Favorite Horror Movie # Four

It's an instant classic. Halloween has changed the past 7 years thanks to the first Saw. This year brings us (supposedly) the final of the series. The original stands out amongst the rest. We were first introduced to Jigsaw, nothing more than an ominous voice over a P.A. and of course a small wooden puppet. The great thing about this horror movie is that the villain never actually kills anybody. The fate is left to the victim alone. Of course it can be argued that death would be an eventual event given the circumstances. The characters are placed into "games". They have many choices to make mostly based on their moral fabric. Would you retrieve a key to the lock around your leg if it meant digging it out of the stomach of the guy in the cell with you? Perhaps you'd wait it out a bit. Sooner or later you'd have to choose. Maybe there's another option. Cut your own leg off? Maybe. I don't really do the spoiler thing. I'm a little bummed this is Halloween brings the last Saw ever but pretty psyched its in 3D. The whole series is intertwined into each previous movie. Anymore story lines and my head would probably explode from a "flashback attack". Its been a lot of fun though and even though I've basically been sold the same movie 6 more times I'd do it all over again. The original was great and its been a decent trip since. Saw reminds me of what Halloween is all about. Thats why its number four. 

P.S. Flashback Attack would make a great band name. If you're interested, hit me up.

Some Fan Art I Made Today.

This from the movie poster Evil Dead. Thanks for viewing.

Random Cool Horror Poster Day.

They just don't make 'em like they used to.

Favorite Horror Movie # Five

This movie has it all. I feel this is John Carpenter's best work. It's got a perfect setting for a horror movie, the Antarctic. The basic story is that a search and rescue team head to a research lab to find everyone dead. Something really bad happened. They find that an alien creature that can assimilate humans has taken over the station and paranoia becomes and overwhelming problem from everyone on site. Who do you trust? No one. The audience can only guess who is human and who is ready to change into a hideous alien and bite an arm off an unsuspecting victim. These were also the days before over the top CGI. The special effects are fantastic even by todays standards. When someone loses a head the alien parasite just becomes a human head creature with razor sharp teeth and spider-like legs. Here's a picture to help my lame description...

Cool, right?

 If I were to redo this list in a couple of years this movie would probably be higher (maybe # two) This time I'll have to settle on five because I got four more in mind that I can't deny this time around. The gore is great and creature effects are spectacular. If you're a fan of sci-fi horror go out and rent this right away. There's some old advice about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer. In this case, lock yourself up in a quiet place and don't open the door. Not even for your mom.

Perhaps you might enjoy...

Music- Levi Johnson's Blues- Ben Folds

Ben Folds (formerly of Ben Folds Five) collaborated with author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy). The result is Nick Hornby's words made into melodies by Mr. Folds. I recommend the entire album but first give a listen to, Levi Johnston's Blues. Direct quotes from Levi's MySpace page and some wry humor combine to make a catchy tune, dealing with teenage pregnancy and the troubles that come with being in the spotlight during a period that requires more subtlety.

Video Games- Red Dead Redemption

I have been playing this game for about a month and have to say its probably my favorite one of the year. I have always loved stories about the old west and this is a great chance to live it. Gunslingers, crooks, lawmen, and horses are only part of this enriching tale. You can literally travel for miles across a rich and detailed terrain, helping random strangers or robbing them at gunpoint. The choice is yours. Its gotta great story and the online multi-player will keep you entertained long after the game is over. If you've got hours of your life to spare I highly suggest this game.

Movies- A Nightmare on Elm Street 2010- on DVD/Blu-Ray

I know horror movies are a recurring theme on this here blog, but it is the season for horror. It wouldn't make any of my top 10 lists but its definitely worth seeing. If you liked the original then you should give this movie a chance. If you absolutely LOVED the original then expect to be a little disappointed. The story is basically the same. Freddy Krueger will kill you in a gruesome manner if you fall asleep. A few modern tricks are incorporated to assist the kids stay up. Red bull and an a.d.d med are used heavily. What makes this movie stand out is Jackie Earle Haley as Freddy. He's got the voice and sinister laugh to give Robert Englund a run for his razor-fingered glove. He's more scare and less goof. He's a great character actor and lived up to my expectations. Like I said, check it out for fun, not a great cinematic experience.

That's it for now. Thanks for reading this.

Someone's gonna get whooped.

There is actually no video for this just audio. I think its from a radio show. The woman is super pissed and its pretty funny.

Favorite Horror Movie # Six

A movie about torturing innocent people. This movie is not for the timid. It is dark and twisted but you don't have to be to enjoy this movie. If you sat through, "The Passion of the Christ" then this is actually a piece of cake. The idea is that tourists travelling through Europe are lured into hostels by attractive individuals and promised hard partying and promiscuity. Easily deceived by such promises, 3 young men follow pretty girls into the hostel only to later be drugged and taken to an unknown facility. There customers join an underground society that pays to kill hapless victims in the way their darkest desires can be met in whichever way they see fit. This is not one of my favorite horror movies because of the violence. It has a great story throughout and it keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping the guys somehow survive. It's also believable enough to make you feel a bit wary about stay when traveling abroad. For me the real horror is in the very intense events leading up to the violent acts. Really I enjoyed Hostel II a little better but this makes the list for its originality in the genre. So I'll sum this up with a little advice. If travelling through Europe and a bunch of hot girls tell you they've know of a great place to stay. Tell them you're already booked at the Marriott.

Hey. You rock.

I wonder this all the time.

