Remote Viewing: Blood Relatives (2022)

 Blood Relatives (2022) is available on AMC+ and Shudder. This was nominated for a Chainsaw Award for Best First Feature. Noah Segan (Knives Out, Glass Onion) co-stars with Victoria Morales (Teen Wolf series).

Francis is a Jewish vampire living off the grid, driving around the country in his car. Over a hundred years old, he rarely makes connections. One day, while staying at a motel, a teenage girl knocks on his door and reveals herself to be the daughter of a woman with whom Francis slept about fifteen years before. When her mother passed away, Jane used the stories her mother had told her about this man and she was able to track him down. While Francis and Jane travel to her only surviving relative, they begin to bond.

A horror/comedy, with a growing relationship between father and daughter. Scenes of the killings, some accidental, and Jane learning her abilities are a lot of fun. No real scares, but some blood. Things wrap up, but things remain open that could hint at a sequel.

A pleasant film and only around 90 minutes.

Popcorn for One: Champions (2023)

 Last night's Regal Mystery Movie was Champions (2023) with Woody Harrelson and Kaitlin Olson. This is a remake of the Spanish film, Campeones (2018).

Marcus, a former professional basketball coach, has lost a number of past positions due to his bad temper. He's currently asst. coach for a minor league team but is fired after a DUI arrest. Also, his assault on the head coach has gone viral thanks to an ESPN video. He is given the choice of 18 months in prison or 90 days of community service, coaching a basketball team of intellectually disabled adults.

The young actors all do have disabilities and are wonderful in their roles. Several of them have backstories that are discussed in the film, yet it's the friendships and affection for each other that make us grow fond of them. The movie was made with the cooperation of the Special Olympics.

I haven't seen the original Spanish film, but if you watch the trailer (available on IMDB.com) you'll see that director Bobby Farrelly (both Dumb and Dumber films, There's Something About Mary) has taken some scenes from the original film, with minor changes. Not knocking him, as those scenes are very funny and the audience I was with was laughing.

The ending is a bit different than I had expected, but still a delight. Also, we get to see the cast enjoying themselves during the credits and there is a brief, what appears to be, brief outtake post credit. Plus, while he doesn't have a big role, it's always nice to see Cheech Marin.

 

Remote Viewing: Red Rose (2022, British)

 I've watched the first three episodes of Red Rose (2022) a British TV series that ran for 8 episodes. It's currently available on Netflix. It has elements of horror but is mostly a teen drama of social media bullying and how people are affected by suicide. If that is a trigger, be warned that the series is very intense.

The series starts with the suicide of a young girl, who appears to be having visions. It then changes to a group of friends celebrating the end of the exams and a summer break. Roch is beginning to feel estranged from her friend Wren, so downloads a social media app, Red Rose which promises to change her life. The app begins to change the relationship that Roch is having with all her friends and eventually with tragic results.

Some scares but the real story are how the remaining friends try to deal with the mystery of the app and who/what might be behind it. As I've said, if suicide and bullying are subjects that may be too much for you give this show a pass. Well acted and chilling. 

Review: The Boy Who Conquered a Mountain (Graphic Novel)

 The Boy Who Conquered a Mountain (2021) Written and created by Jonathan Chance with art by Emilio Utrera was published by Virus/Heavy Metal.

In early 17th Century Japan, young Kaleb fails in his attempt to become a student of the Rising Sun ninja school. Ridiculed by the older students he returns home but has dreams of coming danger to his village.  When a volcanic eruption occurs all the members of the school, who defended the village, have failed to return after an earlier mission to the mountain. It is discovered that all the children of the village have also disappeared while the buildings burned. 

With no one in authority left, Kaleb takes his horse and rides to the mountain, despite his fear of heights. There he must try to save the children and fight the creature that came from the volcano, killing everything in the surrounding countryside. 

Done in a style that takes influences from manga, the story deals with coming to grips with your own doubts and fears. Overcoming your faults to protect others and acting as an adult in spite of your age. 

A nice done in one story, that leaves room for possible sequels. 

My recent comic picks 2/19/23

Popcorn for One: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

 Saw Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) today. I think the magic is gone from the MCU, not that the film was bad, but it didn't excite me like so many of the earlier films did.

Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet, and Cassie are drawn into the Quantum realm then Cassie activates a beacon that she and Hank had hoped to use to map the dimension. We learn what happened to Janet during the thirty years she was trapped there and how she met Kang. Now the ruler of the dimension, Kang needs Scott to aid him in escaping.

