Thursday, December 3, 2009

Empire's 20th Birthday


Empire Magazine is celebrating their 20th birthday and to celebrate they had some great actors pose in some of their most iconic roles. All I'd like to say is thank you Empire. The Shaun of the Dead ones are great. Here are some of the photos.

I found this on I Watch Stuff

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Left For Dead 2


So I recently bought an Xbox 360 and purchesed Left For Dead 1 and 2. I had played every level of the original Left for Dead except for the No Mercy campaign. Last week I played every level of both LFD 1 and 2. I love the new game. The first time I played LFD 2 was the Dark Carnival campaign. I almost did a dance the first time I realized there was an amusement park in the game and also for when I first used the chainsaw. There are a lot of changes in the game most of which are good. The witch from the first game now moves around instead of just crying in the corner like in the original. There are some new special zombies like the jockey, the charger, and the spitter. The greatest part about the new game is the melee weapons which include an ax, chainsaw, guitar, crowbar, machete, ninja sword, and some other weapons.

The only problem I had with the game is the Hard Rain campaign. The lighting storm towards the end of the stage is unnecessary and annoying. This game is also a lot harder than the original. Besides that there's more campaigns in this game and there a lot longer this time around too.

If you'd like to add me on Xbox Live my Gamertag is Maweanney. I'm on Xbox a lot.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Halloween Post

I thought since everyone else posted pictures from Halloween I would post some too. So here we go:
My Final Halloween Costume : Cinderella turning into a Pumpkin
The night before Halloween. Cristina and I.
The fingers I made for my costume that I never used.
Two of the best costumes.
My roommates Lola and Tom
My friend Cristina made these cupcakes. Quite amazing.
The pumpkins I created.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween!


Happy Halloween Everyone!

We're getting ready for our party over here at 1313FX in Alhambra, CA.

I want to know what everyone is being this year.

Also my review about Knott's Scary Farm will be up soon. Just need to have some time from working at Disney.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Antichrist (2009)



Last weekend, I had the chance to see Lar's von Trier's latest film, Antichrist, at the IFC Center in New York City. I was very lucky since the film has had a very limited release since its first viewings at Cannes. There was only one theater playing it in New York and I was able to catch it. For this review, I will try very hard not to spoil anything past the first five minutes of the film which provides the basis of the plot.

Plot: The film is centered on an unnamed couple (Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe) mourning the loss of their infant who dies in the beginning of the film. Divided into a prologue, four chapters, and an epilogue, the film opens with the couple having sex while their child opens the safety gate and climbs out of the window. This results in Charlotte Gainsbourg's character to blame herself and take responsibility for the death of the child. Trying to relieve his wife of her depression, Willem Dafoe's character (a therapist) takes his wife deep into the woods to their cabin named Eden.

My thoughts: The film begins with one of the most beautifully filmed scenes I have ever seen. The scene where the couple makes love as the child climbs out the window is filmed in black and white, entirely in slow motion, and viewed with Handel's "Lascia ch'io pianga" aria in the background. In addition, first five minutes serve as an introduction to the way the movie plays out until the end. The initial impression is that the film is gorgeous, filmmaking at its finest, and a work of art. Films this well made are hard to come by. However, the movie is very sexual and often, explicitly so. The sex in this film, quite honestly, isn't sexy and isn't meant to be. It's not what you find in the average teenage horror film. The prologue of the film contains probably the purest form of sex. It is carefree, real, and therefore, results in the death of a child. Everything else is uncomfortable for the viewer and the characters from here on. However, this uncomfort is the overall feeling that the viewer will have throughout the film. The horror is primarily psychological. There is a brooding sense of uneasiness that something is very wrong with Eden but it is never cheesy or predictable. There are shocking images but it seems von Trier worked very hard to build on this uneasy feeling more than anything.

