Behind the Scenes of Blob Zombie

Here are some random pictures from making Jillian's movie Blob Zombie for Blobfest! It is awesome that the girls did all the make-up and scripting. It was definitely a FUN project! Thanks to J.J. Abrams and Super 8 for showing kids that the can really make movies.



Jillian's Blobfest Video - Blob Zombie

The Shorty’s Contest is our way of paying homage to the late, great Shorty Yeaworth, Jr., director of The Blob. This year is our 5th annual contest and the films just keep getting better and better! To enter the contest just round up some willing victims, er friends and neighbors, and make a short film that is centered on The Blob, Blobfest, or sci-fi in general. Last year, I made a video for the contest (which won Fans Choice). This year, my daughter Jillian wanted to try her hand at filmmaking, and actually created a better flick than I did. Here is her movie Blob Zombie!

Child's Play 2 (1990)

After dinner I decided to kick back with the kids and watch Child’s Play 2. While I am not the biggest Chucky fan, for some reason the daughters enjoy him.

Plot/ Chucky's back as the doll possessed by the soul of a serial killer, butchering all who stand in his way of possessing the body of a boy.

This film suffers like many sequels by lacking the elements that make the first of a series so much fun. Sure, that is not to say that this film is terrible, it just lacks the overall depth and originality of the original. The story is decent, the acting is solid and there is enough gore to go around. Plus, you have Chucky who has some hilarious moments that keep you wanting more. Unfortunately, in this case, the gore may be a bit too much, taking away from the atmosphere that made the Child’s Play so memorable. In the end, this is decently entertaining and a decent follow-up. If you are a fan of Chucky this can be a fun flick!

Super 8 (2011)

  

I hate over-hyped movies and try my best to never go see them in theatres. However, every once in a while, a movie comes out that hits that nerve and reminds me of the blockbuster movies that I would watch in my youth. The latest to strike that chord is Super 8. With the weather outside being miserable, I decided to hit the cinema to see if my instincts were right!

Plot/ In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth - something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined

Being a PG-13 flick, I was a bit encouraged. Usually, these movies keep it tame to draw in a wide audience, but in the end cut too much and take away from the end product. Fortunately, this movie did not disappoint. In fact, it was a lot better that I thought it would be. You can definitely feel Steven Spielberg’s influences, the flick truly going back to the days of Close Encounters and even Jurassic Park. The acting was solid throughout, and really did a great job with an outstanding script. The production values, cinematography, effects (I love the monster) and storylines are also top notch. There are some flaws, the pacing and the unneeded subplots do distract from the overall scheme, but not enough to damage the movie. In the end, this is awesome movie that honestly took me back (I could have been one of those kids making the movie). There are some moments with language, but other than that, it is a must see for the entire family.

A Big Cat in Connecticut (From 2005)

I was watching the news last night here in New Jersey and to my surprise a story came on about a Mountain Lion sighting in Connecticut in the New York City suburbs. Ironically, roughly six years ago when I was working with my friends at the Smoking Gun Research Agency and doubling as Editorial Director for Haunted Times Magazine, I was called into that same area to research some big cat sightings. In talking with the state park agency, me and my teammates were basically told that we were insane, that it was impossible for any type of Mountain Lion to be alive in this area. I guess, that maybe they should have paid attention to our group and the citizens that originally reported the sightings. The following is the article that was originally published in the Premier Issue of Haunted Times Magazine in August 2005.

Big Cat in Connecticut,

Connecticut based paranormal research group search for answers.

By Mark A. Mihalko

Right now researchers from around the world are searching the far ends of the earth for new, previously undiscovered animals. Most people have heard of the expeditions searching for Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, or the Yeti. But, while these researchers are off searching for these famous cryptids, others are having success rediscovering animals that were once thought to be extinct. Recently, wildlife scientists rediscovered North America's largest woodpecker in central Arkansas in April 2005. The discovery of the Ivory-Billed Woodpeckerwas the culmination of an intensive year-long effort focusing in on an area of the Cache River and White River national wildlife refuges. It involved more than 50 experts and field biologists working together as part of the Big Woods Partnership. In the end it was a year well spent, with the group capturing a male ivory-billed woodpecker on video, providing proof to the skeptics that doubted the cryptids existence.

