There's Someone Inside Your House (2021)

The weather has been so dreary the past few days making me want to do next to nothing. Because of this blah feeling, I have had time to watch some movies. One that I picked yesterday was the 2021 entry, There's Someone Inside Your House.

Plot: After moving to live with her grandmother in Hawaii, a teenager must confront her past after fellow students at her school are murdered.

While it one started with some promise and interesting ideas,  it quickly disintegrates into another in the long line of Scream wannabes. Unfortunately,  this one doesn't come close to matching that classic on any level.  There are some decent moments, as the cast does a good job with some solid performances and the cinematography makes it easy to watch, but those suffer from an overall lack of pacing that drags the film down. Plus,  the film never builds on the interesting seeds planted early in the film and those elements disappear into the boredom. In the end, this one isn't terrible, but it's nothing to write home about either. Stay away unless you absolutely love this genre.

Brave New Jersey (2016)

As I said yesterday,  it was a lazy weekend.  Although,  I did get some stuff done around the shop,  making it somewhat productive. I also took a break between binging The Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Mysteries and starting Kolchak: The Night Stalker to watch a few movies. Last night, being in the mood for some comedy,I decided on 2016s Brave New Jersey.

Plot: A comedy about a small New Jersey town on the night of Orson Welles' legendary 1938 "War of the Worlds" radio broadcast, which led millions of listeners to believe the U.S. was being invaded by Martians

The real story of the war of the Worlds incident in 1938 is one thati am sure everyone has heard of. I still wonder how I would have reacted had I experienced it live. This one is a great comedic take on what it may have been like in a small Jersey town when it happened. The storyline is lighthearted and fun, but it is also a touch uneven with some strange changes in characterizations sprinkled throughout. The overall look, performances, and production elements make this one easy to watch, but the scripted changes in the characters' and movies' tone does detract from the completed film. This one won't be fore everyone, but it is an interesting take on what might have transpired that fateful night in an isolated community.

Messiah of Evil (1973)

Yesterday, I decided to take a break from most of my electronics after feeling worn out from going to the midnight movie classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live cast at the NARO. That was the first time I had gone out that late in quite some time and I felt it.  While I did do some sorting,  I spent a good bit of time relaxing.  During that time,  I decided to watch a few movies including this 1973 offering Messiah of Evil.

Plot: A young woman goes to look for her missing father. Her trip takes her to a strange California coastal city ruled by a mysterious cult of the walking dead.

This is one that i am surprised that i hadn't watched previously.  Found on Prime, i live the fact that these older pieces are available to stream.  I so miss the trips to the local video store to find something to watch.  Do 1973, this unique film does feel a touch dated and the over quality does suffer,  but,  don't let the results of the dated elements and v technology deter you from checking this one out. This is definitely one of the more original storyline in the genre,  and one that does still work today.  Unfortunately,  movies today do not embody these unique stories,  and thus,  lack the atmosphere that this is does accomplish with some solid direction and cinematography. Thus is a really good example example of early low budget independent filmaking. Yes,  there are problems throughout the film and it is not close to being a technical masterpiece. But, if you love older horror,  this is one that is worth watching. 

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From a Whisper to a Scream (1987)

Yesterday was a day full of appointments and driving in traffic,  so when I was able to relax last night I wanted something interesting for my evening movie. After some thought, I decided to visit the horror icon, Vincent Price in 1987s From a Whisper to a Scream.

Plot: Beneath the small-town exterior of Oldfield, Tenn., lies a history of shocking violence and terrifying phenomena, as recounted by local historian.

Horror anthologies have been a mixed bag through the years ranging from dark to lighthearted comic entries. This one is on the darker side and one that is a lot better than I would have expected.  The four dark macabre stories are interesting and add a creepiness the is lacking from many anthologies of the era. The cast, performances, and look of the film are good for the time of direct to VHS horror. Unfortunately, Price plays a minor part as the narrator, while it was good, his talent could have added even more to the movie with more screen time. This is a good horror film and one that should be enjoyed. 

Alligator (1980)

While I have been on a Sci-Fi kick lately,  I still love to go back to my youth for some of the horror movies that shaped my love for the genre.  To me,  some of the classic creature features from that era still hold their weight.  Yes,  there is some cheese and schlock,  but wasn't that part of what made the 80s awesome? Last night I went for one of those creature features, 1980's Alligator.

Plot: A herpetologist helps a detective track her flushed-away pet, now a king-size mutant called Ramone.

