Saturday is Horror Day #133 - The Eternal Daughter, Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort

 The Eternal Daughter

Julie Hart (Tilda Swinton) and her elderly mother return to an eerily almost deserted hotel which was once their former home in order to find answers to unanswered questions. The hotel receptionist (Carly-Sophia Davies) is unpleasant at best, and not very cooperative. It doesn't take long for the hotel to get to Julie, and she isn't sure how much of it she can take.

I normally don't read reviews before I watch something so that I can make up my own mind about a film. 

In this cast, I wish I had made an exception to that rule. This is not a good movie, despite having Tilda Swinton in a double role, as both Julie and her mother. I suspected the truth from the outset and was proven correct at the end. What came in between beginning and end was not very scary nor interesting. In fact it wasn't much of anything at all. My advice is to avoid this at all costs. I'll give it 1 Star, just for Tilda.

Wrong Turn 6: Last Resort

An unexpected inheritance of a resort hotel in the middle-of-nowhere West Virginia brings Danny (Anthony Ilott) and his friends to investigate the windfall. The resort is being managed by Jackson (Chris Jarvis) and his sister Sally (Sadie Katz), who welcome their newly found kin with open arms. There is some confusion as to the relationship between Jackson and Sally, since she slides between calling him brother, husband, and cousin. But hey, it's West Virginia, so some people have a different definition of family. 

Danny's girlfriend Toni (Aqueela Zoll) isn't sure she likes this place, nor Danny's new kinfolk. Especially Sally.  But if she could read Sally's mind, she would like her even less. Strange things began to happen and people are getting hurt. And they begin to discover that maybe there are other people here who are, let's say less than normal. Toni wants to leave, but Danny is adamant that he wants to get to know his family better, and they him (especially Sally). But at what price?

Well, I managed to finish watching this one, which is more than I can say for the three that came before it, which should tell you something. I sit great cinema? No, but it's done fairly well considering the writing and the horrible plot. I think part of the reason it is better is that there are fewer of the inbred freaks, and the two family members with the most interaction appear deceptively normal. Jackson is even considered by some of the older female guests as very charming and attractive and they like to attract his attention in silly ways. Even if that attraction turns deadly.

Once again, I could have done without the gratuitous sex scenes, but whatever. If that's your cup of tea, so be it. If you like cannibalism and gore, you might enjoy this. There is one more in the series (as of this writing0 and I read somewhere it was good, so I guess I'll let you know when I watch it. In the meantime, I'll give this film 2 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #88 (18.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Now that there will be no trial, Uncle Benny has to decide what he wants to do. A call from Ethan's mother solves that, so it's back to Imperial for the boys! See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers. Their links follow my tale. Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #88 (18.4)

Time to leave Atlanta, although Benny wasn’t really sure where he wanted to go, now that he was free of his poisonous ex for a long time to come. But that question was quickly answered the next morning when he called his sister, aka Ethan’s mom, to tell her the news.

“Are you sure, Maureen?” he kept repeating. Ethan and I had finished packing and were waiting for Benny to be done and then we’d check out of the hotel. “Is he okay with it?”

I had to assume by “he” was meant Ethan’s dad, the right Reverend Thorne.

“Thank you. And thank him too. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up and turned toward us, his expression both relieved and surprised. “Looks like I’m heading back to Imperial,” he said. “Your mom invited me to stay with them until I figure out what I want to do. So, if you would, can you drop me at the bus station, please?”

Of course Ethan nixed that idea immediately, insisting that it was not out of the way to drop his uncle off. Besides, that gave him the chance to see his family again before we started the next leg of our journey. And didn’t that sound ominous? The fact that he was being deliberately obscure worried me, but I shook the feeling off. I trusted Ethan too much to believe he would ever do anything detrimental or not in my best interest. He’d certainly demonstrated over and over how much he loved me, to what lengths he would go for me.

So back to Imperial for us. We’d only been gone a couple of days, which was probably why it felt like coming home again. Or maybe it was the warm welcome we received, especially from Maureen, but also Joseph. Or maybe it was becoming my home away from home, to be honest. Whereever Ethan was was my first home, of course, as he possessed me heart and soul. For his part, Ethan was most definitely pleased, I could tell. Whatever made him happy was pleasing to me, so there you go.

“Can you stay for supper?” Maureen asked. “Spend the night? Then you can get a bright and early start and not worry about traveling in the middle of the night.”

