Saturday is Horror Day #94 - Stitches

 Stitches

Stitches (Ross Noble) isn't a particularly funny clown - he's rude and he's crude. Even the kids he's paid to entertain don't particularly find him amusing.  But something goes horribly wrong at Tom's (Tommy Knight) birthday party, and Stitches ends up dead. Six years later, Stitches comes back, and this time he's looking for vengeance!

Tommy and his friends are teens now. And some of the kids have grown up to be assholes. Tom still can't forget the single kiss he shared way back when, in his treehouse, with Kate (Gemma-Leah Devereux), but he hasn't had the nerve to follow it up with her and now she's dating a jock. He invited her to his party and hopes she'll come.

Through a touch of bad Karma, Stitches receives the invitation and decides to crash the party...

This is an Irish film, made in Ireland, and it is definitely a dark film. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. Some might complain that too much attention is paid to the teens in between the first and second party, but I believe it set everything up for what was to come, including how certain people died. The death scenes are definitely creative and very gory, so know that going into it. Ross Noble as Stitches is great. I could have used more of him. All in all an enjoyable film to watch. I'll give it 3.5 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #55 (11.5) by Julie Lynn Hayes

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.

The fun continues at the Thorne residence! See what's happening in this week's chapter of Bad Karma and the Family Plan. Then go visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Bad Karma and the Family Plan #55 (11.5)

“That sounds like fun,” Maureen said. “We wouldn’t miss seeing our boys’ film debut for the world.”

My heart warmed when Ethan’s mother included me in such a way. And then I realized she’d actually spoken for her husband as well, at least as far as accepting Troy’s generous invitation. Maybe things had changed for the better here, at least as far as they were concerned. Certainly not their oldest son.

More small talk was made, but it was getting late. I had a feeling little Alex was not one for sleeping in. On the other hand, I didn’t see Sarah cutting short this chance to be close to her idol any sooner than she had to.

But that also brought up the question of Troy and Brendan. Ethan and I exchanged glances and then looked toward our friends, who were doing the same. We all four rose at the same time.

“We’re going to stretch our legs, be back in a minute,” Ethan explained for his parents’ benefit. For a moment, I thought Sarah might join us, but she cast a quick glance up, as if listening for something, and then didn’t move. Probably making sure she could hear Alex if he needed something. She’s such a good mother.

We all trooped out onto the porch, taking up paired positions on the steps.

“Now that I have you all gathered here, I shall unmask the murderer!” Troy announced melodramatically. His words produced a laugh from all of us, but then we instantly sobered as we realized we didn’t really know what was going on here.

“I still don’t understand why someone told you to come here,” Ethan confessed. “But most of all, how did anyone know about my parents’ house? That has me more than a little worried.”

“Are you sure that nutjob is still safely put away?” I asked. I know I’d already asked him that, but who else would even connect us? Although that didn’t explain how she found out this address. But people with money have their ways.

“I’m sure,” Troy solemnly assured us.

“What about that Florida guy,” Brendan suggested. “You know, the Mangler.”

“I thought maybe he was threatening Vinnie,” Ethan admitted. “I even wondered if maybe he did have some kind of confederate who’s still on the outside. But even if he did, he wouldn’t know about us being friends with you guys. And he wouldn’t know about Uncle Benny.”

Absolutely nothing was making sense at this moment.

“I’m worried about you two,” Troy said. “That’s why we hightailed it down here. I’m glad you’re okay, yet I can’t help but feel something isn’t right, that you’re in some kind of danger.”

I could understand his feelings, since I happened to share those same concerns.

“How about if Bren and I go to a motel and come back tomorrow to make sure everything’s okay? I don’t want to impose on your mother or anything. How about I take us all about to breakfast?”

“I know someone who won’t complain about that,” I said, producing more laughter.

“Then I’ll tender an offer immediately,” Troy said. “Then we can get out of your hair. You’ll call us if anything happens, right?”

“You know we will,” Ethan replied and I nodded my agreement.

“Want us to take Benny with us?” Brendan asked.

“He should be okay with us,” Ethan said. “But I’ll ask my mom, just to be sure.”

