Friday, October 19, 2018

Halloween: My Decades Long Friendship With Michael Myers

Halloween is my favorite holiday...This is the time of year where I tune in to see which horror movie is currently playing on TV as part of the annual AMC FearFest at least twice a day. Or I will just pull out a bunch of my favorites from the personal collection and have my own marathon. I own more horror flicks than other genres....The total number is probably in the 100s....I purposely started TLR 13 years ago this week to ensure that the anniversary would be tied to the date--no really...and it all began with John Carpenter's 1978 classic Halloween. Like Richard Donner's Superman--The Movie helped shape my life and who I am--the scare-filled flick film did the same...


I was too young to see it during its initial theatrical run...3 years later I remember watching the premiere of the now famous TV Version....in which 12 minutes of footage was added to replace the more violent material of the original cut. These scenes were shot simultaneously with "Halloween II" in 1981...Anyway--I was hooked--Even in its edited form it scared the bejeebus out of me! My Mom was not happy with me after I disobeyed her and watched it anyway. Sorry Mom--So glad I disobeyed you.



What can one say about the performances of Donald Pleasence as very determined Dr. Sam Loomis and a very young Jamie Lee Curtis as iconic heroine Laurie Strode...

One of the strengths of the film is its ability to scare viewers using suspense and shock-without having to depend on gore--to tell its story.

Written by Carpenter and the late Debra Hill--the tale follows masked killer Michael Myers institutionalized since the age of 6 for killing his older sister--he escapes and returns home on October 31st to continue his spree while doctor Loomis tries to stop him. The "Totally" great P.J. Soles and Nancy Kyes as Laurie's pals Lynda and Annie are quite memorable too. What's not to love about town Sheriff Brackett played by Charles Cyphers


Halloween was produced on a budget of $300,000 and grossed $47 million at the box office in the United States, and $70 million worldwide, equivalent to roughly $267 million as of 2016, becoming one of the most profitable independent films ever.

A cluster of sequels and one remake and its sequel later--not to mention countless imitators--and here we are.. For me, the original Halloween is one classic that just can't be topped...even after multiple viewings. In fact if you read my review of Rob Zombie's 2007 remake of the 1978 classic--you know that I loathe nearly everything about the film...Hard to believe then that I think Zombie's Halloween II was even worse!!!

The Halloween film franchise had stalled for a number of years now while everyone wrestled with where to take the series...All of that changes with today's debut of Halloween (2018)!!


40 years since the original was released in theaters and Carpenter is back as executive producer/composer of the score--and Curtis returns as Laurie Strode. The new film ignores all of the sequels--including 1981's Halloween II--which picked up right where the original left off.  The reviews are very good. And it looks to make a killing at the box office this weekend.

Have not seen the new film yet--but plans are afoot...All I can say right now is that I am sooooooo glad that Zombie's timeline was not allowed to continue. Extremely happy for Curtis and Carpenter who seem to be enjoying all the newfound attention!


A special thanks to my sister Karen for watching Halloween on TV with me all those years ago and sharing a very special experience with me...

And to my college room-mate Mike who loves the original film as much as I do. In fact--Throughout our tenure together--we watched the film dozens of times and not just in October...And quoting lines galore. Yeeeesh! We would say dialogue from the film a lot--both in normal conversation and in code....to mean something else. I recall that by doing so it got me in quite a bit of trouble too. But Mike had my back. This one's for you brother. Always remember that "SPEED KILLS!" And beware "the blackest eyes....The devil's eyes!"

"Sleep Tight Kids!"🎃 and Happy Halloween!

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

This Looks Like A Job For....

I can think of no better way to end the blog--yes this time I mean it--than by bringing things full circle--And telling you a little bit more about my life in the process. A heartfelt THANKS to all of my loyal readers for supporting me and all of my nonsense over the last 12 years or so. It's been fun!

A special shout out to Brittani Burnham at Rambling Film-Thanks for always having my back kiddo!! See you on Twitter....@TheLastReel....Now on with the final Reel.....


2018 marks the 80th birthday of the greatest comic book superhero of all time....Superman.......Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster--the character first appeared in Action Comics #1 dated June 1938....

