March 2009 Wrap-Up

Another great month for DVD's, March was pretty fun overall...

At the Box Office we got...
-One superb remake- Last House on the Left. It was better than the original (in many ways), and though it has only taken in $24 million or so thus far, it's good to see a Hollywood horror movie be so solid... even if it is a remake.
-One average PG-13 ghost story- The Haunting in Connecticut. I still can't seem to make myself go and see it, but from what I've read about it, it's fairly average.
-One cool movie available on IFC In-Demand, Sauna. Spend the $6.99 it cost's to order it, it's a good one.

On DVD we got...
Own it- Let the Right One In*, The Children (UK DVD), Dead in 3 Days.
Rent it- Walled In, Timecrimes.
Skip it- Dark Reel, Twilight.
Rent or Skip, we can't decide- The 8 Films to Die For; they were a mixed bag.
The one's we haven't seen yet- Crowley, The Dark Country, Cthulhu.

So what will April bring us other than the showers that bring May flowers? Humains comes out in France, and I'm really looking forward to seeing that one; A bunch of cool DVD's headlined by Vinyan, Splinter, and Martyrs will hit shelves as well. Martyrs on DVD!!! Ok, I'll shut up now.

R.I.P. 1946-2009We'll miss you Ron. Thanks for everything. The Entity just won't be the same for me anymore.

Wordless Wednesday: Fruit as Art

Two-Thirds of America Approves of Obama's Handling of the Presidency

No wonder President Obama is smiling ... his approval rating is 66%. Forty-two percent of the public believes the country is on the 'right track' ... the highest percentage saying so in five years and marks a sharp turnaround from December 2008 when only 15% thought that country led by George W. Bush was on the 'right track'.

My hope is that these numbers will result in support for his proposed budget.

Farewell NPR News and Notes

Top (L-R): Geoffrey Gardner, Drew Tewksbury, Joanne Griffith, Allison Samuels, and Zachary Slobig
Middle (L-R): Sonata Lee-Narcisse, Sasa Woodruff, Sherene Strausberg, [former staffer] Kenya Young, Tony Cox, Roy Hurst and Geoffrey Bennett
Seated (L-R): Christabel Nsiah-Buadi, Nicole Childers and Devin Robins

I was blessed to be a guest on this show a number of times over the past year. I thought that the host, Farai Chideya, was a woman of great character and intellect. NPR made a mistake when they cancelled the show.

I appeared on the Blogger's Roundtable on the following dates: January 14, 2009, August 20, 2008, June 18, 2008, April 9, 2008 and November 14, 2007.

Toy Gun Bill Inspired by DeAunta Farrow Fails to Pass in Arkansas

Villagers may recall the story DeAunta Farrow. He is the 12-year old youngster killed by an Arkansas police officer who mistakenly thought that his toy gun was real.

The Arkansas House has narrowly rejected a bill that would have restricted the sale of realistic-looking toy guns. Rep. Fred Allen says toy guns often are mistaken for actual guns or are used during robberies, and shouldn't be readily available in Arkansas stores.

Allen originally named his bill the DeAunta Farrow Imitation Firearms Act. But Allen agreed to remove the boy's name from the bill after complaints from the family, who dispute police accounts that say DeAunta was holding the toy weapon. The family's civil lawsuit is pending.

We don't allow toy guns in our house. I want my 9-year old son to grow to be an old man. No need to tempt fate. What is your view?

The Last House on the Left (2009)

Perhaps one of the best horror remakes I've seen...


The Last House on the Left (Remake)
Sub-Genre- Torture Porn/Revenge

In Attendance- Me, and some guy two rows up that kept rubbing his crotch with his popcorn bag...

Cast Members of Note- The always awesome Tony Goldwyn, the always hot Monica Potter, the totally legal Sara Paxton, creepy Garret Dillahunt, and Superbad Martha MacIssac.

What's it about?- A family goes on a retreat to their lake house (the last one on the left) after the oldest child dies, to get their heads straight and have some "me" time. In a smart move, the 17 year old daughter takes off into town, hooks up with her slutty drug addict friend, and they hook up with a kid who looks like a serial killer based on his promise of some good weed.

