Thomas J. Churchill Presents…Emerging Past
Not to long ago I had the pleasure of introducing to you, My Freaky Darlings, Thomas Churchill! At the time we more just talked about who he was and what things he had going. You might remember of his projects we talked about one of his films Emerging Past. Since that interview this film has been on the circuit causing all kinds of attention. It is now getting a release to DVD June 7th and will also be streamed on Netflix. It is because of this that Thomas Churchill and Marquee Media and Marketing have decided to give me the pleasure….NO….the Honor of interviewing him again for the release! I’m not going to waste another second…let’s dig right in darlings…
Thomas J. Churchill Presents…Emerging Past
Malice Psychotik: Well so glad I was given the honor to do another interview with you boyo!! So let’s do this!!!
Thomas J. Churchill: Thanks me too
Malice: It wasn’t too long ago that I was introducing my readers to the great Thomas Churchill….
T.J.C: Thomas J. Churchill…lol just kidding.
Malice: Ha Ha! Sorry…Well now your back again to promote your new DVD release. How have things been in between Thom?
T.J.C: Pretty busy…Getting “Emerging Past” together for distribution and pre-production with Hallow Pointe has kept me pretty busy. BUT…a good busy.
Malice: Why don’t you refresh my freaky darlings on Emerging Past?
T.J.C: This film is a mind trip! Pure rollercoaster ride of excitement…as it has been labeled! Every twist, every turn reveals something different. It is a thinking person’s horror thriller. It has also been said that somewhere between The Exorcist and The Omen…Emerging Past will sit.”
Call it what you want but, it is a film you need to pay attention to. EP has won 5 awards to date. I had an amazing time working with an awesome cast and crew. We have been meeting great people along the promotional tour for it. And the fans…OMG! The fans have been amazing. They get it. They seem to love it! The film is a trip. When I set out to make something that was different from your average horror film, I wanted something that no one can guess my storyline or ending ten minutes into it. That is what I feel I delivered to the world. Something fresh and new and most of all a horror film that isn’t a recycle of every other film that comes out.
Malice: How did you come up with the concept for Emerging Past?
T.J.C: I came up with the concept on a weekend get away trip to Washington , DC with my cousin.
Malice: What in D.C. inspired you to write the story?
T.J.C: Heading to Washington, DC I was excited to location hop where one of the greatest horror films of all time was shot, The Exorcist. I wanted to see the stairs, the house, the college, the streets of Georgetown . It was exciting to me. So I was playing around with my camera and shot things I could later incorporate into a film back in New York . The title came to me while in Washington , DC .
The footage I shot with my cousin Joe was inspiring me to write something different. I shot a version of EP a long time ago, during this trip. The concept was pretty much the same but a lot different. I always wanted to redo it on a bigger scale and now I have. Maybe one day down the road I will release that test-version of EP on some anniversary edition of the current film. Wow! What great memories I have of making that film.
Malice: When you made the characters, did you already have an actor in mind? Or more what inspired you to write the story?
T.J.C: When I rewrote the script, I wanted Pamela Anderson to play the lead. LOL. That’s why the character’s name is Pamela in the film. One of the first that was approached was Tiffany Shepis. I had spoken to Tiffany about this role back in the day in New York . She was approached again when we were about to shoot the film. She was excited and we were heading closer to working together until something occurred that didn’t work out for us. I was bit bummed because I wanted to work with her. I will be now with Hallow Pointe. Brooke McCarter brought Krista Grotte to the table. I had a few meetings with her and she read the script and came with the passion you would need to pull off this complex character. The role of Pamela Garret is very layered. Each layer reveals something cool about her. Krista got it! An amazing actress and a delight to work with. She brought Pamela Garret to life as well as won a Best Actress award for role.
When you’re doing an independent horror film with a limited budget you need the best actors to bring your writing to life. I believe no A list stars would have done a better job than the cast that I have in EP. Brooke McCarter won a Best Actor award for his role as Dylan. “The Lost Boys” was an amazing film and Brooke’s role in it was cool. But it didn’t show his amazing talent as an actor. His acting range is brilliant! Seeing him play this role in EP was amazing. If it was a Hollywood film, Brooke would be Sean Penn. Brooke was just that good in this film. Stephen Geoffreys who plays Cameron in the film was brilliant. Stephen has had an amazing career…he is a horror icon with his roles in “Fright Night” and “976-EVIL.” He was brilliant. We have several horror icons in the film: Stephen, Brooke, Steve Dash (“Friday the 13th part 2”) and Tony Moran (Carpenters’ Halloween 1 and 2) They brought their A-game to EP. Even though their roles were small, they stand out in a HUGE way.
Malice: What led you to the decision to have G Tom Mac soundtrack this masterpiece?
T.J.C: Masterpiece? Thanks bro. Thank you very much for the compliment. Well, G came to the table through David Lee Madison and Brooke McCarter. Actually most of the cast came through David. During shooting Brooke told me that he had this feeling while making the movie that it’s going to be bigger than what we are doing. He mentioned he would reach out to G. I didn’t think anything about it…just went about making the film. The night before I was leaving to go to LA, David called me on a three-way with G on the other line. We spoke a bit and when I got to LA we met. Great guy. I showed him some “raw footage” and he wanted to be involved a bit more than giving a song or two. He was excited about the project. He stated he has not had this feeling since The Lost Boys about a film. He wrote the score and handed over 8 “new” songs including “Soul I Bare” which I directed. “Taken,” “Fallen” and the duet with Corey Haim “Mend Me”. Brilliant. To me this soundtrack is G’s best work. “Soul I Bare” is the new “Cry little Sister”. We have a song called “Mud” by Katie DiCicco which also won Best Song. I directed that video as well. Various artists including Brian Ray, Magni, Kizzy Star…just to name a few, round out the soundtrack. Spectra Records did a kick ass job with the soundtrack album which is available now for download on sites such as iTunes and Amazon and the physical CD hits stores the same day the movie does…June 7th.
Malice: What kind of experience was it on the set?
T.J.C: I have some awesome stories. I got to work for the first time with one of my childhood friends, David Lee Madison. We acted together in a big fight scene in Brad Davis’ last role called “Heart” back in the early 80’s and we went to JHS together as well. EP was the first time we actually worked producing a film together. Mr. Hush was our follow-up where we reversed our roles. We were still producers, but now I was also in front of the camera. David was the writer and director. David has a small role in EP as well.
Malice: There has to be some interesting stories working with cult horror legends such as Steve Dash, Stephen Geoffreys, and Brooke McCarter…
T.J.C: Steve and Stephen were both a delight to work with. They both went on to work with David and I again in “Mr. Hush.” Stephen is a master at what he does. I speak to Brooke at least a few times a month. He ended up becoming my brother. The stories are endless… but I am not sure if I can spill any of them. You know images. LOL. But working with horror legends was amazing. Helping to create “new” horror legends is fun. I am speaking about Edward X. Young who is a horror/grindhouse independent favorite to some hard-core indie directors. Edward was amazing as Father Cole. Another one that I had the privilege of working with three times and will be again in “Hallow Pointe” is Mike Marino who plays the iconic character The Stranger in EP. People should study him and know his name because Mike is one of the greatest method actors that I have ever met.
Malice: So far what has the reception been on your end?
T.J.C: Wow…5 awards to date. People seem to love it. People get it. It has been a blast. Especially doing conventions and meeting the fans. That’s what this business is to me. You make things for the fans. For people to enjoy themselves.
Malice: Is it possible we may see a sequel?
T.J.C: Yes. It is possible. There are many scenarios we can do with this story. I know sometime in the near future you will be seeing a spin-off character from EP in his own film. We will be doing an origins film of the Mike Marino character called The Strange1. We are excited about that project.
Malice: What movie can we expect to see next?
T.J.C: The next film I will be producing and directing is a throwback to the iconic ’80 horror films called Hallow Pointe. It will be the definitive werewolf story. Take An American Werewolf in London and The Howling and kick them in their ass. Get horror author Joe Knetter and producers Bobby Ray Akers, Jr from Dead of Night Films, Marla Stoker and the executive producer from “Predator”. Now add a who’s who of horror and mainstream film and what do you get? Pure carnage. Hallow Pointe will be that “event” film for the indie and mainstream world without the $200 million dollar price tag on things you don’t need. This film is designed to scare and thrill the horror lovers. I am stoked about it. We have a pretty solid slate of films. After Hallow Pointe: Witches Playground, The Strange1 and Cold Plastic is another film I’m real stoked about.
Malice: Well…I’m sure you remember what time it is…You guessed it…time for “Out-of-Hat” questions: What would you do if you were trapped in a room with someone who was demonicly possessed?
T.J.C: Start singing television tunes. Play a game of name that show.
Malice: Have you ever known someone who spontaneously paints disturbing pictures of unspeakable things on their walls?
T.J.C: Yes. Me. I love making stick figures hanging. ..Oh I’m sorry that’s when I am playing “Hang Man”. No. I don’t. Wait yes. Do dentist offices count? Don’t they have a lot of clown paintings! LOL
Malice: If you could do any idea (Book or Comic Adaptation, Remake, own idea…etc…) what would it be?
T.J.C: Oh I would LOVE to do “Deliverance” has a horror film.
Malice: Oh! And money is not Not an issue
T.J.C: Always wanted to do Romeo and Juliet as Zombies. Star Wars as a pure horror film. Kind of like Alien meets Hellraiser.
Malice: Have you ever had a paranormal experience?
T.J.C: A few times. Once, when I was moving from one of my apartments I closed the bathroom door. The outside of the door had a door mirror hanging on it. As I closed it I saw a little boy standing behind me. It freaked me out. Pretty creepy
Malice: If given the choice, would you rather hang out with A) The kids from Jersey Shore B) The Ghost Adventures C) McManus Brothers or D) Hugo Weaving and Willem DaFoe…in drag….?
T.J.C: Jersey Shore so I can give them a good ol’ New York style ass kicking! Just kidding…Probably The Ghost Adventures…it seems eerie and fun to tackle that. Yes…thats my final answer.
Malice: It’s time to bring this to an end, do you have anything you would like to add? Links to where we may purchase the DVD and CD?
T.J.C: Yes. June 7th EP hits stores: both the DVD and soundtrack. Also it hits Netflix as well. Everyone out there please add it to your queue. There also is a special combo package being offered on EmergingPast.com For a low price you get the DVD filled with extras, the soundtrack and an autographed poster. I also want to say Thank you. I want to tell all the horror fans out there that without you guys who go out and support horror or independent horror we would not be here to entertain you. I will make it my mission to continue to give you quality and entertaining films. You guys are awesome.
For more information on our projects visit our websites and Facebook pages. Thank you very much. I had fun with this.
www.churchhillproductions.com
www.emergingpast.com
www.facebook.com/hallowpointe
www.facebook.com/coldplastic
www.mrhush.net
www.facebook.com/emergingpast
I must say that was a little more fun then the first time, and that is hard to beat! I’m telling you al you need to check Emerging Past out as soon as you can. If you haven’t already pre-ordered watch it on Netflix…and then BUY IT!!! I don’t see a reason why you would be disappointed! Make sure to keep a close eye on this man, he’s going places. As always I will try to keep you posted on any other developments. Don’t forget to keep an eye open for the Psychotik Review of the flick!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
*Check out the trailer for Emerging Past below…
Psychotik Review: Thor
My Freaky Darlings it does appear that the Summer Box Office season is upon us! How did I kick it off? With Marvel Studio’s new installment….Thor! What a way to start this summer off it was. I was really impressed with this move. Especially taking into account I didn’t think it was going to be that good. I’m not really a big fan of The Mighty Thor comics, and just really thought the character a pretentious prick! (Yes, I know, He’s supposed to be that way at first) I’ll tell you, if you felt the same way I did about ye olde God of Thunder, this movie will make you do a complete 180! At any rate…allow me to organize my thoughts a little better and paint a much better picture for you in this…
Psychotik Review: Thor
Jeez, where do I start with this movie review. The whole damn thing was just so great, it’s to hard to pick. I suppose I could start out with the story line. As most of you may (or if you haven’t been paying a bit of attention) don’t know, this movie is about Thor. Thor is the norse God of Thunder, or at least sort of is in Marvel. You the see, the Asgardians are moire beings from another realm, one of nine. More or less, they helped us out in war against these other realm beings known as The Frost Giants. Because of that help, they became revered as Gods. This story is the first words of Sir Anthony Hopkins, who might I add plays a FIERCE Odin, as he tells the story to his two sons. These two sons of course are Thor and Loki. You than flash forward to the day that Thor is supposed to take over as King of Asgard. However, as things go in story’s like this, it doesn’t happen. “Somehow” the Frost Giants get into Asgard undetected by the all seeing Heimdallur (who is EPIC!!). Long story short, they are destroyed by “The Destroyer,” an Asgardian machine seemingly made out of metal and flame, and Odin just wants to leave well enough alone. Thor doesn’t see things the way his father does. No, he wants to bring the fight right to the Frost Giants and teach them a lesson. Odin of course tells him no, and as you might have guessed by the fact that there is a movie, he doesn’t listen. Thor and his legendary warrior friends head out to the land of ice to pay these big blue giants a visit. Things start out good but quickly turn to an all out shit storm. Odin comes to their aid, not very happy might I add, and takes them all back to Asgard. Thor and Odin get into a father son squabble that ends in Odin stripping Thor of his power and banishing him to Earth. Odin then throws Thor’s trusted hammer Mjolnir after him telling the hammer that “Whoever wields this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.” It’s now up to Thor to learn his lesson on Earth and gain back his powers to save Asgard and Earth from certain peril.
*Anymore questions check out the trailer below…
What I liked: OK, so I’ll admit that was a rather long summary. Belive it or not that is only the first 30 minuets of the movie! There is one hell of a story in this film, and every bit of it keeps you glued to the screen. Never do you hit a slow point in the movie, which is rare to see. The character development is very solid, letting you even get to know Thor’s warrior friends! Casting was absolutely superb. After seeing who was cast as the new Spider-Man, I have to say I lost faith in Marvel’s casting ability. Let me assure you that if this movie is any prelude to what Captain America: First Avenger will look like, I’m already on the edge if my seat. I’ll also add that the movie’s 3D was excellent quality, unlike some 3D movies I have seen. Visual effects and action sequence were top-notch as well, rounding this movie out to be in the top echelon of Marvel Movies.
***WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD***
Oh, before I leave this section, watch for little throw backs to the comic and a guest appearance from another Avenger. The coolest throw back to the comic is when Jane gives Thor his mortal clothes. Turns out they are her Ex-Boyfriends, and his name is Dr. Donald Blake, MD. Incase that didn’t press your geek button, that is the human bound name of Thor in the original comic. The throw back becomes even more hilarious when they have to make a fake identity for Thor using the name to get him out of S.H.E.I.L.D custody. The next little easter egg is in the form of Hawkeye. Pay very close attention to the agent that grabs the bow and arrow to stop Thor’s break in to the Mjolnir crash site. The agents name is Clint Barton. It happens so fast that you keep wondering, until you hear the name. A nice little addition to a great movie.
What I didn’t like: Not much! Really the only thing I disliked was the little tail scene at the end of the movie. I was really looking forward to a lead out to Captain America: First Avenger. Instead, you are left with a sort of villain hint. Somehow Loki is either possessing or influencing Erik Selvig. Nick Fury gives Erik a sort of box with a device in it. He says that if the device is fixed it could tap into unlimited power. I’m not sure what the device is, but I guess they did have to start hinting off to the antagonists in The Avengers movie, just wish the scene would have made more sense.
* Watch the video below and make your decision…
At anyrate, I give this movie 5 out of 5 Top Hats! If you haven’t seen it yet, I implore you to find a way. Excellent story, great effects, superior casting, and all the other little things that make a summer blockbuster great helped me to this rating. Make sure to stay tuned for my finishing of my older reviews from a couple of months back….
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
“V” for Vanessa
Hello there Darlings…I hope everyone is getting ready for a wild Memorial Day Weekend. Whether you’ll be cruising the theme parks, enjoying the beaches, taking in a Convention, or just Bar-B-Qing and doing the party thing at home…Make sure you have fun! I especially have a message for all of you going to Spooky Empire’s May-Hem this weekend…If you see this woman I’m presenting to you, give her a big hug from your dear ol’ host! The lady I’m about to present to you is a good friend who can truly see…and drag out…The Spooky Beauty in just about anything. It’s not everyday someone can do what they like and make a buck too, and she has achieved it. Ladies and Gentleman…Ghouls and Ghosts…The V I bring you is not for Victory…it’s not for Valor…Hell it’s not for Visitors or Vendetta…
V for Vanessa
Malice: Today I have the joy of interviewing a good friend of mine, Vanessa Bond! What the hell is up chika!? How have you been?
Vanessa “V” Bond: Well hello there. Honestly I’ve been keepin’ myself busy creating crafty goodness. It’s like therapy only cheaper. Counting down the days till my next show or convention.
Malice: Why don’t you tell My Freaky Darlings why you are here today? (Other than your awesome…)
V: I am here to share some of my Spookyness with the world.
Malice: What sort of things inspire you in your work? What gets the gears a turnnin’?
V: Geez! Lots of things inspire me. I love horror, Halloween, tattoos, Vintage hot rods And anything else that’s spooky. I have the habit of looking at things And wonder how they are made. I take them apart in my brain n try to maybe re-create in my own special way.
Malice: What sort of shows have you got to do so far? I think there was a Ren-Fest in there somewhere right?
V: Mostly the local craft circuit. But also did Camelot days. That’s a mini renaissance festival.
Malice: Are you ever going to open up a permanent shop or is the internet/convention arena just right?
V: I have an Etsy shop “justv13” but nothing is listed on there as of yet. My inventory is constantly changing so it’s hard to keep up with that. I also have a website on Blogger. I post my happenings, Tour dates , Contest and so on On those sites.
Malice: Do you take requests? If so any strange ones?
V: Actually yes I had a request to put my own blood in the blood vials. Someone said they have special powers. LOL. J/K
Malice: Now the part of the interview I’m sure you have been DYING for…”Out-of-Hat” questions! Does it puzzle you…movie wise…how humans can organize a resistance against a seemingly immortal legion of killer machines…but if one tiny zombie super virus turns everything to pot and we have our heads permanently lodged in our asses?
V: People now a day are plugged in and don’t remember what it’s like to do things Like mail a letter Change the tv channel manually. Hell even order a pizza. I guess they expect to push a button and everything gets fixed. When it comes to actual human interaction we are all screwed.
Malice: Your stuck in the movie Death Race…What kind of car do you drive and what is it armed with?
V: Um Jason Statham would be my driver in his car so I guess I am in pretty good hands. LOL
Malice: If you could have one of these bands soundtrack your life which would it be: A) Slipknot B) My Chemical Romance C) Cradle of Filth D) Flogging Molly
V: Out of the bunch I would pick Slipknot. But prefer System of a Down.
Malice: Your dream comes true: Your gonna get turned vamp! Who get’s to do it: Christopher Lee Dracula, Edward Cullen, Eric from True Blood, or beat the shit out of those bitches because you ARE a REAL vampire!!?
V: Ha ha ha. Not Edward that’s for sure. He sparkles! I am on team Eric
Malice: Well that about wraps it up. If there is anything left you want to whore to the masses nows the time to do it…let her rip!
V: If you wanna see what I’m getting into just check out my blog. Or look for me on Facebook. Till next time……… unpleasant dreams.
That will be all for now my Darlings…make sure to stay tuned for some more madness…and Don’t forget to check out this dear womans site…
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
MegaCon, Mardi Gras, Harry Potter…Oh My!!!
You know in retrospect I feel I sit on my content a little to long. I apologize for this. The last little bit has been nuts. Trying to find ones place in the world and juggle to many things at once can really kill you if you let it. Fortunate for me, I have people around me constantly that act as muses. Top that off with my special girls that have this really cool ability to center me and make me see what is more important in life. So you may be saying “OK GET WITH IT YOU SLACKER PIECE OF CRAP!!!”…I’m getting to that SO LAY OFF ME WILL YA’!?…
Most of you that were in Florida last month…more acuratly Orlando…Know what was going on. The annual MegaCon convention took the Orange County Convention Center by storm, and turned I-Drive upside down. I’m not usually one to go to MegaCon…not that I haven’t wanted too, I just never end up going. This year was a little different though…This year they had my idol there Stan “The Man” Lee of Marvel Comics Legend. So I just had to do it. There were also a few things I was wanting to cover on Universal Orlando, so it gave me the perfect excuse to pack up the Psychotik clan on a ROAD TRIP!!! Even when things were looking grim, a good friend (Todd) stuck his neck out to help make it happen. I saw a lot of really cool things. Some good, some funny, and some really irritating! But it’s all here, in this review on my March off and on in Orlando…
MegaCon, Mardi Gras, Harry Potter…Oh My!!!
The best way for me to do this, is to break it down into sections. So let’s start at the beginning…
Section 1: Once Upon a Time…At Mardi Gras Universal
This year I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying Universal Mardi Gras twice in one month. This year like my last visit was pretty top-notch. The food as always was good. Now I didn’t try any of the “Authentic Cajun Cusine” for what ever reason I just wasn’t into it. They did however have these really cool twisted potatoes on a stick. I got one dipped in Garlic butter, and it felt like a sin eating it! Speaking of a sin, the drink for this year was Voodoo Juice. You know I really can’t describe it to you other than saying it was a Rum Runner with extra fruit and booze chased with a Full Throttle stinger…Basicly, I could see myself going crazy overboard with the stuff while not being supervised. As sure as I am that most would love to see a rather blitzed, super-charged Malice…Mardi Gras Universal Orlando is not the time or the place.
