Today, I'm reviewing a film called Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell! Oh ok, it's really called Rana: Legend of Shadow Lake, but with an alternate title such as Croaked: Frog Monster from Hell, you know that I'm gonna call it that always!
Rana was made by notorius filmmaker Bill Rebana, who's output consisted of stuff like Monster A-Go-Go, the horror movie starring Tiny Tim, and other various borefests, from what I've heard all over the interwebs. The film was distributed by sleaze-flick company Troma, and head Lloyd Kaufman considers this to be one of the five worst films Troma ever put out. If you've seen some of their output, then that statement should scare you. It didn't scare me though. Why? Because I've seen some of the most boring horror films ever made-I have a thick skin.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
Why I Love Horror... and Always Will
I used to define myself as a contemporary YA writer. I always have and always will love stories about young people growing up and facing whatever life has to throw at them, both realistic and fictional (but mostly realistic). I like to read and write stories with the thought in mind of 'Wow, this could happen to me.' Of course, even the most realistic YA stories can seem exaggerated because, well, they usually are.
However, over the past month, I've decided to take a leap and start writing about one of my other passions: horror. I've grown up reading horror stories, watching horror movies, and generally loving the genre, but somehow it never dawned on me to actually have a go at writing ituntil now.
However, over the past month, I've decided to take a leap and start writing about one of my other passions: horror. I've grown up reading horror stories, watching horror movies, and generally loving the genre, but somehow it never dawned on me to actually have a go at writing ituntil now.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
BLOG -- My "Christmas" Wishlist
Now this is more of a fun entry for me -- I don't expect anybody reading this to buy me anything. Some of the stuff is kinda rare, so... no. Maybe this would give some of you a better idea of what sort of things I like (besides the usual video games and anime, though there is some of that). Even though I call this a Christmas Wishlist, it isn't good for just Christmas; it's good for any gift-giving occasion! ;)
With that said, here it is:
With that said, here it is:
Onto 2014... (Part 3)
Let's see if I can continue writing this mini series lol! Either that or I might finish my Trinity Blood post(s) next. Before I start, however, I suddenly realised that certain East Asian nation below managed to stoke my inner fiery muse.
Note-That was like 2-4 days ago lol!
Note-That was like 2-4 days ago lol!
Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron Blog Tour Guest Post
Welcome to the MAN MADE BOY blog tour! I'm in the middle of reading this, and so far, it's lots of monsterly fun.
What's it about?
What's it about?
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Anime Secret Santa 2013: Crime and Family
As with , I took part in Reverse Thieves' project this Christmas! If you don't already know, it's when a bunch of anibloggers secretly gift each other three anime recommendations (obviously with the 'Santa' kept secret), with the stipulation that recipients have to watch at least one of them and post up a review.
Last year worked out pretty well for me, as I ended up enjoying two out of the three gifted to me a great deal. This year I received Michiko to Hatchin, Gankutsuou and HeatGuy J. I actually already had Gankutsuou downloaded with plans to watch at some point, and had heard of Michiko to Hatchin already (having passed it up for some reason or another when I was indirectly recommended it a couple of years back), but HeatGuy J was a complete mystery to me. A pretty good spread of familiarity if you ask me, and ideal considering I was going to be watching all three of them, much like last year.
Last year worked out pretty well for me, as I ended up enjoying two out of the three gifted to me a great deal. This year I received Michiko to Hatchin, Gankutsuou and HeatGuy J. I actually already had Gankutsuou downloaded with plans to watch at some point, and had heard of Michiko to Hatchin already (having passed it up for some reason or another when I was indirectly recommended it a couple of years back), but HeatGuy J was a complete mystery to me. A pretty good spread of familiarity if you ask me, and ideal considering I was going to be watching all three of them, much like last year.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Episode Spotlight: "Tourist Attraction" (12/23/1963)
"TOURIST ATTRACTION"Season 1, Episode 13Originally aired 12/23/1963
After the disappointingly monster-free The Outer Limits followed up with an attempted return to form with an episode featuring a gloriously grotesque and wonderfully-realized creature. It didn't come from the Black Lagoon, exactly, but it may as well have.
After the disappointingly monster-free The Outer Limits followed up with an attempted return to form with an episode featuring a gloriously grotesque and wonderfully-realized creature. It didn't come from the Black Lagoon, exactly, but it may as well have.
Anime Mondays #42
Dude there are some weird things people search for that lead to my blog.Seriously.They're not even on my page.Please stop.You know which search terms you are.Anyway, I've been ridiculously sick all week, which leads to copious amounts of marathoning fueled by cold medicine.You have been warned.
All images are from , and there are spoilers up to the episodes listed!
All images are from , and there are spoilers up to the episodes listed!
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Son of Celluloid's Top Ten Ghoultide Tunes (A Special Shitmas Post from Nathan Hamilton)
Ah, it's Christmas time again.The season of gifts, pretty twinkling lights, goodwill towards men, and godawful music!Don't look at me like that.You know we're all thinking it.There's only so much Time Life Classics and Mannheim Steamroller a fright fan can take.If I hear All I Want For Christmas Is You or anything about Grandma and reindeer one more damn time we're gonna have a Christmassacre on our hands.So, I'm here to save the musical holiday spirit for all of us demented horror freaks.What follows is a bloody alternative to Bing and Burl.The Son of Celluloid has collected 10 Noel nightmares that will both celebrate the spirit of the season and scratch your itch for the macabre (no pun intended).So, waddaya say we trade our chestnuts for chainsaws and sing some slaying songs tonight!
1. CHRISTOPHER LEE - LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
1. CHRISTOPHER LEE - LITTLE DRUMMER BOY
Friday, December 20, 2013
The Most Frustrating Things People Say To Someone With a Mood Disorder
It's no secret that there's a huge stigma surrounding mental health. I've blogged before about the , and even some of the positives I've gleaned from mine, but I thought I'd address some of the other statements and negativity we get dealt with on a regular basis, just for being ourselves.
* "YOU'RE WAY TOO EMOTIONAL. "I've actually been admonished for "being a baby" for tears that people didn't understand. Yes, I'm probably more emotional than a lot of people. But I'm not a baby. I'm not weak. I'm not spoiled. I have a big heart. I feel things greatly, deeply. It means if you were in trouble, I'd feel it so greatly I'd move mountains to help you.It means I also feel joy and excitement greatly too.Is that such a bad thing?
* "YOU'RE WAY TOO EMOTIONAL. "I've actually been admonished for "being a baby" for tears that people didn't understand. Yes, I'm probably more emotional than a lot of people. But I'm not a baby. I'm not weak. I'm not spoiled. I have a big heart. I feel things greatly, deeply. It means if you were in trouble, I'd feel it so greatly I'd move mountains to help you.It means I also feel joy and excitement greatly too.Is that such a bad thing?
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail
RONAN DALY SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON BLACK LAGOON: ROBERTA'S BLOOD TRAIL, THE FIVE-EPISODE THIRD INSTALMENT OF THE BLACK LAGOON ANIME SERIES, BASED ON REI HIROE'S MANGA OF THE SAME NAME.
Set in the mid-'90s, Black Lagoon follows the exploits of Lagoon Company, a team of mercenaries and pirates operating throughout Southeast Asia. The real-world locations and relatively contemporary setting for the series set the scene for what can be considered a 'more realistic' anime series - at least insofar as there is a lack of magic, monsters or superhuman abilities. However, action scenes still tend to be over the top and may feel slightly more at home in a world where characters could also slice mountains with their eyes or run on water. Nevertheless, the show remains grounded in its realistic premise, making few other concessions to the fantastic.
Set in the mid-'90s, Black Lagoon follows the exploits of Lagoon Company, a team of mercenaries and pirates operating throughout Southeast Asia. The real-world locations and relatively contemporary setting for the series set the scene for what can be considered a 'more realistic' anime series - at least insofar as there is a lack of magic, monsters or superhuman abilities. However, action scenes still tend to be over the top and may feel slightly more at home in a world where characters could also slice mountains with their eyes or run on water. Nevertheless, the show remains grounded in its realistic premise, making few other concessions to the fantastic.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Winter 2014 Anime Preview
Hey all, it's season preview time again - doesn't time fly!?Anyway this upcoming Winter season is surprisingly decent looking, which is a good thing since it's cold and I don't want to go outside.These days it feels like the quality shows are being more evenly spread out over the year, rather than being clustered into the Spring & Autumn seasons - those seasons are still bigger, but Summer & Winter are definitely much more packed now than they were in the past.Hopefully the trend continues!
Right on to the preview then~!
Right on to the preview then~!
BLACK LAGOON ROBERTA'S BLOOD TRAIL OVA
BLACK LAGOON ROBERTA'S BLOOD TRAIL OVA
RELEASED BY: Manga Entertainment
RATING: 18
RELEASED BY: Manga Entertainment
RATING: 18
10 Days of Anime Christmas
Ok. So originally this was going to bethe little buster refrain 9 and 10 review butit's really hard to review it and not mention spoilers and i do not want to spoil those two episodes because those are key episode in the series epically episode 10. I might hold of doing a review till the whole series is finished. All i have to say is Kengo i feel ya man.
This is the 10 Days of Anime Christmas!
This is the 10 Days of Anime Christmas!
A Colorful Subject
For a long time now, the newest Disney film "Frozen" (which is an outstandingly brilliant animated movie, BTW) has created controversy over it's main cast pictured above. Namely that the four human characters are all very, very white. Social Justice Warriors of all kind all cried out "White privilege! Racial discrimination! No representation for People Of Color!" Of course, it's been pointed out that this is fairy tale based on a Danish story by Hans Christen Anderson, set in a Scandinavian area where the people there are typically...well, white. Now that the movie has come out and proven to be a phenomenal success both critically and domestically, the SJWs of course cannot stand to see the thing they'd hated on for so long doing so well: as if racism and white supremacy was being rewarded. So now they continue their claims of racism by pointing out that the people at the start of the film are clearly based on the Sami culture, the Sami being non-white folks. And yet they, particularly Kristoff (the guy next to the reindeer), are white in the movie. They claimed this was misrepresenting the Sami or outright stealing their culture to give to white characters. Now I would counter this claim with - people, Arendelle is a fictional kingdom. These people are not the Sami, even if their culture was loosely inspired by them. The fact is, Disney chose to make them look white. They didn't need to be, but they are. So I say we just let them look white and enjoy the damn movie.
Now this brings me to a bigger issue - while I don't get all the mass hysterical clamoring for "POC (People Of Color) representation" in things, I don't get the overuse of POC as a positive term, and I've begun to think "The Princess And The Frog" might have spoiled some people when it comes to race representation in Disney movies....I am fine with people of different races, ethnicity, cultures, and skin color than me, I loathe racism, I love diversity, and I am all for representation of many different kinds of people as possible if it can be done in a work. BUT really, a big rule about characters and characterization in stories that I believe in is that at the end of the day...we shouldn't give a crap about race. If racism and race issues are big themes in a story, then it's okay to really address the subject. But if not, then the focus should remain purely on the character's character. On what's inside this character, not outside. On who they are, not what they are and what race they belong to. A truly good character transcends race and gender and is just a strong character, period. That's why I find all the riot over "POC representation" in some story to be silly. Would there be a problem with changing Kristoff from white to dark skinned? Not at all.But the big question is: what about his actual character would that fix? What would changing his race do for his story and characterization and role in the plot? Absolutely nothing. And that's the point I'm trying to make. If he's a good enough character, it's not damaging that he be made not white, but at the same time it's equally not damaging that he IS white. The audience's focus should still be on the characters words and actions that come from who he is inside. That's how you can identify a solid character.
Need elaboration? Then let me discuss characters with whom it don't matter if they're black or white:
Now this brings me to a bigger issue - while I don't get all the mass hysterical clamoring for "POC (People Of Color) representation" in things, I don't get the overuse of POC as a positive term, and I've begun to think "The Princess And The Frog" might have spoiled some people when it comes to race representation in Disney movies....I am fine with people of different races, ethnicity, cultures, and skin color than me, I loathe racism, I love diversity, and I am all for representation of many different kinds of people as possible if it can be done in a work. BUT really, a big rule about characters and characterization in stories that I believe in is that at the end of the day...we shouldn't give a crap about race. If racism and race issues are big themes in a story, then it's okay to really address the subject. But if not, then the focus should remain purely on the character's character. On what's inside this character, not outside. On who they are, not what they are and what race they belong to. A truly good character transcends race and gender and is just a strong character, period. That's why I find all the riot over "POC representation" in some story to be silly. Would there be a problem with changing Kristoff from white to dark skinned? Not at all.But the big question is: what about his actual character would that fix? What would changing his race do for his story and characterization and role in the plot? Absolutely nothing. And that's the point I'm trying to make. If he's a good enough character, it's not damaging that he be made not white, but at the same time it's equally not damaging that he IS white. The audience's focus should still be on the characters words and actions that come from who he is inside. That's how you can identify a solid character.
Need elaboration? Then let me discuss characters with whom it don't matter if they're black or white:
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Ranking Every Episode of Buffy, ok my top and bottom 10.
Recently there was a thing floating around ranking every episode of Buffy ever.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/ranking-every-episode-of-buffy-the-vampire-slayer
I decided to do a top 10, and why, and bottom 10.
http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/ranking-every-episode-of-buffy-the-vampire-slayer
I decided to do a top 10, and why, and bottom 10.
The Beginner's Guide to Anime, No. 32
One genre we've not looked into much so far is crime fiction. There are cop shops and detective series of various kinds, both comic and serious. This one covers the criminals.
Black Lagoon originally began as a manga in 2002 and is still going. There have so far been two anime TV series, both in 2006, followed by a five-part Original Video Anime (OVA) which came out between 2010 and 2011. The series mixes crime fiction with black humour and a lot of graphic, over-the-top violence.
Black Lagoon originally began as a manga in 2002 and is still going. There have so far been two anime TV series, both in 2006, followed by a five-part Original Video Anime (OVA) which came out between 2010 and 2011. The series mixes crime fiction with black humour and a lot of graphic, over-the-top violence.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Underwater Monsters!
"GAVIN TO ADANTE: "SO YOU'RE PROOF THAT SEA MONSTERS REALLY DO EXIST?" - JASMINE ANGELL, LUMINOUS.
FORGET JAWS! BUGGER, DEEP BLUE SEA! IGNORE, THE BEAST! AND PAY NO HEED TO THE CREATURE OF THE BLACK LAGOON! For today, we delve into the very depths of the oceans; today we explore every crevice on the sea floor; today we look past every piece of sea-weed; todaywe find the worst creatures that the "BIG BLUE WET THING" has ever ejaculated into the human world.
FORGET JAWS! BUGGER, DEEP BLUE SEA! IGNORE, THE BEAST! AND PAY NO HEED TO THE CREATURE OF THE BLACK LAGOON! For today, we delve into the very depths of the oceans; today we explore every crevice on the sea floor; today we look past every piece of sea-weed; todaywe find the worst creatures that the "BIG BLUE WET THING" has ever ejaculated into the human world.
Black Lagoon
Revy and Ginji arrive at a bowling alley where Chaka is holding Yukio, and they dispatch his men. Chaka attempts to leave with Yukio, but Rock takes Yukio and escapes. Chaka then meets Revy in a hallway and when he attempts to start a duel with her, she leads him to Ginji. Chaka attempts to shoot Ginji, but he cuts the incoming bullet in two with his katana. He then removes Chaka's arms with his katana and drowns him in the adjacent pool. Elsewhere, Yukio criticizes Rock for attempting to save her from falling into the criminal underworld, as she believes that he exists in a "twilight" between his old life in Japan and his criminal life in Roanapur, and is unwilling to let go of either of them. The following day, Balalaika begins her plans for the destruction of the Washimine Group.