As it turned out, Maureen said our pup was welcome, and we quickly assured her he was very housebroken, and we would make sure to walk him regularly. Of course, Sarah was disappointed to learn that Troy was leaving for the night, but her sorrow turned to excitement at the prospect of seeing him the next day and breaking bread with him.

This seemed to be a signal for the evening to conclude. Troy and Brendan said their good nights and headed out. Reverend Thorne announced his intention of retiring. I couldn’t help but notice the expectant glance he gave his wife.

“Good idea, it’s getting late,” she said, stifling a yawn.

Sarah yawned as well. “Sounds good,” she said. “I bet little man will be up early so he can play with puppy again.”

Final good nights were said and they all headed upstairs.

That just left the boys club, aka Ethan, Benny, Joey and me. Oh joy.

 to be continued

Now go visit the other Briefers and see what's up!

Cia Nordwell

 

Book Review: Chainsaw Man, Vol 1 by Tatsuki Fujimoto

 

Chainsaw Man, Vol 1      

Author: Tatsuki Fujimoto

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: October 6, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy Manga/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

Denji’s life is a hard one. He’s begun selling body parts just to make ends meet… and to pay off the enormous debt his father accumulated before his death. Denji’s only friend is his dog Poochita, who happens to be a devil. Despite that, they’ve become close. A desperate Denji goes to the man he owes the debt to and requests he hire him as a devil hunter.

Through unfortunate circumstances, Poochita dies, but his last act is to give Denji his heart, so the boy can live, and now he is part devil himself. And that part makes him a living chainsaw man! Then he meets a girl named Makima and falls in love… and is offered the chance to make a new life for himself. Of course, that offer does have a few strings, but what the heck. Denji may actually get to achieve his lifelong dream of touching… well, you’ll see.

The first volume of this series was pretty cool, no lie, and a great supplement to watching the anime. As usual, the manga contains information that is either missing or easy to miss in the anime. Denji is an interesting character, and so are the people he gets to work with, such as Makima and Aki and Power. Looking forward to seeing where these characters’ journeys will take them!

 

Saturday is Horror Day #93 - Midsommar

 Midsommar

Following the tragic death of her family, Dani (Florence Pugh) has been clinging to her boyfriend Christian (Jack Reynor) a bit more than usual, to the annoyance of his fellow students/friends. They'd been planning a trip to Sweden by one of the group to witness a mid-summer festival in his hometown. Christian feels compelled to tell them that he's invited Dani, but she doesn't really want to go. However, she does, so they grudgingly accept her presence among them.

There is something very beautiful and at the same time odd about the village where they end up. The people are indeed welcoming and loving. At the same time, some of their ways are... unusual, to say the least. One of the reasons Josh (William Jackson Harper) is there is to write about the festival for his thesis. When Christian suddenly decides to use that specific festival for his thesis is well, tensions begin to run high.

Still reeling from the death of her family, Dani is none too pleased when one of the village maidens 

seems to have set her cap for Christian. Another couple, Simon (Archie Madekwe) and Connie (Ellora Torchia) are there also, and Simon unwittingly does something completely unforgivable to the villagers. He inexplicably decides to leave without informing Connie, who is understandably distraught. The villagers assure here that the man who took Simon to the station will be back for her as well but she doesn't wait and runs off.

Things get stranger and stranger... and then somewhat sinister...

This movie was beautiful to behold, set in a beautiful country. Everything looks wholesome and clean, but of course what you see isn't always what you get. It all depends on how you look at it, as simply a horror story (from most people's viewpoint) or a lovely fairy tale (from Dani's POV). Although it's about two and a half hours long, it doesn't really feel long as you keep wondering what is going on and what's going to happen. Pay close attention for clues, even though they won't really prepare you for the ending. But there are hints. Might have to watch it again sometime to find more. I'll give this film 4 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #54 (11.4)

 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.

