Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
An Open Letter to Jason Segel
Dear Jason Segel,
I've been a muppet fan all of my life. In fact two of my many write ups about Jim Henson and the Muppets have even been featured on IMDb (Jim Henson Saying Goodbye 20 Years Later and What Your Favorite Muppet Says About You). It has long been my dream to make the Muppets cool again. Sir, you have beaten me to the finish line, but I tip my hat to you. If it wasn't going to be me (an extremely minor internet celebrity that no one has ever heard of) I'm glad it's you (a film and television superstar).
Since Tuesday at Midnight I've been receiving phone calls, twitters and facebook messages from friends and fans asking me why I haven't talked about this movie yet. You have created the highest rated Muppet film ever and managed to bring back the charm of The Muppet Movie and Muppets Take Manhattan.
I want to thank you. 2011 has been a relatively lack-luster year for me film-wise. I didn't see too many films that I HATED but I also didn't see many films that left a lasting impression on me. But when I walked out of The Muppets last night after a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner, I knew I had just seen the film of the year. From the opening line of dialogue to the closing credits I wore a constant smile on my face. I woke in the morning wanting to talk about the movie with everyone. I felt like a kid who just watched their favorite movie and wanted to watch it again and again. I wanted to talk about this movie when I wasn't watching it.
In the character of Walter you created a Muppet version of myself (and thousands of others waiting for this day to come). For those kids who have every Muppet movie on DVD (even the bad ones), that bought ever Sesame Street product they could afford and those who have memorized skits from the Muppet Show, you have given them a voice.
I cried listening the opening narration, I cried listening to Kermit's speeches. You created a film that reminds us why we loved the Muppets in the first place. But more than that, you reminded us about what the Muppets seemed to represent more than any other franchise. Friendship and Family are the most important things in the world. You can succeed. Don't be afraid to believe in yourself. If just one person believes in you...
So thank you Mr. Segel. I doubt that you will ever read this (I want to believe that you will) but just in case you do read this. Thank you so much for bringing the magic of Jim Henson back into this cynical world, even for just an hour and 42 minutes.
With Love,
Matt Kelly
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
SAINT MORT Rocks COMIKAZE Expo
The panel went incredibly. We had a half full room (which for a Live panel of a podcast no one has ever heard, is quite incredible). Each of my panelists were incredible and had plenty to say.
Sybil Danning who appeared in such classic movies as Howling 2: Your Sister is a Werewolf and Death Proof talked to us about all the problems on the set of Howling 2 as well as working with the heavy metal band The Last Vegas.
Meanwhile Felissa Rose of Sleepaway Camp told us about the first time she saw the movie and figured out the movies twist. Felissa brought her friend Devanny Pinn of Piranha 3D who spoke strongly about how much more fun it is being a killer than a victim.
My friend Robert Angelo Masciantonio told us his plans for the next 9 sequels to his classic Neighbor movie.
Actress/Writer Leslie Andrews and writer/director John Stewart Muller talked about the filming of their short film The Last Halloween as well as why Leslie decided to do Sick Girl.
Finally Rebekah McKendry of Fangoria added an extra perspective about what they look for in films and talked about the little victory of Creature's poor box office.
Here's a photograph from the panel, taken by Rebekah's husband David
The panel was such a fantastic success that Jonathan London of Geekscape asked me to co-host his two Zombie Panels he was moderating with Matt Mogk of the Zombie Research Society.
I want to thank all of my panelists and new friends from Comikaze. I look forward to doing another panel in the future.
When he's not blogging Matt Kelly is writing for Geekscape.net, producing his podcast the Saint Mort Show and tweeting non-stop. He wishes to travel around doing panels if he can afford to do that one day.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Comikaze Panel - Saturday November 5th
Hey faithful readers of my blog,
This weekend in LA is Comikaze. I'll be hosting a panel in Room 3 Saturday November 5th at 2pm. It will be a live episode of my podcast THE SAINT MORT SHOW. The name of the panel is The Saint Mort Show Live Gets Campy.
