Another Glowing Halloween

Finally, the big day arrives!

Sis and I spent half of the holiday seeing horror movies.  I also watched on TV some of the Travel Channel’s “13 Most Terrifying Places in America” and the “Halloween” series on AMC Fear Fest.  Besides that, I listened to the radio.  I heard “Ghostbusters”, “Thriller”, and “Monster Mash”.  Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot of Halloween music on.

While doing these activities, I stuffed myself with a variety of treats such as pumpkin seeds, popcorn, candy bars, chocolate pudding, and butterscotch pudding.

Before the night was through, Bro turned the jack o’ lanterns to face the open shutters of the window.  He kept them there from 11 pm until 3 am, to keep away evil spirits.

In retrospect, it was probably a good choice to show the last films right on Hell Night and Halloween, even though it made it difficult to blog.  At any rate, it certainly gave us something to do. 

My only regret was that I didn’t find the “Fear Finder”, a haunted attraction newspaper.  However, since we never seem to go to a haunted house anyway (because there are none in the area), it doesn’t really matter.  Too bad…it would be nice to experience one of those places.

Other than that, I had a great Halloween season.  I hope you had a wonderful time too.  Until next time, take care and have a fantastic 9 months!

Thirst: Movie Review

For Halloween, I’m reviewing “Thirst”.  A vampire cult wishing to unite two great families kidnaps a woman who’s the descendant of the Countess Elizabeth Bathory.

This movie’s bloody for sure!  It’s also very original.  David Hemmings stands out as compassionate Dr. Fraser, who has his own villainous way of conditioning Kate.  Though they never say, I’m guessing that the other’s family’s bloodline dates back to Vlad the Impaler.

Unfortunately, half of the tape was messed up, so I couldn’t enjoy the ending.  Thank goodness I’ve seen it before.

Based on my previous screenings, I give it a big thumb up.

Hell Night Double Feature

We decided to see two movies, since it was Hell Night, or Devil’s Night.  One was “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” and the other was, of course, “Hell Night”. 

A priest is prosecuted for telling an alleged possessed girl that she should discontinue her medication in “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”.

This thriller-drama is fascinating.  As a true story it’s also very creepy.  You never know whether the girl was really possessed (although I think she was).  Furthermore, I found it interesting to watch the growth of the priest’s lawyer during the trial.

In “Hell Night”, four pledges must spend a night at infamous Garth Manor.

This monster film is one of my favorites, one that I haven’t seen for a year.  Surprisingly, it still has the power to shock me.  Besides that, they seemed to spend some time on character development, so you actually care what happens to these people.

Anyways, we survived Hell Night.

Trick or Treat Candle Holder

I found this candle holder in my stash.  I don’t remember when or where I bought it.

It reminds me of the best of this holiday, all in one decoration.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Display

I couldn’t resist taking a picture of this yard, because I haven’t seen any good outdoor displays in this area for a long time. 

My Halloween decoration craving is satisfied.

Halloween Footwear

I want to share with you my collection of Halloween footwear.  Unfortunately, I don’t have many socks.  So, I stole my sister’s.

Here’s what I have:

I purchased these socks from Meijers last year.  These pumpkins are on fire! 

I got this pair from Kohl’s 2 years ago.  I like dancing ghosts.

The slippers were from Target a few years back.  With the moons and stars, the jacks o’ lanterns seem magical.

My Sis’s stash:

I gave this pair to my twin, which I bought last year from Meijers.  I almost took them back, because they’re so pretty.

My sister acquired these socks a couple years ago from Kohl’s.  These witches look like they’re flying!

The Unholy: Movie Review

In “The Unholy”, a demon awaits a priest in a New Orleans church.

This movie takes me back to when I first saw it in the theatre.  Ben Cross stars, and he’s totally believable as Father Michael.  Moreover, it’s clever to imply that The Unholy is connected to an angel statue.  Neat phone call from Hell too. 

On the other hand, I didn’t enjoy that nightclub ritual scene at all.  There’s also some nudity and sacrilege.

To be frank, I guess I shouldn’t like this picture, but I do.

Something Wicked This Way Comes: Movie Review

When a carnival arrives, the townspeople are tempted with their deepest desires in “Something Wicked This Way Comes”.

I like the old-time flavor of the movie, as well as the October scenery.  Besides that, Mr. Dark is an excellent villain. 