The band line-up this year wasn’t too terrible. It just seemed we never got to see the one’s we wanted. We were there the night Lynard Skynard played, but we didn’t stay. I only like two songs and one of those they open with the other they end with. I’m not staying for the in-between, I just don’t care enough. The next day we had went that month Blake Shelton was there, and to that I say: HELL NO!! I wouldn’t have minded seeing the B-52’s, OneRepublic, or 30 Seconds to Mars. Things being what they were, the timing was all off. Oh well, I guess there is always next year! It would be really neat if they could get Pat Benetar again. Culture Club is touring next year, so you never know…maybe we will see them…(Leave me alone Culture Club is awesome to chill out to!!)
Lastly while I’m on the subject of Mardi Gras, I will mention the parade. As always it was a sight to see. The Psychotik family has lots of fun, and caught lot’s of beads (The little Psychotik, poor dear, caught some with her face…) This year seemed to not really be a theme but more like the best of the last few years. I had only really went to 2008 before this one, and then they had all of the different Mythological lands. This year had a few of them, but also had some other very interesting ones as well. I have seen pictures of the other ones, so like I said I think it was just a best of kind of thing. I have a video for the parade I will post below. It was from the beginning of the month. I was going to try for a better one the second time around, but it seems I’m always filming the damn thing or taking pictures. I never get to enjoy it, so the second time i said to hell with it and caught me some beads!!!
* Editor Note: Unfortunatly due to a lot of problems I am unable to embed the video of the parade here….HOWEVER…I offer you the link to it on the Encyclopedia Psychotika Facebook page… Enjoy!
Section 2: I Spit on Your Con….MegaCon 2011
In the anime/manga Full Metal Alchemist, they talk about the laws of equivalent exchange. To gain something you must first give something in return. I find this holds true to good times. For every truly awesome time you have, you must first hand over a BIG disappointment. That disappointment was…survay says…MegaCon 2011. If you know anything of the guests that were supposed to appear at MegaCon 2011, you might ask yourself how it was such an utter fail? Well my darlings, let me just say you weren’t there.
The big draw for me this year was going to be meeting my idol in the flesh, Stan “The Man” Lee. It was going to be the peak of greatness for me, the God Father of Marvel comics was going to be in Orlando!! Needless to say, me being there had to freaking happen. So I’m all psyched up! I got the little one (I couldn’t miss letting her meet him too!) We get to the show sign in. There were some awesome costumes I must say. Add that to the giant pirate ship in the middle, and the S.H.E.I.L.D team promoting the hell out of the new Thor movie, it was looking pretty cool. The guest list was top-notch. You had names like Stan Lee (God-Father of Marvel Comics), William Shatner (Capt. Freakin’ Kirk), Lou Ferrigno (The Original Hulk), Doug Jones (Abe Sapien, Silver Surfer, Epic Creature actor), Vic Mignogna (Epic Voice actor for over 100 different Animes), James Marsters (Spike from Buffy and we will just forget about that live action Dragon Ball Z movie nonsense) , Colleen Clickenbeard (Very talented voice actress), Kevin Sorbo (Fucking HERCULES!) , Arthur Suydam (Cover artist for Marvel Zombies)…these are all just to name a few of the massive guest list this con promised to have. But what could possibly wreck this good time? The same thing that can wreck most shows with a guest list this massive…NO FUCKING ORGANIZATION!!!
Honestly it was awful! The lines for some of these guests were an amorphous blob. They had virtually all of these high draw guests in a small area. When I say small, I really mean small! We are talking no bigger than a Hot Topic! Will Shattners ques went right through the center of it all, making things even more chaotic. As they day went on it just got worst. I had to walk out of Vic’s line because it wrapped the room 3 times and was at a stand still because no one would come organize it. Poor guy, I felt bad for him. Wasn’t his fault. And just to give you an idea who Vic is to anime fans, he is like a Shattner or a Lee. The con should have planned for his line. The biggest upset though, I’m going to have to devote a whole other paragraph to…
The big question when I got there was…Where the hell is Stan Lee!? This was a question that stuck with me for nearly three hours. No staff could answer me, hell they couldn’t even find a con guide so I could find it myself. No, I found the con guide (In a food section I might add!) From there it still took me a good 20 minuets to find him off in a separate room away from all the madness. By the time I had got there they had already line capped it. The bald gent that was there did tell me however I could wait in a little line in the back for about 30 minutes and they would tell me whether or not they would let more people in.I waited for 45, and 15 minuets later I saw the people I was in line with walking the walk of shame. You know it might have been a good thing to post on the website that there would be a limited amount of signatures. The did have were to could pre-buy them, but the way they advertised them was like you would be able to no matter what and weren’t limited by the con closing or such. Not that “Hey, you better buy these, because we cap that shit at 11:30 AM…” Needless to say that was a bust…
Moving on to other aspects of the show, they didn’t shine for me either. Most of the vendors were just hocking crap. I didn’t really find anything of interest and when I did it was something with a price jacked way up that I just didn’t need. There was a very cool vendor in the back that had all kinds of picture ops for Star Wars fans. They even built life-sized remote control R2 units. The people there were all very cool (save for a stuck up group of Trekkies, but that was expected!) The costumes I saw were very cool. I’m always fond of cosplayers. Really the best parts of the show were spending time with my little girl who was a champ, and one of my best friends and college Seth (Video Below). It will be rather sketchy as to whether or not Malice Psychotik will go back to this show. I will have to have nothing else going on, and just be going to screw around mostly. In a small defense for the show, I was there on Friday. But to pigeon-hole that defense I was not the only one complaining this was the worst year for organization anyone had ever seen. Moving on…
The Biggest Man at the show:
Section 3: Repairs, Rebuilds, and a Regal Review
Let’s end this little review on a rather high note shall we! Back to Universal Studios Orlando, my home away from home. There was a lot of stuff going on from February to April other than Mardi Gras. Yes, lots of rehabs and rebuilds and let’s not forget that Wizarding World of Harry Potter still drawing record-breaking crowds. I hadn’t really got to go until my little March trips, so I’ll take the time to review it here. Really sorry that most of this info is late. It doesn’t make sense to do the research and not post the article until 2 months later. At least it will be out in time for any summer crowds that may be making USO it’s vacation spot.
First, let’s talk about the Incredible Hulk Coaster’s rehab. For the first time since I think the park was built, the coaster finally got a fresh coat of paint. Even if you are not a regular visitor to the park, it was getting a little hard to deny the ride needed a fresh coat of paint. Especially when you get to the back part of the ride. The track looked very rusty and didn’t encourage much faith that it was kept in repair. Really it surprised me that they let it go this long. Below there is a slide show showing off some spectacular views. I even have a shot of what was the last pieces not painted yet. I’m sure by now the whole thing is done and looking great. It still runs fantastic! Not that a paint job has anything to do with that. Rumor has it that it may go under a little more of update soon, but that is for a future article.
My next ride of interest was Dudley-Doo Rights Ripsaw Falls. The ride under went a massive overhaul because of a fire that damaged a good portion of the ride. It was actually pretty fun going on this one, as I hadn’t really gone on it since the park opened. I can tell you based on that, they did a fantastic job restoring it. It was like nothing had changed in 12 years. The restraint system was a little funky, but ultimately improved on the experience a little (for those of you that avoid log flumes because you hate the “Free Fall” experience). The ride is real laugh riot and trip down memory lane for old school Rocky and Bullwinkle fans. You really have to love that the ride throws in not just one, but multiple false drops. I highly recommend that if you have never checked it out, you really should. Especially with the hot, HOT summer ahead. A good drenching goes a long way in the Florida heat.
Last point of interest I will touch on in…you guessed it…The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. To start out with, all I can really say is there are no words to accurately describe the experience. If you are a fan of the books you’ll love it. If you are a fan of the movie’s, you’ll love it. Hell, if you know nothing about it, it will make you want to learn more…AND you’ll love it!! The shops are overwhelming with all of the props and tiny details that make the whole experiance..pardon the pun…but magical! I was in that part of the park 5 times and still never got to see all it had to offer. Everytime I went through I found a new detail I missed. I know in the future I will have to devote one whole day to doing a comprehensive review. For now though, I offer you this run down:
1. Shops: The shops are an attraction all on their own. From candy to wands you will find all the things you have dreamed of having from the Potter universe. The candy shop was my favorite. Be sure to pay attention to the price tags though. I pretty confident that you could go broke easy in Honeydukes Sweet Shop. I did not get a chance to do Olivander’s because of the massive lines for this attraction. I will say on a down side that you will have to prepare to wait in line to get into many of the shops. Try to hit this part as early as possible.
2. Dinning: I was really disappointed I didn’t get to enjoy a meal at The Three Broomsticks. I will tell you from the reactions that I heard, that there weren’t any displeased customers. Everyone praised the food and loved the atmosphere. I did get to try the infamous Butter Beer. This comes highly recommended and get’s the Encyclopedia Psychotika seal of approval. Make sure to try both frozen and regular to see which you like. I prefered it more as a drink than a slushy.
3. Attractions: Here is where it get’s really fun. there are three rides in the WW. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Dragon Challenge, and the Flight of the Hippogriff. The Dragon Challenge is of course the old Dueling Dragons. They did a very cool job re-theming the castle to become the ground of the TriWizard Tournement. The only thing I was confused with was I thought they were re-themng the tracks and the cars. So far, it still appears to be the Fire and Ice even thought they call it the Chinese Fire Ball and the Hungarian Horntail. Maybe that will come later. At any rate it is still as awesome as ever. Flight of the Hippogriff is actually much more fun with it’s new theme. It’s very cool seeing an animatronics Buckbeard bow to you before you take off. Nice touch, and it get’s the little Psychotik’s approval! Last but not least is the amazing Forbidden Journey ride. It goes without saying that walking into Hogwarts pumps you way up for the ride. You might even say the que is an attraction all on its own (I know they do offer you being able to walk through and then just exit the building without riding. My only problem (besides the oversized arachnids!) is the restraints. They really are not that accommodating to the larger masses. I do hope they plan on fixing this. If somebody of my size has trouble riding, your harnesses are WAY to small. It just doesn’t make sense that I can ride The Hulk or even Dragon Challenge no problem, yet this indoor dark ride throws everyone issues. Come on Uni, get it together for your plus size fan boys and girls!
4. Atmosphere: The over all feel of the island is breathtaking. Whether it is being greeted by the Hogwart’s express or standing under the massive Hogwarts castle, you are just stripped of your descriptive vocabulary. Pay attention the shop windows for little extras here and there. Better yet pay attention while you are in the store’s because they are just as rigged up! The street performers and the actors are very good and very dedicated to bringing you the best experience possible. defiantly a must see if you are in Orlando anytime soon.
*Editor Note: I’m not sure if it was done all to recently, but I did notice that the Monster Cafe on the Universal Studio’s side was looking mighty fancy. I do know there was talk of it going under much needed rehab, but I can’t remember when…at anyrate I have some pictures included in the slideshow for it…Enjoy!
Really this was my whole March! I have even more that I will touch on in a week or so. Rumors of new attractions, upgrades, replacements, and hopefully a Halloween Horror Night rumor or two by then. Unfortunately the site I get most of my rumors from is down right now. I’ll leave you all with this small assessment for the month of March: Universal Rocks my world and MegaCon smells like Turd!!!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
A Very Psychotik Mother’s Day to You…
Well, with Mother’s Day winding down to a close I feel that I should make a small post. A small post wishing all my Momma’ Freaky Darlings a very Happy Mother’s Day. Most of all though, I want to wish the First Lady of Encyclopedia Psychotika one more time Happy Mother’s Day…
Seras Psychotik, oh what that name means to me. A Mother, a Warrior, a Damn good cook, and what a sweet ass…My day would not be complete without looking upon you. You are my muse, my passion, my ultimate desire…Thank you for being you my love…
Hope all went well with everyone’s day…Here’s to next year…
Sadistically Yours,
Malice Psychotik
Your Grievance Has Been Avenged…Bin Laden’s Dead
I really had to think on this one before I posted something about it. I didn’t want to run right out and go with my gut. My original instinct was just to post something short sweet and to the point. Just something to help continue the word out there that this floater known as Bin Laden was finally flushed. No, I feel this deserves a little more thought than that. It seems so far the people who have posted their thanks for the end of this bastard have been met with a sort of childish argument. It seems there are some people in this world that have forgotten what this jack hole did to us as a country. So before I post my peace on the end of this man…if you can call him that…let’s go back a ways.
The Day a Country Stood Still…
Everybody that has the capacity to, remembers where they were, what they were doing, and what happened on September 11th, 2001. It was terrifying seeing our country, the great beast of America under attack. So much confusion, so much pain, and above all…fear. In one day so many things were changed. Everybody remained in a constant state of fear. All of this because of actions led by one man, Osama Bin Laden. This man became the poster child for terrorism. I don’t even remember hearing about the Taliban or Al-Qaeda before him, but after he hit the news that’s all you heard about. People started to distrust people from the middle-east more. It became almost a taboo to say you were muslim around others. The world was a much different place, and it wasn’t for the better.
It was then that America lashed back at terrorism. We took the war back to them, or so it would seem…this brings me to the next section….
Cause and Effect
It is amazing how the actions of one person can change things in sort of Domino effect. Now before I get to far into this, I’m not a conspiracy theorist. I’m not one of those that believes that America was behind it all, that it was all just a plot to invade the East for oil. No I don’t think that. Do I think that it was a real life tragedy that unfortunately was used to meet someone elses ends, oh yeah that’s possible. Leaving that behind let’s see what we have. The cause in this case is 9/11….let’s see if we can get through a small portion of the effects shall we: Muslims and Middle Easterners everywhere stigmatized, Thousands of Families without there loved ones, The War on Terrorism is started, The war with Iraq, More lives lost…on and on and on it seems this Cause and Effect cycle of death starts to take shape and it all leads back to the events of 9/11. The things I’ve listed don’t even touch the amounts of freedom that we have lost. The dollars in debt that we are in, or the financial problems this country has had since then. This brings me to my conclusion.
Want to talk about cause and effect....
The Final
Out of nowhere comes the headline “Osama Bin Laden is Dead.” We got him after nearly 10 years our vengeance is absolved. Now I agree with most, I wish it could have been sooner. Fact is folks, tracking down somebody like that takes time. It also helps when you are looking in the right county. It was rather funny how one minute we are fighting Al-Qaeda, we are totally going to hunt them down and screw their little world right up. Then POOF just like that we are side tracked and in Iraq fighting to liberate all that Oil…er…Uhh… I mean Iraqi people! Yeah we are going to rescue them from Saddam Hussain…and we can do this because he has weapons of mass distruction….Yeah…thats it! He could be supplying the terrorists of Al-Qaeda!! We got kind of side tracked people. Now I’m not a Obama nut. He has made some decisions that I don’t really agree with. That’s fine, most presidents won’t agree with you all the time. I will give the man props though and say as badly as we were screwed up, the man has done a lot to try to keep us from backsliding. He has also done his best to clean up the wars and fires the previous fellow started. And yes damn it…he did what we set out to do almost 10 years ago….KILL BIN LADEN!!! He got us back on track to what our goal was. The main reason we were over there in the first place was to kill Osama. I don’t get what is wrong with all the nay sayers out there. Have they forgotten what this man did? I don’t really feel he deserved a trial…his verdict was decided when he plead guilty and accepted responsibility for 9/11.
Really, this is all the time I want to devote to this in particular. I just felt I needed to say something on the subject (especially since I will probably be making plenty of jokes at the dead jack asses expense). I think I will leave this by saying, many warm felt regards to all that were affected on September 11, 2001. I hope you may all rest a little easier knowing that your grievance has been avenged.
Now my freaky darlings I’m off to cause some more mayhem for you all. I have dug up some rather nice interviews and I have some pretty cool things to come. So…
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
* Editor Note: The reason I have not posted a single serious picture of Osama is this…He dosen’t deserve to be remembered as a man or a person…not even a monster…he deserves to be remembered as the caricature of hate…a passing joke in the history of the world…Oh and P.S
Kind of looks like the Troll Face doesn't it...WINNING!!
A Poetry Reading…
With all of the ideas, articles, and recent interviews I am doing…I find it has been a while since I have been able to take the chance and create just for myself. I know this site was originally started to exhibit my original work and I have really yet to do that fully. So for now, allow me to take it back a couple of years and do something that I have not done for quite some time…I will create some poetry. The idea came to me while posting a status on Facebook. I dearly hope you all like it. It has been a while so if it really is that bad be gentle.
I find my self lost,
Lost in a sea of unfamiliar chaos,
Lost because I can’t read the wind,
Numb…our senses betray us.
Unsure of how I reached this point,
I try to gain my bearings and take a look around,
But its hopeless,
Nothing familiar have I found.
So distant has my Guiding Light been,
I long to feel the warmth and glow,
Even when the Lights around,
You couldn’t tell…it wouldn’t show.
I long to find that light,
My compass to find my way,
Familiarity is a loving embrace,
warmer than the brightest Summer day.
I can only hope that all of this passes,
This dreary storm over head,
For I fear Madness may seep in,
Not the good, but that bad that turns vision red.
So guiding light, hear my voice,
Know from heart this comes true,
There is nothing in this world,
Quite as great as you.
So let’s put this strange sea behind,
Forget it all, leave it quick
We’ll both come out together,
Before the others sick.
Know this forever,
Hold it true,
My Guiding Light,
There is no other…only you…
There you have it. Almost like riding a bike…only with a keyboard! Enjoy more madness (the good kind) to come. For now I bid you Good Day, Good Evening, and a Naughty Goodnight…
Sadistically Yours,
Malice Psychotik
Shredding Chords with Chris Chaos…
Hello My Freaky Darlings! Long time no see!! You would not BELIEVEEEEEE the last couple of weeks you host has had. The horrors I could tell you, no Man, Woman, Child, or Furry should ever have to endure! Seriously the tail end wasn’t bad. As a matter of fact, I have an interesting piece on Universal Studios coming up. However right now we have a first. No I don’t have the Rob Fox sex tapes!! Something much better…
So, Seras and I were talking the other day, and I had mentioned how I felt bad the website had no new content. I had been so busy with work that I just didn’t have any time!! So she tells me “I can do an interview…Yeah I could do one with Chris.” It was then….I had a COLOSSAL idea…Why don’t I let Seras do an interview with Chris Chaos!? It was briliant!!….lol. Anyway our very own Seras Psychotik has put together an Awesome interview with an Epic individual. So plug up the 6-String, turn your amps up to 11, and hold on to your cheeks! We’re gonna be…
Shredding Chords with Chris Chaos
Hello freaky darlings of Encyclopedia Psychotika! This is Seras Psychotik coming at you with my very first interview. Yay! For my first interview, I really wanted to make it great and maybe a little chaotic ; ) Let me introduce you all to Chris Chaos. He is an up and coming musician out of Okeechobee, Florida. I have personally known Chris for 10 years and music flows through his veins like blood. Without further delay, allow me to bring a little Chaos into your lives…
Seras Psychotik: How long have you been writing and playing music?
Chris Chaos: I started writing since 1995 and started as a vocalist in 1996 for a band called X-Termination which later became Gridlock back in Ft. Myers Florida. We had a huge following. But I’ve always loved the music scene.
Seras: When did you get your first guitar? Who bought it for you?
Chris: Got my first guitar “Fender Squier Stagemaster 7” in 2000 as a Christmas gift from an ex-girl friend…Always loved 7-string guitars and been playing it ever since. Now I own a Schecter Damien 7 and both guitars are like my best friends lol.
Seras: Who are some performers you consider to be your greatest influences?
Chris: Wow, good question. My influences vary from Jimi Hendrix to Chimera which happens to be my favorite band right now. But every now and then I like to get back to my old school roots. Without old school music, Metal wouldn’t be where it’s at today.
Seras: Are you currently recording solo or are you part of a band? Could you tell us a little about that?
Chris: Currently I’m working on my solo project Chris Chaos which is working out better than I expected but my true pride is my band Systematic Hate which is taking a break for a while. I am however playing drums with some other musicians as well. But I’ll never put down my guitars.
Seras: What have you found to be the hardest part about writing music? The easiest?
Chris: Well to me the hardest part is coming up with an inspiration or topic to write about. It has to mean something and have a message that everyone can relate to. also composing the music to fit those emotions. Once you have it all planned out, recorded and sounding the way it was meant to, Then the easy part is promoting it to your fans so they can enjoy it as well. I’m always up for criticism…Anything to help the fans enjoy the songs better helps me in the long run make better music for them.
Seras: Have you had a lot of support from family and friends?
Chris: Yes! A lot actually. I remember the days that my family thought I was a joke and that I needed to find a “real” career lol. Once they seen how much of a following I had they realized that this was no joke lol. I thank my friends and fans for that cause it’s because of them I’m still making music today. Now I work with others to make music as well so they can pursue their dreams.
Seras: What are some goals you have for your music career?
Chris: Well if anything, I’d like to one day own my own record label and promote other artist while still have my music out there for the public…For example, A lot of people may not like Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) but he has the right idea and works with a lot of artist.