For me, the first two Ant-Man films were novel in that they dealt with smaller events, with the characters active in our world. While there were some amazing effects and exciting battles, it felt like it was too grand for the characters we got to know in the previous films.

The movie wasn't boring, but it just didn't pull me in except for a few scenes. I watched the film in regular 2-D, and don't feel I missed much.

There is a mid-credit scene, that I think you'd need to be a real Marvel fan of the old school to be excited by when two characters, really capture the look of the Kirby style. The end-credit scene is more of a teaser of an upcoming Marvel/Disney + series.

Popcorn for One: Missing (2023)

 I skipped the Super Bowl, as I didn't care about either team and went to the movies instead.

Missing (2023) stars Storm Reid (Euphoria, A Wrinkle in Time) as June, a young woman trying to find her mother who appears to have been abducted.

June, raised by a single mother, resents the fact that her mother seems overly controlling and would rather spend time on social media than have a mother/daughter relationship. Her mother and her new boyfriend go to Columbia for several days and when she doesn't return as scheduled June begins a frantic search for her, when authorities in the States and Columbia seem unwilling or unable to help her. Using her social media skills and with the assistance of a Columbian man, she begins to fear that this may have been part of a scam and abduction.

Not the first film to do this, much of the screen is filled with the various windows June has open on her computer and phone, as her investigation continues. There is also a twist at the end that I didn't see coming, but maybe a smarter viewer would have picked up on it earlier.

June starts out as rather unlikable at the start, but we see her grow and adapt as the various plots come together and the mystery begins to unravel. A decent mystery that had me interested throughout, with a very tense ending.

 

Remote Viewing: Death of a Vlogger (2019, United Kingdom)

 Death of a Vlogger (2019, UK) is streaming on several services, with or without ads depending. A 'found footage' film, with "interviews" with those involved in the case.

Graham is a popular vlogger, with thousands of followers. Most of his stuff involves pranks or just stories of his life. One day, following eye surgery, his recording seems to pick up some unusual events which quickly go viral. After several more incidents, he is approached by another vlogger who does supernatural investigations. Things seem to get stranger and then doubts begin to grow when a skeptic investigator looks into the situation.

Some jump scares and the tension does build, even when you begin to wonder if Graham and his friends are pulling off a scam.

In some ways, it is really an examination of how easily some people can be fooled and the spread of disinformation on social media. The legitimate topic of online addiction is also addressed.

No spoilers but the end can be taken several ways.

 

Remote Viewing: The Devil's Doorway (2018, Ireland)

 The Devil's Doorway (2018, Ireland) is streaming on Tubi. A Found Footage horror film, that has as its center the Catholic institutions/ asylums known as, Magdalene Laundries. Here mentally ill women, girls pregnant out of wedlock, and "fallen women" were sent and had to work the laundries to pay for their food and board. These operated from the 18th through the late 20th Century. Stories of the treatment of the women finally led to their being closed.

In 1960, two priests are sent by the Vatican to document and investigate a possible 'miracle' that may have occurred in one of these institutions in Northern Ireland. The older of the priests freely admits to his skepticism and even spiritual doubts to the younger one, who eagerly hopes for proof of his faith. The younger priest begins to hear sounds and sees things during the night, while it is also discovered that one pregnant girl is being held prisoner in the basement.

A couple of jump scares, but the film really spends more time talking about the ethics of the institution and how the church allows its practices. Cut out the supernatural elements and it's more a political/social examination of how the Catholic church covered up much of the abuse happening at the time.

I enjoy the film for the growing foreboding but also for a realistic look at how the church maintains an almost medieval set of principles as the world changes around it.

 

Remote Viewing: Savageland (2015, US) a mockumentary/horror film

 Savageland (2015, US) is currently free on Tubi, with ads. It is listed on Tubi as a 'mockumentary'. While that might give you the impression that it is a comedy, that's not the case. Whether it uses the tropes of True Crime programs and undead horror to look at social and political issues along the US border, as well as racial prejudice and unequal criminal justice.

One night, over 50+ people, men, women, and children are savagely killed in a small Arizona-Mexico border town. The only survivor, a non-documented Mexican handyman, Carlos Olivares, is arrested and convicted on circumstantial evidence for the entire event. No other suspects were considered by local law enforcement. A short time later, before the trial a roll of film, taken by Carlos the night of the event. It appears to show in the often motion-blurred photos of other individuals attacking the residents and perhaps eating them. The photos were not allowed to be admitted by Defense counsel and claimed by the local sheriff that they were doctored by someone to clear the suspect.

