Fey Spirit

Halloween Party 2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:02:16 GMT

The party was a huge success.
Apparently people where Deb works are still talking about the food...
One of these days I'm going to learn how to do more for a party then make good food, but I'm so far off of what most "grown ups" consider fun that I never seem to know what to do on for party games and the like.

Been slacking on the movie front - got on a Voyager kick and I've been watching that instead.
Going to try to fix that tonight by watching the Innocents.
Saw Trick R Treat and Stay the night of my party... Stay sucked but Trick R Treat was pretty cool. Not as cool as the hype would lead you to believe - but cool.

Halloween 2009 Continues

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:59:09 GMT

We've watched a couple of good flicks in the last few days - one of which I just reviewed.
We went on a Halloween Scavenger Hunt (more on that later), delivered Halloween Party invites, eaten good food. (Check out fey_cooks), went on the Old Louisville Haunted Bus tour.

In short it's been good Halloween fun all around =)
We also decided to see if we could find a couple of good Halloweenesque Voyager episodes because I was jonsing for a Janeway fix and we decided on Night from Season 5.

Now I just need to get the place cleaned up, decorate and create a cooking list.

Halloween Party Plan:

Monday: Buy a crown for my costume & Create the menu
Tuesday: Clean up the house
Wednesday: Decorate & Shop
Thursday: Make any of the food that can be done ahead
Friday: Last Minute Details

Seance

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:28:42 GMT

Séance

Movie Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: Bored college kids summon more trouble then they can handle.

minerva_fan Says: "No… no… uh nope… not going to watch this next year either – too creepy for me.”

Net FlixSynopsis: Dorm life comes with a twist for coed Lauren (Kandis Erickson) and her roommate: The mischievous ghost of a little girl haunts their room. But their decision to hold an impromptu séance to get rid of the spirit only serves to awaken a far more malevolent presence. Now, the ghost of a demented killer stalks the halls determined to continue his murderous work. Director Mark L. Smith also penned the script for this chilling slasher flick.

My Synopsis: Just when you thought it was safe to turn the lights on…

What I love best about this movie is the number of horror clichés it turns upside down.
In most flicks of this sort the trick is to stay in the light – in Séance the light’s a killer. In most horror flicks you get either a straight guts and gore or somewhat safe flick from start to finish – Séance lures you into a false sense of security and then smacks you upside the head towards the end. Another bonus? They don’t commit the same number of bonehead maneuvers as most characters in a horror flick – which makes this scarier because it’s so much closer to real.

This movie is cliché on many levels, somewhat stupid at times, extremely low budget… and yet it works. It is creepy, moderately intense and hosts some of the best one liners I’ve heard yet this season.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The scene where you realize the girl is going to get in trouble with the law for what went on inside. It’s so nice to see a horror film be realistic about what happens in the aftermath.

I really loved anything with the little girl in it. She managed to be creepy and yet cute and sweet and sad all at the same time.

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Anyone into body count movies who doesn’t mind a low budget done well.

Séance is straight forward, a simple body count story told well.

Still Running Behind

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:56:14 GMT

You know the weirdest thing has happened since I started trying to blog all of this... something that has never really happened to me before - I seem to have gotten a real life... and now I am having a hard time finding time to blog... please bear with me.

In view of this new life of mine - I am going to limit my full reviews to those movies that I actually liked =)

The Ninth (the day we're up to now) was a great deal for Halloween fun...
We actually ended up going to see Abbot and Costello meets Frankenstein at our local restored State Theater... it was really kind of cool - and it kept minerva_fan squeeing all night.

The movies:

From Within

Skeleton Key - This movie was really intense the first time, but it seems that once all of it's secrets have been revealed (after the first watching) it's actually kind of dull. With exactly 2 characters I found truly likable - 1 of whom we see for a grand total of 5 minutes and the other is primarily non verbal due to a stroke.

The Meal
This meal had nothing to do with the movies - I needed something quick and easy.

Please excuse the under construction nature of fey_cooks but I wanted to get these recipes to you and I haven't had a chance to finish building yet.

Bagels w Salmon w Egg Baskets

Egg Baskets
Home Baked Bagels

From Within

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:59:22 GMT

From Within

Movie Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: From Within is a chilling, tale of what happens when everyone wants an eye for an eye… when religion (whether Christian or Wiccan) becomes an excuse for vengeance.

minerva_fan Says: "This is one of the best horror movies I have ever seen.”

Amazon Synopsis: When a rash of mysterious suicides strikes the idyllic burg of Grovetown, it galvanizes the faith of the largely Christian community, which staunchly clings to its evangelical beliefs. Convinced that the deaths are the work of something far more sinister than sheer fate, teenagers Lindsay (Elizabeth Rice) and Aidan (Thomas Dekker) band together to unearth the real culprits … and uncover a shocking revelation.

My Synopsis: An eye for an eye and the whole world ends up blind.

I really like this movie – it might be a bit slow for some folks… there isn’t a lot of action in the modern sense of the term. There is limited gore – most of the horror in this movie comes from the slow sense of suspense that it builds. And from the philosophical questions that it brings up.

The visuals are beautiful and despite myself I am still madly in love with Sadie (and love the somewhat subtexty hints that our dear Sadie might prefer ladies.)

