Sunday, October 30, 2022

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 880th Edition


Welcome to the 880th edition of my series.  I hope everyone is hanging in there in these times.  I will be releasing the last week of the Madness later this week.  I hope everyone has a good Halloween however celebrated.  I don't have a lot more to say so I'll just get to this week's selections.



Thor:  Love and Thunder (2022):  Taika Waititi returns to direct this film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the latest in the Thor movies.  Thor, reprised by Chris Hemsworth, goes up against one of his most powerful enemies in Gorr the God Butcher, played by Christian Bale.  He gets help from Valkyrie, played by Tessa Thompson, Korg, voiced by Waititi, and from his ex-girlfriend Jane Foster, reprised by Natalie Portman, who gains her own powers after learning she can possess Mjolner.  Russell Crowe, Jamie Alexander, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sean Gunn, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Ben Falcone, Stephen Curry, Bobby Holland Hanton, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, Brett Goldstein, and many others co-star or have cameos including the Guardians in the beginning.  This continues the comedy route that the Thor series have taken.  I really enjoyed the humor and cheesiness and loved seeing Natalie Portman all powerful.  I also just really liked Jane Foster's story in general in this movie.  Bale had not intended on doing another superhero film after his stint at Batman but finally took the role of the villain after his own kids convinced him to do so.  


Truth or Dare (2018):  Jeff Wadlow directed this film on the dark side of the popular game.  A group of friends go to Mexico where they agree to a game of truth or dare which becomes far more deadly than intended.  Lucy Hale and Violett Beane star as best friends Olivia and Markie who learn a lot of secrets between each other when they are forced to actually do the truth or dare or have deadly consequences.  Tyler Posey, Hayden Szeto, Sophia Ali, Nolan Gerard Funk, Landon Liboiron, Sam Lerner, Tom Choi, Aurora Perrineau, Gregg Daniel, Brady Smith, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a pretty fun horror movie and a clever take towards the truth and dare game.  This is good for the season and might make people think twice before partaking in this game.  


Drag Me to Hell (2009):  Sam Raimi directed and co-wrote this horror film along with his brother Ivan Raimi.  Alison Lohman stars as Christine Brown who is a loan officer at a bank and refuses a loan extension to the elderly Mrs. Ganush, played by Lorna Raver.  It turns out Mrs. Ganush has some experience as a witch and places a curse on Christine that could result in her being dragged to hell as the title implies.  With the help of her skeptical boyfriend Clay, played by Justin Long, and psychic Rham Jas, played by Dileep Rao, she looks to overcome her fate and save her soul.  David Paymer, Adriana Barraza, Chelcie Ross, Reggie Lee, Molly Cheek, Bojana Novakovic, Kevin Foster, Flor de Maria Chahua, Ted Raimi, Octavia Spencer, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a pretty good story with the Raimi Brothers writing a very good and compelling script.  Lohman is able to hold her own in this film as the female protagonist and I was with her the whole way through.  


A Little Sleep (1957):  This is an episode of ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS which was directed by Paul Henreid.  As always, Hitchcock always opens the show and even closes the show.  Barbara Cook stars as bored rich girl Barbie Hallem.  She is quite the party animal but will wish she had just gone home instead.  Vic Morrow, Jack Mullaney, Robert Karnes, and many others co-star in this episode.  This show always managed to push the envelope a bit for this era and this was no different.  We get a little dark comedy with quite the twist in the end.


Frankenstein (1931):  James Whale directed this classic which was directed by James Whale and based on the novel by Mary Shelley.  Colin Clive stars as Dr. Henry Frankenstein who obsesses with life and death and decides to create life through lifeless body parts.  With the help of the inept Fritz, played by Dwight Frye, he manages to create a creature, played by Boris Karloff, but gets the incorrect brain.  Mae Clarke co-stars as his fiance Elizabeth and finds that Henry's work is having more priority than the relationship.  John Boles, Edward Van Sloan, Frederick Kerr, and many others co-star in this classic horror film.  Frye went onto become an underrated figure in the way of horror but did have a song written about him by Alice Cooper.  This was the start of a pretty good franchise from Universal.  This is a story about fearing the unknown and remains very compelling after all these years.


