28 Days Later (2002)

For the past week I have been in Pennsylvania dealing with some family medical stuff. While I was there, the weather was cold and I had plenty of time to ring in the New Year with some horror. The series I did for the holiday started with the classic 28 Days Later from 2002. 

Plot: Four weeks after a mysterious, incurable virus spreads throughout the United Kingdom, a handful of survivors try to find sanctuary.

There is nothing like the Rage virus! I remember when this came out, the impression 28 Days Later made echoed throughout the saturated zombie genre. This movie was different, taking the traditional zombie film to a new level. It honestly was an influence on me as I was working my way through what would eventually become After the Static. The characters are amazing, the storyline navigates away from the traps that plague many horror flicks, the cast is outstanding, and the atmosphere is almost perfect. Plus, the zombie characteristics were fresh and new. This movie is outstanding and definitely set a standard. In the end, if you haven’t seen this one, you are missing out. Try to find it soon as a new installment is rumored to be on the way. 

Soylent Green (1973)

What a weird weekend it was and even though it doesn’t feel like it, I was able to get a lot accomplished on my business plan. Incredibly, I got five eBay listings and a few more Etsy Store listings in place for the Ringmaster’s Realm stores. During that process, I was ale to have some solid background entertainment, one of those being the 1973 classic Soylent Green.

Plot/ In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. After called to investigate a murder, Detective Thorn discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green.

Soylent Green is such an interesting film and one that takes the viewer into a world that they probably don’t see coming. This one screams 1970s excess during what is a complete nightmare scenario for those that live in the city during the 2022 time-frame that the plot holds. While not a perfect flick, it does have some of the cult classic elements that popularize this eras movie. The sets and costuming are strange, the performances solid, and the storyline is amazing. Most importantly, the theme of the film does feel relevant today, and some of the Sci-Fi elements are probably closer to reality here in 2019 than they were in 1973 when the movie was made. Yes, some of it feels dated, there are some head scratching moments, and did I say the costuming was outlandish? I’m sure I did.  Overall, it is easy to see why this one continues to be influential after all these years. In the end, while not perfect, Soylent Green is extremely entertaining, and the ending is perfect. It is worth watching (especially for fans of older Sci-Fi films) and it should be an eye-opening venture for those that sit on the fringe when thinking about some of the elements that plague us today.

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.

Stake Land II (2016)

As I kick back on a Friday for some relaxation, I realized that I skipped a movie from over the weekend and needed to catch up on it. I guess this is what happens when daylight savings time hits before your ready. What was that movie that I skipped? It was the 2016 vampire flick Stake Land II (AKA The Stakelander).

Plot/ When his home of New Eden is destroyed by a revitalized Brotherhood and its new Vamp leader, Martin finds himself alone in the badlands of America with only the distant memory of his mentor and legendary vampire hunter, Mister, to guide him.

I was surprised when I saw this one on the shelves at Family Video, as I had no idea that it was even in the works. As a fan of the original, I had to see what they came up with as a sequel. While I did not find it as good or as captivating as the source material, it is by no means a bad movie. It just seemed to lack some of the quality and depth of the first film. The storyline is still interesting building the world started in the first, there were some outstanding performances, and there were some moments of blood and gore that fit in with the atmosphere. The movie did lack some character development and the story was not quite as tight as the original, but that did not impact the overall entertainment value of the film. In the end, this is a decent flick that has enough moments to keep you interested, give it a shot.

1984 - Prime Stage Theater

This past weekend,  I had a chance to catch Pittsburgh Prime Stage Theater’s adaptation of the George Orwell classic 1984 and was blown away by the production. Not only was this performance powerful, it came across in a perfect manner, allowing the viewer a chance to immerse themselves within the oppressive atmosphere,  the message, and build a connection with the characters.

What was most impressive was the way the storyline subtly maintained a connection to the past while bringing the message out in a modern way that soiled have resonated with every viewer.  I know I should have counted, but I heard numerous conversations in the lobby about Big Brother about the once prophesized police state we are living in. 

Ironically, most of the material WikiLeaks revealed in their Vault 7 disclosure felt like it was part of this classic fictional world instead of reality. Unfortunately, the constant monitoring and barrage of propaganda has seemed to blur the lines between fact or fiction, making it somewhat difficult to decipher truths.

In this play, the performances are so believable that it made to want to stand and fight for Winston, and help him maintain sanity in the darkest days. It also showed the dangers we face everyday, including the truth that no one is safe. 

I know that this was the last performance in the run, and this will not lead anyone to 1984, but I for one became sold on every aspect of the Prime Stage Theater and cannot wait to see their next production, Perks of a Wallflower. it has anywhere near the same impact, I will definitely be a fan for life.

Big Brother is Watching - 1984

As we move through 2017, it is clear that there is an assault taking place on open-minded thought and free speech. Everywhere you turn, there is censorship to the highest degree. On top of that, the social networks, computer companies, and governments are admitting that the track your every move, manipulate your viewing exposure and read your emails. 

Over the past few years, many actions have helped pull back the shroud on the Ministry of Truth that is in full effect. Between the release of the Snowden files and the amazing work of WikiLeaks exposing the real face of the media, there is hope. As people around the globe begin to wake-up and see the Police State that is developing. Hopefully, changes can be made to stop the totalitarian regimes and prevent a complete transition into a full dystopian nightmare. 

We are truly in the Big Brother era. With that in mind, I am heading out today to see a stage adaptation of the classic 1984 at the Prime Stage Theater.  A full review of this compelling story will come tonight. 

Equals (2015)

With all of the craziness that surrounds us every day, I felt at home watching something based in a dystopian society. Plus, I definitely wanted something different and that is exactly what I found with this one. I imagine this is what Agenda 21 would shape if the future were now. What was that movie? The 2015 Sci-Fi flick Equals.

Plot/ In an emotionless utopia, two people fall in love when they regain their feelings from a mysterious disease, causing tensions between them and their society.

This one was definitely different and a movie that I expected would sit outside my wheelhouse. Fortunately, what I found was something both entertaining, but interesting (at least if you understand the globalist eugenics ideology). While it is not a perfect film with some uneven pacing and sound quality issues, it is a movie that does have a lot to offer. The cinematography and direction do a great job creating a heavy (almost claustrophobic) atmosphere, the performances are solid, and the storyline does an amazing job in creating something that was somewhat surreal especially considering the way the thought police are attempting to create a mindless society devoid of emotion and expression. In the end, this one is much better than I ever expected and created a thought-provoking look at what could be potential reality if the globalists rise to full power.