May 2012 "Wrap-Up"

Best Book of the Month:
'Pavlov's Dogs' - by: D. L. Snell & Thom Brannan
(Zombies, Werewolves, and Armageddon - what more needs to be said?)


Runner-Up:
'Throttle' - by: Joe Hill & Stephen King
(a short story written by father & son - inspired by Richard Matheson's 'Duel' - I was completely unaware that this story even existed! I came across it, by chance, browsing on my Nook...
I love 'Duel' - both the original story and the movie! - and 'Throttle' does both justice!)


Other books that I read this month:
'Deadlocked' - by: Charlaine Harris
(this is the 12th book in the "Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood" series)


'Tribesmen' - by: Adam Cesare
(this is one of the books published by e-book publisher Ravenous Shadows - of whom the editor-in-chief is none other than John Skipp - of splatterpunk horror fame!
You can read this book, easily, in a few short hours.
I will definitely be checking out more books published by Ravenous Shadows...)


'Not a Fan' - by: Kyle Idleman
(this is a book about becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus - not just a fan!)
I know it doesn't seem to belong in the list above, but anyone who really knows me, knows that I am a Christian - albeit one who struggles with his love of horror...




Best Movie of the Month:
no shocker here - The Avengers
(no better way to see it, than in IMAX 3-D!)


Runner-Up:
I'm not even going to try to give a 2nd place this month - everything paled in comparison to The Avengers...


Other movies that I watched this month:
Prophecy (all 5 movies - I came across all 5 movies, on 2 discs, in a $5 bin... I saw the 1st one, when it came out, and really enjoyed it - the 2nd one, not so much - so I never bothered with the other 3, until now. Having watched them all, I really only like the 1st & 3rd one - I can do without the others)
We Bought a Zoo
Sand Sharks
Nude Nuns with Big Guns
Creature
InSight
Let the Bullets Fly
Wristcutters: A Love Story
Hessians MC
Growth
One for the Money
Shame
The Devil Inside
The Witches of Oz
The Woman in Black
Contraband




Best iPhone App of the Month:
Swordigo 
(You may have noticed that both my reading list and movies watched seemed a little short this month - that is because of Swordigo... a great little game, in the tradition of Zelda, with aspects of Metroid thrown in for good measure)


Runner-Up:
Lego Harry Potter: Years 5 - 7


I also have to mention 'The Daily' - an excellent Newsstand app that is well worth the subscription cost!
Covers everything from world news to entertainment and technology, all in short, little, precise snippets - just how I like my news!




Until next month,


Jason


P.S. You can always look me up on Google+, if you don't want to wait until the end of the month. 
I sometimes post things a little early, as I read or watch them, on there...

April 2012 "Wrap-Up"

It is extremely rare for me to stop reading a book, once I've started it, however I could not even get past the prologue of 'John Dies at the End' (by David Wong)
This book is being turned into an upcoming movie, being directed by Don Coscarelli (of 'Phantasm' fame) hence my interest in the book. 
I may go back to it, if I enjoy the movie...


Since I started the month off, with a funky book that I couldn't get into, I decided to fall back on a guaranteed enjoyable read (generally reserved for Richard Laymon books)
I went back to Edgar Rice Burrough's 'Barsoom' Series [see last month's post]
I read both 'The Gods of Mars' and 'The Warlord of Mars' (#'s 2 & 3 in the series)
These books are fantastic! (though it makes me sad that we may never see them made into films)
I have mentioned these books 1st, as they are in a league of there own - above even my "Book of the Month" this month.


Those books put me back on track for an enjoyable month of reading.
Some days I read casually, others I read voraciously! Hence my list below:


Best Book of the Month:
'Autobiography of a Werewolf Hunter' [aka 'When the Autumn Moon is Bright']
By: Brian P. Easton


If you caught my G+ post a month or so ago, I posted where Permuted Press was having a $1 e-book sale on quite a few of their books... 
(If you are unfamiliar with Permuted Press, they publish "apocalyptic fiction" and are one of my favorite independent book publishers - look them up! I have read close to a dozen of their books, and I can say that I have immensely enjoyed each one)


'Autobiography of a Werewolf Hunter' was one of the books on sale (I bought 6 or 7 that day) and I can honestly say it was one of the best dollars that I've ever spent!
Brian P. Easton is my "new" favorite-author-of-the-year thus far!
This book is so good, I don't even know where to start - it is way more than just a horror/werewolf novel - so much more to it - such epic character development - an excellent read!


