Halloween at the homestead

There is a tendency to avoid more personally-oriented posts, because we would rather talk horror than about ourselves. However, since this is about Halloween, we decided to give a little glimpse of how we celebrated at our home this year. Storage space (not to mention our bank account) is limited, so we only decorated the entertainment room. Even so, it came out quite festive for the season.

For starters, rather than removing the cat condo we included it in the decorations, using it as shelving for a set of three faux jack o' lanterns. Furthermore, Yankee Candle's "Harvest Welcome" scent gave the room a pleasant, spiced fragrance. Strong enough to be noticed, but not overbearing on the ol' olfactory system.

Adjacent to the cat condo is our big-screen television. We draped Target's "Décor" brand spider-cicle lights set across the front of the TV stand and placed a pair of faux pumpkins from Michaels on top. This also included a skull-faced faux jack o' lantern from Meijer, bearing a passing resemblance to Jack Skellington from 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'.

An otherwise ordinary wood cabin changed into a vampire's coffin by draping Walmart's dripping light set atop and around it. And for an added touch (though not seen, here, in this picture), a pair of wooden, paint stir sticks were taped together into a cross and slipped into the handles. All it really needed was creepy vampire fingers curling out, trying to pry apart the locked coffin. Ah, well. Perhaps next year.

 

Behind all this was the main spread of ghoulish goodies. Three Meijer Halloween-themed tins stored, respectively: Reese's mini peanut butter cups and Reese's Pieces, fun-sized Kit-Kats ranging from white to regular to dark chocolate, and lastly Jolly Rancher suckers with orange-colored rolls of Fruit By The Foot. A furry spider from Halloween City safeguarded Target cotton candy cobwebs, plus a bag of pumpkin-shaped cheesy potato puffs, which were also bought from the latter. (The cotton candy, quite frankly, wasn't that good. However, the potato puffs were.)  

An unknown witch decoration, witch hat from Snyder's IGA, and a generic plastic cauldron from Walmart comprised the center of the table, where we later filled it with "witch's brewskis." That is to say, mostly Redd's Apple Ale and an assortment of a few other drinks, like green apple Jones Soda. (Those witches sure do love their apples.)

It gets a little lost in the table, but there's one other item definitely worth pointing out, and that's the Frankenstein's monster ceramic glass from Spirit Halloween. This was certainly one of our more favorite additions to the Halloween decorum this year. Note the attention to detail, with its weathered wrinkles, stapled scars, and droopy-lidded, yellowed eyes. Is that not cool or what?

As coincidence would have it, among our selection of movies to watch for that night was Universal's black-and-white classic adaptation of 'Frankenstein' (1931). For those of you who are curious, the rest of our nightly viewing consisted of: Key & Peele's Halloween episode, 'The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror episode "The Shinning," and 'Burnt Offerings' (1976), the latter of which, oddly enough, has many similarities to Stephen King's 'The Shining'.

Looking forward to next Halloween and, as an alteration to the old saying goes, "Eat, drink, and be scary!"

hiatus happenings

Ouch. *cringes* It's been just shy of a year since our last post, here on the Darkley Niche. Been kept busy dredging away at work like a blue collar zombie. Apologies all around, readers. Without further ado let's get the reagent, because we're about to bring this blog back to life!

Although we've been absent for a considerable length of time from the blog scene, we've been keeping at it with watching and reading horror in both film and literature, respectively. And of course there's still oh so plenty on our to-do list. Here's an abridged rundown of what we've viewed in the more recent months during our hiatus. – We'll try to come back to these later on and write more in-depth reviews or commentaries. Consider this the first entree, so dig in.

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MOVIES

 'The Cabin in the Woods' (2012)

When you think you've seen all that horror has to offer, 'The Cabin in the Woods' takes many of the tried and tired subgenres and then turns them on their ear, like your ol' Nanna did when she caught you swearing. I had some inkling of what the premise was, but had only guessed at the tip of the iceberg. This is one film that we can confidently feel safe to say you won't be able to predict. Also, kudos to the filmmaker's nods to 'The Evil Dead' movies and guest cameo, albeit brief, with Sigourney Weaver. This was a fun ride, and it was apparently so for those making it.

