Episode 22 - The Films of John Carpenter - Afterthoughts

When it comes to contributions to the horror genre there is no Director above John Carpenter. He is the total package, the real deal, the whole enchilada. His body of work is consistently varied, full of masterful suspense, layered storytelling (often with a message), fantastic imagination and timely comedy. His films are not just another scary flick to watch, they are to be experienced. I do not underestimate the greatness of a Wes Craven or a George Romero but in my eyes there is no one that can compare to what Carpenter has given us over the years.

We discussed on the show when the greatness exited his career, leaving his work rather pedestrian and that is a very true observation. However, that does not diminish the work from before, which to me trumps anyone else’s. The Fog, Halloween, Christine, The Thing and They Live are enough for greatness and while it is not an undisputed fact, these can be argued as a better five than any other that a genre director has offered.

It is also important to note that this is one of the older episodes we recorded. When this show airs, it will be 4 days before the one year anniversary of recording it. We were still finding our comfort and processes with recording these episodes. We learned from this episode that 3 shows in one night was too much, especially if they are all topics of a larger variety. Before recording this show we had just finished our Romero AND King episode. Why we thought we should cover all three in one night still leaves us scratching our heads a year later.

Anyways, we left this on the back burner because we thought it was lacking. The length of the show demonstrates our initial stance on this because it is our shortest show to date. However, after mixing it to air for you, I found that it was perfectly fine and more of a neurotic opinion we took than the actual reality of it. We hope you feel the same way!

After listening to the show and reading this, please take a moment to let us know what your favorite horror director of all time is and why. I sincerely want to know who you think is better than John Carpenter and why that is! As always, thank you for your ongoing support and interaction, it is making this a truly fun experience for us. Until next time….

Beware of the moon

The Professor

Post Script – I hope Grizz and Mad Chann come around on Prince of Darkness someday and thank you to our friend Todd for joining us that night. This is the last of the shows he did with us and maybe he will join us again down the line!

Episode 22 - The Films of John Carpenter

Listen in as we discuss the films of the wonderful John Carpenter with our good friend Todd!

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Episode 21 - The Child's Play Franchise - Afterthoughts

What scares people about an attacker that is the size of a small child? Undoubtedly, I will never understand what it is. Child’s Play came out in 1988 just a few weeks before I turned 7 and even then I didn’t find the idea of a small foul mouthed doll scary in the slightest. After watching the entire franchise in preparation for this episode I have to say…..

I still feel the same way.

The later films are what truly surprised me during the preparation process. They were actually funny at times and I was a slightly taken aback by that. I expected them to be fairly empty and uninspired but at times they were actually amusing because they did not take themselves that seriously.

My complaint is with the cinematic execution of this iconic character. I find the idea of a serial killer’s spirit transferring over to a host that is an insanely popular child’s doll to be very intriguing. Tom Holland’s mind has always been able to create fun horror that resembles campfire tales but with an adult twist usually within. Child’s Play had all the potential, if done right, to be a very scary or very funny film. If only the direction would steer away from exploiting the doll and let suspense build, it could be great. Instead of Chucky going on endless profane tirades and attacking with vivid imagery, just have him run in the background. Instead of showing plastic hands in a close up on a door knob, show him from down the hallway creeping into a room. If only……

Unfortunately this was not the approach and for many, the interest was lost pretty early into the second act of the first film and the franchise forever. Speaking personally, if a more subtle approach were doctored with this plot I would have been hooked from the get-go. I just cannot find much humor, terror, or common interest in a doll that talks like a drunken angry woman at the local bowling alley. For me to enjoy a horror movie about a doll I need to use my imagination some with the film. When the writing/imagery are spelled out for the dumbest of viewers it removes the possibility for many others to let the film get in their head.

Now, don’t assume that I am being too harsh for an 80’s horror film. When I watch a tongue-in-cheek horror film I do not hold it to the same standard set by Halloween. However, Tom Holland demonstrated that he could tell a story with Psycho 2 or Fright Night. I just see Child’s Play as a film that could’ve been much more with the production value it had and the talent behind it. Instead a film was made (and a franchise) of low-brow humor, insipid plots, with a whole lot of boredom in between.

This is one franchise I do not find much redemption in, no matter how many times I watch it or how many ways I try to approach it. Some movies we are just not meant to enjoy that much. I find nostalgia in the first and very limited enjoyment from there on. If you love Chucky and all the films, tell us why! I would love to hear a different angle from you on why you enjoy them. Maybe you can change my mind!

