Welcome to the 907th edition of my series. I hope everyone is hanging in there in these crazy times. The Historic Beech Grove Cemetery Tour got postponed to Saturday, October 21st so come out to Beech Grove Cemetery and learn some history of Muncie. I will be playing one of the historical figures. This goes from 3:30 to 7:30 and tickets are $10 each.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992): Francis Ford Coppola directed this film based on the classic novel from Bram Stoker. Keanu Reeves stars as Jonathan Harker who is sent to Transylvania to make a deal with Count Dracula, played by Gary Oldman, for some land in Britain. When Dracula sees a picture of Jonathan's wife Mina, played by Winona Ryder, he sees resemblance to his old love and imprisons Harker while going to London in pursuit of Mina. Anthony Hopkins co-stars as Van Helsing who suspects vampire activity and looks to stop Dracula. Tom Waits also co-stars as mental patient Renfield who also seems to be under Dracula's control. Cary Elwes, Sadie Frost, Bill Campbell, Richard E. Grant, and Monica Bellucci co-star in this film. This one is said to resemble the most to the novel than other adaptations through the years. This might be the first version that shows Dracula before he became the vampire and what drove him to it. Oldman gives a really good portrayal to the count bringing a very creepy feel but at the same time a more humanistic one. While being creepy and gory, it is also a beautiful telling of the legend and has remained my favorite adaptation. This is available to watch on Pluto tv.
Barbarian (2022): Zach Cregger wrote and directed this horror film. Georgina Campbell stars Tess who is town for a job interview and stays at an Airbnb. When getting there, she finds that it is double booked with a man named Keith, played by Bill Skarsgard, and reluctantly stays there. Things happen making the house they are staying at not what it seems. Justin Long, Matthew Patrick Davis, Richard Brake, Kurt Braunohler, Jaymes Butler, Sophie Sorensen, Rachel Fowler, JR Esposito, Kate Nichols, Kate Bosworth, Brooke Dillman, Sara Paxton, Will Greenberg, and many others co-star in this film. This is more of a psychological horror film with lots of twists and turns. It is best to watch this without too much knowledge. This is available to watch on HBO Max and Hulu.
The Incredible Hulk (2008): Louis Leterrier directed this superhero film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Edward Norton stars as Bruce Banner who is on the run by the government lead by General Ross, played by William Hurt. He is looking to find a cure from becoming the giant green monster but when Emil Blonsky, played by Tim Roth, gets a hold of his own gamma, he becomes the dangerous Abomination where the Hulk becomes needed. Liv Tyler co-stars as Bruce's love interest Betty Ross who is the daughter of the overzealous general. Tim Blake Nelson, Ty Burrell, Christina Cabot, Peter Mensah, Lou Ferrigno, and many others co-star in this superhero film. I have always thought the Hulk was hard to really write a story about and is easier to blend him into a team. I did really like the emotional depth of this film and what Norton brought to Bruce Banner. This is available to watch on Disney Plus.
My Boys are Having a Baby (1979): This is my short film for the week though it is technically the fourth episode of the short lived tv series WORKING STIFFS. This was a series that starred Michael Keaton and Jim Belushi as Mike and Ernie who are janitor workers. Lorna Patterson co-starred as Nikki who is pregnant and whose husband comes to announce he is leaving her. After this, she starts going into labor forcing Mike and Ernie to help deliver. Val Bisoglio, Allan Arbus, Thomas Callaway, and Paul Reubens co-star in this episode. It is good to see a young Reubens and shades of what we would know as Pee Wee Herman. Also of worth to see a young Keaton and Belushi. This is available to watch on Youtube.
