Halloween Bites! Vamps (2012)

“You’ll get rats to put on condoms?

Amy Heckerling directs the sugary sweet vampire comedy, Vamps (2012). Heckerling is best known for a string of hit films that she directed including 1982’s Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Look Who’s Talking (1989), and Clueless (1995). The film stars Heckerling’s Clueless lead, Alicia Silverstone, and Krysten Ritter, perhaps best known for her work in Jessica Jones (2015-2019). The film also features Dan Stevens, Wallace Shawn, Justin Kirk, Kristen Johnston, and Richard Lewis. Sigourney Weaver has a small but crucial role in the film as Ciccerus, the “stem” vampire that made Silverstone and Ritter’s characters, Goody and Stacy. Also keep an eye out for Malcolm McDowell as a very domesticated Vlad Tepish and Taylor Negron in a brief cameo that calls back to one of Heckerling’s early films.

In the film, Goody and Stacy are a pair of young (looking) vampires that share an apartment, party, and run a pest control company together. They also abstain from consuming human blood, choosing to feed on the rats that they catch through their company. Goody runs into an old lover in the film and Stacy falls for the son of Dr. Van Helsing. When a plot is discovered to out vampires, the duo combine forces with humans and vampires to save their race. They also run into trouble with Ciccerus. You’ll have to watch the film to find out what happens.

Vamps is funny and features an amazing cast. When compared to some of Heckerling’s more popular films, however, it definitely falls a tad shy of their quality. That being said, it’s still work a look. I really enjoyed it and never felt as if I was wasting my time. Silverstone and Ritter work extremely well together and I’d love to see them team up again. I also enjoyed the performance of the late Richard Lewis. The only actor that seemed to phone in their performance was Sigourney Weaver who just couldn’t seem to find a rhythm in this movie.

This film flew under the radar for most folks, getting a limited release in theaters and then quickly hitting shelves on Blu-ray and DVD. Despite this, I believe that most fans of vampire films will appreciate this fun film.

Halloween Bites! Subspecies (1991)

The Night Has Fangs

Directed by Ted Nicolaou, written by a team that includes B-movie master Charles Band, and backed by Full Moon Features, 1991’s direct-to-video Subspecies breathed new life into the slowly fading corpse of the vampire film genre. The film tells the story of rival brothers Stefan and Radu, two vampires with very different outlooks on their eternal lives. Stefan (Michael Watson) hopes to live as much of a normal life as he can without harming humans. His grotesque, outcast brother, Radu (Anders Hove), plans to seize power from their father (Phantasm’s Angus Scrimm) and begin a reign of terror with a vampire queen by his side. That queen, Radu hopes, will be the lovely Michelle (Laura Mae Tate), who happens to be in Romania studying the local culture with her friends Mara (Irina Movila) and Lillian (Michelle McBride). The two brothers square off against one another with Michelle and her friends caught in the crossfire. Be sure to watch this wonderful B-flick that far exceeds expectations.

Despite its low budget, Subspecies clicks with the audience. There are genuine moments of horror throughout the film and the trio of Michelle, Radu, and Stefan all work well together. The film spawned four sequels (all of which featured Anders Hove as Radu) that slowly degraded in quality and one spinoff film, Vampire Journals (1997) that expanded upon the mythos of Radu and his lineage.

The film features some excellent stop-motion effects and gore and a very solid musical score. It also has a few scenes of female toplessness, something that was a token part of many direct-to-video films in the 1980s and 1990s. The locations and cinematography also prove to be much better than they should be considering the fact that this is a Full Moon film.

Be sure to check out this flick. Radu will have you pulling for him in no time despite the fact that he’s the bad guy!

Halloween Bites! Nosferatu (1922)

“The Master is near…..”

Released in 1922, F. W. Murnau’s Nosferatu: A Symphony Of Horror is the first vampire film to ever grace the big screen according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. A blatant rip-off of Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel, Murnau changed the names of the characters and the ultimate demise of the villain in order to avoid legal action by Stoker’s widow, Florence. These moves failed, however, and Florence’s legal team sought to have all versions of the film destroyed. Very few complete original prints of the film exist as a result. A number of secondary versions of the film which included “translations” of character names to the names of the original characters from Stoker’s novel did survive and many of them have been used to create multiple versions of the film.

The silent film stars Max Schreck as Graf Orlok, the vampire that becomes infatuated with Ellen (Greta Schroder), the wife of Orlok’s real estate agent, Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim). Orlok terrorizes the local town, murdering numerous people, as he attempts to take Ellen for his own. You’ll have to watch this legendary film in order to find out what happens!

