Commuity: A love/hate relationship

After all the hype surrounding NBC's hit comedy Community, I decided to give it try. Actually I started watching it when the series debuted, but after the first three episodes gave up. I didn't care for the concept. But as the year went on and many people raved about the show, I gave it another try. So I finished up season one and still have mixed feelings about the show.

At times I find the series to be brilliant with it's writing. At other times I am simply annoyed with watch I watching.




WHAT I HATE ABOUT COMMUNITY
1. Joel McHale aka Jeff Winger: I have never cared for Joel McHale. There's something about him which makes me loathe him as an actor. The same goes for the character of Jeff Winger. Everything about that character I despise. He redeems himself on occasions but in between he's just a first class asshole. And the whole concept why Winger is forced to go back to college is ludicrous. If he was a secondary character instead of the focal point, I could handle him a lot better.

2. Chevy Chase: Chevy has always been hit or miss for me. When he's on as the goofball fuck up, it's classic (see Vacation). When the guy is off he simply looks pathetic. To many times in the show it feels like he's forcing the performance relying on physical gags and over exaggerations.


WHAT I LOVE ABOUT COMMUNITY
1. The rest of cast. They nail it every time out. Abed (Dani Pudi)and Troy (Donald Glover) are the oddball glue which keeps me tuning in. Annie, Britta, and Shirley round out the rest of the gang with strong and different female characters. And the secondary character are hilarious as well from Senor Chang to Dean Pelton to Star-Burns and even to Vaughn.

2. All the movie references. The show rips on classic and not so classic themes all the time and flat out mimics scenes from popular movies on occasions. Being a movie buff, I love this stuff. Either you'll get the references or you don't.






BEST EPISODES
"Comparative Religion" (Episode 12) - Anthony Michael Hall rocks as the bully and the fight scene at the end it epic. Also there's a good message about religious tolerance and acceptance.

"Modern Warfare" (Episode 23) - The paintball episode will goes down as classic television as it riffs on all action stereotypes.


The show usually makes me laugh. NBC has pushed the series from day one. The network is always putting guest stars on the show and with the successful ratings it isn't going anywhere. My DVR will be set and I'll continue watching.

Horror Movies Watched and Books Read (July 2010)

MOVIES

Voices aka Du saram-yida (2007) **1/2
A rather typical revenge, ghost story from Korea. Gets confusing at times. Or maybe that was because I was only half paying attention.

The Reeds (2010) **
Young 20's year olds on a cursed boat. Nice atmosphere and decent acting, but not much else. Very predictable.



Never Sleep Again: The Nightmare on Elm Street Legacy (2010) *****
Alright, it's a documentary. But it's about one of the most iconic horror figures of all time, Freddy "F'ing" Kruger. It clocks in at nearly four hours long and gets interviews from just about every person to be associated with the sereis (excluding Johnny Depp & Patricia Arquette). A great time for lovers of the films.








Mr. Frost (1990) ***
A slow, methodical psychological horror with Jeff Goldblum in top form as the title character. A man who finds is arrested after the police find several bodies buried in his yard. He is put in a mental institution and he claims to be Satan. Rather creepy.

Zombies, Zombies, Zombies (2007) **
Strippers and zombies, such a combination. I had no business sitting through this whole thing but the fact that it doesn't take itself seriously and a couple of good characters make up for the sheer stupidity of a plot.

Night of the Bloody Apes (1969) *1/2
A Mexican "grindhouse" type of film that is so absurd it's ridiculous. A man gets an ape heart transplant and turns into a man-ape. Watched because I heard it was overly gorely, and the surgery scenes were. Not much else.

Bad Biology (2008) **1/2
The cult director of Basketcase makes his return with a story about a woman with seven clits and man with an over-sized detached penis, both in search for love. Will they ever find each other. This is just good, campy fun.

Hush (2009) ***1/2
An early 20's couple gets drawn into a dangerous game with a trucker on the UK highways. There's a decent story here out of the typical narrative.

Mountain of the Cannibal Gods (1978) *1/2
Another entry to the European cannibal genre. I'll be honest, other the super sexy Ursla Anders there aint much in this movie that hasn't been done so much better by other movies.

Zombiamania (2008) ***
A documentary on the zombie craze going on in horror. Could have been longer & a little more in depth, but interesting none the less.

Blood: The Last Vampire (2009) *1/2
This live action version from the classic anime of the same name, doesn't even hold a candle to the original.

Simon Says (2006) **
Crispin Glover as a psycho. Good enough for me to watch, but nothing too special.

Autumn (2009) **
An over ambitious indy based on the David Moody novel about a virus which turns people into the living dead. Overall it comes up a bit short. Too much talking and not enough empathy towards the characters. And a few minutes should have been shaved off.

The Kingdom 2 (1997) ***1/2
The second mini-series from Lars Von Trier about a weird ass hospital and it's supernatural inhabitants continues with more of the same bizarre and macabre nature.



