Randy Shaffer's Blog
December 23, 2016
The Shining Totally Predicted 2016
It goes without saying, 2016 was a rough year for just about everyone. Between heated political divides, celebrity deaths and worldwide tragedies this has been a landmark year of suckage.
But did you know that master filmmaker Stanley Kubrick perfectly conveyed the story of 2016 in his 1980 cinema classic, The Shining?
OK … so he didn’t really predict 2016, but the film did make some rather odd predictions. For more on that, check out Room 237.
But for now, 2016 in three simple gifs:
Everyone at the beginning of 2016
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Everyone in the middle of 2016
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Everyone at the end of 2016
Let’s just hope 2017 isn’t this
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Fingers crossed!
November 4, 2015
Introducing Permanently Geek
Amidst all of my books, short stories and essays, I have been working on a project that has been months in the making with countless hours of work by myself and my crew.
The culmination of all of that work (and fun) is a new YouTube network called Permanently Geek.
Permanently Geek is a channel designed by geeks, for geeks of all kinds. For myself and other geeks at Permanently Geek, geekdom or geek is not some derogatory term, but a mark of love, affection and passion for all things geek.
And that’s not limited to pop culture, but whatever you geek out about. Everyone’s got something that they truly love. You might geek out over sports or toys or comics, while someone else might geek out about books or food, makeup or pinball.
Our channel is about finding and hosting talented, creative individuals who want to share their passions with a community of like-minded geeks, and have a little fun along the way.
When I initially set out to make this channel over a year ago, it started as just a show about my friends and I playing really shitty retro games.
But as I began developing that show, I started to think about all the talented friends I’ve come to know throughout my 15 years in the entertainment business. I wanted a place where we could all gather and share our art, our comedy, our music, our stories and our ideas, with the world.
So I started taking notes, coming up with a slew of show ideas for nearly everyone that I knew to deliver the kind of entertainment other geeks like me, or you, would want to watch. I pitched the shows, and one-by-one I gathered an absolutely remarkable staff of trusted entertainers, with whom I have lovingly dubbed, intertainers.
Our staff of geeks geek out about a wide variety of topics, from movies, music, games, food, art, toys, sports, clothing and style, makeup, animals – you name it. And we’re here to help build a community where other like-minded geeks can gather and discuss, share, and have plenty of laughs.
Permanently Geek is dedicated to providing high quality, humorous entertainment, and delivering that content on a daily basis – so you’ll always have someone to share in your geekdom. That is our promise to you all, and it’s a promise we plan to deliver.
Feel free to peruse our channel over the coming weeks. Our launch titles include a multitude of shows, music and comedy for you to enjoy. And there’s much more to come! If you like what you see, please subscribe on YouTube, and tell your friends. The more geeks, the better.
I truly hope you all enjoy Permanently Geek. All of us geeks are enormously excited to share our projects with you, and we can’t wait to see you again!
Passion. Creativity. Humor. Joy. Geek.
-Randy
Intertainer and founder of Permanently Geek
January 20, 2014
Wicked Neighborhood #2: The Foot is Coming Jan. 28!
Something Wicked This Way Comes! And it’s called The Foot!
The second issue in my five-issue series, Wicked Neighborhood, will be pre-released on January 25 (my birthday), with an official release on Tuesday, January 28, 2014.
Take a look at the cover:
The Foot Plot Synopsis:
Ernie Graham discovers a mysterious space rock in his backyard. The rock seemingly infects his body, forcing his foot to mutate into a deadly organism that’s out for blood. Can he stop his evil foot before it kills someone he truly loves?
For those unaware, Wicked Neighborhood is a “Goosebumps for adults”-type short story series that is loosely inspired by my very own neighborhood in northern Ohio, albeit twisted into delightfully freaky, weird, strange tales of pure macabre fiction. The Foot is the second issue in the series, following the best-selling hit, The Stray Cats.
The short stories will be split over five issues, with the possibility for future “seasons” of the series if the stories prove popular. In other words, if you like what you read, spread the word to keep this series going.
