Another Unbox-King video? Sacre bleu! This blog is becoming an altar to commercialism! Why can't it represent a faith with an all-powerful diety that nobody seems to really understand? Why not Cthulhu?
Just look at that rumbly tumbly behemoth!
Showing posts with label horror. Show all posts
Showing posts with label horror. Show all posts
Thursday, February 19, 2015
UNBOX-KING #5 CTHULHU FUNKO POP! (PLUS AMIIBO UPDATE)
Another Unbox-King video? Sacre bleu! This blog is becoming an altar to commercialism! Why can't it represent a faith with an all-powerful diety that nobody seems to really understand? Why not Cthulhu?
Just look at that rumbly tumbly behemoth!
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
WTF WED! ALIEN 5: SHARKS FROM THE BLACK HOLE!
You come home. You hear something upstairs. Someone is taking a shower. You creep up the stairs to investigate and realize that your partner is washing off. A playful though emerges. You step into the bathroom and disrobe. You pull the curtain and...
Between running a Call of Cthulhu game and watching Christopher Nolan's Interstellar, I find myself obsessed with metaphysical horror because, when confronted by the unexplainable and unconfrontable, humans will try to explain and confront it.
That is fascinatingly horrible or is it just horrible fascinating? I don't know.
I really wanna play Alien: Isolation. Even if the last horror video game I played made me jump about and flail like a fish at the first jump scare. Once again, humans feel they must confront such things. Or run. Probably just run. Well, run and hide. Yeah. That makes sense...
Thursday, October 30, 2014
WORD OF THE DAY! 10/30/14!
breakout star [brehyk-owt-stahr]
noun
1. An actor in a production who goes from anonymity to stardom with a role in a film or television show.
EX. The breakout star of Family Matters was Jaleel White as Steve Urkel. Originally created as a one-shot character, Urkel stole the show and the producers decided to make a regular character, to serve as the whacky neighbor. And yet, over time, the Family Matters show became less and less about the family and more about Urkel. Over time, the character's roles in the show were defined by their relationship to Urkel and served the week's whacky scheme as a component of the Steve Urkel show. The show was more Steve than family and more Urkel than matters.
There were no survivors.
Monday, October 27, 2014
MUSIC MON! FIVE NIGHTS AT THE SPOOKY SCARY MONSTER MASH!
In the 5th Edition game of Dungeons and Dragons that I've been playing our wizard died a couple of weeks ago. He was minding his own business, throwing nukes at mobs, when, just after clearing a room, he was struck down. A bugbear had been sneaking up behind our party for an hour or so, shadowing us, and managed to get the drop on our most vulnerable friend. A bugbear weighs about 300 lbs of muscle and wields a morning star. The morning star collapsed his head like an accordion and there was nothing we could do. He was dead.
Or so we thought.
The evil book we had been planning to destroy made itself known. It reached out and tempted us to use it to bring our friend back to life. When we refused, there was a struggle but it managed to fly into the hands of the wizard's corpse and resurrect him.
Time will tell the fate of the wizard with an undead book for a heart.
As for another story of horror, I continued the Call of Cthulhu game I began two years ago by running the spectacular Mansions of Madness scenario, set in 1920's Massachusetts, "The Crack'd and Crook'd Mans". I made one small addition in the way of introducing a new character:
Johnny grew up at a trading post in the Amazon. He was not born Johnny. It was the name the British missionaries gave him. His tribe lived at and around the trading post since it served as a way for them to make a living and the mission supplied many charitable acts like education, medicine, and other necessities. He learned many of the old legends of his ancestors, the Yandalapuma tribe or "Missing Peoples", but he didn't take much heed of it. He eventually became a guide, leading white men through the rain forest, and helping to keep his people's livelihood afloat. Johnny's life wasn't special but it was good.
