It's Here!

Happy Halloween, everybody!

Marilyn Manson's cover of "This is Halloween" from A Nightmare Before Christmas.

Hope you guys are having fun! Don't die. 

Shivering In Antici...

...pation.

It's almost here, my droogies. One more night and Halloween will unleash its... er, Halloween-ness. Today will be the final movie night, as I am not planning to watch movies on dear Samhain. No, I have more sinister plans.

Yep. I shoved aside John Carpenter's Halloween for Trick 'r Treat. But I like the concept of a movie actually about Halloween better than a movie that just happens to take place on Halloween. As you could probably guess, this is one of my favorite holiday themed movies. It's original, clever, and gives Halloween an awesome mascot in a way. My future children better prepare to be dressed up as Sam. 

The animated short the film is based on:

C'mon guys, someone has to give him some candy!

I'm excited. Tomorrow, I'm wearing my Freddy Krueger sweater to class. Since it has also been chilly the last couple of days, it's doubling as a source of warmth. Then I'm changing into a black robe and heading for an old haunted bridge on the other side of town with a couple of friends. Why? It's Halloween. People will go there to get scared. I feel obliged help them achieve their goal. It should be fun. 

What is everyone else's plans? Trick or treating? Handing out candy? Awesome parties?

An Obvious One, Really

I predict that today will be a rather unproductive day. Watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show until five in the morning is not recommended, although I'll admit, it is a lot of fun.

But that's not my movie today. We're heading for the classic hills today, with a movie that's on EVERY Halloween movie list. 

That's no Dr. Frank n Furter. 

I was originally planning to use this as the final movie, but then I remembered another film that was a better fit to the Halloween season. Not that this one is any less, but it's focus isn't on the holiday itself. Still a great movie. 

Great. Now I have the Time Warp stuck in my head. 

So Close!!!

Happy Frankenstein Friday, everyone! Halloween is in three days, plans have been made, costumes set out. It's going to be a grand old time.

Until then, I'll get myself in an extra good mood, starting with something fun: Hocus Pocus (1993).

This is probably one of my favorite Disney movies, honestly. It enough to get a yearly spot on the Disney Channel, and I own it on DVD. No, I do not watch the Disney Channel. 

Regardless, I think any Halloween movie marathon should have this included. It's fun, not too scary, and has both witches and a zombie. As everyone knows, zombies are apparently a hot item these days. Why, I don't know. I think it has something to do with the downfall of vampires thanks to sparkles.

"American Witch" by Rob Zombie. Seriously, you guys. How is Rob Zombie so awesome???

So ready for Monday to get here. For once, the weekend is getting in the way....

Busy

Skipping movie night again. Class until five. Bleh.

Until then, how would you like to be this guy?

Some More Ghostly Goings On

Since tonight is Ghost Hunters night, here's the newest video from my paranormal group, Waxing Crescent Paranormal:

Weird. Couldn't figure it out at the time, still trying to at the moment. 

No Escape

I realize my Halloween Horror Movie List for 2011 is slowly becoming saturated with vampire flicks. But bear with me here. I own a lot.

30 Days of Night is probably one of my favorite vampire films ever. Why? Because these ain't your mama's vamps. Nah, this is going back to Nosferatu. Terrifying. Not the kind of vampire you want hanging around your bedroom at night. Unless you're into monsters with three inch nails and mouth full of sharp teeth. I won't judge.

Nor are they prim and proper vampires either, drinking blood from wine glass and laughing at those silly werewolves down the road. No, these guys don't give a shit about dry cleaning. There is blood all over the fucking place.

Let it also be known the graphic novel is just as amazing. There's actually a series. However, I've only gotten to the third one. This film is just the first book. 

Because I can't find another vampire song to suit my tastes, you get to enjoy some old school White Zombie:

"I'm Your Boogieman" by White Zombie

One of the vampire from 30 Days of Night. Honest to God, I thought it was Marilyn Manson the first time he appeared onscreen. I was all, "WTF is Manson doing in this movie?????" But it's not Manson. It's just some guy named John Rawls. *shrugs*

Less than a week, guys. LESS THAN A WEEK!!!! 

