The Amityville Horror (1979)

It's Halloween!! Halloweeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnn! I love Halloween, if you couldn't tell.

I was so excited walking home after work today - seeing all the great, clever, cute, scary costumes. I could barely contain my excitement watching all the people wandering through my neighborhood, bags full of candy, giggling, laughing, screaming with joy.

I was hopping from foot to foot, clapping my hands, smiling so much my face hurt.

But it gets better. When I got home, there was a professional pianist playing our piano. A music recorder guarding the door, and some friends just hanging out. My home suddenly turned into a music studio! Of some of the few things I love more than Halloween, it's music.

I'm willing to bet we have over 100 musical instruments in our house (thanks to my musical Husband). I am grateful for all his gifts. Impromptu recordings in the living room, included.

This evening I'm having guests over to watch tonight's film, and I have no idea what tonight's movie will be! Movies will be presented and there will be a vote. I am simply providing the food, comfy chairs, and a great environment. I'm very excited to be ending this October Challenge in my home, with friends and family.

Now, I need to get the popcorn popped and the pizza cooked. See you all after the surprise show, and Happy Halloween!

Update:

Well the movie pick was the classic Amityville Horror! And I was surprised by how many people haven't seen it, or hadn't seen in a quite a long time. I felt it was a prefect fit for a nasty, rainy Halloween night in with friends.

I made pizza, popcorn, and supplied everyone with silly napkins. One couple brought chili. It was in a container with a skull and crossbones on the cover. Many hungry mouths did not heed the warning, and new levels of Hot Hot HOT were discovered. Perfect.

This movie scared the beejeezes out of me when I first saw it, and are still scenes where I want to cover my eyes and/or cringe into my blanket. However, since it's fairly dated at this point there are now scenes (decor of the house, especially) that can make anyone who might be getting a little uncomfortable watching the movie, laugh now and then.

As I discovered last night, this is a great movie to watch with friends - it is also a great movie to watch alone, if you love horror movies. Either way, be sure take a moment at some point to join the 'I've watched the original Amityville Horror club'.

Thank you everyone! See you all on this blog in the not to distant future! Not sure what to do next... we'll just have to wait and see.

Bones (2001)

I've been saving this one for a special occasion. I plucked this film off the Rain City Video shelf many times, held it close with joy, and then reluctantly put it back - knowing it had to wait until just the right time...that time is now.

That time is not tomorrow, Halloween, because I'm going to have people over and I wanted to keep this one all to myself. All To Myself! [slaps grab-grabby hands away].

I'm not even going to relay to you the many personal feelings I have for wanting to watch this film, Bones, I'm just going to share with you the words from the back of this DVD case - and then you'll understand why this movie must be watched:

"The time is 1979. Jimmy Bones (Snoop Dogg) is respected and loved as the neighborhood protector. When he is betrayed and brutally murdered by corrupt cop Lupovich (Michael T. Weiss), Bones' elegant brownstone becomes his tomb. Twenty-two years later, the neighborhood has become a ghetto and his home a gothic ruin. Four teens renovate it as an after hours nightclub, unknowingly releasing Jimmy's tortured spirit. It's thrills and chills as blood spills when Jimmy's ghost sets about its rightful revenge, his killers unaware of the gruesome fate that awaits them. With each new victim the terror mounts and Bones' vengeance spins out of control threatening everyone in his path, including his former lover Pearl (Pam Grier)."

YOU SEE!

If Snoop Dogg didn't already win you over then certainly Pam Grier did. If she didn't, because - perhaps you're suffering from a serious illness that should be checked out by a doctor, stat - then there is always Michael T. Weiss, who... well, I've not heard of him before but apparently he's been in quite a few things (e.g. Days of Our Lives, if that's your thang).

Ultimately, Snoop Dogg coming after people from the dead - THAT is a film worth watching.

I'll be watching this after I take my Mom out to dinner for her birthday. Happy Birthday, Mom!

Update:

Okay, I got home a little too late to watch all of Bones, but what I have seen so far I LOVE! It has met and exceeded expectations and I can't wait to see how it ends. Already the dialog is spicy, dicey, and snarky = excellent, exactly what I expected. The effects are great; they even surprised me...scared me a little bit too.

More to come, but I want to finish the whole film before I give you my whole review. So far: you need to see this film.

Update update:

Oh. My. Goodness. This movie is great! You can't not like this film, and I really don't have the words to explain How Awesome this movie is. It's like trying to explain how awesome your dinner is while your mouth of completely full of it. It will be added to my collection. It should be, at the very least added to your 'Yup, I've seen it' collection.

Suggested pairing: watch with friends who love a good party, eat party food.

The Red Shoes aka Bunhongsin (2005)

Tonight's movie is yet another one that Netflix has been yelling at me to watch.

Based on the cover photo (a high heeled red shoe dripping with blood) I was far from impressed. Also, I couldn't agree with the tag line more: "One size kills all". Of course one shoe size kills all! What, are you new? That is why there are different shoe sizes.

The only killer "one size fits all" item I wear on my feet are my Monty Python Killer Rabbit slippers, which are promptly stolen and worn about the house by my neighbor's four year old girl when they stop by.

I'm not a shoe snob, but if my feet aren't happy in what I'm wearing then no one is happy. Thus: of course one (shoe) size would kill all (feet), and I have yet to wear a pair of red high heels that doesn't want me to go on a rampage after wearing them for 45 minutes.

But now on to the film: the Korean film The Red Shoes aka Bunhongsin. I'm expecting a lot from this film and seeing as I'm not getting to this movie until later in the evening, my chances of falling asleep are high. My update to this film may not arrive until tomorrow :)

Speaking of updates, if you haven't already noticed my updates to Willard and Nomads are finally up! Sorry for the delay, very busy weekend.

Suggested pairing: Something uncomfortable. For me, it was really salty pizza and cold left over glogg.

Update:

Okay, okay. This movie surprised me quite a bit. In good ways and in bad.

First: according to the resolution on my TV, the shoes were not Red, they were Pink, I dare say Fuchsia pink, actually. And quite an ugly pair of 'red' shoes for people/spirits to be fighting over, although I would be willing to guess that the shoes were more of an artistic statement about the story, people, and so on - and not shoes people actually 'die' for.

So I tip my hat to integrating random shoes found in a subway with a horror story: very original and well done.