There’s even a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming – one that really pushes those question of right, wrong, and is vengeance ever acceptable into play.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The scene at the end of the movie when it pans over the entire town – all of them dead.

When Dylan shoots Aiden – I love this solely because of the detail – Aiden fell in such a way that I knew Aiden hadn’t shot himself – I love the detail.

The scene where Lindsey first meets Sadie

The scene where Lindsey’s mom cacks it – I hated that bitch.

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Those who are looking for at least a veneer of philosophy and depth in their horror movies

From Within wont be for everyone – and that’s ok, it’s not trying to be.
It will however, appeal to those who crave stories that look at the world in a different way, and who believe that horror movies should be about more then clear cut good and evil, simple morality and lots of action and gore.

Two Days Late

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 15:36:46 GMT

Let's talk about the 7th... we didn't do anything Halloween at all we even missed Eastwick. Deb came home and we drove up to Louisville and had dinner at Erica's German Resturant - which I have been craving for weeks.

The 8th - I will give you cliff notes on, and then I will go back to my regular posting scheduale later tonight (and post yesterday for you guys).

The Movies:

Final Destination - One of my favorite flicks in this genre - and without a doubt my favorite of the 3.. or should I say 4. Tony Todd is hot as death... "That's one mack daddy you do not want to fuck with." And I loved the entire concept - one of Deb's favorite horror concepts as well. Clear without a doubt is one of my all time favorite scream queen characters.

Eastwick - Ok this is not a movie - but we downloaded the episode off of ABC because frankly we can't stand to miss it at this point - and actually love it more then Sons of Anarchy. Charmed meets Desperate Housewives, with just a pinch of Practical Magic thrown in for fun.

The Menu: I did a french menu in honor of the kids going to France in Final Destination.

French Baggutes
French Oinion Soup

Creamy Basil Pasta

Milk and Dark Chocolate Cake

Because Halloween is a Great Time to Fuck With Your Head

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:34:05 GMT

We got drunk bubba put up yesterday – true to form the first time I went out to check on him he was laying flat on his back staring up at the sky. (I’ll put all of our decoration pictures up at once.)

One of the best things about last night was watching the special features attached to Dark City.

It amazes me how intelligent and deep this movie is – and getting a peek into the mind of the guy who put it together was gratifying.

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The Movies

The Death of Ian Stone
Dark City

The Menu:

In honor of the setting of Death of Ian Stone (the streets of London) I bring you: Fish and Chips.

Well that’s the latest installment kiddies – I’ll see you again tomorrow morning.
Happy Haunting boys and ghouls!

*note - If you want to make sure you get the synopsis every day without searching through my LJ, you can track my form my user page using the Tag Halloween 2009 Synopsis. (If you don't know how and you need help just ask.)

Fish & Chips

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:29:59 GMT

2 Cod fillets (I used thick cut white fish)
1 3/4 cup all purpose flour
1 cup Guinness or Ginger Ale
2 tbsp. EVOO
1 egg, beaten
1/3 tbsp. salt
2 tbsp. milk
1 large russet potato
Vinegar or Tartar sauce
6 cups vegetable oil

For Chips:

Pre-heat oven to 350
Cut the potato into thick fries (I use one of those little apple cutters)
Roll in olive oil, and seasoning of your choice (I use garlic and salt)
Pop in oven for 35 minutes
put on broil for 3 minutes to help brown and crisp

You can turn the oven off and keep them in the oven to keep them warm if need be.

For Fish

Start Vegetable Oil to heat up on stove or in fry daddy (heat on medium)
combine 1 cup of flour, 1 egg beaten (this is important as it will make mixing much easier), 1 cup Ginger Ale, and 2 tbs milk to make a batter. If batter still needs to be thinned add more ginger ale.

Dredge fish through regular flour to coat and then dip in the batter, and dredge through flour again before dropping into frier.

Let each plank cook for about 2 minutes - then flip and 2 another two minutes... (time varies according to your cooker.)

For Tartar Sauce:

Mayo
Pickle Relish
Lemon Juice

Mix to your taste and serve alongside the fish.

Dark City

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:21:07 GMT

Dark City: The Director’s Cut

Movie Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: Dark City is a cult classic, and with good reason.

minerva_fan Says: "Is it just me or was Jennifer Connelly in a coma the entire movie?”

Amazon Synopsis: Alex Proyas directs this shadowy sci-fi masterpiece about a man (Rufus Sewell) who awakens to find himself accused of murder in a strange city. Now, he must untangle his jumbled memories while eluding both the police and a woman claiming to be his wife (Jennifer Connelly). This special edition director's cut boasts 11 minutes of new footage, plus commentary from Proyas, screenwriters Lem Dobbs and David S. Goyer and film critic Roger Ebert.

My Synopsis: What happens when you wake up to realize that everything you thought you knew about your life – is a lie?

This movie (which I am sure most of you have seen by now, and if not – why not?) catches hold of your imagination from the first moment John Murdock appears on screen, and doesn’t let go until the closing credits.

Visually – Dark City is one of the most stunning movies I have ever seen, the depth of philosophy and thought that go into this movie is a gift to its audience. The sound is amazing – the characters interesting and capable of provoking a deep sense of familiarity in viewers.