[REC] 2 (2009) ****
This sequel starts right where the first ended. It's just as intense. The story goes off on the origin of the virus, which ends up being for more supernatural than one may have imagined.











The Disappeared (2008) ***1/2
A UK ghost story which plays out like a J-Horror film. When the little brother of a teenager goes missing, he cant help but blame himself. Then the weird shit starts happening.

The Crazies (2009) ***
This remake isn't a complete waste. The first half was a good set up, but the second half just felt like the lead characters running away from danger. A missed opprotunity on to send a message, but decent for entertainment purposes.

Predators (2010) ****
I was very much surprised as this isn't a remake. There's a lot homage paid to the original, but it's a completely new story for the franchise. An awesome cast, decent action, some gore, and kick ass predators. Not perfect, but it's a damn fun film.

Death Bell aka Gosa (2008) **1/2
In this Korean film, high school kids & teachers must wit their way out of elaborate torture devices. Not all that original, but there's some great visuals and style to the film

The Sweet House of Horrors (1989) *1/2
A Lucio Fulci movie that has kids talking to their murdered parents ghosts and their aunt & uncle trying to cleanse the house of spirits. Not the usual splatter fest from the director, this one is so confusing and boring.


The Box (2009) ***
Richard Kelly's take on the classic Richard Matheson short story is a flawed piece of work, but manages to stay fairly intriguing throughout.



# Being Human, Season 1 (2008) ****1/2
This UK import about a vampire, werewolf, and a ghost who share a flat. A witty show that balances comedy, drama, and horror themes. The first season has each character dealing with their individual monstrosities and subplot of a vampire takeover. Excellent TV.












BOOKS
Earthcore by Scott Siglar ***1/2
A mining company gets more than they expected from a mountain holding the largest source of platinum ever discovered. They get creatures and death. The usual combo of multiple layered characters, high octane action, a touch science fiction, and horror from the author.



13 Bullets by David Wellington ****
The first book in a series about a Pennslyvania Trooper and a FBI agent hunting vampires.













American Gothic by various artist
Didn't read all the stories in this anthology but the ones I did were good.

Horror Movies Watched and Books Read (June 2010)

MOVIES

Nosferatu, The Vampyre (1979) ***
The story of Dracula from the mind of German director Wernor Herzog. A little slow at times but captivating none the less

Cravings (2006) **1/2
A unique twist on the vampire mythology. Too bad it the movie wasn't able to get to the next level.

Onechanbara: Samurai Bikini Squad (2008) **1/2
Hot looking Asian women fighting zombies with kitana swords. Over exaggerated bloodshed. Nothing great, but worth watching if you enjoy those sorts of things.

Xtro (1983) **
This cult horror/sci-fi movie about a man who gets taken by aliens and only his son sees it. He returns a few years later to claim his seed. This is a bizarre, uneven flick which is probably awesome if experiencing mind altering drugs.

Danika (2006) **1/2
An over protective mother starts to question her sanity. A decent movie, but fairly predictable.

The Poughkeepsie Tapes (2007) **1/2
This faux documentary about a notorious serial killer is absolutely brutal at times and at other times, completely distracting with is cinematic choices. I heard great things, but ultimately it was a let down.


Daybreakers (2009) ***1/2
I love the concept behind the story. A solid cast drives the vampire tale home. I was put off a little bit by the special effects. There seemed to be so much more of the story to tell. If the Spiegel brothers had a larger budget, maybe that would have happened. Still, the movie worked for me.









Cornered! (2008) *1/2
A serial killer takes out people in a convenience store. Starring Steve Guttenberg. Seriously that's the hook. Lots of talk and couple of decent kills but way you see the ending a mile away.

Red Velvet (2009) **
Another serial killer movie with lots of talk. A really good set up is ruined by sheer stupidity at the end.

Life Blood aka Murder World (2009) *
To quote the movie Spinal Tap. "Two words: shit sandwich." Not even Charles Napier and Mickie from Seinfeld can save this abomination.

The Other Side (2009) **1/2
A decent flick about a soul escaping from Hell to make right with his girl. And the bounty hunters from Hell who try to stop him.

The Echo (2008) **
Not scary. Predictable. Remake of an Filipino horror movie.

Cat in the Brain (1990) **1/2
Lucio Fulci directs and stars in this bizarre gorefest about a director battling his mental demons and a serial killer subplot.




BOOKS

The Bottoms by Joe R. Lansdale ****

This novel is really more a coming of age story set in East Texas during the Great Depression. But it does deal with a serial killer and creature of lore called the "Goat Man". An excellent story.

The Meme

I decided to fill out this thing called a "meme" from the blog Billy Loves Stu :

So here's my answers to the first ever Billy Loves Stu Meme for Horror Bloggers



1: In Ten Words or Less, Describe Your Blog:
Random thoughts on horror entertainment and my other interests.