The creature features of the 70s and 80s were the best. Yes,  there are some duds, but there were also some classics that sprung up. While this one is not as memorable or as mainstream as Jaws or even Piranha, Alligator remains one of the better low budget creature features of the time.  Boasting an interesting storyline,  dark atmosphere, a solid cast,  decent performances, and some creative effects,  this one takes an urban legend to a new culture classic level. If you love classic low budget creature features and can overlook some of the flaws, you will definitely enjoy this fun B-Movie.

Split Second (1992)

It was busy around my shop yesterday with 3 online sales on top of the two packages that I had to send out. Fortunately, I have the time to focus on that on days when that happens. So far today has been quieter, allowing me to start rebuilding the workshop after neglecting it during my transplant hiatus. Once I finished yesterday, I decided to dive into the world of Rutger Hauer with the 1992 flick Split Second.

Plot: In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.

I love Rutger Hauer movies and it is still hard to fathom that he is no longer with us. Onereason that i have always enjoyed his films is that he always seems to enjoy the project he was working on. This movie again shows that side of him. While this is clearly a B-Movie and far from a classic like like Blade Runner, he played his character perfectly. This is a lower budget film that has definitely built a solid cult following with a dark gloomy post-apocalyptic atmosphere, an interesting storyline, and decent scripting. Sure, this one will never boast great effects, truly believable moments, or being a cinematic masterpiece. But, if you enjoy fun, low budget, not bad but misunderstood movies and can appreciate schlocky Sci-Fi, this movie is for you.

 

The Vast of Night (2019)

Another Monday,  another early trip to the VA Medical Center for blood work. Unfortunately,  that is part of the new normal after receiving the love translated. At least,  or weather isn't that bad, so the drive isn't all that bad.  Knowing I had that this morning,  I wanted to watch something something mellow last night,  so I decided on the 2019 Sci-Fi mystery The Vast of Night.

Plot: In New Mexico in the 1950s, two kids search for the source of a mysterious frequency that has descended on their town; they soon uncover more than they had counted on.

I love movies that transport you to another time,  and this one did just TV that.  Another slow-burn, this Sci-Fi  mystery drama came off as almost a modern episode of the Twilight Zone or Night Gallery. The plot and storyline were solid,  the performances believable, and the overall quality was outstanding. Yes,  the movie could have been a little longer and a bit more captivating, but those are but minor flaws in what is a low budget gem. This one was well worth watching and satisfied my evenings desires. Unfortunately,  it won't be for everyone (especially those looking for action and adrenaline), but if you love an interesting story with Sci-Fi  and mystery themes, this one is for you.

Week of January 16th Listings at The Ringmaster's Realm

 

These are some of the listings from the past week.

Block Island Sound (2020)

Yesterday, I spent most of the day focused on the toy store by searching out some new items and listing a few things. While that was productive, it also allowed time for some down moments. In that time, I was able to catch a few flicks. One of those was the 2020 Sci-Fi entry Block Island Sound.

Plot: A fisherman's family encounter horrors and dark truths when an ominous force off the coast of Block Island begins killing wildlife.

This was a movie that I had skipped over many times until yesterday and now I wonder why. This one was a lot more than the short synopsis suggested offering a lot of tense moments and elements of implied horror and good performances that demonstrate how less can be more in a film if it is done right. A slow burn Sci-Fi  mystery, this one features solid scripting, outstanding visuals, and textured and heavy atmosphere that with help from a solid soundscape create a dark and bleak tension throughout. This one definitely is not for everyone, especially those driven by adrenaline and bloodstained scenes. This is one where the slow pacing works exceptionally well and drives an interesting storyline to the finish. If you like slow-burn Sci-Fi  and horror, this is for you. Check it out. 

Immanence (2022)

Yesterday was a long day. If started with an emergency trip to the VA pharmacy for a needed prescription and she'd with a trip to see the classic Blade Runner at a local theater.  In between, I did watch some TV and a movie.  That movie was the 2022 flick,  Immanence.

Plot: Radio astronomers discover a mysterious signal in the deep sea that could be contact with extraterrestrials. After several terrifying manifestations threaten their beliefs, the team must fight to survive the ultiImmanent.