'Creature from the Black Lagoon' (1954)

We've been meaning to see this Universal Studios classic for some time, but it wasn't until reading Gary Myers' "Understudy" in the 'Shadows Over Innsmouth' anthology that gave us just the right push. The creature itself, that is, the Gill-man, was an impressive costume, both in its appearance and functionality underwater. Not too many made during the fifties can make that claim. And we've been on a serious H.P. Lovecraft kick with all things Innsmouth, so this really hit the sweet spot. In certain respects, we would even favor this film over 'Dagon' (2001).

'Mary Shelley's Frankenstein' (1994)

Speaking of creatures, here is another movie that features one of its own. This little gem took us by surprise, as we had heard very little about it. And while the names Kenneth Branagh ('Hamlet') and Robert De Niro ('Taxi Driver') don't instantly bring "horror" to mind, it was all pulled off rather well. And there was a rather impressive line-up of actors, ranging from Tom Hulce ('Amadeus') to Ian Holm ('From Hell'). Our only real complaint is that Helena Bonham Carter's ('Sweeney Todd' and 'The Corpse Bride') physical appearance as the Bride was rather disappointing.

'The Thing' (2011)

Having been fans of John Carpenter's 'The Thing', we awaited this prequel with an equal measure of anticipation and trepidation. Admittedly, animatronics and movie make-up will almost always trump CGI in our book. But it wasn't too cumbersome with the latter, which was a relief. And speaking personally, I had to smile when seeing the inclusion of the alien spaceship deep in the Antarctic ice. That hails back to 'The Thing from Another World' (1952) and actually included a number of other bits that I recognized, which were also carried over. It adapted much of what made its two predecessors good movies.

'The Woman in Black' (2012)

When we come back to this film, we'll have to make an attempt at watching the 1989 adaptation, albeit both are based on Susan Hill's novel, much in the same way that both 'The Thing's and likewise 'The Thing from Another World' are with John W. Campbell's novella, "Who Goes There?" Surprisingly, it wasn't hard to watch Daniel Radcliffe without thinking Harry Potter. (If anything, Elijah Woods kept coming to mind.) While his performance was certainly noteworthy, hands down the best part of the film had to be the Eel Marsh House itself. If you've seen it yourself, you'll understand why.

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TELEVISION

AMC's 'The Walking Dead' (2010-present)

'The Walking Dead' has been a mixed bag for most, and while friends of ours have found plenty at fault with it, we still enjoy the series. Could certain changes have been made for the better? Sure. But as far as comic book adaptations goes, this sure beats the hell out of a lot of them. (Seriously. Look at 'Spider-Man's Green Goblin and ask how they go from the illustrated designs to a sorry, Power Ranger knock-off. With a little make up, Willem Dafoe's face would've been fine.) We're still working our way through season two, so it's always possible our opinion might change. We'll see.

John Carpenter's "Cigarette Burns" (2005)

Eighth episode of 'Masters of Horror's second season, "Cigarette Burns" made us think of Robert W. Chambers' 'The King in Yellow' stories, in certain respects. Instead of a play, however, we have a rare film that drives its audience mad. It could also be said that "Cigarette Burns" resembles Carpenter's 'In The Mouth of Madness' (1995), which we loved due to its obvious Lovecraft overtones. Lastly, while Udo Kier makes an appearance his screen time is regrettably kept short. (Coincidentally, this episode happens to star Norman Reedus, who plays a regular on AMC's 'The Walking Dead'.)

'Psych'  (2006-present)

Season six of USA's 'Psych' has included some comical homages to horror films, specifically episodes "This Episode Sucks" and "Hereeeee's Lassie". If James Roday and Dule Hill in full costume as 'Interview with the Vampire's Lestat and Blacula isn't enough for fang fans, it also guest stars Corey Feldman ('The Lost Boys'). And while "Hereeeee's Lassie" is essentially a parody of Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', there are additional little Easter eggs slipped into the episode, like pregnant neighbor Rosemary ('Rosemary's Baby').

