Fantastic Beast and How To Get Ready For The Movie

This year we are getting the next in the line of Harry Potter Universe films. Fantastic Beast & Where To Find Them. It takes place early in the 20th century, and focuses on events in the United States.

So we have a new era, setting, and magical community to look forward to this Fall. But we don't have to go into this film blind, unless you want to..

J.K. Rowling released a brief history of the magical community of North America a little while back. It introduces the point where the community began to be formalized, how it functions in a non-magical land, and the threats that have emerged.

No-Majs, Ilvermorny, MACUSA, Pukwudgies, Scourers. Rappaport's Law.

Jules: Adopting a dog's life.

Ah, a post 10 months in coming.

It's been around 10 months since I visited the local Humane Society, looking at dogs in need of homes, when I finally found that one. The one you make eye contact with and know you need to go home together.

"You're narrating my life again, aren't you?"

Trailers in Short - Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Right now we've had a series of new trailers for major scifi and superhero films emerge. And we have Star Wars latest trilogy starting tonight. I haven't touched enough on this, or taken advantage of the online traffic. It is exciting to see these all coming out. But let's not rush, most of these films are months out.

"What do you say? 'The Schwartz Awakens'?"

So let's tonight focus on Star Wars tonight.

Creeping Up On Halloween With The Hardy Boys

Wait? Is Halloween over? Or can I count Daylight Saving, and the fact it's night still?

Oh, well. Either we're finalizing Halloween this year, or slowly ramping up for next year. (What? Is Christmas coming up? I hadn't noticed.)

So let's take one more trip back before we stop our creeping for a few days, or weeks, or months. And we again head back to the 1970's. -- Hey? Between this KISS, Paul Lynde, and The Halloween That Almost Wasn't. Was there a hidden theme this year of the 70's? Weird.

Creeping Up On Halloween With More Lego Michael Myers

Good news! I don't think I see any sign of Myers in the Halloween fun in my Lego City.

Should be smooth sailing.

The Horror Of...Halloween Night, Web Series

Come Halloween night, we all want something fun or interesting  to watch. Going online offers various options. So it's time to update the list from last year.

Here are some:

Carmilla

It takes the 18th century novella and moves it to a college setting. When I first covered it, only the first series was done. It currently has three series.

Series 1
Series 2
Series 0


Mispelled

A group of young women find themselves suddenly with great power, and a whole set of issues to deal with. They currently have 1 series. Great new series,


Spooked

It follows a group of amateur paranormal investigators seeking out evidence of a world beyond, for a number of reason. It has a nice cast, some of whom you may remember from other series. So far we just have the one series.


Victoria Frankenstein, M.D.

The story of Frankenstein. Victoria Frankenstein. The series works a lot like Carmilla, with the characters creating vlogs that help continue the tale. It takes Frankenstein into the modern age. Live the classic tale once again.

The Horror Of...Halloween Night, The Halloween That Almost Wasn't

There are many specials that come out at Halloween. Or there were. We get some special episodes, and some oddities. But rarely do networks and actors put themselves out in often such an strange manner.

Consider the late 70's, 1979 to be exact. ABC gave us an odd little Halloween treat. The Halloween That Almost Wasn't. It's an odd collection of comedic and not so comedic actors in the role of various classic monsters. You may also know it by the name it picked up in 1992. The Night Dracula Saved the World. Yeah, the first title is more accurate, but the second one makes it clear that you're getting a dose of Dracula. With it's original title, maybe people thought they were seeing a Halloween version of the animated film Twas the Night Before Christmas. This is far goofier.

And that's apt, as the show was for years embraced by Disney and shown at Halloween.

Creeping Up On Halloween With LEGO Michael Myers

I think I should be worried. It seems LEGO Michael Myers is visiting my LEGO City.

But I think I may be okay. It's not Halloween...yet.

Creeping Up On Halloween With Theatrical Dracula

If you are reading my blog you know that Dracula was quickly translated from book to stage. Bram Stoker than Hamilton Deane than John Balderston. Out of this we met Bela Lugosi.

The stage show has continued on since then, going from theater to theater. Many crews and actors have come to Seward's Sanitorium. And many Draculas have entered the scene.

With revivals in the 70's, helped by the artistic efforts of Edward Gorey, Dracula made a resurgence. And more actors of note played that role. Enjoy.

Frank Langella took on the role. And this lead to him starring in the 1979 Dracula.

The Horror Off...Halloween Night, A Disney Halloween (1983)

"Mo-o-om! I'll bring in the other boxes
tomorrow!"

Sometimes the little kiddies need a treat come Halloween night. Some because they're too young to Trick or Treat. Some because they get home and need something to watch as they count their candy horde.

And what is the easier choice of amusement for the kiddies to start relaxing with than Disney. Disney the opiate of the minors.

