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Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 19:10:34 -0400

I know what youre thinking Oh great, yet another remake . . .
I know what youre thinking Oh great, yet another remake . . .

. . . I have to admit I thought that too as I tried to get myself excited to see yet another remake. I kept obsessing over the fact that I hoped upon hope that Guillermo Del Toro would not bastardize one of my childhood favorites. I took some comfort in the fact that he himself had watched the original made-for-TV film and it is what inspired him into his lifelong work and love of horror films.

The first thing that struck me as the film began was the atmosphere in the house. It was dark and dank and all of the things that a really creepy old house should be, especially the basement where we meet Blackwood (Gary McDonald) who was the original owner of the home in this rendition. It is in these opening scenes that we realize the desperation that has overtaken Blackwood as he does everything in his power to save his son from the clutches of some unseen whispering fiends.

Oh and the whispering, those who know me best know how much the whispering voices in horror films freak me right the heck out. There was plenty of this going on in the film and I have to say that I really enjoyed this films adaptation of the creatures. I thought it interesting how you found out much more about their background in the remake than you did in the original. And while I thought you really didnt need to know what these cone-headed menaces were in the original film, it seemed almost integral to this storyline that you discover what these little creatures were and what their end game truly was . . . all I will tell you about that is it was certainly diabolical.

Enter stage right (or left . . . I sometimes get them confused) is little Sally (Bailee Madison) fresh off a plane from LA to be greeted by her father Alex (Guy Pearce) and his girlfriend Kim (Katie Holmes) who for some reason carries around an old Polaroid camera. A stereotypically screwed up child of divorce, Sally is on a regimen of anti-depressants and gluten-free eating and she is none too thrilled to be stuck on the cold East Coast with a stupid talking bear that Kim gave her. However, there are things within the house that are more than happy to see little Sally arrive . . .

And so it begins the inevitable cat and mouse game of the little creatures trying to get Sally down the old fireplace. Only this time they prey on the childlike innocence of a girl who is sad and lonely and thinks that they want to be her friend. I will say this to every little girl or boy who happens to read this . . . the little creatures never really want to be your friends. They typically either want to eat you, inhabit your body, steal your soul or some combination thereof.

Having said all that, this was a really good film especially for a remake. I think they did an excellent job creating an atmosphere and story that while it used a lot of pieces from the original Dont Be Afraid of the Dark, used them in a slightly different way that made watching it an enjoyable experience, at least for me. Thank you Guillermo for not ruining this for me much appreciated! A definite recommend for any horror movie lover (but you should definitely watch the original Dont Be Afraid of the Dark too!).

Directed by
Troy Nixey

Writing credits
(WGA)
Guillermo del Toro (screenplay) &
Matthew Robbins (screenplay)
Nigel McKeand (1973 teleplay)

Cast (in credits order)
Bruce Gleeson ... Buggy Driver
Edwina Ritchard ... Housekeeper
Garry McDonald ... Blackwood
Bailee Madison ... Sally
Carolyn Shakespeare-Allen ... Airport Cart Driver
Katie Holmes ... Kim
Guy Pearce ... Alex
Jack Thompson ... Harris
Julia Blake ... Mrs. Underhill
David Tocci ... Workman
Lance Drisdale ... Policeman
Nicholas Bell ... Psychiatrist
Libby Gott ... Nurse
James Mackay ... Librarian
Emelia Burns ... Caterer
Alan Dale ... Charles Jacoby
Trudy Hellier ... Evelyn Jacoby
Terry Kenwrick ... Bill
Grant Piro ... Creature Voices (voice)
Todd MacDonald ... Creature Voices (voice)
Angus Smallwood ... Creature Voices (voice)
Dylan Young ... Creature Voices (voice)
Guillermo del Toro ... Creature Voices (voice)
Abbe Holmes ... Voice of Joanne (voice)

The Human Centipede

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:00:00 -0400

The Human Centipede is a film that gives new meaning to the phrase tongue in cheek . . .
. . . okay, I cant rightfully take credit for that line as I totally pilfered it from an IMDB forum but I couldnt think of a better way to articulate the feelings that The Human Centipede elicited in me . . . dan-1207 really seems to get me . . .

Back to the movie though it is set in Germany and you begin the film with Doctor Heiter (Dieter Laser) on the prowl for his next victim as he lovingly strokes a picture of his dogs. His dogs, by the way are attached mouth to anus. If you were unsure what the movie was about to t his point, you pretty much know now and really, if you didnt already, shame upon you!

