Prophecy (1979)

While I continue to do my research for my next post on Leave the World Behind post,  I took some time to watch some older entries.  My latest entry will be on a classic ecohorror flick from the 70s. The 1979 entry prophecy.

Plot: A government health inspector is dispatched to assess the damage a logging company is causing to a patch of forest claimed by Native Americans, and comes face to face with true terror wreaking havoc in the woods.

While this is far from a perfect movie,  it is definitely one of the better ones from the late 70s. Featuring a solid cast,  the performances are really good and the storyline is rather interesting for the time.  Yes,  it was made lacking the gore and true horror elements that could have taken it to the next level (a PG rating) and it does plod along at some points,  but it really does succeed at creating a solid creature feature.  In the end,  this one may lack the punch of some features,  but it is a fun watch and one that should be put into your creature feature rotation.  

Leave the World Behind (2023) Part 3 - Tesla Roadblock

After a couple days of holiday horror (which I am continuing right now) I decided to get back to Leave the World Behind, and the symbolism and predictive programming it gave us. Tonight though,  I am going to go into one of the weirder scenes, one that was quite  prophetic already,  just days after the movie premiere on Netflix.

Plot: A family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a blackout. As the threat grows, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world.

Looking back at this movie after a few days away,  this may be one of the most ironic scenes in the movie, when they stumble upon a fleet of Tesla's blocking the road as they attempt to escape the area. In the scene, hese are all brand-new self-driving Teslas, and they drove themselves to the highway. With no drivers present, it appears that these cars were hacked and more may very well be on their way to clog the highways. Sure enough, another Tesla starts coming down the road, driving straight toward the family’s car.

Is this possible? Absolutely. Yes, it would be extremely difficult and highly unlikely,  but the scene does present a situation that could happen in a freak scenario.  At first,  I was gong to skip past this and just chalk it up to the hatred that the government appears to have with Tesla and owner Elon Musk. From the outset under President Obama and especially now under President Biden, Tesla never gets recognized the same way that the major automakers (Ford or GM) with their progress in electric vehicles. I am in no way making a political statement,  I am just pointing out an apparent fact with that, so so please don't look at this through a political lens. Now,  why did I revisit this?

In a strange twist,  just like something from a movie.  Tesla announced that it is recalling nearly all 2 million of its cars on US roads to limit the use of its Autopilot feature following a two-year probe by US safety regulators of roughly 1,000 crashes in which the feature was engaged.

Leave the World Behind was released on November 22, and this recall occurred in December 13, less than a month after the world saw this scene.  Was this just an odd coincidence? That is entirely possible,  but I don't really believe in those and think this was some of the predictive programming I mentioned above.  Would it really be out of the realm of possibility that President Obama or someone in his team got wind of the pending report by someone on the safety committee? I don't think so.  Or, would it be possible that after seeing the scene (and even Elon commenting on it on social media), the movie forced Tesla's hand? We will probably never know.  All I know is I don't believe in coincidence,  and this one is just too perfect.  Agree or disagree,  let me know. 

Krampus (2015)

As I continue to count down the days until Christmas, I decided to continue with some holiday horror. After some searching, I settled on the 2015 entry, Krampus.

Plot: While the holiday season represents the most magical time of year, ancient European folklore warns of Krampus, a horned beast who punishes naughty children at Christmastime. When dysfunctional family squabbling causes young Max to lose his festive spirit, it unleashes the wrath of the fearsome demon.

I was actually pleasantly surprised by this one.  Is it perfect? No,  it does have some slow moments (especially in the middle), but this one is much better than many of the other Krampus films that are out there.  This horror conduct has a nice mixture of those elements along with some solid performances,  decent effects,  and a nice array of creatures. In the end, this one is worth watching and perfect for this holiday season.  

It's a Wonderful Knife (2023)

I decided to take a break from Leave the World Behind to watch some holiday horror.  While this isn't anywhere near Halloween, there are some entertaining horror films that take place during this holiday season.  This movie from 2023 fits solidly into that realm,  It's a Wonderful Knife.