The panel will be an examination of b-horror movies and will feature panelists Sybil Danning (Howling 2: Your Sisters A Werewolf), Felissa Rose (Sleepaway Camp), Leslie Andrews (Sick Girl), John Stewart Muller (director of Last Halloween), Robert Angelo Masciantonio (writer/director of Neighbor) and Rebekah McKendry of Fangoria Magazine.
If you're going to Comikaze to see my panel, you should also check out my roommate's panel at Noon in room 2 on Saturday called Geek Chic Daily Presents The Geek Renaissance featuring Mel Caylo (Archaia Comics), Jessica Mills (Awkward Embraces), Emily Gordon (The Indoor Kids & NerdMelt), Emily McGregor (Comediva) and Sam Humphries (Our Love is Real).
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Complete 31 Movies of Halloween
Thank you so much to everyone who read my 31 Movies of Halloween. If you missed them here's the complete list:
Day 1: Return of the Living Dead
Day 2: Candyman
Day 3: Student Bodies
Day 4: Terror Train
Day 5: The Lost Boys
Day 6: Dolls
Day 7: Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Day 8: Monster Squad
Day 9: May
Day 10: Never Sleep Again
Day 11: The Stuff
Day 12: House of 1,000 Corpses
Day 14: Frankenstein
Day 15: Drive Thru
Day 16: Carnival of Souls
Day 17: Return to Horror High
Day 18: Alligator
Day 19: Troll 2
Day 20: Dead Silence
Day 21: Terror Toons
Day 22: The Thing
Day 23: Magic
Day 24: Mr. Brooks
Day 25: House that Dripped Blood
Day 26: They Live
Day 28: The Strangers
Day 29: Lair of the White Worm
Day 30: Sublime
Day 31: Trick R Treat
Also today's Guilty Pleasure on Geekscape.net is Spaced Invaders. Also check out my podcast The Saint Mort Show and my Twitter.
Monday, October 31, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Trick R Treat
Ever Day This Month I watched a Different horror Movie. I'm Finally done.
DAY 31: TRICK R TREAT
Well we’re finally here. Halloween Night. So of course I picked Trick R Treat. I’m sure every blog on the internet doing a 31 movie countdown ended with Trick R Treat or at least mentioned it somewhere. That would be because Trick R Treat is the best horror movie of the last decade.
I don’t want to reveal any of the fun twists but I will say that Trick R Treat is an anthology film and that it ranks equally to the original Creepshow as the best of the genre. It’s 4-5 stories are fascinating and and fun. What is extra fun is the time-line, while the movie is a quick 82 minutes the film’ time line is only about 50 minutes as characters stories intertwine throughout the movie.
Trick R Treat has become a becokon of hope to the horror community as well as a sign of what’s wrong with Horror today. Brilliantly written, acted and directed the film sat on the shelf for years before getting released straight to DVD. Why did it wait forever? To make room for the Saw sequels. Trick R Treat sits in the ranks with films like Hatchet that are original ideas but got the straight to DVD treatment.
Thankfully it didn’t take long for Trick R Treat to get it’s recognition. It became a fast cult hit, horror fan showed it to horror fan and eventually to non-horror fans. Today IFC is playing the film 24 hours straight. Is it an attempt to make Trick R Treat the Christmas Story of Halloween? Sure. But can you think of a better film in horror history than this one for that? I legitimately can’t.
Matt also Tweets, Writes for Geekscape and Produces a Podcast. Today he released a Halloween Bonus Episode with Miguel Rodrigeuz of the Horrible Imaginings Podcast.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Sublime
Every day this month I've watched a horror movie and reviewed it. Enjoy. We're almost done
DAY 30: SUBLIME
I’ve covered a bunch of movies this month. Some that are awful, some so bad that they’re good, some that are just plain good movies. Some have been unsettling, some have been laughable and some were atmospheric. But Sublime was the only one that emotionally fucked me up. Much like Jaws made millions of people afraid of the water, Sublime confirmed my fear of hospitals.