I'm Going to Need Some More Cages....

...because I don't know how many more imaginary monsters I can fit in my imaginary basement. Here's another one for my collection:

Look at it. Don't you just want to give it a hug and invite it in for tea and cakes? It's just as cute as a bunny rabbit and a kitten playing with a box. 

Ok, ok, I exaggerate. Nothing is as cute as kittens.

But Pumpkinhead is one of my favorite monsters, no doubt. Not as high as the Creeper, but within range.

Now I wish to draw your attention to something I noticed this morning. But before I go on, I want to make note, I'm good at doing the laundry. Just not when it involves beach. Although, while brushing my teeth this morning, my lack of ability to use the beach makes for some interesting... art, shall we say?

At first glance, a normal person just might see a stain and a need for a higher degree of laundry learning. Not me. I saw a skull.

Like Jesus on a piece of toast, I got a skull on my towel. Thank you, pareidolia!

"Monster" by Skillet. It works, right?

I've Yet to Meet Her

Cathy Wilkins

"They say she walks at night, jet black hair and white dress blowing in the wind..."

The Legend of La Llorona

Creature Feature's Newest Single

"Mommy's Little Monsters" by Creature Feature

One more for the playlist, eh?

Hellyeah is still MIA. They're working on an album, I know. But I'm dying for a listen. 

They Whisper to Each Other, And Then Cry

House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Vincent Price. Woot woot!

And with a new "Ghost Adventures" on tonight, I'm feeling a little ghastly.

"Grim Grinning Ghosts" by our dear old Disney.

Ghost on the stairway of the National Museum in Greenwich, England. Caught by a reverend, nonetheless!!

What Music They Make...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BELA LUGOSI.

I think it should be fitting that tonight's movie is 1931's Dracula.

A beautiful classic. One that defined vampires as suave, sexy, well dressed creatures of the night. And no sparkles. We should all do ourselves a favor and go watch it. 

Thou Shall Not Fall

Feeling a bit off this week. I think it's the exam I have tomorrow, but one can't be sure. This should be a happy day. Ghost Hunters is on tonight. Until then...

Ahh. The Lost Boys. The movie that started my quiet love of Kiefer Sutherland. Complete with the late 80's vibe and vampires that don't sparkle. Lovely! 

Not to mention it contains one of my favorite songs of the 80's:

"Cry Little Sister" by Gerard McMann
Which, in turn, had led to some awesome covers...
"Cry Little Sister" by Seasons After
So it's an all around great movie in my book.
What are you guys watching tonight?

The Remains of the Day

Feeling a little lovably spooky today. I think this calls for some Tim Burton. Yes, another one. But I must make it quick since I have a pile of books a mile high that need to be conquered.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "Why didn't she pick A Nightmare before Christmas instead?" Because that would be too obvious, that's why. And Corpse Bride has a shit ton of skeletons. Can you say awesome?

Does anyone else think Victor looks like a grown up Vincent?

I think it is. The proof is undeniable.

"Living Dead Girl" by Rob Zombie

Fitting, don't you think?

And Now You Know

Every Town Has An Elm Street

"Whatever you do.... don't fall asleep...."

Welcome to the Grave

I actually went to sleep early last night, only to be woken up at 3:30 in the morning by some crazy ass chick across the street screaming at her (presumably) boyfriend. That's pretty freaking loud. And this is the second time it's happened. Isn't that disturbing the peace, or something?

Moving on...

I present the movie of the night:

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2002)

This is one of m y favorite movies ever, probably right underneath Session 9. I even have the soundtrack somewhere in my massive cd collection. Favorite song? Either "Epiphany" or "A Little Priest." And now that I think about it, Mrs. Lovett sounds like an awesome costume for this Halloween. Hmm...