Stephen King's 'Bag of Bones' (2011)

Ugh... Firstly, we're definite fans of Stephen King stories, so make no mistake. 'IT' (1990) the mini-series still ranks among our top horror favorites. But 'Bag of Bones' was nothing if not predictable, as much as we wanted to like it. (SPOILER ALERT) It didn't take much foresight to predict Pierce Brosnan's character was related to the cursed men, for starters. And let's be honest folks, having an author protagonist is a tiresome trend that occurs pretty regularly in King's work. Yes, it was integral to the plot, but come on. Enough with the writer characters, King.

'Adventure Time' (2010-present)

Cartoon Network's series 'Adventure Time' started with an outbreak of candy people zombies, so it was fun to see this idea brought back to life in 3x07a, "From Bad to Worse." Together with the murder mystery in 3x06b, "The Creeps," these two episodes comprised part of Cartoon Network's 2011 Halloween specials. – Speaking for myself, I particularly enjoyed these episodes as they're the closest I can get to watching horror films with my girlfriend.

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READING

 'Shadows Over Innsmouth'

Published by Del Rey Books and editted by Stephen Jones, this anthology includes seventeen stories all inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," along with that as well. Some are hits, others are misses. But that's to be expected, really, and the hits really make this book worthwhile. "The Big Fish," "Daoine Domhain," and "The Innsmouth Heritage," were among my personal favorites. Be assured that a detailed Darkley Niche review will be in the works.

'Tales Out of Innsmouth'

As mentioned earlier in our two cents on 'Creature from the Black Lagoon', we've been indulging in Innsmouth-inspired stories. And while we haven't yet finished this anthology, shorts such as Gary Myers' "Understudy" have already made this read a worthwhile venture. Additionally, "The Weird Shadow over Innsmouth," which begins the book, was made from fragments of early drafts and reworked into a cohesive narrative by John Glasby. It's offers an interesting insight, although the story itself is a little repetitive, as is to be expected.

'The Whisperer and Other Stories' by Brian Lumley

Referring back to the previous book, this particular anthology is the reason why we put a pause on 'Tales Out of Innsmouth'. If it was to take a vacation from Innsmouth, guess again. "The Return of the Deep Ones," similar to most of those told in 'Shadows Over Innsmouth', spreads their tainted influence over to the shores of Britain. So far, so good. However, we may soon be swapping this for another of Lumley's anthologies, 'Return of the Deep Ones and Other Mythos Tales', and resume reading from there.

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That's all for now, our Darkley Niche faithful, but we hope it is enough to rekindle the embers of those followers who have been patiently awaiting this long-overdue post – like Cthulhu in his deathless sleep. We'll aim to keep this weekly to biweekly, if able. A film or book review may well be in order, come next time we write again. Until then, dream darkly readers.

AVGN on retro slasher games

The Angry Video Game Nerd, known earlier on as the Angry Nintendo Nerd, is a web series of retro video game reviews with James Rolfe as said Nerd, an individual so foul-mouthed that he puts the most verbose of sailors to shame. The profanity, as well as exaggerated gestures, again of the offensive sort, is part of the critic's overall character and at the heart of it is meant to be comical. The same goes for his occasional "drinking" during a review, meant to add to his already volatile personality and the show's comedy. His love-hate relationship with playing lousy games on old-school consoles such as Nintendo, Sega, and Atari is what fuels the cycle of each webisode. Granted, the toilet humor can get rather old. So if you have a low or even moderate tolerance for this sort of subject matter, we politely suggest that you skip over this particular post. Remember, you've been warned.

As far as we're aware, AVGN has reviewed specifically four video games that were inspired by iconic slasher horror films, namely: 'Friday the 13th' (NES), 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (NES), 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' (Atari 2600), and 'Halloween' (Atari 2600). This isn't to say that the Video Game Nerd hasn't discussed (or perhaps berated would be the better word) other horror games, as he's covered a handful of 'Ghostbusters' adaptations for different systems, but I digress. Of these four, we really have to tip our hat to AVGN's 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' review, not only because of the inclusion of Freddy Krueger as an active participant in the webisode, but also the clever homage to the Power Glove gag, which alludes to the sixth film in the franchise.

'Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare' (1991)

"Go yank your...[explicit string of profanity]! I've got the Power Glove!"

The rest of the reviews also include guest star cameos from their respective killers, playing out scenarios reminiscent of those seen in the original movies with the Nerd as their intended victim. However, as you may have surmised from his Power Glove quip (above), being passive in any situation, regardless of the circumstances, is not acceptable to the Angry Video Game Nerd. With the exception of 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' webisode in regards to the latter, each time he manages a successful escape from their sinister intentions and usually takes the advantage to retaliate, beating the killer at their own game most often with a console accessory as a tactful weapon.

Without further ado, here are the aforementioned Angry Video Game Nerd's reviews in the proper order that the four webisodes were released. Again, we give fair warning to those with a disdain towards prolific profanity and toilet humor.

Easter at the Niche, part I

In the mood for some seasonal horror with an Easter theme? While the selection is limited, the Niche will list several examples to help satisfy your craving. Not all of these are directly Easter related, per se (or necessarily "horror", for that matter). However, there are relevant tie-ins with themes of the holiday (ex: rabbits, eggs, etc.). Our only stipulation here is excluding explicitly religious subject matter, which might be deemed offensive. It may have religious themes tied to Easter, but nothing that directly involves Christ. If you were expecting something in regards to "zombie Jesus", it's not happening.

FEWDIO's Easter Bunny

We touched briefly on this short video in a previous post. FEWDIO, creator of the short "The Easter Bunny is Eating My Candy", is a production team currently consisting of seven individuals with a simple objective that is effectively summed up in a single sentence: "We create nightmares." Indeed, they do. Just a personal recommendation, if you watch "Easter Bunny" or the other shorts do it alone and in the dark. It's a surefire way to frighten you awake.

Also, a brief thanks to Paul of FEWDIO for the kind words about the aforementioned post.

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creepy Easter Bunny costume

A traditional Halloween costume of a frightening rabbit ("Peter Rottentail", example seen left) would also work well to scare the lil' tikes during Easter time. We're sure that those out there with a dark sense of humor could concoct something creative. Just be sure to do it in good fun, alight? There's a significant difference between a playful scare and terrifying a child to tears. Remember to use a little discretion and common sense.

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'Donnie Darko'

Speaking of costumes, we're sure that most of you are familiar with Frank the rabbit from 'Donnie Darko'. While the film is more science fiction/psychological thriller than horror, they don't come much creepier than Frank. The macabre, skull-like grin and whispering voice alone are enough to make anyone shiver. It doesn't get better when Frank unmasks himself, either.

As an Easter egg to horror fans, notice that 'The Evil Dead' plays on screen while Frank and Donnie converse in the dimly lit movie theater. Even before this, take note of the double feature sign outside the theater, which advertises 'Halloween' and 'Frightmare'. If you want to give it another Easter tie-in, you'll see that 'The Last Temptation of Christ' was also showing as Donnie leaves the theater.

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Švankmajer's 'Alice'

Czech artist Jan Švankmajer masterfully creates a dark retelling of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland in this 1988 Surrealist fantasy film. Wonderland itself is made mostly of a succession of dilapidated, cryptic rooms and baiting Alice along the way is the iconic White Rabbit. However, with its false glass eyes and a visceral tear across its stomach that constantly spills sawdust, this White Rabbit is an actual taxidermied animal brought to life by stop-motion animation. It initially escapes its display after biting through the nails in its paws. Rather unsettling, to say the least.

Watch a sample of Švankmajer's 'Alice' here.

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'Critters 2: The Main Course'

Now, I haven't watched this particular film franchise yet. However, I've come to learn that the sequel is set in a small town during the holiday festivities. In fact, the Crites even attack a man dressed in costume as the Easter Bunny. Is that incentive enough to watch? I think so, yes.