One interesting choice from a day long past is A Disney Halloween. It was shown in 1983. I've seen it also called Disney's Halloween Treat. It may be that at different times it's been shown over the years that the name changed. "Disney Halloween Treat" seems to be the title of the song that plays at the start of the special, so it may have stuck, but I don't know. And who cares along as we get a nice dose of Mickey and his friends, right?

Okay, actually it seems this special combines the Disney's Halloween Treat from the previous year with the older Disney's Greatest Villains. And I think I know why I prefer this one. It adds the Magic Mirror as a character. But we'll get to him

Like many Disney series at the time (though this was while they were showing on CBS), we open with an introduction Michael Eisner, head of Disney who was trying to play the role Walt Disney used to play. (If you've read my Mr. Boogedy and Bride of Boogedy reviews, you've seen examples of his openings from back then.) This time around the people at Disney are getting ready for a Halloween party. Mickey and Minnie stop by to show off their costumes.

Then Goofy comes in to show the costume he's been working on for a month.

And into the special!

The Horror Of...Universal Monsters, and the coming of Dracula

There has been a quite a gap in my coverage of Dracula in films, and Universal Movie monsters. So much so that I had not realized that the last of the cast of Dracula (1931) had passed last year. Carla Laemmle.

So as we delve back into the catacombs where Dracula lies, let's remember this woman with old ties to our classic horror.

Carla Laemmle was the niece of Universal Studios executive Carl Laemmle. She was lucky enough to get a role in Dracula, a speaking role even. That is a feat, if you consider how few speaking roles there are in the film, and that movies with talking in them were still rather new.

Speaking role in the movie, and great lighting. She must know someone.

More over, she gets the honor of being the first voice heard in a "supernatural thriller". She has a place in horror history. Mark her!

It's not her only tie to horror films. She also plays a small role in the early silent Phantom of the Opera. She's a dancer on stage.

People do like to know when actors overlap between different. Carla Laemmle is one of them. (And as we go through Universal Horror, we'll see some more of the cast of Dracula popping up in other later films.)

Now, let's get back to Dracula. If you have a desire to go back to some of the earlier pieces on Dracula and vampires, check here. And for a recap of Universal Horror.



I have previously touched on Dracula's early cinematic history, and Universal Studios acquiring the rights. But, before we delve into Dracula and it's making, let's look back at what made this film possible.

Supergirl Season 1 Episode 1 - "Pilot" - Girl Super Power

This continues a look at the Supergirl pilot.

Now that we've had a chance to experience Supergirl's premiere, it's time to revel.

The show has a wonderful feel that is reminiscent of The Flash, but is unique for this character and her sensibilities.

I know when the first look came out for the show their were some that had a reflexive dislike. It wasn't drenched in machismo, which we are taught as kids to expect from superhero adventure. Instead there's energy, adrenaline, idealism, hope, optimism, youthful delight, danger, threats, and fun. It's weird to see the rebuffing it got, and that some gave this show.

Supergirl Pilot/Season 1 Episode 1 Review

It has been a heady time for DC Comics on TV. Arrow. Flash. iZombie. Gotham. Constantine...is gone, but it was good while it was here (And he will be returning on Arrow.) We had a short animated series for Vixen. Legends of Tomorrow is coming soon. And we still have a live action Teen Titans pilot coming soon. Plus we have Lucifer and Preacher shows upcoming.

But right now, we have a new comer to leading a DC series. Kara Zor-El. Supergirl!

The show is in a funny spot. It has sister shows with Arrow and Flash on the CW, while it's on CBS. And the costume reflects some of the look of the movie Superman that is part of the expanding DC Cinematic Universe. But, at least for now, the show is off on it's own. (We just need the Flash to start passing through the space/time portals around Central City and pop up in National City.

And seeing as the show is coming from the creative team behind Flash and Arrow, if the channels decide to please fans, I can't believe we don't see an eventual crossover. But Kara needs time to settle into her show and establish her own mythos.

But we know what we eventually want to see.

"Wanna race?"

Creeping Up On Halloween With Horror Documentaries

Horror movies are always a treat. At Halloween they become a necessity. But sometimes it's nice to learn more about the history and experience that creates those movies that haunt our memories.

Spend some time learning more about horror classics of the 70's and 80's


In 1978, John Carpenter got a chance to make a mark on Halloween with a slasher killer with his simple name. Michael Meyers. Working his way through teenagers and adults, focused on his target. A tense and fun movie experience.

Halloween

Creeping Up On Halloween With Jem

What's a perfect fit for Halloween? Some music. Some costumes. Outrageousness. How about Jem and the Holograms.

No. Not the new movie. That would make no sense. I mean 80's cartoons, and 80's music.

And Jem just happens to have a Halloween episode. Seems a local opera house is in danger of closing. Luckily Jem and the Holograms step in to save it, with music.

