Reposted from World of the Weird Monster Blog | Go to Original Post

Hey kids!  Well, the best holiday of the year, Halloween, has passed.  Which means its time to wrap up this series of posts.  I started this month with a blog about all the movies I had set aside to watch this month in honor of the best holiday of the year.  I wanted to watch at least one thing from this Halloween box of videos each day.   You can see the list here: http://wowmonstershow.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/31-days-of-halloween-the-list/

And you can see how I did in week 1 here: http://wowmonstershow.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/31-days-of-halloween-week-1/

And week 2 here:  http://wowmonstershow.wordpress.com/2013/10/16/31-days-of-halloween-week-2/

I fell off a bit after that unfortunately.  Actually, week 3 turned out pretty well, but week 4….let’s just say since it is one of the busiest weeks in the year for me, I fell below my expectations in movie watching.  And the biggest bummer was I was saving my favorite Halloween flicks for closest to the holiday (Great Pumpkin, Halloween, Halloween III) and I never watched them.  So I think Halloween has to be extended another month.

That being said, here’s the last of my October viewings.

FRANKENSTEIN SINGS….The Movie (AKA MONSTER MASH, THE MOVIE)

Its says on the box…In the Tradition of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  But, brother, this is no Rocky Horror.  Based on the musical “I’m sorry the bridge is out…you’ll have to spend the night”  by Boris “Monster Mash” Pickett.

Yep, Boris is even in this movie!

and his hunchback assistant is played by John Kassir (The Cryptkeeper!)   In the “Janet” role is one of the chicks from Full House.

Guys this movie is horrible.  Like really, horrible.  Not even funny horrible.   Here:

Even Mink Stole can’t save this.  Oh, and yeah, they play The Monster Mash at least three times.

Of course all this being said, my wife is amazing for finding it and I’m of course going to watch it every Halloween.

TRANSYLVANIA 6-5000

You know what movie is great?  THIS ONE.  Okay, okay, it wears thin for maybe the last 15 minutes or so.  But it’s the funniest movie funded by DOW CHEMICALS to spend their Yugoslavian money that they were not allowed to move out of the country (it’s true!  On both counts!)   But I find this movie absolutely hilarious.  I do.  And if you don’t, frankly you’re just wrong.   If WOWMS ever makes a movie, it would be like this.  In fact I once had a loose outline to a WOWMS movie that was quite similar in some respects.

Plus, this:

This is enough reason for this movie to exist if nothing else.

THE LORDS OF SALEM

I LOVE this movie.  I pretty much love everything Rob Zombie has done (even the two Halloween movies have grown on me.)  But I really, really just dig the whole vibe on this one.  And with the fall Salem setting, it’s also perfect Halloween viewing.  I know this movie isn’t for everyone, but I loved it.

Also, this sweater is amazing.

THE HOWLING

Man, I love this movie.  And the new Scream Factory Blu-Ray looks gorgeous.  They just don’t make them like this anymore.  The 80′s was a great time.  You had all these directors that grew up on the Hammer films, the AIP films, as well as stuff like NOTLD and Blood Feast…but also saw the rereleases or horror hosted screenings of the old Universal classics, etc.  So you had films like the Howling which felt like a mixture of the classic and the new….the atmospheric and the splatter-tastic.   Just a great, great flick.

NIGHT OF THE DEMONS

I did get in a few classic “Halloween Night” movies and this is one of them.  I remember the first time I saw this, my smile kept getting wider and wider as they checked off plot points….Halloween night….deserted house….old funeral home….built on Indian graveyard….seance….etc, etc.  What’s not to love.  Plus, Angela’s dance to Bauhaus’ Stigmata Martyr blew my teenage mind.

QUATERMASS AND THE PIT

Was not on my original list but I pulled it off the shelf one night when the mood struck me.  Great, great film.  Grasshopper devil alien martian monsters!