Unfortunately, one small problem is that the picture starts slow.  In addition, it’s not that scary (except for the spiders).  Perhaps it wasn't meant to be, since Disney produced it.

Otherwise, it’s a good film.

Halloween Wars

I can’t wait to see “Halloween Wars”!  Competing teams make scary scenes out of pumpkins, candy, and cake. 

The first time I watched this show was last year, and I was immediately fascinated with the way the 3 artists combine their skills to create a creepy sculpture.  I wondered, though, what they do with the winning confection after they’re done judging it.  It would be a shame to throw it away…

The Food Network series starts on Sunday, October 6 at 9 pm/8c.

Halloween III: Movie Review

In “Halloween III – Season of the Witch”, a doctor uncovers a diabolical plot concerning mask-wearing kids.

I wasn’t too enthusiastic about this movie going in, but it‘s surprisingly scary.  In addition, the film has some inventive and / or grotesque kills.  Not to mention that catchy tune.  Finally, the ending will haunt you long after the credits fade.

One little problem – I wish they didn’t name it “Halloween III”.  Not only do I feel a pang that Michael Myers isn’t in it, but the picture also deserves its own title.

Other than that, this is a good chiller.  It has earned a place in my Halloween Movie Marathon.

Horror Express: Movie Review

A reanimated fossil kills aboard a train in “Horror Express”.

We’ve enjoyed this movie ever since we first saw it on “Creature Feature” in the 1970’s.  Horror legends Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee star; this time, they’re working together to outwit the monster.  This film also has a sense of humor and a truly spectacular ending. 

Like I always say after watching the picture, “Just another day on planet Earth…” 

Trick or Treachery: Book Review

A purported witch winds up dead on Halloween in “Murder, She Wrote – Trick or Treachery”, by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain.

I first read this novel some years ago, and didn’t like it (partly because I didn’t know much about the series).  However, I tried it this season, and now I think it’s an easy read.  It has everything:  A costume party, black cat, supposed witch, wandering ghost, and group séance.  That orange and black book cover is also creepy with a cemetery background.  Then again, Jessica Fletcher’s smile reassures us that this is a light-hearted mystery.

To conclude, I would recommend this paperback.

The Howling: Movie Review

After being traumatized, a newswoman visits an isolated retreat in “The Howling”.

I love this werewolf movie!  My favorite part is when two people transform into monsters during the campfire scene.  Besides that, Marsha stands out as an excellent villainess.  I also like the music.

However, I don’t buy that ending.  Don’t get me wrong; it’s funny and looks good.  It just doesn’t make sense to me.

Other than that, this is an outstanding horror classic.

Dead Leaves: Book Review

There are only a couple of stories I liked in “Dead Leaves:  8 Tales from the Witching Season”, by Kealan Patrick Burke.  Here are the two:

• “The Toll” – A man buried alive considers the suspects.  This one is a terrifying read.  I kept on screaming, in my head, to ring that bell!
• “Not While I’m Around” – A former lover haunts a woman.  It was short and unsweet.

However, this e-book wasn’t really worth it, even for $2.99.

Demon Week: Movie Reviews

We saw two movies this week.  Both are about demons.

Based on a true story, “The Possession” is what happens when a young girl buys a dibbuk box.

This picture wasn’t too bad.  Unfortunately, it had only a couple of good scares in it, both having to do with seeing the actual evil spirit.  Besides that, the exorcism was decidedly different from your usual possession film. 

In “Night of the Demons” (1988), partying teens are beset by a demon.

I watched this movie once, but never again.  Now I know why, because it has nudity and is gross.  Nice opening graphics, though.  Possessed Angela was pretty horrific too.

Halloweenland: Book Review

A detective chases an evil girl all the way to a carnival in “Halloweenland”, by Al Sarrantonio.

I feel cheated!  I don’t know why they call it “Halloweenland”, because the story doesn’t say much about the carnival until Part 5.  Even then, it’s used mostly as a setting.  The ending also raises more questions than answers.

Fortunately, the chapters were short, so it wasn’t too bad.  Besides that, there are some good descriptions about Halloween.

However, I cannot recommend this book.

Pumpkinhead: Movie Review

In “Pumpkinhead”, a demon called forth responds to a grieving father’s need for vengeance.

