tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44786970567014883042024-03-05T14:58:49.108-05:00Soresport MoviesHorror is the game at this blog, from the all time classics to latest release, to some of the strangest pieces of film to crawl from the gutter we cover it here at Soresport movies. So follow the blog, you may not always agree but you will sure to get some great ideas for what to watch. EMAIL : movies@edhovey.comEddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.comBlogger671125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-67603245030812112072024-01-03T15:22:00.000-05:002024-01-03T15:22:03.671-05:00The Skin I Live In<p> So I got a post saying this review was removed from my feed, and thought how odd that the film where a man is changed into a woman is the one flagged. The notice does not say the reason why other than it infringed on copyright so I removed the images I screen captured from the film and am republishing the text. I literally have thousands of screen captures in my posts so my conspiracy brain is going full tilt. Why this one in particular, seems an interesting choice.</p><div>1/3/24 - This happened a 2nd time and this time there are no images in it. I am thinking either someone is reporting it falsely. So this time I will make a counter claim since I know for a fact links are not copyright infringement.<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1189073/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br /></a><div><br /></div><div>The Skin I Live In (2011) - Quick Hit! Not a full review but here are some words about this film. "La piel que habito" another fine film by director Pedro Almodovar. Almodovar writes and directs excellent melodrama and this film, although less excellent than some of his other films, like "All About my Mother", "Volver", and "Broken Embraces" it is a fine film about obsession and revenge. It is impossible to tell you much of the story without giving too much away but I am definitely going to do a jig around it here.<br />Antonio Banderas plays Robert Ledgard a plastic surgeon driven by the memories of his wife's death after being severely burned in a car crash. He secretly develops a new kind of artificial skin, but human experimentation is frowned upon by the establishment so a secret illegal test subject is needed. How he gets this guinea pig and who it is is so central to the film. Going into it would spoil, but oh my what a story. His captive Vera (Elena Anaya) wants her freedom but has been captive so long it seems she also has a connection to Ledgard. There is this strange co dependence that is eerie and after the twist you see the reasons.<br /><br /> The remarkable thing in Almodovar films are the original if disturbing turns they take. I have to say this film had a turn that is so remarkable that it is impossible to get. This compelling story is not about happy ending, but how often do happy ending happen to revenge driven psychopaths. From experience let me say not very often and Ledgard will have to deal with the consequences of his actions. If this relationship between Vera and Robert were the only thing to think about it would be an interesting film but there is so much more. Marilia (Marisa Paredes) assists the doctor but has her own secrets. Her son Zeca (Roberto Alamo) brings some madness to the plot. Mixed in is the back story that has driven Ledgard to this point, the accident that disfigured his wife, the effect it had on his daughter Norma (Blanca Suarez). Her own tragedy is a stunning point that drives the story forward in the most prominent way.<br /> As always with Almodovar film this one was enjoyable to this reviewer. It is not quite as good as some of his others but still it is good.<br />Rating (6.3) 5.0 and up are recommended, some more recommended than others.</div></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-18655074951585410722024-01-01T15:16:00.001-05:002024-01-01T15:25:17.406-05:00Books 2023 - What did you fill your head with?<p> This year was a big year for reading, my daughter got me reading about colonialism in the Congo late in 2022 and that expanded into 2023. Not only did it continue but expanded and we both brought ourselves from early Belguim colonialism to modern societies current version. The following were on the subject that we covered this year.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/King-Leopolds-Ghost-Heroism-Colonial/dp/0618001905" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild</a> - The book that started it all about the man who unfortunately started it all. Everyone should read this to understand the roots of central african colonialism.</p><p>For a more modern history which include French, American and the most modern colonialism in the area these books cover from the 1930's to the modern day.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/White-Malice-Covert-Recolonization-Africa/dp/B09CLLPHQG/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">White Malice: The CIA and the Covert Recolonization of Africa by Susan Williams (Author)</a>, Chanté McCormick (Narrator), PublicAffairs (Publisher)</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-in-Glory-of-Monsters-audiobook/dp/B0718ZXL7L/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dancing in the Glory of Monsters: The Collapse of the Congo and the Great War of Africa by Jason Stearns (Author)</a>, Mike Chamberlain (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Thread-Mysterious-Death-Hammarskj%C3%B6ld/dp/B08BX79NWJ/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Golden Thread: The Cold War and the Mysterious Death of Dag Hammarskjöld by Ravi Somaiva</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cobalt-Red-Blood-Congo-Powers/dp/B0B1JSFD9D/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cobalt Red: How the Blood of the Congo Powers Our Lives by Siddharth Kara</a> - An excellent book about the pressures on the Central Africa with the advent of cell phones that need the precious metals found there.</p><p>After so much of authors talking about Africa I decided to find a book from an African that would give me a more inside look of the area. I settled on ...</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lights-Pointe-Noire-Memoir-Alain-Mabanckou/dp/1620971909" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Lights of Point Noire: A Memior by Alain Mabanckou</a></p><p>Having done over a year on the subject I turned my attention to the United States and our own continued colonialist attitudes. I listened to a few audible books starting with...</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Peoples-History-United-States-Present/dp/B0030MR076/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinn</a> - It had been about 20 years since I read it so a return visit to it was needed.</p><p>Then focusing on probably the worst case of American Colonialism </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Battle-for-Paradise-audiobook/dp/B07CLJTHBX/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Battle for Paradise: Puerto Rico Takes on the Disaster Capitalists by Naomi Klein</a> - A reminder that our territories continue to be exploited and the most extreme forms of Capitalism inflicted on the people that live there.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fantasy-Island-Ed-Morales-audiobook/dp/B07X131Q6J/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fantasy Island: Colonialism, Exploitation, and the Betrayal of Puerto Rico by Ed Morales</a> This is a more indepth look at it with more history of how we got to this point in the US Puerto Rico relationship.</p><p>I read a couple autobiographical books one of an actor I love and another a book given to me by a friend.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kilo-Riflemans-Superficial-Pageantry-Washington-ebook/dp/B092DXD9BY/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kilo 3: The True Story of a Marine Rifleman’s Tour from the Intense Fighting in Vietnam to the Superficial Pageantry of Washington, DC by Richard W. Foster Jr.</a> A fascinating book about a soldier who starts as a kid in the Vietnam war and his later life a an honor guard. I have never been one for war experiences but damn was this book rivetting.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Christopher-Lee-Tall-Dark-Gruesome/dp/1887664254/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher Lee: Tall, Dark and Gruesome Paperback by Christopher Lee</a> Awesome look into an incredible life, from his youth in WWII to his early acting career with spotty results all the way up to his later life where fans rediscovered him.</p><p>FICTION!!!!!!</p><p>I am usually all over the place here, focusing on the short story format but this year I had a couple reads with other people so this is really all over the place.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Trans-Wizard-Harriet-Porber-Parasaurolophus/dp/B08B386R6J/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trans Wizard Harriet Porber and the Bad Boy Parasaurolophus by Chuck Tingle</a> - Funny and provocative this was a group read with some friends.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/San-Juan-Noir/dp/B07XF5D33X/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">San Juan Noir by various authors</a> - dark little stories set in Puerto Rico</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boston-Noir-audiobook/dp/B00Q5DFAAG/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boston Noir by various authors </a>- dark little tales set in Boston MA</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ghoul-Brian-Keene-audiobook/dp/B0772V94L8/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ghoul by Brian Keene </a>- Horror - Just a randomly chosen listen on Audible</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mexican-Gothic/dp/B082TKH2K7/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia</a> - Recommended by friends online. I enjoyed it but it got me thinking about whether rewriting old literature motiffs and classics is flattering to them or unethical.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Kolchak-Papers-Jeff-Rice-audiobook/dp/B01L2BDTFS/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Kolchack Papers by Jeff Rice</a> - A movie and TV project I did involved watching all the Night Stalker stories, these are the books they were based on. Really rather enjoyed that project.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harvest-Home-Novel-Thomas-Tryon/dp/1504056191/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon</a>, again a nostalgic thing. I was influenced towards being a horror fan as a child by the made for TV movie, The Secret of Harvest Home. This is the book that film is based off. It plays on the 60s-70s move from crime ridden cities to the country but brings in elements of fear of small town communities and fear of matriarchy. A bit sexist if you ask me but I think the author is older which is not an excuse but may be a cause.</p><p>REFERENCE</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Guide-Strange-Cinema/dp/0764354280/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ultimate Guide to Strange Cinema by Michael Vaughn</a> - Pretty awesome look at the wierd movies of our lifetimes.</p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Englands-Scariest-Stories-Urban-Legends/dp/0764341227/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New England's Scariest Stories and Urban Legends by Summer Paradis & Cathy McManus</a> - Awesome urban legends from the area I live in. Fun and a quick read.</p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-69791858437214637622023-09-25T06:34:00.001-04:002023-09-25T06:34:04.867-04:00Moved to Letterboxd<p>Although I have not completely given up the blog I have moved most of my reviewing to Letterboxd.com.</p><p>The statistics they run for me there are woth the effort.</p><p>You can follow me there Hovey1127 is the handle. </p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-41900175067665261582023-05-16T14:29:00.002-04:002023-05-16T14:29:58.787-04:00Salem Horror Fest 2023<p> Salem Horror Fest 2023</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWLq4wcpBaZm4tdtxrpHRjnbEaNbJ61ki9AknnBjK9ytjFwuU9fAhtZMTfssmUJWL79QKnedvumwfBaMYqCDwifdF8VncjXPCCtT0-cp_cDC_UjF1j389UqHFrnWgAD0yR88fFUcubbHylZ-W5bIgipeZEhBWVmBVkH6ROAmMPaEOt-gZByIGM9Ea0-Q" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="508" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWLq4wcpBaZm4tdtxrpHRjnbEaNbJ61ki9AknnBjK9ytjFwuU9fAhtZMTfssmUJWL79QKnedvumwfBaMYqCDwifdF8VncjXPCCtT0-cp_cDC_UjF1j389UqHFrnWgAD0yR88fFUcubbHylZ-W5bIgipeZEhBWVmBVkH6ROAmMPaEOt-gZByIGM9Ea0-Q" width="196" /></a></div>What Salem Horror Fest says about itself:<p></p><p><i><a href="https://www.salemhorror.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salem Horror Fest</a> is a celebration of diverse voices and innovative filmmaking within a genre that best reflects our cultural demons.</i></p><p><i>Salem Horror Fest was founded as a direct response to the 2016 election. As political hate and fear became increasingly weaponized against minority groups, we set out to create a safe and welcoming space for people to find truth and catharsis in the shadows of the horror genre. </i></p><p><i>Salem, Massachusetts is known around the world as a Halloween mecca, but it is important to remember how religion and greed were used to scapegoat vulnerable members of this community, mostly women, and sentenced them to death. It is a deeply horrific and shameful moment in our history - one that must not be forgotten. </i></p><p>I would love to write about the social political aspect of Salem horror Fest but that really is not my groove. First and foremost I am a horror fan and that is really what draws me to this festival. When I find the films being presented "good" I am happy as can be and when they are not I leave disappointed. It must be saying something about the films that I have attended four(?) Salem Horror Fests counting the virtual one. That said, Salem Horror Fest (SHF) delivers some really great horror for any fan while also creating a space for queer horror like no other festival, probably anywhere. Founder Kay Lynch has created a space where diverse voices can tell their stories for an audience that will connect and appreciate them. The FACT that SHF can please the cis white middle aged man like me with high quality well curated content and also have those films be queer as fuck indicated to me the disconnect in our society where this same material is not programmed by many other festivals. I heard more than any other message in Q&As and Introductions the appreciation of the film makers that Kay has create a space where they can tell there stories. On top of that the festival is hosted at Salem Cinema a independent four screen cinema in the heart of Salem Massachusetts with the friendliest most helpful staff imaginable. Salem sells itsself as the Halloweeen capitol of the world, the Witch City if you will has many attractions for those travelling in from out of town for the festival. From historical to corny there is definately fun things to do in this town.</p><p> The main thing with any film festival that must be navigated is how do you schedule yourself so you can maximize the cost of the ticket. I have purposely purchased both weekend passes more to support the festival than that I want to spend that much time trying to see 'everything'. I never really plan on seeing everything but am most interested in new films and then try to hit the shorts after that. In fact as I get older (60 this year) physically I have a hard time making it through more than a couple films without needing to take a break and walk around town to ease some of the aches and pains. So what I am going to describe is my Festival, there was so much more that I just skipped because I wanted food or needed a break, or was to tired and went home for the night, or because I had reached my budget limit. There were added cost screenings in the small twenty-five seat theater that I would have loved to do. I missed the Opening night because I was travelling back from spending the week at the home office in Alpharetta GA, so I did not get to see Tony Todd Meet & Greet ,VIP Fan Event Candyman with Tony Todd | Q&A with Keynote: Kier-La Janisse I would have paid a bit more to see that if I was in town. </p><p>There were also a couple more special events for additional money on top of the cost of passes:</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093624/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Night of the Demons</a> | VIP Fan Event Linnea Quigley, Amelia Kinkade where the actresses watch the film with you in a intimate 25 seat theater, do a Q&A and then do pictures with the attendees.</p><p>Autograph Signing | Linnea Quigley, Amelia Kinkade, Geretta Geretta</p><p>Demon Night Party @ Bit Bar with Linnea Quigley, Amelia Kinkade, Geretta Geretta signing autographs and interacting with fans. The bit Bar is an Arcade Game film bar with food that partners with the festival. Its a lot of fun. I went to this but really spent most of my time talking with other fest participants and a bit with the very wonderful Andrea Subissati and Alexandra West of the <a href="https://www.facultyofhorror.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Faculty of Horror Podcast</a>. It is one of my favorites. and I had watch a live version of the pod in Salem earlier that day. Unfortunately Blood on Satans's Claw was not the best of films but it made for some interesting podcast conversation.</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089175/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fright Night </a>| VIP Fan Event with William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, and Stephen Geoffreys watching the film again in the intimate setting with perks.</p><p>Autograph Signing | William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, Stephen Geoffreys</p><p>Fright Night Party @ Bit Bar William Ragsdale, Amanda Bearse, and Stephen Geoffreys</p><p>Hopefully there are other blogs out there where you can hear about my missed experiences. If I had gone for the Special creenings I could have dropped another $300 on top of the $350 I had already spent on the two weekend passes. A bit above my price range so sacrifices had to be made. For better or worse I had to make some hard decisions and so what follows is just the things I did and saw. </p><p>Witch Hunt - A short about witches in Brooklyn and in Salem performing hexes on Donald Trump, a response to his administration and hateful policies.</p><p><a href="It tells the story of how the Satanic Panic of the 1980s was ignited by "Michelle Remembers", a memoir by psychiatrist and his patient. The book relied on recovered-memory therapy to uncover Michelle's abduction by baby-stealing Satanists." rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvgtLUP7ViOqOkF1RvsW2Bg1NREB9VwFhoXR6kr0kN7O2YEXt52j819Njyu97EGqrRzLxvvug154jGifoHsd47pLRIE-CjKq2T_v9nsirBwTS5IiZko4Unz1Qd_KXrIlwB0zJeXnzi-JBr7zNHWiDUopSRMVBFzfI-nOQN0Zk-7DtuzOpqHFor5OSKTA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="503" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvgtLUP7ViOqOkF1RvsW2Bg1NREB9VwFhoXR6kr0kN7O2YEXt52j819Njyu97EGqrRzLxvvug154jGifoHsd47pLRIE-CjKq2T_v9nsirBwTS5IiZko4Unz1Qd_KXrIlwB0zJeXnzi-JBr7zNHWiDUopSRMVBFzfI-nOQN0Zk-7DtuzOpqHFor5OSKTA" width="161" /></a></div><br />Satan Wants You (2023) - <span face="Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;">It tells the story of how the Satanic Panic of the 1980s was ignited by "Michelle Remembers", a memoir by psychiatrist and his patient. The book relied on recovered-memory therapy to uncover Michelle's abduction by baby-stealing Satanists. (imdb)</span><p></p><p>The roots of the Satanic Panic are explored in this documentary that has no problem casting blame. Well done with a build towards several conclusions behore then having a turn where it picks the conclusion the makers felt suits it best. The footage of television shows in the throws of the panic did bring me back. I remember being a teen in the eighties and talking to friends about all this bullshit. We wondered if it was really going on and how could anyone keep such a big conspiracy secret. We never worried about our own neighbors because in the city everyone sort of knew everyone so there was no way we would not have known who the satsnic cult was. Speculating about small town America though was fair game. Far from keeping us away from the evils of Satan I think this did more to introduce us to the idea that Satan could be worshipped. My neighborhood was predominately Catholic so there were probably kids in these conversations who were living the real horror of cults and not the sensationalized satan ones. An A+ documantary that is worth a watch.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066849/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Blood on Satan's Claw (1971)</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066849/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDx838W9S2bHaNkG9V2wt1tD8a5ATfw3KYJAxUkr70DmTtgpv2ZtSlpA8R_PgSAvWh0jFrLuXDooHFkCa6vTE8SG8tmQ_BxcVfwHHjBXLabzuaIim7AmHnumvSZjq22mXEgYv8AWX5Ua4Mk9Tym69V7QHeEH1VjPerCuFke2B3pvjsuFZ-avQdJoOdQ/s716/image.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="666" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDx838W9S2bHaNkG9V2wt1tD8a5ATfw3KYJAxUkr70DmTtgpv2ZtSlpA8R_PgSAvWh0jFrLuXDooHFkCa6vTE8SG8tmQ_BxcVfwHHjBXLabzuaIim7AmHnumvSZjq22mXEgYv8AWX5Ua4Mk9Tym69V7QHeEH1VjPerCuFke2B3pvjsuFZ-avQdJoOdQ/w373-h400/image.png" width="373" /></a></div> - This was the film being reviewed in the LIVE Falculty of Horror podcast. Not a objectively good film it is about the conflict between old religions and new, good and evil, dressed and undressed liberal and mostly conservative. In the end though the story falls way short of anything I would rate highly although I have to say the print shown at the fest was very good. Take the time to download and listen to the Faculty of Horror episode on it. Andrea and Alex do a great job hating on this film. It's an unusual episode since usually the FOH picks movies they like and give us a deeply research conversation about them. So to hear them rip into something made for a very lively episode. It is one of my favorite parts of the Salem Horror fest to see this podcast live, always funny and very insightful it just a pleasure. I just wish there was a bit more time allotted for the podcast because they could have given us more insights but the schedule is the schedule. I always say its great that they do the research so I don't have to. <a href=" https://www.facultyofhorror.