Plot: Winnie's life is less than wonderful one year after saving her town from a psychotic killer on Christmas Eve. When she wishes she was never born, she finds herself magically transported to a nightmarish parallel universe. With the murderous maniac now back, she must team up with a misfit to identify the culprit and get back to her own reality.

When I say down to watch this one,  I was actually somewhat excited, the idea of a slasher take on a Christmas classic looked fun.  Unfortunately, the execution didn't meet my initial excitement.  While there are some positive with the cinematography and overall feel,  the scripting was extremely incoherent and the movie suffered from that.  The characters were flat,  the performances were uneven, and overall it felt rather predictable after an interesting start.  Now,  this is far from the worst movie in the genre,  but,  I'm positive that there are many better choices out there.  My recommendation, stay away.

Leave the World Behind (2023) Part 2 - 1619 MHz

This is a movie that has created so much buzz on Tik Tok and other social media with the ever-changing symbolism sprinkled through the film.  While some of it is obvious,  some of the other stuff is more obscure.  One of those I will go over today in part two, the 1619 MHz frequency that shows up on the radio screen in the car.

Plot: A family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a blackout. As the threat grows, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world.

When I first saw this in the film,  it didn't register.  I originally thought that it was a satellite radio malfunction.  But,  at second glance, it damned on me that the frequency say outside of all three major radio systems AM, FM, or Satellite. While 1619 MHz (or 1.616 GHz) can be used for satellite communications uplink, it is mostly used in L-Band RADAR. The wavelength range of L band is 30–15 cm. The L band is one of the chief operating ranges used by various applications such as radars, global positioning systems (GPS), telecommunications and aircraft surveillance. So, this was an odd choice for the radio,  but why?

One of the simplest dots to connect would be to associate it with the 1619 Project, after all, a ship named White Lion made a huge impact early on in the movie.  For those not b familiar, the 1619 Project is The New York Times Magazine's award-winning reframing of American history that placed slavery and its continuing legacy at the center of our national narrative. And the ship that delivered the slaves to the shores of America? The White Lion.

I could have stopped there,  but,  something kept nagging at me.  That's when the thought of the frequency detected at Skinwalker Ranch when a UAP appeared on the television show The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch popped into my head. That frequency was 1.6 Ghz. While that frequency on the show was a general 1.6 GHz, it still popped into my head because it would still sit within the bandwidth.  With all the talk of disclosure going around (especially in Congress) would it be outside the realm of predictive programming to plant the seed on a potential communication frequency?

That's when I found this video on Tik Tok that sat in the 1.6 GHz range.  While I don't have the equipment here to verify and it is outside the 1619 MHz mentioned in the film,  again it is. In the same bandwidth. This could all be a coincidence, but I don't believe in coincidence. 

In the end,  it is likely another reference to White Lion and the 1619 Project, but other possibilities can exist. Possibly even one that we don't know about yet.  If you agree,  or have a thought about this featured,  leave me a comment.  Plus,  stay tuned for the next entry in this series.  

Leave the World Behind (2023) Part 1 - Haunted Amusement Park

The Netflix movie Leave the World Benind, produced by Higher Ground Productions owned by President and Michelle Obama had been creating nquite a stir. Full of symbolism and Easter Eggs. I know,  if you're reading this,  you probably think I have my tin foil hat on,  but, really, there is a lot to unpack. Even after watching it a third time,  I keep finding more,  so, check back from time to time.  

Plot: A family vacation on Long Island is interrupted by two strangers bearing news of a blackout. As the threat grows, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world.

A link discovered in a QR code on the above map takes you to the website for Lake Shawnee Amusement Park. This note abandoned park is open for ghost tours and tickets can be purchased to visit the location. But why in this movie that is type with messages and symbolism would this place be so prominent? That's a great question and one I have yet to crack.