Each issue of Wicked Neighborhood will focus on one particular household seated on the seemingly quiet stretch of land known as Forest Street. The upcoming stories are connected by characters, incidents and events on the street. That said, it is not necessary that you read every single tale in the series to delight in what I have in store for you … though you will be missing quite a lot of fun. Also, as future issues appear, you are welcome to read them in any order you so desire.
On the book’s official release date, I’ll be sure to post a link, as well as a little background about this issue. Stay tuned!
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If you haven’t already, check out my short stories and novellas. Titles include,The Horror, Vampire Zombie Claus, Does She Smile at Home? and The Stray Cats. They’re all just 99 pennies each! CLICK HERE to buy your copies today!
I love my readers, and I love my Twitter followers, too! Be sure to follow me on Twitter.
January 15, 2014
Regarding Interviews
Why I Write #2 –
I don’t have much to say today. But I wanted to briefly talk about interviews, with both press and fellow authors. To a new author, interviews are beneficial in helping a reader discover your work, while gaining a fresh perspective on who you are as both an author and as a person. I highly suggest pairing up with a few fellow authors and interviewing each other on your respective blogs. It helps spread the word, and it potentially increases your own blog readership.
I recently did an interview over at author Kristen Otte’s website. She’s written a few books herself, including two Pug-centric books that are beyond adorable. You really should read them.
In the interview, I discuss some upcoming projects, my influences, my current work, and what inspires me. It was such a blast. Check it out!
It’s an odd experience being the interview subject and not the interviewer. For years, I was an entertainment journalist, and during that delightful time, I interviewed dozens of celebrities, from A-list to D-list. I even had lunch on set with cinema legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, which was a pretty awesome highlight of my journalism career (check out the results of that set visit here).
But it’s a strange experience being interviewed. And some authors get pretty freaked out about the process. You want to say the right things. You want to be positive. You want to plug your work. And you want to sound interesting. It’s a tough balance, and I have respect (and perspective) for those who handle the opportunity with grace, ease and joy.
To be frank, I very much look forward to future interviews, and as a potential author yourself, you should too. They’re a lot of fun and they help readers find you. But next time you sit down to read an interview, ponder how nervous or excited the subject likely was to be interviewed. See if you can detect it in their words. And practice and plan ahead if you are going to be interviewed yourself. Have a few canned responses ready. But be prepared for a curve ball question. If you’re going to be the interviewer, be sure to have a few questions ready, but (if you’re doing an in-person interview), be prepared for the interview to go off topic. Allow the interview to evolve naturally. I’m sure the whirlwind of being interviewed gets old for big celebrities, but for up-and-comers like myself (and perhaps you), it’s a fun, awesome, wonderfully exciting experience, one that you will likely learn from … and hopefully enjoy.
If you are an up-and-coming author and you would like to be interviewed on this blog, or you’d like to interview me for your own blog, just add me as a friend on Twitter and send me a quick message. I’d love to interview fellow authors on this site.
Until next time…
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If you haven’t already, check out my short stories and novellas. Titles include,The Horror, Vampire Zombie Claus, Does She Smile at Home? and The Stray Cats. They’re all just 99 pennies each! CLICK HERE to buy your copies today!
January 13, 2014
The Ten Best Books I Read in 2013
A new year, a new list! In this blog I’ll be discussing the best books that I read in 2013. Some of these are pretty old, while some have been published within the past year. If you would like to see the books on Amazon, simply click on the titles.
OK, no more pussyfooting. Let’s do this!
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Very honorable mentions:
The Jaws Two Log
The Jaws Two Log often goes for several hundred dollars, depending on the time of year, but it’s worth a read if you can find it for less than $50. And if you have a copy you are willing to spare, let me know. I would love to digitally archive this long out of print book so every fan of Jaws can read it … but it would likely require mangling the book.