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Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Review: Black Lagoon: 1st and 2nd Barrage
THEMES: girls with guns, mafia, mercenaries, pirates
PLOT SUMMARY: Okajima Rokuro is a normal, abused Japanese businessmanwho get's his lucky break as he's sent by his company to the tropical seas of Eastern China to deliver a disc only his boat gets hijacked by a band of mercenaries that were hired to steal it. "Rock" (as he is newly dubbed by his captors) catches the interest of the only female merc "Revy", who takes him captive for ransom. Things get complicated really fast for Rock, and he ends up becoming one of the mercenaries known as Black Lagoon. From there, life takes a whole new meaning for Rock and his crew-mates, something that Rock is finding hard to define ..and possibly worse for Revy herself
PLOT SUMMARY: Okajima Rokuro is a normal, abused Japanese businessmanwho get's his lucky break as he's sent by his company to the tropical seas of Eastern China to deliver a disc only his boat gets hijacked by a band of mercenaries that were hired to steal it. "Rock" (as he is newly dubbed by his captors) catches the interest of the only female merc "Revy", who takes him captive for ransom. Things get complicated really fast for Rock, and he ends up becoming one of the mercenaries known as Black Lagoon. From there, life takes a whole new meaning for Rock and his crew-mates, something that Rock is finding hard to define ..and possibly worse for Revy herself
Anime Review: Black Lagoon
(note: This review covers both Black Lagoon and Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage, treating both as one show.
GENRE: Action
GENRE: Action
It's almost Christmas again
Just a bit more school left, and this week is going to be the busiest one all semester. One final push and I'll get to take a breather. Two presentations in the same week by the time I'm done with this degree, I'll practically have the public speaking skills of Adolf Hitler. Christmas time though I don't have any set plans. I figure I'll spend it catching up on anime, and going out with friends for food and fun. Oh and of course waste money on Christmas shopping. I really need to start living more frugally like I used to, especially now that I don't have a job, and I don't really consider Yugioh cards a secure source of income. That, and I've been spending like a mad man on food lately, which I should really keep track of. I am in accounting after all, I should be in the habit of keeping my costs and revenues in check. Yosh! Good luck to me!
But since I'm already in the mood to ramble on about things that are going on in my life, I'll pull things from my head that I've done in recent memory and plaster them here!
But since I'm already in the mood to ramble on about things that are going on in my life, I'll pull things from my head that I've done in recent memory and plaster them here!
some animes.
Last summer, a friend of mine drew my attention towards anime series. Although I had watched some before (e.g. Yu-Gi-OH!), I had'nt really liked those with japanese audio and subtitles. But he showed me that watching series with subtitles is not uncomfortable at all. So I was really into animes since last may until september (then I stopped, because it took up too much time and I felt I had already seen all good series). Though it was only a short time, I have watched many animes. I want to write about some of them here, especially those, which are not so well known (so not something like Death Note). Please note, these are not all the animes I have watched, and not all my favorites (maybe I'll write a post about the best ones later). However, lets's start:
WORST ANIME: MM!
WORST ANIME: MM!
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 416th Edition and the Madness: Video Nasty- week 4
Welcome to the 416th Edition of my long running series and the last week of this year's Madness.I was not as productive this year as I was in others but always enjoy that great annual contest.Next week, I celebrate eight years of this blog in which all this time I have actually done this on a weekly basis.I know, I'm more amazed than anyone but it has been a very fun ride.
The Crow (1994):I start this week out with this very dark film based on a comic book series by James O'Barr and directed by Alex Proyas.Brandon Lee stars as rock star Eric Draven and along with his fiancee is brutally murdered.A year after the murder, a crow brings him back to life in an invincible form driving Draven to seek vengeance upon those who murdered him.Ernie Hudson co-stars as Sergeant Albrecht who is an aging and bitter police officer and helps Draven after seeing he is going after the biggest scum of the earth.Rochelle Davis co-stars as the street smart kid Sarah whom Eric cared for at one time and does a very good job in her role.Michael Wincott, Bai Ling, Tony Todd,and Jon Polito all co-star in this film.I really like this movie on many levels beginning with the perfect movie soundtrack like the Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Violent Femmes, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Agaisnt the Machine, among others.I also really liked the beginning part when establishing Eric as a good person who does not deserve what he gets which produce some occasional moving scenes among all the darkness and the violence.There are also some really good action scenes of the vengeance.What's most known about this movie is that this is Brandon Lee's last movie and for those that do not know, he is the son of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.He died during filming when taking a bullet which was supposed to a blank.As unfortunate of a situation as that is, I really find this to be up there in my favorites.Lee did a great job in his last role.I have not actually seen any of the sequels or tv series as i just don't know if it will be the same.This did inspire things like the evolution of the wrestler Sting and his look after years of having the blonde surfer look.This is available on Instant Netflix and is a very good action film.
The Crow (1994):I start this week out with this very dark film based on a comic book series by James O'Barr and directed by Alex Proyas.Brandon Lee stars as rock star Eric Draven and along with his fiancee is brutally murdered.A year after the murder, a crow brings him back to life in an invincible form driving Draven to seek vengeance upon those who murdered him.Ernie Hudson co-stars as Sergeant Albrecht who is an aging and bitter police officer and helps Draven after seeing he is going after the biggest scum of the earth.Rochelle Davis co-stars as the street smart kid Sarah whom Eric cared for at one time and does a very good job in her role.Michael Wincott, Bai Ling, Tony Todd,and Jon Polito all co-star in this film.I really like this movie on many levels beginning with the perfect movie soundtrack like the Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Violent Femmes, Nine Inch Nails, Rage Agaisnt the Machine, among others.I also really liked the beginning part when establishing Eric as a good person who does not deserve what he gets which produce some occasional moving scenes among all the darkness and the violence.There are also some really good action scenes of the vengeance.What's most known about this movie is that this is Brandon Lee's last movie and for those that do not know, he is the son of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.He died during filming when taking a bullet which was supposed to a blank.As unfortunate of a situation as that is, I really find this to be up there in my favorites.Lee did a great job in his last role.I have not actually seen any of the sequels or tv series as i just don't know if it will be the same.This did inspire things like the evolution of the wrestler Sting and his look after years of having the blonde surfer look.This is available on Instant Netflix and is a very good action film.
Thrift Store Hallo-weekends: Universal Studios Monsters Magic Pictures Activity Book
This week, we're looking at UNIVERSAL STUDIOS MONSTERS MAGIC PICTURES, a coloring/activity book published by Golden Books/Western Publishing in 1992. I have no idea what the retail price of this was, but I got it for a dollar in a Goodwill store in Hocking Hills, Ohio.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the Universal Studios Monsters brand is the Cadillac of Halloween-related products in my eyes. Anyone can sell a generic flat-topped Frankenstein's Monster costume for Halloweenor a kinda/sorta Creature from the Black Lagoon decoration to hang on your door, but Universal has the market cornered on the look of these classic ghouls.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the Universal Studios Monsters brand is the Cadillac of Halloween-related products in my eyes. Anyone can sell a generic flat-topped Frankenstein's Monster costume for Halloweenor a kinda/sorta Creature from the Black Lagoon decoration to hang on your door, but Universal has the market cornered on the look of these classic ghouls.
Chalkboard Drawings: The "Halloween Countdown, Part IVedition
I draw a picture of myself on my classroom's chalkboard everyday. I collect those pictures as camera phone photos and post them on Sundays.
We're kind of running through a grab-bag of leftover monsters this week. Pennywise the Clown is an interesting one that kind of lives on through re-runs of the IT miniseries on the SyFy Channelwhich is strange because, while it was pretty good for its' time, the actual movie doesn't hold up too well.
We're kind of running through a grab-bag of leftover monsters this week. Pennywise the Clown is an interesting one that kind of lives on through re-runs of the IT miniseries on the SyFy Channelwhich is strange because, while it was pretty good for its' time, the actual movie doesn't hold up too well.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
HAPPY NEW MONTH!
WRAPPING UP OCTOBER 2013.
Everybody had a nice Halloween? Watched some scary movies, drank loads of Pumpkin Spice Latte? Reread Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone just for that Halloween chapter?
Everybody had a nice Halloween? Watched some scary movies, drank loads of Pumpkin Spice Latte? Reread Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone just for that Halloween chapter?
Stubs
IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE (1953) Starring: Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, Joe Sawyer, Russell Johnson. Directed by Jack Arnold. Screenplay by Harry Essex. Based on The Meteor, a story by Ray Bradbury. Produced by Wiliam Alland. Run Time: 81 minutes. U.S.Black and White. Science Fiction
There is an old expression that everything old is new again. That's true for two things that are popular staples in theaters today, science fiction films and 3D technology. These were also quite popular back in the 1950's, when our film, It Came From Outer Space, was released.
There is an old expression that everything old is new again. That's true for two things that are popular staples in theaters today, science fiction films and 3D technology. These were also quite popular back in the 1950's, when our film, It Came From Outer Space, was released.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Boo 2, the Sequel -- Fabulous Fright Flicks for Halloween Night and a Delightful Day of the Dead
Wow, is it that time of the year already? You betcha! And do we have a bad case of d jvu all over again! This season, we're going to pay tribute to Halloween, along with a salute to All Soul's Day -- more commonly known as the Day of the Dead -- by making critical offerings to the classic Universal monstersReborn, that is!
You will recall that last October 2012, we started the celebration off with a review of the Blu-ray(R) Disc release of original fright flicks from Universal Studio's vaunted archives. Such vintage attractions as Dracula, Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, the Wolfman, the Mummy, the Phantom of the Opera, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon were the so-called attractions, belatedly so, and feted with the deluxe-package treatment they deserved.
You will recall that last October 2012, we started the celebration off with a review of the Blu-ray(R) Disc release of original fright flicks from Universal Studio's vaunted archives. Such vintage attractions as Dracula, Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, the Wolfman, the Mummy, the Phantom of the Opera, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon were the so-called attractions, belatedly so, and feted with the deluxe-package treatment they deserved.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Universal Monsters, Part 2.
"", of course, being part 1.
All right, so, last year, I of course covered, , , and
All right, so, last year, I of course covered, , , and
Halloween Horrors: THE WOLF MAN (1941)
THE WOLF MAN(1941)
DIRECTED BY GEORGE WAGGNER
STARRING LON CHANEY, JR., CLAUDE RAINS, MARIA OUSPENSKAYA, EVELYN ANKERS, RALPH BELLAMY, BELA LUGOSI
DIRECTED BY GEORGE WAGGNER
STARRING LON CHANEY, JR., CLAUDE RAINS, MARIA OUSPENSKAYA, EVELYN ANKERS, RALPH BELLAMY, BELA LUGOSI
Seattle's EMP Museum: Horror Exhibit
I recently visited a fun exhibit at Seattle's , called Can't Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film. It was full of movie and TV props, mini movie pods for film clips and even had it's own scream booth. Here are a few photos from the exhibit, but this is only a small piece of a much larger exhibit. If you are a horror movie fan, it's well worth a visit.
Here's Gill Man mask from the movie, The Creature From the Black Lagoon.
Here's Gill Man mask from the movie, The Creature From the Black Lagoon.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
This is Halloween
Although it has never been my favorite holiday I do have some rather fond memories of Halloween growing up. We used to trick-or-treat in my grandparent's neighborhood. I was Cinderella once and my sister was once Princess Leia. Eventually we started going to the movies on Halloween. It's never been my favorite holiday but what little kid doesn't love getting all kinds of candy and then eating yourself sick? I'm a fan of the cute, cheery Halloween and not what's taken its place: the dark, gory, scary side. I don't like scary movies; nothing suspenseful, gory, or horror for me, thank you very much. Well, that's not quite true. I do love The Walking Dead. But when it comes to the movies generally associated with Halloween I tend to shy away. Which is why I've made an alternative list of movies and TV episodes that aren't scary, for the most part at least.
SLEEPY HOLLOW
SLEEPY HOLLOW
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
31 Days of Halloween: Day 12 & 13: The Movieside Massacre 2013
Every year in October I attend two (yes two) 24 hour horror marathons.
I'm hardcore like that.
This year I went to Chicago's Patio Theatre to attend my first marathon of the year, The Movieside Massacre.
I'm hardcore like that.
This year I went to Chicago's Patio Theatre to attend my first marathon of the year, The Movieside Massacre.
10.25 New 'THROWBACK' Poster:
The official one-sheet for Travis Bain's 'THROWBACK', has made its way online.. The film Stars: Shawn Brack, Anthony Ring, Vernon Wells And Melanie Serafin... Written & Directed By: Travis Bain.. The flick will land on DVD, Blu-ray and VOD in 2014...
Plot: Two modern-day treasure hunters go searching for the lost gold of a legendary 1800s outlaw in the remote jungles of Far North Queensland, Australia. But instead of riches, they find a different kind of legend: a ferocious Australian monster known as a Yowie, Australia's answer to Bigfoot, and a savage battle for survival ensues. Thrown into the mix is a park ranger named Rhiannon and a burnt-out ex-homicide detective named McNab. Travis Bain's second feature is a fast-paced, suspenseful adventure/horror movie that pays tribute to B monster movies of yesteryear, ranging from 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' to 'The Legend of Boggy Creek' to John Carpenter's masterpiece 'The Thing', with a healthy dose of 'Treasure of the Sierra Madre' thrown in as well...
Plot: Two modern-day treasure hunters go searching for the lost gold of a legendary 1800s outlaw in the remote jungles of Far North Queensland, Australia. But instead of riches, they find a different kind of legend: a ferocious Australian monster known as a Yowie, Australia's answer to Bigfoot, and a savage battle for survival ensues. Thrown into the mix is a park ranger named Rhiannon and a burnt-out ex-homicide detective named McNab. Travis Bain's second feature is a fast-paced, suspenseful adventure/horror movie that pays tribute to B monster movies of yesteryear, ranging from 'Creature from the Black Lagoon' to 'The Legend of Boggy Creek' to John Carpenter's masterpiece 'The Thing', with a healthy dose of 'Treasure of the Sierra Madre' thrown in as well...
Monday, October 28, 2013
Monster Serial: CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, 1954
Hello, boils and ghouls! October is upon us and that means one thing: HALLOWEEN! While most holidays get a measly day or two of formal recognition, orthodox Monster Kids prefer to celebrate it in the tradition of our people: By watching tons of horror movies. This month at THE COLLINSPORT HISTORICAL SOCIETY, we're going to be discussing some of our favorites every day until Halloween. So, put on your 3-D spex, pop some popcorn and turn out the lights .... because we're going to the movies!
guest commentary
guest commentary
Cinema Gothic: The 1950s
The original Universal horror series that followed the stories of Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, and the Wolf Man concluded in the late 1940s. The 1950s saw a rebirth of horror. Universal ventured into new waters with The Creature from the Black Lagoon, while a small studio in England began reinventing the characters that had made Universal great for a new generation.
Director: Jack Arnold. Screenplay: Henry Essex and Arthur A. Ross. Starring: Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Ben Chapman, Ricou Browning. Studio: Universal. Country: USA.
Director: Jack Arnold. Screenplay: Henry Essex and Arthur A. Ross. Starring: Richard Carlson, Julia Adams, Richard Denning, Ben Chapman, Ricou Browning. Studio: Universal. Country: USA.
Saturday, October 26, 2013
A Bissell That Never Sucked: Whit, That is
THAT'S WHIT BISSELL, THE UBIQUITOUS CHARACTER PLAYER OF OVER 300 TV EPISODES AND FILMS. HE WAS BORN OCT. 25TH, 1909. HE DIED IN 1996 AT AGE 86.
THE BISSELL MODEL THROUGH THE YEARS:
THE BISSELL MODEL THROUGH THE YEARS:
Friday, October 25, 2013
Don't look back!
I don't have two favorite horror movies - because the thrill of watching horror movies is lost on me. I never liked being scared - NEVER. The first time I remembered shaking in my shoes was watching The Creature From the Black Lagoon. An old film, yes, and poor cinematography, yes, but damn, the creature really freaked me out!
