Saturday is Horror Day #193 - Thir13en Ghosts

 Thir13en Ghosts

Arthur (Tony Shalhoub) has a wonderful life, with loving wife Jean (Kathryn Anderson), and their two kids, Kathy (Shannon Elizabeth) and Bobby (Alex Roberts). But Fate has other ideas, and an unexpected fire takes Jean's life. Now Arthur's own life is in chaos as he tries to provide for the kids and their nanny Maggie (Rah Digga). They are crammed together in a small apartment, have financial problems,  and nothing is going right... until Arthur receives a visit from a lawyer (Ben Moss) who brings him news of the demise of his Uncle Cyrus, a man he barely knows (F Murray Abraham), and tells him that Arthur has now inherited from him an actual house. Seems like divine providence, right?

Maybe not.

The lawyer offers to take them to the house, which lies a couple of hours away, in the middle of nowhere. The house turns out to be much more than they ever dreamed of. Plus it is very unique, being entirely made of glass. As Kathy says, "I hope the bathroom's in the basement."

On their arrival, they find an inspector for the electric company (Matthew Lillard) who insists on coming in with them and then asks for directions to the basement. What they don't know is that he is not what he seems to be, his real name is Rafkin, and he was an associate of Uncle Cyrus. Not only that, he knows what Cyrus spent his life collecting, as he helped him do it. Namely, ghosts. And this house is simply an elaborate containment system for twelve ghosts. But more than that, they serve a very sinister purpose. Funny thing, the lawyer knows all this too. As if he is in on some secret. But what is contained can get out, you know? And a house might not necessarily be a good home.

This movie is a reboot of the original 1960 Thirteen Ghosts made by director William Castle. The first film was black and white and 3D, whereas the newer one is color. During the intervening years between the first and second film, computer graphics came a long way, resulting in more sophisticated special effects, which the movie utilizes well, the most astounding being the house itself.

I love Tony Shalhoub and he doesn't disappoint as the almost bewildered widower who can't seem to cope with the death of his beloved wife, but loves his children more than anything and will do whatever he can to protect them. F Murray Abraham as Uncle Cyrus is deliciously vile and evil, urbanity aside, and Matthew Lillard as the poor dupe with psychic abilities is wonderful. I'd say he shines in the role.

If you can, watch the special features that go with this film. My mind was blown when I saw the "reality" of the house, because I kept wondering where they built this house. Spoiler alert - they didn't. All special effects and interior sets. I like that they chose to use their own story instead of simply remaking the original. Is it scary? Not really. Is it interesting?  I think it is. I've seen it multiple times, in fact. The ghosts themselves are quite unique, and each has a backstory you can watch in the special features. I found it very enjoyable and will no doubt watch it again some day. I'll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #34(7.4)

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.

Unwilling to postpone their travels any longer than necessary, Dracula is about to reveal something perhaps he shouldn't. See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #34 (7.4)

Avram jumped as a blue bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. Far too close for comfort, it was followed about five seconds later by the requisite thunder. This storm was practically upon them, the rain but a precursor to its fury. Avram was torn between taking Andrei and seeking shelter in order to keep him from seeing what was about to happen and witnessing that same event. While it was true he’d seen Nico display his talents many times over the years, that was a sight he never grew tired of.

The boat began to rock upon the turbulent river like a drunken sailor. Avram still clung to Dracula for balance on one side, Andrei on the other as the heavens showered cold sheets of rain upon them.

“Andrei, perhaps you should go below and make sure everything is fast,” he suggested. He was not surprised when the smuggler made no reply and made no effort to move. His attention was all for Dracula, who had shaken off Avram’s hand and sauntered toward the rail as easily if he were taking a casual stroll in the park.

Apparel oft proclaims the man, to quote the Bard.

Despite the workman’s clothes he wore, now thoroughly drenched, Nicolai cut an imposing figure, silhouetted against the angry sky. Sometimes Avram forgot just how powerful the vampire really was, since there was little need for such display in their everyday lives. But at moments such as these, Nico seemed to possess an almost visible aura, a stark contrast to the almost somnolent attitude he seemed to wear daily. As if life were too much effort for him, at least when they were at home.

