteroid tumbles toward Earth, NASA director Dan Truman (Billy Bob Thornton) hatches a plan to split the fireball in two before it can annihilate the entire planet. To do so, he calls on the world's finest oil driller, Harry Stamper (Bruce Willis), who assembles a team he feels can handle the task. With only two days to save humanity, the guys head to space to destroy the rock, while the folks back home pray for their success.

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Shameless Plug for my Stepdaughter...

2009-02-07T22:16:00.008-05:00

Molli...
As I had stated in an earlier post, we took Molli to Boston last weekend to audition for a chance to go to New York City for a week at the IMTA (International Modeling and Talent Association) competition. Out of 697 young men and young women, they chose 130... Molli made it. Tina and I are very proud of her. There has been a lot of support for her since we got the news and that she will need over $5,000 for the week. Jeff at A-Bit Computers (where Tina works part-time), got Molli a domain name for her own website. Molli helped clean and do whatever Jeff needed her to do during this past summer a few hours a week. Tina has really gone full-tilt in getting sponsors and working every angle she can to help Molli raise enough money to get to go. I hope you will check out Molli's website...it will tell you all about Molli, IMTA, Barbizon Modeling School, and how you could sponsor Molli if you can. Everyone has a dream, and I want to help Molli see her dream come true.
Molli's website... http://www.mollisanchez.com/Splash.html
Another friend of Tina's named Jeff has his own web design business and put together the website for Molli. Jeff is also part owner of Junkyard Dawgs here in Plymouth. If you are ever in Plymouth, NH... you need to get a great tasting hot dog at Junkyard Dawgs! http://www.junkyarddawgs.net/Home.html

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A New Pinhead???

2009-02-03T21:56:00.006-05:00

This article caught my eye when I was looking at Bloody-Disgusting.com. The question at first made it seem like this was a sure thing... a new look for Pinhead. However, after reading more and then reading the Fangoria article that this whole question came from, I see this more as a stunt to generate publicity. Bloody-Disgusting is always at the forefront of everything horror and should be bookmarked by all horror fans. So this leads us to the question at hand... should there be a new look for Pinhead? The pictures below and the video show what the original FX guy from Hellrasier has done on his own to give Pinhead a new look. I will be very disappointed if they really come out with a new Pinhead. Doug Bradley brought Pinhead to life for 8 Hellraiser movies and it would be a shame not to have him in the remake. I also think that Clive Barker should have more of a role in this thing, but that doesn't look promising either. I will make a bold statement... I wish Rob Zombie would remake Hellraiser!!! At least then I would believe that the true vision of Barker's would be intact and a genuine appreciation of the original would be seen on screen. If things remain as they are now with this project, I hope it never gets made. Judge for yourself... go on Bloody-Disgusting.com and weigh in with your opinion. In a little over two hours, 67 people had made a comment... I did as well. I think you know my feelings any way when it comes to Pinhead!

Do You Think This Should Be the New Pinhead?
Tuesday, February 3, 2009

By: MrDisgusting
67 Comments

I hate campaign pieces, but here's your chance to chime in on Dimension Films' forthcoming remake of Hellraiser, which has Martyrs director Pascal Laugier going behind the camera. Beyond the break you can check out what the new Pinhead will look like should Hellraiser FX vet Gary J. Tunnicliffe return to the franchise. Obviously no decisions have been made yet, which is why this is a campaign piece. It should be clear that this is NOT the new Pinhead as of this writing. So make sure you chime in beyond the break and tell Dimension Films whether or not you like this new rendition of Pinhead, also known as "Project Angel".

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Bled... and Notes of Interest...

2009-02-01T16:19:00.006-05:00

Just a few random thoughts before delving into the movie Bled. We went to Boston Friday night because Molli (my stepdaughter) had an audition to try and earn a spot to be able to go to New York City for the IMTA (IMTA is a modeling and talent event where major market agents, managers, and casting directors come to find new faces. During competitions, seminars, and workshops, models and actors showcase their potential for industry professionals who can get their career started.) competition. Out of 697 young men and women, they choose 130 and Molli made it! Her mom and I are very proud of her. IMTA stands for the International Modeling and Talent Association. Website is... http://www.imta.com/home.aspx.

