Hey, here's the events genre fans in the Northwest are craving to hear about!

Well, I was working on the Horror Calendar update tonight, with some cool screenings from the Rocket Sci-Fi Matinee at The Pickford Film Center in Bellingham, WA, and an exciting screening at The Hollywood Theatre in August,  but I realized it's Weird Wednesday, and you shouldn't miss watching local podcast legend Derek M. Koch (of Monster Kid Radio) introducing the Paul Naschey film, Horror Rises from the Tomb tonight at The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard, OR).  The show starts at 9:15 pm, and you must be 21 or older to attend.  Admission is FREE, so be sure to spend a few extra buck at the snack bar and help The Joy keep WEDNESDAYS WEIRD!

Be sure to check the Ongoing and Buy It Now section of the update, for films that I suspect will sell out, and opportunities to submit your genre film to local festivals.

And check out the Horror Calendar, for events such as Hot August Frights at the 7th St Theatre in Hoqium, WA, for a creep crawly good time, genre movies in the park, and SO MUCH MORE!   And I will update the Rocket Sci-Fi offerings later this week.

And I would like to thank everyone who checked out my review of the new Ghostbusters movie.  I know some of you didn't agree with my feelings towards the film, but you made it the most viewed moment in The Shadow Over Portland history.  So, I thank you.  And I welcome your comments and viewpoints.  Nothing will be blocked or censored, unless you're just being a jerk.

But now, onto the upcoming events!

Ongoing

Submissions are being accepted for the PDXtreme Fest, 3 days of horror, crime, gore and more at the the Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark) in Portland, OR, December 2 through 4 this year.  You can find more details on how to enter your film at the Facebook Event Page.

------------

Mental Trap Escape Room Game invites you, and four to ten members, to escape a locked room in one hour.  And yes, it is timed.  Created by the devious minds behind 13th Door Haunted House, Glowing Greens Miniature Golf and Haunted Productions, this offers you the challenge to find the clues keeping you locked in the room and escape within an hour.  But, as the website suggests, it's not as easy as it sounds.  Located at 3855 SW Murray Blvd in Portland, OR, you can challenge your wits (and those of your team mates) to solve the puzzle before time expires.  I don't know what happens if you don't succeed, but that's part of the fun.  For more details, visit the link.

------------

Bleedingham, a Northwest Horror Short Film Festival, is now excepting submissions.  The chosen films will screen at the Pickford Film Cinema (1318 Bay St) in Bellingham, WA later this year.  More details can be found at the official website.

------------

You can still have your Lovecraftian film considered for the H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival and CthulhuCon, which happens October 7 to 9 at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR).  For more details, visit the Official Website.  Oh, and I'm a guest at the fest, so hope to see you there!

Buy it NOW!

The Grindhouse Film Festival presents a rare 35mm screening of Lucio Fulci's gutmunching classic, Zombie, at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) on Tuesday, July 26, at 7:30 pm.  Grindhouse Film Festival screens often sell out, so buy your tickets early!!  More information and a link to advance ticket sales, are available at the theater's official website.

-------------

Oh, this will be all shades of AWESOME!  Tonight at 7:30 pm, The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) will present a screening of David Cronenberg's Scanners in GLORIOUS 35mm.  Okay, that's enough for a geek out moment, but Michael Ironside will be in attendance, with a Q and A after the show!!!  OH HELL YES!!!!!!!  Tickets are $9. and I advise you to buy them EARLY!  Unfortunately, the website is saying online sales are closed, so check back later, or head to The Hollywood Theatre to purchase advance tickets now.  

July, 2016

Wednesday, July 20

Horror Rises from the Tomb at  The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard, OR).  This Paul Naschy deals with a warlock and his wife being beheaded, only to come back centuries later to possess the living to make them perform human sacrifices and search for the rest of their bodies.  And Portland podcasting legend (and Rondo Hatton winner) Derek M. Koch (of Monster Kid Radio) will be introducing the film!  The 9:15 pm screening will be free of charge, so do you part to keep Wednesdays WEIRD in Tigard by taking the money you saved on admission and buying some tasty snacks and a beer (or soda) at the concession stand.  You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.  For more details, visit The Joy Cinema website.