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Faculty of Horror</a><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><span face="Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXrtFI9Ot95LvKuDUaiSxKApHEymMEE8quEKSB64dGxG203eEnCQWQ860Mb-laiNoFLRROnD5tVsR7CmLOdpDB-etPqz5sBts4dvUc3vDjFusQg05J2Fusfsj3veVqJudUqY4SG_Au4WRJNjkIMmtVKEy8yunEbFQJ6xujhzmGz7aQ0D-LIxdFcghzPA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="821" data-original-width="553" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXrtFI9Ot95LvKuDUaiSxKApHEymMEE8quEKSB64dGxG203eEnCQWQ860Mb-laiNoFLRROnD5tVsR7CmLOdpDB-etPqz5sBts4dvUc3vDjFusQg05J2Fusfsj3veVqJudUqY4SG_Au4WRJNjkIMmtVKEy8yunEbFQJ6xujhzmGz7aQ0D-LIxdFcghzPA=w135-h200" width="135" /></a></span></div><span face="Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15339882/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Demon Box </a>- After festival rejections, a director revises his intensely personal short film about trauma, suicide, and the Holocaust, and transforms it into a painful, blunt and funny dissection of the film and his life. (imdb)</span><p></p><p>I actually thought the short itself even without the added commentary was pretty good, with the commentary its great. It's only 14 minutes but tells a cool little story about the effects on younger generations at hearing family members talk about things that happen to them during the holocaust. By doing commentary on what was meant to be a serious short there is a humor at the short while the story is serious and still intact beneath it.</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5911600/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wolves (2022)</a> - from imdb - </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlbq8bFKgcYpi-PGTySEFWjErhHeo-yxJf-BIRG0PMZkvEIrcJpBBNsDoJYek0CeHH2mZz-2zxXVeQTAbZb7RGDWYZw8aLJPs07TLExwkB1h5ND3PkNfZsAON1NOGcbrnVxI0cvqYB2th_J8MRpQl-G0h17oOCskZwaUXiyC6x7eTYnxVtf2MA2nTkrg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="582" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlbq8bFKgcYpi-PGTySEFWjErhHeo-yxJf-BIRG0PMZkvEIrcJpBBNsDoJYek0CeHH2mZz-2zxXVeQTAbZb7RGDWYZw8aLJPs07TLExwkB1h5ND3PkNfZsAON1NOGcbrnVxI0cvqYB2th_J8MRpQl-G0h17oOCskZwaUXiyC6x7eTYnxVtf2MA2nTkrg" width="159" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span face="Verdana, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><i>Inspired by true events. When a young social recluse stumbles onto a series of unsolved cold cases he finds himself pulled deeper into society's dark underside and must face his own demons to learn the truth.</i></span></blockquote>There was some controversy around this film as the short description on imdb made many people think this was a film about a real serial killer. This feature is not really that although it alludes to how someone could cross the line to killing people. If you are averse to animal violence then this is a film you should definately avoid. It's attempting to tell a dark tale of the urges one might have to harm and how seeing those urges playing out in the papers might attract you to that person acting on similar urges. What I experiences was I had a real disconnect with the content of the story and foun myself not very interested in it. Also could we stop with the upside down crane shot, please. This one was a miss for me but hey, you can't expect to vibe with everything you see. I am sure it had some soon to be cat killer jizzing in his pants as "he" watched.<div>Short: My Cat Lucy - Saw this particular animated short twice and was delighted both times.</div><div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202945/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202945/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7mwaZuUsV8SJCBLxnl23B9tnZS8uB67CjyOb3hfwsP1Ausrczva62Oc6HGmTtPrgZwCm6X2O20yznNMhCG1o9uOcU5UyfCb193-d_gCczgReWiDWygztux9v_xqNSeFLeOfXFMLJNXuAmw84Xl_kPpYIx1FKHIQf_XlARwuFanl9SdksdrJzItiYUDA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="502" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7mwaZuUsV8SJCBLxnl23B9tnZS8uB67CjyOb3hfwsP1Ausrczva62Oc6HGmTtPrgZwCm6X2O20yznNMhCG1o9uOcU5UyfCb193-d_gCczgReWiDWygztux9v_xqNSeFLeOfXFMLJNXuAmw84Xl_kPpYIx1FKHIQf_XlARwuFanl9SdksdrJzItiYUDA" width="161" /></a></div>Bakeneko: A Vengeful Spirit (1968) - from Letterboxd - <i>Nabeshima Naoshige murders his lord, Ryuzoji Takafusa, seeking to gain power and steal his Lord’s wife. To avoid her fate, Lady Takafusa drowns herself along with her cat in a nearby marsh. A decade later, Naoshige’s efforts to steal another woman trigger a curse on him when she also commits suicide at the same marsh — forcing him to suffer the consequences of his past actions.</i></div><div>This movie was really a pleasant watch, I am always surprised by Severin Films, not only do they know my sweetspot for viewing but are consistently producing films I have not scene like this one. Well programmed just before Alex West's lecture on Cat familiars in film showed us on cat familiar in a convoluted but unltimately satifying feature. I some time go away from Asian theater for long periods of time before I have an experiece that brings me back. This one is worthy of bringing me back.</div><div>Presented by Severin Films</div></div><div> Severin FIlms is one of my movie buying mainstay sites, so it was great that they were at SHF the entire first weekend. As well as having a table up where you could spend your money on some of there wonderful titles they had several screening of films from their vaults including Bakeneko which I saw for the first time and really loved. They also contributed several showings of Woodlands Dark & Days <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13938338/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124012/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Morgiana (1972)</a>, and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081238/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ninth Heart (1979)</a></div><div><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH36DhD77QL364RS_xCcOuUE9UyTv8psTd9w_zahelvy4SwrdOQxoxUNRm82RsyacdnGuKUuADi8SobVP8yn1zyZ1uUHkgyyMqv_gqY5xvK-sa-BbA26kZ-07u46s40ZPPpiBh6flDDwso2NdaTp4GPy2nWx9nZ9VyrU5dsZpB6Zic2wothOwqE03HJg/s640/Alex.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH36DhD77QL364RS_xCcOuUE9UyTv8psTd9w_zahelvy4SwrdOQxoxUNRm82RsyacdnGuKUuADi8SobVP8yn1zyZ1uUHkgyyMqv_gqY5xvK-sa-BbA26kZ-07u46s40ZPPpiBh6flDDwso2NdaTp4GPy2nWx9nZ9VyrU5dsZpB6Zic2wothOwqE03HJg/s320/Alex.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Cat Came Back: Feline Familiars in Horror, A Lecture by Alex West </b></div><div>Presented by the Miskatonic Institute was a delight with Alex doing such a fine informative performance on the subject. I came away from this with a list of films feature cat familars that I am putting together to watch at a later date. I love that the festival mixes in alternative material and not just films themselves. It really breaks up that sluggish feeling you get from watch too many movies in a row. Alex is great, I am a fan of her thoughtful and informative material. If i was still on the socials I would share hers with you but alas I have freed myself of that time suck.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14713848/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14713848/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-ywp-HTnpV_BxaKyOh8iA7UV9-dAcHs9xahMyaeQrwSlijf146bAkQBGFHMzVOwf0xLzBYLuFUmyO7oY_pXkF17CLvjr_sgsl_WfuCWXjTwzjYMghvX8XBneIKxhTqw6mNV5yUsuzIZT7wIlw2XxE3hCMomCl6o7qySTHiXSBj-oOjdRw5Bp5qm8eA/s750/summon.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="501" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp-ywp-HTnpV_BxaKyOh8iA7UV9-dAcHs9xahMyaeQrwSlijf146bAkQBGFHMzVOwf0xLzBYLuFUmyO7oY_pXkF17CLvjr_sgsl_WfuCWXjTwzjYMghvX8XBneIKxhTqw6mNV5yUsuzIZT7wIlw2XxE3hCMomCl6o7qySTHiXSBj-oOjdRw5Bp5qm8eA/w134-h200/summon.JPG" width="134" /></a></div><br />Summoners (2022) by Terence Krey - When Jess returns from the big city she reconnects with friends reconnect Alana her high school besty and fellow witch. Things are not quite what they first seem to Jess and as she learns more about what her friend has been up to in her absence old feeling and held grudges create a crisis only magic can solve. I really enjoyed this picture, it was not quite what it seemed and the turn was really well done. I love when the world you are placed in has magic and it is just a given, no explanations or anything. It makes for less exposition and opens up so many more possibilities.</div><div><br /></div><div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjacqjJwMz-3FvvTo0iaRW2uVxKN4hA7djEra9MsyVKraRCV74kk-JUtqqZAeTpIfs8bwX8u46eh6FAjgk3dJkYeZV29jZznPf4qryJ3hbthztnGU9zMEpnRJimNexxI9qjOpaFNzoONBCoIaC8Zch90YxyTq1kURnjb129zrSuth7lZtz0boYZbQHlg/s758/tblockers.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="506" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjacqjJwMz-3FvvTo0iaRW2uVxKN4hA7djEra9MsyVKraRCV74kk-JUtqqZAeTpIfs8bwX8u46eh6FAjgk3dJkYeZV29jZznPf4qryJ3hbthztnGU9zMEpnRJimNexxI9qjOpaFNzoONBCoIaC8Zch90YxyTq1kURnjb129zrSuth7lZtz0boYZbQHlg/w134-h200/tblockers.JPG" width="134" /></a></div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22752692/ " rel="nofollow" target="_blank">T Blockers</a> - by Alice Maio Mackay from imdb - <i>Ancient parasites rise from a small town, taking the most fearful and susceptible hosts. A young filmmaker finds herself as the only one who can sense the possessed resistance before the horror escapes and spreads.</i></div><div><i> </i>A very good effort that touches upon toxic male culture while wrapping it into a handy science fiction film. This film was fun but Alice being so young was really awkward in the Q&A afterwards. She needs to work on a couple little stories about her productions that can be quick crowd pleasers. Still making features and still a teenager WOW! I really loved the last film I saw by Alice, So Vam and was really looking forward to this feature. It did not really bowl me over but was cool enough that I was engaged throughout. The raw emotions Alice writes into her characters comes through but I would like to see her get a bit more nuance and complex, in time I am sure she will.</div><div> .</div><div>Short: Dead End * </div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1cgHVTAzT3L35L0zMJDrY0c0MZLfG0dXCs-m0yfnC4xnYV1O9R6JOoRCeWCwqOiMHhR4RYboEPVgVH4A_Yf5KhgG_SW6dX8Jjp7gtTztmTtlbSb3FZh15fw3wGcB6H5BWVt-O1a61I6F4OtzE7qGKp_SHTRcfsdXY3jpwFp0yIN1bXcpavl-SId8DHw" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="501" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1cgHVTAzT3L35L0zMJDrY0c0MZLfG0dXCs-m0yfnC4xnYV1O9R6JOoRCeWCwqOiMHhR4RYboEPVgVH4A_Yf5KhgG_SW6dX8Jjp7gtTztmTtlbSb3FZh15fw3wGcB6H5BWVt-O1a61I6F4OtzE7qGKp_SHTRcfsdXY3jpwFp0yIN1bXcpavl-SId8DHw" width="160" /></a></div>Saint Drogo - from imdb - <i>Saint Drogo is a supernatural slowburn thematically inspired by 70s horror like Rosemary's Baby and Wicker Man. A gay couple, whose relationship has grown a bit strained, take an impromptu trip to Provincetown, Cape Cod in the off-season. Caleb, one half of the couple, has been plagued by nightmares of his ex, who had been working in Provincetown for the summer. When they arrive to town, it appears Caleb's ex has gone missing. As disturbing hallucinations continue to haunt Caleb, he becomes more determined in finding him. But the closer he gets, the sooner he nears the sinister secret the town is hiding.</i></div><div>Actually saying something about the pros and cons of the gay influx / local community symbiotic relationship, while also being a film about a Dagon style demon cult. Those teeth snorting, sex addicted cultist must make a sacrifice each off season to keep the Karma good and the wealth flowing into Provincetown.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Short: The House Sitters - my memory fades and I can't quite remember this one.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBaz3i4B4LrocZqB2X14hWFMeBt5xGT3jUSJe_YQiELhSk_H3fR5Sj2EAuLGd_s2vdtsHWB6vYDrtQzrsUybkM39vMGb1TVAVzrFxIyU9yuOZ2dl-iPkxqIvADd_a5dV3TucH1Z6yHEugsgXbMoTTcdj9Looq0AsPMiJQxvfpruuFQcZI__Kzb8InUIA" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="506" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBaz3i4B4LrocZqB2X14hWFMeBt5xGT3jUSJe_YQiELhSk_H3fR5Sj2EAuLGd_s2vdtsHWB6vYDrtQzrsUybkM39vMGb1TVAVzrFxIyU9yuOZ2dl-iPkxqIvADd_a5dV3TucH1Z6yHEugsgXbMoTTcdj9Looq0AsPMiJQxvfpruuFQcZI__Kzb8InUIA" width="161" /></a></div>Bliss of Evil from imdb -<i> A sound engineer is forced to confront her trauma when she and her girlfriend's grunge band are trapped in a recording studio by a shadowy killer</i></div><div><br /></div><div>I really liked this I thought the space used for the film and some very well done editing really kept up the tension in this one. The sound engineer suffering a bad, violent breakup with a band member come back to do sound for the band sans the guitarist boyfriend. When one of the attendees at the studio is murdered suspicions run rampant. Discovering that the doors to the studio are chained shut the group must defend themself against a killer who could be one of them. This film really delivered so you should seek it out when you have a chance. The acting is decent the story good (maybe true events) and like I said the editing worked to keep you from knowing everything too early in the film.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChm3Lbf8sEtIpGhrgZGEU7FB4baowBR-Zd4fgj27GodmYR9CL5LiUUBJWMlcj6K38Ocea4g-OO9vmRnegT8eIGUXO1VmnOH-JhQ6EPcJBTmcO7xgtZGRyC7_73fHisYjgndlrybEc5rT7ZVcjktQtov2g4i-VnFkCsn4BAAvN9LLtyIWfUEGn6jqgrw/s631/MAya.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="631" data-original-width="446" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChm3Lbf8sEtIpGhrgZGEU7FB4baowBR-Zd4fgj27GodmYR9CL5LiUUBJWMlcj6K38Ocea4g-OO9vmRnegT8eIGUXO1VmnOH-JhQ6EPcJBTmcO7xgtZGRyC7_73fHisYjgndlrybEc5rT7ZVcjktQtov2g4i-VnFkCsn4BAAvN9LLtyIWfUEGn6jqgrw/w141-h200/MAya.JPG" width="141" /></a></div>Maya by K/XI - Maya was a wonderful rich look at Pakistan in the story of a Djinn possession. Although a bit slowly paced the discovery of the twist towards the end was pretty cool. This film may not be great for all but as a fan of Djinn movies I was all in. From badwolf pictures - <i>K/XI's documentary-style debut feature, Maya, tells the story of a young girl's childhood trauma that plays out in to a tale of jinn possession. Based on true stories.</i></div><div><div>* <a href="https://georgearomerofoundation.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George A. Romero Foundation </a> Fellowship Recipient - The GARF is dedicated to honoring the life, work, and cultural influence of George A. Romero. They are also dedicated to supporting a new generation of filmmakers and artists inspired by his legacy. Read all about the wonderful work they are doing by following the above link. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjpKCcbJLc7V7ZXlySHeFjZFPm8RzySFY6ROhbrAGXAfkhw1vRP3yFO9Jaw843GC9mfXG0_DwRgWMjJwtS3jMhr6cqvtuFimjetkdLv4R356UaWJXEkx4eRk1HbtMxzDEUxnxSGBeEdYCaa78WeLUnxcb-JgqlWNqAJRi2OFrbT25dda5y-WIcsRL-A/s755/ONES.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="503" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjpKCcbJLc7V7ZXlySHeFjZFPm8RzySFY6ROhbrAGXAfkhw1vRP3yFO9Jaw843GC9mfXG0_DwRgWMjJwtS3jMhr6cqvtuFimjetkdLv4R356UaWJXEkx4eRk1HbtMxzDEUxnxSGBeEdYCaa78WeLUnxcb-JgqlWNqAJRi2OFrbT25dda5y-WIcsRL-A/w133-h200/ONES.JPG" width="133" /></a></div>Also from a Romero Fellowship Recipient - Elisa Fennerty - The Ones You Didn’t Burn - from imdb <i>After their father passes away, two siblings return to their old family farm to sell off the land. However, darker forces may be at play that will force them to reanalyze their relation to their ancestor's land.</i></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I didn't necessarily click real well with this film but every film is not for everybody. Still it was competently made and still worth a watch. I think for me i guessed where it was going early on so all the stuff around substance abuse and returning home to face your demon did not resonate quite as well as I would have liked. Maybe it's that it is such a common trope that you have to do something really special with it. I liked the messaging about generational ethics and how we should appreciate the history of the land we live on.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4CSB8GZvIzRbIz5WPjEkmtnzMzWMpRA0nqZDxFTJS8qPPxWO0olc-Pwn-PqdcRYYJHHQIksQsavEV_1-3pME7QUwI83kq5_pYjBHefqwJROHL59nTEzn6R5DnCaVjlbSBSCduU0WQmYcF1LbZfubu36AHUwHItXaV_GaPkhdvEqG-CttdaU2x242ooQ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img data-original-height="877" data-original-width="594" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4CSB8GZvIzRbIz5WPjEkmtnzMzWMpRA0nqZDxFTJS8qPPxWO0olc-Pwn-PqdcRYYJHHQIksQsavEV_1-3pME7QUwI83kq5_pYjBHefqwJROHL59nTEzn6R5DnCaVjlbSBSCduU0WQmYcF1LbZfubu36AHUwHItXaV_GaPkhdvEqG-CttdaU2x242ooQ=w136-h200" width="136" /></a></div><br />Pou (Peacock) - A wonderful queer gothic horror period piece that delivers its messages as part of a complete story without beating you over the head with them. For me this was the film I liked best in the entire festival. The lead Tarryn Wyngaard is great in the lead and it is so well directed by Jaco Minnaar in a feature directorial debut. imdb. describes the film as <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>The psychosexual journey of a young woman into the dark recesses of the Afrikaner psyche and its compromised past.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6cFpx_7d98ouyZ7HcuzoNH-9pXKdN-VmnsQ90wHN-2tysp41FYjrdCWUh9XEedRJE_XyWZes-91yqvA8ldl9YF9VmCg8WtitOVObJBricBodCNcQGxQw2Dc9vU3OU71Vb9AB9fxtPX1D-U93jWiGUg9OGC74zomtmqRbWd3Hjdm4M5fhyCOzaxCXGpQ" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="529" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6cFpx_7d98ouyZ7HcuzoNH-9pXKdN-VmnsQ90wHN-2tysp41FYjrdCWUh9XEedRJE_XyWZes-91yqvA8ldl9YF9VmCg8WtitOVObJBricBodCNcQGxQw2Dc9vU3OU71Vb9AB9fxtPX1D-U93jWiGUg9OGC74zomtmqRbWd3Hjdm4M5fhyCOzaxCXGpQ" width="159" /></a></div><br />The Weird Kidz - A thoroughly entertaining coming of age animated story about a group of kids dealing with a cult in a desert landscape. It was funny and silly at times but also captured those tween to teen years with riduiculous fart jokes and wanting to see boobs. When a camping trip turns into a fight to save friends and family from a giant ant worshiping cult the youngsters find the courage to come through.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFC7CwukIZw3TDTBTm0AbmlLckQfdg_pWquihVSJx-y-vabNsI5CsfsqHeA_gfJhiII1P6HRaO94nvI85341ym7HFDqvfBo1ziRitv0J_1D1t1Cv16sNw_9USu6VM9v5ptKp7zwe4LV6_jIdvd3KFuM1wieeul0I6KpfBa76PemLeuH2Bg-8ba6Td3zQ" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="531" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFC7CwukIZw3TDTBTm0AbmlLckQfdg_pWquihVSJx-y-vabNsI5CsfsqHeA_gfJhiII1P6HRaO94nvI85341ym7HFDqvfBo1ziRitv0J_1D1t1Cv16sNw_9USu6VM9v5ptKp7zwe4LV6_jIdvd3KFuM1wieeul0I6KpfBa76PemLeuH2Bg-8ba6Td3zQ" width="152" /></a></div>Follow Her - <i><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Jess (Dani Barker) has finally found her hook: secretly filming creepy interactions she encounters via online job listings, and using the kinks of others to fuel her streaming success. For her next episode, she's been hired by Tom (Luke Cook) to write the ending of a screenplay in a remote, lavish cabin. Once there, the alluring self-proclaimed screenwriter hands her a script in which the two of them are the main characters. This client isn't what he seems, and even though the money's great... the real payment here could cost her life. Follow Her is a psycho-sexual thriller which questions the ethical boundaries of social media. </span><span class="nobr" style="background-color: #fbfbfb; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: nowrap;">Written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Quiver+Distribution&view=simple&sort=alpha" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #136cb2; text-decoration-line: none;">Quiver Distribution</a></span></i></div></div><div>This was another really good one looking at the ethics of social media. We atre getting more of this kind of story now a couple decades into our spy on ourselves and everyone else society.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-76355595610402467162023-03-30T08:21:00.025-04:002024-01-03T15:20:59.126-05:00The Skin I Live In (2011) Drama Quick Hit<br />So I got a post saying this review was removed from my feed, and thought how odd that the film where a man is changed into a woman is the one flagged. The notice does not say the reason why other than it infringed on copyright so I removed the images I screen captured from the film and am republishing the text. I literally have thousands of screen captures in my posts so my conspiracy brain is going full tilt. Why this one in particular, seems an interesting choice.<div><br /></div><div>1/3/24 - This happened a 2nd time and this time there are no images in it. I am thinking either someone is reporting it falsely. So this time I will make a counter claim since I know for a fact links are not copyright infringement.<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1189073/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br /></a><div><br /></div><div>The Skin I Live In (2011) - Quick Hit! Not a full review but here are some words about this film. "La piel que habito" another fine film by director Pedro Almodovar. Almodovar writes and directs excellent melodrama and this film, although less excellent than some of his other films, like "All About my Mother", "Volver", and "Broken Embraces" it is a fine film about obsession and revenge. It is impossible to tell you much of the story without giving too much away but I am definitely going to do a jig around it here.<br />
Antonio Banderas plays Robert Ledgard a plastic surgeon driven by the memories of his wife's death after being severely burned in a car crash. He secretly develops a new kind of artificial skin, but human experimentation is frowned upon by the establishment so a secret illegal test subject is needed. How he gets this guinea pig and who it is is so central to the film. Going into it would spoil, but oh my what a story. His captive Vera (Elena Anaya) wants her freedom but has been captive so long it seems she also has a connection to Ledgard. There is this strange co dependence that is eerie and after the twist you see the reasons.<br /><br /> The remarkable thing in Almodovar films are the original if disturbing turns they take. I have to say this film had a turn that is so remarkable that it is impossible to get. This compelling story is not about happy ending, but how often do happy ending happen to revenge driven psychopaths. From experience let me say not very often and Ledgard will have to deal with the consequences of his actions. If this relationship between Vera and Robert were the only thing to think about it would be an interesting film but there is so much more. Marilia (Marisa Paredes) assists the doctor but has her own secrets. Her son Zeca (Roberto Alamo) brings some madness to the plot. Mixed in is the back story that has driven Ledgard to this point, the accident that disfigured his wife, the effect it had on his daughter Norma (Blanca Suarez). Her own tragedy is a stunning point that drives the story forward in the most prominent way.<br />
As always with Almodovar film this one was enjoyable to this reviewer. It is not quite as good as some of his others but still it is good.<br />