Second: there were quite a few good stare-downs in the movie. And I mean, Stare-Downs. The kind where you clap your hands just a bit and want to start shouting "Fight, Fight, Fight!" I felt a little bad afterwards, but was intrigued that this movie brought out the angry moody teen in me.

I also started thinking about how much Asian horror movies are based on a woman scorned. Is it because of the long-standing patriarchal society? Where women have been so repressed (to mind boggling proportions); living under a thumb for so long then die without a hint of respect and dignity, and eventually come back from the dead with "You know what!? That was a bunch of bullsh*t! THAT. IS. IT! I've had it up to here! You can not tell me what to do anymore and I am going to make your life a living hell."

Because, I totally buy it, if that is the case. Thesis fodder, right here.

Good movie. Watch with shoe lovers and shoe haters. Do not watch with someone who stole your significant other or your favorite pair of shoes.

Willard (2003)

I have a feeling that I'm not going to want to call tonight's film a Horror Movie. And yet... and yet, I think it totally qualifies.

I've seen Willard pop up from time to time, been very curious about it, but not curious enough to take time out of my busy/absurd/hilarious day to watch a story about a man and his rats.

That Said! I just noticed that this movie stars Crispin Glover. Suddenly, everything has changed. Like when someone invites you to a party and you're ho-hum about it until they say "...so and so will be there..." - now you're totally interested and it is the best thing ever.

That is what happened to me with this film.

In other totally unrelated but related because everything is related in one way or another news: watching horror movies can help you loose weight. You're welcome:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9638876/Watching-horror-films-burns-nearly-200-calories-a-time.html

Tonight's pairing: home made french onion soup and home made glogg. It's a cold nasty night out there, I hope you keep warm everyone.

Update:

Hold on folks! The official update is coming soon (this evening)!

Update Update:

Willard! This is one of those delightfully horrific films where you want to cheer for the 'bad guy' - and then you're like, wait... who is the bad guy?

The character development in this film is: FAN-TASTIC and the cinematography is Wonderful! I really wished I could have seen this on the big screen. Although, maybe it's for the best that I didn't (bigger place, bigger rats?)

You get the heebeegeebees. You get some laughs. You get lots of  'No....Way....". You get sad. You get angry. You get confused at all the 'you gets'.

Great film. I'm going to buy it.

At the beginning of the film I turned to my Husband and said, "Maybe we should get a pet rat sometime". He shook his head (he's also seen the movie before). By the middle of the movie, I was thinking a pet rat would be a bad idea. By the end of the film I was itchy, concerned about living in a ground apartment, and fearful my canned goods could attract rats.

If you have a fear of rats then do not watch this film. If you're looking for a great new horror movie - watch this one, you're sure to enjoy it.

Suggested pairing: Ah....you might not want to eat anything during this movie.

Nomads (1986)

Well, tonight is the night of Halloween parties so I'm going to watch today's film this afternoon.

As far as I can tell this movie is about demons, and it stars Pierce Brosnan. Seeing as I have to get ready for the parties tonight while I watch today's horror movie, this one seemed a to be a good fit.

Nomads/Demons = Wandering from house to house asking for treats/booze is served at these events. It just made sense.

Without wasting any more time, I'm just going to jump into it. I present to you: Nomads.

Update:

For anyone who noticed that an update was not made last night, please be patient! Life happened, update to be added very soon.

Update Update:

What an original film! It takes a classic haunted house story, twists it into a little bit of a zombie story (or werewolf...perhaps, we could argue about that) like some horrific candy cane AND THEN proceeds to dip the psychological thriller edges into all sorts of different horror movie sauces (e.g. haunting photographs, scary people, terrible terrible Ted Nuget music).

Also, Adam Ant is in this film [throws hands up]. You take that how ever you want.

Note: there is not a lot of gore, there are a few times where scary things jump out at you but mostly this is a  strange, lovely horror story like one I've not seen before.

Watch at night, alone, for full horror movie effect. Recommended pairing: anything French.

No Telling (Or, The Frankenstein Complex) (1991)

I believe I've said this before, but one of the most interesting things I've discovered during this October Challenge is that I'm taking a second look at movies that normally would have passed right under my radar.

In two words: no telling. There is no telling what I'll discover and that is exciting to me.

I'm forcing myself to look for films I've never seen and have barely heard of, and in return I'm discovering new elements of horror story writing, directing, and acting. This is good for everyone, right? (say yes). 

I know! For tonight's film, I was really drawn to the cover. It's unique - initially your eyes are focused on a concerned face but then pulled to the bottom of the cover where you wonder what in the world is going on with this guy and what appears to be a dog...and their fighting over...what IS THAT? Who knows! You'll have to watch the movie to find out. From the cover you can tell that it's obviously not a tale about ghost goons, creepy children, psychopathic inanimate objects, or creatures from the mist. Nope, can't figure it out - there is just no telling!

Clever, very clever. Way to pique some interest. Okay, and now I'll stop with puns.

Seriously, I've enjoyed this challenge. Though the good films and the bad. But now on to No Telling (Or, The Frankenstein Complex)! 

The Village Voice calls it "Smart, Spare, Skewed." 

L.A. Weekly calls it "BLATANT ROMANTICISM...Fessenden re-inscribes classic horror conventions, commenting on everything from the clash and collusion of science and art to the beauty and horror of creation (filmic and otherwise) to the sadness of ephemeral love...BURSTS OF GRAND GUIGNOL HUMOR."

Jay Carr of the Boston Globe calls it "This sexual, political, and environmental thriller has got a hold of something and its commitment gives it impact."

No Telling is also from the director of Habit and Wendigo (this is very very intriguing to me, I've not seen either of these movies and that is a shame!)

So now I'm all confused and excited. Perfect. But first, I'm off to a fancy restaurant for dinner with a birthday girl. 

Suggested pairing: Martinis and French appetizers. Here we go :)

Update:

This is a very disturbing film. It's slow, quiet - it creeps. Certainly not a film for people who like action in their  horror stories. Absolutely a film for people who dig psychological thrillers. Animal lovers: enter at your own risk.

This movie dives deep into unsettling questions about relationships, science, and their impact on not only the immediate environment but also society as a whole. The ending chilled me, CHILLED me. Warning: you can not unsee what is shown at the end of this film.

I highly recommend this movie for people who work in research, activists, and Frankenstein fans.