Until Arthur Cornthwaite arrived. A friendly American man who came talking to the Yandalapuma members and, eventually, asked if they would show him to the "grey dome". The elders refused and forbid anyone help him. After all, the grey dome was beyond the "undrinkable river" that even the tribe members were not allowed to cross and all that fell in the shadow of the grey dome were "taken by ghosts and never seen again".
But Johnny could only think of what he could do with the money the man offered.
So, he came to Cornthwaite and secret and agreed to show him to the river. He took him and his men to the darkest part of the rainforest in the shadow of the dome but refused to join them beyond the river. He waited for a few days for them to return to no avail and so he returned home. A fortnight later, Arthur Cornthwaite stumbled into the trading post, looking like he had seen a ghost. His men were no where to be seen and he quickly left to get the first boat back to America. Johnny used the money to do a lot of good for his people but something was eating a way at his conscience.
He had weird dreams about the dome, about a dark pit, about men screaming, about shadows that crawl and about Arthur Cornthwaite being followed home by a shadow. Eventually, distressed, he told his grandfather. The man was disappointed. He told him that he had broken tribal law and that he had allowed a great darkness to cross the river. The elder told him that if he wishes to have his spirit freed of guilt that he must find the man and kill the ghost following him before it is too late! He sent Johnny on the task and gave him a small pouch filled with a fine white crystalline powder said to ward off the ghosts. Johnny made his way, quick as he could, up to Gamwell, Massachusetts where Mr. Cornthwaite was missing and strangeness was afoot.
Will Johnny succeed in his quest? I won't know until next week!
My friends thing Five Nights at Freddy's frightened me. They are wrong!
I was simply startled by the loud noise and flashing animation when I jumped out of the chair. The reason I don't want to play is the tension. I swear. Why would I lie?
I ain't 'fraid of nothin'!
(But seriously, if you haven't experienced Five Nights, you should check it out. Also, the latest game theory video about it is really creepy and fascinating. Enjoy.)
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
WORD OF THE DAY! 10/21/14!
secateurs [sec-uh-toors]
noun
1. Sheers or scissors.
EX. Let's cut to the chase with a pair of secateurs.
Clock Tower is a game that doesn't really get the attention it deserves. In many ways, it set precedence for the horror genre of games. Despite being limited by the hardware of the time, the game manages to set up a lot of tension and atmosphere. It starts rather slow and the dialogue is very melodramatic but, when you're faced with the "Scissor-Man" you're going to be spooked, you're going to run, and your mind will race with desperation as you seek an escape. The game is all about replaying each scene and scenario to learn the best way and get the best endings through solving puzzles and timing everything.
Sound familiar?
Sounds like Resident Evil and Silent Hill.
Friday, September 19, 2014
EFFED UP FRIDAY! KEVIN SMITH, WALRUSES, BRIAN BLESSED, POLAR BEARS, OH MY!
Kevin Smith came up with the idea to make a horror movie about a man being sewn into a walrus suit after reading a rather odd classified article from a website with a similar premise...
...and the idea caught off enough that it actually made it to being scripted, produced, and released to critical acclaim. I'll be checking this one out soon!
And, speaking of old men and creatures of the arctic north, did you know that Brian Blessed punched a polar bear? Do you know who Brian Blessed is? WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!? Get educated!!
And a new horror short from TV Maxwell rounds out our trio of videos this week and I'm left wondering, again...
Why do they come to me to die? Why do you they come to me to die?
Friday, January 24, 2014
WORD OF THE DAY! 1/24/14!
noun
1. According to Julius Caesar's Commentarii de Bello Gallico, a large wicker statue in the shape of a human used by the ancient Celtic druids for human sacrifice by burning it and the victim in effigy. There is no archeological evidence that this ever took place but is, instead, most likely the result of misinformation out of Greco-Roman disdain for cultures they saw as barbaric. However, many agents of neopaganism have taken the ritual of burning a wooden effigy as part of many of their festivals, though, obviously, without the element of human sacrifice.