Seras: What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Chris: Never give up your dreams no matter how impossible it seems to obtaining that goal. There are 2 types of people. People who want to do something and people who are doing something to make their dreams come true…Be a doer!
Seras: Awesome advice. Now for the insanely fun and often revealing part of the interview- “Out of Hat” questions. What are your thoughts on midget zombie strippers?
Chris: Are they hot? If they are, How can I get one? I’d date one and be sure to have a lot of air freshener for the corpse smell lol…Anyways, sounds like an awesome soundtrack to be on lol
Seras: Who do you think has the better rack: Rebecca Romijn as Mystique from Xmen, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman from Batman or Brandon Routh as Superman?
Chris: Rebecca Romijn hands down! She’s just hot! Plus I make a better Superman…j/k Christopher Reeves will always be Superman. Everyone else is an imposter.
Seras: I can see the headlines now: Chris Chaos as Clark Kent. Lol! Has a nice ring to it though. By the way, I agree 100% with Rebecca Romijn. One word, WOW. Alright next question, if you could spend one day with a dead musician, pre-mortem of course, who would it be and why?
Chris: Dimebag Darrel (Pantera) just cause he helped pave the way for metal’s comeback when we were stuck in the grunge rock era. Rest in peace my brother, you will always be missed.
(EDITOR NOTE: I so have to agree. Much respect to Dimebag Darrel. Dime forever Rest in Peace…May you rock with the greats forever…)
Seras: Do you think animals masturbate?
Chris: Animals masturbate?!!! lmao, And here I thought humans were talented lol…Well if they do they’re really good at keeping it a secret. But I highly doubt it. I could be wrong though lol
Seras: If Doc Brown showed up at your house with the DeLorean Time Machine, where and when would you want to go?
Chris: Well I’d go back to the 60’s. The very first Woodstock to be exact cause hippies knew how to party. Peace, love and Rock n’ Roll Baby!
Seras: Have you ever tasted the rainbow? If so, how was it?
Chris: Yes I have and it taste sooooooo good! wait! You weren’t talking about Skittles were you? Neither was I lol
Seras: E.T. style aliens have taken over the world and threaten destruction! They give you an ultimatum. Go with them and breed with their kind and they’ll spare the Earth OR decline and they’ll destroy the Earth and take you back to their planet as a sex slave. What do you do?
Chris: Wait so either way I’m screwed? damn. Save the human race and be a bitch or let them kill everyone and be a bitch. No offense to the human race but I’d die before being a bitch to a bunch of hideous aliens so I must decline lol
Seras: Well this concludes our exciting interview with local musician Chris Chaos. Chris, would you like to add anything?
Chris: Thanks to all my friends and fans and for those who haven’t checked out my music yet come follow me on ReverbNation
I hope all of you have enjoyed getting to know Chris Chaos a little better. And be sure to check out his Facebook. We will definitely be keeping in contact with Chris to let everyone know what he’s up to. Until next time freaky darlings, I leave you with…
Seras Psychotik
Horror Fans United!
As a member of the horror community, it is always heart warming to see fans get behind each other and pull through. I just witnessed that very thing over on TheBloodSprayer.Com. After reading this article (that I will post below) I see just what standing up for your rights can get you. Let me catch you up to speed:
I don’t know if most of you are familiar with Camp Blood or not. If not, here’s the cliff notes. this guy, John Gray, decided to throw on awesome convention. With the aspiration to create the biggest Friday the 13th reunion to date. Apparently that’s all it was, aspiration and fluff. The convention was conveniently canceled. So he rescheduled it. Long story short, things kept happening and the con started to fall apart again. (Either this guy has the worst luck in the world, or is a terrible lier…I’m more inclined to belive that last one.) With the convention never coming to fruition, things look bleak for the hundreds of fans that bought pre sale tickets….or does it….
Through a collaborative effort between Bloody Sprayer, From Dusk Till Con, Days of the Dead, Crypticon and Rock N Shock, Things might start looking up. Everything from comp tickets to auctioning money to give a refund is being arranged. Things are indeed getting better…just no thanks to John Gray. For more information I urge you to go take a look at…. TheBloodSprayer.Com So remember now my darlings, the next time someone tried to insist we don’t care about each other, tell them to shove it up their ass!! Here’s your proof right here!!!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Dusker of the Month for January 2011: Sgt. Peppers!
Article originally posted on From Dusk Till Con. Love horror conventions? Head over to From Dusk Till Con to get the latest news on the hottest shows in America…
Hello! How are all the Duskers out there on the interweb doing!? It’s that time again Darlings. Time to name the Dusker of the Month for January. The first Dusker of the Month for 2011 is….SGT. PEPPERS!!! Sgt. Peppers wins the bragging rights of being the first in 2011! In addition, as all do, he get’s what some may view as cruel torment…an interview with I, The Head Master of Chaos, Malice Psychotik. So, it’s with great pleasure that I present to you…
Sit Back and Let the Evening Go…An Interview with Sgt. Peppers
The Sarge and Clive Barker
Malice Psychotik: Sarge, I’ve got to start out with asking what the story is behind the screen name?
Sgt. Peppers: The Beatles are my favorite band and Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band is one of their albums. It’s not my favorite but I just liked the name and started using it ten years ago on every message board I’ve joined.
Malice: How did you come across From Dusk Till Con? What made you stay?
Sgt. P: My friend Ian (Hybridflip on the board) pointed it out to me since we are both big into conventions. It’s just a great site for fans of horror and the convention scene. It’s a great place to get info and discuss all types of conventions.
Malice: It’s always interesting to find what other people do on the boards in “The real world.” What do you do for a living?
Sgt. P: Nothing too exciting. I work on copy machines. Now whenever I watch a movie or tv show and a copier is in the background, I can’t help but try to see what kind it is.
Nothing exciting...I belive that's Beverly Randolph...Sarge is much to modest.
Malice: When you’re not on FDTC, what are some of your hobbies?
Sgt. P: Mostly just watching movies and planning for the next convention. I have a pretty big collection of DVDs and Blu-Rays. I also collect shot glasses but there doesn’t seem to be very many in the horror marketplace.
Malice: We all have various tastes in film on FDTC. What are some of your favorite movies?
Sgt. P: I have very wide-reaching tastes in movies. While horror is my favorite genre I love different movies of all types. Goodfellas is my favorite move of all time. For horror specifically, the original Dawn of the Dead is my favorite movie. I love the Friday the 13th movies. I love slasher movies, revenge movies.
Malice: Are there any songs out lately that get your feet stomping? What kind of music are you into?
Sgt. P: I’m becoming and old man. I rarely listen to the radio anymore unless its sports or political talk. Mostly I just listen to my iPod though. Just like with movies I’m in to all kinds of music at least a little bit. My favorite band is the The Beatles and my second favorite is Motley Crue. I love 80’s hard rock/metal and melodic rock and melodic metal. I think a lot of bands I like now wouldn’t be known my many people.
Malice: So, beside the new Juggernaut Days Of The Dead… (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) are there any conventions that are your favorite?
Sgt.P: Flashback Weekend was my first convention so that one always holds a special place for me. Horrorhound Weekend has become a favorite of mine also. I love any convention that brings in the celebs I’m wanting to meet. I’m really looking forward to Days of the Dead.
Malice: These conventions lately have been pulling in a lot of good names. Do you have any favorite celebrity experiences? Any crappy ones?
Sgt. P: Almost all of my experiences have been great. Meeting Beverly Randolph at Famous Monsters last year was great. She’s one of the nicest people I’ve met. A couple other great celebs were Tom Towles and Ginger Lynn Allen. It’s always nice to meet people who seem to enjoy meeting the fans. I haven’t had many bad experiences but one time a certain Maniac Cop kept calling me names.
Ginger Lynn Allen looks pretty cozy on the Sarge...
Malice: Jumping away from the convention scene, do you game? If so, which console do you love most?
Sgt. P: I’m not really a gamer anymore. I’ll maybe buy one game a year and play the hell out of it. I’m into Rock Band and I love Red Dead Redemption. The only game system I use now is PS3 and that’s mostly for movies.
Malice: Well it’s time for what most of my victims…er oh… “Interviewees” dread… “Out of Hat” questions. Sgt. Peppers are you ready?
Sgt.P: I’m ready!
Malice: What are your feelings on NASA attempting to send the fabled Jack-A-Lope into space?
Sgt. P: I think it’s a silly waste of time and money. The Jack a Lope needs to be here on American soil protecting us from terrorists and the cast of Jersey Shore.
Malice: Which is funnier? A. Dumping a sack of eels in a public pool B. Mr. Chainsaw dressed as Pedo-Bear C. “I’m On A Boat” performed by Steve Urkle and Bill Cosby?
Sgt.P: I think dropping a sack of eels in a public pool would be hilarious. Then Mr. Chainsaw dressed as Pedo Bear could chase the kids as they ran from the pool. It would be mean but funny. I’ve never heard of I’m On A Boat so I had to look it up. I would love to hear Bill Cosby screaming “I’m a boat mother fucker!”
Malice: How cool would rainbow camo be? And do you think that would make it easier to steal a leprechaun’s pot of gold?
Sgt. P: Sounds like an idea for a new Leprechaun movie and I approve. Somebody needs to work that into the next movie.
Malice: The Matrix with Bill S. Preston Esquire… comedy gold or terrible thought?
Sgt. P: Comedy gold for sure. Him being in there might actually make me want to watch the last 2 movies again.
That’s all for now! Sgt. Peppers, thank you from the bottom of my black heart! You were wonderful! Tune in next month Duskers to see who makes February’s….cut.
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Interested in being a Dusker of the month? Well first you have to join! Go to FromDuskTillCon.com and create an account today! You can join a fast growing community of the best people this side of the asylum. You can also keep up with the latest in news from the horror convention home front. Conventions like: Horrorhound, Texas Frightmare, Rock and Shock…the list goes on and on! It’s also one of the top places to find out about the newest convention titan, Days of the Dead July 1-3!! Join and become a member of the Dusker Nation!
2011… Coming Soon to a Theater Near You…
Every year brings us a new list of movies to look forward too. Sometimes there are quite a few sometimes, not so much. Everybody tended to think that last year was a bust as far as movies went, but you know i really have to disagree with that. So as I’m making my way through some of the films I caught up on from 2010, why don’t I take you on a flash forward of what yours truly is looking forward to. Basically, a list of what I’m looking forward to. So far I’m seeing a pretty good line up for the theaters for 2011. Let’s take a peek:
Comics
2011 is going to mark an incredible year for comic book adaptations! The sheer amount of them are staggering. From the First Avenger to the First X-Men, we have one hell of an action packed year to look forward to. Marvel is coming out of the shoot with Thor May 6th, followed by X-Men: First Class June 3rd, and rounding it out with Captain America: The First Avenger July 22nd. THIS IS JUST MARVEL PEOPLE!! Marvel Studios is going to dominate this summer with a variable onslaught of action. You even have something to look forward to from DC in the form of The Green Lantern hitting theaters June 17th. This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as I’m concerned. Four movies in, and there is still so much more.
Sequels, Sequels, Sequels…
This year also promises to turn out a ton of sequels whether it be a second, a third, or even a fourth in the series! 2011 promises to deliver a heaping amount of additions to some of our favorite titles. In May we have Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (May 20), The Hangover 2 (May 26), and Kung Fu Panda 2 (May 27). I really don’t think this is a disappointing prelude to the summer box office season. Pirates so far looks like they are heading in the right direction. On a personal note I thought Kung Fu Panda and The Hangover where awesome movies. Yet, while I don’t see a reason to continue them, I still am excited to see what they are going to do with them.Then from June till October you can look forward to Disney Pixar’s Cars 2 (June 24), Piranha 3DD (September 16th), and Paranormal Activity 3 (October 21). I would also like to mention that Santa will be bringing us a gift in the form of A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas due out the 23rd of December.
Now before you go jumping my case telling me I forgot some, hold your horses I have some special categories for the others. These were more or less movies that I don’t think are going to be the end of the series. Not to mention these are also continuations that I wouldn’t mind seeing…moving on.
* Note: Paranormal Activity 3 has yet to be confirmed. Although the rumors have been floating. So the release date and the existance right now are unconfirmed. Stay tuned…
Blockbuster Finales
2011 will also mark the end to some of my (and I’m sure yours too!!) favorite Blockbuster Smashes. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (July 1) will mark the third and (hopefully) final installment to Michael Bays series. The only reason I say hopefully, is I can’t imagine it going any further. I just think after this one it would be beating a dead horse. Some already feel it is, but hey you have to end it, you can’t just leave it as is. The that same month you have the end of a cinematic giant. A movie series that has dominated the box office for over a decade, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (July 15). It will be a sad day for Potter fans around the globe indeed. But all good things must come to an end. Don’t feel alone Potter fans though, as November 18th marks the beginning of the end for all Twi-hards in the form of the first installment to The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. There might actually be more ends to some of the Blockbusters out there, that have actually ended up in other sections of this article. The only reason I did not put them there is because A) it has not been announced as the last. B) It has and I think they are lying. A lot of films have lied in tha past about being the last, so I now am accustomed to smelling shit when it’s in the air (I’m looking at you Final Destination and Saw!)
Wild Cards
To me these are the movies that look like they could go either way. Either they are really going to suck, or they are going to rock your world in ways only a thought possible in the bed room (or the kitchen counter top…which ever is more comfortable!) My pic of wild cards go as follows: Beastly (March 4), Cowboys and Aliens (July 29), and The Thing (October 14). The first in that list I came across rather by chance. It’s a modern spin on the old tale of Beauty and the Beast. You know fancy-pants, pretty boy insults freaky goth chick….she curses him to look like Enigma and Freddy Krueger’s love child. Then he has to have somebody look past all of that and fall in love with him. Did I mention Mary-Kate Olsen plays the freaky goth chick? That second one on the list just looks like it is either going to be really good or really bad! I’m glad to see someone is just taking an out there idea and rolling with it, just not sure if that was the best out there idea to roll with. You also may have notices that the third one mention is the prelude to one of my favorite movies, John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). Only time will tell on this one. I don’t even want to jinx it by making a prediction. I’m sure there are more Wild Cards then just these three. It’s more or less these are the only ones I’m interested in.
* Note: Honorable Mentions here will go to Super 8 (June 10), The Smurfs (August 3), and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (October TBA)
The Dead Horse
These are the movies that I just think Hollywood dredged out of the back catalogue long enough to beat whats left in that poor hoofed beast to pieces. First up, Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son (February 18). I’m really not sure why they feel the need to keep dragging the fat suit out of moth balls. I really didn’t think there needed to be a second one. The movie really wasn’t the type of movie set up for sequels. While we are on the subject of pulling stuff out of moth balls, Scream 4 (April 15) must be caked in 5 inches of dust. It’s been so long since the third one was released, I’m not sure most people are going to care. The first was a good movie, the second…eh..OK. The Third left such an impression on me, I don’t even recall who was in it. So, I can’t imagine a forth hack at whats left of this lame stallion being anything but awful. That same month will also give birth to the five headed tired beast call Fast 5 (April 29). The fifth instalment to a franchise that really should have never left the market of a trilogy. Really shouldn’t have gone that far! The first and second were just…cool. I thought I was going to hate the third, but it turned out to be an alright movie. I’ve not seen the forth, and nor do I want to. All of these pale in comparison though to this last disaster. Somebody sold their sole to the devil to be able to make this one (and they better have mentioned it has to be succesful when they signed it away…or they got screwed!) Mission: Impossible…Ghost Protocol is due out December 16th. What makes the studios even think that this is a good idea? I mean didn’t the last one tank? It didn’t make what it cost to make, that’s for sure! I don’t know…all I can say is I’m not going to watch it, and I don’t think you should either. There are plenty other treasures coming out this year. Honorable mentions for this section include: Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World (August 19), Final Destination 5 (August 26), and Rise of the Apes (November 23).
* Note: Rise of the Apes is a prequel to the original story line of Planet of the Apes…my feelings over this can only be described in Charlton Heston’s immortal words “DAMN YOU…..DAMN YOU STRAIGHT TO HELLLLLLLLLLL!!”
** Update: A reader has brought to my attention that this is in fact not a prequel but a reboot. That really doesn’t make it any better, but I just thought I would put the correction in.
As you can see it’s going to be a pretty busy year as far as movie goers are concerned. I know if I get to see even half of my picks I’ll be lucky. We will see how things pan out. I’m very curious to see whats going to work and whats going to flop. I have a lot of faith in the comic book movies this year. I don’t imagine any of them actually being a stinker. Unfortunately, most of the ones I listed with my flops are probably going to do somewhat well. If not for the fact that movie goers are going to be trapped by the hype into seeing it. After all, that’s what the producers of these films are going for anyway….
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
The Good, The Bad, and The Down Right Infuriating! Part I
Over the last two months I have been doing a rather large amount of catching up. I was way behind with movies, and needed to get up to date on what I had been missing. While I was doing this I had every intention of doing an individual article for all of them. Upon writing all the titles down, I had an epiphany…there are WAYYYYYYYY to many to attempt to do this. Thus, I’m going to bunch them up, and just write several reviews in one article making this three pieces (four if you count the gaming one)! Now all of them aren’t current, and all of them are not Horror or like that.
Before we get started, let me remind everyone (or if you are new, explain for the first time) how I do movie reviews. My rating system is not necessarily like other systems. I have a lot of factors to what differs from 1 Top Hat to a 5 Top Hat rating. Rest assured, I will tell you what those reasons are. I’m not one to slap a movie with a reason and then not give you a reason why it received that rating. Also keep in mind, my taste my differ from yours. Most tastes to differ, but the reason I and other sites review movies is to give you an idea. Or even better, a “Buyer Beware” if you will! Not to mention, it’s rather handy when you are able to relate to a reviewer. To know they are generally spot on with your taste makes it a little easier to make a decision. It’s also noteworthy that my reviews CONTAIN SPOILERS!! So consider this your one and only warning!! Other than that, that’s about all I can think of to explain. So with the formalities out of the way…let us begin!
Grown Ups
I’m a huge fan of Adam Sandler. Generally speaking I like most of his work. His comedy work that is. I try to pretend such movies as Spanglish and Punch Drunk Love don’t exist! So I had some pretty high hopes for this movie upon seeing the trailer for it. I’m very happy to say that the movie delivered and then some. The story line follows a group of childhood friends that…well grew up! They have all gone their own seprate ways, and they are untied by the death of their mentor. The funeral lays the ground work for a very hilarious weekend where old friendships are renewed and marriages are saved. What are my thoughts?
Well, if you have seen any of Adam Sandler’s movies, you know about what kind of humor to expect. Now I’m not saying they are all the same, but I will say it follows the humor from about 50 First Dates on up. Rob Schneider is a great punch line in this movie! I hope this man was paid well, because it seems like he is the butt end of most of the jokes in this movie. The movie is very relatable, as everyone has at one point in their childhood had that unbreakable group of best friends that seem to have drifted apart once they “Grew Up”. I like comedies that you can look at and say, “Yeah that would be me,” or “Yep that is so (insert friend here)!” To me that makes a comedy that much better. I would love to site some of the jokes that I loved in this film, but to be honest there are just to many. I love all of the comedians in the film, and every one of them brings their own personal brand of humor to the table. So whats the final verdict? 5 Top Hats for roll in the floor laughs, ability to relate, and an all-star comedy cast!
Shutter Island
This movie had me going either way. It was going to knock my socks off or make me want to commit myself. Really it did neither, I just found it a buzz kill. It was like I wasn’t really pissed with the movie, but I wasn’t pleased with it either. Just more I felt it was a waste of time. I will say to its credit I’m generally not a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio movies. However, taking back that credit, I will tell you that I’m a fan of both Ben Kingsley and Mark Ruffalo. The movie plays out like this, two U.S. Marshalls are sent to Shutter Island to investigate the disappearance of an escaped inmate. DiCaprio’s character is plagued by flash backs to his times in WWII and memories of his dead wife. Toward the middle of the movie they try twisting and turning the plot to keep you off-balance. Is there a dark secret on Shutter Island? What kind of experiments are going on? Was he lured there just to silence him? Unfortunately, it’s painfully obvious half way through that it is neither…
My main problem with the movie is the predictability of it. There are very few plot twists in the movie that I hadn’t thought of within the first 20 minutes. Of those plot twists, I was able to tell you the main message, he wasn’t going to make it off that rock. There also wasn’t a lot to keep your attention. In an effort to make the movie a “thinker” they end up throwing a slew of dream sequences that stop the movie dead. It’s not till the very end of the movie does it all fit, and by then you are really just disengaged. Then the ending is what made it worst! You finally get DiCaprio to where it looks like he is on the road to recovery. Then they try to go for the artsy ending. They make you think that he has relapsed back to his fantasy world. Something that is going to sign him up for an express ticket to a Lobotomy. This ending would have been depressing, but better than the one surprise of the whole movie. He then makes a comment that makes you see that he didn’t really lapse back, he’s just choosing to have a lobotomy over living with the fact his wife killed his kids. Now before you shake your finger at me and tell me what a great ending that was, do you know what a lobotomy does? If you don’t, Google it then come back…it’s OK I’ll wait………Now you tell me a lobotomy sounds better! I give the movie 2 Top Hats for great cinematography and some pretty cool visuals. However, it also get’s those 2 Top Hats because of a predictable story line, a horrible ending, and an annoying musical score.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this movie. The only experience I have with the games is maybe a demo and what my friends have told me and seen them play. I’ve never really gotten to know more than that. I also have to admit I had my reservations at seeing Jake Gyllenhaal as the action hero type. I don’t know about you, but I just didn’t see it. It was nice to be proven wrong. There were a few moments, but for the most part he stuck it pretty well. The story line that the movie follows in the story of Prince Dastan, a Prince of Persia (Oh look I said it! I said it!! I said the movie title!) Dastan is the wilder of the three heirs to the crown of Persia and adopted. Through an insidious plot (you’ll find out about that later) they head long into a battle with a holy city containing the legendary, Sands of Time. After the battle (in which they succeeded because of Dastan) the King is Assassinated. The movie takes off here as Dastan is set up for the murder, and he must prove his innocence. That is really as much as I want to give away.