I walked out on The Exorcist and waited in the lobby for my friends as soon as Linda's head turned completely around! Oh God, it was just too creepy.Maybe it was being raised Catholic that made it seem so real and that she was truly possessed by the devil - I couldn't go there. Not that I believed in the devil, exactly
I walked out on The Exorcist and waited in the lobby for my friends as soon as Linda's head turned completely around! Oh God, it was just too creepy.Maybe it was being raised Catholic that made it seem so real and that she was truly possessed by the devil - I couldn't go there. Not that I believed in the devil, exactly
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Best on DA: volume 31
We're back fresh and ready for action. Check out this week's top cosplay pics and if you simply want more, feel free to drop !
PROJECT ICE: YUKI ICE-T BY
PROJECT ICE: YUKI ICE-T BY
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
31 DAYS OF HORROR 2013-Day 18: HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP (1980)
Poster from the original theatrical release.
When I was a wee Bunche I used to wonder exactly what the hell monsters like King Kong and the Creature From the Black Lagoon intended to do with their female captives once they got them back to a mountaintop retreat or an underwater cave. Sure, there was obvious lust or infatuation in play, but it just wasn't feasible; Kong would have been thwarted by scale alone, and both he and Blacky faced the stumbling block of being species altogether other than human. But exploitation cinema has never been hindered by such considerations as logic, comparative biology, or even common sense, hence the existence of HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP, a classic bit of nastiness that unflinchingly depicts the public menace of horny fish-men who graphically rape beach bunnies in the name of a quick box office buck.
When I was a wee Bunche I used to wonder exactly what the hell monsters like King Kong and the Creature From the Black Lagoon intended to do with their female captives once they got them back to a mountaintop retreat or an underwater cave. Sure, there was obvious lust or infatuation in play, but it just wasn't feasible; Kong would have been thwarted by scale alone, and both he and Blacky faced the stumbling block of being species altogether other than human. But exploitation cinema has never been hindered by such considerations as logic, comparative biology, or even common sense, hence the existence of HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP, a classic bit of nastiness that unflinchingly depicts the public menace of horny fish-men who graphically rape beach bunnies in the name of a quick box office buck.
Hallowpalooza! Sideshow's Mole People
I have a confession to make: I've never watched The Mole People. At least, I've never watched it without three wise-cracking silhouettes at the bottom of the TV screen. If you're familiar with Mystery Science Theater 3000, then you may have seen experiment #803, in which Mike and the 'bots are forced to suffer through this cinematic turkey. Unlike the SOL crew's previously riffed Universal classic This Island Earth, The Mole People is dull, colorless, and uninspiring. That said, the Mole People themselves were infamous enough to warrant inclusion in wave four of Sideshow's Universal Monsters series.
Having provided designs for previous Universal monsters Metaluna Mutant and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, costume designer and animator Millicent Patrick was tasked with creating the Mole People. The title character's appearance was modeled in part after the star-nosed mole, most notably the fleshy set of appendages which ring its snout. These appendages, or "rays," contain approximately 25,000 minute sensory receptors that allow the functionally blind moles to find and identity food, as well as detect seismic wave vibrations. It's real-world touches like this that gave Patrick's creations a life and vitality that endures to this day.
Having provided designs for previous Universal monsters Metaluna Mutant and the Creature from the Black Lagoon, costume designer and animator Millicent Patrick was tasked with creating the Mole People. The title character's appearance was modeled in part after the star-nosed mole, most notably the fleshy set of appendages which ring its snout. These appendages, or "rays," contain approximately 25,000 minute sensory receptors that allow the functionally blind moles to find and identity food, as well as detect seismic wave vibrations. It's real-world touches like this that gave Patrick's creations a life and vitality that endures to this day.
31 DAYS OF HORROR 2013-Day 18: HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP (1980)
Poster from the original theatrical release.
When I was a wee Bunche I used to wonder exactly what the hell monsters like King Kong and the Creature From the Black Lagoon intended to do with their female captives once they got them back to a mountaintop retreat or an underwater cave. Sure, there was obvious lust or infatuation in play, but it just wasn't feasible; Kong would have been thwarted by scale alone, and both he and Blacky faced the stumbling block of being species altogether other than human. But exploitation cinema has never been hindered by such considerations as logic, comparative biology, or even common sense, hence the existence of HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP, a classic bit of nastiness that unflinchingly depicts the public menace of horny fish-men who graphically rape beach bunnies in the name of a quick box office buck.
Coming out just two months after the slaughterhouse thrills of the original FRIDAY THE 13th, HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP just barely got in under the radar and avoided the willy-nilly trimming foisted upon the majority of horror flicks released not long after in response to the deluge of gory FRIDAY THE 13th cash-ins. By cutting out the gore and violence from films such as THE BURNING, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, and MY BLOODY VALENTINE robs such fare of its very raison d'etre, and if such a fate had befallen HUMANOIDS it would have ended up completely worthless instead of finding itself in the history books as a landmark of onscreen, tasteless misogyny and what you could once get away with under the guise of a horror/exploitation picture.
When I was a wee Bunche I used to wonder exactly what the hell monsters like King Kong and the Creature From the Black Lagoon intended to do with their female captives once they got them back to a mountaintop retreat or an underwater cave. Sure, there was obvious lust or infatuation in play, but it just wasn't feasible; Kong would have been thwarted by scale alone, and both he and Blacky faced the stumbling block of being species altogether other than human. But exploitation cinema has never been hindered by such considerations as logic, comparative biology, or even common sense, hence the existence of HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP, a classic bit of nastiness that unflinchingly depicts the public menace of horny fish-men who graphically rape beach bunnies in the name of a quick box office buck.
Coming out just two months after the slaughterhouse thrills of the original FRIDAY THE 13th, HUMANOIDS FROM THE DEEP just barely got in under the radar and avoided the willy-nilly trimming foisted upon the majority of horror flicks released not long after in response to the deluge of gory FRIDAY THE 13th cash-ins. By cutting out the gore and violence from films such as THE BURNING, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, and MY BLOODY VALENTINE robs such fare of its very raison d'etre, and if such a fate had befallen HUMANOIDS it would have ended up completely worthless instead of finding itself in the history books as a landmark of onscreen, tasteless misogyny and what you could once get away with under the guise of a horror/exploitation picture.
[Exclusive] Top 10 Black & White Horror Films From David St kenberg
While we get a lot of Top 10 lists from various bands and musicians, it's rare that we get one that pays homage to the real classics, the ones that created the foundation for our genre. But those are exactly the films that Austin, TX based David St kenberg is into: black and white films from generations past that may not have the greatest special effects, the most blood (if any), or the most terrifying of villains but instead have charm, amazing atmosphere, and classic, thrilling music.
St kenberg comments, "My favorite horror movies are the old silent ones like The Unknown," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and of course anything with Vincent Price. I also love the "Abbot & Costello" horror-themed films. Growing up watching a movie like "Frankenstein," I think I was able to walk away with a little less fear across the board because even as a six year-old, I knew that Frankenstein's costume was made out of cardboard boxes, and should you become injured by any monsters, you only bleed ketchup, and then you are good. But it's all truly terrifying with the amazing special effects in black and white. So great."
St kenberg comments, "My favorite horror movies are the old silent ones like The Unknown," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and of course anything with Vincent Price. I also love the "Abbot & Costello" horror-themed films. Growing up watching a movie like "Frankenstein," I think I was able to walk away with a little less fear across the board because even as a six year-old, I knew that Frankenstein's costume was made out of cardboard boxes, and should you become injured by any monsters, you only bleed ketchup, and then you are good. But it's all truly terrifying with the amazing special effects in black and white. So great."
ANIMAX UK to Launch Anime Video On Demand Service
Japan's leading anime destination, ANIMAX, today announced further details regarding its UK Video On Demand launch, going live this Friday 25th October at www.animaxtv.co.uk. The platform aims to become the UK's ultimate anime destination, showcasing a unique model providing free limited anime content for all users, in addition to a subscription service offering unlimited advert-free access to the genre's best movies and series, and authentic, addictive, UK-first content.
Under the SVoD service, for a monthly fee of EUR5.99, subscribers can expect to indulge in
complete seasons of the world's most loved anime, including BLACK LAGOON, DEATH NOTE,
Under the SVoD service, for a monthly fee of EUR5.99, subscribers can expect to indulge in
complete seasons of the world's most loved anime, including BLACK LAGOON, DEATH NOTE,
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Horror Movies
THE SUPERNATURAL AND CREATURES: VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES AND DEMONS, OH MY!
There is too many movies that fit into this subgenre that I enjoy, so I hope that I am able to do justice to this most popular subject. It is also, sadly, often an overused subject as many B-movies can attest to.
There is too many movies that fit into this subgenre that I enjoy, so I hope that I am able to do justice to this most popular subject. It is also, sadly, often an overused subject as many B-movies can attest to.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Dad's Collection: Aurora Monsters
The year was 1961. Aurora Released the Universal Monsters Frankenstein's Monster Model. My Dad, a young boy 6 years of age, was instantly drawn to this wonderful model. Back in the day if you wanted a cool Franky model you had to paint that sucker yourself, and that's exactly what my Dad did. He did a great job too, and he was only 6!
Soon after Dad brought Frank here to life Aurora released The Phantom of The Opera, duuuuuunnnnndundundundundun!
Soon after Dad brought Frank here to life Aurora released The Phantom of The Opera, duuuuuunnnnndundundundundun!
Sony TV to Launch Animax in the UK
Sony Pictures Television Networks has recently announced plans to launch a version of their anime channel, Animax, for the UK using a subscription VOD model. In support of the launch, Viz Media has signed a multi-year volume deal with Sony in order to be the exclusive content provider for the new service.
The initial catalogue that will be offered on Animax UK will include UK premieres such as Death Note and Vampire Nights, as well as other popular series such as Bleach and Black Lagoon.
The initial catalogue that will be offered on Animax UK will include UK premieres such as Death Note and Vampire Nights, as well as other popular series such as Bleach and Black Lagoon.
Evolution Of Horror: Monster Movies Vs. Slashers
H.P. Lovecraft once said, "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."
I'm back with a rather unusual debate topic.Monster movies vs. slashers.Which side are you on?
I'm back with a rather unusual debate topic.Monster movies vs. slashers.Which side are you on?
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Can "Chopsticks" be Played on the Spoons?
A girl got me to master chopsticks. And it wasn't my wife.
Just before my senior year in high school, Sheryl was my girl at the Methodist summer camp I had gone to in South Jersey. Being half Native-American, the contrast of her tanned skin to my sunburned Mick-Kraut pale face was offset by our mutual love for and different skills at anything athletic. We were "the couple" at camp. Two months later, at the South Jersey United Methodist Youth Conference in Ocean City, we hooked up again. However, for some stupid reason, it was decided by our circle of friends to eat Chinese one evening. Unfortunately, at the restaurant, Sheryl ran into the guy with whom she had been "the couple" at a camp earlier that summer. In the end, my inability to master the chopsticks (Hell, the only ethnic food in my neighborhood was pizza or kielbasa.) and my use of a fork to finish the meal made me lose face and lose out to the other guy. You can imagine my mother's surprise when the first thing I said upon my return from the conference was that I wanted to buy a pair of chopsticks. It may not have been a religious awakening, but it certainly was a widening of cultural boundaries. The funny thing was that Sheryl and I had a few dates the following year, one of which to a Chinese restaurant, where I saw guys making fools of themselves tossing food onto the floor before deciding to use a single chopstick to stab a dumpling.
Just before my senior year in high school, Sheryl was my girl at the Methodist summer camp I had gone to in South Jersey. Being half Native-American, the contrast of her tanned skin to my sunburned Mick-Kraut pale face was offset by our mutual love for and different skills at anything athletic. We were "the couple" at camp. Two months later, at the South Jersey United Methodist Youth Conference in Ocean City, we hooked up again. However, for some stupid reason, it was decided by our circle of friends to eat Chinese one evening. Unfortunately, at the restaurant, Sheryl ran into the guy with whom she had been "the couple" at a camp earlier that summer. In the end, my inability to master the chopsticks (Hell, the only ethnic food in my neighborhood was pizza or kielbasa.) and my use of a fork to finish the meal made me lose face and lose out to the other guy. You can imagine my mother's surprise when the first thing I said upon my return from the conference was that I wanted to buy a pair of chopsticks. It may not have been a religious awakening, but it certainly was a widening of cultural boundaries. The funny thing was that Sheryl and I had a few dates the following year, one of which to a Chinese restaurant, where I saw guys making fools of themselves tossing food onto the floor before deciding to use a single chopstick to stab a dumpling.
Universal Looking to Go the Shared Universe Route to Create Some Kind of Monster Squad
Ever since Marvel Studios blew past the billion dollar mark by getting all of their various protagonists together and teaming them up in a big crossover movie, The Avengers, every other studio out there has been clamoring to find a way to recreate that success. Whether that's Sony looking to build to a Sinister Six movie through their Amazing Spider-Man franchise, Warner Brothers looking to build to a Justice League movie through their Man of Steel franchise, or Fox looking to bring their two disparate X-Men franchises together with Days of Future Past, the message seems to be the same: team-up movies are the new go-to.
The truth is, crossing over different properties in order to create big team-up movies is nothing new though. Universal was doing it with their popular monster characters all the way back in the 40s with things like 1943's Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, 1944's House of Frankenstein, or even the 1948 comedy Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. These movies took classic characters like Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's monster, kept the original actors who made them famous where possible, and threw them all together into one adventure that kept the properties fresh in ways that more solo films couldn't. It was a good strategy then, and The Avengers shows that it's still a good strategy now, so it's looking like Universal is getting ready to go back to it.
The truth is, crossing over different properties in order to create big team-up movies is nothing new though. Universal was doing it with their popular monster characters all the way back in the 40s with things like 1943's Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, 1944's House of Frankenstein, or even the 1948 comedy Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. These movies took classic characters like Dracula, the Wolf Man, and Frankenstein's monster, kept the original actors who made them famous where possible, and threw them all together into one adventure that kept the properties fresh in ways that more solo films couldn't. It was a good strategy then, and The Avengers shows that it's still a good strategy now, so it's looking like Universal is getting ready to go back to it.
Hellsing the animated series and more
"I know what you're thinking: "How did all this come about?" Well, it all started on a midnight stroll through the woods. The air was clear, the moon was full. I was dying to sink my teeth into something. Get it? Because I'm a vampire. You know a real fucking vampire! Muwahahahaha .it's funny." --Alucard from Hellsing Abridged.
So, if you couldn't figure it out from the introduction; tonight we are going to be discussing one of my top animes Hellsing: Original, Ultimate, manga, and abridged. Hellsing first started back in 1997 and continued on until 2009. There are 10 volumes to the manga, which are still in print and stock in a barnes and nobles near you. I have three volumes; 1, 3, and 10. There was also side stories and a prequel featuring Walter C. Dornez, who was the butler. SPOILERS! The butler did it. The entire plot is about Alucard (a.k.a. Dracula, before he worked for the Hellsing organization) fighting Nazis. Along the way we get to know his "apprentice" or Seras Victoria (a.k.a. Police Girl), Walter C. Dornez the retired vampire hunter (also the butler), and Integra Wingates Hellsing (bitch!) master of Alucard. I won't forget the silly french mercenaries, The wild Geese. They are hired after the 100 guards of Hellsing manner are turned into ghouls after a particular nasty raid done by the Valentine brothers. The captain and police girl have a thing, before he .well that's complicated, you gotta watch, episode 8 of Ultimate or read volume 8. See the original release of Hellsing was way before the manga series had finished. They were only going off about 3 books around this time. But Ultimate waited until the entire series was out and then the people that did the original remade Hellsing to match the manga. Which was way better. Trust me. In Ultimate there is better dialogue, animation, still got the great voice actors from before; however there are only 8 episodes in English so far. Which means there are episodes 9 and 10 left. That is not much. Though you can watch Hellsing: original and Hellsing: Ultimate all online either in English dub or sub. Only 2 episodes are left undone in English, so you should be able to finish them quickly. Ultimate only has 10 episodes, each one is based off one volume, so the shows are an hour+. Where as original is 13 episodes that are only 24 minutes long. I personally like hearing the anime in original Japanese, since they got some really great actors for the series. So, I suggest watching the English sub. Crispin Freeman does the voice of Alucard in both the original and Ultimate. He does a fine job. He's got a light accent so we are led to believe that Alucard's home land accent wears out over time, especially since he lives in England at this point, so he might be adding a new accent. Really, Crispin Freeman does excellent as this character.