Runner-Up(s):
'3-Fingered Jake and the Traveling Side Show' - by: Franklin E. Wales
and
'Carnage Road' - by: Gregory Lamberson


These are two short-stories (though 'Carnage Road' probably falls more into "Novella" territory) by two excellent authors. 
I gave both of these the runner-up spot as both are great zombie stories.


Other books that I read this month:
'The Haunted Vagina' - by: Carlton Mellick III 
I thought this one may have been an April Fool's gimmick, when I came across it at the beginning of this month, however it's legit - part of the "Bizarro" sub-genre (which I had previously been unaware of)
If you read the description of the book, then you will know exactly what you'll be getting into.


'Heart of Scars' [Autobiography of a Werewolf Hunter - Book 2] by: Brian P. Easton
Not as good as the first one (a more dark/depressing read) though still good.


'Deeper' - by: Jeff Long
(this is a sequel to 'The Descent' - while good, 'The Descent' was far superior)


'Tinsel' - by Frazier Lee
This is an extremely short short-story 
(It was free on my Nook and I wanted to read it before purchasing another book of Lee's called 'Lamplighters' - which I'll most likely read next month...)


Best Movie of the Month:
The Raid: Redemption 
(this movie's violence will literally blow you away!)


Runner-Up:
The Cabin in the Woods 
(destined to be a horror classic!)


Other movies that I watched this month:
(in the order that I watched them)


2-Headed Shark Attack (may very well be this year's "Mega-Piranha" - unless of course, "Piranhaconda" lives up to expectations)
Easter Bunny, Kill! Kill!
50/50
Retreat
Scooby Doo and the Music of the Vampire
Ocean Heaven
Dream House
The Darkest Hour
The Descendants
Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred (I hated - with a passion - the 1st Fred movie, but this one isn't too terrible)
Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol
The Divide
Repulsion
Pontypool
Inkubus
Student Bodies
Witchcraft
Octaman
Ninja Vengeance
Sticks of Death
Firelight
Justice League: Doom
Alvin and the Chipmunks 3: Chip-Wrecked
The Sitter
Absentia


My Favorite iPhone App this month:
Gesundheit!


Runner-Up:
Pushy


Two excellent "puzzler" apps that will make your brain think!


That's a wrap for this month - look for next month's wrap-up a little earlier than usual, as I'll be heading back to Florida for our oldest's graduation from High school...


Until then,


Jason

March 2012 "Wrap-Up"

Greetings from Knoxville, Tennessee.

(We just arrived in town and plan on being here, at least, through the end of May)

Unlike Danville, VA, there are plenty of bookstores and movie theaters to choose from here! :-)

On with this month's reviews...

Best Book of the Month:

'A Princess of Mars' - by: Edgar Rice Burroughs

This is the book that the film 'John Carter' is based upon. Originally published in 1912 - yes, 100 years ago! - it is still a fantastic read today! (they had such an eloquent way of writing/speaking back then)

While I have read Burroughs in the past, I never did read "The Barsoom Series" (of which this is the 1st book) and I am currently rectifying that error (I have already purchased the 2nd and 3rd books in the series, of which, if I'm not mistaken, there are 11 books total)

Runner-Up:

'The Ice Gorilla' - by: Michael Esola & Wesley Jones

(this one is a super-fast read and plays out like a movie in your head)

Other books that I read this month:

'Return to Eden' - by: G. P. Ching

(the 3rd book in the 'Soulkeeper' Series, which I praised last month)

As you can see, this one wasn't good enough to break into the top two this month.

While not as good as the 1st two, it is still a good read.

'Damaged' [aka 'Widow'] - by: Billie Sue Mosimon

This book, literally, has one of the most gripping/intense prologues that I have ever read!

I dare you to read the prologue and then not to continue reading the book!

