The Visitor (1979)

After taking a break last night from watching any movies, I decided that today I would go back and review a movie that I caught earlier in the week. That movie is the 1979 horror/sci-fi entry The Visitor.

Plot/ The soul of a young girl with telekinetic powers becomes the prize in a fight between forces of God and the Devil.

I am a huge fan of surreal movies that make you think; especially ones that can border on confusing and this one fits that bill perfectly. An interesting storyline that seems to feed on more than a few classics, this movie has some elements that should appeal to any horror or sci-fi fan. For the most part, the performances are solid, the cinematography is interesting, and the overall tone and feel of the movie works. Unfortunately, the storyline and plot, while intriguing have so many confusing elements that it is hard to make sense out of (even if you are paying close attention) and the soundtrack feels completely out of touch with the overall tone of the movie. In the end, this one will definitely fall into the love/hate category and is extremely hard to totally describe in any way. My only recommendation is to see it for yourself (at least once) and make your own judgment. Personally, I enjoyed it, but then again, my tastes are much different than many horror/sci-fi fans out there.

Salvation: Friday the 13th and Knights Templar

The story of the Knights Templar has always been one that has given me inspiration in writing. This was never more evident than when I crafted an entire epic poem, Salvation, centered on this legendary group. That idea was spawned long ago by this poem I penned in honor of Friday the 13th, where the Knights Templar take center stage.

If you don't know, on Friday, October 13th, 1307, French king Philip IV the Fair ordered the mass arrest of Knights Templar in the Kingdom of France. This event is considered by some to be the origin of the superstition about Friday the 13th being an unlucky day. The Knights Templar were accused of numerous crimes including heresy and treason. The end of the Knights Templar began on this day dreadful day. 

Triskaidekaphobia

Such a dark day in the world
Leaders defiled
The protectors destroyed in your name
Not by the masses that follow
But, from the hypocrisy of medieval royalty
For what - your secrets?
Jealousy? Fear?
Maybe it was just their shame from following the false prophet
The sinner who hid behind his disciples
And worse, women and children
Spouting lies of redemption
Preaching abstinence instead of indulgence
Creating turmoil in the perfect world
.. ..
Through it all, you stood tall
These destroyers of forged faith were blind
Failing to harness the power of your minions
By creating a day of homage of their transgressions
They granted you eternal life
History crying tears of truths in your name
You will never be forgotten
You Baphomet, will live forever
Like the Templar’s, your followers will bleed for you
Carrying on the traditions past down by the strong
Your enigma, a mystery to most
A companion to some
A day of fear to the meek
That day is today, Friday the 13th

.. ..

Let Me Make You a Martyr (2016)

Last night after finishing my Evil Dead 2 review, I decided to dive back into Shudder to see if I could find something interesting. After some thought, I decided on the 2016 crime drama Let Me Make You a Martyr.

Plot/ Adopted siblings hatch a plot to kill their abusive father, a local crime boss who won't go down easily.

This movie was not at all what I expected when I started watching it and honestly, it was a lot more than I ever imagined that it would be. This was an extremely thought provoking film with a detailed and layered storyline that was both entertaining and intelligent. The scripting was outstanding, as the non-linear approached worked extremely well in creating an atmosphere, the performances were solid with Marilyn Manson leading the way with an extremely memorable performance, and the cinematography and production elements were spot on. Sure, the non-linear storyline and drug use will turn some people off as will the slower pacing, but in this case, it should be viewed as the perfect platform for this story to be told in the proper manner. In the end, this is a movie that should definitely be seen. Yes, it isn’t really a traditional horror movie, but it does have elements that should make any viewer cringe. If you haven’t done so already, find it and give it a shot.

Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn (1987)

Okay, so I am cheating a little tonight as I am going to review one of my all-time favorites. To be honest, I probably watch this one twice a year, and that date came last night as I was working on a couple project ideas. That movie is the 1987 classic Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn.

Plot/ The lone survivor of an onslaught of flesh-possessing spirits holes up in a cabin with a group of strangers while the demons continue their attack.

The Evil Dead series is one of my all-time favorites and amazingly are just as entertaining today than they were when they came out. That is especially the case with this entry, which in many ways help energize the genre with its cult status. This low budget story is in no way a sequel, it is a different perspective on the classic source material. While it did lack the serious tone of the original, it makes up for that with a perfect blend of comedy, gore, and horror that takes the series to a completely new plane. Yes, it has all of the action, possessions, and of course, Bruce Campbell, but it is the combination of solid performances, outstanding storyline, and crazy characters that truly brings this one to life. In the end, if you are a horror fan and have not watched this one, shame on you. The may be one of the best horror films on the 1980s and is one that will surely continue to stand the test of time. Find it and watch it!