Bad Moon (1996)

Well, a few exciting things happened today:

First, I found my Halloween costume at Value Village for $5.99. My Husband and I spent about an hour there, searching. In any other time or place, conversations such as these:

"...I don't know if you'll see all the blood, though..."
"...no, it feels more Mrs. Bates, I need something from the 1890s..."
"...you can see blood pretty good on blue..."
"...white, yes a white blouse. That will show off the spatters more..."
"...see, if you just stand up and spray the blood on me, that might work..."

would not go over well in public. But since it's Halloween time and Value Village during Halloween time, we were the least concerning people in there. And then he found a pepper grinder for 2 dollars and we called it good. [high five]

Second: one of my ghost stories is being told on the Anything Ghost show Halloween Special! You can check it out here, on this link. My story is #11 (Spinal Tap fans, I did not do this on purpose. Life is just awesome that way).

Third: I saw my Rain City Video horror movie buddy at - well, Rain City Video. I talked about how I'm a little bit sad that the October Challenge is drawing to a close... what is going to happen to this blog? New and more awesome things was the conclusion! She also said she's been reading this blog [gleeeeeeeee].

But now on to tonight's movie. I've not watched enough werewolf movies lately, time to step up. Tonight's film is Bad Moon. The tagline is: "Half man. Half wolf. Total terror." Yes, I agree with that math. If I saw a half man half almost anything else, I say that would totally add up to terror in any situation. For instance, Half Man Half Sink. Half Man Half Asparagus. Half Man Half Brita Filter Water Container. The list goes on, and I'm only in the kitchen.


So, tagline, you haven't sold me. The the pictures on the back of the DVD cover, however, tells another story. You have the potential to have me second guess the mighty misty moon I'm now watching...

See you all after the show.

Update:

Well, it's a very 1990's film. Yes, that is my initial summary "Oh, how very 1990's". I'm not sure that I've ever said that about a movie before...I'm not even sure I know what that means...

So in this movie, a Pacific Northwest werewolf (not associated with Twilight) is wandering the woods. His biggest nemesis for a good deal of the film is a family pet, a dog named Thor.

While this was intriguing for a little while, I couldn't stop thinking about how 1990's the film was - which caused a bit of a distraction, and eventually I fell asleep. Subsequently, I had dreams about werewolves the rest of the night (some hilarious, some unnerving).

If you love werewolf films then this should be added to your list. If you love good horror movies then I recommend coming back to this one at a later time. If you're wondering how a horror movie can be "So 1990's" - let me ponder that for the rest of the day and get back to you.

Boo (2005)

Good evening, horror movie fans... [insert evil laugh].

Tonight's spooky tale is brought to us from the producers of Dog Soldiers. I love Dog Soldiers, I believe it is one of the best werewolf films ever made, period. I rented this movie because it had the words Dog Soldiers on the cover.

Speaking of a cover, unfortunately the DVD cover of this film is absurdly spooky. I've found that when movies have absurdly spooky covers, the cover is the spookiest element of the movie.

But I'm holding out hope for this one though (see also: Dog Soldiers), even though the tagline says: "You don't have a ghost of a chance" [groan].

So apparently in this film a bunch of kids break into an abandoned hospital on Halloween night. I have yet to see where, in a horror movie, this ever turns out good for anyone. But we'll see what happens tonight in, Boo.

Tonight's movie pairing: left overs. See you all after the show!

Update:

And the movie was not that bad. There were scenes that gave me the creeps, and there is one scene in particular that I'll likely have nightmares about (and I suspect the producers of Dog Soldiers came up with it).

Very gruesome. Very.
.
Of course there were the stock characters:

The blonde ingenue
The dark haired temptress
The dirt bag boyfriend
The nice guy
The comedian

But I didn't expect Dynamite Jones. My favorite character in the film. In the film this character, a retired 1970's movie star turned cop, apparently starred in the following (fake) movies:

• Meet Dynamite Jones
• Dynamite Ignited
• Dynamite Jones vs. The Dope Pope
• Dynamite Jones vs Count Pimpula
• Dynamite Jones vs Fankenfro

This character made the film very entertaining. I didn't see enough of him.

Story line was alright, but I just kept seeing a mix between Scream, The Thing (1982), and Cabin Fever. Watch with friends who have a strong stomach, and wait at least 45 minutes after eating before watching.

Let Sleeping Corpses Lie aka The Living Dead At The Manchester Morgue (1974)

Tonight's exciting pick is: Let Sleeping Corpses Lie aka Non si eve profanare il sonno dei morti aka The Living Dead At The Manchester Morgue aka Don't Open The Window.

A Spanish/Italian film from 1974. My mind is a little bit blown.

Like one of my new favorite films (The Fields), this movie apparently is also influenced by hippies and the Manson murders. This surprises me... how many movies have been influenced by hippies and the Manson murders? And where has my horror movie watching been if something like this surprises me?!

I'm learning so much!

DVD Times says this movie is "An impressively intelligent, inventive and genuinely scary film". Well, DVD Times, I'm looking forward to it. The first and last zombie movie to have blown my socks off AND send me into a whirlwind of mind messupedness AND change my whole perspective on horror movies and zombies AND inspired me to dress up like a zombie every chance I get because of it, is Night Of The Living Dead. So I'm expecting a lot from this one.

Tonight's pairing will be Bandit's Pinot Grigio, grilled chicken and pasta. Perhaps not the best pairing before watching a well respected zombie film... or is it?

Update:

Well my mother molasses monkey money mahogany - this is one of the best films I've ever seen.

When I popped in the DVD, I was greeted with this from the director:

"Hello! I'm Jorge Grau. Several years ago I shot this film, which had many titles. 'No Profanar el Sueio de los Muertos', is how it was called in Spain, in Italian it was ' Da Dove Vieni?". In English the title was 'The Living Dead at the Manchester Morgue'. It's been named may ways. I hope you like it. I know that those of you looking for this type of film, you also look for the happy moment. What I really mean is that I hope you have a bad time. I hope you get very scared and that you suffer profoundly, because that is the way to enjoy these types of films."

I hope you get very scared and that you suffer profoundly. That's right. That's what the Director of this movie said.

This movie is fantastic. It's horrible in all the right ways. It's right in all the horrible ways. And from what I understand it was inspired (Spanish side) by Night Of The Living Dead and Elizabeth of Bathory (Italian side). Both inspirations are stock full of absurd amounts of horror movie fodder. Ask me about Elizabeth of Bathory AND Night of the Living Dead - I dare you - just ask me. I have yet to know someone who knows more about these two stories than I do, but I'll take the challenge.

