Fade to Black (1980)

Having just returned from a local indie comic show, I decided that I needed some downtime and wanted to revisit something from my youth. Growing up in the 70s and 80s, there was a lot of classic horror and this one was a favorite, 1980s Fade to Black.

Plot: A shy, lonely film buff embarks on a killing spree against those who browbeat and betray him, all the while stalking his idol, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike.

Horror movies from the 80s are a mixed bag, but some stand tall. This is one that I love to revisit from time to time as it is quite memorable. Shot with a dark gritty style, this movie does a great job at creating an air of madness and demonstrates what can be accomplished with an interesting storyline. While it is somewhat predictable, there are many moments that are memorable and help create a feeling of despair. You can tell that this did have a lower budget, as the performances are uneven, there are some extremely disjointed moments, and the characters are somewhat unlikable, but those monents seem to add character to the film. While there are some flaws within the storyline that cause it to fall short of its potential, this movie is a fun and mindless trip back in time. It probably isn't for everyone, but fans of the 80s should enjoy it.

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.

Night of the Living Dead (1990)

As I sit down tonight, I wanted to finish with the last movie I watched last week that I haven’t had time to review. While many people will shun this one because it is a remake (and I was one), it does deserve to be seen. That movie is the 1990 zombie flick Night of the Living Dead.

Plot/ The unburied dead return to life and seek human victims.

I will be one of the first to admit that I had stayed away from this one for a long time. As a fun of the original masterpiece, it was difficult for me to even consider watching a remake that in my opinion was not needed. However, after the tragic passing of George Romero, I wanted to venture back into this influential world and give the remake a shot. Directed by Tom Savini, this one was actually much better than I expected, and I am disappointed that I waited so long to give it a shot. Clearly made for a different generation of viewer, this version does off many of the same social commentaries that made the original so powerful. The zombie make-up is amazing, the updated characterizations (especially Barbara) work really well, and it is fun to watch everything come to life in color. Yes, the colorization does take away from some of the darker atmosphere and there was much less gore than I would have expected with Savini at the helm (but, I do understand because the film stayed true to the original), but those are but minor flaws in the overall world of the living dead. In the end, this movie was much better than I anticipated and it is a movie that is worth watching (at least once). If you have not seen it, give it a shot.

You Can Help Support the Road Trip of the Dead

Many people believe that the birthplace of the zombie genre is centered in the Pittsburgh area. That comes for a great reason. Director George A. Romero has centered many of his masterpieces in and around the Steel City. Horror fans from across the globe hit the city and the surrounding area to find these horror hotspots. Of course, much as that landscape has disappeared over the years and they discover a much different backdrop.

Today, a couple of independent filmmakers (with help from Pittsburgh original, Iron City beer) are setting out to create a movie focused on these horror fans. Unfortunately, what they find is not what they expected and their documentary runs awry.

With any low-budget entry, the filmmakers need support to give their vision life.  At this point, they have secured commitments for horror icon Tom Savini, and Night of the Living Dead alum Gary Streiner (Living Dead Festival) to make appearances in the film, which is a reality-based slasher instead of the somewhat predictable zombie entry.

To help with this endeavor, creators William Sanders and Kevin Kriess launched an Indiegogo campaign to help fund the film and could use all the help they can get to boost their subsidy efforts. Road Trip of the Dead looks like an awesome project and one that should make any SW Pennsylvania horror fan excited to help out; for more information on this movie, check out their facebook page or their Indiegogo site.

Day of the Dead (1985)

Continuing with somewhat of a Pennsylvania theme, I chose my next flick. While it was not based in the Keystone state, it was once considered the conclusion of the original George Romero zombie trilogy that will forever be linked to South Western Pennsylvania. My choice for the morning is the Romero classic Day of the Dead from 1985.

Plot/ A small group of military officers and scientists dwell in an underground bunker as the world above is overrun by zombies.