'I Am Number Four - The Lost Files #2: Nine's Legacy' - by: Pittacus Lore

(yes, I am a fan of the "Legacy" Series!)

Best Movie of the Month:

John Carter

(Apparently, I am the only person on the planet who enjoyed this movie!)

I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I am currently calling this one my favorite film of the year so far!

While the credits were rolling, I was buying the book (see above) that the movie is based upon.

I keep hearing how bad it is, and that it's lost a ton of money. Well, that's a shame, because I for one loved it, and I would love to see more made!

Runner-Up:

Drive

Other movies that I watched this month:

(in the order that I watched them)

The Thing (the 2011 "prequel")

Hugo

Goemon

The Ghost and Mr. Chicken

Saint Nick [aka 'Saint']

Cherry

The Skin I Live In

Footloose (the 2011 re-make)

I Am Bruce Lee

Julia's Eyes

Princess of Mars (yes, there was an earlier attempt at making a "John Carter" type-film, based on the book by Burroughs) This one is not recommended!

Merantau (I so cannot wait to see the film 'The Raid: Redemption'! This is the director's 1st film, starring the same star that is in The Raid - this is a great martial arts flick!)

The Adventures of Tin Tin

My Week with Marilyn

My Super Psycho Sweet Sixteen: Part 3

Spiderhole

In Time

Little Deaths

Leprechaun's Revenge

Martha Marcy Mae Marlene

Tower Heist

Kisses and Caroms

The Hunger Games (while good, I'm not sure what all the hype is with this one. Unlike John Carter, I have no desire to rush out and read the book that this one is based upon. Though I will watch the sequels)

Vulgar

Take Shelter

Wrath of the Titans

and for you iDevice users out there...

My Favorite iPhone App this month:

Pizza vs. Skeletons

Runner-Up:

Epoch

And I, of course, have to mention Angry Birds: Space - great game, though I'm disappointed with the "in-app" level purchases.

Also, if you come across 'Samurai vs Zombies: Defense', while a good game, 'Army of Darkness: Defense' is way better!

The same goes for 'Dead on Arrival' - I was hoping for a similar experience as 'Judge Dredd vs. Zombies - stick with Judge Dredd!

Well, that's a wrap for this month. As always, if you have any questions about anything listed above, feel free to leave a comment.

Until next month...

Jason

February 2012 "Wrap-Up"

Welcome to this month's edition of "what's entertained me the most"

(other than my children, of course!)

Best Book of the Month:

This month, we have a tie...

'The Soulkeepers' and 'Weaving Destiny' - both by: G. P. Ching

A friend of mine inquired about this young-adult series (the series is called 'The Soulkeepers' - Book 1, obviously being titled after the series. 'Weaving Destiny' is # 2 in the series...)

Anyhow, my friend wanted to know if these books were appropriate for her daughter to read.

[I encourage all parents to read what their children are reading 1st, or at least monitor the books that they choose...]

Having never heard of the series, I looked into the first book and it definitely peaked my curiosity, so I bought it, and a few pages into it, I immediately bought the 2nd one as well.

If you are at all familiar with Cassandra Clare's 'Mortal Instruments' Series, then you will definitely enjoy this series as well!

While the 1st book was excellent, the 2nd book was even better! However, both deserve to be this month's "Best Book Choice"

Book #3 - 'Return to Eden' - is supposed to be released sometime next month...!

Runner-Up:

'Level 26: Dark Revelations' - by: Anthony Zuiker (with Duane Swierczynski)

This book completes the "Level 26" trilogy that began with 'Dark Origins' and 'Dark Prophecy'.

If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it!

For those who may not know, Anthony Zuiker is the creator of the television show C.S.I. and these books are considered to be "digi-novels" - they have interactive sequences spaced throughout the books. 'Dark Origins' was the 1st digital book that I read, and it completely sold me on the format!

Definitely check these out, if you have not already...!

Other books that I read this month:

'Invasion' - by: Robin Cook

Best Movie of the Month:

Breaking Dawn: Part 1

Yes, this is part of the Twilight series and I'm sure that I'll get flak for it, but I enjoyed the books, and I enjoy the films as well, so you'll just have to deal with it! :-)

Runner-Up:

This one's a toss-up between 'Chronicle' and 'The Dead'...