Pet Sematary (1989)

Yesterday I was searching for something to watch with the girls downstairs and decided to search my streaming services to find something. After some internal debate, I decided on the 1989 Stephen King adaptation Pet Sematary.

Plot/ Behind a young family's home in Maine is a terrible secret that holds the power of life after death. When tragedy strikes, the threat of that power soon becomes undeniable.

This is one of the Stephen King adaptations that have a place right in the middle of the catalog. While it is nowhere near as good as The Shining or Misery, it is not nearly as bad as Maximum Overdrive or Christine. For fans of King, this movie does have a better than average feel, mostly because King himself penned the script. The cast is an interesting mix, the scenery is amazing, the storyline interesting, the effects solid, and the performances are decent, yet even those positives cannot make this reach the potential that it held inside. Unfortunately, the characters feel underdeveloped, the atmosphere is flat, there really aren’t any scares, and a lot of the movie felt restrained to a point where things become overly predictable. In the end, this is another case where the book is much better than the movie adaptation. Is this a terrible movie? No, but it also isn’t anywhere close to being an effective horror movie.

Dawn of the Dead (1978)

As I finally finish things from my weekend trip to Monsterfest, it would be hard not do a final review of a film that helped inspire me throughout the years. After some time, I decided to break down and review the 1978 George Romero classic, Dawn of the Dead.

Plot/ Following an ever-growing epidemic of zombies that have risen from the dead, two Philadelphia S.W.A.T. team members, a traffic reporter, and his television-executive girlfriend seek refuge in a secluded shopping mall.

It is hard to review this film for so many reasons because there is really no way to do it justice. George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead is definitely one of the greatest horror movies ever made and quite possibly is the best zombie film of all time. Much like the classic source material, this movie is a snapshot of society and has much more depth than a typical horror entry. Between the social commentary and focused worldview, this movie educates as well as scares and maybe even more relevant today as our society is in the midst of crisis and turmoil. Filmed in Monroeville Mall, this entry has everything in it that a horror fan will love. Between the outstanding effects by Tom Savini including tons of trademark gore, the intricate storyline that is both dark and comedic, and the amazing soundtrack that works perfectly within the confines of the tale, this is one that must be seen. Even the performances are beyond solid as all of the characters embraced their parts and took them to exactly where they needed to be. While I know that this review does not truly do this classic justice, it would be boring to continue to reiterate how great this film is and why it is a must-see for all true horror fans. In the end, if you have not watched this one, you are wrong! Find it and check it out.

The Plague of the Zombies (1966)

This weekend I had a great time at Monsterfest 14. Not only was I able to debut my two new books After the Static and Salvation, but also I was able to interact with some horror fans of all genres. By the end of the night, although tired, many of us came to the zombie double feature. The first movie from the evening was the 1966 Hammer Horror entry The Plague of the Zombies.

Plot/ A medical professor and his daughter link a Cornish epidemic to a village squire's voodoo.

It’s funny when you think that you had watched something, but get the ultimate surprise when you realize you were mistaken. That was the case with this one and what I found was one of the best Hammer Films I have seen. From 1966, this atmospheric zombie entry (Hammer Films only venture into the genre) predates the groundbreaking George Romero zombie epic Night of the Living Dead and lays the groundwork for what has developed over the years. The pacing is sound, the atmosphere is amazing, and the cast and performances are solid. Honestly, it is one of the best Hammer films I have seen and gives credence to the thought that the studio should have expanded their catalog to other creatures in the genre. Yes, some of it does feel dated and the story is somewhat predictable, but those flaws are minor. In the end, this was a perfect way to end the evening at Monsterfest 14 and an underrated entry that all zombie fans much see. Check it out.

The Poe Arts Festival Poetry Contest

I am going to enter the Poetry Contest for this years Poe Arts Festival coming up in Philadelphia and would like your help in determining what piece I should enter. Below are three (of many) Poe inspired poems, I will be recording one on video for the contest. Comment below and let me know which one I should record for this contest. 

Plus, if you like these, you should check out Walking Before Dawn for more works.