What I liked about this movie is the very tight story line it paints. You have a special blend of action, drama, and comedy that really keeps you interested the whole way through. The casting is not bad at all with names like Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina. I also have to say the special effects in this movie were pretty over the top! It’s really nice to see Disney stepping up their game and delivering on some pretty decent action films. It certainly does give me hope for Marvel’s future in their hands. Another really cool thing is the style of action. The movie does a good job at recreating some of the death-defying acrobatics from the game. Whether its Dastan running sideways on a wall or free-falling off a ledge, it just has a way of pushing your fanboy button (or action junkie button, which ever you have). Taking all of this into account I give this movie 5 Top Hats. I’m sure if I ever play through the game I might end up shrinking it back one for accuracy. But, that will be a short time off. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time offers you a good thumping time. I don’t really recall having anything bad to say about this movie. I think it was because my expectations were set pretty low. You know what they say the lower the expectations, the more you may get surprised.
Daybreakers
This movie I rented on a whim really. I didn’t know a lot about it, all I knew was it was a modern take on the vampire mythos. Now don’t get me wrong, I love when people try to rekindle the vampire story! It’s just a lot of people don’t do it any justice, or it’s like they just add vampires to the story for a draw. Upon watching the movie, I was left wanting several sequels! The story line is amazing, the actors even better. There are really too many good things to say. The story revolves around the concept of the world being overrun by vampires. With that many vampires in the world, homosapiens are about to go extinct. This also poses a real problem for vampires too, being that they will lose their food source. Actually two problems, one being obvious. The other is the more they starve the more they turn into a grotesque half man/ half bat creature. This is where you meet the main protagonist Edward Dalton, portrayed by Ethan Hawke. Edward is a scientist charged with creating a synthetic blood supply. I would also like to mention he doesn’t exactly like being a vampire. He still has a very soft spot for humanity because of this. A soft spot that leads him to hell and back.
Now like I said, this movie has a very tight story line. The writers really put a very cool modern spin on the vampire movie. The way that the vampires live, the technological advancements that allow them to live life in the dark is very new and interesting. There are really so many little details that this film covers, you can’t possibly list them all in a small review. Your main cast really plays a big part in this movie too! Willem Dafoe does what he does best with his role as Lionel “Elvis” Cormac, an ex-vampire that totes a bad-ass cross-bow! I also have to add it’s nice seeing Sam Neil in his villainous role as the head of a big blood supply company. There is just something about him that he plays a very good evil corporate America scum, with the added evil of being a vampire! Taking all of these things into account you have a good story line, a great cast, and a very nice visual presentation. All of which help me happily give this movie a 5 Top Hat rating. I really urge all who are looking for a good vampire movie to go and check this movie out. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Iron Man 2
If you know me you know that I am a HUGE fanboy when it comes to Marvel. I love all things Marvel, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to judge just based on that. No I was actually very nervous for this movie. When you are following a first movie as good as Iron Man, you have a lot to live up to! Iron Man 2 sets a really high bar for any comic movie to follow, including a third movie! our story takes place 6 months after the events of the first movie. Right away you are introduced to Ivan Vanko (Micky Rourke) a physicist whose family has a grudge against the Stark family. Did I forget to mention that he is the only other person in the world with access to the arc reactor technology? The second part of the story is Tony going through a self-destructive phase in his life (Yeah, I know as if alcoholism and womanizing wasn’t self-destructive enough!) You see the very arc reactor that is saving his life is also poisoning him. So he is in a race to find an alternate power source before the thing meant to save his life ends him. Take all of that and add that the government is breathing down his neck for the Iron Man suit…he is in some deep shit and it’s only been 20 minutes into the movie!
Now I can go on about how visually pleasing this movie, and how awesome Robert Downey Jr. is at playing Tony Stark, but you already know that! I’ll start with the new actor for Rhodes, Don Cheadle. This man did so much for the character that it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the role. Not to say Terrance Howard was terrible, I just feel he could have not done the Rhodes that this movie needed. I will also add that Scarlett Johansson did wonderfully. I’m not a real big fan of her work, and I really have to say I’m usually not impressed with her as an actress. In this movie she delivers what no other woman has lately. A female Super Hero that doesn’t make you laugh out of the theater. Oh, and Micky Rourke! Where do I start? For the first time I’ve seen, you see a director go with a B list villain and turn him into a force to be reckoned with. Whiplash is such a great choice to pit against Tony Stark. He’s the exact opposite of Tony Stark that it makes it a perfect show down. I’m now left saying “Where do you go from here?” So as you all may have guessed I give this film a 5 Top Hat rating. This movie was Jon Faveau’s perfect storm. Will lightning strike a third time with Iron Man 3? Only time will tell ladies and gentleman…
Repo Men
Now, at this point you are either saying “Wow, Malice hardly any stinker you’ve either got impeccable taste in movies or your easy to please…” Well let me tell you, I do pride myself on knowing when a movie is going to be shit! This movie I went against my usual instinct. The reason I did this was for my love of Repo! The Genetic Opera. You see I couldn’t tell whether it was my love for Repo! that was causing my bullshit meter to go off, or the fact it was in fact a massive turd! The story line reads as this, Jude Law plays Remy. Remy is a repo man for the company simply called “The Union.” Remy and his partner Jake (Forrest Whitaker) are the best there is in the organ repossession game. What “The Union” does, is finance organs to people who need them. You know so you don’t have to worry about a donor. Catch is if you miss a payment, they send in…the Repo Men. (Is it just me, or does this story line sound REALLY familiar? Maybe it’s just me…) Remy is trying to struggle with the choice of either lose his family or switch to a desk job. “The Union” doesn’t like this. I mean how would you take losing your best man? So “The Union” in an effort to flex their muscle sets it up so Remy is going to need their help with an organ. This effectively binds him to the company, because the only way he can afford it is to stay a Repo Man. So basically, the company screws him over. To top it off, he has a meeting with his conscience and can no longer “perform.” Now Remy must fight against the company to survive! (I swear I’ve heard this story somewhere before…)
O.K. I will set aside completely pigeon holing this movie with Repo! The Genetic Opera jokes, because really I don’t need them. This movie sucks all on its own! To top it off, it’s not even really the whole movie sucks, but the last 5 minutes ofthis film are so unforgivable!! The ending of the movie sets you up with Remy and this girl he meets on the streets that is hooked on a street sedative for her organ transplants (….Don’t look at me I didn’t say anything….). These two have made pretty good friends and are trying to escape the system. The only way they can, is to make sure that their organs are checked out of the system. The only way to do this is to break into the main computer room at “The Unions” home office. There are some awesome fight scenes along the way here culminating in an even more awesome ass kicking sequence on their way down the hallway to this ‘core computer.” When they get in there it’s just a hole in the wall, a scanner, and a monitor. The only way they can check the organs out is to scan them out. Unfortunately the only way to do that is the Saw decision of “How much blood will you shed to gain your freedom?” So in an even more grizzly display of cutting each other open and rooting their hands and a handheld scanner around (and looking very much like they are having sex) they have to scan all of the bar codes. Now this isn’t hard for Remy, he only has the heart. Beth however has like 12-13 implants!! Upon doing this Frank (Leiv Streiber) and Jake finally gain entrance to the room. Frank is basically ignoring the fact that they beat the system and is going to kill Remy and Beth. Well this doesn’t sit well with Jake, so he kills Frank. Then with the help of Frank they stick a hole butt load of grenades into the central processing hole and blow the place to shit. Now the next scene is them relaxing on a beach somewhere, maybe in Mexico. They beat the company! Now best friends and new girlfriend can live happy and at peace at last (Yeah if you are asking yourself where the hell did this mans family go to that caused all these problems? I assure you, you are not alone…) So life is good right? Well it is until the beach background starts to glitch. You see you then are sucked back to 30 minutes to an hour earlier in the film when Remy was knocked over the head by Jake. “The Union” are working frantically trying to help bring Remy back with an experimental “Brain” implant designed for people in comas. Oh yeah they went there! The epic ending that they have set up is all a dream! I mean really who is going to overcome a corporate giant. That stuffs for movies!! This is the real world, and that’s what people go to a theater to see right, reality? I don’t have to go any further to describe to you why I hated this movie. I will ignore the obscure “Repossession Mambo” references that only Repo! fans will know about. I will ignore the numerous plot holes this movie creates. Just because of that movie I give this a rating of 1 Top Hat. The only reason I won’t give it a half of a Top Hat is because, it is rediculous to have a half of a hat. Who would wear it? That’s rubbish, and so is this movie. Congratulations to Repo Men for receiving the first ever Encyclopedia Psychotika Golden Turd Award for 2010. I don’t see how a movie that had such a great cast could be this bad. I guess going to show you that no matter how good the cast, it doesn’t save the movie!
p.s this goes to Jude Law, Forrest Whitaker, Leiv Streiber, and John Leguizamo…..SHAME ON YOU!!!
Lost Boys: The Thirst
Finally, we reach the end of Part I of this trilogy. What better way to end it, then by reviewing the third installment to The Lost Boys, Lost Boys: The Thirst. I must tell you that I am stepping outside the realm of traditional horror film reviewers at this point. I’m not a prude, and I do think that there are sometimes a return to a franchise can be a good thing. If not a really good way to stave off an inevitable remake. I would sometimes much rather you return and expand, rather than hollow out the original and use the puppet as your movie. In the second one you are reintroduced to the beloved Edgar Frog. In this one, they actually retcon some of the bad plot from the second one, and turn this one into a much better follow-up. It is really just too much of a shame that our dearly departed Corey Haim could not have been a part of this movie. The basis for this movie is that Edgar Frog is getting kicked out of his place. His whole life is falling apart. Then a girl comes to his door asking him to do what he does best kick some vampire tail! This time he must race to keep a vampire coven from performing a ritual that will make its leader super charged. He even goes to enlist the help of his brother Alan, already showed turned vamp in the first scene of the movie. Through a few plot twist, the insidious plot is revealed and you get to see what every fanboy wants, the Frog Brothers back in the business of kicking blood sucker ass (and business is good)!
This movie worked way better as a follow-up to the original on a few different levels. You actually have a more solid story that doesn’t get annoying. Alan is changed, but is not the evil douche he is portrayed to be in the second one. Sam still got turned. But in a tribute to him they tie it up and say that Edgar had to kill him. While we are on that, I will add that the little tribute they have to him in the form of Edgar’s cherished Batman #14, is just…touching really. Add that to the looks Edgar has when mentioning Sam, and it just gets down right teary! The movie achieves its point of reuniting the Frog Brothers for an excellent adventure. As good as it is though and as much as I love the story, there is a negative. Most the other characters in this movie are terrible actors or actresses. I mean they are barely worthy of a SyFy original. That being said I’m unable to give this movie a full perfect rating. I will give this movie a 4 Top Hat rating. Why? For a tight story line, decent visual effects, and sheer “rewatchability’.
Well that’s all for now! I know this has been a long epic of an article, but I assure you the next two sequels are just as big! Use these as you will. Whether they help you make a choice to or not to watch is entirely up to you! Hope everyone is having a good start to the year. Oh, and it’s good to be back in the saddle!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Another Year Down…
Another year down My Freaky Darlings! 2010 is coming to a close and what a year it has been. Friendships reborn, a website taking off, life starting to get back on track! there are just too many things to mention! As this year comes to a close though, it causes me to think about it and years past. I am so grateful for all the things I have and all the things I’m going to have. May the next year be more epic than the next!!
On that note, I will make a New Years resolution. My resolution is to become better than the year passed! I want to take my writing to the next level, and gain even more popularity than the year that just past. I want Encyclopedia Psychotika to be an infamous name. I want to be notorious! So here’s looking at you 2011!! And what better way to welcome 2011 than to get a little lushed!!
Until Next YEAR, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Happy New Year, from Encyclopedia Psychotika!
Goodbye 2010! Bring it on 2011! Let’s see what you got!
A Holiday Message From Malice Psychotik…
It’s that time of year my freaky darlings! The Chaos is almost over. The last call has rung at most of the stores. If you don’t have it you won’t get it. All you have is tonight and tomorrow, then Christmas is out-of-the-way and the drunken debauchery that is New Years Eve is next. I would just like to take the time now to say something of great importance. A cautionary tale if you will…Beware of the Krampus!
What is the Krampus you may ask? The Krampus is a very old accomplice of our very own Santa Clause. You see the Krampus was who naughty children saw instead of Jolly old St. Nick. Apparently the story goes, if you were a naughty child, The Krampus would come in the middle of the night and beat you with a large hickory stick and a rusty chain. If you were really rotten, he would take you in his sack, and drag you to hell…I’m so not shitting you. To make it worse this is still a current story in most places! Now there are different variations of the Krampus, but this about sums the creepy asshole up.
Now I know most of you out there are scratching you head and calling me full of it, but I assure you he’s not. Google it! At any rate, I wanted to make sure all My Little Freaky Darlings out there knew of this beast. So if you have a little one, makes sure you tell them what Uncle Malice said: If you’re a bad little rotten egg of a brat, the Krampus is going to kick your ass and poo in your stocking (You can leave out the drag you to hell, I want your kid to actually sleep tonight and not shoot you when you walk in the bedroom) I love you all, and have a Merry ChristmaHaunaKwanzika! What ever you celebrate, I hope you have a good one!
Sadistically Yours,
Malice Psychotik
p.s. No I did not go back in time and make this up…not that I know of yet
Dusker of The Month for December: Limpfreak
Article originally posted over on From Dusk Till Con…
It’s that time again! After a long hiatus, Dusker of the Month is back! This months Dusker had to be a person that would really warm your heart, much like when your watching a Christmas special. An individual that has touched our hearts, in ways that can only be described as a touching moment. A truly good person to help bring in the holiday season…well I couldn’t find that person. (Come on do you really think there is such a thing as a touchy feely weirdo like that on FDTC…really?) Instead I bring forward an honest to Cthulhu horror fan boy! You know him…you love him…our one and onlyyyyy….LIMPFREAK!! Yes, Guys and Ghouls and women of all shapes and sizes, Limpfreak has earned the honor of the last Dusker of the month for 2010. So lets break in the holiday spirit, grabs some egg nog…put some whiskey in it…and let’s peep at…
How Limpfreak Stole Christmas
Malice: So Limpfreak, how does it feel to be Dusker of the month in this…the season of presents?
Limpfreak: It’s shocking and kind of cool at the same time. To me it’s a big “HOLY SHIT” moment. I thought to myself why would anybody want to read about me since I’m nobody important.
Malice: What brought you to FDTC?
Limpfreak: I’m going to be honest here. I joined FDTC for a couple of reasons. #1. The Spooky Empire forums that i used to post at started to become nothing but drama. At first everything was peachy but then the drama slowly started. Then the trolls started to pop up and little by little i lost interest in that place.
#2. I came to FDTC because I became friends with one of the forum members on there and we talked in private about how cool it would be to have a “Troll and Drama Free” forum that we could talk about almost anything. Fast Forward to when FDTC was born. I was one of the first people to join FDTC because the people running it were cool and my friend. I loved the idea of a forum that had freedom and didn’t have drama and that we could talk about almost anything.
Malice: You’re a pretty big horror fan, what are your interests as far movie titles?
Limpfreak: I love ALL zombie movies even the cheesy and crappy zombie movies. I grew up on George Romero’s zombie movies and to this day I’m still a fan of his. Besides zombie movies I also grew up on Nightmare On Elm Street. I also love Asian horror movies.
Malice: How long have you been in the horror convention scene?
Limpfreak: I stumbled onto the horror scene back in 2004. One day I was bored so I did a Google search for “Horror Conventions In Florida” and one of the results was Screamfest (now better known as Spooky Empire). I was sick with the flu so I couldn’t go to “Screamfest 2004”. So after “Screamfest 2004” passed I made plans to attend in 2005. I attended for the first time in 2005 and was hooked and since then I have been going back every year.
Malice: Now I know you have a pretty big movie collection, how many do you think you boast?
Limpfreak: I have a lot of movies in different genres and not just horror. I own 150 DVD’s and 255 Blu-ray movies.
Malice: A movie connoisseur such as you self must have some pretty good advice on films, any good releases lately?
Limpfreak: Always do research on whatever movie you plan on buying. Don’t go nuts and buy the first thing in front of you. You never know if you might find it cheaper at some other store or even online.
Don’t be a cheap skate and buy the cheapest version of the movie. It might be cheaper than the “Special Edition but that “Special Edition” might be worth it. It might have some Special Features that the cheap version doesn’t have.
As far as good releases lately on DVD or Blu-ray. Not a lot of people liked it but as far as the Picture Quality and Audio Quality I loved Avatar. I also thought that the Alien Anthology that recently came out on Blu-ray was great. Just too many good recent releases for me to mention.
Malice: Your also a pretty avid gamer, how long have you been playing?
Limpfreak: I have been a gamers since I was a kid. Over the years at some point or another I have owned every video game system that has come out here in the US.
Malice: What is your all time favorite console?
Limpfreak: SNES (Battletoads , ALL of the Mario games , Zombies Ate My Neighbors , F-Zero)
Malice: What recent releases would you recommend in gaming?
Limpfreak: Dead Rising 2 (hours of zombie slaying with lots of combinations of weapons)
Need For Speed Hot Pursuit (Not only can you play as a Racer but you can also play as a Cop)
Call Of Duty Black Ops (hours and hours of endless fun and you also got Zombie Mode) How cool it is to kill some zombies as either JFK , Nixon or Fidel Castro?
Malice: Ultimate question, this separates the boys from men….Playstation 3 or XBox 360?
Limpfreak: First off let me say that i like both systems……But i prefer the Playstation 3 for a couple of reasons. #1. Built in Blu-ray player. #2. Free online gaming. #3. Better graphics.
Malice: In the war over who will win the next-gen gaming remote who do you think will win? Kinect or the Move?
Limpfreak: I don’t care about either one of them. When my cousin used to own a Wii I tried it out to see what the entire Motion Controller deal was about. I was turned off with the entire Motion Controller thing and have not cared to give either the Kinect or the Playstation Move a try or any attention.
Plus i wouldn’t be caught playing either of them and looking like a Dork while playing some game.
Malice: So getting down to you (Yeah I know this should have probably been at the beginning…I’m VERY non-linear..you’ll learn to deal…) Tell us some stuff we may not know about you?
Limpfreak: I used to be a huge Comic Book geek when i was younger. I used to go to Comic Book conventions.
Malice: I know you’ve had it a while, how did you come across your screen name?
Limpfreak: Back in the days I used to be a big fan of Limp Bizkit and since I considered myself a “freak” I combined both names. Limp – Freak = Limpfreak
Malice: Going back to horror conventions, what have been some of your favorite guests?
Limpfreak: Bill Hinzman , Jennifer Rubin (Taryn from A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors) , Tony Todd , Doug Bradley , Dawn Of The Dead cast members (David Emge , Ken Foree , Scott H. Reiniger , David Early , Mike Christopher , Sharon Ceccatti , Clayton Hill)
Malice: Any special memories from a horror con party?
Limpfreak: Every year getting to hangout poolside with Bill Hinzman at Spooky Empire is a Special Memory. Sitting by the pool having some beers with Bill Hinzman and talking about random things was a good feeling to me. It was like if me and him have known each other for years and years and like we were best friends.
Malice: Now for the part that everyone dreads…it’s time for some “Out-of-Hat” Questions…are prepared foolish mortal?
Limpfreak: *curls into the fetal position and cries about the scary questions*
Malice: Let’s begin… Why do you suppose there are never any midget zombies? Isn’t this absence disturbing? How do you suggest we raise awareness?
Limpfreak: There are never any zombie midgets because they are so fast and small that they can go between the zombies legs and get away. LOL
Malice: Your going to be killed by a horror movie icon…which one out of these: Freddy Kruger, The Tall Man, or Pin Head?
Limpfreak: I would want to be killed by Freddy. At least my death would be entertaining and not just some “straight to the point” type of death. My death would involve me watching porn and getting killed in some insane way.
Malice: How long do you think you would last in a zombocolypse?
Limpfreak: I could possibly last a year. Maybe enough to roundup some well-trained survivors and to find a good shelter. But my downfall most likely would be that i would die of starvation.
Malice: You are going to have a date! But you have to pic between these three women: Madame Victoria (A Hardcore Domenatrix), Amber Bamber (a Furrie enthusiast) or Velma Spencer (She’s likes to be peed on amongst other things)?
Limpfreak: As the “ladies man” and the big flirt I am I HANDS DOWN have to pick Madame Victoria the Hardcore Dominatrix because that’s How I Roll. 🙂
Furrie enthusiasts are not to be messed with because half the time they turn out to be “Padded Cell” type of crazy and When you tell them it’s over they keep on coming back.