So, if you couldn't figure it out from the introduction; tonight we are going to be discussing one of my top animes Hellsing: Original, Ultimate, manga, and abridged. Hellsing first started back in 1997 and continued on until 2009. There are 10 volumes to the manga, which are still in print and stock in a barnes and nobles near you. I have three volumes; 1, 3, and 10. There was also side stories and a prequel featuring Walter C. Dornez, who was the butler. SPOILERS! The butler did it. The entire plot is about Alucard (a.k.a. Dracula, before he worked for the Hellsing organization) fighting Nazis. Along the way we get to know his "apprentice" or Seras Victoria (a.k.a. Police Girl), Walter C. Dornez the retired vampire hunter (also the butler), and Integra Wingates Hellsing (bitch!) master of Alucard. I won't forget the silly french mercenaries, The wild Geese. They are hired after the 100 guards of Hellsing manner are turned into ghouls after a particular nasty raid done by the Valentine brothers. The captain and police girl have a thing, before he .well that's complicated, you gotta watch, episode 8 of Ultimate or read volume 8. See the original release of Hellsing was way before the manga series had finished. They were only going off about 3 books around this time. But Ultimate waited until the entire series was out and then the people that did the original remade Hellsing to match the manga. Which was way better. Trust me. In Ultimate there is better dialogue, animation, still got the great voice actors from before; however there are only 8 episodes in English so far. Which means there are episodes 9 and 10 left. That is not much. Though you can watch Hellsing: original and Hellsing: Ultimate all online either in English dub or sub. Only 2 episodes are left undone in English, so you should be able to finish them quickly. Ultimate only has 10 episodes, each one is based off one volume, so the shows are an hour+. Where as original is 13 episodes that are only 24 minutes long. I personally like hearing the anime in original Japanese, since they got some really great actors for the series. So, I suggest watching the English sub. Crispin Freeman does the voice of Alucard in both the original and Ultimate. He does a fine job. He's got a light accent so we are led to believe that Alucard's home land accent wears out over time, especially since he lives in England at this point, so he might be adding a new accent. Really, Crispin Freeman does excellent as this character.
Game Night Success!!
Apologies, but this particular journal entry will be a tad boring (hence how late I am in writing it).
What I did at SF:
What I did at SF:
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
October Horror Movie Update 10/15/13
NOW PLAYING
WEREWOLF OF LONDON: Atthrough October 14.Shows at 9:30 pm through Monday, October 14, with 3 pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13.
The Irish monster movie, GRABBERS, plays atin Vancouver, WA, through Tuesday, October 15.Shows at 7 and 9 pm on October 11, 12 and 14, at 8 pm on October 13 and at 9:15 on October 15.
WEREWOLF OF LONDON: Atthrough October 14.Shows at 9:30 pm through Monday, October 14, with 3 pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13.
The Irish monster movie, GRABBERS, plays atin Vancouver, WA, through Tuesday, October 15.Shows at 7 and 9 pm on October 11, 12 and 14, at 8 pm on October 13 and at 9:15 on October 15.
Monday, October 14, 2013
The Worst Of The Worst
I love villains. I love good villains: great villains: AWESOME villains. That's why I'll be posting villain related entries this month, it's a fitting subject for this scary season. That said, there are some villains I just dislike. As in, they really make me hate them not for being so good in their role as villains, but for being so DULL. I like bad guys to be as interesting, entertaining, and fleshed out characters as good guys. These are the antagonists I consider to be very weak, bland, boring, unenjoyable villains.
THESE FOUR DISNEY VILLAINS: Edgar from "The Aristocats", Madame Medusa from "The Rescuers", Rourke from "Atlantis: The Lost Empire", and Alimeda Slim from "Home On The Range." UsuallyDisney Villains, even the lamer ones like Prince John and Governer Ratcliffe, will have something about them that makes them entertaining. Not these four: they're total bores. Edgar's a greedy, bumbling, almost too polite and even sympathetic to be a bad guy Butler who never leaves a last impression at all. Medusa's a vain, temperamental, ugly witch whose "funny" moments are not at all funny and who is also motivated by petty greed. Speaking of, Rourke is also only in it for the money and his plan is particularly stupid because he wants to commit genocide against an entire lost civilization just so he can get richer off of the valuable relics than he already would be anyway for even freaking discovering the lost empire to begin with! His voice is well performed, but when he's revealed as the villain, his character becomes this smirking, sneering, joke cracking asshole who is just plain bland. And Slim is the worst. A stereotypical cartoon western outlaw with a talent for yodeling. Need I even elaborate? What a disgrace to Disney villains!
CARS VILLAINS: Of all the bad guys to appear in Pixar movies, these guys were the worst. Chick Hicks from the first "Cars" is basically a more jerkish version of the protagonist minus the character development. He's just some asshole who wants glory. Take away Michael Keaton as his voice and he's got nothing going for him at all. Even worse is Dr. Z and Miles Axelrod in the sequel. Z is a tired mad doctor cliche who lacks any threat or presence, and Miles is the equally cliched corrupt corporate executive who wants to extort money from others. LAME!
THESE FOUR DISNEY VILLAINS: Edgar from "The Aristocats", Madame Medusa from "The Rescuers", Rourke from "Atlantis: The Lost Empire", and Alimeda Slim from "Home On The Range." UsuallyDisney Villains, even the lamer ones like Prince John and Governer Ratcliffe, will have something about them that makes them entertaining. Not these four: they're total bores. Edgar's a greedy, bumbling, almost too polite and even sympathetic to be a bad guy Butler who never leaves a last impression at all. Medusa's a vain, temperamental, ugly witch whose "funny" moments are not at all funny and who is also motivated by petty greed. Speaking of, Rourke is also only in it for the money and his plan is particularly stupid because he wants to commit genocide against an entire lost civilization just so he can get richer off of the valuable relics than he already would be anyway for even freaking discovering the lost empire to begin with! His voice is well performed, but when he's revealed as the villain, his character becomes this smirking, sneering, joke cracking asshole who is just plain bland. And Slim is the worst. A stereotypical cartoon western outlaw with a talent for yodeling. Need I even elaborate? What a disgrace to Disney villains!
CARS VILLAINS: Of all the bad guys to appear in Pixar movies, these guys were the worst. Chick Hicks from the first "Cars" is basically a more jerkish version of the protagonist minus the character development. He's just some asshole who wants glory. Take away Michael Keaton as his voice and he's got nothing going for him at all. Even worse is Dr. Z and Miles Axelrod in the sequel. Z is a tired mad doctor cliche who lacks any threat or presence, and Miles is the equally cliched corrupt corporate executive who wants to extort money from others. LAME!
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Monster Mania Day 5: The Creature from The Black Lagoon 3-D
Written by Stu Cooper
Today I had the fortune of seeing one of my favorite Universal monster movies on the big screen! Not only that but I got to view the film in it's original 3-D glory. I actually didn't know until today that the film was originally shot in 3-D. I first saw the film on VHS as a kid, and have sense gotten it on DVD but have never had the opportunity to watch it in 3-D. The film "The Creature From The Black Lagoon" was released in 1957 and directed by Jack Arnold who had also directed a couple other monster movies, namely "Tarantula" and "It Came From Outer Space". The film was the first to ever shoot 3-D underwater, and to my knowledge one of the first films to shoot full fighting action sequences underwater. The "Gillman" character was played by Ben Chapman, and the underwater "Gillman" was played by Richou Browning. Browning actually had to hold his breath for up to 4 minutes during the underwater sequences because the suit did not have a place for an air-tank. This is truly remarkable considering the scenes and the depths that he was swimming down to. The designer of the Creature was a young woman by the name of Millicent Patrick. She unfortunately was blackballed in Hollywood soon after this film because make-up artist Bud Westmore wanted all the credit. An unfortunate case of sexism in Hollywood.
Today I had the fortune of seeing one of my favorite Universal monster movies on the big screen! Not only that but I got to view the film in it's original 3-D glory. I actually didn't know until today that the film was originally shot in 3-D. I first saw the film on VHS as a kid, and have sense gotten it on DVD but have never had the opportunity to watch it in 3-D. The film "The Creature From The Black Lagoon" was released in 1957 and directed by Jack Arnold who had also directed a couple other monster movies, namely "Tarantula" and "It Came From Outer Space". The film was the first to ever shoot 3-D underwater, and to my knowledge one of the first films to shoot full fighting action sequences underwater. The "Gillman" character was played by Ben Chapman, and the underwater "Gillman" was played by Richou Browning. Browning actually had to hold his breath for up to 4 minutes during the underwater sequences because the suit did not have a place for an air-tank. This is truly remarkable considering the scenes and the depths that he was swimming down to. The designer of the Creature was a young woman by the name of Millicent Patrick. She unfortunately was blackballed in Hollywood soon after this film because make-up artist Bud Westmore wanted all the credit. An unfortunate case of sexism in Hollywood.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
10 Android Games I Really Like #1
Yes, I'm a gamer. Yes, I have both a smartphone and a tablet. And these both happen to be Androids. Although... I must make clear that this is not saying that Android is better than iOS or vice-versa. It's simply that I've had an Android device for so long that it would be like starting over if I were to switch. I tend to think that 75% of users of Android or iOS feel the same way about their given system and stick with it because they've invested so much into them.
So, with that out of the way, let me run down the ten Android games I currently play and why.
So, with that out of the way, let me run down the ten Android games I currently play and why.
Friday, October 11, 2013
October Horror Movie Update: 10/10 /13
Oh, they are piling up fast here in Portland and around the Pacific Northwest.These updates will be a list of the movies playing in the area, followed by the theater, dates and time of screenings.Additional information will be located after showtimes.Links to the theaters will be provided.
I will update the the Horror Calendar ASAP, to provide trailers and additional information on the film.Also, I will do my best to provide separate posts for each film within 24 hours of the screening.
I'm sure more movies are coming, so be sure to keep watching The Shadow Over Portland!I'll update each time I get information on a new screening and mark it with the NEW LISTING! icon.
I will update the the Horror Calendar ASAP, to provide trailers and additional information on the film.Also, I will do my best to provide separate posts for each film within 24 hours of the screening.
I'm sure more movies are coming, so be sure to keep watching The Shadow Over Portland!I'll update each time I get information on a new screening and mark it with the NEW LISTING! icon.
Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon (Burakku Rag n?) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Rei Hiroe. It has been published in Shogakukan's Monthly Sunday Gene-X since 2002, and nine collected volumes have been released so far. It was later adapted into an anime television series, by Madhouse, that aired from April to June 2006 for twelve episodes. A second season, subtitled "The Second Barrage", ran for twelve weeks starting on October 2, 2006. A five volume original video animation series, titled Roberta's Blood Trail, was released from July 2010 to June 2011.Viz Media began releasing an English translation of the manga in North America on August 12, 2008. Madman Entertainment licensed the anime in Australasia and the United Kingdom. The anime was dubbed and originally licensed in English by Geneon Entertainment, now licensed by Funimation Entertainment, in North America. Funimation later licensed the OVA, which also was licensed by Kazin the UK, for release in Spring 2013.From Wikipedia
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Classic Monsters take over Portland as the Halloween season gets into full swing!
Okay, the classic monsters are taking a bite out of Portland, but we still have some modern monsters and slashers showing up to keep things interesting.So here are the films you can catch this week in local theaters.
Friday, October 11 is FULL OF CREATURES OF THE NIGHT!Starting with my favorite Universal monster atin 3D!Yes, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON will be shown, in glorious 35mm, and you DO NOT want to miss this.Showtimes are 12:30, 5 and 9:30 pm Friday through Sunday, October 11 to 13, and 5 and 9:30 pm Monday through Thursday, October 14 to 17.Don't know when I'll be there, but if you attend, look for the big bald guy in the Utilikilt and say hi.
Friday, October 11 is FULL OF CREATURES OF THE NIGHT!Starting with my favorite Universal monster atin 3D!Yes, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON will be shown, in glorious 35mm, and you DO NOT want to miss this.Showtimes are 12:30, 5 and 9:30 pm Friday through Sunday, October 11 to 13, and 5 and 9:30 pm Monday through Thursday, October 14 to 17.Don't know when I'll be there, but if you attend, look for the big bald guy in the Utilikilt and say hi.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Heroes on the (Haunted) Half-Shell
Tonight another trip back 20 years to 1993 and the release of Playmates' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles -- Universal Studios Monsters editions...
Standing menacingly above are 3 of the first series figures (released in 1993) and two of the second series (from 1994).From left to right (ours, not theirs!) we have: Don as DraculaInvisible Man MichelangeloRaph as The MummyCreature from the Black Lagoon LeonardoMike as Frankenstein (technically incorrect since he is Frankenstein's Monster -- oy, I sound like Ted Mosby!) Missing from this Monster Party are: Leo as The Wolfman -- I know I had Leo.I remember buying all four of the first series figures in an impulse buy at Walmart (which was brand new here in Northern Virginia in 1993).I suspect Leo may still be residing in his blister pack with the other empty packages in the tinder-box that is the attic over the garage. Mutant Raphael -- From the 2nd series... I didn't buy him, because I didn't consider him a "true" Universal Monster, even though he was branded that way. And finally, still encased in her plastic tomb:April O'Neil as The Bride of Frankenstein! I originally had another April Bride that was removed from the package.I always tried to carefully remove action figures from their packages so that the boys could play with them -- it was too cruel to just keep everything up for display with young boys in the house.I then put the empty blister packs (typically still containing the accessories and in this case, collector cards) in cardboard boxes, that are now stacked in the garage and attic. But, like many a figure back then, April went missing at some point.Alex was typically the culprit, especially when it came to the female figures.April disappeared just like Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Phantasm from Batman: Mask of the Phantasm -- he always had the knack for losing the most rare ones! So, a few years ago, I came across this April in her original package for only $5.00 so it was a no-brainer. Here's April's cardback from 1994.You'll notice by this time, the original first four monster figures had already been removed from the assortment.That seems odd to me, since I would think that by releasing these 2nd tier monsters would only encourage kids to look for the originals to complete the set. I will probably take April out of her package once there are grandchildren running about the place.But that will be awhile, and regardless, she will have to be off-limits to Alex!
Standing menacingly above are 3 of the first series figures (released in 1993) and two of the second series (from 1994).From left to right (ours, not theirs!) we have: Don as DraculaInvisible Man MichelangeloRaph as The MummyCreature from the Black Lagoon LeonardoMike as Frankenstein (technically incorrect since he is Frankenstein's Monster -- oy, I sound like Ted Mosby!) Missing from this Monster Party are: Leo as The Wolfman -- I know I had Leo.I remember buying all four of the first series figures in an impulse buy at Walmart (which was brand new here in Northern Virginia in 1993).I suspect Leo may still be residing in his blister pack with the other empty packages in the tinder-box that is the attic over the garage. Mutant Raphael -- From the 2nd series... I didn't buy him, because I didn't consider him a "true" Universal Monster, even though he was branded that way. And finally, still encased in her plastic tomb:April O'Neil as The Bride of Frankenstein! I originally had another April Bride that was removed from the package.I always tried to carefully remove action figures from their packages so that the boys could play with them -- it was too cruel to just keep everything up for display with young boys in the house.I then put the empty blister packs (typically still containing the accessories and in this case, collector cards) in cardboard boxes, that are now stacked in the garage and attic. But, like many a figure back then, April went missing at some point.Alex was typically the culprit, especially when it came to the female figures.April disappeared just like Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Phantasm from Batman: Mask of the Phantasm -- he always had the knack for losing the most rare ones! So, a few years ago, I came across this April in her original package for only $5.00 so it was a no-brainer. Here's April's cardback from 1994.You'll notice by this time, the original first four monster figures had already been removed from the assortment.That seems odd to me, since I would think that by releasing these 2nd tier monsters would only encourage kids to look for the originals to complete the set. I will probably take April out of her package once there are grandchildren running about the place.But that will be awhile, and regardless, she will have to be off-limits to Alex!