Black History Month, part I

While the recent hype is Women in Horror Month amongst bloggers, February is remembered here in the States, and Canada, as Black History Month. With that in mind, the Niche recognizes the talents of a select handful of the many black men and women who have contributed to the genre with a particular dignity, generally not perpetuating the negative racial archetypes seen, unfortunately, in numerous horror films. (I'm not just referring to blaxploitation flicks, I'm talking to the likes of the Wayans, too, with films such as 'Scary Movie'.) Here are half of a dozen individuals who will be acknowledged this time around. The remaining six will be accredited in a second post. It should be noted that they are not listed in any particular order.

DUANE JONES
(1936-1988)

No respectable list would be complete without Duane Jones, the lead in Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968) with Judith O'Dea. Jones later went on to star in a lesser known horror film called 'Vampires'/'Abandon' (1986), though I haven't seen this one, myself. Still, this one-hit wonder would be immortalized in zombie horror cinema as the predecessor to the "survivor" role seen regularly in such films.

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TONY TODD

(1954-present)

Portraying the only black, supernatural slasher among the likes of Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees in the 'Candyman' trilogy, Tony Todd also cameos in the first three 'Final Destination' films as well as playing Duane Jones' part in the 1990 remake of Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead'. Say "Tony Todd" in front of the mirror five times. Go on, we double-dog dare you.

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KEN FOREE
(1948-present)

"... When there is no more room in Hell, the dead will walk the earth."

'Dawn of the Dead' (2004 remake) was one of the first real zombie films that I had seen early on, aside from 'Shaun of the Dead' (2004) and 'Resident Evil' (2002). Something between the background music and Ken Foree's televangelist message gave me a sense of legitimate dread. Probably just the very notion of a zombie outbreak as something more than an infection, rather a form of apocalyptic punishment in the likes of Revelation. While Foree will always bring the remake to mind first for myself, he is better known in the original '78 film by George A. Romero. Some additional film appearances by Foree include: 'From Beyond' (1986), Rob Zombie's 'Halloween' (2007), and 'Zone of the Dead' (2009), among others.

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KEITH DAVID (WILLIAMS)
(1956-present)

Personally, I'm more familiar with Keith David's talents as a voice actor than a physically present one. Voicing Goliath from Disney's 'Gargoyles' ('94-'97) and Al Simmons, a.k.a. Spawn, from HBO's 'Spawn' ('97-'99) television series, his rich and deep vocals are easy to recognize. However, David has acted live in such films as John Carpenter's 'The Thing' (1982) and 'They Live' (1988), as well as 'The Puppet Masters' (1994) and 'Pitch Black' (2000).

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BENJAMIN "SCATMAN" CROTHERS
(1910-1986)

A regular jack of all trades, "Scatman" Crothers was an actor, dancer, musician, and singer. To horror fans he is best remembered as the Overlook Hotel's cook, chef Dick Hallorann, in Kubrick's 'The Shining' (1980). Crother's character is the whole reason behind the title of the story, telling Danny Torrence, "I can remember when I was a little boy. My grandmother and I could hold conversations entirely without ever opening our mouths. She called it 'shining'..." Crothers also appears in 'Twilight Zone: The Movie' (1983) in the second segment of the film, a remake of the episode "Kick the Can".

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TIM REID
(1944-present)

Much for the same reason that Ms. O'Toole earned a place in the Niche's "Women in Horror Month" part II, Tim Reid is recognized for his role in the film adaptation of Stephen King's 'IT' (1990). Mike Hanlon (Reid) is key to the story, serving as watchman by remaining in his hometown of Derry, Maine to keep vigil for Pennywise's reemergence and calls the other "Losers Club" members together. Granted, while this is his main contribution to horror, Reid proves himself more than capable of adapting to the genre.

Women in Horror Month, part II

After last night, I couldn't help but be reminded of other women that I wanted to include in the roster. Instead of tacking them haphazardly onto the end of the previous post, it seemed more appropriate to give these ladies one of their own. So, without further ado, the Niche presents "Women in Horror Month" part II.