"So like, you want to like, rape us and stuff like?"
The creepy kid's family is also on a retreat; from the law! When they interrupt the weed fest/makeover/potential threesome, everything goes to hell for the dumb girls. Violence, rape and murder ensues.

Oh yeah, I'd let them in.
After "taking care" of the girls, the creepy family heads to the other family's house for some medical attention, hot cocoa, and some much needed R&R. It's not long before the good family realizes what happened to their baby girl, and decides to fuck the creepy family up. I won't spoil what happens here, but suffice it to say that the mighty hammer of justice swings, destroying everything in its path.

Oh man, that creepy family is so screwed!
The Good- This is not a date movie. It's nasty, uncomfortable, hard to watch in parts, and extremely violent. It's also a hell of a film, acted and directed to near perfection, and satisfying in just about every way imaginable. I think it improves on the original in many ways, but then again it's a different era and the remake sets a different tone.

I give a lot of credit to Sara Paxton for taking a role that must have been excruciatingly hard to play in some parts, and acing it. I also love Tony Goldwyn; he's always good in whatever role he plays and he's near flawless as the dad in this. Monica Potter rocked too. Plus, she's as hot as her daughter. Garret Dillahunt... he played the updated version of Krug rather convincingly as well. Somewhat likable, totally loathsome, and just nasty. Great job.


Dennis Iliadis directed the hell out of this movie, and he has a bright future ahead of him. He created a dark and foreboding atmosphere, and made the story believable. Most American-made horror films fail to reach this level or craft and realism anymore. Kudos my good sir.

The Bad- How stupid are teen girls? I know that question can often times be rhetorical, but in this case, I need to know. A random, shady-looking stranger kid comes into your store, offers you weed, and you close up shop, head to his dirty motel room, and give him a makeover? If that doesn't spell "potential rape", I don't know what does.

Beautiful, but dim.
The Downright Horrendous- Watching your friend be stabbed multiple times, then being raped while you watch her lay there and die... That's beyond F'd up.

The Gory- Rape, impromptu stitches, stabbing, nose breaking/tweaking, and all kinds of miscellaneous havoc is wreaked by some pissed off parents!


The Naked- This movie made me afraid to think of anything sexual. There are some boobs though. And a butt cheek.

Best Line- "Do you want to know how tight your little homecoming queen was?" Damn.

What did we learn?- Never rape someone's daughter then sleep at her parents house. Also, never run off to smoke weed with a random skanky looking kid.


Rating- A (9/10) This is a superb remake which surpasses the original in many ways, and still manages to be a good movie all on its own. Catch it in theaters if you haven't already, or grab it on DVD later this year.

Final Thoughts- My room is the last one on the left Monica...

Michael Steele is Monty Python's Black Knight

Am I the only one who is worried about the sanity of RNC Chairman Michael Steele? Did you see his interview on CNN this weekend?

Steele said he is "done" talking to the White House, saying he thinks Obama "has got a little thing about me, that I haven't quite figured out what that is." When asked if he was jealous of Obama, Steele was incredulous: "What would I be jealous of?" adding, "I'm chairman of the RNC, so, what’s your point? We both have leadership responsibilities and roles. I'm not equating the two. My point is: you are on your track. I'm on my track. You do your thing. I do my thing."

I realize where I've seen Michael Steele before. He played the Black Knight in a 1974 Monty Python movie. Check it out and see if you agree with me!




What say u?

2nd Anniversary of The AfroSpear

Today is the 2nd anniversary of The AfroSpear. Would you care to share your best memories of the AfroSpear over these first two years?

Investigation and Autopsy of Taser Victim Marcus Moore

Illinois State Police are investigating the death of Marcus D. Moore,who died on Saturday at Rockford Memorial Hospital, after he had been tasered by a Freeport police officer.

Moore was being arrested for allegedly robbing a 47-year-old man.

The police are spinning the story to indicate that Moore's death was not related to the taser attack. However, his family believes he would not have died if police had not tasered him. An autopsy is scheduled today.

My hope is that the Illinois State Police will publish results of their investigation to determine if Freeport police handled the situation in the proper manner. I'm wondering if any of the civil rights organizations in that town are engaged in this process?