Thursday, July 21

Get ready to be hungry for Twinkies and set your sights on Zombie Kill of the Day!  Moonlight Cinema at Redhook Brewery (14300 NE 145th St in Woodinville, WA) presents a screening of Zombieland.  Festivities start at 6 pm with a Zombie Burlesque Show.   Admission is $5 and you must be 21 or older to attend.  The Redhook Brewery official website isn't very helpful (click and good luck to you, as all I got was a limited calendar and a pop-up with details about the films and advance ticket sales).  Hope the website is updated later by now.

Friday, July 22

Northwest outdoor cinema favorite, The Goonies, plays tonight at Westlake Park (401 Pine St in Seattle, WA) as part of the Movies in the Park series.  The movie starts at dusk and admission is free.  If you want more details, good luck, as the websites aren't too helpful.  Visit the Westlake Park Calendar, the Official Seattle Parks and Rec website or the Westlake Park Facebook Page.

------------

If you're more in the mood for a dark fairy tale, head to Jefferson Park (3801 Beacon Ave S in Seattle, WA) as Outdoor Movies in Jefferson Park presents Labyrinth.  Festivities start at 7 pm with open mic, and the movie starts at dusk.  If you want more details, visit the Beacon Arts official website.  And the site has a link for you to email the organizers if you want to perform during the open mic session.

Sunday, July 24

The 1968 sci-fi classic, Planet of the Apes, is headed back to the big screen, courtesy of Fathom Events.  Playing on Sunday, July 24, and Wednesday, July 27, at 2 and 7 pm both days.  Catching this sci fi classic on the big screen is an event most genre fans won't want to miss.  Click on the links to find locations for the July 24 and July 27 screenings.

------------

Another dystopian vision of the future screens tonight at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, as Frak! Theater presents a digital restoration of John Carpenter's Escape from New York at 7 pm.  I don't think I need to say anymore than Snake Plsskin on THE BIG SCREEN!!  Part of a Harry Dean Stanton series, in honor of his 90th birthday, you can find more details and advance tickets at the link.

Tuesday, July 26

They are going to EAT YOU!  The Grindhouse Film Festival presents a rare 35mm screening of Lucio Fulci's gutmunching classic, Zombie, at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) tonight at 7:30 pm.  Yes, the film with the classic shark verse zombie battle, as well as the most infamous moment of eyeball trauma in a Fulci film (and he's filmed A LOT of eyeball trauma)!  I saw this film when I was 18 years old on it's initial release and man, it was hard not to look away at times.  If you've never seen it on the big screen, don't miss this opportunity!  Don't forget, the GFF screens often sell out, so buy your tickets early!!  More information and a link to advance ticket sales are available at the theater's official website.

------------

Well, that's what I have for now, Northwest Genre Fans.  Should I have missed anything, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be sure to include it.  

And, should you attend any of these events, please let the organizers know you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!

Ghostbusters (2016)

Okay, before I get into this review, let me make one thing absolutely clear.  I HAVE NOT received any perks from Sony or Columbia Pictures for this review.  No free screening (paid for my ticket), no swag in any way.  Hell, I bought my own beer... so I owe Sony/Columbia NOTHING!

Had to get that out of the way, as a lot of Internet trolls are suggesting any reviewer with a positive take on the new Ghostbuster film was paid off by the studio.  I WAS NOT, and I have to make that clear because I really liked the film.  It was much more fun that Batman V. Superman or X-Men: Apocalypse, delivering about two hours of a cast of characters busting ghost, taking names and delivering some laughs without having to go all dark and depressing.  All you could want in a summer movie.

Let the nerd rage commence....

And bring it on, as I'm sure these gals

have my back

To be honest, the reboot isn't the best movie ever, but it's solid fun and a big step forward in how women in action/comedy films are portrayed.  And, though I can't call it a true horror comedy (as with the first two films, they are comedies with horror elements), I feel I need to discuss this film in the hopes that it gains more support and changes how women are portrayed in genre related films.