George Grieves checks into the hospital for a simple colonoscopy however confusion and a mixed up chart leads to him having a sympahectomy instead. George keeps experiencing weird nighmarish things in the hospital and realizes that he’s in a coma and he’s being haunted by his subconscious and his worst fears. It’s on going battle between George wanting to get out of his nightmare world and George’s family trying to decide if they should take him off life support.
Sublime is best compared to the equally nightmarish Johnny Got His Gun. Neither film is a 5 star masterpiece but it will still fuck you up in a big way. The acting, the strange feeling of the hospital and realistic horror all lead to movie that will terrify you on a mental and emotional level more than just a simple jump scare.
When he's not blogging Matt can be found tweeting, writing for Geekscape.net and producing his podcast. The newest episode features Kyle Thompson (Red Flight Pictures) and Leslie Andrews (Sick Girl)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Lair of the White Worm
Every day this month I've been watching a different horror movies and review them
DAY 29: Lair of the White Worm
Lair of the White Worm is a strange ass film. It’s a vampire film... but not a vampire film. There are no vampires in it, just snake watchers. There’s an equally bizarre sexual twist in the movies as well as a strong religious undertone.
The film follows archaeology student Angus Flint and unearths what appears to be a giant snake skull. It’s believed to be the head of the mythical snake slain in the near by cavern. The skull is stolen by Lady Sylvia March who is an immortal priestess to the snake god. This Skull will allow her to bring the snake back.
Hugh Grant appears in an early role as the rich Lord James D’Ampton. With a fun blend of gore and comedy Ken Russell’s adaption of Bram Stoker’s novel feels like early Peter Jackson at times. The film had average reviews but currently holds up as a fun but strange little horror film.
When he's not blogging Matt can be found tweeting, producing his own podcast and writing for geekscape.net. He always wanted a pet snake but them fuckers are expensive.
Friday, October 28, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: The Strangers
Every day this month I've been watching a different horror movie and writing a review.
DAY 28: The Strangers
In 2008 I went to the movie with my girlfriend and a couple we were friends with. We went to see The Strangers. I was the only one excited to see it and it seems like I was the only one who enjoyed it at the end.
The plot line follows Kristen McKay and James Hoyt on a vacation at James’ Family’s remote summer house. They are tormented by 2 women in pin-up masks and a man with a sack over his head. This is really all the information you need to know about this movie.
One of my previous films on my list was House of 1,000 Corpses and I discussed people constantly comparing it to Texas Chainsaw Massacre, in reality The Strangers has more a feeling of a TCM than anything else in the last few years (including the remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre). Everything in this movie feels like something out of 70’s cinema.
The best element o the film comes from the soundtrack, or lack there of. The direction focused on legitimate suspense and eeriness over gore and jump scares. There’s minimal dialogue and almost no external music. While The Strangers was a box office success it received mixed reviews critically and is definitely underappreciated. Currently they are working on a sequel featuring all of the original cast (that survived the movie anyway). I’m interested to see how it is and if it gets a theatric or straight to video release.
When he's not writing blogs Matt can be founds tweet, producing his own podcast and writing for Geekscape.net. The Strangers doesn't scare him because he can't afford a house to be invaded.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Halloween 3 - Season of the Witch
Every Day this month I've watched and reviewed a different horror movie.
Todays movie review is actually appearing as a Guilty Pleasure on Geekscape.net
Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: They Live
Every day this week I've been watching a different horror film and reviewing it. I hope you enjoy!
DAY 26: THEY LIVE
John Carpenter is one of the most important and inspirational writer/directors of all time. While not all of his films are hits, John Carpenter does whatever John Carpenter wants. He can make a film about a sidekick who doesn’t know he’s a sidekick (Big Trouble in Little China) or a film about ghosts hidden in a fog, John Carpenter wants to entertain John Carpenter (and maybe Kurt Russell), if the rest of you enjoy it, it’s just a happy mistake.