King of the Gypsies (1978):  Frank Pierson directed this film based on the book by Peter Maas.  Eric Roberts makes his film debut as Dave who is the grandson of the aging gypsy King Zharko, played by Sterling Hayden.  Zharko passes his leadership to the unwilling Dave much to the dismay of Dave's father Groffo, played by Judd Hirsch.  While Dave just wants a normal life, he just can't escape his family.  Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields, Shelley Winters, Annette O'Toole, Annie Potts, Michael V. Gazzo, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a pretty intense film and quite a debut for Roberts.  It also has quite the cast which is what intrigued me the most when I came upon this movie.  This is based on a true story of some sort but did not find any information.


Fighting With My Family (2019):  Stephen Merchant wrote and directed this wrestling biopic.  Florence Pugh and Jack Lowden star as siblings Saraya and Zak Knight who grown up with a wrestling family business in Britain where Saraya would become known as Paige in the WWE.  They get their WWE tryout and learn the demends of becoming a WWE superstar.  Nick Frost and Lena Headey co-star as their parents Ricky and Julia who were both wrestlers.  Vince Vaughn, Dwayne Johnson, Olivia Bernstone, Leah Harvey, Thea Trinidad, Paul Wight, Stephen Farrelly, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a really funny and moving story on a wrestling family.  The story of their European wrestling promotion is just as interesting.  Saraya has had quite a journey since this movie has been made about her.


His Kind of Woman (1951):  John Farrow directed this Film Noir.  Robert Mitchum stars as struggling gambler Dan Milner who accepts a mysterious job that involves going to Mexico and getting deported gangster Nick Ferraro, played by Raymond Burr.  While there he meets Lenore, played by Jane Russell, and takes interest in her but she is taken by actor Mark Cardigan, played by Vincent Price.  Tim Holt, Charles McGraw, Marjorie Reynolds, Leslye Banning, and many others co-star in this film noir.  This is a pretty intriguing film where Price was the standout as the gun-toting actor.  Mitchum was also good in his own right and would form a close friendship in real life with Russell.  With Howard Hughes involved as a producer, the making of story appears to be just as interesting as the film.


The League of Gentlemen (1960):  Basil Dearden directed this crime comedy which is based on the novel by John Boland.  Jack Hawkins stars as Lieutenant Colonel Hyde who goes into retirement involuntarily.  He ends up recruiting other ex-servicemen that are dissatisfied about their situations and plan a bank robbery with military precision.  Nigel Patrick, Roger Livesey, Richard Attenborough, Bryan Forbes, Kieron Moore, Terence Alexander, Norman Bird, Robert Coote, Melissa Stribling, Nanette Newman, Patrick Wymark, and many others co-star in this crime film.  This was quite funny at times but has some obvious social commentary to go along with it.  This is a rather underrated British film that deserves a look.


Road House (1989):  Rowdy Herrington directed this '80s action classic and his first name describes this movie to the core.  Patrick Swayze stars as the tough bouncer Dalton who is brought into a Missouri bar the Double Deuce to clean up that sleazy bar.  What he does not know is that the corrupt owner Brad Wesley, played by Ben Gazzara, does not want the bar changed and makes lives miserable for the town.  Dalton has an affair with the local Dr. Elizabeth "Doc" Clay, played by Kelly Lynch, which really sparks Brad's anger and sends his goons after him.  Sam Elliott, Marshall R. Teague, Julie Michaels, Red West, Sunshine Parker, Jeff Healey, Kevin Tighe, John Doe, Kathleen Wilhoite, Travis McKenna, Roger Hewlett, Gary Hudson, WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk, Michael Rider, and many others co-star in this film.  Rock musician Healey makes his film debut as the bar singer Cody.  While this is not Oscar material, there is just no reason to dislike this '80s classic.  We need more folks like Dalton and Elliott's character Wade Garrett.  They also have wrestling legend Terry fun along with Swayze and Elliott, where can you go wrong.