Rediscovery of thought to be extinct animals plays a huge part in the world of Cryptozoology. Sure, in some ways it is less exhilarating then searching for Bigfoot, but in the end it can be more satisfying. Everyone has heard of the mountain lion, or Felis Concolor, it is a large, tawny, long-tailed cat also known as a cougar, puma, or panther. These animals are believed to have been forced to extinction in the Eastern United States and Eastern Canada since the early 1900's. However, increased environmental protection and improved habitat has led to a rise in mountain lion populations in the Western United States, which has caused speculation that the species has migrated to the East.

These large cats can grow to 5 to 7 feet in length, 2 to 3 feet in height, and weight between 70 and 150 pounds. They are solitary, extremely elusive and difficult to track; mountain lions are predators of deer, birds and smaller animals and would not be a friendly visitor on an afternoon hike. Sightings and stories of these large predators have been reported throughout Massachusetts and along the Appalachian Trail which winds through this region.

We started our ongoing investigation after receiving multiple sighting reports documenting the potential existence in the Burlington region of the Blue Trail.

"The first was a dead on sighting and the critter was about 5 feet long, tan, and very smooth looking with a long tail about 25% the length of its body. It was carrying a bloody lump of dead animal in its mouth. Not sure what it was chewing on but it was not looking very healthy. This was definitely not a Bobcat which I have encountered many times in those woods."

The second sighting was a little less distinct, "characterized by a shrill growl and a glimpse of a long body with a long tail running across a ridge and into the tree line."

Even though the vague descriptions provided in these reports have the characteristics of a Mountain Lion, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) remains skeptical. In fact, the DEP runs multiple programs looking for new animals in the forests. Every year they investigate possible sightings by taking photos, analyzing prints and scat, or animal feces and in each case, they have come up empty. After concluding an initial fact finding mission on the habitat and tendencies of a Mountain Lion, members of the Smoking Gun Research Agency (SGRA) hit the field for a detailed field investigation. Over the next 12 hours the team would make some interesting discoveries.

The group centered their investigation on an area of the Tunxis Blue Trail between Burlington and Bristol Connecticut. The terrain in the area seems ripe for Mountain Lion habitat, having large rocky outcrops surrounded by lush wetlands. During their hike the group noticed quite a few tracks that were the general size and shape of a Mountain Lion (3 inches by 4 inches). Unfortunately, none of the tracks were cast-able. Casting tracks in that area will be extremely difficult due to the amount of leaves on the ground.

In one area roughly 3/4 mile behind the Lampson Corner Cemetery (which in itself is a noted haunted cemetery in Connecticut), the group discovered an interesting set of tracks intermixed with deer and dog tracks. These tracks had the same characteristics as the above mentioned track with a stride measurement of 39 inches. This stride is also on par with a mountain lion.

Right outside of a marsh area in the same area of one of the sightings, the group stumbled across the remnants of a large bird. These remains were on a pathway that ran between the marsh and a hill full of rocky outcrops.

While the group found no definitive proof during their first field investigation, they did uncover enough evidence to warrant a return. The 12 hours the team has invested is a far cry from the year spent to uncover the Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. But, with any luck their search will be just as successful.

Game Box 1.0 (2004)

I was trying to find something to watch with the daughters and decided upon the 2004 video game gone awry flick Game Box 1.0.

Plot/ A reclusive video game tester discovers a revolutionary new console system with the power to feed on the player's most intimate hopes and fears a virtual reality trip to remember.