This movie is beautiful (cinematography is wonderful), the story line is pitch perfect (it doesn't always make sense - but it makes sense of its nonsense), the characters are lovely (ridiculous and recognizable), and it surprised me at every turn. PS: hipsters, you will be beside yourselves with joy. Non-hipsters: Trust me. You too will love this film. Love it.

This movie has smashed down all walls I've put up for good zombie horror films. If you've not seen it, you are missing out. Not only are you missing out, but you are lacking.

Lacking.

I don't understand why I've not heard more about this film. IT IS WONDERFUL.

Watch this film, people. Watch it alone. Watch it with a group. Watch it with people who have lost their sight. Any way you choose to watch it, I promise you: You will not regret it - you will enjoy yourself.

New Absolutely Favorite Movie: This One.

You meet and exceeded my expectations, Let Sleeping Corpses Lie. Keep on keeping awesome and I hope to see more of you in the horror movie world. You blew my socks off AND sent me into a whirlwind of mind messupedness AND changed my whole perspective on horror movies and zombies AND continued to inspired me to dress up like a zombie every chance I get. Bravo. [clapping]

PPS: English Hippies and American Hippies = very different. Although, it did not distract from the story. I think it enhanced it.

Fear Itself (Television Show, 2008)

I have no idea what today's movie will be because I'm going to a friend's house to watch it - and I've left it entirely up to her to choose tonight's pick. It is a surprise!

But I'll take this moment to update new readers that this month's goal for this blog is to watch a movie I've never seen before, do the best I can to rent that movie from my local Rain City Video store, and then tell you all about it. 

Tonight's movie pairing will be (first) politics, frozen pizza, movie and byob.

More news after I come home from tonight's adventure.

Update:

Well, well, well! What we watched was not a movie at all but a TV show! Another show that Netflix has been screaming at me to watch: Fear Itself. It was one of the host's favorite shows but sadly it was only on for one season. We can not figure out why because it was downright scary!

The first episode we watched was "Skin and Bones" - a Wendigo story! If you don't know what a Wendigo is then Wikipedia has some interesting information for you. I've not yet seen a Wendigo horror movie, but I'm told Ravenous is kind of tied to one.

Wendigos are frightening, and this 45 minute episode did frightening very very well! I give this TV show a thumbs up and I'll be watching more episodes soon! Go out and watch this people - especially if you're super busy and only have time for a 45 minute episode of fun.

I'd also like to add another thing I appreciated about this TV show is how complicated the "good guys" were. I've always felt that a good story, long or short, should portray characters that have fuzzy lines between "good" and "bad". This series, so far, has done that.

Mirrors (2008)

It's official. I've seen too many horror movies.

I woke up last night around 3:00 AM and couldn't get back to sleep. So as not to wake my husband, I wandered into the living room to watch some awful television. As I was adjusting the volume of the chosen channel (some 1940's film) with the remote, my TV screen pivoted on the the stand about 1/2 an inch away from me. All by itself.

As I said in an earlier post: "Timing can be hilarious" - right as I watched my entire television screen move on it's own, a classy dame in the movie said "What is it - it looks like you've just seen a ghost".

Once my blood returned to it's rightful place, I calmly moved the TV back to it's rightful place, ran to the bedroom and woke my husband up.

Hard to say what was happening there. But I'll be sure to check myself before I wreck myself in the future when I start bragging about how much the supernatural doesn't frighten me.

After 'the incident' I hid under my covers.

But that won't stop me from watching another scary movie tonight! The chosen film is the unrated version of Mirrors.

No suggested pairing tonight. I'm still hiding under the covers.

Update:
Perhaps I shouldn't have been working on a book proposal during the entire movie...

It was alright, had interesting ideas, but I didn't find it all that engaging. Again, please keep in mind that I was already focused on something else.
I also found it incredibly gruesome - but only for gruesome's sake and not to enhance the scary qualities of the story. Note - I was watching the unrated, "too frightening for the theaters" version.

I'm  a strong believer that a story doesn't have to be gory to be terrifying (I think some of the best ones are not), although I don't  mind some gore if it's used wisely. That said, I think over-the-top gore can be entertaining if watched with a large group of people where, "Oh- oh no, oh Hell no!" is echoed unanimously, followed by laughter and advice is strongly given to all characters in the film. I put Mirrors in that category.

Bad Blood aka Coisa Ruim aka Blood Curse (2006)

I accidentally stole some candy from a department store today. True story. The cashier scanned both bags of Halloween candy, but only one rang up with a price. I was so distracted at the time that I didn't notice until I got home, opened the bag, loaded my spooky Halloween candy bowl (the postman took some fun sized Butterfingers), and then looked at my receipt. I was charged $2.50 less than I should have been.

To scold myself for this bad behavior, I'm going to watch the Portuguese film, Bad Blood aka Coisa Ruim aka Blood Curse.

It looks like it has some potential, and "Independent Film Critics" hail it as "An Intelligent Suspense Thriller". Today's movie paring will be fun sized Butterfingers.

Update:

This was a spine chiller! Very subtle - the whole movie was subtle, except for the last 5 minutes. Moody, realistic, engaging, this film get's a thumbs up from me. Definitely one to watch on a cold, spooky night. Not a good one to watch with a group of people. Best watched alone or with just a few people who don't interrupt, as this film requires your full attention.

Recommended movie pairing: while snuggled up under a warm blanket, please keep warm mug of something handy, some snacks, and perhaps a light on. Also, while engrossed in this film, don't be surprised if the slightest movement out of the corner of your eye spooks you.

What happened to the October 19th post?

Life happened, that's what.

Fear not - I'm going to the movie store now to pick up some new goodies.

PS: you're awesome.

House on Haunted Hill (1959)

So, in addition to a crazy busy week, a book publishing company contacted me and said hey, we're interested in the idea of you writing a book. And I'm like cool it's Monday the 15th of October...when do you need my official book proposal? And they're all like next Monday (22nd), and then I'm all -  just a minute I have a brick in my jeans.

No, I wasn't that vulgar but I felt like I wanted to be. Instead I said: "OK!"

Seriously, the book possibility is a huge deal. It came out of nowhere and now I'm a lot more busy than I thought I would be. Which brings me to tonight's movie.

Since I have yet to finish Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things - I'm going to watch that first. By the time the movie is over it will be near my bed time. One of my very favorite bedtime movies is House On Haunted Hill (with Vincent Price).