2: During What Cinematic Era Where you Born?
E: The Exorcism Era (Early to mid 70's)


3: The Carrie Compatibility Question: Sue Snell or Chris Hargensen, who would you take to the prom?
Sue Snell because I'd never have a chance on getting a date with Hargensen.


4: You have been given an ungodly amount of money, and total control of a major motion picture studio - what would your dream Horror project be?
That's tough. There are so many great works that could be adapted to screen and there's my own ideas running in my head. But I'd have to choose The Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson (which has been in pre-production for years)


5: What horror film "franchise" that others have embraced, left you cold?
Final Destination


6: Is Michael Bay the Antichrist?
Since I'm athesist, I cant really believe in the Antichrist. But he is one evil mother fucker who is pointlessly destroying great horror movies with dumbed down pieces of shit movies just to make a few bucks. (wow, I feel better)

7: Dracu
la, The Wolf Man, The Frankenstein Monster - which one of these classic villains scares you, and why?
The Wolf Man because in human form, Larry Talbot could be your best bud. Then every full moon you could be his lunch.


8: Tell me about a scene from a NON HORROR Film that scares the crap out of you:
During the excruciating rape scene in Irreversible for a moment a man walks into the background and sees what is occurring, then quickly leaves without helping or saying a word. To me, knowing somebody sees such a horrific violation of a person and chooses to do nothing is truly frightening.


9: Baby Jane Hudson invites you over to her house for lunch. What do you bring?
Something she enjoys eating and new sneakers on my feet to run the hell out of there if need be.


10: So, between you and me, do you have any ulterior motives for blogging? Come, on you can tell me, it will be our little secret, I won't tell a soul.
Like all my writing, I do it for myself first. If I gain followers and admirors on my blog then great. If I eventually get published for the fiction stories I write, that'd be cool too. To quite the daily grind and live off writing would be a dream.


11: What would you have brought to Rosemary Woodhouse's baby shower?
Am I Satanist who knows the deal or a friend of hers? It matters.


12: Godzilla vs The Cloverfield Monster, who wins?
Cloverfield monster. It's bigger and should avoid the fire breathing of Godzilla.


13: If you found out that Rob Zombie was reading your blog, what would you post in hopes that he read it?
I might post something about it, not because I'd want him to respond, but because it'd be fairly awesome. But then again, I might not.


14: What is your favorite NON HORROR FILM, and why?
Damn. Not sure I can pick just one favorite film. This is not right. Well, off the top of my head Fight Club.


15: If blogging technology did not exist, what would you be doing?
Since I make about zero cash on my blogging adventure, I would still be doing what I normally do - work my AV job to pay bills and write stories when I have time.

Wrestling and Corporate America

Rarely to I talk about my fondness of pro wrestling these days. The reason is simple: nothing gets me too fired up to write about anymore. I still watch RoH on HDNet every week, hands down the best show for wrestling, but I dont attend live events like I use to. I DVR WWE RAW and Smackdown to watch later that night and usually delete NXT and Superstars. Dont even get me started on TNA and their waste of a great roster with absurd stories and two minute matches. Rarely to I even spend the time to watch.

With all that being said, Monday night on RAW was truly one of those rare moments in wrestling that catches you shock and awe. The unprovoked attack by the NXT "rookies" on the company's top star John Cena and complete dismantling of the ringside area was nothing short of brilliant. In wrestling circles, the WWE made people talk about what happened.

Here's the unedited clip




One of the shocking things about this angle is the WWE portrays itself currently as family friendly and rated PG. Yet supposedly the want more realism in their characters, interviews, and stories. A very fine line to walk, in my opinion.

I bring this up for a reason. On Friday, wrestler Bryan Danielson was fired. He is one of the NXT rookies and goes by Daniel Bryan. He's a tremendous worker that I've had the privilege of watching on the small stage for years. I've conversed with the man a couple of times at fan gatherings in the past. He's a good guy with great talent. I also cheer for wrestlers I've watched for years on the indie scene to make it with the big boys (WWE and to a lesser extent TNA). They're kind of like that obscure band you love and get excited for when the fan base grows and they get national attention or the cult movie you've loved for the first time you watched and gathers momentum to become this icon thing. But now I'm off the subject.

Rumors are flying around in the wrestling community. Is this real or a work? No one knows for sure, but it seems to be legit. The apparent reason is one of the WWE main sponsors did not approve of the action. The very action which made this segment so brutal and memorable. Danielson has apparently become the fall go for doing exactly what was asked of him.

On a side note, the WWE supposedly has a "no choking code" amongst the workers that has been in effect since the Chris Benoit murder-suicide. But from everything I have read, the creative team and bosses where very pleased at the segment and the workers. Plus if there is a choking ban, then why in the hell didn't the director cut away from the shot. In all the official WWE clips, the choke is no longer shown.

So it looks like, once again, a good guy gets the shaft. This is what happens when you are a publicly traded company, as the WWE, and have to answer to shareholders, network TV, and sponsors. Welcome to merger of wrestling and corporate America.