Rating (6.3) 5.0 and up are recommended, some more recommended than others.</div></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-40129146411653899582023-01-22T19:44:00.003-05:002023-01-22T19:46:01.123-05:00Eddie's Way Back Machine - 1974-75 Kolchak: The Night Stalker A bit about Eddie's Way Back Machine. This is not per se a column breaking down reviewing, and exploring in details of the shows episodes themselves, more it is an appreciation of an old show. This is not intended to remove any of the joy viewers get from these shows but I will comment on the attitudes that do not stand up a modern viewing. Those of us that lived through the airing, or watched reruns of these shows will look at them quite differently than someone coming to them today. I'm try to remember that times and attitudes change, and what was socially acceptable at one time may be viewed differently today. It is that lense of our modern society that will highlight where this entertainment fits or does not fit. I can't change the past but I can certainly attempt to see it through the knowledge and experience I've have gained through the years. Hopefully, with the warts and all of these shows, you will find this look back as interesting as I did.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2g27Q1jVaddwYiIrEqUHVU3yyjPGJH_eZM0aovtYVeduw1eFgATafiSy99fubqJQ6g8mkV6dZcW9xM1b6uXHGoD6JbwLxarK5rR_NhQbM4GLyMyoRwFvycpXZsRL8l6FgNp1FNgl0ahgcSctOYEwl9gfDUyI-s1q4ybKC77HLKPQ7bUfde5d6TzMVw/s373/Kolchak.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="248" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2g27Q1jVaddwYiIrEqUHVU3yyjPGJH_eZM0aovtYVeduw1eFgATafiSy99fubqJQ6g8mkV6dZcW9xM1b6uXHGoD6JbwLxarK5rR_NhQbM4GLyMyoRwFvycpXZsRL8l6FgNp1FNgl0ahgcSctOYEwl9gfDUyI-s1q4ybKC77HLKPQ7bUfde5d6TzMVw/s320/Kolchak.JPG" width="213" /></a></div></div><div>Kolchak: The Night Stalker (20 episodes) </div><div>This television show aired 1974-75 and was a popular syndicated show years after that.</div><div><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolchak%3A_The_Night_Stalker" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> has all the details anyone needs to know about any show that will be reviewed here so if you are looking for such information that is your go to place. The review covered all twenty episodes of the television show, the two made for TV movies it is based on, The Night Stalker (1972) and the Night Strangler (1973) and the book, The Night Stalker (1972) by Jeff Rice</div><div> Carl Kolchak is a reporter for the Chicago based INS (Independent News Service) who instead of doing his assigned work is drawn to stories that are strange and hard to believe or possibly supernatural in origin. each week the show starts with a voice over of Kolchak laying out the start of the story as we watch the cold open and get a sense of the mystery he will be attempting to solve. The two made for television films are based in Las Vegas and the last scene of The night Strangler have Kolchak and Vincenzo heading to NYC, but we learn in the first episode of the show that the NYC INS has the two men open an office in Chicago. </div><div><br /></div><div>The dynamics of the show: Kolchak (Darren McGavin) is a force to be reckoned, an experienced reported who can get the story. A personality who is at times determined, manipulative, and at times dishonest he does what it takes to get to the bottom of each mystery he encounters. McGavin pulses with energy in the lead role, a veteran actor has created a character that is both masculine but with a touch of doubt in his ability to deal with the violent nature of the crimes he investigates. His personality is lovable while at times irritating to those around him. His light colored leisure suit and cheap hat are staples of his look making him forever recognizable. The stories he writes never seem to be published because the they seem so unbelievable. He primarily works in an office with editor Tony Vincenzo (Simon Oakland), and fellow reporters Ron Updyke (Jack Grinnage) and Emily Cowles (Ruth McDevitt) although there were characters who were around for a few episodes these four made up the recurring cast. Kolchak is often at odds with Tony, failing to finish his assignments but instead tracking down the strange and unbelievable and getting arrested for trespassing quite often. Kolchak's antics are giving Tony an ulcer but a great thing about Vincenzo is he cares about Kolchak, bailing him out, defending his rights as part of the press and defending him with the home office in NYC. Simon Oakland plays the character with a great hardboiled strength while still exuding a tenderness that comes through even when the scenes where he is frustrated, scolding and yelling. Updyke and written as an effeminate man, impeccably dressed covering the art scene for the paper and Emily as retiree working in the office to stay busy writes the advice column. They are primarily used for comic relief but in later episode at least have scenes where they have something to say beyond being foils foils for Kolchak. The final steady character is the local precinct police official which is a different character in each episode, they all have one thing in common because of Kolchak's reputation none of them like him.</div><div><br /></div><div>The supernatural is real! One of the great things about the show is the supernatural is real. Kolchak is not one of the Scooby gang in the world of the show the creatures, monsters, are real. From the original film where Kolchak hunts a serial killer who ends up being a vampire through to the end of the show where an Alligator woman is living beneath the streets of Chicago, the monsters really do exist. The contrivance of the show is Kolchak is telling us the audience the story while it never gets published primarily because of lack of evidence, destroyed evidence, government or home office interference. The stories are covered up and the public never hears what really happened. The show covers many of common horror tropes, vampires, voodoo zombies, werewolves, witchcraft, succubus and less familiar ones like ancient goddess worship, Aztec gods, various cryptids, vengeful spirits, aliens forces. Creative in the sense that the stories are modernized to the time period but still very well tread ground. During the 70's there was a craze for paranormal things from the Bermuda Triangle to Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, to out of body travel and telekinesis and spontaneous combustion, were in in the cultural zeitgeist. Kolchak reflects the crazes and brings them all to Chicago. Now there is an angle to consider, all the stories are narrated to us by Kolchak is it possible that he is an unreliable narrator? As a reporter looking for a sensational story is he embellishing to create the fantastical story? No one believes him while the story happens. We see in the show that others including the authorities see unexplainable behavior but insist every time that it is not supernatural in any way. Even at one point an episode has Kolchak hammering a stake into a call girl's heart as the police arrive they see him. The next scene is Kolcheck on a plane explaining that he was arrested for murder by was released 12 hours later after the coroner's report said the victim had been dead for three years. So is it just Kolchak is making stuff up and telling stories? </div><div> The Night Stalker and popular culture of the time. The show certainly reflects the times it was written in more ways that the the fantastical subject popular in its day. There are references throughout about the culture of the time. From acceptance of adult cinema, swinging, gentrification of poor neighborhoods, corporate greed, women in the workplace and treatment of the elderly were all reference at some point in the twenty episodes. </div><div><br /></div><div>What doesn't hold up so well abound in this series. There is a steady and pervasive sexism in the show, even though there are victims of both sexes, the primary use of women in the show is as a victim or as someone Kolchak can charm, or attempt to charm. They fit into roles sometimes as the villain, an old voodoo witch, a stealer of youth using a Greek goddess, a call girl vampire, w model using witchcraft to get ahead and a succubus. Secondary female characters are characterized as ditsy or in one case called fat and made fun of through an episode. Even when attempting to have a positive woman role they swing and miss. The fortune teller more interested in what Kolchak can pay, or the police captain who cares more about her attractive image. If there is something positive to be said about the portrayal of women in the show it would be, it was a time before the entertainment business decided that only really young women are attractive. The actresses in the show at the time range mostly from their 30s to 60s </div><div>There are a couple of episodes featuring Native American themes neither of which are as culturally sensitive as they would be today. As to this the couple o episodes featuring other cultures, Indian (India), Jewish, Cajun, Black, Urban and even Aztec which I am sure would be handled differently if the show was made today.</div><div><br /></div><div>Should you watch this show if you have the opportunity? A GIANT YES! This show is a predecessor to many other shows that are based in a real world but with supernatural aspects. Supposedly it was an influence for Chris Carter before he developed The X Files. Kolchak is the epitome of a well developed character and Darren McGavin is the reason why. Like all television some of the episodes outshine others there are some really wonderful ones in this series but Gavin is steady and strong in his characterization of Kolchak always rings true. The show has a scary edge but is not particularly frightening. Many of the monsters are far from raising terror in the audience. Still it's charms strongly outweigh its drawbacks.</div><div><br /></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-18811576337345140522022-02-28T17:03:00.004-05:002022-02-28T17:03:49.009-05:00Etheria Film Fest Through the Years - 2016<p> </p><h2> Women in Horror Month 2022</h2><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s320" width="320" /></a></p><h3>A look back at the first ten years</h3><div><b>NOTE: Many of the shorts that were part of the Etheria Film Festival can not be found on Amazon Prime video and on Shudder as part of your subscription Search for Etheria and see all six seasons!</b></div><h3>Etheria Film Festival 2016</h3><div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3908142/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Love Witch</a></div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0082366/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna Biller </a>(120:00) (Supernatural Exploitation) (USA) (35mm)</div><div>A modern-day witch uses spells and magic to get men to fall in love with her, with deadly consequences.</div><div><br /></div><div>Available on Amazon Prime Video</div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/thelovewitch/190916852" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo On demand Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Etheria Film Night 2016 Official Short Film Selections</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4552536/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Genghis Khan Conquers the Moon</a> - In Genghis Khan's last days, an encounter with a Wizard sends him to the Moon. Just as the Mediaeval anti-hero thinks he's made his greatest conquest, he finds himself on a spiritual quest, realizing the absurd clash between one man's need and the silence of the Universe</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5150898/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kerry Yang </a>(17:00) (Science Fiction) (USA)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/138149665/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Trailer Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4587938/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bionic Girl</a> - In this absurdist musical, a scientist afraid to face the outside world creates her own android clone replacement.</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3504894/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stephanie Cabdevila</a> (14:30) (Fantasy/Sci-Fi) (France)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/129204544/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4878808/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HOSS</a> - When a devastating tsunami destroys the west coast, a cowgirl roams the now lawless Malibu hills looking for justice.</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3150062/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christine Boylan</a> (13:00) (Western) (USA)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp6nfR1XOUI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a> - About the film and kickstart used to make it.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4562500/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ReStart</a> - Andrea is trapped in a temporal loop. Will she be able to break it?</div><div>Directed by<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5951282/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Olga Osorio</a> (15:00) (Science Fiction) (Spain)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/237836369" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4895354/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boxer</a> - A middle-aged contract killer must reconcile her life between her ruthless clients and her young, unquestioning son who wants to be just like her.</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1889467/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Toy Lei </a>(4:47) (Action/Thriller) (USA)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J8zt7NobSo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Link to Toy Lei</a> talking about her film</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4255318/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Stylist</a> - Claire is a lonely hairstylist with an unnerving desire to escape her disappointing reality. When her final client of the evening arrives with the request to look perfect, Claire has plans of her own.</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5514001/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jill Gevargizian</a> (15:00) (Horror) (USA)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CMO2nOoOi0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4689746/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hard Broads</a> - Three women have to transport a celebrity’s body without anyone knowing she’s dead.</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3528130/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mindy Bledsoe</a> (10:00) (Dark Comedy) (USA)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHa3XZZEdfc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube trailer Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/166071684" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mindy Bledsoe Director reel</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5340864/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Puppet Man </a>- A supernatural killer stalks a young woman and her friends in a seedy, neon-lit dive bar in this short film featuring horror legend John Carpenter.</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1846545/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jacqueline Castel</a> (9:08) (Horror) (USA)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4359452/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nasty </a>- It’s 1982. Twelve-year old Doug is drawn into the lurid world of VHS horror as he explores the mysterious disappearance of his father.</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3846547/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prano Bailey-Bond </a>(15:09) (Horror) (UK)</div><div><br /></div></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-37408423794378804892022-02-28T16:16:00.000-05:002022-02-28T16:16:07.937-05:00Etheria Film Fest Through the Years - 2015<p> </p><h2> Women in Horror Month 2022</h2><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s320" width="320" /></a></p><h3>A look back at the first ten years</h3><div><b>NOTE: Many of the shorts that were part of the Etheria Film Festival can not be found on Amazon Prime video and on Shudder as part of your subscription Search for Etheria and see all six seasons!</b></div><h3>Etheria Film Festival 2015</h3><div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2887840/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">INNER DEMON</a> - A teenage girl is abducted by a serial killer couple and manages to escape and find refuge in an isolated farmhouse, only to discover it is home to greater horrors and a malevolent spirit.</div><div>(2014, recipe 84 minutes, Australia) Written and Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3325821/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ursula Dabrowsky</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/52823910" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trailer Vimeo Link</a></div><div>Rent on Amazon Prime or get it as part of your subscription to Screambox</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Short Films</b></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4041108/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SHEILA SCORNED</a> - When Sheila Johnson accidentally messes up a major illicit deal, local kingpin Barry and his goons kidnap her from the club where she dances. Unfortunately for Barry and the men, Sheila also happens to be a shit talking, ass kicking psychopath with a plan of her own. And there's nothing she hates more than men on a power trip...</div><div>(USA, Action/Thriller, 17:45)</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6773746/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mara Gasbarro Tasker</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/109416295" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3951744/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SHEVENGE</a> - From Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997) ) comes this twisted, darkly comedic, genre-bending tale of revenge - a revenge of the worst kind - Shevenge! While at a killer slumber party, Sam, Taylor and Charley embark on a journey of revenge and empowerment.</div><div>(USA, Fantasy/Action/Comedy, 11:31)</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0072435/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amber Benson</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/423826119/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Trailer Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4049694/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">EL GIGANTE</a> - After attempting to cross the US/Mexico border in search of a better life, Armando awakens in an unknown room, his body broken down and a Lucha Libre mask sewn into his neck. He attempts to escape, but is surrounded by a sadistic family, who watch him with hungry eyes.</div><div>(Canada/Mexico, Horror, 13:42)</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4464117/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gigi Saul Guerrero</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/113821234/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Behind the scenes</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2722636/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GÖDEL INCOMPLETE</a> - A time-travel romance between one of the great minds of the 20th Century, Kurt Godel, and a lonely particle physicist, Serita Cedric, a research student working at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.</div><div>(Australia, Science Fiction, 13:21)</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2267886/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Martha Goddard</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/55510106/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2785470/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DE NOCHE Y DE PRONTO</a> *Jury Award for Best Film* - Home alone in a deserted apartment building during the Christmas season, Maria is startled to receive a visit from a desperate man claiming to be her upstairs neighbor, whose apartment is being broken into by thieves</div><div>(Spain, Thriller, 19:53)</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0248401/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Arantxa Echevarria</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/79865704" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3770174/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SLUT </a>*Audience Award Winner* - A naive young girl becomes the target of a murderous sociopath when she attempts to reinvent herself to impress the boys in her small Texas town.</div><div>(USA, Horror, 20:49)</div><div>Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3013234/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chloe Okuno</a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWGer07Aa-E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-47832713599737379952022-02-28T15:42:00.005-05:002022-02-28T15:42:56.658-05:00Etheria Film Fest Through the Years - 2014<p> </p><h2> Women in Horror Month 2022</h2><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s320" width="320" /></a></p><h3>A look back at the first ten years</h3><h3>Etheria Film Festival 2014</h3><div><b>NOTE: Many of the shorts that were part of the Etheria Film Festival can not be found on Amazon Prime video and on Shudder as part of your subscription Search for Etheria and see all six seasons!</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div>“Wakening” – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1118229/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Danis Goulet</a></div><div>(2013, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Canada, 9 mins)</div><div>In the near future, the environment has been destroyed and society suffocates under a brutal military occupation. A lone Cree wanderer Wesakechak searches an urban war zone to find the ancient and dangerous Weetigo to help fight against the occupiers.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbmi2ff3MBk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/309738235" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>“Job Interview” – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2436784/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Julia Walter</a></div><div>(2013, Thriller, Germany, 10 mins)</div><div>When Lisa applies for a job everything seems to be turning out pretty well… Until the boss Marie starts asking strange questions and the job interview turns out to be a little different than expected…</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnPS34zFO54" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>“You Me & Her” – directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2956169/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Doyle</a></div><div>(2014, Science Fiction, USA, 20 mins)</div><div>When 30 versions of one person pass through the wormhole at the Department of Parallel Resettlement, Anna discovers she is the worst possible version of herself.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llwsD7qVBYU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Trailer Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>“Dia de los Muertos” – directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4464117/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gigi Saul Guerrero</a></div><div>(2014, Horror, Mexico/Canada, 12 mins)</div><div>On the night of ‘Dia De Los Muertos,’ the women of the La Candelaria strip club seek revenge on those who have abused them.