JULIANNE MOORE
(1960-present)

This is rather embarrassing on my part, since it never really registered that agent Clarice Starling was played by two different women, with Ms. Moore in 'Hannibal' (2001). Maybe that's not such a bad thing, really, since the changeover was pretty seamless. Well done.

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JAMIE LEE CURTIS
(1958-present)

Requested by Carla of Nakamura's Place, Jamie Lee Curtis is more than memorable as Laurie Strode, Michael Myers' younger sister, in the 'Halloween' franchise. If that wasn't enough, Ms. Curtis was cast in another John Carpenter film, 'The Fog' (1980), as well as 'Prom Night' (1980), 'Terror Train' (1980), and 'Virus' (1999), among others. Now, I haven't seen the third or fourth movie that was mentioned just before, but I certainly intend to.

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MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ
(1978-present)

Step aside, Milla Jovovich, because while you may be the crux of the 'Resident Evil' films, Michelle Rodriguez was the woman that earned my admiration. Also appearing in 'The Breed' (2006) and apparently will be in the upcoming 'Machete' movie (scheduled for 2010), Ms. Rodriguez is a lady that I would like beside me in a hard situation, especially during a zombie outbreak.

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SIGOURNEY WEAVER
(1949-present)

Anyone familiar with science fiction films knows that Sigourney Weaver ranks among the top actresses in this genre, appearing more recently in 'Avatar' (2010), but more memorably in the sci-fi/horror 'Alien' franchise as Ellen Ripley. To simply put it, Weaver is to an alien attack as Rodriguez is to a zombie outbreak. Personally, and I may get some guff for it, Ms. Weaver was my favorite in 'Alien Resurrection' (1997). Why? Because she plays as a tough-as-nails clone with xenomorphic blood and mannerisms, bordering on creepy and sensual at times.

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ANNETTE O'TOOLE
(1952-present)

Perhaps it's a bit of a longshot, but Ms. O'Toole earns my recognition as Beverly Marsh in the film adaptation of Stephen King's 'IT' (1990). She's more often associated with the superhero genre, playing Lana Lang in 'Superman III' (1983) and Clark Kent's mother in the television series 'Smallville'. However, 'IT' holds a significant place with myself and Annette O'Toole helped to make it special.

Halloween II - Dear Sister

After watching Rob Zombie's 'Halloween II' last Monday with Don, this came to mind. Enjoy this little video put together by yours truly. A film review will follow later on. (WARNING: spoiler alert)

Fear Clinic

It's the Niche's first post, and while I considered beginning with a review of the film adaptation of Stephen King's 'IT', which has a special significance with myself, I've respectfully decided to engage it another day and start with something more recent.

'Fear Clinic' is a short, but very sweet, five episode web series by FEARnet and directed by Robert Hall ('Laid To Rest') with a cast of big names in the horror film industry, including: Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'), Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees, 'Friday the 13th' VII-X), Danielle Harris (Jamie Lloyd, 'Halloween' 4-5), and Lisa Wilcox (Alice Johnson, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' 4-5). The premise entails Dr. Andover (Englund), who has an experimental method of curing patients of their personal phobias using the "fear chamber", a device designed by the good doctor that causes the patient to confront their worst fear. Unfortunately, there seems to be a side effect: the fear starts manifesting into reality. And if one fear wasn't bad enough, they'll have to contend with five: hydrophobia (fear of water), scotophobia (fear of the dark), entomophobia (fear of insects), claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces), and misophobia (fear of germs and contamination). But Dr. Andover does have the assistance of Nurse Owen (Wilcox) and paroled criminal turned orderly Villatoro (Hodder), though they quickly begin to lose faith when the fears start killing patients.

Kane Hodder (left) as Villatoro and Robert Englund (right) as Dr. Andover

I absolutely loved the premise, the cast, and the effects used to bring the fears to life. My only complaint was how short 'Fear Clinic' itself was. I give it four-and-a-half out of five inkblots.