Welcome to the 993rd Edition of my series. I hope everyone is hanging in there in these crazy times. Next weekend on Saturday, I'm taking part in the annual Historic Tour at the Beech Grove Cemetery in Muncie where I play Muncie figure Goldsmith Gilbert. So far, my real team the 49ers and my fantasy team are 2-0 and hope they both go to 3-0 this weekend. I will shut up not and get on with my selections.
The Suicide Squad (2021): James Gunn directed and wrote this superhero film. Viola Davis stars as Amanda Waller who runs Belle Reve and gets together a group of supervillains and forces them to become heroes. This mainly consists of Rick Flag, played by Joel Kinnaman, Bloodsport, played by Idris Elba, Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, Peacemaker, played by former WWE champion John Cena, Ratcatcher 2, played by Daniela Melchior, Polka-Dot Man, played by David Dastmalchian, and King Shark, voiced by Sylvester Stallone. Michael Rooker, John Ostrander, Nathan Fillion, Jai Courtney, Flula Borg, Mayling Ng, Pete Davidson, Sean Gunn, Steve Agee, Jennifer Holland, Dee Bradley Baker, Alice Braga, Peter Capaldi, Joaquine Cosio, Lynne Ashe, Taika Waititi, and many others co-star in this film. The 2016 movie of the same name excluding the word "the" at the beginning of the title unfortunately left a lot to be desired. This was a great reboot of what the story should have been. This was a very fun action film with a great blend of action and comedy. The team put together worked together very well and inspired a spinoff series for Peacemaker. This is available to watch on HBO Max.
Send Help (2026): Sam Raimi directed this psychological horror film which was written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. Rachel McAdams stars as Linda Liddle who feels very mistreated at work and is upset she was passed over for the Vice President position. Dylan O'Brien stars as the arrogant Bradley Preston who as mentioned becomes the president of the company. On a business trip, the plane crashes leaving Linda and Bradley as the sole survivors on the island. Edyll Ismail, Dennis Haysbert, Xavier Samuel, Chris Pang, Thaneth Warakulnukroh, Emma Raimi, Kristy Best, Francesca Waters, and many others co-star in this psychological thriller. Also, look for Bruce Campbell who is in the photo of Bradley's father. This has a lot of suspense, power struggles, dark comedy, you name it. Some have said there are elements of MISERY, CAST AWAY, LOST, and the popular reality series SURVIVOR which is referenced a lot in this film.
The House of the Devil (2009): Ti West directed and co-wrote this horror film which takes place in the '80s. Jocelin Donahue stars as Samantha who is a college student just trying to earn some money to pay her rent. She sees a babysitting job which seems like a pretty simple job but learns that learns that they are more like a cult putting her in the fight for her life. Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, Greta Gerwig, AJ Bowen, and Dee Wallace star in this independent horror film. This has always been a favorite of mine. I love the low budget as well as the authentic '80s feel to go along with a good soundtrack. Donahue is great as the female protagonist and is very underrated in the world of scream queens.
Girl on the Road (1958): This is technically an episode of the anthology series THE VEIL which was a short-lived series that was hosted by Boris Karloff. Tod Andrews stars as John Prescott who helps a stranded, young woman named Lila, played by Eve Brent. While they go into town to get gas for the car, they also stop for a drink. When the name Morgan Debs, played by Karloff, is mentioned, Lila leaves and nothing is as it seems. This show never made television airwaves, the episodes finally got DVD treatment years later Shout Factory. This was a series dealing with some sort of supernatural things going on in the world. It was too bad this did not really get off the ground in the beginning.
Maniac (1934): Dwain Esper directed this exploitation horror film which was written by Hidegarde Stadie. Bill Woods stars as Don Maxwell who is a former Vaudeville impersonator. He is now a lab assistant working for Dr. Meirschultz, played by Horace B. Carpenter, who is a scientist trying to bring the dad back to life. When Don kills Meirschultz, he puts his impersonation skills to use by imitating the doctor while dealing with a mental patient named Buckley, played by Ted Edwards. This is loosely based on Edgar Allan Poe's THE BLACK CAT with references to MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE. Esper directed a lot of "exploitation" films in this era and this goes down as one of the worst movies ever made. It is still quite popular to watch because of this and Rifftrax has viewed this.