In my memory, I watched it over and over again as a kid (not sure what that says about my upbringing, or my memory) and I'm still fascinated by it. I also still have an impressive collection of My Little Ponies (Stop Judging Me!).

This version of House On Haunted Hill includes but is not limited to a lot of screaming when initially you think it's not necessary, overacting, overreacting, booze, best/worst party favors, people on dolly carts (okay, that's just my theory), and a suspiciously modern looking house for something that is supposed to be 100 plus years old.

I love it. LOVE IT. To me, this movie is like ice cream mixed with Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies and your favorite nom nom nom beverage in the whole wide world - which is tonight's suggested movie pairing.

Enjoy it all. In fact, now you can watch this movie for free through the Internet Archive!!

PS: Update will be in the Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things post.

Sinister (2012)

Hold the presses! I'm breaking the rules.

Due to time constraints, poor planning on my part, and an overwhelming desire to watch this film. I'm not renting tonight's movie from Rain City Video. Instead, I'm watching tonight's film in the movie theater with my brother.

Tonight's movie is: Sinister. I've heard some people love it, some people hate it. We'll just have to see. To make peace with this rule breaking (and for something to do while I watch for the movie) - I present to you the worse death scene in a movie - ever. You're welcome.

Tonight's movie pairing: Popcorn, hot dog, soda pop.

Update:

Okay, not too bad. There were parts that were quite scary, and then there were parts where my bus ride home this evening was scarier. Overall, a film worth watching if you're looking for a new creepy story about creepy children and creepy inanimate objects.

Seeing as the producers of this film also produced Insidious, my brother and I came up with a few more movie title suggestions for them:

• Mean
• Bad Manners
• Down Right Rude
• Now That Was Completely Inconsiderate

Not Going To Happen Tonight

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Tonight  is my husband's birthday, and my goodness we had an excellent party.

So much of an excellent party that watching a movie will not be possible (a complete movie, I should say). I will put one into the DVD player, but it's highly unlikely that we'll make it through and since it's my husband's birthday, the movie will likely not be a horror movie.

If you are looking for a suggestion for tonight's adventure, then I recommend: The Orphanage:

or

The Others:

Two of my very, very, very, very favorites. Note: The Orphanage may make you cry at the end (if you have a soul), The Others might just flip you out (if you like mind flips).

See you all tomorrow!

Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things (1973)

I've got a couple sewing projects that need to be completed.

What kind of horror movie would go well with sewing projects... let's see.. let's see - ah, yes - Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things, of course.

The back of the DVD case tells me that this movie is "From the Director of Black Christmas, Turk 182, A Christmas Story and Porky's". Which tells me that this movie is:

1. rolled up in bacon (extra crispy)
2. dipped in Surprise Sauce
3. studied by archaeologists and found to be otherworldly
4. the reason why unicorns no longer exist
5. proof there are multiple gods fighting among each other
6. a fine example of what happened to the 1970's
7. Chuck Norris proof
8. the answer to why socks are lost in the wash
9. why your neighbor's home smells funny
10. a new family favorite
11. the fear you left the oven or iron on
12. so much more - and I have just read the back of the DVD case!

Tonight's movie pairing: bagels and cream cheese, and cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon. I feel no need to explain myself.

Update:

Well, I learned a powerful lesson last night: don't try to sew while watching this movie, the distractions proved too great. Thankfully my sewing project can be repaired.

Also, because I'm smart, after giving up on the project I nestled into a nice cozy warm bed - exhausted - to finish the film. The movie watch time did not last long and Mr. Husband had to take my glasses off my snoring face.

Do not fear! I will finish the movie soon. From what I've seen so far, this is cult classic gold.

Update update!

Okay, it's taken me five days to watch this movie. The universe didn't seem to want me to finish it. I wasn't even sure I wanted to finish this film, and yet I really enjoyed it! It's campy, stock full of quotable quotes, awful/wonderful, and the characters are hilariously out of control. The sexism was difficult to digest, however. Highly recommended to watch with a good group of friends. If you watch it alone, you might fall asleep - as I did. Five times.

Ganja and Hess (1973)

Tonight's movie is the acclaimed Ganja and Hess.

The version I picked up is the original, director's cut. The back of this movie cover has a great deal of interesting information not about the plot line, but about the history of this movie. Must share:

"Ganja & Hess has been hailed as on of the great artistic achievements of modern American cinema. It was the only American film screened during Critics' Week of the 1973 Cannes Film Festival, where it earned a standing ovation.

Yet this landmark motion picture has rarely been screened in its original form. Kelly-Jordan Enterprises, the company that produced it, were disappointed that writer-director Bill Gunn had not delivered a more conventional "blaxploitation" genre film. They pulled the picture out of distribution after only a week and hacked it down from 110 minutes to 78 in a desperate and foolish bid to force it into a drive-in format. Bill Gunn and his fellow filmmakers removed their names from this bastardized version, which has appeared on video under six different titles. 

For years it was believed that Gunn's original cut was all but lost forever. This exclusive DVD release has been painstakingly reassembled from recently discovered 35 mm elements, and marks the first time this important work has been made available as its makers intended."

Acclaims:

"The great underground classic of Black Film, and the most complicated, intriguing, subtle, sophisticated, and passionate Black films of the Seventies." James Monaco, American Film Now

"One of the most literate, allegorical, and evasive of all horror films." Tim Lucas, Video Watchdog

"One of the most extraordinary ethnic pictures ever to have come out of the United States....a vampire story that soars above the conventions of the genre and leaves audiences reeling and wondering whether anybody had any idea how potent a film they were making." Alan Stanbrook, Films and Filming

Suggested movie pairing: Wine of course. And away we go!

Update:

One of a kind film, and the soundtrack IS AMAZING. This film relays a very interesting perspective on vampires, love, hate, and religion. This movie also feels fast and slow at the same time, I've never really experienced/seen anything like it. The viewer must pay attention throughout the entire film, however. I got a little side tracked now and then and had to back track every time because so much happened in a matter of 10 seconds. Highly recommended for those who are passionate about deep, philosophical horror movies.

The Ghost aka Dead Friend aka Ryeong (2004)

I'm so excited.

Today I plan to finish Documenting The Grey Man, The Dark Hours, and today's movie - all this afternoon. That's right, I'm going to spend an entire Saturday afternoon watching horror movies. Coffee is brewing, eggs  will soon be cookin', I'm going to watch horror movies all day AND I'm decorating the home for Halloween.

