Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2018
Friday, October 26, 2018
PODCAST! HALLOWEEN WATCH 2018 FINALE! "The Thing" (1982) w/ Jamie and Ryan
Watched: 09/30/2018
Format: BluRay
Viewing: Unknown. Eighth?
Decade: 1980's
After 20 years of avoiding watching The Thing (1982) Jamie decides it's time to watch the movie and then get in front of a microphone. We discuss a modern horror classic, and what it's like to finally see a movie you've heard so much about (and maybe built up a bit in your imagination).
Music:
Bride of Frankenstein Theme - Franz Waxman
The Thing Main Titles - Ennio Morricone
Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft - The Carpenters
Swan Lake - Act 2: No. 10 Scene - Tchaikovsky
Playlists:
Featured: Signal Watch Halloween 2018
- Amy and Ryan Watch 50 Shades!
- Bond Watch! James Bond movie discussion
- Avengers Chronological Countdown w/ Jamie and Ryan
- Disney History w/ NathanC and Ryan
- High School Movies w/ Maxwell
Get your audio episodes at:
Thursday, October 25, 2018
LIVE WATCH WITH THE SIGNAL WATCH! NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD!!! FRIDAY - 9:00ish Central!
Night of the Living Dead (1968) is a movie everyone should have in their collection and/ or have access to. It's got all sorts of copyright failures that mean everyone owns it and no one owns it.
This year is the 50th Anniversary, plus it's Halloween-time, so let's watch the movie that launched a 1000 imitators and a whole culture around re-killing dead people.
I was going to try to do a videoconferencing thing, but I've realized that everyone's TV's playing the movie out of synch is just going to be a nightmare, so until we sort out how to watch the movie together, we're still LIVE TWEETING.
- Movie: Night of the Living Dead
- Time: 9:00 Central, Friday October 26th
- hashtag: #getbarb
- to find me: @melbotis
Where to watch:
- Amazon Prime
- Filmstruck (currently having a free trial)
- YouTube
We'll talk:
- unpredictable effects of cosmic phenomena
- why none of us care if Barbara gets it
- how it's kinda nice all the zombies are dressed nice from their funerals
- the complexities of what it means for a bunch of dead people to come back as proposed in this film versus other films
- casting a Black lead in 1968
- why one should always keep a good shovel around
- brains: yes, delicious, but - also nutritious?
- why Dawn of the Dead is also pretty spiffy
- what is the most depressing element of this movie?
- why I'd become a dictatorial monster inside of five minutes of a zombie apocalypse
- what to do when you awkwardly run into a zombie who is someone you used to know
Cocktails:
Well, I'll be drinking, you can count on that. But I'm not making any recommendations. Both the Corpse Reviver and Zombie cocktails are delicious and require too many ingredients I don't have. So, people, just do what you know.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Halloween Wacky Watch: Beetlejuice (1988)
Watched: 10/21/2018
Format: Amazon Streaming
Viewing: Unknown. Fifth?
Decade: 1980's
What to say about Beetlejuice (1988) thirty years on?
I didn't actually see the movie until sometime after 1995 when Jamie and I started dating and she realized I'd never seen it. Which, honestly, it was weird I hadn't. I liked Tim Burton a lot, as well as Michael Keaton, Catherine O'Hara and other parts of the film that I knew about.
But now I've seen it a few times, and every time I like it more. It's just good, chaotic fun with some great ideas that all work well on screen, fun performances and terrific FX.
Anyway, I don't have a ton to add here. You've all seen the film, and if you haven't, it's a good family film (if the kids are a bit older). So, sit back and enjoy Michael Keaton before he became respectable, early career Alec Baldwin, and the wonder that is Geena Davis. PLUS terrific appearances from Robert Goulet, Dick Cavett, Susan Kellermann, Sylvia Sidney, of course Winona Ryder, Glenn Shadix and Jeffrey Jones and O'Hara.
PODCAST! HALLOWEEN EDITION! "The Night of the Demon" (1957) and "The Haunting" (1963)
Watched: Curse of the Demon 09/27/2018 & The Haunting 09/28/2018
Format: Amazon Streaming/ BluRay
Decade: 1950's and 1960's
Viewing: Second/ Seventh or so
SimonUK and Ryan wind up their Halloween movie discussions by taking on two movies about scientists (and friends) coming up against the supernatural - is it all in their minds, somehow? OR is it ghosts and demons?!! It's bone-chilling look into what works in two horror classics, and some discussion of stuff in other movies that's just annoying.
Music:
Bride of Frankenstein Theme - Franz Waxman
Blue Ghost Blues - Lonnie Johnson
Science Fiction Double Feature - Rocky Horror Picture Show Soundtrack
Hounds of Love - Kate Bush
Stroker Ace - Charlie Daniels Band
Swan Lake - Act 2: No. 10 Scene - Tchaikovsky
Playlists:
Featured: Signal Watch Halloween 2018
- Amy and Ryan Watch 50 Shades!
