Wednesday, March 9, 2016

The Northwest Spring Preview is OVER, but you can have a fine time indoors will all these Horror Happenings under The Shadow Over Portland!

Yes, once again, February enticed most of us with a Spring Preview of sunshine and warm weather.  But me, I'm welcoming the return of gray skies and drizzle, so prevalent under The Shadow Over Portland.

But that doesn't mean I'm not going to get out of the damp weather and I've found some great opportunities to dry out and watch some great genre features.  And, as always, I'm happy to share these experiences with you.  So, without further delay, here's the events that will make Horror Fans in the Northwest happy to stroll down the streets to their favorite theaters!

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.

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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 HouseGlowing 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.

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The Horror Darling of the Sundance Film FestivalThe Witch, continues at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR.  I've heard mixed about it, but I plan to see it and suggest Portland Horror Fans take a look.  More details, and advance ticket sales, are available at the link.

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Nesting, a four part semi-improvised stage performance, opens tonight at The Shoebox Theatre (2110 SE 10th Ave) in Portland, OR.  Created by Joel Patrick Durham, this production is described as a cross between Friends and The Shining, "original, live, and just scripted enough to be dangerous."  Sounds good to me!  For more details, and advance ticket sales, visit the link.

Thursday, March 10



Well, one can debate if Heathers is a horror tale or not, but a musical version of the 1988 pitch black comedy seems to be worth mentioning.  This Portland premiere of this stage production will take place at triangle productions! (1785 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, through April 2.  Showtimes and advance ticket sales are available at the link.

Friday, March 11



Projekt Records presents a screening of 2000's Shadow of the Vampire, in GLORIOUS 35mm, at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, tonight at 9:30 pm.  A fictional retelling of the filming of the vampire classic, Nosferatu, this version envisions what might have occurred had director F. W. Murnau (played by John Malkovich) had hired an actual vampire (William Defoe) to appear in his film.  As you might expect, things don't work out well.  Gift bags will be given to the first 50 "darklings" to enter the theater, so be sure to arrive early.  Oh, and your admission includes a raffle ticket for PRIZES!  Get more details, and a link for advance ticket sales (when available), at the Facebook Event Page.

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VHS Uber Alles returns to The Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 NE 50th St) in Seattle, WA, with a screening of the Robocop ripoff you never asked for, but know you HAVE TO SEE!  Robo C.H.I.C., part cop, part machine and ALL WOMAN, screens tonight at 9 pm in GLORIOUS VHS for just $2!  Click on the link, and scroll down to the appropriate date, for more details.   

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Beware the moors, as the Olympia Fright Club presents a screening of An American Werewolf in London tonight at 9 pm at the Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave. SE) in Olympia, WA.  This horror/comedy features some AMAZING (and Academy award winning) gore effects by Rick Baker, stellar work by the entire cast and....

Oh, I should have to be telling you this.  The film is a classic and deserves to be seen on the big screen.  Visit the link for more details.

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The Mission Theater (1624 NW Glisan) in Portland, OR, celebrates the 45th Anniversary of Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (and it should be obvious this IS NOT the Tim Burton remake) with screenings through Monday, March 14.  I should mention Saturday's screenings will be a Sing Along, so get ready for the "Ooompa Loompa Doompety Doo" chorus those nights.  And be warned, while the film is G rated, it might be pretty intense for younger children.  Yes, the Seventies was a different time, when family films were allowed to be scary and feature an actual chicken decapitation (I'm not joking!).  Find more details and showtimes at the link.  Children are allowed into the theater only with a parent or guardian.  

Saturday, March 12





OH MY!  The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, along with Wyrd War, presents a screening of Rats: Night of Terror, schlock maestro Bruno Mattei's fusion of the apocalypse via Escape from New YorkThe Road WarriorDawn of the Dead, with softcore skin flick moments.  All due to rats, shown on conveyor belts to speed them up.