But more about that later.  Onto the plot...

Erin Gilbert (Kristen Wiig) is a candidate for tenure at Columbia University.  But her academic plans are derailed when a book she cowrote with Abby Yates (Melissa McCarthy), attempting to give a scientific explanation for ghosts, shows up on Amazon.  She finds this out when approached by the curator of a potentially haunted house comes to her, asking her to investigate the sightings.

She goes to Yates' lab at at a rather shady "university,"  She meets Yate's coworker. Jillian Holtzmann (Kate McKinnon) and getting involved with their investigation of the haunted building.  They record an apparition, but the resulting video results in Gilbert being kicked out of Columbia and Yates being kicked out of her office.  The trio set i[ their own research lab, then teams up to investigate a supernatural event in the NYC subways, reported by Patty Tolan (Leslie Jones).

Eventually, the four team try to scientifically prove the existence of ghosts, while uncovering the plot of marginalize hotel employee Rowan North (Neil Casey) to bring about a world wide apocalypse.  Even when the New York City authorities, and members of Homeland Security, are convinced the threat is ended, the Ghostbusters discover North's plans have only begun and must save the world, and their dumb as a bag of rocks secretary Kevin (a hilarious Chris Hemsworth), from utter destruction.

Yeah, the ladies steal the stage from Ozzie,  

Good for you!

Okay, most everyone from the original has a cameo.  Harold Ramis shows up as a bust in the halls of Columbia University, leaving the only Rick Moranis missing (understandable, as he's given up acting, but I might have missed an homage to his character in the film).  Even the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man shows up, though not as the main villain, despite what some websites might lead you to believe.

And that's the problem with all the online hatred for this film.  It's not perfect, but it's so much better than you'd expect.  Most of that is thanks to the script, by Katie Dippold and Paul Feig.  Sure, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis share script writing credits, but Dippold and Feig take the basic idea and make it a separate movie from the original.  It's a complete reboot and it works, as the script gives the new actors room to breathe and form their own characters, rather than slavishly conforming to the stereotypes in the previous films.

Having watched the original film, and the sequel, a week before the new version was released, I can say that time hasn't treated the originals well.  Sure, the practical effects are amazing, but Venkman (Bill Murray) is a total sleaze, despite the fact that he's suppose to be the hero.  Instead, the man would have multiple restraining orders against him, including a few from Dana, and I wouldn't blame her.

Sure, this is a scientific device.

And yes, I am happy to see you.

And the dick jokes.  Oh My God, too many dick jokes.  That's not to say there is not some genital humor in the reboot, but the focus isn't on stroking up proton guns and making them hard.  It's based on overcoming political oppression and kicking ghost ass.  And that's why this movie works so well.

Sure, we get a back story from Gilbert, about how she saw a ghost when she was a young girl and no one but Yates would believe her.  But the script avoids giving any of the women a stereotypical reason for wanting to bust ghosts, and that is a big plus.  Unlike movie like Aliens and the Underworld series, which have strong female characters, their motivations come from finding a nuclear family unit of some type to make them fight the main villain.  Instead, the new Ghostbusters are attempting to prove the existence of the supernatural, before protecting the world from the End of Days.

Okay, Gilbert is hot and heavy for Kevin, but her attraction is mocked by her teammates.  But unlike the originals, who are out to make a buck (while one is looking to score with a hot cellist), these gals only want to prove they are right and keep the world safe, even if the government denies their actions.  And that is awesome in a movie with no male lead, as woman are finally invading this final domain of manliness in movies.  You know the troupe, the guy getting into the action (however reluctantly) to prove he was right about the bad guy, as seen in every 80s action movie since First Blood.

The cast is solid.  Wiig and McCarthy play characters we've seen in films like Bridesmaids, but their performances are solid, and it's nice to see McCarthy not play the heavy girl that is the butt of every joke.  Tolan is funny as well (though, to be honest, her character is the least developed of the bunch), but the real standouts are Hemsworth (the man has some comedic chops and, if you stay for the credits, can really DANCE; I'm an old Hollywood musical fan and that man has some moves!!), as well as McKinnon, who steals every scene she's in.  And when she gets the chance to gun-fu like she's in a John Woo movie, she is AMAZING!