Von Trier continues to build the tension until it explodes into the final chapter. Suddenly, the film becomes shockingly violent, far more violent than any Saw or Hostel and unlike these films, it is a flat out assault on the senses. It is an unexpected shift of tones and just as the sex is explicit, so is the violence.
The theme of depression (allegedly inspired by von Trier's own depression) brings out an amazing performance by Gainsbourg that will truly move the viewer. She is convincing as a mother mourning the loss of her child. Dafoe is excellent as the voice of reason trying to guide his wife. The relationship seems very real throughout making the character's connection extraordinarily believable.
Conclusion: If what Lars von Trier set out to create was a disturbing psychological horror film, he has succeeded. I've seen many films and many horror films. None have ever disturbed me and disgusted me as Antichrist has. However, there is much more to the film than violence and sex. When the shock and queasiness subside, there is a lot to think about in the film and may require multiple viewings to fully understand. Should you see the film? Well, it depends what you're looking for in the film. If you're going primarily for the shock value that results in the release of a new Saw every Halloween, DO NOT see this film. It is not the typical slasher or torture film. The violence truly begins 80 minutes into the film and there are no cheap scares to be found here. The horror is in the lingering feeling of dread that increases with each chapter. If you understand the type of film this is, see it. It's the type of film that will keep you up at night, not because you are scared, but because you can't stop thinking about what it all means.

Well that's it for my first review! I hope you enjoyed it.
-Steve

Monday, October 26, 2009

Left For Dead 2 Trailer




If you haven't played the first game you should be ashamed. I hope by the time this comes out I have the money to buy a 360 so I can play this game and review it but for now I will just drool over this trailer.

Fantastic Decorations

Last week I came back from CT where I am originally from. While I was there I watched Trick R Treat with my mom since I had been talking about it for almost over a year since I had seen it at Screamfest here in CA. My mom loved the film and thought Sam was an awesome character and kept talking about how cool the decorations were at the beginning of the film.

Today I called my mom and she told me that her and my dad had set up the decorations like in Trick R Treat. Below are some of the pictures of their front yard. It's a lot more spread out than in the film but arriving Friday will be Sam. That's right because not only does their front yard look amazing already but my mom is making a life sized Sam too.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Saw School Musical



For those who haven't seen this.

Too good.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Halloween Disneyland


So last week I went to Disneyland to ride the new redone Space Mountain and Haunted Mansion. Which are now called Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Haunted Mansion Holiday. They also have a nighttime fireworks show called Halloween Screams which I didn't get to see.

First up was Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. If you go on this ride expect a big wait in line. We waited 65 minutes just to get on. Outside the ride they play really loud creepy noises which are a little spooky for Disney to be playing but I loved it. Some of the noises sounded like loud whale calls others just ghostly screams. There's also a sign outside the ride that says this ride may be too frightening for small children. At first seeing this I thought "Wow, this is pretty awesome. A ride that's focused on the adult audience. Great!" We got up to the boarding platform and got on. The ride started and we were launched up and that's when the "ghost" appeareed. Yeah...not so scary. When we got inside where the ride takes place the stupid ghost is "climbing" up space. "What the fuck...are you serious?" is all I thought during the whole ride. The ride itself was awesome and super fast. I had never been on the Space Mountain in CA before, only the FL one. The one in FL is half as fast as the CA one. The redone Ghost part however is kind of lame.

Next up was the Haunted Mansion Holiday. I won't lie, I am a total sucker for both the Haunted Mansion and Nightmare before Christmas so having them both together in one ride was like a dream come true. I went on with two of my friends who had already been on it before so they were used to the ride. When I saw the front of the mansion covered with Halloween things I freaked out. I was so excited. There's a hill in the back covered in jack-o-lantern (which I cannot find a picture of anywhere). I was kind of surprised they didn't play the Nightmare before Christmas music outside but instead some kind of weird chime sounds that looped and got annoying after a while. When we got inside the mansion we went inside a huge elevator. Instead of the usual painting on the walls they were replaced with Nightmare ones instead. Like these:
Where the hanging man usually is there is a huge Jack Skellington face that is epic. When you get off the elevator there are a bunch of hanging pictures on the wall that change from Halloween to Christmas themed pictures. Past that is where you get on your "Doom" buggies and this is in the middle where there is usally nothing:

I took a video of the ride which I have put below. The first part is a little dark but the rest is golden. If you go to Disneyland while they have these rides available definitely check out Haunted Mansion Holiday.