If you've known me for any real amount of time-you know that save for a few struggles--I tend to orbit positive people places and things. On a basic level It's the reason I prefer Star Trek over Star Wars. Instead of evil empires taking over galaxies in Wars-with Trek we explore the final frontier and ourselves--always striving to be better...Each franchise has a complicated story and its themes are nuanced I know--but you get the broader point.

The Man of Steel was not just a bright light for me growing up....He was also "virtually invulnerable" and nearly flawless--Having a disability since birth--His perfection was appealing to a young boy who was reminded every day that he was differently abled. Despite those challenges--and with the loving embrace of my parents and siblings--I still found a way to look towards the sky smile and say "Up Up And Away!!" Although I lived a wonderful childhood buoyed by a great support system of family friends teachers and the like--all in my corner--cheering me on...I was not immune to times of struggle--self doubt-frustration and sadness. This may sound ridiculous to some of you--but--As a fictional character Superman helped me get past most of the negative stuff at a young age. Early on I believed (and still do) that you have to play the hand you are dealt. Humor. Humility Grace Qualities that will get you farther than you know... I chose to try and live by those words--yet not always succeeding....I am deeply and hopelessly flawed after all. Superman never gave up on me though...Superman I am not...A hero--surely not--but striving to live the best life possible-yep...optimistic and hopeful--Hell yes!!


Here's how it all began...Before I read a single comic book--An origin if you like--The first time I met Superman.

I was 10 years old at the time...

It was August 23rd 1979, and as usual for that time of year the weather was very warm and humid. My Mom and Dad were busy working around the house. Four of my five siblings were out and about, doing the things that normal teenagers and young adults do. I decided to pass the time by playing a very long game of Monopoly with the one sister who was home--Maria. After she beat me, it was time to eat dinner. As we finished our meal, two of my brother Nick's buddies--both named Mike, came by for a visit. Even though he wasn’t home, his two pals as they often did, had decided to stick around for a little bit anyway. This visit allowed them to give me some of those old "Space: 1999" action figures and toys, which they was planning to do anyway. The duo said that they were going to the movies in town.

Eventually, they invited my sister and me to come along. After getting permission and money from the folks, off we went...

Little did I know, this simple outing to the movies, would have such an affect on my life and my future...

The only movie theater within walking distance from my home in Woodbury NJ., had only two screens, (yeah remember when movie theaters only had 1 or 2 screens!) and was located right in the center of town. The Wood, (sadly, closed in the mid-80's after the cineplex took over) on Broad Street, was what’s known in the business as, a second run theater. This is the last place where movies would go before they show up on cable or in the video store. The fifteen minute trip ended and we arrived some twenty minutes before the 7:00 p.m. show time. The four of us sat three rows from the front. The screen looked very big to this 10 year old. In the center section, we took four seats on the right side of the row. I sat on the end. This was the first time I sat that close to the screen.

The movie I was about to see had originally been released on December 15 1978. It had been number one at the box office for eleven weeks in a row, garnered four Oscar nominations, and was a hit with the the critics and the public alike. A few moments later the theater went dark and the film began...

The movie I saw that night was officially titled SUPERMAN-THE MOVIE


There are many other films that have inspired me over the years. The list is long and varied. However, this was the very first film to have an impact on me, and the choices that I would make later in life. So that is why it is singled out here.

From the opening shots in black and white--the voice over of a young boy reading a comic book, dissolving into one of the most memorable credit sequences ever filmed, to its epic story and great score, SUPERMAN had it all. A great cast, led by Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Christopher Reeve In fact, it is his performance as both the man of steel and his alter ego, Clark Kent, (Reeve later said that he modeled his Clark Kent after actor Cary Grant) that made it work. Under the fine direction of Richard Donner, the movie and its characters came alive...