Yeah, I have a new nerd crush.
Go ahead, judge me.
I dare you!

This was the most fun I've had watching this year's genre related summer blockbusters thus far this year.  Yes, it's not breaking any new ground, the CGI effects work for the most part (but still pale compared to the original, though I doubt any practical effects could generate the amount of ghosts and proton rays on the screen in the final act).  But again. the cast is solid, the jokes work for the most part, the film plays off the original well, and, damn it, I was grinning most of the time.  It may not be "fresh," but it's a lot of fun and much better than you might expect.

But if my review doesn't convince you to support this version of Ghostbusters, just check out the picture below.  After seeing women being marginalized in countless movies (seriously, Marvel Cinematic Universe, you need to do better with Black Widow, Sif and Scarlett Witch), young girls dressed up as Ghostbusters for the film's Hollywood premiere and, by the looks on their faces as they meet Kristen Wiig, appear to believe they can do what the women did in this film.  And I think that's the most important reason for this reboot.

If these girls don't melt your heart,

you're dead inside.

That's right, girls.  You go BUST SOME GHOSTS!

Well, Northwest Horror Fans, it's summer and the sun is starting to come out, so time to head indoors for some AWESOME screenings and a few haunted events that will test your mind.  And be sure to look at the Ongoing part of this update, as you still have time to submit your horror film to a couple of local festivals.

And The Hollywood Theatre here in Portland, OR, has two events in the Buy It Now section that deserves you attention.  And check out the next Weird Wednesday at the Joy Cinema in Tigard, OR, as Derek M. Koch introduces a screening of Horror Rises from the Tomb, with Paul Naschy!

Details for these, and other events, are listed below.

And, if you're looking deep into the future, check out the Horror Calendar, as I've listed events from film screenings, cons and horror themed belly dancing into 2017.


Oh, and I'll be a guest at the H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival, starting on October 7 at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR).  I don't know what panels I'll be on, but I'll be sure to post them.  Please stop by and say hello!

The Shadow Over Portland is back and spreading the spooky news over the Northwest.


Ongoing

Submissions are being accepted for the PDXtreme Fest, 3 days of horror, crime, gore and more at the the Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark) in Portland, OR, December 2 through 4 this year.  You can find more details on how to enter your film at the Facebook Event Page.

------------

Mental Trap Escape Room Game invites you, and four to ten members, to escape a locked room in one hour.  And yes, it is timed.  Created by the devious minds behind 13th Door Haunted House, Glowing Greens Miniature Golf and Haunted Productions, this offers you the challenge to find the clues keeping you locked in the room and escape within an hour.  But, as the website suggests, it's not as easy as it sounds.  Located at 3855 SW Murray Blvd in Portland, OR, you can challenge your wits (and those of your team mates) to solve the puzzle before time expires.  I don't know what happens if you don't succeed, but that's part of the fun.  For more details, visit the link.

------------

Bleedingham, a Northwest Horror Short Film Festival, is now excepting submissions.  The chosen films will screen at the Pickford Film Cinema (1318 Bay St) in Bellingham, WA later this year.  More details can be found at the official website.

Buy it NOW!

The Grindhouse Film Festival presents a rare 35mm screening of Lucio Fulci's gutmunching classic, Zombie, at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd in Portland, OR) July 26 at 7:30 pm.  Grindhouse Film Festival screens often sell out, so buy your tickets early!!  More information and a link to advance ticket sales, are available at the theater's official website.

-------------

Repressed Cinema presents a RARE 16mm print of the Roger Corman CLASSIC, Death Race 2000! The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, will host this event starting at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, July 19, with 16mm trailer screening before the show.  Visit the theater's official website for more details and advance ticket sales (I'd say that's HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!).