Enjoy!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Updates!





I recently took pictures at the Halloween redone Disneyland. The new Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain and the Holiday Haunted Mansion. I will post these soon. The one above is my friends and I on the Ghost Galaxy ride. I am on the left.

Also took video for the Holiday Haunted Mansion.

Tonight I am going to post my way overdue review for Creature From The Black Lagoon.

In other news, I bleached my hair so I am now blonde.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

News: France Has Got Crabs.

News: France Has Got Crabs.

Posted using ShareThis

I recently found this on twitchfilm.net. It's a trailer for a short film by director Grégoire Sivan called "King Crab Attack"

Enjoy!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Paranormal Activity Video Review


My video review for the film Paranormal Activity.

Hope you enjoy it!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Zombie Music Video - Aesop Rock



"Coffee"
Aesop Rock featuring John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats)

I remember seeing this video when I was in college. I didn't like the song at first but I now love both the song and the video. Thought I would share this video for everyone to enjoy.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Do You Know The Number to Heaven?




Short but sweet. This is made by Jason Eisner, the same guy who did Hobo with a Shotgun and Treevenge. This was his intro bumper for Fantastic Fest this year.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Hong Kong Disney's Halloween Promo



Why can't we have this here?

What an amazing promo for Hong Kong Disney.

I found this on Disney and more

Great Tune Tuesday.



One of the Best Zombie Songs Ever.

Re: Your Brains - Jonathan Coulton

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Tumblr

I got a tumblr today for all my non horror related shenanigans

Follow if you want to

http://maweanne.tumblr.com/

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

I'm Back!

Hey Guys,

Sorry I haven't posted much lately. I was recently in CT because someone close to me passed on and I had to go to a service for him and all last week I was busy with work at Disney.

So Comic Con. I met a lot of amazing people there. Bill Moseley stopped by the Troma table and also John Landis, who is such a goof. Lloyd Kaufman's roast was great. I'm actually going to be editing that soon.

While I was in CT I went to visit a friend in NY and we got to stop by the Troma building. It used to be an old Chinese food restaurant if you can believe that. I'm hoping I'll get to see Toxic Avenger the Musical next time I am in town. I have to save up some money for that.

Friday I am going to see Grace. I'm really looking forward to seeing that one.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Comic Con Part 1




It echoes a bit but it's better than nothing.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Comic Con 09'

Hey Guys,

I just landed in San Diego! I am minutes away from Comic Con. I am unsure of what days I will be there and how many but I will be at the Troma table so don't forget to say hello if you are going. I am so excited to be so close to it. Trucks keep driving by my window with huge billboards on the sides. I am a big dummy and forgot my camera cord but I am going to run out tomorrow and buy another so I can post pictures.

-Maryanne

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

What's New on Spooky



Hey Guys,

I made my first video blog today to tell you viewers what's new. I know I haven't posted much, sorry guys. I am going to try to post more videos and reviews asap.

Thanks so much for reading.

-Maweanne

BOOB Trailer



I saw this a while back. I wanted to share it with everyone.

Plot: A doctor performs an experimental breast enhancement procedure to be able to remotely enhance a woman's breast size. Unfortunately a surge of electricity brings her boob to life! Run Boob, run!

Thursday, July 2, 2009

*Preview* Shutter Island


Leo and Marty team up again, and this time things are getting a bit crazy.