FRIDAY THE 13TH THE SERIES

I also watched a ton more of this show….and it made me remember how much I loved it back when it came on in syndication.   You know, it’s amazing we live in a world where at the drop of a hat I can watch THE WARRIORS or a million other movies on my phone at any time.  But back in the 80′s it was kind of cool that the stuff we loved was harder to find.  You had to search it out, and when you found it, you treasured it more.  To have this show on weekly was amazing and I loved it.  It really is a pretty great horror anthology type show.  And one of the great things about it is the awesome core cast of three.

Okay…that guy on the right is not Jack Marshack, the bad ass old magician.  But it is a nice picture of Robey.

THE HAUNTED PALACE

Another great flick.  Roger Corman and Vincent Price were having such great success with the Poe films for AIP and Corman wanted to try a Lovecraft film.  AIP said no way, Poe was too popular.  So they took the title of a Poe poem, made that the title of the film and went ahead and made an HP Lovecraft movie anyway, based loosely on “The Strange Case of Charles Dexter Ward.”

BEETLEJUICE

Another one that had not been on my list….but I’m so glad we watched it as I hadn’t seen it in a very long time (at least 10 years.)  Remembered how great it was.  I had bought the Blu-Ray for cheap a long time ago but never even unwrapped it.  Such a great, great flick.

THE MONSTER CLUB (Hosted by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.)

Another great, fun, movie.  I believe this is now on Blu-Ray…but I love my thriller video Elvira VHS.  Just perfect for a fun, Halloween, Monster filled romp as this.  If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out.

So that’s another Halloween season behind us.  But, as we always say here on The World of the Weird Monster Show….everyday is Halloween!

Check us out on facebook and youtube!

Reposted from World of the Weird Monster Blog | Go to Original Post

Hey kids!  Well, we’re now two weeks into the best month of the year, October!  Which means we’re getting closer and closer to Halloween.  I started this month with a blog about all the movies I had set aside to watch this month in honor of the best holiday of the year.  I wanted to watch at least one thing from this Halloween box of videos each day.   You can see the list here: http://wowmonstershow.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/31-days-of-halloween-the-list/

And you can see how I did in week 1 here: http://wowmonstershow.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/31-days-of-halloween-week-1/

OCTOBER 8

PRINCE OF DARKNESS

I just got the new Scream Factory Blu-Ray of this and wanted to check it out.  It looks beautiful and has some cool extras on it as well.  It’s funny, when I first saw this movie as a teenager I liked it all except the ending.  I think I wanted it to be straight supernatural horror and was upset and some of the sci-fi trappings.  But I got over that years ago and love this movie now.  John Carpenter does his best Nigel Kneale take on Lovecraft and those are two things that go great together (also love that the main character had gone to KNEALE College and Carpenter’s pen name is Quatermass.)

I love that, like in many of Lovecraft’s Miskatonic University stories, the film is about a group of scientists doing an investigation that takes a bizarre paranormal turn.  Awesome John Carpenter direction and music and just an all around great movie.  Plus it basically stars young pseudo Tom Atkins.

OCTOBER 9:

MYSTERY INCORPORATED: NIGHTFRIGHT & THE GATHERING GLOOM

Yep, more Scooby Doo.  And this is a great one with the Scooby Universe version of Vincent Price: Vincent Van Ghoul

And parodies of THE FLY, DR. PHIBES, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH and HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL:

That’s an animated Dr. Phibes, man!!

VISITOR FROM THE GRAVE hosted by Elvira

So this Thriller Video release has Elvira hosting an episode of the HAMMER HOUSE OF HORROR TV series.  It’s not too bad.  Elvira is of course, amazing.  And the flick is kind of fun.  Plus it has Kathern Leigh Scott from DARK SHADOWS in it!

OCTOBER 10:

HALLOWEEN WARS

Much like MAKING MONSTERS, this Food Network show is now a Halloween tradition.  A bunch of teams featuring a pumpkin carver, a cake artist and a sugar artist compete to make ghoulish creations.  This week’s guest judge: Danielle Harris!

ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES: Halloween of Horror.

I’d never seen this Archie meets the Night Stalker cartoon series but picked it up dirt cheap.  Was kind of cool, but wasn’t as great as the comics.  If Veronica is going to be at a Halloween party, then damnit I want Vampironica!

Right?