When the movie ended, 2 hours and 23 minutes later, I thought WOW! As the four of us made our way back to my house, I was pumped up, and very excited!--And could not stop talking about it...When I finally made it home, I couldn’t wait to tell Mom and Dad all about it. It wasn’t just the movie that I wanted to talk about though. I wanted talk about everything that went into MAKING IT as well. I noticed a lot more about the movie than just the great script by late great writer Tom Mankiewicz. Examples of what else I noticed include: the cinematography (by the late Geoffrey Unsworth), the music (by John Williams), the set design (by the late John Barry), editing (by Stuart Baird), and on and on... The point is that I became interested in all areas of the film’s production. Even to this day, I still pay attention to the credits of films that I see....Driving everyone else nuts---I remember telling my mom that night that I wanted to be a film director as an adult...

As a teenager, I went to the movies a lot, with family and friends. I was and still am the movie guy to those that know me..Trips to the bookstore back then meant getting my hands on any tome about movies and how they got made...

When it came time to pick a major in college--After encouragement from my sister Karen.- the choice was simple--Communications with a concentration in Film and TV production....My parents were never really thrilled with the idea. They wanted me to go into a more "stable profession" Mom always saw me as a teacher--which is of course--very ironic--considering how and where I ultimately landed.

Post graduation I made a few promotional films including one for my high school alma mater--commonly referred to as Gatorland. And... Profiles of interesting people that I thought could use the attention...The highlight among those films though was the completion of an indie short--that-thanks to the help of some very dedicated folks--is literally one experience I will never forget...And Like Superman--it will always be with me for the rest of my life Thanks always to Matt for going above and beyond in making the Indie happen at all and to the rest of my cast/crew--It truly was something special....


My affection for, and inspiration from the celluloid medium has never really left me--and I doubt it ever will really..In some ways, one could say, TLR would not exist without 1978's STM... and that trip to the center of town 38 years ago. No matter my mood, I hear that rousing main title march and my spirit soars. I have probably watched the film in part or in its entirety some 250 times....I even got to hear Reeve speak to a crowd--a few years after his accident-at a motivational appearance event in North Jersey...

Thank You Mr Donner For Making A 10 Year Old Boy Believe A Man Can Fly....And giving me a lifetime of movie memories...And Most importantly helping me stay Positive Always.

This post is lovingly dedicated to the memory of my Mom and Dad, my niece Kayla, my pals Alex, Lindsay and lastly "Beccs" I miss you all every day...now and forever....Always in my heart...

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Review: Dark Forrest (2015)

I recently took some time out to watch the 2015 low budget Canadian 80's horror throwback flick Dark Forest--while it boasts a strong antagonist, some inventive kills and some fine cinematography--not all of the puzzle pieces quite fit to form a cohesive whole.


The film employs the traits of the sub genre that any fan would love. Its plot is simple enough. Meet Emily (), she is in an abusive relationship with Peter (). His hold over her is so strong that she basically lives a life locked away from the outside world. Emily finally decides enough is enough--finding the courage to leave Peter and join her friends Michelle (), Jolene (), and Francine () on a camping getaway. Soon after they arrive at their destination--the ladies discover that Emily's act of courage has put them all in mortal danger....

Director concocted the script with David Zellis infusing the final product with a few horror tropes that made the genre so popular in the late 70's/80's; Pretty people out to have fun, gratuitous shots of girls frolicking about in the water--in this case though the sequence is pretty tame when compared to many of the films of the era that Dark Forest pays homage to, a sex starved male character-looking to score, characters blissfully unaware of the danger that hovers around them until it's too late, among others. The cast is solid and work well--given the trappings of the horror formula here. The standout here is Scullard who is quite off-putting from the start, gets creepy and then becomes downright homicidal by the end. Some kills are very well orchestrated despite the flick's low budget. The gore is also there but tastefully executed.

The film loses points for me by introducing another set of characters in the middle of the story--whose only function is clearly to raise the body count--which is fine-but this tactic could have had  more of an impact if used earlier in the film perhaps. The 2009 Friday the 13th remake did something quite similar with better results. The movie has pacing issues too and with a running time of just 75 minutes--it's noticeable.

Those concerns aside I can still happily recommend the flick--if you are a genre devotee like me. There's plenty to like here. The film is streaming on Amazon Prime and platforms like YouTube, iTunes and Vudu.


Be sure to visit the film's page and follow it on to learn more about it and keep updated.