Well, that is it for this week I will be releasing the wast week of the Madness later in the week.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next weekend which is the 17 year anniversary of this movie blog.


Sunday, October 23, 2022

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 879th Edition and the Madness: Folklore- Week 3


Welcome to the 879th Edition of my series.  I hope everyone is enjoying their October month however celebrated whether it is all about Halloween and to those that just prefer Christmas for whatever reason.  Most of my celebrating is putting together the Madness which is one of my favorite times of year.  I'll just get to my selections for the week and keep on going for the Madness.



The Spine of Night (2021):  Philip Gelatt and Morgan Galen King directed this animated horror fantasy movie. Lucy Lawless stars as the fierce high priestess Tzod who looks to put an end to the eternal vigil of the all-powerful guardian of the last light of the gods.  Richard E. Grant, Patton Oswalt, Betty Gabriel, Joe Manganiello, Patrick Breen, Larry Fessenden, Jason Gore, Tom Lipinski, Nina Lisandrello, Rob McClure, Abigail Savage, and many others co-star in this animated film.  It is really hard to explain this movie any more than what I already did.  I can say it is very violent with a lot of animated nudity and probably not very family oriented animation.  In some ways it reminded me of something out of Ralph Bakshi but they made it their own.  Due to their limited crew, this movie took seven years to make and the end result is worth it. 


Dr. Giggles (1992):  Manny Coto directed and co-wrote this horror comedy.  Larry Drake stars as the so-called doctor that you might guess giggles when killing.  This comes after escaping a mental institution and going to a small town where his father was killed and starts killing people of the town while becoming infatuated with Jennifer, played by Holly Marie Combs, who has a heart condition.  Cliff De Young, Glenn Quinn, Keith Diamond, Richard Bradford, Michelle Johnson, John Vickery, Nancy Fish, Sara Melson, Zoe Trilling, Darin Heames, Deborah Tucker, Doug E. Doug, Patrick Cronin, and many others co-star in this film.  Unfortunately, the Dr. Giggles character has not gone down in history the way others like Freddy, Jason, Chucky, Michael, Leatherface, and others and this never became a big franchise.  This has a lot of funny medical puns, some clever ways of killing with medical equipment and a really bizarre scene involving childbirth.  This would be good for a horror night and does have our CHARMED girl Holly Marie Combs.


Child's Play (2019):  Lars Klevberg directed this film where Chucky is presented as a new toy manufacture as a Buddi doll.  Gabriel Bateman stars as early teen Andy whose mother Karen, played by Aubrey Plaza, buys him a Buddi doll which becomes Chucky, voiced by Mark Hamill, which turns out to have a very sinister nature.  Tim Matheson, Ben Daon, Trent Redekop, Beatrice Kitsos, Ty Consiglio, Amro Majzoub, Bryan Tyree Henry, Carlease Burke, and many others co-star in this horror remake.  I know know words like remake and reboot are very dirty words to some.  I still thought this was a pretty fun and clever presentation with Chucky is a line of toys whereas in the originals the doll was possessed by the soul of a serial killer.  I like how Hamill made Chucky more child like but very violent.  I feel this has its place among the franchise, just don't forget the originals.


The Joke's on Catwoman (1968):  This is what I call my short film for the week but is actually an episode of the sitcom BATMAN.  Oscar Rudolph directed this episode of the show where Adam West and Burt Ward play Batman and Robin and Yvonne Craig guest stars as Batgirl in this episode.  The trio take on the duo of the Joker, played by Cesar Romero, and Catwoman, played by Eartha Kitt, where they are arrested and put on trial but the trial becomes questionable.  Alan Napier, Neil Hamilton, Stafford Repp, Dick Kallman, Sandy McPeak, Bobby Hall, Rusty Lane, and many others co-star in this episode.  This episode comes in the third season and kind of breaks the routine on most of the episodes with the trial element.  