Claiming his best movie is pretty difficult, many would say either The Thing or Halloween but to me it’s always been They Live. Of all of his films it best shows his talent for pacing. Carpenter is always good with a slow burn into a pay off but never like They Live. The third of the film is more a statement on the economy than anything else. However our lead character (who is nameless but named Nada in the closing credits) feels like something is wrong. What he’s not sure, until he finds some magic sunglasses of course.
With these sunglasses Nada is able to see that the rich and powerful are aliens keeping the common man down. He decides it’s up to him and co-worker/friend Frank to end their control.
They Live is filled with memorable moments and lines. The fight sequence was recreated punch by punch in an episode of South Park awhile the line ‘I’ve come here to kick ass and chew bubble gum, and I’m all out of bubble gum” has appeared in such thins as Duke Nuke’Em and the IT Crowd. An 80’s classic for sure and something to not quickly be forgotten once you’ve seen it.
When he's not blogging Matt is Tweeting, writing for Geekscape and producing his own podcast. He wished he also had a stylish pair of sunglasses.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: House That Dripped Blood
Every Day This Month I've been writing reviews on a different horror movie
DAY 25: HOUSE THAT DRIPPED BLOOD
I love Anthology horror films. Creepshow for instance is one of the finest horror films ever made, furthermore I love Tales From the Crypt (if you couldn’t tell from my Guilty Pleasures column on Bordello of Blood). House that Drips Blood is another classic Anthology horror film.
I got this film originally as a joke. One of my all time films is a movie called Freaked. In it they mention a newspaper article about the House that Dripped Blood (to which everyone inn the film goes Ewwwwwww), so when I found a film with the same title, I felt like I had to own it. I was pleasantly surprised to find it a film with such great british actors like Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee).
The stories are all tied around a single house and the stories of horror that happened to past tenants. One tenant (a horror writer) is haunted by visions of the murderous psychopath from his newest novel. The next tenant was fixated with a local wax museum. A Widower (played by Christopher Lee) is tortured by his daughter and her voodoo doll and the newest tenant, film actor Paul Henderson has gone missing while filming a vampire movie.
I won’t ruin the major twists but I will say that some of the segments borrow from classic horror movies meanwhile other segments could have easily been lifted for films in the 80’s and 90’s. Regardless it’s a quality film with a nice and well deserved cult following.
When he's not blogging he's tweeting, producing a podcast and writing for Geekscape.net. He wishes he owned a house that dripped blood but he got declined on the bank loan.
Monday, October 24, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Mr. Brooks
DAY 24: MR. BROOKS
This film was almost immediately the butt of jokes. Kevin Costner has made a pretty large amount of poor film choices the last decade. The exception is Mr. Brooks. The Jokes were always ‘A horror movie for your grandparents”. While the film is tame in violence it’s very big in story.
Mr. Brooks (Costner) is a rich powerful business man, who also happens to be a serial killer. He has an imaginary ID called Marshall (William Hurt) that drives him to kill. One day however peeping tom Mr. Smith (Dane Cook) gets photos of him murdering a couple while they’re making love. Smith claims he won’t turn Brooks in so long as he takes him on his next murder.
The film has so many different influences. It could very easily have been inspired by Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter books (to a certain extent) as well as films like Man Bites Dog and American Psycho. Despite all the elements of other films you can find the movie still works perfectly as it’s own independent film.
The film did modestly at the box office and received mediocre reviews, but it’s worth visiting or revisiting.
When he's not blogging SaintMort is tweeting, writing for Geekscape and producing a podcast. He'd love to own a house that dripped blood but got declined on his bank loan.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Magic
Every day this month I'm watching and review different horror movies, I hope you enjoy
DAY 23: MAGIC
A few days ago I posted a guilty pleasures review on Dead Silence. I referenced this film in that article. It’s hard to completely call Magic a horror film. I typically hate when people use the term psychological thriller as a way to not call a good smart film ‘horror’. Unlike films like Silence of the Lambs (which has elements based on the same inspiration as Psycho and Texas Chainsaw Massacre), but Magic is so focused on the actual psychology of Corky (Anthony Hopkins).
