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Harper's Island: Thrack, Splack and Sizzle

Sun, 31 May 2009 17:29:46 -0400

Thrack, Splack and Sizzle - kind of sounds like an old fashioned Batman episode . . .
. . . but alas, it is not. It is the next episode of my guilty little pleasure, Harpers Island.
Things are really starting to fall apart for our favorite island side wedding party. Family and friends are dropping like flies and things are just getting more and more strange. And the thing is that every time I think I know whodunit, they end up the victim of some random act of Wakefield-esque violence.
I really liked that this episode had quite few flashbacks of Abby Mills (Elaine Cassidy) back to the time of her mothers death and what immediately followed. She also questioned her Dad (Jim Beaver) about the truth after she was visited by horrifically scarred, ex-deputy Cole Harkin (Den Wray) who told her that her father was nothing but a liar. The explanation the sheriff gives kind of leaves me shaking my head in disbelief but as I have learned each week on Harpers Island, things arent always as they seem.
The hunt continues for J.D. (Dean Chekvala) whom everyone assumes is at the center of the murders that are taking place on the island but I gotta say that I dont buy it. It would be a far too convenient and contrived plot line for my liking. Thats not to say it wont happen but lets just say I really hope not.
We are reminded that money is the root of all evil in this episode and someone pays a dear price for having forgotten said lesson. Again, I find myself unable to wait until next week to see what will happen (although I unfortunately, have no choice in the matter). I keep feeling both happy and sad on Saturday nights when watching Harpers Island for while I know that each week brings me closer to the truth, I also know that it brings me closer to the end. I also keep hoping that I wont be disappointed with what lies ahead for the residents and visitors of Harpers Island.

Series Directed by
Sanford Bookstaver (1 episode, 2009)
Steve Boyum (1 episode, 2009)
Scott Peters (1 episode, 2009)
Jon Turteltaub (1 episode, 2009)
James Whitmore Jr. (1 episode, 2009)
Craig R. Baxley (unknown episodes, 2009)

Series Writing credits
Ari Schlossberg (4 episodes, 2009)
Jeffrey Bell (2 episodes, 2009)

Series Cast
Elaine Cassidy ... Abby Mills (7 episodes, 2009)
Christopher Gorham ... Henry Dunn (7 episodes, 2009)
Katie Cassidy ... Trish Wellington (7 episodes, 2009)
Matt Barr ... Christopher 'Sully' Sullivan (7 episodes, 2009)
Gina Holden ... Shea Allen (7 episodes, 2009)
Cassandra Sawtell ... Madison Allen (7 episodes, 2009)
Claudette Mink ... Katherine Wellington (7 episodes, 2009)
Brandon Jay McLaren ... Danny Brooks (7 episodes, 2009)
Chris Gauthier ... Malcolm Ross (7 episodes, 2009)
Amber Borycki ... Beth Barrington (7 episodes, 2009)
Cameron Richardson ... Chloe Carter (6 episodes, 2009)
Adam Campbell ... Cal Vandeusen (6 episodes, 2009)
Jim Beaver ... Sheriff Charlie Mills (6 episodes, 2009)
Dean Chekvala ... J.D. Dunn (6 episodes, 2009)
David Lewis ... Richard Allen (6 episodes, 2009)
Beverley Elliott ... Maggie Krell (6 episodes, 2009)
Ali Liebert ... Nikki Bolton (6 episodes, 2009)
Richard Burgi ... Thomas Wellington (5 episodes, 2009)
C.J. Thomason ... Jimmy Mance (5 episodes, 2009)
Sean Rogerson ... Joel Booth (4 episodes, 2009)
Ben Cotton ... Shane Pierce (4 episodes, 2009)
Victor Webster ... Hunter Jennings (3 episodes, 2009)
Maxine Miller ... Julia (3 episodes, 2009)
Nicholas Carella ... Deputy Lillis (3 episodes, 2009)
Jay Brazeau ... Dr. Campbell (2 episodes, 2009)
Dean Wray ... Cole Harkin (2 episodes, 2009)
Sarah Smyth ... Lucy Daramour (2 episodes, 2009)
Anna Mae Routledge ... Kelly Seaver (2 episodes, 2009)