I remember watching this when in came out in 1985. At 13-years old, this movie was dark and extremely complex in comparison to the mindless zombie flicks that had become the rage in that era. Today, looking back at it, it was way ahead of its time. More importantly, it demonstrated what could be done on a limited budget, especially if the right people are working on it. The effects by Tom Savini are some of the best seen and the gore factor takes it to a new level. Yes, the soundtrack has some uneven moments, some of the acting was too over-the-top, and the storyline was a touch disjointed in places, but not of that brought the film down. In the end, this may be one of the more impressive entries from the mind of Romero and could possibly be his best work in the zombie genre. With the extreme amount of gore, it is not for everyone, but it is a must see for fans of the zombie genre. 

Children of the Living Dead (2001)

I am all about zombie flicks, especially semi-local ones seemingly based here in southwestern zombie land. Unfortunately, it is becoming harder and harder to find decent ones. Last night, while finishing some of the items for the fair, I decided on Children of the Living Dead from 2001. Maybe I should have picked something else.

Plot/ serial murderer and rapist Abbot Hayes disappeared from the morgue. Shortly afterwards, a zombie plague swept through town. Fourteen years later, the aging residents of the town are trying to erase all traces of their past, but the past keeps coming back to haunt them.

As a fan of low budget horror, I am used to uneven flicks. However, there are times where things get so bad that it is hard to even understand what was the intention. This flick is one of those. It is unfortunate though, I wanted to like this one as it felt like home, with Tom Savini, and many Night of the Living Dead overtones. However, there was really nothing to like with it. The editing was bad, the acting beyond uneven and some of the effects were horrid (and I am not going to get started on the storyline). Honestly, it is just that bad. If you have suffered through this already, I am sorry, if you have not, stay away!

Zombie Crawl in the Monroeville Mall - June 24, 2012

The guys at Monroeville Zombies have come together with the group from Save the Chapel to organize the ZombieCrawl in the Monroeville Mall on June 24, 2012.  That’s right, a Zombie Walk inside the famed Monroeville Mall, home of the George Romero classic Dawn of the Dead.

This event, sponsored by: The It’s Alive Show; Screaming Brain Studio; & Funhouse Arcade, is an event that is a must for zombie enthusiasts in the Pittsburgh Area.

Schedule:

10:00 AM – Arrival and line up
10:30AM – Zombie Crawl
12:00 NOON – Zombie Museum Party with games, celebrities, refreshments,
2:00PM – Zombie Costume & Talent Pageant

All proceeds will benefit the Save the Chapel movement, an organization dedicated to rebuilding and preserving a part of horror history, the Chapel seen in the opening scenes of the classic Night of the Living Dead.

All participating Zombies are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food product, to help support the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Taken Too Early - Bill Hinzman - (October 24, 1936 - February 5, 2012)

Earlier this evening, reports starting come in that Bill Hinzman has passed away at the age of 75. It is said that he died after losing his battle with cancer. Fans of Night of the Living Dead know Bill as the cemetery zombie in the landmark zombie film. Bill also appeared in George Romero’s The Crazies and Season of the Witch, among other horror films. In the late 80′s Bill Hinzman tried directed two of his own horror movies: The Majorettes and Flesh Eaters. Over the years, Bill Hinzman has appeared at numerous horror conventions and film festivals. Last year my daughter Jillian and I had the chance to meet Bill at the Saturday Nightmares Convention in New Jersey and I was blown away by him, not to mention it was a moment that Jillian will never forget. He is a horror movie icon that will be missed by generations of horror fans.

The Dead (2010)

I love zombie flicks. I have ever since watching Night of the Living Dead on Chiller Theatre so many years ago for the first time (don't forget to check out the Save the Chapel movement to save a piece of horror history). I will admit though, lately, some of the zombie entries have been a bit blah, doing way too much to change the classic zombie mythos. In fact, many seem to spin the same effects in an effort to take advantage of the swell in zombie popularity. A search for new and interesting zombie movies is full of uninventive and listless forays into retreaded realms. I hope that the zombie flick I chose for the evening does not fall into that category, that film is The Dead from 2010.