Malice: You have Uwe Boll strapped to a chair. What are you going to tell him before you force him to watch a marathon of everything he’s ever done (presumably making his head cave in?
Limpfreak: I hope you suffer like you made lots of other people suffer from tricking them into watching your craptastic movies. I hope in hell you get anal raped by Satan himself while he uses a spiked baseball bat without any lube.
Malice: Well Limp, it’s been great! Glad you survived…this round!! Anything you want to add?
Limpfreak: I want to add that……….I HATE ALL OF YOU!!!!…..Not Really 😉
Well, My Freaky Darlings, that wraps it up for this month! Be sure to catch it next year, actually on time!!….Hopefully….
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Need the latest in horror convention? Look no more! Head on over to From Dusk Till Con! They have the latest news in all the greatest horror con’s in the land, including the up and coming titan Days of the Dead. Make sure you also take a look at their ever growing Message Board Forum, sign up and become a Dusker today!!
Welcome to the Grid!…TRON: Evolution
Hello, My Freaky Darlings! So, after an Mansinthe fueled night of fun, I feel like my batteries are charged and I’m ready to blow the whole worlds mind…That being said let me tell you what I have ben doing for the last little bit. For the last month I have been compiling data…I came to the realization I needed some fun material. With that I came to the conclusion that I wanted to review some video games and movies. I needed some time to catch myself up to speed however, and this is where the dry spell has come from. My friends and my lovely have recharged my batteries to past full, and for the first time in a little bit I feel I can sit here and entertain you fine ghouls and freaks! What better way to do this then to open straight into the best gaming experience I had to offer. Not just that but the movie opens tomorrow so really it’s just fitting. So it’s with great pleasure I tell you…
Welcome to the Grid!…TRON: Evolution
This game was a very visually pleasing experience. I really can’t wait untill I get a new T.V. to enjoy this game further! To fully set you in my mind-set, all I have to go into this series is the hype. I have never seen TRON and of course I have never seen TRON: Legacy. All I have to work off of is the hype and the trailer. Also, it is noteworthy that I am never to fond of Motion Picture to Gaming media type games. If it has anything to do with a movie, it usually tends to suck poo covered donkey balls! This game is a true exception. Before I give you my rating I will break things down into groups: Story, Graphics, and Game Play.
Story
The story you follow bridges the gap between TRON and TRON: Legacy. Telling you exactly how the take over came to be and explaining the genocide of the ISO’s and the rise of Clu to power over the Grid. You play a new Moderator Program created by Flynn to investigate the Murder of one of the ISO leaders, Jalen. From here you are thrown into a conspiracy that involves an Evil Program Virus, Abraxas and Clu killing Tron and Flynn. This takes you on a wild ride across the grid to find out the truth and attempt to save the Grid. Not wanting to reveal too much plot, I will stop there.
Really the game does a good job at pacing an interesting story. There really isn’t too much predictability. By that I mean obviously you know a movie is coming out that involves Clu taking over, and Flynn and Quorra fighting him. So realisticly you know what the ending is. There was no way for you not to know how it was going to end, unless you spend your time in a drunken haze (Or with a coat hanger trying to tickle your brain!) The middle story though is pretty impressive! You start out thinking the plot is going to be just he Abraxas Virus, then it goes to Clu double-crossing Tron and Flynn, then to Mass Genocide, then to…I’m not going to ruin it! For a video game based on a movie, they did a pretty damn good job keeping you entertained and then making you think you have an exclusive bit of story. I for one am now going to be able to watch TRON: Legacy with a percent margin of .76% more understanding then the asshole next to me! “Who’s that Quorra girl? Well I know that! Maybe you should have played the game…! MWHAHAHA!!” “How did Clu do it? Why is Flynn in the game!? I know and you don’t! Sit in your confusion and rot foolish mortal!” The only thing l you will find as a let down is the very ending. Mostly this just happened because I was so swept up in the game I lost touch of my original preconceived ending…Why was I so swept up? Well that brings us to the next part of the review!
Graphics
This game is every bit as visually appealing as the trailer to the fucking movie! I’m not even kidding. And this was even on my old Methuselah of a TV which is tiny as all get out! I can’t wait to put this on a flat screen and see how it all pans out. You get so swept up in the pretty surroundings honestly some times that makes you screw up. It just kept me saying “WOW! Look at that!” This even inspired me to want to see a theme park for the Grid. If it looks that cool on a video game, how cool do you think it’s going to be in person?
- He’s stunned by the beauty…
On a more technical note, I didn’t really notice any lag, there were no glitches to speak of, no trapping your self in a wall or falling into an endless abyss the really did good with the surroundings. I understand that the design when you think about it is pretty simplistic, but they went above and beyond to deliver a very visually pleasing atmosphere. This helps so that even when you are getting your ass handed to you, even when you are about to put your head through a wall…you can still look at that screen and say, “It’s just so damn pretty! I want to spend all day there riding my light cycle and throwing my disk at people!” Speaking of Disks, Light Cycles, Getting your ass handed to you, and wanting to put your head through a wall…that brings me to my last section!
Gameplay
The gameplay in this game is the only thing that I had room for improvement on. On one hand the amount of stuff it allows you to do is just awe-inspiring. The way you move through the game keeps you on your toes so that there is never a dull moment. You don’t spend a whole lot of time just straight running through the game. A lot of it is death-defying acrobatics much in the style of say, Prince of Persia. The combat system is pretty simplistic. You cycle through your different disc mods using the D-pad and the other attack buttons remain the same. controlling the vehicles is pretty linear too. More or less they are there to keep it fresh. The Bike is the best one. It is by far the funnest to play with. It’s also noteworthy that the leveling up system is pretty cool. Now for my room for improvement.
- You think my battles are hard, wait till you see my glitches…they will tear your mind apart!
There were moments that you wanted to pull your hair out. If you come across a new enemy, you better pay close attention to the scan read out. If you miss how to kill this new foe, you are going to go through fifteen times of dying and doing it again to figure it out. Maybe even right down a note or two about them as you go so in the final stage when you go through the gauntlet, you will know what to do. Also, if you get Derezzed too many times, the music and sound effects tend to go a little screwy! Some times it would just bottom out and completely throw me off. Also some of the angles will kill you when you are doing a long stretch of acrobatics. Most of that was my fault though. I was spoiled by the navi cube in the very beginning because I was under the impression I was going to have it the whole time. (My bad for paying more attention to the colorful scenery and not enough to the wank talking to me!) The Tank levels also will drive you up a wall! It’s sort of difficult to get the hang of them. Once you do, it’s a done deal. I just feel they could have made it a bit more smooth.
On a separate note I want to mention the Multiplayer. I don’t include Multiplayer in the main reaction from the game, mostly because I think it is utter bullshit for a game to rely on multiplayer to save its ass from having a crappy story mode. Fighting games of corse are the exception to this, but you know what I mean. If you don’t know what i mean again there are three possibilities: 1) you just don’t understand games in general 2) you get your jollies by pouring acid in your ear 3) you love FPS’s, and are going to try to defend to the death their honor! With that out-of-the-way, TRON: Evolution has a really decent multiplayer mode. It plays much in the fashion of an FPS. You run around killing the other hapless gamers on the grid in a timed death match. The added coolness is you can have levels that are just straight forward battles, or you can have a little more open range, and jump on your light cycle to whoop some digital ass! I love how in addition to the awesome concept, you can gain levels and powers for story mode by playing in the gaming grid. So that if you just can’t win against a boss, go spend a little time practicing your mad skills, and then go back a derezz some BASIC scum!
- Let’s see Halo Rock this Hard…Didn’t think so…
Overall Impression
I was really pleased with this game. Decent Story, Great Graphics, and Above average Gameplay make me round this review out at a solid 4 out of 5 Top hats. It comes highly recommended especially if you are a fan of TRON. So go out and rent it or buy it, and see what you think! All I can say is that I’m now fully interested in this series just because of this game! Kudo to you game designers, Thumbs up!
Be sure to stay tuned for more reviews on some newer games and some games that are a little older that I played anyway. Things are going to even out here a little pretty soon. Also, I have not forgotten the comic idea for Shaggy and Todd or my short stories. They are coming along nicely. I just want to make sure that they are more than just “Up to snuff” for My Freaky Darlings.Thats all for tonight, so…
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Dear Freaky Darlings, I do apologize for the dry spell that has taken over the last couple of weeks. recouping the Holiday is rough, and I have many adventures to share with many more to come. Rest assure the time has been well spent! Tonight, I give you this review of a great movie. Let this wet your chops because there is much more including Dusker of the Month for December! I hope this slacks your thirst for blood!
It’s been ten years since the franchise started and now it is all coming to an end. We all knew this day would come, after all, all dynasty’s have to end eventually. Harry Potter is no exception! So how did this glorious beginning of the end go? The only word that comes to mind is Epic! Lord of the Rings eat your heart out, Hit the bricks Twilight…Harry Potter has taken it to a whole new level of cool! I was absolutely wowed just by how good this movie really was. I was expecting a good movie , but for once my high standards were exceeded! There are many things I liked about this movie, and not a lot I think they could have improved upon. So grab your wands Darlings, and hold that broom stick tight! Here’s the Psychotik Review of…
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1
Let’s start with the story. The movie opens with all of the turmoil that is going through the wizard world. With Dumbledore dead, war is imminent.Hermione has to leave her parents and erase her existence for their sake. The Dursleys are leaving (which I’m sure is more good news then bad). The Order shows up to try to move Harry. In a cool special effect you get to see multiple people turn into Harry (Watch for Fleur-Harry…she is the funniest). After they do this they go on a high-speed broom chase through London in an attempt to confuse the Deatheaters. During this chase Hedwig is killed, George Weasley loses an ear, and Mad Eye Moody is killed. This really sets the tone for the movie. There is a lot of sacrifice and self discovery in this movie. I would go a bit further, but I’m more than positive most of you have either read the book, saw the movie already, or have seen the trailer. If not it will be posted below. Rather, I would like to move into the points I love about this film.
Now I could go on forever on what I loved about the special effects, and the casting, how the composer does a masterful job at creating an epic score…etc…We would literally be here all night! Instead, I would like to talk about the story and how it was presented. It was refreshing to see the series go back to its roots and truly show the friendship between the stories core three characters. That’s basically what this part is about. Reacquainting you with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Not since Prisoner of Azkaban has there been such a focus on the core friendship of the series. It’s understandable to an extent. Movies are different than books. You have to have more about the other characters as well. You should kind of get the picture that those three are best friends.
I also like how the story really paces itself. I was worried about this movie when I thought of how painful Return of the King was to sit through. The last in a series is usually the longest. Thank God they split this into two movies. Regardless of that, the movie does keep you wanting more. Each scene compliments the next. There is a fair amount of action, but it doesn’t over power the plot. The have the perfect mixture of Action, Drama, Special Effects, etc…it all comes together rather beautifully! If these movies don’t end in some sort of Academy Award, I think I will be really cheesed off!
Really I don’t want to give away too much. I would even love to pic out a few scenes for you, but there are just to many! The only thing I can say is if you haven’t seen it you really need to! It’s a great movie, and an awesome opener for the chaos that is going to be in Part 2. I will leave you with the knowledge that Dobby is a little bad ass. You really get to see exactly what those little House Elves are capable of! Also the way they animate the story of the Deathly Hallows is a bloody interesting way to do it. Kind of throws you for a loop! I give Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 5 Top Hats out of 5, and Malice Psychotik’s HIGHEST endorsement.
I apologize for the breif-ness, but as I said, there really isn’t much more I can say other than it is a truly epic movie, one of the greatest cinema spectaculars of the year, a life changing experience! Your life will mean less for NOT seeing it!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Check out the trailer here:
One Hell of a Ride…From Dusk Till Con’s First Year
A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of sitting down the masterminds behind From Dusk Till Con. It was there one year anniversary this past Halloween. It’s hard to belive that a site that was never intended to move this far has turned into the massive juggernaut that it is. To become the one stop shop for all things to do with horror conventions is a big responsibility. One that they have taken on like true warriors!! This site has been responsible to inspiring many to venture off into their own. Hell, Encyclopedia Psychotika owes a lot of its success to FDTC! This article was ran originally posted on FDTC November 7, 2010. Journey with me, if you will…
One Hell of a Ride…From Dusk Till Con’s First Year
Malice Psychotik: So, it’s one year since the site has been active…How are things?
Mr. Chainsaw: Well, it’s been one year and we’re still here. To not only still be doing what we’re doing, but have had the fans elevate us to the level we’re at right now where we are THE authority on the horror convention scene as recognized by promoters, manager, celebrity guests, and most importantly the fans themselves, is an absolute honor. What more is there to say?
Malice: Did you ever imagine one year ago, the site would be the juggernaut it is today?
Ricardo del Muerto: I honestly had no idea and I am humbled every time I see the support our community has given us. Walking into a convention and seeing people wearing our shirts and the huge amount of interest the fans have is just amazing.
Mr. Chainsaw: Truthfully? Never. Then again, we never set out to do anything other than create a quaint little corner of cyberspace for friends to get together and share their experiences from other conventions around the country. Apparently others outside of our circle also felt the need for such a place and helped to grow our humble community.
My wife was saying in the early going that this was going to turn into something huge, but I never really thought so. I would have been happy to just make some new friends, attend some cool shows, and have things to write about. Less than a year later, From Dusk Till Con has become its own brand and all these doors have opened up for us that I would have never thought possible. I sometimes think someone is going pinch me and I’m gonna wake up.
Malice: At what point did you realize you “Arrived”? Did you have a moment when you realized “Wow, this shit just got real!”
Ricardo del Muerto: If “Arrived” means creating a site that has helped many horror fans make better decisions on where to spend their hard-earned convention money, then I knew we arrived right away. I think the moment I realized that “Shit got real” was at Wizard Comic Con when an excited fan recognized the shirt and I was able to meet a fellow Dusker who shared my intense enthusiasm about the site. Since then, we’ve seen more and more people popping up on the con circuit representing From Dusk till Con and wearing our shirts. It has also helped when great Vendors have given the Dusker Nation discounts for pointing out that they belong to our forum. I could not ask for stronger loyalty from our community and I look forward to meeting more people who share the love of cons as much as I do.
Malice: To be around FDTC for even a week you will see the community stands apart from other message board communities. What do you think makes The Dusker Nation stand apart?
Mr. Chainsaw: I think the Dusker Nation represents the core of the hardcore convention fans everywhere – the type that travel around the country to various shows or even just support the shows in their own regions religiously. They all love the culture and breathe, eat, sleep, and bleed it as a way of life. In our community there’s no politics, no hierarchy, no leaders – we’re simply all equals and all friends. In the first year we’ve been around, very little moderation has been needed as the community has done a great job of sustaining itself with everyone being respectful and considerate of each other.
Our members meet up at conventions across the country, hang out together, join up to go out and eat together, party together, and all around exist as a nationwide extended family. Other online forum communities may boast larger numbers, but I firmly believe you’d be hard pressed to find a more tight-knit community than the Dusker Nation.
Malice: What are some of your fondest memories from the last year?
Ricardo del Muerto: My fondest memory has been the surprise birthday party at Spooky Empire. It was unbelievable! Chainsaw and I had 2 cakes designed in our likenesses and so many people from the Dusker nation (most whom I have never met) came out to wish us a Happy Birthday. It was an experience I will never forget. Of course having some celebs show up to hang out and share some cake was pretty awesome as well.
Mr. Chainsaw: I think the whole year in itself has been one long fond memory making it impossible to pick out just one moment. A few of my favorites though were: Meeting and hanging out with Mikey Perez, the Return of the Living Dead cast, and Mark Patton at Famous Monsters Con after hours, hanging out with Ken, Lyndell, and Jerry at Flashback Weekend where we had dinner, drinks, met Bruce Campbell, and huddled out in the cold until the wee hours of the morning tailgating at the Midway Drive-In, the entire Texas Frightmare Weekend trip (which we shared with Ken, Stacy and Chris Carbeau, Danny and Jen, Chuck Moran, Target Jon and his brother, and Richard Malone, among others, and finally, Spooky Empire 2010, the site of the greatest surprise birthday party I’ve ever been a part of and the largest Dusker meet-up to date which I’m proud to say went down in my home state of Florida in one of my favorite cities in the country, beautiful Orlando, FL.
Malice: FDTC is known for putting on one hell of a party. Do you have any epic tales of Horror Con glory at these meet ups?
Mr. Chainsaw: We’ve had some great meet-ups this year but the one at Spooky Empire by far takes the cake. Aside from being the largest gathering of we’ve had yet (with over 40 registered FDTC members in attendance along with their guests), we had quite a few celebrity guests come out to the party and make it that much more memorable. You really had to have been there, but between Jason Mewes taking our beer cooler and jumping into the pool with it and using it as a boat, Gary Busey holding court for almost 2 hours off in another corner and talking about his “Buseyisms,” and others like Danny Trejo, Heather Langenkamp, and the Return of the Living Dead cast showing up to hang out and partake in food and drink, it was about as memorable as it can get. My favorite part, however, was the fact that we got to do a raffle and hand out over a dozen cool prizes to our FDTC faithful, including a hand signed photo by none other than the legendary Lon Chaney Jr. Being that our fans have been so great to us over the course of the first year, it felt great to be able to give back to them and show them that they are immensely appreciated.
Malice: With the site growing as fast as it is, where do you see it in a year?
Ricardo del Muerto: Wow, in a year? I think we will continue to bring some hardcore convention coverage because our site is literally run by our fans. We have them to thank for all the great information and support. As many know we trying our hand at bringing some great conventions guests to the Midwest for Days of the Dead. So we have a lot on our plate but we refuse to settle for mediocrity and will continue to push the convention scene for us and many others as hard as we can.
Mr. Chainsaw: If you told me a year ago that FDTC would be where it is now, I would have told you to put down whatever you were smoking – obviously I was wrong. I think I’ll leave it up to the fans to decide where we are in a year given that predictions don’t seem to be my strongest asset.
Malice: Let’s talk about your FDTC’s involvement in Days of the Dead this July. How did this come about?
Mr. Chainsaw: Well, to make a long story short, there was an already established convention from the east coast that was looking to expand and add a new show out in the midwest, particularly Indianapolis. A few other people in the convention business were also on board to handle various aspects of the show. For whatever reason the convention that was going to be putting the show on changed their mind and another entity took over the show. At some point Petey Mongelli of Spooky Empire was brought in as was Bill Philputt of Re-Evolution Management – two guys that are undoubtedly among the best at what they do. From Dusk Till Con was asked if they wanted to be sponsors for the show and we were in the middle of discussing that when the second entity backed out. At that point, someone unrelated to the show threw my name out there as a possible organizer given my background in promoting and management in the music scene when I was living in South Florida and From Dusk Till Con was asked if they would want to be partners on the show. After mulling it over for a few weeks, Rick and I decided to go ahead and get on board. Petey has sadly since dropped out due to time constraints involving planning his two shows in Florida and by default From Dusk Till Con has become the main entity involved with the show.
Believe it or not, it was something we really had to think long and hard about getting involved with, and I especially lost sleep on quite a few nights as I debated whether or not I wanted to jump into this arena. On the one hand, it’s a dream come true for any con fan to be asked to come on board and help create a convention of their very own. On the other hand, I seriously debated whether or not I wanted to make that transition from fan to promoter and risk having the enjoyment of conventions spoiled for me a bit by introducing the business aspect into it. Not only that, but promoters always get so much heat from fans for things that beyond their control, like not getting that one rare Friday the 13th guest who was in the part 7 for all of 3 minutes, or not having enough Italians, or because a guest chooses to charge more than fans think is justified. Finally, I was worried that all of the other convention promoters who I’ve always admired on both a personal and business level, would cease to see me as an acquaintance and begin to view me as a competitor in what is certainly a very aggressive business.
Rick and I consulted with friends, family, and a few of the FDTC faithful in making our decision and in the end concluded it would be ridiculous to not jump on what amounts to the opportunity of a lifetime. We gave it an immense amount of thought and I think we made the right choice.
Malice: What role is FDTC playing exactly?
Mr. Chainsaw: Bill is taking care of booking the talent for the show and providing his connections to help set up some of the events for the weekend – he’s an elite level talent in his field and arguably among the cream of the crop when it comes to talent management. FDTC is pretty much taking care of the rest – marketing, creating a web presence for the show, conceptualizing what the show is going to be like, handling the business operations, and managing the show on the day of.
We’re talking to a slew of other big names in the horror world to come in and assist with various aspects of the show, and we should be announcing those entities as the convention evolves and begins to take form.
Malice: What have you learned from this experience (with Days of the Dead) thus far?
Mr. Chainsaw: I actually have a new-found respect for show promoters, especially the ones that put on great events, and we’ve only just begun planning! It’s seriously some insanely hard work! There’s so many things that go into the planning of a show that it’s really impossible to grasp unless you actually put yourself in those shoes and do it for yourself. I’m also learning how hard it is to nail down guests for a convention and how complicated the business end of that can be at times. Finally, I’m realizing that I’m going to have to accept the fact that no matter how hard you work on something like this, you’re always going to let someone down, whether it be from not being able to get that one guest they asked for so passionately, or because your show didn’t have enough of this, or it had too much of that – I hate letting people down and it’s something I’m going to have to learn to deal with. But I do embrace the challenge of living up to lofty expectations.