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ITgwDBU2Cg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Interview Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/116282231" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Behind the Scenes Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmOwx6LJ6W4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Trailer Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>“Dawn” – directed by<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000535/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Rose McGowan</a></div><div>(2013, Thriller, USA, 18 mins)</div><div>Dawn is a quiet young teen that longs for something or someone to free her from her sheltered life. One day she meets Charlie, a high school dropout, who offers her a glimpse into a world she dreams to be a part of.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://vimeo.com/183597510" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></div><div><br /></div><div>“Hide & Seek” – directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4056321/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kayoko Asakura</a></div><div>(2013, Horror, Japan, 11 mins)</div><div>A schoolgirl visits a house to take a Koto lesson. She meets her teacher and her son, and they seem to be playing “HIDE and SEEK” in the house. The Koto lesson starts but the girl soon realizes that there’s something very odd about the teacher.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can purchase this short at Vimeo for $1.99 or rent it for .99 cents</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3093676/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">“The Jelly Wrestler”</a> – *LA Premiere* directed by<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3765535/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Rebecca Thomson</a></div><div>(2013, Action/Comedy, Australia, 14 mins)</div><div>With one last shot at jelly glory, washed up wrestler and barmaid Eileen must grapple with aging, betrayal and her own jelly wrestling demons – a task that may well put her down for the count.</div></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-698271629333288522022-02-25T16:58:00.003-05:002022-02-28T15:31:49.744-05:00Etheria Film Fest Through the Years - 2013<h2 style="text-align: left;"> Women in Horror Month 2022</h2><h3><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s320" width="320" /></a></p>A look back at the first ten years</h3><h3>Etheria Film Festival 2013</h3><div><div><b>NOTE: Many of the shorts that were part of the Etheria Film Festival can not be found on Amazon Prime video and on Shudder as part of your subscription Search for Etheria and see all six seasons!</b></div><div><br /></div></div><p><b>Warnings from the Bathtub </b>- <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3727728/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elizabeth Appel</a> - A woman disregards the warnings from the hallucination of her dead mother in the bathtub and sublimates her passion for men who betray her to a couch she’s quite sure will forever be faithful. Quickly she learns obsessive love consumes.</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/56517161" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Vimeo Link</span></a></p><p><b>The End of the Night</b> - Emilie Rosas - Shot with the players of RM Grandeur Nature, The End of the Night chronicles the events surrounding the rebellion of the Sons of the Dawn against the Mayflies during the period known as "Eternal Night".</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/40911649" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Vimeo Link</span></a></p><p><b>Culling</b> - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2294518/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kerinne Jenkins</a> - In an irradiated, subterranean world, a naive, but compassionate boy finds himself having to decide what is really important in life.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JF1ZNqNesm4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">YouTube Link</span></a></p><p><b>Butterflies</b> - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2343662/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Isabel Peppard</a> - A young artist sits on the sidewalk, struggling to make a living. She makes drawings for the passersby. A businessman recognises her talents and offers her a paying job. The prospect seems inviting but the reality threatens to kill her imagination..</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdBLJ5cqoZY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><b>The Rift</b> - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4309905/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Belinda McCulloch</a> - In a dystopian future where people are abducted by an unseen force, a young couple fight to stay together and find answers in the shadows.</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/52369032" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></p><p><b>Render</b> - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4062132/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Surita Parmar</a> - A man and woman living in a computer-generated landscape struggle to comprehend that their universe isn't real.</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/60303831" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></p><p><b>Monster</b> - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0122640/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deborah Burns</a> - Monster is a fable set in a pastoral post-apocalyptic time. Hannah, played by Jodelle Ferland, draws the winning lot to feed a terrifying hungry monster waiting in the forest.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k56p-SeAE1E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><b>Best Friends Forever</b> - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2647420/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brea Grant</a> - Harriet, a comic book artist with a secret, and her reckless BFF, Reba, take their '76 AMC Pacer on the open road and instead get a wild ride towards an impending nuclear apocalypse.</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/57174990" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Trailer Link</a></p><p>You can watch the film on Amazon Prime</p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-41092916971423267482022-02-24T16:17:00.002-05:002022-02-28T15:31:15.738-05:00Etheria FIlm Fest Through the Years - 2012<h2 style="text-align: left;"> Women in Horror Month 2022</h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1280" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzeJ9oxVcLPn0vbTqqhTxvnnBiN1Qp5_tIQ6EJWuvhSgoaBKFkOZ_n__jscTZA1BL7t6MuvMH3BQzoYDtC2zmm7o8edPSJ1V-0VOUHMDM9WLqZq-fFh5_DVwezoCzRymawyGL7msCZI3rN5KCLvjPYSsbYrw1OiOx9JQg7WrMY2fC2o-fTkNyiq4S6Lw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">A look back at the first ten years</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">Etheria Film Festival 2012</h3><div><div><b>NOTE: Many of the shorts that were part of the Etheria Film Festival can not be found on Amazon Prime video and on Shudder as part of your subscription Search for Etheria and see all six seasons!</b></div><div><br /></div></div><p><b>Seamstress</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2301323/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gracie Otto</a> (Australia) - An ailing bird watcher becomes obsessed with a seamstress living next door when he observes her luring birds into her home. He discovers that she needs the birds to survive, and that he may hold the key to furthering the species.</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2301323/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IMDB page</a> - Director's IMDB page</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3QKZQOPSM4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/36259097" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></p><p><b>Oowie Wanna</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3014722/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bridget Palardy (Savage Cole)</a>(USA) - While doing laundry, a misfit 7-year-old girl tumbles into an alluring other-world, where she must decide the fate of her birthmark.</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3014722/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IMDB Page</a> - Director's IMDB page</p><p><b>Prita Noire</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1628913/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sofia Carrillo</a> (Mexico) - A fantastical animated story of two sisters in a strange place, and their strange relationship.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJC969KTKWc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/23990638" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></p><p><b>She Wolf</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2155771/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Francesca Reverdito</a> (Italy) - Little Red Riding Hood turns the table on the wolf.</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2155771/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IMDB Page</a> - Director's IMDB page</p><p><a href="https://www.viddsee.com/video/she-wolf/spiyl?locale=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vidsee Link</a></p><p><b>The Maiden and the Princess</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3262251/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ali Scher </a>(USA) - A fairy tale about a young girl who loves the princess instead of the prince.</p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3262251/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IMDB Page</a> - Director's IMDB page</p><p><a href="http://omeleto.com/254823/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Omeleto Link</a></p><p><b>The Hunter and the Swan Discuss Their Meeting</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3045440/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emily Carmichael</a> (USA) - A Brooklyn couple have dinner with a hunter and his girlfriend, a magical swan woman. It doesn’t go well.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=In3VKgpaYNc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><b>The Stolen</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2233057/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karen Lam</a> (Canada) - A dark fairytale about an imaginative little girl who saves a bullied boy and is granted a secret wish.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blwFn96Mw6g" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Karen Lam Demo Reel</a></p><p><b>The Red Hood</b> – Danishka Esterhazy (Canada) - A dark re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood set in the Canadian prairies during the Great Depression</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/36296185" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></p><p><b>The Provider</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3396585/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Brianne Nord-Stewart</a> (Canada) - In an alternate-history 1940s small town America, after Japan retaliates over Hiroshima with biological warfare, the local doctor’s home is the safest place to seek refuge. Or is it?</p><p><a href="https://nord-stewart.com/films/the-provider-short/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Provider link</a></p><p><b>Undetected</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4933407/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kristen Anderson (Sueve)</a> (USA) - A blown engine on a remote road forces two sisters to look for help in a ghost-town from a couple that closely resembles the living dead.</p><p><a href="https://www.viddsee.com/video/undetected/1k1vs?locale=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vidsee link</a></p><p><b>Laura Keller</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1664359/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maureen (Mo) Perkins</a> (USA) - With global population at an extreme high, federal fertility lotteries now determine who can and can’t reproduce. When one woman learns that she will be permanently sterilized, her faith in the system is shaken.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMRfHlo3KaY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHZ05cn9p1s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mo Perkins on her film</a></p><p><b>Imminent Danger</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3172909/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alana McNair</a> (USA) - Whoops! After an unintentional button pressing incident alerting Earth of its impending demise, Gail must find a way to reverse this misunderstanding and save the world!</p><p><a href="http://www.alanamcnair.com/directing" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alana's Website to view</a></p><p><b>Kaboomtown</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4797301/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jakqui Schuler </a>(USA) - As the human race keeps on exploding around her, Jane struggles to fill out a stack of application forms to stay alive.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFg99ggY5uQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><b>Slashed</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3765535/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rebecca Thomson</a> (Australia) - Worlds will collide when Renata and Frieda’s erotic fantasies cross the digital frontier.</p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm8shF9daZM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">YouTube Link</a></p><p><b>Volcano Girl</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3594673/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ashley Maria</a> (USA) - Fighting super villains is easy. Losing your superhero job, moving back home and sharing a bathroom with your little sister? Now that’s hard.</p><p><a href="https://ashley-maria.com/VolcanoGirl.php" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link</a></p><p><b>We Are All Cylons</b> – <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4159489/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ilana Rein</a> (USA) - We Are All Cylons investigates our very human enthusiasm for technology and myth by examining the metaphysical resonances of the television series “Battlestar Galactica.”</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/20072673" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Vimeo Link (Preview Only)</a></p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-89414948182628551452021-10-05T15:06:00.002-04:002021-10-05T15:35:48.767-04:00Salem Horror Fest 2021 - The Amusement Park (1975)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNl1oA_4OuuZMCMzAyYTwzXo8OiBxsKjjiyFWTAeHUbUrxFJK6s0GUIbqKiMWyX9-2LO2mTerHsWaJDLKO7KuHcEWGauX7OlkmmCxXqMe3jS5IlbWXUrsAfOQGJv8xC96Yflq0tmwOwI9/s672/Amuse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="493" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNl1oA_4OuuZMCMzAyYTwzXo8OiBxsKjjiyFWTAeHUbUrxFJK6s0GUIbqKiMWyX9-2LO2mTerHsWaJDLKO7KuHcEWGauX7OlkmmCxXqMe3jS5IlbWXUrsAfOQGJv8xC96Yflq0tmwOwI9/s320/Amuse.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9270362/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Amusement Park</a> - The George Romero foundation is one of the sponsors of this year's Salem Horror Fest and with that comes a ew treats. The Amusement Park is one of those treats. A plea for help from the elderly of America through the metaphors and eyes of George Romero. Set in an amusement park it follows and elderly gentleman as deals with the hustle and bustle of the crowds in his aged condition. At one point early in the film he enters a door which leads into a white room. In this room he finds a bedraggled version of himself, and has a conversation about joining the fun in the park. His other self is a wreck and can barely speak, telling him that there is nothing for him out there. Not listening the gentleman ventures into the park. Ignored, dis respected by society, pushed bumped and manhandled the gentleman eventually enters the white room a beaten man until his newer self again appears and he tells him there is nothing out there for him. Through the amusement park metaphors we see various ways the elderly are mistreated. From being ignored by the ticket sellers, to not bein quick enough for younger people who grow frustrated. The problems caused by failing eyesight, a metaphor for how the wealthy are fawned over while the rich don't even want to look at the elderly. There is messaging that looks at incapacity vs charity and the limits when the young start to feel the burden. It really is quite a variety of woes including how criminals prey on the elderly. The film really is a giant PSA about how we treat the elderly. I say that like the film was made in the present but only because these issue exist today as they did in 1975.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12898268/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Iron City Ass Kickers (2021)</a> Another older Romero pulled from the archive for the Horrorfest is this pilot episode hoped to become a television series. It centers around the local pro wrestling curcuit in Pittsburgh and tells the story of one of the big matches, for the Iron City title, it has the bad guy champion and the beloved challenger and many of the theatrics you would find in the WWE, I am not quite sure where they were going with this but it is a weird little entry in the Romero world. The man himself plays a bar patron in some scenes but the show seemed to be lacking any meta content leaving it an imitation of the already imitation wrestling world.</p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-28472905359572820892021-10-04T17:35:00.001-04:002021-10-04T17:35:32.785-04:00Salem Horror Fest - Hall (2020)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2TxD9Odze4JjjgpauHKN3PGJvpPrND3Lm6zdebmeODb4nQ9dBRqXJcPO8_HGoUR52vvjPcHG0zvJB4SkofVYj5d0ueycRn_jt7QTiuRb8WwAexhjAgN9_pYg5p9d4NpsK4GRLasDBFQQ/s649/Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2TxD9Odze4JjjgpauHKN3PGJvpPrND3Lm6zdebmeODb4nQ9dBRqXJcPO8_HGoUR52vvjPcHG0zvJB4SkofVYj5d0ueycRn_jt7QTiuRb8WwAexhjAgN9_pYg5p9d4NpsK4GRLasDBFQQ/s320/Hall.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9054692/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hall (2020)</a> - When a debilitating sickness spreads across a long hotel hallway, a few scattered victims fight for survival, and try to escape from the dark narrow stretch of isolated carnage.<p></p><p> This film was a bit too close to home now a year and 8 months into our own pandemic. There is a great way that writers Derrick Adams, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3167230/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Francesco Giannini</a>(story) & Adam Kolodny spend time in the script allowing the audience to know characters. There are these really smart introductions with just enough background that when the shit starts hitting the fan the audience cares about characters and fewer seem like a body count. Primarily bouncing between Naomi (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1139614" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Yumiko Shaku</a>), a woman who has fled to America on the premise of work but really has fled the husband of her unborn child because as she puts it he is a "bad man". In her interactions with the other lead Val (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3846494/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carolina Bartczak</a>) a woman in an abusive relationship looking for a way out and trying to protect her daughter while she finds it. The instances and dialog of "Mommy's clumsy" etc. are cliché in establishing the abuse but the feeling director Francesco Giannini creates with framing and music really brings home the threat of the husband character Branden (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4056899/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Gibson</a>) and kudos to him too for his ability to scare and threaten just with his quiet moodiness. When a viral agent is released on the floor the two women are staying, we flash between them seeing how they got to where they are but also suddenly the effects of the crisis on each and the steps they take to deal with it. The viral agent does not just sicken those exposed but also makes then violent in the last throws of the sickness. Having to navigate the hall full of infected people creates a drama that is as menacing as the personal lives these women lead. Broken up into what is happening during the outbreak and Flashbacks that add a nice character development, I came away really liking this film, even though If I don't have to see another thing about viruses for several more years, I would be glad.</p><p><br /></p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-53936828029570559402021-10-04T16:58:00.001-04:002021-10-04T16:58:26.466-04:00Salem Horror Fest - Landlocked (No release date)<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiPALK0Ildy62csd3vJm080C-JakmHhIoGoaTMG73NU0G62yQuq4CvCZwP-4xdHaV5QLrr7YEQi1fPsdO0c3TsUXG-0B9dIVY7WOw26qilZevfvbLSeheHugMheW2l1tq081gomaOUp3M/s645/Landlocked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSiPALK0Ildy62csd3vJm080C-JakmHhIoGoaTMG73NU0G62yQuq4CvCZwP-4xdHaV5QLrr7YEQi1fPsdO0c3TsUXG-0B9dIVY7WOw26qilZevfvbLSeheHugMheW2l1tq081gomaOUp3M/s320/Landlocked.jpg" width="246" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4078934/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Landlocked</a> - Will be part of the <a href="http://salemhorror.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salem Horror Fest</a> virtual festival starting Oct. 22nd. <span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Summoned to his soon-to-be demolished childhood home, Mason discovers a video camera that can see into the past, driving him to record as many memories as possible before the doomed house is destroyed. Summoned to his soon-to-be demolished childhood home, Mason discovers a video camera that can see into the past, driving him to record as many memories as possible before the doomed house is destroyed.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">The concept of using an old camcorder to view the past is a very cool idea, I start thinking about some of the time swirling ideas that Aaron Morehead and Justin Benson have been coming up with but here is a much less reality trippy version of that. Director <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2005621/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Paul Owens</a> brings us a gently paced rumination on life and the places that capture those memories in this film where he intertwines the story of the family house being torn down with his personal home movies. A shy man he did not have a ton to say at the Q&A but the film is a unique take on our need to process memories and how they connect to the places we live.