Winnie Jean Howard's Blog, page 20

Why Do You Do Horror?

Welcome to day 2 of the October Frights Blog Hop. Today is a combination review of the documentary Why Horror?, and a discussion on why some of us are so addicted to the horror genre.

If you haven’t seen it, here’s what Why Horror? is about:

“WHY Horror? is a feature length documentary following horror fan Tal Zimerman as he looks at the psychology of horror around the world in order to understand why we love to be scared. Horror is a global phenomenon. Millions of people love it, yet horror fans are often misunderstood. Tal Zimerman should know. He’s one of them. Tal goes on a journey around the world to understand why people thrive on on blood and guts found in movies, books and video games. He meets with the genre’s leading filmmakers, writers, actors and psychologists to discover how horror looks in different cultures, why it’s so popular and how it affects our minds. Tal wants to know – WHY Horror?”

I’ve watched this documentary twice, the second time while preparing to lead a discussion about horror at the RMFW Writers Conference. This documentary slants more toward film, but also provides valuable insight into the history of horror and horror writing.

I enjoyed this documentary because of Tal Zimerman’s personal connection to the subject matter. I could relate to all of his stories about growing up obsessed with horror. His perspective effectively leads into the question of why we feel a connection to the horrific.

There’s a plethora of commentary from some of the great contributors to the horror genre mixed with brain science and personal experiences with horror. This is not another dry documentary splattered with bloody film clips. It’s sort of reality TV meets informative content.

I really enjoyed this Why Horror? and highly suggest you give it a try. I give it a solid 4.5 out of 5. Use it as a source to put your annual Halloween movie viewing list together.

Why do I love horror? I’ve been a fan since the age of 4, when I watched my first horror movie, The Hand from Outer Space. I remember vividly watching this movie with wide eyes and realizing that a love of horror was built into my DNA. From that point on, I sought out greater and greater scares in both film and books.

Tal Zimmerman says, “Horror is more than a hobby, it’s a lifestyle.” and I can so relate to this statement. I believe that horror in fantasy is as Stephen King says, “…prep work for our own death or horrific demise.”

Fear is a part of who we are and a thing we can’t escape. But our fears bring us together, and the horror genre provides a place to confront our fears both personally and as a community.

Your turn…

Why do you love horror?

If you don’t love the genre, share why.

Leave comments and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win gift cards from the stores listed below:

1 $25 gift certificate you can use at Spencer’s or Spirits Halloween stores.
2 $10 Amazon gift cards you can use on anything.

GET YOUR FREE COPY OF Call for Obstruction on Amazon Tuesday thru Friday this week. Margery the Demon is watching! Don’t make her use her magical cigarettes on you. CLICK HERE TO GET IT

Now move on to the next author’s blog for more fun and giveaways.

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Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.

Heart Stopping Terror Around Every Corner

When we think about terror, the most horrific things come to mind like terrorists, natural disasters and plane crashes. But there are a number of things that happen in our everyday lives that set our hearts a pounding out of control. Typically, these are little things that come back to haunt us every time we encounter them, and it’s almost embarrassing to admit that we fear these things.

Let’s start the October Frights Blog Hop by confessing our fears and phobias. You know, those things around every corner that make us jump out of our skin. Here are three of mine:

Low Flying Birds and Insects: I’m most afraid of anything that sting. When I see a bee or wasp, I flail my arms and run for the hills. The very reaction that will get me stung. I know this is a stupid thing to do, but I do it anyway, every frickin’ time.

Generally, I’m not fond of things that dive bomb my head. Who is? A couple years ago I was outside before the sunrise, chasing a couple owls, trying to take pictures. They started to dive toward me with five foot wing spans. Let’s just say I won’t be repeating that experience anytime soon.

The Dentist: It’s not just sitting in the dentists chair, it’s the anticipation that an appointment is looming, and sitting in the waiting room is the worst. I turn into a five-year-old before every appointment. I don’t care how sweet and gentle a dentist’s nature, I see them ALL like this Steve Martin clip from Little Shop of Horrors.

Our Beagles Baying or Barking: If you’ve been around a beagle, you know how loud they are and how quickly any scent will set them off. They can be sweet and adorable sleeping dogs one second and wailing the next. No matter how many times our two beagles go off, my heart races. Then I have to stop whatever I’m doing and figure out what got the hair up on their backs. Half the time it’s nothing more than the sadistic squirrel, I’ve named Rasputin, who spends half his day torturing Charlie and Howie.

Your turn…

What sets you off?

Leave comments and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win gift cards from the stores listed below:

1 $25 gift certificate you can use at Spencer’s or Spirits Halloween stores.
2 $10 Amazon gift cards you can use on anything.