White Zombie (1932): Victor Halperin directed this early zombie film. Bela Lugosi stars as voodoo master Murder Legendre who is enlisted by local plantation owner Charles Beaumont, played by Robert Frazer. Beaumont wants Legendre to lure the beautiful Madeline Short Parker, played by Madge Bellamy, from her fiance Neil, played by John Harron. He regrets that decision when Legendre turns Madeline into a zombie. Joseph Cawthorn, Robert Frazer, Brandon Hurst, George Burr MacAnnan, and many others co-star in this horror classic. This is one of the zombie films from the early era and parts of this would inspire George Romero who would be known for his zombie films. This would also be the inspiration for Rob Zombie's band White Zombie. This is said to be Lugosi's favorite movie he has ever done. This is available to watch on Prime, MGM +, Plex, Pluto TV, and Tubi.
Varan the Unbelievable (1962): Ishiro Honda directed this Kaiju film. As part of a U.S.- Japanese military command, they are looking for economic means of purifying salt water. Things go wrong and end up creating this kaiju Varan. I must say that I had never heard of or remember this particular kaiju. It kind of looks like a Godzilla who can fly. This is a more obscure character but is worth a look and debuted in the 1958 film VARAN. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel and Freevee.
The 'Burbs (1989): Joe Dante directed this satire on suburban life. Tom Hanks stars as Ray Peterson who along with other neighbors believe their new neighbors are part of a murderous satanic cult. They go to very extreme measures to prove their theory which concerns Ray's wife Carol, played by Carol Peterson. Bruce Dern, Corey Feldman, Rick Ducommun, Wendy Schaal, Henry Gibson, Theodore Gottlieb, Courtney Gains, Gale Gordon, Dick Miller, Robert Picardo, Cory Danziger, Franklyn Ajaye, Rance Howard, Nicky Katt, and many others co-star in this comedy. This is a pretty fun dark comedy. Dern is very amusing in his militant role. This has gone onto become quite the cult film. This is available to watch on Starz.
Belle De Jour (1967): This is my French film for the week which was directed by Luis Bunuel and based on the novel by Joseph Kessel. Catherine Deneuve stars as housewife Severine and is unable to bring herself to be physically intimate with her husband Pierre, played by Jean Sorel. Her intimacy comes from elaborate fantasies. She decides to go into prostitution during the day at a brothel getting her the title name which means "beauty of the day". Michel Piccoli, Genevieve Page, Pierre Clementi, Francoise Fabian, Macha Meril, and many others co-star in this French film. This is a very complex film that is left some for interpretation. It is hard to really explain this film beyond what I already have so it will be easier to watch and try to understand the world of Bunuel. This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel and HBO Max.
Curse of Frankenstein (1957): Terence Fisher directed this Hammer adaptation of the classic novel by Mary Shelley. Peter Cushing stars as Dr. Victor Frankenstein who becomes obsessed with reanimation. After resurrecting a dog, he decides to make a man out of body parts who is known as the Creature, played by Christopher Lee, and naive to the world, he wreaks a lot of havoc. Hazel Court co-stars as Victor's cousin and fiance Elizabeth and Robert Urquhart co-stars as Victor's tutor Paul Krempe who starts out helping Victor but becomes concerned with his obsession. Melvyn Hayes, Valerie Gaunt, Paul Hardtmuth, and many others co-star in this film. This is my favorite adaptation of Frankenstein. This would be the first time Lee and Cushing met and became good friends on the set. This is also said to have resurrected the horror genre which had declined a bit. This is available to watch on HBO Max.
The Air I Breathe (2007): I end the week with this film that was directed and co-written by Jieho Lee. This is based on an ancient Chinese Proverb that breaks down the four cornerstones of life that include happiness, played by Forest Whitaker, pleasure, played by Brendan Fraser, sorrow, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Love, played by Kevin Bacon. They are all connected to a local gangster named Fingers, played by Andy Garcia. Julie Delpy, Clark Gregg, Emile Hirsch, Kelly Hu, Evan Parke, Taylor Nichols, Victor Rivers, Cecilia Suarez, William Maier, Jon Bernthal, and many others co-star in this film. This consists of multiple stories that tie in together. It is also a pretty moving story of flawed people. I thought Gellar and Garcia stood out the most in this thought provoking film. This is available to watch Peacock, Crackle, Plex, the Roku Channel, and Tubi.
