Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 938th Edition

Welcome to the 938th edition of my series.  I hope everyone is doing well in these crazy times.  I will be releasing week 4 of the Madness at a later date as I can still get more selections in.  I don't have a lot going on right now so I'll just get on with my selections for the week.

Ready or Not (2019):  Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett directed this horror comedy.  Samara Weaving stars as the new bride Grace who thought she had a great life beginning with her new husband Alex, played by Mark O'Brien.  However she learns that there is a family tradition and her eccentric in-laws soon force her into a deadly game of "hide and seek" where she must fight for survival.  Adam Brody, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell, Melanie Scrofano, Kristian Bruun, Elyse Levesque, John Ralston, Liam McDonald, Hanneke Talbot, Daniela Barbosa, and many others co-star in this film.  This movie is as violent as it comes and is just ridiculous in many ways.  It works due to its fun nature and not taking itself too seriously.  This shows the dark side of marriage and does not hold back.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023):  James Gunn directed this conclusion to the Guardians trilogy.  Chris Pratt reprises hi role of Peter Quill who must rely on the Guardians to save Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper.  This includes Mantis, played by Pom Klementieff, Drax, played by WWE Hall of Famer Dave Bautista, Nebula, played by Karen Gillan, Groot, voiced by Vin Diesel, Cosmo the Dog, voiced by Maria Bakalova, and the returning Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana.  Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Austin Freeman, Stephen Blackehart, Terence Rosemore, Sean Gunn, Sarah Alami, Giovannie Cruz, Will Poulter, Nico Santos, Miriam Shor, Linda Cardellini, Asim Chaudhry, Mikaela Hoover, Elizabeth Debicki, Reinaldo Faberlle, Sylvester Stallone, Tara Strong, Michael Rosenbaum, Dee Bradley Baker, Jennifer Holland, Nathan Fillion, Daniela Melchior, Lloyd Kaufman, Seth Green, Michael Rooker, and many others co-star in this Marvel film.  This is a really good way to conclude this particular part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  There was a lot of really good stories going on like the backstory of Rocket.  There was also a really good story of redemption in my opinion.  I would say that it would be best to watch the first two and even the holiday special and if you like those, this would be a must.

The Damned (2018):  Evgeny Ruman directed this psychological horror film from Israel.  Daniel Gad, Amit Rahav, and Nimo Hochenberg star as three soldiers on a training exercise and having been cursed by a Bedouin woman.  They are in the desert and slowly descend into madness and having tricks played with their minds.  This is quite the mind-bender as we see three soldiers trying to get along but are unable to do so.  This is one that has not had a lot of exposure, but I found it buried in Prime for a rental.  

The Telltale Heart (1928):  This is my silent short film for the week which was directed by Charles Klein and Leon Shamroy and it is based on the story by Edgar Allen Poe.  Otto Matieson star as the Insane which is the name he is credited upon.  The Insane commits a crime and slowly has a mental breakdown as the cops question him.  This is an expressionistic version of the story and is done in a very clever way.  This can be found on Youtube.

Rashomon (1950):  This is my Japanese film for the week which was directed by Akira Kurasowa.  Murder and rape happen and when trying to piece the events together, multiple people have different perspectives of what was witnessed.  Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyo, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura, Minoru Chiaki, Kichijiro Ueda, Noriko Honma, and many others co-star in this film.  Many credit this movie for the Oscars getting a Best Foreign Language award.  This is a very clever film, and it works on so many levels.  This has great performances and cinematography to go along with the direction.  This is available to watch on Max and the Criterion Channel.

Beach Party (1963):  William Asher directed this movie in which one might guess takes place on the beach.  Robert Cummings stars as anthropologist Professor Sutwell who along with his secretary Marianne, played by Dorothy Malone, are studying the behavioral habits of teenagers.  The teen couple in focus are Frankie and Dolores, played by beach icons Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, who are having their own relationship issues.  Morey Amsterdam, Harvey Lembeck, Eva Six, John Ashley, Jody McCrea, Andy Romano, Vincent Price, and many others co-star in this beach comedy.  This was a very popular genre of this era and this movie is credited for the start of this era.  Vincent Price makes a cameo near the end of the movie so where can you go wrong there?  This is available to watch on Tubi and Pluto TV.

