Ups and downs are the nature of the business. Long years struggling to keep at least a nostril above water in the writing world, I’ve learned to enjoy the air when it comes, and somehow find a smile when it seems like drowning. It’s never all doom, though it isn’t always sunshine. The trick is keeping busy. However, keeping busy sometimes means losing track of things… which seems to be the theme this year. Yet, there’s good reason for a roundup this month.
Fiction has fallen by the wayside as I’ve focused on more, shall we say, journalistic endeavors. The film reviews have obviously been my main focus of late, but such critical analysis has always been a peripheral pleasure of mine. Still, it’s nice being able to share another anthology including one of my short stories.
This occasion belongs to Thicker Than Water. Crime stories that focus on the connection between mothers and their children. Several fabulous writers helped contribute to this amazing collection of hardboiled tales. Published by Shotgun Honey, the anthology includes my story “For the Best” which is about a mother torn apart by revelations about her son as well as what she must do because of such discoveries. It’s a heartbreaker and a disturbing thriller, but only one among many excellent pieces.
Even better, proceeds from sales go to benefit breast cancer research. So grab a copy today! (Shameless self-promotion and such complete… still not a strong suit but getting better.)
Shotgun Honey Presents: Thicker Than Water – Shotgun Honey
Fiction has fallen by the wayside as I’ve focused on more, shall we say, journalistic endeavors. The film reviews have obviously been my main focus of late, but such critical analysis has always been a peripheral pleasure of mine. Still, it’s nice being able to share another anthology including one of my short stories.
This occasion belongs to Thicker Than Water. Crime stories that focus on the connection between mothers and their children. Several fabulous writers helped contribute to this amazing collection of hardboiled tales. Published by Shotgun Honey, the anthology includes my story “For the Best” which is about a mother torn apart by revelations about her son as well as what she must do because of such discoveries. It’s a heartbreaker and a disturbing thriller, but only one among many excellent pieces.
Even better, proceeds from sales go to benefit breast cancer research. So grab a copy today! (Shameless self-promotion and such complete… still not a strong suit but getting better.)
Shotgun Honey Presents: Thicker Than Water – Shotgun Honey
Recently, I got to review a romcom from Netflix called Happiness for Beginners. It has its charms, though is quite predictable. The supporting cast is wonderful, but unfortunately are never really given enough to do. That’s always a shame because peripheral performances can really add to a feature like this. Still, Happiness for Beginners has its moments for those wanting some lowkey comedy with a touch of optimistic romance. For more reasons why it might be up your alley, check out the review!
Happiness for Beginners Charms without Surprises | Film Obsessive
Happiness for Beginners Charms without Surprises | Film Obsessive
Around the same time, I got to check out an Icelandic suspense film called Operation Napoleon. It’s a wonderful throwback to lazy Sunday flicks. It’s easy to imagine idling through an overcast afternoon, watching this adventure take place while sneaking a fourth or fifth beer. Dark twists and turns abound as the film unfolds. Although its World War II Nazis oriented plot may seem to have an obvious conclusion, I assure you the movie doesn’t go the way you think it will. There’s enough subterfuge to keep the ending uncertain. Yet, there are a few bumps in the road keeping it from being perfect. Fortunately, such criticism hasn’t stopped the filmmakers from including a snippet from my review on the packaging for physical media. For more, follow the link!
Operation Napoleon Offers Mild Suspense | Film Obsessive
Operation Napoleon Offers Mild Suspense | Film Obsessive
Intrigued by the title, I picked up a screener for a flick called Wendigo. Always a sucker for found footage, I gave this horror movie an honest chance. In some ways it showed potential. In others, it painfully did not. I do congratulate the optimism of the filmmakers, though, since the movie ends on a note implying a definite idea for some kind of expanded universe. They have sequels in mind. That kind of ambitious optimism is inspiring, and as I mention in the review, I do wish them the best.
This is, as far as I know, their first feature length film. Few folks get it entirely right the first time out, and low-budget always causes hiccups. Perhaps I’m being too kind in that respect, however, there’s a soft spot in my heart for the no-budget horror people who seem to be making movies simply for love of the genre. Is it good enough for a beer and a pizza evening? Well, read the review... and yeah, believe it or not, that title leads to a review where I'm trying to be kind.
The Wendigo Will Waste Your Time | Film Obsessive
This is, as far as I know, their first feature length film. Few folks get it entirely right the first time out, and low-budget always causes hiccups. Perhaps I’m being too kind in that respect, however, there’s a soft spot in my heart for the no-budget horror people who seem to be making movies simply for love of the genre. Is it good enough for a beer and a pizza evening? Well, read the review... and yeah, believe it or not, that title leads to a review where I'm trying to be kind.
The Wendigo Will Waste Your Time | Film Obsessive
Speaking of horror, I got to review a wonderful documentary called King on Screen. It’s about the many movies adapted from the works of iconic author Stephen King. Throughout are interviews with filmmakers elaborating on why they chose certain stories as well as why they love the author's work.
