This month the selection was the novel Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice. I decided this time around to skip the movie version, as I've talked about it a few times before on here. (last year when I covered The Vampire Lestat in book club I talked about the movie version of Queen of the Damned)
plot: It's a week until the big rock concert by the Vampire Lestat. Everyone in the world, be it human or supernatural is planning to attend. Some are going to experience the show, others are out to kill Lestat. As the week progresses, we learn that Akasha, the oldest living vampire, has awoken after thousands of years. She makes her way towards the gathering, destroying all in her path. We also learn of a common nightmare all the vampires, and many of the human psychics have been having repeatedly. They keep seeing two red haired twins and a burnt body. No one is certain what the meaning of the nightmare is? It isn't until after Lestat is kidnapped by Akasha, and turned into her personal steward, forced to kill for her, that the remaining vampires come together under one roof to learn the truth of the nightmares and their origins. Akasha feeling affronted by the remaining vampires, gives them an ultimatum. They refuse, and a final showdown between them and Akasha begins.
Okay, so first off, this is one of those novels that has been studied in university courses and by professionals countless times in the last 30 years since the novel was written. I don't know how much I can actually add to it?
This book, which is book 3 of The Vampire Chronicles, is told through the eyes of many characters. From the main characters like Lestat, Jesse, and Maharet, down to minor "extras" like Baby Jenks. Keeping with a bit of a theme, it's like from Royalty down to the Commoner.
It's also the first major depart from a straightly solid vampire story into witchcraft and the outlining areas of other paranormal issues; with the story of the Twins and the Great Family. (something Anne Rice would expand on in other novels)
For me, the characters of Jesse, The Talamasca and the Twins -Maharet and Mekare, were the most interesting. These are the witches and the paranormal researchers in the story. And the core of the two major family lines.
It's a very global thinking story. One that tackles the issues that were being faced in the 1980's when it was originally written. Issues we are only now really years later dealing with. A conscious thought that pointed out the flaws. The vampires gathered at the end; the survivors, are almost like a small version of the united nations. Each representing a "nation" so to speak. (Egypt, Rome, Iceland etc) and take on the responsibilities and perspective of such an enclave. A ruling factor advising the monarch.
It's almost visionary in the way Anne Rice describes the way Akasha sits undisturbed in front of screen after screen, connecting to the rest of the world without participating in it. Much like we do now with endless hours of internetting. It's hard to believe it was written 30 years ago before this was the norm. And Akasha's initial response to the images she sees, is equal to a child acting out on impulse learning that the information isn't always as it first appears. Akasha is trapped not just physically as a statue for thousands of years, but emotionally in her stubbornness. Her need to be right even when she knows just how wrong she is; is one of her only driving desires for so much of the story.
Where as the second novel in the series, The Vampire Lestat, was a clear metaphor for paganism, this seems to be a note on feminism and what one would consider extremism.
It's very female centric. Parallel in the fact Akasha begins killing all the men in the areas she visits, while Maharet ignores all the male family members basically stating that they are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Choosing to focus her attention and wealth on the females of her family.
The story is about evolution as much as it is about political boundaries. It parallels the idea of evolution itself with "two great families", both coming from one root. The human descendants and the surviving vampires. Proving that everyone is connected and all is one. We are given a clearer version of this metaphoric truth through the eyes of Baby Jenks as she sees the webbing of souls upon her final death. The same webbing Akasha claims to have seen when she was turned in the beginning.
Unlike the first two novels, the male perspective is down played to the point Lestat is afraid to use his powers. To test just how strong he truly is. As we're reminded time and again in the story that history can repeat itself. It's almost as if he's not sure he wants to admit he could be capable of falling into the queen's viewpoint/actions on his own. Even the most powerful of the male vampires, seem to be in a more docile role. Khayman being forced to rape the twins by the King's order, while the King being controlled by Akasha. Marius, being trapped in ice and completely unable to help himself as he waits for Pandora to rescue him. Daniel the newly turned vampire, who is addicted to Armand's blood.
Okay, I'm going to end this here. I think I've said all I can without a degree in anything.
Showing posts with label 1988. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1988. Show all posts
Sunday, May 26, 2019
Monday, November 5, 2018
Random movie Waxwork
movie: Waxwork
starring: Dana Ashbrook, Zach Galligan
genre: Horror, Comedy,
year: 1988
format: DVD
plot: A group of teenagers decide to visit a wax museum at night, and find themselves the victims of a devious murder plot. The owner of the museum is using the displays as supernatural portals, and needs eighteen real bodies to finish his work.