With it being privately owned and a small opperation, i would doubt that it has the finances to take part in a product placement ad. In fact, it wasn't an ad at all, since it was hidden in a QR code on a map. The state of West Virginia may have had it added, but again there are many other historical kandmarks that would make more sense.  So, let's look at the history. 

Technically, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park dates back to the 1920s, when in 1926 it opened its doors to its first visitors. However, Lake Shawnee has a history that spends generations and some of those may play into the legends that run rampant in this area.  

Built as a relaxation destination for early miners, proprietor Conley Snidow, Sr. Envisioned a vacation destination brimming with activity for the entire family.  It had everything from swimming areas,  rides,  to cabins.  Unfortunately,  this would not last,  and the park started to be plagued by strange accidents and deaths. This activity peaked in the 1950s and the shock locals began to lose interest, eventually firing the park to close in 1966.

After sitting dormant for decades, the park returned to life in the 80s with its signature ferris wheel and swings in tow. However,  this new life as short lived,  and the park shuttered after only three seasons due to rising insurance costs. It was one the parked closed that the owners made some incredible discoveries on the property that served to add to the lore telling the story of the original occupants, the Shawnee tribe, who seemed to vanish from the land in the 1700s. Included in the discovery was a mass grave,  with the remains of thousands of Native Americans that were laid to rest in the property. 

Of course,  the disturbance of these bones during the years of construction and activity on the property could have set the different owners on a path of despair.  Couple that with did of the mysterious deaths and the 1950s, you have a recipe for a haunted location. 

If not the specific location, what about the area.  Located in Mercer County, Lake Shawnee sits in the heart of Appalachia full of hunting and fishing (plus,  some cool cryptids), but really nothing more.  It is also in coal country,  an industry under attack by the Obama's and the majority of those on the Left. Again, making it a strange place to be featured in the movie (especially since the power grid is hacked and coal was a backbone of the industry for generations).

I really have no idea what the meaning is,  or if there is one,  but my gut tells me there is something here with this.  Maybe after more digging, I'll (or someone) will discover a reason,  until then,  I will keep looking.  Do you have any ideas? If so,  comment and let me know.  

Island Zero (2018)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday (if you partake in the holiday). It was definitely quiet here,  allowing for some relaxation. Today was busy cleaning,  something that definitely needed done. While I haven't finished,  I have taken an extended break to catch a movie.  My selection was the 2018 entry Island Zero.

Plot: Inhabitants of a fishing island find themselves cut off from the outside world after the ferry suddenly stops coming. When dead bodies turn up along the water's edge, the survivors must find out who, or what, is killing them.

There are times when I randomly pick a movie that I find something that I didn't expect and that was exactly what happened tonight.  I knew nothing about this one and I found it extremely entertaining. I loved the storyline and felt that the potential here made it worth watching.  The performances were solid,  the idea interesting,  the atmosphere was in tune with the story,  and it was a refreshing Creature Feature.  Unfortunately,  there were some flaws that were apparent and will definitely turn some people off. However,  for me,  these are easily overlooked because of the budgetary constraints that I'm sure existed with this indie film.  Yes,  the effects were lacking and there were some choppy moments that didn't allow the movie the reach its true potential,  but even with those, the quality  was much better that a lot of indie horror. In the end,  this is an underrated film and one that is easily streamed.  If you are looking for a Creature Feature,  give it a shot.  

JFK: What the Doctors Saw (2023)

It's a dreary and rainy morning here on the eve of Thanksgiving and it was perfect for some documentary time after taking care of the pups this morning.  With it being November 22nd, I decided to tackle the new JFK documentary on Paramount +. JFK: What the Doctors Saw.

Plot: Startling medical observations about JFK's wounds when seven doctors who were in the Parkland Hospital ER reunite to discuss a day none of them can forget.