EX. Nostalgia Critic has finally gotten around to reviewing the Wicker Man remake starring Nicholas Cage. There will be bees.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
WORD OF THE DAY! 1/9/14!
dub [dub]
verb
1. Film/video/television/animation, etc. To add an audio track, usually a voice track, in post-production on a project, usually to correct an incorrectly or misplaced line, censor an inappropriate line, add dialogue, switch in a foreign language track, or localize the dialogue.
noun
2. Film/video/television/animation, etc. An audio track, usually a voice track, added in post-production on a project, usually to correct an incorrectly or misplaced line, censor an inappropriate line, add dialogue, switch in a foreign language track, or localize the dialogue.
EX. Dub vs. sub (or subtitles) is an ongoing debate in the Western anime fan community, but posted here is something that wouldn't exist without dubs: the original Ghost Stories anime was created in 2000 and aired in Japan as a 20 episode series based on a book series by Toru Tsunemitsu. It was a somewhat typical anime about a gang of children investigating paranormal activity near their home and dealing with the supernatural threats to their town.
The dub, on the other hand, by ADV films took the basic outline of the anime and redubbed it with a script by Steven Foster, released in 2005, as part of their DVD release that included a lot of black comedy and meta humor that breaks the fourth wall with lots of adult humor, references, and commentary on anime. While some fans were outraged, the response from the critics and other fans were mostly positive and today many prefer the English dub by ADV films over the original subs/dubs or the serious dub made by Animax later.
Personally, this is one of the funniest dubs I've seen in a while and, considering how many abridged series are out there on youtube and filled with talented voice actors, that is saying something. To check out the whole series, you can find episodes on youtube or elsewhere online. You can start with the link below.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
MIXED BAG. TABLETOP TALES! ELDER SIGN REVIEW!
TABLETOP TALES PRESENTS
ELDER SIGN REVIEW!
Designers: Richard Launius & Kevin Wilson
Artist: Dallas Mehlhoff
Publishers: Fantasy Flight Games
Type: Card Game
Themes: Sci-fi & Fantasy, Horror, Adventure & Strategy
# of Players: 1-8
Ages: 14 & Up
Time to Play: 60-120 min.
Approx. Price: $40-50
Friday, November 1, 2013
WORD OF THE DAY! 11/1/13!
noun
1. Rough condition of the skin, resembling that of a plucked goose, induced by cold or fear; horripilation.
EX. HEY! I hope dat got your attenshun. Today's word of the day is L. R. Stein, um, wait, I mean R. L. Stine...well no, actually, it's about the TV series based on his popular children's book horror series and, technically, it about Jontron doing some vidjas pointing out the ineptitude of a couple of particularly bad episodes of Goosebumps.
I know I had goosebumps when I saw his name in my youtube subscription feed!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
WTF WED! HALLOWEEN EDITION: FAIRIES, FURBIES, FAPPIN', FELT LOBSTERS, & FELINE VIOLENCE!
The meta for competitive Pokémon battling is pretty scary right now; a lot of new Pokémon mean a lot of changes with the addition of a new type, changes to old types--Steel type losing some resistances and other types gaining immunities to some effects--, tons of new moves & abilities, and the fact that, with EV/IV training be made more approachable to a lot of players, casuals, newbies, and returning vets, make the competitive scene something of a nightmare scape with Fairy Pokémon feeding on the destroyed carcasses of the Dragon types that once ruled the meta.
If you like this, make sure to check out more Evfx Online.
Boogie2988 can be scary sometimes, especially when portraying a particularly violent or intense rant as his most popular creation and parody of frustrated nerds everywhere, Francis. In fact, Boogie once got so pent-up and out-of-breath during a Playstation 4 related rant that he actually had an on film asthma attack.
If you've never experienced one, an asthma attack can make a victim feel like they're being suffocated, drowned on land, or being smothered alive.
JINKIES! If TV Maxwell's Cold Pizza short was an indication, they're uber capable of creating a video that is uncomfortable and funny or, at best, even disturbingly hilarious. But, if Cold Pizza was the former of their capabilities I described then Redlight is a beautifully funny homage to the works of Alfred Hitchcock and/or the suspenseful stories spun on The Twilight Zone.