This. Sounds. Awesome. I feel a kid in a candy store, except instead of candy it's horror movies and it's all in my living room.

Maybe, just maybe I'll squeeze another new film in this afternoon's horror extravaganza.

Today's movie is The Ghost, also known as Dead Friend also known as Ryeong. A South Korean film that Netflix has been screaming at me to watch. Screem Magazine says it's "The Grudge Meets Dark Water". Likey likey!

And away we go!

Update:

Um. Okay - it was.... gooooood? I found it to be a bit predicable, but it has a nice twist at the ending. The version I saw had some pretty poor subtitles, and by poor I also mean a little hilarious. If you've seen The Grudge, The Ring, and Dark Water, then you've pretty much seen this film. If you love love love Asian horror films then be sure to add this to your collection.

Suggested movie pairing:  fish soup and a nice tall glass of cold water. Watch with your enemies.

Documenting The Grey Man (2011)

Incredibly busy today and tonight. I'll be lucky if I have enough time to make it through this next film, Documenting The Grey Man. It was so new at the movie store that they didn't even have it cataloged in their computer system when I plucked it off the shelf.

This created a little bit of a line for the other movie renters at the checkout counter (well, a Spanking Brand New Movie and me renting 7 other films - all with coupons in my pocket).

As the title suggests, it's documentary-like. Anticool.com said it is "A can't miss for fans of Ghost Hunters and other ghost investigator series". And I have to say, I'm a sucker for that stuff. I eat it up like a BBQ sandwich. I even wined up making a mess everywhere.

Suggested pairing: frozen pizza and beer.

Update:

Well, I didn't get through the film last night. I was only about 15 minutes in when I got too busy to finish it. Good news! I'll finish it today! More news in the next post.

Update Update:

Okay, so I appreciate the amount of time, money, and energy it takes to make a film - even a small independent film. I don't think I could do it, so I tip my hat to those who do.

That said, um. Yeah. I enjoyed the characters more when they were supposed to be playing characters rather than when they were supposed to be playing 'themselves'. As 'themselves', I cried a little from the pain. When they were performing as paranormal investigators, I was intrigued. Some elements were spooky.

It felt like I was watching one long YouTube video.

Recommended for people who like to make fun of Ghost Hunters and other ghost investigator series.

The Dark Hours (2005)

Got a lot going on today, and quite a few people coming over so I'm going to retreat to my room before anyone notices and watch: The Dark Hours.

Another film festival award winner:

• Jury Award Best Film at the Fantastic Film Festival in Austin, TX
• Audience Award Winner, Dead By Dawn
• Best Picture at the NYC Horror Film Festival

This movie appears to be about a psychiatrist who just wants to spend a nice quiet holiday at her family cabin, and then guests arrive...

Tonight's movie pairing: Cheese and Crackers - 'cause that's all I have time for right now.

Update:

Well, for the first time in 11 day history of this blog challenge. I wasn't able to complete the film in one evening. We had too many guests, too much activity, and the film didn't totally capture my attention. I'll still finish it - just not tonight. The movie has potential, and I blame the band in my living room for distractions. No, not really - I blame no one but myself. The band is awesome. Will provide an update to my update tomorrow!

Update update:

Okay, not bad. Not bad at all. Good psychological thriller, a few twists here and there. Half way through the film felt a bit long to me, but that period is necessary in order to tie up the ending. Clever, dialog is engaging, gruesome at times, and reminded me at first of Funny Games (American version, not French). Recommended for people who enjoy movies about people who go Absolutely CRAZY. Moral of the movie, follow your doctor's orders.

The Fields (2011)

Rent one, get one free day at Rain City Video. I strategically picked up eight films. Although they are due in 7 days, I'll find a way to squeeze that 8th film in without late fees. Just watch me.

Tonight's film appears to have won the following awards:

• Best Director, Eerie Horror Fest 2011
• Best Feature, Terror Film Festival 2011
• Best Feature, Buffalo/Niagara Film Festival 2011
• Official Selection Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival 2011
• Official Selection Big Apple Film Festival 2011

It also stars Tara Reid...[raised eyebrow] and is apparently based on actual events [two raised eyebrows].

I Can't Wait to see what happens in The Fields!

Tonight's movie pairing will be quiche (nothing else looked good, what?), and Snoqualmie Copperhead American Pale Ale.

Update:

Love it. Lovely, and dare I say, an artistic horror movie. No gore. No creatures. Just a little boy hanging out with his grandparents on a rural farm. You'll laugh with this trio, scream with this trio, and ultimately fall in love with this trio. I want Cloris Leachman to be my new best friend. If you are a hard core, high excitement all the time horror movie fan then this one may bore you. But.... I don't think so. I want to tell everyone to watch this film: Watch This Film, people! In fact, I'm going to watch it again before it has to be returned, and once I get my hand on a copy it will soon be added to my personal collection. LOVED IT. Watch this film.

Don't Torture A Duckling (1972)

Found myself in a discussion about why I'm watching a horror movie everyday, today. The more I spoke, the more complicated I realized the motives behind my strange endeavor were. 

Why am I doing this? 

Well, it could be because I find horror movies to be a sort of meta analysis tool to view hidden fears of a community without the community being made aware they are being viewed. For example, a horror story can, to a degree, provide an omnipresent view of a life/a situation/a collective fear without an observer effect. The observer effect; where the act of observation changes the object being observed. Horror stories in particular because fear, like garbage, shows society's underbelly - and I've always been a Budda belly rubbin', Pilsbery Dough Boy belly pokin, ahhh that hit the spot belly scratcher. And our family weekend trips often included a trip to the dump. Never Liked It. But, it was always interesting. 

Speaking of family - could my love for the horror story be due to some nurture effect? I thought it was pretty normal at the time, but turns out that having a father quietly leave the dinner table, only to return dressed in a horrific mask and chasing five screaming children from the dinning room, was not normal. Or perhaps, Mom should have given a second look at the movies we picked when she said: "...just anything that is 99 cents" during our weekly movie store visits. Suppose I shouldn't be surprised that me and my brothers grew up to eventually jump out of graveyards at unsuspecting passerby's, or threaten little kiddos that trolls would come out of the wall if they didn't clean up their room (I was asked not to come back and babysit).