Now move on to the next author’s blog for more fun and giveaways.

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‘Tis the Season for Frightful Fun

Chris Armstrong Photography

Fall is my favorite time of year, and October is probably my favorite month because it’s so unpredictable in Colorado. The volatile weather can vary as much as 50 degrees in a single day, with snow in the morning and warm sunshine in the afternoon. And how can you not love natures changing colors just before a harsh period of sleep and death.

Then there’s Halloween, my favorite holiday. For us horror writers, it’s also a busy month of promoting our work, and now that Call for Obstruction, the first book in The Courier series has finally been republished, I’m back in the game.

My main focus this month is finishing up Warrant for Damnation, book 2 in The Courier Series, so here in my blog I’ve decided to join only the October Frights Blog Hop that runs this week from October 10th to the 15th. I’m also popping in on various Halloween events on facebook that are listed in the right column.

This week I’ll be releasing a blog post a day to get discussions going on frightful things. Then on Saturday I’ll post a free short story inspired by everyone’s scary confessions. Leave comments and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win gift cards from the stores listed below:

1 $25 gift certificate you can use at Spencer’s or Spirits Halloween stores.
2 $10 Amazon gift cards you can use on anything.

Call for Obstruction
will also be FREE on Amazon
Tuesday thru Friday this week.

The great thing about blog hops is that they’re a group effort. I encourage everyone to visit the websites of all the great authors listed below. You can also check out my October Frights Blog Hop Twitter list, where you can follow them all as well.

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Movie Review: Victor Frankenstein

I’ve got a newer, big budget, Hollywood twist on a classic horror tale for ya this week. Here’s what Victor Frankenstein it’s about:

“Told from Igor’s perspective, we see the troubled young assistant’s dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein, and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man – and the legend – we know today.”

I was very excited to watch this movie. I love the premise of showing Igor’s point of view. Too bad it sucked so bad.

In my opinion, James McAvoy ruined my viewing experience with his horrible portrayal of Victor Frankenstein. His acting was horrible and forced. I hated that he was all over the place. On the other hand, Daniel Radcliffe did well as Igor and kept me watching.

I did like the visuals in the movie. I also enjoyed the opening introduction of Igor and Dr. Frankenstein. After that I was ready for a nap. This is another Hollywood remake that throws in a few loved actors and figures that’s all it takes.

Really sorry (why am I apologizing?), I hated this movie.

My Rating: 1.5 out of 5 Bloody Brains

Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.

Movie Review: The Coed and the Zombie Stoner

More zombie movies this week with The Coed and the Zombie Stoner. Here’s what it’s about:

“When a nerdy sorority girl falls in love with a zombie, it’s only a matter of time before a zombie apocalypse is unleashed on campus. The sorority girl discovers that weed is the cure–now she must smoke out the entire school before it’s too late.”

I’m a little embarrassed to admit how much I enjoyed this movie. It’s silly and I even found myself laughing at parts.

With a movie like this I feel the need to voice my opinion about bad reviewers more than the movie itself. I get irritated when they poorly rate a movie that advertises exactly what you’ll get in both the title and the cover.

While I wouldn’t add The Coed and the Zombie Stoner to my best of list, I do suggest you watch it, especially if you’re a horney teenager. Lots of boobs.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Bloody Brains

Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.

Movie Review: I Survived a Zombie Holocaust

Back on zombies this week with I Survived a Zombie Holocaust. Here’s what it’s about:

“A young runner, on a Zombie film set, has the first day from hell when real Zombies overrun the set.”

They could have come up with a better title for this one. The current title has nothing to do with the plot.

Anyway, I didn’t hate this movie. It’s very slow to start, and the kind of zombie movie you can watch and clean the living room at the same time and not miss anything. That also means I checked my email while watching, which sadly has become a gauge for my reviews.

This movie could have been much much better. There were some likable characters in both a good and bad way. And the acting was better than in most zombie movies.

What else was I hoping for? More, better comedy. Most of the scenes that made me laugh were at the very end of the movie. Don’t make me wait so long for the best scenes!

Sadly, I can only give this one a middle of the road review.

My Rating: 2.5 out of 5 Bloody Brains

Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.

Movie Reviews: Housebound

What took me so long to watch Housebound. Here’s what it’s about:

“Kylie Bucknell is forced to return to the house she grew up in when the court places her on home detention. Her punishment is made all the more unbearable by the fact she has to live there with her mother Miriam – a well-intentioned blabbermouth who’s convinced that the house is haunted. Kylie dismisses Miriam’s superstitions as nothing more than a distraction from a life occupied by boiled vegetables & small-town gossip. However, when she too becomes privy to unsettling whispers & strange bumps in the night, she begins to wonder whether she’s inherited her overactive imagination, or if the house is in fact possessed by a hostile spirit who’s less than happy about the new living arrangement.”