I'm going to go with 'Chronicle', purely for entertainment purposes.

While 'The Dead' is one of the best zombie movies that I've seen in a while, it definitely has it's slooooow moments as well as very minimal dialogue, so it's probably not for everyone, though it is still definitely worth watching!

Other movies that I watched this month:

(in the order that I watched them)

A Smile As Big As The Moon (a good family film!)

Red Hill

Killer Elite

The Silent House

Attack the Block

The Vampire Conspiracy

Star Wars - Episode 1: The Phantom Menace [I had to take my son to see this one in 3-D!] :-)

The Woman (while I am a big fan of Jack Ketchum, this movie just didn't work for me - quite disturbing actually... unfortunately, I wouldn't recommend this one to anyone)

Real Steel

Apollo 18

Contagion

The Reeds

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (*I was extremely disappointed in this one - if you plan on watching it, I would wait till DVD! While it does have some good "3-D" moments, it is not worth the price of admission!)

Outcast

2012: Ice Age

Seven Days in Utopia

Puss in Boots (better than I expected it to be!)

My Favorite iPhone App of the Month:

Judge Dredd vs Zombies

Runner-Up:

Crazy Hedgy

These were initially going to be reversed, however Judge Dredd came out with an update, a week or so ago, that added "Arena Modes" and more levels, and this caused me to put Crazy Hedgy on the back burner for a bit, while I decimated some zombies - definitely worth the buck!

Well, that's all I have for this month. As always, if you have any questions, just leave a comment - I'll check for them on my phone.

Until the end of March - take Care!

Jason

January 2012 "Wrap-Up"

For those keeping track, this post is coming to you from Danville, Virginia...

I am writing this post from our hotel, as there is only a single [used] bookstore in town.

(I am so glad that I now have a Nook - thanks to my wonderful wife! - not sure that I could survive without a new bookstore in town!)

It figures that once I got used to having wi-fi access close by, in Illinois, I would end up in a town without a bookstore...

Speaking of books, I'll start off this month's wrap-up with:

Best Book of the Month:

'Deadheads: Evolution' - by: Franklin E. Wales

Runner-Up:

'Ghoul' - by Brian Keene

Other books that I read this month:

'Getting Off: A Novel of Sex & Violence' - by Lawrence Block (*writing as Jill Emerson)

*Note: I almost gave this book the runner-up spot, yet I decided on Keene's 'Ghoul' at the last minute... It's a good book, however it is pretty hardcore (both in the sex and the violence departments!) Definitely not for everyone!!

'Metallica: All that Matters' - by: Paul Stenning

'Jack & Grace: A Love Story' - by: Jacki Wildman Wales

(any regular reader of this blog knows what a huge fan I am of Franklin E. Wales... this book is written by his wife - the true story of her parent's meeting/romance - for any of you "romantics" out there)

Best Movie of the Month:

The Grey

Runner-Up:

Underworld: Awakening

Other movies that I watched this month:

(in the order that I watched them)

Hostel: Part 3

A Good Old Fashioned Orgy

Fish Tales

Chungking Express

Hardcore

The Hangover: Part 2

The Debt

I'm Reed Fish

30 Minutes or Less

Fathead

Kung Fu Panda 2

Moneyball

Autumn

Hellraiser: Revelations

The Babysitters

Bellfower

Deep in the Valley

Scar (*I almost gave this movie the runner-up spot, as I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was - the only reason that I watched it was due to Angela Bettis... in the end though, I went with Underworld 4, due more to the "fun factor" however, this one is recommended as well)

Abduction

Dolphin Tale (a great family movie!)

Fight Night

The Craigslist Killer

One Day

Haywire (*still in the theater - it's good - I would recommend waiting for video though...)

Snow Beast

Man, I'm going to miss where I was living in Bloomington, IL - I literally had a movie, from Netflix, every day there, the turn-around time was that fast!

If anyone has any questions, about anything listed above, leave a comment, and I'll respond when I get back on-line (whenever that may be!)

I'll check, for the next day or two, via the app on my iPhone as well...