"Death for the Dead" by SPF1000. I know I'm posting a lot of SPF1000, but they're just so fucking awesome and so underrated. I wish they were still together to make more albums like this. Alas, 'tis not so. 

"What's dead is dead, and life is for the alive, my dear." ~ Mrs. Lovett

Raise Your Hands. Bring the Hell.

Usually my post titles refer to something within the post. This time, I just happen to be listening to Drowning Pool while writing this.

If I get to it, tonight's movie is The Ring (2002).

I don't know if I would qualify this as one of my favorites, but I love this movie. It's one of my go-to horror movies when I want to watch something but I can't decided what to watch and I don't want to get into anything new. I honestly think I watch it just for the part where Samara crawls out of the TV. What would happen if you were in the electronic section in Wal-Mart or in Best Buy when that happened? Would she come out of the TV closest to you, or would a bunch of Samaras come out of all the TVs? If its the latter, that would fucking suck. 

The Ring also contributes to my favorite scene in Scary Movie 3. 

I probably laughed harder than I needed to the first time I saw that. 

I've finally started putting decorations in the kitchen, even though there is little to put there (being a college student, I have a tiny budget). 

Dracula, who likes to watch me cook. 

A spider candle holder, which I received from my mother last year. 

A robed skeleton hanging above my sink. 

More candle holders I've obtained in the past few years. 

The year round jack o lantern with his friend the owl. 

At last, but far from least, the half eaten bag of candy corn. Except it will be empty by the time Halloween gets here. 

Sidenote, I finally received my book I ordered off of Amazon a few weeks ago in the mail today (I really shouldn't be on that site when I'm bored and waiting for class to start). Hooray!

I've been wanting to read this for some time now, especially since my summer trip to Savannah (that place is absolutely AMAZING. I recommend a visit). The book is used and a little worn, but that just means it's living a good, loved life. 

"Put Your Death Mask On" by Wednesday 13

"Cindy, the tv's leaking!!"

Where'd You Get Those Peepers?

Late homework nights are killing my social life. Not to mention my sleeping habits. Two cups of coffee and I'm back to being tired. Gonna have to find something stronger.

Tonight's movies: Jeepers Creepers (2001) and Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003).

Jeepers Creepers (Theatrical Trailer) by NakedBrotha2007

Personally, I like the second better than the first, but mostly for the fact that I like the Creeper's style a little better. Like Billy the ventriloquist dummy in Dead Silence, I wish I had a Creeper in my basement (first I have to get a basement). Given the fact he won't eat me, of course.

Keeping the in Creeper vein, I thought today's song should (obviously) be the one from the second trailer, because it fits so well.

"Meet the Creeper" by Rob Zombie

I also want to make a quick mention of the awesome Halloween paper plates I found and acquired recently.

From the Dollar Tree, we have matching cups and plates, a dollar per pack. 

And for $1.50, we have a pack of sturdy, haunted house plates. Adorable, no?

I'm almost sad I have to use them, because they'll soon be gone...

I leave you here, as another cup of coffee is calling my name. 

Screenshot from Jeepers Creepers 2. It makes a beautiful background...

"I transform in the skies..."

What What

Today's my birthday!!!

 

Yeeeeaaaahhhh booooiiiii!!!! No longer a teenager and I still can't (legally) drink. Bummer...

I'm suppose to be getting some sort of surprise today, so all day I've been absolutely paranoid that a mariachi band would suddenly appear out of nowhere and start singing to me. I'm safely in my apartment now, but I'm not sure if that will help much...

In honor of this day with I claim as my own, I'm going to watch my favorite horror movie of all time: Session 9 (2001).

I'll admit, the movie is a bit confusing and a little slow for some people, but it's creepy all the same. It keeps you guessing until the end, or, at least, keeps you second guessing yourself even when you think you've already figured it out. I LOVE IT. It took me a watch or two to get over the fact that David Caruso of "CSI: Miami" is in it, but I've come to absolutely adore Session 9. To me, 'tis beautiful, especially the creepy voice over ending. Plus, I love, love, love asylum movies. Shutter Island? Yeah, I was all over that one. But that's another post for another time.