Service De Luxe (1938):  Rowland V. Lee directed this romantic comedy.  Constance Bennett stars as Helen Murphy who is the manager of a service industry.  She clashes but falls for an inventor named Robert Wade, played by Vincent Price in his film debut, who is working on a new model tractor.  Charles Ruggles, Helen Broderick, Mischa Auer, Joy Hodges, Halliwell Hobbes, and many others co-star in this comedy.  This is of worth to see Price in his film debut where he plays a light-hearted role and the romantic lead.  I have found lately that Auer has gone onto be a rather underrated comedic actor from this era.


Corridors of Blood (1958):  Robert Day directed this horror film.  Boris Karloff stars as surgeon Dr. Thomas Bolton who operates before anesthesia becomes a thing and looks to use it on his patients but slowly gets addicted himself.  He falls in with a group of murderers lead by Resurrection Joe, played by Christopher Lee, and falls into a blackmail scheme.  Betta St. John, Finlay Currie, Adrienne Corri, Francis Matthews, Frank Pettingell, and many others co-star in this horror film.  This is more of a movie about the flawed medical system at this time that was turned into a good story and just have a little bit of horror elements.  


The Stendhal Syndrome (1996):  Dario Argento directed this Italian horror film based on the novel by Graziella Magherini.  Dario's daughter Asia Argento stars as Detective Anna Manni who is investigating a serial rapist.  The problem is that she suffers from hallucinations when exposed to the sight of paintings, hence the title, and is lured into a trap driving her to insanity.  Thomas Kretschmann, Marco Leonardi, Luigi Diberti, Paolo Bonacelli, and many others co-star in this film.  Ennio Morricone did the music score and is really a co-star in the movie.  This is hard to explain much further and is not for everyone.  It is a pretty disturbing film that is fairly realistic and one of Argento's later works.  


Beginning of the End (1957):  Bert I. Gordon directed this sci-fi horror movie.  Peggie Castle stars in this movie as reporter Audrey Aimes and stumbles onto a small town that is destroyed.  Peter Graves co-stars as Dr. Ed Wainwright who is experimenting with radiation to grow giant fruits and vegetables but locusts eat the radiation and they are the ones that become big.  Morris Ankrum, Richard Benedict, James Seay, John Close, and many others co-star in this sci-fi movie.  This was riffed by MST3K and is a some good, cheap fun.  Maybe they could have used the giant locusts more.  


The Blood on Satan's Claws (1971):  Piers Haggard directed this horror film that takes place in seventeenth-century England.  Patrick Wymark stars as the judge of the town and finds that the children of the village are slowly converting into a coven devil worshippers lead by Angel Blake, played by Linda Hayden.  Barry Andrews, Michele Dotrice, Wendy Padbury, Anthony Ainley, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a very disturbing and complex film that I really had a hard time describing in words.  This does have some really good performances and great scenery giving an authentic feel.  


Factory Girl (2006):  George Hickenlooper directed this biopic on socialite Edie Sedgwick, played by Sienna Miller.  This focuses on her relationship with pop artist Andy Warhol, played by a nearly unrecognizable Guy Pearce, who promises to make her a star and takes her into his offbeat group at what he called the factory.  Edie rises onto the New York scene but slowly loses her grip on reality.  Hayden Christensen, Jimmy Fallon, Jack Huston, Armin Amiri, Tara Summers, Mena Suvari, Shawn Hatosy, Beth Grant, James Naughton, Edward Herrmann, Illeana Douglas, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Mary-Kate Olsen, and many others co-star in this film.  This takes a look at the ups and downs in the art world.  This could be part of a triple feature that includes BASQUIAT and I SHOT ANDY WARHOL.

Well, that is it for this week but keep on reading for the Madness.  Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next week.


THE MADNESS:  FOLKLORE- WEEK 3

Here is week three of the Madness where I have mostly made categories for the actors and actresses.  Some of theme are wild card and to the theme where I can watch anything they ever done.  Others I have had to stay at least within genre.