Endless Night (1972): Sidney Gilliat directed this film which is based on the novel by Agatha Christie. Hywel Bennett stars as the working-class Englishman Michael Rogers who meets and falls in love with the American Ellie Thomsen. Ellie turns out to be part of a very wealthy family and end up getting married. They are very happy until very strange things start to happen and Ellie's greedy family interferes, most nobably Greta, played by Britt Eklund. Per Oscarsson, George Sanders, Ann Way, Patience Collier, Peter Bowles, Lois Maxwell, David Bauer, Helen Horton, Madge Ryan, Windsor Davies, Walter Gotell, and many others co-star in this atmospheric film. This is a hard one to really explain beyond what I did. This has a lot of those Agatha Christie sort of twists and turns. This could require multiple viewings but worth a look.
Ready or Not (2019): Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett directed this horror comedy. Samara Weaving stars as the newly wedded Grace who is about to live the rest of her life with Daniel, played by Adam Brody. Unfortunately, Daniel's wealthy and eccentric family are quite crazy and force Grace into a very violent version of hide and seek. They find they messed with the wrong girl who proves to be very resourceful in protecting herself. Mark O'Brien, Henry Czerny, Andie MacDowell, Melanie Scrofano, Kristian Braun, Elyse Levesque, Nicki Guadagni, John Ralston, Liam MacDonald, and many others co-star in this film. Weaving is up to the game and very fun to watch. They made the most of what seems like a rather silly premise. Lots of gore and laughs with quite the ending make a perfect watch for this time of year.
Beauty and the Beast (1946): Jean Cocteau directed this French version of the tale as known as time. Josette Day stars as Belle who takes the place of her imprisoned father at a castle run by a beast, played by Jean Marais. As time goes on, Belle starts to see the good in the hideous looking beast and slowly falls in love with her. Mila Parely, Michel Auclair, and many others co-star in this film. Most people know this story through the Disney version and I'm referencing myself in that statement. I even got to be in a version of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at Muncie Civic Theater based on the Disney version as Lefou. This version is a lot darker, and we don't get those talking objects in this one. The humans appear more statuesque in this version. It does have a basic story that the Disney version would take on years later. Belle is more of a Cinderella among her family in the way she is treated. This does have some interesting special effects within the castle.
Phase IV (1974): Saul Bass directed this sci-fi film which was written by Mayo Simon. This takes place in a world where desert ants for an intelligence and wage war on humans. Nigel Davenport and Michael Murphy set up a lab in hopes of stopping the ants with the help of Kendra, played by Lynne Frederick, who ends up in the lab. Alan Gifford, Robert Henderson, and Helen Morton co-star in this film. This is a very visually stunning film and a different sort of story. This is the only feature film Saul Bass would direct as he was most known for his title sequences, most notably with Alfred Hitchcock. This has gone onto become a rather overlooked horror film with Bass's only film to direct.
The Faculty (1998): Robert Rodriguez directed this teen horror film which was written by Kevin Williamson. A group of mismatched students must band together when they suspect their teachers are aliens. Jordana Brewster, Elijah Wood, Clea Duvall, Shawn Hatosy, Josh Hartnett, and Laura Harris are the six students that team up to save their high school. Famke Janssen, Piper Laurie, Christopher McDonald, Bebe Neuwith, Robert Patrick, Usher, Jon Stewart, Daniel Von Bargen, Summer Phoenix, Jon Abrahams, Salma Hayek and many others co-star in this horror comedy. As I was thinking about this movie, I came to the conclusion that this is THE BREAKFAST CLUB meets INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS. Take that for what it is worth. Brewster makes her film debut in this movie. This is a very fun selection for this time of year and at any other time.
Well, that is it for this week but read on for week 2 of my segment My Own Madness and late I will release week 1 of The Madness.
Alexander is a wild card in this particular segment so anything counts for him.