Troy and Brendan have just arrived at Ethan's family's home and just as everyone is settled, in comes the minister. What will he have to say? See what is 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 #54 (11.4)

Benny began to rise, no doubt with the intention of vacating his brother-in-law’s usual seat, but the minister waved him back down and made himself comfortable in the other armchair, closer to us. I know, shocking, right? And totally unexpected. Introductions were made, hands shaken, and we were just settling in… for what, I don’t know, as the sudden closing of the front door reminded me there was actually someone missing from this scenario. I confess I had completely forgotten about Joe Jr., but who could really blame me?

His sullen face soon appeared in the doorway as he glanced suspiciously at all of us. Like there was some kind of conspiracy going on, and he was the target. I had a feeling it was on the tip of his tongue to ask something like who the hell is this? But what little common sense he possessed—and the presence of his father, no doubt—gave him pause. He probably wanted to run, but realized there was nowhere to go other than back outside. But his father’s words quickly ended that avenue of escape.

“Come in, Joe, and meet our guests,” Joseph said in a tone that clearly indicated he would tolerate no nonsense from his oldest child.

Fresh introductions were made, but Joey didn’t seem singularly impressed. When he tried to complain that there were no seats to be had, his sister spoke up.

“There’s plenty of room on the floor.”

No arguing with that.

Joe Jr claimed a spot as far from everyone else as he could get, but that wasn’t saying much when there were so many of us. I couldn’t help but be amused at his antics, and I could see Ethan found him funny too. Not that we would ever say anything. At least not in front of everyone. In private was an entirely different matter. Although when we would have that private time was also a matter of conjecture. Certainly not that night.

“So, Troy, are you shooting something down here?” Sarah asked, her voice almost dripping with excitement. “Or maybe scouting out a location?”

Ever the gentleman, Troy replied, “They wouldn’t send me to do that. Not my area of expertise, I’m afraid.”

“You’re too modest,” Brendan spoke up, albeit softly. “You’re good at anything you choose to do.”

How cute was that? They were just adorable. I know Sarah thought so too, as I heard her squee quietly.

“Are you still working on that football film?” Ethan asked, which question produced a wince from yours truly. I couldn’t help but remember the little scenario related to that film that ended up with me being injured (entirely my fault) and Ethan inadvertently ending up in DC in the mist of a hostage crisis.

“It’s going into post-production,” Troy said. “Might have to re-shoot a scene or two, or do some dubs, but otherwise I’m done.”

“You ever going to tell me the ending?” I teased him with a playful grin. Brandon snickered, while Troy just shook his head.

“Vinny, you are incorrigible, aren’t you? And I think you know better than that. You’ll have to see for yourself.”

“What about that Civil War film?” Sarah asked. “I’ve been wanting to see that for some time. What’s the name? Oh yeah, Sweet Surrender. When’s that coming out?”

For a moment, I couldn’t place the title. And then I remembered. That stupid film with that stupid actress, she who doesn’t serve to be named. My arch nemesis. I couldn’t contain my scowl, but I bit my tongue and said nothing.

Ethan took my hand in his and squeezed tightly. He knew how upset I became at the mere mention of the woman.

“In the fall,” Troy replied. “I don’t know the exact date. I would love to have you all as my guests at the premiere.”

Oh goody. My enthusiasm knew no bounds. Of course Sarah, on the other hand, was extremely ecstatic. Especially when he added, “I bet you you won’t be able to find either Ethan or Vinnie in the film.”

“Say what?” Sarah turned startled eyes toward us. My scowl only deepened. “Are you telling me they’re both in your film?” Her question was aimed at Troy, of course, despite the death glare she was throwing our way.

“Oh yes, they both have small parts. I think Vinnie got a couple of scenes. Once as a soldier and once as a Southern belle during the reel scene.”

Oh Lord. I felt heat climb up my cheeks. Not that Ethan’s family hadn’t seen me in a dress, as they most certainly had. But not in hoop skirts. And certainly not on the big screen.

“I wouldn’t miss seeing that for the world,” Sarah said with what I felt was a malicious grin…or I could be reading into it.

Did Joe Jr. actually snicker?

to be continued

Go see what the other Briefers are doing!

Cia Nordwell

J Ray Lamb

 

Saturday is Horror Day #92 - The Descent

 The Descent

Sarah (Shauna Macdonald) is recovering from a devastating life event the previous year. She meets up with some of her friends for a vacation. But their idea of having fun is exploring caves! Juno (Natalie Mendoza) is the somewhat leader of the group. She's the one who picks the cave and gets all the information they need to safely explore, making sure they all have the right gear as well.