The film uses interviews, "news reports" and a walkthrough of the crime scene, along with some crime scene photos and videos. The thirty-six photos taken by Carlos are also shown. Some of the crime scene photos and photos taken by Carlos are graphic, so be warned

Not your typical horror film, but rather it uses that as a way to look at the history of racism, including the Klan, in Arizona and the attitudes of many in the local area to the border issue. Easy to tell when this was filmed, as we see several photos of the Wall as it then existed.

An interesting film, if perhaps a bit too long over an hour and twenty minutes.

By the way, I didn't recognize him at the time, but the late comics writer Len Wein (Swamp Thing, X-Men, etc.) appears as a character interviewed in the film, according to IMDB.com. Love to know more about that. 

Remote Viewing: Physical: 100 (2023, South Korea)

 Looking for something different from the horror films/series and cooking shows that I spend hours binging I decided to check out the trailer for Physical: 100 a South Korean competition series on Netflix. That convinced me I had to at least catch the first episode. I've just finished binging the first four.

I never got into shows like American Gladiators and similar shows, but this one is amazing. One hundred of the top athletes (pro & amateur) from South Korea were invited to compete to demonstrate the "perfect body type". You've got military personnel, MMA fighters, gymnasts, and bodybuilders all competing in various feats of strength.

Not only do they have to perform physical feats, but in one competition they must go one on one in a 'death match'. They use skill, athletic abilities, and wrestling (in at least one match I've seen two MMA fighters were allowed to follow the rules of that sport). In some cases, men and women compete against each other as the top 50 competitors are allowed to challenge anyone, whether from the top or bottom group.

It's interesting that some of the competitors in the first episode, compare this to Squid Games since they are all competing for a prize of millions of Korean won (their money). The initial qualification challenge, to decide their place in the competition, even reminded me of one of the games in Squid Games, just not as lethal. Add to that the referees, basically there to ensure contestants are following the rules (but never speaking) and as safety folks in some challenges, are masked, looking like ninjas.

The first episode introduces all the competitors and it was fascinating to see how star-struck some were to meet Olympic athletes and World Champions in various sports.

If the first episode doesn't appeal to you then I'm not sure if the rest of the series will be of interest. Just not sure if the 'Death Match' would be something American networks would allow, as these folks literally pull no punches.

The Koreans do it again!

Remote Viewing: Skinamarink (2022, USA)

 I watched the controversial horror film Skinamarink (2022) on Saturday, now streaming on Shudder. Weird is putting it mildly and I had to eventually put on subtitles, as the limited dialogue is often whispered or distorted. This is his first feature-length film, written and directed by Kyle Edward Ball.

Taking place in 1995, two small children decide to sleep downstairs in the living room after their parents go to sleep. The older boy, around 8 yrs old, puts in a VHS tape of old (public domain) cartoons which plays throughout, often you'll hear the soundtrack in the background. They begin hearing sounds and voices, but their parents act oddly and seem to disappear. The voices begin to ask the children to follow them into areas of the house, as windows, doors, and other objects begin to disappear.

Most of the film shows the children only from the back or from the knees down as they walk about the house. We never see the faces of the parents even when they appear in a couple of scenes. Scenes are very dark with light mostly coming from nightlights or flashlights in many scenes. The camera often shoots up toward the ceiling, upper corners, or walls.

I've never seen anything like this, other than some experimental shorts. It's very disturbing, especially as we discover the intentions the voices (spirits?) have toward the children. You never actually see violence but the implications are there.

I actually watched this during the day. I can only imagine that it would be even more effective viewed in a dark room at night or in a theater. I can only recommend this to horror fans who don't need graphic gore or fans of more experimental cinema.

Read reviews from some folks who absolutely hate this film. I'm giving it a 4 out of 5. You will remember it.

 

Popcorn for One: Knock At the Cabin (2023)

 Knock at the Cabin (2023) is directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and is an adaptation of the novel The Cabin at the End of the World' by Paul Tremblay. Talking to a friend who read the novel, Shyamalan changed the ending of the book and also the fate of at least one of the characters.

A gay couple and their young daughter have rented a cabin by a lake to enjoy for a holiday. While there a group of four people breaks into their home demanding that the family must sacrifice themselves to save the world from God's wrath. Events outside the cabin, seen on television seem to prove the visions of the quartet but the two men have their doubts.