Of course, we’d done more than our fair share of that over the years, but I wasn’t opposed to spending another night not in a motel. But what happened next totally shocked me.

“You guys can take my room for the night,” Joey suggested. “So you won’t have to sleep on the floor.

Ethan looked almost as surprised as I’m sure I did, but their mother did look very pleased. Will wonders never cease?

“Thanks, but Uncle Benny should,” Ethan began, but Maureen was way ahead of him.

“I’ve already cleaned out my sewing room for Benny,” she said. “With Sarah’s help.”

“Thanks for the offer, bro, but we’ll be good downstairs,” Ethan said with a smile. Bro? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard Ethan call him that before. Joey nodded his understanding. So much to take in at one time.

I had to suspect that one reason for Ethan’s arranging for us to be downstairs was that it gave us more privacy than if we were upstairs with the others. I wasn’t sure if I could entice him into making love, though, when they were still so close. Hell, I wasn’t even sure I was comfortable with that idea. But it didn’t matter. Just being together was what counted. The rest could wait until we got home. Besides, if we were downstairs, it would be easier to walk Benny.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

Book Review: Skip Beat!, Vol 18 by Yoshiki Nakamura

 

Skip Beat! Vol 18      

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date:  May 5,  2009

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/shojo manga/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

It’s been a while since Kyoko was given a job from the Love Me Section. What with her continuing success in obtaining acting roles, she’s a little surprised to be chosen for just such a job. Especially when she learns she’ll be helping a Japanese actor who moved to the States and went Hollywood years ago, but has returned. Koo Hizuri is his name. She also doesn’t know that he is Ren’s father. But Lory knows that. What is the President up to?

That’s the same question Ren is wondering when Lory told him Koo was coming back to Japan. President knows the state of their relationship, or rather lack thereof. Although Kyoko tries her best (she thinks she was requested because Koo wants a certain style of cooking), the actor is difficult, to put it mildly. But when he disrespects Ren, he’s gone too far and Kyoko lashes out (Koo played the original role that Ren is playing in Dark Moon). But the next day, Kyoko returns and apologizes, determined to do her best to carry out her assignment, no matter what.

When Kyoko receives a call about possible job offers, she hesitates, not wanting to be typecast in bully roles because of the way she played Mio. But Koo quickly sets her straight and lets her know the proper way to handle things. He tells her she needs to challenge herself, make each role different even if it’s similar. To stretch herself as an actress. He gives her an assignment and sends her home to work on it. She is to create a character, one that is completely alien to her…she’s going to play his son! How diabolical is that?

Ren, having learned that Kyoko has been assigned to Koo, runs into her as she is in a funk about how she is going to play a boy. Ren is already concerned, wondering what Lory is playing at, but her demeanor only gives him more to worry about. Not one to complain, she assures him all is well, because she doesn’t want to stress him out by leaning on him. She shows up the next day, ready to do as asked, and using the name Koo gave her to use – Kuon. The plot thickens indeed!

Ren phones Lory to ask what he is about, and he plays innocent. But things go from bad to worse when Ren and his manager run into what appears to be a young person, only to discover it’s Kyoko. At least they think it is. She looks nothing like herself. And she is acting nothing like herself. What the heck is going on? And then, the moment Ren had dreaded, arrives…

This volume of Skip Beat! is really really awesome. So much going on here. The father who abandoned Ren for his career is back. Not that Ren wants anything to do with him. But the President has embroiled Kyoko in this mess. Why? Because he has told Koo that if he attacks Kyoko enough, she will eventually break and go to Ren. And when she does, Ren will come out in full force! That’s the only way he will get to see his son and he knows it.

I just love this series so much. Character development is off the chain! I love how Lory stresses out playing a dating sim game lol Kyoko is displaying so much more talent than when she began. She is definitely going places. My question is – when will she learn the truth about Ren, what will she do with the knowledge that he and Corn are the same and he’s always known it… and can they get past it?

Another great volume, can’t wait for the next!

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #132 - Skinamarink

 Skinamarink

Kevin (Lucas Paul) and his little sister Kaylee (Dali Rose Tetreault) find themselves suddenly alone in the middle of the night, their parents nowhere to be seen. To make matters worse, the doors and windows of the house have all vanished.