Speed (1994):  Jan De Bont directed this action film which was written by Graham Yost.  Keanu Reeves stars as young LAPD cop Jack Traven who must save a bus from exploding when a bomb becomes armed.  This is done by the bitter retired cop Howard Payne, played by Dennis Hopper, who has the bomb to disarm if the bus goes under 50.  Sandra Bullock co-stars as Annie who is at first only a bus passenger but must become driver.  Joe Morton, Jeff Daniels, Alan Ruck, Glenn Plummer, Richard Lineback, Beth Grant, Hawthorne James, Carlos Carrasco, Daniel Villarreal, and many others co-star in this film.  This was always a favorite of mine growing up and still enjoy it just as much today.  Reeves and Hopper play very well off of one another and Bullock does well in what is essentially her breakthrough performance.   This is an edge of your seat film with some great action and a really good music score to go along with it.  This is available to watch on STARZ.

The Swindle (1955):  Federico Fellini directed and co-wrote this Italian film.  This centers around a group of con artists in Augusto, Carlo, and Roberto, played by Broderick Crawford, Richard Basehart, and Franco Fabrizi.  Augusto is mostly the leader of the three with his age and experience and starts to have a crisis of conscience when he gets reacquainted with his daughter.  Carlo also has trouble in trying to convince his wife of who he is and her starting to not believe him.  Giulietta Masina, Sue Ellen Blake, Irene Cefaro, Albert De Amicis, Lorella De Luca, and many others co-star in this film.  This has a really good blend of drama and comedy and does a good job of showing consequences for actions.  This is also a rather moving film with emotional depth.  This is available to watch on the Criterion Channel and is titled IL BIDONE.

Shoot the Piano Player (1960):  Now I go to France where Francois Truffaut directed this film which is based on a novel by David Goodis.  Charles Aznavour stars as piano player Charlie Koller which is an assumed name after his dark past.  He looks to help his brother Fido, played by Richard Kanayah, escape a couple gangsters but Fido is abducted in the process.  Marie Dubois, Nicole Berger, Michele Mercier, Serge Davri, Claude Mansard, Albert Remy, and many others co-star in this film.  This is part of the French New Wave cinema and is rather had to describe any further without giving things away.  This is a pretty compelling film and a must for foreign film fans.  This is available to watch on Max and the Criterion Channel.

Tick, Tick... Boom (2021):  I end the week with biographical musical on composer Jonathan Larson which was directed by Lin-Manuel Meranda in his directorial debut.  Andrew Garfield stars as Larson who some may know as the man who wrote the musical RENT.  This takes a look at Jon in his younger days before he would write that popular musical we know today.  He waits tables at a New York City diner while struggling to write his musical which is due very soon.  He also has pressures with his girlfriend Susan, played by Alexandra Shipp, who wants a live beyond New York City.  Robin de Jesus, Vanessa Hudgens, Joshua Henry, Jonathan Marc Sherman, MJ Rodriguez, Ben Levi Ross, Judith Light, Bradley Whitford, Laura Benanti, Micaela Diamond, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Gizel Jimenez, Kate Rockwell, Joel Perez, Judy Kuhn, Danny Burstein, Lauren Marcus, Richard Kind, Tariq Trotter, Roger Bart, Steven Schwartz, Marc Shaiman, Matthew Sklar, and many others co-star or have cameos including a lot from the Broadway world.  This is a great homage to the late Larson with a great performance from Garfield who took a year of voice lessons to prepare for his musical debut.  This is available to watch on Netflix.

Well, that is it for this week but I did return for my segment "The Bookworm Corner" where I feature a book.  Next week is the 19 year anniversary of this blog series.  I know, I can't believe it either.  I will also be featuring the last week of the Madness.