Arms outstretched, he raised his hands, palms up, toward the sky. His eyes were closed, as if in concentration.

Avram’s attention was diverted to Andrei. The boatman grabbed his arm just as a gust of wind threatened to topple them both. The boat precariously rode the swell but made no effort to capsize, luckily. “What does he think he’s doing?”

Avram shook his head. He had no words for what was about to happen. Andrei would see for himself in just a moment.

Dracula’s lips were moving, his sonorous voice undulating in unintelligible waves despite the rising wind. Avram had no knowledge of what words were being spoken, or how Nico had come to learn them. He wasn’t even aware of how he had become what he was. But he knew whatever these words were, they possessed a power that emanated from Dracula himself. And he was greatly in awe of that power.

The waves slapped violently against the boat, both Avram and Andrei struggling to keep their feet. But Dracula remained unshakeable, as if anchored to the spot where he stood. He began to gesticulate with his hands, intricate gestures that appeared to be aimed at the storm itself.

Avram noticed the rain first. It began to lessen in intensity until it had entirely ceased to pour upon them. And yet, glancing toward either shore, he could see that rain continued to fall upon the land. As though sudden dispensation had been granted to the river. The very waves had calmed, and the boat no longer rocked. As if the boat had suddenly become a shelter from the storm that raged about them. Not only that, but the sail puffed out with a gentled wind that seemed to invite them to continue their journey.

Dracula turned to face them, his expression unreadable. “Time to go,” he said before he disappeared below deck. Avram wondered if he’d tired himself out with his impressive display. He turned to Andrei, whose mouth gaped open, soundless. But his eyes asked so much.

“He is special,” is all that Avram said as he helped his friend to get the boat under way once more.

 to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Saturday is Horror Day #192 - Grace: The Possession, Sympathy for the Devil

 Grace: The Possession

Born to a mother who died afterwards, Grace (Alexia Fast) has been raised by her grandmother Helen (Lin Shaye). Eighteen years later, she is off to college and more than a little nervous, having little actual experience with people. Her new roommate is rather forward and outgoing, and introduces Grace to a few of her friends, but Grace finds herself quickly left behind. It doesn't help when her grandmother calls to admonish her for not taking the Bible with her when she packed for college. Luckily, Grandma has corrected that oversight.

To be honest, I didn't get any farther than this. The camerawork was driving me crazy, done from Grace's POV, and Grace herself was a very uninteresting character. Not much to say other than I didn't care for it and never watched far enough to see Lin Shaye, who was in the Conjuring series.  Oh well, can't win them all. I recommend skipping this one.

Sympathy for the Devil

A man (Joel Kinnaman) is driving to the hospital to join his wife, who is in labor with their second child, the first having died in childbirth. He is naturally anxious about the pending birth and wants to be with his wife. But he is unexpectedly joined by a man with bright red hair (Nic Cage) who tells him to simply drive. And by the way, he has a gun....

I'll be honest with you, there is only one reason to watch this film - if you are a fan of Nic Cage, as I am. His performance is high energy cray-cray at its finest. I was actually misled by the title, assuming Nic Cage was playing the devil in human form, but such was not the case. There are some tricks and twists to this film, which is mercifully short, but not of that compares to watching Nic at work. This all takes place in and around Las Vegas. I didn't like the Driver, he was very weak and uninspiring, but I absolutely loved Nic. If you want to see this, see it for Nic. If you aren't a fan, you might as well skip it.

I'm giving this film 3 Stars, purely because I love Nic Cage.

Sorry, not exactly winners this week. Better luck next time. Feel free to make suggestions for films you want to see reviewed.

Book Review: Titus Groan (Gormenghast Trilogy, Book 1) by Mervyn Peake

 

Titus Groan (Gormenghast Trilogy, Book 1)     

Author: Mervyn Peake

Publisher: Weybright and Talley (rev January 1, 1967)

American release date: October 26, 1982

Format/Genre/Length: Hardback/Literary Fiction/543 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Gormenghast Castle is an ancient edifice whose history goes back many years. There has always been an Earl of Gormenghast, and the current holder of that title is the seventy-sixth in his line. He has many people who live in the castle and both depend on it and him to keep it running, but the Earl’s greatest love is for his vast library, which is cared for by a man named Sourdust. However, joy has arrived in Gormenghast with the birth of an heir, who is given the name of Titus.