"The Wicked" by SPF1000. The first time I ever heard this song was a couple years ago. I had bought the album off of iTunes (sadly, the only place I could find it), and started listening to it that night. This song came on a little after midnight. I was by myself with the lights turned off and the rain coming down outside. I had to turn it off because I was starting to creep myself out. Yeah...

Promo pic from Universal's Halloween Horror Nights a couple years ago.

"And where do you live, Simon?"

"I live... in the weak... and the wounded... Doc."

Guess Who's Back

While this weekend did not go exactly as planned (do they ever?), I got plenty of pre-birthday goodies to show you, but first, today's movie.



Dead Silence is one of my favorite movies. It's very creepy, unexpected, and I want a Billy doll of my own. He's adorable. That's not weird, right? Right.

Anywho, I didn't get to go to the corn maze due to rain, so I ended up just shopping all Saturday.

I got a new stereo since my old one's speakers finally gave out. Plus, I can play my iPod on this one. And yes, I do still listen to cds.

My lovely mother bought me a mat for outside my door. I believe she got it at Wal-Mart.

Another pillow for my ugly couch. It also came with a purple throw.

Window clings...

I got this really awesome looking candle holder at Michael's. It was under the Halloween section, but I think it looks nice enough to be put out all year round.

For my few non Halloween presents...

From my sister. She got them at Hastings.

Also from my sister. I'm not actually a basketball fan per se. I just like Dirk Nowitzki.

I had taken a picture of my cake before it was mutilated and eaten, but it seems to have mysteriously disappeared from my phone. It was Halloween themed too.

On the music side of things...

I checked my mailbox right before I left, and much to my joy, found my signed Rufus Rex cd within. Hooray! I was so excited I went out and bought Anthrax's new album the next day.

Er, that's not exactly why I bought Anthrax. I've been waiting to have money to get it.

"Worlds In-Between" by Rufus Rex

"The Devil You Know" by Anthrax

You gotta go with the devil you know...

Just One Bite Won't Hurt

I'm feeling a little vampiric today. Probably because I've had three cups of coffee and still feel like death.



See the full movie here for free, brought to you by Crackle. Note: rated R for sexuality, brief nudity, and horror violence.


While this version is more romanticized than I would like to see, and certainly not my favorite vampire movie ever, it is probably the most faithful to the novel (while still taking its own huge liberties). Plus, it has amazing special effects not achieved by CGI. Take that, modern technology!

"Live Forever" by Soulidium. This is the best vampire song I've ever heard. I've yet to hear another one this awesome. 

Lucy from Bram Stoker's Dracula

"Good is not perfectible, but evil is." - Dracula, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Sidenote: I may or may not be able to post over the weekend. Awesome shit's going down concerning me, a birthday cake, and a corn maze. And maybe even a new stereo. But first I have to drive six hours tomorrow. If I don't regularly post, I hope on posting a few pictures via my phone, but I promise nothing. 

Until then, tell me, what is your favorite adaptation of Bram Stoker's novel?

I See You Coming Undone

I love Stephen King. I really do. I actually prefer his short stories over his novels, but for the most part he's a great writer. The only downfall is that if I want to read something and be scared, his work doesn't cut it out for me. I mean, I enjoy reading his stories and novels, but they just don't seem to affect me the way I've seen them affect others.

Except one.

I picked up a copy of Stephen King Goes To The Movies at Walmart a year or two ago. It was a collection of about four or five short stories that had been turned into movie adaptations. One of them was "1408". By the time I had gotten around to reading it, I had already seen the movie and was eager to see what changes had been made, what had been added, etc, etc.