The only true flaw in Dark City is Jennifer Connelly who manages to be so dull she prompted my wife to ask if she was in a comma during filming. She actually managed to make one of my favorite songs Sway Me Now boring.

Despite Connelly’s rather lackluster performance Dark City stands heads and shoulders above the competition – and best of all? It didn’t make the same mistake as it’s most oft heralded counterpoint The Matrix… Dark City stopped while it was still intensely interesting.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The goldfish scene really stands out to me – and I love that Bumstead later asks the same question I asked the first time I saw it… “What kind of a serial killer stops to save a dying goldfish.”

Anything with Bumstead in it – I loved that man

The syringe scene at the end where Schreiber teaches John about the Strangers.

The final battle between John and Mr Book

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Sci Fi fans, those who prefer their movies to make them think.

A deep and intense look into the reality of humanity – not on the outside but on the inside… a film that manages to be a feast for the eyes while making us ponder what it is that makes us distinctly human.

The Death of Ian Stone

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:42:45 GMT

The Death of Ian Stone

Movie Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: This was a solid film with a new spin on an old idea.

minerva_fan Says: "You realize I am never going to be able to pass a stopped clock again without twitching right??”

Amazon Synopsis: On an otherwise ordinary night, the young Ian Stone encounters a mysterious creature and is forced into the path of an oncoming train. Rather than facing certain death, Ian finds himself reborn into a new life that feels strangely familiar. After his second death,it becomes apparent that Ian is being hunted by an evil presence, and will be forced to die every day until he can solve the mystery of his own life.

My Synopsis: What’s not to like about a dark beauty in red leather?

Apparently everything.
Is it wrong that I found our primary antagonist a rather luscious raven haired beauty to be the most attractive female in the movie? Ah well if loving her is wrong…

You can’t help but draw parallels between this movie and Dark City – but the more I ponder the ways they are alike the more I realize how very different these two movies are. While Dark City falls more into Sci Fi, Ian Stone is definitely a solid entry in the horror genre. Where Dark City is deep and intelligent and philosophical, Ian Stone is fast paced, simple enough for any audience to grasp, and a great deal of fun… with maybe just a pinch of philosophy thrown in for good measure.

It’s really hard to say much more about this movie without giving away primary points to the plot – since a great deal of the suspense is in the discovering of who Ian is and what is going on. Given that – watch the movie… then come back and talk to me. =)

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The scene at the end when Ian faced down that Harvester – it gave you the clear feeling that there would be more coming – but our boy was ready to handle anything they threw his way… giving me peace in a happy ending.

The opening scenes with Media who is just HOT

I love the way Ian looks when he transforms – love seems to agree with their type… appearance wise anyway.

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Anyone who likes stories about changing realities, creature lovers, horror fans who like the concept that love conquers all.

If you’re looking for something romantic, fun, kind of creepy and only mildly gory this Halloween season pick up The Death of Ian stone – it offers all the best of a date movie with artistically designed creatures and lots of blood.

Rooting for the Wherewolf

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:36:36 GMT

Yesterday was a bit long… started a new Sims game that revolves around the development of a town built by witches, that’s kind of fun.

Didn’t do much except watch movies in the way of Halloween fun yesterday – but Deb dug out Drunk Bob (Our Scarecrow that we can never get to really stand up so he’s always standing at a funky angle…)

Not much in the way of spooky surprises – but I didn’t get out much either.

One of the best things about last night was making fun of Silver Bullet with Deb.

Seriously we’re hoping that Stephen was going for a spoof – otherwise it is no official, even Stephen can really blow it now and again.

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The Movies

1408
Silver Bullet

The Menu:

Chili Dogs: You can find a great cooking method here.
French Fries, Popcorn, and Butterfingers & M&Ms.

The theme behind the menu? Stephen King – who in an interview said that his favorite thing about going to the movies was the snack bar. I took that as my inspiration and made a meal out of food you can find at a movie house snack bar.

Well that’s the latest installment kiddies – I’ll see you again tomorrow morning.
Happy Haunting boys and ghouls!

*note - If you want to make sure you get the synopsis every day without searching through my LJ, you can track my form my user page using the Tag Halloween 2009 Synopsis. (If you don't know how and you need help just ask.)

Silver Bullett

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:31:32 GMT

Silver Bullett

Movie Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: This could have been 4 out of 5 stars if it had been meant to be a spoof.

minerva_fan Says: "Is this supposed to be funny?”

Amazon Synopsis: Based on Stephen King's novella CYCLE OF THE WEREWOLF, SILVER BULLET concerns a small mountain community terrorized by a half-man/half-beast of folklore. After an encounter with the murderous werewolf, wheelchair-bound Marty Coslaw (Corey Haim) becomes saddled with the unfortunate knowledge of the beast's human alter ego. With some help from his sister (Megan Follows), his goodhearted alcoholic uncle (Gary Busey), and his turbo-charged wheelchair, he sets out to rid the town of the murderous scourge. King also wrote the screenplay.

My Synopsis: Why Stephen? Why?

If this movie had been designed as a spoof it could have easily been a hit in this household, seeing as how we spent about ¾ of the movie laughing our asses off at the sheer stupidity.