Skinarmarink is an atmospheric horror film by writer/director Kyle Edward Ball. Everything takes place within the confines of one family's home. No lights are turned on, so the action is perceived through the darkness. The children have to cope with their new reality, especially after they realize they are not alone.

This movie is not necessary for everyone. Not a great deal happens, in that the children try to go about 

their lives. At the same time, it is totally creepy, especially as the disembodied voice begins to show its control of and dominance over the children. Themes regarding childhood fears of abandonment and helplessness are brought to the fore. Ball has a unique voice and style, and I would like to see more of what he can do. I'll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #87 (18.3)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Turns out Uncle Benny doesn't have to testify after all. But that night, Vinnie has a bad dream. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #87 (18.3)

That night I dreamed about Eva June. Probably the of Chip, not to mention the baby gator, had brought everything to the forefront of my mind in a jumbled cachopany of memories… with a little extra embellishment.  In my dreams, Ethan and I were back where we’d found her lifeless mangled body behind the restaurant where we’d been supposed to meet her. But in my dream, when we threw open the car door, she floated out from the driver’s seat, cackling in a most hideous manner.

“Are you happy now?” she said to me in an accusary tone. “I know you never liked me, did you? You were always so mean to me. Can’t a girl have a little fun without your making fun of her?”

I turned and tried to run, but she flew ahead of me and blocked my path. “What, you leaving your boyfriend now too? That is so like you, Vinny! Run away from everything like a whipped puppy!”

Her words stung, and though I tried to fight against it, a whimper arose in my throat. I turned back to see Ethan standing by the car, a sorrowful expression in his eyes. “Why are you leaving me, Vinny?” His words were like a knife in the gut. “Don’t you love me, Vinny?”

I tried to rush back to him, to assure him that I was his and only his, but suddenly he was gone, and I was back in Chip’s car, and we were driving through Florida once again. But this time was worse. On the road before us, I could see an inordinately large number of alligators milling about, flashing their scarily large teeth. They seemed to cackle in the same tone as Eva June. Did gators have the ability to cackle?

No time to worry about that. Chip stopped in the car in the midst of the ferocious carnivores, reached across me and threw open my door. Wth?

I turned toward him with an undoubtedly terrified expression, but he answered my question before I had a chance to voice it.

“You’re getting out, that’s what. To have lunch with your friends. I mean, they’re going to have you for lunch.” Then he began to cackle in the same tone, causing the hairs on the back of my neck to stand at attenion.

“No, please,” I begged. I searched for something to hold onto, even as he began to boot me off the seat. I had never been so scared in my life. To make matters worse, when I looked at the waiting alligators, they seemed to be anticipating this culinary experience, bibs tied in place, fork and knife in hand as they salivated.

I began to scream, crying out Ethan’s name, over and over and over even as I was pushed from the car and directly into their reptilian embrace. They surrounded me, encompassed me, and I could feel their hot breath….

I awoke to soft kisses and soothing murmurs.

“Shh, baby, it’s all right. I’m right here. Shh, shh…”

I gradually began to calm down once I realized it had only been a dream. I wasn’t in Florida, I hadn’t seen either Chip or Eva June, and I wasn’t about to become gator chow. I clung to Ethan tightly as he continued to pacify me, tears beginning to fall. Eventually, I quieted enough to tell him of my dream. He held me tight and swore he would never let anything happen to me. Ever. Eventually, in Ethan’s arms I feel asleep once more and slept the night through.

to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

Saturday is Horror Day #131 - Saw II

 Saw II

Detective Eric Matthews (Donnie Wahlberg) has a troubled relationship with his son Daniel (Erik Knudsen). The rebellious boy is acting up and getting into trouble. Eric Matthews gets mad at him and yells at him to leave if he wants to so the boy does. Eric finds himself investigating a murder with his partner Kerry (Dina Meyer), but there's a twist - the killer has left a personal message for the detective. What is going on?

The victim was someone Matthews knew, although facial recognition was impossible due to the way the 

man died. But he recognized his unique tattoos and knows he was someone he once put away. Matthews reaches out to his son, to no avail, but soon finds himself immersed in the case as it becomes obvious the killer is none other than Jigsaw. Acting on certain evidence, they locate John Kramer (Tobin Bell), and it seems like a slam dunk...but, of course, it isn't. The detectives discover a bank of monitors which reveal several people on camera who are trapped together somewhere...including Matthews' son Daniel. Kramer explains about the nerve gas that is slowly killing them if they don't get out within a certain period of time. But he says if the detective is patient and waits, he will get what he wants. Of course, Matthews chooses otherwise. Let the games begin...