Solitude


It haunts me in times of solitude
A vague whisper of a dream I can almost remember
The lingering warmth of a forgotten touch
I sense it there, in the darkness
In the quiet moments of times I can barely recall
Resting on the limits of my reason
It calls to me, urging me to cry out
Only to have my voice echo into nothingness
It is a history that was written in stone ages ago
And every figure of it has faded away
To leave me here to live in the shadow of a wraith
A vision of what was and a lost wish of what may be
I know it, and I know it is there
It waits for me to discover it once more
To unearth the secrets it holds and find myself
Because without it I am but an undefined impression of possibilities
It becomes me as I have always been a part of it
A promise that has existed since the dawn of thought
A gift inherent in the very fabric of the soul
But it hangs shrouded by the hopes of man
Concealed in ghostly images of all that it should have been
Here in the silence I hear it through the veil of time
And its words reverberate in the core of me
I quiver, though in fear or anticipation I cannot be sure
All my knowledge of it is a spiral of confusion
To reach out, to grasp it, to understand
But it is the phantom that lurks over my shoulder
That dream I can almost touch
It visits the edge of my memories and lines them with silver
It comes to me while I am alone with the past
And its vanishing countenance stays with me

Paradox

I stand quietly upon the land
The lucid doorway alive at last
Blind but I can see
Dead but I can breathe
Random elements twist through dark matter
Creating life from the impossible
A lone specimen from the mind of the master
Edgar called; he lost his cat
Is it here?
Is this hollow existence merely a dream?
A spectral theory rising from veiled dimensions
Anyone here?
Can you hear me?
I wade across the depths
Quantum decay wandering through a forbidden abyss
Trapped by stasis in an unfamiliar world
Alive?
Dead?
Misunderstood?
I can feel every sensation,
But cannot touch the cool spring breeze
Paralyzed inside this void
Memorable yet strange
No one answers
Loneliness abound
Darkness spirals through the hole
Time lost to decades of denial
Failed experiments fill every corner
Another string is strung
… And the cat cries from the wall

Darkest Night

Help me please; protect me, as these shadows close,
Oh, what have I done, cleanse my darkest darkened heart.

The eyes! Stop…no! The eyes!
Staring deep within the bounds of my soul,
Why me, why now, why?
The screams grow louder as the howling winds grow,
Swallow me whole, silence my cries,
Bury me alive, inside these walls; entomb me by your side.

Midnight nears, hear the echoes of bells?
Fetid flesh binds every move; every quiver,
Scarlet tears, sips of blood, the oceans swell,
Your whispers call, heartbeats shiver,
Something is coming, something from the well,
Save me, do not allow me to die alone!

The aging stones hide the illicit deeds,
Your labia removed, impaled by love and despair,
Truths turn to rust; breasts turn shallow, pale eyes bleed,
For in your lair, scents of lust fill the air,
And empty hearts and dying embers calm my needs,
Hear my pleas, forgive me, and make me whole again.

Years have passed; your pulse has faded,
Memories remain, visions so pure,
The blade upon your neck, an empty sacrifice, long I have waited,
For this day, and every day, for you to open the door,
Sins of flesh, Satan’s touch, and two lives sated,
Together at last, my tomb awaits, finally you call.

At last I hope, my deeds are forgiven,
And you will embrace my darkened soul.

Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979)

Having spent last night with Chucky, I decided that I wanted something completely different tonight. After searching through Shudder, I went for a classic vampire tale in 1979s vampire entry Nosferatu the Vampyre.

Plot/ Count Dracula moves from Transylvania to Wismar, spreading the Black Plague across the land. Only a woman pure of heart can bring an end to his reign of horror.

Wanting a classic vampire tale, this movie seemed like the perfect selection for the evening. Having not seen it in some time, I had forgotten how beautiful this movie was and how well it captured the great story of Dracula. Werner Herzog did a great job at creating a modern version of Murnau's classic Nosferatu, while adding some almost human elements to the Dracula character. The performances are outstanding, the cinematography and visuals are amazing, and there is a subtle calm that ties everything together. Unfortunately, the splendor captured inside those elements do take a small toll on the overall feel of the movie as this one does seem to lack the darker atmosphere of the original, the pacing is slow, and there really are no creepy or frightening moments. Fortunately, when you submerge yourself into the film, those flaws are easily overlooked. In the end, this is a different film than most Dracula interpretations because it shows sadness in the character that usually doesn’t exist. It may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth watching and an underrated film in Dracula lore.

Cult of Chucky (2017)

After spending last night in Morgantown at the WVU symphonic band concert watching my beautiful and talented daughter perform, I decided that tonight I wanted to watch something that could help continue the build-up to Halloween. At first, I debated my selection until I found one I have been looking forward to,  2017s Cult of Chucky.

