Dollar Bin Horror Spotlight:Blockade Billy

By Eric Polk of http://anotherdescentinto.blogspot.com


So how does the master of horror, Stephen King, follow-up last year's monstrosity Under The Dome? He (gasps) simplifies with the 132-page novella, Blockade Billy. Blockade Billy is actually two short stories, the title tale followed by "Morality."

In the first story, William "Blockade" Blakely is called up to play catcher for the fictious New Jersey Titans of the American League. As told from the point of view of their former third base coach to Mr. King , the legend begins with Mr. Blakely laying the smackdown on a diving Boston Red Sox player.

From there, the Titan faithful cheer and an instant star is born. Of course, there is something not right about this too-good-to-be-true prospect. What that is I won't tell you:-)

Overall, Blockade Billy is an ok story. The majority of this fable takes place in 1958 which is fine by me, I enjoy stories set in earlier times. The thing I had a problem with was the plausibilty of the twist. It just doesn't quite ring true to me but then again it is told by an older gentleman.

7.5/10

In Morality, Chad and Nora Callahan are suffering from financial difficulties brought on by lack of employment and low-paying jobs. As luck would have it, Nora, working for a stroke victim by the name of Reverend Winston, is offered $200,ooo by the rev to commit a certain sin.

This tale is sinister, very sinister. This really is the study of Nora as she descents into steaming cauldron of greed, sex, and lust. Very powerful tale, very believable.

8.5/10

Remembering The King, Michael Jackson

On the one year anniversary of the the death of one of my favorite singers of ALL TIME, I'd like to share one of my favorite videos of his....Ghosts (Co-Written by Stephen King) in it's entirety (39 minutes)

Dollar Bin Horror Spotlight - Confessions of a Scream Queen by Matt Beckoff (Book Review)

In Confessions of a Scream Queen, writer Matt Beckoff interviews fifteen legendary 'Ladies of Horror.' Spanning over nine decades of cinema, Confessions is filled with entertaining and informative recollections and personal insights about Hollywood's best-loved horror films. Included are some rare and never before seen pictures.

This book is a must have for any fan of women in the horror genre. Matt sits down and talks so some of the most influential women in the genre, and when they talk, you want to listen. Most of the interviews surround how these women became the scream queens they are today and fond memories of their careers. Karen Black, Ingrid Pitt, and Jessica Harper are just a few of the amazing names in this collection of interviews. The images are very impressive and some of them are exclusive to this book. They really show the change in the genre as the years progressed and the differences in the generations of women in horror. The only complaint I had about the book was there wasn't a lot of incites to what happened behind the scenes of some of these ladies' biggest films. I would have loved to get the scoop on how it was working on some of those sets. Other than that, this book is a great, fun, and easy read that every self respecting horror fan should at least check out. You can find out more at Matt's facebook HERE!

Dollar Bin Film: Drive-In Massacre

By: Brandon Sites (http://www.bigdaddyhorrorreviews.com/)

"On August 19th in California Drive-In the senseless killings began."
The opening sequence involving a couple sitting in their parked car in a drive in is promising. Hinting at what might be a fun little film. Unfortunately the film runs out of steam afterwards shifting it's focus onto police procedural. The makers of this could have had a field day with the material finding clever ways to send up cliches of drive-ins, but they don't. The film just drags along from one scene to another as the police investigate who might be guilty party with a poorly done murder sequence thrown in every once in a while. Where is the sense of fun? Where is the sense of humor? Where is the massacre? Where is the feeling of nostalgia involving drive-ins? It isn't anywhere to be found here, that's for sure!

Dollar Bin Film - Savage Vengeance (AKA I Spit On Your Grave 2)

By: Brandon Sites ( http://www.bigdaddyhorrorreviews.com/ )

Camille Keaton hiding behind the name Vickie Kehl and with good reason stars as a woman who is repeatedly raped by men. Angry and frusrated she takes revenge into her own hands with a chainsaw. This is a curio for some for sure, but there is a reason why this film has been so out of the public spotlight and even Keaton will not talk about this film.