But wait, there's more.  Also showing is Demons, the fever dream of director Lamberto Bava and Dario Argento.  A theatre audience is attacked by demons, which possess, no, burst out of the bodies of the living.  It might not make much sense, but DAMN, it's a great film, with lots of over the top gore and mayhem, and this screening will be in GLORIOUS 35mm, which is one you don't want to miss.

BUT THERE"S MORE.  Crowned Rose Parade Princess, and star of both films, Geretta Geretta
will be in attendance, with a Q and A hosted by Dennis Dread between the films.

It's one not to miss.  More details, and advance ticket sales, can be found at the link.

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The Bigfoot and beer speaker series, Hops-Squatch, presents a screening of Stomping Ground, with director Dan Riesser in attendance, at the Lucky Lab NW (1945 NW Quimby) in Portland, OR, tonight at 6 pm.  Tickets are limited, and only $5.  Space is limited, and doors open at 5:30 pm, so be sure to arrive early!  For more detail about the film, the monthly Hops-Squatch events, and advance ticket sales, visit the link.

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You might be asking why I'm including the Jimmy Stewart Western, Bend in the River, in the Horror Calendar.  Well, it's not because the film is being screening in GLORIOUS 35mm and shot in the Northwest, but two Horror Icons are in the cast.  The film features Julie Adams and Lori Nelson, both of whom caught the eye of the Gill-Man in Creature from the Black Lagoon and Revenge of the Creature, in the cast.  One can only wonder what these two actors might have talked about, had this film not been released two years before the first Creature film.  The showtime for this Western is 3 pm, and features a post-film discussion with Tim Williams or Oregon film, and with Ethan Field and Ron Campbell, hikers that might have found a camera in the Columbia Rive Gorge that might have been the one lost by Jimmy Stewart, which was lost during filming.  You can buy advance tickets at the link.

Wednesday, March 16



It's Weird Wednesday again at The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway) in Tigard, OR, and they have a treat for Kaiju fans!  The South Korean Monster Film, Yongary, Monster from the Deep, screens tonight at 9:15 pm and a fun time should be had be all.  Remember, admission is FREE (so spend some extra at the concession stand, damn it!), but you must be 21 or older to attend.  You can find more details at the link later in the week.

And if you're interested in learning more about the film before you see it, check out this episode of Monster Kid Radio, where host Derek M. Koch and guest Stephen D. Sullivan talk about this flick.  And, while you're at it  subscribe to the podcast!  It's a great weekly podcast for all Monster Kids!!

Friday, March 18



The Old Porkchop Express is coming to the 7th St Theatre (313 7th St) in Hoqiuam, WA, as John Carpenter's classic spoof on the American hero, Big Trouble in Little China, screens tonight and tomorrow.  No word on showtimes (Hey, it's a few weeks away!), so keep checking back or visit the 7th St Theatre website closer to the screening date.

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Well, Northwest Horror Fans, if you're looking for a St. Paddy's Day celebration that doesn't involve drinking cheap green beer and inappropriate pinching, head to the Blue Mouse Theatre (2611 N. Proctor St) in Tacoma, WA, for a screening of the festive slasher film Leprechaun.  This holiday slasher film is bound to be you into the mood for, well, whatever your local celebration entails.  

Finding a pot of gold isn't enough to keep it, you have to outwit the leprechaun looking to reclaim it.  Warwick Davis and a pre-Friends Jennifer Aniston star in this classic bit of 80s cheese, originally aimed at a PG audience, was given enough gore to secure an R rating.  And it's all awesome fun, as the film spawned multiple sequels, though I think Leprechaun 4: In Space was probably the best of the bunch, in terms of complete awesome crappiness.  I leave it for you to decide.  The show starts at 10 pm.   

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Beware the moors, as the Olympia Fright Club presents a screening of An American Werewolf in London tonight at 9 pm at the Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave. SE) in Olympia, WA.  This horror/comedy features some AMAZING (and Academy award winning) gore effects by Rick Baker, stellar work by the entire cast and....

Oh, I should have to be telling you this.  The film is a classic and deserves to be seen on the big screen.  Visit the link for more details.