This film truly is a silent masterpiece. It’s one of my favorite films of all time. I especially love the sad ending of the film and I highly recommend watching it. It is available for free across a number of streaming services. The biggest problem with the film today is that so many versions of it exist that it is very difficult to find an original German version of it with decent intertitles in English, Spanish, or other languages. Despite this, I still recommend seeking out a decent version of this film. It is excellent!

Thirty-One Days O’Horror Returns!

You’re Gonna Drink Up This Year’s Theme!

Vampires! Vampires! Vampires! Need I say more???? While I know that I haven’t been around as much as I’d like to this year (thanks to major changes at my job), I will definitely continue my October tradition of Thirty-One Days O’Horror. This year I’ll be taking a look at thirty-one vampire films and franchises. From new vampire flicks like Abigail to classics like Dracula’s Daughter, I’ll give fans of the fang thirty-one delicious treats to sink their teeth into as we all get ready for Halloween!

I hope that you are as excited about this year’s theme as I am, because I’ve been taking a deep dive into some great vampire flicks. Some of the films and franchises that I’ll be talking about are very well known, but I’ve also found a few films that might have flown under your radar.

Get ready, because Thirty-One Days O’Horror is right around the corner. See you next month!

Houston Horror Film Fest 2024

Houston Marriott Westchase, August 10th

This was my third year attending the Houston Horror Film Fest. Work prevented me from attending all three days, but I made the most of my Saturday at the event. There were tons of excellent independent horror films to view, a great selection of vendors, and a celebrity list that rivals some of the largest conventions in the United States. Some of the guests included most of the Cullen family from the Twilight films, the cast of the original Pet Sematary film, and scream queens such as Heather Langenkamp, Monica Keena, and Felissa Rose. There were also quite a few of our favorite slashers in attendance such as Chris Durand, Jonathan Breck, Alex Armbruster, and Kane Hodder.

I had my sights set on acquiring one autograph and selfie this year, and that was from Emily Perkins, better known to werewolf fans as Brigitte Fitzgerald from the Ginger Snaps films! She also appeared in the original television mini-series adaptation of It, Supernatural, and had a hilarious role in Juno. When I arrived at the event, I quickly got into the pre-purchased tickets line, acquired my bracelet, and got ready to seek out Mrs. Perkins. After a quick run through the vendor areas, I found her, and proudly showed off my “Bailey Downs Field Hockey” shirt, which she said that she loved and laughed at for a moment. I got my autograph and my selfie and headed back out into the crowd to check out the vendor area.

I roamed all over the vendor area. There were VHS copies of classic films, a ton of shirt and art sellers, homemade items, and even some sweets! I sought out some Scream merchandise for my daughter and then grabbed a quick bite to eat. I also had an amazing time checking out all of the amazing cosplays on display. I’ll include a few in the gallery below.

There were some amazing cosplayers at the festival, but my favorites were from The Shining and Alice, Sweet Alice. Sure, there were more elaborate costumes on the floor of the event, but how many times have you ever come face to face with an Alice, Sweet Alice cosplay????

I can’t wait until next year hits, and thankfully the gang at the Houston Horror Film Fest can’t wait, either, as they’ve already announced their Haunted Halloween Horror Market And Music Fest. No guests have been announced yet, but if I can get away from my job for a bit, I’m definitely going to check it out.

Thanks, Houston Horror Film Fest, for putting on another wonderful show. I’m ready for next year. I hope to see all of my readers there!

Mattel The Hammond Collection Isla Sorna Velociraptor Encounter Pack

“Those things know we have the eggs.”

Jurassic Park III may not be the most beloved film in Jurassic Park history, but it definitely had its moments. In fact, I actually prefer it to Jurassic Park: The Lost World. It’s an action yarn through and through, and I love it for that fact. Way back in November of 2022, Mattel released The Hammond Collection Isla Sorna Velociraptor Encounter Pack. I finally got my paws on this set earlier this year. Thanks to a number of major life events, I’m only getting to review the collection today.

The set arrived in a brown box, but whenever I opened it, it turned into a beautifully boxed pair of action figures with accessories. The set comes with Dr. Alan Grant, a velociraptor, two raptor eggs, a second set of hands for Dr. Grant, the bag that the eggs were stored in during the film, and Billy’s lucky bag.

The raptor comes with a multitude of articulation points, much more than other raptors in the same line. It has articulated hips, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, two POA in the neck and an opening jaw. Its tail also has a wire in it that allows you to pose the tail in a number of ways. I’ve included a photo with another velociraptor for comparison.

Dr. Grant bears a very good resemblance to Sam Neill. Unfortunately his hat is not removable. The figure stands at 3.75″ tall. Billy’s backpack can be placed upon Dr. Grant’s back with relative ease. He can also carry the bag that holds the eggs in the film.