This movie sucks on every possible front.
The acting is bad, the writing is bad, the directing is bad, the costumes are bad, well ok I guess the sound guy got it right… though more like he didn’t fuck it up and in this stinker that’s a feat of amazing proportions.

Seriously the stunning dialog (Stunningly bad that is) actually offered up such gems as “What’s the matter – you gonna make lemonade in your pants?” – coming from a kid maybe – but from a full grown woman?

The only semi decent point to this movie? Gary Busey of all people managed to put forth a performance that was both likeable and intentionally funny.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The swamp when the town’s people go out for a little “Private Justice” and get killed by the werewolf – I don’t remember the last time I laughed that hard.

The scene where the father finds the body of his son mauled and torn to pieces… it was the one honest emotion (other then amusement) the whole movie.

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Anyone who wants a good laugh, if you’re one of those people who gets off on watching Mystery Science Theater – or the kind of movies Elvira used to host then put this in your queue behind Killer Tomatoes and have fun.

I can only hope that something went horribly wrong for Stephen somewhere – and this was not what he had in mind.

1408

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:02:53 GMT

1408

Movie Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: This was beyond a doubt one of the most insidious creep under your skin and rip out your brain movies I have seen in a very long time…

minerva_fan Says: "Evil Fucking Room”

Amazon Synopsis: What happens in room 1408 of the Dolphin may change Enslin forever--if he survives the first hour. The thrills range from jumpy "gotcha" moments involving mirror images, to more traditional horror fare like bleeding walls, to truly diabolical touches like the recurrence of the Carpenters' "We've Only Just Begun." (Shudder.) The film does a nice job of weaving the operatic horror effects with the truly heart-breaking backstory of the death of Enslin's young daughter and his marriage--perhaps the only two things Enslin has ever believed in. And thankfully, there's just enough humor to leaven the intensity at key moments; Cusack is unparalleled when it comes to delivering a self-deprecating wisecrack, even as his life passes before his eyes. Get your adrenaline pumping and check into this room. Oh, and sorry, no refunds. A.T. Hurley

My Synopsis: This one will break your heart – will fracturing your mind.

1408 is in my opinion Stephen Kings finest work to date – at least in reference to movies that straight out fuck with your head. Not since in the Mouth of Madness had any movie turned my brain so completely inside out and handed it back to me.

With plenty of shock moments, a bit of gore, and tons of supernatural backlash there is plenty here for the traditional horror fan. But in my opinion it is the back story that truly creeps into your soul and transforms this from your average horror flick to a work of art.

It delves elegantly into that dark place in the soul where regret, and anguish lives. Explores not only what it means to be driven mad from the outside – but what it is to be eaten alive from within.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

That first time you watch and you’re not really sure one way or the other whether he got out or not.

When he was moving along the ledge only to find out that there were no other rooms to go into – coupled with the “You are here” map.

When he burned the room to the ground – “Never kill more then you can eat”

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Anyone who likes to be scared, is a fan of Stephen King’s work, likes more slow paced and intelligent films, would prefer to have your head messed with then to see a lot of blood, guts and gore.

1408 crept into my mind and refused to let go – making it one of my all time favorite movies in this genre.

Another Day in Haunted Paradise

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:05:04 GMT

Yesterday was a bit hectic due to personal technical difficulties.
That said I still managed to get sort of caught back up =)

I’m back on track with my movies – having missed Something Wicked This Way Comes – but procuring a promise from the wife that we can watch it in November.

I got at least part of the decorating done – the Halloween Tree is up.
Still needs lights and spiders – but it’s up and it has its snake weaved through its branches. (Pic when it’s finished)

I also finished making the 40 treat bags for the upcoming month (Starting on the 10th we each get one bag a day.) Each bag contains Peanut M&Ms, Candy Corn and either a snickers or a kit kat. Our very own daily Trick or Treat until Halloween Night when we’ll have a full candy cauldron.

The first of my 3 movies came in (the ones I bought from Amazon) so I’m a happy girl. I am now the proud owner of Needful Things, now I’m just waiting for Sometimes They Come Back and Langoliers. (Yes – all Stephen King.)

I’m hoping to finish the decorating tonight – but we’ll see what happens.

Not much in the way of spooky surprises – what with most of the day being either at home or buying groceries.

One of the best things about last night was watching Diary of Ellen Rembauer.

We had never seen it before, and I wasn’t sure how it would hold up against Rose Red – but in the end I was very pleasantly surprised. In my opinion it is actually the superior movie.

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The Movies

Diary of Ellen Rimbauer
Rose Red - The first time I ever saw this movie, I swear I heard hammering noises when we turned out the lights to go to bed.

The Menu:

Moroccan Fish Balls – I won’t inflict the recipe upon you… it was an attempt that went rather badly at an African Appetizer. This was in honor of Sukeena Ellen’s closest companion.

Salmon in Govener’s Sauce: A dish that I adapted from a traditional 1900’s dish in honor of the time period in which Rose Red was built.

Lemon Cream, Poundcake Trifle: Adapted from another early 19th century recipe

Well that’s the latest installment kiddies – I’ll see you again tomorrow morning.
Happy Haunting boys and ghouls!

*note - If you want to make sure you get the synopsis every day without searching through my LJ, you can track my form my user page using the Tag Halloween 2009 Synopsis. (If you don't know how and you need help just ask.)