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Richard Matheson's I Am Legend has a dodgy run on the silver screen.  The Last Man on Earth, with Vincent Price, wasn't a bad version of the story, but the Will Smith update was, well, let's be honest, an ABOMINATION!  Still, I have a soft spot in my Horror Heart for The Omega Man, director Boris Sagal's 1971 version of the tale.  Full of religious symbology (the final shot so nails what the screenplay was building to), the film features Charlton Heston as the last man on Earth, after an accidental plague outbreak reduced the human race to Donald Trump followers.

Oh damn, I'm sorry.  I try to keep political discourse out of The Shadow Over Portland.  But the anti-science, anti-art, anti-outsiders followers of Matthias (Anthony Zerbe) just makes it an easy (and cheap, I'm not denying it) metaphor.

I expect to be sued soon.  But let's get back to the film...

The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, is showing the film in GLORIOUS 35mm tonight at 7:30 pm.  Part of the Frak! Theater sci-fi series, you have to go in knowing this IS NOT the Matheson story.  We've got Heston showing off his pre-IRA roots, the LOVELY Roseland Cash in some daring PG nude scenes (a few of which were in the KPTV Portland broadcast of the film, back in the late 70s, when it was locally owned; I guess the Christ image at the end made up for the nudity).  But still, Heston's acting (or, perhaps, overacting) works much better as a tormented human than Smith. despite the dog's death (Price, however, NAILS IT!).  So this is a RECOMMEND, especially in 35mm!!

You'll find more details, and advance ticket sales, at the link.

  
Saturday, March 19



When Worlds Collide can't be a good thing, at least according to this George Pal classic Sci Fi feature from 1951.  Watch Earth be destroyed, and all the chaos ensuing from the inevitable collision, on the big screen at The Pickford Film Center (1318 Bay St) in Bellingham, WA, today at noon.  Tickets are just $2, and you can find more details, and advanced ticket sales, at the link.

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Well, that's what I have for now.  Remember to check out the Horror Calendar, for events happening through the rest of 2016 and, eventually into the next year!

And don't forget, listing your genre event at The Shadow Over Portland is 100 percent free!  Send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll include your event on the Horror Calendar, and in my weekly updates.  And, as I'm including a Western (starring two Horror Icons) in this week's post, I do play a bit loose with my definition of a genre event.  So send me an email and chances are I'll list it.  

Once again, I ask if you attend any of the events listed above, let the organizers know you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!!

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Time for Northwest Horror Fans to be updated on all the Horror Happenings under The Shadow Over Portland!

Well, it's been a couple of hard weeks at the day job, which means I've been a bit lax with current events.  While this update is full of spooky goodness, check out the Horror Calendar, as some pretty AWESOME events are coming later in the year, stuff that any Horror Fan will want to mark on their calendar.

And, as I have a three day weekend coming up, expect more events coming your way!

But, if you are looking for something creepy during the next week, here's your update for the events happening under The Shadow Over Portland.


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.

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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.  


March, 2016

Friday, March 4



Grab your boomstick and head to the Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave) in Seattle, WA, for a screening of Army of Darkness.  The feature plays through March 9, so visit the link for more details and showtimes.

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The Horror Darling of the Sundance Film FestivalThe Witch, opens tonight at The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR.  I've heard mixed about it, but I plan to see it and suggest Portland Horror Fans take a look.  More details, and advance ticket sales, are available at the link.

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Dark City, a freaky sci-fi/horror/noir film, screens at The Laurelhurst Theater and Pub (2735 E Burnside) in Portland, OR, this week.  More details, and showtimes, can be found at the link.

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Nesting, a four part semi-improvised stage performance, opens tonight at The Shoebox Theatre (2110 SE 10th Ave) in Portland, OR.  Created by Joel Patrick Durham, this production is described as a cross between Friends and The Shining, "original, live, and just scripted enough to be dangerous."  Sounds good to me!  For more details, and advance ticket sales, visit the link.  