Perhaps I'm subconsciously trying to prepare myself for catastrophic events; treating movies as if they're training programs? So when someone comes up to me and says, "My best friend was just eaten by a werewolf", I could say "That sucks, want some Cheetos? No? Fiiiiiiinnnneee. I'll go get my sliver bullets."

Or maybe, quite simply, I love them. I love ghost stories around the campfire (a small collective coming together out of the darkness for a shared purpose). I love historical correlations (fear of science or fear of a loss of religion, see also Frankenstein, H.P. Lovecraft, or any B-Rated Horror movie).  And I love Halloween (dressing up - especially dressing up to scare away bad intentions).

Which brings me to tonight's film: Don't Torture A Duckling. A dubbed over Italian film by Lucio Fulci. Apparently considered a classic, it looks like Chaos. 

Update:

Early 1970's Italy, skeletal monks, 11 year old children smoking, strange nude woman living in an attic, pop music soundtrack at inappropriate times, Donald Duck, a witch hunt, headless dolls, the sin of having a child with birth defects, priests with nothing to loose, and an epileptic voodoo believer who can't quite let it go... this is Don't Torture A Duckling. Yup. Chaos. Crazy, wild, religious what what what? chaos. 

Recommended pairing: Nothing. I consider fasting for this one. Watch with friends if you can. 

Jennifer's Body (2009)

Double feature today!

This evening I'm going to a movie gathering at a friend's house. Since I've already seen the film that will be watched at the gathering, ("Below" - it's fantastic. World War II submarine picks up some stranded souls on the water and then ... things get ugly) I decided to watch another film this afternoon. One I haven't seen and because this movie needs to be returned.

Jennifer's Body. When I saw the advertisements I was like, "meh...". When I saw more advertisements and fairly good reviews, I was like "maaaaybee." When I saw it on the Rain City Video employee suggestions shelf, I was like "Okay." It looks a bit campy, pretty gory, and there is a good chance the dialogue will not be terrible. Also, I picked up the Unrated version so I might just be blown away a little bit.

Today's movie pairing will be leftovers (whatever I can find in the fridge), orange juice, and maybe some string cheese.

Update:

If the movies Heathers and The Lost Boys had a love child, and that child's best friends were Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ginger Snaps, then it would be Jennifer's Body. A straight up, holds back no punches, funny, and gruesome coming-of-age story. Recommend movie pairing: booze stolen from your parent's liquor cabinet, and maybe some Corn Nuts or Snickers if you have them.

The Incubus (1982)

I pulled the latest Maxim magazine out of my bag and my husband said "I don't know what part of this magazine is so compelling that you chose to bring it into our home..." He's right, the only reason this magazine would even make it past the entry hallway is due to some life altering item therein.

I attended a birthday party last night, mentioned that I'm blogging about horror movies, and the birthday girl quickly handed over this magazine. Besides a half naked woman, on the cover was "66 Best Horror Flicks You've Never Seen".

HAHAhA. Bah humbug. I've seen them all, I said to her. To my shock, there were several movies listed that I've never seen. Additionally, I counted only 34 movies in their list. 63 if you count the movies that horror movie directors (Maxim interviewed) liked and were inspired by. Either Maxim has a math problem or we've  fallen pray to an advertising gimmick. My vote is: Math Problem.

Movies on this list that I've seen and highly recommend:

(1) The Innocents: hands down, one of the best ghost stories ever. The movie is from 1961, and is based on a 1898 novella by Henry James titled "The Turn Of The Screw". I read the story after watching the movie. Both are works of art in character development, scenery, and suspense. Either you read the story or watch the movie - know they will be time well spent. Highly recommended.

(2): Dog Soldiers: I do not have enough wonderful things to say about this movie. After watching this film is the only time I've walked out of the theater and was honest-to-god-scared to be by myself. I made my brother walk me to the bus stop and I still was convinced that a werewolf would bust through the window and tear me to shreds. Fantastic film, with a hint of dark humor, and a whole lotta screams.

(3) Black Christmas: I began this film with the attitude that it would be yet another piece of trashy art, and I love trashy, campy art. Especially if it's from 1974. No, this was not heart warming trash, this work was a piece of bone chilling gold. Women in college doing their own thing, having [gasp] their own opinions - apparently the killer in this film did not like it. A thesis could be written about this piece and I've considered doing it.


(4) High Tension, and Martyrs: Why! Why must the French make movies portraying the most screwed up people!?! I recommend keeping plenty of water around when watching these films, you'll want to feel clean. Gore, Gore, Gore. Horrible people doing horrible things in such a clever way. Watch these and I suspect you'll walk away not looking at the world in the same way.

(5) The Pit: Yes. Yes please. More "The Pit" - a  feel good family flick. Not really. This is any family's real life adventure with demons in the backyard if we all grew up with demons in the backyard. Delightful. If you're new to horror movies, start here. If horror movies are old hat and you've not see this movie: What Is Wrong With You? Watch it. Watch it now.

Okay - there be my reviews of Maxim's list. I'll watch their other suggested movies in the not-to-distant future. But now on to today's movie:

The mystery movie that the Rain City Video employee would not let me see the back cover of: The Incubus. Tonight's movie pairing: Beer and Pizza

Update:

The beginning of this film was a fine demonstration on how to not build strong, healthy, stable relationships. As the film continued the feminist in me was laughing uncontrollably - to the point of not breathing. And then the feminist in me died of asphyxiation. There was a great deal of focus on the female reproductive system, an uncomfortable, and Todd Akin-logic amount of focus.

Also, one scene has a reference to the Rocky Horror Picture Show - fans, you are welcome to cry here. I did.

I felt compelled to get a little political on this one because of the comical amount time this movie spent on the reproductive systems of both men and women, which I find parallel today's political environment  Although, I really shouldn't be surprised, considering the title of the movie is The Incubus, it was made in 1982, and perfect timing can be hilarious. If you don't know what an Incubus is then Wikipedia has some entertaining information for you. If you don't know what 1982 is then, well...I just don't know what to say.

Good film to watch with beer, pizza, friends, and plenty of distractions. My husband was a fantastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 contributor to this movie.

Dorm (2006)

I have plans this evening, so I'm going to watch today's scary movie this afternoon. Nothing says horror like a sunny, beautiful Saturday afternoon watching a Thai film about a little boy in a boarding school.

I referenced this film, Dorm, in an earlier post, with the quote on the cover: "The Devil's Backbone with a hint of Stand By Me."

Today's movie pairing will be coffee (french press), and scrambled eggs (with cheese).

Here we go!