July, 2016

Wednesday, July 13

Well, it's the middle of the week and that means it's Weird Wednesday at The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard, OR).  And tonight's feature is 1958's The Screaming Skull!  Yes, there is a screaming skull, as well as an offer to provide a free burial service to any patron that dies of fright durning the movie.  Well, The Joy Cinema isn't offering any such measures should YOU die of fright, but they promise that the 9:15 pm screening will be free of charge.  So do you part to keep Wednesdays WEIRD in Tigard by taking the money you saved on admission and buying some tasty snacks and a beer (or soda) at the concession stand.  You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.

And if you want to learn more about this film, check out Episode 163 and Episode 164 of Monster Kid Radio!  Portland podcasting legend Derek M. Koch talks with author and fellow Monster Kid Stephen D Sullivan about the film, but beware, as the two might scream out some spoilers!

------------

Oh man, OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, located at 1945 SE Water Ave in Portland, OR) opens it's 2016 Sci Fi Film Festival tonight and the roster is AMAZING.  From Forbidden Planet to Robocop, I'm pretty sure you'll find something interesting playing through July 15.  Just click to the OMSI Website, than scroll till you find the Sci Fi Film Festival link.


Thursday, July 14

Though it's considered by some to be the worst movie ever made, I must strongly disagree and say Ed Wood's Plan 9 from Outer Space is an amazing film, one where the enthusiasm of the cast and crew overcome their overall filmmaking incompetence, leading to one of the most gloriously entertaining bad movies ever made.  I mean, you can't not listen to Dudley Manlove (oh yeah, that's his name) deliver the line, "You see?  You see?  Your stupid minds!  Stupid!!  Stupid!!!" and not realize he's giving it his all to make the delivery intense and exciting (Really, I've seen some BAD films and Manlove is an Oscar winner compared to some other performances).  See for yourself as the NW Film Center screens the film tonight at 7 pm at the Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave) in Portland, OR.  For more details, visit the NWFC official website.

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Pemco Outdoor Movies at Magnuson Park (7400 Sand Point Way NE in Seattle, WA) presents a screening of the dark fairy tale, Labyrinth, presented by Seattle Children's.  Admission is $5 per person at the door, with kids 5 and under admitted into the event for free.  Festivities start at 6:30 pm with entertainment and food carts, the movie starts at dusk.  For more details, visit the event's official website or the Facebook Event Page (where any cancellation information will be posted).  Remember, Seattle parks are smoke-free.

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The Porkchop Express makes a stop at Redhook Brewery (14300 NE 145th St in Woodinville, WA) as Moonlight Cinema presents Big Trouble in Little China, complete with a martial arts expo and brick breaking demonstration.  Festivities start at 6 pm and admission is $5.  At least that's all I could gather from the Redhook Brewery official website (click and good luck to you, as all I got was a limited calendar and a pop-up with details about the films).  Hope the website is updated later in the week.

Friday, July 15

Who is the real father of the adopted son of Robert and Katherine Thorn?  Could it be SATAN?!?!  As if you didn't already know.  Tonight, Friday Night Frights Tacoma presents a screening of the 1976 classic, The Omen, at the Blue Mouse Theatre (2611 N. Proctor St) in Tacoma, WA.  Possibly the first American film to feature overly creative death scenes, you don't want to miss a character's (not spoiling it here) decapitation on the big screen.  It will look AMAZING.  The show starts at 10 pm and admission is just $6.  You'll find more details at the Friday Night Frights Tacoma Facebook Page.

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Get ready for the most amazing Bug Hunt in GLORIOUS 70mm, as The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, presents a screening of James Cameron's Aliens through July 17.  As of Monday, July 11, all showings are sold out.  Should that change, I'll be sure to post the information as soon as possible.

------------

If last night's screening of Plan 9 has you interested in more about the career of one of the worst directors ever, check out tonight's screening of Ed Wood.  Presented by the NW Film Center, this film is gives a rather fictionalized account of Wood's life, but star Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton are able to capture the enthusiasm Wood brought to many of his pictures.  And the film will be presented in GLORIOUS 35mm!!  The show starts at 7 pm at the Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave) in Portland, OR.  For more details, visit the NWFC official website.