Anytime I grab a random PG-13 flick to watch with the daughters, I tend to quiver a little always expecting the worse. But, sometimes, you can be surprised. This is one of those movies. Yes, it is far from perfect with of the typical low budget flaws like uneven acting, predictability, and cliché scripting. However, in this flick the pacing was awesome and some of the effects were solid. I actually could not believe how much I enjoyed this virtual reality sci-fi adventure. Check it out, it is actually pretty good.

Maneater (2009)

One thing I always enjoy is movies about legends and lore, especially those from our Native American heritage. One of these tales can be found in the 2009 entry Maneater.

Plot/ A former FBI profiler, now a sheriff of a small town and a single parent of a high school aged daughter, begins to profile a series of unexplained murders only to learn that the monster he's profiling may be himself.

Call me a sucker, but I am all for movies that attempt to bring a modern spin on legends like the Wendigo. This shape shifter is one of my favorite parts of lore. This attempt is decent but in no way spectacular and is quite typical of the movies produced for the Sci Fi Channel. The plot is sound, but full of cliché (except a better ending than usual). The acting is average and there really is not a lot of gore, if fact, other than some early nudity, there is not much that is memorable. In the end, this is a respectable Creature Feature that is provides entertainment for 90 minutes. Is this one great, no way, but it is enjoyable none-the-less.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

I was really in the mood to watch something different and mindless last night after working on my jar of flesh. My choice, the 1995 video game inspired Mortal Kombat.

Plot/ Based on the popular video game, this tells the story of an ancient tournament where the best of the best of different Realms fight each other. The goal - ten wins to be able to legally invade the losing Realm. Outworld has so far collected nine wins against Earthrealm, so it's up to Lord Rayden and his fighters to stop them from reaching the final victory.

Many times, films that are based on video games are bad, and can never come close to the inspiration. This flick, while not near as cool as the video game, somewhat succeeds at the transition. A solid cast, decent performances, an interesting story and excellent pacing allows for an entertaining romp into the games reality. No, I am not saying it is perfect, but for the genre, it is pretty good. There are some flaws with the characterization (as game fans would realize), but for the most part, the players come to life as they should. In the end, this fast-paced action filled journey into the Outworld is definitely one of the best video game influenced films and one that has enough moments to watch.

Haunting of Winchester House (2009)

When I got home from work today, I was heckled to watch a scary movie by the kids. My selection after a quick check of material was the Haunting of Winchester House.

Plot/ A family moves in to look after the Winchester mansion for a few months, and soon find themselves terrorized by vengeful spirits. With the help of a paranormal investigator they'll unravel the mystery of the house.

Having passed on this movie a few times, now that I have finally watched it, I have to wonder why. This was actually a decently creepy and atmospheric ghost story that had some appealing moments. Yes, the acting was uneven to poor, some of the effects were not the highest quality and some of the camera effects were way overused, but this flick was somehow able to rise above that and be somewhat successful. To me, it was the script and story that made this film go, it was attention-grabbing and combined with some eerie music, there were some chills. Throw in a awesome ending and bam, decent flick (Not Great but Not Terrible). Like many movies I watch and review this is not for everyone, but if you are a fan of the paranormal and supernatural driven entertainment, this one is for you.

Witchboard III: The Possession (1995)

 After taking a small break, it was time to get back to the horror. After searching Netflix, I settled on the 1995 sequel Witchboard III: The Possession.

Plot/ A woman must battle for her loved one's soul when an ancient Ouija board opens a pathway to a demonic force.

As usual, sequels often have issues in comparison to the original that spawn the series, and this film is no exception to that rule. In no way does is measure up to the original, but it is not all bad. This flick is pretty entertaining, featuring some decent atmosphere, a touch of gore, some appealing sex and some interesting kills. Yes, some of the acting and effects are less memorable, but they do not ruin the film. In the end, this may never compare to the original, but it is worth watching, especially if you are fans of the the Witchboard series or occult driven horror.