Plot/ In the very near future, most of the world has succumbed to the virus of the living dead. After crashing off the coast of Africa, Lt. Brian Murphy battles for survival across the terrible terrain of Africa in search of a way to get back to his beloved family in the USA. Saved by local military man Daniel Dembele, who is also searching for his son, both men join forces, all the while battling against the ever-present threat of the living dead

I love zombie movies; especially ones with the original George Romero inspired creeping undead. Fortunately, this movie was full of them. In fact, they may have taken them to a new level of creepiness within the beautiful scenery.  Sure, the story is a bit thin, the plot lacks life and the acting is so-so, but really, who cares. This flick is all about zombies, their attacks and their demise, which is truly the high point featuring strong make-up and CGI and some awesome gore effects (the headshots are some of the best I have seen). In the end, this is far from perfect. However, this is an underrated and original zombie flick that is full of social commentary and is actually a bit unsettling. If you get a chance, check it out!

  

Save the Chapel Benefit Auctions

As I blogged last month, the chapel at the Evans City Cemetery is in dire need of repair and the Save the Chapel movement has been started to assist in funding and coordinating the repairs to the piece of Horror Cinematic History. After some time, the organization has got their website up and running, complete with details on the chapel, upcoming events and everything you can imagine concerning this tremendous  movement.  Please  check  out  this  site at www.fixthechapel.com and help save this iconic piece of horror history. One of the great events that this organization is behind is benefit auctions on Ebay to support this cause, follow this link, Save the Chapel Benefit Ebay Auctions to discover some great OOAK Artwork.

 

Like this OOAK Painting

 

Save the Evans City Chapel - NOTLD

As I sit here preparing for the second Steelers vs. Ravens class of 2011, I was reminded of the history in this rivalry game (probably the best in all sports). These two teams have played some tremendous games and I hope this one is better than the one from earlier this season. Being home in South Western Pennsylvania to watch the game makes it so much better, because this is truly Steelers country.

However, this area (as many already know) is also the birthplace of modern zombies, seeing the light of day for the first time in the George Romero classic Night of the Living Dead in 1968. As I blogged last month, the chapel at the Evans City Cemetery is in dire need of repair and the Save the Chapel movement has been started to assist in funding and coordinating the repairs to the piece of Horror Cinematic History.  After some time, the organization has got their website up and running, complete with details on the chapel, upcoming events and everything you can imagine concerning this tremendous movement (including some awesome Ebay Auctions that benefit chapel restoration).  Please check out this site at www.fixthechapel.com and help save this iconic piece of horror history.

More Details About Saving A Piece Of Horror Cinematic History

This has been a whirlwind week. It started off with the great Undead Festival in Asbury Park, worked through all of my check-out procedures, and I now I settling in for my official retirement ceremony Monday at 1 o’clock. It is hard to believe that 21 years have passed by so quick and as of Monday (well, really December 31 as I have two months vacation) I will be done with my Naval career. On to bigger and better, right? Well, As I was sitting down tonight searching for more information on the potential West Virginia University move to the Big 12 (Let’s go Mountaineers!), I stumbled upon some more information about the Save the Chapel movement that I blogged about earlier in the week. 

This information was taken directly from their facebook page and stands as a historic look at the chapel that George A. Romero made the world see and a look at how the weather has taken a toll on the future of this iconic horror landmark.  Erected in the 1920s as a chapel (used for one funeral), its cultural status lives on. Unfortunately, a few years after construction, the idea for the chapel changed and it was basically a high-priced storage shed. Over time, the chapel has fallen into a state of disrepair. The windows are shuttered. The roof is leaking. Time and the elements have battered the exterior. Cemetery officials estimate it will take $50,000 in cosmetic improvements to return the structure to its former glory. Fortunately the original sound engineer on Night of the Living Dead, Gary Streiner, created this grassroots effort designed to restore the chapel and as he states, this more than a local project, it is a project that can benefit zombie and movie fans young and old.

