The Shadow Over Portland

The Walkng Dead starts again on Sunday; Portland International Film Festival features a tentacled alien babe; The Hollywood keeps delivering horrors!

2012-02-06T18:51:00.001-08:00

Okay, Portland horror fans, time for your weekly dose of dark goodies happening in the Rose City. And, while you might expect pickings to be a bit slim this time of year, you're in for a few surprises.

First up, as all you zombie fans know, The Walking Dead continues this Sunday. Yea, the build up this season was a bit slow, but the mid season finale ended with a big bang. I wasn't expecting it, only because I didn't think the show would have the guts to go there, but the main storyline ended on a sour note and I can't wait to see how quickly things go bad. Plus, the internet is all abuzz with the potential death of a major character! It appears one of the actors asked to be let go, in solidarity with the firing (yea, I think we can call it that) of Frank Darabont. No word on who will be leaving the cast, but it seems that someone major is going to die! Could make for an interesting second half of the season.

Well, if you don't have cable, or just want to hang out with fellow zombie fans, The Hollywood Theatre is hosting a screening of the show at 9 pm this Sunday. North Portlanders can also catch the show at The Twilight Room, though they'll start things a bit earlier (I'll get back to you with times later in the week).

In other news, the Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) starts on February 17, and while most of the films are rather art house fare, the After Dark screening has one that might interest horror fans. Invasion of the Alien Bikini, from South Korean director Young-doo Oh, sounds like a fun filled night of tentacled thrills. Here's the synopsis off the official website:

Young-Gun is a lonely man who spends his nights protecting the innocent as a self-appointed crime fighter and general tidier-upper of the streets. “Disguised” in a raincoat and bad fake mustache, one night he saves a strange, beautiful woman named Monica being harassed by a gang of hoodlums. Shaken up, Monica comes back to his apartment with him, where he soon discovers that she is an extraterrestrial on a very special mission. Unfortunately, it turns out to be in serious conflict with Young-Gun’s strict vow of chastity. Featuring kung fu fights, a gorgeous babe with tentacles, and an extremely erotic game of Jenga, this inventively stylized, gleeful sendup of B science fiction films was made on a budget of less than $5,000. As you will see, it’s a true testament to the possibilities of creative independent filmmaking. (75 mins.)

Sounds like the perfect foreign Roger Corman flick! Screens on February 25 at 11:30 pm at Cinema 21.

On February 18, the Strangled Darlings creep into The Hollywood Theatre to provide the soundtrack for FW Murnau’s 1922 classic, Nosferatu. The description on the official website sounds pretty creepy, so you might want to get your tickets early. Showtime is at 8 pm. The production is presented by Filmusik.

Also at The Hollywood this month is the Japanese cult classic, Battle Royale. I've heard people say the upcoming film, The Hunger Games, isn't a rip off of this nasty film where a dystopian government pits high school kids against each other in gladiator style battle, but one does have to wonder how much was "borrowed" for the YA novels about the big screen. Check out the original before the multiplex is filled with the blockbuster-in-the-making and judge for yourself. Shows at 9:45 pm on February 24 and 25.

Currently in the cineplex is Hammer Studio's return to period horror, The Woman in Black. I caught a screening last week and was pretty annoyed by the first half, which was full of overblown jump scares and ear piercing music stings. But the second half is great, one of the better ghost stories I've seen in a while. Until the film cops out at the end. You can read my full review at Planet Fury.

Until next week, hope you have a scary week, Portland. Remember, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any horror events you know of in the Pacific Northwest. I'll be sure to post it.

Celebrate George A. Romero's birthday this Saturday!

2012-01-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure where the idea started, but I caught this on the Seattle Crypticon homepage and thought I'd pass it along.

If you weren't aware, this Saturday is George A Romero's birthday and some horror fans thought it would be great if all zombie lovers watched the master's original classic, Night of the Living Dead at the same time. Starting at 3 pm Central Time (1 pm here in the Northwest), gather up a bunch of friends, some popcorn and beverages and start the movie! Don't have a copy? Shame, but that's no problem, as the film is in public domain and available free at lots of sites.

You can also head out to Port Townsend, WA, for a screening at Necesito Burrito (940 Water Street). You can get more information at the Facebook Event Site.

I'm not aware of anyone doing this in the Portland area, but if you are hosting a public event, send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll post it!

Remember, it all starts at 1 pm PST this Saturday!

UPDATE: Here's another Facebook page, apparently by the folks who started it all at Zombies Eat People. The goal is to get 1 million people watching Night of the Living Dead at the same time. Visit their Facebook Event Page and let them know if you can be one of the million of zombie fans celebrating Romero's birthday. And if you need a copy of the film, you can download it there for free.

Susperia Tuesday night at The Hollywood

2012-01-29T21:40:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, did you think I forgot about the site? Life's getting a bit smoother and I hope to start posting again on a regular basis. But, while I missed mentioning the opening of Underworld: Kate Beckinsale's Pleathered Butt in 3D (Check out the Two Day Review at Planet Fury and get the opinion of someone who saw the film), I didn't want to let this one get by.

On Tuesday, January 31, The Hollywood Theatre will host a screening of Dario Argento's Susperia. From the good people at Grindhouse Film Festival, this is a rare, 35mm screening of the film, so don't miss it (like I will, as I'm on assignment for Planet Fury that night; check back later in the week for a link to my review of The Woman in Black). The film starts at 7:30 pm.

Speaking of The Woman in Black, the film opens this Friday. Couldn't find showtimes or locations yet, but I'm hoping it gets a wide release.

Also opening this weekend is The Innkeepers, the latest film from director Ti West. The film screens at The Hollywood Theatre, with showtimes to be announced later in the week.

And for you Portland area zombie lovers, Mail Order Zombie is back on the web! Brother D. has fired up his podcasting equipment and is back spreading the zombie love. I hope Ms. Bren and Need-a-nicname Scott are back as well.

Later in February, expect the return of The Walking Dead, the Ghost Rider sequel will roar into theaters and hopefully a few other surprises. I'll do my best to keep you posted on all horror tinged events happening in the area.

As always, if you know of, or are hosting, an event you think would interest Northwest horror fans, send me a email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll post it on the site.

Happy Friday the 13th, everyone!!!!

2012-01-13T18:46:00.002-08:00

Wow, hit the wrong button and posted after only writing the headline. I have been gone a while. And I apologize for that. As my life has began to get a bit better all around, I still had to deal with some issues that kept me from writing on the site.

But now it's 2012 and it really doesn't matter what happens, as we all know the Mayans predicted the zombie apocalypse centuries ago. So you might want to stuff your stockings with edge weapons and ammo this December, and be sure to get your holiday shopping done early!

But you still have plenty of time to get in some horror movies in the next few months and I'll do my best to keep the weekly updates coming through the rest of the year. And with that said...

Well, not much is happening in the first run theaters this week. You could go see The Devil Inside, but I'd suggest passing it by. Not that it was a horrible movie, as some reviews might imply. I was finding it a rather fun diversion, even with the abrupt ending. It was the suggestion in the ending credit to visit a website and get more details on "the Rossi case" that sunk the film for me, and most of the audience in the theater. If you want to read more, visit Planet Fury for my review.

If you want to catch Michael Biehn flick, The Divide, best of luck to you, as the film is not opening in the Portland area. In fact, the nearest theater to screen the film is Seattle's Egyptian Theatre next weekend. And it's a midnight screening, so you might want to plan on spending the night somewhere if you go up to catch it.

If you haven't got tickets yet for this weekend's performance of Evil Dead: The Musical, I just checked the official website and tickets for both Saturday showings are still available in the Splatter and Non-Splatter Zones. Performances start at 7 and 10 pm at The Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell St.).

Coming up in the future, the Grindhouse Film Festival will present a screening of an extremely rare 35mm print of Dario Argento's classic Susperia. Okay, say what you will about his more recent outings and the whacked out promo trailer for his 3D Dracula, this movie is one of his best. Amazing photography and use of color makes it almost like a fairy tale, once you get past the gory killings. If you haven't seen this one, you really should check it out. One showing only on Tuesday, Jan 31st at 7:30 pm at The Hollywood Theatre.

And on Feb. 3, The Innkeepers opens at The Hollywood Theatre. Ti West directs this tale of a pair of employees at The Yankee Pedlar Inn decided to investigate the site's haunted past during the days before the inn closes it's doors for good. No other information is available at this time, so check back later in the month for more details.

And don't forget, The Walking Dead returns for the second half of the season on February 12th. The Hollywood Theatre will screen the show every Sunday night at 9 pm. The event is sponsored by Things from Another World and hosted by Cort and Fatboy. I'll do some digging and find out what other locations are making Sunday nights Zombie Night and post them in the beginning of February.

And be sure to mark your calendars, as the H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival returns to Portland on May 11 - 13. Not much more to go on yet, but I'll keep you posted on all the details.

Remember, if you know of, or are holding, a horror themed event in the Portland area or around the Pacific Northwest, drop me a line at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll pass the word along. And, if you go to any of these events, mention that you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland.

Oh my, I didn't mention the horror porn.

2011-12-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

Now how did I miss this?

If you're facing the same old, boring New Years Eve celebration, spice things up at The Clinton Street Theater, where they are presenting a couple of horror porn films.

Really. From the official website...

A double feature of vintage XXX golden age adult films featuring "The Sexorcist's Devil" -a mysterious tale of satanism and blood, directed by Ray Dennis Steckler! And, at 9pm, "The Turk", an early 70's lost film shot in LA with a shocking, bizzare ending. Special short subjects and vintage trailers before each film.

35mm and 16mm.

Don't expect to find these trailers on my Upcoming Horror Movies page. You're on your own with this double feature. Shows at 7 and 9 pm on New Years Eve only.

Silent Night, Deadly Night at The Hollywood Theatre tomorrow night!

2011-12-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

Merry Krampuslaufen, horror fans!

I know I'm a bit behind on postings, but with an out of town wedding last weekend, and adjusting to a new schedule at work, I've been a bit out of sorts lately.

Yea, what else is new, you might be thinking. Well, I'm looking forward to the next year, as I'll be on a set work schedule, rather than one that changes from day to day. And once I get use to getting up at 5:30 am every morning (seriously, that's when horror fans like us should be crawling into our coffins), I will have the afternoon to spend writing. Every afternoon and weekends. So I resolve right now to post with more frequency, or may Krampus take me to his lair next Christmas.

Okay, with that out of the way, I want to remind you that the holiday classic, Silent Night, Deadly Night, will be at The Hollywood Theatre tomorrow, December 20th, at 7:30 pm. This is the infamous slasher flick that was yanked out of theaters back in the 80s because people were offended by a killer dressed in a Santa costume. And if a slasher film generated that much buzz, you know it has to be a lot of fun. We have a hanging by Christmas lights, a sledding beheading and some Linnea Quigley added in! It's a lot of fun and the perfect immunization for the rampant holiday cheer we all will face later in the week.

Also this week, The Skin I Live In is continuing its run at the Fox Tower Stadium Theaters. Check local listings for showtimes.

But what if Christmas Day finds you in need of some spooky release? Well, you might want to check out The Darkest Hour. Sure, it's an alien invasion movie, but at least people disintegrate into swirling clouds of dust. It might not be Piranha 3DD, but it might be the best we've got. Opens Christmas Day at Living Room Theaters, Lloyd Mall 8, Regal Tigard 11, Regal Cascade 16 in Vancouver, Regal Division Street 13 and Regal Wilsonville Town Center 9. Check local listings for more information and showtimes. Check out the trailer on my Horror Movie Calendar page.

Or you might consider heading down to The Lovecraft for Black Xmas. Sounds ominous, I know, but the only information I have for now is that the event is from 6 to 7 pm Christmas night. I'll get more to you when I can.

As we celebrate the death of 2011, do you find yourself missing your weekly zombie fix? Or do you just plan to be a zombie come New Years Day? Either way, head down to The Hollywood Theatre on January 1 at 3 pm for a rare screening of a 35mm print of Day of the Dead. Also included is a 35mm trailer honoring director George Romero. Sounds like a great way to pass the time until The Walking Dead starts again in February (The 12th, to be exact and yes, I'm counting the days). Showtime is 3 pm.

Expect one more post before Christmas updating you on all the latest horror events to get you through the holiday season. And, if you would like me to mention your horror event, film festival or gathering, send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com, or leave me a message on Facebook. I'll be sure to share it with all the horror fans in the Pacific Northwest. And, if you make it to any of the events I mentioned, tell them you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland.

Melancholia is at Cinema 21; my bad

2011-12-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

My post is corrected, but I mistakenly identified Melancholia as opening at The Hollywood Theatre this week. It is playing at Cinema 21.

The Shadow Over Portland regrets the error and apologizes to its readers and Cinema 21. Sorry about the error.

Fundraiser for musical version of Spider Baby tonight; Witch Doctor signing and Silent Night, Deadly Night returns!

2011-12-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, the holiday season is upon us. Christmas music is everywhere, lights are up in the neighborhoods and horror fans are having trouble finding anything spooky happening in the City of Roses.

Well, maybe we should start planning for the future. Tonight at 6 pm, The Vertigo Pub (SE 42nd and Hawthorne) will host a trivia night fundraiser for The Epiphany Theatre, which is planning a production of Spider Baby: The Musical. Yes, a musical based on the cult movie classic. So if you're planning on stopping by a pub tonight, why not hit The Vertigo and support a great cause? The fun goes until 11 pm (21 and older only).

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, the Hollywood Things from Another World will hold another great book signing, this time with Brandon Seifert and Lukas Ketner, local creators of the comic Witch Doctor. Pick up a copy of Witch Doctor Volume One TPB, get it signed by the creators, say hi to fellow comic fans and enjoy complimentary food and beer (bring your ID; the TFAW staff WILL require it). Runs from 7 to 10 pm.

In movie news, your best bet is again, at the Hollywood Theatre. First up is the All Night Horror Festival on Saturday, Dec. 10, with four great horror films, prizes and more! Check the Horror Calendar for more information.

And the Portland Grindhouse Film Festival is reviving a holiday classic on Dec. 20. If you need a break from all the holiday cheer shoveled at you, catch Silent Night, Deadly Night, the slasher classic that was booted out of theaters back in the 80s for having the killer dress up as Santa. The show starts at 7:30 pm at The Hollywood Theatre. As always, expect trailers and such before the show.

Opening at Cinema 21 this week is Melancholia, Lars von Trier's latest about the end of the world. Expect a lot of soul searching and reveled secrets instead of pyrotechnics and heroics with this one. And after AntiChrist, I figure I'd mention it for horror fans interested in Lars von Trier's other works. You can read the Planet Fury review here.

The Skin I Live In is playing at both The Hollywood Theatre and Regal Fox Tower Cinema. In second run theaters, Paranormal Activity 3 is at The Avalon.

Please be sure to check local listings for showtimes.

Don't forget, Evil Dead: The Musical returns to Portland in January. More on that one next year!

If you have an event you want advertised, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I’ll spread the word. And don't forget, when you get there, tell everyone you read about the event at The Shadow Over Portland!

Things slow down for horror fans until 2012

2011-11-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

Yep, we all knew this time of year was coming, where everyone would be of good cheer and the only monsters in the theaters sparkle in the sun. Really creeps me out.

Well, I'm getting ready to catch the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead (you can either head to The Hollywood Theatre at 9 pm or The Twilight Room bar in North Portland for the 9:30 pm encore presentation).

December might not be so bleak. I saw online that the John Landis film, Burke and Hare, is suppose to be released on December 9, but I have yet to confirm it. And the release date has bounced about so much, who really knows when, or if, it will make it to theaters in Portland. I'll keep you posted.

As for other film options, you can still catch Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (Mission and Laurelhurst theaters; screenings at 9:45 pm for both locations). Paranormal Activity 3 is at the Avalon, and The Skin I Live In is still at the Regal City Center 12. Check local listings for more information.

And don't forget, the All Night Horror Festival is at The Hollywood Theatre on Dec. 10. Great horror films, prizes and more, starting at 9 pm. Check out my Horror Calendar page for more information.

Also on the Horror Calendar is information on the return of Evil Dead: The Musical. Yep, it's back this January, so be sure not to miss it this time.

If you have an event you want advertised, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I’ll spread the word. And don't forget, when you get there, tell everyone you read about the event at The Shadow Over Portland!

Evil Dead: The Musical coming back to Portland!

2011-11-17T23:50:00.001-08:00

Just caught this on Facebook, thanks to Horroregon.us. Evil Dead: The Musical will return to Portland in January, to spread more blood across the front row. Showings are January 12-14 at the Wonder Ballroom (128 NE Russell St), and you can get more information at the official website.

Start catching up on your sleep and get ready for the All Night Horror Marathon and other Horror events for the Holidays!

2011-11-17T18:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it really been two weeks? Somehow, I lost track of time for a while, functioning much like a zombie (only instead of existing for a tasty human snack, I was functioning for a big paycheck). So as I sat down write up your weekly horror update, I realized I'd entirely spaced on last week.

Anyway, I've got a bit more to report this week, and let's start it up with the big news. On December 10, The All Night Horror Marathon returns to The Hollywood Theatre for one night only. It starts out at 9 pm with George A. Romero's classic zombie tale, Day of the Dead. And if you haven't seen this film on the big screen, you should be marking your calendar. If you think Tom Savini's work looks amazing on your home theater, you're jaw will drop off when you see it in a theater!

Next up is the slasher classic, The Burning. Cropsey is back and I hope they're showing the restored version (as the theatrical release was heavily edited to get an R rating). Regardless, it's a great flick that breaks several of the slasher rules to keep things interesting.

After that is The Boxer's Omen, the insane Shaw Brothers film involving revenge and black magic. I've yet to catch this one, but I hear it's crazy beyond belief.

But if you think you'll be too tired to keep watching, don't worry because the marathon ends with Pieces. Take one maniac with a chainsaw carving up coeds on a college campus (and taking a few parts with them), add in Christopher George as a hard boiled cop, Lynda Day George trying to give some gravity to the line, "Bastard! Bastard!! BASTARD!!!!," then stir in such goofiness as an out of the blue kung fu attack for the perfect way to fight the late night yawns!

Oh, did I mention the massive alien head pinata (in honor of The Boxer's Omen), the giveaways and the trailers shown between the films? How about the garden shear giveaway in honor of The Burning? Oh, and the chainsaw giveaway in honor of Pieces? And that the theater will serve pizza, donuts, coffee and beer? Tickets are only $12, so expect the theater to be packed.

Okay, in the multiplex...

Oh hell, we all know the sparkling vampires are back this weekend. So just avoid the first run theaters and stay out of their way. You'll be happy you did, even if you're still intent on catching Paranormal Activity 3. Check local listings for more information, but don't say I didn't warn you.

Instead, hit some of the second run or arthouse theaters. You'll find Tucker and Dale vs. Evil playing at the Laurelhurst, Mission and Kennedy School Theaters. The Skin I Live In is at the Regal Fox Tower and Regal City Center Stadium (though you'll have to deal with Twilighters at this location). Or bide your time, as Piranha 3DD opens...

Oh wait. That film's been shelved. Nope, no killer fish chomping down on nimble bathers this Thanksgiving. And, sad to say, I was actually looking forward to spending the holiday watching something tacky and tasteless. Still, is it any surprise this film's been canned, given the rushed production and rather silly premise. After all, the last time a film about a killer fish loose in a water park was Jaws 3D, and we know how that little slice of cheese killed the 80s 3D revival. Maybe the studios are just buying themselves a bit more time.

Oh, if you're heading north, The Kiggins Theatre is showing Big Trouble in Little China this weekend. Kung fu, monsters and Kurt Russell as a perpetually befuddled hero makes this John Carpenter film as classic. And just so you know, The Princess Bride is next week's feature. Yes, neither of these are horror films, but they're damn great flicks. And you can't live on horror alone, though you might try. Check out the official website for more information.

Don't forget, The Clinton Street Theater shows Repo and Rocky Horror every weekend. The Hollywood Theatre is still showing episodes of The Walking Dead every Sunday night. If you live it North Portland, the St Johns Theater and Pub won't be screening the show, but you can always head for The Twilight Room for your zombie fix. I promise, no sparkling vampires there, just zombie themed drink specials and earlier showtimes (the bar's cable system is on Eastern time). Just tell the bartender Chris from The Shadow Over Portland told you about the screening and they'll turn it on for you.

And if you make it to any of the other events you've read here, be sure to mention The Shadow Over Portland sent you! And, as always, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any horror event you are hosting or know about, and I'll get it on the web.

Update: Here's a couple things I missed earlier. And Gwar is still scheduled to appear next week.

2011-11-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

Yea, I missed a couple of events earlier. Hey, it's not easy combing over the web and catching everything on your first pass. So keep your eye on the Horror Calendar for up to the minute listings.

Okay, if you're heading for Astoria next weekend, stop by the Lunar Boy Gallery on November 12 for a showing of Derek Tall's work. Wonder why I'm mentioning it here? Well, the show contains "A rogues gallery of the characters surrounding Jake the Alligatorman's birthday bash!" Check out some of Derek's work here.

Playing at the Fox Tower 10 is The Skin I Live In, Pedro Almodóvar take on the mad scientist genre. Don't know if it passes for horror or not, but his previous films have been pretty creepy, so check out the trailer on my Horror Movie Calendar and decide for yourself. Check local listings for showtimes.

Finally, Gwar will appear at the Roseland next Wednesday, November 9. I'm sure fans are aware that guitarist Cory Smoot, who took the stage personna of Flattus Maximus, died on November 3 of yet unknown causes. But Gwar has decided to continue it's tour, so expect a tribute from the band in their own way. RIP, Cory.

If you have any information about an event that will interest horror fans, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll include it in a future post. And if you make it to any of these events, tell them you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland.

Horror events keep rolling into November

2011-11-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

So, you thought once October was over, the horror fun would end? Well, think again, Portland area horror fans, as I'm here to fill the next week with lots of things that go bump in the night. Oh, where to start?

Let's begin with Hallowake on Thursday, November 10, at the Jack London Bar (at 529 SW 4th Ave in Portland). It's a Halloween prop swap, allowing you to get some new haunted decorations for next year (or the next day) while swapping out the one's you're tired of seeing around the house. The festivities include drink specials and a DJ cranking out haunted tunes, and it all starts at 8 pm.

With all the Yuletide festivities in our future, horror fans might need a break from all the glad tidings. So head down to the Bossanova Ballroom on December 3 for the Krampus Nacht Ball, starting at 8 pm. Krampus is a mythical demon from pre-Christian times who now follows Saint Nikolaus (according to German and Austrian folklore) and terrorizes naughty children by spanking or slapping them. The truly naughty were beat mercilessly by the demon or crammed into a large sack and possibly hurled into the fires of Hell.

God, I so miss traditional holidays. Anyway, prepare to dance the night away to the sounds of dj Rhienna, dj Encrypted. dj Medusa and mc Screamvina. Tickets are $15, $20 at the door, and more information and updates available at the brownpapertickets website or the official Facebook page.

Orycon 33, The Lighter Side of Horror, starts next weekend (November 11 to 13) at the Portland Double Tree hotel (1000 Multnomah St). Guest include musical guests Tempest, writer E. E. Knight and Dark Horse editor Scott Allie. More information can be found on the official website.

In the local independent theaters, The Human Centipede Part II: Full Sequence is playing again this weekend (tonight and November 5) at Cinema 21. Showtime is 10:45 pm both night.

A "new breed grindhouse" feature, Dear God No, is at The Clinton Street Theater this week. It involves as murder and rape spree by a motorcycle gang ending with them hiding in a cabin. Oh, and it appears flesh eating monsters show up. Shows at 7 and 9 pm through November 10.
On November 18, the Filmusik Organ Grinder screens F.W. Murnau’s 1926 silent masterpiece Faust with a live score by 1939 Ensemble. Check out the Hollywood Theatre website for more information.

Tucker and Dale vs. Evil moves to The Laurelhurst Theater this week. Finally, Paranormal Activity 3 and The Thing prequel are still in the local multiplex.

As always, check local listings for showtimes.

The Walking Dead will show at The Hollywood Theatre and the St Johns Theater and Pub at 9 pm this Sunday, as well as The Twilight Room Bar (on East Coast time, so call in advance).

As always, contact me at shadowoverportland@live.com if you have any horror events happening in the area. And, if you attend any of these events, make sure to tell them you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland.

Updated showtimes for The Crater Lake Monster

2011-10-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well, horror fans, seems I was given some bad information about the showtimes for The Crater Lake Monster, starting on Nov. 1 at The Clinton Street Theater. At first, I read it was playing Nov. 1 to 3, then last week, I reported it would screen for one night only. Well, just saw on Facebook, and verified it at The Clinton Street Theater website, that this cheesy classic will screen from Nov. 1 to 3 at 7 and 9 pm.

For those of you torn between this creature feature and Nightbeast (Showing on Nov. 1 only at The Hollywood Theatre), problem solved!

Sorry for the mix-up.

Downtown Vancouver invaded by Deadites!

2011-10-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight and Halloween night, the Kiggins Theatre (at 1011 Main Street in Vancouver) is screening the Bruce Campbell classic, Army of Darkness! OH YEA! If you haven't seen this one on the big screen, make the trek to Vancouver, get your butts in the theater and proclaim "Hail to the King" as the Three Stooge-like hijinks fill the Kiggins.

Screens today (October 30) at 3 and 6 pm, and Halloween night at 6 and 9 pm. Check out the Kiggins website for more information. And tell them The Shadow Over Portland sent you!

Horror keeps coming even in November! The Walking Dead invade North Portland!!! And Happy Halloween!!!!

2011-10-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Sorry for the first post, as it a case of hitting the wrong button after getting this video up.

Well, we've got a lot to cover, so let's dive right in, shall we?

This weekend, The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) will slither into the Cinema 21 Theater at 10:45 pm. While not released with a rating, about 2 minutes trimmed out for North American audiences (anyone following the internet buzz will know what scene is missing). And it's been getting some very positive reviews, as the announcement on the Cinema 21 website attests. And it's suppose to surpass the original in the ick factor, so be prepared.

The Living Room Theater in downtown Portland will screen John Carpenter's The Thing through Thursday, November 3, at 9:10 pm. You can also catch The Thing at the Bagdad on Saturday, October 29 at 8 pm.

The Walking Dead continues to run on Sunday nights at The Hollywood Theater. Admission is free for this over 21 showing, as beer is sold in the theater. Doors open at 8:30 pm, show starts at 9 pm.

"But wait," you might be thinking. "I live in North Portland and that's a long way to drive on a Sunday night. I wish I could find a closer location." Well, as I haunt all the right locations, I discovered that The Twilight Room bar (at 5242 N. Lombard) is turning Sundays into a Walking Dead theme night. The bar will screen The Walking Dead starting at 7 pm (the feed there is on Eastern time) and won't stop until the dead quit walking for the night! Drink specials during the run are available (think Dead Guy Ale, Zombies and Brain Hemmorages), and you might even find some creative menu specials!

You can also catch The Walking Dead at 9 pm at the St. Johns theater and Pub (8203 N. Ivanhoe. Looks like Portland really loves zombies, or is boning up on survival skills for upcoming zombie apocalypse!