This is the kind of documentary that is definitely biased in favor of its subject, although I think that’s okay on this occasion. Love letters shouldn’t be objective. The only annoying part is that the film largely becomes an evening with Frank Darabont at one point. Still, his insights into movie making are wellworth hearing. If you are a fan of Stephen King, especially the films, then I highly recommend King on Screen. Should you need further reasons, and there are plenty, then read the review.
King on Screen Is a Pleasure for Fans | Film Obsessive
This is the kind of documentary that is definitely biased in favor of its subject, although I think that’s okay on this occasion. Love letters shouldn’t be objective. The only annoying part is that the film largely becomes an evening with Frank Darabont at one point. Still, his insights into movie making are wellworth hearing. If you are a fan of Stephen King, especially the films, then I highly recommend King on Screen. Should you need further reasons, and there are plenty, then read the review.
King on Screen Is a Pleasure for Fans | Film Obsessive
Flashing back to childhood, I got to see the latest version of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I won’t lie. Part of me didn’t expect a goddamn thing from this film. Although I try to go into every screening with the least amount of expectations possible – they can only fuck up the perspective – this movie was a fun ride. It’s a joy from start to finish, and even better doesn’t solely rely on nostalgia to appeal to audiences. The movie stands on its own. More than anything, it was just fun. Not to mention, one of the few times I’ve ever thought 3D actually added anything to a movie. For more on what makes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem a delightful flick, follow the link.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Is Marvelous | Film Obsessive
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Is Marvelous | Film Obsessive
Speaking of nostalgia, I took a look back at Blade. Released 25 years ago, this movie is still stellar. Granted, it may not be a subtle work in any respect, but I think there’s more to the movie than some give it credit for. Exploitation roots provide a framework for a film that is engagingly gory, over the top in all the right ways, and sparked the comic book cinematic era we now found ourselves. Feel free to disagree, but the proof is in my article.
On a side note, I ordered a Blu-ray copy of Blade. This came with all three films in the franchise. Granted, I have no desire to really watch Blade: Trinity ever again – once in the theater was too much. However, I found it interesting that particular disc is buried under Blade II. You have to remove one CD to get at the other. It made me chuckle because I couldn’t stop imagining some package designer being like, “Fuck this movie. You don’t even get your own slot, disappointing piece of shit.”
Blade Is Still Sharp, 25 Years Later | Film Obsessive
On a side note, I ordered a Blu-ray copy of Blade. This came with all three films in the franchise. Granted, I have no desire to really watch Blade: Trinity ever again – once in the theater was too much. However, I found it interesting that particular disc is buried under Blade II. You have to remove one CD to get at the other. It made me chuckle because I couldn’t stop imagining some package designer being like, “Fuck this movie. You don’t even get your own slot, disappointing piece of shit.”
Blade Is Still Sharp, 25 Years Later | Film Obsessive
Following that note of disappointment, I saw The Meg 2: The Trench. This is an absolutely terrible movie. Nothing about it is in any redeemable. And that hurts my teeth because this could have been a wonderfully fun, dumb film. Oddly enough, my contempt for this movie resulted in one of the fastest I’ve ever written a review. The hate just poured out of me onto the page. In a certain way, it was fun to write and I encourage you to read it for some of the snarky comments. My only regret is that I didn’t include this observation.
Some will be tempted to see this film for ironic reasons. Others may be inclined because it can’t possibly be that bad; curiosity compelling them to see for themselves. Don’t do that. Don’t do either. The Meg 2 is not entertainingly awful, it’s just awful. And any dollars it makes will simply inspire filmmakers to inflict another on us because it doesn’t matter why people see a movie so long as they pay.
The Meg 2: The Trench is a Beached Whale | Film Obsessive
Some will be tempted to see this film for ironic reasons. Others may be inclined because it can’t possibly be that bad; curiosity compelling them to see for themselves. Don’t do that. Don’t do either. The Meg 2 is not entertainingly awful, it’s just awful. And any dollars it makes will simply inspire filmmakers to inflict another on us because it doesn’t matter why people see a movie so long as they pay.
The Meg 2: The Trench is a Beached Whale | Film Obsessive
Finally, circling back to fiction, I recently finished my edits on the anthology Dead Letters: Episodes of Epistolary Horror. Editor did a fabulous job leaving little work for me. Still, it’s nice to know that one is off to the printers. Should be coming out December 1st, and I’ll keep all y’all appraised in the meanwhile.
Otherwise, there’s not much else to report. The next Beerfinger album is inching towards completion. Might have finished sooner if I hadn’t got a notion going on one more song to add. Part of me thinks I added another just to procrastinate since it can’t fail while still being made. Regardless, keep an ear open for that on the horizon. And meanwhile, as always, stay weird, keep on keeping on, and be safe out in this mad world. Cheers!
Otherwise, there’s not much else to report. The next Beerfinger album is inching towards completion. Might have finished sooner if I hadn’t got a notion going on one more song to add. Part of me thinks I added another just to procrastinate since it can’t fail while still being made. Regardless, keep an ear open for that on the horizon. And meanwhile, as always, stay weird, keep on keeping on, and be safe out in this mad world. Cheers!
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