Those of you that know me probably understand (or at least accept) my love of these types of cheesy horror/comedies. This one will definitely remain near and dear to my heart for a long time to come. Between my sweet three-dog, the crude drawings of the elaborate conjoining operation and Katsuros (Akihiro Kitamura) dogged refusal to perform tricks for the good doctor this film really tickled my funny bone, but at the same time it also truly frightened me. I mean if we believe that all fiction is based at least partly in truth, The Human Centipede is a terrifying glimpse at what could be in someones deranged mind. Of course the fact that hubby runs around calling me my sweet three-Millie when he is unhappy with me might add to my trepidation just a bit.

There are all of the typical signs in this film that should tip off our victims, Jenny and Lindsay (Ashlynn Yennie and Ashley C. Williams) that things are not going to go well for them. Their car breaks down, a dirty old man speaking German verbally assaults them and they get lost in the woods in the pouring rain trying to find help. But I think the biggest clue has to be when your German surgeon host who separates conjoined twins tells you he hates humans and then goes ballistic when you spill your water. Im just saying, clues are clues and you should always listen to that inner tingle telling you things are not right in your world.

Once they are in their bind, Lindsay learns quickly a hard lesson about pissing a German doctor off it is something that you just do not want to do. The operation actually happens pretty early on in the film and it is very difficult to watch how the gruesome threesome starts to navigate in their new form.

Dieter Laser gives a believable performance as an eccentric, strictly controlled mad scientist, Ashlynn Yennie and Ashley C. Williams play the parts of the ditzy party girls turned terror filled science projects to a T and Akihiro Kitamura portrays his strength and pride in such a way that I really found myself respecting him even with the two ditzy party girls dragging from his backside. And I havent even mentioned Detectives Voller and Kranz (Peter Blankenstein and Andreas Leupold) Ill just let you discover them on your own.

Suffice it to say, The Human Centipede is a definite recommend from me. Although I will warn, that even for me, this film was extremely hard to watch at times.

Directed by
Tom Six

Writing credits
(in alphabetical order)
written by
Tom Six

Cast (in credits order) Dieter Laser ... Doctor Heiter
Ashley C. Williams ... Lindsay
Ashlynn Yennie ... Jenny
Akihiro Kitamura ... Katsuro
Andreas Leupold ... Detective Kranz
Peter Blankenstein ... Detective Voller

Conjurer

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 23:20:17 -0400

I had a friend over the other night and we decided to watch Conjurer. What can I say; I have a soft spot for John Schneider . . .
. . . really, that was my only criteria for choosing it.
So imagine my surprise when it actually turned out to be a decent little film. More in the supernatural realm than horror, Conjurer is the story of a young couple Shawn and Helen Burnett (Andrew Bowen and Maxine Bahns) who have just suffered the miscarriage of their first child. In an effort to help Helen lick her wounds, big brother Frank (John Schneider) helps them purchase a little slice of heaven in the country. Of course he is not without his own stake in the game as this little acreage is going to allow him to develop some high price homes to sell. Everybodys got an agenda, right?
The big problem with this plan is that in order to develop the property they will need to tear down the old cabin that sits on its edge. You learn pretty early on in the film that it is a safe bet that the witch that used to inhabit that cabin does not like this plan very much, or do you?
There are a couple of good scares and interesting twists in Conjurer (like the back story of Shawns mental health), but at the end of the day some things are left a bit lost somewhere in the plot development. Although I have to say that I liked the ending because it left you wondering. I always like it when a movie leaves you wondering . . .
While I was watching, there was this one thing that really annoyed me. The leading man in this flick was like Tom Cruises slightly retarded younger brother. It was bizarre, I found myself totally distracted as I kept half expecting him to jump on a couch and start screaming about the true love he had found.
But I digress, all in all this was a slightly better than good supernatural thriller. If you catch it whilst flicking through the channels, give it a whirl. I dont think youll be disappointed.
Directed by
Clint Hutchison

Writing credits
(in alphabetical order)
Clint Hutchison writer
David Yarbrough writer

Cast (in credits order)
Andrew Bowen ... Shawn Burnett
Maxine Bahns ... Helen Burnett
John Schneider ... Frank Higgins
Tom Nowicki ... Marlin Dreyer
Brett Rice ... Fulton Moss
Edith Ivey ... Mrs. Dreyer
Terrence Gibney ... Dr. Letson
Dolan Wilson ... Sheriff Clayton
Liz McGeever ... Hattie
Nicholaus Teall ... Moss Boy
James Donadio ... Tony Stegman
Donna Biscoe ... Dr. McKenzie
Ryan Puszewski ... Young Shawn
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Michael H. Cole ... ER Doctor
Lawson Garrett ... Baby Girl
Kelli Mix ... Emergency Room Nurse

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)