The Hollywood Theatre will continue screening Tucker and Dale vs. Evil next week, but showtimes bounce around a bit. Check local listings or the official website for more information.

Also at The Hollywood this week Wolf Choir presents B-Movie Bingo with the sci-fi horror thriller Nightbeast. You play Bingo with a board full of the "most awesome movie cliches ever committed to celluloid." Movie and Bingo starts at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 1.

Here's a bit of a change from last week. The Clinton Street Theater is screening The Crater Lake Monster one night only, on Tuesday, November 1 at 7 and 9 pm.

Halloween weekend will be full of the sounds of musical terror, as the Clinton Street Theater floods the screen with multiple showings of Repo: The Generic Opera and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Screenings will be let by different groups performing on the stage, so be prepared for a lot of audience participation.

Also at The Clinton Street Theater on Nov. 1 to 3 is the return of The Crater Lake Monster. Is this a great film? No, but the stop motion is pretty good and it's great cheesy fun. On the big screen, with the right crowd and a few beers, you'll love it. Check out the official website for more information on this film and the Rocky Horror/Repo weekend.

Attack the Block, Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Cowboys and Aliens continues at the Laurelhurst Theater Check local listings or the Laurelhurst official website for more information.

The Blood Bath and Beyond Film Festival at The Academy Theater finishes this week with Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Shows at 6:45 and 9:45 pm.

In the first run theaters, Paranormal Activity 3 and The Thing are still playing. Check local listings for more information.

If you're heading to Grays Harbor this weekend, head to the 7th Street Theater in Aberdeen, WA for a screening of Ghostbusters on Oct 28 and 29 at 7:30 pm. Check out the official website for more information.

As always, check out my Upcoming Horror Movie page for trailers to most of the films mentioned above.

Okay, time for some haunted house fun. FrightTown is open through Halloween, and with three fun filled places to explore, it's a great deal. And don't forget, Rue Morgue Magazine considers it one of the top haunted attractions in North America. It's all in the lower level of the Memorial Coliseum, so check out the official website for times and information on how to save $5 on admission.

The Haunted Maize at the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch is open for business every weekend in October. Admission is $10 (6 and up), or you can add on a trip through the Portland Timbers Corn Maize for the low price of $15. Check out the official website for more information.

The House of Shadows, presented by the North Portland Eagles and Black and Orange Inc., is open Halloween weekend, from 7 to 11 pm on October 28 and 29, and 7 to 10 pm on October 30 and 31. You'll find it at 7611 N. Exeter Ave, and 20% of the proceeds go to the Make a Wish Foundation. Admission is $13, and you can find more information at the official website or on Facebook.

And if you're outside of Portland, check out the Medford, OR. website for a lot of haunted happenings through Halloween. Much more than I'm going to mention, but you'll find some Spooky Science, costumes and mini golf, haunted houses and more. If you're headed that way anytime over the next week, check some of these events out.

Did I miss anything? Of course I did, so if you want to help cast a wider Shadow Over Portland by dropping me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com if you know of, or are hosting, a spooky event this month. Or any month. I will pass the word along.

And don't forget, if you make it to any of these events, tell them you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland.

Halloween horror movies for every occasion

2011-10-26T17:53:00.000-07:00

Lots of blogs and websites are listing their Top 10 to 100 horror films of all time right now. Well, The Shadow Over Portland would like to take a different approach. Rather then proclaim I know what horror films are the best ever made, I'm offering a few suggestions for horror films to watch this Halloween weekend, depending on the situation. I tried to keep away from the films non-horror fans know, so you can expose them to something new. Still, some categories cried out for a standard answer, so I included some runner ups to steer you in the right direction for Halloween night.

Best Suggestion for Horror on the couch, in the dark, with your lover

You want a movie that will draw you closer together, make you jump when the house creaks and be spooky and thrilling, not simply gory. No one wants their date/partner/SO spending more time suppressing the urge to vomit than cuddling deeper into your arms.

Stick with the classic. Pull out your copy of John Carpenter's Halloween and turn off all the lights. This movie fires on all cylinders, managing to be creepy and scary without the "oh, gross" moments that might turn off some of the more delicate partners out there. The perfect horror date film.

Also worth a look: Paranormal Activity (dare you not to jump when your house creaks after watching this one), The Blair Witch Project (sure, you can find problems with it afterwards, but it's pretty freaky when you first saw it), Psycho (if you have to ask why, you haven't seen this movie).

Best Suggestion for Non-horror Friends Asking What to Watch on Halloween

We all have friends who come to us on Halloween, looking for a recommendation for a Halloween film. They want a creepy, gory horror film without too much gore, so put away your copy of Zombi.

But they tend to be rather difficult to please. If you pick something too fun, they'll be upset that it was so stupid. If you pick something with a streak of nastiness, they complain of it being sexist/misogynistic/anti-whatever. And it's no use pulling out your copy of Silence of the Lambs, as their response will be something along the lines of, "That's not a horror film." Remember, these people hate horror , yet like the nice girl dressing in the Slutty Nurse costume, they're looking to slum it on Halloween night.

Well, time to educate them and Trick 'r Treat is the perfect film. First, the multiple connecting stories will keep them intrigued, even if they feel it's ripping off Pulp Fiction to a point. The gore is kept to a minimum, just enough for them to cover their eyes, but not turn them off. And the twists are pretty clever and not insulting to anyone's intelligence. You'll also earn bonus points as they've probably never heard of it, so you'll be the wise horror geek in their eyes. Who knows, you might be the one to introduce them to a whole new world of horror.

Also worth a look: May (a knock out film), In the Mouth of Madness (an mind-twisting movie in the Lovecraftian vein), Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (only for the crowd that scoff at the slasher genre).

Best Suggestion for a Party Background

Okay, you're going to have music at your Halloween party, maybe even a DJ, but you want something projected on the wall. You're not looking for something people are going to watch, but for the visuals. They have to be stunning.

No problem. Pop in Dead/Alive and let it rip. Even if the partygoers don't follow the plot, you can bet they'll be cheering the moments of extreme, gleeful gore. The last act could stop the party, but just let the DJ know the cue ("Okay, the party's over!") and what to expect, and let them weave their musical magic. Chances are it might be the best 30 minutes of everyone's Halloween.

Also worth a look: Evil Dead 2 (again, if the DJ knows the cues, could be a classic party), Galaxy of Terror (ignore the movie and get the party to focus on the gore; the space maggot scene will bring down the house later in the evening).

Horror Suggestions for the Kids

This is a tough one for me. I don't have kids, but I disagree with parents that expose their young children to adult horror movies (yea, I'm an old fogey, so sue me and get off my damn lawn!:-)). I think you should start them slow and build up than wean them on Seven or Dawn of the Dead.

Okay, for pre-teens, you could whip out The Nightmare Before Christmas, but why not save that for December, when YOU need some creepy holiday fun? Rather, you could introduce them to the classic Abbott and Costello meets Frankenstein, or modern classic Ghostbusters.

Quick quiz: What do these two films have in common? It's simple. The monsters are SCARY! It's the humans who are funny, while the creatures of the night in both films are played straight, making these films the perfect mix of horror and humor that young children might find fun.

Also worth a look: Disney's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Monster House

For teens (as long as you remind them that smoking is BAD), The Monster Squad is perfect. A group of outcasts kids square off against the classic (sort of) Universal Monsters with some great spooky, mildly gory fun. While I thought this movie was okay, I was over 20 years old when it came out. Had I been a kid, this would be my most favorite movie EVER!

Also worth a look: Tremors (a terrific, funny monster movie with lots of thrills), The Ring (the American version is pretty damn creepy and worth watching even if you're over 20), Poltergeist (come on, it's scary even as an adult).

Sexy Halloween Movie Suggestion

Oh, this is perilous territory. First, as most nudity in horror movies are are shouldered exclusively by women, I DON'T want anyone to think I'm mistaking bare boobs with sexiness. So don't expect me to mention the My Bloody Valentine remake, or any of the Friday the 13th movies. And while the Hellraiser series deals with S&M beings from a hell dimension, they just don't look like they're having much pleasure with the pain.

I'm more looking for something sexy, something that anyone would find hot, even if it's a bit morbid (this is Halloween, after all). And so I'm going to mention Return of the Living Dead 3. Yes, it's Melinda Clarke who's naked by the end of the film, but she's the zombie Juliet in this tale, who discovers extreme piercing is the only way to keep her desire to devour Romeo's brain in check. The application is gross, yet the results are disturbingly sexy.

Also worth a look: Night of the Demons (for Mimi Kinkade's hot, and mostly clothed, dance and, okay, gratuitous moments of Linnea Quigley; but the dance was HOT), Lord of Illusions (Scott Bakula's sexy horror noir film), Black Swan (oh, you need to ask why? And no, I'm not talking about the lesbian scene alone!!), any film with Vincent Price.

Best Soundtrack to CRANK UP!

Okay, most scary movies have some more classical sounding scores, not the thing if you're in the mood to rock. The film you want to crank up past 11 is Stephen King's Maximum Overdrive. Quibble about the merits of the film all you want, the soundtrack ROCKS! Rather than have some clips from great bands, this film consists of a soundtrack by AC/DC's greatest hits. And that's it. We get an opening scene to the complete version of "Who Made Who?" and it just doesn't stop. By the end of the film, you'll be head banging so hard, the movie might make sense.

Oh, and so no one forgets, I'm still waiting for the Director's Cut of this film. Damn it, the scene that grossed out George A. Romero has to be out there somewhere!!!

Also worth a look: Return of the Living Dead ("Do you want to partyyyy? It's party time!"), Thriller (okay, a music video, but a GREAT music video; and I hate Micheal Jackson's music).

Horror Comedy

Okay, let's be honest. Shaun of the Dead and the first Scream are great films, but everyone's seen or heard of them by now. So what can you show as a surprise to horror fans looking for some fun on Halloween night?

Well, I'd suggest Dance of the Dead. Yea, it's another zombie film, but this tale of high school students trying to save their prom from the undead apocalypse is pretty fun. Sure, it features zombies blasting from their graves, but that scene looks cool, and the students appear to be played by high school aged actors. And if you can forgive the coach's overacting, this is a pretty fun romp. Plus, it has the best use of a Pat Benatar cover ever.

Also worth a look: Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (funny till the final act, then still able to generate some chuckles with the scares), Evil Dead 2 (Duh!), Dead/Alive (Double Duh!)

Well, if I think of any more categories, I'll pass my thoughts along. Likewise, if you want my opinion, post a comment on Facebook or email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll try to get you a suggest to you before the weekend.

Final Ghostbusters screening times

2011-10-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, this Thursday is your last chance to catch Ghostbusters on the big screen. The film is at the Clackamas Town Center Cinema (7:15 pm), Century 16 Ceder Hills Crossing Cinema in Beaverton (7:30 pm), Regal Lloyd Center 10 Cinema (7:45 pm), Regal Cascade Stadium 16 Cinema in Vancouver (7 pm) and the Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 and IMAX Cinema in Tigard (7:30 pm) and Cinetopia Progress Ridge 14 in Beaverton (7:30).

And for you fans a bit further south, the film will play at the Regal Lancaster Mall Stadium in Salem at 7 pm. Remember, this is the final screening in the Portland area, so strap on your proton packs, rev up the Ecto-1 and get yourself to a screening. Check local listings for any program changes and, as always, tell them you saw it at The Shadow Over Portland.

Movie night at the Lovecraft Bar; Sugar Hill continues the zombie invasion of the Hollywood tomorrow

2011-10-24T16:07:00.000-07:00

Just got word that The Lovecraft Bar, down at 421 SE Grand in Portland, will be screening a couple of vampire movies tonight (Monday, October 24). And thank the Old Ones, neither involve sparkling! After the Drunken Poet readings, enjoy the movie version of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer and The Lost Boys. It all starts at 8 pm, with the films starting at 10 pm. You can check out the Lovecraft Bar website for more information.

And don't forget, Sugar Hill, the only blackspoitation/voodoo/zombie movie I know of (and please, if I missed one, let me know) will invade The Hollywood Theatre tomorrow night at 7:30 pm. Presented by the Portland Grindhouse Festival, expect some awesome trailers before the show!

Don't forget, if you make it to either of these events, say you read about it on The Shadow Over Portland!

More events to brighten your Halloween!

2011-10-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Found a few more things happening in Portland during the next few weeks.

This Sunday, the Tabor Heights United Methodist Church is presenting F. W. Murnau's silent film Nosferatu with live pipe organ accompaniment. The church is located at 6161 SE Stark and admission to the film is free. The show starts at 4 pm.

Next Friday and Saturday night, Tonkin Fiat is presenting two classic horror films at the Bagdad Theater. Fiat Fright Nights will screen George A. Romero's classic zombie film, Dawn of the Dead, on Friday, October 28 at 8 pm. On Saturday, October 29, John Carpenter's The Thing will play at 8 pm. Tickets are $10, and net proceeds will benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation. Doors open at 6 pm both nights for drinks.

The McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale is hosting a Halloween dance party on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 11 pm. Tickets for this 21 and older event, featuring The Prescription, are $10. Prizes will be awarded for best costume.

On Monday, October 24, Colson Whitehead, author of the zombie novel Zone One, will be at the downtown Powell's City of Books. Get more information, and pre-order a signed copy of the novel, on the Powell's official website.

Is that everything? I seriously doubt it, but I have only so many hours in the day to roam the internet and local papers. Do your part to help horror fans support you by sending me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com so I can include your horror related event in a future post.

And don't forget, when you get there, tell everyone you read about the event at The Shadow Over Portland!

Massacre: Curves of the Damned starts in one hour!

2011-10-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, just a quick reminder that Massacre: Curves of the Damned starts in less then an hour at the Bassanova Ballroom. Cover is $15, but includes a raffle ticket, the opportunity to dance until the wee hours and fill you retinas with gore-burlesque acts (including Vancouver B.C.'s Bloody Betty), fire dancers, contortionists and much more. 21 and over only.

Dark Delicacies hosting a Jewel Shepard Fundraiser this weekend

2011-10-21T01:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a late breaking bulletin for all you horror fans in, around and traveling to LA this weekend (see, insomnia can be good for somethings). On October 22, Dark Delicacies Bookstore is hosting a fund raiser for Jewel Shepard (Night of the Living Dead). Jewel has been stricken with breast cancer and Dark Delicacies is helping raise money for her health care costs. The fund raiser starts at 7 pm and features artwork based on her NOTLD character Casey. Check out the Things to Do in LA website for more information.

If you can't make it down there, you can still help raise money for Jewel's medical costs. Dark Delicacies website is selling photos and other items, with all proceeds going to Jewel's treatment. Check out the official website for more information. You'll find some great stuff in every price range, so check it out!!

The Human Centipede crawls into Portland; Zombies invade the Hollywood; Aliens invade the Laurelhurst; Dale and Tucker continues and much MORE!

2011-10-20T19:11:00.000-07:00

Wow, a lot is happening this coming week, which should make horror fans in the Northwest very happy.

Let's start with movies. On October 28 and 29, The Human Centipede II (Full Sequence) will slither into the Cinema 21 Theater at 10:45 pm. This release is likely the one with about 2 minutes trimmed out for North American audiences (anyone following the internet buzz will know what scene is missing), but it's still one of the most disturbing movies out there. Yet, it's been getting some very positive reviews, as the announcement on the Cinema 21 website attests. Check it out, or you can wait for my review, as I'll be there (work willing!).

The Zombie Invasion of The Hollywood Theatre is in full swing this week! First up is a digital presentation (from the uncut and uncensored) camera negatives of Lucio Fulci's Zombi! Blue Underground is sponsoring the screening to promote the current reissue, but come on. That doesn't matter. We've got shark vs. zombie smackdown, a HORRIFIC eye trauma (oh yes, you will squirm) and lots of 80's zombie gut munching. Plays at 9:30 pm on October 21 and 22.

The Walking Dead continues to run on Sunday nights at The Hollywood. Okay, last Sunday's premiere PACKED the main theater and I'm sure some fans were turned away, so get in line EARLIER if you want to get it. Admission is free, but it's an over 21 showing, as beer is being sold by Laurelwood Brewery (at least it was last week, and it was yummy!). Doors open at 8:30 pm, show starts at 9 pm.

Then, on October 25, the Portland Grindhouse Film Festival will present the blacksploitation/voodoo/zombie classic Sugar Hill. If you're a zombie fan and you haven't seen this one yet, don't miss it! Screens at 7:30 pm.

AND The Hollywood will continue screening Tucker and Dale vs. Evil next week at 9:45 pm. Seriously, horror fans, stop by The Hollywood, spend a few bucks on some movies and let's show them horror fans appreciate what the theater does for us. And tell them The Shadow Over Portland sent you! For more information on these and other films at The Hollywood Theatre, visit the official website.

Halloween weekend will be full of the sounds of musical terror, as the Clinton Street Theater floods the screen with multiple showings of Repo: The Generic Opera and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Screenings will be let by different groups performing on the stage, so be prepared for a lot of audience participation.

The Academy Theater's Blood Bath and Beyond features From Dusk till Dawn starting on October 21^st and Kubrick’s The Shining starts on October 28^th.

Also at The Clinton Street Theater on Nov. 1 to 3 is the return of The Crater Lake Monster. Is this a great film? No, but the stop motion is pretty good and it's great cheesy fun. On the big screen, with the right crowd and a few beers, you'll love it. Check out the official website for more information on this film and the Rocky Horror/Repo weekend.

On to the Laurelhurst Theater, where the aliens still hold reign, though a challenge to their grip have arrived. You can still catch Cowboys vs. Aliens and Attack the Block (considered far superior by most reviewers) are still playing. But also we have the supernatural thriller Jacob's Ladder and the simian horror/scifi reboot Rise of the Planet of the Apes. What genre will emerge victorious? Does it really matter? Check local listings or the Laurelhurst official website for more information.

In the first run theaters, Paranormal Activity 3 opens this Friday. I found the first one pretty creepy, but haven't seen any since then. Still, it's better than the continual parade of Saw movies (at least in my opinion, the series fell into a pit of mindless gore and non-thrills since the third film). And The Thing will still be in several theaters. Check local listings for more information.

Okay, time for Ghostbusters news! Thursday, October 27 is your last chance to catch this on the big screen (at least in the Portland area). At this time, it will be at the Regal Lloyd Center 10 (7:45 pm), Century 16 Cedar Hills Crossing in Beaverton (7:30 pm), Century Clackamas Town Center and XD (7:15 pm) and Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 and IMAX in Tigard (7:30 pm). More theaters might be added, so keep your eyes on The Horror Over Portland for more information, or check out the Ghostbusters Facebook Page.

As I said, you can still catch the film outside of Portland. For example, the 7th Street Theater in Aberdeen, WA (located on Grays Harbor on the Washington coast) will show Ghostbusters on Oct 28 and 29 at7:30 pm. Check out the official website for more information.

As always, check out my Upcoming Horror Movie page for trails to most of the films mentioned above.

Wow, that's a lot of movies coming out, and my fingers are getting tired. But I have more to share with all you horror fans, so let's get to the haunted houses and such happening over the next week.

First up, for some convention news. On October 21 to 23, Seattle will host the ZomBcon convention at the Seatac Hotel. I'm not even going to try and list the guests and events, so you'll just have to visit the official website for more info.

Okay, time for some haunted house fun. FrightTown is open through Halloween, and with three fun filled places to explore, it's a great deal. And don't forget, Rue Morgue Magazine considers it one of the top haunted attractions in North America. It's all in the lower level of the Memorial Coliseum, so check out the official website for times and information on how to save $5 on admission.

The Haunted Maize at the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch is open for business every weekend in October. Admission is $10 (6 and up), or you can add on a trip through the Portland Timbers Corn Maize for the low price of $15. Check out the official website for more information.

The House of Shadows, presented by the North Portland Eagles and Black and Orange Inc., is open Halloween weekend, from 7 to 11 pm on October 28 and 29, and 7 to 10 pm on October 30 and 31. You'll find it at 7611 N. Exeter Ave, and 20% of the proceeds go to the Make a Wish Foundation. Admission is $13, and you can find more information at the official website or on Facebook.

Okay, it might not be a haunted house (or haunted cornfield), but the Bossanova Ballroom is hosting Massacre: Curves of the Damned on Friday, October 21. Autry! & Zero will provide music, with firedancing by Miss Steak, Brutal Burlesque by Bloody Betty, Rocket, Lady Stockholm, Vera Mysteria, Hezzy Tayte and much more. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

If you can't make that, but still want to dance until you drop, look into the Soundstage Rhythm Orchestra's Macabre Ball on Friday, October 28. Dance to classics from 1920 to 2011, while being entertained by ghoulish burlesque and a costume contest. Tickets for this event are $15, $20 at the door. Both events are for those 21 years of age or older. Check out the Bossanova website for more information.

And if you're outside of Portland, check out the Medford, OR. website for a lot of haunted happenings through Halloween. Much more than I'm going to mention, but you'll find some Spooky Science, costumes and mini golf, haunted houses and more. If you're headed that way anytime over the next week, check some of these events out.

And, if you haven't picked up the October 14 edition of the St. John's Review, I suggest you find a copy soon. Author Jim Spears wrote a piece on paranormal activities in North Portland that is a great read, with more promised in the October 28 issue.

Well, that's all for now, though I know a few events have slipped past me. So this is your chance to help cast a wider Shadow Over Portland by dropping me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com if you know of, or are hosting, a spooky event this month. Or any month. I will pass the word along.

Get thee to a theater soon for Ghostbusters!

2011-10-20T18:50:00.000-07:00

Just to remind you, a little bit late, that Ghostbusters is playing in several theaters tonight. You still have time to make it to a theater, but you'd better hurry.

The film screens tonight at the Clackamas Town Center Cinema (7:15 pm), Century 16 Ceder Hills Crossing Cinema in Beaverton (7:30 pm), Regal Lloyd Center 10 Cinema (7 pm), Regal Cascade Stadium 16 Cinema in Vancouver (7 pm) and the Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 and IMAX Cinema in Tigard (7:30 pm) and Cinetopia Progress Ridge 14 in Beaverton (7:30 and 7:45 pm).

You can still catch the film next Thursday, and I'll post the times and locations when I get them.

Whoops, a bit late again

2011-10-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hey, horror fans. Sorry about the late update, but a long shift at work, and some beers afterwards with coworkers, left me feeling that Saturday morning would be a better time to pass on all the haunted information I have for you. But, as I was settling in for a long autumn post, I got a call from work saying I was needed in ASAP.

Ah, the life of a happy idiot struggling for the legal tender. Well, even with another morning shift looming in my future, I figure I need to pass along all the horror events Portland has to offer this week. So here we go.

First stop is The Hollywood Theatre, where Tucker and Dale vs. Evil is continuing to play. The buzz on this one is pretty good, so check it out. Work permitting, I might see you there. Also, this Sunday night, don't forget the premiere of The Walking Dead: Season Two will play, courtesy of Cort and Fatboy. Doors open at 8:30 pm, with the show starting at 9 pm (over 21 only). And stop by the Hollywood Things From Another World for a great warm up party at 7 pm.

If you're up north in Seattle, stop by The Red Door for ZomBcon's presentation of The Walking Dead. Doors open at 8 pm. For more information, check out the official Facebook page.

But the zombie carnage at The Hollywood Theatre doesn't stop with The Walking Dead. Next Friday and Saturday (October 21 and 22), Blue Underground will present a new high definition screening of Fulci's classic, Zombie. It might not be the 35mm Portland has grown accustom to, but it comes from the uncut, uncensored camera negative, so if you haven't seen it yet, get your butts down there. Showtime is at 9:30 pm both days.

And don't forget, the Portland Grindhouse Film Festival is presenting Sugar Hill, the blackspoitation/voodoo/zombie classic. If you've never seen this one, DO NOT MISS IT! Showtime is at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, Oct 25.

And for cryptozoology fans, check out the one night only screening of Not Your Typical Bigfoot Movie at The Hollywood on Monday, October 17. A Q&A with cryptozoologists and Bigfoot experts will follow the screening. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

Zombies and Bigfoot not of much interest to you? How about aliens? The Laurelhurst Theater is offering up THREE alien invasion movies this week. You could catch the anemic Cowboys vs. Aliens, with Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford. Or, if you're looking for something more modern, check out Attack the Block, which has garnered rave reviews. Or, if you're stuck in the 80s, check out the awesome, yet often overlooked, remake of The Blob, with Shawnee Smith and Kevin Dillon. Check local listings for showtimes.

The Academy Theater's Blood Bath and Beyond features Shaun of the Dead this week. Check local listings for showtimes.

The Oregonian is playing at The Clinton Street Theater this week. As I said, I'm not sure if it's a horror film or just arthouse creepy, so check out the trailer (see my Upcoming Horror Movie page) and decide for yourself.

Okay, Dream House is almost out of theaters, and chances are The Thing will follow it's lead. But it opens this weekend, so check your local listings for theaters and showtimes.

As always, I try to have trailers posted on my Upcoming Horror Movies page. Please check it out.

Okay, I mentioned ZomBcon early, so here's the scoop. On October 21 to 23, Seattle will host the ZomBcon convention at the Seatac Hotel. I'm not even going to try and list the guests and events, so you'll just have to visit the official website for more info.

Okay, time for some haunted house fun. FrightTown is open through Halloween, and with three fun filled places to explore, it's a great deal. And don't forget, Rue Morgue Magazine considers it one of the top haunted attractions in North America. It's all in the lower level of the Memorial Coliseum, so check out the official website for times and information on how to save $5 on admission.

The Haunted Maize at the Sauvie Island Pumpkin Patch is open for business every weekend in October. Admission is $10 (6 and up), or you can add on a trip through the Portland Timbers Corn Maize for the low price of $15. Check out the official website for more information.

The House of Shadows, presented by the North Portland Eagles and Black and Orange Inc., is open Halloween weekend, from 7 to 11 pm on October 28 and 29, and 7 to 10 pm on October 30 and 31. You'll find it at 7611 N. Exeter Ave, and 20% of the proceeds go to the Make a Wish Foundation. Admission is $13, and you can find more information at the official website or on Facebook.

Okay, it might not be a haunted house (or haunted cornfield), but the Bossanova Ballroom is hosting Massacre: Curves of the Damned on Friday, October 21. Autry! & Zero will provide music, with firedancing by Miss Steak, Brutal Burlesque by Bloody Betty, Rocket, Lady Stockholm, Vera Mysteria, Hezzy Tayte and much more. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.

If you can't make that, but still want to dance until you drop, look into the Soundstage Rhythm Orchestra's Macabre Ball on Friday, October 28. Dance to classics from 1920 to 2011, while being entertained by ghoulish burlesque and a costume contest. Tickets for this event are $15, $20 at the door. Both events are for those 21 years of age or older. Check out the Bossanova website for more information.

And, if you haven't picked up the October 14 edition of the St. John's Review, I suggest you find a copy soon. Author Jim Spears wrote a piece on paranormal activities in North Portland that is a great read, with more promised in the October 28 issue.

Well, that's all for now, though I know a few events have slipped past me. So this is your chance to help cast a wider Shadow Over Portland by dropping me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com if you know of, or are hosting, a spooky event this month. Or any month. I will pass the word along.

Half off your admission to FrightTown tomorrow and Thursday!