Big Little Lies: Serious Mothering S1, E2 (2017, 54 minutes): Alexander continues his role of Perry in this mini-series. Celeste suggests that her and Perry get counseling. This show has one of the best theme songs in my opinion.
Melancholia (2011, 135 minutes): Alexander stars as Michael in this sci-fi film who is about to get married. The wedding takes place in the backdrop of the possibility of another planet colliding with theirs. and things don't go really well.
True Blood: Timebomb S2, E8 (2009, 53 minutes): Alexander plays vampire Eric Northman in this popular vampire series. We get to see the dynamic between Eric and his maker Godric. This is the highest rated episode of the series.
True Blood: Timebomb S2, E8 (2009, 53 minutes): Alexander plays vampire Eric Northman in this popular vampire series. We get to see the dynamic between Eric and his maker Godric. This is the highest rated episode of the series.
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Britt is not a wild card but could be considered if we ever get a category for Women in Horror.
Asylum Prime (1972, 88 minutes): Britt Ekland co-stars in this anthology horror film as Lucy. The movie centers around a mental asylum where a young psychiatrist questions four mental patients.
Endless Night (1972, 95 minutes): Britt co-stars in this horror film as Greta who seems to be interfering on a marriage.
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Bruce is always a wild card whether in My Own Madness or the Madness.
Bubba Ho-Tep (2002, 92 minutes): This remains a favorite of mine where Bruce stars as an aging Elvis Presley who survived but took the name of an impersonator that died. Ossie Davis plays the surviving JFK who survived the assassination but was turned black by the government. They are in a nursing home together and team up to take on a mummy who is feeding off souls. Many say this is the CASABLANCA of our time. Bruce gives the best performance of Elvis of all time.
Burn Notice: Breach of Faith S4, E4 (2010, 42 minutes): Bruce co-stars in this series as Sam Axe in this spy series. Sam and Michael get caught up a hostage situation.
Burn Notice: Neighborhood Watch S4, E5 (2010, 42 minutes): The gang helps a clinic doctor being harassed by local drug dealers.
Burn Notice: Entry Point S4, E6 (2010, 42 minutes): Sam and Jesse must resort to unusual interrogation tricks to get info the assassin Kendra.
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Daniel is not a wild card but some manueuvering made him into one.
Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D: Seeds S1, E12 (2014, 42 minutes): Daniel has a guest appearance on this Marvel series as Seth Dormer who was a student for S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy of Science and Technology. He tried an invention that did not go over that well.
Station Eleven: The Seven City Airport S1, E5 (2021, 54 minutes): Daniel plays the Prophet in this mini-series. This centers more around the beginning of the pandemic where Clark, Arthur's ex-wife Elizabeth, and Arthur's son Tyler contemplate difficult times. I couldn't really find any episode photos of him, so I settled on just one from the show in general.
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Elizabeth is a wild card for My Own Madness so anything with her will count.
Grimm: Bears Will Be Bears S1, E2 (2011, 45 minutes): Elizabeth plays Juliette in this series who is the fiancé of Detective Nick Burkhardt. Nick learns he is a descendent of the Grimm family and can see supernatural forces.
Moonlight: The Mortal Cure S1, E12 (2008, 42 minutes): Elizabeth guest stars in this episode as Celeste who Beth believes was having an affair with her late boyfriend Josh and learns she was quite wrong. This is a short-lived vampire series of the private investigator Mick St. John who just happens to be a vampire.
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Emily is a wild card this year in My Own Madness.
Mary Poppins Returns (2018, 130 minutes): Emily takes the helm of Mary Poppins in this updated sequel. She is back now to help Michael and Jane who are now grown up and Michael's children as he struggles to keep up the house.
The Muppets (2011, 103 minutes): Emily has a cameo as Miss Piggy's receptionist and mostly reprises her role from THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA.
The Simpsons: Lisa the Drama Queen S20, E9 (2009, 23 minutes): Emily voices the role of Juliet Hobbes who becomes Lisa's new best friends and they create their own fantasy world. This is essentially a parody of HEAVENLY CREATURES.
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Eve is not a wild card but I have a couple anthology episodes to make her into a category.