I did however read one of the best horror comics I’ve read in a long time (and one that deserves it’s own blog) AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE (which I might add, does feature Veronica as Vampironica as a Halloween costume and Betty as a sexy nurse.)

FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE SERIES   “PIRATES PROMISE” and “SCARECROW”

Yep, this was a day when I worked a lot so watched a lot of short stuff.   I LOVED this show as a kid when it was first in syndication.  I had a huge crush on Robey and thought this was the best horror show ever.  I still like it.

But I’d like to talk about Ryan Dallion (the protagonist along with Robey’s Mikki and Jack) and his sweaters.

If you’re going to a seaside town (Pirate’s Promise) to look for a cursed foghorn….don’t wear a sweater with anchors all over it.

You can’t see it in this image from SCARECROW but let me tell you that Ryan’s sweater has a HOCKEY PLAYER on it’s back.  Just a huge, knitted HOCKEY PLAYER.

Also, according to People Magazine, I wasn’t the only one who had a crush.

OCTOBER 12:

PHANTASM:

It was almost 2am and that meant it was the perfect time to watch Phantasm.  I can watch this movie anytime, but for some reason it seems even better in the early hours of the morning.  Classic.

OCTOBER 13:

WEREWOLF: TV series

In Rockford, Illinois where I grew up, we did not have FOX when it first came on the air.  You remember, back when there were only 3 Networks and TV would go off at 1-2am every night?   Friends talked about Tracy Ullman (and something called The Simpsons) or Married with Children.  I, on the other hand, was bummed I could not watch the new werewolf TV show.  See,, I love monsters.  But my favorite monster is probably the werewolf.   So I finally watched the pilot of this show and you know what?  pretty damn good.  I think you could reshoot it now with the same script and it would be a hit–especially in today’s serial TV world.  Will have to watch the rest of them when I have time.

OCTOBER 14:

DEAD SCARED (THE HAZING)

So on cable where I first saw it…and on the DVD I own, it’s called THE HAZING.  But I like DEAD SCARED much better.  This is a fun little horror film that very much wants to be NIGHT OF THE DEMONS meets EVIL DEAD II.  And you know, what?  It kind of succeeds.  It’s a lot of fun with some cool gore and some over the top crazy moments–and it takes place on Halloween night.  Plus, the two main leads look like this:

Yeah, that’s Tiffany Sheppis dressed as a space girl with a chainsaw.   I’ll let you go watch this movie now.

That’s it for week 2.  As we get closer to Halloween I’ll start watching more and more of the classic Halloween films and movies that take place on the holiday.

What have you been watching?

Reposted from World of the Weird Monster Blog | Go to Original Post

Hey kids!  Well, we’re one week into the best month of the year, October!  Which means we’re getting closer and closer to Halloween.  Last week I posted a blog about all the movies I had set aside to watch this month in honor of the best holiday of the year.  I wanted to watch at least one thing from this Halloween box of videos each day.   You can see the list here: http://wowmonstershow.wordpress.com/2013/10/01/31-days-of-halloween-the-list/

So far I’ve done pretty good.  I’m saving many of the real Halloween titles (that take place around the holiday) until I get closer to the actual date.  But it’s been a good start so far.  Here’s what I’ve watched so far.  How about you guys?  What are you watching this month?

OCTOBER 1:

E! TRUE HOLLYWOOD STORY: SCREAM QUEENS

Yep, kicked off with an E! special from about 10 years ago.  This 2 hour special, hosted by Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, was a nice way to kick off the season.  I couldn’t pick just one film, so why not watch something that covers them all.  While called “Scream Queens,” the special actually tracks portrayals of women in horror films from the 30′s to the present (albeit not too in depth…this is E! after all.)   But it was cool to see some of my favorite actresses like Dee Wallace and Angela Bettis get interviewed and was fun to see so many clips from so many great movies.

SCOOBY DOO AND THE VAMPIRE STRIKES BACK

And of course, some Scooby Doo.  This episode from “What’s New, Scooby Doo” features the Hex Girls so of course it’s awesome.  And I always love that Jane Wiedlin is one of the Hex Girls.