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
The Future Diary
The Future Diary is licensed by Madman Entertainment, Funimation and Kaze UK.
One thing that horror fiction needs is a good motif. A common one over the years is humanities use of technology.
One thing that horror fiction needs is a good motif. A common one over the years is humanities use of technology.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Top 10 Classic Horror Movie Monsters: The creatures that started it all.
I've decided for Halloween, to count down the top 10 monsters and villains from classic horror and thriller films. Criteria: When I say "classic", I mean anything from the 1920's-1950's.
10. Gill-Man/The Creature from The Creature from the Black Lagoon: This amphibian/reptile humanoid mostly stays in the waters of the Amazon. The last character to be part of the classic Universal monsters, he is a mix of classic horror and the "Atomic Age" (the term used to describe horror movies of the 50's, which exploited audience's fears of nuclear disaster). He only appeared in 3 films, and is low on the list because he is not as influential as the other monsters on this list, and doesn't do that much in the films he's in.
10. Gill-Man/The Creature from The Creature from the Black Lagoon: This amphibian/reptile humanoid mostly stays in the waters of the Amazon. The last character to be part of the classic Universal monsters, he is a mix of classic horror and the "Atomic Age" (the term used to describe horror movies of the 50's, which exploited audience's fears of nuclear disaster). He only appeared in 3 films, and is low on the list because he is not as influential as the other monsters on this list, and doesn't do that much in the films he's in.
Friday, October 4, 2013
Guillermo del Toro's 'Simpsons' couch gag pays homage to horror
Guillermo del Toro's couch gag for "The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror XXIV" is nothing less than a love letter to the horror genre.
Del Toro directed the show's trademark opening sequence for this year's Halloween special, and he pays homage to more horror franchises than we could count. Among the references in the opening, which runs just under three minutes, are tributes to Alfred Hitchcock, H. P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe and more.
Del Toro directed the show's trademark opening sequence for this year's Halloween special, and he pays homage to more horror franchises than we could count. Among the references in the opening, which runs just under three minutes, are tributes to Alfred Hitchcock, H. P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe and more.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Autumn 2013 Anime Preview
I'm back bitches~!I have been back in the warm embrace of my PC & wonderful internet connection for three weeks now - it's been a strange experience.For a start Ireland feels bloody tiny, but the crap public transport means that I am sorely missing not having a car.I am pretty much bankrupt thanks to my trip (which was loads of fun) so had a frantic first week home of job searching.Thankfully I got a temporary 2 month contract to tide me over for a while .which meant very little time being a NEET and catching up on things.
Being the obsessive fan I am, I did manage to keep up with a choice selection of shows from the seasons I was AWOL, but still have a lengthy list of things I want to check out - will get round to them eventually.But anyhoo, you're here for the Autumn Preview, so lets get cracking! (Can't tell you how much I missed doing these things - exhausting, but satisfying~!)
Being the obsessive fan I am, I did manage to keep up with a choice selection of shows from the seasons I was AWOL, but still have a lengthy list of things I want to check out - will get round to them eventually.But anyhoo, you're here for the Autumn Preview, so lets get cracking! (Can't tell you how much I missed doing these things - exhausting, but satisfying~!)
Chills, Thrills, and Riffs: Pittsburgh Does Halloween 2013
Limited releases can wait til November. Instead, Pittsburgh movie theaters are counting down to Halloween with plenty of horror films and holiday happenings.
21 NIGHTS OF FRIGHT - Oaks Theater
21 NIGHTS OF FRIGHT - Oaks Theater
Sunday, September 29, 2013
BBTS Sponsor News: Transformers Generations, Figuarts, Marvel Wall Decals, Sideshow, 3P & More
NEW PRE-ORDERS
TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS 2013 VOYAGER SERIES 05 CASE, SET, SINGLE
TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS 2013 VOYAGER SERIES 05 CASE, SET, SINGLE
Pacific Rim, Transformers Generations, Figuarts, Marvel Wall Decals, Sideshow, 3P & More at BBTS
POE'S PICK OF THE WEEK >
Re-enact the epic battles between monsters and mechs from Pacific Rim! When an alien attack threatens the Earth's existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.
Re-enact the epic battles between monsters and mechs from Pacific Rim! When an alien attack threatens the Earth's existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.
Saturday, September 28, 2013
MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT NO. 32
When I received my review copy of MONSTERS FROM THE VAULT #32 in the mail, I was both happy and sad. Happy, because here was another issue of my favorite "indie" horror 'zine (non-professional is a very wrong term to use, "semi" almost as bad, and "non-commercial" is too far afield for a fair comparison), and sad because Editor/Publisher Jim Clatterbaugh again discusses his exit plan for the probable ending of the magazine in its current incarnation over the next few issues. He revealed his desire to cease publishing in issue #31, but in this issue it sounds like he means it.
Believe me, I get it. I published several low print run 'zines in the 1990's, and when I think of the work that went into each one of them, I can't imagine the hours that Jim puts in on a single issue. Designing the magazine was the easy part -- my biggest frustration was getting the type of manuscripts that I called for in the writer's guidelines. Sounds like an easy thing to ask for, but it was obvious that 90 percent of the paper that was sent to me that ended up directly in the recycle can was a result of the writer submitting it on the proverbial wing-and-a-prayer.
Believe me, I get it. I published several low print run 'zines in the 1990's, and when I think of the work that went into each one of them, I can't imagine the hours that Jim puts in on a single issue. Designing the magazine was the easy part -- my biggest frustration was getting the type of manuscripts that I called for in the writer's guidelines. Sounds like an easy thing to ask for, but it was obvious that 90 percent of the paper that was sent to me that ended up directly in the recycle can was a result of the writer submitting it on the proverbial wing-and-a-prayer.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
THE CREATURE WALKS AMONG US
The Universal Monsters are almost as ubiquitous today as they were 70 years ago when they first appeared on the silver screen. Built on the stirring performances of Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Lon Chaney Jr the Universal Monsters are now cultural icons. The Wolf Man, Frankenstein's Monster, The Invisible Man, The Mummy, Dracula and The Creature from the Black Lagoon all appear regularly in pop culture. The monsters are more beloved now than they've ever been.
Most people Remember the big three Dracula, Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster. They're without a doubt the majors. They're the big guns. However, the B-list of the Universal Monsters are just as impressive. Mummy, Invisible Man, and Creature From the Black Lagoon all had their own feature film franchises. The last of the monsters to appear was the Creature in his 1954 first appearance The Creature from the Black Lagoon. This film, originally filmed in 3-D was a massive success. It captured the imagination of the entire nation despite having been produced almost solely to exploit the new 'movie gimmick' of 3-D. The film was quickly followed by a sequel The Revenge of the Creature in 1955. The sequel didn't do as well as the original but still managed to make a decent amount of money. By 1956 Universal was panicking. They felt that their monster franchises were dying and began creating 'monster rally' films Such as Frankenstein Vs The Wolf Man and House of Frankenstein.
Most people Remember the big three Dracula, Wolf Man and Frankenstein's Monster. They're without a doubt the majors. They're the big guns. However, the B-list of the Universal Monsters are just as impressive. Mummy, Invisible Man, and Creature From the Black Lagoon all had their own feature film franchises. The last of the monsters to appear was the Creature in his 1954 first appearance The Creature from the Black Lagoon. This film, originally filmed in 3-D was a massive success. It captured the imagination of the entire nation despite having been produced almost solely to exploit the new 'movie gimmick' of 3-D. The film was quickly followed by a sequel The Revenge of the Creature in 1955. The sequel didn't do as well as the original but still managed to make a decent amount of money. By 1956 Universal was panicking. They felt that their monster franchises were dying and began creating 'monster rally' films Such as Frankenstein Vs The Wolf Man and House of Frankenstein.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Goo ranks the best characters in anime and manga that you would want to call big brother
In Japan, big brothers are often called "aniki", but that term ain't just for guys who are actually elder brothers but also for the strong, powerful and wise people you would really want to call "big brother".These strong, manly characters would definitely make you want to serve them whether in a group or as actual elder brothers.
is no short of these characters and Japanese media website ranks the 25 best anime characters you would want to call "aniki" or big brother. Here are their results:
is no short of these characters and Japanese media website ranks the 25 best anime characters you would want to call "aniki" or big brother. Here are their results:
A Burger King Halloween
SEPTEMBER 20, 2013 -- I spent four Halloweens in Florida. They were relatively uneventful ones, as I'd yet to come into my Halloween own and was in somewhat constrained circumstances at the time. Mostly, the extent of my Halloween back then was going to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights every year.
But there was that one I-guess-Florida-still-calls-it-Fall where I bought a lot of Kids Meals from Burger King.
But there was that one I-guess-Florida-still-calls-it-Fall where I bought a lot of Kids Meals from Burger King.
Monday, September 23, 2013
2013-09-22
- Games: [Devil Survivor 2,SMT Strange Journey]
- Anime: [OreShura, Sukunai, Sukunai Next, Robotics Notes, Kokoro Connect, Kotoura-San, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun,Oreimo S2, Hataraku Maou-sama, Yahari Ore no Seishun, Devil Survivor 2, Valvrave the Liberator,Mirai Nikki, Aku No Hana, Suisei no Gargantia, Neko Stone Cat, Accel World]
- Manga: [Kimi No Iru Machi (caught up with the series), Gantz ]
- Anime: [OreShura, Sukunai, Sukunai Next, Robotics Notes, Kokoro Connect, Kotoura-San, Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun,Oreimo S2, Hataraku Maou-sama, Yahari Ore no Seishun, Devil Survivor 2, Valvrave the Liberator,Mirai Nikki, Aku No Hana, Suisei no Gargantia, Neko Stone Cat, Accel World]
- Manga: [Kimi No Iru Machi (caught up with the series), Gantz ]
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Please Sir....May I Have Some More?
HEY!Here's a switch!Something new and original!I'm gonna talk about movies!
It was inevitable.With the advent of such new and exciting technology in film making, Hollywood is taking out and dusting off a plethora of proven cash cows.Trouble is, not every movie deserves or NEEDS a sequel!Recent history has proven that. Let's look at the examples of Star Wars 1,2 and 3.The sheer eye candy value was not enough to elevate this skat of a script.Two, count 'em TWO actors portraying Aniken Skywalker (AKA Vader) who couldn't act their way out of a wet paper sack, and a plot line shifting somewhere between episode 1 and 2 that incorporated a thinly veiled slam at the Republican turmoil in our own administration at the time (not that there is anything wrong with politician bashing) starring Emperor Bush, Darth Cheney and Jar Jar Powell.And now we will be subjected to Star Wars Episode 7!Although honestly, I'll hold negative word on that one!After Disney acquired LucasFilms they put all their weight behind the project, putting JJ Abrahms at the helm.This could be very good if for nothing else the absence of George Lucas.Yes, he was the heart behind the original but he should have handed over the reigns a long time ago.Also, the rumors swirling around that some if not most of the original cast may reprise their roles in some way is enticement enough for me to go see it!Another example would have to be Indiana Jones 4.Ancient aliens? Crystal Skulls? and a fine actor, but a little past his prime in the lead?It had it's moments and was a bit of nostalgia to watch, but if not for that I would have given it a pass.It is definitely a DVD in our collection that has only enjoyed one play!
So here, with much chagrin is a partial list of some of the upcoming or in-the-works projects that should just be shelved!
It was inevitable.With the advent of such new and exciting technology in film making, Hollywood is taking out and dusting off a plethora of proven cash cows.Trouble is, not every movie deserves or NEEDS a sequel!Recent history has proven that. Let's look at the examples of Star Wars 1,2 and 3.The sheer eye candy value was not enough to elevate this skat of a script.Two, count 'em TWO actors portraying Aniken Skywalker (AKA Vader) who couldn't act their way out of a wet paper sack, and a plot line shifting somewhere between episode 1 and 2 that incorporated a thinly veiled slam at the Republican turmoil in our own administration at the time (not that there is anything wrong with politician bashing) starring Emperor Bush, Darth Cheney and Jar Jar Powell.And now we will be subjected to Star Wars Episode 7!Although honestly, I'll hold negative word on that one!After Disney acquired LucasFilms they put all their weight behind the project, putting JJ Abrahms at the helm.This could be very good if for nothing else the absence of George Lucas.Yes, he was the heart behind the original but he should have handed over the reigns a long time ago.Also, the rumors swirling around that some if not most of the original cast may reprise their roles in some way is enticement enough for me to go see it!Another example would have to be Indiana Jones 4.Ancient aliens? Crystal Skulls? and a fine actor, but a little past his prime in the lead?It had it's moments and was a bit of nostalgia to watch, but if not for that I would have given it a pass.It is definitely a DVD in our collection that has only enjoyed one play!
So here, with much chagrin is a partial list of some of the upcoming or in-the-works projects that should just be shelved!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Saturday the 14th
Horror spoofs are pretty common nowadays -- 2013 started out with Scary Movie V and A Haunted House -- but they are by no means new. When Universal started their series of monster movies, it wasn't long before Abbott and Costello started running into the monsters and mixing comedy with the creatures. And even when the horror movies got bloodier, the spoofs kept coming. The late 1970s and 1980s were a peak period for horror films, and so it should come as no surprise that there were a fair number of spoofs as well. Saturday the 14th takes an obvious riff on a horror film title, and was released in 1981, just a year after the original Friday the 13th.
The film has an interesting pedigree. It was produced by Julie Corman, whose last name should be familiar to any horror aficionado -- yes, she's the wife of Roger Corman, who produced and directed an unfathomable number of horror films of various levels of seriousness. It was the first film directed by Howard R. Cohen, but he came by the genre honestly, as he was also a screenwriter and besides this film, he had previously written a few b-movie horror films himself. Amusingly, his filmography as a writer includes both Vampire Hookers and Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer. Now that's range for you.
The film has an interesting pedigree. It was produced by Julie Corman, whose last name should be familiar to any horror aficionado -- yes, she's the wife of Roger Corman, who produced and directed an unfathomable number of horror films of various levels of seriousness. It was the first film directed by Howard R. Cohen, but he came by the genre honestly, as he was also a screenwriter and besides this film, he had previously written a few b-movie horror films himself. Amusingly, his filmography as a writer includes both Vampire Hookers and Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer. Now that's range for you.
Catch Barbara Eden and other TV faves at appearances in the coming weeks
There sure are a load of celeb book signings and appearances coming up, and they include some great stars of classic TV like Barbara Eden of "Dallas" and "I Dream of Jeannie." Thanks to James for passing this along!
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA legend, signing copies of
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, NBA legend, signing copies of
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Monday Meanderings
We joined much of the clan at the Lake Cabin over Labor Day. More about that on Wednesday. We must have been really, really zonked after the trip. We went to bed early, and during the night Barb got up and noticed a couple of red lights, seemingly in the neighbor's back yard. She was puzzled about that, but it was the middle of the night and she came back to bed. The next morning she checked the neighbor's yard and didn't see any crop circles or other evidence of alien invaders, so we set out on our errands, only to find that a short block over, a house had burned to the ground during the night and we slept through the whole thing!
Just down the coast from Carmel is Point Lobos, a California State Reserve. It is a remarkable area of seashore and headlands, home to seals, sea lions, sea otters, birds and, seasonally,migrating gray whales. It is also a favorite area for divers and underwater exploration. The area used to be the home of a turn-of -the-century whaling and abalone industry and a small cabin built by Chinese fishermen from that era still remains at Whalers Cove.
Just down the coast from Carmel is Point Lobos, a California State Reserve. It is a remarkable area of seashore and headlands, home to seals, sea lions, sea otters, birds and, seasonally,migrating gray whales. It is also a favorite area for divers and underwater exploration. The area used to be the home of a turn-of -the-century whaling and abalone industry and a small cabin built by Chinese fishermen from that era still remains at Whalers Cove.
