Freaky Fridays – “As Above So Below”

Posted on February 5, 2021 by Denise
Horror, Cult Movies, Exploitation Cinema, 70s Schlock, and more! Let’s look at something cool!


“The only way out is down.”

Genre: “In Search Of” Cave Horror
Year Released: 2014
Pedigree: From John Erick Dowdle, the guy who brought us The Poughkeepsie Tapes (Yay!), and Quarantine (Um…)
Where I Watched: Netflix

Synopsis: Scarlet Marlowe is an archeologist possessed. No, not like that; she’s her own personal demon, driving herself to find the mythic Philosopher’s Stone. (Sit down, Harry Potter.) After an almost deadly trip to Iran for clues, she and her friend/ex-bf George, and they translate her findings. Wouldn’t you know it, the Stone is right below their feet! Y’know, in the catacombs of Paris. But the chamber is off the beaten path, so they’ll need help from experienced, illicit, spelunkers getting there. I’m sure it’ll be a piece of cake. Hey, where’d that entrance go – it was right here….

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Awards Season: Golden Globes nominees announced!

Posted on February 3, 2021 by Denise

It’s that time of year y’all! Time to check out the nominees for the Golden Globes! And while 2020 was definitely not a regular year in terms of hitting the multiplex? There are a slew of excellent films, performances, and creators worth celebrating.

Promising Young Woman, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Hamilton, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Sound of Metal… All incredible, and I’m so glad to see these films – and several of their artists – receive attention. Though I would have liked to have seen more love for Lovecraft Country, and some recognition go to The Boys, I May Destroy You, Mrs. America…

But enough blathering. Scroll through the GG’s pages of nominees and see for yourself. There are a few films and shows that I really want to get my eyes on but haven’t yet (Looking at you, The United States vs. Billie Holiday and Mank), so feel free to use these nominees as a jumping off point for your own viewing pleasure!

The 78th annual Golden Globes will be broadcast on February 28th, 2021.

https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees

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In Queue Review – “A Century of Black Cinema”

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Denise

Genre: Documentary
Release Date: 2003
Where I Watched: Amazon Prime

This documentary popped up in my Prime queue, and I jumped on it. Like the incredible Horror Noire, Century takes a look at the sadly neglected history of black cinema, as well as the creators, performers, and back stories. From short silent films of the early 1900s to the films of Spike Lee, it’s a tribute to the talent and creativity of these artists.

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Freaky Fridays – “Daybreakers”!

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Denise
Freaky Fridays
Horror, Cult Movies, Exploitation Cinema, 70s Schlock, and more! Let’s look at something cool! 

“Life’s a bitch, and then you don’t die.” 

Genre: Alt-Future Horror Noir 
Year Released: 2009
Pedigree: Ozploitation, Creature effects by WETA Workshop; 
Where I Watched: Peacock (free)

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TrailerWatch – “Godzilla vs Kong” looks cool but overstuffed

Posted on January 25, 2021 by Denise

After the messy disappointment of Godzilla: King of the Monsters, I’ve been hopeful but wary of G’s match-up with Kong. And by the look of this trailer, it seems Warner Brothers heard the complaints about cutting away from monster-on-monster action in Monsters, and will be giving us a whole lot of smack downs in Kong. But Kong looks overly chaotic, with a whole lot of subplots vying for attention.

We’ve got a little girl who can “talk” to Kong, Kong fighting winged serpents, Millie Bobby Brown and the Monarch crew, Godzilla getting controlled by Somebody (maybe that APEX corporation briefly shown this trailer?)…and more I’m too lazy to add in here. Sounds like a whole lot. Sounds like too much. But I’ll keep an open mind til I get a look at another trailer. Meanwhile, I’ll temper my expectations and hope for the best.

Godzilla vs Kong hits theaters and HBO Max March 26th, 2021.

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Freaky Fridays – “Asylum” (aka “House of the Crazies”)

Posted on January 22, 2021 by Denise
Horror, Cult Movies, Exploitation Cinema, 70s Schlock, and more! Let’s look at something cool!

“Working with the mentally disturbed can lead to a breakdown.”

Genre: Anthology Horror
Year Released: 1972
Pedigree: Amicus Productions; written by Robert “Psycho” Bloch
Where I Watched: Shudder

Synopsis: A young doctor interviews for a position at a mental hospital. As part of the interview process, he must interview a handful of patients. Why? Because one of the doctors has lost touch with reality, and the new hire must be able to figure out which one is the previous doc. Cue the anthology format!

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In Queue Review – CBS All Access’ “The Stand” ep 4-6, or how Trashy got done dirty

Posted on January 21, 2021 by Denise

“Hey Bobby Terry? You SCROOOOOOD IT UP!”

JFC this series is tanking. Hard. As a long time fan, I watch and look out for things I know are coming. I want to see what will be different, and what the showrunners will keep from the source material. That’s what pulls me in. Pity, as I can tell most of the performers are giving it their all, especially James Marsden, Amber Heard, and Alexander Skarsgård, who all seem to be trying to bring nuances to their thinly sketched characters and that cringy dialogue.

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Freaky Fridays – “The Beach House”

Posted on January 15, 2021 by Denise
Horror, Cult Movies, Exploitation Cinema, 70s Schlock, and more! Let’s look at something cool!

“It’d be vacation all the time – isn’t that what we want? Don’t be scared.”

Genre: Slow Burn Trippy Horror
Year Released: 2020
Where I Watched: Shudder
Pedigree: Echoes of Lovecraftian tales, and The Bay.

Synopsis: Emily and Randall head to Randall’s dad’s beach house to chill, and work on their relationship. But they didn’t know that his dad’s friends Mitch and Jane had been invited to use the house. And all four of them have no idea what what’s rising up out of the water… Or is it all just a really, really bad weed chocolate bar trip?

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“The Marksman”

Posted on January 14, 2021 by Denise
NOTE: I watched this film via a digital screener from the comfort my own home. Before hitting the multiplex, please consider the health risks involved with participating in group gatherings. Take very good care of yourselves – I wanna see you on the other side.

“Ah, it’s a cruel world.”

Story: Miguel is just a kid living his life in Mexico. But when his mom Rosa gets a call from her brother saying they need to run because the cartel will be after them to “teach [others] a lesson”? They do. Meanwhile in Naco, AZ – right on the border between the USA and Mexico – Jim Hanson raises cattle, tries to avoid foreclosure on his ranch, and reports “IA” crossings to Border Patrol via walkie-talkie. But when Jim sees Rosa and Miguel, things take a turn to the dangerous. Seems the cartel has followed them. Will Jim help? Well, after a bit.

Genre I’d put it in: Clint Eastwood-esque Protection Thrillers

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TrailerWatch – “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Denise

Hey, wanna travel? ME TOO. But til then, let’s ride the comical coattails of Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. Because who needs an umbrella drink right now? *views sea of raised hands, including my own*

This film was supposed to be released last summer, but…well, yeah. I’m already in love with young Reyn Doi as Yoyo, the kid with a serious “Guilty” addiction. (Same, kid. Same.)

Synopsis!

Take a trip and break out of your shell with Barb and Star. From the gals who brought you Bridesmaids (co-stars and co-writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo) comes BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR. Lifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time…ever. Romance, friendship, and a villain’s evil plot…Hold onto your culottes, BARB & STAR debuts in your home on February 12th!

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