Lemon Cream, Poundcake Trifle

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:57:02 GMT

The Pound Cake:

1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup superfine or castor sugar (You can get this by running table sugar in the food processor for a couple of minutes.)
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Pre-heat to 350

Put the butter into the food processor and spin
Add sugar and spin
Add each egg one at a time - spinning between each
Add Vanilla - Spin
Add Flour 1/2 cup at a time spining between each

The Lemon Cream

1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1/4 cup sugar
2 tsp lemon extract

Mix in food processor 1 min

The Chocolate Chips: Buy Some

I layered the pound cake, then the Cream then the Chocolate Chips...
Then did it one more time finishing with a sprinkle of the Chocolate chips on top.

D was a very happy girl. =)

Salmon in Govener's Sauce

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:47:51 GMT

1 can tomatoes
A Pinch of Salt
About 1/8th tsp Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 an onion
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbs djon mustard
Cloves, Ginger and Pepper to taste
2 Salmon filets
Rice - However much you want to make for 2 people
Chicken Broth - Enough to make your rice
Curry to taste

Make your rice however you normally would - but I recommend using broth instead of water.

Pre-heat oven to 350
Mix all of the ingredients except the salmon and curry in your food processor.
Put salmon in pan - pour tomato mix over salmon and bake in the oven for half an hour. (If you like your salmon well done. Cook for about twenty minutes otherwise.)

Mix curry into rice - lay a bed down on a plate top with salmon then spoon some of the tomato mix from the pan over the salmon and rice...

Serve. (Could probably get away with enough sauce for 3 - 4 people)... but it would stretch the sauce a little thin.

Rose Red

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:37:40 GMT

Rose Red

Movie Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: A horrifying and somewhat disturbing romp into a haunted house, the team of psychics who wake her up, and one woman’s full tilt descent into madness.

minerva_fan Says: "The best line in a horror movie ever .‘Dee, it eats my relatives.’”

Amazon Synopsis: The chilling tale of dr. Joyce reardon an obsessed psychology professor who commissions a team of psychics and a gifted 15-year-old autistic girl annie wheaton to literally wake up a supposedly dormant haunted mansion rose red. Their efforts unleash myriad spirits and uncover horrifying secrets.

My Synopsis: The house is at it again.

Watching this after Diary of Ellen Rimbauer put so many things into perspective for me and I finally began to understand in depth what was happening to Joyce Reardon – the parapsychologist who after years of torment by her so called peers is a woman hell bent on completing her mission.

It seems to me that there are a great deal of parallels between the stories of Joyce and Ellen. Both strong women, both tormented by a man who for whatever reason wants to destroy them. Both driven to madness by the constant harassment of these men and both embraced and consumed by Rose Red.

While I find all of the characters compelling, and I have a deep love for each of them in my heart; the most compelling part of this story for me has always been Joyce’s slow descent into full tilt psycho. (Played brilliantly by Nancy Travis).

All of the pieces are there – you can understand what drives her, you find yourself rooting for her… and by the time you realize that she’s brought 6 other very likeable people into the pits of hell in order to carry out her own private vendetta – you forgive her because you get it.

Another interesting stand out character is Annie Wheaton a powerhouse of a psychic with Augsburg syndrome, played brilliantly by Kimberly J Brown. Annie is the catalyst through which the house awakens and reaches out for her newest victims – a stroke of genius on Stephen’s part because of the moral conundrum it offers. I also think that Annie offers an interesting counterpoint to Joyce as the two almost seem to step into the roles of April and Ellen Rimbauer furthering the connection between Joyce and Ellen.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The moment with Nick and Cathy in the hallways towards the end, I can’t really fault Cathy for falling just a little in love with him in those moments – Goddess knows I did.

The scene when Joyce Smears the blood all over Prof Miller and gives that rather tasty little speech about the world that lies under the physical.

The scene where Annie demolishes Rose Red – Bad house indeed.

Anytime Emery does his “Not There” routine – I don’t know why, but that was really cool.

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Everyone, but particularly those who like haunted house stories… I do offer the warning that this movie can be extremely scary.

Rose Red remains a strong entry into the King collection of TV movies – and a great chiller for a Halloween Night.

Diary of Ellen Rimbauer

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:24:57 GMT

Diary of Ellen Rimbauer

Movie Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: An amazingly well done tale of debauchery, sin and the toll that it took on one amazing woman.
minerva_fan Says: "Of all the people who have died in Rose Red – the only one that really deserved what he got as Jhon Rimbauer.”

Amazon Synopsis: Prequel to rose red. Passages of a diary track a series of deadly encounters surrounding the rose red estate that transform an innocent & submissive wife into a woman possessed by the dark forces inhabiting her home.

My Synopsis: Ellen Rimbauer has fascinated me since I first saw Rose Red, now it’s an obsession.

I was really worried that this movie wouldn’t hold up to the movie that inspired it.
After all neither the book nor the screenplay were Stephen’s babies. So I crossed my fingers and held my breath when I put into Netflix to have them send this along with one of my favorite horror movies by Stephen King.

I need not have worried, while the diary was good – but not nearly as good as the movie – the movie version of the book Diary of Ellen Rimbauer far surpassed both it’s literary counterpart and the Rose Red (the movie that started it all).

From the relationship between Jhon and Ellen which sent me back and forth between an overwhelming need to throw a brick through my TV screen and wanting to craw behind my couch. To the sweet relief that was a beautiful relationship (with heavy subtext) that was Ellen’s relationship with her hand maid Sukeena.

You come to see and understand how Rose Red became Rose Red… the movie presents reason to chaos and you find out why most of the people who disappeared were taken by the house. Each scene went back and gave life and depth to historical facts which were glossed over in the movie Rose Red, and thus made the Rose Red legacy far richer

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The Scene where Ellen and Sukeena shoved Jhon out the window – I just kept having that song from Little Shop of Horrors dancing through my head you know the one “The guy sure looks like plant food to me.”

The way the two women wrapped their arms around each other at the end. I loved the subtext – I love that they tried so hard to make it clear without coming right out and saying it. It felt very real for these characters – but also felt true to the times. I’m sure they were lovers, I’m certain John was sure they were lovers – and I’m almost sure that you will be too… but why come right out and say it?

Anything with Ellen, Sukeena or Momma Lu in it…

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Everyone… with the warning that there is a bit of non-graphic non con… well not more than lightly graphic anyway.

With the Diary of Ellen Rimbauer the Rose Red legacy truly saved the best for last.

The Party Thus Far

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:26:57 GMT

Master List of All Synopsis:

Ocotber 1st - In which I reveiw Elvira Mistress of the Dark, Witches of Eastwick and teach you to make the cheesecake recipe that my wife is still talking about.

October 2nd - In which I review three Goosebump disks, including The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight.

October 3rd - In which I reveiw the movie It and tell you all about my Saturday pumpkin and culinary adventures...

October 4th - In which I reveiw The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer and Rose Red, while attempting a meal from the early 1900's.

October 5th - In Which I Review 1408 and Silver Bullet, and teach you how to make a proper hot dog at home.

October 6th - In Which I Review The Death of Ian Stone and Dark City, while proffering a great recipe for Fish and Chips.

October 7th - 8th - In Which I do a breif reveiw of Eastwick and Final Destination, and offer up four great recipes including a Dark and Milk Chocolate Cake recipe.

October 9th - In Which I do a breif reveiw of Eastwick and Final Destination, and offer up four great recipes including a Dark and Milk Chocolate Cake recipe.

Picking Pumpkins

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:53:12 GMT

Yesterday was a great day for full of Halloween fun!
We got kind of a late start so I never made it to the candy factory - but we got up to Huber's farm and picked a GIANT pumpkin for our front porch (I'll carve it closer to time) and seven smaller pumpkins to paint and give away as gifts (I'll take pics)

We had the best ice cream at Cold Stone for lunch (Pumpkin Pie Cream mixed with Oreo cookies and Butterscotch mixed with Butterfingers. YUM.)

For dinner we had a great meal at an Asian restaurant we hadn't tried yet. I loved it!
Deb had Chillian Sea Bass and a Wild Mushroom soup. I had the five course taster medley.

1.) Salad greens with ginger soy dressing and duck confit in lime
2.) BBQ rib & Lamb Shank in Cherry Reduction
3.) Salmon in a tomato Comttasse (Sp?)
4.) Pork with caramelized carrots and onion
5.) A dessert sampler with chocolate banana spring roll, watermelon sorbet, Green tea mousse, chocolate Mousse, blood orange crème Brule, Pineapple Salsa.

I made a CD to take with us full of some of my favorite Halloween songs (ask if you want to know what’s on it – otherwise I won’t bore you with the details.) We picked up the Rocky Horror Sound Track in Louisville and we listened to that like four times in a row.

We knew that we were going to see it when we left home for Louisville and while up there we ended up going through this street fair in Glendale (Picture, blink and it’s gone… I think it has a total of 4 non residential streets.)

Anyway we’re headed through and our windows don’t close – so they’re wide open and we’re blaring tubular bells (Aka The theme from the Exorcist.) and all of a sudden I see a red balloon go floating into the sky. (I have a long drawn out story involving the first time I saw the movie it, an unexpected clown and a red floating balloon. – given that - red balloons freak me out when I have It on the brain.)

Speaking of It – here's my reveiw

It

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 05:51:10 GMT

It

Movie Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: One of the scariest and well made horror flicks from my youth
minerva_fan Says: "Scary Clowns are Scary”

Amazon Synopsis: Is there anything scarier than clowns? Of course not. And who knows scary better than Stephen King? You see where we're going. It puts a malevolent clown (given demented life by a powdered, red-nosed Tim Curry) front and center, as King's fat novel gets the TV-movie treatment. Even at three hours plus, the action is condensed, but an engaging Stand by Me vibe prevails for much of the running time. The seven main characters, as adolescents, conquered a force of pure evil in their Maine hometown. Now, the cackling Pennywise is back, and they must come home to fight him.

My Synopsis: Pennywise has haunted my dreams since 1990

Well scripted, brilliant performances by all and a gripping base story.
I would be highly surprised to learn that there are many of you out there that haven’t seen this movie – and if there is, go out and rent it right now… I’ll wait.