Tales from the Crypt: The Man Who Was Death S1, E1 (1989, 26 minutes): This is the first episode of the horror anthology where Eve plays one of the judges. William Sadler also stars as a local executioner but loses his job at the prison when the death penalty is abolished. He still remains a vigilante executioner.
The Veil: Girl on the Road S1, E2 (1958, 25 minutes): This is a short-lived anthology series which was hosted by Boris Karloff. Eve guest stars in this as the stranded Lila. There is more info in the recommendations section.
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Beauty and the Beast (1946, 93 minutes): Long before Disney released their most famous Disney film, Cocteau gave us this darker take to the tale as known as time.
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Hildegarde is not a wild card but found a couple selections she directed.
Maniac (1934, 51 minutes): Hildegarde directed this "exploitation" story which is loosely based on Poe. See the recommendations section for more details.
-ATB for doctor impersonation
Narcotic (1933, 58 minutes): Hildegarde co-wrote this other "exploitation" story of an idealistic doctor who goes off the deep end and becomes an snake-oil salesman. This is presented as "horror".
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Ivana is not a wild card but she fell into becoming a category for My Own Madness.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: As You Were S6, E15 (2002, 42 minutes): Ivana guest stars in this episode as Sam Finn who is the wife of the returning Riley Finn who is Buffy's ex.
Charmed: Valhalley of the Dolls Part 1 and 2 S6, E1 and 2 (2003, 84 minutes): Ivana has a guest spot in this two-part season premier as the valkyrie Mist.
The 100: Red Sun Rising S6, E2 (2019, 42 minutes): Ivana plays the role of Charmaine Diyoza in this Dystopian sci-fi series. The team is still adjusting to their new world. Raven reluctantly teams with Charmaine to save everyone on board.
Vanilla Sky (2001, 136 minutes): Ivana plays the role of Emma who is an acquaintance of David. This is sci-fi so this counts.
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Jeremy is not a wild card this year but has a couple selections to become a category.
May (2002, 93 minutes): Jeremy co-stars as Adam Stubbs who dates the title character and realizes she is a bit crazy. Bettis is very good in the title role where she takes a crush to a whole new level.
Wrong Turn (2003, 84 minutes): Jeremy co-stars in this slasher film as Scott who along with a group of friends are left stranded in the woods on the run from some mutant hillbillies I guess you could say. This has always been a favorite of mine in the horror genre.
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Jocelin is not a wild card this year but could be a candidate for
Holidays (2016, 105 minutes): Jocelin co-stars in this horror anthology as Carol who is part of the Father's Day segment.
The House of the Devil (2009, 95 minutes): Jocelin stars as Samantha who is desperate for money and finds what seemed like an easy way to make some. She ends up in the house of a cult.
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John is not a wild card but found a couple selections to make him into a category.
The Suicide Squad (2021, 132 minutes): John gets introduced to the new DC Universe as Peacemaker who would go onto have a pretty good series.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023, 99 minutes): John co-stars in this animated reboot as Rocksteady. The animated TMNT movie we didn't know we needed.
-ATB for electrocution?
Boogie Nights (1997, 155 minutes): John co-stars in this ensemble drama actor Reed Rothchild who was in the sort of movies geared towards adults. Hopefully I'm not red flagged again for that. I have always enjoyed this movie, but this time it occurred to me that I feel Paul Thomas Anderson wanted to show the human element of a very judged industry.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty: Is That All There Is S1, E2 (2022, 58 minutes): John stars in this show as Lakers owner Jerry Buss in this dramatization of the rise of the Lakers team. Jerry tries to charm Red Auerbach in this episode.
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Justin is a wild card in this particular Madness.
Ghost Team (2016, 83 minutes): Justin co-stars as Ross, who is part of a very amateur ghost hunting team in this comedy.
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Silding Doors (1998, 139 minutes): Kevin McNally co-stars in this alternate reality film as Paul. Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Helen who we see two realities where one, she makes the train, and the other, she does not make the train. This shows the difference and similarities in both universes. I don't really have a movie photo of him so I'll just use this one.