Not everyone is excited about the birth, however. Lady Fuchsia is fifteen and feels too old to not be an only child.  Petulant and moody, she rejects the birth of her brother. She is an odd teenager, and has her secret places within her room, which leads to the attic, where she can be alone. The person she is closest to is the woman who has actually raised her. Not her mother, the Countess, whose attention is all for her birds and her cats, but Nannie Slagg, who has now become the nanny of the new young lord. Fuchsia is mightily displeased, but no one seems to notice, not even Doctor Prunesquallor, whom she is also rather close to. The good doctor lives with his sister, Irma, who exists in a strange world of her own.

The present Earl has a long, lean servant named Flay who has been with him for many years and sleeps on the floor outside of his lordship’s bedroom door. He is a man of few words and creaking bones. In the kitchen, a corpulent tyrant named Swelter holds sway, abusing the young kitchen workers in his charge, keeping them in a state of fright. One day, one of these abused creatures, a 17-year-old named Steerpike, simply runs away. Caught by Flay, he manages to escape by climbing out of the window and ends up on top of the castle, a perilous position to be in. But he manages to find his way to a safe place – one that just happens to belong to Fuchsia.

The earl also has a pair of twin sisters, Clarice and Cora. Identical in every way and quite self-absorbed. They think and move alike and are generally both in harmony and in discord.  They feel neglected by their brother and they despise their sister-in-law. They also feel that Fuchsia should visit them far more often as they are deserving of her attention – of everyone’s attention. In fact, they are angry that Gertrude, the Countess, has the power which should be theirs. The only people they have any communication with are Dr. Prunesquallor and his sister. But that changes when they meet Steerpike, whom Fuchsia has introduced to the doctor and who has become his assistant.

Gormenghast will never be the same now that Steerpike has arrived…

Titus Groan is the first book in the Gormenghast trilogy. It’s hard to actually define it. Is it gothic, is it horror, is it fantasy…. What is it? It defies genre identification, in my own opinion, being in a class of its own. What I will call it is fascinating. Peak creates this incredible world and its inhabitants so vividly that you can feel them. His prose is very descriptive. His characters are both believable and fantastic. The action moves, not quickly and yet inexorably, from beginning to end. There is a BBC series of the books, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyer as Steerpike, Christopher Lee as Flay and two Harry Potter alumni – Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon) as Swelter and Fiona Shaw (Aunt Petunia) as Irma Prunesquallor. At four hours, it can’t possibly capture the depth of this series, but it does cover the basics, and I found it worth watching. However, I would read the books, whether before or after or simultaneously. This is an amazing series and I am looking forward to the next book.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #33(7.3)

 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.

A storm is brewing and Dracula is anxious to be on his way. But will things work out as he wishes just because he wishes them to? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #33(7.3)

Relief swept through Avram at the sight of the wagon. Andrei’s arrival was a timely one. Avram was grateful that he did not have to try to explain to Dracula why it would be unwise to steal the smuggler’s boat, when neither one of them could operate the craft and neither were they familiar with the route they would need to take to reach the Danube. Prior to this, their travels had always been accomplished over land, not water.  Not to mention that Andrei’s cousin would not be happy with them for abandoning his relative/business partner and would probably refuse to take them to Vienna. That in itself would only lead to problems as the vampire was not good at being told no when it came to getting what he wanted. And they were in no position to do anything else at the moment, having no alternatives. No prudent ones, anyway.

Avram was not surprised to see that Andre was not alone. Beside him on the driver’s seat was another man, no doubt the owner of the wagon. Avram didn’t recognize him but assumed he was one of those involved with Andrei in his smuggling activities. Andrei was yelling at the horses to go faster, no doubt due to the impending storm. As if to accentuate the need for urgency, a blue-white flash of lightning arced across the sky in a sideways fashion, immediately followed by a thunderclap and the first drops of rain.