Speaking of which, for any "iDevice" users out there:

Best App of the Month:

Lego Harry Potter: Years 1 - 4 (I have played this more than any other game this month - Fun!)

Runner-Up:

Star Marine: Infinite Ammo (if you loved the old Nintendo game 'Contra', check this one out!)

Also, (for those who haven't read my G+ post) I recommend downloading the Wattpad e-reader app and checking out the serial novel 'Bleeder' by Monica S. Kuebler (this is a great read!)

Monica posts a new chapter, every Sunday (tomorrow will be Chapter 5, so jump on board now!)

That's all for this month - check back again, at the end of February!

Jason

2011: Year in Review

Hello out there to all in "blogger-land"!

It has been a VERY LONG TIME since I have been on my blog...

I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry (belated) Christmas, and an extremely Happy New Year!!

I also want to thank everyone whose comments that I've never replied to and to those who have sent me questioning e-mails. (there is a reason that I have not yet replied)

I hope that you are all doing well!

A quick up-date, in case anyone still cares:

After leaving Green Bay, Wisconsin, the family & I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, then to Columbus, Ohio, then to Erie, Pennsylvania, (where we spent almost a year) then to Boulder, Colorado, (we love it there!) then to Fayetteville, North Carolina, (where we spent 9 months) then to Omaha, Nebraska, and now we are currently in Bloomington, Illinois (through the end of January).

About the time that we left Wisconsin, the agencies (who provide our housing, etc.) stopped paying for wi-fi (it's pretty much either wi-fi or cable, and frankly I would rather have cable)

I figured that I could always go to Barnes & Noble or Starbucks... (not so easy with my kids running around though)

Shortly after this, my (8-year-old) laptop pretty much kicked the bucket, and me being a stay-at-home-dad had to scrounge what money I could (my wife gives me money when I need it) and save for a new laptop...

Long story short, I now have a new laptop (and an iPhone - we'll get to that later) and where we are staying in Illinois is within walking distance of both a Starbucks and a Barnes & Noble - not to mention that my kids are getting older and more behaved, which will allow me to, hopefully, get back into the swing of things!

Now that you have that background information, on to why I'm back on my blog:

(it won't be like the old days, with pictures & trailers, etc - just simple text)

My Top 10 Favorite Films of 2011:

1) The Adjustment Bureau

2) Courageous

3) The Eagle

4) Fast Five

5) Fright Night (yes, the re-make!)

6) Insidious

7) The Ledge

8) Rise of the Planet of the Apes

9) Super

10) Tucker & Dale vs Evil

My Top 10 (non-2011) Films that I watched, for the 1st time, this year:

1) Behind Enemy Lines

2) Case 39

3) Dream Home

4) Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (yes, I missed that one previously!)

5) Faster

6) Green Street Hooligans

7) Hereafter

8) I Saw the Devil

9) The Next Three Days

10) The Warrior's Way

My Top 10 Favorite Books of 2011:

1) The Christian Zombie Killers Handbook (no joke!) by: Jeff Kinley

2) City of Fallen Angels - by: Cassandra Clare

3) Dead Reckoning - by: Charlaine Harris

4) 11/22/63 - by: Stephen King

5) Friend - by: Franklin E. Wales

6) Infinity Blade: Awakening - by: Brandon Sanderson

7) Mile 81 (I know it's just a novella, but it's that good!) by: Stephen King

8) The Omen Machine - by: Terry Goodkind

9) Purgatory Junction - by: Franklin E. Wales

10) The Vault - by: Boyd Morrison

My Top 10 (non-2011) Books that I read, for the 1st time, this year:

1) Afraid - by: Jack Kilborn

2) The Ark - by: Boyd Morrison

3) Domain - by Steve Alten

4) Heaven - by Randy Alcorn

5) Level 26: Dark Prophecy - by: Anthony Zuiker

6) Meg - by: Steve Alten

7) Patient Zero - by: Jonathan Maberry

8) Resurrection - by: Steve Alten

9) The Trench - by Steve Alten

10 Under & Alone... by: William Queen

So, there you have it!

It feels good to be back...

Oh yeah, I almost forgot... my iPhone...

While it can pretty much do everything, it's not the most conducive to writing reviews, etc, so I'm going to stick to doing my blog, on my laptop, when I find the time.