OCTOBER 2:

THE FRIGHTENERS

So I kicked off movie watching proper with The Frighteners, a movie I always love seeing.  Peter Jackson, Michael J Fox, Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace….how can you lose?   I’m always bummed Universal released this in the middle of summer rather than waiting for an October release.  It could have been a much bigger hit.   Yeah, the CGI effects have lost some of their luster (and I wasn’t a huge fan of them to begin with) but it’s still a very cool, fun flick.  And Jeffrey Combs as an FBI agent who’s been forced to work undercover in various cults and sects for decades is just amazing.   

OCTOBER 3:

HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS

“Come see how the Vampires do it!”  Gotta love that.  I’m a big fan of the old TV series Dark Shadows.  Once my car broke down outside of Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin.  Transmission shot.  I had to spend 5 days there in a hotel.  My hotel got the Sci-Fi Channel (you know, back when it was called the Sci-Fi channel for Science Fiction….not SyFy for…well, who knows.)  Dark Shadows was on each morning for a couple of episodes.  I dug it.  When the first DVD set of 40 episodes came out I bought it.  I believe it was only $20 or so.  I figured, hey, for 40 episodes that’s not a bad deal, I’ll give it a shot.  The DVDs started at the point in the show where Barnabas the vampire shows up and I was hooked.  Bought the next 7-8 DVD sets.  Just a great fun gothic horror show.  And since it was a daytime soap it could really take its time.    Now this movie is only 90 minutes long, and is kind of an alternative universe story of the same characters, but I love it.  It’s cool to see everyone in a movie where they can actually do more than one take if necessary.  And they all look great.  Add to that the late 60′s clothes and it’s just awesome.  Especially love Carolyn in this (one of my favorites in the show) and how she goes all vamp!   Also, I love it when a movie or show has the entire police force as believers of paranormal activity early on.  RIght off the bat the entire force is armed with crosses and stakes and that’s awesome.   Have never seen Night of Dark Shadows.  Should check it out soon.

OCTOBER 4:

MYSTERY, INCORPORATED: “The Shrieking Madness”

So this was one of the nights where I worked late and had to get up early so I had to resort to a short entry for this day and so I went to one of the best cartoons ever, Mystery, Incorporated.  This episode from the first season, “The Shrieking Madness” features Harlan Ellison as himself and has Jeffrey Combs as HP Hatecraft.  So obviously, it’s all about HP Lovecraft and it’s awesome.

Seriously, just check it out.

OCTOBER 5:

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1990)

I dig this movie, I really do.  Directed by Tom Savini and written by George A Romero himself I consider it to be one of Romero’s zombie movies.  It’s just a cool film.

Plus Barbara is a bad ass:

And Bill Mosely is a great Johnny

But Romero (and Savini also in staging some gags) takes everything you know about the original and slowly subverts it as the movie goes on.  Ben (the awesome Tony Todd) and the others almost seem like characters trapped in the original B&W film while Barbara watches on.  Everything the people represent slowly changes from the original and it definitely makes it a film that can stand on its own (quite a few things towards the end George used in his own LAND OF THE DEAD as well.)  But the way George subverts the original and changes it around gives me chills when the iconic final line is said “that’s another one for the fire.”  If you never gave it a chance because it was a “remake” then do yourself a favor and give it a shot.

OCTOBER 6:

SCOOBY DOO MEETS BATMAN AND ROBIN

Another night where I had no time due to work.  So again, went back to Scooby Doo.  Hey, it’s not the great show Mystery, Inc is, but this still has the Mystery, Inc gang talking about the Joker and Gotham City and if that’s not cool, I don’t know what is.  Also, the Mystery Machine and the Batmobile share the frame which is like a dream

OCTOBER 7:

MICROWAVE MASSACRE

Okay, so I try to normally stick to more spooky/Halloween type movies in October.  Haunted Houses, monsters, etc.  For example, DAWN OF THE DEAD is one of my favorite movies, but it’s not what I consider a good Halloween movie (NOTLD fits because it has got that creepy one night trapped in a house thing going for it…cemeteries, etc.)  MICROWAVE MASSACRE isn’t really a spooky movie either, but I picked it up last year at Days of the Dead and have been looking forward to watching it.