THE BOOKWORM CORNER

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon (2023):  This book centers around L.A. businesswoman Lana Rubicon who has a lot going on for her but gets a cancer diagnosis.  She goes to stay with her daughter Beth and teenage granddaughter Jack.  Jack comes across a dead body while she was at work in her kayaking job.  Jack becomes a suspect which prompts Lana to investigate the crime and teams up with Beth and Jack while having a difficult relationship with Beth.  This is a very fun and lighthearted whodunit with a great trio of three generations.  This is Nina Simon's first novel and was a very personal project from her.  I hope she decides to do another one soon.  It was also a pretty easy read while still enjoyable and keep in mind I have never really been much of a reader but I'm trying to become one.  This is also endorsed by Reese Witherspoon as part of Reese's Book Club.

Shaun Berk's 10 Movie Recommendations- 937th Edition and the Madness We Are Family- Week 3

Welcome to the 937th Edition of my series.  I hope everyone is doing okay in their crazy lives.  I don't have a lot going on right now so I'll just get on with my selections and with the Madness.

X (2022):  Ti West wrote and directed this exploitation horror film.  This takes place in 1979 where a film crew that does movies geared to the adults films in rural Texas area.  Hopefully that does not get me flagged like it did before.  Mia Goth stars as the actress Maxine and also plays the elderly Pearl.  The crew soon learns they are not safe and must fight for their lives.  Jenna Ortega, Brittany Snow, Kid Cudi, Martin Henderson, Owen Campell, Stephen Ure, James Gaylyn, Simon Prast, Geoff Dolan, Matthew J. Saville, and many othesr co-star in this horror film.  Goth does a great job in the dual role.  This is done by A24 films and while this is not for everyone, they do always seem to make their movie work more than they should.

Avengers:  Age of Ultron (2015):  Joss Whedon directed this entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., and Bruce Banner, played by Mark Ruffalo, create Ultron, voiced by James Spader, who is a robot meant to be peaceful but things go totally awry.  They must rely on help from follow Avengers Captain America, played by Chris Evans, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson, War Machine, played by Don Cheadle, and Hawkeye, played by Jeremy Renner.  They are also joined by twins Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen, as well as Vision, played by Paul Bettany.  Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smolders, Anthony Mackie, Hayley Atwell, Idris Elba, Linda Cardellini, Stellan Skarsgard, Claudia Kim, Thomas Kretschmann, Andy Serkis, Julie Delpy, Henry Goodman, Kerry Condon, and many others co-star in this MCU film.  This was a bit all over the place at times but was still a lot of fun in the action.  I also enjoyed the interaction scenes with the team as well as the introduction of Clint's family which would become a rather important part of the universe.  

Colossal (2016):  Nacho Vigalondo wrote and directed this creature film.  Anne Hathaway stars as party girl Gloria who was living a great life in New York City but then is forced to move back home.  There are news reports of a creature wreaking havoc in Seoul and suddenly realize she has a connection to it and must learn why she would have such a connection while figuring out what must be done.  Jason Sudeikis, Austin Stowell, Tim Blake Nelson, Dan Stevens, Hannah Cheramy, Sarah Surh, and many others co-star in this creature feature.  This is a very interesting premise that has quite the progression.  It is one of those that is hard to really explain any future, just give it a look.

Lurch the Teen Idol (1965):  This is my short film for the week but is technically an episode of THE ADDAMS FAMILY but as always, I make the rules.  Sydney Lanfield directed this episode of the series.  The butler Lurch, played by Ted Cassidy, accidentally becomes a pop star when he is heard singing.  When Lurch's popularity goes to his head, the rest of the family becomes concerned about his future as their butler.  John Astin, Carolyn Jones, Jackie Coogan, Marie Blake, Lisa Loring, Ken Weatherwax, Kerkie Styles, Laurie Mitchell, and many others co-star in this episode.  This is another very timeless series that has spawned into many things through the years.  This tv series was the start of it all.  This is available to watch on Prime, Freevee, Pluto TV, and the Roku Channel.

Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932):  Robert Florey directed this film which is based on the story by Edgar Allan Poe.  Bela Lugosi stars as mad scientist Dr. Mirakle who wants to mingle human blood with that of an ape.  For this to happen, Mirakle resorts to kidnapping women and fails resulting in their death.  He takes a liking to Camille for his experience making her the latest kidnapping, played by Sidney Fox, and her fiance Pierre, played by Leon Ames, looks to rescue her before it is too late.  Bert Roach, Betty Ross Clarke, Brandon Hurst, D'Arcy Corrigan, Noble Johnson, and many others co-star in this horror film.  This is a some underrated Universal from this era.  This apparently was 80 minutes, but censors unfortunately cut it to 61 minutes with some of the violent scenes.  This still entertains enough with a good performance out of Lugosi.  This is available to watch on the Roku Channel.

