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~!)
Monday, September 30, 2013
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)