------------

The Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 SE 50th St in Seattle, WA) is screening a new restoration of Lucio Fulci's Lizard in a Women's Skin.  One of his Giallo films, the story involves a frustrated wife finding her violent dreams becoming a reality.  Or are they?  Check it out and find out the answers for yourself!  The film screens tonight and tomorrow at 9 pm.  Visit the theater's official website for more details.

Saturday, July 16

Spend an evening with Rowdy Roddy Piper running out of bubble gum while kicking ass, as John Carpenter's They Live screens as part of The Olympia Film Society (206 5th Ave SE in Olympia, WA) Fright Club tonight at 9 pm.  For more details, visit the OFS official website.  And remember, the first rule of Fright Club is let all other Horror Fans know about Fright Club!!

Tuesday, July 19

Repressed Cinema presents a RARE 16mm print of the Roger Corman CLASSIC, Death Race 2000!  Okay, I shouldn't need to say anymore, but for those who've never seen this amazing film, think a cross country road race with bonus points awarded for pedestrian kills.  Yeah, okay, it's like GTA, but with more satire and dark humor than anything on a gaming platform.  And the race favorite, Frankenstein (David Carradine) is planning on taking out the President, who uses the Death Race to pacify the populace.  Director Paul Bartel makes the most of a stellar cast, including Sylvester Stallone, Mary Woronov, Martin Kove and FRED GRANDY (Gopher from The Love Boat), as well as directors John Landis and Lewis Teague!  The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, will host this event starting at 7:30 pm tonight with 16mm trailer screenings.  Visit the theater's official website for more details and advance ticket sales (I'd say that's HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!).

Wednesday, July 20

Horror Rises from the Tomb at  The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Hwy in Tigard, OR).  This Paul Naschy deals with a warlock and his wife being beheaded, only to come back centuries later to possess the living to make them perform human sacrifices and search for the rest of their bodies.  And Portland podcasting legend (and Rondo Hatton winner) Derek M. Koch (of Monster Kid Radio) will be introducing the film!  The 9:15 pm screening will be free of charge, so do you part to keep Wednesdays WEIRD in Tigard by taking the money you saved on admission and buying some tasty snacks and a beer (or soda) at the concession stand.  You must be at least 21 years of age to attend.  For more details, visit The Joy Cinema website.

Thursday, July 21

Get ready to be hungry for Twinkies and set your sights on Zombie Kill of the Day!  Moonlight Cinema at Redhook Brewery (14300 NE 145th St in Woodinville, WA) presents a screening of Zombieland.  Festivities start at 6 pm with a Zombie Burlesque Show.   Admission is $5 and you must be 21 or older to attend.  The Redhook Brewery official website isn't very helpful (click and good luck to you, as all I got was a limited calendar and a pop-up with details about the films and advance ticket sales).  Hope the website is updated later by now.

Friday, July 22

Northwest outdoor cinema favorite, The Goonies, plays tonight at Westlake Park (401 Pine St in Seattle, WA) as part of the Movies in the Park series.  The movie starts at dusk and admission is free.  If you want more details, good luck, as the websites aren't too helpful.  Visit the Westlake Park Calendar, the Official Seattle Parks and Rec website or the Westlake Park Facebook Page.

------------

If you're more in the mood for a dark fairy tale, head to Jefferson Park (3801 Beacon Ave S in Seattle, WA) as Outdoor Movies in Jefferson Park presents Labyrinth.  Festivities start at 7 pm with open mic, and the movie starts at dusk.  If you want more details, visit the Beacon Arts official website.  And the site has a link for you to email the organizers if you want to perform during the open mic session.

------------

Be sure to check out the Horror Calendar for the latest updates for this year and 2017!  If I missed your event, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be sure to add it.

And remember, should you attend any of these events, let the organizers know you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!!

Sorry I'm behind again, but my witch doctor told me what to do.

What a man does for pay is of little significance.  What he is, as a sensitive instrument responsive to the world's beauty, is everything!

H. P. Lovecraft

And, sorry to say, I lost sight of that, Pacific Northwest Horror Fans.  I came back from my vacation away from my "real job" so rejuvenated and ready to go, I stopped taking the treatment that helps me weather the blows from my daily existence.