This particular cave is actually in a hole, so they have to go down on ropes. The only way out is through the exit, as they won't be able to ascend the same way. No problem, right? Except that Juno neglected to mention that this isn't the cave she told them they'd be going to and they don't have any guidebooks for it! She thought it would be fun for them to be the ones to explore it, and also maybe bring Sarah out of her funk. Maybe even name the cave for her late daughter!

But things start to go horribly wrong, and now they're not even sure how to get back to the surface... and they are horrified to realize they are not alone.

This is one creepy scary movie! I will admit to jumping more than once. Imagine being underground and not knowing how to get back up? Assuming there is a way up? And then, on top of that, the creatures... *shudders* You may recognize MyAnna Buring as she was in Ripper Street and more recently The Witcher. This is a good horror movie. I'll give it 4.5 Stars.

Wednesday Briefs: Bad Karma and the Family Plan #53 (11.3)

 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.

The unexpected arrival of Troy McGarrett has certainly pleased at least one member of Ethan's family (not naming names lol) but how will his father react? 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 #53 (11.3)

I have to give Troy credit for never being at a loss for words in any given situation, even when faced with a rabid fan, such as Sarah Thorne. All right, maybe that’s an exaggeration. Sarah wasn’t quite that bad. Maybe not rabid but certainly adoring and most assuredly starstruck.

Ethan’s twin made it down the steps so fast, I was afraid she might have tripped.

“I am such a huge fan of yours,” she was saying. “I own every one of your films, and I’ve seen them all in the theater.”

“Troy, I’d like you to meet my twin sister Sarah.” Ethan made belated introductions even as he and I exchanged bemused glances. This was a side of Sarah I’d never seen before, although I shouldn’t have been surprised considering the way she’d been gushing over the mere mention of the actor’s name earlier.

“I see that beauty truly does run in your family,” Troy said as he bent over the hand Sarah had offered him. I couldn’t help but notice her pleased grin along with the suddenly scarlet complexion.

“You’re too kind, Mr. McGarrett.” Was that a giggle I just heard? Seriously?

“Please, call me Troy.”

And didn’t that just lead to more of the same. At that moment, Maureen returned with the promised pie. She quickly assessed the scene before her with her usual astute eye.

“Sarah, please release Troy’s hand so he can eat.”

Everyone was soon settled comfortably. Benny took the minister’s armchair, while Maureen insisted Troy and Brendan sit on the sofa, and she saw beside them. Ethan and I were content to sit together on the floor, as was Sarah, who sat as near as she could to her idol’s feet.

The wheels must have been turning in Sarah’s head because she suddenly threw a suspicious glare toward her brother. “Ethan Thorne, you’re so mean, not telling me Troy was coming here!” she berated him.

“I couldn’t tell you what I didn’t know, Sis,” he said. “Honestly.”

“We had no idea they were coming,” I added, immediately coming to Ethan’s defense.

Sarah looked between us and then back to Troy, cocking her head thoughtfully. Immediately, I began to regret what we’d said. She was bound to question his presence now and that involved things best not spoken aloud. Perhaps it would have been better to tell a small white lie in the interests of security. At least until we understood the situation more fully. Too late for that now, that cat was out of the bag.

“Doesn’t my mother make the best pie?” Ethan suddenly exclaimed. “Best pie maker in the whole state.”

While Maureen blushed and told him that was nonsense, and everyone else told her that was the truth, I realized what Ethan had done, and the moment passed. At least for now. Didn’t mean we were completely in the clear, though, as I heard a deep throat clear from the direction of the doorway.

Enter the minister.

Perhaps he’d heard strange voices, or perhaps he was done doing whatever he did in his study. Either way, there he was, shrewdly appraising the ever enlarging group of people in his home. I couldn’t help but wonder how he was going to take to this new invasion of his privacy… and hope we hadn’t pushed him to the limit, whether it was our fault or not.

 to be continued

Now see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell