BOOK REVIEW: “The Fright File: 150 Films To See Before Halloween”

Movie review books. Those film guides that present to you an assortment of movies reviewed by a complete stranger. How do you know which ones to buy and which ones to avoid like the plague? This is really a tough question to answer, especially since we all have our own personal tastes (as do the authors of these books). It seems that a new guide comes out on an almost weekly basis and all have mixed reviews. So again, how do you know which ones to buy? I guess it really depends on what you are looking for. I am not a big fan of the movie guide that features every genre of movie. The reason for this is because, like I said earlier, everyone has their own personal taste and it may not agree with your own. Some people may love dramas but hate horror, so that will reflect in the book. So what do you do, give a book a negative review because the author’s opinion doesn’t match yours? I have actually seen this happen! The key to enjoying a movie guide is to keep an open mind and realize that we do all have our own personal tastes and just because the author may not like a movie you love, it does not make the book bad. When I buy a movie guide I am looking to see what that author liked or disliked about my favorite movies and if he dislikes something, I am very interested in why he dislikes it. Thankfully we are also seeing an increase in genre-specific movie guides, especially when it comes to horror and science fiction, two of my favorite movie types. This review is on one of these books, The Fright File: 150 Films To See Before Halloween.”

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The March 2014 Horror Host Report!

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As this horrendous winter from Hell winds its way down (or so we tell ourselves) we not only look forward to better weather but also some horror host appearances! Since Terror Dave Fuentes is an unapologetic Svengoolie stalker that alone makes him happy but, best of all, he’ll be joined by Terror Dave Albaugh at his next appearance! The last time we Terror Daves (one from Chicago & the other Rhode Island) communed was the Fall of 2012 and it’s been long overdue. There’s also another Horror Host gathering at The Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati complete with another round of Horror Host Hall of Fame inductees. You can read more about that event down in our “Horror Host News” section!

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Book Review: The Quorum by Kim Newman

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The Quorum

By Kim Newman
511 pp. Titan Books
$14.95

It’s a tough thing, trying to find a new angle on a horror story. How many different spins could there actually be on the same monster? All the TV shows, movies, and books about vampires, werewolves, and zombies are blending together into an amalgam of brooding bad boys and naughty girls that is getting quite tiresome.

There is one classic horror story that has not been so overdone – the Faustian deal with the Devil story. Most stories that do center around the trope focus on the person making the deal, living a stupendous life, then getting his comeuppance – or getting out of it, depending on the hero – and the devil reaps his reward. Continue reading

“Chastity Bites” but doesn’t suck!

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We weren’t sure what to expect upon receiving a screener copy of the 2013 film, Chastity Bites, directed by John V. Knowles. Not only had we never heard of it (something of a phenomena considering how much time we spend perusing horror magazines & websites these cold, winter days) but we also knew that lower budget, Independent films are hit or miss. Soon we BOTH agreed that this one was a definite hit! Not only did this modern tale bring back nostalgic memories of  ’80s teen flicks but managed to do so with genuine jumps and plenty of laughs!

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EC Comics Carved the Way!

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Despite being nearly two decades since I stopped collecting, my kids will tell you I’m a strong advocate for comic books. Back in the ‘80s I was all about the Marvel superheroes before they became the Box Office sensations they are today. I’d often read and re-read the adventures of The Amazing Spider-man, The Uncanny X-Men, The Mighty Avengers, and ROM the Spaceknight (if you aren’t familiar with him, you should check out one of my very first blogs HERE) to my younger brother, Keith. While comics are often dismissed as being childish, many folks don’t realize that most are written at college level. All through junior high & high school my reading skills were better than average and, dismissing the possibility that I’m some sort of a genius, I firmly believe this was due to my devotion to comics which encouraged me to read…a LOT!

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