How is it?  I think the title screen sums up the type of film it is well.

That’s the kind of movie this is.  Actually, its way more a black comedy (with a few good laughs) than a horror movie.  And at just over an hour it has a pretty good run time.  But there’s really no Microwave Massacre per se.  Actually, not even much of a microwave.  But it was good 80′s VHS fun.

Also, according to one review I read, this is supposedly Paul Reubens in an uncredited cameo. 

MAKING MONSTERS (Travel Channel)

I also watched an episode of MAKING MONSTERS.  Now while I do plan on watching some TV in my 31 Days of Halloween (Scooby Doo obviously, maybe a Friday the 13th the Tv Series episode) I don’t really plan on counting stuff currently airing.  (example: I plan on watching American Horror Story cause it’s about a coven of witches, but I won’t count that.)  But Making Monsters is only ever aired during the month of October every year.  They make 8 two hour episodes and air 2 of them back to back every Sunday in October.  And that’s it.  No reruns during the year, just around Halloween.  The show follows the gang at Distortions Unlimited as they create various gags and props for the haunt and halloween community.  It’s a great, fun show and it’s become a Halloween tradition (Like Halloween Wars on the Food Network.)

Well, that’s it for week one.  So far, so good.  And I’ve got some great flicks coming up in the next couple of weeks.  Happy Halloween, everyone!  Chime in with some must sees on your list.

NETHERWORLD Haunted House Dares You To RING THIS DOORBELL

Reposted from World of the Weird Monster Blog | Go to Original Post

Hey, everyone!

The World of the Weird Monster Show Blog is back!  And hopefully I won’t let it languish as before.  I will try to keep posting WOWMS content that I think you all may find interesting (including continuing the “making of” look backs at past season) as well as other stuff that interests me.

But today is October 1st and that means one thing!  It’s time for 31 days of Halloween movie viewing!  I know we say “everyday is Halloween” but this is the one time of year where I try to make sure I watch one movie a day.  I’ve already scoured my video collection and put together a list of films to choose from this season.   I’ve also included some 30-60 minute shows as well for those late nights where I may not be able to fit something in due to work, etc.

I will try to write little mini-reviews as I go and let you know what films were selected.

Without further adieu, here is the list of films, in no order, chosen for this year:

The E! 100 SCARIEST MOVIE MOMENTS:  I had forgotten I’d burned this to DVD and decided to throw it in on the chance I needed something that I didn’t have to pay super attention to.  Or on some night where I couldn’t make up my mind.  This is a fall back title, probably won’t watch.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: Here’s one of those 30 minute picks for a late night after work.  Every October I need to at least watch the 2 part episode which takes place on Halloween where Gomez and Morticia talk about how they first met.

ARCHIE’S WEIRD MYSTERIES: Another 30 minute choice.   Have never watched, but love the idea (and I had to use this image with the Archies/Scooby Doo mash-up because, well, awesome.)

THE CHANGELING: One of my favorite movies that can really give me the chills and it’s been way too long since I’ve watched it.

CREEPSHOW: Got the Blu-Ray for this a long time ago and have yet to put it in.  That changes now.

CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF:  Had to throw in some Hammer Horror and this is one I haven’t watched in a long time.

DR. PHIBES RIDES AGAIN!:  It demanded to be watched.

VISITORS FROM THE GRAVE Hosted by Elvira:  Have a few Elvira hosted films this year.  Because, hey, I love Elvira and not many things say Halloween like Elvira hosting a movie.

THE EVIL DEAD:  Another Blu-Ray I bought awhile ago and haven’t watched.

THE FOG: One of my all time favorite horror films.  Just got the new Blu-Ray and can’t wait to watch.

FRIDAY THE 13TH THE SERIES:  Another “short” choice, I love this show.  Robey!

THE FRIGHTENERS:  What’s not to love?

VAMPIRE JOURNALS: Hosted by William Shatner’s Full Moon Fright Night:  Okay, horrible movie….but one of the only available titles from Shatner’s horror host show.  Must watch!