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">I personally am a bit jealous of the idea that someone can have a family home where they spent their entire childhood. My family moved town to town and back never really staying in one place longer than a couple years. I think we all want that stability and connection to the places we have lived and in this film Owens shares a strong connection with his childhood even if the premise is a conceit. </span></span></p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-9148480174421026312021-10-04T16:28:00.000-04:002021-10-04T16:28:00.866-04:00Salem Horror Fest 2021 Wicked Shorts 1<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://salemhorror.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Salem Horror Fest</a> Short program #1 - I love shorts and although all the shorts in the program are not necessarily brand new the collection is really well curated and was quite thought provoking and enjoyable. Trying to be spoiler free ion shorts is somewhat difficult but I will give it a try. I will give the description provided by the fest and then whatever thoughts have on the content again trying to be some what spoiler free. I missed a couple in this first screening with traffic delaying my arrival but I have another opportunity to fill in the ones I missed next week.</span></p><p><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14251536/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Marked (2021)</a> by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9280539/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew Avery Berg</a> - <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A tattoo artist is forced to confront his past when a client knows what his tattoos really mean. </span>This short was not my cup of tea but still so professionally put together about a tattoo artist whose ink is recognized by his client. An interesting story about the meaning of tattoos in the Russian mob it is a revenge story at its heart. Cruel and unforgiving like it’s subject it was a solid entry at the Salem Horror fest shorts program.</span></p><div class="summary-title" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13837112/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DYSTOPIA</a> (2020) - Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5165087/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Laura Ugolini</a> Forget reality shows and Instagram beauties; a young girl's fantasy becomes the playground for a gang of women set to create the perfect man, one limb at a time. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su-ArXS5rA8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teaser for the short</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=su-ArXS5rA8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> </a> I reserve the right to change this as the setting made it difficult to read the subtitles. A weird little play in a child’s imagination it speaks to how children are programmed to the need to be beautiful and roles in searching for the perfect man, the shocking lengths that the characters in that fantasy go to make that happen.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14463916/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Text back (2020)</a> -Directors - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11735275/?ref_=tt_ov_wr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kaye Adelaide</a> & <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11729325/?ref_=tt_ov_wr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mariel Sharp</a> A woman seeks the help of an energy healer to rid herself of a cursed necklace that strangles her every time she doesn’t text back her bad Tinder date. Wonderfully amusing, as it pokes fun at new age healing while still addressing the very disturbing issues around tinder stalking. When a energy healer helps a woman with a unique problem they both benefit from the outcome. Humor and a serious cursed necklace equals a fun little short without glossing over the dangers of stalking. <a href="https://vimeo.com/447650472" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Teaser Here</a></span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13773766/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Logan Lee & the Rise of the Purple Dawn</a> (2019) - Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2998282/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raymond C. Lai</a> - DJ Logan will play today at the party of Beatrice Pan, a friend with whom he is in love. To reassure himself, he smokes potent marijuana. - This short was weird and wild with a original structure and cool ideas along the lines of They Live but instead of sun glasses you need to get high on Purple Dawn. Starring actor <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1859543/?ref_=tt_ov_st" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Osric Chau</a> who I know from his role as Kevin Tran on the show Supernatural I really liked this short. His quest to save the girl he longs for from the energy sucking cyborgs was very cool.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14706728/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sundown Town (2021)</a> - Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12598733/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Milo Butler</a>, Bryce & Mitchell's trip home is disrupted after making a pit stop in a mysteriously unwelcoming town. This short plays sort of like the episode of Lovecraft Country where they had to be out of the all white county before dark, but with a queer twist to add to the racist one of that show. Being a short the violence is less big budget but still personal and effective.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12428956/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bed (2020)</a> by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4077057/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Emily Bennett</a> - Bed is going to get a higher rating from me because it is an excellent portrayal of the effect of sexual violence </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">and the lingering trauma associated with it. It is a sad and serious watch but really well done. The short is a woman in her bedroom not being able to use it to sleep. Through her hallucinations and flashbacks we learn just what happened to her. Very well written and executed.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15037206/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miss Blueberry Beauty Pageant (2020)</a> - Directed <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8589997/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Kennedy</a> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">Welcome to the 1984 Miss Blueberry Beauty Pageant! Where the girls are a feast for the eyes and as sweet as honey. Follow these three finalists as they navigate the twists and turns of a pageant that reveals a much more sinister secret. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;">This short was so much fun. Funny and ridiculous with the right mount of hamming, it follows the last three contestants in a pageant that has an unexpected outcome.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15087342/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Verified (2020)</a> - by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4172681/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ali Chappell</a> A lonely but hopeful insta-influence gets bit by a zombie while live-streaming and finally gets the audience she craves... but at what cost? So much satire and humor wrapped up into a topic, influencers wanting to be verified accounts, that this one oozes fun. Nice effects and a really well thought out horror bit made this very enjoyable.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11708912/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">No Game Like Foxes (2020)</a> - by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7571114/?ref_=tt_ov_dr" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Raphael Arkera</a> A man finds himself being stalked by a relentless killer, in a deadly game where humans are hunted for sport. Now this is a short I did not really connect with trying hard to find a logic that did not really make sense to me. Maybe I was over thinking it but I struggled with the "whys" in this short. Well made but I just didn't quite grasp the meanings. The masks were cool.</span></p></div>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-59656923507553383682021-10-02T09:29:00.003-04:002021-10-02T09:34:20.402-04:00Salem Horror Fest 2021 - Miracle Valley<p><br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfHq9-I4Y3YCriLaRpGGyw5WgkI1teOXXgJoWT006YOSf817zDP2L8hKwpWLtdy4tgm1EwkjsrNjz0WR7gaOWViaUFUwTkhuRwrVrWJumfjEl-keobQoa1ZZ-OzsO1b42-ebZDqt4XlNF/s1600/MiracleVally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfHq9-I4Y3YCriLaRpGGyw5WgkI1teOXXgJoWT006YOSf817zDP2L8hKwpWLtdy4tgm1EwkjsrNjz0WR7gaOWViaUFUwTkhuRwrVrWJumfjEl-keobQoa1ZZ-OzsO1b42-ebZDqt4XlNF/s320/MiracleVally.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14174586/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Miracle Valley (2022)</a> - Writer, Director and Actor <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0802995/?ref_=tt_cl_t_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Greg Sestero</a> brings us a tale that he says is influenced by Race with the Devil (1975) and the story of couples on vacation, who run into a blood cult does run along the lines of the older film where two couples on vacation in a Winnebago see a satanic cult sacrifice and then have to run for their lives. Miracle Valley has a bit more to it and was quite enjoyable as a kickoff title for this year's festival. David (Sestero) and Sarah (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12362350/?ref_=tt_cl_t_2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angela Mariano</a>) are a couple whose relationship is in flux, Sarah having trouble dealing with her mother's terminal illness is stressed and recently had to get psychological help for the stress. David is waiting for the right time to call off the relationship but feels now is not it. A photographer trying to make a name for himself David is invited to the Arizona desert to try to get a photo of a rare silver hawk, that could make his career. Once there having met up with friends Scott and Jade and later another couple of friends find more than they bargain for after meeting a biker, preacher, couples counselor and cult leader Father Jake (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0250307/?ref_=tt_cl_t_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rick Edwards</a>). To remain spoiler free I will leave the plot of the blood cult and just talk about things that struck me during the film. Let's just say there is more too it than initially thought but unlike Race with the Devil where the threat grows and so does the characters paranoia in this film it feels the paranoia never develops and the main character never seem to really have to discuss it. Also unlike RWTD this film is not a road chase film with tons of high priced stunts. In that film we never really know the cultists they are just this dangerous threat, but in Maricle Valley we get to know them quite well. Instead it just takes some surprising and shocking, if predicted turns into crazy-ville. Compared to it's influence I like that the female characters have a hell of a lot more agency that Loretta Swift and Lara Parker in RWTD.<p></p><p> The plot was fun in that it had several little turns and surprises including a cold open that came back into play in a big way later with the character Erika (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6365311/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Louisa Torres</a>). The relationship troubles worked to setup a bit of tension that facilitates Sarah being taken in with Father Jake and allowing him to build trust with her. The silver hawk hunt gets them where they need to be and the added couples raise the body count. It all worked to get the film into gear. The music in the beginning and the a scene at the end really gave me a Tarantino vibe whether intentional or not. The film sounds good throughout and the horror cues were pretty right on. Later the crazy cult twins <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10374605/?ref_=tt_cl_t_6" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ellie Smith</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12420103/?ref_=tt_cl_t_8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amy Smith</a>, playing Mira and Kelly did their best Manson girls imitations was kind of fun to watch. There were a couple cheap jump scares but that is perfectly alright. The film appeared to be filmed primarily in Arizona but Sestero says he was thrilled to be able to use <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lloyd_Wright" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Frank Lloyd Wrights </a>falling waters house in Pennsylvania for a scene at the end of the film. It's harder to comment about the acting, or if some of the writing put me off but it felt a bit uneven to me. Much of the film is carried by Edwards as Father Jake, but at times I was the wished for a more likable personality that turns dark and threatening. It may be that the introduction he had was the opposite, a threatening manner that quickly turned gentle after seeing Sarah. He also have to turn on the charms later but some of the friendly stuff, even though I knew there was menace behind it didn't come through as evil as I wanted it to be. Overall I enjoyed the film so even though I did not stay around to talk to the film makers, (too tired) and it was a great start to the <a href="https://www.salemhorror.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Salem Horror Fest</a></p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-40079767643089595822021-09-28T17:05:00.001-04:002021-09-28T17:05:11.200-04:00Coverage of Salem Horror Fest<p> October is upon us and that means the Salem Horror Fest in Salem MA is on course to run from Oct 1st -11th primarily on weekends and virtually from Oct 22nd to the end of the month. It will be a marathon to try to see and report on all of the wonderful content it provides but it is a marathon I am willing to attempt to run. Two intense weekends LIVE for the first time before the pandemic. I have yet to enter a movie theater since the restrictions were lifted here in MA but with n95 in had and vaccination card in my pocket I am going to see if I can tolerate it. The trick is to see if I can see all the stuff the fest has to offer tha is not included in the virtual part. We shall see, I have a schedule planned out but its a bit grueling and I am an aging man so wish me luck.</p><p>Tickets are still available at <a href="https://salemhorrorfest.eventive.org/welcome" target="_blank">https://salemhorrorfest.eventive.org/welcome </a> </p><p>See you at the movies.</p>Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-18734610278841328332020-06-03T11:19:00.003-04:002020-06-03T11:19:33.371-04:00Don't Look in the Basement (1973) Horror Asylum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsuj1dVKW27jh9tND2xwrKsR7WPlDQSYx68uhWDLAwoHj3mUBJy7bRtmcxrHA87JD_UQXO64uCCBrlHYGtDsG07N2nM9eHDfJ0n8FtQZYZTsjRothmKdY6apbTmkUYWWJ8ST7NCfRN3J9/s1600/basement_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsuj1dVKW27jh9tND2xwrKsR7WPlDQSYx68uhWDLAwoHj3mUBJy7bRtmcxrHA87JD_UQXO64uCCBrlHYGtDsG07N2nM9eHDfJ0n8FtQZYZTsjRothmKdY6apbTmkUYWWJ8ST7NCfRN3J9/s400/basement_1.jpg" width="261" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069994/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Look in the Basement (1973)</a> - aka <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Forgotten_(1973_film)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Forgotten</a>, Director S.F. Brownrigg takes a script written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0691194/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tim Pope</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0691193/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thomas Pope</a> and brings sort of on the nose story to the screen, but overall it lacks movement and the tension needed to make it a really good film. It is a story about a young psychiatric nurse Charlotte Beale (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0392249/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rosie Holotik</a>) arriving at her new job at Stevens Sanitarium. The dramatic irony is that Dr. Stevens (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0367637/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Michael Harvey</a>) the man that has hired her, has been killed by one of the patients "the Judge" (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0743418/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gene Ross</a>) and another patient Geraldine Master (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0917400/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Annabelle Weenick</a>) is posing as the new head of the sanitarium. Okay before you start giving me shit for spoiling the plot, stop. The premise is known to the audience right from the beginning of the film. Not only that the writers and director do very little to hide the subterfuge from the viewers. It really is the major flaw of the film that everything about the secret is not hidden in anyway. We know from the start and watch as Charlotte eventually figures it out.<br />
There is some really fine acting in this one, particularly co-lead Weenick who had a long career (1961-98) before her death in 2003 at the age of 78. She carries a lot of the emotion in the film as the control freak with the secret she does not want Charlotte to know. When the rest of the patients start unwinding and her position becomes threatened she does the only thing a mentally ill control freak can do and starts killing them off. Other character well played are Sam (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569183/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill McGhee</a>) who plays a lobotomized man child, and the Judge (Ross) playing an uptight rules obsessed patient. The rest of the cast play there stereotypes, Harriot (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0139629/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Camilla Carr</a>) obsessing over a doll like it was her baby. She also appeared in the 2015 <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3523852/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Don't Look in the Basement 2</a>. That film was directed by son of SF Brownrigg, Anthony and uses several of the original locations. Danny (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0456160/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jessie Kirby</a>) playing something of a screechy adult 11 yr old trickster. Jennifer a withdrawn moper with a dangerous side. Stg. Jaffee (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0269850/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hugh Feagin</a>) war veteran with a bad case of PTSD, Mrs. Callingham (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0531187/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rhea MacAdams</a>) an old lady with dementia, and Allyson(<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0151322/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Betty Chandler</a>) a sex and relationship obsessed woman looking to have a man "love" her, all the time and with borderline tendencies that keep that from happening. All are okay and make a hodgepodge of stereotypes that play off each other to create situation that Charlotte has to deal with. Gene Ross also had a long career and was in some notable films like <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095271/" target="_blank">Halloween 4 : The Return of Michael Myers</a> and David Lynch's <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116922/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lost Highway</a>.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaco6sqIA97yxIP2PEkNdYhnA50bV2V-_kNST0iikZnUgikDopwrw-EDkFzMAqak4d1SXaKMqZ__hOQfV7WtpHOfFczlUhLCLTgjuOCvBOqZP-uol_Dm-445cGB63rqHRlhKWhWHFucmwB/s1600/basement_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="936" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaco6sqIA97yxIP2PEkNdYhnA50bV2V-_kNST0iikZnUgikDopwrw-EDkFzMAqak4d1SXaKMqZ__hOQfV7WtpHOfFczlUhLCLTgjuOCvBOqZP-uol_Dm-445cGB63rqHRlhKWhWHFucmwB/s320/basement_2.jpg" width="320" /></a> Charlotte is slow on the uptake and can't see through the thin veal of sanity Masters is projecting which sets up a classic third act when all the hidden bodies are found and the true nature of the situation she is in is revealed. Even though she is technically the final girl she has very little agency in discovering the truth. Instead of being proactive and figuring out the weaknesses in the reality being presented to her she just goes along trying to deal with the situations that working with the mentally ill present. In the end it is really the patients inability to keep a secret more than anything Charlotte does that exposes the charade. Even then in a panic she tries to flee from the house, and in not finding an unlocked door ends up trapped in the basement. It is only Sam's decision to help her that she survives. We are left with her standing outside in the rain while the patients kill each other inside.Needless to say this is not really getting a recommendation on this blog. Although it is part of the early seventies horror I like it just doesn't have enough to it for me to give it a thumb's up.</div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-81883350256571271772020-05-31T13:27:00.000-04:002020-05-31T13:27:33.781-04:00Chattanooga Film Festival pt. 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Chattanooga Film Festival pt.3 - On the final day of the festival I tried to cram as much in as I could. Here is what I had the pleasure to see before I ran out of time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWZPPHk0nJW_KNgdiXf8n6YFVicLbo4mqifymOIySU0g-qOz6jgIkmuhyphenhyphen0xCkYxrEUEOvyQn3YD1Y2VLIpfmTaiquN0M6g46uybxjLBjK7cEXYz6vzo8q7atbQ0YAmkCpAqF8JWnX9ch2/s1600/AAA_Disco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="531" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoWZPPHk0nJW_KNgdiXf8n6YFVicLbo4mqifymOIySU0g-qOz6jgIkmuhyphenhyphen0xCkYxrEUEOvyQn3YD1Y2VLIpfmTaiquN0M6g46uybxjLBjK7cEXYz6vzo8q7atbQ0YAmkCpAqF8JWnX9ch2/s320/AAA_Disco.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12367622/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Disco Graveyard (2020)</a> - My friend and <a href="https://vimeo.com/user18092207" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cool Cat Izzy Lee</a> created a musical montage film that is asking some big question. Watching her growth as a film maker since the days when she was creating shorts programs at the Somerville Theatre has been a pleasure. She is so much a professional film maker and it shows in this short. Check her stuff out and of course, be wierd!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10166642/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fulci for Fake (2019)</a> - I am a big fan of Lucio Fulci the film maker and have a pretty full collection of his movies. In this strangely structured documentary we learn more about his personal life while while also touching on the films of his career. The premise that seemed so strange to me was that of an actor who is going to play Fulci seeks out the important collaborators, family and family members to find out who the Man behind the movies was. I found that premise a bit awkward but the information I got about the films connected to his life events at the time of writing the films was intriguing. You can see the themes and emotions of his life being incorporated into each film. That was fascinating how the experiences the filmmaker was having directly showing up in his art. Isn't that what art is all about?.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7521214/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Scare Package (2019) </a>- So many clever horror ideas packed into Scare Package, it was just a pleasure to watch. Seven directors each taking a whack at a different sub-genre of horror bring our favorite tropes and a great sense of humor to creat a truly charming anthology. When this one comes out on June 18th I will definitely be adding it to my collection. See more <a href="https://www.scarepackagemovie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here</a><br />