2011-10-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night is the official tenth year anniversary for Baron Von Goolo's Museum of Horrors and the ghouls at FrightTown are planning a party! This Wednesday and Thursday (October 12th and 13th), the price of admission will be cut in half! That's right, visit what Rue Morgue Magazine called "...one of the best haunted attractions in North America..." for only $10. That's tomorrow and Thursday night only! The box office opens at 7 pm both nights.

For more information on this event, and other FrightTown festivities, check out either the Facebook page or the official website.

More Ghostbusters News and It's All Good!

2011-10-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know some of you are thinking, "Why did it have to be this Thursday? I really wanted to see Ghostbusters on the big screen, but ___________ got in the way, dammit!"

Well, here's some good news for you. According the the Ghostbusters Facebook page, the film will be at the Clackamas Town Center Cinema (7:30 pm) and the Century 16 Ceder Hills Crossing Cinema in Beaverton (7:15 pm) every Thursday night in October, starting this week.

And now for more good news. New locations have been released for this Thursday's screening, including Regal Lloyd Center 10 Cinema (7:10 pm), Regal Cascade Stadium 16 Cinema in Vancouver (7 pm) and the Regal Bridgeport Village Stadium 18 and IMAX Cinema in Tigard (7:30 pm).

No word if these locations will continue showing the film through the month of October, but if the list of locations changes, you know The Shadow Over Portland will keep you posted!

Portland Area Ghostbusters Times Announced!

2011-10-07T00:49:00.001-07:00

Okay, horror fans, Ghostbusters will play at two theaters in the Portland area. But if you live downtown, be prepared for a bit of a commute.

According to Sony Pictures, Ghostbusters will play on October 13th at both the Century 16 Cedar Hills Crossing (3200 SW Hocken Avenue in Beaverton) at 7:30 pm and the Century Clackamas Town Center and XD (at the Clackamas Town Center) at 7:15 pm.

It's your only shot at catching the film on the big screen once again, so rev up the Ecto-1 (or hop on the Max) and get out there, ghostbuster fans. 'Cause busting make you feel good.

If other dates and times arise, I'll pass them on.

Sorry I was gone, but I'm finally back! And I have lots of stuff to share!!

2011-10-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Hey horror fans. Sorry for my prolonged absence, but between work, the warm weather and some personal issues, I’ve been fatigued and unable to stay awake at the keyboard. In fact, I was working on my report last week when I fell asleep at my desk and woke up 1/2 hour later to fifty pages of “/////////////////” as my fingers stayed on the keyboard. I’ve just been unable to get much done, so I’m glad fall has finally arrived, as the constantly changing weather was a big part of my problem.

Anyway, here’s what’s happening in horror around the Portland area, and October is shaping up to be a fun month. And The Hollywood Theatre, at 4122 NE Sandy, is the place to be.

At the Hollywood this week is Tucker and Dale vs. Evil. A couple of hicks, vacationing in a rundown cabin, are mistaken for killer hillbillies by a group of college students who end up killing themselves when trying to “rescue” their friend. This horror/comedy seems to be spoiled by it’s trailer. However, a few reviews I’ve read say the film still contains some surprises. View at your own risk. Check local listings for more information.

But the Hollywood isn’t done yet. On Oct. 8 and 9, take the family (or just yourself) to catch 1987’s The Monster Squad. A group of young horror fans take on the classic monsters, as Dracula summons the Frankenstein Monster, the Mummy, the Gill-Man and the Werewolf to aid in his plan to conquer the world. Like Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein, the monsters are played straight, so a few scenes might be frightening to younger viewers. And, as this was made in the ‘80s, the tough kid does light up a cigarette, so expect a lapse of current PC standards in this PG-13 movie. However, if you’re idea of a family film includes the line, “Wolfman got nards!” check this one out. Showtime is at 2 pm on both days.

And also at the Hollywood next month, The Grindhouse Film Festival is screening a 35mm print of the blacksploitation/voodoo/zombie classic, Sugar Hill. Directed by Paul Maslansky, the movie tells the story of Diana “Sugar” Hill (Marki Bey) as she summons the power of Baron Samedi (Don Pedro Colley) to create a zombie army and take revenge on the mob boss that killed her boyfriend. Featuring some surprisingly creepy zombies, this film is a must see for all horror and exploitation film fans. Shows at 7:30 pm on October 25^th only, so don’t miss it.

If you’re headed to Seattle on October 7^th, you can stop by the Egyptian Theatre for the only Northwest screening of The Human Centipede 2. I’m not sure how long the film will run, or when it will be shown, but keep an eye on the Egyptian website for more info. Also beware, it appears Tom Six agreed to edit down some of his film for the theatrical release, despite the film being released as unrated. You can check out the trailer on my trailer page.

Also in Seattle this weekend is the GeekGirlCon at the Seattle Center Northwest rooms and the EMP Museum. All geeks are welcome to attend, and Sunday includes a horror panel entitled Beyond the Scream Queen. Moderator Hannah Neurotica (creator and editor of the ‘zine Ax Wound: Gender and the Horror Genre, and founder of Women in Horror Month) will lead a discussion on advocating for woman-created horror media and expanding awareness in fandom and technical arts. Joining her on the panel will be Heidi Honeycutt (founder of Pretty/Scary, now Planet Fury), Jenna Pitman (Northwest horror writer) and Jessica Dwyer (writer for Bloody Disgusting, HorrorHound and FearNet). For information on this panel, and the con in general, check out the official website.

Here’s some really big news. Sony Pictures Repertory is re-releasing the original Ghostbusters to theaters this October. The film will show in selected theaters across the states on Oct. 13, 20 and 27 in 2K digital format. It will also be released in Canada and other international markets as well, but no further information is available. Best way to find out where it will play is to follow Ghostbusters on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.ghostbusters.com. When I hear of it coming to Portland, I’ll let you know. And if you want to see Ghostbusters 3 in the theaters, you might not want to miss this, as it’s likely Sony is going to judge the potential audience for a follow up film.

Over at The Clinton Street Theater this month, The Oregonian will screen on Oct 14^th to 20^th at 9 pm. The story of a farm girl, known only as The Oregonian, travels into some weirdness as she leaves behind a troubled past. I don’t know if this is actual horror or arthouse strangeness, but check out the trailer on my trailer page, then decide.

Oct. 21^st to the 27^th will bring Resurrected Dead: Mystery of the Toynbee Tiles to the Clinton. Okay, this is a documentary, not a horror film, trying to find the hidden message behind cryptic tiles found all over the Americas. Just wanted to warn you. The film shows at 7 and 9 pm.

As always, the Clinton Street is running Repo: The Genetic Opera every Friday night at 11:30 pm, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show Saturday night at midnight.

Also, starting on Oct. 2^nd, the EMP Museum in Seattle will open Can’t Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film. For more information, check out the EMP website. The show includes several events and filmmaker appearances, but I’ll be damned if I can navigate the site. Good luck to you. But I can tell you this weekend will feature Lovecraft’s Vision, with screenings of The Ancestor (the unreleased cut of The Resurrected), Re-Animator, The Dunwich Horror and more, along with guests like Diane O’Bannon and William F. Nolan. Here’s the link to purchase tickets for this event.

In haunted house news, FrightTown, considered “… one of the best haunted attractions in North America,” by Rue Morgue Magazine, opens this weekend. With three houses full of horror, it’s recommended that kids and those with weak bladder control might consider giving this one a pass. Sounds like fun for the rest of us, so check out the website for more information.

The Atelier Meridian art studio, located at 665 N. Tillamook Ave. in Portland, will take part in annual Portland Open Studio tour. Liv Rainey-Smith will be there discussion the art of woodcut prints, and working on a limited edition of “Death and the Printmaker” and showing his entire range of work. For more information, check out the Portalnd Open Studio website.

In the multiplex, you can check out Dream House, but I’d advise against it. After all, the trailer spoils a major plot point, and this film is failing fast. Check out the Two Day Review from Planet Fury if you doubt me.

In second run theaters, the Laurelhurst will show the original Friday the 13^th for one week only, starting this Friday. But the only theater with a Halloween program right now is the Academy Theater, which opens Blood Bath and Beyond this weekend with the film version of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. Shaun of the Dead starts on October 14^th, From Dusk till Dawn starts on October 21^st and ending with Kubrick’s The Shining on October 28^th.

As always, check local listings for more information for more information on local showings. And trailers for most of the movies mentioned here are available for viewing on the Upcoming Horror Movie Calendar Page.

Wow, that’s a lot of stuff. And more is to follow, including reviews of Angel and Faith #1 and Buffy: Season Nine #1, my second installment of Was it Really That Bad?, where I take on The Lost Boys for the first time since I caught it in theaters (and ended up yelling at the screen, but more on that with the review) and the start of Films that Influenced My Love of Horror. Also, look for a listing of Haunted Houses in the area. So keep your eyes on The Shadow Over Portland for horror happenings, reviews and commentaries during the best time of the year. Yep, the fall is here and I’m itching to get back to the keyboard.

If you have an event you want advertised, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I’ll spread the word.

Portland loves Trolls; Apollo 18 and Shark Night try to make a box office splash; Burial Ground returns to the Hollywood

2011-09-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

It's obvious at this point that Portland loves trolls. What else can explain the continued screening of Troll Hunter at the Laurelhurst Theater? I guess trolls are in here in the Rose City.

This weekend, two more horror films try to break the box office slump. Apollo 18 finally opens, after its premiere date was bounced around more times then a pinball. And Shark Night 3D tries to take a bite out of the box office. Check local listings for more information.

You can still catch Super 8 at the second run pub theaters. Fright Night, Final Destination 5, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark and Rise of the Planet of the Apes are still showing, so check local listings for more information.

Coming up is the Grindhouse Film Festival presentation of Burial Ground: Night of Terror on Tuesday, September 20th, at the Hollywood Theatre. This is a 35mm print that is being screening, so that's a plus. On the other hand, it's reported to be a fairly bad movie, so load up on the beer beforehand! Um, as long as you're over 21 and drink responsibly. Okay, that should make my lawyers, Shyster and Shyster, happy. The show starts at 7:30 pm.

You can still catch Super 8 at the second run pub theaters. Fright Night, Final Destination 5 and Rise of the Planet of the Apes are still showing, so check local listings for more information.

Don't forget about the Buffy Season 9 Q&A and signing with signing with series artist Georges Jeanty and editor Scott Allie at the Hollywood Things from Another World on Wednesday, September 14 from 7 to 9 pm. Admission is free, with beer from Columbia River Brewery and snacks available (have ID or no beer for you). Get there early enough and you might score some swag!

Cthulhu fans don't have to wait for next year, as the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival comes back to Portland as a special two night edition is scheduled at The Hollywood Theatre September 30 through October 1st. No information on the film schedule or potential guests, but general admission is $12, with a two day pass available for $20. I'll relay any information that comes along, but keep checking the official website for updates.

The EMP Museum in Seattle will open Can't Look Away: The Lure of Horror Films on October 2. With loads of exhibits, screening and guest directors, you might find yourself haunting The Emerald City most of the month. Check out this link to Fearnet.com for the initial press release.

Sorry if this post seems rushed, but I have to be back at work in about 5 hours. This job may be the death of me, but at least I might be able to haunt the internet and get you more detailed listing. OR, you can send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I won't have to search for these events. At any rate, remember to tell them you saw it at The Shadow Over Portland.

Was it Really That Bad? Alien 3

2011-09-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

It happens to everyone. You dislike a film, then rewatch it years later and discover it wasn’t as bad as you thought. Perhaps you initial response was marred by the events in your life. Or maybe a few years more of life experiences allowed you to see something in the film you missed in your previous viewing.

In the spirit of such misguided opinions, I’m starting a new feature entitled Is It Really That Bad? Each month, I’ll pick a film I disliked/hated/had issues with when I first watched it and see if time has changed my opinion. For my first film, I decided to watch both the theatrical and director’s version of Alien ³, to see if the original wasn’t as bad as I thought, or if the studio mandated re-edits and re-shoots ruined the director’s version.

In truth, neither film is horrid, but both are misguided and show that Hollywood just didn’t know how to handle a strong female lead back in the early 1990s (not that the studios have a clue even now).

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!! Proceed with caution or, better yet, watch the movie first!

The film opens with the survivors of Aliens in suspended animation aboard the Sulaco. The ship’s hull is breached after a facehugger is injured trying to get into one of the pods and the survivors are ejected into an escape pod. The vessel crashes into an ocean on Fiornia ‘Fury’ 161, close to a penal colony/work camp for “double Y chromosome offenders.”

Right away, the two versions significantly differ. In the Theatrical Release, the inmates explore the craft and find Ripley to be the only survivor. Hicks was reduced to hamburger by a falling support beam, Newt appears to have drowned and Bishop suffers more damage in the crash and is tossed into the trash heap. In the Director’s Version, Ripley washes ashore at the feet of Clemans (Charles Dance), the colony medical officer. The escape pod is pulled ashore by a team of ox and the others suffer the same fate as in the Theatrical Cut. This version of the story makes more sense, at least concerning Ripley’s survival. The cover of both Ripley and Newt’s pods were damaged (presumably by the facehugger). And as both pods were submerged after the crash, Ripley would have drowned alongside Newt. But I doubt sensibility was a concern during the reshoot. Instead, it feels like an attempt to link the opening of Alien ³to the beginning moments of Aliens, only without the use of a robotic arm.

A lot of criticism was leveled at the script for killing off most of the survivors from Cameron’s sequel while they slept. 20^th Century Fox’s response was that too many years had passed and actor Carrie Henn could no longer portray a young Newt. But, in truth, by starting the movie up just moments after the ending of it’s predecessor, the script avoids the problems of re-introducing the xenomorphs and figuring out a way to get the characters involved several years after the events on LV-426. And while the studios were right about Henn’s age being a problem with her continuing in the roll in this instance, I suspect fans would not have minded another age appropriate actress taking up the role, or a replacement actor taking up the role of Hick, had Michael Biehn not wanted to continue in the series. While it’s possible that the studio execs were not willing to be edgy enough to maroon a young girl in a colony of sex offenders, such a move would have re-enforced the family dynamic introduced in the second film.

Though both versions allow the fans to say goodbye to both Hicks and Newt during a rather elaborate cremation, it’s obvious the script was intent on isolating Ripley once again. But one wonders why the script placed her in a male penal colony. It can be argued that she is truly isolated, and the environment adds an element of danger other than the xenomorph. Others might argue the script is punishing Ripley for being a strong women and too much of a hero in the other films (the script does punish Ripley, but we’ll talk about that later). But I think that’s a rather shallow reading of a film so ripe with religious symbolism.

The remaining inmates have created a religious sect and, isolated from the temptations of society (possessions and, most important, women), these men decided to stay on and are celibate followers of Dillon (Charles S. Dutton), who acts as leader and priest. It’s a shame the script doesn’t use this set up to explore the idea of hiding from one’s temptation as a path to salvation. Instead, the script devolves into the expected stereotypical pattern. Of course, a small group attempt to rape Ripley and Dillon intervenes, but the script could have gone deeper. Dillon is adamant that Ripley be taken off the planet, as she’s a threat to his flock’s spiritual wellbeing. So it’s quite possible that he wasn’t saving Ripley, but, rather, his followers. And, though he admits to being a murderer and rapist, Dillon never exhibits signs of inner temptation himself. And it’s never addressed why he doesn’t consider killing Ripley, thus removing the threat to his flock.

But the script really has no interest in developing such ideas. Instead, all the religious trappings are only used to convert Ripley to a Christ-like figure. She falls from the heavens into a den of sinners, only to be beaten, humiliated and berated by both convicts and authority figures. Yet, despite such mistreatment, she is willing to sacrifice herself to save them and the rest of humanity. In case you haven’t got the message, the script has her assume the position of the crucifix twice in the final act.

David Fincher, making his big budget debut, was besieged with problems during production, including the lack of finished script before production started. It should be no surprise that the religious symbology doesn’t gel into a solid part of the narrative. But at the end of the film, as the fiery furnaces of the lead smelting plant are shut down and a brilliant sunrise graces the surface of the planet, it quite obvious that the filmmakers were aiming to make Ripley a martyr, with her sacrifice closing down the film’s version of Hell and offering humanity a new lease on life by eliminating the xenomorph threat.

But the script’s jumbled mess, while not quite fleshing out Ripley’s role as martyr, also destroys her character arc over the past two films. In Alien ³, she is less of a leader, waiting for the inmates to ask for her help before taking charge. Perhaps it’s connected to the film’s religious tones, where the sinners must ask for salvation. Or maybe she knows they won’t listen to her and bides her time until they ask for her help. Whatever the reason, the script never explains why Ripley, who took control of a group of space Marines in the last film, would decide to fall silent now.

Were that the only flaw in the script’s treatment of the character, one could forgive such a minor transgression. But the screenwriters muck things up further. To start, Ripley pressures Clemans to perform an autopsy on Newt (in a very well done scene) to look for signs of an infectious disease. For some reason, she won’t explain to anyone about the xenomorph, not even Clemans, whom she trusts enough to sleep with the night after Newt and Hicks are cremated.

Okay, Ripley might have been looking for solace in someone’s arms. Or, as Clemans suggests, her affections might have been a way to keep him from asking questions about her suspicious behavior concerning the bodies of Newt and Hicks. But the script doesn’t bother to give us any motivation for her actions, making Ripley’s behavior rather sluttish. After all, she’s just lost her surrogate family, so if she’s going to sleep with some stranger in a male prison colony, the script needs to give her some motivation.

Worse still, after spending most of the film complaining about a sore throat, shortness of breath and chest pains, Ripley is surprised to discover she is carrying an Alien inside her chest (I warned you about spoilers). The creature is discovered after Ripley becomes concern that her symptoms might not be the after affects of suspended animation, but the result of an internal hemorrhage suffered during the crash. Yet she forgets the fact that a snarling Alien was ready to put its extendable jaw through her head, only to back away and let her live. It’s implausible that this woman, who was smart enough to defeat the Alien threat twice, could be so stupid. In fact, it’s only possible if the screenwriters wanted to surprise the audience in the third act and didn’t care if they had to drop their main character’s IQ level by a few dozen points to achieve it.

The Alien itself is another problem, as the creature skips the worm-like chest bursting stage, now emerging from its victims in a near adult state. While one convict comes across a shed skin, the creature’s appearance doesn’t change as dramatically as in the previous films. And though Ripley says it doesn’t move like the others she’s encountered, which suggests that Alien physiology is altered by the organism it gestates within, the end result is too feline to have come from an ox or dog.

On the plus side, the acting is solid and the sequences of the convicts hunting down the Alien are suspenseful. But neither compensate for a directionless script that sends Ripley adrift, subject to the whims of the screenwriters. Had the production waited until the script was finished, the film might have been a solid addition to the series. But, as it stands, Alien ³ is a vivid example that even a talented filmmaker can’t seem to capture the essence of the first two installments. The future doesn’t look good for Prometheus.

My opinion stands: I still don’t like it.

Next month, I tackle a movie that had me shouting in a crowded theater when the final twist is reveled. I haven't seen The Lost Boys since 1987, so let's find out if my anger at the big twist ending has cooled since then.

Don't be to sure of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

2011-08-27T17:04:00.001-07:00

And I had such high hopes....

Tristan Sinns at FanGirlTastic (which I contribute to) posted his Two Day Review of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, and it's not good.

Just so you know, the Two Day Review series requires Tristan to PAY FULL ADMISSION PRICE for the film he's about to review. He doesn't attend a special screening, nor is he wined and dined by the studio while watching a movie he's reviewing. He pays the cost of the ticket price before giving an honest opinion and I often agree with his views. So check out his review and see if the film is worth your admission cost. I'm thinking it's better left for a Netflix rental.

Don't be Afriad of the Dark opens; The Hollywood Theater offers two genre titles; reminders of future fests

2011-08-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

Sleep is overrated, as I'm finding out. The less sleep I get, the more my inner zombie comes out. And what a perfect state to write about this week's horror (and a few other) offerings.

After the disappointing box office earnings for Final Destination 5 and Fright Night, it's time for Guillermo del Toro to reach for the brass ring. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark opens today with a few strikes against it. First off, while heavily involved in the script and production, del Toro isn't directing. Instead, comic book artist Troy Nixey is in charge and while that may not be such a bad thing, I'd love to have seen del Toro's version.

Second, it's a remake of a 1973 film, but we all know remakes haven't fared well among horror fans. But del Toro's involved, so that must be good, right?

Finally, it's saddled with an R-rating. Del Toro was aiming for a PG-13, but it appears the MPAA collectively soiled themselves during the screening and gave the film the R-rating for 'pervasive scariness.' When del Toro asked what they could do to lower the rating, the MPAA replied, " 'Why ruin a perfectly scary movie?'"

If that doesn't sell horror fans, I don't know what will. I have to wait for next weekend to see the film, but go see it. The MPAA wet themselves, for pity's sake, and that's saying something. Let's all show them that horror can succeed, regardless of the rating.

Final Destination 5 and Fright Night are still in the multiplexes, so check local listings if you care to see another horror film this week.

Troll Hunter is still at the Laurelhurst, playing through Thursday at 9:15 pm.

The Hollywood Theatre, in association with Filmusik, is screening the kaiju film, Gamera vs. Banrugon this Friday and Saturday at 8 pm. Featuring live English dialog, live music and Foley effects, this sounds like a lot of fun. Check the website for more information.

And this Tuesday, The Grindhouse Film Festival will screen a 35mm print of Psychomania at The Hollywood Theatre at 7:30 pm. Just check the website for more information on this, as a single sentence summery won't do it justice.

Still awaiting more info on the H. P. Lovecraft Festival starting September 30. As soon as I know anything, I'll pass word along.

Remember, if you attend any of these local events, tell them you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland. And if you know of any horror happenings in the area (and a bit beyond), email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll pass the word along.
Guillermo del Toro

The Fright Night remake arrives: Rutger Hauer tracks an alien; Buffy Season 9 signing and MORE!

2011-08-22T19:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll apologize for both this late post and future ones in the next few weeks. Work has kicked in after a brief pause this summer, and I'll be a little busy on the weekends until Labor Day. But I'll get you all the horror news that's fit to print, and some that isn't, I promise, so please keep checking in.

So, the Fright Night remake is out, and while most critics agree that Charlie is a bit of a ass in the latest incarnation (and, as is common in Hollywood, his girlfriend is too damn hot to be interested in such a loser), the film is garnering some positive reviews. Might not be as much of a horror film as the original, but it still seems to be pretty good. Might be worth checking out.

But, if more old school horror is your preferred taste, look into The Clinton Streets screening of Split Second, where Rutger Hauer takes on a murderous alien. Plays on Wednesday night only, at 8 pm. Tickets are $6, and it's part of the Flat Top Film Series, which promises more pulpy action flicks in the coming months.

When one mentions Kaiju films, the first thought on most fans minds is Godzilla. But on Friday and Saturday, his rival Gamera hits The Hollywood Theatre courtesy of Filmusik. Gamera vs. Barugon will screen with the good folks at Filmusik providing live vocals, music and Foley. Should be interesting to see how they handle the sound effects for a flying turtle. Showtime for both dates is 8 pm and tickets are $12, $10 for seniors and students.

Also at The Hollywood on August 30th, at 7:30 pm, is the British zombie biker movie Psychomania. Here's the description from The Grindhouse Film Festival site:

Psychomania (aka The Death Wheelers) (1973): A British biker gang called The Living Dead is headed by a frog-worshiping weirdo who finds a way to bring people back from the dead. One by one, his gang commits suicide in increasingly over-the-top fashion, so they can return from the grave to ride and raise hell. However, unlike their badass American biker counterparts, this British gang wears flowers in their hair and ride around on posh motorbikes. Get ready for miniskirts, go-go boots, and mind-boggling psychedelic freakout sequences involving frogs. This movie is AMAZING.

Bound to be one crazy night.

On the horizon, you can attend a Buffy Season 9 Q&A and signing with signing with series artist Georges Jeanty and editor Scott Allie at the Hollywood Things from Another World on Wednesday, September 14 from 7 to 9 pm. Admission is free, with beer from Columbia River Brewery and snacks available (have ID or no beer for you). Get there early enough and you might score some swag!

In the second run theaters, Super 8 is making the rounds.

Next week, well, more surprises and Guillermo del Toro's Don't Be Afraid of the Dark hits theaters. Don't miss this one, as it's so scary, the MPAA soiled themselves and gave it an R rating without the standard line about gore and nudity. I'm planning on trying to hit opening weekend, no matter how much work smacks me down.

As always, if you are able to attend any of these local events, tell them you read about it on The Shadow Over Portand. And you can email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any information you want to pass along to horror fans in the Northwest.

Portland is offered two chances to celebrate the work of H. P. Lovecraft

2011-08-15T22:28:00.000-07:00

I have good news for Portland area Lovecraft fans, and I know you're out there. First up, this Saturday, August 20th, you can celebrate the 121st birthday of the master of cosmic horror at The Lovecraft Bar at 421 SE Grand Ave. in Portland. The party runs from 8 pm to midnight, and features "...door prizes, music, drink specials, exotic entertainment and.. Cthulhu birthday cake!!" Who can resist that? Brought to you by Haunted Happenings, this will be a birthday celebration that will drive you MAD! For more information, check out the official Facebook page, and, work willing, I'll see you there!

If you can't make it to the party, don't fret because the insanity has just started spreading. So you don't have to wait over a year for the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival to come back to Portland, a special two night edition is scheduled at The Hollywood Theatre September 30 through October 1st. No information on the film schedule or potential guests, but general admission is $12, with a two day pass available for $20. I'll relay any information that comes along, but keep checking the official website for updates.

If you make it to either of these events, be sure to tell them you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland. Hope to see you there, and remember....

"Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!"

Vampire VS. Werewolf walk injavascri Seattle on Saturday the 13th; Final Destination 5 hits the multiplex;Little Shop of Horrors opens in McKenna Park

2011-08-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I was wrong last week when I thought that Fright Night 3D would be the first horror film to hit the cineplex in August. Nope, it's Final Destination 3 and according to fellow FanGirlTastic reviewer Alexandra West, it's a lot of fun and sounds better than the fourth installment. Check out the trailer on my Horror Movie Calendar page. The bridge collapse seen looks pretty awesome.

Okay, I tried to verify this online, but could not get any information. However, telephone pole fliers in the St. Johns area are advertising that McKenna Park will host a screening of Little Shop of Horrors on Saturday, August 13th at 8:30 pm. The screening is toted as part of the Movies in the Park series, but the website there has no information. And I don't know if this is a screening of the Roger Corman classic or the Frank Oz musical remake (though my money is on the musical, which is severely underrated and you should check out if you haven't seen it). The park is located at N. Wall and Princeton St., and it's suggested you bring your own food and beverages (FYI: Portland parks do NOT allow alcohol consumption under normal circumstances, so leave the six-pack at home), something to sit on (Keep it low, like a blanket, to be polite) and some warm clothes. That is, if it's happening. Remember, I'm just going by the fliers posted in the area.

If you're headed up north this Saturday, and want to wear your vampire finest, or your werewolf hairiest, check out the Vampire VS. Werewolf walk starting at 9 pm at Cal Anderson Park. It's a full moon and the weather is suppose to be nice, so see if the werewolves and vampires can play nice for one evening. The walk ends at Mercury @ Machinewerks, a private club waving it's membership requirements for those in costume or with the group. You can find more information at the Vampire VS. Werewolf Walk Facebook page. Sorry for the late notice, but I just found out as I was preparing to write this edition.