Well acted, but with the usual dialogue from the director that doesn't really sound like the way people speak to each other. It's almost a stage play as most of the film, except for the flashbacks and a flash forward, primarily take place in the cabin.

Apparently, the movie goes with a more upbeat ending, while the novel is more open to interpretation with the final pages.

Not the worst from M. Night, but nothing memorable as far as I'm concerned.  

Catching up with my comic picks

Popcorn for One: Fear (20232)

 Caught Fear (2023) in the theater today. A few jump scares and a slow build-up to the crazy last act.

A group of old friends meets at a rustic lodge for a belated birthday and the hoped-for marriage proposal of one couple. One of them, an author working on his next book, is aware of some of the history of the area and the lodge but doesn't tell the others. Some of them begin to see things and they also learn of an airborne virus rapidly spreading.

This works on the paranoia many folks felt during the pandemic and hints are dropped that this is taking place in the early days of Covid, but that virus is never mentioned by name.

Decent film but more of a character study of people caught in a situation where they begin to distrust each other, while the entity works on the fears and phobias that each of the has.

Some gore with decent practical effects but the entity when we finally see it is CGI and nothing we haven't seen before. No spoiler, but I half expected Venom to appear, if you know what I mean.

Can't give it more than a 6 out of 10. If you care enough by the end of the film, there is a mid-credit scene. Again, about what you'd expect from this kind of movie.

By the way, I walked in on the last 10 minutes of Infinity Pool (2023) and was so disturbed that I'm not sure I want to see the entire film. It is by Brandon Cronenberg and, like his father, his work is made to shock and disturb.

 

Remote Viewing: Terror Train & Terror Train 2 (2022)

 Did a double-feature yesterday, to gear up for my meeting with the OC Horror Fans. Watched both Terror Train & Terror Train 2 (both in 2022).

In the first film we learn that during a fraternity hazing gone wrong, a young pledge suffers a breakdown and is institutionalized. Three years later the same students, who caused the incident, have rented a train for a Halloween party. A series of murders occur and questions come up over who the murderer might be.

Terror Train 2 takes place a little more than a year later when survivors of the first tragedy rent the same train to celebrate New Year's Eve and attempt to put the past behind them. Over the past year, some of those who survived have dealt with the murders better than others. Some are trying to heal while others seem to bear grudges, blaming one another for what happened.

Almost all of the lead actors who appeared in the first film reappear in the sequel and I wonder if they were filmed back to back, given the release date and availability of the cast. In one scene one returning character says to another that she had thought he had been killed the year before. If you had seen the first film you'd not be surprised as it was pretty much implied that he had not made it.

Not great films but both have their moments, with a lot of gore and decent practical effects. Personally, I think the second film is actually better with some returning characters given nice scenes where they confront each other.

For me, the real murderer was easier to guess in the first film, about three-quarters through, but I didn't guess in the second film until it actually was revealed.

Fun films that will take up about three hours of your time. Slashers that you really can't take seriously. 

Remote Viewing: Possession (1981, Franch/West Germany)

 Saw Possession (1981, France/West Germany) last night with a half dozen members of OC Horror Fans. Met at a member's home as we try to do each month.

During the Cold War, Mark (Sam Neil) appears to be some sort of agent and has just returned from an assignment. He finds that his wife, Anna (Isabelle Adjani) wants a divorce as she is having an affair. Custody of their son Bob is an issue. Anna's behavior becomes more disturbing and we discover that it may be more than mental issues. Mark also appears to be coming unhinged.

Really disturbing and unusual, with some of the oddest characters you'll ever see. I'm not really sure what the intent of director/screenwriter Andrzej Zulawski was here, as it is more psychological drama than horror, although there are scenes that top many horror films I've seen.

A lot of the film involves Mark and Anna screaming at each other while destroying their apartment. There is one scene in a restaurant where Mark really goes berserk. The dialogue between the characters almost never sounds like natural conversation, often accompanied by the most bizarre physical actions which the other characters rarely comment upon.

Considering everything else the nudity and sex, except in one scene are almost secondary to the dialogue reaction of other characters. I have to admit that while disturbing there are a couple of scenes that are actually funny, although I'm unsure of the director's intent.

Also, while not stated outright the situation in the divided Berlin at the time is an underlying theme. Scenes often open with a shot of East German guards, on the Wall, appearing to watch events with binoculars.