The second installment of the Saw series is every bit as bloody as the first, maybe more so. And there are definite twists you won't see coming, including a previous location. The first death in this film was memorable to me, as I looked at what needed to be done and realized I would just have to die too, I couldn't do what it would take to get free.

I absolutely love this series, but I know it isn't for everyone. The scene with the pit filled with needles made me cringe. I don't think I would have the nerve to go into that. Looking forward to rewatching the rest and also the tenth Saw that is coming out at the end of September. I give this film 4.5 Stars.

Book Review: The Way of the Househusband, Vol 10 by Kousuke Oono

 

The Way of the Househusband, Vol 10       

Author: Kousuke Oono

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: August 15, 2023

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Comedy/168 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Tatsu is enlisted by a local grocery to look out for shoplifters because they are causing the business to bleed cash due to the number of thefts. But Tatsu’s methods are not quite what the owner expected. And when a shoplifter is actually caught, Tatsu and the others becomes too engrossed in what the man planned to use his stolen ingredients for.

One of the ladies in Tatsu’s group has a weight problem, and Tatsu is quick with solutions! He warns her of enemies who will try to lay her low, but he knows a group who will be perfect to help her in her fight against the battle of the bulge!

Tatsu meets up with his old boss in the park, who is babysitting his granddaughter An. When An announces she is hungry, the boss asks Tatsu if he can help, since he lives close by. Tatsu is happy to oblige, of course. But cooking for a child with a discriminating palate is more of a challenge than he realized!

Tatsu has finally broken his bad habit! He quit smoking and it’s been a week now! But, as his friends and acquaintances learn to their chagrin, reformed smokers can be the worst and the quickest to give unasked-for advice and lectures!

Tatsu is excited for Christmas! But when Miku comes down with an unexpected bug on Christmas Eve, Tatsu has to temper his enthusiasm with Miku’s needs.

A member of Tatsu’s group arrives late to their meeting, and he is startled to see her dry, cracked lips. He attempts to discuss skin care with her, but she seems oblivious to her problem. Can Tatsu tell her in a diplomatic way? Or will her stubborn refusal to listen to what he is saying only lead to more pain for her?

Tatsu is the proud owner of an electric bicycle he won in a drawing! When he runs into Masa on the street, he is more than happy to show off his new ride. But their old boss shows up in his new ride, a huge SUV, and Tatsu lets him know just how bad for the environment that gas guzzler is.

Tatsu and the gang are searching for a missing feline, but when the cat is returned by an unexpected source, Tatsu becomes defensive and accuses them of catnapping!

It’s granddaughter An’s birthday, which is stressful not knowing what to get her for a gift that will be pleasing to her and the boss. She receives a new game called Boss in a Barrel and wants to play it with the guys. The goal is to kill the boss in the barrel. But they have to fight their instincts to never harm their boss, and this isn’t going to be easy for them!

Bonus story 1: An and her friend play a game called Guess the Face.

Bonus story 2: Animal Bossing (think Animal Crossing, Tatsu-style!)

I don’t even know which Tatsu story I loved the most! I never get tired of reading about Tatsu and his exploits. Another great volume, looking forward to the next one!

 

 

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #86 (18.2)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

Putting the bad vibes behind them, Vinnie and Ethan's journey continues. They bid farewell to Troy and Brendan and finish their drive to Atlanta with Uncle Benny. What might lie in store for them now? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #86 (19.2)

By mutual accord, no mention was made of our visit with the actress during the remainder of our drive to Atlanta. Instead, Troy talked about some of the scripts he’d received lately, including one for a Sci Fi film, something he’d never tried before. His agent felt it was important for Troy to spread his wings so he wouldn’t be typecast, which made sense to me. I found myself interested in the premise of the story, as well as Troy’s character, and thus engrossed was surprised when I looked up to see we’dwe arrived at the Atlanta airport already. We bade farewell to Troy and Brendan, with promises to keep them apprised of what was going on. They said they would let us know if anything happened on their end as well, although short of St. Clair playing true confessions and spilling the beans to her bestie Troy, I couldn’t imagine what that might entail.

C’est la vie. Or should that be C’est la guerre. Right now, I wasn’t exactly sure.