Seriously, this is the creme dela creme of a huge crop of videos I collected for this week and, while like any video it is not gonna strike everyone's fancy, I hope that, if you like it or think someone else will enjoy it, that you'll share this little gem.
This silly little Halloween video starring the Pete Gilroy & The Bath Boys is a perfectly little treat to put as a pallet cleanser after Redlight.
Not as much to say here, but I'll use it as a place to talk about my Halloween. I will be learning to take on the banal costume of a cashier, specifically, a back-up cashier. No costume this year. Maybe next year. We'll see.
I'm as surprised as some of you are that less than half of this week's videos have been animated, but I was specifically looking for the more disturbing Halloween-themed tricks & treats to leave out in a candy bowl for you kiddies to take as much as you please.
So, we'll end with a morbid little mouthful from Twisted Grim TV and I'll bid you all, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
WORD OF THE DAY! 3/19/13!
big & tall [big-and-tawl]
adjective
1. A term used to described plus-sized for overweight and tall people or a store that accommodates those customers.
EX. I'm only between 6'0-6'1 and, while I am overweight, I am not voluminous, but I do buy the smallest sizes in Big & Tall sections at stores. Mainly, because if you go to a chain store like JC Penny's, Big & Tall clothes are on sale or, during a sale, are even cheaper. This comes in handy for buying jackets (which usually you don't mind being a little big). That's how I got my leather duster.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
WORD OF THE DAY! 9/15/12.
noun
1. A mischievous, and often invisible, being, said by airplane pilots from WWII to cause engine troubles and mechanical difficulties.
2. Any cause of difficulty, troubles, etc.
EX. Gremlins (1984) was a film that had a considerable effect on my childhood; one of my first stuffed toys was a really good make of Gizmo that I still have somewhere. His eyes are a little scratched from being bumped on jungle gyms, a few stray strands hang from an ear, but he is still the same guy that was my friend when I was little. There is another side to the coin.
Gremlins was one of the first horror movies I ever saw, on TV, and gave me some rather unpleasant nightmares. A particularly frightening one involved me waking up, going to my parent's room, and finding one of these monster about to attack my Mom and Dad.
As for today, I think that the film and its title characters have a weird place in the back of my mind, and I wouldn't be surprised if I turn to them for inspiration. I definitely recommend the film, especially around Christmas as a darker classic, if nothing but to better understand the creation of the "little monsters" comedic horror film and to appreciate the soundtrack & puppetry.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
WORD OF THE DAY! 4/19/11.
noun
1. A sub-genre of horror fiction which emphasizes the cosmic horror of the unknown (and in some cases, unknowable) over gore or other elements of shock , though these elements may still be present.
Lovecraftian [luhv-kraft-ee-uhn]
adjective
1. Anything pertaining or related to the genre of Lovecraftian horror or H.P. Lovecraft.
EX. Lovecraftian horror has a special place in the world of literature, using arguably both more refined and effective methods of horror over gore and fluff, and also has a special place in video games. In particular, Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2011) clawed its way screaming and crying to being one of the sleeper hits of last year and made itself one of the scariest titles of all time. The game involved little action, save running, and focused primarily on creating an atmosphere that would lead anyone into a paranoid frenzy.
You can pick up the title for about $20 or, if you use Steam, you can probably get it for less. Just make sure not to run into the dark or- What was that? My lantern went out? What the- no! NO! GET AWAY! GET AWAY! MRMEREGTMHYMR$HYUME$HYME##$MW@!
Monday, March 12, 2012
WEEKLY ROUND-UP! 3/5 -3/11 2012
WEEKLY ROUND-UP:
CAPTAIN PLANET WEEK DEUCE
Captain Planet was the first topic of my WTF WEDNESDAY articles and is arguably one of the most popular subjects on my blog after Call of Duty, Magic The Gathering and Pokemon.