As the "Quit Smoking Counter" states, it has been 3 weeks and 3 days since my last cigarette. It hasn't been all that easy, but it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would have been. I'm still wearing the patch (Step 2). I'll give Step 2 another week and then I'm going to Step 3 for two weeks. By then I should be off the nicotine habit.

The trailer for the movie Bled below is an extended version. It is interesting to me because it is basically a vampire movie. The twist I guess is that the "drug" inhaled causes the person to go to another world where this "vampire" lives. The vampire needs the blood of his victims to be able to gain enough strength to come to our world... I would assume that would be a bad thing. The trailer seems very dark and Gothic in appearance and leads me to believe there is a very strong dark evil that awaits the users of this drug. It has a high level of creepiness to it that I like. Whether the movie actually pulls it off or not, we will have to wait and see. It does look interesting to say the least.

This new vampire horror film hits DVD stores on April 7th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

Actors:
Sarah Farooqui: Sai
Chis Ivan Cevic: Royce
Alex Petrovitch: Eric
Michele Morrow: Kerra
Ivan Moody: Incubus
Jonathan Oldham: Renfield
Damien Bodie: Jono
Dichen Lachman: Aaren
Jennifer Lee Wiggins: Lynn
Kimberly Rowe: Deanna
Monica Huntington: Candace
Warren Draper: Grierson

SYNOPSIS:
Artists have always used alternative methods to better receive the muse of creation. From sex, to alcohol, to mind-altering substances such as absinthe... usually, at the downfall of the artist. A similar fate falls upon a group of young friends living in a rundown artists warehouse. Sitting at a nearby coffee shop, Sai (the vivacious up-and-coming painter), Royce (the struggling photographer), Eric (the musician) and Kerra (the unpublished novelist) discuss Sai's new gallery show which they are about to attend. At the gallery, Sai meets a handsome European stranger named Renfield, who shows not only interest in her haunting paintings, but in her as well. He offers her a special gift, one that will free her from the confines of western design and open her to a whole new level of inspiration. The substance is known as 'strigios, a rare and ancient sap that bleeds from a long forgotten tree. Inhaling a small wisp of smoke from the burning sap, Sai descends into a dark mythical world, where she will face a beast hidden in the guise of her darkest desire. This creature will use her blood to gain in strength, and use her lust to cross over from it's world to ours.

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The Horsemen...

2009-01-25T10:21:00.003-05:00

I am a fan of Dennis Quaid. We have matched many of his films including, Vantage Point (2007), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), The Flight of the Phoenix (2004), Cold Creek Manor (2003), Frequency (2000), and Switchback (1997). I highlighted Frequency because it was my favorite Quaid movie! This movie also has Jim Caviezel in it and he is one of my very favorite actors. Quaid is coming out with the movie The Horsemen, it is set to have a limited release on March 13, 2009. This movie looks really intriguing. It has biblical themes in the fact it deals with the horsemen of the Apocalypse from the book of Revelations. The trailer below is intense and looks very good. Because Quaid is in it, I feel comfortable that it will be a well made movie. Check out the trailer and look for this thriller coming to theaters in March.

Already reeling from the shocking death of his wife, detective Aidan Breslin (Dennis Quaid) is destined for even darker days when he's tasked with investigating a series of grisly serial murders inspired by biblical prophecy. This chilling psychological thriller from director Jonas Åkerlund also stars Ziyi Zhang, Clifton Collins Jr., Peter Stormare, Patrick Fugit, Lou Taylor Pucci and Eric Balfour.

Cast:
Dennis Quaid as Aidan Breslin, a widower detective trying to solve the "Horsemen" case[2]
Ziyi Zhang[2] as Kristen
Clifton Collins, Jr.[3] as Stingray
Peter Stormare as Mr. Spitz
Eric Balfour as Taylor
Patrick Fugit as Cory
Chelcie Ross as Krupa
Lou Taylor Pucci as Alex Breslin
Liam James as Sean Breslin
Deborah Odell as Ms. Bradshaw

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The Shining... Scenes of Winter at my Home...