Drag Me to Hell

Sat, 30 May 2009 18:12:07 -0400

Drag Me to Hell had me leaving the theatre feeling all sorts of joyous . . . does this make me weird?
To be honest, I dont care if it does. It has been so long since I have not left the theatre after watching a horror film feeling totally dissatisfied that I had begun to think that this was as it should be. Thank you Sam Raimi for bringing me back to my horror happy place!
In his return to the horror genre, Sam Raimi puts forth such over the top scares that I kept finding myself clawing over my seat to grab some part of my hubbys anatomy for comfort and reassurance that I had not been sucked into Raimis world of goat demons and gypsy curses.
Okay so weve established that I enjoyed the film. Now lets tell you a bit about it. If you were a fan of the Evil Dead series, you will definitely recognize some noticeable similarities in the films. Although I have to say that Drag Me to Hell had its own endearing qualities. Like the fact that I kept wanting Clay Dalton (Justin Long) to look at Christine Brown(Alison Lohman) and say Im a Mac and then John Hodgman could pop up to retort and Im a PC. This has nothing to do with the film but I would find it funny . . .
Christine Brown is vying for an Assistant Managers position at the bank where she works however due to her soft hearted nature she doesnt always make the tough decisions when it comes to denying loans. Unfortunately for her she decides to bring out the tough love on Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver), an old gypsy woman with a penchant for throwing out phlegmy coughs and caustic curses. She throws both at Christine and here is where the adventure begins.
I swear they must have told the theatre to turn up the volume to add to the effect of the film it definitely worked. I am trying to be very careful not to let too much out of the bag here because I truly think you should all run right out and see this film. I will say one last thing though and that is that I was really impressed by the fact that the movie always stayed true to its own set of rules. The end of the film could have gone quite wrong for me if it hadnt.
So go out, see the film and for Gods sake if you run into a gypsy woman who wants something from you do all that is in your power to give it to her. If not, the consequences could be quite hellish!

Directed by
Sam Raimi

Writing credits
(WGA)
Sam Raimi (written by) &
Ivan Raimi (written by)

Cast (in credits order)
Alison Lohman ... Christine Brown
Justin Long ... Clay Dalton
Lorna Raver ... Mrs. Ganush
Dileep Rao ... Rham Jas
David Paymer ... Mr. Jacks
Adriana Barraza ... Shaun San Dena
Chelcie Ross ... Leonard Dalton
Reggie Lee ... Stu Rubin
Molly Cheek ... Trudy Dalton
Bojana Novakovic ... Ilenka Ganush
Kevin Foster ... Milos
Alexis Cruz ... Farm Worker
Ruth Livier ... Farm Workers Wife
Shiloh Selassie ... Farm Worker's Son
Flor de Maria Chahua ... Young Shaun San Dena
Christopher Young ... Pedestrian with Cupcake
Ricardo Molina ... Male Mortgage Customer
Joanne Baron ... Mr. Jacks's Secretary
Fernanda Romero ... Female Mortgage Customer
Ted Raimi ... Doctor
Ali Dean ... Pawn Broker
Octavia Spencer ... Bank Co-Worker #1
Meyoung Laman ... Bank Co-Worker #2 (as Mia Rai)
Bill E. Rogers ... Security Guard
Cherie Franklin ... Cackling Woman at Death Feast
Olga Babtchinskaia ... Violinist at Death Feast
Alex Veadov ... Man with Ponytail at Death Feast
Bonnie Aarons ... Mother at Death Feast
Emma Raimi ... Daughter at Death Feast
Michael Peter Bolus ... Mourner #1 at Death Feast
Peter Popp ... Mourner #2 at Death Feast
Scott Spiegel ... Mourner #3 at Death Feast
Bridget Hoffman ... Ghost at Séance
Tom Carey ... Old Man in Headlights
Lia Johnson ... Waitress
Jay Gordon ... Family at Diner
Henry Raimi ... Family at Diner
Lorne Raimi ... Family at Diner
Chloe Dykstra ... Young Couple at Diner
Nick Vlassopoulos ... Young Couple at Diner
John Paxton ... Old Couple at Diner
Irene Roseen ... Old Couple at Diner
Aimee Miles ... Saleswoman
Art Kimbro ... Lamia (voice)