I love the Jaws Two Log because of its insight into the troubled production of Jaws 2. It’s not quite as terrific or meaningful as Carl Gotlieb’s The Jaws Log, but it’s a damn fine piece of investigative on-set journalism, and it’s the sort of thing you just don’t see nowadays.
The Odyssey File
This treasure is a whole different beast. Basically, this behind the scenes book chronicles the email correspondence (the first of its type) between 2010 director Peter Hyams and author Arthur C. Clarke, all the way back in 1982. It’s a terrific look at emerging technology and how it influenced the business. Plus it’s a real treat to hear Clarke and Hyams battle wits. Clarke sure was a firecracker. Read this book and find out.
And now the official list:
10. Heart-Shaped Box
The staggering Stephen King legacy lives on with his son, Joe Hill, who might just turn out to be a better, sharper writer than his father, believe it or not. Heart-Shaped Box is a touching, eerie, character-driven thriller that will remind you of King’s finest work. And Joe Hill is just getting started. I haven’t read his other books just yet, but I hear they are even better than this one. I can’t wait to crack into them.
9. Paddle Your Own Canoe
Nick Offerman’s biography takes you on a delightful ride through the mind of one of today’s funniest funnymen. Sure, the book trails off on the occasional meandering tangent, and it spends a lot of time on the subject of drugs and Offerman’s wife, Megan Mullally, but that’s just who this guy is. So drink up, especially if you’re a lover of Ron Swanson … and all things meat.
8. Night of the Living Trekkies
I’ve already talked about this book here, so read that. Night of the Living Trekkies is a fine mashup of Trek and zombie lore, with a few fun twists and turns. Genre fans are sure to love (and laugh with) every page.
7. The Hot Zone
Every winter I like to scare the shit out of myself by reading about deadly viruses that ravage the human body and wither the soul down to a red, thick pile of melted goo. The Hot Zone was this year’s pick. I actually read part of the book as a kid, but it was a little too over-my-head at the time. But now, as an adult, I have returned to The Hot Zone and found a wonderfully written, terrifying true story about how one of the single most deadliest viruses almost decimated mankind. Truly scary because everything you read … is real.
6. Joyland
I’m gonna be honest here, I don’t usually have the time for Stephen King’s books. I love the guy. He’s a brilliant writer who knows his characters and his stories backwards and forwards. And he’s easily one of the most inspiring writers I have ever had the joy of reading. But his books are LONG. Very long. So long that I just can’t invest an entire year plowing into them. So naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to read this somewhat short, thoroughly enjoyable dramatic chiller. Of the two new King books I read this year (I also read Doctor Sleep), I greatly preferred Joyland. It’s one of his best books, exciting and beautifully written from start to finish.
5. The Fault in Our Stars
A touching, devastating book. Admittedly, the plot borrows from your usual Lifetime movie-of-the-week “kid with cancer” formula, but plot isn’t everything. This book’s real strength is in the writing. John Green perfectly paints his characters with sharp, witty dialogue, heartbreaking, realistic characterization and raw drama. If you don’t find yourself shedding a tear by the end of this one, there might just be something wrong with you. I can’t wait to see what the film adaptation looks like. If it’s anything like the book, movie lovers are in for one helluva tearjerker.
4. Coreyography
I’ve written a rather lengthy essay about this book here. Check it out. Coreyography is an honest, shocking and touching portrayal of the life of Corey Feldman, former child star, musician and struggling actor. A great read, especially if you are (or were) a fan.
3. The Demonologist
Hands down, the scariest book I have ever read. Seriously, don’t dive into this one at night, especially if ghosts, demons and sinister spirits freak you out. The Demonologist details the the real life history of Ed and Lorraine Warren. For those unaware (or those who haven’t seen The Conjuring), Ed and Lorraine Warren are real life demonologists, who have tracked, exorcised and eradicated demons and spirits for several decades. This book outlines their experiences and shares some of their more terrifying stories. If you don’t believe in ghosts, spirits or demons, this book is sure to turn you, or at least have you questioning some things.