Update:

Well I'll be. This is a lovely movie, and it really is like The Devil's Backbone with a hint of Stand By Me! Neat story, great cinematography, good acting, and it even has a happy ending. There is a scene in the film, however, where the characters are watching another film. This crazy, psychedelic segment of a movie within a movie can not be unseen, but you'll have to see it to believe it. Good movie for people who say they can't watch horror movies because it will give them nightmares. Nightmare free.

Of Unknown Origin (1983)

Ah, Friday night.

Me and my husband went grocery shopping right after work, I watched a woman drive a cart down one of the isles with what appeared to be five to six children dangling on the sides, going along for the ride. I initially thought of The Brood. Thanks scary movies! Thanks a lot. Well, I guess I brought this on myself - but who cares, I have beer.

Anywhoos, on to today's pick: I was not able to pick from the plethora of fantastic options, so I had my husband hold them all behind his back and I played "Pick which hand". I ultimately picked Of Unknown Origin. I had never heard of the film before I plucked it from the hidden spaces in the movie store. Not even the employees had heard of it. It stars Peter Weller and the cover on the case shows a family portrait ripped to shreds. Leaves a lot to the imagination.

We're cooking steak tonight, and he picked up a bottle of whiskey!

Happy Friday night everyone - let's see what happens....

Well,  if you have a problem with rats and jerks, then please do not watch film. Things happened, rats came. Rat. Ah. Keep toilet sets down. New York City, don't live there. Things, bad things  happen.  Did  I mention rats? Stuff and things, horrible. Rats. Whiskey. Bed time. Yay bed time, stupid rats.

Frozen (2010)

I quietly slipped 7 Below and The Brood through the drop-box undetected at the movie store today, then strolled on in and decided to pick up a few more flicks (rent one, get another free day!).

While browsing for new opportunities, I heard one of the clerks say "Someone rented The Brood!!!" I raised my hand - we became fast friends.

Together we surfed for new movies. I had already seen nearly all of the staff picks on the movie wall dedicated to the Halloween season, until.... we both found something intriguing. She read the back of the cover of said film first and then Wouldn't Allow Me To Read It! Good for her. I had spilled the beans that I was blogging about horror movies I had never seen, and she said the back of this particular movie gave away too much. She quickly bagged up the movies and kindly demanded that I not see the back cover until I've seen the film.

Because I've been tormented, you too shall be tormented. We will not be watching the mystery movie tonight! Instead, we'll be watching a highly, highly praised film (by a trusted beer drinking adviser): Frozen.

Frozen: some people on a ski trip get stuck on a lift. Sounds boring? I'm told it's not. Not At All. Personally, I don't see why people ski, I'm more of a fall off a sled, roll down a hill, run into a rock, curse, laugh, and collect snow in your coat kind of girl.

Tonight's food and beverage pairing: Super Duper Chili Cheese Dog, and a shot of Tuaca (a digestive - because I'm so full I can't sit right). Let's see what happens...

Update:

Okay, so I always wondered how high off the ground ski lifts were - now: I Never Want To Know! Horrifying. The movie is horrifying. Although, I didn't totally buy the man eating wolves thing, considering their situation - of course that would totally happen.

Also, half way through the film I had to take a break. Seriously. I can't remember the last time I had to walk away from a film because I just couldn't take it any more. Being from the Midwest  where your eye juice can freeze when you walk outside, this movie brought back some awful memories. For everyone else who have not lived in the Midwest  this film can also bring out some spine chilling, hair-pulling, "that totally, sucks!!", "I might just do that - AH! No, no, maybe I wouldn't do that, I would totally die." - in you.

Recommended food and beverage pair: ANYTHING HOT.

The Brood (1979)

And suddenly we have several people in the house and the consensus for tonight's movie is The Brood.

My brother, another horror fan, highly recommends it. Seeing as it's already late and I've had several beers - let's just jump right on in!

Update:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I loved it! Original, mind bending! I kept thinking to myself (and say out loud) "What the hell are those things!?!" And then it got worse, in a great horror movie way.

 "I saw things I never knew I never wanted to see" is the quote of the night. That pretty much sums it up.

Suggested movie pairing: kid snacks and Capri Sun (mixed with something).

7 Below (2012)

Ooooh Ho ho! I picked up some goodies at the movie store today! Or at least I hope they are goodies, but I'm getting ahead of myself. I chose some new films I've never heard of and I refuse to research them on the interwebs. I fully understand this could end up either totally wrong or totally right. Who cares. I have beer.

And my husband is cooking stir fry!

The choice for tonight is between movies with the following quotes on the cover : "Evil has found a new home" [yawn] or "The Devil's Backbone With A Hint of Stand By Me" [eyebrow raised, rubs chin].

I'm going for the yawner (7 Below) because it has some really really scary pictures of Val Kilmer on the DVD case. I don't think it's part of his costume...I think that's just his face. Who cares! I have beer and I don't mind Mr. Kilmer.

Tonight's movie pairing will be cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon and Chicken Stir Fry. The cat, Moses Crumb, will have catnip and freak the f*@k out.

So let's see how this goes, shall we? MMmmmm.

Update:

Bah...I'm not sure what happened. So there I was enjoying a FANTASTIC meal snug, ready for a movie on the couch, when suddenly I'm watching a young beautiful woman holding up a car hood and complaining that "...I knew I should have filled up with gas". I fell asleep for a while, woke back up to find that not much had changed in the film. If you are into movies about people doing things you wouldn't do (or say) in real life, then I recommend it. However, please pair movie with lots of whiskey and venison jerky, then sit back in an uncomfortable chair and leave only one lamp on that kinda works sometimes if you wiggle the cord a little.

The Woman In Black (2012)

*This was originally posted yesterday on a different page. I have since removed that page*

To start off this challenge, I've been invited to a friend's house to watch The Woman in Black and eat tater tot casserole. I've read the book, very much enjoyed it, and decided that this fancy evening called for some Ravens Wood Zinfandel (Vintner blend).

I'm heading off now, will provide an update after I drink this bottle.

Update:

Okay, classic ghost story. Note, the book, totally different than movie. Not surprising. Classic spook, dark shadows, what  are crazy people thinking. Good stuff, my style. Quote of the night from the gang: "What the what!  Unacceptable." Runner up: "That bitch be crazy". WINE WON. Pfffffftttttt. Loved the movie, but the wine beat me good. Will not buy again. Will watch movie again.