While you muse about taking the second season DVD off your shelf, we can all enjoy the episode's songs.

"It's Fun To Be Scared" - Jem and the Holograms

Creeping Up On Halloween With Caramel Apple Oreo

When it comes to Halloween we do rather get obsessed with Pumpkin, or rather Pumpkin Spice. We love it, we hate it, we're over it.

Hey, I still love some pumpkin.

But apples have such a history with Halloween, and it's just feels like it's getting passe by too easily. Who doesn't love a Halloween party and some Bobbing For Apples? ...Do people still bob for apples? Is that still a thing, or is that that gone the way of peeled grapes as eyes? (Not that I really loved the messy experience to get an apple. Felt like a way to trick kids into washing their faces and getting fruit.

But the apple has it's history. The Fall caramel apple is still a joy...If you like working through hardened caramel to eat a Red Delicious apple. And then there's getting an apple when you go door to door Halloween Night...which really bit it...

But it has a noble history. The apple. Foe of many the young maiden. Biblical to Fairy Tales,

So how have we forgotten our old friend, fresh off the tree?


Well, it is a fruit, and one we have access to all year, including as a sweet. Apple Pie. Apple Crumble. Apple Juice. Apple Tea. Where's the shortage, the artificial rarity?

Who cares? If you can use it right, it's a fun treat for this season. And as noted above, it fits nicely in. And it's a break from the pumpkin, chocolate, and marshmallow.

And Oreo has  just the thing. Annoyingly, it seems it won't be around long.

Creeping Up On Halloween With Friday the 13th Part 3

No this isn't a review of Jason's second trip to summer camp (Or is it the third if you count the flashbacks?). Rather let's just take a moment to enjoy a taste of the 80's. A Disco...ish opening theme. And the effort to do some 3D credits. Oh, yeah.

You can move to it, you can run from it, but you'll never escape it.

Whether or not you ever see this movie, you need to feel the 80's glory in this opening title sequence.


Of course there is another part of this movie you should also revel in. Partake in the wonder of Crispin Glover dancing.

Can't you imagine him groving to that opeing?

Masks. Machettes. Moms. Oh, no. Music. It's all about that music.


Enjoy that opening music as you prep for your Halloween.

The Horror Of...Halloween Night, The Paul Lynde Halloween Special

Back in the day, or so I've heard, their was the holiday special. A mix of music, humor, and celebrity. Be it Life Day or Valentines we had our specials. People today do have a feel for them, as they do get referenced and parodied. But they are just an echo.

Were they any good...it seems like they were popular. As offshoots of variety shows, they were glitzy and used popular entertainers of the day. As the descendant of old Vaudeville, I assume, we are meant to be entertained and bemused at the spectacle put on for us.

The trick is that for most of us, the closest we've ever gotten to these shows of old are the parodying of them on shows like the The Simpsons. Their an echo of the past we know by mockery.

We still don't even get the Star Wars Holiday Special. But they are all special.

And this is Halloween, we need spectacle and sites to never be unseen.

We need a Halloween Special! And what better to go with than Paul Lynde and his Halloween Special? Nothing!

In 1976 October people got a treat. ABC put the show on air on October 29th. So while it wasn't on the night, at least it wasn't on in November, or the start of the month. Besides, it was the 70's I'm sure people were too busy with fondue, cheap plastic masks, and stagflation.

The Horror Of...Psycho, In Short

Oh my. Psycho. It's a movie that has locked it's placed in cinematic and horror history. So simple, and so potent.

Hitchcock had a way.

It's a movie most everyone knows, even if they've not actually watched the movie. Of course, if you haven't seen it, there is a lot you've likely missed in the characterization, music use, scene creation, and camera work. We can think we know it all about Marion Crane, and Norman Bates.

And sadly, even if you haven't seen the film, you know what to expect... It was something that the first audiences didn't know, so they got to have the true experience of how the movie shifts and turns in it's unexpected manner.

But today, we most all see the pivotal scenes replayed somewhere. It's all memes now.

Creeping Up On Halloween With Count Floyd

Count Floyd is always up to try and bring some terror to your Halloween. It's not his fault he doesn't get to pick the films he shows.

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True this is a character sketch from SCTV, but Floyd always represented that classic horror host and Creature Feature show. Often the host was someone that worked other jobs at a station, and they ran with what movies they had on hand.

In his case Count Floyd is Floyd Robertson, one of the anchors of SCTV's news show. He's played by the always energetic and fun Joe Flaherty.

Floyd was trying to put on a show, and have fun as the "dark" count. But the producers of his show could never really get their hands on decent horror movies for him to amp up his show, instead usually getting a line of weird or boring movies. And the station crew were constantly walking on set and working while he was trying to play his character and engage the kids at home watching.

But Count Floyd keeps trying to keep and maintain the feel.

Let's see some of the count's most horrifying film choices.