Well, that is it for this week but continue on for week 2 the Madness. Tell me what you like and dislike and stay tuned for next week.
THE MADNESS: SUCKS- WEEK 2
This is week two of the Madness. As always, I include categories of actors and sometimes genre. There will be some movies and tv shows that people will wonder how it fits into a Halloween oriented category. Some of these people are wild cards. I also have a rating that uses the four 6 system.
ALEXANDER SKARSGARD
Alexander is a wild card this year so I can watch anything he has done.
Big Little Lies: Serious Mothering S1, E2 (2017, 54 minutes, 666): Eric continues in this series as Perry where we learn more of all the characters and get closer to the murder.
Disconnect (2012, 115 minutes, 666): Here is another loophole for Alexander who plays Derek Hull in this anthology drama of people searching for human connections in the wired world. In his story, Derek and his wife have their bank account hijacked.
____________________________________________________________
ANDI MATICHAK
Andi is not a wild card in the Madness but is a bit of a rising star so I thought I'd give her a category.
Assimilate (2019, 93 minutes, 66): Andi co-stars as Kayla who along with her friends discovers that neighbors are being killed and replaced by perfect copies.
-Inside of a church
Halloween (2018, 105 minutes, 666): Andi co-stars in this continuation of the franchise as Laurie Strode's granddaughter Allyson and must face Michael Myers. This continues from HALLOWEEN 2.
____________________________________________________________
ASHLEY BELL
Ashley is also not a wild card but found some selections to make her into a category.
Dark Intentions (2015, 89 minutes, 66): Ashley stars as Molly who is a new mom and meets fellow mother Beth which seems to be great. However, Beth shows he very dark side in this psychological horror movie.
The Last Exorcism (2010, 87 minutes, 66 1/2): Ashley co-stars as Nell who is believed to have some issues and needs and exorcism.
-Inside of a church.
____________________________________________________________
BELA LUGOSI
With this year's them being vampire related, Bela is a definite wild card and is worth automatic triple points.
Ninotchka (1939, 110 minutes, 666): Ashley co-stars as Nell who is believed to have some issues and needs and exorcism.
-Bela Lugosi ATB
White Zombie (1932, 69 minutes, 66 1/2): Bela stars as a witch doctor who turns someone into a monster.
-Bela Lugosi ATB
____________________________________________________________
BRUCE CAMPBELL
Bruce is a wild card every year so anything he has been in can be used for the Madness.
Burn Notice: Identity S1, E2 (2007, 43 minutes, 666): Michael, Sam, and Fiona help a friend of Michael's mother who has been scammed.
Jack of All Trades: Once You Go Jack S1, E4 (2000, 23 minutes, 666): Jack's former partner Kentucky Sue shows up in Palau-Palau and looks to rekindle their past relationship. 
Jack of All Trades: The People's Dragoon S1, E5 (2000, 23 minutes, 666): Jack and Amelia must steal back a gold shipment that Governor Croque stole from the U.S.
____________________________________________________________
CAROLINE BARCLAY
Caroline is not a wild card but she did become a category.
American Gothic (1987, 90 minutes, 666): I had not heard of this movie until I came across it for the Madness. This is a dark interpretation of the famous painting I suppose. It was a very pleasant surprise in my opinion and was very bizarre to say the least.
Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995, 95 minutes, 66 1/2): Caroline co-stars as Caroline Sullivan in this sequel of the hook man.
-Louisiana bonus
-Church
____________________________________________________________
CAROLINE MUNRO
Caroline is a wild card this year so anything she has done counts.
The Spy Who Loved Me (1977, 125 minutes, 666 1/2): Caroline co-stars as female villain Naomi in this Bond film. This is my favorite from the Roger Moore Era of James Bond.
-London
____________________________________________________________
CATHERINE DENEUVE
Catherine is a wild card this year and will be taking advantage of her French work.
