Recommended books, movies and other genre goodness!
April 22, 2020 - “Castle of Horror” podcast
One of our favorite podcasts is the Castle of Horror. The feeling of joy one gets from being amongst friends, who have an obvious affection for one another and the subject matter, is exemplified by these folks. Each week they look at a particular movie within the horror genre and engage in a respectful, insightful and (dare we say) delightful conversation. Take some time and get to know the cast - Jason Henderson, Julia Guzman, Dew Edwards and Tony Salvaggio. You will not be disappointed.
Note - we recently appeared on an episode of their show and had a blast!
April 21, 2020 - “Tell Tale Heart”, 2020, short film
“The Tell Tale Heart”, directed by McClain Lindquist, is a fast-paced, updated interpretation of Poe’s classic story. The storytelling choices are such that we hate to give any spoilers, but we can say this:
The entire film is quite stylish, with sumptuous lighting, skillful camera work and highly effective sound design.
The main character is enthusiastically played, with a contemptuous swagger, by Sonny Grimsley.
The scenes of violence are more than sufficiently bloody for a tale that revolves around the dismemberment of “the old man’s body” and removal of his still-beating heart.
The Monster Movie Happy Hour crew is not in the business of reviewing movies, in the usual sense. However, we feel compelled to say, “Cheers”, to both cast and crew; if you get a chance, we recommend you watch this frantic, 22-minute look at a descent into madness.
Keep your vulturous, film-covered eye on this movie’s availability by CLICKING HERE.
December 13, 2019 - “The Other”, 1971, book
A short review of the Thomas Tryon novel, “The Other”
by David Geister
I was familiar with the 1972 movie “The Other” long before I realized it was based on actor Thomas Tryon’s debut novel. My parents took us to many drive-in movies that we, perhaps, were too young to see – including this grisly tale – and I loved it!
The story takes place on a no - longer - functioning onion farm, in Depression- era Connecticut. The main characters are 13 - year old identical twin boys, Niles and Holland, who have a very deep (shall we say?) psychic connection. The boys’ Russian grandmother, Ada, has taught them what she calls, “The Game”, a form of deep concentration and sympathetic-mental projection that allows one to imagine the world through the eyes and body of another creature.
We see most of the summer through the eyes of Niles, who both worships and fears the enigmatic and cruel Holland. Are the tragedies that strike the family mere accidents – or is something else happening?
The 1930’s atmosphere is beautifully rendered, with plenty of attention to specific, period details, and the author’s poetic description of the lazy days of summer, and the diversions followed by Niles and Holland, struck a chord – at least, up to the point where the horror kicks in.
Tryon’s story is a small wonder. He carefully places clues that take you right to the edge of a horrific moment, and then he backs off, letting your imagination fill in all the nasty blanks. My imagination MORE than complied with his wishes; I still can’t rid myself one of his most ghastly set-pieces. Like young Niles, I can “feel” it in my bones.
Shudder.