ASIA ARGENTO (8 points)

Asia is not a wild card this year but could be a worthy dark horse selection for if we get a women of horror category.

Mother of Tears (2007, 102 minutes, 66 1/2):  Asia stars as an art student that accidentally triggers the return of a witch, a sexy witch that I will look for ATB.  (6 points)


The Stendhal Syndrome (1996, 113 minutes, 66 1/2):  Asia stars in this psychological horror movie as Detective Manni whose world is falling apart around her.  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


AUBREY PLAZA (4 points)

Aubrey is not a wild card but found some work to make her into a category.

Child's Play (2019, 90 minutes, 66 1/2):  Aubrey plays the mother who buys her child a Chucky doll not knowing its true nature.  I thought this was a pretty decent remake with a clever spin.  (2 points)


Legion:  Chapter 1, S1, E1 (2017, 70 minutes, 66 1/2):  David Haller is a mental patient that is having strange visions and does not know what is real and not real.  Aubrey co-stars in this series as David's friend Lenny.  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


BRUCE CAMPBELL (6 points)

Bruce is always a wild card so anything he is in counts.

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002, 92 minutes, 666 1/2):  Bruce stars as Elvis who stays in a nursing home with JFK and they must take on a mummy feeding off souls.  The CASABLANCA of our time and the best portrayals of Elvis and JFK.  Bonus points for a book and folklore on the mummy.  (4 points) 


Homicide:  Life on the Street:  Justice Part 1 and 2 S4, E13 and 14 (1996, 90 minutes, 66 1/2):  Bruce guest stars in this two-part episode of the series as Detective Jake Rodzinski whose father was murdered and goes a bit over the edge.  (2 points)


______________________________________________________


CASSANDRA PETERSON AKA ELVIRA, MISTRESS OF THE DARK (12 points)

Cassandra and her iconic persona Elvira are wild cards this year so anything with her counts.  She gets automatic triple points as Elvira.

Diamonds are Forever (1971, 125 minutes, 66 1/2):  Cassandra has a bit role as one of the showgirls in this Bond film making her a Bond girl.  (2 points)


Pee-Wee's Big Adventure (1985, 91 minutes, 666):  Cassandra has a bit role as Biker Mama in the scene where Pee Wee ends up in the biker bar.  Glad to make this a wild card this year.  (2 points)


Nash Bridges:  Sniper S3, E7 (1997, 42 minutes, 666):  Cassandra was in Elvira attire for this though she plays sex shop owner Frankie whose store gets robbed.  This cop show was one of my favorite shows in my youth. (4 point)


WCW Saturday Night 9/30/1989 (1989, 40 minutes, 666):  Elvira makes an appearance to advertise their upcoming HALLOWEEN HAVOC pay per view.  (4 point)

______________________________________________________


CHARLIZE THERON (4 points)

Charlize is not a wild card this year but has some worthy selections for a category

Mad Max:  Fury Road (2015, 120 minutes, 666 1/2):  Charlies co-stars as Impertator Furiosa teaming with Max helping a group get across the desert.  My favorite of the Mad Max franchise.  (2 points)


The Road (2009, 111 minutes, 666 1/2):  This should count for taking place in a post-apocalyptic world.  Charlize is credited as Woman who is shown in flashback scenes.  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


CHARMED (24 points)

Awakened S2, E12 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  Prue and Phoebe go to extreme measures when Piper has a deadly disease but the disease spreads when Piper is cured.  (4 points)

Animal Pragmatism S2, E13 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  Phoebe's study group cast a spell that turns animals into men and they wreak havoc all over town.  (4 points)

Pardon My Past S2, E14 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  Phoebe's past life comes back to haunt her and risks her life to fix what her past life did by going to the 1920s.  (4 points)

Give Me a Sign S2, E15 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  Prue is abducted by Bane Jessup, played by Antonio Sabato Jr., who is fleeing a demon and needs her help.  (4 points)


Murphy's Luck S3, E16 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  Amy Adams guest stars in this episode as Maggie Murphy who is under the curse of a darklighter to be suicidal.  (4 points)


How to Make a Quilt Out of Americans S3, E17 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  The Halliwells' Aunt Gail comes to visit but endangers the Charmed Ones in her hopes of regaining her youth.  (4 points)

______________________________________________________


CHRISTOPHER LEE (12 points)

Christopher gets featured once again and is a wild card that gets triple points.