The Haunting in Connecticut

Sat, 30 May 2009 16:22:54 -0400

The Haunting in Connecticut really had me excited . . .
. . . mostly because I live in CT and know where this supposedly took place but also because I had seen the original A Haunting episode where they profiled this case.
However, once I started watching the film I found myself thoroughly disappointed. There I said it . . . most of the time I will try to be more positive about films but this one pretty much stunk to high heaven. I thought with Virginia Madsen playing the Mom and Elias Koteas playing the reverend there was at least a chance for this one but alas, I left the theatre wanting that 100 minutes of my life back.
And it is too bad too because at one point in the film when the reverend is talking about why he and young Matt Campell (Kyle Gallner) who are both suffering from cancer and are near death can see these ghosts there was a glimmer of hope for me. I mean I really liked where they might have been going with the story but then they went back to relying on cheap tricks and very implausible plot lines that just completely missed the mark at least for me.
I feel like if the movie had taken itself more seriously and continued with the Reverend Popescu character being more involved it would have been infinitely better. He was really the only character I felt semi-connected to. Honestly, I didnt even care for Matt all that much . . . I actually found myself wishing that he would be written off by the cancer and we would see more of Popescu. I know that is horrible to say . . .
So my recommendation would be if you absolutely have to see The Haunting in Connecticut dont bother renting or buying the film just wait till it comes out on TV or better yet just watch the episode of A Haunting and call it a day.

Directed by
Peter Cornwell

Writing credits
(WGA)
Adam Simon (written by) &
Tim Metcalfe (written by)

Cast (in credits order)
Virginia Madsen ... Sara Campbell
Kyle Gallner ... Matt Campbell
Elias Koteas ... Reverend Popescu
Amanda Crew ... Wendy
Martin Donovan ... Peter Campbell
Sophi Knight ... Mary Campbell
Ty Wood ... Billy Campbell
Erik J. Berg ... Jonah
John Bluethner ... Ramsey Aickman
D.W. Brown ... Dr. Brooks
John B. Lowe ... Mr. Sinclair
Adriana O'Neil ... Chemo Nurse
Will Woytowich ... Cop
James Durham ... Matt's Cell Mate
Darren Ross ... Paramedic #1
Sarah Constible ... Paramedic #2
Nicholas Podbrey ... 1920's Hero Engraved Corpse
Blake Taylor ... 1920's Seance #1
Keith James ... 1920's Seance #2
Kelly Wolfman ... 1920's Seance #3
Jessica Burleson ... 1920's Seance #4
Matt Kippen ... Strung Out Guy

rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Jeny Cassady ... 1920's Hero Engraved Corpse #2 (uncredited)

Harper's Island: Sploosh

Sun, 24 May 2009 12:50:00 -0400

The latest episode of Harper's Island titled Sploosh definitely left me wanting more . . .
. . . I found myself totally bummed that this wasnt one of those series that I DVRd all of and then watched because I really dont want to wait until next week to see what happens. But alas, I will have to wait . . . patience, if you havent already guessed it, is not one of my greatest virtues.
We started out this episode at the end of the last episode with the rehearsal of Henry (Christopher Gorham) and Trishs (Katie Cassidy) nuptials. JD (Dean Chekvala) has a little surprise planned for the happy couple but it isnt what you might initially think. The nice thing about this episode is that we finally find out what happened to that missing head spade. You never want those to go missing too long. Well, to be honest I guess if it goes missing at all you might just want it to stay missing at the end of the day. At least our previous weeks victim probably wishes it had stayed buried . . . and not in their head.
We also learn more about Sheriff Charlie Mills (Jim Beaver) ongoing obsession with tracking Wakefield-like murders in the Pacific coast area. Of course, we learn this because Abby (Elaine Cassidy) takes her good friend Henry and his crazy brother to see the shrine her daddy has built in the attic. But what does it all mean? Is Wakefield really dead as the sheriff claims or did he make up the story to help his dear traumatized daughter sleep more soundly at night? Suffice it to say that even with the discovery of yet another victim on the island we do not get any closer to the truth.
I have to say though, there are a couple of characters I am watching really closely the young Madison (Cassandra Sawtell) who seems to lean just a bit on the evil side . . . even if she has nothing to do with the killings she is a bit too devious and mischievous for me; and Malcom (Chris Gauthier), the bumbling and clumsy friend of the groom who just seems a bit to jumpy and willing to cover things over for my liking. I also dont know about the groom to be and his brother . . . or his best friend. To be honest, I feel a little bit suspicious of most of the characters on the show and usually the one I feel the most suspicious of ends up dying at the end of the episode - same thing happened this time around too.
I cant wait till next week!

Harper's Island: Sploosh Cast and Credits

Directed by
James Whitmore Jr.

Writing credits
Robert Levine

Episode Cast (in credits order)

Elaine Cassidy ... Abby Mills
Christopher Gorham ... Henry Dunn
Katie Cassidy ... Trish Wellington
Cameron Richardson ... Chloe Carter
Adam Campbell ... Cal Vandeusen
C.J. Thomason ... Jimmy Mance
Jim Beaver ... Sheriff Charlie Mills
Matt Barr ... Christopher 'Sully' Sullivan
Amber Borycki ... Beth Barrington
Dean Chekvala ... J.D. Dunn
Ben Cotton ... Shane Pierce
Beverley Elliott ... Maggie Krell
Chris Gauthier ... Malcolm Ross
Gina Holden ... Shea Allen
David Lewis ... Richard Allen
Ali Liebert ... Nikki Bolton
Brandon Jay McLaren ... Danny Brooks
Claudette Mink ... Katherine Wellington
Cassandra Sawtell ... Madison Allen

Harper's Island: Whap

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 12:00:59 -0400

Harpers Island was surprisingly engrossing . . .
. . . I had promised myself that I wouldnt get involved in another television show but I DVRd this on the off chance that it would be better than I expected. And it was!
This really reminded me of another show that I loved during the early 90s Twin Peaks. Now dont get me wrong here, this is no Twin Peaks but the elements are kind of similar. Youve got the beautiful Northwestern setting. Harpers Island is set in an island off the coast of Seattle; youve got some really odd characters that are hard to figure out (youve also got some characters that are a bit cliché, but that kind of adds to the appeal for me); and there are secrets on Harpers Island that seem to permeate all that come in contact with them.
In the first episode titled Whap, you start to meet all the players. They are all coming together for the wedding of Henry Dunn (Christopher Gorham of Medical Investigations fame . . . that was driving hubby and I crazy during the show) and Trish Wellington (Katie Cassidy). Henry is the local yokel and Trish is the town princess with the rich daddy (Richard Burgi of Desperate Housewives fame). There is the typical cast of characters . . . the lunkheaded party boy friends of the groom; the richy-rich girlfriends of the privileged bride to be but there are also some other fun ingredients that make up this recipe for murder and mayhem.
Abby Mills (Elaine Cassidy), the old friend of Henry Dunn who left Harpers Island after the tragic murder of her mother by the madman John Wakefield and Kelly Seaver (Anna Mae Routledge) who didnt leave the island when the same thing happened to her mom. Its hard to say who ended up less screwed up at the end of the day. And who could forget Uncle Marty (Harry Hamlin) who was put on this earth to protect people like Henry from people like daddy dearest, Thomas Wellington. JD Dunn (Dean Chekvala), the brother of Henry and nephew of Marty, is also one strange dude tattooed and dark hearted; he leaves a lot for you to wonder about him.
So we start off on the ferry boat to Harpers Island. At the last minute a few guests make their way onto the boat first Uncle Marty complete with a Mariachi band and then sad little Abby Mills who took quite some time to make the journey from the cab. Perhaps she was having second thoughts? You should always listen to that inner voice that tells you something might not be that great an idea. As the big boat takes off, our bride to be seems to be upset that Cousin Ben hasnt made it for the boat ride. Little does she know that Cousin Ben was with us all along . . . although, I kinda doubt well be seeing him again - at least not feeling too lively?
As we make our way to the island we hear Chloe Carter (Cameron Richardson) telling the story of John Wakefield the famed mass murderer. She even tells those who will listen about Abbys connection to the island. Once we reach the island Abby decides to visit the Tree of Woe where several victims of Wakefield, including her own mother, were strung up after being stabbed, burned and disemboweled. Not sure why she thought this was a great idea but luckily for her, Henry figures as much and walks her back to the hotel.
So I have to admit that one of the things I really like about the show is the kill scenes. They are pretty imaginative and gruesome for late night Broadcast TV even if it is in the 10 oclock hour. This first episode of Harpers Island definitely left me wanting more. If you havent watched already, I would recommend you start now. Luckily I had episode 2, Crackle, on my DVR! More on that to come . . .