2. Life of Pi
I saw the film first, and I got the book for free when I bought the Blu-ray. I also purchased the audiobook to go along with it, and I read it while on a trip to see my good friend. What a rejuvenating experience it was. Life of Pi will probably go down as one of my all-time favorite books, right up there with The Disaster Artist, which is #1 on this year’s list. Life of Pi is a fun, heartbreaking, beautifully written drama, and I actually think it’s better than the film, if only because the finale is less manipulative. Life of Pi is a book about hope, tragedy, loss, love, humanity and spiritual rejuvenation. And it’s one of the finest books I have ever read on the subject. Just phenomenal.
1. The Disaster Artist
Easily my absolute favorite book of the year. I read this one in about five hours. I simply couldn’t put it down. If you love The Room, and you’re keen to know more about not only the making of the film, but also it’s costar, Greg Sestero, and his completely adorable (and sometimes very tense, very scary and often very funny) relationship with The Room’s renaissance man, Tommy Wiseau. You will never look at The Room the same way again, and you might just walk away loving the film a little more. That’s the impact of this book. And I seriously hope Sestero writes a follow-up that chronicles the years after making The Room. I want so much more because this book delivers in spades.
That’s it, folks. What are some the best books you read in 2013, or ever? Let everyone know in the comments below!
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If you haven’t already, check out my short stories and novellas. Titles include,The Horror, Vampire Zombie Claus, Does She Smile at Home? and The Stray Cats. They’re all just 99 pennies each! CLICK HERE to buy your copies today!
I love my readers, and I love my Twitter followers, too! Be sure to follow me on Twitter.
January 9, 2014
Why I’m Looking Forward to 2014!
Greetings, happy belated holidays and welcome to 2014. I hope the first few days of this new year are treating you all very well.
Sorry I haven’t been around since early December. After pouring a few hundred hours into completing my novella, Vampire Zombie Claus, I decided to take a month off from the blog to recover and re-energize … plus I had all the holiday craziness to deal with, which was genuinely delightful, if slightly stressful.
My December went remarkably well. Not only did Santa bring me pretty much all the presents I could have ever hoped to receive, but my novelette, The Horror, was reviewed over at Horror-Writers.net. They gave the story a wonderful write-up, which I am incredibly pleased with. Thank you, guys … for reading the story, liking it and sharing your thoughts with the world. So awesome!
The Horror has also reached another major milestone. The book is currently sitting on Amazon’s Top 100 Best-Selling Horror books, where it has been for more than two weeks now. That’s right, my novelette has joined the ranks of other best-selling books by the likes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz! As of the time I wrote this blog entry, the book was seated at #52. Check it out:
If you haven’t read this story yet, and you like slasher horror or intense nail-biting thrillers, please do so! You can check it out on Kindle devices as well as your tablets, computers, or those fancy internet smart phones like the iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy.
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So … onward with 2014! I’m incredibly stoked about this year. I’ve got a slew of projects coming up, from short stories, numerous blog entries and more. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
On January 25 (my birthday), I’ll be releasing The Foot, the second installment of the Wicked Neighborhood series. I’m also currently editing the fourth installment, and finishing writing the third issue. As some of you may know, I was originally planning a seven-issue season for this series, but I have slightly altered those plans. The “first season” of Wicked Neighborhood will now end after five issues. Following the five-issue release, I’ll publish a full-length book, collecting every issue.
I’m also prepping some printed copies of my stories for sale on Amazon, and I’ll be taking Wicked Neighborhood, Vampire Zombie Claus and The Horror to a few comic cons in 2014. I’ll keep you all posted on dates and events.
Just an FYI, I may not be publishing as many short stories and novellas in 2014. I would like to focus my efforts on finding a publisher for my three full-length works, including two fiction novels and one nonfiction book. I am still dedicated to getting all five issues of Wicked Neighborhood out there in 2014, as well as one or two other short stories and novellas.