I'm hoping to maybe find some time at the end (or beginning) of every month.

Maybe just do a "favorite film/book of the month" and maybe a runner-up, so check back, around this time, next month...

P.S. I've never been too big on social networking, however I am using the Google+ app on my iPhone... it makes for some super quick & easy posts, every now and then, so if you're on there, look me up...

Until next time!

(I have to start sorting through my 1,000+ e-mails and 700+ blog/spam comments now)

Jason

On the road again [and May Movie Madness]

Well, it's that time again - time to hit the road - only this time, there is no set destination, as we have yet to hear back from any of the job placement recruiters. . . 

In the meantime, we are going to head over to Tennessee, as we all agree that TN may be a potential place to settle down [we all love Chattanooga] 

We are going to hit the road tomorrow, which means that I will miss the theatrical releases of Pixar's UP and Raimi's Drag Me to Hell - two film's that I will definitely check out, first chance that I get!

While in Tennessee, we are going to check around Nashville, as it just so happens that the neighbors we have befriended, here in Green Bay, [the ones who were recently married] may be moving to Nashville to run one of Gill Montie's [a famous tattoo artist] tattoo studios. They are the coolest neighbors ever [seriously, you couldn't ask for better] so we figure that it will definitely be cool if we all relocated to the same location [or at least near one another]

So, that is where we currently stand - while waiting to hear back from the job recruiters [positions are currently pending, in Maryland, Ohio, and Seattle - we have already been to Seattle, so we may end up in Maryland or Ohio] Depending on where we end up going from TN, it may be a few weeks before I get back on-line, so in the interim, I will leave you with some brief reviews of the movies that I have watched, thus far this month:

[I am just going to list them alphabetically, so that you can just find the poster of the ones that may interest you]

First up, we have At Close Range, a Drama from the mid-eighties. This one was recommended to me by fellow Blogger Phantom of Pulp - this is one of his top-ten films of all time! 

While the film was definitely worth watching and boded some excellent performances, I wouldn't put it in my top ten - My Rating: 3 Skulls

Not to be confused with the film, with the same title, that I reviewed earlier this month. This one is a horror/war film set in World War II - it has a great story and great direction! My Rating: 4 Skulls

With the upcoming re-make [September, I believe] I figured that now would be as good a time as any to check out the original film, from 1973, and I am glad that I did! A Great Film!

Now that I have seen it though, I think that I would prefer a sequel, rather than a re-make [though if the re-make is done well, perhaps there will be a sequel to that - one never knows] My Rating: 4 Skulls

I am sure you are all familiar with this one - I do not know about you, but I found this one to be extremely long and drawn out - in other words - Boring! My Rating: 2 Skulls

This was a great flick, from the allegories to the cool visuals, this one is one of those films that will need to be seen a 2nd time in order to be completely appreciated - My Rating: 4 Skulls

The other night, I went fishing with my neighbor and his wife, and when we returned, he whipped up an outstanding dinner of fresh fish [Northerners & Rock Bass] and potatoes. It was the best fish I have ever had! My neighbor also taught me how to clean and cook the fish, so next time I can do it myself! :-) 

Anyhow, during dinner, he was telling me about this creepy World War I flick, so we decided to watch it - while it may have been creepier than the above Bunker flick, I actually enjoyed The Bunker more [we watched The Bunker immediately afterwards] My Rating for Deathwatch: 3 Skulls

This one was chosen by my wife - a very well done romantic comedy - My Rating: 4 Skulls

To cut right to the chase, I hated this film - it was just plain idiotic! I was not familiar with the terminology behind the film's title, however I had heard that this film was akin to Knife in the Water and Dead Calm - two excellent films! This one however, was not - do not bother wasting your time on this one! [unfortunately, this is one that I took over to my neighbor's, when it arrived via Netflix - if you have seen it, imagine my embarrassment!] My Rating: 1 Skull

I saw the 1st Emanuelle flick about 5 or 6 years ago and wasn't that impressed. This one however, has a subplot about snuff films, so I decided to check it out. 