First off, the men who keep on raping Keaton don't even need to take off their clothes or unzip. They are really guilty of brutually dry humping her! Oh my, the horror of being dry humped! Second, the chainsaw sound effects are completely out of sync. Third, the special effects are completely worthless. The word special in special effects should not even be implied as there is absolutely nothing special about this film. As for the picture quality, even in the VHS format (yes, this is available on DVD under the title I Will Dance On Your Grave: Savage Vengeance), ......well let's just say that most of the porn films of that era looked better then this. At a scant 65 mins., you can really feel the padding on this one.

As a kid, the cover art is what drew me into this film. Unfortunately, I have had the pleasure of seeing this film on more then one occassion. I am here to tell you now, hold onto your hard earned dollar. If you choose to ignore this advice, don't say you haven't been warned.

Dollar Bin Horror Spotlight:Desperation

By Eric Polk of http://anotherdescentinto.blogspot.com/

What more can be said about the master of the modern horror novel, Stephen King, that hasn't already been said. Since the release of Carrie way back in 1974, Mr. King has gone on to write over 40 novels, all best-sellers. His books have been the basis for countless films, t.v.shows, etc. Personally, Mr. King did the best thing he could do for me, inspire me to write my own stories.

1996's Desperation was written at the peak of his literary powers. It takes place along the desolate Highway 50 in Nevada. Several people are abducted by one Collie Entragian, the deputy of the fictional mining town of Desperation. Entragian uses various pretexts for his abductions, from an arrest for drug possession to “rescuing” a family from a nonexistent gunman.

The captives quickly realize that something is wrong with Entragian, as his bizarre statements and mannerisms soon escalate to brutal assaults and murder. They come to understand that he is possessed by an ancient evil, a supernatural entity that calls itself Tak, which had been imprisoned in an old abandoned mineshaft until recent activity by a local mining company unearthed it. Tak has the ability to control the local desert wildlife, such as buzzards, snakes, spiders, scorpions, and coyotes, and can also take more direct control of human hosts, though such manifestation causes rapid deterioration of the host's body. As such, Tak needs to frequently find new hosts to inhabit in order to travel outside the ini, a well in an underground chamber and Tak’s entryway into this world.

Among the travelers is a boy named David Carver, who is able to commune with and receive guidance from God; in addition, he is able to perform Christ-like miracles such as producing sufficient food for a large number of people from a very small amount.

As the survivors eventually manage to escape the clutches of Entragian/Tak, their first inclination is to escape Desperation, until David reveals that it is God's will that they confront Tak and seal it in again.

Many writers at some point in their lives tackle the oft-maligned subject of religion. To his credit, Mr.King puts a balanced spin on God. He's cruel yet kind. Perfect. The rest of the story is classic King. The settings, the characters, the monsters are all richly developed and nunanced as well they should be from him.

Of course,he does get a bit long-winded especially during the scenes when the Magnificent Seven are chilling in an old theater, but other than that, this is King at his best. 8/10

Dollar Bin Film:Who Saw Her Die

By Eric Polk of http://anotherdescentinto.blogspot.com/

I am a huge fan of the Italian giallo genre. Basically, it is a highly-stylized kind of film featuring bloody kill sequences, glamorous camerashots, and odd musical scores. The giallo is the foundation to which all slasher films have been laid. With 1972's Who Saw Her Die, we see this genre in its robust, if not confused glory.

Featuring George Lazenby(you know, the one-time-at-bat James Bond?...maybe not) and directed by Aldo Lado, Who Saw Her Die takes place in and around the canals of Venice in 1971. The daughter of a well-known sculptor is murdered. As her father(Lazenby) and his wife investigate, the murder piles on the body count with some rather unoriginal deaths(Garrote to the neck in a porn theater, stab to the gut with a pair of scissors, snowball to the head, how medically it was possible I have no idea).

Turns out the killer struck back in 1966 in the snow-covered mountains of France where a young girl gets beaned by said snowball.(Huh?) The race is on to find the killer and along the way we see t-n-a o'plenty plus just general absurdity you come to expect from a European horror film. You need to pay close attention to whodunit as Who Saw Her Die will leave you shaking your head and rewinding the film again just so it makes some sort of sense.

If you like your horror mainstream, to the point, this is not the film for you. On the other hand, if you care to delve into this somewhat obscure genre featuring a once-promising actor doing what he can to survive then gives this a spin.