Shutter Island, Due to hit the big screen on October 2nd is a spooky drama set in 1954. Teddy Daniels ( Leonardo DiCaprio ) is a U.S. Marshall investigating the disappearance of an inmate at a Boston crazy-house. The doctors of this asylum treat their patients in unethical and cruel ways. Before long, Teddy has found himself a promising lead on the case, but for some reason the hospital refuses to let him access the records that would allow him to solve it. After a hurricane bitch slaps the island, all communication outside the asylum is lost. We are then wondering not just who, but what happened to patient 67. What follows is a journey into madness in which even the seemingly strong minded Teddy is not immune to.
View the trailer for Shutter Island here:

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Wacky Wednesday

While driving down the streets of LA today I noticed a poster for "Orphan". Why does the girl on this poster look like a sims character?


Maybe it's just me.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

*Review* Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer

I had the pleasure last week of watching Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer on Netflix instant Q. After seeing so many terrible low budget B horror movies as of late (Hatchet, anyone?) I was expecting the worst with this.


Plot: Jack Brooks (Trevor Matthews) is a highschool student suffering from anger problems after watching his family get murdered by monsters on a camping trip when he was a child (who can't relate to that?). His unbelievably high maintenance bitchy girlfriend (Rachel Skarsten) only makes matters worse for him. After his professor (the beloved Robert Englund) asks him to fix a plumbing issue at his creepy old house he unknowingly unleashes an ancient evil that only Jack Brooks can defeat.


My thoughts: For a low budget horror movie the creature effects and make-up/prostetics are top notch here. The acting is quirky and surprisingly well done specifically the three actors I mentioned above. The dialogue is pretty well crafted given the plot, and there's not a whole lot of things to complain about here. I really was expecting a terrible movie but I couldn't help but have fun watching this. After watching Robert Englund in Hatchet, I felt terrible for him because not only was his role small and insignificant, it was terribly written and executed. In JB: MS, they let him shine, and he doesn't disappoint one bit. Running in at about 85 minutes the pacing never slows down. Granted, it does take a little while to get going but the payoff is worth the wait. I can't stress enough about how good the creatures looked for a low budget movie. This just goes to show you that you don't need millions of dollars to waste on bad CGI that comes off as cartoony. It felt refreshing to see a B movie that actually pays off with the recent movies that I've seen. It left me wanting more, and was pleased to hear that they are planning a sequel. I recommend this movie to any horror fan looking for an hour and a half to put your feet up and have a good time.



Rating: 8.2/10

Monday, June 15, 2009

*Review* Drag Me To Hell





Sam Raimi returns to horror with style, thrills, and a familiar sense of humor.



Story: Christine ( Allison Lohman ) is a young, hot loan officer of sorts stuck in an office controlled by her sexist boss who tends to favor her fellow asian work colleague. Her boss makes it apparent that he doesn't think that she is capable of making tough choices. There is a promotion that she has been striving to get, when a sickly old woman (Lorna Raver) named Mrs. Ganush comes in asking for a third extension on her house loan. Christine thinks about what her boss said about making tough decisions, she turns down the request for a third extension. Mrs. Ganush proceeds to beg Christine, even going as far as getting on her hands and knees, but Christine sticks to her decision - which prompts Mrs. Ganush to get gypsy on the bitch and curses her. Christines skeptic boyfriend, Clay ( Justin Long )- who represents the voice of reason and logic stands by his woman as her life begins to be dragged.......to hell.




What I thought: If a one-eyed Gypsy woman with no dental insurance ever asks me for something, you better be damn sure I'm gonna get it done for her. There are so many memorable sequences in this very refreshing horror thriller, most notably the scene in the parking garage - you will know what I'm talking about after you see it, that stand out in this movie. It's been a while since Raimi has helmed a horror project and it's easy to see that he hasn't lost his grasp on the genre. He has the uncanny ability to mix over the top thrills with humor that make lousy attempts such as the Grudge and Saw series look even worse than they already do, if thats even remotely possible. This movie runs in at about 90 minutes and to me that is the ideal length of a movie and it doesn't wear out its welcome. Allison Lohman shines - she does an amazing job playing the helpless yet strong heroine, and you can't help but feel sorry for the poor girl the entire movie - especially when Long's character brings her to his "you can do better than this white trash" type of parents house for dinner, (in another very memorable scene.) The PG-13 rating didn't hurt this film one bit. There was no sense of it feeling watered down. This is classic Raimi. The writing is excellent. The script feels very much alive and the dialogue flows well. Coupled with an amazing score, however if you are expecting an Evil Dead remake here you are going to be a little disappointed because even though there is a great deal of fun to be had here, the story takes itself seriously for the most part. I recommend this movie to anybody that has a pulse.




