Dustin and Lucas from Stranger Things sat down with the folks at the Guardian and continued their charm offensive. Key quote:
C: I think Simba would see Jesus and just hug him anyway, and they’d go off into the sunset. Then go and lay on the beach together.
G: They’d go out for ice-cream. Jesus is not a fighter.
(gif via giphy)
“…but the folks are much nicer now!”
Story: House Hunters International – or in this film’s case, a knock-off version to please their attorneys – helps big city gal Becky (Brigid Brannagh from Kindred: The Embraced!) find a place in the country. That country being Moldova. She buys a place that looks 1 step away from being reclaimed by the wilderness, and the show promises to come back to check on her in 6 months. Cue update; the camera and production crew of 3 (plus the diva-y show host) come back and see her amazingly refinished home. But the townspeople don’t seem friendly. If those pickaxes meany anything. Is it too late to head to Paris instead?
Scares: Few. This is a fun rather than frightning jaunt. But there are several scenes that deliver some high-quality creepy.
Splat factor: Um…sorta? SyFy Channel-level special effects give what could be a totally bloodbath a cheesy feel. Which is fine if you like cheese. (I do.)
Closing scene “shocker”?: Nay. But there is a twist around the start of the climactic end scene. Sharp(ish) eyes could spot this one coming, but it’s still fun.
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Original, though this film does steal from its betters. Continue reading
I am all about those link posts. Denise’s review of Birth of a Nation is coming, but while we wait, here’s a list of opinions on whether or not to even go see it, given the controversy surrounding Nate Parker, the director, and the allegations that he and a friend raped a woman while still students at Penn State:
This is in no way a comprehensive list of discussion on the subject, but I think it’s a good start. I personally won’t be seeing it – will you?
Nutshell: A very important story, beautifully – and horrifically – told. Nate Parker may seem a bit too happy to throw on the messianic robes of Nat Turner, and his storytelling often goes overboard with heavy-handed symbolism. Yet, even with all the negative press on Parker, it’s an important story that has finally gotten its day. Grade: B
“Where is he, Nat? Where’s God now?”
Story: A man born in slavery rises up to become a preacher. But his faith in gods is at odds with the senseless, cruel actions of slave owners. What else can a man do when he hears the call to right these wrongs by any means necessary?
Genre I’d put it in: Heartbreaking Truth Telling Not Everyone May Be Able To Watch
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Orignal: Based on Nat Turner’s Rebellion in August, 1831.
Gotta say: There’s a difference, sometimes, between Important, and Good. Sometimes we round one up for the sake of the other. Here, without a doubt, is a story that is Important. One that should be told, discussed, and remembered. Continue reading
“Are you still smoking marijuana? I mean, it’s a gateway drug, okay?”
Story: Ava was possessed for a month. Now she’s free, but life isn’t back to normal. At least there’s therapy. And a bloodstain under the rug. Let the healing begin!
Scares: A few, but this is more indie than Insidious.
Splat factor: Ditto-ish.
Closing scene “shocker”?: No, but that last scene is V cool, and there’s hints of an interesting back story.
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Altogether original.
Continue reading
What, like you’re doing work?
I’m honestly not sure why it’s taken this long, but Colonial Williamsburg is now letting folks spend the night in their already haunted af houses for Halloween. Via Travel + Leisure: “Those who’ve stayed in the houses before have reported paranormal activity like moving furniture, ghostly figures, and untraceable sounds…”
Apparently the houses were always available for overnight stays, but this is the first year they’re going to egg on the ghosts by doing a whole Halloween-themed sacrificial offering of their paying guests to whatever denizens of the underworld make Colonial Williamsburg their home. Sounds delightful! There is an intriguing-sounding tour/reenactment situation called “Curse of the Sea Witch” involving Blackbeard’s stolen severed head. So if you are into soiling yourself for fun, here’s a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s right up your alley!
“I never make a plan. Like a comet shooting across the sky, just happens. Nobody knows where I’ll land.”
Story: A sociopathic loner who kills people that seem to have lost hope or interest in life spends some time in a a small town. He stays with an unhappy couple, and is awkwardly pursued by his coworker Ferrin. I’m sure this’ll go well.
Scares: A creepy chill throughout, but nothing overt.
Splat factor: Not much. Dead bodies but nothing drippy.
Closing scene “shocker”?: A tiny one.
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Based on the novel by Lew McCreary Continue reading
“Here it is folks. It’s happened.”
Story: An impact in the North Atlantic obliterates Western Europe, the East Coast of the United States, and West Africa, with the rest of the world quickly following suit. Australia has 12 hours to prepare for the end of the world. James just wants to get pissed into oblivion, but young Rose – who’s looking for her dad – sends his compassion into overdrive despite his best efforts.
Scares: A few of the jump, and “didn’t expect to see that”, variety.
Splat factor: As the world ends, there’s the usual ol’ ultra-violence. But most splats are a good distance away from the splash zone, rather than in your face.
Closing scene “shocker”?: Nope.
Remake, Sequel or OG (Original Ghoul)?: Apocalypse stories are everywhere, but this is an original joint. (Though there are hints of an American remake by Hilditch…) Continue reading
Nutshell: A riveting look at a devastating disaster, with performances that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. You don’t need to need to understand all the techspeak, but it’s cool to hear it. Bonus: the story of the brave men and woman who tried to stop the inevitable doesn’t let BP off easy. Grade: A-
“My crew lives on this rig. You just rent it.”
Story: Workers on the “ultra-deepwater” offshore drilling rig the Deepwater Horizon try to prevent catastrophe, and then stay alive, after high-ups from DH lessee BP pushed for dangerous drilling, bypassing and/or ignoring tests. 11 died in the explosion and aftermath, and oil flowed for 87 days (considered the largest “accidental” marine oil spill in history.) Over 8 thousand separate marine life species were affected, with consequences that still affect marine life in the area today. GODDAMMIT.
Genre I’d put it in: Disaster Movie Biopic
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Orignal: Based on the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. AKA “The BP Oil Spill That Covered All Those Poor Sea Birds, Animals, and Fish In Oil”. Continue reading
Got a dollar to spare? A quarter?