Supernatural: Out With the Old S7, E16 (2012, 42 minutes): Kevin had a stint on this CW series as researcher Frank Devereaux. Sam and Dean stumble onto the Leviathan's ultimate plot.
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Station Eleven: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Aren't Dead S1, E4 (2021, 44 minutes): Lori co-stars in this Dystopian mini-series as Sarah who is also known as the Conductor. We continue to go back and forth with younger and older Kirsten and learn more of what has happened.
Station Eleven: Survival is Insufficient S1, E6 (2021, 44 minutes): Lori co-stars in this mini-series as Sarah who is also known as the conductor. Kirsten leaves the acting troupe to pursue the prophet while the conductor tries to keep it together among the group.
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Bionic Woman: Pilot S1, E1 (2007, 43 minutes): Lucy co-stars in this reboot series as the Bionic Woman's sister Becca. Jaime Sommers has a bad car accident and is changed by a top-secret government team and is stronger than ever.
Pretty Little Liars: The Jenna Thing (2010, 42 minutes): The girls have flashbacks when they encounter the blind Jenna. Lucy co-stars in this show as Aria.
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Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011, 90 minutes): Lucy co-stars in this animated sequel as Viper. Po and his friends must deal with a peacock villain but he must come to terms with his past.
Rise: Blood Hunter (2007, 97 minutes): This is a guilty pleasure of mine. Lucy stars as Sadie who is a reporter and finds herself in a morgue the member of the undead. She looks to take revenge on those who wronged her.
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Lynne is not a wild card but I found a couple worthy '70s selections.
Phase IV (1974, 84 minutes): Lynne co-stars in this horror film as Kendra who must stop a group of giant ants.
Vampire Circus (1972, 84 minutes): Lynne co-stars in this Hammer film as Dora Mueller in this circus full of vampires and everyone trying to understand what vampires really are through the tragic events.
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The Bride (2026, 126 minutes): This is a much different adaptation of the Shelley novel. Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley are the Creature and the Bride in a story of I thought was ROMEO AND JULIET meets NATURAL BORN KILLERS.
Frankenstein (1931, 70 minutes): I suppose this is the most iconic of the adaptations which was brought to life by Universal. This would make Boris Karloff an icon in the horror world.
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Damsel (2024, 110 minutes): Millie stars in this film Elodie who agrees to marry into a royal family only to learn that she is a sacrifice. She becomes a damsel in distress to a damsel in vengeance. I found myself really enjoying this dark fantasy a lot more than I expected.
Stranger Things: Chapter Three: The Pollywog S2, E3 (2017, 51 minutes): Millie stars in this series as Eleven who is growing inpatient having to hide all the time. Dustin adopts a strange Pet.
Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Will the Wise S2, E4 (2017, 46 minutes): Eleven discovers secrets from her past in this episode. I couldn't really find an episode of her from this episode so I just used another photo.
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Goliath: Pride and Prejudice S1, E2 (2016, 54 minutes): Olivia co-stars in this legal drama as attorney Lucy Kittridge. This show stars Billy Bob Thornton as a struggling attorney looking for redemption.
Law and Order: Organized Crime: Fail Safe S5, E8 (2025, 42 minutes): Olivia has a stint as Detective Frances Tanner who is helping to go after a bomber and is in a very sticky situation.
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The Devil's Rejects (2005, 107 minutes): P.J. plays the role of Susan in this Rob Zombie movie. Captain Spaulding, Baby, and Otis are on the run from the vengeful Sheriff Wydell.
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Rachel is not a wild card this year but she gets a category.
The Time Traveler's Wife (2009, 107 minutes): Rachel stars as Clare in this time traveling film where she must deal with her husband who travels time against his will.
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Ron is a wild card for My Own Madness this year.
Charmed: Wrestling With Demons S3, E12 (2001, 42 minutes): Ron guest stars in this episode as a demonic fight promoter. The Charmed Ones take on Buff Bagwell, Booker T, and Scott Steiner in this episode.