The accessories are pretty cool. I love the fact that the eggs can be stored in the black bag. The extra hands are nice, but I would have loved to have a second head for Dr. Grant. The bag’s strap moves so that you can adjust its look on Dr. Grant.

I really like both of these figures. I also love the backpack and bag as well. The packaging is also brilliant. I am now on the hunt for John Hammond, Dennis Nedry, and Ray Arnold. I’ve included a couple of photos with some other figures from this collection. Let me know what you think of this figure or any of the other figures in this line in the comments below.

Thanks for checking out my post!

Calcasieu Serialfest: Chapter 10!

Cosplayer and all-around cool guy, William Necessary, stares down Kirk Alyn, better known as the first big screen Superman!

Brimstone Museum Annex, Sulphur, LA

July 13th marked the tenth year of Calcasieu Serialfest. It took place once again in Sulphur, Louisiana at the Brimstone Museum Annex, a part of the wonderful Henning Cultural Center. The tenth anniversary was marked by a full day of classic chapters from some of the greatest superhero serials of all time. There were four blocks of chapters, each one opening with a Max Fleischer Superman cartoon.

As always, admission was free. This year’s event featured the largest crowd in the festival’s ten year history. Attendees received free posters, prints, and stickers. They also received the second series of collectable Serialfest trading cards!

Cosplayer Bill Necessary donned multiple costumes during the event. He introduced each block of chapters with a brief history of the characters and their serials. He also posed for photos with attendees.

Chapters were shown from a total of nine different serials including Superman (1948), The Adventures Of Captain Marvel (1941), Spy Smasher (1942), and The Green Hornet (1940). Four Fleischer Superman cartoons were also shown. Guests revolved in and out of the festival all day.

Next year’s event will celebrate Republic Pictures, one of the most prolific producers of serials during the early days of cinema. Be sure to join us if you can in July, 2025!

McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse: Catwoman (Arkham City)

“It’s Just Little Ol’ Me.”

Released in 2022, the McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse Arkham City Build-A-Figure line was quickly on my radar. It came in two versions: a color version and a Walmart exclusive Gold Label black-and-white variant. I’ve put eyes on all four figures in the line, Batman, Catwoman, Penguin, and Ra’s Al Ghul, and after seeing them in person, the only one that I really liked was Catwoman. While I would love to collect all four of the figures to build the Solomon Grundy Build-A-Figure, I don’t want to pay full retail for the set. Luckily for me, I found Catwoman on clearance in northern Louisiana and had to scoop her up before someone else got her!

Catwoman is the second figure in the line and the best looking figure in the bunch. She comes with one accessory, her whip, and the standard figure base and collector card. She also comes with the torso portion of the Solomon Grundy Build-A-Figure. She looks amazing. She features a ton of details from her boots all the way down to the “claws” on her gloves. Her suit is textured head to toe. It looks wonderful.

As far as articulation goes, Catwoman is loaded with the typical McFarlane POA. Her toes bend and she has swivel ankles. Her head is somewhat limited due to her flared collar, but it isn’t that big of a deal. She’s fairly easy to pose as well.

It’s a real shame that the other figures in this particular Build-A-Figure line are subpar. The Ra’s Al Ghul figure is especially underwhelming. I’ve never been a fan of the massive bat-ears on Batman, either. The Penguin just looks rough. They might look great in the game, but they don’t impress me in figure form. I had the chance to get the Penguin figure at a discounted price as well, but passed on it because the line just disappoints me as a whole. That being said, the Catwoman figure is perfection and you should add her to your collection. The figure is so awesome that I’m going to include a photo of one of my favorite cosplayers, Beku Cosplay, as Catwoman as captured by Vodka Photos.

Thanks for checking out my post. I’ll have more figure reviews in the near future!

McFarlane Toys DC Mulitverse: MR. FREEZE (Batman & Robin)

“The Iceman cometh!”

Arnold Schwarzenegger served up a heaping helping of cheese in 1997’s Batman & Robin. He dished out one cold line after another, fully embracing his role as Victor Von Fries, better known as the villainous Mr. Freeze. Freeze partnered up with Poison Ivy in an attempt to steal enough diamonds to fuel his research to save his dying wife. As loud and dumb as this film was, Schwarzenegger managed to put quite a bit of heart into the role of Mr. Freeze, making him something of a sympathetic villain.

McFarlane Toys’ released a four figure wave based upon Batman, Robin, Batgirl, & Poison Ivy from the Batman & Robin film, and if you collect all of them all, you can assemble the Build-A-Figure of Mr. Freeze as played by Schwarzenegger in the film. He’s a really cool-looking figure that is definitely worth the cold, hard cash that I put up to get him.