When this one started,  I had hope. Unfortunately,  after the initial sequences this movie deteriorates into simmering boring and teetering on unwatchable. The storyline and plot are a mess, pitting science/aliens against religion in a strange battle on a boat. The performances are alright, the scripting and dialog are all over, and the atmosphere and pace are barely noticeable. In the end,  this one seems like a bunch of friends got together and made a movie, which if that is the case, I applaud them. But, this one doesn't work and cannot even fall into the so bad it's good category. Stay away.

Winterbeast (1991)

In the middle of my marathon of the original Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Mystery Hour, I decided that I wanted to take a break and catch a movie (recovering from transplant surgery does have some perks). So,  after some debate with the voices in my head, I decided on the 1991 schlockfest Winterbeast.

Plot: People are being killed off near a popular mountain lodge, with a legend claiming that the mountain is haunted by a deadly Native American demonic curse.

I honestly don't know exactly what i watched and am quite torn.  On one hand, this no budget schlockfest offers very little fit the viewer. It has almost no plot, the scripting is incoherent, the effects teeter between bad and worse, and the performances are far from good.  Yet, i found this one rather entertaining on a so bad it's good level. This reminds me of what Mr. Lobo from Cinema Insomnia says,  "they're not bad movie,  they're just misunderstood." In many ways this is a movie that shows that anyone can make a true independent film, no matter hor good or bad, if they want to. With what I am sure is an extremely low budget (if any) and not a single know commodity (not to mention dated stop-motion effects), this one keeps you interested by wondering what features is coming next. Overall, yes, it is a bad film and a movie that on many levels,  should necessarily be seen.  But,  in this case,  check it out, you definitely find some of it hilarious.

The Pale Blue Eye (2022)

Last night as I was finishing my work Enigma's as a remebrance of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday,  I wanted to watch something Poe related. After since thought,  I decided on the new Netflix release from 2022, The Pale Blue Eye.

Plot: Veteran detective Augustus Landor investigates a series of grisly murders with the help of a young cadet who will eventually go on to become the world-famous author Edgar Allan Poe.

I will admit,  I am a huge fan of everything Poe related, so I may be a touch biased in this review.  For,  me,  this film was a blast to watch.  The tension and atmosphere drew me in right from the start.  Everything in this period piece worked: the set, the cast, the costuming, the cinematography, the acting, and the overall feel was perfect for a mystery/thriller. For me though, as a writer, the scripting was fascinating. The way the script was written and then transferred to the screen never felt forced and everything from the dialog to the presence felt extremely natural and was something that I could see transpiring during that time period. Yes, the movie does run long for today's cookie cutter 90 minute box, which could turn some people off, and the opening sequences do move a bit slow as the characters and storyline develops, but this are the only very minor flaws (for some) that this movie has.  This is a must watch for Poe fans and a movie most mystery/thriller fans should enjoy. 

Enigma's - A Birthday Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe

 

As a fan of horror,  mystery,  and suspense, there is nothing better than a great story.  And,  as a writer,  there is nothing more that I want than to craft a great story.  One of my influences, and reasons why I love these genres is Edgar Allan Poe. His words and storytelling abilities were amazing, which is why they have stood the test of time.  Poe was a flawed man,  but,  the real flaw in his life was that he was taken too soon. Today, on what would have been his 214th birthday,  I have come up with this little poetic tribute to one of my biggest influences and a true genius. 

Enigma's

I stand quietly upon the land,
The vast countenance of oblivion staring into my depths,
Lucid stairways alive at last;
And illicit secrecies surround the silent enigmas once held dear,
Blind but I can see,
Dead but I can breathe,
A final frontier of all that was,
A dismal remnant of what will be,
Random elements twist through the darkness,
Creating life from the impossible,
A lone specimen from the mind of the master,
Edgar whispered; he lost his cat…
…Is it here?

 

Is this hollow existence merely a dream?
A spectral theory rising from a demonic abyss,
Is anyone here?
Can anyone hear me?
No, just the nothingness of decay shrouded by exile,
Trapped by a forgotten paradox once held as truth,
Am I alive?
Or, am dead?
I can feel every sensation, but cannot touch the frigid memories,
Paralyzed inside this void; no one answers my call,
Failed experiments cloud my vision; my secrets remain unseen,
Another string is strung…
… And the cat cries from the wall.

All Eyes (2022)

As this week continues, I have found getting back to watching horror and returning to the blog has been really therapeutic and has helped me pass some time as I recover from my transplant. Luckily, there are a ton of movies out there for me to choose from. The next one I decided I was the 2022 independent flick All Eyes.

Plot: A disgraced podcast stumbles upon an eccentric farmer who claims to have a monster living in the woods near his house.