If you have ever found yourself wondering if you have pregnetsy you're not alone. 6 out 4 people already have pregnetsy and don't even know it. It is a serious condition facing our youth. Do your part and get tested. While your at it, take some kind of idiot test.

Favorite Horror Movie # Seven

This movie is gory. Very gory. It's also one of the funnest horror movies you'll see. It is the result of the documentary series Project Greenlight. The documentary follows contest winners through the process of making a film. I didn't see it.
The plot is pretty simple. Nasty creatures are hungry and eat anyone or anything they feel like ingesting. Its one of my favorite's because of the slick humor that is added in. Upon a characters entrance to the screen is followed by a pause and a description of them and chances of survival. For instance, a "bad ass hero-type" comes through the door carrying the head of one of the creatures. The shot pauses and we are told he is the HERO and his chances of survival are "very high". 30 seconds, later creatures jump through a window and rip his head off. The blood and carnage begins and doesn't let up until the final frame. The blood and gore is over the top and at times is unbelievable that there could be that much blood in a human. It will jump you and gross you out but you'll have fun. You don't have to worry about nightmares or checking the closet before bed.
They followed up this one with two more movies. All equally gory but failing to meet up to the story of the first. Feast has a strong cult following and fans are eagerly awaiting a fourth installment. I'll be ready for it and would ready for five more. There has never been any closure to the film. (where do they come from?, how can we stop them?) This isn't important to me. I just enjoy the bloody ride.

Oh...thanks Superman.

I never really liked Superman in the superhero universe. Sure he upheld Truth, Justice and the American way but in my opinion he was kind of lacking certain attributes that make a hero. My problem is that Superman wasn't brave. He was invincible. When stopping a bank robbery it was no different that you or I swatting a fly with a swatter. Occasionally Lex Luthor would stop him with some kryptonite but its not like he knew is was going to be there. Maybe if did he wouldn't have even shown up. Stopping crashing airplanes and calming typhoons was no different. It was just kid's stuff to him. I liked the superheroes, although having great powers, still had to worry a little about getting their ass handed to them. If bullets bounced of me it wouldn't bother me at all to stop a gang or stop a train with my face. So really Superman was just some nerd who liked write news stories. Nothing really heroic at all, but here I sit with no superpowers at all. Just a nerd at a computer.

Did you just say something?

                                                                      
                                                                           "Scream"

This one reminds me a little of a scene from a horror movie. I think of it as some demonic being sneaking up behind a guy that's just minding his own business. I can only assume the creature is up to no good but I guess that will always remain to be seen. Maybe he just wants to hang.

Favorite Horror Movie # Eight.

I saw The Evil Dead for the first time when I was about 16. I have been a horror movie fan since it was still acceptable for me to crap my pants, so how this one had escaped me so long I have no idea. What makes this movie great lies in its direction. Its not well acted or even that scary. Although when it was released in 1981 it was considered controversial for its over-the-top violence and gore. In truth though its sort of silly really. It did reasonably well and became an instant cult classic. Bruce Campbell makes his first appearance as Ash Williams. He would return to the franchise two more times and kicked a little more ass each time.
It is a pretty basic demon possession horror complete with demonic trees and undead girlfriends. Five friends stay at a cabin in the woods and awaken ancient demons by reading from the "Book of the Dead.  It was directed by Sam Raimi who later went on the direct the Spiderman movies. He combined intricate camera techniques with chilling sound effects that kept you waiting for the next "jump scare".
I really enjoyed the following two movies, Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness but they won't make my list. The Evil Dead left its mark on me by introducing me to a new way enjoy the genre. It's not all about tenacious, gripping, cover-your-eyes horror. There can be humor to relieve the tension in between "scares". The budget was low on this movie but you don't care. The special effects are in the small details that make this classic run against the grain of the other horror movies of its time. There has been long talk of a fourth in the series and if that day ever comes I'll be first in line. Laughing and cringing the whole time.

                                                                             "Portrait"

This is one of my favorite Photoshop pictures I've done because it was the most fun. It was also the most time consuming. I've tried to do it a couple of times since but can't seem to remember how the hell I did it. It doesn't matter though because I rarely remember how I do anything, so its really just a way of life.

Why I Love the Venture Bros. An Essay.

I would like to take a moment to talk about this show. In 2003 The Venture Bros. launched on Cartoon Network's adult swim. I was immediately hooked. It combined a mature humor with the action cartoon shows I enjoyed as a kid. It was like Johnny Quest on crack. (eventually the show brings in the character and he is indeed strung out on crack). With great voice characterization and a serial storyline this show is a fan favorite. It is a bit underrated by critics but in my opinion one of the best shows on television.
The shows follows the adventures of the Venture family. Dr. Thaddeus Venture, his sons Dean and Hank, and their (ex)bodyguard Brock Sampson. The show is based in a world where heroes and arch-enemies are an everyday way of life. The back story of all the characters are intertwined into a web of love and hate that makes a daytime soap opera seem like Sesame Street. The villains and heroes have a very thin line drawn between them and at times you forget which side is the one standing for justice and humanity. For the most part its all blended together and you end up not caring as long the story keeps you laughing. It has a cool and dry humor and may be why it is lost on some. Is this half hour of cartoons as funny as Family Guy? The Simpsons?  No...but it does have a lot more depth and structure. If you miss a couple of episodes you will have to catch up before anything makes sense. If you are interested in watching the show I strongly suggest you start at the beginning. I hope this is enough information to get you at least interested in this show although it does mean buying DVDs or streaming it from your choice of potentially harmful websites. So until next time.. Go Team Venture!