So I saw my witch doctor a few days ago and he told me what to do.  He said, "Oh-E-Oh-Ah-Ah, you know what you need, so start taking it!  IDIOT!!"

Okay, before anyone accuses me of making fun of people with depression, I will say I have it, and humor is becoming my response to it.  It's not a diagnosed ailment, but I have the classic symptoms and a few friends in the medical profession have suggested more pharmaceutical remedies to my problem.

But I consider my depression to be more situational, not chemical.  Let's just say my life went to crap in 2006, and I have yet to fully recover.  Things are much better, but sometimes I fall into the false hope that I don't need the witch doctor (AMA unproven) treatments to take the edge off and allow me to functioning outside of my daily life (You know, the one that pays the bills).

I keep trying to wean myself off the treatment, but without it, I continue to falling into an abyss that is hard to escape once it has swallowed me.  Hence, the low postings for the past two months.  I thought I was over it, I was wrong, and it took too long to figure out.

Sorry about that.

But, I'm back on my witch doctor treatment and I'm feeling pretty good.  And I don't plan on backing off on it for a while, so expect your weekly updates to start back up from The Shadow Over Portland.  Sorry for the long break, Northwest Horror Fans.  Not planning on letting it happen again.


Ongoing

Submissions are being accepted for the PDXtreme Fest, 3 days of horror, crime, gore and more at the the Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark) in Portland, OR, December 2 through 4 this year.  You can find more details on how to enter your film at the Facebook Event Page.

------------

Mental Trap Escape Room Game invites you, and four to ten members, to escape a locked room in one hour.  And yes, it is timed.  Created by the devious minds behind 13th Door Haunted House, Glowing Greens Miniature Golf and Haunted Productions, this offers you the challenge to find the clues keeping you locked in the room and escape within an hour.  But, as the website suggests, it's not as easy as it sounds.  Located at 3855 SW Murray Blvd in Portland, OR, you can challenge your wits (and those of your team mates) to solve the puzzle before time expires.  I don't know what happens if you don't succeed, but that's part of the fun.  For more details, visit the link.

------------

Bleedingham, a Northwest Horror Short Film Festival, is now excepting submissions.  The chosen films will screen at the Pickford Film Cinema (1318 Bay St) in Bellingham, WA later this year.  More details can be found at the official website.

Buy it NOW!

Get ready for the most amazing Bug Hunt in GLORIOUS 70mm, as The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, presents a screening of James Cameron's Aliens July 15 to 17.  Tickets are selling out fast, so visit the link as soon as you can for more details.

July, 2016

Friday, July 8

Okay, I keep including Jaws screenings on this site, even thought I consider it more an adventure film akin to The Naked Jungle (Charlton Heston verse a 2-mile-wide swarm of army ants in the South American jungle), but I will NOT deny the Spielberg classic has moments that are SCARY AS FREAKING HELL!  Central Cinema (1411 21 Ave in Seattle, WA) screens the film through Tuesday, July 12.  For more details and showtimes, visit the theater's official website.

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The Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 SE 50th St in Seattle, WA) is screening a new restoration of the UNCENSORED DIRECTOR"S CUT of Lucio Fulci's Cat in the Brain.  Fulci stars as a director driven insane by his movies.  And considering this film was released after his classics Zombie, City of the Living Dead, House by the Cemetery, The Beyond and The New York Ripper, as well as a few others, this might be the cinematic representation of a director coming to grips with the horrors he unleashed on the screen.  Or, just another AWESOME GOREFEST!  Check it out and decide for yourself!!  The film screens tonight and tomorrow at 9 pm.  Visit the theater's official website for more details.

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Oh man, OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, located at 1945 SE Water Ave in Portland, OR) opens it's 2016 Sci Fi Film Festival tonight and the roster is AMAZING.  From Forbidden Planet to Robocop, I'm pretty sure you'll find something interesting playing through July 15.  Just click to the OMSI Website, than scroll till you find the Sci Fi Film Festival link.