“The cemetery is so iconic in the whole zombie-horror world,” he says. “If fans knew they could come to the chapel and see it as more than just a boarded-up building, it would draw a lot more people. It would be nice to see it become a ‘Night of the Living Dead’ museum.” Though the organization has until next fall to get the restoration ball rolling, it is clear by the initial response that the goal can be reached and the vision can become a reality. Fans are already creating zombie walks, movie viewings and art shows to benefit the cause, but there is always room for more, as they are looking for individuals from every walk-of-life or skill set to help.

The organization is building a website and will soon have a Paypal account to aid fundraising efforts, but until then, anyone interested can make donations ICO Fix the Chapel at:

Checks made payable to “Fix the Chapel” can be sent to:
NexTier Bank
P.O. Box A
Evans City, PA 16033

Yes, You Can Help Save the Chapel from Night of the Living Dead

  

Last weekend I had the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the cast of Night of the Living Dead, arguably the most influential horror flick of all time. For many, this definitely one of the most loved and classic films of all time and more importantly, it laid the groundwork for the zombie culture that we have in our lives today.

As many know, portions of this masterpiece were filmed in the Evans City Cemetery, and by now, many (even if you are not fans of horror) have seen the quaint little chapel shown in the beginning of the film when Barbara and Johnny arrive. As I found out in talking with some of the cast, this chapel, while still there, has fallen to a state of disrepair and it is in danger of being torn down. Gary Streiner, original sound engineer on the film, has started the Save the Chapel initiative, a grass roots group of Night of the Living Dead fans who do not want to see the chapel in the Evans City Cemetery torn down.

 (Picture by Sheldon Higdon)

Being from the South Western Pennsylvania area, this movement hit home with me as Night of the Living Dead was one of the first horror movies I saw on Chiller Theatre with Chilly Billy as a kid. I am not usually one who blogs about causes, but honestly this is one that can save a true piece of horror cinematic history and one that I plan of becoming more and more active with once I return to Pennsylvania in less than a week. If you would like any further information on the project check out their page at Save the Chapel. A website for this initiative is in the works, keep checking back for all of the details. Please spread the word and help us restore a part of movie and horror history!

This coming weekend, Northern Nightmares presents CHILLER THEATRE at THE STRAND THEATRE in Zelienople, PA where they will be showing the George A. Romero (and all-time) classic NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD to benefit the restoration of the Evans City Cemetery Chapel, as seen in the opening of the movie. All The event runs Friday and Saturday OCT 28-29 at 7:30 and Sunday OCT 30 at 4:00 and feature special guests Russ Streiner (Johnny), Kyra Schon (Karen Cooper), and Gary Streiner (Sound Engineer and Props master). Allseats for this event are $6.00. For more information on the screening go to The Strand Theater website or if you desire to do more, check out the Save the Chapel group webpage.

The guys over at the Corpse O'Clock News have made a great video on this cause, check it out!

NJ Zombie Walk and Undead Festival - Day 2

So, I was able to spend the entire day hanging out with all the guys at Bad Zombie both working the merch table and enjoying the festivities of this great three day event. More importantly, I got to talk with some of the cast members of Night of the Living Dead about saving a piece of horror history (details will follow later in the week). Here are some random pics from the day.

(with make-up artist from Airbrushing Concepts)



NJ Zombie Walk - Undead Festival - Day 1

I just got back from a great afternoon/evening at the New Jersey Zombie Walk and Undead Festival. It was a cool evening, I got to chill with Zombie King Jason while enjoying a cold PBR, work the merch table, hang out with some cool zombies including some of the stars of the classic Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead and The Walking Dead, have a great chat with the director of Dark Ride and Perkins 14 Craig Singer about a book project, check out a cool bonfire on the beach, watch some new horror and catch-up with some old friends. Of course, this event would be so much better if Bren and the girls were here, but as the great poet Mick Jaggar says, "You can't always get what you want!" Here are some pictures from the evening, I am sure that there will be many more to follow after the walk tomorrow.