Diversity in Science Carnival: Women in STEM - Past and Present

March is Women's History Month. One way that the month is being honored is thru the Diversity in Science Carnival: Women in STEM - Past and Present.

The blog carnival shares timely information on subjects such as:

• Women in science through history
  
• Big ideas
  
• Everyday heroes of diversity
  
• The lived reality of the scientific life
  
• Teachers and role models

I am proud that our blog contributed to this month's Diversity in Science Carnival. The next carnival will be May 20th (there will be no DiS carnival in April), hosted by DN Lee at Urban Science Adventures!, on the topic "Dealing With Diversity - what have you done with it, what obstacles have you faced, what success stories do you have".

The Children (2009)

This film is truly horrifying...


The Children (2009)
Sub-Genre- Evil Kids

In Attendance- Me

Cast Members of Note- The lovely Hannah Tointon, Rachel Shelley, and Eva Birthistle. Also, a bunch of really creepy kids.

What's it about?- Two families gather to celebrate the holidays in the quaint countryside of England... and if you've seen any type of European Horror films lately, then you know that absolutely nothing good will come of it.

Everyone, I'd like you to meet "nothing good."
Upon arriving, one of the kids notices something odd in the brush, and goes to investigate; soon after which he get's sick and starts acting all kinds of weird. It spreads quickly to the other kids, and though they act odd and even mildly crazy, the adults don't seem to notice at all... maybe because they're to busy drinking and having fun to see that they're all about to die.

"Um, are the kids acting... screw it, let's do more shots!"
It's not long before a series of "accidents" begins to befall the adults, and sends them all into a state of retarded confusion. The oldest child, teenager Casey, knows something is up though; goth kids have a sixth sense about evil children. Wikipedia says so.

These kids are creepier than I am, and I'm goth!
I wont spoil the rest of what happens here, but suffice it to say that the shit hits every type of fan ever made, and the f'ing air conditioner too.

The Good- Dread and unease permeate this movie and never really seem to let up, and are eventually joined by some vicious violence and gore; when mixed together, they basically have a square dance on your nuts until you end up hiding in your closet and crying like a small child. Ok, I may be exaggerating just a bit, but this is one taxing movie, and that's no joke .

I have no words to describe this scene, nor the hinted at subplot which inspired it.
This movie is profoundly disturbing, and left me feeling a bit numb at the end. Only bits and pieces of the reasons for the children turning on their parents are given to us, and maybe that's the worst part. Actually, the worst part is probably the fact that 6 and 7 year old kids are hell bent on killing their parents.

The ending was one of the best I've seen in quite a while too. It came out of nowhere, and chilled me to the bone. It also left me with questions which I wish I had definitive answers too, but hey, at least it made me think.

"Like seriously, WTF?!?"
The Bad- Great Britain has hippies? Yes they do! I thought it was a California Dreamin' thing myself, but I guess the bohemian lifestyle is lame enough for any country. "We don't hit children around here", one of the Brit-hippies says to his brother-in-law. How very progressive of you chap! Too bad that hitting them may just have saved your life. Or maybe stabbing them.

The Downright Horrendous- How can you just leave your wife, I mean walk out one her, in the middle of such a whirlwind of child carnage? "Stay here bitch, I'm pretty much done with you?" That's cold. Thankfully, karma is a mighty, mighty bitch.

The Gory- This movie has plenty of child violence, both done by them and too them. Some of it is genuinely unsettling, especially if you love kids. Luckily for me, I hate them.

Screw the kids and run!
The Naked- No, but we do get a scantily clad milf in lingerie, and a hot goth schoolgirl-looking chick in a short skirt.

Best Line- "I told you he was a knob." or "I'm taking care of mother!"

What did we learn?- Kids suck. Also, stay out of the European countryside... I've told you this before!

Rating- A (9/10) This was a well crafted and genuinely terrifying movie; the happenings of which will stay with you long after you've finished watching. It's on Region 2 DVD now, and I'm hoping for a U.S. DVD release soon. Either way, definitely see this one as soon as you can.

Final Thoughts- God do I ever love British women.

More pics from The Children (2009)

She's 21, I can call her hot if I want!