GINGER SNAPS:  Love this movie!  And it takes place on Halloween and it’s been way too long since I’ve seen it.

IT’S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN:  C’mon.  It’s the best.  Will most likely watch right around 10/31.

HALLOWEEN III SEASON OF THE WITCH: One of the best Halloween movies ever.  If you don’t like this movie, you are wrong.  It’s just that simple.  Atkins!

HALLOWEEN:  Best watched on Halloween itself.  I think I may watch the extended TV version this year.  Because, you know, I think I own like 456 different copies of this.

HALLOWEEN I & 2:  I just can’t tear my eyes from the Rob Zombie remakes.  I’ve loved everything he’s ever done.  But did NOT like the first Halloween.  Did like the 2nd.  But as time goes by I like each one more and more.

HAUNTED PALACE: Don’t let the “Edgar Allen Poe” fool you, this is all HP Lovecraft and Vincent Price and it’s awesome.

THE HAZING;  another fun Halloween night movie.  Tiffany Sheppis!

HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES:  Again…on Halloween night.  Love this movie.  Also, one of the best looking Blu-Rays I’ve ever seen.

HOUSE OF DARK SHADOWS:  Love it.  Loved the series and while these films aren’t as cool, they’re still just fun to watch.

THE HOWLING: One of the best werewolf movies ever.  Have the new Blu-Ray, looking forward to seeing it.

THE LADY IN WHITE:  Another Halloween picture and just a great little movie.  I’ve always found this pretty unique.

THE LORDS OF SALEM:  I loved this movie and it’s crying out to be watched around Halloween.

MAY:  Another great flick.  Another that takes place on Halloween.

MICROWAVE MASSACRE:  How could I not watch this?  Bought it at Days of the Dead last year.  Still haven’t watched.

NIGHT OF THE DEMONS:  Such a great Halloween night classic!

PHANTASM:  perfect for a late, fall night!

PRINCE OF DARKNESS:  Just got the new Blu-Ray, looking forward to checking out the new transfer.

SCOOBY DOO:  I LOVE Scooby Doo and Mysery, Inc.  So somewhere this month I’ll be watching multiple versions of this show.  Possible the HP Lovecraft episode of Mystery, Incorporated.  Maybe this one where they met Batman and Robin.  Maybe where they first saw the Hex Girls.  Who knows?  But I love Scooby Doo.

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES:  A Halloween requirement.  A must watch.

TRANSYLVANIA 6-5000:  Or as I like to call it, WOWMS the Movie.  I love this movie.  Geena Davis Vampire!

TRICK R TREAT: Owned this on Blu-Ray for years.  STILL have yet to see it.  Will this be the Halloween I finally watch this?

UNIVERSAL MONSTERS: Blu-Ray:  Not sure which films yet.  I know at least THE WOLFMAN as it’s one of the transfers I haven’t looked at yet.

WEREWOLF Tv show:  For a night when nothing else will do.

THE WICKER MAN:  One of the best horror films ever.  Have to watch.  And early October film.

WILLARD: Been way to long since I’ve watched this.

WOLFMAN:  Haven’t seen since the theaters and have been wanting to see again.

Okay, that’s it.  Sure I won’t get to them all, but I’m going to try to see as many as possible (and I’m sure others will sneak in.)  How about you guys, what’s on your list for must see Halloween movies?

Be sure to come to HALLOWEEN EXTREME : A Halloween, horror and haunted house extravaganza!

MAY 24-26, 2013 Rosen Center, Orlando Florida

Four Massive Candelabras from the movie Van Helsing have found a home at NETHERWORLD Haunted House!

Reposted from Rob Dimension | Go to Original Post

Reposted from Rob Dimension | Go to Original Post

Being in the Professional Wrestling business is a blessing and at times it makes you crazy. I’m on my way out, I’m over the hill and its a young man’s sport. When you first get in, you’re amazed…the sights, the sounds, the pop or heat you get when you walk through the curtain. It’s a high…seriously. I can remember feeling it for days after something special happens.

Reposted from Rob Dimension | Go to Original Post