The film goes out of it’s way to not answer the question of if Fats (the dummy) is evil and alive or if Corky is hearing voices. The film is purposely slow paced and it completely works. Burgess Meredith gives an incredible performance (as always) and Anthony Hopkins is just as creepy as he is as Hannibal but less eerie and moresome sad.
I remember hearing about this from family members. They used to tell me how terrifying it and as much I love it, it’s not terrifying. I find the trailer much more frightening.
Either way it’s one of my favorite pieces of 70’s horror. If you like a good mysterious horror film instead of a body count then this is highly recommended.
When he's not blogging Matt is writing on twitter, writing for Geekscape and producing his own podcast. He wants to be a puppeteer but can't afford the dummy.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: The Thing
Every day this week I've been reviewing different horror films.
DAY 22: THE THING
I don’t know why, but remakes definitely sucked less in the 80’s. For whatever reason directors felt comfortable doing their own thing with the source material while sticking to the general story. Of course the films they were remaking were also a good 30/40 years old.
The Thing typically is people’s go to for best horror remake (or The Fly). It’s easy to see why, the original Thing From Another World is enjoyable but tame at best. John Carpenter took a terrifying concept, blended in a good dose of gore and special effects and created one of the most claustrophobic pieces of cinema ever.
We have an alien that shape-shifts. Who can be trusted? This film has all the eerie atmosphere and bad ass transformation sequences a gore hound could ask for, but it also has the suspense and acting quality to make it a classic.
The Thing is a forever classic piece of 80’s horror and while it’s great, The Blob is still my favorite remake of the 80’s.
When Matt Kelly's not blogging he's tweeting, producing a podcast and writing for Geekscape.net. He wishes he had a thing that could duplicate dollar bills.
Friday, October 21, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Terror Toons
Every Day this month I'm watching and reviewing different horror movies. Some are better than others.
DAY 21: TERROR TOONS
I’ve promoted some serious shit on my blog this month. I’ve pimped out Drive Thru, Troll 2 and Alligator all in the last 7 days. But this is the worst of the worst. It spends the entire film dancing the line between so bad it’s good and so bad it’s fucking painful.
Terror Toons starts off on a bad note. The camera is focusing on a DVD cover taped to a wall and zooms out, then a man who is the definition of overacting walks out and explains the movie you’re about to watch. That’s always a bad sign.
The film is about 2 cartoon characters created by Satan to kill a bunch of teens. Or at least that’s what they’ll tell you the plot is about. The film is actually about showing off what you can do with a Green Screen and Final Cut Pro.
The death scenes are cartoony and humorus at times... other times you feel like you’re watching an old episode of Scooby Doo. And then you start to WISH you were watching an old episode of Scooby Doo. I can’t recommend this movie unless you’re doing an event where you’re trying to watch as many shitty horror movies as you can handle.
When he's not blogging he's writing for Geekscape.net, tweeting and producing his own podcast. He's also too broke to purchase part 2 and 3 of the Terror Toons Trilogy.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Dead Silence
Every day this week I've been reviewing a horror movie in honor of Halloween
DAY 20: DEAD SILENCE
Today's blog entry can be found on Geekscape.net as part of my Guilty Pleasures series.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Troll 2
DAY 19: TROLL 2
I’m not going to be able to properly explain the plot of this movie because it is the most confusing and contrived plot in cinema history. I’ll sum up the movie like this:
Troll 2 is about Goblins. Josh’s grandfather tells him stories about the Goblins. The Goblins consist of midgets in potato sacks with latex masks, only one with a moveable mouth. Josh and his family go to the town of Nilbog. Turns out Nilbog is Goblin spelled backwards. They kill the Goblins and return home. Suddenly a baseball rolls down the steps that says “mommy” on it. Josh goes upstairs where the shower is running and full of green slime. Josh is attacked by a Goblin. Credits roll.