2009-01-24T23:25:00.007-05:00

One of my favorite movies of all time. The winter scenes are chilling as well as the pure horror of this film. Basically "locked" up in a creepy hotel for the winter, Jack Nicholson's character goes nuts and tries to kill his family. This is from a Stephen King novel of the same name. What a great movie! Scatman Crothers is also in this movie, although his screen time is limited.

This picture of Jack is how we have felt over the past several weeks. It has been bitterly cold ... below zero mostly at night, but it has been well below zero on several mornings during this cold stretch. I've noticed that if you don't really do any winter sports or activities, then you are pretty much stuck in the house. I for one hate winter and can't imagine skiing or snowmobiling or even ice fishing. Why on earth would you want to put yourself in the bitter cold for "fun?" I am not in the majority on this one, because thousands of people in New Hampshire love the winter activities. We get a lot of people from Massachusetts coming up for the skiing as well. At least it's good for the economy!

This picture was from a few weeks ago in the post Dead of Winter. I was supposed to go up on my roof today and shovel off some of the snow. However, this morning I went to get fitted for my glasses with Tina and Molli going with me to help me pick a pair out. That went well and in about a week, I will have my bifocals! Yea!!! Old man glasses! Can't wait really, because wearing "reading" glasses all the time is not a good thing, especially if you try to look at a distance with them. After the glasses thing, we went to the supermarket and got some food. By the time we got home, I didn't feel like going on the roof. I have no choice... I have to do it Sunday! You really don't want a lot of snow sitting on your roof in a trailer... not a good idea.

This picture was taken a few days ago... much more snow. The winter really hasn't been as bad as last year though. We have had several sub-zero days over the past few weeks and it looks like we might get a break from that for a while. However, they are talking about more snow this week. The news just came on and they said we should get 6-12 inches on Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to moving to North Carolina in the next couple of years. Molli is now talking about going to college near Charlotte, NC. Tina and I are looking at several of the small towns around Lake Norman. Obviously, I can't afford a place on the lake, but who knows.

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Horror Icons...

2009-01-21T13:56:00.002-05:00

I was thinking about my book today because I received an email from a literary agency wanting me to send them a copy of my book. I had emailed three agents to see if I could generate interest in my book and pursue getting it published. I have heard from two agents, one had no interest and the other wants a copy of my book. I have yet to hear from the third agent. I sent a copy of my book to the one who requested it and in their original reply they had three questions... Q1) Think like a publisher/buyer? Pitch me/them. Who would buy this book? Why would they buy it? If you give seminars or talks, mention it here. Q2) How long have you been writing, and what are your goals as a writer? Q3) Do you consider your writing 'ready-to-go', or do you think it needs some polishing? If you have been through a formal editing process, please describe it in detail, i.e.. Name/company of editor(s) etc. I answered these questions to the best of my ability. However, it got me thinking about what sets my book apart from anything today in the vampire genre. Without giving too much detail, I believe that part of the difference is my vampire is a traditional vampire. In the vein of Dracula... fear of the cross, must rest in the daytime/fear of sunlight, garlic, and etc. In today's movie/book market, there is so much emphasis placed on changing what a vampire truly is. I guess because some people have run out of interesting vampire stories that they have to give their vampire "unique" powers. The ONLY vampire to really pull this off was the Blade series. Wesley Snipes portrayal of the Blade character was great. The story was interesting and the special effects were effective.

Which brings me back to my original thought, which was, "What sets my book apart from the rest of the pack?" The answer is simple, yet involved. The short answer is because he is a traditional vampire. The long answer, you will have to wait for because the book is not published.