- Bond Watch! James Bond movie discussion
- Avengers Chronological Countdown w/ Jamie and Ryan
- Disney History w/ NathanC and Ryan
- High School Movies w/ Maxwell
Get your audio episodes at:
Saturday, October 20, 2018
Hammer Horror Watch: Twins of Evil (1971)
Watched: 10/19/2018
Format: Amazon Prime Streaming
Viewing: First
Decade: 1970's
Twins of Evil (1971) is the third in the Karnstein Trilogy of vampire films from Hammer, the two previous films included The Vampire Lovers (which I really liked) and Lust For a Vampire (which I swore I'd rewatch more closely and haven't done, so... I'll get on that).
Friday, October 19, 2018
Where Wolf? Watch: Wolfen (1981)
Watched: 10/19/2018
Format: Amazon Streaming
Viewing: First
Decade: 1980's
Well, I finally managed to watch Wolfen (1981) instead of The Howling.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
PODCAST! HALLOWEEN WATCH! "Isolation" (2005) w/ SimonUK and Ryan
Watched: 09/15/2018
Format: BluRay
Viewing: First
Decade: 2000's
A lonesome Irish farm. A lot of rain. A cow ready to drop a calf. Ruth Negga for some reason. SimonUK and Ryan watch a movie that isn't afraid to borrow, but manages to find a path unique to itself.
Music:
Bride of Frankenstein Theme - Franz Waxman
Milk Cow Blues - Bob Wills
Walking the Cow - Daniel Johnston
Swan Lake - Act 2: No. 10 Scene - Tchaikovsky
Playlists:
Featured: Signal Watch Halloween 2018
- Amy and Ryan Watch 50 Shades!
- Bond Watch! James Bond movie discussion
- Avengers Chronological Countdown w/ Jamie and Ryan
- Disney History w/ NathanC and Ryan
- High School Movies w/ Maxwell
Get your audio episodes at:
Sunday, October 7, 2018
PODCAST! HALLOWEEN EDITION! "Ghostbusters" (1984) with SimonUK, Jamie and Ryan
Watched: 09/10/2018
Format: Alamo Ritz in 70mm
Viewing: 500th?
Decade: 1980s
After all hitting the local cinema, Jamie, SimonUK and Ryan talk "Ghostbusters" (1984). At this point, what IS there left to say? Somehow we managed to fill 50-odd minutes answering that question while only barely talking over each other. Who doesn't like "Ghosbusters"? Nobody good, that's who.
Playlists:
Featured: Signal Watch Halloween 2018
- Amy and Ryan Watch 50 Shades!
- Bond Watch! James Bond movie discussion
- Avengers Chronological Countdown w/ Jamie and Ryan
- Disney History w/ NathanC and Ryan
- High School Movies w/ Maxwell
Get your audio episodes at:
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Halloween Watch: Hocus Pocus (1993)
Watched: 10/03/2018
Format: Amazon Streaming
Viewing: First
Decade: 1990's
Millennials, I feel like we need to have a talk. I understand that you were mostly raised by distracted parents who left you with a VCR or DVD player and no limit on the number of viewings you could take in of any movie, so long as you didn't interrupt whatever your parents were up to. And, believe me, I understand the power of nostalgia and re-enjoying a movie that takes you back to your past, when things were simpler and life was all Capri Sun pouches and sugar cereals. But right now, the two movies I keep seeing you defend - arguably unironically - are Space Jam and Hocus Pocus.
In 1993 I was 18, adjusting to college, trying to land a date with the girl in the Italian class I was busy failing, and didn't make time to leave campus to see Hocus Pocus. The movie has appeared as a streaming option every year, and I've considered it. Lately - as noted above - the kids have rallied around this movie, naming it a Halloween holiday classic.
The thing, tho, is that Hocus Pocus (1993), sux.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
PODCAST! SIgnal Watch Halloween Horror Watch: Horror Express and Death Line (both 1972)
Watched: 09/08/2018
Format: BluRay
Viewing: First
Decade: 1970's
In the spoooookiest of all Halloween themes - SimonUK and Ryan settle on "Christopher Lee + trains + 1972". Two wildly different takes on the horror genre from the same year, each with a lot to offer, but offering up chills - one featuring a drunk Donald Pleasance as a policeman, and one Telly Savalas as a vodka-swilling Cossack. But, honestly, both well worth a viewing this Halloween season.