The Three Musketeers (1948):  George Sidney directed this adaptation to the classic novel by Alexandre Dumas.  Gene Kelly stars the young D'Artagnan who ventures to Paris in hopes of becoming a musketeer along with Athos, played by Van Heflin, Porthos, played by Gig Young, and Aramis, played by Robert Coote.  He starts to become friends and learn from the three musketeers as they take on corruption in the royal system.  D'Artagnan also finds love in with Constance, played by June Allyson, who is a confidant of Queen Anne, played by Angela Lansbury.  Lana Turner, Frank Morgan, Vincent Price, Keenan Wynn, John Sutton, Reginald Owen, Ian Keith, Patricia Medina, Richard Stapley, and many others co-star in this swashbuckling classic.  Kelly is a lot of fun as the aspiring musketeer, and we get to see his struggles and triumphs.  The rest of the cast shines as well and is worth a look.

Jesus' Son (1999):  Alison Maclean directed this film which is based on the book by Denis Johnson.  Billy Crudup stars as FH who is addicted to heroin and alcohol and tries to live his life.  As time goes on, FH looks for redemption and recovery.  Samantha Morton, Ben Shenkman, John Ventimiglia, Michael Shannon, Denis Leary, Jack Black, Greg Germann, Will Patton, Dennis Hopper, Holly Hunter, and many others co-star in this film.  This is essentially a character study of FH which stands for something I won't say on here.  Crudup has always been pretty underrated, and he puts on a very good performance here.  This is a good story on the human soul and has a lot of very colorful characters.  This is available to watch on Tubi.

Foxy Brown (1974):  Jack Hill directed and co-wrote this Blaxploitation classic.  Pam Grier stars as the title character whose boyfriend is murdered.  She goes undercover as a prostitute in in a ring lead by Katherine Wall, played by Blaxploitation villain Kathryn Loder, to find those responsible for her boyfriend's murder.  As one might guess, she goes on a rampage of vengeance.  Antonio Fargas, Peter Brown, Terry Carter, Harry Holcombe, Sid Haig, Juanita Brown, Bob Minor, Tony Giorgio, Fred Lerner, H.B. Haggerty, and many others co-star in this film.  This does not age all that well by the standards of today.  Blaxploitation was its own genre of this time period of racial stereotypes and reverse racism at times.  The white people were usually the villains.  Grier makes this role her own and is a great watch if you just understand how different times were in this era.  This is available to watch on Tubi, Pluto TV, and Plex.

Wild Strawberries (1957):  Ingmar Bergman wrote and directed this Swedish film.  Victor Sjostrom stars as aging professor Isak Borg who has been selected for an honorary degree.  This requires a road trip in which his daughter in law Marianne, played by Ingrid Thulan, volunteers to go along with him.  Along the way, Isak must confront his past with his family while picking up some young hitchhikers.  This also has the use of flashbacks to get to know the professor more.  Bibi Anderrson, Gunner Bjornstrand, Jullan Kindahl, Folke Sundquist, Naima Wifstrand, Gunnel Brostrom, Gertrud Fridh, Sif Ruud, Gunner Sjoberg, Max Von Sydow, and many others co-star in this film.  This is a good look of a man who in the end lead a rather meaningless life when his life revolves around his career.  There is also a redemption story involved as well.  This has always been my favorite Bergman film.  This is also the last movie for Sjostrom.  This is available to watch on Max and the Criterion Channel.

Backdraft (1991):  Ron Howard directed this film that pays homage to the world of firefighters.  William Baldwin stars as rookie firefighter Brian McCaffrey who is trying to carry on the family tradition after his father died at a young age.  Brian was raised by his older brother Stephen, played by Kurt Russell, who is already a fireman and has a very troubled relationship.  They must all work together though when there appear to be arson fires.  Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Scott Glenn, Rebecca De Mornay, Jason Gedrick, J.T. Walsh, Tony Mockus Jr., Jack Wheeler, Clint Howard, David Crosby, W. Earl Brown, and many others co-star in this film.  This has a very authentic look to it.  Part of this were a couple dysfunctional brothers trying to reconnect and the other part was trying to find an arsonist.  Both were very good stories along with a very good cast which made an effort to be as real as possible.  

Well, that is it for this week but read on for the Madness for the week.

THE MADNESS ARE A FAMILY- WEEK 3

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ANNE HATHAWAY

Anne is not a wild card this year but I found a couple selections to make her a category this year.

Colossal (2016, 109 minutes, 66 1/2):  Anne stars as Gloria who is just trying to get herself together and slowly learns she has a hand in the movement of a giant creature destroying Seoul.  This should count as a creature feature.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012, 164 minutes, 666):  Anne co-stars in this conclusion to the Christopher Nolan trilogy as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman and joins Batman in his fight against Bane.  

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BRUCE CAMPBELL

Bruce is a wild card and is the only person who is just an automatic wild card every year.

Burn Notice:  Trust Me S2, E3 (2008, 44, 666):  Bruce co-starred in this spy series as Sam Ace whose friend Michael has been "burned".  In this episode, Michael, Sam, and Fiona help a guy who loses the money he needs to pay a loan shark.

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BRUCE DERN

Bruce is a wild card this year so I can use whatever I want with him.

Peanut Butter Falcon (2019, 97 minutes, 666 1/2):  Bruce is in the beginning of this film as a nursing home resident who helps Zak, a young man with Down Syndrome, to escape the nursing home to pursue his dream of wrestling.  This is such an underrated movie and is a great watch.

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CANDICE KING

Candice is not a wild card this year but she has some CW selection that make her a category.

Supernatural:  After School Special S4, E13 (2009, 43 minutes, 666):  Candice is a guest star in this episode of the hit series as high school student Amanda.  The Winchesters investigate a haunting at a high school and we also see them in flashback scenes when they were kids.

-Sam and Dean being brothers.

The Vampire Diaries:  The End of the Affair S3, E3 (2011, 43 minutes, 666):  Candice co-stars in this tv series as Caroline Forbes who is now a vampire and is captured and tortured by her own father in hopes that he will "cure" her vampirism.  There is also a flashback showing a time when Stefan and Klaus meet.

-ATB for Klaus and Rebecca being brother and sister

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CHARMED

Charmed and Dangerous (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  The Source breaks an age-old agreement by stealing the Hollow and using it to absorb Piper and Paige's powers.  This was the introduction of the Seer.

-ATB for a supernatural family

The Three Faces of Phoebe (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Phoebe is having cold feet about marrying Cole and does a spell that results in Phoebe's younger and older self.

-ATB for a supernatural family

Marry-Go-Round (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  It is wedding day for Phoebe and Cole and everything that can go wrong goes wrong.

-ATB for a supernatural family

The Fifth Halliwheel (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Paige becomes more suspicious of Cole being a demon again.

-ATB for a supernatural family

Saving Private Leo (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Ghosts from Leo's past in WWII are out for revenge when blaming him for what happened.

-ATB for a supernatural family

Bite Me (2002, 42 minutes, 666):  Piper and Phoebe must take on a vampire Queen when Paige gets effected and starts to become one herself.

-ATB for a supernatural family

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DENNIS HOPPER

Dennis is a wild card this year so anything works for him.  

Jesus' Son (1999, 107 minutes, 666):  Dennis makes a cameo as a rehab patient so this movie counts this year.

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EDGAR ALLEN POE

Edgar is a wild card and could be called "The Father of Horror".

Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932, 61 minutes, 66 1/2):  This is based on Edgar's 1841 short story of the same name.  

-ATB points for Edgar

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ELIZA TAYLOR

Eliza is not a wild card but qualifies with my selections for her.

The 100:  Earth Kills S1, E3 (2014, 43 minutes, 666):  Eliza stars in this post-apocalyptic series as Clarke Griffin who is one of the 100 juvenile delinquents sent to the uninhabited Earth in hopes of making it livable again.