<br />
<b>Compartmentalization Storage Facility (2019)</b>- by <a href="https://www.eliazrodriguez.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eliaz Rodriguez</a>, I loved that this idea was brought to the screen. Imagine if you could take those hang up and emotional scar tissue of your soul and store it away making you a better person as you move forward in life. Well this film explores that theme and does it in a clever way. Part two of this film should be an episode of Storage Wars where without seeing inside the unit people bid on and by other peoples issues.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12232010/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">For Your Consideration (2020)</a> - Not my favorite but sort of an inside Hollywood comedy making fun of the process of making projects and the prejudices that come with generating ideas and putting together teams.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12377982/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gabby! (2020)</a> - I really liked this and it wonderful little turns, at 11 minutes it tells a well rounded story about a cartoonist who decided to kill off her main character Gabby but when she witnesses a murder and the killer comes for her things change in an unexpected way.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12374224/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">His and Herzog (2020)</a> - Wow, I really loved this film, such a strange and smart film about relationships and communication using a truly novel technique. A pat on the back (virtual) to Gates Bradley for putting this film together. It may be my favorite short in this festival.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11122096/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Little Willy (2019)</a> - Inside the world of horror conventions we have the fictional former child star Adam Castle (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0101453/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Andrew Bowser</a>) who struggles with his life appearing at horror conventions selling images, autographs and interactions with fans to make a living. When the doll he starred with begins to talk to him he slowly descends into madness. I loved that both <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002090/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zach Galligan</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000105/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adrienne Barbeau</a> costar in this wonderfully evil little film.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fXiDWP5D7QFefbrWGNUIAYf5k9dmYlB23cuaJ5BZK4rP5sP0GdXL4MQ1kLXzy_xx54wq9UdviWlVsswfoI2e1_CN0tqaHV87bY2qnw0cmXJqJm8ouNwq3Lu3kphGItau7HGEr1v6m6Lf/s1600/AAA_Low.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fXiDWP5D7QFefbrWGNUIAYf5k9dmYlB23cuaJ5BZK4rP5sP0GdXL4MQ1kLXzy_xx54wq9UdviWlVsswfoI2e1_CN0tqaHV87bY2qnw0cmXJqJm8ouNwq3Lu3kphGItau7HGEr1v6m6Lf/s1600/AAA_Low.jpg" /></a><b>Low (2020)</b>- by<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/lilmdawg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Megan Duffy</a> was a cool litttle film where Sasquatch tries to make friends at a party. Cool music and a wonderfully shown story arc for the character made this a really cool watch. It is great when an idea can be reduced to the essentials and then executed with skill.<br />
<br />
<b>Pen Pals</b> (2019)- A ghost story with a cool little twist about manipulating the supernatural ability to write and receive letters from a ghost ( or someone in the past).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10933008/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Haunted Swordsman (2019)</a>- The most awesome puppet oriented Ronin story that I thought was just wonderful. Some big names in this film including the voices of <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000502/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher Lloyd</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0393222/" target="_blank">James Hong</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001462/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jason Scott Lee</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004376/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Franka Potente</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-9533554848915225622020-05-25T12:12:00.000-04:002020-05-25T12:12:53.797-04:00Chattanooga Film Festivat pt.2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq4VvlqDPqhFCjvTaLUOIwftWjqyQ3MuWwasqJ7c3BEpb0v0K81Mccg3qEQhlZtgXMlohFk1vg0NXRkHH_VVGdckiAq3rZXnZGyfvNAI3AIfNf0pFuUQIqzoaPC401iDezoKSpTOgM6SW/s1600/Chat_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq4VvlqDPqhFCjvTaLUOIwftWjqyQ3MuWwasqJ7c3BEpb0v0K81Mccg3qEQhlZtgXMlohFk1vg0NXRkHH_VVGdckiAq3rZXnZGyfvNAI3AIfNf0pFuUQIqzoaPC401iDezoKSpTOgM6SW/s1600/Chat_Logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8r1vbwX1zACnvdKVLbJ-k0wTI-Wryr26hNXki7CoGAEq72wd09no960QL9uuhB9sT7vtvW435VWbNXt7wRfYCias03t2JTeTJHJsvJsIriEl314mK1sASe2i_x6CeBDoX1DcXRetR9mn/s1600/I_Chat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="666" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8r1vbwX1zACnvdKVLbJ-k0wTI-Wryr26hNXki7CoGAEq72wd09no960QL9uuhB9sT7vtvW435VWbNXt7wRfYCias03t2JTeTJHJsvJsIriEl314mK1sASe2i_x6CeBDoX1DcXRetR9mn/s200/I_Chat.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10967922/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I Who Have No One (2019)</a> - A powerful short slasher that encapsulates the pain of being judged for your size in a world obsessed with fitness and beauty. It also shows the self empowering of one woman in the world through her acts of mayhem and violence. I thought this was saying so much and all wrapped up in a slasher. Written and Directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8705238/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pierre Tsigaridis</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10990620/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dina Silva</a>. Silva also stars as Frances the lead who melts down from the pressure of having to look beautiful or else being dismissed. Tsigaridis also has a role as Jerome, the devil of a sort encouraging Frances down her violent road to hell. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8820206/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best Friends Forever (BFF)</a> (2019) - A play on urban legends where saving yourself from the ghost may be worse than dying. This was what it was harmless but not particularity new in conception. Entertaining with pretty decent effects, but just not my cup of tea. The filming is spot on and the stereotypical characters hit their marks so if urban legend stories do it for you check this one out.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11824374/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Separation (2020)</a> - <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3599485/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rebekah McKendry</a>'s short using body horror to emphasize a marriage's end in the most bloody horrifying way. Smart and too the point the short does not linger, it establishes the situation and conditions and climaxes with a wonderfully bloody scene. Dr. McKendry is a producer Director and Podcaster as well as one of my personal favorite horror experts.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10833054/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Maere (2018)</a> - Explores a doctors interaction with syndrome where people die in their sleep having nightmares. Lots of dream logic and creaking noises make the doctor's own life a tragic story.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Catatonic (2019) - OMG An obsessed cat owners trials and tribulations when his beloved Charles Lickens vanishes. This is both obscenely gross and hilarious in following the lead Cat Daddy (Timmy Ramone) as he pathetically obsesses about his lost cat. Written and Directed by Brian Zahm this one is a strange delight. Could not find any IMDB credit for the film or the people connected to it.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
SeaSapian (2019) - A cool noir fantasy where there is a world below the ocean (the ocean is the sky in this world) and every now and then something falls into it, fish a ship or in this case a mermaid. Cleverly made it is a hard boiled detective story creatively put together by Sasha Carr and starring Leigh Carr as our detective. I thought this was wonderful. Could not find any IMDB credit for the film.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10648656/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beauty Juice (2019)</a> - A short and a bit on the nose critique of the beauty industry. SO what though it is well filmed and its five minutes. Written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6381958/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Natasha Halevi</a> and starring <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1684744/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jennifer Holland</a> it is just the right size for its message.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12317522/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live Forever (2019)</a> - A tribute musical to the often forgotten victims of horror movies. Wonderful with gore effects it is a very clever piece. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11578087/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gustav Egerstedt</a> wrote and directed this really great number that any horror fan can love. It is very much worth checking out.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nAb2Jald8T_PFywec63ntJ7R5lEaZ0nb_bBaQ-pY8u9qqHKeyuK9_X9ywjgwqSZdm0BqHMtYHMQXJoS3k_PlXpXTh-p6y3eNd0RZQASBz0p3u5oV9SYNio0PgN9MnuDe952eeCZE_tyg/s1600/Wave_Chat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="630" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7nAb2Jald8T_PFywec63ntJ7R5lEaZ0nb_bBaQ-pY8u9qqHKeyuK9_X9ywjgwqSZdm0BqHMtYHMQXJoS3k_PlXpXTh-p6y3eNd0RZQASBz0p3u5oV9SYNio0PgN9MnuDe952eeCZE_tyg/s200/Wave_Chat.jpg" width="105" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4354756/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Wave (2019)</a> - A bad trip for <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0519043/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Justin Long</a> teaches him that the universe strives to right itself of bad behavior and immoral decisions and that he can participate by making the necessary sacrifices. I really dug this film and participated in the Q&A event on Sunday evening. The trippy nature of the film is so wonderfully uncomfortable and the morality tale it tells were so spot on it is definitely one you should seek out.Writer <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2707805/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carl W. Lucas</a> constructs a great tale about having to make amends for our moral failings. Director <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2611971/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gille Klabin</a> puts it together with a great cast and a wonderful flair.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4679252/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Metamorphosis (2015)</a> - A Revenge story of a middle-aged woman May Wong (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1017246/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cici Lau</a>)abused and spurned by her cheating husband and the revenge she gets. Maybe the oldest film in the festival but it cracks with power. The lead actress Wong is excellent and the sad and disturbing results on her actions on her daughter show that this is not a simple revenge thriller where the victim is redeemed and the only consequences are born by the evil doers. Written by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7322095/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Feiyang Sun</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4029352/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elaine Xia</a> and Directed by Xia this is a must watch in the festival</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-82788964296755908422020-05-24T14:26:00.000-04:002020-05-24T15:13:30.682-04:00Chattanooga Film Festival 2020 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVPgtsjAi6zQzJQrpm-NWDzCkVn-HJjJTFpbx6RlYeNLRWiGSgvjC2mag1yO2nWJpkEewhS9o0TbROQpR9LKpwdysQNkOOKRaIsOqn2s8pOUb6PdtHciN7A0MtqLTMcwMufdHAGRUhrCt/s1600/Chat_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVPgtsjAi6zQzJQrpm-NWDzCkVn-HJjJTFpbx6RlYeNLRWiGSgvjC2mag1yO2nWJpkEewhS9o0TbROQpR9LKpwdysQNkOOKRaIsOqn2s8pOUb6PdtHciN7A0MtqLTMcwMufdHAGRUhrCt/s1600/Chat_Logo.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVPgtsjAi6zQzJQrpm-NWDzCkVn-HJjJTFpbx6RlYeNLRWiGSgvjC2mag1yO2nWJpkEewhS9o0TbROQpR9LKpwdysQNkOOKRaIsOqn2s8pOUb6PdtHciN7A0MtqLTMcwMufdHAGRUhrCt/s1600/Chat_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Chattanooga Film Festival 2020 - Online but right in time! I was planning to attend the Chattanooga Film Festival this year when the world experience this horribly debilitating pandemic. I was more than thrilled to sign up and participate online when the opportunity arose. I signed up ready to go and was awaiting the day when I could see some of the great films and shorts, as well as live events that would be the online version of the festival. As always you can give your thoughts on the festival through the comments section of the blog or shoot me an email movies@edhovey.com or tweet @Soresport<br />
The start of the festival is a bit of a sad story for me though. I live in Massachusetts and my Mom has been getting fighting a incurable form of cancer in Tampa for the last three years. I don't normally share too much about my life but I have to shed some tears and type here to get it out of my head today as I start talking about the festival. After a really bad bout of chemo on Monday before the fest my Mom had a reaction where she was not lucid or in control of herself. This was a deciding factor for her deciding to stop her treatment and let the disease run its course. My sister Trish who is caring for her called me and my six other sisters to let us know if we wanted to say goodbye we should come down to Florida as soon as possible. We were taught by Mom while growing up that family always comes first so we all got on the phone and computers and started making plans to get to FL by Wednesday which was my Mom's 76th birthday. Fuck the risk of the pandemic some thing just have to happen and making what will be my Mom's last birthday special as possible is all that mattered. So tickets in hand I met my Sister Dawn and her daughter Shawna at Logan on the first flight down on Wednesday.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFUb2uE4l1yWFn_FP2_6haA-SCQ4Vrf-ipf7p7lKCX_PRAAdDrX7EZk46wABY7gWJoRoc8MQk9ynw80frbOw9YrMvjYh3rBDsMO-dxjiXIjLsG-bw4gmC1JPLEpBYbGsFJxWtyz4udRHK/s1600/MOM_001.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFUb2uE4l1yWFn_FP2_6haA-SCQ4Vrf-ipf7p7lKCX_PRAAdDrX7EZk46wABY7gWJoRoc8MQk9ynw80frbOw9YrMvjYh3rBDsMO-dxjiXIjLsG-bw4gmC1JPLEpBYbGsFJxWtyz4udRHK/s320/MOM_001.jpeg" width="240" /></a> Florida while I was there went from pretending to take the pandemic seriously to opening most things by the day I left. Here in the northeast where we have stayed in our homes to try to bend the curve saving thousands of lives they have taken the Federal Govt. approach and do social distancing but let whomever ignore any rules in place in fact celebrating when they do. Still I was impressed by the number of citizens who seemed to be taking the pandemic seriously even with the lack of leadership on the Governor's part. Since I was already taking a chance in travelling I just kept having that horrible early story of the pandemic in my head where the family got together and half of them later died of Covid-19. I have to say though that wasn't going to stop me on this visit, I felt guilty and selfish while already grieving for what will inevitable end for my Mom.<br />
It's such a strange feeling to know that you will not see someone again when you leave. During the visit even though you are having laughs, supporting each other with the conflicting feelings, having family meals and making my Mom so happy. Wednesday was a great day for her she was sharp as a tack and so happy to see each new person who arrived. She was a shell of herself for sure, not able to walk and with a voice that seemed a quarter of the strength it had last time I saw her. I visited last right before Christmas (in the photo) and she was in such great spirits and feeling positive she would have much more life. Chemo though is a hard treatment and eventually is worse than the cancer poisoning your body to hold the disease at bay. Still not knowing we were coming my Mom got to see all her kids and many of her grandkids as we each showed up at the house her surprised and joy was so evident. The first part of our visits she was concerned with us wanting to make sure we understood her decision to stop treatment. Then we partied together a family sharing stories and hanging out in the pool and hosted wonderfully by my Sister Trish and her husband Chris who have carried a the burden of my Mom's care for these last few years. I am so thankful for them and their loving hearts and strong hands. As we all moved through the week we knew we would have to have that last visit, time alone to say goodbye. It was so hard for each of us but I have to say being able to come from that goodbye and hug my Sisters and my daughter was so important.<br />
Just a bit on who my Mom is. She is part of a family (Mills) that has been in this country as far back as the 1700's, they fought all the wars from the revolution on and built lives in New England mostly in Maine and Massachusetts. She was born in Boston and grew up on Fort Hill in Roxbury, pregnant at 15 she married my father but he struggled with alcohol and she left him at age 23 taking her five kids and moving into assisted housing on Franklin Hill in Roxbury. My mom taught me about perseverance and hard work, she didn't settle for her lot she worked her whole life taking any job that would have her to work her way off welfare and to reenter the middle class. Even though we had hard years, where we barely stayed in housing, always struggled to have food and clothes to wear. Moving like nomads when we could no longer afford the place we were ( I went to 9 schools before I graduated High school). She persevered and continued to fight. Not always at home for us we children learned hard lessons on the streets but always stood up for each other. She eventually got us all through high school and with her second husband, Father to two of my sisters lived a very nice life. It is my honor to give this information to you to let you know how great a person can be even if they are not leading anything but a family.<br />
I arrived back on Saturday and am now hunkered down in the bottom half of my split level home. My wife and I are separated for the next two weeks while I quarantine to make sure I did not bring the virus back with me. I have to say although I am sad, it is a wonderful thing to be able to use the Festival as a distraction from all that is going on. Thanks everyone who made this happen. You are in the right place at the right time for me and I appreciate it.<br />