Corpse Bride (2005, 77 minutes, 66 1/2):  This animated movie from Tim Burton will always count for the madness but having Christopher triples the points for this year.   Chris co-stars as Pastor Galswells. (6 points)


Corridors of Blood (1958, 86 minutes, 66 1/2):  Christopher co-stars in this film as Resurrection Joe and teams with Boris Karloff.  Description in the recommendations.  (6 points)

______________________________________________________


EARTHA KITT (7 points)

Eartha gets to be a wild card this year so anything she has done counts.

Batman:  The Joke's on Catwoman Season 3, Episode 17 (1968, 24 minutes, 66 1/2):  Eartha plays possibly her most known role as Catwoman as she teams with the Joker in this episode.  (.5 points)


Holes (2003, 119 minutes, 66 1/2):  Eartha has a cameo as Madame Zeroni to make this live action Disney movie count.  Those weird lizards might also be a qualifying point but I don't have to argue that one.  Automatic triple points for being a sexy witch.  (6 points)

______________________________________________________


FLORENCE HARTIGAN (4 points)

Florence is not a wild card but has made her mark in the world of horror.

Phoenix Forgotten (2017, 87 minutes, 66 1/2):  This is some found footage horror of three teens disappearing when going to the desert to investigate some strange findings.  Florence stars as Sophie whose brother was one of the teens disappeared.  (2 points)

To Your Last Death (2019, 91 minutes, 66 1/2):  Florence co-stars as Kelsy DeKalb who along with her siblings are forced into a deadly game put on by their father.  (2 points) 

______________________________________________________


FOREIGN MADNESS (10 points)

The Housemaid (2010, 107 minutes, 66 1/2):  This comes to us from South Korea.  A housemaid has an affair with the man of the house which leads to some deadly consequences and vengeance with quite the ending.  (2 points)

Nosferatu (1922, 94 minutes, 666):  This was shown last night at the Cornerstone Center for the Arts in my town and is the 100 year anniversary of this silent horror classic.  I had seen this movie before but not on a big screen which was a really cool experience.  What was also really cool is that they had a four person orchestra play the original score to the film.  I know the book and remote location make for bonus points and I'm pretty sure something like the vampire element can round out the five points.  (5 points)


Vampire Girl vs. Frankenstein Girl (2009, 87 minutes, 66 1/2):  This comes to us from Japan and watched this with Stephanie.  This is pure ridiculous fun and I'm not even going to try to explain the storyline as the title says it all.  The vampire element should get me a bonus point.  (3 points)

______________________________________________________


GILLIAN ANDERSON (9 points)

Gillian is not a wild card this year but is quite the Sci-Fi icon so I thought I'd give her a little homage.

Princess Mononoke (1997, 134 minutes, 66 1/2):  Gillian providers her voice in the American version of this Anime classic as Moro the god of the wolves.  Remote village and points for gods.  (4 points)


Robot Overlords (2014, 90 minutes, 66 1/2):  This takes place in a world where robots have taken over and oppressing the human world.  Gillian co-stars as Kate who looks to help rid the world of the robots.  (2 points)


The X-Files:  Roadrunners S8, E4 (2000, 45 minutes, 666):  Scully goes to a small town to investigate a murder and finds it is a rather backwards town.  Bonus for a cult like town and remove village.  (3 points)

______________________________________________________


HEATHER GRAHAM (4.5 points)

Heather is a wild card this year so I exploit some loopholes.