And, before I forget, Troll Hunter is still playing at several local second run theaters, including The Laurelhurst and The Academy. Check local listing for more information.

On the horizon, the Grindhouse Film Festival is planning a 35mm screening of Psychomania. Here's the summery from the Grindhouse Film Festival website, as I doubt I could come up with anything better:

Psychomania (aka The Death Wheelers) (1973) A British biker gang called The Living Dead is headed by a frog-worshiping weirdo who finds a way to bring people back from the dead. One by one, his gang commits suicide in increasingly over-the-top fashion, so they can return from the grave to ride and raise hell. However, unlike their badass American biker counterparts, this British gang wears flowers in their hair and ride around on posh motorbikes. Get ready for miniskirts, go-go boots, and mind-boggling psychedelic freakout sequences involving frogs. This movie is AMAZING.

The screening takes place at 7:30 pm on August 30th at The Hollywood Theatre. You can buy advanced tickets here. I so hope I can get the night off for this one.

As for the future, well, Fright Night 3D opens next Friday, Apollo 13 has liftoff in September and Shark Night 3D wimps out, settling for a PG-13 rating. You'll find all the information on the latest new releases, and trailers, on the Upcoming Horror Movie Calendar page. And for all things horror, visit my Horror Event Calender page.

If you attend any of these local films or events, tell them you heard about it at The Shadow Over Portland. And don't forget to email me with your upcoming horror events at shadowoverportland@live.com.

Mega Python vs. Gatoroid isn't a good move in any way, but that's not bad.

2011-08-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Okay, let’s get one thing clear. Mega Python vs. Gatoroid is a bad movie. The film contains glaring continuity errors, the acting gets pretty wooden at times, the script is just as lazy as you’d expect and the CGI is pretty bad (though not as bad as Lake Placid 3). In short, it’s everything you’d expect from The Asylum, but that’s not to say the film isn’t a lot of fun. While it doesn’t reach the inspired heights of unintentional lunacy in Mega Piranha, director Mary Lambert keeps things moving with very little drag time and refuses to take things too seriously.

The movie opens with Dr. Nikki Riley (Debbie Gibson), an environment activist, breaking into a building to steal a bunch of exotic pythons. With her are Gia and Ben, who are either grad students or fellow activists in training (we all know they’ll be fodder for some giant reptile; the fun is guessing which critter gets them), and aren’t too happy to be involved in criminal activities.

It’s also never clear if they are breaking into a warehouse, a pet store or a private home. But none of that matters, as the story simply requires them to snag a bunch of pythons and release them back into the wild.

Of course, Riley doesn’t release the snakes into a suitable ecosystem, like the wilds of the Amazon. Instead, she settles for the nearest swamp, which is part of the Florida Everglades. Sure, the snakes don’t belong there, but Riley brushes that problem off, saying the snakes need to be in the wild and that nature will even things out. Unfortunately, nature is taking its sweet time and the pythons start killing off the gators at an alarming rate.

The declining gator population forces Park Ranger Terry O’Hara (Tiffany) to take some drastic action. Having denied the local hunters licenses to kill gators, as the population was rather low to begin with, she starts handing out permits for python season. What she doesn’t know is the snakes have had time to increase both in size and numbers, which results in the death of her fiancé, Justin, and several other hunters.

Vowing to avenge Justin, Terry decides they need “bigger gators” to combat the snakes. Her assistant Angie (Kathryn Joosten) helps her score boxes of anabolic steroids, along with an experimental muscle growth formula, and the two spend an evening feeding juiced raw chicken to the gators, unaware of the hidden cameras set up by Riley.

This makes you wonder what kind of an environmentalist Riley is. First, she releases an invasive species into a foreign ecosystem, than screws a bunch of cameras into trees. She acts like a Republican scientist, convinced that anything man does to the environment can’t be too bad and nature is the ultimate free market.

Anyway, Riley goes into the swamp after discovering her pythons are being destroyed and finds the gator population is growing to gigantic size. Before becoming a Gatoroid snack, she’s rescued by Dr. Diego Ortiz (A. Martinez), an outside scientist sent in to investigate the giant pythons. He’s found giant gator eggs and knows the gators are growing bigger, yet his pleas to call in the National Guard are ignored by O’Hara, who’s too focused on her upcoming charity ball to investigate Ortiz’s claims. What no one knows is that the pythons have decided that gator eggs are a perfect substitute for gator meat, and they’ve started growing due to the steroid cocktail in the gator fetuses. Sure, it’s impractical, but at this point, why let science get in the way of a giant monster movie.

Riley goes back to her lab, finds the footage of O’Hara feeding the gators, then dons an evening gown and prepares to crash O’Hara’s party. Okay, maybe evening gown is a bit of an exaggeration, unless you consider a slutty strapless tube dress to be proper evening wear. You know the dress I’m talking about, as you’ve likely seen the pop star fight scene on YouTube.

While the two former rivals slap cream pies over each other and roll into a swamp, Ortiz arrives just in time to warn the partiers to arm up, as a herd of Gatoroids and Mega Pythons also plan to crash the party. Yep, the two reptiles have put aside eating each other and decided that humans are the new red meat. Ortiz, O’Hara, Riley and Angie manage to escape and head for Miami to deliver the bad news about the impending reptile apocalypse in person. But the creatures beat them there, so now our heroes have to figure out how to lure the giant beasts to a quarry (in the Everglades?) that has enough explosives stored nearby to blow the monsters into bits, and not be eaten in the process.

Okay, if that summation didn’t tell you how stupid this movie is, well, they you’re likely to believe that the Everglades contains a mountain range (which it does in this movie). But the plot isn’t designed to make sense, only to deliver giant monsters on a regular basis and the movie scores on that note. Director Lambert makes the right decision to keep the film moving along at a good pace, explaining the story with the camera rather than stall the plot with a dull exposition scene. So instead of a static talking head shot, we see a giant python eating a Gatoroid egg, and the CGI effects let us know the steroids are being passed on to the snakes (Yea, I know, IT MAKES NO SENSE! Just get over it!!). By using the visuals to tell part of the story, Lambert keeps the film from tripping over dialog scenes or, worse yet, ignoring explanations of any type (both of which sank Mega Shark vs. Crococaurus).

Lambert also attacks the humor in the script with gusto. As Ortiz calls out for anyone at the fund raiser who’s packing to arm themselves, the film pokes a not to subtle joke about how much they love their guns down South. We get a recycled joke from Jurrasic Park that still might make you chuckle and the script injects a groan inducing line from a Tiffany song into a tense moment. But the most gut busting moment is when a Mega Python bites into a blimp. It was like the channel just switched over to a Looney Tunes cartoon and will make you blow beer out your nose if you’re not careful.

But how does it score as a drive-in movie, or on Joe Bob’s triple B scale. Well, the blood is rather tame, even for a SyFy feature. But the beasts make numerous appearances, spending most of their screen time gobbling up human victims before taking out the city of Miami. As with Mega Piranha, showing the creatures interacting with humans doesn’t require extensive CGI work on buildings and such, allowing the filmmaker to deliver more monster action before the effects budget gives out.

As for the second B on the Joe Bob scale, well, the film contains no nudity (or extras of a Gibson wardrobe malfunction, as she’s constantly pulling up the top of her white tube dress), but it delivers plenty of what was once called “jiggle.” Gibson’s white dress aside, she spends most of the movie stomping through the swamps in either shorts or tight jeans, with accompanying halter tops (and quite frankly, she’s looking pretty skinny. I mean supermodel skinny. Debbie, please buy a few cheeseburgers with your Asylum salary.) As for Tiffany, her Park Ranger outfit appears to have been designed by Daisy Duke, while her evening gown is designed to remind you that she has some major cleavage. It felt like I was watching Charlie’s Angels all over again.

But the ladies don’t fare too bad on this one either. While none of the actors compare to Paul Logan’s brickhouse physique in Mega Piranha, the film is full of attractive guys. O’Hara’s fiancé Justin is quite the Southern gentleman, talking about dinner with the wedding planner like it’s the highlight of his week. And his dying wish is for O’Hara to remind him how beautiful their wedding will be. It’s hard not to like the guy after that. Other men in the cast include O’Hara’s steroid supplier, who sports a cut off tank top accentuating the fact that he does a lot of bicep work. Finally, Martinez has a grizzly Tommy Lee Jones look going for him, but without the growing jowls. Not too bad for a studio who’s last offering as a leading man was the actor formerly known as Urkel.

Come to think of it, The Asylum seemed to address every point I made about Mega Shark vs. Crocasaurus. Did the studio happen to read my review or, better yet, did Mary Lambert? Well, if any of them are reading now, I have three things to say. Tawny Kitaen. Ann and Nancy Wilson from Heart. Mega Barracuda. You know we want it.

Throw a surprise cameo (probably spoiled by now) into the mix and Mega Python vs. Gatoroid ends up being a great Saturday night creature feature. Just add in a bit of your favorite boozy beverage and I think you’ll enjoy this one. It’s not as “good” as Mega Piranha, which was more organically batshit crazy than calculated camp. Still, it’s a lot of fun for fans of giant monsters and pop stars duking it out in evening gowns, with a steady supply of cream pies.

Jake the Alligator Man's weekend of festivities will liven up Long Beach, Wa.

2011-08-05T00:26:00.000-07:00

Just found this little tidbit on my Facebook events page and figured I'd pass it along. If you're looking to cool out at the beach this weekend, you might consider heading up to Long Beach, WA, for the Jake the Alligator Man Weekend of Festivities.

A long time resident of Marsh's Free Museum, Jake is celebrating his 4th Annual 75th Birthday in style. Friday night at 7 pm, Legendary Burlesque Emcee Vincent Drambuie will host an evening with The Rose City Shimmy and Nina Nightshade, with the Twangshifters and special guests The Dolly Pops wrapping up the evening. The event will be held at the Long Beach Elks Lodge, located just one block north of the light on Bolstad. A $10 cover charge gets you in, with cocktails and food available.

On Saturday, the festivities continue with a car show, and Uncle Eerie hosting live music with the Drag Strip Riot, the Shivering Denizens, WaveSauce and the Graceland Five. Delvis will host the Bride of Jake Pinup Contest and a side show will be provided by Dismal Dingo and Olive Rootbeer.

Want more information? Check out the official website. And if you get there, wish Jake a happy birthday from The Shadow Over Portland.

August is here and horror features are close behind! And check out Poltergeist on the big screen this weekend!!

2011-08-04T22:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it's August and the heat is on! Not only is it hot outside, but we're a bit shorthanded at work and the combination made me miss last week's post. Sorry for that, but hey, bills come first and protecting myself from heatstroke is second.

But with the end of the blockbuster movie season comes the scary offerings from the major studios. This week is Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which has a creepy Cesar (played by Andy Serkis planning to take over the world and knock humanity back a few notches on the evolutionary ladder. Okay, more spooky sci fi than outright horror, but it's a nice build up to next week's release of Fright Night 3D.

Troll Hunter is still playing at The Hollywood Theatre, though times and days vary, and it looks like it ends on Tuesday, so check your local listings for showtimes. Also at the Hollywood tomorrow night at 10 pm is the Filmusik presentation of the 1983 Italian Road Warrior ripoff, Warriors of the Wasteland. With Foley requirements including exploding arrows and chainsaws, it sounds like Filmusik has it's work cut out on this feature.

If you miss Troll Hunter at the Hollywood, you can still catch it at The Academy and The Laurelhurst Theaters. Check local listings for showtimes.

But the big news for horror fans is the big screen showing of 1982's Poltergeist. Watch the film and debate how much Tobe Hooper actually directed, or how much influence Steven Spielberg exerted on him. Whatever you decide, it's a damn scary good time. If you haven't seen it, check out the original before someone decides to remake it. Shows at 7 and 9 pm Friday and Saturday, with a 3 pm Sunday screening at the 5th Avenue Cinema.

If you know of a horror event in the Northwest area, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I WILL get the word out. Promise. And if you go see any of these movies, especially at the locally run theaters, tell them The Shadow Over Portland sent you.

Best Action Double Feature EVER!

2011-07-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

Oh, it's summer and the horror events are few and far between. Sure, you can catch Evil Dead: The Musical if you have tickets (a 2 pm Saturday show has been added and isn't sold out as of 9:30 pm Friday). Or you can catch The Troll Hunter, which is still at The Hollywood Theatre, or Super 8, which is still in local cineplexes. But such events are few and far between, which is why I have to mention the BEST DOUBLE FEATURE PLAYING IN PORTLAND THIS WEEK.

This Tuesday and Wednesday, The Hollywood Theatre presents Bullet Ballet: John Woo Hong Kong Action Double Feature. The show kicks off at 7:15 pm with Woo's balls to the wall feature Hard Boiled. Chow Yun-Fat stars as Tequila, a hard boiled Hong Kong cop on the trail of gun smugglers. Tony Leung is an undercover cop, so deep that he rides a razors-edge between his job and his role as an assassin. The two cross paths and all hell breaks loose as they join up to bring down the gang.

The first two acts fills the screen with so much lead that Sly, Arnold and Bruce should be ashamed. But buckle in for the third act, as Woo stages a 40 minute gun fight (I kid you not, I timed it) in a hospital that will blow you through the back of the theater. It's simply the most amazing action sequence ever filmed.

The follow up film, The Killer, will give you a very brief chance to catch your breath. Chow Yun-Fat plays an assassin, who blinds a lounge singer during his latest hit. Racked with remorse, he becomes her protector and works to get her a cornea transplant to restore her sight. His guilt, however, brings him in contact with Danny Lee, a detective sporting the most outrageous pinstripe suit ever. By the final act, loyalties are tested, honor is upheld and a bunch of bad guys die in a hail of bullets.

Both films are presented in 35mm, and tickets are only $7. If you need an action fix, skip spending time with the Captain and settle in for some of the most beautiful scenes of mayhem ever to grace the screen.

Also, coming to the Hollywood on August 2 is Dario Argento's Deep Red. A musician witnesses the murder of a psychic and sets out to find the killer. It's one of Argento's giallo films, with great cinematography, music by Goblin and some spectacular kills. It's a great way to kick off the fall horror film season, so don't miss it.

Also, I will be updating the Upcoming Horror Movie Calendar page in the coming days, but I have to mention that Joss Whedon's The Cabin by the Lake finally has a release date of Friday, April 13, 2012. I have yet to see a trailer for it, but keep an eye on this site, as I'll post it as soon as I find it.

Don't forget, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any information about horror events in the Pacific Northwest, and I'll pass the word along.

McMenamin's Theaters need better PR: The Revanant comes to the Hollywood tonight; and lots more, including Evil Dead:The Musical!

2011-07-09T11:46:00.000-07:00

Damn it, the local MeMenamin's theaters need to get the press releases out there sooner. Not that they'd send one my way, but I might have found out that The Corpse Bride, Jason and the Argonauts and The Golden Voyage of Sinbad were all on the big screen last night as part of their Animation Fest! Of course, it was one night only!! Argggh!!! Not only would I have passed the word along to everyone out there, I would have attended the screenings of Sinbad and Jason!

Okay, breath, let it go. Back to the blog.

While the festival is still going on, the pickings for horror fans are slimmer over the weekend. The Bagdad has some great anime showing tonight (Spirited Away, Akira and Ghost in the Shell) and some good choices in tomorrow's Musical night (Pink Floyd-The Wall and Heavy Metal). Over at the Kennedy School, we have some more horror tinged features with Coraline tonight and Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit tomorrow. Check the McMenamin's website or local listing for times and other features.

Oh, and if the folks at McMenamin's are reading this, shoot me a press release next time. I'll pass the word along.

But if animation isn't your thing, head for The Hollywood Theatre tonight for a screening of The Revanant. I won't go into too much detail, as I've mentioned the film several times already, but it's a lot of fun. It shows tonight only at 7 pm.

And don't forget, Alligator is this Tuesday at The Hollywood Theatre. Showtime is 7:30 pm. Also, The Hollywood is still screening The Troll Hunter this week, at 7:30 and 9:30 pm, with weekend matinees.

In the chain theaters, Super 8 is still playing in several theaters around town. But if you want to see Priest, better plan a trip north to Vancouver. Check local listings for showtimes.

Now for the big news...

Evil Dead: The Musical will be in Portland for one weekend only, July 22 and 23. Showtimes are 7 and 10 pm at the Wonder Ballroom at 128 NE Russell St. Call 503-3089-ASH for more information, or visit the website.

Be sure to check the Horror Calendar page for other future events. And if you know of any horror event in the Pacific Northwest, let me know at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll pass the word along.

Jake West's new zombie movie belongs in the Doghouse

2011-07-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

I watched Doghouse twice, hoping to find one brief moment where the filmmakers delivered more of a message than boys will be boys and women will be bitches. Yet, despite a few opportunities, that moment of salvation never arrived. And while I don’t think the film is misogynistic, it’s obvious the script presents women as the cause of all men’s problems.

The story focuses on Vince, devastated by his upcoming divorce, and his six friends who have chartered a bus to the village of Moodley. Not only do they have access to a house for the evening, but three quarters of the village’s population are women. The guys hope a night of drinking and debauchery with not only cheer up Vince, but give them a break from the overbearing women in their lives.

Things get a bit tense when their driver, Ruth, arrives. Neil, considered the misogynist of the bunch, is upset that a woman is accompanying them for even a fraction of the trip. Vince steps in to smooth things over and everyone heads out to Moodley (except for Banksey, who’s always late).

While driving through the forest surrounding Moodley, the bus is forced to stop by a slaughtered ram blocking the road. While Vince helps Ruth remove the carcass, cell phones start ringing as angry spouses and partners start calling. Neil, determined not to let the women spoil their fun, collects everyone’s phones and tosses them into the back of the bus.

(It should be evident that our boys are following every cliché from the Stereotypical Horror Screenwriting Guide. First, they ignore the ominous warning on the road. Second, any contact with the surrounding area is eliminated. And we’ll get to Number Three real soon.)

But it’s the deserted town of Moodley that might ruin the night. Ruth agrees to wait 30 minutes before leaving for the night, while applying drops to her suddenly irritated eyes. And, leaving their cell phones in the back of the bus, the group splits up, with Mickey checking on the house while everyone else hits the nearest pub (I told you Number Three was coming).

Mickey finds the house keys and a zombified woman, dressed like a bride from the Victoria’s Secret catalog, munching on a dog. She spots him, grabs an axe and starts chasing him. The rest of the group have abandoned the deserted pub and witness a soldier attempting to kill a woman on the street. After knocking the soldier unconscious, the men find themselves on the run as the woman, and a growing horde of zombified females, start attacking. Making their way back to the bus, the guys discover Ruth is now a zombie. Following Mickey, they carry the unconscious soldier to the house where, once they are hidden inside, the women wander away.

The revived soldier explains that an airborne virus, which affects only women, has turned them homicidal, bent on ripping men apart. Fortunately, the virus has also affected the women’s brains, making them less intelligent and focused, which is why they left once the group entered the house.

Without any form of communication, and unable to walk out with the horde of infected women roaming the woods, the men sjould stay hidden until daylight and see if the army shows up to find out why the troops haven’t reported in. Nope, they decide to make another attempt to board the bus (Cliché Number Four, leave a safe environment for some stupid reason). The women have other ideas and the group is soon running for their lives.

On the plus side, the practical gore effects are great, including a great split head and lots of random mayhem. The cast is quite good and director Jake West (Razor Blade Smile, Evil Aliens) delivers a fast paced film filled with some humorous moments. It’s too bad they all wasted their time on this rather annoying piece of male propaganda.

Be forewarned, I will spoil the ending of the film later in the review. One can’t avoid talking about the movie’s overall theme without discussing the final scene, but I will post a warning. And while some might accuse me of reading too much into a simple zombie comedy, you can’t avoid messages when your film involves one gender becoming homicidal towards the other. The very concept will force the scriptwriter to take a stance on the battle of the sexes and this is where Doghouse fails.

Okay, I still consider the women to be zombies, though the script clarifies that they are “infected.” But the women of Moodley look like a horde of zombies straight out of a George Romero film and a couple even spend some time munching guts. While the changes are never explained, it’s implied that the mutations occur later in the infection, as Ruth doesn’t look as zombie-like when the disease take hold of her. I suspect the zombie-like facial features are used to imply that the virus is incurable, thus justifying the use of violence by the men as they attempt to protect themselves. After all, they’re beating up zombies, not sick women. And as the women don’t seem to die, things get pretty brutal.

One could accept such violence as a part of the men’s fight for survival, had the script not portrayed women as harpies before the opening credits. As we are introduced to the men, each is dealing with their shrewish, emotionally abusive partners (even the sole gay character, who tells his partner that wives aren’t allowed on the boy’s night out). Whether left at the altar or criticized for not being more of a success in the financial world, every man in this film is under continual assault by a woman. Well, except for Matt, who works at a comic shop, and as we all know, movie nerds never have girlfriends. And Neil, who’s first seen pissing off a woman he’d spent the previous evening with.

As the men seek to escape from the zombie horde, some find their inner guy while others are symbolically castrated. The most blatant example of this happens to Neil, who’s captured by a morbidly obese, stereotypical housewife that amputates, and eats, one of his fingers. Such an act could be considered a simple gross out moment, but as most of the women are projections of the men’s desires and fears concerning the opposite sex, it becomes obvious the script is designed to appeal to fans of Maxim and other lad mags.

(This is your SPOILER WARNING. Feel free to skip the next 5 paragraphs. Or, if you want, catch the film on Netflix streaming, then come back and finish reading the review.)

Matt and Vince, on the other hand, end up hiding in a nerdy toyshop and start using RCVs and super soakers against the women. In effect, they use big boy toys to get the better of the women, who (if you subscribe to the movie’s point of view) would object to grown men playing with such things. But even in this sanctuary, Vince is cut down by the size of Matt’s squirt gun, which makes Matt no better than the castrating women, whether back in the city or in Moodley. So it’s no surprise that one of them doesn’t see the sun rise.

The final misstep occurs during the film’s climax, as Vince confides to his fellow survivors that he’s having a midlife crisis. He realizes that he, and his friends, became “domesticated” by acting as they think women want them to behave. And it was only a matter of time before the women became bored with them. “If they’d wanted a pet,” he wonders, “why didn’t they just get a golden retriever?”

Up to this point, the film could have worked. In fact, the groundwork had been laid to explore the dynamics between the sexes earlier in the film. In one scene, a zombified barber comes up behind Matt and gently snips off an errant lock of hair before acting homicidal again. Later, Ruth is ready to attack Neil, only to lose her rage when confronted by Vince. These scenes suggest the virus simply enrages the women and, perhaps, they act out at the model of male behavior they abhor. And Vince’s monolog is not without a kernel of truth. Men and women often conform to their partner’s expectations, or what they perceive to be their partner’s expectations, with disastrous results. For a horror film to allow a character to have a moment of clarity, resolving to never again fall in the same trap, is commendable. It’s too bad scriptwriter Dan Schaffer didn’t use these moments to comment on the behavior of men towards women and give the film a bit more balanced tone.

The closing scene destroys any good will the film generated to this point. Had the story ending with a moment indicated that Vince had moved on, acting on the monolog he’d delivered with such conviction, I might not have felt so disappointed and angry at the script. Not that we needed to see him (or the others) in another relationship, but just doing something he’d suppressed during his marriage. Like painting or poetry, anything showing he used that moment to come to peace with himself and become a better man. Instead, we are treated to the sight of him and his fellow survivors gleefully running away from an ever-growing horde, as if continual escape from screeching, man-eating women is the only response men have left.

(Okay, SPOILER OVER. You can read the final paragraph.)

As we all know, the best zombie films aren’t about the undead/infected, but human reactions to the situation. We expect the characters to argue and fall apart, allowing for the expected mayhem in the final reel, and we know it’s possible that no one will survive the final battle. Yet when Doghouse proclaims that men will always be forced to run from the collective horde of man-hating women or risk being eaten alive, I found it a more depressing ending than the original Romero film that spawned the zombie craze.

The Troll Hunter is in Portland; Horror fans should plan to visit Seattle this October

2011-07-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

Ah yes, it's summer. And while the sun often drives many Portlanders outside, the local horror fan must be content with only a few offerings. And this week, your best bet is at The Hollywood Theatre, where The Troll Hunter opened this evening. And as far as movies go, that's all, fiends.

But don't fret. We still have one night screenings of The Revanant and Alligator to help get us through till August. But if you need something a bit stronger to help you hold out until the most horrible time of the year, then set your site to Seattle. The EMP Museum will open Can't Look Away: The Lure of Horror Film on October 2. And the line up sounds great!

Exhibits include (according to Fearnet.com)

Alien creature suit from Alien
Scavenger demon from Constantine
Jack Torrance's axe from The Shining
"Gill Man" mask from Creature from the Black Lagoon
Bram Stoker's Dracula manuscript
Script from Night of the Living Dead

Well, they had me at the Gill Man mask. Films include classic and contemporary works from The Bride of Frankenstein to the original A Nightmare on Elm Street. And directors will be present to discuss their favorite films, including John Landis, Roger Corman and Eli Roth.

Now, things can change and I haven't been able to find much more, let alone a schedule of events. But I'll pass along any additional information as soon as I get it. But check out the Fearnet link above for the first tantalizing press release.

As always, email me (shadowoverportland@live.com) with any info on horror events in the Pacific Northwest and I'll pass it along.

The Clinton Street to screen a film inspired by Birdemic: Shock and Terror

2011-06-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

And I'm quite shocked to be writing that headline. But, it appears local filmmaker JD Dawson, after watching James Nguyen's craptastic "epic," decided to make a film "just as sh*tty, but way better." The result, Bir3depic, will screen June 30 only, at The Clinton Street Theater at 8 pm. The show will include a selection of other local shorts, for a running time of about 50 minutes. Can "..a religious missionary, a female clone from the future, and the ever-functional Lady Science.." survive the onslaught of badly rendered CGI birds? Find out tomorrow night!

Trippy horror hits Portland

2011-06-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the summer blockbuster season is getting into high gear, but a few local theaters are offering up Portland horror fans some rather trippy tidbits to nibble on.

First up is Alejandro Jodorowsky's Santa Sangre, a heady mix of horror and surrealism. I won't even try to describe the plot, but if you're able to make it to the Fifth Avenue Cinema this weekend, you should check this film out. Plays on Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:30 pm, with a Sunday screening at 3 pm.

Not quite as trippy, but still pretty whacked out, is Rubber, opening at the Laurelhurst on Friday. To start, it's about a self-aware tire that has the ability to cause people's heads to explode. And what's up with the crowd in the desert following the tire's journey? Find out at 9:45 pm all this week.

Planet of Dinosaurs ends it's run at The Hollywood Theatre this weekend, with Filmusik providing soundtrack, Foley and dialog. And get ready for The Troll Hunter, which opens at The Hollywood on July 1.

As always, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any horror events you know about, or are hosting, and I'll be sure to include them here.

The Revenant adds to the early July horror picnic

2011-06-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

Don't know how I could have forgotten about this one. On July 9, Midnight Movie Madness will present Kelly Prior's The Revenant at the Hollywood Theatre. Showtime is 7 pm.