Directed by
Jon Turteltaub

Writing credits
Ari Schlossberg (written by)

Episode Cast (in credits order)
Elaine Cassidy ... Abby Mills
Christopher Gorham ... Henry W. Dunn
Katie Cassidy ... Patricia E. 'Trish' Wellington
Cameron Richardson ... Chloe Carter
Adam Campbell ... Cal Vandeusen
Jim Beaver ... Sheriff Charlie Mills
Richard Burgi ... Thomas Wellington
Christopher Sullivan ... Matt Barr (as Christopher 'Sully' Sullivan)
C.J. Thomason ... Jimmy Mance
Victor Webster ... Hunter Jennings
Dean Chekvala ... J.D. Dunn (as Dean Cechvala)
Matt Barr ... Christopher 'Sully' Sullivan
Harry Hamlin ... Marty Dunn
Gina Holden ... Shea Allen
David Lewis ... Richard Allen
Cassandra Sawtell ... Madison Allen
Claudette Mink ... Katherine Wellington
Brandon Jay McLaren ... Danny Brooks
Sean Rogerson ... Joel Booth
Chris Gauthier ... Malcolm Ross
Amber Borycki ... Beth Barrington
Sarah Smyth ... Lucy Daramour
Ben Cotton ... Shane Pierce
Anna Mae Routledge ... Kelly Seaver
Ali Liebert ... Nikki Bolton
Beverley Elliott ... Maggie Krell
Tom Pickett ... Cab Driver
Paul Stanley ... Old Albert

True Blood: Burning House of Love

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:17:21 -0500

In the 7th episode of True Blood entitled Burning House of Love Sookie (Anna Paquin) thinks that she has found the man of her dreams . . .
. . . in her vampire friend Bill (Stephen Moyer). She does begin to realize rather quickly though that not everyone is as happy for her as she is for herself. Especially not Sam (Sam Trammell) who secretly or not so secretly wishes he were in Bills place.

This seems to be an episode full of the demons that plague our world as Taras (Rutina Wesley) mom, Lettie Mae (Adina Porter) finds herself defenseless against the demons that make her drink; Jason (Ryan Kwanten) finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the world of V even willing to do some freaky things to get his fix; Bill finds himself at the mercy of the demons of revenge when he goes to visit Uncle Bartlett (Cheyenne Wilbur); and some vampires go off to meet their maker this spurred by the demons of fear and ignorance of the local hillbillies.

After Sookie tells the patrons of Merlottes that she has had vampire sex and it was wonderful, they receive a visit from some of Bills old vampire friends who apparently want to use Sookie to draw Bill out. To save the citizens of Bon Temps, Bill agrees to go and be a part of their nest. Not so happy with them barging in, some of the locals decide to take matters into their own hands and hold an impromptu barbeque at the home of the vampires.

We start to see some strange things about Sam as well as he streaks across the woods not unnoticed by Terry (Todd Lowe) and Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer). It seems as though there may be more in Bon Temps than just vampires. More to come on this I imagine.

Jason also meets Amy (Lizzy Caplan) who just might be the girl of his dreams. She shares his obsession with V but also has a handle on it. But in Bon Temps I have learned that things are not always as they seem. I think we will have to wait and see with young Amy.

This episode ends like many others, in a state of Oh my God did that just happen when Sookie happens upon the vampires lair after it has been burned to the ground. More upsetting is that there are four full coffins when there were only three other vampires. Could Bill be among the casualties of the demons of fear and ignorance? Guess we will have to wait till next week to see.