There is a 'creature' that appears later in the film that changes during several scenes and is a great practical effect creation. It will make you uncomfortable in almost every scene in which it is shown. The scene of Anna returning from shopping as she goes through a subway tunnel (revealed to be a flashback) seems to go on for several minutes and is a pretty amazing piece of acting. Very disturbing.

Not a film that I can recommend, as its two-hour length can drag at times, but it is an interesting work with everyone seeming to be doing their best. A bit dated and the ending certainly marks it as a demonstration of the fears of the era and those who were there.

Remote Viewing: Mr. Midnight: Beware the Monsters (2022, Singapore)

 Based on a series of horror storybooks aimed at tweens, created by author James Lee. There are currently over 130+ titles in the series, so I have a feeling that ghostwriters (no pun) are involved in writing some of the stories.

Four teenagers are living in the town of Tanah Merah, in Singapore. Three of them have grown up together and created a 'supernatural' vlog, when actual supernatural events begin to occur a new exchange student joins them. It also appears that one of them, Tyar has acquired growing powers and become the focus of both good and evil entities. Looking for further information they create an adult character, Mr. Midnight as the 'host' of their new vlog.

Much like the Scooby gang the four characters have different personalities and are trying to understand what is happening around them as creatures begin appearing in their town. Each episode has a new demon or mystery to deal with, while the mystery of why Tyar was chosen to have new abilities continues.

According to some sources, the Mr. Midnight series has actually outsold Harry Potter in the Asian market, where the books take place. The first attempt to turn the books into a film was announced back in 2015, but it was never begun as the author did not like the direction in which the filmmakers were going.

This is the first season of the Netflix series. Actually filmed where much of the action occurs makes it a nice change. Also, you get a look at a different culture and folklore.

Not great, but fun if you keep in mind the audience at which it's aimed. Tweens and teens shouldn't have any problems, as there is no actual gore. Parents probably should watch it first as you know your kids. Nice makeup and mostly practical effects. R. L. Stine fans will enjoy this.

 

Remote Viewing: Pressure Cooker on Netflix

 After a recommendation from family (thanks to Brandenn Chaffee), I checked out Pressure Cooker, a new cooking/reality show over on Netflix. I binged the eight episodes the past two days.

No celebrity chefs or judges in this one. Eleven professional chefs move in over a matter of a couple of weeks living together and competing. Except for two of the meals (one for family members and one for food critics), the chefs are judged by each other. Voting one chef off after tasting the meals. Unlike Master Chef Australia, where the competitors have to face the person they are voting off, here the ballots are secret until the final meal.

I was surprised how some of these folks lied and betrayed each other as the series went on. Alliances were made in one episode and the backstabbing began in the next. In that way, it reminded me of Hell's Kitchen.

Can't say I ever learn anything from these shows, even though they deal with cooking. I've only seen MC Australia do episodes, where they have the two chefs, create several dishes, often including a cocktail and dessert, step by step in a "master class".

I'd like to see this picked up for further seasons. 

Remote Viewing: Battle Royale (2000, Japan)

 I've heard about Battle Royale (2000, Japan) for years, but had never gotten around to watching it. Based on a novel by Koushun Takami, it also spawned several manga series and a second film: Battle Royale II: Requiem (2002). That was an original screenplay but picks up three years after the first film. An American remake and a TV series were announced at one time, but never produced.

The Japanese government has been taken over by fascist politicians, who feel that teenagers are not respectful enough to their elders. To discourage this each year a group of Ninth graders is selected at random, sent to a once-inhabited island for three days and only one survivor is allowed to leave. The students are given no choice with neck collars placed on them which not only track them but can explode if rules are not followed. Each student is given a bag, with some food and water, and one other item. Some of these are weapons and others are random items that might be helpful.

We see how each of the students reacts to the situation, with some attempting to simply survive, while others are more than happy to take part and ensure their own survival. The main story is occasionally halted and we get a flashback or dream sequence involving one or more of the characters. These give a better understanding of why certain characters act in a certain manner.

The book and film were impactful on later projects in all forms of media. Several YA book series and movies (i.e. Hunger Games) were seen by some as rip-offs or homages to Takami's work.

Extremely gory and sometimes overly sentimental. I was only able to see the dubbed version on Pluto TV, which also has additional footage from the Special Edition release. I'm not sure if the ending scene I saw is from the original theatrical release or the Special Edition.