Saturday is Horror Day #197 - Abigail

 Abigail

A group of criminals is hired for the purposes of kidnapping. They are not told beforehand who the target is, just that they are to kidnap her and hold her while ransom demands are made and met. They don't know one another and are under strict instructions from the man who hired them, Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito) not to change the status quo in any way, including exchanging real names. To that end, he assigns them nicknames they are to use. Joey(Melissa Barrera), Frank(Dan Stevens), Rickles(William Catlett), Sammy(Kathryn Newton), Peter(Kevin Durand), and Dean(Angus Cloud) Clearly, someone likes the Rat Pack here.

 Abigail is a ballerina, and is performing to an empty theater. Afterward, she is taken home, and the 

kidnappers follow. Upon arrival at the place where the kidnapping is to occur, Sammy is dismayed to learn the target is a young girl, Abigail (Alisha Weir). But a job is a job, and she has a child of her own, so what can they do? They break into the house, acquire the target remove her to another location, where she is blindfolded and shackled to a bed. They decide that only one of them will interact with Abigail, thus lessening the chances she might recognize their voices later. Sammy volunteers for this, and makes sure she wears her mask whenever she checks on Abigail.

But strange things begin to happen, and the kidnappers find their numbers dwindling. Worse, they find themselves locked into this place with no way out. If that's not bad enough, Abigail is no ordinary child...

First, let me say that if you happened to watch the trailer, as I did, there is no need to see the movie, you've seen it all. Seriously. I believe that had I not seen that first, I would have enjoyed the movie more. But the element of surprise was irretrievably lost, so I had a good idea what was coming. I even made some surmises regarding Sammy from the beginning, which proved to be true.  There was one unexpected event at the end, but I would have known that if I had read the entire cast list at IMDB.

That being said, there is nothing about this movie that stands out. Even the child ballerina who is more than that loses interest. The acting is just okay, although I do like Kevin Durand, also the surprise visitor at the end. But ultimately it's not enough for me to say I enjoyed watching this. It misfires on some level. The info dump at the beginning was just too obvious and did come into play later. But I have to believe there was a better way to do this. So, if you've seen the trailer, stop there. You'll be better entertained. If you still want to watch, proceed at your own risk. I'll give this film 2 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 #196 - Dark Night of the Scarecrow

 Dark Night of the Scarecrow

Bubba Ritter (Larry Drake) is a mentally changed man who wouldn't hurt a soul. He lives with his mother, and his best friend is a young girl  named Marylee (Tonya Crowe), and they spend a lot of time together. Unfortunately, in their small Southern town, four men who are the local assholes, including the postal carrier Otis Hazelrigg (Charles Durning) like to make life miserable for Bubba. They torment him and have, on more than one occasion, beaten him, simply for existing.

When Marylee is attacked by a dog, the four men blame Bubba, even though it wasn't his fault, and he 

actually saved her. They chase him down and execute him, only to learn that the girl lived and he didn't harm her. They hide their deed, and claim self-defense, and are declared blameless, to the chagrin of the prosecuting attorney. Bubba's mother is very angry, and tells them that there will be justice of another kind.

And then suddenly these four men can't stop seeing a mysterious scarecrow. And once he appears to one of the men, that man dies. What sort of curse is this? Has Bubba come back from the dead? Or was he even dead to begin with.

So maybe this film will never receive an Academy Award nomination (especially as it's from 1981), but I find a certain satisfaction in watching ignorant assholes get what is coming to them. Charles Durning is particularly loathsome as the mailman who torments poor Bubba every chance he gets. He is also cringeworthy when he tries to convince young Marylee that Bubba's death isn't his fault. If this was done today, some might even say he's a pedo, but I think he just can't handle the truth. As a side note, Larry Drake, who plays Bubba, played Benny in the TV series, LA Law, a character who was also mentally challenged. In fact, Drake became known for playing that kind of character, and people were so convinced by his performance they thought he was handicapped himself. 

I'll give this film 3 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 #195 - Son

 Son

Laura (Andi Matichak) has a troubled past, one she was able to escape from... barely. She still has nightmares about that time and those people. But the one good thing she took away with her is her son David (Luke David Blumm).  Several years have passed, and David is ill. The trouble is that none of the doctors can diagnose what is wrong with him. Worse, they seem to think something is wrong with Laura. Something mental.

Laura removes David from the hospital and flees with him. But violence seems to follow them. She  meets a detective who is working the case, Paul (Emile Hirsch), and it seems they may be forming a connection. But at the end of the day, David comes first, and Laura will do whatever she must to protect him.... anything at all.

This film does start slowly, I admit, but it does pick up eventually. I think it feels a bit disjointed at times and that perhaps it could have been told in a better way. The basic premise is solid and entertaining, and the end is unexpected. Luke David Blumm was great as the unfortunate son, outshining the adults around him. The two leads are so-so. It's not a bad film, I just think it could have been better. I'll give this film 3 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 #194 - Starry Eyes

 Starry Eyes

Sarah (Alexandra Essoe) is an aspiring actress in a town that is full of aspiring actors. To get ahead, one has to stand out, but that is difficult to do. To make ends meet and pay her bills, Sarah works at a family restaurant called Taters, but she is hardly the ideal employee and has been warned multiple times about being on her phone or not coming to work. But she persist in this behavior because she has to follow her dream, right?

She finally gets a break... well, a psychotic break. After doing poorly at an audition, she loses her shit in the ladies room afterward, furiously punching and swearing and finally pulling out her hair in frustration. She is overheard by the casting director who brings her back and asks her to show them that performance. Sarah is startled by their request but agrees. Afterward, she is invited to meet with a producer! Sarah is thrilled. But when she meets with him, it is clear that he has certain "expectations" which she is unwilling to meet, and she makes a hasty exit.

Sarah has a small circle of friends, one of whom is making a film. He tells her he would love to cast her in his film. But she doesn't think that is enough for her. Her life is falling apart, so she swallows her pride and calls the producer back and arranges another meeting...

This film examines how people perceive themselves and how they value or don't value themselves, and what they are willing to do to achieve their dreams in the artificiality that is Hollywood. So many insincere people who only see your physical form with no regard for anything else. We follow Sarah through her journey. Frankly, I disliked her, and I think she is a bit unhinged in her extreme reactions to rejection. We also see what price she is willing to pay, and at the end we see even more. Not really a fan of the ending, but all in all, it was worth watching once. I'll give this film 3.5 Stars.