This is one of those movies that tried to be too ambitious. You're never really sure what the end goal of the film itself is? Is it a commentary on the animal within (the werewolf, vampire and Marquis de Sade are the longest segments all having to deal with duality and repression) the fear of others (the staff of the museum are a pair of butlers - a midget with an authority issue and a mute strong man) a comment on greed (everyone is rich and the lead villain sold his soul to live forever) or is it something else all together?
As this does try to cover all sub-genres of the larger horror world; vampires/ghouls, zombies, aliens, werewolves, serial killers/psychos, cults etc. You sort of know that each segment of the story will be rushed, as they are only smaller segments of the larger story happening, but you want to linger on them and try to understand why they were used. (Such as using the Marquis de Sade instead of Jack the Ripper to cash in on the fact Hellraiser had just been released.)
The sad part of this is, the film is really pretty good till the last ten minutes, when an angry mob of secret society members shows up to battle the reanimated wax works. Then it just looses all credibility and becomes a massive joke.
starring: Dana Ashbrook, Zach Galligan
genre: Horror, Comedy,
year: 1988
format: DVD
plot: A group of teenagers decide to visit a wax museum at night, and find themselves the victims of a devious murder plot. The owner of the museum is using the displays as supernatural portals, and needs eighteen real bodies to finish his work.
This is one of those movies that tried to be too ambitious. You're never really sure what the end goal of the film itself is? Is it a commentary on the animal within (the werewolf, vampire and Marquis de Sade are the longest segments all having to deal with duality and repression) the fear of others (the staff of the museum are a pair of butlers - a midget with an authority issue and a mute strong man) a comment on greed (everyone is rich and the lead villain sold his soul to live forever) or is it something else all together?
As this does try to cover all sub-genres of the larger horror world; vampires/ghouls, zombies, aliens, werewolves, serial killers/psychos, cults etc. You sort of know that each segment of the story will be rushed, as they are only smaller segments of the larger story happening, but you want to linger on them and try to understand why they were used. (Such as using the Marquis de Sade instead of Jack the Ripper to cash in on the fact Hellraiser had just been released.)
The sad part of this is, the film is really pretty good till the last ten minutes, when an angry mob of secret society members shows up to battle the reanimated wax works. Then it just looses all credibility and becomes a massive joke.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Inspired by Jan 2018
Spudguns! It's time for another recipe inspired by a movie. And it's an oldie but a goodie because it's another edition of 80's Day! If you've tripped along with me through any of these before, then you might have guessed that every so often I get my friend Heather from All Roads Lead to the Kitchen, to join me on this. We never tell the other what movie we picked. Totally a surprise. Which for me is the best part.
movie: Young Guns
starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Emilio Estevez
genre: Western
year: 1988
format: DVD
plot: After the death of their teacher, a group of young deputies; including Billy the Kid, begin to take the law into their own hands as they get revenge against the man who killed him.
This is the part where I start to feel really old cause, I first saw this 30 years ago in the cinema. Yeah, back when Kiefer Sutherland was still the hot new thing having just done Stand By Me and the Lost Boys, and westerns were still the style of movie that made the big bucks. Well, let's be honest, westerns are still a big draw, they just don't look like the dusty westerns up there on the big screens that we automatically think of when we hear the word. (Guardians of the Galaxy, Mad Max Fury Road, Priest, Fast and the Furious series)
I think one of the things that makes this movie seem good;(it's by far not a "good movie", but it's a "great for it's time" genre film) is that there really isn't any good guys. Everyone is there for revenge on everyone else, on both sides of the situation. And the lead character of Billy the Kid, is just sort of a loose canon. While everyone else is trying to reel him in, he's sneaking around behind their backs lying about what he's done. You're asked to blindly follow this guy without ever knowing what his true motives are. So you as a viewer are in the same situation as the rest of the gang. Never sure from one second to another if Billy can be trusted or that he's even who he really says he is?
Notes: pigs, cows, chickens, whiskey, ginger ale, whip cream, pheasant, bread, corn, peas, carrots, potatoes, chilies, oats, water, beer, wine, turkey, gravy, beans, coffee,
I have to admit, I couldn't get the idea of baked beans out of my mind the whole time watching it. From about the second scene, before we even see any mention of food; simply because of the dvd cover.
I used 2 and a half cups of white beans, rinsed them, drained and then soaked them in fresh water for about 6 hours. (package said overnight) Then boiled them for 2 and a half hours.