Belle De Jour (1967, 100 minutes, 666): This would not usually count but Catherine is a wild card so I can use it. (2 points)
____________________________________________________________
CHARMED
Power Outage S3, E7 (2000, 42 minutes, 666): Cole uses another demon who can extract powers out of rage to target the Charmed Ones.
Sleuthing With the Enemy S3, E8 (2000, 42 minutes, 666): The sisters learn that Cole is Balthazar and Phoebe must decide what to do.
-Cemetery
Coyote Piper S3, E9 (2000, 42 minutes, 666): Piper's body gets taken over by a she-demon forcing Prue and Phoebe to figure out how to get her back without killing her. Rainn Wilson guest stars as the demon Kierkan.
-Cemetery 
We All Scream For Ice Cream (2001, 42 minutes, 666): The sisters trace a mysterious ice-cream truck operator that is abducting children but the evil turns out to not be what they expect.
Blinded by a Whitelighter (2001, 42 minutes, 666): The sisters must stop a warlock from executing a plan to steal powers from witches in order for him to kill the whitelighters.
Wrestling Demons (2001, 42 minutes, 666): Prue looks to save the soul of a man she dated when she was younger. Wrestlers Buff Bagwell, Scott Steiner, and Booker T guest star on this episode as demonic wrestlers. Ron Perlman is also a guest star on this episode.
____________________________________________________________
CHRISTOPHER LEE
Christopher is a wild card this year so anything he has done counts and he has done a lot.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002,179 minutes, 666): Chris reprises his role as Saruman in the 2nd part of this fantasy trilogy.
-Christopher Lee ATB
Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith (2005, 140 minutes, 666): Chris reprises his role as Count Dooku in more of a cameo.
-Christopher Lee ATB
____________________________________________________________
COREY FELDMAN
Corey is a wild card this year for the Madness due to his background in THE LOST BOYS.
The 'Burbs (1989, 102 minutes, 666): Corey stars as neighborhood kid Ricky in this dark comedy. (2 points)
The Goonies (1985, 114 minutes, 666): Corey co-stars in this '80s adventure classic as Mouth as he joins his Goonie friends on a treasure hunt.
-Tall ship
Gremlins (1984, 106 minutes, 666): Corey co-stars in this horror comedy classic as Pete. This is also one for the Christmas holidays as it takes place during that time.
____________________________________________________________
DANNY TREJO
Danny is a wild card this year so I can use whatever I want with him.
Con Air (1997,115 minutes, 666): Danny co-stars in this action packed film as Johnny-23 who is in on the hijacking of a plane full of convicts.
____________________________________________________________
FOREIGN MADNESS
Varan the Unbelievable (1962, 70 minutes, 66): This is a Kaiju film so this obviously counts. (2 points)
____________________________________________________________
GARY OLDMAN
Gary is not a wild card but I'm sure he came up in discussion.
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992, 128 minutes, 666 1/2): Gary plays the iconic vampire in this adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic that is kind of a tragic love story and my favorite version. (6 points)
-Dracula ATB
The Dark Knight (2008, 152 minutes, 666 1/2): Gary co-stars as Commissioner Gordon in the 2nd of this Batman trilogy. It is also my favorite Batman movie of all time.
____________________________________________________________
Jared Padalecki
Jared is not a wild card but having included Jensen Ackles last week I thought it was only right to include Jared.
Friday the 13th (2009, 97 minutes, 66 1/2): Jared stars in this remake as Clay Miller who is looking for his missing sister and comes across Camp Crystal Lake where he encounters the rather deadly Jason Voorhies. I actually watched this on Friday when I got done working and did not occur to me until midway that I'm watching it on Friday the 13th.
Supernatural: Hell House S1, E17 (2006, 42 minutes, 666): Sam and Dean investigate a suspected haunted house and dealing with wanna-be paranormal investigators at the same time.
____________________________________________________________
JUSTIN LONG
Justin is not a wild card but could be one in the future.
Barbarian (2022, 102 minutes, 66 1/2): Justin co-stars as actor AJ whose house is being rented out and has some allegations against him. (2 points)
Yoga Hosers (2016, 88 minutes, 66 1/2): Justin co-stars in this horror comedy as yoga instructor Yogi Bayer and is pretty amusing in his scenes. All I have to say is horror the Kevin Smith way.
____________________________________________________________
KIRSTEN DUNST
Kirsten is a wild card this year on account of her star making turn as vampire Claudia.
The Crow: Salvation (2000, 102 minutes, 66 1/2): Kirsten co-stars as Erin whose sister was murdered and the wrongly executed killer comes back for revenge and justice with Erin's help. The original is one of my favorite movies and while this does not measure up for me, I still found it to be pretty decent.
-Cemetery
ER: Ghosts S3, E5 (1996, 43 minutes, 666): Kirsten guest stars in this episode as street kid Charlie Chiemingo. I guess this would count either way with it being Halloween themed.
Touched By an Angel: Into the Light S3, E10 (1996, 45 minutes, 66 1/2): Kirsten guest stars as the Elvis-obsessed Amy Ann in this angel drama which starred Della Reese and Roma Downey.
____________________________________________________________
Patricia is not a wild card but she won a prize to become a category.
The Curse of the La Llorona (2019, 93 minutes, 66): Patricia co-stars as another person named Patricia who is a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment. She tries to warn a social worker who then gets caught up in a frightening supernatural realm.
The Mummy Returns (2001, 130 minutes, 666): Patricia co-stars as Meela in this sequel and has a couple really cool fight scenes with Rachel Weisz.
-Not based on western culture
-Tall ship
____________________________________________________________
PAUL REUBENS
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992, 86 minutes, 66 1/2): Paul co-stars as Amilyn in this vampire comedy which is likely what made him a wild card. I favored the series but I must give credit where credit is due for being what got the franchise started.
Pee-Wee's Playhouse: Ice Cream Soup S1, E1 (1986, 23 minutes, 666): Paul stars in his iconic series as Pee-Wee Herman where he hangs out with his unique friends in his playhouse. Look for a young Natasha Lyonne on this episode as well as Laurence Fishburne who was the recurring Cowboy Curtis.
Pee-Wee's Playhouse: Luau for Two (1986, 23 minutes, 666): Pee-Wee wins a contest for a Hawaii dinner for two but becomes overwhelmed choosing who to take.
The Smurfs (2011, 103 minutes, 66 1/2): Paul does the voice of Jokey Smurf in this live-action Smurf adapatation.
WWE Raw 11/1/2010 S18, E44 (2010, 89 minutes, 666): Paul was a guest star on this episode in character as Pee-Wee Herman as he was promoting his Broadway special. He has a confrontation with the Miz and Alex Riley and is aided by his "cousin" the Big Show.
WWE Raw 12/13/2010 S18, E50 (2010, 137 minutes, 666): Paul wins a Slammy award for being best guest host on Raw.
-Louisiana
____________________________________________________________
PETER CUSHING
Peter is a wild card this year so anything for him counts and has automatic triple points.
Curse of Frankenstein (1957, 82 minutes, 666 1/2): Peter stars as obsessive and mad scientist Victor Frankenstein. As mentioned this is my favorite adaptation. (6 points)
-Peter Cushing ATB
Violent Playground (1958, 108 minutes, 66 1/2): Peter co-stars in this film as the priest of the movie in this film about juvenile delinquency in Britain. This would never count but Peter is a wild card so this counts plus more.
-Peter Cushing ATB
____________________________________________________________
SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR
Sarah is a wild card this year I believe due to popular demand or my own demand.
The Air I Breathe (2007, 95 minutes, 666): Sarah co-stars in this film as burned out pop star Trista whose contract goes to a ruthless mobster.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Buffy vs. Dracula S5, E1 (2000, 42 minutes, 666): In this 5th season premiere, Buffy has an encounter with the legendary Dracula.
-Dracula ATB
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Gift S5, E22 (2001, 42 minutes, 666 1/2): I think this is my favorite episode of the series. There is a lot of emotional depth and contains a couple of my favorite scenes of the show. I tear up every time I watch this episode.