I tried to get tickets to Housebound a few years ago at the Mile High Horror Film Festival but they were sold out in a hurry. I now understand why. This movie is awesome! I can’t believe I waited so long to watch it.

Talk about plot twists, my head was spinning in a good way, trying to keep track of everything going on. Great characters and acting, especially from the lead actress, Morgana O’Reilly, the convincing troublemaker and lawbreaker sentenced to house arrest.

I also got lost in the background distraction around the cluttered house, which was brilliant in making the movie both scary and funny.

What else can I say other than I loved everything about Housebound. Now go watch it!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Bloody Brains

Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.

TV Review: Wayward Pines

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Wayward Pines. Here’s what the first season is about:

“Secret Service agent Ethan Burke arrives in the bucolic town of Wayward Pines, ID, on a mission to find two missing federal agents. But instead of answers, Ethan’s investigation only turns up more questions. What’s wrong with Wayward Pines? Each step closer to the truth takes Ethan further from the life he knew, from the husband and father he was, until he must face the terrifying reality that he may never get out of Wayward Pines alive.”

I remember being excited when I first saw the commercials for Wayward Pines, but not because I’ve read the books. It was more because it seemed dark and mysterious. Also because it seemed more about human nature than monsters. I immediately set the show to record and faithfully watched each episode. The show kept my interest the whole while despite season 1 feeling more like backstory. What I also loved is that the show took and abrupt shift with the characters in season 2.

One thing I regularly over look is that the show can be slow and too telling when it comes to information. And it’s incredibly unbelievable that they have what they have in the town. The characters sometimes remind me of Stepford Wives. Still I kept watching and have made it through 2 seasons glued to the TV.

I like where they left off at the end of season 2, but this show’s future is up in the air. If it does come back, I’ll watch season 3.

If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s a good candidate for binge watching, but read the reviews first. While the show seems higher rated on IMDB, there are a lot of haters for the series out there.

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Bloody Brains

Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.

Movie Review: Navy Seals vs. Zombies

Try not to fall asleep during this week’s review of Navy Seals vs. Zombies Here’s what it’s about:

“A team of highly skilled Navy SEALS find themselves embarking on the battle of their lives when they come face-to-face with the undead. After a deadly outbreak occurs in New Orleans, the SEALS must fight for their lives, and the city, against an army of zombies.”

This movie is appropriately rated lower than 1 star out of 5 on Netflix. Unfortunately, it’s a snooze fest.

I sigh when I think about the Navy Seals. They looked more like retired military turned soldier of fortune or as if they had just come back from Afghanistan after sitting around doing nothing for months: no PT and too many high-calorie Chicken Ala King MREs. Every last one of them was uninteresting. Instead of hoping they live, I rooted for the zombies to pick them off.

One thing stands out about these zombie movies with the main characters in the military. Uniformed men running around with WMDs against zombies does not carry a movie. It’s like watching my sons play video games. Keeps my attention for about 2 minutes. There needed to be other civilian character we care about. In this case, the Seals stood out as the main focus, overshadowing saving the Vice President, who was as equally boring as they were.

In regards to the zombies, I wondered if they did their own makeup, a thing frequently done in low-budget zombie movies and very noticeable. This movie has not excuse. There were recognizable actors in this one. Zombie movies should NEVER pay has been actors’ salaries over focus on zombie makeup and bloody, half-eaten corpses.

My Rating: 1 out of 5 Bloody Brains

Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.

Movie Review: Mimesis

YAY! A zombie movie review this week. Well, Mimesis is kind of a zombie movie. Here’s what it’s about:

“A group of horror fans find themselves unwilling participants in a nightmarish role playing game that pays homage to a classic horror film.”

The ‘classic horror film’ is Night of the Living Dead. What’s hilarious is that the description for the movie is a spoiler. It’s better to go into this movie having not read that part, thinking that the zombies are real and that the characters have slipped into a more unexplained version of the original Night of the Living Dead than a mimesis. However, that’s not to say you’ll love the movie if you do watch unknowing.

I enjoyed about the last 15 minutes of this one, after the characters found out that they were in a mimesis and forced to role play. Prior to that, there were a bunch of like characters to Night of the Living Dead, running around mimicking the movie. All I can say is, BORING! There are some movies that should never be remade in the original’s image. Do I have to say more?

Still, this movie wasn’t horrible. The acting was okay. And the ending really is worth watching.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Bloody Brains

Please leave zombie movie suggestions in the comments.
I prefer movies rated below a 4 on IMDB.