As if I wasn’t working on enough, I am currently crafting an audiobook version of The Horror. I’m looking to have this ready by late summer/early fall 2014. My good friend,and uber-talented wunderkind musician, Michael McFarland, is busy drafting a musical theme for that audiobook, while I perfect my mini recording studio to bring you the best sounding, most professional audiobook I can.
As for this blog you are reading right now (probably in the nude, you kinky devil), I’ll be discussing numerous subjects in the coming weeks, from the controversial documentary Blackfish, to the fascinating story of The Disaster Artist, the book about the making of The Room, one of the best worst movies ever made. I’ll also be adding a few book reports, movie reviews, interviews, top 10 lists, and more.
2014 is going to be a big year, folks … so stay tuned and keep on making those dreams a reality!
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I love my readers, and I love my Twitter followers, too! Be sure to follow me on Twitter.
December 10, 2013
Behold! The Dark Crystal: The Director’s Cut
I’m a rather big fan of fan edits.
I can understand how a director, producer or creative team would be frustrated about fan edits, but I also love the idea of a fan putting his or her own touch on the narrative, and in a way, making it their own. To me, it’s an interesting alternative take on film criticism — the critic literally changing the film to meet their own desires, and in turn, making a new form of art. Almost like a new form of culture/narrative-infused found art.
Take, for example, the Star Wars: Revisited fan edit from editor Adywan:
His fan edits are a game-changer, taking complaints, mistakes, goofs, and other nuances that Star Wars fans have noted over the years, and altering, fixing, re-editing, re-coloring, re-shooting (yup) and re-doing fx to create a more “fan perfect” version of the film. And his edits and new f/x are astonishing, often matching (or besting) the special edition effects … while also besting those versions on every level.
I’ve even made a few fan edits for my personal collection. I’ve cut a leaner version of the Canadian slasher, Visiting Hours. I crafted an alternate cut of Futureworld (the Westworld sequel) which removes a lot of the meandering pace and restores the thrills and chills from the first film (I even crafted a darker ending). I also cut a gonzo version of Kung Pow: Enter the Fist, removing the cow fight, the toungey stuff, the aliens, and using a mixture of the alternate dub tracks to craft the strangest version of that film imaginable. I even once attempted to cut a version of Transformers 3 that completely removed Shia LaBeouf from the film! (it was surprisingly easier than you might think)
But one of my favorite subcategories of fan edits are the cuts that actually mean to preserve a film instead of alter it to the fan’s personal intentions. I’ve watched an assembly workprint of Alien and Blade Runner, an extended cut of A Nightmare on Elm Street, a “director’s assembly” of The Crow: City of Angels, a rough assembled Director’s Cut of The Exorcist III: Legion, not to mention the alternate cuts of Superman IV: The Quest for Peace and Superman Returns that restore the excised footage and subplots.
These sorts of workprints are a fascinating examination of what could have been, giving fans a peak at the original editing and structuring of a film. Such is the case with The Dark Crystal: The Director’s Cut.
I won’t bother you with the full story regarding this cut of the film, but more or less, The Dark Crystal was altered before its theatrical release. This version of the film presents Jim Henson and Frank Oz’s intended vision for the film, since no other cut of this version is known to exist. You can read more about this project on the fan editor’s youtube page, or you can read his interview with Mental Floss (here).
It’s amazing to finally be able to view this film as it was intended to be seen. And with some luck, probably provided the video gets enough hits, it could encourage the studio to put forth the cash to produce a legitimate version of this release on Blu-ray or HD streaming.
You can check fanedit.org to explore some of the fan edits out there. They are a unique artistic creation, built from obsession, passion and sometimes criticism, and born from a fan’s own budding creative juices. They are a labor of love, done not for profit or for fame, but out of that same artistic drive to craft something unique and different from what already exists. But they also come from a place of pure cinema — where an artists true intentions and desire can be brought to life and allowed to live free, outside of studio or production restrictions.
I encourage any movie lover (or filmmaker) to explore, and perhaps embrace, the world of fan edits. It’s a niche culture whose intention is nothing more than to gain experience with creativity and craft, and there are a great man fan editors who’ve done wonders with many films.