-Vampire bonus
-Slayer is a main character
-Cemetery
Ringer: She's Ruining Everything S1, E2 (2011, 2011, 666): Bridget continues to try to fit into the world of her twin sister while also dealing with a bad situation.
Scooby-Doo (2002, 86 minutes, 66 1/2): Sarah co-stars in this live-action adaptation as Daphne.
-Castle
Scream 2 (1997, 120 minutes, 666): Sarah co-stars in this sequel that makes fun of sequels as Cici. This is a rehash sequel but has a reason to be one and the movie is honest about it.
-Nosferatu appears on a tv screen
____________________________________________________________
SELENA GOMEZ
Selena is not a wild card but found a couple selections for her to become one.
The Dead Don't Die (2019, 104 minutes, 66 1/2): Selena co-stars in this zombie comedy as Zoe. This is Jim Jarmusch's answer to the zombie genre.
-Cemetery
Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015, 89 minutes, 66 1/2): Selena reprises her role as Dracula's daughter Mavis who now has a child of her own that her Dracula is trying to prove is a monster.
-Dracula ATB
____________________________________________________________
TIM BLAKE NELSON
Tim is not a wild card but made himself into a category.
Guillermo Del Toro's Pinnochio (2022, 117 minutes, 666): Tim provides the voice of the Black Rabbits in this adaptation of Pinnochio. Just the witch-like character of Spazzatura should make this count.
-Church bonus
The Incredible Hulk (2008, 112 minutes, 666): Tim co-stars in this film as scientist Samuel Sterns who claims to have a possible antidote to Bruce's condition. The transformations should make this count. (2 points)
Watchmen: It's Summer and We're Running out of Ice S1, E1 (2019, 61 minutes, 666): Tim has a small role in this episode as Wade Tillman aka Looking Glass. This takes place in an alternate world where superheroes are treated like outlaws. I think this has enough darkness to qualify and is a bit of a Dystopian world.
____________________________________________________________
VAMPIRES
Forever Knight: Dark Knight: The Second Chapter S1, E2 (1992, 48 minutes, 666): This is the second part of the series premier where vampire detective Nick Knight is still investigating serial murders and comes across his maker La Croix.
-Vampire
-Vulnerable to sunlight
-Interior of a church
Moonlight: No Such Thing as Vampires S1, E1 (2007, 45 minutes, 666): This is the first episode of the vampire series that was short-lived but gained a cult following. This follows vampire private detective Mick St. John, played by Alex O'Loughlin, who starts to fall for a mortal woman. This does break a lot of vampire rules to those that have a very black and white outlook of vampires.
-Vampire
____________________________________________________________
THE WORLD OF SUPERHEROES AND SUPERVILLAINS
Harley Quinn: Il Buffone S4, E8 (2023, 23 minutes, 666): Bane travels to Italy to get a pasta-maker handle for his beloved Nora who has her own problems in dealing with an attack from Lex Luther. 
Titans: Red Hood (2021, 41 minutes, 666): Red Hood emerges in Gotham City and takes over as the new crime lord and Dick calls upon the Titans to help.
-Gar shapeshifts into a tiger
____________________________________________________________
WRESTLING MADNESS
El Santo and Blue Demon vs. the Monsters (1970, 85 minutes, 66): El Santo and Blue Demon must take on mad scientist Dr. Halder and his band of reanimated monsters. I realized when watching this that El Santo does not get the credit he deserves for paving the way for wrestlers in movies.
-El Santo ATB
Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling: Nowhere to Hide 2: This is an outside event I'm going to try to argue. There was a casket match, the image below is Halloween related. There was also a costume contest among the kids. There was also a wrestler named Baron Voodoo.
NWA POWERRR 10/10/2023 (2023, 48 minutes, 666): Vampiro makes an appearance in this episode so I believe this should count on account of his gimmick being symbolic of a vampire.
____________________________________________________________
No comments:
Post a Comment