Sons of Anarchy: Seeds S1, E2 (2008, 46 minutes): Ron co-stars in this popular biker series as Clay. The gang deals with the aftermath of their firearms warehouse attack.
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Rose is not a wild card but presents herself very well.
Ghosts: Under New Management S5, E18 (2026, 21 minutes): Rose stars in this show as Sam who has the ability to see ghosts. Sam and Jay face new pressures at Woodstone.
Power Rangers RPM: Fade to Black S1, E2 (2009, 22 minutes): Rose got to be a power ranger in this series as Summer Landsdown who is the yellow ranger.
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Salma is not a wild card but could be one someday so I'll make a category for her.
Dogma (1999, 130 minutes): Salma co-stars as Serendipity in Kevin Smith's answer to an angels and demons story.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996): Salma co-stars in this cult vampire film as stripper/vampire Santanico Pandemonium.
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Samara is not a wild card but could be one somedays with a Women in Horror category.
Mayhem (2017, 86 minutes): Samara co-stars in this horror comedy as Melanie Cross who is one of many stuck in a quarantined law firm from a virus that makes people more violent.
Ready or Not (2019, 95 minutes): Samara plays a newlywed in a very deadly game with her in-laws in this horror comedy.
Scream VI (2023, 122 minutes): Samara has a cameo as Laura Crane who is a significant figure in this installment. I do like this franchise is essentially a commentary on the horror genre.
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Sigourney is a wild card for me in My Own Madness, just not the actual Madness.
Aliens (1986, 137 minutes): Sigourney reprises her iconic role of Ellen Ripley in this sequel. Ripley has woken up after 57 years and agrees to go back to try taking out those aliens.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart: Part 3: Lantern Bush (2023, 60 minutes): Sigourney co-stars as June Hart in this mini-series and is the grandmother of Alice. Alice continues to try to uncover secrets of her parents while also finally getting her voice back.
The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart: Part 3: Lantern Bush (2023, 60 minutes): Sigourney co-stars as June Hart in this mini-series and is the grandmother of Alice. Alice continues to try to uncover secrets of her parents while also finally getting her voice back.
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Gen V: Bags S2, E4 (2025, 48 minutes): Marie and Jordan are forced into a public fight being billed as Gender Bender vs. Blood Bender.
Gen V: The Kids Are Not All Right S2, E5 (2025, 49 minutes): Cate is sent back to Elmira and Marie looks to get the team together to rescue her.
Harley Quinn: There's No Ivy In Team S3, E2 (2022, 23 minutes): Harley gets the gang to take part in an escape room where the Bat family also happen to be as well. This is another episode that makes me think Bane should get his own series in addition to Kite Man.
Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.: Into the Negative Zone S1, E12 (2013, 22 minutes): Hulk must team with the Thing to go after the Leader who has put the rest of the Hulks in danger.
Lanterns: Trust Fall (2026, 52 minutes): Hal sends John to get his lantern to recharge his ring while investigating the strange going-ons.
Runaways: Rite of Thunder S3, E4 (2019, 50 minutes): Leslie gives birth to her child and Xavin fulfills her destiny
Supergirl: Crisis on Earth-X, Part 1 S3, E8 (2017, 42 minutes): Barry and Iris are about to get married and joined by all their friends from the CW Universe. Things go awry when villains from Earth-X attack them. I think this is the best of the crossover series.
Watchmen: It's Summer and We're Running Out of Ice S1, E1 (2019, 61 minutes): This is a bit of a Dystopian superhero series. Angela investigates the attempted murder of a fellow office.
Watchmen: Martial Feats of Comanche Horsemanship S1, E2 (2019, 55 minutes): Angela relives haunting memories of her family being attacked.
Watchmen: She Was Killed by Space Junk S1, E3 (2019, 53 minutes): FBI agent Laurie Blake tries to bring down the superheroes.































































































































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