When I read the premise of this one,  I was intrigued because I have been stuck in this podcast realm for a few days.  More of a drama than creature feature,  this movie is one that is a lot more layered than you would expect at first glace. The storyline is good,  the cast and performances are solid,  and the overall feel of the movie really works.  One thing that really stood out was the scripting. As a writer myself,  I found that the character development, the depth of the airline,  and the way everything was brought together was tremendous. Yes,  there are some slow moments,  especially at the beginning,  and the monster reveal was sort of a letdown, but for a movie that I am sure had a low budget, some flaws are to be expected. In the end,  this wasn't the horror movie that I expected,  but it was a film that I am glad I discovered. Not for everyone,  but worth the watch. 

Deadstream (2022)

I know, I know, it's a lot earlier than it has been for this post. But, I was up early to head to the VA hospital for my weekly bloodletting. Being a transplant recipient, that is one of the costs of being alive and surviving cancer. While,  it has only been a month since returning home,  I have totally accepted the miserable traffic that comes with early morning blood work. Last night, I decided that I would watch something involving a podcast/YouTuber, something that I have come to really enjoy.  My choice was Deadstream from 2022.

Plot: A disgraced internet personality tries to win back his followers by livestreaming himself at an abandoned haunted house. When he accidentally unleashes a vengeful spirit, his comeback event becomes a fight for his life.

This is a flick that I wish I would have watched earlier.  This was an interesting story and a new perspective on the haunted found footage subsets that seem too have overtaken the horror genre. The performances are solid, the effects work well,  and storyline is somewhat original while maintaining some of the constant elements known throughout horror. It was a really fun hour and a half (really 89 minutes) and a kibbutz that should be watched by every horror fan.  In fact,  I liked it so much that I am definitely going to keep track on the filmmakers in the future to see what they come up with next. 

Supernova (2000)

After a long and tiring day yesterday,  I decided v to kick back and relax. While I had thought about doing side filming, I just didn't have it in me. My recovery from transplant surgery is definitely still ongoing; something I expected but I often forget about  because I do feel so much better already.  So, what did I watch? The 2000 Sci-Fi flick,  Supernova.

Plot: Supernova is a science fiction thriller that chronicles the high-stakes adventures of a deep space hospital ship and its six member crew. When their vessel, the Nightingale 229, answers an emergency distress signal from a distant galaxy, the crew soon finds itself in danger from the mysterious young man they rescue, the alien artifact he smuggled aboard and the gravitational pull of a giant star about to go supernova -- the most massive explosion in the universe.

During my recovery,  I have really been watching a lot of Sci-Fi. This movie was one that I couldn't believe that I hadn't seen or remembered. As a big James Spader fan,  I didn't remember seeing it when it came out, although I was on active duty back then and was in and out of the US quite a bit. Now, after watching it, I can understand why. Honestly, there is nothing remarkable or memorable inside this one. Yes, it is not all bad, as the storyline had promise, the performances were solid, and there was a touch of atmospheric tension throughout. Unfortunately, it was riddled with clichéd moments (I could almost see four different films as main influences), the scripting is all over with uneven dialog, and the visuals were flat and uninspiring. In the end, this was not a terrible movie, but unless you are a huge Sci-Fi fan, you will get nothing from watching it. Its up to you, but I think you could find something more entertaining.

Smile (2022)

It has been quite some time since I dove into my horror blog.  While I never stopped watching movies or feel out of love with horror. Unfortunately,  over the past couple years I have been dealing with some serious medical issues,  one that I hope are now finally in the past.  While I am not fully recovered from the last procedure, I do feel more alive and will in my way to a full recovery. So,  to get back into the swing of things,  I am going to drive into the 2022 film,  Smile.

Plot: After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can't explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

I remember hearing about the movie before it came out, with their marketing campaign making headlines by strategically placing smiling people in baseball stadiums- genius. To be honest, while that was impressive, I definitely feel it added something to the overall product.  To me,  this movie was outstanding (especially the ending). The characters were believable and the actors were amassing capturing the overall feel of the film.  There was a heaviness throughout the movie that gave a sense of hopelessness; something that I love in horror. The storyline,  the effects,  and the cinematography worked together really well to create a film with a tremendous atmosphere where the subtle differences between reality and a tortured imagination were hard differentiate in the moment. Overall, this film is certainly worth watching and a movie that should appeal to horror fans. Check it out.