Saturday, July 9

FLASH!  AH-HAAA!!!!  The Olympia Film Society (205 5th Ave. SE in Olympia, WA) Sci-Fi Theater presents the 1980 camp classic, Flash Gordon, tonight at 9 pm.  Candy colored special effects, a (probably un-intentionally) silly script and a rocking soundtrack by Queen makes this a SERIOUSLY FUN FILM!  Don't miss it on the big screen!!!  For more details, visit the OFS official website.

Sunday, July 10

The Best of 2015 H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival DVD Release Party happens tonight at 8 pm at the Lovecraft Bar (421 SE Grand Ave in Portland, OR).  Copies of the DVD will be available, and you must be 21 or older to attend.  For more details, visit the Facebook Event Page.

Thursday, July 14

Though it's considered by some to be the worst movie ever made, I must strongly disagree and say Ed Wood's Plan 9 from Outer Space is an amazing film, one where the enthusiasm of the cast and crew overcome their overall filmmaking incompetence, leading to one of the most gloriously entertaining bad movies ever made.  I mean, you can't not listen to Dudley Manlove (oh yeah, that's his name) deliver the line, "You see?  You see?  Your stupid minds!  Stupid!!  Stupid!!!" and not realize he's giving it his all to make the delivery intense and exciting (Really, I've seen some BAD films and Manlove is an Oscar winner compared to some other performances).  See for yourself as the NW Film Center screens the film tonight at 7 pm at the Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave) in Portland, OR.  For more details, visit the NWFC official website.

Friday, July 15

Who is the real father of the adopted son of Robert and Katherine Thorn?  Could it be SATAN?!?!  As if you didn't already know.  Tonight, Friday Night Frights Tacoma presents a screening of the 1976 classic, The Omen, at the Blue Mouse Theatre (2611 N. Proctor St) in Tacoma, WA.  Possibly the first American film to feature overly creative death scenes, you don't want to miss a character's (not spoiling it here) decapitation on the big screen.  It will look AMAZING.  The show starts at 10 pm and admission is just $6.  You'll find more details at the Friday Night Frights Tacoma Facebook Page.

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Get ready for the most amazing Bug Hunt in GLORIOUS 70mm, as The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, presents a screening of James Cameron's Aliens through July 17.  Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) awakens after a long cryogenic stasis, only to find no one believes her tale of Xenomorphs with acid based blood and nefarious intents, until the the terraformers on LV-426 stop sending radio messages.  Hitching a ride with some bad-ass Space Marine, she finds they are unable to deal with the threat.  Tickets are selling out fast, so visit the link as soon as you can for more details.

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If last nights screening of Plan 9 has you interested in more about the career of one of the worst directors ever, check out tonight's screening of Ed Wood.  Presented by the NW Film Center, this film is gives a rather fictionalized account of Wood's life, but star Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton are able to capture the enthusiasm Wood brought to many of his pictures.  And the film will be presented in GLORIOUS 35mm!!  The show starts at 7 pm at the Whitsell Auditorium (1219 SW Park Ave) in Portland, OR.  For more details, visit the NWFC official website.

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The Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 SE 50th St in Seattle, WA) is screening a new restoration of Lucio Fulci's Lizard in a Women's Skin.  One of his Giallo films, the story involves a frustrated wife finding her violent dreams becoming a reality.  Or are they?  Check it out and find out the answers for yourself!  The film screens tonight and tomorrow at 9 pm.  Visit the theater's official website for more details.

Saturday, July 16

Spend an evening with Rowdy Roddy Piper running out of bubble gum while kicking ass, as John Carpenter's They Live screens as part of The Olympia Film Society (206 5th Ave SE in Olympia, WA) Fright Club tonight at 9 pm.  For more details, visit the OFS official website.  And remember, the first rule of Fright Club is let all other Horror Fans know about Fright Club!!

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Well, that's what I have for now, but the Horror Calendar is continually updated, so keep check the link for more details on upcoming events.

Should you be hosting, or know of, an event that would interest my readers, email me at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll include in on the Horror Calendar and future updates.  Remember, I cast a wide web, including sci fi/ fantasy films, as well as some action films.  And I do not charge for listing your event on the site.

And, as always, should you attend any of these events, mention to the organizers you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!!