Manic Monday: Bird

There is a creative weekly meme known as Manic Monday. Bloggers are challenged to create a post based on a different word each week. This week the word is 'Bird'. My first reaction was to go with the legendary jazz musician known by that name.

However, my spirit was moved in a different direction. Many folks in the current generation don't understand the power of Maya Angelou. Some know her from her inaugural poem when President Clinton came into office. However, in my home she became a superstar with the emotion and images evoked by the following poem.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

The free bird leaps
on the back of the win
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wings
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with fearful trill
of the things unknown
but longed for still
and is tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn
and he names the sky his own.

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom.

What is your best memory of May Angelou?

Sauna (2009)

Wow, another good horror flick from Scandinavia...


Sauna (Filth)
Sub-Genre- Supernatural

In Attendance- Me

Cast Members of Note- The show stealing Ville Virtanen and Tommi Eronen.

What's it about?- Two brothers head off into the deep recesses of 1500's Finland to draw a map with some Russians. Apparently, Finland was once a part of Sweden, but the Russians wanted it so they fought a war... whatever.

Brotherly love &/or hate.
The two brothers (one a happy-go-lucky solider that loves to kill, the other a map making wuss), kill a farmer and nearly rape his teen daughter, but decide to lock her in a root cellar instead. For the record, root cellars back in the 1500's were basically holes in the ground. Sounds nice, doesn't it? They just move along, leaving her to fend for herself, because they have a border to define. Men.

"You gon' get raped... or left behind to die. Not sure yet."
While trying to fairly divvy up the land that will become Finland one day, they come upon a creepy village with a bunch of old people and an even older building which we find out is a "Sauna." Things start to get really weird here, as one of the brothers becomes haunted by the girl they left behind, and the other by a girl who looks like a boy, whom he may want to rape.

"Sauna? It looks like a rape shack. I'll wait out here."
I won't spoil anymore here, but suffice it to say that no one gets raped, but men do bathe each other gently. Twice.

The Good- Brilliantly directed, and even more brilliantly acted, Sauna is a really damn good movie. Ville Virtanen steals the show as the tormented and war ravaged older brother, giving a hell of a performance that leaves me wanting more from him.

Great shot, great actor.
It's visually breathtaking, moody and dark, and very sparse. Antti-Jussi Annila has a bright future ahead of him in directing, and I hope he does more genre work. I can't say that this movie "Scared" me very much, but it did manage to keep me on the edge of my seat and think things like "Don't go in there!", "Run!", and "Don't go in there, just run!" to myself. Very atmospheric and effective.

The Bad- Not one, but two scenes of naked men bathing each other... say what?!? Things must have been rough and tumble in 1595 Sweden.

The Downright Horrendous- What was with the ending? I'm a fairly smart individual (I think), and I'm still not sure what ended up happening.

?!?
The Gory- Most of Sauna was blood-free, but when we did get the gore, it was pretty messy. The last 10 minutes or so is the big gore payoff.


The Naked- Plenty of man ass & peen, but nothing of the female variety.

Best Line- "To protect her. From you." or "All you had to do was come back."

What did we learn?- Don't rape, kill, or abandon anyone. Ever.

Rating- B+ (8.5/10) A wonderfully acted and produced film, Sauna is subtle yet effective in what it sets out to do. It's basically a morality play fused with elements of dread and head scratching horror. See it if you like to feel appreciated as an audience member, because this film does just that.

Final Thoughts- I prefer this kind of sauna... the ones with naked chicks in them.

March- Week 4; The week in "Do Not Want!"

We've seen them, we don't want to waste time reviewing them, we advise you to skip them.

This week's entries:
Dark Reel- Ugh. Cool looking killer, shit movie. Does Edward Furlong ever not suck?
The Room at the End of the Hall- Made for TV dreck... Lifetime network style.
The Legend Trip- No. No, no, no.
While She Was Out- Kim Basinger in torture porn? Yay.
The Devil's Ground- Is this a made for Sci-Fi movie? Lame twist warning!
Baseline Killer- Another Uli Lommel gem... is he Uwe Boll's cousin?
Bled- Not a bad effort, it just did absolutely nothing for me.

Nana says, "These movies make my goiter itch!"