The sauce was super simple.
1 can tomato paste
1 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar
3 Tablespoon molasses
4 shakes hot sauce
I chopped a half an onion, mixed everything together and baked for 2 hours at 300 degrees.
I decided then to just make a quick pan fried potato, done in butter, salt and pepper. Along with some corn.
Little bit on the obvious side, but sometimes, simple is just the best direction to go.
That's about all I've got for you today, don't forget to head on over to All Roads Lead to the Kitchen, and see what Heather created and which movie she was inspired by.
movie: Young Guns
starring: Kiefer Sutherland, Emilio Estevez
genre: Western
year: 1988
format: DVD
plot: After the death of their teacher, a group of young deputies; including Billy the Kid, begin to take the law into their own hands as they get revenge against the man who killed him.
This is the part where I start to feel really old cause, I first saw this 30 years ago in the cinema. Yeah, back when Kiefer Sutherland was still the hot new thing having just done Stand By Me and the Lost Boys, and westerns were still the style of movie that made the big bucks. Well, let's be honest, westerns are still a big draw, they just don't look like the dusty westerns up there on the big screens that we automatically think of when we hear the word. (Guardians of the Galaxy, Mad Max Fury Road, Priest, Fast and the Furious series)
I think one of the things that makes this movie seem good;(it's by far not a "good movie", but it's a "great for it's time" genre film) is that there really isn't any good guys. Everyone is there for revenge on everyone else, on both sides of the situation. And the lead character of Billy the Kid, is just sort of a loose canon. While everyone else is trying to reel him in, he's sneaking around behind their backs lying about what he's done. You're asked to blindly follow this guy without ever knowing what his true motives are. So you as a viewer are in the same situation as the rest of the gang. Never sure from one second to another if Billy can be trusted or that he's even who he really says he is?
Notes: pigs, cows, chickens, whiskey, ginger ale, whip cream, pheasant, bread, corn, peas, carrots, potatoes, chilies, oats, water, beer, wine, turkey, gravy, beans, coffee,
I have to admit, I couldn't get the idea of baked beans out of my mind the whole time watching it. From about the second scene, before we even see any mention of food; simply because of the dvd cover.
I used 2 and a half cups of white beans, rinsed them, drained and then soaked them in fresh water for about 6 hours. (package said overnight) Then boiled them for 2 and a half hours.
The sauce was super simple.
1 can tomato paste
1 1/2 Tablespoon brown sugar
3 Tablespoon molasses
4 shakes hot sauce
I chopped a half an onion, mixed everything together and baked for 2 hours at 300 degrees.
Little bit on the obvious side, but sometimes, simple is just the best direction to go.
That's about all I've got for you today, don't forget to head on over to All Roads Lead to the Kitchen, and see what Heather created and which movie she was inspired by.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Food n Flix October (Hallowe'en Week 6)
Spudguns! it's been a few months since I last joined in the group, and I couldn't think of a spiffier way to cap off Hallowe'en Week this year then doing a little treat based on a movie of tricks. The Food'n'Flix selection this month is Beetlejuice, and it's being hosted by Deb at Kahakai Kitchen.
plot: When a couple are killed in an accident, the find themselves stuck in their old house as ghosts with a new family. After many attempts to rid themselves and what they consider to still be their home, of the unconventional modern family, they hire a so called expert to help. The self proclaimed bio-exorcist offers them not only a free possession with every expulsion, but his help comes at a price. He wants to be able to keep his human form, and not be confined to the afterlife. Soon, the ghostly couple find that they have more than just the uber modern family to get rid of.
I do believe I've chatted about this movie back in year one of the blog. (I know I did, I'm just too lazy to search for the post)
Notes: milk(the model truck) juice, wine, bread, garlic, coffee (mentioned) beer, chicken (wall decoration) apples, rum and bananas (the song) bottled water, Chinese food (Cantonese actually I think is what they said?) pop, tea, soy sauce, cow, chocolate bar, onions, lettuce, turnip, chives, tomato, radicchio, herbs, artichoke, green peppers, salad dressing, jam, spices, oil, ginger, fruit, peas (mentioned) Italian food (mentioned) shrimp cocktails with sauce, lemons, limes, ice, olives, martinis.
I would love to say I had this great out of the box idea for this, but that would be a lie. It sort of stumped me, (I think that I've hit a food creative wall lately) One of my favourite scenes actually has nothing to do with the main cast, but with the sidekick Otho during the ending of the seance; where he's stripped of his dark cool looking suit and ends up in the powder blue nightmare 70's one. And I desperately was trying to come up with something for it. Sadly, my creative food writers block got bigger.