Here’s a rundown of which pieces come with each figure in the line:

  • Batgirl – head, pauldrons, freeze gun
  • Poison Ivy – torso
  • Robin – arms and ice accessories
  • Batman – legs and ice accessories

The figure was easy to assemble, with all of the pieces locking into place with a nice “snap.” The freeze gun fits well into Mr. Freeze’s right hand. The left hand can be used to hold the vertical grip on the front of the gun. The figure’s articulation is pretty limited, with the pauldrons preventing full range of motion on the shoulders and the legs having fewer POA compared to the other figures in this line. Plus, Mr. Freeze is bulky, so he can’t move too well even if he wanted to do so.

As far as the design of the figure goes, it’s a bit lacking. The face looks really great, but the matte blue/grey paint applications can’t compare to Schwarzenegger’s shiny, silver look from the film. All of the parts of Mr. Freeze’s suit that light up in the film are simply painted with light blue coloring. I would have preferred it if McFarlane would have used translucent plastic on these parts like they did with the top and back of Mr. Freeze’s head. The details on the suit look decent, but a ton of detail was left out and probably with good reason, as the suit in the film has a ridiculous amount of detail. I also wish that McFarlane would have gone with silver paint on the suit instead of the molded grey that is used on the figure.

I’m still really happy with this figure overall, and hope that McFarlane will release an updated or alternate version of it at some point in the future. He looks awesome on my shelf, especially when he’s surrounded by the rest of the figures in this line. My dream figure from McFarlane of Mr. Freeze would be him in his smoking jacket, complete with polar bear slippers and a cigar. If McFarlane is reading this, please consider this release!!!!! Pretty please?!?!?!?

This brings my review of all of the figures in the Batman & Robin Build-A-Figure wave to an end. I hope that you enjoyed these reviews and I thank you for reading them! See you soon!

McFarlane Toys DC Multiverse: BATMAN (Batman & Robin)

“Hi, Freeze. I’m Batman.”

A film starring my favorite superhero (Batman) and one of my favorite supervillains (Mr. Freeze) should be one of my most beloved films of all time. Unfortunately for myself and a ton of other Batman fans, 1997’s Batman & Robin was a terrible, brightly colored mess. Leading the charge in this caped crusader caper is none other than People Magazine’s sexiest man alive (1997 and again, for some weird reason, in 2006), George Clooney. Clooney was on fire at the time, appearing in the successful series ER and the Quentin Tarentino flick, From Dusk Til Dawn. His career would continue to grow……but no thanks to Batman & Robin. Clooney has openly admitted that he was terrible in the film, and he consistently ranks at the bottom of most “Favorite Batman” lists.

Despite the fact that Clooney is my least favorite live action Batman, I plopped down some cold, hard cash in order to purchase McFarlane Toys’ version of Clooney’s Batman in his black suit from the 1997 Batflop. I mainly bought it in order to complete the Mr. Freeze Build-A-Figure, but I have to admit that this is a pretty cool action figure. Clooney’s Batman is the fourth and final figure in this particular Build-A-Figure line that also includes Batgirl, Poison Ivy, and Robin.

Clooney’s Batman looks awesome in action figure form. The black suit is covered in some type of fine powder (possibly a byproduct of the plastic production). Batgirl and Robin also suffered from this, but to a greatly smaller degree. The powder wipes off easily enough, so it’s not necessarily a big deal. Batman’s cape is soft plastic and looks wonderful. His gauntlets, like Robin’s, feature some pretty sharp “bat fins” that might hurt little kids, so be careful if a child is playing with this figure. The suit features a ton of detail including the bat insignia on the chest and boots. It includes the infamous “bat nipples” like the Robin figure as well. The likeness to George Clooney (or at least his chin), is pretty much perfect. Batman’s articulation is great as well. Like the Robin figure, Batman’s arms can easily move up and down and aren’t bothered by the cape at all due to the fact that the cape is placed out of the way on the figure.

Batman comes with two “freeze” accessories that attach to his hands. They are somewhat awkward looking and I don’t particularly care for them. The figure also comes with the standard collector card and figure base. When it comes to the Mr. Freeze Build-A-Figure, Batman comes with Freeze’s massive legs.

As much as I dislike Clooney’s performance in Batman & Robin, I absolutely love this figure. The accessories are lame and the powder is annoying, but neither of these things stop me from recommending this figure to any fan of Batman. He’s definitely worthy of shelf display.

Thanks for checking out my post! The final post, which will feature another look at all four of the Batman & Robin figures and, most important of all, the fully assembled Mr. Freeze Build-A-Figure, is coming tomorrow. See you then!