Goodreads Review – “Red, White, & Royal Blue”

Posted on May 4, 2020 by Denise

Yeah, sometimes I’ll just rip a review straight off of what I wrote over at Goodreads. It happens. From my Goodreads account:

Wow. How to put into words all of my feelings about this book? It’s exactly what I needed, what I wanted, and what I had to read right now, while I’m stuck in pandemic lockdown. A beautiful story that’s sweet, hot, funny, and feels real. Yes, it’s an alternate history fairytale. But damn if it doesn’t make me feel fantastic, with believable dialogue, complicated characters, and true love. I need three so much more from this author! I hope she gets on that real soon. Need to feel good? Read this book. You won’t be sorry.
And more thoughts:

Continue reading →

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At Home Ideas – The Dark Zone live streams from “The Conjuring” house!

Posted on April 29, 2020 by Denise

Are YOU ready for 24-7 live stream horror action? Here’s the info straight from the source:

While many of us revel in the perks of an extended staycation, one family’s quarantine situation is almost unthinkable, and they want to give you a front row seat to see what their terrifying lives are like in the real-life Conjuring House. From May 9 to May 16 , The Dark Zone Network proudly presents a 24-7 interactive live streaming event like no other, entitled “The House.” “The House ” is a week-long immersive experience documenting the daily lives of Corey and Jennifer Heinzen, the current residents of the notorious haunted house made famous by the hit film, “The Conjuring;” which chronicled the experiences of the house’s former residents, The Perron family. A little over a year ago the Heinzens moved into the house thinking they could handle whatever came their way; after all, they are paranormal investigators themselves. Almost immediately after the family moved in, paranormal activity reached a fevered pitch, and now they need your help to figure out what lurks in the house with them.

MAY 9 – STREAMING EXCLUSIVELY ON THE DARK ZONE
https://www.thedarkzone.tv/

I’m not sure how much tickets will be, but the page says that a pre-sale will be happening soon. So if you’re jonesing for some haunted house fun, get some spooky in your quarantine!

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At Home Review – “The Lighthouse

Posted on April 28, 2020 by Denise

I’m dealing with no screenings. I’m not dealing well. So, why not throw money at streaming services that are showing stuff that was in the theaters before we all went on lockdown? Here’s my brief – because I’m in Home Mode y’all – look at The Lighthouse!

“Tall tales.”

Robert Eggers’ second film is eerie, solemn, and darkly bizarre. Lighthouse has the look and feel of a silent film, full of sharp, angled shadows and Important Gazes.

Harking back in its trippiness to The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari, and in it’s suspense to Hitchcock’s The Lodger, this film has been a whole lot going on within its basic story. And, of course, there are art house echoes of modern works, like Cold Skin (two guys bugging out at a remote lighthouse), The Shining (madness, alcoholism, or something else?) and director Eggers’ own The Witch in terms of its haunting yet simplistic visual style.

Let’s not forget magnificent facial hair on display. Dafoe’s lush, crazy beard, and crazier hairPattinson’s magnificent 1800s handlebar by way of 1970s pr0nstache. The fantastic period outfits are terrific too, as was with Witch.

As the two “wickies” spend longer and longer together, things start to unravel. And the story shifts from the strangeness of a new situation to a fever dream. What’s true, what’s fantasy, and who’s gone mad? Like Witch, it’s an odd, leisurely walk through the human mind that won’t be for everyone. But it is fascinating stuff.

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TrailerWatch – Venom drops teaser showing Carnage – but not Maximum Carnage

Posted on April 21, 2020 by Denise
…because I’m betting they’re saving that for a possible Venom/Spidey/Carnage crossover? I’m hoping that’s the case, anyway. Digging the fun title, and I’m hoping Harrelson goes full crazy here. I wanna see him go Natural Born Killers level sociopath, y’all.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage hits theaters June 25th of next year.

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At Home Ideas: Disney family sing-along tonight on ABC!

Posted on April 16, 2020 by Denise

Been singing along to musicals and Spotify playlists? Me too. So why not join in on this sing-along? Deets:

Today’s biggest stars lead a magical singalong of beloved Disney classics from their homes, including songs from Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Moana and an epic High School Musical Reunion! Additional performances from Ariana Grande, Josh Gad, John Stamos, Darren Criss, Auli’I Cravalho, Amber Riley and more; plus the casts of Descendants and Zombies!

So tune in and tune up those vocal chords! 8pm EST, 7pm Central, yada yada… Have a great time!

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At Home Review: “Climax”

Posted on April 13, 2020 by Denise

I’m dealing with no screenings. I’m not dealing well. So, why not throw money at streaming services that are showing stuff that was in the theaters before we all went on lockdown? Here’s my brief – because I’m in Home Mode y’all – look at Climax!