Verdict: Sam Raimi proves that he is today's master of thrills and laughter.

Rating - 9.1/10

"Midnight"

"Midnight" by Not The Government
Directed by Lloyd Kaufman



A while back I was involved in a music video for Troma Entertainment. The video was premiered at Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors Los Angeles in April. I really do enjoy this video and I love every time I work with Troma so I figured I would post it. You can find me dancing in the background in a blue shirt.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Sharks In Venice Review


Sharks In Venice (2008)

Starring Stephen Baldwin.

This film is about David, a te
acher who has to go to Venice because his Dad has disappeared. He finds out how to get to an ancient treasure that has been lost for centuries. The mafia comes after him and kidnaps his girlfriend to force him to get them the treasure. Only thing is the water surrounding the treasure is infested with sharks.

My thoughts:
I'm going to tell you right now there is only one shark in "Sharks In Venice". Why didn't they just call it "There's A Shark In Venice?"

There's a scene in this film where David gets his leg ripped off in a struggle with the shark. In the next scene he's in the hospital and they tell him he's lost a little blood and he'll be fine.
That looks to me like he lost his leg. In this scene they also show the shark breaking through a boat which they never explain.

There's a huge flashback scene in the beginning of this film where David is talking about where the treasure came from. In this scene there are
knights fighting on foot and on horse back. We didn't need to see all of this to get the point of where the treasure came from. They just wasted their budget on useless footage. Knights are cool but not in a film called "Sharks In Venice." I wanted more shark action.

The continuity is so terrible. They use the same footage multiple times and it is very noticeable. The last 30 minutes are so ridiculous they made m
y stomach hurt from laughing so hard.

My advice would be rent it if you're in the mood for a terrible straight-to-dvd movie. It's a lot more enjoyable than most of the sci-fi channel movies out there.
Sorry Mr. Baldwin.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Day of the Dead (2008) Review

Oh where do I begin?

I have honestly tried to watch this movie five times. Every time I watch it I get a little bit farther but it never gets any better. I guess I just want it to be good like the Dawn of the Dead remake. I actually got forty minutes in to it this time. A new record. The movie is an hour and twenty five minutes by the way. How is it so bad you ask? Well I will tell you.

First let's talk about this poster. This never happens in the movie. None of the zombies in this movie throw up so why give it such a bad image from the start? I don't think anyone saw this cover at a rental store and thought, "Oh cool, puking zombies."

Now let's get on with the movie.

This movie has fast zombies like we have seen before but they do these sporadic movements that are just uncalled for. There is a scene in a hospital where a zombie is chasing after a women and grabs onto the ceiling and is crawling upside down super duper fast. This is the only time in the movie when this is done. It's like a weird spider zombie.

The worst dialog in this film is when the mother of the main character in this movie is talking to a private named Bud about her daughter. It goes something like this.

"Does she have a boyfriend?" - Bud
"She's hot huh?" -Mother
"She's so hot" - Bud

Now this is the first scene that they talk so it's not like they know each other or anything.

I think the biggest slap in the face overall for fans of the original is the character of Bud. He is obviously supposed to be like Bub in the original Day of the Dead. Bud gets turned into a zombie about half way through the film. He
ends up not eating people because before he is changed he is a vegetarian. That is the point where I turned off the film.

My advice is to not rent this film and go watch the original instead.