Thanks for checking in. The social media interaction has continued to be a treat and don’t forget to subscribe to us on iTunes! Until Next time….

Beware of the moon,

The Professor

Episode 21 - The Child's Play Franchise

Lend us your ears as we discuss that hellish half-pint Charles. For better or for worse we take a look at each film in the series!

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Episode 20 - Horrhound Weekend Afterthoughts

Another convention has come and gone….

As always, we had a great time, and even more so because we were all together. As Grizzly Abner mentioned on the show, tragedy struck his life this past December. I will not venture past what he shared on the show, but it is important to at least reiterate that initially when speaking of our time there. Sometimes doing what you love with those who also love the same things and who matter to you can make for a happy weekend. It appeared so in his case and I know it was for me. It was nice for us to run around together and blow off some steam all weekend, along with the folks from Freakhouse Flicks (www.freakhouseflicks.com)!

One topic I must address is the celebrity photo op. I have expressed my displeasure with this movement at the conventions in the past and to be quite frank I have not changed my stance on the matter. My other two cohorts were generous enough to include me in the picture (which cost more for me to be in) and I deeply appreciate it. I LOVE the picture we have and will always treasure seeing us in a fantastic photo with the illustrious Bruce Campbell. I think it is a great option for someone who has the cash to spend and wants a higher quality picture to remember their encounter by. I think the key word is option though, because many cannot afford this. More than any thoughts I have on the matter, I bring it up because I am interested in what you think? Let us know anything you have to say about photo-ops good or bad.

The weekend was great! We made some great purchases, met some celebrities, partied with old friends and made some new friends. We certainly hope to see them at future cons.

I could gush over convention life but you have heard us beat that drum so I will keep it brief here. Plain and simple advice: Go to conventions if you have not before or if you have been, then continue to! We love seeing you there and meeting new faces. The horror community continues to be amazing and we cannot wait until the next convention. Possibly some before then, but we will be at Days of the Dead Indianapolis in June, so make plans to join us! Many thanks to all of those who stopped and shared their weekend with us and certainly to Horrorhound for putting on a very smooth and fun show that weekend!

Until next time!

Beware of the moon….

The Professor
                                     

Episode 20 - Horrorhound Cincinnati 2014 Convention Coverage Special

The Midwest Monsters hit the road to enjoy a Horrorhound Weekend in Cincinnati. Listen in as we cover our experience, interviews, and more!

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Episode 19 - The Leprechaun Franchise (A St. Paddy's Special) Afterthoughts

Let me start by wishing all of you a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day! If you listened to the show already then you know we were drinking, notably me. I typically don’t and this episode demonstrates why, so enjoy that. While mixing the show and listening to the last third, it was as new for me as it was for you. I don’t even remember that courtesy of Evan Williams. At a few points in this episode I sound like Seth Rogen’s mother in Observe and Report. I love this holiday and come from a family that embraces much more than the drinking that comes with it. However, I do tend to get a little over zealous when celebrating. Hopefully, it was tolerable for you!

Now, I was rather harsh on these 6 Leprechaun movies but to me that is deservedly so. I tend to form my opinions weighted with what the effort was. Typically low-budget goofy films don’t warrant being ripped apart from a traditional standpoint. The first film is the only one I was excessively abrasive with, but it was because it has the feel of effort and money to a certain degree that was not put to proper use. I can find entertainment in horror films from the 1980’s and 1990’s that have no plot or money, just as long as they have a little charm (pun intended). My problem is that this movie misses the charm it could have. It just stays uninspired and lacking of its own identity as a film from start to finish. But it made money, and that is the end all in the film industry. This turd of a film uncovered the proverbial “pot of gold”, so it was only natural to see that it was time for sequels. Sadly there would be 5 in total that would take us to varying city landscapes, space, and even the ghetto (twice). I will not be talking about them, because I have had enough at this point. Watching them in preparation for the show and then talking about them on it was enough for a life time.

Whether St. Paddy’s is tomorrow, today, or has passed for you; we hope that you safely enjoy yourself, your company, and some traditions. Please come back to the show again, we won’t be out of control next time. Until then…

Beware of the moon

The Professor

PS – Thank you to my patient co-hosts for not beating me down physically or verbally during the show.  I really enjoyed hearing me explain my thoughts on Leprechaun 5 twice without being aware I had already done so or hearing myself say “juxtaposition” incorrectly on different occasions and “4 loaf clever”. I will be back next show stone cold sober! Thanks for listening!