In this trippy fever dream, climax adverts expectations. All ideas of the final girl, and stereotypical horror movie characters? Forget it. They’re not here. You think they might be? Guess again. The basics: a dance troupe inadvertently takes LSD during an after party – someone laced the punch y’all. Soon tea, and venom, gets spilled. Don’t take your time settling into your couch with this one; you’ll want to watch every second, from the starting interviews (peep the DVD’s on the shelf for an Us-like hint at the vibe of what’s coming) to the absolutely breathtaking dance scene that happens before things get crazy.

Climax is a dream that segues into a nightmare, back to a dream, and do a nightmare, over and over again. I had to pinch myself to make sure that I knew that I wasn’t actually asleep and dreaming this. Like any good dream that messes with your mind, climax doesn’t wrap things up in a bow. Your left trying to figure out what the hell just happened, and sort out the fate of each character. Who’s dead? Who’s alive? What’s going on? What happened? And most importantly what’s next? Who knows. And that sort of uncertainty works here. Continue reading →

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At Home Review: “Haunt”

Posted on April 11, 2020 by Denise

I’m dealing with no screenings. I’m not dealing well. So, why not throw money at streaming services that are showing stuff that was in the theaters before we all went on lockdown? Here’s my brief – because I’m in Home Mode y’all – look at Haunt!

An excellent creepy horror house/haunt film that doesn’t switch up any tropes, but plays exceedingly well with the ones Hollywood’s already got. You know the drill; college-somethings go searching for something to do on Halloween. One turn taken by chance gets them to a “Haunted House” that’s a whole lot more than they’d bargained for.

At a sneeze over an hour and a half, Haunt is just the right length to keep the tension and terror on high. As our kinda-intrepid crew of college undergrads get picked off one by one, I was impressed with the level of intelligence this crew possessed. A sub-plot involving one of the girls’ abusive boyfriends gets a quick but satisfying payoff, as you’d assume it would with the character coming fully into the story at the climax. No, not a spoiler; y’all know how slasher movies work. This ain’t news.

There’s a nice blend of spooky lighting and just-gory-enough onscreen effects. Sure there’s some brief CGI “blood” that pulled me out of the movie for a split second, but otherwise? Damn that’s some good FX.

If you’re into music at all, you’ll let the credits roll all the way through. Why? Because you’ll be gifted an incredible alt folk cover of White Zombie’s “Dragula”. No, it’s actually really good. Don’t make that face, it’ll freeze that way.

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For Kids: Movie Coloring Sheets from Cinemark!

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Denise

Because who else is going nuts from cabin fever? *sees a sea of hands in the distance* From Scooby to Angry Birds, Cinemark released several coloring pages. Have a blast, whatever your age!

Okay then. Get to printing – or use Paint, or whatever fancy art software you’ve got. Enjoy!

https://www.cinemark.com/movie-news/family-fun-animated-movies-coloring-sheets/?utm_source=em&utm_medium=email&utm_type=ta&utm_partner=ee&utm_ast=hr&utm_content=activity-april-ip-warming

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At Home Review: “The Hunt”

Posted on March 28, 2020 by Denise

I’m dealing with no screenings. I’m not dealing well. So, why not throw money at streaming services that are showing stuff that was in the theaters before we all went on lockdown? Here’s my brief – because I’m in Home Mode y’all – look at The Hunt!

“It’s my birthday tomorrow. I’m gonna eat a whole pie.” [I think that’s a great idea.]

Fun twists and turns from the get-go. What else would you you expect from Watchmen‘s Nick Cuse and Lost‘s Damon Lindelof? Though the marketing for this film crows about how incredibly shocking and sure to stir up controversy, it’s pretty much the usual Most Dangerous Game storyline, but with a 21st Century Left vs. Right spin. Yeah, you’ll talk about this film after the credits roll, but mostly about how it’s rather ham-handed at times. (What? I had to make that pun; they put a pig on the poster.) Continue reading →

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Con News: Overlook Film Fest 2020 postponed

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Denise

I’m sad that this fabulous film festival is postponed…and yet I’m also happy that they’ve done what’s best for creators and attendees. I loved going last year, and that was when I wasn’t at peak health performance. I was planning on rocking OUT at Overlook this year…and I still may, depending on when the ‘rona allows us all to get out once again.

While you’re stuck at home, why not try some of the free things the folks at Overlook Film Fest recommend? From Shudder to Fangoria Online, virtual experiences to podcasts – and, of course, On Demand films – there’s plenty spooky to hold us ’til the Overlook opens its blood-soaked doors once again.

Read on for the full 411 from Overlook, including ways to support the arts right now, and a beautiful tribute to the wonderful Stuart Gordon, whom we lost on March 24th. Be well, everyone!!!

Continue reading →

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