Wednesday, March 9



The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway) in Tigard, OR, keeps up the Weird Wednesday tradition with a screening of The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues tonight at 9:15 pm.  Okay, it's the standard story, a mutated monster leaving a trial of radioactive corpses in in wake, but the film is FREE, opening your wallet for more goodies and beer at the concession stand.  As always, you must be 21 or older to attend.  For more details, visit the link later in the week.


Thursday, March 10



Well, one can debate if Heathers is a horror tale or not, but a musical version of the 1988 pitch black comedy seems to be worth mentioning.  This Portland premiere of this musical production takes place at triangle productions! (1785 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, through April 2.  Showtimes and advance ticket sales are available at the link.

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Remember, listing your Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy event on The Shadow Over Portland is FREE!  Just sent me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll include it on the Horror Calendar and my weekly updates.  

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

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Beware the owls! And more spooky news from under The Shadow Over Portland!!

Well, I found an alternate route to work this week, after being stopped by the Portland Police on my way to work last week.  It seems having a small chainsaw mounted on the back of a bicycle helmet isn't considered legal, even if it's to defend yourself from owl attacks.


And they have warning signs now.
It's only a matter of time till Hitchcock is proven right!

As if the CHUDs and Willamette Deep Ones weren't enough to deal with, now we have to worry about feathered attacks from the sky.  Seriously, if you think moving to the Northwest is all Portlandia wacky bikers and artists putting a bird on it to make things special, stay where you are.  We're a hardy breed, able to adopt to any threat.  But if I can't modify my cycling helmet to prevent future attacks, as it makes the new neighbors nervous, you're not helping to Keep Portland Weird!  Or safe from owls.

Sure, the new route works and I haven't had any recent attacks.  But still, my ODH (Owl Defensive Helmet) looked sweet and I suspect would have earned the Bruce Campbell Stamp of Approval, had I'd had time to make a YouTube video of it in action.  Damn it people, read the signs!  The Owl Apocalypse is upon us!!

Well, enough about the End of Times Owl Signs.  Time to get into the upcoming events that will make Pacific Northwest Horror Fans willing to engage the feathered furies above them.

KEEP WATCHING THE SKIES!  Especially as you head out to attend these cool events happening under The Shadow Over Portland!

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.


Thursday, February 25



Okay, don't get me wrong.  I LOVED Mad Max: Fury Road, but I still think George Miller's The Road Warrior is the superior film.  Both films feature amazing storytelling through action (rather than expository dialog) and jaw-dropping stunts.  But The Road Warrior edges out the more recent film only because there is NO CGI enhancement.  It's pure, we-have-a-great-location-so-let's-wreck-some-cars, balls to the wall cinema with no computer safety net.  And The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, is screening the film through Saturday, February 27, in GLORIOUS 35mm!  If you've only seen this on your home theater screen, DO NOT miss this on the big screen!  Visit the link for showtimes and advance ticket sales.

Friday, February 26



Beware the moors, as the Olympia Fright Club presents a screening of An American Werewolf in London tonight at 9 pm at the Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave. SE) in Olympia, WA.  This horror/comedy features some AMAZING (and Academy award winning) gore effects by Rick Baker, stellar work by the entire cast and....

Oh, I should have to be telling you this.  The film is a classic and deserves to be seen on the big screen.  Visit the link for more details.  

Saturday, February 27



Scream and Ink, a festival combining tattooing/body art, horror and pin-ups, comes to the Columbia Hall at the Oregon State Fair and Expo Center (2330 17th St NE) in Salem, OR.  Local indy horror writer/director Joe Sherlock will be attending, as well as a number of actors and pin-up artist, vendors and more.  Events include pinup workshops and panels, a horror inspired fashion show on Saturday evening, a "Scream Queen" Competition and more!  Check out the official website for more details and ticket sales, but be aware, the event was postponed in November of last year, and the old dates are still listed on the site.