Blending comedy with dark horror, the film is about a deceased Middle East veteran attempts to deal with a surprisingly active afterlife. Discovering he needs blood to survive, he becomes a vigilante until his best friend and crime fighting sidekick crosses the line. Starting out as a very funny buddy film, it quickly spirals into very dark and nasty places, and was a crowd pleasure at the 2009 Zompire festival.

Don't miss this chance to catch it on the big screen. Advance tickets are $7.50 and are available at the Midnight Movie Madness website. And you can check out the trailer here.

July keeps looking up for horror fans

2011-06-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

While Hollywood isn't releasing summer horror films until August, let's all thank The Hollywood Theatre for keeping horror fans happy through the hot month of July. In addition to The Troll Hunter (opening July 1), the Grindhouse Film Festival will bring a 35mm print of the 1980 classic Alligator to the Hollywood on July 12. The show starts at 7:30 pm.

Robert Forster starts as a Chicago cop who discovers a giant alligator in the sewers, but no one believes him until it comes busting through the sidewalks and snacking on unsuspecting citizens. Enter big game hunter Henry Silva, who claims to be the only one able to stop the beast.

The screenplay is by John Sayles, so you know the plot is smarter than your average B-flick. But it also works as a giant monster on a rampage flick. Check out the trailer here.

TROOOOOLLLL!

2011-06-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Looking for a darker way to spend the 4th of July weekend than fireworks and picnics? Then head to The Hollywood Theatre and check out the Norwegain found footage film, The Troll Hunter. If you've never heard of the film, check out the subtitled trailer here (I imagine The Hollywood will screen a subtitled version as well).

I know I just posted about an hour ago, but this is great news and you'll want to mark it on your calendars. The film opens on July 1st.

The Laurelhurst Theater has two features to brighten a rainy Portland summer day

2011-06-18T11:43:00.000-07:00

So, you expected uninterrupted sunshine during summer in Portland? Well, here's some additional fun in the local brewpub theaters for horror fans in the city.

Hobo with a Shotgun is still at The Hollywood Theatre, but is also now at The Mission and The Laurelhurst Theater. But the Laurelhurst offers horror fans an additional enticement with Psycho!

Here's the deal. Psycho shows at 6:45 pm, while Hobo screens at 9:45 pm, offering a great horror/exploitation double feature. Now, I'm NOT suggesting you try to sneak from one theater to the other (seriously, may you incur the hobo's wrath if you try it!), because the cost of two tickets at The Laurelhurst is less than the price of one dull summer blockbuster. And you can enjoy a pint or two along with your popcorn, which is a very enticing bonus. So, if the plans for a horror themed BBQ were washed away with the rain, check out the Laurelhurst for some prime movies aimed at horror fans.

Women's Prison Massacre at the Hollywood tonight; The Crater Lake Moster screens on Thursday; Planet of Dinosaurs roars on Friday

2011-06-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

For all you Portland exploitation fans, The Grindhouse Film Festival is screening a 35mm print of Bruno Mattei's Women's Prison Massacre (AKA Emanulle Escapes from Hell) tonight at The Hollywood Theatre. The film starts at 7:30 pm. Sure, I could give you the plot, but does that matter? Expect lots of blood, violence and nudity with this one.

Also screening one night only is The Crater Lake Monster at the Clinton Street Theater. Showing at 7 and 9 pm this Thursday (June 16), this movie features stop motion monster work by David W. Allen (The Gate, Batteries Not Included).

More stop motion fun begins this Friday when The Hollywood Theatre screens Planet of Dinosaurs. The film will be accompanied by live music, Foley and dialog provided by Filmusik. The stop motion dinosaurs should look pretty awesome on the big screen, but I hope Filmusik is able to liven up some of the endless walking scenes in this B-movie. Shows at 8 pm on June 17, 23 (Spanish language version) and 24.

Mark down June 22 on your calendars, as The Hollywood Theatre will screen the B-movie classic, The Car. The devil is roaming the streets of a small town in Utah and only James Brolin can bring a stop to the demonic vehicle. Don't miss this one, it's a lot of fun. The film starts at 7 pm.

In the first run theaters, you can catch Super 8 (check out the review at FanGirlTastic) at several locations. And someone up north must love Insidious, as it's still playing in Vancouver.

As always, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any horror news in and around the Pacific Northwest.

Wow, it's really Tuesday?

2011-06-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Where did the week go? I really have no clue. But not much to report on the Portland horror front for the rest of this week, except that Hobo with a Shotgun is still blowing away audiences at The Hollywood Theatre. Sure, Insidious is still playing up in Vancouver, Priest is still kicking around and Scream 4 has hit the Avalon, but let's focus on the more interesting events coming up in the future.

A week from this Friday, The Hollywood Theatre and Filmusik will present Planet of Dinosaurs on June 17, 23 and 24 (with a Spanish language version on June 18). Filmusik will perform live music, voice acting and foley during the screening. I watched the film on DVD last night and will post a review soon, with a few musings on how Filmusik might improve on the film.

Also starting a week long run on June 16 is The Crater Lake Monster at The Clinton Street Theater. This one is on my Netflix queue and I hope to have a review posted by next week.

Speaking of reviews, check out my review of Bazaar Bizarre, a documentary based on serial killer Robert "Bob" Berdella. It's not one of those exploitive horror films based on a real life murderer, but a serious look at the events and how it affected the community. It's rather strong stuff (with some very graphic reenactment scenes) that will leave you wanting to take a hot shower afterwards. You can read my review of the DVD at FanGirlTastic.

Remember, if you know of any horror events happening in the Pacific Northwest, drop me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll pass the word along.

"Damn you, Sharktopus," The Asylem cries out as Corman steals their thunder

2011-05-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

In my review of Mega Shark vs. Crocosaurous (reviewed earlier this year for FanGirlTastic), I suggested the folks in charge of The Asylum watch some of Roger Corman’s older films and take a few notes on how to make a great monster flick. I hope they had pen and paper handy when Sharktopus hit the Syfy Network, as their chief competition just showed them how it’s done. A gleeful mix of one part monster, one part bathing suit clad victims, and a lot of “how can we top the last scene” effort shaken into the mix, the film became one of Syfy’s biggest successes. All I can say is, I told you so, Asylum.

The film opens in California, with a young swimmer about to become a white shark snack. Before it can attack, the predator is taken down by SS-11, AKA Sharktopus, under the control of the Bluewater Corporation. CEO Nathan Sands (Eric Roberts), along with his daughter Nicole (Sara Malakul Lane), developed this hybrid as the Navy’s latest weapon in the war on terrorists, pirates and drug smugglers. Seriously, sending a perfect killing weapon after a boatload of pot dealers seems pretty extreme, but I guess the Navy believes a joint is as dangerous to this country as a dirty bomb.

Despite showing how Bluewater can control the behavior of SS-11, the Navy wants the beast to stalk a speedboat and demonstrate its stealth capabilities. This proves to be a very bad idea, as weekend water enthusiasts are not known for maintaining a straight path. One hard left turn and the boat damages the control harness for Sharktopus before (in typical Corman fashion) running into some rocks and exploding. Freed of his electronic harness, Sharktopus gobbles up some Californian bathers before making a beeline south to Mexico, with the Bluewater team in hot pursuit.

So, why Mexico, you might ask. Well, Nathan offers up some theory about migratory patterns, but we all know the real reason for Sharktopus to depart the shores of sunny California. This is a Roger Corman production, and it’s cheaper to shoot in Mexico. Duh.

Once in Mexico, Sands recruits Andy Flynn (Kerem Bursin) a former employee who’d been fired for demanding too high a salary. With orders to take Sharktopus alive at all costs, Andy, his friend Santos (Julian Gonzalez Esparza) and Nichole set off, along with a couple of disposable employees, to track the creature. But Sharktopus isn’t behaving like a shark (or octopus), leading Andy to suspect that Nathan did a lot more tweaking with the monster’s brain chemistry then Nicole realizes.

Top it all off with an aggressive reporter chasing her big story, a drunken captain, a pirate DJ and his bikini clad assistant, then sprinkle with enough sun worshipers to provide Sharktopus with tasty treats every twenty or so minutes, and it all adds up to the perfect cinematic cheese pizza. Sure, it’s bad for you, but it tastes great and won’t give you indigestion the next day.

Okay, I won’t disagree that the effects are bad. At times, Sharktopus grabs a sunbather from what appears to be a thirty-foot trench mere inches from the beach. But the laws of perception have never applied to giant monsters. Many beloved kaiju films contain scenes where the monster appears to be rampaging in a ditch, allowing it to fit into a matte shot with a panicked crowd. Besides, such precipices are a longstanding Corman beach tradition (just check out Attack of the Crab Monsters if you don’t believe me).

And speaking of kaiju films, people need to accept the fact that CGI is replacing the rubber-suited actor as a monster. For one thing, CGI can be less expensive than particle effects, the same reason the original Godzilla was a guy in a suit rather than a stop motion creation. And, to be honest, a rubber suit can look pretty bad. Just check out The Attack of the Giant Leeches, War of the Gargantuas or King Kong vs. Godzilla if you need a few noteworthy examples.

But one unacknowledged advantage is that CGI can deliver a beast that has no human qualities, an ability matched only by stop motion. And while my brain melts at the idea of Ray Harryhausen delivering an animated Sharktopus, I know the expense of such a production condemns it to the realm of a geek’s fevered wet dream.

As for The Asylum’s creature features, Corman schools them in how to make a monster movie with this film. First, we get plenty of Sharktopus sightings and attacks. While a few feel repetitive, the film provides enough variety to keep things interesting, especially as Sharktopus slithers out of the water. And by keeping the size of the monster rather small, it allows the mayhem to focus on humans and avoiding the costly effects work involving the destruction of an entire city. This is one of the reasons that Mega Piranha worked so well. The creatures slowly grew gigantic, allowing a lot of attacks on humans before the fish started jumping into beachfront condos. Corman and director Declan O’Brien know the audience wants to see the monster, not the actors, and Sharktopus is onscreen as often as possible.

Second, whether you call it titillation or added production value (as Corman puts it), the second unit scores by keeping the beaches are full of potential Sharktopus victims. And most of them look great in a bathing suit, including the guys. Flynn even gets keeps his shirt unbuttoned after the movie’s midpoint, and though he’s not build like Paul Logan (Mega Piranha), it’s still an attempt to acknowledge a demographic not interested in the female form and it’s about time.

And while I’m sure Sharktopus recycles effects shots like The Asylum’s giant monster movies, at least the foreground is changed, so the audience won’t immediately notice the similarities. It’s a wise decision and one that shows Corman has a lot to teach The Asylum, if they’d only pay attention.

My only real complaint with the film is the casting of Kerem Bursin. While he’s at the same level as costar Lane (and I forgive low budget features for their lack of polished actors), he just looks too much like a fratboy than an experienced military veteran. Someone a bit older would have pulled off the role better, but as the film hits it’s stride, you might find yourself not caring that a 20-something guy is considered the only one who stands a chance of bringing Sharktopus down.

As for the DVD, don’t expect much in the way of special features. You get an expanded Sharktopus trailer (I suggest you don’t watch if you haven’t seen the film) and little else. Come on, do you really thing Roger Corman would waste money and time on a documentary or additional footage?

But the commentary with Roger and Julie Corman is great. Roger talks about why he almost didn’t make Sharktopus (he felt it crossed the line of insanity that would lose an audience, while admitting he was wrong), why he didn’t film any nude scenes and how making a film for Syfy is different than shooting for a theatrical release. It’s a priceless look into shooting for your audience and how demonstrates how Corman has stayed on top of low budget cinema for so long.

Look, I’m not saying this is a good film. If you want something to simulate your intellect, don’t bother. But if you loved giant monster flicks as a kid, and are willing to let your inner child run wild for about 90 minutes, you’ll have a terrific time with Sharktopus.

Just a quick note: My review of Sharktopus appeared on the website FanGirlTastic last week. The DVD was not a screener copy sent to me by the site, but one I purchased from an online retailer.

Hollywood Theatre and The Clinton Street Theater will meet your scream needs this week

2011-05-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the major blockbuster season, so we can't expect too much from the first run theaters. But that doesn't mean the local screens can't take up the slack.

First up, the Hollywood Theatre is screening two genre films. The first is Hobo with a Shotgun, starring Rutger Hauer. I don't think I need to go into much detail, as the title and the star says it all. Also at the Hollywood is We Are What We Are, the story of a modern family of cannibals in the slums of Mexico. Probably a little deeper than Hobo, so you can decide whether you're looking for a blood soaked treat or something more cerebral when you get there. Check local listings for showtimes.

But for real brain dead entertainment, head for the Clinton Street Theater for a screening of Stephen King's Maximum Overdrive. Animated trucks turn murderous, trapping a bunch of Southern stereotypes in a diner. It's wonderful cheesy fun, which I reviewed in July of 2010. The film screens at 9 pm until June 1st.

If you're interested, Priest and Scream 4 are still in a few theaters, though by now, you're probably waiting for the DVD release of both. Check local listings for locations and times, but you might want to hurry of you plan to catch these in the theaters.

On the horizon, The Clinton Street Theater will serve up a slice of movie monster cheese with the 1977's The Crater Lake Monster. A meteor unleashes a prehistoric monster to wreck havoc with the residents around Crater Lake (or an area passing for Crater Lake). Plays at 7 and 9 pm starting June 16.

Also in June, The Hollywood Theatre will present Planet of Dinosaurs, with live music, sound and dialog by Filmusik. Performances are June 17, 23 and 24 at 8 pm, with a Spanish language performance on June 18. Tickets are $10 ($8 seniors and students). For more information, visit the Filmusik website.

As always, you can email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any horror news of interest to fans in the Pacific Northwest.

Zombie walk Portland, Dr. Butcher returns, and Grand Guignol is back at The Back Door Theater

2011-05-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hey, horror fans. I'm going to be a little brief tonight, as work has turned me into one of the undead. Yep, with no days off for a week, and the days often stretching over the nine-hour mark, I've begun to appreciate the life of the undead. The trouble of staying focus on the mundane things like walking, how easy it could be to chew the face off an annoying coworker...

Anyway, in connection with this weekend's Wonder North West, Portland's Comic and Pop Culture Expo, the eastside edition of the Portland Zombie Walk will start shuffling at 6:30 this Saturday. Zombies should head to Holladay Park (next to Lloyd Center and conveniently near a Max stop) between 6:30 and 7 pm. The undead can then party down at the Bassanova Ballroom during the 4th Annual PDX Zombie Prom: Tiki Terror (21 and older only; tickets are $17 and check out the website for more information). Or shamble down to The Lovecraft (421 SE Grand) for the official Wonder NW afterparty (again, over 21 only). But don't feel left out, underaged zombies, as MC Destructo's Rock Band Experience will be back at Wonder NW (located at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1441 NE Second Ave; check the website and the horror calendar for more information).

For more undead mayhem, get down to the Hollywood Theatre on Tuesday, May 17 for a 35mm screening of Dr. Butcher M. D. (aka Zombie Holocaust). It's a classic Italian gutmuncher, with zombies, cannibals and, in one jawdropping scene, a propeller to the face! Check with the Grindhouse Film Festival website for more information. Showtime is at 7:30 pm.

On stage Thursdays through Saturdays until June 4 is Grand Guignol 3: Menage a Trois at the Back Door Theater (4319 SE Hawthorne. Showtime is 8 pm, and tickets are $12 to $15. For more information, call 970-8874.

And I guess I should mention that the CGI vampire movie Priest is hitting the first run theaters. Not that I plan to see it, but might as well be complete.

As always, you can contact me with any information dealing with a horror event in the Pacific Northwest at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll pass the word along. Now excuse me, as I need to hit the sack. Hey, even zombies need their beauty rest.

Oh, the choices we horror fans face,,,, But one choice is clear: Boycott Evil Bong 3D!

2011-04-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

First up is an important update on Evil Bong 3D: The Wrath of Bong. Forget about the Charles Band Sidesh0w and Jeffery Combs. Today, I got a Facebook post which proclaimed:

This Saturday, April 30th, Evil Bong 3D comes to Portland! And there will be a special guest – Alistair himself! Instead of Charles Band’s Road Show, the opening act will be a very special appearance by horror actor Peter Sickles! And guest host Ry will be interviewing Peter live on stage. You may recognize Ry from many Full Moon events, conventions, and fullmoondirect.com Don't miss this one time only engagement!

Okay, I'm not the biggest Full Moon fan, but I couldn't find any reference to Peter Sickles or Ry on the Full Moon website (limited to search mode). But, dammit, it's a far cry from Jeffery Combs. Adding to the confusing is that the website currently states (as of 10:50 pm Portland time) that Charles Band and Sid Haig will be in attendance (no mention of Jeffery Combs), though the Facebook posting is 9 hours old. Sorry, but I'm calling foul on this one. My earlier post was based on the information I gained from the Full Moon website, and such a last minute change is a slap to the face of all Portland horror fans. Attend at your own risk, though I suggest avoiding the screening at this point. And if you bought tickets based on Comb's appearance, I suggest you demand a refund. Let Full Moon know they shouldn't screw with Portland! The horror fans out here don't like bait and switch tactics.

Okay. let's get to better things. Cinema 21 is screening Stakeland this week. While early reviews are not very kind (such as the one posted on FanGirlTastic), at least the vampires don't sparkle. I'm going to try to make a screening of this one, though work may have other plans for me. If you're able, the film shows at 7 pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm.

So, you might wonder why Stakeland isn't showing later. Well, that's because Hausu (House) is taking up the late night screening. If you haven't seen this Japanese haunted house movie, you really need to get down to Cinema 21 and see it. Just imagine an H. R. Pufnstuf while on an LSD trip and you'll get the idea. Words can not describe this insane, whacked out film. All I can say is go see it on the big screen. You can thank me later. Shows at 8:45 pm.

In the first run cinemas, Dylan Dog: Edge of Night is opening, though Dread Central gave it a scathing review. Enter the multiplex at your own risk, or skip it and watch Hausu! Oh, and Scream 4 is still in a few theaters, if anyone still cares at this point. Check local listings for more information.

On the horizon, The Clinton Street Theater is offering a screening of Red, White and Blue starting May 13th. While I'm not a fan of this film (read my review on FanGirlTastic), it's still a damn site better than most of what the studios are offering.

This might be a good time to disclose, I also review films for the website FanGirlTastic, as I plugged their review of Stakeland. I'm sure it's not the only review out there, but their opinions reflect mine most of the time, so I feel confident sharing the site's views on films. And if you're interested on my thoughts on the DVD release of The Last Lovecraft: Relic of Cthulhu, you can read them here. Here's the short version: avoid it.

Don't forget about Wonder Northwest on May 14-15. And Evil Dead: The Musical! is at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds Henry Jansen Building through May 14th. Check out my horror happenings page for more information.

And, if you're like me, you're wondering what happened to Retro TV. Well, I got an email today from studio rep Michael Mattson saying the station is currently operating at 50% in the Portland area, but hope to be back up to 100% soon. But it might not happen this weekend, so we'll have to spend another weekend without Wolfman Mack. But, if you've been searching for a signal in vain, as I have, you might only have to wait for another week or so. We'll see.

Oh, and if you're looking for something Lovecraftian this Monday night, check out The Lovecraft Bar at 421 SE Grand. Monday is movie night, and they offer some great stuff. Don't know what the next feature is, but if I get advanced warning, you'll see it here.

As always, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with your local (or not so local) horror event and I'll be happy to pass the word along.

Sunny, warm and who wants to waste time in the theater?

2011-04-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

The sun is out, it's not raining for the first time in months and this might be the warmest day so far this year. So I'm betting many horror fans around the Northwest will be enjoying some outdoor activities today, rather than spending the day in a dark theater. But the rain returns tonight, so if you're looking for something scary after this tantalizing glimpse of spring, here's what's currently in theaters.

First up, The Clinton Street Theater will show Mutant Girl Squad, the latest gorefest from the the crazy geniuses behind The Machine Girl, Tokyo Gore Police and Robogeisha. Expect girls in school uniforms, outlandish weapons and gallons of spurting blood with this one. Shows through the 28th at 7 and 9 pm.

Rubber continues playing at The Hollywood Theatre this week. Show time is 9:45 pm. And Super has been held over at Cinema 21, showing at 7 pm through Thursday.

In the first run theaters, you can still catch Scream 4 and Insidious, but screening locations are limited and fading fast. Check local listings for locations and times.

At the Laurelhurst, you can still catch Black Swan. It's been enjoying a long run, but see it soon, as this might be it's last week. Showtime is 9:30 pm, with a 4:45 matinee Saturday and Sunday.

Don't forget, Evil Bong 3D: The Wrath of Bong will be at The Hollywood Theater for a single showing at 8 pm on April 30th. Don't miss out, as Charles Band and Jeffery Combs are scheduled to attend.

And this just in (god, I've so wanted to type that). Stakeland, the new vampire movie from the makers of Mulberry Street, will open at Cinema 21 on Friday, April 29. If you checked out last month's issue of Rue Morgue Magazine, you know none of the vamps in this film will be brooding or sparkling. So I suggest that us horror fans support this film and let the studios know we want to have nasty vampires haunting the cinemas once again!

If you're heading north in the next month or so, make sure to spend a weekend evening in Lynden, WA and catch Evil Dead: The Musical! Yes, the splatastic stage show will be at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds Henry Jansen Building through May 14th and tickets are only $20! For more information, visit the show's website.

Finally, Wonder Northwest, Portland's Comic and Pop Culture Expo starts May 14 at the Crown Plaza Hotel. The expo has a few things to interest horror fans, including guest Tim Seeley (creator of Hack/Slash), a panel on investigating the zombie apocalypse and several horror gaming sessions (including a Resident Evil card game). For more information, visit the expo's website.

As always, you can email me at shadowoverportland@live.com with any information about horror themed events in the Pacific Northwest, and I'll be happy to pass the information along.

Hollywood Theatre and Cinema 21 have your Scream 4 alternatives

2011-04-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

And you thought you only had one choice for a horror film this weekend. Yea, Scream 4 (no, I'm not spelling it like the ads) opens this weekend, but a couple local theaters have a few tasty alternative treats for horror lovers.

The Hollywood Theatre is screening Rubber, the story of a tire that becomes sentient and gains the psychic power to blow up people's heads, through Thursday. Check local listings for showtimes.

Also at The Hollywood Theatre this week is a screening of L. A. Paranormal, an indie comedy about a group of paranormal investigators that might have found evidence of life after death. It shows at 6 pm on Monday, April 18 only.

James Gunn (Slither) steps out of the horror genre with Super, about a disillusioned man who decides to become a superhero and delivers a vicious brand of justice out to drug dealers and line cutters alike. Yes, it's not a horror film, but the cast includes Nathan Fillion (which is always a treat) and reviews say the pipe wrench to the head scenes are brutal. The film is at Cinema 21 this week. Check local listings for times.

In future events, next week has Mutant Girl Squad coming to the Clinton Street Theater. And here's an update on Evil Bong 3D: The Wrath of Bong. The Hollywood Theatre will host a one night screening on April 30 at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 and available on the Full Moon Direct website. Doors open at 7 pm so you can check out all the Full Moon merchandise for sale in the lobby, and both Charles Band and Jeffery Combs (Re-Animator) are scheduled to appear. You'll also get 3D glasses and "scratch and sniff cards." Don't ask me on that one, you'll have to go there and find out for yourself.

As always, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com if you want to help spread the word about horror themed events in and around the Pacific Northwest.

Rubber screeches into the Hollywood; Lady Terminator is back; Mutant Girl Squad is coming back to PDX!

2011-04-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

Well, all the boxes are unpacked, I'm feeling rather rested and it's time to get back to writing about horror events in and around the Portland area. I'm sorry for the long hiatus, but March came in like a lion, mauled the living crap out of me, then turned into a New Zealand zombie lamb that chased me around until April pulled my butt out of harm's way.

Yes, it was a hectic month. I'm now renting a room closer to work (Thanks, Heidi, for all your help!!), which makes 4 am shifts less of a hassle. But March also turned out to be busier than expected, so while everything is unpacked, a lot of piles of stuff in need of a home still exist. I'm hoping to get everything sorted out in April, but our busiest season at work is coming up, so we'll see.

But enough of that. Let's get to the horror stuff. First off, while Insidious is getting some fairly good reviews, if you haven't seen the glorious, sleazy slice of cheese exploitation classic Lady Terminator, skip the multiplex and get to the Hollywood Theatre this weekend. While the film's middle act is little more than a shot by shot remake of The Terminator, this Indonesian rip-off one ups Cameron by making it's Terminator a woman possessed by the spirit of an evil witch. And said possession takes place when the witch's magic eel enters an American grad student's vagina! So combine Terminator action with acts of castration, throw in some goofy US Special Forces members bringing in heavy firepower during the closing reels and you have the recipe for a great, silly film. A brief paragraph can't do this film justice. You just have to see it for yourself. It shows tonight at 9:20 pm, and at 4:45 and 9:20 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Monday night at the Hollywood Theatre, Magnet Pictures and The Portland Mercury will host an advance screening of Rubber, the story of a killer tire. No, I'm not kidding. This tire can travel on its own and is able to cause its victims heads to explode. If you want tickets, send an e-mail with your name and address to contestpdx@gmail.com. Be sure to put Rubber on the subject line.

On the horizon, The Clinton Street Theater will be showing the Japanese gore-fest Mutant Girl Squad from April 22 to 28. No word on show times, but I'll keep you posted.

Looking for something a bit closer to home? Well, you might want to curl up on the couch and watch Wolfman Mac's Chiller Drive In Theater on Salem's Retro TV! The station broadcasts in Portland on Channel 27.2, so you'll need to dig out a digital antenna to get the signal. Most of the weekly programing is not genre related, but Saturday nights sound like a lot of fun, with Wolfman Mac at 10 pm, and Off Beat Cinema at midnight. And I should mention The Alfred Hitchcock Hour and Night Gallery turn up on Sunday night.

According to their Facebook page, Retro TV had a little difficulty with their Portland transmitter last month, but I hope it's working Saturday night! After a long day at work, kicking back and watching a local horror host sounds like a great idea. Check out the Retro TV website for a downloadable listing of all their programming. I don't know what movies are playing this weekend, but I'll try to post weekly updates for you. And a big thanks to Brother D of Mail Order Zombie, Portland's only podcast devoted to all things zombie, for the heads up on this one.

Well, that's all for today. As always, if you want to spread the word about a horror event in the Pacific Northwest, send me an e-mail at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be sure to list it.

Day of the Dead MAYBE coming to St. Johns Twin Cinema, and be sure not to miss GEEKLESQUE!

2011-03-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well, my recent move to a new location in Portland (much closer to work, which is great as I have no car) is behind me, though I am still not on the internet. I hope to have that remedied next week, but I just had to drop in to borrow a friend's computer and give you all a quick update on some great events happening later this month.

Okay, I saw this on a poster in the St. Johns area, but have been unable to verify it on the internet, so don't get your hopes up too high. According the the poster (at several locations in the St. Johns area), the BAM Fest will screen both Jake West's Doghouse and George Romero's Day of the Dead on Friday and Saturday at the St. Johns Twin Cinema starting at 10 pm. But again, I have to stress, I CANNOT VERIFY THIS, on either the BAM or St. Johns Twin Cinema website. Keep your eyes on the sites, or give the theater a call. If I find out either way (and can get back on line), I'll let you know.