So on with what I am watching: I think I will a keep this really spoiler free relying on my feeling <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10988950/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">about</a> the watching and less about any plot twist and the such that may spoil the film. I am a day and a half into my VIP pass but ready to use it. I will also add to this post as I view more films over the next couple days.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M7qOLMMfSULC5sjQJys4gWIQ1Zh8_l0wlztYP1qD2dn7aDfPIYHunFeQ7EakGRNX9gwfztEY8sVGvDaymFUNfUFt54fqdEplFVgL5YGKWXrBv5cRuPpRDvtnWeEQyFEYIZP4qvCFrfby/s1600/EBL_Chat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M7qOLMMfSULC5sjQJys4gWIQ1Zh8_l0wlztYP1qD2dn7aDfPIYHunFeQ7EakGRNX9gwfztEY8sVGvDaymFUNfUFt54fqdEplFVgL5YGKWXrBv5cRuPpRDvtnWeEQyFEYIZP4qvCFrfby/s1600/EBL_Chat_1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7262846/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eat Brains Love (2019)</a> - Zombies and Psychics combine in this horror comedy. I have to say I really enjoyed that the first thing I saw was a comedy. A zombie plague that is contracted though sex that but with twists in how it works to allow the characters to fulfill their roles as high school stereotypes. A secret government agency of psychics who can hunt them down, a movement of infected organizing to fight back, and a high school boy lusting after the prettiest girl in school. I enjoyed this mostly because it was light and entertaining with a new and different take on a genre that seems to never stop seeing innovation. Writers <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2193073/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mike Herro</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2193988/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Strauss</a> come up with some inventive stuff while Director <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0281869/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rodman Flender</a> paces well and catches some of the comedy bit wonderfully. The acting is good starring <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2441012/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jake Cannavale</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7468903/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Angelique Rivera</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4712111/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sarah Yarkin</a>, <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0929931/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jim Titus</a> and the always great <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0264579/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patrick Fabian</a> as the villian. Not to mention the gore is pretty well done in the film.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_M7qOLMMfSULC5sjQJys4gWIQ1Zh8_l0wlztYP1qD2dn7aDfPIYHunFeQ7EakGRNX9gwfztEY8sVGvDaymFUNfUFt54fqdEplFVgL5YGKWXrBv5cRuPpRDvtnWeEQyFEYIZP4qvCFrfby/s1600/EBL_Chat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydGSX9JYzmuejVS25esBZmN7Asj_CKaC-QoNQYwzWacGaPeyF9MnIEBMwv-o0meS83JDGrRkW5zZTCYzdJcA0BzM3347yBCnEp0H_lC6Bm5mtIdyXMYzzctAfVBEl_wGeqy8x4MbxEiuP/s1600/INFERNO_Chat_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="500" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhydGSX9JYzmuejVS25esBZmN7Asj_CKaC-QoNQYwzWacGaPeyF9MnIEBMwv-o0meS83JDGrRkW5zZTCYzdJcA0BzM3347yBCnEp0H_lC6Bm5mtIdyXMYzzctAfVBEl_wGeqy8x4MbxEiuP/s320/INFERNO_Chat_1.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10988950/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inferno (2019)</a> - Writer Director <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7136559/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bishal Dutta</a>, with actors <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3584526/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taylor Cloyes</a> and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0628744/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Craig Ng</a> (as Skullface) give us one of those in late out early seven minutes shorts where you are in the climax of a story when it starts. Nothing needs to be explained as in that seven minutes it is shown not told. Well done with Cloyes portraying the intensity of the characters situation from the moment she is on screen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4xojSbQEjN_5Y_Xrlud7792-aFqvnQWNZJ0cSLBhlkks_VZVT6d-TLZMKZvWT7F1UtHzB2gJ10dZVqwsox_AkphbnFJNdJreatC0xWbWoCkzsnWz930NGrMsW51B-4a9xG21aE6fyHPp/s1600/TYN_Chat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw4xojSbQEjN_5Y_Xrlud7792-aFqvnQWNZJ0cSLBhlkks_VZVT6d-TLZMKZvWT7F1UtHzB2gJ10dZVqwsox_AkphbnFJNdJreatC0xWbWoCkzsnWz930NGrMsW51B-4a9xG21aE6fyHPp/s320/TYN_Chat_1.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10297530/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Yellow Night (2019)</a> - The incomplete IMDB entry for this film at this point does not do it justice. Sure it is a story about a group of teens going to a Brazilian island to celebrate the end of high school only to face horrors beyond imagining. It is more than that too. I have to watch it again because I was viewing right before bed and really want to get into the themes presented with a clearer head. It bring quantum mechanics, multi dimensions and crossovers in the fabric of time into a story about kids leaving their old lives as students in defiance of social norms. The use of Patti Smith music ( I loved that, one of the most honest fever dream song writers of her time) as a defining force to show these kids are the outliers. They are the ones that don't fit into this world and them end up in a place beyond the world as we know it was a brilliant bit of writing by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4506269/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ramone Porta Mota</a> (also Directing) and <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4498618/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jhésus Tribuzi</a>. The pacing was a bit off at times with the trying to show the changes happening around the kids, it left the viewer wanting a bit quicker build up and reveal and some really bigger reveal towards the end. Like I said I was a bit tired when I started it so I would like to see it again with fresh eyes. I have a feeling I missed some of the depth of this multi dimensional film. This is a film where in reviewing it hearing the director talk about the ideas would be very interesting. I will try to feature it later in the future for a full review.</div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-34744541484107544902020-05-07T09:59:00.004-04:002020-05-07T14:45:10.679-04:00The Droving (2020) Crime Revenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS0Zu1HwOVqaavezPUsk3pkvWPLD8Ob1TjauuPiBNlRMu3vvvcZMyy-wZ-X32Iq-dJ4Fo7Nx1roTxSaWCZd9zOV63cjpqJ_k-DIAirxMfpUqNxxYJIlAtmxYakJjBKlTRc5bYmrvAAfi7/s1600/droving_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitS0Zu1HwOVqaavezPUsk3pkvWPLD8Ob1TjauuPiBNlRMu3vvvcZMyy-wZ-X32Iq-dJ4Fo7Nx1roTxSaWCZd9zOV63cjpqJ_k-DIAirxMfpUqNxxYJIlAtmxYakJjBKlTRc5bYmrvAAfi7/s400/droving_1.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9378826" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Droving (2020)</a> - Small independent films in the age of streaming actually have a fair chance at being seen. If a producer is savvy on social media she / he can get someone like me, who likes to take chances on films to put eyes on a project and get a bit of feedback or in this case a review. NOT that a large audience reads this blog but that does not change my love for films and the desire to write however poorly about them. Since the film is new and the makers <a href="https://www.rubiconfilms.co.uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rubicon</a> wants to create a buzz I will do all in my power to NOT spoil the film but talk about the experience in a way that allows for fair viewing without spoiling the plot. Rubicon is a small company (at least right now) and describe themselves as "...Rubicon Films we bring dark fairy tales and folklore to the screen with heart and style. We produce independent feature films in a number of different genres."<br />
Martin's (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9046197" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel Oldroyd</a>) sister Megan (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5017322" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amy Tyger</a>) was murdered and being an ex-military information extractor he is driven to find the person who killed her. In a sort of Bryan Mills, in <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0936501" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Taken (2008)</a> he has a certain set of skills that make him up for the job. Questioning characters that knew her Tess (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5788570" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Suzie Frances Garton</a>), The Hermit (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9742718" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jonathan Lawrence Risdon</a>), Simon (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3763255" target="_blank">Bobby Robertson</a>) he learns about The Merchant (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6894302" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alexander King</a>) and how that belief lead to Megan's death eventually solving the mystery of who dunit. Much like the film taken one interaction leads to another, then to another with each step getting Martin closer to the killer. On the way we get to see his "skills" and his internal struggle with the things he has done in the name of obtaining information.<br />
The Droving filmed in Northern England, The Lakes Region, Penrith, Cumbria a lovely little town from the looks of it around the time of their winter droving arts festival. A Drover is someone who drive herd animals into town, and the current Winter Droving festival is an arts festival that encourages you to join the herd. This is a film that builds a myth about a supernatural entity called The Merchant, I will say he is a demon or devil who offers those who have lost love ones the chance to get them back. The exchange though is the death of others, which brings us to the story. <br />
My impressions on the story and players are that they have a decent main character, with enough back story to fill him out. Oldroyd plays him how I would expect, with a calmness that seethes rage behind his face (mask). Maybe a bit too confident by the last scene we see some real emotion. Although a bit too "this leads to that" in it's approach the story pacing is decent. It's not a long film and I never found myself disengaged. Tess played with a really nice nuance by Garton was an empathetic character. Risdon's portrayal of the hermit was a bit more manic but considering the plot points I wouldn't really fault him for that. I would have liked the mythology of the Merchant to be a bit more hashed out since it was pivotal to the mystery of why. I wonder if I would have criticized it though if we had gotten a bunch of exposition on the myth. I guess it would depend on how organic those scenes felt. With the slight twist of an ending that leads to the continuation maybe more would have been better to fill out the supernatural side of the story. Overall though I liked the movie and was certainly entertained.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u4ER_PNUdXu6pWr-Te4SGBEyu5J_V8Wd_5-UKN0jASs2MKVkUB8Tg9eTqc80QzYIHSeu6Y_46a9gnyiz9Y1C8LCfLbwKHfC0zU5OirXll4oVSbbfjsdlc78JOV96lFvrc_MfCQc8-iqU/s1600/droving_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="1000" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u4ER_PNUdXu6pWr-Te4SGBEyu5J_V8Wd_5-UKN0jASs2MKVkUB8Tg9eTqc80QzYIHSeu6Y_46a9gnyiz9Y1C8LCfLbwKHfC0zU5OirXll4oVSbbfjsdlc78JOV96lFvrc_MfCQc8-iqU/s400/droving_2.jpg" width="400" /></a> There were a couple of technical things that distract a bit from that enjoyment. The ambient sounds in many scenes were too loud and distracting, birds, wind, fireplaces, and rain at various times interfered with the dialog in a really annoying way. The other criticism has to do with the night scenes and just that those scenes needed to be lit better. In one case there is a fight scene by Martin's parked car and because the scene is too dark it lacks the impact it could have had to show off his prowess. Like I said earlier though overall enjoyable, the Director <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9252711" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">George Popov</a> keeps the pacing crisp and the cinematography particularly of the landscapes in that part of England makes me want to visit. The place is stunning and captured beautifully by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9252712" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harry Young</a>. The music was understated and quite lovely. So while you are all spending most of you time at home during this worldwide pandemic watching way too many screens, take a chance on a small independent film, you won't be sorry.<br />
<br />
You can see the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhQ2jhM0TsA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trailer on Youtube</a><br />
<br /></div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-88828065538960397192020-04-10T10:00:00.000-04:002020-04-13T11:04:31.490-04:00Amsterdamned (1988) Horror Slasher<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaRBEe0MS-yTjplVT7evMqDgNDjurb5UP14W2y0RLpuQ3vhtn-Cf3qv1BvAa-4h7fu7rPDuO9UrWuohxDsLBSJXup05RgHcH1_MSVtPg1Ojd5o1Zbb-YAmopWPIMVrrJjvtLdelEAgq7Y/s1600/amster_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaRBEe0MS-yTjplVT7evMqDgNDjurb5UP14W2y0RLpuQ3vhtn-Cf3qv1BvAa-4h7fu7rPDuO9UrWuohxDsLBSJXup05RgHcH1_MSVtPg1Ojd5o1Zbb-YAmopWPIMVrrJjvtLdelEAgq7Y/s400/amster_01.jpg" width="266" /></a> <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094651/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amsterdamned (1988)</a> - This is a slasher film I had never seen, it opens with a POV of someone in the water in the canals of Amsterdam. The sound and the ducking under the water of this point of view tells us that it is someone in scuba gear. When the diver steals a butcher knife from a restaurant we know we are going to get right to the business of this slasher film right away. Moving right to the first kill establishes the setting, a poor sex worker after fighting off a cab driver is stabbed to death and dragged in to the canal but a killer in a scuba suit. We have a setting but the fun that has just begun does not stop there. Wasting no time a tourist boat full of scouts runs into the body of the sex worker that the killer hung from a bridge scarring the poor kids for life.<br />
After being introduce to our feature cop Eric (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822868/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Huub Stapel</a>) and his teenage daughter Anneke (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0196724/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tatum Dagelet</a>) we get right into the solving of the canal killer. At this point you could anticipate that the cop will be on the case and that some time in the future his daughter will be at risk from the killer. This film does not waste time and we soon get a second murder scene where two guys collecting water samples from the canals are brutalized and left in their blood splattered boat. Eric meets John van Meegeren (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0957779/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wim Zomer</a>) a river cop. The two have a history with Eric's exwife so they have that we can work together but will show each other a bit of attitude kinda relationship. We will see if John saves Eric's life later in the movie, that is what the dynamic suggest. Now the cops know there is a diver prowling the canals so they have to hop into action to solve the crimes. Time to check out diving schools and all registered divers. They red herring the manager of the local dive club a bit but Eric being there is also so he can meet his love interest in the film Laura (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0892857/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Monique van de Ven</a>). Also we meet Martin, a psychiatrist and former diver.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMNKOOK3t-XbfHjXGE_IQHkW49HEp6FRi34KLCWpaN96FLVcXzghw5KtQTy7Mg2LjB93HYrr4KRMfSWYCYrsT0Xv8fa8ZTDjjfDaXnb3X07afrmcmYs3DNwxdSOGULuOIt4cChoriKiXI/s1600/amster_012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="500" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMNKOOK3t-XbfHjXGE_IQHkW49HEp6FRi34KLCWpaN96FLVcXzghw5KtQTy7Mg2LjB93HYrr4KRMfSWYCYrsT0Xv8fa8ZTDjjfDaXnb3X07afrmcmYs3DNwxdSOGULuOIt4cChoriKiXI/s400/amster_012.jpg" width="400" /></a> The murder scenes and body discovery scenes are pretty good in this film and as the bodies pile up pressure goes up for Eric to solve the crimes. We learn that Martin could be a suspect also a guy who use to dive but gave it up after some kind of event. We also see that there are canals all over this city and that will make it hard to track down the killer. Of course he goes from stalking and killing at night to killing in the middle of the day. A cool visual as he kills a pretty waitress who is floating on the canal getting sun in her plastic raft. Even with pressure from the Mayor we see a bit of internal politics and the way the bureaucracy works in the country. I like how Eric's boss defends him to the Mayor even though he has spent more time pursuing Laura than the case. You can also feel the Giallo influences on this film, its blue lighting at night mixed with reds, close ups of feet, hands and weapons it all works in what really has turned into a police procedural for the most part. The police get a lead but miss the guy as he rides away on a motorcycle. There is a chase scene that I was not expecting as the cops try to corner the man on the motorcycle. This lead seems like a red herring also. His arrest sets up the trope where the higher up officials want this guy to be prosecuted but Eric is not sure he has his man. What to do, oh yeah Laura and Eric get to bump uglies while we get another murder thus proving Eric was right.<br />
I loved the underwater scuba fight the cops death. We have boats following the bubbles of the killer from their boats. A real slow motion chase scene that still seems to have a bit of tension. They eventually trap the bubble producer in a lock so they just have to wait for him to run out of air and surface. They start pumping the water out of the lock sure that they have the killer but when the water level falls enough we see he shed his tanks and got away. Still after him though they think they have him again only to see him slip through their hands. Since this is about the canals in Amsterdam the movie can't be complete without a boat chase scene on the waterways. Eric pursues a guy dressed in black leather all though the city at high speed. So reminiscent of like a James Bond movie even at the end with the giant explosion. The pursuit then continues on foot through the sewers. Eric is shot with a dart and passes out but not before shooting the guy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhXTuUtbPXSPdngYRfkzx89Hm0KzdYLjQHm7FRJB8lHr3dh-rFRKoWhVm1jNg4zculnKRnKpuvvTebjwty1hS-AHXX2i2EhuJolTvPmglUoYInqMQQutCTHqc9jDl0foE1bWYIuVPe16Y/s1600/amster_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhXTuUtbPXSPdngYRfkzx89Hm0KzdYLjQHm7FRJB8lHr3dh-rFRKoWhVm1jNg4zculnKRnKpuvvTebjwty1hS-AHXX2i2EhuJolTvPmglUoYInqMQQutCTHqc9jDl0foE1bWYIuVPe16Y/s400/amster_03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The story switches from hospitalized Eric to love interest Laura, she arrive at her therapy session where Martin is late. As she listened t music the camera pans the room focusing on a door in the back of the apartment. Laura hears a bang and goes to investigate. Searching the boat house because of course he lives on the canals and now our suspicion about him is raised. As Laura walks around we see the discarded Salvation Army collection can and we have to believe that Martin is the killer. Now Laura is in jeopardy being at his place all alone and not suspecting him. Then she finds his wet suit with water on it and his mask shattered and she knows. She calls the hospital to talk to Eric but he is still passed out from medication. She should just call the police but apparently is too panicked to think of it. Martin comes home and she has to hide. Will Eric learn about Laura being trapped with Martin in time? Can Laura find a way to sneak out of the house without Martin catching her? It all plays out during a rain storm with thunder and lightening and when it does there is a frantic scene that really is a proper climax.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcmFdBWmyb1YtKLORj9uN2ZJTz4ku-NNHebOfH91uu3Z3idGI6XN_Es9AF-8cMVeU9bkv7cTZWD1KTB8ZnKkhQs9bjDgsZg_9ZnhVM_DjxfUaGIWdjiw3E0N71qJ4ZzbJiWYkwRSid7uJ/s1600/amster_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="728" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcmFdBWmyb1YtKLORj9uN2ZJTz4ku-NNHebOfH91uu3Z3idGI6XN_Es9AF-8cMVeU9bkv7cTZWD1KTB8ZnKkhQs9bjDgsZg_9ZnhVM_DjxfUaGIWdjiw3E0N71qJ4ZzbJiWYkwRSid7uJ/s400/amster_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I like this film well enough, some mystery about the killer a cop in pursuit it all adds up to an entertaining story. We finally get the story of who the killer is and how a chemical spill underwater deformed him and drove him mad. The ending is a bit disappointing but overall this is a well crafted film. I watched it on DVD in a print that was less than perfect from Netflix but very view-able. SO they never brought back the red herring of the club manager and his daughter was never really developed other than to show that Eric is an absolutely horrible neglectful father.<br />
<br />
Things:<br />
<br />
Written and directed by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0530975/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dick Maas</a> he is known for <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4291700/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prey (2016)</a> and one of my favorite Christmas horror movies <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1167675/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sint (2010)</a>.<br />
I learned in the commentary that they did not actually light the scenes on the canals but waited until dusk to get the blue light effects.<br />
<br />
Spitting in a cops face, is something you don't see too often.<br />
<br />
Kills, one hooker, two environmentalists, one salvation army worker, and old man on his boat, a river cop so the body count is pretty low.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
From Wikipedia <span style="font-size: x-small;">"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif;">At the American Film Market in 1988, the movie would go on to become the third highest selling motion picture that year. Vestron Pictures released the film dubbed in English on home video. The dubbed version featured the voices of lead actors Huub Stapel, Monique van de Ven, and Serge-Henri Valcke in English, as they speak English quite well. The film was given a limited release, grossing $14,819 on 5 screens in its opening weekend in North America, and a total of $98,003 over its entire run"</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
</div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-43392425133928009542020-04-09T07:41:00.000-04:002020-04-09T07:41:04.533-04:00CoronaVisions: Other things my eyes are seeing and ears are hearing while hunkering down.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This uniquely strange experience we are all dealing with has left us with many hours to fill while sitting at home. This being a house with every possible entertainment possibility streaming through it as well as a movie collection that is somewhere around 3000 films I feel privileged to be able to distract myself really with ease. I am writing about many of the films I watch on this blog and am adding this running list of things I checked out. Here I will just touch on things that I've seen but not necessarily that I want to right a full review on. You can suggest things movies@edhovey.com<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">UPDATED REGULARLY!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Next Movie! "Late Phases"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>Podcasts Count too!!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://pseudopod.org/" target="_blank">Pseudopod</a> - This is the best horror fiction podcast out there. Original and also reads of some wonderful classics. It is worth your time.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heres-the-deal/id1505238447" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Here's the Deal w/ Joe Biden</a> - I have to try to get to know Biden now that Bernie has dropped out. So far he seems like a bit of a jerk.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.vox.com/ezra-klein-show-podcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Ezra Klein Show</a> - Another journalist trying to make a difference during these trying times.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rumble-with-michael-moore/id1490354763" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rumble </a>- Michael Moore podacsting from the heart of the pandemic in NYC<br />
<br />
<a href="https://nofspodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NOFS(Nightmare on Film Street)</a> podcast is good horror entertainment. This latest is Mindhunter vs. The Cell.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl/episodes/downloads" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Our Times</a> - This is a BBC history pod that I absolutely love.<br />