UPDATE: Northwest Horror Filmmaker Joe Sherlock will be attending the screening of his film, Blood Creek Woodsman, on Saturday night at 10 pm.  No Q and A has been announced, but check back later for more updates, or visit the Facebook Event Page for more details.  Joe will be at the event all weekend as a guest, and will have a table set up selling his films (seriously, Drifter is REALLY good and worth checking out!) and graphic novels.  Be sure to check out the screening and stop at his table to say hello!

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The Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 NE 50th St) in Seattle, WA, screens Kizumonogatari Part 1: Tekketsu, through March 3.  An anime feature about a high school student running afoul of a "blonde vampire" seems pretty bloody, and a bit spooky as well.  The digital feature will be shown with the original Japanese dialog and English subtitles.  Click on the link and scroll down to watch the trailer and purchase advance tickets.

March, 2016

Wednesday, March 2



Well, it's a Wednesday night and you know The Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway) in Tigard, OR, is planning something WEIRD!  Tonight's Weird Wednesday offering is The Beast of Hollow Mountain, the story of a cowboy who discovers his cattle are disappearing thanks to a hungry DINOSAUR!  The show starts at 9:15 pm and admission is free (though you must be 21 or older to attend).  Be sure to spend the cash you saved on admission at the snack bar, featuring tasty treats and BEER!  Visit the link for more details later in the week.

Friday, March 4



Grab your boomstick and head to the Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave) in Seattle, WA, for a screening of Army of Darkness.  The feature plays through March 9, so visit the link for more details and showtimes.

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That's what I have for now.  Keep checking back, as the Horror Calendar is due for a serious update, and I know more events will be announced in the near future.

Remember, there is NO CHARGE for listing an event at The Shadow Over Portland.  Just send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be happy to post it.  

And, should you attend any of the events mentioned above, let the organizers know you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland.  


Thursday, February 18, 2016

Sorry for the late post, but I should have heeded the signs...

Yes, I was given a premonition of things to come in the week on Tuesday morning, when I was hit on the back of the head by an owl while cycling to work.

It's nesting season for these nocturnal birds, and I've heard they have a tendency to launch preemptive strikes against potential threats.  Of course, I had no idea an owl was nesting on my route to work until the sucker hit my on the back of my head.


Oh sure, they might look cute.
Until they hit you in the back of the head!

I'm not going to question the owl's perception of me as a threat, just that I should have heeded my first thought and just called it a day after the attack.  Instead, despite the pain in my neck from the strike (Seriously, it was a pretty hard hit), I suspected nothing worse could happen to me and decided to forge onward.

Oh, I was wrong.  The week went downhill from there.

But, let's not get into that.  Instead, I offer a word of advice.  As my initial thought after the attack was to head back home, call in sick and just go back to bed, my decision to continue on with my life lead into a horrid few days.  I suggest anyone attacked by an owl follow their initial instinct and hide under the covers for the rest of the day.  In my experience, continuing on after an owl attack is like forging on after being struck by lightening.  Sure, you think the worst is behind you, but life is going to prove you wrong.

So, with that warning, let's get to the Horror Update.  I see good things in the future of Northwest Horror Fans, unless the owl figures out my new route to work.  Then I'll be mounting a chainsaw to the back of my bike helmet....

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.

Friday, February 19



Wizard World Comic Con returns to the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) in Portland, OR, this weekend.  The big news for horror fans at this time is Elvira, The Hostess with the Mostess herself, Cassandra Peterson, will be at the show, as well as Scott Wilson (Hershel from The Walking Dead) and Tobin Bell from the Saw franchise (Bell is scheduled to appear Friday evening and Saturday only).  Whovians can meet a bunch of Doctor Who actors, and Star Trek fans won't want to miss William Shatner (appearing Friday night and Saturday only)  You'll also find a variety of comic artist, tattoo artists,  writers, animators, wrestlers and more.  Visit the Wizard World Comic Con website for more details and the latest updates.

UPDATE: James Marsters (Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel) is scheduled to attend the con at this time.  Keep checking back for updates and more information.