Today marks 60 years from that fateful day and yet,  our government (which many people still trust), still will not release the information they have classified and sealed away from the world.  For many,  it's just a Conspiracy,  nothing to see here, but for many it makes one of the most tragic days in history.  For me,  I have always believed that we were being led to; there was at least one other shooter and this documentary did even more to prove that.  Unlike many previous documentaries on the subject,  this one did not rely on propped up regurgitation of the facts and theories that are everywhere. Instead, this one goes right to the front lines with the doctors and first responders at Parkland and allows them to recount what thethey experienced and witnessed. In the process, it unveils testimony and observations that have been hidden from the population for far too long. It also shows some of the irregularities with the post mortem handling of  the president and how this government driven cover-up started to be crafted.  By now,  many have awoken to the fact that the story we have been fed is a lie,  and it is far past the time where the truth should be told.  If you are searching for the truth or are on the fence,  this one is a must watch.  If you a staunch believer in the company line,  it is even more of a must watch for you,  even though you will probably just laugh it off as a Conspiracy Theory. Just remember,  if the government will lie to you about killing a president,  they will lie to you about anything. 

Publisher's Weekly Review of The Terror at Miskatonic Falls

This is a review of an anthology that I was lucky enough to have two pieces picked up in. It will be released in January 2024.

Publishers Weekly weighs in on THE TERROR AT MISKATONIC FALLS!

"Lovecraftian mythology and American folklore collide in this sprawling, shared-world horror anthology from Lucia. State trooper Steensma responds to a phone call made from the town of Miskatonic Falls, Mass., wading through an ungodly amount of snow and ice to unravel the bizarre occurrences that have seemingly annihilated the town’s population. An entity called the Long Man appears to be behind the influx of madness and death in the community, causing such bizarre phenomena as torrential snowfall, unidentified objects falling from the heavens, and a burning desire among the townsfolk to scrawl poetry on any available surface.

The poems, appearing throughout each chapter and gathered from 33 contributors, slowly reveal the town’s and its residents’ histories, with Lucia’s prose providing only slight connective tissue. Steensma’s investigation concludes in a moldering mansion, where the Long Man finally makes itself known, threatening to swallow the trooper’s mind with otherworldly knowledge. Readers looking for propulsive story won’t find it here, but the eerie feeling of wandering through an empty town may appeal to fans of the Silent Hill video game series." - Publisher's Weekly 

TMZ Presents: UFOs The Pentagon Proof (2021)

Next week at this time,  I'll be prepping for my UFO event with Enigma Labs at the ocean front. I'm stoked.  Ever since my first sighting in the 70s as I child,  I have known that UFOs exist.  While I have no idea what they are and have changed opinions over time,  I know they exist.  A fact that I am excited to see take on a mainstream life ìn this crazy 2023. Hopefully,  more information confines to trickle out.  Being in that mood,  I decided to watch TMZs show, TMZ Tresents: UFOs The Pentagon Proof (2021).

Plot: Analyzing the U.S. government's official response to UFO conversations from an investigative standpoint; interviews with key players; new footage of UFOs from the deck of a USS naval ship.

I am not a huge fan of TMZ, but I will admit that they do a great job at providing some solid information and in their investigation shows,  they make it worth watching.  This one is the same,  detailing the available information on this polarizing topic.  From 2021, this documentary dives into the Pentagon and the half-assed way they documented these important sightings as well as the way they worked to cover it up.  With some of the interviews, they pointed out facts that are easily verifiable to any one that wants to dive info these reports for themselves.  Shot with a myriad of interviews, they talk with both witnesses, experts,  and government representatives that all point out different information on the topic.  Thus,  giving different perspectives.  What I really appriciated was the fact that they covered the topic without an agenda, and allowed the different people they were talking to present their story without an agenda. The different members of TMZ asked pointed but not leading questions,  allowing them to answer open and honestly.  In the end,  this was both informative and entertaining. If you haven't watched it,  check it out. 