You may not like fan edits, but it’s impossible to deny that some (not all) strive to achieve that same level or artistic brilliance as the work that inspired them, and that’s awesome.
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If you haven’t already, check out my short stories and books. Titles include, Vampire Zombie Claus, The Horror and The Stray Cats. They’re all just 99 pennies each! CLICK HERE to buy your copies today!
I love my readers, and I love my Twitter followers, too! Be sure to follow me on Twitter.
December 2, 2013
Get Two Short Stories on Kindle for Free!
Happy Cyber Monday!
Because of this special shop-at-home-naked event, I thought I’d offer two of my books for free. Just click on the titles or images below to get your copies! If you like the books, please add a kind review over at Amazon, Goodreads or both. Thanks and happy shopping!
Both books will be free from Cyber Monday through back-to-normal Tuesday, ending on Wednesday.
Note: You can read the stories on any Kindle device or on your phone, computer or tablet just by downloading the Kindle app.
The illustration on this cover was drawn by my young nephew, Zach.
In the midst of an existential crisis, a middle-aged man comes upon Dolores, a lowly grocery store clerk who never seems to smile. Confused and deeply haunted by this woman’s poisonous demeanor, and suspecting the riddle of her existence will somehow solve his own emotional puzzle, the man follows her to catch a glimpse of what her life is like at home. What he discovers there stirs him to his very core, and changes him forever.
This inspirational drama strays from my standard comforts in the thriller/horror/sci-fi genres and examines the nature of hope, depression, and socioeconomic woes through a philosophical lens. Rich with moody characters, brisk fall imagery and thoughtful metaphor, the story is meant for those who struggle to make ends meet, but hope for a better day.
Wicked Neighborhood #1: The Stray Cats
Jennifer Riley is trying to pick up the shattered pieces of her life in the aftermath of an abusive husband. Despite her positive outlook, Jennifer feels an emptiness in her heart. That’s when Callie, an adorable tabby cat, appears on her doorstep seeking shelter. Jennifer allows the feline into her home, but soon another cat shows up at her doorstep … and another … and another … and another. What is causing this strange preponderance of cats? Is it Jennifer’s bizarre neighbors, each one seemingly weirder than the next? Is it her own selfish desire to fill her lonely days? Or is there something far more deadly at play? … something fiendish lurking within the woods surrounding Forest Street.
“The Stray Cats” is the first installment in an ongoing anthology series titled Wicked Neighborhood. The series is loosely inspired by/hyperbolized from my very own neighborhood in northern Ohio.
The short stories will be split over several issues, with the possibility for future “seasons” of the series if the stories prove popular. In other words, if you like what you read, spread the word to keep this series going.
Each issue of Wicked Neighborhood will focus on one particular household seated on the seemingly quiet stretch of land known as Forest Street. The upcoming stories are connected by characters, incidents and events on the street. That said, it is not necessary that you read every single tale in the series to delight in what I have in store for you … though you will be missing quite a lot of fun. Also, as future issues appear, you are welcome to read them in any order you desire.
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In addition to the free book sale, my latest novella, Vampire Zombie Claus, is also on sale, marked down from $2.99 to just $0.99. That sale ends Tuesday.
This Christmas tale recounts the shockingly true story of the life, and death, of Kris Kringle, from how he came to become a vampire, to the man known as Santa Claus, and eventually … Vampire Zombie Claus.
Following in the great tradition of stories like The Princess Bride, A Nightmare Before Christmas, The Lord of the Rings, World War Z and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, this novella blends genres, both serious and silly, and delivers a new tale of excitement, nostalgia, humor and good old fashioned Christmas cheer.
The Horror (still just $0.99)
What if the horrors of a seemingly innocent and fun haunted house attraction were real? What if someone were inside with you, stalking you and feeding on your fear? What if every corner of the maze were deadly? What if you couldn’t get out?