But, as I was staring at the screen giving myself an ego attack, I thought about the blood red wedding dress Lydia gets "stuffed" into against her will. And I had it! So simple it hurts, but I made a really easy Stuffed Red Pepper.
I started with a basic mushroom fried rice.
Cooked the rice, added some chopped mushrooms, green onion, and a fried egg.
Mixed it together with a splash of oil and pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of hot sauce.
I then gutted the pepper, stuffing it with the mixture and baking it for 20 minutes at 300degrees.
Sadly, I don't have a spiffy cute name for it (my creativity is suffering) Don't forget to join in next month when the movie de jour will be Burnt, which is being hosted by Caroline at Caroline Makes.
plot: When a couple are killed in an accident, the find themselves stuck in their old house as ghosts with a new family. After many attempts to rid themselves and what they consider to still be their home, of the unconventional modern family, they hire a so called expert to help. The self proclaimed bio-exorcist offers them not only a free possession with every expulsion, but his help comes at a price. He wants to be able to keep his human form, and not be confined to the afterlife. Soon, the ghostly couple find that they have more than just the uber modern family to get rid of.
I do believe I've chatted about this movie back in year one of the blog. (I know I did, I'm just too lazy to search for the post)
Notes: milk(the model truck) juice, wine, bread, garlic, coffee (mentioned) beer, chicken (wall decoration) apples, rum and bananas (the song) bottled water, Chinese food (Cantonese actually I think is what they said?) pop, tea, soy sauce, cow, chocolate bar, onions, lettuce, turnip, chives, tomato, radicchio, herbs, artichoke, green peppers, salad dressing, jam, spices, oil, ginger, fruit, peas (mentioned) Italian food (mentioned) shrimp cocktails with sauce, lemons, limes, ice, olives, martinis.
Cooked the rice, added some chopped mushrooms, green onion, and a fried egg.
Mixed it together with a splash of oil and pinch of crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of hot sauce.
I then gutted the pepper, stuffing it with the mixture and baking it for 20 minutes at 300degrees.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
year 5 day 162
movie: Coming to America
starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall
genre: Comedy
year: 1988
format: Netflix Canada
plot: When an African prince is dissatisfied with the bride his parents have chosen, he decides to take matters into his own hands, by traveling to America hoping to meet someone new.
This is one of the many films in which Murphy plays more than one character, usually in heavy make up. The one barber shop customer is eerily similar in style and appearance to the character of Guido from the other Murphy film Vampire in Brooklyn, which he did a few years later. In fact, the storyline itself, is pretty much the same. (maybe Murphy thought no one would care to notice?)
Compared to Vampire in Brooklyn, where the lead character is tossing his wealth around in hopes of impressing the girl, the earlier version Coming to America, has the lead character trying to hide his wealth, in hopes of impressing the girl. As in this film, he's looking for someone to care about him for him and not for the fact he's a prince. (I think the two bookend each other well) Both films he's got to fight for the girl's attentions as she's already dating someone else, both females are strong independent characters. And in both films, he's only got about a month to make it all happen.
If you've read much of what I've had to say over the years, you know I'm not a big Eddie Murphy fan, in fact, Vampire in Brooklyn is about the only one of his movies I really like. So, with Coming to America being so similar, it should have been a home run right? It wasn't. I found it lacking in real style, and the pairing of Hall as the buddy feels like a mis-match. Not too mention, James Earl Jones, as the father plays it a little too over the top and creepy when he's suppose to be regal and forceful.
what did I learn? I'll never give up hope of a Vampire in Brooklyn 2...
starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall
genre: Comedy
year: 1988
format: Netflix Canada
plot: When an African prince is dissatisfied with the bride his parents have chosen, he decides to take matters into his own hands, by traveling to America hoping to meet someone new.
This is one of the many films in which Murphy plays more than one character, usually in heavy make up. The one barber shop customer is eerily similar in style and appearance to the character of Guido from the other Murphy film Vampire in Brooklyn, which he did a few years later. In fact, the storyline itself, is pretty much the same. (maybe Murphy thought no one would care to notice?)
Compared to Vampire in Brooklyn, where the lead character is tossing his wealth around in hopes of impressing the girl, the earlier version Coming to America, has the lead character trying to hide his wealth, in hopes of impressing the girl. As in this film, he's looking for someone to care about him for him and not for the fact he's a prince. (I think the two bookend each other well) Both films he's got to fight for the girl's attentions as she's already dating someone else, both females are strong independent characters. And in both films, he's only got about a month to make it all happen.