6. MUSICAL MONDAY PRESENTS: THE MIGHTY MONDAY UNICORN CONTENT DUMP
Unicorns are probably the funnest subject to blog about, though. UNICORN FUN FACT #1 True Unicorns have cloven hooves like deer instead of the single hooves of a non-forest creature like a horse or cow.
The adorable mash-up of A. A. Milne's Winne the Pooh and
Marvel's avengers was too much fun not to share with you guys. You should definitely check out the artist, Charles Paul Wilson III. His amusing mix of the cute, the cuddly, and the cruel is truly invokes curiosity.
I didn't that a movie that came out last year titled obtusely The Shadow People that looks like just about any other amateur horror movie and about as compelling as dewy grass. I still think that the concept of these horror archetypes is more compelling than Paranormal Activity 6.
I got to take a swing at the 90's with this pic, BUT, I actually think it is pretty damn cool and would love to see a new Captain Planet show in the future. The only problem? The premise would seem even more vacuous, and would probably be even more misinformed, in today's world of mass media blandness.
Another teaser for the potential serial? I've been tossing around the idea of asking all my Star Wars fan friends to submit a character concept of a Jedi, Sith, etc. and then adding them to the series to spice up the influences. Thoughts?
"Day in and day out, the same news on permanent repeat, this world is rotten." -Light Yagami, Death Note
Thursday, March 8, 2012
WORD OF THE DAY! 3/8/12
noun
1. Mythology. Supernatural shadow-like humanoid figures that, according to believers, are seen flickering on the walls, ceilings and in door ways, in their peripheral view. They are often reported for their quick, jerky movements and their ability to dissolve in and out of walls or mirrors.
They are believed to be evil and aggressive in nature, but some people consider them guardian angels. Other people believe that they are similar to the Harry Potter series dementors by feeding on negative emotions and being repelled by positive emotions. Some people believe they are extra planar, extra dimensional, or two-dimensional beings.
Several scientific explanations can be applied to such sightings: such as hallucinations and optical illusions brought on by physiological or psychological problems from lack of sleep to the use of medication.
Two of the more famous varieties are the "Hat Man" and the "Hooded Figure".
EX. Now before I begin this story, I need to make it clear that I'm a skeptic-- not only do I not believe in ghosts, they run completely contrary and even insult my spiritual beliefs, and I have never had a supernatural experience in the waking world. BUT, the purpose of this article is to open up some dialogue about this interesting subject and maybe inspire some new ghost stories that aren't about poltergeists, paranormal activities, or possession.
The first time I heard a story about shadow people or tall men was from a friend. He had told me about several experiences he has over the years. This particular experience happened when he was a kid living in Russia. He woke up one night to go to the bathroom. The bathroom was a public toilet across from his family's apartment. After exiting the bathroom, he saw some tall shadows standing in the hall walk into his house. He went into his house and immediately to his parent's bed. From there, he looked up, and saw the figures standing in the doorway.
This story certainly falls in line with other examples I've heard. If you have any shadow people experiences, please share in the comments below.
Friday, December 2, 2011
WORD OF THE DAY! 12/2/11
nosferatu [nohz-feh-rah-too]
noun
1. a hideously ugly vampire.
EX. "More decidedly evil is the nosferatu, or vampire, in which every Romanian peasants believes as firmly as he does Heaven or Hell."-Emily Gerard, The Land Beyond the Forest
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
WTF WEDNESDAY! BELGIAN-EDITION! PAGE 23
WTF WEDNESDAY PRESENTS
Japan, as I've said, is not the dominant owner of WTF-ery. In this short film from Belgium, written and directed by Jeroen Houben, Tim Arts, Stefan van den Boogaard, we see the terrifying, creepy, and sterile world one would find in the pages of an IKEA furniture magazine. From the clean pressed clothes to the uncluttered furniture/objects, they create the artificial diorama world that these models live in. It is short and to the point; check it out.
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