While better than the original Emanuelle, this one is still pretty much basically a porn film [it actually becomes X-Rated about an hour into the movie] Once the film gets into the snuff [towards the tail end of the film] it quickly becomes sick, brutal, and disturbing! My Rating: 3 Skulls

I came across this one via Netflix and added it to my Queue, simply because it had to do with a woman searching for the cause of her migraine headaches [something I occasionally suffer from] I had no idea that it is a supposed re-make of 1932's The Mummy?!? Either way, this film was Blah - The Mummy is a far superior film. My Rating: 2 Skulls

 
It seems like I've been waiting for this one forever - it finally arrived on DVD, just this week, and it was well worth the wait - Based on a novel written by Elmore Leonard - Not sure why it wasn't released theatrically - My Rating: 4 Skulls

Next up, I give to you a triple-feature:

Years ago, I remember seeing bits and pieces of the 1st Maniac Cop, and I recently heard that there are plans for a 4th film, so I decided to check out all three films.

Netflix currently has all three Maniac Cop films available to watch Instantly [which is what I did] and I highly recommend that you do too! 

These are great flicks! All three - I loved them all - The 2nd film picks up right where the 1st one leaves off and the 3rd film picks up right where the 2nd one leaves off - I am not sure how they will do a 4th film, but I am looking forward to it! [I am not sure why the Maniac Cop isn't up there with other iconic horror figures, but he deserves to be, in my opinion!]

My Rating for all 3 films: 5 Skulls each!

From 1964, directed by Roger Corman, and starring Vincent Price, this is Poe's tale in classic form - My Rating: 3 Skulls

This one was recommended by my friend, Nikki. . . All I have to say about this one is that it is a sick, demented flick - definitely not for everyone! 

I personally didn't like it [sorry Nikki] I felt that the story was weak and the end of the film was simply too easy - My Rating: 2 Skulls

The only reason for renting this one - Quentin "Rampage" Jackson, Anderson "the spider" Silva, George St. Pierre, BJ Penn, Heath Herring, etc - the UFC's top MMA fighters, all in the same movie. . . unfortunately, the movie itself is pretty lame [for MMA fans only] 

Not only could the afore mentioned MMA stars save this film - neither could the abundant female nudity - My Rating: 2 Skulls

Another of my wife's picks - unfortunately, this one wasn't as good as her prior choice. This film had its moments, but overall it was a dud. If you want to see it, I recommend just waiting for television. My Rating: 2 Skulls

A Norwegian thriller [aka Naboer] This one will mess with your mind - a twisted flick! My Rating: 4 Skulls

This one is basically a dumbed down, silly version of Die Hard - still, I have to admit to liking it, somewhat - My Rating: 3 Skulls

This one was not near as good as I was expecting it to be! :-( 

For those who may be unaware, this fim was inspired by Brad Pitt's character in True Romance [one of my all-time favorite films] So, I guess that my expectations were just too high - My Rating: 3 Skulls

This one was on the same disc as The Masque of the Red Death - again, based on a Poe story and directed by Corman - this time around the year of release was 1962 and instead of Price, it stars Ray Milland - My Rating: 3 Skulls

One the whole family can enjoy! A multi-layered story about morals, with a great cast and excellent animation! My Rating: 4 Skulls

While packing up, to get back on the road, I let my neighbor browse through the select horror films that I brought with me on our travels. When he inquired about this one, I couldn't believe that he had never seen it, so I took it over, and we watched it. He liked it, whereas I love it! [my rating is 5 Skulls] This is David Arquette's directorial debut - if you too have never seen this one, check it out!

I recently read a book, to review for Hacker's Source magazine, that had a similar plot to Videodrome, which just made me want to watch it again - Yep, it's just as bizarre as I remembered! :-) My Rating: 3 Skulls

So, there you have it - an idea of the types of films that I watch on a monthly basis [if I hadn't been so busy this month, I wouldn't have even bothered posting a review for a lot of these films, however since I did it this way, I just decided to include them all.

If you have any questions about any of the above films, I will be more than happy to go into greater detail, upon my return to the world-wide-web [whenever that may be]

I will log on once more, later this evening, before packing my computer, so I will reply to any comments, after then, when I get back on-line. . .

Jason