If you've read much of what I've had to say over the years, you know I'm not a big Eddie Murphy fan, in fact, Vampire in Brooklyn is about the only one of his movies I really like. So, with Coming to America being so similar, it should have been a home run right? It wasn't. I found it lacking in real style, and the pairing of Hall as the buddy feels like a mis-match. Not too mention, James Earl Jones, as the father plays it a little too over the top and creepy when he's suppose to be regal and forceful.
what did I learn? I'll never give up hope of a Vampire in Brooklyn 2...
Monday, July 11, 2016
year 5 day 160
movie: The Great Outdoors
starring: John Candy, Dan Aykroyd
genre:Comedy
year: 1988
format: Netflix Canada
plot: When a family vacation is disrupted by one man's brother in law, not even the wilderness is enough to hold them all.
This should have been a wicked buddy comedy, but it falls short on every level. The set up is simple, the two sets of families get under each other's skin for the first 90% of the film, and have to work together at the end to rescue the kids. There are moments when it feels like it's trying too hard to be likeable, but fails. It's obviously trying to be another version of the "national lampoons vacation" films that were popular at the time, but even in that vein it is too underwhelming.
The chemistry between Candy and Aykroyd is wasted on this script. And then there is little to no chemistry between the two female leads played by Annette Bening and Stephanie Faracy; who are suppose to be the siblings connecting the two families. They might as well have been talking their lines through a wall as much as to each other. Rounding it all out is a poorly drawn out "romance" for the teenaged son, who crushes on a local. Cliched and predictable in every way.
The only moment in the film that could be even slightly considered funny, is when the family accidentally take a photo with a dead guy. The set up for most of the jokes never pan out as they should (the guys go fishing and wake up with leeches, the grilling of lobster tails instead of hot dogs) plus the addition of the raccoon family between parts, just felt like filler with no real point.
what did I learn? Odd couple plotlines should be the easiest to pull off but sometimes are the hardest to get right.
starring: John Candy, Dan Aykroyd
genre:Comedy
year: 1988
format: Netflix Canada
plot: When a family vacation is disrupted by one man's brother in law, not even the wilderness is enough to hold them all.
This should have been a wicked buddy comedy, but it falls short on every level. The set up is simple, the two sets of families get under each other's skin for the first 90% of the film, and have to work together at the end to rescue the kids. There are moments when it feels like it's trying too hard to be likeable, but fails. It's obviously trying to be another version of the "national lampoons vacation" films that were popular at the time, but even in that vein it is too underwhelming.
The chemistry between Candy and Aykroyd is wasted on this script. And then there is little to no chemistry between the two female leads played by Annette Bening and Stephanie Faracy; who are suppose to be the siblings connecting the two families. They might as well have been talking their lines through a wall as much as to each other. Rounding it all out is a poorly drawn out "romance" for the teenaged son, who crushes on a local. Cliched and predictable in every way.
The only moment in the film that could be even slightly considered funny, is when the family accidentally take a photo with a dead guy. The set up for most of the jokes never pan out as they should (the guys go fishing and wake up with leeches, the grilling of lobster tails instead of hot dogs) plus the addition of the raccoon family between parts, just felt like filler with no real point.
what did I learn? Odd couple plotlines should be the easiest to pull off but sometimes are the hardest to get right.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
year 5 day 45
movie: Hairspray
starring: Ricki Lake, Michael St. Gerard
genre: Comedy
year: 1988
format: Hollywood Suite Channel
plot: After winning a dance competition, a young girl becomes the center of attention, while trying to help her community deal with interracial ideals in the early 1960's.
Seriously, what else is there to say about this film? It's about the racial divide that was still happening during that point in history.
It starts off as a popular high school princess vs the outsider story; playing on the cruelty that so many fall into. But, only as a vehicle to the real issue, which was the topic of segregation.
I didn't care for this movie when it first came out nearly 30 years ago, and I'm even less impressed with it after having watched it again this morning. I get the comedy of the high school rivalry is there to help lighten the seriousness of the main issue, but the extreme campyness of it makes it less digestible.
what did I learn? big hair will never go out of style completely.
starring: Ricki Lake, Michael St. Gerard
genre: Comedy
year: 1988
format: Hollywood Suite Channel
plot: After winning a dance competition, a young girl becomes the center of attention, while trying to help her community deal with interracial ideals in the early 1960's.