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Okay, if you haven't seen Sugar Hill, I can understand.  This CLASSIC Blacksplotation/zombie film is a bit under the radar, given the WB archive release with a cover that makes the film look like a Lifetime Channel film rather that the AWESOME zombie movie it is.  And, as a commentary on race relations back in the 70's, this movie packs a punch.  So don't miss your chance to catch this film on the big screen, as Friday Night Frights screens it at the Blue Mouse Theater (2611 N. Proctor St) in Tacoma, WA.

Okay, the "N-Word" is dropped several times, but hey, that's how it was back then, so don't try getting all PC on me.  I spent a good part of my youth in Florida, back when my parents lectured me that such language was wrong.  Sugar Hill takes it all in stride, with a black woman taking revenge against the white mob that killed her man, thanks to the help of Baron Samedi and the undead horde she invokes.  Sure, it's politically incorrect (in our more "enlightened times"), but is a snapshot of its time, and as an evisceration of the our previous (and current) societal norms, this film has a lot to say.
The show starts at 10 pm, and admission is only $6.  And, as expected, there will be prizes, trivia and GORE!  And dancing chicken feet!!!  You don't want to miss it!  Visit the Facebook Event Page for more details.  And you can read my review of the film at the link.

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Gail Simone, writer of several great comic series (including one of the creepiest current Vertigo titles, Clean Room), will be an EPIC signing event at Things From Another World (2916 NE Broadway) in Portland, OR, tonight at 6 pm.  Also at the screening will be Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook (Harrow County) and Sam Humphries (Jonesy, the story of a teenaged Cupid).  Find out more details at the Things From Another World Facebook Page.

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The Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) continues its After Dark selections tonight with Evolution, a French film peppered with nods to David Lynch and the body horror of David Cronenberg.  The film is preceded by the Canadian short, O Negative.  The show starts at 11 pm at Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st Ave) in Portland, OR.  Check out the link for more details and advance ticket sales.  

Saturday, February 20



Klaatu Barada Nikto!  No, not necktie or neon noodle, but the original lines, from 1951's The Day the Earth Stood Still, will be spoken at the Pickford Film Center (!318 Bay St) in Bellingham, WA, today at noon.  Yes, you can watch this Sci Fi Classic on the big screen for just $2!  More information, and advance ticket sales, are available at the link.

Sunday, February 21



The Portland International Film Festival (PIFF) continues their After Dark screenings with a selection from Denmark tonight at 10 pm at Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st Ave) in Portland, OR.  What We Become deals with a viral infection in a rest home.  Yet, even after the military takes control of the neighborhood, the spreading illness causes a breakdown in the quiet family life of the area.  The film is proceeded by the US short, Invaders, about a home invasion gone hilariously (and horribly) awry.  Visit the link for more details and advance ticket sales.

Monday, February 22



Okay, Northwest Horror Fans, a love letter to the old style Grindhouse pictures, filmed in Olympia, WA, last year, has it's theatrical premiere tonight at 9 pm.  Head to The Capitol Theater (206 5th Ave SE) in Olympia, WA for Family First: Bloodlust tonight at 8:30 pm.  This cannibal/revenge flick will feature a Q and A with director Ian Bracken and producer Victoria Bracken after the screening.  Check out the Facebook Event Page for more details.

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Well, as I have a few modifications to make to my bike helmet before tomorrow's commute, I'll be signing off now.  But keep checking back, as I'll have more fun/frightful events to share in the coming days!

Remember, getting your event listed on The Shadow Over Portland is FREE!  Just send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll be happy to add your genre related event to the Horror Calendar and weekly updates.

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

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

It's time for your weekly Horror Update, and I have some great offerings to share with you!

Yep, it's time for Northwest Horror Fans to break out their calendars and start marking the events happening under The Shadow Over Portland.  I've got chainsaw slashers in Seattle, werewolves in Portland, Bee Girls, Sharknados, some alien encounters and SO MUCH MORE!  Oh, and Buffy Trivia as well!  Get ready, Northwest Genre Fans, here's your weekly update!!