Directed by
Marcos Siega

Writing credits
Alan Ball (creator)
Charlaine Harris (novels)
Chris Offutt (written by)

Episode Cast (in credits order)
Anna Paquin ... Sookie Stackhouse
Stephen Moyer ... Bill Compton
Sam Trammell ... Sam Merlotte
Ryan Kwanten ... Jason Stackhouse
Rutina Wesley ... Tara Thornton
Chris Bauer ... Andy Bellefleur
Nelsan Ellis ... Lafayette Reynolds
Jim Parrack ... Hoyt Fortenberry
Adina Porter ... Lettie Mae Thornton
Carrie Preston ... Arlene Fowler
Michael Raymond-James ... Rene Lenier
William Sanderson ... Sheriff Bud Dearborne
Alexander Skarsgård ... Eric Northman
Lizzy Caplan ... Amy Burley
Aisha Hinds ... Miss Jeanette
Kristin Bauer ... Pam
Todd Lowe ... Terry Bellefleur
Raoul Trujillo ... Longshadow
Danielle James ... Randi Sue
Andrew Rothenberg ... Malcolm
Aunjanue Ellis ... Diane
Graham Shiels ... Liam
Rod Britt ... Bank Manager
Caleb Moody ... Royce
Jeremy Denzlinger ... Wayne
Kanin Howell ... Chuck
Cheyenne Wilbur ... Uncle Bartlett
Zenali Turner ... Young Sookie
Cheryl McLish
Edrick Browne ... Paramedic #2

rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Robert Amjarv ... Bus Boy (uncredited)
Sarah Blevins ... Tourist (uncredited)
James B. McDaniel ... Onlooker (uncredited)
Bill Stinchcomb ... Paramedic (uncredited)

True Blood: Cold Ground

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 21:47:53 -0500

In the sixth episode of True Blood entitled Cold Ground, Sookie finds herself once again in need of the comfort of her vampiric friend Bill Compton . . .
After she finds Gran (Lois Smith) covered in blood on the kitchen floor, Sookie (Anna Paquin) is kind of in a state of shock. As Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Sam (Sam Trammell) both try to be there for her in her time of need there are thoughts going through everyones heads that this violence wasnt meant for Gran but for Sookie herself.

The next day all of the neighbors of Bon Temps come to offer their sympathy as well as their casseroles and cakes to the Stackhouse family. But when Maxine Fortenberry (Dale Raoul) tries to make off with the last of Grans pecan pie, Sookie completely loses it and starts screaming. Tara (Rutina Wesley) ends up shooing them all out with her usual political correctness. She and Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) then convince Sookie to take a pill to calm her nerves and then proceed to clean up the buffet that Lafayette claims is full of desperation.

In this episode we witness again Bills strong connection to Sookie as even as she dreams of being in peril he shows up at her side ready to fight off any evil that might befall her. Its sweet really. Vampirus Coitus I saw it called somewhere and this is how the episode ends. But not before Sookie tells Bill about bad old Uncle Bartlett (Cheyenne Wilbur) who had unclean thoughts of her many years ago. You can see by the look in Bills eyes that good things are not in store for the dirty old man who thought things he should not have . . .

Directed by
Nick Gomez

Writing credits
Alan Ball (creator)
Charlaine Harris (novels)
Raelle Tucker (written by)

Episode Cast (in credits order)
Anna Paquin ... Sookie Stackhouse
Stephen Moyer ... Bill Compton
Sam Trammell ... Sam Merlotte
Ryan Kwanten ... Jason Stackhouse
Rutina Wesley ... Tara Thornton
Chris Bauer ... Andy Bellefleur
Nelsan Ellis ... Lafayette Reynolds
Jim Parrack ... Hoyt Fortenberry
Adina Porter ... Lettie Mae Thornton
Carrie Preston ... Arlene Fowler
Michael Raymond-James ... Rene Lenier
William Sanderson ... Sheriff Bud Dearborne
Alexander Skarsgård ... Eric Northman
Lois Smith ... Adele Stackhouse
Todd Lowe ... Terry Bellefleur
John Billingsley ... Mike Spencer
Dale Raoul ... Maxine Fortenberry
William Schallert ... Mayor Norris
Danielle James ... Randi Sue
Cheyenne Wilbur ... Uncle Bartlett
Stewart Skelton ... Minister
Kevin McHale ... Neil Jones
Linda Harmon ... Hymn Singer

rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Sally Stevens ... Vocalist (uncredited)

True Blood: Sparks Fly Out

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:22:12 -0400

In the fifth episode of True Blood entitled Sparks Fly Out Sookie (Anna Paquin) finds herself torn between two lovers . . .
. . . okay maybe not, but Sam (Sam Trammell) would have liked to have thought so.

After last weeks adventure with the police officer, Sookie has informed Bill (Stephen Moyer) in no uncertain terms that she no longer wishes to see him. She does go to Grans (Lois Smith) special church meeting though to see him speak.