Troll 2 is the best of the worst in bad cinema. Plan 9 from Outer Space and Robot Monster are classic films on the original “so bad, it’s good” genre, but while those movies are poorly acted, or poorly written or feature an alien that’s just a gorilla costume with a scuba diver mask they at least have a plot that you can follow. Troll 2 has dialogue so bad that it hurts your head, like this dialogue exchange.
Elliot: What’s wrong with having Friends?
Holly: Nothing, as long as you don’t mind being a virgin all your life
It’s movies like Troll 2 and Silent Night, Deadly Night Part 2 that gives us some of the most infamous Internet memes of all time. It’s these movies that are so bad that we stare at the screen dumb-founded going “why is no one bothers by the green slime on all their food?” or “why is there this dance sequence?”
Bad movies are incredibly addicting but only with a specific crowd. You cannot watch a movie like Troll 2 or Jaws the Revenge by yourself and truly appreciate it. These are the films that you get a group of friends together, a pizza, a case of beers and you just have a blast.
It takes a special type of person to truly appreciate and love these movies, the people who buy every film that Troma has released. It’s those people who remember the days of putting in a full moon pictures vhs, seeing all those trailers for films like Subspecies, Bad Channels and Shrieker or even remember fast-forwarding the closing credits to get to Shadow Zone’s behind the scenes feature. There are movies that the biggest appeal of them is that you spend the whole movie going “there is absolutely no way this script had a second draft”.
As the story goes, Troll 2 was made by a film crew that spoke very little to no English, directing a group of amateur American actors who spoke no Italian. Beyond the inability to communicate the director demanded that they read the script verbatim. Even the star Michael Stephenson says he can’t explain the ending of this movie.
This is a film that has a sex scene with corn on the cob that turns into popcorn when the sex gets steamy. This is a movie where for no explainable reason Josh’s grandfather (who is a ghost) can freeze time (but only for 30 seconds) so that Josh can get rid of the food covered in green slime. So what does Josh do? I mean a normal person would… I don’t know… throw out the food, but not Joshua. He stands on the table, unzips his fly and pees on everything. This of course leads to one of the best lines of dialogue in any film “You can’t Piss on Hospitality, I won’t allow it”.
The film has become a cult classic, it was original an embarrassment to every actor involved. Michael J Nelson (from Mystery science theater 3000) recently filmed a rifftrax for the movie and in Morgan, Utah (where the movie was filmed) they have an event called Nilbog Invasion. All of these things happened under the noses of the writers, directors and actors from the movie. When star Michael Stephenson discovered this cult following he started to document it and show other cast members about it. After 2 years of touring is documentary around film festivals the film finally got picked up by Area 23, so definitely check out Best Worst Movie to truly understand how brilliant this trash cinema is.
When he's not blogging Matt is writing for Geekscape.net, producing his own podcast and tweeting all day. So don't forget without money... films like Troll 2 happen.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Alligator
DAY 18: ALLIGATOR
John Sayles isn’t really touching on anything different than what he accomplished a year prior with Piranha. If anything, he only improved on the Jaws rip off concept.
The film follows homicide detective David Madison as he tries to solve a mysterious case involving severed limbs coming out of the St. Louis sewer system. Once a news reporter (an uncanny Tony Danza look alike) is murdered, photos of the 36-foot long alligator are revealed to the world.
The Alligator (apparently knowing that the secret is out) explodes out of the sewer system and raises hell on the streets. A little boy runs into the house and grabs a knife, which would be a lot more effective if it was a giant loaf of bread attacking St. Louis. Not so much a 36-foot alligator. Finally, a professional alligator hunter is brought in to find and destroy the monster.
Good thing he brings along a bomb squad, which might be useful (and more entertaining) if the alligator started building bombs. Meanwhile, Detective Madison and young reptile enthusiast Marisa Kendall search for the alligator’s origin but end up digging too deep causing David to lose his badge (why not?). As we all know by now, no police officer can ever solve a crime this big (pun intended?) until his badge has been dramatically revoked.