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.

Wednesday, February 10



Okay, if you missed Saturday's showing, Seattle Horror Fans, head to the Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 NE 50th St) in Seattle, WA tonight at 7 pm for a repeat showing of Pieces in GLORIOUS 35mm!  You will not regret it.  Scroll down the link for more details.

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Buffy Trivia Night comes to the Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave) in Seattle, WA, tonight at 7 pm.  Visit the link for more details and ticket sales.

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Weird Wednesday presents another Paul Naschy werewolf classic, Curse of the Devil, at the Joy Cinema and Pub (11959 SW Pacific Highway) in Tigard, OR, tonight at 9 pm.  As always, admission is free (so spend a bit more at the concession stand, damn it!), but you must be 21 or older to attend.  Find more details at the Joy Cinema website.  

Friday, February 12



The truth about demons will be reveled tonight at the Grand Illusion Cinema (1403 NE 50th St) in Seattle, WA, as VHS Uber Alles presents a Valentine's Day Special, The Demon Lover, in glorious VHS.  Hippies looking for fun join an occult study group, but back out when things get too heavy.  The leader uses his dark powers for revenge, leading to rituals, freak-outs, karate battles, kung-fun weapon wielding demons and....  whipped cream fights!?!?!  Oh, I would SO LOVE TO BE THERE.  Admission is only $2, a steal for so much CHEESY AWESOMENESS!  So be sure to spend a bit extra at the snack bar,   You can find more details at the link.

Saturday, February 13



Okay, it might not be everyone's Valentine Day film, but The Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton St) in Portland, OR, is screening The Silence of the Lambs through Sunday, February 14 at 7 pm.  Spend this most romantic evening of the year with Clarice Starling, a top FBI studnet, as she matches wits with Dr. Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill in a top notch HORROR film.  Yes, I'm record saying this isn't a thriller, but one of the best horror films of the 90s.  Visit The Clinton Street Theater website for more details.

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The Seattle Gothic Book Club is hosting a literary celebration of Whitley Streiber's horror novel, The Hunger, today at 1 pm at The Dreaming Comics and Games (5226 University Way NE) in Seattle, WA.  This all ages event features a discussion of the novel, as well as games, activities and light refreshments (feel free to bring some non-messy snacks to share).  You can find more about the event at the Facebook Event Page.

Tuesday, February 16



Repressed Cinema and The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, presents a screening in GLORIOUS 35mm of Invasion of the Bee Girls.  Government agent Neil Agar (William Smith) is sent out to investigate the death of men by excessive sex.  Yeah, that's NOT a typo.  And, of course, he discovers the nefarious plot of the Bee Girls.  I don't remember the specifics for the Bee Girls death by sex behavior, but I do remember the cheesy dialog, the gratuitous nudity and a few decent stunts.  The show starts at 7:30 pm, and you'll find more details, and advance ticket sales, at the link.  See you there!

Wednesday, February 17



Buffy Trivia Night returns to the Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave) in Seattle, WA, tonight at 7 pm.  Visit the link for more details and ticket sales.

Thursday, February 18



Okay, if there is one film worthy of Hecklevision, it's Sharknado.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this film (and my mother found it better than Sharknado 2 because of the character development in the first one; I won't say any more) as a joyful celebration of such cheesy classics like The Giant Claw.  Sure, it's manufactured cheese, but it's going to shine compared to the current plans for the Universal Monster Universe.  Central Cinema (1411 21st Ave) in Seattle, WA, is screening amazingly awful (and totally AWESOME) film at 8 pm, and you can text your snarky remarks onto the screen!  More details, and advance ticket sale information, are available at the Facebook Event Page.