Not sure how much horror will be involved in this event, but it sounds like fun. On Saturday, March 26, Guardian Games will host GEEKLESQUE!, an evening of sultry superheroines and villainous vixens. Presented by Critical Hit Burlesque, this 21 and over show starts at 8 pm, and admission is only $8. They say no geek theme is safe, so maybe they'll throw something to the horror geeks out there. You'll find more information on the Guardian Games calendar, or the Critical Hit Burlesque Facebook page.

Hope to be back online in about a week, and posting a bit more in the near future. Hope you all stick around.

But I did mention zombies, which turn up as the

Moving day today

2011-03-05T09:15:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, sorry I didn't get a new post in last night, but I was a bit busy finishing up my packing. Yep, I'll be moving today, and that means I'll be off line for a week or so, until I can get internet hooked up in the new place. Once I do, I'll be back posting everything horror again, so stay tuned.

Mark your calendar; Evil Bong 3D will puff-puff-pass to Portland

2011-02-26T17:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's a not until the end of April, but I've found that, according to Big Daddy's Horror Reviews, Full Moon Entertainment will pass Evil Bong 3D: The Wrath of Bong to the Hollywood Theatre on April 30th. I'll pass more information as I get it, but you might want to mark your horror calendar in pencil for now.

PIFF After Dark ends on a high note; Cage Drives Angry; Horror Card Game Demo at TFAW; Emerald City Comic Con next week

2011-02-25T09:25:00.000-08:00

Well, as you can see by the headline, it's a busy horror week here in Portland. A bit of a surprise, as February is more associated with warm and fuzzy feelings than ones of sheer terror, but horror fans have to take their bounty when they can get it.

First up, the Portland International Film Festival's After Dark series ends with on a high note this weekend. Tonight features Japan's Mutant Girl Squad, an X-Menish tale with spurting blood, decapitations and the strangest mutations ever (one mutant power is a chainsaw growing from a character's butt; leave it to the Japanese). Tomorrow night is The Revenant, which I saw a couple years ago at the Zompire Film Fest. The movie starts out as a very funny slacker buddy film, only with one character a reanimate corpse needing blood to survive. As you might imagine, the film takes a dark, nasty turn midpoint leading to an overblown, but satisfying conclusion. Why this film hasn't been snagged by a distributor, I have no idea, but I suggest you catch it on the big screen while you can. Both films screen at 11:30 pm at Cinema 21, with Mutant Girl Squad tonight and The Revenant on Saturday. More information can be found at the PIFF website.

If your mood is swinging towards horror games this weekend, head over to the Hollywood Things from Another World Sunday at 2 pm for a free demo of the new card game Faceeater. Described by one critic as "...gin rummy meets Dawn of the Dead," the object of the game is to shaft your opponent while you avoid becoming zombie chow. The demo runs till 5 pm and the folks at TFAW (Hollywood) are offering 10% off any game or RPG in the store for demo participants. See the Hollywood TFAW Facebook Page for more information.

Now, let's talk Drive Angry. When the first trailer premiered, I wasn't sold on the idea, as it just looked like Nic Cage channeling a pissed off Peter Fonda. But then came the second trailer, which reveled that not only is Cage chasing the Satanists that killed his daughter and plan to sacrifice his grandkid, but he's also escaped from Hell. And the Devil's bounty hunter is right on his tail. Suddenly, this film went from "Oh god, what a wreck" to "OH MY GOD. that looks cool!" quicker than Cage plowing his car through a Black Mass. Opens today in 3D all over Portland, so check local listings for times and locations. Let's hope Cage stays out of Seattle.*

Speaking of our neighbor to the north, next weekend the Washington State Convention Center will play host to the Emerald City Comicon. While most horror fans might plan to steer clear of the event and wait for Crypticon, a few of the media guest might spark your interest. Aside from the major draw (William Shatner), the Con is also bringing James Marsters, Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer and Felicia Day (Spike, Xander, Glory and Vi from TV's Buffy), John Noble and Jasika Nicole from Fringe and Norman Reedus from The Walking Dead to Seattle (Be aware that each celebrity guest "charges an autograph fee," according to the Comicon flier). Also appearing is author Max Brooks (WWZ) and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. Check out the website for more information, updates and prices.

I expect next week to slow down a big, as this much horror fun can't keep happening every month. But who really expected February to be this exciting? Maybe March as some surprises in store as well.

*Vague Drive Angry references: Peter Fonda stared with Warren Oates in Race with the Devil, about two couples on an RV vacation who find themselves chased by a group of Satanists. And Seattle is the setting for Reaper, a short lived TV show about a slacker forces to hunt down escaped souls for Satan. Maybe not the best reference, but a nice segue, I thought.

Offerings from BAM and PIFF should warm a horror fan's heart

2011-02-18T09:29:00.000-08:00

Only have a few minutes to write this post, as I have to get ready for the work-weekend from hell. With all the long hours, early mornings and split shifts I'll be pulling, I should end up feeling like a old style, Voodoo zombie. At least the check I'll receive for it will make me smile.

But it also means I'll have to miss the offerings from both the Beer And Movie Festival and the start of the After Dark selections from the Portland International Film Festival. Some great stuff is being shown, enough to make you forget that crap like The Roommate is still out there.

First up, the Portland International Film Festival is screening the French horror film Rubber tonight at the Hollywood Theater. The plot, and I'm not kidding here, revolves around a killer tire rolling through the California desert, making people's heads explode. Yep, that's the plot. Check out the trailer here. Or just be at the Hollywood Theater tonight at 11:30 pm for what promises to be the most outlandish horror film ever.

The Beer and Movie Festival is taking over the Academy Theater this weekend. Through Thursday, they'll be screening classics like Evil Dead 2, Ghostbusters, They Live, as well as some great Sci Fi and Fantasy films. Get more information and showtimes off The Academy's website. The shows are for those 21 and over, but The Academy offers babysitting for some screenings.

In the cineplexes, you can still find Black Swan (haven't had time to post a review, but highly recommended), The Rite and The Roommate.

Next week, more horror from PIFF After Dark, including The Revenant, which wowed the Zombire crowd a few years ago and Japanese splatter flick Mutant Girls Squad.

As for reviews, check out my postings on FanGirlTastic discussing the Shout! Factory's release of the Roger Corman double feature Up From The Depths/Demon of Paradise and Roger Corman Sci Fi Classics, featuring Attack of the Crab Monsters, Not of this Earth and War of the Satellites.

Sorry for the silent site

2011-02-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. Sorry to be gone so long, but work turned me into a zombie over the past few weeks. The old style, shuffling style, pre-Romero, keep on working type. Not that I'm complaining, as lots of hours means a bit of cash in the pocket, but it's kept me from working on the site.

I hope all that will change in the coming weeks, as I'll be moving very close to work. Less time on Trimet means more time sleeping before starting those 6 am shifts and that might translate to a bit more energy to write without getting the head nods.

I'll try to get a regular post up around Friday, but figured you should be aware that February will be a great month for horror fans. Later in the month, the Portland International Film Festival will present the After Dark features, including Mutant Girls Squad from Japan (don't need to explain too much about that one), The Revenant from the United States and Rubber from France! More information to come on this lineup.

But before that, the BAM (Beer and Movie) Festival is bringing Heavy Metal to the Laurelhurst this weekend. Sure, it's mostly sci-fi and fantasy, but don't forget the island of zombies! Other features to be shown throughout the month include Gremlins, They Live, Evil Dead 2 and Ghostbusters. Times, dates and locations to follow.

Thanks for sticking around, everyone. Here's to a great month for horror in Portland.

Little Shop of Horrors tomorrow night at the Bagdad!

2011-01-19T22:52:00.000-08:00

Well, I know I've been a bit quite, but work has ran me ragged over the past few weeks (and will likely continue to do so for the rest of the month), but I had to get this out. Tomorrow night only, at 9 pm, the Bagdad will screen the Frank Oz musical remake of Little Shop of Horrors.

Great songs, a terrific performance by Steve Martin and another wonderful cameo by Bill Murray makes this one you shouldn't miss. And the price is only $3. Of course, you have to be over 21 years old to get it, as the Bagdad serves beer and wine.

I'll have a more updated weekend report in the next two days. Promise.

Buffy returns to theaters, Nic Cage goes witch hunting and Santa Claus is still in town

2011-01-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, horror fans. Hope some of you made it to the Grindhouse Film Festival on January 1, which was a blast. The Hack/Slash signing at the Hollywood Things from Another World was a great time as well, and I'll keep you posted on future events out that way. But while things seem to be slowing down, local theaters have taken up the slack and are offering some interesting horror tidbits.

First off, the theatrical version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, with Kristy Swanson in the title role, plays this weekend at the 5th Avenue Cinema. It shows Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:30 pm, with a 3 pm Sunday showing. Admission is $3 for the general public, free to all PSU students.

Nicolas Cage's latest venture into horror, Season of the Witch, opens on Friday. The film was scheduled to open in March of last year, only to be pulled weeks before its release. One interesting aspect of the delayed opening was the film, rated PG-13 back at the start of 2010, was re-edited and sent back to the MPAA. Whatever the studio was planning appears to have failed, as the original rating stands.

Now, the film is not a remake of the George Romero film, but involves a 14th century knight escorting a caged woman to her witchcraft trail. Hey, here's a scary thought. Maybe at some point during the movie, Cage starts singing a Middle Age version of the Donovan song. Oh, the horrors! If you feel like checking this one out, consult your local listings for more information.

Also, Black Swan is still playing in several theaters in the area. Check local listings for more information.

Finally, Santa hasn't left Portland yet. At least, not the evil, feral Santa in Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. If, like me, you missed this one during the holidays, The Laurelhurst Theater will be showing it at 9:30 pm starting Friday. I guess it's never to late to celebrate Christmas.

If you have any events you'd like mentioned on this blog, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be sure to post it.

Great signing event to brighten the New Year

2010-12-25T12:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick little update for all you horror comic fans out there. Things From Another World on Sandy Blvd. is having a signing on Jan. 4th with Hack/Slash creator Tim Seeley (Ant Man and Wasp). Also attending will be Scott Allie (Buffy, Season 8, Solomon Kane) and Shane White (Fractured Fables), both of whom contributed to the recent Hack/Slash Trailers, Part 2. The event runs from 7 to 10 pm with free food from Clean Plate Catering and complimentary beer (with valid ID: NO EXCEPTIONS). For more information, check out the Sandy TFAW Facebook site.

And, in other comic news, another zombie infestation is coming. Since Marvel Zombies showed the industry how popular the undead can be, we saw DC unleash their superhero zombies in Darkest Night. Now, IDW is jumping on the bandwagon with Infestation. It all starts with Infestation #1 on Jan 26, then the infection spreads to other titles. Yes, this is your chance to watch the zombies invade the pages of G.I. Joe, Transformers, Star Trek and Ghostbusters! The zombie invasion will last for two issues within each title, wrapping up with Infestation #2 on April 6. You can get more information (and reserve these titles) at your neighborhood comic shop.

Once again, Happy Horrordays!

Happy Horrordays, Fright Fans!

2010-12-25T10:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, so much for the Crypt Keeper puns. Just wanted to wish everyone a festive holiday weekend and remind you of a couple of horror events, should you need a break from all the glad tidings and good cheer.

If you still want to catch Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, get to the Fox Tower Cinema by Tuesday night. Last showing is at 9:40 pm that evening. Check local listings for more information.

Black Swan has gained a wide release and is now playing in several theaters throughout Portland. Check local listings for locations and showtime.

Don't forget about the Grindhouse Film Festival's New Years Day triple feature. Master of the Flying Guillotine, The Gates of Hell and Lady Terminator will play starting at 3:30 pm on the first day of 2011. Tickets are $7 per film, or catch all three for just $12! Check back later in the week for more info.

Finally, here's a link to another holiday short, Jason Eisener's Treevenge! This short is destined to be a holiday classic, as Christmas trees take revenge for the treatment dealt to them by harvesters and holiday revelers. WARNING: This is really NSFW, or younger family members, as the latter half is as blood drenched as the best zombie gut muncher. And the last kill is flat out NASTY! Just letting you know. Enjoy!!

Happy Holidays to everyone! Hope you all avoided a visit from Krampus!!!! And here's to a Horror-filled New Year!

Silent Night, Deadly Night plays tomorrow, and I have an early Christmas present for Portland Lovecraft fans!

2010-12-21T22:42:00.000-08:00

Don't forget, Silent Night, Deadly Night will screen tomorrow night only at the Hollywood Theater. This 1984 slasher flick, featuring a psychopath dressed in a Santa suit, gained notoriety after protesting idiots, um, concerned parents force it out of theaters. Check it out on the big screen tomorrow at 9:30 pm.

Now, I have a great, big Christmas present for Portland Lovecraft fans. Like the great Cthulhu, the Lovecraft Film Festival is only sleeping, and will possibly arise in early May of 2012! Which seems just right (if the Mayans are correct!). Check out the information on the festival's website. And, as always, I'll pass along any new developments as I hear of them.

And, if you're tired of the standard holiday specials playing on television and over the web, the ladies at Team Unicorn will brighten your spirits with their latest short, How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse During the Holidays. Imagine getting Christmas advice from June Cleaver, only with zombies mixed in with tips on how to bake a pie, what gifts your kids should find under the tree and proper caroler ettiquite during the zombie apocalypse. It's a great, festive short, so be sure to check it out here.

Too much good cheer this time of year? Here's some great horror happenings to darken the holidays.

2010-12-16T00:36:00.000-08:00

Well, if you find the holiday season a bit too cheery and bright, here's a list of horror events and films that are bound to bring some darkness to the most saccharin time of the year.

Saturday night, Jantzen Beach Center will echo with the sounds of music and screams as The Living Dead Girls host The Nightmare Before Xmas Fundraiser Party. If you haven't heard of the Living Dead Girls, they are a "horror pin-up group" who promise to bring "beauty and gore" to your party, event or video (check out their Facebook page for more info).

Saturday night's party will help the Living Dead Girls open a store/studio catering to horror fans in the Portland area. The party runs from 8 pm to 2 am at 1230 Jantzen Beach Center (south of the carousel), with music provided by Toxic Zombie. Admission is $10, and includes access to part of the haunted house. Prizes will also be raffled throughout the night, and beer and wine is available (BRING YOUR ID! No one without ID or under 21 will be served). The event is open to horror fans 18 and older, so be sure to check it out and get your photo taken with Satan Claws! For more information, check out the Facebook event page.

As for horror movies, it's a great week to be a horror fan. First up, the Fox Tower Cinema will continue screening both Black Swan and Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale through to Christmas. Check local listings for more information.

The Clinton Street Theater begins a week long screening of American Mystic. This documentary follows "...three young Americans choosing to live outside the mainstream in order to follow their beliefs," according to the theater's website. It's probably not scary at all, but the subject might interest a few horror fans. Check local listings for more information.

Saturday, Dec. 18 at 10 pm is your only chance what might be the craziest holiday movie out there, Santa vs. Satan. No, I'm not kidding, that's the title for this Mexican film directed by Rene Cardona (best known for his Luche Libre films!) and featuring Santa living in space with robotic reindeer. Don't ask me how Satan gets involved, you'll have to find out for yourself. The film's soundtrack and English dubbing is provided live by the Portland based group Filmusik, who've redubbed several films at the Hollywood this year (for more info on the group, check out their website). Tickets are $12, $10 for students and seniors.

If your holiday film tastes run to the more traditional, head back to the Hollywood Theater on Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 9:30 pm for the Portland Grindhouse Film Festival's annual screening of Silent Night, Deadly Night. Yes, once again you can feast your eyes on the infamous film about a psychotic axe wielding Santa who stacks up an impressive body count. The film, originally released during the holiday season in 1984, was pulled from theaters almost immediately by a bunch of sour old grinches with no sense of holiday fun. Beer will be provided by Bridgeport Brewery and advanced tickets can be purchased at the Grindhouse Film Festival website.

And while you're there, check out the awesome triple feature presented by the Grindhouse Film Festival on New Years Day at the Hollywood Theater. Starting with the whacked out kung fu classic Master of the Flying Guillotine at 3:30 pm, followed by the Italian gut muncher (and gut puking!) The Gates of Hell by Lucio Fulci at 5:30! And it all ties up at 7:30 with the insane Indonesian Terminator rip-off Lady Terminator. Yep, this film is blatantly rips off Cameron's classic film, except the terminator character is a beautiful woman possessed by the spirit of an evil ancient queen. And let's not even get into the eel in her vagina that castrates men as "She Mates, Then She Terminates!" I've seen all three and this is going to be a wild time.

How Hollywood messed up the Night of the Demons remake

2010-12-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

After spending most of the past decade cranking out awful horror remakes, it’s reasonable to expect filmmakers to figure out what makes the original films such fan favorites. Yet, with one exception, studios keep mucking things up and the remake of Night of the Demons is no exception.

The film opens with a flashback to 1920’s New Orleans, as a well dressed woman hangs herself off the balcony of the Broussard mansion, rather than be captured by a demon possessed gentleman. Perhaps hanging is too weak a term, as the rope appears to be woven out of piano wire and pops the poor lady’s head clean off her shoulders. A bit over the top, but the physical effect is well executed and the flashback, filmed in the style of a silent film of the time, works well. But it sets up a significant departure from the original story, which becomes a problem later in the film.

Cut to modern day New Orleans, where Angela (Shannon Elizabeth, 13 Ghosts) is sending out email invitations to her Halloween party at the Broussard family mansion. She needs the party to be a success, or else she and her cat will be out on the streets. It’s not made clear why Angela needs the money so badly, or how she knows so many college students as, despite her good looks, Elizabeth seems a bit too old to attract the college crowd simply via email. Oh well, Linnea Quigley (who appears in a cameo, reprising her cheeky opening scene) was much older then her costars in the original and no one let that get in the way.

We next meet Colin (Edward Furlong, T2, Pet Semetary 2), a low-level drug dealer trying to smooth things over with his supplier. Though he’s not invited to the party, he plans to bribe the gatekeeper (Tiffany Shepis, in a too brief part), get inside, and sell enough drugs to save his hide.

Also getting ready for the party are three college girls. Maddie (Monica Keena, Freddy vs. Jason), dressing up like a survivor girl, is talking with Lily (Dioria Baird, TCM: The Beginning, 30 Days of Night: Dark Days), who’s dressed like a sexy kitty. Then, in a faux pas moment, in walks Suzanne (Bobbi Sue Luther, Laid to Rest, Killer Pad, The Poughkeepsie Tapes), dressed like a buxom kitty from an anime porno. Guess who survives the night.

Anyway, the threesome spend a little time discussing the benefits of bikini waxing, which had members of the FanGirlTastic boards asking if women really talk in such a graphic fashion. Now, I have no clue how realistic the scene is, not being privy to an all female chat about men’s preferences concerning a groomed nether region. And I don’t know if screenwriters Jace Anderson and Adam Gierasch have any insight into what women talk about when the guys aren’t around. But the actresses play the scene well, suggesting the script might contain a ring of truth. Either that, or actresses in horror films are accustom to dialog that has no place in real life.

The party is a big one, as the Broussard mansion is overflowing with revelers by the time the girls arrive. In a clever nod to the original’s tag line (“Angela’s having a party, Freddy and Jason are too scared to come…”), we see revelers dressed as the Jigsaw puppet and Victor Crawley wandering through the house, only to vanish later when the nasty stuff starts. Lily bumps into her ex, some guy named Dex, who’s at the party with his friend Jason (Yes, these characters are so forgettable you can refer to them as “some guy named…”). Maddie notices her ex, Colin, is at the party, and tries to avoid him. And Suzanne is chugging drinks and dancing on the table. It’s not long before the cops show up to close it down, as Angela doesn’t have the right permits.

Maddie, Lily, Dex and Jason return after the police leave, having left Suzanne passed out in a corner. Colin, coming back to retrieve his stash from a heating vent, discovers his bag has fallen into the basement. He persuades the group take a look downstairs, where they discover a hidden room with six decomposing corpses arranged in a black magic circle. Angela, desperate after her gatekeeper walked off with the party’s take, decides to steal a gold tooth from one of the corpses. It’s no surprise that she’s bitten by the corpse (after all, that’s damn rude behavior) and is possessed by a demon. After mentioning that seven is the perfect number, she heads upstairs and, you guessed it, mayhem ensues as the group finds themselves locked in the house while trying to ward off demon attacks.

It’s a long build up (over 50 minutes before Angela gets her demon on), but now we can finally forget about the plot and meaningless character development, and get to some demon action. Not so fast, as someone decided that being chased around a dark, deserted house by demons isn’t good enough for a modern audience. Instead, our survivors find refuge in the maid’s room, where the walls covered in mystic runes designed to ward off demons. And they somehow decipher the runes and find out that the reason the owner of the Broussard house hung herself decades ago was to prevent the seven demons trapped in the house from possessing seven living people and free themselves to roam the Earth. Even more amazing than our survivors being able to read the sprawling runes is that they can replicate the spells without a “Klaatu barada, necktie” moment as the demons do their best to erase the walls and gain entry.

Like so many other remakes, Night of the Demons tries to cram in too much plot, which gets in the way of the story (to paraphrase Joe Bob Briggs). The original film worked because of its simplicity, its plot nothing more than a vehicle to get a bunch of horny kids into a haunted house for a party, where drink beer, have sex and end up being chased by demons. Surviving until sunrise is suspenseful enough and once the demons showed up, the movie didn’t take a break to add more to the plot.

Yet the remake seems to thrive on showing how it can one-up the original in random, rather pointless ways. The party is larger than in the original, the world now depends on one of the group surviving, and the name of the house’s owners has changed (likely to fit the New Orleans setting, but it still feels rather pointless). Even the famous lipstick scene is amped up with a pointless, bloody reappearance of the hidden tube (though it does provide the funniest line in the movie). While the idea behind a remake is to try improving on the original (as well as make a buck on a familiar title), filmmakers need to stop trying to tweak things in meaningless ways. Better production values and effects are fine, but if you want to start changing the plot, revamp it like The Fly and The Thing, not in a pointless fashion that comes off like a smug attempt to show how sophisticated you are compared to filmmakers in the 80’s. We don’t need to have Freddie to be coming back to haunt the children he first molested, Jason doesn’t need a Batcave and a bunch of kids trying to survive a demon attack is scary enough without the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

And the less said about the ending, the better. Again, it’s a cheap attempt to upstage the original. And while it does tie into the beginning of the film, it’s such a cheat that one wonders how stupid the screenwriters think their audience is.

Now, as this is a remake of a classic blood and boobs 80’s film, I feel it’s my duty to mention that this film, while including a few brief moments of bare breasts, pales in comparison to the original as far as nudity is concerned. And most the nudity occurs after the demon attacks begin, which is rather silly when you consider the mansion was packed full of dancing, drunken, horny college students at the start of the film. If anyone did get naked before the cops busted in, I don’t remember it. I guess the screenwriters were too concern with rather pointless character development, but come on. This is Night of the Demons we’re talking about, not Let the Right One In. Stereotypical characters will work just fine and get us to the demon action that much quicker, which is what the audience is paying to see.

And, once again, the women carry the burden of shedding their clothes (which, in Ed Furlong’s case, should be considered a blessing). Come on, Hollywood, we know that college frat boys are not that inhibited at a party or after a couple of six packs, and besides, female horror fans need some eye candy as well.

The move does have some good points. The practical effects are well done and the scene where Angela seduces Suzanne is nicely shot (though Elizabeth doesn’t come off as menacing and sexy as Amelia Kinkade in the original). The acting is good and the film looks much better than some of the online trailers might have led you to believe.

In fact, if you didn't know a superior version of this tale exists, you might enjoy it as a late night junk cinema fix. But Night of the Demons 2009 lacks the scares and sense of fun that makes the original such a cult favorite, and ends up being no different the the dozens of direct to DVD horror films release every month.

Adrienne Barbeau to appear at Powell's in Beaverton Thursday evening.

2010-12-07T19:46:00.001-08:00

Thank goodness for Facebook, or I would have missed this one. Adrienne Barbeau, star of such 80's genre classics as Creepshow, Escape from New York, The Fog and Swamp Thing, will be at Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd.) at 7 pm Thursday to promote her new book, Love Bites. You can preorder a signed copy of the novel on the Powell's website.

Regal Fox Tower the place for Holiday Horror; Shamble to the Bagdad for The Walking Dead season finale

2010-12-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

It appears the Regal Fox Towers Cinema is the place to be next Friday for a double dose of Holiday Horrors. Not only will Dec. 10th see the opening of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale, but The Black Swan will open that day as well. While no one in Hollywoood is calling this a "horror film," the fact that Natalie Portman appears to be sprouting black feathers in the very creepy trailer could lead to some very scary moments. I'll post more information as it becomes available. But I suggest all horror fans check out either (or both) films next weekend and vote with your admission for more horror films during the holidays!

The Walking Dead shambles to its season finale this Sunday and The Bagdad Theater will present the episode Sunday night at 10 pm. Doors open at 9 pm and admission is free, though you must be over 21 years of age to attend.

Horror for the Holiday season

2010-12-01T10:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it might not seem it, but the holidays can be scary. And a few films coming to Portland in the next few weeks will try to spook up the month of December.

This Friday (Dec. 3), the Bagdad will host a screening of Bill Murray's Scrooged. A modern update of Dicken's holiday ghost story, A Christmas Carol, the film features an all star cast and some impressive effects. It's played for laughs, so don't expect too many chills, though the Ghost of Christmas Future does look nasty. But, as a special bonus, you'll get to see a live episode of Cort and Fatboy's "Faces of Meh" and a screening of Black Santa's Revenge with Ken ('78's Dawn of the Dead) Foree! The doors open at 8 pm, with the live show starting at 8:30 pm, Black Santa screens at 10:30 pm and the main feature starts at 11 pm. Admission to this 21 and older show is only $3.

On Tuesday the 7th, the Hollywood Theater will screen the psychedelic Chinese horror film, The Boxer's Omen. Featuring wizard battles and a floating space head, this film sounds like a real trippy film. And this is the only known 35mm print in existence, so be sure to check it out if you can. The film starts at 7:30 pm.

And Santa Claus is coming to town on Dec. 10. Only he's really pissed and out for blood. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale premieres at the Regal Fox Towers cinema and this Finnish feature looks like it will claim the title of best killer Santa movie ever made. Check out the trailer and I'll list more information as it becomes available.

As always, if you have a horror event you'd like mentioned, send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com.

I'm back!

2010-11-20T18:45:00.001-08:00

Hey horror fans. Sorry to have missed last week, but work really kicked my butt. Between long days and early morning calls to cover shifts, I was either working or sleeping most of the week. Well, that and trying to catch up on all the hair that's piled up from the cat I'm sitting. But I'm back and ready to update you on all things horrible.

The Portland Comic Book Show is happening tomorrow at the Memorial Coliseum. If you're looking for that missing issue in your horror collection, you'll likely find it here. Guests include Astro City writer Kurt Busiek, Y: The Last Man artist Pia Guerra and Serenity: The Shepherd's Tale artist Chris Samnee, among others. Tickets are $8, and the show runs from 10 am to 5 pm. For more information, and a complete guest list, check out the official website.