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Brian Terrill's 100 Film Favorites
100 Film Favorites - #21: Back to the Future Part III
(Robert Zemeckis, 1990)
(Robert Zemeckis, 1990)
Sunday, September 15, 2013
kangarooin' it.
i remember reading an article back in some french class about 'la generation kangarou'-the kangaroo generation, so called because of the necessity (er, at least, the occurrence) of kids having to move back in with their parents.
well I am no exception! SURPRISE!!! GUESS WHO'S BACK M&D!?!as my mother once wrote on a picture i was tagged in on facebook: "a face only a mother could love and she does!"
well I am no exception! SURPRISE!!! GUESS WHO'S BACK M&D!?!as my mother once wrote on a picture i was tagged in on facebook: "a face only a mother could love and she does!"
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
World 3-D Film Expo: "House Of Wax"
For the third year running, the WORLD 3-D FILM EXPO has come to Hollywood, with 35 screenings of rare, classic 3-D prints spread out over two weeks at the resplendently restored and iconic Grauman's Egyptian Theater.
This year, audiences are treated to a stellar lineup that includes HOUSE OF WAX, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, REVENGE OF THE CREATURE, JAWS 3-D, WINGS OF THE HAWK, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, THE MAD MAGICIAN, ROBOT MONSTER, HONDO, and many more.
This year, audiences are treated to a stellar lineup that includes HOUSE OF WAX, CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, REVENGE OF THE CREATURE, JAWS 3-D, WINGS OF THE HAWK, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE, THE MAD MAGICIAN, ROBOT MONSTER, HONDO, and many more.
World 3-D Film Expo: "Creature From The Black Lagoon" & "Jaws 3-D"
After opening day of the World 3-D Film Expo III at the Sid Grauman Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, where two diverse hits from 1953 where aired, HONDO and HOUSE OF WAX, the next day brought with it the blockbuster outing of the entire festival. Especially for monster kids.
Following THE MAZE and BWANA DEVIL, Saturday brought us Jack Arnold's CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON on the big screen, in 3-D, how it was intended to be seen, with star Julie Adams (aka Kay Lawrence, the luminescent bombshell in the classic white swimsuit) in attendance for a Q&A after the show. It doesn't get much better than that.
Following THE MAZE and BWANA DEVIL, Saturday brought us Jack Arnold's CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON on the big screen, in 3-D, how it was intended to be seen, with star Julie Adams (aka Kay Lawrence, the luminescent bombshell in the classic white swimsuit) in attendance for a Q&A after the show. It doesn't get much better than that.
Syria covert op: they had to dump Hillary and bring in Kerry
Syria covert op: They had to dump Hillary and bring in KerrySeptember 7, 2013
Pushed and prodded by John Kerry-Heinz, the zombie from the Black Lagoon, the European Union has agreed to look carefully at the upcoming UN inspectors' report on chemical weapons.
Pushed and prodded by John Kerry-Heinz, the zombie from the Black Lagoon, the European Union has agreed to look carefully at the upcoming UN inspectors' report on chemical weapons.
Monday, September 9, 2013
INTERVIEW WITH JULIE ADAMS, UNIVERSAL'S QUEEN OF THE WEST, AT 3-D EXPO!
Van Heflina stunning beauty with a sultry voice that could portray sincerity or scheming, she always portrayed intelligence.She was the thinking man's western beauty, and her characters were rarely the type who just reloaded while her man fired out of the cabin window.In at least fifteen Western features and dozens of Western TV episodes, she played the sort of strong three-dimensional women that previously only Barbara Stanwyck got to play - and sometimes she played them withBarbara Stanwyck!
And speaking of three-dimensional characters, she starred in two 3D movies, both of which are being featured in the WORLD 3D FILM EXPO III, which opened on Friday night at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, and will run for ten days.CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON played on Saturday night, and on this Friday afternoon at 3:30 pm, WINGS OF THE HAWK will be shown.This Budd Beotticher-directed classic is rarely seen in any version, and it's been years since it played in 3D.Miss Adams, who stars with Van Heflin in the film, will attend, and take part in a Qhe was wonderful.A very nice fellow, extremely polished in the western genre.
And speaking of three-dimensional characters, she starred in two 3D movies, both of which are being featured in the WORLD 3D FILM EXPO III, which opened on Friday night at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, and will run for ten days.CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON played on Saturday night, and on this Friday afternoon at 3:30 pm, WINGS OF THE HAWK will be shown.This Budd Beotticher-directed classic is rarely seen in any version, and it's been years since it played in 3D.Miss Adams, who stars with Van Heflin in the film, will attend, and take part in a Qhe was wonderful.A very nice fellow, extremely polished in the western genre.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Back on the sidelines
After what has been a fairly long, fairly tough week, came the start of Goldie's football season and the prospect of many months of standing on exposed fields week after week, watching a game I struggle to understand while my back aches and my feet freeze. Being a good way along the scale towards total introversion means that the social element of talking to other parents is also something that eats energy. I feel guilty about it, and I believe that if I was a better mother I would be embracing the many positives of my boys involvement , but my response to the first league game of the season was something close to despair yesterday morning.
But in fact it's been a good weekend. Snake has a piece of sculpture in an exhibition, and we went along to the private view, and then for a meal with friends. Me and Goldie went cray fishing and river swimming (him, not me) with a big group of women and children and dogs. We spent Sunday afternoon with La and some friends of hers who are visiting, starting with tea and chocolate cake, and then going to the poshest hotel in town and drinking cocktails while practicing yoga moves between the antique furniture and discussing ideas for a Creatures From the Black Lagoon themed wedding.
But in fact it's been a good weekend. Snake has a piece of sculpture in an exhibition, and we went along to the private view, and then for a meal with friends. Me and Goldie went cray fishing and river swimming (him, not me) with a big group of women and children and dogs. We spent Sunday afternoon with La and some friends of hers who are visiting, starting with tea and chocolate cake, and then going to the poshest hotel in town and drinking cocktails while practicing yoga moves between the antique furniture and discussing ideas for a Creatures From the Black Lagoon themed wedding.
The Anime Music Tournament 2013 Bracket Ichijou
The Ichijou Festival commenced already here, with the already closed, and this pretty much done with one day to go. That being said, this was an interesting bracket after the last few brackets that have been pretty strong. And by interesting, also in the sense that I haven't heard several of these songs before now.
BIR1P1
BIR1P1
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
6. Notes on Anime
1.Who says anime is just for kids?There are series out there on the market that are most DEFINATELY *not* for kids.
2. Don't settle for what broadcast television shows over here, whether it be Funimation, Adult Swim, or the like.Look on Netflix, look on CrunchyRoll .com, look on forums for things that might interest you.
2. Don't settle for what broadcast television shows over here, whether it be Funimation, Adult Swim, or the like.Look on Netflix, look on CrunchyRoll .com, look on forums for things that might interest you.
Underrated Film Series
Well, it's about that time of year folks. Time when my thoughts and fancies drift towards the macabre side of cinema. This is a series I've , but who among us can get enough of horror movie lists? Certainly not me. I realize it's only September, but I plan to run this series all through this month right up to Halloween. I personally need a big ramp up when it comes to Halloween and horror movies. I start watching them at the end of the summer and carry on past Thanksgiving sometimes. Heck, I watch horror year-round, but I certainly get more fixated on horror movies around this time of the year. Horror was one of my first darlings as far as movie genres go. It was the kind of movie I was most into in high school and most often rented on VHS. Horror movies for me were a kind of gateway into loving movies in general and they will always have a special place for me.
With this list, I tried to run the gamut a bit with a range of older stuff. thriller-y stuff, animals attack(a genre very close to my heart), some classic films and straight horror. Hopefully you enjoy this list and keep watching Rupert Pupkin Speaks for more horror recommends in the next few months!
With this list, I tried to run the gamut a bit with a range of older stuff. thriller-y stuff, animals attack(a genre very close to my heart), some classic films and straight horror. Hopefully you enjoy this list and keep watching Rupert Pupkin Speaks for more horror recommends in the next few months!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
The Creature From The Black Lagoon (GOMA: Monsters)
Another classic that holds up to the tests of time.
A scientist discovers a fossilised hand in a cliff-face of a here-to-fore unknown species of animal. He organises a research team to investigate, and their investigations lead them down-river to a lagoon, the titular so-called Black Lagoon. They get menaced by this strange creature, who seems to develop a fascination for the female member of the team.
So this film shows it's age a little bit with the script and dialogue, and also the way women are treated. But the story holds up, and the film itself is pretty good. There was a great camera move at the start that feels like it inspired Speilberg in Raiders Of The Lost Ark, but I may not be remembering that scene so well. But it wasn't static camera work, is what I'm saying, and the underwater shots were pretty good too.
A scientist discovers a fossilised hand in a cliff-face of a here-to-fore unknown species of animal. He organises a research team to investigate, and their investigations lead them down-river to a lagoon, the titular so-called Black Lagoon. They get menaced by this strange creature, who seems to develop a fascination for the female member of the team.
So this film shows it's age a little bit with the script and dialogue, and also the way women are treated. But the story holds up, and the film itself is pretty good. There was a great camera move at the start that feels like it inspired Speilberg in Raiders Of The Lost Ark, but I may not be remembering that scene so well. But it wasn't static camera work, is what I'm saying, and the underwater shots were pretty good too.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
SLO FILM FESTIVAL FEATURES 'MONSTER OF PIEDRAS BLANCAS'
On Tuesday, the topic of my post was the mask of the Piedras Blancas monster. Coincidentally, I discovered on the SLO Tribune webpage that this fall the North Coast (where MONSTER OF PIEDRAS BLANCAS was filmed) will be hosting the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.
The article following is a reprint from the paper that includes a story previously published in 2002, when the film was locally screened.
The article following is a reprint from the paper that includes a story previously published in 2002, when the film was locally screened.
Friday, August 30, 2013
BLOG -- Fan Expo Canada 2013
*Sniffle* I'm soooo sad... not just because I want Fan Expo to come back... but because I somehow lost all my blogging progress about Fan Expo... I woke up at 6 AM yesterday, determined to finish my blog. All I did was press "Enter" to create a new blank line... then I pressed "Backspace", and it erased my entire blog... I pressed the "undo" button as far as I could, but to no avail. I exited the page, hoping that it didn't automatically save, but it did... ... I only had Sunday left to cover and I would have been done!! Now I have to start over. You have no idea how much I want to cry right now... :(
Anyway... I had a lot of fun at Fan Expo this year. I attended some really neat and useful panels, and I saw some awesome cosplay and cool promotions (I think some companies are catching on that marketing creatively is key in conventions). I also had a "one-sided convention crush" (first time!), but I'll talk about that at the end of the blog, since it's more of a personal experience than anything.
Anyway... I had a lot of fun at Fan Expo this year. I attended some really neat and useful panels, and I saw some awesome cosplay and cool promotions (I think some companies are catching on that marketing creatively is key in conventions). I also had a "one-sided convention crush" (first time!), but I'll talk about that at the end of the blog, since it's more of a personal experience than anything.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
[Toys] Mezco's Super Cool 'The Creature From The Black Lagoon' Figure
Mezco's award-winning design team journeyed deep into the unexplored depths of the Amazon jungle searching for fossils instead they discovered "THE CREATURE"! Mezco Toyz brings to life "The Creature," from Universal's sci-fi, horror gem, THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON.
"This Creature" variant is cast in Translucent Green material.
"This Creature" variant is cast in Translucent Green material.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
William Castle in Duo-Vision! The Spirit is Willing and ZOTZ!
THIS POST IS PART OF THE WILLIAM CASTLE BLOGATHON, HOSTED BY AND GOREGIRL'S DUNGEON, RUNNING FROM JULY 29TH THROUGH AUGUST 2ND, 2013!ENJOY!
With all the horror and suspense in William Castle's filmography, we of thought it'd be neat to feature two of the gimmick-meister's comedy turns for the Blogathon--especially, as Vinnie so sagely pointed, out: "Mr. Sardonicus is probably already taken."
With all the horror and suspense in William Castle's filmography, we of thought it'd be neat to feature two of the gimmick-meister's comedy turns for the Blogathon--especially, as Vinnie so sagely pointed, out: "Mr. Sardonicus is probably already taken."
Monday, August 26, 2013
Matt's Week in Dork! (7/21/13-7/27/13)
A slow start, but a nice finish.Good week.
Red 2:Not quite as cute or charming as the first film, this sequel still dishes out morbid humor and silly action aplenty.Everyone seems to be having a good time, and they sure go to a lot of nice places.But the tension never quite ratchets up, and the plot feels a bit too meandering.Still, not a bad sequel and worth watching if you enjoyed the first film.
Red 2:Not quite as cute or charming as the first film, this sequel still dishes out morbid humor and silly action aplenty.Everyone seems to be having a good time, and they sure go to a lot of nice places.But the tension never quite ratchets up, and the plot feels a bit too meandering.Still, not a bad sequel and worth watching if you enjoyed the first film.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
When the West Was Dead Part 1: Dead West
Greeting boils and goils, creeps and creatures of the night, welcome to the first installment of a series I once had an idea for but never saw to fruition. When the West goes dead basically, the first installment comes complete with an interview with author and writer Rick Spears.
Welcome to Lazarus, a small blooming town in the Old West. Don't expect to live long if you visit it though, the town's under a curse. "In this town nothing stays dead for long..."
Welcome to Lazarus, a small blooming town in the Old West. Don't expect to live long if you visit it though, the town's under a curse. "In this town nothing stays dead for long..."
2013 Horrorfest Presents: The Man Who Laughs (1928, Leni)
The Man Who Laughs could almost be called "The Movie That Inspired The Joker." When Conrad Veidt put on the white makeup while sporting the ghoulish smile that was imposed upon him by a cruel king when poor Veidt's Gwynplaine was just a boy, I thought "Whoa. He does look like The Joker." This trivia nugget aside The Man Who Laughs is equal parts horror film, tragic drama, action and adventure movie. Gwynplaine is a monster, yet he is also rather sympathetic, a man who was abandoned and yet saved the life of the lovely Dea, who is blind and therefore cannot see his awful face. However despite his grotesque appearance, Gwynplaine is loved by Ursus, the man who took Dea and him when he was just a child and Dea was a baby. At the same time Ursus is responsible for featuring Gwynplaine in a traveling act, although he does indeed care for the young man and Dea, treating them as his children.
The man responsible for the creation of Gwynplaine as a human freak, the sinister and evil Barkilphedro, discovers that the so called "Laughing Man" is still alive and is also the heir to his late father's estate. The beautiful yet cruel Josiana, who admires and then mocks Gwynplaine, realizes too late that she must marry him to keep his father's holdings. The horror elements here are rather strong: Gwynplaine inspires both pity and disgust, and can be considered an early inspiration for the Universal Monsters creatures such as Frankenstein's Monster, the Mummy, and the Creature From The Black Lagoon.
The man responsible for the creation of Gwynplaine as a human freak, the sinister and evil Barkilphedro, discovers that the so called "Laughing Man" is still alive and is also the heir to his late father's estate. The beautiful yet cruel Josiana, who admires and then mocks Gwynplaine, realizes too late that she must marry him to keep his father's holdings. The horror elements here are rather strong: Gwynplaine inspires both pity and disgust, and can be considered an early inspiration for the Universal Monsters creatures such as Frankenstein's Monster, the Mummy, and the Creature From The Black Lagoon.