<br />
One Album at a Time<br />
Band Album Year<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R.E.M." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">R.E.M. </a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_for_the_People" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Automatic for the People</a> 1992<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panda_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pxndx</a> Amentes Sunt Amentes 2006<br />
This is the album that came out after their controversy where they were accused of plagerism. I like this band but still not sure if they peoperly addressed those carges.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Screens Sessions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8228288/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Platform (2019)</a> - A really on the nose analogy for trickle down economics, but really well done and certainly a message that America needs. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span>
One Album at a Time<br />
Band Album Year<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otis_Redding" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Otis Redding </a> Live in Europe 1967<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N.W.A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">N.W.A. </a> Straight Outta Compton 1988<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Screens Sessions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6611916/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kingdom (2019)</a> This is a Netflix series set in what looks like late 19th century Korea. I am guessing the timeline here, there were a few guns but mostly swords. The story is one of political intrigue where an adviser to the dead King uses a Resurrection procedure which makes the king a zombie. Unfortunately for them this spreads outside of the palace. Disposed Prince Lee Chang, must grow to become the leader that the country needs as the zombie plague spreads. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2041331/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SX_Tape (2013) </a>- Found footage can be a thing that either you like it or you don't. There is always this thought, "Why is he/she still filming?" when the shit is hitting the fan. This one has that issue as well as being really similar to <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1703199/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grave Encounters (2011</a>). In this a couple thinking about doing a sex tape enter a closed hospital to explore their idea. Then shit gets real.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8329290/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Golem (2018)</a> - This was a surprising film to me, bringing religious myth and a historical drama into a horror package that delivered within the main character's arc. The story of a scapegoated community during a plague who has not been touched by the death only because they are isolated. When the threat from the greater world arrives one resident takes a drastic step to try to protect the community, bring to life the titular Golem. But you know its horror sometimes there are unintended consequences.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7224520/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ever After (2018)</a> - aka EndZeit is a new take on an old and worn trope of the Zombie film. I like the character arcs in this film and since that is where the story lives found the movie enjoyable. Not a ton of zombies but that is not what this one is about.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
One Album at a Time<br />
Band Album Year<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_Head_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Machine Head</a> Unto the Locust 2011<br />
Fucking killing it on this album, not the most upbeat thing in my collection but the music is killer. This is fast and hard so don't expect ballads.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Fuga_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">La Fuga </a> Definitive Collection 2017<br />
Another really solid Spanish language Rock band who have been doing it for years<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Browne" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jackson Browne</a> For Everyman 1973<br />
Great songwriting and incredible voice Jackson Browne is wonderful.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Cube" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ice Cube </a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Cube_discography" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Death Certificate</a> 1991<br />
Yep! Place for this in my collection. Platinum his 2nd solo album. Kicks ass.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hank_Williams" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hank Williams</a> Settin' the Woods on Fire 2006<br />
Compilation of Hank's Greatest hits Why don't you love me like you used to do?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gang_of_Four_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gang of Four </a> Entertainment! 1979<br />
Like that punk sound, totally would not have been into this band but for <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-156826/outkast-aquemini-2-155441/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rolling Stone's top 500 albums</a>. This one sits at #483 and I am glad I found it. That guitar riffs are really great on this album. And the version I have has a cover of "Sweet Jane" Live<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleetwood_Mac" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fleetwood Mac</a> Rumours 1977<br />
A classic. it is #26 in <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-156826/?list_page=1#list-item-500" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rolling Stones Top 500 albums of all time</a> I am not personally a fan but I have to say I know a lot of the songs since I am old enough to listen to a lot of radio.Since I have been collecting the 500 of all time this is in the collection.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cold</a> The Things We Can't Stop 2019<br />
I have liked Cold since I saw them at a Lollapaloosa back in the early 90s. This album is classic Cold with its' enticing sound walls and heart felt lyrics. Perfectly Cold.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1948418/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel Innantuono</a> Katiebird 2006<br />
This is a soundtrack to a horror movie that is guitar based fragmentation and chords with themes for the film. Reminiscent of early Pink Floyd in its approach it worked well on a walk where I was focusing on Pokemon GO.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagles_(band)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Eagles </a> Eagles 1972<br />
Not my favorite Eagles album but this 1972 recording has a couple songs everyone should know in "Take it Easy" "Witchy Woman" and "Peaceful Easy Feeling"<br />
<br />
<br />
The Screens Sessions<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1038686/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Legion (2010)</a> - Kelly's first pick on our horror group watch, a group of strangers is besieged by supernatural forces because the pregnant waitress at the roadside diner is pregnant with the second coming of Jesus and demonic forces want to kill the child before it is born. This movie did not hold up very well although I don't think I liked it when it originally came out.<br />
<br />
The Screens Sessions<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3032476/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Better Call Saul</a> - This show is a bit of a acquired taste, a show about an unreliable but somewhat likable lawyer with a low moral bar. Sometimes its like watching a slow motion car wreck but if you like that, the interpersonal aspects are well defined and the character arc solid.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1905040/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Devil's Pass (2013)</a> - This was a Joy pick, a filmmaker and her crew investigating a legendary story about a group of hikers who died in the Ural Mountains of Russia, find more than they expected when they recreate the hike. Pretty decent little movie with a weird sci-fi ending. I like the mystery of the film but I kept feeling like it could have been better, tighter.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8806524/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Star Trek Picard</a> - I can''t really say I like this series, its a strange mix of gleeful Star Trek sentimentality and hokey save the universe adventurism. I am a completest so I keep popping in no matter how outrageous the plot gets. Seriously when someone dies let them be dead.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119081/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Event Horizon (1997)</a> - My last pick for a film watch, this is a decent sci-fi horror film with a good cast and a mind fuck of an idea. Some of the effects especially objects floating in the space ship must have been really cool computer graphics in the 90s but now are so dated. When the first folding space drive is tried on the Event Horizon the ship disappears, well its back and Our crew is going to investgate. But where has the ship been and what did it bring back?<br />
<br />
<br />
Podcasts Count too!!<br />
<br />
All the podcast from the <a href="http://zombiegrrlz.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Zombiegrrlz</a> These Stream Queens - Horror movie talk about film found on the streamingverse, Zombie Girls the original horror talk pod, The Cast of K about all thing Dark Towera working through the books one chapter at a time, and The More Deadly Podcast hitting one movie an episode.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mickgarrisinterviews/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Post Mortem</a> - Writer Director Nick Garris is also a wonderful interviewer and this guest oriented podcast allow us to learn about people in the movie business. Horror themed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bestoftheleft.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Best of the Left </a>- This is my favorite political podcast, people who are not progressive may want to avoid this. Or listen and hear how others think about things.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ShockWavesPodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shockwaves</a> - Horror talk from some great personalities with guest on top of that.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://crooked.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pod Save America </a>- Former Obama aids talk about the news of the day.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://nofspodcast.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NOFS(Nightmare on Film Street)</a> pocast is good horror entertainment.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://crooked.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">What a Day!</a> - A daily dose of what is going on in the country in a quick fifteen minute format, start your day with What a Day!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/sshbpodcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Star to Steer Her By</a>. - It's a Star Trek podcast, they are currently reviewing two episodes of Deep Space Nine each pod. ITs nerdy and fun to listen too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://crooked.com/podcast-series/hysteria/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hysteria</a> - The Women of Crooked media talk the topics of the day before ending with a Hill to Die on, defending any stance that does not need to be defended. Smart, informed and current.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Screens Sessions<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460681/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Supernatural</a> - In its 15th season and the Winchester boys and Angel Castiel are in the final conflict. Not with the devil or his minions, been there done that, but with God himself. This season we see that God has created the multiverse so that he can live through the characters he creates. Sam and Dean are having none of it and with the help of Death and the Son of the Devil (Jack) they are planning to bring the all mighty to his knees. Well they hope for that outcome, in its final season and a bit worn this show still warms my heart.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4273292/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Under the Shadow (2016)</a> - A low budget film with some great scares and a compelling story. This is Joy's second pick and she picked a winner. This is a tense little tale of a mother and her daughter left alone in a Tehran apartment building during the Iraq-Iran war where she is in constant threat from Iraqi missiles. At the same time while her neighbors all flee for safer destinations she and her daughter experience horrors outside the war threats, as a Djinn attaches to her daughter and wreaks havoc on their already complicated lives. Well done small film by <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2035118/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Babak Anvari</a> with some really great low budget scares. Joy says the version she watched was poorly dubbed but I had the in Iranian subtitled version and found it enjoyable.<br />
<br />
One Album at a Time<br />
Band Album Year<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babas%C3%B3nicos" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Babas<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">ó</span>nicos </a> Infame 2003<br />
This is a solid main stream rock band from Argentina, spanish language. Easy to listen to and enjoy the songs are tight and the music solid. I find this very singable rock with no hard edges.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.N.I.M.A.L." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A.N.I.M.A.L.</a> Usa Toda Tu Fueza 1993<br />
If you like 90's heavy metal this band could do it for you. Spanish language hard beats and raging guitars. Why do I only have their first album? I think I first came across this album because it has a cover of Highway to Hell on it.<br />
<br />
The Screens Sessions<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1520211/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Walking Dead</a> Season 11 - I should have stopped watching this show years ago. It has lost its shine probably 6 seasons ago but I am a bit of a completest. I just find most of this show at this point is problems that can be solved by killing the enemies leader. One bullet solutions! Of course you could argue that two bullets would be needed to end "The Whisperers" threat but hey it is doable. So I am still watching without enthusiasm.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8244784/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Hunt (2020)</a> Yes I dropped the $20 on a film that would have no box office at all if it was not moved from theaters to streaming. This one is a bit of an odd cookie, a very competent action film. A clever satire where I am not sure where I stand on the politics of it and a lesson to all about doing your research; Especially if you are going to grab a group of people to hunt at a manor in Croatia. Maybe I should have gone with the safer "The Invisible Man". Still I think I like the film it kicks along at a good pace and has a final fight to the death that rivals Uma Thurman and Vivica A. Fox's fight in Kill Bill. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2365811/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Betty Gilpin</a> carries the film with a smoldering acceptance of her situation and an ability to kick ass..<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9899922/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Westworld </a>Season 3 - Here we are in season three and the show is still interesting Delores seems to be in the real world while Maeve seems to be aware but unable to leave the park. Bernard continues to investigate his nature and the structures of the world. It is all good fun so I watch the dvr version of the show each week.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478697056701488304.post-53291419760628700992020-03-30T15:22:00.003-04:002020-03-30T15:22:24.102-04:00The Nesting (1981) Horror Ghosts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXivKkRb6dJgchHyKlnA_VRWhYKR9MFzPUm9UuZqQUevdhmvKYflP3iGAn2fZVGnLQLyyAxISb7CtF-JVZ-2s0_HaIc2kjbqQ1JquBreV-bEA0sZl726j8Cnmax2593EXvieOE7y0nqmx/s1600/Nest_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="580" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXivKkRb6dJgchHyKlnA_VRWhYKR9MFzPUm9UuZqQUevdhmvKYflP3iGAn2fZVGnLQLyyAxISb7CtF-JVZ-2s0_HaIc2kjbqQ1JquBreV-bEA0sZl726j8Cnmax2593EXvieOE7y0nqmx/s400/Nest_001.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082804/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Nesting (1981)</a> - This is the story of a agoraphobic writer Lauren (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0344094/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robin Groves</a>) drawn to a house to write only to solve the mystery of the house's history and her own as well. Lauren is experiencing agoraphobic anxiety attacks whenever she leaves her house. You have to like her attitude though, she is attacking the problem with her therapist and thinking about getting out of the city where the attacks are more common. So whatever is going on emotionally for her she is seeking solutions and in this case she heads out to a small town Dover Falls and rents a house where she can complete her book. Surprising to her is when she gets to the house it is the same one that is on the cover of her last book. An Octagon shaped place so unique that it couldn't be a coincidence could it? In real life the place is called the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armour%E2%80%93Stiner_House" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Armour-Stiner House</a> and is just a beautiful piece of architecture. We can glean from her therapy sessions that she has had some kind of trauma in her past. She is reluctant to be romantic with her friend Mark (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0519676/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Christopher Loomis</a>) a wise cracker who is so in the friend-zone he does not stand a chance with Lauren.<br />
<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001017/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Carridine</a>) and managed by his grandson Daniel (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0482470/" target="_blank">Michael David Lally</a>) the house has been empty for years so renting it out to Lauren seems reasonable. When she meets Col. LeBrun he takes one look at her and has a stroke. Later we learn this stopped him from saying who she looks like. So we have a haunted house, a woman with a mysterious past and an old man who has his own secrets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_ZJqhh9lhwrdkPJLO2XyawkCglM6a1mwBXuRhOXre8ZMzzPHvag47ndfgJf-zV3RCciXLqQIoSn9vwXPck23l-AYHtsmaAI9vjeLOjh19uAP8fPipJtq6wV5l44PQlnDw8JVX_xvrzrO/s1600/nest_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_ZJqhh9lhwrdkPJLO2XyawkCglM6a1mwBXuRhOXre8ZMzzPHvag47ndfgJf-zV3RCciXLqQIoSn9vwXPck23l-AYHtsmaAI9vjeLOjh19uAP8fPipJtq6wV5l44PQlnDw8JVX_xvrzrO/s400/nest_002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
In the cold open we see the house back in the 1930s or some such time and know from that scene that some murders took place there. So this appears at this point to possible be a haunted house movie? If it were that simple I suppose we would all be very disappointed. This is a house with a history, once a brothel it is owned by Col. Lebrun (<br />
As haunting kinds of things happen in the house, Lauren who is still fighting her fears is sort of stuck there. Her plan might not have been the best when it comes to a house full of ghosts. I mean its scary when you are standing in front of the mirror admiring your own breasts and a pair of ghostly hands decide to cop a feel. That freaks her out enough to get her therapist Dr Webb (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0268379/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patrick Farrelly</a>) to rush out to the house. He finds her frantic on the roof of the house, its a story of how she got there but while trying to help her Webb is accidentally killed.<br />
The dying and the haunting does not stop there, it continues revealing to the audience the nature of the brothel. We see Lauren as part of the brothel workforce? Is that really her, is she losing her mind? All this is answered and more but first a bit of masculine hostility. After being rude to the handyman Frank (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0746796/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bill Rowley</a>), Lauren invites him to tea to apologize for her behavior. Well Frank being a horrible human makes it clear that if she talked nice to him she must want his cock in her. Lucky for Lauren the ghost intervene before Frank can get too far, frightening him out of the house and eventually to his demise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1CNUyZbDSswdNJugYls5A5zffeGStC3iOnA1Op-15kBmh5FRYXlUiwTntSBip4No0GV3S8PbUpVk_kEehcCF_jn5pPkALnnWYqSrnr7VWtwz4A8nCeyG3_TKPo_hu3avmNbyTRj7Tn4s/s1600/Nest_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="600" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1CNUyZbDSswdNJugYls5A5zffeGStC3iOnA1Op-15kBmh5FRYXlUiwTntSBip4No0GV3S8PbUpVk_kEehcCF_jn5pPkALnnWYqSrnr7VWtwz4A8nCeyG3_TKPo_hu3avmNbyTRj7Tn4s/s400/Nest_003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
There are holes in this film and on IMDB it is only rated at a 4.8 of 10 still it tries to present a cohesive story. It's not that the film is bad but it weaves a tale that does not always make sense. In all this is a story about how Lauren returns to the house she was born in and this event initiates the ghosts of the former brothel get revenge on the men that slaughtered them. Lauren's arc is overcoming her fears and learning her own personal history. For the Colonel, Frank and Abner (<a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0846035/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">David Tabor</a>) it is about paying for your misdeeds in this case against their wills. The spooky is not spooky enough (One good birds jump scare early on), the crazy closer to being up to par. Especially Abner the murderous louse who chases Lauren in cars in what has to be the strangest car chase I have ever seen, it reason is so small for such a big event. In the end though I did not come away thinking this movie was anything special so I am not going to recommend it.</div>
Eddie Hohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10459536738255409840noreply@blogger.com0