Monster Fest 2019 Finished Now onto Creaturefest 2

This past weekend, we finished up vending at Monster Fest, in Chesapeake, VA. This was the first of three events for us at the Ringmaster's Realm and it was a great time. Not only were there a ton of cool vendors and costumes, there were some of my favorite Horror Hosts on hand. In fact, the Ringmaster's Realm was able to make a few sales to one of them with a couple items that may eventually make it into the show. 

As always in the case, Rob put on a fantastic event and I cannot wait for the details for next year to come out. Hopefully, if you are in the Hampton Roads area, we will be able to see you there. If you are in SW PA, you can still make it out to visit us at one of our two remaining events, Creaturefest 2 on Sunday the 13th in Uniontown and Saturday the 26th at the Too Groovy Toy Show in the West Mifflin area. 

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.

Treats (Short Film)

 

One of the great things about having a blog, is the chance to come across unknown films, or shorts, that people do not even realize are out there. For me, I would much rather watch something unknown, something that is untouched by mainstream cinema. Recently, I had a chance to catch a short film, Treats, from Burnt at Both Ends Productions.

 

 

Written and produced by Echo Soleil, this short film travels down an interesting path featuring the lead character Karen and her fascinating array of pets. I am not going into detail with the plot, but it is a journey into a twisted reality. The acting is believable, the script has a nice variety of creepiness and lightheartedness that mixes well within the confines of the story, the atmosphere builds with a spot on score, and the ending is perfect, as the tension hits its climax. In the end, Treats is one of the better independent short films I have watched, not only does it have solid production values and a genuine feel, it is entertaining and worth watching.  

Monster Fest 2012

 

  

Yesterday, was a long day. Woke up at the beach, headed to Monster Fest in Chesapeake, Virginia, went to Heather's wedding, and finally made the seven-hour trip back to Pennsylvania. Now, finally at the house, it is time to actually relax a bit prior to heading back to work at the institute in the morning. Now that I am at the house, it was time to download the pictures from MonsterFest. This was the ninth annual addition of this classic monsterfest and again it had everything that is awesome about the classic creature features of the past. On hand were costumed guests, classic horror hosts such as Doctor Madblood and The Bowman Body, and awesome venders. Here are some random pictures from the event.

  

Munster's Hot Rod

 

The Bowman Body

 

A Random Skeleton

 

Jillian and Doctor Madblood

 

Hanging With the Wolfman (with my new tie)