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

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)

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...

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???

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)

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

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

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...

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...

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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