Malice: When designing the guest list, what are some deciding factors?
Mr. Chainsaw: I feel so in debt to the fans who supported FDTC to even be in this position to begin with that I’m running Bill Philputt ragged trying to pursue every single guest request that gets made on the forums. Luckily, Bill is a consummate professional with tons of experience and has been very patient with my overflow of ideas and the overly annoying Type A manner in which I go about pushing them on everyone.
Truthfully speaking, we are trying to listen to the fans as much as we possibly can, but there are other criteria that we’re following in putting together the guest list. Firstly, we want to focus mainly on guests that have either never before been in Indianapolis and the surrounding area, or that haven’t been there in a few years – so many great shows already have a presence in the region and the last thing we want to do is reproduce what has already been done. We’ve actually had to scratch a few names off of our wish list as they have recently been announced by other conventions that operate in the area. Secondly, since horror fans are a varied bunch, we’re trying to represent that same variety at Days of the Dead – you’ll see some mainstream names, some traditional convention favorites, as well as some guests with more cult backgrounds. Finally, we’re considering the people that we ourselves as fans would like to see at a show. We go to several shows every year, stand in line for autographs just like everyone else, and have our own ideas for who we would like to meet, whose autographs we’d like to add to our collections, and who we’d like to see at a Q&A.
Malice: How do you think DotD is going to stack up against some of the other shows that are happening that year? What about the talk that you guys are “moving into” HorrorHound Weekend’s territory by doing another show in Indianapolis?
Mr. Chainsaw: I honestly don’t worry about how we’re going to “stack up against other shows.” It’s a notion that really doesn’t cross my mind at all. The main focus with most of our guest list for Days of the Dead is to bring in guests who have not done the region before, or at least not done it in a long time, so as not to replicate what other shows are doing – this, we feel, will be both to our benefit, as well as to the benefit of other shows in the area. We’ve actually had to already cross out several names of our wish list and even cancel a few names because they have been announced by other nearby conventions.
As far as “moving into” HorrorHound Weekend’s territory, that’s just a silly notion. We don’t feel that way and more importantly, I know they don’t feel that way at all. Bill spoke to Nathan about it before FDTC even came to be involved and Nathan gave him his blessing and stated it was ok as long as the new show gave HorrorHound enough of a cushion as to when it was held (a few months apart so as not to cannibalize off of each others potential attendance). HorrorHound is going to have a great show this year and I look forward to attending as a fan and a long time patron. I also think Days of the Dead is going to be a great show, and I certainly think horror convention fans in the region are enthusiastic enough about the scene that they would be more than willing to come out and support both shows.
Malice: As far as events go, what kind of special touch is FDTC going to add?
Mr. Chainsaw: I don’t want to give away too many secrets and spoil any potential surprises, but all of us involved in the planning of the show are HUGE fans of horror in general. We’re the kind of people who celebrate Halloween all year round, embrace all things spooky as a way of life, and just have an all around respect and reverence for the genre that goes beyond words. We really want to make it more than just an autograph show and have it be a celebration of creepy culture that revives the magic we all felt growing up with these films we love so dearly. It’s our goal to make the events just as important a part of the overall show as the guests are.
Malice: Is there anything that you can leak us about the show? Any hints about future guests?
Mr. Chainsaw: We’re in the middle of negotiating quite a few contracts with potential guests at this time as well as speaking to various other entities in the horror business about bringing in various events to Days of the Dead 2011. I wish I had more for you, but right now everything needs to be kept under a tight lid. I will tease that two of the guests that were at this past weekend’s Scarefest show in Kentucky heard about Days of the Dead at the show and want to get on board the guest list by any means necessary. Given who they are, it’s impossible to turn them down so they may likely end up being part of our next batch of guest announcements.
Malice: Time for some “Out-of-Hat” questions!
Mr. Chainsaw: Shit….I knew this was coming. Just kidding…let’s do it!
Malice: What do you think is one of the biggest problems facing the horror community today?
Mr. Chainsaw: I don’t quite exactly know if by “horror community” you mean as it pertains to horror on film or the social aspect and the fans, so I’ll answer about the latter.
It seems to me that horror has fallen into the same trap that some of the other alternative counter-cultures have, particularly the punk culture, where you see a great deal of competing amongst fans over who is “more dedicated” or “a truer fan” or all this other bullshit like getting hung up on labeling horror and fighting over what horror is and isn’t. In the end, none of that should matter I think. Everyone comes into this scene for their own reasons and many of us do so from all walks of life. However, we all share a common bond, whether it be an affinity for the things that go bump in the night, or a love for the monsters hiding just around every corner, or just a taste for the chilling, the macabre, or the outright gruesome. Most people outside of this subculture don’t understand, and will never understand, what we see in it. That’s totally ok. What’s not ok is when horror fans draw lines in the sand against each other socially as if this was high school all over again – if anything, we should all be more accepting of each other given that the outside world often is not.
Malice: What is your definition of “Classic Horror”?
Ricardo del Muerto: Classic horror for me is a film that can transport you into the time frame to which is was intended without you knowing. For example Wolfman, I would normally complain about quality and the black/white but the movie is so poignant that I never really notice. I just respect the medium as is and love the film for all its dated intricacies. I think a great classic film is one that tells the story so well that you do not have time to focus on the aspects that directly relate to you, instead you relate to the film. Oh and anything Hitchcock!
Malice: What are your criteria for an “Epic Party”?
Mr. Chainsaw: I can’t disagree with you there. This is known as “The Sam Raimi Formula” in any circles.
Malice: What is the likely hood that the next FDTC party will involve Midgets, Furries, or a combination of the two? More importantly, will we see the infamous “Horror Filter”?
Mr. Chainsaw: You pretty much just described a Saturday night at Rob Fox’s house.
Ricardo del Muerto: I think the likelihood is very strong that Furries and Midgets will make an appearance at one of our parties. I think that we owe this kind of debauchery to the fans and supporters and as for the Horror Filter, I am not at liberty to talk about that.
Malice: Days of the Dead takes place during July 4th weekend. A time where families around this grand United States of ours partake in BBQ’s and other cook out activities. What say you to a Days of the Dead Cook Off?
Ricardo del Muerto: I would say that a Days of the Dead cook off would be simply amazing! I am definitely for that idea and I hope we have some great BBQr’s in the mix because I would enjoy the Hell out of that! Thank you Malice for getting the wheels a turnin’.
Malice: What is the weirdest idea you have ever had for advertising FDTC? (Make up a real strange one if you have to!) Mr. Chainsaw: We actually have done very little to no advertising at all for FDTC. All the growth has been through the word of mouth of the fans from one convention to the next. In the early going though, when the forum began to really start growing and we wanted to push more interest I had the idea that I could offer to publicly humiliate myself over the internet if certain milestones would be met (such as for new members, post count, etc.). I was desperate back then and was more than willing to offer up my dignity in exchange for some publicity. I’m glad it didn’t come down to that and people found other reasons to check in and grow the site that didn’t involve me making a total ass of myself.
Malice Is it true that FDTC was set to have a guest spot on Sesame Street?
Mr. Chainsaw: This is true. Unfortunately, the producers found Ricardo’s outfit to revealing and provocative and the episode never aired.
Malice: There has been some rumors that there is something big going to be revealed around the first of the 2011? Something big, something “Apocalyptic”! Does FDTC have any connection to this?
Mr. Chainsaw: It’s possible. We seem to find ourselves in all kinds of interesting things lately. Everyone will just have to stay tuned and find out!
Malice: Well, I’m really glad that I could interview the two of you, on this the anniversary of FDTC! It’s been real fun, and I’m glad you have submitted yourselves to this battery of questions! Is there anything out else you would like to add for the Dusker Masses?
Ricardo del Muerto: Malice, you do the best interviews around so the pleasure has been all mine. If I could say one more thing to the Dusker Nation it would be to stick with us, because you ain’t seen nothing yet!
Mr. Chainsaw: I really just want to thank everyone for pushing us to where we have come in our first year – without the support of each and every fan and member of the Dusker Nation, we would not be where we are and there would be no From Dusk Till Con, no Days of the Dead, nothing. This is truly a community that belongs to all of you, and we’re honored to be representing such a great scene.
With that, here’s to the last year of FDTC’s rise to the top! Duskers I salute you! Here’s to 100 more year on top!! If you have never been to FDTC, I urge you to check it out. The have a wonderful message board community. They also offer the latest in news from horror conventions all around the country! They are also host to some other brilliant writers that churn out interviews with vendors, movie reviews, and much more!! Here are some points of interest:
Well, Freaky Darlings, I’m going to go back to the padded room for the night. I’ll make sure to chew through the straps for you again soon. Keep an eye out for some cool reviews to come soon. That’s all for now…
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
P.S. I guess this sort of makes them the Dusker of the Month for November since there wasn’t one!
New Additions to come soon!!!
Yes, you read right My Freaky Darlings!! I’m going to be expanding content very soon to include a little more of the Psychotik touch. The first expansion I’m hoping to get working into before the end of this month. It will be a web comic of the likes you have never seen (And if you have seen it, it’s ten million times better). I’ll break it down for you:
Shaggy and Todd: In the future the world is run by the corporations. Metro cities have sprung up all over the country. Gangs run wild and plenty! In all of this madness, law enforcement and military can’t keep up. Do to the rise in crime, a new set of enforcers have stepped up to the plate: Bounty Hunters. These bounty hunters are fueled by the powers of advanced technology and genetic alteration. With all the chaos in the world, who will stand up? Who will defend the innocent? Who will right the wrongs? Who will stand strong against the evil of the Corporations and the crushing might of the gangs? WHO WILL BE THERE TO BLOW SHIT UP!? Shaggy and Todd are there to answer the call! Two genetically altered action junkies fueled by the desire to kick-ass, make money, and incinerate a city block in the process! You will see Evil Corporate Slim, Twisted Chemists, Insane Engineers, Clown-Motorcycle Gangs, and Super Powered Female Nazis!!! It’s an action packed thrill ride that you won’t want to miss!! So, grab some pop-corn, a soda, and cuddle your favorite explosives! Shaggy and Todd is sure to blow your mind!!
“It’s a Psychotik World“: Tired of your usual animal show? Ghost hunting shows seem a bit stale? Then does Encyclopedia Psychotika have the enema for you!!! Enter “It’s a Psychotik World” where your host (yours truly) takes you on a wild journey to find the worlds most elusive creatures and most terrifying specters! See as me and my crew hunt down the mighty Skunk Ape or catch us as we investigate a haunting that will leave you wanting more. Anything is possible in this messed up world! If it’s out there, we will find it (or make a fool out of ourselves trying)!
Tales from the Malicious Mansion: So long time followers of the site are probably VERY excited to hear this announcement! Tales from the Malicious Mansion is going to be a collection of short stories that you will DIE to read more! These tales are not for the fait of heart (and for some not the week of bladder)! See the horror genre taken back to its roots and rediscover terror. From twisted butchers to chainsaw wielding maniacs to a couple with a penchant for murder, these tales are guaranteed to have you begging like a zombie begs for brains!
These are the big things that I’m wanting to come your way soon enough! I’m sure you will enjoy all of them. I will still be doing interviews, reviews, and a few movie news reports (I realize I’ve been lacking in that department, but get ready for some soon). You may have also noticed that there is no Dusker of the Month this month. No I didn’t forget, you can kind of consider it Mr. Chainsaw and Ricardo Del Muerto. There interview with me posted a little while back on From Dusk Till Con. I will be posting the re-run of that article this Monday for all my freaky darlings that may not have caught it first time round! I’m cooking up a few reviews for you right now, movie and game! So be prepared for those to be coming within the next couple of days! ALSO be sure to keep an eye out for an interview with the newest member of the Madhouse!!
Until Next Time. My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
P.S. I would like to take some time right now to thank all of my readers and the people who have helped me on my way this whole time. Thank you Mr. Chainsaw for getting me to do this in the first place. You took a chance on me, and so far it looks like a good one! I promise I won’t let you down, and this relationship between the sites is going to turn into a MASSIVE juggernaut! Thank You to all of the celebs that I have interviewed! You have all been great. It was so great getting to chat with all of you and I hope you keep us updated so my readers and I can keep up! Thanks to all of my friends out there that shamelessly spread the word! I love you guys! Thank you to Joe for giving me at least one view a day! Back when the site would be lucky to get one view a day, I always knew who that one view was!! Thank you to all of the readers out there that have been blowing up the site and viewing like crazy! Without you guys, there would be no point to my typing! Thank you for reading, and I hope you stay with and spread the infection! Adding in another special thank you…THANK YOU TO THE DUSKER NATION!! You guys are awesome and I will never forget my roots! Expect Dusker of the Month to resume next month! Last and finally I want to thank my girls, Seras and Jazmin. Without you there is not a whole lot of point for this madman to exist. Thank you for helping me through sleepless nights, and putting up with my grumpy ass the next morning! Thank you everybody for the last 5 months and here’s to years more! If you are reading this, know that Malice Psychotik loves you all!!!
“You’re so cool Brewster!”…Story Time with Stephen Geoffreys
Well, my Freaky Darlings, it’s been a rather silent spell from me. I do apologize for that. Old Malice’s batteries have been recharged though, and I’m back ready for more! This interview I’m giving to you was a long time in the works. You’ve been waiting for it for quite some time by me either dropping off hints, or even some I’ve already told. This interview was supposed to be posted before Mr. Hush Weekend of Fear, but alas the world conspired against me, and it was delayed. Well now it is here for your viewing pleasure. I do hope you enjoy it as it has caused me many sleepless nights through the whole process. Prepare yourself…
“You’re so cool Brewster!”…Story Time with Stephen Geoffreys
Malice: This has been a while in the works, but I have to say it’s well worth the wait. I have with me today Stephen Geoffreys of Fright Night and 976-EVIL. Also more recently Mr. Hush and Emerging Past. Stephen, I just want to jump head first into this interview! What made you decide on acting?
Stephen Geoffreys: Well, it’s kind of been what I’ve wanted to do all my life since I was little. I think every kid has that fantasy life going on. With mine it was hyper… I was in my own little world. So I thought, “Why don’t I make money pretending.” So that’s what I decided to do. I went to a performing arts high school. I went to a college and graduate school and studied acting. When I got out, I was ready to dive in. I’ve been lucky! I’ve always had a singular desire to do what I really love. It’s been a lot of fun so far.
Malice: Your known well for your roles in Fright Night and 976-EVIL. However, you have been in a few other roles (Fraternity Vacation, The Chair). Do you have any favorite roles?
Stephen: I never categorize what I am. It’s like when you’re an actor, you get scripts and you either take them or you don’t. It’s really not anymore complicated than that. I just happened to have got hooked into “Fright Nights” and some other horror movies. But, it wasn’t really a conscious decision on my part to become a horror actor. Just if the part is good and the price is right I’ll take it.
Malice: Back when you were filming Fright Night, did you ever think that the movie would stand the test of time? That ‘Evil’ Ed Thompson would still be talked about today?
Stephen: I knew it would, but not to the extent it has. The very nature of movies is something you can watch over and over as long as the technical apparatus is available to watch them. It’s a good thing, as opposed to theater, when the curtain’s down it’s over. Film is forever. I would have never guessed… You know I would have never thought kids would come up and say”My Grandmother showed me this movie you were in!”It’s neat though, it’s really great!
Malice: Do you have any set memories from the movie? For example, how long did the make-up take?
Stephen: Yeah, it was an amazing test of patience to sit in a chair for hours for all the make-up and prosthetics to be applied. But, there was a lot of excitement involved. It was all part of it. I knew I was in great hands as far as the people doing the special effects. Just top of the line great special effects make-up people. It wasn’t to bad.
Malice: What about the contacts used? I’ve heard the special effects contacts used during that period were very painful.
Stephen: Yeah, about that. Around that whole time period, you know around Lost Boys, Fright Night, and when Michael Jackson did the “Thriller” video he had those eyes. They were made using these huge plastic, semi-circle things that they would just shove into your eye. I’m sure it was pretty dangerous. They said you were only supposed to wear them for a little while. Like fifteen twenty minutes at most. I ended up having to wear them for a while. Like the the scene where Peter Vincent thinks he’s waking up Charlie’s Mother and it’s me with the Raggedy Ann wig. I had those things in for at least an hour maybe two. So all the pain and anguish that came across on camera was about 80% to do with those contacts. Then when I did 976-EVIL about a year later, by then they came up with some new technique that they could use soft contacts. I wore them with that movie and they were fine. I think my eye got scratched for like six months after Fright Night wrapped. Talk about suffering for your art!
Malice: What ever happened with Fright Night 2? Why didn’t you reprise your role?
Stephen: I was actually obligated to play in the sequel. The offers for Fright Night and 976-EVIL came the same week. And they said they were going to be starting around the same time. There was no way I could be in both. I had to decide between the two, and I chose 976-EVIL. I would have done Fright Night 2 even though I didn’t particularly love the script. But yeah, that’s why that happened.
Malice: What’s your feeling on the Fright Night remake that’s on the horizon?
Stephen: The way it’s working now is, you take a movie that was successful and use the title. Make another movie, and hope for a really good first weekend and cash in on the notoriety. It’s all about the bottom line basically. You know, it’s a great compliment actually that Fright Night was good enough to be remade.
Malice: Moving along to 976-EVIL. I really feel that the movie doesn’t get the credit it deserved. I personally loved the film! What experience did it offer?
Stephen: Robert was great! We hung out while we were filming. The Highlight was working with Sandy Dennis. She played my mother in the movie. Great, great actress and an Academy Award winner. I’ve always admired her. So playing in front of the camera with her was a real honor. She was great and really funny! She really cracked me up. It’s very surreal, but you get it out of the way, and get down to business. You know everyone is there for the same reason, to make a good movie. I think 976-EVIL turned out pretty good.
Malice: Recently you have start becoming active again in acting. This includes a role in Dave Madison’s Mr. Hush (premiering this weekend at Mr. Hush Weekend of Fear). I’ve been following this movie, and I’m really impressed! How did you come across the role?
Stephen: David Madison, I met him on the set of another indy film, Emerging Past by Thomas Churchill. He was the producer, and I met him on the set. He offered a part on Mr. Hush. I read the script, I thought it was really good, and really liked it. So I did it! I’m really excited and I can’t wait to see it. I hope it really takes off. He wrote a great script and was a great director.
Malice: Is there anything you can tell us about your character “Stark”? What can we expect to see?
Stephen: I’m basically the side kick to the main bad guy. I’m like his little right hand man. Throughout the movie I try to cause as much trouble as I possibly can. I had a blast!
Malice: Let’s switch it up a little. I want to talk about you personally. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Stephen: I’m a runner. I run like twenty-five to thirty miles a week maybe more. I also read a lot. So Reading and running.
Malice: You play mostly Horror roles, but I’m sure that’s not the only films you watch, do you like any genre in particular?
Stephen: I really don’t have any one type of category. The types of movies I like are the good ones. If it’s good and entertaining, it really doesn’t matter what genre it is. I like to be entertained, that’s the bottom line.
Malice: You play a good prankster on film. Is that all acting or are you a prankster in “real” life?
Stephen: No, I’m pretty conservative and quiet. It just so happens I play a lot of characters that are like that for some reason. That’s not really who I am. You know that’s why it’s called acting. You act like something you’re not.
Malice: I’m going to take some time now and ask you some “Out-of-Hat” questions. A few months back I asked Dave Madison who would win between Edward Cullen and David from The Lost Boys. He said David, but David was no match for “Evil” Ed Thompson. So I ask YOU, who would win between “Evil” Ed and David?
Stephen: “Evil” Ed is pretty determined. I would have to say “Evil” Ed without a doubt.
Malice: Are you a theme park man or a beach kind of guy?
Stephen: Definately beach. Without a doubt.
Malice: Do you prefer Main stream Horror or B-Rated?
Stephen: Like I said before, if it’s good. If it’s entertaining. If it’s worth sitting for two hours and watching! There have been a lot of indy films that have been terrible and a lot of main stream that have been really good and visa versa. I don’t really categorize things that way.
Malice: I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to finally get to talk with you Stephen, a real treat! Is there anything you would like to add to my readers and your fans?
Stephen: I’m getting back into making movies and doing plays. So, if you’ve got any scripts or whatever, send them to stephengeoffreys@yahoo.com or stephengeoffreys@gmail.com.
There you have it people! The masterful Stephen Geoffreys is back in acting! Check out Emerging Past and Mr. Hush for a little more of whats to come. That’s all for now Freaky Darlings, but stay tuned for lot’s coming to you soon. There’s more madness to come…you just wait!
Until Next Time, My freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Who you gonna’ call?… An Interview with The Real Tampa Bay Ghostbusters
A few years back I came across a group of the most awesome cosplayers in the world. That group was The Real Tampa Bay Ghostbusters! Never before had I seen such accurate work outside the film! The attention to detail was amazing, and I just couldn’t get enough. The next year I saw them, they had an expanded their containment grid to this massive display. Adding on an even more elaborate show to go along with it. Easily, any Ghostbuster fans delight. Knowing what a treat it was for me to experience them, I couldn’t go on without sharing them with My Freaky Darlings! So if you are in the Tampa Bay area, and there is something strange in your neighborhood….
Who you gonna’ call?… An Interview with The Real Tampa Bay Ghostbusters
Malice Psychotik: So guys (and girl), how did you get into this?