Arrested Development:  Shock and Aww E1, S14 (2004, 22 minutes, 666):  Heather makes a guest appearance as George Michael's teacher Beth Baerly who he has a crush on but George does as well.  (.5 points)


Austin Power:  The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999, 95 minutes, 666):  Heather co-stars as CIA agent Felicity Shagwell who helps Austin take down Dr. Evil and help him get his mojo back.  (2 points)


Boogie Nights (1997, 135 minutes, 666 1/2):  Heather co-stars in this film as Rollergirl in her breakthrough performance.  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


HOLLY MARIE COMBS (6 points)

Holly is not a wild card but made her into a category with her known series CHARMED and the movie I found for her.

Charmed:  Reckless Abandon S2, E11 (2000, 42 minutes, 666):  The Charmed ones must protect a baby from a ghost intent on killing all the men in the family.  (4 points)


Dr. Giggles (1992, 95 minutes, 66 1/2):  Holly stars as the object of the title character's obsession.  This is a pretty fun horror comedy with lots of medical puns.  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


LINDA HAYDEN (12 points)

Linda is a wild card this year who is automatic triple points and someone I had never heard of until the wild card announcements.

The Blood on Satan's Claws (1971, 97 minutes, 66 1/2):  Linda co-stars in this film as Angel Blake who turns a few kids into Satan worshipers.  (6 points)


The Boys From Brazil (1978, 125 minutes, 666): This could likely be argued as a horror selection but that will not be necessary with Linda having a role in this movie as Nancy.  (6 points)

______________________________________________________


LUCY LAWLESS (4 points)

Lucy is not a wild card but has some selections to make her into a category.

The Spine of Night (2021, 93 minutes, 666):  Lucy co-stars in this animated dark fantasy as Tzod.  Description is in the recommendations section.  (2 points)


Xena:  Warrior Princess:  The Ides of March S4, E21 (1999, 45 minutes, 666):  This series in generals could be argued to qualify for this contest and maybe on an episode by episode basis.  This starts with Callisto in hell so that should make it qualify.  Maybe the snow for when Xena and Gabrielle are captured and crucified could be a bonus point.  Snow was part of the vision Xena had been getting throughout the season of her and Gabrielle being crucified.  This is probably one of the most powerful episodes of the show.  (2 points)


______________________________________________________


THE OLSEN TWINS (6.5 points)

These twins get in there again as wild cards as they are Wicca in real life from my understanding.

Factory Girl (2006):  Mary-Kate has an uncredited cameo in this movie about Andy Warhol and his protege Edie Sedgwick.  (2 points)


Full House:  Season 2, Episodes 2-6 (1988, 24 minutes each, 66 1/2):  What a wild card to be used with the Olsens.  This season introduces Lori Loughlin onto the show as Becky.  Stephanie starts using the "How Rude" catchphrase she is known for though she said it subtlety in the first season.  Michelle starts talking a little bit more.  (2.5 points)


 
I'm Still Here (2010, 108 minutes, 666):  Ashley has an appearance in this "documentary" where Joaquin Phoenix leaves acting to pursue a career in hip hop.  I couldn't find the image of her so I used a movie poster.  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


PEGGIE CASTLE (5 points)

Peggie is not a wild card this year but found a couple B movies to maybe get her a little recognition.

Back from the Dead (1957, 79 minutes, 66):  Interesting enough B-movie where Peggie stars as Mandy who becomes possessed by the spirt of her husband's late wife.  This does have a remote village. (3 points)


Beginning of the End (1957, 76 minutes, 66):  Peggie is trying to help rid a town of Giant Locusts.  What else can I say?  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


ROSE MCIVER (1.5 points)

Rose gets a category again for these supernatural comedies.