Seriously, what else is there to say about this film? It's about the racial divide that was still happening during that point in history.
It starts off as a popular high school princess vs the outsider story; playing on the cruelty that so many fall into. But, only as a vehicle to the real issue, which was the topic of segregation.
I didn't care for this movie when it first came out nearly 30 years ago, and I'm even less impressed with it after having watched it again this morning. I get the comedy of the high school rivalry is there to help lighten the seriousness of the main issue, but the extreme campyness of it makes it less digestible.
what did I learn? big hair will never go out of style completely.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
year 3 day 116
movie: Willow
starring: Val Kilmer, Warwick Davis
genre; Action, Adventure
year: 1988
format: DVD
plot: A dwarf is given the task of keeping a baby safe as he tries to return her to where she came from. Along the way, he finds himself having to trust a thief, as they try to stay one step ahead of the queen's army, who want the baby for themselves.
It's been years since I watched this. I love sword and sorcery films, there's just something about them that really unlocks the imagination.
Okay, so on the usual, we've got a goofy buddy movie that happens to have a few "car chases" (carts and horses) a dashing hero that has a heart of gold, and smelts...okay no smelts; trolls, brownies and a few ogre-ish brutes that might as well have been trolls, and an evil queen. (You know, just because you happen to be over a certain age and know you're way around a grimoire doesn't mean you're evil...)
The one real flaw in this is, it's never really explained what the fear of the baby is? They just say "the prophecy has come true." But what exactly is the kid suppose to do?
Just once I'd like to see a movie where the hero gets pounded by smelts, for no reason other then it would be funny. Smelts, minnows, anchovies, capelins...like in a major battle where everyone is running around the castle with swords and battle-axes, roaring and screaming about death to the enemy, and just a big bucket of smelts getting tossed at them...with a line like "I said smite our enemies not smelt our enemies..."
starring: Val Kilmer, Warwick Davis
genre; Action, Adventure
year: 1988
format: DVD
plot: A dwarf is given the task of keeping a baby safe as he tries to return her to where she came from. Along the way, he finds himself having to trust a thief, as they try to stay one step ahead of the queen's army, who want the baby for themselves.
It's been years since I watched this. I love sword and sorcery films, there's just something about them that really unlocks the imagination.
Okay, so on the usual, we've got a goofy buddy movie that happens to have a few "car chases" (carts and horses) a dashing hero that has a heart of gold, and smelts...okay no smelts; trolls, brownies and a few ogre-ish brutes that might as well have been trolls, and an evil queen. (You know, just because you happen to be over a certain age and know you're way around a grimoire doesn't mean you're evil...)
The one real flaw in this is, it's never really explained what the fear of the baby is? They just say "the prophecy has come true." But what exactly is the kid suppose to do?
Just once I'd like to see a movie where the hero gets pounded by smelts, for no reason other then it would be funny. Smelts, minnows, anchovies, capelins...like in a major battle where everyone is running around the castle with swords and battle-axes, roaring and screaming about death to the enemy, and just a big bucket of smelts getting tossed at them...with a line like "I said smite our enemies not smelt our enemies..."
Monday, October 22, 2012
Day 297
movie: The Blob (remake)
starring: Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith
genre: Sci-Fi, Horror,
year: 1988
format: Online
plot: A small town is terrorized by a living creature that has fallen from the sky. At first they think it's an alien from a meteorite, but soon learn it's a man made virus
This is one of those over the top creature features from the 1980's, that could go hand in hand with The Stuff.
Not much is really explained, other then it's a military experiment gone wrong, which is another trademark of horror films specially ones from the 80's.
what do i think i learned from this film?
If it falls from the sky, don't touch it.
starring: Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith
genre: Sci-Fi, Horror,
year: 1988
format: Online
plot: A small town is terrorized by a living creature that has fallen from the sky. At first they think it's an alien from a meteorite, but soon learn it's a man made virus
This is one of those over the top creature features from the 1980's, that could go hand in hand with The Stuff.
Not much is really explained, other then it's a military experiment gone wrong, which is another trademark of horror films specially ones from the 80's.
what do i think i learned from this film?
If it falls from the sky, don't touch it.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Day 151
Movie: Beetlejuice
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jeffery Jones
Genre: Comedy,
Year: 1988
Format: DVD
Plot: A young couple end up in a car accident and find themselves unable to leave the house. It only gets worse when a new family moves in and they end up getting help from a ghost who removes humans.
The classic comedy that helped to cement Tim Burton as a genius.