Plot/ Chucky returns to terrorize his human victim, Nica. Meanwhile, the killer doll has some scores to settle with his old enemies, with the help of his former wife.

It has been some time since I ventured into the world of Chucky and while I am usually entertained by the series, a viewer really has no idea what to expect with a sequel (especially the 7th installment). In this case, Chucky was definitely back to his old self (complete with Brad Dourif perfectly bringing his voice to life), the series was intricately tied together, the effects are outstanding again proving that practical effects are much better in horror than CGI, there are some good moments with the blood and gore, and the performances were solid. Yes, the plot felt a little underdeveloped and there were some pacing issues that seemed obvious when watching it the first time. Both of those are somewhat expected when one considers that the budget was smaller than many other films of its stature. In the end, this film is a worthy addition to the Child’s Play franchise and a movie that was quite entertaining. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but it is a decent flick and one that definitely should make fans want to see more installments in the future.

Released to the Masses - Salvation: A Templar's Quest for Redemption

With all of the excitement last week of finally seeing my first novel After the Static released, I missed talking about what is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me. I love poetry, especially the epic verse contained in classics such as Inferno and Paradise Lost. This past April, as part of National Poetry Writing Month (NaPoWriMo 2017), I challenged myself to create my own epic tale and accomplished it with my next release Salvation: A Templar’s Quest for Redemption.

While this in no way could ever measure up to those classics, it is an interesting journey back in time for one member of the Knights Templar in an attempt to save their order from persecution. Sure, this one is only 30 Canto’s long, but it is a fun journey into darkness and another addition into the world of The Ridge.

Here is a synopsis of the epic poem:

Are the end times near? That is a sentiment shared by many throughout the centuries. That is also a refrain that forced Pope Anacletus to send one of his devout Knights Templar on a quest to ancient Levant in search of Baal, Moloch, and the Scepter of Golden Light in an attempt to redeem his order in the eyes of a splintered and corrupt church. Does he succeed, did he find Salvation, or was he overwhelmed in the depths of Hell?

If interested in reading this or After the Static, they are both on Amazon. You can pick up a paperback of Salvation for $6.99 or download the eBook for only $.99.

Lycan (2017)

After low-budget sci-fi flick, I decided to find myself a low budget creature feature and I found it at Family Video. Wanting something a touch different than my typical selections, I decided on the 2017 supernatural/werewolf flick Lycan (AKA Talbot County).

Plot/ When six college kids in a sleepy Southern town are assigned a group project to rediscover a moment in history when one of the students sets in motion a horrific fate when he proposes they head into the Georgia backwoods to tackle the legend of Emily Burt, the Talbot County werewolf.

When I saw this synopsis on the box at Family Video, I decided to roll with this low-budget werewolf flick not knowing what t expect. What I found in this indie flick was not perfect (honestly, nowhere close), but it did have some decent elements that stuck inside my mind. The performances are uneven but decent, the cinematography was not bad, and the overall feel of the movie did remind me of my teenage years. Of course, this combination of story forms definitely took its toll, with the mixture of the werewolf, slasher, students in the woods coming across clichéd and predictable. Couple that with the complete lack of depth in the characterizations, weird casting choices, and the lack of consistency with the supernatural elements and you have a movie that is somewhat uneven throughout. In the end, unless you are dead set on a new werewolf flick, I would stay away from this one. Sure, it is not the worst movie in the genre (especially considering the budget), but there are many werewolf movies to choose from and most would make a much better selection. Be warned.

Alien Arrival (2016)

Yesterday was much longer than I had expected, as Jolene’s softball friendly lasted a lot longer than I had expected and I was beaten down. I did find time to watch some television last night and I decided on the 2016 sci-fi entry Alien Arrival (AKA Arrowhead).

Plot/ A prisoner of war is offered a chance at freedom if he completes a dangerous rescue mission. His ship crash-lands on a desert moon, leaving him stranded. While struggling to survive, he discovers a deadly secret.

I was looking for something different when I picked this last night and that is exactly what this was. While it is nowhere near a perfect film, it does show that filmmakers can create something interesting no matter what the budget is. The cinematography and scenery were outstanding and the performances were solid especially considering the smaller budget used in this production. Yes, the scripting felt too detailed and there was may have been too much fluff written in, the pacing was uneven, and there were many inconsistencies littered throughout the movie that was extremely noticeable if you pay close attention to it. In the end, this was a solid debut entry and a movie that is much better than I expected when I selected it. Is it a perfect movie? No, not by any means; however, it is better than some of the films that show up on the sci-fi channel from time to time.