Andrei pulled up the horses at the sight of Avram and Dracula. “Hurry and get in!” he shouted above the rising wind. “We have to hurry and get the cargo loaded and below deck before the storm breaks.”

Avram held his breath, expecting either a refusal or some sort of sarcasm from Nico. But, to his surprise, the vampire leapt onto the back of the wagon without a word, then turned and held out a hand for Avram.

That was unexpected.

Not wishing to look a gift horse in the mouth, Avram took Nico’s hand and the vampire pulled him into the wagon with ease, which then began to roll away immediately. He balanced himself precariously between Nico and the side of the wagon, holding tightly to both lest he fall off. An assortment of boxes and barrels lay in the bed of the wagon. He could understand the necessity to get everything out of the rain before it was ruined.

They quickly reached the point where the boat had been tied up and began to schlep the contents of the wagon into the hold of the boat.  Not surprisingly—at least not to Avram—Dracula was stronger than they were and carried his burdens effortlessly. Perhaps that was a mistake, but they had no time to worry about that now, not with the storm about to break over their heads as it was. They managed to stow everything with a minimum of water damage, to Andrei’s relief. His companion thanked him and quickly drove back the way he’d come.

Andrei glanced uncertainly between Avram and Dracula, as if he wanted to say something but thought better of it. “We should take cover,” he said instead, shouting over the cacophony of the storm.

“We should go,” the vampire insisted. He crossed both arms over his chest stubbornly, clearly expecting to be obeyed. “Now.”

Lord have mercy.

“Are you mad?” Andrei waved his arms to indicate the tumult around them. “We have to let this pass and then we’ll go.”

“Go now.” Dracula stood firm, refusing to capitulate. “The storm will cause no harm.”

“It’s coming from behind us. We can’t outrun us.” He had to yell to make himself heard.

Despite being buffeted by rough winds, Avram stumbled across the deck to place himself between Nico and Andrei, forestalling a possible fight as the two men glared at one another. This was neither the time nor the place, especially under the circumstances. They were becoming more and more drenched by the second, thunder rolling above them in clamorous waves

Dracula took a step toward Andrei, who took a reciprocal step. Avram braced himself as he sought to catch Nico’s eye, silently plead with him for forbearance. At the same time, he stretched an arm toward Andrei to prevent him from doing anything foolish… such as attacking a vampire.

Nico’s gaze was no longer fixed on Andrei, it seemed to encompass the chaos about them—the wind, the rain, the roiling waters of the river. Avram watched him in fascination tempered with horror. Was he really going to do this in front of the smuggler?

Apparently so.

to be continued

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

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

 

Saturday is Horror Day #191 - Trap

 Trap

Cooper (Josh Hartnett) is the kind of father teen-aged girls dream of when he gets tickets for them to the concert Riley (Ariel Donoghue) is dying to see! She's had issues at school recently with being bullied by a group of girls she thought were her friends, and Lady Raven (Saleka Shyamalan) is her very favorite performer.  Riley knows the words to all her songs (although she doesn't sing them very well) as well as her dance moves.

As they make their way to their seats, Cooper can't help but notice a massive police presence in the venue, far more than a mere concert would warrant. He quickly figures out they are searching for him, everything is a trap, and he has to find a way to safely himself and his daughter out of this place.

I don't consider it a spoiler to reveal that Cooper is the serial killer the police are searching for, hence the title of the film. You can see this much from watching the trailer. Unfortunately, the trailer is more interesting than the film. We watch Cooper continually leaving his daughter alone as he tries to find his way out, which entailing a lot of perfect coincidences falling into place and everything going his way, including getting Lady Raven to choose his daughter as her Dream Girl.  Honestly, I felt as though he sleepwalked through is performance, and I do like Josh Hartnett. The girl playing his daughter was okay, but she needs more acting lessons. And Saleka Shyamalan does too. I wonder if she would have been cast if she weren't the director's daughter.

I watched this movie despite thinking Shyamalan hasn't done anything good since The Sixth Sense, and I won't watch anything else after seeing this. It's rather predictable, not very interesting, despite hopeful moments I thought might lead to something interesting... but they didn't. The twist at the end was not even logical and rather ambiguous. There is a small extra scene during the credits, if you make it that far. I had high hopes for this but those were dashed. Lackluster all the way around. I'll give this film 2.5 Stars.