It also had me thinking about what makes a true horror icon? Realize that Bram Stoker wrote Dracula in the late 1800's, and yet we are still talking about him to this day. Longevity doesn't make him an icon; originality, fear of him, interest in the story and genre, well written and great story line, and the attraction of his persona make Dracula an icon. Bela Lugosi was said to have been a difficult actor to work with... I don't know about that. However, what I do know is that he set our expectations of what a vampire should be. He had a charisma about him that attracted you to the character, yet you were also afraid of him. The whole good verses evil scenario in which we pray that good overcomes the evil, but we're not sure that it will. That's a whole discussion in its own... The movie Dracula began a 40 year fascination of the genre for me.

Another icon is Pinhead. I saw a website called "Eatmybrains.com" and they had a list of their top ten horror icons of all time. Dracula was #1 and Pinhead was #10. In my opinion, he could have been much higher, but that's just my opinion. If you click on the title of this post it will send you to the top ten list and you can see it for yourself. When the movie Hellraiser came out in the 80's, it created a stir because of it's originality and outright horror/gore. Clive Barker brought us one of the most terrifying horror characters of all time. Pure, unadulterated evil. A demon from the pit of hell who loves to bring pain and suffering as if it was some kind of pleasurable experience. As you can tell by my blog, Pinhead is my favorite horror character. I love his originality. In all 8 of the Hellraiser movies, Pinhead does not have the majority of the screen time, yet he has become the franchises center piece. One of my favorite clips from any of the movies is the one below. It highlights just how evil Pinhead is. It is sacrilegious in nature because it takes place in a church, but it also highlights how much organized religion plays in the good verses evil thing. In all horror, there must be a way for good to overcome evil. With vampires, it's a stake in the heart, sunlight, and a few others. With Pinhead, he can be sent back to hell through the toy box. In our minds, we want good to overcome, but we enjoy the fear of evil and wondering if it will win. That's what makes a good horror movie and icon.

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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans...

2009-01-20T20:47:00.005-05:00

I was talking to my stepson Matt about this movie last night because the trailer came on and he was very interested in seeing it. We decided to have a "boys" night out when it is released January 23. I have really enjoyed the Underworld movies and I believe this one will be just as good whether Kate Beckinsale has the lead or not. I've read that she didn't film any new footage. They say that they're going to use footage from one of the first two movies to show her in this one. To me, the story is the star and not the actors so much. As the description below states, this movie will be a prequel... in other words, it will show us how all the hate between the vampires and the Lycans began. This is one of those type of stories that really can be the best of the three films. Learning how the The Lycans battled the vampires to free themselves from the vampires enslavement has so much potential. This ought to be good... Check out the trailer below and look at your local listings for the release of this movie on the 23rd!

A prequel to the first two Underworld films, this fantasy explains the origins of the feud between the Vampires and the Lycans. Aided by his secret love, Sonja (Rhona Mitra), courageous Lucian (Michael Sheen) leads the Lycans in battle against brutal Vampire king Viktor (Bill Nighy). Determined to break the king's enslavement of his people, Lucian faces off against the Death Dealer army in a bid for Lycan independence.

Cast:
Michael Sheen as Lucian (Enslaved as a baby, Lucian has only been able to imagine the full extent of his Lycan powers. In the evolution from werewolf to Lycan, Lucian feels the responsibility of the Lycan race resting on his shoulders. At the same time, his love for the vampire, Sonja, complicates his desire for freedom from the Vampires.)
Rhona Mitra as Sonja (Sonja is the daughter of the powerful Vampire Elder, Viktor. Beautiful and brave, her nightly patrols defend the Coven from the hoards of ferocious werewolves. Despite her father's hatred for the Lycan race, she has fallen in love with the Lycan slave, Lucian. She battles between the desire to fulfill the responsibilities that come with her lineage and her willful nature. Because of her love for Lucian, she is sympathetic to the enslaved Lycans' plight.)
Bill Nighy as Viktor (One of three ruling Vampire Elders, Viktor is a haughty, ostentatious Vampire overlord nearly 1,000 years old. Like most Vampires, he has a severe loathing for Lycans but also a fascination with their unique strengths. Through slavery and torture, he has created a small but mighty force of enslaved Lycans. Despite his best efforts to govern the Coven, the Council members have begun to question his leadership.)

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Saw V...

2009-01-19T00:17:00.005-05:00

Saw V comes out on DVD Tuesday... we saw this in the theater last October when it was first released. The Saw movies have really been one of my favorite series of movies to come out in some time. It is obvious that I'm a Hellraiser fan with all the Pinhead images on my blog. I have seen all 8 Hellraiser movies, only because of my love for the Pinhead character. I think he epitomizes what a horror character should be... OK, I digressed. Jigsaw is the serial killer in the Saw movies. However, unlike Pinhead, Jigsaw does his killing as if he is a weapon of God's judgement. It has always been a very fascinating series because there are usually many twist throughout each movie and many of them trying up loose ends in an earlier Saw movie. Saw V is no exception. There are many things that tie up some loose ends from many of the earlier Saw movies and many of the deaths from the first couple of Saws. Saw IV was probably the weakest one IMO, but it was still an entertaining movie for me. I think it tried to put too much information in it that seemed to confuse more than clarify. Check out the trailer below and look for this DVD where you rent DVDs... good movie!

My NetFlix Review...We don't go to the theater to see a movie very often, but my wife and I love the Saw series. I was disappointed in Saw IV, but this one was better in my mind. Not as good as Saw and Saw II, but it did answer a lot of questions from the other four. Basically takes parts from all the Saw movies and shows why and how several of these people came to the "game." The in-screen flashbacks at times can be confusing and there are many of them. There were about four "torture" scenes and all were interesting, but not great. I did appreciate the flashbacks because it brought Tobin Bell to the screen often, even though he died in Saw III. The acting was acceptable and the story was pretty good. It left the door wide open for Saw VI. All in all, it was worth a watch. 4 stars. 10/25/08
61 out of 73 people found this review helpful

Description of Saw V...
When Hoffman (Costas Mandylor) learns that his secret connection to Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) will be exposed, the forensics detective embarks on a hunt to eradicate everything that links him to the serial killer in the fifth installment of the grisly horror series. Jigsaw's legacy of torturous traps lives on and director David Hackl remains at the helm in this gruesome continuation of the franchise. Julie Benz and Scott Patterson co-star.

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Random Notes of Interest... to me...

2009-01-17T10:08:00.004-05:00

Here is my NetFlix review of this movie that we saw a week or so ago...
I have never been a big fan of PG-13 horror. I have come to appreciate a few of them, but not too many. I went with my wife and about 7 friends to see this one in the theater this past Friday. I was the only one who really liked it. Every one of my friends thought it was going to be better. PG-13 horror movies must rely on tension, fear, and creepiness in order to satisfy horror buffs. It must also be well acted and well written. The Unborn was a very well acted and well written movie. The story was very interesting and I felt it kept your interest throughout. A young girl begins to have visions and nightmares that scare her to the point that she must find out their meaning. She finds out she was a twin with her brother dying in the womb. Demons, ghosts, and creepy moments throughout. Good movie, but I would wait for the DVD release. 4 stars. 1/12/09

Still smoke free since January 8... check out the Quit Smoking Counter to the right for all the interesting details of what that really means to me!

In an effort to get my book off the ground and published, I've started an agent search. I sent a synopsis and the first 5 or 6 pages to an agent in New York City. A few years ago, I did a ton of research on agents and the conclusion was that NY City was the place to start. There are several agents I will contact, but if that doesn't produce fruit I will find a publisher on my own. The lady that wrote the Twilight series sent her requests to 15 publishers before 1 accepted. It is a long process, but it is worth it if you are successful. I don't plan on giving up either way. There is always self-publishing. It is a little costly, but Tina and I know a lady from our area that went that route and it worked out well for her. She started with local and area bookstores and now has a contract with Borders to have her book in their stores. So it does pay to be persistent! I will as always keep you updated on where I am with my book. I'm in the process of trademarking the title. Copyright laws protect the book itself, but I want to own the title as well. It is a cut-throat business (book publishing), so you have to look out for #1.

The past several days has seen temperatures below ZERO!!!! Thank God I work indoors. I can't imagine having a job like a delivery person, construction worker, police officer, etc. Having to be in and out of this type of cold is not healthy. You know it is bitter cold when the snot in your nose freezes when you first go outside. It is a very weird feeling and if you haven't ever experienced it, you have no idea just how strange it feels. Just taking out the trash at my store is a chore. Being in this type of cold can give you frost bite on your face and ears so quickly. The weather is supposed to be warmer next week... nearing 50 degrees... crazy weather.

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TFAV Update...

2009-01-15T09:51:00.004-05:00

My FAVORITE two vampires of all time!!! Dracula and the great Barnabus Collins from Dark Shadows!

Hi Frank
I’ve just finished reading your novel; I started reading at noon and “couldn’t put it down.” Nice work. It’s changed for the better... Other than that, I loved it and it’s so much better than before. Nice work with the characters. Are you going to try to sell and publish? I hope so. You never know. Prof D

This is an email I received from Prof. D., yesterday. It was edited in the middle of his email because he had a question about the ending and I don't want that revealed at this time. I replied to his email with the utmost appreciation! I met Prof. D, about 5 years ago when Tina was taking classes at a Tech near our home. Prof. D., teaches many writing and English classes at the Tech and at St. Anselm's near Manchester, NH. He has been so supportive throughout this 5 year endeavor. I remember going to see him and asking him about my dream of writing a traditional vampire novel. I gave him all my ideas about what I envision my book being about and how it is very different than any other vampire book out there. At that time I had ideas for 3 books. Now, I have at least 2 book ideas, 1 book in a completed rough draft, and 1 book that only needs editing. I'm so humbled and thankful by the time and support that Prof. D., has given me... I could have NEVER afforded to pay someone to put this much time and effort into my project. I am so grateful for his help! I will keep you updated as it looks like it is time to get this book published! Not an easy task by any stretch of the imagination! I have done a lot of research into all that is involved in getting a book to a book store and it is a very difficult process for a beginner. I will put all my energy into getting it done though...

TFAV is an acronym for the title of the book. I'm in the process of trademarking the name, so until that is completed, I will not post it at this time. 1630 is the dateline this all begins. I will post more as soon as I can!

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Dead Of Winter...

2009-01-12T17:54:00.005-05:00

We watched this movie just before Christmas. It was good, but not great. I was unable to find a trailer for it anywhere! Any way, a description of the movie is below as well as my NetFlix review of the movie.

A few thoughts... we are having Arctic cold the next several days. Below zero for a couple of nights and single digits during the day. I HATE winter. Molli (step-daughter) took some pictures of the front of our home yesterday so I could post them on my blog. We have a lot of snow already, with more coming this week. Great for skiers and snowmobilers, but not for us "winter haters!"Too much snow for my taste already, and winter has just begun for us in New Hampshire. Yes, it is close to the dead of winter for us, but you can check out this movie on DVD for some interesting creepiness and some cold, cold fear.

After somebody slips them some LSD at a New Year's Eve party, Kevin (Al Santos) and Tiffany (Sandra McCoy) get into a car accident on their way home and end up stranded in the middle of the dark woods -- and their acid-fueled hallucinations aren't helping matters. Things get worse when their imagined stalkers might be real. Brian McNamara directs this chilling horror story that also stars Carl Nasland.

My NetFlix Review...
I liked all the tension and creepiness to this movie. A young couple leave a New Years Eve Party after a "friend" slips LSD in their drinks. That's when the true horror begins. Is it hallucinations, or are their fears real??? Acceptable acting and interesting story make for an entertaining movie. All the way through the movie the tension between the couple builds because of the cold and the drugs. Neither knows why they are confused and so paranoid. Lost in the woods and trying to find shelter, the young couple try to stay alive. Several twist make this a good movie, not great, but worth a watch in my book. 3 stars. 12/20/08
16 out of 18 people found this review helpful.

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