Music:
Bride of Frankenstein Theme by Franz Waxman
Crazy Train, Ozzy Osbourne
Bound for Hell, Love and Rockets
Swan Lake - Act 2: No. 10 Scene - Tchaikovsky
Playlists:
Featured: Signal Watch Halloween 2018
More Playlists:
Monday, September 24, 2018
PODCAST! WEREWOLF WATCH! a Signal Wach Halloween! "Late Phases" (2014) and "Dog Soldiers" (2002)
Watched: 08/18/2018
Format: DVD
Viewing: First (both)
Decade: 2000's and 2010's
SimonUK and Ryan go to the dogs with two monstrously good films set to make anyone howl. We talk the werewolf genre and the troubles which ail it, but also what goes right in two movies sure to transform you into the Halloween mood. It's two modern-era movies doing something a bit different with an age-old idea, and maybe coming out the top of the pack?
And, of course, there's a detour into discussing Sean Connery for absolutely no reason.
Music:
Bride of Frankenstein Theme by Franz Waxman
Hungry Like the Wolf, Duran Duran
Wolves (radio edit), Wu-Tang Clan
Swan Lake - Act 2: No. 10 Scene - Tchaikovsky
Get your audio episodes at:
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
PODCAST! A SIGNAL WATCH HALLOWEEN! "Psychomania" (1973) w/ SimonUK and Ryan
Watched: 07/21/2018
Format: BluRay
Viewing: First
Decade: 1970s
Watch ALL of Psychomania!
A Signal Watch Halloween BEGINS!
SimonUK brings Ryan a spooooky film of his youth. The Easy Rider scene reaches the British suburbs as a crew of hooligans cause mischief, dabble in the occult and plan for world domination by generally making a nuisance of themselves. Frogs, the undead, shallow graves, lousy hippie music, motorbikes and locked rooms converge in a film that dares to ask: are you really going to watch all of this?
Music:
Bride of Frankenstein Theme by Franz Waxman
Psychomania Theme by John Cameron
Riding Free from Psychomania
Swan Lake - Act 2: No. 10 Scene - Tchaikovsky
Get your audio episodes at:
Monday, September 17, 2018
ANNOUNCEMENT! PODCAST SERIES! A Signal Watch Halloween 2018!
Coming Soon (like, this week) - The Signal Watch will begin a series of PodCasts for the Halloween Season!
Here's our 90 second promo!
I'm assuming some of these movies will be unfamiliar to viewers - they were to me. But we hope you can find them and watch along with us!
In the can:
and more to come!
Music by Franz Waxman from The Bride of Frankenstein
Here's our 90 second promo!
I'm assuming some of these movies will be unfamiliar to viewers - they were to me. But we hope you can find them and watch along with us!
In the can:
- Psychomania!
- Late Phases and Dog Soldiers
- Horror Express and Death Line
- Isolation
- Ghostbusters (1984)
and more to come!
Music by Franz Waxman from The Bride of Frankenstein
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Halloween Watch: War of the Worlds (1953)
It's kind of funny that in this post and the last, I'm referring to movies referenced in my own title banner, but there you have it.
I checked, and it has been a while since I last watched George Pal's 1953 movie of War of the Worlds. A number of years now, in fact.
My interest was piqued by the idea of a Martian invasion in 6th or 7th grade when I learned about Orson Welles' and the Mercury Theater's 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast - which supposedly caused a panic (sort of, but not really). Click on the link and listen. It's a hell of a show.
Shortly after all this, around the age of 12, The Admiral found out I wanted to watch the original movie, and so he and I rented it and I think it was just the two of us who watched it.
Honestly, despite the fact it was not a gore fest or built on the tension-making trip wires of, say Ridley Scott's Alien, that movie scared the hell out of me.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Halloween Watch 2017: The Mummy
I didn't mean to watch all of The Mummy (1932), but as so often happens, I did.
This Universal monster movie was one that, the first time I watched it, I loved the first ten minutes and then felt waning interest in everything but Zita Johann. But, the past two or three times I've given those first few minutes a shot (because I love the opening), I've really changed my tune. And, in fact, have to retract initial statements made about dull camera-work in comparison to the grand, gothic guignol of Dracula or the surrealist landscapes of the first three Frankenstein films.
The lighting, sets, and FX employed are far more deft than I'd originally wanted to give credit, and leave you in a murky place where you know Bey is employing mystical shenanigans, but it's hard to put a finger on what and how. Add in Karloff's performance, as well as that of Johann, and you've got something that's been aped more in vampire movies than anywhere else the past 85 years.
Karloff is actually terrific as Imhotep/ Ardath Bey, and the overall effect of the picture is not so much horrifying as it is eerie and uncanny. Unraveling the machinations of what he's up to (ripped off for the past thirty or forty years of Dracula movies), and it's good stuff.
Weirdly, TCM rated the movie TV-14, and for the life of me, I have no idea why. This is one I'd watch with a kid aged 10 or up. There's no blood, minimal on-screen violence, a lack of nudity or sexual innuendo... But Mummies are scary, I guess.
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