7/10

Splurge of the Week - The Mutilator

By: Brandon Sites (http://www.bigdaddyhorrorreviews.com/2010/01/mutilator.html)

"By Sword, By Pick, By Axe, Bye Bye"

The Mutilator (aka Fall Break) is one of the slashers of the VHS era whose cover work always stood out in my mind. The plot is pretty simple. A young college guy invites his friends to his father's beach condo to close it up for the winter. Dear old dad though has never forgiven his son for accidential death of his wife so he plans on seeking revenge on his son by finding various creative ways to kill his friends and ultimately his son.

The Mutilator is one of those films that I have a fond spot for in my heart. It is cheesy as all get out. The song Fall Break that plays over the opening credits is a laugh riot. The characters are goofy and stupid with the film's dialogue and situations rather ridiculous at times. However, that is all part of the film's charm. It gives it an endearing quality. That along with some extreme scenes of gore in which the characters are rather brutally killed off in some downright disturbing scenes of violence contrasted against the film's lighter moments truly capture the essence of the teen comedy and 80's slasher all in one package.

Director Buddy Cooper and the cast seem to be having a real whale of a time making this film and that sense of fun and pleasure that they have by being involved in this project comes across on screen. Can I recommand it whole heartedly? No, the production values and acting are not up to par with the general standards of professionalism. However, this is one fun, entertaining film that truly knows how to keep the audience amused and I'll take that over dispassionate or cold filmmaking that is incredibly well done any day.

"The Zombie Boutique" Interview and The Prettiest CONTEST you ever did see!

Recently I had the pleasure to talk to Bettie Zombiee, the creator and artist behind the fabulous "The Zombie Boutique". Her one of a kind pieces of wearable art art absolutely gorgeous and well made. It's a place where you can find a variety of Vintage, Kitchy, Rockabilly, Psychobilly,Punk & Horror Inspired Handmade Jewelry & Accessories , and Fashion Accessories. With necklaces, rings, glasses, and so much more, there is definitely something for everyone's taste in her store (and if not, she does custom orders!)

Q: How and when did you get started making art?

A: I've been making Jewelry since i was about 12 years old, but as a business since 2000.

Q: What and/or who are your biggest inspirations?

A: My Inspirations, are usually anything Horror, Rockabilly & Psychobilly Styles, Vintage 20's-60's, Kitchy decor,Punk Rock, Shiny things, Sparkles & Gems, & out of the ordinary!

Q: What are your favorite pieces?

A: wow... thats really hard to pick, because i really like alot of the stuff that i make, otherwise i wouldn't make it .. but i would say My Huge Day of the dead Brooches, that are completely handmade and painted, they take me a few days to finish and a lot of work, but i have had many happy customers with that piece!

Q: Where can we learn more about you and where can people buy your amazing art?

A: You can search on Facebook, for The Zombie Boutique,where you can gander at and purchase my whole range of creations, from earrings,rings,necklace's,charm bracelets,hair accessories,wallets,belt buckles & more! also Facebook is the best way to see the weekly new creations being posted all the time! or you can check us out on our New *still under construction* website/store at www.thezombieboutique.bigcartel.com/

And now for the CONTEST!!! Bettie Zombiee has been kind enough to supply one of her Cameo rings for one luck DBH winner!!!
These rings are beautiful, large, and 100% HAND MADE! They come in many colors and would be a great gift for the special girl in your life (or for yourself, ain't no shame in that game!)

So what do you have to do you ask? EASY! Just go to the Zombie Boutique's Facebook (CLICK HERE) or site (CLICK HERE) then come back to this post and leave a comment, letting me know your favorite Item!!! Leave your name and email in the comment as well. THAT'S IT!!!!! The winner will be picked randomly out of all the entries on June 30th, so GOOD LUCK!!!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY PART 2 OF 2

By Eric Polk of http://anotherdescentinto.blogspot.com

Here's Part 2...What a reason for revenge! I bet Milton Waddams of Office Space would be proud

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY PART 1 OF 2

By Eric Polk of http://anotherdescentinto.blogspot.com/

Happy Father's Day. What better way to tell your dad you love them then with the opening story from 1982's Creepshow...Enjoy!