This is the kind of story that crawls under your skin and rattles around in your bones, but then I have a passion for stories about demons who know our darkest secrets.

It’s simple – but clean and powerful…

My only gripe? It really never does explain who Pennywise is – or why he’s there.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The scene where Eddie sprays Pennywise in the face with “Battery Acid”

The scene where the losers club drive off Henry bowers and his bully friends, saving Mike and forming the losers club.

The scene where Audra comes back from the dead lights

The scene where Beverly cold konks her boyfriend and screams at him that if he comes near her again she’ll kill him. It was a powerful moment for my favorite character – and I loved watching her finally claim her personal power and refuse to be a victim any longer.

--->End Spoilers<---

I highly recommend this movie for: Everyone… well everyone who likes to be scared. But especially for those who like an intelligent horror story.

It is a creepy carnival of a movie that showcases the growing relationship between seven childhood friends against a backdrop of blood, murder and fear – all crafted by the Master of Horror himself.

Another Day - And the Party Rages On

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:08:44 GMT

So, again we got no decorating done.
But we did go out and buy all the items I need to do the ghostly crafts I wanted to do and build a few new decorations to add to our stash. I am especially looking forward to the Halloween tree.

I was going to make pizza - but we were running late and Deb was hungry... so we at at this quaint little diner in Vine Grove for the first time. I turned the Pizza crust into makeshift Bread and Deb seems happy enough... but all of that means no recipes for you guys, sorry.

*Note all links open in new windows to allow you to maintain this page

The Movies: All Goosebumps, because sometimes that's how I roll.

One Day at Horror Land
The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight (My Favorite of the 3)
Monster Blood

Hope you enjoyed this installment and Happy Haunting Kiddies.

*note - If you want to make sure you get the synopsis every day without searching through my LJ, you can track my form my user page using the Tag Halloween 2009 Synopsis. (If you don't know how and you need help just ask.)

Monster Blood

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:00:16 GMT

Monster Blood

3 Episodes on this disk (one a two parter)

I’m going to review this one a bit differently – mostly because I just don’t feel like reviewing the first two episodes of this individually.

Let me start by saying that I have never been a big monster fan – and so I am sure that this colored my experience of this set of episodes. But this was the only Goosebumps left that I had never seen and I wanted to see it.

The first episode was the two parter title episode in which a pile of goop called Monster Blood and which looked a lot like that slime that all the kiddies seem to love to play with comes alive and starts eating everything in sight… do giant blobs have sight?

The one redeeming element in the first episode was the over the top, but brilliantly played Great Aunt.

The Second part lacked the Aunt and took place on a plane… basically the same scenario only the kids find a rather ironic way of disposing of the monster.

The Second episode “How to Kill a Monster” was even lamer then the first – and frankly if I was from Louisiana (Especially the Swamps) I’d sue.

And that leaves us with the one episode I did feel was worth a review of it’s very own.

The Girl Who Cried Monster:

Movie Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: A demented twist on the boy who cried wolf… come to think of it, that story was kind of demented too.
minerva_fan Says: “Nothing but dulcet snores from my dear wife as she slept through this entire disk.“ Lucky her…

Netflix Synopsis: No individual synopsis for this episode.

My Synopsis: Almost interesting – and definitively the best of this lot.

As the title would suggest a young girl who gets here jollies by crying monster and scaring her brother, finally sees a real monster and nobody will believe her.

The beginning is kind of slow and predictable – but the end twisted into left field for me and came up a winner.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The end scene where you find out that the parents are really monsters and they dispatch of the librarian who wants to eat their daughter.

Watching the kids face fill with glee and excitement when they’re told that when they get a little older their “training fangs” will come in.

Realizing they were not going to eat the friend at the end – because hey to me that screamed “We may be monsters, but we’re still good souls.”… after all the one guy they did kill was stalking their child.

--->End Spoilers<---

I would Recommend This Movie To: Kids of all ages and Goosebumps fans.

A fun little bit of fluff that almost made this disk worth sitting through… almost

The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:44:35 GMT

The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight

Three Episodes on This Video

The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight:

Movie Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: A creepy and borderline scary little story from the man who one critic called “the Stephen King of the Pre-teen set.”
minerva_fan Says: "Do you know why there are so many corn fields in horror movies? Because they’re freaking creepy!" and “Yeah, remember that haunted corn maze you wanted to do this year? NO!”

Netflix Synopsis: No individual synopsis for this episode.

My Synopsis: Now this is Goosebumps done right.

So, like I said – I watch Goosebumps when I want to be creeped out and borderline scared without really crossing all the way over into night light territory. And this episode fit the bill beautifully.

With a scenario that summoned images and thoughts of Jeepers Creepers (not just in my head, but in Deb’s as well) this was a great entry by the master of pre teen horror.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The reaping machine was awesome when it swooped in at the last moment to save the family. One of my favorite Goosebmps saves to date.

--->End Spoilers<---

I would Recommend This Movie To: Anyone who wants to be creeped out by scarecrows and corn fields, pre-teens, Goosebumps lovers, and wimps who want to be scared, but not too scared… ::Waves at Wife::

Scarecrow was brilliant at walking that line between true horror and safe for younger teens…

Don’t Fall Asleep:

Movie Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: It wasn’t bad so much as it was - young
minerva_fan Says: "Reality Sucks Mom"

Netflix Synopsis: None Exists for this part of the video

My Synopsis: I would have loved it if I was still in the twelve to thirteen age bracket.