What always surprised me with this, was when I talked to people I found I wasn't the only woman who loved it.
There is just something romantic about this film, though I can't really put my finger on it.
What do I think I learned from this film?
The topic of the paranormal can be morbid but not always scary.
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jeffery Jones
Genre: Comedy,
Year: 1988
Format: DVD
The classic comedy that helped to cement Tim Burton as a genius.
What always surprised me with this, was when I talked to people I found I wasn't the only woman who loved it.
There is just something romantic about this film, though I can't really put my finger on it.
What do I think I learned from this film?
The topic of the paranormal can be morbid but not always scary.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Day 49
Movie:Elvira Mistress of the Dark
Starring:Elvira, William Morgan Sheppard,
Genre: Comedy
Year:1988
Format: DVD
Plot: Elvira is broke dealing with a local tv station when she finds out an aunt whom she never knew left her part of a major inheritance. She ends up going to the small town to find out not only was her aunt a witch, she also has more family; an uncle who happens to be a warlock. Now Elvira must fight her uncle before the next full moon to see who will receive the spell book and all it's power.
This is the first time the Elvira character has been given a movie of her own. Up till that point, she was just a horror hostess and favourite guest star on other people's shows.
One of my all time favourite movies.
It's campy but still manages to keep it's wits about it.
You can't help but cheer for her in all the mishaps that seem to happen in this movie. The one liners have become catchphrases in their own rights. {I know what you heavy metal weirdos do to hotel rooms read all about it in the Star}
What do I think I learned from this film?
Dreams come true. And you don't have to fit in to fit in, you sometimes don't even have to fit into your dress.
Starring:Elvira, William Morgan Sheppard,
Genre: Comedy
Year:1988
Format: DVD
Plot: Elvira is broke dealing with a local tv station when she finds out an aunt whom she never knew left her part of a major inheritance. She ends up going to the small town to find out not only was her aunt a witch, she also has more family; an uncle who happens to be a warlock. Now Elvira must fight her uncle before the next full moon to see who will receive the spell book and all it's power.
This is the first time the Elvira character has been given a movie of her own. Up till that point, she was just a horror hostess and favourite guest star on other people's shows.
One of my all time favourite movies.
It's campy but still manages to keep it's wits about it.
You can't help but cheer for her in all the mishaps that seem to happen in this movie. The one liners have become catchphrases in their own rights. {I know what you heavy metal weirdos do to hotel rooms read all about it in the Star}
What do I think I learned from this film?
Dreams come true. And you don't have to fit in to fit in, you sometimes don't even have to fit into your dress.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 42
Movie: Return of the Killer Tomatoes
Starring: George Clooney, John Astin
Genre: Comedy
Year: 1988
Format: DVD
Plot: Prof Ganggreen is working on a way for the tomatoes to stay human in order to get revenge for the tomato war twenty-five years before.
This is the second in the Killer Tomatoes series.
I have to say, I would never have bothered with this film, except for the fact it was part of a six dvd pack; Fright Pack
This film gives a large selection of bad pizza toppings as it's main course. But the cheese doesn't stop there, it's all over this film. Mostly when they "drop the fourth wall" and "talk to the audience" with their product placement which takes nearly 7 minutes of air time.
What do I think I learned from this film?
Strawberry jam does not belong on pizza.
Starring: George Clooney, John Astin
Genre: Comedy
Year: 1988
Format: DVD
Plot: Prof Ganggreen is working on a way for the tomatoes to stay human in order to get revenge for the tomato war twenty-five years before.
This is the second in the Killer Tomatoes series.
I have to say, I would never have bothered with this film, except for the fact it was part of a six dvd pack; Fright Pack
This film gives a large selection of bad pizza toppings as it's main course. But the cheese doesn't stop there, it's all over this film. Mostly when they "drop the fourth wall" and "talk to the audience" with their product placement which takes nearly 7 minutes of air time.
Strawberry jam does not belong on pizza.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Day 23
Movie: Heathers
Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater
Genre:Black-Comedy
Year:1988
Format: DVD
Plot: Veronica is part of the popular girls at school, all who are named Heather expect herself. She falls for the new boy at school who at first seems like every other rebel. Soon, their discontent turns into murder.
This film was considered very controversial when it first came out, and given the subject matter of suicide and murder it's no wonder.
Even though, this is done as a comedy drawing a spotlight on the way teenagers treat each other; it still has a solid message of the need to stand up to bullies and respect who you really are.