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Well, I should direct deposit my paycheck to The Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd) in Portland, OR, this month, as the theater keeps up the awesome horror offerings with a 35mm screening of the original Fright Night tonight at 9:30 pm.  Part of the Queer Horror program, hosted by Portland's premier drag clown Carla Rossi, this CLASSIC 80s horror films features one of the sexiest vampire ever (oh, Chris Sarandon, you SO NAILED this one), as well as gay actors Amanda Bearse and Stephen Geoffreys, and suspected gay actor Roddy McDowall.  But their sexuality doesn't matter, as this film DELIVERS THE SCARES with some truly creepy scenes and a tour-de-force, practical effects filled final act that will make you rethink to CGI mayhem peddled by most modern films.  It's funny, it's scary and it's a film you don't want to miss on the big screen.  For more details, and advance ticket sales, click on the link.

Friday, February 19



Wizard World Comic Con returns to the Oregon Convention Center (777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd) in Portland, OR, this weekend.  The big news for horror fans at this time is Elvira, The Hostess with the Mostess herself, Cassandra Peterson, will be at the show, as well as Scott Wilson (Hershel from The Walking Dead) and Tobin Bell from the Saw franchise (Bell is scheduled to appear Friday evening and Saturday only).  Whovians can meet a bunch of Doctor Who actors, and Star Trek fans won't want to miss William Shatner (appearing Friday night and Saturday only)  You'll also find a variety of comic artist, tattoo artists,  writers, animators, wrestlers and more.  Visit the Wizard World Comic Con website for more details and the latest updates.

UPDATE: James Marsters (Spike from Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel) is scheduled to attend the con at this time.  Keep checking back for updates and more information.

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Okay, if you haven't seen Sugar Hill, I can understand.  This CLASSIC Blacksplotation/zombie film is a bit under the radar, given the WB archive release with a cover that makes the film look like a Lifetime Channel film rather that the AWESOME zombie movie it is.  And, as a commentary on race relations back in the 70's, this movie packs a punch.  So don't miss your chance to catch this film on the big screen, as Friday Night Frights screens it at the Blue Mouse Theater (2611 N. Proctor St) in Tacoma, WA.

Okay, the "N-Word" is dropped several times, but hey, that's how it was back then, so don't try getting all PC on me.  I spent a good part of my youth in Florida, back when my parents lectured me that such language was wrong.  Sugar Hill takes it all in stride, with a black woman taking revenge against the white mob that killed her man, thanks to the help of Baron Samedi and the undead horde she invokes.  Sure, it's politically incorrect (in our more "enlightened times"), but is a snapshot of its time, and as an evisceration of the our previous (and current) societal norms, this film has a lot to say.
The show starts at 10 pm, and admission is only $6.  And, as expected, there will be prizes, trivia and GORE!  And dancing chicken feet!!!  You don't want to miss it!  Visit the Facebook Event Page for more details.  And you can read my review of the film at the link.

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Gail Simone, writer of several great comic series (including one of the creepiest current Vertigo titles, Clean Room), will be an EPIC signing event at Things From Another World (2916 NE Broadway) in Portland, OR, tonight at 6 pm.  Also at the screening will be Cullen Bunn and Tyler Crook (Harrow County) and Sam Humphries (Jonesy, the story of a teenaged Cupid).  Find out more details at the Things From Another World Facebook Page.  

Saturday, February 20



Klaatu Barada Nikto!  No, not necktie or neon noodle, but the original lines, from 1951's The Day the Earth Stood Still, will be spoken at the Pickford Film Center (!318 Bay St) in Bellingham, WA, today at noon.  Yes, you can watch this Sci Fi Classic on the big screen for just $2!  More information, and advance ticket sales, are available at the link.

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Well, that's all I have for now, but you can find details on future events at the Horror Calendar, with information about conventions, film festivals and screenings through the end of the year.  Just remember, I'm always adding to the events, so keep checking back for updates.

Remember, should you be hosting an event that might interest readers of The Shadow Over Portland, all you have to do is send me an email at shadowoverportland@live.com and I'll include it to the calendar and weekly updates.  Oh, and I should mention posting your event my site is FREE!

And, should you attend any of the events I mention on the site, let the organizers know you read about it at The Shadow Over Portland!!