Patrick Creel: I Had done some costuming before and there were others around me wanting to try prop making and one of my all time favorite films was Ghostbusters and there is no more iconic of a prop than that of a proton pack, and then it was all down hill from there because you meet people in through conventions/Fan Boards that have the same passion as you do. Thus The Real Tampa Bay Ghostbusters were born.
Jason Rawley: I had been building and selling customs and props through Fire Blade Comics for over a year when I started creating props for The Tampa Bay Ghostbusters at the group’s inception. It was only a small matter of time before I knew I had to don the flight suit myself…
Lisa Abney: Being a fan of the film, got me into being a Ghostbuster, but more directly it was Patrick that got me into it. I was officially given my flight suit this year and it was like being a kid again!
Malice: The amazing accuracy of your costumes and props is what I think makes you stand apart from other groups. What kind of research went into it all?
Creel: A lot I do have to credit as much as it pains me so, goes to the internet and fan sites dedicate to Ghostbuster related material.
Rawley: Research is done the old-fashioned way: pausing the movie and going frame-to-frame. In addition, there are many good resources online from other prop builders and Ghostbuster fans who are generous enough to share their findings and inspired props with the rest of us.
Abney: If you really want to stand apart and have your talents as a prop builder seen, you have to research and pour your heart into what you do. Both Patrick and Jason have an incredible talent for making sure EVERY detail is authentic. They are both very inventive, it’s very cool to watch them turn a pile of parts into a movie accurate prop.
Malice: Do you all design your own equipment, or is there one of you that acts as the “Egon” of the group?
Rawley: The Ghostbuster universe is a great place for someone looking to start replicating props and then expand into making their own custom designed gear. The way I see it, there is a lot of room for creative interpretation when it comes to the Ecto Goggles, PKE Meters, etc, because of the ways they’ve been translated from the movies to the cartoon to the comics and then to the video game. Patrick and I both built our own proton packs making them as close to accurate as reasonable. However, I tend to take a lot of liberties when it comes to the goggles and scanning devices. We’re both prop builders who share a healthy respect for accuracy when it comes to the original designs but like to put something of ourselves into everything we create as well.
Creel: As Jason stated there is a lot your own identity that can go into a prop I focus on the whole idea shiny and new or used and battle damage? it kinda says a lot about you as a person… therefore I’m very used and broken most of the time.
Malice: You all put on quite the demonstration. I’m sure there has been a wide range of reactions. Do you have any stories?
Creel: We get it all from all walks of life… You would be AMAZED at the amount of people who think its real… I mean it’s almost scary, when a guy driving past in his new Porsche 911 see the car see us and stops on the side of the road gets out and comes up to us and says “are you for real? cause I need help”… that’s a true a story. My fav is when a kids don’t know who we are and it’s almost an act of self discovery because at first looks to a kid we can look very intimidating but under the right parenting, the parents will normally be very excited to see us and explain who we are and then the kids become very comfortable if not down right glad to see us.
Rawley: Lots of stories, no time to tell them all. We get the full range of reactions from “are you guys pest control?” to “are you guys REALLY Ghostbusters, like, for real?” to “are you guys Nazis?” I usually get kids who are only superficially aware of “Ghostbusters” so they are intrigued, but most of my jokes go over their heads. Their parents however, are usually rolling on the floor. I sometimes tell the little ones “I’m the guy who hunts the monsters who live under your bed” and most people are horrified when they think about the kid’s reaction, but the kid is usually like “oh cool!” And I’ve even had parents say “Yeah, little Timmy, they hunt the Boogey Man in your closet.” Only as a Ghostbuster can we get away with saying the things we do.
Abney: Just hearing people seriously ask us if “it’s real”, is always the best reaction, because you can have a bit of fun and lead them on. Even when you reveal that you are doing a charity or other event they are so glad just to see the suits that there isn’t a negative reaction even when they were just the butt of the joke.
Malice: As a group you do a lot of charity work. What got you into that?
Rawley: My wife Dawn was diagnosed with APL (rare type of Leukemia) 5 years ago. We started supporting cancer research groups and attending local fundraisers and events because research was what made the difference in being able to treat her type of cancer.
Abney: More than anything I think it is utilized as a charity promoter. I mean how do you say no to a Ghostbuster? The least we can do is give back to the community, and if that means walking around with a proton pack on your back while you help a good cause all the better.
Malice: What charities have you done work for?
Rawley: During the first part of the year we raise money for the American Cancer Society and participate in their big event called the Relay For Life which is usually in April. During the summer months we help raise money at Regal Cinemas for their Stars of Hope program. And then for the Autumn months we raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and attend their big event called the Light The Night walk. Then we start all over again next year 😀 and if anyone would like to donate to our team here is our team page.
Malice:What kind of turn out do you usually see at the events you have done?
Creel: Like Jason Said we get all kinds of turns out, we don’t typically do Birthday parties however when we see that a kid is actually a fan and not the parent we will show up. Because god knows we don’t a GB2 situation. A lot of the time events or charities contact us for help, so it’s almost a built-in audience. Sometimes people who see the car have to stop and find out just what the heck is going on.
Rawley: Well we’ve done everything from huge fundraisers and conventions with thousands of people to birthday parties for a small group of bewildered 6-year-olds.
Malice: What kind of attention has your “Ghost Busting” Gotten you?
Creel: The biggest attention it has gotten me, well I managed to become the cover model for Egon for the Ghostbusters comic book published by IDW and am now setting up photo shots with the cover artist Nick Runge. Which is very humbling to me. I also got to have dinner with Michael Gross the associate producer of Ghostbusters, got to go VIP to the Machete just because I was dressed as a Ghostbuster and Michelle Rodriguez is a Huge Ghostbuster Fan. Have gotten to meet Dan Aykroyd 3 times in a row. Please see photos attached to this email, also when I do events or even when I first started do this I always had more of an infinity with Egons character so I wanted to emulate that the best I could with my own personality which is right on Que with my own. He’s silent, strange, smart, but he has what I’d like to call Egon Rage where he just looses it and could go nuts and start beating up bureaucrat like Peck.
Rawley: The ladies love a man in uniform, too bad I’m married. Oh wait, what kind of attention did you mean? 😀 My Ecto gets a lot of attention from the police but so far they’ve all been like “That’s so awesome! Run the lights for us please!”
Abney: I’d say it’s been very positive, when co-workers or family find out the general result is “Oh, I love that movie!”. Then they see what you have on and they are blown away.
Malice: So I know “Busting” isn’t an all day job, what does the team do for a Day Job?
Creel: I work for a large home improvement store company… yes its great for getting materials and have learned a lot about products that work and don’t work on prop applications but I really wish I could be a Ghostbuster.
Rawley: My wife works for the State of Florida as a Tax Auditor and I work two nights a week at a hospital as a Security Officer. The rest of my time I spend making and selling custom figures and props online through Ebay and my Website
Abney: Jill of all trades
Malice: Have any of you ever had someone recognize you out of costume?
Creel: Yes, which is a lot of fun because people have to point blank ask you… “Are you a Ghostbuster?” which I do have to say is pretty damn cool.
Rawley: Actually yes! Several times. It helps that there are a lot of photos of us in action on our website and we leave people with a strong impression with our personalities and ability to entertain.
Malice: So I know this may or may not be a dumb question, but here goes! Whats your favorite movie?
Creel: I have a top 3 and the order always gets rearranged depending whats going on in my life but here it is..
Rebecca 1941 Alfred Hitchcock’s only movie to win best picture. Ghostbusters for obvious reasons Star Wars trilogy and yes I consider all 6 of them one movie and yes… I will even include the prequels in them as well if i have to…
Rawley: Seriously? Star Wars, duh.
Abney: Sure everyone wants you to answer Ghostbusters
Malice: In the tradition of Encyclopedia Psychotika, how about some “Out-of-Hat” questions?
Rawley: Just as long as it doesn’t become “out-of-pants” questions, sure.
Abney: Let’s do it!
Malice: Walter Peck? Hero for the Environment? Or man with no dick?
Creel: Great question…I look at him in a couple of ways and also Venkmans relationship with him, would have peck been nicer if Venkman would have just showed him the storage facility, because Venkman kinda was an ass to him. but it is also very naive to just go some where you don’t know and tell them to shut everything down without fully understanding what is going on. so on one hand yes he is a dick, but on the other could have Venkman been a little more understanding and seen his point of view of just wanting to know what they do there…
Rawley: Walter Peck is a misunderstood man. I think a lot of it stems from the way society projects the stereotype of the angry redhead onto redheads that propelled him into his left-wing liberal environmentalist agenda. A lot like Yosemite Sam.
Abney: Walter Peck? Ideal image of the far left political agenda with a dash of self-righteous indignation thrown in for good measure. Just kidding, seriously though…. man with no dick.
Malice: What would be your dream cast of actors for a new Ghostbuster team? Like using today’s younger comedians?
Creel: I love dream-casting on this level. They have to be unknowns for the most part and mid 20’s to early 30’s, 3 boys and 1 girl. Here are some of my loves of guys Jason Bateman (see Arrested Development.) Simon Peg (See Shaun of the Dead.) Jay Chandrasekhar or Steve Lemme from the Broken Lizard comedy Team (See Super Troopers or Slammin Salmon) as Far as girls go you need almost tough and serious but can also be a goof in a drop of a hat. Michelle Rodriguize come to mind for obvious reasons…
Rawley: I have a hard time imaging any of today’s “young comedians” fitting the Ghostbuster mold. I would prefer they find someone relatively unknown but better for the role, rather than trying to force someone like Ben Stiller into the flight suit. Actually I wouldn’t even mind Stiller in it. I do know who I don’t want involved and that would be Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Jack Black, Seth Rogen, etc.
Abney: The most loaded question of them all! If you could cast it…That is really hard, because of how much “scandal” has already been thrown all over a GB3. If I had to add someone to the GB ranks, I think Zach Galifianakis would be my first choice. He is really funny and can be so Venkman dead pan when he wants to be. As far as this “female Ghostbuster” rumor that has been circulating, It should be a relatively unknown female in my opinion. To switch things up that much you need someone with a clean slate that can steal the show.
Malice: Have any of you been on a straight forward paranormal investigation?
Creel: Yes I have, I do believe there is something else out there. I don’t know what the hell it is, but it’s out there. I’ve done investigations with Haunted South Paranormal Research. Very amazing stuff, and am very great full for the experiences I have had in dealing with the unknown.
Rawley: No, as a christian I do not believe in ghosts, as in the disembodied spirits of dead people returning from grave. However I do believe there is genuine “paranormal” activity out there but it either has a purely scientific cause or is in fact evil spirits (demons). I would warn people that Ghostbusters is simply fiction and entertainment, but trying to consult the dead is just going to get you in contact with things you do not want to be in contact with. A good link on this is here.
Abney: The movie Ghostbusters for me as a kid fueled my interest in the paranormal. I was 6 when the movie came out and I loved anything about Ghost’s to begin with, but after I saw it there was nothing stopping me from finding out more about the paranormal. Eventually in 2007 I started (after I learned as much as I could about paranormal research) Haunted South Paranormal Research. No proton packs just yet, but one day maybe.
Malice: One of Universals Ecto-1’s (from the attraction) was auctioned off a couple years back. Be honest, how close did you come to bankrupting yourself? And if you weren’t then, would you now?
Creel: It’s still a part of history, so if I had the money then or now the answer is HELL YES! its amazing 59 caddy. Its a symbol, no disrespect to Jasons Ecto mobile HHR, but there is just something to the 59 Ambulance Caddy. It just looks so damn cool! I was lucky enough to see the restored screen used Ecto-1 recently when I was in San Diego and the kid inside of me nearly went into overload!
Rawley: To be honest, no. I can imagine myself driving a ’59 Cadillac if I had millions of dollars and had already cured cancer, hunger, etc. Instead I opted to go a more reasonable route and bought a car that fits our needs, the Chevy HHR, and also makes a nice modern Ectomobile with decals and equipment applied. The ECTO-1X can be found on our website http://www.tampabayghostbusters.com or on http://www.Firebladecomics.com
Malice: Well, I would like to thank you for sitting down with me. This has been fun! Is there anything you would like to add before you go?
Creel: There are a lot of people who do a lot for this group with their talents in prop making that have given us guidance with their years of professional work in effects/prop building in motion pictures. I have to plug them so I hope you do as well for without these people we would in my opinion not be as successful as group as we are.
Randy Cooper
Greg Baker
Rawley: Sometimes things happen, someone has to deal with it, and who ya gonna call? Well, hopefully us…
You can find more about The Real Tampa Bay Ghostbusters on their Website, Myspace, or Facebook. This group really just does fantastic work. If you ever have a chance, look them up! I promise you they will not disappoint. I may end u having to employ their services if I catch anymore E.V.P’s!
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
Kicking Ass with Fred “The Hammer” Williamson
With Mr. Hush Weekend of Fear coming up Friday, what a perfect time to post this interview. Fred “The Hammer” Williamson has been in film for quite some time. Before that, he was an all-star football player who was on the Kansas City Chiefs when they played Super Bowl 1. On top of that he was in one of my favorite vampires flicks of all time, From Dusk Till Dawn. So when Dave Madison told me I could have an interview with him, I was beside myself with excitement. I was so nervous to do this interview. It was my first phone interview, and to talk to a legend like “The Hammer” was intimidating to say the least. You know what though? This guy is the coolest guy you could ever meet. Very easy to talk to, very straight forward. I could just picture the whole time him just chilling with his signature cigar. So, My Freaky Darlings, put on your gloves and your combat boots….because we will be…
Kicking Ass with Fred “The Hammer” Williamson
Malice Psychotik: You’ve had a very rewarding career: actor, producer, director, writer, football star… Which roll has been your absolute favorite?
Fred “The Hammer” Williamson: Probably sports man. Sports is an individual thing. Your not judged…Your success is not based on how people judge you. Your success is based on your own individuality. You can kiss all the ass you want. but you can’t make a football team kissing ass. You can get a movie part kissing ass. It’s about being rewarded for your hard work, the movie business isn’t like that. A lot of people are working that don’t deserve to be, and a lot of people who aren’t working that should be working.
Malice: Let’s start with the past, your football career. How does it feel being a person that played in the very first Superbowl?
Fred: That’s important because nobody knows who played in Super Bowl 4, and nobody gives a shit! You can name all the super bowls after one, but which one are you going to remember the one that I played in with Kansas City or the one Joe Namath played with The Jets against The Colts. No body remembers the rest of the Super Bowls.
Malice: Which team was you favorite, the Raiders or the Kansas City Chiefs?
Fred: Well I got my reputation being a bad guy with the Raiders and I was on a winning team with Kansas City. So, I think the bad guy reputation is the one that I sustained and been able to carry over into the movie business. So, probably the Raiders is probably were people will remember me most. Other than the fact I was with Kansas City when we went to the first Super Bowl. Which meant we had to kick a lot of butt to get there.
Malice: You are one of the first African-American male action heroes of the “Blaxploitation” genre. What got you into the genre?
Fred: Well, I mean I got tired of being in “Uncle Tom” movies. I got tired of the black guy getting killed in the first 10 minuets of open film, and the other guys would avenge their death. If I wanna be in a film, kill Schwarzenegger and let me avenge his death. Don’t kill me and let Schwarzenegger avenge mine. You know, I was the hero on the football field. I saw my self as the leading man on the football field. So why should I come into the movie industry and take on a lesser position and have a lesser role? When the smoke cleared and the gun fight was over, I wanted to be the one left standing. Not being killed and everyone else is standing around me and say “Ok, now let’s go get the bad guys..” No, no, no, no, no…you guys be laying down there, and let ME go get the bad guys.
Malice: I’ll be honest, I’ve never been able to get ahold of any “Blaxploitation” films. However, I really dig movies from the era of Grindhouse. With your experience, I trust your opinion, what would you recommend?
Fred: They’re everywhere! You can still find them at Blockbuster. They have these so-called “black exploitation” films. I don’t know what that hell that means! The press calls them “black exploitation” films, I never knew what the terminology meant! Who the hell was they exploiting? The actors were working good. The actors were making money. The black audiences were being very satisfied by the heroes being black and winning all the fights and getting all the girls. So I mean, who the hell were they exploiting? You can find em’ at Blockbuster though, they’re everywhere. Get all of them! Black Ceaser, Hell Up in Harlem, Bucktown…There’s a whole slew of them.
Malice: With black belts in Kenpo, Shotokan, Karate, and Tae-Kwon Do I’m sure you’ve earned the nickname ‘The Hammer” in more ways than just a tackle. What got you into it, and did the black belts ever get you a movie role?
Fred: I developed that in off-season football. Working out was just running up a sweat. Lifting weights was not my thing. I never wanted to be a muscle guy. I wanted to be a toned guy. So during the off-season when I was playing pro football, I used Martial Arts to stay in shape. Not knowing that one day I’d use it in movies. At that time I wasn’t even thinking about movies. That was my way of staying in shape. Lifting weights and bench pressing 250lbs. was not something I was interested in.
Malice: I’ve also noticed that you played in the original Inglorious Bastards. Have you seen it? How do you think the new Inglorious Basterds stacks up?
Fred: I made mine in 1975. Quintin for some reason decided he wanted to do a remake of it. I think the general consensus is our film was better.
Malice: You started your production company in 1974 (Po’boy Productions), what made you decide to start-up a production company?
Fred: Well, because of the same kind of roles I’m talking about. They wanted me in the movie for the first few minuets, because they knew I had a black audience that wanted to come see me. Then they would kill me and let the white guy go be the hero. I said no that’s not the way to do it. If I’m going to be the hero, I’m forced to make my own movies, OK! I know if I make my own movie, produce my own movie, direct my own movie I damn sure ain’t gonna die! So I had a rule! I said “OK Hollywood I got three rules for you #1 You’re not gonna kill me #2 I win all my fights and #3 I get the girl at the end of the movie IF I want her. Hollywood wasn’t ready for me, so I said fine! I’ll go raise money and make my own movies. All those things will apply in my movies.
Malice: All right, I’m going to flash forward to one of my favorite movies, From Dusk Till Dawn, what got you the role?
Fred: Quinton was a fan! He was a fan of the genre I was in. He was a fan of my style. He wanted me in the movie. So he said “Hey I want you in my movie. So, what you can do is make a contribution. Why don’t you write the role and tell me what you want to do in the film.” And so, after I reviewed the script and everything, I found out a way that I could put myself in and make a character that would be memorable. Which is hard to do with all the stars around the film. We got George Clooney, Harvey Keitel, Selma Hayek and Juliete Lewis. So I had to do something a little outstanding in the film. And I did! I created this character and it worked out. You got to be memorable in a movie. Otherwise why be in it?
Malice: Frost is one of the most ass kicking bad- asses in horror history, in my opinion. Did any of your past roles have bearing on the character?
Fred: Well Yeah! Most definitely, I’m that kind of guy. If I’m in a film you never know what I’m gonna do in it. But you know I’m gonna kick some ass. You know I’m gonna be…I’m not just walking through the film and talking. There’s something that’s going to happen, otherwise I’m not going to be in that film.
Malice: You only really get to see the vampire Frost for about a minute (if that), how long did the make-up process take?
Fred: 4 hours to put it on, and 4 hours to take it off. It was not a mask it was built on piece by piece.
Malice: On your IMDB page it looks like you have 5 films to be out soon. Can you tell us about any of them? Which one’s should we look out for?
Fred: I have two that I’m real strongly committed to. One is a remake of Black Ceaser, it’s called Spatch. The other one is part two of Original Gangstas, it’s called Old School Gangstas. Those are the one’s I’m pursuing heavily right now.
Malice: Out of all the characters you have portrayed, do you have a favorite?
Fred: Not really. I just make sure that the personality is consistent. There’s no surprises when you go see a Fred Williamson movie. I’m not doing and singing, I’m not doing any dancing. I’m doing Eastwood, Bronson, I’m doing what John Wayne did. All these guys made great movies. And none of them died in their movie. I think John Wayne died one time, but the movie was so bad he should have died in it anyway.
Malice: All right, next I want to talk about Mr. Hush Weekend Of Fear. What got you turned on to this show?
Fred: Well you know I like going out and meeting people, meeting my fans. Having people see that I’m pretty close to the characters I portray. I mean in order to be able to kick people’s ass, you gotta look like you can kick people’s ass. You can kick people’s ass on the screen, you got to be able to look like you can do it. I’m in good shape and at any age I’m in damn good shape! So it’s always surprising for people to see me. That’s what I am! I hope will get a real nice crowd, I hope we’ll do that.
Malice: At this point in the interview, I would like to take some time to ask some….”Out-of-Hat” Questions. Football has changed so much over the years. What do you think “The Hammer” from Superbowl 1 could do to the football players of now?
Fred: The players of today couldn’t even make the football team. They couldn’t even make the team 15-20 years ago. Everytime they get a tackle, they get into a fight because “They ain’t supposed to hit me that hard…” Naw, these guys couldn’t even make the team.
Malice: Recently the film Black Dynamite was released. How do you think the hero of that movie would fare against some of the heroes you’ve portrayed?
Fred: No, that doesn’t work for me. Black Dynamite doesn’t work for me. You can’t do a satyr and be taken seriously. He’s supposed to be doing a satyr of the films from the 70’s and that doesn’t work for me. I didn’t like Black Dynamite. Michael J. White can do a better film than that. He has presence, the guy is a good martial artist. The guy is a good actor. There’s no need for him to do a silly movie like that. It was silly. It was a silly movie.