The film is filled with similar clichés and loads of under-acting but in a strange way that’s the appeal of Alligator. This film has long been one of my all time favorite horror movies. In fact it even appeared in my list of Horror Movies That Ruined Every Day Activities for one particular scene with a little boy, a pool and night time.
When he's not blogging Matt is tweeting, producing his own podcast or writing for Geekscape.net. He'd raise a baby Alligator if he could afford it.
Monday, October 17, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Return to Horror High
Day 17: RETURN TO HORROR HIGH
In the mid-90’s I only knew George Clooney as the worst Batman. In the 2000’s I knew him as one of the best actors of the decade, but in the 80’s he was just a sitcom star who appeared in various B-horror movies. Return to Horror High he plays the sexy lead of a film who dies pretty quickly.
Return to Horror High is ridiculous, for starters, it sounds like a sequel. However it’s not, the concept is 5 years ago a series of murders and disappearances occurred. A film company wants to make a movie about it and shoot at the school where all these murders occurred. While filming they’re murdered one by one.
The ‘twist’ is beyond absurd. In fact in a matter of 10 minute there are 6 twists and I don’t want to ruin a single one haha.
The death scenes are entertaining enough, you’ll find yourself laughing and really enjoying the tongue in cheek humor. Recommended for fans of mildly meta horror comedies (In the same vein as Student Bodies)
When Matt Kelly isn't blogging he's producing his own podcast, writing for Geekscape.net and tweeting. He wants to return to horror high but can't afford the tuition.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Carnival of Souls
Day 16: Carnival of Souls
In 1962 a group of independent film makers made a small psychological horror film that to put it simply TANKED. It wasn’t until the days of grindhouse cinema and late night cable that the brilliance of this atmospheric film got the credit that it deserved. The film of course is Carnival of Souls.
After a drag race goes wrong a car full of beautiful girls die except for passenger Mary Henry. She emerges from the river disoriented but alive. She’s a talent young organist and gets a job working at a church in Salt Lake City. While there she’s haunted by various ghouls emerging from the river.
The film’s pace and visuals are what makes this $33,000 cult classic the masterpiece it’s perceived as today. Actress Candace Hilligoss is one of the most beautiful 60’s actresses I’ve ever seen, but sadly her acting career practically began and ended with Carnival of Souls.
If you’ve never seen this masterpiece of the golden age, do yourself a favor and get it now.
When Matt Kelly isn't blogging he's tweeting, producing his podcast and writing for Geekscape.net. He wants to go to the carnival of souls but can't afford it.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Drive Thru
Every day this month I've been watching different horror movies and writing reviews
DAY 15: DRIVE THRU
Not all horror movies are winners. For every Friday the 13th there were about 10 Slaughter High’s. But I love bad movies, I even love Slaughter High to be honest. The problem with bad horror films is such, accidentally bad movies are awesome, purposefully bad ones are not. The last 10 years or so we’ve seen an undeniable rise in purposefully bad horror movies, everyone wants to be the next Troma or Full Moon it seems, but they forget that it’s sincerity that makes those films work.
Drive Thru has plenty of sincerity. It’s an awful movie of course, but it’s delightfully awful. Horny the Clown is the loved fast food mascot of Hella-Burger (run by Morgan Spurlock). However when various teens end up dead from burger related deaths (my favorite being the horrifically gory face in the deep fryer scene, they have to figure out how to stop this seemingly demonic clown.
The film borrows a lot from Freddy Kreuger, except our villain never harmed anyone (until coming back as a demonic clown). The plot is ridiculous to every possible degree, the music is awful hardcore and sludge metal and the acting is atrocious, but I love it. I can’t wait to subject friends to it and have a great night full of laughs.
When he's not blogging Matt Kelly can be found writing for Geekscape.net, producing his podcast and tweeting. Always remember while it's delicious fast food ain't cheap.
Friday, October 14, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Frankenstein
DAY 14: FRANKENSTEIN
Picking out best Universal Monster is tough. They all have such rich histories be it Dracula or Wolfman in the 30’s or Creature from the Black Lagoon in the 50’s. While he wasn’t my favorite, I think the best from a film stand point is Frankenstein.
The original Frankenstein (and it’s equally brilliant sequel Bride of Frankenstein) have become part of our every day knowledge. In it’s hour and 10 minute running time there’s an over-whelming amount of iconic imagery. From the It’s Alive moment, to the little girl by the pond or the opening shot in the graveyard. People who watch this classic for the first time find a lot of familiar moments throughout. There’s a reason it’s so beloved.
My personal favorite moment is just before the movie even begins. A man walks out and informs the audience what the film is about and warns them that it might be too scary. It’s that type of showmanship we haven’t seen in the last 4 decades of horror.
Classics are classics for a reason, so check this one out sometime.
When he's not blogging, Matt Kelly is tweeting, writing for Geekscape.net and producing his podcast. Don't forget it takes a lot of money to make a monster.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: Bordello of Blood
Every day this month I'm reviewing a different horror movie, Enjoy
I write a weekly article for geekscape.net called Guilty Pleasure... so todays movie is found here
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: House of 1,000 Corpses
This month I've been watching a different horror movie each day and blogging about it, enjoy
DAY 12: HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES
DAY 12: HOUSE OF 1,000 CORPSES
There are few fans that have people as split as House of 1,000 Corpses. The film has a fair share of die-hard fans but an equal amount of people who despise the movie. I’m in the first camp but totally understand that the second camp has nothing but valid arguments. I just don’t care, sometimes it’s nice that when you’re going... “I can’t decide between Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hills have Eyes or Friday the 13th” you have the option to watch them all at once.
As much as people shit on this movie, let’s be honest. As horror fans, we’d have probably made a similar film. It’s a tribute to the classic horror films of the 70’s and 80’s, it’s got some intense death scenes and it completely feels like a new director’s first film.
House of 1,000 corpses is a paint by numbers horror film, but Rob Zombie’s strange decisions make this worth watching. Casting (then unknown) comedians Rainn WIlson and Chris Hardwick as it’s lead victims and pitting them against exploitation horror icons Bill Mosley and Sid Haig says (to me) exactly what this movie is. It’s a tribute to the classic horror films of the 70’s but having a sense of fun mixed in.
I’ve watch this movie a ridiculous amount of times (basically because it was one of the first 3 DVDs I ever owned).
I recommend it to everyone but I know only half of them will like it.
When Matt's not blogging he's tweeting, producing his own podcast THE SAINT MORT SHOW and writing for Geekscape.net. If he had a dollar for every Corpse he'd be a thousandaire
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
31 Movies of Halloween: The Stuff
Halloween is my favorite holiday, in honor of that this month I'm going to watch an review a different movie each day.
DAY 11: THE STUFF
80’s horror is full of b-movie greats. The 80’s gave us such low-budget horror masterminds like Stuart Gordon, Lloyd Kaufman and Charles
Band. Right up there with the rest of the guys writing, directing and producing their own films on micro-budgets was Larry Cohen. The man
behind such films as It’s Alive and Maniac Cop, but to this day his masterpiece remains a little horror-comedy from 1985 called THE STUFF
Bubbling out of the group comes a white substance. Unsanitary or not, it tastes delicious. It gets packed and marketed immediately under the
name The Stuff. Soon all other ice cream companies are going bankrupt. They hire David Mo Rutherford to find out what’s up with the stuff
With the ad of a young boy named Jason, An advertising executive named Nicole and the infamous food mogul Chocolate Chip Charlie soon
discover the Stuff’s horrible secret.
Made around the same time as Street Trash and Body Melt this film doesn’t have the same goretastic effects and jumps, but it does have a much
more engrossing story. Regardless all three films are highly recommended.
When Matt isn't blogging he's tweeting, producing his podcast the Saint Mort Show and writing for Geekscape.net. He loves eating the stuff but
never has the money for it.
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