-ATB for brother and sister combo Bellamy and Octavia Blake

6 Plots (2012, 87 minutes, 66):  Eliza co-stars in this horror movie as Amy Challis who along with five other friends finds herself trapped in a box and their friend Brie must try to piece together where each one is being held.

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INGMAR BERGMAN

Ingmar is a wild card this year so i can use anything I want from him.

Wild Strawberries (1957, 92 minutes, 666):  This is Ingmar's answer to the road trip.  This is my favorite of him and glad to use it as a wild card.

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JAMES CAMERON

James is a wild card this year so I can use what I want to this Halloween oriented contest.

Dark Angel:  Love Among the Runes S2, E20 (2002, 43 minutes, 666):  James was executive producer for this short-lived Fox series that deserved far more than two seasons.

Point Break (1991, 122 minutes, 666):  James was executive producer to this surfing action film.  I believe this is the original Fast and Furious.

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JENNA ORTEGA

Jenna is not a wild card but I have plenty to use from her.

Scream (2022, 114 minutes, 666):  Jenna co-stars in this entry as Tara Carpenter who is being targeted by the new Ghostface.  I have come to enjoy how these movies shamelessly admit to being typical sequels but have commentary within the movie about it.  This is technically SCREAM 5 but they just decided to not use a number.

-ATB for the characters Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin

Wednesday:  If You Don't Woe Me By Now S1, E7 (2022, 47 minutes, 666):  Uncle Fester, played by Fred Armisen pays a visit and has his own theory about the monster.  Jenna stars in this series as Wednesday and was perfect for the role.

-ATB for family of supernatural beings

Wednesday:  A Murder of Woes S1, E8 (2022, 52 minutes, 666):  Wednesday must fight an ancient evil with the help of her friends.  I also must say, I loved the interaction with Thing and Enid.

-ATB for family of supernatural beings

X (2022, 105 minutes, 666):  Jenna stars as film star Maxine but I can't say the type as I don't want to get in trouble again from Twitter.  The film crew must deal with a ruthless elderly couple.

-Creepy basement

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JOHN ASTIN

John is not a wild card but this father of Samwise gets a category for some sitcom work.

The Addams Family:  Lurch the Teen Idol S1, E33 (1965, 23 minutes, 666):  John stars in this sitcom as Gomez Addams.  Lurch somehow becomes teen idol on account of his unusual music on the piano.  

-ATB points for Wednesday and Pugsley

Batman:  Batman's Anniversary/A Riddling Controversy S2, E45 and E46 (1967, 48 minutes, 66 1/2):  John guest stars as the Riddler in this two-part episode.  I read that the usual actor Frank Gorshin had a contract dispute so Astin took his place.

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JONATHAN DEMME

Jonathan is a wild card this year so I can use what I want with him.

Stop Making Sense (1984, 88 minutes, 666 1/2):  Jonathan directed this concert film of the Talking Heads and is possibly the best concert film of all time.

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MARIANNE HAGAN

Marianne is not a wild card but no one said I couldn't make a category for her.

Halloween:  The Curse of Michael Myers (1995, 87 minutes, 66):  Marianne co-stars as Kara Strode in this entry to the franchise.  As one might guess, Michael Myers is back.  A young Paul Rudd is also in this movie and still looks the same all these years later.

-ATB points for Michael Myers

Last Kind Words (2012, 87 minutes, 66):  Marianne co-stars as Ida in this horror movie.  The 17-year-old Eli moves into the backwoods of Kentucky with his family.  When there, he is drawn to a strange forest and meets a mysterious girl named Amana who seems to be harboring secrets along with the forest.

-Father and son connection between Eli and Bud

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PAM GRIER

Pam is a wild card this year so anything she does counts.

Foxy Brown (1974, 92 minutes, .66 1/2):  This Blaxploitation classic counts this year on account of Grier's wild card status.

Jackie Brown (1974, 154 minutes, 666):  Pam stars as the title character in this Tarantino film which is based on the novel RUM PUNCH which was written by Elmore Leonard.

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PETER BOGDANOVICH

Peter is a wild card this year so I have a lot to go on with him.

The Last Picture Show (1971, 118 minutes, 666):  Peter directed this classic film on a group of youths in a very small town.