Now, the movie hadn't scared me at all. I thought it was very well made and one of the best Stephen King adaptations I had seen. When I did decide to read the short, I was sitting in my living room in the middle of the afternoon with the sun shining through the windows as bright as can be. Part of the way through I had to put it down because I started to freak out. The first thought I had? Ohmygod my house is going to try to kill me. Fuck, The Shining didn't even have this affect on me. I don't know what it was, but "1408" scared the hell out of me. Of course, I read it again. And then watched the movie. Again.

I was going through my posts earlier and realized I didn't show you the other half of my tiny living room with its few decorations.

There's my little ghost I got as Dollar Tree. He's a new edition to the decorations this year. 

Here's a HUGE spider I also got from the Dollar Tree. He's new as well. 

I've had the black cat for several years now. This is the skull's second year, and I've always had the five headed dragon incense burner. It just looks awesome. 

I haven't got all my Halloween decorations out, as I've been busy with school work, but I'll eventually get there. Just need time.

I leave you with one of my favorite songs by my most favorite band ever:

"Small Silhouette" by Mudvayne

While this song may not necessarily fit under the Halloween description, the lyrics do throw off a paranormal/supernatural vibe. I think that's why it's my favorite Mudvayne song. 

Screenshot from Unsolved Mysteries. Hellzyeah we love the ghost stories!

Welcome to Prime Time

Fourth day of Halloween Horrors. Twenty seven more days until Halloween!!

As I was outlining and preparing today's post this morning, I noticed right away it carried a theme concerning none other than one of my favorite horror villains, Freddy Krueger. I was actually planning on waiting for this post, but "A New Game" by Mudvayne came on, and I couldn't resist. Somebody get Chad Gray on the phone. Pay him to tell me this song is about Freddy Krueger. I will die a happy person.



Eek, those blue eyes.

Erm, *cough* anyway, A Nightmare on Elm Street. Both of them. The original and the remake, because I couldn't decide which one I liked better. Yeah, I'm one of the unpopular opinions when it comes the the Elm Street remake. I thought it was fucking amazing. Sure, with a few minor flaws, but I had issues with the original too, so there!





While I adore Robert Englund with all my heart, Jackie Earle Haley did an excellent job. Okay, Haley's Freddy did sound a bit like Rorschach, but it's the same actor. Have you heard the guy talk normally? Is that what you were expecting? Come on, guys. Really now.

I love both movies. I really do. It's a point I'll bring up time and time again. I'm in a place where I will stand by the original, but I will also defend the remake to the end. You just didn't like it because they toned down Freddy's humor and focused on the fact that he's a pedophile. Don't get your panties all in a wad because you've been denying it all these years because the original only lightly touched the subject. At least, that's my theory why many don't like it. It's all about underlying denial, which leads to hatred. Correct me if I'm wrong. I'll be the first to admit, it is hard defending yourself for liking Freddy after watching the remake. I've had friends turn to me and go, "Why do you like this guy again???" "Erm, uh.... Because..... Hey look, I have cookies in the fridge!" I understand that. I don't like the fact either, but it is what it is. I'll still wear my shirts...

And I'll always have my poster hanging up somewhere...

And I'm pretty sure that until I get more creative, it will always be my costume of choice.

But enough ranting from me. What did you guys think about the remake? Help me understand what was wrong - or right! - about it.

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Marilyn Manson

I still think "A New Game" should have been in the remake. Shaking my head.

"This is god..."

Moving Right Along

The rent is paid, exams finished for at least two weeks, and Halloween is another day closer. As you may or may not have noticed, I changed my background for a more Halloween-y feel. I haven't really decided if I like it or not, but we'll see.

Tonight I'm treating myself to Thir13en Ghosts (2001), a remake of William Castle's 13 Ghosts (1960).





Roooooaaarrr!!!!! Ghost lion!

I remember watching the original late one night for AMC's Fear Fridays (do they still do that?). The movie only caught half my interest, but I made it through without falling asleep. From what I remember (it's been a while now) the story was rather bland and there was no real back story on the ghosts. Granted, I've only seen it once and was half asleep when I did.