Malice: The vampire you in From Dusk Till Dawn looks like a killing machine. If pitted against Wesley Snipes as Blade, who do you think would win?
Fred: Blade wouldn’t see it coming! That’s all! He would walk through a door and wouldn’t see Frost coming. He’s snap is neck and twist him around before he could even pull out his sword and flash his cape. Wouldn’t see it coming!
Malice: I just want to thank you for sitting down with me today Fred! It has been an honor and a pleasure. Is there anything you would like to add before you go?
Fred: Naw it’s cool, you covered it! It’s cool man.
I hope you all enjoyed the interview. A great man “The Hammer” is indeed! I hope you all keep an eye out for his films, and be sure to check out the original Inglorious Bastards. Also if you are at Mr. Hush Weekend of Fear this weekend be sure to stop by his table and tell him you read the interview here. For more info on Mr. Hush Weekend of Fear click here.
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
P.S Hoping to post this soon, but i actually captured an EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) on the recorder during the interview. I’ll keep you posted…
A New Age of Darkness Begins…Halloween Horror Nights XX: Twenty Years of Fear
For the last Twenty Years, Universal Halloween Horror Nights has terrorized people from all around the world. The event has grown so far from Fright Nights twenty years ago. Even though last year was a low point, this year truly proved why people love HHN. The houses were top notch. The scarezones where the best I have seen yet. Unfortunately this year the shows took a back seat, but we will explore that later. This year I was joined by the lovely Seras Psychotik, and the ever interesting Arnie Freeze! I have so much to touch on, so let’s take the plunge. I had so much fun at the event this year! So it is with great pleasure I bring to you, an Encyclopedia Psychotika Review…
A New Age of Darkness Begins…Halloween Horror Nights XX: Twenty Years of Fear
This years event revolved around the coming of the entity behind the last twenty years of Halloween Horror Nights, FEAR! Fear has ultimately been the one pulling the strings. With all of the icons being meerly his puppets, you really had to wonder what he was going to be like. For weeks they teased with small flashed of him, and pictures of a rather gnarly looking mouth. When he was finally revealed, I have to say it ramped me up for the event ten fold!! Most were ready to write this off as a carbon copy of Sweet 16, but they were proved very wrong. This year wasn’t about the past so much as it was about A New Age of Darkness. If this year is any indication to the direction of the event, I think we will all be very pleased to see what happens.
First I would like to talk about the media for the event this year. That advertisement campaign this year has me with mixed feelings. I have really enjoyed the commercials, and some of the other videos that they have released. However, I was really disappointed with the website this year. They have only really added one point of interactive content. No back stories, no tie in’s. On the other hand though, they have had some other really cool content in exclusive pictures, interviews, video, etc… so I can’t really say that I don’t like it. I guess I would just like to see more story development than what was given. I’ll let you decide though. Below I have collected some rather interesting videos. The first three are the teasers for Fear. Following those is the media teaser video and the commercial. Enjoy:
Starting into the event, I was pretty jazzed up! I didn’t get to go last year, and this time away from HHN was far to long. I was really intrigued, and couldn’t wait to get in the doors. The archway wasn’t as dressed as it could have been. At night it looked better, but let’s face it the majority isn’t going to see it at night. I want it to look good going in the day when I’m going in, and leave me a strange feeling of foreboding (like I’m going to die!) But, I’m not going to hinge the entire event based on whats outside. They did have the video screen in the arch this year. I have it for you below in its original format as it appeared on the website:
Once we got through that arch, (Took a while being heckled by security. I swear I’ll have my annual passes next year!) we were met by the all to familiar clouds of fog and the Chainsaw Drill Team. In the past I generally over look these guys. Never made sense having a “Drill Team” that wasn’t army fatigued. I got my wish this year. They were marched in front ans center and directed to unleash hell right in front of the Universal Store. It was so fun seeing people scatter! I forgot how good it felt seeing the look of terror on other people’s faces once they see a group of twelve chainsaw-weilding-maniacs disperse in a crowd. This was a good beginning to an epic night.
I’m going to get a little less linear now while jumping into the houses and zones. Instead of discussing them in order of experience, I want to give them in order of bottom to best. Now, keep in mind, just because a house or zone is ranked last, doesn’t mean it was bad! Every house and zone this year has a very well designed, and nicely thought out! That being said let’s start with the Scarezones:
Scarezones
6) Esqueleto Muerte- I think my expectations were just to high for this one! All the things I had read leading to our trip told of how much of a cool party type zone this was. Then when I got to it, yeah the glowing effect was cool, and the costumes were great but it wasn’t party at all. Maybe they tried making it scarier and went the wrong direction. I will give the Scareactors credit, I did se them handing out a few jumps and screams. They looked very creepy, but in a cool sort of way. The overall design was amazing with the theme being a black-light Day of the Dead motif (sort of making it a Night of the Dead?) At any rate it was very cool to look at, and with the scares being abundant, it wasn’t the worst ever, I just think it could have been better. ((The design team get’s an extra nod for originality))
5) The Coven– I actually liked this zone more than I thought I would. Most zones in the Shreck Ally have been known to fall short for me (with the Exception of Blood Masquerade in 06′). The main theming was that of a small witch coven. The area was rather simplistic. You had a nice mixture of old-lady-hag witches and eye-candy witches. Each end had a pilgrim tied up and burning at the stake. I really liked this effect. While were passing through you had one that was playing the suffering victim straight forward. Then at the opposite end closer to the Wyndot Estate, you had a rather comedic pilgrim. I wish i could upload our footage, he was a laugh riot. The main scares were from the two little huts they had in the zone. Taking a page from the old Mole people scare back in 05′, you had these little huts. How they catch you is they had a sheet over the front of the hut, making you think it was more a mound than anything. Then at random timing, and old-hag witch would come screaming out of one of those things like a bat out of hell!! I unfortunately was right in front of one when this happened, and had to jump out-of-the-way! The effect got me and like 5 people around me so Ku-Do to them. The whole zone was finished off decoratively wise with a glowey obelisk in the middle of it. (It was glowing green when we walked up on it, Seras thought we were on Krypton!)
4) HHN: 20 Years of Fear- This zone kicked off the night just right! This zone was the perfect dream for any HHN enthusiast. The coolest thing is walking through and trying to pick out where you know certain props from. The Scareactors in the zone were pretty awesome. You had your all-stars from 16 and a few others from other years. They all utilized the area very well. The Chucky darted out between the props for some good scares. The best ones in the area though are the ones next to the HHN15 banners toward Fear Revealed. Neither one will you really see until it’s too late, they blend in that well! I would also like to note the freak out I got in the area. As you walk into the zone there is what looks like a Crypt Keeper mannequin in a chair. Well I thought it was a mannequin until it started walking next to me. I really wish I could have caught him scaring somebody, because he was so convincing he could have un-nerved the manliest of men!!
3) Zombie Gras- When I first read about this zone, I got giddy! I have a short story I have been working on that is pretty close to the sights seen in this area. If you ever been to Mardi Gras and thought, “You know…this event is pretty cool! But you know what? If we only had some zombies…” The Scareactors were very energetic and were in abundance. The main piece in the zone, is a Mardi Gras float with a sole survivor tossing out beads. Beware! While you may think he is tossing you a free prize, realize not all free things come without consequence. Here’s a hint: Zombies like shiny beads! This gave me some pretty good laughs throughout the night. You have no idea how fun it was seeing hapless saps get lulled into a false sense of security by the promise of Mardi Gras beads. Just to run to get them and find themselves face to face with a flesh-eating monster! Definitely the best Zombie zone they have done to date.
2) Saws N’ Steam- I really thought creative dropped the ball by putting this into Sting Ally. I mea, how on earth could you ever hope to have a good scarezone in such a small area. Let be the first to say I was proved wrong! This was the best as far as scares go. From the menacing leader of people of New Yorkshire to the people getting chopped in the ally ways…it just never stopped. Going through the zone really was like going through a gauntlet. Let me also tell you that if you dwell in the area to long, you will get wet! The chainsaw people in the area are pretty aggressive too. Expect more out of them than The Chainsaw Drill Team! It’s almost like going through a short house is the best way to describe it.
1) Fear Revealed- Why did this area get my number one? It was freakin’ awesome that’s why!! I literally spent all together 45 minuets in this area through out the event and could have spent more. The Icons never break character, not even for a second! (Trust me I tried!!) The little picture areas were a nice touch as well. I wish i could have gotten some more pictures of those. You could even walk over and sit down in them for photo-ops. Was it scary? No! Was it so cool that it made me totally geek out and act like a kid in a candy store? Yes Yes Yes YES!!! Fear was also very photogenic. I have to give the guy credit, it is impossible for him to not have an epic picture. I sort of wish there would have been an arrival show, but this area more than made up for the lack of one. If you know anything about the last 10 years of HHN, you will really enjoy this zone. Bring your camera’s. You won’t regret it.
Houses
As awesome as the scarezones were this year, (The best yet in my opinion!) they were still just the icing on the cake for the houses! The houses this year were fantastic. Not much wrong with most of them. A real good bounce back from last year (or so I have heard). Let’s dig in…
8) HAVOC: Dogs of War- This was my least favorite of the night for several reasons. First off the story was terrible. If you hadn’t looked in the map description you would really have no clue as to what this house was about. There was experimentation, that much is true apparent! Other than that just a series of roided out, bald freaks screaming at you. I’m afraid of UFC fighters like the next guy, but not something I want in my houses. Next big problem is the amount of hanging wires! It was like being walked though a room of naughty tentacles in about every room leading out of the houses. It was like being in a Japanese porn! I half expected them to spring to life and start having their way with some (It would have been an improvement, and at the very least more entertaining!) The hanging wires are really what ruined it for me. Just as you get into a few good scenes in the house, that’s when they hit you. The worst part is they start getting more frequent as you head for the exit!! Universal typically always has a stinker, this one was doomed to be it! I will say that the facade going in was really cool, and the overall theming of the house was that of a mad science lab gone terribly wrong. The gun turret on top of the house was a nice touch. I couldn’t imagine having to stand there for hours on end to make it in. That thing really does start to grate your nerves. As you get closer though, you realize what a great effect it really is. Point made if you don’t think you can make this house, don’t worry you aren’t missing much. It certainly won’t be your…..White Buffalo….(the one that got away)….
7) The Orfanage: Ashes to Ashes- Our first house of the night came in the form of this one. It was very cool getting to see Cindy get some proper treatment in the form of her own house. I will tell you that there are only a few scenes that will really knock your socks of, but the presence of this house is what gets you. The realistically give you the feeling of trying to escape a burning building all the while being haunted by the ever sadistic Cindy Cain! The story you get the feel for is that some how The Caretakers daughter didn’t die all those years ago. More she was sent to an Orphanage, and things didn’t go well. There is a very cool scene toward the beginning where you see little Cindy writing “Do on to others…” on a chalk board. As you pass there is a black light effect that makes words look like they are bleeding. The other scenes involve other children trapped in beds, or in cages while they slowly roast. It is also noteworthy that in these scenes if you’re not careful you will get a surprise from our little demented orphan! The final scene you walk through gives you a pretty “heated” experience, as you are exposed to some real flame to give you one last jump! The house is definitely a good starter if you want to heat things up…you know light your fire….help you feel the burn…OK I’ll stop!
6) PsychoScareapy: Echoes of Shadybrook- If you have been to HHN any number of years from 13 on up, you might have happened across a PsychoScareapy. The Shadybrook has made itself pretty infamous in its previous three incarnations. If you have been to the others I will tell you it has pieces from the other three. It’s not as intense as the original, or as treacherous as Maximun Madness, and it’s definitely not as fun-loving as Home for the Holidays. However, this one does carve out a pretty interesting legacy on its own. The facade you are met with is of course the iconic Shadybrook Asylum all boarded up and falling apart. As you go through the corridors some rather familiar faces are there to greet you again, only this time they are more twisted, and seem to be more blood thirsty! If you listen carefully through some sections you can hear the oh to familiar calming music playing distorted over the disintegrating PA. Some good scenes include some electro-shock therapy, and a caged corridor with many rows of hands…but which ones are real? It made for a very interesting experience, the only thing I could have asked for was more! It would have been nice to have more, maybe a revisit to the good ol’ poo room! I could have maybe asked for a Jack the Clown reference somewhere, but i sort of get why they didn’t…
5) Legendary Truth: The Wyandot Estate- So have you ever wondered what it would be like to go on a paranormal investigation where your provoking has gone a bit too far? Then this is the house for you! The premise of this house is a new invention for drawing out paranormal activity has been put into action…and you get to try it out! This particular house was home to some rather cool effects. Very ahead of itself this house was! The ghoulish glowy faced ghosts were a nice touch. especially when you realize the face is doing a sort of black light glow…and there are no black lights!! A few things to mention is a floating spectre on a wall (I really just couldn’t figure this effect out!), a hologram of the Storyteller that is über realistic, and living furniture! Man, that living furniture will get you eveytime! The distraction to that room is what get’s you. The room with it in there seems pretty normal except a ghost sitting in the corner. Well while you are busy watching him, a freakin’ chair scares you!! The house just has a very creepy feeling to it, and paints a pretty good story. I really can only hope they move forward with the tech in this house!
4) Catacombs: Black Death Rising- If there was an under-dog of the night, it was this house! I really wasn’t expecting much. Most people already discounted the house, said it wasn’t much to see. I wasn’t going to listen to that though, as I used to have a fascination with the Black Death. The story telling at the beginning was a great mood setter. I also enjoyed the accuracy of the Doctor outfits. It only added to the awesomeness when Arnie Freeze pointed out that they looked like Spy Vs. Spy. The house actually provided me with a couple of scares. The best one out of all of them was a three-way scare in the middle of the house. As you walk through a hallway, there is a archaeologist hung upside down twitching back and forth. As you look up one of the doctors takes the opportunity to catch you as your gaze comes down. Seconds after this a Black Death zombie rushes out of a grave hole, and then to end it all another Doctor comes out at you. This house also get’s awesome points because of the Doctor that tipped his hat to me on the way out (I was wearing my Top Hat).
3) Hades: Gates of Ruin- I will always love all things that have to do with Greek Mythology. That being said, I’m also very particular to the point where things have to be perfect. This was a the perfect Mythology house! You couldn’t take a step without their being a scareactor there to catch you. It was very nice how all of the scareactors were very camouflaged. Very nice effects!! One of the best characters was Medusa. That slippery-slithery Gorgon made even the steeleist of manly men crumble at the sight of her! She even sets a nice little trap. After the first main room, you pass into a room with a cut out section in the wall. In this section, Medusa’s head hangs and you think. “Ha, Perseus got that bitch!!” Well you find out exactly how wrong you are when a red strobe activates, the floor buzzes, and she jumps out of that hole for one last horrah!! My next favorite character was the Minotaur. The atmosphere that thing could set just staring you down, get’s you wired! I also want to add one of the parts that made the three of us jump unexpectedly. One of the last rooms we passed had holes in all of the walls. I kept thinking to myself, “I’ve seen all of the worst things mythology has to offer, must be a repeat or something…” Well apparently the Lizard from Spider-Man was a greek myth, because he jumped out of one of those holes and gave us a good shock!!! The only thing I think we missed in the house was Hades on his throne. I saw it there, I just didn’t catch him. If it was anything like the picture that house painted, I’m sure it was epic!
2) Zombiegeddon– This house almost got my number one spot. It definitely has a secured spot in my top 5 ever! I really went into this thinking it as going to be purely slap stick. I was pleasantly surprised to find a mixture of straight forward fear and goofy slap stick humor. As you enter you are met with the signs for Z.A.P. (Zombie Awareness Program) These guys don’t just kick zombie ass. They teach YOU to kick zombie ass! From there you enter a room with a specimen zombie tied up at a cash register with an arsenal of weapons on the wall. Here on out you enter a survival simulator. First lesson, No Mercy! What would it be like to walk into a nursery with an infected zombie baby? You find out here! I think from there you have about 2 more scenes of humor, then that’s when you here it (and see it!) Something smashes into the complex and causes a big disruption in this places harmony! The Zombies are let loose and are infecting the other survivors. The house takes a dramatic twist at this point, going from happy-go-lucky to pretty damn intense at moments! The first room to remind you of this is a containment room where all the zombies are pulling at chain link fences, letting you know incase you forgot that there are plenty of specimens! Most rooms you have the typical zombie is trapped behind something but bangs on shit to freak you out. One of the best freak out moments is in the room with the vehicle that started all the trouble. It’s a pretty wide open room with at least 5 undead in it, and the way they cam at us! Just Wow!!! I give this house an A for Awesome story telling. Of all the houses I have ever put under my belt, never has a house told a story, and in such perfect detail. From survival to shit storm in 2 seconds! I love it!
1) Horror Nights: The Hallowed Past- At last we have arrived at the best house of the night! Why was this one the best you might ask? This house took everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING I love about HHN and rolled into one big fat house! My only regret was this house wasn’t longer! You enter the madness by walking into the prop warehouse. From here you are allowed to journey through twenty years of props and banners. You could spend all day in these opening scenes and still not see and appreciate everything! Then seamlessly you enter a trip down memory lane. The house takes some of the best scenes from Horror Nights past and puts them into action. They replicate these rooms flawlessly. There were moments I honestly had to double take and wonder what year it was. It’s amazing how somehow they could manage to call up not just all the memories from the house, but the memories from that year!! Scenes used were Alice is Wonderland (Scary Tales III, HHN18), Dead Exposure (HHN18), S.S. Frightanic (HHN8), Body Collectors: Collections of the Past (HHN18), what appeared to be Silver Screams (HHN19), and definitely Horror Nights Nightmares (HHN14). Now could I have picked some better scenes? Yes, I would have traded Dead Exposure for something from The Thing or at something from Sweet 16. But, the way they evoked those memories was still too cool to discount the whole house. It gave you the terrible feeling of trying to remember all of those houses you have ever been in and then thinking “God, what will they do next!!?” Then you end up exiting through the Prop Warehouse, which comes as a perfect end to the perfect storm. If you are worried about not having experienced the houses the scenes are from, don’t fret. They are still really good scenes, and you get a small taste of what you missed. And if that is what you missed, think about whats next in this New Age of Darkness…..
So, with the meat and the potatoes discussed, let’s get to the slim pickings…the shows. The last 3 years the shows have sort of taken a back seat. The only two shows they have this year are Bill and Ted and Brian Brushwood. I won’t be able to review Brian Brushwood for you, but I can tell you I saw his act back in 07′ and it wasn’t impressive. From what I understood from other guests walking around the park that night, he hasn’t gotten any better. If you have to choose between a house or even Bill and Ted over Menace or Malice…don’t choose him! (By the way how dare he use Malice! There is only one Malice worth seeing and that is me baby!!) That being said here is my thoughts on Bill and Ted…
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween Adventure- First I have to say there wasn’t much to work with this year as far as hit movies go and other pop culture. (There was more than what they used, but I’m guessing that there were some other legalities) But to their credit they did good with what they had. The stage was totally redesigned for the event. Some topics you see parodied include: Iron Man 2, Doctor Who, Twilight: Eclipse, Jersey Shore, Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga, The Last Airbender, Toy Story 3, Katy Perry, Seaseme Street (not what your thinking, funnier), Lost, Sorcerers Apprentice, BP Oil Spill, and even Antione Dodson!!!! I’m sure there are a few more that I’m overlooking, but hey be surprised. There is even an old villain revisited (A villain that this show has beaten to DEATH!!!) Not the worst show, but definitely not the best. It’s worth seeing if you have time…
Where do I stand on HHNXX? It is defiantly one of the best years I have been to! If you haven’t gone this year, you need to. The event was crazy funny, and a nice homecoming for me and my group. I could have went back at least 3 more times and been happy. I hope you have all enjoyed the review, and if you go I hope you find it helpful! That’s all for tonight Darlings….stay tuned for more to come this month…Hint: Mr. Hush Weekend of Fear is right around the corner…
Until Next Time, My Freaky Darlings,
Malice Psychotik
It’s time…
So today is the day. I can hardly contain myself! Halloween Horror Nights: Twenty Years of Fear. It’s been far to long, but I’m more than ready. I hope you all enjoyed my retro reviews. The next review is going to be all-inclusive and super detailed, so get ready for it. Right now I would like to make my predictions for houses and scarezones. This way everyone can see the comparison…
Houses
1) Gates of Hades
2) Horror Nights: Hollowed Past
3) Psychoscarepy: Echoes of the Past
4) Zombiegeddon
5) The Orphanage: Ashes to Ashes
6) Catacombs: Black Death Rising
7) Legendary Truth: The Wyndot Estate
8) Havoc: Dogs of War
Scarezones
1) Zombie Gras
2) 20 Years of Fear
3) Saw’s N Steam
4) Esqueleto Muerte
5) The Coven
6) Fear Revealed XX
So that’s my predictions. We will see how on I am! I hope HHN is ready for Malice Psychotik. FEAR asks who will face him….I WILL FACE YOU FEAR!! I AM READY!! BUT IS FEAR READY TO FACE MALICE!!! TOMORROW WILL TELL!! MALICE VS. FEAR…..PLACE YOUR BETS!!!
Encyclopedia Psychotika 