We learn a lot about Bill Compton in this episode. While speaking to the Sons of Bon Temps, he finds himself almost overcome with emotion when he is given a picture of his family that he had to leave behind after becoming a vampire. Interesting because I thought vampires couldnt feel? He explained how he came to be a member of the undead and how very hard it was to not be able to see his family again. I for one cannot imagine that kind of pain.

We follow Jasons (Ryan Kwanten) spiral down into addiction as he continues to use V. There is a glimmer of hope for Taras (Rutina Wesley) unrequited love for Jason but it turns out to just be a side effect of the V. Sad for Jason, good for Tara if you ask me - he is a no good dirty dog.

This episode like all the others ends in a surprise. Not a surprise of the good nature either as Sookie walks in to find a very sad scene in her kitchen.

Directed by
Daniel Minahan

Writing credits
Alan Ball (creator)
Charlaine Harris (novels)
Alexander Woo (written by)

Episode Cast (in alphabetical order)
Robert Amjarv ... Bus Boy
Adalia Braydon ... Pretty Girl
Jeremy Denzlinger ... Wayne
Rosemary Garris
Alec Gray II ... Coby Fowler
Kanin Howell ... Chuck
Danielle James ... Randi Sue
Brook Kerr ... Tara Thornton
Ryan Kwanten ... Jason
Caleb Moody ... Royce
Stephen Moyer ... Bill Compton
Anna Paquin ... Sookie Stackhouse
Jim Parrack ... Hoyt Fortenberry
Carrie Preston ... Arlene Fowler
Dale Raoul ... Maxine Fortenberry
Michael Raymond-James ... Rene Lenier
William Sanderson ... Sheriff Bud Dearborne
Alexander Skarsgård ... Eric Northman
Lois Smith ... Adele Stackhouse
Sam Trammell ... Sam Merlotte
Rutina Wesley ... Tara Thornton

The Funhouse

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:40:00 -0400

A surprisingly disturbing little hidden nugget of early eighties fright, The Funhouse brings back a lot of fond memories . . .
. . . of the carnivals that typically roll through Anytown, USA.

This is probably what makes The Funhouse so disturbing. I mean, who hasnt gone through a funhouse in a carnival? Could this happen to me, I mean after all those carnies are a freaky people, right?

I have often heard that people thought that The Funhouse kind of ripped off Halloween because of the whole opening scene but other than a clown mask I would say this is not so at all.

After a scare from her baby brother Joey (Shawn Carson), Amy (Elizabeth Berridge) gets ready for a big night out in the little town with Buzz (Cooper Huckabee) and her friends Liz (Largo Woodruff) and Richie (Miles Chapin). Whilst enjoying the carnival they get the bright idea that spending the night in the funhouse would be a grand idea. Little do they know that Joey followed them to the funhouse and knows that they are locked inside. Unfortunately for them, by the end of the night he is not the only one to discover their little secret.

I really loved the way that they spent time kind of slowly panning the whole carnival experience. You got to see all the fun features from the freak show to the strip show to the rides and games and you got a real sense of the atmosphere that is quintessential carnival.

All that and a real life freak, Gunther Straker (Wayne Doba) son of the carnivals patriarch, Conrad (Kevin Conway he also played the rest of the barkers in case you were wondering) who seems to have a penchant for having little accidents with the locals as he is getting his rocks off. He takes it a little too far this time though when he sullies one of the family, a mystic by the name of Madame Zena (Sylvia Miles).

As Gunther is being chastised for his careless act, the foursome who have watched the entire event are found out and thus begins the chase.

With some decent death scenes, creepy atmosphere and just freaky shit going on in general, The Funhouse was definitely a wild ride that I would recommend whole heartedly.