Slater is so striking in this film with his trenchcoat and jet black hair that you can't help but want to fall for his psycho-tendencies. You keep thinking there is a redeemable quality to him but in the end there just isn't.
What do I think I learned from this film?
If you can live through high school then you're stronger then you think.
Starring: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater
Genre:Black-Comedy
Year:1988
Format: DVD
Plot: Veronica is part of the popular girls at school, all who are named Heather expect herself. She falls for the new boy at school who at first seems like every other rebel. Soon, their discontent turns into murder.
This film was considered very controversial when it first came out, and given the subject matter of suicide and murder it's no wonder.
Even though, this is done as a comedy drawing a spotlight on the way teenagers treat each other; it still has a solid message of the need to stand up to bullies and respect who you really are.
Slater is so striking in this film with his trenchcoat and jet black hair that you can't help but want to fall for his psycho-tendencies. You keep thinking there is a redeemable quality to him but in the end there just isn't.
What do I think I learned from this film?
If you can live through high school then you're stronger then you think.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Day 15
Movie: Fright Night 2
Starring: William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall
Genre: Horror, Comedy,
Year: 1988
Format: VHS
Plot: Charlie is in college and dealing with the memories from three years before, when his neighbour, Jerry, had killed his girlfriend and best friend. Now, the killer's sister is out for revenge, the only trouble is that both Jerry and his sister are vampires. Charlie, his new girlfriend Alex and their friend Peter Vincent have one chance to save their town.
The set for the apartment that the character Peter Vincent has, is itself a vampire fan's dream come true. The displays of vampire posters and tools {almost all the posters in the movie are for "fake" films the character of Vincent starred in} makes you feel like you are in the house of a former movie star.
FN2, is not as dark as the original movie was, as it has a more stylized pop-culture approach; but still manages to keep enough of the horror.
What do I think I learned from this film?
When you think about something enough, you draw it to you. You have to face your responsibilities head on, and if it sounds completely crazy then it's most likely the best answer. And some vampires like to go bowling for leftovers.
Starring: William Ragsdale, Roddy McDowall
Genre: Horror, Comedy,
Year: 1988
Format: VHS
Plot: Charlie is in college and dealing with the memories from three years before, when his neighbour, Jerry, had killed his girlfriend and best friend. Now, the killer's sister is out for revenge, the only trouble is that both Jerry and his sister are vampires. Charlie, his new girlfriend Alex and their friend Peter Vincent have one chance to save their town.
The set for the apartment that the character Peter Vincent has, is itself a vampire fan's dream come true. The displays of vampire posters and tools {almost all the posters in the movie are for "fake" films the character of Vincent starred in} makes you feel like you are in the house of a former movie star.
FN2, is not as dark as the original movie was, as it has a more stylized pop-culture approach; but still manages to keep enough of the horror.
What do I think I learned from this film?
When you think about something enough, you draw it to you. You have to face your responsibilities head on, and if it sounds completely crazy then it's most likely the best answer. And some vampires like to go bowling for leftovers.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Day 9
Movie: Mystic Pizza
Starring: Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor
Genre: Comedy, Drama,
Year: 1988
Format: VHS
Plot: Three girls who worked their way through high school in a pizza shop, find themselves at crossroads in their lives. One is afraid to get married, one is trying to fit in with the locals and one is having an affair with a married man.
This is classic 80's preppy vs wrong side of the tracks. Like so many of the teen -romantic comedies of that decade, it centers on falling for someone opposite of the leads. Good girls with Bad boys. Unlike others of it's genre, it's not a feel good film at all. I almost get the feeling that it missed it's mark, falling too far between the cracks of comedy and dark drama.
What do I think I learned from this film?
Love is never as easy as a paint by numbers. Sometimes you've got to risk loosing your heart in order to feel anything at all.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor
Genre: Comedy, Drama,
Year: 1988
Format: VHS
Plot: Three girls who worked their way through high school in a pizza shop, find themselves at crossroads in their lives. One is afraid to get married, one is trying to fit in with the locals and one is having an affair with a married man.
This is classic 80's preppy vs wrong side of the tracks. Like so many of the teen -romantic comedies of that decade, it centers on falling for someone opposite of the leads. Good girls with Bad boys. Unlike others of it's genre, it's not a feel good film at all. I almost get the feeling that it missed it's mark, falling too far between the cracks of comedy and dark drama.
What do I think I learned from this film?
Love is never as easy as a paint by numbers. Sometimes you've got to risk loosing your heart in order to feel anything at all.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)