In theaters, I should mention (as if you didn't know) that the latest Potter installment (at least Part 1) opened this weekend. Might not be horror, but the series has gotten darker and scarier over the last few films. But the big news is in the smaller theaters this week.

For starts, Monsters infect the Hollywood Theater through Tuseday. Let Me In is playing at the Laurelhurst Theater at 9:45 pm through Wednesday. Resident Evel: Afterlife is at the Milwaukie Cinemas and the Avalon. And The Waypost (3120 N. Williams) has a airplane disaster double feature, with the comedy Airplane! and Snakes on a Plane. And The Walking Dead continue to shamble about The Bagdad Theater Sunday night at 10 am (over 21 only). Check local listings for more information.

And, if you're looking for something different on turkey night, head for The Clinton Street Theater for the Thanksgiving Kung Fu Mini-Marathon. $5 gets you in from 6 pm to midnight.

As always, if you have a horror event in the Northwest you want to let people know about, send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be sure to include it.

Orycon 32 comes to Portland this weekend

2010-11-09T15:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the late weekly post, but work has kept me really busy. So much so that most of my days off are spent trying to catch up on sleep and not get sick. But with the holidays coming, things should slow down and allow me to catch up on some long overdue writing. But I wanted to mention a few events this week to satisfy your post Halloween horror craving.

Orycon 32: The Darker Side of Fantasy will be at the Portland DoubleTree Hotel at Lloyd Center (1000 NE Multnomah Street) this weekend. Guests of honor include author P. N. Elrod, editor Sharyn November and artist Chad Savage. Tickets are $60 at the door (the only way to buy tickets now).

For more information, check out the official website.

This Friday, the NW Film Center will screen Dead Hooker in a Trunk as part of the 37th NW Film and Video festival. The film will show at 9 pm at the Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Avenue). General tickets are $9.

Cinema 21 is screening Kuroneka (The Black Cat) through Thursday. The story is about a mother and daughter raped and murdered by a group of soldiers. They make a pact that allows them to comeback in kill samurai by biting their throats out and drinking their blood. Direced by Kaneto Shindo (Onibaba0).

In theaters, Psycho is playing at the Living Room Theater tonight only at 10:15 pm.

Night of the Demons 3: Angela strikes out

2010-11-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it had to happen. After a terrific start and a solid sequel, Night of the Demons 3 (released direct to video in 1997) is a spectacular miss. It’s not that the film skimped on the sex and violence, but the script lacks the punch and sense of fun present in the previous movies. While Kevin Tenney’s screenplay is pretty solid (despite ripping off his earlier screenplays), it seems director Jim “James” Kaufman decided on a more somber tone, which dooms this sequel.

The film starts out with a cop staked out in front of Hull House, who decides to check out strange noises and lights coming from within. Unfortunate for him, the cop meets up with Angela (Amelia Kinkade, reprising her role once again), a confrontation that doesn’t last long.

As the opening credits play, with awful CGI spirits floating over a flaming landscape towards Hull House, I began to have my doubts about the film. It’s obvious that the filmmakers were trying to update the terrific animated credits from the original, but the CG is just horrid that one’s hope for the movie starts to sink before the film starts up again.

The film then introduces us to two groups of teens, who will be meeting up with in the near future. We’ll start with Abby, the brainy schoolgirl and her friend Holly, the head cheerleader. Abby is jealous of Holly’s ability to get boys (and her breasts, as she compares chests while they change into their Halloween costumes). Holly tells Abby all she needs is a little self-confidence, as she’s no slouch in the looks department. Of course, it would help if she took off her glasses, put on the right make up and… oh hell, you know the rest.

Anyway, our second group of teens is out crushing around in a van, looking for trouble. We have the van’s owner, Orson, a wanna be punk trying to act like Vince, a sociopath in the making. It’s no surprise Orson wants to be like Vince, as he’s got the hots for Vince’s slutty girlfriend Lois. Or, actually, any girl that can “… suck a golf ball through ten feet of garden hose.” It’s obvious he thinks Lois can and figures that acting like a future felon is the way to make his dream come true.

Riding in back is Nick, your standard movie pretty boy delinquent. He’s not shy about flashing his switchblade, but he just looks too clean and pretty to come off as threatening. Next to him is Reggie, the humorous sidekick that seems more out of place then pretty boy Nick. Guess who gets it first!

But it’s not Angela who draws first blood (okay, she did kill the cop, but I’m talking post opening credits). After picking up Abby and Holly, whose car has broken down on the side of the road, our group of seven teens pull up to a convenience store for supplies. By this time, Holly flirts with Nick, who brushes her off, while Abby seems rather attracted to crazy Vince. Ah, the bad boy syndrome at work.

Inside the store, underage Reggie tries to buy a six-pack, only to have a shotgun pointed at his nose by a ticked off store clerk. Vince takes the gun away and starts threatening the clerk. Of course, a couple of cops chose that moment to walk through the door. Vince, being rather hotheaded (and a bit of an idiot), opens fire, starting a prolonged gunfight that leaves Reggie on the floor with a serious gut wound, one cop blown out a window and Nick saving Holly from being shot. Everyone piles into the van, where Vince deciding to hide out at the abandoned Hull House.

Now, I have to give Tenney (returning to the franchise after writing and directing the original) some credit for figuring out a new way to get a group of teens into Hull House. The script acknowledges that everyone knows what happened to the students from Saint Rita’s Academy (NOTD2), so it’s doubtful that a bunch of kids would even try to have a party there. However, I don’t think a massive gunfight is a good way to generate any empathy for most of the characters. As they drive over the underground river, the audience is given three teens so villainous (and not in a high school way, to paraphrase Diablo Cody) that they deserve to die. Another is already near death, and one of the good girls is pining for the bad guy, so she’s probably not crossing the underground river again.

Sure, some of the characters in the earlier films are jackasses (look at Stoogie in the first film), but none of them were potential killers. Expecting the audience to care about the three delinquents and the fate awaiting them is a serious flaw in the script. It’s like asking the audience to sympathize with the insurance adjuster in Saw VI. It’s just not going to happen.

And speaking of crossing the underground river, we are now treated to a CGI effect that is not only out of place, but just unnecessary. Just because a director has access to a computer effect program, it doesn’t mean one should use it.

Back at the convenience store, we find the shot police officer alive and well, thanks to his bulletproof vest. Inside, Lieutenant Dewhurst, a magic loving detective who is retiring at midnight, pieces together what happened, even though the clerk is saying a robbery started up the gunfight. Getting a confession from the clerk, Dewhurst takes off to find the kids before the trigger-happy patrol officers gun them down.

Whatever good will Tenney garnered earlier, he loses with the character of the Lieutenant, basically Detective Dewhurst from Tenney’s first feature, Witchboard. Hell, some of the lines are lifted from the earlier picture’s dialog. This might no have been so jarring had Tenney taken a moment to tie the Lieutenant to the earlier film, like mentioning a weird case with a Ouija board or something like that. But such a scene never occurs, though it might have ended up on the cutting room floor, giving one the impression of self-plagiarism from the scriptwriter’s earlier work.

Regardless, things are getting tense at Hull House after Angela comes down the stairs. Orson revels he’s picked up the fallen cop’s gun and offers to watch the girls while Vince and Lois force Nick upstairs to search for other residents. Angela starts seducing Orson, allowing Abby and Holly to carry Reggie to the van in an attempt to escape, but Holly won’t leave without Nick.

Meanwhile, Orson discovers that French kissing a demon is never a good idea. And once he turns, the mayhem ensues as Angela and her growing demon army starts taking souls, something new for the franchise that conflicts with the earlier films. Up to this point, any victim killed by a demon (including the cop at the beginning of Part 3) becomes a demon, without any indication of surrendering their souls to Angela. And the sudden change in the rules is never explained, though it likely is meant to tie into the second movie, but the connection is never made clear. Sure, the change allows Angela to interact with and seduce her victims, bringing another dimension to the character, but it rings false if you have fond memories of the first and second films.

Still, the biggest problem with the movie is it just feels tired and old. Even Amelia Kinkade, who was terrific in the first two films, seems bored. She does have a few standout moments, including fellating a gun barrel so well that she sucks the bullets out of the revolver (and you have no idea how hard it was for me to mention that scene as one of the best moments in her performance). But it’s obvious she’s rather tired with the role, one of the few she was able to get in the 90’s before becoming a professional animal psychic.

Toss in some subpar makeup (especially Angela’s demon face, which looks like it was built out of too much Play-Doh) and it’s obvious that the demon’s days are numbered. It’s too bad, as the franchise could have kept going, had this installment lived up to the previous films. But a clichéd, self-plagiarizing script, some mediocre acting and heavy-handed direction locked Angela away in Hull House, unavailable for another Halloween party.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

2010-10-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween weekend, and I know you're excited. Well, here's a few more things that might peak your interest during the spookiest time of the year.

Unless I missed something, the Laurelwood Theaters big TBA finale to their Animals Amok series didn't happen. Yea, that's a bummer, but you can still get your animal frenzy satisfied over at the 5th Ave. Theater. Tonight at 7 and 9:30 pm, and tomorrow at 3 pm, they will be screening the New Zealand horror film Black Sheep. I don't have much to say about this one, except that it features carnivorous SHEEP! And weresheep that are repulsed by mint jam!!! It's not a great film, but it scores with me for originality and scenes of man eating sheep grazing on everyone in sight. A fun little flick worth checking out.

The Living Room Theater is showing Psycho through Thursday, so if you can't make the Oregon Symphony performance Sunday afternoon, check out this classic horror film with a nice Bloody Marion (oops, I mean Mary) in downtown. Check local listings for more information.

Tonight at the Doug Fir (830 E Burnside) and Jupiter Hotel (800 E Burnside), KUFO is serving up the sexist Halloween party, with performances by Red Line Chemistry, Like a Storm, Slant and Restruct, If tickets are available at the door, expect a $35 cover charge for a party raging until 2 am.

Okay, I should mention that Saw VII opened this weekend. I'm not a fan of the series, but I know it's a Halloween tradition for a lot of people. And this, the (rumored) final installment is in real 3D, not a last minute post conversion poser. So, if you feel like being showered with blood and entrails, check your local listings for more information.

If you feel like a cineplex visit without the opening weekend rush, you can still catch Paranormal Activity 2, Let Me In and Hereafter at various local theaters. Check your local listings for more information.

And be sure to check out the Horror Happenings page for information on local haunted houses, various theater events (like The Walking Dead, Psycho with live music) and other Halloween festivities!

As always, shot me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com if you want to add your horror tinged event to the weekly posts.

And again, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

PS: Catfish is not a horror film.

Night of the Demons 2: Angela still knows how to party.

2010-10-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Released on home video in 1994, Night of the Demons 2 is a bit of a surprise. The MPAA had spent the past decade beating up horror films is response to the slasher craze. The failure of the new NC-17 rating was becoming evident, as most theaters and newspaper listings treated films with the rating like pornographic features (and Showgirls didn’t help much). And the advent of home video was raising new concerns about children getting a hold of unrated horror films, with no one remembering that a decade ago, retailers were selling Rambo 2 toys to children.

So along comes this sequel to the cult classic, with full frontal nudity and more gore than the original. Yet it earns an R-rating, which might seem rather surprising. Perhaps the MPAA was swayed by the ending, when the teens finding salvation from the demons through old time religion. Seriously.

The film opens on an evangelical couple entering the deserted Hull House to spread the Good Word. Angela (Amelia Kinkade) is still roaming the halls and offers her new visitors some refreshments. After the couple declines a slice of Devil’s Food Cake, Angela carves into them instead. So, how does the death of two missionaries lead to the championing of religion over the demons? Well, just read on.

The film then moves to St. Rita’s Academy, a Catholic boarding school for troubled teens. I have no idea why most of the kids are considered troubled, as they are pretty normal (by movie stereotype standards). You’ve got the horny jocks (Kurt and Johnny) spying on the girl’s dorm with binoculars. And you’ve got the nice girl (Bibi), the slutty one (Shirley) and her friend (Terri), all prancing around the dorm room with their friends, while in their panties (and less), with the blinds up. Yup, that’s a bunch of normal movie teens.

Even the bookworm (Perry), who’s studying demonology, seems pretty normal. The only person with the least bit of troubled history is Melissa (nicknamed Mouse by the girls). She’s Angela’s sister, orphaned when her parents received a Halloween card from Angela after the events at Hull House, which caused them to committed suicide. Although everyone assumes Angela ran away for some reason, Mouse has dreams of her demon sister coming back for a horrific family reunion.

Well, it’s time to meet the faculty. Father Bob oversees the academy. He’s not as strict as his predecessor and wants the kids to take some responsibility for their own behavior at the Halloween dance. This is in direct conflict with Sister Gloria, who is very old school. She walks around breaking up cuddling couples, reminding them to “leave a little run for the Holy Ghost” and practices fencing moves with her ever present yardstick. The two butt heads, but the good Sister defers to the demands of Father Bob (as a good Catholic woman, you can’t upset the patriarchy).

Now, as a former Catholic, I can really thing of no more saintly names as Bob and Gloria. It appears the filmmakers didn’t know much about the Catholic tradition of naming children after saints, and I can’t remember a Saint Bob, or a Saint Gloria, for that matter. But then, I’m a very lapsed Catholic, so what do I know.

Anyway, Shirley and Kurt fall afoul of Sister Gloria and are banned from the Halloween dance, along with Johnny and Bibi (who are a couple, which makes you wonder why Johnny feels the need to spy on her with Kurt). Meanwhile, Perry is grounded by Father Bob for his demonology experiments, even as he tries to convince the priest that he conjured up Angela.

Shirley decides she’s not about to give up on a Halloween party and convinces the ever horny Kurt to get Johnny, Bibi, Terri and Mouse to come with her for a celebration they will never forget. Kurt, thinking he’s going to get lucky, convinces everyone to come along, only to be neutered by Shirley’s date, Rick, and his friend Z-Boy.

Shirley didn’t tell her party guests that the gathering was at Hull House, which causes Mouse a bit of distress and she decides to stay in the car. The rest enter the house, with Johnny and Bibi venturing off for some “exploration,” and Kurt trying to hook up with Terri. Shirley and friends, however, plan to scare everyone with a sacrifice, and when the black cat offering escapes, Shirley decides that a Mouse will do.

It’s all a prank, with a retractable knife, but strange things are starting to happen and everyone decides they want to leave. Z-Boy is missing, having met up with Angela for some nookie (and we all know how that will end), but Rick decides he can find his own way home and drives the rest of the group over the underground river containing the demons.

At this point, the movie should be over, but Bibi keeps the plot rolling by acting stupid and taking along a lipstick tube she found at Hull House. By the time she realizes her mistake, Shirley gets a hold of it and decides she likes the shade.

Back at St. Rita’s, Perry has discovered Shirley’s invitations and spills the beans to Sister Gloria. The Sister rushes away from the party to discover Mouse is missing. In her absence, the kids replace the square music with some rock and begin to have a good time. Our Hull House explorers, having pulled into the academy, decide to join in. But when Shirley has to use the restroom, the lipstick spouts a long, phallic worm that impregnates her with a demon (no, I’m not kidding), which allows Angela to join the fun.

And Angela kicks the party into high gear, with a seductive dance that’s a big hit with Johnny. But things turn sour as Shirley kills Nick, and Angela knocks Johnny’s head off. Then Shirley kisses Terri, infecting her with a case of the demons. See what happens when kids take responsibility for their own fun? All hell breaks loose.

Angela kidnaps Mouse and heads back to Hull House with the intent of sacrificing her. Father Bob, rather grumpy about being awaken in the middle of the night by Perry, doesn’t believe any of this, but agrees to go to Hull House to dispel the legend of Angela. Bibi, feeling responsible for Mouse, goes along and Johnny follows suit. Perry arms himself with Holy Water balloons and squirt guns, while Sister Gloria finds the perfect ruler in preparation for a massive battle with the demons of Hull House.

And this is when the movie kicks into high gore gear. Bodies melt and explode, a decapitated corpse uses its head as a basketball and a spiked baseball bat meets someone’s skull (and wins). And, in the final battle, our remaining heroes face an awesome practical Angela-snake. It’s this final 20 minutes that had me wondering how the filmmakers got away with it.

But it’s not too hard to understand, once you step back from the gore and mayhem. And, just so you know, HERE BE SPOILERS. So, if you hadn’t seen the film yet, watch it first, than come back. I’ll be here.

I’ve heard people wonder why the religious right didn’t get behind the Slasher craze. After all, if a teenager did something “wrong,” a masked killer would make sure they didn’t sin again. But, in one of the few instances where I can give those zealots credit, the right knew Old Testament message was lost on the kids cheering for the gore and violence. But with Night of the Demons 2, the scriptwriters craft a movie that offers salvation through the saving power of faith and the Catholic Church.

It’s not pro-any-religion, considering the two evangelical missionaries hacked up in the film’s opening moments. No, we're talking the strict, Old Testament-type Catholicism that saves the day. Father Bob, who dismisses the idea of demons and strict discipline, is dispatched and possessed moments after he walks over the threshold of Hull House. But Sister Gloria, killed by Angela during the battle, comes back to life (thanks to the power of faith) in one of the biggest WTF moments I’ve seen in a while.

And the surviving teens learn to embrace the power of faith as well, with one kicking a cross-shaped opening in a boarded window to vanquish Angela at the end. I think the presentation of the strict Sister Gloria as a heroic figure, earning the teen’s respect and admiration in the end, helped sway the MPAA to grant this film an R-rating.

But don’t let that little message keep you from checking this one out. It’s a great time for horror fans, as the religious angle is just window dressing for a film chocked full of blood, guts and boobs. The original is still the best, but this sequel shows that Angela can still throw a killer party.

Check out the Zombie side of Sears!

2010-10-27T00:38:00.000-07:00

Not sure if this is the work of some hacker, or if Sears has a sense of humor, but the Sears website has a zombie themed flavor for the Halloween holiday. Check it out here.

Tonight only: a double dose of Fulci!

2010-10-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that tonight, the Hollywood Theatre is screening a great Lucio Fulci double feature. The Grindhouse Film Festival presents two 35mm features, starting with House by the Cemetery. This 1981 flick involves a family moving into a haunted house and, as you expect from Fulci, things get really nasty. The film starts at 7:30 pm.

The Fulci fest continues with the classic Zombie at 9:30 pm. If you haven't seen this one, or haven't caught it on the big screen, get to the Hollywood for one of the most jaw dropping, gore drenched zombie movie out there. While it may start out a little slow, this is the film with the classic shark verse zombie fight, and a VERY nasty eye trauma scene that WILL make you flinch.

You could pay $7 for either film, but grab the extra large popcorn and pay $10 for both. It's the perfect holiday treat.

Halloween is getting closer; time for lots of horror goodies!

2010-10-22T17:14:00.001-07:00

Sorry for not updating you on horror events last week, but I basically had little time off from work. And by the time I got done with the household stuff, I didn't have much time to write. It's not like this week is any different, but a lot of stuff is happening as we get closer to the big night.

First off, I found a new haunted house at 55 SE 11th and Ankeny. The Blood Shack is not only a haunted house, but also a place to play horror themed pinball, catch some live music and even have a brew in the beer garden while you wait for your chance to be scared silly.

The Blood Shack contains adult themed horror and is not recommended for children under the age of 13, or anyone who is easily offended. The cost is $10, but ladies get in for half price on Fridays. The Shack is open from 8 pm to 1 am Tuesday through Sunday (open till 2 am on Friday and Saturday).

Saturday afternoon, the 6th Annual Portland Zombie Walk and the 4th Annual Thrill the World will start at Pioneer Courthouse Square at 3:30 pm. Starting with photo ops, the Thrill the World will take the stage at 4 pm. Then comes the Zombie Walk. All the information you need is on the Facebook page, so check it out.

Little tired after the Zombie Walk? Head to Bc's Restaurant (at 2433 SE Powell Blvd) for the Zombie Ball from 8 to 11:30 pm on Saturday. Prizes for the best costume, and music by Mad Dog And the Smokin J', Abolitionist, Juke Joint Gamblers and The Viggs. Cover is $5.

This coming Tuesday, head to the Hollywood Theatre for a great Lucio Fulci double feature. The Grindhouse Film Festival presents two 35mm features, starting with House by the Cemetery. This 1981 flick involves a family moving into a haunted house and, as you expect from Fulci, things get really nasty. The film starts at 7:30 pm.

The Fulci fest continues with the classic Zombie at 9:30 pm. If you haven't seen this one, or haven't caught it on the big screen, get to the Hollywood for one of the most jaw dropping, gore drenched zombie movie out there. While it may start out a little slow, this is the film with the classic shark verse zombie fight, and a VERY nasty eye trauma scene that WILL make you flinch.

You could pay $7 for either film, but grab the extra large popcorn and pay $10 for both. It's the perfect holiday treat.

The Laurelhurst Theater presents Empire of the Ants, the next in the Animals Amok series. Starring Joan Collins, this campy followup to Food of the Gods (which played last week) isn't as much fun, but still is cheesy goodness for B-movie fans. The film plays through Thursday at 9:50 pm.

At the Living Room Theaters, The Human Centipede will show tonight and tomorrow at 10:15 pm.

In the cineplex, Paranormal Activity 2 opens today, as does Hereafter (Clint Eastwood takes on the afterlife). Saw VII opening next Friday. Check local listings for times and locations.

You can still find Machete, Let Me In, and My Soul to Take at local theaters. Check local listings for times and locations.

And don't forget, no matter what you think, Catfish is not a horror film!

Original Night of the Demons is a Halloween treat!

2010-10-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

As promised, though a bit late of a start, here's my review of the original Night of the Demons. Expect Part 2 to follow soon until we reach the remake, released this week.

Coming off his first film, Witchboard, Kevin Tenney served up a cult classic with a light-hearted romp in a haunted (oops, make that possessed) house that’s still a lot of fun today.. Night of the Demons is a great roller coaster ride of a movie full of gore, nudity and thrills, a perfect Halloween movie for the spooky season.

This movie caused a surprising amount of controversy when it was released in theaters back in the late 80's. The gratuitous nudity and graphic gore by Steve Johnson (Dead Heat, Species) earned a lot of critical ire and forced the film to be trimmed for its theatrical release. But I feel the bookend scenes of the movie, involving a crotchety old man planning to put razorblades in Halloween apples, rub a few people the wrong way. He gets his comeuppance, have no fear, but the film was released during the media frenzy over poisoned candy and tampered carmel apples. And while these scenes were not directly attacked, the apple threat comes during the opening minutes of the film and I’m sure it put the MPAA and other moral guardians on high alert. One can only imagine their disgust that a horror film would dare include such a scene. What if senior citizens decided to imitate what they saw on the screen? Not that they were the target audience, but seniors could sneak into the theater, just like underage kids!

Regardless of the response from the MPAA and major critics, the film did well in the theaters on a limited release and garnered some good reviews. And thanks to a well-staged promotion for the VHS release, including an unrated version and some great promotional extras to rental shops, the film became a cult classic. And deservedly so, as the film is a lot of fun and holds up well for a modern audience.

The story keeps things simple. Angela (Amelia Kinkade, billed as Mimi Kinkade) and her friend Suzanne (Linnea Quigley) invite a group of teens to a Halloween party at the abandoned Hull House. A funeral home located on a plot of cursed land that was the site of countless acts of massacres and mayhem throughout the ages. The house is surrounded by a high stone fence, which is built over an underground river that keeps the demons from traveling to the surrounding woods.

As Halloween is the night demons can come out and party, how can they resist a group of horny teens? Angela and Suzanne are possessed and start dealing gory mayhem to their guests. The survivors must get out of the maze-like house and over the massive fence to escape (as the gate has vanished), or stay alive until daybreak. Both options seem unlikely, as each victim become possessed, adding to Angela’s unstoppable army.

The characters are little more than the basic cut and paste teens you’ve seen hundreds of times before, though the cast does a good job with the roles they are given. The one that seems a bit out of place is the bad boy/faux gang member. The actor can’t quite pull off a convincing tough guy menace and really doesn’t look the part. It’s a minor distraction, as most of the cast is little more than mincemeat for a demon pie.

The gore gets nasty at times, as with a brutal eye gouging scene, some nice burn makeup (after a very effective stunt sequence with two burning demons bouncing off the walls of a hallway) and a memorable “hide the lipstick tube” moment with Linnea Quigley.

Quigley supplies most of the nudity and is featured in one of horror’s most memorable close ups. About ten minutes into the film, while Angela is busy ripping off a minimart for party supplies, Suzanne is distracting the two clerks by bending over in a short, frilly skirt, while pretending to look at merchandise on the bottom counter. You’ll know the moment, as the screen is suddenly filled with a tight shot of Quigley’s, um, bum, filmed with a reverence reserved for head shots of Selma Hayek or George Clooney. One can only imagine the reaction to that scene from the crowds in the theaters or drive-ins where the film was screened.

The film also features a scene where a grade school boy scares his sister, then comments on her “bodacious boobies,” which are threatening to bust out of her bra. Only in the 80’s could kids get away with lines like when the boy asks her sister’s date if he’s only after her “ta-tas.” From the mouth of babes….

Tenney keeps the tone light and fun, despite all the gore. The film is as menacing as a spook house ride and while a few moments are genuinely creepy, it’s hard to take things too seriously. But what Tenney gets right is the chases through the house. While I find most movies that feature long tracking shots of monsters and victims traveling down dark hallways rather dull, Tenney manages to infuse some life into these static shots. The labyrinthian location is used very well, and Angela looks terrifying as she glides down the hall in search of victims. Kinkade’s dancing skills (she was lead dancer in several music videos and tours during the 80’s) serve her well, as her performance is on par with that of Katrin Alexandre as the monster in The Unnamable.

Lots of films are called cult classics, but this one earns the title. It’s hard not to enjoy this film, as Tenney and cast serve up the cheese with a smile. This movie is a pure Halloween treat that should be in any horror fan’s collection.

Twilight book burning at FrightTown tonight!

2010-10-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. Work and illness has kept me from posting this weekend, a situation I hope to rectify tonight after my shift. However, I wanted to let everyone know that the vampires of FrightTown are holding a Twilight Book Burning tonight at 8:30 pm on the Commons of the Memorial Coliseum.

In a press release, FrightTown spokesman and “Mayor of Scare”, Baron Von Goolo, commented on the event.

“While I commend Ms. Meyer on her uncanny ability to tap into the fantasies of bored housewives the world over, she is creating a destructive stereotype. Even before Bram Stoker was born, vampires were feared as demonic beasts of the night, preying on unwary milkmaids and causing entire duchies and fiefdoms to tremble at sundown. Now, thanks to the runaway popularity of TWILIGHT, when people think of vampires they think of a klatch of sullen poster-boys that look like they should be opening for Depeche Mode. The ease with which millennia of superstition has been so callously overwritten by Meyer has serious implications not just for vampires, but for all Nocturnal Americans.”

The group B.A.T. (Bloodsuckers Against Twilight) will host the event, which is open to the public.

Be sure to check back tonight for more Horror events, including the next movie in The Laurelhurst's Animals Amok series!

It's your full blown listing of horror events!