The Simpsons:  Yokel Chords (2007, 24 minutes, 666):  Peter voices the psychiatrist in this parody of THE SOUND OF MUSIC where Lisa becomes a tutor to Cletus' seven children.

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ROGER CORMAN

Roger is a wild card this year and is one our main focuses this year on account of his passing this year.

Black Scorpion:  Blinded by the Light S1, E3 (2001, 45 minutes, 66):  Black Scorpion takes on a photographer who is blinded when trying to get a photo of her identity and becomes Photojournalist.  Corman wrote this series where he creates his own superhero universe.  

The Cry Baby Killer (1958, 70 minutes, 66 1/2):  Roger was the producer of this movie and has an appearance as Joe the TV truck man.  A young Jack Nicholson takes hostages when he believes he has committed murder.

-ATB points for Roger's appearance.

The Godfather Part 2 (1974, 202 minutes, 6666):  This is one of my favorites and Roger has a cameo as one of the senators in the hearing scenes with Michael Corleone.

-ATB for Roger's appearance

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RON HOWARD

Ron is a wild card so he has a vast selection to choose from in this contest.

Arrested Development:  My Mother, the Car S1, E8 (2003, 21 minutes, 666):  Michael loses his short-term memory when getting in a car accident with Lucille.  Ron was the producer and narrator for this sitcom.

Arrested Development:  Storming the Castle (2003, 21 minutes, 666):  Michael decides to expose Marta to Gob's womanizing ways.  

Backdraft (1991, 137 minutes, 666):  Ron directed this homage to the world of firefighters so it counts this year.

Beyond the Mat (1999, 102 minutes, 666):  Ron Howard was the executive producer for this wrestling documentary which takes a look at Jake Roberts, Mick Foley, Terry Funk, among others.

Dennis the Menace:  The Fishing Trip S1, E3 (1959, 25 minutes, 66 1/2):  Ron plays the role of Stewart in this series who is a friend of Dennis.  This was a pre-Opie role for him.

Felicity:  Final Answer S2, E22 (2000, 44 minutes, 666):  Ron was executive producer for this series that takes a look at a few college friends. 

Frasier:  The Good Samaritan S6, E11 (1999, 24 minutes, 666):  Ron guest stars as one of Frasier's callers in this episode.  Frasier's good deeds seem to be backfiring on him.

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ROSE MCIVER

Rose is not a wild card but she could be a worthy selection for a Women in Horror category.

Ghosts S4, E1 (2024, 24 minutes, 666):  Rose stars in this show as Sam who runs a bed and breakfast with her husband Jay.  When Sam has a near death experience, she is able to see ghosts who inhabit the place.  Isaac meets the ghost Patience who has been lost running around in dirt.

Izombie:  Dead Rat, Live Rat, Brown Rat, White Rat S1, E12 (2015, 42 minutes, 666):  Rose starred in this series as Olivia Moore who becomes a zombie and functions when eating brains.  She conveniently works for the morgue and when eating the brains, she retains the personality of the dead and gets visions.  She also helps a local detective and investigates a group of joyriding teenagers where one of them is murdered.

The Lovely Bones (2009, 135 minutes, 66 1/2):  Rose co-stars in this movie as Lindsey Salmon whose older sister Susie, played by Saoirse Ronan, was murdered.  Susie continues to look over her family from her purgatory.

-ATB for brother and sister combo with siblings Buckley, Susie, and Lindsey

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SCARLETT JOHANSSON

Scarlett is not a wild card but who wouldn't want her as a category?

Avengers:  Age of Ultron (2015, 141 minutes, 666):  Scarlett co-stars in this film as Black Widow and plenty of elements to make this count.

-ATB for brother and sister in Quicksilver and Scarlett Witch.

Under the Skin (2013, 108 minutes, 66 1/2):  Scarlett stars in this experimental and arthouse horror film as an alien entity who seduces young isolated and lonely men into another dimension where they are consumed.  Very bizarre to say the least and leaves it up to one's mind for interpretation I believe.

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SHAUNA MACDONALD

Shauna is not a wild card but there were a couple selections on my list that she gets featured this year.