Friday, August 23, 2013
2006: Welcome to the Next Level
Serdar Yegulalp, a tech journalist by day, is also the Site Guide for . He also runs his own science-fiction-and-fantasy imprint, , where he blogs about SF, movies, creativity, the complexities of self-publishing, the Sun Ra and Skinny Puppy back catalogs, and most everything else that catches his attention. He also occasionally sticks his neck out on Twitter (@).Back when I started curating , one of the first feature articles I put together was a four-parter which involved a number of anime at different "course levels." An anime that required no understanding of Japanese culture or Japan to begin with was a "100-level" anime. Another that was still easy to get into but would be best appreciated with a little foreknowledge was a "200-level" anime. A show pitched mainly for Japanese audiences, or which one wasn't likely to find accessible unless you were already steeped in the tropes and quirks of anime generally was a "300-level" anime. (I later refined the categories a little, but the basic concept remains intact.)
I now wonder if listing BLACK LAGOON as a 100-level anime was such a good idea.
I now wonder if listing BLACK LAGOON as a 100-level anime was such a good idea.
So some site on the interwebs decided to make the Top 20 anime of 2010s
I couldn't contain myself, I'm on f*cking vacation and I see this . Besides the point that we have not completed the decade some websitedecided that it should ask viewers what the best (or best to represent depending on translation) 20 anime of the decade has been. And to put it bluntly the list is absolute shit and here it is...
1. K-ON!!- Boring as hell
2. A Certain Scientific Railgun- A fun series but not a top twenty
1. K-ON!!- Boring as hell
2. A Certain Scientific Railgun- A fun series but not a top twenty
Otakon 2013 Photoblog
CLICK THE ABOVE IMAGE TO SEE MORE
It's slightly ironic that I go to an anime convention this year, as I haven't really been watching anime at all over the last few months.
It's slightly ironic that I go to an anime convention this year, as I haven't really been watching anime at all over the last few months.
BLOG -- Pre-Fan Expo Canada 2013 Excitement
Since Fan Expo is coming up this week, I thought I'd blog about the things I'm hoping to see and do while there. Normally, I'd set some sort of an itinerary the first day of the convention when I see the schedule, but the schedule is actually already available:
, I was all about the comic panels, Gillian Anderson, and William B. Davis (X-Files!) -- this year I'm all about vocaloids and (the Japanese voice actor for Sakaki from Azumanga Daioh, and Luka Megurine Vocaloid). And due to this focus, there were several panels I had to pass up on.
, I was all about the comic panels, Gillian Anderson, and William B. Davis (X-Files!) -- this year I'm all about vocaloids and (the Japanese voice actor for Sakaki from Azumanga Daioh, and Luka Megurine Vocaloid). And due to this focus, there were several panels I had to pass up on.
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Up until now, I'd avoided this series. Initially, it seemed like something that I wouldn't like to watch, for no reason in particular. Recently, though, a certain reviewer came up with a review of this series, and I, lacking any series to watch, decided to give it a shot. As such, I'd like to start off this review by stating that Gurren Lagann is an amazing anime. It offered three of the most important things I look for in an anime -- emotion, action and raw entertainment. If you haven't seen it already, I suggest you watch it immediately after reading this review.
Gurren Lagann is a story told on a grand scale, large to the extent that it's nearly unfathomable. For years, humanity has been hounded underground by the Spiral King, oppressed underneath the surface of the Earth by monstrous Gunmen, which are essentially mecha, piloted by the cruel Beastman race. Simon, a digger in one of the underground villages, finds one of the Gunmen buried deep underground. With the help of Kamina, his friend and inspiration, and the company of Yoko, a girl with a rifle, Simon is forced to help free the human race from the iron hand of the Spiral King, armed only with Gurren Lagann, the Gunmen produced by combining his and Kamina's mecha. That's only half of the plot, until the series undergoes a time skip after the aforementioned king's defeat. In the end, though, the story that's told is worthy of being considered an epic, spanning decades over the course of twenty seven episodes. As the characters progress in both their attempts to overthrow their enemies and their lives, new cast members are introduced and taken away. All in all, this leaves for a captivating plotline that I can't describe very efficiently. The best way to understand the grandness of Gurren Lagann's story is to watch the show yourself, which I highly recommend you do.
Gurren Lagann is a story told on a grand scale, large to the extent that it's nearly unfathomable. For years, humanity has been hounded underground by the Spiral King, oppressed underneath the surface of the Earth by monstrous Gunmen, which are essentially mecha, piloted by the cruel Beastman race. Simon, a digger in one of the underground villages, finds one of the Gunmen buried deep underground. With the help of Kamina, his friend and inspiration, and the company of Yoko, a girl with a rifle, Simon is forced to help free the human race from the iron hand of the Spiral King, armed only with Gurren Lagann, the Gunmen produced by combining his and Kamina's mecha. That's only half of the plot, until the series undergoes a time skip after the aforementioned king's defeat. In the end, though, the story that's told is worthy of being considered an epic, spanning decades over the course of twenty seven episodes. As the characters progress in both their attempts to overthrow their enemies and their lives, new cast members are introduced and taken away. All in all, this leaves for a captivating plotline that I can't describe very efficiently. The best way to understand the grandness of Gurren Lagann's story is to watch the show yourself, which I highly recommend you do.
Something for Every Fanboy and Fangirl
FANGIRL IS NOT A TERM I WOULD TYPICALLY USE TO DESCRIBE MYSELF. THE LAST TIME I SAW A STAR WARS FILM IT WAS ON VHS. I HAVEN'T SEEN OVER HALF OF THE SUPERHERO FILMS THAT HAVE BEEN HITTING THEATERS IN THE LAST 40 YEARS. I'VE NEVER GOTTEN INTO STAR TREK, I'VE SEEN LESS THAN A FULL SEASON OF DOCTOR WHO (THOUGH I STILL GET THE JOKES AND LOVE THE DALEKS), AND THE ONLY CONVENTIONS I ATTEND ARE USUALLY HORROR RELATED. SO WHY WOULD I, A PERSON WHO ISN'T INTO GEEK CULTURE, BE INTERVIEWING A PERSON WHOSE ARTWORK COVERS ALL OF THESE BASES? BECAUSE AMAZING ART IS AMAZING ART.
LAST YEAR I ATTENDED MONSTER MANIA AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE VENDORS WAS THERE. HE SELLS SMALL MOVIE POSTERS FOR FILMS OF ALL SORTS. WHETHER YOU LIKE POPULAR HORROR OR SOMETHING MORE LESSER KNOWN, THIS GUY HAS IT. THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM VENDING I WENT HOME WITH FOUR AWESOME PRINTS. THEY ARE POP ART PRINTS OF PINHEAD, FREDDY KRUEGER, MICHAEL MYERS, AND ELVIRA. I KEEP THEM IN MY CRAFT ROOM AND EVERYTIME I SEE THEM I CAN'T HELP BUT SMILE. THE JOY THAT THESE BRING ME IS SWEET AND TWISTED, BUT IS JOY NONETHELESSLOOKING AT THE PRINTS BARRY OF BARRY SACHS BARRY GOODS REMINDS ME OF THE JOY AND EXCITEMENT I WHEN I NOT ONLY FOUND MY HORROR POP ARTBUT WHEN I BROUGHT THEM HOME. MY HOPE WITH THIS POST IS TO NOT ONLY EXPOSE MY READERS TO AN AMAZING ARTIST, BUT TO HELP YOU FEEL HAPPY, GEEK OUT, AND MAYBE EVEN FIND SOMETHING FOR YOUR OWN HOMES AS WELL. SO SIT BACK, RELAX, AND MEET BARRY SACHS!
LAST YEAR I ATTENDED MONSTER MANIA AND ONE OF MY FAVORITE VENDORS WAS THERE. HE SELLS SMALL MOVIE POSTERS FOR FILMS OF ALL SORTS. WHETHER YOU LIKE POPULAR HORROR OR SOMETHING MORE LESSER KNOWN, THIS GUY HAS IT. THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM VENDING I WENT HOME WITH FOUR AWESOME PRINTS. THEY ARE POP ART PRINTS OF PINHEAD, FREDDY KRUEGER, MICHAEL MYERS, AND ELVIRA. I KEEP THEM IN MY CRAFT ROOM AND EVERYTIME I SEE THEM I CAN'T HELP BUT SMILE. THE JOY THAT THESE BRING ME IS SWEET AND TWISTED, BUT IS JOY NONETHELESSLOOKING AT THE PRINTS BARRY OF BARRY SACHS BARRY GOODS REMINDS ME OF THE JOY AND EXCITEMENT I WHEN I NOT ONLY FOUND MY HORROR POP ARTBUT WHEN I BROUGHT THEM HOME. MY HOPE WITH THIS POST IS TO NOT ONLY EXPOSE MY READERS TO AN AMAZING ARTIST, BUT TO HELP YOU FEEL HAPPY, GEEK OUT, AND MAYBE EVEN FIND SOMETHING FOR YOUR OWN HOMES AS WELL. SO SIT BACK, RELAX, AND MEET BARRY SACHS!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
DVD Review 'Mystery Science Theater 3000: XXVII': They Did the Monster Mash
Shout! Factory bills its latest four-disc Mystery Science Theater 3000 box set, XXVII, as a "schlock-tastic Monster Movie Mash," which is true enough, though Rocket Attack USA is more about monstrous Cold War paranoia than the kinds of crazy creatures in Village of the Giants, The Deadly Mantis or The Slime People.
But enough monster mashing -- what about the extras for these first-time MST eps on DVD, due at retail July 23?
But enough monster mashing -- what about the extras for these first-time MST eps on DVD, due at retail July 23?
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie studio and theme park in the unincorporated Universal City community of Los Angeles County, California, United States. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use. Its official marketing headline is "The Entertainment Capital of LA", though during the summer it is often advertised as "The Coolest Place in LA." It was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal Studios soundstages and sets. It is the first of many full-fledged Universal Studios Theme Parks located across the world. Woody Woodpecker is the mascot for Universal Studios Hollywood. The entrance to the theme park may be accessed by the Metro Red line subway line at Universal City Station and other Metro bus routes.
Outside the theme park, Universal City includes hotels Universal Hilton & Towers, the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, the multi-screen Globe Theatre, often used for banquets and receptions, and Universal CityWalk, which offers a collection of shops and restaurants, as well as the
Gibson Amphitheatre, a concert venue.
Outside the theme park, Universal City includes hotels Universal Hilton & Towers, the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, the multi-screen Globe Theatre, often used for banquets and receptions, and Universal CityWalk, which offers a collection of shops and restaurants, as well as the
Gibson Amphitheatre, a concert venue.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Weekly Crisis Comic Book Reviews for 07/03/13
We're a little later than planned, but THE WEEKLY CRISIS COMIC BOOK REVIEWS are finally here!We've some quality books on call this time around, with CATALYST COMIX #1, MASKS & MOBSTERS #9, and THE SUPERIOR FOES OF SPIDER-MAN #1 getting my attention.Click that cut to see how they all panned out!
CATALYST COMIX #1
CATALYST COMIX #1
Interview with fellow movie lover Jeanette Milo.
INTERVIEW WITH FELLOW MOVIE LOVER JEANETTE MILO.
This week's interview is from my very good friend Jeanette who I met while attending Tom Savini's special effects makeup school in PA. Jeanette was my roommate for almost a year, and still remains one of my very good friends. Together the two of us have gone on some pretty bizarre adventures, but share the same passion for movies and never fail to make each other laugh. A prosthetic painter and effects artist, Jeanette is a New Yorker, who grew up watching all the same classics I did as a kid. No wonder we became such great friends. Here is my mini interview asking a few questions and thoughts on some of my favorite horror movies.
1). TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR MOVIES OF ALL TIME.
This week's interview is from my very good friend Jeanette who I met while attending Tom Savini's special effects makeup school in PA. Jeanette was my roommate for almost a year, and still remains one of my very good friends. Together the two of us have gone on some pretty bizarre adventures, but share the same passion for movies and never fail to make each other laugh. A prosthetic painter and effects artist, Jeanette is a New Yorker, who grew up watching all the same classics I did as a kid. No wonder we became such great friends. Here is my mini interview asking a few questions and thoughts on some of my favorite horror movies.
1). TOP TEN FAVORITE HORROR MOVIES OF ALL TIME.
Friday, July 26, 2013
30 Days of Nightmares #11: ROGUE (2011)
The Story: JAWS in Australia, with crocodiles.
Expectations: The reason it's taken me so long to see this film is because of the Dimension Extreme poster (pictured above).The lack of subtlety in this poster made me expect a very un-subtle movie with bad CGI and tongue-in-cheek humor, something more along the lines of ANACONDA or PIRANHA (the remake) than JAWS.This is director Greg McLean's followup to WOLF CREEK, the film that earned him membership in Hollywood's "splat pack," so I also expected plenty of gore.
Expectations: The reason it's taken me so long to see this film is because of the Dimension Extreme poster (pictured above).The lack of subtlety in this poster made me expect a very un-subtle movie with bad CGI and tongue-in-cheek humor, something more along the lines of ANACONDA or PIRANHA (the remake) than JAWS.This is director Greg McLean's followup to WOLF CREEK, the film that earned him membership in Hollywood's "splat pack," so I also expected plenty of gore.
30 Days of Nightmares #25: THE REEF (2010)
The Story: A group of Aussie boaters gets stranded in shark-infested waters.
Expectations: Just a few days ago, I was writing about how it's impossible for me (and I don't think I'm alone) to watch a movie about demonic possession without comparing it to THE EXORCIST.Likewise, I knew it would be hard for me to watch THE REEF without comparing it to .I can't imagine that any movie about a shark attack could possibly have the kind of deep, lasting effect on me that JAWS had.Which begs the question: Do new horror movies have the same kind of deep, lasting effect on younger generations that the "classics" and "modern classics" had on earlier generations?
Expectations: Just a few days ago, I was writing about how it's impossible for me (and I don't think I'm alone) to watch a movie about demonic possession without comparing it to THE EXORCIST.Likewise, I knew it would be hard for me to watch THE REEF without comparing it to .I can't imagine that any movie about a shark attack could possibly have the kind of deep, lasting effect on me that JAWS had.Which begs the question: Do new horror movies have the same kind of deep, lasting effect on younger generations that the "classics" and "modern classics" had on earlier generations?
Monday, July 22, 2013
Roberta's Blood Trail
Roberta's Blood Trail is a 5 episode OVA spin-off of Black Lagoon, featuring all the the main characters, as well as the psycho ex-FARC maid Roberta. Roberta is on the warpath and comes to the fictional Thai city of Roanapur (hive of scum and villainy) seeking revenge. After wiping the floor with scores of criminals, the local crime lords and FARC move against her, while Garcia tries to persuade the Black Lagoon company to help him get her back.
The storyline was more confusing than it deserved to be, and Rock goes out-of-character crazy for part of it. I know that Black Lagoon is all about laughing insanely but here it was a bit overblown, as Rock's plan isn't all that fancy anyway. Roberta is an ambivalent figure throughout, as she has essentially gone berserk; I found Fabiola (played by Yukino Satsuki) irritating at first, but she grew on me.
The storyline was more confusing than it deserved to be, and Rock goes out-of-character crazy for part of it. I know that Black Lagoon is all about laughing insanely but here it was a bit overblown, as Rock's plan isn't all that fancy anyway. Roberta is an ambivalent figure throughout, as she has essentially gone berserk; I found Fabiola (played by Yukino Satsuki) irritating at first, but she grew on me.
One night while swimming in the ocean, an angel named Michel appears cars 2 3d and tells Lucia that
Yo, otaku and otomes. This picture cars 2 3d is dedicated to fans of kodomos - anime children. Today we know Mermaid Melody. Let some pictures, a synopsis of the story, the first episode of the anime and coloring cars 2 3d pages. cars 2 3d
Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch (M meido MerodPichi Pichi Pitchi) is a sh jo manga and anime series created by Michiko Yokote, with artwork by Pink Hanamori. The manga was originally published in the monthly sh jo manga anthology Nakayoshi. There are 32 chapters published (including two special stories), plus 7 volumes published by Kodansha.
An anime series of 91 episodes was produced by TV Aichi, divided
Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch (M meido MerodPichi Pichi Pitchi) is a sh jo manga and anime series created by Michiko Yokote, with artwork by Pink Hanamori. The manga was originally published in the monthly sh jo manga anthology Nakayoshi. There are 32 chapters published (including two special stories), plus 7 volumes published by Kodansha.