2010-10-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the abrupt post last night, but work (once again) has smacked me down for another week and I wanted to get word out on the Halloween Bazaar at Oaks Park tomorrow. I wish I could say I'd be there, but work calls and I have to answer. Too bad, as it sounds like a great time, so check it out and let me know how much fun you had there!

Okay, let's see what's happening in the theaters this week. The Hollywood Theater is showing Colin, the zombie film shot for about $75 (not sure what accounting genius was working on the filmmaker's ledger) at 9:40 pm through Sunday.

Wes Craven's My Soul to Take opened this weekend at multiplexes nationwide. No word from the web right now about whether it's more New Nightmare or Cursed, so you are on your own. Playing in both 2 and 3D versions, check local listings for more information.

Ryan Reynold's new film, Buried, also opened this weekend. Reynold's a fine actor, but can he carry a movie set completely in a coffin? Some early reviews suggest not. Check local listings for more information.

while some may debate whether Jaws is a true horror film, no one can deny that it is one of the scariest films ever made. The Lauralhurst is screening it through Thursday as part of their Animals Amok month. Showtime is 9:15 pm.

Let Me In, Machete, Case 39 and Resident Evil: Afterlife are all still in the multiplexes. Check local listings for more information.

As always, if you know of (or are hosting) a horror event in the Portland area, or around the Pacific Northwest, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll include it on a future post.

Starting next week, I will review the original Night of the Demons, as well as the sequels, leading up to the release of the remake for Halloween week. And, as the big five-oh is rapidly approaching, I will start a monthly segment of the horror films that steered me into my lifelong love of all things spooky, starting with the first horror film I ever experienced. Not that I saw it at the time, but I'm sure it affected my early development. Tune in later this month for more!

Quick post about the Halloween Bazaar

2010-10-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I'll get a more detailed post out tomorrow, but just wanted to let everyone know that the Portland Halloween Bazaar is happening Sunday, Oct. 10th at the Oaks Amusement Park from noon to 5 pm. Featuring craft tables, lots of trick or treats, a hearse show and Uncle Eerie's Shiver Show, this sounds like a great way to kick off the spooky holiday season. The event is open to all ages, and admission is only $5. If you're looking to start your Halloween festivities early, this promises to be a great start. Check out the official website for more information.

I'll post more spooky happenings tomorrow, but have to sign off for now (Work is keeping me real busy). Take care and stay tuned!

Happy Halloween!!!

2010-09-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm a bit early with my greeting, but this is a horror fan's favorite time of year. So let’s see what’s happening as we kick off the Scary Season.

This Friday, Portland’s HP Lovecraft Film Festival hits the Hollywood Theater Oct. 1-3 for it’s potential last run. But, as the immortal line states, “But although They no longer lived, They would never really die,” so maybe someday soon, the festival will rise up again. Until then, enjoy your last chance to feast on three days of Lovecraftian movies, readings, panels and shorts. Too much stuff is happening to print here, so head for the official website.

You can always rely upon The Laurelhurst Theater for a great October lineup, and this time is no different. Starting this Friday, the Animals Go Amuck with Anaconda this week, followed by Jaws, The Food of the Gods, Empire of the Ants and a final feature yet to be announced. Presented by New Belgium’s Hoptober Beer, this will be a great month of movies that should rival any of Fox’s When Animals Attack specials. Check local listings for each week's showtime.

The Bagdad Theater will show the 1987’s vampire favorite, The Lost Boys, Friday, Oct. 1^st, at 11 pm. Hosted by Fat Boy and Cort, and the Portland Mercury, this is an over 21 showing. Tickets are $3 and the doors open at 10 pm.

Also The Bagdad will host the 90-minute premiere of The Walking Dead, presented by Fat Boy and Cort and Things from Another World, on Halloween night at 10 pm. Wear your best zombie costume to win great prizes. Oh, and admission is FREE, so get there early. And you might plan on making The Bagdad your Sunday night home for the next 6 weeks, as the theater will show the entire series at the same low price. Again, this will be popular, so get there early!

In more Halloween news, the Oregon Symphony will present a live music accompaniment to Hitchcock’s classic, Psycho. The show will take place at the Schnitz at 4 pm. Ticket prices vary, depending on seating, so check out the symphony’s website.

Now for the Haunted House news!

Frighttown, an entire city block of terror, can be found beneath the Memorial Coliseum on October 1. Featuring three different sections, you should find something to spook you. For more information on times and discount tickets, visit their website.

If you’re looking for some spooky outdoor fun, head to the Original Pumpkin Patch at Sauvie Island. Free Hay rides, a cow train, two different corn mazes (one of them haunted) and lots more. At least too much to list here, so check out the website.

13^th Door opens next Friday, Oct 8^th, at two locations. In Portland, you’ll find them at 8805 SW Canyon Lane, while the Bend version is at 1355 SW Commerce St. Both locations are rated PG-13, according to the website, so beware if you have younger children. For more information, see the official website.

Scream at the Beach kicks off its 10^th Anniversary this Friday (Oct. 1^st) at Janzen Beach. The website suggests the site might be too scary for children and parents are cautioned to use discretion. You’ll find more information on the official website.

And, if you’re heading south to Salem during October, the Oregon School for the Deaf presents the Extreme version of Nightmare Factory. The newly refurbished haunted house is courtesy of ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and a guest from the show will be present on Halloween night. But until then, the scares start next Friday (Oct. 8^th) at 999 Locus St NE in Salem. Visit the website for more information.

And, in Cineplex news, two new horror films open this weekend. The most hyped is Let Me In, the American remake of the Swedish classic Let the Right One In. The bad news is, the film is directed by Matt Reeves, director of Cloverfield and co-creator and writer of Felicity (Uh oh). The good news is the trailer looks pretty scary, and the two lead actors (Chloe Moretz and Kodi Smit-McPhee) appear to deliver great performances. In the mixed feelings department, Abby/Eli regains the ability to grow claws and nasty fangs, which was mentioned in the novel. Check local listings for locations and times.

Also at the Cineplex is Renee Zellweger’s return to horror, Case 39. I hold as much hope for this one as I did for Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation, as it was shot in late 2006 and twice had its release date pulled by the studio. Then again, the suits are the ones who dumped Trick ‘r Treat into direct to DVD hell, so you never know. Check local listings for locations and times.

Resident Evil: Afterlife and Devil are still out there, so check local listings for more information. Also, Piranha 3D (in a 2D version) is at the Mission Theater and St. John’s Theater and Pub.

On a final note, remember, CATFISH IS NOT A HORROR FILM!

I know more is happening out there and will keep you posted as I get any information. If you have a horror event you want to let Portland know about, drop me a line at shadowoverportland@live.com and I’ll pass the word along.

Watch out for Catfish and the Devil in an elevator; Bale plays Gekko as pycho killer

2010-09-24T09:19:00.000-07:00

Okay everyone, time for your weekly update of horror events and movies. While things are a bit slow, a few new movies are coming our way. But, you might hold off on racing to the multiplex after hearing about this week's premieres.

First up, if you've seen the previews, you'll know Catfish LOOKS like a faux documentary horror film. But, beware, because Catfish IS NO HORROR FILM. Yes, the film contains a big, potentially creepy revel when the guys get to the farm, but it's not a psycho killer, or a cult of Satanists. I'm not going to spoil it, in case anyone really wants to see this film, but the trailer is one of the most misleading I've seen in a while. Again, and I can't emphasis this enough, Catfish IS NOT A HORROR FILM! You have been warned.

But speaking of psycho killers, the Laurelhurst might be your best bet for a horror film, as American Psycho screens this week. Christian Bale, in a top notch performance, plays an oily investment banker who slowly morphs into a gleeful killer in this brilliant satire of the 80's. This is the R-rated version (18 seconds were trimmed to avoid an NC-17 rating), but still worth catching on the big screen.

Now, most people save the best for last, but I've probably saved the worst. Devil, the latest film from M. Night Shyamalan (who produced the film and came up with the story), opens in area theaters today and the critical reaction has been very mixed. Some critics say the film is okay and at least it's better than Shyamalan's latest films. Others have blasted it as a lame Twilight Zone tale or a hamfisted attempt at Christian proselytizing. I'll leave it up to you to decide if you want to catch this one, as I avoid any film where a character is convinced the devil is nearby when his toast lands jelly side down on the floor.

Resident Evil: Afterlife, Centurion and Machete are still in area theaters. Check local listings for times and locations.

Next weekend, The H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival hits the Hollywood Theater. The schedule is up and check out Sunday's lineup, as Stuart Gordon will be in discussing "Fear Itself and Beyond," followed by a screening of his film Dagon!

However, on a sadder note, you might have to travel to LA or Seattle next year for your dose of Lovecraft, as Festival Director Andrew Migliore is retiring. So, if you haven't been to the festival yet, don't miss this year, as it might be your last chance to attend the best horror film festival Portland has ever seen.

As always, if you have a horror event happening in the Pacific Northwest and you'd like to spread the word, drop me a line at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be happy to post it on the blog.

Witchboard: A bit of nostalgic fun from the 80's.

2010-09-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

I was talking with a group of people at a local bar over the weekend, and the conversation strayed into a discussion of starlets of the 80’s. Of course, the first woman mentioned was Tawny Kitaen. While she’d appeared in several B-movies, her most notable performance was in a Whitesnake video, rolling around on the hoods of two Jaguars in a white negligee. It was an iconic moment of the 80’s and all the attention should have boosted her movie career. But it didn’t and she started working on television, appearing on Hercules, Married… With Children and Eek The Cat. Her last movie role was in 1997’s Dead Tides, with Roddy Piper and Miles O’Keeffe.

Then, in 2002, her troubles with the law began. She was arrested for allegedly hitting then-husband Chuck Finley (a major league pitcher) with a shoe. Three days later, he filed for divorce and placed a restraining order against her. Her problems continued, as she was arrested for cocaine possession in 2006 and a DWI in 2009. During this time, she was appearing on reality shows such as The Surreal Life (in the sixth season, where she was crawling on the floor of a closet in the final episode) and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in 2008. Perhaps this was to be expected, as David Coverdale, an ex-boyfriend and lead singer for Whitesnake, supposedly commented on her volatile personality back in the 80s.

It’s too bad her film career never took off, as she was a competent B-movie actress. Her roles in Bachelor Party and The Perils of Gwendoline in the Land of the Yik-Yak reveled an actress capable of downplaying her sexuality for someone more wholesome and level headed. She never played the sultry temptress, but was often cast as the beautiful woman who would fall for an average guy, rather than the rich, snobbish suitor.

A few days after talking about her at the bar, I caught a few Whitesnake songs on the radio at work. Whether it was pure coincidence or subliminal messages from beyond, I decided to revisit Witchboard, one of my late night cable favorites from the 80’s. And does this film scream 80’s at times. The clothes, the hair and the slang make it impossible not to date this film. But that doesn’t matter, as the movie is pretty entertaining.

The movie opens during a party, hosted by Linda (Tawny) and Jim (Todd Allen). Jim’s a bit put off by Brandon (Stephen Nichols), Linda’s ex-boyfriend and Jim’s ex-best friend. Yep, as in Bachelor Party, Tawny plays the incredibly hot girlfriend of a working class fella (Jim’s a construction worker), who’s resisted the draw of a rich suitor and his family fortune. It was a role she played often, and one that always gave me hope when I was younger. After all, if working stiff Jim could be living with Tawny Kitaen, why couldn’t I get a date with the head cheerleader? Okay, I knew the answer to that one, even back then, but at least I could dream.

Sorry for the digression. And yes, I was a big geek when I was younger. Still am.

Anyway, back to the party. Brandon pulls out his Ouija board and convinces Linda to help him contact the spirit of a David, a little boy he communicates with on a regular basis. They even have a secret code, so Brandon knows he’s got David on the line. However, the hostility between Brandon and Jim upsets the little ghost, who knocks the board over and blows out the tires on Brandon’s Porsche.

This brings the party to an abrupt end, and Brandon forgets to take his Ouija board home. Despite the warnings against using it alone (as a single user gives the spirit too much access), Linda contacts David. He’s nice enough at first, but soon becomes menacing towards her. Several mysterious deaths follow and Brandon convinces Jim that Linda’s personality changes aren’t due to a possible pregnancy, but are the early signs of possession. Together, they try to find out if the little boy is trying to gain control of Linda, or if a more nefarious force is at work.

On whole, it’s a fun little horror film. While light on the gore, the script works well as a supernatural mystery. Moments of misdirection are handled well and you won’t feel cheated by a sudden twist, as all the pieces fall into place on camera. And the plot moves quick enough to let you overlooked the script’s predictability.

If you haven’t seen this movie, I offer you a word of advice. Do not look at the trailers, the making of feature or any other extra on the DVD. If you do, it will spoil what is, in my opinion, the greatest jump scare ever filmed. You really don’t want to ruin this one, as it will likely send you through the ceiling.

While this next paragraph might be a bit of a SPOILER, it should be no surprise that Linda ends up possessed by the end of the film. And this is Tawny’s shining moment. If you ever wondered what Chuck Finley faced on that fateful night in 2002, look no further than the last 10 minutes of this film. Tawny exudes such an evil presence that you can’t take your eyes off her. It doesn’t matter that she still looks smoking hot while wearing a man’s three-piece suit and swinging a fire axe. She is batshit insane and quite terrifying during the scene, delivering the performance of her career.

I wish the rest of the acting came close to this moment, but the movie falls short here. While most of the work is adequate, Allen stumbles as the lead. While he tries to convey his character’s fear of being unable to emotionally connect to anyone, Allen often appears to sleepwalk through his performance. It’s a hard trait to portray on film and Allen just wasn’t up for the task.

And I do have a problem with the basic plot. If a male spirit was trying to possess someone, I don’t think a beautiful woman is your best target. Instead of focusing on evil schemes, you’d likely end up spending most of your time in front of a mirror while groping yourself. Better to possess her boyfriend, so you can implement your nefarious plans during the day, then come home to her at night and, well, grope away. And, if you’re looking for minions, I’m sure you’d be able to get a lot of guys to follow you, all hoping that some of your mojo would rub off on them so they could attract beautiful girlfriends.

I continue to be amazed at some of the thoughts that run through my brain after a few beers.

In an interview last month, Tawny Kitaen seems to have found some peace. She’s become a better mother to her children (according to both her and her ex), she claims to be off drugs and is volunteering at a shelter for at risk women. She seems happy with her current life, and I hope that’s true.

I also hope she’s able to find her way back into genre movies. Maybe The Asylum is looking for another 80’s icon to appear in a giant fish film. I’d love to see her as a scientist trying to find a way to kill, say, a mega barracuda. Oh, get the Wilson sisters from Heart involved and I sense a mega hit in the works!

Until The Asylum takes my advice (and it’s free; all I ask is for a small credit), check out Witchboard. While not a classic by any standard, writer/director Kevin Tinney (Night of the Demons) serves up a nice little horror movie for his first feature. Perfect for any fan of 80’s horror, or those with fond memories of the gal in the Whitesnake videos.

2010-09-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the late post, but work has been slamming me with a week full of 9+ hours day. And it's hard to sit down and pound on the keyboard when you can't keep your eyes open.

Anyway, as it's not October yet, pickings are a bit slim. However, head down for the Clinton Street Theater this week for Nightmare in Red, White and Blue, a documentary about American horror films. The documentary, based on the book of the same name, explores the relationship between American horror films and the social and political movements of the time. Might be a bit too much to cover in one movie, but it has a bunch of interviews and clips. Shows at 7 and 9 pm through this Thursday.

Resident Evil: Afterlife is still in local cineplexes, so be sure to catch it in 3D if you can. Or you can find Machete chopping up the first run theaters. In second run theaters, Piranha (in a 2D version) is at The Academy Theater. Check local listings for more information.

Don't forget, The H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival will return to the Hollywood Theater on Oct 1-3. No word on guests or schedules yet, but I'll be sure to post when I get more information.

I'll be putting together a October/Halloween calendar in the next few weeks, so if you have anything happening that will interest horror fans, drop me a line at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll pass the word along.

Resident Evil: Afterlife stumbles at the end, but still delivers as promised

2010-09-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

I’ve always had a soft spot for the Resident Evil films. I never worried about how the films broke away from the spirit of the games. If you think about it, the games would be boring as a film. Claire run up the stairs, solves a puzzle and gains a key, then runs back down the stairs to solve another puzzle, then repeats the action yet again. Hell, I had a hard time making that last sentence interesting, so I can’t even think of how to make it fun in a movie.

Maybe George Romero would have made a decent horror film out of the franchise, had he been allowed to shoot his script. But survival horror games often rely on providing players with a very limited amount of ammo and weaponry, so one spends a lot of time avoiding the zombie theat. It makes for a great game, but I don’t know of any director who could translate the chills of playing Resident Evil in a darkened room with the more passive act of watching the story on a movie screen.

So, Paul WS Anderson took iconic elements from the games, added a lot more zombies and gunfire, and crafted a fun little franchise following Alice’s (Milla Jovoich) struggle to end the reign of the Umbrella Corporation. The series isn’t a classic by any means, but the films are terrific fun. And at least it wasn’t the train wreck called Doom, where the entire storyline was changed and little of the original was left.

So now we come to Resident Evil: Afterlife, shot with James Cameron’s 3D technology and it’s a big, shiny, fun rollercoaster ride. If only the movie ended three minutes before the credits rolled….

I’ll get to that later. The film opens in Tokyo, with a nice nod to the game’s origins. The Alice clones storm the main headquarters of Umbrella in a beautiful orgy of blood, gunfire and psychic attacks. Unfortunately, the ladies meet up with the latest T-virus warrior (the big blond guy in the trailers), who manages to escape the base before destroying it, and the Alice army, with a massive explosion.

However, the big guy’s ship has a stowaway, the original Alice (how he knows this, I have no clue). He injects her with a vaccine that neutralizes the T-virus and eliminates her super-powers. Yet Alice manages to survive a cataclysmic plane wreck (in the most ridiculous effect sequence in the movie), and heads off to Alaska in search of Arcadia, the land of no infection mentioned in the third film.

What Alice finds is a ghost town of abandoned airplanes haunted by Claire (Ali Larter), fellow zombie ass kicker from the third film, now in a state of amnesia with a mechanical spider on her chest. The two head out down the West coast in Alice’s prop plane, looking for other survivors.

I need to comment on Milla’s performance in the plane graveyard. While no great thespian by any means, she conveys Alice’s change from super-human to mortal quite well in these scenes. Her massive guns shake for the first time in the past two movies, her posture is more tentative then cock-sure. Milla conveys the sense of her character’s rediscovered mortality through a strong physical performance and it’s quite convincing.

Of course, the two find survivors barricaded in a LA prison. They also discover that Arcadia is a massive cargo ship, which is anchored just offshore. As the group try to formulate a plan to reach Arcadia, new zombies start picking them off and a battleaxe wielding giant knocks the gate down. This sets up the next big action sequence, with Milla pulling a John McClane as the zombies follow her plunge off the building, while she lands with a single roll onto the ground several stories below.

But wasn’t Alice robbed of the T-virus super powers? Well, as Claire is taking on the giant without any major injuries, I’d say just let it ride. No reason to let common sense get in the way of a good time.

The group makes it to Arcadia, only to find it was under the control of Umbrella. However, the crew abandoned both the ship, and the cryogenically frozen survivors from Alaska, days ago. That means it’s all a trap, set up by….

Oh hell, you already know who is behind all this. But it doesn’t really matter. This is a terrific comic book on the big screen, full of great stunts, gore, cool monsters and kick ass women.

What, you want more? Okay, the film boosts some of the best 3D since Avatar. The images are clean and bright, and I had to fight the urge to brush smoke and fog away from my eyes at a few points. The cast delivers decent performances, and both Milla and Ali look great as they kick all sorts of monster butt.

In fact, my only complaint was the cliffhanger ending. Yes, I liked the character appearance during the credits. But while the previous three films reached a conclusion while only hinting at a potential sequel, this one should have posted a “To Be Continued” tag in the ending credits. Unlike the other films, this conclusion felt like the story stopped in the middle of a chapter.

Look, I don’t mind being teased into a mild climax with a promise for more. But to be told that any climax will be delayed for a year or two annoys me (yes, that sounds more sexual than I intended). And given the fact that a follow up film is dependent not only on box office performance, but the possible series reboot, Anderson should have let the series end when he had the chance. Sure, he could have always written a sequel. But he had the perfect ending and he blew it. Now fans are stuck hoping for a sequel that might never happen.

Regardless of how it ended, the rest of the film is great fun. If watching badass women kicking monster and zombie butt sounds like a great way to spend a couple hours, then the thought of watching it unfold in state of the art 3D should send you racing to the theaters.

Just be ready to mentally roll the film back a bit as the credits roll.

What a busy week; Resident Evil, Trolls and a visit to the American Grindhouse

2010-09-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

Wow, horror fans have a lot to choose from this week, with a major studio release and a variety of independent features making the rounds. So, let's not waste any time and dive on into the weekly calendar.

First up, Resident Evil:Afterlife opens everywhere today. Using James Cameron's 3D technology, this promises to be better looking than most of the recent post 3D films that rolled through the multiplexes this year. We all know the plot, as Alice and Claire find more survivors of the T-virus, fight zombies and other monsters, and try yet again to take down the Umbrella Corporation. I'm off to an early show today, so expect a review this weekend.

The Hollywood Theater presents a week long screening of The Best Worst Movie Ever, a documentary examining the cult status of Troll 2 (a truly awful film). Directed by Michael Stephenson (who played the young hero of the film), it promises to be a loving tribute to one of cinema's worst offerings. Shows at 7 and 9:30 pm most nights, with weekend matinees.

On Saturday, the Hollywood Theater will skip the late showing of The Best Worst Movie Ever to screen a 35mm print of Troll 2. If you haven't seen it before, this may be the best way to experiences the film, in a theater full of fellow horror fans. Expect lots of laughing and jeer in the theater.

The Clinton Street Theater starts a week long run of American Grindhouse tonight. This documentary, narrated by Robert Forster, tackles the long history of exploitation films and it's effects of popular culture. Shows at 7 and 9 pm nightly.

Centurion, the latest bloody offering from director Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, The Descent). The film follows a group of Roman soldiers trying to escape the attacks of some ticked off Picts, who don't take kindly to Rome's imperialistic ways. But don't expect much in the way of political allegories, as Marshall fills the screen with beheadings, dismemberments and spears to the groin. The film is at the Living Room Theater, showing at 2, 4, 6:45 and 9:10 pm throughout the week (no late show on Sunday).

If you missed them last week, Machete and The Last Exorcism is still in various theaters. Also, Piranha 3D is still in one theater (the Century 16 Cedar Hills Crossing). Check local listings for more information.

And, as always, if you have a horror event happening in the Pacific Northwest, drop me a line at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll make sure it gets on the calendar. If you've tried to contact me in the past, I've fixed a few things concerning my spam settings, so you will get through. And sorry for the muck up!

Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting: The Seven Brothers vs. Dracula

2010-09-07T23:14:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the Hollywood Theatre, where the Grindhouse Film Festival presented The Seven Brothers vs. Dracula (the Americanized version of The Seven Golden Vampires), and the crowd loved every minute of it.

The film, a 1974 joint venture between Hammer Studios and The Shaw Brothers, was an attempt to mix the waning Gothic horror franchise with the craze for Kung Fu movies. It comes off as rather campy to modern audiences, but is still a fun little romp with lots of horror and martial arts mayhem.

Dracula has taken the guise of a Taoist monk and summoned the 7 Golden Vampires to lay siege on a Chinese village. Young girls are taken to Dracula's pagoda, where the vampires feast upon them and their remaining blood is drained into a large, boiling pot.

I'm not sure why the pot of blood is boiling. Maybe the vampiric version of a hot toddy, to ward off the winter chill? It's never explained, and doesn't really matter in the long run.

Anyway, a lone farmer tries, and fails, to rescue his daughter. However, he manages to rip off a golden bat medallion from one of the Golden Vampires before trying to flee back to the village. Finding himself locked out, he places the medallion next to a statue of the Buddha before dying at the hands of Dracula's undead army. The vampire, venting vapors like an unplugged water heater, crumbles into dust as he is unable to regain the bat plug from it's holy resting place.

Meanwhile, Dr. Van Helsing (Peter Cushing, whose appearance brought out a cheer from the crowd) is lecturing Chinese students in Chongqing University about the danger of vampires. Of course, most of the scholars leave, except for Hsi Chin (played by David Chiang). His village was the one attacked by the Count, and he wants to enlist Van Helsing to help him defeat the undead army.

While the two talk, we are introduced to Van Helsing's son (Robin Stewart), who takes it upon himself to defend the honor of an English countess (Julie Ege) from a Chinese mobster. Annoyed by the loss of face, the mobster sends a few goons after the couple, only to discover they have protection from two of the seven brothers.

Realizing she needs to get out of the city, the countess agrees to finance the vampire hunting expedition, as long as she can travel with them. Van Helsing protests, but Chin says his brothers can protect them. As they leave the city, this claim is put to the test, as a score of henchmen, lead by the Chinese mobster, ambush the caravan.

Seriously, this movie should have been Seven Brothers and One Sister vs. Dracula, as the sister offered to the countess as a guard (Mei Kwei, played by Szu Shi) demonstrates her ability to kick ass with the best of them. The mobster army defeated, the group moves on to the village.

Resting overnight in a cave, the group is attacked by three of the remaining golden vampires and their army of hopping undead minions. Yes, I said hopping. In Chinese mythology, vampiric creatures hop about, though in this film, the undead appear to be skipping. Regardless of their mobility, these creatures are pretty good when it comes to kung fu, though no match for the seven brothers and one sister.

With four golden vampires down, the heroes make it to the village and prepare for the oncoming siege. Both sides suffer heavy casualties, with the one remaining golden vampire taking Kwei back to the haunted pagoda. Van Helsing Jr. in hot pursuit, tailed by his father and the remaining brothers. Once the final golden vampire is vanquished, everyone leaves the pagoda (in a classic horror film WTF moment), setting up the final (and surprisingly brief) final battle between Van Helsing Sr. and the Count.

The film is an interesting clash of styles. The sets are obviously Asian, yet the production injects a lot of the Hammer Gothic feel to them. The Van Helsing's attempts to fight off the undead horde look out of place with the kung fu mayhem surrounding them. And while the film avoids any European Imperialistic trappings, the fates of the two cross-culture romances is no surprise, given the time the film was shot.

Still, even with the flaws, the film works as a rocking horror adventure film. The kung fu fights are classic Shaw Brothers stuff, Cushing delivers a smashing performance, and the other actors are great. Julie Ege's diminishing outfit elicited the appropriate hoots from the crowd, and the hero's deaths were appropriately tragic.

The 35mm print wasn't pristine, with lots of scratches, blips and faded colors. But it wasn't terrible and managed to show off some of the use of lighting and colors common to the classic Hammer pictures.

If the Grindhouse Film Festival decided to screen this picture again, you should check it out. The film is rather campy and an obvious marketing ploy for it's time. Yet, it's a lot of fun and holds up well, thanks to the period setting. Yes, there is some nudity and gore, but the film is quaintly PC and easily accessible to modern audiences. I strongly recommend you check this one out next time it comes around.