The Hike (2011, 83 minutes, 66):  A group of girlfriends go out on a camping trip together only to come across some dangerous locals.  Shauna comes in more at the end when one of them is seeking help and refuge.

Howl (2015, 92 minutes, 66 1/2):  Shauna is one of the passengers on a train and tries to survive attacks by a wolf-like creature.  

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SQUARED CIRCLE MADNESS

Indiana Powerhouse Wrestling (2024):  This was a live event and there was a casket mat which could make this count.  They also had a costume contest for the kids and there was the wrestler Scarecrow.

NWA Powerrr 10/8/2024 (2024, 45 minutes, 666):  I think I can get this counted on account of the Sinister Minister and Max the Impaler.

TNA Impact 10/10/2024 (2024, 93 minutes, 666):  I was hoping to be able to use PCO but like in week 1, I'll try it on the creepiness factor of Wendy Choo and Rosemary.

WWE Bad Blood (2024, 193 minutes, 666):  I will just try to pass this starting with the Hell in a Cell match between CM Punk and Drew Macintyre.  There was also a preview for WWE 2K24 where they show Bray Wyatt in the Fiend persona.

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TONY TODD

Tony is a wild card this year and the horror icon has been one in the past.

The Flash:  What's Past is Prologue S5, E8 (2018, 45 minutes, 666):  Tony did the voice for the villain Zoom and has a cameo in this episode when Barry and Nora travel back in time to get a few key necessities in order to defeat Cicada.

-Father/daughter connection in Barry and Nora maybe

Minotaur (2006, 93 minutes, 66):  Tony co-stars in this fantasy movie as Deucalion.  This is loosely based on the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur.  

-ATB for brother and sister Deucalion and Raphaella

Platoon (1986, 120 minutes, 666):  Tony plays the role of Warren in this Vietnam film which was directed by Oliver Stone.  

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VINCENT PRICE

Vincent is a wild card this year and I get a lot of points for him.

The Three Musketeers (1948, 125 minutes, 66 1/2):  Vincent co-stars in this swashbuckler classic as Richelieu.

-ATB points for Vincent

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VIVIAN WU

Vivian is not a wild card but has some worthy selections.

Highlander:  They Also Serve S3, E12 (1995, 49 minutes, 666):  Vivian guest stars as immortal May-Ling Shen who has had a past with Duncan and is where he learned a lot of his fighting from.  Barry Pepper guest stars in this episode as immortal Michael Christian who with the help of a corrupt watcher is able to set up other immortals to kill.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III (1993, 96 minutes, 66 1/2):  April O'Neil discovers a magic scepter with magical powers and accidentally ends up in 17th century Japan.  The turtles must also go there to rescue their friend.  Vivan co-stars as Japanese rebel Mitsu.

-Family connection among the turtles

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WILLIAM MARSHALL

Pee-Wee's Playhouse:  Open House S2, E1 (1987, 30 minutes, 666):  William plays the recurring character of King of Cartoons on this series and would also show a very old animated short.  Pee-Wee puts on an open house after doing some cleaning in the playhouse.

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WORLD OF SUPERHEROES AND SUPERVILLAINS

Batman:  The Animated Series:  Fire From Olympus S1, E60 (1993, 23 minutes, 666):  Batman must take on a man who is convinced he is the reincarnation of Zues.

Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.:  Hulks on Ice S1, E8 (2013, 23 minutes, 666):  The Hulk family team up with Thor to help him take on the frost giant Laufey from freezing the world solid.

-Hulk and She-Hulk are cousins

Superman and Lois:  Always My Hero S4, E3 (2024, 43 minutes, 666):  This one has the enhanced Bizarro back so this episode should count.  Jonathan discovers some newfound powers and Sam Lane makes a big decision that changes everything.

-Family element among the Kent family

-Funeral scene

Young Justice:  Independence Day S1, E1 (2010, 23 minutes, 666):  Robin, Kid Flash, and Aqualad tire of being referred to as psychics so they decide to investigate Cadmus to find they are creating a clone of Superman.

Young Justice:  Fireworks S1, E2 (2010, 23 minutes, 666):  The three are captured when investigating Cadmus and try to convince Superboy to help them.

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