An anime series of 91 episodes was produced by TV Aichi, divided
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Movies: Best Monster Movies of All Time
Director Guillermo del Toro inherited a generations-old legacy of timeless monster movies when he signed onto Pacific Rim, a sci-fi feature of colossal proportions that pits mechas against seaborne terrors. From Godzilla trashing Fifties Tokyo to the creature from Cloverfield stomping around New York in 2008, we've watched onscreen monsters of all shapes and sizes try their hand (or claw) at destroying humanity for almost a century. Pacific Rim's baddies, then, have some pretty big shoes to fill. Here we take a look back at the greatest monster films in cinematic history.
20. Pacific Rim (2013)
20. Pacific Rim (2013)
Atlas Era Heroes Vol.3 review
While it's pretty common to blame corporate greed for everything bad that's happened in the comic book industry, there have also been cases where it's led to some artistic highpoints. One of these came in 1953 when Martin Goodman decided to revive his big three superheroes of the 40's; Captain America, The Human Torch and The Sub-Mariner. Although Goodman obviously thought that the Torch would be the most popular (He was spotlighted on the covers of YOUNG MEN #24, the comic that led to the revival) and Captain America is the most remembered today because of the over-the-top anti-communist stance of the stories (Just one of the many EEEEEVILs of Stan Lee's career that Kirby Kultists like to cite, even though FIGHTING AMERICAN was no less jingoistic), the Sub-Mariner ended up becoming the highlight of the revival. Why? Well, apparently there were plans for a Sub-Mariner TV series, which led to Goodman making sure that Sub-Mariner's own title stayed afloat (If you'll pardon the pun) for a longer time than Cap and the Torch's did. The CapEverett makes his mark in the writing as well. It may not be everyone's definition of good writing (Everett has a real problem with explaining some of his more bizarre plots, although in some cases that enhances their effectiveness), but you wouldn't mistake these stories for those of any other character on the stands!
One is the characterization of Namor himself. I said in my review of GOLDEN AGE OF MARVEL COMICS VOL.1 that Namor was treated as more of a straight-up superhero during this era than he was in the past, with only a scant mention of his villainous beginnings. Basically he was like Aquaman, only more badass. However, while that may have been true at first, Everett was always a wild-card, and he wouldn't keep his hero tame for long. Everett once told Roy Thomas that he looked back at his early Sub-Mariner work and said that he found it lacked depth and was just the venting of an angry young man. While one can definitely see why he'd think that about the earliest Sub-Mariner stories, it's also apparent here as well (Even though things are far more polished). Everett drew these stories during the early 50's, when he was married, had kids, and was doing very well financially, so for the most part, it makes sense to see a somewhat more heroic, conservative Namor who often acts as a government agent at the behest of his old love interest Betty Dean. But every now and then, Namor will get mad about something, and it will be right back to war with the surface dwellers. It seems inconsistent, but it lets you see Everett's mind-set. When Everett is happy, Namor will save kids whose yacht sunk and cooperate with police while receiving accolades from the public as if he's freakin' Superman. When Everett is pissed about something, Namor will contemplate stealing world-destroying weapons from the villains so he can wipe out the human race himself!
One is the characterization of Namor himself. I said in my review of GOLDEN AGE OF MARVEL COMICS VOL.1 that Namor was treated as more of a straight-up superhero during this era than he was in the past, with only a scant mention of his villainous beginnings. Basically he was like Aquaman, only more badass. However, while that may have been true at first, Everett was always a wild-card, and he wouldn't keep his hero tame for long. Everett once told Roy Thomas that he looked back at his early Sub-Mariner work and said that he found it lacked depth and was just the venting of an angry young man. While one can definitely see why he'd think that about the earliest Sub-Mariner stories, it's also apparent here as well (Even though things are far more polished). Everett drew these stories during the early 50's, when he was married, had kids, and was doing very well financially, so for the most part, it makes sense to see a somewhat more heroic, conservative Namor who often acts as a government agent at the behest of his old love interest Betty Dean. But every now and then, Namor will get mad about something, and it will be right back to war with the surface dwellers. It seems inconsistent, but it lets you see Everett's mind-set. When Everett is happy, Namor will save kids whose yacht sunk and cooperate with police while receiving accolades from the public as if he's freakin' Superman. When Everett is pissed about something, Namor will contemplate stealing world-destroying weapons from the villains so he can wipe out the human race himself!
57 movie remakes and reboots currently in development
Looking for a guide to just about every big movie remake and reboot currently in development? Then step right this way
We've been compiling these exhaustive lists of remakes and reboots for some time now, and it's fascinating to look back at the entries from previous years to see which ones actually made it past the early planning stages. Way back in 2009, our list contained the following projects: Videodrome, Barbarella, Fletch, Cliffhanger, Masters Of The Universe and Creature From The Black Lagoon.
We've been compiling these exhaustive lists of remakes and reboots for some time now, and it's fascinating to look back at the entries from previous years to see which ones actually made it past the early planning stages. Way back in 2009, our list contained the following projects: Videodrome, Barbarella, Fletch, Cliffhanger, Masters Of The Universe and Creature From The Black Lagoon.
A WILD POST APPEARED
So I'm finally updating after a really long time. I'm not even going to pretending that I'm going to be posting regular updates; but I can't sleep and I'm trying to keep my mind busy so I figured I would post something. As far as what's happened since my last post, new members have been added to my skype group, I've been catching up to some anime and manga, and I've been playing some games; recently Fire Emblem: Awakening. I'm going to cut this into sections of things I want to post about.
Skype Group; Friends
Skype Group; Friends
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Nate's report: Anime Expo 2013 (Day 2-4 + Post AX)
Anime Expo has already been awesome with all the things I've done on Day 1. Let's hope the rest of Anime Expo is as exciting!
DAY 2
DAY 2
A Silver Springs story: Ricou Browning was the Creature
In the mid-1950s, a grotesque costume turned Ricou Browning from a soft-spoken family man into an ugly "gill man," also known as the "Creature from the Black Lagoon."
Now remembered along with King Kong and Godzilla as one of the most horrific monsters of the silver screen, Browning had the underwater role of the amphibious monster in the Universal Studios black-and-white horror flick, originally shot in 3-D. Browning then continued filling that role in two sequels, "Revenge of the Creature" and "The Creature Walks Among Us."
Now remembered along with King Kong and Godzilla as one of the most horrific monsters of the silver screen, Browning had the underwater role of the amphibious monster in the Universal Studios black-and-white horror flick, originally shot in 3-D. Browning then continued filling that role in two sequels, "Revenge of the Creature" and "The Creature Walks Among Us."
My 13 Favorite Anime Songs
These are anime songs I like that I've heard. There are a million of them I know and millions more that I don't know, but these are the ones I felt like putting the effort into mentioning. Don't think that the songs really represent my taste in music, though. It does to an extent, but don't put too much into it. Outside of anime I don't listen to "pop music," but pop music sounds better when it's sung in a different language. And not all of these songs are pop music. I like a lot of songs from COWBOY BEBOP (enough to fill up this list), but I settled for only two. I will give honorable mentions to Call Me, Rain, Space Lion, and Blue, though. Again, I'm a democratic guy so that's why I gave other shows a chance to have a song.
I intensely dislike DBGT in English and prefer to watch it in Japanese or not at all because the Dan Dan... theme song is so much better than that absolute wretched crap music the English dub has tacked on to it.
I intensely dislike DBGT in English and prefer to watch it in Japanese or not at all because the Dan Dan... theme song is so much better than that absolute wretched crap music the English dub has tacked on to it.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
THE MENACE WITH FIVE ARMS
(NOTE: In the interest of full disclosure, I must acknowledge that Josh Kennedy is a Facebook friend of mine, and he asked me to review this film.)
THE MENACE WITH FIVE ARMS can definitely be described as a "personal" project--it was written, produced, and directed by one man, Josh Kennedy. Young Mr. Kennedy also happens to be the composer of the soundtrack, and the film's leading man. His magnum opus is a homage to the 1950s-1960s style of low-budget science-fiction cinema.
THE MENACE WITH FIVE ARMS can definitely be described as a "personal" project--it was written, produced, and directed by one man, Josh Kennedy. Young Mr. Kennedy also happens to be the composer of the soundtrack, and the film's leading man. His magnum opus is a homage to the 1950s-1960s style of low-budget science-fiction cinema.
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Review
This review was originally written on March 20, 2009.
Batman: Gotham Knight is an animated film comprised of six vignettes meant to bridge the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Each vignette tells an independent aspect of the overall story: Batman's battle with the mobs in Gotham City, as well as various villains from the Batman universe. This movie is very similar to what was done for The Animatrix. Each of the short stories in the film is animated by a different Japanese anime studio.
Batman: Gotham Knight is an animated film comprised of six vignettes meant to bridge the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Each vignette tells an independent aspect of the overall story: Batman's battle with the mobs in Gotham City, as well as various villains from the Batman universe. This movie is very similar to what was done for The Animatrix. Each of the short stories in the film is animated by a different Japanese anime studio.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
I made a list of anime I need to watch.
Here it is.Now you can laugh at me at all the iconic anime I haven't seen In my defense, I used to be a very avid manga reader and have read them for many now popular anime series.
* Cowboy Bebop (I know.I know.)
* Cowboy Bebop (I know.I know.)
In The Spooklight: TARANTULA! (1955)
NOTE: This is a reprint of a column which originally ran in the HWA NEWSLETTER in July 2012.If you enjoy this column, feel free to check out my IN THE SPOOKLIGHT collection, available now as an EBook at and as a print edition at .It contains 115 horror movie columns, covering movies from the silent era and 1930s to the movies of today.Thanks! --Michael
IN THE SPOOKLIGHT
IN THE SPOOKLIGHT
"Sold Out Doesn't Mean All Sold Out, Yet" Says Mezco Toyz
In anticipation of SDCC 2013, Mezco Toyz sent over a release about the availability of their exclusive toys.In short, just because something is sold out on the website, that doesn't mean it won't be available at the convention itself.Good hunting, collectors!The release follows the jump.
"SOLD OUT DOESN'T MEAN ALL SOLD OUT, YET" SAYS MEZCO TOYZ
"SOLD OUT DOESN'T MEAN ALL SOLD OUT, YET" SAYS MEZCO TOYZ
Tamashii to reveal at least two new S.H.MonsterArts items
News via .
To my surprise, we'll be getting at least two new S.H.MonsterArts reveals at SDCC. I figured since we found out about Biollante just a couple of weeks ago there wouldn't be anything to show, but I always seem to be wrong when I make that prediction. Fortunately, this is the sort of thing I'm happy to be wrong about.
To my surprise, we'll be getting at least two new S.H.MonsterArts reveals at SDCC. I figured since we found out about Biollante just a couple of weeks ago there wouldn't be anything to show, but I always seem to be wrong when I make that prediction. Fortunately, this is the sort of thing I'm happy to be wrong about.
Monday, July 15, 2013
100 Things I Love About Movies
It's good to have rituals. It's good to reaffirm your faith in certain institutions. And clearly, if you're reading this site, then you know that cinema is one of those institutions. It's time for another "100 Things I Love About Movies" list. As you may recall from the other times I've , this list isn't a top 100, nor is it the ONLY 100 things I love about movies. It's a snapshot of 100 specific things I love about movies. A complete list of things I love about movies would be staggering, as is the case for most of us.
1. Quentin Tarantino placing a reference to a Disney princess- Cinderella- in his revenge fantasy movie about Nazis.
1. Quentin Tarantino placing a reference to a Disney princess- Cinderella- in his revenge fantasy movie about Nazis.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Coming Soon (1982)
"Horror movie trailers are the best: Spectacular monsters, fantastic special effects, exotic rituals are all played up to the hilt to sell tickets in the most sensational way possible."
-Jamie Lee Curtis.
-Jamie Lee Curtis.
Black Lagoon Episode 1 with screencaps
BLACK LAGOON is an anime series of twenty-nine episodes animated by Madhouse based on a manga series of the same name by REI HIROE, and follows the adventures of Rokuro "Rock" Okajima, a Japanese businessman who is abducted by, and eventually joins a group of outlaws known as the "Lagoon Company".
Screencaps under cutRokuro Okajima, in the beginning: an ordinary Japanese man.
The Lagoon Company's Revy and Dutch
Screencaps under cutRokuro Okajima, in the beginning: an ordinary Japanese man.
The Lagoon Company's Revy and Dutch
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Dive into the 1960s with HELLO DOWN THERE on DVD from Warner Archive
On June 25, 1969, Paramount Pictures released HELLO DOWN THERE, a family oriented film about a teenaged rock band that performs infectiously hummable bubblegum pop songs. A month later, RCA Records released "Sugar, Sugar," an infectiously hummable bubblegum pop song performed by a teenaged rock band (The Archies, based on the comic book series).
Both "Sugar, Sugar" and the original songs in HELLO DOWN THERE were produced by veteran hit maker Jeff Barry, and performed by talented session musicians. "Sugar, Sugar" went on to be the best selling record of 1969, and remains a beloved classic. HELLO DOWN THERE sunk at the box office, and has largely been forgotten.
Both "Sugar, Sugar" and the original songs in HELLO DOWN THERE were produced by veteran hit maker Jeff Barry, and performed by talented session musicians. "Sugar, Sugar" went on to be the best selling record of 1969, and remains a beloved classic. HELLO DOWN THERE sunk at the box office, and has largely been forgotten.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Odds 'n Ends > Chap Mei, Mezco Creature, New Toy Magazine, Batusi Batman
* Thanks to Mecha-Shiva for the cool Pacific Rim-inspired logo art. I did the coloring myself this time! I think it came out pretty well. (You may need to refresh once or twice to see the logo). I thought about calling it "Poecific Rim," but decided that might be confusing to first-time visitors.
* Doomkick has a coolof those neat, cheap Chap Mei toys.
* Here's Michael Crawford's of Mezco's new stylized 9Creature from the Black Lagoon figure. I was excited for this, but now I'm on the fence.
* Doomkick has a coolof those neat, cheap Chap Mei toys.
* Here's Michael Crawford's of Mezco's new stylized 9Creature from the Black Lagoon figure. I was excited for this, but now I'm on the fence.
An Okay Way to Spend an Evening
So recently I've been spending a lot of time watching anime series. For the longest time I was against it. Why? I really have no idea. Until college I had seen a little Gundam through my siblings and some Pokemon when my parents weren't home. I got to college and that quickly changed.
My room mate at my first college was appalled that I had never seen any anime. So I decided to humor him and watch one. I selected Gundam SEED because I was familiar with Gundam and SEED itself was touted as one of the best by many. I watched SEED and SEED Destiny in two weeks. I was hooked. I watched mostly Gundam at first, but expanded my horizons over time.
My room mate at my first college was appalled that I had never seen any anime. So I decided to humor him and watch one. I selected Gundam SEED because I was familiar with Gundam and SEED itself was touted as one of the best by many. I watched SEED and SEED Destiny in two weeks. I was hooked. I watched mostly Gundam at first, but expanded my horizons over time.
Black Lagoon (season 1&2)
I feel so guilty for not watching anime recently. By recently i mean 3 days, thus i suffered from anime withdrawal. I happened to come across one of the animes which i watched when i was younger.
The first i time i watched this series i didn't find it all that amazing. But rewatching it made me think of it in a new light. I understood the plot much more and somehow started liking the violence and bloodbaths this show provided for me. The action is probably the best i've seen so far. Best as in giving me a heartpounding experience and making me squeal in delight as the characters kick some butt.
The first i time i watched this series i didn't find it all that amazing. But rewatching it made me think of it in a new light. I understood the plot much more and somehow started liking the violence and bloodbaths this show provided for me. The action is probably the best i've seen so far. Best as in giving me a heartpounding experience and making me squeal in delight as the characters kick some butt.
I with you!, Ozma, here
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