I could see why this would appeal to the younger set, I remember feeling the frustration that our young hero feels. I have bemoaned reality repeatedly… so I get it.

That said it could have been an amazing episode all the elements were there.
It had a kind of Dark City esque feel to it in the way that the protagonist jumped from reality to reality.
It had a kind of Men In Black Feel to it in the two men who chase him through those realities…
But somehow it failed to execute to it’s full potential.

Part of me is left wondering if perhaps the episode wasn’t simply too ambitious.
It seems like they tried to shove too much into too short a time period so they ended up glossing over everything and not really doing the most they could with the concepts.

On the other hand if I was 13 I probably wouldn’t have noticed and I would have just thought it was really, really cool.

As it was it was a rather truncated little romp into Dark City meets Alice in Wonderland.

This would be where my favorite scenes would normally go – but I didn’t really have any.

I would Recommend This Movie To: 12 year olds with older siblings or who like reality bending fare.

This episode just did not deliver for me – but I’m sure when I someday have a 13 year old of my own, I’ll rent it again.

Calling All Creeps:

Movie Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: A feel good bit of horror for anyone who was tormented in Jr High (What just me? I can live with that.)
minerva_fan Says: "I’m just gonna lay down here on the floor and go to sleep now.” Nah, it wasn’t boring she just knonked out at the start of the episode, poor little sleepy sweetheart.

Netflix Synopsis: No individual synopsis for this episode.

My Synopsis: I shouldn’t have loved this as much as I did.

A tale as old as well, public education.
Nerd gets picked on, nerd tries to get even – and at first it appears to backlash.

A few monsters later – and the nerd is left with the ultimate choice… risk his life to save his classmates or throw them to the wolves in the name of ultimate power…

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included :

The end when he chose to throw the little buggers to the wolves… told you I shouldn’t have liked this as much as I did… there was just something satisfying in it for my inner pre teen.

Any scene with Iris in it – I really liked that little girl.

--->End Spoilers<---

I would Recommend This Movie To: Anyone who is being or was tormented in school, Goosebumps fans, and most of the pre-teen set… the one’s who aren’t being picked on might learn a thing or two about what can happen to those who do the bullying.

A twisted, demented little flick – and a little over the line for your typical Goosebumps but despite my moral qualms I really loved this.

Goosebumps: One Day at Horror Land

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 07:05:33 GMT

One Day At Horror Land

There were four half hour long segments on these videos...
This one had two - two part episodes.

One Day at Horror Land:

Movie Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: The first half of the movie was actually kind of fun - then it took a wrong turn somewhere before the second half and turned into the wrong kind of nightmare.
minerva_fan Says: "Dude it's an amusement park in the middle of the afternoon and you found a parking space up front - this is so not good..."

Netflix Synopsis: This two-part episode from the popular series based on the award-winning books by R.L. Stine follows the Morrises on a family trip that takes a detour to the HorrorLand theme park, where kids Luke and Lizzy dare to visit the house of mirrors. After emerging from the haunted house unscathed, the kids soon discover that they've been mysteriously locked in the park and their only way out is to compete in a game show of monstrous proportions.

My Synopsis: This quickly went from creepy to stupid.

The first half showed the arrival of the Morris family to Horror Land, a rather disturbing little playground for monsters. The couple of rides that we get to watch the kids on rocked - the problem didn't really come in until the second part where all of a sudden we go from amusement park to rather lame game show.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included:

The Fun house scene was a lot of fun as was the Coffin Cruise Line...

The game show was so stupid I wanted to throw the vid down a garbage disposal. Then I realized we don't have one - none the less, I was tempted to go out and buy one just for this very special DVD.

--->End Spoilers<---

I would Recommend This Movie To: Absolutely no one

Horror Land had a lot of potential but it petered out and blew it in the final stretch.

Nightmare Camp:

Movie Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
In Brief: This was a lot more fun then the title episode of the video - kind of creepy and a perfect example of what Goosebumps should be.
minerva_fan Says: "You know all those letters kids write to their parents about how bad camp is? Yeah, they're talking about this place"

Netflix Synopsis: None Exists for this part of the video

My Synopsis: A quick fun little romp through summer camp. Kind of a Sleep Away Camp for pre-teens.

At it's best Goosebumps is a little creepy, but not so much that your average ten year old can't handle it with a night light. Camp Nightmare delivers on that promise in a very tongue and cheek look at a rather odd little flick that keeps hitting you with turn after turn as boy after boy goes missing.

Overall No surprises here, and I saw most of it coming...
none the less, it managed to be vaguely creepy none the less and I never saw that ending.

--->Warning Here There Be Spoilers<--

Some of my favorite moments included:

The snake on the bed was cool, and the drowning scene really threw me

If you look really closly at the ripper from One Day At Horror Land, and then you look at Saber, you realize they could be distant cousins.

--->End Spoilers<---

I would Recommend This Movie To: Anyone with a thirteen year old, or any adult who has maintained a love for Goosebumps.

This episode really delivered - I just don't know if it's worth the rental given that it's paired with One Day at Horror Land.