The Lawnmower Man (1992)

 

I am definitely already feeling some seasonal depression as Halloween has come and gone.  While I like to think with my movie choices and writing,  I live that 365 days a year,  there is an emptiness when spooky season ends that seems to last a few months.  Trying to keep my mind from the doldrums, I decided to revisit the 1992 sci-fi entry The Lawnmower Man.

Plot: A simple man is turned into a genius through the application of computer. 

This sci-fi entry may appeared dated with the visual effects of 1992, but that does nothing to bring down the truths lining this story.  Technology is our nemesis and in many ways we have behind slaves to the technology.  To me,  this is more of a drama dealing with moral and ethical problems that lie in many parts of science. In some ways,  much of this was demonstrated during the pandemic as many scientists played on their "so called"superiority in knowledges as a way to manipulate the world. Maybe we would have all benefited from watching this one again during those dark days.  But, enough of that rambling.  The performances were outstanding and the storyline was nuanced and true.  Yes,  the visual effects of the day make it feel out of touch, but they were pretty interesting for the day.  If you haven't watched it,  check it out. 

Where Am I?

Where am I, who, where? Paralysis takes hold of my body and I am petrified. Who would have thought, after this long journey, I would be the alien on this desolate red planet.I can only imagine what I look like to these creatures. My teeth protruding like razors from beneath this glass shroud. Of course, that may be the only thing keeping me alive, though. Maybe they believe I am the monster, and they are afraid. Good thing that they have not noticed my shaking. I would be done for.

As every minute passes, a deafening silence seals this lair. My warmth is shattered by a swirling tide of emotion. I am both astonished and horrified with this discovery. Somehow, I need to free myself though; I do not want to die here on this planet.

It is hard to concentrate, as signs of my potential demise surround me. What are those, tentacles? Eyes? Yes, they must think I am a monster. I have to escape before that the blade juts, and my body leaves crimson stains all over this lab. I do not want to die an experiment; I came here in peace.

I can see the probes attached with the bounds clasped tight on that thing in the corner. It is crazy, why have they left me alone? What do they see? Am I that hideous? Are my eyes rising like antennae? Yes, I have to escape this lab. I struggle to move, with no avail, what am I going to do?

I do not have much time left; I can see that they are starting to inch close to me. Please, do not remove my helmet; I will surely die. I try scream, but nothing comes out – I am trapped. Silence.

The cold slab chills my inner fears, but I can feel that something is different. My helmet, God, no, not my helmet. Wait, it cannot be. This cannot be real. I can breathe. I am alive, the atmosphere, no, this is not happening. Forbidden stories lost in the ancient wars? Truths banished to hide our real ancestors? The harsh truth shakes me to my core! Lies, everything we have been told are lies.

“Hello, my friend?” I hear from the depths of this lab, “We have waited for centuries for you to come rescue us.”

Like a proud parent, a tall grey stands above me, his gaze eying every inch of my naked flesh. A lone tear cascades from his scaled flesh. In his eyes I see hope; in his voice I hear pleasure.

“At last, we can come home.”

Hell House llc Origins: Carmichael Manor (2023)

I've taken a few days away from n the movies after going to see the final films in the Hampton Roads 48 Hour Short Film contest.  There were actually a few that could make cool features.  But, now time to get back at it.  Today,  I did kick back and watch something interesting the 2023 entry Hell House llc Origins: Carmichael Manor.

Plot: A group of cold case investigators stay at the Carmichael Manor. After four nights, the group was never heard from again. What is discovered on their footage is even more disturbing than anything found on the Hell House tapes.

When I saw this was coming out,  I wasn't sure what to expect.  I really liked the first one,  but the two sequels left a lot to be desired and did not match the overall promise of the first one.  Fortunately, this one is so much better than this two entries.  This one definitely delivers where this cime up short with an interesting story,  some tensiom and atmosphere, and a few decent scares.  Of course,  the characters and performances are uneven and there were some head scratching moments,  but it was a lot better than the other sequels. It may not be as good as the original,  but this one does a good job of building into the lore and keeping it entertaining.