The Horror tells the story of Lisa and Alan, two college teens visiting a theatrical haunted maze themed after local urban legends. Once inside it becomes clear that the macabre, grisly sights are not just smoke and mirrors, and gallons of fake blood, but the gory work of a deranged psychopath who is inside the house, hunting them.
I love my readers, and I love my Twitter followers, too! Be sure to follow me on Twitter.
November 29, 2013
Vampire Zombie Claus Available Today!
Just in time for the holidays comes Vampire Zombie Claus, an exciting genre-bending Christmas parody.
This 70-page novella will be on sale for just $.99 cents from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. After that, the story will be $2.99. So save some cash and grab you copy today by clicking here.
Plot Synopsis for Vampire Zombie Claus
This Christmas tale recounts the shockingly true story of the life, and death, of Kris Kringle, from how he came to become a vampire, to the man known as Santa Claus, and eventually … Vampire Zombie Claus.
Following in the great tradition of stories like The Princess Bride, A Nightmare Before Christmas, The Lord of the Rings, World War Z and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, this novella blends genres, both serious and silly, and delivers a new tale of excitement, nostalgia, humor and good old fashioned Christmas cheer.
Some Background for Vampire Zombie Claus
Each Christmas Eve, when I was young, my family would scoot us little ones upstairs while they put out Christmas presents. My grandfather would come up with us and keep us occupied with zany stories. Following in his footsteps, I decided to craft an alternative Christmas legend that explores who Santa Claus was through a more genre-satisfying lens. I sincerely hope you all enjoy this novella, and if you do, be sure to review it on Amazon and Goodreads!
Many elves died to bring us this information…
Also, if you haven’t already, check out my other stories, The Horror, Does She Smile at Home? and The Stray Cats. Each tale is only .99 cents. CLICK HERE to buy your copies today!
I love my readers, and I love my Twitter followers, too! Be sure to follow me on Twitter.
November 27, 2013
5 Thanksgiving Films I’m Thankful For!
Happy Thanksgiving, readers! Hope you’re getting good and stuffed (read into that however you want).
Thought I’d share a few of my favorite Thanksgiving films. Feel free to hop on to the comments and let us all know which Thanksgiving-related films are your favorite.
(the films below are presented in no particular order)
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Pieces of April
Piece of April is a wonderful Thanksgiving movie, though the film’s somewhat low quality look has grown a bit dated in recent years. But the story is the total embodiment of the holiday on almost every conceivable notion, and it’s also a tender, sweet little comedy to boot. If you haven’t seen it, give it a look.
Dutch
This one gets forgotten in the pantheon of John Hughes comedies, but it’s honestly one of the best. It’s kind of a redo of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but the narrative is reworked for a younger audience, and all the emotional dilemmas that encompass that age group. It’s powerful, very funny and filled with some truly wonderful John Hughes moments.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Like Dutch, Planes, Trains and Automobiles is yet another quintessential Thanksgiving comedy from John Hughes. It’s warm-hearted, wild and funny as hell. And it’s possibly John Candy’s best role. I usually try and watch this one every Thanksgiving weekend.
Rocky
Rocky takes place on more than one holiday, but damn if that Thanksgiving scene with Paulie doesn’t stick out. Not only is Rocky one of my favorite Thanksgiving films, it’s also one of my all-time cinema favorites. There’s little to hate about this underdog masterpiece.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
While this film doesn’t center around Thanksgiving, the narrative jump-starts at a class reunion held on Thanksgiving weekend. And boy, is that reunion scene awesome! I really love Zack and Miri on the whole, but I could easily just watch three hours of Seth Rogen, Justin Long, Elizabeth Banks and Brandon Routh schmoozing at a class reunion. Great stuff.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!
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If you haven’t already, check out my short stories, Does She Smile at Home?, The Stray Cats and The Horror. They’re just .99 cents each. CLICK HERE to buy your copies today! And be sure to check back for Zombie Vampire Claus, which hits Kindle shelves on Black Friday.
I love my readers, and I love my Twitter followers, too! Be sure to follow me on Twitter.