We called Anderson as we drove and told him about our conversation, as well as the odd souvenir that had been left for me. Of course, our boss understood the significance of that. He did a quick check from his end and assured us that the Mangler was right where he belonged. Not a double but the actual Chip. That was good to know, but I wasn’t entirely convinced he had nothing to do with what was going on, and neither was Ethan.

But we weren’t in a position to do anything about it, either, as our current assignment was to keep Uncle Benny safe until he was able to testify in court. We found a decent-looking motel that was close to several restaurants with a variety of cuisines and stocked up on snacks from a nearby convenience store as well as a deck of cards. We would be set for the next couple of days.

But the best laid plans of mice and men… you know how that goes.

The night before the trial was to begin, we received a call from Anderson. Apparently, Connor had decided to accept a plea bargain in return for a lesser sentence and a better prison placement.

Benny breathed a huge sigh of relief at the news. “I’ll be honest, I wasn’t looking forward to testifying,” he admitted. “I mean, I was willing to do it. Still am. But I’m glad it won’t be necessary.” He hugged his nephew, and then me. “This is going to sound strange, I know, but despite everything that’s happened, I’m glad to I got to spend time with the two of you. Reconnect with Ethan and get to know his fiance. I just hope we can stay in touch a lot better now.”

“Absolutely,” Ethan concurred while I readily agreed.

“I’m going to call Maureen and tell her the news, if you don’t mind,” he said.

That sounded like a good idea. Just as I wondered if we should give him his privacy, I heard the embarrassing gurgle of my stomach. Ethan laughed.

“Why don’t we go grab some dinner and bring it back here?” he suggested.

Benny liked that idea, and of course I did too. We made sure the door locked behind us and then drove the short distance to a local bbq restaurant where we requested three orders of burnt ends, French fries, beans, and slaw. That should hold us until morning.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

 

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #130 - The Tomb of Ligeia

 The Tomb of Ligeia

Marriage is supposed to be till death do us part...but Verden Fell (Vincent Price) can't get over the death of his beloved wife Ligeia. He becomes a recluse, living in the ruined abbey where she is buried. He wears strange glasses because of a peculiar sensitivity to light, and shuns the company of all. However, chance in the form of a hunt throws The Lady Rowena Trevanion (Elizabeth Shepherd into his path). Separating from her hunting companions, she comes upon the ruins and the isolated grave, but a black cat spooks her horse as well as the sudden appearance of Fell, and she is injured.

Rowena's friend and hunting companion Christopher Gough (John Westbrook) rushes to her side at the sound of her scream, and recognizes Fell as an old friend of his, much changed. Fell carries the injured Rowena into the house and cares for her. She becomes instantly taken with him, and can't get him out of her mind, even after she is returned to the home of her father, Lord Trevanion (Derek Francis).

Seizing a chance opportunity to visit Fell on her own, Rowena boldly puts the moves on him, and they are soon married. Everything seems well with them, he has even removed his glasses as they leave for their honeymoon. But that all changes on their return, when he falls back into his old habits, and she finds herself isolated from her new husband, who is clearly obsessed with his late wife. What secrets is he keeping from her? Rowena begins to wonder if Ligeia is really dead at all...

This is another of Roger Corman's Poe-derived films starring Vincent Price, with a clearly padded story. Vincent Price is awesome, as usual, although the lady's sudden fascination with his character doesn't really make a lot of sense. Also, what is the point of the black cat? A familiar, perhaps? I have no idea. Some of the tropes of that time period are insulting, such as the weak woman who is always either hurt or frightened, such as the scene in the bell tower where she is paralyzed with fright over a cat and a tolling bell. Although Poe liked to play with the idea of a thin line between life and death, here it just becomes absurd.

Frankly, I would watch anything Vincent Price is in, but that doesn't make them all great movies. This was not one of the better ones, I'm afraid. I'll give this film 2 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #85 (18.1)

  (Sorry in advance for the repeat, but I have COVID)

Good morning and Happy Hump Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts.

A new twist in the confusing saga has now developed. Namely the presence of a small stuffed gator meant for Vinnie! Could this mean what it appears to mean? See what's going on in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #85 (18.1)

I know it’s silly to be taken aback by something so harmless, but the memories that tiny gator invoked…. Well, let’s say they weren’t pleasant.