Mom says that we watched this movie when it first came out.  Unfortunately, I don’t remember it.  I actually thought that the film would be stupid, but it really is a stylish, atmospheric chiller.  Furthermore, the fiend reminds me of the creature in “Aliens”.  I like that link between man and beast too.

Nevertheless, I have to ask – Why did the townsfolk call the monster Pumpkinhead?  Is it because it’s orange?  Or is it because the upper half of its face is round?

Other than that, I think this is an excellent picture.

The Manse: Book Review

A residence used as a House of Horrors slowly becomes a living entity in “The Manse” by Lisa W. Cantrell.

This Halloween novel is an easy read.  It also satisfies the horror nut in me.  Unfortunately, sometimes the story borders on being too uncomfortable, even gross, which is why it isn’t on my book list every year.  However, the fireplace scene is just right.

I have to warn you, though – the Manse doesn’t spare little kids.

Sinister – Movie Review

In “Sinister”, an author finds some murder footage after he moves into a home where a gruesome slaying and puzzling kidnapping occurred.  Then he starts to experience strange, terrifying things.  Is he going crazy?  Are the bizarre happenings the work of poltergeists?  Or is there more to these film images than what meets the eye?

The movie started slow, but as soon as I saw that weird face, I was hooked.  Furthermore, it has an original plot and some truly frightening moments.  Like that ending; that was totally unexpected!

A disquieting side note:  When I first saw the lead male actor, I knew that was Ethan Hawke, even though I’m not familiar with his movie roles.  I didn’t even know he was in this picture…

What Lies Beneath – Movie Review

After a couple’s home is invaded by the supernatural, the wife discovers a horrible secret in “What Lies Beneath”.

I decided to watch this film because not only does it deal with a restless spirit, but it is also set in the fall.  So, it’s the perfect picture to include in our Halloween Movie Marathon this year.  When it first came out, it was so scary.  Particularly disturbing is the idea that you never know people, even when you think you know them.

The main actors are terrific.  Michelle Pfeiffer is very convincing as Claire Spencer, a housewife who experiences the strange goings-on.  Harrison Ford also shines as Norman, her husband.  Furthermore, I like that this thriller pays homage to Hitchcock. 

In conclusion, the spooky atmosphere, suspenseful plot, and surprising humor all combine to make this a movie that I love to see again and again.

That Magical Holiday

Are you ready for Halloween yet?  My twin and I sure are! 

For the next 3 or so months, I’ve lined up some fun activities to celebrate that magical holiday, Halloween.  Of course, I know it’s a little early.  The problem is that I hate to cram a lot of entertainment into only 2 months.  Fortunately, I like being ahead of the game!

This year, I’ll review a few Halloween movies recommended by Spooky Vegan.  Among the goodies I have for you:

• “Night of the Demons”
• “Pumpkinhead”

A couple of new DVDs also made the cut.  These scary pictures are:

• “Sinister”
• “The Possession”

Besides that, Halloween wouldn’t be complete without a few monster movies.

Furthermore, my list of books includes “Halloweenland”, a scary novel taken from Sis’s stash.  I also plan to read old favorites.

As we move forward into the season, it won’t be long before we are greeted with crisp days and the crunch of leaves beneath our feet.  So, let’s get down to business…

Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Guess what I’ve been up to?  For the past several months, Sis and I have been cooking up pumpkin dishes with the frozen puree made from last Halloween.  Most of them were good, but unfortunately they weren’t as pumpkiny as I wanted.  Well, I finally hit pay dirt with this rich dessert, found at southernfood.about.com.  Not only was it delicious, but it also hits the spot pumpkin-wise.  Here is the recipe:

8 ounces French bread, torn into small pieces, about 5 cups

2 cups half-and-half

3 large eggs

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree

1 cup dried cranberries

3 tablespoons melted butter

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon vanilla

Spray an 11x7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.  Heat oven to 350º.

In a bowl, cover bread with half-and-half; set aside.

In another bowl, combine eggs, sugars, pumpkin, cranberries, butter, spices, and vanilla; blend well.  Pour pumpkin mixture over soaked bread and stir.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.  Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until set.

Serves 8.

Sis couldn’t find French bread, so we replaced it with Italian bread.  Also, we discovered that the cupboard didn’t contain cinnamon and vanilla, so we exchanged cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice, and omitted vanilla.  Besides that, we used low-fat products for the butter and half-and-half.  The final result was still yummy.