Ghosts (2022, 23 minutes, 666):  Sasappis opposes the cutting down of a nearby and Sam tries to fight for him to keep it up.  (.5 points)

Izombie:  The Exterminator S1, E3 (2015, 42 minutes, 666):  Liv and Babineaux investigate a hit and run killing while the brain she ate is a lot darker than the others and retained the personality some.  (1 point)

______________________________________________________


SUPERHEROES AND SUPERVILLAINS (3.5 points)

Batman:  The Animated Series:  Off Balance S1, E44 (1992, 23 minutes, 666):  Talia Al Ghul is introduced into the series and teams up with Batman to retrieve a weapon from Count Vertigo. (.5 points)


The Boys:  Cherry S1, E2 (2019, 59 minutes, 666):  The Boys hold Translucent prisoner and a senator is set up by a shapeshifter.  I'm pretty sure this can get a point.  (1 point)

 
Harley Quinn:  All the Best Inmates Have Daddy Issues S2, E6 (2020, 23 minutes, 666):  Harley tells Ivy how she met the joker when she was Dr. Harleen Quinzel and became Harley after the spot a seemingly sane Joker.  (.5 points)


Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H:  Hulk Busted S1, E3 (2013, 23 minutes, 666):  Iron man is in this episode where he has created some Hulkbuster suits for if needed.  The suits get hijacked and go after the Hulk team and Iron Man.  (.5 points)


Stargirl:  Frenemies- Chapter 7:  Infinity Inc. S3, E7 (2022, 43 minutes, 666):  When Beth discovers a they are being watched on the Gambler's laptop, the team must all band together to address it.  the lantern powered Jennie returns in asking for Courtney's help.  (1 point, 43 minutes, 666)

______________________________________________________


SUSAN SARANDON (6.5 points)

Susan is a wild card this year so anything she hs been in counts in this Halloween oriented contest.

The Front Page (1974, 105 minutes, 666):  This comedy from Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau counts this year thanks to Susan Sarandon.  (2 points)

Robot and Frank (2012, 89 minutes, 666):  Susan co-stars as the librarian Jennifer who is someone Frank really likes to see.  This takes place in a world where they have robots as caretakers.  Frank's son buys him one but Frank looks to teach it crime.  (2 points)

The Simpsons:  Homer vs. Patty and Selma S6, E17 (1995, 23 points, 666):  Susan guest stars as Bart's ballet instructor in this episode.  Homer takes a loan from as a last resort from his sister in laws and take full advantage of his debt.  (.5 points) 

Thelma and Louise (1991, 130 minutes, 666):  How can I leave this road movie off of this year's Madness?  Susan stars as Louise who talks her friend Thelma into getting away and going on a road trip as well as an unplanned crime spree.  They were taking a selfie before it became a thing.  This has one of the most memorable endings of all time.  (2 points)

______________________________________________________


VINCENT PRICE (18 points)

Vincent is a category this year and gets automatic triple bonus points. 

Edward Scissorhands (1990, 105 points, 666):  Vincent co-stars as Edward's maker who was going to give actual hands but died before he could.  This was his last feature film.  (6 points)

The Raven (1963, 86 minutes, 66 1/2):  Vincent stars as a sorcerer in this loose adaptation of the Poe classic.  He teams with Peter Lorre and Jack Nicholson to take on Boris Karloff.  (6 points)

Service De Luxe (1938, 85 minutes, 66):  Vincent's debut as the romantic lead.  (6 points)


______________________________________________________


WILL SMITH (12 points)

Will is not a wild card but has worked his way into this contest.  He may be banned from the Academy for a few years but he is not banned from the Madness.

Aladdin (2019, 136 minutes, 666):  Will plays the Genie in this live-action Disney movie based on the animated classic and fairy tale. I know a lot of people are going nuts over the live-action remakes of the animated classics but I thought this was well done and maybe better.  Will has some really big shoes to fill and holds his own.  I mean, who can top Robin Williams?  I like that they cast of the ethnicity the movie is going for.  This has the fairy tale element for a bonus point.  (3.5 points)


Independence Day (1996, 145 minutes, 666):  To those still all bent out of shape about Will smacking Chris Rock, let's not forget how he saved us from an alien attack.  (2.5 points)

Suicide Squad (2016, 123 minutes, 66):  Will co-stars as Deadshot who is part of a group of villains forced to be heroes by the government.  I think this gets full points for sexy witch Enchantress.  (6 points)

Total points:  approximately 174.5 points

______________________________________________________