“Vinnie…Vinnie…”

Ethan’s concerned voice drew me back to the present. He was stroking my cheek, and the expression in his beautiful blue eyes was one of alarm.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to space out like that.” I gave him a weak smile, but I knew he understood why I was rather upset. Not to mention this suddenly pointed the grave finger of suspicion toward someone I’d rather forget entirely, but he was making that difficult.

Who else could have sent such a chilling message but Chip, aka the Mangler? The million dollar question was—what did Chip have to do with anything?

“Isn’t that so cute?” St. Clair kept babbling on while my blood turned to ice. “And wasn’t that very thoughtful of him to send it to you? Although, to be honest, I’m not sure why he bothered. Come to think of it, he did seem rather obsessed with you. Even though you aren’t in the industry or anything. I kept telling him you’re no one important, but he just wouldn’t listen.”

My stomach churned at her words even as the truth slapped me in the face. But how? Why? He was safely locked away, behind bars awaiting trial. We’d ascertained that oursleves. Was this Billy Faulkner an accomplice of his? A henchman on the outside, committed to assist the Mangler in his dirty deeds?

Would I never be free of the man?

I couldn’t refrain from shuddering. Ethan helped me to my feet, anchoring me with his arm about my waist. “Miss St. Clair, you’ve been very helpful,” he said. Troy and Brendan had risen too, I noticed. As we started to walk away, Ethan paused and turned back.

“Oh, just ne more question, if you don’t mind. How did that stuffed animal arrive?”

The small gator still sat on her hand, as neither one of us had attempted to claim it. I mean, why would we?

“In the mail. How else, silly?” She cackled, as if she found herself amusing. I’m pretty sure no one else did.

Troy and Brendan made their good-byes as Ethan ushered me out of the building, back to our car.  I was doing my best not to panic, but failing at that pretty much. I kept remembering how St. Clair was able to escape her environs simply by using a double. Could Chip have done the same? Was he out there even now, stalking me…hunting me…waiting his opportunity to pounce? Bil rose in my throat that I had to force back down.

“What if it’s him? What if he’s out?” I asked, somewhere between a whimper and a whisper.

Ethan wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly. “I don’t see how, but that’s something we can check on.

Troy and Brendan caught up with us then. To my dismay, I noticed Troy gingerly held the little gator. Why?

He answered my unspoken question before holding it out toward Ethan. “I just thought maybe there’s something on it. You know, like DNA or fingerprints or something?”

Who was the law enforcement officer here? I should have thought of that, but in my defense, I was a bit busy freaking out.

“Good thinking,” Ethan said. “Hang on a second.” He kissed me tenderly before he released me and opened the passenger door. Opening the glove compartment, he rummaged around for a second before coming out with a plastic bag. “I remember seeing this,” he explained as he carefully bagged the evidence. Evidence of what I wasn’t sure, but it was something.

Once he’d secured that, he pulled out his phone. I heard him talking to Anderson briefly before he hung up. “We’re going to find out if that is really him down in Florida, or an imposter.”

Would this nightmare never end?

 to be continued

Go see what the other Briefers are up to!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

Saturday is Horror Day #129 - Outcast

 Outcast

Mary (Kate Dickie) is determined to protect her son Fergal (Niall Bruton) at any cost. Constantly on the run, they end up in a run-down tenement where hopefully they will be safe. But she warns him that he must listen to her and avoid other people, especially girls.

Petronella (Hanna Stanbridge) lives with her drunken mother and her special needs brother Tomatsk (Josh 

Whitelaw). There isn't much to do other than watch out for her brother and hang out with her friend Ally (Karen Gillan). She can't help but notice Fergal, her new neighbor, and she's drawn to him.

Cathal (James Nesbitt) is a magic user on a mission, but to succeed he needs permission from Laird (James Cosmo). Cathal seeks a certain power, and to do that he must confront another magic user, who is equally determined not to be found. Liam (Ciaran McMenamin) is helping him achieve his goal, but Cathal grows impatient and doesn't want to listen or do what he is told.

Also, there is a beast that is striking havoc in the neighborhood, luring and killing unsuspecting victims. Can it be stopped?

I wasn't sure what to make of this at first, as it seems a little slow at first and a little disjointed. Frankly, I got it because of James Nesbitt. But as the story progresses, little by little it begins to make sense as we watch the plot unfold and you find yourself wondering how is this going to work out? And how does everything fit together? It's an interesting urban legend sort of story, with magic and beasts and horror, worth watching. I'll give this film 4 Stars.