The Funhouse Movie Cast and Credits

Directed by
Tobe Hooper

Writing credits
Lawrence Block writer

Cast (in credits order) complete
Elizabeth Berridge ... Amy Harper
Shawn Carson ... Joey Harper
Jeanne Austin ... Mrs. Harper
Jack McDermott ... Mr. Harper
Cooper Huckabee ... Buzz Klemmet
Largo Woodruff ... Liz Duncan
Miles Chapin ... Richie Atterbury
David Carson ... Geek (as D. Lee Carson)
Sonia Zomina ... Bag Lady
Ralph Morino ... Truck Driver
Kevin Conway ... Funhouse - Conrad Straker / Freakshow / Stripshow Barkers
Herb Robins ... Carnival Manager
Mona Agar ... Strip Show Dancer
Wayne Doba ... The Monster - Gunther Straker
William Finley ... Marco the Magnificent
Susie Malnik ... Carmella
Sylvia Miles ... Madame Zena
Sid Raymond ... Stripshow MC
Larry Ross ... Girly Show Heckler
Frank Grimes ... Strip Show Voyeur
Frank Schuller ... Poker Player #1
Peter Conrad ... Midget with Lady
Mildred Hughes ... Tall Lady
Glen Lawrence ... Spectator
Shawn McAllister ... Garbage Collector
Sandy Mielke ... Garbage Collector
Mike Montalvo ... Spectator
Allison Caine ... Additional Voices (voice)
Sherman 'Big Train' Bergman ... Carnival worker (uncredited)
Raymond Forchion ... Man in Tent Show (uncredited)

More Movie Reviews of The Funhouse

Movie Review of The Funhouse from Horror-Movies.ca
The Funhouse Movie Review at Lost Highway

True Blood: Escape from Dragon House

Sun, 5 Oct 2008 22:45:49 -0400

Another week and another episode of True Blood . . .
. . . in the fourth episode titled Escape from Dragon House, Sookie (Anna Paquin) finds herself once again defending Jason (Ryan Kwanten) from another accusation of murder.

If I lived in this town, I would definitely not be sleeping with Jason Stackhouse seems like there is a pattern . . . sleep with him and die. Dawn (Lynn Collins) learns this lesson the hard way after she chases him out of her bed with a gun. Of course, another similarity between the two murdered waitresses (aside from the fact that they were both waitresses at Merlottes) is that they frequented the vamp bar in Shreveport, Fangtasia.

Unfortunately for Sookie, she was the one who found her friend just moments before Jason comes in to try to kiss and make up. Unfortunately for Jason, he also decided to try some V for his little penile problem. Once he is picked up for Dawns murder he has to do something with the V-juice lest he be caught with it by the police. So against Lafayettes (Nelsan Ellis) strict instructions, he takes all of the V-juice at the same time instead of the one to two drops he should take. This leads to some very painful results for poor Jason.

Sookie decides that she must visit Fangtasia and ask some questions in order to clear her brothers name. While there she ends up saving the vampire elder Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) from a police raid and at the same time piqued his interest in her. I am sure more will come of that in future episodes. She also sees firsthand Bills (Stephen Moyer) ability to charm people. This leaves her feeling more than a bit frightened of that which she does not understand.

I am very anxious to see the next episode where Bill will speak to Grans (Lois Smith) history group The Sons of Bon Temps . . .

Directed by
Michael Lehmann

Writing credits
Alan Ball (creator)
Charlaine Harris (novels)
Brian Buckner (written by)

Episode Cast (in credits order)
Anna Paquin ... Sookie Stackhouse

rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Chris Bauer ... Andy Bellefleur
Kristin Bauer ... Pam
Katelin Chesna Henke ... Taryn
Lynn Collins ... Dawn Green
Diegodiego ... Gay Vamp
Nelsan Ellis ... Lafayette Reynolds
Rosemary Garris ... Fang-banger
Jack N. Harding ... Fang Banger
Labon Hester ... Young Jason
Stephen Jared ... Man #1
Gary Kraus ... Married Man
Ryan Kwanten ... Jason
Kevin McHale ... Neil Jones
Stephen Moyer ... Bill Compton
Jim Parrack ... Hoyt Fortenberry
Carrie Preston ... Arlene Fowler
Dale Raoul ... Maxine Fortenberry
Michael Raymond-James ... Rene Lenier
John Rezig ... Deputy Kevin Ellis
William Sanderson ... Sheriff Bud Dearborne
Alexander Skarsgård ... Eric Northman
Lois Smith ... Adele 'Gran' Stackhouse
Scott Alan Smith ... Dr. Offutt
Jonathan Spencer ... Man #2 (as Jonathan Walker Spencer)
Sam Trammell ... Sam Merlotte
Raoul Trujillo ... Longshadow
Rutina Wesley ... Tara Thornton