But until I get my hands on a copy of an original, I will settle for the remake, which I do enjoy. I feel the story has been expanded, although there are parts I would have left out. I understand why many people would hate on Thir13en Ghosts, but come on. If you took every scary movie out there seriously, you would be in trouble.

The more I think about it, the more I start to realize this may not be one of those movies where I like it for the movie as a whole. What I enjoy watching is Matthew Lillard's character, Dennis. It would be awesome to have the level of psychic ability as he does, just as long as you could turn it off. Just like Pumpkinhead in Pumpkinhead and the puppets in Pupper Master, I watch Thir13en Ghosts for Dennis.

No wonder some people think I have a bad taste in horror movies. Hey now, I like legit movies too!

The Wal-Mart down the street has had their Halloween stuff out for a couple weeks now, but it's still a painfully small selection, which I fear is all it will be. I did however, score on a couple $5 shirts, one of which I wore today:

In my humble opinion, it was a pretty sweet deal. It's got tombstones, candycorn teeth, jack o lanterns, bats, and spiders. Plus it looks cool enough I can wear it all year round!

Ah, who am I kidding. I would have worn it all year round anyway.

Due to the small selection, as I mentioned above, I may have to make a trip to the other Wal-Mart a few miles away to seek expansion, but that may have to wait for a couple weeks. But with my apartment looking decked out like it is now, I'm sure I can survive until then. 

"Horror Show" by SPF1000

Gooble Gobble

I almost thought I wasn't going to be able to post today. My internet went out yesterday, and only just now fixed. But, it is fixed nonetheless, so on the countdown continues!

Today's movie is Tod Browning's Freaks from 1932.

While not my favorite movie in the world, I quite enjoy Freaks. It's a rather simple black and white film with an Aesop style moral to the story - don't mess with circus freaks or you will get fuuuucked uuuup. What makes the movie even more unique is the use of real life "freaks" as it were. No CGI or make up here. 

Keep in the carnival/circus theme, how about some more Creature Feature, eh?

"The Greatest Show Unearthed" by Creature Feature

Source Unknown. Anybody know?

It's Showtime

'Tis here, my droogies. October is finally here. Not only is what seems like half my family's birthdays this month, but there's also this little thing called Halloween coming up. It's, I don't know, one of my favorite holidays of the year. Today officially starts the Countdown to Halloween, and I'm going to bring you some of my favorite goodies of the season, broken down into six categories: movies, music, videos, pictures, products, and crafts. But let's not limit ourselves. Halloween is amazing. There is so much more that one may imagine.

Shall we begin?

Let us dip our toes in to put us in the mood by watching Beetlejuice (1988).



Ah, childhood. A wonderful thing. I remember watching Beetlejuice as a young child, only to forget it and then rediscover it in my late teenage years. After re-watching it I was amazed, thinking, "My parents let me watch this?? No wonder I am the way I am..."

I will also go as far to say Beetlejuice has one of my favorite movie soundtracks ever.



We're all agreed Danny Elfman is a genius, right? I thought so.

On to the decorations!

To start off, we visit one side of my tiny living room.

Orange lights gracing my Le Chat Noir poster

Black roses, a peacock feather, and a homemade Freddy Krueger inspired mask, along with a skull

Detail on the Freddy mask. I made it myself, using hot glue to make the burn marks and red paint. It's actually a lot darker than what you see here, but the flash highlights the "scarring". This is one of my favorite pieces I've ever done. 

I actually keep the vase of roses and the skull out all year long, but they fit in nicely when Halloween comes around.

And just in time for the beginning of October, Creature Feature has released a single from their new album, It Was A Dark and Stormy Night...



Hellyeah has yet to be heard from.

Excitement is in the air. Everyone is preparing for what's coming. Even Freddy.

Greg Hardin

How are you starting your preparations?