On a side note, look for Hayley Mills as a police profiler. Nice to see her again. Sorry it was in this film.

Wednesday Briefs: Dracula #33(7.3)

 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.

A storm is brewing and Dracula is anxious to be on his way. But will things work out as he wishes just because he wishes them to? See what's happening in this week's chapter of Dracula. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Dracula #33(7.3)

Relief swept through Avram at the sight of the wagon. Andrei’s arrival was a timely one. Avram was grateful that he did not have to try to explain to Dracula why it would be unwise to steal the smuggler’s boat, when neither one of them could operate the craft and neither were they familiar with the route they would need to take to reach the Danube. Prior to this, their travels had always been accomplished over land, not water.  Not to mention that Andrei’s cousin would not be happy with them for abandoning his relative/business partner and would probably refuse to take them to Vienna. That in itself would only lead to problems as the vampire was not good at being told no when it came to getting what he wanted. And they were in no position to do anything else at the moment, having no alternatives. No prudent ones, anyway.

Avram was not surprised to see that Andre was not alone. Beside him on the driver’s seat was another man, no doubt the owner of the wagon. Avram didn’t recognize him but assumed he was one of those involved with Andrei in his smuggling activities. Andrei was yelling at the horses to go faster, no doubt due to the impending storm. As if to accentuate the need for urgency, a blue-white flash of lightning arced across the sky in a sideways fashion, immediately followed by a thunderclap and the first drops of rain.

Andrei pulled up the horses at the sight of Avram and Dracula. “Hurry and get in!” he shouted above the rising wind. “We have to hurry and get the cargo loaded and below deck before the storm breaks.”

Avram held his breath, expecting either a refusal or some sort of sarcasm from Nico. But, to his surprise, the vampire leapt onto the back of the wagon without a word, then turned and held out a hand for Avram.

That was unexpected.

Not wishing to look a gift horse in the mouth, Avram took Nico’s hand and the vampire pulled him into the wagon with ease, which then began to roll away immediately. He balanced himself precariously between Nico and the side of the wagon, holding tightly to both lest he fall off. An assortment of boxes and barrels lay in the bed of the wagon. He could understand the necessity to get everything out of the rain before it was ruined.

They quickly reached the point where the boat had been tied up and began to schlep the contents of the wagon into the hold of the boat.  Not surprisingly—at least not to Avram—Dracula was stronger than they were and carried his burdens effortlessly. Perhaps that was a mistake, but they had no time to worry about that now, not with the storm about to break over their heads as it was. They managed to stow everything with a minimum of water damage, to Andrei’s relief. His companion thanked him and quickly drove back the way he’d come.

Andrei glanced uncertainly between Avram and Dracula, as if he wanted to say something but thought better of it. “We should take cover,” he said instead, shouting over the cacophony of the storm.

“We should go,” the vampire insisted. He crossed both arms over his chest stubbornly, clearly expecting to be obeyed. “Now.”

Lord have mercy.

“Are you mad?” Andrei waved his arms to indicate the tumult around them. “We have to let this pass and then we’ll go.”

“Go now.” Dracula stood firm, refusing to capitulate. “The storm will cause no harm.”

“It’s coming from behind us. We can’t outrun us.” He had to yell to make himself heard.

Despite being buffeted by rough winds, Avram stumbled across the deck to place himself between Nico and Andrei, forestalling a possible fight as the two men glared at one another. This was neither the time nor the place, especially under the circumstances. They were becoming more and more drenched by the second, thunder rolling above them in clamorous waves

Dracula took a step toward Andrei, who took a reciprocal step. Avram braced himself as he sought to catch Nico’s eye, silently plead with him for forbearance. At the same time, he stretched an arm toward Andrei to prevent him from doing anything foolish… such as attacking a vampire.

Nico’s gaze was no longer fixed on Andrei, it seemed to encompass the chaos about them—the wind, the rain, the roiling waters of the river. Avram watched him in fascination tempered with horror. Was he really going to do this in front of the smuggler?

Apparently so.

to be continued

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

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb